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Cam Ranh, Vietnam, October 9, 2025 / TRAVELINDEX / Alma, the family-friendly beachfront resort in southern Vietnam, recently introduced Alma Discovery Camp, a new recreation and educational facility designed to connect children with nature, farm animals and sustainable agriculture.

Located near the award-winning resort’s Nursery Garden, the camp, which is aimed at kids between ages 4-14, offers hands-on learning through interactive farm visits and a dedicated museum, helping to foster a deeper appreciation for the natural world.

Children can explore the farm’s habitat, petting and feeding animals such as cows, goats, chickens, ducks, and rabbits. All animals are regularly vaccinated and certificates are provided. The farm is also home to a colourful array of birds.

The camp’s “Little Farmers’ Discovery Hall” museum features interactive exhibits on agricultural products like coconut, coffee, fish, mango, pepper, rice, salt and tea, showcasing real-life farm tools, products and educational boards that detail their history and production processes.

Each tour concludes with a Certificate of Completion for every child, a quiz game to recap the learning journey, and a special Super Farm Explorer Certificate for the quiz champion.

“We are thrilled to launch Alma Discovery Camp, where kids can engage with nature and learn about sustainable farming in a fun and interactive way,” said Alma Resort Managing Director Herbert Laubichler-Pichler. “Our new experience nurtures curiosity and environmental awareness while creating lasting memories for young visitors.”

Alma Discovery Camp welcomes guests seven days a week with guided tours during morning sessions from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. and afternoon sessions from 2:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. Priced at VND 500,000 per person, each tour provides a comprehensive experience that includes aprons and hats for all participants, as well as animal feed for hands-on feeding activities.

Throughout the guided journey, guests will enjoy food sampling across different sections of the museum, featuring authentic Vietnamese delicacies such as dried mangoes, mango candy, Vietnamese coffee and tea, coconut cookies, traditional rice cakes, dried fish and other local specialties. As a memorable keepsake, children will take home a traditional Vietnamese conical hat and a personalized completion certificate signed by our Chief Gardener.

The new Alma Farm complements the resort’s awe-inspiring array of family-friendly facilities, ranging from the Alma Technology Experience Center, kids club and youth club, to a 75-seat cinema and a 6,000sqm water park replete with a lazy river, wave pool, slides and kids pool. Alma offers a host of activities for all ages such as cupcake-, fruit shake- and pizza-making workshops, kite-flying competitions, tree planting and virtual reality golf.

The resort also organizes the “Hotelier Pastry Tour” program to inspire interest and creativity in baking. The program takes children to visit the bakery, learn about the baking process and try the cakes that Alma Resort’s talented chefs craft for diners.

Other popular kids’ activities include VR games in the Youth Club and kids’ water scooters.

Earlier this year, Alma also introduced new “Kids’ Themed Rooms,” including optional boys’ and girls’ playful room set-ups that bring a riot of colour to any of Alma’s oversized suites and pavilions. Kids are greeted in their themed room with a personalised card, welcome board, cookies, colourful pillows, towel art, themed kids bedding and a kiddie float for the pool.

Alma was named “Vietnam’s Best Family Resort” in the Australian magazine Holidays with Kids 2024 Readers’ Choice Awards. The resort was also recently called out as the No. 1 resort in Southeast Asia, the No. 2 resort in Asia and No. 9 resort worldwide in Travel + Leisure’s World’s Best Awards in 2024.

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Danang, Vietnam, October 29, 2025 / TRAVELINDEX / The cheers may have echoed loudest at Bethpage Black, where Luke Donald cemented his legacy as one of Europe’s greatest-ever Ryder Cup captains.

But reverberations from Team Europe’s historic 15-13 triumph over the United States were felt thousands of miles away on the Vietnam Golf Coast, home to Ba Na Hills Golf Club, Donald’s first and only golf course design.

Donald’s consecutive Ryder Cup victories have underlined his reputation for meticulous preparation, tactical clarity, and quiet authority. Those same hallmarks define his work as a designer, most notably at Ba Na Hills Golf Club, where every fairway and green reveals a measured balance of challenge and beauty.

“I’ve always believed that strategy is the heart of golf whether you’re leading twelve players into battle or designing a course that tests decision-making on every shot,” said Donald. “At Ba Na Hills, the idea was to create a layout that rewards patience, creativity, and precision. It’s not about power, it’s about thinking your way around the course.”

Across the golf world, Donald’s leadership has drawn universal praise. Members of his own team hailed his preparation and calm authority, while opposing captain Keegan Bradley went so far as to call him “probably the best European captain ever.” Analysts and players alike have lauded his ability to blend composure, emotional intelligence, and tactical genius, qualities that have redefined modern team golf.

Nestled in the lush foothills west of Danang, Ba Na Hills Golf Club unfolds across dramatic terrain shaped by mountains, ravines, and streams. Designed in collaboration with IMG, it reflects Donald’s cerebral playing style: elegant, strategic, and quietly fierce.

“The topography of Vietnam is just unbelievable,” said Donald. “You’ve got mountains, forests, and ocean all within an hour’s drive. The land gives you so much to work with, and at Ba Na Hills we tried to make every hole feel distinctive, every round feel like a journey.”

The par-3 8th, a downhill short hole framed by forest, is one of many highlights, while the closing stretch — including the island-green 16th and water-guarded dogleg 17th — delivers a thrilling finale amid sweeping highland views.

“Luke’s design philosophy is all about intelligence and restraint,” said Simon Mees, General Manager at Ba Na Hills Golf Club. “Like his Ryder Cup leadership, it’s about making smart choices and playing the long game. You see the same calm control and tactical awareness that made him such a brilliant captain.”

Since opening, Ba Na Hills Golf Club has been a cornerstone of Central Vietnam’s rise as a world-class golf destination, attracting players from across Asia and beyond. Together with other acclaimed courses along the coast, it has helped cement the region’s reputation as one of the most compelling golf and leisure hubs in the world.

Donald said the project remains one of the most satisfying achievements of his career.

“There’s something very special about Ba Na Hills,” he said. “When I see people from all over the world come to play it, to test themselves on a course that asks them to think, to adapt, to stay patient, it feels like a small reflection of what I love about the game.”

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Bangkok, Thailand, October 9, 2025 / TRAVELINDEX / Le Du Kaan, Bangkok’s first rooftop Thai restaurant, which is perched on the 56th floor of EA Rooftop at The Empire, is inviting couples, families and friends to enjoy an evening of spooky fun and festivities this October, as it elevates the annual Halloween celebrations to new heights of eerie excitement!

Halloween is the night of the year when people around the world decide whether to choose “trick or treat”! To capture this spirit of jeopardy, Le Du Kaan will dare its guests to take part in a series of spine-tingling tasting challenges that also pay homage to the rich culinary traditions of Thailand.

Trick or Treat! Do You Dare Take the Creepy Crawly Challenge?

Throughout history, rural communities have enjoyed protein-rich insects as part of their diet. Diners can now test their courage by eating a selection of creepy crawlies – for the chance to win free drinks! Brave souls who choose to gobble a red palm weevil – a native beetle that lives in the trunks of palm trees and can grow up to 4cm long – will be rewarded with a cool cocktail, while those who choose to chomp on an Asian forest scorpion – a black, venomous species which can grow up to 12cm in length – will win a free bottle of wine.

For the ultimate Halloween dare, visitors can choose to munch on a zebra leg tarantula, a huge spider which lives in the jungles of Southeast Asia and can reach up to 15cm! Anyone who completes this fearsome feat will deservedly receive a free cocktail and a bottle of wine. For adventurous guests who want to enjoy a creepy casual snack, Le Du Kaan will also be serving bowls of silk moth larvae, black crickets, and small sun-dried frogs, all carefully prepared by the restaurant’s talented Thai chefs.

Spooky Cocktails Infused with the Spirit of Thai Tradition

A series of Halloween-inspired cocktails will be available for guests to sip and savor, including Eclipse (Mekhong Thai whiskey, strawberry and sesame cordial, ginger ale), Gaze (tequila, Prakaan peated malt whiskey, sweet vermouth, lychee, coriander), and Pha Sam Si (Siam Lanna gin, apple juice, kaffir lime cordial, roasted rice), an elegant taste of Thai tradition which features three symbolic shades – red, yellow, and green – to represent the three-colored silk fabric used to adorn sacred bodhi trees or shrines. To help the occasion go with a swing, all ages can play temple fair games, such as balloon darts, and a popcorn cart will be wheeled around the restaurant to delight diners.

And of course, everyone can treat their taste buds to Le Du Kaan’s original style of Thai cuisine, which blends the finest produce with a rich storytelling narrative. Guided by Chef Thitid “Ton” Tassanakajohn, the Michelin-starred culinary maestro and the only Thai chef to have two entries on the “Asia’s 50 Best Restaurants” list, this spectacular rooftop restaurant blends world-class gastronomy with unparalleled views across the Thai capital’s sparkling skyline.

Don’t miss the chance to celebrate a spooktacular Halloween with all-new taste sensations at Le Du Kaan. This fun, festive event will be staged for one night only, on October 31, 2025.

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Krabi, Thailand, October 8, 2025 / TRAVELINDEX / Phulay Bay, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve, the ultra-luxurious seafront sanctuary in Southern Thailand’s Krabi province, will glow pink this October as it marks Breast Cancer Awareness Month by transforming into a sanctuary of solidarity and showcasing a series of inspiring activities dedicated to the promotion of women’s health.

This ultra-luxurious sanctuary in Krabi reveals a full month of activities to enhance women’s health, including Ayurvedic wellness journeys with Dr. Shagnika Pradhan.

Staged every October, Breast Cancer Awareness Month is an international campaign which strives to increase understanding and reduce the risk of breast cancer, which affects 2.3 million women worldwide. In a bold commitment to the cause, Phulay Bay will become a beacon of hope as Sala Srichan, the resort’s elegant Thai pavilion, is illuminated in a soothing yet striking pink hue for the entire month – taking its place alongside iconic global landmarks such as the Eiffel Tower, Empire State Building, and Sydney Opera House. Reinforcing this important message, the resort’s restaurants and bars will also present a dedicated selection of “Pink at Phulay Bay” dishes and drinks.

Phulay Bay is also delighted to welcome Dr. Shagnika Pradhan to host a full month of customized wellness programs dedicated to women’s health. A naturopathy and yogic science specialist with seven years of experience, Dr. Shagnika is an expert in areas such as pain and stress management, traditional Chinese medicines, herbal remedies, nutrition, healing, lifestyle, and yoga. Throughout Breast Cancer Awareness Month, she will invite men and women to embark on holistic wellness journeys that connect them with the five Ayurvedic elements: Earth, Water, Fire, Air, and Space.

Earth (or “prithvi”) programs are rooted in natural nourishment with yogic postures, nutrition, self massage demonstrations and cooling clay packs to help guests feel fully grounded, while Water (“jal”) sessions promote spiritual cleansing, with open chest poses, hot & cold compression, breathing practices, and cooling techniques to enhance the flow of energy. Fire (“agni”) is dedicated to boosting immunity and vitality with abdominal yoga postures, a castor oil pack, herbal tea making, and chakra meditation, and Air (“vayu”) focuses on breathing work and energy flow with respiration exercises, aromatherapy, and self acupressure techniques to target the body’s qi flow and meridians. Finally, Space (“akash”) promotes awareness and encourages healing with heart chakra meditation, mantra chanting, singing bowls, and gratitude rituals.

As part of The Ritz-Carlton’s “Community Footprints” initiative, the resort will extend its duty of care to its associates – its treasured ladies and gentlemen. Phulay Bay has collaborated with Wattanapat International Hospital, whose medical experts will visit the resort to offer breast cancer awareness training, which could prove vital in helping to identify the disease at its early stages.

“At Phulay Bay, we care deeply for the health and wellbeing of all our ladies, gentlemen, and cherished guests. As the world marks Breast Cancer Awareness Month this October, we want to make a meaningful impact by encouraging all women to gain a greater understanding of this awful disease. By combining the striking symbolism of our bright pink sala with fundraising initiatives, and expert-led wellness sessions by Dr. Shagnika Pradhan, we are striving to make a real difference to the lives of women,” said Mr. Vidya Sagar, the resort’s General Manager.

For more information and to start planning your wellness escape on Krabi’s pure shores at Phulay Bay, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve, please click here: www.phulaybay.com

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Bangkok, Thailand, October , 8, 2025 / TRAVELINDEX / Richmond Hospitality Group, under the leadership of President Khun Laksawan Wongworrakan, in collaboration with Dr. John Chakraphad Pitaktharararuay, CEO & President of 1 Action Education Co., Ltd. and Kaew Chakraphad Foundation, and Mr. Bobby Ortiz, In-Country Co-ordinator of STEM Racing Thailand, is proud to host the STEM Racing Thailand National Finals 2025.

The event will take place from 10th–12th October 2025 in the Richmond Grand Ballroom, Grand Richmond Stylish Convention Hotel, Nonthaburi.

This year’s National Finals will gather 25 teams of Thai students alongside international teams from Malaysia and Japan to compete in the STEM Racing programme – a globally recognized competition officially supported by Formula 1. The challenge pushes students to apply science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) in designing and racing miniature F1-style cars, sharpening both technical and entrepreneurial skills.

A special highlight of the 2025 STEM Racing Thailand National Finals will be the first visit to Thailand by Mr. Andrew Denford, Chairman & Founder of STEM Racing supported by Formula 1, UK. He will join the event on its second day, underlining the importance of Thailand on the global STEM Racing map.

The 2025 STEM Racing Thailand National Finals arrives at a pivotal moment: recent high-level discussions with the CEO of Formula 1 have raised the possibility of Bangkok hosting Formula 1 races as early as 2028. Against this exciting backdrop, STEM Racing Thailand is not only an educational powerhouse, but also a soft power platform driving Thailand’s global ambitions in motorsport and beyond

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Celebrate Diwali, the Festival of Lights at NILA with a specially curated family-style feast. Savour a selection of Indian specialties, festive flavours, and seasonal delights, and complete your experience with sweet treats that capture the joy and warmth of Diwali.

Available from 15-31 October 2025

Vegetarian THB 950 net per person
Non-Vegetarian THB 1,400 net per person

Nila, located on 4th floor at Amari Bangkok

Book now bit.ly/4kndp2w

Call to book +66 26539000

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Enjoy a refined afternoon with Thai-inspired savoury bites and desserts, perfectly paired with premium TWG tea. A timeless blend of tradition and sophistication, for leisurely afternoons and memorable conversations.

Available daily from 14:00–17:00 hrs.

Start from THB 1,180++ for 2 persons.

Maitree Bar, lobby level at Amari Bangkok

Discover and book www.amari.com/bangkok/special-offers/dining-offers

Call to book +66 2 6539000

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Bangkok, Thailand, October 7, 2025 / TRAVELINDEX / SKÅL International Bangkok will warmly welcome Dr. Jutamas “Jan” Wisansing, Managing Director of Perfect Link Consulting Group and founder of the Thailand Gastronomy Network (TGN), as the keynote speaker at its October networking lunch, kicking off at 12:00 pm on Tuesday, October 14, 2025, at the Grand Hyatt Erawan Bangkok.

Fresh from her presentation at the prestigious World Gastronomy Summit, Dr. Jan will share exclusive insights that connect global food trends to Thailand’s flourishing culinary tourism sector. Her keynote will spotlight the acclaimed “Train Journey to the Southern Soul” campaign, the upcoming Thailand Gastronomy Film Festival, and her forward-looking vision for the future of Thai gastronomy.

As the driving force behind the Thailand Gastronomy Network (TGN), Dr. Jan has built a collaborative platform linking chefs, farmers, entrepreneurs, academics, and policymakers. TGN’s initiatives highlight the diversity of Thai cuisine while advancing sustainability, innovation, and destination branding, cementing Thailand’s position on the world stage.

A Gastronomic Lunch at the Grand Hyatt Erawan

Starter
Baby romaine, honey-roasted chicken breast, mustard dressing

Main Course (choice of one)

Grilled Spanish mackerel, watercress, pickled daikon, seaweed neuter blanc

OR

Australian beef bourguignon, root vegetables, mashed potatoes, red wine sauce

Dessert
Mango-sticky rice panna cotta, pink pomelo sorbet

Vegetarian Menu

Burratina, grilled zucchini, basil pesto, toasted pine nuts

Asparagus & spinach lasagna, Parmesan cream, snow peas

Mango-sticky rice panna cotta, pink pomelo sorbet

Remember: Member’s guests are entitled to receive the Member rate!

With Thanks to Our Sponsors

This luncheon is made possible through the generous support of Flow Inter, Prunk & Partners, Marvel Beverages and Events, Serenity Wines, Chalong Bay, Bangkok Vodka, and Move Ahead Media.

Don’t Miss Out

It’s not too late to register. Reserve your seat today and join fellow industry leaders for an afternoon of networking, inspiration, and fine dining as SKÅL Bangkok explores how food, film, and future tourism are reshaping Thailand’s global identity.

EVENT DETAILS

Where: Grand Hyatt Erawan Bangkok
When: Tuesday 14th October from 11.00 – 14.00
What: Western set lunch, Beer, Wine, Soft Drinks & Coffee
Price: Young Skal 1,000 | Members 1,200 | Non-Members 1,900

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Bangkok, Thailand, October 7, 2025 / TRAVELINDEX / Nobu Bangkok, the world’s highest Nobu restaurant, invites guests to celebrate its 1st Anniversary with an exclusive “meet and greet” evening with Chef Nobu Matsuhisa, the culinary icon whose unique style of Japanese-Peruvian gastronomy has been delighting diners around the world for more than 30 years.

The acclaimed Japanese chef and restaurateur, Chef Nobu opened his first Nobu branded restaurant in New York in 1994. He has since gone on to establish a global empire of 58 restaurants in 24 countries on five continents. Now, Chef Nobu is marking one year of culinary excellence and creativity in Thailand with two exclusive evenings at Nobu Bangkok, which opened its doors in September 2024 and instantly became one of the Thai capital’s most sought-after places to dine.

On November 4 and 5, 2025, discerning diners can enjoy a one-of-a-kind evening that includes a special eight-course Omakase menu featuring some of Chef Nobu’s most iconic signature dishes.

This epicurean adventure commences with a wonderfully fresh and zesty dish of White Fish Myoga Yuzu Kosho Dressing, followed by a luxurious Lobster & Jicama Dry Miso Salad, and a sublime Sushi Selection, including akami zuke, hirame konbu jime, kohada kimioboro, anago, and a house special roll. A vibrant and verdant plate of Seared Scallop Brussel Sprout Jalapeno Dressing is followed by Umami Duck Breast, elevated with dry miso, lime, daikon tsuma and pickles, and an elegant noodle bowl of Inaniwa Chukasoba with Japanese Beef, in a fragrant wagyu and dashi broth. This omakase journey then concludes with Kaffir Lime Cheese Mousse with yuzu curd and pineapple orange compote, followed by an indulgent Caramel Chocolate Mochi.

During the evening, keen foodies will be able to meet Chef Nobu and ask him about his career, inspiration, and vision. As a cherished memento of the occasion, every guest will also be presented with a gift bag, including a signed copy of “Nobu: A Memoir,” Chef Nobu’s biography, a Nobu Bangkok Masu box, and Nobu’s signature dry miso seasoning.

Four opportunities are available to meet Chef Nobu and savor this exclusive, limited-time omakase menu. Two seating times are available on November 4 and 5, 2025, with sunset experiences at 17.30 hrs and after-dark dinners at 19.30 hrs, priced at THB 5,500++ per person. Advanced reservations are essential and a THB 1,000 deposit is required at the time of booking.

So, don’t miss the chance to celebrate Nobu Bangkok’s 1st Anniversary in style with the man whose vision made it possible.

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Bangkok, Thailand, October 7, 2025 / TRAVELINDEX / The Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA) reinforced its commitment to cross-regional tourism, as Chief Executive Officer Noor Ahmad Hamid delivered the keynote address at the “Shaping the Future of Japan-EU Travel,” event held at the EU Pavilion during World Expo 2025 in Osaka, Japan.

The event was officiated by Apostolos Tzitzikostas, Commissioner for Sustainable Transport and Tourism at the European Commission, and Takeshi Nakano, Vice Commissioner of the Japan Tourism Agency (JTA). It was organised by the European Travel Commission (ETC), one of PATA’s valued partners, represented by CEO Eduardo Santander, in collaboration with the European Union, and supported by the JTA, a public agency under Japan’s Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism (MLIT).

With tourism flows in both regions heavily concentrated in a limited number of hotspots, the programme focused on how smarter, more balanced tourism can drive recovery and sustainable growth in two-way travel. It covered strategies to diversify travel patterns, strengthen cross-border connectivity, and target responsible travellers through joint marketing and promotion.

“First and foremost, I must express my gratitude to Eduardo Santander, CEO of ETC, his esteemed team, and Marlene Bartes, Policy Officer, Directorate-General for Education, Youth, Sport and Culture of the European Commission, for extending the invitation to PATA,” Hamid noted. “I am honoured to be part of this important dialogue that not only strengthens the cross-regional bond between Japan and the EU, but also creates new opportunities for the Asia Pacific region in advancing cooperation, knowledge exchange, and sustainable growth in tourism.”

“The relationship between Japan and the European Union is one of the most significant economic and cultural corridors in the world. Tourism is not merely a component of this relationship; it is a primary driver of it, fostering mutual understanding and generating substantial economic value. According to FITUR, Japanese travel to the EU is projected at 4.87 million for this year, representing a staggering 67% increase from 2023. This signals a powerful, pent-up demand for long-haul, high-value European travel experiences.”

Hamid further noted that while past achievements and future prospects are significant, they have also given rise to pressing challenges, including mass tourism and high levels of carbon emissions. To address these emerging issues, he proposed applying PATA’s Integrated Destination Facilitation framework to the context of Japan-EU travel.

The holistic, strategic model is designed to engineer a more sustainable future through four key pillars:

• Enabling Policies: Manage visitor distribution away from hotspots and mitigate economic impacts on local communities.
• Smart Infrastructure: Invest in connectivity, particularly rail, to unlock secondary and tertiary destinations.
• Targeted Marketing: Shift from volume-driven to value-driven strategies, attracting high-yield, low-impact travellers.
• Community Engagement: Involve local populations as partners, ensuring they benefit from tourism while preserving cultural heritage.

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