Nov issue the mag pre release by Stu Ranger

Vu Fre ng Ple Tau e ase Ma Tak gazi e O ne ne

Mag

The

Vung Tau - Vietnam

www.themagvietnam.com

November 2016

rand Hotel was the First ever hotel in

Now through to 31st December 2016 Grand Hotel is offering 25% off room rates for any room type. Please contact our reservation team first for the best price & service Số 02 đường Nguyễn Du, Tp. Vũng Tàu, Việt Nam Điện thoại: (84-64) 3856888 / 3856787 - Fax: (84-64) 3856088

Built last century - Grand Pub was the favorite venue during the war for soldiers to relax and unwind in the evenings

The renovations and restorations over the years have changed the shape of the Hotel however, the soul, architecture and heart smoothing landscape still carry our heritage Grand Hotel has ensured the upgrade of all facilities within the Hotel met the needs of every customer while maintaining our treasured Vintage Architecture.

rom The Editor

Our first edition last month went viral, in less than 10 days our reader count exploded to over 15,000 people worldwide, with an impressive following in Vietnam of more than 7,500 and a surprising 6,500 in Australia not mention places we didn’t expect, including the UK, France and Thailand, we are ecstatic with the response, thank you one and all for your support. This month again has had some glitches however we are confident the printed version will be on the shelves at over 100 outlets by Friday, some hopefully beforehand. Due to the inclement weather, unfortunately Colleen and the team haven’t had much of an opportunity to go and visit everywhere we had planned, this will be rectified next month. Saying that my new-found college “Tom” from the Vietnam Coracle, has allowed us to use some of his adventures in our publication. I am sure after reading his articles in The MAG this month you will be inspired to follow his adventures at http://vietnamcoracle. com/ . I would like to also welcome a couple of new local contributors to The MAG; Bruce Mackenzie and Robert Harriman who have been helping with research. Colleen and I trust you will continue to enjoy the magazine and look forward to your comments and suggestions, please email us at feedback@themagvietnam .com. For those who prefer to read online our web site although not completely finished is LIVE, you can pick up a copy online and save it to PDF if you wish. THANK YOU!!! Andrew Winterburn Managing Editor Footnote: Extra special thanks to Daniel Winterburn from Vietnam IT Solutions, Perth for his countless hours of Remote IT support. If you require professional IT support anywhere in the world contact Support@vietitsol.com

The MAG web site is live now https://themagvietnam.com/

Visit our web site for your online version of the magazine, please follow us and get your automatic notification when the next issue come out. Just go to the web site and click on the edition you wish to view or download, then click follow, it’s that easy. Christmas is just around the corner and December’s issue is almost ready to go to the printers, we are planning a competition for Christmas so keep checking our page for more information.

Advertising space is limited and as Christmas and New Year are nearly upon us please contact: Colleen@themagvietnam.com Ph: +84 122 9167 530 to secure your space and a great package deal for Christmas. Deadline for artwork is Thursday, November 24th, 2016 so contact us now.

Feedback INBOX

Do you want to have your say, not just in what we publish although that feedback would be fantastic, on any issue? Send your comments and article ideas to: feedback@themagvietnam.com or visit the web site and use the mail response online. We look forward to anything that maybe on your mind. We are only a click away………Andrew The MAG Vung Tau

The Team Colleen Winterburn Co-owner and writer for The MAG plus Charity events coordinator. Ern Marshall Amateur war historian, Veteran and long term resident of Vung Tau. John MacMillan “Dr John” Retired SOS Clinic Manager, Registered RN ICU and a long term resident of Vung Tau. Đỗ Ngọc Huy Hoàng Freelance Photographer HCMC & Vung Tau Murray Leeder Sports guru and English teacher in Vung Tau. Author of several books including his latest “Tiose Were The Days” (yes Tiose is the correct spelling) Dianne Harriman Retired after 25 years with the public service in Australia. Now living in Vung Tau with husband Bob.

The

Mag

Vung Tau - Vietnam

Inside Cover Insight Medical Opinion Culture Crossword/Suduko Travel Info Sport - Rugby Special Dining Out - Local Street Eating Movie Releases Essentials - Where to Go Fashion Feature What the Papers say

Thi Ngoc Han Nguyen - Emma Assistant Manager Sri Yoga and Tami Spa & Clinic. Kim Jones “KJ” Sports fanatic! With his wife Sam, owner of Lucy’s Sports Bar and Hotel also Haven Beach Bar and Grill Thu Thuy Hoang English teacher & research assistant Ron Ferguson Retired Printer - Commercial Printers in Australia Nguyen Kim Kha Freelance Journalist HCMC & Vung Tau

Robert Harriman Music Guru & researcher Burnie-Tasmania & Vung Tau

Bruce Mackenzie OHSC Officer, Safety Diver Off Shore Health & Safety Expert. Researcher

Stu Ranger Freelance writer HCMC - Vung Tau Daniel Winterburn Remote IT support Company Vietnam IT Solutions Support@vietitsol.com Perth, Western Australia Special thanks to Tom from Vietnam Coracle for his insight and support

Page 10 Page 25 Page 35 Page 55 Page 27 Page 40 Page 50 Page 37 Page 48 Page 24 Page 15 Page 45

Local Interest

Sports Bar - Restaurant - Fantastic Accommodation Large comfortable rooms, all with air-conditioning, large en suits and comfortable beds.

Huge range of culinary delights All Sports - 5 Huge Flat Screens Central Location Great Views Air-conditioned Bar and Restaurant plus Out door Balcony Bar

Our Hotel is designed with a Western influence and rooms include large flat-screen TVs, safe, mini bar, tea/coffee facilities and balcony rooms have panoramic Reservations and inquiries please contact Reception +84 64 3858896 views of the harbour Sam and KJ look forward to welcoming you 138 Ha Long Street Vung Tau Vietnam

Family Mini Mart Plus

43 Phan Chu Trinh The MAG Vung Tau

Medical Opinion Local identity - “Dr John” providing medical advice and facts with the help of WebMD. John is a retired SOS Clinic Manager, Registered RN ICU and a long time resident of Vung Tau, many locals seek his pearls of wisdom.

Diet Myths

Midnight Eating Makes You Fat

Rethink Your Ink

Put this diet myth to bed. There’s no conclusive proof that late-night meals cause you to put on weight. What we do know is that too many calories cause weight gain, and many night eaters do tend to overeat and choose high-calorie foods. Still, eating right before bedtime can lead to heartburn and indigestion. So try to stick to regular -- and earlier -- mealtimes.

Coffee Isn’t Good for You This is a recently debunked diet myth. Coffee, when consumed in moderation (2 to 3 cups daily), is a safe part of a healthy diet and contributes antioxidant phytochemicals. In fact, research suggests coffee may help reduce the risk of type 2 diabetes, gallstones, Parkinson’s disease, even some cancers. Keep coffee calories in check, though. Steer clear of trimmings like cream, sugar, and flavored syrups.

Sugar Makes Kids Hyperactive

This myth is so common it seems impossible that it isn't true. Yet most research shows sugar doesn't make all kids hyperactive. So why do kids bounce off the walls at birthday parties? It's not the cake; it's probably the exciting environment. Still, pay attention to how much sugar your kids eat. Eating too many sweets leaves little room for healthier food.

Too Much Sugar Causes Diabetes Worried that your love of cake or candy will lead to diabetes? Stop fretting about this diet myth. If you don't have diabetes, eating sugar won't cause you to get the disease. What does raise your diabetes risk, however, is being overweight and inactive. So do your body a favor: Cut back on the empty, sugary calories, and get moving!

The MAG Vung Tau

Tattoos have been around for thousands of years, but they’ve really gone mainstream in the last decade or so. No matter how advanced the technology gets, it still amounts to a puncture wound filled with ink. For some people, that can cause problems, from allergic reactions to infections and more.

Allergic Reactions

Some tattoo dyes, especially red, can cause an allergic reaction. The area around your tattoo might itch or swell, or you could get a rash. It can happen right after you get the tattoo or years later. If it’s mild -- itchy skin and a few bumps -- treat it with a steroid cream. If your reaction is worse or if doesn’t go away in a couple of weeks, call your doctor.

Skin Infections

If your tattoo artist doesn’t properly clean his equipment or uses it on more than one person, you could get an infection. If your skin swells, turns red, or feels tender, or you notice a pus-like drainage from the tattoo, call the doctor. You may need antibiotics to clear it up.

Blood-borne Diseases

Tattoo needles get bloody. If yours wasn’t cleaned well between uses, you could be exposed to diseases spread by blood, like hepatitis B or C, tetanus, or HIV. Choose your tattoo artist wisely. Make sure needles and other instruments are sterilized and that your artist wears gloves.

Medical Opinion

See What's Really in Your Fast Food French Fries

The humble potato, fried in a vat of simmering oil, and finished with a sprinkling of salt. What could be simpler? Apparently, quite a lot. Fast-food fries often have more than 15 ingredients, including sugar and artificial coloring. They also have preservatives like sodium acid pyrophosphate and tert-butylhydroquinone, which in high doses has been linked to vision problems.

Soda

It’s the same soda you buy at the grocery store. But when you get it at a fastfood chain, you get more calories because the drink sizes are so large. And we’re not talking “supersize.” A medium soda at a typical fast-food place is about 30 ounces and has about 300 calories. And studies show that if you order it, you’ll drink it.

Hamburgers

Hot Dog

What’s in them? Let’s just say they make full use of the animals that supply the meat. They’re also loaded with salt and saturated fat (which most people get too much of) and with nitrates, a preservative linked to diabetes and cancer.

Ground beef, right? Sure -- but there also may be growth hormones and antibiotics, which can end up in your system. And in one study, some burgers had over 100 calories more per serving than the fast-food places said they did.

Strawberry Milkshake

Sauces

Besides milk and sugar, one leading fastfood outlet also adds high-fructose corn syrup, preservatives like sodium benzoate, and artificial flavors and colors to this drinkable dessert. One thing that appears to be missing: actual strawberries.

The first ingredient listed for almost any sauce served at a fast-food restaurant is sugar. It may be called sucrose, dextrose, maltose, rice syrup, barley malt, high-fructose corn syrup, or any number of other things, but the end result is the same: quick delivery of lots of calories with almost zero nutritional value.

Super Size That Sông Hồng Hotel - Red River Hotel

Traditional Christmas Lunch Accommodation & Luncheon Packages Available

Please see our Friendly Staff to make your Reservations

New Years Eve PARTY Out of Towner’s

Special Package

including Accomodation, Return Transport (from HCMC) and Tickets to the Greatest PARTY in Town

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Feature Article

Article by:Ern Marshall, amateur war historian. Ern is a long time resident of Vung Tau and a Veteran. Http://www. hotkey.net.au/~marshalle/

The Mystery Graves

hen researching history you come across many stories and so-called urban legends, this is one of them: For years now I have heard rumors of two Japanese graves near one of the Forts in Vung Tau, with no details to follow I put it in the back of my mind and thought no more about it until a few weeks ago when I accidentally stumbled across two graves near the Cable Battery on the Small Mountain. I looked at them for some time and thought, yes these are the two Japanese graves I’ve heard many rumors about; This all made sense as the Japanese were here in Vung Tau during WW 2. Giving credibility to the story.

This image was supplied to me by Paul Rowe showing the Graves situated behind the French Artillery Barracks of the Cable Battery on the Small Mountain. I sent the detailed photos to my Japanese friend to be translated. To my great surprise, when he replied it turned out they were Chinese Graves not Japanese. His translation was quite detailed a paraphrased version is as follows: The two tombstones are for Chinese Born in the China Guangdong Province Fangcheng Prefecture Zhang, family name Yang’s third daughter. The symbols respectfully describe her as the wife’s grave. Died in Vietnam, Vung Tau, according to the Western calendar, on September 3, 1968; in the traditional Chinese calendar (nong lich in Vietnamese) on the year of Dog Monkey July 6. This concession was included into French Indochina, which is possibly why she and her husband migrated from China to Vung Tau. The middle line is a bit difficult to understand, however taking the other tomb stone into consideration, two characters written horizontally at the top could be understood to be the family name of her husband. The next two characters will be her old family name. The next two characters show that she was the third-born daughter of the parents. The next three characters mean “wife” in a respectful manner and the last two are “of” and “grave”. This is not an exceptional case, rather it is common, but what is interesting is that we cannot find her personal name in this grave. The other tomb stone is also written in the same manner; Born at China Guangdong Province Fangcheng Prefecture Mr Zhang Dejiu’s grave Died in Vietnam Vung Tau in Western calendar on 29 August 1972 in traditional Chinese calendar (nong lich in Vietnamese) on the year of Dog Monkey July 6. So this couple (if they were) were from the same prefecture. What is interesting is the dates of the death of both are the same date in the traditional Chinese calendar. It could happen, but calculating from the western calen- Photo by Ern Marshall dar, it would not be correct. The date of the western calendar would be the real date of death. And both graves are in the same manner in terms of material and the way of the inscription, so it reasonable to assume they are both from the same artisan. These are very interesting. Since apart from whale cult, I am generally interested in migration history. Best Regards, Hideaki Suzuki

So now the Guns and Forts of Vung Tau have thrown up another riddle! 8

The MAG Vung Tau

Local Interest

The Vung Tau Veterans & Friends Children's Fund Although officially formed in 2010, this group of Veterans and expatiates have been helping the local community since the cyclone devastated Vung Tau in 2006. Through their various fund raising ventures they have provided help and support for many communities in Vung Tau. They have worked together with local people and the authorities to help New Classroom build schools and provide ongoing support and maintenance for their projects. The primary focus it seems, is to involve he local communities in the decision-making process ensuring the needs of the community are addressed. To this end they have achieved the respect and admiration of not only the communities they have helped directly but also of the Vung Tau community. If you are wanting to have a guided tour of places of interest in and around Vung Tau VTVFCF have a range of structured and informative tours available, if you Nui Dat School Rebuild have a specific tour of your own you wish to take they are happy to organize it for you and provide a local knowledge guide to explain about the area while you are on tour. Web: http:// www.vtvfcf.com/ Regular Tours: Nui Dat (Núi Đất) is a former 1st Australian Task Force (1 ATF) base now part of Ba Ria city in Ba Ria–Vung Tau province, Vietnam. Long Tan Cross is a memorial which was erected by the 6th Battalion, Royal Australian Regiment (6RAR) on 18 August 1969 to mark the site of the Battle of Long Tan, which was fought three years earlier during the Vietnam War. Long Phuoc tunnels dug by the Viet Minh and Viet Cong. The Tunnel caretaker is a retired Viet Cong Soldier who will guide you through the Tunnels and escort you through the museum. Minh Dam Secret Zone. The Long Hải Hills are hills that are located near Long Hải, in Long Điền District, Bà Rịa–Vũng Tàu Province, Vietnam. During the Vietnam War, the Long Hải’s were a Viet Cong base area, known as Minh Dam secret zone. The VC D445 Battalion and VC C25 Company used the hills as a supply and staging area. Scenic Tours - Half or Full Day Nui Thi Vi mountains, Vo Thi Sau monument, Binh Chau Hot Springs, Long Son Island, Buddhist Monkey Temple, Cashew Nut Processing Peter was keen to encourage me to go out with the group a few weeks ago to see firsthand what they are achieving in the local community. It was amazing to see the transformation their efforts have provided to the people we visited. The work and effort they put into the local communities deserve accolades. The follow up article in December’s issue will explain and show the transformation from a tarp house into a fully self contained home as the team provide a needy family of six with a new home. The Vung Tau Veterans & Friends Children's Fund: Tel: Peter Taylor (President) +84933448959 Email: taylor.peetee.peter@gmail.com

Local Insight

Bruce Mackenzie Local Profile OHSC Officer, Safety Diver Off Shore Health & Safety Expert. Bruce Mackenzie has become The MAG’s latest contributor providing us with research and insight into local interest stories. A New Zealander, enthusiastic about rugby and underwater photography his skill set is set to feature in many more issues of The MAG. Born in rural Ohope Beach, New Zealand, Bruce quickly developed surfing and aquatic skills, always maintaining a great respect for the ocean and it’s wonders. This love of the ocean developed into a career path with the Royal New Zealand Navy facilitating his launch into offshore work with Oceaneering International, Singapore as a mechanical technician, flying remote operating vehicles (ROVs). Further development in the Health and Safety scene opened doors in this capacity with offshore platforms / rigs and seismic vessels. Although Bruce’s primary goal in life is to provide his young daughter with the skill set and knowledge to develop into an independent young woman, he is currently seeking an opportunity to utilize his Health and Safety skills with a company to enhance their safe work culture. As a creature of habit Bruce maintains his regular fitness program as well as providing a positive family life for his daughter. Contact:brucernzn@hotmail.com Phone: +84 907 905 919 The MAG Vung Tau

Movie Releases

Courtesy of Box Office Mojo

..... Latest Box Office Movies ..... The Magnificent Seven (2016)

Deepwater Horizon (2016)

Miss Peregrine’s Home for Peculiar Children (2016)

Sully (2016)

Certificate PG-13 133 min - Action | Adventure | Western 7.2/10 Seven gun men in the old west gradually come together to help a poor village against savage thieves. Director: Antoine Fuqua Stars: Denzel Washington, Chris Pratt, Ethan Hawke, Vincent D’Onofrio Box Office: Weekend: $34.70M, Gross: $75.78M

Certificate PG-13 127 min - Adventure | Drama | Family | Fantasy 7.1/10 When Jacob discovers clues to a mystery that stretches across time, he finds Miss Peregrine’s Home for Peculiar Children. But the danger deepens after he gets to know the residents and learns about their special powers. Director: Tim Burton Stars: Eva Green, Asa Butterfield, Samuel L. Jackson, Judi Dench Box Office: Weekend: $28.87M, Gross: $51.20M

The Accountant (2016)

Certificate R 128 min - Action | Crime | Drama | Thriller As a math savant uncooks the books for a new client, the Treasury Department closes in on his activities and the body count starts to rise. Director: Gavin O’Connor Stars: Ben Affleck, Anna Kendrick, J.K. Simmons, Jon Bernthal

The Birth of a Nation (2016)

Certificate R 120 min - Biography | Drama 5.5/10 Nat Turner, a literate slave and preacher in the antebellum South, orchestrates an uprising. Director: Nate Parker Stars: Nate Parker, Armie Hammer, Penelope Ann Miller, Jackie Earle Haley Box Office: Weekend: $7.00M, Gross: $7.00M

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Certificate PG-13 107 min - Action | Drama | Thriller 7.6/10 A dramatization of the April 2010 disaster when the offshore drilling rig, Deepwater Horizon, exploded and created the worst oil spill in U.S. history. Director: Peter Berg Stars: Mark Wahlberg, Kurt Russell, Douglas M. Griffin, James DuMont Box Office: Weekend: $20.22M, Gross: $38.29M

Certificate PG-13 96 min - Biography | Drama 7.9/10 The story of Chesley Sullenberger, an American pilot who became a hero after landing his damaged plane on the Hudson River in order to save the flight’s passengers and crew. Director: Clint Eastwood Stars: Tom Hanks, Aaron Eckhart, Laura Linney, Valerie Mahaffey Box Office: Weekend: $35.03M, Gross: $113.23M

Kevin Hart: What Now? (2016)

Certificate R 96 min - Documentary | Comedy Comedian Kevin Hart performs in front of a crowd of 50,000 people at Philadelphia’s outdoor venue, Lincoln Financial Field. Directors: Leslie Small | Tim Story Stars: Kevin Hart, Halle Berry, Don Cheadle, David Meunier

Queen of Katwe (2016) Certificate PG 124 min - Biography | Drama | Sport 7.1/10 A Ugandan girl sees her world rapidly change after being introduced to the game of chess. Director: Mira Nair Stars: Madina Nalwanga, David Oyelowo, Lupita Nyong’o, Martin Kabanza Box Office: Weekend: $0.30M, Gross: $5.39M

Movie Releases

Courtesy of Box Office Mojo

..... Latest Box Office Movies ..... Certain Women (2016) - [Limited]

Desierto (2015) - [Limited]

Metascore: 83/100 (12 reviews) The lives of three women intersect in small-town America, where each is imperfectly blazing a trail. Director: Kelly Reichardt Stars: Michelle Williams, Kristen Stewart, Laura Dern, James Le Gros

A group of people trying to cross the border from Mexico into the United States encounter a man who has taken border patrol duties into his own racist hands. Director: Jonás Cuarón Stars: Gael García Bernal, Jeffrey Dean Morgan, Alondra Hidalgo, Diego Cataño

Max Steel (2016)

Priceless (2016) - [Limited]

Certificate R 107 min - Drama

Certificate PG-13 92 min - Action | Adventure | Sci-Fi The adventures of teenager Max McGrath and alien companion Steel, who must harness and combine their tremendous new powers to evolve into the turbo-charged superhero Max Steel. Director: Stewart Hendler Stars: Ben Winchell, Josh Brener, Maria Bello, Andy Garcia

Storks (2016)

Certificate PG 87 min - Animation | Adventure | Comedy | Family | Fantasy 7.1/10 Storks have moved on from delivering babies to packages. But when an order for a baby appears, the best delivery stork must scramble to fix the error by delivering the baby. Directors: Nicholas Stoller | Doug Sweetland Stars: Andy Samberg, Katie Crown, Kelsey Grammer, Jennifer Aniston Box Office: Weekend: $21.31M, Gross: $49.96M

Middle School: The Worst Years of My Life (2016)

Certificate PG 92 min - Animation | Comedy | Drama | Family | Fantasy 5.7/10 Imaginative quiet teenager Rafe Katchadorian is tired of his middle school’s obsession with the rules at the expense of any and all creativity. Desperate to shake things up, Rafe and his best friends have come up with a plan: break every single rule in the school and let the students run wild. Director: Steve Carr Stars: Griffin Gluck, Lauren Graham, Alexa Nisenson, Andrew Daly Box Office: Weekend: $6.88M, Gross: $6.88M

Certificate R 94 min - Drama | Thriller

Certificate PG-13 97 min - Drama | Romance PRICELESS is a powerful story of James Stevens who was, at one time, a good man with a great life -- but that was then and this is now. After the tragic death of his wife and losing custody of his little girl, James is at the darkest crossroad of his life. Angry, desperate, and unable to hold down a steady job, he agrees to drive a box truck on a shady, one-time trip cross country for cash -- no questions asked. But when he discovers what he is delivering is actually who, he is compelled to save two beautiful and frightened sisters who are unaware of the danger that awaits them. Can love, strength, and faith redefine his past and change the course of his future? This unlikely hero risks it all to save these women, confront the forces that oppose him and ultimately discover the life he was meant to live. Director: Ben Smallbone Stars: David Koechner, Jim Parrack, Joel Smallbone, Bianca A. Santos

Masterminds (2016) Certificate PG-13 95 min - Action | Comedy | Crime 5.8/10 Metascore: 47/100 (28 reviews) A guard at an armored car company in the Southern U.S. organizes one of the biggest bank heists in American history. Based on the October 1997 Loomis Fargo robbery. Director: Jared Hess Stars: Kate McKinnon, Kristen Wiig, Zach Galifianakis, Jason Sudeikis Box Office: Weekend: $6.54M, Gross: $12.77M

The MAG Vung Tau

Culture

The Ultimate Guide to Translating Vietnamese Menus into English We have lived in Vietnam for a fair while now and I still get things confused when ordering from non English translated menus thanks to my wife’s endless commitment to understanding the country & it’s language we have decided to make our home Colleen, while researching another article came across a web site that has made our lives much easier. http://vietnamenu.com/english-vietnamese-food-dictionary.html Unlike the creature of this site when ordering what I really want and expect from the menu usually ends up being two different things. I’m going to make a conserted effort to master this even if I have to take cheat notes with me next time we eat out.

VietnaMenu A Food Lover’s Travel Guide to the Best of Vietnamese Food Getting off-the-beaten-path in Vietnam is a good idea, but it could also mean ordering food at restaurants with no English menus. When I first arrived in Vietnam, this was a problem. I found myself going into restaurants and browsing other people's plates instead of menus. The adventurous eater might just pick something at random and hope it's good, but in Vietnam you risk ordering dog, cat, snails, frogs, turtle, snake, and a whole other menagerie. Currently, I am pretty good at ordering from a Vietnamese menu. Since I moved here, I have been keeping track of all the words on menus that I see and don't understand. I've put together a list of Vietnamese-English translations that I want to share with you, so you can be a confident eater on your culinary travels.

Example of the PDF bánh mì: (Banh Mi) is a Vietnamese sandwich, made with a short Vietnamese baguette, coriander, shredded pickled carrot, daikon/green papaya and meat of your choice. Bánh mì thịt heo nướng

phở bo, with accompaniments phở: (Pho, pronounced “fuh” with the u as in “but”) is an iconic Vietnamese noodle soup consisting of a clear meaty broth filled with rice noodles, cuts of meat, and topped with fresh green herbs. 12

The MAG Vung Tau

Street Food Banh Mi When you walk past a Vietnamese bakery or street cart one of the delicious smells that might stop you in your tracks is the grilled pork baguette. Sticky and garlicky grilled pork wedged into a crispy bun with pickled vegetables and fresh coriander- heaven in a roll. From about 15,000 VND Banh Xeo Vung Tau (Vung Tau pancakes) Vung Tau pancakes are famous for tastes which cannot be found anywhere else. Ingredients include rice flour, shrimp, pork, bean sprouts but its taste is more significant thanks to the crust made from fresh chicken eggs, and the filling full of onions and mushrooms. Fragrant crispy crust, the smell of eggs to the fillings full of shrimp and pork. The sauce of this dish makes the dish complete. Banh Khot is one of the most favorite dishes in Vung Tau. The locals can eat banh Khot as their daily meals. Especially, the brand “Banh Khot Goc Cay Vu Sua” is very popular to not only locals but also tourists. This restaurant is always crowded with diners. These round small Khot cakes with its white surface, red layer made from shrimp roe, green topping of chopped onions. Lẩu cá đuối (Sawfish hot pot) Sawfish hot pot is one of must-try food once you visit here. As boneless fish and only soft cartilage, sawfish is quite popular and cooked in many different ways like grill, stir-fry, or hot pot, yet hot pot is still the best. Sawfish is prepared carefully, and its intestines rinsed thoroughly and then soaked in salt water or alcohol to remove fishiness. Döner kebab is a type of Turkish kebab, made of meat cooked on a vertical rotisserie. Now in Vung Tau we have seen a few new venues serving these fantastic meals priced from around 20,000 VND. You can sit and watch your meal being prepared or have it home delivered if you order two or more. Pho Ga You should not miss out on a dish of Pho which is readily available pretty much everywhere. There are so many different types available and you will soon discover different vendors have their own specialty depending on the region they are from. A popular one is Pho Ga (chicken) Using chicken bones, plus a blend of special herbs and spices, they slow cook the chicken broth. Filled with herbs, vegetables and pho noodles price ranges from around 15,000 VND Chao Hau (Oyster Porridge) Oyster Porridge is an extremely popular dish in Vung Tau. It’s difficult to find a delicious bowl though when all the shops serve it. The food seems to be easy to cook; however, it’s hard to make a mouth-watering oyster porridge. You need to put a reasonable amount of seasoning to balance the taste of the porridge. Salt egg pound cakes Not everyone knows, Vung Tau is home to the salt egg pound cakes. which can be difficult to find.. Unlike other normal cakes, salt egg pound cakes store longer than other cakes from bakeries. A special feature of this cake is that the cake is often baked in iron mold on a charcoal. The MAG Vung Tau

Street Food Mini Savory Pancakes (Bánh Khọt).

Shredded Duck Porridge and Salad (Cháo Gỏi Vịt).

Vũng Tàu locals eat this dish with only sweet sour fish sauce unlike central Hue. Before eating, take one big mustard leaf and one medium cabbage leaf and one herb leaf ontop and add some small pieces papaya then, add one cake with the combination and enjoy.

On Trương Công Định street, you might see that the restaurants are usually crowded. During rush hour, if you don’t order your table first, it is really hard to find an empty one after you have ordered your food.

Food Carts A great variety of food in one stop. Don’t be put off because it’s not a “Restaurant” as such. You only sit on the plastic chairs you don’t eat them. The variety of different tastes and flavours is amazing and each cart seems to specialise in a particular dish. Try some, if they don’t speak english, point the locals will be happy to guide you. Make sure to stop and watch them steam the fresh rice noodle sheets and assemble these beauties outside. Morning Street Markets Markets are literally everywhere, and it’s hard to walk around and not see a street market. A morning market is a great way to soak in the culture and try a lot of different foods in one place.

Cơm Sườn Mê Kông Freshly grilled marinated pork chops and rice. Enough said. Order a fried dill fish cake (Chả Cá) on the side and throw in an extra pork chop while you’re at it. It can get quite busy during peak lunch time so be prepared to stand next to a table and jump at the next open seat!

Family Mini Mart Plus

43 Phan Chu Trinh 14

The MAG Vung Tau

Culture

Dining Etiquette and Customs in Vietnam You will quickly realize that the culinary traditions in Vietnam are outstanding. On a general basis, the food is healthy, fresh and not as spicy as in e.g. Thailand. Don’t hesitate to try new dishes. You are most likely to be pleasantly surprised! Remember, if you invite someone (Vietnamese that is) out for lunch or dinner, it is common etiquette that you pay for the meal.

Polishing chopsticks at a restaurant When eating out at a Vietnamese restaurant, one of the first things to do is grab some chopsticks and rub them with a paper napkin to make sure that they’re clean.

Personalize food before eating Vietnamese cuisine is a highly personal one in that “you CAN have it your way”. Before diving into a bowl of pho, you can add bean sprouts, torn herb leaves, and chili slices, etc.

Dining Etiquette When invited to a Vietnamese home: Take fruit, sweets, flowers or incense as a thank you gesture. Gifts should be wrapped in colorful paper. Do not give handkerchiefs, anything black, yellow flowers or chrysanthemums.

Table Manners Wait to be shown where to sit. The oldest person should sit first and start eating first. Pass dishes with both hands. The most common utensils are chopsticks and a flat spoon. Chopsticks should be placed on the table or a chopstick rest after every few mouthfuls or when breaking to drink or speak. People hold bowls close to their faces. Hold the spoon in your left hand while eating soup. Meals are typically served family-style. Try to finish everything on your plate. When you are finished eating, rest your chopsticks on top of your rice bowl. Cover your mouth when using a toothpick.

The MAG Vung Tau

Local Interest

Vung Tau Coffee Shops

Đá Khúc 30 Hoang Hoa Tham Great place for the girls to catch up (ok guys as well) very clean establishment with menus in Vietnamese and English. I ordered my favourite Beef Stew with a bread roll (bò kho bánh mì) 50,000vnd and the other girls order Garlic fried rice (Tỏi cơm chiên) 35,000vnd. I also ordered a Coconut Smoothie (sinh tố dừa) and to my delight they brought out the extra coconut milk that they didn’t use in the smoothie in another glass. You can sit outside watching the traffic go past along with peaceful gardens surrounding you or you need to cool down they also have an air condition hide away. One coffee place I will be going back too.

Artmio Coffee phục vụ cafe Espresso, Latte, cappuccino, Mocha, Flavour coffee, Frappuccino, smoothie, Mojitor, sinh tố, trái cây văn phòng. Căn hộ cho thuê

Urban Station Coffee 177 Ba Cu Tp. Vũng Tàu

Ann's Tea & Coffee House 38 Trần Đồng, Tp. Vũng Tàu, Vũng Tàu 16

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Local Restaurants DAVID PIZZERIA ITALIAN RESTAURANT

David Pizzeria comes highly recommended for its traditional wood-fired oven pizza, paired with a full collection of popular wine. Chatting with friends over some fine vino or enjoying the sunrise/sunset while waiting for your authentic Italian pizza is a fine way to spend an evening. In no time you’ll be satiated by the pizzeria’s large, delicious slices. 92, Đường Hạ Long, Phường 2, tp. Vũng Tàu, Bà Rịa - Vũng Tàu

KOZAK MAMAY A favourite of Vung Tau’s expat community for over 5 years, this cozy restaurant is a slice of Eastern Europe in the heart of Vung Tau. Head to their ground floor for a quick drink with an expat stationed down the road at the Russian village before heading upstairs for some of the best Ukrainian food in Vietnam. The expansive menu features such authentic Ukrainian fare such as home made sausages and Ukrainian borsch mixed with Western and pan-Asian cuisine. Wash down your meal with a glass from their extensive wine menu or an imported bottle or draft beer. 6 Nguyễn Tri Phương.7 Vũng Tàu, Bà Rịa - Vũng Tàu Phone: 093 337 32 92

LAN RUNG RESTAURANT This seaside restaurant offers one of the best live seafood dishes along with Vietnamese and Western specialities in a most unique and beautiful setting in Vung Tau. Guests can enjoy a romantic dinner right by the ocean, watching the sunset with waves gently lapping under their feet. 03-06 Hạ Long, Vũng Tàu, Ba Ria Phone: 064 3526 010 The MAG Vung Tau

Local Restaurants HAI VUONG SEAFOOD RESTAURANT Entering the beachfront Hai Vuong Seafood Restaurant, you can feel the animation and bustle of a seafood market. Guests are encouraged to select their seafood and produce to be prepared just the way they like it by our famous chefs. Situated right on the seafront by our Beach Club, Hai Vuong Seafood revels in simplicity – open to the ocean view and sea breeze, here you’ll find the best catch of the day prepared in both Western and Vietnamese styles. From steamed lobster to swimming crab in tamarind sauce, Hai Vuong Seafood serves up the tastiest, freshest seafood straight from nature’s larder. Hai Vuong means ”The King of the Ocean” in Vietnamese. 159 Thùy Vân, Thắng Tam, Vũng Tầu, Bà Rịa Phone:064 3628 888

LUCY'S SPORT BAR & HOTEL This beach-front bar pulls guests in with its open seating area, ideal for a boozy sunrise or sunset. Food options range widely from western to Asian, along with an impressive wine selection. It might be a little tough to decide from the extensive list of dishes, so ask for recommendations if you get stumped. Lucy’s is at heart a sport’s bar, with four HDTVs around the bar that offer you non-interrupted sports watching in air-conditioned comfort. Kick back, relax and enjoy your favorite teams. 138 Ha Long, Vung Tau Tel: 064 385 8896

NINE CAFÉ & RESTAURANT Nine Café & Restaurant is one of the oldest and most popular French restaurants in Vung Tau. We recommend the Ribs dishes on your first visit (priced at around VND 200,000). Don't forget to try some of their daily homemade bread, chocolate and ham before leaving – they’re well-made and downright delectable. There is also a wide selection of wine to pacify your more boozy urges. Address: 9 Trương Vĩnh Ký, 1, tp. Vũng Tàu, Bà Rịa - Vũng Tàu Phone: 064 3511 571 18

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Sport

Vung Tau GREYHOUND RACing

he MAG visited the greyhound races Saturday night as that is the place to be in Vung Tau. It is a very popular night out with tourists, expats and locals as it is the only activity in Vietnam where Vietnamese people can legally bet money. The first race starts at 7:15pm with a total of 12 races with 8 dogs competing in each race. The Greyhound Racing Track – Lam Son Stadium is on the roundabout at 15 Le Loi Street catering for up to 5000 spectators (including 500 vip seats). Races are held each Friday and Saturday 7:15 pm - 10:30 pm. Monitors are spread throughout the stadium giving you current tote odds on WIN, EXACTA and TRIFECTA betting and televise the races. Each circuit is 450m long and involves eight dogs that running at approximately 60km/hour or about 30 seconds per lap so don’t blink as they jump or it will be over before you get your icecream. There seems to be 3 types of spectators which changes your experience at the races subject to where you watch the races. The serious gambler usually Vung Tau locals or HCMC visitors who are well-dressed with one thing common: they are very serious about betting money on the races. Typically, these types of gamblers are in the VIP area surrounded by waiters, waitress and are constantly receiving tips from brokers and always try to get the inside scoop to beat the odds. For the most though it is a night of fun excitement and enjoyment and not to be taken too seriously. Join in with the general population and all is good. The excitement is contagious if you are right up on the fence near the finishing line. Most bets are small as they have a budget for the night and don’t want to miss a race. "If I win my entrance fee back I’ve had a great night, if I win a bit more than that, hell it may even cover my beers at the local tomorrow” says my mate Bob. The 3rd group of punters are back a little from the action usually couples, groups of friends, families gathered together betting occasionally but more there to spend time together and not too concerned about watching the races, soaking up the friendly atmosphere good friends and close family bring to the racetrack.

Sport Vung Tau BADMINTON CENTRES BADMINTON CAFÉ

Address: đường Ba Ria Vung Tau, Ba Tháng Hai, Phường 10, Vũng Tàu, Ba Ria - Vung Tau

VUONG THI THU PHUONG PHYSICAL FITNESS SERVICE

Address: 190, Nam Ky Khoi Nghia Street, Vung Tau City, Phone:098 569 06 47

SÂN CẦU LÔNG PHƯỚC NGUYÊN

Address: Tôn Đức Thắng, Phước Nguyên, tp. Bà Rịa, Bà Rịa - Vũng Tàu Phone:098 774 70 05

GYM & YOGA VUNG TAU SPORT CENTRE

Address: 218-220 Lê Lợi, Phường 4, Vũng Tàu Phone:064 6256 234

DUYEN DANG 2 SPORT CENTRE

Address: 4 Pham Ngoc Thach Street, Vung Tau City Phone:064 3592 411

TRUE YOGA & FITNESS CENTRE

Address: QL51C, Phường 10, tp. Vũng Tàu, Phone:093 758 10 88

AUM YOGA CENTRE

Address: 2/8, Nguyễn Lương Bằng, phường 9, tp. Vũng Tàu, Phone:098 143 32 34

THANH HẢI GYM

Address: 192 Nguyễn Tri Phương, phường 7, tp. Vũng Tàu,

LAM SƠN SQUARE

Address: 9 Lê Lợi, Phường 1, tp. Vũng Tàu, Bà Rịa - Vũng Tàu Phone:064 3585 535

SRI YOGA

100/3 đường Bình Giã, Phường 8, Thành Phố Vũng Tàu, The MAG Vung Tau

Local Restaurants YUMMY YUMMY RESTAURANT Laugh all your want at Yummyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s name, when it comes down to brass tacks, this restaurant is indeed yummy. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a great place to gather with family or friends enjoy some tasty food paired with great service. The variety of western and Asian meals will more than pacify any cravings you may be having. The waitresses dress in traditional Ao Dai, which certainly gets your attention at a top-5 western restaurant in Vung Tau. 6 Tran Hung Dao St. Tel: 064 3570 511

THE DINING ROOM The Dining Room in Imperial Hotel offers a refined yet laidback setting to enjoy tasty, satisfying cuisine at any time of the day. Specialising in rustic, wholesome Western and Vietnamese cooking, the ground floor restaurant also features an enclosed wine cellar stocked with Old and New World wines with an emphasis on select French labels. A lavish Continental and Asian buffet breakfast is served every morning followed by a full a la carte lunch and dinner menu.

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Restaurants HCMC

Quán Nướng 3T 29 Tôn Thất Thiệp, Bến Nghé, Quận 1, Hồ Chí Minh

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Restaurants HCMC

Ciao Bella

11 Dong Du Ho Chi Minh City Tel: +84 8 3822 3329 info@ciaobellavietnam.com

31 Thái Văn Lung, Bến Nghé, Quận 1, Hồ Chí Minh Phone: 08 3825 8465 22

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Sport

Sport Vung Tau GOLF

VUNG TAU PARADISE GOLF COURSE

Address: Nguyễn An Ninh, Vũng Tàu, Phone: 064 3853 428

THE BLUFFS HO TRAM STRIP

Address: Ven Biển, Phước

THUẬN, XUYÊN MỘC, BÀ RỊA VŨNG TÀU

Phone: 064 3788 666 ext. 8662

LONG THANH GOLF CLUB & RESIDENTIAL ESTATE

Address: Phước Tân, Bien Hoa, Dong Nai Phone: 061 6278 899

CHI LINH GOLF CLUB

Address: B12 urban center in Chi Lin, 3/2, Nguyen Ninh ward, Vung Tau City.

ARCHERY BẮN CUNG VŨNG TÀU - VUNGTAU ARCHERY

Address: Việt Nam, 160 Hạ Long, Vũng Tàu, Ba Ria - Vung Tau Phone:097 667 71 15

GREG NORMAN

The Bluffs Ho Tram Strip was designed by a true legend of the game: Greg Norman. The 'Great White Shark' as he's lovingly called, spent an astounding 331 weeks atop the world golf rankings and won the Open Championship twice. His Florida-based design firm has conceived more than 70 international-standard layouts worldwide. But if you ask him, few compare to what he has created at The Ho Tram Strip. "We begin each new golf course design with a least-disturbance approach. Our design team dedicates time and effort to finding the most desirable natural features of a site and incorporates them into the routing. Streams, rock features, vegetation and undulating topography are a few natural elements that can provide a golf course with its own unique feel when incorporated into the playing strategy" "This is one of only two pieces of land of this quality and character I have ever been given to work with -- the other being Doonbeg [in Ireland]," Norman said. " I'm a firm believer in using what Mother Nature gives us on a particular site. This one has it all."

TEN PIN BOWLING POWERBOWL 388

Address: 9 Lê Lợi, Phường 1, tp. Vũng Tàu, Bà Rịa - Vũng Tàu Phone:064 3585 535

BOULES/BOCCE CAU LAC BO

Address: 10 Ngô Đức Kế. Vung Tau The MAG Vung Tau

Essentials Hotels

ATM

INTERNATIONAL SCHOOLS SINGAPORE INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL (SIS) @ VUNG TAU

Address: Dai An Residential, Ward 9, Vung Tau City Tel: + 84 64 358 4402

AMA VUNG TAU

Asia Commercial Bank ACB: A3 – A8, 111 Hoàng Hoa Thám, Vung Tau 31, Truong Cong Dinh Street, Ward 1, Dist. Vung Tau

12K1 Commercial Center, Ward 7, Vung Tau City Tel: +84 (064) 357 6110 Fax: +84 (064) 357 4645

328, Le Hong Phong, Ward 3, Dist. Vung Tau

ILA VUNG TAU

89, Nguyen An Ninh, Ward 6, Dist. Vung Tau

4th Floor, 155 Nguyen Thai Hoc Street , Vung Tau, Vietnam (064) 357 2347

Palace Hotel ***** This elegant hotel is a 7-minute walk from the Bãi Trước beach, 8 km from Vung Tau Paradise Golf Course. 01 Vietnam, Nguyễn Trãi, Phường 1, Vũng Tàu Phone: 064 3856 411 Petro House Hotel *** 63 Tran Hung Dao Street, Ward 1, Vung Tau, Vietnam Phone : 064 3852 014

HSBC ATM 844 Binh Da Street, Vung Tau City

SUPERMARKETS LAM SƠN SQUARE

Address: 9 Lê Lợi, Phường 1, tp. Vũng Tàu, Bà Rịa - Vũng Tàu Phone:064 3585 535

FAMILY MINI-MART

43A Phan Chu Trinh, Vung Tau 064 351 3769

LOTTE MART

3 Tháng 2, phường 8, tp. Vũng Tàu, Bà Rịa - Vũng Tàu

IMPERIAL PLAZA BRANCH

159-163, Thuy Van Street, Thang Tam Ward, Vung Tau City 064 3526 914

CO.OPMART

36 Nguyễn Thái Học, phường 7, tp. Vũng Tàu, 064 3576 200

METRO CASH & CARRY

Street 51B, Ward 11, Vung Tau city 24

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429 30 Thang 4 Street, Vung Tau City 337-339 Nguyen An Ninh Street, Ward 9, Vung Tau City 306 Le Hong Phong Street Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development Agribank: 57 Thuy Van, Ward 2, Vung Tau City 364 Truong Cong Dinh - P8, Vung Tau City, Ba Ria Vung Tau 1050 30/4 Street, Ward 11, Vung Tau City 39 Tran Hung Dao Street,

Lucy’s Hotel ****

All sports bar and restaurant plus accommodation with ocean balcony views - Lucy’s Bar has it all with a spectacular view over the bay and centrally located, 2mins from the Ferry terminal. Views from the balcony section would have to be the best in Vung Tau. 138 Ha Long, Ward 1, Vung Tau, Vietnam 064 3553660 Phone : (+84)64 3858896

Darby Park Hotel and Apartment **** 5 Le Quy Don, Ward 1, Ward 1, Vung Tau, Vietnam Tel: (84) 64 3854933 Cap Saint Jacques & DIC Star Hotel **** 169 Thuy Van, Thang Tam, Vung Tau, Vietnam Phone : 064 3585 537

Romeliess Hotel *** 31-33 Van Thuy, Phuong 2, Ward 2, Vung Tau, Vietnam Phone : 064 3613 366 Corvin Hotel *** 21 Thuy Van, Ward 2, Vung Tau, Vietnam Phone : 064 3513 537 Ocean Star Hotel *** 45 Thuy Van, Ward 2, Vung Tau, Vietnam Phone : 093 891 21 78

Rex Hotel *****

Overlooking the East Vietnam Sea, this breezy hotel is 3 km from the Thích Ca Phật Đài Theravada Buddhist temple and 4 km from the Christ of Vũng Tàu statue Address: 1 Lê Quý Đôn, Phường 1, Vũng Tàu Phone: 064 3852 135

Sammy Hotel **** 157 Thuy Van, Thang Tam, Vung Tau, Vietnam Phone : 091 824 04 66

Pullman Hotel *****

The Pullman Vung Tau is the first 5 star international hotel in Vung Tau City. It is just 90 minutes by car from Ho Chi Minh City. It offers 356 rooms and suites featuring spectacular views of Back Beach and Front Beach. The hotel offers an All Day Dining restaurant, a bakery and 4 bars. It has a 2 storey conference centre, fitness lounge and outdoor swimming pool.

Essentials Muong Thanh Vung Tau Hotel **** 9 Thong Nhat Street, Ward 1, Ward 1, Vung Tau, Vietnam Phone : 064 3552 468 Saigon Ho Coc Beach Resort and Spa **** Highway 55, Bung Rieng, Xuyen Moc, Ba Ria Phone : 064 3871 623 Royal Hotel *** 36 Quang Trung Street, Ward 1, Vung Tau, Vietnam Phone : 064 3859 852

Malibu Beach Hotel *****

Malibu offers 209 tastefully furnished rooms and suites with beautiful décor and countless amenities. With spacious rooms starting on the 6th floor, Malibu offers breath taking views of the ocean and mesmerizing views of the city. All rooms are equipped with widescreen HD LCD TV, free Internet access, separate showers and a balcony. 263 Lê Hồng Phong, Thắng Tam, TP. Vũng Tàu Phone: 064 3577 779

Lotus Vung Tau Resort *** 165C Ward, Thuy Van, Thang Tam, tp. Vung Tau, Ba Ria - Vung Tau Phone : 064 3524 168 New Wave Hotel **** 151B Thuy Van, Thang Tam Ward,

Thang Tam, Vung Tau, Vietnam Phone : 064 3535 333 Leman Cap Resort **** 60 Ha Long Street - Ward 2, Ward 2, Vung Tau, Vietnam Phone : 064 3513 136 Vung Tau Intourco Resort **** Compared 1A Duong Thuy Van, Ward 8, Vung Tau, Vietnam Phone : 064 3585 325 Grand Villa Residence *** 118 Phan Chu Trinh Street - Ward 2, Vung Tau, Vietnam Phone : 064 3527 826 Grand Hotel Vung Tau **** 02 Nguyen Du Street, Ward 1, Vung Tau, Vietnam Phone : 064 3856 087 Jolie Mod Hotel *** 150 Ha Long Street

- Ward 2, Vung Tau,

Vietnam Phone : 064 3856 320 Thuy Duong Hotel ** 44A, Dat, Ba Ria Vung Tau Phone: 064 3886 215 Phone : 064 3854 893 Pacific Hotel ** 4 Le Loi Street, Ward 1, Vung Tau, Vietnam Phone : 064 3852 279 Gold View Hotel ** 86 Ha Long, Ward 2, Vung Tau, Vietnam 064 3850 060 Ho May Resort **** 1A Tran Phu Street, Ward 1 (Front Beach), TP. Vung Tau, Vietnam Phone : 093 301 06 54

SUPERMARKETS CONT.....

GOOD MART

TRAVEL AGENCIES Asia Commercial Bank ACB: A3 – A8, 111 Hoàng Hoa Thám, Vung Tau 31, Truong Cong Dinh Street, Ward 1, Dist. Vung Tau 328, Le Hong Phong, Ward 3, Dist. Vung Tau

100/3 đường Bình Giã, Phường 8, Thành Phố Vũng Tàu,

LINH PHƯƠNG

86 Trần Hưng Đạo, 1, tp. Vũng Tàu, 064 3852 789

CỬA HÀNG HỮU CƠ VŨNG TÀU - HẢI ANH ORGANIC HEALTH FOOD SHOP 47 PHẠM HỒNG THÁI, P.7, TP. VŨNG TÀU

89, Nguyen An Ninh, Ward 6, Dist. Vung Tau HSBC ATM 844 Binh Da Street, Vung Tau City

DENTAL HYGIENGE NHA KHOA Á CHÂU

429 30 Thang 4 Street, Vung Tau City

10 Nguyễn Thái Học, 7, tp. Vũng Tàu, Phone:064 3859 997

337-339 Nguyen An Ninh Street, Ward 9, Vung Tau City

111, Nguyễn Văn Trỗi, Phường 4, tp. Vũng Tàu Phone:064 3576 111

306 Le Hong Phong Street Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development Agribank: 57 Thuy Van, Ward 2, Vung Tau City 364 Truong Cong h - P8, Vung aTau City, Ba Ria Vrd 9 City dock

NHA KHOA VIỆT NGA

NHA KHOA QUỐC BÌNH

19 Phạm Hồng Thái, 7, tp. Vũng Tàu Phone:091 483 99 66

NHA KHOA VẠN THÀNH

55 Lý Thường Kiệt, Phường 1, tp. Vũng Tàu Phone:064 3856 186

NHA KHOA SÀI GÒN

114 Nguyễn Văn Trỗi, Vung Tàu +84 64 3542 790

39 Tran Hung Dao Street,

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Cover Page Insight

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Cover Page Insight

LIVE Music in

Vung Tau Stu Ranger

The MAG Vung Tau

Cover Page Insight

LIVE Music in

Vung Tau

â&#x20AC;&#x153;Talented House Bandâ&#x20AC;?

Live Philippine Band playing latest hits and some Nostalgia with a good mix of new arrangements. Playing Most Nights 28

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Cover Page Insight

BLACKPEARL This is a professional band that has been playing this venue for longer than I care to remember but I keep coming back because they get better every visit. On numerous visits I have tried to reason with the sound mixer to not play distorted disco crap during the bands breaks however as he says that’s what the crowd want. Personally I just go to hear and watch these talented musicians perform. Granted it is all carbon copy popular music but their commitment produce a unique and consistent sound is worth the heart ache when they go on break. The crowd is a complete mixer from the “are you really 18” to “no you can’t be that old” but everyone has a great time. The staff are in theme costume and the service is very attentive as they don’t like you not having a drink in your hand. It’s always a good night with friends and the atmosphere is awesome. It’s Loud, It’s smoky but most of all It’s great live music. Vung Tau never stops amazing me every time I think I’ve seen it all the city just puts on another show. Black Pearl - Great Venue - Great Band

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Cover Page Insight

Vung Tau, Vietnam – JamDi – The Band has been racking up an impressive CV since crashing into the music scene at Haven Bar, Vung Tau in early 2014, and only a few years later, the new band has amassed a following, in and around Vietnam, with a unique style that is just the right mix of Jamie Brown, Prince, UB40, Blues and Rock n Roll. Although they haven’t released an album as yet, the way this group electrifies the crowd it will not be long before the inevitable will happen. The eight members from all over the globe blend together as a Rock and Blues Band and are set to significantly elevate the status of their group. It’s not like the group didn’t warn us this was coming, but the rapid pace at which it has come has been a story that many didn’t expect or see coming. The band is now in the spotlight, and the eight-piece is quickly being booked at range of venues. The musical ensemble takes a singular approach to its craft, referring to it as “Just us having fun doing what we love best, Performing” inciting inspiration and emotion on their audience. The band has a huge range of talent from professional musicians to relative new comers to the industry, putting in the work by touring the local scene in support of it. JamDi’s sound may remind us of some of great rock groups of the 70s and 80s, but there is no mistaking that the band has finessed its way towards a sound that is distinctly original. With each event, JamDi has made an indelible impact, with the band’s live performances noted by some of the most respected talent in the music industry in Saigon. What JamDi has already shown with previous performances is the willingness to take chances, think outside the box, and encompass a sound that is far from middle of the road, typical fare that placates music today. 2017 stands to be the year that JamDi truly gains traction that takes them to the next level in the rock n roll / blues scene. Images by: The MAG 30

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Text by: Stu Ranger in conjunction with Robert Harriman

Cover Page Insight

rt Mio hosting a range of “Easy Listening” music live. This is one of the first times visiting this venue and I must say it was a pleasurable experience. The service was good (when they are busy and not on their I Phones) and drinks are reasonably priced. The acoustics are good as is the decor. The performers played a good mix of music without blowing your eardrums, this makes a pleasant change from so many other venues in night club scene. I wasn’t able to get a timetable of who and when they have live music playing here, however we were lead to believe it is on a regular basis. The setting suits the type of performers they are attracting and it is certainly worth another visit. Unfortunately, I didn’t get the opportunity to interview the band though if easy listening performances is what you are after, then I can recommend a visit. Art Mio a very nice new venue. 11 Lê Văn Tám , P. 1, Tp. Vũng Tàu, Vũng Tàu The MAG Vung Tau

Cover Page Insight

live Pendock hails from Cape Town, South Africa. He has been interested in music since the age of 12 and has been playing professionally since he was 15 years old. He played for bands such as Lost Standing and Catwalk Trash and has since been playing shows as an acoustic solo artist. He is currently signed with Hard Rock Cafe Pattaya, Thailand

live Pendock is quick becoming a permanent feature of South East Asiaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s international folk scene. A true grit punk with presence, his voice is both harmonious and confronting. Whether playing his own take on popular covers or playing his original heartfelt songs, Pendock is sure to win any audience over.

Playing LIVE at the Beach Club

Bar "Beach Club" We are the only bar located right on the beach in the heart of the modern part of Vung Tau City locally called "Back Beach". It is also the longest, and best beach in the city with crystal clear water and sparkling soft sand. 8 Thuy Van, Vung Tau, Vietnam (Opposite to Sammy Hotel) vungtaubeachclub@gmail.com Connect with us on Facebook. More awesomeness in there! Review us on TripAdvisor. Get know what people say! Find us on Google Maps. 32

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Local Restaurants

Drinks with Good Friends Romantic Sunset Dinners Great Family Times

Haven has it All

Address: 166 Tran Phu, Vung Tau Vietnam

138 Ha Long, Vung Tau Tel: 064 385 8896 Bruce Mackenzie has become The MAG’s latest contributor providing us with research and insight into local interest stories. A New Zealander, enthusiastic about rugby and underwater photography his skill set is set to feature in many more issues of The MAG. Born in rural Ohope Beach, New Zealand, Bruce quickly developed surfing and aquatic skills always maintain a great respect for the ocean and it’s wonders. This love of the ocean developed into a career path with the Royal New Zealand Navy facilitating his launch into offshore work with Oceaneering International, Singapore as a mechanical technician, flying remote operating vehicles (ROVs). Further development in the Health and Safety scene opened doors in this Bruce Mackenzie OHSC Officer, Safety Diver capacity with offshore platforms / rigs and seismic vessels. Although Bruce’s primary goal in Off Shore Health & Safety life is to provide his young daughter with the skill set and knowledge to develop into an independent young woman, he is currently seeking an opportunity to utilize his Health and Safety Expert. skills with a company to enhance their safe work culture. As a creature of habit Bruce maintains his regular fitness program as well as providing a positive family life for his daughter.

Contact: brucernzn@hotmail.com : Phone: +84 907 905 919 The MAG Vung Tau

Fashion Feature

Tamzin Mulder

amzin Mulder has been a hairdresser for 27 yrs and Make up artist 25 years. She was the Art Director for Toni & Guy travelling extensively through London, Asia, and Sydney as an educator for the company. She has worked in London, Perth, Melbourne and Sydney. Tamzin has been the Hair and Makeup Director for Zambesi, Empire Rose, Perth Fashion Festival, and Melbourne Fashion Festival and has worked with Celebrities, Courtney Eaton, Heath Ledger, Megan Gale, Ernie Dingo, Jessica Gomes and Melissa George.

The MAG Vung Tau

Fashion Feature

Make up Gấu tuyết Bridal 131 Nguyễn Văn Trỗi Tp Vũng Tàu

he level of expertise and diversity in this industry are immeasurable however the Makeup Artists in Vietnam are incredibly talented and so inexpensive. We profiled a few of the local “Vung Tau” bridal and makup studios and only scratch the surface of the huge variety of talent available in this city. Every studio we have profiled, covered more than just the basics. The choices available are so numerous you could spend hours deciding which studio will best suit your personality and desires. Everything is covered from the basic duties of a professional artist to the unbelievable in creative artistry. Makeup for weddings, romantic evening, birthdays, special events, etc. Makeup for bride, bridesmaids, and family members. Makeup trial for the bride. Makeup for theatre and TV/ film production. Photography.

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Fashion Feature

Handmade fashion clothes for mini babes â&#x20AC;˘ Perth, Australia â&#x20AC;˘ Instagram @loveizzishop www.loveizzishop.bigcartel.com

A Hitting the streets in France

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ll clothing is handmade with unique designs and themes. This talented designer has captured the essence of innocence and enhance the style of clothing for the younger stars in our lives. The demand for these items is incredible and growing by the minute. The range increases almost daily and with the change in seasons there will be more installed. I look forward to following this line as I believe it will soon be on an international platform and perhaps even opening a showroom in our part of the world, the possibilities are exciting. There may be some restrictions on using international credit cards for online shopping however if you have any problems contact them via email and they may be able to complete your order via western union or bank transfer.

Fashion Feature

Professional Hair Design

Vung Tau has an awesome range of creative artists, specialists in their field of Hair Design. There are so many salons to choose from it is impossible to list them all. Take a walk around the main streets of this fantastic city with a picture of the look you want and they will accommodate you. VUNG TAU CITY THE CHOICES ARE INCREDIBLE.

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Travel Adventures

Southern Islands: Con Dao or Phu Quoc? Con Dao and Phu Quoc islands are the two most alluring beach destinations in Vietnam. Both islands are just a short flight from Saigon, and both offer superb beaches and jungle-covered interiors. But these two southern islands are very different in character, and therefore appeal to different types of travellers. As most visitors or expats only have time to go to one, which island should you choose? In this article, I compare Con Dao and Phu Quoc islands, based on criteria that will help you decide which is more suitable.

Con Dao……?

……or Phu Quoc?

Here are 11 things to consider when choosing between Con Dao and Phu Quoc islands. 1. TRANSPORT TO/FROM AND ON THE ISLANDS: Both Phu Quoc and Con Dao can be reached by air or sea. Flying to either island from Saigon takes less than 45 minutes. Flights from Saigon to Phu Quoc run almost hourly, and there are also flights from Hanoi. With three airlines operating on this route (Vietnam Airlines, Jetstar, Vietjet) competition keeps prices fairly low. Early birds can expect to pay less than $100 for a return ticket, whereas late comers or those travelling at peak times (weekends and holidays) will pay over $100. Phu Quoc’s new international airport was built to accommodate large aircraft with the expectation that visitor numbers are going to rise significantly in the coming years. Indeed, there are already charter flights from Russia, and it won’t be long before Phu Quoc is linked directly to regional hubs, such as Bangkok, Kuala Lumpur and beyond.

The ferry to Phu Quoc

Con Dao, on the other hand, has a small airport whose runway is limited by the island’s rugged topography, and can only accommodate small propeller aircraft. Only Vietnam Airlines flies to Con Dao; from Saigon and Can Tho in the Mekong Delta. There are four or five flights a day from Saigon, and four flights weekly from Can Tho: average return prices are $100-$150. Propeller aircraft on Con Dao airstrip 38

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Travel Adventures 2. EXPENSES & VALUE FOR MONEY: Like all islands, prices on Con Dao and Phu Quoc are a little higher than on the mainland. In particular, you’ll find that prices on Con Dao are significantly higher than elsewhere in Vietnam. This is partly because the island is so small and mountainous that very little can be produced there: almost everything is shipped in from the mainland. But it is also partly because Con Dao is yet to see big development, so the lack of competition keeps prices high. Hotels, resorts, food and drink, transport and excursions to outlying islands are all pricier than Phu Quoc. And what you get for your money often pales in comparison to what the same money would buy you on Phu Quoc. However, this is all relative: Vietnam is still a very cheap place to travel, so even if you’re paying $5-$10 more for food and accommodation, you’re still not going to burn a hole in your pocket. Because of the spike in development on Phu Quoc over the last few years, competition – especially along Long Beach – keeps prices at an acceptable level. In particular, accommodation, food, and boat trips are good value for money. Having said that, during the peak season – from December to April – all businesses that cater to tourists raise their prices by as much as 50%. Likewise, in the off season – when rain storms often hit the island – you’ll find prices are very low. In general, if you’re trying to stay within a tight budget, then it’s easier to do this on Phu Quoc. However, it is still possible to enjoy Con Dao on a shoestring:

Higher prices: the islands rely on supplies from the mainland.

3. DEVELOPMENT & TOURISM: The pace of change and number of visitors to these two islands could hardly be more different. Phu Quoc has been undergoing major transformations to its tourist infrastructure in recent years: a new international airport opened in 2012; old single-track roads have been widened and repaved; new roads have been laid along the coast and through the interior; new ports have opened; massive, high-end resorts now sprawl along some of the previously isolated beaches. And there’s more – much more – planned for the future. Phu Quoc’s star is rising: the government would like it to become the next Phuket. Personally, this sends shivers down my spine. But, things are still in the early stages, and Phu Quoc remains incredibly undeveloped when compared to Thai or Malaysian islands. It’s still easy to find your own stretch of deserted beach, and even the sands of On the cusp of major development: land clearance Long Beach – the most developed on the island – could hardly be called on a Phu Quoc beach crowded. However, all this changes on weekends and especially during the Tet Lunar New Year holidays (January or February), when accommodation can be fully booked, and Sao Beach in particular can get horribly crowded and suffers from trash. Phu Quoc is much bigger than Con Dao, so it can absorb more development, but if you like your tropical islands to be serene, laid-back, and beautiful, now is the time to visit Phu Quoc; before it becomes Phuket. Then you have Con Dao, where development is so slow you hardly notice it. And this is a good thing, because Con Dao is a small, fragile little place with a very rugged coastline, which limits potential development to just a few areas. The number of foreign visitors is still extremely low: most of the time you will have the beaches, roads, museums, restaurants all to yourself. The government wants Con Dao to be a highend destination: a kind of 5 star island in the East Sea. But it is also wary of turning Con Dao into a place of luxury and leisure because of its past as a prison island, where thousands of Vietnamese revolutionaries were incarcerated or executed. In 2010, the discreet but luxurious and pricey Six Senses Hideaway opened. There are more such resorts planned, but progress is (reassuringly) slow. For now, the majority of visitors to Con Dao are Vietnamese pilgrims, come to pay Slumbering: change has been (reassuringly) slow to arrive on their respects to former prisoners: sun, sea and sand couldn’t Con Dao be further from their minds. The MAG Vung Tau

Travel Adventures 4. ACCOMMODATION: Phu Quoc offers a great range of accommodation for all budgets, whereas Con Dao’s accommodation is limited to a dozen hotels and one international standard luxury resort. The greatest concentration of places to stay on Phu Quoc is in and around the town of Duong Dong, and along Long Beach. From high-end resorts to backpacker dorms, there’s plenty of choice here and value for money is good. In particular, the mid-range resorts on Long Beach are excellent: my favourite is Thanh Kieu Resort. The rest of the island is peppered with accommodation; there’s an especially appealing cluster of atmospheric resorts on Ong Lang Beach, including the rustic-romantic plantation bungalows of Mango Bay. On a remote, gorgeous beach in the north of the island, the comfortable and classy Peppercorn Beach Resort is superb. Budget travellers will find nhà nghỉ (local guest houses) in Duong Dong. Almost all accommodation on Con Dao is in the small town of Con Son. In the quiet backstreets, nhà nghỉ (local guest houses) offer $10-$20 rooms, whereas the handful of resorts on the seafront promenade charge a premium for their location: expect to pay around $100 a night. The most affordable seafront accommodation is Con Dao Camping, but for the best location (and sublime sea views) get a room at Con Dao Resort. The island’s first luxury accommodation, Six Senses Hideaway, opened a few years ago. On its own beach, northeast of Con Son Town, Six Senses is secluded and private. It received global press attention in 2011, when Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie spent a family holiday there but expensive.

Plantation bungalow, Mango Bay, Phu Quoc

Sublime views from Con Dao Resort

5. DINING: Unsurprisingly, seafood is famous on both Con Dao and Phu Quoc. However, really good seafood is still not that easy to find on either island, as much of each day’s catch is sent to restaurants and markets in Saigon. On Phu Quoc, the most popular place to eat is the Night Market in Duong Dong Town. Seafood is fresh and there’s a lively atmosphere, but it’s a bit of a tourist trap these days. The resorts on Long Beach all have decent restaurants, and recently many international restaurants – including Indian, Italian, Spanish – have opened along the Long Beach road. For a more local meal, head up 30/4 Street in Duong Dong Town, and step into one of the Quán Cơm or Quán Ốc eateries. Phu Quoc has its very own noodle soup: bún kèn is an island specialty, which even most mainland Vietnamese have never heard of. Outside of the Duong Dong/Long Beach area, the best dining I’ve experienced is at Peppercorn Resort. Bun ken: Phu Quoc’s very own seafood noodle soup When it comes to food, Con Dao is an anomaly: it is the only place in Vietnam where there is not a thriving street food scene. In short, there are very few places to eat on the island. The larger hotels and resorts have decent restaurants, the best of which is ATC Resort. In Con Son Town, several informal places to eat have opened around the market, offering hotpots and tabletop BBQs. A night market has recently opened, but it’s got a long way to go before it acquires the same energy and bustle as the one on Phu Quoc. Food at Six Senses Resort is exceptionally good but again not cheap. 40

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Fresh from the sea: seafood is good on both islands

Feature Article 6. NIGHT LIFE: For an island in the Gulf of Thailand, Phu Quoc’s night life is pretty tame. But there are bars all along Long Beach, including Rory’s Beach Bar, where nights out can easily run into the small hours. Other than that, enjoying cocktails at any of the seafront resorts, watching the sunset over the Gulf, is good enough for most people. Night life – like everything else on Phu Quoc – is bound to take off in the coming years. Con Dao has no night life: a relief for some; a disappointment for others. The limited options include: a breezy drink on the seafront promenade at Con Son Café, in the old French customs house, or cocktails and cake in the warm and cosy ambience of Infiniti Bar, located near the park in town. Sunset drinks on Phu Quoc Island

7. WEATHER: Weather on Phu Quoc is fairly simple: November to May is mostly dry, sunny and hot; June to October is rainy and humid. The best time of year is December to February, when skies are clear, seas are calm, and nights are cool. Weather on Con Dao is more complicated. September to December can be very windy, with gales whipping up waves that crash against the rugged coastline. Summer months bring a mixture of heat, humidity, rainfall, and blue skies. The best time to visit is February to May, when temperatures are (relatively) mild, skies are clear, and the sea in Con Son Bay can be as flat as glass.

8. BEACHES:

Rainy season sunset, Phu Quoc Island

Whereas most of Phu Quoc Island is ringed with sandy beaches, Con Dao’s rugged coastline, while more dramatic than Phu Quoc’s, offers far fewer stretches of sand. Phu Quoc’s western seaboard is essentially one long, beautiful beach. The imaginatively named Long Beach is roughly in the centre, but the sand continues north and south of here to both ‘poles’ of the island. The northwestern beaches, Vung Bau and Dai, are especially peaceful and inviting. The eastern side of Phu Quoc is less enticing: the main ferry ports occupy two large bays, and trash and jellyfish make swimming nearly impossible. The northeast coast is pretty and isolated, but few travellers explore the area because the coastal road has yet to be upgraded from a bumpy dirt track. However, the eastern seaboard does boast one excellent beach: Sao Beach is a crescent of white Sao Beach, in the southeast of sand with sapphire-coloured water in the Phu Quoc Island southeast of the island. For many people, this is their favourite beach on Phu Quoc. In recent years, due to crowds of day-trippers, Sao has lost some of its rustic charm, and litter is starting to ruin its appeal. You can count the number of beaches on Con Dao on one hand. But the few beaches there are, are exceptionally beautiful. The main town of Con Son lies just north of a hard-packed white sand beach, lined with palms and casuarina trees, abutted by an imposing wall of jungle-clad mountains to the south. At the bottom of the island, low-tide reveals Nhat Beach: a spectacular ribbon of white sand and sky-blue water. The coast here is windswept and barren – there’s no shade to escape the sun – but the mountainous backdrop is straight Beaches on Con Dao are few, out of Jurassic Park. Dam Trau Beach, in the northwest, is a picturesque but they’re stunning semi-circle of golden sand with plenty of shade, reached via a dirt road. The MAG Vung Tau

Feature Article 9. HISTORY: Both Con Dao and Phu Quoc were used as prison islands during French colonial times, and later by the Americans, during the ‘Vietnam War’. And both islands are linked – whether through history or legend – to a French missionary, Pigneau de Behaine, and a southern Vietnamese prince, Nguyen Anh, who, with the help of Behaine, became Emperor Gia Long, the first monarch of Vietnam’s last imperial dynasty. These events took place toward the end of the 18th century, and would influence the next 100 years of Vietnam’s foreign and domestic policies, eventually leading to French domination of the country. On Phu Quoc there is an interesting, if unexpected, museum displaying all sorts of artifacts found on the island. A few kilometers south of Duong Dong Town, Coi Nguon Museum is well-worth a visit: www.coinguonphuquoc.com Most Vietnamese visitors to Con Dao come to pay their respects to the thousands of political prisoners who were Phi Yen’s shrine on Con Dao incarcerated, executed, or lost their lives to disease and starvation, while imprisoned on the island. The prison ‘sights’ are sobering and sad, but they are informative and well-maintained, including a large new museum. Legend and folklore also play their part on Con Dao, and much of the island’s older history is difficult to separate from myth. One story tells how Prince Nguyen Anh’s wife, Phi Yen, killed herself after the prince ordered their son thrown into the sea. Today, her ghost is said to haunt the archipelago, and she is worshiped at a shrine.

10. ACTIVITIES: Both Con Dao and Phu Quoc are part of small archipelagoes, consisting of dozens of tiny outlying islands. These can be visited by chartered boats booked through tour companies, along with snorkeling and diving equipment. Most of the smaller islands are uninhabited and very beautiful. Diving on Con Dao is by far the best in Vietnam: check Dive, Dive, Dive! for details: www.dive-condao. com Nothing quite beats hiring a motorbike on either island, and riding along the coastal roads, stopping to swim at empty beaches. The road network on Phu Quoc is now pretty extensive, whereas Con Dao has only a couple of roads, but they are in good condition, empty of traffic, and very scenic indeed. The interiors of both islands are covered in thick jungle. The majority of Phu Quoc Wildlife: macaques on Con Dao and Con Dao islands are part of national parks. The park headquarters can arrange treks through the forests to streams, waterfalls, and secluded bays. Con Dao has some particularly beautiful walks, and you will almost certainly see (and hear) some wildlife.

11. WOW FACTOR: I love both islands. But, for me, Con Dao has the edge over Phu Quoc. The moment you land on the tiny airstrip – stepping onto the asphalt in the dawn light, with the mountains looming behind – you know you’re somewhere special; somewhere unique. The drive along the coast road from the airport into Con Son Town only confirms this: it’s spine-tinglingly good. Phu Quoc is the more convenient of the two, but Con Dao has the wow factor.

SPECIAL THANKS TO VIETNAM CORACLE INDEPENDENT TRAVEL GUIDES TO VIETNAM Text and Images by: VietnamCoracle.com

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Travel Adventures

Con Dao Islands on a Budget Text by: VietnamCoracle.com

The Con Dao Archipelago is one of the most beautiful and least developed destinations in Vietnam. There are beaches, forests, mountains, history, mythology, and a quiet town with crumbling French colonial villas on the seafront. And, it’s only a 45 minute flight from Saigon (Ho Chi Minh City). I can’t understand why more foreign travellers don’t visit!

EAT & DRINK: Brief Overview Con Son Island doesn’t have the wide variety of food that you would expect to find in most Vietnamese towns, but there are still some good options for a nice meal on the island. BEST FOOD ON THE ISLAND: QUAN THANH HUYEN Quán Ăn Thanh Huyền – $5-$15 per person; Khu 3, Hoang Phi Yen Street; Tel: 064 363 0411 – My favourite place to eat on the island for food and atmosphere, this place is 5 minutes out of town by motorbike, on the left hand side after crossing the lotus lake. There’s a sign for the restaurant: drive down the dirt track and over a rickety wooden bridge until you see a few shacks over a pond and a big sign on top saying ‘Saigon Beer’. It might not promise much from its ramshackle entrance, but once you settle down in one of the makeshift ‘gazebos’ clustered around ponds, paddies and herb gardens, you’ll start to appreciate the ambience here. The menu is short and exotic, and the food is fresh and delicious. Try the chicken with kaffir lime leaf (gà luộc lá chanh) or the buffalo hotpot (lẩu trâu). There’s now an English menu, but some of the translations can be hard to understand. It’s especially nice to arrive just before dusk while there’s still some light left to enjoy the surroundings. Bring bug spray so as not to let the mosquitoes ruin a great meal! Con Dao Market – $1-2 per person; corner of Vo Thi Sau and Pham Van Dong streets – This recently repainted market hides all sorts of delicious breakfast foods. It’s a great place to fill up in the mornings, especially if you’re staying at one of the cheaper accommodations that don’t include breakfast. The earlier you get here the better. The market is also a good place to buy ingredients for a picnic to keep you going during the day while you’re exploring the island. ATC Resort Restaurant – $5-$15 per person; 8 Ton Duc Thang Street – This is the pick of the resort restaurants in Con Son town. There’s an extensive and reasonably priced menu with all sorts of classic Vietnamese dishes on it. The food is fresh and well-presented. Try the canh chua cá – sour fish soup – a southern classic. First and second floor seating offer great views over the promenade and out to sea. It’s a particularly good spot for a late lunch: after the Vietnamese tour groups have left, you’ll have the restaurant and sea views all to yourself. Come around 1pm. However, sometimes it’s so quite that it closes! Infiniti Cafe – $2-7; corner of Pham Van Dong and Nguyen Van Troi streets – This popular cafe serves fruit juices, smoothies, coffee, cocktails and ice cream. It also bakes its own bread (try the homemade pizzas) and offers excellent western-style dishes, including set breakfasts. It’s a cute, ‘mini-cafe’ of the sort that’s trendy in Saigon and Hanoi. The staff are young and friendly. It’s great for a refreshing drink in the middle of the day or a relaxing post-dinner cocktail. Undoubtedly the ‘trendiest’ place on the island and a good place to meet other travellers. ON THE WATERFRONT: CON SON CAFE Con Son Café – $2-5 per drink; Ton Duc Thang Street – In the middle of the seafront promenade, Con Son Café remains the only place (apart from the resorts) for a sundown cocktail in town by the sea. A few tables are set under big trees in front of the old French customs house, but you can also take your drink over the road and sit on the seafront wall. It’s a superb setting and the cocktails are surprisingly strong. However, as Con Dao has grown in popularity, Con Son Café has started playing loud pop music to entertain its (increasingly young and hip) customers from the bright lights of Saigon. However, on my last visit they had at least closed the 3D mini cinema on the premises – the volume of which was so loud that it drowned out the lapping of the waves and the peace of the promenade. Barring the loud music (mostly on weekends), the cafe is still a stunning place to be. Note that this cafe is sometimes closed for long periods during the winter months when strong winds blow in from the sea (November to February). Night Market – The area around the intersection of Tran Huy Lieu and Nguyen An Ninh streets has recently been turned into a night market. There are currently around a dozen stalls selling food and souvenirs. Food includes local shellfish, hotpots, and soups. It’s reasonably-priced, good quality and a nice place to spend an hour or two eating and drinking in the cool evening air. Perhaps this night market might one day become as popular and lively as the one in Duong Dong town on Phu Quoc island. Other Options: The Coco Restaurant at the Con Dao Resort has recently been spruced up: the menu is long and the food is good. Bar 200 is a new addition to the island’s slowly growing list of western-style bar-cafe-restaurants. Coffees, beer, and pizzas are all available. The intersection of Tran Phu and Pham Hung streets has several street stalls selling noodle soups throughout the day which are decent enough and very cheap. There is also a new soup and hotpot street eatery on Pham Hung Street, just up from the Phi Yen Hotel, near the seafront promenade. Food is good and it brings in a local crowd: serves breakfasts and dinner. The MAG Vung Tau

Vietnam News Reports A day in the control station of the Saigon River Tunnel TUOI TRE NEWS UPDATED : 11/03/2016 16:27 GMT + 7

The ‘nerve-center’ of the Saigon River Tunnel, the largest under a river across Southeast Asia, works around the clock to ensure the seamless operation of the passageway and drivers’ perfect safety. The Saigon River Tunnel, also known as Thu Thiem Tunnel which links Districts 1 and 2 in Ho Chi Minh City, was put into operation five years ago. The 256-kilometer Saigon River snakes through Ho Chi Minh City and some of its neighboring towns. Drivers may find the relentless buzz emitted by huge reactive fans along the Saigon River Tunnel quite annoying. Traffic inside the passageway flows in two directions, each lane has six fans, spanning 1.25 meters in diameter and 3.25 meters in length, according to Doan Van Tan, deputy director of the Saigon River Tunnel Management Center. Full story: http://tuoitrenews.vn/features/37832/a-day-in-the-control-station-of-the-saigon-river-tunnel

Vietnam boy burns $1,500 worth of bills using hair dryer

TUOI TRE NEWS UPDATED : 08/17/2016 16:45 GMT + 7 Pham Dinh Hau always turned to his hair dryer whenever his money got wet, but last weekend was the last time he would do so. On August 13, Hau, from the northern province of Hung Yen, got caught in a heavy rain, and a number of banknotes collectively worth VND32 million (US$1,500) were soaked. The man told Tuoi Tre (Youth) newspaper on Tuesday it was not the first time his money had been wet, and his hair dryer, set at the lowest heat level, had always fixed the issue without any problem. For that reason, Hau had his 12-year-old brother perform the task. Unfortunately, having never done it before, the young boy dried the banknotes with the highest heat setting on the device. “My house was filled with a burning scent after only ten minutes,” Hau told Tuoi Tre. Full story: http://tuoitrenews.vn/fun/36551/vietnam-boy-burns-1500-worth-of-bills-using-hair-dryer

Foreigner introduces paddle board taxi service to flooded Hanoi street

TUOI TRE NEWS UPDATED : 05/26/2016 11:42 GMT + 7 After heavy rains deluged Hanoi earlier this week, a foreign man introduced a new means of transportation to give locals a lift across the city’s inundated streets. Photos and video clips of the man on a paddle board coasting along a flooded street went viral on Wednesday, after motorbikes and cars became almost useless after the road turned into a river. In the video, the man excites locals stuck on the street by paddling along with a banner that reads ‘thuyen om,’ or paddle board taxi. ‘Xe om,’ or motorbike taxis, may be useful during the dry season, but once streets turn into rivers, a ‘thuyen om’ does not seem a bad choice. Full story: http://tuoitrenews.vn/society/35003/foreigner-introduces-paddle-board-taxi-to-flooded-hanoi-street

First bike race through Sa Pa’s remote mountainous region set for Friday kick-off TUOI TRE NEWS UPDATED : 11/03/2016 15:02 GMT + 7 A mountain bike through the remote mountainous region surrounding Sa Pa District in the northern province of Lao Cai will commence on Friday. The three-day ‘Vietnam Mountain Bike Marathon’ race promises a truly pioneering ride against a backdrop of the highest peaks in Indochina and Hoang Lien National Park deep in the far north... Full story: http://tuoitrenews.vn/sports/37828/first-bikerace-through-sa-pas-remote-mountainous-region-set-for-friday-kick-off 44

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Vietnam News Reports Tuoi Tre donates book collections to mountainous schools in northern Vietnam

TUOI TRE NEWS UPDATED : 10/29/2016 14:04 GMT + 7 Tuoi Tre (Youth) newspaper has donated book collections to two mountainous schools in northern Vietnam, as part of its social responsibility program to help children in distant areas access reading culture after school. On Friday, the Ho Chi Minh City-based daily brought its “Tuoi Tre Bookshelf” program to the Thuong Lam sub-school in Vi Xuyen District, Ha Giang Province. Located deep inside the remote mountainous area of Ha Giang, Thuong Lam functions as a ‘branch’ for the main B Minh Tan primary school, which is located at a more accessible location. Thuong Lam, whose construction was also funded by a Tuoi Trebacked charity last year, currently has 45 students, all of which are members of such ethnic minority groups as Mong, Dao and Han. Full story: http://tuoitrenews.vn/lifestyle/37776/tuoi-tre-donates-book-collections-to-mountainous-schools-in-northern-vietnam

Rain, flooding expected to hit Vietnam coffee belt

REUTERS UPDATED : 11/04/2016 12:03 GMT + 7 HANOI, Nov 4 (Reuters) - Torrential rain is forecast to continue in Vietnam’s biggest coffee growing provinces in coming days, government reports said on Friday, potentially further disrupting harvesting of the 2016/2017 crop. That has been stoking worries about supply from the world’s top producer of the robusta variety of coffee, with rain already hitting harvests earlier this week, while drought earlier in the season could also crimp output. Prices for robusta, often used to churn out cheaper instant coffees, firmed on Thursday following news of rain in Vietnam. Up to 150 millimeters (six inches) of rain is forecast on Friday and Saturday in the provinces of Dak Lak and Lam Dong, Vietnam’s biggest coffee growing provinces, and also in south-central coastal provinces, the national weather centre said in a bulletin. Full story:http://tuoitrenews.vn/business/37843/rain-flooding-expected-to-hit-vietnam-coffee-belt

Vietnam province proposes high-speed rail link with China

TUOI TRE NEWS UPDATED : 11/02/2016 15:08 GMT + 7 The administration of a northern Vietnamese province bordering China has called on the government to consider its plan to build a new high-speed railway, compatible with the rail in the Chinese province of Guangxi. Lang Son Province is currently connected with the capital Hanoi via the Hanoi – Dong Dang railway, which was put into use in May this year. Despite the modernized rail system, the Lang Son administration wants a brand new high-speed service, saying it is essential to help improve the province’s transportation capacity and make it easier to connect with China. Full story:http://tuoitrenews.vn/business/37815/vietnam-province-proposes-highspeed-rail-link-with-china

Germany pledges long-term cooperation with Vietnam: FM

TUOI TRE NEWS UPDATED : 11/02/2016 19:03 GMT + 7 Germany will maintain long-term cooperation with Vietnam, the Western European country’s top diplomat said in Ho Chi Minh City on Tuesday. Full story: http://tuoitrenews.vn/politics/37816/germany-pledges-longterm-cooperation-with-vietnam-fm

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Local Interest

"Long Cung Resort"

icturesque sea views, cool sea breeze, clean beaches, beautiful sunshine and a fresh natural environment. That is all here an evergreen slice of Paradise in our own backyard. During Lunar New Year, stretching for more than 300m along the coast you will enjoy a charismatic atmosphere of Vietnamese culture. Locals and tourists enjoy the natural wonders as the sky changes before their eyes, we have all heard of the “Stairway to Heaven”, well this version is a Vietnamese wonder not to be missed. A common occurrence at tourist venues situated on beach front properties is the constant barrage of beggars and hawkers which for first time travelers to Asia is accepted as part of the culture, this soon wears thin and becomes an annoyance, the owners of this resort have guaranteed this will not happen here with security to unsure you are not disturbed. The beaches are pristinely clean as is the water, the entire atmosphere of the place is relaxing and trouble free. Staff are well trained and speak enough English so making yourself understood is not a burden, they are kind and courteous with one aim, to make your stay enjoyable. When visiting this hide away we found it even more enjoyable with a group of friends including children where there is something for everyone. If swimming in the ocean doesn’t appeal to you there are three well maintained swimming pools including a kid’s pool, with life guards. Also day trippers are well catered for and the cost is only 100,000 ₫ per person with full use of the Resorts facilities including shaded hut & lay-back chairs.

EATS & DRINKS

You can take your own beverages and picnic lunch/dinner or delve into a Vietnamese banquet which in a group of ten or more is a treat not to be missed and very affordable. For instance, we spent some time devouring the lunch time feast of Sour soup Grouper with pineapple Stir-fried beef with green peppers & onions Fried squid Stir-fried mixed vegetables & sautéed broccoli Tender goat with suon sprouts Prawns Rice, iced tea & dessert All that was around 105,000 ₫ per person ($5) 46

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Local Interest For comfort food you can also go to the beach side restaurant where they have cold drinks and free WIFI

ACCOMMODATION Camping Grounds The camping grounds are in the “amusement park” close to the beach and has a capacity of 5,000 people. There is plenty of room to enjoy a game of football, cricket or pretty much any outdoor activity. You can set up your tent site and relax around a flickering campfire roast your marshmallows and enjoy your BBQ dinner. They welcome you to take your own drinks and food, the whole area is covered with large shady trees and beautiful green grass, as a group it certainly is a great getaway from the hustle and bustle of city life it is quite serene.

Hotel

The hotel is simple yet quite adequate and with air-conditioning, prices start at 450,000 ₫ for a standard double through to 1,550,000 ₫ for the executive suites. They have numerous combinations of rooms so your needs will be easily accommodated. The rooms are typical Vietnamese style for a 2-star hotel but very clean and the staff are very considerate and hospitable.

Long Cung Resort Address: Phường 10, Thành phố Vũng Tầu, Ba Ria - Vung Tau Phone: 093 709 11 24 ACTIVITIES For those who don’t want to laze around the pool or just soak up the rays with a few drinks at your side, you can always venture off the beaten track and go hiking, exploring the natural beauty of the surrounding landscape and afterwards relax by the pool, rejuvenating yourself ready for the “Nightlife” in the Hotel. Ill let you guess my preference. The MAG Vung Tau

Culture

Happy Vietnamese Teachers’ Day!

or many years, I have had a somewhat tainted opinion of our “teachers” here, after spending some time with a local teacher (Ben) in Vung Tau that changed, discussing his position in more depth I developed a new healthy respect for the man, his profession and his colleges. The hours of work and effort behind the scenes that he detailed was almost unbelievable, as I have only seen and experienced in the past, the guys (using the term for both genders) in party mode, which appeared to be their only mode. How wrong I was! Ben didn’t realise I was interviewing him at the time hence he was much more at ease and spoke honestly and frankly about his last 2+ years teaching here. When asked about the “backpacker stereo type image” a lot of people here have about English Teachers, his response was “Bad teachers? Sure, there are some, but that number is amazingly small given the size of the Vietnamese teaching profession, and the sheer number of students to be taught each year. What people see in general is us relaxing, not teaching in the classroom, and yes we do let our hair down sometimes, we have big classes, outdated books, argumentative parents and poor salaries.” Then went on to explain the enjoyment he and his colleges experience when they see that the kids they are teaching, comprehend and the light goes on. I remember someone, probably Dad, saying “ When you complain about the relevance of your teacher’s lesson, if that teacher made you wonder and think about the world, if that teacher showed you a better way to live or took you on a journey into the art, science or history of this planet we share – then you have passed the lesson. Why? Because that’s what you will pass on to your children. Next time listen more closely.” Teachers Day in Vietnam is a huge deal, it is without a doubt one of the most significant days of the year for some 20 million students in this country. Sure, the flower sellers run a roaring trade (but doesn’t Hallmark do the same thing for every event) it’s a traditional thing to do, a small gift and flowers, it’s still quite popular with students and a sign of a teacher’s approval rating with their students, to some students it is an important gesture towards teachers who hold power over their marks and future, to others it is a warm signal of appreciation for the teacher’s help during the past year. Parents, think it’s tough managing one or two kids at home – try 40 in a class! Celebrate this year’s Teachers’ Day with a deeper understanding that the man or woman who stands at the front of the class every day is pretty amazing!

And don’t forget the flowers!

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rdsearch Puzzles

CRIME SCENE Can you detect the hidden words? They may be horizontal, vertical, diagonal, forwards or backwards.

05/11/2016

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ACCOMPLICE, ALIBI, ARREST, BAIL, CHARGE, CLUE, COPS, CRIME, CRIMINAL, CROOK, DETECTIVE, EVIDENCE, EXTORTION, FELON, FINE, FORGERY, FRAUD, FUGITIVE, GANGSTER, GUILTY, HOMICIDE, HOODLUM, ILLEGAL, INNOCENT, JAIL, JUDGE, JURY, LARCENY, LAWYER, MOBSTER, OFFICER, OUTLAW, PATROL, PENALTY, PERPETRATOR, POLICE, PRISON, PRIVATE EYE, PROOF, ROBBER, SHERIFF, SLEUTH, SUSPECT, Home | Main Crossword Menu | Quick Crossword Menu THIEF, WITNESS. Puzzle Choice Quick Crossword 01

Across 1. Twelve (5) 4. Hoard (5) 7. Unaware (9) 8. Gape (4) 10. Wore away (6) 12. Birds of prey (6) 13. Notion (4) 16. Large spider (9) 18. The lowest point of anything (5) 19. Implied (5)

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Across 1. Twelve (5) 4. Hoard (5)

Down 1. Journal (5) 2. Menagerie (3)

Down 1. Journal (5) 2. Menagerie (3) 3. World's longest river (4) 4. Secret or hidden (6) 5. Bustling (7) 6. Abated (5) 9. Placed a bet (7) 11. Thinner (6) 12. Consumed (5) 1/1 14. Proficient (5) 15. Female relative (4) 17. Part of a circle (3)

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Rugby

Although the 2016 Season is nearly over - these words may inspire some Bruce Mackenzie Rugby enthusiast debate for Next Season Dive fanatic and OHS TRANS TASMAN Rugby History Origins of Rugby: Australia and New Zealand

officer.

Australia (Wallabies) In 1882 the Southern Rugby Football Union (renamed the New South Wales Rugby Union in 1892 toured New Zealand. The New Zealand national team toured New South Wales in 1884 – defeating New South Wales in all three matches, and winning all nine matches on tour. The first tour by a British team took place in 1888. A British Isles team toured Australia and New Zealand, though no Test matches were played. Although they had representatives from all four home nations, the players were drawn mainly from England and the Scottish borders.[2] The tour was not sanctioned by the Rugby Football Union as it was organised by entrepreneurs and thus contravened the union’s strict regulations pertaining to professionalism. In 1899 the first officially sanctioned British Isles team toured Australia. Four Tests were played between Australia and the British Isles (three in Sydney and one in Brisbane). The Australian team for the first Test match consisted of six players from Queensland and nine from New South Wales.[5] The team wore the blue of New South Wales when playing in Sydney and the maroon of Queensland when playing in Brisbane, but with an Australian Coat of Arms in place of the usual emblems of each colony. The first Test was played at the Sydney Cricket Ground and won 13–3 by Australia, but the tourists won the remaining three Tests. In 1907 the New South Wales Rugby League was formed and star player Dally Messenger left the Rugby union for the rival code. The next year the first Australian team to tour the British Isles left Sydney. Newspapers in England initially gave the team the name ‘Rabbits’. The Australian players thought this nickname derogatory and replaced it with ‘Wallabies.

New Zealand (All Blacks) Rugby union – almost universally referred to as rugby in New Zealand – was introduced to New Zealand by Charles Monro in 1870; Monro discovered the sport while completing his studies at Christ’s College, Finchley, England. The first recorded game in New Zealand took place in May 1870 in Nelson between the Nelson club and Nelson College. In 1892, following the canvassing of provincial administrators by Ernest Hoben, the New Zealand Rugby Football Union (NZRFU) was formed by the majority of New Zealand’s provincial unions, but did not include Canterbury, Otago or Southland. The first officially sanctioned New Zealand side toured New South Wales in 1893, where the Thomas Ellison captained team won nine of their ten matches. The following year New Zealand played its first home “international” game, losing 8–6 to New South Wales. The team’s first true test match occurred against Australia on 15 August 1903 at the Sydney Cricket Ground in front of over 30,000 spectators, and resulted in a 22–3 victory. The Original All Blacks that toured the British Isles, France and the United States during 1905–06. The team won 34 of their 35 tour matches. A representative New Zealand team first toured the British Isles in 1905. The side is now known as the Originals, as the All Blacks name emerged during this tour when, according to team member Billy Wallace, a London newspaper reported that the New Zealanders played as if they were “all backs”.[18] Wallace claimed that because of a typographical error, subsequent references were to “All Blacks”. This account is most likely a myth – because of their black playing strip, the side was probably referred to as the Blacks before they left New Zealand. Even though the name All Blacks most likely existed before the trip, the tour did popularise it. Details In Australia In New Zealand Neutral venue

Overall

Played Won by Australia 80 25 72 15 5 2

157

42 (27%)

Information courtesy of public domain Wikipedia 50 The MAG Vung Tau

Won by NZ 49 56 3

108 (69%)

Drawn 6 1 0

7 (4%)

Australia pts 1200 885 75

2177 ave 14

New Zealand pts 1565 1551 81

3231 ave 21

Rugby

Charles Bathurst, 1st Viscount Bledisloe The fourth Governor General of New Zealand, from 1930 to 1935. Bledisloe received rare praise for his ceremonial and moral leadership during a difficult time not only for New Zealand, but for the whole world, as the economic depression of the early 1930s took hold. Bledisloe insisted on a 30% pay cut along with the rest of the public service. He was extremely well liked and respected.

Lord Bledisloe

Bledisloe was also a freemanson, and was Grand Master of the New Zealand Grand Lodge. Lord Bledisloe was created a Knight Grand Cross of the Order of St Michael and St George and invested a Knight of Grace of the Order of St John of Jerusalem on appointment as Governor-General of New Zealand. During his governorship, he bought the site where the Treaty of Waitangi was signed in 1840 and dedicated it as a national memorial and reserve, which was gazetted in 1934. Lord Bledisloe promoted various causes and events by the presentation of trophies, the most famous of these being the Bledisloe Cup, the trophy for an ongoing rugby union competition between New Zealand and Australia. The Cup was first awarded in 1931, and is contested for annually between the two nations. The cup was designed by Nelson Isaac and sent to England where it was crafted by Walker and Hall in London. Lord Bledisloe was also invited to become President of Lydney Rugby Football Club Upon its formation in 1888, He held this position for 70 years until his death and was succeeded as by his eldest son, Benjamin Ludlow Bathurst. Lord Bledisloe was born 21 Sept 1867, died 3 July 1958 aged 90 in Lydney,England. Bledisloe Cup Statistics (accurate as of 19 Oct 2016) Titles won: Australia – 12 New Zealand – 44 Longest time held by Australia: 5 years (1998–2002) (5 Titles) Longest time held by New Zealand: 28 years (1951–1978) (12 Titles) Most titles in a row by New Zealand: (2003–2016) (14 Titles) The MAG Vung Tau

Rugby

The Creation of the All Black Haka Kapa o Pango The new haka was developed by Derek Lardelli of Ngāti Porou by modifying the first verse of "Ko Niu Tirini," the haka used by the 1924 All Blacks. An NZRU press release stated that Kapa o Pango has been over a year in the making, and was created in consultation with many experts in Māori culture. It will serve as a complement to "Ka Mate" rather than a replacement, to be used for 'special occasions'. The first use of Kapa o Pango was before a Tri Nations match against South Africa on 27 August 2005 at Carisbrook in Dunedin. It featured an extended and aggressive introduction by team captain Tana Umaga highlighted by a drawing of the thumb down the throat. This was interpreted by many as a "throat-slitting" action directed at the opposing team. The All Blacks went on to win the match 31 to 27. The words to "Kapa o Pango" are more specific to the rugby team than "Ka Mate", referring to the warriors in black and the silver fern. Published words and the NZRU explanation

"Kapa o Pango" "Ka Mate"

Leader:

Taringa whakarongo!

Ears open!

Kia rite! Kia rite! Kia mau! Hī!

Get ready...! Line up...! Steady...! Yeah!

Ringa ringa pakia!

Slap the hands against the thighs!

Waewae takahia kia kino nei hoki!

Stomp the feet as hard as you can!

Team:

Kia kino nei hoki!

As hard as we can!

Leader:

Ka mate, ka mate

You die! You die!

Team:

Ka ora' Ka ora'

We live! We live!

Leader:

Ka mate, ka mate

You die! You die!

Team:

Ka ora' Ka ora'

We live! We live!

All:

Tēnei te tangata pūhuruhuru

Here stands the Hairy Man...

Nāna ne I tiki mai whakawhiti te rā

...who can make the Sun shine on us again!

A Upane! Ka Upane!

Rise now! Rise now!

A Upane Kaupane"

Take the first step!

Whiti te rā,!

Let the sunshine in!

Hī!

Rise

Words chanted on field, and their literal interpretation Taringa whakarongo!

Let your ears listen

Kia rite! Kia rite! Kia mau! Hī!

Get ready...! Line up...! Steady...! Yeah!

Kia whakawhenua au i ahau!

Let me become one with the land

Hī aue, hī!

(assertive sounds to raise adrenaline levels)

Ko Aotearoa e ngunguru nei!

New Zealand is rumbling here

Au, au, aue hā! Ko Kapa o Pango e ngunguru nei!

The Team in Black is rumbling here

Au, au, aue hā! I āhahā! Ka tū te Ihiihi

Stand up to the fear

Ka tū te Wanawana

Stand up to the terror

Ki runga ki te rangi,

To the sky above,!

E tū iho nei, tū iho nei, hī!

Fight up there, high up there. Yeah!

Ponga rā!

The shadows fall!

Kapa o Pango, aue hī!

Team in Black, yeah!

Ponga rā!

Darkness falls!

Kapa o Pango, aue hī, hā!

Team in Black, Yeah, Ha

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Rugby

Fixtures Australia Date

Time GMT

Team

Venue

Saturday 5 November

14: 30

Wales

Millennium Stadium, Cardiff

Saturday 12 November

14: 30

Scotland

Murrayfield, Edinburgh

Saturday 19 November

21: 00

France

Stade de France, Paris

Thursday 24 November

18: 30

French Barbarians

Stade Chaban-Delmas, Bordeaux

Saturday 26 November

21: 00

Ireland

Aviva Stadium, Dublin

Saturday 3 December

14: 30

England

Twickenham Stadium, London

New Zealand (All Blacks) Date

Team

Venue

Sunday 6 November

21:00

Ireland

Soldier Stadium, Chicago

Sunday 13 November

15:00

Italy

Stadio Olimpico, Rome

Sunday 20 November

18: 00

Ireland

Aviva Stadium,Dublin

Sunday 27 November

21: 00

France

Stade de France,Paris

Time GMT

Team

Venue

Maori All Blacks

Time GMT

Friday 4 November

09: 30

USA

Toyota Park, Illinois, USA

Friday 11 November

19: 45

Munster

Thomond Park, Limerick

Wednesday 16 November

19: 45

Harlequins

Twickenham Stoop, London

South Africa (Springboks) Date

Team

Venue

Saturday 5 November

Time GMT 15: 30

Barbarians

Wembley Stadium

Saturday 12 November

14: 30

England

Twickenham

Saturday 19 November

18: 00

Italy

Stadio Artemio Franchi

Saturday 26 November

17: 30

Wales

Avivo Stadium

Six Nations Date

Teams

Venue

Sat 4 February

Time Local 14: 25

Scotland V Ireland

Murrayfield

Sat 4 February

16: 50

England V France

Twickenham

Sun 5 February

15: 00

Italy V Wales

Stadio Olimpico

Sat 11 February Sat 11 February

15: 25 16: 50

Italy V Ireland Wales V England

Principality Stadium Principality Stadium

Sun12 February

16: 00

France V Scotland

Stade de France

Sat 25 February

14:25

Scotland V Wales

Murrayfield

Sat 25 February

16: 50

Ireland V France

Aviva Stadium

Sun 26 February

15: 00

England V Italy

Twickenham Stadium

Fri 10 March

20: 05

Wales V Ireland

Principality Stadium

Sat 11 March

14: 30

Italy V France

Stadio Olimpico

Sat 11 March

16: 00

England V Scotland

Twickenham Stadium

Sat 18 March

12: 30

Scotland V Italy

Murrayfield

Sat 18 March

15:45

France V Wales

Stade De France

Sat 18 March

17: 00

Ireland V England

Aviva Stadium

Lucyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Sports Bar and Hotel

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Travel Adventures

Cat Tien National Park: Where to Stay Words and photos by Vietnam Coracle From The MAG : The following article is a summary (with the permission of Vietnam Coracle) of a full article by: Vietnam Coracle, should you wish to further explore “Where to Stay” in Cat Tien National Park. Please visit, http://vietnamcoracle.com/cat-tien-national-park-where-to-stay/ and read the full adventure. From traditional longhouses to luxury safari tents; from bamboo huts to camping under the tropical canopy: accommodation in and around Cat Tien National Park is exciting, atmospheric, good value and, more often than not, environmentally and socially responsible. 150km from Saigon, Cat Tien National Park is bounded by the Dong Nai River to the east and the Ho Chi Minh Road to the west. Rich in wildlife and flora (including bears, elephants, primates, crocodiles, and old-growth trees), there’s a real energy in this area: you can sense the life that lies beneath the thick jungle canopy. Most of Cat Tien’s sleeping options are deeply in touch with the natural environment and local community, giving the accommodations more soul, character and depth than the average hotel in Vietnam. I visited all of the places to stay that are currently available in this lush, exotic, bio-diverse national park in the southern Central Highlands.

Atmospheric lodgings: accommodation in & around Cat Tien National Park is exciting & characterful On this page I’ve reviewed all eight accommodations in, or nearby, Cat Tien National Park. I’ve included practical information, such as room rates and contact details, as well as a description, photos, and my personal opinion of each property. All accommodation options below include breakfast, mosquito nets (essential in this area), have on-site restaurants, and can arrange activities in and around the national park. Most places can either arrange or advise on transport to/from their property. The following accommodations are all within walking distance of the national park or, in some cases, in it. You can book rooms directly from this page by clicking the BOOK HERE links: any bookings made from this page will help to support this website (see web site for details).

TA LAI LONGHOUSE

Ta Lai Commune, Tan Phu District, Dong Nai Province Price: 450,000vnd ($20) per person | Contact: info@talai-adventure.vn 15km west of the Cat Tien ferry crossing, Ta Lai Longhouse is a superb, WWF-initiated project aimed at supporting the local ethnic minority communities while also protecting the natural environment. The Longhouse is signposted off the main Nam Cat Tien road and down increasingly narrow paved lanes, over a suspension bridge across the Dong Nai River, and up a dirt path to a forested hillock surrounded by cashews trees. Up the stone steps, the Longhouse is a beautiful bamboo-and-thatch structure in a clearing at the top of the hill. Several other brick and bamboo huts dot the immediate vicinity, including the immaculately clean shower rooms, kitchen, communal dining area, and games room. Pathways lead down to a clear lake ringed by the forested 54

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Travel Adventures hills of the national park. It’s a marvellous spot for swimming and kayaking during most of the year, but at the height of the dry season (February to April) it dries up completely. Just before I visited, a large wild elephant was spotted bathing in the lake here.

There are two longhouses: The main one can accommodate up to 30 people, while the small one sleeps 15. Mattresses are laid out on the bamboo floor with mosquito nets hung from the ceiling. Bamboo screens partition guests, providing some privacy. There were only a couple of other guests when I visited, which was lovely, so it’s difficult to imagine what it would be like with 30 or more people. The Longhouse often receives large groups, so it’s worth calling ahead to make sure it’s not too busy. The bamboo longhouse at Ta Lai: sleeping is on mattresses on the wooden floor

The price is 450,000vnd per person, including breakfast. Camping (200-300,000vnd) is at the bottom of the hill under cashew trees. Lunch and dinner are available for 150,000vnd per head, and refreshments served throughout the day, including excellent, locally sourced coffee. 30% of the revenue goes directly to the two ethnic minorities in Ta Lai Village, the Mạ and the S’tieng, whose traditional homes the Longhouse design is based on. Staff are young, active, friendly, and between them speak about four different languages. Walking, biking, swimming and kayaking are all on offer: the surrounding landscape is perfect for outdoor activities. This is a fabulous place and I hope that it will encourage similar projects in the coming years.

View from the bamboo terrace at the Ta Lai Longhouse: the lake below is great from swimming

CAT TIEN JUNGLE LODGE

Address: 854 Nam Cat Tien Commune, Tan Phu District, Dong Nai Province [MAP] Price: $70-$140 | Contact: info@wildworld.vn On the lush banks at the confluence of the Dong Nai and Da Huoai rivers, Cat Tien Jungle Lodge is just a few metres from the National Park ferry crossing. Recently opened, Jungle Lodge offers some of the most comfortable rooms in the area. Owners, Gary and Phuong, are passionate about their project and about the sensitive development of the Cat Tien area in general. There are currently only 16 rooms on their large riverfront property, which means there’s lots of space (indoors and outdoors) in which to relax and plan your national park adventures. At first sight, it’s a odd collection of building styles and materials: a large, green-painted, brick villa, a two-storey wooden lobby and restaurant, and several tile-roof houses. But, once you’re on the premises, the space works really well. The communal areas are light, spacious and airy; the garden (dotted with fruit trees) is verdant and quiet; the riverfront walkway is lined with bamboo, and the bar by the swimming pool is a wonderful place to see the sunset. Rooms at Cat Tien Jungle Lodge are cosy, thoughtfully furnished & very spacious The MAG Vung Tau

Travel Adventures JUNGLE LODGE cont.. Most of the rooms are arranged in a row among the gardens, with patios fronting onto a water feature and the river beyond. The more expensive rooms are in atmospheric wood and brick bungalows close to the river. All rooms have lots of space and are attractively furnished with wooden desks, rugs, lamps, ceiling fans, and mosquito nets. Large bathrooms (with excellent showers) and modern conveniences, such as flat screen TVs and air-con, also feature in all rooms. The restaurant serves good food, including lots of vegetarian options, and the bar has a couple of cocktails on the menu (a rarity in these parts). In the early morning, the exotic call of the golden-cheeked gibbon can be clearly heard, coming across the river from the steamy canopy of the national park. Staff can arrange any number of park activities. Rates are between $70-$140 a night.

The riverside bar & swimming pool is the perfect place to relax after a day exploring the national park

FOREST CALL LODGE

Address: 4 Nam Cat Tien Commune, Tan Phu District, Dong Nai Province Price: $15-$30 | Contact: info@cattienforestcall.com Down a concrete lane lined with hibiscus hedges, and then down a gravel pathway surrounded by cashew trees and banana plants, Forest Call Lodge lives up to its evocative name. The gardens shimmer with birdsong and are thick with the scent of fruit trees and flowers. The reception is a beautiful bamboo and thatch structure, which also doubles as a communal living and dining room for guests. Owner, Mr Thuat, has years of experience working in the national park, and has successfully stopped the construction of dams and roads that would have destroyed the park’s habitat. (For more about Mr Thuat’s work, read this article in the New York Times.) Forest Call offers quiet, restrained, clean and affordable accommodation in brick and tile bungalows. Arranged in a line among the lush foliage of the garden, the eight rooms (6 fan-cooled, 2 with air-con: $20-$30 respectively) are simple and plain with semi-outdoor bathrooms. There’s also Rooms are clean and plain at Forest Call Lodge, set in lush gardens on the Da Huoai River a dormitory (with good, shared bathroom facilities), consisting of bamboo beds and rattan mats, for $4 per person. They are currently in the process of building rooms in bamboo tree houses. Forest Call’s main strengths are its lovely gardens and its good location, on the banks of the Da Huoai River. In the raining season, the grounds are so verdant that you can almost see the plants growing. Log seats, benches, and hammocks dot the garden; there are wood and rubber-tyre swings over the river; and a zip-line across to the small island opposite the property, where you can climb a lookout tower for excellent views. Unlike the Dong Nai River, which encompasses the national park and flows muddy and fast all year, the Da Huoai River runs slow and clear in the dry season, making it suitable Owner, Mr Thuat, demonstrating his zip-line/cable car across the for swimming and kayaking, both of which can be enjoyed river to a small island at Forest Call. Breakfast is included and Thuat can arrange all park-related activities. Rates are between $15-$30 a night. 56

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Travel Adventures

CAT TIEN FARMSTAY

Address: 2 Nam Cat Tien Commune, Tan Phu District, Dong Nai Province [MAP] Price: $20-$70 | Contact: info@wildworld.vn Owned by the same people as Cat Tien Jungle Lodge, the Farmstay is located in Nam Cat Tien village, about a kilometre up the road from the national park ferry crossing. The Farmstay comprises over a dozen rooms spread among a large and green garden on the banks of the Da Huoai River. Wooden tables and chairs are set up on the grass beneath canvas canopies and fruit trees, providing a romantic setting for evening meals in lamplight, with the sound of cicadas all around. The Farmstay doesn’t have as much riverfront access as other Cat Tien accommodations, but makes up for this with very homely, well-appointed rooms. The two wood and brick bungalows closest to the river are spacious family rooms, which would also be perfect for a small group of travellers. The nicest garden-view rooms are housed in an attractive wooden structure with an open-sided ground floor living area. Rooms are positioned around a central stairwell: Rooms are tastefully furnished and very comfortable at Cat Tien Farmstay some have private bathrooms, others have shared. Furnished with floor-level mattresses, mosquito nets, bright sheets and pillows, and a lovely open-sided balcony looking over the garden, these rooms are great value for two people. Rates are between $15-$70 a night.

FOREST FLOOR LODGE

Address: Cat Tien National Park, Tan Phu District, Dong Nai Province [MAP] Price: $75-$125 | Contact: info@forestfloorlodges.com A couple of kilometres north of the Park HQ along a paved lane, Forest Floor Lodge offers the most luxurious and most expensive accommodation in Cat Tien. Owned by a British entomologist and his Vietnamese wife, the first thing you notice when arriving at Forest Floor is the thundering roar of the rapids on the Dong Nai River. The 16 rooms are connected via stone pathways through the trees and raised walkways above the forest floor. The three canvas-and-wood safari tents are the most popular rooms here. These luxury tents have patios right above the rapids, looking across to Dao Tien Island, where you can see and hear gibbons in the morning. The tents have beautiful interiors of woven bamboo, wooden furniture and colourful textiles. Garden view rooms are pretty bamboo-and-wood bungalows set back from the river. Although they lack a riverfront location, they are more spacious, airy, and cooler than the safari tents. Above the reception, the Hornbill Bar is a wonderful setting for breakfast – All rooms at Forest Floor are beautifully furnished and very cosy with jungle calls coming from across the river over the sound of the rapids – or a Gin and Tonic at dusk after a day of walking in the national park. Good meals are served here too. All the produce used in cooking, and all the building materials and furniture at Forest Floor, are locally sourced within a 10km radius of the lodge. All rooms have air-con and fans, but there is no electricity between 10pm and 6am, during which time there are battery-powered lights in all rooms. Make reservations in advance, because rooms are often fully booked during the peak winter months. Rates are between $75-$125 a night (low/high season). Words and photos by Vietnam Coracle : http://vietnamcoracle.com/cat-tien-national-park-where-to-stay/ The MAG Vung Tau

Puzzles

CABLE CAR - Vung Tau Glide in silence over stunning Vung Tauâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s beach, tree-lined hills and ant-sized motorists. The Doppel Mayer cable car system is renowned as one of the safest modes of transportation, so only worry about not missing any of the memorable attractions. The environmentally friendly park is home to exotic animals and scenic panoramic views. Take a leisurely stroll and enjoy the greenery far above the city.

Maitreya Buddha Statue Big Mountain

Binh Minh Cable Car Resort Vung Tau Best Views in the City VIP and Deluxe Rooms Available and a Swimming Pool

SOLUTIONS

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Comic

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