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the shade of a cabana. The setting was
idyllic and enhanced further when Robin
took out his guitar and sang a few songs
as the sea lapped on the shore.
Luxury cruises
During our last day relaxing at
Amanoi, my travelmate, Duc Long,
founder of Huong Hai Halong, and I
discussed what we had seen. There is
still so much untapped potential in this
beautiful location and there are many
opportunities to invest.
With many international hotels
and resort chains and plentiful beaches
and islands, Nha Trang still lacks over-
night cruising activities, but this is set
to change.
Duc Long already owns a fleet of 10
tourist boats in Halong Bay and he is set
to offer 5-star Emperor Cruises in Nha
Trang Bay in July 2015.
Today, Nha Trang generally targets
the low-end tourist segment rather
than the luxury and ultra-luxury market.
Emperor Cruises Ltd is set to be the first
luxury cruise outfit offering overnight
stays in the area. In total, Duc Long’s
new project comprises five boats, a pri-
vate beach and an island; this is set to
create a new luxury tourism segment
and provide more reason for tourists to
linger longer in the region.
Long says he also wants to provide
a junk cruise service daily in Nha Trang
Bay for people want to enjoy beautiful
islands and beaches and enjoy sunset
with a cocktail on the open water.
His project has total capital expend-
iture of over VND250 billion. The first
boat has 15 en-suite cabins. It was built
at a cost of VND2 billion per cabin. It
has a traditional design but uses high-
quality materials, with an exquisite
gold-plated motif, fine silk, velvet and
other luxury items such as brass, crystal
and gem stones. Works of art commis-
sioned from well-known Vietnamese
artists adorn the walls.
“We want to create an experience
that touches the heart and senses of
the most discerning holidaymakers with
our cruising expertise - our customers
will be served like feudal emperors,”
Long told me.
This masterpiece will be a place
for the most sophisticated travellers to
enjoy Vietnamese culture, history and
gourmet cuisine, and where royal glam-
our and heritage will combine to create
the epitome of elegance.
Guests will enjoy 24 hour room
service and unlimited food, spa services
and drinks. In addition, travellers will be
able to choose transfers by limousine,
helicopter or seaplane.
With so many smart international ho-
tels and resorts already here and the fu-
ture expansion of the airport and seaport
set to bring in even more international
arrivals, Nha Trang is looking like a very
safe bet for up-scale tourism projects.
The sealife show at Vinpearl Land
Thrilling rides are a hit with the kids
Fishing in Nha Trang Bay
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