Mui Ne among world’s top 10 best sandboarding destinations

Mui Ne among world’s top 10 best sandboarding destinations

Mui Ne Dunes in the southern pronvince of Binh Thuan, Viet Nam has ranked second among the top 10 best sandboarding destinations in the world, according to the Wonderlist website.

In its article, the website noted that this much less popular for this sport, compared to other destinations.

Mui Ne is known as the capital of resorts, and is the first choice for tourists who love beaches. Aside from that, this place is famous for coconut trees lining the roads and its white sand dunes, which can cause endless inspiration for both photographers and poets.

Rounding out the list of top 10 are Duna Grande in Ica of Peru, The Tattori Sand dune in Japan, Lucky Bay sand dune in Australia, Cerro Negro active volcano in Nicaragua, The Valle de la Muerte in Chile, the desert in Dubai, the world’s highest sand dune Sossusvlei in Namibia, Sandmaster Park in the US, and sand dunes of Hirschau in Germany.

Source: VOV http://vietnamtourism.com

Hu tieu is a signature dish of My Tho

Hu tieu is a signature dish of My Tho

Hu tieu, a type of noodle soup, is a popular dish in My Tho City of Tien Giang Province. Tourists to the city can easily enjoy hu tieu as the dish can be found almost everywhere, from streets to small stalls, alleys and restaurants.

Hu tieu is the name of the dish and also the name of the main ingredient. Hu tieu noodle is made from rice. Rice is ground in water to make flour before it is spread into wet rice paper cakes. Those cakes will be dried and then cut into fibers to become noodles. Normally, the rice paper cake will be dried from morning to 2 p.m.

The hu tieu making village in Hoi Gia Hamlet, My Phong Commune in My Tho is a major production area which provides the noodle for not only My Tho but HCMC and several other nearby localities.

What makes hu tieu My Tho special is the noodle which is cooked from rice grown in Go Cat, an area that encompasses the current My Phong Commune and parts of several nearby communes.

Apart from the noodle, the broth is also a crucial part which decides the quality of a bowl of hu tieu. The broth is cooked from pig bones, dried squids and dried shrimps.

For a traditional bowl of hu tieu, after the noodle is dipped in boiling water, it is put into a bowl which already contains bean sprouts. Then, the cook will put some slices of boiled pork, pork liver, shrimp and quail eggs on the noodle and pour the hot broth over.

However, diners can also order dry hu tieu, which does not contain broth and is added with sauce. The ingredients of hu tieu can also be replaced by seafood, beef, or vegetables and bulbs for vegetarians.

In addition, many restaurants serve hu tieu with bo kho (stewed beef cubes) or fry hu tieu.

Source: SGT http://vietnamtourism.com

French Village in Ba Na Mountain

French Village in Ba Na Mountain

Situated at the altitude of 1,400m with romantic landscapes, fresh air all year round and unique architecture works, Ba Na Hills Resort (Da Nang City) is the destination attracting numerous domestic and foreign visitors.

Recently, Ba Na Hills Resort has put into operation stage 1 of French Village Complex on the top of Ba Na Mountain. This is a distinctive architectural complex built on the total area of 45,300m², including the system of four-star hotels with 162 rooms in miniature French village landscape with the large square, ancient church, post,ect.

French Village is inspired by the journey around France of Pigneau de Behaine – the first foreigner arrived in Ba Na. This place is a vivid picture of a romantic and elegant France with bushes of night-mist roses, ancient houses with spire roofs hidden in the fog.

To French Village, visitors will be immersed in the antique, majestic and romantic space with sophisticated architecture representing French regions. Typically, Britany Town features authentic French culture characteristics, including thick stone walls, sharp sloping roofs, large yards and St Denis Church with arch roof, rough stone walls and colorful windows in the shape of rose petals. Besides, French Village Complex also includes scalloped-shape Conques Aveyron Village, peaceful and pristine Apremont sur Allier village and Chenonceau Castle with elegant, luxurious and ancient beauty.

French Village’s hotel system has harmonious architecture with natural landscape. All rooms have large windows forgreat nature view and refreshing wind, which bring visitors the pleasure of enjoying the beauty of Ba Na Hill’s four seasons in a day and village’s surroundings. In addition to the hotel system, French Village offers fully convenient services such as conference hall, spa, indoor swimming pool, restaurant system, outdoor bars and cafes, recreation activities for adults and children.

Hailed as “the green lung” and “valuable gem” – a nature gift for Da Nang City, Ba Na has the annual average temperature of 15-20°C with four seasons in a day and diversified flora and fauna with 256 animal species and 543 plant species. Besides, four World Guinness Records were set for Ba Na Cable Car, including the longest single-wire cable car, the highest difference between the departure and arrival terminals, the longest non-stop cable car and the heaviest cable roll. Mountain climbing train - a unique tourism product in Ba Na - offers visitors spectacular views of this mountain. Ba Na also has Fantasy Park – the only indoor amusement park in Viet Nam located on top of the mountain. Coming to Ba Na, visitors can enjoy fresh air and wonderful sceneries found nowhere.

Ha My

http://vietnamtourism.com

Da Nang to host Viet Nam Cuisine Festival

Da Nang to host Viet Nam Cuisine Festival

The 2015 Viet Nam Cuisine Festival will be celebrated at Bien Dong Park in the central city of Da Nang from August 30 to September 5.

Visitors will have a chance to try many famous traditional Vietnamese dishes as well as Da Nang specialities.

It will also be a forum for scientists, economists and farmers to meet and share information about new agricultural technologies.

Source: VNS http://www.vietnamtourism.com

Hoan Kiem Lake Cultural Information Centre opens

Hoan Kiem Lake Cultural Information Centre opens

On July 20, 2015, People's Committee of Hoan Kiem District organized the opening ceremony of Hoan Kiem Lake Cultural Information Centre at 2 Le Thai To Street, Hoan Kiem District, Ha Noi.

Hoan Kiem Lake is well known for the harmony of nature, architecture and people. For Vietnamese people, Hoan Kiem Lake and Ngoc Son Temple have become Ha Noi’s symbol. Hoan Kiem Lake tourist area includes The Huc Bridge and Thap But (Pen Tower), in addition to Ba Kieu Temple, King Le Temple, Ly Thai To Statue, Dong Kinh Nghia Thuc Square in the surroundings imbued with the capital’s cultural, historical values. In 2013, Hoan Kiem Lake and Ngoc Son Temple were ranked as Special National Monuments.

The Hoan Kiem Lake Cultural Information Centre was built on an area of 242.2sqm with 1 basement, 3 floors and 1 attic. The 1st and 2nd floors are space for exhibits and information on Hoan Kiem Lake. The 3rd floor consists of conference rooms and workrooms of management agency.

Hong Nhung


Source: http://www.vietnamtourism.com

Da Nang - Bangkok direct charter flights to begin on 28 July

Da Nang - Bangkok direct charter flights to begin on 28 July

Arranged by the Vietravel travel agency, the first Da Nang - Bangkok direct charter flight will depart from Da Nang on 28 July.

The flight, which takes 1 hour 30 minutes, will utilise a 180-seater Airbus A320 aircraft charted from the carrier Thai Vietjet, a joint venture between Thailand’s Kan Air and Viet Nam’s VietJet Air.

Vietravel will operate one direct Da Nang - Bangkok flight every 5 days, and a one-way ticket is priced at 2,499,000VND (114.84 USD), including fees, taxes and surcharges.

The new service follows the recent opening of Vietravel-arranged direct flights connecting Can Tho City with Da Lat Province and Bangkok.  The aim of the new service is to allow residents from the central region to access Vietravel’s high-quality tourism services at reasonable prices.

Source: Da Nang Today / http://www.vietnamtourism.com

Ha Noi Cultural Days event organised in Thanh Hoa

Ha Noi Cultural Days event organised in Thanh Hoa

The Ha Noi Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism said it would organise Ha Noi Cultural Days in the central province of Thanh Hoa from today until next Tuesday.

The event, organised in Thanh Hoa City, Sam Son Town and the districts of Yen Dinh, Hoang Hoa, and Tinh Gia, is aimed at introducing the city's popular cultural features to people in the province as well as foreigners.

There will be a photo exhibition and street parade as well as entertainment programmes during the five-day event.

Source: VNS / http://www.vietnamtourism.com

Viet Nam’s land and people through Indian journalists’ eyes

Viet Nam’s land and people through Indian journalists’ eyes

Sipping beer on pavement, watching water puppet shows in the bustling capital city, hiring a kayak and exploring Ha Long Bay, boarding a north-south train, dodging motorbikes and crossing lush green parks in Ho Chi Minh City are enjoyable experiences two Indian journalists had during their recent trip to Viet Nam.

Ha Long Bay

“Viet Nam offers a refreshing experience for anyone who cares to come its way,” Sapna Nai Purohit and Jugal R. Purohit said on their feature storey “Viet Nam: Along Uncle Ho’s trail” in the India Today newspaper.

Through a vivid story with illustrated photos, the two journalists brought readers through the Southeast Asian nation from the north to the south beginning in Ha Noi, the capital city of Viet Nam, calling it “the gateway to the splendid Ha Long Bay and the hills of Sa Pa”.

“It's a bustling city - shops, hotels, small eateries on either side of the roads, and cycles, motorbikes and cars jostling for space at the centre. Even if people appear busy, they make time to sit on little stools on the pavement and sip on beer or hot Pho (a Vietnamese rice noodle-beef soup), chatting away with friends and relatives.”

According to them, of the numerous museums in the city, the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum came across as a storehouse of information, documents and rare photographs of the life and times of Viet Nam's most revered leader Ho Chi Minh, fondly called Uncle Ho.

The water puppet show is a must-see, they said, describing the beautiful puppets and props controlled under water by skilled puppeteers as leaving them awestruck. “Watch dragons breathing fire, dancers in sync, a farmer chasing a tiger, as Vietnamese folk singers and musicians build the tempo with their background score”.

If the thought of drifting on emerald waters surrounded by mysterious limestone cliffs appeals, head to Ha Long Bay, they said, suggesting booking a one-day or two-day (stay on the boat) tour with a hotel or a tour operator and heading to this paradise, four hours away from Ha Noi.

“As you sip on 'Bia' (beer) on the top deck of your boat, let the wind and the magical scenery blow you away. Hire a kayak and explore the bay on your own, gorge on fresh sea food on the boat and feel like Indiana Jones exploring the inside of a cave as your guide regales you with fables.”

“Having spent three nights in the capital, we boarded the Reunification Express for our next stop, Da Nang, the city on the coast which the first United States Marines landed in March 1965,” they said. Da Nang today is swanky with top hotel labels occupying its beachfront.

“We meanwhile proceeded on a 45-minute drive along a straight road that took us to Hoi An, a quiet town that lets its evenings do all the talking. Devoid of cars and traffic, Hoi An village is a cyclist's delight and also a walker's. This French-influenced settlement, a once-thriving port from a bygone era, is a busy market during the day with the fresh catch and produce of the day adorning stalls and by evening it turns into a fairytale. Elegant lanterns on trees, shops, restaurants, by the river, all over the famous Japanese bridge and the ambient piano music make for a lovely setting. Get a river side table and enjoy Com Ga (chicken rice) as you savour the sparkling beauty that is Hoi An.”

An Bang Beach

Not too far is the My Son sanctuary, a temple complex built between the 6th and 15th centuries. It features Shiva lings and idols of Lord Ganesha which have miraculously survived not only centuries but also years of war. Hoi An also has a lovely beach called An Bang – another must-see, they shared.

“From Hoi An, we landed in the village of Mui Ne in southern Viet Nam. A beach lover's paradise, it is best explored cruising on a motorbike along its ocean-hugging and remarkably empty highways. Swim in vast, clear waters, enjoy delectable sea food, sip on some local beer brews, devour the country's diverse fruit fare and tire yourself trying to capture the beauty of the sea”.

A five-hour long bus ride took them to Ho Chi Minh City, a city that “represents the modernity and progressiveness that Viet Nam is striving for.” Tall buildings, huge parks installed with workout equipment, eateries serving international cuisine and its heavy Western outlook make it a city to reckon with.

Mui Ne

Dodge motorbikes and cross lush green parks to reach the most happening part of HCM City - the Ben Thanh  Market. Choose from numerous stalls loaded with apparel, accessories, shoes, food products and souvenirs, they said.

The top of any traveller's list in HCM City are the War Remnants Museum and Cu Chi Tunnels.

For those would rather travel on ground than take flights, the Reunification Express is the ideal option. The title refers to the multiple daily trains connecting Hanoi to HCM City. Tad slow (runs on metre/narrow-gauge) and highly priced, but it is a comfortable ride with plenty of breathtaking sights.

No matter where you go in Viet Nam, you will always be surrounded by contrasts. Try looking around with just a hint of a smile and, you will never be disappointed, they concluded.

Source: VNA

Source: http://www.vietnamtourism.com

Project about cultural and historical relic site and landscape of Luon cave - Hoa Binh province

Project about cultural and historical relic site and landscape of Luon cave - Hoa Binh province

Document No.2844/BVHTTDL-KHTC on July 16 of the Ministry sending to Hoa Binh Provincial People’s Committee relates to implement Project of tourism infrastructure of the cultural and historical relics at Luon cave, Lac Thuy.

Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism took some opinions as follows: Cultural and historical relic site of Luon cave is a cultural tourism zone to develop many forms of tourism such as cultural tourism, eco-tourism, landscape tourism and spiritual tourism. The Project is one fo some important projects to develop tourism and connect some spiritual destinations such as Huong pagoda, Bai Dinh pagoda. Therefore, investing in to the relic site is essetial to attract some capital sources, which invests and develop soci-economy, connect some tourism destinations to exploit the place, increase more social life, contribute to develop socio-economy in sustainable development.

The Minsitry approves for approach and content to invest into infrastrucutre to serve tourism at Luon cave, Lac Thuy district, Hoa Binh province including as follows: Building a new street at 438A ( Chi Ne cave) to Luon cave; building new destination of tourism; installing light system in the cave; building 01 toilet. However, the Ministry proposed that Hoa Binh Provincial People’s Committee pay attention to some relevant issues such as ensuring block of stone over the water; clarifying position of toilet and giving some measures to plan the tree in the region; supplmeenting some legal documents to maintain and restore the relic site.

Source: Cinet http://www.vietnamtourism.com

Hoi An Flower Lantern Festival 2015

Hoi An Flower Lantern Festival 2015

Hoi An Flower Lantern Festival 2015 will be held for the first time in the night of 27 August (the 14th of the seventh lunar month – Vu Lan festival) in Hoai River and An Hoi Statue Garden by People’s Committee of Hoi An City.

Hoi An Flower Lantern Festival aims to create new tourism products and includes many activities such as the opening ceremony; the parade of monks group and members of Buddhist Sangha from Phap Bao Temple to An Hoi Statute Garden; releasing animals and floating flower lanterns; program Bong hong cai ao (Roes to be set on shirts) and other programs to honor mothers and examples of filial piety.

Since Januarary 2015, People’s Commmittee of Hoi An City has decided to hold “Hoi An ancient night” twice a month (the 1st and 14th of every lunar month). During the night, from 5p.m to 10p.m, Hoi An Ancient Town switches off its electric lights and shuts down to motorized vehicles, and only the light of lanterns brightens up. This is a magical festival, giving visitors a glimpse of what life may have been when Hoi An was a bustling trade port. Coming to the festival, visitors will be immersed in the light of cardboard lotus flower-shaped lanterns released onto Hoai River. It is believed to bring good luck, love and happiness.

Ha My http://www.vietnamtourism.com

Oktoberfest 2015 is expected to lure 20,000 visitors

Oktoberfest 2015 is expected to lure 20,000 visitors

Under the auspices of German Embassy in Ha Noi and German Consulate General in Ho Chi Minh City, German Business Association in Viet Nam (GBA) will hold Oktoberfest 2015 on 8-10 October and 14-17 October in Windsor Plaza (Ho Chi Minh City) and 22-24 October in JW Marriott Hotel (Ha Noi).

With the expectation of 15,000 visitor arrivals in Ho Chi Minh City and 4,500 visitor arrivals in Ha Noi, Oktoberfest 2015 is one of the biggest events of German-speaking communities in Viet Nam and Southeast Asia. The festival has also become a typical annual cultural event recognized by Viet Nam and German’s communities as well as a cultural bridge bringing people together in joyfulness and excitement.

Oktoberfest 2015 will recreate the ebullient space of big beer bars in Munich with premium beer imported directly from Germany and tasty dishes such as Bratwurst sausages, roasted trotters, pretzel bread and cabbage pickles along witha vibrant carnival atmosphere of Bavarian folk music by Anton Show band.

In the spirit of celebrating the 40th anniversary of Viet Nam – Germany diplomatic relation, Oktoberfest 2015 will be organized on large scale to welcome wide public participation.

Ha My / http://www.vietnamtourism.com

Van Long Natural Reserve - Bay without waves

Van Long Natural Reserve - Bay without waves

Located in Gia Vien district, Ninh Binh province, Van Long Natural Reserve is far about 90 kilometers from Ha Noi to the south. Van Long is not only a natural reserve of wetlands but also the cultural relics.

Van Long is consider as not only a legendary land but also a beautiful area and the largest natural reserve of wetlands. Here, the boats are available to serve the travellers enjoying a visit arround Van Long. A large space with spectacular mountain ranges creates a natural wall surrounded a vast expanse of water.

With an area of 3000 hectares, Van Long natural reserve has 32 beautiful grotto such as: Ca Grotto, Bong Grotto, Rua Grotto, Chanh Grotto, each grotto has an unique beauty. Known as the most beautiful grotto, Ca Grotto has 250 meters length, 8 meters height and 10 meters width, its ceiling is stalactites with strange shapes like animal, fish, etc. According to legend, ancient people used to catch a fish with 45 kilograms weight, which is origin to form the name “ Ca Grotto”.

In the Van Long forest, there are 457 species of higher plants. In particular, 8 species has been recorded in Viet Nam Red list. Among 39 species of animals, 12 species is considers as rare animals such as white shorts langur boasted largest number in Viet Nam, in turn, chamois, Bengal slow Loris, Asian black bear, stump-tailed macaque, etc. In the species recorded in Viet Nam List, it contains king cobra, water monitor, oriental Rat snake, lizards…

People usually associate Ninh Binh with Trang An, a UNESCO natural and cultural heritage site, Cuc Phuong National Park and Bai Dinh Pagoda.

Through the guests’ assessment, Van Long is nicknamed “bay without waves". People on boats around the Van Long romantic scene can see the water beneath them as calm as a giant mirror and reflecting the mountains and clouds.

Source: Cinet / http://www.vietnamtourism.com

VNAT works with Deputy Minister of Trade, Industry and Tourism of Colombia

VNAT works with Deputy Minister of Trade, Industry and Tourism of Colombia

On 20 July 2015, in Ha Noi, Director General of Viet Nam National Administration of Tourism, Mr. Nguyen Van Tuan had a meeting with Colombian Deputy Minister of Trade, Industry and Tourism, Ms. Sandra Howard Taylor.

Director General Nguyen Van Tuan warmly welcomed the visit of Ms. Sandra Howard Taylor to Viet Nam and appreciated Colombia’s unique culture imbued with South American regional identity. Due to long distance, Viet Nam and Colombia have not had much cooperative opportunity in tourism field. The Director General hoped to explore Colombia’s tourism potentials when he attends World Tourism Alliance’s General Assembly which will be held in Colombia in September, 2015.

At the meeting, Director General Nguyen Van Tuan introduced Viet Nam’s history, culture and natural resources and the achievements of Viet Nam tourism. He affirmed that tourism sector has been playing an important role in the economic and social development of Viet Nam.

Director General Nguyen Van Tuan believed that the meeting between VNAT and Ministry of Trade, Industry and Tourism of Colombia would be a new milestone of tourism cooperation relationship between Viet Nam and Colombia. In the coming time, the two sides will promote to sign agreements of tourism collaboration.

Speaking at the meeting, Deputy Minister Sandra Howard Taylor expressed her pleasure for the warm reception of VNAT and highly valued Viet Nam’s longstanding culture and history. She suggested to discuss more about contents of cooperation in details with Viet Nam’s tourism sector after finishing the visit.

She also introduced the improvements of tourism environment in Colombia in recent years. Colombian Government has invested in infrastructure, airlines, preserving tourism resources and biodiversity with the aim of attracting more international tourists. In 2014, Colombia received approximately 4.1 million international arrivals.

In the framework of the visit to Viet Nam, the Deputy Minister of Trade, Industry and Tourism will have further meetings in Nha Trang and Ho Chi Minh City.

Thanh Tam / http://www.vietnamtourism.com

Tourism volunteers in Ha Noi

Tourism volunteers in Ha Noi

‘Ask me anything’, a volunteer group, offers free guidance to tourists, especially foreign visitors to Ha Noi, which helps create a friendlier image of the city.

On the weekends, visitors meet young volunteers, mostly students from universities in Ha Noi, who bring a large board that says “Hi. We speak English, French, German, Chinese and Japanese. Just feel free to ask us any questions that you may have.”

Tran Van Tien, the group’s founder, who runs two cafes in the capital’s foreigner-frequented downtown area, said that many international tourists have difficulties during their visit to the capital. He shared that his expat clients have a great need for a wide range of information regarding scenic spots, recreation places, hotels and restaurants.

Meanwhile, Vietnamese students lack the environment to practice foreign languages.

For this reason, he urged his friends to establish the ‘Ask me anything’ volunteer group, which aims to support foreigners as well as create an opportunity for students to acquire new knowledge and improve their language skills.

After three years of planning the project, he and his partners established their group, “Ask Me Anything” in April, 2015. The group’s membership has surged from five to start with, to the current 735, including expats, with around 20 volunteers working on a regular basis.

While some other groups support visitors through the Internet, Tien’s group makes direct contact with travellers. They use Ngoc Son temple as a place to welcome visitors palace.

According to Nguyen Dang Lan, one of first members of ‘Ask me anything’, each visitor needs different information, however, most of the visitors are interested in restaurants, Ha Noi’s history, and tourist attractions such as Ngoc Son temple or Thap Rua (Turtle Tower). “As for food, we have carefully prepared a list of Ha Noi’s best food, featuring Ha Noi’s character and well-known restaurants in Ha Noi for visitors. I feel happy when the beauty of Ha Noi’s culture is shared with international friends.”.

Besides on-site support, the free tour guides are also willing to take tourists to places following their own itinerary. With the tours, the group’s members have an opportunity to introduce specifics about Ha Noi. According to member Lan, by talking with foreign visitors, they can learn more about Ha Noi and the world.

Member Vu Hai Yen, a student of Viet-Hung Industrial University, shared that now she has more foreign friends, who are living in Ha Noi. They have helped improve her English speaking skills.

Many tourists said they are impressed with the group’s activities, their hospitality and helpfulness. They expressed their hope that the activities would expanded to many more cities and provinces.

The group’s founder Tien said that the group is looking to expand its scale to the entire country, particularly foreigner-packed cities and resort towns as Sa Pa in northern Lao Cai Province; central Da Nang City; the UNESCO-recognised Hoi An Ancient Town in central Quang Nam Province; and Ho Chi Minh City.

Source: Nhan Dan / http://www.vietnamtourism.com

Hoan Kiem Lake Cultural Information Centre opens

Hoan Kiem Lake Cultural Information Centre opens

On July 20, 2015, People's Committee of Hoan Kiem District organized the opening ceremony of Hoan Kiem Lake Cultural Information Centre at 2 Le Thai To Street, Hoan Kiem District, Ha Noi.

Hoan Kiem Lake is well known for the harmony of nature, architecture and people. For Vietnamese people, Hoan Kiem Lake and Ngoc Son Temple have become Ha Noi’s symbol. Hoan Kiem Lake tourist area includes The Huc Bridge and Thap But (Pen Tower), in addition to Ba Kieu Temple, King Le Temple, Ly Thai To Statue, Dong Kinh Nghia Thuc Square in the surroundings imbued with the capital’s cultural, historical values. In 2013, Hoan Kiem Lake and Ngoc Son Temple were ranked as Special National Monuments.

The Hoan Kiem Lake Cultural Information Centre was built on an area of 242.2sqm with 1 basement, 3 floors and 1 attic. The 1st and 2nd floors are space for exhibits and information on Hoan Kiem Lake. The 3rd floor consists of conference rooms and workrooms of management agency.

Hong Nhung / http://www.vietnamtourism.com

Thousands of visitors join Yang Bay Legend Festival

Thousands of visitors join Yang Bay Legend Festival

Nearly 2,000 domestic and international visitors came to join Yang Bay Legend Festival 2015 held at Yang Bay Tourist Park in Khanh Phu Commune, Khanh Vinh District, Khanh Hoa Province on July 12.

The festival included plentiful interesting activities such as bamboo pole dance, cylindrical drum (trong com) dance, Indian dance, crocodile fishing, cock fighting, pig race game, raft race, ostrich riding, crossbow shooting, etc.

The stilt houses with some kinds of working tools and traditional musical instruments partly helped visitors to learn about Raglai’s culture.

Especially, Yang Bay Legend Festival featured a dance drama about the legend of Yang Bay Waterfall, telling a story about the process of village’s establishment and conquering nature of the Raglai.

Source: http://vietnamtourism.gov.vn

Lao Cai province betters tourism services

Lao Cai province betters tourism services

The northern province of Lao Cai is improving the quality of its tourism services and developing transport infrastructure towards becoming a striking destination in the northern mountainous region. 

In the second half of this year, local authorities plan to work with the Steering Committee for the northwest region to build a national tourism plan for 2017 and bolster tourism cooperation with eight northwest provinces.

The locality will coordinate with the management board from the EU, the French Aquitaine region and the Vietnam National Administration of Tourism to realise signed cooperation agreements on supporting tourism development and human resources training.

The province is also speeding up the implementation of transport infrastructure projects, especially in popular tourism sites such as Sa Pa, Bac Ha and Bat Xat while connecting transport networks between the province and its neighbours, upgrading several highways and expanding inter-provincial roads.

The provincial People’s Committee is also directing relevant departments and sectors to address issues such as public restrooms, environmental sanitation and waste treatment at tourist sites.

According to the local Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism, the province welcomed over 1 million visitors in the first six months of 2015, a year-on-year rise of 15 percent.

The tourism sector fetched nearly 2.3 trillion VND (103 billion USD) in revenue in the period, a yearly increase of 15 percent.

Sa Pa, Bac Ha, Bat Xat and Muong Khuong are the most popular destinations with 20-30 percent growth in the volume of visitors.

Source: VNA

Fokienia forest recognised as heritage tree

Fokienia forest recognised as heritage tree

A population of 725 perennial fokienia trees in Tay Giang district in the central province of Quang Nam were recognised as heritage trees of Viet Nam on July 19 by the Viet Nam Association for Conservation of Nature and Environment (VACNE).

Two ficus superba miq. trees in Arang village of Axan commune also received the title.

The recognition will help protect the rare and valuable trees sustainably.

Currently, some 2,000 perennial fokienia trees are growing along the border district of Tay Giang. A forest protection force was established in the locality as part of efforts to preserve the trees.

In 2011, VACNE launched a programme to conserve Viet Nam’s heritage trees, aiming to select and honour the country’s heritage trees and preserve their gene sources while raising public awareness of protecting the environment.

It also contributes to promoting the diversification and abundance of Viet Nam’s flora and developing scientific research in the field.

To be eligible for the honour, wild trees must be at least 200 years old, and planted trees must be at least 100 years old. Moreover, the trees should be connected with the historical and cultural characteristics of the area where they grow.

Those that do not meet the aforementioned criteria but have special values in science, history or culture will also be recognised.

There are currently around 970 recognised heritage trees across the country.

Source: VNA

Ho Chi Minh City to launch electric car service

Ho Chi Minh City to launch electric car service

A plan to operate electric cars in downtown HCM City especially targeted at tourists was presented by the Department of Transport at a meeting on 15 July.

The two terminals will be the HCM City Zoo and 23 September Park with 27 stops along the way.

Ten 12-seat electric cars will operate for eight to 18 hours a day, departing in 10-minute intervals.

Tickets for distances involving less than 15 stops will cost VND6,000 (28 US cents), while for longer distances it will be VND10,000.

Passengers can also buy tickets costing VND40,000 for unlimited use for less than four hours and VND120,000 for the full day.

Source: VNS

vietnamtourism.com

Viet Nam lacquer paintings on show in Seoul

 
Viet Nam lacquer paintings on show in Seoul

Lacquer paintings exhibition of 14 Vietnamese artists is taking place in Ganaisa Art Center, Seoul, Korea  from July 15 to July 20, 2015.

The exhibition, featuring 12 works of traditional style, and 30 of modern style, aims to bring the beauty of the landscapes and people of Viet Nam closer to Korean and international viewers.

It also introduces the procedure of making a Vietnamese lacquer painting, from processing materials, lay-outs, colouring, to finishing touches.

Addressing the opening ceremony on July 16, Vietnamese Ambassador to the RoK Pham Huu Chi highlighted the role of Vietnamese artists in promoting cultural exchanges with other nations.

He expressed hope that the show will help better connect Vietnamese culture and people with international friends.
The Ganaisa art centre is the venue for exhibitions of many famous names of worldwide contemporary art such as Antoni Tapies, Sam Francis, Jasper Johns, and Roy Lichtenstein.

Lacquer is a special type of material extracted from lacquer tree, appeared in Viet Nam from 2500 years before, often used in making furniture, worshiping items and crafts. In 1925 the French founded the Indochina Fine Arts School, along with the acceptance of the academy art in Europe, Vietnamese lacquer artists transformed the material and put lacquer on their own works. The innovative combinations between material and the traditional way of shaping, between the spiritual life of the Vietnamese and the graphics, layout, color as well as art thought from Europe have created an art material that still highly appreciated by many national and foreign researchers. Many Vietnamese lacquer paintings were stored and kept at national prestigious museums and abroad. More and more foreign artists come to Vietnam to learn the techniques of lacquer.

Due to limited communication, difficulties in transportation and storage as well as lack of thorough understanding and confusion between art and fine art, Vietnamese lacquer is still not known and properly appreciated as its value yet.

Source: Cinet

vietnamtourism.com

Nam O was a fishing village in Hoa Hiep Bac and Hoa Hiep Nam wards

Stunning scenery in Nam O

Lying on the southern side of Hai Van Pass on the nation’s central coast, Nam O is a must-see destination for visitors thanks to the impressive beauty of nature, and historical and cultural sites.

Originally, Nam O was a fishing village in Hoa Hiep Bac and Hoa Hiep Nam wards in Da Nang City’s Lien Chieu District, around 17 kilometers from the city downtown.

Nam O beach at the mountain foot has a slight slope and a crystal clear blue color. The area has the vestiges of Cham people and several specialties that can satisfy visitors’ tastes.

The beach has been known to local residents since the early 1960s. Over time, more visitors have come to visit the place thanks to the breathtaking and tranquil beach.

From the beach, tourists can travel by boat towards the west to reach a river mouth called Cu De. Along the way, they will pass through the French-built Nam O steel railway bridge.

On the left side of the river bank are coconut trees, highlighted by fishing nets and basket boats floating on the light green water surface. From afar, Truong Son Mountain Range is covered in the mist. Towards the north is Van Village on a sea channel to Danang Bay.

The two sides of the river are lined by restaurants serving the only one specialty of Nam O, Nam O fish salad, which is created from an abundant supply of sardine fish and fresh vegetables from the forest on Hai Van Mountain. The dish cannot be mistaken from other types of fish salad in other places.

Tourists can also buy fresh seafood from local fishermen at reasonable prices and should not miss the Nam O fish sauce, another specialty of Nam O.

In Nam O fishing village, tourists can find a whale worshiping temple built 300 years ago, which is Xuan Duong communal house with carved and engraved wooden columns. The vestiges of Cham people found in Nam O are large bricks, and square wells built from rocks.

On the way from south to north, tourists can also stop by Nam O Bridge to see a poetic and peaceful view of the mountain and the river.

Source: SGT

vietnamtourism.com

Hai Phong to promote Cat Ba tourism

Hai Phong to promote Cat Ba tourism

The northern port city of Hai Phong plans to focus on promoting the tourism potential of the Cat Ba archipelago, which is renowned for its diversity of tourism products.

This initiative is part of the master plan on sustainable tourism development of the Cat Ba archipelago, which is adjacent to the World Heritage Ha Long Bay, until 2025 approved by the provincial People’s Committee.

The plan aims to zone off key tourism sites to promote their respective potentials and key products.

Director of the city’s Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism Doan Duy Linh highlighted the significant role of the archipelago in the socio-economic development of Cat Hai district and Hai Phong city.

The locality will invest in improving service quality and conduct publicity campaigns to promote the Cat Ba archipelago in domestic and international markets, Linh said.

Infrastructure facilities will also be developed to connect the site with neighbouring vicinities and international destinations. Additional services will be offered to lure tourists, including homestays, sports, cuisine tourism packages and resorts, he added.

The Cat Ba archipelago has been considered part of the national Ha Long - Cat Ba tourism complex in the strategy for national tourism development through 2030, according to Linh.

The site, which has been recognised a National Park, a National Marine Reserve and a World Biosphere Reserve, features ecotourism services that distinguish it from Ha Long Bay and other sea and island tourism destinations such as Bach Long Vy, Co To, Cu Lao Cham, Phu Quy, Con Dao or Phu Quoc.

It is home to some 3,800 flora and fauna species, including 81 endangered ones listed in the Red Books of Vietnam and the world, such as the “Vooc Cat Ba” primate (scientifically known as Trachypithecus poliocephalus), “Son Duong” gazelle (chamois), “Kim Giao” tree (pedocarpus fleurgi) and “Thach sung mi Cat Ba” gecko (Goniurosaurus cabaensis).

Tourists will also discover rich ecosystems in the tropical and flooded forests on limestone mountains like the Kim Giao forest, Ao Ech (Frog pond) in the Cat Ba National Park, sea diving in Tai Keo or Ba Rang islands in the Cat Ba preserved site.

Its traditional festivals are also attractive offerings, such as the Cat Ba - Cat Hai fishing villages festival on March 31 and the boat racing festival on the 21st of the first lunar month in Cat Hai town, among others.

Source: VNA

http://vietnamtourism.com/

New rice ceremony of the Raglai

New rice ceremony of the Raglai

The Raglai people have several ceremonies relating to the life cycle of a man or a tree. The new rice ceremony is the biggest event of all.

After harvesting and stockpiling rice in warehouses, the Raglai organize a ritual to thank the heaven God, genies, and ancestors for blessing them with a bumper crop.

The Raglai believe that there are several genies in nature and the heaven god, the supernatural power, is the rice soul who influences production and people’s life.

During a new rice ceremony, people welcome the Heaven God or the rice soul from the terraced fields to celebrate Tet with them and pray them for a better new year. Old Raglai people say the time-honored ritual shows their gratitude toward the rice soul for reproduction and food.

Mau Quoc Tien, a researcher of Raglai culture, said Raglai people depend greatly on agricultural production and the new rice ceremony is an indispensable ritual in their life. They pray the genies for favorable weather and good harvest. A ceremony is organized for the extended family to show their gratitude to other villagers for helping them grow and harvest rice.

The Raglai organize the new rice ceremony in the 3rd or 4th lunar month when the first peal of thunder signals the beginning of summer.

Men make a Neu tree and repair their stilt house and altar to welcome their ancestors.  Women prepare an offering which must include chicken, rice, corn, betel leaves, areca nuts, and alcohol. The shaman practices the ritual under the Neu tree, which is considered the house of the rice soul. He thanks the Heaven God for blessing people with good health and sufficient food and invites the god to enjoy the offerings. After praying, all family members drink the offering wine together as a gift from god for good health and happiness.

The festival follows the worshiping ceremony. People drink wine from vases, sing, and play Ma La gongs through the night.

Patriarch Mang Khe said all clans organize a new rice ceremony. Each family organizes a ceremony and invites all the villagers to join. They pray for good results in whatever they grow. We show our gratitude to our ancestors and they give us food.

The ceremony is an opportunity for all villagers to make beautiful Neu trees, cook rice in bamboo tubes, distill wine in vases, compete at shooting a crossbow, and play musical instruments, and for relatives to get together and resolve all their differences.

Source: VOV

http://vietnamtourism.com/

Viet Nam to market tourism in Indonesia this August

Viet Nam to market tourism in Indonesia this August

A Vietnamese tourism promotion campaign will be held from August 3-7 in Surabaya and Jakarta cities of Indonesia, which is emerging as a critical and potential market of Viet Nam.

The Vietnam National Administration of Tourism (VNAT) said the campaign will offer a chance to popularise the country’s images, help travel companies seek Indonesian partners and attract visitors from the archipelago nation.

It is a large-scale 2015 promotion campaign, the administration said, noting that the VNAT is working with the national flag carrier Vietnam Airlines to sell Ho Chi Minh City - Jakarta round-trip tickets for participating firms at discount prices.

Vietnam and Indonesia have seen an increasing number of their citizens visiting the other country, reaching about 100,000 in 2013 from nearly 95,000 a year earlier.

Vietnam has offered visa exemptions for Indonesian nationals since December 2003, which Indonesia reciprocated in February 2004, facilitating travel.

Nearly 8 million Indonesians spent holidays overseas in 2013. The United Nations World Tourism Organisation forecast this figure will hit 9 million in 2017.

The VNAT said though the number of Indonesian visitors to Viet nam is still modest, favourable conditions are now in place to attract more tourists from the archipelago country.

It added that a majority of Indonesian tourists are interested in some of Vietnam’s famous destinations such as Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, Ha Long Bay, Ninh Binh, Hue, Da Nang and Hoi An. The administration also underscored the need for more tour guides speaking the Indonesian language.

Source: VNA

http://vietnamtourism.com/

Lao Cai ranked in top 10 world’s most beautiful places

Lao Cai ranked in top 10 world’s most beautiful places

TheRichest, a leading entertainment and lifestyle website, has released  a video that names the  top 10 most beautiful places in the world, and includes Viet Nam’s northern province of Lao Cai.

The website noted that the beautiful man-made rice terraces in Lao Cai help supply the most staple food item for Vietnamese people: rice.

It also explained that rice  grain requires a flat surface and lots of water to grow, which isn’t typical in the country, so people had  to improvise and figure out an alternate way to grow their food.

“Their endeavours resulted in a beautiful coloured landscape”, says TheRichest.

Rounding out  the list of top 10 are Geiranger Fjord of Norway, Maldives, Salar de Uyuni of Bolivia, Yosemite National Park of the US, Midway Island of Haiwaii, Pamukale of Turkey, Meteora of Greece, Zhangye Danxia  Landform of China, and Fiorland of New Zealand.

Source: VOV

http://vietnamtourism.com/

Tra Co Communal House Festival opens

Tra Co Communal House Festival opens

The traditional festival of Tra Co Communal House opened on July 15 in Tra Co Ward, Mong Cai City, Quang Ninh Province and is scheduled to last until July 18.

Tra Co Festival is an occasion to memorize tutelary genies of the village and wish the best for the village and attendants.

At the beginning of Tra Co Festival is the ritual procession. After the procession, there are many fun activities for entertainment such as the fattest pig competition, cooking contest, traditional dancing, etc.

The festival is now attracting a crowd of pilgrims from home and abroad.

Situated next to a beautiful beach in Tra Co Ward, Mong Cai City, Tra Co Communal House was built in 1511 with unique architectural style of the later Le Dynasty. The structure was dedicated to tutelary genies of the village. The historical relic is typical for village culture of Viet Nam in feudal period.

Source: Quang Ninh Portal

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