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.


Palace Hotel Tokyo Welcomes Guests With ‘A Tokyo Christmas’ Holiday Package

Palace Hotel Tokyo Welcomes Guests With ‘A Tokyo Christmas’ Holiday Package

By Hariharan U

Published on September 17, 2025

Palace Hotel Tokyo is ringing in the holiday season with its festive stay package, ‘A Tokyo Christmas’. Designed to capture the magic of Christmas in the heart of the city, the package blends luxurious accommodation, indulgent dining, and a guided tour of Tokyo’s celebrated winter illuminations.

Guests booking the experience can choose between the Premier Suite or Executive Suite for a two-night stay, complemented by Club Lounge privileges that include afternoon tea, evening cocktails and canapés, and a choice of daily breakfast either in-room or at the lounge. Adding to the holiday cheer, each suite will feature a 5.9-foot decorated Christmas tree, along with Laurent-Perrier Cuvée Rosé Brut, festive cookies, and an in-house crafted Christmas cake.

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The holiday spirit extends throughout the hotel with sparkling décor and a 16-foot Christmas tree in the lobby. A highlight of the package is the four-hour ‘Tokyo Illuminations’ tour, chauffeuring guests across the city to admire iconic light displays along Marunouchi Naka Dori, Omotesando, Shibuya, and more. Guests can also explore Christmas markets at Roppongi and Azabudai Hills, with a professional photographer capturing memories along the way.

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Dining takes centre stage at Grand Kitchen, the hotel’s all-day restaurant, which offers a six-course Christmas menu featuring delicacies like abalone, snow crab, steamed flounder with caviar, and premium Japanese beef. Guests may also opt for Michelin-starred dining at Esterre by Alain Ducasse or experience traditional Japanese menus at Wadakura, GO, or Tatsumi. For those preferring the comfort of their suite, an assortment of exquisite Christmas cakes from Sweets & Deli – from pistachio mousse creations to strawberry shortcake and the signature Marron Chantilly are available.

To complete the festive spread, Sweets & Deli also presents European-style Christmas breads such as stollen, kouglof, and panettone, infused with Japanese flavours like yuzu marzipan, kinako, and matcha with chestnuts.

For more details: www.en.palacehoteltokyo.com/offer/a-tokyo-christmas

About Palace Hotel Tokyo:

Situated in the prestigious Marunouchi district, Palace Hotel Tokyo offers 284 rooms and suites, evian SPA, and ten restaurants and bars, including Michelin-starred Esterre by Alain Ducasse and Amber Palace. With a legacy of over 50 years, the hotel continues to uphold its reputation for refined Japanese hospitality and holds Forbes Travel Guide’s Five-Star status for both its property and spa.


Swap Monsoon Grey for Starry Nights Under the Milky Way

Swap Monsoon Grey for Starry Nights Under the Milky Way

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on September 16, 2025

Tired of cloudy skies during the Indian monsoon? This season, swap the grey for clear, starry nights and watch the Milky Way unfold above you. Across the world, there are destinations where light pollution is minimal, skies are pristine, and the galaxy shines in its full brilliance. All you need is a curious mind and a bit of warmth in your backpack.

Ras Al Khaimah, UAE

The northernmost Emirate is a magical stage for stargazing, with the Al Wadi Desert and Hajar Mountains offering some of the region’s darkest skies. Jebel Jais, the UAE’s highest peak, provides an incredible vantage point where the Milky Way’s galactic core is visible between May and October. Guided astronomy sessions at the Jebel Jais Observation Deck and luxury desert resorts make the experience even more memorable.

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Mahé & La Digue, Seychelles

Beyond its turquoise waters and palm-fringed shores, Seychelles transforms into a natural planetarium between May and October. On Mahé, Anse Intendance Beach and Morne Seychellois National Park are perfect dark spots. On La Digue, Grand Anse offers uninterrupted views of the galaxy. With just a pair of binoculars, you can glimpse constellations and even the hidden heart of our galaxy.

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Azerbaijan

The Caucasus nation is a rising star for astronomy lovers. The Shamakhi Astrophysical Observatory, the largest in the region, hosts guided telescope sessions. In the Shahdag Mountains and remote highlands, summer nights from June to September reveal the Milky Way in sweeping clarity. It’s a unique blend of science, tradition, and unspoiled nature.

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Kenya

Kenya is as spectacular by night as it is by day. With its equatorial location, both northern and southern constellations are visible. Regions like Turkana, Laikipia, Samburu, and Amboseli offer skies almost untouched by light pollution. Pair this with safaris, astro-camping, and Maasai star lore, and you have a celestial safari unlike any other.

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Qatar

In Qatar, deserts transform into stargazers’ sanctuaries. The Zekreet Peninsula, Al Aamriya, Dukhan, and Sealine Beach deliver dark skies from March to October. Visitors can join Bedouin-style stargazing safaris or simply spread a blanket and watch the Milky Way emerge. With a cup of hot karak in hand, it’s a desert night of silence, wonder, and whispered shooting stars.

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Negev, Israel

Mitzpe Ramon and the vast Ramon Crater in Israel’s Negev Desert have been recognized as an official Dark Sky Park. From April to October, the galaxy appears in stunning detail across the desert. Guided astronomy tours and the sheer silence of the landscape make it one of the world’s most authentic stargazing experiences.

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The Milky Way reminds us that the best souvenirs from travel are often not tangible but moments etched in memory and stars captured in our cameras.


Wynn Brings Back Signature Hypercar Exhibition 2025 with Luxury Collaborations

Wynn Brings Back Signature Hypercar Exhibition 2025 with Luxury Collaborations

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on September 15, 2025

Wynn is set to redefine the luxury auto exhibition experience with the return of the “Wynn Signature – 2025 Hypercar Exhibition.” Now in its third edition, the exhibition will run from September 29 to November 16 across Wynn Palace and Wynn Macau, coinciding with the prestigious Macau Grand Prix. Visitors can look forward to a spectacular celebration of speed, craftsmanship, and luxury, featuring over 20 of the world’s most coveted hypercars alongside innovative collaborations between leading automotive names and luxury brands.

At Wynn Palace, the highlight will be the Macao premiere of a Formula 1 car, showcasing a striking monogram design created in collaboration with a global fashion house. Other notable debuts include the Lamborghini Huracán GT3 in Roger Dubuis colors, the Huracán in A BATHING APE’s signature camouflage, and the Pagani Utopia with a BAPE crossover design, blending Italian artistry with Japanese street fashion. The vintage Mercedes 300SL Gullwing is also on display, paired with exclusive creations from Swiss jeweler Chopard.

At Wynn Macau, an innovative display by Wristcheck presents limited-edition timepieces in futuristic capsules alongside the Aston Martin Valkyrie Spider, creating a seamless blend of horology and automotive engineering. The exhibition also highlights China’s electric supercar future, showcasing cutting-edge EV hypercars with fast-charging capabilities and sustainable technologies.

Adding to the excitement, Swiss artist Saiff Vasarhelyi will transform a McLaren 600LT through a live spray-paint performance, displayed alongside HUBLOT’s street-art watch collection. Visitors can also take part in professional-grade Formula 1 simulators that replicate world-famous circuits, with hourly competitions rewarding winners with exclusive caps designed by Vasarhelyi. Entry to the competition is available with same-day purchases from Wynn retail or dining outlets.

Exclusive pop-ups further elevate the experience. The “Hyper Shop” offers rare F1 merchandise, LEGO  builds, collectible helmets, and Amalgam models, while the BAPE pop-up presents Asia’s first exclusive Pagani crossover collection.

With free admission open to the public, the “Wynn Signature – 2025 Hypercar Exhibition” cements Macao’s position as a hub for global luxury experiences. By aligning with the Macau Grand Prix, Wynn continues its tradition of creating unforgettable #OnlyAtWynn moments that combine automotive innovation, high fashion, and luxury lifestyle.

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