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| Bánh tét has been named among the list of the top 100 dishes made from beans around the world. (Photo courtesy of TasteAtlas) |
The sticky rice cake represents a South Vietnamese specialty which can be either savory or sweet. It is made using glutinous rice stuffed with a mung bean or pork filling before then being wrapped in a banana leaf, it wrote.
The whole concoction is boiled or steamed, the banana leaf is removed, and the log-shaped cake is finally sliced into cylindrical pieces, according to the website’s recommendations.
According to information provided by the website, banana leaves are used as they impart a unique aroma and flavour to the rice, reminiscent of tea. The cake is often wrapped in plastic with a red or gold ribbon tied around it in order to make bánh tét look more festive because it is traditionally prepared and served for the Vietnamese Lunar New Year celebration.
It is recommended that this delicacy is served with a cup of hot tea.
TasteAtlas is an encyclopedia of flavours, a world atlas showcasing traditional dishes, local ingredients, and authentic restaurants. The website has cataloged over 10,000 foods and drinks from across the world, with dozens of thousands yet to be researched and mapped.
What makes free-visa Phu Quoc a new hotspot point for MICE tourism in the world
According to VNA, offering a superior visa policy for all tourists, world-class infrastructure, diverse entertainment experiences... are the reasons why Phu Quoc is emerging as a new hot spot for MICE tourism.
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| Kem Beach in the South of Phu Quoc Island with wide, gentle and creamy white sand is considered a tropical paradise. (Source: VNA) |
In Vietnam, MICE tourists from travel agencies are estimated to account for an average of 15-20% of the total number of tourists and up to 60% of some big units during peak months. According to experts, despite its potential, MICE tourism in Vietnam has faced challenges in the insufficiency of infrastructures, such as lack of conference centers with large capacities.
However, Phu Quoc Island recently has emerged as a new paradise for MICE tourism in Vietnam and the region since it has met all the requirements to become an ideal MICE destination.
Superior visa policy
Phu Quoc Island is currently the only destination in Vietnam that applies a special visa policy with many advantages. Foreigners and Vietnamese having foreign passports entering, exiting, and residing in Phu Quoc island are exempt from visas with a temporary stay period of no more than 30 days.
The visa exemption up to 30 days for tourists makes it easier for MICE groups to handle procedures for the large number of group tourists. Thanks to the visa exemption policy, there are currently many international flights operating in Phu Quoc with several flights per day from many countries such as the Republic of Korea, Thailand, Malaysia, Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, Mongolia... Many other countries keep researching on carrying out direct flights to Phu Quoc.
Luxury resort system
Phu Quoc is one of the most stunning natural destinations in Vietnam. Tourists arriving at Pearl Island have chances to enjoy the fresh air with warm sunshine all year round and explore the rich and dreamy island paradise. Beaches in Phu Quoc are listed in "the most beautiful in the world", with fine white sand and clear water, such as Kem Beach and Sao Beach; the small islands such as Hon Thom, Hon May Rut,... with pristine beauty, diverse marine forest ecosystems…
Taking advantage of the natural beauty, resorts located next to spacious sandy beaches with crystal clear water are essential conditions for many MICE groups choosing to stay in Phu Quoc. This is also a place to organize team-building activities and memorable outdoor parties.
In the Southern area, right next to Kem Beach, there exists famous resorts such as JW Marriott Phu Quoc Emerald Bay, New World Phu Quoc, Premier Residences Phu Quoc Emerald Bay, and Premier Village Phu Quoc in Ong Doi Cape nearby. These four resorts with four distinct styles are managed by leading international hotel brands including Marriott International, Rosewood, and Accor.
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JW Marriott Phu Quoc Emerald Bay is the location chosen by billionaires to hold weddings.
(Source: VNA) |
JW Marriott Phu Quoc Emerald Bay is a typical example in Phu Quoc in successfully organizing MICE groups, as it is chosen by many Indian billionaires to host weddings, including the globally famous wedding of Rushang Shah and Kaabia Grewal. On the other hand, New World Phu Quoc is in advantageous position for having all rooms in villa style and private pools. Premier Residences Phu Quoc Emerald Bay provides up to 752 rooms with reasonable prices and a 5-star quality standard.
Notably, resorts in the Southern Island also satisfy tourists from the most unique markets. The luxurious restaurant system and experienced chefs have the ability to treat tourists globally culinaríe, including vegetarian or Halal food. The staff are proficient in foreign languages. The South China Morning Post has praised the excellent English service in Phu Quoc in an article that published in 2022.
Convention center with large capacity
Resorts in Phu Quoc offering spacious conference rooms and halls can accommodate different types of events. In the center of Sunset Town, opposite La Festa Phu Quoc - Curio Collection by Hilton, it is the Sun Signature Gallery conference centre designed by renowned architect Bill Bensley. More than just a conference canter, this museum also showcases Bill Bensley's extraordinary creations and preserves the unique artistic values of Mid Century Modern.
The highlight is that the ballroom has a capacity of up to 1,000 people and it is significantly invested in technology and aesthetics. The ballroom can be adjusted for various types of events, from classes to workshops with a capacity of up to 1,000 people, cocktail parties with a capacity of about 800 people, dinner parties with a capacity of about 550-600 people. The room is decorated with thousands of handcrafted mica stones on the walls, a 22m high vaulted ceiling, a 500 kg chandelier with details made of natural seashells and rare crystal…
In addition, the ballroom at Sun Signature Gallery is equipped with an advanced lighting system having intelligent control that allows for flexible 360-degree light direction. The sound system and high-quality screens meet the standards for organizing any artistic performance or professional entertainment program.
In October, the Sun Paradise Land ecosystem in Phu Quoc is going to unveil the Sun Convention Center - a new conference center managed by the luxury resort brand New World, with a capacity of up to 1,000 guests.
Diverse experiences
Besides the resort infrastructure and high-end conference facilities, the top-notch entertainment and recreational experiences are also the reasons why MICE groups choose Phu Quoc.
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| Eschuri Vung Bau 18-hole golf course with picturesque views. (Source: VNA) |
Sports activities such as team building and workshops at the beach are indispensable activities of MICE groups. For high-end groups, Phu Quoc is the paradise for playing golf with picturesque and challenging golf courses that everyone desires to conquer. Especially, Eschuri Vung Bau with its unique theme takes tourists on a "up the forest down to the sea" journey through 18 challenging golf holes. For MICE groups who want to save time and have many beginners in the group, Kem Beach Driving Range golf course at Kem Beach is a reasonable choice.
In terms of entertainment, Sun Paradise Land in Southern Phu Quoc Island is so unique that it is difficult to find such a complex anywhere else in the world. Tourists can visit Kiss Bridge, watch multimedia show “Kiss of the Sea” and artistic fireworks every night, visit the VUI-Fest beachfront night market to enjoy exquisite cuisine and captivating street performances.
During the year-end, Sun Paradise Land will introduce the show "Symphony of the Sea" featuring jetski performances, flyboards, fireworks with Vietnamese elements such as festival drums and lion dances at Kiss Bridge beach. Or a series of exciting Kaya shows together with entertaining indigenous people in Hon Thom Island. All shows are held in spacious outdoor venues with large capacity to serve MICE groups.
One of the unmissable experiences when visiting Phu Quoc is taking the world’s longest 3-wire cable car to Hon Thom Island, to enjoy the panoramic view of the Phu Quoc sea from above. This experience is considered as the "most worthwhile" in Phu Quoc by the world's renowned travel guide Lonely Planet.
With such top-notch services, experiences, and remarkable infrastructure, it is promised that Phu Quoc Island will be a venue for hosting many regional as well as global conferences and events, deserving a rising star to be called the world's second best island by Travel + Leisure.
Cruise ship brings nearly 3,000 int'l guests to Ha Long
The Italian-flagged Costa Serena, carrying nearly 3,000 foreign passengers and over 1,000 crew members, arrived at the Ha Long International Cruise Port on September 30, reported VNA.
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| The Italian-flagged Costa Serena docked at the Ha Long International Cruise Port on September 30. The Ha Long Bay in Quang Ninh province was named by UNESCO as a world heritage site twice in 1994 and 2000. (Photo: VNA) |
Having docked in Vietnam multiple times, yet this is the first visit by the cruiser to Ha Long city in the northeastern province of Quang Ninh. The passengers abroad primarily hail from Chinese-speaking countries and regions. During their stay, they are set to explore Ha Long Bay as well as the city’s downtown area and tourist attractions.
Costa Serena is scheduled to depart at 6 pm on the same day, and expected to return for more visits on October 14, October 18, November 4, and November 8.
According to the municipal Department of Tourism, Ha Long anticipates hosting around 70,000 tourists aboard between 60 and 70 cruise ships this year, with the year-end period expected to be the peak season.
Typically, the city experiences bustling cruise tourism from November of the previous year through April of the following year./.