19,000 freelance tour guides won’t lose right to practice

19,000 freelance tour guides won’t lose right to practice <p>Under the new Tourism Law, tour guides can practice if they can satisfy three requirements. They must have tour guide cards and labor contracts signed with travel firms, or tour guide service firms, or membership in professional associations in tourism. They also must have contracts on providing tour guide services, or documents on duty assignments.</p> <p>The Vietnam National Administration of Tourism (VNAT) has asked agencies to strengthen control over tour guides and establish the Vietnam Tour Guides Association.</p> <p>Vietnam has about 20,000 tour guides, including 19,000 freelancers, while 90 percent of them are not controlled by any organization. VNAT hopes the new law will help manage freelance tour guides.</p> <p>Tran Van Hoa from Asia DMC said tour guides have expressed satisfaction about the new law, complaining that they had been railroaded to join associations, pay tax and fees and contribute to funds  </p> <p>Members of associations are required to register to become a Viettel subscriber and have one smartphone. </p> <p>Deputy general director of VNAT Nguyen Thi Thanh Huong said the biggest advancement of the new law is that all provisions are designed to serve travelers.</p> <p>Regarding regulation about the membership of professional associations, Huong said the Vietnam Tour Guide. Association is not the only professional association. </p> <p>“This means that tour guides do not have to join the association to be able to practice as a tour guide,” she said.</p> <p>The deputy director of the HCMC Tourism Department La Quoc Khanh said if tour guides have guide cards and labor contracts with travel firms as requested by law, they won’t have to worry about membership in the Vietnam Tour Guides Association.</p> <p>Ha Tat Thang, a Spanish and English speaking tour guide, said it is not necessary to require both the labor contract and tour guide contract.</p> <p>Vietnam is seriously lacking tour guides. According to Nguyen Van My, president of Lua Viet, in 2017, Vietnam received 13 million foreign travelers, but there were only 12,000 international tour guides.</p> <p>The shortage of tour guides for domestic tours is even more serious. Vietnam had 70 million domestic travelers in 2017, but there were only 7,927 tour guides. The country needs 50,000 tour guides.</p> <p>Vietnam welcomed more than 13 million foreign visitors and served 73.2 million domestic tourists to earn US$23 billion.</p> <p style="text-align: right;font-weight:bold;font-size:12px"><em>Source Vietnamnet</em></p> <br /> 19,000 freelance tour guides won’t lose right to practice Related image(s)<br /> <img height="200" src="http://ifttt.com/images/no_image_card.png" width="200" /><br />

19,000 freelance tour guides won’t lose right to practice

19,000 freelance tour guides won’t lose right to practice Under the new Tourism Law, tour guides can practice if they can satisfy three requ...

+ Read more »

Vietnam welcomes over 1.43 million foreign tourists

Vietnam welcomes over 1.43 million foreign tourists <p><em>More than 1.43 million foreign visitors arrived in Vietnam in the first month of 2018, a year-on-year rise of 42 percent.</em></p> <p class=" a-c"><em>Foreign tourists are kayaking in the world natural heritage site of Ha Long Bay in Vietnam’s northern province of Quang Ninh</em></p> <p>In January, tourists from Asia were estimated at over one million, up 53.9 percent against the same period last year. </p> <p>Most of the country’s main markets recorded growth, including China (up 69 percent), the Republic of Korea (up 84 percent), China’s Taiwan (up 22.9 percent), Malaysia (up 35.5 percent), Thailand (up 11.3 percent), Singapore (up 16 percent) and Cambodia (up 36.6 percent). The number of tourists from Europe saw a year-on-year rise of 22.8 percent.</p> <p>According to the Vietnam National Administration of Tourism (VNAT), the tourism sector has launched tourism promotion programmes in early 2018, aiming to serve 15-17 million international tourists this year.</p> <p>While participating in the ASEAN Tourism Forum (ATF) 2018 in Thailand, Vietnam introduced the country’s National Tourism Programme in the northern province of Quang Ninh. Added to this were several activities, including the promotion of the Hanoi-Ninh Binh-Ha Long tourism route and the “Vietnam Night” programme featuring an “ao dai” (traditional dress) show, art performances and gastronomy.</p> <p>Also at the ATF 2018, Vietnam won 14 prizes for 2017. The “ASEAN Clean Tourist City” awards went to Hue, Hoi An and Da Lat cities. Many hotels, tourism and resort areas in Hanoi, Ha Long, Vinh Phuc, Thai Nguyen, Quy Nhon, Nha Trang and Con Dao won the “ASEAN Green Hotel” awards.</p> <p>In 2017, Vietnam welcomed nearly 13 million international tourists and 74 million domestic ones.-<em>VNA</em></p> <br /> Vietnam welcomes over 1.43 million foreign tourists Related image(s)<br /> <img height="200" src="http://ifttt.com/images/no_image_card.png" width="200" /><br />

Vietnam welcomes over 1.43 million foreign tourists

Vietnam welcomes over 1.43 million foreign tourists More than 1.43 million foreign visitors arrived in Vietnam in the first month of 2018, a...

+ Read more »

All aboard: Express river buses set sail from Saigon

All aboard: Express river buses set sail from Saigon <p class="Normal">Good news for travelers who want to explore the waterways around Saigon and people who are already tired of sitting on buses. New boat routes linking the city with its outlying district of Can Gio, its neighbor Vung Tau City and the nearby province of Ben Tre are now in service.</p> <p class="Normal">Private company Greenlines DP launched boat trips between the resort town of Vung Tau and Ben Tre Province in the Mekong Delta two days ago, and will start a Ho Chi Minh City-Can Gio-Vung Tau route on February 10.</p> <p class="Normal">Can Gio is famous for its fresh seafood while Vung Tau is known for its beaches. Ben Tre is ideal for countryside lovers thanks to its fruit orchards and inland waterways.</p> <p class="Normal">Tickets can be found on the company’s website and cost VND290,000 ($12.7) for the Vung Tau-Ben Tre service and VND250,000 for the other route. </p> <p class="Normal">Passengers can be picked up and dropped off at Bach Dang Wharf in HCMC’s District 1, Tac Xuat Wharf in Can Gio, Ho May Wharf in Vung Tau and Rach Mieu Wharf in Ben Tre.</p> <p class="Normal">All the docks are located near major roads, making it easy for passengers to catch a bus or taxi.</p> <p class="Normal">The boats can seat from 50 to 132 passengers, and are equipped with air conditioners, toilets, wifi, televisions, electrical sockets and bars.</p> <p class="Normal">HCMC is looking to make use of its inland waterways to ease traffic congestion and develop tourism.</p> <p class="Normal">The first route has been open for two months, cruising 10.8 kilometers (6.7 miles) from Bach Dang Wharf to Linh Dong Station in Thu Duc District, passing through District 2 and Binh Thanh District. The second is taking shape and will sail from Bach Dang to District 8.</p> <p class="Normal">In April last year, the city’s municipal administration approved two more river bus routes connecting the downtown with new urban areas in District 7.</p> <p class="Normal">The new routes will link Bach Dang with Phu Thuan Ward and Phu My Hung in District 7.</p> <br /> All aboard: Express river buses set sail from Saigon Related image(s)<br /> <img height="200" src="http://ifttt.com/images/no_image_card.png" width="200" /><br />

All aboard: Express river buses set sail from Saigon

All aboard: Express river buses set sail from Saigon Good news for travelers who want to explore the waterways around Saigon and people who ...

+ Read more »

Foreign visitors to Vietnam skyrocket 42 pct in January

Foreign visitors to Vietnam skyrocket 42 pct in January <p class="Normal">Vietnam welcomed over 1.4 million foreign visitors in January, up 42 percent over the same period last year, according to the General Statistics Office.</p> <p class="Normal">The sharp rise has been attributed to overseas Vietnamese returning home for the Lunar New Year, which starts on February 16, and an increase in the number of visitors from Europe, the U.S and Australia.</p> <p class="Normal">In January, visitors from Europe increased 22.8 percent to 225,500, while the number from the U.S. rose 8 percent to 72,600, and from Australia up 13.5 percent to 50,100.</p> <p class="Normal">Chinese visitors topped the pile with over 418,500 arrivals this month, a year-on-year increase of 69 percent. South Korea remained in second place with 316,300 visitors touching down, up 84 percent.</p> <p class="Normal">Most visitors chose to fly to Vietnam, accounting for 80.5 percent of arrivals in January.</p> <p class="Normal">Vietnam received 12.9 million foreign tourists in 2017, a rise of 29.1 percent against 2016.</p> <p class="Normal">A report published in June by the United Nations World Tourism Organization ranked Vietnam’s tourism growth at seventh globally, and the country was the only destination in Southeast Asia to make the top 10.</p> <p class="Normal">The results appear to bode well for Vietnam’s growth, especially now that the government is backing tourism to drive its economy.</p> <p class="Normal">The country needs to stop relying on crude oil and focus on tourism to ensure its economic growth, Deputy Prime Minister Vuong Dinh Hue said at a meeting of the legislative National Assembly in October.</p> <p class="Normal">The deputy PM said that tourism has a direct impact on the service sector, so more tourists means higher growth.</p> <p class="Normal">“It is better to welcome 1 million tourists than trying to find 1 million tons of crude oil because tourism is more eco-friendly and safe for the economy,” he said.</p> <p class="Normal">The country aims to receive 15-17 million foreign arrivals this year. However, the number of foreign visitors to Vietnam is still moderate compared to Thailand.</p> <p class="Normal">The Thai government is targeting 37 million visitors in 2018 and 3 trillion baht ($94 billion) in revenue from domestic and foreign tourists combined. That would be worth more than a fifth of the economy — and put even greater strain on congested airports as well as Bangkok’s packed roads and metro system, according to <em>Bloomberg</em>.</p> <br /> Foreign visitors to Vietnam skyrocket 42 pct in January Related image(s)<br /> <img height="200" src="http://ifttt.com/images/no_image_card.png" width="200" /><br />

Foreign visitors to Vietnam skyrocket 42 pct in January

Foreign visitors to Vietnam skyrocket 42 pct in January Vietnam welcomed over 1.4 million foreign visitors in January, up 42 percent over th...

+ Read more »

Vietnam welcomes more than 1.43 million foreign visitors in January

Vietnam welcomes more than 1.43 million foreign visitors in January <div align="center"></div> <p>Visitors from the EU, US, and Australia rose high because of increasing numbers of overseas Vietnamese living in these countries making their return home for the traditional Lunar New Year (Tet) and the high demand for winter vacations among people in the EU and US.<br /> <span style="font-size: 16px"><br /> In January, more than 1 million Asian tourists visited Vietnam, up 53.9% over January of last year. Visitor numbers from most Asian markets swelled significantly, such as China (up 69%), the Republic of Korea (up 84%), Taiwan (up 22.9%), Malaysia (up 35.5%), Thailand (11.3%), Singapore (up 16%), and Cambodia (up 36.6%). Repeating the trend, tourist numbers from the EU surged by 22.8%.<br /></span><span style="font-size: 16px"><br /> The Vietnam National Administration of Tourism said that from early January, the tourism sector has actively implemented tourism promotion measures to lure visitors, as it endeavours to fulfill a target of receiving 15-17 million foreign visitors this year.<br /></span><span style="font-size: 16px"><br /> As part its efforts, Vietnam joined ASEAN Tourism Forum 2018 in Thailand with a wide range of activities such as building a joint tourism pavilion, and organizing a “Vietnam Night” event to showcase the country’s tourism and its role in hosting the ASEAN Tourism Forum 2019 in Ha Long, Quang Ninh province.  Vietnam won 14 ASEAN tourism awards at the event.<br /></span><span style="font-size: 16px"><br /> Last year, the country welcomed nearly 13 million foreign visitors, and served 74 million domestic tourists. Vietnam’s tourism industry has always closely connected with ASEAN countries and partners in the aim of achieving sustainable and prosperous development goals.</span></p> <br /> Vietnam welcomes more than 1.43 million foreign visitors in January Related image(s)<br /> <img height="200" src="http://ifttt.com/images/no_image_card.png" width="200" /><br />

Vietnam welcomes more than 1.43 million foreign visitors in January

Vietnam welcomes more than 1.43 million foreign visitors in January Visitors from the EU, US, and Australia rose high because of increasing...

+ Read more »

Phu Quoc airport’s passenger throughput exceeds capacity

Phu Quoc airport’s passenger throughput exceeds capacity <div><strong><span>Phu Quoc international airport (Source: VNA)</span></strong></div> <p><strong>Kien Giang (VNA)</strong> – Three million passengers arrived at Phu Quoc international airport in 2017, surpassing its designed throughput capacity of 2.6 million people.</p> <p>During the busiest time of the year, the airport served approximately 12,000 passengers a day, with international airlines such as Asiana Airlines, Bangkok Airways and China Southern Airlines operating.</p> <p>The number of passengers using the airport is forecast to hit 5 million in the next two or three years. It is planning to begin the second phase of construction, with total investment of 3 trillion VND (132 million USD), to keep up with increasing demand.</p> <p>Vice Chairman of the Phu Quoc People’s Committee said in the past five years, the airport has contributed significantly to local socio-economic development, particularly tourism and investment attraction.</p> <p>Phu Quoc island, the nation’s biggest island with an area of nearly 600 square kilometres, is endowed with favourable natural conditions for developing ecotourism such as beautiful beaches with white and golden sand, crystal-clear and blue water, pristine forests and a mild climate.</p> <p>It sits in a favourable location to connect with key tourism markets in the region and the world.</p> <p>In 2017, Phu Quoc welcomed 2 million tourists, up 35 percent from 2016. Of the total, over 361,450 were foreigners, an annual increase of 72 percent.-VNA</p> <br /> Phu Quoc airport’s passenger throughput exceeds capacity Related image(s)<br /> <img height="200" src="http://ifttt.com/images/no_image_card.png" width="200" /><br />

Phu Quoc airport’s passenger throughput exceeds capacity

Phu Quoc airport’s passenger throughput exceeds capacity Phu Quoc international airport (Source: VNA) Kien Giang (VNA) – Three million pas...

+ Read more »

Da Lat’s Tuyen Lam Lake site recognised as national tourism site

Da Lat’s Tuyen Lam Lake site recognised as national tourism site <p><em>Tuyen Lam Lake tourist site in Da Lat city, the Central Highlands province of Lam Dong was officially recognised as a national tourism site, the first national tourism site of its kind in Vietnam.</em></p> <p class=" a-c"><em>A corner of the Tuyen Lam Lake </em></p> <p>The People’s Committee of Lam Dong province held a ceremony on January 27 to announce the Prime Minister’s decision regarding the recognition of the national tourism site.</p> <p>The Tuyen Lam national tourism site is about 5km south of the inner Da Lat city and covers nearly 3,000ha including 10% of water surface area. The tourism site has begun operation since 2004 and it welcomed over two million visitors in 2017.</p> <p class=" a-c"><em>Prunus cerasoides cherry trees in full bloom</em></p> <p>At the ceremony, the Organising Board also announced the opening of the Da Lat cherry blossom festival 2017 and presented the title ‘Da Lat – ASEAN Environmentally Sustainable City’ to Da Lat authorities, which is the fourth year Da Lat has been honoured with the title.</p> <p>Da Lat is located in the buffer zone of the Lang Biang Biosphere Reserve including over 19ha of special-use forest and protection forest which is also home to over 3,000 species of plants.</p> <p>Da Lat has approximately 200,000 prunus cerasoides cherry trees including more than 35,000 trees at the Tuyen Lam Lake national tourism site.</p> <p>This year’s cheery blossom festival features various activities which mainly take place on streets named after flowers including Phuong Tim, Cam Tu Cau, Do Quyen, Hoa Hong streets among others.</p> <p><em>Nhan Dan</em></p> <br /> Da Lat’s Tuyen Lam Lake site recognised as national tourism site Related image(s)<br /> <img height="200" src="http://ifttt.com/images/no_image_card.png" width="200" /><br />

Da Lat’s Tuyen Lam Lake site recognised as national tourism site

Da Lat’s Tuyen Lam Lake site recognised as national tourism site Tuyen Lam Lake tourist site in Da Lat city, the Central Highlands province ...

+ Read more »

Tangerine farms in Dong Thap ready for visitors during Tet

Tangerine farms in Dong Thap ready for visitors during Tet <div align="center"></div> <p>Throngs of holiday-makers from Ho Chi Minh City are flocking to the gardens in Lai Vung to witness the ripening season and take photos while spending a day picking fruit.</p> <p>Travellers are advised to drop by the orchards by the 20th of the 12th lunar month, which falls on February 5 this year, as local farmers will start picking fruit for sale during the peak Tet (Lunar New Year) season.</p> <p>From HCM City, travellers can take a bus to Dong Thap province at tour operators’ offices on Pham Ngu Lao, De Tham and Bui Vien streets in district 1 or at a bus station on Le Hong Phong street in district 10.</p> <br /> Tangerine farms in Dong Thap ready for visitors during Tet Related image(s)<br /> <img height="200" src="http://ifttt.com/images/no_image_card.png" width="200" /><br />

Tangerine farms in Dong Thap ready for visitors during Tet

Tangerine farms in Dong Thap ready for visitors during Tet Throngs of holiday-makers from Ho Chi Minh City are flocking to the gardens in L...

+ Read more »

Rice paper village keeps ancient craft alive

Rice paper village keeps ancient craft alive <p><em>VietNamNet Bridge – Take a trip 40 kilometres outside Can Tho City and you’ll notice panels of rice papers drying in the sun on rattan racks lining the roads in Thot Not District’s Thuan Hung Ward.</em></p> <p>Home to the Thuan Hung rice paper village, the ward has around 50 professional rice paper businesses.</p> <p>No one knows when the rice paper making began here, but households in the area say they have been making the item for around 200 years, a craft passed down from generation to generation.</p> <p>Since demand has always been steady for their products in this part of the country, villagers would often start the day at 2am, finish work at 4pm, and don’t go to bed until around 8pm. During peak season, which starts three months before Tet, they may even have to stay up all night.</p> <p>At times, demand could soar so high the workers can barely keep up with production schedules and have to turn down new customers.</p> <p>The village households specialise in making different kinds of flavoured rice paper: plain, salted, sweetened and coconut, all of which can be used to wrap spring rolls, dip in water, grill, or eat raw.</p> <p>Plain rice paper is especially popular during Tet (Lunar New Year) holiday, as it is used as offerings to ancestors and as treats for guests.</p> <p>“We only use rice, clean river water, and other ingredients like salt or sugar. Strictly no preservatives or chemicals, only natural ingredients,” said Nguyen Huu Nghia, who has owned his rice paper business for 30 years.</p> <p>Despite the simple recipe, making good rice paper is a demanding skill and requires precision in selecting the right kind of rice as well as finesse in cooking and handling the rice paper.</p> <p>First, rice is soaked in river water and then ground. The cook then pours and spreads the batter into a circular shape onto a piping hot griddle which sits on top of a pot of steaming, boiling hot water. The batter is covered with a rattan “hat”, which helps to trap the heat and cook the paper in less than 10 seconds. </p> <p>Since the freshly cooked rice papers are extremely fragile, the cook has to gently remove the paper with a cylindrical bamboo roll wrapped in cloth and transfer it to a cooling rack.</p> <p>Freshly cooked rice papers normally take around half an hour to dry if under bright sunlight, or a few hours otherwise. Most households have to stop working when it rains.</p> <p>Quality rice paper is expected to be smooth and crispy, with a satisfying crunch when bitten, yet soft and chewy when dipped in water.</p> <p>The businesses also provide jobs for the village, since most households need extra workers to cope with demand. On average, workers make VND70,000 – 120,000 (US$3 – 5) per day.</p> <p>Two households invested in rice paper factories with automated machinery and production lines to great success, but others are hesitant about bringing in technology.</p> <p>A typical household can make around 32 kilos of rice paper per day. Each household can make from VND200,000 to 700,000 per day, depending on their output.</p> <p>About 60 per cent of the rice paper businesses operate on a daily basis, while the rest only work during the peak season to pursue better-paying jobs the rest of the year.</p> <p>Rice paper making is a tiring and time-consuming job that pays relatively poorly, but the local villagers are determined to keep the traditional craft alive.</p> <p>“Our family has been making rice paper for three generations now and our daughter is now making rice paper for a living,” said Ha Thi Sau, who has been in the business for 30 years.</p> <p>Little competition exists between the businesses even though many of them are clustered together and share tips with each other.</p> <p>In 2008, Can Tho City recognised the village as a place of attraction deserving of value and preservation.</p> <p>But, despite its rich history and popularity, Thuan Hung Village is not a famous tourist attraction and only occasionally visited by people on their way to other well-known places.</p> <p>To create better awareness of its special product and tourism potential, the local authority is looking at plans to create a brand for Thuan Hung rice paper by 2019, according to the deputy chairman of Thuan Hung People’s Committee.  </p> <p><em><strong>Nguyen Viet Dung</strong></em></p> <p><em>Source: VNS</em></p> <br /> Rice paper village keeps ancient craft alive Related image(s)<br /> <img height="200" src="http://ifttt.com/images/no_image_card.png" width="200" /><br />

Rice paper village keeps ancient craft alive

Rice paper village keeps ancient craft alive VietNamNet Bridge – Take a trip 40 kilometres outside Can Tho City and you’ll notice panels of ...

+ Read more »

National Tourism Year 2018 to be held in Quang Ninh

National Tourism Year 2018 to be held in Quang Ninh <p><em>The National Tourism Year 2018 is scheduled to be held on April 28, said Chairman of the Quang Ninh provincial People’s Committee Nguyen Duc Long.</em></p> <p>The event is an opportunity for the northern province of Quang Ninh to promote its image to international friends.</p> <p>The province, which is home to the World Heritage site of Ha Long Bay, will host the National Tourism Year 2018 themed “Ha Long-Heritage, Wonder, Friendly Destination”. </p> <p> About 100 events will be held during the year by Quang Ninh province, the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism and other localities.</p> <p>Highlights of the National Tourism Year 2018 will include the opening ceremony and Carnaval Ha Long 2018 in Ha Long city.</p> <p>Meanwhile, the closing programme will be held in January 2019 in combination with the opening of the ASEAN Tourism Forum 2019 and the Ha Long – FLC 2019 open golf tournament.</p> <p>The head of the local Tourism Department stressed that Quang Ninh is focusing on developing four main tourist zones, namely Ha Long with the centre being Ha Long Bay, Mong Cai-Tra Co with border tourism, Van Don-Co To with island and resort tourism, and Uong Bi-Dong Trieu-Quang Yen with the Yen Tu cultural and spiritual tourism site as the main attraction.</p> <p>Thanks to its clear investment policies, Quang Ninh has attracted a lot of strategic investors in luxury service tourism projects, thus helping change the face of the province and its tourism sector.</p> <p>To date, some projects have been put into operation and produced effective results such as the Vincom Ha Long commercial centre, Marina Plaza amusement park, Sun World Ha Long Park, and the five-star Vinpearl Ha Long Bay Resort, Wyndham and Hoang Gia (Royal) Hotels.</p> <p><em>VGP </em></p> <br /> National Tourism Year 2018 to be held in Quang Ninh Related image(s)<br /> <img height="200" src="http://ifttt.com/images/no_image_card.png" width="200" /><br />

National Tourism Year 2018 to be held in Quang Ninh

National Tourism Year 2018 to be held in Quang Ninh The National Tourism Year 2018 is scheduled to be held on April 28, said Chairman of the...

+ Read more »

Vietjet launches promotional tickets marking U23 Vietnam victory

Vietjet launches promotional tickets marking U23 Vietnam victory <div align="center"></div> <p>The promotional tickets are available for all Vietjet’s international and domestic routes flying to Seoul, Busan (the Republic of Korea)/ Hong Kong/ Kaoshiung, Taipei, Taichung, Tainan (Taiwan-China)/ Singapore/ Bangkok, Phuket, Chiang Mai (Thailand)/ Kuala Lumpur (Malaysia)/ Yangon (Myanmar)/ Phnom Penh, Siem Reap (Cambodia) with the flight period from March 1, 2018 to December 31, 2018.</p> <p>With hundreds of millions of football fans, Vietjet is proud of what U23 Vietnam “bravery warriors” have done at 2018 AFC U23 Championship and expects the team will be confident, win at the final match, and bring the greatest happiness to the country.</p> <p>The promotional tickets are available during the golden hours from 12:00 to 14:00 (GMT 7) on http://bit.ly/P4vpjt (also compatible with smartphones at http://bit.ly/1BDdBzh) or http://bit.ly/1zyybAq (just click the “Booking” tab); payment can be easily made with debit and credit cards of Visa/ MasterCard/ AMEX/ JCB/ KCP/ any ATM card issued by 32 Vietnamese banks that have been registered with internet banking.</p> <p>Vietjet is a pioneering airline that is loved by many for its exciting promotional and entertainment programs, especially during the festive season. Vietjet continually opens more new routes, adds new aircraft, invests in modern technology, offers much more added-on products and services to serve all customers’ demands.-</p> <br /> Vietjet launches promotional tickets marking U23 Vietnam victory Related image(s)<br /> <img height="200" src="http://ifttt.com/images/no_image_card.png" width="200" /><br />

Vietjet launches promotional tickets marking U23 Vietnam victory

Vietjet launches promotional tickets marking U23 Vietnam victory The promotional tickets are available for all Vietjet’s international and ...

+ Read more »

A 100-year-old French architectural building in Saigon

A 100-year-old French architectural building in Saigon <p><em>Those passing by Tran Hung Dao Street in District 1, HCMC might see a nearly-100-year-old building attached to the story about Nguyen Van Hao, one of the wealthiest businessmen in Saigon, the former name of HCMC, in the early 20th century.</em></p> <p>Lying at the junction of Tran Hung Dao, Ky Con and Yersin streets in the heart of the city, its history dates back to the French colonial time as construction of the building began in 1933 and was completed four years later.</p> <p>The house once belonged to Hao who was born into a farming family in the Mekong Delta province of Tra Vinh and moved to Saigon for work at a young age.</p> <p>He started as vendor of auto parts and accessories and his business thrived in the early 20th century given the growing demand of long-distance travel in the Mekong Delta and the rise of private cars.</p> <p>He quickly established himself as one of the most successful and richest businessmen in the city at the time.</p> <p>The three-storey property in a boat-shape is characterized by French architectural features and his name has been carved on the exterior of the building as a way to preserve the traces of his family.</p> <p>However, Hao traveled out of the city in 1966 to return to his hometown in Tra Vinh Province after his wife died, leaving the house to his only son identified as Nguyen Tam Thanh.</p> <p>Huynh Gia Tien, the 58-year-old nearby resident, says after nearly one century of existence, the old building has become shabby.</p> <p>“Currently, part of the building is divided into small units for rent and many descendants of the former rich businessman are still staying on the upper levels of the building, but the heydays of the family have gone away”, Tien added.</p> <br /> A 100-year-old French architectural building in Saigon Related image(s)<br /> <img height="200" src="http://ifttt.com/images/no_image_card.png" width="200" /><br />

A 100-year-old French architectural building in Saigon

A 100-year-old French architectural building in Saigon Those passing by Tran Hung Dao Street in District 1, HCMC might see a nearly-100-year...

+ Read more »

Vietnamese, Japanese travel firms foster connectivity

Vietnamese, Japanese travel firms foster connectivity <p><em>As many as 200 representatives of nearly 80 travel firms of Vietnam and Japan gathered for a meeting held by the Japan National Tourism Organisation (JNTO) in Ho Chi Minh on January 25.</em></p> <p class=" a-c"><em>Vietnamese tourists in Tokyo, Japan</em></p> <p>The meeting is a chance for the firms to set up partnership and explore tourism promotion activities in each other’s country, thus fostering friendship between Vietnam and Japan.</p> <p>Addressing the event, JNTO Vice President Kobori Mamoru said that last year, Japan for the first time welcomed more than 300,000 Vietnamese visitors, a record number from only 55,000 in 2012.</p> <p>He stressed that this year marks the 45th anniversary of the Vietnam-Japan diplomatic relations, hoping that this will be a favourable stage for both sides to work together to strengthen ties in politics, economy, culture, society and tourism.</p> <p>Meanwhile, Nguyen Thi Anh Hoa, Vice Director of the Ho Chi Minh City Department of Tourism, said that Japan is one of the top international markets of Vietnam.</p> <p>In 2017, the city served nearly 400,000 Japanese visitors, up 5.8 percent over 2016, she noted, holding that this is the result of fruitful tourism cooperation between the two countries as well as joint efforts of businesses of Vietnam and Japan.</p> <p>Hoa said that in 2018, the city’s tourism sector will foster connection with Japanese localities and travel firms to bring more Vietnamese tourists to Japan and vice versa. – <em>VNA</em></p> <br /> Vietnamese, Japanese travel firms foster connectivity Related image(s)<br /> <img height="200" src="http://ifttt.com/images/no_image_card.png" width="200" /><br />

Vietnamese, Japanese travel firms foster connectivity

Vietnamese, Japanese travel firms foster connectivity As many as 200 representatives of nearly 80 travel firms of Vietnam and Japan gathered...

+ Read more »

Vietnam tourism flourishing, seeking bigger spenders

Vietnam tourism flourishing, seeking bigger spenders <p><strong>Enhanced image</strong></p> <p>Vietnam’s tourism sector ended 2017 on a high, after fully fulfilling the tasks assigned by the prime minister.</p> <p>Hoang Nhan Chinh, head of the Tourism Advisory Board secretariat, said the number of foreign visitors grew 30 percent in 2017. According to the government’s assessment of Vietnam’s economy, services contributed the most to the gross domestic product (GDP) growth in 2017, of which domestic trade and international travel were the main driving forces. “This is a valid assessment of the contribution and importance of tourism in national economic development,” Hoang Nhan Chinh said.</p> <p>The impressive growth of the tourism sector in 2017 was attributed to various factors, in particular, the successful organization of APEC 2017 events that raised awareness of the country’s standing among the 21 member economies of the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation forum. Nguyen Tien Dat, deputy director of the TransViet Travel Co., Ltd, said that through APEC 2017, Vietnam confirmed its capacity to organize major, large-scale international events. With the presence of many investors and businesses in the world at APEC 2017 conferences, seminars and other events, Vietnam was provided opportunities to promote trade, investment and tourism.</p> <p><strong>Attracting big spenders</strong></p> <p>Vietnam is considered a unique and different tourism destination thanks to its landscape and diversity in terms of culture, customs and traditions, which have been shaped and practiced across the nation for thousands of years.</p> <p>However, the country has not focused sufficiently on diversifying its potential tourism source markets. Vu The Binh, deputy chairman of the Vietnam Tourism Association, said China and the Republic of Korea are two of Vietnam’s leading tourism origin markets, while numerous potential markets such as the US, Europe, Japan, Western Europe and India are lagging.</p> <p>Nguyen Tien Dat said China is Vietnam’s leading tourism origin market, but spending of those tourists is always low at just US$640 per visitor, while those from Europe and North Asia often spend more than US$1,000 each. If the country keeps focusing on quantity only, tourism revenues will remain limited, Nguyen Tien Dat noted.</p> <p>According to Hoang Nhan Chinh, the tourism sector should focus on developing potential high-spending tourism markets, such as the countries of Europe, North America, Australia, Russia and North Asia. In addition, the sector should diversify tourism products and develop its infrastructure.</p> <p>Tourism experts also recommend improving visa policy, extending to 30 days the visas issued to tourists from countries such as Russia, the UK, France, Germany, Spain, Italy, Sweden, Denmark, Norway, Finland, the Republic of Korea and Japan. In addition, to providing more favorable conditions for international tourists, the government should also list the ban on foreigners with visa exemptions from returning to Vietnam within 30 days.</p> <p>The tourism sector should develop evaluation criteria for tourist attractions, and strengthen tourism management in order to enhance the image of Vietnam as a safe and attractive destination. Strengthening management of tourist attractions contributes to fundamental improvement of professionalism and service quality, while ensuring environmental sanitation in tourist attractions.</p> <p style="text-align:right;font-weight:bold">Hoa Quynh</p> <p style="text-align:right;font-weight:bold"></p> <br /> Vietnam tourism flourishing, seeking bigger spenders Related image(s)<br /> <img height="200" src="http://ifttt.com/images/no_image_card.png" width="200" /><br />

Vietnam tourism flourishing, seeking bigger spenders

Vietnam tourism flourishing, seeking bigger spenders Enhanced image Vietnam’s tourism sector ended 2017 on a high, after fully fulfilling t...

+ Read more »

Nguyen Hue Flower Street to bloom for Tet holiday

Nguyen Hue Flower Street to bloom for Tet holiday <p>NDO – The Nguyen Hue Flower Street 2017, the biggest annual event welcoming the lunar New Year, will be opened to the public on the evening of February 13.</p> <p>This is the 15th consecutive year the flower street on the occasion of Lunar New Year.</p> <p>With the theme “Khat vong vuon xa” , which means “Aspiration to reach further”, leaders of Ho Chi Minh City and the organisers hope to bring visitors new experiences and convey important cultural features and the national pride to visitors.</p> <p>The flower street lasts from February 13 (the 28th of the twelfth lunar month) to February 19 (the 4th of the first lunar month).</p> <p>Its mascot takes inspiration from the Phu Quoc Ridgeback, a breed of dog that is well known for being agile, intelligent and brave and who is from Phu Quoc Island off the Mekong Delta province of Kien Giang.</p> <p>The street which stretches around 720 meters also includes playgrounds for children and is perfect for lovers on the occasion of Valentine’s Day.</p> <br /> Nguyen Hue Flower Street to bloom for Tet holiday Related image(s)<br /> <img height="200" src="http://ifttt.com/images/no_image_card.png" width="200" /><br />

Nguyen Hue Flower Street to bloom for Tet holiday

Nguyen Hue Flower Street to bloom for Tet holiday NDO – The Nguyen Hue Flower Street 2017, the biggest annual event welcoming the lunar New ...

+ Read more »

Locals and expats back Bui Vien pedestrian street expansion

Locals and expats back Bui Vien pedestrian street expansion <p><em>Local residents and international visitors have shown support for a proposal by the authority of District 1 to enlarge Bui Vien pedestrian-only street in the backpacker’s area before the forthcoming Lunar New Year (Tet) holiday, which falls in mid-February.</em></p> <p class=" a-c"><em>Tourists are seen on Bui Vien pedestrian street</em></p> <p>As proposed by the district, the current pedestrian quarter in a section of Bui Vien Street would be expanded to cover the entire street and part of Nguyen Quang Dau Street by February 10.</p> <p>In a letter sent to the HCMC People’s Committee, the district also suggested keeping the pedestrian street operational on Fridays, instead of only Saturdays and Sundays as currently.</p> <p>In addition, the district is seeking approval from the municipal government to call for investment from private enterprises for cultural and entertainment activities on the city’s second pedestrian street during the five-year period. </p> <p>The expansion plan by the nation’s biggest holiday is hoped to provide a bigger space for Tet celebrations, ease overcrowding at the current pedestrian street and prop up the city’s tourism sector. </p> <p>Earlier, the district government sought public feedback from local residents and business facilities in the area, with most of them supporting the proposal.</p> <p>Kieu Thi My Thu, a 36-year-old souvenir shop owner on Bui Vien Street, told the Daily that she is satisfied with the expansion proposal as Bui Vien is currently overcrowded on two weekend days after more than five months of operation. </p> <p>However, security should be further tightened to ensure safety for tourists and residents, Thu added.</p> <p>Hoang Huy, a 27-year-old resident in District 7, says there should be more street food spaces on the pedestrian street to promote Vietnam’s culinary culture to international friends, instead of a slew of bars and restaurants.</p> <p>A Canadian tourist identified as Benjamin Mawdsley, who is running private English classes in HCMC, says Bui Vien Street is a perfect rendezvous for those from different cultures around the world where they can hang out with friends and enjoy food at an affordable price.</p> <p>He expects the city’s second pedestrian street should be open for pedestrians throughout the week in the future to make it one of the top destinations for international travelers to the city.</p> <p>Earlier, the city spent nearly VND13 billion developing Bui Vien into the city’s second pedestrian street, including two welcome gates, stages for music performances, security guards, free wifi and public toilets.</p> <p>Bui Vien is closed to traffic from 7 p.m. to 2 a.m. every Saturday and Sunday night, creating an open space for pedestrians and foreign tourists to enjoy dining and entertainment services and experience the bustling sight of city nightlife in the heart of the city.</p> <p>2017 was a booming year for the city’s tourism sector as the city has wooed more than 6.38 million international visitors, a year-on-year pickup of 22.8%, and obtained total tourism revenues of nearly VND116 trillion (US$5.1 billion), surging 12.6% against a year earlier, according to the municipal tourism department.</p> <p>HCMC, the country’s most dynamic and vibrant economic center, looks to lure 7.5 million foreign tourists this year, with total tourism revenue of VND138 trillion.</p> <p><em>SGT</em></p> <br /> Locals and expats back Bui Vien pedestrian street expansion Related image(s)<br /> <img height="200" src="http://ifttt.com/images/no_image_card.png" width="200" /><br />

Locals and expats back Bui Vien pedestrian street expansion

Locals and expats back Bui Vien pedestrian street expansion Local residents and international visitors have shown support for a proposal by ...

+ Read more »

Cua Van fishing village among world’s 16 most wonderful destinations

Cua Van fishing village among world’s 16 most wonderful destinations <p>In an article compiled by travel bloggers on the renowned travel site, the fishing village comes 14th among the 16 destinations for nature enthusiasts and is described as a hidden gem in the World Heritage-listed Halong Bay.</p> <p>Visiting Cua Van is seen as a once-in-a-lifetime experience. There, visitors can take a look at the beautiful limestone karsts and isles of Halong Bay, take photos of the floating fishing village with colorful raft houses and gain hands-on experience in daily lives of fishermen.</p> <p>The website of the Vietnam National Administration of Tourism (vietnamtourism.com) says Cua Van fishing village is home to more than 170 households whose subsistence livelihood mainly depends on fishing activity. Last year, the village also made the list of the top 30 travel destinations around the globe, voted by readers by the U.S.-based Travel + Leisure magazine.</p> <p>In 2015, the village was named the world’s most charming little town by the U.S. online newspaper Huffington Post and won the hearts of many domestic and international tourists by colorful floating houses, magnificent limestone hills and winding streets.</p> <p>Data of Halong City shows the number of visitors to the city last year climbed to 6.9 million, a year-on-year surge of 12.9%, with 2.94 million of them from abroad.</p> <p style="text-align: right;font-weight:bold;font-size:12px"><em>Source SGT</em></p> <br /> Cua Van fishing village among world’s 16 most wonderful destinations Related image(s)<br /> <img height="200" src="http://ifttt.com/images/no_image_card.png" width="200" /><br />

Cua Van fishing village among world’s 16 most wonderful destinations

Cua Van fishing village among world’s 16 most wonderful destinations In an article compiled by travel bloggers on the renowned travel site, ...

+ Read more »

Two Vietnamese hotels in Condé Nast Traveler 2018 Gold List

Two Vietnamese hotels in Condé Nast Traveler 2018 Gold List <div class="article-photo"><span>Sofitel Legend Metropole Hanoi. (File Photo)</span></div> <p><strong>Hanoi (VNA)</strong> – Sofitel Legend Metropole Hanoi and Park Hyatt Saigon, Ho ChiMinh City, were placed on the 2018 Gold List of the best hotels worldwide bythe US travel magazine Condé Nast Traveler.</p> <p>SofitelLegend Metropole, in the heart of Hanoi since 1901, “captures old-worldcolonial charm,” the magazine said. “It’sa peaceful refuge in a loud city.”</p> <p>Divided into two wings, the Metropole side blendsclassic French and Vietnamese styles while the contemporary Opera wing displaysneoclassical influences, it added.</p> <p>“Not since the Vietnam War have the outdoor cafétables immortalised in Graham Greene’s The Quiet American graced historic Lam SonSquare. In 2015, Park Hyatt Saigon brought al fresco dining back to theneighborhood at Opera, one of two restaurants designed by Japan’s acclaimedSuper Potato at the 259-room property,” the magazine described Park Hyatt Saigon.</p> <p>“By contrast, the hotel’s lobby exudes the quietelegance of bygone colonial residences.[…] Hotel stationery crafted fromindigenous seashells is instead a timeless treat,” it noted.</p> <p>This was the second time Sofitel LegendMetropole Hanoi has been named on the Gold List. The first was in 2016.-VNA</p> <br /> Two Vietnamese hotels in Condé Nast Traveler 2018 Gold List Related image(s)<br /> <img height="200" src="http://ifttt.com/images/no_image_card.png" width="200" /><br />

Two Vietnamese hotels in Condé Nast Traveler 2018 Gold List

Two Vietnamese hotels in Condé Nast Traveler 2018 Gold List Sofitel Legend Metropole Hanoi. (File Photo) Hanoi (VNA) – Sofitel Legend Metr...

+ Read more »

Vietnam Airlines plans more flights to Changzhou on U23 Vietnam’s final

Vietnam Airlines plans more flights to Changzhou on U23 Vietnam’s final <div> <div align="center"></div> </div> <p>It said on January 23 that it will cover all travel and accommodation expenses for trips to the final match of the AFC U23 Championship for two relatives of each player of the U23 Vietnam team from January 26 – 28.</p> <p><span>It will also offer free buses to take Vietnamese fans from the Changzhou Benniu airport, which is 20 kilometres far from the city to the Changzhou Olympic Stadium.</span></p> <p><span>The carrier will deploy Airbus A321 with high-quality services for the flights to Changzhou city.</span></p> <p><span>On January 23, Vietnam surprised the world by securing a berth in the final of the AFC U23 Championship after beating Qatar in a penalty shootout after an extraordinary 2-2 draw at the end of extra-time.</span></p> <p><span>Vietnam became the first Southeast Asian country to enter the final of the AFC U23 championship.</span></p> <br /> Vietnam Airlines plans more flights to Changzhou on U23 Vietnam’s final Related image(s)<br /> <img height="200" src="http://ifttt.com/images/no_image_card.png" width="200" /><br />

Vietnam Airlines plans more flights to Changzhou on U23 Vietnam’s final

Vietnam Airlines plans more flights to Changzhou on U23 Vietnam’s final It said on January 23 that it will cover all travel and accommoda...

+ Read more »

Vietnam emerges as attractive destination for luxurious foreign cruisers

Vietnam emerges as attractive destination for luxurious foreign cruisers <p>NDO/VNA – Vietnam has emerged as one of the most attractive destinations in Asia for international cruise ships with the arrival of more than 400 ships in 2017.</p> <p>The country ranked sixth among the regional countries most visited by cruise ships in 2017, following Japan, China, the Republic of Korea, Thailand and Malaysia.</p> <p>“Vietnam has become an increasingly popular destination for our guests from the US, Australia and Europe, as well as from Asian countries, and cruising is one of the best ways to explore this magnificent part of the world”, said Farriek Tawfik, Director of the Southeast Asia at Princess Cruises, a cruise line owned by the US Carnival Corporation & PLC.</p> <p>The Southeast Asian country poses huge potential for cruise travel. The nation has become an apple of foreign cruisers thanks to the growing population of the middle and affluent class which is expected to double in size between now and 2020, to 33 million, or one third of the country’s population.</p> <p>Farriek Tawfik said that cruise demand in the country surged 126% during 2012-2016, the strongest growth recorded in the Asian region. Quoting statistics from the Cruise Lines International Association, he stated that in 2012, there were only 158 Vietnamese cruise passengers; however, the number had gone up to 4,100 four years later.</p> <p>To attract more cruise liners, Vietnam should have sufficient sea port facilities and services at tourist attractions. A friendlier environment should be created for foreign visitors, through measures such as simplifying the visa granting procedures, according to Farriek Tawfik.</p> <br /> Vietnam emerges as attractive destination for luxurious foreign cruisers Related image(s)<br /> <img height="200" src="http://ifttt.com/images/no_image_card.png" width="200" /><br />

Vietnam emerges as attractive destination for luxurious foreign cruisers

Vietnam emerges as attractive destination for luxurious foreign cruisers NDO/VNA – Vietnam has emerged as one of the most attractive destina...

+ Read more »

Quang Ninh, Vietnam Airlines Corporation ink strategic cooperation

Quang Ninh, Vietnam Airlines Corporation ink strategic cooperation <div><span>At the signing ceremony. (Photo: baodautu.vn)</span></div> <p><strong>Quang Ninh (VNA)</strong> – A cooperation deal was inked between the northern province of Quang Ninh and the Vietnam Airlines Corporation on January 22 to boost tourism promotion, expand flight network from and to Van Don International Airport and popularise local tourism and Vietnam Airlines’ services.</p> <p>Quang Ninh will prepare facilities and support mechanisms for new air routes to lure more tourists while introducing local destinations in key markets like the EU, Australia and Northeast Asia.</p> <p>Meanwhile, Vietnam Airlines will study and increase flights to and from Van Don airport in 2018 and beyond. It will work with Quang Ninh to carry out tourism and investment programmes and sponsor cultural and tourism activities during 2018-2021.</p> <p>At the signing ceremony, Chairman of the provincial People’s Committee Nguyen Duc Long stressed that various key transport works will be put into use in June, including Ha Long-Hai Phong and Ha Long-Van Don expressways and Van Don International Airport. They have a crucial role in local socio-economic development, especially the establishment of the Van Don special administrative-economic zone, he added.</p> <p>The cooperation deal with Vietnam Airlines will open opportunities for the development of air transport in the province, Long noted.</p> <p>General Director of Vietnam Airlines Corporation Duong Tri Thanh committed to coordinating with Quang Ninh province to promote local cultural and tourism potential.</p> <p>He expressed his hope that the cooperation will help develop tourism in the northern region.</p> <p>The corporation has enjoyed long-standing collaboration with Quang Ninh province via tourism, trade and investment promotion activities. The province’s images have been introduced at Vietnam Airlines’s offices inside and outside the country and its Heritage magazine.-VNA</p> <br /> Quang Ninh, Vietnam Airlines Corporation ink strategic cooperation Related image(s)<br /> <img height="200" src="http://ifttt.com/images/no_image_card.png" width="200" /><br />

Quang Ninh, Vietnam Airlines Corporation ink strategic cooperation

Quang Ninh, Vietnam Airlines Corporation ink strategic cooperation At the signing ceremony. (Photo: baodautu.vn) Quang Ninh (VNA) – A coop...

+ Read more »

Syria promotes itself as a ‘tourist’ destination

Syria promotes itself as a ‘tourist’ destination <p class="Normal">It is over a year since Bashar al-Assad’s government, with the help of Russian air strikes and barrel bombs, pounded the rebel-held east of Aleppo into submission.</p> <p class="Normal">Buildings were flattened, those who survived were left terrorized, hungry and filled with despair, and the stench of dead bodies rose up from the rubble as families searched for their loved ones.</p> <p class="Normal">Now, having largely destroyed the city it sought to control, the Assad government wants the world to visit what remains: as a tourist destination.</p> <p class="Normal">This week the Syrian government is advertising Aleppo, along with other destinations in Syria, at the Fitur International Tourism Trade Fair in Madrid, “promoting” the country’s attractions to the world.</p> <p class="Normal">It is the first time Syria has attended the trade fair since 2011, before the war broke out.</p> <p class="Normal">Along with the ruins of Aleppo, it also encourages people to visit the ancient Roman-era ruins of Palmyra, the UNESCO-listed archaeological site which was twice controlled by the Islamic State (IS) group.</p> <p class="Normal">IS fighters blew up some of the temples and burial towers before being forced out of the city for the final time last year by Syrian government forces and their Russian backers.</p> <p class="Normal">“This year is the time to rebuild Syria and our economy,” Bassam Barsik, director of marketing at the Syrian Ministry of Tourism, told <em>AFP</em>.</p> <p class="Normal">Barsik said 1.3 million foreign visitors traveled to Syria last year, although that figure includes those who came from neighboring Lebanon for only one day.</p> <p class="Normal">“We’re targeting two million visitors this year,” he said.</p> <p class="Normal">He argued that religious destinations, such as the historic Christian town of Maaloula, one of the last places on earth where Aramaic is still spoken, are still a draw to tourists.</p> <p class="Normal">Damascus, Tartus, Latakia and the historic Crusader castle of Krak des Chevaliers close to the border with Lebanon, although damaged by bombing, are other possible attractions.</p> <p class="Normal">“In 2017, the army controlled much of the country, and that was a big help to promote Syria abroad and attract tourist groups again,” said Barsik.</p> <p class="Normal">Most countries advise citizens against all travel to Syria.</p> <p class="Normal">The war has displaced millions of people and is estimated to have claimed the lives of at least 340,000 people since 2011.</p> <br /> Syria promotes itself as a ‘tourist’ destination Related image(s)<br /> <img height="200" src="http://ifttt.com/images/no_image_card.png" width="200" /><br />

Syria promotes itself as a ‘tourist’ destination

Syria promotes itself as a ‘tourist’ destination It is over a year since Bashar al-Assad’s government, with the help of Russian air strikes ...

+ Read more »

Wanna visit Hanoi after seeing this CNN ad? This survey bets you will

Wanna visit Hanoi after seeing this CNN ad? This survey bets you will <p class="Normal">TV commercials aired by U.S. broadcaster <i>CNN </i>have been introducing Hanoi to people around the world for the past year, sparking an interest in travel to Vietnam’s capital.</p> <p class="Normal">The network started airing two commercials featuring the best of the 1,000-year-old capital in early March last year as part of a $2 million tourism deal with Hanoi.</p> <p class="Normal">In “Hanoi – Heart of Vietnam” and “Hanoi – Cradle of Heritage”, Australian travel writer Phoebe Lee visits the city’s most popular sites – the red The Huc Bridge across Hoan Kiem Lake, Saint Joseph’s Cathedral, the Temple of Literature, which was Vietnam’s first university, the Perfume Pagoda and the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum.</p> <p class="Normal">She is also seen enjoying a cyclo tour, a motorbike ride and a chat with a street vendor.</p> <p class="Normal">The ads have resulted in 92 percent of viewers saying they’d like to travel to Hanoi, a survey by U.K. research firm BDRC Continental has found.</p> <p class="Normal">Hanoi lured five million foreign tourists last year, up 23 percent against 2016, according to official data, and the city hopes the commercials will entice more in the year to come.</p> <p class="Normal">But many locals and experts say the efforts and money that Hanoi has spent will be in vain if tourists experience low-quality services.</p> <p class="Normal">It would be better if the city could guarantee quality services so that tourists want to come back for more.</p> <p class="Normal">Return tourism is a <a href="https://e.vnexpress.net/news/travel-life/travel/vietnam-attracts-record-tourist-numbers-in-2017-but-can-t-escape-bad-reputation-3692288.html"><span style="color:#a52a2a">problem</span></a> for Vietnam, even though the country welcomed a record 12.9 million foreign visitors in 2017, up 29.1 percent from the previous year, according to the General Statistics Office.</p> <p class="Normal">Official data published in August last year shows that 80 percent of foreign visitors <a href="https://e.vnexpress.net/projects/foreign-tourists-keep-flocking-to-vietnam-but-whether-they-come-back-is-another-story-3636728/index.html"><span style="color:#b22222">don’t return</span></a> to Vietnam.</p> <p class="Normal">Another problem that insiders want Vietnam to improve on is that it prioritizes certain tourist destinations.</p> <p class="Normal">“The biggest complaint is how the Vietnamese tourism industry focuses too much on the Five H’s – plus S for Sa Pa – which are overcrowded now and have lost their ambiance and charm,” Carl Robinson, a former American war correspondent who used to lead tours in Vietnam, told <em>VnExpress International</em> in September last year, referring to Vietnam’s five top tourist destinations: Hanoi, Ha Long, Hue, Hoi An and Ho Chi Minh City.</p> <p class="Normal">“Why aren’t tourists visiting other more off-the-map places where they can still experience the ‘real’ Vietnam? Most people are satisfied with doing the same-same as everybody else and where they are basically hanging with other tourists in bars and restaurants,” he said.</p> <p class="Normal">“The only Vietnamese they meet are in many ways the hustlers and hasslers. It makes a bad impression and no wonder people don’t come back,” he added.</p> <br /> Wanna visit Hanoi after seeing this CNN ad? This survey bets you will Related image(s)<br /> <img height="200" src="http://ifttt.com/images/no_image_card.png" width="200" /><br />

Wanna visit Hanoi after seeing this CNN ad? This survey bets you will

Wanna visit Hanoi after seeing this CNN ad? This survey bets you will TV commercials aired by U.S. broadcaster CNN  have been introducing Ha...

+ Read more »

Tour offers new views of Hanoi

Tour offers new views of Hanoi <p><em>New tours highlighting the remarkable museums, theatres and relics in the capital will be launched by the Viet Nam National Administration of Tourism (VNAT).</em></p> <p class=" a-c"><em>Tourists visit Bach Ma Temple in Hanoi Old Quarter, a part of the tour History of Viet Nam – Discovering of the Earth. — Photo cinet.vn</em></p> <p>The VNAT co-operated with travel agents to organise pilot tours to connect tourists with some attractions of the capital on January 18 and 19.</p> <p>The activity aims to realise the direction of Minister of Culture, Sports and Tourism Nguyễn Ngọc Thiện on plans to organise high-quality art programmes and build cultural products to serve tourists, according to Nguyễn Đạo Dũng, vice chairman of the Travel Department (under the VNAT).</p> <p>Following the direction, the VNAT co-ordinated with the Việt Nam National Museum of History, the Việt Nam Fine Arts Museum, the Việt Nam National Puppetry Theatre, the Centre for Research, Preservation and Promotion of Vietnamese Traditional Culture and travel enterprises to build tours to connect museums and theatres with tourism products.</p> <p>Tours entitled “History of Việt Nam – Discovering of the Earth”, “History of Việt Nam – Dawn on the Rivers”, “Vietnamese Fine Arts – Treasures in Hà Nội” and “Việt Nam Countryside – a View” have been carried out.</p> <p>“We want to bring more visitors to these places to give them a panoramic view of the culture and history of Việt Nam in general and Hà Nội in particular,” said Dũng.</p> <p>“Now foreign tourists to Hà Nội have more options to visit.” — <em>VNS</em></p> <br /> Tour offers new views of Hanoi Related image(s)<br /> <img height="200" src="http://ifttt.com/images/no_image_card.png" width="200" /><br />

Tour offers new views of Hanoi

Tour offers new views of Hanoi New tours highlighting the remarkable museums, theatres and relics in the capital will be launched by the Vie...

+ Read more »

Vietnamese tourism showcased in Thailand

Vietnamese tourism showcased in Thailand <div> <div><span>Vietnam will promote itself as a safe, friendly and attractive destination. (Photo: anbinhtravel.com)</span></div> <p><strong><br /> Hanoi (VNA)</strong> – Vietnam is participating in an ASEAN Tourism Forum (ATF) in Chiang Mai, Thailand, from January 22-26 by hosting artistic performance to promote Vietnam’s tourism.</p> </div> <div> </div> <div>This will help promote Vietnam’s integration into ASEAN, helping define its role as an active member state of the regional community. <p>The involvement also aims to promote Vietnam as a safe, friendly and attractive destination to ASEAN countries and help prepare the country’s role in hosting ATF 2019.</p> <p>The Chiang Mai forum is also an opportunity for localities and Vietnam’s tourism agencies to work with international tourism agencies and organisations.</p> <p>Vietnam will join a series of activities, including a meeting of ASEAN national tourism organisations with China, Japan and the Republic of Korea, talking to ASEAN tourism ministers, and meeting with consultation teams from Russia and India.</p> <p>The Vietnam National Administration of Tourism will cooperate with localities and businesses to organise a Vietnam tourism booth in a Travel Exchange (TRAVEX) trade fair. </p> <p>Vietnam will also host a press briefing on its tourism and services as well as promoting the Hanoi – Ninh Binh – Ha Long triangle. The event introduces Vietnam as the host of the forum next year in Ha Long city. </p> <p>The Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism will host a Vietnam Night for more than 700 people. Traditional arts performance and an “ao dai” catwalk show will be featured.</p> <p>ATF is hosted on a rotational basis among the ASEAN countries.-VNA</p> </div> <br /> Vietnamese tourism showcased in Thailand Related image(s)<br /> <img height="200" src="http://ifttt.com/images/no_image_card.png" width="200" /><br />

Vietnamese tourism showcased in Thailand

Vietnamese tourism showcased in Thailand Vietnam will promote itself as a safe, friendly and attractive destination. (Photo: anbinhtravel.c...

+ Read more »

Vietnam’s capital hoping to welcome more visitors thanks to CNN ads

Vietnam’s capital hoping to welcome more visitors thanks to CNN ads <p class="Normal">TV commercials aired by U.S. broadcaster <i>CNN </i>have been introducing Hanoi to people around the world for the past year, sparking an interest in travel to Vietnam’s capital.</p> <p class="Normal">The network started airing two commercials featuring the best of the 1,000-year-old capital in early March last year as part of a $2 million tourism deal with Hanoi.</p> <p class="Normal">In “Hanoi – Heart of Vietnam” and “Hanoi – Cradle of Heritage”, Australian travel writer Phoebe Lee visits the city’s most popular sites – the red The Huc Bridge across Hoan Kiem Lake, Saint Joseph’s Cathedral, the Temple of Literature, which was Vietnam’s first university, the Perfume Pagoda and the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum.</p> <p class="Normal">She is also seen enjoying a cyclo tour, a motorbike ride and a chat with a street vendor.</p> <p class="Normal">The ads have resulted in 92 percent of viewers saying they’d like to travel to Hanoi, a survey by U.K. research firm BDRC Continental has found.</p> <p class="Normal">Hanoi lured five million foreign tourists last year, up 23 percent against 2016, according to official data, and the city hopes the commercials will entice more in the year to come.</p> <p class="Normal">But many locals and experts say the efforts and money that Hanoi has spent will be in vain if tourists experience low-quality services.</p> <p class="Normal">It would be better if the city could guarantee quality services so that tourists want to come back for more.</p> <p class="Normal">Return tourism is a <a href="https://e.vnexpress.net/news/travel-life/travel/vietnam-attracts-record-tourist-numbers-in-2017-but-can-t-escape-bad-reputation-3692288.html"><span style="color:#a52a2a">problem</span></a> for Vietnam, even though the country welcomed a record 12.9 million foreign visitors in 2017, up 29.1 percent from the previous year, according to the General Statistics Office.</p> <p class="Normal">Official data published in August last year shows that 80 percent of foreign visitors <a href="https://e.vnexpress.net/projects/foreign-tourists-keep-flocking-to-vietnam-but-whether-they-come-back-is-another-story-3636728/index.html"><span style="color:#b22222">don’t return</span></a> to Vietnam.</p> <p class="Normal">Another problem that insiders want Vietnam to improve on is that it prioritizes certain tourist destinations.</p> <p class="Normal">“The biggest complaint is how the Vietnamese tourism industry focuses too much on the Five H’s – plus S for Sa Pa – which are overcrowded now and have lost their ambiance and charm,” Carl Robinson, a former American war correspondent who used to lead tours in Vietnam, told <em>VnExpress International</em> in September last year, referring to Vietnam’s five top tourist destinations: Hanoi, Ha Long, Hue, Hoi An and Ho Chi Minh City.</p> <p class="Normal">“Why aren’t tourists visiting other more off-the-map places where they can still experience the ‘real’ Vietnam? Most people are satisfied with doing the same-same as everybody else and where they are basically hanging with other tourists in bars and restaurants,” he said.</p> <p class="Normal">“The only Vietnamese they meet are in many ways the hustlers and hasslers. It makes a bad impression and no wonder people don’t come back,” he added.</p> <br /> Vietnam’s capital hoping to welcome more visitors thanks to CNN ads Related image(s)<br /> <img height="200" src="http://ifttt.com/images/no_image_card.png" width="200" /><br />

Vietnam’s capital hoping to welcome more visitors thanks to CNN ads

Vietnam’s capital hoping to welcome more visitors thanks to CNN ads TV commercials aired by U.S. broadcaster CNN  have been introducing Hano...

+ Read more »

Largest sunflower valley in Vietnam magnetised tourists

Largest sunflower valley in Vietnam magnetised tourists <p><em>With the Lunar New Year coming in less than a month, Vietnam’s largest valley of sunflowers in the central province of Nghe An has been drawing in nature-lovers, especially young with a flare for botanical photography.</em></p> <p>Several years ago, the locals of Nghia Dan district used to harvest sunflowers to feed their cattle. However, since Nghe An province started taking tourism to heart, the enormous valley of sunflowers has becoming a rising attraction</p> <p><em>VIR/VNE</em></p> <br /> Largest sunflower valley in Vietnam magnetised tourists Related image(s)<br /> <img height="200" src="http://ifttt.com/images/no_image_card.png" width="200" /><br />

Largest sunflower valley in Vietnam magnetised tourists

Largest sunflower valley in Vietnam magnetised tourists With the Lunar New Year coming in less than a month, Vietnam’s largest valley of sun...

+ Read more »

Vietnam Airlines offers free ground transport for Vietnamese fans at AFC U-23 Champs

Vietnam Airlines offers free ground transport for Vietnamese fans at AFC U-23 Champs <div align="center"></div> <p>The transport service is arranged by national flag carrier Vietnam Airlines in collaboration with Vietnam’s Consulate General in Shanghai. After the match, fans will be transported to Shanghai’s downtown area.</p> <p>Vietnam Airlines says it is ready to increase the number of flights between Hanoi/HCM city and Shanghai to meet the demand of Vietnamese football fans. </p> <p>The carrier is currently operating one flight a day between Vietnam and Shanghai, using state-of-the-art Airbus A350-900XWB aircraft.</p> <p>To register for the free transport service to the stadium, fans are recommended to log on to <a href="https://www.facebook.com/vietnamairlines/" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">facebook.com/vietnamairlines</a> or call Vietnam Airlines’ customer service at 1900 1100.</p> <br /> Vietnam Airlines offers free ground transport for Vietnamese fans at AFC U-23 Champs Related image(s)<br /> <img height="200" src="http://ifttt.com/images/no_image_card.png" width="200" /><br />

Vietnam Airlines offers free ground transport for Vietnamese fans at AFC U-23 Champs

Vietnam Airlines offers free ground transport for Vietnamese fans at AFC U-23 Champs The transport service is arranged by national flag car...

+ Read more »

Can Tho city welcomes 7.5 million tourists in 2017

Can Tho city welcomes 7.5 million tourists in 2017 <div class="article-photo"><a href="https://imgen.vietnamplus.vn/t660/Uploaded/wbxx/2018_01_22/Can_Tho.jpg"></a>Visitors at Cai Rang Floating Market in Can Tho city (Source: VNA)</div> <p><strong>HCM City (VNA)</strong> – The Mekong Deltacity of Can Tho enjoyed strong growth in tourism last year due to a series ofinternational political and cultural events and traditional festivals,according to the municipal Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism.</p> <p>The number of tourist arrivals surged 40 percentto 7.5 million, while tourism revenues rose 61 percent to 2.9 trillion VND (127.6million USD).</p> <p>The political, cultural and tourism eventsthe city hosted included the APEC Food Security Week, Vietnam-Japan Culture andTrade Exchange, and the Southern Traditional Cake Festival.</p> <p>The tourism sector is focusing ondeveloping river-based tourism, especially upscale products such as three- tofive-star cruise ships, Le Minh Son, deputy director of the department, said.</p> <p>It is encouraging investors to developinter-provincial and international river-based tours, he said.</p> <p>The tours are designed to take inhistorical and cultural relics, traditional craft villages, and ecological andspiritual destinations.</p> <p>Last year the neighbouring province of AnGiang attracted 7.3 million visitors, up 12 percent, earning revenues of 3.7trillion VND (162.8 million USD).</p> <p>The province is the centre of spiritualtourism in the south, with people flocking especially to Ba Chua Xu Temple in ChauDoc town.</p> <p>Kiên Giang province, with its beautifullandscapes, islands such as Phu Quoc, archipelagoes such as Nam Du and Ba Lua andthe U Minh Thuong National Park, attracted more than six million visitors lastyear.</p> <p>The province’s tourism revenues were worthmore than 4.58 trillion VND (201.52 million USD), the highest in the delta. -VNA</p> <br /> Can Tho city welcomes 7.5 million tourists in 2017 Related image(s)<br /> <img height="200" src="http://ifttt.com/images/no_image_card.png" width="200" /><br />

Can Tho city welcomes 7.5 million tourists in 2017

Can Tho city welcomes 7.5 million tourists in 2017 Visitors at Cai Rang Floating Market in Can Tho city (Source: VNA) HCM City (VNA) – The...

+ Read more »

Hai Phong lures tourists with history

Hai Phong lures tourists with history <p><em>People know Hai Phong as a city of flamboyant trees, an important industrial centre and the biggest port in the north. The city has also long been a tourism hub with beaches embracing the city and top class entertainment areas. Hai Phong is also known for its long history and cultural traditions, but few realise it is close to three battles that free Vietnam from Chinese and Mongol invaders. </em></p> <br /> Hai Phong lures tourists with history Related image(s)<br /> <img height="200" src="http://ifttt.com/images/no_image_card.png" width="200" /><br /> <table> <tbody> <tr> <td class="td" style="padding: 4px;border-right: 1px solid #cccccc;border-bottom: 1px solid #cccccc;border-top-style: solid;border-left-style: solid;border-top-color: #cccccc;border-left-color: #cccccc"></td> </tr> </tbody> </table>

Hai Phong lures tourists with history

Hai Phong lures tourists with history People know Hai Phong as a city of flamboyant trees, an important industrial centre and the biggest po...

+ Read more »

Mother Goddess temple in Hung Yen

Mother Goddess temple in Hung Yen <div align="center"></div> <p>The 3,000 square meter temple faces a half-moon lake and the Red River dike. Since it was built in 1279, the temple has undergone repeated restorations but retains its original beauty.</p> <p>Its arched gate is impressive with its double-layered roof and three doors. On the arched frame of the gate are ceramic Chinese scripts, translated as “A wise mother on earth.”</p> <p>Beyond the gate, visitors pass through a yard shaded by ancient trees to the front worshipping hall. </p> <p>Nguyen Thi Lien, a temple guide, said “In the yard, there are three ancient trees which are more than 800 years old. According to scientists, they are rare trees. Their roots look like a tripod or like a mother’s hand.”</p> <p>The front worshiping hall has two floors and eight curved in dragon shape roofs. On either side of the hall are the Luu Ly temple and the Quang Han palace. Ms Lien said, “In the front worshiping hall, there’s a poem with gold-plated letters written by Dr. Chu Manh Trinh in 1896. The poem praises the beauty of the temple. There’s also a palanquin carved with the complex patterns of the later -Le dynasty. The palanquin is sometimes called the dragon palanquin.”</p> <p>In the temple are many artifacts from the 18th and 19th century and royal decrees and parallel sentences of the Le and Nguyen dynasties.  </p> <p>Pilgrims come here to pray for love, luck, peace, and prosperity. Duong Xuan Hung, a pilgrim from Hai Phong, said, “After visiting the Mother Goddess temple, I feel calm and peaceful. The temple has a beautiful architecture and landscape.”</p> <p>The Mother Goddess Temple Festival in Hung Yen takes place from the 10th to the 15th day of the 3rd lunar month drawing a crowd of visitors. The ritual ceremony features a palanquin procession while other festival activities include folk games and ceremonial singing performances. </p> <p>Dinh Thi Lien, a member of the Management Board of the Mother Goddess Temple, said “The festival begins on the 10th day. On the 12th day, there’s a palanquin procession of the Mother Goddess around the streets and to Hien temple. Wherever the procession stops, the locals prepare offerings to worship the Mother Goddess. The 13th day is the death anniversary of the Mother Goddess. On the 15th day, we organize another procession to carry her back to the temple. We also hold a big feast to worship the Mother Goddess on the 14th day of the 7th lunar month.”</p> <p>The Mother Goddess Temple is becoming increasingly popular with tourists and pilgrims.</p> <br /> Mother Goddess temple in Hung Yen Related image(s)<br /> <img height="200" src="http://ifttt.com/images/no_image_card.png" width="200" /><br />

Mother Goddess temple in Hung Yen

Mother Goddess temple in Hung Yen The 3,000 square meter temple faces a half-moon lake and the Red River dike. Since it was built in 1279, ...

+ Read more »

Exploring Rock Garden Café in HCMC

Exploring Rock Garden Café in HCMC <p><em>Lying next to Dam Sen Cultural Park in HCMC’s District 11, Rock Garden Café is a popular address for guests to admire Vietnam’s rock artworks displayed in an airy garden space while having a cup of coffee.</em></p> <p class=" a-c"><em>A view of Rock Garden Café</em></p> <p>Covering an area of 7,000 square meters, the café is managed by Dam Sen Park operator Phu Tho Tourist Service Co, a subsidiary of Saigontourist, the country’s leading tourism service provider.</p> <p>The café boasts 87 natural rocks of strange shapes that are brought from limestone mountains in the northern province of Ninh Binh. A poetry contest entitled “Blowing Soul into Rock” was held at the café and winning poems are now displayed along the way from the entrance of the café.</p> <p>One of the highlights of the café that makes it a favourite destination for many tourists in the city is an airy garden space. Many trees are planted along the way leading to the café. Some of them are old trees that are estimated to be more than 40 years of age.</p> <p>Aside from green trees and rocks, the café also features a lake rearing carp fishes.</p> <p>At night, the space of the café is sparkled with lighting systems installed behind bamboo clusters and the giant rocks.</p> <p>The menu at Rock Garden Café features a wide range of beverages and dishes. Moreover, guests can feel free to choose to sit on the ground floor covered with big stone slabs or go upstairs where they can enjoy a view of Dam Sen Park.</p> <p>The café, which is located at 3 Hoa Binh Street in HCMC’s District 11, also has a parking lot and playing area for kids.</p> <p><em>SGT</em></p> <br /> Exploring Rock Garden Café in HCMC Related image(s)<br /> <img height="200" src="http://ifttt.com/images/no_image_card.png" width="200" /><br />

Exploring Rock Garden Café in HCMC

Exploring Rock Garden Café in HCMC Lying next to Dam Sen Cultural Park in HCMC’s District 11, Rock Garden Café is a popular address for gues...

+ Read more »

Sapa Festival provides ultimate winter experience to visitors

Sapa Festival provides ultimate winter experience to visitors <p>Taking place when the temperature was around 3 degrees Celsius and the entire town was enveloped in the mist, the opening ceremony featured a lighting festival with spectacular lighting performances and cheerful songs and dances.</p> <p>Stalls are also set up across the streets, showcasing Sapa brocade products, traditional handicraft products, and souvenirs.</p> <p>The highlight of the festival is an artificial snow space in an area of nearly 10,000 square metres with many impressive check-in points, attracting thousands of visitors.</p> <p>Tourists to the festival can also experience cultural essence culture of local ethnic minorities in Sapa through their traditional music instruments, folk games and indigenous delicacies.</p> <p>Traditional ethnic festivals such as a fire dance festival and <em>‘cap sac’</em> ritual – a rite of passage declaring the coming-of-age of Dao men within the community, will also be staged during the week-long event.</p> <p>According to Vice Chairman of Sapa District People’s Committee, the Winter Festival is among a series of activities being held under the framework of the National Tourism Year 2017, aiming to boost tourism in the locality. The 2017 event targets to welcome 40,000 tourists at home and abroad.</p> <br /> Sapa Festival provides ultimate winter experience to visitors Related image(s)<br /> <img height="200" src="http://ifttt.com/images/no_image_card.png" width="200" /><br />

Sapa Festival provides ultimate winter experience to visitors

Sapa Festival provides ultimate winter experience to visitors Taking place when the temperature was around 3 degrees Celsius and the entire ...

+ Read more »

Free wine for visitors at Da Lat Flower Festival

Free wine for visitors at Da Lat Flower Festival <p>Thousands of locals and tourists participated in the night wine festival in the resort city of Da Lat.</p> <p>The festival was divided into various sectors featuring local special dishes and street music.</p> <p>A photo exhibition highlighting the beauty of the Central Highlands and central coastal region kicked off the same day in Da Lat city.</p> <p>In another event in the framework of the 7th Da Lat Flower Festival, a fashion show highlighting locally-made silk was held in Bao Loc city, Lam Dong province, which is dubbed Vietnam’s silk capital, on December 24.</p> <p>The silk was used in 13 different collections by famous designers such as Minh Hanh, Ngoc Han, Ha Duy, Nguyen Thuy and Nhi Hoang.</p> <p>The same day 32 years ago, the Government issued a decree building Bao Loc into Vietnam’s silk city.</p> <p>The 7th Da Lat Flowers Festival is taking place at Lam Vien Square from December 23-27 under the theme of “Da Lat Flowers – A Miracle from the Good Earth”.</p> <p>More than 5,000 art works of flowers, bonsais and other plants are being displayed at an international bonsai and flower exhibition.</p> <p>A series of workshops are also scheduled within the framework of the festival to promote investment in Lam Dong, discuss Da Lat’s development planning and develop local tea and silk products.</p> <br /> Free wine for visitors at Da Lat Flower Festival Related image(s)<br /> <img height="200" src="http://ifttt.com/images/no_image_card.png" width="200" /><br />

Free wine for visitors at Da Lat Flower Festival

Free wine for visitors at Da Lat Flower Festival Thousands of locals and tourists participated in the night wine festival in the resort city...

+ Read more »

Da Lat Flower Festival kicks off with colourful parade

Da Lat Flower Festival kicks off with colourful parade <p>The opening night at Lam Vien square, which attracted 15,000 visitors and local residents, also featured performances on the beauty of the land and people in Da Lat, as well as the city’s signature products of flowers, silk and tea.</p> <p>Addressing the event, National Assembly Chairwoman Nguyen Thi Kim Ngan congratulated remarkable socio-economic achievements gained by Da Lat city authorities and its people over the past years, particularly the positive development of agriculture and floriculture sectors.</p> <p>The top legislator spoke highly of the city’s success in international integration as well as its proud results concerning the safeguarding of the natural landscape, architectural constructions, and cultural values.</p> <p>She described Da Lat Flower Festival as a cultural highlight of the city which has made positive impacts on boosting floriculture sector of the city.</p> <p>Chairman of the Lam Dong provincial People’s Committee Doan Van Viet said that over its six editions, the Flower Festival has been established served as a unique cultural venue and an attractive tourist destination for visitors while contributing to advertising the brand of Da Lat flowers and its agricultural products to the world.</p> <p>A floral space around Xuan Huong lake, a fair showcasing flowers, vegetables and agricultural products of Da Lat, and a photo and painting exhibition also kicked off yesterday under the framework of the festival.</p> <p>Under the theme ‘Da Lat Flower – Essence of a Good Land’, this year’s festival features 16 major events and over 30 supporting events in Da Lat city, Bao Loc city and other places in Lam Dong province.</p> <br /> Da Lat Flower Festival kicks off with colourful parade Related image(s)<br /> <img height="200" src="http://ifttt.com/images/no_image_card.png" width="200" /><br />

Da Lat Flower Festival kicks off with colourful parade

Da Lat Flower Festival kicks off with colourful parade The opening night at Lam Vien square, which attracted 15,000 visitors and local resid...

+ Read more »

Korean Day opens in Quang Nam province

Korean Day opens in Quang Nam province <p>The event was jointly held by the provincial People’s Committee and the Embassy of the Republic of Korea (RoK) in Vietnam to celebrate the 25th anniversary of Vietnam-RoK diplomatic ties on December 22, 1992-2017.</p> <p>Vice Chairman of the Quang Nam’s People’s Committee Le Tri Thanh said that over the past 25 years, relations between Vietnam and the RoK have witnessed fruitful results and prospects. Quang Nam is the province receiving the most non-refundable ODA from the RoK Government with over US$41 million.</p> <p>The country is one of the biggest investors in Quang Nam province; about 31 Korean firms are operating in the locality with a total capital of nearly US$250 million, generating jobs for nearly 10,000 workers.</p> <p>Non-governmental organisations from the RoK provide humanitarian and community development aid packages worth hundreds of millions of US dollars for Quang Nam annually, he noted.</p> <p>In recent years, the RoK has been among countries having the biggest number of tourists to Vietnam’s central coastal province. In 2017, Quang Nam is expected to welcome more than 300,000 Korean tourists. The province has officially signed friendly cooperative relations with three Korean localities – Osan, Yongin and Gwangyang cities, he said.</p> <p>This is the first time that a provincial level locality has coordinated with the Korean Embassy in Vietnam to co-chair an important international exchange event in various fields such as culture, arts, education, and environment, Thanh said, adding that the province always maintains good relations between Vietnam’s localities and Korean diplomatic agencies and organisations operating in Vietnam.</p> <p>The Korean Day in Quang Nam starts with the Korean Film Week with the best award-winning films in the RoK showing in Quang Nam for the first time from December 11-17.</p> <p>The highlight of the event is art exchange activities on December 15-16 between artists from Gwangyang city with local artists, performing traditional music of the two countries. Kpop singers from Dongdeok University also cheered up audiences.</p> <p>Under the framework of the event, there will also be a meeting with Korean partners to acknowledge the positive contributions of Korean individuals, groups and localities to the socio-economic development of Quang Nam over the past 20 years, exchanging and promoting investment cooperation between Korean and Quang Nam enterprises, and sharing experiences in building new rural areas.</p> <p>Other noteworthy activities include a photo exhibition on the land, culture and people of the RoK and Quang Nam, a workshop sharing experience in the building of new areas in Quang Nam and new village movement in the RoK, and an exchange meeting among students.</p> <br /> Korean Day opens in Quang Nam province Related image(s)<br /> <img height="200" src="http://ifttt.com/images/no_image_card.png" width="200" /><br />

Korean Day opens in Quang Nam province

Korean Day opens in Quang Nam province The event was jointly held by the provincial People’s Committee and the Embassy of the Republic of Ko...

+ Read more »

Assad regime promotes Syria as a ‘tourist’ destination

Assad regime promotes Syria as a ‘tourist’ destination <p class="Normal">It is over a year since Bashar al-Assad’s regime, with the help of Russian air strikes and barrel bombs, pounded the rebel-held east of Aleppo into submission.</p> <p class="Normal">Buildings were flattened, those who survived were left terrorized, hungry and filled with despair, and the stench of dead bodies rose up from the rubble as families searched for their loved ones.</p> <p class="Normal">Now, having largely destroyed the city it sought to control, the Assad regime wants the world to visit what remains: as a tourist destination.</p> <p class="Normal">This week the Syrian government is advertising Aleppo, along with other destinations in Syria, at the Fitur International Tourism Trade Fair in Madrid, “promoting” the country’s attractions to the world.</p> <p class="Normal">It is the first time Syria has attended the trade fair since 2011, before the war broke out.</p> <p class="Normal">Along with the ruins of Aleppo, it also encourages people to visit the ancient Roman-era ruins of Palmyra, the UNESCO-listed archaeological site which was twice controlled by the Islamic State (IS) group.</p> <p class="Normal">IS fighters blew up some of the temples and burial towers before being forced out of the city for the final time last year by Syrian government forces and their Russian backers.</p> <p class="Normal">“This year is the time to rebuild Syria and our economy,” Bassam Barsik, director of marketing at the Syrian Ministry of Tourism, told <em>AFP</em>.</p> <p class="Normal">Barsik said 1.3 million foreign visitors traveled to Syria last year, although that figure includes those who came from neighboring Lebanon for only one day.</p> <p class="Normal">“We’re targeting two million visitors this year,” he said.</p> <p class="Normal">He argued that religious destinations, such as the historic Christian town of Maaloula, one of the last places on earth where Aramaic is still spoken, are still a draw to tourists.</p> <p class="Normal">Damascus, Tartus, Latakia and the historic Crusader castle of Krak des Chevaliers close to the border with Lebanon, although damaged by bombing, are other possible attractions.</p> <p class="Normal">“In 2017, the army controlled much of the country, and that was a big help to promote Syria abroad and attract tourist groups again,” said Barsik.</p> <p class="Normal">Most countries advise citizens against all travel to Syria.</p> <p class="Normal">The war has displaced millions of people and is estimated to have claimed the lives of at least 340,000 people since 2011.</p> <br /> Assad regime promotes Syria as a ‘tourist’ destination Related image(s)<br /> <img height="200" src="http://ifttt.com/images/no_image_card.png" width="200" /><br />

Assad regime promotes Syria as a ‘tourist’ destination

Assad regime promotes Syria as a ‘tourist’ destination It is over a year since Bashar al-Assad’s regime, with the help of Russian air strike...

+ Read more »

Dien Bien culture & tourism showcased in Hanoi

Dien Bien culture & tourism showcased in Hanoi <p><em>A cultural exchange event introducing the culture and tourism of northwestern Dien Bien province is being held in the vehicle-free area surrounding Hoan Kiem Lake in Hanoi from January 19 to 21.</em></p> <p>The event aims to introduce the beauty and people of the northwestern province and honor its culture to serve tourism development in localities in particular and the country in general, according to the provincial Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism.</p> <p>Highlights include performances of traditional art, exhibitions of the costumes of local ethnic minority people, and the introduction of tourism sites.</p> <p>A photo exhibition will showcase tourism sites and the customs of local ethnic minority people. Typical agricultural products, specialties, and souvenirs will also be available.</p> <p>Popular tours and travel information and consultancy will be provided, which include the Ban Flower Festival from March 17to 19. A film providing more details on tourist sites and the flower festival will also be screened.</p> <p>Ban (Bauhinia) flowers grow in Vietnam’s northwestern region, blooming in March and covering the region with a beautiful white color. The flower is considered one of the symbols of the culture and pride of the ethnic minority people in Dien Bien and nearby Son La, Lai Chau, Lao Cai, Yen Bai, and Hoa Binh provinces. Dien Bien holds the now-annual flower festival in March, to introduce its landscape, culture, and people and boost local tourism.</p> <p>As a typical mountainous northwestern area, Dien Bien is known for its beautiful natural landscapes of immense mountains and terraced rice fields. It also possesses natural wonders such as Pha Din Mountain Pass, Pa Thom Cave, and Pa Khoang Lake.</p> <p>Pha Din Mountain Pass is located at a height of 1,000 meters about sea level, with a cliff on one side and a deep ravine on the other. With a number of twists and turns, the pass is a challenge for any driver. Pa Thom Cave, meanwhile, consists of stalactites, stalagmites, and stone arrangement in amazing shapes, such as an elephant’s head and a giant snake. Pa Khoang Lake offers hundreds of species of floating plants and animals, with unique sightseeing trips by boat available.</p> <p>Together with beautiful nature and rich culture, Dien Bien also retains a wide range of historical sites from the victory against the French at its provincial capital, Dien Bien Phu, in 1954.</p> <p>The underground bunker of French General Christian De Castries serves as eloquent evidence of the bravery of Vietnamese troops, who fought incessantly for 54 days and nights to seize it. The historical monument has been well preserved and maintains its original shape, dimensions, and structure.</p> <p>Hill A1 played a critical role in the battle at Dien Bien Phu. Standing atop Hill A1 while hearing the details of the 1954 campaign provides a sense of what occurred, while visiting the cemeteries of Vietnamese soldiers from the campaign is a moving experience.</p> <p>Another key site of historical interest is the command post of the Vietnamese military hidden inside the forests of Muong Phang commune, where renowned General Vo Nguyen Giap and his officers planned the glorious Dien Bien Phu Victory.</p> <p>Muong Thanh Airfield, Doc Lap Hill, Him Lam Hill, the Dien Bien Phu Victorious Statue, and the Dien Bien Phu Victory Museum are also well worth visiting.</p> <p>Despite its tourism potential, the province still welcomes few tourists. The Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism has therefore cooperated with other localities to introduce and promote its tourism attractions among tourists.</p> <p>Dien Bien welcomed 600,000 visitors, including 120,000 foreigners, in 2017, up 25 per cent and 71.4 per cent against 2016. Total revenue from tourism was VND960 billion ($42.3 million), a 34 per cent year-on-year increase.</p> <p><em>VN Economic Times</em></p> <br /> Dien Bien culture & tourism showcased in Hanoi Related image(s)<br /> <img height="200" src="http://ifttt.com/images/no_image_card.png" width="200" /><br />

Dien Bien culture & tourism showcased in Hanoi

Dien Bien culture & tourism showcased in Hanoi A cultural exchange event introducing the culture and tourism of northwestern Dien Bien p...

+ Read more »

Hanoi, CNN see fruitful tourism promotion cooperation

Hanoi, CNN see fruitful tourism promotion cooperation <div class="ExternalClass8A8DB7AC8B194C38B642D674155FC77F"> <div class="article-photo"><span>Nhat Tan bridge in Hanoi (Source: VNA)</span></div> </div> <div class="ExternalClass8A8DB7AC8B194C38B642D674155FC77F"> </div> <div class="ExternalClass8A8DB7AC8B194C38B642D674155FC77F"><strong>Hanoi(VNA)</strong> – Footage of Hanoi broadcast by the US’ Cable News Network (CNN) has receivedpositive feedback from the audience, Sunita Rajan, CNN Senior Vice Presidentfor Asia-Pacific region told Chairman of Hanoi People’s Committee Nguyen DucChung during their meeting in Hanoi on January 18. <p>Rajan said that allpeople interviewed in a survey said they had good experience in Hanoi, addingthat the film crew were also fascinated by the city and wished to visit itagain.</p> <p>Chung said that asurvey among foreign visitors at Noi Bai International Airport showed that manytourists had learned about Vietnam through CNN.</p> <p>He expressed his hopethat in 2018, Hanoi and CNN will continue to effectively implement their signedcooperation deal.</p> <p>He asked the CNN toshare information to help Hanoi map out specific orientations for tourismdevelopment and find suitable forms of promotion.</p> <p>The Hanoi leader waskeen on discussing collaboration with CNN in the 2019-2020 period.</p> <p>Rajan said that thethird clip about Vietnam will be complete in several months, which is expectedto introduce different aspects of Hanoi to the world.</p> <p>She suggested thatHanoi join more trade fairs to introduce its tourism. She also hoped that CNN’sclips of Hanoi will be screened on Vietnam Airlines’ flights.</p> <p>Chairman Chung thankedthe CNN executive for her proposals and said he will discuss the idea with thenational carrier.-VNA</p> </div> <br /> Hanoi, CNN see fruitful tourism promotion cooperation Related image(s)<br /> <img height="200" src="http://ifttt.com/images/no_image_card.png" width="200" /><br />

Hanoi, CNN see fruitful tourism promotion cooperation

Hanoi, CNN see fruitful tourism promotion cooperation Nhat Tan bridge in Hanoi (Source: VNA)   Hanoi(VNA) – Footage of Hanoi broadcast ...

+ Read more »

Vietnam sees sharp rise in cruise ship visits

Vietnam sees sharp rise in cruise ship visits <p><em>Vietnam has become an attractive Asian destination for international cruise ships, with more than 400 cruise ships arriving last year, according to data of the Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA).</em></p> <p class=" a-c"><em>Majestic Princess, the newest ship in the Princess Cruises fleet, came to the Phu My Port in Ba Ria-Vung Tau Province in the middle of last year </em></p> <p>Farriek Tawfik, director of Southeast Asia for Princess Cruises, said CLIA’s data showed Vietnam was sixth most-visited by cruise ships in Asia last year. Most of the cruise ships visited the country’s popular coastal tourist attractions like Danang, Hue, Nha Trang, Ba Ria-Vung Tau and Halong.</p> <p>According to Tawfik, the cruise tourism sector in Vietnam will maintain growth momentum this year. Princess Cruises will send 31 cruise ships to Vietnam this year, with a total of 80,000 foreign tourists aboard.</p> <p>In the past, travel firms only arranged cruise ship visits to Vietnam between November and February. At present, many cruise lines offer tours from November until April or even all year round.</p> <p>Speaking at a press conference on Princess Cruises’ plan in Vietnam on January 16, Tawfik said the cruise line expects 40% growth in the number of visitors to Vietnam this year.</p> <p>In 2017, Princess Cruises ships made 22 visits to Vietnam, with more than 58,000 passengers on board.</p> <p>This year, six ships of the cruise line – Majestic Princess, Sapphire Princess, Diamond Princess, Golden Princess, Sun Princess and Coral Princess – will make 31 visits to the country, with a total of 80,000 international passengers aboard.</p> <p>From February 10 to 11, Princess Cruises will organize a fair in Vivo City commercial center in HCMC’s District 7 to introduce its cruise tours on Majestic Princess and Sun Princess vessels from Vietnam to Taiwan and Japan, and some cruise tours to Europe.</p> <p>Tawfik said Princess Cruises targets high-income Vietnamese customers aged between 20 and 39.</p> <p>According to Tawfik, the number of Vietnamese traveling on cruise ships has grown strongly. In addition to visa support, tour operators have interpreters for large groups of tourists along the journeys.</p> <p><em>SGT</em></p> <br /> Vietnam sees sharp rise in cruise ship visits Related image(s)<br /> <img height="200" src="http://ifttt.com/images/no_image_card.png" width="200" /><br />

Vietnam sees sharp rise in cruise ship visits

Vietnam sees sharp rise in cruise ship visits Vietnam has become an attractive Asian destination for international cruise ships, with more t...

+ Read more »

Majestic scenery of Hai Van Mountain Pass

Majestic scenery of Hai Van Mountain Pass <p><em> Lying on the border of Thua Thien Hue province and Da Nang city in central Vietnam, the 20km long Hai Van Pass traverses the Truong Son Mountain range as it descends to the sea.The stunning views from Hai Van Pass attract a large number of foreign and local visitors.</em></p> <p><em>Dan Tri/VOV</em></p> <br /> Majestic scenery of Hai Van Mountain Pass Related image(s)<br /> <img height="200" src="http://ifttt.com/images/no_image_card.png" width="200" /><br />

Majestic scenery of Hai Van Mountain Pass

Majestic scenery of Hai Van Mountain Pass  Lying on the border of Thua Thien Hue province and Da Nang city in central Vietnam, the 20km long...

+ Read more »

Seven wonders take bloom at Ha Long flower festival

Seven wonders take bloom at Ha Long flower festival <div align="center"></div> <p>The event is part of the diverse activities held in preparation for the Lunar New Year festival (Tet) organised by Sun Group at the Sun World Ha Long Complex.</p> <p><span style="font-size: 16px">The seven wonders of the world to be erected in flower form are the Pyramids of Egypt, the Great Wall of China, the legendary Colosseum in Rome, France’s Eiffel Tower, London’s Big Ben, the US’ Statue of Liberty, and Australia’s Sydney Opera House.</span></p> <p>Aside from colourful flower roads and world wonders, visitors will be entertained by fascinating art programs such as carnival shows of foreign artists from Sun World Ba Na hills, street band performances, traditional costumes of different nations, and a range of activities to welcome the New Year to the world.</p> <p>Tourists to Sun World Ha Long Complex can play hundreds of indoor games, enjoy the stunning views of Ha Long Bay from the Queen Cable Car,visit the Japanese garden, or meet their idols at the wax museum.</p> <p>Maius Phiharmonic orchestra will also be present to delight audiences at the festival with pieces of Vietnamese music remixed with the world’s modern tunes. </p> <br /> Seven wonders take bloom at Ha Long flower festival Related image(s)<br /> <img height="200" src="http://ift.tt/1eWmqbm" width="200" /><br />

Seven wonders take bloom at Ha Long flower festival

Seven wonders take bloom at Ha Long flower festival The event is part of the diverse activities held in preparation for the Lunar New Year ...

+ Read more »

Huge crowds expected in Vietnam’s top tourist destinations this spring festival

Huge crowds expected in Vietnam’s top tourist destinations this spring festival <p class="Normal">The Lunar New Year, the most important festival in Vietnam, is no longer just about house parties. The long holiday has become a good time to travel, and bookings in popular tourist towns across the country have been flooding in.</p> <p class="Normal">Travel fever has spread from the southern island of Phu Quoc to the mountainous town of Sa Pa up north ahead of the holiday, which will peak in mid-February.</p> <p class="Normal">Holiday seekers have learned from past experiences to avoid cheap and middle-range facilities, which tend to raise prices when demand is high, but they’re not having much luck with<span> luxury hotels either.</span></p> <p class="Normal">Kim Hanh from Saigon said she has been looking for a high-end resort in Phu Quoc but they are already fully booked for the first three days of the new year, between February 16 and 18.</p> <p class="Normal">Some places only have rooms from February 20, the last day of the one-week break, which is known as <em>Tet</em> in Vietnam.</p> <p class="Normal">Phu Quoc is the largest island in Vietnam and offers excellent seafood and a captivating landscape. However, the island’s natural beauty has been <a href="http://bit.ly/2DMtE5r"><span style="color:#b22222">compromised by a tourism boom</span></a> that has led to the development of a safari park and a bunch of luxury hotels springing up, and that development does not look like slowing given the demand.</p> <p class="Normal">In the ancient town of Hoi An in central Vietnam, five-star hotels also expect to be crowded during <em>Tet,</em> and several are also fully booked for the first three days.</p> <p class="Normal">But travelers may still be able to find vacant rooms at homestay facilities for between VND200,000 ($8.80) and VND1 million ($44) a night, according to locals.</p> <p class="Normal">Once a bustling trade port, Hoi An draws tourists thanks to its mesmerizing wooden architecture, pagodas, streetside eateries, vintage tailor shops and sparkling street lanterns. It is often praised as one of the most peaceful towns in the country, except during the holidays.</p> <p class="Normal">More than a thousand kilometers (680 miles) to the north, the mountainous town of Sa Pa is experiencing the same holiday rush, prompting booking sites to urge travelers to make their minds up quickly before prices surge.</p> <p class="Normal">Three-star hotels and more luxurious accommodation tend to keep their prices stable, but smaller facilities are subject to price changes.</p> <p class="Normal">The owner of one guesthouse said that many hotels will raise prices by up to 40 percent over the holiday as their employees will have to work three times harder.</p> <p class="Normal">Perched at 1,600 meters above sea level, Sa Pa is often described as the perfect place for travelers looking for a strenuous mountain trek or a rice paddy tour.</p> <p class="Normal">Demand for air travel for the coming Lunar New Year is also expected to surge more than 20 percent from last year, the Civil Aviation Authority of Vietnam said last month, as cited by local media.</p> <p class="Normal">Carriers have registered thousands of extra domestic flights for the holiday, mainly from Hanoi to Saigon.</p> <p class="Normal">Train and bus companies have also announced more services, expecting even higher demand than last year.</p> <br /> Huge crowds expected in Vietnam’s top tourist destinations this spring festival Related image(s)<br /> <img height="200" src="http://ift.tt/1eWmqbm" width="200" /><br />

Huge crowds expected in Vietnam’s top tourist destinations this spring festival

Huge crowds expected in Vietnam’s top tourist destinations this spring festival The Lunar New Year, the most important festival in Vietnam, ...

+ Read more »

Vietnam leads in Southeast Asian tourist number to Japan

Vietnam leads in Southeast Asian tourist number to Japan <div class="article-photo"><span>(Source: http://s.nikkei.com/2DmYoga)</span></div> <p><strong>Tokyo (VNA)</strong> – Vietnam leaded Southeast Asiancountries in the number of tourists visiting Japan over the last decade with agrowth rate of 868.1 percent, according to the Nikkei website.</p> <p>The country was followed by Thailand and Indonesia, with the respective growthrates of 489.3 percent and 448.7 percent.</p> <p>Last year, about 28.6 million foreign holiday-makers visited Japan, up 19.3percent year on year.</p> <p>China was the No.1 source of visitors to Japan in the year, accounting for 7.35million or 25.6 percent of the total. The Republic of Korea was close behind at7.14 million or 24.8 percent.</p> <p>In 2007, only 942.439 Chinese tourists came to Japan. But the figure soared by 680.5percent in the period 2007-2017.</p> <p>International visitors to Japan spent a record 4.41 trillion yen (39.87 billionUSD in 2017, the site said.</p> <p>The most attractive destinations for foreign visitors are tourism sites in Tokyo,Osaka, Hokkaido and Kyoto cities.</p> <p>Easier traffic and direct airline routes connecting many Asian countries with Japanhave also contributed to attracting tourist to Japan.</p> <p>The Japanese government aims to increase the number of annual tourist arrivals to40 million by 2020, when Tokyo will host the Summer Olympics.-VNA</p> <br /> Vietnam leads in Southeast Asian tourist number to Japan Related image(s)<br /> <img height="200" src="http://ift.tt/1eWmqbm" width="200" /><br />

Vietnam leads in Southeast Asian tourist number to Japan

Vietnam leads in Southeast Asian tourist number to Japan (Source: http://s.nikkei.com/2DmYoga) Tokyo (VNA) – Vietnam leaded Southeast Asia...

+ Read more »

Two train trips in VN among Asia Top 10 journeys

Two train trips in VN among Asia Top 10 journeys <p><em>Travelling by train to relax and enjoy the view out the window is a pleasure for many travelers, and two train routes in Vietnam with stunning views were recently selected among the ten best train journeys in Asia by the UK-based newspaper The Telegraph.</em></p> <p>Taking 36 hours, the Reunification Express connects Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City and reveals the beautiful natural and rural areas Vietnam boasts. </p> <p>The 1,600-km (1,000-mile) journey passes through a pastoral parade of pagodas, paddies and farmers wearing conical hats, together with beaches and mountains, The Telegraph wrote. </p> <p>Moreover, travelers can hop off along the way to relax at beach resorts in Nha Trang and the endless swathes of sand in Da Nang, Vietnam’s third-largest city, where they can also take in the beautiful Chinese, European, Japanese and Vietnamese architecture in the World Heritage Site of Hoi An ancient town. </p> <p>The north-south trip costs $37 for a soft seat and $55 for a sleeper, both in air-conditioned cabins.</p> <p>Travel publisher Rough Guides also named the route one of the most scenic in Asia last year, where one can watch buffalos grazing in rice paddies and fishermen casting their nets in the sea as well as deserted white beaches and lush rainforests.</p> <p>Meanwhile, the 563-km mountainous route from Hanoi to Kunming in China is also a great experience, with mountains and terraced rice fields, and found a place on the list. </p> <p>The route was opened by the French in 1910 and was at various times bombed, re-routed, and closed by landslides until it reopened in 2014. </p> <p>The 16-hour journey in a soft sleeper cabin through the rice terraces of Sapa, Vietnam’s premier hiking territory, costs from $34.</p> <p>The other Top 10 train journeys on The Telegraph’s list propels travelers through the jungles of Malaysia and Thailand, mosques and temples in Bangladesh, plantations in Sri Lanka, from the suburbs of Mumbai to palm forests in the countryside, from Indonesia’s bustling capital of Jakarta to its cultural capital Yogyakarta, from Beijing to Shanghai, and from Yokohama to Shimoda in Japan, with wonderful views of Mt. Fuji.</p> <p>Vietnam’s first railway line was built by the French in 1881, running 70 km (43 miles) from then-Saigon to My Tho in the Mekong Delta. </p> <p>A north-south line of more than 3,000 km was built over the following decades. </p> <p>Rail transport has faded rapidly in Vietnam over recent years, given the little attention it has received and the rise of cheap air travel.</p> <p>Vietnam Railways is making an effort to improve service quality to attract more passengers. </p> <p>Earlier this month it added five-star trains on its Hanoi-Ho Chi Minh City service and piloted a service offering free meals to passengers.</p> <p>Some private train companies have also been trying to revive the romance of train travel, offering first-class trips with restaurant cars, such as the five-star services launched last year from Ho Chi Minh City to Nha Trang and from Hanoi to Sapa.</p> <p><em>VN Economic Times</em></p> <br /> Two train trips in VN among Asia Top 10 journeys Related image(s)<br /> <img height="200" src="http://ift.tt/1eWmqbm" width="200" /><br />

Two train trips in VN among Asia Top 10 journeys

Two train trips in VN among Asia Top 10 journeys Travelling by train to relax and enjoy the view out the window is a pleasure for many trave...

+ Read more »

The tea that mesmerises drinkers

The tea that mesmerises drinkers <p><em>VietNamNet Bridge – Tea has been an essential part of Vietnamese life for thousands of years. It is believed that the refreshing beverage not only calms the mind, but also helps ward off a number of common diseases.</em></p> <p>Tea drinking is a daily habit of Vietnamese. Tea is served at formal and informal meetings, during meals and a gathering of friends. Offering a cup of tea also expresses hospitality and friendliness.</p> <p>When talking about tea and the place of perfect tea products, most Vietnamese people mention Tan Cuong Commune, the northern province of Thai Nguyen, as the first destination.</p> <p>Tan Cuong tea scores high in the international market. This highland district is well-known in Vietnam for its cultivation of aromatic tea for 100 years.</p> <p>This special product from Tan Cuong Commune possesses a delicious taste that can mesmerise even the choosiest tea drinkers. The first sip leaves a bitter taste on the tip of the tongue, but that taste immediately transforms into a deep sweet flavour when the tea is swallowed.</p> <p>Located in the red-brown soil of the midlands mountain area, Tan Cuong is highly suitable for tea bushes. The soil is slightly acrid, which gives the tea a taste found nowhere else, according to PhD Nguyen Lan Anh from the Ha Noi Tourism College.</p> <p>“The natural characteristics and climate conditions favour Tan Cuong Commune with wonderful tea products,” said Anh.</p> <p>“Besides, the experience and technique of local farmers in growing and processing tea leaves creates a specialty that people enjoy down to the last drop.”</p> <p>Currently, the province has nearly 1,500ha of tea which produces 19,000 tonnes of tea buds a year.</p> <p>“Tan Cuong tea is exported to many countries, including Russia, the United States and Japan,” she said.</p> <p>Tea is the strategic product of Thai Nguyen Province. In recent years, tea bushes have provided high economic value and jobs for thousands of farmers.</p> <p>That’s why local people strive to make high quality products and build up a prestigious brand.</p> <p>“Tan Cuong Tea is totally fed with organic fertilisers and is free from pesticides and plant protection chemicals harmful to human health,” said Dam Hong Quang, owner of Viet Co Tra brand, which produces and sells Tan Cuong tea.</p> <p>“Tan Cuong tea is picked with the standard ‘one bud, two leaves’, the best part of a tea bush, to ensure the best quality,” he said.</p> <p>The leaves are processed using traditional secrets. After being picked, green tea buds are stored carefully until they reach perfection, then delivered to the factory for processing, where they are dried and roasted several times in large pans.</p> <p>It is necessary to evenly and smoothly stir the leaves to soften them and preserve the natural green colour. The dried tea is packed in vacuum bags, which are thick enough to keep all light and air out.</p> <p>To make 1kg of dried tea, 20 workers have to collect tea buds for two hours early in the morning.</p> <p>“During the picking, if it rains heavily or the sun is scorching, the taste of tea will change,” said Quang.</p> <p>“It can be more bitter or the colour of the tea may be not green. Some people drink tea mixed with dried roses, lotuses or daisies.”</p> <p> However, Quang prefers drinking pure Tan Cuong tea to enjoy its full fragrance.</p> <p>“Tea is good for your health,” he said. “Throughout its history, tea has been associated with important health benefits. Many studies show that tea contains a high level of antioxidants, vitamins, minerals, and mild stimulants.”</p> <p>You don’t need to be a connoisseur to enjoy tea. In the chill of winter, a group of friends can sit around a tea table, effusively praise the taste of a hot cup of tea and enjoy talking. The world shrinks to the people around the kettle. The sweet taste of tea and keo lac (peanut candy), which is often served at a tea party, can linger on your lips for a long time. </p> <p><em><strong>By Minh Thu</strong></em></p> <p>Source: VNS</p> <br /> The tea that mesmerises drinkers Related image(s)<br /> <img height="200" src="http://ift.tt/1eWmqbm" width="200" /><br />

The tea that mesmerises drinkers

The tea that mesmerises drinkers VietNamNet Bridge – Tea has been an essential part of Vietnamese life for thousands of years. It is believe...

+ Read more »