Wednesday, December 31, 2014

National Tourism Year 2014 lures 6 mil visitors into Central Highlands

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Central Highlands-Da Lat National Tourism YearThe Central Highlands-Da Lat National Tourism Year 2014 has attracted 6 million visitors and generated a revenue of over VND10,000 billion to the tourism sector, a 12% increase over last year. 

The information was unveiled at the closing ceremony held in Da Lat city in the central highlands province of Lam Dong on December 27.

With 74 events held across Da Lat city and five central highlands provinces, tourism potential, tourism products and unique culture of indigenous ethnic groups were introduced to both local and foreign tourists.

According to the organizing board, the Central Highlands-Da Lat National Tourism Year 2014 attracted some 6 million visitors with the number of international tourists growing by 7% against last year. Notably, Da Lat city alone welcomed 4.8 visitors, grossing VND8,500 billion.

In his closing address, Minister of Culture, Sports and Tourism Hoang Tuan Anh attributed the Tourism Year’s success to positive contributions of Central Highlands and other localities.

He emphasized the need to develop tourism in line with environmental protection, sustainable development and the conservation of cultural identities.

The organizing board also handed over the flag to representatives from Thanh Hoa province for the  National Tourism Year 2015. 

 

Source: VOV

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Source : news[dot]com[dot]vn
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Vietnam Airlines told to cut short-haul fares

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Vietnam’s aviation authority has asked the Ministry of Transport to push fares on certain domestic Vietnam Airlines flights below the reduced cap as global fuel prices fall.

Passengers disembark from a Vietnam Airlines flight. Photo: Dao Ngoc Thach

 

The Civil Aviation Authority of Vietnam (CAAV) has suggested that the Ministry of Transport cut economy fares on short-haul domestic flights by more than 23 percent from the current VND1.7 million (US$79.5) maximum to VND1.3 million ($60.8).

On December 19, the Ministry of Finance approved the CAAV proposal to lower the cap on domestic economy-class airfares that cover less than 500 kilometers by 15 percent in 2015.

The recommendation came after the authority found that the drop in international oil prices had cut the carrier's costs by 17 percent.

The CAAV said several short routes remain prohibitively expensive for the airline's target customers.

The routes that will be affected by the cost cut include Hanoi – Na San (in the northern mountainous province of Son La), Ho Chi Minh City – Can Tho/Ca Mau/Con Dao, Vung Tau – Con Dao, Can Tho – Con Dao, Da Nang – Vinh/Pleiku/Quy Nhon/Dong Hoi.

The CAAV will make further price reduction recommendations on other routes this week.

The 2011 fare caps for flights between 500 and 1,280 kilometers range between VND2.25 million to VND4 million.

Most carriers charge between 70 and 84 percent of the cap, according to CAAV.

“The fare reductions will consider several factors, like the number of customers, to make sure the carriers continue to profit and the customers benefit from the reductions in the price of oil,” a CAAV official told news website VnExpress.

 

Source: Thanh Nien News

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VN welcomes nearly 8 million int’l guests in 2014

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The number of international visitors to Viet Nam was estimated at over 7.8 million, representing a year-on-year surge of 4%, according to the General Statistics Office (GSO).

The GSO also reported that in December, Viet Nam welcomed over 657,300 foreign guests, seeing a month-on-month growth of 8%. The organization of various large-scale cultural and gastronomy events in famous tourism centres was attributed to the big surge.

Over 4.7 million foreigners came to the country for tourism and convalescence, up 2.6% against last year.

Meanwhile, more than 1.32 million people arrived in Viet Nam for business (up 4.3%); 1.34 million others for visiting relatives (up 6.9%).

As many as 6.22 million foreigners travelled by air (up 4%); 47,600 people by sea (down 75.4%); and over 1.6 million on road (up 14.8%).

The number of Asian guests was over 5.3 million, posting a year-on-year growth of 4.5% of which those from the Republic of Korea was 848,000 (up 13.3%); Japan 648,000 (up 7.3%); Cambodia 404,200 (up 18.1%); and Laos 136,600 (up 11.2%).

European guests numbered over 1.19 million, posting a big surge of 14.6%./.

 

 

Source: VGP News

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Jetstar Pacific to launch five domestic routes

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Low-cost carrier Jetstar Pacific will launch five more domestic routes next year to meet the increasing travel demand and economic exchange between areas of the country.

The carrier will use Airbus A320 aircraft for all five routes. — File Photo

 

On February 1, the HCM City-Dong Hoi and HCM City-Quy Nhon routes will debut with one flight a day and three flights a week, respectively.

On February 2, three-per-week flights between the Central Highlands city of Buon Ma Thuot and the northern port city of Hai Phong and between Buon Ma Thuot and northern central Thanh Hoa Province will begin.

The HCM City-Tuy Hoa route will be launched on March 30 with three flights a week.

The carrier will use Airbus A320 aircraft for all five routes.

Beside the domestic routes, the airline also plans to introduce a new daily service between Ha Noi and the Thai capital of Bangkok on March 29. 

 

Source: VNS

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Wind StarCruiser brings tourists to central destinations

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The Wind StarCruiser carried 100 tourists from Singapore to Da Nang's Tien Sa Port on Tuesday, beginning an 11-day visit to Da Nang, Hoi An and Hai Phong.


This is the cruise ship's first time bringing tourists to coastal destinations in central Viet Nam this year.

The local culture, sport and tourism department estimates 15,000 tourists will visit the city and nearby UNESCO-recognised heritage sites around New Year's.

In 2014, Da Nang hosted 4 million tourists, including 1 million foreigners. 

 

Source: VNS

Source : news[dot]com[dot]vn
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Chinese Penduline Tits at Hanoi


Today (31th  December) was one of those days that makes me grateful to be a regular patchworker. There is always something new to see, something new to learn, and sometimes a great surprise around the corner.
 
This morning I headed to the Red River, more exactly to the place called “Bai Da Song Hong”, only few kilometers from the city center. This area is a mix of shrubs, woodland, grassland, reedbeds, sandbars and open water, crossed by small tracks. This is the most popular place in Hanoi for... wedding photos. A scenic place, good birds, beautiful brides..... A great spot!

I parked my bike and headed out onto the trails. After a few minutes walk, a small bird perched on a reed attracted my attention. I hurriedly put my bins to my eyes and was more than happy to discover a Chinese Penduline Tit, part of a small party (less than 5 birds) exploring reedbeds.

Below a heavily-cropped (photographer speak for crap) record shot taken with a... 100mm macro lens (a great lens for butterflies and dragonflies but not for birds!). The worse photo ever published on this blog for sure, sorry for that. Should have my 400mm next week, fingers crossed.



Apparently there are very few records of Chinese Penduline Tit from Vietnam (1 or 2 according to Lê Manh Hung), although of course the lack of people checking suitable habitat in winter is certainly a factor.
This species is recorded in Robson for East Tonkin, as vagrant. 

Happy New Year!
May you see wonderful birds in 2015!

Sébastien
Source : vietnambirdnews[dot]blogspot[dot]com
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Monday, December 29, 2014

Northern central region keen to develop culture-history tourism

The northern central region will focus on developing culture-history tourism taking advantage of the rich cultural and historical heritage, it was agreed at a December 22 conference on how to implement the Master plan on the region’s tourism development to 2020 with a vision to 2030.

Sea-based tours will be another priority as the region stretches along the coastline with many beautiful beaches, with the aim of turning tourism into a spearhead economic sector by 2020, a driving force for local socio-economic development and significantly contributing to poverty reduction.

 A beach in Halong Bay.

The plan has set the targets of attracting more than 2.1 million of international visitors and 11 million of domestic tourists in 2020; generating 32.8 trillion VND (1.56 billion USD) in tourism revenues.

On the occasion, the Vietnam National Tourism Administration launched a domestic tourism promoting programme with the aim of raising the number of tourists to 37.5 million in 2015.

The master plan for the northern central region was approved by the Prime Minister in 2013, with total investment of more than 165 trillion VND (7.85 billion USD).

The region comprises six provinces, namely Thanh Hoa, Nghe An, Ha Tinh, Quang Binh, Quang Tri and Thua Thien-Hue. It is home to three World Heritage sites, which are the Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park in Quang Binh, the Ho Dynasty Citadel in Thanh Hoa and the Complex of Hue Monument in Thua Thien-Hue.
Source : dtinews[dot]vn
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Vietnam’s highest Christmas tree lit up in Binh Duong

A 36-metre Christmas tree was lit up at the Thanh Le Cultural Park in the southern province of Binh Duong on the December 20 night as part of a programme to celebrate the coming Christmas and New Year 2015.
 
The tree, decorated with over 200,000 colourful led light-bulbs, was recognised as the highest of its kind in Vietnam by the Vietnam Book of Records (VietKings).

On the Christmas Eve, more than 300 Santa Claus will gather here to make a record on the number of people wearing the Christmas dresses in the country.

According to Tran Thanh Liem, Vice Chairman of the provincial People’s Committee, the New Year celebration programme contributes to improving the spirit life of local people as well as promoting the image of an industrial Binh Duong province with increasingly dynamic development.

In the framework of the event, a 200-booth fair displaying various goods is being organised.
Source : dtinews[dot]vn
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Friday, December 26, 2014

How to Sleep like a Baby

It’s 3:00 a.m. where are you? Most people would probably be asleep. However, for a large majority of people, it is near impossible for them to get a good nights rest. Without it, they are unable to focus well, they have low energy, and let’s face it, they are usually in a not so good mood. Is there anything that the sleep deprived can do in order to help give their body the much needed sleep it needs? Aside from counting sheep, which rarely works, try some of the suggestions below.

How to Sleep like a Baby

First, start out by examining your bedroom for sleep distractions. Sleep distractions would be such things as clutter, the color of the paint, the noise level, etc. If your room is painted in bright, electrifying colors, you may want to consider painting it a soothing cool color. A pale green or a soothing blue would be good choices. You can’t expect to be able to sleep if the paint in your bedroom is so bright that it looks like an airport runway.

If your room is cluttered, consider scheduling a spring cleaning day and get rid of all those unwanted sleep thieves. If a room is cluttered, it gives our mind more things to focus on and think about during the night instead of sleep. Your bedroom is supposed to be your sanctuary, and let’s face it, who wants piles of bills or junk mail in their sanctuary? Not too many people.

As far as the noise level goes, this is different for each person. Some people enjoy some form of noise while they sleep and may even purchase a noise machine, while others have to have quiet. If you fall into the latter category, try purchasing some heavy drapes to see if they block out any of the unwanted noise. While the drapes probably won’t get rid of every unwanted noise, you will notice a big difference.

Next, try not to exercise before going to bed. I’m not saying don’t exercise at all, because exercise is good for us, but we all know that exercise releases endorphins which amp us up. You can’t expect to be able to go to sleep if you feel like you could run a marathon. Try to keep exercise to either early in the mornings or to around four hours before bedtime. This will give your body time to calm down and will help you to drift off to sleep much easier.

Another suggestion to help you get a good nights sleep would be to take a nice warm bath just before you are ready to go to bed. The warm bath will not only help you to relax physically, but it will also give your brain some time to unwind as well. It doesn’t have to be a long bath, just 10 or 15 minutes should do the trick. As you are letting the water out of the tub, picture your troubles and cares being washed down the drain. A mind that is not burdened with troubles is a mind that can easily drift off to sleep.

Lighting is another issue that effects sleep. If your bedroom window lets the light of a nearby street light into your bedroom, you might want to try some of those room darkening curtains to eliminate that problem. If you can’t find any or can’t afford them, try putting a quilt up instead. If your curtain rods are sturdy, they will usually hold up the extra weight of the quilt. Either of these two things will help darken your bedroom and help you drift off to what could be the best nights sleep you’ve had in a while.

Of course, don’t forget to flip your mattress every so often to keep it from getting worn. However, if your mattress is not in good shape and you can’t afford to buy a new one (because we know they don’t come cheap), consider buying a mattress topper. This will give you the sense of a new mattress, but will cost you a fraction of the price. Toppers come in a variety of styles, and it is up to you to find the one that suits your needs.

The last tip, try and keep the temperature in your bedroom at a comfortable level. You don’t want the temperature too hot or too cold. You want it just right. Again, it is up to you, as an individual, to decide what your perfect temperature is. Try these few tips out and see if they help you get the peaceful nights slumber your body has been missing. Pleasant dreams sleep deprived.

Will the real Sai Gon dish stand up?

Full of flavour: A dish of dimsum at the well-known Chinese eatery in Cho Lon, Tien Phat Restaurant. — VNS

HCMCity, known as the nation's commercial hub, is also a melting pot for cuisines from around the world. Hoang Ha does the rounds.

"HCM City's cuisine has no specific character", is a common refrain. The southern metropolis may not boast many iconic indigenous dishes, but it is a gastronome's delight for the foods it serves up from around the country and, indeed, world.

Viet Nam has a bewildering variety of foods, and all of it can be found easily in HCM City, be it Lo Duc pho, La Vong cha ca (fish loaf) from Ha Noi, Ninh Hoa nem (fermented pork roll) from Khanh Hoa on the south-central coast, Tam Ky chicken from the central Quang Nam.

Ditto foreign cuisines

While European foods from France, Italy, Germany are mostly the preserve of upmarket restaurants, Asian cuisines seem to have permeated and deeply influenced every nook and cranny of the city.

China has had the most extensive and longest influence on the foods and eating behaviours of Vietnamese nationwide, especially in HCM City. Think chopsticks, bean curd, and woks and the stir-frying of foods and cutting them before cooking.

There is also the strong influence of Chinese ingredients and flavours on noodles, dumplings, and meat dishes in the city.

Local residents know that Cho Lon – formerly known as Chinatown – in District 5 is the place to find all manner of Chinese cuisine ranging from Guangdong to Fujian.

Also on the menus there are dishes from Taiwan, Singapore, and Hong Kong, places that are known for their food.

People living in the city for long remember a common habit in the 1970s of going to Cho Lon to buy Chinese specialities like Hong Kong dried persimmon and Taiwan Chinese sausage for Lunar New Year.

A local favourite is Tien Phat Restaurant at18 Ky Hoa Street near Parkson Hung Vuong Plaza. Its specialty is dimsum for genuine Hong Kong-style breakfast.

It serves steaming wicker baskets of dumplings and rice rolls for VND21,000, stuffed crab's claws for VND35,000, spicy chicken's feet for VND30,000, egg buns for VND38,000, and pots of hot green tea for VND35,000.

Its noodle breakfast features wonton and braised trotters from VND29,000 and fish balls at VND27,000.

An old restaurant serving fine Cantonese breakfast is located on the first floor of Thuan Kieu Plaza. Hai San Thuan Kieu Restaurant's best offering is deep-fried dimsum including crispy-shelled taro in salty and sweet varieties and shrimp dumplings. Most baskets and plates are priced at VND38,000 each.

Another iconic restaurant is Gia Phu, situated in a small alley off the street with the same name, which serves Fujian's finest recipes.

It is famous for its shark fin soup, which is also called Phat nhay tuong (Buddha Leaps over the Wall). It gets its name from a 1,300-year-old folk tale in which a Chinese Tang dynasty monk was so tempted by the soup's smell that he leapt over the wall between his temple and the eatery, leaving behind his vegetarianism.

But Chinese food is no longer restricted to Cho Lon. Tan Tong Loi restaurant on Vo Van Tan Street in District 3 is renowned for its wonton noodle soup and other dishes made of roasted duck egg noodle soup and wonton. Each dish is priced from VND40,000 upwards.

Connoiseurs are also partial to stewed sweet herbal chicken soup, roasted duck egg noodle soup, and wonton at Dai Duong Restaurant on Cao Thang Street and dimsum at Tan Sanh Hoat Restaurant on Nguyen Thi Minh Khai Street.

There is a 70-year-old hand-pulled-noodle restaurant in an alley off Le Dai Hanh Street, District 11. Thieu Ky Restaurant "has changed only the chef but not the taste for such a long period", says Nguyen Thi Thu Thao, a customer.

People call the restaurant by its founder's name -- Tu Ky. The alley where the restaurant is located is also called by this name now.

The chef now is a grandson of Tu Ky, and he spends three hour a day to pull around 18kg of egg noodles. He mixes flour with duck egg and Chinese ash water. The noodle soup itself is served with red vinegar, an important ingredient for Chinese noodles.

Street food

The city's younger generations have a fondness for bo bia, a common street food made from chinese sausage, jicama, carrot, dried shrimp, and slivers of thinly scrambled egg.

Bo bia is the Vietnamese spring roll version of popiah, a Hokkien-style spring roll also popular in Singapore and Malaysia.

Hokkien cuisine, which originated in Fujian Province of China, was taken to Singapore, Malaysia, and Viet Nam by immigrants.

The Vietnamese version uses rice paper wrappers instead of wheat, and its fillings are slightly different, but all are stuffed with shrimp and jicama.

After bo bia become a street food, it is mostly served by Vietnamese though some Chinese restaurants too have it.

Ly, who sells bo bia from a handcart on Dinh Tien Hoang Street, says she has been there from noon to 5pm since 2000. She sells 500 rolls a day, with the number doubling on holidays. A roll costs VND4,000.

Another favourite street food for the city's residents is Goi du du kho bo (papaya with dried beef salad). Many mistakenly think it is a northern dish while it was actually brought there by Chinese.

The dried beef is made from the lung, liver, and spleen of cows by adding black soya sauce and ginger.

It is served in traditional fashion out of a pushcart opposite Le Van Tam Park on Hai Ba Trung Street.

Customers sit on the pavement and wait for a woman to come to take the order. The chef puts papaya, dried beef, herbs, and peanuts on a plate and covers the ingredients with a light sauce.

Cambodian noodle

Since Viet Nam has a large ethnic Khmer population, hu tieu Nam Vang (Phnom Penh noodle soup) is hugely popular in southern Viet Nam, especially Sai Gon.

A lot of Saigonese also mistakenly think of it as a Chinese dish, while others joke that it is multi-cultural since it comes from Cambodia, is mostly cooked by Chinese, and is served to Vietnamese.

Hu tieu, Kuy teav in Khmer, is made of rice noodles with pork stock and toppings.

As the pork broth is the most important element of the dish, it must be stewed with the best pork bone to be subtle rather than spicy.

Borderline: Traditional Cambodian hu tieu Nam Vang served with all the ingredients in the soup at Lien Hua Restaurant. — VNS

The dish is always served with a garnish of lettuce leaves, bean sprouts, fresh herbs, sawtooth coriander, and lime juice. Many types of chillies (fresh, dried, pickled) and chilli sauce are also normally present at the table in addition to soy sauce, fish sauce, and sugar.

Hu Tieu Nam Vang may be served in one of two ways: with all the ingredients in the soup, or with the soup on the side.

Several authentic hu tieu Nam Vang restaurants - where the food is cooked by Cambodians -- can be found in the city. Like Hong Phat on Vo Van Tan Street, Tylum on Huynh Man Dat and Lien Hua on An Duong Vuong Street, both in District 5.

Due to their authentic and sophisticated method of cooking, a bowl of hu tieu at these restaurants costs at least VND80,000, double or triple the price at a normal restaurant.

Others

In recent years economic growth has brought the cuisines of many countries to the city. Thus, commonly found are South Korean BBQ, kimchee, kimbap, and noodles; Japanese sushi, sashimi, miso soup, udon noodle, and grilled and pan-fried dishes; Thailand's tom yam goong, tom kha gai, som tam, and kao phad.

If Korean food is your thing, go to Thang Long Street. Le Thanh Ton Street is full of Japanese restaurants; Ha Ton Quyen Street is all about dim sum. If you cannot travel to Singapore, you could nip down to Le Anh Xuan Street to eat frog porridge.

As for Vietnamese foods, restaurants around Tan Son Nhat International Airport serve the authentic tastes of the north. You can find mi Quang (noodle with pork and shrimp) from the central region at the Cong Quynh Street T-junction.

Local residents may not be able to tell you if you ask them about the city's specialties. Maybe it is the easy acceptance and assimilation of outside influences that is the character of HCM City's cuisine.

But does it eally matter when just living in this laid-back city is such an enjoyable experience? — VNS

Source : vietnamnews[dot]vn
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Ben Tre to host fourth coconut fest

BEN TRE (VNS) — The fourth Coconut Festival will take place in the Mekong Delta province of Ben Tre from April 7-13, the event's organising board reported.

Vice Chairman of the provincial People's Committee Tran Ngoc Tam said the festival honoured local coconut growers and the 100-year history of growing coconut in the locality.

It would also give coconut farmers and firms operating in the sector an opportunity to promote their products and seek partners, he added.

Along with representatives from coconut-planting localities nationwide, those from the Asian and Pacific Coconut Community (APCC) and foreign countries with developed coconut industries would be invited, said Huynh Van Hung, director of the provincial Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism.

As part of the festival, a number of workshops discussing the benefits of coconut products for health and ways to promote coconut cultivation amidst climate change will be also organised.

Other activities at the event will offer visitors insight into the region's culture. — VNS



Source : vietnamnews[dot]vn
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VN ranks in emerging hotspot list

The Hoi An Ancient Town. — File Photo

HA NOI (VNS) — Viet Nam is one of the world's 25 best countries to visit next year, according to US travel site Fodor.

It ranks 20th on the Go List 2015, which is based on a number of criteria like emerging hot spots, valued destinations, locations that will host special events in 2015, and are suitable for every type of traveller.

"Come for historic but fast-changing cities and stunning landscapes – and fabulous food," it says about Viet Nam.

It adds that the 40th anniversary of the end of the war in 2015 is the perfect time for tourists to explore the "energetic cities from Ha Noi to Hoi An to HCM City which buzz with enticing restaurants and hotels while temples, colonial buildings, and markets retain their classic charm.

"New options help you explore beyond Viet Nam's cities, whether you are overnight on a boat in Ha Long Bay or see the towns and rice paddies of the Mekong Delta on a river cruise or by bicycle. Wherever you travel, the true friendliness of the people and reasonable costs are added benefits." — VNS

Source : vietnamnews[dot]vn
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VN hotels among best in region

The La Residence view from Huong River.. — VNS Photo

HA NOI (VNS) — Four Vietnamese hotels have been named among the best hotels in the Asian region by US magazine Travel + Leisure.

Those named include Hue-based La Residence Hotel&Spa, Hoi An-based The Nam Hai, Ha Noi-based Sofitel Legend Metropole, and HCM City's Park Hyatt Saigon.

The La Residence serves as one of Hue's iconic buildings along the charming Huong (Perfume) River and is praised by the magazine for its vintage style and is called an ideal location to enjoy spectacular sunsets.

Meanwhile, the other three hotels are described as the most comfortable sites for visitors to rendezvous in Hoi An, Ha Noi and HCM City.

Last October, the La Residence, Nam Hai and Metropole were also listed in Conde Nast Traveler's Readers Choice Awards.

Placement on the lists by Travel + Leisure and Conde Nast Traveler designates the hotels as providing ‘gold standard' accommodations for visitors. — VNS

Source : vietnamnews[dot]vn
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Da Nang reveals tourism plan

DA NANG (VNS) — The Da Nang Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism has unveiled an action plan for the city to become an outstanding tourist destination next year after it was listed among Top Traveler's Choice Destination on the Rise for 2015 by US tourism website TripAdvisor.

It will see the local tourism sector organise a series of activities to speed up communications, do surveys on customers' ideas from TripAdvisor and other tourism websites, and invite the international media to the city.

The city will offer more quality tourism products, organise the 2015 Da Nang International Firework Competition and other tourism and cultural festivals, and continue to train tourism human resources. — VNS



Source : vietnamnews[dot]vn
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Mekong a best-value destination

Viet Nam ‘s Mekong Delta has been chosen among the 10 best-value destinations for 2015 by Rough Guides, a British publisher of travel and reference guides. — File Photo

HA NOI (VNS) — Viet Nam ‘s Mekong Delta has been chosen among the 10 best-value destinations for 2015 by Rough Guides, a British publisher of travel and reference guides.

The country's rice basket is sixth in the list that also features Kosovo, the Peak District in the UK, the Canary Islands in Spain, Karnataka in India, Northern Ireland, Alentejo in Portugal, Northwestern China, Oaxaca in Mexico, and Queens in the US.

The rankings are based on economy, the worth of the experience, and the ability of travellers to integrate and explore the daily life and culture of local people.

"At the end of its epic journey through the heart of Indochina, the coffee-brown Mekong River splits, sloshing seawards through Viet Nam," it says about the delta.

"... Although the fertile plains and waterways are a riot of vivid colours and flavours, with endless opportunities for exploring by motorbike and boat, the area still sees surprisingly few foreign tourists." — VNS

Source : vietnamnews[dot]vn
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Korean tourists flock to Nha Trang

KHANH HOA (VNS) — Approximately 60,000 holidaymakers from South Korea visited the central province of Khanh Hoa's Nha Trang city so far this year, double the 2013 number, the provincial Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism reported.

The visitors typically stayed at three- to five-star hotels and resorts and used high-class services and products such as golf and mud baths, according to travel agencies.

From November, Cam Ranh International Airport had two direct flights from Seoul to Khanh Hoa per week, each bringing about 120-130 visitors. This is a good signal for the local tourism sector, especially as the number of Russian tourists shows signs of decline. — VNS



Source : vietnamnews[dot]vn
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Wednesday, December 24, 2014

A short trip to Ba Vi NP


Last week I went to Ba Vi for work-related reasons but but I did manage to sneak off and do a bit of birding in the National Park :) 

I got a female White-throated Rock Thrush, a White's Thrush, a flock of 17 Red-billed Blue Magpies, a couple of Grey Treepies, a Ashy Bulbul, a female Fork-tailed Sunbird, lots of Scarlet-backed Flowerpeckers (and one good opportunity of photo missed arghh.....), a Red-flanked Bluetail...

The day after, in a rural cultivate area in Thanh Tri district (near Cong Bang pagoda, Hanoi), only a Wryneck and a Siberian Stonechat played ball for the camera.

Le Viet Tuan Hoang

Grey Treepie - one of the avian specialities of Ba Vi (more often heard than seen)

Ashy Bulbul

Red-flanked Bluetail

White-throated Rock Thrush, female

Fork-tailed Sunbird, female

White's Thrush

Red-billed Blue Magpie


Wryneck

Siberian Stonechat
Source : vietnambirdnews[dot]blogspot[dot]com
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Monday, December 22, 2014

Baby's First Christmas - Celebrity Edition

The year of 2014 brought big changes in the lives of some of our favorite celebrities. New records, new releases, and new awards are always exciting, but nothing can measure up to the beauty and amazement of the birth of a baby. Meet all the new mini-celebrities that will be celebrating their very first Christmas this year.

Baby Schuyler
Parents: Rodger Berman and Rachel Zoe
Rodger Berman and Rachel Zoe (celebrity stylist) welcomed their very first baby this year, Schuyler Harris. Judging from his custom made shoes and his Missoni stroller, I think it's very safe to make the assumption that Schuyler's first Christmas will be filled with Gucci, Prada and Chanel.

Baby Flynn
Parents: Orlando Bloom and Miranda Kerr
Actor Orlando Bloom (Pirates of the Caribbean, Lord of the Rings) and model Miranda Kerr may have given birth to the cutest baby alive. With brown hair and big blue eyes, he has been making headlines since day one. This is an extra exciting time of year for Baby Flynn; he will be celebrating his first birthday on January 6th.

Baby Haven
Parents: Cash Warren and Jessica Alba
Producer Cash Warren and actress Jessica Alba (Fantastic Four, Sin City) welcomed their second daughter, baby Haven Garner in August, much to the delight of big sister Honor Marie. Jessica recently took both three year old Honor and four month old Haven to meet Santa Claus in their local mall. How sweet is that!

Baby Morocco and Baby Monroe
Parents: Nick Cannon and Mariah Carey
Nick Cannon (America's Got Talent) and singer/actress Mariah Carey welcomed their twins on April 30th of this year. This adorable duo made one of their first public appearances last Christmas when Mariah was visibly showing during her Christmas Special. Morocco was named after the Moroccan inspired room in which Nick proposed to Mariah, and Monroe was named after one of Mariah's longtime role models, Marilyn Monroe.

Baby Harper
Parents: David & Victoria Beckham
World renowned power couple David (English soccer star) & Victoria Beckham (designer) welcomed their very first daughter this year. Baby Harper Seven joined older brothers Brooklyn, Romeo and Cruz.

Baby Bingham
Parents: Matt Bellamy and Kate Hudson
Matt Bellamy (front-man of Muse) and actress Kate Hudson (Bride Wars, How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days) welcomed their first baby, Bingham Hawn in August. Baby Bingham joins Kate's older son Ryder, who affectionately calls him Bing.

Baby Arabella
Parents: Jared Kushner and Ivanka Trump
Jared Kushner and entrepreneur and daughter of Donald Trump, Ivanka Trump, married in October 2009, welcomed their very first baby, Arabella Rose on July 17th of this year.

Baby Aleph
Parents: Benjamin Millepied and Natalie Portman
Producer Benjamin Millepied and actress Natalie Portman (V for Vendetta, Black Swan) welcomed their first baby, Aleph this year. Aleph is the first letter of the Hebrew alphabet, a sweet tribute to the Hebrew background of the couple.

And there, my friends, are the newest celebrities of 2011. Merry Christmas to all the baby celebs and their parents! I can't help but wonder which celebrities will make this list next year...

Ha Tinh to preserve 200-year-old dwelling

The Ha Tinh Museum is preparing a plan to preserve a 200-year-old "typical Vietnamese house", officials say.

Stately entrance: The laterite gate of an old house found in central Ha Tinh Province. — Photo doisongphapluat.com
The museum staff said they discovered the house in mountainous Huong Son Commune, Huong Khe District during a recent investigative trip.

The house is in good condition with all original structures intact, from the gate to the main building. The gate, built with laterite bricks, has complicated carvings on it.

The main building includes three sections of a wooden frame that are similar to the nha ruong (wooden house with many beams and pillars) found in Hue. Traditional carvings of birds and flora were also found on the wooden beams.

The house's roof is covered by the yin-yang earthen tiles and its walls are made of unbaked clay.
Source : dtinews[dot]vn
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Beauty of Sapa on winter days

Winter beauty has come to Sapa as temperatures drop to 2C, shrouding the town in a mantle of mist.

 

Rows of trees by the lake cloaked in mist

 

Tourists marvel at Sapa's winter beauty

 

Children in Sapa play in cold weather

 

Women in Sapa are collecting food for animals

 


Pine tree hills wrapped in fog

 

Terrace fields in mist

 

O Quy Ho Pass

 

Sapa residents warm themselves by fires

Source : dtinews[dot]vn
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New discoveries made at Thang Long Citadel announced

Previously, scientists had only found relics from two dynasties at Thang Long Royal Citadel, but this year they had a major breakthrough when they were able to identify objects from several more dynasties at the historical site.

Flowing through time: Archaeologists have found part of a large drainage system under the Thang Long Royal Citadel from the Ly dynasty. — Photo courtesy of the Thang Long-Hanoi Heritage Conservation Centre

Archaeologists announced the news on December 16 in Hanoi while reviewing excavations from 2014.

Scientists have found architectural traces of the Ly (1009-1225), Tran (1225-1400), Le (1428-1527) and Nguyen (1802-1945) dynasties.

Vestiges of Later Le Dynasty were also discovered. Le dynasty began in 1428, with the coronation of Le Loi after he drove the Chinese Ming army from the country.

"These discoveries show the great multifaceted value of the Thang Long Royal Citadel relics," said Tong Trung Tin, director of Vietnam Archaeology Institute. "They also prove the variety, uniqueness and profoundness of the artefacts.

"Now we have an overview of architectural research at the royal citadel. We have found traces of the building's foundation and tiled court yard from the Ly dynasty. Many scientists believe the courtyard was used for royal meetings."

Archaeologists unearthed a large water drainage system in 2012, paved with red bricks and lined with wooden poles. They thought it originated in the Tran dynasty, but evidence collected recently has shown it was actually made during the Ly dynasty.

The Thang Long Royal Citadel relics require further excavation, and archaeologists need more money and researchers so they can widen the excavation area and explore further, Tin said.

"During 2014, we excavated an area of about 1,000sq.m," he said. "If we maintain our speed, we may need another century to uncover the whole citadel."

Preserving history

History professor Phan Huy Le said that now archaeologists can recognise the difference between architecture made during different periods in Vietnamese history.

He also said Vietnam must work to preserve the archaeological sites and artefacts.

"Thang Long Royal Citadel is a very complicated site, with many cultural layers from many periods," he said. "That's why specialists and cultural managers should be careful when digging in the heritage site."

Historian Nguyen Thi Lien said archaeologists should be respectful, and follow specific methods to safeguard the buildings while excavating under them.

"It's regretful if we damage an old house or Opera House to dig out what's beneath them," she said. "We have to find a way to continue archaeological research but still preserve the constructions above."

Kinh Thien Palace sits in the centre of Thang Long Citadel. Built in 1428, it is believed it was the most important building and hosted many royal ceremonies.

The citadel was built in the 11th century during the Ly dynasty, to mark the independence of Dai Viet, the former name. The central sector of the imperial citadel was listed in UNESCO's World Heritage Site on July 31, 2010.
Source : dtinews[dot]vn
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Farmer turns down VND30m offers for giant chicken

A farmer in Hung Yen Province has grown what he hopes will be an award-winning giant chicken, weighing seven kilograms, and has refused offers of more than VND 30 million to sell it.

Han Minh, from Dong Tao Commune, Khoai Chau Distrist, wants to enter the chicken in the annual chicken fair later this month.

 

Han Minh holds his chicken.

The commune is renowned for its breed of giant chickens, which can have legs bigger than a man's arm.

Han Minh said, "Some people offered me over VND 30 million for my seven kilogram chicken, but I want to sign it up for the upcoming fair."


Dong Tao's chickens, which take up to two years to grow to full size, are much sought after for their unique appearance, and as a luxury status symbol for the Tet holiday. The chickens usually fetch prices of VND 300,000 to VND 400,000 per kilogram. 

Source : dtinews[dot]vn
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Thursday, December 18, 2014

Vietnamese travel book wins American Graphic Design

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Travel guide book Saigon Zoom In, designed by painter Nguyen Tri Phuong Dong and his young associates from Dai Viet Hoan Cau Company, has become the first Vietnamese book to win America Graphic Design 2014 award.

 Saigon Zoom In (Saigon Can Canh), a Vietnamese/English bilingual guide book, was valued for its scientific and professional design as well as its useful information for travellers to Vietnam. It features maps, charts, images, hand-drawing pictures, icons, and layout in which readers can feel closer to the friendly environment of their destination.

The third edition of the book will be republished in the coming time.

American Graphic Design competition is open to everyone in the community including advertising agencies, graphic design firms, corporate, institutional and publishing inhouse departments, and more.

It honours outstanding new work of all kinds such as print, packaging, point-of-purchase, internet, interactive and motion graphics.

Winners will receive an embossed Certificate of Excellence for each piece selected and become eligible for reproduction in the 51st Anniversary GDUSA Awards Annual in print, on the web, and on iPad App ‒ seen by over 100,000 of its colleagues and clients each year.

 

Source: VOV

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Source : news[dot]com[dot]vn
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Best places for Christmas in Hanoi

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 During these days, every corner of Hanoi is filled with the cozy atmosphere of Christmas, which is also known as Noel with joyous celebrations by both Catholics and followers of other religions.

1. Hanoi Cathedral

Located at No.40 on Nha Chung Street, Hanoi Cathedral is considered a great venue for Catholics and youngsters to engage in Xmas season.

Preparatory work often starts several weeks before the Christmas Eve when a large number of people flock to Hanoi Cathedral to see a joyful and meaningful celebration.

2. Shopping malls

Big malls such as VinCom, Times City and Royal City are common venues for families and young couples to go during Christmas. These places are carefully decorated days before the Xmas Day to attract visitors.

3. Guom (Sword) Lake

Guom Lake is one of places people should not miss during Christmas holiday. After walking around the lake to ẹnjoy Christmas celebrations, people can stop at some coffee shops nearby to have a tasty drink and wonderful view of the lake at night.

4. Buffet and Teambuilding at Hoa Binh (Peace) Park

A special programme called Aptech Teambuilding will be held at Hoa Binh (Peace) Park on December 21 to celebrate Christmas. Participants at the event will have a chance to play games, attend buffet and enjoy music and dance performances.

 

Source: VOV

Source : news[dot]com[dot]vn
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Son La calls for investment in Moc Chau tourism zone

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Moc Chau tourism zoneSon La province is calling for investment in its Moc Chau National Tourism Zone, which is expected to become a driving force for the tourism development of the locality as well as the whole northern midland and mountainous region.

At a seminar highlighting Moc Chau in Hanoi on December 16, Chairman of the provincial People’s Committee Cam Ngoc Minh released that the Prime Minister recently approved a master plan for the development of the tourism zone by 2020, with a vision to 2030. 

Under the plan, the zone, covering 206,000 hectares in Moc Chau and Van Ho districts, will feature diversified and unique tourism products with high competitiveness along with natural landscapes and ethnic cultural identities. 

The zone is expected to welcome 1.2 million holidaymakers by 2020 and 3 million by 2030, generating revenues of 1.5 trillion VND (71.4 million USD) and 6 trillion VND (285.7 million USD) respectively. 

It will target visitors from the Red River Delta and the northern midland and mountainous region as well as those from foreign markets such as Western Europe, Northern America, Northeast Asia and Southeast Asia. 

The zone will include three key tourism centres, namely the Moc Chau relaxation centre, the Moc Chau eco-tourism centre and the Moc Chau recreational centre. 

Community-based tourism villages will be formed in Dong Sang, Muong Sang, Tan Lap communes in Moc Chau district and Chieng Khoa commune in Van Ho district. 

The province also plans to establish a transnational tourist route connecting Moc Chau and Laos via Long Sap border gate and intensify connectivity with other ASEAN member countries like Thailand and Myanmar. 

According to the local Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism, Moc Chau has enjoyed a continuous increase in the number of tourists, from 288,000 arrivals in 2010, to 600,000 in 2013 and about 850,000 in 2014, mainly during holidays, winters and springs when plum and peach flowers blossom, and in Mong ethnics’ New Year festival in September.

 

Source: VNA

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Jeju Air launches new route to Ha Noi

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Korean airline Jeju Air has announced that it will launch a direct flight between Seoul and Ha Noi on December 18.

The new route will leave Ha Noi for Incheon daily at 2.25pm using Boeing 737-800 aircraft.

An airline spokesperson said that the airline is opening up new routes to bring in more tourists and meet the increasing demand of businesspeople. 

Established in 2005, Jeju Air is a low-cost airline that mainly transports passengers from other destinations in the Republic of Korea to Jeju Island. 

The airline now operates both domestic and international flights.

 

Source: VGP News

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UK site lists Vietnam's Mekong Delta among 10 best-value destinations

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The UK travel publisher, Rough Guides, included the Mekong Delta on its list of Ten Best Value Destinations to visit in 2015.

This picture taken on December 11, 2014 shows people getting off a boat at a boat station on the Mekong river in the southern city of Can Tho. Photo: AFP/Hoang Dinh Nam

 

The site depicts the Delta, which lies at the terminus of the namesake river as “a riot of vivid colors and flavors.”

Prices are cheap and the Delta boasts endless options for exploration by motorbike and boat, according to the list, which targets independent and frugal travelers.

Most of the Delta's locations attract few foreign tourists--the exception being the island of Phu Quoc, which has become renown for warm waters, shallow shores and clean, white sand beaches.

This year's Rough Guides list also included Kosovo for its open tourist sites and cheap rooms; the UK’s rugged Peak District; the Canary Islands which is now open to budget airline routes; Karnataka, India’s southwestern state; Northern Ireland where one can visit real-life castles; Portugal; Northwest China for its captivating scenery and cheap food; Oaxaca a coastal region in Mexico that's free of crowds; and Queens – the cheapest and most lively borough in New York City.

Photos of the Mekong Delta captured by tourist Ngo Huy Hoa:

The Mekong's coffee-brown water meets the sky.

Rach Mieu Bridge crosses the Tien, one of two Mekong tributaries in Tien Giang Province.

Co Chien ferry in Tra Vinh Province. Many ferries criss-cross the Delta's abundant waterways.

 One of many small bridges in the Delta.

 Banh bo, a sweet soft delicacy made from rice powder

 Boats and mangrove palms provide popular scenes in the Mekong Delta

 A family living on a boat.

 A neighborhood built on water.

 A not so busy road in the Delta

The brilliantly green rice fields, shaded by coconut palms.

A corner of a fishing village

Banh cong, another Delta delicacy made from rice batter, mung beans and shrimp deep-fried and served with fresh vegetables and fish sauce.

 

Source: Thanh Nien News

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