Hanoi opens Hang Dau booth for tourists for the first time

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From November 17 to December 31, 2023, the interior space of the Hang Dau Water Tower booth will undergo renovation and organization for public visits.

This activity is part of the framework of the Hanoi Creative Design Festival 2023, organized by the Department of Culture and Sports of the city, in collaboration with the Vietnam Architects Association and many other organizing units.

The Hang Dau Water Tower (commonly known as the Hang Dau booth) is located at the intersection of several streets: Hang Than, Hang Luoc, Hang Giay, Hang Dau, Quan Thanh, and Phan Dinh Phung (Ba Dinh district, Hanoi).

Built in 1894, the structure is one of Hanoi’s ancient architectural works constructed by the French to provide clean water for their soldiers and citizens during the French colonial period in Hanoi, along with the construction of the Yen Phu Water Plant.

After many years of dormancy, the Hang Dau booth has been renovated and curated by architects and experts, showcasing the Water Arrangement Space and the Heritage of the Hang Dau Water Tower.

The exhibition space inside the booth includes a sound arrangement system that reproduces the sounds of water in nature and a lighting arrangement system with images highlighting the urban impact on the natural environment. Through this, the authors aim to convey to the public the role of water in life and the connection between humans and nature. It is also an opportunity for visitors to explore the beauty within this architectural structure.

Perspective design inside Hang Dau booth. Photo: BTC

In addition to the Hang Dau booth, other tourist destinations in Hanoi such as the Long Bien Bridge, Gia Lam Railway Factory, Hanoi Station, Long Bien Station, etc., will also be experimented by architects and designers to become architectural art exhibition spaces for visitors. This sets the stage for turning heritage sites into creative spaces in the near future.

@Vietnamnet

7,500 cruise passengers soon to visit Vietnam

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From November 10 to 26, Saigontourist Travel Company has been continuously receiving and serving three international cruise ships from Celebrity Cruises in Vietnam.

Among them, the Celebrity Solstice cruise ship followed a 5-day itinerary to Ba Ria-Vung Tau – Nha Trang – Hue – Ha Long from November 10 to 14 and then returned with a route from Ha Long – Hue – Ba Ria-Vung Tau from November 18 to 22.

Vietnam is stepping up to attract international cruise passengers

Specifically, the Celebrity Solstice brought 2,700 passengers of American, Canadian, British nationalities, etc., to Vietnam for a 5-day journey across Vietnam to Phu My Port, Ba Ria-Vung Tau (on November 10), Nha Trang (November 11), Hue (November 12), and Ha Long (November 13). Immediately after, in the next voyage to Vietnam, the Celebrity Solstice continued to bring 2,700 passengers of American, Canadian, British nationalities, etc., to Ha Long (November 18), Hue (November 20), and Phu My Port, Ba Ria-Vung Tau (November 22).

At the end of November, the Celebrity Millennium cruise ship, arriving at the port in Hue on November 26, will bring 2,100 passengers of American, Canadian, British, Australian nationalities, etc., to explore the Central region in one day.

Saigontourist Travel Company representatives stated that with extensive experience in serving large groups of international cruise passengers, they have diversified attractive and rich tour itineraries at destinations, enabling passengers on the Celebrity Solstice and Celebrity Millennium cruise ships to experience the history, culture, people, and unique cuisine in all three regions of the country.

Not only providing travel services for leading cruise lines worldwide, but also in November, Saigontourist Travel Company continuously provided shipping agency services for ships belonging to Silversea Cruises and Crystal Cruises to Vietnam: Silver Muse (October 27 – November 2), Silver Whisper (November 13 – 21), and Crystal Symphony (November 26 – 27).

In addition to bringing international cruise ships to Vietnam, this company also takes Vietnamese tourists on foreign tour itineraries and experiences premium services on the world’s leading 5-star cruise ships. Currently, attractive itineraries to explore Asia, Europe during the Christmas – New Year 2024 season, and the upcoming Tet holiday are receiving considerable attention and choice from many travelers.

@Thanhnien.vn

Vietnam sees many Australian kangaroos in the wild

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A rare sight of three Australian kangaroos roaming in the wild in Vietnam was reported by local authorities.

The animals were found and captured by forest rangers in Duc Long commune, Thach An district, and are now awaiting transfer to a rescue center.

According to Mr. Hoang Van Khanh, Chairman of Duc Long commune, the first kangaroo was spotted and caught on the night of November 8. The following day, two more kangaroos were seen near the inter-commune road, hiding in the bushes.

It took about 10 people and some nets to surround and capture the three kangaroos, which weighed around 8-10 kg each and appeared healthy.

The Thach An District Forest Ranger Department is preparing the paperwork to send them to the rescue center.

This type of Australian kangaroos is imported by many Vietnamese people as pets

Kangaroos are four marsupials from the family Macropodidae (macropods, meaning “large foot”). In common use the term is used to describe the largest species from this family, the red kangaroo, as well as the antilopine kangaroo, eastern grey kangaroo, and western grey kangaroo.

Kangaroos are indigenous to Australia and New Guinea. The Australian government estimates that 42.8 million kangaroos lived within the commercial harvest areas of Australia in 2019, down from 53.2 million in 2013

Ethereum Fees Briefly Jumped to $100 After BlackRock’s ETH ETF Filing

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Fees spiked to as high as 270 gwei late on Thursday, the data shows, temporarily touching a level last seen in June 2022.

Heightened demand for block space on the Ethereum network has made transactional activity significantly more expensive for ether (ETH) users in the past 24 hours, data from Dune Analytics show.

Fees, as measured by median gas prices, spiked to as high as 270 gwei late on Thursday, temporarily touching a level last seen in June 2022. That pushed up costs of trading swaps to anywhere from $60 to $100 for a few hours. Gwei is a small unit of ether (ETH) equal to one-billionth of an ETH and is used to denominate gas prices. Gas refers to the fees Ethereum users pay to ensure their transactions are included in the earliest block by network validators.

As of writing, gas fees, used to pay for any activity on Ethereum, were 33 gwei, the highest since May. Ether transfers between wallets cost an average of $30 as of Asian morning hours on Friday.

The surge in fees came as investors discovered financial behemoth BlackRock had filed for an exchange-traded fund (ETF) that holds ether (ETH), months after its bitcoin ETF filing. This likely buoyed investor sentiment – as prices jumped as much as 10% to cross the $2,000 mark.

Ethereum validators are incentivized to include transactions that pay the highest fees instead of a first-come-first-serve basis – meaning fees on popular tokens can often run to thousands of dollars.

Nansen data suggests that on-chain activity has remained tepid relative to a more bullish period in 2022 – indicating retail audiences have been largely absent from on-chain trading.

“There is no inclination of on-chain activity increasing alongside it in terms of DAUs and newly funded addresses entering the Ethereum ecosystem,” Nansen analyst Jake Kennis shared in a Thursday message.

“This suggests that on-chain activity may be lagging price action here or that we are not seeing the on-chain follow-through that is normally seen with this type of increased market activity as of yet,” Kennis added.

UBS Group’s Wealthy Clients Can Now Trade Some Crypto ETFs in Hong Kong: Bloomberg

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The news comes a day after HSBC, one of the world’s largest banks, said it plans to start a digital-assets custody service for institutional clients.

Swiss bank UBS’ wealthy clients can now take exposure to three crypto exchange-traded funds (ETFs) through the lender’s Hong Kong platform, according to a Bloomberg report citing a person familiar with the matter.

The three crypto ETFs, Samsung Bitcoin Futures Active, CSOP Bitcoin Futures and CSOP Ether Futures ETFs, are all authorized by Hong Kong’s securities regulator, the Securities and Futures Commission (SFC). Together, the three products boast assets worth around $72 million.

Significantly, the news comes a day after HSBC, one of the world’s largest banks, said it plans to start a digital assets custody service for institutional clients.

In the past few days, Hong Kong has moved towards allowing retail investors to buy spot crypto Exchange Traded Funds (ETFs) and primary dealing of tokenization. The move appears to be another step in Hong Kong’s recently accelerated ambitions to become a virtual asset hub. It implemented a new regulatory regime in June, accepting applications for crypto trading platform licenses, and granted the first set in August, allowing exchanges to serve retail customers.

UBS and the SFC did not immediately respond to a CoinDesk request for comment.

Recently, UBS was named as one of six commercial banks working with the Swiss National Bank (SNB) on a wholesale central bank digital currency (CBDC) pilot.

Earlier this year, in March, UBS stepped in to save Credit Suisse after the latter collapsed. Shortly after bitcoin climbed above $28,000.

The Relationship Between Sermorelin and Growth Hormone

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In recent years, many growth hormone-releasing hormone (GHRH) analogs have been created, including Sermorelin. Studies suggest that its purpose was to avoid the unfavorable effects of GHRH while preserving the properties of naturally occurring GHRH. Research on Sermorelin has been conducted to evaluate the release of growth hormone; nevertheless, the peptide is of extra interest due to its purported properties to:

  • Potentially reduce the amount of tissue scarring caused by the heart attack
  • Potentially raise bone mineral density
  • Potentially enhance the functioning of the kidneys
  • Potentially fight the onset of dementia
  • Potentially decrease the frequency of seizures

Sermorelin Peptide and the Heart

In addition to the risk that they may result in death, cardiac attacks can also result in long-term impairment as a consequence of heart failure, irregularities in cardiac conduction (arrhythmias), impaired physical capacity, discomfort, and other symptoms. A lot of these problems are caused by cardiac remodeling, which results from injured myocytes, which are heart muscle cells. In many cases, it not only causes tissue scarring at the region of injury after a heart attack, but it also spreads to the healthy tissues around the damaged area. Prevention helps to improve results both immediately after a heart attack and years down the road. Cardiac remodeling leads to long-term complications, and prevention helps to improve outcomes. Research conducted in 2016 on pigs suggested that the presentation of Sermorelin appears to help minimize the remodeling after a heart attack. As suggested by the findings of the study, Sermorelin:

  • May reduce the amount of cell death that occurs in cardiomyocytes
  • May increase the formation of components of the extracellular matrix that are essential for proper wound healing
  • May stimulate new blood vessel growth in areas of damaged tissue
  • May suppress the formation of chemicals that promote inflammation

Additionally, it has been investigated for the possibility of assisting with diastolic function, reducing the size of scars, and increasing the formation of capillaries. The researchers’ findings purport that “Therapy with GHRH agonists appears to lower the inflammatory responses post-MI and may improve mechanisms of healing and cardiac remodeling by regulating pathways involved in fibrosis, apoptosis, and cardiac repair.” It is being investigated as a potential agent for various cardiac conditions, including heart failure and valve abnormalities.

Sermorelin Peptide and Epilepsy

Gamma-aminobutyric acid, often known as GABA, is a signaling molecule in the central nervous system. Its main function is to lower the amount of electrical action in the spinal cord and the electrical excitability of the CNS. Most anticonvulsant substances accomplish one of two goals: either boost GABA concentrations in the central nervous system or bind to GABA to simulate its effects. Researchers have used an epileptic mouse model to investigate the potential of Sermorelin on seizure activity by giving the substance to the animals and observing what happened. Analogs of GHRH were suggested to activate GABA receptors, inhibiting seizure activity. 

Sermorelin Peptide and Growth Hormone

Studies suggest that Sermorelin is a growth hormone-releasing hormone derivative initially designed to potentially mediate GH’s good effects without causing its adverse effects. Research suggests this was accomplished by blocking GH’s ability to convert to its harmful forms. Because the peptide seems to be controlled by physiological feedback systems that avoid the harmful effects of GH, Sermorelin has been examined for its potential to enhance GH levels in research models rather than directly using the hormone itself. 

Researchers studying Sermorelin have hypothesized that the peptide does not undergo tachyphylaxis, the process by which the organism grows used to a substance quantity and needs a greater quantity to obtain the intended effects. Tachyphylaxis is speculated to be a factor in other peptides but not Sermorelin.  

The findings of many studies suggest the organsim may exhibit what seems to be a singular reaction to the presentation of Sermorelin over an extended period. The researchers hypothesized: “that the short time course of resensitization following acute octreotide withdrawal is representative of an effect(s) on receptor function or the receptor signal transduction cascade at sites further downstream, rather than an immune-mediated phenomenon.” 

The organism seems to increase the synthesis of GHRH receptors rather than downregulating them as expected. Because of this action, the development of tachyphylaxis may be avoided, and the proposed impact of the Sermorelin may be maintained even without an increase in its quantity. 

Sermorelin Peptide and Sleep

Orexin is a potent neurochemical released by a select group of neurons in the brain. It has been suggested to control the various stages of sleep. Thanks to the release of growth hormones, the maximum amount of development and mending occurs during sleep. Research suggests that a functioning GHRH axis is necessary for the generation and function of orexin. In addition, increasing the amount of Sermorelin or other GHRH agonists has been hypothesized to boost the amount of secreted orexin. Sermorelin for sale is being researched in the context of sleep disorders.

References

[i] Bagno LL, Kanashiro-Takeuchi RM, Suncion VY, et al. Growth hormone-releasing hormone agonists reduce myocardial infarct scar in swine with subacute ischemic cardiomyopathy. J Am Heart Assoc. 2015;4(4):e001464. Published 2015 Mar 31. doi:10.1161/JAHA.114.001464.

[ii] Kanashiro-Takeuchi RM, Szalontay L, Schally AV, et al. New therapeutic approach to heart failure due to myocardial infarction based on targeting growth hormone-releasing hormone receptor. Oncotarget. 2015;6(12):9728-9739. doi:10.18632/oncotarget.3303.

[iii] Tang S, Luo Z, Qiu X, et al. Interactions between GHRH and GABAARs in the brains of patients with epilepsy and in animal models of epilepsy. Sci Rep. 2017;7(1):18110. Published 2017 Dec 22. doi:10.1038/s41598-017-18416-5.

[iv] Shepherd BS, Johnson JK, Silverstein JT, et al. Endocrine and orexigenic actions of growth hormone secretagogues in rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss). Comp Biochem Physiol A Mol Integr Physiol. 2007;146(3):390-399. doi:10.1016/j.cbpa.2006.11.004.

[v] Walker RF. Sermorelin: a better approach to management of adult-onset growth hormone insufficiency?. Clin Interv Aging. 2006;1(4):307-308. doi:10.2147/ciia.2006.1.4.307.

Apple’s major supplier plans to invest an additional $330 million in Vietnam

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Luxshare, a major supplier of Apple products, plans to invest an additional $330 million in its factories in northern Vietnam, creating thousands of jobs and boosting the local economy.

According to a statement from the authorities of Bac Giang province in northern Vietnam, Luxshare Precision Industry Co, a supplier of Apple, has received approval to invest an extra $330 million in its local plant, bringing the total investment to $504 million, the Reuters reported.

The statement, dated Wednesday, said that the new facility of Luxshare-ICT, a subsidiary of Luxshare in Vietnam, will cover an area of 29.1 hectares (72 acres) and will manufacture cables for smart devices, communications equipment, touch pens, smart positioning tags and smartwatches.

The construction of the facility is expected to take 12 to 24 months, the statement added.

Related: Here’s how to set-up a factory in Vietnam as foreign investors

Luxshare, a China-based company and one of the main producers of Apple’s AirPods, began investing in Vietnam in 2019.

Its increased investment in the country reflects the trend of other manufacturers who are looking to diversify their production bases beyond China.

Earlier this year, Foxconn, another supplier of Apple, established a new factory in central Vietnam and boosted its investment in the country by $250 million to make electric vehicles and telecom parts.

Luxshare did not reply to a request for comment immediately.

Grab Accelerates into Profitability After a Decade: A Game-Changing Triumph for the Ride-Hailing Giant

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After more than 10 years of unwavering commitment, Grab has hit a significant milestone by turning a profit for the first time. The ride-hailing and food delivery titan, Grab Holdings Ltd., celebrated its breakthrough as it posted impressive adjusted earnings, marking a triumphant journey since its inception a decade ago.

In a spectacular financial turnaround, Grab’s quarterly loss narrowed to $99 million from $342 million, showcasing a strategic reduction in various expenses. Anthony Tan, the Co-founder and CEO of Grab, emphasized the company’s dedication to enhancing market efficiency, providing more affordable services for users, and empowering millions of daily driver-partners.

GRAB STOCKS SOAR AS PROFITS SURGE

Photo: Dan Tri Newspaper

Investors cheered as Grab’s shares surged by 6.3% in New York trading on November 9, the largest daily increase since August 23. The positive momentum followed Grab’s announcement of adjusted earnings surpassing expectations at $29 million for the quarter to September.

Despite fierce competition and past challenges, Grab’s relentless expansion across Southeast Asia has paid off. The company’s revenue rose by an impressive 61% to $615 million in the quarter, albeit at a slower pace due to changing consumer spending habits in the face of inflation and rising interest rates.

STRATEGIC FOCUS AND NEXT GOALS

@ techbike.vn

Facing competitive pressures from rivals like Sea and GoTo, Grab is eyeing positive free cash flow as a next milestone, targeted for accomplishment by the end of 2024. Chief Financial Officer Peter Oey outlined the company’s commitment to reaching pre-pandemic levels in its mobile business by year-end.

Additionally, Grab adjusted its full-year loss forecast to a more optimistic range of $20 million to $25 million, showcasing resilience in the face of economic challenges. The monthly transacting users on Grab’s platform reached an all-time high of 36 million, reinforcing its position as a key player in the region.

GRAB’S JOURNEY AND STRATEGIC MOVES

While Grab’s shares faced a dip since its public debut, the company’s strategic shifts, including job cuts and innovative service additions, have contributed to a stabilizing stock performance. Grab’s pursuit of acquiring part of Delivery Hero’s operations reflects its commitment to strategic expansion, albeit under regulatory scrutiny.

As Grab navigates challenges, including scrutiny from the Singapore Competition and Consumer Commission regarding the potential acquisition of Trans-cab, the company remains resilient and poised for continued success in the dynamic Southeast Asian market.

How to Ensure the Safety of Foreigners Facing Domestic Violence in Vietnam

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In Vietnam, the protection of foreigners experiencing domestic violence is explicitly outlined in Article 12 of Decree 76/2023/ND-CP. The provisions ensure comprehensive support for these individuals, addressing various facets of their well-being.

Let’s find out with Vietnam Insider in the article below.

Firstly, safeguarding foreigners residing in Vietnam amidst domestic violence situations entails providing them with a secure shelter. This safe haven offers not only refuge but also comprehensive care to fulfill their basic life needs, including stable housing, essential amenities such as food and clothing, and the crucial element of privacy.

The second aspect centers on guaranteeing the health and recovery of foreigners who have suffered domestic violence. This involves the provision of professional medical care and treatment, aiming to optimize their well-being. This comprehensive approach encompasses assessing their health condition, identifying and treating injuries, and offering psychological support to aid in their recovery and the rebuilding of their lives.

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The third dimension involves extending legal support and psychological counseling to those undergoing domestic violence. Offering accurate and professional legal guidance ensures that victims understand their rights and can effectively protect themselves. Additionally, psychological counseling equips them with the necessary skills to confidently address violent behaviors and find appropriate solutions.

The fourth dimension is supporting foreigners affected by domestic violence in actively participating in the implementation of protective measures. Granting them the right to invite representatives from their employing agency, organization, or legal representatives to partake in this process ensures that they have a voice and adequate support in identifying and implementing protective measures tailored to their specific circumstances.

Lastly, there is a critical emphasis on monitoring, managing, and supervising the execution of protective measures. This responsibility falls on those with the authority to decide on the implementation of these measures. Rigorous and meticulous monitoring and evaluation of the performance and impact of protective measures are essential to ensure that support and protection for individuals facing domestic violence are delivered effectively and safely.

In conclusion, the regulatory framework in Vietnam, as outlined in Decree 76/2023/ND-CP, demonstrates a comprehensive and systematic approach to safeguarding foreigners experiencing domestic violence. These measures encompass providing physical sanctuary, ensuring health and recovery, extending legal and psychological support, facilitating active participation in protective measures, and meticulous monitoring to guarantee effective and safe assistance.

Foreign tourist rushed to hospital after being bitten by venomous snake in Vietnam’s Phu Quoc Island

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A venomous snake attack on a foreign tourist was averted by a quick-thinking clinic on Phu Quoc Island, a popular destination in southern Vietnam.

The tourist, who did not realize he had been bitten by a white-lipped pit viper, arrived at the S.O.S. Phu Quoc Clinic on Wednesday evening with a fever and breathing difficulties. The clinic staff recognized the signs of snakebite and administered the appropriate treatment, saving his life. The tourist recovered well and was able to leave the clinic after three hours.

He was also given the clinic’s contact information in case of any complications. The incident serves as a reminder for locals and visitors alike to be careful of snakes and other dangerous animals that may lurk in the bushes, especially during the rainy season.

Dr. Doan Thanh Hien, head of S.O.S Phu Quoc Clinic, advised people to wear protective clothing and boots and to avoid areas with dense vegetation.

A number of small boats docked at a wharf on Phu Quoc island in Kien Giang province. (Photo: Pablo Olivares / 500px.com)

Phu Quoc Island, sitting off the coast of Cambodia, is one of the most appealing attractions in Vietnam. It owns endless unspoiled beaches for water activities, romantic sunsets for Instagram feed, uninhabited remoted islands for exploration, and dense tropical forests for adventures.

Beyond the snow-white beaches with ice cream-soft sand, Phu Quoc offers a wide range of luxury resorts, chic restaurants, and comforting spa treatments. Traditional villages, sacred temples and pagodas, and spacious green parks can also please even a perfectly picky travelers.

Out of Autopilot and Into Our Best Life: Booking.com Shares its Seven Predictions for Travel in 2024

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    • Travel isn’t just an escape like in the past years, but a catalyst for experiencing our best lives in the year ahead.
  • 81% of Vietnamese travelers reveal that they feel more alive than ever when they are on vacation 
  • 72% want to be more like their vacation self , which is the best version of themselves, in their day-to-day life back home

HO CHI MINH CITY, 7 NOVEMBER 2023 As 2023 enters its final months and 2024 optimistically appears on the horizon, people around the world have emotionally checked out of the news agenda and events at home in order to take a much-needed  breather. Where in the past years, travel has been a means to escape life, Booking.com latest research shows that travel is life in 2024 with 81% of Vietnamese travelers revealing that they feel more alive than ever when they are on vacation, and 72% wanting to be more like their vacation self in their day-to-day life back home, coz they are the best version of themselves on vacation.  And with AI set to transform 2024, travelers are increasingly plugging into tech to do the grunt work, tuning into their intuition and spark more soul-stirring experiences.

To explore how travel will transport people out of autopilot and into unleashing their best life, Booking.com commissioned research among more than 27,000 travelers across 33 countries and territories, combining it with its insights as a leading digital travel platform to reveal seven predictions for travel in 2024.

  • (Alter) Ego Enthusiasts : Creating alter egos

In 2024, travelers will feel more alive by creating their very own epic alter egos during their holidays, with 37% weaving intricate narratives about their real lives when interacting with fellow travelers. These alter ego enthusiasts love the thrill of embodying a 2.0 version of themselves, and go to great lengths to reimagine their best self, with 78% Vietnamese travelers enjoying the anonymity of travel and the chance to recreate themselves.

They’re excited to reinvent themselves and take on different personas when traveling to feel more alive. 76% of Vietnamese travelers feel they are the best version of themselves on vacation, able to shed inhibitions and embrace new aspects of their personalities, and 56% would even pay to rent a nicer car than they drive at home to live their finest lives with confidence. What’s more, 65% of Vietnamese travelers feel ‘main character energy’ on their travels, with these performers empowered to be the stars of their own life. They might also want to use their travels as an extension of aliases and avatars they already use online

  • Cool-cationers

As global temperatures continue to rise, travelers are seeking cooler destinations to escape the heat. Three out of four Vietnamese travelers report that climate change will impact the way they plan their vacation in 2024, with 75% saying that as temperatures soar close to home, they will use their vacation to cool down elsewhere.

Majority of Vietnamese travelers (82%) agree that being close to water instantly makes them feel more relaxed, and are interested in water-centric vacations in 2024. As people dive headfirst into aquatic escapes, mindful water immersion will quickly become the next mainstream version of meditation, where the wild-swimming craze meets the ice-therapy movement. This fresh form of feel-alive wellness travel will see floating yoga, water sound baths and snow meditation surge, as well as a boom in ice therapy retreats, underwater hotels and mermania, with water no longer the backdrop but the main event. 

  • Surrender Seekers 

Travelers in 2024 are increasingly inclined to embrace spontaneity and adventure. Over half of Vietnamese (62%) are keen to book a surprise trip where everything down to the destination is unknown until arrival. The adventurous traveler of 2024 is wanting to step outside of the homogenized vacation, preferring to venture off the beaten path and seeking to travel with strangers. Nearly 60% of  Vietnamese travelers  would like to have no plans set in stone prior to traveling so they can go where the wind takes them, while 81% of Vietnamese travelers prefer to travel with loose plans so they can change direction based on what feels good at the moment. 

The travel industry is already responding fast with tech-enabled flexible services, giving travelers the option to cancel, change plans, and buy now, pay later at the press of a button. The explosion of AI is going mainstream in 2024: 65% of Vietnamese would trust AI to plan a trip for them in the year ahead. 

  • Culinary Excavators

Food plays an important role in the travel experience with nearly 73% Vietnamese travelers more interested in discovering more about a destination’s ‘must-eat’ delicacies than ever before. Culinary excavators are leaning on gastro-tourism to preserve the true craftsmanship of the traditional dishes and embrace the unique history, geography and produce that makes for one-of-a-kind cuisine that awakens the senses . 

Most Vietnamese travelers (94%) want to try indigenous cuisines and explore heritage flavors in 2024, unlocking the secrets of cultures which may have been lost or forgotten in other parts of the world. Expect an increase in indigenous experiences that take travelers on trails that tell the story behind the food they serve, bringing pride and income to communities around the globe.

  • Reboot Retreaters

When things are falling apart back home amid global instability and an ever-hectic world, disheveled travelers are booking one-track trips that are focused on self-improvement to bring themselves back to the life they truly want again.

For those who are used to sleeping solo, 62% of Vietnamese travelers would carve out time for a matchmaking holiday to find a spark with a new partner or lover. On the flip side, for those increasingly frazzled parents, they are surprisingly seeking solace on completely solo holidays, with the majority of APAC parents (66%) planning to travel alone in 2024, dropping the kids and their partners to prioritize their vitality.

  • A La Carte Affluencers

Travelers in 2024 are looking to optimize their vacations by seeing value and luxury simultaneously. They want to level up their holiday experience with à la carte’ luxuries’ but are keen to cut costs. These à la carte ‘affluencers’ want to appear wealthy, sweeping away the reality of having to make financial

Proposal for additional 3 parking areas to serve visitors to Nguyen Hue Pedestrian Street

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The People’s Committee of District 1 has just issued a letter to the People’s Committee of Ho Chi Minh City regarding a pilot plan for the organization and management of branch roads intersecting with Nguyen Hue Street.

According to this, the People’s Committee of District 1 proposes that the People’s Committee of Ho Chi Minh City approve the pilot plan for organizing motorbike parking areas on a section of the road for three branch roads: Mac Thi Buoi, Ngo Duc Ke, and Hai Trieu.

Nguyen Hue Walking Street is a place where big events often take place, attracting a large number of people and tourists coming to Ho Chi Minh City.

The location of the motorbike parking area will be on a section of the road, at least 2 meters away from the sidewalk to provide space for pedestrians. This is to meet the high demand of citizens when visiting Nguyen Hue pedestrian street during weekends, events, festivals, and holidays.

According to the plan, the motorbike parking areas will be organized on three branch roads: Mac Thi Buoi (from Dong Khoi to Nguyen Hue), Ngo Duc Ke (from Dong Khoi to Nguyen Hue and from Nguyen Hue to Ho Tung Mau), and Hai Trieu (from Nguyen Hue to Ho Tung Mau).

The People’s Committee of District 1 proposes to have motorbike parking on two weekend days and on days with major events (from 6:00 PM to 11:00 PM). The pilot period will run from January 1, 2024, until a decision is made to establish the Center for Park Management and Pedestrian Street in District 1.

The remaining three branch roads will not be organized for parking to ensure fire safety and rescue operations. These roads include Nguyen Thiep (from Dong Khoi to Nguyen Hue), Huynh Thuc Khang (from Nguyen Hue to Ho Tung Mau), and Ton That Thiep (from Nguyen Hue to Ho Tung Mau).

Additionally, the People’s Committee of District 1 also proposes that the People’s Committee of Ho Chi Minh City approves a pilot plan for hotels, restaurants, and food establishments on Nguyen Hue Street to sell soft drinks and fast food on the sidewalk. The pilot period will start from December 15. Currently, there are 4 hotels and 24 food establishments on this street, and allowing this type of business will cater to the needs of customers, especially during the New Year’s holiday in 2024.

Proposed plan of District 1 People’s Committee

According to the “Receiving, Managing, and Exploiting the Central Area” project, Nguyen Hue Street is designated to organize activities based on different zones: In the area of the Ho Chi Minh Statue Park, cultural and political activities will take place, and suitable landscaping will be arranged behind the Ho Chi Minh Statue. The area between the Ho Chi Minh Statue Park and the adjacent Tôn Đức Thắng Street will host festivals, sports activities, art performances, advertising, and entertainment events. In addition, District 1 will build a pedestrian bridge connecting the space between Nguyen Hue Street and Bach Dang Park to enhance the landscape and reduce traffic congestion.

@Thanhnien.vn

The Son Doong expedition tour is fully booked all year 2024

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The Oxalis Company is the only unit that offers the tourism product “Conquering Son Doong – the world’s largest cave.” They recently announced that tickets for the entire year of 2024 have already been sold out and they have started accepting reservations for 2025. Each tour has a limit of 10 guests and 30 waiters, with only 1,000 visitors allowed per year.

Son Doong – the dream destination of adventurous tourists.

Despite the high price of the Son Doong expedition tour, it is always sold out because many people register to participate. This tour is one of the world’s top-class tours and brings in revenue of about 50-65 billion VND each year. For nature lovers who enjoy adventure travel, exploration, and experience, Son Doong Cave is a “dream” destination. Oxalis Company continues to sell Son Doong exploration tours in 2025 to meet the needs of tourists.

Route to Son Doong

The Department of Tourism of Quang Binh province reported that, in recent times, the tourism product “Conquering Son Doong – the world’s largest cave” has attracted many tourists to explore and experience. Other tourism products in Phong Nha – Ke Bang have also gained popularity. With efforts and synchronous implementation of solutions to stimulate tourism demand, Quang Binh’s tourism industry is gradually recovering and showing signs of improvement.

In 2023, Quang Binh aims to welcome 3 – 3.5 million visitors, including 100,000 international visitors. The total revenue from tourists is expected to reach 3,400-3,900 billion VND. In just the first 9 months of 2023, the total number of tourists to the locality has reached more than 3.67 million visitors, which is 2.32 times higher than the same period in 2022. Domestic visitors reached more than 3.57 million visitors, whereas international visitors were estimated at 89,382 passengers.

@dulich.laodong.vn

Apple records record revenue in the Vietnamese market

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Apple has reported record-breaking revenue in the fourth quarter in several markets, including Vietnam.

Apple has just released its business results for the fourth quarter of 2023, with revenue totaling $89.5 billion. In the company’s report, revenue from the iPhone product line increased by 2.7% compared to the same period the previous year. On the contrary, sales of other product lines from the company declined in the fourth quarter, particularly for Mac and iPad.

In the report, CEO Tim Cook stated that Vietnam is one of Apple’s most successful markets, even setting a quarterly revenue record. Specifically, Apple achieved revenue records in India and several other countries, including Brazil, Canada, France, Indonesia, Mexico, the Philippines, Saudi Arabia, Turkey, the United Arab Emirates, and Vietnam.

Apple’s CEO mentioned that the iPhone 15 had significantly better revenue performance compared to the iPhone 14. Additionally, he noted that revenue was still growing despite supply constraints on both the iPhone 15 Pro and 15 Pro Max.

Regarding the Mac, revenue from this product line decreased by 34% compared to the same period the previous year. The Verge suggested that this is the reason Apple introduced the new M3 chip-powered Macs at the Scary Fast event.

Meanwhile, revenue from other Apple product lines, such as the iPad and wearables, decreased in the fourth quarter. Specifically, iPad revenue decreased by 10%, and accessory revenue declined by 3% (including Apple Watch, AirPods, AirTag accessories, HomeKit, etc.). The only segment of Apple’s business unaffected by the decline was its services, which increased by 16% compared to the same period last year.

@Cafef

Standard Chartered, SBI Holdings Establishing $100M Investment Firm Targeting Crypto Startups

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SC Ventures and SBI Holdings’ Digital Asset Joint Venture investment company will be established in UAE and focus on firms in market infrastructure, risk and compliance, DeFi and tokenization

Standard Chartered’s (STAN) venture arm is teaming up with Japanese financial services firm SBI Holdings to form an investment company with $100 million backing to target crypto startups.

SC Ventures and SBI Holdings’ Digital Asset Joint Venture investment company will be established in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and focus on firms in market infrastructure, risk and compliance, decentralized finance (DeFi) and tokenization, according to a Thursday email.

Standard Chartered has pivoted its crypto activities toward the UAE in recent months, choosing Dubai as the jurisdiction in which to start safeguarding digital assets for institutional clients in the first quarter of 2024. The region’s mature regulatory structure relative to other jurisdictions is one of the major factors attracting firms to establish operations there, the company has said.

Zodia Markets, a digital asset marketplace majority owned by Standard Chartered and also backed by SBI Holdings, received in-principle approval to act as a crypto broker-dealer in Abu Dhabi in September.

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