Vietnam Breaking News

Local airlines plan new services, more seats in peak summer travel season

Local airlines plan new services, more seats in peak summer travel season
Domestic airlines are planning to launch new routes and operate additional flights to meet growing demand during the peak summer travel season.
 
<div style="width: 510px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><img alt="Vietnam Airlines and Vietjet planes are parked at an airport in Vietnam. Domestic airlines are planning to launch new routes and operate additional flights to meet growing summer demand" src="http://bit.ly/2rAwabw" title="Vietnam Airlines and Vietjet planes are parked at an airport in Vietnam. Domestic airlines are planning to launch new routes and operate additional flights to meet growing summer demand" />
Vietnam Airlines and Vietjet planes are parked at an airport in Vietnam. Domestic airlines are planning to launch new routes and operate additional flights to meet growing summer demand
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Vietnam Airlines last week announced it would add more than 4,700 domestic flights by August 20. The national flag carrier will increase flights on its busy routes connecting Hanoi with Danang, Chu Lai, Pleiku, Nha Trang, HCMC, and Phu Quoc, and those connecting HCMC with Danang, Nha Trang and Phu Quoc.
These extra flights will increase the airline’s seats to over 4.6 million in the period, up 13.5% compared to normal days and 14% over the same period last year. Especially, the carrier will have an additional 47 flights on peak travel days from June 28 to August 6, taking the total to more than 400 a day.
Meanwhile, low-cost carrier Vietjet plans to start new daily services between Danang and South Korean capital Seoul on Wednesday, between Hanoi and Dong Hoi City on Thursday, and between Hanoi and Myanmar city Yangon on August 31.
Another low-cost airline, Jetstar Pacific, will open a new link between Dong Hoi and Chiang Mai, Thailand on June 16 with two weekly flights.
Earlier, the carrier began operating a domestic route linking Hanoi and Buon Ma Thuot City in the Central Highlands province of Daklak, and an international service between Hanoi and Australia’s Sydney with three weekly flights each.
International airlines will also run more flights to Vietnam in the summer. For instance, AirAsia will launch direct service between Danang and Bangkok on June 9, and Air New Zealand will operate Auckland-HCMC service twice a week between June and October.
SGT
 
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Local airlines plan new services, more seats in peak summer travel season

Local airlines plan new services, more seats in peak summer travel season Domestic airlines are planning to launch new routes and operate ad...

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Son Tra National Tourism Site plan halted

Son Tra National Tourism Site plan halted
<div style="width: 510px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><img alt="" src="http://bit.ly/2qwRDOk" width="500" />
Deputy Prime Minister Vu Duc Dam (Photo: VNA)
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Hanoi (VNA) – By August end, any activity related to implementation of the Son Tra National Tourism Site Development Plan or construction on the Son Tra Peninsula in the central city of Da Nang must be suspended.
This was stated by Deputy Prime Minister Vu Duc Dam at a recent meeting with local leaders and representatives from relevant ministries in Hanoi.
The move is aimed at making time for relevant parties, experts and scientists to review the plan and discuss a recommendation by the Da Nang City Tourism Association which states that the Son Tra Peninsula should be kept unchanged with the current accommodation of 300 rooms, and no other hotels should be located in the area.
Under a Government plan outlined in May 2013 and approved in November 2016, the Son Tra Mountain on the Son Tra Peninsula has been planned as a national tourism site and a top luxury eco-tour resort complex in 2030, to accommodate 300,000 tourists staying in 1,600 luxury hotel rooms.
Before May 2013, the Da Nang People’s Committee had already approved 18 tourism projects on the peninsula, including 11 housing projects expected to provide some 5,000 new rooms. Since then, it has not approved any project to be developed on the peninsula, which has the Son Tra Nature Reserve, 600m above sea level and well-known for its rich biodiversity, with 287 animal species and 985 plant species.
As soon as the tourism development plan was publicised on February, 15, 2017, the city’s Tourism Association strongly opposed the plan, suggesting no more hotels and resorts be built or any construction work be carried out on the peninsula to avoid possible threats to the local biodiversity and environment.
Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc had earlier asked all relevant parties to review the Son Tra tourism development master plan and report to him by the end of this month.
“A key point that needs further discussing is whether Da Nang should reduce the number of rooms to be built on the peninsula and how many additional rooms are acceptable,” Deputy PM Dam said at yesterday’s meeting, adding that there was obviously no option for building more than 1,600 rooms.
As the city had to discuss the issue with investors of approved projects on the peninsula, it was asked to give the final answer on the scale of tourism projects on Son Tra Peninsula to the Prime Minister by August 30
Da Nang city, ministries of tourism, information and communication and relevant agencies, meanwhile, will organise consultation workshops in the future to collect opinions.
As the Vietnam News reported earlier, the chairman of the city’s tourism association, Huynh Tan Vinh, who supports conservation of the Son Tra Nature Reserve for sustainable tourism development, said the city has built 600 hotels and resorts with a total of 22,000 rooms to host 15 million tourists each year.
He said, however, only 50 percent of the room capacity was used, with the city only hosting 5.6 million tourists last year, even as two and three-star hotels were still being constructed in the city.
Vinh sent petitions to Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc asking for an adjustment of the Son Tra master plan.
Experts warn that rapid development of hotels and resorts on the peninsula could turn Da Nang’s natural habitat into a desert and the world’s large population of red-shanked douc langurs could face extinction.
The Son Tra Nature Reserve is the most preferred site for tourists to see the red-shanked douc langur from close range.-VNA
 
Son Tra National Tourism Site plan halted Related image(s) 
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Son Tra National Tourism Site plan halted

Son Tra National Tourism Site plan halted Deputy Prime Minister Vu Duc Dam (Photo: VNA) Hanoi (VNA) – By August end, any activity relat...

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Vietnamese victories at international ultra race

Vietnamese victories at international ultra race
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A runner competes in the Việt Nam Jungle Marathon. – Photos courtesy of organisers
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<div><a href="http://bit.ly/24En4mq">Viet Nam News</a>
Marathon
HÀ NỘI – Vietnamese runners triumphed at the first-ever Việt Nam Jungle Marathon held in the Pù Luông Nature Reserve in the central province of Thanh Hóa over the weekend.
Cao Ngọc Hà of Long Distance Runners team beat Trần Duy Quang of Đà Nẵng Runners team to take the lead in the male 70km race. The pair were within a minute of each other for much of the course, but in the final four km Hà pulled away and took the win with a total time of 8:22.26.
Quang crossed the line just under four minutes back in 8:26.21. In third was Kent Wei Luu of the US, with a time of 9:45.55.
The female 70km race also saw two Vietnamese runners on the podium, with Lê Phương Vy taking third place and Nguyễn Thị Tiểu Phương taking second. The winner was Malaysia’s Kwan Hooi Ng in a time of 13:23:29.
Much of the race course was in Bá Thước District’s, and Bá Thước’s own Văn Liêm was second in the men’s 25km, adding to the Vietnamese medal haul.
The tournament attracted around 300 runners from 32 nations, competing with routes of 25km, 42km and 70km. Almost half of the 300 participants were Vietnamese. British Ambassador to Việt Nam Giles Lever also took part in the race.
Via the marathon, VNĐ134,000,000 was raised through the entry fees paid by every runner.
“We have always given back through our races. Tens of thousands of dollars have been raised via the Việt Nam Mountain Marathon,” explains David Lloyd, race director. “In Pù Luông we will continue this tradition. We are working with Nguyễn Xuân Hải, deputy director of Việt Nam Academy For Sustainable Tourism Development Research. Together with Hải, we will use the funds raised by Việt Nam Jungle Marathon for the sustainable development of the area.”
The race is organised by Topas Travel, the founder of Việt Nam’s longest established and hardest ultra race, Sa Pa’s Việt Nam Mountain Marathon. – VNS
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Vietnamese victories at international ultra race Related image(s) 
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Vietnamese victories at international ultra race

Vietnamese victories at international ultra race A runner competes in the Việt Nam Jungle Marathon. – Photos courtesy of organisers Viet ...

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Vietnamese victories at international ultral race

Vietnamese victories at international ultral race
<div style="width: 510px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><img src="http://bit.ly/2qAIGmv" width="500" />
A runner competes in the Việt Nam Jungle Marathon. – Photos courtesy of organisers
</div>
<div><a href="http://bit.ly/24En4mq">Viet Nam News</a>
Marathon
HÀ NỘI – Vietnamese runners triumphed at the first-ever Việt Nam Jungle Marathon held in the Pù Luông Nature Reserve in the central province of Thanh Hóa over the weekend.
Cao Ngọc Hà of Long Distance Runners team beat Trần Duy Quang of Đà Nẵng Runners team to take the lead in the male 70km race. The pair were within a minute of each other for much of the course, but in the final four km Hà pulled away and took the win with a total time of 8:22.26.
Quang crossed the line just under four minutes back in 8:26.21. In third was Kent Wei Luu of the US, with a time of 9:45.55.
The female 70km race also saw two Vietnamese runners on the podium, with Lê Phương Vy taking third place and Nguyễn Thị Tiểu Phương taking second. The winner was Malaysia’s Kwan Hooi Ng in a time of 13:23:29.
Much of the race course was in Bá Thước District’s, and Bá Thước’s own Văn Liêm was second in the men’s 25km, adding to the Vietnamese medal haul.
The tournament attracted around 300 runners from 32 nations, competing with routes of 25km, 42km and 70km. Almost half of the 300 participants were Vietnamese. British Ambassador to Việt Nam Giles Lever also took part in the race.
Via the marathon, VNĐ134,000,000 was raised through the entry fees paid by every runner.
“We have always given back through our races. Tens of thousands of dollars have been raised via the Việt Nam Mountain Marathon,” explains David Lloyd, race director. “In Pù Luông we will continue this tradition. We are working with Nguyễn Xuân Hải, deputy director of Việt Nam Academy For Sustainable Tourism Development Research. Together with Hải, we will use the funds raised by Việt Nam Jungle Marathon for the sustainable development of the area.”
The race is organised by Topas Travel, the founder of Việt Nam’s longest established and hardest ultra race, Sa Pa’s Việt Nam Mountain Marathon. – VNS
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Vietnamese victories at international ultral race Related image(s) 
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Vietnamese victories at international ultral race

Vietnamese victories at international ultral race A runner competes in the Việt Nam Jungle Marathon. – Photos courtesy of organisers Viet...

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Mountainous district boosts homestay tourism

Mountainous district boosts homestay tourism
When it comes to homestay tourism in Vietnam, one may think of the northwestern region. However, in the central province of Thanh Hoa, more attention has been paid to developing this service.
Don village in the mountainous district of Ba Thước in Thanh Hoa province has now become one of the emerging travel destinations with its homestay service for visitors who wish to explore the local life.
Besides a pure atmosphere, visitors can explore unique cultural characteristics of local ethnic people. The tourism service is rated ‘good’ by visitors. However, since it is a new type of tourism service in the locality, infrastructure serving the service remains limited.
Ba Thuoc district has recently mapped out a specific plan to develop homestay service in Don village and some other villages, considering tourism to be its spearhead sector in the coming time.
Along with investment in infrastructure, the protection of the rural landscape and the environment is regarded as key to developing homestay tourism in the locality.-VNA
 
Mountainous district boosts homestay tourism Related image(s) 
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Mountainous district boosts homestay tourism

Mountainous district boosts homestay tourism When it comes to homestay tourism in Vietnam, one may think of the northwestern region. However...

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Lau mam (salted fish hotpot)

Lau mam (salted fish hotpot)
The broth is seasoned with sugar, spices; a little of coconut milk added is the secret for a more fatty, scented and viscid hotpot sauce. Red chili and chopped citronella are dispensable parts for a fragrant taste.
Fresh fish meat, water crab meat, snails, eel, slices of pork, silver shrimp accompanied with various kinds of vegetables, such as eggplant, bitter melon, water dropwort, “dien dien” flower , bean sprouts, water lily, straw mushroom will be dipped into the boiled sauce until well-done.
For this reason, “Lau mam” is considered as one of the ideal dishes for vegetable-lovers.
The more things are added, the more moreish the stock is.
“Lau mam” is scoop out into bowls and served with handfuls of rice vermicelli also. Enjoying the winter bitter cold with a hot salted fish hotpot, a medley of flavors, spicy, bitter, salty, sweet and greasy is not a bad idea!
 
Lau mam (salted fish hotpot) Related image(s) 
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Lau mam (salted fish hotpot)

Lau mam (salted fish hotpot) The broth is seasoned with sugar, spices; a little of coconut milk added is the secret for a more fatty, scente...

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International Firework Festival: Japan, Switzerland introduce colourful performances

International Firework Festival: Japan, Switzerland introduce colourful performances
The Japanese team – Tamaya Kitahara Fireworks Limited Company created a charming space using the harmony between light and sound.
Established in 1982, the company has been famous for advanced techniques in firework performance, contributing to make the over 400 year history of Japanese firework industry more modern and developed. The team also won the second prize at the 2012 DIFF.
<div style="width: 510px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><img alt="The light dance from the country of Cherry Blossom" src="http://bit.ly/2r5wb79" title="The light dance from the country of Cherry Blossom" />
The light dance from the country of Cherry Blossom
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<div style="width: 510px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><img alt="The combination of the light and music of Japanese team" src="http://bit.ly/2rEtGG5" title="The combination of the light and music of Japanese team" />
The combination of the light and music of Japanese team
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<div style="width: 510px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><img alt="Thousands of people gathered at the Dragon bridge to watch fireworks." src="http://bit.ly/2r5wGhp" title="Thousands of people gathered at the Dragon bridge to watch fireworks." />
Thousands of people gathered at the Dragon bridge to watch fireworks.
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With the scaffolding reaching a record height of four metres at the DIFF, the Swiss team, SUGYP SA, was assessed as one of the strongest teams at this year’s event. The impressive high altitude fireworks, in harmonious combination with contemporary music, showcased its creativity.
<a href="http://bit.ly/2rEz3oy"><img alt="The colourful fireworks at high altitude by the Swiss team enlightened Da Nang’s sky." src="http://bit.ly/2rEz3oy" title="The colourful fireworks at high altitude by the Swiss team enlightened Da Nang’s sky." /></a>
The colourful fireworks at high altitude by the Swiss team enlightened Da Nang’s sky.
<a href="http://bit.ly/2r5s1MF"><img alt="The Switzerland team’s fireworks featured the image of Vietnam." src="http://bit.ly/2r5s1MF" title="The Switzerland team’s fireworks featured the image of Vietnam." /></a>
The Switzerland team’s fireworks featured the image of Vietnam.
<div style="width: 510px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><img alt="The fireworks display left an impression on spectators." src="http://bit.ly/2rEqx8Z" title="The fireworks display left an impression on spectators." />
The fireworks display left an impression on spectators.
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<div style="width: 510px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><img alt="The combination between the light and contemporary music created an impressive performance." src="http://bit.ly/2r5s3Eh" title="The combination between the light and contemporary music created an impressive performance." />
The combination between the light and contemporary music created an impressive performance.
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The third night of the 2017 DIFF will take place on May 27th with a competition between the two teams from China and England.
 
International Firework Festival: Japan, Switzerland introduce colourful performances Related image(s) 
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International Firework Festival: Japan, Switzerland introduce colourful performances

International Firework Festival: Japan, Switzerland introduce colourful performances The Japanese team – Tamaya Kitahara Fireworks Limited C...

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Old guide book gets back on to the bookshelves

Old guide book gets back on to the bookshelves
<div style="width: 510px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><img src="http://bit.ly/2qetOOj" width="500" />
A tram in Hàng Đào Street in 1920s. Photo wordpress.com
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<div><a href="http://bit.ly/24En4mq">Viet Nam News</a>
Long ago, a guide book was made to help visitors find their way around Viet Nam.
It had information about interesting places as well as advice on how to travel.
Now, it has been printed again.
It is being sold at book stores all over the country.
By Trinh Nguyễn
A classic travel guide authored early in the 20th century has been reprinted, offering readers the opportunity to travel back in time and experience yesteryear Hà Nội in minute detail.
Nhã Nam Books, in co-operation with Hà Nội Publishing House, has brought out a new edition of the original Hà Nội Chỉ Nam (Hà Nội Travel Guide), considered a thorough guide book in the early 20th century.
Authored by Nguyễn Bá Chính, the guide book was first printed in 1923 with clear information about Hà Nội’s tram routes, railway, roads, restaurants, hotels, pharmacies and tailors.
Apart from the wealth of information, the book also encouraged readers to follow the writer’s choices and recommendations.
“This is a new guide book written in the Romanised Vietnamese script, targeting Vietnamese people, travellers and enterprises as the demand for travel keeps increasing in such a beautiful city, which will be a big market soon,” Chính wrote in 1923.
The book lists four tram routes in the city, all starting from Hoàn Kiếm Lake.
It notes: “A one-way ticket on leather seat costs 4 cents; ticket for a normal seat, 3 cents; ticket for children 3-7 years old, 2 cents. A return ticket on leather seat costs 7 cents; on normal seats, 5 cents; for children 3-7 years old, 3 cents.
“The Tram Department sells monthly tickets for 2 or 4 routes.”
The guide book also lists distances between Hà Nội and other provinces, details of rail routes and information on how to buy tickets.
The book clearly sets out the rail route from Hà Nội to Yunnan (China) and procedures to get a pass for both French and Vietnamese people. The readers were advised to submit the pass form to French authorities in the Hà Khẩu (border area with Yunnan, China in the northern province of Lào Cai) three days before departure.
It also carried a reminder: “Passengers with weapons should show the weapons to the French authorities at the time they submit the pass forms. If they do not have permission from Chinese authorities at the border, they cannot bring weapons into Yunnan.”
“It’s a bit of an exaggeration to call this a historical or anthropological document as it is a travel guide,” researcher Phan Phương Thảo of the History Department, Hà Nội University of Social Sciences and Humanities, told Thanh Niên (Young People) newspaper.
“There are clearer documents stored at No 1 Archive Centre in Hà Nội. Yet in terms of a travel guide book for that time, the information is quite clear, concrete and precise. It’s a useful guidebook for both Vietnamese and French people.”
She noted further that Hà Nội Chỉ Nam lays out clear travel routes, highlights beauty spots within the city, on its outskirts and further.
The Hà Nội Opera House is introduced thus: “Locating at the head of Tràng Tiền Street, an outstanding, magnificent building is the so called ‘Municipal Theatre ‘.
“The House was built in 1901, on the area of a lake. As many as 35,000 wooden pillars were installed, a 90cm-thick layer of cement and pebblestones was poured to make its foundation.”
Attention to detail
The book explains things like why the statue of Huyền Thiên Trấn Vũ at the Quán Thánh Temple is covered with a yellow robe: “It was made totally of black copper. People dubbed it as statue of Black Copper Saint. The statue was given a royal robe by King Thiệu Trị (1807-1847) during his trip to the north…
Though the temple was built a long time ago, trees have been planted and new buildings have been newly erected.”
“This detail is interesting,” said Phạm Thanh Hương, an expert with UNESCO Việt Nam. “Today, the statue no longer wears a yellow coat. The information will help today’s tour guide to add more interesting details to their presentation on the temple.”
The information on Hoàn Kiếm Lake states that the Lê Dynasty (1427-1789) used the lake as a site for training marine forces. That’s why the lake used to be called “Hồ Thủy Quân” (Naval Lake).
The book tells the reader where she/he can get photographs taken, buy souvenirs, leather goods, jewelry, silk, cloth, etc.
In the part for restaurants and accommodation, the writer divides the establishments into three categories: westerners, Chinese and Vietnamese.
The list for western restaurants is led by Hotel Metropole.
The writer has clearly opted for big restaurants with tasty and hygienic food.
The 155-page book, costing VNĐ50,000 (US$2.2) is available in book stores throughout the country.
Đỗ Đình Hồng, director of Hà Nội Tourism Department said the department intended to publish a new guide book, which may contain the same subheads.
The accommodation list may contain 5-star, 4-star, 3-star, homestays and apartments.
The new book, to be published later this year, will also have information on venues for art shows. – VNS
GLOSSARY
A classic travel guide authored early in the 20th century has been reprinted, offering readers the opportunity to travel back in time and experience yesteryear Hà Nội in minute detail.
Authored means “written by”.
Just as yesterday means the day, or days, before, yesteryear means years before.
Minute detail means a focus on the smallest of things.
Nhã Nam Books, in co-operation with Hà Nội Publishing House, has brought out a new edition of the original Hà Nội Chỉ Nam (Hà Nội Travel Guide), considered a thorough guide book in the early 20th century.
Co-operation means working together.
A new edition of a book is a new version of a book that may be a bit different to an earlier version.
Apart from the wealth of information, the book also encouraged readers to follow the writer’s choices and recommendations.
Recommendations are things you may advise people to do.
“This is a new guide book written in the Romanised Vietnamese script, targeting Vietnamese people, travellers and enterprises as the demand for travel keeps increasing in such a beautiful city, which will be a big market soon,” Chính wrote in 1923.
Roman is a type of writing.
Targeted means “aimed at”.
The readers were advised to submit the pass form to French authorities in the Hà Khẩu (border area with Yunnan, China in the northern province of Lào Cai) three days before departure.
Submit means “hand in”.
“It’s a bit of an exaggeration to call this a historical or anthropological document as it is a travel guide,” researcher Phan Phương Thảo of the History Department, Hà Nội University of Social Sciences and Humanities, told Thanh Niên (Young People) newspaper.
If it is an exaggeration to call the travel guide a historical or anthropological document, it is made out to be more of a historical or anthropological document than it really is.
Anthropological means to do with anthropology, which is the study of human societies.
“There are clearer documents stored at No 1 Archive Centre in Hà Nội. Yet in terms of a travel guide book for that time, the information is quite clear, concrete and precise.”
Concrete, in this case, means solid.
Precise means exact.
She noted further that Hà Nội Chỉ Nam lays out clear travel routes, highlights beauty spots within the city, on its outskirts and further.
The outskirts of a city are the areas on the edge of the city.
“The House was built in 1901, on the area of a lake. As many as 35,000 wooden pillars were installed, a 90cm-thick layer of cement and pebblestones was poured to make its foundation.”
Pillars are columns that support the rooves of buildings.
Installed means “put in”.
The foundation of a building is the hard, strong material on the ground on which it is built.
“People dubbed it as statue of Black Copper Saint.”
“Dubbed” means “given the nickname”.
The statue was given a royal robe by King Thiệu Trị (1807-1847) during his trip to the north.
A robe is a piece of clothing that hangs on your shoulders.
Though the temple was built a long time ago, trees have been planted and new buildings have been newly erected.”
Erected means “put up”.
The information on Hoàn Kiếm Lake states that the Lê Dynasty (1427-1789) used the lake as a site for training marine forces.”
Marine means to do with the sea.
The book tells the reader where she/he can get photographs taken, buy souvenirs, leather goods, jewelry, silk, cloth, etc.
Souvenirs are gifts you buy to remind you of a special place.
The writer has clearly opted for big restaurants with tasty and hygienic food.
Opted means chose.
Đỗ Đình Hồng, director of Hà Nội Tourism Department said the department intended to publish a new guide book, which may contain the same subheads.
A subhead is a small heading.
The new book, to be published later this year, will also have information on venues for art shows.
Venues are places where performances and other activities are held.
WORKSHEET
State whether the following sentences are true, or false:
<ol>
<li>Researcher Phan Phương Thảo says it is no exaggeration to call the guide book a historical or anthropological document.</li>
<li>The guide book was first printed in 1923.</li>
<li>The Hà Nội Opera House was built in 1910.</li>
<li>Yunnan is in China.</li>
<li>The statue of Huyền Thiên Trấn Vũ is also known as the statue of Black Copper Saint.</li>
</ol>
<a href="http://bit.ly/2qDzK3a">ANSWERS:</a>
© Duncan Guy/Learn the News/ Viet Nam News 2017
<a href="http://bit.ly/2qDzK3a">1.</a> False; 2. True; 3. False; 4. True; 5. True.
</div>
 
Old guide book gets back on to the bookshelves Related image(s) 
<img height="200" src="http://bit.ly/2qetOOj" width="200" />

Old guide book gets back on to the bookshelves

Old guide book gets back on to the bookshelves A tram in Hàng Đào Street in 1920s. Photo wordpress.com Viet Nam News Long ago, a guide b...

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Vietnam experience: Tourist vs traveler

Vietnam experience: Tourist vs traveler
Zipping around Vietnam is fun. Sure there are problems and dangers but what do you expect?
Zipping around Vietnam is fun. Sure there are problems and dangers but what do you expect?
I’ll admit the idea for this story isn’t new. What are you, a tourist or a traveler? Do you rage at every inconvenience or take it all in your stride? My mum knew this well having travelled half the world. As she often said, “This is what happens when you travel.”
She first mentioned this when we were holed up in Cambodia at a travel agent getting ripped-off for tickets to Vietnam. I was enraged, fuming and complaining as loudly as I dared while mum calmly handed over the money. The difference is a question of attitude: instant gratification, it’s too much hard work or going with the flow.
Looking back, I first discovered Vietnam while travelling with a friend who freaked out at what he perceived to be a million inconveniences whereas I saw a million experiences to be adventured. He was holed up in the hotel most of the time while I risked my life in a cyclo tour of Hanoi. I should have realized then the difference but it took my mum’s wise words to finally ram the point home to me.
<div style="width: 510px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><img alt="You should try this ride when visiting Vietnam. Photo: Tuoi Tre" src="http://bit.ly/2qDjJdm" title="You should try this ride when visiting Vietnam. Photo: Tuoi Tre" />
You should try this ride when visiting Vietnam. Photo: Tuoi Tre
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Even when I first came here, I tried to learn some local lingo and at least had a map and half a plan. I suspect tourists just trust that the tour operator has it all nicely mapped out. No surprises, no unexpected delays, foul-ups or U-turns.
There’s nothing wrong with this if you are not planning to interact with the local culture or people – fine, take your selfies and go home. But you’re missing a golden opportunity for some real adventures.
Arguing with the shopkeeper next to your hotel and leaving in a huff because they don’t speak good English isn’t in the same league as trying to get directions outside the tourist districts!
The great thing is the urban centers of Vietnam are getting better at service and English so it’s mostly all good. Still, asking for “one of those round hat thingies” isn’t that classy.
I’m constantly surprised by the number of people planning to come to Vietnam who haven’t done any homework or research yet believe that people will give them all the advice in the world. Sorry, folks – you’ll have to ‘man-up’ a bit.
Travelers usually understand there’s no real hurry. Do you really need to see the temples when it might be more exciting to walk and see what people do in the city block around your hotel – you might be truly surprised…
Travelers don’t have a tight schedule or a list of ‘must-see’ places. I once walked thirteen kilometers across Tokyo in a leisurely stroll – took the whole day – one of the most fascinating walks ever. It doesn’t have to be ambitious, just make sure you can find your way back and enjoy ‘being in the now’.
One other thing that doesn’t make you a tourist is having no cultural expectations about language or people. Travelers know communication will be a wild mix of body language, hand waggling, picture drawing and frantic tip-tapping on the smartphone.
<div style="width: 510px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><img alt="A scenic sight in Ninh Binh Province. Photo: Tuoi Tre" src="http://bit.ly/2q8cfvH" title="A scenic sight in Ninh Binh Province. Photo: Tuoi Tre" />
A scenic sight in Ninh Binh Province. Photo: Tuoi Tre
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Unsurprisingly, people are generally sincere, friendly and downright funny. Just as curious about us as we are about them and their world, taking the time to find out some of this can be more memorable than that selfie of you standing in front of something incomprehensible.
Next week, I’m heading out of Hoi An to take a look around the country. Nothing grand or extensive, a few weeks to absorb the colors, sounds, places and atmosphere of things I might never see again.
Although I’m something of a digital nomad dragging along my techie gadgets, I generally travel very lightly, buying clothes along the way and not worrying much about looking fashionable on a dusty road in the rice fields on a hot summer day. I’ll leave that for the day of my acceptance speech for the Nobel Prize in literature which I expect to get any day now.
So I’m going to travel like a traveler, floating around like Forrest Gump’s feather and working on that speech.
Or you could say: Đi một ngày đàng, học một sàng khôn (Travel broadens the mind).
 
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New Hà Nội Opera House tours proposed

New Hà Nội Opera House tours proposed
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On the stage: Classical drama “Elderly Man Carrying Young Wife to Festival” is included in the performance schedule for the new tour. Photo songmoi.vn
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<div><a href="http://bit.ly/24En4mq">Viet Nam News</a>
The Việt Nam National Administration of Tourism (VNAT) has introduced two new tourism products featuring the Hà Nội Opera House to travel agencies and media outlets for review, before offering the products to tourists later this year.
The first tour will whisk tourists around the city by electric car, taking in the Old Quarter and the National Museum of History before finishing at the Opera House, where tourists will hear about the architecture of the iconic colonial building and watch a 30-minute art show.
The show will be performed by artists from four leading theatres, namely the Việt Nam Singing and Dancing Theatre, the Việt Nam Tuồng (Classical Drama) Theatre, the Việt Nam Chèo (Traditional Opera) Theatre, and the Việt Nam Puppetry Theatre.
Excerpts of folk art plays have been selected for inclusion in the show.
The tour is expected to last for an hour and a half, taking place between 10.15am and 11.45am on Mondays and Thursdays. The proposed price is VNĐ400,000 (US$18).
The second tourism product introduced is a standalone tour of the Opera House. Tourists will be able to explore the building and watch a show from the seats on the third floor. They will also be able to take photos throughout while listening to an audio guide on the architecture and history of the building. This Opera House tour would last for around one hour, and is scheduled for 9am, 10.30am, and 2pm on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Saturdays and Sundays. The proposed price for the shorter tour is VNĐ120,000 ($5).
Vũ Mạnh Hà, director of the Opera House said the two new tourism products would be on offer, but in the future, if the tourist numbers pick up significantly, the Opera House would be free to enter.
Agencies say “not enough”
After reviewing the proposed tours, representatives from various travel agencies weighed in with their opinions.
“I don’t think we can sell the tour on Mondays and Thursdays,” said Trương Thị Thảo, director from the Tia Sáng Mekong Tourism Company, about the longer tour. “It should really depend on the demands of tourists.”
Furthermore, the early time slot is not suitable for an indoor tour. The daytime hours should be reserved for outdoor activities, and indoor tours should take place in the evening, she said.
Nguyễn Hồng Nguyên of the Hanoitourist company was in agreement.
“Tourists rarely want to visit theatres in the middle of the day,” he said.
Nguyễn Thúy Hà, from Threeland Travel, proposed the tour should be organised every day at three different timeslots, like the water puppetry shows at the Thăng Long Theatre, so that tourists have more choices.
Nguyên said the ticket price for foreign and domestic tourists should be the same, and that VNĐ400,000 would be too high.
Thảo proposed the price be cut in half (VNĐ200,000-250,000) while Nguyên suggested that the tour be free to start with, and paid tickets offered if it was successful.
The water puppetry show, the variety IONAH show (at the Star Galaxy Theatre on Láng Hạ Street) and the Tứ Phủ mediumship show (at Công Nhân Cinema on Tràng Tiền Street) offered reasonable ticket prices of between VNĐ80,000-120,000, she said.
Commenting on the show inside the Opera House, many participants said that explanations should be provided in a number of languages.
Many participants expressed appreciation for the programme chosen, while others considered the selection to be too eclectic.
“The show doesn’t have a clear theme, even though it is named Sắc Việt (Vietnamese Colours),” Nguyên said, “Audiences will not understand the ideas on show through the performances, as they are a mixture of different artistic styles.”
“We should not perform the same show for foreign and domestic tourists,” he said, “The audiences will focus on the message that artists want to convey. The items should represent the soul of Vietnamese culture and people.”
“The Opera House is a landmark,” said Hà Văn Siêu, deputy director of the VNAT. “We aim to not only attract customers but also develop Vietnamese artistic values. We will give priority to tours that cater to foreign tourists. The VNAT will help travel agencies examine the tours proposed, as well as bring tourists to the Opera House later this year. However, we should aim to satisfy tourists.”
The new tours are among early efforts to turn the Opera House into a central destination, linking August Revolution Square, Cổ Tân Park and the Museum of National History, as well as other historical buildings and the green space around Hoàn Kiếm Lake. The plan was proposed by the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism in April. – VNS
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<div style="width: 510px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><img src="http://bit.ly/2q5enEW" width="500" />
Grand space: Tourists will have the opportunity to watch a show during either of the new tours. VNS File Photo
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Fascinating history: The iconic Hà Nội Opera House is located in downtown Hà Nội. VNS File Photo
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Travel the world through its markets

Travel the world through its markets
From a historic fabric bazaar in Vietnam to a fancy Whole Foods outlet in the U.S., the world is one big, colorful marketplace.
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<div style="width: 510px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><img alt="retail-around-the-world" src="http://bit.ly/2qEXO65" width="500" />
A woman at her cloth shop at the Hom Market in Hanoi, Vietnam May 17, 2017. Photo by Reuters/Kham
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<div style="width: 510px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><img alt="retail-around-the-world-1" src="http://bit.ly/2rDfnjZ" width="500" />
Vendors are seen at the Hom Market in Hanoi, Vietnam May 17, 2017. Photo by Reuters/Kham
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<div style="width: 510px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><img alt="retail-around-the-world-2" src="http://bit.ly/2qF4hOg" width="500" />
A woman sells candy at a fish market in Chorrillos district of Lima, Peru, May 18, 2017. Photo by Reuters/Mariana Bazo
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<div style="width: 510px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><img alt="retail-around-the-world-3" src="http://bit.ly/2rDiyZ3" width="500" />
A worker cuts a Mexican tuna at a fish market in Mexico City, Mexico May 18, 2017. Photo by Reuters/Henry Romero
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<div style="width: 510px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><img alt="retail-around-the-world-4" src="http://bit.ly/2qF9kOC" width="500" />
Ammar, an Iraqi child, sells vegetables and fruits in a market in eastern Mosul, Iraq April 20, 2017. Photo by Reuters/Muhammad Hamed
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<div style="width: 510px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><img alt="retail-around-the-world-5" src="http://bit.ly/2rDgUXx" width="500" />
A man selling air coolers rests at a market on a hot summer day in Ahmedabad, India May 4, 2017. Photo by Reuters/Amit Dave
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<div style="width: 510px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><img alt="retail-around-the-world-6" src="http://bit.ly/2qF4BMU" width="500" />
Customers leave the Whole Foods Market in Boulder, Colorado May 10, 2017. Photo by Reuters/Rick Wilking
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<div style="width: 510px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><img alt="retail-around-the-world-7" src="http://bit.ly/2rDa986" width="500" />
A laborer carries a sack containing pepper through a local food market at mile 12 in Nigeria’s commercial capital Lagos, Nigeria May 11, 2017. Photo by Reuters/Akintunde Akinleye
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<div style="width: 510px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><img alt="retail-around-the-world-9" src="http://bit.ly/2qF4uBl" width="500" />
A dog stands with its owner in a queue for fruit and vegetables at a market in Fulham, West London, Britain April 29, 2017. Photo by Reuters/Kevin Coombs
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<div style="width: 510px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><img alt="retail-around-the-world-10" src="http://bit.ly/2rDgjoH" width="500" />
A woman buys an octopus at Rialto Market in Venice, Italy May 13, 2017. Picture taken May 13, 2017. Photo by Reuters/Stefano Rellandini
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<div style="width: 510px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><img alt="retail-around-the-world-11" src="http://bit.ly/2qF3Pzt" width="500" />
An employee hangs products at a street market in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil May 15, 2017. Photo by Reuters/Pilar Olivares
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<div style="width: 510px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><img alt="retail-around-the-world-12" src="http://bit.ly/2rD7HOI" width="500" />
A vendor bathes at a wholesale fish market on a hot summer day in Kolkata, India May 15, 2017. Photo by Reuters/Rupak De Chowdhuri
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<div style="width: 510px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><img alt="retail-around-the-world-13" src="http://bit.ly/2qERb3w" width="500" />
A grocer waits for customers next to his stand at a food market in Madrid, Spain, May 17, 2017. Photo by Reuters/Susana Vera
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<div style="width: 510px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><img alt="retail-around-the-world-14" src="http://bit.ly/2rDmyJb" width="500" />
A worker at an outdoor market selling herbs and spices in Cairo, Egypt May 17, 2017. Photo by Reuters/Mohamed Abd El Ghany
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<div style="width: 510px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><img alt="retail-around-the-world-15" src="http://bit.ly/2qF1N2E" width="500" />
A man sells vegetables at Kungsgatan market next to the Drottninggatan in Stockholm, Sweden, May 8, 2017. Photo by Reuters/Ints Kalnins
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<div style="width: 510px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><img alt="retail-around-the-world-16" src="http://bit.ly/2rDhwfA" width="500" />
A man sorts out sandals to buy from a stall at a market in Karachi, Pakistan May 17, 2017. Photo by Reuters/Akhtar Soomro
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<div style="width: 510px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><img alt="retail-around-the-world-8" src="http://bit.ly/2qF4C3q" width="500" />
A staff member holds up a toy tiger head as she poses for a picture in a stall at the Yiwu Wholesale Market in Yiwu, Zhejiang Province, China, April 28, 2017. Picture taken April 28, 2017. Photo by Reuters/Thomas Peter
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Travel the world through its markets Related image(s) 
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Yen Bai Tourism Year kicks off

Yen Bai Tourism Year kicks off
<div>Yen Bai (VNA) – The Yen Bai Tourism Year kicked off with art performances and cultural activities on May 19 in the northern mountainous province.</div>
<div>More than 300 professional artists including singer Trong Tan, Minh Tuyet, Dang Duong and Tung Duong joined the performance themed Lung Linh Sac Mau Yen Bai (Glamourous Yen Bai). The event also features Inh La Oi, a traditional folk melody of the Thai ethnic group in Yen Bai province, performed by American singer Kyo York.
Along with music and art, the characteristic images of Yen Bai – rice terraces, ban flower (orchid tree flower – the signature flower of the region) and stilt houses were also featured to bring audiences a sense of Yen Bai and the northwest region.
The event also gathered Miss Tourism winners from previous years to showcase a fashion collection named Colours of Northwest of designer Viet Hung. The collection depicts the unique beauty of 30 different ethnic minorities and the landscapes of northwestern parts of Vietnam.
“Besides focusing on cooperating with neighbouring provinces in the northwestern regions, Yen Bai is also creating several unique and attractive tourism products to call for more investors and draw more visitors to explore the scenic Mu Cang Chai terraced field, the ‘hunt for clouds’ at Ta Xua, Ta Si Nhu peak, experience paragliding in Khau Pha pass, or enjoy Ho Thac Ba eco tourism. From Yen Bai, visitors can easily continue their journey to famous Sapa in Lao Cai province, Moc Chau in Son La or the Hung King temple in Phu Tho province,” said Chairman of the Yen Bai People’s Committee Do Duc Du, in a workshop on introducing tourism products and enhancing tourism investment held on May 19 afternoon.
“Yen Bai has huge tourism potential, the depth of culture in ethnic minorities is also a factor to create unique tourism products, drawing more visitors,” said deputy head of General Department of Tourism, Ha Van Sieu at the workshop.
Sieu suggested the province should work out solutions on planning, enhancing infrastructure, and developing tourism based on the community towards sustainable development.
Following the opening event, a two-day festival honouring the Mother Goddess of Forest Worshipping Practice will begin on Saturday at Dong Cuong temple (known as the birthplace of Mother Goddess Worship Practice) in Yen Bai with several activities – the practice of len dong (going into a trance); a ritual in which practioners become mediums for 36 different deities, involving music, singing, dancing and costumes; a carnival recreating the Mother Goddess; and an exhibition of photos and paintings depicting the practice.
“This is the first time Yen Bai province, and Van Yen district specifically, has had the chance to host a festival featuring the Mother Goddess Worship Practice. The major activities focus on honouring this traditional practice and folk artists involved,” said Chairman of the Van Yen district’s People’s Committee Vu Quang Hai.
A paragliding festival was also held on May 13-14 and again on May 20-21 in Khau Pha pass, Mu Cang Chai district, one of the longest mountain passes in Vietnam with a height of more than 1,200 meters above the sea level, looking over a breathtaking view of Yen Bai’s stunning natural scenery.
Mu Cang Chai festival is also set to be held in September. The festival will features ethnic Mong performance of khen (local traditional bamboo instrument); a paragliding festival, goat fighting and local sports and traditional products. It aims to showcase the Mu Cang Chai’s landscape and local ethnic groups’ culture.
Earlier in February, the 2017 Lao Cai – Northwest National Tourism Year event began, with various activities aiming to turn tourism into a spearhead economic sector of the country.
Upcoming National Tourism Year activities include a horse racing festival, to be held in Bac Ha in June; Vietnam Mountain Marathon in Sapa in September; Bat Xat Terraced Field festival and the third O Quy Ho Mountain Bike Race in October.
The northwest region of Vietnam comprises eight provinces, namely Dien Bien, Ha Giang, Lao Cai, Yen Bai, Hoa Binh, Lai Chau, Son La and Phu Tho.
The region is home to more than 30 ethnic groups, with diverse tangible and intangible cultural heritage, historical sites and spectacular landscapes.-VNA
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Yen Bai Tourism Year kicks off Related image(s) 
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Yen Bai Tourism Year kicks off

Yen Bai Tourism Year kicks off Yen Bai (VNA) – The Yen Bai Tourism Year kicked off with art performances and cultural activities on May 19 ...

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Plan approved for steel ladder to help explorers conquer ‘Great Wall of Vietnam’

Plan approved for steel ladder to help explorers conquer ‘Great Wall of Vietnam’
<div style="width: 510px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><img alt="Plan approved for steel ladder to help explorers conquer 'Great Wall of Vietnam'" src="http://bit.ly/2qE6gCq" width="500" />
An explorer climbs up the towering wall near the end of Son Doong Cave during an expedition. Photo by Ryan Deboodt
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Despite concerns, experts say the towering wall inside Son Doong Cave needs a ladder to make future expeditions easier.
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Authorities in the central province of Quang Binh have approved a plan to place a ladder next to a 100-meter (330 feet) wall near the end of Son Doong Cave, the world’s largest, to help explorers conquer it.
British cave experts who were among the first to explore the cave have suggested that a stainless steel ladder can be very useful for explorers who wish to climb the wall, which has been praised a masterpiece of nature and nicknamed the Great Wall of Vietnam.
The cave lies some 200 kilometers (124 miles) northwest of Hue, Vietnam’s old royal city. It has put Quang Binh Province on the global travel map in recent years.
Screws and ropes will be used to assemble and hang the ladder and there will be no welding, said cave expert Howard Limbert.
The ladder can be removed any time without causing any damage to the cave, he said.
It remains unclear when the plan will begin its trial phase.
According to a report published by Nhan Dan Newspaper on Friday, there is still no environmental impact assessment yet. The official publication of Vietnam’s Communist Party said “caution is needed.”
Treasured cave
Son Doong, or Mountain River, stretches for around five kilometers (three miles) with at least 150 individual grottoes, many rivers, a dense subterranean jungle and fossilized corridors.
The cave was discovered in 1991 by local man Ho Khanh, who in 2009 helped Limbert and other British experts explore it.
It was first opened to tourists on a trial basis in August 2013 and tours are usually fully booked a year ahead.
Most tourists now stop at the wall, after traveling six kilometers deep into the cave, and must head all the way back.
The exploration time for the cave could be shortened to three days from five if there’s a ladder to go past the wall.
But many cave lovers are concerned that visitors climbing the wall may damage it, no matter how careful they are.
The experts behind the idea said they must be strict rules that allow only one person to mount the ladder at a time and require them to wear clean shoes.
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Plan approved for steel ladder to help explorers conquer ‘Great Wall of Vietnam’ Related image(s) 
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Plan approved for steel ladder to help explorers conquer ‘Great Wall of Vietnam’ An explorer climbs up the towering wall near the end of So...

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Great potential for adventure travel untapped

Great potential for adventure travel untapped
VietNamNet Bridge – Adventure travel accounts for example only 10 percent of all types of tourism in Vietnam.
 
<div style="width: 510px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><img alt="Ngo Hoai Chung, deputy general director of the Vietnam National Administration of Tourism (VNAT), said that Vietnam has great potential to develop adventure tourism." src="http://bit.ly/2r2ESPz" title="Ngo Hoai Chung, deputy general director of the Vietnam National Administration of Tourism (VNAT), said that Vietnam has great potential to develop adventure tourism." />
Ngo Hoai Chung, deputy general director of the Vietnam National Administration of Tourism (VNAT), said that Vietnam has great potential to develop adventure tourism.
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Of many different types of tourism, adventure travel is now witnessing the highest growth rate. Meanwhile, Vietnam has great potential to satisfy travelers’ demand for exploring unusual, exotic, remote and wilderness destinations.
Three quarters of Vietnam territory is made up of mountainous and hilly regions. Vietnam has limestone mountains, karst areas, beautiful caves, tropical primary forests, nature reserves, large national parks and over 3,000 km of coastline.
Many areas in Vietnam have favorable conditions for jogging, mountain climbing, car racing, sea diving, rafting, sailing, windsurfing, parachuting and parasailing.
However, despite great natural advantages, Vietnam’s adventure tourism still has not developed. Chung said that not many localities and businesses had invested in the segment.
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Many areas in Vietnam have favorable conditions for jogging, mountain climbing, car racing, sea diving, rafting, sailing, windsurfing, parachuting and parasailing.
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Travel firms now have adventure tours to travelers, but they do this with no long-term development strategy.
Some firms open tours without asking for permission from agencies, provide low-quality tours and bring travelers to areas with poor facilities. As they ignore many requirements, travelers’ safety is also threatened.
Local newspapers have discovered that some travel firms have brought travelers to unlicensed destinations to avoid control from state management agencies.
These led to tragic accidents, including the one in which travelers and a tour guide died at the Hang Cop Waterfall on February 23.
Soon after the accident occurred, the Lam Dong provincial Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism suspended domestic travel services of the Gold Dream Company, which sold the tour.
The company did not register to provide adventure travel and did not have the function of receiving foreign travelers.
Prior to that, on February 26, 2016, three British travelers died because they lost their footing at Datanla Waterfall in Da Lat City.
Chung said in the two cases at Datanla and Hang Cop Waterfalls, the travel firm used unlicensed tour guides.
Nguyen Trung Thanh, director of Goldent Travel, pointed out that the Tourism Law still does not define this type of tourism. There is no legal document with detailed regulations on adventure tourism.
According to Thanh, in other countries, travelers must prove they can take adventure tours, while in Vietnam, anyone can book adventure tours.
 
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Great potential for adventure travel untapped Related image(s) 
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Great potential for adventure travel untapped

Great potential for adventure travel untapped VietNamNet Bridge – Adventure travel accounts for example only 10 percent of all types of tour...

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