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Vietnam Open Tour News & EventsSATURDAY 14 NOVEMBER, 2009 |
 Enjoying sidewalk beer and pipe tobacco in Hanoi Hanoi, the city of almost 1,000 years, boasts ancient temples, pagodas and splendid landscapes in harmony with the luxury hotels and restaurants of the developing time. Among all this, the ancient quarter of Hanoi with its narrow streets holding old houses and traditional craft villages, seems to be the most attractive site in Hanoi.
A foreign tourist takes pipe tobacco at a sidewalk beer shop on an ancient street in Hanoi. The area is rather small but always jubilant as foreign tourists and sidewalk beer shops appear almost everywhere. Sidewalk beer shops have no tables, just some small chairs for people to sit and place their mugs and enjoy a pipe of tobacco. The pipes, usually made of bamboo or clay, typically consist of a small chamber (the bowl) for the combustion of the tobacco to be smoked and a thin stem (shank) that ends in a mouthpiece (the bit). Pipes can range from the very simple machine-made briar pipe to highly-prized handmade and artful implements created by renowned pipe makers which are often expensive collector’s items. The buzz created by the harsh tobacco and the icy crisp beer more than offsets the cold of winter in Hanoi. Moreover, while enjoying beer and tobacco on the sidewalk, tourists can discover the daily life of the residents, busy and bustling. Beer at sidewalk shops is just VND3,000 so it is not a luxury beer with a fragrant flavor but it has its own rustic and simple flavor that tourists cannot find anywhere else. “Traveling is to explore distinct things, different from home, that is why I like sidewalk beer,” said a tourist in Hanoi. Hanoi is getting colder and colder as winter comes and this is an ideal time to enjoy sidewalk beer together with pipe tobacco. Why not take a tour of the ancient streets and experience these exotic flavors to remember Hanoi forever? VietNamNet/SGT Sightseeing along the border Border provinces have rich tourism potential that has yet to be fully tapped, according to industry experts.
Tourists visit Ban Gioc Waterfall in the northern province of Cao Bang. The tourism potential of border provinces has yet to be tapped, say officials. Sightseeing sites include the Truong Son mountain range, Ha Long Bay in Quang Ninh Province, Sapa mountain district in Lao Cai Province, the Dong Van-Meo Vac stone plateau in Ha Giang Province, and Ha Tien town and beach in Kien Giang Province. The Cuu Long (Mekong) Delta are also abundant in tourism sites, and the areas where ethnic minorities live are often intriguing to tourists who want to learn about their customs and lifestyle. Binh said that with such rich potential, border provinces could develop ecological and adventure tourism, including hiking, climbing, boat regatta and diving. Duong Dinh Hien of the Tourism Development and Research Institute said that border provinces should also develop their trading and shopping networks, which would help eradicate hunger and poverty in those areas. Figures show that turnover from tourism at border provinces last year was more than VND7 trillion (US$393 million), a healthy development but far from what could be reached. Nguyen Viet Di, director of Lang Son Export-Import and Tourism Service Company, said the Huu Nghi international border gate in Lang Son Province, which has 20 customers only, has fallen into disrepair. Nguyen Dinh Thanh, deputy head of Vitours Company in Da Nang City, said that traffic infrastructure was the key to developing cross-border tourism. Border provinces have few luxury hotels and the personnel quality is low, leading to poor quality tourism services. Binh said the current number of tourists traveling through border gates comprises only 30 per cent of foreign tourists. According to Binh, Viet Nam’s tourism sector should have policies to invest in tourism in border provinces in a timely fashion because the number of tourists who travel through border gates has increased. Authorities should create better checking procedures with priority lines for tourists, and use modern equipment to shorten processing time for tourists as well as import and export activities, he said. Binh said that one visa for tourists in ASEAN-member countries would help increase the number of foreign tourists. Thanh said more Thai tourists travelled to Viet Nam’s central provinces after advertising by the General Department of Tourism at the beginning of this year was launched. More brochures in the languages of border residents of other countries should be available as well as more promotion activities, he said. Draft legislation on travel via border gates, including the use of foreign-owned vehicles and a fixed fee, is expected to be approved by the Government soon. VietNamNet/Viet Nam News Voting for the best hotels in town Considered the focal point of Vietnamese culture and Vietnam’s economic powerhouse, HCMC boasts a range of hotels in diverse styles, designs and levels. The designs and styles can be divided into two architectural types: French colonial and modern. Regarding French colonial, we must mention some typical yet striking hotels such as Rex, Majestic, Riverside and Continental. The Rex Hotel is thought to have originally opened as a French garage in the early 20th century and for over 80 years has been a city landmark, as well as a witness to the ups and downs of the city’s history.
Built in 1925, the 175-room Majestic Saigon Hotel is also a historical landmark of stunning French colonial design and it includes a panoramic view of the Saigon River. Despite several renovations, the hotel retains its original old world charm and impeccable elegance all reflecting classic French colonial architecture. The Continental Hotel Saigon is the city’s oldest and has been a central Saigon landmark for well over a century. The Continental embraces the rich character and charm of original French colonial architecture and has remained virtually unchanged since opening in 1880. The luxurious and romantic elegance extends to 86 spacious guest-rooms of five types and restaurants and bars serving both traditional Vietnamese and European food.
Sheraton Saigon Hotel & Towers boasts 472 spacious rooms, studios and suites designed for comfort and style with personalized service and convenient amenities. The cuisine is superb in all eight stylish restaurants. The outdoor Wine Bar on Level 23 is an unforgettable place to watch a stunning sunset over the city while enjoying a world-class wine list. Lounge by the pool, energize in the state-of-the-art fitness center or simply relax in the Aqua Day Spa. Park Hyatt Hotel Saigon, Legend Hotel Saigon, Equatorial HCMC Hotel, Kim Do Hotel, Grand Saigon Hotel, Duxton Hotel Saigon and Renaissance Riverside Hotel Saigon are also recommended for outstanding accommodations, luxurious relaxation, fine food and great drinks. With an aim at improving the city’s tourism and tourist related services, residents and tourists alike are encouraged to visit www.hcmc100e.info to vote for their favorite ten hotels from the list of fifteen. Criteria for voting should be based on architecture; interior design displaying distinct Vietnamese features; service quality; location; up to date environmental and safety regulations. VietNamNet/SGT Three Vietnamese resorts in Asia’s top 25
The Life Heritage Hoi An resort.
Three resorts along the central coast of Vietnam have been named to the list of the best 25 resorts in Asia, as voted by readers of the travel magazine Conde Nast Traveler.
Among the top 25 resorts in Asia, Life Heritage Hoi An ranks 12th, followed by Evason Ana Mandara Six Senses Spa in Nha Trang in 21st place and Hoi An Riverside Resort & Spa at the 22nd spot.
Resorts are chosen based on 25,000 votes from readers judging amenities, food, location, architecture, rooms and other services.
Golden Sand Resort and Spa Hoi An has been nominated as Vietnam’s top resort to take part in the World Travel Awards 2009 in London in December 2009.
The resort will re-open on November 15 after being closed for maintenance and upgrades.
VietNamNet/TBKTSG Winning the game inside Ben Thanh Market What is the magic of Ben Thanh Market that induces travel literature to list it as one of the main attractions of Ho Chi Minh City? Is it the lovely smell of dried sea animals that hits you once you step foot near the stalls selling food? The one-foot-wide aisles for walking that force you to redefine “right of way”? The dim lighting that sets the mood for an amazing shopping experience? Or could it be the one-stop shopping itself? The dirt cheap prices for souvenirs and other essentials?
It’s not really "fixed" if you know how to bargain in Ben Thanh Market. (Photo: Jessica Nguyen) There is really only room for one person to walk down the narrow aisles between stalls. If you see another person coming your way, be prepared to do an awkward side turn to allow them to pass. The one-foot circumference most people would presumably want for themselves, in which strangers should not cross without permission, is virtually absent in the market. Be prepared to leave the market with no less than three physical contact points on your body from the light hair brush across your arm to the sandal mark of someone who has stepped on your foot. The exchange between you and a stall keeper is your chance to play Go Fish the Right Price. The key, from my personal experience here and in Chinatown, New York, is being able to walk away. Girls, this may be hard for you to do, but trust me, there is an exact copy of those multi-strapped stilettos in the next stall over. Products are not strategically positioned with stalls selling shoes on opposing corners of the market in the name of competition, but they are right next to each other. So if you want to buy shoes, there is one area with many sellers for shoes. A safe starting point is to cut the seller price in half. The answer you receive will be the equivalent of “go fish.” Give yourself an upper limit of how much you would be willing to spend and do not go over that limit. If you’re not happy with the price, then the purchase is not worth it and you should just walk away. A good percentage of the time, the seller will come running after you if it’s not busy, granting you victory. That’s how I got both my Coach wallet and bag for thirty-five dollars in Chinatown. If you walk away without buying what you wanted, you’ll find some other product to displace that unhappiness. Ben Thanh Market is the land of unlimited commodity, some girls’ version of heaven, just without the flashing lights and marble floors. It is all based on what value you place on the desired product. Even in places where there is a “fixed price” sign, prices are negotiable. From the non-stop bargaining to Ben Thanh Market’s version of a food court where you are guaranteed a value if you could not find it while shopping, you will find all the culture you need in this microcosm of HCM City. VietNamNet/SGT Bridging the divide A group of students surround a stone object symbolising linga and yoni at the exhibition hall of Cham Museum. They listen attentively to the guide.
Educational games: Young people take part in sex education-themed games at My Khe Beach. Some students blush with embarrassment, but as the guide continues talking on ancient Cham ethnic people’s nature worship cults, it is replaced with interest, surprise and murmurs. There are no more bashful faces. The linga and yoni are Hindu symbols associated with Lord Shiva and his consort, with the former being a phallic post serving as his representation, the guides says. Before the conquest by King Le Thanh Tong in the 15th century, the Cham culture was heavily influenced by that of India. Cham kings frequently erected stone lingas as the central religious theme in royal temples. "The sculptures also indicate the ancient male-dominated cultures," the guide adds. The students see the ancient myth of generative power being examined in a modern and scientific light. "It is so astonishing," said Pham Thu Thao, a 11-grade-student from the Thai Phien High School, "Thanks to the tour, I can understand what the round statue with 23 breasts under a linga implies. The breasts symbolise women. They symbolise giving birth and teach us about menstruation. The Cham culture has a really creative and artistic approach to sex education." The tour continues with a stop at Son Tra Peninsula, where the students can breathe the ocean air while admiring Linh Ung Tu Pagoda. Then they come to scenic My Khe Beach, to enjoy outdoor games focused on sex education. "The games are meant to normalise physical contact between girls and boys, helping them understand that these contacts are just part of normal communication," says Nguyen Dinh Tri, a member of Da Nang Youth Union. The organisers tactically mix male and female students in teams to create chances for them to support each another. The initial embarrassment of players quickly disappears and is replaced by joyful laughter.
Abstract art: Students listen to the guide's explanation of sexual symbolism in Cham sculpture. There is no trace of timidity as the youngsters take to the games with enthusiasm. "We gain soft skills and knowledge of sex more easily through these outdoor activities," says student Minh Phuong. When night falls, students and educators feast on fresh seafood served at a beach restaurant. Dinh Van Loc, director of Viet Da Travel, said the idea of the tour came when he read headlines in newspapers of a "sexual revolution" among teenagers. "Also there was the fact that parents faced a headache over how to educate their children about sex," he said. Health and social workers were quick to support such a creative idea, merging education in sex and culture and throwing in a travel experience. Huynh Thi Thu Hien, first-year student from Da Nang College, says she had been surprised that not only girls but boys can be troubled during puberty. The tour provide youngsters basic knowledge of sex and puberty without promoting sexual experimentation. "We are still trying to perfect the tour," Loc says. "We are trying to include more health experts, consultants from various health centres and event organisers to make it more informative and helpful. "We are also looking at other destinations with tours from other locations." Da Nang Youth Union vice chairman Nguyen Thuan says the tour idea seems to be effective. "It helps students behave better to the other gender, from which they can establish pure friendship," he says, "The local youth union has co-operated with the company in this endeavour." Ho Quynh Nga, a labour union leader from Da Nang’s Hoa Khanh Industrial Zone, said the zone managing board had organised many consultations on sexual health and HIV prevention for workers, which were usually dry, boring and not persuasive. "It would be great for our workers to join such a tour," Nga said. VietNamNet/Viet Nam News Romance never goes out of style: Hue City Hue in Thua Thien-Hue Province, is a city made up of centuries-old pagodas, temples and houses and it boasts a wonderful landscape with the poetic Huong River and the magnificent Ngu Mountain on opposite sides.
A couple saunter down Nguyen Dinh Chieu Street along the Huong River in Hue City. The inner city is rather small so the streets are narrow and they are shaded by trees that are green year round. Dinh Tien Hoang Street is lined with flamboyant flower trees. In the winter, the weather is blissfully cool, even cold to the reckoning of some Vietnamese, making it a wonderful getaway from the blazing heat of HCMC. Green moss-covered walls wake old memories of the city’s long traditional history. Nguyen Dinh Chieu Street, which is rather short and deserted, offers a panoramic view of the Huong River and Trang Tien Bridge. The romantic view, fresh air and quiet atmosphere here inspire many foreigners to jog in the early morning and a lot of young couples to enjoy the peace and quiet of the sunset. The Hue ladies in their long white traditional dresses and conical hats complete the romantic picture. VietNamNet/SGT TRAVEL IN BRIEF 13/11 AirAsia promotion begins flight linking HCM City, Phuket
AirAsia has added Phuket to the list of destinations it flies to from HCM City. The budget carrier offered special promotional fares starting as low as US$25 from HCM City to Phuket. AirAsia begins operations from its new regional hub in Phuket on November 15. It has launched daily direct flights to Hong Kong, Jakarta, Medan, and Chiang Mai in the same period to cater to the increasing demand. Nha Trang resort-golf course gets four stars from tourist body The Viet Nam National Administration of Tourism has granted a four-star certificate to Diamond Bay Resort&Golf in Khanh Hoa Province’s Nha Trang City. Khanh Hoa Province authorities said with the natural beauty and luxury complex, Diamond Bay Resort will become the destination of local and international events in the future. Chinese tourists flock to Viet Nam with return of travel pass system The number of tourists from China arriving in Viet Nam with travel passes has surged after Chinese are again allowed to travel in this manner since last April. According to Luu Duc Ke, director of Hanoitourist and chairman of a club of 10 travel agencies that specialise in organising tours for Chinese coming with a laissez-passer, 1,000 to 1,500 Chinese visitors have arrived every month since April. He added that the number has been increasing every month. Vu The Binh, head of the Viet Nam National Administration of Tourism’s Travel Department, said Chinese tourists have to pay a fee of US$10 for a laissez-passer to enter Viet Nam which allows them to travel to all 63 provinces and cities. InterContinental Asiana Sai Gon hosts first conference tour InterContinental Asiana Sai Gon Hotel organised a first MICE (meetings, incentives, conferences, exhibitions) tour beginning on November 8 for German firm Siemens, which is organising its annual sales conference in Viet Nam this year. The Siemens group brought 365 people for the three-day meeting in HCM City. VietNamNet/Viet Nam News News for Tuesday 10 November, 2009
View all news for Tuesday 10 November, 2009 on one page Recent News
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