Chris Infotainment

Phu Quoc: A New Gateway for Indian Travelers Phu Quoc, recognized as the most beautiful island in Asia by readers of the American magazine Condé Nast Traveler, recently welcomed over 180 Indian travelers on a new direct flight from New Delhi on December 10. This marked the beginning of a month-long series of flights connecting the two destinations, aiming to bring a fresh wave of visitors to Vietnam's pristine island. The inaugural flight was the first of eight direct services scheduled to operate from December 10, 2025, to January 10, 2026. The route is operated by Air India in collaboration with Vietravel and MakeMyTrip, India’s leading online travel platform. Tourism analysts consider this development a significant step in boosting one of Vietnam's fastest-growing visitor markets. They believe that Phu Quoc holds immense potential for attracting Indian travelers. "Indian travelers are increasingly seeking destinations that offer unique, memorable, and easily access...

Rising Popularity of Phu Quoc Among Vietnamese Tourists According to data from a Dutch-based platform, Phu Quoc has emerged as the top destination for Vietnamese tourists during the upcoming New Year holiday. The island saw a significant increase in searches, with a rise of 86% compared to the same period last year. This surge in interest highlights the growing appeal of Phu Quoc as a travel hotspot. Da Lat secured the second position on the list, followed by Ho Chi Minh City in third place. The data was collected based on hotel bookings made between December 20, 2025, and January 4, 2026. Hanoi came in fourth, while Da Nang completed the top five destinations. The remaining spots in the top 10 were filled by Nha Trang, Vung Tau, Mui Ne, Hoi An, and Sa Pa. These locations are also gaining traction among domestic travelers, offering a mix of cultural experiences, natural beauty, and recreational activities. Phu Quoc's Tourism Boom in 2025 The year 2025 marked a significant mil...

Phu Quoc, a stunning island that has been recognized as the most beautiful in Asia by readers of the American magazine Condé Nast Traveler, has seen a remarkable increase in international tourism. In the first 11 months of this year, the island welcomed nearly 1.6 million international tourists, marking an 80.9% rise compared to the same period last year. This surge in visitors has significantly boosted tourism revenues, which reached VND39 trillion during the same timeframe, an impressive 99.5% increase from the previous year. According to reports from An Giang Province's Department of Tourism, the growth in tourism can be attributed to the return of international travelers, particularly those arriving via charter flights from Russia. Phu Quoc has become a popular destination for tourists from around the world, with visitors coming from 150 countries and territories. These include Russia, the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS), South Asia, and traditional markets such as K...

Understanding the Preferences of Asian Travelers A recent survey conducted by Agoda, a leading online travel platform, has revealed that nearly three out of four Asian travelers (73%) prefer booking accommodations that cost less than US$100 per night. This data highlights a growing trend among travelers in Asia who are increasingly focused on finding affordable options without compromising on their travel experiences. The survey, which was carried out in October, included 3,353 respondents across nine Asian markets, including India, Indonesia, Japan, Malaysia, the Philippines, South Korea, Taiwan, Thailand, and Vietnam. The findings indicate that travelers in certain countries, such as Malaysia, Indonesia, and Vietnam, are particularly price-sensitive. In these regions, most travelers are looking for stays under $50 per night, showcasing a strong preference for budget-friendly options. Financial Planning and Spending Habits One of the key insights from the survey is that about 40%...

Vietnam’s Tourism Sector Gains Momentum Vietnam is witnessing a remarkable surge in its tourism industry, driven by both domestic travel and a significant recovery in international arrivals. This growth has solidified the country's status as one of the fastest-growing tourist destinations in Southeast Asia. According to a report from Savills Hotels and the international law firm Watson Farley & Williams, the nation is on track for continued expansion. In 2024, Vietnam welcomed 17.6 million foreign visitors, and by the first nine months of 2025, the number had risen to 15.4 million. These figures suggest that the country is well-positioned to meet its target of 25 million foreign visitors by the end of the year. Hotel Room Growth and Regional Distribution As of the third quarter, Vietnam has more than 192,000 midscale-to-luxury hotel rooms. This represents a compound annual growth rate of 10.9% over the past decade, one of the highest in the region. Approximately 60% of the...

Shift in Russian Tourist Preferences In recent years, the traditional favorite destination of Nha Trang has not been the only Vietnamese location capturing the attention of Russian tourists. A growing number of travelers are exploring other regions such as Phu Quoc, which was recently recognized as the most beautiful island in Asia by readers of the American magazine Condé Nast Traveler . This shift indicates a broader interest in Vietnam's diverse offerings, with more visitors seeking unique experiences beyond the well-known coastal city. Despite some unfavorable weather conditions in various parts of Vietnam, Russian travel agencies have reported no cancellations or reductions in tour bookings to the country. This resilience highlights the continued appeal of Vietnam as a winter getaway for Russian tourists, even amid challenges like short-term flooding in certain areas. Stability in Nha Trang One Click Travel, a company that serves a significant number of clients traveling ...

The Rise of Shoulder-Season Travel The sweet spot—when tourist crowds have yet to descend or they have just left—is what travelers are now searching for. This trend is gaining momentum, especially among Gen Z, who are choosing off-peak times to travel to make their money go further and avoid the worst of the tourist crowds. Recent reports, including Airbnb's "2025 Fall Travel Trends," highlight that those born between 1997 and 2012 are warming up to the appeal of shoulder seasons, when demand is lower but many of the attractions of high season can still be enjoyed. Here are five destinations and their shoulder seasons recommended for those seeking quieter streets and cheaper sleeps. Kanazawa, Japan Kanazawa, located on Honshu Island, offers a unique experience during its shoulder seasons. These include late May, early June, early September, and early November. While visitors may miss out on the peak sakura (spring blossoms) and autumn foliage, they can still enjoy the...

Impact of Severe Flooding on Southeast Asia's Tourism Industry Vietnam, Thailand, and Malaysia, three of Southeast Asia's most popular tourist destinations, are currently grappling with severe flooding that has caused widespread chaos and disrupted transportation in key tourist areas. The situation has raised concerns about the region's ability to meet its tourism targets for the year. Vietnam: A Region in Crisis In Vietnam, heavy rainfall has led to significant flooding across the south central region, which includes well-known tourist spots such as Nha Trang, Quy Nhon, and Phu Yen. These areas are home to some of the country’s most beloved beaches, but they have now become battlegrounds against nature’s fury. Water levels have started to recede in central Vietnam after a week of flooding and landslides that claimed 91 lives and caused extensive damage to infrastructure. This has left over 1.1 million households and businesses without power. Several sections of nation...

The Generational Divide in Modern Travel Habits Travel has always been a way for people to explore new places, meet new people, and gain new experiences. However, the way people plan, book, and experience their trips has evolved significantly over the years. A recent conversation between a travel expert and her father highlighted the growing generational divide in how different age groups approach holidays. Jordan Cooper, a contributor at VegOut, shared her own experience of trying to explain modern travel habits to her father, who is part of the boomer generation. He was baffled by the idea of staying in someone’s apartment—specifically, an Airbnb in Lisbon. This encounter sparked a deeper reflection on the seven millennial travel trends that often leave older generations confused. Booking Accommodation Through Apps While boomers tend to rely on established hotel chains they can trust, millennials and Gen-Z are more comfortable booking spare rooms, treehouses, and tiny rooms on pl...

On the southern tip of Gran Canaria lies a vast, golden sand beach that is celebrated for its year-round sunshine and clear, blue waters. This Spanish resort, Maspalomas, offers average daily temperatures of 22°C and more than 10 hours of sunlight each day, making it an ideal destination to escape the cold British winter. Known as the "Miami of Europe," Playa de Maspalomas stretches for six kilometers, flanked by large, rolling dunes. The beach has become a favorite spot for water sports, with seafront cafés, bars, and restaurants within easy walking distance. It was even recognized as the continent's sunniest winter beach by Saga, which compiled a list of beaches that receive the most hours of sunshine during the winter months. Travelers have praised the beach on TripAdvisor, with one user commenting, "Probably one of the best and impressive places to go to in Gran Canaria, for free and as far as the eye can see. We went there in the evening when the sun was slowl...

Rising Popularity of Phu Quoc in Global Travel Trends Skyscanner, one of the world's leading travel platforms, has released its annual Trending Destinations 2026 report, highlighting a significant rise in global interest for certain locations. Among these, Vietnam’s Phu Quoc Island has secured the second position on the global list. This achievement is attributed to a remarkable increase in travel searches, showcasing the island’s growing appeal among international travelers. Each year, Skyscanner analyzes millions of flight, hotel, and car rental searches across more than 30 languages. This extensive data collection helps identify emerging travel trends and provides insights into where people are choosing to visit. The annual Trending Destinations list is considered a key indicator of traveler preferences and the evolving popularity of destinations worldwide. Phu Quoc, which was recently named the most beautiful destination in Asia by readers of the American magazine Condé Nas...

Over the past year, Phu Quoc has emerged as a prominent destination in Indian media, frequently featured in publications like Travel Daily Media, GQ India, and Travel + Leisure India. These outlets, through data, emerging trends, and firsthand experiences, consistently highlight how Phu Quoc is reshaping the perception of Vietnam among Indian travelers. Data Confirms Surging Demand According to data released by Agoda and reported by Travel Daily Media in October 2025, Phu Quoc made its debut on the list of the 10 most searched international honeymoon destinations among Indian travelers. The island saw an eightfold increase in popularity, indicating a growing interest in this tropical escape. The return of the performance show "Symphony of the Sea" has further solidified Phu Quoc's status as a must-visit destination for this year-end. Photo courtesy of Sun Group Gaurav Malik, Country Director, Indian Subcontinent & Indian Ocean Islands at Agoda, noted that honeym...

Choosing the Perfect Travel Mug for Your Journey For many, a travel mug is as essential as a ticket when heading out on a trip. Whether you're a coffee lover, tea enthusiast, or prefer hot chocolate, finding the right travel mug can make all the difference in keeping your drink warm and secure during long journeys. Travel mugs are tested for their ability to retain heat, spill resistance, and overall durability. They must withstand the rigors of daily use, from public transport to being tossed around in a bag. The ideal travel mug should not only keep your beverage at the right temperature but also be practical, stylish, and easy to carry. Key Factors to Consider When selecting a travel mug, several factors come into play. Some people may prioritize size and capacity, especially if they want to carry soup or other liquids. Others might focus on style, looking for a mug that adds a pop of color to their accessories. For commuters, budget-friendly options are often preferred, whi...

Tourism Growth in Vietnam Vietnam has seen a significant increase in foreign tourist arrivals, with 17.2 million visitors recorded in the first 10 months of this year. This represents a 22% growth compared to the previous year. However, it still lags behind Thailand, which reported 26.8 million tourists during the same period. Top Source Markets Mainland China continues to be the leading source of tourists for Vietnam, with 4.3 million arrivals between January and October. This marks a 43% year-on-year increase. Following China are South Korea with 3.59 million visitors, Taiwan with 1.03 million, the United States with 684,000, and Japan with 678,000. The remaining top 10 markets include India with 574,000 tourists, Cambodia with 549,000, Russia with 501,000, Malaysia with 454,000, and Australia with 447,000. October Performance In October alone, Vietnam welcomed 1.73 million tourists, showing a 14% increase from the previous months. The period between October and April is consi...

Rosewood Hong Kong has claimed the top spot on the World’s Best Hotel list for 2025, surpassing Capella Bangkok. This prestigious ranking is determined by industry experts and experienced travelers who have voted based on their evaluations of the hotels. Since its opening in 2019, Rosewood Hong Kong has quickly become a standout destination with its 413 rooms that offer stunning views of Victoria Harbor. The hotel's design and amenities have drawn widespread acclaim, making it a favorite among discerning travelers. One of the most praised features of Rosewood Hong Kong is its bathrooms, which are described as a "symphony of marble and mirrors." These spaces create a palace-like atmosphere, enhancing the overall luxury experience. The bedrooms also contribute to the hotel's appeal, featuring neutral tones and wooden furniture that create a calming and elegant environment. The starting price for a night at Rosewood Hong Kong is $650, reflecting its high-end status a...

Japan Tops as Top Overseas Travel Destination for South Koreans Japan has emerged as the most popular overseas travel destination for South Koreans during this year’s holiday season. According to a recent report titled “2025 Chuseok Holiday Overseas Travel Trends,” released by the travel booking platform Klook, Japan consistently ranked at the top among international destinations chosen by South Korean travelers. The report highlights that Japan was the most visited country by South Koreans during the holiday period. This trend reflects the growing interest in Japanese culture, cuisine, and tourism infrastructure. The data also shows that other Asian countries such as Taiwan, Vietnam, Hong Kong, and Indonesia were among the top choices for international travel, indicating a strong regional preference. Key Destinations Within Japan Among the various regions in Japan, certain cities stood out as particularly favored by South Korean tourists. Fukuoka, Osaka, and Tokyo were identified...

Phu Quoc, a stunning island that was recently recognized as the second most beautiful in Asia by readers of American magazine Condé Nast Traveler, has seen a significant increase in foreign visitors. Between January and September this year, the island welcomed 1.2 million international tourists, marking a 65.8% rise compared to the same period last year. This growth has already exceeded the target set for this year. In the previous year, Phu Quoc received 960,000 foreign tourists, with an aim to reach 1 million visitors this year. So far, the island has attracted 6.5 million visitors in total, including domestic travelers. This figure surpasses last year’s total of 5.9 million, according to the Department of Tourism in An Giang Province. Andy Nguyen, the director of Sunset Beach Resort & Spa Phu Quoc, highlighted that international guests now make up approximately 90% of the visitors in recent months. He also mentioned that revenue has increased by 30% year-on-year. "The h...

Seattle: The Crowned Beauty of America In a vibrant online debate about which city is the most beautiful in America, Seattle emerged as the top choice, according to social media users who praised its stunning outdoor spaces and natural beauty. Reddit users were particularly enthusiastic, with many calling Seattle a surprising yet well-deserved winner. While cities like Chicago and San Francisco also received honorable mentions, Seattle stood out as one of the most picturesque places to visit, especially during the summer months. One user shared their admiration, saying, "Seattle is an amazing city! I find myself suggesting it to people all the time because it flies under the radar of places to visit but there's so much to see, do and eat." Another Redditor added, "Although I grew up in Seattle, I'm convinced that no city in America has better summers than Seattle." They described the weather as "warm but not too hot, rarely rains, mountains surroundi...

A Unique Experience on the World’s Cheapest Cruise A cruise expert has shared her firsthand account of staying on one of the world's most affordable cruises, offering a glimpse into what it's really like to embark on a luxury journey without the hefty price tag. For just £99, Jenni Fielding, known as 'Cruise Mummy' on social media, experienced a luxurious stay that doesn’t break the bank. Jenni took her trip aboard Cunard’s new Queen Anne ship and documented her adventure in a YouTube video. In the clip, she expressed her surprise at finding a luxury cruise on the brand-new vessel for such an affordable price. "A luxury cruise, five-star service... for the price of a cheap hotel room? I had to give it a go!" she said. She questioned whether this budget-friendly sailing would feel like a dream come true or if she would feel out of place among Cunard’s famously posh traditions. Her journey took her from Hamburg to Southampton, and she shared her experiences t...

Siam Paragon Unveils Three World-Class Attractions Siam Paragon, a renowned global landmark, is set to introduce three exceptional attractions later this year. This ambitious project involves an investment of over 1.25 billion baht and a marketing budget of 200 million baht. These developments highlight Siam Paragon's dedication to providing unmatched experiences for the more than 100 million visitors it welcomes annually. It also aims to elevate Bangkok’s reputation as a top destination for international travelers. One of Siam Paragon’s key strengths has always been its ability to offer unique attractions that cannot be found elsewhere. A prime example is Sea Life Bangkok, one of the largest aquariums in Southeast Asia. Spanning 10,500 square meters, it attracts over 2.5 million visitors each year. Building on this success, Siam Paragon is introducing two new world-class attractions across more than 20,000 square meters: MELAND, Thailand’s first indoor theme park, and NEXTOPIA,...