VietNamNet Bridge - Though officetels and condotels are selling in the market, they still do not have positions in legal documents. Officetels is a working office incorporated with a residence. Each office is designed to be self-contained, ensuring both office and residential functions (eating, sleeping and resting). They can be owned by private owners. When developing real estate projects in large cities, investors usually reserve area for officetels. Though officetels and condotels are selling in the market, they still do not have positions in legal documents. In HCMC alone, since 2008, when the first project with officetels – The Manor in Binh Thanh district - was implemented, tens of thousands of officetels have been sold. However, ownership of them has not been recognized. Condotels exist in many of the resorts in Da Nang, Phu Quoc and Nha Trang. The projects with condotels are in high demand with investors in CocoBay (Da Nang), Aloha (Phan Thiet) and Panorama (Nha … [Read more...]

Pham Sanh Chau was trained as a professional diplomat in Vietnam and abroad. He can speak a number of foreign languages, including English and French. Eighteen years working with the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization, Chau has helped Vietnamese heritages recognized worldwide. For these efforts he has been called “the diplomat of heritages”. “I started involving in cultural activities in 1999. Former Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Nguyen Manh Cam appointed me Vietnamese Ambassador to UNESCO and France. Since then, my work has been closely associated with cultural events. This was the destiny and I am thankful to the Deputy Prime Minister,” said Mr Chau. He added it is through culture that people touch the essence of another country. He has persistently sought ways to revive Vietnamese heritages. “My friends often say that people can now do anything - except create cultural and natural heritages. Vietnam is very … [Read more...]

VOV online introduces a series of stories featuring the East Sea’s development potential, Vietnam’s establishment of its sovereignty over the Hoang Sa (Paracel) and Truong Sa (Spratly) archipelagos, and current territorial disputes in the area. East Sea file: Physical features II Vietnam’s waters and continental shelves in the East Sea Vietnam’s sea areas, continental shelf and islands in the East Sea cover many different areas, but most typical with noteworthy characteristics are the Gulf of Tonkin, the Gulf of Thailand, the two archipelagoes of Hoang Sa and Truong Sa and a number of other isles and islands. Bac Bo Gulf (i.e. the Gulf of Tonkin) The Gulf of Tonkin is located in the Northwest of The East Sea, it is surrounded by the coast and islands of North Vietnam in the west, by mainland China in the north, and by Leizhou Peninsula and Hainan Island in the East. It extends from latitude 105°36’ east to longitude 109°55’ east, and from … [Read more...]

The US$3 million project sponsored by the Australian International Development Agency (AusAID) and the German Organisation for Technical Cooperation (GTZ) started in July 2008 and will run through December 2010.　 It aims to help Kien Giang manage and develop its natural resources including mangrove forests and other protected areas.　 Over the last two years, the project has helped local cadres to put together new initiatives and has provided them with knowledge on climate change, forestry, biodiversity, water resources management, fire prevention and how to regenerate mangrove forests, said the Vice Chairman of the provincial People's Committee, Lam Hoang Sa.　 On June 10, representatives from AusAID, GTZ and the Australian and German embassies in Hanoi joined the provincial authorities in a fact-finding tour to examine the project's progress and the regeneration of dwindling forests, said GTZ.　 The project in Kien Giang is a successful example of cooperation between Kien Giang, AusAID … [Read more...]

Stand up paddling-Cat Ba Island Stunning Cat Ba Island is the largest island in Lan Ha Bay which lies right next to world famous Ha Long. It boasts golden beaches, boat ride options, dense jungle convered mountains and a wide choice of treks in the Cat Ba National Park. And besides kayaking, you can enjoy stand up paddling (SUP). SUP boards are similar to surfboards but an SUP can be paddled, so you can travel much further and enjoy the mesmerizing scenery of the bay. Helicopter flights in Da Nang Helicopter charter is now available from Da Nang City to the Son Tra Peninsular, Hoi An ancient town, Ba Na Hills, My Son sanctuary, Laguna Lang Co, Hue ancient capital, Bach Ma national park, Ly Son island, Phong Nha-Ke Bang natural reservation and many more destinations. Parasailing off Tuan Chau Island Parasailing is an adventurous activity that you can find in Da Nang, Hoi An, Nha Trang, Phan Thiet and Vung Tau, but Tuan Chau is probably the number one place to give it a go. Here … [Read more...]

8th in PISA 2015 science performance Viet Nam ranks 8th out of 72 countries in terms of its scientific performance, according to a report by the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development. Vietnamese pupils scored 525 points, higher than the average 493 points to rank 8th in science and 495 points and 490.487 points to stand at 22nd place in mathematics and 32nd place in literacy, respectively. Growth prospects may improve next years Viet Nam's medium-term outlook remains favorable, and its growth prospects may improve to 6.3% from 2017-2018, according to the World Bank's latest Taking Stock report released on December 5. The fundamental drivers of growth - resilient domestic demand and export oriented manufacturing - remain in force, said the World Bank. Climbing 14 places in global enabling trade index Viet Nam advanced 14 places in the Enabling Trade Index of the World Economic Forum, now ranking 73rd out of 136 economies, according to the Global Enabling Trade Report … [Read more...]

Sol Beach House Phu Quoc comes to Vietnam as the first of its brand in the country. A relaxed, barefoot, home-on-the-beach, Sol Beach House puts an effortlessly personalized touch on every aspect of hospitality. Sol Beach House Phu Quoc comes to Vietnam as the first of its brand in the country. A relaxed, barefoot, home-on-the-beach, Sol Beach House puts an effortlessly personalized touch on every aspect of hospitality. Located on the southern Truong Beach and only 15 minutes from Phu Quoc International Airport, Sol Beach House Phu Quoc is the perfect retreat for laid-back solo travellers, couples, families, groups of friends and the young-at-heart – there’s even room for your four-legged friends! Casual chic and modern, the resort exudes a natural, relaxed vibe with a vintage flair. Only a one-hour flight from Ho Chi Minh City, teals, whites, wickers and woods quickly help you get back to nature and forget about the hectic work and city you left behind. Sol Beach House … [Read more...]

THE GOVERNMENT ------- SOCIALIST REPUBLIC OF VIET NAMIndependence - Freedom - Happiness --------------- No. 103/NQ-CP Ha Noi, December 05, 2016 RESOLUTION THE GOVERNMENT’S REGULAR MEETING - NOVEMBER 2016 THE GOVERNMENT Pursuant to the Law on Organization of the Government dated June 19, 2015; Pursuant to the Government’s Decree No. 138/2016/ND-CP dated October 01, 2016 promulgating the working regulation of the Government; Based on the discussion of the Cabinet members and the conclusion of the Prime Minister at the Government’s regular meeting in November 2016, held on November 28 and 29, 2016, RESOLVES: 1. Regarding the draft Law on Survey and Mapping The Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment shall lead and coordinate with the Ministry of Justice and the Government Office to collect comments from the Cabinet members, revise and improve the draft Law on Survey and Mapping, and report to the Prime Minister in the first quarter of 2017 before … [Read more...]

Early this month, InterContinental Danang Sun Peninsula Resort of leading Vietnamese real estate developer Sun Group has again been honoured by the World Travel Awards as the World's Leading Luxury Resort at the grand final gala held at The Sun Siyam Iru Fushi in the Maldives. The resort once again became the winner in the World's Leading Luxury Resort category after receiving the highest number of votes from travel professionals and industry stakeholders from around the world, surpassing all competition. “We are extremely proud to have retained this world-renowned award for the third consecutive year. We could not have achieved this without the full dedication of our whole resort team, significant support from our mother company Sun Group, and, of course, our valuable guests,” said Juan Losada, the resort’s general manager. “At the same time, this award reinforces our commitment to stay focused on delivering world-class services in the months and years to … [Read more...]

The Prime Minister has approved the master plan for developing tourism in the Mekong Delta by 2020 and vision to 2030. The plan aims to develop tourism to its full potential so it may contribute to the country’s tourism development and improve people’s lives. The Mekong Delta spans an area of 40,576 sq km and has 13 cities and provinces: Can Tho, An Giang, Ben Tre, Bac Lieu, Ca Mau, Dong Thap, Hau Giang, Kien Giang, Soc Trang, Long An, Tien Giang, Tra Vinh, and Vinh Long. By 2020 it targets welcoming 34 million tourists, including 3.5 million international tourists, and earning revenue of VND 25 trillion ($1.1 billion). By 2030 it is to welcome 52 million tourists, including 6.5 million international tourists, with revenue of VND111 trillion ($4.9 billion). Prioritized tourism products in the region include experiencing river life, ecotourism, discovering cultural heritage sites, resorts, sea and island tourism, and entertainment. Certain tourism products are to be added … [Read more...]

VietNamNet Bridge - This 300-year-old land is the ending point of the S-shaped Vietnam. Ca Mau Cape, 180 kilometers from Ca Mau City, is the only place in Vietnam where people can see both ocean sunrise and sunset in one day. A place where humans and nature co-exist in harmony, Ca Mau is dotted with bird parks, swamplands, channels and forests. With its dense rivers and canals system, Ca Mau is home to well-known forests: U Minh forest and Nam Can forest. Its interlacing rivers and canals have generated tangled flows in the province. Some offshore islands are Hon Da Bac, Hon Khoai and Hon Chuoi. There are two types of forest in Ca Mau province: salt marsh and cajuput. The cajuput forest has the highest biological value among other types of natural forest, with high economic value and environmental protection. Ca Mau has great potential in developing ecological tourism thanks to the salt-marsh ecological system and diversified flora and fauna system. Ca Mau is well-known for U Minh … [Read more...]

Promotions at Saigon-Phu Quoc Resort Tien Dat A series of end-of-year promotions are now available at the four-star Saigon-Phu Quoc Resort managed by Saigontourist. Covering over four hectares which accommodates natural forests and gardens, Saigontourist’s four-star Saigon-Phu Quoc Resort & Spa has become an attractive destination for visitors to Phu Quoc Island off mainland Kien Giang Province in the Mekong Delta. Its 100 bungalows and villas are built along a 300-meter beach on Phu Quoc Island. Saigon-Phu Quoc Resort & Spa is offering the following promotional deals. Year-end promotion price The hotel will offer a 25% discount for all room types for those who pay after making reservations. Guests are not allowed to cancel bookings or change dates. The promotion is applicable from November 1 to December 18. Honeymoon package Paying VND8.9 million, a newlywed couple will have a package including a two-night stay at a beachfront VIP room, two buffet breakfasts, one … [Read more...]

VietNamNet Bridge - Thanh Hoa is one of the biggest provinces in Vietnam and a cradle of Vietnamese civilization dating back 6,000 years ago. Presently, the size of the population of Thanh Hoa is third in the population chart, just behind Hanoi and HCMC, with 3,400,239 people. Moreover, the community in this province is diverse with many ethnic groups such as Muong, Thai, Tho, Dao, and Mong. But the Kinh are the majority. Thanh Hoa tourism is famous for many beautiful landscape and historic sites. You can explore the natural and cultural beauty during a 2-day journey.The God Fish StreamThe God Fish Stream is a fascinating tourism destination in Cam Luong commune, Cam Thuy district, Thanh Hoa province. This has been around for a thousand years under the base of Truong Sinh Mountain. The place does not only draw travelers because of the majestically natural scenery with the high mountains, long rivers and a huge forest, but is also known for a special type of fish in the stream. No … [Read more...]

Destinations for National Day By Ngoc Minh in HCMC On the occasion of National Day, September 2, Ben Thanh Tourist is offering two clusters of tours, both short and long, to meet the demand of those who do not have much time to be away from home, as the holiday falls on a Wednesday, but want a reward for months of hard labor. Day trips are available to Giang Dien Waterfall, Tay Ninh-Cu Chi, Binh Chau-Ho Coc, Can Gio Mangrove Forest and Vinh Sang Tourist Area. If Giang Dien Waterfall, about 45 kilometers from HCMC, is the place to flee the scorching heat of the urban city, Tay Ninh-Cu Chi is the place to get in touch with history. Tay Ninh, the highest mountain in southern Vietnam at the height of 986 meters, is home to many grottoes and religious destinations for pilgrims of Cao Dai and Buddhism. Cu Chi Tunnel is where tourists can recall the past. Located in the coastal province of Ba Ria-Vung Tau, about 150 kilometers from HCMC, Binh Chau-Phuoc Buu, a 11.3-hectare forest with 15 … [Read more...]

Coi Nguon Museum gives Phu Quoc overview By Kieu Giang in HCMC Travelers without enough time to visit the majestic Phu Quoc Island, should instead go to Coi Nguon Museum for an overview of the island. Located on a small hill on Tran Hung Dao Street in Duong Dong Town, the museum was established in 2009 by Huynh Phuoc Hue who has spent over 15 years collecting thousands of antiques and artifacts. Tourists can buy tickets at VND20,000 each accompanied with a brochure on the museum and start their journey to explore the five-storey building in an area of over 1.5 hectares. There are 2,645 antiques made from stone, pottery, bronze and fossil wood dated from the 15th century to the early 20th century and 540 artifacts consisting of furniture, artworks and fishing tool and household appliances. There are also around 100 traditional paintings. Tourists can discover Phu Quoc’s natural conditions and an overview of the museum and battles to protect the island on the ground and first … [Read more...]

Promotional tours on Tourism Day Tien Dat By Tien Dat - The Saigon Times Daily Saigontourist comes up with a spate of promotional tours at the 11th HCMC Tourism Day Festival scheduled for March 26-29 at September 23 Park in District 1. The impressive booth of Saigontourist Holding Co. in the park will be shared by Saigon-Phu Quoc Resort & Spa, Yasaka Saigon Nha Trang Hotel and some other under the Saigontourist umbrella. Especially, Saigontourist Travel Service Co. will launch daily lucky draws offering free trips, online promotional programs for trips to the U.S., and a discount of up to VND5 million for those booking domestic or outbound tours. This year, Saigontourist Travel Service highlights its message “Let’s Savor Vietnam with Saigontourist” on the occasion of the 40th anniversary of Saigontourist (August 1, 1975-August 1, 2015). With this year’s theme “World Impressive Heritage Sites in Vietnam,” Saigontourist’s domestic tours … [Read more...]

Joining Hands To Protect Protective Forests By Thanh Trung German Technical Cooperation (GTZ) is joining forces with local partners to carry out a project aimed at ensuring the sustainability of coastal forests which are under threat The Mekong Delta is extremely vulnerable to climate change, which may lead to rising sea levels, saltwater intrusion, drought, floods and forest fires. Therefore, it is vital to ensure the sustainable development of forests to cope with current and future changes. To that end, GTZ has joined forces with Kien Giang since 2008 to work on a project aimed at conserving mangrove forests in U Minh Thuong National Park, Phu Quoc National Park and the coastal area of Kien Luong-Hon Chong. GTZ experts say that these areas are endowed with biodiversity and unique scenery. However, these special attributes are being eroded by the unsustainable exploitation of the forests. U Minh Thuong National Park, which covers 148,758ha, is one of the very few remaining marshlands … [Read more...]

By Tuong Vi in HCMC Mango Bay Resort by Ong Lang Beach on Phu Quoc Island will offer a summer promotion from May 3 to September 30 for the special program called Summer at the Bay. For the sake of environment protection and to commune with nature, televisions and telephones are not available. Instead, gardens and forest provide a relaxing summer vacation by the beach. For more information or to make a reservation, call 84 903 382 207 or email [email protected] … [Read more...]

The Gas Industry In A Nutshell By Tan Duc The following article expects to provide a panoramic picture of Vietnam’s natural gas industry Vietnam is not a country that boasts great natural gas potential. Exploitable reserves are estimated at 691 billion cubic meters, of which the sediment in the Red River delta is considered the biggest with 271 billion cubic meters. However, at this moment, the commercially viable reserves already detected remain modest, only eight billion cubic meters. Although other pocket detections in lots 113, 115, 117 and 118 are remarkable whose total extractive reserves can be as high as 135 billion cubic meters, their carbon dioxide content is high too, at 95%. Exploitation is consequently not feasible until appropriate technology is available. For the immediate future, Vietnam’s natural gas supply comes mainly from three sediment areas, including Nam Con Son, Cuu Long and Malay-Tho Chu. Of these three, Nam Con Son leads with extractive reserves … [Read more...]

VietNamNet Bridge - If anywhere in Vietnam could be described as the "Vietnamese Riviera," it would surely be Ba Ria-Vung Tau. Below are the top destinations in this southern province: Vung Tau City Vung Tau is HCM City's closest beach resort, and can be reached by a picturesque hydrofoil ride down the Saigon River or by a rather circuitous highway route. Those suffering from burn out during an extended stay in Ho Chi Minh City will enjoy Vung Tau during the week. To most tourists, Vung Tau is one of the most interesting destinations and loved for its extensive beaches. Tourists always prefer sightseeing at Front Beach (Bai Truoc) and going swimming in Back Beach (Bai Sau). The first beach is front beach, in the West of the city, where the sun goes down. The Front Beach is considered the facade of Vung Tau city. It is also called by other names such as Tam Duong beach or Hang Dua bay. Besides the best location, the beach is also preferred for having many restaurants and elegant … [Read more...]