Visitstaydineshop
Tag

Vietnam

Browsing
Visit

Vietnam’s silk painters, illustrators and Hanoi art cafes

No Comments

port oo ag wy of

Girls by Hoang Duong Cam Oil on canvas

the experts who have made it their life’s work to document and preserve this part of history.” As long as anyone is interested in Vietnam, they will discover great deal through the tour surprising those who have lot of knowledge and lighting the way for those who are arriving with none. More recently, she and her team of experts have expanded the tour to include Hanoi, where guests are introduced to Manzi, fantastic art cafe that also offers many works for sale. There are Le Thuy who paints beautiful works on silk; Nguy6n Hoang Giang who illustrates the hopes, dreams and fears of young Vietnam; and Le Giang whose work creates imaginary utopias. Another stop on the tour is Nha San Collective, offering pioneering platform for contemporary art with programme of with young performance artists like Nguyén Thuy Tién, whose work heavily questions women’s roles in contemporary Vietnam. “Hanoi was made possible thanks to Artist/Curator and Founder of Manzi Art Café, Bill Nguyen; and Culture Journalist and Founder of And of Other they spent an incredible seven months gathering they talked and shared stories about life, art and history, and what it means to be an artist in Vietnam.

“It was illuminating, hilarious, sometimes sad; but all of it shed light on this incredible country and its culture. It was beautiful journey and we heard so

many amazing stories,” she recalled.

The tours in both cities complement each other and respectively offer an insight into the development of the cities’ distinct art scenes as well as give an overview of Vietnam’s history as whole. Tours are limited to maximum of 10 people, but larger groups and smaller private group arrangements are also possible.

Source: MUHIBAH, the Royal Brunei Airlines in-flight magazine, 2016 Jan-Feb, pages 29-31. Text recovered from the scanned page by OCR and lightly corrected; spelling may differ from the printed edition.

Keep Reading
By
Visit

A new circus of acrobatics and dance in southern Vietnam

No Comments

novel way of journeying through romantic southern Vietnam.

ANGELA LES FERNANDEZ AO SHOW SAIGON AMBOO

eauty

The Show is best described as groundbreaking

arts scene in Vietnam. Commonly acknowledged globally as “new circus’, the show surpasses all the limits previously constructed by many other art shows in Vietnam over the years.

of acrobatic acts, contemporary dance and theatre, the Showis visual drama with wonderful medley of traditional and modern values. The and of the title basically translates phonetically as the Ahhh! and Ohhh!, and certainly, the audience is offered the opportunity to let loose their imagination and gasp in delight and pleasure, entertained by the visual creation and lighting of each performance.

sound, the show features 17 Vietnamese musical instruments in an interactive play of bamboo cirque, acrobatics and contemporary dance. It depicts the charming beauty that Vietnam is known for, the richness of its culture through its music that echoes the Southern work songs and scenes.

The word “amaze” does not even begin to describe the moment the audience see themselves walking on asmall walkway ofthe breezy south, or when they find themselve: dering pass the surging dunes of the ie) Central plains before finding themselves in nt of lotus swamp. Every now and then there are the haunting echoes of the spirited southern Vietnam and “Don Ca Tai Tu”, the music and song that resonate with the lifestyles of the people of the South. All the details that are portrayed and recorded in the show

ie were selectively chosen to reflect the spirit of working in

the southern delta and the lifestyles of the Vietnamese people and their unique heritage.

AO Show has no script, no climax and no sequence. Yet in

that 60 minutes of the performance, the audience will feel as though they have travelled lifetime. Show Director Vietnamese flavour in this play. In every scene, the audience is given the opportunity to experience comfort and serenity mixed with astonishment and joy.

His is smooth, dynamic production which cleverly uses traditional

instruments and everyday raw materials to the fullest, gently transporting the audience to time gone past. With each scene of yesteryear, emotions are tugged as the audience readily identifies with the vivid yet poetical rendering of historical journey. For the visitor, the AO Show represents the best way to experience slice of Southern Vietnam and understanding its history, heritage and culture. It allows the outsider to view the country through the lens of the locals. And what beautiful and romantic view it is.

The cast themselves give wonderfully raw, intimate show, drawing upon the Vietnamese dream of life, survival, love and everything else in between to entertain. There are unexpected laughs at times, but the cast’s physical agility and impeccable discipline expressed in leaps and spins is what keeps

arguably one of the most sought after choreographers in Vietnam, cleverly weaves together folk music, dance, and contemporary art into well crafted ensemble that will continue to be remembered long after the curtain falls.

The Show is presently performed daily at the 115-year-old historic Saigon Opera House in Ho Chi Minh City. 30% discount for tickets to the performance when passengers show their RB boarding passes not exceeding days.

Royal Brunei Airlines flies Ho Chi Minh City4x weekly.

Source: MUHIBAH, the Royal Brunei Airlines in-flight magazine, 2015 Jan-Feb, pages 37-43. Text recovered from the scanned page by OCR and lightly corrected; spelling may differ from the printed edition.

Keep Reading
By
Visit

Galleries, Vespa rides and cafe hopping in Ho Chi Minh City

No Comments

LIBRARY HOTEL ake cultural afternoon with twist. Escape the tourist spots for quiet eB contemplation at Gallerie Quynh. In addition to working with artists based in Vietnam, the gallery also exhibits the wu work of artists from around the world and supports education through talks, lectures and publications.

Ride on vintage scooter to see the city and beyond with Vietnam Vespa Adventures. There are guided city tours and multi-day trips outside for you to immerse Vietnam hospitality like never before. It’s an exhilarated ride on the lean Vespa machine! SHOP Part cafe, part boutique, part gallery, LUsine is great spot for coffee, light meal, and getting the pulse of groovy Saigon. Here’s where you can pick up gifts and knick knacks with contemporary Vietnamese feel. It stocks everything from funky homewares to whimsical vintage bikes.

Whether you call it Saigon or Ho Chi Minh City,

you’ll find no fault with its offerings.

STAY Combining French flair with fresh ideas, Hotel Alcove is boutiquechic at its best. French-styles tiles swirls in black florals with floor-toceiling library bookcases lure guests to explore more. And the beds get the best comments for providing the best slumber. It’s hidden jewel nearer to the airport, but after day’s outing, little touches like fresh coffee/tea brought to your door is warm touch Royal Brunei Airlines flies Ho Chi Minh City

Source: MUHIBAH, the Royal Brunei Airlines in-flight magazine, 2014 Nov-Dec, pages 62-62. Text recovered from the scanned page by OCR and lightly corrected; spelling may differ from the printed edition.

Keep Reading
By
Visit

Royal Brunei Airlines returns to Ho Chi Minh City and Bali

No Comments

RB AT HIS MAJESTY’S BIRTHDAY CELEBRATION Royal Brunei Airlines (RB) was present at the annual ‘Bersama Rakyat’ event as partof His Majesty the Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam’s birthday celebration RB TO RETURN TO HO CHI MINH CITY Royal Brunei Airlines (RB) will resume flights to Ho Chi Minh City beginning 17 October, 2014.

The return of RB to Ho Chi Minh City offers fantastic option for RB customers to combine their travel to Brunei and onwards to Ho Chi Minh City. The four times weekly flights are on Tuesdays, Thursdays, Fridays and Sundays.

RB RETURNS TO BALI Royal Brunei Airlines (RB) officially opened its Bali office located at Suite Lobby level, Kuta Paradiso Hotel on 24 July, 2014. RB announced in April it would resume flights to Bali, Indonesia four times week starting 26 July, 2014, while the first flight out of Bali to Brunei being on 27 July, 2014

Playgrounc Delightful book-themed benches are popping up all over London.

GRACE CHOI NATIONAL LITERACY TRUST

Source: MUHIBAH, the Royal Brunei Airlines in-flight magazine, 2014 Sep-Oct, pages 9-11. Text recovered from the scanned page by OCR and lightly corrected; spelling may differ from the printed edition.

Keep Reading
By
Visit

Chin Chin, Mamasita and new seafood spots in Melbourne

No Comments

Low-key in design, Chin Chin is about making statement through its dishes that come inspired by the varied regions of Thailand, as wellas Vietnam, Malaysia, Cambodia, Laos and even India. The emphasis is on great value shared plates, such as fresh roti breads, potent curries and delicious pho soups that are high on aromatics, Mamasita al the top end of the city, serving authentic Mexican cuisine, is another extremely popular option, Ocean fresh seafood is the order of the day at new restaurant, The Atlantic, located by the water in the Crown Entertainment Complex, and inspired by the famous New York fish market in the meat packing district After dinner, there is no better way to enjoy the sights, sounds and smells of Melbourne walking along the lower Yarra River, Here, river boats ply theroutesof Federation Square, Southgate and Crown, the city’s vibrant iconic landmarks. You can enjoy leisurely walk on your own with the girls or, download various guide walks from Yarra River’s website (http://wwwyarrariverinfo/walk/), Royal Brunei Aitines fies Melbourne daily

Source: MUHIBAH, the Royal Brunei Airlines in-flight magazine, 2013 Sep-Oct, pages 47-47. Text recovered from the scanned page by OCR and lightly corrected; spelling may differ from the printed edition.

Keep Reading
By
Visit

Fresh seafood, local condiments and Thai jasmine rice

No Comments

The backend of the market houses two rows of seafood counters everything and anything you can find off the waters of the Andaman Sea and the Chao Phraya River are here. Everything smells fresh; the absence of any fishy odour indicates the live catch must have just probably been lifted off the waters only hours earlier. Around the corner from the seafood counter are stalls selling all kinds of local condiments and Thai rice, including organically grown brown jasmine rice and violet-coloured herbal rice, its beautiful hue result of the natural dye from the butterfly pea and is rich in antioxidants. These, including raw palm sugar and spicy dried snapper fish floss, are some of the things worthy to take home. They are also essential ingredients for whipping up delicious Thai dishes in your own kitchen. You can spend hours ambling around the market just admiring the colours, smells and watching the sellers preparing their food. Just be sure to visit the market now before the tourists come in the busload.

Royal Brunei Airlines flights to Bangkok operate daily from Bandar Seri Begawan.

06 Local specialty: Friedfish floss.

07 Freshriver prawn noodles, 08. Spicy meals abound.

From 16 De ber 2012, the largest collection of iconic works by Andy Warhol has been on display at the Hong Kong Museum of Art. It will run until 31 March, 2013 on the 25th anniversary of the artist’s death. The exhibition, sponsored by BNY Mellon and organised by The Andy Warhol Museum in Warhol’s hometown of Pittsburgh, chronicles the breadth of Warhol’s career and demonstrates the scope of his interests. Titled after quote from the popular artist himself, “In the future, everybody will be world famous for fifteen minutes Andy Warhol: 15 Minutes Eternal features over 260 paintings, drawings, sculptures. film, and video of the legendary artist’s works, marking the first time such an extensive collection is exhibited in Hong Kong and Asia. The exhibition will also be accompanied by wide range of associated documents, interactive timelines, photographs, and archival material

O1 Jackie, 1964 02 Asewing machine.ca, 1952 03 Untitled (Sam), ca. 1954

“Fascinatedby the glitterati, Warhol remains complex and often misunderstood persona 25 years after his death, whose artwork depicting consumer objects such as Heinz ketchup boxes, and paintings

of Marilyn Monroe have been imprinted

and Mao Tse-Tung into our collective

consciousness,” said Eric Shiner, director of The Warhol. Shiner added, “We are thrilled that BNY Mellon is bringing the life, work and creative genius of Andy Warhol to cities across Asia. This remarkable and extensive collection celebrates anew someone whose life and work define the concept: fame is fleeting, art is eternal.”

“BNY Mellon’s global commitment to the arts is designed to facilitate access and deeper exploration of art through the communities in which we live and work, We are very proud to be supporting The Andy Warhol Museum and bringing this remarkable body of work to Asia,” said Steve Lackey, chairman of Asia-Pacific, BNY Mellon, 03 Bi

ne poe 46 JANUARY FEBRUARY 201317″

04 Wallpaper Cow, 1966 05 Kimiko Powers,1972 06 Flowers, 1964.

07 Clockwork Panda Drummer, 1983.

Andrew Warhola August, 1928 22 February, 1987), better known as Andy Warhol, was an American painter, printmaker, and. filmmaker. He was leading figure in the visual art movement known as Pop Art and was renowned for using mass production of popular culture such as advertising, comic books, and brand products, as the basis of his art.

Andy Warhol: 15 Minutes Eternal features his masterpieces including Jackie (1964), Marilyn Monroe (1967), Campbell’s Soup

(1961), Silver Liz (1963), Time Capsule 51 (1970’s), The Last Supper (1986), and numerous iconic Self-Portraits. Visitors to the exhibition will journey through four different stages of Andy Warhol’s life, starting from his early artistic years in the 1940s to his final works in the 1980s. The exhibition will present an extensive range of important artworks from the various phases of his artistic career.

Among these, visitors to introduced to Andy influences in his art. It drawings as child, his commercial artist and technique he created.

the gallery will be Warhol and the early will showcase his first artworks as the blotted line

separate space will be dedicated to in the 1960s in New York which was entirely covered with foil. To provide an interesting costumes for visitors to dress up and be star for 15 minutes’, photo booth to capture the experience, reproduction of the couch from the Silver Factory from which visitors can enjoy his avant garde films, and the whimsical Silver Clouds (1966) piece made of floating helium balloons. Finally, visitors will be able to witness Warhol’s venture into television media with Andy Warhol’s TV and Andy Warhol’s Fifteen Minutes. The diversity of his last decade of creation includes such works as the Endangered Species series, Rorschach series and Oxidation Paintings. Royal Brunei Airlines flights to Hong Kong operate daily from Bandar Seri Begawan.

Source: MUHIBAH, the Royal Brunei Airlines in-flight magazine, 2013 Jan-Feb, pages 16-21. Text recovered from the scanned page by OCR and lightly corrected; spelling may differ from the printed edition.

Keep Reading
By
Stay

A New Dawn

No Comments

Vietnam is the next big hot spot.

Vietnam is changing. That’s the short of it.

If its wars once defined the literary culture and shaped populist thoughts, today’s Vietnam aims to correct that perception. The country’s Orientalism mystic was never lost upon literary greats such as Somerset Maugham and Graham Greene. Through their lens, Vietnam was the “Far East” waiting to be discovered for its grand hotels and colonial charm. Hollywood too, has helped the Vietnamese shift. In such films such as Kong, for example, we finally see the country’s wildly diverse landscapes and majestic scenery represented for what they are than beyond a template for a bruised battlefield.

Vietnam’s serpentine shape and lengthy coastline is any photographer’s – and traveller’s – dream. As one travels around this Southeast Asian country, the scenery can change from terraced rice fields one moment (Sapa) to the soft desert dunes of Mui Ne the next. There’s just an incredible breadth and depth to Vietnam. Itinerary favourites include Vietnam’s economic hub Ho Chi Minh City with its frenetic yet infectious pace, Hanoi’s labyrinthine Old Quarter, the limestone karsts of Halong Bay, the ancient imperial capital at Hue, Hoi An’s quaint UNESCO-heritage listed Old Town, the bustling beach city of Danang, pristine Phu Quoc island and the mighty Mekong Delta where the river that rushes through the southern lowlands before branching off into tiny canals create a community in itself.

Six Senses together with the Evason brand, were among the first international luxury hotel companies to operate in Vietnam. Evason Ana Mandara was opened in 1997 in Nha Trang. “Nha Trang was still largely undeveloped although we saw the huge potential growth for this destination,” says says Ateeb Shrestha, General Manager, Six Senses Ninh Van Bay. “Fast forward to almost 20 years, Nha Trang has seen almost every international brand having presence there and there’s still many more to come.” Today Six Senses has properties in Ninh Van Bay, a private bay accessible only by boat, surrounded by towering mountains and lush forest which is home to the endangered langurs and Six Senses Con Dao, a national and marine park with incredible nature and underwater life including nesting site for the green turtles.

Similarly, the hotelier Adrian Zecha, who created Aman resorts, launched his new brand, Azerai, in Can Tho. Located on the Hau River, a Mekong tributary, Can Tho is Vietnam’s fourth largest city. The opening of the 60-room resort is expected to be a catalyst for further hotel development in the Mekong Delta, an area famed for the Cai Rang floating market, handmade rice noodle workshops and cacao farms, to name a few.

And there are still a host of up and coming destinations that are gaining attention and traction, including, for example, stunning Cam Ranh in southern Vietnam. Blessed with some of the country’s best weather (it boasts an average of more than 300 sunny days a year), Cam Ranh was singled out by Conde Nast Traveler as one of the world’s “best places to travel in May” 2018. “The fact that so much is happening in Vietnam is all the more impressive in light of just how quickly things have progressed here,” says Herbert Laubichler-Pichler, General Manager of The Anam. “The World Bank describes Vietnam’s rapid progress from being one of the world’s poorest countries only a few decades ago to its current lower middle income status as “remarkable”. Vietnam has enjoyed the world’s second-fastest growth rate in GDP per person since 1990, and no doubt tourism has played a role in this positive trajectory.”

Vietnam’s biggest island is also Vietnam’s hottest new destination. Renowned for its natural splendour, placid waters, iconic fish sauce, black pepper and prominent place in the history of the Nguyen Dynasty, Phu Quoc island is fast developing a reputation as Vietnam’s answer to Thailand’s Phuket. As Vietnam’s first Radisson Blu property, Radisson Blu Resort Phu Quoc’s debut heralds a new era for the Radisson Hotel Group. “The beach experience on Phu Quoc is one of a kind in Vietnam. This is a tropical island setting that comes right out of a storybook and is all the more spectacular every day at dusk when the sun goes down over the Gulf of Thailand,” says Peter Feran, General Manager of Radisson Blu Resort Phu Quoc.

Given just how special Vietnam is and its immense potential, Vietnam’s reinvention as Southeast Asia’s most exciting tourist destination is just beginning. And now, with a relaxation of visa rules and a positive economic outlook, Vietnam is set to rewrite its story.

Keep Reading
By
Visit

Delve Deeper

No Comments

UNESCO’s World Heritage Sites are amazing places worthy of your vacation offering intimate insights into unique cultures.

AUSTRALIA
Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park
Extraordinary landscape of desert plains, weathered mountain ranges and rocky gorges define the Aboriginal Australia’s most sacred sites: Uluru and Kata Tjuta. Floating in an outback waterhole, dining under a starry sky while being serenaded by a didgeridoo, and watching the world’s most famous rock change colours at dawn and dusk are some of outback Australia’s most unmissable experiences. Walk around the base of Uuru with an Aboriginal guide, take a helicopter flight or motorcycle tour, or see it from the back of a camel on an early morning or sunset safari. The 36 rounded domes of Kata Tjuta are only 50 kilometres from Uluru and are just as impressive. Follow one of the many bushwalking trails or join a tour from Ayers Rock Resort. And, whatever your budget you’ll love Ayers Rock Resort, which has accommodation from camp and campervan sites to five-star poolside rooms at Sails in the Desert, and glamping at Longitude 131, where you can see the sun rise and set over Uluru from your own luxury safari tent. Join one of the free cultural tours at the resort, star gaze with an astronomer and dine out in style under a canopy of stars at the famous Sounds of Silence outdoor buffet.

INDONESIA
Komodo National Park
Komodo National Park, nestled between the islands of Flores and Sumbawa in Indonesia, consists of three large islands namely Komodo, Rinca and Padar. It is home to the legendary Komodo Dragon – the largest lizard in the world. The park’s terrain is uniquely diverse, consisting of mountainous hillside, tropical rainforests, grass-woodland savannah, and pristine white sandy beaches which harbour a rich marine biodiversity. The marine environment in the Komodo National Park is one of the world’s richest in flora and fauna and is still relatively undiscovered. Many begin their excursion to visit the park’s three islands by hiring private boat tours through the local port town of Labuan Bajo on Flores island. Form here, a daily itinerary consists of snorkelling, diving and discovering more of the magical underwater landscape of Komodo National Park. Hiking up to the tops of Rinca and Padar islands to catch the sunset is also popular. For a five-star experience by the sea, Amandira, a gorgeous 52-metre, two-masted Phinisi yacht belonging to Aman Resorts, plies the waters from March to October where the journey includes picnics on secluded beaches and a curated diving experience.

VIETNAM
Hoi An Ancient Town
An ancient trading port, Hoi An had the largest harbour in Southeast Asia in the 1st century and even opened its own stoneware kilns in the 15th century to support the growing popularity of the Japanese tea ritual. Today its eclectic collection of communal houses and 82 ancient tube-shaped houses – many located on original streets – stand testament to its vibrant ancient personality. The architecture of Hoi An is characterised by a harmonious blend of Vietnamese, Chinese and Japanese influences. By night, the old town turns magical with an array of beautifully coloured lanterns lighting up the sidewalks and night markets. Explore the ancient town on foot, visit the markets, explore the express tailors and take up a cooking class by the river. Outside of Hoi An are peaceful villages that have artisanal and traditional crafts such as carpentry, bronze making and ceramics. Rent a bike or a taxi to see how these crafts have resisted time.

MACAO
Historic Centre of Macao
Known as the “Las Vegas of the East”, Macao is a city full of history that offers so much more than their extravagant casinos. Known as the Special Administrative Region of China (SAR), the city is known for its heritage, preserving the unique culture and traditions of east and west of China. Macao has 22 sites recognised by UNESCO to be of cultural and historical significance. The best part is, many are within reach and situated right in the centre of town. There are the ruins of St Paul’s, arguably Macao’s most famous landmark. Located at the top of a hill, only the beautiful granite façade remains and a grand staircase of 68 stone steps leading up to it. At the heart of Macao’s colourful Senado Square is the neo-classical Leal Senado Building. This was Macao’s first municipal chamber and remains so till today. The striking green and white neo-classical Dom Pedro V Theatre, built in 1860, is the oldest theatre in Macao and was the first Western-style theatre to open in China. Further afield, walk around Guia Fortress and Lighthouse that was constructed in the early 1600s, and the first Western-style lighthouse on the China coast. Walk through the Flora Garden Gate at the foot of the hill and you will find a cable car that takes you to the top for picturesque views of Macao.

JAPAN
Historic Villages of Shirakawa-go and Gokayama
Famous for their traditional farmhouses called “gassho-zukuri”, both Shirakawa-go and Gokayama are among the few areas left in Japan where you can witness the serene and beauty of a late 17th century village. “Gassho” means the act of prayer, and the roofs get their name because their steep triangular frame resemble two hands in prayer. Traditionally, the roofs are built between 45 and 60 degrees so that snow does not pile up on them in winter. Each of the houses is built without any nails and range between 100 and 400 years old. Any time is a good time to visit as Shirakawa-go beautifully reflects the different faces of the four seasons. The scenery blushes in pink with cherry blossoms in spring, turn bright green with the rice fields in summer, becomes fiery red with autumn foliage leaves in fall and turns a surreal winterland dreamscape in winter. Some of the houses are still lived in as homes, whilst others have been turned into guesthouses or souvenir shops. There are also some gassho-zukuri houses that are open to the public as museums. The houses light up in a special event every January and February. Because of its popularity, reservations are now required and can be made via their official website.

UNITED KINGDOM
City of Bath
A whimsical mix of cobblestone streets, historical sites and romantic architectural styles, Bath is famed for its history and natural hot springs. It’s also the only destination in the UK where the entire city is a designated UNESCO World Heritage Site. Any visit to Bath must start with a dip at the Thermae Bath Spa. The open-air rooftop pool, where you can bathe in mineral-rich waters heated to 33.5°C, also gives panoramic views of Bath. For something more private, The Gainsborough Bath Spa is a stunning five-star luxury hotel with a unique twist. Built in a Regency architectural style, it centres around its own naturally-heated pools with direct access from several rooms – meaning you can run your bath with the mineral-rich thermal waters. To discover the city’s history, tour the Roman Baths for a look into the city’s beginnings. Then learn about its famous resident, Jane Austen, at the Jane Austen Centre where you can enjoy talks, displays and activities centred on the author’s celebrated works. Still in the mood for all things Regency? You will be pleased to know that when you stop for a cup of tea at the Regency Tea Room, the staff will serve you in period costume. The hop-on, hop-off City Sightseeing bus offers a relaxing tour of the city’s must-see attractions, including Bath Abbey and the architectural splendour of Bath’s Royal Crescent. Then wander along Pulteney Bridge, considered one of the most beautiful bridges in the world and one of just a handful with shops built into the design.

Keep Reading
By
Stay

Magic on the Mekong

No Comments

Azerai Can Tho makes the perfect base to explore the Mekong Delta.

If only the banyan trees could talk, what would they say? Soaring high over Azerai Can Tho, the trees are the focal point as guests wander around the expansive grounds of Au islet (Con Au) on which they have presided over 100 years. Word has it that long before Azerai took pride of place, the islet was once home to a chestnut farm and a family amusement park replete with alligators!

Today, though no remnants of the past could be seen, the islet has begun to attract a new kind of crowd. Opened last year, Azerai Can Tho has steadily woven its own narrative among locals and visitors, promising to create a haven of serenity to those looking for some Mekong magic.

Azerai is the new hospitality brand by legendary hotelier Adrian Zecha. Those familiar with Mr Zecha would instantly recognise his name as the founder of, among others, the famed Aman resort. His Midas touch is legendary among the hospitality circle, especially in re-defining luxury and connecting guests with the ultimate experience in hospitality.

Azerai Can Tho is his first venture into a brand that sees him providing the same understated luxury of Aman, yet in many ways, it’s a brand that appears set to create its own standards of hospitality. The minimalist look underscores a richness that is unassuming. Its expansive grounds with the buildings spread out create a sense of freedom and wild contentment; a moment of peace from Can Tho’s bustling city that ironically is just a five-minute boat ride away.

Warm wood accents the resort’s architecture, a streamlined look that invites quiet contemplation. Nuances of local culture peek out from the ceiling, whether to highlight the intricate woodwork of local craftsmanship or draw the eye to artisanal pieces of lampshades and more. The rooms are equally simple in design; connecting doors giving option for families to travel together. Similar in size, the only difference is the type, whether facing the pond, the garden or the River Hau (best for privacy).

The resort’s centrepiece is the 31-metre pool that separates the main restaurant and the lounge bar. It is here that guests are likely to spend their time, doing everything or nothing at all. “We rarely get guests who, once they check in, leave the resort – although our shuttle boat is available 24 hours of the day,” says Vuko Kralj, the resort’s general manager. “So what we hope to do next is invite perhaps local craftsmen and artisans to the grounds so we can create a resort that is an extension of the local culture.” This could see activities rammed up in the resort such as cooking and crafts classes, as an example.

The spa, however, could be seen as a teaser of how big things can be at the property. The menu highlights a variety of Vietnamese offerings, including scrubs and body treatments that use local rice and almond oil, to name a few. Massages run the spectrum of treatments inspired by and drawn from Vietnamese techniques as well as those from Southeast Asia. What was fun was the three different shower rooms that appear to celebrate the water culture of the region: one equipped with a wooden bucket shower, another offering rainwater style yet another offered a gentle mist spray shower.

Exploring the Mekong from Azerai as base is easy. Working with Can Tho River Cruise, guests can explore the Delta and its surrounds to discover what makes the area historic. There are options to visit the famed Can Tho Floating Market. Unlike the river markets in Thailand that are usually for locals and tourists, this market is a working wholesale market with goods that travel on boats from deeper parts of the delta. Each boat hosts its sample of goods – watermelon, pumpkin, pineapple – on a long bamboo pole so that potential customers can easily identify their boat. With more markets now mushrooming on land, the number of boats has lessened, and soon sights like these will disappear altogether.

But, as my guide John pointed out, there is more to the Delta than the floating markets. “People seldom visit the rural areas where there are opportunities to explore the abundant fruit farms, do some fishing and go on a cycling tour of areas that are often overlooked.”This, he says, is the best way to discover the authentic and rustic beauty of the local landscape and meet its people.

For those who prefers alone time with loved ones, Azerai Can Tho also offer three-, four- and five-bedroom villas to complement the resort’s 60-room lodging. The same detailed craftsmanship can be seen in the interiors with stone, slate, rattan and light-coloured wood accenting the décor, rounding up the sleek and minimalistic design. Each villa has a private pool, a dining room and a full-fledged kitchen with the option for a dedicated on-call chef. With its emphasis on privacy, the villas will certainly appeal to families or groups looking for quality getaway.

Keep Reading
By