Since 21 January 2009, Vietnam Airlines has started to operate thrice-weekly direct flights from Hanoi to the southern coastal city of Quy Nhon. Located between Danang and Nha Trang, Quy Nhon boasts miles of unspoiled beaches as well as hidden tropical forests in its vicinity. Life Resort Quy Nhon and Bai Tram Hideaway are both excellent beach hotels located in Quy Nhon. Direct flights from Ho Chi Minh City still operate as normal.
Vietnam’s first private carrier, Indochina Airlines (formerly named Air Speed Up) has started its commercial passenger flights since December 2008. It is currently operating daily services from Ho Chi Minh City to Hanoi and Danang and vice versa on its two Boeing B737-800 aircrafts. .
Having led adventure biking tours throughout Vietnam for more than 5 years, we have now come up with some easier routes in both Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City. In the north, we have a new half day Hanoi biking tour (guaranteed to be away from the traffic) as well as longer day trips from Hoa Lu to Tam Coc and the craft village of Dong Ho via But Thap Pagoda. In the south, Cu Chi’s surroundings can be cycled for the day. In the Mekong Delta, why not explore the quaint villages, single track roads and floating markets in Cai Be District on a bicycle? For more touring information, contact vietnam@exotissimo.com.
Since 4 January, Vietnam Airlines has launched seven flights per week on the new Hanoi – Can Tho route. At the same time, the low cost carrier Jetstar Pacific has also started four flights per week on the same route. The establishment of this new route will give travelers more time to explore the Mekong Delta and its vast waterways.
Opening in December 2008, Maison D’Hanoi Hanova Hotel is a stylish boutique hotel located in the heart of Hanoi’s Old Quarters. It is a short walk away from the picturesque Hoan Kiem Lake and other colonial buildings. Featuring 55 rooms and suites with tasteful designs and modern amenities, it is suitable for both leisure and corporate travellers. Other hotel facilities include the Minh Hai Lobby Gallery, Piano Bar and Hanova Café.
In Vietnam, diners can indulge in local delicacies and contribute to meaningful causes at the same time. In Saigon, the Huong Lai Restaurant is staffed by former street kids or disadvantaged youth who have received training in English and hospitality skills. Tucked in a traditional Vietnamese house, the Huong Lai specialises in Southern Vietnamese cuisine. In Hoi An, the Blue Dragon Restaurant serves good Vietnamese food by the waterfront with profits going towards the Blue Dragon Children’s Foundation, a local children’s charity. Further up north, KOTO Hanoi Restaurant is a not-for-profit restaurant dedicated to training former street youth in a culinary and hospitality career. KOTO stands for Know One, Teach One. These eateries will make good recommendations to clients interested in aiding local communities during their travels.
The outstanding Mandarin Restaurant is set to spread its charm to Hanoi when it opens its new branch this month. In Ho Chi Minh City, the Mandarin Restaurant has been a regular haunt for both foreign dignitaries and food connoisseurs for more than a decade. Award-winning specialties include steamed rice in lotus leaf and steamed duck with rice pancakes. With the opening of Mandarin Restaurant, we are delighted that there is now one more choice to sample authentic upscale Vietnamese dining in Hanoi.
The new Flower Garden Hotel is opening in Hanoi next month. Located in the heart of downtown Hanoi, tourist attractions such as the Old Quarters, Sword Lake, West Lake and the Red River are all within walking distances. The 83 rooms of this first class property are fitted with modern amenities and the large windows give a bright and spacious feel to the interiors. Guests can head to the restaurant situated on the 12th floor for Western and Intercontinental specialties.
Recently opened for operations, the new boutique hotel Lavender Hotel is a gem of a place. Located right in the heart of Ho Chi Minh City, the Lavender is highly recommended for travellers who want a comfortable stay without missing out on the sightseeing, shopping and bustling life of the city. Offering 71 rooms stylishly decorated in hues of purple, there is also a Saigon View Restaurant & Bar that serves Western and Asian cuisine amidst an elegant ambience. The Lavender is also an ideal spot to explore the historical Ben Thanh market just a stone’s throw away.
The latest edition to Hanoi’s growing boutique hotel scene, the 42-room Serenade Hotel is set to enchant. Centrally located in Hang Dao Street, the most established and bustling business center in the Old Quarter area, the Serenade is comprised of 42 rooms luxuriously designed and fitted with modern amenities. You can look forward to savoring the different gastronomic styles of Vietnam in the Romance Restaurant or enjoy an overview of the city from Panorama Cafe. Its convenient location also makes it a perfect base to explore the neighboring Sword Lake (Hoan Kiem Lake) and Thang Long Puppet Theatre, a distinctive Vietnamese art form.
The ever-popular Victoria Express, connecting Hanoi to Lao Cai (and onwards to perennial favorite Sapa), will be undergoing its annual maintenance from 1st May to 30th May 2008. During this time, only one sleeping carriage will be available for each trip. Should your file be affected by this loss of capacity, Exotissimo Travel has already made alternative arrangements and contacted you directly.
