Mekong Delta tours introduced

New tours, destinations and promotions to the Mekong Delta were introduced at a seminar held this morning (May 16) in Hanoi.

New tours, destinations and promotions to the Mekong Delta have been introduced

About 50 travel agents and companies from delta provinces attended the function.

Tomorrow, delegates will visit Hai Phong's Cat Ba tourist area to learn about ecological and homestay tours in the province.

Mai Tien Dung, vice director of the Hanoi Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism, said that the number of foreign tourists to Vietnam and the Mekong Delta had decreased in the first quarter.

"The activity will contribute to developing Vietnamese tourism," he said, "It also creates a chance for travel agents to exchange experiences and promote their products."

How to act like a local in Vietnam

The French have their berets, Russians wear their fur hats and Moroccans don the fez. In Vietnam, the conical hat is the head wear of choice. This sturdy, wide-brimmed topper is well suited to a country where rice farmers endure both fierce sunshine and pelting rain out in the fields.

Along with the Vietnamese traditional dress, it has become an informal national symbol. Vietnam is a fascinating country and a highly photogenic one at that. But beyond this - what lies beneath the conical hat?

Quite a lot, if you know anything about Vietnam's thousands of years of history. A hardworking people, their culture has been influenced by many civilisations: the native ethnic groups that once inhabited their land, the Chinese, the French, and most recently, the Americans and Russians. From all these outside influences, plus centuries of war and hardship, their culture has been formed.

Women Vietnames

SHOW SOME RESPECT

Respect your elders, and your teachers, and everyone else too - this type of attitude is at the very heart of Vietnamese culture. While respect is also valued in Western society, the emphasis is more on friendliness. But it's the cornerstone of interpersonal relationships in Vietnam, whether that be within family, between friends or couples, or in an employment situation.

It's even reflected in the language used by Vietnamese in their daily lives. For example, while in the English-speaking world the word "yes" is used to express agreement and is generally neutral, a Vietnamese person has to choose between three different words to express agreement. In their reply to someone they may mean "yes, I am listening" or "yes, I am confused" or "yes, I do not want to offend." 

Saving face is an entrenched part of Vietnamese culture and no more so than in the language itself. Modesty and humility are closely linked to this attitude of respect.

And in Vietnamese culture, older people are deeply revered - unlike Western society, where age is often seen as a liability and youthfulness is celebrated.

I LIKE YOUR SMILE

Smile Vietnamese

Expressing yourself verbally tends to come naturally if you're a Westerner, however the Vietnamese prefer non-verbal communication for expressing certain feelings. The humble smile is one such non-verbal symbol - and it's used to convey the all-important attitude of respect.

For the Vietnamese, the smile is a proper response in most situations when verbal expression isn't needed or isn't appropriate. It can be used as a substitute for "I'm sorry", "thank you" or "hello" instead of a ready yes, as the Vietnamese like to avoid appearing over-enthusiastic.

FAMILY TIES

Because Vietnamese society places significant value on stability in social interaction, relationships tend to be very close. The Vietnamese have strong feelings towards their extended family, ancestors, home village and country.

As they believe they must treat their forebears well, many people practice ancestor worship. The building of shrines in homes and burning incense for their deceased family members is common among Vietnamese. They are also very superstitious, believing certain things must happen on certain occasions, or their family will have bad luck.

TELL ME A STORY

The Vietnamese love a good chat and can be very candid when discussing their lives. For instance, when chatting to a local, you might be surprised to discover that many topics that are regarded as personal or confidential in Western culture are openly discussed in Vietnam. 

You may be asked about your age, whether or not you're married, whether you have children and how much money you earn.

It might be different from Western society, but then again, it's all about getting beneath the conical hat.

Find out more information to explore Vietnam:  http://www.activetravelvietnam.com/vietnam_travel_guides.html

Hanoi listed among top 10 awesome places for cultural tours

 

 

The capital city of Hanoi in Vietnam has recently been listed in top 10 incredible places for cultural tours around the world by the New York City-based business and technology news website Business Insider. 

“Just three hours outside of Hanoi, Mai Chau is a mountainous region dotted with traditional stilt houses. Two tribes, the White Thai and Black Thai make up the majority of the population,” the site wrote in its “10 Awesome Cultural Tours That Will Make You Feel Like A Local” list.

“The best way to immerse yourself in the region is through a homestay with local families. Spend two days cycling across mountain trails and through rice fields, visit local villages and watch a cultural performance by White Thai villagers,” it added.

Other recommended places in the list are Santiago in Chile, Rio de Janeiro in Brazil, Marrakech in Morocco, Shanghai in China, Trani in Italy, Budapest in Hungary, Lisbon in Portugal, Bordeaux in France and Old Delhi in India. 

Source: Tuoi tre news

 

Red River culture, sport, tourism week starts

 

 

The Culture – Sports – Tourism Week and the second Red Flamboyant Festival, a highlight the National Tourism Year of the Red River Delta themed “Red River Civilisation”, kicked off in the northern port city of Hai Phong on May 11. 

Addressing the event, Prime Minister Nguyen Tan Dung said the 2013 Red River Delta – Hai Phong National Tourism Year offers the region a chance to make tourism a key economic sector for national socio-economic development. 

Dung said ministries, departments and localities are working on a general tourism development strategy and master plan until 2020 with a vision to 2030 to boost tourism in a professional, sustainable and modern manner, in line with upholding national cultural values, environmental protection, ensuring national defence and security, and social safety and order. 

From now until 2020, Vietnam ’s tourism sector strives to obtain an annual growth of around 12 percent on average. The country targets to welcome over 10 million foreign tourists and some 50 million domestic visitors, earn 18 billion USD in revenues, generate 3 million jobs and contribute to 7 percent of the country’s gross domestic product, Dung said. 

To realise such goals, Dung asked them to tap internal sources and advantages of history, culture and landscapes, especially the UNESCO-recognised world heritages, as well as to make the most of domestic and international assistance to transform the Hanoi – Hai Phong – Quang Ninh development triangle and the Red River Delta region into the country’s special culture and tourism hub. 

The PM called on them to offer diverse and unique tourist products imbued with local culture, build a highly-competitive tourism brand name, facilitate investment attraction, preserve ecological environment and ensure tourism security and safety. 

On top of this, Dung also encouraged each local and visitor to join efforts in building a friendly and sustainable tourism environment, thus popularising the tradition of Vietnam ’s hospitality. 

Ministries and departments were also required to work with regional localities to remove obstacles in tourism activities, generate more jobs, reduce poverty and bring the region a new facelift. 

Over the past years, international and domestic arrivals in the region as well as the Ha Noi – Hai Phong – Quang Ninh economic growth triangle have jumped a respective of 13.2 percent and 14.3 percent per year. Last year’s revenues hit some 40,000 billion VND (1.9 billion USD). 

Among the Red River Delta localities, Hai Phong holds plentiful unique cultural values of the ancient civilisation. It is blessed with diverse natural resources to develop sea and island tourism, notably Cat Ba island close to Ha Long Bay.

Source: VNA

 

Viet Nam participates in Paris Fair 2013

 

 

Vietnamese businesses are participating in the ongoing 109th Paris Fair 2013 (Foire de Paris 2013), which is held in Paris from April 30 to May 12. 

With around 50 pavilions covering an area of 630 square metres, the Vietnamese businesses, mostly small- and medium-sized or family-owned ones, display traditional handicrafts and fine art items, such as brocade, jewelry, lacquer, silk, and ao dai (traditional dress).

Guersende Rouby, Trade Manager of the fair, highly valued Vietnamese businesses’ participation in the fair. According to the manager, Vietnam’s products are impressive, diversified and eye-catching.

On the sidelines of the fair, representatives of the fair management board and the Vietnamese Embassy in France had a talk, aimed to help Vietnamese businesses’ participation in the next fair in 2014, when the two countries will celebrate the 40th anniversary of their diplomatic ties, she noted.

The Paris Fair is one of the biggest ones in Europe with 3,400 stalls covering an area of 220,000 m2.

Source: VNA

 

Cuc Phuong National Park, Vietnam offers escape from humdrum city life

For the first time in months, I concentrate on breathing the clear fresh air, relax and feel my tense muscles unclench. Finally, I can hear myself think and am alone, surrounded by nature and centuries of evolutionary miracles.

Trekking Cuc Phuong National Park

Such a welcome break from the buzz of Hanoi. The sound of birdsong disturbs the silence. That's right, complete silence. Such a welcome break from the buzz of Hanoi. No motorbikes, no horns, no market vendors yelling, no drilling. Just complete and utter silence.

I have come to Cuc Phuong National Park, after a 90 minute motorbike ride from Ninh Binh City. After leaving the city, the road winds its way through small villages surrounded by rice paddies. Soon the houses give way to more rice paddies, interspersed with stunning limestone karsts. The landscape is very similar to the karst formations of Northern Vietnam's Ha Long Bay, yet, due to its in-land location, obviously lacks the marine features of its coastal counterpart.

Cuc Phuong national park

Cuc Phuong is Vietnam's oldest national park and was established over 50 years ago. The scenery that unfolds before my eyes is breathtaking, and the calls of insects, birds, and primates lure me into the dense forest. On walks I explore the park's extensive trekking trails, listen to the mystical sounds of the jungle and visit some of the villages in the area, where I could see some of the traditional stilt houses, agricultural tools and, luckily, musical performances by some of the region's ethical minority groups.

The park is also home to some of the region's most successful conservation centres, where injured and confiscated animals from the wildlife trade are rehabilitated and prepared for their re-release into the wild.

Visiting the Endangered Primate Rescue Centre was my highlight, and I spent close to two hours watching over 100 primates of over 15 different species of gibbons and langurs play, feed and nurture their young. At the Turtle Conservation Centre close to 20 different turtle species that have been rescued from the wildlife trade are housed and bred, and possibly will be re-introduced into the wild eventually.

Turtle

Endangered Primate Rescue Centre

As most of these species are endangered, the conservation centre also functions as a place of education and provides vital information about the key turtle species in Vietnam. For example, did you know that it can take up to 30 years for a turtle to hatch from an egg, mature, and procreate? The life cycle of these stunning creatures is unbelievably slow, and sadly the high demand for turtles (as pets or meat) is devastating turtle stocks across Vietnam.

Cuc Phuong National Park - mushrooms

The Small Carnivore and Pangolin Conservation Centre next door is home to some of the most endangered small mammals in Vietnam, such as the Owston civet or leopard cat.

After visiting all three centres and learning about the natural heritage and biodiversity of Vietnam, I walked back to my lodge contemplating the beauty of it all: the landscape, the conservation efforts of so many dedicated individuals and organisations, the fascinating species of animals and plants that are unique to this part of the world, and our role of humans within it all.

Faced with such spectacular surroundings, I felt very small. Standing there, alone, in the middle of thousands of years of evolutionary processes, I couldn't help but wonder what the future would bring – would we as humanity manage to come together to preserve our natural beauty, or would we continue in our path towards destruction and extinction? I guess only time will tell.

Thousand year old tree

However, I can say for certain that Cuc Phuong National Park is a wonderful place to escape to and provides the perfect backdrop for profound thoughts and musings about life.

You can book a trekking tour to explore Cuc Phuong National Park though travel agencies in Hanoi. I can recommend an adventure tour operator I knew,  ACTIVETRAVEL ASIA. They offer adventure tours at Vietnam, Laos, Cambodia, including hiking and trekking, biking, motorcycling and family travel packages.

You can refer Trekking Cuc Phuong National Park Tour via:  http://www.activetravelvietnam.com/tour.php?op%3Ddetail%26tourId%3D26

Amateur movie makers draw attention to Vietnam's north-west

The stunning beauty of the northwest region of Vietnam has been exposed through the lenses of several young amateur movie makers.

 

Vu Nam Duong is a graphic design teacher who loves travelling and has made several short clips about beauty spots in Vietnam such as Nghe An, Hue, Co To, and Hoi An.

This time, Duong and his fellows include Nguyen Khac Hiep, Tran Huan, Nguyen Hoang and Khanh have created some more amazing clips about the nature and lives in the northwest region, gaining a lot of attention and comments on internet.

"They're still the familiar routes and people but this is a more refreshing and interesting angle. Very impressive," young architect Duy Tung said.

"I like the music, it fits right there with the frames. This is a meaningful movie to me," a commenter said.

According to the group, they wanted to make a clip about Vietnam's northwest for long time ago but could only use weekends for travelling and filming.

"Audiences are very critical. If we didn’t put our hearts into the product, they'll watch it carelessly too. So we must convey our feelings in everything we make. We should assess ourselves first before blaming anyone else. I'm very happy that our works are appreciated," Duong said.

 

 

 

 

Activities in the Culture, Sports and Tourism Week of the Red River Delta – Hai Phong 2013

 In the frame work of National Tourism Year of the Red River Delta – Hai Phong 2013, from 9th to 17th May, in Hai Phong City, the Culture, Sports and Tourism Week of the Red Delta River – Hai Phong 2013 associated with the 2nd Red Flamboyant Festival Hai Phong will take place.

This event is organized by People's Committee of Hai Phong City, Viet Nam National Administration of Tourism, Department of Performing Arts (Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism) in collaboration with Hai Phong City’s Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism, art troupes and related agencies. With plentiful and diversified activities, the event aims to facilitate for localities, businesses to introduce special tourism potentials, products, services to domestic and international tourists; at the same time to create opportunities to meet, exchange experience among managers and businesses, promotion agencies in the tourism industry.

 

SCHEDULE OF ACTIVITIES IN THE CULTURE, SPORTS AND TOURISM WEEK OF THE RED RIVER DELTA – HAI PHONG 2013

 

 

(Source: Hai Phong Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism)

Exploring the largest floating market in Mekong Delta, Vietnam

Apart from Cai Be and Phung Hiep, Cai Rang in Can Tho City is one of the three most popular and biggest floating markets in the Mekong River Delta. It is a great place for tourists in Vietnam  to enjoy exciting atmosphere during the early morning market hours.

Cai Rang Floating Market

The Cai Rang Floating Market, the largest wholesale floating market in the Mekong Delta, starts around 05:00 and runs until around midday, meaning that you’ll have to get an early start to the day if you want to visit. Most tour boats along the riverfront leave between 05:00 and 07:00, so if don’t make it to the water by then you’ll have a hard time finding a tour.

The market is about six kilometres from Can Tho, or about a 30-minute boat ride. While floating down the river, you will glimpse life along its shores. You’ll pass vibrantly painted boats anchored along the shore, merchant vessels carrying loads down the river and houses built on stilts over the water.

Cai Rang float market, Vietnam

Once you finally reach the market, it’s an impressive site. A stretch of boats selling all variety of goods lines the river. Not really a place for souvenirs, people come here instead to buy large quantities of goods, mostly foodstuffs, and you will get an idea of what water commerce in the Delta looks like. Your guide on the boat will usually give you tidbits of information about Cai Rang as you weave through the hordes. You’ll learn that boats identify what they are selling by hanging a sample off the top of a long pole; if you want pineapple, simply scan the horizon for a hanging pineapple. You’ll also get the opportunity to interact with some of these floating merchants; most commonly this happens when a small boat selling drinks latches onto the tour boat’s side.

Many kind fruits are sold

  During the early morning market hours, larger sized boats anchor and create lanes that smaller boats weave in and out of. The waterway becomes a maze of hundreds of boats packed with mango, bananas, papaya, pineapple, and even smuggled goods like cigarettes. 

Sellers do not have to cry out about their goods because their goods can be seen in a distance and their cries would not be heard in the vastness of the river and the noise of boat engines. Small boats that sell beer, wine and soft drinks go among the other boats to serve market-goers and visitors in Vietnam travel. Sellers tie their goods to a tall pole so that buyers can see from a distance what they are selling. 

Each boat is loaded with plenty of seasonal goods. Activities at the market are also an occasion for tourists to study the cultural aspects of southerners. You can see the market in the distance; it does not look like much, just a mass of boats. The boats all display their wares on a mast so you can see what they have available.

Exploring Mekong Delta

Coming to  Cai Rang Floating Market, you can join a tour of the Mekong Delta. Several tour operations can arrange tours combine adventure activities like biking to explore Mekong Delta. I’d recommend you an adventure travel  company I knew, ACTIVETRAVEL ASIA (ATA).   In this special trip, ATA ride through beautiful areas of lush fruit orchards, endless paddy fields, lively floating market and busy canals.

You can refer Mekong Explore tour at:  http://www.activetravelvietnam.com/tour.php?op%3Ddetail%26tourId%3D19

If you are planning travel in Vietnam and to vist Can Tho City, let’s take a 30 minute boat ride to the market. You will be actually awake and enjoying it! You will find it very peaceful floating down the river in the early morning and you will feel how great the floating market is!

Rare ornamental redwood garden puts green glaze on Vinh Yen City

The owner of a this redwood garden is a businessman who have great passion for formed trees.

His 10 hectares garden located in the centre of Vinh Yen City is well-known for displaying hundreds of valuable formed redwood trees and the biggest private ornamental tree garden in the northern region.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Southern cuisine festival to open in HCMC

 

Ho Chi Minh City’s annual, iconic cuisine festival called “Dat Phuong Nam” (Southern land), a highlight of this year’s local tourism, will run from May 16 to 19 at one of the city’s tourist attractions.

This year’s festival, which will feature cooking demonstrations and Vietnamese delicacies divided into different regions, will take place at the Dam Sen recreation park, 3 Hoa Binh street, district 11.

According to the organizers, 31 units from 15 provinces have registered to open 80 stalls at the feast.

The event will feature the delicacies and cooking performances from restaurants, hotels and companies from central Thua Thien-Hue province southward.

There will also be traditional arts, martial arts performances, folk games, cooking and vegetables and fruit sculpture competition and free cooking lessons offered to local students.

The organizers will also put up local specialties and award-winning works from the competitions for auction to raise funds for the city’s needy kids.

Tickets to the festival are sold from now for VND180,000 (US$6), with free tickets to the park offered for early buyers 

Source: : tuoitrenews.vn

 

Sofitel Hotel franchise joins French music festival

 

 

More than 120 international Sofitel Luxury Hotel branches, including those in Vietnam, will play host to the French multi-genre musical celebration La Fête de la Musique on June 21. 

At the Sofitel Legend Metropole Hanoi, audiences will have an opportunity to enjoy a unique French and Vietnamese cultural combination.

Vietnamese pop singer Le Cat Trong Ly and American jazz singer Diane Witherspoon will perform together from 6pm on June 21. 

The Sofitel Plaza Hanoi is planning a range of concerts comprising a number of different musical genres. Song Hong Bar will feature performances using traditional Vietnamese instruments. 

In Summit Lounge, audiences can try their hand as a vocalist for the hotel’s house band, or join in as a guest musician. Complimentary special cocktails and tapas samples will be served during the performance.

The Sofitel Plaza Saigon will usher audiences back in time to the classic style of the 60s with a painting exhibition entitled “BB Forever”.

France’s famous DJ Peanuts will lend his modern melodies to the event.

La Fête de la Musique began in France in 1982 and is now an annual event in many countries across the world.

Source: VOV

 

Best Kayaking Destination for Travelling Vietnam

Halong bay is one of hotspots for travelling Vietnam. Travelers will be surprised by the exotic scenery, the mystery of the remote cave, the unique culture and the Vietnam seafood.

Kayaking Halong Bay

According to National Geographic Adventures Journal, Halong bay arguably is one of best destinations for kayaking in over the world. With speculator vistas and the calm sea, definitely it is an ideal place for kayakers.

Ensure that, for 3 days exploring Halong bay it will be unforgettable experience. Travelers immediately immerse in the magnificent scenery, the labyrinth of limestone islets and the sea caves, the hidden lagoon.

Travelers will take a snapshot about the place where was recognized by Unesco World Heritage Site and New Seven Wonders of the World. By the cruise, travelers have a short exploration at some well known places like Sung Sot cave, Lan Ha bay…

Kayaking is the best idea to discover every part of Halong for getting an insight to indigenous people life, to taste every corner of mystery lagoon, to gain surreal feeling throughout the dark tunnels.

On padding excursion, travelers have chance to visit Van Chai floating village to take of a view of daily life or even live like local people on the bamboo boat to make and enjoy the tasty seafood, to take part in hunting fish or witness the animistic ceremonies.

Moreover, take a trip in this summer, travelers no need to worry too much about the price of tour. It is supported by the ATA’s summer promotion. In addition, in this time the flight ticket is always at moderate.

More information: http://www.activetravelvietnam.com/tour.php?op=detail&tourId=43

View map link: http://www.tripline.net/trip/Kayaking_Halong_Bay_%2B_Trekking_Cat_Ba_National_Park-4452243314411006893CF02A48E6FB9B

Summer promotion 2013:

ATA has launched “Great summer holiday with lucky travels” for summer promotion 2013 in Vietnam, Lao, Cambodia. The program applies for all customers request tour on website from 25 March to 30 September 2013. Variety gifts such as discount up to 15% on tour request, free city tour, free one night at a luxury cruise or at hotel, free meal at elegance restaurant and others are in listing lucky gift.

More information:  http://www.activetravel.asia/special_offer/2013_summer_promotions.html

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 ATA for tailoring your very own tour via:

ACTIVETRAVEL ASIA (ATA) 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.

5 Reasons Why You Should Travel In A Kayak and Travel in Halong Bay, Vietnam.

Kayaking is not just one of the most adrenaline-pumping sports, but it is also a way to greet the natural beauty and exult on the sea and rivers. Traveling to nearby places using a travel kayak can serve you multiple purposes. It can drop you to your desired destination, and it can also give you that much-needed thrill and revelry.

Here are some top reasons why you should travel in a kayak:

Kayak

i.  Exciting: If your life is short on excitement, then you can try this method of traveling and see your hormones flowing heavily. With kayaking in your schedule, you would find new vigor in your boring life and would be able to work with some added energy.

ii.  Affordable: Travel kayak is very affordable and can be bought without making any major investment. They come in different sizes and if you need a single or double person one, then you can get them at just a small budget. 

iii.  Observing the sea life: While traveling with kayak, you can observe the sea or river life and learn a lot about ecology. You are bound to zip through some really rhapsodic and photogenic corners where your heart would skip a beat in exhilaration.

iv.  Easy to handle: Most kayaks which are manufactured these days are very easy to handle and offer complete convenience. Being light and user-friendly, they make for perfect allies during such adventurous journeys. 

v.  Rediscovering the zest of life: If your spirits are sagging and your morale is going down, then you can rediscover that lost zest by trying this adventure sport. With travel kayak, you are bound to get goose bumps all over your body. 

So where can you travel kayak in another country, such as Vietnam. We recommend you a great and suitable destination for kayak:  Halong Bay _one of New Seven Wonders of the World. Halong Bay is famous for its natural beauty and thousands of limestone islands and islets. When you are on board, you admire the majestic beauty of the Bay but when you GET closer to the limestone islands, discover the beauty yourself, you admire its nature. But… how to get closer? The best way is joining kayaking activity .

Some images about kayaking activities in Halong Bay we guess you'll enjoy it:

Many kayaks for rent

Kayaking in Halong Bay

Kayaking in floating village

Kayak in Lan Ha Bay

ACTIVETRAVEL ASIA provides you with high quality traditional sea kayaks and equipment, delightful meals, kayak technique instruction, and an overall ecstatic time in paradise.

If you would like to know more,  you can visit:  http://www.activetravel.asia/ata_adventure/kayaking/

Have a good journey!

Dong Van Plateau to benefit from international tourist plan

The Ministry of Construction is seeking the prime minister’s approval to hire foreign consultants for Dong Van Stone Plateau’s planning in Ha Giang Province in an effort to develop its tourism potential.

  

Dong Van Stone Plateau

Dong Van Stone Plateau was recognised as a Global Network of National Geoparks (GGN) member on October 3, 2010. The plateau is Vietnam’s first geological park and only the second such park in Southeast Asia, after Langkawi in Malaysia.

Ha Giang Province has implemented several GGN recommendations.

The plateau covering more than 2,350 square kilometres and is renowned for its high biodiversity and ethnic minority cultures. The plateau is 80% limestone and contains the fossils of thousands of species of prehistoric creatures dating back 400-600 million years ago.