But thanks to social media rumors and a blockbuster movie, the kingdom's image among many Chinese people is now one of dangerous illegality and seedy scam border compounds - leaving visitor numbers plummeting. Thailand is hugely reliant on tourism, particularly from China. The country welcomed more than 10 million Chinese visitors each year before the Covid-19 pandemic - numbers Bangkok is desperate to see return. But its struggling holiday industry has been hit by viral social media rumors claiming that tourists might be kidnapped and sent across the border to work in brutal scamming compounds in Myanmar or Cambodia. Chinese tourist Jia Xueqiong spent a week in Thailand with her husband and daughter, despite her parents' disapproval. "They felt it was not safe here, and tried to persuade us not to come," the 44-year-old nurse told AFP outside Bangkok's unusually quiet Grand Palace. "All my friends said 'You go first to explore, if it's ok we will follow'," she said. Her … [Read more...] about Blockbuster movie scares Chinese tourists away from Thailand
German tourist traipsing naked at bali temple sent for
German press: Vietnam is a fascinating travel destination
The travel news site Reisereporter has just published an article that highlights some of the famous tourist destinations and landscapes in Vietnam, including Hanoi. In the article titled “Vietnam: You shouldn’t miss these sights”, www.reisereporter.de suggests tourists to visit some hidden "treasures" and undiscovered natural wonders in this wonderful country in the Southeast Asia region, in addition to popular tourist attractions. A Vietnamese girl in her charming ao dai (long dress) and non la (conical hat) walks through the Thang Long Imperial Citadel. Photo: Yeu Ha Noi According to Daniel Schramm, staff writer for www.reisereporter.de , Vietnam is a fascinating destination with a wide variety of sights and experiences. From historic cities like Hanoi and Hue to stunning natural landscapes like Halong Bay and Sapa to culinary adventures in street kitchens and markets, the country offers something for every taste. Vietnam's … [Read more...] about German press: Vietnam is a fascinating travel destination
German news site introduces overlooked destinations in Vietnam
German travel news site reisereporter.de introduces Phong Nha-Ke Bang (Photo: VNA) Berlin (VNA) - The German travel news site reisereporter.de has posted an article introducing hidden treasures and natural wonders that are often overlooked in Vietnam. The first mentioned by author Daniel Schramm is the Phong Nha-Ke Bang Cave System - the underground treasures - in the central province of Quang Binh. He wrote that few places in the world can rival the cave landscape of Phong Nha-Ke Bang in Vietnam, as this UNESCO world heritage site is a mecca for those who love adventure and nature, including the famous Son Doong Cave, widely considered the largest cave in the world. The Thien Duong (Paradise) Cave - is a spectacular stalactite cave with impressive formations, and the En Cave - is one of the few caves globally where camping is allowed. Dreamy beaches in Con Dao island district in the southern province of Ba Ria-Vung Tau are also recommended by the author. … [Read more...] about German news site introduces overlooked destinations in Vietnam
Remote mountain gem poised to become national tourist area
Under the planning scheme for Yen Bai for 2021-2030 and beyond, approved by Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh, there will be two large-scale national tourist areas in the province: Thac Ba Lake and Mu Cang Chai. Under the current regulations, the national tourist area must have at least two tourism resources; establishments providing food, shopping, sports, entertainment, recreation, and health care services; accommodation facilities for at least 300,000 visitors per year; and accommodation of four stars or higher. Mu Cang Chai, home to ethnic minority groups, primarily the Hmong people, is a seven hours drive northwest of Hanoi. The remote rural district is famed for its terraced rice fields, which change color depending on the time of the year. Due to its rugged terrain, infrastructure has not yet been developed. In 2022, Mu Cang Chai received 350,000 visitors. Currently the country has seven national tourist areas: Tuyen Lam Lake (Lam Dong), Sa Pa (Lao Cai), Sam Mountain (An … [Read more...] about Remote mountain gem poised to become national tourist area
Ancient Maya grave found in Mexico as tourist rail project advances
MEXICO CITY -- Mexican archaeologists unearthed a richly adorned human body in a grave that could be more than 1,000 years old, in an area where workers were finishing construction on a major tourist rail project, the country's national antiquities institute INAH said on Monday. The discovery took place this month during archaeological salvage work carried out in tandem with building a multibillion-dollar tourist train in southern Mexico designed in large part to draw tourists to southern Mexico's many ancient Maya sites, as well as nearby top beach resorts like Cancun and Tulum. The remains of a human burial, unearthed by Mexican archaeologists during salvage work carried out in Palenque in tandem with building the rail project known as the Maya Train, are seen in this undated Handout photo received from Mexico's National Institute of Anthropology and History (INAH) on September 25, 2023. Photo: Reuters The rail project, known as the Maya Train, is a top economic … [Read more...] about Ancient Maya grave found in Mexico as tourist rail project advances
District in Phu Tho province taps into hot springs to boost tourism
Tourists experience the 5-star service at Wyndham Thanh Thuy Mineral Hot Spring Resort in Thanh Thuy district. (Photo: wyndhamthanhthuyresort.net) Phu Tho (VNA) – Boasting hot springs and unique historical and cultural relics , Thanh Thuy district in the northern midland province of Phu Tho is striving to turn tourism into one of its spearhead economic sectors, raising income for local residents. The district has poured capital into upgrading roads that link local key tourism sites with inter-provincial routes to facilitate traveling and attract investment into tourism projects. Thanh Thuy has lured more than 7 trillion VND (286 million USD) into the tourism sector since 2020. Thus, the infrastructure system serving tourism has been gradually improved. High-quality tourism products are being developed, along with building brands for the district’s tourism products. Vuon Vua Resort & Villas, a popular destination in Thanh Thuy district (Photo: … [Read more...] about District in Phu Tho province taps into hot springs to boost tourism
Hanoi inks tourism agreement with northern provinces, cities
In January-August, Hanoi welcomed nearly 17 million visitors, up 36% on-year. Hanoi and four northern provinces and cities on September 24 inked a joint agreement to boost the tourism sector. Foreign tourists at Hanoi's Temple of Literature. Photo: Pham Hung/The Hanoi Times The agreement, signed by the provinces of Lao Cai, Hai Duong, Quang Ninh and the coastal city of Haiphong, aims to combine cross-regional values and leverage each locality's advantages to create outstanding tourism products and services for the Northwest and Northeast regions. "Tourism cooperation among localities is essential to boost socio-economic growth post-pandemic," said Ha Van Thang, director of Lao Cai Provincial Tourism Department. The five cities and provinces have long-term partnerships in the tourism sector . Their main products include spiritual and cultural tourism. Under the agreement, the cities and provinces will strengthen information and communication in … [Read more...] about Hanoi inks tourism agreement with northern provinces, cities
Vietnam still sees modest number of int’l visitors: travel firms
Foreigners have expressed strong interest in visiting Vietnam, but the number of travelers actually making a hotel or tour booking remains modest, according to travel business insiders. Speaking at a tourism event held in Ho Chi Minh City on Thursday, Huynh Phan Phuong Hoang, deputy general director of tour operator Vietravel, said that the revival of the inbound market in Vietnam has yet to reward the significant efforts that businesses have dedicated in recent time. Currently, Vietnam has become a destination garnering global attention, according to Hoang. However, the number of foreign visitors actually placing bookings for services in the country remains quite modest. The primary cause behind this trend, Hoang believed, is the absence of competitive services in the tourism sector. In addition, although visa policies have gradually been relaxed, their enforcement still poses challenges for tourists. “Following the outbreak of the [COVID-19] pandemic, we have … [Read more...] about Vietnam still sees modest number of int’l visitors: travel firms
Hanoi Fall Festival 2023 to boost capital tourism
The 2023 Hanoi Fall Festival from September 29 to October 1 will bring visitors the beauty of Hanoi's landscape, culture and gastronomy. With a vast array of cultural and tourist activities, the Hanoi Fall Festival 2023 is expected to boost the capital's tourism industry, Nguyen Thi Mai Anh, Deputy Director of the Hanoi Promotion Agency (HPA), told The Hanoi Times . Foreign tourists enjoy the fall in Hanoi. Photo: Hoai Nam/The Hanoi Times What is the meaning and purpose of Hanoi Fall Festival 2023 with the theme "Hanoi - Come to fall in love"? Through surveys of tourists' experiences when coming to the capital, we have learned that the ideal time to travel to Hanoi is in the fall, from August to November every year, as this is the most pleasant period in Hanoi in terms of weather, with clear blue skies and fresh breeze. This is the best time for visitors to explore scenic spots and enjoy the capital's unique cuisine. In particular, CNN recently … [Read more...] about Hanoi Fall Festival 2023 to boost capital tourism
Vietnam news in brief – September 22
Keep updated on the latest news about Vietnam. Japan's Crown Prince Akishino speaks highly of Vietnam-Japan relations Japanese Crown Prince Akishino (2nd right), Crown Princess Kiko (3rd right), and Truong Thi Mai (4th right), chairwoman of the Vietnam-Japan Friendship Parliamentarians Group, visit a photo exhibition at the ceremony on September 21. Photo: VNA Japan's Crown Prince Akishino praised t he bilateral relations between Vietnam and Japan on September 21 - the day marking the 50th anniversary of establishing Vietnam-Japan diplomatic relations, hoping to contribute to strengthening the ties. Speaking at the celebration ceremony in Hanoi, the Crown Prince expressed pride in the 1,000-year friendship between the two nations and appreciated the affection felt by the peoples of the two countries towards each other. Crown Prince Akishino and Crown Princess Kiko are on a week-long visit starting September 20. They visited the Temple of … [Read more...] about Vietnam news in brief – September 22