Flower village busy leading up to Tet

Phu Van, a village famous for its flowers, near Phu Ly City in Ha Nam Province, displays an exciting atmosphere as they prepare for Tet.

 

 Light bulbs to warm flowers

Phu Van is a well-known flower hub, not only for Ha Nam, but also for other provinces such as Nam Dinh, Ninh Binh and Thai Binh. Traders from neighbouring areas go there to purchase flowers wholesale to meet demand for the ceremonies surrounding the holiday season.

Growing flowers is the mainstay for most of the people in Phu Van and they are now busying themselves to prepare the most beautiful flowers for Tet.

However the growers worry that the prolonging cold weather will have a bad affect on their crops. On the other hand, kumquats have been thriving.

The prices are also affordable, ranging from VND600,000 - 2 million per tree (USD29-96). Trees that are one metre or taller or have been formed are sold for at least VND4 million. Most such trees are already sold out.

Luong Van Loi, a flower grower said, "My garden has over 300 kumquat trees and two thirds of them have been ordered. Last year we had to bring the trees to market, but I think that might not even be necessary this year. Many customers come to our garden to have a look around and order the specific tree they want. Still I'm worried that the flowers won't bloom by Tet."

Only the flowers that were grown for the first day and first full moon of Lunar December have bloomed.

Nguyen Thi Hai, another grower said, "If it stays cold like this, we won't get blooming flowers. We've even tried light bulbs to provide some warmth, but it is still a concern for us."

Flowers meant for the first full moon of Lunar December

 

Kumquat trees sell well

 

Trees one metre or taller sell for VND4 million

 

The kumquats thrive in cold weather

 

Blooming daisies

 

Growers worried that flowers will not be ready by Tet

 

 

Many rose gardens just started to show buds

 

Forget-me-nots lie dormant grown

“Feeling the pulse” of Vietnam tourism

The gloomy picture of the development of the tourism industry of Vietnam has been defined at the consultation meeting on the state management of tourism recently, held by the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism in Hanoi. How to stimulate tourism in the difficult economic context is still a difficult problem for the non-smoke industry.

In the current context of economic difficulties, tourism is considered the highlight with around 6.7 million foreign visitors (up by 11 percent), 32.5 million domestic visitors (up 7 percent) and the total revenue of VND160 trillion (up 16 percent).

However, Minister of Culture, Sports and Tourism Hoang Tuan Anh said that the growth rate of tourism industry was relatively high in the last three years, but its development is unsustainable, unstable and not commensurate with the potential, particularly the competitiveness is low compared to many countries in the region.

Mr. Nguyen Quoc Ky, General Director of Vietravel, resource planning for tourism development is not good, leading to more resources being destroyed, especially marine ecotourism. Ky also pointed out the lack of connection between localities that causes a waste of resources.

Mr. Vu The Binh, Chairman of the Vietnam Tourism Association said that travel firms are called for cutting down the charges for hotel rooms, transport fees and food prices nobody pays adequate attention to the legitimate request for preferential policies to tourism stimulus.

According to Director of Hoa Binh Hoa Le Tourism, the state should exempt or reduce import tax rates on tourism cars, reduce land tax to encourage businesses to invest in tourism, develop infrastructure in the remote areas that are rich in tourism potential.

The panorama of the smokeless industry in recent years reveals many inadequacies. State management in tourism is not good enough, proved in the decrease in tourism environment, for instance: Many small travel firms imitate famous brands to cheat customers; tour guides of different companies are in collusion to exchange tourists; the qualification of tour guides in Vietnam is still low; fraud, robbery, environmental pollution still occur in many localities, especially in the key areas of tourism.

Mr. Nguyen Quoc Ky warned: “This is an alarming problem. If we do not handle it firmly, it will affect the image of Vietnam’s tourism, and decrease the number of tourists to our country. The environmental tourism protection policy must become a major policy, which is inseparable from the Vietnam’s tourism development strategy.”

Tourism promotion program of Vietnam is so small compared to other countries in the region. According to Mr. Luu Duc Ke, Director of Hanoitourist, in many countries, when the number of tourists increases, the budget for tourism promotion also rises. In Vietnam, it is contrary.

The revenue of the tourism industry increased in the last three years but the funding for tourism promotion shrank, from VND40 billion ($2 million) in 2010 to VND35 billion ($1.7 million) in 2011 and only VND30 billion ($1.5 million) in 2012 (equivalent to $0.25/visitor while in Thailand and Singapore the rate is $10-15/visitor). On the other hand, tourism companies are not permitted to open representative offices abroad.

However, tourism promotion is not just the money, but also depends on the promotion measures. It is very important to answer the question “what are the things that make a difference for Vietnam’s tourism?”

Many tour operators believe that, in order to promote tourism it is necessary to build the national tourism brand as quickly as possible.

Mr. Nguyen Quoc Ky said that Vietnamese cuisine is very attractive to international visitors. Many cuisines such as pho (noodles) and nem cuon (spring rolls) are frequently among the top world’s most attractive dishes. Vietnamese food, therefore, can be considered as the focus of the national tourism brand.

Deputy Prime Minister Nguyen Thien Nhan asked the tourism industry to promote cultural and human strengths in building the brand; to consider safety for visitors as top priority; tourism firms must accompany the State in promoting tourism image.

The Deputy PM also asked the Vietnam National Administration of Tourism to have the answer for the question–whether local travel firms are allowed to open overseas representative offices in the first quarter of 2013.

“The master plan for Vietnam tourism development to 2020, vision to 2030″ will be approved before December 20, 2012, and will be immediately implemented by the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism.

Source: VNN

US publications honour hotels in Vietnam

 

 

The 111-year-old Sofitel Legend Metropole Hanoi and the Park Hyatt Saigon were included in the top-500 hotels worldwide on the Conde Nast Traveler Readers Choice Awards 2013 and Travel + Leisure magazine. 

The Readers' Choice Awards polled responses from nearly 47,000 readers who rated resorts and hotels on a five-point scale across five standards, including cuisine, position, architectural space, and room design and service quality, via a secure website. 

Vietnam now has one of the top-three rated hotels in Southeast Asia, two of Asia's top 15 resorts, and one of Asia's top 10 cities. 

The Sofitel Metropole was ranked third among the top 20 hotels in Southeast Asia; the Park Hyatt Saigon and the Sheraton Saigon were also included in the top 20 on the same list. 

The Life Heritage Resort Hoi An and The Nam Hai Resort were chosen by voters as two of the top 15 resorts in Asia, placing 9th and 14th on the list, respectively. 

The old town of Hoi An made its first appearance as one of Asia's top 10 cities, joining the ranks of destinations such as Bangkok, Hong Kong and Kyoto.

Source: VNA/VOV Online 

 

HCMC, Vietnam Airlines team up to stimulate travel demand

 

The Ho Chi Minh City Tourism Association (HTA) has cooperated with the national flag carrier Vietnam Airlines to launch a discount programme with the aim of stimulating domestic travel demand in 2013.

Hoang Thi Khanh, HTA Vice Chairwoman, said the initiative will discount both flights and tours, contributing to price stabilisation in the national tourism market. 

The programme helps address the illogical fact that foreign travel tour prices are often cheaper than domestic travel. 

A similar discount programme has run since May 2012, drawing the participation of many local travel operators and achieving many good results. Vietnam Airlines held sales reducing select ticket prices by 45 to 52 percent. Travel agencies also slashed tour prices by 40 to 45 percent. 

By the end of 2012, the programme serviced 15,810 visitors on tours from HCM City to southern and Central Highland destinations like Phu Quoc, Con Dao, Da Lat, and Buon Me Thuot. Many tours also ventured to the northern and central regions.

Source: VOV

 

Vietnam on the top 10 list for visitors in 2013

 

The U.K’s leading travel website iWantSun has listed Vietnam as one of the top ten countries that are worth visiting this year, local media reports.

According to estimates by the General Statistics Office, more than 6.6 million international visitors came last year, a year-on-year increase of 9.5%. Certain tourists fond of Vietnam have called the nation a second travel power in the region after Thailand. The most popular destinations for visitors include Hanoi which is known for its charming cultural heritage, Hoi An and Hue for their culinary delights and Nha Trang for its white sand beaches.

On top of the iWantSun list are Mexico, Sri Lanka, Brazil, Turkey, the U.S., South Korea, Slovakia, Tanzania and Grenada.

The Luxpresso paper of India has also rated Vietnam as one of the places that must be discovered in 2013.

Source: SGT

 

Shopping for love in Vietnam's mountains

Once a year, with his wife's blessing, Lau Minh Pao gets to have a guilt-free tryst with his ex.

Their rendezvous' have played out more like strolls down memory lane than salacious flings, but they are part of a treasured tradition in this mountainous corner of northern Vietnam that may challenge some more linear concepts of love.

"In the past, we were lovers, but we couldn't get married because we were far apart," Pao simply as he waited for his date on a dark night in the village of Khau Vai in Ha Giang province.

Ethnic Hmong wait for their lovers

Now when they meet, he said, "we pour our hearts out about the time when we were in love." They are not alone.

For two days each year, on the 26th and 27th of the third month of the lunar calendar, the tiny village of Khau Vai, strung along a saddle in the lush hills near China, is transformed into a "love market."

For nearly a hundred years, the Khau Vai love market (Ha Giang province) as been known as a lovers' rendezvous. This is no ordinary farmer's market. Flirting, courting and, hopefully, canoodling are the order of the day. Hundreds of members of Giay, Nung, Tay, Dzao, San Chi, Lo Lo and Hmong hill tribes trek in from across the mountainous districts of the Dong Van Plateau and as far away as nearby Cao Bang province, some travel days to attend 

Ethnic San Chi girls giggle while attending the "love market" in Khau Vai village, Ha Giang province, Vietnam

Legend has it the market dates back to 1919. Legend has it an ethnic Giay girl from Ha Giang province fell in love with an ethnic Nung boy from the neighboring province of Cao Bang.The girl was so beautiful that her tribe did not want to let her marry a man from another tribe and a bloody conflict ensued between the two tribes. Watching tragedy unfold before them, the two lovers sorrowfully decided to part ways to avoid further bloodshed and to restore peace.

But to keep their love alive they made a secret pact to meet once a year on the 27th day of the third lunar month in Khau Vai. Thereafter, the hill village became known as a meeting place for all of those in love. 

Young, dreamy singles trek to Khau Vai in hopes of finding a first love. Wayward lovers come to escape their families. Older generations might hope to bump into an old flame. Married men and women often return to the love market to rendezvous with former lovers, and they are allowed to meet again without jealousy from their spouses during this one event of the year. 

Hong Kong – Da Nang direct air route to open

 

 

On January 8, Dragonair announced that it will officially launch a direct air route from Hong Kong to the central city of Da Nang on March 28, with three flights a week on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Sundays, using A-320 aircraft. 

Da Nang will be Dragonair’s second destination in Vietnam. The airline already operates 10 flights per week between Hong Kong and Hanoi. Its sister airline, Cathay Pacific, operates 16 flights per week between Hong Kong and Ho Chi Minh City. 

The company’s Chief Executive Officer, Patrick Yeung, said that Vietnam is an increasingly important economic and tourism destination. The new route will help increase the number of tourists to Vietnam.

Source: VNA

 

Where things fall in place

By all accounts, the Con Son – Kiep Bac complex is a propitious place.

 

Con Son Pagoda, built during the Tran Dynasty (1225-1400), is one of the most famous sites of the Con Son - Kiep Bac complex in the northern province of Hai Duong

It has been recognized for centuries as a sacred, prime location by fengshui standards.

It is surrounded by four mountains named after four holy creatures (or parts thereof) common in many Asian myths, especially in East Asian countries: Phuong Hoang (phoenix), Ky Lan (qilin – a mythical unicorn), Rua (turtle), and Tran Rong (dragon’s forehead). It is also located next to Luc Dau Giang (six river heads), where six rivers – Cau, Thuong, Luc Nam, Duong, Kinh Thay, and the main stream of Thai Binh – meet.

It is small wonder, then, that the place has drawn the most famous people in the country’s history, from Nguyen Trai (1380-1442) – a Confucian scholar, politician, strategist and poet of the Le Dynasty (1428-1527) to Vietnam’s first president Ho Chi Minh (1890-1969). The “complex” has inspired them and evoked deep reflections on life.

For feudal generals, the complex in Chi Linh District was an ideal base for their forces. 

However, it was during the Tran Dynasty (1225-1400) that the natural complex transcended to a truly holy site with the building of the Con Son Pagoda on a 200-meter mountain of the same name. It became one of the three centers of Truc Lam Yen Tu - Vietnamese Zen Buddhism founded by one of the Tran kings, Tran Nhan Tong (1258-1308).

When the next dynasty, Le, took over, the pagoda, also known as Hun, was upgraded into a magnificent building with 83 rooms and 385 Buddha statues.

The pagoda has undergone many changes over the centuries, and lost some of its old grandeur, but it is still a venerable structure watched over by the green canopies of giant, old trees.

Traces of the past in the pagoda include 3-meter high Buddha idols dating back to the Le Dynasty, a 600-year-old adenium tree in the yard and a 14th century stele with the writings of King Tran Due Tong (1372-1377).

It also has a separate house where statues of some feudal officials are worshipped. One is of Tran Nguyen Dan, an official in charge of land and personnel matters under several Tran kings, and others are of Nguyen Trai and his concubine Nguyen Thi Lo. 

Close to the pagoda is a three-storied tower named Dang Minh Bao Thap, built under the order of King Tran Minh Tong (1314-1323) to worship the pagoda’s head monk Huyen Quang (1254-1334).

From the pagoda, visitors can climb some 600 stone steps located among a pine tree forest to reach the mountain’s top and see the “fairy chessboard.” The “board” is actually a big flat stone and the legend is that it was used by fairies to play chess.

On the mountain top stands a two-floor watch tower with an ancient architectural style that gives visitors a panoramic view of the complex. 

Other sites around Con Son Pagoda that should not be missed include the Gieng Ngoc (jade well) believed to be the “breath of life” of the whole mountain, built by Huyen Quang, the third successor of Truc Lam Yen Tu,  following a divine revelation that came to him in his dream. The well’s water stays pure and fresh throughout the year.

The Con Son Spring, which flows for three kilometers along the side of the mountain, is lined with trees, making it a picturesque spot. 

The temple

Located some five kilometers from Con Son Pagoda, Kiep Bac does not boast as many legendary and holy sites, but boasts great history.

The temple, nearly 700-years-old, was built to worship Tran Hung Dao, a famous general from the Tran Dynasty, and also one of the greatest generals in Vietnam’s history.

In the 13th century, Dao, born as Tran Quoc Tuan, set up a base there for storing food and training his army to fight invasions by the Mongol Empire. He successfully fought the invading army three times.

The three-gate temple has three rooms with as many deities. The first room has Pham Ngu Lao, Dao’s son in law and also a general of the Tran Dynasty. The second one is for the great general, and the third one for his wife and two daughters. 

Next to the temple is Vien Lang, a small hill believed to be the burial site of Dao.

Walking around the Con Son – Kiep Bac complex, it is difficult not to reflect on the historical importance of the place. More importantly, as we reflect on the spiritual antecedents of the place, there is a palpable sense of quiet and peace that makes the sightseeing trip acquire the status of a pilgrimage.

Vietnam's northern highlands present a winter showcase

A DTiNews reporter recently took some photos depicting the north-west of Vietnam through his trip. 

Nam Mu Stream, Tay Con Linh Mountain Range, peach blossoms in Sung La and young highlands women in Dong Van were all captured.

 

Villagers building a makeshift bridge across Nam Mu Stream in Son La Province’s Muong La District

People at the foot of Tay Con Linh Mountains building a temporary bridge

A stream nearby to Tay Con Linh

A sightseeing platform on Dong Van

 

Plum blossoms and yellow cabbage flowers in Ha Giang Province’s Meo Vac District

 

Peach and plum blossoms in Sung La Commune of Ha Giang Province’s Dong Van District. The area was the setting for the film The Story of Pao

Dong Van karst plateau

 

A pine forest 5 kilometres from Dong Van

 

 Young ethnic women

 

Ha Nhi ethnic people in Lao Cai Province’s Ty Y Commune

 

A suspension across Ma River in Dien Bien Province

 

Khau Pha Pass in early mist in Yen Bai Province’s Nghia Lo District

 

A boatman on the Da River running through Son La Province’s Bac Yen District

 

Dao ethnic women showing off a newly bought silver ring at Muong Hum market in Lao Cai Province’s Bat Xat District

 

Little houses spotted in peach blossomed hills in Long Luong Commune of Son La Province’s Moc Chau District

 

A Dao mother and her baby avoiding visitor stares through a window in Lao Cai Province’s Bat Xat District

 

Mong young people learning how to ride a motorbike in Lao Cai Province’s Bac Ha District

 

Rare sunlight in winter on Khau Pha Pass in Yen Bai Province’s Nghia Lo District

 

Little house in a white mustard field in Thuong Cuong Hamlet of Son La Province’s Moc Chau District

 

Children going to school along a newly-opened road through Pu Luong in Thanh Hoa Province

A Thai couple trading in pigs on the Ho Chi Minh Highway section running through Cuc Phuong National Park in Ninh Binh Province

New volume introduces Cham culture in five languages

 

 

A new book on the Cham culture has just been published in five languages by the The Gioi (World) Publishers. 

Entitled Di San Van Hoa Cham (Cham Cultural Heritage), the book was compiled by researcher Nguyen Van Ku and is available in Vietnamese, English, French, and Italian editions, plus a version in the ancient language of the Cham.

The work highlights the once-glorious civilisation that thrived from the 2nd through the 16th centuries in the south-central region and Central Highlands, helping enrich modern Vietnamese culture identity.

"The book is both a valuable source to researchers and a guide to tourists," said Nguyen Van Huy, a member of the National Heritage Council.

The volume features 175 photos, sketches and maps of Cham towers and temples scattered throughout the central region, from Thua Thien Hue Province to the Central Highlands. Images of artefacts help illustrate the culture's beliefs about animal, plants and the spiritual world.

The book also introduces the culture, lifestyle and economic situation of the Cham ethnic people throughout the country today.

Among previous works compiled by Ku and his colleagues are Du Khao Van Hoa Cham (Cham Culture Guide Book), Nha Mo Tay Nguyen (Tombs of the Central Highlands) and Nha Rong Tay Nguyen (Communal Houses of the Central Highlands).

Source: VNS

 

Vietnam – destination for luxury ships

The luxury cruise liner Costa Victoria of the Italia-based ship operator Costa Crociere S.p.A arrived in Ho Chi Minh City on January 7 with 2,400 passengers and crew to begin a four-day tour of Vietnam.

Passengers from Italy, Spain and the UK will visit famous sites in the city and experience countryside life in the Mekong Delta.

On January 9, the five-star ship will dock at Tien Sa port of Da Nang to visit the central city and the two world cultural heritage sites in Quang Nam province – Hoi An ancient town and My Son Sanctuary. The ship will depart on January 10.

Costa Victoria is scheduled to return to Vietnam on January 14, 18, 26 and 30.

An agreement between Star Cruises and Saigontourist Travel Service Company will see 90 ships carrying more than 130,000 passengers and crew arrive in Vietnam between November 2012 and April 2013.

(Source: VNA)

Sapa Vietnam, great trekking, the way others don’t

To get rid off an usual path, travelers will be experienced the fantastic feeling with an astonishing landscape throughout a challenge trail and actively relishing the quintessential of the colorful mosaic of ethnic minorities along the adventure activities organized by ACTIVETRAVEL ASIA.

Undeniable that Sapa, located at North West of Vietnam, having an exotic attraction with the majestic splendor scenery, a notable France architect, and the unique custom. Specially, the mountainous terrain which contributed for this place become more well- known with the highest peak Indochina (approximately 3143m above sea level) and challenge trail, enticed thousand adventurers every year come to explore its inhospitable geography and the hill tribal culture .       

Different to be unique

Not the same as usual trekking tour in Sapa, the travelers will obtain more challenger than ever. This requires travelers have a feat of endurance, endeavor to conquer the Fansipan in different way from Ben Den to the roof of Indochina. The victory will be more exciting and meaningful as the result of taking challenge.

Give more to gain more

To stand of the top of the Indochina Mountain, travelers have to spend a lot of effort, time. However, along this trip, trekking through Sin Chai B, Thanh Phu village, Nam Sai, Nam Sai valley… adventures not only gain the surreal emotion, witnessing the extraordinary scenery like water buffalo rest in the terraced fields or wild flowers decorate at remote waterfall.

Moreover, Sapa home to Hmong, Red Dzao and Tay ethnic minorities.      Along the trip travelers will have a chance to live with indigenous people and experiencing a daily routine of ethnic minorities who are warm, exceeding friendly. 

The ethnic minorities’ house always opens to welcome all travelers to stay with us. This house has a distinctive architectural style as travelers can live under the thatched- roof stilt house, on the split- bamboo floor.

Specially, each day travelers immerse in the amazing dessert, the handmade rice or corn wine and traditional meal which is cooked over a wood fire. In addition, if travelers are interesting in ethnic minorities culinary, the host is always willing to teach how to cook with the special ingredient.

Recommended tour by ACTIVETRAVEL ASIA

Different Sapa - Different Trek: This trip gives you the best Sapa has to offer but not in the normal way. The traditional treks start in Sapa and finish back in Sapa. This special trek starts in Ben Den and finishes in Sapa. The trek is tougher but not less enjoyable since you trek through the hills and valleys of the Sapa region, discovering several different minorities along the way. You will experience overnight accommodation in the hospitable villages of Dzay, Tay and Dzao ethnic minorities. The apparent hardships are worth it though as we walk through some of the most spectacular scenery that Vietnam has to offer and experience unique villages culture. 

Travel Facts:

ACTIVETRAVEL ASIA (ATA) offers a wide selection of Vietnam, Laos, Cambodia adventure tours, including hiking and trekking, biking, motorcycling, kayaking, overland touring and family travel packages. For more information, please contact us for tailoring your very own tour via:

Telephone: +844 3573 8569

Fax:   +844 3573 8570

Email: info@activetravel.asia

Website: http://www.activetravel.asia

Address: Floor 12 Building 45 Nguyen Son Street, Long Bien district, Hanoi, Vietnam.

First direct flight leaves Hanoi for Phnom Penh

 

 

Cambodia Angkor Air (CA Air) on January 6 inaugurated the first non-stop flight route between Phnom Penh and Hanoi in a bid to meet the increasing transport needs of the two countries.

The daily route is run by the commercial passenger jet Airbus 321, which will make the 1,000km journey between the two capitals in about one hour.The direct flight will help boost the social and economic relations between the two countries, according to CA Air’s CEO Trinh Hong Quang.

Quang said the new route is part of the airline’s master plan to expand its networks. Other new routes include Siem Reap-Bangkok, Siem Reap-Hano and Phnom Penh-Bangkok.Direct flights to Hong Kong, Seoul and Singapore are under consideration, Quang added.Flights between Phnom Penh and HCM City are increasing in frequency.

The Phnom Penh based airline, a 51/49 joint venture between the Cambodian Government and Vietnam’s flag carrier Vietnam Airlines, currently has 11 flight routes including three domestic flights and eight international flights.After three years of operation, CA Air, which possess five aircraft including three A320 jets, has registered 5,570 safe flights.It carried 325,000 passengers in 2012, up 6 percent compared to the previous year with a set occupancy rate of 68 percent.CA Air plans to have 10,500 flights and carry 754,000 passengers in 2013.

Source: VNS/VOV online 

 

National Tourism Year 2013 announced

 

 

The Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism in co-ordination with the Haiphong municipal People’s Committee has officially launched the National Tourism Year 2013 with the theme of “Red River Civilization”.

Present a ceremony in Haiphong on January 6 were Deputy Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc, representatives of 11 cities and provinces in the Red River Delta and domestic and international guests.Minister of Culture, Sports and Tourism Hoang Tuan Anh said the event is to boost tourism development for the benefit of socio-economic growth.

Haiphong municipal People’s Committee Chairman Duong Anh Dien spoke of the huge potential of cities and provinces in the Red River Delta which are blessed with beautiful mountain, plain, sea and island scenery, and rich with cultural and historic values. The National Tourism Year 2013 provides a good opportunity for Haiphong as well as other localities in the region to develop tourism, strengthen regional links, creating tourism services different from other regions in the country, he said.After the ceremony, lion dances and other festive activities were held in Haiphong to welcome in the new year. 

Source: VOV