https://www.scmp.com/rss/321424/feed The Go-Asia series offers a quick update on some of the attractive destinations in Asia for travel and investment, such as Malaysia and Vietnam. Topics covered include economic development, business environment, investment opportunity and the property market. The series is also packed with useful information for both business and leisure visitors; such as city life, arts and culture, transportation, hotels, foods and restaurants. en https://assets.i-scmp.com/static/img/icons/scmp-meta-1200x630.png https://www.scmp.com Just under two hours’ flight from Chek Lap Kok, Hanoi is one of the most intriguing and convenient getaways from Hong Kong. The Vietnamese capital is a classic blend of ancient and modern, centred around Hoan Kiem Lake and spreading out to encompass temples, museums, multifarious eateries, malls, and bustling shopping streets that have changed little over the years. The Old Quarter is the most logical place to start exploring as the Opera House, the National Museum of Vietnamese History, Ba Dinh... https://www.scmp.com/presented/business/topics/go-asia-vietnam/article/2045115/take-cyclo-ride-around-hanoi-see-sites?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/presented/business/topics/go-asia-vietnam/article/2045115/take-cyclo-ride-around-hanoi-see-sites?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 11 Nov 2016 05:30:15 +0000 Vietnam’s on a roll. In the first nine months of this year, the economy grew by approximately 6 per cent, and analysts are predicting further improvements are on the horizon. Growth has been boosted by a number of factors. Firstly, foreign direct investment (FDI) and exports have risen, and there is a stronger demand for credit. Agriculture, following a serious drought, is experiencing a respectable recovery. And the republic has benefited vastly from foreign companies like the Korean... https://www.scmp.com/presented/business/topics/go-asia-vietnam/article/2045120/stars-align-economic-growth-vietnams?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/presented/business/topics/go-asia-vietnam/article/2045120/stars-align-economic-growth-vietnams?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 11 Nov 2016 05:30:00 +0000 Investors from Hong Kong have been playing an important role in economic construction in Vietnam since the country opened up to foreign investment some 30 years ago. The bilateral relationship between Vietnam and Hong Kong is now stronger than ever, according to Hoang Chi Trung, Vietnam’s consul-general in Hong Kong and Macau. Hoang says foreign investment has helped Vietnam to transition from being a poor country to being the middle-income nation it is today. “Over the past 30 years, Vietnam... https://www.scmp.com/presented/business/topics/go-asia-vietnam/article/2045118/forging-stronger-ties-vietnam-welcomes?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/presented/business/topics/go-asia-vietnam/article/2045118/forging-stronger-ties-vietnam-welcomes?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 11 Nov 2016 05:25:19 +0000 While Ho Chi Minh City, formerly Saigon, remains the top destination for many first-time visitors to Vietnam, because of its historical background and colonial architecture, an increasing number of visitors are heading to the north and central parts of the country, particularly to places such as Hanoi and Danang and their surrounding regions. This has led to a growth in the hotel business in those areas. Hanoi in northern Vietnam has seen an increase in business and leisure travellers. According... https://www.scmp.com/presented/business/topics/go-asia-vietnam/article/2045113/far-madding-crowd-growth-visitors-vietnams?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/presented/business/topics/go-asia-vietnam/article/2045113/far-madding-crowd-growth-visitors-vietnams?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 11 Nov 2016 05:18:55 +0000 One of the greatest wonders of the natural world, Unesco World Heritage-listed Ha Long Bay, makes for an exhilarating day’s excursion from Hanoi – or an even longer exploration on a luxury live-aboard cruiser. The bay shelters a dense cluster of more than 1,600 limestone monoliths up to 100 metres high topped by thick jungle vegetation, which rise majestically from the sea. Many of the islands are home to enormous caves, such as Hang Dau Go – meaning Wooden Stakes Cave – which is the largest... https://www.scmp.com/presented/business/topics/go-asia-vietnam/article/2045112/northern-wonder-explore-ha-long-bays?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/presented/business/topics/go-asia-vietnam/article/2045112/northern-wonder-explore-ha-long-bays?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 11 Nov 2016 05:15:30 +0000 Several skyscrapers under construction will dramatically alter the look of the Ho Chi Minh City skyline as the city’s real estate development continues at a feverish pace. Headlining the property development boom is the 460-metre-high Vincom Landmark 81 skyscraper, on the banks of the Saigon River. The developer of the mixed-use tower is conglomerate Vingroup. Atkins is the lead architect working in collaboration with Arup on the structural design. On its scheduled completion in 2017, Vincom... https://www.scmp.com/presented/business/topics/go-asia-vietnam/article/2045108/and-away-ho-chi-minhs-skyscrapers-continue?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/presented/business/topics/go-asia-vietnam/article/2045108/and-away-ho-chi-minhs-skyscrapers-continue?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 11 Nov 2016 05:13:03 +0000 Unconventional architectural designs will ensure that several soon-to-be completed buildings in Ho Chi Minh City are instantly recognisable. River City is a large-scale, undulating elliptical-shaped structure designed to alternate from 37 to 12 storeys and vice versa. The project has 4,800 residential units and is located between the Phu My area and District Two’s Thu Thiem neighbourhood. The complex will offer residents exclusive amenities and recreational facilities, including elevated... https://www.scmp.com/presented/business/topics/go-asia-vietnam/article/2045107/new-look-edgier-designs-are-changing-face?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/presented/business/topics/go-asia-vietnam/article/2045107/new-look-edgier-designs-are-changing-face?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 11 Nov 2016 05:02:45 +0000 Despite the ebb and flow of the global economy this year, Singapore could well be described as “sitting pretty”. This tiny city state covers just over 700 square kilometres and has a population of 5.5 million – but its scoops the entrepôt jackpot. Its list of firsts and premier rankings is lengthy and varied, being recognised as one of the world’s most liberal economies, little tainted by corruption, pro-business, with low taxes, and one of the globe’s highest per-capita GDPs. Singapore is the... https://www.scmp.com/business/article/2002771/steady-she-grows-singapore-course-modest-economic-growth-year-despite?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/business/article/2002771/steady-she-grows-singapore-course-modest-economic-growth-year-despite?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 12 Aug 2016 03:45:45 +0000 The decentralisation of Singapore’s central business district to the fringes – a government policy to cater for future growth – has given rise to new hotels in interesting neighbourhoods, enabling visitors to explore perhaps previously undiscovered corners of the city, right on their accommodation’s doorstep. Katong, for example – Singapore’s first heritage town – is home to two brand-new hotels managed by the InterContinental Hotels Group (IHG). Hotel Indigo Singapore Katong and Holiday Inn... https://www.scmp.com/magazines/style/topics/go-asia-singapore/article/2002768/exploring-singapore-heritage-towns?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/magazines/style/topics/go-asia-singapore/article/2002768/exploring-singapore-heritage-towns?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 12 Aug 2016 03:45:30 +0000 From family fun to food fiestas, action sports to cultural enrichment, and all manner of music, shopping and themed events in between, Singapore swings with a full calendar of leisure activities scheduled throughout the year. Following two major events each summer – the Singapore Food Festival in July, and the Great Singapore Sale retail extravaganza, running from June to August – September is Grand Prix season, when the roar of Formula One motor racing thrills throngs of visitors and millions... https://www.scmp.com/specialreports/business/topics/go-asia-singapore/article/2002767/singapore-host-events-all-year?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/specialreports/business/topics/go-asia-singapore/article/2002767/singapore-host-events-all-year?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 12 Aug 2016 03:38:12 +0000 The hottest dining news on the lips of foodies is the launch in Singapore of its first Michelin Guide. The Michelin Guide Singapore, the first in Southeast Asia, was released on July 21. A total of 27 stars were awarded, including one three-star, six two-star, and 20 one-star, plus 34 restaurants and food establishments received Bib Gourmand recommendations. Garnering the most attention are two hawker stalls, Hill Street Tai Hwa Pork Noodle and Hong Kong Soya Sauce Chicken Rice & Noodle, which... https://www.scmp.com/magazines/style/leisure/article/2002765/singapores-food-hawkers-and-restaurants-see-stars-after?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/magazines/style/leisure/article/2002765/singapores-food-hawkers-and-restaurants-see-stars-after?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 12 Aug 2016 03:30:00 +0000 Tourism is receiving a technological boost with the return of a Singapore Airlines App Challenge. The competition seeks to improve the travelling experience on the airline. It’s all part of a digital drive that has seen the Lion City boosting its content creation and digital entertainment credentials, while pushing forward smart connected urban infrastructure and the Internet of Things as part of a Smart Nation initiative. Singapore hosts entertainment giants ESPN, Discovery Asia, BBC World,... https://www.scmp.com/specialreports/business/topics/go-asia-singapore/article/2002738/digital-drive-singapore-airlines?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/specialreports/business/topics/go-asia-singapore/article/2002738/digital-drive-singapore-airlines?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 12 Aug 2016 03:25:48 +0000 It’s a competitive market in Asia, but Singapore has shown that it possesses advantages in the meetings, incentives, conventions and exhibitions (MICE) sector. “MICE professionals are spoilt for choice in Singapore. There is something for all budgets and occasions,” says Andrew Au, managing director, Southeast Asia, for Imagination, an agency that specialises in hosting experiential events. Supporting Singapore’s MICE ambitions is a strong transport network, beginning with Changi Airport, which... https://www.scmp.com/specialreports/business/topics/go-asia-singapore/article/2002734/mice-professionals-spoilt-choice?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/specialreports/business/topics/go-asia-singapore/article/2002734/mice-professionals-spoilt-choice?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 12 Aug 2016 03:06:26 +0000 While Bali is known as a top beach resort destination in the Asia-Pacific, it has also become a popular meetings, incentives, conventions and exhibitions (MICE) location, as evidenced by the increasing number of international and regional events held over the past few years. Bali is standing firm as one of the most preferred MICE destinations in the region, thanks to its complete facilities, accessibility, and government support, in addition to direct flights from most major cities in the... https://www.scmp.com/presented/news/asia/topics/go-asia-bali/article/1920081/balis-hotels-have-played-key-role-making?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/presented/news/asia/topics/go-asia-bali/article/1920081/balis-hotels-have-played-key-role-making?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 08 Mar 2016 01:30:00 +0000 Bali has attracted a host of nicknames down the years as generation after generation of visitors have discovered one of the most magical islands in the entire Indonesian archipelago. Variously called The Morning of the World, The Emerald Isle and The Island of the Gods, Bali has a vast array of attractions. Fringed by golden-sand beaches lapped by rolling waves, infused with Hindu culture and age-old traditions, watched over by mountains and carpeted with stunning rice terraces, Bali is... https://www.scmp.com/presented/news/asia/topics/go-asia-bali/article/1920070/bali-continues-dazzle-visitors-festivals-and?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/presented/news/asia/topics/go-asia-bali/article/1920070/bali-continues-dazzle-visitors-festivals-and?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 08 Mar 2016 01:24:55 +0000 It's never been easier to get to Bali, with an abundance of cheap deals on offer to the travelling public eager to get a taste of the legendary island's charms. Airlines flying non-stop between Hong Kong International Airport and Denpasar include Garuda Indonesia, Cathay Pacific and Hong Kong Airlines. However, cheaper fares can be found aboard low-cost carriers Tigerair, Jetstar and AirAsia. While these airlines' flights might take longer - flying via hubs in Kuala Lumpur or Singapore - their... https://www.scmp.com/presented/news/asia/topics/go-asia-bali/article/1920069/budget-airlines-ensure-abundance-cheap-deals?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/presented/news/asia/topics/go-asia-bali/article/1920069/budget-airlines-ensure-abundance-cheap-deals?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 08 Mar 2016 01:24:54 +0000 What could be more romantic on that special day than to arrive at a wedding pavilion on the back of a pachyderm, chauffeured by a mahout wearing a crisp white cap and tunic and wrapped in an exotic sarong, while being escorted by lovely young attendants wearing beautiful headdresses and exotic Balinese garb? And you can do this to the accompaniment of musicians playing gamelan gongs. Such weddings can be organised at several venues in Bali, and one of the best is the Elephant Safari Park Lodge... https://www.scmp.com/presented/news/asia/topics/go-asia-bali/article/1920078/tie-jumbo-style-knot?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/presented/news/asia/topics/go-asia-bali/article/1920078/tie-jumbo-style-knot?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 08 Mar 2016 01:24:54 +0000 Bali has worked its charm on countless travellers from near and far ... now even US presidential hopeful Donald Trump is smitten. Announcing construction of a six-star luxury resort and residential development on the island's southwest coast - Trump Hotel Collection's first resort in Asia - billionaire Donald Trump described Bali as "one of the best resort and residential destinations globally". The planned property will provide large suites and villas with world-class service. The prospect of... https://www.scmp.com/presented/news/asia/topics/go-asia-bali/article/1920076/balis-luxury-properties-continue-draw-buyers?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/presented/news/asia/topics/go-asia-bali/article/1920076/balis-luxury-properties-continue-draw-buyers?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 08 Mar 2016 01:24:54 +0000 Bali offers a mind-boggling array of accommodation. Apart from massive resorts with several hundred rooms, there are also small family-run homestays, which accommodate guests within the confines of traditional Balinese courtyard homes. And everything in between. The advantage of the larger resorts is that they can offer more in the way of facilities and activities. At smaller properties, such activities might only be offered once or twice a week. Smaller properties might lack the wide selection... https://www.scmp.com/presented/news/asia/topics/go-asia-bali/article/1920100/bali-offers-mind-boggling-array?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/presented/news/asia/topics/go-asia-bali/article/1920100/bali-offers-mind-boggling-array?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 08 Mar 2016 01:24:53 +0000 After spending three years as executive chef at the Alila Manggis hotel in the village of Candidasa in eastern Bali, Penelope Williams decided to strike out on her own and open her own restaurant. Williams didn't want to open any restaurant - she wanted to open one that served authentic Balinese cuisine based on homestyle cooking. She accompanied fellow chefs to their villages, where she learned the recipes and cooking techniques of Balinese cuisine in the homes and temples of villagers. There's... https://www.scmp.com/presented/news/asia/topics/go-asia-bali/article/1920080/its-worth-trip-bali-asli-restaurant-and?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/presented/news/asia/topics/go-asia-bali/article/1920080/its-worth-trip-bali-asli-restaurant-and?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 08 Mar 2016 01:24:52 +0000 Forty years after the end of a war, which was one of the defining events of the 20th century, Vietnam is emerging as a force to be reckoned with in Asia and on the world stage. Much of the country was laid waste by years of conflict; however, by adopting a succession of five-year development plans, Vietnam has made its way along the long road to recovery. In August, Vietnam reached an agreement in principle with the European Union (EU) for a ground-breaking free-trade deal. The aim is to... https://www.scmp.com/presented/news/asia/topics/go-asia-vietnam/article/1875279/country-enjoys-strong-growth?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/presented/news/asia/topics/go-asia-vietnam/article/1875279/country-enjoys-strong-growth?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 06 Nov 2015 08:32:52 +0000 The speed of Vietnam's property market's turnaround has been described as startling. What was, only four years ago, a sector on its knees is now the rising star of Southeast Asian real estate. The fillip is largely due to improving fiscal conditions. Real estate company Jones Lang LaSalle reports that Vietnam's economy grew by 6.8 per cent in the third quarter of this year, climbing from 6.4 per cent in the second quarter, and 6.1 per cent in the first, supported by foreign direct investment... https://www.scmp.com/presented/news/asia/topics/go-asia-vietnam/article/1875274/property-market-inspires-belief?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/presented/news/asia/topics/go-asia-vietnam/article/1875274/property-market-inspires-belief?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 06 Nov 2015 08:32:38 +0000 Next year marks the 80th anniversary of the opening of the railway line that links Hanoi and Saigon, now Ho Chi Minh City. Running some 1,700km beside the coast, its completion was a minor miracle of engineering.  It was closed due to hostilities in 1954, but reopened two decades later, and, at present, does a lot to live up to its nickname: The Reunification Line. For visitors, it's a great way to see Vietnam. Fly into Hanoi or Ho Chi Minh City, and let the train take the strain out of... https://www.scmp.com/presented/news/asia/topics/go-asia-vietnam/article/1875272/train-ride-offers-amazing-scenery?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/presented/news/asia/topics/go-asia-vietnam/article/1875272/train-ride-offers-amazing-scenery?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 06 Nov 2015 08:32:31 +0000 Central Vietnam is one of the country's best-kept secrets. There are sandy beaches with stylish hotels, Unesco World Heritage Sites and top golf courses. Da Nang International Airport has flights to a growing list of domestic and regional travel destinations. According to Zulki Othman, general manager of the Hyatt Regency Danang Resort & Spa, the region started to see a spike in tourism when the airport's new terminal opened in 2012.  "Since then, we have seen Dragonair, Hong Kong Express,... https://www.scmp.com/presented/news/asia/topics/go-asia-vietnam/article/1875270/central-voyage-discovery?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/presented/news/asia/topics/go-asia-vietnam/article/1875270/central-voyage-discovery?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 06 Nov 2015 08:32:11 +0000 Stretching from its northern border with Thailand across the South China Sea to the island of Borneo, Malaysia occupies a broad swathe of Southeast Asia. Geographically, economically and politically, the country is one of the region's major players, and is set to capitalise on its position in the coming five years. The latest development plan, presented to parliament in May, allocated 260 billion ringgit (US$68.2 billion) for development expenditure from 2015 to 2020, with increasing the... https://www.scmp.com/presented/news/asia/topics/go-asia-malaysia/article/1875559/ambitions-becoming-high-income-nation?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/presented/news/asia/topics/go-asia-malaysia/article/1875559/ambitions-becoming-high-income-nation?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 06 Nov 2015 08:31:17 +0000 Malaysia's GDP is in excess of US$750 billion, and the country has turned itself into a centre of Islamic banking, taking pride of place as the country with the highest numbers of female workers in that industry. Knowledge-based services are also expanding, while, in order to build up a sturdy defensive ability and support national development, Malaysia privatised some of its military facilities. This created a home-grown defence industry, which in 1999 was brought under the Malaysia Defence... https://www.scmp.com/presented/news/asia/topics/go-asia-malaysia/article/1875316/diverse-range-sectors-still-growing?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/presented/news/asia/topics/go-asia-malaysia/article/1875316/diverse-range-sectors-still-growing?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 06 Nov 2015 08:31:08 +0000 Hotels in Kuala Lumpur have traditionally targeted meetings, incentives, conventions and exhibitions (MICE) organisers and business travellers, but a move is afoot to broaden their base by attracting more leisure travellers. Their efforts are supported by Tourism Malaysia, which is focusing increasingly on the leisure travel segment by promoting festivals and other tourist-friendly events and activities. The number of hotel rooms in Kuala Lumpur increased by an average of 3.6 per cent between... https://www.scmp.com/presented/news/asia/topics/go-asia-malaysia/article/1875324/emphasis-shifts-business-pleasure?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/presented/news/asia/topics/go-asia-malaysia/article/1875324/emphasis-shifts-business-pleasure?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 06 Nov 2015 08:29:37 +0000 When Malaysians congregate, the discussion quickly turns to food. The first question they ask each other is: "Sudah makan?"(have you eaten?). And any visitor to Malaysia is eagerly asked by locals whether they like the food, especially the spicy dishes. It goes without saying that Malaysians live to eat, and with so much variety at affordable prices, it won't take visitors long to get into the swing of things. A decade ago, dining mostly meant enjoying the delights of Malay, Chinese and Indian... https://www.scmp.com/presented/news/asia/topics/go-asia-malaysia/article/1875322/hit-streets-evening-fun?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/presented/news/asia/topics/go-asia-malaysia/article/1875322/hit-streets-evening-fun?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 06 Nov 2015 08:29:15 +0000 It was the "Malaysia My Second Home" campaign which really put the country on the map for overseas property investors.  The government programme, launched a decade ago, not only invited foreigners to live in Malaysia, it also opened their eyes to the lifestyle possibilities of cheaper housing, a pleasant climate, welcoming locals and affordable living costs.  It was just the fillip the nation needed. Property sales were fuelled by generous lending laws, whereby participants can borrow up to 80... https://www.scmp.com/presented/news/asia/topics/go-asia-malaysia/article/1875315/initiative-lures-investors?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/presented/news/asia/topics/go-asia-malaysia/article/1875315/initiative-lures-investors?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 06 Nov 2015 08:28:57 +0000 The tourist market in Vietnam is constantly evolving to match the ever-changing demands and interests of travellers, according to Tran Gia Bach, Indochina regional manager of Buffalo Tours in Hanoi. "These days we find a lot of travellers wanting to get beyond the standard highlights and experience the real life of the destinations they visit," Tran says. "That could be through people, food or culture - exploring markets, meeting a priest at a small monastery or tasting the cities' best-kept... https://www.scmp.com/presented/news/asia/topics/go-asia-vietnam/article/1875234/tours-offer-local-experiences?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/presented/news/asia/topics/go-asia-vietnam/article/1875234/tours-offer-local-experiences?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 03 Nov 2015 07:45:00 +0000