Only businessmen can afford tickets for Tet flights

The national air carrier Vietnam Airlines has announced it plans to launch tens of thousands air tickets into the market. However, booking agents say they still have not seen the tickets.

Earlier this month Vietnam Airlines announced that it will provide 11,000 more tickets for Tet flights in the first stage. However, booking agents have affirmed that no air route has seen additional flights.

Nhung, the owner of a booking agent in Tan Binh District in HCM City, said that she has been “hunting” for air tickets since the beginning of the month, but unsuccessfully.

The flights on HCM City – Hanoi route which will take off after January 24, 2011 (or December 21 of the Lunar Year) all have run out of economy tickets, and only business class tickets are left. to book business class tickets, one has to pay 3,350,000 dong . As for the Hanoi – HCM City route, to book the flights after February 7, 2011 ( the fifth day of the new Lunar Year), one will also have to become businessmen.

Nhung said that after Vietnam Airlines announced that it will launch more flights on Tet holiday, people call the booking agent regularly . A lot of passengers accept to pay 400,000-500,000 dong more . However, Nhung said the only thing she can do now is to book standby tickets. But now even standby tickets are not accepted on some air routes.

“I have heard that by the end of this year, Vietnam Airlines will announce another plan to launch more air tickets for Tet flights in the second stage. However, I still cannot understand why I cannot purchase any tickets in the first stage,” Nhung complained.

Nhung said that at the same time in 2009, economy class tickets also ran out. However, in the days just before Tet (from December 27 Lunar Year), tickets unexpectedly appeared on the market in big quantity. Nhung thinks that the scenario would repeat this year, and she has advised passengers to wait . However, as this is not certain, no passenger wants to wait, and they want immediate bookings.

As for HCM City - Da Nang route, passengers who want to fly from January 27, 2011 to February 2, 2011 (24-30 December of Lunar Year) now also only have business class tickets to buy. Of course, business tickets are much more expensive than economy tickets. In order to have a business ticket, one will have to pay 2,100,000 dong, while economy ticket.only costs 600,000 dong

Similarly, on the reverse route, if passengers want to fly on February 6-13 with Vietnam Airlines, they also have to buy business class tickets. Vietnam Airlines said it would offer more seats, about 3200 seats per day per route, an increase of 28 percent over the previous Tet and an increase of 44 percent in comparison with normal days. On peak days, the number of seats to be provided may reach 4000 seats per day, or double that of normal days.

However, to date, the demand has still been far exceeding the supply.

Meanwhile, talking with Sai gon Tiep Thi on November 25, a representative from Vietnam Airlines said that the air tickets on additional flights have been selling since the beginning of the month. However, even the additional tickets cannot meet the demand, because of the overly high number of passengers who have booked standby tickets.

However, many booking agents said that they do not know that tickets have been sold. some agents even think the sale of additional tickets will only begin at the end of the month.

The budget airline Jetstar Pacific has also reportedly sold all the tickets for the flights from December 22 of Lunar Year to Tet. As for Air Mekong, all the economy class tickets for HCM City – Hanoi flights on the days just before Tet have also been sold. However, the airline still has a lot of Full Deluxe class tickets to offer which are priced at 2,845,000 dong .

Truong Thanh Vu, Commercial and Service Director of Air Mekong, said that the airline will increase the transport capacity by 20 percent on Tet, raising the total number of seats to 3200 per day.

P. V

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Six provinces and cities selected for national tourism years

Deputy Prime Minister Nguyen Thien Nhan agreed to organize the National Tourism Year in some locations from 2012 to 2017.

Thua Thien - Hue will host the National Tourism Year 2012.

The Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism has chosen six provinces and cities to host the National Tourism Year, including Thua Thien – Hue in 2012, Hai Phong in 2013, Lam Dong in 2014, Thanh Hoa in 2015, Kien Giang in 2016 and Lao Cai in 2017.

The 2011 National Tourism Year will be held in Phu Yen province and central coastal provinces.

The National Tourism Year has become the largest event of the Vietnamese tourism industry for several years and will feature different themes.

The event is also synchronous with popular events in Vietnam and the world in order to promote tourism, social-economic development, and Vietnam’s foreign relations.

PV

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Southern tourism triangle in the offing

HCMC has reached agreement with two other provinces to develop what will become a southern tourism triangle through a variety of joint product development and marketing projects from now to 2012.

In the signing ceremony in the city’s coastal district of Can Gio late last week, the three parties – HCMC, Lam Dong and Binh Thuan – will initially link their key tourist destinations.

They will also organize conferences along the way to call for investors to diversify tourism products while issuing joint marketing brochures and implementing joint promotion programs.

They will jointly participate in tourism exhibitions at home and abroad, arrange local and foreign familiarization trips and connect their tourism and travel websites, among others, according to the pact between the three provincial tourism departments.

In addition to that, the tourism associations of the three localities clinched a similar cooperation deal to develop four tourism routes between HCMC, Dalat and Phan Thiet.

La Quoc Khanh, deputy director of the HCMC Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism, said cooperation between the three provinces had been in place since 2007 and had produced some good results.

“HCMC-based travel companies now contribute around 45% of total tourist arrivals in Lam Dong and have many tours linking sites of interest in HCMC, Lam Dong and Binh Thuan,” he said.

In terms of investment, he noted, HCMC companies are also at the top in the other two provinces.

But officials and travel firms at the signing ceremony conceded the three provinces had yet to make full use of marketing activities and promotional events in and outside the country.

The relationship between tourism firms in HCMC, Lam Dong, and Binh Thuan has remained loose and this might make it hard to translate the tourism triangle goal into reality.

“We’re aware of the limitations and will try to resolve them. The three tourism associations on Tuesday signed the cooperation deal that will help us strengthen the link between travel firms,” Le Thi Thanh Lien, deputy director of Binh Thuan Province’s Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism, said last Friday.

According to reports by the three tourism departments, Lam Dong has 242 tourism projects worth nearly VND47 trillion, with investors from HCMC accounting for 100 projects capitalized at VND29 trillion, and those from Binh Thuan having three projects valued at VND90 billion. Lam Dong is famous for its hilly resort town of Dalat.

Binh Thuan, which is known for the seaside resort town of Phan Thiet, has 253 tourism projects committed by investors in HCMC with total investment capital of VND37 trillion.

Source: SGT

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Soc Trang: traditional boat race attracts visitors

Hundreds of thousands of people flocked to the southern province of Soc Trang to witness the annual ghe ngo (Khmer boat) race on November 21.

This is the traditional boat race that is held annually in Soc Trang during the Ooc Om Boc festival of the Khmer people in southern Vietnam.

The event attracted nearly 2000 rowers from southern provinces, who competed in four categories: men’s 1200m and 800m and women’s 1000m and 600m. The race took place in Maspero River.

The race in photos:

PV

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Soc Trang: traditional boat race attracts visitors

Hundreds of thousands of people flocked to the southern province of Soc Trang to witness the annual ghe ngo (Khmer boat) race on November 21.

This is the traditional boat race that is held annually in Soc Trang during the Ooc Om Boc festival of the Khmer people in southern Vietnam.

The event attracted nearly 2000 rowers from southern provinces, who competed in four categories: men’s 1200m and 800m and women’s 1000m and 600m. The race took place in Maspero River.

The race in photos:

PV

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Tourist paths often cross in 'Hello again' Hanoi, Vietnam

Chinapost

These days it's hard to feel like an independent traveler on the road from Hanoi to Saigon.

Anyone who tackles the around 1,145 kilometers from north to south, or in the other direction, will find themselves running into the same people at the pagodas, hostels, bars and restaurants recommended by the same leading travel guides.

“Hello again” might easily be the motto of the trip, although fortunately the familiarity of the travel companions underway does not detract from the many things this part of Vietnam has to offer.

Most tourists in Hanoi check into a hotel in the old part of the city where swarms of clattering mopeds roam the congested streets. Visitors allow themselves to be pedaled around in rickshaws and amid the chaos the odd chicken still manages to hop unscathed from one side of the narrow carriageway to the other.

Everyday tourism remains unaffected by Socialism, the only outward signs of which are the prominent red flag with the yellow star. Vietnam's national colors hang from almost every house, and not just in Hanoi either. Former Vietnamese President Ho Chi Minh is also omnipresent. His embalmed body lies in state in a glass coffin at a mausoleum dedicated to his memory.

This grand example of Soviet-style monumental architecture is an essential stop on any Hanoi tour, just like Halong Bay. Getting there is straightforward, even if the only method on offer for tourists without a hire car is to board one of the numerous air-conditioned minibuses bound for the coast.

Halong Bay is one of the most photographed places in the whole of Vietnam and the images convey an accurate impression of a truly splendid coastal panorama. The limestone pinnacles rise up almost perpendicularly from the shimmering blue water. The bay can get crowded though. The harbor is packed tightly with the numerous tourist boats which ply the sights and the eye is offended by discarded pieces of rubbish bobbing on the waves.

The next stop on a classic Vietnam tour is the relaxing city of Hue. During a cruise on the Perfume river tourists glide past magnificent pagodas and tombs. The old fortified citadel with the Forbidden City was badly damaged during the 1968 Tet offensive by U.S. troops but still lives up to its status as a UNESCO world heritage site.

From Hue a bus goes to Hoi An, a shopper's heaven where it is possible to order made-to-measure versions of suits and outfits from the collections of world famous designers for a fraction of the usual cost. There are dozens of tailor shops here and some visitors bring along from home photos of garments they would like made.

Once the final stitches have been carefully applied it is time to head for Saigon. The city has a western feel to it with neon advertising hoardings, dubious-looking bars and rows of boutiques selling expensive clothes.

The prices are generally still lower than those in western Europe and many other parts of the world and so Saigon is ideal for those seeking some bargains before they board the plane for home.

In the Mekong Delta travelers can recover from the rush around the retailers on one of the river cruises which usually call in at a local coconut candy factory. Naturally guests have the chance here to buy some tasty souvenirs and say “hello again” to some of the old acquaintances they are certain to bump into.

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Nhan Tower – witness of time

Nha Trang City is famous for its ancient Cham icon - Ba Tower that looks over Xom Bong Bridge, but Tuy Hoa City in Phu Yen Province is equally proud of its own piece of ancient Cham architecture on top of the legendary Nhan Mountain.

Nhan Tower at nightime in Tuy Hoa City, Phu Yen Province. (Photo: SGT)

If you visit Phu Yen, the 800-year-old Nhan Tower is on the list of attractions with Da Dia Cliff, O Loan Lagoon, Xuan Dai Bay and Vung Ro Port.

The tower’s image is reflected on Da Giang River below, near National Highway No. 1. It was built by the Cham in the late 11th or early 12th centuries. The ancient brick shrine is 25m high, has four stories and each side of its square base is 11m.

There are some walking paths and roads to the site.

The valuable vestige of Cham culture has survived many conflicts through the centuries and much of many of the carvings are well preserved.

The view from Nhan Tower is awesome. It looks across endless rice fields, the magnificent Da Bia Mountain and the winding Giang Da River.

VietNamNet/SGT

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Vietnam emerges as one of the top travel destinations: survey

Vietnam has emerged as one of the top destinations for travelers from Thailand, Australia, Japan and Singapore, according to a recent survey compiled by Visa and the Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA).

Halong Bay, Vietnam

The survey included 6,714 respondents from 13 countries and territories and showed that among all the future travelers who are most likely to visit Vietnam in the next two years, 17 percent are from Thailand. Meanwhile, 16 percent are from Australia, and 11 percent are from Japan and Singapore.

Most of the potential tourists to Vietnam ranked natural scenery, new places and affordability as their main motivations for visiting. Most of them are single and prefer to stay at four-star hotels.

They will budget more than US$1,200 for their next vacation and pay more for good food and opportunities to experience new cultures, the survey found.

Source : thanhniennews

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$2 bil casino to be built in border province

- The Lang Son International Joint stock Company Wednesday announced plans to build a 186-hectare casino “city” in Lang Son City in the northern mountains.

The complex will have a 50,000 sq.m. international shopping center, three hotel blocks, 10 apartment and office blocks, 300 villas, an 18-hole golf course, and a casino, all built to five-star standards.

The investor will first sell 240 semi-detached villas designed in European style. Already, 20 have been sold at VND4 billion-6 billion (US$204,000-306,000) each, according to Netreal Vietnam Real Estate Brokerage Joint Stock Co., the sole sales agent for the project.

“The project will be an important landmark in the Dong Dang-Lang Son Border Gate Economic Zone when it is completed after 2015,” Dau Tu (Vietnam Investment Review) newspaper quoted Lam Bao Ky, general director of the Lang Son International Joint Stock Company, as saying.

“It will expand the province’s urban area and create a breakthrough for trading, service, tourism.”

The law prohibits Vietnamese from even entering casinos, which therefore depend on foreign passport holders for business.

Source: Tuoi Tre

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Quang Binh’s bird island

About 70 kilometers from Quang Binh Province’s Dong Hoi City, there is a deserted island called Chim (Bird) or Gio (Wind) Island that is home to many sea birds.

Two different boat services are available from Dong Hoi City to the island.

A four-hour boat leaves from Nhat Le-Dong Hoi seaport and there is a two-hour service from Canh Duong seaport in Quang Trach District.

The sky above the rocky island is always full of birds that nest there. Standing on the highest rock, the view goes forever in every direction, just miles of sea and endless sky.

Far from your computer you can sit and gaze on the ocean, listening to the waves and birds.

Not many tourists travel there because of the long boat journey, but a few go in summer. Mainly it is used by fishermen, otherwise it is untouched, the air is clean and the water is blue.

The local authorities are planning to promote the image of the island to local and foreign tourists, especially nature lovers who are interested in birdwatching.

Other islands in the province include Vung Chua, Yen and Doi islands.

VietNamNet/SGT

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Cat Ba Island

The Spectacular Home of the Cat Ba Langur
Cat Ba Island is situated in Ha Long Bay, 50 km to the east of Hai Phong City, in Northern Vietnam. It is the largest of 366 islands in the Cat Ba Archipelago, and has a surface area of about 140 square km. The Cat Ba Archipelago shares the distinctive rugged appearance and scenic beauty of the Ha Long Bay Area that was declared a UNESCO World Natural Heritage Site, in 1994. The area is one of the best examples in the world of a Karst landscape invaded by the sea. Some 1500-2000 large and small islands and cliffs rise steeply from the shallow marine waters. Many of these islands reach towering heights of 50 to 100m with sheer vertical cliffs on all sides. Spectacular rock relief and bizarre rock formations provide evidence of a long history of erosion and landscape evolution through the sculpturing power of water. The greatest part of the islands’ mountain range like most of the smaller offshore islands of the Archipelago, are covered by tropical moist limestone forest. Cat Ba Island also has coral terraces, sandy beaches, freshwater wetland areas, tidal flats, mangrove forests and willow swamp. Spectacular scenery and a high diversity of landscapes make Cat Ba a special place and it has become a main destination for national and international tourists.

The People
Cat Ba Island is currently inhabited by about 13500 people, living in 6 communes, of which Cat Ba Town is the largest. Archaeological remains suggest that people have inhabited the Cat Ba area for at least 6000 years. Local livelihoods in the villages are built on subsistence agriculture and fishing. Comparatively new sources of employment and income at the local level are shrimp and fish-farming, and tourism.

The National Park and Biodiversity Conservation
Cat Ba National Park was established in 1986. After a re-arrangement of the park boundaries in 2006, the park now comprises of 109 square km of land area and an additional 52 square km of inshore waters and mangrove covered tidal zones. Cat Ba National Park was Vietnam’s first national park to include both terrestrial and marine ecosystems.

Cat Ba Island, its national park and the surrounding area are nationally and internationally recognized for their importance to biodiversity conservation, exemplified through the recognition of the Cat Ba Archipelago as a UNESCO Man and Biosphere Reserve, in 2004.This is not only because the area has a high number of different ecosystem and habitat types, but also because it possesses a great variety of plant and animal species, many of which, like the Cat Ba langur, are now rare and endangered.

About 1400 vascular plants, including 23 Endangered and Critically Endangered species (Red Data Book of Vietnam; IUCN Red List) have so far been recorded. Large and partly endangered mammals include the Cat Ba langur, the Southern Serow (Naemorhaedus sumatraensis), Rhesus macaque (Macaca mulatta), Leopard Cat (Prionailurus bengalensis), black giant squirrel (Ratufa bicolor), and civet cats (Viverricula indica, Paradoxurus hermaphroditus). The cave, land snail and butterfly fauna is rich including the most northerly cave-adapted crab species, plus four species of true cave snails. The region is considered a hotspot for land snail diversity and might also be conserving a considerable number of bat species including rare ones.

In 2007 a reptile survey was conducted in Cat Ba National Park by Dr. Thomas Ziegler, from Cologne Zoo and Nguyen Quang Truong, from the Institute of Ecology and Biological Resources, in cooperation with the Cat Ba Langur Conservation Project. It led to the discovery of the Cat Ba Tiger Gecko (Goniurosaurus catbaensis), endemic to Cat Ba Island, adding to the list of endemic and rare species and once more emphasizing the need for nature conservation on the island.

(Source: catbalangur.org)

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Vietnam travel - Top 10 destinations by boat

Rueters

For those who want to try a more adventurous holiday in 2011, but do not want to leave their home comforts behind, a cruise could provide the solution.

Cruise Critic - a leading online source of cruise reviews and information - offers its top 10 destinations by boat. Reuters has not endorsed this list:

1. Australia

Australia is a huge country and most of the popular tourist spots Down Under are hundreds of miles apart.

However, you can avoid long coach tours, time-consuming drives and expensive internal flights, by sailing lazily along the East Coast, stopping at all the best tourist spots - from the Great Barrier Reef to Sydney harbor.

2. Vietnam/Cambodia

Hot destinations for 2011, Vietnam and Cambodia offer beautiful scenery and vibrant cultures but making your own travel arrangements to tour these exotic destinations can be a daunting task.

Taking a cruise along the Mekong River is an excellent way to enjoy an organized tour through these two countries, without foregoing too many home comforts.

3. Middle East

For a first trip to the Middle East, a cruise offers a gentle introduction to the region and an easy way to explore this part of the world.

A cruise lets you experience the sights, cultures and traditions from a number of countries during your trip, while also allowing you to retreat to more familiar surroundings each evening onboard ship.

4. Alaska

Unless you have the constitution of a husky dog, a cruise is simply the easiest and most relaxing way to enjoy this beautiful, but uncompromising region. The views from the water are spectacular and often the best way to see wildlife and reach the coastal towns and villages.

Optional shore excursions allow you to be as adventurous, or sedate, as you like.

5. South America

For those with a sense for adventure, a South American cruise is the perfect way to explore ports in Chile, Argentina, Brazil and beyond.

Travelers get a taste of the rugged, natural beauty, vibrant cities and wonderful cultures which South America has to offer, all while enjoying the comfort, safety and ease of traveling by ship.

6. Northern Europe

Viewing the Norwegian Fjords or Russia's St. Petersburg by ship is not only a great way to enjoy the landscape, but as these countries are notoriously expensive the inclusive pricing offered by cruise lines - which includes meals, accommodation and transportation - can make the trip much more affordable.

7. Western Mediterranean

The ever popular Med is a top choice for Brits looking for a value-packed holiday in the sun. A cruise, however, not only offers a new way to experience this region while enjoying similar inclusive deals to many resorts, but takes you along the coast to enjoy a new town, and new beaches, every day.

8. British Isles

Traffic and over-priced accommodation are reason enough. Brits will get an entirely new perspective on their own country, as well as the opportunity to visit out-of-the-way places such as the Orkney Islands.

Also, you are likely to share a British Isles cruise with Americans, South Africans, Australians and Europeans who will delight in many aspects of British culture.

9. Europe's Rivers

If you never took a year out to travel through Europe as a student, or you did and would like to repeat the experience - only in more comfort and with a bigger budget this time - then you might like this option.

River cruising has brushed up its image, added some wonderful new ships and more active excursions, which means that it now offers excellent value compared to going it alone in the Eurozone.

It's a great option for visiting a handful of countries in a single trip.

10. Caribbean

If there's one thing better than spending a day on a beautiful Caribbean island, it's spending the next day (and the day after that) on another.

It's expensive and time-consuming to fly between islands, so take a Caribbean cruise and let someone else worry about the travel arrangements while you relax by the pool until you reach your next port of call.

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New tour to Sa Pa terraced fields

The Sa Pa terraced fields in the northern mountainous province of Lao Cai are expected to attract more tourists since a local tour company designed a new itinerary.

Sa Pa's terraced fields.

The tour will offer visitors the chance to absorb the poetic landscape and learn about the difference between terraced fields among different ethnic groups.

Sa Pa's terraced fields were named last year among the top seven most magnificent terraced fields in the world by Travel & Leisure magazine.

The Lao Cai authority plans to submit to UNESCO a request to recognise the Sa Pa terraced field together with the Muong Hoa ancient rocks and Hoang Lien National Park as the World's Cultural Heritage complex.

* Travellers lured by cheap Viet Nam

International travellers have identified Viet Nam as the destination that has a special culture, beautiful landscapes and affordable prices.

The findings are revealed in the latest survey by the Viet Nam National Administration of Tourism and the Asian Pacific for Tourism Association of 7,000 travellers from 13 countries in the Asia-Pacific region.

Viet Nam was particularly attractive to tourists from Thailand, Australia, Japan and Singapore.

VietNamNet/Viet Nam News

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Hunting for air tickets for Tet days

– Only 2.5 months left until the lunar new year, but people already rush to book air tickets now fearing they will run out soon.

Anticipating the difficulties in booking air tickets for Tet, Duong Van Quang already decided to book his flight fromHCM City to Da Nang several days ago. However, he was told by the booking agent that no ticket was available for this route. Quang decided to book standby tickets, hoping that someone would cancel their bookings. Finally, Quang was informed that there were two seats reserved for him.

However, that meant that Quang could only book two tickets for his wife and himself, while there was no ticket for his 1.5-year-old sonHe has no other choice now than waiting.

Le Quynh Nhu, who lives in Thanh Tri District in Hanoi, related that she has been accessing the websites of Vietnam Airlines and Jetstar Pacific regularly over the past month to book tickets for her parents. However, there are no seats available on any flights.

Nhu has been told that she still can buy air tickets, if she agrees to pay more money, about several hundreds of thousands dong more than the original prices. She has been warned that if she does not make a decision right now, she will not be able to buy any tickets later, as more and more people hunt for tickets.

An officer at a booking agent of Vietnam Airlines said that in the past month, many people have called to book tickets, but only 30 percent of them managed to do so, while others had to book standby tickets.

Meanwhile, a representative of Vietnam Airlines has reassured the public that many tickets for Tet flights have not been marketed, and only the flights of its regularschedule have run out of tickets. In principle, the airline always has additional flights to serve the increasing demand on Tet. It is expected that the airline will only begin selling tickets for additional flights by the end of November.

The representative said that at least several thousands of tickets per day on popular routes have not been marketed. He has advised passengers to book standby tickets as soon as possible. According to Hoa, an experienced officer of Vietnam Airlines, 70-80 percent of passengers have booked? standby tickets at this moment

Truong Thanh Vu, Commercial Director of Air Mekong, said the airline has not sold tickets for Tet flights yet. Vu said that the airline is considering increasing the flights on less popular air routes, because big airlines (Vietnam Airlines and Jetstar Pacific) offer more flights on Tet days already.

To date, only Jetstar Pacific has begun selling tickets for additional flights on Tet days, while the tickets for peak days from December 25 to January 6 of the Lunar Year have nearly been sold out.

Explaining the shortage of tickets for children, representative of Vietnam Airlines said that under the current regulations on flight safety, the number of children under two years old must not be higher than 5-30 per flight.

Truong Thanh Vu said that though the the demand is always higher at Tet time, private airlines are not really interested in increasing the number of flights during the holiday, because chartering more aircrafts to serve the demand in one-month Tet holiday will not bring profit.

P.V

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Raising the bar

Tourist numbers are recovering but Vietnam’s hospitality sector must be fully prepared for the more choosy tourist created by the financial crisis

The performance of Vietnam’s hotels and resorts has begun to stabilise over the last few months as tourist arrivals increase and business visitors return. According to the Vietnam National Administration of Tourism, total international arrivals in the first seven months of 2010 stood at 2.92 million, an increase of 34.9 per cent over the same period last year.

International and local investors have re-entered the hospitality market, with new projects being launched. “Better medium- and long-term investment opportunities are appearing in Vietnam due to its stunning coastal areas, beautiful mountains and highly-populated cities,” said Mr Robert McIntosh, Executive Director of CBRE Hotels. “By capitalising on this unexplored country, a number of projects have been successfully completed and launched over recent years, making Vietnam an underrated market for hospitality investment.”

Accor, the largest international hotel operator and management group in Vietnam, with 14 hotels at present, has successfully cooperated with local and foreign investors to expand their brand names in Vietnam, such as Sofitel, Pullman, MGallery, Novotel and Mercure. In Ho Chi Minh City, Accor have reached agreement with the investor, the Liberty Joint Stock Company, to manage the Novotel Saigon Center Hotel, which is being built on the site of the old Que Huong 1 Hotel, and construction of the Pullman Hotel will start in September on the site of the old Metropole Hotel in Tran Hung Dao Street, District 1. The Novotel Saigon Center Hotel, with 350 rooms, is to open in 2012, and Pullman Hotel in 2013.

In Hanoi, Accor have also reached agreement to manage the Horison Hanoi Hotel, which will be renamed the Pullman Hotel in the middle of 2011. According to Mr Patrick Basset, Vice President for Operations for Vietnam, the Philippines, Japan and Korea at the Accor Group, within the next two years it will manage 12 more hotels in Vietnam, including two Ibis hotels in Ho Chi Minh City, a Pullman Hotel in Vung Tau, the Novotel Imperial Hoi An, and the Novotel Imperial Phu Quoc. With these new projects, Accor will be managing 2,000 more rooms, double the number now under its management in Vietnam.

Vietnam’s hospitality market is moving to a more complex stage. Both international and local investors have made changes in cooperative relations with leading hotel management groups around the world, to enhance international standards and services. Starwood Hotels and Resorts Worldwide will manage Le Meridien Saigon, which received investment of $120 million from Phuoc Tien Ltd and the 990 Trading-Manufacturing-Services Company. The 357-room, five-star hotel will open in Quarter II, 2011. Another brand of Starwood Hotels and Resorts Worldwide, Westin, has also come to an agreement to manage The Westin Resort and Spa in Cam Ranh, Khanh Hoa province, which is invested by the Phat Dat Real Estate Company, when it opens in 2012. Fei Yueh Vietnam (Taiwan) also signed a contract with JAL-Hotels (Japan), to manage the Nikko Saigon Hotel, which is now under construction with investment capital of $100 million.

Mr Mauro Gasporotti, Manager of Hospitality Services at CBRE Vietnam, remarked that Vietnam’s hospitality business has been changed by the financial crisis, with clients now becoming more demanding as more options are made available. New projects either under construction or near completion will have to face fiercer competition and more sophisticated clients than in the past. Vietnam’s hospitality sector is clearly advancing to a point where the market is ready for the development of more refined products targeting more refined clients. He added that it is necessary to have a better mix of design, quality, prices and services made possible by clear, meticulous and more informed development planning; something rarely seen before in Vietnam.

The inbound tourism market in the short- to medium term is still not clearly defined, as the client mix for city-based hotels and resorts continues to evolve. High unemployment rates in the US and Europe have had a detrimental effect on the number of westerners travelling to Southeast Asia. Conversely, the number of Chinese and Russian travellers to the continent appears to be increasing. “Looking at the short-term, the market suggests concentrating on developments and services tailored towards countries where visitor numbers are increasing,” said Mr McIntosh. “The focus will increasingly be on Asian demand.”

Significant demand is now also coming from Vietnamese travellers. “Vietnamese clients are not the same as they were a few years ago,” said Mr McIntosh. “They are more demanding, more conscious about value and services and better informed. Developers that simply replicate existing concepts will face many difficulties in a rapidly evolving market like Vietnam.” According to Mr Gasparotti, more accurate planning and preparation, including preliminary studies of target clients, the selection of an appropriate operator and reviews of existing investment strategies are keys to a successful hospitality project.

Source: VnEconomy

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Strange foods - why don’t you try?

Western culture considers that eating a dog is not good, but there will be no problem with other sorts of animals, as long as they are not called pets. However, for the vast majority of people on Earth, cultural values are very different. Some strange foods are considered a delicacy in some Asian cultures including China, Korea, Philippines, Vietnam, Laos, Cambodia, Thailand and Myanmar. Indeed, these food are very tasty and protein rich. May be you should try them some day if you are not vegetarian.

Dog meat is consumed in Vietnam to varying degrees of acceptability, though it predominantly exists in the North. It's a winter food which believed to keep you extraordinarily warm on cold nights. Dog meat is eaten in a variety of ways, from grilled, stuffed in spring rolls, stir fried, to added to soups. There are multiple dishes featuring dog meat, and they often include the head, feet as well as internal organs. Dog meat restaurants can be found throughout the country. If you are in Hanoi and you are eager to try this dish, please come to a restaurant on Nhat Tan Street - Tay Ho District. Typically, a chef will choose one of seven ways to cook dog, collectively known as "cầy tơ 7 món". You can choose steamed dog meat, dog sausage, steamed dog in shrimp paste, ginger and rice vinegar, grilled dog meat, bamboo shoots and dog bone marrow or fried dog in lemon grass and chili. Here, you can see groups of customers who seated on mats spending their evenings on sharing plates of dog meat and drinking alcohol.

Dog meat is supposed to raise the libido and sometimes considered unsuitable for women. In other words, eating dog meat can serve as a male bonding exercise. Nevertheless, it is not uncommon for women to eat dog meat. The consumption of dog meat can be part of a ritual life which usually occurring in the end of the lunar month for reasons of astrology and luck. Restaurants which mainly exist to serve dog meat may only open for the last half of the lunar month.

Some kinds of snake dishes

Snakes are a common novelty and relished food. You can drink the wine as well as eat the flesh on several occasions. When I visit one of my Vietnamese friends, he caught a cobra outside his front door and shared it with me on evening. Actually, there is very little meat on a cobra, so the skin is eaten as well. In the village of Le Mat, which famous for its snake restaurants, I tried snake meat in a number of ways, including in soup (both the taste and texture was like crab meat) and spring rolls (tastes like chicken). Furthermore, snake blood is supposed to be healthy with many benefits as well as a natural form of Viagra. So what is its taste like? I was surprised that tasting a fried meat actually a bit like custard. There is no fat and extremely lean and tender. After trying snake, you will surely be back for more.

Lizards and frogs (best grilled) are standard fare in Phan Thiet. Some of my friend said that he had never tried frog until he came to Vietnam, but now he like it a lot. If you ever order a frog dish in Vietnam, pay attention to the bones! During rainy season, Vietnamese people catch toads and boil them up. They merely cut out the stomach organ and eat the rest-skin, guts and all.

frog porridge

frog dish

I watched my friends eating trung vit lon for many months before trying it myself. These fertilized duck eggs are allowed to partially develop and then, they are hard-boiled. Crack the top off, suck out the juice and then spoon out the colorful morsels with pinches of pickled carrots, garlic, radish, turnip, some mint leaves, and a dash of salt and pepper.

Experience had taught me that in Vietnam, food nearly always tastes better than it looks. When traveling, you always want to experience the culinary delights that you never see at home. Eating different and unusual food is a big part of what makes your holiday memorable…

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Ha Giang Vietnam

Ha Giang is the province located in the North East of Vietnam, next to China. Ha Giang Vietnam is the home of many different hill tribe groups and Ha Giang is also the province which owns amazing natural landscapes in Vietnam. Ha Giang province in Vietnam has amazing, picturesque mountain ranges, rock plateau and spectacular river of Gam and Nho Que. Ha Giang in Vietnam is known for its harsh nature as major area of Ha Giang in Vietnam is Rock Mountain but this offers unique and incredible countryside and landscapes of wonderful nature in Ha Giang. 

The tour to Ha Giang in Vietnam will let travellers explore amazing land of Vietnam where travellers will experience wonderful creatures from Mother Nature. Travellers will enjoy spectacular landscape of Quan Ba, amazing twin mountains, implausible Nho Que River, magnificent view of from the top of Lung Cu Peak, colourful local markets and meet friendly hill tribes living in Ha Giang province in Vietnam. The tour to Ha Giang in Vietnam also let travellers visit ancient villages of Han, known as Chinese people living in Pho Ban and Dong Van. Travellers will experience daily life and amazing traditional houses made of wood, rock in Ha Giang in Vietnam. Travellers will also meet friendly H'mong, Dao, Tay or Lo Lo people in Ha Giang in Vietnam.  

(Source: bluebelltours.net)

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Get Ready Adventures in Vietnam’s Best Eco Lodges

Renowned for hiking, highly qualified local guides, stunning backdrops and a rich cultural heritage, Vietnam’s northwestern highlands are a prime destination for travelers looking for an off-the-beaten-path adventure like no other. Making the region even more attractive are the spectacular eco-friendly accommodations built on a vision of community sustainability.

Mai Chau Valley, Vietnam

Mai Chau Lodge
Nestled in the stunningly beautiful mountainous region of Hoa Binh Province, 135 km south of Hanoi, Mai Chau Lodge strives to preserve local traditions, culture and the natural surroundings of its lush valley setting. The lodge is built from a socially and environmentally responsible vision. Using sustainable local materials, Mai Chau Lodge boasts a natural beauty, blending perfectly into its surroundings.

Set among rice fields, misty mountains and fascinating hill tribe people, this community-minded gem boasts 24 immaculately maintained rooms. The thoughtfully appointed quarters offer unique charm with cozy wood furnishings and local décor, some offering private verandas which open onto views of the lily pond and the setting sun. Waking to the scene of lotus flowers and farmers grazing their water buffalos in the nearby rice fields is an unbeatable experience which reflects the authentic character of the region.

Activities at Mai Chau
In addition to sustainable building practices, Mai Chau Lodge offers excellent adventure trips. Local qualified guides lead travelers to Thai hill-tribe communities in the region for a highly authentic experience, immersing them in the traditions and lifestyles of natives. A community effort, the well-designed tours to Pu Luong Reserve, one of 5 natural reserves in the area, for wildlife and bird watching, a visit to nearby White Thai village, or to the lodge’s Mo Luong Bat Cave and to the local Black Hmong market, fishing at Mo Luong Lake, kayaking, cycling the green countryside and returning in the evening after a fun-filled day to relax in the sauna, jacuzzi or steam room – all round out the activity offerings at this unique lodge.

Set amongst some of Vietnam’s most stunning scenery, a trip to the northwestern highlands of Mai Chau Lodge offers a mix of off-the-beaten-path eco adventure and culture in an up-close encounter with some of Vietnam’s most colorful inhabitants and traditions.

Victoria Sapa Resort
High in Vietnam’s remote northwestern highlands near the Chinese border, the former hill station of Sapa, famous for its pristine verdant environment, unparalleled scenery and cool climate is home to more than 30 colorful ethnic tribes and to Vietnam’s highest peak, Mt. Fansipan. Perched on a hill overlooking the valley, the Victoria Sapa Resort provides an excellent base for those seeking adventure on a road less traveled in close harmony with nature and an authentic cultural experience.

The Resort
Built as a traditional mountain chalet with warm wooden décor and a cozy stone fireplace, the Victoria Sapa Resort perfectly blends into its natural setting, surrounded by lush green gardens, rural terraces and breathtaking mountainscapes. Guests feel at ease in the mountain chalet atmosphere where welcoming accommodations bring together the elegance of traditional local ethnic handicraft with the comfort of French colonial style in earthy tones, hardwood floors and vibrant embroidered native tapestry. Each unit features a private terrace with spectacular views in all directions. This child-friendly resort offers spacious studios ideal for families of 4-5 as well.

The most exciting adventures at the resort center on mountain trekking, cycling and excursions to the foothills of Mt. Fansipan, and to the area’s authentic hill tribe villages and markets. Russian jeep safaris to the more remote markets and ethnically diverse areas, boating on the Chay River, trekking around Ta Van area and overnight homestays in local villages are also on offer.

Conquer Mount Fansipan, Vietnam

Trekking in Mt. Fansipan Foothils
Reserved for in-house guests, the romantic overnight train rides from Hanoi to Lao Cai (Sapa) aboard the resort’s own Victoria Express train is an experience in itself. Kids will especially enjoy the sleeping carriages with berths, the plus-red dining carriage, comfortable seats and exotic landscapes en route.

Victoria Express Train Berths
Committed to environmental protection and local tourism sustainability, the Victoria Sapa Resort served as an ideal base for exploring the wonders of Sapa’s enchanting surroundings and very authentic hillside tribes.

Source: familyadventuretravelworks

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ACTIVETRAVEL ASIA joins Cartitas Switzerland in Project Officer Pro-Poor Tourism in Ha Giang, Viet Nam.

ACTIVETRAVEL ASIA takes part in the new Project Officer for the Pro-Poor Tourism (PPT) project named “Quan Ba District Integrated Community Development Project, Ha Giang province”

Ha Giang, Viet Nam

Caritas Switzerland in Vietnam, together with the local authorities, aims to develop an alternative source of income for the local people with tourism. It will assist the village(r)s through capacity building and awareness raising to become conscientious hosts and take actively part in this new livelihood opportunity.

A first sustainable tourism project has been implemented in 2004-2005, and then a new assessment and evaluation of the potential of a Pro-Poor Tourism strategy development in the area has been conducted in 2009-2010.

This project focus on improving the living quality in Quan Ba district , Ha Giang province, one of the poorest area in Vietnam.

Goals and objectives: “Setting up sustainable livelihood for the poorest households and the poorest community with attention to indigenous knowledge, strengthening the culture which is facing a risk of oblivion, and obtaining sustainable maintenance of the environment resources”.

• Increasing incomes
• Improving living quality
• Minimizing the insatiability of life
• Improving food security
• Maintaining sustainable usage of the natural resources

Expected starting time: December , 2010

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Tourism is to ride on the back of recovery

Minister of Culture, Sports and Tourism (MCST) Hoang Tuan Anh last week reported that Vietnam in 2010 would receive more than five million foreign tourists and the number of local travellers would reach over 28 million. The industry expects to turn over VND85 trillion ($4.47 billion).

The figure would also represent an annualised 76 per cent rise in the number of international visitors to Vietnam. Meanwhile, the World Tourism Organization forecast that world tourism would grow by only 5 to 10 per cent this year.

The MCST said that its original target was 4.2 million foreign visitors in 2010, increasing 10 per cent year-on-year.

“Vietnam can now receive up to eight million foreign tourists per year with its current tourist-oriented service and facility systems, which we have already invested VND20 trillion ($1.05 billion) into,” Anh said.

The MCST’s Vietnam National Administration of Tourism (VNAT) reported that the total number of foreign tourists to Vietnam in October 2010 soared 99.3 per cent against a year earlier to over 440,000, raising the total figure to nearly 4.2 million visitors in the year’s first 10 months, up 39 per cent on-year.

Many of Vietnam’s key tourism markets have expanded very fast, such as Cambodia with 97.2 per cent, China 90.3 per cent, Thailand 41.1 per cent, Korea 36.2 per cent, Japan 22.2 per cent, France 15.4 per cent and the US 7 per cent.

Notably, during the Hanoi’s Millennium Celebration from October 1 to 10, the capital city welcomed about 1.2 million domestic visitors and over 30,000 international arrivals.

Anh ascribed the augmented number of foreign tourists to the sector’s tourism promotion programmes, and especially to Vietnam’s key foreign markets such as France, the US, China, South Korea, Japan and ASEAN countries.

However, VNAT head Nguyen Van Tuan offered words of caution.

“I think this growth may see a halt or even drop in the next few years, when Vietnam will have less special anniversaries and cultural events,” Tuan said.

Moreover, the political unrest in Thailand earlier this year prompted many visitors from western Europe and North America to shift their holiday destinations to other countries, including Vietnam, he said.

In 2009, Vitenam received over 3.8 million turns of foreign tourists, down 11.5 per cent on-year, and 25 million domestic tourists, up 19 per cent from 2008. The sector’s total revenue was VND70 trillion ($3.68 billion).

Source: VIR

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Picturesque lake attracts day trippers from Ha Noi

Relaxing: An young woman enjoys the poetic landscape at Tien Sa Lake.

– The romantic name attracts a lot of visitors to Tien Sa (The Fairy Descends) Lake, located about 60km from Ha Noi at the base of Tan Vien Mountain in Ba Vi District. It's an ideal destination for a relaxing day or weekend in the fresh air in a quiet atmosphere that's hard to find in the city.

There is much to see around this lake where, according to local legend, fairies once descended to earth to bathe. When they returned to heaven, one hurriedly followed them, leaving her scarf blowing in the wind. The scarf then turned into a white cloud above Tan Vien.

Due to the topographical and geologic conditions, the lake is clear all year round. The surrounding mountains and forests, along with the floating houses on the lake, create a dreamlike and idyllic landscape.

Monkey time: A monkey sits on a tree near Tien Sa Lake. The area has diverse flora and fauna.

The green forests covering part of the mountain and surrounding the lake have created a cool, pleasant and romantic atmosphere, said Banh Thanh Ban, head of the area's management board.

"Many young couples visit on the weekends where they relax and enjoy the quiet atmosphere together," Ban said.

The couples can explore the lake by boat, enjoy a leisurely walk around the hills or sit in the shade of a tree to read a book, he said.

In the summer, tourists enjoy bathing at Nhi Long Waterfall nearby or at the water park, which has three pools and nine water slides, as well as recreating facilities for tennis, football, volleyball and badminton. An amusement area includes electric cars and rides, and a resident troupe of monkeys.

Pham Hung Anh and his friends have come to the site many times to enjoy it at different seasons of the year.

"I prefer visiting the lake in summer," Anh said. "I can swim at the waterfall, which is dry in the winter. I can also check out the lake by boat and enjoy the cool air. After driving in the dust and heat, reaching the lake is a wonderful feeling."

Cool water: In summer, Nhi Long Waterfall creates a natural swimming pool. — File Photo

In winter, the weather is fairly cold, but tourists from Ha Noi still choose Tien Sa Lake for weekend getaways because they love the cosy atmosphere. Sauna and massage services are available featuring herbal remedies of Dao ethnic people, which help relax and refresh the muscles after a long day of climbing and trekking.

Folk dances

At night, visitors can enjoy folk dances and songs by the Muong ethnic people, or join in a bonfire and try such local specialities as baked maize and sweet potatoes.

In addition to the natural beauty, the tourism site features architecture built in a traditional style with rich detail and harmonised colours. A hotel with a red roof sits among green leaves beneath the blue sky, and the surrounding structures are given romantic names like Ngu Phuc (Five Good Fortunes) Gate, Thuan Thien (Following God's Order) Bridge, Lien Hoa (Lotus) House, Uyen Uong (Inseparable Couple) Pavilion, and Vien Son (Mountain's Garden)

"We intend to invest more and increase services to lure more tourists to stay longer," Ban said. "This is a wonderful place to rest. Tourists can live in harmony with nature and enjoy our entertainment services away from work and ordinary worries."

At 400m above sea level, the Tien Sa Lake tourism area has a total area of 150ha, including 120ha of forest and 20ha of water. The tourism site was developed in 2003 by the Cuong Thinh Company with a total investment of VND60 billion (US$3 million) over ten years.

Last year, the site attracted more than 90,000 visitors, according to the director's statistics.

VietNamNet/Viet Nam News

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Thang Long royal citadel archaeological site closed

– As of November 3, the archaeological site at 18 Hoang Dieu, Hanoi, has been closed to preserve the relics. Since early October, when the site was opened for public on the occasion of Hanoi’s 1000^th anniversary, it welcomed nearly 500,000 visitors.

Nguyen Van Son, director of the Centre for Preservation of Co Loa and Hanoi Citadels, said that on average around 30,000 people a day visited the relic during the 10-day anniversary. After that, the site hosted 2000-3000 people a day.

Because of the mass number of people visiting the site, some works need repairs, Son said.

The archaeological site at 18 Hoang Dieu closed on November 3, but the royal citadel will still be opened for visitors until the end of 2010.

During the Hanoi’s 1000^th anniversary, visitors had a chance to see some of the relics which are preserved status quo at 18 Hoang Dieu and many outstanding archaeological objects.

UNESCO’s World Heritage Committee on August 1 recognized the Thang Long Royal Citadel as a World Heritage.

The citadel was recognized because of its three outstanding characteristics: the length of its cultural history, the continuity of the citadel as a center of power, and the variety of relics it contains.

Relics found in the center of the citadel show that it was influenced by many different cultures, theories, and systems of thought.

The center of the citadel embodies the enduring cultural tradition of the people of Vietnam’s Red River Delta, a tradition which has existed for 13 centuries

Restoration of the Royal Citadel began in 2006 when it was officially recognized as a special national relic.

PV

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Qatar Airways launches Hanoi-Doha route

All flights will transit in Bangkok, Thailand every Monday, Tuesday, Friday and Saturday.

This is Qatar Airways’s second route from Doha to Vietnam. The first route to Ho Chi Minh City was launched in 2007.

With Hanoi, Qatar Airways has increased its destinations in the Asia-Pacific region to 18. At present, Qatar Airways has a fleet of 90 planes flying to 94 destinations worldwide. It plans to increase its fleet to 120 aircrafts and destinations to 120 by 2013.

VietNamNet/VOV

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Getting lost in Hanoi, Vietnam

October 31, 2010
By Judy McEuen
Travel Writer - Troy Media

It is easy to feel overwhelmed and lost amidst the Hanoi’s bustling streets and the countless mopeds and bicycles moving around.

But don’t get discouraged, even if you want to immediately hop on the nearest van and set off to the more tranquil and eerily beautiful Halong Bay. While not at first glance obvious, Hanoi has several attractions that are worth seeing and its charm will grow on you if you give it a chance. So, rather than escape the hubbub straight away, don’t be afraid to get lost in the city for a while: I guarantee you will enjoy what it has to offer.

Rich cultural heritage
Its modern developments may be completely devoid of beauty and allure but the charm of Hanoi’s rich cultural and historical heritage more than make up for it.

Check out the city’s Old Quarter and experience what it was like to live in the 13th century in this part of the world. Its narrow and winding roads were not simply ordinary thoroughfares; they are also representative of the social status of its residents. Merchants were grouped with merchants, carpenters with their fellow carpenters and sculptors with the other sculptors. Check out the street names and you will have a pretty good idea of the guild it was specially designated for.

Walk around the compact area and you will discover wonderful enclosed markets and ancient structures which now house charming cafes, boutiques and shops. Take a moment to notice how the shops are very narrow at the entrance but seem to go on and on in length. That is how merchants tried to escape taxes. But these shops are not just for show now: there is actually plenty of interesting and lovely merchandise for sale, from intricately designed jewellery to exquisite silk textiles to superb handicrafts among others.

Visit Ho Chi Minh
Walking south from the Old Quarter you will soon discover the laid-back calm of Hoan Kiem Lake which is right at the nucleus of the city centre. This is a perfect place to get your bearing while you enjoy the picturesque view of the placid waters and lakeside atmosphere.

For a bit of history, visit the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum. His remains are encased in glass and are open to the public. Note that he is an esteemed and beloved hero so expect rigid security measures and a non-negotiable dress code. If you don’t care for mausoleums, you can just visit the nearby Ho Chi Min Museum.

Another popular attraction in Hanoi is the One Pillar Pagoda in the Ba Dinh District. It was built in honour of Emperor Ly Thai Tong. The pagoda is artistically built to resemble the shape of a lotus flower. Also a major historical and religious landmark in the city is the Temple of Literature. It has served disciples of Confucius for centuries and still continues to be a major pilgrimage site for believers. It dates back to the 11th century but it has retained its grandeur and splendour to this day.

The major attractions of Halong Bay, Sa Pa and Bac Ha are just hours away from Hanoi. So, you can easily be on your way after your short tour of the city

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Ha Noi comes alive in autumn

by Cong Thanh

Peaceful: Hoan Kiem (Returned Sword) Lake is the most visited destination in Ha Noi. — VNA/VNS Photo Trong Dat

Ha Noi will celebrate its 1,000th anniversary and 56th Liberation Day on October 10, making it an ideal time for tourists to explore the city.

Sai Gon Tourist Company is offering typical tours to favourite destinations in the north including the Ha Noi-Autumn season, Ancient citadels of Viet Nam, Sa Pa and Ha Long in Autumn.

Annually, the HCM City-based travel agency organises seasonal tours – Spring, Summer, Autumn and Winter – to tourism sites throughout the northern provinces.

But this year, the Ha Noi-Autumn season is seen as the most attractive programme as it coincides with the city's millennium celebrations.

"We hope tourists will have more chances to witness numerous cultural festivities in Ha Noi during autumn. It's a special time," said a marketing staff of the company, Hoang Thuy Linh.

"The Ha Noi-Autumn programme has hosted around 12,000 tourists since early this year and hundreds of foreigners have flocked to the city this season," Linh added.

She also said the capital had lured tourists with the season of fruits, com (young sticky rice) flake and cool weather.

Autumn tour

Old style: Touring Ha Noi's Old Quarter by xich lo (a peddle-powered vehicle) is a relaxing way to spend the day during the autumn, a time that many Hanoians say is the most beautiful season of the year. — VNA/VNS Photo Anh Tuan

The travel agency began preparing the tour last year to meet the increasing demand to visit Ha Noi.

The four days and three nights tour will depart from HCM City and wind through the Trang An tourism site in Ninh Binh Province, Ha Noi and Ha Long Bay.

It costs VND4.2 million (US$215) per person.

After arriving in the capital, tourists will visit the four historic temples of Bach Ma (White Horse); Linh Lang, or Voi Phuc (Crouching Elephant); Tran Vu and Kim Lien – the homes of the four gods of the former royal capital – before touring part of the Royal Thang Long Citadel and the Temple of Literature.

A pedestrian route from the Quan Chuong Gate and exploring the city's Old Quarter will close the first tour day.

"Tourists will go shopping at the biggest whole sale market of Dong Xuan in the middle of the Old Quarter, which is a symbol of the ancient capital," said head of the agency's Ha Noi office Nguyet Nga.

The centre of Ha Noi will be the main visit for the tour second day with a visit to sites around Hoan Kiem (Returned Sword) Lake such as Ngoc Son Temple and turtle tower.

"The lake is also the heart of Ha Noi and visitors can experience a quiet moment as they walk around the lake and see the trees in the autumn.

The most visited places during the day are buildings dating back to the French colonial times including 1902-built Long Bien Bridge; the Opera House built in 1911 and 1931-constructed Museum of Vietnamese history.

The existence of buildings provides real samples of the capital's varied history.

Travellers can ask tour guides to take them to the night market, which opens at 7pm and closes at midnight in Hang Ngang and Hang Dao streets, which were the former silk trading centre of ancient town.

The third day will start with a two-hour visit to the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum and One Pillar Pagoda before going to Ha Long Bay – the World Natural Heritage Site.

Ancient capitals

The seasonal programme also includes the vestiges of ancient imperial cities in a trip to the ancient capitals.

According Sai Gon Tourist's marketing section, Doan Thi Thanh Tra, the tour offers visits to the former capitals of Hue, Hoa Lu in Ninh Binh, Co Loa and the UNESCO recognised Thang Long Royal citadel in Ha Noi.

"We have intentionally arranged destinations in a combined tour, to help tourists gain a deeper understanding of Vietnamese history," Tra explained.

"The destinations are quite well-known to Vietnamese people, but we link a string of citadels that were built from the country's foundation to the current capital."

Arriving in Ha Noi on the morning flight, tourists will take a visit to Co Loa spiral Citadel, which was built in the third century BC.

From Thang Long Royal Citadel in Ha Noi, visitors will return to country's former capital of Hoa Lu in Ninh Binh Province – 100km south of Ha Noi – in 968-1010.

"Hoa Lu was a capital nearly half century before it was moved to Ha Noi by King Ly Thai To. The route will provide a real historical story of the former capital at Hoa Lu and Ha Noi today," Tra explained.

The former imperial capital of Hue will be the last place visited on the fourth day.

A night cruise on the Huong River with folk music will help people relax prior to their departure for peaceful mind for HCM City.

Visit www.saigontourist.net for more information. — VNS

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Timeless M'lieng Village

– M’lieng village beside Lak Lake in Daklak Province is still the same as it was a hundred years. The old houses and paths make it one of the rare villages that preserves the highland’s tangible and intangible cultural values.

The village children bathe in the stream.

To get to the village from Buon Ma Thuot City travel to Lien Son Town and then head to Daklak’s famous Lak Lake. Tourists can hire a motorboat or a wooden boat to cross the lake to the village. The peaceful village is surrounded by hills, mountains and primeval forests.

The M’nong ethnic minority live in traditional long houses built of wood and thatch cut from the forest. Each house is 30 meters long and includes five areas according to the M’nong family matriarchal system. It takes several years to collect all the timber from the forest for one house, and they hold ceremonies when they chop down big trees.

Each family has rice fields, cornfields and vegetable farms with herds of cattle. Some rich families also have elephants to carry wood and goods for sale.

Long houses in M’lieng Village in Daklak Province. (Photos: SGT)

Many villagers still keep old jars and drums made of elephant or buffalo leather. The village has their own ethnic music and dance traditions that they perform at festivals.

Most of them do traditional craft - making brocade, gongs and jars and weaving bamboo products and fishing nets and traps.

Staying overnight by the flickering firelight while enjoying local dishes and listening to old men tell folk stories is an amazing experience.

VietNamNet/SGT

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Ho Chi Minh City's potential for tourism

World travelers agree that Vietnam has become a superb travel destination. Having overcome years of colonization and wars, it has arisen as a vibrant and exciting part of Southeast Asia
. So as you plan for your journey, consider the beautiful city of Ho Chi Minh. Many still call it Saigon. Tourists refer to it as “the pearl of the orient.” “Energetic” would be another way to describe Ho Chi Minh City. When it comes to enjoying life, the Vietnamese have elevated it to an art. In addition to a multitude of festivals and celebrations, the city is home to a plethora of nightclubs, bars and karaoke halls. Among the top favored haunts, Apocalypse Now, Q Bar and Cheers are a must. You can also spend the evening at the opera or witness a performance of puppetry.

If you bring an extra suitcase, you’ll be glad you did. The shopping opportunities are beyond extraordinary. In Ho Chi Minh you can purchase exquisite lacquer handicrafts. The jewelry is truly unbelievable and certainly unique. There are plenty of markets selling regional clothing, military memorabilia and other souvenirs at excellent prices. And in your quest for out-of-the ordinary items, you’ll come across antique shops stocked with unimaginable treasures.

As you make way through the busy streets, you’ll observe a wealth of landmarks. Be sure to visit the Emperor Jade Pagoda. It’s not just a lavish representation of Chinese architecture, but a most revered sacred temple.

Learn about the bravery of the Vietnamese people, as embodied in an icon like the Cu Chi underground tunnel. It took twenty-five years for its completion, and was the site of the bloodiest episodes in the country’s history.

Pay special attention to the Paris Square, where you’ll encounter the imposing Notre Dame Cathedral. It was built in the 19th century and is truly a work of art.

If you’re wondering when would be the ideal time for your trip, the months of April, May or October offer the best weather. But if you’re in town during the hot season, head out to the water parks. You’ll cool off and have a ball. In Ho Chi Minh, you’ll discover the new Vietnam.

(Source: Dan Viet Travel)

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