local news and expert tips for the jet set

GOOD MUSE

The best of Laos’ culture and heritage is now on show at Luang Prabang’s brand-new Traditional Arts and Ethnology Centre (Ban Khanyong, tel +855 (0)71 253364, www.taeclaos.org). The museum displays traditional clothing, handicraft s, and religious items as well as everyday objects from Lao ethnic groups, including an ornate headdress decorated with medallions and small metallic baubles (above) and a ceremonial priest’s robe from the Men Yao people. The first of its kind in Luang Prabang, the centre has information in boThenglish and Lao, and showcases the country’s diverse ethnic landscape.

FRESH OFF THE BOAT

Some of Taiwan’s best-made yachts will soon be available for sale in Phuket. Sailing enthusiast Geoffrey Burt’s Charter Yachts Phuket (tel +66 (0)2 445-1365, www.charteryachtsphuket.com) first started with day tours but is now selling boats as well. The company is the sole distributor of New Ocean Yachts.

“These custom-built yachts offer a high degree of customisation at a competitive price and on time too,” says Geoffrey.

The luxury liners range from 60 to 110ft in length, and Geoffrey has already ordered himself a 97-footer.

GET ON BOARD

Learn to ride the waves at the Anantara Resort Maldives (www.anantara.com). Australian experts from Tropicsurf are now training beginners and experienced surfers in the surrounding waters. Coaches will even videotape you on your board, and give pointers on your technique using the footage. Novices learn the ropes in the Anantara’s calm lagoon, but can later move out to the deeper sea.

Tropicsurf’s Ross Phillips recommends paddle-surfing (above right) as a good way to cross-train and improve balance while viewing marine life. Prices range from US$95 for one supervised session to US$695 for a four-day programme.

NEW AND NOTED

Impressive new hotels continue to pop up all across the region, starting with the Grand Millennium Sukhumvit Bangkok (left , 30 Sukhumvit 21, tel +66 (0)2 204-4000, www.millenniumsukhumvit.com) – a five-star city hotel with a unique “sail” exterior and an in-house putting green.

A short plane ride away in Krabi, boutique offering Amari Vogue Resort (tel +66 (0)75 607777, www.amari.com) is striking a pose on the stunning Tub Kaek Beach, featuring beachfront villas and the Amari Group’s signature Sivara Spa.

Further north, the Shenzhen Dameisha Resort (9 Yankui Road, tel +86 (0)755 888-8668, www.starwoodhotels.com) sits on a strip of beach about 30 km from town. Offering a quick getaway from the bustling city, every room offers stunning views of Dapeng Bay.

Another beach resort making waves is the Amara Sanctuary (1 Larkhill Road, tel +65 6825 3888, www.amarasanctuary.com) on Singapore’s island playground of Sentosa. This sprawling getaway is a converted British colonial army barracks that is now a luxury property fit for the Queen.

MISTER SAIGON

General Manager of the Sheraton Saigon Hotel and Towers (tel +84 (0)8 827-2828, www.sheraton.com/saigon), Dietmar Kielnhofer has only been in Ho Chi Minh City since March 2007, but he has already fallen for the town. Here, he reveals a few of his top tips.

What’s the town’s best-kept secret?
There are great golf courses just 40 minutes from the city. The Long Thanh Golf Resort (tel +84 (0)613 512512, www.longthanhgolfresort.com.vn) is immaculate, with well-maintained manicured greens. Song Be Golf Resort (tel +84 (0)650 756660/1, www.songbegolf.com) is another good course that’s open to the public.

And to get out of the city?
Vung Tau island is just a boat ride away, and the water is clean and beautiful. The good part is that it is not commercialised, so it still retains its charm.

Where do you go for a good meal?
For humble, but tasty Vietnamese dishes like phô noodles or claypot fish, go to Lemongrass (4 Nguyen Th iep Street, tel +84 (0)8 822-0496, www.bongsencorporation.com). For streetside fare, follow your nose to find the French baguettes that are baked fresh every morning.

What about in the Sheraton?
Li Bai serves excellent Chinese dim sum. The Sunday buffet is always packed, so book in advance. Order the Peking Duck and Suckling Pig.

What’s your favourite pastime?
I could spend days just looking at antiques along Dong Khoi and Le Cong Kieu streets. There’s lacquerware, wooden carvings and furniture (above). Not all shops are keen on bargaining, but you should definitely always try your luck.

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