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Vietnam’s festive staycation the grandest offers of the year (photo: freepik.com)

Park Hyatt Saigon’s festive staycation package

Nothing ordinary ever happens during Christmas and New Year. From now to December 31 (excluding the peak nights of December 24, 25, 31, and January 1), you can experience a special staycation from only VND7 million ($305) per night for two guests, including a VND4 million ($173) credit per night redeemable for all of hotel services, 30 per cent off for spa, a premium bottle of Prosecco upon arrival, daily breakfast for two, and much more.

On Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day, the hotel celebrates the season with promotions running round the clock and all-day festivities at all outlets. Among them, Le Petit Chef Festive Edition is priced at VND 4,000,000 per guest, excluding beverages. Its Magic At The Park – Holiday Edition organised in the Ballroom on December 13, 20 and 27, pricing from VND650,000 ($28) for 6-12 year olds, VND950,000 ($41) for people over 12, and VND1.2 million ($52) per guest for the premium two front rows. Furthermore, all you need for a cosy and wonderful Christmas season is just one call away. The Pastry Boutique introduces a wide range of artisanal Christmas cakes, sweets, and pastries.

Joyful stay at An Lam Retreats Saigon River

This year, An Lam Retreats Saigon River offers a great combination for Christmas and New Year’s Eve at a special rate from VND8 million ($347) per night for two, including a complimentary roundtrip pickup service, Christmas dinner, New Year’s Eve dinner, music performances, lucky draws, and fireworks by the river. The offer is applicable for a minimum of 2-night stays.

The city resort celebrates Christmas and New Year with special rates on December 24 from VND1.75 million ($76) for adults and VND1 million ($43) per child, including buffet by the river, complimentary round trip transfer, free flow of soft drinks, water, tea and coffee, music, and a special visit from Santa Claus.

Christmas Day lunch by the river is offered for VND710,000 ($30) per adult and VND350,000 ($15) per child, for which you can choose either Western or Vietnamese cuisine. Welcome the new year with a special dinner on December 31, starting at VND2.15 million ($90) per adult and VND1 million ($43) per child, with all the aforementioned perks included, plus a countdown party and stunning fireworks by the river.

Sense of Celebration at Banyan Tree and Angsana Lang Co

Banyan Tree and Angsana Lang Co welcome guests to reconnect with their family and friends and celebrate this favourite time of year with the Sense of Celebration package. When booking a king- or twin-bed Garden Balcony or Sea View Junior Pool Suite in Angsana Lang Co, or the Lagoon Pool Villa or Beach Pool Villa in Banyan Tree Lang Co, guests can enjoy a delightful Christmas and New Year dinner for two valued at $172 in total for a minimum of two nights stay.

The resorts’ Christmas Eve Buffet Dinner on costs from VND2.5 million ($109) per person and will pamper your taste buds with a choice of mouth-watering Western dishes, festive goodies, chocolate yule log, and panettone, along with Asian delights.

A Christmas Day Market at Angsana Central Lawn will be organised where you can enjoy a fun time with your family. Besides a full array of fun-filled games, activities, and snacks, you can shop for traditional products, gifts, regional crafts, as well as explore Vietnam’s lively streetfood delicacies. The market costs VND1 million ($43) per adult and VND500,000 ($22) for children ages 4 to 12.

Exclusivity at An Lam Retreats Ninh Van Bay

An Lam Retreats Ninh Van Bay invites you to a special celebration surrounded by the soothing sound of the ocean. Starting at VND7.5 million ($326) two adults for either Christmas or New Year’s Eve dinner, including breakfast, lunch, a pool party with live DJ, countdown party, and lucky draws, as well as complimentary selected minibar items, roundtrip pick-up service, and many more resort activities. The offer is applicable for a minimum stay of two nights.

Suiten’ Sweet at Sheraton Nha Trang

Sheraton Nha Trang offers a special Suite n’ Sweet promotion, starting from VND2.8 million ($122) a night only, including the benefits that come with a luxury suite with modern amenities and privileges for premium guests, plus a choice of the following benefits: early check-in at 10am or late check-out at 4pm, free welcome amenities in the room, daily breakfast, and club lounge access for two adults and two children under 12 years old, 50 per cent discount on the second room, as well as 20 per cent discount on food and beverages and spa services. Book now until December 31 and stay before January 31 and explore one of five suite types, rating from VND2.8 million ($122) to VND8.3 million ($360).

Fabulous Festivities at Mövenpick Resort Cam Ranh

Spectacular festive activities await you at Mövenpick Resort Cam Ranh. Relax with your family and friends during the night in which all the magic happens. Indulge in a selection of seasonal favourites, like fresh seafood from Cam Ranh Bay. The resort offers Christmas Eve and Christmas Day dinner buffets from just VND780,000 ($34) and VND650,000 ($28) per person respectively. The special Christmas 4-course set menu at the Tropicana Beach Club starts from VND880,000 ($38) per and offers great flavours of fresh seafood from Cam Ranh Bay, including a soup, a starter, a choice for the main course, and mouth-watering dessert. In addition, the resort is planning a wonderful New Year’s Eve at Panorama with its executive chef Andrea and the dedicated culinary team preparing gorgeous festive favourites with 14 different types of dishes. The feast costs VND2.25 million ($98) per person.

Savouring with InterContinental Phu Quoc Long Beach

InterContinental Phu Quoc Long Beach will organise many culinary and entertainment events under the theme “Carnival.” These events include the gingerbread house-building contest hosted by Santa Claus, where children can also enjoy activities such as reading books with him, while the adults indulge in delightful afternoon teas. The resort’s restaurants Sora & Umi, LAVA, and INK 360 will offer the most memorable cuisine, including a 6-course menu with chosen wines, local specialities, cocktails, and much more. In addition, a carnival will be organised on New Year’s Eve, where tourists can enjoy the appearance of clown stilt walkers, street magicians, bubble wizards, and fire dance shows. Events will officially start on December 19 and last until early 2021.

Home away from home at Mövenpick Resort Waverly Phu Quoc

Mövenpick Resort Waverly Phu Quoc’s mission is to present its guests with opportunities to make moments they can treasure for years to come. Thus, the resort offers the perfect harmony between peaceful secluded space and enjoyable socialising with energetic and cosy activities such as the Chocolate Hour, Aqua Zumba, beach parties, and BBQ pool parties. Families can stay in one of 79 villas with delicate amenities, tailored to each of visitors and including butler service, private villa BBQ dinner, and sunset foot massage. The resort made its mark with the astonishing achievement of becoming the first international 5-star resort on Ong Lang beach earning the “Best Luxury Family Resort in Asia” at the 2020 World Luxury Hotel Awards.

Xmas A-la-mood at Pullman Phu Quoc Beach Resort

This festive season, get ready to revel in a tantalising feast of Pullman’s Xmas A-la-mood, featuring a comprehensive menu of premium dishes. The resort’s experience has been enhanced with an extension of traditional festive treats, ranging from roasted turkey with chestnut stuffing to a beloved honey mustard glazed ham. Other menu highlights include local and international favourites, and homemade dessert buffet. From December 24, the warmest and most magical Christmas on the island is happening at Pullman, and you should explore a playful Christmas meal and a gourmet 5-course menu at only VND1.5 million ($65) per person.

Festive Season at Meliá Hanoi

Meliá Hanoi welcomes all who are looking for splendid accommodation, first-class facilities, and warm service. Celebrate the arrival of this holiday season with Meliá Hanoi Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony and a feast at El Restaurant full of delicious goodies on December 24-31. Christmas Eve Dinner on December 24; Christmas Day Lunch on December 25, and New Year’s Eve Dinner on December 31 are all priced from VND1.28 million ($55) per adult and VND680,000 ($29.50) per child from 4 to 10 years, including a choice of beer or soft drink. Groups from 10 persons are allowed an extra invite for free when booking at least five days in advance.

Great holidays at Pandanus resort

Immerse yourself in Pandanus’ lush tropical gardens adjacent to a white sandy beach. The resort’s holiday package includes a 1-night stay in a spacious Superior Standard room with full amenities, a wide selection of international cuisines, a relaxing luncheon, and a sumptuous barbecue dinner all in the Café Blue Lagoon Restaurant. Guests will be given room upgrades at no additional charge, when available. This promotion will be in effect until the end of February for the unbelievably low price of VND2.44 million ($106) per night for two. If you decide to stay on either December 26 or 31, there will be a small surcharge for your stay.

Christmas and New Year at JW Marriott Phu Quoc

With many elements such as fabulous feasts, royal parties, extraordinary service, and deals that are simply cannot be refused, JW Marriott Phu Quoc Emerald Bay shines as the destination for festive season of Christmas and New year. From VND8.5 million ($370), “Festive Delight by JW” prepare for you and your family unforgettable experiences with luxury accommodation, breakfast for 2 adults and 2 children ages 4-12, Christmas or New Year’s Eve dinner at Tempus Fugit Restaurant, airport transfer, and 20 per cent off on spa treatments.

The Christmas Eve “Christmas Feast for All” at Tempus Fugit restaurant is a luxurious buffet party with rates from VND2.5 million ($109) per person. If guests desire to experience their culinary journey in splendid and impressive atmosphere, then Madam Pearl’s Exclusive Party at the grand Pink Pearl mansion, is the choice to make.

Kick off Christmas at Grand Mercure Danang With the jingle bells ringing and sweet-voiced carols in the air, the best time of the year is coming to town! Streamers of tinsel and glass satin balls are hanging up on Christmas trees where the reunited family shares colourful gifts. Let us get into the holiday spirit with a fabulous staycation right here at Grand Mercure Danang. With its splendid Christmas tree set up for guests and their beloved families, the hotel lights up your holiday with awesome deals right at your fingertips. A delicious welcome drink and a hearty Christmas meal will wait for you, right before the party night to ring in New Year and welcome 2021. Grand Mercure’s Christmas & New Year Treats has got it all wrapped up for you to ensure you experience memories of a lifetime. The festive season starts with the Christmas Wonder Land Buffet Dinner at La Rive Gauche Restaurant on December 24 with the Carol Choir. Starting at just VND1 million ($43), you can enjoy a wonderful Christmas Eve experience at La River Gauche, with complimentary mulled wine, and unlimited servings of draught beer, soft drinks, and water. The hotel also offers an early-bird discount of 10 per cent for all bookings by December 15. Furthermore, the New Year Eve Buffet Dinner at La Rive Gauche Restaurant on December 31 invites you to live music at only VND1.1 million ($47) and features a wide range of gourmet dishes. The buffet also includes unlimited servings of draught beer, soft drinks, and water. Moreover, seafood lovers will enjoy the seafood live cooking station while the hotel’s New Year Cookies and Macaroon Tower will satisfy your dessert cravings. Early-bird discounts at 10 per cent are available for all bookings by December 20. Last but not least, you can enjoy New Year at Nirvana Bar with the Sunshine band, starting at VND400,000 ($17.50), including free-flow sparkling, red, and white wine; selected cocktails; draught beer; soft drinks; and water from 9pm to midnight. A special discount of 50 per cent applies for guests enjoying the New Year Eve Buffet. On the first day of the new year, the hotel’s all-you-can-eat Dim Sum Brunch, priced at only VND490,000 ($21) is offered at Golden Dragon. Aesthetically designed by talented chefs from the Sofitel Macau, the menu showcases over 50 dim sum treats, meticulously hand-crafted dumplings, shumai, fried spring rolls, steamed rice rolls, and much more. Year-End Party by the river at Mia Saigon With the festive season on its way, why not experience something new and riverside at Mia Saigon, and hold your year-end, festive event at the luxury boutique riverfront resort. Less than 15 minutes by speedboat from the city centre, Mia Saigon is an ideal place for any event with an intimate ambiance coupled with sweeping views of the Saigon river. The opulent indoor venue at L’ÂME and the open space of the yard and river deck, as well as the stunning rooftop view under the clear skies at Gin on 8, all ensure an unforgettable experience that will impress every guest. Event menus can be tailored for every occasion. Whether it is a cozy dinner for 10, evening canapés or a lavish year-end party for 300 persons, our year-end menus offer something to suit every taste and promise to leave you satisfied and ready for an evening’s joyful entertainment. With its stunning location, a year-end party at Mia Saigon creates an amazing ambiance with a glorious sunset on the river and beautiful view of the city. You can enjoy the open space, the fresh air, and the clear blue sky at crisp evenings thanks to the cool breeze from the river during these coolest months of the year. Moreover, mouth-watering event menus with daily fresh ingredients, local produce, and premium imported meats can be tailor-made upon request and are executed by our dedicated team who cares about every detail to perfect your feast. Last but not least, Mia’s exclusive accommodation packages will bring you resort-style comfort after an enjoyable party night. The hotel offers complimentary welcome canapés for a group from 30 guests; 10 per cent discount for event guests to enjoy the rooftop bar Gin on 8; complimentary pick-up service by speedboat from Bach Dang Wharf; and attractive pricing options starting from VND900,000 ($39) per person.

The Hanoitimes – The investment promotion conference presents a big opportunity for both domestic and foreign enterprises doing business in Hanoi, said a local official.

At the upcoming “Hanoi 2020 – Investment and Development Cooperation” conference, the city’s leaders will issue licenses for 116 projects with registered capital of a combined VND339.67 trillion (US$14.66 billion), according to the municipal People’s Committee.

Hanoi’s leaders would issue investment licenses for 116 projects with a combined registered capital of VND339.67 trillion (US$14.66 billion) at the upcoming investment conference.

The event, scheduled to take place at the National Convention Center on June 27, is set to attract up to 1,850 delegates, including senior government officials, 29 ambassadors and diplomatic officers, representatives from eight international organizations, foreign experts, among others.

Vice Chairman of the Hanoi People’s Committee Nguyen Van Suu said the event presents a big opportunity for both domestic and foreign enterprises doing business in Hanoi.

Over the past few years, Hanoi has been striving to improve the legal framework for greater convenience and addressing concerns of investors, Suu said at a press conference on June 23, stating the goal is for new projects to be implemented at the earliest time possible.

Notably, the conference would welcome over 1,200 domestic and foreign investors, businesses, many of whom would receive their respective investment licenses from Hanoi’s authorities. Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc would attend this meaningful event.

Additionally, Hanoi’s leaders are expected to sign 36 memorandum of understandings (MOUs) worth US$26.08 billion with organizations, businesses and investors, including 23 MOUs with domestic enterprises (US$17.85 billion) and 13 with foreign ones (US$8.22 billion).

The Hanoi People’s Committee would also announce an investment portfolio comprising of 282 projects with estimated investment capital of VND483.1 trillion (US$21.66 billion) in eight priority fields, including (1) 151 industrial, trade and services projects; (2) 34 projects of technical infrastructure development; (3) 45 projects of social housing; (4) nine environmental projects; (5) 13 projects of repairing and rebuilding old complexes; (6) 10 projects in housing development; (7) 15 agricultural projects; (8) five urban development projects along the Vo Nguyen Giap avenue.

“Hanoi 2020 – Investment and Development Cooperation” conference is expected to be a platform for greater cooperation between investors, businesses and Hanoi’s authorities in particular, and of Vietnam in general.

By convening the conference after the initial containment of the Covid-19 pandemic, Hanoi sends a strong message on efforts of the capital city and Vietnam to lure investment from domestic and overseas businesses, the deputy mayor said.

More than ever, Hanoi remains a safe and stable investment destination for investors as the capital city is determined to be the pioneer among Vietnam’s localities in rebooting the economy in the post-pandemic period, he added.

In 2020, Hanoi targets an economic expansion rate 1.3 times higher than the national average, and a state budget revenue of VND285 trillion (US$12.34 billion).

FDI commitments to Hanoi in the year to May 19 increased 6.1% against the previous month to US$1.04 billion. From the start of this year, the capital city has approved 255 new projects worth US$327 million and allowed other 63 to pump an additional US$378 million in the five-month period. Foreign investors also contributed US$340 million in capital to other 468 projects.

JP Morgan, May Bank selected TCB share as the top pick among Vietnam’s listed banks

In a report, JP Morgan has stated that Vietnamese banks offer the best combination of growth and Return on Equity (ROE) in ASEAN. High nominal GDP growth and resilience in the last 12 months provide visibility on credit and earnings growth over the next few years.

In particular, JP Morgan has reiterated its “overweight” rating on Techcombank – Vietnam’s leading commercial lender – with an upbeat outlook on the bank’s performance. The target price for the bank’s share is VND55,000 ($2.4) per share as of December 2021, calculated via JP Morgan’s two-stage dividend discount model.

The rally in the bank’s share price as the top pick among Vietnam’s listed banks is fuelled by multiple indicators.

According to the US-based financial group, Techcombank is the most profitable bank in the country on ROA despite having a low deposit market share of 3 per cent.

Expecting a 16 percent EPS CAGR for the sector, led bay TCB

The bank’s zero-fee programme and 1 per cent cash back debit card have led to sharp improvements in current accounts saving accounts (CASA) and to deposits going from 22 per cent in 2017 to 44 per cent in 2020. The brokerage also expects further improvement in CASA ratio to 50 per cent by 2023, leading to higher net interest margin (NIM).

Specifically, Techcombank has the highest capital (16.1 per cent capital adequacy ratio [CAR]) and lowest NPL (0.5 per cent), allowing for a 20 per cent CAGR for loans over the 2020-2023 period.

Techcombank is also one of the rare banks across the region that is making money on both sides of the balance sheet, as well as on fee income, adjusted for all allocated costs. This allows for longer-term visibility on returns.

Increasing PTs after EPS changes

The lender also rolled out a system to regulate total credit. This is due to a large corporate bond book and a 63 per cent loans-to-assets ratio. Further, high capital and low NPL holdings have allowed credit quotas in the 20 per cent range for the next three years, according to JP Morgan.

JP Morgan also expects the bank to be on a self-sustained capital level, given its combination of solid Return on Equity (RoE) and growth.

Sharing the same boat, Maybank Kim Eng Securities has recently voted Techcombank as Vietnam’s No.1 private-sector bank with a strong brand, deposit franchise, and a solid banking platform for high-profile companies in Vietnam.

The lender is considered the top player in bond underwriting and bancassurance competition, with a high-calibre management and execution team.

On the other hand, Techcombank has maintained consistent, robust profit growth in 2020, up 23 per cent on-year.

“We forecast Techcombank’s profit will grow 26 and 22 per cent in 2021 and 2022, respectively. Accordingly, ROE will improve to 19 per cent, with stronger credit growth and faster-than-expected easing in provisioning bringing about significant upsides,” noted Maybank.

The lender’s strategy is to focus on top private-sector companies, upper SMEs and affluent retail, and is run by a highly capable team. All of these factors enabled it to stay resilient through the unprecedented health crisis.

“Techcombank is now being traded at 1.4x price-to-book value (P/BV) in our 2021 expectation, which is in line with local peers’ average, despite its banking platform, earnings power, and quality being superior. We believe the bank’s robust profit growth outlook on the back of a strong balance sheet, along with improved market sentiment towards the bank’s stock in recognition of the bank’s strengths, will support further rerating,” the brokerage added.

Maybank also recommends investors to buy Techcombank stocks, with higher target price of VND43,700 ($1.9) as of December 2021, up 21 per cent compared to the current price.

The brokerage believes the market’s stronger sentiment towards Techcombank, in recognition of its strengths and improving ROE, will drive up its valuation close to that of industry-leading banks.

Earlier this month, Techcombank is also one of the nine Vietnamese lenders topping the Brand Finance Banking 500 list, with its brand value increasing from 327th in 2020 to 270th in 2021.

Bloomberg recently also stated that Southeast Asian stocks could be safe havens amid the disruption in global risk assets led by spiking yields. Thus, Techcombank – as the most dynamic, profitable bank in Vietnam – is among the best shelters from the global yield havoc.

Techcombank has the highest upside of 42 per cent (followed by ACB with 29 per cent) according to JP Morgan. Analysts also raised target price on resilience observed in 2020. Particularly, JP Morgan raised earning per share for the 2021-2022 financial year and target price for ACB, TCB, and VPB by 8-11

The country’s three high-tech parks still have plenty of space to fill for new projects. Photo: Le Toan

Hoa Lac High-tech Park (HHTP) is now surrounded with complete infrastructure and favourable transport links which were expected to be an important factor for investment attraction. According to the park’s Management Board, it attracted six projects with total investment of about VND9 trillion ($391 million) in 2020, including one foreign and five domestically-owned. They focus on research and development, manufacturing, and high-tech pharmacy.

While the figure is higher than that of 2019, when the park lured in just four domestically-invested projects registered at VND7.46 trillion ($324 million), it was far lower than 2018, when it attracted 11 projects registered with VND17 trillion ($739 million), a record high over the past 20 years. Notable names involved included Nidec, Mitsubishi, and Hanwha Group.

The result is lower than expected though the HHTP itself enjoys Decree No.74/2017/ND-CP which came into effect in 2017, governing special mechanisms and policies for the park only. Few social infrastructures such as workers’ housing, hospitals, trade centres, and other services have been licensed there.

Industry insiders said that in the context that the country is promoting high-tech foreign investment and the trend of making business and investment in the local market among technology groups, the lacklustre foreign investment attraction of the HHTP has raised questions over how attractive it actually is. While COVID-19 is an obvious reason, others should be included, some added.

Established in 1998, the filling rate of the park is now 40 per cent of its over 1,500 hectares. The HHTP boasts the longest history among the country’s three high-tech parks, and has the advantages thanks to Decree 74, which includes unique incentives such as the 10 per cent corporate income tax (CIT) within the first 30 years for a new investment project of at least VND4 trillion ($174 million).

Looking to the south where Saigon High-tech Park (SHTP) is located in Ho Chi Minh City, Nguyen Anh Thi, head of its Management Board said that it has licensed two foreign-invested projects early this year – the $19.5 million US-invested Arevo 3D printer factory and the $1 million office for lease project by South Korea’s SNST & Finger Vina.

“Due to the land funds left for new projects, the park plans to attract $200 million worth of investment this year, and the production value of high-tech products hit $25 billion, while disbursement of the capital there is $700 million,” Thi said.

In 2020, the SHTP lured over $35 million worth of foreign investment, meeting half of the yearly target due to COVID-19 impacts and limited land funds left.

In the central region, Danang High-tech Park (DHTP) lured in $150 million worth of foreign investment and $108.7 million of domestic funding in 2020. Established in 2010, the fill rate in the park is now at 30 per cent.

Similar to the HHTP, the government issued Decree No.04/2018/ND-CP in 2018 on incentive policies for the DHTP, making it a motivation for the park to increase its attraction.

Competition among the three high-tech parks is expected to increase as the Ministry of Science and Technology is working on a draft decree in which incentive policies should be applied commonly for all three. Thus far the draft decree has received differing opinions, with some saying that the highest incentives in the decrees should be kept for certain parks, while others recommended that the policies should indeed be applied for all.

If the latter option gets the go-ahead, the high-tech parks will no longer have their own specific advantages and will be required to improve themselves and build other advantages to make them more attractive to investors.

For Hoa Lac, the groundbreaking of the National Innovation Centre (NIC) in early 2021 will be a new driving force. According to the project’s draft plan drawn up by the Ministry of Planning and Investment’s (MPI) Central Institute for Economic Management, the NIC will be developed with the total investment of VND1.9 trillion ($82.6 million), including VND1.7 trillion ($73.9 million) for the physical construction and VND200 billion ($8.7 million) for operating capital. The NIC is expected to lure 40 big technology companies, 150 startups and small- and medium-sized enterprises, and 15 venture investment funds, thereby creating more than 5,000 jobs.

Government policies are in place to accelerate digital transformation across sectors, thus promoting domestic businesses and international ventures to make more investment in the sci-tech sector in the months to come.

As shown in statistics from the MPI, sci-tech was the fifth-biggest sector for overseas investors last year, and the fourth-biggest in the first two months of 2021.