Erik Frankel and his employees making metallic jewelry at the workshop in District 2, Ho Chi Minh City. Photo by VnExpress/ Hanh Pham. The Golden Star Balm is a yesteryear product in Vietnam. Called cao sao vang in Vietnamese, it was once the only balm used across Vietnam to treat headaches, cold, arthritis and other pains. But, for many years now, it had all but disappeared under a deluge of imported substitutes that flooded the market in the mid to late nineties. However, last year, this made-in-Vietnam product was selling like hotcakes in the US, and most people were buying it from retail titan Amazon. This unusual revival made headlines, with the minute red tin with a yellow star in the middle commanding prices as much as 35 times higher than in the local market. The manufacturer OPC Pharma then, with public praises ringing in its ears, frankly said that it was not the mastermind behind the rise of the balm. It was small distributors like New York City-born Erik Frankel that … [Read more...] about American entrepreneur finds Vietnam the right place at the right time
Honeymoon places all over world
Fun for all in Genting Highlands
Fun for all in Genting Highlands (14-05-2008) Malaysia’s self-styled City of Entertainment soars with Viet Nam as its star attraction. by Nguyen Thanh Ha Neverending fun: Endless entertainment at Genting City strives to appeal to all ages and cultures. — VNS File Photo With everything from fairground rides to cultural festivals, Malaysia’s City of Entertainment, Genting Highlands, certainly strives to live up to its reputation – and earlier this month, the star attraction was Viet Nam. The Charming Viet Nam Week, held and sponsored by Resorts World Bhd and Viet Nam Airlines, was aimed to boost tourism between the two countries. Hundreds of guests headed to the resort’s Times Square where displays of Vietnamese culture took centre stage. The glitzy performances ranged from traditional drum shows, mua non (conical hat dancing), a display of ao dai (traditional dress) to martial arts and water puppetry. Promoting Vietnamese culture was important to … [Read more...] about Fun for all in Genting Highlands
Newlyweds William and Kate kiss as world watches
>> William and Kate in biggest royal wedding for 30 years Prince William and Kate Middleton married with a mix of glittering pageantry and spontaneity, kissing twice in front of a sea of revellers and breathing new life into Britain's monarchy. A million people lined the streets and two billion TV viewers worldwide watched as Kate swept up the aisle of Westminster Abbey on Friday, resplendent in an ivory and white satin dress with a veil and flowing train. The future king and queen briefly kissed on the balcony of Buckingham Palace then repeated it when the crowds begged for more -- going one better than William's parents Prince Charles and Diana when they wed in 1981. Vintage and modern Royal Air Force warplanes then roared overhead in a flypast. And in a surprise treat for the crowd, they also took a spin in a classic Aston Martin sportscar with a joke registration number and learner plates, reflecting their status as the new generation of British royalty. The newlyweds ended … [Read more...] about Newlyweds William and Kate kiss as world watches
Southern Phu Quoc: Paradise of the near future
VietNamNet Bridge - From a little-known region, the southern part of Phu Quoc, Vietnam’s largest island, is becoming a "hot spot" for investment. With wonderful beauty, this place is forecasted to be the centre of Phu Quoc, an international resort island, in the near future. Projects underway It is hard to imagine the fast changes of southern Phu Quoc Island after one year. New immense and quiet roads are there. Beautiful beaches are clean and clear, without any temporary stalls. The environment is much better than before. Many new regional being built resorts are bringing a completely new appearance for this land, where great potential was untapped. The image of a tourist center with resorts, recreation parks... is being realized by investors who are accelerating their projects in this area. The biggest investor in the region is the Sun Group, with a complex of projects worth tens of thousands billion VND. According to Sun Group, just two years after launching its projects … [Read more...] about Southern Phu Quoc: Paradise of the near future
World’s 2nd largest zoo to be built in Phu Quoc
World's 2nd largest zoo to be built in Phu Quoc Phu Quoc Island is set to get the second largest zoo in the world. It will spread over 500ha in the two communes of Ganh Dau and Cua Can. Vingroup is expected to start construction at the end of this year. Artist's drawings in HCM City combine art and architecture A series of drawings by artist and architect Trong Le will be on show at VinGallery in HCM City's District 2 from early next month. A Fictional Journey will be held from September 7 to October 18. A release of the gallery says, "Trong Le's drawing style is distinctive. Swirling lines are elaborated by an art nouveau style which describes recognisable Sai Gon buildings – both old and new. "An architectural background mixed with a great deal of imagination has allowed Trong Le to generate his series of watercolours and ink drawings." His highly acclaimed book Sai Gon Xua: The Colour of Nostalgia was published earlier this year. Quang Binh approves tours to legendary … [Read more...] about World’s 2nd largest zoo to be built in Phu Quoc