Vietnam Breaking News

Vietjet Wins PATA Gold Award 2015

Vietjet Wins PATA Gold Award 2015
Recently, in India, Vietjet won the Gold Award 2015 by the Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA). The award highlights Vietjet’s innovative and meaningful campaigns, which massively inspires and contributes to the tourism development in the Asia-Pacific region.
Outperforming 269 entries from 83 travel and tourism organisations worldwide, Vietjet becomes the first ever prize winner in Vietnam.
PATA Gold Award is an annually reputable prize in tourism over the world. Since its foundation in 1951, PATA has been contributing significantly to regional tourism. As a non-profit organization, PATA has carried out important researches and hosted many impressive events and meetings for its members including 87 governmental agencies, 24 international carriers, airports and sea-freighters, and 59 educational institutions in Asia – Pacific region.
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Vietjet Wins PATA Gold Award 2015

Vietjet Wins PATA Gold Award 2015 Recently, in India, Vietjet won the Gold Award 2015 by the Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA). The awa...

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Chiang Rai to host PATA Adventure Travel and Responsible Tourism Conference & Mart 2016

Chiang Rai to host PATA Adventure Travel and Responsible Tourism Conference & Mart 2016
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The Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA) is pleased to announce that the PATA Adventure Travel and Responsible Tourism Conference and Mart 2016 (AT&RTCM 2016) will be taking place in the historic northern city of Chiang Rai, Thailand from February 17-19, 2016 under the theme “Creating Experiences, Sharing Opportunities”.
The PATA Adventure Travel and Responsible Tourism Conference and Mart 2016 is a three-day niche event with both conference and travel mart components that brings together tourism professionals involved in adventure travel and responsible tourism to discuss creating new opportunities for promoting environmental protection and social sustainability within the industry. The event brings together the public and private sectors to address issues facing the adventure travel, responsible and sustainable tourism sectors.
“PATA is excited to have the opportunity to showcase the historic northern city of Chiang Rai, Thailand. The city has so much to offer today’s travellers wishing to experience natural beauty, indigenous culture, and rich heritage,” said PATA CEO Mario Hardy. “The choice of the destination reflects the growing importance of dispersing tourists to emerging destinations, an issue the Association has been actively promoting through such activities as the PATA CEO Challenge 2015. This event is the perfect opportunity for travel trade professionals to learn first hand about this fast growing tourist destination.”
Sugree Sithivanich, Deputy Governor for Marketing Communications, Tourism Authority of Thailand added, “TAT has been encouraging tourism that promotes the environment and contributes to social and cultural betterment. It is in line with the “balanced philosophy” of tourism, which ensures that economic benefits of tourism go hand-in-hand with environmental and cultural preservation. That’s why Thailand is pleased to be the host of the PATA Adventure Travel and Responsible Tourism Conference and Mart 2016 (AT&RTCM 2016).
We also felt that Chiang Rai will be perfect destination for the PATA Adventure Travel and Responsible Tourism Conference & Mart 2016. In addition to being a wonderful destination in its own right, it also lies at the heart of the Golden Triangle region where the Thai border meets with those of Myanmar and Lao PDR. So visitors will be able to get a three-in-one package by being able to visit all three destinations for the cost of one.”
The former capital of the great Lanna Kingdom, Chiang Rai is a fascinating province filled with cultural and natural wonders. Located in northern Thailand, it is a land of outstanding natural beauty, where tourists can escape the crowds and visit remote hill tribes and spot exotic wildlife.
Chiang Rai now competes with Chiang Mai as a major tourist attraction and is fast becoming a popular escape for today’s tourists. A traveller’s paradise, endowed with abundant natural attractions and antiquities, attractions range from ruins of ancient settlements and Buddhist shrines to magnificent mountain scenery and hill tribe villages. For those interested in the pristine natural beauty of the countryside, travellers can take part in jungle trekking or mountain hiking. Visitors can also take the opportunity to immerse themselves in the indigenous culture, including those of a variety of different hill tribe communities.
Chiang Rai is also a centre for community development projects, helping rural villagers develop their attractions without adversely affecting their natural and cultural assets.
 
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Chiang Rai to host PATA Adventure Travel and Responsible Tourism Conference & Mart 2016

Chiang Rai to host PATA Adventure Travel and Responsible Tourism Conference & Mart 2016 The Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA) is p...

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Da Nang sets sights on river tourism

Da Nang sets sights on river tourism
The Da Nang Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism has announced that in the near future it will work with related parties to open new tourism programs, such as the Han River – Co Co River Tour (visiting Cultural Village K20, Avalokitesvara Temple, Ngu Hanh Son, and a stone carving village), the Cu De River Tour (visiting the Nam O cultural cluster, including the Ancient Well, Tien Hien Tomb, Bo Shrine, and Nam O fish sauce village), and the Han River – Tuy Loan River Tour (visiting the Cam Ne mat village and the Tuy Loan village temple).
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Recognizing the importance of the Han River for its tourism sector, the city government has focused on the construction of a pier and introducing more tourism destinations by the end of 2016, including the upgrading of infrastructure to serve tourists and roads to different tourism sites.
The tourism industry has been developing plans for tours on river routes and will provide literature to give tourists a better experience while on the tours. Han River Port and Thuan Phuoc River Port are also being developed as fixed tourism ports.
In opening new tours to new destinations, the Department sees river tourism as a strong advantage for Da Nang that gives visitors more options.
With the Han River flowing through the city and with beautiful islands in Danang Bay, the development of boat tours, where guests can enjoy the local scenery, is expected to earn the city’s tourism sector more revenue.
Many impressive constructions can now be found along the Han River, such as the Statue of the Carp Dragon, the Bridge of Love, and Bach Dang Walking Street.
VN Economic Times Online
 
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Da Nang sets sights on river tourism

Da Nang sets sights on river tourism The Da Nang Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism has announced that in the near future it will wor...

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In pictures: Chuong Temple – a must-see place in Hung Yen

In pictures: Chuong Temple – a must-see place in Hung Yen
VietNamNet Bridge – Chuong Temple is one of the must-see places in the northern province of Hung Yen. Built in the Le Dynasty (15th-17th century), this ancient temple is known as the one of the top three destinations of Pho Hien.
Pho Hien is a historical site in Hung Yen Province, about 70 kilometers southeast of Hanoi. In the 15th to 18th centuries it was a famous merchant port in Vietnam and a small historic town on the banks of the Red River. The prosperous time of Pho Hien was associated with the golden time of trade between Vietnam, China and Japan.
Like the ancient town of Hoi An, Pho Hien is a favorite destination of Japanese tourists. Pho Hien area covers five square kilometers running from Dang Chau Hamlet in Lam Son Ward to Ne Chau Hamlet in Hong Chau Ward.
Chuong (Bell) Temple, located in Nhan Duc Hamlet, Hien Nam Ward, Hung Yen Township (Pho Hien in the past), has another name of Kim Chung Tu. According to an old legend, a long time ago, there was a golden bell on a raft drifting into the river bank belonging to the locality of Nhan Duc Hamlet. People from different villages tried to bring it to their regions but found it impossible to do. Only the notables of Nhan Duc Hamlet could tug the bell.
The inhabitants in Nhan Duc supposed that the Creator and Buddha had helped them, so they together built a pagoda to hang the bell. Every time people strike the bell, its sound resounds thousands of miles. Therefore, this pagoda has the name of Kim Chung Tu (i.e. Golden Bell Pagoda).
Chuong Temple was constructed as the traditional architectural style – a typical style of the 15th-17th century with a view of splitting from the mundane life. Some special parts that can be listed are: the three-door temple gate, the front anteroom, the premiere sanctum and the house worshipping ancestors.
Before entering the pagoda, people going on a pilgrimage have to step over the three-door temple gate. The main gate in the middle which is the highest and largest one is closed all year, except some occasions like the first and fifteenth days of lunar months and Tet holidays. By contrast, the two other gates are opened frequently for pilgrims. After the gates are the three spans of the green stone bridge crossing the “dragon’s eye” pond. Following is the path called “the only right path” leading to the front anteroom house.
The front anteroom house has five compartments and two lean-tos. The premiere sanctum with a system of statues arranged with profound meanings for each line of statues and each individual statue.
At two edges at the west and east, two rows of corridors which are simply designed link the front anteroom with the model house.
Nowadays, Chuong Temple preserves architectural articles and displays items with high value. Firstly, there is a stone bridge and a stone shrine made in 1702. In addition, a big stone stele which is 1.65m high and 1.1m wide and was erected in 1717 has two sides: the front side describes the beautiful scenery of Pho Hien and the back side with the words “Nhan Duc co tich truyen” (i.e. Nhan Duc’s legend imparted) records the names of people who restored and contributed for the pagoda, including some Chinese persons.
And the last ones are a long musical stone (similar function to the bell but has flat surface) which is 1.46m long and 0.66m high, and a brass bell with the height of 1.28m.
From the documents found on the stone stele, the researchers suppose that there used to be a thousand-mile path connecting Pho Hien and Thang Long at the front of pagoda and they record the administrative units (wards) of Pho Hien at that time.
The pagoda is recognized as a national cultural – historical relic by the Ministry of Culture and Information and has become a destination that travelers must visit when coming to Pho Hien.
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In pictures: Chuong Temple – a must-see place in Hung Yen

In pictures: Chuong Temple – a must-see place in Hung Yen VietNamNet Bridge – Chuong Temple is one of the must-see places in the northern pr...

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Jetstar offers new domestic air routes to highland region

Jetstar offers new domestic air routes to highland region
The low-cost carrier Jetstar Pacific Airlines on September 28 has annouced to open local routes using the 180-seat Airbus A320 plane to meet the demand of traveling in the highladn region.
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The carrier will offer a daily flight from Ho Chi Minh City to Pleiku ever week starting October 25.
New servives, including Chu Lai in central Quang Nam province -Buon Ma Thuot and Hue-Da Lat will be operational respectively on Tuesday-Thursday-Saturday and Wednesday-Friday-Sunday per week since October 27.
One way airfares on Ho Chi Minh City – Pleiku and Chu Lai-Buon Ma Thuot routes are on sale from September 28 from 450,000 VND (20USD). One-way fares for the Hue-Da Lat route are sold from 550,000 VND from September 29.
New domestic air routes are also expected to boost socio-economic and tourism development in southern and central areas.
 
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Jetstar offers new domestic air routes to highland region

Jetstar offers new domestic air routes to highland region The low-cost carrier Jetstar Pacific Airlines on September 28 has annouced to open...

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Nepal may ban disabled climbers from Everest

Nepal may ban disabled climbers from Everest
“We don’t think we should issue permits to people who cannot see or walk or who don’t have arms,” tourism department chief Govinda Karki told AFP.
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A placard left by trekkers is seen marking Everest Base Camp in Nepal on Sep 27, 2015. (Photo source AP/Tashi Sherpa)
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KATHMANDU: Nepal is considering banning severely disabled climbers and those deemed too old from Everest and other mountains in an attempt to improve safety, the head of its tourism department said of Monday (Sep 28).
The proposals come five months after an avalanche triggered by a massive earthquake killed 18 people at Everest base camp and are aimed at improving safety, but they are also likely to spark accusations of discrimination.
“We don’t think we should issue permits to people who cannot see or walk or who don’t have arms,” tourism department chief Govinda Karki told AFP.
“Climbing Everest is not a joke … it is not a matter of discrimination, how can you climb without legs? Someone will have to carry you up,” he said. “We want to make the mountains safer for everyone, so we have to insist on some rules.”
Karki said the government was also mulling issuing permits only to Everest climbers who first scale another mountain above 6,500 metres to prove they can handle the world’s highest peak.
Hundreds of climbers abandoned their bids to ascend the 8,848-metre (29,029-foot) mountain after the April disaster, marking a second spring season with virtually no one reaching the summit.
An avalanche the year before killed 16 guides and triggered global debate about the huge risks borne by Nepalis who fix ropes and repair ladders to help climbers with varying levels of experience.
But Everest has in recent years drawn multitudes of climbers wanting to overcome their disabilities and achieve the formidable feat.
New Zealander Mark Inglis, who lost both his legs to frostbite, became the first double amputee to reach the top of Everest in 2006.
Blind American Erik Weihenmayer scaled the peak in May 2001 and seven years later, became the only visually-impaired person to summit the highest mountains on all seven continents.
Kathmandu-based mountaineering expert Elizabeth Hawley dismissed the government’s proposals, calling them unjustified.
“I don’t think the government is in any position to judge someone’s capacities or draw that line for mountaineers,” Hawley told AFP.
“Erik Weihenmayer is an exceptional climber who is consciously setting an example for blind people, showing what they can do. It is inspiring,” she said.
Karki also said the government was considering “a new requirement that anyone who wants to climb Everest should first climb another mountain with a height of at least 6,500 metres” to prove they can handle the world’s highest peak.
Officials were also keen to limit access to all of Nepal’s top Himalayan peaks to climbers aged between 18 and 75, he said.
Nepal does not grant climbing licences for Everest to anyone under 16 but has never imposed an upper age limit.
Japanese adventurer Yuichiro Miura, 82, currently holds the record for the oldest climber to summit Everest, at 80.
Mountaineering is a major revenue-earner for impoverished Nepal, home to eight of the world’s 14 peaks over 8,000 metres.
The April 25 earthquake which killed nearly 8,900 people raised fears for the immediate future of the tourism industry.
Source AFP / AP
 
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Nepal may ban disabled climbers from Everest

Nepal may ban disabled climbers from Everest “We don’t think we should issue permits to people who cannot see or walk or who don’t have arms...

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Over 626,300 international tourists visit Vietnam in September

Over 626,300 international tourists visit Vietnam in September
The Hanoitimes – Vietnam General Statistics Office said that Vietnam received over 626,300 foreign visitors in September, up 8.3% against the same period last year.
In the first nine months of 2015, the number of foreign visitors to Vietnam reached over 5.68 million arrivals.
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Illustrative image
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Vietnam’s tourism sector witnessed a dramatic growth in the number of tourists from the Republic of Korea, with 59.2%, while those from Hong Kong (China) decreased by 17.3% and Singapore by 16.9%.
According to the Vietnam National Administration of Tourism, the nine-month revenues from the tourism sector reached more than 269 trillion VND (12.22 billion USD), up 2.8% against the same period last year.
Thu Minh
 
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Over 626,300 international tourists visit Vietnam in September

Over 626,300 international tourists visit Vietnam in September The Hanoitimes – Vietnam General Statistics Office said that Vietnam receive...

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