Stay up to date: Travel in Vietnam  09:10, 04/06/2020

As the wider world battles the coronavirus, and Vietnam takes its first tentative steps toward a resumption of normalcy, the Balcony Media Group is launching a weekly newswire to update media in Vietnam on news, packages, and promotions happening at client hotels and resorts up and down the country.

Alma Resort Opens on Vietnam's Cam Ranh Peninsula

Alma, a resort that commands 74 acres of beachfront, 14 food and beverage outlets and 12 beachfront swimming pools, will reopen on May 31. One of the country’s most ambitious new resorts, Alma's facilities include a science museum, waterpark, 13-treatment room spa, art gallery, cinema, convention centre, amphitheatre, youth centre with virtual reality games, kid’s club, water sports centre, gymnasium and yoga room and an 18-hole putting green.

Bluffs Retains Top Spot on Prestigious Rankings List

The Bluffs Ho Tram Strip received another boost in early May as it retained top spot in Top 100 Golf Courses’ rankings for Vietnam – which were updated for 2020. The Greg Norman-designed track on the country’s south-central coastline held off strong competition from new entries Hoiana Shores near Hoi An and KN Golf Links Cam Ranh to maintain pole position on the list. It also retained its place in the top-10 of clubs in Asia, coming in at #10.

Masa Nishijima, the online resource’s international consultant, said of the course: “The Bluffs makes good use of the unique dunes terrain. And at every hole you feel connected to the ocean, even if you can’t always see it.”

The Gongs Ring True at Laguna Golf Lang Co

Laguna Golf Lang Co has taken its cues from the undisputed “home of golf” for the latest addition to its playing portfolio: The Gongs. The 11-hole putting course, which sprawls over an undulating 3500sqm expanse next to the clubhouse, was inspired by The Himalayas in St Andrews, Scotland – a putting layout that has been around for over a century.

The set-up at The Gongs is equally convivial with the holes laid out through gullies, severe contours and flatter land. The course takes its name from the small gongs placed inside the golf cups which ring out every time a putt is drained.

“The Gongs is a fantastic alternative for people seeking to practice or play, but who don’t want to spend hours on a golf course,” said Adam Calver, director of golf at Laguna Golf Lang Co.

Metropole Hanoi Launches New Packages

The new “Legendary Indulgence” package at Sofitel Legend Metropole Hanoi features a special room rate of US $250++ per night (VND 5,950,000++) and includes daily breakfast at Le Club Bar, complimentary round-trip airport transfer (or pick-up/drop-off service for Hanoi residents), free cancellation, and US $100 daily credit per room per night for in-house dining at any of the hotel’s restaurants. Couples seeking a romantic getaway can opt for the “Romance Package” priced at US $275 (VND 6,417,000++) which includes a three-course set dinner with wine for two persons, in addition to a special room set-up featuring flowers and chocolates. For all family stays, a second guest room for children now includes a 50% discount.