So you want to travel to Vietnam? Well, you are not alone: recently the national tourism department reported a staggering 3.84 million international visitors between January and November 2007. And there is no sign of the enthusiasm abating; the New York Times listed Vietnam as one of 53 places to go in 2008.
Economically, Vietnam continues to enjoy increasing wealth and prosperity. The Asia Development Bank recently approved the construction of a four-lane highway linking Kunming (a city in southern China) with Hanoi. The road to untapped markets on the mainland is being built in an area that saw some of the fiercest fighting in the war of 1979, when China and Vietnam fought for strategic influence in Southeast Asia. Nowadays, the country is far more interested in market development than political jostling. The construction of the highway is expected to significantly cut poverty rates in northern Vietnam.
Hanoi
After setbacks and delays, the InterContinental Hotel (tel. 04/829-3939; www.ichotelsgroup.com) on Hanoi's West Lake finally opened in December 2007. There is still something of a dearth in luxury hotels, however, and the municipal government kicked off the new year by approving three five-star hotel projects, including one from the Marriott group. The Hanoi hotel will be the company's first property in Vietnam. The city also continues to uphold its reputation as an artistic hub with the opening of TADIOTO, 152 Trieu Viet Vuong. Run by Vietnamese-American journalist/writer Nguyen Qui Duc, the store stocks everything from clothing to bed lamps, most of which are locally made, one-of-a-kind pieces. Saigon-based Anupa Horvil is now selling her eponymous leather accessories line at Pacific Place; Anupa, 83B Ly Thuong Kiet St. (www.anupa.net) has a fashionista cult following thanks to exposure in high-end hotels and boutiques in Cambodia, the U.S., and Singapore. Hidden Hanoi (tel. 091/225-4045; www.hiddenhanoi.com.vn), a cultural center popular for its cooking classes, has recently moved to 137 Nghi Tam Rd.
Central Vietnam
Heading to central Hoi An, an Australian expat has opened Jenny's Bamboo Restaurant & Bar (tel. 0510/911-160), a cozy restaurant serving Western and Vietnamese fare. In nearby Danang, the soft opening for a new golf course on China Beach is slated for early 2008. The 18-hole Montgomerie Links (www.colinmontgomerie.com) is designed by golf celebrity Colin Montgomerie.
South-Central Vietnam
The Life Resorts group made a name for itself in Hoi An and Quy Nhon, and the group is currently building in Sapa, Halong Bay, and Ninh Binh. Now the resort group is expanding its reach to Phan Thiet, where they have taken over management of Blue Ocean Resort (tel. 062/847-322; www.blueoceanresort.com). The resort is now branded as "under management by Life Resorts" and recently reopened after months of major renovations. Meanwhile, Princess D'Annam Resort & Spa (tel. 062/682-222; www.princessannam.com) in nearby Binh Thuan province promises to open by spring 2008. The resort's opening has been delayed for over a year; hopefully it will be worth the wait and the price - rack rates start at $405.
Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon)
In Ho Chi Minh City, the country's economic metropolis, Gucci (tel. 08/827-6688; www.gucci.com) recently contributed a flagship store to the luxury ghetto on Dong Khoi Street. If high-end retail isn't your thing, head to Nguyen Trai Street, which is making waves in the shopping community for its bevy of stores stocked with local and international goodies. Local designs can be found at Le Nguyen Fashion (no. 109), Giovani (no. 101-103) and Le Samedi (no. 21). Meanwhile, Australian designer Simmone Fairhead, the woman behind popular Hanoi boutique Things of Substance, has launched her international brand Contraband in Ho Chi Minh's Parkson Department Store (tel. 08/827-7636; www.parkson.com.my). For nightlife, hip new venues have opened on Ton That Thiep Street. M52 Bar (no. 52) serves strong cocktails in a lively atmosphere: a drum holds pride of place on the bar, and bartenders or patrons pound out a beat to get attention. Nearby Cranberry Cafe & Bar (no. 45) is a posh new place with comfy red couches and a cranberry-vodka special.
Probably the most intriguing travel news coming out of Southern Vietnam is the buzz over the new Ho Chi Minh Golf Trail (www.hochiminhgolftrail.com). History buffs will note the reference to the Ho Chi Minh Trail, a critical supply route for the Viet Cong during their battle against American troops. This themed vacation takes golfers to no less than 7 golf trails. Along the way, participants learn about Vietnam's history and culture amidst the country's tropical background. Trips are organized through Exotissimo Travel (tel. 08/825-1723; www.exotissimo.com).
The Life Resorts group is making a move in Vung Tau, the original expatriate's playground (the region was the resort scene in the late 19th century), and an easy side trip from Ho Chi Minh City. Ho Tram Beach Resort and Spa (tel. 064/781-525; www.hotramresort.com) will not receive a major cosmetic overhaul, but the resort will be upping its service standards and rebranding itself as "under management by Life Resorts."
The Mekong Delta
Up market seems to be the trend in this part of the country, so if you want to get away from it all, head to Phu Quoc Island, which is still relatively unknown. While there, pay a visit to newly opened Buddy Ice Cream and Info Cafe (tel. 077/994-181). The New Zealand ice cream, smoothies, and juices will help cool you off in those tropical temperatures. Owner Rohan Barker has been frequenting the island for over a decade and can provide some valuable info on up-to-date island activities.
Cambodia
For those who are traveling on to Cambodia, long-standing Butterflies Garden Restaurant (tel. 063/761-211; www.butterfliesofangkor.com) in Siem Reap has a new owner. Susan, who hails from the San Francisco bay area, has spruced the place up, adding a gift shop and expanding the Western and Khmer menu. For those in need of high-end pampering, Amansara Resort (tel. 063/760-333; www.amanresorts.com) has recently built a Khmer Village House. The traditional wooden structure, located 15 minutes away from the main resort, offers dining and spa experiences. Those in need of a posh watering hole should head to newly opened Arts Lounge (tel. 063/966-000; www.hoteldelapaixangkor.com), the swank bar at Hotel de la Paix. Less swank but boasting plenty of flair is Island Bar (www.angkornightmarket.com), an open concept Tiki bar/food court made completely of bamboo. It is located in Siem Reap's night market.
In Phnom Penh, a new tour company called Khmer Architecture Tours, (www.ka-tours.org) offers cyclo tours of the city's post-modern (1950s and onwards) architecture, some of which are under threat due to city planning decisions. Tour prices range from $5-$10. For evening haunts, the hip new place is Q Bar (tel. 092/541-821), a multi-story bar featuring a minimalist white interior, with a huge bed and long chairs for lounging. For some quiet time, head to Rubies (tel. 012/823-962; www.rubieswinebar.com), a charming, wood-paneled wine bar. Rubies has recently changed owners and is a favorite of local expats.
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