France to remain main partner at Hue Festival 2014

HUA THIEN HUE — France will remain the main partner of the Hue festival, which will next be held in 2014, said Segolene Royal, president of the Poitou-Charentes Regional Council in France.

She recently signed a co-operation agreement with Nguyen Van Cao, chairman of Hue People's Committee. They both plan to promote co-operation projects in culture and tourism for the next festival.

Under the agreement, the Poitou-Charentes region will support Thua Thien Hue Province preserve its heritage and boost training of human resources in the tourism sector. It will also help the province develop ecological tourism by upgrading Hue traditional houses for homestay visits.

The Poitou-Charentes region has been the main partner of the Hue festival since 2000, when it was launched.-

Source VNS

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Authorities debate festivals' role

HA NOI — Many traditional festivals have been banned from taking place due to culture managers considering them as superstitious, researcher Nguyen Van Huy has told a workshop on awareness and management in Ha Noi.

Huy, deputy director of the Centre for Cultural Heritage Research and Promotion, gave many examples of traditional rituals practised by some ethnic groups, such as hau dong (mediumship), which have been absent from people's lives because of opinions built up against them during the 1960s-70s.

"Since the doi moi (renewal) period (in mid-1980s) opinions have changed. Now is the perfect for researchers to study and restore traditional and unique festivals," he said.

"We don't have a particular definition for superstition, so I suggest setting up concepts to identify such cultural activities and festivals while using the term sensibly when we assess traditional rituals."

The researcher pointed out that events such as the Saint Giong Festival, was once lost due to incorrect interpretation, but that it had been restored as a symbol for patriotism and recognised as an Intangible Heritage of Humanity by the UN culture agency UNESCO.

Researcher Dang Van Bai, from the National Heritage Council, agreed with Huy in that there is no superstition present in traditional festivals and religions.

"Some individuals use superstition and take advantage of beliefs for personal purposes to cause a bad influence on the community," he said.

The researchers highlighted modern festivals adapted from abroad that have no long-standing traditions and held for promotional purposes alone such as the Flower Festival in Da Lat, the Hue Festival, the Tea Festival in Thai Nguyen and the Coconut Festival in Ben Tre.

"Managers should survey the 8,000 traditional and modern festivals held in Viet Nam every year," said Luu Tran Tieu, chairman of the National Heritage Council.

"While many new festivals are organised successfully and help promote local tourism and culture, some waste money," he noted.

The workshop was organised by the National Heritage Council with the participation of many researchers and representatives from the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism.

Source VNS

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Norway Constitution celebrated

On the occasion of Norway's National Day today, Viet Nam News features an article by the Norwegian Ambassador to Viet Nam, Stale Torstein Risa.

Today, on Norway's National Day, I extend my best wishes to all Norwegians and friends of Norway in Viet Nam. On May 17, Norwegians all around the world celebrate the adoption of Norway's Constitution of 1814, the democratic society that we have built since then, and the freedom and opportunities that we now enjoy.

On July 22 last year Norway experienced an abominable act of terror. It was a brutal attack; many lost their lives, others were severely injured, and families and friends were left grief-stricken. Still, Norwegians came together, making clear that the attack on our values had failed. Norwegian democracy grows stronger when under pressure, and our commitment to working for a better world, with our many partners, remains unwavering.

Our community of nations is experiencing much uncertainty after the severe financial crisis which continues to impact the global economy. Climate change, with includes a warming planet, rise in the sea level and an increase in extreme weather conditions, will also pose a challenge in the years to come.

I am, therefore, pleased to see co-operation between Norway and Viet Nam continuing to develop and strengthen. Our development co-operation today has an emphasis on technical assistance and institutional capacity building, with a focus on certain key areas such as natural resource management, clean energy, water and sanitation, climate issues and disaster risk management, humanitarian disarmament, as well as community support, primary education and healthcare.

Some 40 years after our first bilateral projects were put in place, a considerable portion of our funding is channelled through the many Norwegian NGOs that work in Viet Nam and UN agencies; and less through bilateral assistance. This shift in our way of funding also enables us to provide needed support for the UN reform process; and Viet Nam has proven to be a very dedicated and most successful pilot country for this important "Delivering as One" reform process.

We see a substantial increase in trade and commercial ties, although our bilateral trade figures are still relatively modest, totalling close to US$500 million annually.

I am encouraged by the number of Norwegian companies that have recently joined with local partners to strengthen trade and investment between our two countries.

Traditionally, enterprises within the maritime industry sector have dominated, but in recent years we have seen a growing interest in areas such as hydropower, oil and gas, aquaculture, information technology, and the environment.

We also now see expanding co-operation between our academic institutions.

This is an exciting development, with the most recent collaboration being a Masters Degree Program, in human rights protection between the University of Oslo and the National University in Ha Noi, launched just last year.

As our political, economic and academic relations have developed over the years, so too has the people-to-people contact between our two countries, through a vibrant cultural exchange. The project Transposition, which brings together 12 of our leading music institutions – seven Norwegian and five Vietnamese – and young musicians, is at the core of this co-operation.

I take this opportunity to thank all our friends in Viet Nam for the invaluable support which the embassy receives – helping us to enhance and further strengthen the bilateral ties between Norway and Viet Nam. 

Source VNS

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Fishing in a marine reserve in Nha Trang

Nha Trang Bay Reserve in central Vietnam allows fishermen to catch fish but only using a rod and a line.
The 160-square-kilometer protected area, including 38 square kilometers of islands, the country’s first marine reserve, was created last year.

Netting or any kind of large-scale fishing is prohibited even for fishermen, while tourists can only watch.
It was first named Hon Mun Marine Reserve, after its major island, Mun, which is covered in black rocks.

Located 20 minutes away by speedboat from Nha Trang, the reserve has an explosion of marine fauna and flora, thanks to the meeting of warm and cold currents. It includes 340 coral species out of around 2,000 found worldwide. They are strictly protected, and divers have to pay VND40,000 (US$2).

Boats have to anchor at marked spots and follow fixed routes to avoid disturbing the fish too much. Many tourists prefer to watch the fishermen work their rods, saying the tranquil setting gives them a feeling of total relaxation.

They can also buy fish fresh from fishermen. But the latter mostly sell their catch to restaurants. I experienced one such leisurely day on a beautiful morning. There was a lot of sunshine and the water was very calm. The fishermen went out in wooden boats, sailing slowly instead of anchoring, with their fishing rods out.

If visitors want to buy, they have to scream out to the fishermen, “Have anything to sell?” One fisherman that day, Bao, had caught 10 flower crabs. Locals said fishing at the reserve is not a particularly lucrative job. Luck is a decisive factor and the fishermen usually earn just enough for a living.

They catch three to four fish a day on average, and sell each at VND100,000 ($5). Sometimes they catch fewer, even nothing at all.

By Khue Viet Truong, 

Source Thanh Nien News

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Da Nang targets improved airport taxi service

The Da Nang City administration has instructed taxi companies operating at its international airport to post notices about fares from the airport to popular tourist destinations both within the city and nearby provinces.

Taxi fares will be announced from the airport to Ba Na and Marble Mountains in Da Nang, Hoi An and My Son in Quang Nam Province and Lang Co in Thua Thien-Hue Province.

The hotline of the municipal People’s Council, 0511 3 888 888 will be displayed in every taxi.

Each taxi firm will have to provide customers with a card with the taxi number, the name of the driver and phone number of the firm’s director in case the passengers want to report any violation or problem created of the drivers.

The taxi association will also cooperate with the Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism to open classes for their drivers in communication skills, English and the region’s tourism destinations.

Source Thanh Nien News

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Vietnamese offered special rates at Six Senses Con Dao Resort

The luxury Six Senses Resorts and Spas is offering discounts on ocean front villas at southern Vietnam’s remote Con Dao Island.

Six Senses Con Dao, which is a 45 minute flight from Ho Chi Minh City, lies along 1.6 km of sandy beach, surrounded by mountain landscapes and turquoise waters with 50 private luxury pool villas.

The promotion valid until the end of June charges VND5.5 million+++ (US$) per night for an ocean view deluxe villa, VND6.5 million+++ at an ocean front villa, VND7.2 million+++ for an ocean front deluxe villa, VND20.3 million+++ for three and four bedroom villas.

Complimentary services include breakfast and a welcome drink upon arrival.

The rates are only applied to Vietnamese residents. ID cards will be required at check in at the resort, which is located at Dat Doc Beach, Con Dao District, Ba Ria-Vung Tau Province.

Source Thanh Nien News

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Sunrise hotel offers tempting Nha Trang summer package

With one of the most beautiful bays in the world and abundance of fresh seafood, not to mention delicacies like the swallow bird's nest, Nha Trang in central Vietnam is a favored destination for both local and foreign visitors.

Tran Phu Boulevard is Nha Trang’s most famous thoroughfare, running along the length of the beach with several major hotels located within a few steps from the beach.

One of the most outstanding hotels among these is the 5-star hotel - Sunrise Nha Trang Beach Hotel & Spa, which is offering a Fantastic Summer Package for wonderful family moments at the beach.

The package includes excellent guest services, allowing families with one child under 12 years old to enjoy two nights in Superior room with private balcony facing Nha Trang Bay, which is considered one of most beautiful bays in the world.

As the hotel is located just steps from the beach, families can relax with sundecks, umbrellas and sand toys for a day of outdoor fun.

The Roman style outdoor swimming pool on the first floor that is embedded in a lush green garden is also an ideal place to share happy moments with the loved ones.

Apart from daily a breakfast, the package also includes a special set menu dinner, complimentary transportation to and from the hotel and a 10 percent discount on laundry and tour services.

For longer summer breaks, Fantastic Summer Holiday package gives a 10 percent discount on extended nights for families who wish to extend their summer in Nha Trang. The package costs VND5,850,000++ (US$281) and is valid from May 5 to October 31, 2012.

The hotel offers babysitting services and also runs a Kids Club.

Reservations can be made by calling + 84 (0) 58 3820 999 or email to rsvn@sunrisenhatrang.com.vn.

But summer is not the only time you can enjoy at Sunrise hotel, which has been designed and furnished to maximize customers’ at all times and all seasons.

Being the only Nha Trang hotel built in a colonial style, Sunrise at 12-14 Tran Phu Boulevard, is right in the heart of the city and has 120 sea balcony rooms and suites with magnificent views of Nha Trang Bay.

Each room of 35-79 square meters is luxuriously furnished and elegantly styled to cater to the most discerning business or leisure travelers. Romantic souls can ask for a room with their very own outdoor Jacuzzi facing the bay.

The diverse culinary fare is another specially attractive feature of the hotel.

Customers can enjoy elegant dining serving European and Asian delicacies amidst the ambience of colonial splendor at the Imperial Restaurant.

The Vietnamese restaurant, “Huong Viet,” meaning Vietnamese fragrance, is an ideal place to get the real taste of local cuisine. The restaurant is located in the lobby area, with indoor and outdoor dining options.

Japanese cuisine lovers are recommended to try the Hanabusa Restaurant in the Annex Building on the ground floor, which is set in traditional Japanese surroundings. Just across from Hanabusa is Nha Trang’s only pub with an authentic Irish design and ambience – “Jolly Leprechaun.”

The beach is a great place for guests who want to relax on a sundeck, watch the waves and spacious blue bay while enjoying a variety of cocktails and snacks.

For a fully refreshing experience, the Sunrise Spa which is a short wander from the hotel, is a must visit destination. The cozy spa is built into two separate floors for men and women, including a gym, a sauna, a steam room, Jacuzzi and VIP rooms especially designed for couples. Its interior deco of balance and harmony ensures a superbly relaxing, rejuvenating experience.

Both leisure and business travelers will find necessary services, amenities and facilities served by professional staff exceeding your expectations.


Source Thanh Nien News

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A Mediterranean retreat in Saigon

Au Parc restaurant
23 Han Thuyen street, Ho Chi Minh City

Au Parc is one of the most elegant restaurants in one of Ho Chi Minh City's most historic and beautiful areas near the Notre Dame Cathedral, Reunification Palace and the lovely April 30th Park.

The restaurant has an atmosphere of Parisian café with a touch of Mediterranean art. There are tables on the sidewalk outside the eatery facing the park and the ground floor is always a bit more crowded than upstairs.

Upstairs is divided into two dining rooms (smoking and non-smoking ). The non smoking room has vibrant Moroccan atmosphere with yellow walls, domes and colorful cushions, plus paintings featuring middle eastern ladies napping to avoid the heat outside.

But the best view belongs to the second upstairs dinning room.

There is a big glass wall-window offering sight of the park's giant old trees and the grass below.

From this window, life in Saigon suddenly becomes more romantic as the small streets surrounding the park don't teem with traffic the way they do in other parts of downtown.

From a distance, the motorbikes are almost swallowed by the park's small forest of trees.

Sometimes I stay until late afternoon reading and writing, watching the light gradually disappear atop the trees to be finally replaced by the darkness of the peaceful evening.

In the afternoon, Au Parc is a quiet, perfect place to chill out with camellia tea or a coconut. The friendly staff fills my cup of water whenever the glass is empty.

Au Parc offers Mediterranean cuisine at reasonable prices. You can choose a two courses menu (VND190,000) or a three-course menu (VND230,000). One of my favorite three-course menus includes a lentil salad with roasted tomatoes and feta cheese, sea bass with fennel confit couscous and petit pois, and a cup of Earl Grey-flavored crème brulee.

Cuisine at Au Parc is a journey around Mediterranean countries. The restaurant's highlights are a Greek salad with roasted tomatoes and feta (VND87,000-side, VND130,000-main); marinated lamb with chickpea salad with lemon-coriander-olive, oil dressing (VND210,000); and the lahmacun-Turkish pizza with chopped salad and cucumber yoghurt sauce (VND68,000).

By To Van Nga

Source Thanh Nien News

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Blue Ocean Resort, Muine

Blue Ocean Resort in Mui Ne is inspired by the Vietnamese village where nature predominates. On entering the resort, guests are greeted by the green of a coconut grove, lawns, water grass, and water lilies in small ponds.

Last weekend I checked into a room in a white villa with a thatched roof. It was in the coconut grove in front of the beach giving me views of the swimming pool, garden, and the beach.

It was very relaxing to sit on the sofa in the porch, looking at squirrels running up and down the coconut trees. On the right was a swimming pool where other guests were chilling out in the shade of coconut trees.

At noon, some gardeners come to prune the coconut trees, a hard job considering many of the trees were very tall. One of them linked his two legs together and clambered like a frog. He proceeded to chop off bunches of big, green coconuts.

A housekeeper who cleaned the villa insisted that I have a coconut. In more ways than one, it was like the countryside where people who have little wholeheartedly give to others.

Blue Ocean is managed by Life resorts group, so the villa, in typical Life resort style, has wooden curtains, mosaic art walls in the bathroom, and a latticed glass screen door which maximizes views of the garden, swimming pool, or beach.

The décor focuses on natural and traditional materials such as wood, silk, bamboo, and lacquer.

After a day on the beach, I wanted an hour’s body massage at the spa.

A path with white pebbles led to the spa where a foot masseuse brought a small bowl with lemon slices, salt, and sliced lemon grass on a bamboo tray. After cleaning my feet with water, she started massaging them with lemon mixed with salt and finally with the thin slices of lemon grass.

“Salt and lemon help to kill the bacteria and the lemon grass makes the skin smoother,” she explained.

In the morning I saw it was an international buffet breakfast. There were cheeses, cold cuts, omelets with vegetable and mushroom, fresh fruits and drinks, and much more. But the best of the lot was the fresh noodle dumpling soup which was very tender and tasty.

By To Van Nga, 

Source Thanh Nien News

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Rail fares to increase by 12 percent

Train fares will increase by 12 per cent on an average from May 15 to September 4, 2012, announced Vietnam Railways on May 14.

For instance, the price of a soft bed in an air-conditioned coupe on the North-South train route will go up by 13 per cent while a hard seat without air-conditioning will go up by 15 per cent. Other seats will go up by 12 per cent. Moreover, fare for a soft seat in an air-conditioned carriage on the high quality train SE3/4 will be VND1,200,000 (US$57.6) and will be different for carriages on the rest of the train. 

The lowest price on the Thong Nhat train TN1 will be VND530,000 and the highest VND1,300,000. Standing seat prices, passengers’ premium, luggage shipping rates and free discount tickets for beneficiaries of social policies apply under the current rules. During this time, the company will not discount for collective tickets. 

Moreover, it will not conduct deduction for returning tickets or changing tickets which are around 20 per cent. The Railways announced reduction in prices for beneficiaries of social policies as follows: people about sixty years of age will enjoy a 20 per cent discount; hero mothers will get a 90 per cent reduction while wounded soldiers and disadvantaged students from special schools will be offered 10 per cent reduction. 

Children less than five years of age with height under 1.05 metres will enjoy exemption of fares while children from five to 10 years of age will get a 50 per cent discount. 

By Quoc Hung – Translated by Uyen Phuong

Source SGGP

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Vietnam’s best tourist attractions

Mui Dien, Phu Yen, the first place to see the crack of dawn

Many visitors to Vietnam have been impressed by the unique beauty of the scenery.

The first place to see the crack of dawn

Mui Dien in Phuoc Than village, Hoa Tam Commune, Dong Hoa district, in the south-central province of Phu Yen is the first place in Vietnam to greet the dawn. Visitors will have the chance to see the first rays of the rising sun and its reflection in the sea. The best view is from the 26-metre light house, which was built by the French in the late 19th century. It is very convenient for tourists to get to Mui Dien by car as there is a road leading up to the peak from the bay, not far from the sand dunes at the foot of the hill. In the evening, visitors can enjoy eating grilled fish while listening to the tales of the lighthouse watchmen.

The hottest region

Cua Rao is located in the Lam River Junction, 60 kilometres from Phu Mat forest, but its temperature always goes up to 37OC after 9am. During winter days, it is still very hot with a blazing sun.

The changing Sand Dunes

The White Sand Dunes is a top attraction at Mui Ne in Phan Thiet town, in southern Binh Thuan province. Affected by Northeastern and Southwestern winds, they change rapidly, both in shape and colour. In addition, visitors can enjoy the full contact of sand boarding. 5am-6am is considered the best time for this sport.

The longest oversea bridge The 7-km

Thi Nai Bridge, which connects Qui Nhon City and Phuong Mai Peninsula has become the longest oversea bridge since it was completed in December 2006. From Qui Nhon City or the Phuong Mai Peninsula, visitors can enjoy seeing the charming bridge over the blue river and the reflection of the Thay Boi (Fortune-teller) tower in the calm water, as well as the Swallow Ground (Bai Nhan) and the Bird Hillock (Con Chim) in the distance.

The longest house

Built in 2002, the 85-metre long thatch-roofed house in Gia Lanh ethnic village, Krong Na Commune, Buon Don District in the Central Highland province of Dak Lak is considered the longest in Vietnam. The interior of the house is decorated in the unique traditional style of the Central Highland people, with rafter, papoose and cooking fire. Visitors pay VND15,000 (US$0.7) for entry and another VND150,000 (US$7) if they want to spend overnight there in one large, common bedroom.

Cathedral with the biggest bells

Notre Dame Cathedral of Saigon, located in Paris Commune, district 1, Ho Chi Minh City, is a magnificent cathedral which was built with material imported from France. The cathedral has a set of six large bronze bells weighing 28.85 tons, in the musical syllables of sol, la, ti, do, re and mi. All these bells, which were cast in France, are considered the biggest in Vietnam.

The biggest Jesus Statue 

Built on Tao Phung Mountain in Vung Tau City, the 32-metre-tall Jesus Statue is the biggest with his arms stretching 18.4 metres long, on a 4-metre-high concrete base with a beautiful carving of the last supper of Jesus and his 12 apostles. Inside the statue, visitors will be able to climb a 133-step spiral staircase to his arms and stand on his shoulders to enjoy panoramic views of the sea and mountain.

Source Vietnamweekly.asia

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Dong Van Rocky Highland Foods

Ma Pi Leng, Ha Giang - Photo by An Bui

The northern mountainous area of Ha Giang has become an attractive tourist destination for its natural beauty and a wide variety of unique foods. Rocky mountainsides are covered with green corn in early summer, followed by the only rice crop of the year. From the high mountains, one has a great view of the deep valleys below with terraced rice fields where H’Mong farmers work. Ha Giang spinach has shoots as big as asparagus sprouts and yellow flowers.


 It has become a common food source for people living in the lowlands where fresh vegetables are in great demand. All year round, the cool temperature of the mountains, especially in the districts of Dong Van and Meo Vac, offer favorable conditions for local people to grow fresh crops such as cucumbers and Dutch beans. In these two districts fresh rice always cooked in aluminum pots and kept warm with coals, making the rice more delicious than rice cooked in electric cookers in lowland areas.

 Normally, in order to fully explore the four mountainous districts, a tourist has to spend a night in Ha Giang after traveling 320km by car from Hanoi. The following morning they continue their trip around high mountain slopes and often stop for lunch in the town of Yen Minh. The food here is unique, featuring boiled spinach, young corn ears, minced meat and stream shrimp fried with lemon leaves. In winter, Chinese sausage and smoked meat are specialties.

 The sausage is minced meat mixed with spices, stuffed into a small pig intestine and baked on hot coals before being put on a smoking shelf. The smoked meat is part of the rump, lean and fat, mixed with the shoulder of a young pig which has been cut into long pieces and salted for a week before being hung on the smoking shelf. After it is cooked, the taste of salt and fat may seem strange to someone unfamiliar with this delicacy. The heart of the northernmost area of Vietnam is Dong Van town.

The centre of the stone highland region features the majestic beauty of three market rows that the French built in the 1930s when they discovered this area. If you come to the rocky highlands, try “ga meo“, a special, local variety of chicken. The chicken’s feet, crest, skin, meat and bones are all black. It is often boiled, deep fried or cooked with ginger. The Ga meo meat is quite unusual; firm but not tough, lean but tasty. The northern mountainous area of Ha Giang has become an attractive tourist destination for its natural beauty and a wide variety of unique foods.

 Rocky mountainsides are covered with green corn in early summer, followed by the only rice crop of the year. From the high mountains, one has a great view of the deep valleys below with terraced rice fields where H’Mong farmers work. Ha Giang spinach has shoots as big as asparagus sprouts and yellow flowers. It has become a common food source for people living in the lowlands where fresh vegetables are in great demand.

 All year round, the cool temperature of the mountains, especially in the districts of Dong Van and Meo Vac, offer favorable conditions for local people to grow fresh crops such as cucumbers and Dutch beans. In these two districts fresh rice always cooked in aluminum pots and kept warm with coals, making the rice more delicious than rice cooked in electric cookers in lowland areas. Normally, in order to fully explore the four mountainous districts, a tourist has to spend a night in Ha Giang after traveling 320km by car from Hanoi. The following morning they continue their trip around high mountain slopes and often stop for lunch in the town of Yen Minh.

 The food here is unique, featuring boiled spinach, young corn ears, minced meat and stream shrimp fried with lemon leaves. In winter, Chinese sausage and smoked meat are specialties. The sausage is minced meat mixed with spices, stuffed into a small pig intestine and baked on hot coals before being put on a smoking shelf. The smoked meat is part of the rump, lean and fat, mixed with the shoulder of a young pig which has been cut into long pieces and salted for a week before being hung on the smoking shelf.

After it is cooked, the taste of salt and fat may seem strange to someone unfamiliar with this delicacy. The heart of the northernmost area of Vietnam is Dong Van town. The centre of the stone highland region features the majestic beauty of three market rows that the French built in the 1930s when they discovered this area. If you come to the rocky highlands, try “ga meo“, a special, local variety of chicken. The chicken’s feet, crest, skin, meat and bones are all black. It is often boiled, deep fried or cooked with ginger. The Ga meo meat is quite unusual; firm but not tough, lean but tasty.

Source Travelweekly.asia

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Bai Dinh Pagoda – the biggest in Vietnam

Bai Dinh Pagoda, Ninh Binh - Photo by An Bui

VIETNAM - Bai Dinh Pagoda in the northern province of Ninh Binh is famous for its great size and beautiful architecture, and also well-known for its record number of huge Buddha statues. Located in Gia Sinh commune, Gia Vien district, Bai Dinh pagoda was built to commemorate King Ly Thai To who moved the capital from Hoa Lu to Thang Long.


As a tourist attraction, Bai Dinh pagoda is endowed with both scenic beauty and historical value. It is considered the largest complex of Buddhist pagodas Vietnam, which are either old or new. The old Bai Dinh Pagoda sits on a 200m high mountain, which has been recognized as a cultural and historical heritage site of Vietnam. The new Bai Dinh Pagoda covers about 700 hectares, near the site of the old one. Tourists often visit the pagoda area during their sight-seeing tour.

Every year, the Bai Dinh Pagoda Festival kicks off on the sixth day of the first lunar month, attracting tens of thousands of visitors.  On the way to the old pagoda site, pilgrims have to climb stone steps to small ancient places of worship to pray for good luck and enjoy traditional ceremonial singing performed by local artists. Through the gate into the new Bai Dinh Pagoda area, visitors will see 500 Arhat statues, each 2.4 m high and weighing about 4 tonnes, standing or sitting on both sides.

 The Bai Dinh Pagoda complex boasts having the biggest bronze Buddha statue in Southeast Asia, about 100 tonnes in weight, and three 50-tonne Buddha statues and two huge bronze bells. From Bai Dinh, tourists can go by boat to the nearby Trang An tourist site in Hoa Lu district. Along with the ancient capital of Hoa Lu, Tam Coc-Bich Dong caves and Phat Diem stone church are all on the to-see list.

Source Travelweekly.asia

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Tinh Bien during flood season

Visiting Tich Bien District in An Giang Province in southern Vietnam during the flood season, from July to October of the lunar calendar, visitors will be amazed at the daily activities of the local people in the flood area. Here, people catch fish and sell their products in the immense flooded field. Standing on the edge or rowing a sampan, tourists have a chance to see an interesting sight of fishermen in boats spreading nets, checking fishing-rods and using other tools for fishing.

Every day, from 4am to 6am, they gather together to sell their products, making the river area boisterous. At this time of the year, many merchants from other regions go to the market to buy different kinds of fresh fish, such as hemibagrus and carp to sell and make a profit. Fish here are not only fresh, but also quite cheap, from 20,000 VND to 30,000 VND/kg. For local people, it is a gift endowed by nature during flood season.

Source VNP / Vietnamnet

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Bang Lang - home to thousands of storks

Located in Binh Thoi Hamlet, Thoi Thuan Commune, Thot Not District, 52 kilometers from the center of Can Tho City, Bang Lang Stork Garden is a popular stop for tourists. From Can Tho City, tourists can go on National Road No. 91, passing O Mon District then traveling to Not Not District. Then tourists will continue through a bridge which is also named Bang Lang. Around one kilometer from the main road is Bang Lang Stork Garden.

 On the way to the garden, visitors will pass green rice paddies and interlacing canals. Tourists can visit the garden by taking a cruise on Hau River, or a bicycle ride past the orchards, craft villages and immense rice fields. The garden covers about two hectares and is home to thousands of storks as well as many other kinds of birds. There are various species of storks living at Bang Lang Stork Garden including cattle egret, ibis, striated heron and painted stork.

 There are also other species making it their home such as black-crowned night heron, little cormorant and greater coucal heron. Eighty percent of birds in the garden are the white cattle egret. This species of stork often builds their nests in the garden from March to August of the lunar year. The best time to admire the garden is 5 p.m. when flocks of storks fly back to their nests. They hover on the sky then perch on tree peaks, twitter together and pose in the wind.

Tourists must not forget to take photos of those moments. There is a three-meter watching tower for tourists to see birds. Nguyen Ngoc Thuyen, who is often referred to as Mr. Bay Co, the owner of Bang Lang Stork Garden, at first he only wanted to save some storks stuck in fishing traps but the garden kept getting bigger and bigger. Thus, the garden was spontaneously established in 1983. It is strange that a large number of storks chose to make their home at the garden of Mr. Bay Co.

At first, there were very few but then Mr. Bay has created good conditions for the storks to live in his garden. Since then, Bang Lang garden has gradually been expanded with the current area of about 2 hectares and number of storks ranging from 100,000-150,000 of more than 20 species.

 Source SGT

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Okombok Festival, Soc Trang

View full album click here: Vietnam Travel Agents

Okombok Festival, Soc Trang - Photo by An Bui

The festival, which takes place every October 14-15 of the Lunar Year, is one of the southern ethnic Khmer people's most important festivals, involving a thanks-giving ceremony to see off the Water genie. In the first day of the festival, tens of thousands of people from throughout the province gathered near the Long Binh river in Tra Vinh town to encourage boat racing teams from districts in the province as well as from other friendly provinces such as Can Tho, Ca Mau and Vinh Long. "Chhay-dam" drum festival, a special drum dance performed by local amateur artists, was organised at the Ao-Ba Om historical and cultural relic site. Folk games were also held, such as running, tug of war, hurdle races, and stilt walking.

Okombok Festival, Soc Trang - Photo by An Bui

Okombok Festival, Soc Trang - Photo by An Bui

Okombok Festival, Soc Trang - Photo by An Bui

Okombok Festival, Soc Trang - Photo by An Bui

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Vendors – problem or beauty of Vietnam’s tourism?

Vendors – problem or beauty of Vietnam’s tourism?

Peddled wares can be seen in every country in the world, including developed economies. The thing that Vietnam needs to do is turn peddled ware shoulder poles (carrying poles) into the special characteristic to attract tourists, instead of the “threat to the tourism” that state management agencies need to eliminate.

 While a lot of foreigners and Vietnamese people have voiced their complaints that Vietnamese vendors try to invite travelers to buy goods with insistence, thus bothering travelers--especially foreigners, others believe that vending should be seen as an original characteristic of Vietnam instead of an “evil.” “Inviting insistently” better than “keeping indifferent” Entreating travelers to buy goods, forcing foreign travelers to buy souvenirs at exorbitant prices, cheating travelers with low quality goods all have been cited as the big problems of Vietnam’s tourism that cause a headache to the state management agencies.

 However, unlike many other foreign travelers, who complained that they are bothered by vendors, in Vietnam, Secretary General of the World Tourism Organization WTO Taleb Rifai believes that this might not be a “big problem.” Commenting about the vendors pursuing travelers and inviting them to buy souvenirs, thus causing inconvenience to travelers, or the spontaneous development of “pavement restaurants and shops”, he said this is really a serious problem that hinders the development of the tourism industry in many countries in the world.

However, he has not seen the problem in Vietnam. He went on to say that he can name 40 of 50 other countries which meet more troubles with their problems that Vietnam. When asked about the comments on social networks by some foreign travelers about the bad things of Vietnam’s tourism, he said that social networks are the forums, where everyone can share his thoughts, and that the stories with negative information about Vietnam should not be seen as a big problem. In Vietnam, foreign travelers can communicate easily with local residents, because a lot of people can speak English.

Meanwhile, in Europe, people meet big difficulties in communicating with the host residents, which is also can be seen a problem of tourism. “I have been to Vietnam three times and I can see new things in Vietnam every time I come. The achievements that Vietnam’s tourism has gained are very clear,” he said. Especially, Mr Rifai also said he does not agree with the viewpoint that in Vietnam, vendors force travelers to sell goods dear. “Expensive” is just a concept with relative meaning. Some countries, London, for example, even want to position themselves as expensive destinations, because this could be seen as a character that attracts travelers.

And once travelers accept to spend money to buy the goods they are offered, this does not mean a serious problem. Turning peddled wares into the special character to attract tourists There were 980 million tourists of the globe in 2011, and the figure is forecast to rise to 1 billion in 2012. This means that one of every seven people on the earth went traveling. Every country in the world and every tourism site all try to attract travelers with their special characteristics.

Vending is one of the indigenous cultural features that can help attract tourists. A research by Professor Annette Kim from MIT University showed that the peddle ware shoulder poles on the pavements of HCM City not only provide food, create jobs to 30 percent of the city’s residents, but also serves as the original characters to attract western travelers through “non-language images.” For example, when one sees a roll of paper pressed under a brick, he should understand that someone nearby has petrol to sell.

A man knocks a chopstick into a porcelain bowl when he wants to say that he sells noodles. Meanwhile, if one can see a tire, travelers can expect to see a shop when their tires can be patched.

By Quoc Dung
Source Vietnamnet

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‘Carnival Ha Long 2012’ celebrates Ha Long Bay

‘Carnival Ha Long 2012’ celebrates Ha Long Bay

‘Carnival Ha Long 2012’ kicked off on Tuesday night in Ha Long City in the northern province of Quang Ninh, to celebrate the recognition of Ha Long Bay as one of New7 Wonders of Nature in the world. This is the biggest carnival ever hosted by Ha Long City, with nearly 4,000 people participating including Vietnamese performers as well as international artists.

Of the several well-known singers taking part in the event were People’s Artist Quang Thọ and Ha Hoai Thu, Hoang Tung, Ngoc Anh and Tuan Anh. About 100 artists held performances atop vessels on Ha Long Bay, which attracted ten of thousands of viewers. Visitors had a chance to enjoy specialties, traditional dances and folk games of Quang Ninh Province, in splendid fun-filled atmosphere.

 The carnival was the final event of Ha Long-Quang Ninh Tourism Week 2012, which closed on the same night. The number of visitors to Ha Long Bay increased to a record 40,000 during Reunification Day (April 30) and May Day holidays.


By Ngoc Quy – Translated by Hai Mien
Source SGGP

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Foreigners to receive VAT refund from July

Foreigners to receive VAT refund from July

Foreigners will now receive a Value Added Tax (VAT) refund on commodities purchased while in Vietnam and which they carry back when leaving the country, at Noi Bai and Tan Son Nhat International Airports from July this year until the end of June next year. This new pilot scheme for foreigners was announced on Thursday at a conference chaired by Do Hoang Anh Tuan, Deputy Minister of Finance in Ho Chi Minh City.

The conference was also attended by Nguyen Thi Hong, deputy chairwoman of the HCMC People’s Committee and over 200 businesses in the city. From July 1, all foreigners will receive VAT refund on purchased commodities they wish to carry back with them. The VAT refund policy will only be applicable on brand-new items, permissible to carry in the cabin, and are not listed as banned, restricted or illegal.

Those wanting a refund must present a bill and fill a tax refund form valid for 30 days before date of exit. Goods purchased must have a total value of at least VND2 million ($95) and purchased in the same shop on the same day. Noi Bai and Tan Son Nhat International Airports will implement the scheme from July 1, 2012 to June 2013.


By Han Ni – Translated by Hai Mien
Source SGGP

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Vietnam wants to raise image for foreign travellers

Vietnam wants to raise image for foreign travellers

Do Hoang Anh Tuan, deputy minister of Finance believes in raising Vietnam’s image by offering refund on Value Added Tax (VAT) on commodities purchased in Vietnam by foreign travellers at point of departure at Noi Bai and Tan Son Nhat International Airports from July 2012 till June 2013.

The deputy minister mentioned this at a conference in Ho Chi Minh City recently to implement the new pilot scheme that will offer a VAT refund to foreigners leaving the country with purchases made during their stay. Tuan said the pilot scheme will help promote tourism and leave a good impression on foreign visitors, so officials at airports must provide and facilitate easy procedures for the same.

The pilot scheme will be improved gradually in accordance with international practices, but for now VAT refund formalities must be made simple, clear and transparent, Tuan said. Foreigners will now receive a Value Added Tax (VAT) refund on commodities purchased while in Vietnam and which they carry back when leaving the country. According to the General Department of Taxation, 154 enterprises in Hanoi and HCMC are eligible for participating in the new scheme.

Purchases made by foreign visitors during their stay in Vietnam, will receive VAT refund at point of departure, provided all criteria is met. These enterprises are eager to join the pilot scheme as this is an excellent opportunity for them to promote their products in other countries of the world. Relevant agencies such as tax and customs departments will release the addresses and names of participating enterprises on their websites.

They will also be allowed to advertise the scheme on billboards and posters on their shops, so as to inform foreign clientele. Tax and customs departments should also inform travel agents of the enterprises listed in the VAT refund scheme, so as to curb corruption. Enterprises also raised the idea that there should be one common logo for the VAT refund scheme for easy recognition by foreign tourists. This idea met with approval from the deputy minister. The General Department of Taxation has been asked to think of a common logo to be used by shops offering VAT refund in the country.

By Han Ni - Translated by Uyen Phuong
Source SGGP

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