Impressive Vietnam

Nation takes gold, silver in aerobics

2009-11-04T21:57:00.000+07:00

Aerobic: Vu Ba Dong and Tran Thi Thu Ha, originally uploaded by Kiva.Dang.

Viet Nam grabbed one gold and one silver in the aerobics event at the Asian Indoor Games yesterday, November 3.

The Vietnamese partnership of Vu Ba Dong and Tran Thu Ha brought home gold in the mixed doubles in Hai Phong Gymnasium with a total of 20.875 points, leading the artistic and execution categories.

They defeated South Korea's Kyung Ho-lee and Yeonsun Park and Thailand's Nattawut Pimpa and Roypim Ngampeerapong, with 20.200 points and 20.125 points, respectively.

They triumphed at the 24th Southeast Asian Games' sport aerobics in Nakhon Ratchasima, Thailand, two years ago.

Dong and Ha continued to co-ordinate with Nguyen Tien Phuong in the trio group to grab silver with total of 20.889 points behind China's trio who scored 21.250 points. The bronze medal went to South Korea's trio with 20 points.

In the men's singles, China's Xiaofeng Zhou beat eight contenders to take gold, with 20.500 points.

Runner-up was Jong Kun Song of South Korea with the same number of points overall, but less artistic points. Third was Nattawut Pimpa of Thailand with 20.100 points.

Vietnamese Tien Phuong gained second place in the qualifying round, but only managed fourth in the final.

Viet Nam also took another gold medal, this time in the men's 73kg kurash event thanks to the efforts of Nguyen Tuan Hoc.

In the other 66kg final of the men's kurash, Kazakhstan took a gold medal thanks to Meirzhan Kaltayev who defeated Peng-Yao Hsu of Chinese Taipei.

Orapa Senatham of Thailand was defeated by Olessya Kutsenko of Kazakhstan in the women's 57kg final.

Vietnamese athletes continued to shine yesterday when Pham Thi Van Anh beat Kim Eonkyung of South Korea to take another gold for Viet Nam in the women's single jujitsu&beltwrestling, 62kg final.

The northern port city's fans also had the chance to see the archery qualification round at Hai Phong Gymnasium yesterday.

In the men's compound, Reza Amaninejad of Iran led with 585 points, while Vietnamese Nguyen Tien Cuong came second with 580 points, and Reza's teammate Abdollah Kiaei was third with 575 points.

In the qualification round of the women's rucurve, South Korea's Jang Mi-yu led with 587 points, while Siyi Lu of China and Mi So-shim of South Korea were runners-up with 583 points and 582 points, respectively.

Vietnamese Nguyen Thi Kieu Trang was eliminated after ranking 12th out of 28 archers.

Viet Nam men's team beat Laos 2-0 while China beat Thailand 2-1 in the semi-finals of the shuttle cock event.

In the women's section, Viet Nam-defeated Chinese Macao 2-0 in the first semi-final, while China defeated Laos 2-0 in the second.

Viet Nam now has a total of 19 golds after four competition days in the medal tally.

Source: Viet Nam News

Mango Bay Phu Quoc

2009-10-27T13:58:00.000+07:00

Mango Bay Phu Quoc, originally uploaded by Kiva.Dang.

Located 15 minutes north of the Phu Quoc airport, the Mango Bay Resort offers a uniquely relaxing atmosphere with two deserted white sand beaches facing Vietnam’s best ocean sunsets.

The resort covers twenty hectares, including one kilometer of coastline and two beaches - “Coconut Beach” and “Casuarina Beach”- and is surrounded by protected forest. Offshore there is a reef and smooth rocks, offering great snorkeling amongst coral and fish.

There is no air-conditioning, television sets or telephones in the rooms for a true fusion with nature at the island’s first eco-friendly resort. All rooms and bungalows have open sea views and offer mosquito nets, overhead fans, al fresco bathrooms, and solar powered hot water.

Location

Mango Bay is 15-20 minutes north of Phu Quoc airport. The island of Phu Quoc is located southwest of Vietnam off the coast of Cambodia and can be reached by a quick flight from Ho Chi Minh (50 minutes - 3 flights a day) and by ferry from Rach Gia (2.5 hours - 2 boats a day).

Restaurant & bar

Mango Bay’s restaurant sits overlooking the ocean, atop smooth rocks against which the waves gently lap. The restaurant is casual, open air, and built on a large tree frame, with leaf-thatched roof, rammed earth walls and hand-finished aggregate floor. The restaurant can sit up to 40 with a 270-degree view of the sea.

Rooms

Plantation Bungalow: The newest addition to Mango Bay, these stand-alone bungalows each have a spacious room and deck, overlooking the beach and garden. All have outside bathrooms and natural wooden decks.

Rammed-earth Bungalows: These are the first Rammed earth buildings in Vietnam, an efficient environmentally friendly building technique using locally available soil to form walls with an attractive natural finish, complete with leaf thatched roofs and spacious decks. Outdoor bathrooms with solar powered hot water look straight out into jungle.

Fisherman’s bungalows: These are traditional Phu Quoc fishermen’s houses, transported and reassembled individually. With spacious rooms, they are suitable for families. All have outside bathrooms and natural wooden decks.

Verandah Rooms: The Verandah is a large wooden and shaded area, built from 60 year-old seasoned timber. The Verandah rooms are more communal in nature and look out under the shadow of coconut palms onto the sea. All have private bathrooms, one of which is outdoors.

All rooms and bungalows have open sea views and offer mosquito nets, overhead fans, al fresco bathrooms, and solar powered hot water.

For your booking, please contact:

Add: Ong lang Beach, Phu Quoc, Vietnam
Tel: International +84 903 382 207 - Vietnam: 0903 382 207

Gamers team eye Indoor gold

2009-10-27T13:46:00.000+07:00

Asia Indoor Game 3 - Vietnam 2009, originally uploaded by Kiva.Dang.

Viet Nam's e-sports team will take part in the third Asian Indoor Games (AIG) with the aim of bringing home a gold medal.

Duong Vi Khoa, the team's head coach, said, "Although the team is only aiming for a gold, we've got some skilful players who have been training hard. Viet Nam's e-sport team will do its best and hopefully spur the development of the sport in the country."

Khoa, who has devoted himself to e-sports since it appeared in Viet Nam, said, "I paid attention to the e-sports event seven years ago. In 2003, Viet Nam had ADSL, and I had a strong attachment to the event. Those who had an interest, got together and we organised tournaments ourselves."

The team includes four coaches and 16 gamers convened in Ha Noi at the weekend and took part a training course to prepare for the Games organised by the Viet Nam Multimedia Corporation.

This event will take place at Ha Noi's Bach Khoa Gymnasium on November 1-4 with the participation of 200 gamers from 15 teams to compete for six sets of medals in the individual and team events.

Viet Nam's gamers will play including FIFA 09, Starcraft: Broodwar, Counter Strike, Dota All-stars.

According to e-sports experts, To Trung Hieu is expected to lead the team to a medal in this event after he showed his great talent in the World Cyber Games Asian Champions in July.

Viet Nam emerged at the World Cyber Games Asian Champions with two gold wins in Dota All-stars and FIFA 2009 after beating 13 countries from around Asia, including South Korea, China, Singapore, Malaysia, India, Australia and New Zealand.

Source: Viet Nam News

Asian Indoor Games 3 press and media consultant conference

2009-08-25T22:00:00.000+07:00

Asia Indoor Game 3 - Vietnam 2009, originally uploaded by Kiva.Dang.

The consultant conference and AIG 3 media check took place in Hanoi, with the presencet of Mr. Dan Hubp – Media Specialist of the Olympic Council of Asia (OCA).

At the conference, Mr. Hoang Vinh Giang, the AIG 3 Organizing Committee Deputy-General and General Secretary of Olympic Committee of Vietnam reported on the preparations and management process of the Vietnam AIG Organizing Committee (VAIGOC) to the representative of the OCA. VAIGOC has an important and influential role which links directly to the media, press, IT and protocol departments. Additionally, during the session, representatives of two Protocol and Hospitality Sub-Committees; Communication, four stations of Vietnam Television (VTV), Ho Chi Minh Television (HTV), Vietnam Sports newspapers, the Physical and Sports Culture Information Center – the General Department of Physical Culture and Sports Culture were also informed by the OCA about the volunteer training, protocols, the projects of building the International Business Communication centres (IBC – in Hanoi and HCM City), the Main Press Center (MPC) and IT solutions at the Games.

Besides the general difficulties (such as a lack of finance for projects), another obstacle which impacts on VAIGOC’s media and press projects is the lack of information about the number of athletes, 45 team delegation members, journalists and media agencies that will attend and work at AIG 3. For example, the project of the IBC has to plan for the maximum of booths for television journalists but if AIG 3 does not use all the booths, this will lead to a waste of money. The AIG 3 Communication Sub-Committee Deputy-Chief stated that, VAIGOC has experience in executing projects for the media and press at the 22nd SEA Games. However, the AIG 3 is a continental event. Therefore, VAIGOC needs a lot of help from the OCA in order to achieve the highest target. Moreover, the Communication Sub-Committee also wants help from the OCA regarding press guidelines, media reporting techniques (especially for new sports), AIG 3 information management (main system), the AIG 1 and AIG 2 information consultants, media specialists and press agencies to help VAIGOC.

At the moment, based on the information for VAIGOC, Mr., Dan Hubp said, right at this time, to increase the execution of media and press plans, VAIGOC needs to complete the detailed competition schedule. This will facilitate the international and domestic media to plan programs and cooperate with the event. Presently, with this responsibility, Mmr. Dan Hubp will help Vietnam through the OCA.

According to the schedule, after this meeting, Mr. Dan Hubp will investigate some AIG 3 competition venues.

Source: The Thao Vietnam

The Ana Mandara Villas

2009-07-29T11:16:00.002+07:00

ANA MANDARA RESORTS & SPA DALAT CITY VIETNAM, originally uploaded by V&V HOSPITALITY & MEDIA GROUP.

The Ana Mandara Villas, Dalat just openned on late 2006. The villas consists of charmingly, restored, French colonial villas, which are nestled in 35 acres of parkland, in the rural highlands of Dalat. The villas retain the unique personalities of their original owners while being lovingly restored to their former glory, with all care taken to preserve original design, d�cor and charm.

Ana Mandara Villas are in well converted buildings, and have original antique items and fittings. On request, guests can enjoy breakfast served on their villa terrace. Leisure facilities available include a Six Senses Spa which offers a range of treatments. This is an ideally perfect place for spend your vacation time in Dalat, Vietnam.

The 57 room resort, restaurant and spa set in the rural highlands of Dalat, Vietnam comprises seventeen fully restored French colonial villas each originally constructed between the 1920's and 1930's. The villas retain the unique personalities of their original owners while being lovingly restored to their former glory, with all care taken to preserve original design, d�cor and charm.

Set in the Central Vietnam highland city of Dalat, the region was popularised by French occupation at the turn of the 20th century. Alexandre Yersin, a contemporary of the famed Louis Pasteur discovered and pioneered the location that is now known as Dalat in approximately 1897. With the cool European climate (the area sits at an altitude of 1500 metres above sea level) and the rolling mountainous, pine treed terrain, Dalat became the summer hill-station retreat for royalty and high society.

Sited on approximately 35 acres of suburban parkland that forms its own unique compound, the area Evason Ana Mandara Villas Dalat occupies was originally known as the 'Bellevue Quarter', a nod to the rich French influence. Striking views of the surrounding town, countryside and flourishing vegetable fields abound from all areas of the gently sloping hillside property.

Of the seventeen villas on site, fifteen have been converted into fully serviced hotel accommodations with the remaining two villas being converted into our Restaurant and Six Senses Spa, respectively.

Slideshow

Furama Resort - Fantastic Underwater

2009-07-29T11:05:00.002+07:00

Dive Vietnam - FuramaResortDanang - Dive Center - Fantastic Underwater, originally uploaded by dive.vietnam.

Dive in central Vietnam with Furama Resort Danang - Dive Center offers a new and exciting destination for divers in Asia. With its crystal clear waters, coral formations and white sandy beaches, this region of Vietnam has just being discovered by dive enthusiasts from around the world.

All photos were taken at on Tra Peninsula (Monkey Mountain) where crystal blue waters reveal magnificent corals and an amazing variety of sub-tropical sea-life.

For more information, visit Furama Resort Danang - Dive Center

Slideshow

Blue Ocean resort

2009-07-29T11:03:00.002+07:00

Blue Ocean resort, originally uploaded by Khoa Trần.

Blue Ocean Resort under management by Life Resorts Management Company boasts of avant-garde designs, vibrant play of colors and offers modern features, facilities and amenities.

Located in Mui Ne, a destination that promotes fun and activities for the whole family, the Blue Ocean Resort is a perfect get-away for couples and families with a wide variety of day time and night time activities that the whole family can engage in.

Known for its beautiful beaches, Mui Ne is also the country’s capital for kite-surfing and kite-boarding. These are but some of the many water sports to choose from.

Ocean Star Resort

2009-07-29T11:00:00.002+07:00

Ocean Star Resort, originally uploaded by Andrew Birch.

Phan Thiet is a tourist site indispensable for travelers who desire to get a true relaxing Vietnamese experience. It is fairly close to Ho Chi Minh City (approximately 200kms) where the temperature remains enjoyable all year. It is well-know as a stunning coastline stretching for more than 20 kilometers beneath thousands of great coconut palms.

Modeled in the style of an authentic fishing village, Ocean Star Resort resides within three hectares of swaying palms and tropical flora, framed to the East by the pristine sand and crystal waters of Mui Ne beach.

Ocean Star Resort gives you a variety of seven different types of accommodation. Therefore, it will be adapted to the customers’ purposes of stay.

With a well-trained professional team used to experience at highly standardized international hotel, Ocean Star Resort, a four star lodging property has come out in gestation of doing something to modify the perfection of the hospitality service and the pleasure of experience in Phan Thiet , which only a come face to face with reality speaks up the meaning . A new concept, a new look, a new though, a new experience : being all of what the management and the staff ring a bell to the customers.

Ocean Star resort aim to create a real sensation of relaxation where time and stress should be forgotten during your stay. All you may experience here will go beyond your expectations, from the breath-taking white sand beach to the smiley faces from our friendly staff.

Our goal is to bring the professional attention to the detail of all requirements to ensure that all stay with us become a memory of satisfaction.

Pho Hoi Riverside Resort

2009-07-29T10:58:00.002+07:00

Pho Hoi Riverside Resort, originally uploaded by Hoang Viet.

Pho Hoi Riverside Resort in Hoi An offers world class accommodation near the center of the city. As soon as you step inside the Pho Hoi Riverside Resort in Hoi An, you would remain spell bound with the mesmerizing interior.
The hotel offers the latest of amenities and services. With excellence in every aspect - from rooms to hotel amenities, the hotel makes an earnest effort to give the guests more than their money's worth. Let's glance through the various features of this hotel:

Location of Pho Hoi Riverside Resort in Hoi An

The location of the hotel is excellent, being situated a few minutes' driving distance from the center of the city. The Location of at Pho Hoi Riverside Resort in Hoi An is 800 meters from the city center.

The place where the hotel is situated has good connectivity with the rest of the city. There are quite a few tourist attractions close to the hotel.

Room facilities at Pho Hoi Riverside Resort in Hoi An

Bask in ultimate luxury in the cozy rooms of Pho Hoi Riverside Resort in Hoi An. The rooms of this hotel are spacious and are elegantly furnished. Every one of them is designed exquisitely and is adorned by impressive decor. Each of the rooms is appointed with meticulous care to ensure that you have the most comfortable stay.

Also, every one of the rooms dons bright wall paints that exude a lot of warmth and cheer. Room facilities at Pho Hoi Riverside Resort in Hoi An feature a wide range of modern and beautiful lightings.

Hotel Amenities and Services at Pho Hoi Riverside Resort in Hoi An

The mind blowing span of hotel amenities and services at Pho Hoi Riverside Resort in Hoi An encompasses every aspect of comfort and pleasure. The hotel gives equal attention in the matters of fitness and recreation. There are several sports activities offered. Some of them are Billiards, Boating, Fishing, Badminton and many more.

The hotel houses a great restaurant. Authentic cuisines are brought to table by the chefs. There are 200 seats in this restaurant. The awesome ambience of this beautiful restaurant is really enchanting.

The hotel also offers upscale business facility. So, come to Pho Hoi Riverside Resort in Hoi An and you would be treated to a fine time indeed.

Vinpearl Land Resort

2009-07-29T10:53:00.002+07:00

Vinpearl Land Resort, originally uploaded by Hoang Viet.

Vietnam is widely known as a country with a hidden tropical charm. With the beautiful S-shaped strip of land closely surrounding the mysterious Indochina, Vietnam can easily fascinate visitors. Coming to Vietnam, visitors will have a chance to not only enjoy numberless beauty spots that the nature has generously endowed this country with but also find out about about plenty of traditional and modern Vietnamese cultural backgrounds. And, one of the most outstanding features of Vietnamese tourism is Nha Trang (Khanh Hoa).

Coming to Vinpearl, you will feel as if you were lost in a wonderland. With the typical tropical climate, Nha Trang is brilliant with blue sea, white sand, beautiful sunlight. The beautiful and poetic sea tourism city is named “Brilliant flower basket on the bank of the East Sea, “Sunny deck”. It is not accidental that 100 years ago, the talented scientist Alexandere Yersin left splendid Paris for Nha Trang, where he stayed and worked until his death. Nha Trang Bay is ranked as one of the most 29 beautiful bays in the world. As flowing across here, some sea currents suddenly blend with each other to create “a common home” for all beings to reside and grow. Nha Trang Bay is not only rich in natural resources, beauty spots but also closely linked to sea culture and unique cultural-tourist attractions… And the story of Nha Trang is now continued with the fame of Vinpearl Land, Vinpearl Resort & Spa, a sparkling pearl glued on the crown of the Sea Queen.

Vinpearl Land has become a great pride of the locals as well as of Vietnamese people in general. It’s hard for tourists to imagine how much energy and money has been spent on creating such a wonderful island as this.

After just 5 – 7 minutes traveling by motor-boat or 13 minutes enjoying Nha Trang’s panorama from Vinpearl Cable-car system, the longest sea-crossing cableway in the world, visitors then set their foot on Vinpearl Land – The Vietnamese Pearl. Located in the North of Hon Tre Island, leaning on Dam Mong Mountain and towards Nha Trang Bay, Vinpearl Land is an international-class 5-star entertainment-tourism complex with all modern comforts; however, it is still an attractive and wild Pearl Island located in the middle of one of the most beautiful bays in the world. Vinpearl Land blends a modern style with the enriched national character. The modern Western style is mainly used in the interior composition, service, operation…, meanwhile the traditional Eastern style here is found in curved roofs up to the sky, the tiles or the thatched huts in the peaceful home-village space of Vietnam; it is an open space for natural environment to pour in every moment. Just open the window to welcome the wind and lean on the balcony to enjoy the sunrise, you will feel the serenity all around and find the peace in your mind.

Visitors in Vinpearl Land will enjoy their stay in a 5-star hotel resort and spa. With 485 marvellously designed rooms, including 17 luxurious rooms and 2 Presidential Suites, the resort can satisfy the most fastidious visitors by bringing them comfort, privacy, convenience, and perfect service. Vinpearl Resort and Spa also has the most beautiful 700m long natural beach in Nha Trang and modern outdoor swimming pools covering an area of 5,700m2 (the largest one in the Southeast Asia) beautified with lots of coconut trees, green grass, nice plants and trees…… Besides, there are beauty and health care services in Viet Spa and other relaxing activities, tours in combination with sports for all ages. A diversified system of restaurants will meet all your eating and drinking demands from typical Vietnamese flavor to other Asian and European one… You will also freely do shopping in Shopping Mall, play games in the Amusement Park, the Water Park, and enjoy wonderful musical fountain shows at the Amphitheatre or discover the beauty of the ocean in the splendid Vinpearl Underwater World. To meet the MICE tourist demands as well as to organize big events, Vinpearl Land also has an adequate system of meeting rooms, an Event Hall with 1500-seats and a 5000-seat lean-to outdoor stage. .

A great number of cultural-entertainment events has been held here in Vinpearl Land, especially major Vietnam and World beauty contests such as Miss Vietnam, Miss World Vietnamese, Miss Earth, and Miss Universe… Therefore, apart from the lovely name “Vietnamese Pearl,” this place is also named “Beauty Island,” “Paradise Island”…

Summer promotion - Furama Resort

2009-07-29T10:36:00.003+07:00

summer promotion - meeting vietnam - FuramaResortDanang - Guests shot, originally uploaded by meetingsdanang.

Your 5-star Gateway to “World Heritage Road” in central Vietnam and four UNESCO-listed World Heritage sites

The luxurious Furama Resort Danang is a true icon of Vietnam tourism. This 5-star haven on world-famous China Beach is celebrated as Vietnam’s most prestigious resort – counting royalty, presidents, movie stars and international business leaders among its celebrity guests.

A multi-award winner for its unfaltering commitment to world-class service and facilities, the Furama is not only consistently voted Vietnam’s No 1 resort, leading international polls also rank it among the very best resorts in Asia.

But the Furama is much more than an idyllic tropical retreat, it is also a premier base for exploring one of Asia’s most exciting new destinations – in the early days of being “discovered” by international tourism.

Just a short drive from Danang lay four UNESCO-listed World Heritage Sites: the former imperial city of Hue (2 hours), the ancient ‘Silk Road’ trading port of Hoi An (30 minutes away), the spiritual centre of the Champa civilization, My Son (90 minutes) and the mystical Phong Nha Caves in Quang Binh province (7 hours), considered by some an access to the inner earth!

Da Nang has its own International Airport with daily domestic flights to Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh city, Buon Me Thuot, Pleiku, Nha Trang and Quy Nhon. There are international direct flights from Bangkok and Singapore with plans for future flights from Macau, Tokyo and Korea. Furama Resort Da Nang is just 15 minutes drive from Da Nang International Airport.

Furama Danang Resort & Spa has become the first five-star beach resort in Vietnam to provide in-room high speed internet access since August 25, 2006. The installment was just before the 3rd APEC Senior Official Meeting (APEC SOM 3) organized in Danang and Furama was selected as the host for the meeting. Before that, Furama Danang provide free wireless internet to its all public areas including lounges, restaurants, bars, ballrooms and meeting rooms.

Furama Resort & Spa has created a lasting impression for both local and international visitors. This is not only due to the government’s confidence in its attentive care for dignitaries such as Jiang Zemin – People's Republic of China's former Secretary General, Thailand's former Prime Minister Thaksin, Queen Sophia of Spain, Prince Henrik of Denmark, but it is also because the Furama is a place that has been selected to host significant events at both the national and international level.

Our “Diving Base” is meanwhile pioneering international-standard scuba diving in Vietnam – as the resort also develops as a renowned venue for events, conference and incentive travel.

Slideshow

Awards & Accolades

Awards received in 2009

- Top Ten five-star Hotels Vietnam 2008 Award presented by Vietnam Tourism Association (VITA) for the 7th consecutive year.
- Golden Dragon Award 2008 from Vietnam Economic Times and Ministry of Planning and Investment for the resort’s excellent business performance and outstanding social contribution.
- Top Trade Services Award from Vietnam’s Ministry of Trade and Industry which recognized the resort’s invaluable contribution to the country’s tourism industry.
- The Guide Award 2008 - 2009 by Vietnam Economic Times and its tourism and hospitality magazine The Guide that noted the excellent performance of Furama Resort Danang with the appended remarks: "Efficient and reasonably priced resort at one of Vietnam’s best beaches, gold standard"

Awards received in 2008

- Third place of Top 10 Dream Hotels from the WorldHotels portfolio.
- The Guide Awards 2008 by Vietnam Economic Times’ The Guide Magazine.
- Vietnam’s Leading Resort by World Travel Awards, the most prestigious awards in the international travel industry.
- One of the top 10 beach resorts in Southeast Asia by Singapore-based online hotel booking site Agoda Company.
- One of the 20 most outstanding architectural works in Vietnam during the country’s “doi moi” process selected by the Vietnam Architecture Association on April 26.
- Perfect Quality - Services Award from the City’s Youth Newspaper on Jan 15 for the resort’s invaluable contribution to the country’s tourism industry.
- Top Trade Services Award from the Ministry of Trade and Industry on Jan 6 for its high growth speed, excellent business performance, and competitive ability and affirm its strong trademark in the market.
- Best Conference Hotels in Asia, 2007 by readers of online travel magazine SmartTravel Asia.com.

Awards received in 2007

- Top Ten Hotels in Vietnam 2006 Award on July 9, 2007 from the Vietnam Tourism Association (VITA).
- This is the sixth year in succession Furama Resort Danang has received a Top Ten Hotels Award in Vietnam.
- The Guide Awards 2007 on June 15, 2007 by The Vietnam Economic Times’ The Guide Magazine noting the excellent performances of the Furama Resort Danang.
- "Vietnam the Best" award on May 26, 2007 by the e-newspaper Vietnamnet, in cooperation with the Vietnam Chamber of Commerce and Industry (VCCI) for outstanding brand name in tourism industry in Vietnam.
- Century International Quality Era Award on April 23, 2007 in the Gold category by the Spain-based Business Initiative Directions (B.I.D) for Excellence and Business Prestige.
- Winner of the Trophy for the year 2007 on January 2007 by the Selection Committee for the 32nd International Award for Tourist, Hotel and Catering Industry, an award created by Spain-based Editorial Office’s Publishing House in collaboration with the Trade Leaders’ Club to honour the most outstanding establishments in the tourist, hotel, restaurant and catering fields.
- "Seven Stars and Stripes® Award" on January 31, 2007 by Seven Stars and Stripes Inc., based in New York, USA. The exclusive award recognizes the Furama Resort Danang as having best services in Vietnam.

Awards received in 2006

- The Furama Resort Danang is honorably awarded “The resort that has the best marketing and sales team” at the APEC Tourism Fair which is organized by APEC member economies to remark the APEC Tourism Ministerial Meeting in Hoi An, Quang Nam province on Oct 16-18.
- Top Trade Services Award by the readers of Vietnam Trade Newspapers, February 2006.
Awards received in 2005

- "Da Nang Beach is one of the six most luxurious beaches in the World"-voted by Forbes Magazine, October 2005.
- "Best Resort Vietnam", voted sixth-year in a row by readers of Vietnam Economic Times and The Guide magazine.
- Best Service Resort by the readers of the Trade newspapers Vietnam.

Awards received in 2004

- "Best Resort", voted fifth-year in a row by readers of Vietnam Economic Times and The Guide magazine.
- WorldHotels Members Choice Award, the Furama Resort was voted amongst 500 leading hotels and resorts for its identification with WorldHotels, and the quality of product, service and cooperation towards other member hotels in 2004.
- Gold Award for Best International Incentive by ITMA (International Travel & Meeting Association) – United Kingdom.
- Voted one of the Asian region's top resorts by the online hotel reservations web site: www.asiahotels.com.
- Named Vietnam's top resort in the prestigious "Top Ten" hotels awards by the Vietnam National Administration of Tourism for the fourth consecutive year.
Awards received in 2003

- Named one of the region's top resorts by the online hotel reservations web site: www.asiahotels.com.
- Selected as Vietnam's top resort in the prestigious "Top Ten" hotels awards by the Vietnam National Administration of Tourism, fourth year running.
- Awarded "Best Resort Trophy" 2003 by The Guide Magazine, voted by readers of Vietnam Economic Times and the Guide Magazine, fourth year running.
- Certificate of Merit for outstanding contributions to the tourism development of Da Nang by Paul Stoll from the People's Committee of Da Nang, Major Nguyen Ba Thanh in January 2003.
- Certificate of Merit for outstanding contributions to the tourism development of Da Nang by the Furama Resort from the Peoples Committee of Da Nang, Mayor Nguyen Ba Thanh in January 2003.
- One of Asia's Best Hotels and Resorts in the first edition book of Asia Hotels and Euro Hotels (300 Hotels & Resorts were selected of 3800 hotels & resorts in Asia) January 2003.
Awards received in 2002

- One of the 25 Best Spas in the world by “The Mail on Sunday” Magazine, U.K, issue 29 December 2002.
- Gold Star award for quality tourism by the business initiative directions, Spain, 20 December 2002.
- Certificate of Thanks for outstanding contributions of the Furama Resort for water safety and commitment to the aims and objectives of the Royal Life Savings.
Society by the RLSS Commonwealth President, in August 2002.
- Customer Hotel Award 2002 by Asia-Hotels.Com
- Top Ten Hotel 2001 (positioned 1st place among foreign invested and managed hotels), by the VNAT
- Mr. Fix-it, Paul Stoll, GM - FR, by the Hotel Asia Pacific Magazine.
- Best Resort, by the Vietnam Economic Times & The Guide Magazine.
- Certificate of Appreciation, the Department of Navy, Army, Airforce of USA.
- PADI Resort (No.R-6604), by the PADI International Resort Association.
- Certificate of Merit, by the People's Committee of Da Nang.
- Certificate of Merit, by the Trade Company Union.
- Certificate of Merit, by the Trade Union.
- Certificate of Merit, by the People's Committee of Da Nang.
- Trophy 2002, by the Trade Leaders Club of Spain.

Awards received in 2001

- Ten Best Dream Hotels in Asia, by the Esquire Magazine HK, May 2001.
- PATA Member, by the VNAT, since 1 March 2001.
- National Tourism Star Medal, Paul Stoll, GM - Furama Resort, by VNAT (23 July 2001).
- Certificate of Merit, by the Vietnam Insurance Company.
- Top Ten Hotel 2000 (positioned 1st place among foreign invested and managed hotels), by the VNAT.
- International Quality Century Award, by the Business Initiative Directions of Spain.
- Trophy 2001, by the Trade Leaders Club of Spain.
- Certificate of Merit, Paul Stoll, GM - FR, by the People's Committee of Da Nang.
- Certificate of Merit, by the Social Insurance Company.
- Certificate of Merit, by the Medical Insurance Company.
- Certificate of Appreciation, by the Quang Nam Tourism Authorities.

Awards received in 2000

- 5 Star Recognition, by the VNAT (1 February 2000).
- Trophy 2000, by the Trade Leaders Club of Spain.
- Top Ten Hotel 1999, by the VNAT (First award ceremony).
- Asian Best Resort Hotel, by the Epicurean Revue, USA.
- Certificate of Merit, by VNAT.
- Certificate of Merit, by the Da Nang Trade Union.
- Certificate of Merit, by the People's Committee of Da Nang.

Awards received in 1999

- Deluxe Hotel, by SRS-WORLDHOTELS (1 July 1999)

Palm Garden Resort

2009-07-29T10:34:00.002+07:00

Palm Garden Resort, originally uploaded by Hoang Viet.

The name "Palm Garden Resort " was derived from its location, which ideally situates on 5-hectare of unspoiled tropical garden, features more than 400 palm trees and complexes of bungalows and suites that intermingle among a grass-covered landscape.

The Resort is located on Cua Dai Beach , Hoi An Town, and Quang Nam Province. The traveling time to the resort is 25 minutes by car from Da Nang International Airport and another 5 minutes to Hoi An Ancient Town .

The Resort is landscaped with several unique species of palm and coconut trees, as well as furnished it with selective Vietnamese products of silk, wood, and natural ceramics.

The planning of the Resort with all of its individual bungalows and guest facilities reflects a lifestyle that is calm and soothing. This wonderful ambience of the design and the resort's high standards of service add to a wonderful holiday experience.

Sofitel Metropole, Hanoi

2009-07-27T13:04:00.002+07:00

Sofitel Metropole, Hanoi, originally uploaded by chrisjohnbeckett.

The Sofitel Metropole Hanoi is currently undergoing construction work between 8:00 and 19:00 but will remain open to guests.

This is simply the place to stay in Hanoi. The hotel itself dates back to 1901, to the French colonial days, and it shows in every detail. In most East Asian capitals, the premier hotel is an ultra-modern Peninsula or Mandarin Oriental, or something like Singapore's Fullerton, a 21st-century hotel in an historic shell.

The Metropole is a bit more of a time machine, with its French Colonial exterior, and its period interiors — though the Opera Wing is brand-new, and up-to-date in the more typical international style. The luxury here is not a function of the number of switches and buttons on the bedside control panel; this is an old-school five-star hotel, with a discreet atmosphere and service fit for executives and statesmen alike. The sheen of novelty may be missing from the Metropole, but the experience is no less rich and comfortable.

There are two very fine restaurants, quite natural for an ex-colony — Spices Garden serves upscale traditional Vietnamese cuisine, and Le Beaulieu (the haunt of diplomats and journalists for a hundred years) is well-known for fine French cuisine and an extensive selection of wines. There are three bars, a swimming pool, extensive conference facilities, and a well-equipped health club — in short, everything one expects from a capital city's top hotel.

What one does not necessarily expect is to be so thoroughly steeped in history, or so aware of the lingering presence of French culture. This sense of not-so-distant past is what gives the Metropole its unique personality, and sets it apart from the shiny new mega-hotels of the East. On the whole, an utterly fascinating experience — we challenge you to stay here without remembering The Quiet American.

Sofitel Metropole Hanoi
15 Ngo Quyen Street
Hanoi, Vietnam

363 Rooms
Style: Traditional Elegance
Atmosphere: Lively

Park Hyatt Saigon hotel

2009-07-27T12:56:00.002+07:00

DSC01390, originally uploaded by Nguyen Hung Manh Toan.

Located at Lam Son Square in the centre of Ho Chi Minh City, the 9-storey Park Hyatt Saigon hotel is within walking distance of main tourist attractions, restaurants and parks. A 5 star luxury hotel in the true sense of the word, Park Hyatt Saigon is host to world-class restaurants and the exclusive Xuan Spa. Honored by Travel + Leisure as Best Business Hotel in Ho Chi Minh City, hotel Park Hyatt Saigon is within easy reach of the exhibition centre and central business district. Ho Chi Minh International Airport Tan Son Nhat is only 7 km away.

Slideshow

Hotel Hilton neben der Oper...

2009-07-27T12:50:00.002+07:00

Hotel Hilton neben der Oper..., originally uploaded by roba66.

Centrally located in Hanoi’s elegant French Quarter, the Hilton Hanoi Opera hotel is a short walk from the famous Old Quarter and the city’s bustling business district. Voted ‘Vietnam’s Leading Hotel’ for the last five years by the prestigious World Travel Awards, the Hilton Hanoi Opera is a landmark in the city.

Relax in the comfort of a traditionally furnished Vietnamese room with high-speed internet access, cable TV and separate work areas. Guests staying in Executive Rooms also enjoy complimentary breakfast and refreshments in the Executive Lounge.

Swim laps in the outdoor pool with Opera House views, work out in the fitness center or unwind in the jacuzzi and saunas. Dine on contemporary Vietnamese cuisine in Ba Mien restaurant or enjoy a cocktail and listen to the live jazz in the Lobby Lounge. There are seven spacious meeting rooms at the Hilton Hanoi Opera hotel including a ballroom and business center.

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Perfume River mussel cooked rice - Vi Da Village

2009-07-26T22:36:00.002+07:00

Cơm hến - thôn Vỹ Dạ, originally uploaded by Pekastar.

“Com hen Song Huong” is a dish served at room temperature, made with mussels and leftover rice. It is a complicated recipe that includes sweet, buttery, salty, sour, bitter and spicy flavors.

Com hen Song Huong (or Com hen in short) is the very simple and low-priced specialty of Hue, the ancient citadel of Vietnam. Accordingly, the way of serving this special kind of food is of great ancience, simplicity and deliciousness.

Com hen has a sweet-smelling flavor of rice, onion, and grease, as well as strange tastes of sweet, buttery, salty, sour, bitter, and peppery-hot. You have to arrive to Hen river-islet in the Perfume River to have the original Com hen. However, you can find out the dish on some streets in Hue City. It requires 15 different raw materials to prepare for the dish, including mussel, fried grease, watery grease, peanuts, white sesames, dry pancake, salted shredded meat, chilly sauce, banana flower, banana trunk, sour carambola, spice vegetables, peppermint, salad, etc.

Com hen is always attractive to many customers since it is tasty and, at the same time, economical to anybody.

What makes this simple kind of food popular is revealed in the great endeavor to adopt and process its main ingredient – mussel. Mussels are sea species, which must be dipped in water for a long while before being processed. Accordingly, people often say that com hen somehow expresses the strenuous work of the maker.

Where to find it? Very easy as it is popular everywhere in Hue and these days, elsewhere in Hue restaurants in Vietnam. More favorably, it is a low-priced specialy, thus you could eat it in luxurious restaurants in Hue or even in vendoring mobile shops on the streets.

“Visiting Hue could not miss Com hen, or else you have not come to Hue ever!” is the most common remark of visitors elsewhere to Hue. So, please come and enjoy it yourself!

Source: http://www.vietnam-beauty.com/

Hue beef noodle – the typical culinary art of Hue!

2009-07-26T22:30:00.002+07:00

Bun Bo Hue, originally uploaded by Thanh H. Tran.

Hue beef noodle takes its origin from the Royal Hue City of Central Vietnam. The broth is from cooking beef bones for a long period of time as well as a variety of different spices including lemongrass.

How does it taste? Well, having a bowl of Hue beef noodle, you will easily recognize that it is completely different from Pho since the former’s beef broth is much more spicy.

How to make it? Learning how to make a clear broth from bone and meat is quite a difficult task. After being selected from the market, the fresh beef will be shredded, boiled and taken out of the water to obtain a delicious clear broth. A typical version of Hue beef noodle must include pork, roast beef, pig’s blood, Vietnamese salami, Hue’s style salami, shrimp sauce and chopped lettuce.

The interesting thing is that, the amount of salt put in the beef noodle recipe varies between seasons. For example, during summer, Hue beef noodle soup is served with soy bean, mint and different kinds of lettuce while in the winter, the recipe is saltier added with lemongrass and fish.

The best Hue beef noodle comes from the street vendors who work from dawn to early morning. In Hue, when night lights are on, you can enjoy a good bowl of this noodle soup at restaurants in front of No. 84 Mai Thuc Loan Street. This hot dish represents just a few of the treasures of Hue's traditional cuisine. Clam-rice and the flour pies like beo (streamed flour cupcakes), nam (wrapped shrimp pies) and loc (tapioca and shrimp pies), for examples, are part of the ancient capital's culinary heritage.

Where to have Hue’s beef noodle in Ha Noi?

You are in Hanoi, and wondering if such a Hue’s specialty appears in Hanoi or not. Don’t worry, Hue beef noodle come up quite often in many streets of Hanoi from morning till night. It’s better to ask your hotel to recommend a place nearby or you can refer to the following reliable addresses:

No. 4 Ly Thuong Kiet Street, Hanoi
No.467 Đoi Can Street, Hanoi
No.7 Thai Phien Street, Hanoi
No.22 Phan Boi Chau Street, Hanoi
No.175 Lang Ha Street, Hanoi
No.G23 Huynh Thuc Khang Street, Hanoi

Source: http://www.vietnam-beauty.com/

Sun Spa Resort, Dong Hoi City

2009-07-26T21:57:00.002+07:00

IMG_4559, originally uploaded by Lil' Lilly.

Sun Spa Resort is set amidst a spacious 29 hectares of landscape garden along pristine white sand Bao Ninh Beach and on the banks of the legendary of Nhat Le river. Located in the picturesque Central Vietnam city of Dong Hoi, 30 kilometers from the mystical, UNESCO recognized caves of Phong Nha and 150 kilometers north of the Imperial city of Hue. Sun Spa Resort offers luxurious accommodation, excellent facilities and perfect gateway to discover the World Heritage.

Slideshow:

Mui Ne beach

2009-07-26T21:51:00.002+07:00

Mui Ne beach, originally uploaded by grolli77.

Mui Ne is a coastal resort town in the Binh Thuan Province of southeastern Vietnam, located on an arm of the South China Sea. The town is close to the city of Phan Thiết. Tourism has transformed Mui Ne into a resort destination since 1995, when many visited to view the total solar eclipse of October 24, 1995.

Mui Ne Beach is a popular tropical beach. Strong sea breezes make it very popular for kitesurfing and windsurfing. The tourist season is from December to May. The average temperature is 27°C, and the climate is hot and dry for most of the year.

Sand Dunes in Mui Ne

2009-07-26T21:45:00.002+07:00

Mui Ne 002, originally uploaded by philippebierny.

Travel to Mui Ne, every day in the morning and late afternoon, children and adults alike gather at the yellow sand dunes in Mui Ne in Phan Thiet to fly their colorful kites for fun at dawn or sunset while viewing the far away ocean and the shining sand.

They usually run up and down the sand dunes for several seconds to give their kites a good start before flying high in the sky. On windy days, there's no need to run, just stand still on top of the dunes as strong winds blow the kites as high as people can see.

Flying high in the sky are many kites in the shapes of bats, butterflies, dragons and other figures in black, red, yellow, orange and the combination of different colors.

As usual, people fly kites of different colors and big sizes so that they can see them in the very far distance, especially when the sun has gone down the western horizon.

Travel to Mui Ne, you can bring your own kites to the sand dunes for them to blow in the wind or you can buy the kite of your choice from an old man who does not want to tell visitors his true name but asks them to call him "the man who sells kites."

The man sells his kites for VND25,000 (US$1.50) to VND70,000 (US$4.30), and of course offers discounts to good bargainers. The most expensive kite is the bat-shaped one in black that the man says is an imported product and made of durable fabric so it can withstand very strong winds. However, this black kite does not look distinctive from other flying kites, particularly when the darkness pervades the sky.

It is easy to find the man. Just go up to the sand dunes from the trunk road from the heart of Phan Thiet City to Mui Ne, and the kite seller often stands or sits near several trees that grow well on the dry sand dunes.

To satisfy your passion for flying a kite above sand dunes and stunning ocean views, you will pass through a group of children who closely follow and ask you to rent their plastic boards to ski from the top of the sand dunes to the bottom.

If this is not your cup of tea, keep going up the dunes to buy the kite you like and the children will disperse when they know your real interest.

Remember that bigger kites fly higher, as the kite seller says. One thing you should bear in mind is a kite that is made of durable fabric will not be torn by strong winds.

Travel to Mui Ne Vietnam, you can see kite flying is a common hobby of many Vietnamese children, particularly those in the countryside. On windy and beautiful afternoons, children go to the fields near their homes to fly kites that they have usually make themselves for fun or to mingle with the dreams of flying in reality.

(Source: SGT)

Waiting for dinner... Phu Quoc Island

2009-07-26T21:35:00.003+07:00

Waiting for dinner... Phu Quoc Island, Vietnam
Originally uploaded by Mau71

Phu Quoc (known as Koh Tral by Cambodians) is the largest island of Vietnam. Situated in the Gulf of Thailand, the island is part of Kiên Giang province. The district of Phu Quoc includes the island proper and 21 smaller islets. The district seat, Dong Duong, which is located on the west coast, is also the largest town on this island, whose total area is 574 km²...

Island tour in Phu Quoc

2009-07-26T21:28:00.002+07:00

island tour in phu quoc
Originally uploaded by tammytnguyen

This was an island we visited while staying on Phu Quoc island. There was a lot of reefs so tourist had to swim out to the island from the boat!

Saigon Central Post Office

2009-07-25T10:04:00.000+07:00

Next to Saigon's Cathedral sits the Central Post Office. Even if you do not need to send anything, do get in, and admire its huge hall.

By the way, if you are visiting Vietnam, I have to tell you that communications have improved a lot recently.

Internet is very pervasive. You will find internet access everywhere in Vietnam. Even in the remotest and smallest towns, I found internet access. Internet connections was, most of the times, very fast. In some cases I had to avoid "rush hours", that is, afternoons; when kids leave school and go to the internet cafes in mass. Most of the cafes have web cams and microphones, a much cheaper alternative than telephones.

If you are staying in Vietnam for a long time, you can bring your mobile phone and buy a local prepaid card.

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Photo credit by: benmythuan

Ao dai Vietnam

2009-07-22T15:15:00.002+07:00

Ao dai Vietnam
Originally uploaded by TA.D

The Ao Dai is the most recognizable traditional dress seen in Vietnam, and though western style clothes are popular, this beautifully styled outfit is still actively worn throughout the country during Tet, at work, to weddings, and other national celebrations.

The word Ao Dai means ‘Long Dress,’ and is a two piece garment. The bottom part consists of loose pants that reach the ankles. The top is a tight fitting tunic with long sleeves and a high collar with two panels that float loosely down the front and back.

The Ao Dai is famously known to ‘cover everything, but hide
nothing,’ and it perfectly accentuates the long, lithe body possessed by Vietnamese women. When choosing to wear the Ao Dai it pays to have a similarly shaped figure.

Historically the Ao Dai is believed to come from China, when the newly crowned king Nguyen Phuc Khoat decreed in 1744 that the Ming Chinese style of dress would be adopted by all his subjects. Since then, both men and women have worn different variations of the Ao Dai. It has never been an official ceremonial dress, and has always been used an everyday outfit.

In Viet Nam, the ao dai is the traditional dress for women. Developed from Chinese court clothing in the 1930s, this style of clothing went out of fashion in the north in 1954 and in the south in 1975. Recently, however, it has made a comeback and is regaining popularity in the south among schoolgirls and office workers, and is being worn at formal functions. An indication of social standing, the ao dai is worn by women who work as shop assistants or who have a higher social status, while manual workers typically wear a loose top and baggy pants called an ao ba ba.

The ao dai is considered to be an elegant, yet demure, garment. Traditionally, long, wide- legged trousers are worn under a high-necked, long-sleeved, fitted tunic with slits along each side. The outfit’s pants reach to the soles of the feet, often trailing along the ground. Over time, the dress tunic has evolved, keeping with fashion trends, and has grown shorter and shorter until it now falls just below the knees. The ao dai can also be identified by its mandarin-style or boat-neck collar. Young girls wear only pastel colored or white garments while married women wear either dark or bright tunics over black or white trousers.

Historically, Vietnamese men dressed in mandarin style suits. With a tunic shorter and fuller than the ao dai, the suit’s color was traditionally determined by the man’s class and social rank. For example, a purple suit denoted a high rank while blue denoted a low rank. Status was also indicated through a variety of embroidered symbols. Today the mandarin suit is rarely worn except for in traditional dance or music performances.

In general, Vietnamese people dress conservatively. Although some young women wear more close-fitting, Western-style clothing, it is considered inappropriate to wear revealing clothes during the day. One Westerner teaching English in Viet Nam was advised to tuck her shirt into her trousers if she expected respect from her students. It is considered inappropriate for educated people to wear their shirts untucked.

Ao Dai history

Ao Dai History A lasting impression for any visitor to Vietnam is the beauty of the women dressed in their ao dais. Girls dressed in white pick their way through muddy streets going home from school or sail by in a graceful chatter on their bikes. Secretaries in delicate pastels greet you at an office door and older ladies in deep shades of purple, green or blue cut a striking pose eating dinner at a restaurant. The ao dai appears to flatter every figure. Its body-hugging top flows over wide trousers that brush the floor. Splits in the gown extend well above waist height and make it comfortable and easy to move in. Although virtually the whole body is swathed in soft flowing fabric, these splits give the odd glimpse of a bare midriff, making the outfit very sensual. Rapidly becoming the national costume for ladies, its development is actually very short compared to the country's history. Pronounced 'ao yai' in the south, but 'ao zai' in the north, the color is indicative of the wearer's age and status. Young girls wear pure white, fully lined outfits symbolizing their purity. As they grow older but are still unmarried they move into soft pastel shades. Only married women wear gowns in strong, rich colors, usually over white or black pants. The ao dai has always been more prevalent in the south than the north, but austerity drives after 1975 meant it was rarely anywhere seen for a number of years as it was considered an excess not appropriate for hard work. The nineties have seen a resurgence in the ao dai's popularity. "It has become standard attire for many office workers and hotel staff as well as now being the preferred dress for more formal occasions," says Huong, a secretary for a foreign company. "I feel proud of my heritage when I wear it." For visitors, the pink and blue of the Vietnam Airlines uniform creates a lasting memory as they travel. Early versions of the ao dai date back to 1744 when Lord Vu Vuong of the Nguyen Dynasty decreed both men and women should wear an ensemble of trousers and a gown that buttoned down the front. It was not until 1930 that the ao dai as we know it really appeared. Vietnamese fashion designer and writer Cat Tuong, or as the French knew him, Monsieur Le Mur, lengthened the top so it reached the floor, fitted the bodice to the curves of the body and moved the buttons from the front to an opening along the shoulder and side seam. Men wore it less, generally only on ceremonial occasions such as at weddings or funerals. But it took another twenty years before the next major design change was incorporated and the modern ao dai emerged. During the 1950s two tailors in Saigon, Tran Kim of Thiet Lap Tailors and Dung of Dung Tailors, started producing the gowns with raglan sleeves. This creates a diagonal seam running from the collar to the underarm and today, this style is still preferred. Its popularity is also spreading well beyond Vietnam's borders. For years Vietnamese immigrants preferred to adopt Western dress and blend with their new community but now the ao dai is seeing a revival amongst overseas Vietnamese. At least here in the United States this may be partly due to the arrival of Tram Kim, known as Mr. Ao Dai. He shifted to California in 1982 and opened a new branch of Thiet Lap Tailors in Garden Grove, Orange County, leaving his Saigon store to his son. There are even annual Miss Ao Dai pageants held and the prestigious Long Beach show attracts entrants from across the country. The clothing has also inspired French designers including top names such as Christian Lacroix and Claude Montana, and variations of the tight sleeves, fitted bodice, high collar and flowing trousers have been seen on the catwalks of Europe. Every ao dai is custom made, accounting for the fit that creates such a flattering look. Stores specialize in their production and a team of cutters, sewers and fitters ensure that the final product will highlight the figure of the wearer. Thuy, a fitter in Ho Chi Minh City, says, "To create the perfect fit, customers take their undergarments and shoes with them for the fittings." The pants should reach the soles of the feet and flow along the floor. Comfort has not been forgotten at the expense of fashion and beauty. The cut allows the wearer freedom of movement and despite covering the whole body, it is cool to wear. Synthetic fabrics are preferred as they do not crush and are quick drying, making the ao dai a practical uniform for daily wear. Its popularity may be its undoing as the garment is now being mass produced to make it more available and cheaper. The gown length appears to be gradually shortening and today is usually just below the knee. Variations in the neck, between boat and mandarin style, are common and even adventurous alterations such as a low scooped neckline, puffed sleeves or off the shoulder designs are appearing as ladies experiment with fashion. Colors are no longer as rigidly controlled and access to new fabrics has created some dazzling results. But most visitors to Vietnam agree that the tailors already have the perfect cut. It is hard to think of a more elegant, demure and yet sexy outfit, that suits Vietnamese women of all ages, than the ao dai.

AO DAI
The National Costume - source: http://www.acjc.edu.sg

InterContinental Hanoi

2009-07-22T14:43:00.002+07:00

DSC00768
Originally uploaded by jonrawlinson

The words luxury, opulence, grandeur and elegance define the best Intercontinental Hanoi Westlake Hotel. As a new venture of Intercontinental group, the hotel offers a serene and sumptuous lifestyle to its guests. The prime location, attentive hospitality, exclusive facilities and seamless services of Intercontinental Hanoi Westlake hotel truly make everyone a privileged visitor.

Rooms at Intercontinental Hanoi Westlake Hotel
With contemporary Vietnamese design, vibrant color and modern conveniences, 359 guestrooms have been adorned here. Each room is adjoined with a large private balcony from where boarders can explore the breathtaking view of the city, pool or the lake. The Hotel Intercontinental Hanoi Westlake provides a myriad range of rooms including Deluxe Room, Atelier Rooms, Club Intercontinental, Lotus Suite, Westlake Suite, and the Presidential Suite. Needless to say, all the rooms are furnished meticulously with satellite TV, in-room safe, private bar and many more. Truly, the rooms at Intercontinental Hanoi Westlake Hotel are the address of a luxurious lifestyle.

Facilities and Services at Intercontinental Hanoi Westlake Hotel

With unmatched facilities and services, Intercontinental Hanoi Westlake Hotel serves its guests impressively. The personal services of the hotel include the services like concierge, valet car parking, currency exchange, cash machine, just to name a few, while the business services of the hotel comprise of a business center available round the clock, photo copy facility, courier service, broadband connectivity, limousine service, secretarial service, interpretation service and many more. With a large swimming pool, children's pool, a health club providing cardio equipment, sauna, stream room, aerobic and yoga classes, the hotel has taken care of the recreational part as well.

On the other hand, the restaurants and bars of the hotel can please individuals' palate. The wining and dining experience at Milan Saigon, Café du Lac, The Sunset Bar, and The Diplomat Lounge is an epicurean delight indeed.

Location of Intercontinental Hanoi Westlake Hotel

Intercontinental Hanoi Westlake Hotel is located at the center of Hanoi. From Noi Bai International Airport, it takes hardly 40 minutes by car to reach the hotel. By boarding at the hotel, travelers can easily explore various tourist destinations of the city.

Ho Chi Minh City - Saigon Sunset

2009-07-22T14:27:00.002+07:00

Ho Chi Minh City - Saigon Sunset
Originally uploaded by NguyenTrung

Washed ashore above the Mekong Delta, some 40km north of the South China Sea, HO CHI MINH CITY is a city on the march, a boomtown where the rule of the dollar is absolute. Fuelled by the sweeping economic changes wrought by doi moi, this effervescent city, perched on the west bank of the Saigon River, now boasts fine restaurants, immaculate hotels, and glitzy bars among its colonial villas, venerable pagodas and austere, Soviet-style housing-blocks. Sadly, Ho Chi Minh City is also full to bursting with people for whom progress hasn't yet translated into food, lodgings and employment, so begging, stealing and prostitution are all facts of life here. Petty crime has increased dramatically in the last few years, particularly bag snatching, and care should be taken at all times with personal belongings whilst walking the streets, or travelling on cyclos and motorbikes – especially after dark and around tourist nightspots.

Ho Chi Minh City started life as a fishing village known as Prei Nokor and, during the Angkor period (until the fifteenth century), it flourished as an entrepôt for Cambodian boats pushing down the Mekong River. By the seventeenth century it boasted a Khmer garrison and a community of Malay, Indian and Chinese traders. During the eighteenth century, Hué's Nguyen dynasty ousted the Khmers, renamed Prei Nokor Saigon, and established a temporary capital here between 1772 and 1802, after which the Emperor Gia Long used it as his regional administrative centre. The French seized Saigon in 1861, and a year later the Treaty of Saigon declared the city the capital of French Cochinchina. They set about a huge public works programme, building roads and draining marshlands, but ruled harshly. After a thirty-year war against the French, Saigon was finally designated the capital of the Republic of South Vietnam by President Diem in 1955, soon becoming both the nerve-centre of the American war effort, and its R&R capital, with a slough of sleazy bars catering to GIs on leave of duty. The American troops withdrew in 1973, and two years later the Ho Chi Minh Campaign rolled through the gates of the presidential palace and the communists were in control. Within a year, Saigon had been renamed Ho Chi Minh City.

Information by Rough Guides/ Yahoo Travel

Guidebook promotes top 100 attractions

2009-07-07T10:00:00.000+07:00

The HCM City-based Tre (Youth) publishing house has published a special guidebook featuring 100 top tourist sites in cities and provinces across Viet Nam.

The guidebook, Kham Pha 100 Diem Den Thu Vi (Discovering 100 Interesting Tourist Sites), features attractions such as city cafes, traditional handicraft villages, scenic landscapes and places of historic interest.

The 131-page book includes colour photos and text by cultural experts who offer detailed information on history, culture and lifestyle as well as geographic and climate conditions of each tourist site.

The book, published in Vietnamese, is the result of a national competition in April organised by Nokia Viet Nam and its partner, Tuoi Tre (Youth) newspaper.

The event encourages young people to tour the country to learn more about its history and beauty.

The aim was to list the 100 most favourite tourist sites selected from submissions from more than 2,000 individuals and groups, who sent photos and texts their trips through the website www.tuoitre.com.vn/khampha100diemden.

The top 100 sites were selected and voted on by the website’s users and judges who are professional cultural researchers and travellers.

"We hope our book will be entertaining for local and foreign readers, particularly those working in history, culture and tourism, and will offer them new and useful knowledge," Nguyen Ha Duc Minh, marketing manager of Nokia Viet Nam, said.

More than 2,000 copies of the book will be delivered to local and foreign tourist agencies and companies in major cities including Ha Noi, HCM City and Da Nang.

Quality guidebooks

The guidebook, professionally designed with striking photos and concisely written text, is a departure of sorts from most locally published guides.

In recent years several billion dong have been spent on national tourism campaigns covering local media, advertising and marketing activities abroad.

Tourist authorities, however, are still not paying adequate attention to producing their own guidebooks, a commodity in high demand among visitors keen to explore the country, industry experts have said.

Foreign guidebooks, written by foreign writers and editors, dominate the market.

Tourism officials said that while the number of local and foreign tourists was rising, few publishing companies and tourist services have printed quality guidebooks.

Many locally produced guidebooks translated in foreign languages suffer from poor writing or uninteresting information and lose out to higher quality productions published abroad.

"Both local and foreign visitors prefer guidebooks detailing specific events related to Viet Nam’s culture, lifestyle and history and the books published by some local printing producers are not to their taste," said Van Thien Dung, a freelance tourist guide in HCM City.

"Many foreigners have heard about our city through relatives or friends. But they complain that they have found it hard to find comprehensive information about local tourist attractions.

Chinese tourist Ming Wenjy, in HCM City for a two-week visit, complained that local guidebooks could not compete with overseas publications.

"Your tourist companies are very professional and provide quality services, but they cannot give their customers a simple thing, a good guidebook," said Wenjy, who used a Lonely Planet guidebook while in Viet Nam.

To improve the number and quality of guidebooks, experts have said that tourism authorities and publishing houses must cooperate more closely to produce books featuring Viet Nam’s historic events, national heroes, festivals, landscapes and people’s traditional culture and lifestyle.

Viet Nam attracted nearly four million foreign visitors last year.

Hoi An lanterns

2009-07-06T10:00:00.000+07:00

The ancient town of Hoi An would lose its attractiveness and mystery if it didn’t have decorative multi-coloured lanterns.

While trading with Vietnam during the 16^th-17^th centuries, many merchants from China and Japan contributed to the distinguished culture of Hoi An commercial harbour.

The lantern is the result of exchanges among Vietnamese, Japanese and Chinese cultures famous for their various and specific identities. Originating from a popular appliance from life, the lantern has been lifted to an art of decoration. It now has a firm position in Hoi An inhabitants’ minds and lives. With skillful hands and bountiful imaginations, the lantern is made for different purposes. It is not only for living, but also an artistic work with pictures on silk. Having lost its initial shape, Hoi An lanterns nowadays can be seen in all different shapes and sizes.

Though made of diversified materials, lanterns with bamboo frames and silk covers are the most typical. You can choose lanterns with wooden frames, sometimes made from very precious wood, and on each side of the lantern is a painting depicting a legend. Once lighted, lanterns will illuminate with marvelous, mysterious and ethereal light as if the past of hundreds of years prior has returned to the present day.

Besides ancient houses of over 100 years old, lanterns are the most special things in Hoi An. Lanterns are seen everywhere in the ancient town, not only in lantern shops. At night, when all shops are closed, lanterns are lighted up. Tourists can see Hoi An people making lanterns on the pavement.

For many years, traditional coloured lanterns have enchanted visitors of Hoi An, particularly foreign visitors. Every year, tens of thousands of Hoi An lanterns are exported or bought by foreign visitors as souvenirs and gifts. As a cultural and tourist product, the lanterns have helped raise the incomes of Hoi An's residents.

Lanterns are not only a special handicraft item of Hoi An but also a unique characteristic of this ancient town, which can’t be found anywhere else in Vietnam.

Asia’s Top Ten Luxury Hotels

2009-06-09T09:32:00.002+07:00

Randy Lynch, founder and seasoned traveller of U.S. based luxury travel firm Kipling & Clark has compiled a list of his favourite hotels in the Asian region which has now been released by the guide.

The list features the top ten luxury hotels in all of Asia where wary travellers can rest their bodies after a hard day of sightseeing or shopping. We have listed them in order of rank below:

1. Tawaraya Ryokan and Hiiragiya Ryokan (tie) - Kyoto, Japan

These two hotels belong to the most famous Japanese ryokans (inns) in the historical city of Kyoto, and are located directly across the alley from each other. Since both of these represent the highest levels of service, it would be difficult to distinguish them from one another.

Both Tawaraya Ryokan and Hiiragaiya Ryokan successfully integrate the fine Japanese traditions and wabi-sabi philosophy we hear so much about in the Western world. Known to emphasize simplicity and purity, the added contemporary conveniences offered make for the perfect combination seasoned travelers expect. Both of these Ryokans also offer an optional Geiko or Maiko geisha dinner.

2. Four Seasons, Chiang Mai Thailand

While this hotel is somewhat smaller in scale than the much more expansive Mandarin Oriental Dhara Dhevi in Chiang Mai, the Four Seasons lures travellers with its understated sense of luxury. It encompasses an intimate air that has been compared to a Zen-like feel. To make you feel right at home, the Four Seasons staff are truly sincere and kind. Whatever your wishes, nothing seems too much or too hard. The added Four Season’s Kid’s Club offers families a luxury travel experience rarely found elsewhere. Hotel guests can also choose to partake in the heavenly Spa or cooking classes.
http://www.fourseasons.com/chiangmai/

3. Mandarin Oriental Hong Kong and Mandarin Oriental Bangkok (tie)

The Mandarin hotel in Hong Kong represents understated luxury. Travellers find this peaceful within a noisy, bustling city. Recent renovations has seen the Mandarin’s former balconies being converted to lounge/study area extensions, offering stunning Victoria Harbour views to boost.

The hotel also boasts a 130-year old history of tradition and has long held its own as a hotel with the highest level of service. It’s breakfast buffet is legendary and many say it might be the largest, varied breakfast buffet in all of Asia.

4. Gora Kadan Ryokan - Hakone, Japan

The Gora Kadan hotel is situated a 45-minute bullet train ride from Tokyo. It is a quiet, Shinto-Buddhist like oasis. The hotel offers its guests rejuvenating hot mineral springs. The Gora Kadan is the perfect blend of traditional Japanese ryokan hospitality with modern Western design. The hotel’s original building dates back some 300 years and used to be the summer home of the Kan’in-No-Miya imperial family.

5. Raffles Grand Hotel D’Angkor and Amansara - Siem Reap, Cambodia (tie)

Usually described as a luxury five-star hotel/resort, the Raffles Grand Hotel D’Angkorwhile Amansara, part of the Aman Resorts, fits into a higher - elite - category.

The majestic hotel sports an early 20th Century French colonial style while the Amansara is the former guesthouse of Cambodia’s King Sihanouk. The Raffles offers guests many opportunities to mingle with others and is open and airy, while the Amansara is an altogether more private hotel, ideal for those wishing for a bit of privacy after their travels.

6. Peninsula Hotel - Tokyo, Japan

The Peninsula hotel has the best luxury hotel location in Tokyo. It is situated directly across from the lovely Hibiya Park, on the Imperial grounds. Nearby is the popular Ginza shopping district, offering travellers every conceivable wares. The 24-storey hotel was designed by architect Kuzukiyo Sato to look like a giant Japanese lantern. The Peninsula is a successful fusion of traditional Japanese hospitality with understated luxury.

7. Four Seasons - Shanghai, China

The Four Seasons offers a calm interior against the bustle of the outside world, with a high level of service. You can be assured of resting in comfort while your needs are being taken care off. Executive travellers accompanied with their kids can enjoy the range of suites with extra room for kids.

8. Banyan Tree Lijiang — Yunnan, China and Hotel of Modern Art - Guilin, China (tie)

Situated outside the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Lijiang is the Banyan Tree Lijiang hotel. All 55 of its villas overlook the Jade Dragon Snow Mountain, allowing guests to enjoy a spiritual soul-searching atmosphere. The hotel’s Spa offers massages from its Thai staff.

Founded by a Taiwanese business entrepreneur in 1997, the Hotel of Modern Art was and represents a lovely balance of world class sculpture, architecture, and art. It is set against the backdrop of lush grounds. The hotel offers a relaxed, warm ambiance, making you feel right at home.

9. Sofitel Metropole - Hanoi, Vietnam

The Metropole was built in 1901 and combines wonderful French colonial architecture with Vietnam’s cultural traditions. While all rooms are not created equal, the best of them all is the Opera Suite for sure.

10. Maison Souvannaphoum Hotel — Luang Prabang, Laos

Maison Souvannaphoum used to once be the residence of Prince Souvannaphouma. The small hotel is a boutique French-colonial inspired property that is the perfect place to immerse oneself in the local Laotian culture. A friendly, intimate service offers guests a chance to rest their bones with the knowledge they are being taken care off just like with close relatives. Visitors might be delighted to be located on the street for the daily early morning Buddhist monks’ rice offerings.

Credits. MSNBC

Photo credits:

Int’l Kite Festival closes in Vung Tau

2009-05-01T09:44:00.002+07:00

The festival ended on March 29 at the Bien Dong tourist site in the southern city of Vung Tau, Ba Ria-Vung Tau province after four days of competition.

The British team won the prize for the most diverse collection of kites. The French artists took the prize for the strangest kites. Indonesia won the prize for the longest kite. The most charming kite prize went to Thailand.

Cambodia had the kite with the most beautiful patterns. New Zealand was praised for the largest kite. Canada was recognised as having the best performance and the Philippines had the best show of dieu choi (one kind of kite).

The host team won the prize for the largest number of traditional kites and flute kites, and some other prizes.

The Vietnam Record Book Centre recognised the event as the largest international kite festival in Vietnam.

Photo source from: TTO

Ha Long Bay festival kicks off

2009-05-01T08:57:00.002+07:00

The opening ceremony of the 2009 Ha Long Bay Tourism Festival was held in Bai Chay tourism area and Ha Long city center on April 25.

This year’s annual festival is dedicated to the sea, land and sky.

The festival is a massive cultural and sports event in order to highlight Quang Ninh Province’s beauty and geological wonders and Ha Long Bay, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

After the opening ceremony, traditional performers walked in procession along the streets of Ha Long.

There were more than 2,000 performers at the festival. Many came from difference countries, such as India, South Korea, Spain and China.

Many of the events took place on the streets, including lion dances, stilt walkers and a ‘bicycle circus.’

The street carnival also introduced visitors to the province’s ethnic people’s customs.

Hundreds of boats were decorated with flags, lights and flowers. In evening, there was a firework’s display over the bay.

The organization committee said the festival attracted more than 300,000 visitors on the first day. More visitors are expected over the coming days, especially with the public holidays on April 30 and May 1.

The organization committee said this year’s special event, “Night of Shinning Heritage,” on May 2, which will introduce the wonders and culture of Ha Long, with many singers from around the world and a fireworks show to close the festival.

During the week-long carnival, various activities will be held, including a food fest featuring dishes from the northern and northeastern provinces, performances by local and international artistes, sports competitions and business fairs.

The Ha Long Tourism Festival will open from April 25 to May 2.

It is hoped that Ha Long will mesmerize visitors for it to receive enough votes to be called one of the seven natural wonders of the world.

For the duration of the festival, the organization committee has installed computers for free internet access across Ha Long City, such as the port, restaurants, hotels, Trade centers and boats, so that visitors can vote for Ha Long.

The visitors can vote online at www.new7wonders.com to vote for Ha Long as one of the seven natural wonders of the world.

Currently, Ha Long is standing third in the votes.

Photo source from: SGGP.

Romana Resort & Spa

2009-04-22T23:33:00.003+07:00

The only resort in Mui Ne where all rooms have ocean views and each villa has a private pool. From the reception area, you can capture a dramatic view of the deep blue sea and the soothing sound of the surf against the shoreline.

The gentle touch of a fresh breeze and warm tropical weather give a sense of utmost peace and comfort. Upon entering Romana Resort & Spa, the hustle and bustle of life and work become even farther away.

Romana Resort and Spa
Km 8, Mui Ne Ward, Phan Thiet City, Binh Thuan Province, Vietnam
Tel: (84-62) 374 1289 - Fax: (84-62) 374 1281.
Email:info@romanaresort.com.vn - Website:www.romanaresort.com.vn

Source photo: KD Group

Firework contest in Da Nang

2009-04-03T11:11:00.003+07:00

The Chinese team amazed the audience and won the first prize for their performance based on the famous love story between Luong Son Ba – Chuc Anh Dai, a Romeo and Juliet of Chinese.

The Spanish team came second, the Australian team won the third and the Vietnamese and Philippine teams took the encouragement prizes.

The organizing board of the Da Nang International Firecracker contest said that over 7000 Vietnamese and foreign visitors came to Da Nang during the event. All hotels in the city were fully occupied.

Some pictures of the international firecracker contest.

Photos from: Vnexpress.net

Fanciful Hoan Kiem Lake in mist

2009-03-19T22:29:00.002+07:00

In the fog, the historic lake of Hoan Kiem appears fantastical, like a water-colour painting. Ngo Minh Chau shares his photos:

Source: VNE

Hanoi in “Golden Spring”

2009-03-19T22:13:00.002+07:00

Hanoi has “golden autumn” and now it has “golden spring”. In autumn, trees change their leaves, but in spring, trees turn yellow but they look very healthy, with new buds. Photos of golden spring in Hanoi:

Photo from: Dan Tri

The coffee trap

2009-03-16T21:34:00.002+07:00

This shop is definitely not for people who are phobic of crawly things with hairy legs and compound eyes.

Café Nhen has set its trap for the city coffee lovers in Phu Nhuan District. The café which takes its name from the Vietnamese for “spider” has tried to recreate the air of an arachnid’s lair.

First-time customers to Café Nhen might baulk at entering when confronted by the stare of a giant fake spider. The doorway leads to a narrow cave-like passage lined with trickling water and creepers, which takes you to the main entrance where customers have to walk across a floor of staring human faces.

Darkness is Café Nhen’s style, so the furniture and decorations are mainly black and red lit with spooky yellow and red lights. The staircase is hung with web-like cloth and thread to make the arachnophobic shudder. Along the dark staircase, arms protrude from the wall holding lamps.

The upper floor of the café consists of three sections decorated with spiders. A cosy section with music for customers who need privacy and quiet is also available. There’s a mini-stage for music shows every Thursday and Saturday - singers accompanied by piano, guitar and violin.

As the café owner used to be a singer, his friends sometimes come to provide some light entertainment.

Drinks at Café Nhen are diverse and are given fun names such as Spider coffee, Dark Corner coffee, Spider Silk fruit juice, and Spider Egg cream. Prices range between VND25,000 and VND50,000 (US$1.40-2.90).

To explore Café Nhen, go to 288/5 Huynh Van Banh Street, Phu Nhuan District, HCMC.

Reported by Diem Thu/ Thanhniennews

The season of rice flowers

2009-03-16T21:07:00.002+07:00

Hoa gao (rice flowers) are blossoming, dying village roads by red color. Here is the beauty of rice flowers.

Photo from: VNE

Music in Hanoi: A low note

2009-03-16T21:02:00.001+07:00

Many music stars and winners of music competitions in Vietnam live in Hanoi, but the capital city’s music life is not as lively as HCM City’s.

Hanoi doesn’t have a music market: That is the comment of all visitors who love music when they come to Hanoi because it is very hard to find a place for music.

Quiet night clubs

Aladin, owned by People’s Artist, singer Thanh Hoa, is perhaps the night club that has the most music shows. As the only night club in Hanoi that focuses on revolutionary music, Aladin has a loyal audience. However, the names like Thanh Hoa, Anh Tho, Viet Hoan, Tan Nhan, Ho Anh Dung can only attract several tens of audience members each night. Aladin is only full during the weekend or when it organises really big shows.

Ho Guom Xanh (Green Sword Lake), which is considered the most hip music bar for youth in Hanoi, is very quiet. Like Aladin, this bar is bustling during the weekend or on holidays, when the bar invites “music stars”. On the weekdays, besides some sexy dances, Ho Guom Xanh is the stage for exclusive Ho Guom Xanh singers like Tra My, Anh Tu and Viet Dung.

Singer Thu Ba, music manager at Ho Guom Xanh, said this bar doesn’t have any special show for Hanoian singers in the coming time, but it will have shows for singers from HCM City such as Doan Trang and Ha Anh Tuan and overseas Vietnamese singers like Jimmy Nguyen and Huong Lan.

The Jazz Club of musicians Quyen Van Minh and Quyen Thien Dac is a rendezvous for jazz music fans in Hanoi. However, this bar is not crowded because jazz is not a popular genre of music. Most of the audience members at the Jazz Club are foreigners or students of music schools. It is very difficult for guests to find a bar with classical music in Hanoi.

“Leisure” singers

Economic slowdown has hit the music market in Hanoi, which was quiet to begin with. This International Woman’s Day (March 8), Hanoi had only two big shows on two nights, Ru Tinh and Yellow Daisy of March, which gathered divas like Thanh Lam, My Linh, Ho Quynh Huong, and Nguyen Ngoc Anh.

In HCM City, music stars appear very often at night clubs but in Hanoi stars like My Linh and Thanh Lam never sing at night clubs. Diva Thanh Lam said that when she releases her new album this June she doesn’t plan to sing in Hanoi.

My Linh, though she is busier than Thanh Lam, said she would attend the Pham Duy Music show on March 27 and the Cherry Blossom Festival on April 11. She said the quiet music market has had impacts on her life and she is now earning her living by other activities, such as playing in advertising clips.

Singer Ngoc Anh has given many shows, but not in Hanoi. She generally travels between Da Nang and Quang Ninh, Hai Phong and HCM City.

Free shows on TV

Explaining the quiet environment for music in the capital city, Thanh Lam said economic crisis has drastically hit the entertainment industry and it is very difficult to draw an audience to music performances at this moment. Show organisers don’t dare to venture the risk.

Another reason, she said, is that Hanoi has never been animated like HCM City. Most Hanoians don’t have the habit of enjoying live music at the weekend. Especially, in an economic crisis, they would rather stay at home and watch free shows on TV than go to see live shows.

Source: NLD

Discounts to attract visitors to ancient town

2009-03-16T20:57:00.001+07:00

Tourism businesses in ancient Hoi An in central Vietnam will offer discounts of up to 30 percent to domestic and foreign travelers next month, Hoi An City People’s Committee Deputy Chairman Truong Van Bay announced.

During the first phase of the discount program from March 26 to the beginning of April, visitors will receive free meals when staying for more than two days at local hotels rated four stars and above.

Discounts of up to 20 percent on food and beauty services will be offered to tourists staying at hotels of two to three stars.

Holidaymakers will also enjoy discounts of between 10 to 30 percent at local attractions, shops and restaurants.

UNESCO-listed Hoi An is a popular tourist destination in central Vietnam, known for its charming ancient architecture, craft products and nearby beaches.

Hoi An welcomed about 450,000 visitors last year, 320,000 of whom were from outside the country, an increase of 6 percent on 2007.

Compiled by Hong Nguyen/ Vietnews

Fireworks to light up coastal city of Da Nang

2009-03-16T20:51:00.002+07:00

Teams from Australia, Spain, China, the Philippines and Vietnam will compete in the second Danang International Fireworks Competition on March 27 and 28 in the central seaside city of Danang.

Each team will prepare a 20-minute fireworks display, to be accompanied by music.

This year’s event, Am Vang Song Han (Echoes on Han River), is being held by the Danang City People’s Committee.

More than VND16.1 billion (US$924,782) has been allocated to the competition by local businesses.

A grandstand capable of seating 6,000 spectators is being built in front of the main stage on the banks of the Han River.

The annual fireworks competition will be accompanied by a series of cultural activities including tuong (classical drama) performances, a food festival and floating displays of flowers and colored lanterns on the Han River.

The fireworks competition will be broadcast live on local channels, including VTV1, VTV4 and DVTV.

The first annual firework competition last year attracted 30,000 visitors to the city. It was named by the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism as one of the top 10 cultural, sports and tourism events of 2008.

Compiled by Hong Nguyen/ Vietnews

Galerie Royale opens in town

2009-03-15T22:02:00.000+07:00

Galerie Royale Logo, originally uploaded by Kiva.Dang.

After three years of operations in Hanoi, Tam Son Company opened the 150-square meter Galerie Royale deluxe fashion shop at 37-39 Ton That Thiep, District 1. Tam Son is the main distributor of high-end fashion products from designers such as Kenzo, Hemes, La Perla, Emilio Pucci and Korloff. Sylvie Baradel, representative of Korloff diamonds in Asia-Pacific, said the selection of her company’s diamonds is extensive.

More photos at Galerie Royale:

Photo credit from: Galerie Royale

Tan My Boutique

2009-02-21T10:42:00.000+07:00

Tan My Boutique, originally uploaded by Kiva.Dang.

66 Hang Gai, Old Quarter, Hanoi.

It will be a new shopping concept for Hanoi. With over 700 sq metres of retail space - it will be a small shopping emporium.
Tan My Design will introduce a new range of more modern and contemporary Tan My products and also introduce our partners, who share our values of high quality, value and service.

Tan My Design will be responsible for the promotion and sale of all stock. Our staff will be trained by each of the partners about their products – from fashion clothing, jewellery and accessories, to home wear.

Tan My Design will also have a modern and spacious cafe – to open in March – which will feature real espresso coffee and delicious snacks, and will show the work of a number of Hanoi’s most famous artists. Art work will be available for sale at the cafe. We want the cafe to the meeting place for friends, shoppers and visitors – where our staff can give advice and information about places to shop, and eat – and just to relax.

Photo credit by: Tan My Design

Impressive Phong Nha - Ke Bang National Park - World Natural Heritage

2009-01-06T19:58:00.003+07:00

Location: Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park is located to the north of the majestic Truong Son Range in central Quang Binh Province.

Characteristics: Phong Nha - Ke Bang is ancient karst area of the highest significance and value in both Vietnam and the world.

Vietnam National Administration of Tourism

Impressive My Son - World Heritage Site

2009-01-06T19:54:00.003+07:00

Location: My Son lies in a narrow valley in Duy Tan Commune, Duy Xuyen District, Quang Nam Province. 70km southwest of Danang City, 20km away from the Tra Kieu Citadel, and 40km away from the ancient town of Hoi An.

Characteristics: My Son is a group of temple-towers of Cham people. With its great value, in December 1999, the complex of My Son Cham Towers has been recognised as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO.

Vietnam National Administration of Tourism

Impressive Hoi An - World Heritage Site

2009-01-06T19:50:00.002+07:00

Location: Hoi An is an old town down the Thu Bon River, on the coastal plain of Quang Nam Province, about 30 km south of Danang.

Characteristics: The architectural significance of Hoi An has been recognized by UNESCO, during the 23rd Congress which took place in Marrakech (Morocco) from the 29th of November to the 4th of December, since the town was officially listed as a World Heritage Site.

Vietnam National Administration of Tourism

Impressive Thua Thien Hue - World Cultural Heritage Site

2009-01-06T19:44:00.001+07:00

Area: 5,063.3 sq. km.

Population: 1,143.5 thousand habitants (2006).

Capital: Hue City.

Districts: Phong Dien, Quang Dien, Huong Tra, Phu Vang, Huong Thuy, Phu Loc, Nam Dong, A Luoi.

Ethnic groups: Viet (Kinh), Ta Oi, Co Tu, Bru Van Kieu, Hoa.

Vietnam National Administration of Tourism

Impressive Ha Long Bay - World Heritage Site

2009-01-06T19:37:00.002+07:00

Area: 6, 099 sq. km.

Population: 1,091.3 thousand habitants (2006).

Capital: Halong City

Administrative divisions:

- City: Mong Cai.

- Towns: Cam Pha, Uong Bi;

- Districts: Ba Che, Binh Lieu, Hai Ha, Dam Ha, Tien Yen, Van Don, Hoanh Bo, Dong Trieu, Co To, Yen Hung.

Ethnic groups: Viet (Kinh), Tay, Dao, San Chay, San Diu, Hoa...

Vietnam National Administration of Tourism

Impressive Ho Chi Minh City

2009-01-06T19:26:00.002+07:00

Area: 2,098.7 sq. km.

Population: 6,105.8 thousand habitants (2006).

Administrative divisions:

- Districts: District 1, District 2, District 3, District 4, District 5, District 6, District 7, District 8, District 9, District 10, District 11, District 12, Tan Binh, Binh Thanh, Phu Nhuan, Thu Duc, Go Vap, Binh Tan,Tan Phu.

- Rural districts: Nha Be, Can Gio, Hoc Mon, Cu Chi, Binh Chanh.
Ethnic groups: Viet (Kinh), Hoa, Khmer, Cham...

Vietnam National Administration of Tourism

Impressive Hanoi

2009-01-06T19:16:00.002+07:00

Area: 3.324,92 sq. km.

Population: 6,232,900 habitants (8/2008).

Administrative divisions:

- 9 urban districts: Hoan Kiem, Ba Dinh, Dong Da, Hai Ba Trung, Tay Ho, Thanh Xuan, Cau Giay, Long Bien, Hoang Mai.

- 2 cities: Ha Dong, Son Tay.

- 18 rural districts: Dong Anh, Soc Son, Thanh Tri, Tu Liem, Gia Lam (old Hanoi); Ba Vi, Chuong My, Dan Phuong, Hoai Duc, My Duc, Phu Xuyen, Phuc Tho, Quoc Oai, Thach That, Thanh Oai. Thuong Tin, Ung Hoa (former Ha Tay province) and Me Linh (a former district of Vinh Phuc province).

Ethnic groups: Viet (Kinh), Hoa, Muong, Tay, Dao...

Hanoi is the capital of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam, the center of culture, politics, economy and trade of the whole country.

Vietnam National Administration of Tourism

Boisterous brouhaha Hanoi flower festival 2009

2009-01-04T22:29:00.003+07:00

The 2009 Hanoi flower festival is expected to open on December 31, 2008 and close on January 4, 2009. It is among many activities to welcome big cultural events 2010.

Held by the Hanoi Department of Culture, Sports & Tourism and the Vietnam Culture & Arts Exhibition Centre, the festival will take place around Ly Cong Uan Statute, from Trang Tien Trade center to Ba Kieu Temple on Dinh Tien Hoang Street, Hoan Kiem District. Flower streets will be formed combined with traditional career villages in Hanoi such as Chuong Conic Hat Village, Trang Son Fan Village will contribute to an atmosphere of both modernity and tradition.

Hanoi flower artisans will present samples of fresh flowers, silk and paper flowers, as well as bicycles, conical hats and fans decorated with colorful flowers. Besides, special works of art will include two 15m-long dragons, a 5m fan, traditional long dresses (Ao Dai) made of flowers of all kinds. A model of Hanoi Old Quarters made of ceramics will be rehearsed.

The flower festival aims to honor artisans as well as flower villages and flower streets. The event will mark the start of series of art programs to be held in 2009.

More photos:

Photos by Vnexpress

1001 ways to celebrate AFF Cup

2008-12-30T23:20:00.002+07:00

1001 ways to celebrate the victory at AFF Cup 2008 of Vietnamese football fans.

And more here: Flickr.com

On the northern roof of Vietnam, a Ha Giang special

2008-12-22T20:49:00.002+07:00

The road from northwestern Lao Cai Province to Ha Giang Province is one of steep slopes, mountain after fog-covered mountain, and twists between rising cliffs.

and bottomless abysses. And at the end of this road is just reward for any or all the nervousness endured on the way.

It is rather cold in Ha Giang these days, with temperatures of 2-30C. But this is also the time that adds an extra zing to the many specialties that the province has on offer.

This land, 320 kilometers north of Hanoi, is inhabited by many ethnic groups including the Mong, Dao, Tay, Lo Lo and Giay, giving the province a cultural diversity that visitors find very attractive.

Like other areas in Vietnam, Ha Giang adds its particular flavor to many of its culinary specialties, whether it is the steamed sticky rice eaten with a mixture of salt and peanut powder, the pickled or boiled bamboo shoots accompanied with salt and sesame, or a variety of meat dishes that include horse meat, chicken, piglets and dry-preserved buffalo or cow meat. Hot-tasting vegetables round off the menu.

Early on a cold morning, another Ha Giang special comes up. The rice-flour cake with chicken-egg fillings is ideal foil for the cup of hot tea. The sauce for this cake is soup stock garnished with some spring onions and minced pork.

The province also has a collection of special beverages worth tasting, not to mention taking home - Shan tea and Bac Ha corn wine.

Shan tea, also called Tuyet or Shan Tuyet tea, is fragrant, strong and very clean as it is cultivated on high mountains.

Bac Ha corn wine is also fragrant, pure and strong. People distill it using dried corn plants as firewood.

Another must-try and must-buy product is Dong Van honey, produced from the violet flowers of a species of wild plant, greenish yellow with a sweet taste and unique aroma.

Daily life in the province, especially its markets, bustle with traders and ethnic women in colorful clothes selling and buying a wide variety of usual and not so usual goods, is another Ha Giang attraction.

Particular places of interest include the Lung Cu Flag Pole in the northernmost part of the country, the Vuong Palace and the Ma Pi Leng Mountain.

More Ha Giang' Photos:

Reported by Dinh Ha/ Thanhniennews
Photos from Flickr.com

Cakes galore

2008-12-22T20:28:00.002+07:00

With all natural ingredients, these two traditional cakes from the south combine sweet and savory flavors.

Roll-Cake
Banh ong (pipe cake) and banh day (roll cake) are traditional dishes of the Khmer people in the Mekong Delta. They are made for special occasions and traditional Khmer festivals such as Ok Am-bok (Moon God Festival) and Chaul Chnam Thmey (New Year Festival).

The provinces of Tra Vinh and Soc Trang are well-known for making the delectable treats.

The pipe cake consists of rice flour, refined sugar, coconut flesh, juice and salt.

To make pipe cakes, the ingredients are mixed together to create a dough. The dough is then stuffed into bamboo or metal pipes about 20 centimeters in length and three centimeters wide. Next, the pipes are covered with tin lids and steamed in a saucepan.

Pipe-Cake

When the cakes are well-cooked, they are removed from the pipes and placed on green banana leaves.

Nowadays, many people also use the juice from the leaves of dua thom (Pandanus amaryllifolius) plant. The leaves can be kneaded with flour to create fragrant green cakes.

Pipe cakes are eaten with a mix of salt and sesame. The sweet smell and rich taste of coconut juice makes the treat especially delicious, while the hint of salt adds a savory element. The cakes are meant to be eaten slowly and savored.

While the Khmer in Tra Vinh Province are famous for their pipe cakes, the Khmer in neighboring Soc Trang Province are renowned for their banh day.

This kind of cake is made from wheat flour, soft coconut flesh, sugar and peanuts, and is shaped into rolls.

Part of the fun is watching the expert cake-makers create the treats before your eyes. The cakes are best when eaten hot and fresh and cost just VND2,000 (11 cents) each.

By Diem Thu/ Thanhniennews
Photo by: Metinfo.vn

Take a back to the west of Ca Mau

2008-12-17T13:25:00.002+07:00

On the way to Ca Mau, the southern tip of the country with more than 300-kilometers of coastline, tourists may catch sight of the harmonious picture of forest and sea. Located about 350 kilometers from HCMC, the Mekong Delta province of Ca Mau is famous for verdant mangrove forests and bird sanctuaries. The provinces most popular tourism attractions are in the western districts of U Minh and Tran Van Thoi in Ca Mau Province.

The largest mangrove swamp in the country, which is found in U Minh Forest, is habitat to hundreds of precious fauna and flora species. It has 31 kilometers of coastline with two large river entrances, namely Khanh Hoi and Huong Mai.

U Minh is also famous for the 43-kilometer Cai Tau River, contiguous to Trem River. Cai Tau River was the site of well-known naval combats in war time. Today it is also renowned for an immense mulberry garden and two traditional crafts of knitting and mat weaving.

In 2006 Vo Doi,a forest of specific purpose, one of the sections of lower U Minh was turned into U Minh Ha National Park. Covering an area of about 8,268 hectares, U Minh Ha is home of 78 fauna species, 23 mammals, 91 birds, 36 reptiles and 11 amphibians, some of which are on the Red List (endangered) including pangolin, hairy-nosed otter and king cobra.

Currently, U Minh Ha National Park is an ideal eco-tourist destination, attracting 200 visitors a month in the rainy season. Tickets are priced at VND 8,000. In dry season, the park is closed due to danger of fire.

About 2.5 kilometers from the main road tourists can climb up to a 25-meter tower to enjoy a panoramic view of the immense cajuput forest stretching into the horizon, with channels knitting together like a chessboard.

A fishing tour, priced at VND100,000 per seven people, is recommended for fishing pleasure as well as an opportunity to experience the traditional cuisine of the southern tip region with outstanding fish dishes.

Not to be missed is the Hon Da Bac Island (the silver stone), nestled in Tran Van Thoi District, where the endless white sky blends with the reed flowers and the red color of channels.

In the past travelers had to take a boat at a price of VND10,000 per person to the island from the mainland, but nowadays there is a bridge built by Minh Nhat Company linking the mainland and the island. Visitors can stay in the Hon Da Bac Hotel for VND150,000 to VND200,000.

Hon Da Bac covers an area of 6 hectares, including a cluster of islands, namely Hon Ong Ngo, Hon Troi and Hon Da Bac. Hon Ong Ngo and Hon Da Bac are blanketed in tree shadows, mostly bodhi trees.

Hon Da Bac is a primeval flora floor. The island is formed from shiny granite rock of 180 million years old which make the shore sparkle in the sunlight. Some of them have weird shapes that people have named, San Tien (fairy yard), Gieng Tien (fairy well), Ban Chan Tien (fairy foot) and Ban Tay Da (stone hand).

The highest rock on Hon Da Bac is 50 meters. At the peak tourists can visit a temple having a 13-meter-giant whale skeleton placed on the altar for worship.

Every year the Fish Worship Festival takes over the island on the 23rd of the fifth lunar month. Strolling on Hon Da Bac, tourists can watch farmers find oysters or enjoy a view of the sunset on the sea, to get a lost to nature and discover its mysteries.

By Cuc Tan/ The Saigon Times

CUBE Cafe - 219B Nguyen Dinh Chieu Street

2008-12-14T11:35:00.002+07:00

Address: 219B Nguyen Dinh Chieu, District 3
Tel: 62908514

Cube in English means cube. Bar owners - want Cube cafe called through to send the message: Even though life has many aspects, but when you come to this Cube, who will feel his heart good, more gently.

CUBE Cafe is a modern design, with close to the image throughout the square block, they appear in the phase of the counter, tables and chairs, pictures to the theater, logo. Com blue sofa are statistics for the corner khuất, suitable for the group you people.

The chairs are gray with pillow point to blank tựa do very well known. White and blue, 2 gam color trends easy to make people forget about the hot sun of Saigon, which is on the wall, ánh light ne-he, which makes the consistency becomes cool usually strangers.

Although the Cube in any time, you are also serving enthusiastic. The breakfast, lunch om office, food, light with other types of drinking water, cream, cakes always looked slightly from processing to decorating. Especially, the drinks with fruit mixture pressure as Squeeze Strawberry, Berry Berry Light sour milk or dental dam is a lot of people preferred by your strange, cool and be beneficial for health.

From Monday to Friday, bar - cafe Cube is always a five-star hotels, where you can receive a set of commands and transactions. Came here on Thursday evening, you can enjoy performances by bands Philippines, but to the Fri. evening, Saturday, Sunday, you can participate in the Hat together.

In addition, Cube also with international films selected, each winning high in the film festival. The type of report is updated every day also helps you get information in a fully. Bar - cafe Cube would be a place for you to organize birthday parties, Event.

(Click to view image full-size)

Photo by CUBE Cafe

An oasis of peace

2008-12-14T11:29:00.001+07:00

A new arrival brings a touch of nature and a welcome respite from the hustle of Ho Chi Minh City.

Boathouse bar-restaurant offers a great time and good food that can be enjoyed against a backdrop of chirping birds and murmuring water.

Located in An Phu’s ASPC Compound in District 2, the restaurant is already a neighborhood favorite, offering a casual dining atmosphere. Despite being a members-only club, joining the Boathouse is easy.

“The only thing you need to be a member is a telephone number,” said restaurateur Ron Quinton. “The club membership system just allows us to keep track of what customers like.”

Natural light, greenery and a view of the Saigon River enhance the dining experience. And there are enough wooden chairs, sofas and cushions to ensure everyone gets a comfy place to relax and put their feet up, international style.

“Our spot is a hidden paradise to warm your heart after a day of hard work,” said café manager Brian Cotter. “You will feel like you’re a hundred miles away. We create an escape so that you think you are on holiday with fine décor and fine food.”

The focus of the elegantly-designed Boathouse is surf and turf. As well as the simple breakfasts on offer, lunch comprises a delectable selection of soups, salads and sandwiches while dinner choices include top-end beef from Australia and America and a small range of seafood and pastas. The separate focus of food for lunch and dinner means customers who drop by for lunch can come back in the evening for a different dining experience.

A drink on the beautiful spacious deck overlooking the Saigon River is a great way to spend a Sunday afternoon. The small but carefully-selected wine list features red, white, rose, champagne and sparkling wine.

The restaurant currently hosts a barbeque party every Sunday from noon till late. The party includes salad and fruit bars on small wooden boats as well as an array of fresh and healthy seafood. In the future, the Boathouse will provide a water taxi service for customers from downtown.

Reported by Thuy Nhien/ Thanhnien News

HCMC prepares for Tet Festival 2009

2008-12-14T11:11:00.001+07:00

Ho Chi Minh City will organize the annual Nguyen Hue Flower Street as part of the Tet Festival 2009 with a series of entertainment and charitable activities during the upcoming Lunar New Year holiday late next month.

The organizing committee said Wednesday that the festival would feature other events including banh tet (a traditional sticky rice cake in a cylindrical shape) fest and fireworks shows.

Tran Hung Viet, head of the organizing committee, said unlike previous festivals, this year’s event would not feature a giant pair of banh tet, which in the past had set a Vietnamese record.

Instead, organizers will host banh tet making contests – open to both individuals and organizations – throughout the city on January 21. The selected entries that make it through the qualifying rounds will compete in a final round at Dam Sen Park the next morning.

The first-prize winner will receive the honor of offering the cake at worshiping ceremonies at the Hung Kings (legendary founders of Vietnam) temple, the Ho Chi Minh Museum and the Ton Duc Thang Museum on January 25.

Organizers will also donate thousands of traditional cakes to disadvantaged people around the city to celebrate the Lunar New Year.

The HCMC government said it views the Tet Festival as a special occasion for both residents and international visitors. The Saigontourist Holding Company has been the main organizer of the festival since 2004.

The main streets in District 1 – Nguyen Hue, Le Loi and Dong Khoi – will be decorated with thousands of colorful lights and lanterns from December 18 to January 1 for the New Year, and from January 18 to February 14 for the Lunar New Year.

Nguyen Hue Flower Street, to open from January 23-28, will feature an array of flowers and ornamental plants, including many from the Central Highlands town of Da Lat. During the week, the scenic boulevard in front of the HCMC government office will be closed to all vehicles.

The festival will also include a parade and musical show featuring Vietnamese traditional folk and contemporary music.

Fireworks shows will be held at six venues around the city on the Lunar New Year Eve, which falls on January 25, the organizing committee said.

Reported by Thu Thuy/ Thanhnien News

Phu Lang pottery village

2008-12-10T22:22:00.002+07:00

There isn’t much room for pottery in the fast-paced modern world but for the residents of Phu Lang ceramic village, their products are proving not only popular but highly lucrative.

Phu Lang is a must-see for tourists in the region, not least because of its natural surroundings. The village sits at the foot of the majestic Son Mountain on the banks of the Cau River, only 18km northeast of Bac Ninh Town along Highway 18.

Set apart from its spectacular scenery, Phu Lang Village is a beauty spot in its own right. The collection of houses glint with green-moss tiles, and the village roads are lined with a medley of ceramic goods propped against the shop fronts. In the village itself tourists can choose from ready-made clay creations and also have the opportunity to make something themselves. In the words of one foreign visitor, the village is a good place not only because you can meet and make friends with the locals and make original gifts for friends and relatives, but it’s also "a very good place to relax".

Phu Lang is the last survivor of an old pottery village triangle. Although Bat Trang still produces ceramics, the village has been sucked into the suburbs of Ha Noi as a commune of Gia Lam. The third village, Tho Ha, in Bac Giang Province, has also bent under the pressures of development and industrialisation.

But it wasn’t simply through choice that Phu Lang was able to stay true to tradition as location again played a role in providing residents with easy access to the fundamental raw materials of their trade; water, firewood and clay. Of course, Phu Langpottery is defined by the brown colour and specific texture of the raw clay found in the region. But the villagers have a few extra techniques up their sleeves to differentiate their produce from others in the area.

Pots are baked in kilns at initial temperatures of 600 degrees centigrade rising gradually to around 1,200oC. Once the clay has cooled, potters add their trademark coat of thick eelskin enamel that gives the brown clay an original yellow tint.

Constant production over the centuries has meant that some of the products the village produce are literally museam pieces. Foremost in this case are the vilage’s traditional incense burners used and favoured in the Le (1428-1788) and Mac (1527-1677) dynasties. Examples of these are on display at the Vietnamese Museum of History. It is significant that such a symbol of ancient tradition and culture should survive the aggressive competitiveness of the modern world. And when talking to the locals it seems the secret to success lies not only in artistic talent but also astute business skills.

Locals attribute the popularity of pottery from Phu Lang to sustained durability and of course – money. "We can’t be beaten on price", one local resident says enthusiastically, admitting that friendly rivalry with products from Bat Trang keeps prices low.

But its not all about the price tag. For alongside practical use locals eagerly put their success down to a special artistic edge, pointing to the traditional Phu Lang water jug as proof of their long-standing reputation.

There is also a heavy air of entrepeneurialsim with trade increasing between Phu Lang and other communities and markets in northern and coastal provinces, spreading recently to find favour in the south. Innovation is also key as the village caters for little tapped-into religious demand for pots and jars.

In the dry season from the 9th lunar month to the end of the lunar year for example, there is a large market for terra-cotta coffins because they preserve well and are easy to bury.

For Phu Lang now, business in the high season is booming and the market is heaving with prospective customers.

Some pictures about Phu Lang pottery village:

Source: VNE/VNS

T’nung Lake – an untouched charm of Pleiku

2008-12-08T23:08:00.002+07:00

The central highlands of Vietnam embrace many mysterious charms. Tourists willing to get off the beaten path will discover pristine lakes and rivers, vast swathes of old-growth jungle, and isolated ethnic minority villages. Any journey from Pleiku to Kontum should include a stop at T’nung Lake; the flooded cater of a volcano millions of years old which now serves as the city’s reservoir.

T’nung Lake, also known as Ia Nueng, is located in Bien Ho Commune in the north of Gia Lai Province, about 7 kilometers from the heart of Pleiku City. The lake, surrounded by pine forests and mountain, is 230 hectares wide, expanding up to 400 hectares in the rainy season, and about 30 meters deep. In the early morning when the sun is still low in the sky the sun beams reflect like a silver band on the lake.

T’nung is the name of the village. According to local folklore T’nung Lake was named after an ethnic village named where everyone lived happily together. One day a fierce quake erupted and destroyed the village, turning it into ash. When the fire was finally doused all that remained was a deep hole. The survivors stood besides the deep hole and cried, filling the hole with their tears and turning it into a lake.

The road to T’nung Lake is through a green canopy of pine trees. To satisfy curiosity, if contemplating the charms of the lake is not enough, tourist can take a thuyen doc moc (hollowed – tree boat or a dugout canoe) trip to explore hidden charms of the lake, to see their shadows on the pure and sparkling surface of the lake and to delve into the forest to discover magnificence of exotic lifestyles in harmony with wild nature. Here tourists will see the abundant and varied fauna and flora. Meandering around the lake, tourists can add to their fun with some fishing, and watching the turtles.

The village is home to friendly ethnic people such as Bahnar and Jarai…, so tourists may stroll around the village to discover traditional customs and stay overnight to make a camp-fire and enjoy grilled fish that was caught in the lake with ruou can (wine drunk out of a jar through pipes) to experience the flavor and the soul of the uplands.

T’nung lake or Bien Ho (Sea Lake) was recognized as a national landscape by the Ministry of Culture and Information in 1988. The lake remains unchanged, with a primitive charm that appeals to tourists.

Mountain views

2008-12-06T21:54:00.001+07:00

The Zen spirit and fairytale setting of Con Son mountain in the northern province of Hai Duong leaves Duc Hanh in a happy daze

Con Son is also known as Ky Lan mountain, which means unicorn in Vietnamese, and I feel as though I am entering a fairytale as I wander down a path lined with pine trees towards Con Son pagoda at the foot of the mountain. There is a peaceful and meditative atmosphere.

There is no hustle and bustle from eager tourists, food vendors or souvenir sellers, which you often find at cultural and spiritual sites in Vietnam Built in 1304, Con Son Pagoda was one of the three centres of the Buddhist Truc Lam Trinity under the Tran Dynasty (1225-1400). The pagoda was extended in 1329 and underwent several restorations during the 17th and 18th centuries and over the last few decades.

In the front yard there’s an enormous tree which is said to be more than 600 years old. The story goes that the seed was planted by Tran Nguyen Dan, a talented poet and Confucian scholar, who served as Great Prime Minister under the Tran dynasty in 14th century. The pagoda features 385 Buddha statues with unique faces, the like I have never seen in any pagoda before.

“Some statues here were created according to the portrait of famous monks and mandarins,” says the Buddhist nun, Tue Tam. “The main hall is dedicated to Buddhist statues. The left hall features a statue of a Holy Monk, modelled on the monk Huyen Quang, one of the founders of Truc Lam Zen Buddhism. And in the right hall you will find the Royal Highness with the face and form of Tran Nguyen Dan.”

Following the nun into the pagoda, I find a number of small statues said to be of Tran Nguyen Dan’s grandson, Nguyen Trai, also a famous poet and politician, and his concubine Nguyen Thi Lo. Behind the pagoda, a set of stone steps lead to an ancient tower and garden where you can find a statue of Monk Huyen Quang, and a well, full of crystal clear water, which is flanked by two half-lion and half-crocodile creatures.

The well is named Gieng Ngoc (Pearl well) and is considered to be the eye of the unicorn. Legend has it that on the full moon night of the seventh lunar month, the monk Huyen Quang was sleeping in his room at Con Son Pagoda when he dreamt of seeing a shiny pearl on the side of the mountain.

The next morning he went to the mountain and found a well containing fresh water. When the monk returned to the pagoda, he held a ceremony to thank the deities for this precious source of water. Since then, the well’s water has been used for rituals at the pagoda. Further up the mountain is where Nguyen Trai spent his childhood with his grandfather Tran Nguyen Dan and where he returned to spend the last of his days.

The mountain is much higher than I imagined. Climbing 900 stone steps to the peak where there’s a fairy chessboard and a small temple called Bach Van (White Cloud). This is where Nguyen Trai and Tran Nguyen Dan sat to play chess though the exact point they sat is now covered with a cement pavilion. Traders have also made the hike to the top to sell drinks and snacks.

But despite the imperfect buildings at the top, the view is spectacular. At noon, the sun is brilliant, the wind is bracing. In the sweeping panorama I can see mountain ranges, Luc Dau river and the green paddy fields of Bac Giang, Quang Ninh and Hai Duong provinces.

I descend the mountain to Thanh Hu Temple which is dedicated to Tran Nguyen Dan. Down below there’s another temple dedicated to Nguyen Trai and his concubine Nguyen Thi Lo. Here I learn how Nguyen Trai was born in Nhi Khe Village. His father was Nguyen Phi Khanh, a mandarin under the Ho Dynasty. At the age of 20, Nguyen Trai graduated as a doctor and served in the Ho Dynasty like his father.

After the Chinese Ming dynasty invaded and seized control of north Vietnam, Nguyen Trai was kept under surveillance in Dong Quan, Thang Long Citadel (present-day Hanoi) for 10 years. When Le Loi led a revolt against the Ming in 1418, Nguyen Trai escaped from confinement, joined the liberation army, and became Le Loi’s closest adviser and the primary strategist in Le Loi’s victory over the Chinese in 1428.

Many letters and pronouncements written by him and sent in Le Loi’s name to the Ming generals have been preserved in “Quoc Trung Tu Menh Tap” (Letters and commands from the time of military service). His best known poem, written in Sino-Vietnamese, is Binh Ngo Dai Cao (On Defeating the Wu) which would become Vietnam’s declaration of independence.

With his clever propaganda and profound writings, he greatly contributed to making Le Loi a hero of his time. After the victory in 1428, Nguyen Trai served the new emperor as a high-ranking official in the bureaucracy. He retired after the death of Le Thai To and the accession of Le Thai Tong and returned to Con Son where he lived a simple life.

Nguyen Trai’s concubine Nguyen Thi Lo was a beautiful talented woman, whom King Le Thai Tong was very fond of. In 1442, King Le Thai Tong came to Con Son to visit Nguyen Trai’s family. A day later the King died mysteriously and Nguyen Thi Lo was accused of regicide. Nguyen Trai was executed along with his entire family.

Twenty years later, however, King Le Thanh Tong announced Nguyen Trai was innocent and ordered that all works of this great poet and politician were to be collected and preserved. In modern times, accolades continue as in 1985, Unesco recognised Nguyen Trai as a ‘World Great Man of Culture’.

Sitting at his temple with the scent of frankincense floating in the air, looking around at the natural beauty, I am enraptured by the feeling of purity around me. It is with a tinge of sadness that I walk away and drive back to the city. Getting there: Con Son is in Cong Hoa commune, Chi Linh district, Hai Duong Province, over 70 km northeast of Hanoi.

From the city centre, cross Chuong Duong bridge, then turn right onto National Road No.5, then turn left onto National road No. 1 and drive for 30km before turning right onto National Road No.18. Go straight, past Pha Lai Thermal Power Plant to Sao Do Town and turn left onto National Road No.37. Drive for 8km and you’ll find the Con Son complex of relics! You can’t miss it!

Source: Timeout

Soc Trang’s garden island

2008-12-04T22:26:00.002+07:00

Soc Trang Town, the administrative center of Soc Trang Province, is about 300 kilometers or six hours by car from Ho Chi Minh City.

When visiting the Mekong Delta province, a land filled with age-old Khmer pagodas, travelers should spend some time on Dung Islet, a well-known ecotourist site.

Dung Islet is also called Ho Chau, Kac Tung, Giung Islet, or Chang Be Islet. It covers about 25,000 hectares and has nearly 60,000 residents.

To get there, go to Dai Ngai District and take a ferry to Dung Islet.

From a distance, the islet looks like a giant fish lying in the sun. The island is ringed with big mangrove apple trees that form a canopy over the road that encircles the whole island. It is the only road on the island and serves as a dike to protect the island’s interior from high tides.

There are many different types of orchards on the island - longans, sapodillas, oranges, and mangoes. In the middle of Dung Islet are fertile gardens growing sweet potatoes and cassava.

Tourists can visit the orchards and be served fruits on request. The gardens have fruit all year round, so people can visit them in any season.

Vo Thanh Van Hamlet has Vietnam’s biggest mangrove apple protective forest. It runs along both sides of Trang Rivulet to the sea.

In recent years, Dung Islet has become a popular ecotourist site because of its beautiful rivers, streams, and green orchards. Visitors enjoy the simplicity of life on the island – walking across log bridges and eating fresh fruit from the garden.

Reported by Diem Thu/ Thanhnien News

Miss World: Thien Ly’s various choices for talent competition

2008-12-04T22:05:00.002+07:00

Contestants in the Miss World 2008 are gearing up for the talent competition, an optional portion. Vietnamese contestant Thien Ly has prepared several items in case she is chosen.

Vote for Thien Ly now

The jury will choose 20-25 contestants for the Miss World Talent show. The one who wins this title will enter the semi-final round. Thien Ly prepared for this part before going to South Africa.

According to Thuy Nga, Director of the Elite Vietnam, which holds the rights to send Vietnamese contestants to the Miss World pageant, Thien Ly registered to play guitar and sing a jazz song. She brought her guitar to South Africa.

Thien Ly studied playing guitar when she was a little girl. Her mother, My An, said whenever she came back from the US, where she is studying at a college, Thien Ly practiced playing the guitar. In a video clip introducing herself, Ly says she likes playing guitar and singing.

Besides this, Thien Ly also prepared a presentation and a traditional music piece for the talent competition. She learned the art of public performance from famous Vietnamese MC Thanh Bach and singing folk songs from artist Bach Tuyet.

Speaking English fluently, Thien Ly and the Indian contestant were chosen to representative Asian contestants and give their thanks to the local government and people during a visit to God’s Window, a famous tourist site in South Africa, on December 1.

On December 3, Miss Russia Ksenia Sukhinova won the Top Model title of Miss World 2008 pageant. Miss Brigite Santos of Angola came in second and Miss Parvathy Omanakuttan of India took third place.

(Source: VNE)

Binh Chau hot springs

2008-12-03T21:48:00.001+07:00

One of the most spectacular places in the country - Binh Chau Commune – can be reached by traveling some 150km from HCMC over rocky roads.

Situated in the mountains of southeastern Vietnam, the area is rich with forests and hot springs.

Vietnam’s tourism record indicates there are 70 visible thermal springs in the area forming a huge hot pot with valuable water and sedimentary mud and Binh Chau’s hot springs have even earned world recognition as one of 65 potential areas for sustainable eco-tourism development among 47 countries worldwide.

Legend describes the thermal springs as a hot water pot that the Vietnamese “Goddess of Boiling Water” spilled into the place out of anger, a story that stretches past beyond the footsteps created by visitors.

Even though the ride to Ba Ria - Vung Tau Province where Binh Chau Commune is located is long, the marvelous hot water pot of Saigon-Binh Chau – Ho Coc Eco Tours & Beach Resort eases any muscle tension caused by the journey.

One can enjoy a hot water bath at 37 degrees Celsius in a swimming pool, a hot mud bath, a foot bath at the natural hot spring area, or a swim at a white sand beach.

You can pamper yourself with a heavenly massage after a hot bath and when you get hungry there’s that 82 degrees Celsius egg-boiling natural well … within 15 minutes you can have well-done boiled eggs. However if you prefer, there are also restaurants at the resort.

Crocodile fish feeding, river fishing, billiards, tennis, volleyball, basketball, and badminton complete the adventure at Saigon-Binh Chau-Ho Coc Eco Tours & Beach Resort, and younger visitors can visit the children’s playground.

Saigon-Binh Chau – Ho Coc Eco Tours & Beach Resort, however, is just one of the places to enjoy Binh Chau Commune’s hot spring and beaches.

Come with me next time on yet another trip and let’s scourt famous as well as hidden places and explore nooks and crannies of this exotic country called Vietnam.

Saigon-Binh Chau Eco-tours & Resort is located at Binh Chau Commune, Xuyen Moc District,

Ba Ria-Vung Tau. Call (064) 3871 131 or 3871 623 or visit email: saigonbinhchau@hcm.vnn.vn or website: www.saigonbinhchauecoresort.com for further information.

Or at its HCMC branch at 312 Ho Van Hue street, Phu Nhuan District, tel: (08) 3997 0677, email: sg-binhchautours@hcm.vnn.vn.

By Salome MicMic Villaflor,
is a Filipino living and working in HCMC

Travel around Vietnam by photos

2008-12-03T21:38:00.002+07:00

Violet Sunset - Nha Trang

Perfume Pagoda

Nha trang beach

Po Klong Garai Towers, Ninh Thuan

Hoan Kiem Lake - Return Sword Lake

Ha Long Grotto

(click image to view full-size)

Photo by Flickr

Artisans to decorate streets for flower festival

2008-12-01T22:37:00.002+07:00

There will be a frenzy of flowers at Hoan Kiem Lake in Hanoi next month, as craftsmen take over the centre with their artistic and floral creations.

The five-day event Flower Street Festival – Hanoi 2009, will welcome famous artisans and craftsmen from Hanoi ’s traditional villages to present their artwork made from hundreds of thousands of flowers, as well as their traditional products.

From December 31 to January 4, the festival will take over a 600m-long stretch of road, from the intersection of Dinh Tien Hoang-Hang Bai-Trang Tien- Hang Khay to Ba Kieu Temple alongside Hoan Kiem Lake .

The colourful flower beds will be designed by some of Hanoi ’s most famous florists, including Mai Hanh, Duc Hai and Nguyen Ba Muu. The fresh flowers will be accompanied by a range of materials, including silk and wood.

Artisans from Chuong village-a famous conical hat-making village – will present an installation of conical hats in different sizes, while artisans from the fan-making Chang Son village will display a massive fan, measuring 9m wide and 4.5m high.

Artisan Lan Tuyen will provide a warm welcome to the festival grounds, creating a peach-blossom-shaped gate from bamboo tape fans. Typical old quarter mossy-roof houses will be replicated by artisans Nguyen Manh Tuan from Bat Trang pottery village, while massive lotus-shaped lanterns will also adorn the lake.

“Flower beds and art installations will be in harmony to ensure that this will be the most stunning festival Hanoi has ever seen,” said flower artisan Nguyen Manh Hung, the main designer of the festival’s flower decorations.

Hung will also impress tourists with ao dai (traditional dress) collection made from rattan, silk flowers, dried flowers and leaves.

According to deputy director of Hanoi’s Culture, Sports and Tourism Department Nguyen Khac Loi, the week is not just about livening up the city’s scenery, but is also a meaningful cultural activity to welcome the New Year.

“The festival is an event to present the golden skills of Ha Noi’s artists and to express the cultural quintessence of the 1,000-year-old capital,” he said.

“We expect to get as much experience as possible from this year’s festival to plan a flower festival next year – the year of the 1,000 th anniversary of Thang Long-Hanoi,” said one the festival’s organisers Nguyen Thi Hoa.

Unfortunately, recent flooding in Hanoi has destroyed most of the city’s flower fields, so the festival will have to present flowers from neighbouring provinces and from the “land of flowers“ in Da Lat.

“That is our biggest regret, that we can’t use flowers from Hanoi for a festival taking place in Hanoi ,” she said.

The festival’s organiser, Hanoi-based DC Music and Entertainment, will spend around 2 billion VND (117,000 USD) on the festival.

Source: Vietnamplus

History comes to life in Soc Son

2008-12-01T22:22:00.002+07:00

A serene, almost sacred, atmosphere envelops the mountainous scenery of Ve Linh commune in Soc Son district, 30km north of Hanoi ’s centre, where legend has it Saint Giong flew back to heaven on his horse after defeating foreign invaders.

Colour abounds in the area, turquoise blue lakes – believed to be the footprints of Saint Giong’s horse – contrast against the palate of green mountains, hills and trees that mingle softly with the local bamboo, said to be coloured yellow from fire from Saint Giong’s horse. While stones intersperse the soft colours, giving the look of a painting.

An eco-tourism complex is planned for this most historic of places, covering 270 ha, and will include a golf course if you have had your fill of history.

Nguyen Van Lam, director of the Soc Temple Tourism and Relics Management said the area attracts around 15,000 visitors per year.

At the centre of the planned tourism project is Soc Temple , one feels free from the hustle and bustle of city life, and you can almost hear history calling in the wind.

The temple complex was built in the pre-Le Dynasty (980), and has altars to worship Saint Giong, his mother, and local gods and godesses. It was last restored in 1992 and was recognised as a national historic relic in 1962.

The most important feature of the temple buildings is the main altar, made from a mixture of clay, sugarcane juice, paper and lime. It is unique in Vietnam and forms the shape of the mountain ranges surrounding the complex. Seven statues are worshipped at the temple. The statues are standing, a rare sight in Vietnam as Nguyen Vu Dai, a temple guard, explains, “Standing statues are quite rare as most of local temples worship sitting statues.”

The back of the altar opens into a cave, that can be explored if you enter from the left and exit from right.

“Going from left to right symbolises going in by the father gate and out by the mother gate,” said Dai, “the cave represents the resting place of all Vietnamese ancestors.”

Stopping in the middle of the cave and looking towards the statue of Saint Giong, visitors should take a deep breath to receive the “holy” air from the back of the statue.

“You will get the strength of Saint Giong and live longer,” Dai said.

Mid way up Hon Da Trong Mountain there is a big white stone, cleft in two, that locals believe is Saint Giong’s armour. A statue of Saint Giong will be placed at the mountain peak in time for the 1,000 th anniversary of the founding of Thang Long-Hanoi in 2010.

“I have chosen an image of an 18-year-old boy with strong arms and legs for the statue,” said sculptor Nguyen Kim Xuan, the creator of Giong’s statue, “As there is no model for the heroic figure, the statue should symbolise the strength of Vietnamese people to maintain peace and wipe out invaders.”

The finished work will be 40m tall and weigh 50 tonnes.

Source: Vietnam Plus
Photo from: Xomnhiepanh

Scientists puzzle over Hanoi’s Royal Citadel

2008-11-30T22:15:00.003+07:00

Scientists from all around the world gathered in Hanoi this week to discuss the best way to preserve the Thang Long Royal Citadel, the political, cultural and trade center of Vietnam for 1,300 years.

Archeologists have been excavating the citadel, in Hanoi’s Ba Dinh District, for around six years. They have uncovered structures and artifacts dating back to between the seventh and 18th centuries.

The two-day international conference, which began on Monday, gathered scientists who had worked at the site, including academics from Holland, Belgium, Japan, China, Chinese Taiwan and Vietnam.

Since 2003, significant progress had been made on uncovering and identifying some of the ruins and relics at the site, Vietnam Archeology Institute Director Tong Trung Tin said.

Many ruins at the 20,000-squaremeter site showed a continuation between the various dynasties that ruled Hanoi during the capital’s history, he said.

Scientists had also gained many insights into the culture and lifestyle of ancient Hanoians, Tin said.

Artifacts, including pottery from China, Japan and West Asia, illustrate the extensive trading network of ancient Hanoi.

Archeologists now had the more difficult task of identifying the remainder of the structures and artifacts they had uncovered, Vietnam Academy of Social Sciences President Do Hoai Nam said.

Scientists have not concluded whether some structures are walls, roads or part of the ancient palace. Some structures were described as having “many rooms” but the actual number of rooms was not clear.

Highlighting the imprecise nature of the identification process, many Vietnamese archaeologists at the conference were confused when Japanese professor Ueno Kunikazu said what appeared to be part of a road was actually a wall.

The uncertainty over the identification of the ruins means no plan for further excavation or preservation has been drawn up.

Prime Minister Nguyen Tan Dung has authorized the Vietnam UNESCO Committee and the Hanoi People’s Committee to apply to UNESCO to have the citadel declared a World Heritage site.

Luu Tran Tieu, chairman of the National Council for Cultural Heritage, said people were generally not aware of the obligations to protect an historical site after it was given world heritage status.

UNESCO supervises the preservation work of world heritage-listed sites and required reports from the countries every year, Tieu said, noting that a world heritage site can be “stripped of its title if it is no longer deserved.”

Tieu said Hue had complained that many construction projects had hidden the ancient town’s charm while Ha Long Town complained about pollution in the bay.

The Archaeology Institute’s Tien admitted that preserving and protecting the Thang Long royal citadel was “a big challenge.”

The site was at risk of erosion, especially after the heavy flooding in Hanoi early this month, he said.

Experts from the French School of the Far East Studies (EFEO) and South Korea’s Preservation Society for Gyeongju Cultural Heritage have indicated they would like to work with Vietnamese scientists to study and preserve the Thang Long site.

EFEO’s Oliver Tessier suggested recreating the citadel using computer-generated imagery and building two museums on the site, one open to the public and the other to studies on precious relics.

But Belgium’s Jean Plumier said museums may not be the best way to preserve the site.

According to Pham Sanh Chau, former Vietnamese ambassador to UNESCO and general secretary of Vietnam UNESCO Committee, Thang Long royal citadel has high historic value, even though it is not as big or well-preserved as other archeological sites.

What made the citadel special was it was Vietnam’s political, economic and cultural center for 1,300 years, EFEO’s representative said.

More photos from www.cinet.gov.vn:

Terraforming an oasis retreat

2008-11-30T21:34:00.004+07:00

A central farmer’s perseverance and hard work transforms a deserted plot of land into a resplendent ecotourism center.

Standing amidst lush green environs filled with flower orchards and bamboo groves, Nguyen Phuoc Hung took a moment to reminisce back to when this plot of earth was an arid wasteland untouched by local residents.

The owner and director of one of central Da Nang City’s most popular ecotourism centers used to be a regular farmer who was granted 30 hectares of land by the government in Hoa Vang District’s Phu Tuc Hamlet.

At that time 12 years ago, there was only a small river called Suoi Hoa running through the vast territory.

Hung proceeded to set up a small tent near the river and started doing what he loves most – planting trees and flowers.

Many locals thought he was crazy, as they believed the land was uncultivable and his efforts would all go for naught. But Hung didn’t worry about the naysayers as he was bent on transforming the desert land into something greener and more hospitable to life.

Between 1997 and 2000, Hung and his workers managed to sow numerous varieties of plants in the forest area west of nearby Hoa Phu Village. At his farm, he cultivated bamboos and various fruit trees while also raising cattle and fish.

Following years of hard work, Hung’s farm nowadays features around 2,500 bamboo trees producing 50 tons of bamboo shoots a year; two hectares of grass feeding a herd of 40 cows 300 betel trees and 1,000 apricot blossoms.

In 2000, Hung decided to take on the challenge of converting his farm into a major ecotourism center to introduce to visitors the best that nature had to offer.

“The main idea behind developing an ecotourism center is to promote public awareness about protecting our environment,” Hung said. “We’ve always kept that goal in mind while designing the Suoi Hoa Ecotourism Center to not cause any damages to the surrounding areas and harm residents.”

The center, situated 500 meters above sea level, required an investment of VND10 billion that Hung took out as a loan and the idealistic farmer also hired many members of the local Co Tu ethnic minority group to build and maintain the grounds. The area now encompasses a number of pretty waterfalls and lakes and workers have landscape the various flower species into neat rows, using carved stones and other ornaments as decoration.

With more than 100 bungalows on site, the center is capable of hosting thousands of visitors each day. On the grounds, there is even a 7,000-square-meter football field used by professional football teams, 11 ponds with several used for raising fish, and an area to breed around 100 wild pigs.

For tourists and visitors who enjoy outdoor picnics, a meal with grilled fish caught from one of the ponds provides an unforgettable experience.

David Nguyen, who visited Suoi Hoa along with eight family members from the US, said one of the best things about the site is the panoramic view it offers of the entire Da Nang City.

“It is located in an absolutely ideal location,” Nguyen said.

Another visitor, Hoang Quan, said he works in Da Nang City but often visits Suoi Hoa with family members and relatives every two or three months.

“We feel like we can really take in nature here after the long exhausting workdays in the city,” Quan said.

The center currently employs 40 people, but Hung said he’s thinking about hiring more locals to organize activities such as making “ruou can,” a type of wine drunk out of a jar, and knitting traditional products to give tourists a glimpse into the Co Tu people’s lives.

While the project has started yielding profit, Hung said his proudest achievement has been “to cover the landscape with greeneries and flowers.”

“I want to impart a lesson of perseverance in environmental protection and remind all visitors of the vital role they can play in creating greener spaces to contribute to the public good,” Hung said.

Reported by Tuong Nguyen/
Photos from: T♥R♥I♥S♥H

Visiting Trang An grottoes in Ninh Binh Province

2008-11-28T20:32:00.002+07:00

Visitors to the northern province of Ninh Binh hear about the beauty of Tam Coc – Bich Dong grotto as a Ha Long Bay on land, yet there is another grotto in this region hardly marked by the footprints of tourists which may be even more magnificent.

It is Trang An grotto, a community of mountains, caves, river-valleys, woods and cultural and historical relics, whose central pier on the Sao Khe river is six kilometers from Ninh Binh City and 95 kilometers from Hanoi.

This grotto is a gathering of 31 valleys, 50 cross-water caves, and home to 600 kinds of flora and over 200 kinds of fauna, many of them in the Red Book of Vietnam, according to the Vietnam News Agency. Each of the caves has its own beauty with many stalactites in a profusion of color.

Some of the caves are Toi (Dark) Cave, a 315-meter deep and dark cave, Sang (Light) Cave, a 112 meters deep lighter cave. There is also a 260-meter Nau Ruou (wine brewing) Cave, which, according to legend, has water that makes a delicious wine. Ba Giot (Three Drop) Cave, according to legend, grants a wish to those who catch three drops of water.

Unlike Tam Coc grotto, Trang An forms an “indoor” journey and visitors rowing through the cross-water caves get the sensation of a labyrinth. Visitors enter easily enough but need a local guide to find the exit.

That is why King Dinh Tien Hoang (924-979) chose this grotto as his southern citadel to protect the rear of Hoa Lu capital city and to hide food for his army.

A 10th century Dinh Dynasty temple with a thousand year old Chinese fig tree and many antique objects including tools and weapons can be seen here.

While rowing through Trang An grotto in the quiet, fresh air of the highlands, with only the sound of birds and the oars stirring the clear water and surrounded by magnificent forested mountains upon which graze white goats, visitors enjoy a heaven on earth.

By Thuy Nguyen/ The Saigon Times

MissWorld 2008: Duong Truong Thien Ly

2008-11-26T21:31:00.002+07:00

Vote for Miss Vietnam - Duong Truong Thien Ly now

Phan Thiet- a place to explore and stay in

2008-11-26T20:58:00.002+07:00

Visitors to new places often remember them because of beautiful landscapes and local specialties. In Phan Thiet, a coastal city about 200 kilometers from HCMC, people are not only attracted by the tourism sites in the area but also by something interesting on the way to the city and back.

For many travelers, riding on a motorbike is the best way to experience beautiful sights along the road, to enjoy ancient streets in the warm and pleasant air of the central region during any season of the year. On Ham Tien, a romantic street which runs beside many popular resorts and the Lau Ong Hoang, visitors should never miss a chance to drop by Poshanu Cham Tower, a complex of towers and temple relics of the Cham dynasty on Ba Nai hill.

Visitors to Phan Thiet can learn about the history of the city from hearty local residents. Many years ago, Cham ethnic people called the land Hama Lithit, which means “a flat field near the sea”. Later, the name Lithit was passed down orally by Kinh people, gradually turning out to Phan Thiet.

Today the city is a famous tourist destination with many beauty spots. Ca Ty River is considered one of the most interesting with bridges above and the ideal venue for grand festivals, like ship races and flower lantern floating. Such events attract hundreds of thousands of local and international visitors to the river and nearby locations each year.

Located by the river is Phan Thiet water tower with the French name of Château d’eau. The 32-meter tower, which was constructed by Laos’ architect and king Souphanouvong in late 1928, is a symbol of the city. Words of U.E.PT (Unise Des Eaux de Phan Thiet) on the body are joined from broken glass due to economical difficulties after the tower was completed in 1934.

It is interesting to wander to each corner of the city on a warm evening and drop by street eateries to enjoy specialties like banh xeo (rice pancake), or snail salad. Many people love can cake, a traditional dish with green onions, boiled eggs, braised fish and sour pickles.

The beautiful images of sights and people in Phan Thiet City seem to cling to many tourists when they leave. With the sweet and red dragon fruits, dry fish, or scented fish sauce along side, they feel like bringing parts of the city to their home.

By Khue Viet Truong/
The Saigon Times

Are you ready for the country?

2008-11-24T21:42:00.002+07:00

Duc Hanh travels to Giang Mo village in Hoa Binh province where Muong people live in a wonderfully idyllic setting.

After a two hour drive from Hanoi I arrive at Giang Mo village in Cao Phong district of Hoa Binh province. It’s a typically tranquil setting that you find in the Vietnamese countryside. Just a few hours from the capital means it is a great spot for a quick getaway.

It remains relatively tourist free, despite the fact that it hopes to promote itself as a ‘tourism village’. The village is populated by Muong people, the third largest ethnic group in Vietnam with an estimated population of 1.2 million, the bulk of which dwell in the mountainous regions of Hoa Binh province or Thanh Hoa province.

A hundred stilt-houses built on the slope of mountains look down onto the terraced fields of the villagers. Outside each house, there is a small shrine dedicated to Muong people’s gods and ancestors. The bucolic landscape is inspiring. The autumnal air is fresh and fragrant. I can smell young sticky-rice and wild flowers in the air. I stand on a small wooden bridge and trace the route of the clear-water stream that zigzags across the fields.

The locals born and bred in this bewitching, near hypnotic spot, are friendly and full of smiles – even as they work. Women weave fabric and embroider brocades or shell corn. The men busy themselves by sharpening knives or making bows and arrows.

By and large traditional life is untainted here. Bamboo water wheels and half-pipes irrigate the fields. Houses use wooden rice mortars and handmade reaping-hooks. Furniture is made out of rattan. The village lives off farming rice and breeding poultry and/or cattle, not tourism.

Walking around the village, I stop at one of the biggest stilt-houses and enquire about lunch. The owners are kind and hospitable and I’m invited and offered tea made from a peach tree’s roots. The tea, I must admit, tasted rather strange, but I was assured it was very good for digestion! While his wife prepared lunch, Ha Van Can, the owner of the house, happily talks about Muong people’s ancient customs, lifestyle and habits. He is clearly house-proud.

The stilt-house is quite long and high. It is made with large wooden pillars, bamboo walls and floorboards, and thatched with palm leaves roof. There is no private room in the house. The cooking fire is placed in the middle of house. Here a pot is always on the boil. Dried corn hangs from the smoking-shelf above the fire.

Can displays his hunting trophies – a large wild ox skull complete with horns, a fanged wild boar, and the teeth of a bear he says he hunted for over 40 years! “Now there are very few wild animals here,” he says, perhaps not sensing the bitter irony, that he played a part in their demise. He attributes the loss of wild animals to the forests being destroyed. “The government banned the hunting of wild animals, so I make hunting knives, bows and arrows for tourists mainly,” says Can. So is this still a truly, traditional village, I ask.

“Most of the households in our village still preserve the typical culture and lifestyle of ancient Muong people because the authority wants to turn our village into a tourist spot,” he says. “We want to earn more money from tourism but you can see not many tourists visit our village.” “If you stay overnight, you can enjoy traditional dances, folksongs and performances with drums, gongs, clarinets and the monochord. Our village has a special team of girls and boys performing traditional music for guests.”

After an hour of chatting with Can, our lunch is ready. Can’s wife, Tham serves up a large, hearty meal, though I am more taken aback by her charming outfit. She is wearing a long black velvet skirt, a light coloured brassiere embroidered with colourful patterns, a sky-blue blouse, and a white brocade headscarf. “For generations, Muong women have had to learn to weave and dye cloth, make brocades and sew clothes for their families,” says Tham. “Muong women are very good at cooking also,” she adds.

“Our daily diet is very simple, but for festivals our feasts are more sophisticated.” The proof is in the pudding. In front of me there’s a feast with sticky rice wrapped in banana leaves, boiled wild vegetables, river fish cooked with wild herbs and wrapped in lotus leaves, steamed chicken and stir-fried buffalo.

It’s worth driving to Giang Mo for the food alone! To get there: Giang Mo village is in Binh Thanh commune, Cao Phong district, Hoa Binh province, 90km west of Hanoi. From Hanoi, you can drive through Ha Dong city on National Road No.6 towards Hoa Binh city. Keep going straight and don’t turn left (the way to Mai Chau) and after 10km, Giang Mo will be on your left hand side – you can’t miss it!

By Duc Hanh/ Timeout

Central countryside welcome tourists

2008-11-24T08:34:00.002+07:00

The Truong Son route, known as the Ho Chi Minh Trail during the American war, is now a staple on many tourists' itineraries seeking access to some of the country's most authentic minority culture.

One such popular tour takes tourists along the legendary Truong Son route, to visit historical sites such as Ro village, Giang wharf, Kham Duc airport, Hoi village, Lo Xo hill, and Monique waterfall.

Tourists will also have a chance to visit and learn about the traditional carnivals and customs of ethnic minorities who have settled along the Truong Son route. Unique performances featuring "Cong Chieng" gongs and bamboo instruments are particularly exciting.

In Gung village, 80 km east of Da Nang city, tourists can visit the village's Guoi house and listen to 80-year-old artist Ating Veh lecture about the preservation of traditional art. He also plays several of the traditional instruments for the audience.

Arriving at Giang wharf and Ro village where Co Tu and Gie Trieng people live, tourists are likely to be mesmerized by the dances that ethnic girls will perform in their traditional dress.

The people of Gie Trieng, Co Tu, and Ca Dong are well known for their sacred offering ceremony marking a successful harvest in May and the Cor people in Tra My district have their own ceremony in which a buffalo is offered to the deity at the end of the harvest.

As well, the Bh'nong people in Kham Duc district participate in a victory festival with the unique custom of "seizing husbands" with pole decoration and a buffalo sacrifice as well.

In addition, Nam Giang and Dong Giang districts offer original Vietnamese food like "lam" rice cooked in bamboo, "ba kich" medicinal wine, and "ta vat" wine fermented with "ta vat" fruit will intrigue tourist's taste buds.

With the imposing Truong Son Mountain in the background of the newly launched Ho Chi Minh highway, tourist can make as many stopovers as they like at other sites such as Lo Xo hill, Monique waterfall, and several untouched forests.

Compiled by An Dien/
Thanhniennews

Unique Vietnamese bay is a must

2008-11-24T08:20:00.002+07:00

50 kilometres from the central city of Nha Trang lay the gorgeous area surrounding Van Phong Bay, one of the world's deepest bays and an ideal spot for scuba diving and eco-tourism.

The bay is formed by Hon Gom Island, and is home to a diverse ecological system replete with rain and mangrove forests, islets, peninsulas, beaches and sand dunes-almost anything a tourist could ask for in a bay.

The bay is one of the most beautiful eco-tourism sites in Vietnam thanks to a rare and diverse ecosystem.

Boasting picturesque mountains, virgin forests and lovely beaches, the bay is home to an array of rare fauna and flora.

The weather is warm throughout the year and the site's natural beauty is very much intact, uncontaminated by industrialization. Clean and untouched white sand beaches still impose themselves against the blue seawater.

United Nations tourism experts have recognised Van Phong as one of Asia's nearly perfect eco-tourism sites, and an ideal place for scuba diving.

Its blue crystal-like water and coral reefs are enough to humble the most experienced divers.

Excursions

While visiting the bay, it's hard to resist visiting the surrounding sites like Hon Ong, Dam Mon and Bai Nhau. These places remain relatively unscathed by the outside world save a few small fishing villages.

Nearby, indulge in a trip to Hon Ong (Whale Island) for more rest and relaxation amidst quiet and beautiful scenery.

You can talk to local fisherman and learn about their lifestyle and customs there or sail catamarans, go windsurfing, scuba diving, snorkelling, or take part in one of the island's many other activities.

If you grow weary of the ocean, you can walk along the beach and climb up into the mountains to observe natural wildlife in the hills.

As night falls, you can stay in bungalows along the beach or enjoy seafood with the locals.

Dam Mon Peninsula is also worth a visit as it boasts casuarina forests and the primitive Tuan Le wetland forest.

You can rest in hammocks under shady coconut trees along the beach or talk with children from fishing villages.

Scuba diving, exploring coral reefs, rowing boats and fishing for squid or cuttle-fish are popular activities at Dam Mon. From Dam Mon, you can hire a motorboat to take you all around the surrounding area.

If you have more time, you can visit all the other islands as well as fishing villages, lobster farms and farms where oysters are raised for pearls.

In 1999, the Vietnamese government allowed local authorities to draw up a plan to develop the bay into an international deep-sea port and tourism venue.

Previously, the bay had been called Port Dayot by the French.

Compiled by Hoang Bao/ Thanhniennnews

Freshwater conservation in Tram Chim goes to recovery

2008-11-21T21:57:00.003+07:00

The natural wetlands of Tram Chim National Park in Dong Thap Muoi in the Mekong Delta is on the mend more than six months after the launch of a project by Coca-Cola Vietnam and WWF, organizers said in a statement after their fact-finding trip to the park last week.

According to the statement, the project has restored native grasslands from 800 hectares in 2005 to 2,700 hectares and increased the number of Sarus cranes visiting the park from 41 in 2005 to 126 since it commenced work in the park in Dong Thap Province in April this year. The project also supports the recovery of natural conditions at Tram Chim Park’s A3 Zone, an important habitat of the Sarus crane which is listed in Vietnam Red Book.

The park stores freshwater during the flood season and releases it slowly as floodwaters recede thus preventing saline intrusion in downstream area and diminishing the negative effects of climate change. The natural environment recovery of Tram Chim is vital to improving water quality, restoring underground water and mitigating the negative impacts of floods and droughts for the wider plain as well as downstream areas of the Mekong Delta region.

The project also enhances Tram Chim’s high biodiversity which supports 130 native plant species and 232 species of birds, 16 of which are named in the IUCN Red List and/or Vietnam Red Book, as well as some 150 types of freshwater fish, or 33% of the total freshwater fish species found in the region.

A special management statute for Tram Chim, which was approved by the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development, has been developed to manage all aspects of the park operation in order to ensure sustainable use of natural resources there.

Statistics show 42,000 people now reside in the buffer zone of the park and 14% of them are living in poverty. The project aims to organize local households into user groups to encourage responsible use of natural resources in Tram Chim.

The three year project receives an annual fund of US$250,000. It is part of the US$20-million water conservation campaign conducted by WWF and Coca-Cola around the world since July last year.

“Coca-Cola’s global partnership with WWF demonstrates our commitment to water resource protection,” explained Le Van Khoi, representative of Coca-Cola Indochina.

Khoi said in Vietnam Coca-Cola collaborated with WWF in conserving the water and biodiversity of Tram Chim, and with the United Nations Development Program in providing people with clean water. The beverage maker also practices water saving in production.

As the result of the project, the provincial government has secured US$200,000 for infrastructure development, including building spillways to improve the water flow regime in Tram Chim.

Tram Chim holds the largest of the last natural remnants of Dong Thap Muoi, formerly known as the Plain of Reeds. Human activities have put deterioration of water quality, reduction of biodiversity and depletion of natural resources there at warning levels. Scientists say the risk of degradation of habitats in Tram Chim could lead to the extinction of endangered species such as the Sarus crane.

By Mong Binh in HCMC

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Bookies say Vietnamese contestant a Miss World favorite

2008-11-21T21:41:00.002+07:00

Global bookmakers say Duong Truong Thien Ly is among the top contenders for the next Miss World crown, according to globalbeauties.com.

The beauty contest tracking website has posted the latest betting odds from bookmakers around the world for the Miss World 2008.

According to Thursday’s postings, Boyle Sports ranked Ly and Miss Ecuador as tied for third at 12 to 1 odds while Ly was also ranked third by Stan James’ ranking with odds of 14 to 1.

Bet 365 ranked Ly in equal fifth position with Miss Namibia at 12 to 1 odds. Ly, and Miss Trinidad and Tobago shared the fourth position in Game Bookers with odds of 13 to 1.

Ly, a second runner up at Miss Universe Vietnam 2008, has the best pre-competition odds any Vietnamese Miss World contestant has ever had.

She was chosen to attend the pageant in Johannesburg, South Africa, to replace Miss Vietnam 2008 Tran Thi Thuy Dung after Dung was disqualified for not having graduated high school.

Reported by Danh Nghi

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Vote for Thien Ly - Vote for Vietnam

Largest pagoda of Vietnam on the way

2008-11-19T22:00:00.002+07:00

The largest pagoda complex in Vietnam, Bai Dinh Pagoda, is located at Gia Sinh Commune, Gia Vien District in the northern province of Ninh Binh, 95 kilometers south of Hanoi. Even though it is still under construction, with expected date of completion in 2010 to mark the 1,000th anniversary of Thang Long or Hanoi, it is still attracting a large number of pilgrims and tourists.

The pagoda complex is being built in a hilly region near the ancient Bai Dinh Pagoda which was established by monk Nguyen Minh Khong (1065 – 1141) who turned the caves of the 200-meter high Bai Dinh Mountain into the pagoda. According to fengshui, the pagoda, with its back leaning on Bai Dinh Mountain and its front looking down the Hoang Long River, has a very good location. Moreover, with the location site being far from any residential area in a hilly region covered with green old trees attracting nesting birds, the new pagoda has a quiet and peaceful atmosphere and gives visitors a tranquil feeling.

The pagoda complex stretches over 100 hectares with three temples (past, present, future), Tam The, Phap Chu and the temple to honor the goddess of mercy, and one bell tower. The length from the gate to the highest temple of Tam The is 800 meters. Running from low to high are two corridors of houses, placing 500 arahats at a height of over two meters.

Bai Dinh is also famous for its record-breaking works, such as the three statues of Buddha in the past, present and future weighing 50 tons per statue in Tam The temple, a Buddha statue weighing 100 tons in Phap Chu temple and two bells weighing 36 tons and 27 tons.

The pagoda, which is only five kilometers away from two popular tourism destinations of co do Hoa Lu, the ancient capital of Vietnam from 968 to 1010 and the Trang An cave area, could become the center for tourism of Ninh Binh Province when it is completed.

From: The Saigon Times

Dai Beach - Phu Quoc Island

2008-11-19T21:44:00.002+07:00

This peaceful tropical paradise, floats in the warm turquoise waters in the Gulf of Thailand, 50kms from the Vietnamese mainland and a 50 minute flight from Ho Chi Minh City.

(Dai Beach)

In one day, visitors can experience the culture of Vietnam at the local market in the morning, relax on a remote and stunning beach in the afternoon, enjoy a delicious dinner and drinks at one of the restaurants and enjoy accommodation at the variety of hotels and resorts on this superb tropical island getaway. Open year round with a peak season from November to March, Phu Quoc is becoming well known for stunning beaches, untouched natural environment, the easy going and relaxed atmosphere, friendly locals, and fantastic scuba diving and snorkelling.

The island also gives holiday makers the opportunity to discover an amazing array of animal and plant life throughout the year, with the majority of the island dedicated to National Park or protected marine environment. Phu Quoc Island provides a memorable experience, with plenty of exciting activities and places to visit to keep you and the family entertained during your stay........

Plus:

Green field in my liberty

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Tourism of Ba Ria - Vung Tau province looks forward to 2010

2008-11-17T22:10:00.003+07:00

On the threshold of potential advantages and challenges to the risk of lagging behind, direction and task to tourism development in the period 2006-2010 have just been formed by tourism branch of Ba Ria - Vung Tau Province as follows: determinedly striving for welcoming 7.6 million visitors in 2010, therein about 360 thousand foreign visitors, turnover of VND 1,760 billion. To reach the target of double turnover at present, what will the tourism branch of Ba Ria - Vung Tau Province do in coming period ?

Since 2001 and up to now, tourism activities of Ba Ria - Vung Tau Province have reached prosperity and positive changes, many special subjects have been executed for the purpose of making tourism environment good. In the period 2001 – 2005, tourism operation always get effective, the planned norm is over-fulfilled; total estimated turnover reached VND 889 billion at “top ten” position in the country in 2005. Investment in tourism developed considerably within the past five years. In the period 1996-2000, there were 6 projects with the registered capital of nearly VND 600 billion. In the period 2001-2005, Ba Ria - Vung Tau Province attracted 64 investment projects for tourism with the total registered capital of about VND 5,000 billion…. At present, there are 90 hotels and tourism sites, which increases 20% in comparion with the year 2001, therein there are 14 hotels and tourism sites with standards of the 3 – 4 star categories all the province. The achievement was reached thanks to directions, clear strategies of tourism development from the provincial committee of the Party and People’s Committee of the province in every period.

However, tourism of Ba Ria - Vung Tau Province has not yet developed in correspondence with potentialites and advantages of the province in past years. The growth rate still resembles the style of equal advance; the growth rate in the following year is higher than the one in the previous year; the growth rate in the following period is higher than the one in the previous period. There haven’t been great advances and breakthrough in the growth rate. The reasons why it is like that are the slowly - executed master plan for tourism, no considerable investment and no special large - scale projects for tourism, lack of the wonderful types of tourism with competitive ability to attract tourists and make great advances…Many infrastructure projects for directly serving tourism was slowly executed, haven’t been satisfactory and taken effect yet as required. Besides, there are deficiency of close co-ordination among relevant agencies in tourism development; the procedures for investment in eco-tourism sites relevant to forestry land are complicated; point of departure of the provincial tourism depended on almost small businesses with limited capacity for competition…Formerly, while tourism activities were dull in other localities such as Binh Thuan, Quang Nam, Da Nang, Khanh Hoa Province soared and reached a great achievement in Vietnamese tourism activities. This caused people not to have peace of mind and worry about Ba Ria - Vung Tau tourism’s lagging behind although quantity of visitors to the province and its turnover are many times as high as the ones of the other provinces. Solutions of Ba Ria - Vung Tau tourism to attracting the high-class visitors, increasing their expenses and stay presented in coming years are better than the ones to simple increase in quantity of domestic visitors. Therefore, the increase in the large-scale investment projects and clearer policies on land and tax is necessary. Land should be transferred to investors with real financial resources and capacity for business to increase the province’s ability for competiting and attracting the high-class visitors.

On the threshold of potential advantages and challenges to the risk of lagging behind, direction and task to tourism development in the period 2006-2010 have just been formed by tourism branch of the province as follows: striving for pushing Ba Ria - Vung Tau Province for a tourism centre in the country and the area until 2010 and orienting development until 2015. To reach the goal, the tourism branch had to understand clearly socioeconomic conditions of the province for the purpose of raising quality and effect of activities on pushing investment and developing advantages of nature, ecotourism, traditional culture. Relying on that, investing in infrastructure for tourism, developing and diversifying tourism services, raising quality of facilites and effect of state management on tourism, training and developing human resources, applying science and technology in tourism, strengthening propaganda and spread, protecting natural and social environments for tourism development are required.

From: Vung Tau Tourist

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Image from: Yeutoidi

Ao dai Vietnam in EURO

2008-11-16T15:02:00.004+07:00

Nguyen Pham Bao Quynh, a Vietnamese Hungarian student won the first ever Miss Vietnam in Europe title at Troxy Theatre in London on the night of November 9th.

Image by Netlife

Bonjour Vietnam - Pham Quynh Anh

2008-11-14T23:21:00.001+07:00

Pham Quynh Anh, who earned fame from the lyric “Bonjour Vietnam,” finally touched the soil of Vietnam on Monday and said “hello” to reporters in HCMC on Thursday.

She is in Vietnam to perform at a Gala Dinner in HCMC today to celebrate the European Chamber of Commerce’s (EuroCham) 10th anniversary in Vietnam before traveling to Halong Bay.

“Vietnam is different from what I thought before I arrived here,” Anh said, adding that her emotion for this country was strong when she set foot on Vietnamese soil. She said her trip to Vietnam would give her more inspiration in performing “Bonjour Vietnam”.

Anh visited District 5’s market and pagoda and some artisans. She enjoyed pho (Vietnamese noodle soup with beef or chicken) whose taste is different from the pho she eats in Europe, and Hue food specialties.

She said she was surprised at the number of motorcycles and felt confident to contact local people as they gave her a friendly look. She said she felt at home.

She went to the school where her mother used to study and took photographs to show her mother how it is now after more than 20 years. She said she hoped she would have more time to explore Vietnam when she comes back to sing more songs including one or two in Vietnamese for a wider audience instead of the limited audience at the EuroCham gala dinner.

The dinner will be joined by Vietnamese singers Hong Nhung and Duc Tuan as well as a European jazz band.

EuroCham chairman Alain Cany said it was fortunate that Anh accepted to perform at the upcoming event during her first trip, which he described “emotional” for her. Cany added that EuroCham made everything possible to bring her to Vietnam.

EuroCham is an organization which bridges Vietnam and Europe. Anh is a good choice for that mission as she grew up in European and Vietnamese cultures.

She said she would release her album next year with the participation of French popular song writer Marc Lavoine. The songs in the album are about her, Asia and Vietnam.

Anh was first known by the French-speaking community when she recorded the song “J’espere” (I hope)” by Lavoine and has toured France, Switzerland and Belgium.

This is a Vietnam's beauty slideshow (visualgui) with a soft, sweet and sensuous vocals of the young Vietnamese-Belgian Pham Quynh Anh performing "Bonjour Vietnam" a wonderful French ballad written by Marc Lavoine.

French lyric :

Bonjour Vietnam

Raconte moi ce nom étrange et difficile à prononcer
Que je porte depuis que je suis née.
Raconte moi le vieil empire et le trait de mes yeux bridés,
Qui disent mieux que moi ce que tu n'oses dire.
Je ne sais de toi que des images de la guerre,
Un film de Coppola, [et] des hélicoptères en colère ...
Un jour, j'irai là bas, un jour dire bonjour à ton âme.
Un jour, j'irai là bas [pour] te dire bonjour, Vietnam.
Raconte moi ma couleur, mes cheveux et mes petits pieds,
Qui me portent depuis que je suis née.
Raconte moi ta maison, ta rue, raconte moi cet inconnu,
Les marchés flottants et les sampans de bois.
Je ne connais de mon pays que des photos de la guerre,
Un film de Coppola, [et] des hélicoptères en colère ...
Un jour, j'irai là bas, un jour dire bonjour à mon âme.
Un jour, j'firai là bas [pour] te dire bonjour, Vietnam.
Les temples et les Boudhas de pierre pour mes pères,
Les femmes courbées dans les rizières pour mes mères,
Dans la prière, dans la lumière, revoir mes frères,
Toucher mon âme, mes racines, ma terre...
Un jour, j'irai là bas, un jour dire bonjour à mon âme.
Un jour, j'irai là bas [pour] te dire bonjour, Vietnam (2 fois)

An english version (Likeguslee)

Hello Vietnam

Tell me this name, strange and difficult to pronounce
That I have carried since my birth
Tell me the old empire and the feature of my slanted eyes
Describing me better than what you dare not say
I only know you from the war images
A Coppola movie, (and) the angry helicopters
Someday, I will go there, someday to say hello to your soul
Someday, I will go there, to say hello to you, Vietnam
Tell me my color, my hair and my small feet
That I have carried since my birth
Tell me your house, your street, tell me this unknown entity
The floating markets and the wooden sampans
I could only recognize my country from the war photos
A Coppola movie, (and) the helicopters in anger
Someday, I will go there, someday to say hello to your soul
Someday, I will go there, to say hello to you, Vietnam
The temples and the stone-carved Buddha statues for my fathers
The stooping women in the rice fields for my mothers
Praying in the light to see my brothers again
To touch my soul, my roots, my land..
Someday, I will go there, someday to say hello to your soul
Someday, I will go there, to say hello to you, Vietnam (twice)

Vietnamese Lyric :

Bản dịch tiếng Việt ca khúc Bonjour Vietnam:

Hãy kể cho tôi biết cái tên khó gọi mà tôi đã mang từ thuở sơ sinh
Hãy kể cho tôi về đất nước xa xưa và về đôi mắt xếch của tôi
đôi mắt biểu lộ lòng tôi hơn những lời không dám thốt lên
Tôi chỉ biết quê nhà qua những hình ảnh chiến tranh
Qua phim của Coppola với những chiếc trực thăng hung dữ...
Một ngày nào đó, tôi sẽ về chào hồn thiêng dân tộc
Một ngày nào đó, tôi sẽ về chào Việt Nam
Hãy kể tôi nghe về màu da, mái tóc và bàn chân nhỏ bé của tôi
Đã theo tôi từ lúc mới chào đời
Hãy kể tôi nghe về căn nhà, con đường và vùng đất tôi chưa biết
có chợ nhóm trên sông và thuyền tam bản
Tôi chỉ biết quê nhà qua những hình ảnh chiến tranh
Qua phim của Coppola với những chiếc trực thăng hung dữ...
Một ngày nào đó, tôi sẽ về chào hồn thiêng dân tộc
Một ngày nào đó, tôi sẽ về chào Việt Nam
Sẽ đi thăm những ngôi chùa, tượng phật, thay cho cha
Chào hỏi những người phụ nữ cấy lúa trên ruộng đồng, thay cho mẹ
Trong lời nguyện cầu, trong ánh sáng chan hòa, tôi sẽ gặp lại các anh em
Trở về sống với tiếng lòng, cội nguồn, với đất mẹ quê cha
Một ngày nào đó, tôi sẽ về gặp lại linh hồn của tôi
Một ngày nào đó, tôi sẽ về chào Việt Nam

Impressive Vietnam

2008-11-14T22:22:00.003+07:00

Impressive Vietnam is a Special Offer Campaign for Visitors to Vietnam
from January to September 2009.

Special Offers include a discount up to 50% of package tours, accommodation, shopping, airline
and couch offers, as well as other special offers from concerned service supply enterprises.

Welcome to Vietnam! Your journey will be enjoyable and impressive!

Package tours detail: http://www.promotours.gov.vn/index.php?cat=01

Vietnam National Administration of Tourism

Ba Be Lake - a haven of serenity

2008-11-13T23:32:00.003+07:00

Ba Be can be described as a place of peace and serenity. The beautiful lake in the northern province of Bac Kan is listed as one of the world’s 20 largest freshwater lakes.

Ba Be, meaning three lakes, was created by the confluence of river tributaries Pe Lam, Pe Lu and Pe Leng after earthquakes tens of millions of years ago. The lakes are part of Ba Be National Park.

The earthquakes are also believed to have shaped the Nang River, an additional attraction in Ba Be National Park and a natural water way that leads you to a world of surprises.

To get there you need to drive six kilometers from the administration center of Ba Be National Park to Buoc Lom Wharf, where you board a motored boat on the Nang River. The boat drifts through the bends of the river and past scenic high cliffs, mountains and crop fields on both sides of the bank. Some 15 minutes later, the boat is driven into the 300-meter-long, 30-meter-high Puong cave for you to explore the world of bats which fly just above the head and perch on stalactites.

Bamboo creepers on the cliffs by the river make the tour special. Le Van Phuong, a travel guide from the park’s tourism center, says this endemic variety is a rare plant that only grows well in Ba Be National Park and is listed as one of the endangered floral species in Vietnam.

The tour then takes in a small quiet village at the foot of mountain ranges, where 20 households of the Tay people live. You can see locals farming and buffalos grazing grass near them. The boat passes the waterway to Ba Be and continues its downstream move to a wharf on the Nang River. Here you will step onto the right bank and walk one kilometer downstream to Dau Dang Waterfall. The Nang River runs down 900 meters of stones and boulders, creating the striking waterfall.

Orchids in the riverside trees sway in the wind to welcome vistors back to the crossroads between the Nang River and the way to Ba Be. You turn right into the tributary of light blue water and then head for Ba Be Lake. At this area, it is easy to differentiate the water of the river as it is full of alluvium.

The tributary leads to Lake 3, which is the second largest lake. Surprisingly, there is a natural pond that is separated from this lake. Nestled amidst old trees and mountains, the pond is called Ao Tien (fairy pond) as a legend says it was a place where fairies used to bathe and play. The pond is never out of water and its water is as clear as the water of the third lake, which is why locals are sure there are underground links between this lake and the ponds.

Leaving Ao Tien, the boat runs slowly through Lake 2 to Lake 1, which is the biggest lake. Birds sing in the trees and fly alongside the boat while monkeys sound out greetings. Many islets dot Ba Be Lake and their names are attached to legends or true stories which travel guides will tell you during the tour in this lake. Among the islets are Ba Goa (widow’s islet) and the islet on which a temple was built to commemorate the generals of the Mac family.

If time is short, just take the boat ride along the Nang River and Ba Be Lake that is still and serene in the early morning, in the sunlight and at the sunset.

Not many tourists visit Ba Be National Park so it still offers a haven of peace and tranquility away from the bustle of city life. In addition to the river and lake tour you can trek to local villages where Tay and Mong peoples live and keep their traditions.

This park was established 16 years ago. Phuong of the national park’s tourism center says it takes three days to visit the attractions of the park, whose core area covers more than 10,000 hectares.

The eight-kilometer-long, 1.7-kilometer-wide Ba Be Lake covers 500 hectares and is surrounded by a primitive forest on limestone mountains. It is home to 106 fish species and other diverse flora and fauna species, including rare ones.

Ba Be National Park is nearly 300 kilometers from Hanoi and 50 kilometers from Bac Kan Municipality. The tour to this national park can be booked at travel firms in Hanoi.

From: Mong Binh / The Saigon Times

Second Tea Cultural Festival opens to honor tea industry

2008-11-13T23:20:00.001+07:00

The second Tea Cultural Festival will take place in the central uplands province of Lam Dong’s Bao Loc Town, the tea processing center in the province, from December 4 to 7, organized by the local authorities in collaboration with the Vietnam Tea Association, Lam Dong Province Trade Promotion Center and a communications JS Co. Ngoc Viet.

This is an eco-cultural event with an aim to honor and promote B’Lao tea trademark in general and Lam Dong tea in particular. The festival is full of pride for local tea farmers and processors, especially in Bao Loc, Di Linh and Cau Dat districts.

The festival is the occasion to honor the tea industry and farmers, organizations and enterprises who contribute to the development of the tea industry, as well as to strengthen the position of tea growing in the province.

The event is also to create an exchange bridge for expanding cooperative opportunities between individuals and firms in tea growing, processing and doing business together.

The festival features a parade “Animated festival”, a fair and trade promotion “B’Lao – Viet tea trademark”, opening night themed “B’Lao’s beauty” and closing night “B’Lao – light of belief “ as well as a tea drinking festive night titled “Tea in space and time”. Moreover, guests at the festival will have a chance to see a fashion show contest “Charm of tea region”, join a talk and forum “Tea and notes” and other open activities such as bicycle, canoe races, tea making competitions, football, folk games and a photo exhibition “B’Lao – my country”.

Currently, Lam Dong Province grows about 27,000 hectares of many varieties of tea. The province sees an annual turnover of US$40 million. The first tea cultural festival held on December 2006 left a strong impression with guests.

Schedule of the second Tea Cultural Festival

- Parade “animated festival”: December 4 from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Fair and Trade Promotion “ B’Lao – Viet Tea Trademark” opens at 10a.m. on December 4 and ends on December 7, attracting between 70 and 100 enterprises with about 120 to 150 showcases.

- Opening night themed “Beauty of Viet Tea” from 8 p.m. to 8:45 p.m. on November 4 in Bao Loc Town’s Square”, television direct broadcasting on VTV9 Channel

- Forum and Talk titled “Tea and notes of tea” from 8 a.m. to 11 a.m. on December 5 and 6 at the meeting hall in Bao Loc Technical and Vocational Training School

- Fashion contest “Charms of tea region” takes place on December 5 and 6 on the stage of Bao Loc Town’s Square. The contest will be television by direct broadcasting on LTV channel.

- Festive night “ Night of beauty of the Central Highlands” from: 7 p.m. to 10 p.m. on December 5 at Dambri Waterfall

- Tea enjoying festive night themed “Tea in space and time” from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m. on December 6 at Bao Loc Technical and Vocational Training School

- Closing night titled “B’Lao – light of belief”: from 8 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. on December 7 at the Bao Loc Town’s Square.

Source: The Saigon Times

Hanoi Photos Continue...

2008-11-11T21:56:00.002+07:00

Indochina’s old dame, Hanoi is striving to modernize, yet unwilling to let go of the beauty of its glorious past.

Slightly vain, the city won’t bow down and give any tourists and easy time. Only those who are truly willing to understand and listen will recognize the logic of Hanoi's beauty, the complexity of its chaos and peace, its urban speed and rural tranquility.

History and name

Hanoi used to be called Thang Long (flying dragon). The myth was that in 2010, the new king Ly Cong Uan while visiting this valley saw a dragon flying into the sky, and took this as an omen that this place was a suitable capital to rule. Thang Long had rich soil and good defense because it was surrounded by the Red River and backed by mountains.

The city was later renamed Hanoi (which means inside the river) in 1831 when the Nguyen dynasty moved capital to Hue. Hanoi was returned its status as capital during the French rule from 1887 to 1954, and continued to be the capital, first of Communist North Vietnam (from 1954) and later, of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam.

As of 2008, Hanoi will be expanded to include the surrounding province of Hatay and parts of Ha Dong, to a size of 3.200km2 and population of over 6 million people.

Photos by My Vietnam Travel Pictures / Martin Nguyen

Taking a trip to highlands wonders and ethnic minorities

2008-11-11T21:49:00.002+07:00

Stunning mountain scenery, forests teaming with wildlife and majestic waterfalls are some of the natural wonders of the 11-day-and-10-night tour to the highlands regions organized by Ben Thanh Tourist Service Co.

Vietnam is one of the most populated countries in the world with 54 peoples living in the same territory. Up to 95% of the Kinh people live in the lowlands, while the rest live in the upland regions, in Buon Ma Thuot, Kon Tum, Pleiku, Sapa and Bac Ha.

On the way to Buon Ma Thuot travelers will appreciate the fresh mountain air of the highlands and be delighted with the D’ray Sap waterfall, the most imposing waterfall of the Serepok river. At the villages of the Ede ethnic people the tour group will make a camp, light a fire and enjoy ruou can (wine drunk out of a jar through pipes) as they listen to the gong performances. Gongs are recognized as a masterpiece of oral and intangible heritage by UNESCO and are regarded as the most sacred objects in each family and tribe of ethnic minority people, as well as the soul of the central uplands. This is also where the more adventurous can have a ride on the back of an elephant.

In Kontum – Pleiku, the home of many ethnic groups such as Ede, Xe Dang and H’re, tourists can join the activities of local people including cutting wood, digging potatoes and visiting Kon Ktu and J’rai Daktu villages and the Museum of Ethnology to learn more about the cultural features and life style of ethnic minorities groups.

Leaving behind the splendid and impressive scenery and friendly highlanders, tourists will take a flight to Hanoi to visit Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, Hoan Kiem Lake, One pillar Pagoda, Ngoc Son Temple and the Museum of Ethnology. At night, a water puppy show will serve as a special gift of the city capital. From Hanoi the tour travels to Lao Cai by train and heads on to Sapa.

The Sapa area is famous for the spectacular scenery that surrounds the Queen of Mountains, including cascading rice terraces that spill down like a patchwork quilt. In the cold weather the mountains are often shrouded in mist that rolls back and forth along the peaks, offering tantalizing glimpses of what lies in wait on a clear day.

In the foggy city of Sapa, tourists can trek down to visit the villages of H’Mong and Dao ethnic groups in Ta Phin Commune, and on the weekends stroll around Love Market.

From Sapa, tours are arranged to Bac Ha- Lao Cai, home to many Dao, Nung and Tay minorities. Here, tourists can enjoy folk games and music performances and visit Bac Ha Market to buy the colorful local costumes of locals as well as specialties and souvenirs.

Contact Ben Thanh Tourist Service Company at 86 Ly Tu Trong, District 1, HCMH. Tel: (08) 3 520 2020 or (08) 3 822 2506, Email: inbound-e@benthanhtourist.com or web: www.benthanhtourist.com.

New romantic tours for couples

2008-11-09T20:31:00.001+07:00

Vietnam is growing in popularity as a destination to foreign tourists, of whom many are couples and newlyweds seeking a romantic holiday. In response Vietnam’s tour operators have designed some special tours at Vietnam’s beautiful beaches.

For couples wanting to escape from a noisy, urban life, Saigontourist Holding Co. has introduced a cluster of romantic, short tours called “Take care together”.

The three-day tour “Love at the Vinpearl Land” is priced at VND13.8 million per couple, exclusive of flight ticket, and the three-day tour “Romance on Pearl Island – Con Dao” is priced at VND3.7 million a couple exclusive flight ticket.

The four-day-and-three-night tour “Nha Trang – the beauty of sea and island” costs between VND4.6 million and VND5.9 million a couple and the two-day-and-one-night tour “romantic night in Ha Long” is VND9.25 million a couple.

The “Love at the Vinpearl Land” tour features a fascinating trip in cable car to the Vinpearl Land resort in the central coast city of Nha Trang for time to relax in a hot spring mineral bath and mineral mud silica at Thap Ba Hot Spring Center. The fresh air and blue sea water melt away daily worries.

Newlyweds will enjoy spending some time along in the five-star hotel with a view over the sea as they plan their new life together. They will be welcomed with warm greetings and luxury buffet parties.

In Con Dao, couples are free to discover isolated sand dunes such as Dam Trau dune, Da Trang rock field with endless rocky layers in mysterious white color and Love top, the ideal place for couples to express their feelings.

As part of these special honeymoon tours, Saigontourist will give the happy couples meaningful gifts and flower boutiques, an umbrella and a discount voucher for their next visit.

Fiditour Tourist Company has also designed special tours and programs and packages called “Only us”, including the following four-day-package tours: “Nha Trang – the happy paradise”, priced at VND17.3 million a couple, “Phan Thiet – Mui Ne- Love Paradise” priced at VND11.6 million a couple, “Con Dao – isolated nature” priced at VND10.5 million per guest, “Phu Quoc – Passionate Love” priced at VND12.1 million, “Hoi An – together in the ancient town” priced at VND19.8 million a couple. The three-day package tour “Ha Long –poetic Love” is priced at VND20.44 million.

At Saigon Phu Quoc Resort and Spa couples will have unforgettable moments with a romantic dinner on the beach, excursions to the islands, diving and onboard fishing.

For more information, visit Saigontourist Travel Service: 49 Le Thanh Ton Street, District 1, HCMC. Call (08) 3 8279 297 or infor@saigontourist.net. Fiditour: 129 Nguyen Hue Boulevard, District 1, HCMC. Tel: (08) 3 914 1414, email: fiditour@hcm.vnn.vn, or the representative office of Saigon-Phu Quoc Resort and Spa: 81 Bui Vien Street, District 1, HCMC. Tel: (08) 3 920 5640, email: sgphuquocresort@hcm.vnn.vn

Source: The Saigon Times

Hoan Kiem Lake - Hanoi Capital - Vietnam

2008-11-09T20:20:00.002+07:00

Hoan Kiem Lake (Vietnamese: Hồ Hoàn Kiếm, meaning "Lake of the Returned Sword" or "Lake of the Restored Sword", also known as Hồ Gươm - Sword Lake) is a lake in the historical center of Hanoi, the capital city of Vietnam. The lake is one of the major scenic spots in the city and serves as a focal point for its public life.

According to the legend, emperor Le Loi handed a magic sword called Heaven's Will which brought him victory in his revolt against the Chinese Ming Dynasty back to the Golden Turtle God (Kim Qui) in the lake and hence gave it its present name (the lake was formerly known as "Luc Thuy" meaning "Green Water"). The Tortoise Tower (Thap Rua) standing on a small island near the center of lake is linked to the legend.

Large soft-shell turtles, either of the species Rafetus swinhoei or a separate species named Rafetus leloii in honor of the emperor, have been sighted in the lake. The species is critically endangered and the number of individuals in the lake is unclear.

Near the northern shore of the lake lies Jade Island on which the Ngoc Son Temple (Jade Mountain Temple) stands. The temple was erected in the 18th century. It honors the 13-century military leader Tran Hung Dao who distinguished himself in the fight against the Yuan Dynasty, Van Xuong, a scholar, and Nguyen Van Sieu, a Confucian master and famous writer in charge of repairs made to the temple in 1864. Jade Island is connected to the shore by the wooden red-painted Huc Bridge (The Huc, meaning Morning Sunlight Bridge).

Source: here
Photo from: Xom Nhiep Anh

Vietnamese documentaries screened in the US

2008-11-08T13:30:00.000+07:00

Three Vietnamese films will be screened in six universities in the US from October 29 to November 15 by the Institute for Vietnamese Culture & Education (IVCE).

Nhung con duong va duong di bo (Roads and Sidewalks) by Tran Viet Thuy, who is a professor at the University of Cornell; and two other Vietnamese documentaries, Cha me xin loi con (Parents apologize to you) and La thu tu Dong Van (The Letter from Dong Van), will be shown at the universities of New York, Princeton, Yale, Brown, Wesleyan and Pennsylvania.

IVCE President Tran Thang says the Institute selects two Vietnamese films for screening every year. This year, it decided to choose two documentaries to introduce real life Vietnamese contemporary society to young Vietnamese Americans and American audiences.

The 37-minute Cha me xin loi con, directed by Phan Huyen Thu, talks about a poor building worker, Tong Phuoc Phuc, and a group of good people who collect aborted human embryos to bury in a cemetery on a small hill in Khanh Hoa Province.

The 23-minute La thu tu Dong Van filmed by Nguyen Huu Tuan – who acted as cameraman for Bao gio cho den thang 10 (When will October come), which has just been honored among the 18 best Asian films of all time by CNN – is all about the life of the Mong ethnic minority, who live in northern mountainous town of Sa Pa.

Phan Huyen Thu and Nguyen Huu Tuan will visit the US to interact with the audience and answer their questions.

Source: Tuoi Tre