Thursday 7 November 2024

What's On in the Theatre Royal Sydney

SIX THE MUSICAL

Now playing until 28 December
BOOK SIX THE MUSICAL TICKETS

BLUEY'S BIG PLAY

2 - 18 January
BOOK BLUEY TICKETS

HADESTOWN

From 10 February
BOOK HADESTOWN TICKETS

AND THEN THERE WERE NONE

From 3 May
BOOK TICKETS

CATS

From June
LEARN MORE

GIFT VOUCHERS
Perfect for Christmas
LEARN MORE

Theatre Royal Sydney, 108 King Street, Sydney, NSW, 2000

Discover the Anara Binh Tien Golf Club

Located in the heart of the tourism triangle between Da Lat, Nha Trang, and Phan Thiet, Anara Binh Tien Golf Club is an extraordinary seaside golf destination. 

Just 40 minutes from Cam Ranh International Airport, 1 hour and 10 minutes from Nha Trang City, 50 minutes from Phan Rang, and 2 hours and 30 minutes from Da Lat, the club offers easy access for travelers. 

This stunning 18-hole course is Vietnam’s first to feature holes along a pristine coastline, blending natural beauty with a challenging layout. 

Premium services include a modern clubhouse, dining options, and dedicated caddy support, ensuring an unparalleled experience for every golfer.

Connect with us at sm@itsvietnam.com for further assistance.

INDOCHINA TRAVEL SERVICES CO., LTD.
Address: Suite 1705, Artex Building 172 Ngoc Khanh St., Ba Dinh Dist.,
Ha Noi, Viet Nam 10000
Tel: +84 (0)24 6251 4052 | Hotline: +84 (0)9 3663 1705
Website: www.itsvietnam.com | Email: info@itsvietnam.com

Full-body beats & vibes at MUUUSE: Music Museum in Toranomon Hills

MUUUSE, a whole new kind of experiential museum, bathes you head-to-toe in music. Catch it from now to 27 Dec at TOKYO NODE in Toranomon Hills Station Tower. Transcending boundaries of art, technology and entertainment, the hub of cutting-edge culture called TOKYO NODE now teams up with Tokyo’s popular FM radio station J-WAVE to create this immersive music experience.

MUUUSE: MUSIC MUSEUM is
*1 A new type of music experience museum where you can immerse yourself in music
*2 TOKYO NODE, an information hub that transcends the boundaries of art, technology, and entertainment, and J-WAVE, a radio station that creates the scenery of Tokyo with voice and music, have teamed up to provide an immersive music experience with the performances of top creators and cutting-edge productions, ranging from classical to pop and music composed by AI.

The name "MUUUSE: MUSIC MUSEUM" was inspired by the Greek muses, goddesses of art and science, which are the origin of the words music and museum, and expresses our intention to aim for a new experience by fusing music and art.

MUUUSE: MUSIC MUSEUM is a music experience museum where you can immerse yourself in music through exhibitions using music and video provided by artists. (The artists will not be present at the venue.)

"MUUUSE: MUSIC MUSEUM" is a project that consists of three exhibition halls, each with the theme of the muse, the goddess of art. Experience the sounds of the natural world that have existed since ancient times, be immersed in sounds that change with the times, and imagine the future of music that is yet to be seen. The logo and visuals incorporate the experience of music as art expressed by cutting-edge technology. The three U's and the era and environment that surround them. Please come and experience it at the venue.

MUUUSE: MUSIC MUSEUM

~ Touch the sound, hear the light. Your body will reflect. 
When: Friday, November 1, 2024 - Friday, December 27, 2024
Business hours10:00 - 20:00 (last entrance 19:30)*Opening and closing times may vary on event days, private days, etc.
Venue: TOKYO NODE GALLERY A/B/C2-6-2 Toranomon, Minato-ku, TokyoToranomon Hills Station Tower 45F

Visit website

Wednesday 6 November 2024

Dak Lak promotes community tourism

On October 18, Dak Lak province recognized Tong Ju village
 in Ea Kao commune, Buon Ma Thuot city, as a community
 tourism village. (Photo: H Xiu/VOV)
Tong Ju village in Buon Ma Thuot city, Dak Lak province, has been recognized as a community tourism village. Officially designated last Friday, Tong Ju is the fourth village in Buon Ma Thuot to join the local community tourism network—a destination that offers a cultural experience unlike any other.

Just 12km southeast of Buon Ma Thuot city, Tong Ju is home to 470 households of predominantly Ede people, who have preserved their traditional long houses, water wells, and beautifully crafted Ede handicrafts for generations.

The village’s brocade weaving cooperative, established in 2003, continues to flourish with 45 skilled artisans creating intricate designs that tell stories of their heritage. Two years ago, 18 local families banded together to offer visitors a glimpse into the rich Ede culture by making musical instruments, brewing rice wine, sampling local cuisine, and listening to live performances of Ede music.

Ms. H Yam Buon Krong, a resident of Tong Ju village said “We’re very happy that Tong Ju village was recognized as a community tourism village by the provincial Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism. We’re delighted to welcome visitors to Tong Ju. This recognition means more opportunities to share our culture with friends from all over, and we look forward to introducing our rich Ede traditions."

People in the village are active and creative, creating many new and unique handicraft products to introduce to tourists (Photo: H Xiu/VOV)

Dak Lak has established seven community tourism villages, which attract one million visitors a year, including international travelers. The province is calling for investment to make tourism a key economic sector by 2030, building on its rich cultural heritage.

Nguyen Thi Phuong Hieu, Deputy Director of the Department of Culture, Sports, and Tourism, said: "Dak Lak considers its culture a strength for boosting tourism and creating an unforgettable experience for visitors. We’re enhancing connections with neighboring regions so tourists can fully immerse themselves in the rich culture of the Central Highlands."

In addition to expanding its community tourism, Dak Lak is preserving the traditional values of its ethnic minorities.

Supported by this initiative, the province has revitalized craft villages, restored rituals, established clubs of brocade weaving, gong performances, and xoang dance, and organized classes to teach epics and local cultural traditions.

These efforts have promoted Dak Lak’s cultural heritage and encouraged local communities to engage in tourism by showcasing their traditions.
Source: VOV World - vovworld.vn
Tags: Dak Lak, community tourism, Tong Ju village,

Lufthansa celebrates 40th anniversary of flights to Korea

Lufthansa German Airlines celebrates its 40th anniversary of flights from South Korea to Germany and is offering four weeks of special fares to major European cities, including Frankfurt, where it has operated for the last 40 years. The offers are also bookable for those who depart from 8 cities in Korea with Lufthansa Rail & Air.

Lufthansa, as one of the longest-serving European airlines in Korea, has been flying between Seoul and Frankfurt without suspension for four decades. In addition to a Frankfurt service, it also connects Korea with Europe and beyond every day together with a sister Lufthansa Seoul-Munich flight. In addition, this year, as a part of Lufthansa Group, Swiss International Air Lines has added a new service on the Seoul-Zurich route, providing even more convenient connections for Korean travelers.

Over the past 40 years, this European airline was the first to introduce and operate the latest and largest aircraft, including the A380, B747-8 and A350, on its Korean routes. Furthermore, Lufthansa also offers a wide range of customized services for Korean customers through localized services such as Korean cabin crew, Korean infights meals and Korean entertainment programs. In addition, Lufthansa has been at the forefront of providing convenience for Korean travelers by introducing various digital services to the Korean market, including the first onboard internet service in Korea and the Lufthansa App, which was recently awarded as the airline's best app in the world.

In addition, Lufthansa recently launched Lufthansa Rail & Air, offering travelers the option to connect Seoul with Europe by combining KTX trains and Lufthansa international flights in eight cities in Korea, including Busan. Moreover, as the first and exclusive foreign airlines in Korea, the airline opened a Lufthansa check-in counter at Seoul Station City Airport Terminal earlier this year, to provide convenience for passengers traveling by train as well as those traveling from Seoul to Incheon International Airport.

According to General Manager Korea of Lufthansa Group Airlines, Leandro Tonidandel:
“As we celebrate this 40-year milestone in Korea, we are grateful for the trust and loyalty of our Korean customers and partners. From expanding our routes from/to Korea to pioneering sustainable travel solutions, we’ve grown together with Korea’s dynamic spirit. Together, we’re not just shaping the future of travel, but doing so with purpose and a shared vision for global impact. Here’s to the next 40 years of growth, partnership, and innovation and Lufthansa, as a premium airline, keeps striving to provide more global yet localized services for the Korean market.

TAT and Visa sign MOU to elevate Thai tourism with financial innovation

The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) and visa, a global leader in digital payments, have announced a new memorandum of understanding (MOU) titled “Reshaping Thailand’s Tourism with Innovation and Advanced Data Analytics,”, aimed at enhancing Thailand’s appeal as a premier destination for international tourists during the Thailand Grand Tourism Year 2025.

Building on a longstanding 20-year partnership, this latest collaboration seeks to elevate the tourism experience by leveraging financial innovation, creating a seamless travel experience for visitors while fostering sustainable growth for local businesses.

TAT Governor, Ms. Thapanee Kiatphaibool, said “TAT is committed to advancing our tourism marketing efforts through a 360-degree partnership approach, integrating all sectors both domestically and internationally. This MOU with Visa represents a collaborative effort to enhance tourism through financial innovation, enabling visitors to travel and manage their financial transactions seamlessly.”

By utilising Visa’s data analytics, TAT aims to develop targeted tourism campaigns and significantly expand digital payment acceptance points, ensuring that tourists enjoy greater convenience in their spending. TAT is confident that this collaboration with Visa will play a crucial role in boosting tourism capacity and increasing spending among international visitors, particularly from 23 key markets, which account for over 80 percent of total foreign arrivals and revenue.

Country Manager for Visa Thailand, Punnamas Vichitkulwongsa, said “We are excited to deepen our valued partnership with TAT, leveraging our global expertise in payments innovation and data analytics. As global travel surges, international visitors increasingly demand a seamless, cashless payment experience akin to those in their home countries. This collaboration not only bolsters local businesses but also unlocks new opportunities for tourism stakeholders and drives sustainable economic growth for Thailand.

Key areas of focus for the TAT-Visa partnership

The MOU establishes a collaborative framework focused on four main initiatives:
  • Strategic Marketing Programs: TAT and Visa will collaborate on implementing the “Five Musts” programme, which includes Must Taste, Must Try, Must Buy, Must Seek, and Must See. This programme will showcase Thailand’s top restaurants, attractions, and unique experiences to enhance tourist engagement and satisfaction.
  • Visa Expansion and STAR Project: The partnership aims to expand Visa’s acceptance in key provinces to improve the tourism infrastructure. This initiative will offer tourists a convenient and secure payment experience, fostering local business support and community development.
  • Collaborative Communication and Campaigns: TAT and Visa will join forces to boost awareness and attract global tourists through co-promoted campaigns.
  • Data Analytics and Consulting: Visa’s data analytics capabilities will play a crucial role in shaping tourism campaigns such as the Winter Sale, Summer Sale, and Thailand Grand Sale. By analysing spending patterns, both organizations aim to refine marketing strategies and drive tourist engagement throughout the year.

This TAT-Visa partnership underscores shared commitment between both partners to redefining Thailand’s tourism landscape through innovation, enhancing the kingdom’s position as a world-class travel destination.

Win a Double Pass to the Sydney Gin Festival

Here is your chance to win a double pass to the Sydney Gin Festival to be held in the iconic Rosehill Gardens in Parramatta. Your ticket will include a 3hr tasting session between Friday 15 November to Saturday 16 November 2024. If you are gin lovers, are in for a spirited journey!

With over 55 of Australia’s boldest craft distillers and a staggering 220 boutique gins to sip and sample, this festival promises to be a gin-credible extravaganza.

No gin adventure would be complete without the perfect pairing. Quench your thirst with mixers from Long Rays, ensuring your G&Ts are perfectly balanced and refreshing. 

Your prize includes gin tastings, and you’ll leave with a stylish tote bag and a branded tasting glass to remember the day.

Your prize Tasting session tickets include:
  • Long Rays Tonic & soda Water
  • Free branded tasting glass
  • 200+ Gins to taste
  • 50 Distillers to meet
  • Free stylish tote bags
  • 3 Hour tasting session

HOWE TO WIN

To win the Double Pass to The Sydney Gin Festival simply write your funniest travel or holiday story and email it to theholidayandtravelmagazine at hotmail.com by 4pm on Wednesday 13 November. Include your name and contact detail. The funniest story will win the Double Pass!
 
For more information about the festival visit www.ginevents.com.au

The Sydney Gin Festival

When: Friday 15 – Saturday 16 November 2024
Where: Rosehill Gardens, Parramatta
Tickets: 3hr Tasting sessions from $50 | Masterclasses from $110 (includes 3hr tasting session) | Four-ticket bundle for $50 per person (Friday only)
Website: www.ginevents.com.au

Unmissable Canberra events this November

A Very Canberra Comedy Festival Christmas
SpringOUT

When: Friday, November 1st -
Sunday, December 1st
Celebrating inclusivity and diversity, SpringOUT is Canberra's annual pride festival, offering a vibrant program of events including parades, parties, and performances throughout November.

The Forage

When: Saturday, November 9th
Discover a feast of flavours at The Forage, Canberra’s premier street food festival. Showcasing local and regional food vendors, this event invites you to indulge in delicious dishes, enjoy live music, and savour the lively atmosphere.
Find out more

Peking Duk

When: Friday, November 15th
For an unforgettable night out, see Peking Duk live in their hometown! The Aussie chart-toppers are set to play live at The Vault in Dairy Road, kicking off with a rave for under-18s followed by an adults-only event.

The Stromlo Running Festival

When: Saturday, November 16th - Sunday, November 17th
Lace up your running shoes and take part in the 15th annual Stromlo Running Festival. Set against the stunning backdrop of Stromlo Forest Park, this event caters to all fitness levels with distances ranging from short family-friendly runs to challenging long courses.
Find out more

Sunset Cinema

Sunset Cinema
When: Thursday, November 21st - Saturday, February 22nd
Enjoy a magical movie experience under the stars with Sunset Cinema. Set in the picturesque surroundings of the Australian National Botanic Gardens, enjoy a broad selection of films under the stars, from nostalgic rom-coms to action hits and recent blockbusters.

A Very Canberra Comedy Festival Christmas

When: Friday, December 6th
Kick off December with a night of laughter at A Very Canberra Comedy Festival Christmas, featuring a stellar line-up of top-tier comedians guaranteed to have you in stitches!
Find out more

Capital Hotel Group

www.capitalhotelgroup.com.au
Phone: 1800 828 000

6 great mountains to hike in Australia

Love that summiting feeling? Australia might not be home to the world’s highest peaks, but we sure have an incredible variety of mountains worth hiking, from the steamy rainforests of Queensland to the ancient alpine wilderness of Tasmania. Better yet, many of the nation’s top mountain hikes take less than a day to conquer. Here are just six of the spectacular summits to bag across the country and make it back to ground level in time for dinner.

1) Best for bragging rights: Mount Kosciuszko, NSW

Bask in the achievement of scaling the continent’s highest peak as you soak up the vast views from the summit of Mount Kosciuszko (2,228m). From the alpine village of Thredbo, under six hours’ drive southwest from Sydney, the Kosciuszko Express Chairlift whisks you up 560 vertical metres to the start of the stunning walkway to the summit, lined by colourful bursts of wildflowers in spring. Factor on the moderately challenging 13km journey taking four to five hours. For a longer walk, hike up the roof of Australia from the alpine village of Charlotte Pass, a feat that will see you clock 18.6km in around six-to-eight hours. Snowbound in winter, this is a hike best planned between November and April.
Where to stay: YHA Thredbo

Not keen on Koscuiszko? The Blue Mountains are closer to Sydney and feature great hikes for all skill levels.
 

2) Best for alpine drama: Cradle Mountain, TAS

Image: Luke Tscharke
It might not be Tasmania's highest mountain (that’d be Mount Ossa, 1,617m) but Cradle Mountain-Lake St Clair National Park’s eponymous peak is easily the most iconic, surrounded by an epic wilderness of glacial lakes and ancient alpine forest. The 12.8km moderate to challenging day hike to the summit, which sits 1,545m above sea level, takes around eight hours to complete, ascending from the Dove Lake (or Ronny Creek) car park up to the jagged granite spires of the summit. The final scramble can be a bit hairy at the best of times, but no special climbing equipment is required (in summer, at least). Back at the base, retrace your steps to the carpark or follow the loop trail for another set of incredible views. The northern entrance to the national park is two hours from Launceston, or 4.5 hours from Hobart.

Looking for more Tassie peaks to conquer? Check out Southwest National Park, or Hobart's kunanyi/Mount Wellington.
Where to stay: YHA Hobart Central

3) Best for sunrise splendour: Bluff Knoll/Pualaar Miial, WA

Image: Tourism Australia
The crown jewel in Stirling Range National Park, a 4.5-hour drive southwest from Perth, Bluff Knoll is a tough but rewarding climb, popularly summited at sunrise when the misty mountain range surrounding the 1,095m summit takes on ethereal golden glow. The 6.8km summit trail starts at around 500m above sea level, climbing through eucalypt forest, heathlands and rocky outcrops to the dramatic summit with panoramic views across the Stirling Range and, on a clear day, all way to coastal Albany. One of the only places in Western Australia that receives semi-regular snow in the depths of winter, the summit is still known to be bone-chillingly cold during summer, so be sure to pack extra layers and a rain jacket – the weather can change quickly on this climb.

For something completely different but still in Western Australia, consider Mount Bruce/Punurrunha in Karijini National Park.
Where to stay: YHA properties in Western Australia

4) Best for rainforest immersion: Mount Sorrow, QLD

Image: Tourism Australia
If you love a challenge just as much as a tropical rainforest, Tropical North Queensland's Mount Sorrow is your mountain. Climbing from the lowlands of Cape Tribulation, a three-hour drive north of Cairns, up the rainforest-clad ridge of Mount Sorrow, this 7km-return trail immerses you in the World Heritage-listed Daintree National Park for around five seriously sweaty hours. Super steep, usually muddy and criss-crossed by twisted tropical tree roots from top to bottom, it’s a trail best suited to experienced hikers with the right gear (that’d be sturdy hiking shoes, at least three litres of water and protection from insects, stinging plants, rain and sun). But don’t forget to look up, with prehistoric-looking Boyd’s forest dragons known to perch on trees close to the trail. At the top, gaze out across the glittering Coral Sea from a platform at an elevation of 680m, or scramble a little higher up to perch on the rocks right at the top.

Not high enough? Head south to Mount Bartle Frere in Wooroonooran National Park.
Where to stay: YHA Cairns Central

5) Best for an easy excursion from the city: Flinders Peak Walk, VIC

Image: Visit Victoria
Just an hour’s drive southwest of Melbourne, the 3.2km Flinders Peak Walk in the You Yangs Regional Park is one of the most accessible mountain climbs from an Australian state capital. And it’s a beauty, taking you up to the highest point of the You Yangs, a series of granite peaks rising above the Werribee Plain south of the city, to enjoy 360-degree views across the countryside. While the summit sits just 326m above sea level, the 450 steps leading to the top are guaranteed to get your blood pumping. And if you love hiking with your fur baby, you’re in luck, as the year-round trail is also dog-friendly.

Want to really stretch your legs? Head to Gariwerd/Grampians National Park or the Victorian Alps.
Where to stay: YHA properties in Victoria

6) Best for otherworldly views: Mount Gower, Lord Howe Island, NSW

Image: tom-archer.com
Shooting up from the southern end of World Heritage-listed Lord Howe Island, some 600km off the coast of New South Wales, Mount Gower is a hike well worth the spendy flight from Sydney. The guided, eight-hour return slog to the 875m-high summit is not for the faint of heart, including a cliffside traverse and the use of fixed ropes to help you scramble up steep sections towards the top. As you ascend through lush kentia palm forest into the magical cloud forest that hugs the peak, however, the effort feels worth it. And that’s before you arrive at the summit viewpoint offering a mesmerising view across the island and its aquamarine lagoon. Between March and November, thousands of migratory providence petrels fly overhead, enchanting hikers with their primeval call.

Where to stay: YHA properties in Sydney
* Words: Sarah Reid

Navigating the Mekong: My Journey on the RV Toum Tiou 2

RV Toum Tiou 2
As I embarked on the 9-day RV Toum Tiou 2 Mekong River Cruise from Vietnam to Cambodia, I was filled with excitement and anticipation. Traveling solo, I wondered what experiences awaited me on this majestic river. The Toum Tiou 2, with its elegant design and warm hospitality, proved to be the perfect companion on my journey.

Discovering Ho Chi Minh City

My adventure began on day one with a tour of Vietnams largest bustling city, Ho Chi Minh City, formerly known as Saigon. After an overnight hotel stay we departed on a luxurious coach to board the RV Toum Tiou 2 on the Mekong Delta. The crew welcomed me with warm smiles and refreshing drinks. As we set sail, lush countryside views and riverside houses came into view.

Chef

Life Onboard

The Toum Tiou 2's elegant design and warm hospitality made it easy to mingle with fellow passengers. Our diverse group shared stories and laughter over delicious meals, expertly prepared by the onboard chef. From Vietnamese spring rolls to Cambodian fish amok, each dish showcased the region's rich culinary heritage. I enjoyed all the meals provided, and yes, I did put on weight. 

Stilt Houses

Exploring the Mekong Delta

The cruise navigated the winding Mekong Delta, revealing vibrant floating markets, quaint villages, and ancient temples. Local guides shared insights into the region's history, culture, and daily life. On Thoi Son Island, also known as Unicorn Island, I rode on sampans (small flat bottomed boats) and went on a bike ride to explore and admire the magnificent fruit orchards in the area. In Cai Be I watched crafts people making local products, while in Sa Dec I strolled through picturesque streets lined with French colonial architecture and visited the Ancient House and Cao Dai Temple.

Royal Palace

Border Crossing

As we sailed up the Mekong River I passed many house built above the water on stilts and many fish farms. A we left Vietnam and crossed into Cambodia the landscape shift. The Mekong's tranquil waters reflected the sky's hues, and rural villages seemed frozen in time. Our guide explained the complex history and resilience of the Cambodian people. In Phnom Penh, the capital city of Cambodia, I visited the Royal Palace and National Museum. In Phnom Penh, Cambodia's capital, I visited the Royal Palace and National Museum, gaining deeper understanding of the region's rich heritage.

Some of the Crew

Cabin Comfort

My cozy upper-deck cabin provided a peaceful retreat after each day's excursions. The plush bed, ensuite bathroom, and gentle river sounds ensured restful nights.

Crew and Service

The RV Toum Tiou 2's 15-strong crew exemplified exceptional service. From the purser, to the barman and attentive waiters, every one of the crew members contributed to an unforgettable experience.

Some of the Passengers
Fellow Passengers

Traveling solo, I initially worried about feeling isolated. However, the cruise's convivial atmosphere and engaging fellow passengers quickly dispelled those concerns. We shared stories, played games, sang songs and explored together, forging lasting connections. The passengers in the 14 cabins on this cruise were couples from Australia and Turkey, and solo travellers from Australia, Vietnam, Cambodia and Switzerland. They all spoke good english and were a joy to talk with onboard and when we were on the shore excursions.

Coffee Demonstration
Onboard Activities

I could catch a quite moment lay on on the sun-lounges on the sundeck or enjoy a coffee in the lounge area. Don't miss the onboard coffee and cooking demonstrations, cultural dance performances, karaoke singalongs and cocktail nights.

Practical Information

Cruise Duration: 9 days
Departure: Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam, or Siem Reap, Cambodia
Destination: Siem Reap, Cambodia or Ho Chi Minh City
Cabin Type: Single occupancy, twins and double all with ensuites
Meals: All gourmet buffet breakfasts, lunches and a-la-carte dinners provided
Bar: On the sundeck

Sunset

Conclusion

The RV Toum Tiou 2 Mekong River Cruise exceeded my expectations. This journey offered a unique blend of cultural immersion, stunning landscapes, and warm hospitality. As I disembarked, I felt enriched by the experiences and connections made onboard.

The RV Toum Tiou 2 Mekong River Cruise is an unforgettable adventure for solo travelers and couples alike. As I reflect on my journey, I am reminded of the region's beauty, resilience, and warmth.