Halong Bay in early list of top 10 wonders

Vietnam’s Halong Bay has been named in a temporary list of the world’s 10 new wonders of nature by the New Open World Corporation, an associate of the non-profit New 7 Wonders Foundation.

The others in the list are the Dead Sea in Israel, Palestine, and Jordan; the Grand Canyon in the US; the Great Barrier Reef off Australia and Papua New Guinea); Jeita Grotto cave in Lebanon; Jeju Island in South Korea; Komodo Island in Indonesia; Puerto Princesa Underground River in the Philippines; the Sunderbans in Bangladesh and India; and Vesuvius Mountain in Italy.

They have received the most votes so far, according to the New7Wonders, whose president, Bernard Weber, said the list could change in the remaining days of the campaign before the final list was released November 11.

Earlier on September 27 New7Wonders Foundation chairman Bernard Weber announced that Ha Long was among the 28 finalist candidates for the new seven wonders of nature.

To vote for Halong Bay, one has to go to the website http://www.new7wonders.com, dial + 1.869 760.5990 and press 7712, or send a text message (“Halong”) to 147.

Source: dtinews

Expects over 5 million travelers to Vietnam tour in 2011

A total of 4.8 million foreign travelers to Vietnam tour during the first ten months of the year, according to the Vietnam National Administration of Tourism.

Although the number of foreign visitors declined by 25 percent in September compared to the same period last year, Vietnam is optimistic of welcoming 5.3-5.5 million foreign visitors in 2011.

This year, the country hosted many political and cultural events such as ‘ASEAN’, ‘1,000th anniversary of Thanh Long’ in Hanoi, which made it interesting for foreign visitors to visit the country.

The number of foreign tourists to Ho Chi Minh City is estimated to reach 2.9 million this year, an increase of 10 percent compared to the same period last year.

Source: Dtinews

Halong – a wonder of the creator

Located in Quang Ninh Province, Halong Bay includes the sea areas of Halong City, Cam Pha Town and a part of Van Don island district. With the admirable natural beauty and multiform, special values, Halong has become famous destination of Vietnam tour for domestic and international visitors.

The legend has it that, once upon a time, soon after the Viet people established their country, invaders came. The Jade Emperor sent Mother Dragon and her Child Dragons down to the earth to help the Viet people fight against their enemy. When the dragons landed down on the earth, invaders’ boats were rushing to the shore. The dragons immediately turned into thousands of stone islands emerging in the sea like great walls challenging the invaders’ boats. The fast boats couldn’t manage to stop and crashed into the islands and broke into pieces. After the victory, Mother Dragon and Child Dragons didn’t return the heaven but stayed on the earth at the place where the battle had occurred. The location Mother Dragon landed is present Halong Bay and Child Dragons landed is present Bai Tu Long Bay. The dragons’ tails waving the water created Bach Long Vi (present Tra Co Peninsula).

Halong Bay covers the area of 1,553km² and encompasses 1,969 islands of various sizes which are mainly limestone islands with tectonic age from 250 million to 280 million years. The process of long geological evolution created the unique Halong Bay in the world with thousands of islands which look like fantastic sculptural and artistic works of various graceful shapes such as Canh Buom (Sail) Islet, Trong Mai (Cock and Hen) Islet, Lu Huong (Incense Burner) Islet… All of them are vivid and soulful.

Inside the stone islands in Halong are various caves considered as magnificent palaces on the earth such as Thien Cung (Heaven Palace), Dau Go (Driftwood), Sung Sot (Surprise), Trinh Nu (Virgin)… Many people from all over the world to Halong have felt puzzled as their vocabulary is not rich enough to depict the splendor of this place.

Halong is also home to great biodiversity with typical eco-systems like mangrove forest, tropical forest, coral… These eco-systems are where thousands of fauna and flora species concentrates. Some species are particularly rare and can’t be found at any where else.

In addition, Halong Bay is also attached to glorious historical pages of Vietnam country with famous sites such as Van Don – the busy trade port in the 12th century, Bai Tho Mountain – where preserve autography of kings and celebrities and Bach Dang River – witness for two famous naval battles of Vietnamese people against invaders. Also, Halong is considered as one of the cradles of human kind with the glorious Halong culture in the late Neolithic age through archeological sites as Dong Mang, Xich Tho, Soi Nhu and Thoi Gieng…

Up to this time, some floating fishing villages have still existed in the sea area of Halong Bay such as Ba Hang, Cua Van, Vong Vieng, Cap La. Many special tangible and intangible culture values of the coastal area have been preserved in these fishing villages, especially Cua Van fishermen’s dual love songs, dum songs, wedding songs … Visiting these fishing villages, visitors will have chance to study the fishermen’s daily activities as well as typical traditional culture in Halong Bay.

In 1994 and 2000, Halong Bay has recognized by UNESCO as world natural heritage for its outstanding aesthetic and geographical, geomorphologic values. The UNESCO-recognized zone has the area of 434km². It looks like a giant triangle with Dau Go Island (in the west), Ba Ham Lake (in the south) and Cong Tay Island (in the east) as its three angle points.

In the global vote for new 7 wonders of nature mobilized by New Open World organization, Halong Bay has been listed in 28 official finalist candidates. Vietnam Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism; Viet Nam National Administration of Tourism; provinces and cities nationwide have carried out many activities to promote Halong Bay, especially voting campaigns which have attracted participations of individuals, organizations as well as international visitors.

The vote for new 7 wonders of nature will last until November 11, 2011 and the New Open World organization will officially announce 7 place-names with the highest number of votes. Hoping that with incessant promotion endeavours and supports of the people nationwide and the international visitors, Halong Bay will be one of new 7 wonders of nature.

Source: TITC

Friendly critters in Cuc Phuong National Park

Beyond the endless trekking and enriching cultural experiences found in the Cuc Phuong National Park, the destination provides ample opportunity to come face to face with some interesting critters. Cuc Phuong is one of the most biologically diverse areas in Vietnam. The landscape is blanketed with dense vegetation and true Vietnamese jungle; the perfect home for a large variety of insects, animals, birds, and the Cuc Phuong Endangered Primate Rescue Centre.

“Dedicated to the rescue, rehabilitation, breeding, research and conservation of the endangered primates of Vietnam” (Source: http://www.primatecenter.org/), the Rescue Centre is home to over 140 primates from 15 species - some critically endangered. A visit to the centre is an interesting one. Lucky visitors are treated to monkey serenades.

Other chance encounters are with the abundance of insects. Creeping just beyond one’s usual perspective are crawlers of all sorts. As the sun dips beyond the mountains, and night falls, chances of seeing giant moths and huge buzzing beetles increase a thousand fold. Attracted to the light, insect-lovers will be astounded; the rest of us, will be running for cover.

Footprint Vietnam Travel runs a variety of options to trek and home stay within the Cuc Phuong National Park, as well as within the area. Check out their website for more information.

Source: Ocvit-Footprint Travel

Halong Bay’s World Wonder bid receives a boost

Vietnamese people will have the chance to vote for Halong Bay as a new World Wonder through a TV programme to be broadcast live on October 29.

The live programme will be concurrently aired on Vietnam Television’s Channel 1 (VTV1) linking four places: Halong Bay in the northeastern province of Quang Ninh, the capital city of Hanoi, the former imperial city of Hue in the central region and Ho Chi Minh City.

Famous figures, including pop stars, will vote for the bay and deliver messages calling on audiences to take part in the vote.

Halong Bay has been twice recognised as a World Natural Heritage site by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO).

The programme will help promote the image of the World Heritage site of Halong Bay and Vietnam as well, said Nguyen Van Tinh, head of the International Cooperation Department under the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism (MoCST) at a press briefing in Hanoi on October 19.

According to MoCST Minister Hoang Tuan Anh, the voting campaign is entering the final stage. New7Wonders will announce the final results of voting around the world on November 11, 2011.

He quoted New7Wonders as saying Halong Bay has received a relatively high number of votes compared to other nominees.

Vietnamese people can vote for Halong Bay by logging on www.new7wonders.com and Facebook and using the SMS service.

The voting will be closed at 11.11am (GMT) on November 11, 2011.

Source: VOV

“Ho Chi Minh City – 100 interesting things”

The Ho Chi Minh City Department of Culture, Sport and Tourism has announced the City People’s Committee implementation of the programme “Ho Chi Minh City – 100 interesting things”.

Accordingly, in 2011, the programme will expand its voting norms to 20 categories but narrow the number of candidates of each category from 10 to 5 in order to improve the quality of the vote.

The programme aims to improve and standardise tourism service quality in Ho Chi Minh City to become more competitive with regional countries, introduce tourists to attractive products and destinations of Vietnam tour and reveal investment opportunities to potential investors.

The 20 categories include:

1. Five most luxury hotels in the City

2. Five best business hotels

3. Five outstanding places to organise meetings and exhibitions

4. Five special restaurants

5. Five restaurants serving the best Vietnamese food

6. Five luxury shopping centres

7. Five typical traditional markets

8. Five typical museums

9. Five typical architectural projects

10. Five typical historical and cultural relics

11. Five ecological tourist sites

12. Five typical places for art performances

13. Five perfect places for night entertainment

14. Five places for health care and spa treatments

15. Five typical souvenir trademarks

16. Five favourite fruits

17. Five favourite Southern dishes

18. Five typical tourism types

19. Five special cultural, sport and tourism events

20. Five special transport trademarks (one airline, one trademark for waterway and three trademarks for road)

The results of the vote will be announced in early 2012.

Source: BTA

Quang Ninh accelerates votes for Halong Bay

Quang Ninh Province’s Ho Chi Minh Communist Youth Union launched a new campaign “50 days to gather votes for Halong Bay as one of the New Seven Wonders of the World” in Halong City on September 20th.

Accordingly, the campaign will last until November 10th, 2011 with the motto “Each Provincial Union member and teenager, one vote for Halong Bay”.

The program’s launching ceremonies were held at the same time in all localities of the Province, to train and guide local people on how to vote, asking them to vote directly for the Bay, disseminating the campaign on mass media, setting up the youth-managed polling stations at communes cultural houses, schools, factories, bus stops and tourist areas to create more convenient conditions for local residents and domestic and foreign visitors to vote.

The “50 days to vote for Halong Bay” campaign plays an important role in the final critical period, showing the responsibility of Quang Ninh’s people in making contributions to the campaign to decide on Halong Bay as one of the New Seven Wonders of the World.

Source: QDND

Hanoi flower festival 2012 to open in December

The Hanoi Flower Festival 2012 will open in the capital city of Hanoi from December 30, 2011 to January 2, 2012.

According to Deputy Director of the Hanoi Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism Nguyen Khac Loi, the festival aims to honour the cultural heritage sites and values that were recognised by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO), especially those of Hanoi through the means of flower.

It is part of activities to promote cultural tourism in the capital city and respond to the National Tourism Year 2012, which takes the theme of “Heritage Tourism”

This year’s festival will be held in streets of Dinh Tien Hoang, Le Thai To, Le Lai, Le Thach, the downtown, on the surface of Hoan Kiem lake and in popular sites of Ngoc Son temple, Tran Ba temple, The Huc bridge and But and Hoa Phong towers.

In the framework of the event, a wide range of activities such as flower arranging competitions, traditional games, exhibitions of ornamental plants, handicraft and tourism products will be also organised.

Source: VNA

Unique colour in Hanoi’s pavements

Travel to Hanoi, foreign visitor are impressed by the capital’s pavements where they can chat, drink tea or coffee, and even have something to eat.

Mayu Takeda, a Vietnamese Japanese student, says she loves Hanoi’s pavements, through which she can learn more about the city’s in-depth stories.

Mayu often goes around the old quarter of Hanoi to get to know about people’s lives and daily activities. “Sitting on the pavement, looking around and listening to different voices, you will know what is happening in Hanoi,” she says.

Traveling to Vietnam to visit relatives and friends, the 21-year student takes every opportunity to enjoy life here in Hanoi. She left the country when she was just four years old, but the country is always in her heart.

Michael, a tourist from the US, first visited Vietnam five years ago. This time he has brought his friends, who are very eager to explore Hanoi. “You can get everything you need on the pavements,” Michel says, adding that the prices are much cheaper than in the shops.“There is no place like Hanoi, where you can see, either poor or rich people, interacting with each other. And, it’s undeniable that the ‘motorbike civilization’ has contributed to the ‘pavement economy’ which helps thousands of people earn their living,” he says.

Strolling around Hoan Kiem (Returned Sword) Lake, Andreas, a journalist from Germany, feels very excited to see people on the move.

Andreas says he likes sitting on the pavement, listening to the mixed sounds, drinking tea or coffee and seeing what’s happening around him. “In the evening, the streets are less busy but more quiet. It’s time for me to go out and enjoy the atmosphere of open air-living. Life on the streets is something new and special, like a piece of documentary film about Hanoi and Hanoians.”

With the last rays of the sun disappearing and less noise echoing from transport vehicles, Hanoi is closing its day to enter a paradise filled with joy and excitement.

Soaking up the life of the streets which look both old and new, traditional and modern, you will see that nothing is more refreshing to enjoy after long working hours than a cup of coffee near Hoan Kiem Lake.

There are many famous coffee shops in the city, from Nang Cafe (6 Hang Bac), Nhan Cafe (39D1 Hang Hanh), and Cafe Mai (Nguyen Du) to Cafe Giang (Hang Gai), and Cafe Lam (60, 91 Nguyen Huu Huan), which are ideal for old friends to meet and chat in the romantic atmosphere of the city.

Source: Dtinews

Vietnam’s Mid-Autumn Festival

The Mid-Autumn Festival, one of the most traditional and popular family holidays in Vietnam, is enjoyed by people throughout the country, regardless of their background or economic status.

The festival is celebrated on the 15th day of the eighth month in the lunar calendar, which falls in mid September in the Western calendar. It has evolved into an event with both cultural and commercial value.

The Mid-Autumn or ‘Trung Thu’ Festival is associated with the legend of Cuoi, a popular Vietnamese fairy tale that explains the origin of the festival.

According to the legend, a man named Cuoi was very famous because he owned a magic banyan tree that could cure any illness. Cuoi’s wife got angry because Cuoi seemed to love the tree more than her so one day when Cuoi was out treating a sick neighbour, she poured dirty water on the roots of the tree, which made it leave the ground. Cuoi suddenly returned at that very moment to see the tree fly up to the sky. He tried to grab it but failed to pin it down and was taken up to the moon, where he lives together with his tree to this day. That’s why every year children light lanterns and take part in processions on the day of the festival to show Cuoi the way back to Earth!

The Vietnamese version of the Mid-Autumn Festival is similar to the one in China, except for its legend, the food and some traditional activities. Both the Han and minority nationalities in China celebrate the mid-autumn festival, though there are some additional special customs in different parts of the country, such as burning incense, planting mid-autumn trees, and lighting lanterns on towers.

In Vietnam, there are many traditional activities for both adults and children during the festival including lion dances performed by both trained professional children’s groups and amateurs. Lion dance groups perform on the streets and go to houses asking for permission to perform for the people living there. If they are accepted by the hosts, the ‘lion’ will go in and start dancing to wish the household good luck and fortune. The Earth Lord, ‘Ong Dia’, dances around the dragon, urging it on. Ong Dia, who has a smiling moon-shaped face, represents the prosperity and wealth of the earth.

On the occasion of the festival, parents buy their children rattles, drums and star lanterns. Many children also take great interest in traditional paper toys, lion heads and masks of animals from old tales, as well as modern battery-run plastic ships or tanks with remote controls.

The tradition of the Mid-Autumn festival is reflected in the way the children play games. They carry beautifully ornate lanterns while singing and parading along the streets in a candlelight procession at dawn. The candles represent brightness and the procession symbolizes success in school. The lanterns come in different sizes and shapes such as fish and butterflies. There are also spinning lanterns in which candles can be inserted to represent the sun surrounded by the earth.

Mid-Autumn Festival parties in the evening are a good opportunity for children to enjoy the festive food and also learn things from their parents such as how to make the party attractive. The whole family will enjoy the feast in a cozy, sacred atmosphere.

Quite a few foreign visitors to Vietnam are also interested in the mid-autumn festival and some even bring mooncakes back to their home countries as special gifts for their friends.

“I find it quite interesting when I see people selling mooncakes everywhere. I hope to experience my first Mid-Autumn festival with some local families,” said Spiller, a 40-year-old English teacher from the UK.

Mooncakes are an indispensable delicacy for this festival. For generations, mooncakes have been made with sweet fillings of nuts, mashed red beans, lotus seed paste or sweet bean paste, depending on the region. Sometimes a cooked egg yolk can be found in the middle of the rich tasting dessert. People compare mooncakes to the plum pudding and fruit cakes served during the English Christmas holidays.

Vietnamese mooncakes are typically square rather than round, although round ones do exist. They are offered among friends or at family gatherings during this festival. The cakes are usually cut into small wedges and eaten accompanied by green tea because they are so sweet.

Cherry, a young Australian woman who is teaching English in Hanoi, told VOV that she has tried mooncakes several times and found them quite delicious but too sweet. ”I’m a little bit worried about my weight because I couldn’t resist the tempting taste,” she said smiling.

“We try to make mooncakes gifts that are special to Vietnam… Foreigners enjoy our cakes with the green tea filling very much,” said Pham Ly, a seller at a shop that specializes in the well-known Kinh Do brand confectionaries.
Another seller at a Long Dinh shop, Quynh Anh, also said that her shop has been visited by many foreign customers, all of whom are keen on the taste of Vietnamese mooncakes.

Nowadays, many kinds of mooncakes are on sale for a month before the Moon Festival. It has become customary for businessmen and families to present these cakes to their clients or relatives as an expression of their sentiments.

Source: VOV

Ethnic Love Market in Moc Chau

The beginning of September is all celebration in Vietnam. Independence day is September 2nd and everyone is in preparation lining the streets with red banners and flags. From the major cities to the countryside villages everyone will be in full party mode with an extended weekend. But, in Moc Chau - near Mai Chau and about 190 km away from Hanoi - the theme of the festivities will differ greatly from that of nationalism and victory.

Starting yesterday and ending in about a week, ethnic minorities from all over Vietnam’s Northwest and Laos’ Northeast have made their way to Moc Chau. A true mosaic of culture the Blue, Green, White, Black, and Flower Hmong, as well as the Thai, Dao, Muong, and others make up a steady stream of thousands of people. Most of the people are young, and the vast majority are single. This is the annual Moc Chau Love Market. To find love is everyone’s top priority.

Groups of girls are seen gossiping and giggling. Just outside of the crowds two or three might be helping another making sure her hair is perfect. Boys are spotted teasing each other and shyly trying to gain the attention of gossiping girls. New-found lovers are caught holding hands and walking off to a secret spot to steal a first a kiss.

The Moc Chau Love Market is one of the best opportunities to see all of the minorities in their best traditional clothes. There is more than ample ways to take part in the festivities. Everyone is welcome to join in the food and drink, as well as the singing and dancing.

Over the last five years the popularity of the love market with domestic tourists is apparent. Foreign tourists have also found their way to the Moc Chau love market but they easily drowned out by all of the locals. The Vietnam holiday makes it challenging to get around in Vietnam.

If you do plan on attending the Moc Chau love market, Footprint Travel would like to remind you to please remember to use your camera responsibly.

Source: ocvit-Footprint Travel

Japanese Television to promote Vietnam tourism

A Japanese film crew from Kansai Television is shooting a documentary from August 19th to 25th to promote Vietnamese tourism.

The crew will film famous tourism destinations of Vietnam tour as Hanoi, Thua Thien–Hue, Quang Binh and Quang Nam and special cultural features in these areas. Besides, the crew will also introduce old hotels and dishes important to Vietnamese culture.

The documentary will help promote the image of Vietnam tourism and its people to Japanese tourists.

Source: HNM

Vietnam tourism tries lure more Japanese tourists

Vietnam tourism tries its best to lure more Japanese tourists, especially after the consequences of the earthquake and tsunami in Japan in March this year have abated.

Hikoro Takeuch pays 100,000 yen (about US$1,251) for a tour to Vietnam. To Takeuch, it is cheap as she enjoys shopping in Vietnam. “Shopping in Vietnam is very interesting and exciting,” says Takeuch. “I want to go shopping when traveling in Vietnam. I will come back to Vietnam because the expense is low and I enjoy shopping here.”

Kimika Okuda, another Japanese travelers to Vietnam tour, is also a fan of shopping in Vietnam. It costs 90,000 yen (about US$1,126) for her trip to Vietnam. But she thinks the price is quite normal as everything is cheap here.

Takeuch and Okuda are two examples of Japanese tourists who spend a lot of time during their tours in Vietnam going shopping besides experiencing specialties and visiting ancient constructions.

They were also two among 33,130 Japanese people coming to Vietnam in July for traveling, business and MICE (meeting, incentive, conference and exhibition), according to the latest report of the Vietnam National Administration of Tourism, or VNAT. The figure is important to Vietnam travel as it is again on the increase after decreasing in several months due to the earthquake and tsunami in Japan. In March, 43,500 Japanese tourists visited Vietnam. The number of Japanese arrivals then was down to 41,450, 35,056 and 31,204 in April, May and June respectively. According to tour operators, the time from April to September is the “low” season of Japanese tourists, and the natural disaster in Japan aggravated the situation. The companies have made their own efforts while waiting for macro-solutions from VNAT and the Government.

Just shopping

Huynh Minh Son, tour operation manager of the inbound section of Apex Vietnam, a travel company in Vietnam specializing in welcoming Japanese tourists, says that every year Apex Vietnam welcomes more than 50,000 Japanese arrivals to Vietnam. However, in March and a few months later, the number of tourists sent from Japanese companies was down by around 10%. As from July, the situation has been better, especially after the company offered promotion programs. Accommodation prices have been down by 20-30%. It also has discounted US$10-20 for each tourist while the quality remains.

However, Son tells Chào! that with a 15-day entry permit, tourists often choose short tours, such as three days in only Saigon, five days in Saigon and Hanoi and eight days across the country. “Due to short tours, they cannot understand well Vietnam’s culture as well as experience a long relax like Westerners,” Son says. “They just like to go shopping, enjoy local food and go to spas.”

Two other big Ho Chi Minh City-based tour operators serving Japanese tourists – Saigontourist and Vietravel – see a slight recovery after the drop. They also have the same idea that due to short stays, Japanese guests just want to enjoy shopping, traveling around the city by cyclo and visiting a few construction works.

Doan Thi Thanh Tra, marketing manager of Saigontourist, says that most of young Japanese tourists go to Vietnam for shopping and visiting beautiful places. But, they don’t spend much as there are not many choices and services for them. Tra adds that to encourage more Japanese tourists to Vietnam that have been down some 40% since March, the company has offered discounts from 5-10% and added more services.

Nguyen Minh Man, acting media manager of Ho Chi Minh City-based tour operator Vietravel, says that since the earthquake and tsunami, the company has seen a decrease from the Japanese market. Vietravel serves some 18,000-20,000 Japanese guests every year. But since March the number of tourists from the market has decreased by 30% compared to the same period last year. “However, as of July, the situation started to be better,” he says, adding that early last month, Vietravel received the first 700 Japanese tourists to Vietnam after the March 11 earthquake and tsunami. “This was good news following the sharp drop. The company will welcome 800-1,000 Japanese tourists in the coming months,” he adds.

Expanding entry term

Besides their own efforts, the travel companies really expect VNAT and the Government to allow Japanese tourists to stay for up to 30 or 60 days without an entry visa, instead of the current 15 days.

Tra from Saigontourist says that the suggestion targets travelers only. This will help travelers have more time to carry out trans-Vietnam tours, for example. That means they will stay in Vietnam longer and spend more money.

Meanwhile, Son from Apex Vietnam tells Chào! that in the eyes of Japanese tourists, especially the elderly who usually make up a large number in a tour group, Vietnam is seen as a safe place for traveling in many days and a good place for living when retiring. So expanding the entry time for travelers is necessary.

In addition, Apex Vietnam also has suggestions for Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City. At present, traveling around the capital city’s downtown area that is home to many ancient French-style constructions and Vietnamese traditional culture by cyclo is limited. Sometimes, the company must unexpectedly cancel some legs of their tours. Meanwhile, Hanoi’s government has just allowed traveling around the downtown area within two hours per day. However, the number of cyclos is too small to meet big demands of travel companies. In Ho Chi Minh City, Apex is working with the Ho Chi Minh City Department of Education and Training to open another kind of tour, bringing Japanese students to visit schools in the city.

More Japanese guests targeted

Since June this year, VNAT and the Government have carried out many activities to lure more Japanese travelers back to Vietnam. But, Rome wasn’t built in a day, so it takes a long time to fulfill the plans.

For entry permit, the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism has presented to the Government a proposal to increase the duration of visa-free stay from 15 to 30 or even 60 days for Japanese.

Hoang Thi Diep, deputy head of VNAT, says that Vietnam saw a huge decline in the number of Japanese visitors to the country after the recent natural disaster in Japan, and that’s why Vietnam tourism needs to explore new ways to recover that market.

Apex Vietnam has petitioned VNAT for allowing Japanese tourists to stay for up to 30 or 60 days without an entry visa, instead of the current 15 days.

VNAT, in cooperation with Vietnam Airlines, has announced to launch tourism promotion programs in Japan in hope of attracting more tourists to Vietnam.

Nguyen Van Tuan, general director of VNAT, tells local press after a promotion trip to Japan last month that his administration wants to strengthen cooperation with Japan, and has requested Japan to include Vietnam in the list of destinations suggested for Japanese travelers. Besides, some special travel packages for Japanese will be offered in the near future.

Vietnam tourism remains positive of the Japanese market despite a fall in the number of Japanese passengers taking Vietnam Airlines’ flights.

“There were over 268,000 Japanese visitors coming to Vietnam in January-July due to a strong rise in the first quarter (prior to the deadly quake and tsunami), resulting in an increase of 11.7% from last year,” says Tuan.

With efforts from travel companies and VNAT, it is hoped that at least from now till the end of this year, Vietnam tourism will hear much more “Ohayou” (hello) words from Japanese tourists like those of the two ladies mentioned above, Hikoro Takeuch and Kimika Okuda.

Source: The Saigon times

Bun ca Can Tho – authentic flavor of the wetlands

When visiting Can Tho City, tourists should try bun ca (noodle with fish), a typical dish of the wetlands of the Mekong Delta.

Unlike other kinds of bun ca in other delta regions or central provinces, bun ca in Can Tho City is attractive to the eye due to the purple rice noodles. The noodle is dyed by cam leaves from cam trees that grow in the delta. The trees are about 40-50cm high and have purple flowers.

The noodles are prepared in an earthen pot to keep the dish hot for diners. To contrast the purple noodles, there are yellow pieces of fish pasta and white slices of loc fish. The soup is made with pork bone stock and tastes very sweet.

The dish is served with some aromatic vegetables together with beansprouts, salad and rau dang (bitter vegetable). The sweet taste of soup, fat of fish and strange color of rice noodles in harmony with the fragrance of vegetables brings you the taste and smell of the delta.

More than 3.42 million foreign travelers to Vietnam tour

In July, the number of foreign travelers to Vietnam tour reached an estimated 460,000; raising the figure for the first seven months this year to more than 3.42 million - representing a year-on-year increase of 17.3 percent.

Over the past seven months, the number of foreign tourists arriving in Vietnam by air increased by 22.6 percent from the same period last year. The number of tourists visiting the country by road and sea decreased.

Markets seeing increases in the number of tourists to Vietnam are China with nearly 786,000 arrivals (up 53.5 percent), the Republic of Korea with more than 300,000 arrivals (up 4 percent), the US with more than 273,000 arrivals (up 2.5 percent), Japan with nearly 269,000 arrivals (up 11.7 percent) and Australia with 171,000 arrivals (up 2.3 percent).

Southeast Asian countries also witnessed growth in the number of tourists in Vietnam. Cambodian tourists have increased by 74.2 percent from last year, Malaysian visitors grew by 18.7 percent while the number of people coming from Singapore rose 10.6 percent.

Source: CPV

Terraced fields in Sapa are like a watercolour painting

Looking down from mountain, the terraced fields under afternoon sunshine look like a stunning, gigantic watercolour painting curving around the high mountains.

For a long time, terraced fields in the northwestern mountainous areas of Vietnam have not only provided a great inspiration for photographers but also been an attractive destination for travelers to Vietnam tour due to the imposing beauty, especially in the planting season, which falls on the fourth and fifth months of the lunar year.

Wallace, a US tourist, who has visited northwestern province of Lao Cai three times, said his friends and relatives asked him to lead them to the province after he showed them beautiful photos of terraced fields taken during his first trip in May, 2002.

The scenery and people here give me different feelings each time when I return, he said.

His friend, Nathan from Australia , only intended to see the horse races and visit cultural markets in Bac Ha district, but was attracted by magnificent terraced fields when walking around the villages. He then decided to stay some more to explore Si Ma Cai district and make a tour along the newly opened route linking Muong Khuong and Bat Xat districts.

He was astonished at the incredible photos taken by amateur photographers like himself and his friends and he said believed that his friends at home would envy their trip when they saw the wonderful photos.

Hoang Thi Vuong, Deputy Head of the Tourism Section under the Sapa Culture, Sports and Tourism Department said the province’s tourism sector has shown strong development over several recent years, with an increasing number of tourists, especially those from major cities and also foreigners.

Each visitor has their own way to enjoy the breathtaking landscape, she said, adding that many of them recorded their images when acting as real farmers, working briefly in fields for the experience.

At this time of the year, Sapa travel welcomes mainly holidaymakers from big cities and photographers, who come here to capture the working environment of such ethnic minority groups as Mong, Ha Nhi, Dao and Giay, which is rarely seen in modern towns and cities, said Do Manh Hao, an official of the Tourism section.

After early season rains, terraced fields in A Mu Sung commune, Bat Xat district, are full of glittering water running from high mountains and farmers flock to plough and build up field banks in preparation for a new crop.

From the beginning of the year until now, a total of 130,200 visitors flocked to Lao Cai province, representing an increase of 39.2 percent compared with the same period last year, according to the provincial tourism sector.

The number sharply increases in May and June, when farmers in mountainous districts of Sapa, Bat Xat, Bac Ha, Muong Khuong and Si Ma Cai start the growing season, to reach 80,000. Sapa district welcomed 54,630 holidaymakers, up 60 percent compared with previous months, earning nearly VND200 billion (USD9.7 million), a year-on-year increase of 120 percent.

Vice Chairman of the Lao Cai provincial People’s Committee Bui Thi Kim Dung, who is also head of the provincial tourism management board, said the province is targeting rural tourism with a focus on villages and ecotourism.

The tourism sector has been seen as an economic spearhead for Lao Cai province and an effective tool to promote beautiful images of the stunning landscape and friendly people here, she said.

Source: Dtinews

Vietnam where I saw the most beautiful

In your eyes, where the place Vietnam most beautiful ? Our questions are foreign photographer responded with these images upset: the picture angle is so simple that with them – people from a distance – that’s where most Vietnam features. And more beautiful images are to carry the most emotional story.

Surface of the Ba be Lake

Of all the places I’ve been to in Vietnam, causing nowhere and touched fresh my soul with Ba be Lake that day. That day, we went back a video with beautiful images of Vietnam travel, suddenly there are six women in traditional costumes of the Tay is smooth sailing on the lake near where we shoot. So glad we invited two people to model for us. Do not hesitate, despite the weather and the director asked to turn back, return, the two women still try to smile real big to get the best picture for us.

Back now though Ba be lake many times since taking this picture, it’s hard to see the picture of Tay people wearing traditional dress here, but the image of two women always keep on smiling and generous in my mind. And so I found from Vietnam’s most beautiful places.

Love letter S

First time visit to Chau Doc on the west region, I saw the beauty of the season rice area Ta Pa of Tri Ton distance Chau Doc by 20km. Sitting on the scenery from the hills, I’m ecstatic in front of a vast field of golden wheat and blue layers. After 5-10 minutes, I saw a big tree and a very impressive way, S-shaped drawing up of Vietnam’s beloved. And the assiduous of mothers with heavy two shoulders quietly away in the rice fields have suggested in my real passions.

Fun time

In Sapa, when not in school, the Mong baby help parents sell traditional gifts such as handmade wallet, or souvenirs made from raw materials to earn in the forest. With no guests, the children play by holding the interesting folk game like me takes refreshment stalls in this way. The box game, jump rope, hopscotch is very attractive because despite differences in culture, history and language of our childhood also experienced moments like this.

To Vietnam, I discovered a number of major cities, but where I enjoy most Sapa. I myself moved from noisy Saigon, bustling Hanoi, on the misty highlands full of SaPa. And to come here, I have the impression of a land of fun colorful culture. Price as cultural identity to be kept here forever; do not fade over months on…

Peddled wares

One night, I was lost in the small streets of Hanoi. I have ventured to ask the way woman selling rice vermicelli in the lane. She is busy with scoop each bowl of noodles to visitors, who sit around waiting for food, has always urged her out but she still put bowl down, pointing the way for my guidance. She was laughing and everyone around you is laughing. I feel quietly pleased.

I have read somewhere that the sidewalk food in Vietnam is very interesting. And to come here, I discovered something new again. Sidewalk food in Vietnam is not only interesting because of the abundance of spices, but also by the friendliness of the people. Yes, delicious food around us when there is sincere.

Marking time

Old cars on the famous Hang Ngang in Hanoi. Features blends old and new are always giving me good feelings. I appreciate what goes through but also to the future. Hanoi thousand years of beautiful and graceful as the morning fog in Hoan Kiem Lake and spread around, covering the tree-lined streets, the crowded streets, the cone course, lakes and parks. With dozens of pagodas, communal houses, temples hidden away, with restaurants in the street find their ancient flavor, this city deserves to anyone taking the time to explore the treasures in the quiet, peaceful and forget the loud sounds, speakers, and the sound of motorcycle engines are everywhere.

I have had countless times and went walking along the horizontal motorcycle cities are constantly expanding this. But Hanoi’s Old Quarter is always deep in my heart.

Truong Tien Bridge

As I was walking on Truong Tien Bridge (Hue), a cyclo runs and the children shouted “Hello.” I also see this scene, this smile, and these greetings across Vietnam, but where I come across. Dumplings car by pushing the older woman on the bridge also reminds me something interesting: great food in Vietnam, despite enjoying the sidewalk.

I took this picture with a new discovery, an assertion is true about my country than I have been engaged for several years: Truong Tien bridge not Trang Tien as I (and many) each mistake.

Morning kiss

Morning, the floating markets near Long Xuyen (An Giang province), the boat carrying a man and a woman to visit a surfing boat light food. Between the noises of passing ships, my dear man I call: “Hello, hello.” When I raised the camera up, linked arm in arm across his neck woman hugged and kissed a bit. The woman hesitated; perhaps the first time she was married midst of people should blush, only laughed. I love this moment, I like Vietnamese people, so sincere. I saw Vietnamese little kiss at crowded places, but so do not mean they can not show love.
The people that I met in Mekong River Delta were sincere, generous. Especially river man met me always ready to offer a glass as if had known each other for so long.

Source: xinchaovietnam

Change in Product Department at Footprint Travel

Footprint sets our first foot in 2001, it has been almost 10 years of operations, we have built our company, not big, but very stable, due to our unique offers of Vietnam tour to clients world wide. The success is for everyone at the Footprint family but we have to reserve our big appreciation to the product department who are creative in different innovative travel products.

Today is Hien last day as the role of the product executive, our first setting for her was a travel consultant, tour guide and she was appointed to be the product executive in 2008.

After Thuc, it has been more than 3 years of Hien’s great efforts to travel to learn from you - our travel clients, from our tour guide, tour operators and even our drivers on how to better our products to make it best for you - the travelers.

We thank you Hien for your all her dedication to make it easy for all the travel consultant at Footprint and good luck to her, Hien will be taking even more important role - as
Also it’s Dien first day on his role of the product executive and tour operation manager, he has been almost 7 years working as the tour operators and travel consultants. His passion and enthusiasm on tourism makes him travel to lots of places in Vietnam, "Ha Giang his love and if you ask him what is the best way to get there, he won't hesitate to tell you to jump on a motorbike! You can travel to the remote mountainous areas to see the unusual lifestyle of local people, and impossible scenery on unbelievable roads.

Footprint management board can not express of our all words for Dien’s dedications on work and travel, the whole Footprint team wishing Dien with the best and good luck with his new position.

If I just visit Phu Quoc island, can I have visa exemption?

When we offer Vietnam tour to friends and travelers, some friends ask if we just want to travel and be lazy there in Phu Quoc island, can they have a visa exemption.

In regard of this, in late 2005 the government passed regulations specifically in relation Phu Quoc Island entry, exit and residence of foreigners or Vietnamese holding foreign passports. These regulations are provided below with more details.

Under this Decision, foreigners and Vietnamese holding foreign passports who are, entering, exiting from, and residing in Phu Quoc Island for a stay period not exceeding 15 days are exempt from visas. The following section provides a summary of those regulations.

International flight arrivals

Foreigners who enter via another international border-gate of Vietnam and stay in its transit lounge before travelling to Phu Quoc Island shall also be exempt from visas. With the opening of the new airport international terminal in Ho Chi Minh City (Tan Son Nhat) foreigners will soon be able to transit from international flights directly to Phu Quoc, exempt from visa requirements for up to 15 days. Passports must be valid for at least 45 days. After arriving in Phu Quoc Island, if visitors want to travel other localities or stay in the island for more than 15 days, visitors are required to visit the immigration department who is responsible for issuing visas.

Arriving by ship via the East Sea?

Foreign-tourist ships can arrive or leave Duong Dong harbour in accordance with agreements signed with Vietnamese tourist companies. Foreign tourist ships which visit Duong Dong area & other areas (except restricted areas) must comply with Vietnamese immigration laws and Phu Quoc regulations, i.e. 15 day stay allowed exempt from Visa. Citizens of south-east Asian countries listed above, do not need certification when entering Duong Dong Town for up to 15 days. If visitors want to travel outside Phu Quoc Island and/or more than 15days, they will be required to obtain visa clearance provided by immigration in Duong Dong town.

Khau Vai love market festival in Ha Giang - 2011

The Khau Vai love market was recently recognised as an historical and cultural relic by the Ha Giang People’s Committee.This is also destinations attracted large number of visitors to Vietnam tour.

The Khau Vai love market, known locally as the Phong Luu love market, takes place annually on the 26 - 27 days of the third lunar month in Khau Vai village, Khau Vai commune, Meo Vac district, Ha Giang province. The love market originated as a meeting spot for couples from ethnic minorities such as the Mong, Tay, Nung, Giay, who loved each other, but could not marry. The market offers tourists an opportunity to observe the comedy regarding the market’s legend, watch performances, admire the clothing of ethnic minorities as well as take part in traditional games.

According to Nguyen Trung Thuong, Director of the Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism, a project aimed at transforming Ha Giang into a tourist hub, will be soon implemented. “We will soon start restoring the Ong and Ba temples as well as the more than 90 year old Khau Vai market. We also plan to build more tourist hostels. The entire project is expected to reach completion by 2015,” he said.

(Source: VNS)

Questions and answers about visa to Vietnam (1)

Footprint is pleased to provide some our our frequently asked questions from our travelers regarding their tour to Vietnam:

Can I apply for a longer stay in Vietnam, more than one month?

Yes you normally can apply this if you are sure about your travel last for more than one month. You can also do it visa extension when you are travelling here, which is also easy to do.

Can I apply for a tourist visa when I’m aboard?

Check with the countries you are now in and call the embassy, it’s normally ok that you can do it oversea.
The simple way to do is to have a travel company in Vietnam do it for you a pre-approved letter of invitation, all you have to do is to book your flights and go.

More coming on our next post.

Footprint team.

Visa to Vietnam

Can you do visa upon arrival to Vietnam?

Footprint Vietnam’s answer is definitely YES, you can do visa upon arrival to Vietnam but you will need to have a pre approved letter by someone or a travel company in Vietnam.

As soon as you arrive at the airports, show your approved letter, then fill out paperwork when you arrive to get a visa granted.

For booking Vietnam tour, most travel companies can do the pre-approved letter for you, we will send you the documents via email and all you need is to bring this paper with you, pack and go.

Any questions you might have for Footprint regarding the visa?

Footprintters Vietnam.

Visa to Vietnam

Can you do visa upon arrival to Vietnam?

Footprint Vietnam’s answer is definitely YES, you can do visa upon arrival to Vietnam but you will need to have a pre approved letter by someone or a travel company in Vietnam.

As soon as you arrive at the airports, show your approved letter, then fill out paperwork when you arrive to get a visa granted.

For booking Vietnam tour, most travel companies can do the pre-approved letter for you, we will send you the documents via email and all you need is to bring this paper with you, pack and go.

Any questions you might have for Footprint regarding the visa?

Footprintters Vietnam.

80 companies of Vietnam tour join HCMC Tourism Festival

Over 80 companies of Vietnam tour from 24 provinces and cities will attend the Ho Chi Minh City Tourism Festival 2011, to introduce and sell their products and services at 150 stalls.

This was revealed yesterday by the city Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism which will officially open the festival from April 7-10 at 23-9 Park in District 1.

During the festival, the best and most prestigious Vietnamese tourist brand names voted by customers will be honored by the organization board.

The festival will also feature various cultural and musical activities and an exhibition of beautiful photographs of the Saigon markets, Dalat flowers, Mui Ne Beach, Phu Quoc Island and Hai Phong City.

Source: SGGP

Unique wood houses in Ho Chi Minh City

Designed with northern, southern and central architectural styles, each house is decorated differently. The row of wood houses in District 2, Ho Chi Minh City is very special.
Running for over 1km along the Saigon River, totaling around 8 hectares, over 30 families, mainly artists, have created a “village of artisans” in mid-Saigon. These houses are made by rare wood, with architectural styles of many regions in Vietnam, for example the house of Muong people in the north, the house of Hue people, charnel-house of the Central Highlands, etc.

Pointing to a house in Hue style, painter Hoai Huong said seven years ago, he and a group of artists traveled around Saigon to seek a peaceful place to build artistic houses. They chose the current place, which was a vast rice field at that time.

Huong said at his painting exhibition, a girl looked at his landscape paintings and said that this was the house of Muong people, that was the house of the Central Highlands, etc. but they were only in paintings.


Hearing the girl’s opinion, Huong thought of building a village of artistic houses. He discussed the idea with his friends and implemented the project to build wood houses.

He bought rare wood such as ironwood, ebony, etc. from the mountainous region to build the first house in three years. So far, six houses have been completed and some are under construction.

“The architecture and decoration of each house is different and they imitate the ancient architecture styles of Vietnam. There are houses on stilts, wood houses, brick houses, etc.” Huong said.

Each house shows the taste and personality of its owner. Hoai Huong’s house is in Hue-style, with a big room in the middle, which is surrounded by four smaller rooms to make a square. These rooms are linked by corridors, running along a fish pond. Along the pond are willow trees, rock-gardens and bamboo trees. In front of the gate is a gate house for passers-by.

If Hoai Huong’s house is a square block in the style of Hue’s wood houses, painter Bach Truong Son’s house dubs the style of Muong people’s house on stilts. The house has big stilts, low roof and a space in the middle for common activities.

There are houses with southwestern architecture. These houses are made of wood but the floor is as not high as northern houses. The kitchens are the most important places in these houses.

“Many people visit this area to learn how to build wood houses in ancient styles. In the future, I and other artists living in this area will open training courses for children and those who like painting and architecture,” Huong said.

Ba Be National Park recognised as Wetland of Int’l Importance

The Ba Be National Park in the northern mountainous province of Bac Can has been named on the Ramsar Convention on Wetlands List as a Wetland of International Importance.

The biodiverse 10,048-ha park is home to 1,268 species of flora and fauna. The site earlier was recognised as an ASEAN Heritage Park in 2004.

As summarised by Marian Gwilliam, Regional Assistant Advisor for Asia-Oceania, Ba Be National Park supports the only significant natural mountain lake in Vietnam. It is the most important wetland in the country's protected area system because it is the only site that has a natural lake surrounded by a mountainous karst ecosystem.

Ba Be National Park is the third Wetland of International Importance in Vietnam, joining the Xuan Thuy National Park in Nam Dinh Province and Bau Sau in the Nam Cat Tien National Park across the provinces of Dong Nai, Lam Dong and Binh Phuoc.

According to Director of the Ba Be National Park, Nong The Dien, the decision will mean that the site will join an international network of wetlands that are important for the conservation of global diversity.

The Convention on Wetlands - known as the Ramsar Convention - is an intergovernmental treaty that embodies the commitments of its member countries to maintain the ecological character of their Wetlands of International Importance and to plan for the "wise use", or sustainable use, of all of the wetlands in their territories.

Vietnam first participated in the Ramsar Convention in 1989.

Vietnam tour need investment for River tour services

Companies of Vietnam tour are calling for the HCMC tourism authority to spend more time and money to develop highly potential river tours after the first river tour service was launched in late January.

More river tour routes are being explored, such as those between Bach Dang Wharf and Can Gio Biosphere Reserve, the city’s Cu Chi District that is home to the landmark Cu Chi tunnels, and neighboring Binh Duong Province.
The first Saigon River tour service which also begins at Bach Dang Wharf in District 1 takes in Ham Long Artisan Village in District 2.

Nguyen Thi Khanh, deputy chairwoman of the Ho Chi Minh City Tourism Association, said the Cu Chi tour would take in Ben Dinh, Ben Duoc and Mot Thoang Vietnam Tourist Park, and some pagodas and old houses in Binh Duong. However, it would be hard to develop this route if the city did not add more places of interest and invest in new wharf infrastructure.
The same problem is faced by the proposed Bach Dang-Can Gio route.

“Those river tour routes have potential for development but cash will be needed to develop them,” she said.
The director of a travel service center said chances for developing river tour services in the city were small due to the low vertical traffic clearance of some bridges. There are a number of bridges with a half-a-meter vertical clearance, preventing tourist boats from passing.

“The clearance of Binh Loi Bridge and some others is low. In the inner city, the Tau Hu Canal is not yet dredged, making it impossible for travel firms to arrange tours for visitors in the canal that meanders along the East-West Highway,” he said.
According to him, the Vietnam travel sector needs financial support and investment from the city government to develop river travel services and thus enrich the city’s tourism products.

“We need better products to sell to our customers. The city can launch new river routes but they will not be attractive unless services and transportation are improved,” he said.
Khanh of the tourism association said the product development department of the association was reviewing all the problems faced by the sector.
Some tour operators told the Daily that the newly opened river tour between Bach Dang Wharf and the tourist village in District 2 had not got a positive response.

Source: The Saigon Times

International visitors to Vietnam in February and 2 months of 2011

International visitors to Vietnam travel in February estimated 542,671 arrivals, increasing by 21.6% over the same period last year. Total international arrivals in the first 2 months reached 1,049,095 representing a 19.5% growth the same period last year.

	Jan. 2011	Feb. 2011 (estimate)	Accrued for 2 months of 2011	Feb. 2011 vs. Jan. 2011 (%)	Feb. 2011 vs. Feb. 2010 (%)	2 months 2011 vs. 2 months 2010 (%)
Total	506,424	542,671	1,049,095	107.2	121.6	119.5
By means of transportation
By air	412,424	453,471	865,895	110.0	128.7	124.3
By sea	4,000	4,200	8,200	105.0	102.4	91.1
By road	90,000	85,000	175,000	94.4	93.9	101.7
By purposes of trips
Tourism	300,176	325,603	625,779	108.5	121.1	114.2
Business	67,926	92,534	160,460	136.2	117.8	101.4
Visiting relatives	104,054	92,254	19,308	88.7	122.1	152.8
Others	34,268	32,280	66,549	94.2	138.8	154.0
By countries and territories
China	76,358	114,748	191,106	150.3	165.4	139.0
South Korea	51,794	50,703	102,497	97.9	114.5	117.4
USA	46,800	49,787	96,587	106.4	103.1	108.4
Japan	45,085	47,747	92,832	105.9	129.9	130.4
Australia	40,779	26,748	67,527	65.6	112.8	116.3
Taiwan	26,316	36,560	62,876	138.9	107.9	108.1
Cambodia	21,577	24,992	46,569	115.8	144.1	142.8
France	18,964	20,817	39,781	109.8	108.5	113.7
Thailand	19,194	17,269	36,463	90.0	103.1	104.3
Malaysia	17,554	18,109	35,663	103.2	126.5	122.9
Others	142,003	135,191	277,194	95.2	110.5	113.2