Abundant choices for tourists on holiday of Reunification Day and Labor Day

Abundant choices for tourists on holiday of Reunification Day and Labor Day <p>(VOVworld) – Vietnam has a 4-day holiday for this year’s Reunification Day (April 30) and Labor Day (May 01). The tourism market has turned busy with a large number of inbound and outbound tours, mostly in Southeast Asia, marking the beginning of the 2016 summer vacation.</p> <p>Most of tourists are interested in tours to the central region, including Da Nang, Nha Trang, Da Lat, and Hue, which have beautiful beaches, historical sites, and national and world heritage spots, ideal for recreation and discovery. The development of IT and the internet has made it easier to book tours, flights tickets, and accommodation online instead of dealing directly with travel agents.</p> <p>Do Nhu Quang from Hanoi said: “I and my family will travel to Nha Trang and Phu Quoc during this holiday. I chose them for their primeval beaches and forest, with the rich flora and fauna, cool weather, and good tourism services.”</p> <div id="attachment_1878545" style="width: 460px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><a href="http://bit.ly/1pRVgxa"><img alt="Tourists are interested in tours around islets in Nha Trang. (Photo: VNA)" class="attachment-medium aligncenter" height="338" rel="lightbox" src="http://bit.ly/1pRVgxa" width="450" /></a> <p class="wp-caption-text">Tourists are interested in tours around islets in Nha Trang. (Photo: VNA)</p> </div> <p>While people traveling with families favor famous destinations which are associated with modern infrastructure and convenient transport, young people love adventure tours to the northern mountain region, including Son La, Dien Bien, Ha Giang, and Dong Van, to discover the life of local ethnic minorities. Pham Le Mai, a student from Hanoi, told VOV: “My friends and I are planning to travel to Ha Giang to admire the magnificent landscape of Dong Van plateau, Quan Ba heaven gate, and Lung Cu flag pole. We will hire motorbikes to wander around. I’m so excited about the trip.”</p> <div id="attachment_1878546" style="width: 460px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><a href="http://bit.ly/1VYI0Fk"><img alt="The magnificent landscape at Dong Van plateau (Photo: VNA)" class="attachment-medium aligncenter" height="300" rel="lightbox" src="http://bit.ly/1VYI0Fk" width="450" /></a> <p class="wp-caption-text">The magnificent landscape at Dong Van plateau (Photo: VNA)</p> </div> <p>Middle-aged and elderly people tend to travel to Japan, South Korea, and China during the holiday, when tours are not as crowded as they would be in summer and the cherry blossom season. Other popular destinations include Hong Kong and its famous Disneyland, Singapore’s Resort World Sentosa, its first integrated resort, and Thailand’s Safari World, the biggest drive-through zoological park in Southeast Asia.</p> <p>Nguyen Ba Toan, Director of Khat Vong Viet tourism company, said: “This year outbound tours are being offered at lower prices than in previous years. Thanks to trade promotion programs between Vietnam, South Korea, and Japan, a tour to South Korea costs 500 USD while a tour to Japan starts at 1,000 USD.”</p> <p>Reports from travel companies show that the number of tourists choosing inbound tours increased by up to 30%. Minor price increases are seen on only a few tours, while almost all remain at the same prices as in normal times. A number of tourism companies are running promotions of up to 20%. The Vietnam Tourism Association held the Vietnam International Travel Mart2016 where tourism companies could sell thousands of tours directly and customers could enjoy 20% discount. Abundant tours reserved for this holiday signal a busy summer for operators.</p> <br /> Abundant choices for tourists on holiday of Reunification Day and Labor Day Related image(s)<br /> <img height="200" src="http://bit.ly/1pRVgxa" width="200" /><br />

Abundant choices for tourists on holiday of Reunification Day and Labor Day

Abundant choices for tourists on holiday of Reunification Day and Labor Day (VOVworld) – Vietnam has a 4-day holiday for this year’s Reunification Day (April 30) and Labor Day (May 01). The tourism market has turned busy with a large number of inbound and outbound tours, mostly in Southeast Asia, ma…

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New areas of Independence Palace open for visitors

New areas of Independence Palace open for visitors <p><em>The curators have announced that as of April 28, guests will now be able to tour new recently renovated areas of the Independence Palace in Ho Chi Minh City.</em></p> <div id="attachment_1878519" style="width: 510px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><a href="http://bit.ly/1QGRRam"><img alt="The first are the workrooms of late Vice President Nguyen Cao Ky. Vice President Ky was born in the Son Tay District of Hanoi in 1930 and served as vice president of South Vietnam through April 30, 1975. He passed away in 2011 in Malaysia." class="attachment-medium aligncenter" height="336" rel="lightbox" src="http://bit.ly/1VYEbjy" width="500" /></a> <p class="wp-caption-text">The first are the workrooms of late Vice President Nguyen Cao Ky. Vice President Ky was born in the Son Tay District of Hanoi in 1930 and served as vice president of South Vietnam through April 30, 1975. He passed away in 2011 in Malaysia.</p> </div> <p><em>The workroom of Nguyen Cao Ky.</em></p> <div id="attachment_1878520" style="width: 510px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><a href="http://bit.ly/1QGRTil"><img alt="The newly opened areas include bookcases containing many of his books. A picture of Dang Tuyet Mai, his wife, whom he married in 1964. The second are the workrooms of late President Nguyen Van Thieu. The original bed has been kept intact." class="attachment-medium aligncenter" height="341" rel="lightbox" src="http://bit.ly/1VYE9be" width="500" /></a> <p class="wp-caption-text">The newly opened areas include bookcases containing many of his books. A picture of Dang Tuyet Mai, his wife, whom he married in 1964. The second are the workrooms of late President Nguyen Van Thieu. The original bed has been kept intact.</p> </div> <p><em>A photo of Nguyen Thi Mai Anh, his wife, next to the bed.</em></p> <div id="attachment_1878521" style="width: 510px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><a href="http://bit.ly/1QGRRao"><img alt="Original antique clock Dressing table of Mai Anh Space for clothes and shoes opposite the bedroom. Clothes of the late President and his wife. VOV/VNE" class="attachment-medium aligncenter" height="349" rel="lightbox" src="http://bit.ly/1VYEbjC" width="500" /></a> <p class="wp-caption-text">Original antique clock Dressing table of Mai Anh Space for clothes and shoes opposite the bedroom. Clothes of the late President and his wife. VOV/VNE</p> </div> <br /> New areas of Independence Palace open for visitors Related image(s)<br /> <img height="200" src="http://bit.ly/1VYEbjy" width="200" /><br />

New areas of Independence Palace open for visitors

New areas of Independence Palace open for visitors The curators have announced that as of April 28, guests will now be able to tour new recently renovated areas of the Independence Palace in Ho Chi Minh City. The first are the workrooms of late Vice President Nguyen Cao Ky. Vice President Ky was bor…

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Vietnamese youngsters making short films: Diversity and difference

Vietnamese youngsters making short films: Diversity and difference <p><em>VietNamNet Bridge – In recent years, making short films has become a hot trend of young Vietnamese cinema enthusiasts. Although the young film makers still show some shortcomings, they have also gained significant recognition at regional and international film fests, bringing optimistic signs for the future of Vietnamese cinema.</em></p> <div id="attachment_1878511" style="width: 510px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><a href="http://bit.ly/1VYE8UQ"><img alt="Director Tran Dung Thanh Huy with child actors in his short film ‘16.30’. His movie, ‘The Lottery Boy’, was selected for the 2015 Asian Project Market (APM) in RoK (Photo petrotimes.vn)" class="attachment-medium aligncenter" height="282" rel="lightbox" src="http://bit.ly/1QGRT20" width="500" /></a> <p class="wp-caption-text">Director Tran Dung Thanh Huy with child actors in his short film ‘16.30’. His movie, ‘The Lottery Boy’, was selected for the 2015 Asian Project Market (APM) in RoK (Photo petrotimes.vn)</p> </div> <p><strong>A favourite trend of youngsters</strong></p> <p>In today’s digital era, making a short film cannot be easier for youngsters. All they need is a camera with a video shooting mode, the support of dedicated software, and a small amount of money. Some youngsters even use their mobile phone for filming in case they need a hidden camera scene in their films.</p> <p>After filming, they do the editing and montage sequences themselves. Their short films often touch on major topics such as family, schools and friendship.</p> <p>Although the stories told in the films are quite interesting, the techniques of the producers are still quite amateur. Many of them had basic mistakes: the background noise drowned the characters’ voice or the characters, unconnected transitions between scenes, and unprofessional performances of actors.</p> <p>Many competitions and projects for short film makers have been launched, providing venues for young film producers to learn from each other while showcasing their talent and passion, including the ‘Chung Ta Lam Phim’ (Let’s Make Movies); Take5 2014; ‘10 months, 10 documentary films’; 48 Hour Film Project Vietnam, YxineFF, and Hanoi Doclab.</p> <p>Recently, television stations have opened their doors to welcome short films. The ‘Corner of Short Film’ hosted by Ho Chi Minh City Television, the ‘Hour of Short Film’ programme by Yan TV channel, and ‘Films made by Youngsters’ by Vietnam Television’s Channel 6 have promoted impressive short films by amateur producers. Such programmes have received much appreciation and interest from audiences.</p> <p>Short film has also been added as a new category in many prestigious annual cinema prizes, including the Gold Lotus Award, the Golden Kite Awards, and the Golden Bee Awards, which have helped discovered many young talents in the country’s film industry.</p> <p><strong>Vietnamese short films make ways to the world</strong></p> <p>In early 2016, Vietnamese cinema heard good news: ‘Mot Thanh Pho Khac’ (Another City) directed by 1986-born Pham Ngoc Lan was selected to compete for the Golden Bear award in the short film category of the 66th Berlin International Film Festival, against other competitors from all over the world. Although the film did not earn a prize, it was an encouraging sign showing the world’s acknowledgement of the young Vietnamese film maker, who was a student of the lab for documentary filmmaking and video art – DocLab.</p> <a href="http://bit.ly/1VYE8US"><img alt="A scene in the 25-minute flick " another="" by="" city="" class="attachment-medium aligncenter" height="280" lan="" ngoc="" pham="" rel="lightbox" src="http://bit.ly/1QGRRac" width="500" /></a> <p>Young Vietnamese directors have also been featured in the Cannes film festival’s Short Film Corner for four consecutive years, with films including ‘A Good Day to Die’ by Young Media group in 2011; ‘Hai – Tu – Sau’ (Monday- Wednesday- Friday) by Nguyen Hoang Diep, and ‘Canh Ba Ba’ (Turtle Soup) by Yeti group and directed by Tsering Tashi Gyalthang in 2012; 16:30 by Tran Dung Thanh Huy in 2013; and ‘Toi 30’ (I’m 30) by Hoang Tran Minh Duc in 2014.</p> <p>In addition, Vietnamese short films have been named at many international film fests. ‘Dong Vao Mo Ra’ by Do Quoc Trung (Close, Open) won the Golden Award at the REC Film Festival 2014 in Germany. ‘Thang Rom’ (The Lottery Boy) by Tran Dung Thanh Huy was selected for the 2015 Asian Project Market (APM) in the Republic of Korea.</p> <p>In May 2011, four Vietnamese documentaries which won the Discovery channel’s First Time Filmmakers Vietnam competition, were broadcast on the channel in the Asia-Pacific region. The featured documentaries were ‘Thanh Pho 1,000 Nam’ (One thousand-year-old city) by Nguyen Manh Ha, ‘Cau Chuyen Cai Tang’ (Digging up the Death) by Dao Thanh Tung, ‘Rap Chieu Phim Di Dong Cua Ong Long (Mr. Long’s Travelling Cinema) by Hoang Manh Cuong, and ‘Nhung Chien Binh Chong Tac Duong’ (Jam Busters) by Phan Duy Linh.</p> <p><strong>Advantages and shortcomings</strong></p> <p>While short film making has been growing around the world, it has only just become popular in Vietnam in recent years as a trend among the younger generation.</p> <div id="attachment_1878513" style="width: 510px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><a href="http://bit.ly/1VYEbjp"><img alt="Youngsters learn important skill in filmmaking at the Centre for Assistance and Development of Movie Talents (TPD) (Photo: tpdmovie.com.vn)" class="attachment-medium aligncenter" height="375" rel="lightbox" src="http://bit.ly/1QGRRae" width="500" /></a> <p class="wp-caption-text">Youngsters learn important skill in filmmaking at the Centre for Assistance and Development of Movie Talents (TPD) (Photo: tpdmovie.com.vn)</p> </div> <p>The main weakness in Vietnamese short films is the lack of professionalism and synchrony in steps of film making. The producers still hold onto the idea that a short film is a shortened version of a long film, failing to see that a short film has a different structure from a long film.</p> <p>Many young producers have not yet appreciated the importance of every image and detail of the film. Meanwhile, others pay too much attention to producing eye-catching image rather than focusing on the story and making scenes more connected.</p> <p>However, there are many young directors who stand out with their creativity and their works impress audiences. Some directors are brave enough to touch upon pressing issues such as domestic violence, or stories in the lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) community.</p> <p>There are more and more youngsters in Vietnam showing an interest in short film production. They are experiencing a wider range of themes and have showed efforts to improve the quality of their works. It is an encouraging sign for Vietnam’s cinema industry.</p> <p>For long-term development short film production needs proper investment from the State and the film studios. There is no doubt that in the near future, young film makers can make great strides for Vietnamese cinema in its integration and development process.</p> <table> <tbody> <tr> <td>related news</td> </tr> <tr> <td><a href="http://bit.ly/1VYEbjr">Vietnam inspires French filmmakers</a><a href="http://bit.ly/1QGRRag">Optimistic signs for Vietnamese Cinema</a><a href="http://bit.ly/1VYEbju">S Korean filmmakers help children realise movie-making dreams</a></td> </tr> </tbody> </table> <p><em>Nhan Dan</em></p> <br /> Vietnamese youngsters making short films: Diversity and difference Related image(s)<br /> <img height="200" src="http://bit.ly/1QGRT20" width="200" /><br />

Vietnamese youngsters making short films: Diversity and difference

Vietnamese youngsters making short films: Diversity and difference VietNamNet Bridge – In recent years, making short films has become a hot trend of young Vietnamese cinema enthusiasts. Although the young film makers still show some shortcomings, they have also gained significant recognition at regi…

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Vietjet’s flyers to enjoy great incentives at Novotel Phu Quoc Resort

Vietjet’s flyers to enjoy great incentives at Novotel Phu Quoc Resort <p><a href="http://bit.ly/1UnrRra"><img alt="1878503-novotel-phu-quoc-resort-isxd" class="attachment-medium aligncenter" height="333" rel="lightbox" src="http://bit.ly/1SQGy3X" width="500" /></a></p> <p>Novotel Phu Quoc Resort</p> <p>As the summer is coming around, passengers of Vietjet can enjoy the most at Novotel Phu Quoc Resort as they will be awarded with two VND500,000 vouchers for staying here from May 2 to June 30, 2016.</p> <p>Terms & conditions are applied.</p> <p>Passengers just need to bring along their boarding pass within three days from the landing date in Phu Quoc to enjoy the incentive.</p> <p>Vietjet has continued to expand its network in the Asia Pacific region, running many amazing promotions as well as offering great incentives to bring more travel opportunities to travelers and tourists.</p> <p>For further information and terms & conditions, please visit <a href="#http://bit.ly/1UnrQn8">http://bit.ly/1UnrQn8</a> or contact our call center at 1900 1886.</p> <p><em><strong>Credit Vouchers’ Terms and conditions:</strong></em><em>- Credit vouchers are not offered for two consecutive booking periods made under same passenger, only applicable for 3 nights between the periods</em><em>- Credit vouchers are only applicable for bookings made in advance, apply best available rate shown on http://bit.ly/1SQGy3Z or <a href="#http://bit.ly/1UnrRrc">http://bit.ly/1UnrRrc</a>, or direct phone to make reservations in advance.</em> <em>- Credit vouchers can not be combined to deduct on one bill</em><em>- Credit vouchers are only applicable to deduct on room rate, food & beverage at all restaurants & bars. Not applicable to other services</em><em>- Credit vouchers must be presented to the outlet cashier or receptionist before issuing the bill or invoice</em><em>- Other terms & conditions stated on the credit voucher</em></p> <br /> Vietjet’s flyers to enjoy great incentives at Novotel Phu Quoc Resort Related image(s)<br /> <img height="200" src="http://bit.ly/1SQGy3X" width="200" /><br />

Vietjet’s flyers to enjoy great incentives at Novotel Phu Quoc Resort

Vietjet’s flyers to enjoy great incentives at Novotel Phu Quoc Resort Novotel Phu Quoc Resort As the summer is coming around, passengers of Vietjet can enjoy the most at Novotel Phu Quoc Resort as they will be awarded with two VND500,000 vouchers for staying here from May 2 to June 30, 2016. Terms &…

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Hanoi launches new bus route to Noi Bai Airport

Hanoi launches new bus route to Noi Bai Airport <p><a href="http://bit.ly/1r4VeCN"><img alt="1878495-bus-qazb" class="attachment-medium aligncenter" height="375" rel="lightbox" src="http://bit.ly/1rp7Rt1" width="500" /></a></p> <p>The new buses that serves public transport between Hanoi Railway Station and Noi Bai Airport. Photos: Ha An</p> <p>Hanoi on Saturday launched a high-quality bus service connecting its railway station in the city downtown with Noi Bai Airport.</p> <p>The unsubsidized route, numbered 86, runs 33 kilometers from Hanoi Railway Station in Dong Da District to the international airport. Tickets cost VND30,000 (US$1.30) a person.</p> <p>The new buses are each designed with 25 seats, but there is enough space for a maximum of 80 passengers and luggage.</p> <p>Hanoi Transport Service Corporation, which operates the route, said the service will start from 6:18 a.m. to 11 p.m. There will be one bus every 25-30 minutes.</p> <p>Hanoi has been operating two other bus routes connecting the airport with Hoan Kiem and Cau Giay Districts, at subsidized fares of less than half a dollar.</p> <p><a href="http://bit.ly/1r4VeCP"><img alt="1878495-bus1-cjav" class="attachment-medium aligncenter" height="367" rel="lightbox" src="http://bit.ly/1r4VeCP" width="489" /></a></p> <p>The new bus has a lot of space for luggage.</p> <p>Officials in the city said the new service is another effort to revive the enthusiasm for public transport, which has been losing popularity compared to motorbikes. Many bus passengers are unhappy with how often the bulky vehicles get stuck in heavy traffic.</p> <p>Buses were a common means of transport in Hanoi in the 2000s. But it has continued losing popularity, after reaching its peak in 2012 with 416 million travelers.</p> <p>A new report said bus passengers in the first quarter dropped 14 percent from a year ago to 82 million. The number last year was down 7.5 percent from 2014.</p> <br /> Hanoi launches new bus route to Noi Bai Airport Related image(s)<br /> <img height="200" src="http://bit.ly/1rp7Rt1" width="200" /><br />

Hanoi launches new bus route to Noi Bai Airport

Hanoi launches new bus route to Noi Bai Airport The new buses that serves public transport between Hanoi Railway Station and Noi Bai Airport. Photos: Ha An Hanoi on Saturday launched a high-quality bus service connecting its railway station in the city downtown with Noi Bai Airport. The unsubsidized…

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Seven tourist attractions with odd names in Vietnam

Seven tourist attractions with odd names in Vietnam

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Exploring King Kong’s ’home’

Exploring King Kong’s ’home’ <p><em>VietNamNet Bridge – There have been echoes from local media that Hollywood was making another King Kong feature film in the agrarian outcrop of Tam Coc. If you need a reason to escape Ha Noi for the weekend, then having the new home of King Kong only two hours away by motorbike is more than enough for most.</em></p> <div id="attachment_1878274" style="width: 510px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><a href="http://bit.ly/1NHAaN9"><img alt="Hidden world: Stunning view inside a local cave." class="attachment-medium aligncenter" height="333" rel="lightbox" src="http://bit.ly/1O1VdVy" width="500" /></a> <p class="wp-caption-text">Hidden world: Stunning view inside a local cave.</p> </div> <p>Fill the tank up and you have all you need to make the 105km journey and then some. All you need for the overnighter is a small back pack and around US$40 between you and your companion for food, drinks and a wonderful trip through the gorges and limestone caves. Ha Noi, in all its crazy glory, can make you crave some fresh air and luscious landscapes.</p> <p>Follow Giai Phong Road out of Ha Noi and at this point the road will become Ngoc Hoi Road. The railroad will guide you all the way to the main town of Ninh Binh, where there’s a right turn to Tam Coc. The beauty of this region unfolds a little more after every ten kilometres. Once you are truly clear of Ha Noi, the awe-inspiring structures begin to appear in the distance. It is only once you reach the first large bridge that you begin to see the ancient monoliths and waterways carved out of the landscape. Don’t trouble yourself over the weather; with or without the sun, the shades of green are still just as numerous. For $7, each of us had a dormitory bed to ourselves at a homestay with breakfast included.</p> <p>On arrival I felt like I was on the set of Jurassic Park and not King Kong, but you can see why Hollywood used this pristine landscape. The homestay is located in a village named Ninh Thang. It is situated only a kilometre or more from the entrance to the main attraction.</p> <p>When you take your bike up the main road you arrive at what could be mistaken as a Vietnamese-Venetian canal, but the palm trees and jungle-covered mountains make this very much a one-of-a-kind place. From here you can take a boat and float along, but we chose to walk for a few kilometres and began our journey through the caves near the old temple.</p> <p>As you walk along you can see human nature in perfect harmony with nature itself. The human eye is able to see the colour green better than all others and this is the perfect place to see that. The internet is filled with pictures of this wonderful place but you need to see it through your own lens.</p> <p>From underneath the shadow of each of these mega-structures, you can see people living far away from the digital world. There is no noise other than the sound of the wind cascading through the steep valleys. There are families living deep inside these waterways and you can catch a view of life from an ancient era. The beauty of the hard working men and women, perpetually at work will remind you of who you are and why you’re there.</p> <p><em>Wild landscape: Tam Coc’s ’Jurassic Park’.Wild landscape: Tam Coc’s ’Jurassic Park’.</em></p> <div id="attachment_1878275" style="width: 510px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><a href="http://bit.ly/1NHAcEF"><img alt="Follow the light: An exit from a cave. Green fields: Idyllic scenery at the site. Adventure: Tam Coc bike path. VNS Photos James Stefanuto by James Stefanuto" class="attachment-medium aligncenter" height="333" rel="lightbox" src="http://bit.ly/1O1VdVC" width="500" /></a> <p class="wp-caption-text">Follow the light: An exit from a cave. Green fields: Idyllic scenery at the site. Adventure: Tam Coc bike path. VNS Photos James Stefanuto by James Stefanuto</p> </div> <table> <tbody> <tr> <td>related news</td> </tr> <tr> <td><a href="http://bit.ly/1NHAaNd">Sites in Ninh Binh to appear in Kong: Skull Island movie</a><a href="#http://bit.ly/1O1VgAC">View of Tam Coc from atop Mua Cave</a><a href="http://bit.ly/1NHAaNf">Tam Coc in the rice season is a must-see</a></td> </tr> </tbody> </table> <p><em>Source: VNS</em></p> <br /> Exploring King Kong’s ’home’ Related image(s)<br /> <img height="200" src="http://bit.ly/1O1VdVy" width="200" /><br />

Exploring King Kong’s ’home’

Exploring King Kong’s ’home’ VietNamNet Bridge – There have been echoes from local media that Hollywood was making another King Kong feature film in the agrarian outcrop of Tam Coc. If you need a reason to escape Ha Noi for the weekend, then having the new home of King Kong only two hours away by mo…

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Vietnam government launches 24/7 tourist helplines

Vietnam government launches 24/7 tourist helplines <p><em>Lost your passport? Can’t figure out how long it really takes to get from Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh City? Or when the last train to Nha Trang is? Vietnam’s tourism agencies aim to be at your service.</em><strong>The helpline numbers are:</strong></p> <p>Sapa: 0911.479.389</p> <p>Hanoi: 0941.33.66.77</p> <p>Ha Long Bay: 033.6282.282 or 0913.265.009</p> <p>Danang: 0511.1022 or 0511.3550.111</p> <p>Vung Tau: 0989217417</p> <p>Phu Quoc: 0918.769.666 or 0918.083.518 or 0918.083.518</p> <p>Dien Bien: 091.5531244</p> <p>Thua Thien-Hue: 0914050005 or 054.3847232</p> <p>Hoi An: 0510.3666.333</p> <p>Binh Thuan: 0623.810.801 or 0623.608.222</p> <p>Nha Trang: 0947.528.000 or 058.3528.000</p> <p>An Giang: 0911.575.911 or 0969.536.584</p> <p><em>VOV</em></p> <br /> Vietnam government launches 24/7 tourist helplines Related image(s)<br /> <img height="200" src="http://ift.tt/1eWmqbm" width="200" /><br />

Vietnam government launches 24/7 tourist helplines

Vietnam government launches 24/7 tourist helplines Lost your passport? Can’t figure out how long it really takes to get from Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh City? Or when the last train to Nha Trang is? Vietnam’s tourism agencies aim to be at your service.The helpline numbers are: Sapa: 0911.479.389 Hanoi: 094…

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Hotel room prices in Da Lat increase by 300 percent for holidays

Hotel room prices in Da Lat increase by 300 percent for holidays <p><strong>Because the public employees and laborers have four day holidays for Reunification Day (April 30) and May Day the number of travelers flocking highland city of Da Lat is predicted to increase sharply.</strong></p> <div id="attachment_1877944" style="width: 510px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><a href="http://bit.ly/26zTOkE"><img alt="All rooms at hotels are fully booked on holidays. (Photo:SGGP)" class="attachment-medium aligncenter" height="328" rel="lightbox" src="http://bit.ly/1r1bB3k" width="500" /></a> <p class="wp-caption-text">All rooms at hotels are fully booked on holidays. (Photo:SGGP)</p> </div> <p>Large number of small-luxury hotels has increased their room prices to 300 percent.</p> <p>The Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism of Lam Dong province said that room capacity at hotels could receive over 40,000 guests at night.</p> <p>Currently, all rooms of 1- 5 star hotels have been fully booked since the beginning of April although room prices have been increased to VND 600, 000- 800, 000 or VND 1,2- 1, 5 million for a room.</p> <p>The inspection teams and hotline were established to keep track of security and food service price at local hotels during four day holidays, said the department.</p> <br /> Hotel room prices in Da Lat increase by 300 percent for holidays Related image(s)<br /> <img height="200" src="http://bit.ly/1r1bB3k" width="200" /><br />

Hotel room prices in Da Lat increase by 300 percent for holidays

Hotel room prices in Da Lat increase by 300 percent for holidays Because the public employees and laborers have four day holidays for Reunification Day (April 30) and May Day the number of travelers flocking highland city of Da Lat is predicted to increase sharply. All rooms at hotels are fully book…

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Nine ideal destinations in southwestern Vietnam

Nine ideal destinations in southwestern Vietnam <p><em>If you want to escape the hustle and bustle of the city, these following 9 ideal destinations in western regions of Vietnam are definitely the best choices.</em><br /></p> <table> <tbody> <tr> <td> <p><a href="http://bit.ly/26zTKRK"><img alt="1877919-21526627375-58c4a91010-b" class="attachment-medium aligncenter" height="333" rel="lightbox" src="http://bit.ly/1r1byVf" width="500" /></a></p> </td> </tr> <tr> <td><em>Tan Lap floating village in Long An southern province, 60km from HCM City is an attractive tourism destination.</em></td> </tr> </tbody> </table> <table> <tbody> <tr> <td> <p><a href="http://bit.ly/26zTNNu"><img alt="1877919-a" class="attachment-medium aligncenter" height="333" rel="lightbox" src="http://bit.ly/1r1byVn" width="500" /></a></p> </td> </tr> <tr> <td><em>Visitors can relax by fishing, boating past lotus and water lilies, picking wild vegetables to eat with grilled fish, watching birds and visiting the local farm to see how they grow pineapples.</em></td> </tr> </tbody> </table> <table> <tbody> <tr> <td> <p><a href="http://bit.ly/26zTNNz"><img alt="1877919-dong-tam-3" class="attachment-medium aligncenter" height="298" rel="lightbox" src="http://bit.ly/1r1bAwv" width="500" /></a></p> </td> </tr> <tr> <td><em>Situated about 9km west of My Tho City, Dong Tam Snake Farm in Binh Duc Commune, Chau Thanh District, Tien Giang Province is the largest centre for snake rearing and snakebite treatment in the Cuu Long River Delta.</em></td> </tr> </tbody> </table> <table> <tbody> <tr> <td> <p><a href="http://bit.ly/26zTNNB"><img alt="1877919-ran-doc-8" class="attachment-medium aligncenter" height="281" rel="lightbox" src="http://bit.ly/1r1bAML" width="500" /></a></p> </td> </tr> <tr> <td><em>The farm covers 12ha. It has separated areas to rear precious species of snakes, such as the king cobras, burrowing cobras and ringhals, another to grow medicinal plants, a hospital for snakebite treatment, a research department, an animal reserve and a snake museum.</em></td> </tr> </tbody> </table> <table> <tbody> <tr> <td> <p><a href="http://bit.ly/26zTNND"><img alt="1877919-cho-noi" class="attachment-medium aligncenter" height="296" rel="lightbox" src="http://bit.ly/1r1bzbD" width="500" /></a></p> </td> </tr> <tr> <td><em>Cai Be Floating Market is one of the largest wholesale markets in the south-western region, supplying all kinds of fruits, essential food and services all day and night. From 3.00 am in the early morning, rafts and boats are crowded.</em></td> </tr> </tbody> </table> <table> <tbody> <tr> <td> <p><a href="http://bit.ly/26zTO3S"><img alt="1877919-cho-noi1" class="attachment-medium aligncenter" height="334" rel="lightbox" src="http://bit.ly/1r1bzbF" width="500" /></a></p> </td> </tr> <tr> <td><em>Along the criss-crossing canals, people in the Plain of Reeds take not only goods of the countryside but also their unique cultural characteristics, creating such a beautiful painting to the market.</em></td> </tr> </tbody> </table> <table> <tbody> <tr> <td> <p><a href="http://bit.ly/26zTO3U"><img alt="1877919-rt" class="attachment-medium aligncenter" height="250" rel="lightbox" src="http://bit.ly/1r1bAMP" width="500" /></a></p> </td> </tr> <tr> <td><em>Situated nearly 100 kilometres from Long Xuyen City, Tra Su melaleuca forest possesses 140 kinds of plants that are mainly made up of melaleuca.</em></td> </tr> </tbody> </table> <table> <tbody> <tr> <td> <p><a href="http://bit.ly/26zTO3W"><img alt="1877919-tr1" class="attachment-medium aligncenter" height="291" rel="lightbox" src="http://bit.ly/1r1bAMR" width="500" /></a></p> </td> </tr> <tr> <td><em>The melaleuca forest is home to dozens of reptiles and birds, including two kinds of birds listed in Vietnam’s Red Book.</em></td> </tr> </tbody> </table> <table> <tbody> <tr> <td> <p><a href="http://bit.ly/26zTKRN"><img alt="1877919-chua-xu" class="attachment-medium aligncenter" height="332" rel="lightbox" src="http://bit.ly/1r1bAMT" width="500" /></a></p> </td> </tr> <tr> <td><em>Ba Chua Xu Temple in An Giang province.</em></td> </tr> </tbody> </table> <table> <tbody> <tr> <td> <p><a href="http://bit.ly/26zTO46"><img alt="1877919-cd" class="attachment-medium aligncenter" height="280" rel="lightbox" src="http://bit.ly/1r1bzbJ" width="500" /></a></p> </td> </tr> </tbody> </table> <table> <tbody> <tr> <td> <p><a href="http://bit.ly/26zTO4a"><img alt="1877919-chim-1" class="attachment-medium aligncenter" height="333" rel="lightbox" src="http://bit.ly/1r1bAMX" width="500" /></a></p> </td> </tr> <tr> <td><em>Located in Tam Nong district of the Mekong Delta province of Dong Thap, Tram Chim National Park boasts a rich biodiversity that turned it into the world’s 2000th Ramsar site in 2012.</em></td> </tr> </tbody> </table> <table> <tbody> <tr> <td> <p><a href="http://bit.ly/26zTOkq"><img alt="1877919-chim" class="attachment-medium aligncenter" height="333" rel="lightbox" src="http://bit.ly/1r1bzbN" width="500" /></a></p> </td> </tr> <tr> <td><em>Tram Chim is home to 198 bird species, including 16 rare ones such as red-headed cranes, black-faced spoonbills, black eagles, great-billed herons and spotted-billed pelicans. It was recognised as an important bird sanctuary in Vietnam.</em></td> </tr> </tbody> </table> <table> <tbody> <tr> <td> <p><a href="http://bit.ly/26zTKRS"><img alt="1877919-nd1" class="attachment-medium aligncenter" height="334" rel="lightbox" src="http://bit.ly/1r1bAMZ" width="500" /></a></p> </td> </tr> <tr> <td><em>Located in the Gulf of Thailand, in Kien Giang province, Nam Du archipelago with romantic beaches and pristine beauty is the top choice of many travelers this summer.</em></td> </tr> </tbody> </table> <table> <tbody> <tr> <td> <p><a href="http://bit.ly/26zTOkw"><img alt="1877919-nd2" class="attachment-medium aligncenter" height="334" rel="lightbox" src="http://bit.ly/1r1bAN1" width="500" /></a></p> </td> </tr> </tbody> </table> <table> <tbody> <tr> <td> <p><a href="http://bit.ly/26zTOky"><img alt="1877919-pq" class="attachment-medium aligncenter" height="332" rel="lightbox" src="http://bit.ly/1r1bB3i" width="500" /></a></p> </td> </tr> <tr> <td><em>Phu Quoc Island in Kien Giang Province with its beautiful landscape is known as ‘Paradise Pearl Island’.</em></td> </tr> </tbody> </table> <table> <tbody> <tr> <td> <p><a href="http://bit.ly/26zTOkA"><img alt="1877919-mui" class="attachment-medium aligncenter" height="333" rel="lightbox" src="http://bit.ly/1r1bzbR" width="500" /></a></p> </td> </tr> <tr> <td><em>Ca Mau Cape is an unforgettable tourist destination that tourists should visit at least once in their life.</em></td> </tr> </tbody> </table> <p><em>Zing/VOV</em></p> <br /> Nine ideal destinations in southwestern Vietnam Related image(s)<br /> <img height="200" src="http://bit.ly/1r1byVf" width="200" /><br />

Nine ideal destinations in southwestern Vietnam

Nine ideal destinations in southwestern Vietnam If you want to escape the hustle and bustle of the city, these following 9 ideal destinations in western regions of Vietnam are definitely the best choices. Tan Lap floating village in Long An southern province, 60km from HCM City is an attractive tour…

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Visa exemption for Western European visitors proposed to extend

Visa exemption for Western European visitors proposed to extend <p><em>The Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism has proposed extending the visa exemption policy for citizens from the UK, France, Germany, Spain, Germany and Italy from one year to five years.</em></p> <p>The ministry announced on April 28 that it also proposed increasing visa-free stay for those tourists from 15 to 30 days to meet their demands.</p> <p>The ministry also suggested the government approve its proposal to offer unilateral visa exemption for citizens from another 13 countries who travel to Vietnam on full-package tours.</p> <p>It submitted to the Prime Minister a visa waiver scheme for tourists from several key markets as well as granting visas at border gates and e-visas to facilitate travelling.</p> <p>After nearly 10 months of offering visa waiver for Belarus and five Western European countries, travellers from these markets have been on the rise.</p> <p>Figures from the General Statistics Office showed that tourist arrivals to Vietnam in the third and fourth quarter of 2015, and the first three months of 2016 increased by 4.24 percent, 16.49 percent and 20 percent, respectively.</p> <p>The total number of travellers from the five above countries topped 554,000 in the last nine months, up 13.91 percent from 2014 and 2015.</p> <p>Last year, Belarusian visitors to Vietnam neared 6,000, a 65 percent increase from 2014 –</p> <p>a record high compared to past years.</p> <p>According to the Vietnam National Administration of Tourism (VNAT), tourists from the five Western European countries have brought Vietnam an increase of more than 171 million USD in revenue.</p> <p>The United Nations World Tourism Organisation (UNWTO)’s visa openness report showed that the share of tourists requiring to obtain a visa prior to travelling continues to decline, from 77 percent in 2008 to 61 percent in 2015.</p> <p>In Asia-Pacific last year, nearly 20 percent of the world population was able to travel to a destination without a visa, while another 23 percent could receive a visa on arrival and 11 percent was able to obtain e-visas.</p> <p>The total number of countries and territories enjoying visa exemption amounts to 169 so far.</p> <p><em>VNA</em></p> <br /> Visa exemption for Western European visitors proposed to extend Related image(s)<br /> <img height="200" src="http://ift.tt/1eWmqbm" width="200" /><br />

Visa exemption for Western European visitors proposed to extend

Visa exemption for Western European visitors proposed to extend The Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism has proposed extending the visa exemption policy for citizens from the UK, France, Germany, Spain, Germany and Italy from one year to five years. The ministry announced on April 28 that it als…

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VNAT meets Chinese tourism businesses

VNAT meets Chinese tourism businesses <p><a href="http://bit.ly/1VEjGIo"><img alt="1877740-264tcdltiepdoantrungquoc" class="attachment-medium aligncenter" height="333" rel="lightbox" src="http://bit.ly/1ThQUal" width="500" /></a></p> <p>(TITC) – On 26 April 2016, in Ha Noi, Director General of Viet Nam National Administration of Tourism (VNAT), Mr. Nguyen Van Tuan had a meeting with delegation of Chinese tourism businesses.</p> <p>At the meeting, the representative of Chinese delegation affirmed that Viet Nam with fascinating landscapes and diversified services is a favorite destination for Chinese visitors who love pristine beaches, comfortable accommodation facilities and entertainment services, particularly sea tourism in Nha Trang, Da Nang and Phu Quoc. Travel to Nha Trang is very convenient with charter flights connecting China and Nha Trang. Currently, Vietjet Air and Jetstar Pacific are operating charter flights from 15 Chinese cities to Nha Trang.</p> <p>Accroding to the representative, the delegation has been researching tourism potential and infrastructure in Cat Ba (Hai Phong), with the aim of launching new charter flights to Hai Phong.</p> <p>Speaking at the meeting, Director General Nguyen Van Tuan informed that the number of Chinese visitors to Viet Nam, especially to Nha Trang, Phu Quoc and Da Nang has increased after Viet Nam organized tourism roadshows in Beijing, Chongqing, Chengdu in October 2015. He hoped that upcoming promotional campaigns of Viet Nam held in other Chinese localities would continue to attract the attention of Chinese tourism enterprises and media agencies.</p> <p>In addition to Nha Trang, Chinese enterprises should open tours to other localities in Viet Nam such as Ha Noi – Hai Phong – Ha Long Bay – Trang An (Ninh Binh Province); Da Nang – Hoi An – Hue; Binh Dinh – Phu Yen – Ninh Thuan – Binh Thuan… These tourism destinations are famous with beautiful nature, world heritage sites and quality services, said Tuan.</p> <p>On this occasion, Director General Nguyen Van Tuan invited the Chinese businesses to join a famtrip exploring some provinces and cities in the North of Viet Nam in the coming time in order to develop new tourism products in service of Chinese visitors.</p> <p>Hong Nhung</p> <br /> VNAT meets Chinese tourism businesses Related image(s)<br /> <img height="200" src="http://bit.ly/1ThQUal" width="200" /><br />

VNAT meets Chinese tourism businesses

VNAT meets Chinese tourism businesses (TITC) – On 26 April 2016, in Ha Noi, Director General of Viet Nam National Administration of Tourism (VNAT), Mr. Nguyen Van Tuan had a meeting with delegation of Chinese tourism businesses. At the meeting, the representative of Chinese delegation affirmed that …

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Vietnam welcomes over 3 million foreign tourists after four months

Vietnam welcomes over 3 million foreign tourists after four months <p><i>The Hanoitimes</i> – The General Statistics Office (GSO) said in the first four months of this year, the number of international tourists to Vietnam reached 3,248,634 arrivals, increasing by 17.8% against the same period last year.</p> <p>In April, Vietnam received 789,484 foreign visitors, with 661,484 of them arriving by air, 13,569 by sea and 114,431 by land.</p> <div id="attachment_1877732" style="width: 510px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><a href="http://bit.ly/1VEjGIm"><img alt="Foreign tourists visit Hanoi city." class="attachment-medium aligncenter" height="309" rel="lightbox" src="http://bit.ly/1ThQUaf" width="500" /></a> <p class="wp-caption-text">Foreign tourists visit Hanoi city.</p> </div> <p>Hong Kong (China) leads among countries and territories with the fastest growth of tourist to Vietnam with a rise of 143.3%, followed by China at 47%, the Republic of Korea 30.2%, Italy 29.2%, Sweden 27.1% and England 23%.</p> <p>In the reviewed time, the number of local tourists reached about 22.8 million arrivals.</p> <p>Total revenue from tourism in the period earned 135,796 billion VND increasing by 19.6% over the same period of 2015.</p> <p>Thu Minh</p> <br /> Vietnam welcomes over 3 million foreign tourists after four months Related image(s)<br /> <img height="200" src="http://bit.ly/1ThQUaf" width="200" /><br />

Vietnam welcomes over 3 million foreign tourists after four months

Vietnam welcomes over 3 million foreign tourists after four months The Hanoitimes – The General Statistics Office (GSO) said in the first four months of this year, the number of international tourists to Vietnam reached 3,248,634 arrivals, increasing by 17.8% against the same period last year. In Ap…

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Vietnam tourism ministry calls for longer visa exemption for European tourists

Vietnam tourism ministry calls for longer visa exemption for European tourists <p><a href="http://bit.ly/1ThQVLs"><img alt="1877734-tourists-vgep" class="attachment-medium aligncenter" height="375" rel="lightbox" src="http://bit.ly/1ThQVLs" width="500" /></a></p> <p>Foreign arrivals in Vietnam in the first four months increase nearly 18 percent from last year. Photo: Diep Duc Minh</p> <p>Vietnam’s tourism ministry Thursday urged the government to double the visa-free stay period for tourists from five European countries to 30 days to attract more visitors.</p> <p>The visa waiver for visitors from France, Germany, Italy, Spain and the UK, made last July, would be more effective with a longer period of stay since western tourists usually vacation for three to four weeks, it said.</p> <p>It also wanted the waiver policy to be effective for five years instead of being subject to annual renewal, saying tourism campaigns need long-term plans.</p> <p>Official statistics show that arrivals from the five countries this month increased by 9-34 percent year-on-year.</p> <p>For the past nine months, they were up nearly 14 percent compared to a mere 5 percent a year since 2010.</p> <p>The extra tourists are estimated to have contributed nearly US$171 million to tourism revenues, it said.</p> <p>Vietnam has received nearly 3.25 million foreign arrivals this year, up 18 percent.</p> <p>Tourism insiders have been urging the government to be more generous in its visa policy given the intense competition from other countries.</p> <p>Indonesia waives visas for tourists from 169 countries and territories and targets 20 million arrivals in 2019.</p> <p>Malaysia does so for 155 nationals and Singapore, 150.</p> <p>Vietnam, which received less than eight million foreign visitors last year, waives visa only for 22 countries.</p> <p>The Vietnam National Administration of Tourism last year proposed that the country should add another 19 to the list soon.</p> <br /> Vietnam tourism ministry calls for longer visa exemption for European tourists Related image(s)<br /> <img height="200" src="http://bit.ly/1ThQVLs" width="200" /><br />

Vietnam tourism ministry calls for longer visa exemption for European tourists

Vietnam tourism ministry calls for longer visa exemption for European tourists Foreign arrivals in Vietnam in the first four months increase nearly 18 percent from last year. Photo: Diep Duc Minh Vietnam’s tourism ministry Thursday urged the government to double the visa-free stay period for tourist…

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Bangkok carrier to fly to Da Nang this May

Bangkok carrier to fly to Da Nang this May <p><a href="http://bit.ly/1NYLBLd"><img alt="1877687-danang-efvg" class="attachment-medium aligncenter" height="375" rel="lightbox" src="http://bit.ly/1NYLBLd" width="500" /></a></p> <p>Da Nang’s iconic Dragon Bridge at night. Photo: Nguyen Tu</p> <p>Da Nang is expected to receive more Thai tourists this summer after Bangkok Airways announced a new service from the capital city of Thailand.</p> <p>The airline said at a press briefing Wednesday that starting May 25 it will have four return flights every week on Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Saturday between the cities.</p> <p>Flights will depart from Bangkok’s main airport Suvarnabhumi at 11 a.m. and from Da Nang Airport at 1:35 p.m. A round trip ticket starts at US$213.</p> <p>Varong Israsena Na Ayudhya, vice president in charge of sales, said it decided to launch the service as Da Nang is an interesting place with many attractions.</p> <p>He said the carrier is negotiating with Vietnam Airlines to also launch code share flights to other cities in Vietnam.</p> <p>Da Nang is the third biggest city in Vietnam and has been well connected to several destinations in China, South Korea and Southeast Asia.</p> <p>The city received 1.27 million foreign tourists last year, up by a third from the previous year.</p> <p>Thailand is also a popular travel destination among many Vietnamese.</p> <br /> Bangkok carrier to fly to Da Nang this May Related image(s)<br /> <img height="200" src="http://bit.ly/1NYLBLd" width="200" /><br />

Bangkok carrier to fly to Da Nang this May

Bangkok carrier to fly to Da Nang this May Da Nang’s iconic Dragon Bridge at night. Photo: Nguyen Tu Da Nang is expected to receive more Thai tourists this summer after Bangkok Airways announced a new service from the capital city of Thailand. The airline said at a press briefing Wednesday that star…

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Seeking identity

Seeking identity <p>Vietnam’s tourism industry is searching for a unique image to promote itself in the international tourism market.</p> <p><a href="http://bit.ly/1NCjFly"><img alt="1877470-seek2" class="attachment-medium aligncenter" height="270" rel="lightbox" src="http://bit.ly/1qX1cWo" width="500" /></a></p> <p>Having lived in Vietnam for the past 20 years, Colin Pine, gen­eral director of Ho Tram pro­ject company, has called Ha­noi, Ho Chi Minh City and Ba Ria Vung Tau home.</p> <p>“Over the years, I have found that different regions in Vietnam have their own unique culture. Many peo­ple perceive Thailand’s tourism image to be a smile and Singapore’s to be cleanliness, but what about Vietnam? I find Vietnamese people to be very friendly, which is why I enjoy living here, and feel that this friendliness as well as the cultural diversity across regions should form part of the coun­try’s image,” Colin shares.</p> <p>Believing in the huge potential of Vietnam’s tourism industry, strong and committed investors including Harbin­ger Capital Partners and Pinnacle En­tertainment Inc. have provided capital of over $100 million to the Ho Tram Strip project in the past 12 months. “Our vision is to create a true world- class destination, one that will draw international visitors to the southern region of Vietnam, not only once, but multiple times, while at the same time creating a multi-experience vacation retreat for Vietnamese families”, he adds.</p> <p>In terms of branding Ho Tram Strip as an international standard, large-scale integrated resort, Colin highlights that its brand is built based on world-class accommodation, a golf course, casino, and other entertainment and recrea­tion facilities as well as the emotional impacts it has on the customers, its truly unique services and experiences and clear positioning as a world-class tourism destination.</p> <p>Regarding the branding of Viet­nam’s tourism, Colin believes that the Vietnam National Administration of Tourism (VNAT) is a flexible unit open to change. “However, there are some issues relevant to tourism that VNAT has no control over, such as the government budget and how joint responsibility is shared between ministries,” he adds.</p> <p>Meanwhile, New Zealand Ambas­sador to Vietnam, Haike Manning, says Vietnam has huge tourism potential. ‘You have beautiful landscapes such as Halong bay, plus culture, adventures and food. There are so many ingredi­ents to build up the country’s brand and profile. I think the key to get people come back is the quality of service so that people can feel very comfortable when they come here.”</p> <p><a href="http://bit.ly/1NCjDKw"><img alt="1877470-seek1" class="attachment-medium aligncenter" height="305" rel="lightbox" src="http://bit.ly/1qX1aha" width="500" /></a></p> <p><strong>BRANDING CONTROVERSY</strong></p> <p>At a conference entitled Develop­ing Vietnam’s Tourism Branding Strate­gy to 2025, with Outlook to 2030, held on April 16, a number of issues relating to creating an image for Vietnam’s tour­ism were raised.</p> <p>Vietnam has changed its tourism logo and slogan several times. From 2004 to 2005, its slogan was Welcome to Vietnam, accompanied by a logo of a girl wearing an ao dai. From 2006 to 2011, the slogan was changed to Viet­nam – the Hidden Charm. Since 2012 the slogan has been Vietnam – the Timeless Charm.</p> <p>According to Le Tuan Anh, deputy director of VNATs tourism marketing department, though the slogan and logo have changed, the brand remains the same. “Vietnam’s major appeal is its culture, history, and natural re­sources. Vietnam is able to attract a wide range of tourists by offering a diverse range of tourism products such as cultural tourism, sea and is­land tourism, urban tourism, and eco- tourism,” he argues.</p> <p>Vietnam, therefore, should consid­er the market in segments and target them in different ways. “For example, European tourists tend to be attracted to Vietnam’s history. As a result, when we approach this customer group, we focus on interesting aspects of our his­tory,” he says.</p> <p>Trinh Minh Tu of Hanoi Haseco travel agency raised another issue re lating to government support: “Our government wants to make tourism a leading industry, but it can be really hard to get their support. VNAT can give ideas but will government min­isters agree and support those ideas? We can all sit here together and create a master plan, but if there is no voice from the higher governing bodies, our efforts will be in vain.”</p> <p>Asked about Vietnam’s key tour­ism offerings VNATs deputy director general Ha Van Sieu suggested Viet­namese food. “Author and professor Philip Kotler once claimed that Viet­nam is the world’s kitchen. Through food, tourists can experience our culture, our regional differences, and our lifestyle,” he says. “Food is a very broad term, so we need to conduct re­search to find out which types of food set Vietnam apart from Thailand and Indonesia, as those two countries also focus on their food culture to promote their tourism appeal. I think Vietnam­ese food is becoming more and more popular in the world, particularly with the opening of pho and banh mi res­taurants in major cities.”</p> <p><strong>POSSIBLE SOLUTIONS</strong></p> <p>In order to improve Vietnam’s tour­ism image, Ha Van Sieu suggests one solution could be to create a unit spe­cialising in promoting national tourism. “We need a tourism promotion unit to work with VNAT. It’s really hard for VNAT to act as both a managing and promoting body. We need government spending on the table,” Sieu said.</p> <p>“For example, if the government budget allocated to tourism promotion this year is $2 million, then how many tourists will we be able to attract and how much should we spend to ensure Vietnam’s tourism industry yields profit? After answering those questions, we will see that investing in tourism pro­motion is necessary.”</p> <p>According to Le Tuan Anh, Viet­nam must adhere to the values of the national strategy for tourism. “Vietnam has a diverse culture, which differs be­tween regions. Each part of the country has its own story to tell and its own specialties to offer tourists. Therefore, in order to promote national tourism we need to understand that our tourism brand cannot be separated from our history and culture.”</p> <p><em>By Averie Nguyen</em></p> <br /> Seeking identity Related image(s)<br /> <img height="200" src="http://bit.ly/1qX1cWo" width="200" /><br />

Seeking identity

Seeking identity Vietnam’s tourism industry is searching for a unique image to promote itself in the international tourism market. Having lived in Vietnam for the past 20 years, Colin Pine, gen­eral director of Ho Tram pro­ject company, has called Ha­noi, Ho Chi Minh City and Ba Ria Vung Tau home. “…

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