Lao Airlines ventures to Danang

Lao Airlines ventures to Danang Lao Airlines last week launched a three weekly service to Danang in central Vietnam, the first link from the landlocked nation to the seaside resorts of Danang and Hoi An. Unfortunately for passengers it is not a nonstop service. It touches down in two Lao tourist destinations on the way. The service operates from Vientiane with stops in Savannakhet and Pakse on Tuesday, Thursday and Sunday using ATR72 aircraft. The...

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Rustic homestay trend in Can Tho

Traveling experience in Can Tho is no longer merely sightseeing beautiful landscapes, but participating in the daily life of the locals with gardening, tree growing, fishing or producing cacao. On the way to the homestay area of Muoi Cuong, tourists may have chances to enjoy the poetic stream of Can Tho River, over Cai Rang Floating Market and Ong De Cannal along the peaceful river with ever-green coconut rows and orchards. The most distinctive...

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Hanoi improves craft villages

Hanoi will develop six traditional craft villages to attract more domestic and international tourists and establish the city as a tourism gateway. The six traditional craft villages are: Phu Vinh rattan and bamboo weaving in Chuong My district; Son Dong fine art sculptures in Hoai Duc district; Bat Trang-Kim Lan pottery in Gia Lam; Van Phuc silk in Ha Dong district; Ngo Ha mother-of-pearl inlay in Phu Xuyen district; and Du Du sculptures in Thanh...

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VFS adds visa centre in Vietnam

Embassies of Italy and Spain in Vietnam have partnered with London-based VFS Global, to launch a new Schengen visa application centre in Ho Chi Minh City, 2 January 2013. The visa centre, at Resco Tower, 4th floor, 94-96 Nguyen Du, District 1, will start operations 3 January. The opening times will be 0830 to 1200 and 1300 to 1600, from Monday to Friday. The move should encourage travel to Europe by making it easier to apply for the Schengen visa,...

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Vietnam wetlands recognized

This southernmost province’s Mui Ca Mau (Ca Mau Cape) National Park will be recognized as a new world Ramsar site and the fifth site in Vietnam. Ca Mau Agriculture and Rural Development Department said the World Environment Organization will announce the official recognition of the park, 13 December. The 41,862-hectare site, including 15,262 hectares of land and 26,600 hectares of coastal areas, are mainly saline wetlands. The attraction is home...

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Hanoi Horison Hotel Rebrands as the Pullman Hanoi

Accor has expanded its portfolio of hotels in Vietnam with the opening of the 242-room Pullman Hanoi, the first Pullman brand hotel in Vietnam. Previously known as the Hanoi Horison Hotel, Pullman Hanoi recently completed a comprehensive refurbishment that transformed it into one of the city’s most modern properties. The hotel provides free Wi-Fi internet access in rooms and all public areas. Mr. Patrick Basset, Senior Vice President of...

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Vietjet to fly to Bangkok

VietJet Air has announced it will launch a Ho Chi Minh City-Bangkok service, 10 February 2013, an auspicious day in a week of Chinese New Year celebrations. Tickets are on sale already. Vietjet Air will be the second low-cost airline to operate between the two cities. The other is Thai AirAsia, while most of the capacity is offered by full-service airlines - Thai Airways International, Vietnam Airlines, Qatar Airways, Turkish Airlines and Lufthansa.  The...

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An Giang province to promote handicrafts

Vietnam’s An Giang province says it has developed several traditional handcraft villages and linked them to tourism routes to help to attract more arrivals. An Giang Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism director, Nguyen Van Len, said the province is launching tours for Buddhist followers and other options focusing on ecology and agriculture. “Authorities are hosting seminars and fairs to promote sustainable growth of arts and crafts production...

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Vietnam Airlines to add new services

Vietnam Airlines plans to open two new services next month to Jakarta, in Indonesia, and to the domestic tourism destination Phu Quoc. The airline will offer discounts on the two routes until the end of December. The Vietnam national carrier will fly the Jakarta service from its base in HCMC four times a week and offer five weekly services from the capital Hanoi to Phu Quoc. Vietnam airline The first route is set to start on 2nd December using...

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Ha Long Week to be held for the first time in 2012

The People Committee of Quang Ninh Province has approved the proposal submitted by Quang Ninh's Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism and Vietnam Airlines to organize the Ha Long Week for the first time. The event is expected to take place from November 27 to 30. This will be a significant event boosting the image of Quang Ninh tourism. Accordingly, People’s Committee of Quang Ninh Province has assigned this department to sign the cooperation...

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Renovations begin in Hue

The province’s People Committee gave a green light on a three-year project to renovate Ngo Mon, an iconic gate of the former royal city of Hue. According to the committee, the project aims to prevent water seepage through the foundations and to preserve the upper pavilion, known as Lau Ngu Phung (Pavilion of Five Phoenixes). The first stage of the project, to begin in 2013, will cost US$2.1 million and is scheduled to be completed in three...

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Two New Properties To Be Signed By Ascott in Ho Chi Minh

Ascott has been awarded a contract to manage a 100-unit serviced residence in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam. The new Somerset Vista Ho Chi Minh City is slated to open in December this year. It is part of The Vista, a premier residential development by CapitaLand, Thien Duc Trading Construction Co., Ltd and Phu Gia Investment Joint Stock Company. Ascott will also manage Vista Residences, a 168-unit property within The Vista that will be available...

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Golf to boost Hanoi tourism

Hanoi has approved new golf projects as part of a master plan to develop the capital city into a tourism hub. The projects are considered important to expand new markets and increase tourist arrivals. The new projects will bring the number of golf courses in and around the city to eight. The province also plans to turn four downtown districts into cultural and shopping areas, while suburban areas will focus on ecotourism and sports activities. The...

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Halong Bay gains EU assistance

The European Union will provide assistance to Vietnam to achieve sustainable tourism development in Halong Bay. Quang Ninh Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism signed an agreement, 18 October, with the Management Board of the environmentally and Socially Responsible Tourism Capacity Development Programme (ESRT). The agreement is part of the ESRT activity 2011 to 2015, which is funded by the EU with a budget of 11 million euro. Under...

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