Vietnam Breaking News

Online Tourism Day 2017 set for July 5

Online Tourism Day 2017 set for July 5
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Online Tourism Day 2017 will be kicked off on July 5 in Ho Chi Minh City by the Vietnam National Administration of Tourism (VNAT) and the Vietnam E-commerce Association.
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The Day is being held to connect tourism enterprises with others in sectors such as IT, online marketing, online payments, insurance, and aviation.
 
It will focus on four main themes: Online Tourism – an irreversible trend, Online Travel Agents – who is stronger?, Online Tourism – starting from enterprises, and tourism development in the digital era.
 
Discussions will focus on the inevitable development of online tourism, related policies, the impact of IT on tourism, business activities of domestic and international travel agents in online tourism, and deploying IT and e-commerce at every travel agency.
 
Online Tourism Day 2017 will provide a forum for hoteliers, travel agents, restaurants, and entertainment, transport, and insurance companies to meet and discuss business possibilities. State managers will also be able to research online tourism and stay abreast of its development.
 
Ms. Nguyen Thi Thanh Huong, Deputy Director of VNAT, said that the United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) pointed out in a 2016 report that tourism in the Asia-Pacific region grew at the strongest rate in the world. Factors such as population, income, mobile technology, and social media have had major impacts on tourism in the region.
 
However, a shortage of human resources is a major challenge for development in the immediate future.
 
The Politburo issued Decree No.08 this year, calling for tourism to become a key economic sector, and the National Assembly passed the amended Law on Tourism in June. 
 
The sector will propose the government issue policies and solutions to develop tourism in the future, with online tourism and new tourism trends in need of attention to make it a key economic sector by 2030.
 
Global online tourism increased 13.8 per cent in 2016, to $565 billion. Asia-Pacific and Latin America contributed the most to growth. North America was the largest online tourism market, but Asia Pacific is expected to be the largest this year.
 
Online tourism in many countries is assessed as growing faster the previously predicted. In Southeast Asia, Google forecast that the scale of online tourism will grow from $22 billion in 2015 to $90 billion in 2025.
 
Tourism has been significantly impacted by IT developments such as mobile technology, cloud computing, big data, the sharing economy, the Internet of Things, and the fourth industrial revolution.
Source VN Economic Times

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Online Tourism Day 2017 set for July 5

Online Tourism Day 2017 set for July 5 Online Tourism Day 2017 will be kicked off on July 5 in Ho Chi Minh City by the Vietnam National Ad...

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Hue targets leading tourism destination in Southeast Asia

Hue targets leading tourism destination in Southeast Asia
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The locality aims to attract more than 5 million visitors a year, including about 3 – 3.5 million long-staying tourists and 2.5 million foreigners, up between 12-15 percent and 13 percent per year, respectively. Turnover from tourism activities is hoped to reach about VND 6 trillion (USD 264 million).

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<div class="alt_imgEditor"> Foreigners visiting the Hue Imperial Citadel  </div>

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By 2030, the province aims to welcome 3.5 million foreign arrivals and about 4 million local visitors, raking in about VND 18 -20 trillion (USD 792-880 million), accounting for 55 percent of the locality’s projected GDP.

To that end, the locality will focus on improving tourism products, especially high-quality tourism services and culture-heritage products, developing new products and expanding markets.

Resources will be mobilized to diversify tourism products and services in Hue Imperial Citadel (Dai Noi) in Hue city, the Huong River and adjacent areas, implement tourism projects in An Dinh Palace in tandem with preservation and build waterway tourism routes along Ngu Ha and An Cuu rivers.

Shopping and entertainment complexes will be formed, while traditional tourism products in Hue such as Nha Nhac (Vietnamese Royal Court music), folk songs and games, foods, especially those from ethnic minority groups will be used for tourism.

Attention will also be paid to developing spirit tourism products, resort tourism, healthcare tours and building high-quality tourism sites with coastal luxury services, lagoons and urban areas.

The locality plan to complete a road to connect Hue city and beaches in Thuan An, Vinh Thanh and Vinh Xuan and adjacent coastal areas.

Investors have been called to pour capital into upgrading Phu Bai International Airport, which will help airlines increase the number of flights and expand air routes in and out of the country.

Chan May Port will be developed into an international tourism port, connecting with Ha Long, Vung Tau, Phu Quoc, Hong Kong, Singapore and the Philippines.

Source: VNA
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Hue targets leading tourism destination in Southeast Asia

Hue targets leading tourism destination in Southeast Asia The locality aims to attract more than 5 million visitors a year, including about...

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Summer holiday fun at Resorts World Sentosa Singapore

Summer holiday fun at Resorts World Sentosa Singapore
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In Singapore, just a two-hour flight from Ho Chi Minh City, Resorts World Sentosa has all the trappings you’ll need for a home away from home. Lavish hotels to relax in, outdoor activities and fun-filled shows will keep you and your family entertained for days on end, without even needing to step out of the resort.
‘Despicable Me’ breakout party at Universal Studios Singapore
After touching down and checking into Resorts World Sentosa’s six hotels, it’s time to head out for some fun.
Over in Universal Studios Singapore, the Minions from the movie “Despicable Me” will be up to some mischievous partying until August 20. To celebrate the release of “Despicable Me 3”, these guys are bringing a themed carnival to the park filled with performances, games and outsized characters from the movies.
Our very own Rodney Rotten will also be hosting game shows and contests with prizes for the winners.
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Here’s your host, Rodney Rotten, having a banana moment with the Minions.
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Do also keep an eye out for the Minion Mob, in the Hollywood zone sometime in the afternoon. It is a flash mob where Jailbird Minions appear with other performers in a high-energy dance extravaganza. This is followed by a new meet and greet experience with the Minions and Gru. It is Minion Mel and Gru’s debut appearances in Singapore so this is certainly a unique photo opportunity not to be missed.
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Jailbird Minions and the other cast of the Minion Mob
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Scattered around the Hollywood zone, you will also find carnival game booths where you can win prizes, pop-up stalls selling Minion-themed food and drink, and a ‘tattoo parlour’ to ink yourself with cool, temporary tattoos.
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Minion Mishap, one of the carnival booths.
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With the Hollywood zone decked out in all things Minions, snap some photos and grab some momentos before setting out to explore the rest of the park’s amazing rides and shows. Hop on fan favourites such as “Transformers The Ride: The Ultimate 3D Battle”, “Jurassic Park Rapids Adventure” and “Battlestar Galactica: Human vs Cylon” ”, and meet our other colour park characters as well.
Splash out at Adventure Cove Waterpark
If you prefer sun, sand and water fun, Adventure Cove Waterpark is the place for you with a slew of water activities. Every Friday, Saturday and Sunday until July 30, things are going to heat up at the waterpark so plan your trip to groove to live music and compete in watersports.
These activities cater to everyone, from the young to the young-at-heart. From simple games such as the ring toss for kids to rope climbing challenge for the physically fit, these challenges provide you additional fun things to do on top of the mix of water rides and slides in the park.
Get pumped up for the challenges, or just kick back and enjoy the music brought to you by DJ Inquisitive, one of Singapore’s most influential deejays.
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Ring the bell at the top of the Climb Challenge within 10 seconds to win a prize.
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The Lucky Ducky Toss is a simple game that children can play to win rewards
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Splashketball, one of four sport-themed activities at the waterpark.
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Children can learn the art of sandcastle-making from our experienced builders.
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Get your park tickets today!
With just S$68, you can enjoy a fun-filled holiday at Universal Studios Singapore and indulge in a wide variety of dining treats in the park from 10am to 8pm on selected days. Package is inclusive of one Universal Studios Singapore Adult One-Day Ticket and S$5 meal voucher. Promotion is valid for purchase and park visits from 1 June to 31 December 2017 (both dates inclusive). Other terms and conditions apply.
For more information, check out exclusive deals and holiday packages at <a href="http://bit.ly/2tHwuGN">www.rwsentosa.com/vn</a>
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Summer holiday fun at Resorts World Sentosa Singapore Related image(s) 
<img height="200" src="http://bit.ly/2ugGfZm" width="200" />

Summer holiday fun at Resorts World Sentosa Singapore

Summer holiday fun at Resorts World Sentosa Singapore In Singapore, just a two-hour flight from Ho Chi Minh City, Resorts World Sentosa has...

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Hai Phong city welcomes 3 million tourists first half of 2017

Hai Phong city welcomes 3 million tourists first half of 2017
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Of the total number, over 355,500 foreigners visited the city in the period.
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<div class="alt_imgEditor">Foreign tourists on Cat Ba island. (Photo: haiphong.gov.vn)</div>

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According to Vice Chairman of the city People’s Committee Nguyen Xuan Binh, breakthroughs in infrastructure are a tremendous drive for the city’s tourism development.

Tan Vu-Lach Huyen bridge, Bach Dang bridge, expansion of National Highway 10 and Hanoi-Hai Phong highway – the most modern expressway in Vietnam – have connected Hai Phong city and other localities nationwide, Binh said.

Construction has begun on Nguyen Binh Khiem flyover as well as Hoang Van Thu, Tam Bac, Han and Dang bridges and a coastal road connecting Hai Phong city and its neighbouring Thai Binh province.

In addition, projects invested by large groups like Vingroup and Sungroup will give a facelift to the city, including a Vincom shopping mall, a complex of entertainment zone, housing and eco-park on Vu Yen island and a tourism complex on Cat Ba and Cat Hai islands.

The expansion of Cat Bi International Airport will help the city connect with the international aviation industry while creating a boost for the city’s socio-economic development. Travel agents in and outside the city have joined hands with some carriers like Vietnam Airlines and Vietjet Air to increase flight frequency to meet travel demands from customers.

Hai Phong city is making a beeline to develop standout tourism brand and products as well as works to improve human resource quality.
 
Source: VNA
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Hai Phong city welcomes 3 million tourists first half of 2017 Related image(s) 
<img height="200" src="http://bit.ly/2tbJukO" width="200" />

Hai Phong city welcomes 3 million tourists first half of 2017

Hai Phong city welcomes 3 million tourists first half of 2017 Of the total number, over 355,500 foreigners visited the city in the period. ...

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My Long Rice Papers

My Long Rice Papers
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My Long Rice Papers is a special food from the coconut growing area of Ben Tre.
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Coconut rice papers in My Long are famous as they are particularly fatty, tasty and aromatic when roasted over hot coals. The rice papers here are numerous with three main types: the normal rice paper with coconut but no milk; normal rice papers with milk but no coconut; special rice papers with coconut, milk and hens eggs. There is also another special rice paper that is used with other food such as meat, fish and shrimp.

Almost all rice paper stoves in My Long are located in Nghia Huan, but the most delicious rice papers are produced in Areas II and IV. The local residents reveal that the quality of the rice papers in My Long is higher than other areas due to the special soft rice and the good quality coconut milk that can only be found in My Long. Tellingly, My Long rice papers are not only well-known in the domestic market, but are also exported to other countries in the world.

Making rice paper begins at 3am, first the flour is soaked under water and the copra is taken from the coconut. The rice flour is then husked and mixed with the coconut milk. After that, the rice paper is coated in the early morning dew of the next day, and dried under natural sunlight.

The process seems easy, but requires the skillful hands and diligence of the local people. It is this combination of tradition and care which makes the rice papers of My Long so delicious and a favourite to many visitors.
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My Long Rice Papers Related image(s) 
<img height="200" src="http://ift.tt/1eWmqbm" width="200" />

My Long Rice Papers

My Long Rice Papers My Long Rice Papers is a special food from the coconut growing area of Ben Tre. Coconut rice papers in My Long are f...

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Hai Phong city welcomes 3 million tourists in first half of 2017

Hai Phong city welcomes 3 million tourists in first half of 2017
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NDO/VNA – The alluring landscapes of Do Son, Hon Dau and Cat Ba island, among many other historical and cultural sites, has helped the northern port city of Hai Phong to attract 3.07 million holiday-makers in the first half of the year, up 10.7% from the same period in 2016.
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Of the total number, over 355,500 foreigners visited the city during this period.

According to Vice Chairman of the city People’s Committee Nguyen Xuan Binh, breakthroughs in infrastructure have acted as a tremendous drive in the city’s tourism development.

The construction of Tan Vu-Lach Huyen and Bach Dang bridges, along with the expansion of National Highway 10 and Hanoi-Hai Phong highway – the most modern expressway in Vietnam – have connected Hai Phong city with other localities nationwide, Binh said.

Construction has begun on Nguyen Binh Khiem flyover, as well as Hoang Van Thu, Tam Bac, Han and Dang bridges and a coastal road connecting Hai Phong city with its neighbouring Thai Binh province.

In addition, investment in projects by large groups, such as Vingroup and Sungroup, will give the city a facelift, including a new Vincom shopping mall, an entertainment zone complex, housing and eco-park on Vu Yen island and a tourism complex on Cat Ba and Cat Hai islands.

The expansion of Cat Bi International Airport will help the city connect with the international aviation industry, while creating a boost for the city’s socio-economic development. Travel agents in and around the city have joined hands with some airline carriers, such as Vietnam Airlines and Vietjet Air, to increase flight frequency in order to meet customers travel demands.

Hai Phong city is making a beeline to develop a standout tourism brand and products, as well as working to improve human resource quality.
</div>
 
Hai Phong city welcomes 3 million tourists in first half of 2017 Related image(s) 
<img height="200" src="http://ift.tt/1eWmqbm" width="200" />

Hai Phong city welcomes 3 million tourists in first half of 2017

Hai Phong city welcomes 3 million tourists in first half of 2017 NDO/VNA – The alluring landscapes of Do Son, Hon Dau and Cat Ba island, am...

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A guide treks to preserve forests

A guide treks to preserve forests
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Hoang Tuan Vu, commonly known as Kar, seems to be the only trekking tour guide in the central highlands of Viet Nam. But to this 32-year-old man, a resident of Ea Kar District in the central province of Dak Lak, the profession is not only a way to earn a living. It helps him to demonstrate his love for forests, and inspire others to join hands to preserve the lungs of earth.
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Kar feels completely at home in the forest.
 
“I have spent more time in the forest than at home, that’s why I look different,” he says, smiling.
 
At the young age of 32, Kar, whose real name is Hoang Tuan Vu, stands out in a crowd with his sunburnt curly hair and dark skin and sturdy physique.
 
Kar might be the only trekking tour guide in the Central Highlands region, but this is more than a job for him. His work is an expression of his love for forests, and he wants to inspire others to join hands and preserve them.
 
Kar was born in the central province of Ha Tinh. He moved to live in Ea Kar District in the Central Highlands province of Dak Lak when he was six after his parents sought new career opportunities there. The peaceful life, surrounded by vast forests and mountains, nurtured his passionate love for the forest.
 
After graduating from high school, he decided to study tourism at Duy Tan University so that he could realise his dream of travelling to different places.
 
As a student, Kar visited many places in Viet Nam, including Da Nang, Quang Nam, Quang Ngai, Hue, and Quang Binh.
 
Everywhere he went, the natural beauty of the place and lifestyles of locals impressed him, and he realized the great tourism potential they had.
 
When Kar graduated in 2009, he received work offers from various travel agents, but he quit after several months, finding the working environment restrictive and not suited to his passion for travelling.
 
He returned home and continued to wander through the forests in the Central Highlands that gave him peace.
 
At first, his trips were a personal exploration, enriching his understanding of the forests, their topography, flora and fauna and the ethnic cultures.
 
When he saw that trekking was becoming popular in the country, he wanted to develop it in his hometown. Undeterred by the lack of support for his idea, he went trekking through all the forests from north to south on his own, studying and designing tours to turn his idea into reality.
 
Kar’s trekking backpack typically contains rice, instant noodles, dried fish, a lighter, a knife, a fishing rod, pans, hammock and a mini camera. It takes between three and seven days to trek through a forest. Mosquitoes, leeches and snakes are frequent companions.
 
Kar’s most memorable trek was one through forests from Dak Lak to Nha Trang in August, 2014. It was the rainy season. The forest was so dense that he could not find the way out. He was resigned to stopping and spending the night in the forest, sleeping in a hammock. The rain did not let up and the wild animals kept roaring fiercely. Cold and afraid, Kar could not sleep a wink.
 
The next morning, he decided to follow the stream, and it was the right choice. The stream led him to the source of the Cai River.
 
Spreading love for forest
 
Over four years, Kar explored and found many beautiful paths suitable for trekking. He also gained valuable experience and skills about surviving in the forest from local people. He learnt which fruits and leaves were edible, how to prevent and treat malaria with wild plants and how to deal with sprains and other injuries.
 
Using this invaluable experience and the things he learnt in the university, he became a forest guide, offering tours few others could match.
 
Among the special experiences of being with Kar is the things he cooks with wild edible plants or animals, like a wild banana salad and grilled fish. With him, people understand directly the value of the forest for human’s survival.
 
He also introduces the cultures and customs of locals, fostering connections between different peoples.
 
Kar’s trekking tours have gradually attracted huge numbers of people. His schedule is tight all year round, and the peak time is the dry season, lasting from April to October.
 
One of the tours that impressed Kar most was in early 2016 when he guided 29 employees of a construction company from HCM City, all of them women. He said not one complained or was late. They were keen on experiencing firsthand the peace of living in a forest, being able to hear the birds sing, drink clear water from the streams and eat wild vegetables.
 
“The scenery that came in front of my eyes after every step was overwhelming,” said Nguyen Thach, after returning from a trekking tour in the Central Highland with Kar.
 
 “I was most impressed with the beauty of the streams that we saw on the way, each with its unique charm and dangers.
 
“The journey was not smooth. In some places, we had to hack our way through. Our hands were scratched by the thorns of wild trees, and the leeches kept sticking to us.
 
“But our tour guide, Kar, was experienced and skillfully helped us overcome difficult situations.”
 
Kar is also impressed by foreign tourists. They don’t bother much about taking selfies. Instead, they listen attentively to him talking about the forest, even though his English is not very fluent. They always ask about strange plants or animals that they see and take notes, carefully.
 
This attitude has “encouraged me to constantly enrich my knowledge”, Kar said.
 
Kar instructs tourists in basic survival skills, like setting fire, seeking food, recognising weather conditions, identifying directions and avoiding wild beasts.
 
“The forest is a part of me,” Kar said, adding that he feels great pain on seeing it being destroyed by humans. “Beautiful evergreen forests, the shelter of many precious species, have been devastated and turned into bare mountains,” he said.
 
“By pursuing trekking as a profession and bringing people close to nature, I hope to contribute a part of my life to the preservation of forests.”
Source Vietnamnet

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A guide treks to preserve forests Related image(s) 
<img height="200" src="http://bit.ly/2tucirb" width="200" />

A guide treks to preserve forests

A guide treks to preserve forests Hoang Tuan Vu, commonly known as Kar, seems to be the only trekking tour guide in the central highlands ...

+ Read more »