VietNamNet Bridge – A little market, tucked away in a corner of Ha Noi, may be the best choice when it comes to buying gemstones and jewellery. Sellers and buyers can meet and talk about the different stones, and all items are checked for quality.  Ready for sale: The gemstones are displayed on plastic trays or on a piece of carton. — Photos:  Thu Trang/VNS If you are interested in buying gemstones or jewellery, you naturally think about visiting a jeweller’s shop or a luxury store. But now you can buy quality gemstones at this nondescript market in Ha Noi. It resembles a traditional market that sells vegetables; however, this particular market attracts dozens of small gemstone traders and gemstone lovers. The neat little market, which is some 500sq.m, is in Alley 456 on Hoang Hoa Tham Street in Cau Giay … [Read more...]

NDO/VNA – Low-cost carrier Jetstar Pacific said on July 20 that it officially sold air tickets for the new international air route between central Quang Binh province and Chiang Mai of Thailand. With the move, Jetstar becomes the first airline of Vietnam to launch a route connecting Vietnam’s famous tourism destination to Thailand’s northern economic and tourism centre. According to the carrier, the route is part of a tourism promotion cooperation programme between Jetstar and Quang Binh province to stimulate tourism growth in Vietnam and Thailand and their economic links. The first flight on the route is scheduled to take off on August 11. With two flights per week on Mondays and Fridays, Jetstar will use its 180-seat Airbus A320 for the service. On the occasion, the airline offers promotional air fares at only VND390,000 per leg, along with other promotions. With a complex of over 300 caves and a 116km-long white sand coastline, the central … [Read more...]

A travel company that left 17 Vietnamese tourists stranded in Thailand following the arrests of its tour guide and tour leader last month had been providing an illegal service, an investigation has found. Local travel company EPAC does not have a license to offer overseas tours, said Le Minh Son, deputy director of the tourism department in Can Tho. Son said his department had ordered the company to fully refund the tourists by August 10 and work with foreign affairs officials to bring the two staff members home. The company is looking at a fine of between VND40-50 million ($1,760-2,200), he said. Vietnam's National Administration of Tourism on Wednesday also asked Can Tho to ensure the group's interests are protected. The case drew attention from officials after the tourists filed a complaint. They said the company charged them VND6.5 million each for a tour in June, but when they arrived they did not have a place to stay and the tour guide couldn't speak … [Read more...]

The United States has ended a four month ban on passengers carrying laptops onboard U.S. bound flights from certain airports in the Middle East and North Africa, bringing to an end one of the controversial travel restrictions imposed by President Donald Trump's administration. Riyadh's King Khalid International Airport was the last of 10 airports to be exempted from the ban, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) confirmed in a tweet late on Wednesday local time. Middle East carriers have blamed Trump's travel restrictions, which include banning citizens of some Muslim majority countries from visiting the United States, for a downturn in demand on U.S routes. In March, the United States banned large electronics in cabins on flights from 10 airports in the Middle East and North Africa over concerns that explosives could be concealed in the devices taken onboard aircraft. The ban has been lifted on the nine airlines affected -- Emirates, Etihad Airways, Qatar … [Read more...]

HCMC, with its history of more than 300 years where many residents from different locations around the globe gather to earn a living, boasts a rich diversity of cultures, religions, customs, and culinary arts. Tourists are seen at the Lady Thien Hau Temple in HCMC’s District 5 Therefore, when taking a pilgrimage tour to sacred destinations in the city, foreign tourists should not miss a chance to explore the hidden charms of renowned pagodas where worshippers can learn more about colorful religious beliefs as well as stories attached to the spiritual life of locals. Thien Hau Pagoda, Jade Emperor Pagoda and Mariamman Temple are three outstanding venues worthwhile for a visit. Built in the mid-18th century by a group of Chinese immigrants, Thien Hau Pagoda in HCMC’s District 5 might be recommended as the … [Read more...]

When visiting China, one should not keep them away from a visit to Emperor Qin Shi Huang’s terracotta army based in Xian city, where they will, for sure, be astounded by how the emperor could build his own gigantic tomb, with a clay-backed crowded army. Thanh Tung makes a tour to the army site. Xian city, a delegation from Vietnam visited emperor Qin Shi Huang's tomb guarded by the famous terracotta army It has been an amazing trip to China’s Xian city as we have had a big chance to admire the world-famous Emperor Qin Shi Huang’s terracotta army, which is home to thousands of clay-baked warriors, horses, and chariots used to protect the emperor’s eternal rest. A group of Vietnamese journalists begin the trip at 8.30 AM to go through 35 kilometres within a one-hour traffic jam from the … [Read more...]

If you’ve always fancied a trip to Ha Long Bay but are not a fan of road travel, a new option is floating in the distance. Local officials have announced that an international airport near the bay will be opened at the end of March next year, according to a Hanoi Moi report. The airport, also the first private facility in Vietnam, will land on Van Don Island around 50 kilometers (31 miles) from the famous bay. Official details are not yet available, but the $330 million project is designed to receive two million arrivals a year by 2020, and there are plans to expand the capacity to five million by 2030. Vietnam’s government approved the project in 2014. A group of South Korean investors was originally assigned to build the airport, but after an early exit in 2015, local real estate conglomerate Sun Group took over. Another Vietnamese company is also developing a $2 billion casino complex on the island. Ha Long Bay was named a UNESCO world heritage site in … [Read more...]

NDO - A workshop on promoting tourism to Kanagawa prefecture in Japan was held in Hanoi on July 13 by the Japan National Tourism Organisation (JNTO) in coordination with the Vietnam National Administration of Tourism. Governor of Kanagawa prefecture Kuroiwa Yuji said that Vietnam has become one of the most important tourism markets to Japan, with Japan receiving approximately 234,000 Vietnamese visitors in 2016, up 26% compared to 2015. In addition, Vietnamese tourists post the highest spending in Japan when compared to other foreign tourists, spending approximately JPY237,000 (US$2,095) per tourist. Takahashi Ayumi, head of the JNTO representative office in Vietnam, said that Kanagawa prefecture has many internationally well-known tourist sites including Yokohama harbour city, resorts, spas and hot springs in Hakone, as well as the coastal town of Kamakura. In particular, visitors can visit various popular tourist sites in Yokohama, … [Read more...]

On an early day this summer, we headed to Duong Lam, a famous village only 40km west of Ha Noi. If you go by car, just head for the Hoa Lac Hi-Tech Park and get onto the Thang Long Highway. Made for each other: Che lam tastes best with fresh green tea. - Photos: Hong Van/VNS Duong Lam is one of the few villages left intact from the Middle Ages in the Red River Delta. The old houses, built with laterite bricks, have remained virtually unchanged over the years. The oldest house in the village has been said to be around 400 year old. The residents are used to having strangers coming into their houses, asking questions about not only the village, but also its crafts and history, and later having lunch prepared by the family or even staying over night. For our one-day trip, the main concern was to book a decent lunch … [Read more...]

NDO – The virtual tour of Hanoi Opera House, under the digitalisation project of cultural heritages implemented by the Institute Francophone International, was officially launched at a ceremony in Hanoi, on July 12. Accordingly, with technological devices which can connect to the internet, audiences can enjoy images and footage of the Opera House. In addition, the soundtracks accompanying the tour are famous French songs and the introductions of destinations were compiled in three languages: Vietnamese, French and English. The tour provides visitors with knowledge of the construction and unique architecture of the house, as well as the procession of modernisation in Vietnamese theatre and music since the early twentieth century. During the tour, visitor can also learn about the life and contributions of playwright Vu Dinh Long – the father of the Vietnamese drama industry and Claude Bourrin - the first director of the Hanoi Opera House. At the … [Read more...]

NDO/VNA – Vietjet Air kicked off its three golden-day promotion, offering 200,000 air tickets priced from zero dollars on July 12 to celebrate its two newest international routes. The promotion, which is available at www.vietjetair.com, applies on all international routes from Vietnam to Seoul, Busan (the Republic of Korea)/ Hong Kong (China)/ Kaoshiung, Tainan, Taichung and Taipei (Taiwan)/ Singapore/ Bangkok (Thailand)/ Kuala Lumpur (Malaysia)/ Yangon (Myanmar)/ Siem Reap (Cambodia) and for travel between September 1 and December 31. Vietjet’s new routes connect passengers between Seoul/Busan (the Republic of Korea) and Siem Reap (Cambodia), easing the travel of individuals, tourists and businessmen to the famous locations, the airline said in its statement. The Seoul – Siem Reap route is operated daily with tickets priced from VND1.3 million (US$55) for one way while the daily Busan – Siem Reap route will start from VND1.6 million (US$70) for one … [Read more...]

NDO/VNA – The central, coastal city of Da Nang officially launched its open-top, double-decker bus tour on July 11. The city bus tour is being operated in co-operation with Empire Group. The tour aims to create a “more real experience” for sightseers, according to the city’s tourism authority. The first batch of 12 open-top buses will start service this month at CocoBay – Da Nang’s largest entertainment-cum-hospitality complex – and along the coastline. The open-top, double-decker bus project is joint project between Empire Group and local car maker Truong Hai. The buses will also operate in Da Nang and Hoi An city. Earlier this year, the group also launched the Martial Arts-Entertainment Coco Championship – its first entertainment event – at the CocoBay. Last year, the Cocofest, which was hosted at the CocoBay complex, attracted 10,000 visitors to the two-night … [Read more...]

NDO – The Vietnam Museum of Ethnology (VME) has recently been bestowed with the “Vietnam’s leading tourist attraction 2017” award for the third consecutive year, by the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism. The title aims to honour the top destinations which were favoured the most by visitors and travel companies in the last year. Over recent years, the VME has constantly renovated itself through organising many thematic displays and launching new exhibitions, such as “Heart & Soul” by female Moroccan artist N. R. Deniale, an exhibition featuring Australia’s legendary Canning road, and “Raffaello: Opera Omnia”. The museum has been attractive to both domestic and foreign tourists, not only for the cultural values of collections, but also thanks to its landscapes and quality services. Accordingly, the VME has embellished a number of folk architectural facilities, refreshed the garden yard campus, installed a new … [Read more...]

Five-star room rates in Ho Chi Minh City have fallen by 6 percent from a year ago thanks to more luxury facilities and increased competition. A new report from real estate consultancy firm Savills said hotel room rates in the southern metropolis dropped to an average of $78 per night in the second quarter. Room rates fell 6 percent from a year ago to $117 at five-star hotels, and by 3 percent to $66 at four-star facilities. There was a slight increase of 1 percent for three-star hotel rooms to $45 per room per night. The report, which was released on Monday, said overall supply has risen by 7 percent on-year to 16,500 rooms. Foreign arrivals in HCMC increased 14 percent to 2.8 million in the first half, making it the country’s top tourist destination among foreigners. The megacity plans to add a further 1,000 rooms year to cope with an expected jump of 15 percent in visitors this year to six million, according to a May report by the JLL Hotels & Hospitality … [Read more...]

NDO – The Vietnam Tourism Awards 2017 have been granted to 91 tourism enterprises that have gained outstanding achievements and contributions to the sectors. An awards ceremony was held at the Hanoi Opera House on July 8 to honour Vietnam’s top travel agencies in 2017 on the occasion of the 57th anniversary of the establishment of the Vietnam Tourism Industry (July 9, 1960-2017). Co-organised by the Vietnam National Administration of Tourism (under the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism) and the Vietnam Tourism Association, the Vietnam Tourism Awards are the only and most prestigious awards of the tourism sector, held since 1999. The awards aim to honour organisations, businesses and individuals who have made positive contributions to the cause of Vietnam's tourism development, while stepping up the emulation movement to constantly improve service quality, diversify tourism products and build the national tourism brand. The … [Read more...]

Outstanding businesses honored Launched in 1999, the Vietnam Tourism Award, the most prestigious award in the tourism sector, aimed to acknowledge great contributions of organizations, businesses, and individuals to the development of Vietnam’s tourism industry as well as urge tourism businesses to continuously raise the quality of their products and services to augment their integration capabilities and popularize Vietnam’s tourism to the world. Addressing the event, Deputy Prime Minister (PM) Vu Duc Dam congratulated the honored on their achievements and hailed strong growth of the sector in recent years. In addition, Dam highly appreciated locals’ efforts and initiatives to develop tourism over the past time. The hospitality and high sense of responsibility of the Vietnamese people for tourism helped improve the tourism environment in Vietnam, contributing to attracting more tourists to the S-shaped country. … [Read more...]

NDO – The second Cultural, Sports and Tourism Exchange Festival for Vietnam – Laos border areas officially wrapped up in Son La province on July 7. >>> Festival enhances exchange among Vietnam - Laos border areas The event took place from July 5-7 in Son La city with a range of cultural activities and sporting events, attracting more than 700 artists and athletes from 15 Vietnamese and Lao provinces sharing the border between the two countries. It was part of activities aimed at celebrating the 55th anniversary since the establishment of Vietnam-Laos diplomatic ties and 40 years since the signing of the Vietnam-Laos Treaty on Amity and Cooperation in Son La province. According to Pham Van Thuy, Vice Chairman of Son La provincial People's Committee, the festival was imbued with cultural and political meaning, reflecting the special and long-standing traditional friendship, as well as the comprehensive cooperation between … [Read more...]

NDO/VNA – The second Cai Rang Floating Market Culture and Tourism Festival kicked off in the Mekong Delta city of Can Tho on July 7. The event marks one year since the “Culture of the Cai Rang Floating Market” was recognised as a national intangible cultural heritage. A number of activities will be held during the three-day festival, including a composite boat race, a parade of tourism boats, and the making of record-sized banh xeo (a type of savory crepe) – a specialty of southern Vietnam. The festival will also feature the display of local delicacies, cultural activities and folk games. Vice Chairman of the Cai Rang district People’s Committee Vuong Cong Khanh said the festival aims to popularise the image of the Cai Rang Floating Market as a tourism highlight of the city. It is also a chance for travel companies to create tours to attract visitors to Can Tho. The Cai Rang Floating Market, … [Read more...]

Emirates airline officially commenced daily direct flights from Hanoi to Dubai on July 2, providing Vietnamese travellers more seamless connections to its global network of over 150 destinations worldwide. The new service demonstrates the airline’s commitment to the Vietnamese market. The first direct flight EK394 from Dubai to Hanoi arrived at Noi Bai International Airport at 13:05hrs local time on 1st July 2017. The new direct service is operated with a two-class configured Boeing 777-300ER which offers 42 seats in Business Class, 386 seats in Economy Class and up to 20 tonnes of capacity for cargo, with generous free baggage allowance (up to 35kg in Economy Class and 40kg in Business Class).  With this direct route, Emirates passengers travelling from Hanoi will no longer stop in Yangon, saving approximately 2hrs30mins of travel time. Outbound, flight EK395 departs … [Read more...]

It’s summer time and the sea is calling. For folks in the north, the beach on Co To Island off Quang Ninh Province is just the place to be, but it looks like some people have been having too much fun. This is what the beach looks like after a busy day when thousands of people have visited. It’s difficult to say if this is a beach or a garbage dump. Would you dare to have take a dip in the sea on this beach? For Lan, a tourist from Quang Binh Province in the central region, the answer is no. She said she was shocked to see the state to the famous beach and what Co To has become. What’s left of a beach party. And a dead fish. People enjoy sitting around a fire on the beach, but it seems like no one is interested in cleaning it up. And a plastic … [Read more...]