Tourism Indochina: World Tourism News: Vietnam to receive near 4 mln foreign tourists in 7 months

Vietnam to receive near 4 mln foreign tourists in 7 months

HANOI, July 27 (Xinhua) -- Vietnam is expected to welcome more than 3.83 million foreign visitors in the first seven months of 2012, a 10.8 percent increase over the same period last year, reported the Vietnam National Administration of Tourism (VNAT) on Friday.

Of the figure, over 3.2 million visitors came to Vietnam by air, accounting for nearly 84 percent of the total number of foreign visitors to Vietnam and an increase of 10.5 percent year-on-year.

The number of tourists arriving by sea is forecast to see the highest increase of 55 percent, reaching over 38,600 person-times while over 578,500 visitors arrived in Vietnam by land.

China, South Korea, Japan and the United States remained the leading markets for the Vietnamese tourism.

During the period, the market saw a strong growth in number of Japanese and South Korean tourists with 21 percent and 38 percent year-on-year, respectively.

In July alone, the country is expected to receive about 466,000 international tourists, up 11.6 percent over June but down 7.9 percent year-on-year.

Since July 1, the General Department of Vietnam Customs has officially opened counters to refund Value Added Tax (VAT) to foreign visitors at Noi Bai and Tan Son Nhat International Airports. This is one of the measures to boost the sale of goods and promote the country's tourism sector.

This year, Vietnam set target of receiving 6.5 million foreign visitors and 32 million domestic travelers with the revenue of 150 trillion Vietnamese dong (7.2 billion U.S. dollars).

Source: Xinhua/27July2012

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Tourism Indochina: World Tourism News: Vietnam probes death of US, Canadian tourists

Vietnam probes death of US, Canadian tourists

HANOI: Vietnamese authorities are investigating the mysterious deaths of two tourists from the United States and Canada who stayed in the same guesthouse, official media reported Monday.

American Karin Joy Bowerman, 27, and Canadian Cathy Huynh, 26, died last week at a hospital in southern Nha Trang province, the Tuoi Tre newspaper said.

Bowerman died on July 30 after suffering "a mysterious illness" and respiratory failure, while Huynh died two days later after developing similar symptoms and suffering a cardiac arrest, the report said.

The pair, who had shared a room in a guesthouse on Nguyen Thien Thuat street in Nha Trang -- a popular backpacker area in the seaside resort -- might have "drunk too much wine" which led to their deaths, a police investigator told the paper.

The family of Huynh, a Canadian of Vietnamese descent, disputed this account, the report said, adding that police are waiting for the results of autopsy tests to establish the cause of death.

"She died because she did not receive proper medical care despite the fact that she had been admitted to the hospital 12 hours before her death," Huynh's mother, Huynh Thi Huong, told Tuoi Tre.

The family have set up an appeal to raise money to repatriate Huynh's body to Canada for a funeral, the report said.

Before their trip to Vietnam, the two women had both taught English at a university in South Korea, it added.

In June two Canadian sisters were found dead in their hotel room on a popular resort island in Thailand, showing signs of having suffered an extreme toxic reaction. The exact cause of their deaths remains unknown.

Source: AFP/ir/6August2012

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Tourism Indochina: New Golf Tour Launched in Southeast Asia

Tourism Indochina: New Golf Tour Launched in Southeast Asia

Southeast Asia, South-East Asia, South East Asia or Southeastern Asia is a subregion of Asia, consisting of the countries that are geographically south of China, east of India, west of New Guinea and north of Australia. The region lies on the intersection of geological plates, with heavy seismic and volcanic activity. Southeast Asia consists of two geographic regions: Mainland Southeast Asia, also known as Indochina, comprises Cambodia, Laos, Burma (Myanmar), Thailand, Vietnam and Peninsular Malaysia, and Maritime Southeast Asia, which is analogous to the Malay Archipelago, comprises Brunei, East Malaysia, East Timor, Indonesia, Philippines, Christmas Island, and Singapore.

Tourism Indochina: New Golf Tour Launched in Southeast Asia:
(Tourism Indochina:Date : 2007-08-19):

BANGKOK (Reuters) - Southeast Asia will launch its own tour next month in an effort to raise the standard of local golfers. ADVERTISEMENT The ASEAN Golf Tour will take place from September to December, with events in Thailand, Singapore, the Philippines, Indonesia and Vietnam. Organizers expect a field of 144 local players when the tour kicks off on September 5 with the $50,000 International Championships in Jakarta. "Many talented golfing professionals in Southeast Asia do not have enough chances to play competitive golf," ASEAN Golf Tour chairman A.C. Wong said in a statement. "The flourishing state of men's golf in Asia has resulted in the need to boast this new circuit." The region currently has 13 players in the top 50 on the Asian Tour order of merit, which has been topped by Thai golfers Thongchai Jaidee (2001, 2004) and Thaworn Wiratchant (2005) in recent years. Wong said there were plans to expand the tour next year with events planned in the remaining five ASEAN (Association of South East Asian Nations) member countries; Myanmar, Laos, Cambodia, Malaysia and Brunei. Following the inaugural event, the ASEAN Golf Tour moves to Thailand (September 26-29) the Philippines (October 3-6), Vietnam (November 20-23) and finishes in Singapore (December 13-16).

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Tourism Indochina: Vietnam in an effort to Draw Tourists to the Country

Tourism Indochina: Vietnam in an effort to Draw Tourists to the Country

Vietnam National Administration of Tourism: The Vietnam National Administration of Tourism is the government agency of Vietnam which manages tourist operations and activities throughout the country. It has full control in terms of business development, planning, public relations, personnel training, conducting research, and instructing and inspecting the implementation of policies and other regulations in the tourism sector.

Tourism Indochina: Vietnam in an effort to Draw Tourists to the Country:
(Tourism Indochina:Date : 2010-08-05): A two month campaign to reduce prices during the low season has been launched in the major cities of Vietnam in an effort to draw tourists to the country.

A number of shops, hotels, restaurants and transportation firms in Ha Noi, Ho Chi Minh City and Da Nang have signed up to 'The Grand Sale' and agreed to reduce their prices by ten to 40 per cent during August and September, reported the Vietnam News.

"This is a good campaign," Hanoitourist director Luu Duc Ke told the news agency.

"Our company will co-ordinate with transport companies and hotels to provide discounts of 10 to 30 per cent."

Upon the presentation of their passport, tourists will receive a Tourist Privilege Card or shopping coupons for participating merchants.

As part of the larger 'Vietnam: Your Destination 2010' campaign, The Grand Sale is hoped to bring in increased revenue from tourist spending.

The Viet Nam National Administration of Tourism (VNAT) with the Trade Promotion Department, the Ministry of Industry and Vietnam Airlines introduced the campaign following the success of similar programmes in Thailand, Malaysia and Singapore.

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Tourism Indochina: Vietnam National Administration of Tourism

Tourism Indochina: Vietnam National Administration of Tourism


The Vietnam National Administration of Tourism is the government agency of Vietnam which manages tourist operations and activities throughout the country. It has full control in terms of business development, planning, public relations, personnel training, conducting research, and instructing and inspecting the implementation of policies and other regulations in the tourism sector.


The Vietnam National Administration of Tourism (VNAT) has submitted to the government a scheme on advertising Vietnam’s tourism on CNN, said Pham Huu Minh, Head of Tourism Promotion Department. Under this scheme, Vietnam will pay US$400,000 for a 30-second advertising clip to be broadcast for three months on the famous CNN channel. The clip will be broadcast several times each day during “golden hours” of CNN. Mr. Minh said that CNN had agreed to make the clip free of charge (worth around $40,000-$50,000). If the government approves, the clip will be broadcast on CNN in the third quarter of 2007. In the first four months of 2007, Vietnam welcomed more than 1.4 million foreign visitors, an increase of 12.5% compared to the same period of 2006.


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Tourism Indochina: Introduction to Vietnamese Handicraft Villages

Tourism Indochina: Introduction to Vietnamese Handicraft Villages


In the past, after harvest time, Vietnamese people made handicraft works to meet their own needs. Their products are very skillful and sophisticated, even though they are farmers and do not specialize in handicrafts. The techniques were kept secret, but taught to relatives or fellow villagers.

The village, therefore, became a very important institution in the handicraft industry. The village's name became the trademark of handicraft products made by its villagers. Đình làng- the village's temple became the place of worship and tổ nghề the man who first taught the villagers to do these handicraft works.

When urbanization came to Vietnam, many people came to towns/cities and professionalized in the handicraft works they had done in their old village. They did not compete with one another but gathered in phường/hội, the new form of handicraft village, to help others to improve.

The Vietnamese government has recognised about 1500 handicraft villages, of which about 300 are traditional handicraft villages. These villages maintain the country's handicraft heritage.

Vietnam Festival celebrates handicraft villages:

(Tourism Indochina:Date : 2007-11-13):

Festival celebrates handicraft villages

A festival honouring handicraft-making villages, which play an important part in Vietnamese culture, kicked off in Hanoi on November 14.
The festival showcases 200 prominent handicraft villages out of the 2,000 villages throughout the country that produce handiwork art and craft, from pottery to kites.

The Bat Trang pottery village, which lies about 15km from Hanoi, brings to the event simple but delicate products.

The Bat Trang pottery exhibit also includes a tea set that can serve up to 250 people, a feat considered the largest so far. The set can use up to five kilos of tea for one sitting.
The Doi Tam drum makers are also making some noise with their showcase of 60-drum set to be played by 60 girls for a 7-minute performance.

A competition of hand-made kites made by artisans nationwide will take place during the festival in which a 12m four-flute-carried kite made by Dong Anh District artisans is expected to fly. Apart from showcasing hand-made items, the festival will give visitors the chance to enjoy love song duets, songs of strolling blind musicians, water puppet and traditional children plays, and the art of calligraphy writing. Ten Japanese businesses are taking part in the festival. (Source: VNA)


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Tourism Indochina: Vietnam Gong Culture

UNESCO, The Space of Gong Culture: The cultural space of the gongs in the central highlands of Vietnam covers several provinces and seventeen Austro-Asian and Austronesian ethno-linguistic communities. Closely linked to daily life and the cycle of the seasons, their belief systems form a mystical world where the gongs produce a privileged language between men, divinities and the supernatural world. Behind every gong hides a god or goddess who is all the more powerful when the gong is older. Every family possesses at least one gong, which indicates the family’s wealth, authority and prestige, and also ensures its protection. While a range of brass instruments is used in the various ceremonies, the gong alone is present in all the rituals of community life and is the main ceremonial instrument.

The manner in which the gongs of Vietnam are played varies according to the village. Each instrumentalist carries a different gong measuring between 25 and 80 cm in diameter. From three to twelve gongs are played by the village ensembles, which are made up of men or women. Different arrangements and rhythms are adapted to the context of the ceremony, for example, the ritual sacrifice of the bullocks, the blessing of the rice or mourning rites. The gongs of this region are bought in neighbouring countries, and then tuned to the desired tone for their own use.

Economic and social transformations have drastically affected the traditional way of life of these communities and no longer provide the original context for the Gong culture. Transmission of this way of life, knowledge and know-how was severely disrupted during the decades of war during the last century.Today, this phenomenon is aggravated by the disappearance of old craftsmen and young people’s growing interest in Western culture. Stripped of their sacred significance, the gongs are sometimes sold for recycling or exchanged for other products.

Vietnam Gong Culture Festival kicks off:

(Tourism Indochina:Date : 2007-11-21):

The Central Highlands Gong Culture Festival 2007 opened at the Central Highlands Dak Lak provincial museum on November 21. Vice State President Nguyen Thi Doan joined around 10,000 people at the opening ceremony of the festival. The four-day festival, the largest of its kind in the Central Highlands, will include performances by 25 domestic and foreign gong troupes and art troupes from Laos and the Republic of Korea.

Local street festivals, a photo exhibition on the cultural tradition of Vietnam’s gong and a gong casting demonstration will be held alongside an exhibition of gong cultural space.
An exhibition-cum-fair on the Central Highlands and a workshop on the history of the gong are also on the festival’s agenda.
The festival, titled “Old forest night”, promotes the cultural traditions of the Central Highlands gong, recognised as “Masterpiece of the Oral and Intangible Heritages of Humanity” by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation in November 2006.


During the festival Vice State President Doan also opened the Central Highlands Exhibition-cum-Fair 2007 with the participation of 136 businesses.
The Vice President attended the launch of a special set of stamps on the cultural tradition and history of the Central Highlands gongs. (Source: VNA)

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Tourism Indochina: The Rural Vietnam on Bicycle

Tourism Indochina: The Rural Vietnam on Bicycle

An ideal cycling route avoids crowded highways and intense climbs and sticks to peaceful village roads shaded by trees, green fields and orchards. A bike tour through the western and northern sections of Vietnam gives tourists a glimpse of life in rural areas including the ethnic people in the Central Highlands.

While crossing the Cu Mong or Hai Van passes, tourists are able to stop roadside to contemplate the sunrise or sunset and admire the beautiful view on one side lies giant mountains, while on the other are picturesque beaches. Tour participants are not required to bike for the entire trip; participants ride a maximum of 50 kilometres a day. Cars, canoes, and boats cover the distance not traveled on bike. To ensure the health and safety of riders, professional medics often accompany the tour. Of Saigontourist’s bike tours, its trip to the western portion of Southern Vietnam is its most popular. The tour departs from Ho Chi Minh City and stops first in Long An Province. Tourists then travel by car to Tan An District to visit the Cao Dai Holy See. Following the religious site, the tour rides 20 kilometres. along the Bao Dinh Canal to My Tho. On the way to My Tho, tourists stop by orchards to enjoy fresh coconut juice and fruit. Next, tourists visit the Vinh Trang Pagoda, which was built in the early 19th century and houses a collection of bronze statues carved in the Mekong Delta. The tour then travels to the port to visit Thoi Son Islet in Tien Giang Province by canoe. On the second day of the journey, the tour heads to Ben Tre Province. The group travels leisurely through village roads to view the landscape, get fresh air roadside and speak with locals. Tourists can visit the village market and green fields to see firsthand the cultivation technique of the farmers and life in the country. On the third day, tourists visit Cai Mon District to see a number of activities of the local people including fishing, cooking, leisure and sport. Tourists take part in a home-stay at the home of a Cai Mon resident and eat ca loc nuong trui dish (grilled snakehead fish), taste local rice wine and listen to don ca tai tu (amateur southern folk music). The following day, tourists travel by ferry to visit the center of Vinh Long Province and continue to ride through Long Ho village for 20 kilometres. to Ba Can to visit the village of the Khmer people and a market specializing in tofu.

The journey continues to Can Tho Province for tourists to visit the floating markets of Phong Dien and Cai Rang. Tourists then ride for 20 kilometres. to Bang Lang Park. The tour concludes with a car ride back to Ho Chi Minh City the following day. (Source: SGT)

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Tourism Indochina: Mu Cang Chai terraced fields named heritage site

[Left Photo: Mu Cang Chai, Vietnam]

Mu Cang Chai is about 300 kilometers from Hanoi with 5 hours of driving. The main attraction of Mu Cang Chai lies in its terraced rice fields which are primarily situated in the district’s Che Cu Nha, La Pan Tan and De Zu Phinh villages.

These imposing fields draw a large number of both Vietnamese and foreign travelers who love to take pictures of and indulge themselves in the amazing beauty of the national heritage site. It is very often to see ethnic minority mothers use cloth as a cradle to carry their infants on their back when they are harvesting paddy in the fields in the northwest of Vietnam. Children of the farmers run here and there in the fields, chatting with their parents and giggling in tune with the joy of their parents during the harvest season.

Terraced rice fields have been not only a source of food and income for the H’Mong people, they are an intrinsic part of their culture and Mu Cang Chai, which is itself a quiet town on the bank of the Nam River.

Tourism Indochina: Mu Cang Chai terraced fields named heritage site


(Tourism Indochina:Date : 2008-03-24):

Mu Cang Chai terraced fields named heritage site The terraced fields of Mu Cang Chai mountainous district in northern Yen Bai Province have been recognised as a national heritage site by the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism. At a ceremony to mark the designation on October 18, Sung A Vang, Secretary of Mu Cang Chai Party Committee, said that the district will take measures to conserve nearly 500ha of terraced fields in La Pan Tan, Che Cu Nha and Ze Xu Phinh communes.

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Tourism Indochina: Vietnam Tourist Arrivals Number 2.6mln

Tourism Indochina: Vietnam Tourist Arrivals Number 2.6mln

(Tourism Indochina:Date : 2008-08-25):

Vietnam received more than 2.6 million international visitors in the first seven months of the year, a year-on-year increase of 10.6 per cent, according to the General Statistics Office (GSO). Foreign tourists to Vietnam mainly came from Thailand, the US, Japan, the Republic of Korea (RoK), the Philippines, China, France, Singapore and Malaysia.


International arrivals from the Philippines, Thailand and Singapore rose sharply over the same period last year with 55 per cent, 41.6 per cent and 27.5 per cent, respectively, while those from China, the RoK and Japan decreased.


"In order to fulfill its target of welcoming five million international tourists this year, the tourism sector will simplify international travel business procedures and strengthen land tourism cooperation with its neighbours Laos and Cambodia," Deputy Minister of Culture, Sports and Tourism Tran Chien Thang said.


The sector plans to coordinate with airlines and enterprises to organise tourism promotion activities and diversify tourism products, he added. It will also continue investment in upgrading infrastructure and training human resources in an effort to improve service quality, thus increasing the number of tourists with long-time residences.


Currently, the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism is preparing for the 2009 ASEAN Tourism Forum (ATF 2009) scheduled to be held in Vietnam from January 5-12. One of the major activities is building a website providing tourism information on Vietnam.


This will be the first time Vietnam hosts such a large-scale event in the framework of ASEAN tourism cooperation, Thang said. The ATF was considered a big opportunity for Vietnam to promote tourism and expand tourism cooperation with other regional countries.


During the ATF 2009, the ASEAN Tourism Ministers Meeting, the ASEAN Tourism Ministers meeting with dialogue countries and the ASEAN Tourism Fair will be held. Vietnam is expected to welcome around 1,500 international delegates during the next year's ATF, including representatives of 400 travel agencies from key markets in Northern America, Europe and Northeastern Asia.


Source: VNA


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Tourism Indochina: Vietnam to offer first trans-ASEAN motor tour

Tourism Indochina: Vietnam to offer first trans-ASEAN motor tour

(Tourism Indochina:Poste Date 2008-09-25):

HANOI, Sept. 23 -– Nine tourists from the US , Canada and Norway will join in a trans-ASEAN tour by motorbike, which will be launched in Vietnam for the first time on September 24.

The trip will last two months under which travellers will drive through Vietnam for 20 days, then travel across Laos, Cambodia and Thailand before ending up in Malaysia.

The tour is offered by the Vinh Tan Tourism and Trade Company (Vyta Tours), which is also the first travel business in Vietnam and Southeast Asia to arrange trips of this type for tourists going in groups.

Vyta Tours Director Phan Than said his company came to the idea of this type of tour in the light of its 12-year experience in offering trans-Vietnam motor tours for foreign tourists.

According to Than, such tours are popular among foreign travellers despite higher prices. Than said he thought Vietnam has a great potential for developing this type of tourism as the country is located on the trans-Asia road and boasts various recognised world natural and cultural heritage sites such as the Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park, the former imperial capital of Hue, the ancient town of Hoi An and the My Son relics.

However, the number of motor tours remains limited at several trips a year in Vietnam due to complicated procedures in tour approval and granting driving licences for travellers, Than added. (PNA/VNA)


Source EBT News

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Tourism Indochina: Cambodia and Vietnam Visa Exemption

Cambodia and Vietnam Visa Exemption has been into effected from 04th December 2008 onwards

First Let Read: Cambodia and Vietnam renew its visa exemption agreement

(By Aseanaffairs: November 9, 2008):

Cambodia, Vietnam sign visa agreement
Cambodia has signed a visa exemption agreement with Vietnam for ordinary passport holders during an official visit led by Prime Minister Hun Sen to Hanoi this week, Kyodo news agency quoted a senior government official as saying Saturday.

Foreign Minister Hor Namhong told reporters Cambodia has similar agreements with Singapore, Malaysia, the Philippines and Laos.

Following his official visit to Vietnam on Tuesday and Wednesday, Hun Sen also participated in regional meetings among Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar, Thailand and Vietnam on economic cooperation.

Among those meetings was the 3rd ACMECS Summit where the five neighbouring countries discussed implementation of Single Visa Scheme on Friday to facilitate entry into five southeastern Asian countries including Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar, Thailand and Vietnam.

ACMECS is short for Ayeyawady-Chao Phraya-Mekong Economic Cooperation Strategy. Ayeyawady, Chao Phraya and Mekong are three mother rivers that culturally and historically unify these five countries in heart of Southeast Asia.

Those talks ended late Friday.

....

Cambodia and Vietnam Visa Exemption has been into effected from 04th December 2008 onwards

(By TourismIndochina.com:Date : 2008-12-05):

Cambodia & Vietnam Visa Exemption has been into effected from 04th December 2008 onwards Bayon Heritage Travel & Tours wish to inform that the agreement between Cambodia and Vietnam regarding toVisa Exemption will be went into effect on 04th December 2008, reference Reaksmey Kampuchea newspaper No.475,Dated:25th Nov 08. For Cambodian, Cambodian gets Visa Exemption to Malaysia, Singapore, Phillipine and Lao PDR. And Vietnam is the 5th country of Visa Exemption agreement with Cambodia.

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Tourism Indochina: Vietnam Tourism Remains Strong through Economic Crisis

Tourism Indochina: Vietnam Tourism Remains Strong through Economic Crisis

(Tourism Indochina:Date : 2008-12-25:)

There has been plenty of tourism news coming out of Vietnam recently, ranging from forum announcements to arrival figures, discounts and promotions to a new visa waiver, fuel surcharge cuts and a focus on Japanese arrivals.

ASEAN Tourism Forum

The 2009 ASEAN Tourism Forum (ATF), considered the most important event in the ASEAN tourism co-operation framework, will be held in Ha Noi from January 5 to 12.

Around 1,500 delegates from around the world will participate in the eight-day forum, themed "Towards New Heights".

Ancient Hoi An Receives 450,000 Tourists

The ancient city of Hoi An received approximately 450,000 tourists, including 320,000 foreigners in 2008.

To attract tourists during the Christmas and New Year season, the Hoi An Culture, Sport and Tourism Centre is holding a number of traditional art performances, a street festival, an ethnic cultural fair and meetings with foreigners.

Visitors can enjoy a street festival on New Year’s Eve and a cultural fair showcasing each ethnic group.

Tour Operators Slash Prices as Economic Crisis Decreases Demand

Many Vietnamese tour companies are attempting to offset the damage of the global economic crisis by offering enticing discounts and other promotions.

Cholontourist Company said it has reduced the prices of some tours by US$50-60 and is considering further reducing profit margins in order to keep regular customers.

Vietnamese tour operators said the number of groups booking their services has dropped from an average of 25 a month to two or three.

Although December-February is usually the peak tourist season for the Asia-Pacific region, the outlook thus far is not looking good.

While Vietnam Airlines and Jetstar Pacific have been offering low-cost domestic fares in recent months, international tickets to Vietnam remain high.

Vietnam Waives Visas for Russians Tourists Next Month

Russian visitors with valid passports will no longer require visas to come to Vietnam as of January 1, 2009, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs has announced.

Vietnam will be the third Southeast Asian country after Thailand and Laos to waive visas for Russian citizens visiting for tourism purposes.

For a visa waiver for stays of 15 days or less, Russian visitors must have a valid passport and a return or onward ticket.

Cathay Pacific Airways Cuts Fuel Surcharges for Long-Haul Services

Cathay Pacific Airways will significantly cut passenger fuel surcharges from US$25.1 to $13.8 for short-haul flights and from $106.7 to $64 for long-haul services in Northeast and Southeast Asia including those in Vietnam.

Viet Nam Remains Popular with Japanese tourists

Vietnam will be listed among the key destinations in Japan’s tourism promotion programme in the near future, according to the Japanese Association of Travel Agents.

Despite being in the throes of the global economic downturn, 400,000 Japanese have visited Vietnam YTD.

Vietnam Airlines said that the co-operation of Japanese travel agents and official agencies to hold cultural and tourism events will prove vital in attracting Japanese tourists to Vietnam.

Vietnam Airlines operates six direct flights from Ha Noi and HCM City to Tokyo, Nagoya, Osaka, and Fukuoka.

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Tourism Indochina: Vietnam Airlines to open direct flight to the US

Tourism Indochina: Vietnam Airlines to open direct flight to the US

(Tourism Indochina:Date : 2009-02-18):

The national flag carrier Vietnam Airlines has announced a new plan to open direct flights to the U.S in 2010 if conditions are right, three years later than its earlier plan which was delayed for three years.

Vietnam Airlines confirmed that it would open direct flights to the U.S once the carrier is again economical strong enough.

At the moment, the airlines is preparing the market and planes to reach the goal of direct flights to the US by 2010.

According to the Vietnam Aviation Department, the US is a difficult market, and that aviation authorities in the country impose many conditions on airlines wanting to open direct flights to the country.

Besides making the airlines follow the US’ tight security and safety regulations, US aviation authorities also require airlines to supply a passenger list with personal information on all passengers on-board the planes four hours before take-off. This is an unprecedented condition, not require by most other countries. However, the US remains the number one aviation market, so most airlines in the world want enter it. That is why Vietnam Airlines is trying to open direct flights to the country, even in this time of worldwide economic crisis.

Like other airlines around the world, Vietnam Airlines’ number of passengers and cargo flights are decreasing.

In the first quarter of 2009, the number of international passengers traveling with the airline fell 5%, and the airline has set a target to carry only around 9.4 million passengers in this challenging year of 2009.

Last year, Vietnam Airlines carried nine million passengers.

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The Longest Vietnam And Cambodia Tour Package

The Longest Vietnam And Cambodia Tour Package

The Longest Vietnam And Cambodia Tour Package, the INSIDE IN VIETNAM AND CAMBODIA....

This is the comprehensive alternative to our previous trip and shows you Vietnam in close-up, from top to bottom. It's not just a change of direction - this trip packs another adventurous week into the itinerary. We'll explore Hanoi, Halong Bay and visit the hill tribes of Sapa and colorful Bacha market before slowly making our way south along stunning coastline to Ho Chi Minh City, the vibrant City and the mighty Mekong Delta. We end with Asia?s most memorable sight ? the temples of Angkor. This is a journey for those seeking a deeper understanding of rural Vietnam, seeing both the highlights and experiencing the country off the beaten path, with a look into the enchanting country of Cambodia?s history, both past and present.

On arrival at Noi Bai Airport on the first day, you are met and transferred to hotel. Ha Noi, Vietnam's capital, is a stylish and gracious city that retains an unique old world charm and some Asia?s most striking colonial architecture. The many lakes and parks make for relaxing atmosphere. If time permits we embark on a cyclo for a short excursion through the bustling old quarter streets named after the specific goods once offered for sale at these places. Stay over night at hotel in HANOI.

An early morning of day two start to drive towards Sa Pa. The roads are bumpy at times, but various scenic landscapes changing from the delta area to the Tonkinese Alps make for an interesting journey. At an elevation of 1,500 meters, Sa Pa was once a hill resort of French administrators when the summer heat became unbearable. The remoteness and the simple lifestyle of ethnic minority people are a highlight of Sa Pa although conditions are basic. After checking into hotel in Sapa we can soak up the fresh climate as much as we want by spending time to wander around. The ethnic people are frequently seen in this hill town and small vendors along the street sell local textiles and handicraft. Stay overnight at hotel in SAPA.

Day 3: Sapa- Laochai Tavan village- Home stay: Have breakfast at hotel. Your guide will meet you at hotel for short trek down to village, private jeep transferred to Lao Chai village, a village of Black H?mong. Short trek down to river to visit hill tribe house to see their living style and the local woman made their handicraft clothes. Further on along the road, the Tavan village where Dzay people staying can be seen. Visit the village and reach their customs. Enjoy 1 night homestay with a local family and delicious food cooked by the tour Accommodation at local family house.

Days 4: Sapa - Bacha : Walking up in early morning to enjoy the atmosphere of mountainous area with cool and bird singing. Breakfast before have a trek follow the river to visit the Red Dzao village, hanging Rattan Bridge and water fall. Crossing the river for private vehicle transfer back to Sapa. Have lunch at local restaurant in town before driving to Bac Ha town. Check in hotel. Relax and free Stay over night at hotel in Bac Ha.

Day 5: Bacha Market Hanoi: Today we have a walk around the colorful Sunday Market at Bac Ha, this market also attracts a wide variety of ethnic minority groups including the Variegated Hmong, Dao, Phu La, La Chi and Tay. They still retain their old age cultural traditions and are recognizably distinct from each other by their dress. The experience of this congregation is colorful and unique. The return journey begins as we depart Bac Ha Town and pass through the Green and rugged mountain scenery to Hanoi. These back roads are a great way to explore the real Vietnam. We see very few other travelers, mostly rural dwellers who are just as interested in finding out about our lives as we are of theirs. The drive is very long, but we can make many stops at our pleasure, to stretch our legs and take some wonderful photographs. Stay over night at hotel in Hanoi....

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Cambodia tours=> http://www.tourismindochina.com/cambodia/tours/
Vietnam tours=> http://www.tourismindochina.com/vietnam/tours/
Laos tours=> http://www.tourismindochina.com/laos/tours/
More about Cambodia Rice Exporter, please visit: http://www.cambodiaorganic.com/

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Top Seven Popular Cambodia Vietnam Tour-Packages

Top Seven Popular Cambodia Vietnam Tour-Packages

The Top Seven Popular Cambodia Vietnam Tour-Packages includes Angkor Wat and Halong Bay Tours 8 days, Angkor Wat, Halong Bay and Sapa Tours 9 days, Cambodia - Vietnam 16 days, Cambodia and Vietnam Explorer 14 days, Indochina Explorer 14 days, Inside in Vietnam and Cambodia 21 days, and Vietnam and Cambodia Hotspot 15 days tours...

ANGKOR WAT AND HALONG BAY TOURS 8 DAYS:

As we arrive in Siem Reap in the morning, we are accompanied by the guides to the hotel The same morning we are on tour to Rolous Group temples including the 9th-century-erected Preah Ko temple, Bakheng, the largest and most complex temple of the Rolous group temples, and the four-brick-tower temple of Lo Lei. After the lunch break, we will head to Small Circuit to witness the Prasat Kravan (Cardamon sanctuary), where we will be stunned by the image of the eight-armed Vishnu in the largest central tower. Then we get going to Banteay Kdei, a massive Buddist temple with four concentric walls, Srah Srang (Royal Bath), Ta Prohm, which is best known for its originally charming look, with trees and roots intertwined with the carvings and chambers of the buildings. Next, we move to just east of Angkor Thom where stand the Thommanon and Chau Say Tevoda that seem to be known as the twin temple, and to Takeo, the only temple never completed and yet one among the finest. Finally, we enjoy the dinner in Siem Reap town....

ANGKOR WAT, HALONG BAY AND SAPA TOURS 9 DAYS:

...In the early morning, we enjoy the view of sunset at Angkor Wat. Then we start our tour to the most popular South Gate of Angkor Thom’s before going to Angkor Thom (the temple) which was built by Angkor's greatest king, Jayavarman VII. The major attraction of Angkor Thom is the Bayon, whose exact function and symbolism is still unknown until now. Then we go to Bapoun, which is one of the most spectacular of Angkor’s temples in its heyday; to Terrace of Leper King, another mysterious site to find out; and to Terrace of Elephants that once served as the base for the king’s grand audience hall for the public ceremonies. Now it is time to visit the World Seven Wonder -better known as Angkor Wat- that stands as the most important archaeological site in Southeast Asia. In the evening, comes the moment for the relaxing view from the Phnom Bakheng Hill before leisure time at night in Siem Reap town....

CAMBODIA VIETNAM TOUR:

On arrival at Phnom Penh International Airport -Visa processing- we will be welcome to the hotel. Wasting no time, during the half-day city tour, we will witness the National Museum of Khmer Arts, with its warm red terracotta and its gracefully curved roof topped by dozens of guardian nagas. Then we continue to the nearby Royal Palace, one of the most beautiful samples of Khmer palace, which allows us to visit the precious Throne Hall, Prasat Khemarin, Prasat Samrn Phirum, Hor Preah Khan, Chan Chhaya, and Silver Pagoda where the king regularly does the warship. We pass through the River Front Park whose scenery is much worth shooting, and continue to the only one hill in town with sacred sites called Wat Phnom before getting on a boat cruise along Mekong River bank to see the lovely city at night with breathtaking view along the river. We have the dinner at the local restaurant. Overnight in Phnom Penh...

CAMBODIA AND VIETNAM EXPLORER 14 DAYS:

This journey combines the most alluring places of Cambodia and Vietnam. Cambodia and Vietnam Tours 14 days brings us to the home to riverside Phnom Penh and the history and rich culture in Temples of Angkor, Cambodia is one of Asia’s hottest new destinations and is a treat for the senses. In Vietnam we experience wonderful diversity, from industrious Saigon and the Mekong Delta to picturesque Central Vietnam, then beautiful Hanoi and Halong Bay. Choose our Luxury option and stay in some of Asia grandest hotels....

INSIDE IN VIETNAM AND CAMBODIA:

This is the comprehensive alternative to our previous trip and shows you Vietnam in close-up, from top to bottom. It's not just a change of direction - this trip packs another adventurous week into the itinerary. We'll explore Hanoi, Halong Bay and visit the hill tribes of Sapa and colorful Bacha market before slowly making our way south along stunning coastline to Ho Chi Minh City, the vibrant City and the mighty Mekong Delta. We end with Asia?s most memorable sight ? the temples of Angkor. This is a journey for those seeking a deeper understanding of rural Vietnam, seeing both the highlights and experiencing the country off the beaten path, with a look into the enchanting country of Cambodia?s history, both past and present...

....

Cambodia tours=> http://www.tourismindochina.com/cambodia/tours/
Vietnam tours=> http://www.tourismindochina.com/vietnam/tours/
Laos tours=> http://www.tourismindochina.com/laos/tours/
More about Cambodia Rice Exporter, please visit: http://www.cambodiaorganic.com/

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Vietnam Travel, Vietnam Tour: Vietnam on sale to lure tourist

Vietnam Travel, Vietnam Tour: Vietnam on sale to lure tourist

TourismIndochina(Date : 2010-08-05): A two month campaign to reduce prices during the low season has been launched in the major cities of Vietnam in an effort to draw tourists to the country.

A number of shops, hotels, restaurants and transportation firms in Ha Noi, Ho Chi Minh City and Da Nang have signed up to 'The Grand Sale' and agreed to reduce their prices by ten to 40 per cent during August and September, reported the Vietnam News.

"This is a good campaign," Hanoitourist director Luu Duc Ke told the news agency.

"Our company will co-ordinate with transport companies and hotels to provide discounts of 10 to 30 per cent."

Upon the presentation of their passport, tourists will receive a Tourist Privilege Card or shopping coupons for participating merchants.

As part of the larger 'Vietnam: Your Destination 2010' campaign, The Grand Sale is hoped to bring in increased revenue from tourist spending.

The Viet Nam National Administration of Tourism (VNAT) with the Trade Promotion Department, the Ministry of Industry and Vietnam Airlines introduced the campaign following the success of similar programmes in Thailand, Malaysia and Singapore.

Cambodia tours=> http://www.tourismindochina.com/cambodia/tours/
Vietnam tours=> http://www.tourismindochina.com/vietnam/tours/
Laos tours=> http://www.tourismindochina.com/laos/tours/
More about Cambodia Rice Exporter, please visit: http://www.cambodiaorganic.com/

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AirAsia causes concern for Vietnam Airlines

AirAsia’s plan for a joint venture with a local Vietnam carrier has jolted a nervous Vietnam Airlines into action, urging the government this week to stop the move.

Last month, the Malaysian budget carrier purchased a 30 percent stake in Vietnam’s local VietJet Air. The carriers announced soon after joint venture plans for a new budget airline which was approved by the Ministry of Transport.
According to Thanh Nien Daily, VietJetAirAsia will operate both international and domestic flights starting May.

However, in a letter to Prime Minister Nguyen Tan Dung, Vietnam Airlines asked the government to prevent the venture from materialising.

The carrier said AirAsia’s stake in VietJet was only a ploy to enter the domestic market.

Vietnam Airlines said foreign carriers such as AirAsia and Jetstar were taking advantage of the government’s 30 percent cap on foreign ownership in a local airline.

It said the trend of foreign airlines coming into the country to purchase stakes in local carriers was bound to harm the local industry.

If the venture goes ahead, Vietjet AirAsia will compete directly with Jetstar Pacific, who has not raised any objection to the planned venture. Source ETB

Cambodia tours=> http://www.tourismindochina.com/cambodia/tours/
Vietnam tours=> http://www.tourismindochina.com/vietnam/tours/
Laos tours=> http://www.tourismindochina.com/laos/tours/
More about Cambodia Rice Exporter, please visit: http://www.cambodiaorganic.com/

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The Top Five Popular Vietnam Trekking Tours

The Top Five Popular Vietnam Trekking Tours include: Sapa Challenge Vietnam, Sapa Trails Discovery Vietnam, Sapa Trekking Vietnam, Fansipan Mountain Peak Challenge, and Halong And Sapa Package Vietnam tour...

1. 11 days Sapa Challenge Vietnam tour:

The breathtaking mountain scenery and the colorful weekend are highlights of Sapa although the conditions are very basic. Get off the beaten track and walk through villages where ethnic minorities are very poor but still have interesting culture. Here is a chance to explore and experience yourselves.

2.4 Days Sapa Trails Discovery Vietnam tour:

A combination of some visits to a wide variety of ethnic minority groups generally retaining their lifestyle, traditional costume with high mountains, deep ravines and terraced fields of Vietnam will excite your spirit of adventure. Travelling on 4 WD car is the best way to explore in depth the unequalled northern scenery and have more contact with the local people.

3. Four Days Sapa Trekking Vietnam tour:

Nestled in a valley in the Hoang Lien Son Mountains of Vietnam, close to the Chinese border, Sapa was originally built by the French in 1922 as a hill station retreat from the oppressive summer heat of Hanoi. Situated at an elevation of 1,650 meters and overlooking Fansipan (Vietnam’s highest mountain at 3,143 meters), Sapa has all four seasons in one single day. The weather changes rapidly; in the morning it is bright and sunny and within minutes, clouds appear and the rains begin to fall. It is where you find the beauty of nature in valleys, mountain, streams, water falls, and the warmly welcome of the ethnic peoples. Come to Sa Pa to enjoy the scenery and explore daily activities of the tribal peoples.

4. Eight Days Fansipan Mountain Peak Challenge tour:

This 8 days adventure tour ends at the top of Mount Fansipan, the "Rooftop of Indochina". Enjoy the colonial charms of Hanoi before meeting the Black H?mong tribe in Sapa and camping under the stars on the slopes of Mount Fansipan.

5. Eight Days Halong And Sapa Package Vietnam tour:

The northwest of Vietnam is a captivating blend of landscapes and colourful hill tribes. Sapa is an old hillstation in a beautiful hidden mountain range of Phansipan. The wonder of Halong with over 3,000 islands rising dramatically out of the crystal-clear waters is is not to be missed.

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For more details about the Popular Vietnam Trekking Tours, please visit:
Vietnam tours=> http://www.tourismindochina.com/vietnam/tours/
Cambodia tours=> http://www.tourismindochina.com/cambodia/tours/
Laos tours=> http://www.tourismindochina.com/laos/tours/
More about Cambodia Rice Exporter, please visit: http://www.cambodiaorganic.com/

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The Five Popular Vietnam Kayaking & Driving Tours

The Five Popular Vietnam Kayaking & Driving Tours includes: Halong-Bay-On-Chinese-Style-Dragon’s-Pearl-Junk, Lagoon Explorer Sailing Cruise, Mekong Cruise On Bassac, View Of Halong With Kayak Tour, and Halong Bay on Chinese Style...

Lagoon Explorer Sailing Cruise tour: Spend two days for the tour...

From the first moment you step aboard the Lagoon Explorer, you’ll be inspired by the distinctive style and fine craftsmanship of this magnificent Junk. The warm, welcoming smiles of our friendly crew and a complementary drink in our Lounge will set the mood as you embark on your voyage into the Bay of the Descending Dragon.

Mekong Cruise On Bassac tour: also two days for the tour...

Day 1: Pick up at your hotel in Ho Chi Minh City and transfer to Vinh Long. Arrive in Vinh Long, boarding Bassac at 12.00h. Welcome drink, introduction of the ship and crew, and check in the cabins. Departure towards Cho Lach on the Tien Giang river. Lunch on the upper deck. Rest on the deck, or enjoy the open bar. Swerve into Cho Lach canal for 30 minutes through the traffic of sand and rice barges, view local shipyards on the way. Visit of a village on the bank of Co Chien or Mang Thit, an opportunity to appreciate the way of life of the local inhabitants, and their hospitality. Back the boat, complimentary drink. Relax at the open bar and rest on the deck enjoying the sunset. The crew will serve dinner while the Bassac is cruising through Mang Thit river. Set anchor in front of Phuoc Hau pagoda, in Tra On for overnight.

View Of Halong With Kayak Tour for two days:

This exclusive two day trip give an opportunity cycling on the emerald water of Halong Bay. With our modern kayaking equipment, we are able to maximize on speed and maneuverability as we paddle through the open sea and explore the many hidden lagoons and stalagmite caves that are difficult to access by any other means limestone formations, some of the many caves and hidden lagoons.

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Cambodia tours=> http://www.tourismindochina.com/cambodia/tours/
Vietnam tours=> http://www.tourismindochina.com/vietnam/tours/
Laos tours=> http://www.tourismindochina.com/laos/tours/
More about Cambodia Rice Exporter, please visit: http://www.cambodiaorganic.com/

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