Powell will start in her new role at the crypto exchange in November.
Crypto exchange Kraken has hired Natasha Powell as U.K. head of compliance, according to two people familiar with the matter.
Powell will be starting in November, said the people, who spoke on condition of anonymity because the matter is private.
“We’re always exploring new opportunities to enhance our offering with talent from the industry,” a Kraken spokesperson said in emailed comments.
Powell declined to comment.
Powell joins from crypto payments firm BCB Group, where she was employed as chief compliance officer.
She started her career with the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA), the U.K. regulator responsible for overseeing the financial services industry, and later held positions at RBS and Barclays Capital, according to her LinkedIn profile.
The outflow comes despite a broader crypto market rally fueled by recent Federal Reserve rate cuts that helped lift ether prices by 11% over the past week.
Ether (ETH) exchange-traded funds (ETFs) recorded their largest net outflows since July, with over $79 million exiting on Monday in a sign of waning institutional demand for the world’s second-largest token.
Those figures are the highest since July 29, when ETH ETHs recorded a cumulative $98 million, and the four-highest since they first went live on July 23, data from SoSoValue shows.
Nearly all of Monday’s outflows came from Grayscale’s ETHE product. Bitwise’s ETHW recorded just over $1.3 million in inflows. Other products showed no inflow or outflow activity.
The outflow came despite a broader crypto market rally fueled by last week’s Federal Reserve interest-rate cuts, which helped lift ether prices by 11% over the past week. The disconnect between ETH’s price momentum and ETF flows suggests that investors remain uncertain about the asset’s long-term growth prospects.
A closely watched ratio tracking the relative price strength of ether and bitcoin (BTC) has dropped to its lowest level since April 2021, as CoinDesk previously reported, a sign the broader market favors bitcoin’s perceived stability over ether’s riskier, high-yield potential.
According to Peter Chung, head of research at Presto Labs, the Ethereum blockchain’s “world computer” narrative does not resonate as easily with traditional finance (TradFi) investors as bitcoin’s “digital gold” meme.
“TradFi investors may not respond as enthusiastically to ETH’s investment thesis than to BTC’s. Gold’s investment thesis as an inflation hedge is well-known, and therefore, it is not a leap for TradFi investors to wrap their heads around the idea of ‘digital gold,” Chung said in a message to CoinDesk, referring to an August report by the firm on the topic. “On the other hand, ETH’s ‘world computer’ narrative is much more difficult for non-technicals to grasp.
“Even if they manage to come around, their conviction level would need to be high enough to justify adding a second digital asset exposure after a BTC ETF. This could be challenging because, for those who have already allocated to a BTC ETF in their portfolio, adding another digital asset exposure provides substantially less incremental diversification benefit than the first exposure,” he said.
Bitcoin set fresh lifetime highs in March in U.S. dollars (before tumbling 20%), while ether is yet to break its highs from 2021 and is still about only half that level. Year-to-date, bitcoin has returned over 50% , while ether has gained just under 15%.
Augustine Fan, head of insights at SOFA.org, noted that while ETH has gained on the back of the Fed’s dovish turn, the heavy ETF outflows indicate a fragile sentiment.
“Will a continued price rally rescue ETH ETF inflows from their current doldrums? The answer likely depends on whether we see another blow-off top in equity markets before November,” Fan said. “Ethereum has gained 11% over the past week on no new developments. However, the latest heavy outflow from Ether ETFs indicates uncertain sentiment among investors on its future growth momentum.”
Nick Ruck, an independent market analyst, pointed out that the recent outflows could be linked to broader pessimism about ether’s growth narrative.
“The surge in ETH ETF outflows may stem from investors allocating capital elsewhere due to the ongoing pessimistic outlook for ETH, and the current increase in the price of ETH is a good opportunity to exit the market,” Ruck said in a Tuesday message to CoinDesk. “Ethereum has been criticized recently for failing to push any narratives that could help attract more inflows. However, the new Pectra upgrade set to launch in Feb 2025 aims to enable users to pay gas fees with altcoins, among other benefits.”
“Institutional investors may feel there are better opportunities elsewhere for the time being,” Ruck added.
The East Sea is forecasted to experience five storms and tropical depressions in the last three months of the year, surpassing the long-term average. Of these, 2-3 may make landfall in Vietnam.
According to the Institute of Meteorology, Hydrology, and Climate Change, the ENSO (El Niño–Southern Oscillation) is currently neutral, with sea surface temperatures in the equatorial Pacific averaging around minus 0.5 degrees Celsius from mid-August to early September. However, a shift to La Niña is predicted between October and December, with a 50-70% probability. As a result, the number of storms and tropical depressions in the East Sea and those affecting Vietnam could be at or above the long-term average, with 4-5 storms in the East Sea and 2-3 impacting the mainland.
The National Center for Hydro-Meteorological Forecasting also anticipates La Niña conditions to persist throughout the last three months of 2024. This could lead to more complex storm patterns, with a 1.9 storm increase above the usual average, mainly impacting the Central and Southern regions. “Vigilance is required for storms and tropical depressions forming directly in the East Sea,” the center warned.
Increased Rainfall Expected
Northern regions are projected to experience 10-20% more rainfall than usual in October and November, with increases of 5-10 mm in mountainous areas. By December, however, rainfall is expected to decrease by 5-10 mm, remaining 20-40 mm below the long-term average.
The Central region is forecast to see significantly heightened rainfall over the next two months, with October and November rainfall 10-30 mm above average. In December, Quang Binh and Quang Tri are expected to receive 100-200 mm of rain, 10-15 mm above normal, while Thua Thien Hue to Quang Binh may see 250-500 mm, 30-60 mm higher than average. In the Ninh Thuan and Binh Thuan areas, rainfall could reach 30-80 mm, 15-30 mm higher than usual.
In the Central Highlands and Southern regions, rainfall in the next two months is expected to be 5-20% higher than normal. December forecasts predict 30-50 mm of rain in the Central Highlands, while the southern parts of the region may see 50-80 mm, 10-30 mm above the long-term average.
Floods May Become More Severe
The increased rainfall is likely to cause more severe flooding across the country. In the next three months, river water levels in the North are expected to rise 10-20% above average, with Tuyen Quang Lake on the Gam River and Thac Ba Lake on the Chay River potentially exceeding normal levels by 30-70%.
Between now and November, Thanh Hoa’s rivers may experience 1-2 floods, while rivers in Nghe An and Ha Tinh could see 3-4 floods. The downstream peak of the Ma River may reach flood level one, while the Ca and La Rivers could surpass level two. In December, water levels on these rivers are expected to gradually recede.
The Central region is expected to face 3-5 significant floods between October and December, particularly in October and November. Some rivers may see flood peaks reaching level three. Overall, flood activity in 2024 is expected to be near or above the historical average.
In the Southern Central region, 2-4 floods are anticipated from October to December. Rivers in Binh Dinh and Khanh Hoa could reach flood level two, with some areas exceeding level three. Rivers in Phu Yen, Ninh Thuan, and Binh Thuan are forecast to rise above level two, with upstream flows expected to increase by 20-50%.
From late September to December, the flow of the Mekong River into the Mekong Delta is expected to increase gradually. In September, the total flow is projected to be 5-10% below the long-term average, while from October to December, it is expected to align with the historical average.
Stronger Northeast Monsoon Expected Later in the Season
The Institute of Meteorology, Hydrology, and Climate Change predicts that the intensity of the winter monsoon will vary this year. From November to December 2024, the northeast monsoon is expected to remain weak or close to the long-term average. However, from January to March 2025, the monsoon could intensify beyond normal levels. Severe cold spells are likely to occur in the core winter months, starting in mid-December.
October temperatures across the country are expected to be 0.5-1 degrees Celsius higher than the long-term average. By November and December, temperatures are likely to return to normal. In the North and North Central regions, temperatures may be approximately 0.5 degrees Celsius lower than the average for the last two months of the year.
Typhoon Yagi’s Impact
So far, the East Sea has experienced four storms this year, with Typhoon Yagi causing significant devastation across Northern Vietnam. The storm resulted in 299 deaths, 34 missing persons, and severe flooding of over 70,000 homes. Economic losses from Yagi amounted to VND 61 trillion, making it the most destructive storm on record for the region.
This is an educational initiative aimed at raising awareness of Hue’s cultural heritage among children in the city.
The program is organized by the Hue Monuments Conservation Center in collaboration with the German Cultural Heritage Protection Association (GEKE).
Participants will learn about traditional decorative patterns in the imperial citadel and practice coloring using watercolor painting techniques. Experts will explain traditional painting techniques and introduce the use of colors and coloring methods. The children will explore and discover traditional patterns found on the screen walls and main gates of the palace.
Experts introduce traditional decorative motifs in the royal court
As part of the heritage education journey, children will choose printed A3 pattern drawings and experience coloring with professional watercolors and brushes at the project office located in the Phung Tien Palace area.
Additionally, the program includes a memory game called “Hue: The Memory Game,” designed to teach children about the meanings of the patterns in an engaging way. The children will also work together to research and search for patterns used in the Phung Tien Palace.
Children enthusiastically participate in the memory training game.
Along with raising awareness of Hue’s cultural heritage, the program helps children develop focus, artistic inspiration, and creativity while encouraging them to stay away from electronic devices.
According to the Hue Monuments Conservation Center, in 2023 alone, the center successfully collaborated with Hue City’s Department of Education and Training to implement the school heritage education program in 85 schools, involving over 25,000 students.
Phung Tien Palace restoration model
In the near future, the center plans to collaborate with partners, heritage sites, and schools to develop additional Hue heritage education programs targeted at young people, students, and international and out-of-province students.
Tens of thousands of tourists have flocked to Ha Long City after the area restored its tourism activities.
According to information from the Ha Long Bay Management Board, more than 40,000 tourists visited Ha Long Bay from September 10 to 21. Notably, 90% of the visitors were international tourists.
Ha Long is peaceful after storm number 3
After Typhoon No. 3, popular destinations among international tourists included: Thien Cung Cave, Ga Choi Islet, Dau Go Cave, Ti Top Island, Luon Cave, and Ba Hang Cave. Most of the foreign tourists came from South Korea, India, Europe, and America. In particular, there was a significant increase in visitors from South Korea, India, and Malaysia.
A representative from the Ha Long Bay Management Board mentioned that the fall and winter seasons mark the peak time for welcoming international tourists to Ha Long Bay. This is the most beautiful time of the year to visit Ha Long Bay. Many international tourists stay overnight, experience kayaking, and enjoy the magnificent atmosphere within this UNESCO World Heritage site.
Ha Long Bay cruise ships refurbished to welcome guests back
To ensure a smooth and welcoming experience for visitors, the Ha Long Bay Management Board, along with businesses, quickly cleaned up and prepared safety measures following Typhoon No. 3. Approximately 359 boats are docked at Ha Long International Cruise Port and Tuan Chau International Cruise Port, with 315 boats, accounting for 88%, ready for operation.
According to a report from Quang Ninh’s Department of Transport, Typhoon No. 3 sank 27 cruise ships and 4 transfer boats. However, businesses promptly began recovery efforts, with nearly 90% of the total fleet now ready for service.
Starting on the morning of September 13, Quang Ninh Inland Waterway Authority began allowing overnight guests to embark on certain routes in Ha Long Bay.
From the beginning of the year until now, Ha Long Bay has welcomed approximately 2.5 million tourists, with nearly 434,000 staying overnight. Since early September, nearly 80,000 tourists have visited Ha Long Bay.
Despite the significant impact of Typhoon No. 3, Quang Ninh Province remains committed to its goal of welcoming 19 million visitors in 2024.
The U.S. is one of Vietnam’s key tourism markets, ranking 5th among the largest source markets for visitors to Vietnam.
From 2015 to 2019, the number of American tourists visiting Vietnam saw continuous growth. In 2015, Vietnam welcomed 491,000 American visitors, and by 2019, this figure had risen to 746,000, a 1.5 times increase. The average annual growth rate for this period was 11%.
Following the COVID-19 pandemic, the U.S. market rebounded quickly, with 717,000 visitors in 2023, recovering approximately 96% of the 2019 level. In the first eight months of 2024, Vietnam received 529,000 American visitors, an 8% increase compared to the same period in 2023 and 1.7% higher than pre-pandemic levels.
American Visitors to Vietnam, 2015 – 2024 (Number of Visitors).
The market of American tourists to Vietnam recovers quickly after the COVID-19 pandemic (Source: Compiled from data of the General Statistics Office)
Overall, American tourists in Vietnam tend to have high spending and extended stays. According to a 2019 survey by the Vietnam National Administration of Tourism, the average spending per U.S. visitor was USD 1,570.8, and the average length of stay was 12 days. This is significantly higher than the overall average for international tourists to Vietnam, who spent USD 1,074 and stayed for an average of 8.1 days.
Vietnam has immense potential to attract the U.S. market with its stunning landscapes, rich cultural heritage, and unique cuisine. Notably, several famous Vietnamese locations have been featured in American films, including the blockbuster movie Kong: Skull Island, which showcased breathtaking scenes in Ha Long Bay, Quang Binh, and Ninh Binh. This provides an excellent opportunity to bring Vietnam closer to the U.S. market and promote it globally through cinematic exposure.
From September 23 to 25, the Ministry of Culture, Sports, and Tourism will host the Vietnam Tourism and Cinema Promotion Program in San Francisco and Los Angeles, California, U.S., under the theme “Vietnam – A New Destination for World Cinema.” This event is a highlight of the Ministry’s 2024 promotion plan, aiming to introduce Vietnam’s tourist destinations and film locations, attracting Hollywood studios to shoot films that could generate international media attention and further promote Vietnam’s tourism.
The potential for growth in tourism exchange between Vietnam and the U.S. is vast. With the two countries officially elevating their diplomatic relations to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership in September last year, many U.S. companies have already invested in Vietnam’s tourism sector. Additionally, Vietnam Airlines has launched direct flights between the two countries. There is high anticipation that this first-ever Vietnam Tourism and Cinema Promotion Program by the Ministry of Culture, Sports, and Tourism will lead to a breakthrough in collaboration with U.S. partners, boosting tourism through cinema and promoting Vietnam’s image and brand in the U.S. and globally.
The Vietnam National Administration of Tourism has announced the opening of registration for the ASEAN Tourism Awards 2025. Entities such as homestays, tourism communities, public sanitation facilities, and spas in Vietnam are eligible to participate, with the deadline for submissions being October 22.
The ASEAN Tourism Awards 2025 will be held as part of the ASEAN Tourism Forum (ATF 2025) in Malaysia in January 2025. This event aims to promote national tourism branding and image while providing opportunities for Vietnam’s tourism service businesses to enhance international integration and outreach.
Tourists visit Thien Mu Pagoda in Hue City. In 2024, Hue City will receive the ASEAN Clean Tourism City Award. Photo: Ngoc Khuyen
Within the framework of the ASEAN Tourism Awards 2025, the tourism ministers of ASEAN member countries have agreed to present several awards: the ASEAN Homestay Award, the ASEAN Community-Based Tourism Award, the ASEAN Public Toilet Award, and the ASEAN Spa Services Award.
To participate, businesses need to complete the application form and submit it to the Administration by October 22. Information about ASEAN standards and application guidelines can be found on the official website of the Vietnam National Administration of Tourism via the link: https://vietnamtourism.gov.vn/post/58573.
At the ASEAN Tourism Awards 2024, Vietnam was recognized in categories such as the ASEAN Green Hotel Award, the ASEAN Clean Tourist City Award, the ASEAN MICE Award for Meeting Rooms, the ASEAN MICE Award for Exhibition Venues, the ASEAN MICE Award for Event Venues, and the ASEAN Sustainable Tourism Award, focusing on Culinary Tourism.
With the theme “Da Lat Flowers – A Symphony of Colors,” the 10th Da Lat Flower Festival is scheduled to take place in December 2024.
The 2024 Da Lat Flower Festival will feature 10 main programs, 12 accompanying activities, and various other events.
The 2024 Da Lat Flower Festival has 10 main programs, 12 response programs and other activities. Photo: Dang Huy
The 10 main programs include the opening ceremony of the 10th Da Lat Flower Festival, a New Year’s Eve 2025 celebration combined with the festival’s closing ceremony, flower spaces, an international conference titled “Da Lat Green Tourism and Cultural Industry Development from Natural Resources to Biodiversity and Local Culture,” and an artistic performance: Bao Loc, City of Fragrance and Silk, welcoming the 10th Da Lat Flower Festival 2024.
Other key events include the OCOP product exhibition and trade promotion at the 2024 Da Lat Flower Festival, Wine – Tea – Coffee Street, celebrate Da Lat and Lam Dong’s specialties, the Da Lat Vegetable – Flower Market featuring miraculous harvests from fertile lands, an international cultural and artistic exchange between Da Lat and Chuncheon (South Korea), and the Street Carnival of Flowers and Heritage, with flower floats, floral fashion , and street art.
Tourists in Da Lat city. Photo: Dang Huy
In addition to the main programs, there will be 12 supporting events such as the “Da Lat Fun Color” Music Festival, the “Bao Lam – Legends and Gathering” Festival, the Korean – Da Lat Music Festival 2024, the Lam Dong Trail 2024 race, the Lang Biang Pink Grass Festival, a seminar on preserving and promoting the cultural values of ethnic groups in Di Linh District in connection with tourism development, and the 19th “Green – Clean – Beautiful” Contest.
Other accompanying events include the “5AM Concert in Da Lat,” the second Prenn Trail Challenge 2024, the “Radiant Da Lat Flowers” exhibition celebrating the 10th Da Lat Flower Festival 2024, the Bazan Music Band Festival, and a tourism tour titled “Da Lat – A Multicolored World of Flowers”.
Many foreign teachers are sending out hundreds of job applications and accepting lower salaries.
Many foreign teachers say that finding a high-paying job in the Vietnamese market is no longer easy due to increasing competition.
Over the past year, Stephen, an English teacher from Russia, has submitted more than 100 applications for a stable job with full benefits, but has not been accepted anywhere.
Despite having a bachelor’s degree in education, a TEFL certificate, and seven years of teaching experience, Stephen, like many others, is struggling to secure a job. Each month, she has various expenses to cover in Vietnam, and without a stable job, the financial pressure is becoming overwhelming.
Every day, Stephen searches through different associations, groups, and websites, actively sending applications to employers across various sectors. She is even willing to work in the suburbs, as long as the job offers stability. However, there has been no response. She continues to take on temporary, hourly-paid jobs or works as a teaching assistant at some schools.
“It’s not as easy as I thought. The job market is too competitive. Some places require me to work unpaid trial periods or promise high salaries without providing any guarantee,” Stephen shared.
Jack, an American teacher who has been teaching in Vietnam for over 1.5 years, earns 350,000 VND per hour at a public school, which is higher than the rates offered by many English centers.
However, since the Covid-19 pandemic, his working hours have been cut as schools reduce costs and shift to online teaching. Jack now only has a few classes, making it difficult for him to cover his living expenses.
Three months ago, an English center where his colleague worked announced that student enrollment had dropped by more than 50%, and they were no longer hiring. The center is even struggling to pay rent and may relocate to a suburban area, which has led to further reductions in teachers’ hours.
Some teachers try to stay, while others leave for other countries.
Due to low salaries and a challenging job market, Jack has returned home to pursue other opportunities. He believes that the compensation offered by the centers is not proportional to the amount of work required, including preparing lesson plans, grading, writing reports, attending meetings, and other tasks that are often unpaid.
“For Vietnamese locals, this salary might seem high, but foreign teachers typically expect more. When the pay doesn’t meet expectations, many foreign teachers quickly move on to other countries,” Jack explained.
He believes that one reason foreign teachers face challenges finding jobs in Vietnam is the economic downturn, which has led many parents to stop sending their children to English centers. Moreover, the collapse of several centers has shaken parents’ confidence, making them more cautious and selective when choosing schools for their children.
“The salary is the main issue, but more and more English teachers are finding it hard to accept the current pay. Teachers from countries like the Philippines, India, or South Africa are more willing to work for these wages,” Jack added.
According to Debra Mann, a representative of the TEFL teaching community, requests for foreign teachers have dropped by 50% in the past year compared to previous years.
As the job market becomes more competitive, many Western teachers are shifting their job searches to countries like China, South Korea, and Japan.
From 2015 to 2019, the number of US tourists visiting Vietnam saw steady growth. In 2015, Vietnam welcomed 491,000 US visitors, and by 2019, this figure had risen to 746,000, marking a 1.5-fold increase. During this period, the average annual growth rate was 11%.
After the COVID-19 pandemic, the US market rebounded quickly, with 717,000 arrivals in 2023—about 96% of the 2019 level. In the first eight months of 2024, Vietnam received 529,000 US visitors, an 8% increase over the same period in 2023 and 1.7% higher than pre-pandemic levels.
The market of American tourists to Vietnam recovers quickly after the COVID-19 pandemic (Source: The General Statistics Office)
US tourists are known for their high spending and long stays. According to a 2019 survey by the Vietnam National Administration of Tourism, American visitors spent an average of $1,570.80 and stayed for 12 days—considerably higher than the overall averages for international visitors ($1,074 spent over 8.1 days).
Vietnam holds significant appeal for US tourists, offering stunning landscapes, rich cultural heritage, and renowned cuisine. Many American films have also featured Vietnam’s iconic locations, such as the blockbuster Kong: Skull Island, which was filmed in Ha Long Bay, Quang Binh, and Ninh Binh. This creates a valuable opportunity for Vietnam’s tourism industry to capture the interest of the US market through the lens of cinema.
From September 23 to 25, the Ministry of Culture, Sports, and Tourism will host the Vietnam Tourism-Cinema Promotion Program in San Francisco and Los Angeles, California, under the theme “Vietnam – New Destination of World Cinema.” This initiative aims to promote Vietnam as a prime location for international film production, attracting Hollywood studios to shoot in Vietnam. Such exposure has the potential to generate significant media attention and boost tourism.
With the recent upgrade of diplomatic relations between Vietnam and the US to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, along with increasing US investment in Vietnam’s tourism sector, the potential for growth in tourism exchange is enormous. Vietnam Airlines has already launched a direct flight connecting the two nations, further facilitating travel. The Vietnam Tourism-Cinema Promotion Program is expected to strengthen partnerships with US businesses and enhance Vietnam’s global image as a top destination for both tourists and filmmakers.
Canada’s central bank has said it is shifting its focus to broader payments system research and policy development.
Canada is shifting its focus away from a retail central bank digital currency after years of research, its central bank announced last week.
“With this work completed, and with other payments issues gaining prominence, the Bank is scaling down its work on a retail central bank digital currency and shifting its focus to broader payments system research and policy development,” a document vaguely titled “Digital Canadian Dollar” said.
CBC News, Canada’s public broadcaster, reported that “The Bank of Canada confirmed” it has “shifted its focus away from the idea of introducing a digital Canadian dollar.” The story also said the Bank “is shelving” the idea of a Canadian dollar.
It isn’t clear whether the bank’s official statement saying it was “scaling down” its retail CBDC work and “shifting its focus to broader payments” research means it has shelved the retail CBDC idea completely.
Particularly because the Bank also said it would “continue to monitor global retail CBDC developments and publish some related research,” there would “be further opportunities for Canadians to provide input on a potential digital dollar,” and that all the research done so far would be “invaluable if, at some point in the future, Canadians … decide they want or need a digital Canadian dollar.”
Canada’s latest position comes as the debate over CBDC’s became a presidential election issue in the U.S. despite the Federal Reserve’s Chair, Jerome Powell, saying it was nowhere near recommending – or let alone adopting – a CBDC in any form” and that “people don’t need to worry about it.”
But the Bank of Canada’s update does come less than three months after a staff discussion paper which said that cash is “likely to decline” in relevance going forward then a “properly designed CBDC would help fill the gap” and maintain the relevance of a retail public money in the economy.”
At the end of 2023, the Bank received almost 90,000 responses to a public consultation paper, with most reflecting privacy concerns.
On September 20, the Quang Binh Provincial People’s Committee reported that more than 600 households across the province had been flooded due to storm No. 4, with Tan Hoa commune in Minh Hoa district being the hardest hit. Over 400 households in Tan Hoa were submerged.
Tan Hoa village, recognized by the World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) as the “Best Tourist Village in the World” in October 2023, is known for its natural beauty and tranquil scenery. However, its location in a basin, surrounded by rocky mountains, makes it highly prone to flooding during heavy rains.
Many houses in Tan Hoa commune were flooded from 0.5 – 2 m deep. (PHOTO: T.L)
According to Mr. Truong Thanh Duan, Chairman of Tan Hoa Commune People’s Committee, despite the severe flooding, the locals have adapted to the seasonal floods. Most households have moved to floating houses, ensuring their safety and protecting their property. The local government has also ensured that residents have sufficient food supplies.
Embracing this unique situation, Oxalis Adventure has created a special experience for adventure tourists. Visitors to Tan Hoa can stay in floating homestays and enjoy a variety of activities that blend daily life with the challenges of flooding. Residents continue their routine, rowing wooden boats to collect grass for livestock on higher ground, and using boats as their primary means of transportation.
Tourists SUP in flooded area of Tan Hoa commune. (PHOTO: T.L)
Guests are invited to participate in this lifestyle, staying in floating houses, enjoying local meals, and exploring the area by boat, kayak, or paddleboard.
“Flooding is a challenge that Tan Hoa faces every year, but rather than fight it, we’ve found ways to adapt and operate”, said Mr. Nguyen Chau A, General Director of Oxalis Adventure.
By 2025, the goal is for Tan Hoa to become a leading weather-adaptive tourist destination, offering unique experiences such as exploring Tu Lan Cave, off-road motorbike tours through the forests, dining in local homes, and weather-adaptive homestay stays.
The recent Federal Reserve interest cut will fuel increased onchain activity, and this will strongly benefit the Ethereum blockchain, the report said.
Ether’s (ETH) recent bout of underperformance may be over and the world’s second largest cryptocurrency could be ready to shine again, both in fiat terms and relative to bitcoin (BTC), Steno Research said in a report on Thursday.
The native token of the Ethereum blockchain has risen nearly 8% year-to-date, while bitcoin has surged 43% and the CoinDesk 20 index (CD20) has gained nearly 11%.
Ether’s performance in the last bull market could provide some guidance. ETH surged during the last altcoin season, and in under two months it more than doubled in value compared to bitcoin, the report noted.
This shift was sparked by a surge in onchain activity, the report said, including decentralized finance (DeFi), stablecoin issuance, and the boom in non-fungible tokens (NFTs), all of which happened mainly on the Ethereum blockchain.
The Federal Reserve interest rate cut, earlier this week, will result in increased onchain activity, which will strongly benefit Ethereum, Steno said.
Bitcoin exchange-traded funds (ETFs) are unlikely to continue outperforming ether versions as much, Steno said, noting that ETH has shown its ability to suddenly outperform its larger rival in the past.
There have been three main reasons for bitcoin’s recent outperformance over ether. “The impact of U.S. spot ETFs for both bitcoin and ether, the persistent buying pressure from MicroStrategy (MSTR), and a notable decline in Ethereum’s transactional revenue in recent months,” analyst Mads Eberhardt wrote.
“Ethereum’s active addresses remain strong, particularly when factoring in the growing adoption of rollups,” Eberhardt wrote, adding that the network’s transactional revenue looks to have bottomed in August.
Asset manager Bitwise is also bullish about ether’s prospects. The cryptocurrency is potentially a contrarian bet into the year-end, it said in a report on Tuesday.
It is unclear if all these wallets belong to the same person or entity.
Hundreds of bitcoin (BTC) acquired by mining them during the network’s early stages were moved on Friday – joining the rare instances where bitcoin from the so-termed “Satoshi era” have been active.
Satoshi era refers commonly to the period when bitcoin’s pseudonymous creator, Satoshi Nakamoto, was active on online forums from late 2009 to 2011.
Over 250 BTC from that period, worth nearly $16 million at current prices, were moved within an hour during the European morning hours, on-chain tracker Whale Alerts flagged on X. Each transaction was a batch of 50 BTC with the tokens being moved to new wallets.
It is unclear if all these wallets belong to the same person or entity. There hasn’t been a movement from the new wallets to crypto exchanges as of press time.
Blockchain data shows these bitcoin were received as a block reward in 2009, just months after the network started. These wallets have shown no activity since then except for the movement on Friday.
Several ‘Satoshi era’ bitcoin have been active in the past few years. In July 2023, a wallet dormant for 11 years transferred $30 million worth of the asset to other wallets, while in August, another wallet transferred 1,005 BTC to a new address.
In December last year, over 1,000 BTC were sent to crypto exchanges – where they were likely sold off – marking one of the largest amounts from the Satoshi era moved to exchanges.
This scenic route leads to the ancient fishing village of Nhon Ly, located in Nhon Ly commune, Quy Nhon city, just 20 kilometers northeast of the city center. Nhon Ly has long been admired for its charming coastal architecture, featuring low-roofed houses and stone fences nestled among golden sandbanks. Now, with the newly constructed bypass, the village has become even more accessible and visually stunning.
The road, which stretches 2.6 kilometers through the sand dunes, connects the Nhon Hoi Economic Zone to Nhon Ly. It is part of a larger bypass project that ranges from 18 to 45 meters in width, offering travelers the opportunity to experience not only the beauty of the sand dunes but also the sight of towering wind turbines as they make their way toward the fishing village.
What makes this route especially remarkable is its sweeping views of the Phuong Mai sand hill, a natural wonder in itself, and the panoramic vistas of Quy Nhon city, Thi Nai lagoon, and Nhon Ly village that unfold as you travel. The route begins at the T8 intersection of National Highway 19B and is lined with casuarina trees, which help protect the road from wind and sand.
The bypass is expected to be completed by October 2024, and although construction is still ongoing, the road has already become a sensation thanks to its stunning landscape. This new route not only offers a more convenient way for locals and tourists to access Nhon Ly but also highlights the natural beauty of the region, making the journey just as memorable as the destination.
