Category: Latest Travel News

Bangkok, Thailand, December 15, 2024 / TRAVELINDEX / The Royal Bangkok Symphony Orchestra Foundation, in collaboration with the Embassy of Netherlands, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Department of Information and B. Grimm Group Ltd., will present a concert titled “Sound of the Seasons” at 7:30 p.m. on Saturday, December 21st, at the Thailand Cultural Centre, which will also celebrate the special year of the 420th Anniversary of Thai-Netherlands Relations. The Netherlands Embassy and RBSO proudly present a beautiful Christmas Concert by Dutch Conductor – Sander Teepen & Dutch Soprano – Jeannette van Schaik with the Royal Bangkok Symphony Orchestra. This Christmas Concert will highlight and cherish the deep ties that have connected our two Kingdoms for centuries.

Jeannette is one of the Netherlands’ great emerging vocal talents, known for her radiant, luscious voice and heartfelt interpretation. She made her international debut as Mimì in Puccini’s La Bohème at the Grand Théâtre de Luxembourg under the baton of Karel Deseure. Highlights include the New Year concert tour with the Noord Nederlands Orkest with conductor Ed Spanjaard, Mahler’s Symphony No.2 at the Royal Concertgebouw and her debut with the Royal Stockholm Philharmonic orchestra with Sven-David Sandström’s High Mass under the baton of Ryan Bancroft. She has collaborated with orchestras such as the Nederlands Philharmonisch Orkest and Nederlands Kamerorkest, the Residentie Orkest, Tel Aviv Symphony Orchestra, Radio Filharmonisch Orkest, Nationaal Jeugd Orkest, Noord Nederlands Orkest and the Royal Stockholm Philharmonic Orchestra and had the pleasure of working with conductors such as Giancarlo Andretta, Sir Mark Elder, Huba Hollóköi, Karel Deseure, Clark Rundell, Paul Nadler, Alexander Joel, Markus Stenz, Karina Cannelakis and Antony Hermus and with stage-directors such as Waut Koeken, Javier Lopéz Piñón, David Prins, Andrea Breth, Alexander Oliver, Sybrand van der Werf, Dominik Beneš and Paul Carr.

This concert will feature a variety of pieces to appeal to all ages. From the more mature and classical sounds of Tchaikovsky’s Nutcracker, Ave Maria O Holy Night Hark! The Herald Angels Sing, Mozart’s Exsultate Jubilate to the cheery Christmas songs such as Jingle Bell and All I Want For Christmas Is You. The RBSO hopes to celebrate the festive season by providing a family-friendly atmosphere and concert experience.

Tickets are available at Thaiticketmajor:
www.thaiticketmajor.com/concert/rbso-2024-sound-of-the-seasons.html

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Hanoi, Vietnam, December 17, 2024 / TRAVELINDEX / Sofitel Legend Metropole Hanoi, the 123-year-old luxury icon in the Vietnamese capital, was recognized by Condé Nast Traveler as one of the 72 best hotels and resorts in the world in the U.S. magazine’s prestigious Gold List 2025.

Metropole Hanoi, the only hotel in Vietnam to win placement on this year’s list, was hailed by the magazine’s editors as “a dazzling destination that flashes back beautifully to a bygone age.” Condé Nast Traveler’s annual Gold List has been compiled for 31 years and serves as a benchmark for excellence in global hospitality.

A total of 16 hotels and resorts in Asia were spotlighted in this year’s Gold List. The editors heaped high praise on Metropole Hanoi in their review of the hotel.

“Behind its classical white façade, two buildings – the original and recently renovated Heritage Wing and the neoclassical Opera Wing, named for its proximity to the Hanoi Opera House – envelop a serene courtyard garden and sparkling pool flanked by a bar,” the editors wrote.

“The historic suites, named after famous former guests, including Charlie Chaplin and novelist Graham Greene, exude a sense of old-world grandeur, while its peaceful French Quarter locale makes it a no-brainer when planning a trip to Hanoi,” they added.

Sofitel Legend Metropole Hanoi General Manager George Koumendakos said, “This is a tremendous honor from Condé Nast Traveler and a recognition of what makes the Grand Dame of Vietnam so special: our rich history, our elegant and sophisticated accommodations, and our uncompromising commitment to warm and personalized service.”

The Condé Nast Traveler award follows other major accolades for Metropole Hanoi this year. The hotel earned a Five-Star rating – the highest level of recognition – from Forbes Travel Guide in February (now held for five consecutive years). And in May, the hotel was named one of the “World’s 500 Best Hotels” by the influential U.S.-based travel magazine Travel + Leisure.

Metropole Hanoi’s historic Heritage Wing, with 103 guest rooms and suites, reopened to guests late last year after being meticulously restored and renovated under a 21-month construction project. The comprehensive reconstruction work was centered on the original wing of the hotel, which was established in 1901 and has played host over the decades to numerous heads of state and royalty, along with world-famous actors, writers, musicians and others.

ABOUT SOFITEL LEGEND METROPOLE HANOI

A prominent fixture in the heart of Hanoi since 1901, the Hotel Metropole Hanoi has a long tradition as a luxury venue for prestigious events and a popular rendezvous for business and leisure travelers such as playwrights, ambassadors and heads of state. The recipient of numerous international awards for its fine service, this legendary landmark has contributed to the richness of local heritage.

The hotel includes 358 rooms that are divided into two wings – the historical Heritage Wing and the neo-classical Opera Wing. There are three legendary suites that are named after famous residents and visitors to the hotel (Graham Greene, Charlie Chaplin, Somerset Maugham).

The Metropole restaurants and bars are all famous dining venues, each offering a different exotic experience: Le Beaulieu has the best French fare in this corner of the world; Spice Garden offers elevated Vietnamese cuisine with a contemporary twist; angelina is Hanoi’s bespoke bar-lounge-restaurant; La Terrasse brings Parisian-style to the sidewalks of Hanoi; Le Club Bar treats guests to its famous afternoon high tea and cool jazz performances; and, finally, Bamboo Bar brings poolside lounging to the next level.

ABOUT SOFITEL LEGEND

A pioneer of French luxury hospitality since 1964, Sofitel today embodies heartfelt and committed luxury, with a French zest. Alongside its 120 elegant and unique properties, the brand inaugurated in 2009 a collection of emblematic hotels under the Sofitel Legend banner: unrivalled luxury addresses with a legendary heritage and highly personalised service. Each stay is timeless, offering sumptuous surroundings, renowned restaurants and modern comforts for an inspiring luxury experience. Noble, rare and soulful, Sofitel Legend hotels captivate with their architectural beauty, breathtaking views and mesmerizing ambience.

Sofitel Legend now comprises 6 hotels, each more magnificent than the last, set within beautiful and culturally-rich destinations around the world: Sofitel Legend The Grand Amsterdam, Sofitel Legend Casco Viejo, Sofitel Legend Santa Clara Cartagena, Sofitel Legend Old Cataract Aswan, Sofitel Legend Metropole Hanoi and Sofitel Legend People’s Grand Hotel Xi’an.

Sofitel Legend is part of Accor, a world leading hospitality group counting over 5,500 properties throughout more than 110 countries, and a participating brand in ALL – Accor Live Limitless – a lifestyle loyalty program providing access to a wide variety of rewards, services and experiences.

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Bangkok, Thailand, December 16, 2024 / TRAVELINDEX / The Extraordinary Travel Festival, the premier event celebrating the art and spirit of exploration, is thrilled to announce that Tommy Sabbatical, the renowned YouTuber and global adventurer, was a surprise speaker at this year’s event in Bangkok.

Sabbatical had been arrested and then detained for over two weeks in Birobidzhan located in the far east of Russia.  Sabbatical had been originally scheduled to speak at the ETF but was taken off the schedule upon his detention by the Russian government.  Sabbatical was released just days before the start of the Extraordinary Travel Festival, deported to China, and hastily made his way to Bangkok for the event.

Sabbatical took to the stage in a surprise appearance to share his story of travelling in Russia, his arrest, his detention, and eventual release.  It was a tale of caution and fear of the unknown.  Sabbatical described his arrest by the FSB (the KGB successor) as an entirely bogus and contrived stunt.

Extraordinary Travel Festival organizer, Ric Gazarian stated “not many conference organizers have to juggle a speaker line-up where there is a risk of a speaker being abruptly arrested preventing them from appearing at the event.”

You may watch Sabbatical’s overview of his false imprisonment and eventual release.

About Tommy Sabbatical
Tommy, the creator behind the wildly popular Sabbatical YouTube channel, has captivated audiences worldwide with his immersive storytelling, linguistic talent, and passion for uncovering lesser-known corners of the globe. With over 700,000 subscribers and 114 million views, Tommy’s content highlights his unique ability to connect with people and cultures through travel and language.

About the Extraordinary Travel Festival
The Extraordinary Travel Festival brings together travelers, adventurers, and explorers from around the globe to celebrate the spirit of discovery. Through engaging talks, workshops, and networking opportunities, the festival fosters a community of like-minded individuals passionate about exploring the world.

For more information about the Extraordinary Travel Festival, visit www.extraordinarytravelfest.com

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Bangkok, Thailand, December 16, 2024 / TRAVELINDEX / Bangkok’s Riverside recently witnessed the exciting launch of the latest dining experience – OXBO Bangkok – a “Bound By Nature” concept restaurant by the Hilton Group and the first of its kind in Southeast Asia. Hosting the star-studded grand opening with the Chao Phraya River as backdrop was Mr. Tim Tate (3^rd from right), General Manager of Millennium Hilton Bangkok, together with the restaurant’s own young and energetic Chef Oliver Afonso (3^rd from left) who delighted guests with his bold, flavourful dishes of the finest meats, seafood, and vegetables expertly grilled a la minute at the open kitchen. Chef Oliver uses the finest ingredients sourced directly from local farmers and suppliers with care for the environment and staying true to the restaurant’s “Farm to Fork” motto. In addition, a stunning charcuterie display in the private room drew significant attention. The bar added to the excitement with a team of skilled mixologists crafting delectable cocktails and offering customisable gin and tonic creations. The evening’s festive atmosphere was further elevated by the performances of a live trio band, ensuring an unforgettable celebration. OXBO Bangkok, overlooking the Chao Phraya River, is open daily from 5 pm until 11 pm.

Pictured from left are: Ms. Pasupan Patipanpanya, Carmine De Riso, Chef Oliver Afonso, celebrity actress , Benjawan Artner, Pongthep Anurat, Thanwa Suriyajak, Panward Hemmanee, Tim Tate, actor Attaporn Teemakorn, and Pachara Panyayong.

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Bangkok, December 17, 2024 / TRAVELINDEX / Step into the magic of the festive season with the Michelin-starred Blue by Alain Ducasse, where exquisite craftsmanship meets the joy of giving. Elevate your holiday traditions this year with an exclusive collection of luxury festive hampers thoughtfully curated to spread love, joy, and a touch of indulgence. Featuring a selection of artisanal treats and elegant offerings, these hampers are the perfect way to share the spirit of the season with those who matter most.

The Ultimate Festive Collection
Celebrate the season in ultimate style with this luxurious limited edition hamper crafted to delight and impress. Featuring six artisanal cookies, a festive Apple Pie Oolong tea blend beautifully packaged in a custom-designed tin box, and a signature Blue candle, it is perfect for sharing or indulging yourself. With only 100 hampers available at THB 3,500, this is your chance to make the holidays extraordinary.

Decadent Dozen Assortment
Discover the perfect holiday indulgence with our decadent selection priced at THB 1,700. This curated collection features 12 artisanal cookies in six exquisite flavours, crafted with premium ingredients, including chocolate from the Alain Ducasse Manufacture. The flavours include Hazelnut Praline, Pistachio Praline, Cocoa Nib Praline, Cocoa Paste Praline, Peanut Praline, and Milk Chocolate Caramel Praline, offering a delightful medley of tastes and textures to elevate your festive celebrations.

The Noel Collection
Delight in this thoughtfully curated selection of six Christmas cookies crafted from exquisite Alain Ducasse chocolate. Priced at THB 800, this festive assortment features three delectable flavours — Hazelnut Praline, Pistachio Praline, and Cocoa Nib Praline — in vibrant holiday colours. Each cookie offers a unique taste of seasonal cheer, making it the perfect treat for sharing the joy of the holidays.

Pandanttone Panettone
This limited-edition creation is crafted in small batches by Executive Pastry Chef Christophe Grilo, using a starter yeast he has meticulously nurtured since 2009. The firm levain undergoes a 16-hour fermentation process, producing a perfectly soft texture. Infused with the aromatic essence of pandan, this 750g panettone delivers a distinctive East-meets-West flavour experience. Priced at THB 2,800 and limited to just 100 pieces, this masterpiece is an exclusive and unforgettable addition to any festive celebration.

Chocolate Orange Bliss Panettone – THB 1,200
The Chocolate Orange Bliss Panettone is a harmonious blend of rich Alain Ducasse chocolate and fragrant orange, creating a festive flavour pairing that’s simply unforgettable. Meticulously crafted in small batches, this 500 gms special edition panettone is made with starter yeast nurtured by Executive Pastry Chef Grilo since 2009 and firm levain, undergoing a 16-hour fermentation process to achieve its impeccable texture and irresistible flavour. Priced at THB 1,200, it’s the perfect centrepiece for festive gatherings or a thoughtful gift to delight your loved ones.

Blue Signature Candle
Exclusively created for Blue by Alain Ducasse, this soy wax candle fills your space with the captivating fragrance of “Library”— a sophisticated blend of galbanum, amber, and musk. More than just a candle, it transforms any setting into a haven of enchanting ambience while reflecting a commitment to sustainable craftsmanship.

Blue Exclusive Tea Box Set
Indulge in the Blue Exclusive Tea Box Set, a luxurious collection of three signature blends: the delicate Chao Phraya Blend, the comforting Apple Pie Oolong, and the distinctive Shades of Blue Blend. Priced at THB 2,750, this beautifully curated set is perfect for gifting or elevating your tea rituals with flavours that capture the essence of sophistication. The Chao Phraya Blend and the Apple Pie Oolong are available separately at THB 1,250 a tin.

All prices are exclusive of 7% VAT and are available for purchase from 28 November 2024 to 15 January 2025, with a minimum three-day advance order required. Orders can be placed in person at Blue by Alain Ducasse at ICONSIAM, by phone at +66(0)6-5731-2346, via LINE ID: BlueByAlainDucasse, or by email at enquiries@blue-alainducasse.com. Full payment is required at the time of order, and hampers can be collected at Blue by Alain Ducasse on the scheduled date.

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Cam Ranh, Vietnam, December 13, 2024 / TRAVELINDEX / Alma Resort Cam Ranh has taken out first place in three global categories of this year’s UK-based Luxury Lifestyle Magazine Readers’ Travel Awards, named “Best Beach/Coastal Hotel”, “Best Hotel for Families” and “Best Hotel for Sustainability”.

In the readers’ choice contest, Alma Resort was also voted runner-up in the worldwide “Best Hotel for Food” award.

“Luxury hotels, destinations, cruise lines, airlines and travel companies across the world have been competing to be crowned the very best in the seventh annual LLM Readers’ Travel Awards,” said Luxury Lifestyle Magazine. “Our awards recognise and celebrate excellence across all sectors of the luxury travel and tourism industry, and we were pleased to be able to shine a light on those making waves in the UK and all across the globe. After months of deliberation and votes from our discerning readers – with a record number of voters this year at 32,405 – the votes have been counted and the results are in.”

Alma Resort’s managing director Herbert Laubichler-Pichler said he and his team were “over the moon” to be named the top hotel worldwide by the magazine’s voters for its beach location, family facilities and services, and sustainability measures, as well the No. 2 hotel worldwide for its dining landscape.

“We feel so honoured on the global stage, topping off what has been a fantastic year for our resort on the awards front, following Alma Resort being named as the top resort in Southeast Asia, the No. 2 resort in Asia and No. 9 resort worldwide in the 2024 Travel + Leisure’s World’s Best Awards,” he said.

Bold, spacious and emblematic of Vietnam’s maturation as a destination, the independently owned and operated luxury resort Alma is making waves in Cam Ranh, a peninsula on Vietnam’s south-central coast that first found fame as Southeast Asia’s greatest deepwater harbor and is now rising as an upscale alternative to nearby Nha Trang.

Alma is home to an awe-inspiring host of world-class facilities, such as an eclectic range of restaurants helmed by leading chefs, a food court with an array of local and international cuisine, a classical bar, pool bar and beach bar, and mini supermarket. Other drawing cards include a science museum, waterpark with a lazy river, wave pool slides and kids pool, 13-treatment room spa, cinema, convention centre, amphitheatre, youth centre, kid’s club, gymnasium and yoga room, an 18-hole putting green, onsite gourmet organic farm and more.

Alma is embarking upon what is believed to be Vietnam’s most ambitious solar power project yet.

About Alma
Situated on Vietnam’s emerging Cam Ranh peninsula fronting Long Beach, Alma resort commands some 30 hectares of inspiring ground. Emblematic of Vietnam’s maturation as a destination, the bold and spacious integrated resort offers 580 oversized suites and pavilions that all afford sweeping vistas of the ocean, including contemporary three bedroom oceanfront pavilions each totalling 224sqm with a living room, four bathrooms and a private pool. Alma features a broad spectrum of restaurants helmed by top chefs, a food court with an array of local and international cuisine, as well as a sports bar, pool bar and beach bar. Other highlights include 12 swimming pools cascading down to the beach and a waterpark with a lazy river, slides, wave pool and kids pool. Other highlights include a 13-treatment room spa, 75-seat cinema, convention centre, amphitheater, science museum, gymnasium and yoga room, 18-hole mini golf course, a youth centre with virtual reality games, a kid’s club, golf simulator, onsite sustainable farm and even an ‘Alma Mart’ mini supermarket. Alma Resort was called out as the top resort in Southeast Asia, the No. 2 resort in Asia and No. 9 resort worldwide in the 2024 Travel + Leisure’s World’s Best Awards. Alma scored 99.2 on the US-based publication’s 100-point award survey. The World’s Best Awards are widely considered to be one of the two most important awards in the worldwide hospitality industry.

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Geneva, Switzerland, December 12, 2024 / TRAVELINDEX / Global trade is poised to hit an all-time high of nearly $33 trillion in 2024, with a $1 trillion increase largely driven by a 7% rise in services trade. Developing economies face slower trade growth, but high-growth sectors like information and communication technology (ICT) and apparel offer opportunities for diversification and resilience. Stable global growth and easing inflation create a window for developing economies to strengthen their trade position amid rising geopolitical uncertainties.

Global trade is set to reach a record $33 trillion in 2024, according to the latest Global Trade Update by UN Trade and Development (UNCTAD). This $1 trillion increase, reflecting 3.3% annual growth, highlights resilience in global trade despite persistent challenges. Robust growth in services trade, up 7% for the year, accounted for half of the expansion, while goods trade rose 2% but remained below its 2022 peak.

Global trade grows 3.3% in 2024, driven by a 7% rise in trade in services.

Opportunities amidst uncertainty

Developing economies, traditionally strong drivers of global trade, faced headwinds in 2024, with imports contracting 1% and South-South trade falling by the same margin in the third quarter. In contrast, developed economies led Q3 growth, with stable demand driving a 3% rise in imports and 2% in exports.

Despite these challenges, opportunities remain for developing economies to capitalize on high-growth sectors. ICT and apparel trade surged, with increases of 13% and 14%, respectively, in the third quarter 2024. This growth underscores the potential for diversification and entry into value-added industries. Stable global growth forecasts and easing inflation also present a chance to build resilience in 2025.

Sectoral pressures and growth prospects

While ICT and apparel showed strong momentum, traditional sectors critical to developing economies faced declines. Energy trade fell 2% for the quarter and 7% for the year, while metals trade contracted by 3% both quarterly and annually. Automotive trade dropped 3% in Q3 but is expected to end the year with modest 4% growth.

A call for strategic action

UNCTAD urges developing economies to adopt targeted policies that enhance trade diversification and invest in high-value sectors to mitigate risks. The organization underscores that trade is a cornerstone of sustainable development. To capitalize on opportunities in 2025, developing economies require coordinated support to navigate uncertainty, reduce dependencies and strengthen global market links.

About UN Trade and Development (UNCTAD)
UN Trade and Development (UNCTAD) is dedicated to promoting inclusive and sustainable development through trade and investment. With a diverse membership, it empowers countries to harness trade for prosperity.

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Danang, Vietnam, December 12, 2024 / TRAVELINDEX / Efforts to market Central Vietnam’s golf offerings in Australia are paying dividends, with clubs across the Vietnam Golf Coast (VGC) reporting significant growth in Australian golfers’ rounds played.

Montgomerie Links, a cornerstone of the region’s golf scene, has seen a 20% increase in rounds from Australian visitors over the past two years, rising from 1,700 to 2,200 annually. Ba Na Hills Golf Club has experienced even more dramatic growth, with Australian play surging by 35-40%. Notably, many of these golfers visit during the Australian winter—typically a quieter period for foreign visitors in Vietnam—providing a welcome boost to the destination year-round.

Central Vietnam’s efforts to establish itself as a golf destination of choice for Aussies have been bolstered by a series of high-profile initiatives aimed at the Australian market. Over the past year, the destination has welcomed several leading Australian golf writers, including representatives from Golf Digest Australia, to experience the region’s offerings firsthand.

Driving this momentum, Laguna Golf Lang Co—a signature course designed by Sir Nick Faldo and a founding member of the VGC—made a bold statement by hosting roadshows in Melbourne and Sydney earlier this year. Representing the resort and Central Vietnam on an international stage, the team worked tirelessly to bring together Australian media and tour operators and highlight the exceptional golf experiences at Laguna Lang Co and Central Vietnam.

Stephen Banks, Director of Golf at Laguna Golf Lang Co, underscored the importance of these events in solidifying ties with Australian stakeholders. “These roadshows demonstrate our commitment to positioning Central Vietnam as a leading golf destination for Australians,” he said. “By fostering connections with key players in the market, we aim to build lasting partnerships and promote sustained tourism growth.”

The roadshows showcased the region’s standout courses, including those designed by Luke Donald (Ba Na Hills Golf Club) and Colin Montgomerie (Montgomerie Links), alongside iconic names like Greg Norman and Robert Trent Jones Jr. Representatives from the Danang Tourism Promotion Centre joined the events, providing insights into the broader appeal of the region, including its luxurious accommodations and vibrant cultural experiences.

Le Vo Hoang Van, club manager at Montgomerie Links, attributed the growth to targeted marketing campaigns and the undeniable allure of Central Vietnam. “Australian golfers are drawn to the region’s world-class courses, stunning landscapes, and warm hospitality,” she said. “The recent uptick in rounds is a testament to the effectiveness of our outreach efforts.”

Ba Na Hills Golf Club’s general manager, Simon Mees, echoed these sentiments. “The Australian market has been a game-changer for us,” he added. “It’s gratifying to see how well our course resonates with these visitors. The feedback we’ve received has been overwhelmingly positive, and we’re excited to continue building on this momentum.”

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Basingstoke, United Kingdom, December 11, 2024 / TRAVELINDEX / Getting Out tells how Ukraine’s cricketers escaped from Russia’s invasion in February 2022, including first-hand accounts of the war. As the foreign-born players fled the bombings, the team’s Ukrainians took themselves to the front line. The book also holds many light-hearted stories about the surprising and eccentric history of cricket in Ukraine.

Buy the book now at Amazon

Key features
• Complete history of cricket in Ukraine, from its first match in 1993 to the country’s application for ICC membership.
• Eyewitness accounts of the first days of the war in Kyiv and Kharkiv, and first-hand reports from the war zones in Bucha and Bakhmut.
• Interviews with Ukrainian refugees about how cricket has helped them and their children to settle into a new country.
• Stories about the surprising people who made cricket in Ukraine happen.
• Foreword by Serhiy Rebrov, manager of Ukraine’s national football team.
• Publicity campaign planned including

Description
Getting Out is the remarkable story of how Ukraine’s cricketers helped the people around them to escape from Russia’s invasion in 2022, including first-hand accounts of the war. When the invasion started, the cricketers were suddenly in a fight for their lives. As the team’s India-born players led a mass evacuation from the shelling of Kharkiv, and their coach, a South African teacher, sheltered from the bombings in Kyiv in his bathtub, the squad’s Ukrainian players took themselves to the front lines to defend their country. Meanwhile, some Ukrainian refugees began to play cricket in a park in southern Europe. As well as eyewitness accounts of the first days of the war in Kyiv and Kharkiv, and first-hand reports from the war zones in Bucha and Bakhmut, the book holds many light-hearted stories – from the children’s team where nobody wanted to bat or bowl, to the players who had to be freed from a police cell before a game, to how a biofuel developer became Ukraine’s first professional cricketer. It’s a story of courage, determination and hope.

Buy the book now at Amazon

About the author
Jonathan Campion writes about cricket in unusual places for the Wisden Cricketers’ Almanack. He lived in Ukraine from 2007 until 2010, working as a translator and editor at international firms in Kyiv. He has written about Ukraine for Lonely Planet, and about other parts of Eastern Europe in several books and magazines. He lives in Norwich, and plays for the wandering charity cricket team The Metronomes CC.

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Lang Co, Vietnam, December 10, 2024 / TRAVELINDEX / Laguna Golf Lang Co, one of Vietnam’s premier golfing destinations, has been designated as the preferred venue for members of the esteemed Taiheiyo Club, Japan’s foremost golf organisation.

Known for its 18 exclusive courses and a legacy of hosting over 200 annual events—including the renowned Mitsui Sumitomo Visa Taiheiyo Masters—the Taiheiyo Club represents Japan’s pinnacle of golfing excellence. Therefore, this collaboration underscores Laguna Lang Co’s commitment to delivering world-class experiences for discerning Japanese golfers.

“Laguna Lang Co offers a rich tapestry of experiences that visitors from Japan appreciate. There’s incredible golf, world-class accommodation, culinary delights, entertainment, and cultural immersion,” said Stephen Banks, Director of Golf at Laguna Golf Lang Co.

“It’s always a pleasure to welcome our Taiheiyo Club friends and guests,” added Banks. “Their passion for the game and appreciation for the unique experience we offer make them cherished visitors.”

With the resurgence of convenient direct flights between Danang and Tokyo, facilitated by Vietnam Airlines, Japanese visitors are rediscovering Central Vietnam. Beyond golf, the region’s attractions have diversified to include culinary experiences, luxury resorts, pristine beaches, and cultural landmarks, particularly the historic city of Hue, just an hour north of Laguna Lang Co.

Laguna Lang Co offers Japanese travellers seamless access to Vietnam’s cultural and natural wonders. The resort’s centrepiece is the Sir Nick Faldo Signature golf course, nestled between lush mountains and the pristine East Sea. The challenging yet stunning layout has resonated with Taiheiyo Club members, making it a top choice for golfing enthusiasts from Japan.

Complementing the championship golf experience, Laguna Lang Co offers a range of luxurious accommodations, including the award-winning Banyan Tree Lang Co, Angsana Lang Co, and the Laguna Parkside Residences Lang Co. These properties provide unparalleled comfort and convenience for visitors, creating a complete resort experience.

“The rice, rocks, beach, and buffaloes make Laguna Lang Co a favourite for our members,” said Jiro Nonaka, an executive from Taiheiyo Club. “It’s a truly unique experience that combines Vietnam’s natural charm with the challenge of a world-class golf course.”

Eight years ago, Japanese travellers primarily associated Central Vietnam with its golf courses. Today, the destination has evolved, offering a rich tapestry of experiences that appeal to a broader audience. Laguna Lang Co remains at the forefront of this transformation, blending high-quality golf with luxury accommodations and immersive cultural offerings.

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