Greater Mekong Sub-region nations work on tourism

The number of tourists to the Greater Mekong Sub-region (GMS) has been on the rise for some time, bringing sizable economic and social benefits, and proving the tourism sector’s important role in the area’s socio-economic development. Tran Phu Cuong, deputy head of the Department for International Cooperation of Vietnam National Administration of Tourism, made the remarks at a Mekong forum to promote tourism in the GMS in Hanoi on December 19. The event, co-hosted by the Ministry of Planning and Investment and the Association of Vietnam, Laos and Cambodia Economic Cooperation and Development, is part of efforts to facilitate win-win economic cooperation among Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar, Thailand and Vietnam, and China’s Yunnan and Guangxi provinces. Cuong said to maintain a growth rate in the smokeless industry, the GMS nations should be aware of the importance of benefits brought by the sector. They should work together to turn the region into a unique tourism destination where attractions are shaped by rich natural resources, an untouched tourism environment and cultural diversity, he said. In 2012, nearly 44 million people visited the region, according to the official. Participants assessed tourism partnerships in the region and the Greater Mekong Sub-region and presented opportunities for tourism investment in the GMS countries. They also touched upon solutions to boost connectivity and partnerships for travel companies while suggesting the GMS countries’ Governments develop complete policies to step up tourism development cooperation in the region.

Source: VNA

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Notes on Southeast Asia tour

To Thailand to show reverence to the king , while dining in Malaysia to use the right hand ... You did not know ?

Thailand

The Thais take very seriously monarchy and love you deeply , sincerely for the king . So , in any case you have behavior or irreverence said something derogatory to the king or the monarchy of them , you will make mistakes and will be great with Thai people should be fined .

Thais notion that the threshold is where the gods live , so you absolutely must avoid stepping on and off shoes before entering the house , temple or radio .

Touching monks , giving them anything in a direct manner , especially women is taboo in Buddhist kingdom that is considered as the state religion . So , while standing in a crowd , try to avoid touching the shoulder of the monks . Moreover , the act of touching the child , such as rubbing , slapping , clapping his back was deemed offensive gestures .

The visitors behavior with irreverence Thai king will be punished .
Malaysia

Malaysia is a multiracial country with many cultures reconcile as Malaysia , China , India and the indigenous Orang Asli culture . The Malaysian wore long floral fabric , not to open arms , thighs in public places . Therefore, visitors to Malaysia are advised to choose the outfit polite , discreet , especially to places of worship .

As for or received money , gifts , use the right hand . The left hand is considered unclean , so when you eat should also remember to use the right hand only .

The orthodox Muslim Malaysia , they do not drink alcohol and eat pork because it is taboo in Islam religion .

Want to visit a Malaysian family , you should call ahead . For footwear outside before entering the house and should not refuse when invited cakes , because if they refuse to be considered rude .

If you have an appointment with Malaysia for whatever purpose it is best that you arrive at the right time . Malaysians do not shake hands heterosexual and avoid touching or rubbing your back as rubbing the other person .


When eating in Malaysia you note right hand only

Singapore

Known as the world's cleanest countries , Singapore does not respond to people smoking and always apply strict rules to protect the environment . If you chew gum , smoking or littering in public places will be fined hundreds or even $ 1,000 and not compulsory labor for 12 hours , if the opposition can be fined whip . In some other places , if you want to smoke , they must ask permission from the opposite .

For Singapore , the only finger pointing other , clenched fist or middle finger are considered extremely disrespectful gesture . The two clasped hands is not arbitrary in the ribs because it is an expression of exasperation .

When not eating roller set up on the bowl or plate . When not eating well is not haphazard but to put on the shelf , or placed on disk chili dishes bones .

Laos

Actions as kissing or holding hands waist women considered at the cavalry action in Laos , especially for unmarried girls are increasingly being seen as rude . So when visitors want to take photos with a beautiful native girl , you should trim your hands behind your back or to the front end , absolutely not be violated .

When in traffic , you should not honk loudly . Although no action was banned in this country , but people here see the horn ... is the most redundant details on a car . Rarely you see Laotians honk , so if you keep the habit of using car horns as in Vietnam , it will be very uncomfortable , even thought you are ... aliens .

Laotians are Buddhist worship , when visiting temples you absolutely disorderly , or have skimpily clad vulgar words .


In Singapore , you will be fined heavily if smoking and littering in public places . Photo: sparklette.net

Indonesia

Guests dressed in " skimpy " as shorts or halter tops will make people very uncomfortable and Indonesia do not have feelings . They can accept shorts , but wide and knee-length .

If you want to visit temples or churches must be dressed and take off shoes before entering . Also, you should not date people from Indonesia to 13h at 11 noon Friday afternoon because this time most people are in church .

Philippines

In the Philippines , if you want a character that they will use their eyes toward the object or express verbally .

The Philippines attaches great importance to the community so they are less exposed to the disagreement and insulting others .

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Posted in: Southeast Asia tour

Interesting green tourism in Hoi An

Like a breath of fresh air for tourism Hoi An Eco - tour , a green tourism product , has recently attracted thousands of visitors from the things people familiar with the city employees .

Eco - tour is one of the many activities and foreign tourists choose to travel in Hoi An . Unlike the regular tour Hoi An shows , with the tour " the east wind " this , not only tourists visiting natural scenery , enjoy traditional dishes , but also mingle with the natives usual method of working .



Try to farmers

Initially you will relax in the motor bike on the country roads poetic photography and enjoy stunning countryside before visiting the village of Tra Que vegetables and herbs . Then you are trying to dig farmers , carrying water , transplanting and watering coating , scratch and milled rice , even riding buffalo . These are businesses that bring new experiences ever , especially with visitors from urban areas , which unfamiliar with farm work . Do not just stop at the farm , you continue to participate in fishing and fishing as a real fisherman .



Sharing Experience

Hoi An Eco - Tour suitable for urban tourists travel enthusiasts dust and extroverted young people to have the opportunity to communicate with foreigners . The organizers want to combine travel with the team building should also select Eco - tour to Hoi An itinerary of his weapons . Dependent types and number of people and tour Eco - tour prices range from 735,000 VND to 2,300,000 VND.



Each Eco - tour will have a different time involved , at least 2.5 hours and a maximum of 10 hours to a full day experience . You are not required to participate in all the activities that can be done just as farmers or fishermen , even baskets boating experience with the game as a team building activity . / .

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Posted in: hoi an vietnam

Phong Nha-Ke Bang dossier compiled for UNESCO recognition for 2nd time

Under the decision of the Prime Minister, the Minister of Culture, Sports and Tourism recently signed an extended dossier with some added criteria on Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park to submit to UNESCO for recognition as a World Natural Heritage for the 2nd time. The Ministry was asked to cooperate with Vietnam National Commission for UNESCO to complete necessary procedures to submit the dossier to UNESCO World Heritage Centre. Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park, located in Bo Trach district in the centre of Quang Binh province, was recognized as a World Natural Heritage Site by UNESCO in 2003. At present, the national park has become a key tourism site of the nation in particular and the world in general.

Source: PANO

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Seminar on " Vietnam - destination for water tourists "

On 9/28 , in Hanoi , Union science of sustainable tourism development ( STDe ) held a seminar introducing the idea of ​​tourism products " Vietnam - destination for water tourists ."

Seminars in response to national tourism and create development Vietnam tourism more responsible , gives visitors the satisfaction of vacation experiences , contribute to the good life for people , while limiting the impact on the environment . Vietnam is said to refer to a culture associated with the same rice variety and the unique values ​​exist , but now the values ​​that remain hidden , and yet not be more uplifting message out world .



To contribute to the development and spread of the brand value of tourism in Vietnam , the scientists STDe has more than 100 students at the Department of Architecture - University Planning Civil Engineering Research Building the product " Vietnam - travel destination country ." Inspired by water , STDe published dozens of unique tourism products to exploit water from Vietnam , such as soap bubbles with circles of radius 5 meters wide , with enough water light colors , formula based on a combination of water and heating oil , waterfalls , fountains sparkling lights ; hotel made ​​of ice , from country music .... create sublimation for travelers to Vietnam . In addition, the product " Vietnam - destination for foreign tourists " 4 also helps the tourists to experience and explore the natural beauty of the land and people of Vietnam through destinations such as Hoan Kiem Lake with thousands of stillness and peace aspirations of ethnic Vietnamese courts ; Halong Bay with Oriental philosophy through the language of condensed water and ice , yin and yang , earth and water ... ; river with the softness of Hue and vocals seem melancholy of the rainy Hue , Da Nang with the vitality of the people in extreme storms , Hoi An ancient town with strange beauty in the rain , flooding , Mekong Delta , looking beautiful river captivated the hearts of ...



According to TS . Nguyen Thu Hanh - Chairman of Scientific Unions sustainable tourism development ( STDe ) , water is one of the most precious resource of tourism . When managed sustainably , tourism can bring benefits to the community at the national level as well as local and support water conservation .



At the conference , the organizers also gave awards to over 100 students of Architecture - Planning Hanoi Construction University has research contributions in the development of tourism products " Vietnam - the travel destination water history " ... / .

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Posted in: travel vietnam

International sailboats coming to Nha Trang

VietNamNet Bridge – As many as 20 international sailboats will compete at the Hong Kong to Vietnam Race 2013 starting in Hong Kong and ending in Nha Trang City in Khanh Hoa Province on a 656 nautical mile route.

The biannual competition is co-organized by Saigontourist Holding Company and many local and foreign partners including Hong Kong Royal Sailboat Club.
Vu Duy Vu, deputy director of Saigontourist Travel Service Company as representative of Saigontourist Holding Company organizing the event, said the competition in previous years only attracted about 10-12 sailboats but the number this time is much bigger.
Specifically, this year’s event has even lured professional sailboat clubs from Hong Kong, the U.S., Europe, Australia and Germany, he remarked.
Participating sailboats will depart from Hong Kong on October 17, taking at least two days to reach Nha Trang, Vu said, adding competing teams would head back to Hong Kong on October 23 after joining a slew of cultural and tourism activities in the coastal city.
“The Hong Kong partner is still receiving registrations at the moment. We hold the event with an aim to promote sea tourism services in Vietnam as an attractive destination to visitors,” Vu said.
In related news, the government of Khanh Hoa will organize the International Cruise Ship Festival Nha Trang-Vietnam 2014 in Nha Trang from July 19 to 22 next year. The festival features a cruise ship exhibition, a cruise ship parade around Hon Tre Island and exchange meetings between businessmen and cruise ship owners among other activities.
Source: SGT

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Posted in: nha trang viet nam

Hanoi ranks 5th in Asia’s must-see sights

Vietnam’s Hanoi capital has risen to fifth place among the top ten destinations in Asia 2013, according to a recent report by Hong Kong-based travel and trade journal, Smart Travel Asia.

Ratings are based on such criteria as holiday suitability and quality of shopping, services, hotels, restaurants, and transportation.

For many consecutive years, Hanoi has managed to retain its position as one of the ten most attractive cities in Asia, reflecting the city’s constant efforts in creating a safe and friendly environment for tourists.

As of September, the number of international visitors travelling to the city is estimated at 1.9 million, up 20% compared to the same period last year.

Hanoi officials hope this figure will continue to rise and more and more foreigners will be enticed to visit the vibrant city.
 Source : VOV

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Posted in: hanoi vietnam

Hue provides free wifi services

 People in the former imperial city of Hue will be provided with free wifi in the administrative area of the city and tourism spots as part of a six month pilot programme, starting from September 22.

After Hoi An, tourists will soon enjoy free wifi in the central city of Hue.

Thua Thien-Hue Province's VNPT is co-operating with VNPT Technology to install a wireless internet wifi infrastructure in the city, said the province's VNPT director Duong Tuan Anh.

Anh said the average wifi signal coverage area will be about 300 to 1,000 meters in diameter.

During the six-month testing time, tourists and local people will be offered free access to public services and free travel information

After that, the province's VNPT will set prices for value added and other services, and customers will be charged money via a card to be able to access the internet.

Enterprises benefiting from wifi service in tourism spots will have to sign a contract with investors to pay for the fee.

Hue City has become the fourth place in Viet Nam to install public wifi, after Hoi Ancient Town, Da Nang City and Ha Long City.

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Posted in: hue vietnam

Vietnam to have international-scale tourist spots by 2020

Vietnam to have international-scale tourist spots by 2020

Vietnam has set the goal of developing six sea-based tourism destinations up to international scale by 2020 under a project recently adopted by the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism.
Attractions on the waiting list are Ha Long-Bai Tu Long-Cat Ba, Lang Co-Canh Duong, Hoi An-Cu Lao Cham, Nha Trang-Cam Ranh, Phan Thiet-Mui Ne and Phu Quoc.

 

Cu Lao Cham beach

Under the project, Vietnam’s marine tourism industry is expected to welcome around 22 million foreign tourists and 58 million domestic visitors by 2020, earning over 200 trillion VND (or ten billion USD) and generating 1.1 million jobs.

The country needs over 114 trillion VND (5.57 billion USD) and 145,000 billion VND (7.08 billion USD) by 2015 and 2020, respectively to realise the goal.

With a coastline of 3,260km running from the north to the south, Vietnam has over 3,000 islands and islets. Hundreds of resorts have emerged on 125 beautiful beaches along the coast, offering visitors a chance to pamper themselves in clear turquoise water and natural wonders.-

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Six Senses Con Dao among world’s best ecolodges

The world’s famous tourism magazine, National Geographic Travelers (National Geographic Society) has just published the list of 25 best ecological resorts, including Six Senses Con Dao (Ba Ria- Vung Tau, Viet Nam).  This honorable list has been selected and recognized by prestigious geological and tourism experts and researchers of the National Geographic Travelers magazine. No shirt, no shoes, no problem could be the daily mantra at this Six Senses haven constructed from reclaimed teak, including over a thousand recycled antique wooden panels. The resort dangles on a slice of world-class beach in Con Dao National Park—a 45-minute flight from frenetic Ho Chi Minh City. Sustainability takes center stage, with initiatives including local and organic meals, no plastic water bottles, and nontoxic biodegradable cleaning products and amenities. Windsurfing, body boarding, and sailing start right outside the door. But for many guests, the activity of choice is simply immersion in the unspoiled nature that surrounds the private villas.

Source: VGP

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ITE 2013 attracts 300 int’l tour operators

VietNamNet Bridge – This year’s International Travel Expo (ITE) HCMC will take place at the Saigon Exhibition and Convention Center in District 7 from September 12 to14, attracting some 300 foreign tour operators.

One of the highlights of this year’s exhibition is that Thailand for the first time will join Vietnam, Laos, Cambodia and Myanmar to promote the tourism image “Five Nations-One Destination”.

Some 250 foreign tourism companies have registered for the event, which is projected to rise to more than 300, said Nguyen Bao Anh, deputy director of the HCMC Tourism Promotion Center. So far 300 companies have put their names down to join the expo, including tourism enterprises, hotels, air carriers and local and foreign tourism promotion agencies.
“This year we focus on drawing more customers from potential visitor-generating markets like the Middle East, the United States and Russia. Up to six international air carriers cooperate with us to take customers to the event,” Anh informed.
The ITE HCMC is organized by the city’s Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism, the Vietnam National Administration of Tourism, Vietnam National Trade Fair & Advertising Company (Vinaxed) and exhibition organizer Informa under the instruction of the tourism ministry and the city’s government.
The event incorporates an exhibition, meetings between tour sellers and buyers, seminars and conferences of tourism ministers of five countries in the Mekong Sub-region along with Vietnam-Russia tourism cooperation and development conference.
One of the highlights of this year’s exhibition is that Thailand for the first time will join Vietnam, Laos, Cambodia and Myanmar to promote the tourism image “Five Nations-One Destination” instead of only four countries like before, Anh said.
With Thailand’s participation, tourism ministers of the five countries will sit back together to discuss policies to boost the joint tourism programs to woo international visitors and to develop tourism in the region.
Source: SGT

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Tắm bùn khoáng ở Nha Trang

Trong nhiều sản phẩm du lịch của Nha Trang, tắm bùn khoáng là một “món đặc sản” mà thiên nhiên ưu đãi cho thành phố biển. Nhiều du khách khi ghé đến Nha Trang đều không thể bỏ qua dịch vụ thư giãn vừa độc đáo vừa tốt cho sức khỏe này. Hiện nay, ở Nha Trang có 3 khu du lịch (KDL) lớn chuyên về dịch vụ tắm khoáng bùn. Trước hết, phải kể đến Suối khoáng nóng Tháp Bà Nha Trang (nằm sau lưng Tháp Bà Ponagar) là nơi đầu tiên phát triển liệu pháp ngâm tắm bùn khoáng. KDL có khuôn viên rộng 3ha với không gian mát mẻ nhờ những rặng cây xanh, hồ tạo cảnh, công viên, hồ bơi... với các dịch vụ tắm khoáng hồ bơi, thác nước (60.000 đồng/người), tắm bùn khoáng tập thể (120.000 đồng/người), tắm bùn khoáng nóng riêng biệt trong bồn gỗ (300.000 đồng/bồn 1 người, 500.000 đồng/bồn 2 người...). Ngoài ra, Suối khoáng nóng Tháp Bà còn có các dịch vụ cao cấp như: ngâm khoáng tiên sa, spa, massage... Góp phần đa dạng hóa sản phẩm tắm bùn khoáng đặc trưng của Nha Trang là KDL Suối khoáng nóng I-resort (cách trung tâm thành phố 4km về phía Bắc). Đến I-resort, du khách được mãn nhãn với một công trình kiến trúc độc đáo, gần gũi với thiên nhiên nhưng vẫn tiện nghi và sang trọng, giúp du khách thư giãn tối đa với dịch vụ tắm bùn khoáng. Là một khu nghỉ dưỡng sang trọng, nhưng dịch vụ của I-resort cũng rất đa dạng, đáp ứng được nhiều đối tượng khách khác nhau. Bạn có thể tắm khoáng và vui chơi tại các hồ bơi lớn với hệ thống thủy lực hay các thác nước nhân tạo chỉ với 100.000 đồng/người lớn, 50.000 đồng/trẻ em hay tắm bùn khoáng chỉ từ hơn 200.000 đồng/khách hoặc trải nghiệm các dịch vụ bùn cao cấp, trét bùn với bồn hoặc phòng riêng rất thoải mái và sang trọng với giá cao hơn. Đặc biệt, KDL còn có dịch vụ vận chuyển bằng xe điện từ một số khách sạn trong thành phố. Điểm du lịch thứ ba có dịch vụ tắm bùn khoáng là KDL Trăm Trứng cách trung tâm TP. Nha Trang 8km. KDL này rộng khoảng 17ha, gây ấn tượng với du khách bởi hàng trăm “quả trứng” là các bồn tắm bùn, khoáng thảo dược, phủ khắp sườn đồi. Các dịch vụ ngâm khoáng thảo dược, ngâm bùn trong trứng có giá từ 250.000 đồng đến 300.000 đồng. KDL cũng có các hồ bơi và thác nước phục vụ khách tắm khoáng chỉ 120.000 đồng/người. Đặc biệt, KDL còn bán vé cho khách chỉ có nhu cầu tham quan chỉ với 60.000 đồng/người, du khách có thể tham quan phố Champa, vườn hoa Champa được thiết kế theo kiến trúc Chăm cổ, hòn non bộ, khu dã ngoại, khu leo núi, khu ngâm khoáng và các sườn đồi trong KDL./.

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Posted in: Du lịch Nha Trang

HoChiMinh City prepares for Vietnamese New Year

HoChiMinh City prepares for Vietnamese New Year, some pictures:

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