May 2016 - Vietnam Breaking News

Vietnam attends Pacific international tourism expo

Vietnam attends Pacific international tourism expo
<div><a href="http://bit.ly/1O2aThj"><img alt="" src="http://bit.ly/1O2aThj" /></a>PITE 2015 expo (Photo: dvfu.ru)</div>
<p><strong><br />
Moscow (VNA)</strong> – The Consulate General of Vietnam in Russia’s Vladivostok city together with other foreign consulates general in Primorsky attended the Pacific International Tourism Expo (PITE) 2016 held in Vladivostok city in the end of May.</p>
<p>Organised by the Department of Tourism of Russia’s Primorsky region, the expo, the largest local annual event, aims to provide a platform for the participants to promote culture and tourism, exchange tourism information while building joint tourism programmes.</p>
<p>The event drew the participation of 177 tourism businesses to present their products and services and welcomed more than 30,000 visitors.</p>
<p>With four exhibiting booths, Vietnam nudged the country’s tourist attractions, elegant cuisine and socio-economic development closer to international friends.</p>
<p>At the event, Consul General Huynh Minh Chinh spoke highly of the role PITE plays while emphasizing the importance of tourism for the socio-economic development of the Far East region.</p>
<p>He noted that PITE 2016 opens new hope for regional tourism, adding that direct flights connecting Vladivostok and Vietnam is a highlight in the tourism and trade relations between the two nations.-VNA</p>
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Vietnam attends Pacific international tourism expo Related image(s)<br />
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Vietnam attends Pacific international tourism expo

Vietnam attends Pacific international tourism expo PITE 2015 expo (Photo: dvfu.ru) Moscow (VNA) – The Consulate General of Vietnam in Russia’s Vladivostok city together with other foreign consulates general in Primorsky attended the Pacific International Tourism Expo (PITE) 2016 held in Vladivostok …

31 May 2016

Northern localities sign deal to boost tourism connections

Northern localities sign deal to boost tourism connections
<div><a href="http://bit.ly/1O2aGuu"><img alt="" src="http://bit.ly/1O2aGuu" /></a>Tourism representatives of 16 northern provinces (Source: http://bit.ly/25xjb5b)</div>
<p><strong>Quang Ninh (VNA)</strong> – Sixteen northern provinces have signed a memorandum of understanding to foster a tourism partnership towards forming links in their promotional activities.</p>
<p>The signatories comprise Quang Ninh, Hai Phong, Hung Yen, Bac Ninh, Bac Giang, Lai Chau, Vinh Phuc, Ha Giang, Lang Son, Ninh Binh, Bac Kan, Thai Binh, Hai Duong, Thai Nguyen, Tuyen Quang and Hoa Binh.</p>
<p>The deal, inked on May 31 during a conference on promoting connectivity among northern tourism promotion agencies in Ha Long city, Quang Ninh, allows the localities to increase information sharing and enhance the effectiveness of their tourism promotion activities.</p>
<p>At the same time, they will form online connections through the setting up of a website to publish information and images of tourism resources, services and events.</p>
<p>Besides this, the localities agreed to support each other in human resources training and developing new products typical for each area and region.</p>
<p>During the conference, tourism promotion agencies also voiced the advantages and difficulties they are facing.</p>
<p>Nguyen Thi Bao, head of the Quang Ninh Tourism Association, said that currently, provincial tourism firms’ connections remain loose, leading to low effectiveness in promotional activities. She lauded the deal, which is expected to help foster the link.</p>
<p>Meanwhile, Hoang Quoc Hoa, Deputy Director of the Promotion Centre under the Vietnam National Administration of Tourism, held that bringing together tourism promotion agencies will help to better tap the strength of each locality and create joint tourism products.-VNA</p>
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Northern localities sign deal to boost tourism connections Related image(s)<br />
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Northern localities sign deal to boost tourism connections

Northern localities sign deal to boost tourism connections Tourism representatives of 16 northern provinces (Source: http://bit.ly/25xjb5b) Quang Ninh (VNA) – Sixteen northern provinces have signed a memorandum of understanding to foster a tourism partnership towards forming links in their promotion…

31 May 2016

Vietnam – best place for solo travel

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Vietnam – best place for solo travel

Vietnam – best place for solo travel (VOVworld) – Vietnam ranks 1st among the 10 best places in the world to travel alone, selected by readers of the UK’s Rough Guide travel website. Terraced paddy fields in northern Vietnam (Photo: VNA) Rough Guide wrote that if tourists are bound for an interestin…

31 May 2016

Thailand continues ban on political activity

Thailand continues ban on political activity
<div><a href="http://bit.ly/1O2aLhJ"><img alt="" src="http://bit.ly/1O2aLhJ" /></a>Thai soldiers (Source: VNA)</div>
<p><strong>Bangkok (VNA)</strong> – Prime Minister of Thailand Prayut Chan-o-cha declared on May 30 that he will continue the ban on politicians carrying out political activities.</p>
<p>He said it is not yet the right time when politicians in their messages spread on social media insisted they were right, without thinking of the rule of law.</p>
<p>Regarding a decision to lift the travel ban on some politicians and activists, the PM said the move is not related to the public referendum on the draft constitution in August.</p>
<p>The same day, Deputy PM and Defence Minister Prawit Wongsuwan announced a decision to ease the overseas travel ban for politicians starting from June 1.</p>
<p>Only those facing court proceedings will still need to go through regular channels to seek permission to go abroad.</p>
<p>The decision was made after chiefs of the armed forces, police and security agencies met on May 27 to evaluate the country’s political situation ahead of the August 7 referendum.</p>
<p>However, it excludes politicians such as former PM Yingluck Shinawatra ousted in the coup, who faces criminal charges over alleged corruption in her government’s rice subsidy programme.</p>
<p>Since the coup, the junta has arrested hundreds of anti-government academics and critics. After being released, they vowed not to go abroad without approval.-VNA</p>
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Thailand continues ban on political activity Related image(s)<br />
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Thailand continues ban on political activity

Thailand continues ban on political activity Thai soldiers (Source: VNA) Bangkok (VNA) – Prime Minister of Thailand Prayut Chan-o-cha declared on May 30 that he will continue the ban on politicians carrying out political activities. He said it is not yet the right time when politicians in their mess…

31 May 2016

‘Your flight has been delayed’: Do Vietnamese airlines play fair with passengers?

‘Your flight has been delayed’: Do Vietnamese airlines play fair with passengers?
<div>Nguyen Xuan Duc booked a flight with Jetstar Pacific to travel from Ho Chi Minh City to Hanoi one morning earlier this month.</div>
<div>He received a message from the carrier the night before notifying that the flight would be delayed until the afternoon.</div>
<div>Since he could not find any other options, he had to accept the delay, which meant canceling some of his business plans.</div>
<div>He received no compensation because, technically, he was informed by the airline.</div>
<div>Travelers in Vietnam have long come to terms with the fact that flight delays and cancellations can happen daily.</div>
<div>But with the problem showing no sign of getting better, many are now demanding that at least carriers compensate them fairly for all the expenses incurred and the opportunities missed. Some even hope that substantial compensations may eventually scare airlines into improving on-time performance.</div>
<div>Currently the numbers do not make any local carriers look good.</div>
<div>Statistics from the Civil Aviation Administration of Vietnam listed 639 delays and cancellations, or 13.4 percent of all flights, between April 11 and May 17.</div>
<div>Jetstar Pacific topped the list with 19 percent of flights delayed and 2 percent canceled, followed by Vietjet Air with a 17 percent delay rate. Flag carrier Vietnam Airlines delayed 275 or 11 percent of its flights.</div>
<div>The Civil Aviation Administration cited bad planning as a major cause.</div>
<div>Vietnam now requires airlines to pay up to VND400,000 (US$18) a passenger for delays of domestic flights and $150 for international flights.</div>
<div>Those figures are higher than the compensation rates before July last year. But many passengers say that carriers should pay more.</div>
<div>Huong Tran, a Vietnam Airlines passenger affected by a three-day delay in January, said she and other passengers had to go through the check-in process three times, one each day, as the carrier was not even sure when it could give them another flight from Paris to Hanoi.</div>
<div>After the third time, Tran said, she had no energy left to drag her luggage back to the hotel again. “I just stayed at the airport and waited for 18 hours.”</div>
<div>The support she received through the whole ordeal with a loss of stress and frustration was six $17 meals and $223 in cash.</div>
<div>Such amount was little compared to European rules which require EU-based carriers to pay passengers up to 600 euros, or nearly $670, each for delays of more than three hours.</div>
<div>Nguyen Thien Tong, a respected aviation expert in Vietnam, said the compensation rates for delays and cancellations are now too low.</div>
<div>“It’s not enough to cover the passengers’ cost for travel, accommodation and meals during the wait, as well as their missing opportunities.”</div>
<div>Tong said local carriers could totally set their schedule better to save customers from delays and cancellations.</div>
<div>He said the carriers now cram more flights into their daily schedule than they can actually operate, which means they have to cancel some flights in the last hours or minutes and combine flights with many empty seats, usually from three flights into two.</div>
<div>“The compensation needs to be high enough to force the carriers to stick to their schedule.”</div>
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‘Your flight has been delayed’: Do Vietnamese airlines play fair with passengers? Related image(s)<br />
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‘Your flight has been delayed’: Do Vietnamese airlines play fair with passengers?

‘Your flight has been delayed’: Do Vietnamese airlines play fair with passengers? Nguyen Xuan Duc booked a flight with Jetstar Pacific to travel from Ho Chi Minh City to Hanoi one morning earlier this month. He received a message from the carrier the night before notifying that the flight would be d…

31 May 2016

Hanoi’s cuisine to be featured on CNN’s “Parts Unknown” TV program

Hanoi’s cuisine to be featured on CNN’s “Parts Unknown” TV program
<p><em>VietNamNet Bridge – Besides “bun cha” (noodle with fried pork), eaten by US President Barack Obama during his recent visit, bia hoi (draught beer) and bun oc (noodle with snails), two famous dishes of Hanoi, will appear in CNN’s culinary discovery program featuring well-known American chef and TV personality Anthony Bourdain.</em></p>
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<p><em><img alt="Hanoi’s cuisine to be featured on CNN's 'Parts Unknown' TV program, entertainment events, entertainment news, entertainment activities, what’s on, Vietnam culture, Vietnam tradition, vn news, Vietnam beauty, news Vietnam, Vietnam news, Vietnam net news," src="http://bit.ly/25xiuIZ" /></em></p>
<p><em>CNN film crew with President Obama at Huong Lien bun cha restaurant in Hanoi.</em></p>
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<p>This chef tasted bun cha with President Obama at Huong Lien restaurant on Le Van Huu Street, Hanoi, on May 23, during Obama’s visit to Vietnam last week.</p>
<p>These scenes will be part of the show “Bourdain: Part Unknown”, a popular TV program on tourism and gastronomy that is scheduled to be aired in September.</p>
<p>On May 26, the chef visited a bun oc shop on Luong Ngoc Quyen Street, a bia hoi restaurant on Tang Bat Ho Street, and the noodle shop which is known as “bun chui” (insulting noodle shop – where the shop owner always shouts at her customers) on Ngo Sy Lien Street.</p>
<p>The same evening, chef Anthony and cameramen drove motorcycles around the Hanoi Cathedral area and Ngo Huyen alley.</p>
<p>After filming in Hanoi, the crew filmed some scenes in a fishing village in Ha Long, Quang Ninh.</p>
<p>Anthony Michael Bourdain is an American chef, author, and television personality. He is a 1978 graduate of The Culinary Institute of America and a veteran of numerous professional kitchens, including many years as executive chef at Brasserie Les Halles.</p>
<p>Although Bourdain is no longer employed as a chef, he maintains a relationship with Les Halles in New York. He became widely known for his 2000 book Kitchen Confidential: Adventures in the Culinary Underbelly.</p>
<p>His first food and world-travel television show was A Cook’s Tour, which ran for 35 episodes on the Food Network from 2002 through 2003. In 2005 he began hosting the Travel Channel’s culinary and cultural adventure programs Anthony Bourdain: No Reservations (2005–2012) and The Layover (2011–2013). In 2013, he switched to CNN to host Anthony Bourdain: Parts Unknown.</p>
<p><strong><em>Thanh Van</em></strong></p>
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Hanoi’s cuisine to be featured on CNN’s “Parts Unknown” TV program Related image(s)<br />
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Hanoi’s cuisine to be featured on CNN’s “Parts Unknown” TV program

Hanoi’s cuisine to be featured on CNN’s “Parts Unknown” TV program VietNamNet Bridge – Besides “bun cha” (noodle with fried pork), eaten by US President Barack Obama during his recent visit, bia hoi (draught beer) and bun oc (noodle with snails), two famous dishes of Hanoi, will appear in CNN’s culi…

31 May 2016

Australian tourist compares Saigon’s Suoi Tien Park to Vietnamese-style Disney

Australian tourist compares Saigon’s Suoi Tien Park to Vietnamese-style Disney
<p><em>VietNamNet Bridge – After working in broadcast journalism for a decade in Australia, Michael Turtle left Sydney to travel the world and write about his discoveries, Suoi Tien themed park in HCM City is one of them. Below is what he wrote.</em></p>
<p>In Vietnam, there is no Disney. When you want to head to the ‘Happiest Place on Earth’, your best option is the Suoi Tien Theme Park, on the fringes of Ho Chi Minh City. It is a burst of fun, terror, humor and angst – all at once.</p>
<p>The theme for the whole park is Buddhism, the predominant religion here in Vietnam. A giant golden dragon is the first thing you see as you go in and it sets the scene. As you explore a bit deeper, you’ll find gardens full of Buddha, a lake with a statue of a turtle supporting the world – and, of course temples. Plenty of temples.</p>
<p>Some of these temples are what you might expect and follow the traditional model. Incense is burning and people are praying.</p>
<p>The most interesting temples are those that have been turned into attractions. It’s probably not fair to call them ‘temples’ and the park actually has different names for them – usually they’re a ‘palace’. But there’s no avoiding the dominant theme inside.</p>
<p>I climb up the steps to go into the ‘Unicorn Palace’. It all sounds so magical and colourful. Wrong! As soon as I am through the entrance, it’s pitch black. I have to hold onto a handrail as I go down a set of stairs and descend underground. You might think I was being melodramatic if I said that it felt like I was descending into hell – but that’s the point. Underneath the temple is a journey through the various levels of Buddhist Hell.</p>
<p>This ain’t no small world after all. The path you walk along is still pitch black – the only light comes from the displays behind bars. Men are being ripped apart, eaten by animals, dumping into boiling pots. There’s a soundtrack of terror and every so often, without warning, a bloody mannequin will swing at you screaming. I scream back a few times.</p>
<p>Back outside, in the sunlight, it is zen again and the wind rustles the trees carrying the prayer flags. You would think that one hell on earth would be enough for me but I foolishly go into two more houses of horrors. In one, the path shakes at various points, throwing me slightly off balance. The point I decide to hurry to the exit, though, is when a hand comes out of the wall and grabs my ankle in the dark.</p>
<p>The other house of horrors is Harry Potter themed. Again, it’s dark with lots of screaming and creatures jumping out of nowhere. I am not positive, but there’s no way this could be officially licensed. The real owners of the Harry Potter trademark would not allow Dobby the elf to be turned into a ferocious demon with glowing red eyes.</p>
<p>Like any good theme park, there are also rides. They could probably be described in one of two ways. Lame or lamer. But that doesn’t mean I don’t have fun on them!</p>
<p>Most of the rides are quite small – a good size for kids. You swing a bit, go around a bit, maybe rise up and fall down slightly. The mini roller coaster goes quite fast but only lasts for about 20 seconds.</p>
<p>I get the feeling the rides are part of the fun but not the main reason the locals come here. It’s about the whole experience and having a bit of everything – rides, games, gardens, shows, food.</p>
<p>I like to think they don’t come for the zoo… but they may. Unfortunately it casts a dark shadow over an otherwise colourful day out.</p>
<p>The zoo is at the back of the park and it promises a collection of exotic animals. But rather than be impressed, it makes me angry. The animals are kept in tiny cages, with almost nothing inside to amuse or comfort them. There are different types of monkeys, for example, staring wistfully out through the bars. Most upsetting is a small bear in a space that gives it just enough room to pace around in a circle.</p>
<p>The zoo is on the edge of a large complex of lakes filled with hundreds of crocodiles. I don’t feel so sorry for them – I’m convinced they’re just looking at me as a potential meal. I wonder why there are so many of them until I see the gift shop selling handbags and purses. This is a factory farm, just one where you can pay to feed the product.</p>
<p>All of this seems rather contrary to the Buddhist ethos so I try to put it out of my mind and focus on everything else on offer. It really is a rather well designed park and the different areas with their lakes and rivers and statues and pagodas are quite beautiful and peaceful.</p>
<p>Bizarre, though? Yes. To me. Everything just seems a little bit surreal. Things I think are hilarious are probably wondrous to the local Vietnamese families who come here, though.</p>
<p>They would probably think a theme park with a talking mouse and spinning teacups would be strange. So I shall not judge, lest I end up in Buddhist Hell for eternity.</p>
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<div><img alt="Khách Tây gọi Suối Tiên là Disneyland phong cách Việt Nam" src="http://bit.ly/25xiOrl" /></div>
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<div><img alt="Khách Tây gọi Suối Tiên là Disneyland phong cách Việt Nam" src="http://bit.ly/1O2awmG" /></div>
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<div><img alt="Khách Tây gọi Suối Tiên là Disneyland phong cách Việt Nam" src="http://bit.ly/25xjAob" /></div>
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<div><img alt="Khách Tây gọi Suối Tiên là Disneyland phong cách Việt Nam" src="http://bit.ly/1O2aHyu" /></div>
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<div><img alt="Khách Tây gọi Suối Tiên là Disneyland phong cách Việt Nam" src="http://bit.ly/25xiZ5H" /></div>
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<div><img alt="Khách Tây gọi Suối Tiên là Disneyland phong cách Việt Nam" src="http://bit.ly/1O2b4sU" /></div>
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<div><img alt="Khách Tây gọi Suối Tiên là Disneyland phong cách Việt Nam" src="http://bit.ly/25xiF7e" /></div>
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<div><img alt="Khách Tây gọi Suối Tiên là Disneyland phong cách Việt Nam" src="http://bit.ly/1O2aLym" /></div>
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<td><em>Photo: Michael Turtle</em></td>
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<p><em>timetravelturtle</em></p>
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Australian tourist compares Saigon’s Suoi Tien Park to Vietnamese-style Disney Related image(s)<br />
<img height="200" src="http://bit.ly/25xiOrl" width="200" /><br />

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Australian tourist compares Saigon’s Suoi Tien Park to Vietnamese-style Disney

Australian tourist compares Saigon’s Suoi Tien Park to Vietnamese-style Disney VietNamNet Bridge – After working in broadcast journalism for a decade in Australia, Michael Turtle left Sydney to travel the world and write about his discoveries, Suoi Tien themed park in HCM City is one of them. Below …

31 May 2016

Hanoi plans new $5-billion airport near Noi Bai

Hanoi plans new $5-billion airport near Noi Bai
<div>The Civil Aviation Authority of Vietnam is discussing with Hanoi authorities and relevant agencies the construction of a new airport to ease overloading at Noi Bai.</div>
<div>The agency’s director Lai Xuan Thanh said the Noi Bai 2 Airport project will be developed on an area of 720 hectares (1,780 acres) near the current airport. Site clearance will cost about $2 billion and construction nearly $3.5 billion.</div>
<div>Thanh said his agency will call for private investment.</div>
<div>With a capacity of 25 million passengers, the current Noi Bai Airport will become more strained in the coming years considering the projected annual passenger growth of 22 percent.</div>
<div>“Building another airport is an emergency issue,” he said.</div>
<div>Noi Bai served 63 million passengers in the first four months, up 31 percent from the same period last year. Several airlines have announced plans to expand their fleets to meet the growing air travel demand.</div>
<div>“Strong growth in the aviation sector recently has created huge pressure on airports,” Thanh said.</div>
<div>The Civil Aviation Authority said it will submit the plan to the central government after consulting relevant agencies.</div>
<div>Vietnam is also developing a massive airport in the southern province of Dong Nai, near Ho Chi Minh City.</div>
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Hanoi plans new $5-billion airport near Noi Bai Related image(s)<br />
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Hanoi plans new $5-billion airport near Noi Bai

Hanoi plans new $5-billion airport near Noi Bai The Civil Aviation Authority of Vietnam is discussing with Hanoi authorities and relevant agencies the construction of a new airport to ease overloading at Noi Bai. The agency’s director Lai Xuan Thanh said the Noi Bai 2 Airport project will be develop…

31 May 2016

New tourist route offered for visitors to Quang Binh

New tourist route offered for visitors to Quang Binh
<p>The first route will enable holiday makers to discover Va and Nuoc Nut caves, which are part of Son Doong cave system based on their shared water flow.</p>
<p>Discovered by local residents long ago, Va and Nuoc Nut Caves were thoroughly studied and announced by the British Caving Association in 2000.</p>
<p>The explorers will be provided with adequate protection clothing, rubber sandals, head lamps, and life jackets.</p>
<p>They will experience around 10 km of jungle and mountain trekking, 3 km caving in river caves, and 20 metres traversing by rope and harness.</p>
<p>The two day one night tour will amaze visitors with stunning formations and beautiful stalactite lakes inside the caves.</p>
<p>The expedition, run by Oxalis Adventure Tours Company, operates 3-4 times per week from February through August every year, with the maximum capacity of eight people per tour.</p>
<p>It is priced at VND 9 million (US$400) and is recommended for visitors 16 years old and above.</p>
<p>The launch of the new tour aims to enrich tourist products of the province, increase the State budget from tourism and improve incomes for locals.</p>
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New tourist route offered for visitors to Quang Binh Related image(s)<br />
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New tourist route offered for visitors to Quang Binh

New tourist route offered for visitors to Quang Binh The first route will enable holiday makers to discover Va and Nuoc Nut caves, which are part of Son Doong cave system based on their shared water flow. Discovered by local residents long ago, Va and Nuoc Nut Caves were thoroughly studied and annou…

31 May 2016

Northern provinces and cities boost tourism ties

Northern provinces and cities boost tourism ties
<p>The agreement came as representatives of tourism promotion centres attended a conference in the city of Ha Long on May 31 to discuss measures to enhance co-operation.</p>
<p>The signatories comprise Quang Ninh, Hai Phong, Hung Yen, Bac Ninh, Bac Giang, Lai Chau, Vinh Phuc, Ha Giang, Lang Son, Ninh Binh, Bac Kan, Thai Binh, Hai Duong, Thai Nguyen, Tuyen Quang and Hoa Binh.</p>
<p>Under the agreement, local tourism agencies will share information on tourism promotion activities, connect their websites with one another, join forces at tourism fairs, support each other in enhancing the quality of tourism manpower and develop tourism products.</p>
<p>Nguyen Thi Bao, Chairwoman of the Quang Ninh Tourism Association said travel agencies were still operating independently. As such, the linkage will help enterprises streamline their promotional activities and information sharing.</p>
<p>Hoang Quoc Hoa at the Vietnam National Administration of Tourism said the linkage between tourism promotion centres in the north was a sensible initiative to take advantage of the region’s strengths and create common tourism products.</p>
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Northern provinces and cities boost tourism ties Related image(s)<br />
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Northern provinces and cities boost tourism ties

Northern provinces and cities boost tourism ties The agreement came as representatives of tourism promotion centres attended a conference in the city of Ha Long on May 31 to discuss measures to enhance co-operation. The signatories comprise Quang Ninh, Hai Phong, Hung Yen, Bac Ninh, Bac Giang, Lai C…

31 May 2016

HCM City takes steps to attract tourists

HCM City takes steps to attract tourists
<div><a href="http://bit.ly/1XMlwq0"><img alt="" src="http://bit.ly/1XMlwq0" /></a>Illustrative image (Photo: vietnamtourism.gov.vn)</div>
<p><strong>HCM City (VNA) –</strong> The HCM City tourism sector has made good preparations this year to attract international visitors but more new attractions are needed for them to succeed.</p>
<p>“We spent a lot of effort and time to carefully prepare for festivals and improve service quality and are very glad to see good results,” Truong Hien Hoa, director of the city Tourism Promotion Centre, was quoted as saying to the Vietnam Economic Times.</p>
<p>Tourism activities have been accelerated this year with the holding of the Ao dai Festival and Southern Colour Festival.</p>
<p>According to the city tourism department, 1.38 million international visitors came to the city in the first quarter and spent 25.8 trillion VND (1.15 billion USD), 12 and 9 percent higher than in the same period last year, respectively.</p>
<p>They came predominantly from the Republic of Korea, Japan and the US, but also included a lot of overseas Vietnamese, thanks to the Lunar New Year that fell in that period.</p>
<p>The number of visitors arriving by ship increased by 80 percent to 9,000.</p>
<p>Last year the city welcomed 4.6 million foreign visitors, accounting for a full 50 percent of the number coming to Vietnam, who spent 94.6 trillion VND, or 30 percent of national tourism revenues.</p>
<p>“The city’s share of tourism has decreased because tourism development always accompanies investment in new attractions,” Hoa added.</p>
<p>He said the city lacks such new attractions, mentioning several major delayed ones like a safari in Cu Chi District, the Vietnamese History and Culture Park in District 9 and the Bach Dang Culture Park in District 1.</p>
<p>However, the city has been launching some new services, including a boat tour on the Nhieu Loc – Thi Nghe canal.</p>
<p>A successful tourism model needs time to become known and popular, Hoa said.</p>
<p>“We should make each local resident a tourism ambassador.”</p>
<p>In the first quarter 2.46 million foreign tourists arrived in Vietnam, an increase of nearly 20 percent year-on-year, while domestic visitors numbered 18.7 million.</p>
<p>The sector’s total revenues rose 21.2 percent to 109 trillion VND.</p>
<p>The number of mainland Chinese visitors increased by 66 percent, while it was 30 percent for the Republic of Korea, 160 percent for Hong Kong, 15 percent for Taiwan, and 12 percent for Japan.-VNA</p>
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HCM City takes steps to attract tourists Related image(s)<br />
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HCM City takes steps to attract tourists

HCM City takes steps to attract tourists Illustrative image (Photo: vietnamtourism.gov.vn) HCM City (VNA) – The HCM City tourism sector has made good preparations this year to attract international visitors but more new attractions are needed for them to succeed. “We spent a lot of effort and time t…

31 May 2016

BMTM Da Nang 2016 to bring great benefits to tourism

BMTM Da Nang 2016 to bring great benefits to tourism
<p><a href="http://bit.ly/1XTI2Oc"><img alt="1892187-15bnonnuoc" class="attachment-medium aligncenter" height="294" rel="lightbox" src="http://bit.ly/1TDfOUS" width="500" /></a></p>
<p>The 2016 Beach-Leisure & MICE Travel Mart (BMTM Da Nang 2016) will take place at Da Nang’s Tien Son Sports Arena from 24 – 26 June.</p>
<p>The international event, the first of its kind to be held in the city, aims to stimulate both the domestic and international tourism markets in order to attract more visitors to Viet Nam, and to Da Nang in particular. In addition, it will help to further the development of local high-class beach-leisure and MICE tourism for which the city has great advantages and potential.</p>
<p>The event will also help to affirm the city’s tourism brand name and its position as a large tourism hub in the central coast region. Thanks to this, local tourism businesses can gain access to potential new customers, which in turn will help to create more job opportunities for local residents involved in the tourism sector.</p>
<p>Chairman of the city’s Travel Association Cao Tri Dung, said “BMTM Da Nang 2016 will be a great opportunity for the city to advertise its attractions to international friends. In addition, this will help Vietnamese businesses to boost bilateral trading cooperation with foreign partners, and expand their markets into other potential countries, especially those with direct international flights into Da Nang”.</p>
<p>Chairman Dung remarked, “It can be said that the event is Da Nang’s first important step in making a difference to its tourism development strategies in order to create even more attractive tourism products and services, and bring more benefits to local businesses and residents”.</p>
<p>Deputy Director of the municipal Department of Tourism Tran Chi Cuong noted, “The event is also considered as a forum at which domestic and foreign tourism businesses can share their mutual information and experiences in order to create a premise for their tourism development cooperation in a sustainable manner. In addition, it will provide the opportunity for domestic customers to access tourism stimulus and promotion programmes for numerous attractive tours both at home and abroad”.</p>
<p>Mr. Cuong added, “To date, a total of over 60 domestic and foreign tourism businesses have already registered to take part in the event. In addition, over 120 foreign visitors and reporters from China, South Korea, Japan, Western Europe, and Southeast Asia have confirmed their attendance”.</p>
<p>In addition, he said “The organising board is making every effort to hold the event in a professional manner and ensure the highest efficiency of creating links between the participating businesses and visitors. The purpose is to create a premise for making this event a biennial one in the city in the future”.</p>
<p>Deputy Director General of the Viet Nam National Administration of Tourism Ha Van Sieu, remarked “BMTM Da Nang 2016 is an important event for Viet Nam’s tourism sector, and it is also being considered the country’s first step in introducing its new tourism products with that special combination of Beach-Leisure and MICE tourism. The event will help to create new progress in promoting the country’s tourism development in the context of global integration”.</p>
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BMTM Da Nang 2016 to bring great benefits to tourism Related image(s)<br />
<img height="200" src="http://bit.ly/1TDfOUS" width="200" /><br />

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BMTM Da Nang 2016 to bring great benefits to tourism

BMTM Da Nang 2016 to bring great benefits to tourism The 2016 Beach-Leisure & MICE Travel Mart (BMTM Da Nang 2016) will take place at Da Nang’s Tien Son Sports Arena from 24 – 26 June. The international event, the first of its kind to be held in the city, aims to stimulate both the domestic and inte…

31 May 2016

The Grand Ho Tram Strip – the ideal ‘all-in-one’ destination for summer

The Grand Ho Tram Strip – the ideal ‘all-in-one’ destination for summer
<p><a href="http://bit.ly/1VqyQ3o"><img alt="1892168-ht1-pwzo-279" class="attachment-medium aligncenter" height="191" rel="lightbox" src="http://bit.ly/1VqyQ3o" width="329" /></a></p>
<p><a href="http://bit.ly/25u5TWR"><img alt="1892168-ht2-rohu-323" class="attachment-medium aligncenter" height="229" rel="lightbox" src="http://bit.ly/25u5TWR" width="347" /></a></p>
<p><a href="http://bit.ly/1VqzopS"><img alt="1892168-ht3-ogmv-582" class="attachment-medium aligncenter" height="233" rel="lightbox" src="http://bit.ly/1VqzopS" width="364" /></a></p>
<p><a href="http://bit.ly/25u62K4"><img alt="1892168-ht4-qznm-651" class="attachment-medium aligncenter" height="230" rel="lightbox" src="http://bit.ly/25u62K4" width="344" /></a></p>
<p><a href="http://bit.ly/1VqzmOK"><img alt="1892168-ht5-nuti-368" class="attachment-medium aligncenter" height="260" rel="lightbox" src="http://bit.ly/1VqzmOK" width="350" /></a></p>
<p><a href="http://bit.ly/25u5Jz0"><img alt="1892168-ht6-vpid-838" class="attachment-medium aligncenter" height="207" rel="lightbox" src="http://bit.ly/25u5Jz0" width="337" /></a></p>
<p><a href="http://bit.ly/1Vqz4ax"><img alt="1892168-ht7-ixpw-799" class="attachment-medium aligncenter" height="266" rel="lightbox" src="http://bit.ly/1Vqz4ax" width="219" /></a></p>
<table>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>Details of the program and register information:
<p>THE GRAND HO TRAM STRIP</p>
<p>Phuoc Thuan Commune, Xuyen Moc District, Ba Ria – Vung Tau, Vietnam</p>
<p>T: +84 64 378 8888 | E: reservations@thegrandhotram.com</p>
<p>Daily complimentary Minh Dam Tour is available now</p>
<p>The Grand offers English speaking tour guide</p>
</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<br />
The Grand Ho Tram Strip – the ideal ‘all-in-one’ destination for summer Related image(s)<br />
<img height="200" src="http://bit.ly/1VqyQ3o" width="200" /><br />

thumbnail

The Grand Ho Tram Strip – the ideal ‘all-in-one’ destination for summer

The Grand Ho Tram Strip – the ideal ‘all-in-one’ destination for summer Details of the program and register information: THE GRAND HO TRAM STRIP Phuoc Thuan Commune, Xuyen Moc District, Ba Ria – Vung Tau, Vietnam T: +84 64 378 8888 | E: reservations@thegrandhotram.com Daily complimentary Minh Dam To…

31 May 2016

Weekend tour to ‘Ha Long Bay on land’

Weekend tour to ‘Ha Long Bay on land’
<p><em>VietNamNet Bridge – Located in Cao Phong district, Hoa Binh province, just about 110km north-east of Hanoi center, Thung Nai is a popular destination for weekend retreat.</em></p>
<p>Once upon a time, Thung Nai was a great valley covered by the vast forest, which is home to numerous deer. Hence, the local people call it “Thung Nai” means “the Valley of deer”.</p>
<p>Since the 1980s when the Da River hydropower plant was constructed, Thung Nai has become a huge lake containing the water served for the operation of this hydropower plant. All initial surrounding high mountains become floating green islands and create poetic and magnificent scenery which can enchant any tourist. Thung Nai is called “the second Ha Long Bay on land” in the North of Vietnam (the first position was taken by Tam Coc Bich Dong in Ninh Binh province).</p>
<p>Most tourists traveling to Thung Nai choose the Windmill guesthouse, which is located on Friends Island as an ideal place for a comfortable and relaxing stay. The guesthouse area consists of a large two-storey redbrick house and a windmill offering visitors a breath-taking view of Thung Nai, a stilt house functioning as a communal dinning place, and a tennis court lying in the lush orchard. The Windmill itself is often regarded as an attraction of Thung Nai.</p>
<p>Staying in the Windmill, tourists will be served local specialties like grilled Muong pork, smoked or grilled Da River fish, or fish sour soup, and straw wine. After the dinner, tourists, especially the youngsters often gather for the campfire in front of the guesthouse, watching the sparkling fishing canoe floating in the lake by night.</p>
<p>Waking up in the morning, tourists can refresh themselves by breathing the fresh air and enjoying the natural beauty in early morning. A boat tour to discover sites around the lake in Thung Nai like Ba Chua Thac Bo temple, Thac Bo grotto (with a lot of stalactite in various shapes), Ngoi Hoa village of Muong people is also a good option.Tourists who luckily come here on Sunday morning can drop by Thac Bo floating market, just 20 minutes by boat from the Windmill, where they can buy fresh fish, shrimp caught by local people.</p>
<p>Thung Nai is said to be most beautiful in the autumn, when the water level reaches the highest and the valley is filled with the romantic lake water. Try visiting Thung Nai this time to best enjoy the landscape.</p>
<a href="http://bit.ly/1WtuSIb"><img alt="Thung Nai is dubbed " bay="" class="attachment-medium aligncenter" ha="" height="333" land="" long="" on="" rel="lightbox" src="http://bit.ly/1qWqBzk" width="500" /></a>
<p><a href="http://bit.ly/1Wtvz4p"><img alt="1894702-2-ha8-7187-15-1463718461-660x0" class="attachment-medium aligncenter" height="333" rel="lightbox" src="http://bit.ly/1qWrJ5O" width="500" /></a></p>
<div id="attachment_1894704" style="width: 510px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><a href="http://bit.ly/1Wtvcqz"><img alt="Coi Xay (Windmill) inn" class="attachment-medium aligncenter" height="333" rel="lightbox" src="http://bit.ly/1qWr70c" width="500" /></a>
<p class="wp-caption-text">Coi Xay (Windmill) inn</p>
</div>
<div id="attachment_1894705" style="width: 510px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><a href="http://bit.ly/1Wtv7TM"><img alt="Coconut Island." class="attachment-medium aligncenter" height="333" rel="lightbox" src="http://bit.ly/1qWr1Wb" width="500" /></a>
<p class="wp-caption-text">Coconut Island.</p>
</div>
<div id="attachment_1894706" style="width: 510px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><a href="http://bit.ly/1Wtvgqa"><img alt="A lake tour is interesting." class="attachment-medium aligncenter" height="333" rel="lightbox" src="http://bit.ly/1qWr2cN" width="500" /></a>
<p class="wp-caption-text">A lake tour is interesting.</p>
</div>
<div id="attachment_1894707" style="width: 510px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><a href="http://bit.ly/1Wtv5ew"><img alt="Trach stream." class="attachment-medium aligncenter" height="333" rel="lightbox" src="http://bit.ly/1qWrO9J" width="500" /></a>
<p class="wp-caption-text">Trach stream.</p>
</div>
<p><a href="http://bit.ly/1Wtvq0P"><img alt="1894702-7-ha8-7254-15-1463718463-660x0" class="attachment-medium aligncenter" height="281" rel="lightbox" src="http://bit.ly/1qWrTKq" width="500" /></a></p>
<div id="attachment_1894708" style="width: 510px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><a href="http://bit.ly/1WtuQA3"><img alt="The lake on a rocky mountain." class="attachment-medium aligncenter" height="333" rel="lightbox" src="http://bit.ly/1qWrgRh" width="500" /></a>
<p class="wp-caption-text">The lake on a rocky mountain.</p>
</div>
<p><a href="http://bit.ly/1Wtvair"><img alt="1894702-9-ha8-7321-15-1463718464-660x0" class="attachment-medium aligncenter" height="281" rel="lightbox" src="http://bit.ly/1qWr8B8" width="500" /></a></p>
<div id="attachment_1894709" style="width: 510px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><a href="http://bit.ly/1Wtv9La"><img alt="The sunset in Thung Nai." class="attachment-medium aligncenter" height="333" rel="lightbox" src="http://bit.ly/1qWqZxN" width="500" /></a>
<p class="wp-caption-text">The sunset in Thung Nai.</p>
</div>
<p><em>Compiled by <strong>Pha Le</strong></em><em>Photo: VNE</em></p>
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Weekend tour to ‘Ha Long Bay on land’ Related image(s)<br />
<img height="200" src="http://bit.ly/1qWqBzk" width="200" /><br />

thumbnail

Weekend tour to ‘Ha Long Bay on land’

Weekend tour to ‘Ha Long Bay on land’ VietNamNet Bridge – Located in Cao Phong district, Hoa Binh province, just about 110km north-east of Hanoi center, Thung Nai is a popular destination for weekend retreat. Once upon a time, Thung Nai was a great valley covered by the vast forest, which is home to…

30 May 2016

Ha Long a must-visit travel destination

Ha Long a must-visit travel destination
<p><em>VietNamNet Bridge – If you need a break from your busy life to enjoy some tranquil moments watching the sun slowly set on the sea, Ha Long is the perfect getaway.</em></p>
<div id="attachment_1894398" style="width: 510px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><a href="http://bit.ly/24fUYO8"><img alt="Ha Long with its beautiful seascape is an ideal destination for tourists. — Photo Legend Travel" class="attachment-medium aligncenter" height="333" rel="lightbox" src="http://bit.ly/1Paq5ct" width="500" /></a>
<p class="wp-caption-text">Ha Long with its beautiful seascape is an ideal destination for tourists. — Photo Legend Travel</p>
</div>
<p>Over the past two decades, Ha Long Bay (literally means Bay of Descending Dragon) has become a popular tourist destination in the northern region of Viet Nam to explore wonderful limestone caves and take part in adventure activities.</p>
<p>The recent breakthroughs in infrastructure development, the influx of investment and the efforts of the local authorities have led to an increase in the number of tourists to the area.</p>
<p>Travel from the neighbouring provinces and the cities to Ha Long in northern Quang Ninh Province will become even easier and more convenient with a number of infrastructure projects nearing completion, including the Ha Long-Hai Phong Expressway, the upgraded highways to Van Don and the VND6.7 trillion airport in Van Don.</p>
<div id="attachment_1894399" style="width: 510px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><a href="http://bit.ly/24fUDeq"><img alt="Vung Vieng fishing village in Ha Long Bay" class="attachment-medium aligncenter" height="333" rel="lightbox" src="http://bit.ly/1Papvvi" width="500" /></a>
<p class="wp-caption-text">Vung Vieng fishing village in Ha Long Bay</p>
</div>
<p>In addition, many giant property developers, such as Vingroup, FLC, Sun Group and Bim Group, have poured billions of dollars into tourism and resort projects in Ha Long, which are expected to attract even more tourists to the city.</p>
<p>Recognised as a World Natural Heritage Site by UNESCO, Halong Bay Cruises offers unforgettable experiences for tourists who can admire the spectacular seascape of some 1969 limestone karsts and isles and understand the basics of geology and geomorphology.</p>
<p>“It is even more marvelous than what I have seen in pictures and videos,” Nguyen Nhu, a tourist from Ha Noi who recently enjoyed a two-day cruise on Ha Long Bay, said. “What I’ll remember the most is the moment when I went kayaking on the tranquil sea and saw the yellow hues at sunset. It was unforgettable, romantic and peaceful.”</p>
<p>According to the Indochina Legend Travel, a tour and travel agency with operations mainly in Southeast Asia, there are a lot of interesting things to do in Ha Long Bay and Tours in Vietnam, which is an ideal destination for family vacations, holiday trips, honeymoons and kayaking due to the pleasant weather.</p>
<div id="attachment_1894400" style="width: 510px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><a href="http://bit.ly/24fUxmX"><img alt="Sung Sot Cave in Ha Long Bay." class="attachment-medium aligncenter" height="333" rel="lightbox" src="http://bit.ly/1Paq73Q" width="500" /></a>
<p class="wp-caption-text">Sung Sot Cave in Ha Long Bay.</p>
</div>
<p>Visitors can also explore the “magnificent masterpieces of the Creator” – the dazzling stalagmites in Trinh Nu Cave, Sung Sot Cave, Thien Cung Cave and Dau Go Cave.</p>
<p>A cruise trip will take you to the wonderful limestone isles, caves and floating villages where you can learn about local daily life and buy fresh seafood.</p>
<p>Diving, kayaking and other adventure activities also promise unique, wonderful and exotic experiences.</p>
<p>“My husband and children went squid fishing with the cruise crew members at night and they were so excited,” Nhu said.</p>
<p>Halong Cruises is one of the major tours that the Indochina Legend Travel operates. The group recently launched a website http://ift.tt/1TFfmqj with faster, easier navigation and a user-friendly design and is offering a promotional 10 per cent discount for all tours till the end of July.</p>
<p><strong>Green tourism</strong></p>
<p>Tourists in Ha Long will enjoy unique experiences each time they visit, with the local authorities gearing to promote tourism as a green industry.</p>
<p>Early this month, Quang Ninh Province officials split the Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism to set up a separate Department of Tourism.</p>
<div id="attachment_1894401" style="width: 510px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><a href="http://bit.ly/1Paqbk8"><img alt="Halong Bay" class="attachment-medium aligncenter" height="333" rel="lightbox" src="http://bit.ly/24fVdc3" width="500" /></a>
<p class="wp-caption-text">Halong Bay</p>
</div>
<p>The aim is to turn the northern province into an international travel destination and the country’s leading tourism hub with developed infrastructure and diverse tourism products deeply imbued with the national identity and the traditions to be able to compete regionally and globally, Chairman of the provincial People’s Committee Nguyen Duc Long said.</p>
<p>The province is expected to develop tourism into a leading economic sector and a driver for sustainable socio-economic growth.</p>
<p>The newly-established tourism department will focus on developing human resources and create a favourable environment for property developers to hasten their projects and for tour and travel companies to provide the best services.</p>
<p>Besides Ha Long Bay, Quang Ninh also has over 500 relic and tourism sites, such as Van Don and Mong Cai.</p>
<p>The number of tourist arrivals to Quang Ninh jumped from 3.1 million in 2006 to roughly 8 million in 2015. The province is expected to welcome 10.5 million visitors this year.</p>
<p>Last year, tourism contributed VND1.2 trillion (US$53.6 million) to the local budget, or six per cent of the total domestic collection in the province.</p>
<p>In the first quarter of this year, Quang Ninh welcomed nearly three million tourists, increasing by 2 per cent over the same period last year.</p>
<table>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>related news</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><a href="http://bit.ly/1PapqHT">Vietnam cities offer seven new adventure activities</a><a href="http://bit.ly/24fV3S1">Safety suffers on Ha Long Bay cruises</a><a href="http://bit.ly/1PapQy0">An adventurous trip to Chay River and Toi Cave in Quang Binh</a></td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<p><em>Indochina Legend Travel/VNS</em></p>
<br />
Ha Long a must-visit travel destination Related image(s)<br />
<img height="200" src="http://bit.ly/1Paq5ct" width="200" /><br />

thumbnail

Ha Long a must-visit travel destination

Ha Long a must-visit travel destination VietNamNet Bridge – If you need a break from your busy life to enjoy some tranquil moments watching the sun slowly set on the sea, Ha Long is the perfect getaway. Ha Long with its beautiful seascape is an ideal destination for tourists. — Photo Legend Travel O…

30 May 2016

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