The high-end Diamond Brilliant project, Celadon City In recent years, celebrities and business owners have been abandoning city life in quick succession to seek tranquil living that is not too far from the central business districts (CBD). For example, Ha Kieu Anh, a former Miss Vietnam turned actress and businesswoman, is now living in a 500-square metre villa in District 2, Ho Chi Minh City. Anh has another penthouse in the seaside city of Vung Tau and another home in the US. Ha Kieu Anh The businesswoman said that since her family welcomed new members a few years ago, she has been yearning for a quiet space to live and raise the children. This means Kieu Anh was willing to move away from the hustle and bustle of Ho Chi Minh City to live in a garden house, one that includes a small farm for fruits and vegetables. The businesswoman believed that the clean air and rustic living will benefit her children greatly. “To me, a house becomes a home when it’s … [Read more...] about Grasping for more intangible living values outside CBD
Living space
Why does renovation of old living quarters proceed so slowly?
Viet Nam News Trần Ngọc Hùng, chairman of the Việt Nam Construction Association, speaks to Việt Nam News Agency about key reasons for the delays in the renovation of old living quarters in Hà Nội. How do you evaluate the national programme to renovate old living quarters? The national programme to renovate old living quarters was launched more than 10 years ago, but its implementation has been very slow. As a consequence, its results have been limited. According to the latest report, some 25 percent of the old living quarters have been described as “very dangerous.” They could collapse at any time and the lives of people living in these building are at risk. What are the main factors preventing the programme from following its approved plan? The Government’s policy is totally right, yet specific guidelines and solutions to implement the policy have not been translated into real life. I should say the implementation of the … [Read more...] about Why does renovation of old living quarters proceed so slowly?
Awakening of Hanoi public space
The Hanoitimes - A series of new mural roads in Hanoi show that the city is paying more attention to the development of its public space. Mural corner in Phung Hung Street, Hanoi Only recently has Hanoi recognized and paid attention to the protection, maintenance of public space, as well as action against the encroachment and decline of PS. However, it is not true that all public space or community art projects would make life better, architect Tran Huy Anh (Hanoi Architect Association) told Hanoitimes. In your opinion, how was Vietnamese community art, or in other words, street fresco originated? The remarkable street mural project in Vietnam is in Tam Thanh commune (Tam Ky city, Quang Nam province.) Initially, this project is quite successful due to the support of a Korean organization with 20 years of experience in community projects. The project has turned Tam Thanh from a remote fishing village into a tourist attraction. In so speaking, Hanoi learnt Tam Thanh to do … [Read more...] about Awakening of Hanoi public space
Unfettered freedom and luxurious living: Pool Villas at Diamond Island
The unparalleled Pool Villas of Diamond Island are a bright spot in the residential scene of Ho Chi Minh City, seamlessly blending the natural environment of the serenely flowing water on two sides and the metropolitan sight of the central business district. Only very few can enjoy the unequalled lifestyle that comes with a pioneering luxury housing concept. Diamond Island of Kusto Home is the first project of its kind in Ho Chi Minh City, with a selection of exquisite villas outclassing everything known so far. A unique feature of Diamond Island is the incomparable excellence of the facilities, leaving nothing to be desired and allowing families to indulge in privacy. While others escape their homes to find top-quality comfort and peace, Diamond Island provides a level of convenience not even the most prestigious resorts can offer—every day. The long list of top-class amenities comprises a private marina club and water taxi, a sports complex, and a Zen garden and BBQ areas, … [Read more...] about Unfettered freedom and luxurious living: Pool Villas at Diamond Island
600 kids in Vietnam forced to stay home as preschool runs out of space
A commune in the central province of Nghe An has to leave 600 preschool-age children to stay at home as its only kindergarten is overcrowded. The kindergarten in Quynh Loc Commune is catering for 500 children, and another 200 are being schooled at the local communal house and an old storage building, said Le Duy Trung, chairman of the commune, more than four hours south of Hanoi. The storage building is heavily damaged and chunks of plaster regularly drop from the ceiling. The rising population and a limited budget are to blame for the problem, Trung said. “We have asked authorities for VND16 billion ($702,400) to build a new kindergarten, but we are still awaiting approval,” he added. Despite its low budget, the commune has recently spent VND6 billion to restore a two-kilometer road, a project many locals did not approve of. “This road was still in a good condition. The money should have been spent on the kindergarten,” said a local resident. But Trung said … [Read more...] about 600 kids in Vietnam forced to stay home as preschool runs out of space