Vietnam Unveils Stunning Cave Dining Experience Blending Culture and Cuisine

Vietnam Unveils Stunning Cave Dining Experience Blending Culture and Cuisine

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on June 8, 2025

In an ambitious fusion of heritage, theatre, and culinary art, Vietnam has unveiled one of its most enchanting tourism experiences to date—a cave dining and cultural performance inside the ancient Dragon Pearl Cave near Halong City. The remarkable initiative, launched by Asia Premier Cruises (APC) Corporation, offers guests a 2.5-hour immersive journey through Vietnamese folklore and fine local cuisine.

The experience, which debuted on May 30, takes place in a 150-million-year-old limestone cave, spanning 4000 square metres and located about 30 minutes from Halong City. Nestled 45 metres above sea level and part of the Bai Tu Long region in Cam Pha district, Dragon Pearl Cave is revered for its dramatic stalactites and twin-chamber formation, often referred to as "a theatre inside a mountain."

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The evening begins with “The Quest for the Dragon Pearl”, a visually stunning 45-minute cultural performance directed by Le Thanh Phong. Against a surreal cave backdrop, the show uses music, dance, acrobatics, lighting effects, puppetry, and props to narrate the legend of the sacred Dragon Pearl—a tale of power, peace, and unity between heaven and earth.

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After the performance, guests are treated to an elaborate Vietnamese fine dining experience by candlelight. Curated by Head Chef Nguyen Gia Thien, the menu celebrates the culinary richness of Quang Ninh Province, blending local ingredients and folklore inspiration. Dishes include:

  • Pomelo and giant river prawn salad

  • Grilled Van Don oysters with scallop sauce

  • Hand-pounded Co To squid cakes

  • Crispy roasted Tien Yen chicken

  • Grilled sea bass in wild dzong leaves

  • Lobster with Tiến Vua imperial sauce

  • Gat Gu rolls and braised Khau Nhuc pork

  • Stir-fried asparagus with cordyceps mushroom

  • Golden Dragon Pearl dessert

  • Yen Tu golden flower tea

This innovative experience is expected to reshape the region’s tourism appeal. Nguyen Hong Nhat, General Director of APC Corporation, shared, “‘The Quest for the Dragon Pearl’ diversifies Quang Ninh’s tourism, offering more for travellers to discover beyond famed Halong Bay. This ancient cave is a new cultural landmark that promotes sustainable, heritage tourism and creates lasting economic and cultural impact for the province.”

By combining natural wonder, dramatic storytelling, and refined hospitality, Dragon Pearl Cave is not only a visual spectacle but a celebration of Vietnam’s cultural legacy and culinary depth. The launch marks an important step in positioning Quang Ninh as a leading cultural and experiential destination in Asia.


Fusion Hotel Group Celebrates Fusionlife's First Anniversary with Summer Campaign and Dream Vacation Prizes

Fusion Hotel Group Celebrates Fusionlife's First Anniversary with Summer Campaign and Dream Vacation Prizes

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on June 28, 2025

Fusion Hotel Group is celebrating the 1st anniversary of its loyalty program, Fusionlife, with a vibrant summer campaign launching on July 1st, 2025, designed to reward both new and existing members with exclusive discounts and dream vacation prizes.

The Fusionlife Summer Campaign, running from July 1st to 10th, offers an additional 11% discount on top of all existing benefits across all membership tiers. The offer is valid for bookings made within the campaign window and applies to stays through the end of 2025 at Fusion's curated collection of resorts and hotels in Vietnam.

Adding extra excitement, new members who sign up between July 1st and 31st will be entered into a lucky draw with the chance to win four exclusive vacation prizes, totaling 8 nights at some of Vietnam’s most breathtaking destinations. Winners will be selected weekly on Fridays throughout July and notified via their registered email or social media, ensuring continuous engagement and anticipation.

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“Summer is all about joy, discovery, and connection. These values are at the heart of Fusionlife,” said David Roberts, Chief Operating Officer at Fusion. “This campaign is our way of welcoming new members with an extra touch of excitement.”

Since its launch in June 2024, Fusionlife has amassed over 11,000 members, with the top five nationalities being Vietnamese, Korean, Hong Kong, Australian, and American. The program is built around a wellness-first, experience-rich ethos, offering guests immersive travel benefits beyond the stay.

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Fusionlife members enjoy:

  • Up to 25% off on dining and spa services

  • Stay credits and complimentary non-alcoholic beverages

  • Guaranteed 2 PM late check-out

  • Potential room upgrades, depending on availability

  • Priority access to exclusive deals and experiences

To join the program or explore campaign benefits, guests can visit: fusionhotelgroup.com/fusionlife

With a rapidly expanding presence, Fusion Hotel Group offers a rich portfolio of wellness-inspired and culturally immersive hotels, including:

  • Fusion Resort Cam Ranh

  • Fusion Resort & Villas Da Nang

  • Maia Quy Nhon

  • The Ocean Resort by Fusion Quy Nhon

  • Alba Wellness Valley by Fusion (Hue)

  • Fusion Suites Saigon & Vung Tau

  • Fusion Original Saigon Centre

  • Fusion Suites Phuket Patong (Thailand)

  • Business hotels: HIIVE by Fusion Binh Duong and HIIVE New City

As Fusion sets sights on reaching 50 properties by 2028, the Fusionlife campaign reflects the brand’s commitment to wellness, value, and guest connection, making every stay not just a holiday—but an experience.


Alma Amphitheatre Unveils Remarkable Theatrical Spectacle

Alma Amphitheatre Unveils Remarkable Theatrical Spectacle

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on June 27, 2025

Alma Resort Cam Ranh is set to shine a cultural spotlight on Cam Ranh with the debut of “The Stage – Alma Show,” a visually striking theatrical production that celebrates Vietnam’s rich traditions and folklore with a contemporary twist. Beginning July 5, the Alma Amphitheatre will come alive with four daily shows, drawing audiences into a vivid journey through Vietnam’s legendary five elements—earth, water, fire, wood, and metal.

Designed as a cross-cultural collaboration between Vietnamese and Korean creatives, the 70-minute Alma Show presents an immersive experience through magic, dance, water puppetry, special effects, Ao Dai fashion, and a lively flash mob. With audience interaction built into the performance, each show caters to up to 400 guests and features dramatic storytelling through visually stunning segments.

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The show begins with the classical Apsara dance, a tribute to the lost Champa Kingdom and its cultural legacy in the region. From there, the elements are explored in richly choreographed scenes—from water puppetry to lotus flower formations with silks, flaming sword acts, and a Non La dance culminating in a dazzling fashion parade of Ao Dai.

The spectacle is brought to life by 24 dancers and magicians Jacky (Haesung Kim) and Bui Huu Thien, under the direction of renowned producers Jin (Hyukjin Cho) and Terry (Byongkok Jung) of The Stage VN. Jin previously directed the Dana Show and co-directed the 2002 FIFA World Cup opening ceremony, while Terry was behind the Dreams Come True Magic Tour and Chuncheon Lake Fairy Festival.

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Shows are staged twice nightly at 6 PM and 8 PM, promising an unforgettable experience for visitors of all ages.

Adding to the lineup is “The Magic and Water Puppet Show,” performed daily at 11 AM and 3 PM. This 50-minute show includes 30 minutes of traditional water puppetry—led by 10 skilled puppeteers in chest-deep water—and 20 minutes of magical, water-themed illusions.

The narrative showcases tales of village life, farming, and Vietnamese mythology, including stories like Thánh Gióng, the boy-turned-giant hero on a flying horse, and Lê Lợi and the Magical Sword, where divine intervention helps liberate Vietnam.

This production is directed by Nguyễn Tiến Dũng, artistic director of the Vietnam National Puppetry Theatre and 2014 world champion in puppetry.

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“Vietnam has such a rich and fascinating culture, affording so many compelling stories to share about its history, beauty and resilience,” said Herbert Laubichler-Pichler, Managing Director of Alma Cam Ranh. “'The Stage – Alma Show’ promises to be a feast for the eyes and to bring any visit to our region and indeed to Vietnam to a whole new level.”

“‘The Stage - Alma Show’ is a heartfelt collaboration to honor and reintroduce Vietnam's beauty to the world,” added Jin.

Tickets for both The Alma Show and The Magic and Water Puppet Show are available at the Alma Promotions Desk and at the Amphitheatre.


Seafood Expo Asia 2025 Returns to Singapore with Global Participation and Fresh Business Opportunities

Seafood Expo Asia 2025 Returns to Singapore with Global Participation and Fresh Business Opportunities

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on June 25, 2025

The global seafood industry will gather once again for Seafood Expo Asia 2025, scheduled from 10 to 12 September at the Sands Expo and Convention Centre in Singapore. Organized by Diversified Communications, the event serves as a key business platform connecting international seafood suppliers with top buyers and professionals from across the Asian market.

Last year’s edition saw participation from over 4,530 seafood professionals representing 80 countries, and this year is expected to draw even greater engagement. Attendees can look forward to a packed agenda of product showcases, seafood tastings, live culinary demonstrations, networking events, and a thoughtfully curated conference program featuring insights from industry leaders.

“The uniqueness of this event is in its tailored approach to connecting worldwide seafood companies with the buyers they need to expand their business in the Asian market,” shared Wynter Courmont, Vice President of Seafood at Diversified. “It’s an ideal space to build relationships and explore new market opportunities face-to-face.”

This year’s Expo will welcome exhibitors from across the globe, including Australia, Canada, Chile, France, India, Indonesia, Japan, Norway, South Africa, the United Kingdom, Vietnam, and many others. New countries like Estonia and the United Arab Emirates are also joining the roster. National pavilions from China, South Korea, Taiwan, and Estonia will make their debut on the show floor.

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Exhibiting companies include leading names such as AquaChile, Blumar Seafoods, Gadre Marine Export Pvt Ltd, Loch Duart Salmon, Ulka Seafoods Pvt Ltd, Vinh Hoan Corporation, and more. Also featured are key players in seafood processing and equipment solutions, like BAADER ASIA, JD5 Hygiene GmbH, and Moon Environment Technology SDN BHD.

Visitors from sectors such as hotels, restaurants, catering, supermarkets, wholesale, and imports will explore sourcing options, learn about the latest trends, and take part in meaningful conversations that shape the future of the seafood industry. The Business Matchmaking Program will help qualified high-volume buyers and importers set up direct meetings with suppliers for focused business discussions.

Beyond the expo floor, attendees can experience engaging programs such as the Seafood Excellence Asia Awards, the Oyster Challenge, and daily product samplings. Live cooking showcases will bring culinary inspiration to the event, while the educational conference will feature discussions on aquaculture innovation, seafood processing tech, sustainability practices, and supply chain improvements.

Seafood professionals interested in attending can explore the agenda, register for free, and access more details about the event and programs by visiting the official website: www.seafoodexpo.com/asia.

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