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Tu Lan Adventure Race comes back with harder challenges

Tu Lan Adventure Race comes back with harder challenges
The Tu Lan Adventure Race 2016 was held in Quang Binh province from March 31 to April 3. It was a competition of 100 people who were divided into 10 teams, racing along 30km of untamed rivers in traditional Doc Moc (dugout canoe).
<div id="attachment_1866542" style="width: 510px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><a href="http://bit.ly/1RN1Cpj"><img alt="First of all they took a ride over 15km on Rao Nan River in the Doc Moc (dugout canoe) It’s difficult the handle the dugout canoe. Local children encouraging the teams. A doctor taking care of the competitors" class="attachment-medium aligncenter" height="333" rel="lightbox" src="http://bit.ly/1McwHG4" width="500" /></a>
First of all they took a ride over 15km on Rao Nan River in the Doc Moc (dugout canoe) It’s difficult the handle the dugout canoe. Local children encouraging the teams. A doctor taking care of the competitors
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Competitors had a chance to discover caves.
<div id="attachment_1866543" style="width: 510px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><a href="http://bit.ly/1RN1Cpl"><img alt="Trekking jungle and climbing up and down hills. Showing team spirit. Feeling happy after swimming through an underground river. Helping each other in the final challenge. Successful ending. VNE/VOV" class="attachment-medium aligncenter" height="333" rel="lightbox" src="http://bit.ly/1McwHG6" width="500" /></a>
Trekking jungle and climbing up and down hills. Showing team spirit. Feeling happy after swimming through an underground river. Helping each other in the final challenge. Successful ending. VNE/VOV
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Tu Lan Adventure Race comes back with harder challenges

Tu Lan Adventure Race comes back with harder challenges The Tu Lan Adventure Race 2016 was held in Quang Binh province from March 31 to Apri...

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Tour discounts offered at travel expo

Tour discounts offered at travel expo
<a href="http://bit.ly/1Sag1v1"><img alt="1866411-bac-ha-5thang-don-gan-85000-nghin-khach-du-lich" class="attachment-medium aligncenter" height="323" rel="lightbox" src="http://bit.ly/1Sag1v1" width="430" /></a>
Many tours will be offered at low prices at the Vietnam International Travel Mart – VITM Hanoi travel expo according to local travel agencies.
Foreign tourists are buying souvernirs from a local woman in Sapa Town in Lao Cai Province
The annual event, which will be opened in Hanoi from April 14-17, is intended to draw more international tourists to Vietnam as well as increase the number of domestic visitors to sea and island areas.
The fair, which opens close to the coming Reunification Day and May Day holidays takes place on the threshold of the summer holiday season.
According to the organiser, some 3,000 travel companies will participate at the event which they claim could attract around 62,000 visitors.
Several travel agencies have expressed hopes to sell more tours this year than previous fairs. Some are offering discounts of up to 60% on some tours.
Director of Hanoi-based Hon Gai Travel Company, Do Xuan Ngoan, said that they would provide discounts of 50-60% on many tour package.
“We’ll offer discounts on some domestic tours and to Thailand, Cambodia, Malaysia, Singapore, Hong Kong, China, and Japan we’ll cut prices on packages by VND 3 million.
Vietrantour’s vice director, Pham Thi Bich Ngoc also said that they have been negotiating to lower prices by between 5 – 18.5%.
Vietnam has become an emerging outbound market. More than 5 million Vietnamese travel overseas annually, representing a growth rate of 15 percent. Many countries see Vietnam as a new market to tap.
 
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Tour discounts offered at travel expo

Tour discounts offered at travel expo Many tours will be offered at low prices at the Vietnam International Travel Mart – VITM Hanoi travel...

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Daily activities on Dau Tieng Lake

Daily activities on Dau Tieng Lake
Minh Triet
<div id="attachment_1866310" style="width: 510px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><a href="http://bit.ly/1SypJYC"><img alt="A fisherman is on board a fishing boat in Dau Tieng Reservoir in the morning. Fishermen in the area use composite boats costing from VND70 million (US$3,150) to VND100 million each" class="attachment-medium aligncenter" height="333" rel="lightbox" src="http://bit.ly/238M8GT" width="500" /></a>
A fisherman is on board a fishing boat in Dau Tieng Reservoir in the morning. Fishermen in the area use composite boats costing from VND70 million (US$3,150) to VND100 million each
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The lake has a floodgate for releasing water into the Saigon River and two canals to supply water for agricultural production in the southeastern region. The reservoir is also a source of income for local residents as fish abound there.
<div id="attachment_1866311" style="width: 510px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><a href="http://bit.ly/1SypM6u"><img alt="A boy identified as Linh fixes a fishing net on board a boat in Dau Tieng Reservoir. After school, Linh usually helps his parents with small and easy jobs" class="attachment-medium aligncenter" height="333" rel="lightbox" src="http://bit.ly/238M75v" width="500" /></a>
A boy identified as Linh fixes a fishing net on board a boat in Dau Tieng Reservoir. After school, Linh usually helps his parents with small and easy jobs
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<div id="attachment_1866312" style="width: 510px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><a href="http://bit.ly/1SypM6w"><img alt="Fishing boats gather at a pier for fishermen to sell fish to traders in the afternoon. Traders will sell those fresh fish at the market in the evening" class="attachment-medium aligncenter" height="333" rel="lightbox" src="http://bit.ly/238M8X9" width="500" /></a>
Fishing boats gather at a pier for fishermen to sell fish to traders in the afternoon. Traders will sell those fresh fish at the market in the evening
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<div id="attachment_1866313" style="width: 510px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><a href="http://bit.ly/1SypM6y"><img alt="A fisherman transfers fish from a basket into a container of traders. After finishing a transaction in the afternoon, fishermen will start another fishing session at night to catch fish for sale early in the morning" class="attachment-medium aligncenter" height="333" rel="lightbox" src="http://bit.ly/238M8Xc" width="500" /></a>
A fisherman transfers fish from a basket into a container of traders. After finishing a transaction in the afternoon, fishermen will start another fishing session at night to catch fish for sale early in the morning
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<div id="attachment_1866314" style="width: 510px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><a href="http://bit.ly/1SypKeQ"><img alt="Children play in Dau Tieng Lake - PHOTOS: MINH TRIET" class="attachment-medium aligncenter" height="333" rel="lightbox" src="http://bit.ly/238M75z" width="500" /></a>
Children play in Dau Tieng Lake - PHOTOS: MINH TRIET
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Daily activities on Dau Tieng Lake Related image(s) 
<img height="200" src="http://bit.ly/238M8GT" width="200" />

Daily activities on Dau Tieng Lake

Daily activities on Dau Tieng Lake Minh Triet A fisherman is on board a fishing boat in Dau Tieng Reservoir in the morning. Fishermen in t...

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Central VN islands eye geopark status

Central VN islands eye geopark status
VietNamNet Bridge – Ly Son and Binh Chau islands and the vicinity in this central province might become global geoparks.
<div id="attachment_1866207" style="width: 510px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><a href="http://bit.ly/1qruI6G"><img alt="Picture perfect: A view of Ly Son Island from the top of Thoi Loi Mountain. -- Photo: VNS" class="attachment-medium aligncenter" height="340" rel="lightbox" src="http://bit.ly/1RLd0C0" width="500" /></a>
Picture perfect: A view of Ly Son Island from the top of Thoi Loi Mountain. -- Photo: VNS
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This conclusion was reached at a recent meeting between the local Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism and domestic and international specialists.
The meeting aimed to report the results of a recent study conducted by five international specialists, who are also members of UNESCO Heritage Council, and 13 domestic cultural and geological specialists. The study lasted from March 31 to April 3.
Based on the study, the specialists all agreed that the geological areas in Binh Chau and Ly Son islands and the vicinity were of high value and needed special attention.
However, besides their geological conditions, recognition of the areas as a global geopark needs other factors including plans for preservation, community education and tourism development.
The mainland of Quang Ngai Province was also evaluated and found to be geologically diverse by the specialists, so it should also be considered a subsidiary of the future global geopark.
According to the specialists, the province is just taking its first steps in planning the global geopark, which has had considerable influence on local tourism development. For now, the province needs to manage the local ecology efficiently, which will serve as a start in getting the area officially recognised as a global geopark in the future.
Quang Ngai Province therefore has to define its border and total area for the dossier that will be submitted to the National Heritage Committee and later to UNESCO. At the same time, the province should establish a department to be in charge of implementing necessary legal procedures for completing the dossier.
“After being recognised as a global geopark, Dong Van Karst Plateau in the northern province of Ha Giang has seen an increase in the number of tourists by three to four times. If recognised, Binh Chau and Ly Son islands will become ideal destinations for both domestic and international visitors, creating great tourism opportunities for Quang Ngai Province,” said Nguyen Dang Vu, director of the provincial Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism.
<table>
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<td>related news</td>
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<td><a href="http://bit.ly/1NCRIXs">A breathtaking journey to Dong Van Plateau</a><a href="http://bit.ly/1RLd0C2">Pho Bang – a peaceful town on Dong Van Karst Plateau</a><a href="http://bit.ly/1qruH2G">More prehistoric vestiges discovered in Dong Van Karst Plateau</a></td>
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</tbody>
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Source: VNS
 
Central VN islands eye geopark status Related image(s) 
<img height="200" src="http://bit.ly/1RLd0C0" width="200" />

Central VN islands eye geopark status

Central VN islands eye geopark status VietNamNet Bridge – Ly Son and Binh Chau islands and the vicinity in this central province might becom...

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Xuan Son National Park – A destination of ecological interest

Xuan Son National Park – A destination of ecological interest
Located in Phu Tho Province, Xuan Son National Park is a perfect pick for those who are interested in discovering the pristine beauty of Mother Nature, the pure atmosphere of forests and mountains as well as the unique culture of ethnic minority groups.
<div id="attachment_1866142" style="width: 510px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><a href="http://bit.ly/202W3Z5"><img alt="Xuan Son National Park – A destination of ecological interest" class="attachment-medium aligncenter" height="281" rel="lightbox" src="http://bit.ly/237rvuv" width="500" /></a>
Xuan Son National Park – A destination of ecological interest
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The park covers 15,000 hectares in Tan Son district, ranking 12th out of 15 national parks nationwide in total area. The site was upgraded from a nature reserve to a national park under a Prime Minister-approved decision in 2002.
Visiting Xuan Son National Park, tourists can feel the intrinsic beauty of nature as the site has not yet been affected by tourism activities. Everywhere in the park is covered with the green colour of many layers of trees. Houses on stilts underneath shady trees, the murmuring sound of brooks, together with the scent of newly-harvested rice bring visitors to a land of purity.
Visitors can experience four seasons a day in Xuan Son: spring in a fresh morning, sunny summer in the afternoon, autumn with soft breezes in the evening, and winter with a little cold at night.
Notably, Xuan Son is the only national park in Vietnam with a limestone-based primeval forest, which helps the site boast an enchanting range of flora and fauna as well as diverse geographical characteristics.
The park is home to 365 species of animals, 46 of which are listed in Vietnam’s Red Book of Endangered Species and 18 classified in the World Red Book. It is also home to a community of 32 plant species which are listed in Vietnam’s Red Book and World Red Book.
In addition, the park has spectacular natural landscapes with hundreds of caves and three peaks – Voi, Ten and Can – with heights of over 1,000 metres each. Prominent among the caves are Na cave, which boasts inside beautiful stalactites, and Tien cave, which was formed inside a marble mountain.
Not only an opportunity to witness the picturesque scenery, visitors to Xuan Son are also invited to taste delicious indigenous dishes cooked by local people. Must-try specialities are ‘sang’ vegetable, wild boar and six-spur cock, which appeared in the legendary story “Son Tinh – Thuy Tinh” (the God of Mountain and the God of Water).
With its numerous draws, Xuan Son National Park can surely become a popular destination for eco-tourism and a lively outdoor museum, contributing to boosting the socio-economic development of Tan Son District and Phu Tho Province in general.
Source Nhan Dan
 
Xuan Son National Park – A destination of ecological interest Related image(s) 
<img height="200" src="http://bit.ly/237rvuv" width="200" />

Xuan Son National Park – A destination of ecological interest

Xuan Son National Park – A destination of ecological interest Located in Phu Tho Province, Xuan Son National Park is a perfect pick for thos...

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Adventure race winners named

Adventure race winners named
VietNamNet Bridge – The Hunter team won the Tu Lan Adventure Race 2016 in the central Quang Binh Province on Sunday.
<a href="http://bit.ly/1qmIfg6"><img a="" adventure="" after="" alt="Champs: The " and="" bang="" binh="" came="" canoe="" central="" challenge="" class="attachment-medium aligncenter" climbing="" courtesy="" doc="" down="" first="" height="333" hills="" hunter="" in="" involving="" jungle="" lan="" moc="" national="" nha-ke="" of="" oxalis="" park.="" phong="" photo="" place="" province="" quang="" race="" rel="lightbox" rivers="" src="http://bit.ly/202NiOQ" swimming="" team="" the="" three-day="" tours="" traditional="" treks="" tu="" underground="" up="" width="500" wilderness="" /></a>
The three-day wild challenge involved a traditional doc moc (dug-out canoe) boat race, jungle treks, climbing up and down hills, and swimming in underground rivers in Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park.
The Funny Walker team came in second place, while Destiny finished third in the second edition of the wild race in the new destination in central Viet Nam.
Director of Oxalis Adventure Tours, the race organiser, Nguyen Chau A said 10 teams with 100 members competed over 30km of dirty trails and rivers.
The Hunter team were awarded the first prize of VND50 million (US$2,270) by the race organising committee.
Funny Walker pocketed VND40 million ($1,770) in cash prize, while Destiny took home VND30 million ($1,330) as the third prize.
The race organisers said the competitors overcame their fears and challenged their limits, but they also got the chance to explore incredible and magnificent destinations such as Rat Cave, Hung Ton Cave and Hung Ton Valley.
Quang Binh, home of the largest cave in the world, Son Doong Cave, offers visitors treks, caving tours and a race.
In the first race, funds were raised for local schools hit by a flood in 2010 in the nearby Tan Hoa Commune.
<table>
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<td>related news</td>
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<td><a href="http://bit.ly/1qmIfga">Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park admission prices unchanged until 2017</a><a href="#http://bit.ly/202NiOS">Journey to the centre of Son Doong Cave</a>
Son Doong Cave nominated for world record
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Source: VNS
 
Adventure race winners named Related image(s) 
<img height="200" src="http://bit.ly/202NiOQ" width="200" />

Adventure race winners named

Adventure race winners named VietNamNet Bridge – The Hunter team won the Tu Lan Adventure Race 2016 in the central Quang Binh Province on Su...

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Vietnamese spent $6 billion on overseas tours last year

Vietnamese spent $6 billion on overseas tours last year
<a href="http://bit.ly/1Ty06Mj"><img alt="1865951-vietnamese-tourists-in-thailand-oapi" class="attachment-medium aligncenter" height="324" rel="lightbox" src="http://bit.ly/1Ty06Mj" width="500" /></a>
Vietnamese tourists in Thailand in a file photo. Photo: Diep Duc Minh
Around six million Vietnamese traveled abroad for holiday last year and spent roughly US$6 billion, according to the Vietnam Tourism Association.
That was significant up from $3.5 billion in 2012, the association said, as cited by local media.
According to tour operators, favorite destinations included Thailand, Cambodia, Japan, South Korea, Europe and the US.
Vietnam’s top tourist companies such as Vietravel and Saigontourist said overseas tours have grown faster than domestic tours.
Vietnam itself is home to many famous destinations, including Ha Long Bay, the Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park and Hoi An ancient town, all of which are UNESCO heritage sites.
But poor service quality, high prices and lack of creativity are among the main reasons that local tourists prefer going abroad, experts say.
Meanwhile, many foreign countries such as Japan and South Korea have simplified visa procedures for Vietnamese tourists and offered very competitive tour prices in recent years, they say.
 
Vietnamese spent $6 billion on overseas tours last year Related image(s) 
<img height="200" src="http://bit.ly/1Ty06Mj" width="200" />

Vietnamese spent $6 billion on overseas tours last year

Vietnamese spent $6 billion on overseas tours last year Vietnamese tourists in Thailand in a file photo. Photo: Diep Duc Minh Around six m...

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