Hoi An is the world’s safest solo travel destination

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Hoi An Ancient Town (Quang Nam, Vietnam) tops the list of the safest solo travel destinations in the world, according to Smoky Mountains.

Hoi An has a crime rate of 6.25 and ranks first in the list of safest solo travel destinations in the world. Photo: @benrich.

Accordingly, Hoi An (Vietnam) has a crime rate of 6.25, much lower than Lima (Peru), which has the highest crime rate at 84.51.

“You don’t have to worry about pickpocketing, assault, kidnapping, or harm during your trip. Hoi An is one of those destinations,” emphasized Smoky Mountains.

Additionally, Hoi An is also considered one of the cheapest travel destinations in Asia with an average cost for a tourist below 800 USD per month.

Kyoto (Japan) is the next safe destination with a crime rate of 9.84. When compared to Hoi An, Smoky Mountains suggests that Kyoto is more likely to be attacked, while Hoi An is more prone to theft.

Another safe destination is Santa Barbara (USA), also on the list of the safest places in the world with a crime rate of 12.24. The issue of homelessness in Santa Barbara is also significantly less compared to its neighboring city of San Francisco. Munich (Germany) has a crime rate of 15.71. This location is also considered one of the friendliest tourist destinations in Europe.

Other destinations named on the list include Ljubljana (Slovenia), Madeira (Portugal), Queenstown (New Zealand), Naples (USA), Reykjavik (Iceland), and Prague (Czech Republic).

@Znews

Hindustan Times suggests top destinations in Central Vietnam

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The Hindustan Times travel website from India suggests travelers explore the top iconic destinations across Central Vietnam, from the ancient town of Hoi An, the My Son heritage site to the modern coastal city of Quy Nhon.

Hoi An is renowned as a melting pot of cultures where merchants from China, India, Persia, Japan, and Europe once converged to trade spices, silk, jewelry, and other goods in the past.

Centuries have passed, yet Hoi An still retains much of its old charm. Its ancient architecture has attracted tourists and inspired UNESCO to recognize it as a World Heritage Site in 1999, the Indian media outlet writes.

My Son relic site is a destination in the Central region that tourists should not miss when visiting. Photo: Best Price

The My Son sanctuary is another must-visit destination in Central Vietnam.

While Hoi An used to be the commercial hub of the Cham people, their religious center was My Son, a sacred site located 45 km away from Hoi An.

From the 4th to the 13th century, they constructed a series of Hindu temples, later introduced to the royalty by Indian traders. Over time, many of their artworks were lost due to natural disasters and historical changes, the article reports.

Hindustan Times also regards Quy Nhon as the most enticing destination in Central Vietnam, with its stunning coastline being a magnet for tourists.

The article also suggests travelers enjoy the captivating train journey from Hoi An to Quy Nhon. The travel website concludes that this magnificent railway adventure connects history with nature throughout the journey.

@Vietnamnet

Binance Blocked by Philippines Securities Watchdog

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The Philippines Securities and Exchange Commission warned in November that the company was operating in the country without the necessary licenses.

The Philippines Securities and Exchange Commission is blocking local access to the world’s largest crypto exchange, Binance, the regulator said in a notice published Monday.

The regulator filed a formal request with the national telecommunications agency on March 12 to help in “blocking the website and other web pages used by Binance, which was found to have offered an investment and trading platform without the necessary license.”

The move to block the site follows a warning from November 2023.

“The SEC has identified the aforementioned platform and concluded that the public’s continued access to these websites/apps poses a threat to the security of the funds of investing Filipinos,” SEC Chairperson Emilio B. Aquino said in the letter addressed to the telecommunications agency.

The regulator also criticized the platform for running promotional campaigns via social media to attract investors in the country without the regulatory approval to do so.

Ninh Thuan to open pedestrian street and night market

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The Ninh Thuan government aims to open a pedestrian street with 7 areas in Phan Rang – Thap Cham City to create space and promote tourism development.

On March 23rd, the People’s Committee of Ninh Thuan province announced that the locality had approved a pilot project for a pedestrian street in the center of Phan Rang – Thap Cham City. This project is expected to promote and introduce the distinctive traditional cultural features of the local people to tourists when visiting and staying in the area.

The province requires over 51 billion VND, of which the budget capital is over 26 billion VND, and the remainder is from socialization capital. The location for organizing the pedestrian street in Phan Rang – Thap Cham City, with themes including Ninh Thuan’s identity, cultural convergence, leading to the future, solidarity for development, enhancing daytime activities, mass sports, and tourism night markets.

Night market in Phan Rang – Thap Cham city, where a walking street is expected to open. Photo: Thanh Tinh.

For the pedestrian street in Phan Rang – Thap Cham City, there will be the route of the Bau Truc pottery heritage, located in the northwest center of the April 16 Park, extending to the Ninh Thuan tourism night market. Here, there will be exhibition booths displaying OCOP products, local specialties, handicrafts, pottery, and weaving products.

The pedestrian street will feature ethnic artistic activities, street culture, such as Cham culture, Raglai culture, Bai Choi (a traditional game), don ca tai tu (southern amateur music), performances with stone musical instruments, Chapi lute, Ghi-nang drum, Paranung drum, Saranai trumpet…

It is planned that the pedestrian street will be put into operation on April 16, coinciding with the Liberation Day of Ninh Thuan. The pedestrian street will operate from 6:00 PM to 11:00 PM on Fridays, Saturdays, holidays, Tet, as well as major political events of the locality and the country.

@Vietnamnet

Nigeria Charges Binance, Detained Executives With Tax Evasion: Reports

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One of two senior Binance executives in government custody has escaped, local media reported over the weekend.

Binance, the world’s largest crypto exchange, was charged with tax evasion by Nigerian authorities as a weekslong standoff between the two parties intensified, local media outlets reported Monday, citing a statement from the country’s tax watchdog.

The charges, which also name two Binance executives detained by the government, were announced by the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) and filed at the Federal High Court in Abuja, one outlet reported. The exchange is being charged with four counts of tax evasion, including “non-payment of Value-Added Tax (VAT), Company Income Tax, failure to tax returns, and complicity in aiding customers to evade taxes through its platform.”

News of the charges follows weeks of scrutiny and criticism of the crypto exchange by the Nigerian government, which went so far as to invite and then detain two Binance executives. The government says the platform processed billions of dollars worth of suspected criminal funds and set an exchange rate for the local currency, the naira.

Meanwhile, one of the two executives held by the government, Nadeem Anjarwalla, has escaped, Premium Times reported over the weekend, citing people familiar with the matter.

Bitcoin, Ether in the Green as Global Easing Cycle Begins

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Over $100 million in bitcoin and ether shorts have been liquidated over the past 24 hours.

The crypto market began the Asia trading day in the green, as traders cheered BlackRock’s foray into asset tokenisation and the beginning of the global central bank easing cycle.

Bitcoin (BTC), the world’s largest digital asset, traded at $67,300, up 4.9% on a 24-hour basis and ether traded 4.7% higher above $3,400. The CoinDesk 20 (CD20), a measure of the most liquid cryptocurrencies, was up around 5% at press time.

Bradley Park, an analyst at CryptoQuant, attributes the gains to the market digesting BlackRock’s fund targeting tokenized products on Ethereum called BUIDL.

Shorts that bet against bitcoin and ether are seeing significant losses. Data source CoinGlass shows that over $100 million in leveraged futures positions have been liquidated in the last 24 hours, with around $60 million in short BTC positions and $42.8 million in short ether positions.

Meanwhile, BTC may be up as selling pressure from the Grayscale Bitcoin Trust (GBTC) has slowed. Analysts point to Genesis’ sale of shares as a reason for the uptick in GBTC outflow.

Macro factors continue to align bullishly. Last week, the Swiss National Bank (SNB) unexpectedly cut the benchmark interest rate, kicking off a global easing cycle. The Central Bank of Mexico also cut rates, and the Federal Reserve, the European Central Bank, and the Bank of England laid the groundwork for the so-called liquidity easing in the coming months.

“Even though a market correction seems long due, the medium term looks pretty upbeat for equities, residential real estate, gold, bitcoin, etc., if this is the case. From this angle, it is unsurprising that #equities and #gold already made fresh all-time highs,” founder and manager of the Blokland Smart Multi-Asset Fund, said on X, explaining the onset of the global easing cycle.

Make London Travel Easy: Hire Luxury Chauffeur Service

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Make London Travel Easy: Hire Luxury Chauffeur Service

Traveling through the bustling streets of London can be a daunting task. Whether you are a resident or a tourist, navigating the metropolis’s busy roads, finding parking, and handling the strain of public transport can take the satisfaction out of your adventure. Hiring a pricey chauffeur service is a wonderful approach to the demanding situations, presenting a continuing and stress-loose way to adventure in London. Imagine sitting another time, excited, and gambling the enjoying at the same time as a professional chauffeur handles everything for you. In this newsletter, we’ll discover the motives why a luxury chauffeur provider is the notable desire for making your London tour smooth, comfortable, and interesting.

1. The Challenges of Traveling in London

Traffic and Navigation

London is a colorful, speedy-paced city, however with that power comes massive challenges, particularly on the subject of web website site visitors. The roads are often congested, and the complex format of the town has to make navigation a nightmare, in particular for the ones abnormal with the vicinity. Even locals can find themselves stuck in traffic or taking incorrect turns. This is in which a chauffeur provider near me turns into precious. An expert chauffeur, with a fantastic understanding of London’s roads, guarantees that you reap your vacation spot successfully and without the pressure of navigating via site visitors.

Parking Issues

Finding parking in full-size London is every other sizeable project. The city’s confined parking areas are regularly high priced and difficult to come back through, particularly in famous areas. Circling spherically, looking for a gap, and then walking lengthy distances for your destination can turn a smooth day ride into a tribulation. Hiring a chauffeur gets rid of this trouble totally. You’ll be dropped off properly at your tour spot’s doorstep, and your chauffeur will deal with the parking, ensuring you don’t waste time or electricity on this frequently frustrating project.

Public Transport Stress

London’s public shipping device, on the same time as first-rate, may be overwhelming, particularly finally of peak hours. Crowded trains, delays, and the complexity of navigating the underground machine can result in stress and discomfort. For those amazed by the metropolis, figuring out the correct routes can be tough and time-consuming. By opting for a luxury chauffeur provider, you can avoid the chaos of public transport. You’ll excursion in a personal, snug vehicle, gambling a peaceful journey from beginning to complete.

2. Why Choose a Luxury Chauffeur Service?

Comfort and Convenience

One of the primary reasons to choose a pricey chauffeur company is the unequaled consolation and comfort it offers. Imagine being chauffeured in an excessive-give-up automobile, prepared with pricey services that make your adventure as terrific as possible. Whether you’re journeying for business organization, attending an occasion, or truely exploring the town, a luxurious chauffeur service guarantees which you acquire this in style and comfort. The spacious interiors, climate manage, and highly-priced seating create a serene environment wherein you can loosen up, paintings, or maybe take a snooze as you’re transported in your vacation spot.

Professionalism

The professionalism of a highly-priced chauffeur is some different key advantage. Unlike everyday drivers, professional chauffeurs are skilled to provide the nice degree of company. They are punctual, well-dressed, and committed to making sure that your tour enjoy is notable. They aren’t actually drivers; they will be specialists in customer service, anticipating your dreams and making sure that every component of your adventure is dealt with with care and precision. Their exceptional expertise of London’s roads method that they may be capable of navigate through visitors and find out the fastest routes, making sure you arrive on time, every time.

Time-Saving

Time is one of the maximum precious belongings, and a chauffeur issuer london permits you keep it. Instead of disturbing approximately site visitors, navigation, or parking, you could hobby on what’s critical to you. Whether you need to put together for a meeting, make calls, or in reality revel in some downtime, your chauffeur seems after the using, allowing you to make the most of it sluggish. This door-to-door provider is in particular useful for busy experts who want to maximise every minute of their day.

three. Key Features of Our Luxury Chauffeur Service

Fleet of High-End Vehicles

At Blueberry Chauffeur, we pleasure ourselves on presenting a fleet of excessive-give up automobiles that cater to your every want. Whether you’re searching out a sleek sedan for a car for commercial enterprise organization meeting, a spacious SUV for a family trip, or a luxury limousine for a completely unique event, we’ve the proper automobile for you.

Our chauffeurs are the epitome of professionalism. They aren’t simplest professional drivers however moreover professional in customer service, making sure that your needs are met at each step of your adventure. With years of experience on London’s roads, our chauffeurs apprehend the city just like the again in their hand. They can navigate through traffic, avoid delays, and discover the awesome routes to make certain you obtain your destination on time. Whether you need an airport transfer issuer or a wedding ceremony car hire close to me, our chauffeurs are devoted to presenting a continuing and pressure-free revel in.

Tailored Services

At Blueberry Chauffeur, we recognize that each client is precise, and so are their wishes. That’s why we provide tailored services to meet your precise necessities. Whether you want a chauffeur for a few hours, a whole day, or maybe longer, we’re able to customize our offerings to fit your time desk. We furthermore offer specialized services for occasions, organization conferences, and excursions of London, making sure that your revel in is perfectly suited in your wishes. Our flexible method approach that you may experience a customized enterprise that caters for your every need, making your London tour simply outstanding.

4. Benefits of Hiring a Luxury Chauffeur Service in London

Stress-Free Travel

One of the most large blessings of hiring a costly chauffeur company is the strain-unfastened tour it offers. Imagine never having to worry about web site visitors, parking, or public transport another time. Instead, you could sit down lower returned and loosen up, information that each trouble of your journey is being dealt with thru way of a professional. This stress-unfastened revel in lets in you to experience some time in London, whether or now not you’re right here for industrial company or delight. With a luxury chauffeur company, you could popularity on what subjects most to you, whether or now not or no longer it’s making prepared for a assembly, taking component inside the city’s points of interest, or in fact unwinding after an extended day.

Enhanced Experience

A high-priced chauffeur service london doesn’t surely make travel simpler; it complements the whole enjoy. From the instant you step into taken into consideration one in each of our excessive-surrender motors, you’ll experience the difference. The plush seating, clean experience, and hobby to detail make every adventure a pleasure. Whether you’re heading to a industrial organisation meeting, a very particular occasion, or truly exploring the metropolis, a luxurious chauffeur carrier turns an ordinary revel in into an great experience. It’s not quite a good buy getting from factor A to issue B; it’s about gambling the journey each step of the manner.

Safety and Reliability

Safety is a pinnacle precedence at Blueberry Chauffeur. Our automobiles are equipped with the present day safety capabilities, and our chauffeurs are knowledgeable to make sure your safety constantly. From defensive the usage of strategies to everyday car maintenance, we take every precaution to ensure that your journey is stable and regular. Reliability is also key. When you hire a chauffeur from Blueberry Chauffeur, you may believe that they’ll arrive on time, whenever. Whether you want an airport switch organisation or a chauffeur hire london for a completely unique occasion, you can anticipate us to offer a dependable and punctual service.

5. How to Book Your Luxury Chauffeur Service

Simple Booking Process

Booking a luxurious chauffeur provider with Blueberry Chauffeur is easy and clean. You can ebook on-line via our character-first-class internet website, in which you’ll discover all of the statistics you want to make an informed desire. Simply pick out out out your vehicle, choose your selected date and time, and provide us together in conjunction with your information. If you decide on, you may moreover e-book over the smartphone, in which our fantastic customer service team can be glad that will help you.

Flexible Options

We provide diverse bendy reserving alternatives to fit your needs. Whether you need a chauffeur for a few hours, a complete day, or longer, we are capable of accommodating some time table. We moreover provide bespoke offerings for precise events, which include weddings, company conferences, and excursions of London. Whatever your needs, we’re right right here to offer a tailor-made organization that suits your necessities.

Customer Support

Our willpower to customer support doesn’t stop when you’ve made your reservation. Our customer service organization is available that will help you with any questions or unique requests you may have. Whether you want to make adjustments in your booking, request a particular vehicle, or inquire about more offerings, we’re right here to help.

6. Testimonials and Success Stories

Client Experiences

At Blueberry Chauffeur, we’re satisfied with the awesome comments we get keep of from our customers. Many of our clients cross back to us over and over due to the high-quality careers they accumulate. Whether it’s a corporation government that desires reliable transportation or a couple searching out a marriage ceremony car hire close to me, our clients constantly reward the professionalism, punctuality, and comfort of our services.

Real-Life Scenarios

Let’s percent some achievement testimonies. One of our customers, a hectic government, needed a chauffeur company close to me for several important meetings throughout London. Thanks to our professional chauffeurs and luxury cars, he was able to attend every assembly on time, truly organized and strain-loose.

7. Conclusion

Recap

Traveling in London doesn’t have to be traumatic or time-eating. With a highly-priced chauffeur company, you can experience comfortable, on-hand, and stress-free enjoyment. From averting web page visitors and parking hassles to gambling the professionalism of an educated chauffeur, the blessings are easy.

Call-to-Action

Make your London tour clean by manner of booking a high-priced chauffeur issuer these days. Whether you need an adventure to the airport, an automobile for a commercial enterprise meeting, or a completely unique occasion, Blueberry Chauffeur is here to provide you with the very last excursion experience.

Final Thought

Choosing a luxury chauffeur enterprise in London is not just about transportation; it’s about enhancing your entire adventure. Trust Blueberry Chauffeur to offer you the consolation, fashion, and reliability you deserve. Book in recent times and revel in the difference.

Bitcoin Remains Overbought Despite Recent Correction, JPMorgan Says

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The pace of net inflows into spot bitcoin ETFs has slowed considerably, with a significant outflow recorded in the past week, the report said.

Cryptocurrency markets suffered a sharp correction in the past week with the price of bitcoin (BTC) falling by over 15% before rebounding after the Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC) meeting on Wednesday. The sell-off may not be over as positioning still looks overbought, JPMorgan (JPM) said in a research report Thursday.

“There remains considerable optimism in the market over the prospect for prices rising significantly by year-end, with a significant component of that optimism arising from a view that bitcoin demand via spot exchange-traded funds (ETFs) would continue at the same pace even as the supply of bitcoin diminishes after the halving event,” analysts led by Nikolaos Panigirtzoglou wrote.

The quadrennial reward halving is when miners’ rewards are cut in half. The next halving is expected in mid-April.

However, the bank notes that the pace of net inflows into spot bitcoin ETFs has slowed considerably, with a significant outflow recorded in the past week.

“This challenges the notion that the spot bitcoin ETF flow picture is going to be characterized as a sustained one-way net inflow,” the authors wrote.

“In fact, as we approach the halving event this profit-taking is more likely to continue, particularly against a positioning backdrop that still looks overbought despite the past week’s correction,” the report said.

Frax Finance Targets $100B Value Locked in Singularity Roadmap

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Frax’s singularity roadmap has set a target of $100 billion in TVL for its layer 2 Fraxtal.

Decentralized finance (DeFi) protocol Frax Finance released a singularity road map on Friday to boost the total dollar value of crypto assets locked in its layer 2 blockchain Fraxtal to $100 billion by the end of 2026.

As of the time of writing, the so-called total value locked (TVL) in Fraxtal was $13.2 million, according to data tracked by DefiLama.

The road map proposed launching 23 layer 3s within a year and new assets like frxNEAR, frxTIA and frxMETIS. The existing assets, FRAX, sFRAX, frxETH, and the new ones will be issued on Fraxtal going forward, the proposal floated by founder Sam Kazemian and other contributors added.

Layer 3 protocols provide decentralized applications with a highly customizable and interoperable network built on top of layer 2 scaling solutions.

Kazemian also called for reviving a mechanism to share the protocol revenue with stakers of its native tokens.

“We propose that the protocol fee switch be turned back on, with 50% of the yield flowing to veFXS and the other 50% used to buy FXS and other Frax assets to pair in the FXS Liquidity Engine (FLE),” the proposal said. “FLE will allow Frax to continue building its balance sheet while significantly increasing the liquidity of FXS and its paired Frax assets.”

FXS is the governance and utility token of the Frax ecosystem. FXS holders who lock their tokens receive veFXS, which can be staked on the Ethereum mainnet and Fraxtal.

Besides, the plan details how new tokenomics will fully collateralize Frax’s stablecoin FRAX, one of the top 10 dollar-pegged cryptocurrencies in the world, and boost yields on staked FRAX (sFRAX).

FXS changed hands at $1.35 at press time, representing a 2% gain on a 24-hour basis. The cryptocurrency has declined 14% this year, underperforming the CoinDesk 20 Index, which has rallied 41%.

Bitcoin Tests $66K as Analysts Expect More Volatility Before Calm

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The market might take a breather this weekend, says Singapore’s QCP Capital.

Bitcoin (BTC) tested $66,000 during the Asian trading hours on Friday, as market observers expect the leading cryptocurrency to face more volatility ahead.

“Bitcoin remains volatile with the drawdown of 10% we saw this week, with the recent catalyst being driven by spot bitcoin ETF outflows from GBTC of about 300mm on March 20,” Semir Gabeljic, Director of Capital Formation at Pythagoras Investments, said in an email interview.

“The drawdown still remains in line with the expected range of 10-20% as we’ve seen historically that happens right before the BTC halving event. More volatility is expected to come going into the BTC halving,” he continued.

Meanwhile, the CoinDesk 20 (CD20), a measure of the world’s most liquid digital assets, is down 0.5%.

CoinDesk’s Digitization Index (DTZ), which measures the performance of digitization protocols like Ethereum Name Service (ENS), was the best-performing index during Asia trading hours, up 2.7%.

In a note sent out Friday morning Asia time, Singapore-based QCP Capital wrote that the market is consolidating with bitcoin and ether trading in a “relatively tight range” and that the market “might take a break this weekend” after last weekend’s pre-FOMC volatility.

The trading house also noted that the Grayscale Bitcoin Trust (GBTC) continued to see steep outflows, with $358.8 million leaving the fund. QCP expects a fourth consecutive day of BTC spot exchange-traded fund net outflows.

Regarding ether (ETH), QCP says that the market is starting to price out the chances of a spot ether ETF being approved anytime soon.

“The Grayscale ETH discount has widened from -8% to -20% over the past two weeks,” QCP noted.

Prediction markets also reflect this. On Polymarket, a contract asking if an Ethereum ETF will be approved by May 31 is currently trading with a 21% probability that this will be the case.

The Ethereum Foundation is currently being investigated by a state authority, which Fortune says is the Securities and Exchange Commission. The question remains whether the SEC considers ether a security, and the Commission hasn’t been responsive to FOIA requests for key documents that would shed insight into its views on the issue.

Blockchain bettors on Polymarket also believe that the second quarter is when ether will hit its all-time high, but a sizable portion of traders also think there will be no all-time highs in 2024.

Ether is currently trading above $3500, up 1.2%, according to CoinDesk Indices data.

Want to Track the Speculative Frenzy in Bitcoin Market, Here’s How

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Speculative frenzy characterised by irrational exuberance and greed is an infamous sign of an impending market top.

Speculative frenzy, or periods of intense speculation characterized by irrational exuberance and greed, is an infamous sign of an impending market top.

However, tracking signs of speculative frenzy in the bitcoin (BTC) market requires access to and understanding of sophisticated indicators like perpetual funding rates and social trends. But there is another surprisingly more straightforward way: tracking the spread or difference between prices for next-month and front-month futures contracts trading on major exchanges like the Chicago Mercantile Exchange and Deribit.

The “front-month contract” has an expiration date closest to the current date. The contract expiring in two months is called the next-month contract.

The futures term structure is usually upward sloping, as contracts with a more extended expiry time trade at a premium to short-duration ones. That said, when the spread becomes too large, it’s a good indicator of speculative sentiment, according to Griffin Ardern, head of options trading and research at crypto financial platform BloFin.

“Usually, when the spread between the next months and the front months is large, investors’ speculation sentiment is high, and they are willing to pay higher costs to hold long positions,” Ardern told CoinDesk. “You can find clues into Deribit’s term structure.”

The same applies to CME’s standard futures contracts, sized at 5 BTC and considered a proxy for institutional activity.

The spread between the CME-listed next- and front-month contracts widened beyond $1,000 in late February 2021 and mid-October 2021, signaling speculative frenzy and presaging bull market peaks by a few weeks. In other words, the wider spread was a sign the bull market was in its final stages.

We saw a similar spike above $1,000 early this month, indicating caution to bitcoin bulls. As the saying goes, once is an accident, twice is a coincidence, and three times is a pattern.

Bitcoin changed hands at $$67,290 at press time, up 10% from lows under $61,000 reached Wednesday, according to CoinDesk data. The cryptocurrency hit a record high of $73,798 on March 14.

The Best of ‘Made in Vietnam’ products for Sourcing

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As the global business landscape continues to evolve, entrepreneurs and established businesses alike are on a constant quest for high-quality, unique, and handcrafted products to set their offerings apart from the competition. In recent years, the focus has shifted towards Southeast Asia, with Vietnam emerging as a vibrant hub for manufacturing needs.

Known for its dynamic economy and skilled labor force, Vietnam has become an essential destination for sourcing a wide array of products. This is particularly true as companies increasingly adopt a “China +1” strategy to diversify their manufacturing and supply chain risks.

>> Related article : How do I find the best sourcing agents in Vietnam?

Why Vietnam?

Vietnam has become a strong player in manufacturing, and it’s not by chance. People praise its high-quality products and creative offerings, especially in areas like textiles, furniture, home decor, and eco-friendly items.

Vietnam’s craftsmanship and flexible production methods position it well to meet the needs of a global market seeking sustainable and ethical manufacturing solutions.

The Hottest Products to Source from Vietnam in 2024

Textiles and Garments: Vietnam is a go-to for international and traditional brands, including giants like Nike, Adidas, and Muji. The country’s textile industry is celebrated for its quality, craftsmanship, and capacity to meet global fashion market demands. In 2024, sustainable materials and ethical manufacturing practices are set to drive the industry forward.
Furniture: Ranking among the top exporters of indoor wooden products, Vietnamese furniture manufacturers are capturing the evolving needs of modern customers with a blend of aesthetic appeal, functionality, and simplicity.
Home Decor: The flourishing home decor industry in Vietnam offers businesses an opportunity to diversify their collections with high-quality, handwoven textiles, ceramic ware, and lacquer arts that tell a unique story.
Eco-Friendly Products: As global demands shift towards sustainability, Vietnamese manufacturers lead the way in producing eco-friendly alternatives to single-use plastics, such as bamboo kitchenware and lepironia grass straws.
Craftsmanship-Driven Products: Vietnam’s artisans are known for their high-quality design goods, including hand-crafted jewelry and detailed embroidery, providing businesses with products that have unique selling points.

Navigating the Sourcing Process in Vietnam

To capitalize on Vietnam’s manufacturing potential, businesses can employ several strategies:

- Online Platforms: Websites like Alibaba and Global Sources are excellent starting points to locate Vietnamese manufacturers.
- Trade Shows: Attending trade shows in Ho Chi Minh City and across Asia can help businesses connect with leading manufacturers.
- Local Agencies: Partnering with a local sourcing agency, like MovetoAsia, can bridge the gap between business needs and Vietnam’s manufacturing capabilities, offering end-to-end support from supplier identification to quality control and logistics.

Example of a sourcing agency in HCM-City Vietnam

Direct Outreach: Engaging directly with manufacturers through cold emails and factory tours can yield fruitful partnerships, especially for businesses looking to establish a more hands-on relationship with their suppliers.

Challenges and Opportunities

While sourcing from Vietnam presents numerous opportunities, businesses may face challenges such as language barriers, lack of responsiveness from manufacturers, and finding diversity in product categories. However, these challenges are counterbalanced by the advantages of working in a less established market filled with creative artisans and competitive pricing.

>> Related article : How do I find the best Vietnam buying offices for SMEs?

As we move into 2024, the potential for growth and differentiation through Vietnamese manufacturing is immense. By understanding how to navigate the sourcing process and leveraging the unique advantages Vietnam offers, businesses can achieve remarkable success in the competitive landscape

If you’re interested in discovering the hidden gems of Vietnam’s manufacturing industry, download ‘The Ultimate Guide for Sourcing in Vietnam‘. Understand the ins and outs of manufacturing in Vietnam, how to effectively engage with local suppliers and tips to master Vietnam sourcing.

Get ready to be inspired by the uniqueness and quality of MADE IN VIETNAM products!

Bar employees seized for robbing foreigner in Vietnam’s HCMC

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A group of bar employees resorted to coercion in order to unlawfully obtain money from foreign patrons.

In a concerning incident at Vixens Bar located in District 1 of Ho Chi Minh City, a group of staff members utilized force to assert control over a patron’s finances after he objected to an exorbitant charge for water.

The Police Department of District 1 has taken legal action against the suspects involved, temporarily detaining Nguyen Dai Tuan Anh (25 years old, from Dak Lak), Tran Quang Trai (27 years old, residing in District 4), and Pham Thanh Dat (25 years old, from Dak Lak, also an employee of Vixens Bar) on charges of robbery.

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According to the investigation findings, on the early morning of December 24, 2023, Mr. A.E.R. (an American national) visited Vixens Bar located at 96 Pasteur, Ben Nghe Ward, District 1 for drinks. Upon arrival, Mr. A.E.R. engaged with waiter Ngo Ke Duy (19 years old, transgender woman) for conversation.

As Mr. A.E.R. sat at his table, several employees, including Nguyen Thi Hong Nhung (waitress) and Nguyen Thi Van Anh (shop manager), joined them. The customer ordered a glass of Bombay wine priced at 175,000 VND and tendered 500,000 VND from his wallet to settle the bill.

Subsequently, Van Anh collected the payment from the customer and passed it to Tran Quang Trai (bartender). Trai then handed the money to Nguyen Dai Tuan Anh (bartender and cashier) who, in turn, processed the transaction.

However, Dat, another bartender and cashier, added a cocktail priced at 250,000 VND to the bill, totaling 425,000 VND. The excess amount was returned to the customer, amounting to 75,000 VND.

Meanwhile, Duy and Nhung continued conversing with Mr. A.E.R. and persuaded him to order additional drinks, including water. Although the customer declined, Nhung proceeded to bring two cocktails, along with more water, to the table without consent.

Upon seeing three glasses of water, the patron declined further and requested the bill. Nhung prepared a preliminary invoice, which Dat was tasked with finalizing.

The invoice reflected a charge of 1.6 million VND for seven assorted drinks. When the customer contested the bill and attempted to leave, Trai and Tuan Anh obstructed his exit while Nhung, Duy, Van Anh, and Dat pursued him.

Reportedly, Phap, Trai, and Tuan Anh resorted to physical force, compelling the customer to lie down on the ground. They restrained him while he placed 2 million VND on the table and fled.

Following the incident, the victim reported the ordeal to the Ben Nghe Ward Police on January 9. Subsequently, District 1 police initiated an investigation, scrutinizing security footage and summoning relevant individuals for questioning.

Based on the gathered evidence, law enforcement concluded that the staff’s actions constituted robbery. The District 1 police are currently conducting further inquiries to ascertain the involvement and roles of additional accomplices for appropriate legal action.

Furthermore, the authorities urge anyone who has fallen victim to similar acts of robbery at Vixens Bar to promptly contact District 1 Police at No. 73 Yersin, Cau Ong Lanh Ward, District 1, for assistance.

Son Doong ranked 6th in top 10 most beautiful caves worldwide

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Son Doong cave (Quang Binh, Vietnam) is ranked 6th among the 10 most beautiful caves in the world, according to the British travel magazine Time Out.

Son Doong is one of three representatives from Asia to make it onto the list of the world’s 10 most beautiful caves, alongside China’s Sạy Cave and Laos’ Pak Ou Cave.

Topping the list is Mammoth Cave from the United States, currently holding the title of the longest cave system in the world, with a total length of about 676 km. Following closely are Škocjan Cave in Slovenia and Waitomo Cave in New Zealand.

Son Doong Cave tour is said to be the most expensive in Vietnam with a cost of about 70 million VND. Photo: Son Doong Cave

Discovered in 1990, Son Doong is the world’s largest natural cave by volume, reaching up to 38.5 million cubic meters.

Located within the Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park and recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Son Doong has been open to tourists since 2013.

The cave is 9 km long, up to 200 meters high, and 160 meters wide. Its stalagmite and stalactite system includes places reaching up to 70 meters in height.

Foreign media has described Son Doong Cave as so spacious that a Boeing 747 could fly through it without touching the walls.

Despite its challenging terrain, tours to Son Doong Cave are highly popular among international tourists. Oxalis, the sole company offering tours to Son Doong Cave, announced that all tours for the year 2024 are fully booked.

The Son Doong Cave tour is considered the most expensive in Vietnam, costing around 70 million Vietnamese dong (3,000 USD) per person for a six-day, five-night adventure.

@Vietnamnet

Thai Airlines increases flights and reduces ticket prices during water festival

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Thai airlines are making efforts to capitalize on the surge in tourism demand during the long holiday season.

Songkran is the biggest holiday in Thailand. Photo: Bangkok Post.

Thai Airways has announced that it will add more round-trip flights between Bangkok and Phuket/Chiang Mai from April 12 to 16, except on April 14. The additional flights will depart from Suvarnabhumi Airport.

In fact, Thai Airways is not the only airline striving to meet the surge in tourism demand during the long holiday season.

Thai Air Asia has also announced additional daily flights from Don Mueang to Chiang Mai and back on April 11 and April 15-16. The budget airline will add an extra flight from Don Mueang to Phuket on April 12, 15, and 16, and a round-trip flight to Khon Kaen on April 15 and 16.

Meanwhile, Nok Air will add an extra flight on the Chiang Mai route on April 11 and 12, and a flight to Phuket on April 11-12 and April 15-16. Return flights are scheduled for the following day.

Thai Lion Air will also add an extra flight on the Don Mueang-Krabi and Don Mueang-Ubon Ratchathani routes on April 11, 12, and 16, while Thai VietJet is offering a 20% discount on all domestic flights.

Thai Transport Minister Suriya Juengrungreangkit had previously publicly called on airlines to reduce ticket prices on domestic flights, especially during the Songkran festival.

Airlines have pledged to lower prices or add more seats during the holiday period to alleviate customer concerns.

Earlier, Sarun Benjanirat, Deputy Director of the Civil Aviation Authority of Thailand (CAAT), announced that the agency had received confirmation from six airlines regarding flight schedules and requests for operating 38 additional flights during the Songkran festival. This brings the total number of additional special flights to 104, with 17,874 seats available during the country’s most important festival of the year.

The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) has stated that this year’s Songkran festival is expected to generate 24.4 billion baht (700 million USD) over the course of 5 days, attracting over 500,000 foreign tourists and nearly 4.3 million domestic trips.

@Znews