Quang Ninh serves 9.2 million tourists in 8 months

Quang Ninh serves 9.2 million tourists in 8 months <div> <div><span>A corner of Quang Ninh (Photo: VNA)</span></div> <p><strong>Quang Ninh (VNA)</strong> – The northern coastal province of Quang Ninh welcomed 9.2 million tourists during the first eight months of this year, up 25 percent year-on-year and completing 77 percent of its target for the whole year.</p> <p>The provincial Department of Tourism reported that the number of international holidaymakers to the locality exceeded 3.2 million, a rise of 18 percent against the same period last year, and fulfilling 65 percent of the yearly target.</p> <p>During the period, the local tourism sector completed 73 percent of the yearly target, earning more than 16 trillion VND (685 million USD), up 29 percent year-on-year.</p> <p>To gain such achievements, Quang Ninh has stepped up communication works in order to promote local tourism, while also intensifying its inspection of tourism services across the province.</p> <p>Competent local authorities will scale up efforts to monitor the tourism business environment, increase tourism promotion, and pay attention to special and attractive tourism products for time to come.</p> <p>In 2017, Quang Ninh received 9.87 million tourists, including 4.28 million foreigners, up 18 percent and 23 percent respectively. The tourism sector pocketed over 17.88 trillion VND (786.9 million USD), up 30 percent compared to the previous year, and contributed 3.2 trillion VND (140.8 million USD) to the State budget, accounting for 11.9 percent of the local budget collection.</p> <p>The province is hosting the National Tourism Year 2018 themed “Ha Long-Heritage, Wonder, Friendly Destination”.</p> <p>In 2019, the annual ASEAN Tourism Forum (ATF 2019) is scheduled to take place in Quang Ninh from January 14-19 under the theme “ASEAN: The Power of One”.</p> <p>First launched in 1981 in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, ATF is the biggest annual and alternated event under the ASEAN tourism cooperation umbrella with a view to promoting the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) as one tourist destination.</p> <p>It involves all the tourism industry sectors of the 10 ASEAN member states, namely Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand and Vietnam.</p> <p>The hosting of ATF in 2019 creates a golden opportunity for Vietnam in general and Quang Ninh in particular to promote tourism.</p> <p>A wide range of activities will be held as part of the forum such as formal meetings between officials of ASEAN National Tourism Organisation (NTO) and meetings between ASEAN tourism ministers and their counterparts from China, Japan, the Republic of Korea and India.</p> <p>Other events include association meetings involving ASEAN Tourism Association, Federation of ASEAN Travel Association, ASEAN Airlines Association, and ASEAN Hotel & Restaurant Association, exhibition and business appointments seeking to facilitate the trade of regional and individual tourism products of ASEAN member states, and a tourism conference.</p> <p>Implementing the Comprehensive Plan for Tourism Development in Quang Ninh, the province has been striving to become an international tourism centre and a leading tourism destination in Vietnam with modern infrastructure and diverse, high-quality and competitive tourism products. </p> <p>By 2020, Quang Ninh aims to welcome 15-16 million tourists, including 7 million foreigners, and rake in 30 trillion VND – 40 trillion VND (1.3 billion USD – 1.7 billion USD) in revenue. The tourism sector is expected to contribute 14-15 percent to the gross regional domestic product (GRDP). </p> <p>With a range of stunning landscapes, clear turquoise sea and spectacular limestone pillars together with numerous tourism investment projects, Quang Ninh boasts huge potential to develop tourism.</p> <p>The province has a coastline of more than 250 kilometres and over 2,000 islets, two-thirds of the total number in Vietnam. The spectacular stretch of coast connects the UNESCO-recognised World Heritage Site of Ha Long Bay with majestic natural scenery, Bai Tu Long Bay, Van Don and Co To islands and Tra Co beach with Cat Ba National Park in the northern port city of Hai Phong.</p> <p>Along with the renowned Ha Long Bay, Quan Lan, Minh Chau, Ngoc Vung, Dai beaches in Van Don island district and Tra Co and Vinh Thuc in Mong Cai city have grown in stature among domestic and international tourists thanks to their breathtaking sea and coral reef.-VNA</p> </div> <br /> Quang Ninh serves 9.2 million tourists in 8 months Related image(s)<br /> <img height="200" src="http://ifttt.com/images/no_image_card.png" width="200" /><br />

Quang Ninh serves 9.2 million tourists in 8 months

Quang Ninh serves 9.2 million tourists in 8 months A corner of Quang Ninh (Photo: VNA) Quang Ninh (VNA) – The northern coastal province o...

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Hue to offer free admission to visitors on National Day

Hue to offer free admission to visitors on National Day <div> <p>During the National Day holiday from September 1 – 3, the province will host the 2018 Hue Half Marathon, a traditional boat race festival on the Huong River and a festival of “thanh tra”, a specialty pomelo of Hue, to draw visitors.</p> <p>Travel agencies have designed sightseeing tours to take visitors around the famous temples of Hue and go on boat rides on the Perfume River in the evening when tourists can enjoy live Hue folklore song performances and drop floating lanterns on the river.</p> <p>The province expects to welcome a 15 percent increase in travellers during the holiday, said Deputy Director of the provincial Department of Tourism Nguyen Van Phuc. The department has intensified inspections of local lodging providers and their fire safety standards. The lodging providers are required to publicly list their room rates to avoid unreasonable price hikes.</p> <p>Thua Thien-Hue province is home to five UNESCO heritages, the Complex of Hue Monuments (World Heritage Site), Nha nhac – Vietnamese court music (part of the Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity), the woodblocks of the Nguyen Dynasty (part of the Memory of the World Programme), the imperial archives of the Nguyen Dynasty (part of the Memory of the World Programme), and the Royal Literature on Hue Royal Architecture (part of Documentary Heritage in the Memory of the World Programme in the Asia-Pacific region).</p> <p>The province is also famous for Bach Ma National Park, the garden houses of Hue, Tam Giang Lagoon, Lang Co Bay and its many beautiful beaches.</p> <p>It received approximately 3.3 million tourists in the first half of 2018. The figure included more than 1.3 million foreigners, up 35 percent from the same period last year.</p> <p>The province aims to lure 4 – 4.2 million visitors this year, up 10 – 12 percent, with about 40 – 45 percent being foreigners. It hopes to record a 15 percent increase in tourism revenue to VND 4.2 – 4.3 trillion (US$ 184.1 – 188.5 million).</p> </div> <br /> Hue to offer free admission to visitors on National Day Related image(s)<br /> <img height="200" src="http://ifttt.com/images/no_image_card.png" width="200" /><br />

Hue to offer free admission to visitors on National Day

Hue to offer free admission to visitors on National Day During the National Day holiday from September 1 – 3, the province will host the 20...

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Khanh Hoa welcomes 4.4 million visitors to Nha Trang in 8 months

Khanh Hoa welcomes 4.4 million visitors to Nha Trang in 8 months <div> <div> <table> <tbody> <tr> <td></td> </tr> </tbody> </table> </div> <p>Of that figure, the number of foreign arrivals surged 141% to more than 1.8 million, while domestic tourists increased 102% to over 2.5 million against the same period last year.</p> <p>Since the beginning of the year, the number Chinese tourists to Nha Trang hit more than one million, a rise of 158%, while Russian tourists reached over 265,000, a 100% increase.</p> <p>According to local authorities, the sharp increase in the number of foreign arrivals to NhaTrang has facilitated the area’s socio-economic development and generated revenue for the budget. However, there remain limitations in controlling payments over networks to avoid tax losses.</p> <p>Experts say payments via mobile apps are contrary to the law and shopping transactions in Vietnam’s territory only accept Vietnamese dong while many transaction activities are carried out in Chinese Renminbi.</p> <p>Khanh Hoa province has requested relevant ministries and the State Bank of Vietnam to devise measures to control payments via POS, Alipay and WechatPay to promptly deal with violations and avoid losses of taxation for the state budget. </p> </div> <br /> Khanh Hoa welcomes 4.4 million visitors to Nha Trang in 8 months Related image(s)<br /> <img height="200" src="http://ifttt.com/images/no_image_card.png" width="200" /><br />

Khanh Hoa welcomes 4.4 million visitors to Nha Trang in 8 months

Khanh Hoa welcomes 4.4 million visitors to Nha Trang in 8 months Of that figure, the number of foreign arrivals surged 141% to mor...

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Free admission to Complex of Hue Monuments on National Day

Free admission to Complex of Hue Monuments on National Day <div> <div><span>Ngo Mon (Noon Gate), the entryway into Hue Citadel. (Photo: VNA)<br /></span></div> <p><strong><br /> Thua Thien-Hue (VNA)</strong> – The central province of Thua Thien – Hue will offer free admission to the Complex of Hue Monuments, an UNESCO heritage site in Hue City, for Vietnamese visitors on National Day (September 2).</p> <p>During the National Day holiday from September 1 – 3, the province will host the Hue Half Marathon 2018, a traditional boat race festival on the Huong River and a festival of “thanh tra”, a specialty pomelo of Hue, to draw visitors.</p> <p>Travel agencies have designed sightseeing tours taking visitors around famous temples around Hue and going on boat ride on the Huong River in the evening when tourists can enjoy live Hue folklore song performances and drop floating lanterns on the river.</p> <p>The province expects to welcome an increase of 15 percent in travellers during the holiday, said Deputy Director of the provincial Department of Tourism Nguyen Van Phuc. The department has intensified inspection of local lodging providers and their fire prevention. The lodging providers are required to publicly list their room rates to avoid unreasonable price hike.</p> <p>Thua Thien-Hue province is home to five UNESCO heritages, namely the Complex of Hue Monuments (World Heritage Site), Nha nhac – Vietnamese court music (part of the Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity), the woodblocks of the Nguyen Dynasty (part of the Memory of the World Programme), the imperial archives of the Nguyen Dynasty (part of the Memory of the World Programme), and the Royal Literature on Hue Royal Architecture (part of Documentary Heritage in the Memory of the World Programme in the Asia-Pacific region).</p> <p>The province is also well-known for Bach Ma National Park, garden houses of Hue, Tam Giang Lagoon, Lang Co Bay and beautiful beaches.</p> <p>It received approximately 3.3 million tourists in the first two quarters of 2018. The figure included over 1.3 million foreigners, up 35 percent from the same period last year.</p> <p>The province aims to lure 4 – 4.2 million visitors this year, up 10 – 12 percent, with about 40 – 45 percent being foreigners. It hopes to record a 15-percent increase in tourism revenue to 4.2 – 4.3 trillion VND (184.1 – 188.5 million USD). –VNA </p> </div> <br /> Free admission to Complex of Hue Monuments on National Day Related image(s)<br /> <img height="200" src="http://ifttt.com/images/no_image_card.png" width="200" /><br />

Free admission to Complex of Hue Monuments on National Day

Free admission to Complex of Hue Monuments on National Day Ngo Mon (Noon Gate), the entryway into Hue Citadel. (Photo: VNA) Thua Thien-Hu...

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Vietnam among top three for adventure

Vietnam among top three for adventure <div> <div> <div><span>A boat tour in the Mekong Delta (Photo: VNA)</span></div> </div> <div> </div> <div><strong>HCM City (VNA) –</strong> Readers of global travel website TripAdvisor have ranked Vietnam third in their top 10 global adventure destinations. <p>Reporting this, the UK’s Daily Star listed three of the most popular activities for visitors in this country: a half-day Hanoi food tour, a full-day Mekong Delta bike tour from HCM City and an evening Hoi An food tour by bike.</p> <p>Costa Rica topped the TripAdvisor list and was followed by New Zealand. Vietnam is the only Asian country to make it to the list, which also includes Ireland, Scotland, Australia, Portugal, Mexico, the US, and Iceland. </p> <p>US News earlier this month named Vietnam as one of 30 best solo travel destinations alongside neighbours Singapore and Thailand.</p> <p>Earlier this year TripAdvisor readers ranked Vietnam as one of the 10 best places to go in the world.</p> <p>Vietnam welcomed more than 9 million foreign vacationers in the first seven months of 2018, a year-on-year rise of 25.4 percent.</p> <p>In 2018, Vietnam aims to serve 16 million international tourists and 80 million domestic holidaymakers.</p> <p>The tourism sector will promote smart tourism and actively carry out promotion activities in the remaining months of the year to attract more tourists in key markets, he said.</p> <p>In 2017, the country welcomed 13 million foreign visitors, up by three million against the previous year.-VNA</p> </div> </div> <br /> Vietnam among top three for adventure Related image(s)<br /> <img height="200" src="http://ifttt.com/images/no_image_card.png" width="200" /><br />

Vietnam among top three for adventure

Vietnam among top three for adventure A boat tour in the Mekong Delta (Photo: VNA)   HCM City (VNA) – Readers of global travel website...

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Football, National Day’s tours lure visitors

Football, National Day’s tours lure visitors <div> <div>Tourist companies offer one day package tour on September at the price from VND11,900,000 (US$517) – VND14,900,000 (US$647), departing from Hanoi and HCM City.</div> <div>Meanwhile tours of one to two nights to famous destinations like Da Lat, Ba Ria-Vung Tau, Nha Trang and Mekong Delta region for the National Day have also attracted many visitors.</div> <div>The national flag carrier Vietnam Airlines plans to offer two additional flights from Hanoi to Jakarta and one additional flights from HCM City to Jakarta on September 1. The flight will be served by Airbus A321 aircraft.</div> <div>In addition, the carrier announced that it will increase 32 flights during the Vietnam National Day holidays (September 2) from August 31 to September 3, providing 6,500 more seats to meet the high demand on routes, such as Hanoi-Da Nang/Quy Nhon/Phu Quoc; HCM City-Quy Nhon/Nha Trang/Phu Quoc/Da Lat. The total number of seats during the period will be more than 151,000 seats.</div> <div>The Viet Nam Olympic team will meet UAE in the match on September 1.</div> <p>By THI HONG – Translated by Kim Khanh</p> </div> <br /> Football, National Day’s tours lure visitors Related image(s)<br /> <img height="200" src="http://ifttt.com/images/no_image_card.png" width="200" /><br />

Football, National Day’s tours lure visitors

Football, National Day’s tours lure visitors Tourist companies offer one day package tour on September at the price from VND11,900,000 (US$...

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Boom in foreign arrivals to Vietnam continues

Boom in foreign arrivals to Vietnam continues <div> <div> <table> <tbody> <tr> <td></td> </tr> </tbody> </table> </div> <p>Of that figure, 8.4 million visitors arrived by air, 1.79 million by road and 182,700 by sea.</p> <p>The highest number of arrivals came from the continent of Asia with more than 8 million touching down in Vietnam, accounting for 77.2% of all foreign arrivals. The strongest growth was seen in the number of visitors from the Republic of Korea, rising 52.4% to 2.28 million over the eight months. It was followed by China (3.4 million), Taiwan (469,300), Malaysia (334,000), Thailand (212,600), Singapore (180,100) and Japan (545,700).</p> <p>Other continents seeing growth included Europe (up 9.8% to 1.4 million), America (up 12.6% to 636,400), Australia (up 7.4% to 300,700) and Africa (up 20.4% to 27,900).</p> </div> <br /> Boom in foreign arrivals to Vietnam continues Related image(s)<br /> <img height="200" src="http://ifttt.com/images/no_image_card.png" width="200" /><br />

Boom in foreign arrivals to Vietnam continues

Boom in foreign arrivals to Vietnam continues Of that figure, 8.4 million visitors arrived by air, 1.79 million by road and 182,70...

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Foreign arrivals to Vietnam up 11.3 pct in August

Foreign arrivals to Vietnam up 11.3 pct in August <div> <div> <div><span>Tourists visit Thien Mu pagoda in Thua Thien-Hue (Source: VNA)</span></div> </div> <div> </div> <div><strong>Hanoi (VNA)</strong> – Foreign arrivals to Vietnam surpassed 1.32 million in August, up 11.3 percent month-on-month, reported the General Statistics Office (GSO) on August 29. <p>The eight-month figure rose by 22.8 percent to over 10.4 million. The number of visitors by air increased by 17.3 percent while those by road and sea rose by 62.1 percent and 1.6 percent, respectively.</p> <p>During the period, visitors from Asia accounted for 77.2 percent of the total, up 27 percent annually, mostly from China (up 28.2 percent), the Republic of Korea (52.4 percent), Japan (5.3 percent), China’s Taiwan (14 percent), Malaysia (13 percent), Thailand (10.9 percent) and Singapore (5.4 percent).</p> <p>The number of holidaymakers from Europe grew by 9.8 percent year-on-year, including Russia (up 7.5 percent), the Netherlands (8.4 percent) and Sweden (14.2 percent). Arrivals from five Western European countries entitled to Vietnamese visa exemption also climbed, with the UK (6.7 percent), France (10.6 percent), Germany (7.9 percent), Spain (10.9 percent) and Italy (15.3 percent).</p> <p>GSO statistics showed that tourism revenue hit 26.8 trillion VND (1.16 billion USD) in the past eight months, up 17.6 percent annually. Several localities posting high growth, including Ba Ria – Vung Tau (24.2 percent), Ho Chi Minh City (22.4 percent), Lao Cai (19.3 percent), Quang Ninh (17.2 percent) and Hanoi (11.2 percent).</p> <p>The tourism sector set the target of serving 15 – 17 million foreign visitors this year, up 16 – 30 percent annually, and about 80 million domestic ones.</p> <p>According to the Vietnam National Administration of Tourism (VNAT), Vietnam was placed sixth among 10 countries with the highest foreign tourist arrival growth by the World Tourism Organisation. A number of Vietnamese travel agencies received the world’s noble prizes.</p> <p>In order to satisfy domestic and foreign visitors, the VNAT launched a movement to encourage hotels, restaurants, cafés, bars and tourism-business establishments to offer free restrooms, notably at Bien Dong park in the central city of Da Nang.-VNA</p> </div> </div> <br /> Foreign arrivals to Vietnam up 11.3 pct in August Related image(s)<br /> <img height="200" src="http://ifttt.com/images/no_image_card.png" width="200" /><br />

Foreign arrivals to Vietnam up 11.3 pct in August

Foreign arrivals to Vietnam up 11.3 pct in August Tourists visit Thien Mu pagoda in Thua Thien-Hue (Source: VNA)   Hanoi (VNA) – Forei...

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Vietnam welcomes over 10.4 million foreign visitors in first eight months

Vietnam welcomes over 10.4 million foreign visitors in first eight months <div> <table> <tbody> <tr> <td> <table> <tbody> <tr> <td></td> </tr> </tbody> </table> </td> </tr> <tr> <td>Illustrative image</td> </tr> </tbody> </table> <p>Among them, arrivals by air, road, and sea in the reviewed period recorded annual increases of 17.3 pct, 62.1 pct and 1.6 pct, respectively.</p> <p>Over the past eight months, over 8 million visitors arrived from Asia, accounting for more than 77 pct of the total number of tourists travelling to the country, an increase of 27 pct over the same period last year.</p> <p>Meanwhile, visitors from Europe were estimated at over 1.4 million, up 9.8 pct over the same period last year, 636,400 were from the Americas, mainly from the United States, up 12.6 pct, 300,700 came from Oceania, up 7.4 pct, and nearly 28,000 arrived from Africa, up 20.4 pct.</p> <p>In August alone, over 1.3 million foreign visitors arrived in Vietnam, representing an annual increase of 11.3 pct. Of which arrivals by air increased by 7.7 pct, by road increased by 29.4 pct, and arriving by sea increased by 21.3 pct. Compared to the same period last year, international visitors to Vietnam increased by 7.7 pct, of which Asian visitors increased 8.2 pct, Europeans rose 5.8 pct, from the Americas increased by 9 pct, from Oceania decreased by 0.1 pct and those from Africa increased by 13.7 pct.</p> <p>Theo NDO</p> </div> <br /> Vietnam welcomes over 10.4 million foreign visitors in first eight months Related image(s)<br /> <img height="200" src="http://ifttt.com/images/no_image_card.png" width="200" /><br />

Vietnam welcomes over 10.4 million foreign visitors in first eight months

Vietnam welcomes over 10.4 million foreign visitors in first eight months Illustrative image Among them, arrivals by air,...

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Coastal province eyes ways to boost tourism, protect environment

Coastal province eyes ways to boost tourism, protect environment <div> <div><span>A corner of Vung Tau city, Ba Ria – Vung Tau province. (Source: bariavungtau .com)</span></div> <p><strong><br /> Ba Ria-Vung Tau (VNA)</strong> – The southern province of Ba Ria – Vung Tau held a workshop on August 29 to seek ways to develop tourism in tandem with environmental protection as part of the sea festival now underway in the province.</p> <p>At the event, participants delivered presentations on how tourism impacts the marine environment and proposed solutions to develop plastic-free tourism, apply new technology in marine environment management and enhance Vietnam’s marine environmental protection to foster sustainable sea-based tourism.</p> <p>The Ba Ria – Vung Tau Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism and the local Tourism Association briefed attendees on the strengths of the province’s marine tourism and steps it has taken to build its tourism brand.</p> <p>Ba Ria – Vung Tau has worked to make the province a regional hub for tourism and entertainment, said Pham Ngoc Hai, President of the Ba Ria – Vung Tau Tourism Association. It has heavily invested to develop five key tourism clusters, including Vung Tau City, Long Hai – Phuoc Hai, Dinh Mountain, Binh Chau – Ho Coc and Con Dao Island, he noted</p> <p>Director of the Ho Chi Minh City Institute for Development Studies Tran Anh Tuan suggested that the province should sustainably develop the tourism industry by promoting cultural values, tourist attractions and historic relics, and protecting the environment.</p> <p>The province must also diversify tourism products and strengthen supply chain and services, while local schools and enterprises need to provide tourism workers with necessary skills, particularly in foreign languages, information technology and international regulations.</p> <p>The Ba Ria-Vung Tau Sea Festival opened in the southern province on August 28 as part of activities marking the country’s 73rd National Day (September 2).</p> <p>Themed “Ba Ria-Vung Tau, Aspiration, Love and Sea”, the festival aims to bolster investment, trade, tourism and economic development of the province and connect it with other coastal localities.</p> <p>The festival has attracted more than 400 businesses and cultural organisations from 26 provinces and cities to participate in economic, cultural and sports activities during the seven-day event.</p> <p>It includes a trade fair, a kite performance, a beer festival and a series of seminars and workshops on trade and tourism promotion as well as environmental protection.</p> <p>An outdoor electronic dance music concert titled “Sea Run” will also take place, featuring pop star Son Tung M-TP alongside a parade of classic Vespa scooters. Exhibitions will be organised to showcase calligraphy works, orchid flowers and sand statues.</p> <p>Some 500,000 visitors are expected to flock to the festival, which ends on September 3.-VNA</p> </div> <br /> Coastal province eyes ways to boost tourism, protect environment Related image(s)<br /> <img height="200" src="http://ifttt.com/images/no_image_card.png" width="200" /><br />

Coastal province eyes ways to boost tourism, protect environment

Coastal province eyes ways to boost tourism, protect environment A corner of Vung Tau city, Ba Ria – Vung Tau province. (Source: bariavungt...

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Tips for exploring the best of Hanoi

Tips for exploring the best of Hanoi <div> <p><strong>Best time to travel</strong></p> <p>Autumn, which falls from early September to late November, is an ideal time to visit Hanoi. The weather is milder and drier, without the scorching sun of summer, making it the perfect time for sightseeing.</p> <p>However, visiting Hanoi later in the year is also an interesting experience as holidaymakers can enjoy hot and tasty dishes in the chilly winds of winter.</p> <p><em>Autumn in Hanoi falls from early September to late November</em></p> <p><strong>How to get there</strong></p> <p>There are a lot of airlines providing flights to Hanoi from all around the world, including Vietnam Airlines, Vietjet Air, Jetstar and Qatar. Visitors can also get in by train or sleeper bus.</p> <p><strong>Where to go and what to do</strong></p> <p>Hanoi’s Old Quarter is the highlight of the city’s tourism sector. With its dense population and busy trading activities, it is an ideal place to explore the traditional and unique features of Hanoi.</p> <p>While Ho Chi Minh City is famous for Bui Vien, which is dubbed “Western street” for backpackers, Hanoi’s Old Quarter is known for its “international crossroad” at Luong Ngoc Quyen – Ta Hien intersection, where visitors can have a few cold and fairly cheap fresh beers at the end of the day for a price of only VND10,000 (US$0.43) for a tall glass.</p> <p><em>Hanoi’s Old Quarter is known for its “international crossroad” at Luong Ngoc Quyen – Ta Hien intersection</em></p> <p>Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum is a place you shouldn’t miss when in Hanoi. This was the place where President Ho Chi Minh read the Declaration of Independence, marking the birth of the Democratic Republic of Vietnam, now the Socialist Republic of Vietnam.</p> <p>The mausoleum is open to visitors every day, except Mondays and Fridays. Visitors to the site are required to wear appropriate clothes and to act with respect. The site is free for Vietnamese citizens, while foreigners have to pay VND25,000 for a ticket to the Ho Chi Minh Museum and VND25,000 to the President’s stilt house.</p> <p>Another must-see tourist attraction in Hanoi is the Temple of Literature, Vietnam’s oldest university. Tickets cost VND30,000, people with disabilities and students with ID cards enjoy a 50% discount, while children under 15 can visit free.</p> <p><strong>Where to eat and drink</strong></p> <p><em>Pho</em> (Vietnamese noodles) is a perfect choice to start a new day in Hanoi. With prices ranging from VND25,000 to VND40,000, <em>Pho</em> can be served at any time of the day in Hanoi. Two of the most popular types of pho are beef noodle soup and chicken noodle soup.</p> <p>Other suggestions for breakfast include <em>banh cuon</em> (steamed rice pancake rolls), <em>mien luon</em> (vermicelli with eels), <em>xoi</em> (sticky rice), and of course, <em>banh mi</em> (fresh bread with tasty fillings).</p> <p><em>Bun cha,</em> a delicious and filling dish comprising charred and crispy slices of seasoned pork served with a bowl of fish sauce-heavy broth, a basket of herbs and rice noodles, can cost from just VND25,000 to VND35,000. <em>Bun cha</em> often comes with the delicious <em>nem cua be</em> (fried crab spring rolls).</p> <p>Afternoon is a great time to have a cup of egg coffee. You might have to pay VND15,000 to VND20,000 to savour the creamy, rich taste of a sweet and eggy custard poured onto the dense Vietnamese coffee.</p> <p><em>Afternoon is a great time to have a cup of egg coffee.</em></p> <p>Fruit juices, smoothies and <em>che</em> (sweet beverages) are available at kiosks along Dinh Tien Hoang and Nguyen Huu Huan streets around Hoan Kiem (Sword lake).</p> <p>For dinner, <em>cha ca</em> (grilled catfish seasoned with dill and shrimp paste) is a can’t miss dish for visitors to Hanoi. When the dark of night fills the sky, visitors can join Hanoians at the bustling corner of Ta Hien – Luong Ngoc Quyen streets to taste the iconic street food of Hanoi, including <em>nem chua ran</em> (fried fermented pork rolls), <em>nem chua nuong</em> (grilled fermented pork rolls), grilled chicken feet, and roasted quails with honey.</p> <p><strong>Where to stay</strong></p> <p>Over recent years, the home stay industry has mushroomed in Vietnam and Hanoi in particular, with prices ranging from VND 550,000 to VND1.5 million per night for a room.</p> <p>Some suggestions include O’Hanoi (33B Pham Ngu Lao), Tuti Downtown (98 Hang Buo), and Little prince home (8B Yen Hoa).</p> <p>There are also budget hostels with full accommodation and equipment from VND200,000 to VND800,000. For those who want to enjoy a luxury retreat in Hanoi, there are many five-star hotels such as the Sheraton and Sofitel Metropole.</p> <p><strong>How to get around Hanoi</strong></p> <p>You can take a taxi, a <em>xe om</em> biker or a bus to get around Hanoi. If you are brave enough to ride a bike through the hectic streets of Hanoi alone, you can hire a bike for between VND50,000 and VND150,000 a day to save money.</p> <p><em>The red open top buses take visitors to the 30 most popular local tourist attractions</em></p> <p>Recently, the city has launched a double-decker city Hop on – Hop off tour, offering visitors three price options, starting at VND 300,000 for a ticket valid for four hours, VND 450,000 for 24 hours, and VND 650,000 for 48 hours.</p> <p>The red open top buses cover a route of 25 streets with 13 stops, taking visitors to the 30 most popular local tourist attractions. The 13.8 km tour operates from 9am to 5pm daily with a frequency of 30 minutes.</p> </div> <br /> Tips for exploring the best of Hanoi Related image(s)<br /> <img height="200" src="http://ifttt.com/images/no_image_card.png" width="200" /><br />

Tips for exploring the best of Hanoi

Tips for exploring the best of Hanoi Best time to travel Autumn, which falls from early September to late November, is an ideal time to vi...

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Central Vietnam river glows in a tribute to parents

Central Vietnam river glows in a tribute to parents <div> <table> <tbody> <tr> <td> <p>The festival of filial piety, observed on the 15th day of the 7th lunar month, is marked by prayers and rituals for happiness and good luck. This year, the day fell on Saturday, August 25. <span>On Friday night, both locals and tourists took boat rides on the Hoai River, which flows alongside the ancient town of Hoi An, to release lanterns as a form of prayer.</span></p> </td> </tr> </tbody> </table> <table> <tbody> <tr> <td> <p>Little girls helped parents sell lanterns on the walking zone along the river bank. Each lantern was sold for VND5,000 ($0.21)</p> </td> </tr> </tbody> </table> <table> <tbody> <tr> <td> <p>The lanterns were released from 6p.m. to 11p.m.</p> </td> </tr> </tbody> </table> <table> <tbody> <tr> <td> <p>After releasing the lanterns, children prayed with folded hands.</p> </td> </tr> </tbody> </table> <table> <tbody> <tr> <td> <p>The lantern releasing ritual is an opportunity for boat owners and/or their rowers to earn some extra income. People who took a boat ride were asked to wear lifejackets.</p> </td> </tr> </tbody> </table> <table> <tbody> <tr> <td> <p>Some people used long rods to release the lanterns.</p> </td> </tr> </tbody> </table> <table> <tbody> <tr> <td> <p>The lantern releasing ritual for the Vu Lan festival, besides its cultural and spiritual significance, has boosted tourism in Hoi An. </p> </td> </tr> </tbody> </table> <p>The US news network CNN has named the colorful floating lanterns in Hoi An among the <a>top global travel moments</a> while <a>TripAdvisor readers</a> has also remarked the ancient town on the popularity of the festival as a time when “the town trades its electric lights for traditional colored lanterns”.</p> <div> <div> <div> <div> <h4><a>Central Vietnam river glows in a tribute to parents</a></h4> </div> </div> <div> <div> <div>One minute walk through land of ancient secrets</div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> <br /> Central Vietnam river glows in a tribute to parents Related image(s)<br /> <img height="200" src="http://ifttt.com/images/no_image_card.png" width="200" /><br />

Central Vietnam river glows in a tribute to parents

Central Vietnam river glows in a tribute to parents The festival of filial piety, observed on the 15th day of the 7th lunar month, is m...

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Dak Nong to host first-ever festival honouring brocade culture in December

Dak Nong to host first-ever festival honouring brocade culture in December <div> <p>The opening and closing ceremonies of the festival will see the legends and epics of ethnic minority groups in Dak Nong province reproduced on the stage.</p> <p>Visitors to the three-day event can experience a brocade weaving contest, a fashion show of traditional costumes, a seminar on brocade culture, a trade fair showcasing brocade products, a food fair, and folk games.</p> <p>The event aims to preserve and promote the unique cultural identities of Vietnamese minority groups’ traditional costumes, which are characterised by the arts of decoration, pattern and the use of colour. The brocade culture also presents people’s long-standing customs as well as their world-view and outlook on life.</p> <p>The festival is planned to be held biennially, inviting the participation of more artisans from provinces and cities across the country.</p> </div> <br /> Dak Nong to host first-ever festival honouring brocade culture in December Related image(s)<br /> <img height="200" src="http://ifttt.com/images/no_image_card.png" width="200" /><br />

Dak Nong to host first-ever festival honouring brocade culture in December

Dak Nong to host first-ever festival honouring brocade culture in December The opening and closing ceremonies of the festival will see the ...

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Tourist arrivals to Da Nang expected to surge during National Day holiday

Tourist arrivals to Da Nang expected to surge during National Day holiday <div> <div> <div><span>At Da Nang beach (Source: VNA)</span></div> </div> <div> </div> <div><strong>Hanoi (VNA)</strong> – Tourist arrivals to the central city of Da Nang are estimated to hit 158,000 people during the upcoming National Day holiday, which falls on the weekend of September 1-3. <p>The figure represented a year-on-year increase of 10.4 percent, according to the municipal Department of Tourism.</p> <p>Of the number, there will be around 109,000 domestic and 48,700 foreign holidaymakers.</p> </div> <div>About 25,520 visitors are projected to fly to the city on 143 flights, rising 80.9 percent compared to the same period last year.</div> <div>The city’s tourist destinations are likely to welcome more than 111,200 visitors during the weekend holiday, including 29,570 international and 81,662 domestic tourists. <p>According to the municipal Department of Tourism, the number of visitors to the city has been increasing with an annual average growth of 20.06 percent over the 2013-2017 period.</p> <p>Da Nang welcomed more than 4 million tourists in the first half of 2018, surging by almost 30 percent year-on-year. Notably, vacationers from the RoK shot up by 100 percent to account for half of the over 1.6 million foreign arrivals in the city during the period.</p> <p>Da Nang is a popular tourist destination in central Vietnam. The online marketplace and hospitality service Airbnb announced a list of the world’s top 10 destinations for 2018, in which the city ranked fifth in booking surges of up to 255 percent.</p> <p>Additionally, the Da Nang International Airport was ranked third amongst the top global airports in 2014, according to a survey by Dragon Air. –VNA </p> </div> </div> <br /> Tourist arrivals to Da Nang expected to surge during National Day holiday Related image(s)<br /> <img height="200" src="http://ifttt.com/images/no_image_card.png" width="200" /><br />

Tourist arrivals to Da Nang expected to surge during National Day holiday

Tourist arrivals to Da Nang expected to surge during National Day holiday At Da Nang beach (Source: VNA)   Hanoi (VNA) – Tourist arriv...

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Sea festival opens in southern Ba Ria-Vung Tau province

Sea festival opens in southern Ba Ria-Vung Tau province <div> <div> <div><span>The Ba Ria-Vung Tau Sea Festival opened in the southern province on August 28 (Photo: VNA)</span></div> </div> <div> </div> <div><strong>Ba Ria-Vung Tau (VNA) –</strong> The Ba Ria-Vung Tau Sea Festival opened in the southern province on August 28 as part of activities marking the country’s 73rd National Day (September 2) and introducing its economic, cultural and social achievements. <p>Themed “Ba Ria-Vung Tau, Aspiration, Love and Sea”, the festival is hoped to bolster investment, trade, tourism and economic development of and connect links between the province and other coastal localities.</p> <p>Speaking at the opening ceremony, Chairman of the provincial People’s Committee Nguyen Van Trinh said the festival, with 17 activities, will provide solutions to turn tourism into the province’s key economic sector by 2020. It is also an important event to introduce the province’s achievements in tourism and sea economy, and seek cooperation with domestic and foreign investors.</p> <p>This year, the number of visitors to the province increased 20-25 percent. Total revenue from hosting services reached 1.78 trillion VND (76.6 million USD), a year-on-year increase of 11.6 percent, he noted.</p> <p>The festival has attracted more than 400 businesses and cultural organisations from 26 provinces and cities to participate in 17 economic, cultural and sports activities during the seven-day event.</p> <p>A trade fair with 843 stalls will be set up to introduce the province’s achievements and potential in economics, culture and society, especially in the fields of tourism, ports, logistics and hi-tech agriculture.</p> <p>The fair will also showcase products and promote cooperation between businesses in industry, agriculture, trade and services in the province and neighbouring provinces.</p> <p>Several seminars and workshops on trade and tourism promotion, as well as environmental protection, will be organised.</p> <p>The festival will feature an outdoor electronic dance music concert titled “Sea Run” with pop star Son Tung M-TP, a kite performance, and a beer festival. A carnival and a parade of classic Vespa scooters will also take place.</p> <p>Exhibitions will be organised to showcase calligraphy works, orchid flowers and sand statues.</p> <p>Around 500,000 visitors are expected to flock to the festival, which will end on September 3.-VNA</p> </div> </div> <br /> Sea festival opens in southern Ba Ria-Vung Tau province Related image(s)<br /> <img height="200" src="http://ifttt.com/images/no_image_card.png" width="200" /><br />

Sea festival opens in southern Ba Ria-Vung Tau province

Sea festival opens in southern Ba Ria-Vung Tau province The Ba Ria-Vung Tau Sea Festival opened in the southern province on August 28 (Pho...

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Bo mot nang – A Highlands’ specialty

Bo mot nang – A Highlands’ specialty <div> <p><em>VietNamNet Bridge – In Vietnamese cuisine, there are many creative ways of preserving food, including fermenting, using salt and smoking. But there is one method which is not only helpful in preservation but can create a natural flavour for the food, and that is drying it under the sun.</em></p> <table> <tbody> <tr> <td> <p><em>Traditional dish: Bo mot nang grilled over wooden charcoal. — VNS Photos Hong Diep</em></p> </td> </tr> </tbody> </table> <p>Specialties preserved by this method are familiar, but to create an excellent and unique specialty, is another story. This week’s story is about bo mot nang (beef dried in the sun) – a signature specialty from the Tay Nguyen (Central Highlands).</p> <p>Last month, we went on a volunteer trip to the Highlands. Our destination was Krong Pa – known as the ‘fire pan’ of Gia Lai Province due to its extraordinary heat. </p> <p>One of the poorest districts of Gia Lai, and with temperatures of up to 41 degrees, drought is a very serious issue. There isn’t enough water for living, basic farming and especially feeding cattle – the main activity of residents.</p> <p>Stopping in Dat Bang Commune – which has suffered most from the drought, we helped authorities build a clean water tank and hold classes to teach people about saving and using water.</p> <p>To express their gratitude, residents invited us to stay for lunch in a traditional communal house, to try traditional specialties and talk with the locals.</p> <table> <tbody> <tr> <td> <p><em>Dig in: Bo mot nang with yellow salted ants is much more enjoyable.</em></p> </td> </tr> </tbody> </table> <p>Surrounding us were diverse kinds of delicious specialties such as Ban Don grilled chicken, venison, grilled wild boar and Gia Lai dried pho. But one dish that impressed me was the bo mot nang.</p> <p>Although it was just beef, I had never tried that kind of beef before. It was grilled on the outside, but the inside was still pink.</p> <p>It was perfect to accompany a drink as the beef’s flavour is a delicate combination of the dried spice on the outside and the soft, greasy fragrant layers underneath.</p> <p>“Wow! It has a very unique and natural taste. I’m very impressed as I used to think that there can’t be any new way to cook beef. But it turns out creativity is like a moving bicycle wheel – to always move forward, we have to cycle and brainstorm new ideas, and the idea of making this kind of beef is brilliant,” said Nguyen My Linh, another member of the volunteer group.</p> <p>Ngo Minh Hoa told us an inspirational story not only about the origin of this food, but also about the way locals overcome the harsh weather.</p> <p>“The reason we call it ‘mot nang’ is because it is already ‘roasted’ once before the second roasting. We take advantage of the heat and our cattle in Gia Lai to expand the scale of producing this specialty. After the early cooking process, we dry the beef under the strong sunlight. With the typical heat of Krong Pa, it takes 30 minutes for the beef to completely dry out. This stage eliminates bacteria and gives the beef a really natural aroma,” said Hoa. </p> <p>“We used to get depressed when thinking of how much damage this terrible sunlight had done to us. We watched our Ba River evaporate from a majestic current to a small stream. But instead of sitting there and waiting for a miracle, we stood up for ourselves and turned the disadvantage into an advantage,” he added.</p> <table> <tbody> <tr> <td> <p><em>In the heat: Drying meat under the sun makes it more delicious.</em></p> </td> </tr> </tbody> </table> <p>What surprised us more was the spice used with the beef. It was brown, a little bit sour, spicy and salty. But above all, it tasted very delicious, natural and paired well with the half-dried beef.</p> <p>Hoa’s answer stunned us once again. The spice isn’t made from sea water like other kinds of salt. It comes from an unwanted creature – ants.</p> <p>They are yellow ants, one of the specialties of the region. They live in trees in the forest or fruit trees of Krong Pa and contain a lot of nutrients.  </p> <p>After lunch, with some pieces of bo mot nang and yellow ants to take home, Hoa showed us the process as his store.</p> <p>“In order to maintain the signature flavour of this “fire pan” area, the flesh has to be taken from the thighs of the bulls, cut into small pieces of one centimetre, then marinated with mixed spices of salt, chili powder, garlic, lemongrass and sesame. The beef has to be perfectly marinated. If it’s too salty, it will lose its original flavour; but if it’s too bland, it will rot,” said Tran Thi Thien, one of the most experienced cooks.</p> <p>“About the yellow ants, you wouldn’t imagine how hard it is to catch them. To prevent ourselves from getting stung we have to dress from head to toe. We carefully chop the ant’s nest and put it into the prepared net. After that, it is roasted to get rid of the leaves, dust and other impurities,” Thien added.</p> <p>In Krong Pa, locals have other ways of making the yellow salted ants, such as adding cinnamon leaves.</p> <p>With prices ranging from VND450,000 to VND500,000 per kilo of bo mot nang and VND20,000 for one box of yellow salted ants, it is really worth a try.</p> <p>Now, every time we have a drink, I always bring this special snack with me, share it with others and talk about the trip to Krong Pa – the home of this amazing gift from the wild and majestic Central Highlands. </p> <p><em><strong>Ho Hoang</strong></em></p> <p><em>Source: VNS</em></p> <table> <tbody> <tr> <td>related news</td> </tr> <tr> <td> <ul> <li> <p><a>Dishing out “buffalo meat hung up in kitchen”</a></p> <p><a>Dried buffalo meat</a></p> <p><a>Nom Bo Kho (Dried beef salad)</a></p> </li> </ul> </td> </tr> </tbody> </table> </div> <br /> Bo mot nang – A Highlands’ specialty Related image(s)<br /> <img height="200" src="http://ifttt.com/images/no_image_card.png" width="200" /><br />

Bo mot nang – A Highlands’ specialty

Bo mot nang – A Highlands’ specialty VietNamNet Bridge – In Vietnamese cuisine, there are many creative ways of preserving food, including ...

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Vietjet joins “Vietnamese Goods & Tourism Week 2018” in Thailand

Vietjet joins “Vietnamese Goods & Tourism Week 2018” in Thailand <div> <div> <p>The program demonstrated the close relationship, value and cultural exchange between Thailand and Vietnam.</p> <p>The opening ceremony of the “Vietnam Goods & Tourism Week” at the Central World, presided over by Sontirat Sontijirawong, Minister of Commerce Thailand, and Do Thang Hai, Vietnam’s Deputy Minister of Industry & Trade, and Luong Truong An, a representative of Thai Vietjet, together with other VIP guests.</p> <p>Vietjet currently operates six routes between Thailand and Vietnam including Bangkok – Ho Chi Minh City/ Hanoi/ Hai Phong/ Dalat; Phuket – Ho Chi Minh City and Chiangmai – Ho Chi Minh City.</p> <table> <tbody> <tr> <td></td> </tr> <tr> <td></td> </tr> <tr> <td>Vietjet booth at the program</td> </tr> </tbody> </table> <p>Thai Vietjet now has a fleet of five A320 aircraft that operate five domestic routes, including Bangkok-Chiangmai/ Chiangrai/ Phuket/ Krabi and Phuket-Chiangrai.</p> <p>“Vietjet is very glad to partner with the Central Group at this event to further promote Vietnamese cuisine, tourism and goods. With an expanding flight network of six Thailand-Vietnam routes and five Thai domestic routes, Vietjet proudly serves as an ambassador connecting local and international travelers between the two countries. Apart from the typical and popular Vietnamese cuisine, goods and tourism products, visitors could also enjoy a wide range of Vietjet’s promotions, including an opportunity to win free flight tickets at the event,” said Nguyen Thi Thuy Binh, Vietjet’s Vice President.</p> <p>Aiming to be a Consumer Airline, Vietjet has continually opened many new routes, added more modern aircraft, such as A321neo and B737 Max, to its existing fleet, invested in modern technology, while offering more add-on products and services to serve all demands of customers.</p> <p><em><strong>Chung Anh</strong></em></p> </div> </div> <br /> Vietjet joins “Vietnamese Goods & Tourism Week 2018” in Thailand Related image(s)<br /> <img height="200" src="http://ifttt.com/images/no_image_card.png" width="200" /><br />

Vietjet joins “Vietnamese Goods & Tourism Week 2018” in Thailand

Vietjet joins “Vietnamese Goods & Tourism Week 2018” in Thailand The program demonstrated the close relationship, value and cultural e...

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Must-visit romantic spots in Da Lat during National Holiday

Must-visit romantic spots in Da Lat during National Holiday <div> <div> <table> <tbody> <tr> <td></td> </tr> <tr> <td></td> </tr> <tr> <td>Since the 1930s, lovers have chosen the Valley of Love as a dating place. The valley nestles among high mountains, with the view to the majestic Langbiang Highland from afar. The valley is flooded with different colorful flowers in all the four seasons, attracting numerous tourists.</td> </tr> </tbody> </table> <table> <tbody> <tr> <td></td> </tr> <tr> <td></td> </tr> <tr> <td>Lach show is a program performed by children of the mountains at the relic site of Mong Mo Hill. When the lights are out, audiences will be immersed in a typical space of the Central Highlands’ mountains, in which the locals appeal to gods, and enjoy melodies of the gong resounding like thunder. It is time for tourists to explore the culture of the Central Highlands through sounds of the gong, horn and more.</td> </tr> </tbody> </table> <table> <tbody> <tr> <td></td> </tr> <tr> <td></td> </tr> <tr> <td>At the Valley of Thousand Flowers, also known as the Valley of Love, tourists can contemplate France’s Eiffel Tower, England’s Big Ben, Malaysia’s Petronas Towers among some 30 wonders of the world. A wonderful world of miniatures is in the valley, deserving to be explored. In the coming time, the valley will have more camping grounds and gift shops, creating more opportunities for tourists to enjoy the scenery and services of this dreaming highland area.</td> </tr> </tbody> </table> <table> <tbody> <tr> <td></td> </tr> <tr> <td></td> </tr> <tr> <td>Mong Mo (Dream) Resort in the Mong Mo Hill Tourist Site lies on a gentle slope hillside, just 4km from the center of Da Lat city. This is an ideal place to stay in the fresh and cool air with an open view of the Langbiang Highland and is surrounded by windy pine hills.</td> </tr> </tbody> </table> <table> <tbody> <tr> <td></td> </tr> <tr> <td></td> </tr> <tr> <td> <p>Having enjoyed the picturesque scenery in the 220ha TTC World-Valley of Love tourist complex including the Valley of Love, Mong Mo Hill and Thong Nhat (Unification) Hill, tourists are advised to savor hot pots with hundred kinds of mushroom and vegetables at Hanh Phuc (Happiness) and Mai Anh Dao (Sakura) Restaurants in the complex. Vegetables are cultivated right in Da Lat, so they are fresh and safe.</p> </td> </tr> </tbody> </table> <p><em><strong>Source: vnexpress</strong></em></p> <p><em><strong>Translated by Mai Huong</strong></em></p> <p> </p> </div> </div> <br /> Must-visit romantic spots in Da Lat during National Holiday Related image(s)<br /> <img height="200" src="http://ifttt.com/images/no_image_card.png" width="200" /><br />

Must-visit romantic spots in Da Lat during National Holiday

Must-visit romantic spots in Da Lat during National Holiday Since the 1930s, lovers have chosen the Valley of Love as a dating pl...

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A closer look at controversy-ridden H’mong royal palace

A closer look at controversy-ridden H’mong royal palace <div> <p>Located in Sa Phin Valley of moutainous Ha Giang province’s Dong Van District, 10 hours north of Hanoi, the palace was the seat of the H’mong kings who ruled over the region during the French colonial era up until Vietnam regained independence in 1945. The monarchy was abolished after Thanh died in 1962.</p> <p>On the two sides of the entrance are lines of majestic 100 year-old and cunninghamia trees, while the path is laced with large stone slabs.</p> <p>The grand entrance was used only by the king in the past. To build this palace, the Vuong royal family hired the best builders from China and among their people. The construction took eight years and cost 15,000 silver coins (equivalent to VND150 billion or $6.5 million at that time).</p> <p>The palace consists of six two-storied houses with a total of 64 rooms, all connected to each other. The architecture was in Qing Dynasty style, with green pebbles, pine woods and terra-cotta tiles being the main building materials.</p> <p>The main features of the palace are its stone walls, wooden pillars, and a variety of tiles on the roof decorated with Chinese writing.</p> <p>The <span>low</span><span> rock walls are connected together by sugarcane. Yes, sugarcane! The palace was recognized as a national relic in 1993 and has become a tourist attraction of the Dong Van Highlands ever since.</span></p> <p>Before the August Revolution, Vuong Chinh Duc was the richest man in the area thanks to drug dealing. Sa Phin Valley served as a trafficking hub for Myanmar, China and the Indochina region. There are many poppy plant-shaped decorations in the palace.</p> <p>A room contains pictures of generations of the royal family.</p> <p>There are storage rooms for food, drugs, weapons, and equipment as well.</p> <p>The kitchen, water tanks and stables are situated outside.</p> <p>The palace is surrounded by a 2.5 meters high and 60 centimeters thick rock wall.</p> <p>The picture shows the royal cemetery.</p> <p>Vuong Duy Bao, grandson of King Vuong Chi Thanh and the successor of Vuong Chinh Duc, recently wrote to Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc asking for the right to use the palace to be returned to his family.</p> <p>After being recognized as a national relic, the palace was taken over by the Dong Van District’s culture department.</p> <p>Following local media’s intensive coverage on the controversial story, Ha Giang late last week announced that the province has decided to take back the Hmong palace from the culture department and could return it to the royal family.</p> <p>Tran Duc Quy, deputy head of the Ha Giang People’s Committee, said the handing over of the palace, putatively belonging to descendants of the last H’mong King Vuong Chi Sinh (or Vuong Chi Thanh, 1886-1962), to the Dong Van District’s culture department in 2012 was illegal.</p> </div> <br /> A closer look at controversy-ridden H’mong royal palace Related image(s)<br /> <img height="200" src="http://ifttt.com/images/no_image_card.png" width="200" /><br />

A closer look at controversy-ridden H’mong royal palace

A closer look at controversy-ridden H’mong royal palace Located in Sa Phin Valley of moutainous Ha Giang province’s Dong Van District, 10 h...

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Vietnam’s Golden Bridge ranked among top 100 destinations in 2018

Vietnam’s Golden Bridge ranked among top 100 destinations in 2018 <div> <p>Remarking on its architectural creativity, the magazine’s Julia Zorthian notes: “The two massive stony hands emerging from the mountains of central Vietnam may look mossy and cracked like ancient ruins, but don’t be fooled: they’re brand-new wire mesh and fiberglass supports for a striking footbridge that opened in June.”</p> <p>According to Time, editors and experts at the magazine evaluated the entries based on quality, originality, innovation, sustainability and influence.</p> <p>The event is considered as a special highlight for the industry “smoke-free” of Da Nang in particular and Vietnam in general.</p> <p>Offering grand views of mountains and forests from a height of almost 1,000 metres above sea level, the bridge is set to attract increasing numbers of tourists to Da Nang and Ba Na Hills.</p> <p>Other places on the Time’s list include the Macan Museum in Indonesia and Tianjin Binhai Library in China.</p> <p>Since its opening in June this year, the bridge has attracted a throng of visitors, all eager to see a novel piece of architecture.</p> <p>Images of the two giant hands holding up the 150 meters long bridge at Ba Na Hills near Da Nang have gone viral and many international media outlets have remarked on the bridge, including AFP, Reuters and CNN.</p> <p>The walkway is 150 metres long and comprises of eight spans, each of which is lined with purple chrysanthemums. Located at more than 1,400m above sea level, the bridge serves as a walkway between a replica of a French village and the Le Jardin D’Amour flower garden in the Ba Na Hills resort. From the bridge, visitors have a panoramic view of the green mountains of Nui Chua.</p> <p>The bridge took just under a year to construct and was designed by TA Landscape Architecture. It is part of a US$2 billion development project to attract more tourists to Vietnam.</p> </div> <br /> Vietnam’s Golden Bridge ranked among top 100 destinations in 2018 Related image(s)<br /> <img height="200" src="http://ifttt.com/images/no_image_card.png" width="200" /><br />

Vietnam’s Golden Bridge ranked among top 100 destinations in 2018

Vietnam’s Golden Bridge ranked among top 100 destinations in 2018 Remarking on its architectural creativity, the magazine’s Julia Zorthian ...

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Online booking firm Vntrip.vn repeats story of e-commerce startups

Online booking firm Vntrip.vn repeats story of e-commerce startups <div> <div> <table> <tbody> <tr> <td></td> </tr> <tr> <td>Vntrip.vn has repeatedly received investment from foreign investors. Source: zing.vn</td> </tr> </tbody> </table> <p>In the past two years, Vntrip.vn recorded accumulated losses of VND100 million ($4,424), while its charter capital as of the end of 2017 was VND137 million ($6,061). However, this may not be important as the firm has been constantly receiving foreign investment.</p> <p>The booking application has just announced successfully calling for investment from Swiss-based real estate firm IHAG Holding. While the value of the investment was not disclosed, the Swiss investor assessed the firm’s value at $44.2 million.</p> <p>Previously, Vntrip.vn also received investment from two foreign investors. Accordingly, Hong Kong-based Hendale Capital poured $10 million into the domestic firm. In 2016, when the business was started, Alibaba’s former chief technology officer John Wu also invested $3 million into the platform.</p> <table> <tbody> <tr> <td><em>As of current time, Vntrip.vn has built a network with 10,000 hotels across the country and offers many promotions for customers booking at its hotel members to stand out among other online booking websites.</em></td> </tr> </tbody> </table> <p>Shouldering losses for future gain is a common thing among startups. Along with Vntrip.vn, leading e-commerce platforms in Vietnam like Tiki, Lazada, and Shopee also reported losses of thousands of billions of VND. However, despite the high losses, e-commerce players continue looking at the market with optimism.</p> <p>In 2015-2016, Lazada reported losses of VND1 trillion ($44.24 million), increasing its accumulated losses to VND2.7 trillion ($119.4 million) by the end of 2016. In a fiercely competitive market, Lazada’s losses in 2017 alone were VND1 trillion ($44.24 million) and its accumulated losses may be close to VND4 trillion ($176.96 million).</p> <p>After seven years, Tiki has accumulated nearly VND600 million ($26.548) in losses, including VND308 billion ($13,628) in 2016 and VND284 billion ($12,566) in 2017.</p> <p>Despite the losses, the platforms still received investments from a large number of investors.</p> <p>Accordingly, China-based JD.com, Tiki’s biggest shareholder, in early 2018 poured $44 million into the e-commerce platform. In addition, VNG Group also invested VND384 million ($17,000) into Tiki. Japan-based Sumitomo Group holds 30 per cent of Tiki’s shares, and Japan-based Cyber Agent Venture Fund holds 15 per cent.</p> <p>Lazada, with trillion-VND losses, also received $4 billion from Chinese e-commerce giant Alibaba.</p> <p>Similar to the e-commerce market, the domestic online booking service market is still in its infancy, and the trend to risk losing money in order to gain a larger market share is forecasted to continue.</p> </div> <p>By <a>Van Anh</a></p> </div> <br /> Online booking firm Vntrip.vn repeats story of e-commerce startups Related image(s)<br /> <img height="200" src="http://ifttt.com/images/no_image_card.png" width="200" /><br />

Online booking firm Vntrip.vn repeats story of e-commerce startups

Online booking firm Vntrip.vn repeats story of e-commerce startups Vntrip.vn has repeatedly received investment from foreign investo...

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Chile tourists face death penalty in Malaysia for murder

Chile tourists face death penalty in Malaysia for murder <div> <p>Two Chilean tourists facing the death penalty in Malaysia for allegedly murdering a man in a hotel are innocent and acted in self-defence, their lawyer said Monday (Aug 27).</p> <div> <div> <table> <tbody> <tr> <td></td> </tr> <tr> <td>This photo shows an external view of Malaysia High Court building in Kuala Lumpur on February 6, 2010. (Photo: AFP/Saeed KHAN)</td> </tr> </tbody> </table> <p>Felipe Osiadacz and Fernando Candia are on trial over the killing of a Malaysian in the lobby of the Kuala Lumpur hotel in August last year, less than 24 hours after they arrived in the country on holiday.</p> <p>The young men have pleaded not guilty. Malaysia has a mandatory death penalty for murder, and if convicted the pair will be hanged.</p> <p>“It was all an accident. A person went into the hotel and demanded money from them,” their lawyer Venkateswari Alagendra told reporters at the Kuala Lumpur High Court after a hearing.</p> <p>The Malaysian man then attacked the Chileans and they fought back in self-defence, before calling the police, she said.</p> <p>She said she was confident that the pair, who went on trial earlier this year, would be acquitted.</p> <p>Two women were seen hugging the men after Monday’s court hearing, but declined to speak to reporters.</p> <p>The trial resumes on Sep 24.</p> </div> <p>AFP</p> </div> </div> <br /> Chile tourists face death penalty in Malaysia for murder Related image(s)<br /> <img height="200" src="http://ifttt.com/images/no_image_card.png" width="200" /><br />

Chile tourists face death penalty in Malaysia for murder

Chile tourists face death penalty in Malaysia for murder Two Chilean tourists facing the death penalty in Malaysia for allegedly murdering ...

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Vinh Long to make tourism a key economic sector

Vinh Long to make tourism a key economic sector <div> <div> <table> <tbody> <tr> <td></td> </tr> </tbody> </table> </div> <p>A wide range of activities were launched during the two-day event, such as a delicious fruit contest, a vegetarian food contest, a boat race, a Vietnamese product fair in rural areas, a demonstration of the art of cock-fighting, performances of Don ca tai tu (Southern amateur music), a charming Ao ba ba (a traditional shirt of Southerners) contest, and a talk on developing special tourism products of Vinh Long.</p> <p>Lu Quang Ngoi, vice chairman of the provincial People’s Committee, said the festival helped travel agents in and outside of the province to share their experiences in tourism management and development, and gave the locality an opportunity to advertise its cultural values and special tourism products to visitors.</p> <p>Vinh Long province will continue to focus on developing its eco-waterway tourism with unique products such as homestays and tours of craft villages and cultural and historical relic sites, in the aim of establishing tourism as a key economic sector in the near future.</p> <p>The Mekong Delta province welcomed more than 1.2 million visitors last year, including over 70,000 foreigners, to generate a revenue of more than VND340 billion. It will further coordinate with nearby provinces and cities to boost regional tourism development.</p> </div> <br /> Vinh Long to make tourism a key economic sector Related image(s)<br /> <img height="200" src="http://ifttt.com/images/no_image_card.png" width="200" /><br />

Vinh Long to make tourism a key economic sector

Vinh Long to make tourism a key economic sector A wide range of activities were launched during the two-day event, such as a delic...

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Unmissable experiences of Sapa in autumn

Unmissable experiences of Sapa in autumn <div> <p>Sapa reveals its breathtaking beauty as the sunlight breaks through the soft mountain mist in the early days of autumn, enthralling many visitors. At rural homestays, tourists can enjoy a glorious sunrise as white clouds pour over the mountains’ peaks. Hiking through remote villages in the cool climate helps visitors gain more insights into the lives and cultural identities of ethnic groups in Sapa. Beautiful villages such as Sin Chai, Lao Chai, Sau Chua, Ta Phin and Ban Ho always attract a large number of visitors. An aerial view of terraced fields. In autumn, Muong Hoa valley is blanketed with the yellow colour of ripe rice fields. Visitors can immerse themselves in a mysterious sea of clouds on the peak of Fansipan mountain. A majestic view of sunset from O Quy Ho mountain pass. The quiet rurality has none of the light pollution of cities, allowing visitors to experience astonishing views of the Milky Way from the Hoang Lien Son mountain range. Local specialties offer an unforgettable experience for travelers this autumn.</p> <div> <div> <div><br /> Unmissable experiences of Sapa in autumn Related image(s)<br /> <img height="200" src="http://ifttt.com/images/no_image_card.png" width="200" /><br /> <table> <tr> <td><em><span>Sapa reveals its breathtaking beauty as the sunlight breaks through the soft mountain mist in the early days of autumn, enthralling many visitors.</span></em></td> </tr> <tr> <td><em><span>At rural homestays, tourists can enjoy a glorious sunrise as white clouds pour over the mountains’ peaks.</span></em></td> </tr> <tr> <td><em><span>Hiking through remote villages in the cool climate helps visitors gain more insights into the lives and cultural identities of ethnic groups in Sapa.</span></em></td> </tr> <tr> <td><em><span>Beautiful villages such as Sin Chai, Lao Chai, Sau Chua, Ta Phin and Ban Ho always attract a large number of visitors.</span></em></td> </tr> <tr> <td><em><span>An aerial view of terraced fields. In autumn, Muong Hoa valley is blanketed with the yellow colour of ripe rice fields.</span></em></td> </tr> <tr> <td><em><span>Visitors can immerse themselves in a mysterious sea of clouds on the peak of Fansipan mountain.</span></em></td> </tr> <tr> <td><em><span>A majestic view of sunset from O Quy Ho mountain pass.</span></em></td> </tr> <tr> <td><em><span><em>The quiet rurality has none of the light pollution of cities, allowing visitors to experience astonishing views of the Milky Way from the Hoang Lien Son mountain range.</em></span></em></td> </tr> <tr> <td><em><span>Local specialties offer an unforgettable experience for travelers this autumn.</span></em></td> </tr> </table> </div> </div> </div> </div>

Unmissable experiences of Sapa in autumn

Unmissable experiences of Sapa in autumn Sapa reveals its breathtaking beauty as the sunlight breaks through the soft mountain mist in the ...

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Vietnam’s Golden Bridge among Time’s top 100 destinations this year

Vietnam’s Golden Bridge among Time’s top 100 destinations this year <div> <p>The <em>Time</em> magazine has listed it in its list of top 100 World’s Greatest Places for 2018.</p> <p>Remarking on its architectural creativity, the magazine’s Julia Zorthian notes: “The two massive stony hands emerging from the mountains of central Vietnam may look mossy and cracked like ancient ruins, but don’t be fooled: they’re brand-new wire mesh and fiberglass supports for a striking footbridge that opened in June.”</p> <p>Images of the two giant hands holding up the 150 meters long bridge at Ba Na Hills near Da Nang have gone viral and many international media outlets have remarked on the bridge, including <em>AFP</em>, <em>Reuters</em> and <em>CNN</em>.</p> <p>Vu Viet Anh, Design Principal at TA Landscape Architecture that designed the pedestrian walkway, told <em>Reuters</em> that the bridge was designed to stimulate the image of the “giant hands of Gods, pulling a strip of gold out of the land.”</p> <p>Other places on <em>Time</em>’s list include the Macan Museum in Indonesia and Tianjin Binhai Library in China.</p> <p>According to <em>Time</em>, editors and experts at the magazine evaluated the entries based on quality, originality, innovation, sustainability and influence.</p> <p>Offering grand views of mountains and forests from a height of almost 1000 metres above sea level, the bridge is set to attract increasing numbers of tourists to Da Nang and Ba Na Hills.</p> <table> <tbody> <tr> <td> <p>Images of the bridge have gone viral on social media. Photo by AFP</p> </td> </tr> </tbody> </table> <p>The Vietnam National Administration of Tourism reported that Ba Na Hills attracted 2.7 million visitors in 2017.</p> <p>In the first six months of this year, more than 1.7 million of four million plus people visiting Da Nang also visited Ba Na Hills.</p> </div> <br /> Vietnam’s Golden Bridge among Time’s top 100 destinations this year Related image(s)<br /> <img height="200" src="http://ifttt.com/images/no_image_card.png" width="200" /><br />

Vietnam’s Golden Bridge among Time’s top 100 destinations this year

Vietnam’s Golden Bridge among Time’s top 100 destinations this year The Time magazine has listed it in its list of top 100 World’s Greates...

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Hanoi promotes connection with Japanese tourists

Hanoi promotes connection with Japanese tourists <div> <div><i>The Hanoitimes</i> – The Hanoi Department of Tourism hopes Japanese businesses will have many programs to bring tourists to the capital of Vietnam.</div> <div><span><span>The Hanoi Tourism Department on August 24 organized a a meeting with Japanese tour operators and media to promote the beauty of Vietnam’s capital city.</span></span> <div>  <table> <tbody> <tr> <td> <div><span><span>Overview of the meeting</span></span></div> </td> </tr> </tbody> </table> </div> <p><span><span>Representatives from Japan’s 19 companies and press agencies and Hanoi’s 46 travel businesses participated in the meeting to expand the connection of the Hanoi – Japan tourism market.</span></span></p> <p><span>At the meeting, the strengths of Hanoi’s tourism were introduced, including the system of material and intangible heritages, ecotourism, recreation points, shopping centers, travel business system, accommodation facilities, transport system, the ability to connect tourism between Hanoi and other localities.</span></p> <p><span>Tran Duc Hai, director of the Hanoi Department of Tourism, said foreign arrivals to Hanoi grew by 18% annually during the 2015-2017 period, hitting 4.95 million people last year, up 23% year-on-year. In the first seven months of 2018, the arrivals rose by 21% year-on-year to reach 3.4 million. </span></p> <p><span>Japan remained among the top three sources of tourists to Hanoi with 290,170 visitors last year, up 22% year-on-year. The seven-month figure was 166,437, marking an 8% year-on-year increase, Hai said.</span></p> <p><span>Hai committed all possible support for Japanese travel agencies, press outlets, and tourists in the near future and expressed his hope that Japanese firms will offer more tours to Vietnam and Hanoi in particular.</span></p> <p><span>In order to further promote tourism activities, linkage and exchange of tourists between the two markets, the Hanoi Tourism Department will continue to create the best conditions for Japan’s travel agencies and Japanese tourists to Hanoi.</span></p> <p><span>The Hanoi Department of Tourism hopes Japanese businesses will have many programs to bring tourists to Hanoi, Hai added.</span></p> <p><span>After this meeting, Japan’s tourist businesses and journalists visited tourist destinations of Hanoi such as the Thang Long Imperial Citadel, Van Mieu – Quoc Tu Giam (Temple of Literature), Old Quarter, Duong Lam ancient village, Van Phuc silk village and Ha Long Bay in Quang Ninh province.</span></p> </div> <div>Anh Kiet</div> </div> <br /> Hanoi promotes connection with Japanese tourists Related image(s)<br /> <img height="200" src="http://ifttt.com/images/no_image_card.png" width="200" /><br />

Hanoi promotes connection with Japanese tourists

Hanoi promotes connection with Japanese tourists The Hanoitimes – The Hanoi Department of Tourism hopes Japanese businesses will have many...

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Cuttlefish Hotpot

Cuttlefish Hotpot <div> <p>You will be amazed by how delicious and inexpensive the local hotpot is. There are so many types of hotpot that you will never get bored of eating cuttlefish all day long. The price is also surprisingly cheap.</p> <p>There are several types of cuttlefish in Dai Lanh, but people only use certain types to make the hotpot. Cuttlefish must be fresh when cooking this dish; they must have a good size and special flavor. Because all the ingredients are chosen for their particular qualities, every hotpot is distinctively delicious. Its fragrance and taste are so unique that it always stands out among similar dishes from other parts of the country. The Cuttlefish hotpot tastes best when seasoned with fresh chili and herbs, parsley, and basil.</p> </div> <br /> Cuttlefish Hotpot Related image(s)<br /> <img height="200" src="http://ifttt.com/images/no_image_card.png" width="200" /><br />

Cuttlefish Hotpot

Cuttlefish Hotpot You will be amazed by how delicious and inexpensive the local hotpot is. There are so many types of hotpot that you will ...

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Chinese, South Korean tourists flock to Central Vietnam

Chinese, South Korean tourists flock to Central Vietnam <div> <div>Of them, international visitors are 2.8 million, up 39.5 percent against the same period of last year. Most of visitors to Quang Nam Province, home to the World Heritage Sites of Hoi An Ancient Town and My Son Sanctuary, are from South Korea and China.</div> <div>Nearly 70 percent of total visitors are Chinese and Korean to Cam Thanh water coconut village, 7 kilometers far away from Hoi An ancient town. Deputy Chairman of Cam Thanh commune People’s Committee Nguyen Hung Linh, said out of 1,500 visitors to the village a day, Chinese and South Korean are 1,000.</div> <div>Statistically, the central city of Da Nang received nearly 1 million South Korean and over 500,000 Chinese visitors in first seven months, 107 percent and 36 percent higher than the same period last year respectively.</div> <div>Currently, the frequency of direct flights from China and direct flights from South Korean are 79 and 127 a week in the Da Nang Airport. Additionally, many Chinese travelers come to Vietnam by ships.</div> <div>Chairman of Quang Nam Tourism Association Vo Van Van said before, from August to October is off-season of the province’s tourism sector, but now the province is flooded with Chinese and Korean holiday-makers helping local tourism firms’ maintain its operation.</div> <div>Having Hoi An ancient town, My Son sanctuary, the Cham Island Biosphere Reserve and beautiful beaches, Quang Nam authority plans to develop culture tourism, ecotourism, handicraft village, sea sport tourism in its strategies with orientation toward to European market.</div> <div>In addition to launching promotion campaign in traditional markets, the sector should have niche tourism products such as traditional culture, community tourism, ecotourism, handicraft villages, and rural villages to attract European visitors, said Deputy Director of the Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism Le Ngoc Tuong.</div> <div>Moreover, Mr. Tuong added, the sector should petition the government and the Vietnam National Administration of Tourism to continue exempt visa for visitors from other European countries because Vietnam currently grants citizens of 15 nations visa-exempt entry for 30 days.</div> <p>By NGOC PHUC – Translated by UYEN PHUONG</p> </div> <br /> Chinese, South Korean tourists flock to Central Vietnam Related image(s)<br /> <img height="200" src="http://ifttt.com/images/no_image_card.png" width="200" /><br />

Chinese, South Korean tourists flock to Central Vietnam

Chinese, South Korean tourists flock to Central Vietnam Of them, international visitors are 2.8 million, up 39.5 percent against the same p...

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Airlines add more flights for National Day holiday

Airlines add more flights for National Day holiday <div> <div> <div><span>Vietnam Airlines will operate 32 more flights during August 31-September 3. Illustrative image (Photo: VNA)</span></div> </div> <div> </div> <div><strong>Hanoi, (VNA) –</strong> Several domestic airlines have announced plans to add more flights to serve surging travel demand during the National Day holiday which falls on the weekend from September 1-3. <p>The national flag carrier Vietnam Airlines will operate 32 more flights with nearly 6,500 seats during August 31-September 3 on high-demand routes to popular tourist destinations such as Hanoi to Da Nang/Quy Nhon/Phu Quoc and Ho Chi Minh City to Quy Nhon/Nha Trang/Phu Quoc/Da Lat.</p> <p>The airline’s representative said the carrier will constantly update on travel demands and flexibly adjust flights to best meet passengers’ demand.</p> <p>Detailed information is available at the airline’s website http://bit.ly/1kWD6GD or ticket offices nationwide.</p> <p>Meanwhile, low-cost carrier Jetstar Pacific will operate more than 540 flights during August 31-September 3, capable of serving more than 100,000 passengers, up 35 percent from the same period last year.</p> <p>The airline said it has announced flight schedules long before the holiday to allow passengers to book early, adding that the numbers of bookings on flights to Phu Quoc, Da Nang and Da Lat have surged in recent days. Other routes have also seen increases in demand.-VNA</p> </div> </div> <br /> Airlines add more flights for National Day holiday Related image(s)<br /> <img height="200" src="http://ifttt.com/images/no_image_card.png" width="200" /><br />

Airlines add more flights for National Day holiday

Airlines add more flights for National Day holiday Vietnam Airlines will operate 32 more flights during August 31-September 3. Illustrativ...

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Hanoi hopes to attract Japanese tourists

Hanoi hopes to attract Japanese tourists <div> <div> <div><span>Van Mieu – Quoc Tu Giam in Hanoi (Source: VNA)</span></div> </div> <div> </div> <div><strong>Hanoi (VNA)</strong> – Representatives from 65 Japanese and Hanoi firms joined a programme to promote tourism in the capital Vietnamese city on August 24. <p>Japanese guests enjoyed folk music performances, watched a clip introducing Hanoi’s tourism which was produced by the US’ CNN television channel, and met with local businesses and the media to learn about the city’s tourism products and destinations.</p> <p>They gained an insight into Hanoi’s tangible and intangible heritages, ecological tourism and entertainment areas, shopping centres, travel agencies, lodging facilities, transportation, and tourism linkage with other localities.</p> <p>Tran Duc Hai, Director of the municipal Department of Tourism, said foreign arrivals to Hanoi grew by 18 percent annually during the 2015-2017 period, hitting 4.95 million people last year, up 23 percent year-on-year. In the first seven months of the year, the figure rose by 21 percent year-on-year to reach 3.4 million.</p> <p>Japan remained among the top three sources of tourists to Hanoi with 290,170 arrivals last year, up 22 percent annually. The seven-month figure was 166,437, marking an 8 percent year-on-year increase.</p> <p>Hai committed all possible support for Japanese travel agencies, press outlets, and tourists in the near future and expressed his hope that Japanese firms will offer more tours to Vietnam and Hanoi in particular.</p> <p>Ara Saeko from JTB tourism company expressed wishes that Vietnam’s tourism sector would upgrade local infrastructure, relax visa procedures, adjust tour prices and better popularise destinations to attract more Japanese visitors.</p> <p>Japanese guests also visited Thang Long imperial citadel, Van Mieu-Quoc Tu Giam, Hanoi’s Old Quarter, Duong Lam ancient village, Van Phuc silk village, and Ha Long Bay in the northern province of Quang Ninh. –VNA </p> </div> </div> <br /> Hanoi hopes to attract Japanese tourists Related image(s)<br /> <img height="200" src="http://ifttt.com/images/no_image_card.png" width="200" /><br />

Hanoi hopes to attract Japanese tourists

Hanoi hopes to attract Japanese tourists Van Mieu – Quoc Tu Giam in Hanoi (Source: VNA)   Hanoi (VNA) – Representatives from 65 Japane...

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Tours launched for Vietnamese football fans to ASIAD quarter-finals

Tours launched for Vietnamese football fans to ASIAD quarter-finals <div> <div><span>Vietnamese football lovers are excited as this is the first time Vietnam’s male football squad has entered the quarter-finals of the Asian Games. (Source: VNA)</span></div> <p><strong>Hanoi (VNA) –</strong> After Vietnam’s Olympic team beat Bahrain to win a ticket to the ASIAD quarter-finals, many travel companies in Hanoi have promptly designed tours to bring Vietnamese fans to Indonesia to support the players on August 27.</p> <p>Local football lovers are excited as this is the first time Vietnam’s male football squad has entered the quarter-finals of the Asian Games (ASIAD).</p> <p>To meet the travel demand to Indonesia, a number of travel companies have coordinated with air carriers to launch direct flights between Hanoi and the country.</p> <p>Vietravel’s Hanoi branch has joined hands with national flag carrier Vietnam Airlines to deploy an exclusive direct flight between Hanoi and Jakarta on August 27 to serve 100 fans, according to Pham Van Banh, deputy director of Vietravel’s Hanoi branch.</p> <p>Apart from the airfare, the tour package with a cost from 15.99 million VND (700 USD) also covers a ticket to the quarter-finals, transportation fees, food, and a tour guide, he said, adding that the company also will provide passengers with cheerleading uniforms and banners.</p> <p>Other companies like Golden Tour, Hanoi Red Tour, Avitour, Elite Tour, and New Tour are also ready to transport Vietnamese fans to Indonesia for the match.</p> <p>Vietnam’s Olympic team won 1- 0 against Bahrain during the last stages of the 16-team knockout round for the men’s football of the ASIAD in Indonesia on August 23.</p> <p>The goal, described as “more valuable than gold” by many fans and commentators, was scored by Nguyen Cong Phuong, wearing jersey number 9, at the 88th minute. </p> <p>The squad will face Syria in the quarter-finals at 7:30pm Vietnamese time on August 27.–VNA </p> </div> <br /> Tours launched for Vietnamese football fans to ASIAD quarter-finals Related image(s)<br /> <img height="200" src="http://ifttt.com/images/no_image_card.png" width="200" /><br />

Tours launched for Vietnamese football fans to ASIAD quarter-finals

Tours launched for Vietnamese football fans to ASIAD quarter-finals Vietnamese football lovers are excited as this is the first time Vietna...

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Vietnam Airlines adds extra flights to Jakarta for Vietnamese football fans

Vietnam Airlines adds extra flights to Jakarta for Vietnamese football fans <div> <div>Accordingly, the carrier will launch two direct flights from Hanoi to Jakarta, departing from Hanoi at 9.50 a.m. on August 27 and leave Jakarta at 12.20 a.m. (local time) on August 28; and an additional flight from HCM City to Jakarta, departing from Tan Son Nhat Airport at 11.20 a.m. on August 27 and take off in Jakarta at 12.30 a.m. on August 28. The flight will be served by Airbus A321 aircarft.</div> <div>Vietnam Airlines has also cooperated with travel companies in Hanoi, Da Nang and HCM City to offer one day package tour on August 27 inclduing return airfare, ticket for the quarterfinal match, tour guide, transport, all meals and drinks during the trip. <p>The Viet Nam Olympic team will meet Syria in the next match on August 27.</p> </div> <div>In addition, the carrier announced that it will increase 32 flights during the Vietnam National Day holidays (September 2) from August 31 to September 3, providing 6,500 more seats to meet the high demand on routes, such as Hanoi-Da Nang/Quy Nhon/Phu Quoc; HCM City-Quy Nhon/Nha Trang/Phu Quoc/Da Lat. The total number of seats during the period will be more than 151,000 seats.</div> <p>By BICH QUYEN – Translated by Kim Khanh</p> </div> <br /> Vietnam Airlines adds extra flights to Jakarta for Vietnamese football fans Related image(s)<br /> <img height="200" src="http://ifttt.com/images/no_image_card.png" width="200" /><br />

Vietnam Airlines adds extra flights to Jakarta for Vietnamese football fans

Vietnam Airlines adds extra flights to Jakarta for Vietnamese football fans Accordingly, the carrier will launch two direct flights from Ha...

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Vietnam Airlines adds four flights for ASIAD 18

Vietnam Airlines adds four flights for ASIAD 18 <div> <div> <table> <tbody> <tr> <td></td> </tr> </tbody> </table> </div> <p>Therefore, Vietnam Airlines will bring the total flights from Vietnam to Jakarta on August 27 to four, all using Airbus A321 aircraft.</p> <p>The direct flights from Hanoi to Jakarta are expected to depart at 9:50am with flight times of just over four hours. While the Jakarta-Hanoi flights will depart at 0:20am (local time) on August 28 and land at Noi Bai International airport at 4:50am. The increased flights from HCM City to Jakarta will leave at 11:20am on August 27 and return to HCM City at 0:30am (local time) on August 28.</p> <p>Vietnam Airlines will coordinate with travel companies in Hanoi, Da Nang and HCM City to design a special tourism program on August 27 in order to serve football fans. The package tours will include a round-trip ticket, a ticket for the quarterfinal match, tour guides and fees for food, drinks and travel.</p> <p>Earlier of this year, Vietnamese fans witnessed the heroic achievements of Vietnam’s U23s in the AFC Cup under the guidance of head coach Park Hang-seo. At the ongoing ASIAD 18, Vietnam’s Olympic team beat Olympic Bahrain during the last stages of the last 16 knockout round for the men’s football event to secure their quarterfinals berth.</p> <p>Being a national flag carrier, Vietnam Airlines have stood side by side with Vietnamese sports teams over the years. By laying on additional direct flights to serve football supporters, the airline are sharing their hope that the national squad will make history at ASIAD and bring glory and pride to the nation.</p> </div> <br /> Vietnam Airlines adds four flights for ASIAD 18 Related image(s)<br /> <img height="200" src="http://ifttt.com/images/no_image_card.png" width="200" /><br />

Vietnam Airlines adds four flights for ASIAD 18

Vietnam Airlines adds four flights for ASIAD 18 Therefore, Vietnam Airlines will bring the total flights from Vietnam to Jakarta o...

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Top 3 destinations near Hanoi for National Day

Top 3 destinations near Hanoi for National Day <div> <p>Ba Vi National Park is a great choice for a short vacation. Tourists can ride there by motorbike as it is not far from Hanoi. The old stone church in the forest is a popular check-in point for young people. Visitors can also discover other tourist attractions such as Duong Lam ancient village. Tam Dao is one of the most stunning destinations for a relaxing on National Day. It is just a two-hour drive from Hanoi. Tam Dao boasts majestic mountains, waterfalls and chayote fields, and has a cool climate all year round. The highlights of Tam Dao are the stone church area and town. The next destination is Mua Cave – a new tourist site in the Trang An Landscape Complex in the northern province of Ninh Binh. Visitors have to climb 500 steps to get to Mua Cave. At the top of the hill to Mua Cave you can look out on the spectacular scenery of Tam Coc. Visitors can explore other tourist attractions in the area such as Trang An Landscape Complex, Bai Dinh Pagoda and Van Long Lagoon.</p> <div> <div> <div><br /> Top 3 destinations near Hanoi for National Day Related image(s)<br /> <img height="200" src="http://ifttt.com/images/no_image_card.png" width="200" /><br /> <table> <tr> <td><em><span>Ba Vi National Park is a great choice for a short vacation. </span></em></td> </tr> <tr> <td><em><span>Tourists can ride there by motorbike as it is not far from Hanoi.</span></em></td> </tr> <tr> <td><em><span>The old stone church in the forest is a popular check-in point for young people. Visitors can also discover other tourist attractions such as Duong Lam ancient village.</span></em></td> </tr> <tr> <td><em><span>Tam Dao is one of the most stunning destinations for a relaxing on National Day.</span></em></td> </tr> <tr> <td><em><span>It is just a two-hour drive from Hanoi.</span></em></td> </tr> <tr> <td><em><span>Tam Dao boasts majestic mountains, waterfalls and chayote fields, and has a cool climate all year round.</span></em></td> </tr> <tr> <td><em><span>The highlights of Tam Dao are the stone church area and town.</span></em></td> </tr> <tr> <td><em><span>The next destination is Mua Cave – a new tourist site in the Trang An Landscape Complex in the northern province of Ninh Binh.</span></em></td> </tr> <tr> <td><em><span>Visitors have to climb 500 steps to get to Mua Cave.</span></em></td> </tr> <tr> <td><em><span>At the top of the hill to Mua Cave you can look out on the spectacular scenery of Tam Coc.</span></em></td> </tr> <tr> <td><em><span>Visitors can explore other tourist attractions in the area such as Trang An Landscape Complex, Bai Dinh Pagoda and Van Long Lagoon.</span></em></td> </tr> </table> </div> </div> </div> </div>

Top 3 destinations near Hanoi for National Day

Top 3 destinations near Hanoi for National Day Ba Vi National Park is a great choice for a short vacation. Tourists can ride there by motor...

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Ba Ria-Vung Tau Sea Festival to come back next week

Ba Ria-Vung Tau Sea Festival to come back next week <div> <div>The event themed “Aspiration of Love and Sea” will feature a series of economic, cultural, and social activities, such as an exhibition on tourism, sea port and high-tech agriculture; a trade fair; beer festival art performances and among.</div> <div>The festival has attracted hundreds of agencies and businesses from 29 other coastal localities nationwide. The total capital for the festival is estimated VND20 billion (over US$865,000) which will be collected from local and international individuals and enterprises.</div> <div>The province’s authorities will strengthen inspection of the public security and order and room price during the festival.</div> <p>By NONG NGAN – Translated by Kim Khanh</p> </div> <br /> Ba Ria-Vung Tau Sea Festival to come back next week Related image(s)<br /> <img height="200" src="http://ifttt.com/images/no_image_card.png" width="200" /><br />

Ba Ria-Vung Tau Sea Festival to come back next week

Ba Ria-Vung Tau Sea Festival to come back next week The event themed “Aspiration of Love and Sea” will feature a series of economic, cultur...

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Dong Nai targets tourists from Japan, RoK, Germany, Australia

Dong Nai targets tourists from Japan, RoK, Germany, Australia <div> <div> <div><span>Cat Tien national park (Source: Internet)</span></div> </div> <div> </div> <div><strong>Dong Nai (VNA)</strong> – The southern province of Dong Nai plans to promote inbound tours targeting tourists from Japan, the Republic of Korea (RoK), Germany and Australia for 2018 – 2020. <p>The province will focus on tours of cultural and cuisine heritages and resorts, honeymoons and cultural exchange for students, office workers, retirees and the elderly in Japan.</p> <p>In the RoK, it plans resort and golf tours and others introducing historical and cultural values, mostly for middle-aged and elderly people.</p> <p>Priority will be given to married couples with children and middle-aged tourists from Australia with homestay and natural landscape tours.</p> <p>Island and ecological tours are also expected to attract German, European and American visitors.</p> <p>Major domestic markets include Ho Chi Minh City, southwestern and southeastern provinces.</p> <p>Dong Nai is well-known for tourist attractions such as Cat Tien national park, Tri An lake, Mo spring and Dong Nai River, Sayangva and Ong pagoda festivals, Buu Long tourism area and Long Thanh golf course, among others.</p> <p>According to the provincial People’s Committee, Dong Nai is home to more than 1,800 foreign-invested projects from 45 countries and territories, mostly Japan, the RoK, Germany and Australia. The province expects tourism promotion will attract more investment in the future.-VNA</p> </div> </div> <br /> Dong Nai targets tourists from Japan, RoK, Germany, Australia Related image(s)<br /> <img height="200" src="http://ifttt.com/images/no_image_card.png" width="200" /><br />

Dong Nai targets tourists from Japan, RoK, Germany, Australia

Dong Nai targets tourists from Japan, RoK, Germany, Australia Cat Tien national park (Source: Internet)   Dong Nai (VNA) – The souther...

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Quang Ngai urged to develop tourism

Quang Ngai urged to develop tourism <div> <div> <div><span>Vice President Dang Thi Ngoc Thinh in Quang Ngai (Source: VNA)</span></div> </div> <div> </div> <div><strong>Quang Ngai (VNA)</strong> – Vice President Dang Thi Ngoc Thinh has urged the central province of Quang Ngai to tap into its tourism potential, in part by calling for domestic and foreign investment to build more tourism products. <p>During a working session with provincial authorities on August 22, she lauded the province’s efforts in socio-economic development, especially in terms of maintaining the welfare of local people.</p> <p>She noted that Quang Ngai needs to develop industry in tandem with environmental protection, while also accelerating poverty reduction by making use of the State’s sustainable poverty reduction and new rural development schemes.</p> <p>In new rural development, she suggested giving priority to qualified localities, adding that those that have met the criteria for new-style rural areas should be developed into model ones.</p> <p>Apart from socio-economic development, she called for further attention given to maintaining national defence and security.  </p> <p>Thinh noted that people in the fishing sector should be educated about relevant domestic and international laws, as well as knowledge regarding national sovereignty.</p> <p>In particular, the province was asked to not overlook disaster prevention and control, and instead strive to deal with issues of public concern such as pollution, child abuse, and drowning.</p> <p>In the first half of this year, Quang Ngai posted a 9.23 percent growth in gross regional development product (GRDP) year-on-year. The value of  the agro-forestry-fisheries sector surpassed 1.44 trillion VND, or 49.3 percent of the plan. It earned 245.5 million USD from exports, equivalent to 54.6 percent. Revenue to the State budget topped 9.2 trillion VND in the half of 2018.</p> <p>Quang Ngai is famous for its cultural vestiges, such as the Chau Sa Citadel, and Ong and Mai Son pagodas; and beautiful landscapes like Thien An mountain, Tra Khuc river, and Sa Huynh and My Khe beaches. Tourists also have a chance to visit popular old battlefields such as Ba To, Tra Bong, Ba Gia, Van Tuong, and Son My. –VNA </p> </div> </div> <br /> Quang Ngai urged to develop tourism Related image(s)<br /> <img height="200" src="http://ifttt.com/images/no_image_card.png" width="200" /><br />

Quang Ngai urged to develop tourism

Quang Ngai urged to develop tourism Vice President Dang Thi Ngoc Thinh in Quang Ngai (Source: VNA)   Quang Ngai (VNA) – Vice President...

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Da Nang to open Son Tra night market

Da Nang to open Son Tra night market <div> <div> <table> <tbody> <tr> <td></td> </tr> </tbody> </table> </div> <p>The night market will feature a commercial space and pedestrian streets, aiming to add greater character to the central city. It will have 150 pavilions selling food and specialties, souvenirs, handicraft products, jewelry, fashion and bags, which will be open from 6pm to midnight.</p> <div> <table> <tbody> <tr> <td></td> </tr> </tbody> </table> </div> <p>The market will create a new destination for tourism and shopping, helping to lure visitors and extend their stay in the city while meeting their demands for entertainment, shopping and cuisine.</p> <p>Tran Tri Cuong, vice director of the Da Nang Tourism Department, says visitors to the central city will be provided with an additional tourism product and have a chance to experience the local culture at night. Local products such as seafood will be given pride of place at the market.</p> </div> <br /> Da Nang to open Son Tra night market Related image(s)<br /> <img height="200" src="http://ifttt.com/images/no_image_card.png" width="200" /><br />

Da Nang to open Son Tra night market

Da Nang to open Son Tra night market The night market will feature a commercial space and pedestrian streets, aiming to add greate...

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Where to go and what to do in Vietnam

Where to go and what to do in Vietnam <div> <p><strong>1. Hanoi: The heart of Vietnam</strong></p> <table> <tbody> <tr> <td> <table> <tbody> <tr> <td></td> </tr> </tbody> </table> </td> </tr> </tbody> </table> <p>Major tourist attractions: Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum and the Temple of Literature (Van Mieu-Quoc Tu Giam) renowned as the first national university of Vietnam), both recognized by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) as World Documentary Heritages; Thang Long Imperial Citadel (a UNESCO-recognized World Cultural Heritage); the Old Quarters, Pen Tower (Thap But), Sword Lake (Ho Guom), One Pillar Pagoda (Chua Mot Cot), Truc Bach Lake, the Opera House, and the National Library.</p> <p>Special foods: Pho (noodle soup), bun cha (noodle with grilled pork), La Vong fried fish (cha ca La Vong) served with noodle, other kinds of noodle soup including bun thang and bun oc, West Lake shrimp cake, Vong Village green rice flakes, and Hang Duong Street poached spiced dried fruits, among others.</p> <p>Cultural activities: UNESCO-recognized intangible cultural heritages: The Giong Festival at the Phu Dong and Soc temples, tug-of-war game, ca tru (ceremonial/festival song – an original art performance of academic character), and Mother Goddess worship rituals.</p> <p>Tourist seasons: January, February, March, October and November.</p> <p>The airport is 25km from the city center, with taxi fare for the 40-minute drive costing about VND350,000 and bus VND40,000 per trip.</p> <p><strong>2. Lao Cai: Heaven on earth</strong></p> <table> <tbody> <tr> <td> <table> <tbody> <tr> <td></td> </tr> </tbody> </table> </td> </tr> </tbody> </table> <p>Major tourist destinations: The 3,143-meter high peak of Fansipan Mountain, the highest mountain in Indochina; Silver Waterfall; Muong Hoa Valley, Muong Hoa Cultural Park; Sa Pa Church; Ham Rong Mountain and Ham Rong flower garden; Hoang Bay Temple; Sa Pa Rendezvous; Cat Cat Village; Hoang Lien National Park; Sa Pa Museum; Sa Pa Ancient Rock Field; and O Quy Ho Pass.</p> <p>Special products: Thang co (a horse meat and viscera-based traditional soup of the Mong ethnic group in the northwestern mountainous part of Vietnam), local pork, Silver Waterfall salmon, bamboo-tube rice, Sa Pa peach fruit, Bac Ha plum, Sa Pa forest mushroom, brocades, and dried buffalo meat.</p> <p>Tourist seasons: From September to November, and from March to May.</p> <p>The railway station is almost 40km or an hour’s drive from Sa Pa Town’s center, with taxi transport costing about VND400,000 and bus fare about VND60,000.</p> <p><strong>3. Quang Ninh: Nature’s beauty</strong></p> <table> <tbody> <tr> <td> <table> <tbody> <tr> <td></td> </tr> </tbody> </table> </td> </tr> </tbody> </table> <p>Major tourist destinations: Ha Long Bay (UNESCO-recognized World Natural Heritage); Yen Tu Mountain; Co To Island; Tra Co Beach; and Cua Van Fishing Village.</p> <p>Special products: Quang Yen limuloid, Quang Yen chthamalus stellatus soup, fried squid paste served with sticky rice, rice dumplings, Hoanh Bo sticky rice wine.</p> <p>Tourist season: From April to October.</p> <p>The Bai Chay Bus Station is 25km from downtown Ha Long City, with taxi transport costing about VND 100,000 per trip.</p> <p><strong>4. Quang Binh: Picturesque landscapes</strong></p> <table> <tbody> <tr> <td> <table> <tbody> <tr> <td></td> </tr> </tbody> </table> </td> </tr> </tbody> </table> <p>Major tourist destinations: Nhat Le Beach, Tam Toa Church, Da Nhay Beach, Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park (UNESCO-recognized World Natural Heritage), Son Doong Cave (the world’s largest natural cave), Va Cave, and Yen Cave.</p> <p>Special foods: Quang Hoa banh xeo (rice pancake folded in half and filled with shrimp, pork and soy bean sprouts), dried sweet potato, and cassava powder cake.</p> <p>Tourist season: From mid-March to August.</p> <p>The airport is located 7km or a 10-minute drive from the province’s center, with taxi transport costing about VND100,000.</p> <p><strong>5. Da Nang: Urban quality of life</strong></p> <table> <tbody> <tr> <td> <table> <tbody> <tr> <td></td> </tr> </tbody> </table> </td> </tr> </tbody> </table> <p>Major tourist destinations: My Khe Beach, the Museum of Cham Sculpture, Ba Na Hills, Linh Ung Pagoda, Ngu Hanh Son Mountain, Son Tra Peninsula, Hai Van Pass.</p> <p>Specialties: A culinary center of central Vietnam with a rich and diverse culinary art; Da Nang International Fireworks Festival (DIFF).</p> <p>Tourist season: From March to early September.</p> <p>The airport is located 2km or a 10-minute car drive from the city center, with taxi transport costing about VND30,000.</p> <p><strong>6. Quang Nam: Two World Heritage sites</strong></p> <table> <tbody> <tr> <td> <table> <tbody> <tr> <td></td> </tr> </tbody> </table> </td> </tr> </tbody> </table> <p>Major tourist destinations: Hoi An Ancient Town (UNESCO-recognized World Cultural Heritage), My Son Sanctuary (UNESCO-recognized World Cultural Heritage), Cu Lao Cham (UNESCO-recognized World Biosphere Reserve), Tam Thanh Community Art Village, Cua Dai Beach, the Phu Ninh Lake national historical heritage site, Tien Stream, and Thanh Ha Pottery Village.</p> <p>Specialties: Quang Nam noodles, spring rolls filled with sliced pork and mints served with local shrimp sauce, grilled pork paste, Hoi An noodle soup, langsat, Cau Mong grilled veal, banh xeo (rice pancake folded in half and filled with shrimp, pork and soy bean sprouts), and Hong Dao wine.</p> <p>Tourist season: From April to August.</p> <p>Da Nang International Airport is located about 30km or a 40-minute drive from the ancient town of Hoi An, with taxi transport costing about VND500,000.</p> <p><strong>7. Hue: The old capital</strong></p> <table> <tbody> <tr> <td> <table> <tbody> <tr> <td></td> </tr> </tbody> </table> </td> </tr> </tbody> </table> <p>Major tourist destinations: The Complex of Hue Monuments (UNESCO-recognized World Heritage Site). The massive complex features hundreds of monuments and ruins, such as the Forbidden Purple City, the Imperial City, royal tombs, flag tower, pagodas, temples, a library and museum. Lang Co Beach.</p> <p>Specialties: Different kinds of dumplings such as banh xeo (rice pancake folded in half and filled with shrimp, pork and soy bean sprouts) and other cakes; song and music performances on the Huong River; Hue garden houses, Hue Royal Court Music (UNESCO-recognized Intangible Cultural Heritage), and the biennial Hue Festival.</p> <p>Tourist season: From March to August.</p> <p>The airport is located 16km or a 20-minute drive from the city center, with taxi fare costing about VND200,000.</p> <p><strong>8. Nha Trang: Sea and sun</strong></p> <table> <tbody> <tr> <td> <table> <tbody> <tr> <td></td> </tr> </tbody> </table> </td> </tr> </tbody> </table> <p>Major tourist destinations: Ponagar tower featuring ancient Cham architecture, hot spring and mud bathing spa facilities, Ninh Chu Beach, Dai Lanh Beach.</p> <p>Specialties: Jelly-fish noodles, banh can (a kind of dumpling made of rice powder), grilled pork paste, Cau Dua duck meat, Dien Khanh dumpling, squid banh xeo (rice pancake folded in half and filled with squid and soy bean sprouts).</p> <p>Tourist season: From July to September.</p> <p>The airport is located 30km or a 45-minute drive from the city center, with taxi transport costing about VND350,000.</p> <p><strong>9. Pleiku: Life in the Central Highlands</strong></p> <table> <tbody> <tr> <td> <table> <tbody> <tr> <td></td> </tr> </tbody> </table> </td> </tr> </tbody> </table> <p>Major tourist destinations: T’Nung Lake (locally known as Bien Ho), Phu Cuong Waterfall, Dong Xanh (green field) Park, Ho Troi waterfall complex, ripe rice fields, wild sunflower fields, the nine-layer waterfall, Yaly hydropower project.</p> <p>Specialties: Hai To (two bowls of noodle) noodle soup, coffee, the cultural space of the gongs in the central highlands (UNESCO-recognized Cultural Intangible Cultural Heritage).</p> <p>Tourist season: From May to October.</p> <p>The airport is located 3km or a10-minute drive from the city center, with taxi transport costing about VND50,000.</p> <p><strong>10. Buon Ma Thuot: The land of coffee</strong></p> <table> <tbody> <tr> <td> <table> <tbody> <tr> <td></td> </tr> </tbody> </table> </td> </tr> </tbody> </table> <p>Major tourist destinations: Yok Don National Park, Dray Sap Waterfall, long houses of the Ede ethic minority group, Laawk Lake, Cham Yang Prong Tower, Ako Dhong Culture Village, the cultural space of the gongs in the Central Highlands (UNESCO-recognized Cultural Intangible Cultural Heritage).</p> <p>Specialties: Chicken meat, bamboo-tubed rice, ruou can (wine drunk out of a jar through pipes, very popular among the highlanders, especially in the Central Highlands), coffee, cake, dumpling served with grilled pork, the biennial elephant racing festival.</p> <p>Tourist season: From February to mid-April.</p> <p>The airport is located 7km or a 15-minute drive from the city center, with taxi transport costing about VND90,000.</p> <p><strong>11. Phu Quoc: The pearl island of Vietnam</strong></p> <table> <tbody> <tr> <td> <table> <tbody> <tr> <td></td> </tr> </tbody> </table> </td> </tr> </tbody> </table> <p>Major tourist destinations: Phu Quoc Prison and Museum, Ham Ninh fishing village, Cao Dai Temple, Sao Beach, Long Beach, May Rut islands, pepper gardens, fish sauce production facilities.</p> <p>Specialties: Tomentose rose myrtle wine, Cat Phu Quoc cake, holothurian, pepper, crab noodle soup, crab blood pudding, echinoidea.</p> <p>Tourist season: From November to March.</p> <p>The airport is located 15km or a 20-minute drive from the island center, with taxi transport costing about VND200,000.</p> <p><strong>12. Ho Chi Minh City: Vietnam’s southern hub</strong></p> <table> <tbody> <tr> <td> <table> <tbody> <tr> <td></td> </tr> </tbody> </table> </td> </tr> </tbody> </table> <p>Major tourist destinations: Can Gio Mangrove Biosphere Reserve (UNESCO-recognized World Biosphere Reserve), Independence Palace, Con Rua (Turtle) Lake, Ben Thanh Market, War Remnants Museum, Cu Chi Tunnels, Sac Forests, Notre Dame Cathedral, cafes of diverse styles.</p> <p>Specialties: Fresh fruits, broken-grain rice served with pig ribs, snail-based dishes, fashion houses of Vietnamese designers, the southern amateur music, (UNESCO-recognized Intangible Cultural Heritage).</p> <p>Tourist season: All months except the rainy season from June-July.</p> <p>The airport is located 7km or a 20-minute drive from the city center, with taxi fare costing about VND100,000 and bus transport costingVND5,000.</p> <p>PV</p> </div> <br /> Where to go and what to do in Vietnam Related image(s)<br /> <img height="200" src="http://ifttt.com/images/no_image_card.png" width="200" /><br />

Where to go and what to do in Vietnam

Where to go and what to do in Vietnam 1. Hanoi: The heart of Vietnam Major tourist attractions: Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum and t...

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2018 ITE –HCMC to lure over 30,000 visitors ​

2018 ITE –HCMC to lure over 30,000 visitors ​ <div> <p>This annual event is organized by the HCMC People’s Committee, Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism.</p> <p>The organization board hoped the 14^th event will lure over 30,000 visitors.</p> <p>Many sideline activities such as conferences to introduce attractive destinations, the 2018 award ceremony of tourism.. will be launched during the 3 day event.</p> <p>Mr. La Quoc Khanh, deputy director of HCMC tourism department said this year’s event is good chance to domestic travel enterprises to promote/introduce their products each other. It aims to expand the market share to international tourists in key region such as Southeast Asia, North Asia, North America and European…</p> <p>About 375 sellers (including travel agencies, hotels, resorts) in the country and from other countries and territories such as Cambodia, Laos, Thailand, Korea, Netherlands, Germany, India, Russia, Japan and Taiwan (China) have registered to take part in the event, said the organizers.</p> <p>THI HONG –Translated by T.Tran</p> </div> <br /> 2018 ITE –HCMC to lure over 30,000 visitors ​ Related image(s)<br /> <img height="200" src="http://ifttt.com/images/no_image_card.png" width="200" /><br />

2018 ITE –HCMC to lure over 30,000 visitors ​

2018 ITE –HCMC to lure over 30,000 visitors ​ This annual event is organized by the HCMC People’s Committee, Ministry of Culture, Sports an...

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International Travel Expo to take place in HCM City next month

International Travel Expo to take place in HCM City next month <div> <div><span>At the press conference (Photo: VNA)</span></div> <p><strong><br /> HCM City (VNA)</strong> – The 14th International Travel Expo Ho Chi Minh City is scheduled to take place at the Saigon Exhibition and Convention Centre from September 6-8, offering an excellent opportunity for businesses to introduce their products and services to both domestic and foreign tourists.</p> <p>The information was revealed by Deputy Director of the municipal Department of Tourism La Quoc Khanh at a press conference in HCM City on August 21.</p> <p>The event is expected to attract attendants from over 40 countries and territories.</p> <p>It hopes to expand the tourism market in Northeast Asia, North America, Europe, and Southeast Asia.</p> <p>As many as 375 sellers representing airlines, hotels, resorts, and travel companies from Brunei, Cambodia, Germany, India, Indonesia, Japan, the Republic of Korea, Laos, Malaysia, the Netherlands, and Russia will participate in the event.</p> <p>The Lao Ministry of Information, Culture and Tourism and the Cambodian Ministry of Tourism will both be holding tourism programmes in the evenings, demonstrating the friendly cooperative relations between Southeast Asian countries.</p> <p>A number of workshops will be held during the expo focusing on smart tourism and technological application in tourism.</p> <p>There will be tourism connection programmes between cities and provinces in the Mekong River.</p> <p>Airlines such as Vietnam Airlines and Vietjet Air will launch promotion programmes on September 8.</p> <p>The expo is expected to draw about 30,00 visitors. –VNA </p> </div> <br /> International Travel Expo to take place in HCM City next month Related image(s)<br /> <img height="200" src="http://ifttt.com/images/no_image_card.png" width="200" /><br />

International Travel Expo to take place in HCM City next month

International Travel Expo to take place in HCM City next month At the press conference (Photo: VNA) HCM City (VNA) – The 14th Internatio...

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