Story: NGO QUANG MINH
Photos: TRAN MINH DUNG

With an area of ​​over 730km2, Singapore is one of the smallest countries in Southeast Asia, but its remarkable economic development, exceptional internal strength, and memorable tourism achievements contrast with its modest size and population.

Positioned as a key geopolitical hub in the region and serving as a pivotal point on the vital maritime trade routes connecting the Indian Ocean, the Pacific Ocean, and the Strait of Malacca, this former fishing village, which had an average per capita income of less than $400 in 1959, has emerged as an Asian dragon with an average per capita income exceeding $91,000 in 2023, the highest in Asia and among the top five in the world. The success of this financial center is evident in the prosperity of Marina Bay, vibrant both day and night – a place no tourist should miss when setting foot in Singapore.

Fireworks to celebrate the Lunar New Year

Each new day begins with the fresh, dreamy atmosphere of dawn in Merlion Park, overlooking the Marina Bay Sands building, which resembles a silent hovering spaceship. With its legendary water spout, the iconic Merlion statue features the head of a lion and the body of a fish. Standing 8.6m tall and weighing 70 tons, it was originally inaugurated in 1972 and located at the mouth of the Singapore River. In 1997 the statue was relocated to Merlion Park, where it stands in front of the Fullerton Hotel, overlooking Marina Bay. For more than 50 years, this statue has not only inspired tourists but also witnessed the historic transformation of this island nation. A bustling morning in Singapore usually starts around 7 a.m., and the most convenient way to reach Merlion Park is to take the MRT to Raffles Place station and walk about 10 minutes to the park.

From Merlion Park, strolling across Jubilee Bridge, visitors will traverse Singapore’s “waterfront Wall Street,” which is the Raffles Place complex. This venue houses modern skyscrapers and the headquarters of many banks, insurance companies, and financial organizations. The Global Financial Centers Index (GFCI) ranks Singapore third in the overall ranking of the world’s largest financial centers, demonstrating its economic strength, stability, and influence on the Asian economy in particular and the global economy in general. On the other side of Jubilee Bridge lies the Esplanade Theatre, also known as the Durian Theatre – a performing arts complex that includes a theater, concert hall, and library. Singaporeans have been proud of this architectural marvel for over two decades. The Esplanade covers an area of about six hectares, with an impressive exterior comparable to the Sydney Opera House in Australia. The concert hall can accommodate over 2,000 audience members. The Esplanade Mall shopping and entertainment complex opens until 10 p.m., with an area of up to 8,000m2, catering to tourists of all ages and preferences.

Esplanade Mall

Walking 500m further through the outdoor performance area (DBS Foundation Esplanade Outdoor Theatre) in front of Esplanade Mall leads to the world’s largest floating platform, the Marina Bay Floating Platform. Built on steel beams with dimensions of 120x83m, this stadium has 27,000 seats and can withstand a load of over 1,000 tons to host festivals, national holiday celebrations, outdoor music shows, and sporting events of international stature.

From the stadium, you’ll see the Helix Bridge, which links the Bayfront area to Marina Center. At 280m long with a double helix design mimicking  the structure of DNA, Helix Bridge symbolizes connection, inheritance, and sustainable development. Inaugurated over a decade ago, this bridge has become an “Instagrammable” spot that visitors should not miss.

Walking the length of this bridge, you will reach the grandest luxury hotel, commercial, and entertainment complex in Singapore. The Marina Bay Sands Tower is 55 stories tall and made up of three separate towers connected at the top by the outdoor Skypark at a height of 200m. Its awe-inspiring Infinity Pool, which stretches an impressive 150m, truly deserves to be called an “infinity pool.”

The Helix Bridge leads to Marina Bay Sands

This upscale hotel has 2,590 luxurious rooms as well as a massive shopping center and a casino. Excellent craftsmanship, unique “spaceship” architecture, an exterior made entirely of glass, and an intricate canal system all serve as testament to the “rare and miraculous wonder” that Singapore presented to the world. Standing atop Marina Bay Sands at dusk, the panoramic views of the bay area and the vibrant skyline are breathtaking. To end a long day, every night at 8 p.m., the Spectra light show unfolds on the bay. This is a free water and music show combined with visual arts that narrates the nation-building history of Singapore in a modern symphony of music and colorful laser lights.

Dubbed a “global city,” Singapore truly is a Southeast Asian miracle that will be remembered for years to come. As well as being an artistic center and culinary hotspot with 44 Michelin-starred restaurants, Singapore bridges its pristine past with its immensely prosperous present. Having achieved a rare harmony between lush natural landscapes and extravagant man-made architecture, Singapore deserves its reputation as the youthful, modern, and admirable “Merlion of the sea.”