This is the second aircraft out of a total of three aircraft that Pacific Airlines has leased from Vietnam Airlines.
Pacific Airlines has “returned to the sky” since the end of June. Photo: PA.
Speaking to Tri Thuc – Znews, Pacific Airlines leadership confirmed they have just received an additional aircraft from Vietnam Airlines. This is the second out of three aircraft leased from Vietnam Airlines by Pacific Airlines for summer flights.
The aircraft, registered under the Vietnamese nationality, with registration VN-A354, has 203 seats, including 8 business class seats and 195 economy class seats.
Earlier, at the end of June, Pacific Airlines representatives stated that the airline would resume domestic flights using Airbus A321 aircraft.
Specifically, Pacific Airlines operates daily flights between Ho Chi Minh City and Hanoi, Da Nang, Chu Lai, totaling 6-8 flights per day starting from June 26.
During peak periods, the airline will increase flights between Ho Chi Minh City and Thanh Hoa, Vinh, Hue, Tuy Hoa to meet passenger travel demand.
With the mentioned flight schedule, the airline will provide nearly 1,000 flights, equivalent to over 180,000 seats during the peak tourism season.
The most notable change is that Pacific Airlines will offer both business and economy class services with meal standards and baggage included in the ticket, similar to Vietnam Airlines. Passengers will also be provided with entertainment systems and in-flight services, along with frequent flyer miles policies for Golden Lotus members, similar to when flying with the national carrier.
Pacific Airlines’ cabin crew are trained and serve passengers according to Vietnam Airlines standards.
Recently, airlines have been making efforts to lease additional aircraft. Vietnam Airlines has just received a new Airbus A320neo aircraft joining their fleet.
It is known that this is the first of three Airbus A320neo aircraft that Vietnam Airlines will receive this year. The Airbus A320neo is expected to operate on domestic routes such as Hanoi – Da Lat, Hanoi – Phu Quoc, Ho Chi Minh City – Thanh Hoa, Ho Chi Minh City – Chu Lai…
The Airbus A320neo joining Vietnam Airlines’ fleet in 2024 is expected to contribute nearly 40,000 seats during the peak summer period and nearly 300,000 seats in the second half of the year.
At the end of June, Bamboo Airways also wet-leased one Airbus A320 from Royal Air Philippines. This is the third aircraft the airline has added to its fleet since the beginning of the year.
Currently, domestic airlines operate a total of approximately 160 aircraft, with a shortage of 60-70 aircraft compared to pre-pandemic levels.
According to Planespotter statistics, Vietnam Airlines currently has a total of 92 aircraft. Meanwhile, Vietjet Air has 85 aircraft, Bamboo Airways has 7 aircraft, and Vietravel Airlines has 3 aircraft.
Hoi An has just made it onto the list of the world’s 25 best cities of 2024, as voted by readers of the travel magazine Travel + Leisure.
Tourists visit Hoi An. Photo: Ngoc Khuyen
The World’s Best Awards 2024 by Travel + Leisure magazine has recently announced the list of the 25 most popular cities in the world and the 25 most popular cities in Asia, as voted by readers. Accordingly, the ancient town of Hoi An ranked 4th and 3rd in these two respective categories. Experts from Travel + Leisure describe Hoi An as an ideal place for food enthusiasts, particularly for its banh mi and cao lau. Hoi An is also a destination for history lovers with its impressive ancient architecture.
In the list of the 25 most popular cities in the world, the cities that ranked above Hoi An are San Miguel de Allende (Mexico), Udaipur (India), and Kyoto (Japan). Other famous cities that made it to this list include Florence and Rome (Italy), Bangkok (Thailand), Tokyo (Japan), Seoul (South Korea), Porto (Portugal), and Barcelona (Spain)…
Recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage site, Hoi An was one of the busiest and most prosperous trading ports in past centuries. The streets are adorned with vibrant yellow and brown hues of ancient houses and glittering, colorful lanterns.
The ancient town of Hoi An is also famous for its unique Chua Cau (Japanese Covered Bridge) and other ancient temples and pagodas like Ong Pagoda, Ong Dia Temple, Son Pho Communal House, and Ngu Hanh Hy Hoa Temple… Along with these, there are souvenir shops, custom-tailored clothing stores, and restaurants serving distinctive local cuisine.
The Hanoi Tourism Ao Dai Festival 2024 will take place from October 4th to October 6th at the Thang Long Heritage Conservation Center in Hanoi. This event marks the 70th anniversary of the Liberation of the Capital (October 10, 1954 – October 10, 2024).
The Hanoi Tourism Ao Dai Festival 2024 will feature around 80-100 booths showcasing and introducing products from designers and Ao Dai brands from the three regions: North, Central, and South. The highlight of this year is the “Essence of Ao Dai” art program, which consists of three sections celebrating the beauty of Vietnamese Ao Dai: Glorious History, Cultural Convergence, and Spreading Journey.
The Hanoi Tourism Ao Dai Festival 2024 is an annual cultural tourism event organized by the Hanoi Department of Tourism in the autumn to develop and promote Hanoi tourism, link tourism with fashion, and spread the love of Ao Dai to the community. In 2023, the festival attracted around 60,000 visitors.
Illustration photo: Le Vu
This year’s festival will feature a variety of exciting activities such as the Ao Dai Carnival Parade (October 5th), Ao Dai exhibitions and performances by designers, and the final round of the Ao Dai contest; promotion of tourism products and traditional craft villages; and the Hanoi culinary space “Thang Long Five Flavors.”
The festival is held to commemorate the 70th anniversary of the Liberation of the Capital (October 10, 1954 – October 10, 2024). Furthermore, the festival aims to honor the Vietnamese Ao Dai and promote tourism products, tours, and services of airlines, travel agencies, hotels, and destinations in Hanoi.
The Ministry of Transport (MOT) announced that by 2030, Cat Bi International Airport will be planned to accommodate 13 million passengers and 250,000 tons of cargo per year.
Cat Bi Airport is planned by the Ministry of Transport to be able to welcome 13 million passengers by 2030. Photo: TL
The MOT has just issued Decision No. 864/QD-BGTVT approving the master plan for Cat Bi International Airport for the period 2021-2030, with a vision to 2050, according to the Vietnam News Agency (TTXVN).
Accordingly, in the period 2021-2030, Cat Bi Airport will be upgraded to a 4E airport and a Level 1 military airport with a capacity of about 13 million passengers and 250,000 tons of cargo per year. The types of aircraft that can be operated include code C aircraft such as A320/A321 and equivalent, code E aircraft such as B747/B777/B787/A350 and equivalent, with the apron expanded to 30 positions.
Additionally, by 2050, the airport is planned to handle around 18 million passengers, 500,000 tons of cargo per year, with approximately 50 aircraft parking positions. Regarding the runway system, Cat Bi Airport will plan a second runway located about 215 meters south of the current runway centerline, with a length of approximately 2,400 meters. The new air traffic control tower of the airport will be planned with an area of about 1.8 hectares.
The MOT requires the Civil Aviation Administration to study and incorporate the appraisal report of the Planning and Investment Department to manage and implement the Cat Bi Airport master plan according to regulations. The Administration will also take the lead in coordinating with the Hai Phong People’s Committee and relevant agencies to announce, manage, and implement the plan. The Hai Phong People’s Committee will review, update the plan, allocate, and protect the land fund in line with the development needs of the airport.
Survey results released by Rankify Korea on July 15 revealed that Vietnam has two cities at the top of the list of international destinations most favored by Korean tourists.
The list is surprising as Phu Quoc holds the number one position, followed by Nha Trang in second place, rather than Da Nang, which had been a popular choice among Korean tourists since the pandemic.
Additionally, analysis of preferences by gender and age for each destination shows that Phu Quoc is more popular among female Korean tourists, accounting for 67%, with the 30-39 age group choosing the island the most. In Nha Trang, the preference rates among female and male tourists are 64% and 36%, respectively, with the 30-39 age group being the most fond of this city.
Korean tourists wearing conical hats shop at Han market, Da Nang
The remaining cities in the top 15 are Tokyo (Japan) in third place, followed by Bangkok, Phuket (Thailand), Kuala Lumpur (Malaysia), Nagoya (Japan), Barcelona (Spain), Kyoto (Japan), Hanoi (Vietnam), Paris (France), New York (USA), Sydney (Australia), Shanghai (China), and Munich (Germany).
The data was compiled by Rankify Korea from the search volume on the Google Trend Index and Naver during the first week of July and compared with the last week of June.
Previously, Kyowon Tour Travel Easy Group announced the overseas travel trends for the third quarter of 2024 and popular travel destinations, with Vietnam surpassing Japan to become the favorite destination for Koreans.
Specifically, in the third quarter travel trend, including summer vacations and the Chuseok holiday (Mid-Autumn Festival), Vietnam has become a destination favored by Korean tourists of all ages, leading to a surge in booking demand. The third quarter of 2024 is also the first quarter where Vietnam has surpassed Japan with a booking rate of 13.7%, higher than Japan’s 13.2%; followed by China at 11.7%; Thailand in fourth place (9.0%); and Mongolia (7.1%) in fifth place.
One observer said the movement of coins was likely a part of the exchange’s creditor reimbursement plan.
Bitcoin (BTC) faced renewed selling pressure on Tuesday after blockchain data showed defunct exchange Mt. Gox started moving coins internally for potential repayments to creditors.
The leading cryptocurrency by market value dipped 3% briefly falling below $63,000, after testing the $65,000 mark during the early Asian trading hours, according to CoinDesk.
The decline happened as the wallet associated with Mt. Gox initially moved 0.021 BTC ($1,000) to the blockchain address: 1EoZd1QNCiN9JbnsqvLRDbHKLygAsXHg3V. The small movement, supposedly a transfer test, was followed by a significant movement of 44,527 BTC ($2.84 billion) to an internal wallet, according to data tracked by Arkham Intelligence.
The movement was likely a part of the repayment plan, according to on-chain sleuth Lookonchain.
Mt. Gox, once the largest bitcoin exchange in the world, went bust in 2014 after it lost hundreds of thousands of bitcoin in a hack. The exchange began repaying its debt on July 4, spurring fears of mass selling by creditors who have waited for reimbursements for a decade.
Bitcoin’s drop weighed over the broader market, with ether, the second-largest digital asset by market value, dipping over 2.5% to $3,400. The CoinDesk 20 Index (CD20), a broader market gauge, fell over 2% to 2,182.
Investors’ focus on ether is evident from ETH’s sustained volatility premium over BTC.
The impending debut of U.S.-based exchange-traded funds (ETF) tied to ether’s (ETH) spot price has investors scrambling to the options market to hedge or protect existing market positions from price swings.
Implied volatility (IV), or options-derived market expectations for price turbulence over a specific period, has ticked higher across timeframes, according to data sources Deribit and Kaiko. That’s a sign of increased demand for options or derivatives offering protection against price swings. A call protects against price rallies, while a put offers insurance against price slides.
The hedging activity has been more pronounced in short-term contracts, as evidenced by the recent relative richness of implied volatility determined by options contracts expiring on July 19 relative to those expiring on July 26. According to Kaiko, the July 19 expiry IV rose from 53% on Saturday to 62% on Monday, topping the July 26 expiry IV.
“The increase in IV on the July 19 contract suggests traders are willing to pay more to hedge existing positions and protect against sharp price moves in the short run. This spike in near-term contracts IV indicates a level of uncertainty among traders,” analysts at Kaiko said in Monday’s edition of the newsletter.
Traders also expect increased ether volatility relative to bitcoin. According to data source Amberdata, the spread between Deribit’s 30-day ether and bitcoin implied volatility indices (BTC DVOL and ETH DVOL) has consistently averaged around 10% since late May, significantly higher than 5% in the first quarter.
Crypto exchange Bybit and analytics firm BlockScholes made a similar observation in a report shared with CoinDesk on Monday.
“Key findings indicate that investors are increasingly optimistic about ETH, particularly in anticipation of the imminent launch of the first Ether Spot ETFs in the United States. This optimism is reflected in ETH’s sustained volatility premium over BTC, which has persisted amid heightened market activity,” the report said.
The pick-up in hedging activity in ether is consistent with the uber-bullish expectations from the spot ether ETFs, which are expected to begin trading next Tuesday. According to Gemini, spot ether ETFs will likely draw $5 billion in net inflows in the first six months, boosting ether’s market value relative to bitcoin.
Besides, traders, mindful of the “sell-the-fact” phenomenon that followed the debut of bitcoin ETFs on Jan. 11, might be preparing for similar price volatility in ether.
Traders, however, should note that the present market mood and ether’s bullish positioning are significantly more measured than bitcoin in early January, suggesting low odds of a post-debut sell-the-fact pullback.
Vietnam Airlines is promoting night flight packages with substantial discounts on hotel stays. These packages offer free or heavily discounted first-night stays (up to 80% off) for a minimum stay of three nights.
Hotels participating in this program will offer a 20-100% discount on the first night’s room rate. The standard rate or a 60% discount applies from the second night onward, depending on the hotel’s policies.
For example, Dong Khanh Hotel offers a 100% discount on the first night, while The Myst Hotel offers a 49% discount on the first night and 53% off on the second night. Muong Thanh Luxury Saigon Hotel provides a 45% discount on the first night, with standard rates applied from the second night. Liberty Central Saigon Hotel offers a 50% discount on the first night.
The A25 hotel system has two promotional packages: a 2-day, 2-night stay with a 50% discount on the first night and a 20% discount on the second night, and a 3-day, 2-night stay with a 70% discount on the first night and a 20% discount on subsequent nights.
The Department of Tourism noted that airlines have increased night flights to meet the high travel demand during the peak summer season of 2024, which helps reduce air ticket prices. However, night flights have not been very popular, leading to cancellations. To make night flights more appealing, cooperation between airlines and hotel service providers is essential.
Rachel, who has been teaching English in Ho Chi Minh City for nearly two years, is preparing to return to the U.S. due to steadily decreasing salaries for foreign teachers like her. The 30-year-old lamented arriving in Vietnam at what she considers the wrong time, noting that the heyday for “Western teachers” in Vietnam has passed and competition has driven down wages.
“A teacher cannot rely on just one language center,” Rachel said. “It’s even tougher for Americans like me.” At public schools, she earns VND350,000 (US$13.70) per teaching hour, which is VND100,000-150,000 higher than at English centers.
The shift towards online teaching during the Covid-19 pandemic further squeezed salaries as schools reduced classes and cut costs.
John Parker, 40, also from the U.S., echoed similar struggles. He has been in HCMC for seven years and saw good times when he earned VND450,000 per teaching hour, affording him a comfortable life. However, since Covid-19 hit and with an economic downturn, full-time teaching opportunities have dwindled. “There’s too much competition now,” he said. “They prefer teachers who fit a certain Western stereotype, which I don’t.”
For the past two years, from April to August, he only received a part-time job, teaching three to five hours a week.
“There is too much competition as more and more foreigners choose Vietnam as their place of residence,” he said. “In reality, they prioritize teachers who have good looks, white, with blue eyes and blonde hair, which I do not meet.”
Both Rachel and Parker’s experiences reflect a broader trend affecting foreigners seeking teaching jobs in Vietnam.
A survey by the Teaching English as a Foreign Language (TEFL) community, with 50,000 members, revealed a 50% decrease in available jobs over the past year. The English Teaching Jobs group, with 55,000 members in HCMC, noted a shrinking market for teachers with TESOL, TEFL, and CELTA certifications across Asian countries.
Laura Smith, an administrator in the TEFL community, observed a significant shift. “The pie is getting smaller,” she said, attributing it to declining student enrollments and increased selectivity among employers.
Now, some people are considering moving to other markets like Japan, South Korea, China, and Thailand, she added.
The collapse of the Apax Leaders English center chain further damaged the market’s reputation, leaving many teachers and parents disillusioned.
Apax Leaders, a language school established and owned by businessman Nguyen Ngoc Thuy, failed to pay salaries to expatriate teachers and refund tuition fees to parents, leading to financial strain and mistrust. The company promised payments during the pandemic but fell behind, causing severe anxiety and legal challenges for staff. Parents were also left without promised refunds for their children.
Maria Ivanova, a 43-year-old Russian with a teaching background, arrived in Vietnam with high hopes but faced rejection after sending out 100 job applications over nearly a year. Despite a bachelor’s degree in education, a TEFL certificate, and seven years of experience, Ivanova struggled to find stable employment, even considering positions in suburban and rural areas.
Ivanova’s perseverance underscores the harsh reality of the job market, where competition remains fierce and job security elusive. Despite the challenges, she remains determined to stay in Vietnam, learning Vietnamese to enhance her prospects. She wanted to find a stable job that would support a work visa. Each day, she sent out two to four emails to recruiters in various fields but still received no response. So far, Ivanova has only been invited by a few schools to work as a teaching assistant or to substitute for teachers on sick leave.
Last month, she received two job offers. One place wanted her to sign a contract for 100 teaching hours per month, with a salary of VND8 million, but they promised that in reality, they would pay her VND33 million, which Ivanova described as “had no basis to believe.”
Another place wanted her to work on probation in a remote province for ten days. She would pay for her own travel and accommodation costs, and received no salary for that period.
She refused the offer even though her savings were running low.
“The job market here is too harsh,” I feel lost,” said the 43-year-old Russian woman, who currently rents a place to live in HCMC’s Tan Binh District. “But I truly love Vietnam and want to stay here for a long time.”
Three Vietnamese bars have been named among Asia’s best by William Reed Business Media, a U.K.-based magazine and digital media company.
Stir, located on the first floor of an apartment building on Le Thanh Ton Street across from Ben Thanh Market in downtown Ho Chi Minh City, ranked 58th. The bar can host 40 guests and features a patio with views of the popular tourist attraction, Ben Thanh Market.
It operates from 5:30 p.m. to 2 a.m. and offers cocktails like jackfruit sticky rice, Jasmine Negroni, and Truffle Martini, as well as traditional Vietnamese dishes such as banh mi, pho, and mangosteen salad with shredded chicken.
Photo: Olivier Ochanine
The Hudson Room, situated on the rooftop floor of Capella Hanoi Hotel, ranked 81st. Inspired by 1920s New York, it accommodates 80 guests and serves premium items like caviar and beef steak alongside its cocktails.
Drinking & Healing, located at 25 Ho Tung Mau Street in HCMC’s District 1, came in 99th. This bar, on the second floor of an old apartment building, can serve 100 guests and is open from 6:30 p.m. to 2 a.m. Cocktails here start at VND228,000 (US$9).
The rankings are determined by votes from Asia’s 50 Best Bars Academy, a group of 265 industry professionals, including bartenders, bar owners, drinks writers, educators, and cocktail enthusiasts. Singapore leads the extended list with eight bars, followed by Bangkok with six, and Tokyo with five. The 1-50 list will be released later this week.
Currently, Hue City is developing this model on four routes: To Huu Street, Vo Nguyen Giap Street, Bui Thi Xuan Street, and the centralized administrative area of Thua Thien Hue Province. On sidewalks 6 meters wide, a 1.45-meter-wide bicycle lane will be allocated. On 11-meter-wide sidewalks, two 2.9-meter-wide bicycle lanes will be designated.
Truong Van Truong Son, from the Project Management Board of Investment and Construction of Class II Urban Development Program in Thua Thien Hue, said, “The project aims to provide safer bicycle lanes and enhance convenience and green spaces for residents.”
Construction teams are finalizing the painting and marking of these bicycle lanes in Hue’s new urban area. Residents are optimistic that the bicycle lanes will improve safety and address current infrastructure issues, particularly by making it easier for children to cycle without stopping and walking the bike.
Vietnam to Receive Billions in FDI from Korea, potentially reaching tens of billions of dollars, according to Do Nhat Hoang, Director of the Foreign Investment Department at Vietnam’s Ministry of Planning and Investment. This announcement was made during the “Vietnam – Korea Enhanced Partnership Week 2024,” organized by the Korea Trade-Investment Promotion Agency.
South Korea has been a leading investor in Vietnam over the past five years, with total direct investment reaching nearly $87.5 billion across more than 10,000 projects as of June 2023. Key sectors include manufacturing and processing, which account for nearly 75% of total registered capital. In the first half of 2024 alone, South Korea invested $1.4 billion in Vietnam, marking a 16% increase from the previous year.
Vietnam remains a priority partner for South Korea’s development cooperation, receiving about 20% of its total aid. Key areas for development include urban transport infrastructure, education, environment, clean energy, and IT.
Following high-level visits between the countries’ leaders in 2023, major Korean corporations have expressed intentions to invest billions more in Vietnam. The Vietnamese government aims to attract foreign investment selectively, focusing on quality, efficiency, technology, and environmental protection, prioritizing sectors like electronics, renewable energy, and high-tech agriculture.
Vietnam’s commitment to net-zero emissions by 2050 has further attracted interest from investors in renewable energy and green transition. To support this influx, Vietnam has prepared clean land, high-quality human resources, and continues to improve its investment environment and infrastructure.
Korea is also Vietnam’s third-largest trading partner, following the US and China, with expectations for increased Korean participation in major infrastructure and industry projects in Vietnam.
Recently, Phenikaa-X Joint Stock Company – a leading manufacturer of intelligent automation robot solutions (IA) “Made in Vietnam” – has officially provided smart automation robot products for Samsung Electronics Thai Nguyen Factory (SEVT). SEVT consequently has become the first Samsung Electronics factory worldwide to implement the AMR Pallet Mover robot in its operations to assist workers with heavy tasks, optimize costs, and enhance production efficiency.
Applying Intelligent Automation Robots in Operations: Aiming for Smart and Sustainable Production Development
The term “smart factory” has been frequently mentioned in the manufacturing industry in recent years. Digital transformation has opened new opportunities and driven the development of new technologies applied in smart factories such as Industry IoT, Big Data, cloud computing, and machine learning, aiming to optimize processes and resources in production management, bringing sustainable value in the future. This motivates businesses to implement many digital transformation solutions to optimize costs, enhance customer experience, and increase profits. Notably, some leading manufacturing companies globally have chosen to deploy intelligent automation robots (IA) in their factory operations.
Robot Market – Growth rate by Region (Source: Modor Intelligence)
According to Mordor Intelligence’s report, the global robot market is expected to reach approximately USD 42.59 billion by 2024 and USD 79.87 billion by 2029, with a CAGR (2024-2029) of 13.4%, with the fastest-growing market being Asia-Pacific. In Vietnam, according to Statista, the industrial robot market is expected to reach USD 309.8 million in 2024 when industrial enterprises accelerate the application of technology in general and IA robots to enhance productivity and comply with sustainable development standards. However, the journey is not just a technological issue but also about understanding businesses and providing solutions suitable for their business models.
The successful implementation of Phenikaa-X’s IA Robots at SEVT not only confirms Phenikaa-X’s robust capabilities and strong foundation in pioneering the development of advanced technology solutions “Made in Vietnam,” supporting leading manufacturing plants in improving operational efficiency, minimizing environmental impact, and achieving ESG goals, but also contributes to the development of the manufacturing industry in Vietnam towards modernization and smart.
Outstanding Advantages of Phenikaa-X’s AMR Pallet Mover Robot
With exceptional research and development capabilities, Phenikaa-X has developed a range of intelligent automation robot solutions such as AGV, AMR, and many other products. Notably, Phenikaa-X has successfully developed the AMR Pallet Mover, an advanced autonomous solution that optimizes goods transportation and management processes, assisting humans in pulling, carrying, lifting, and arranging heavy loads, thereby increasing labor productivity for factories.
Phenikaa-X’s AMR Pallet Mover Robot
Customized for factories/enterprises in electronics, garment, and automotive parts manufacturing, Phenikaa-X’s AMR Pallet Mover offers a heavy load capacity of up to 1,000 kg, dynamic load sensing, speed adjustment, and acceleration capabilities based on the load’s weight. Applying the VDA5050 API standard, the AMR Pallet Mover seamlessly integrates with existing Warehouse Management Systems (WMS) and automation devices.
Additionally, the product is equipped with the PNKX MMG management software – specifically designed for the Vietnamese factory environment, which can help humans and robots collaborate effectively within the operational ecosystem, and optimize workflow. This management software is currently applied at SEVT’s factory.
Notably, the AMR Pallet Mover is Vietnam’s first robot designed according to the ISO 3691-4 safety standard with three layers of protection: AI camera for human and object detection, LiDAR safety sensor at PL-d level, and collision sensor. This is the highest safety standard for mobile robots, specifying requirements for design, manufacturing, operation, and maintenance to ensure safety for people and assets.
Phenikaa-X has applied the most advanced technologies such as AI, IoT, Big Data to develop smart product lines
Mr. Lê Anh Sơn, General Director of Phenikaa-X, shared: “By mastering core technology, Phenikaa-X’s robots can be customized to meet different requirements and highly integrated with previously existing systems. This is one of the company’s unique competitive advantages in the domestic market. Additionally, with the advantage of being headquartered in Vietnam, Phenikaa-X ensures continuous and effective operation of automated robot systems in factories, minimizing downtime for maintenance/issues – a key factor helping businesses optimize costs, enhance productivity, and achieve sustainable development goals.”
Having your own personal retreat is necessary at your backyard. Your backyard can be a heaven that gives you moments of privacy and relaxation, a place to host your friends, or a way of returning to nature after a week’s work. The key lies in transforming this often-overlooked space into an inviting outdoor lounge.
Whether you live in a big house with a huge backyard in the suburbs or a small flat with a modest patio in the city, these five tips will open the space to you.
Creating a Cozy Seating Area
A cozy seating area is essential for any outdoor space. This is the place to chill with company while appreciating the nature around you. When setting up seats, consider space size and layout.
If your area is small, like a balcony, go for space-saving furniture. Folded pieces let you easily use a small balcony. Yet big spaces feel inviting with sofas and recliners. Comfort and convenience depend on what best fits your outdoor area.
Transforming Your Outdoor Lounge with a Cozy Seating Area
To entirely change your outdoor lounge, do more than place a few chairs. Create an atmosphere as lovely as your living room:
Layered Comfort—Choose long-lasting, weather-proof furniture made of wicker, teak, or aluminum, which not only withstands the elements but also looks good. For an extra touch of style and relaxation, incorporate bean bags into your design—they seamlessly blend comfort with modern aesthetics. Explore the newest collections at Bean Bags R Us and transform your outdoor space into a cozy, inviting retreat.
Flexible Layouts—Modular furniture can easily be moved from a static setup to different designs. Add lightweight ottomans or poufs for extra seats or footrests.
Defining the Space – Place outdoor rugs underfoot for a soft feel. It makes concrete or wood feel like an outside room.
Personal Touches – Finally, add your flair. Showcase outdoor-safe art or include side tables for drinks and plants. A small fountain provides nice background noise, too.
With these ideas, you can design an inviting space that is as comfortable as indoors for relaxing outside.
Incorporate Multi-Level Decking or Patio
Having several levels on the floor or deck is advisable for further enhancement and partitioning of the areas in your outside relaxation zone. A slightly elevated deck will separate a sitting area from a dining area.
When making elevation changes, be sure to do so with a clear goal. A dining area one or two steps above the general floor level gives a formal touch, while a sitting area recessed a step or two below gives an informal touch. For example, for an intimate look, an idea may be to have a recessed conversation area complete with a fire pit or a water feature.
The transition between levels presents opportunities as well. Large, flat, and shallow steps can also be used for people to sit during occasions such as ceremonies. For accessibility and simplicity, install low-gradient ramps with planters on the sides.
Amp up the effect with material modifications. A concrete patio can change to a wooden deck, then to rocks or tiles for the garden path. These changes provide tactility and help you navigate between different areas in your home.
Transform your backyard into a relaxing oasis with these five outdoor lounge ideas. Start with comfortable seating, like weather-resistant sofas and hammocks, to create inviting relaxation spots. Incorporate decorative paving to define different areas, adding both style and functionality to your outdoor space.
Add Shade and Shelter
Providing shade and shelter makes your outdoor lounge comfortable to use at any time and in different weather conditions. This not only protects from hot sun and sudden rain but also adds architectural beauty.
Pergolas serve well, offering structures to hold climbing plants like wisteria or grapes. Their leaves provide natural, flowering shade above.
A pavilion or covered porch works well for a more robust shelter. Thoughtful shade and shelter upgrades let you enjoy your backyard lounge from morning through evening, come sun or passing showers. Covered structures and greenery overhead also dress up the space attractively.
Incorporate Water and Fire Features
Nothing livens up an outdoor space like the soothing sounds and mesmerizing movement of water or flames. These natural features engage the senses and create a captivating focus.
Water elements range from simple self-contained fountains to more complex ponds or waterfalls. The trickling sound provides a peaceful ambiance and can mask unwanted nearby noise. Water attracts birds and helpful bugs, filling your yard with life.
On the other hand, fire elements supply warmth and something to gather around on cooler nights. A built-in fireplace becomes a stunning architectural addition. Or a portable firepit offers flexibility. A modern gas fire table or sleek bioethanol fireplace provides other options, too.
Elemental features like water and fire engage the senses and create calmness. They become magical centerpieces for any outdoor lounge area.
Set the Mood with Lighting and Accessories
As night falls, thoughtful lighting transforms your outdoor lounge from a day retreat to a magical escape. For safety, begin with practical lights like path, step, and task lights near cooking spots.
Then, include more ambient and decorative lights. Overhead string lights lend a festive bistro feel. Table and hanging lanterns supply romantic softness. Smart lights controlled by phones offer high-tech adjustment of color and brightness, too.
Remember accessories that bring personality and comfort. Rugs define seating while feeling plush underfoot. Throw pillows and blankets elevate the coziness level. Plants—in pots, hanging or climbing walls—soften hard lines and tie your space to nature, day or night.
With these lighting and accessory touches, you craft an enchanting outdoor lounge experience after dark and during daylight hours. Creativity transforms function into a wonderland.
Closure
Adding comfort to your outdoor area is similar to placing furniture outside your compound in the backyard. It is a process of designing a place to live, work, or play in an environmentally sensitive manner that has aesthetic appeal and serves your purpose.
Applying these five ideas makes it easy to make your backyard look like a paradise you would want to be in every time. From enjoying a cup of morning coffee with the flow of the water in the background to dining in the evening under the branches of a pergola or gazing at the stars sitting by the fire, your new outdoor lounge space will soon turn into the most popular room in the house.
Pertsev sought bail to allow him to prepare for his appeal to the verdict in May which found him guilty of money laundering.
Alexey Pertsev, the co-founder and developer behind Tornado Cash, was denied bail by a Dutch court on Friday, according to DLNews.
Pertsev’s lawyers were seeking bail to allow the Russian to prepare for his appeals process but the court said “that continuing his detention does not obstruct his possibility to prepare his defense,” Keith Cheng, Pertsev’s lawyers said according to the report.
Pertsev was found guilty of money laundering by a Dutch judge at s-Hertogenbosch court in May and handed 64 month prison time by the court. The verdict sent shock waves within the community leaving several outraged. The case has been described as the most pivotal legal case in crypto.
Last month, Pertsev was denied digital facilities like a computer despite an 18 point presentation by Cheng to reflect that the case revolves around technical aspects of DeFi. Pertsev is a crucial source of knowledge for the kind of preparation that “cannot be done by a lawyer,” Cheng told DLNews.
Ameen Soleimani, Pertsev’s friend who has started JusticeDao to help coordinate the legal defense in the Tornado Cash cases, wrote on X that “even if his appeal attempt is accepted, he will have to sit in prison for the next year or so while his defense lawyers prepare for the appeal hearing.”
