| Hanoi, Vietnam, July 30, 2010 --(PR.com)-- Luxury Travel (www.luxurytravelvietnam.com) designs multi-country touring options, invites elite travelers to experience the luxury, food, culture, lifestyle, travel and charm at its finest of five destinations of Southeast Asia with our great selection of multi-country tours, specially designed to show you the unique way of life and the wonderful sights of each country in one journey. Southeast Asia is a captivating region brimming with intriguing cultures, age-old customs and diverse landscapes. While the cultures and histories of Southeast Asia are intricately woven together, each country retains its own distinct and vibrant traditions. To truly experience the essence of the region, the best way is to embark on one of the enchanting multi-country tours this is especially for travelers that come from a longhaul destination. Most of Luxury Travel Company's tours start either from Hanoi/Saigon Vietnam or Bangkok, Thailand. "Luxury Travel's multi county tours combine two countries, Vietnam with Cambodia tours, Thailand with Laos Tours, Vietnam with Myanmar or Indochina tours or 5 countries Vietnam, Laos, Cambodia, Myanmar and Thailand in one trip. With our superb multi-country tour collection, the hardest thing is probably deciding which one to do," said Pham Ha Founder and CEO of Luxury Travel Vietnam Group Ltd. Luxury Travel Vietnam (www.luxurytravelvietnam.com) is offering travelers the 'cuisine, culture and World heritages discovery of Indochina' as a journey featuring superb food and cultural immersion coupled with luxury travel. This Indochina loop is a cultural and heritage adventure encompassing the ancient cultures of Vietnam, Cambodia and Laos. You will land at Luang Prabang, Laos, then fly on to Vietnam and end your journey in Siem Reap, Cambodia. This 16-day trip departs on a daily basis and can be tailor made to fit your time constraints or special needs. The per-person double rate is from $6833 for land costs that includes accommodation, nearly all meals, regional flights, transfers, visa fees, tips, entrance fees, medical and emergency insurance and a comprehensive pre-departure packet. Each cross-border itinerary of theirs is specially designed and thoughtfully assembled to maximize travelers' experience in Southeast Asia. Luxury Travel is a luxury travel specialist for Vietnam, Laos, Cambodia, Thailand, and Myanmar and won numerous travel awards for excellence over 6 years. With a sales representative in the USA, Luxury Travel is headquartered in Hanoi and has offices around Vietnam and management offices in all over South East Asia. |
Saturday, July 31, 2010
Luxury Travel Group Ltd to Unveil New Travel Experience - Multi Countries of ...
Fish behaviour fascinates locals
| Fish behaviour fascinates locals THANH HOA — Have you ever seen thousands of big fish swimming in a small stream? How would you feel if you knew that these fish were magic? In Thanh Hoa Province's Cam Luong Commune it is believed that such a school of 'sacred fish' exists and they can be visited by the public. It takes about three hours to drive from Ha Noi to the famous commune, which receives thousands of visitors every week who are curious to see these supernatural species. There are different ways to get to the stream. From Thanh Hoa city, people can drive on Ho Chi Minh National Highway to reach Cam Thuy District and then drive on Highway 217 for 12km to Ngoc Village, which is home to the fish. For more adventurous travellers, they can catch a boat at the Ham Rong Bridge and sail along Ma River to get to the village. Buses are unable to drop visitors off at the cave because it is on the other side of the Ma River. All visitors must then load up into small cars and they are then driven over a wooden suspension bridge to get to the opposite bank near the entrance of the cave. While we were driving across the bridge, I wished the driver would have stopped so that we could have had a few minutes to admire the view of the mountains, river and rice fields in the area. The stream that is home to the 'sacred fish' is about 100m long and up to 4m wide. The water in the stream is clear, clean and stays cool year-round. Although I heard ample amounts of stories about the fish, I was shocked when I finally saw them with my own eyes. Thousands of fish swam around like it was recess. The smallest fish were probably 2kg and the larger ones were probably closer to 10kg. A woman standing next to me claimed that a few years ago, residents often saw fish that were 20kg. "The fish here are very friendly. In the past, when not so many people visited, we often played with them," said Ha Thi Sau, a local resident. "The stream is our main source of water. We take water from here for washing, cooking and bathing. Despite our daily presence, the fish are still not afraid of us. We often touch and fondle them like our pets, and I think that they also like us," she said. The fish are biologically related to minnows and carp. The rare species are found in Laos, northern Viet Nam and southern China. They are also listed in Viet Nam's Red Book because the species are on the verge of becoming extinct. The fish have a dark back and red lips and fins. The fish also have red-spotted tails and silver scales that glisten in the sunlight. "They eat almost everything that they find in the stream, including moss, leaves and vegetables that we give them," said Sau. "Since the tourists know about the stream, the visitors rush to our village and bring popcorn, candy and snacks. These items are also feed to the fish, but the tourists also throw trash into the water, which makes it polluted," the 86-year-old women said. The stream and 'sacred fish' have been popular in the area for years, but they first became popular with the wider public in 1994. Although many things have changed in the last few years and thousands of tourists have come to see them, the fish still keep their natural routine intact. The sacred species swim out of the cave early in the morning to look for food and play with people before coming back to the cave at 5 or 6pm. "The fish never swim outside of the stream, which runs into the Ma River. Sometimes the fish are swept away, but they always try to swim back to the cave." Because the local people dare not to catch and eat these fish, the population is now thriving and growing. "We believe that they bring us luck and happiness so we have never considered eating them," said Sau. On the 8th-15th during the first month of the lunar calendar, the village hosts a gigantic festival. At the event, the local people offer sacrifices to the gods of the mountains, river and fish. "A board has been set up to manage the venue and protect the fish, but we do not have to do much because the local residents are awarded the profits and receive luck from the fish bring to them," said Vu Duyen Hong, the director of the Cam Thuy District's Culture and Sport Centre which runs the management board. "What we have to do is to make sure our guests do not do anything that would harm the fish and maintain a good environment for the 'sacred' animals," he said. "In the near future, our area will be built as an eco-tourism site that next to the stream will give visitors a chance to witness the Muong ethnic people weaving brocade. "We are also sending a request to the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism to improve our venue and transform it into a national tourism site next year," Hong said. — VNS |
Once upon a time on West Lake
| Once upon a time on West Lake "I was with my parents, and we were riding on a boat amongst a sea of lotus flowers. I felt like a fairy princess in my favourite childhood movie, Journey to the West," Hoang Kieu To Uyen recalls, as if it had happened just yesterday. "And the funny thing is that I was actually in the West. Well, West Lake (Ho Tay) to be exact". Uyen, 32, is a realtor, and a born and bred Hanoian who has spent most of her life in Ha Noi. When she was an 8-year-old girl, her parents used to take her to the most beautiful places in the city to teach her about the capital. "The lake was so serene and the water was so clear that you could see straight to the bottom in the day light," Uyen says. Like most Hanoians, she is in love with West Lake. The lake is located in the northwestern part of the city, spreading out across an area of 560ha. Long ago, the lake was a branch of the Hong (Red) River, but, as the river changed its course, it became its own body of water. Environmentalists consider the lake to be the lungs, or the natural air conditioner, of the whole city, calming the extreme tropical weather of the industrialising capital. West Lake has always been an area for vacationing royalty. In the past, kings from the Ly and Tran dynasties (1010-1400) built summer homes along the lake. On the northern end of the lake there are several villages famous for their flowers and fruit plantations. Most famous is Nghi Tam Village, the birthplace of Ba Huyen Thanh Quan, one of Viet Nam's premier women poets. These days, many of the summer homes built by the kings of yesteryear are now shrines and temples. Phu Tay Ho (West Lake Shrine) is one of the more popular shrines on the shores of the West Lake. Locals believe that the saints worshipped in Phu Tay Ho would most likely answer their prayers for wealth, luck and success. "It's a Hanoian tradition to visit the shrine at least twice a year, before and after Tet (Lunar New Year Festival)," Trinh To Nga, a 68-year-old pensioner, says. During the first and fifteenth days of the lunar month, people from all over Ha Noi flock to the shrine to pay their respects to the deities. On these days, the roads are filled with people dressed in colourful attire heading to the narrow road leading to the shrine. Phu Tay Ho is also famous for the bun oc (snail soup) and banh tom (shrimp cakes) sold in stalls and small restaurants along the street. Breathtaking views These days, West Lake can be a setting for any kind of occasion. For people looking for a cultural spot with breathtaking views to snap a few photos, Phu Tay Ho is the place to go. "I would prefer the original moldings and paint, but the views of the water really blew me away," Steve Jerrod, an American tourist, says. If you travel to Ha Noi on a summer day like today, you should try waking up early, at about 5 or 6am, and coming to see the lotus ponds just outside of Ho Tay Water Park. The smell of lotus flowers is very refreshing in the early morning before the ponds are burnt by the tropical sun. You may even see farmers on boats in the middle of the pond picking lotus flowers to sell at markets. They might even let you pick one yourself. You can also check out peach blossom gardens in Quang Ba Village, but only during the Tet holiday, around the end of January. Tourists can book individual or group tours from local agencies, which will give them an opportunity to thoroughly discover the many historical and cultural spots in the area. Uyen is now married to Alex Petrovsky, a 35 year-old Russian engineer, and together they have built a beautiful home overlooking the lake. "The area is fantastic; I can find everything that I need here. As I drive home from work every day, I am welcomed by a different air as soon as I get into the area," Petrovsky says. On weekends, if you and your family are up for some wet summer fun, you can take them to the Sao Mai swimming pool, with its endless lake views, or to one of the most popular entertainment parks in the city: Ho Tay Water Park. You and your family can spend the whole day playing water games and then indulge in one of the best buffet restaurants in town, Sen, which is located just outside the park gates. Sen serves the best of all Vietnamese cuisine in Ha Noi, with a view of the lake and a traditional atmosphere to boot. "It's our weekend tradition, and my kids love it," Uyen says. On the other hand, if you are just looking for a chic set-up for a night out with friends, you can go to one of the bars with the best view in town, the Summit Lounge. The bar is actually atop the penthouse suite at Sofitel Plaza Ha Noi. From the 20th floor, the view of the capital city is overwhelming, with its luminous buildings and sparkling Thanh Nien Road. While the Summit Lounge is more on the fashionable side, with well-dressed and well-paid customers social-ising and enjoying the soft music and view, Sheraton Hotel's Nutz bar is a more hip and fun hangout spot. DJ hangout World famous DJs have frequented the bar since its opening and the US$10 cocktails are quite good. "I don't care that the bar has to close by 2am; I have fun while I'm here," Jerrod says. As a largest lake in Ha Noi and also a great entertainment centre, real estate prices in the areas around West Lake are staggering and the surrounding quarters are full of five-star hotels and high-class villas. "The weather is perfect here. Whenever I'm in the area, it feels like I have moved to a totally different area code," Jerrod says. "Rent can be a little stiff but it's worth every cent." "Ever since I was a child picking lotus flowers in the pond, I've always dreamed of having a house looking over the lake. "Now I have one and it's even better than I imagined," Uyen says. — VNS |
Taking it easy motorcycling on the historic Ho Chi Minh Trail
| Taking it easy motorcycling on the historic Ho Chi Minh Trail Tired of the scorching heat in the city? Why not grab a motorcycle and drive off in to Viet Nam's beautiful, cool countryside? Motorcycle adventures are gaining popularity among young, adventurous Vietnamese and foreign travellers. No stops, no fixed schedules, just jumping on the bike and going- these are just some of the reasons why people are opting for motorcycle travel over traditional train and bus journeys. I bumped into Nick Villa (New Zealand) and George Marjak in Ha Noi one afternoon when they had just returned from a bike tour along the former historic Ho Chi Minh Trail. After living in Viet Nam for six months and understanding a bit of Vietnamese, the two young foreigners decided to take a spontaneous adventure on their rented Minsks, rather than booking an ordinary tour. The legendary Ho Chi Minh Trail was the supply line used by North Viet Nam soldiers to link the north with South Viet Nam during the American War. Soldiers, ammunition and supplies were carried by hand, bicycle and lorries for thousands of kilometres through the otherwise impenetrable jungle that covered Viet Nam's mountainous border with Laos. If relentless bombing did not stop him, it took a North Vietnamese soldier as long as six months to make the gruelling trek down the narrow jungle path that was the trail. Today, you can speed along the same route at 100km/hour, past peaceful hamlets and stunning mountain scenery. "I was very emotional as we drove along the road filled with so much history," Villa says. The trail has been transformed into a highway, more than 1,200km of which are open to traffic. It begins at the gates of Ha Noi and ends at the doorsteps of HCM City. In between, the route passes battlefields like Khe Sanh and the La Drang Valley, skirts tribal villages in the rugged Central Highlands and offers easy access to some of the country's top attractions — the ancient royal seat of Hue, the picturesque trading port of Hoi An and long, sandy white beaches that seem to go on for days. With a map, two bikes, and bags packed with jungle essentials such as: clothing, Wellington boots and first-aid kits, the two Germans started on their journey. They began on the outskirts of Ha Noi, where the journey was quite easy and peaceful at first. On the first day, there was nothing but a calm, smooth road and the sunset on the horizon. As they made their way through the city of Da Nang, Villa and Marjak visited the Non Nuoc tourism site where they met Pham Van Hung, a motorcycle and dirt bike tour guide who leads trips along the trail. Taking advantage of their chance meeting, the two foreigners began their real adventure the next morning. As they passed through Pa Hon Village (Dong Giang District) they could not help but admire the stunning views. They took pictures of every little detail of the ethnic village, and asked Hung to take their pictures too. One thousand snapshots later, they left picturesque Pa Hon. At midnight, they arrived at Prao, a mountainous town in Dong Giang District. Even though it was late, they still found the strength to wander around the town. "I like to drench myself in the secluded atmosphere of the mountains, and in every detail of people's lives here. You can only enjoy these things by travelling like this. I love the spontaneity, I love that I can stop wherever I want, which I cannot do with a strict schedule on a booked tour led by a guide wearing a tie. My guide on this trip is not so bad either," Marjak shared. The next morning, they continued their adventure from Quang Nam to Thua Thien – Hue. I also met up with a Dutch couple Marcus Kamp, 33, and Bree Angelique, 28, who recently returned from their own journey along the HoÀ Chi Minh Trail in the opposite direction as the two Germans, from Hue to Quang Nam. They each had a dirt bike and went with two tour guides named Duong Tien Hung and Le Van Son. On the first day of the trip, Kamp and Angelique enjoyed the fresh air under the trees along the A Roang – A Tep Pass between the two provinces while listening to their guides introduce the fascinating tales of Cong Troi (Heaven Gate) and of this legendary road during the war. They stopped in Ta Vang Village (Tay Giang District). Kamp could not help sharing his emotions: "The strange feeling when we set foot in the traditional village of the Co Tu ethnic group was amazing. It definitely boosted our enthusiasm for the bike trip." They explained that they met about a dozen expats who were also travelling on bikes during their two day trip along the trail. All of them were ecstatic about the amazing views of Truong Son Mountain and the surrounding jungle. What amazed them even more was the life and culture of the people they met along the way. Marco Bouwer, a 31-year old German tourist who rode the trail shared: "We are really relaxed and comfortable in nature, away from the heat and traffic that overwhelm the cities. Also, the people were friendly and curious. We often caught them looking and laughing at us, which in a way was pretty funny. We didn't mind." If you find yourself in the mood for a spontaneous adventure, you do not have to get online to plan your journey alone. The tour guides these travellers met along the way said they work in a group of about 20 people. They each worked on their own in the past, but eventually they came together and launched a website to promote their business. They all agreed on one fair price for their services and they share in the business. They speak English and can help in virtually any situation. They grew up here, so they have thousands of stories to tell you along the road. For just as little as US$40-60 a day, you can enjoy a reliable companion and a wonderful adventure on the historic trail. — VNS |
Cuc Phuong Park offers wildlife adventures, prehistoric relics
| Cuc Phuong Park offers wildlife adventures, prehistoric relics One of the nation's larg-est rainforests in Cuc Phuong National Park in the northern province of Ninh Binh has become a hot destination for adventure and nature lovers, complete with wildlife treks and homestays in the communes of Thai and Muong ethnic groups. Located in the triangle formed by Hoa Binh, Ninh Binh and Thanh Hoa, 120km southwest of Ha Noi, the park is just three hours away from the capital. The 22,200ha park – home to 2,000 primates, flora, fauna, a series of caves and several big lakes – was established in 1962 by the Government to preserve forest ecosystems in the northern part of the country. Over 300 species of birds have been recorded at Cuc Phuong Park, including red-headed woodpeckers, silver pheasants and the pitta brachyura. An Endangered Primate Rescue Centre was built to protect endangered animals, including Delacour's Langur, the Gray-shanked Douc Langur and the Golden Headed Langur, all of which are endemic primates that exist only in Viet Nam. In spring, between March and May, the park is aflutter with countless butterflies and covered in wild flowers. "The park hosts around 100,000 tourists annually and the park's accommodations can hold around 300 visitors a night," the park's tour operator, Do Hong Hai, said. Wildlife trekking A special wildlife tour was first organised six years ago, but it still only draws a limited number of adventurers, as the number of wild animals in the park have dramatically decreased in recent years. The park's staff suggested that tourists should come during the dry season between September and December. "Tourists will have more trouble during the rainy season, as leeches and mosquitoes are everywhere. However, in the dry season you won't be as exhausted after your treks," Hai said. He said that it's very rare chance to see leopards, tigers or bears at night because the number of animals has been reduced due to climate change and illegal poaching. However, he said that the owston civet, the giant black squirrel, the Indian flying squirrel and the loris could be seen between 7pm and 9pm most days. "You can catch the glowing eyes of the civets, squirrels and loris very often these days. The two hours you will spend tracking them down at night will give you an unforgettable experience and a sleepless night!" Hai said. Prehistoric cave Cuc Phuong Park is also well-known for its prehistoric cave. The limestone cave, which was excavated in 1966, was one of the earliest discoveries of human habitation in the country, with graves, stone axes, bone-made spears and tools dating back some 7,500 years. During the excavation 44 years ago, archaeologists found skeletons in three tombs where they believed prehistoric people had lived in the forest 7,500 years ago. In 2000 archaeologists discovered a fossilised sea reptile called placodontia, the first to have been found in Southeast Asia, dating back 200-300 million years. Visitors can also trek through a primary forest of century-old trees to meet the giant cho tree (parashrea stellata), believed to be around 1,000 years old. Living with the locals Khanh Commune –home to 100 Muong people – is the one of six communes recognised as a place to make a homestay by the park administration. The Muong ethnic commune is an ideal place to stop for the night after an entire day of walking around. Tourists can spend the night and see traditional folk dances around a camp fire at night. "The travellers can dance along with the locals, and roast potatoes and cassava roots for dinner. A cheerful night in the stilt house will refresh you for your next day's journey," said tour guide Le Vu Ha. Ha said that rafting along the Buoi River was a favourite pastime for travellers. "It's very interesting. Local people use bamboo rafts to cross the river, and travellers can try their hands at rowing them," Pham Van Cuong, a guide from a Ha Noi-based travel agency, said. "Travellers can row themselves along the river, which is surrounded by rice paddies and corn fields." Tourists can also expect to pay US$211 a piece for a group tour for two for a two-day, one-night trip. Travellers can also get a bus from the Ha Noi-based Giap Bat station to Cuc Phuong at 3pm each day, for a price of VND65,000. Another bus leaves the station for Nho Quan District, but it needs another 25km drive on a xe om (motorbike taxi) to reach the park. To learn more or to book a package, visit www.cucphuong-tourism.com.vn. — VNS |
'Negative Influences On Youth' Lead To Vietnam Online Game Limitations
Vietnam's Ministry of Information and Communications is placing restrictions on public internet access and banning ads for online games following complaints that games help lead to juvenile crime, according to the country's <a href="http://vietnamnews.vnagency.com.vn/Social-Isssues/201991/Ministry-bans-online-games-adverts-limits-internet-access.html">state-run news agency</a>. Minister Le Doan Hop announced the decision on Tuesday.<p>
The Vietnam News agency said citizens are concerned about online games' "negative influences on the youth." The restrictions follow public outcry that blamed increasing reports of juvenile crime and school truancy on online games and their allegedly addictive allure. </p><p>
The government in effect said it would cut off internet access from 11 p.m. to 6 a.m. to shops that offer public PC use. Officials will also issue a temporary stop on licensing of online games.</p><p>
The restrictions are valid through the end of the year, by which time the ministry said it expects the government to approve draft online game regulations. In Vietnam, there are 22 licensed gaming companies and 93 games, according to the report. </p><p>
Long-term potential solutions to the alleged negative effects of youth online gaming include electronic IDs used to manage citizen's internet usage. Director of the ministry's Electronic Information and Broadcasting Department Luu Vu Hai said the IDs could also help regulate subscribers to mobile devices.</p><p>
The Ho Chi Minh City executive council is also pushing for limitations on games with violent, gambling and pornographic content.</p><p>
Vietnam's restrictions come less than a month after China's Ministry of Culture said it would <a href="http://www.gamasutra.com/view/news/29362/Report_China_To_Ban_Sexualized_Online_Game_Ads.php">ban online game companies</a> from using sex to sell their products, and also ban the promotional use of violence and gambling in advertising.
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Vietnam has more than 3 mln diabetic patients
<p>
Vietnam is one of ten countries with the highest rate of diabetes patients at 3.5 percent this year, according to an international conference in Ho Chi Minh City Saturday.
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<p>The country’s population is currently nearly 86 million, which means over three million people suffer from the disease, said a report presented at an Asia-Pacific conference on diabetes.</p>
<p>Over 32,000 people are expected to die from the disorder’s complications like renal failure, and heart and blood vessel diseases this year, the report said.</p>
<p>The rate may increase to 4.4 percent, or 4.4 million people, by 2014, it added.</p>
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Friday, July 30, 2010
Music on âtapâ
<p>
Young, lively and vibrant Cuban band, Luna Negra, have begun their Vietnam sojourn at the Caravelle Hotel in Ho Chi Minh City.
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<p>The six-piece band performs a combination of salsa, bachata, merengue and other genres, featuring prominent violin work.</p>
<p>Having gained a fan following with performances throughout Spain, Italy, China and Venezuela, Luna Negra are looking forward to a repeat performance in Vietnam.</p>
<p>“Wait till Saigon gets a load of these guys,†John Gardner, general manager of the Caravelle, said shortly before their arrival. “These are serious musicians but they know how to have fun and they’ve got a lot of live experience under their belts despite being so young.â€</p>
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Foreign minister installs 11 consuls general
"Consuls General of the Republic of Indonesia, in accordance with their functions, are in the front guard of efforts to improve the economy and protection of Indonesian citizens," the minister said in his speech here Friday.</p><p>
He urged them to make concrete contributions for the national interest during their term as the consul general.</p><p>
The concrete contributions include efforts to increase the national economic growth needed to reduce the poverty rate and to create job opportunities, Minister Natalegawa said.</p><p>
They are also responsible for the protection of Indonesian citizens overseas and boost the Indonesian image and role in the international arena, he said.</p><p>
"By working hard, the 11 consul generals to be posted in several countries, have chances to make a different, without exception, and each of them could give additional values," he said.</p><p>
They will be posted in the United States (two consul generals), in China (2), Germany (2) and the rest in five different countries.</p><p>
For the United States, Al Busyra Basnur will be posted as consul general in Houston and Hadi Hartono in Los Angeles.</p><p>
For Chia, Edi Yusup will be in Guangzhou and Teguh Wardoyo in Hong Kong.<br/>
For Germany, Damos Dumoli Agusman will be posted in Frankfurt and Marina Estella Anwar Bey in Hamburg.</p><p>
The rests are Bambang Tarsanto Sumosutargio to be posted Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam, Chilman Arisman in Penang, Malaysia, Rosalis Rusman Adenan in Karachi, Pakistan, Ade Sukendar in Noumea, New Caledonia, and Gary Rachman Makmun Jusuf in Sydney, Australia.(*)</p></div></div><br><br><center><a href="http://www.wizardrss.com"><b>Powered by WizardRSS</b></a> | <a href="http://www.wizardrss.com"><b>Full Text RSS Feeds</b></a></center>
Cuc Phuong Park offers wildlife adventures, prehistoric relics
One of the nation's larg-est rainforests in Cuc Phuong National Park in the northern province of Ninh Binh has become a hot destination for adventure and nature lovers, complete with wildlife treks and homestays in the communes of Thai and Muong ethnic groups.
Located in the triangle formed by Hoa Binh, Ninh Binh and Thanh Hoa, 120km southwest of Ha Noi, the park is just three hours away from the capital.
The 22,200ha park – home to 2,000 primates, flora, fauna, a series of caves and several big lakes – was established in 1962 by the Government to preserve forest ecosystems in the northern part of the country.
Over 300 species of birds have been recorded at Cuc Phuong Park, including red-headed woodpeckers, silver pheasants and the pitta brachyura.
An Endangered Primate Rescue Centre was built to protect endangered animals, including Delacour's Langur, the Gray-shanked Douc Langur and the Golden Headed Langur, all of which are endemic primates that exist only in Viet Nam.
In spring, between March and May, the park is aflutter with countless butterflies and covered in wild flowers.
"The park hosts around 100,000 tourists annually and the park's accommodations can hold around 300 visitors a night," the park's tour operator, Do Hong Hai, said.
Wildlife trekking
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| Protection seeking: Cuc Phuong Park is home to the Delacour's langur, which is listed as one of the world's 25 most endangered primates. |
A special wildlife tour was first organised six years ago, but it still only draws a limited number of adventurers, as the number of wild animals in the park have dramatically decreased in recent years.
The park's staff suggested that tourists should come during the dry season between September and December.
"Tourists will have more trouble during the rainy season, as leeches and mosquitoes are everywhere. However, in the dry season you won't be as exhausted after your treks," Hai said.
He said that it's very rare chance to see leopards, tigers or bears at night because the number of animals has been reduced due to climate change and illegal poaching.
However, he said that the owston civet, the giant black squirrel, the Indian flying squirrel and the loris could be seen between 7pm and 9pm most days.
"You can catch the glowing eyes of the civets, squirrels and loris very often these days. The two hours you will spend tracking them down at night will give you an unforgettable experience and a sleepless night!" Hai said.
Prehistoric cave
Cuc Phuong Park is also well-known for its prehistoric cave.
The limestone cave, which was excavated in 1966, was one of the earliest discoveries of human habitation in the country, with graves, stone axes, bone-made spears and tools dating back some 7,500 years.
During the excavation 44 years ago, archaeologists found skeletons in three tombs where they believed prehistoric people had lived in the forest 7,500 years ago.
In 2000 archaeologists discovered a fossilised sea reptile called placodontia, the first to have been found in Southeast Asia, dating back 200-300 million years.
Visitors can also trek through a primary forest of century-old trees to meet the giant cho tree (parashrea stellata), believed to be around 1,000 years old.
Living with the locals
Khanh Commune –home to 100 Muong people – is the one of six communes recognised as a place to make a homestay by the park administration.
The Muong ethnic commune is an ideal place to stop for the night after an entire day of walking around. Tourists can spend the night and see traditional folk dances around a camp fire at night.
"The travellers can dance along with the locals, and roast potatoes and cassava roots for dinner. A cheerful night in the stilt house will refresh you for your next day's journey," said tour guide Le Vu Ha.
Ha said that rafting along the Buoi River was a favourite pastime for travellers.
"It's very interesting. Local people use bamboo rafts to cross the river, and travellers can try their hands at rowing them," Pham Van Cuong, a guide from a Ha Noi-based travel agency, said.
"Travellers can row themselves along the river, which is surrounded by rice paddies and corn fields."
Tourists can also expect to pay US$211 a piece for a group tour for two for a two-day, one-night trip.
Travellers can also get a bus from the Ha Noi-based Giap Bat station to Cuc Phuong at 3pm each day, for a price of VND65,000.
Another bus leaves the station for Nho Quan District, but it needs another 25km drive on a xe om (motorbike taxi) to reach the park.
Tour arrangements can be made through Luxurytravel, Handspan Adventure Travel, Exotissimo Travel and Buffalo Tours in Ha Noi.
To learn more or to book a package, visit www.cucphuong-tourism.com.vn. — VNS
Hanoian youngsters go crazy with Flash Mob
VietNamNet Bridge – Imported into Vietnam recently, impromptu dancing at public sites or “Flash Mob” has become a new trend of Hanoian youth.
Student teaching belly dancing
Modern youth burn through cash at discotheques
A flash mob is a large group of people who assemble suddenly in a public place, perform an unusual or pointless act for a brief time, then disperse. The term “flash mob” is generally applied only to gatherings organized via telecommunications, social media, or viral emails. It is not applied to events organized by public relations firms, protests, and publicity stunts.
The first flash mob was created in Manhattan in May 2003, by Bill Wasik, senior editor of Harper’s Magazine. The origin of flash mobs were unknown until Wasik published an article about his creation in the magazine’s March 2006 edition.
In Hanoi, flash mobs are developing quickly, attracting many teens and children.
A flash mob in the yard of Thanh Cong apartment block:
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Ba Vi day trip offers respite from scorching city summer
Ba Vi day trip offers respite from scorching city summer
When a small group of my friends decided to head out of the city one summer day to try to escape the scorching heat, we didn't have a destination, just an idea. So I suggested we go to Suoi Hai Lake, just 70km northwest of Ha Noi.
nto the
eucalyptus forests, or take a dip in the cool water of the lake.
Cuc Phuong Park offers wildlife adventures, prehistoric relics
Cuc Phuong Park offers wildlife adventures, prehistoric relics
Tour arrangements can be made through Luxurytravel, Handspan Adventure Travel, Exotissimo Travel and Buffalo Tours in Ha Noi.
Thursday, July 29, 2010
Vietnam tourism industry surviving on domestic travelers
VietNamNet Bridge - Vietnam’s tourism industry has been relying on the domestic market as the number of foreign travelers has decreased dramatically due to the global financial crisis.
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| Vietnam’s tourism industry has been relying on the domestic market as the number of foreign travelers has decreased dramatically due to the global financial crisis. |
Luu Duc Ke, Director of Hanoitourist, said cooperation betwen travel firms, carriers and hotels that allowed them to slash tour fees by 50-60 percent has helped attract more domestic travelers.
Vietnamese travelers previously believed domestic tours had unreasonably high tour fees with tours from HCM City to the north and central region and vice versa even more expensive than outbound tours to neighboring countries Thailand, China, Malaysia and Singapore.
Many travel firms have reported satisfactory increases of up to 30 percent in the number of Vietnamese clients traveling domestically and an increase of 8-10 percent in the number of Vietnamese clients going abroad.
Tran The Dung, deputy director of The He Tre, also said decreased tour fees have helped attract more travelers. The He Tre was one of the travel firms that initiated the tourism promotion programme based on the commitment on airfare reductions by Vietnam Airlines.
“At first, some travel firms were reluctant to make contact with Vietnam Airlines. They thought they would not reach any agreement with such a large state-owned corporation. However, the cooperation has been successful in allowing travel firms to slash tour fees to lure more travelers,” Dung said.
According to HCM City Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism director La Quoc Khanh, the city’s number of domestic travelers has increased by 18 percent, while revenue from tourism is expected to increase by three percent in 2009 in comparison with 2008.
Travel firms now fear tour fee increases in 2010 when the tourism promotion programme ‘Impressive Vietnam’ ends.
Many hotels have announced hotel room rate increases from January 1, 2010. “We have signed contracts with hotels, but they still break their commitments,” says Nguyen Tuan Quyen, director of Thanh Nien Xung Phong Travel Firm.
Quyen also complains that travel firms will face more difficulties in 2010, when tax boosts for travel firms (payment delay and 50 percent VAT reduction) come to an end.
Travel firms in HCM City are urging the city’s Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism to extend ‘Impressive Vietnam’ until the end of June 2010.
Meanwhile, Ke said travel firms are working with Vietnam Airlines on continued cooperation in 2010.
VietNamNet/SGTT
Travel firms asking for closer cooperation from airlines
The cooperation not effective yet
Nguyen Van Tuan, General Director of the Vietnam National Administration of Tourism (VNAT), said at the workshop on calling for investment in the airports of Phu Quoc, Can Tho and Lien Khuong held on July 27 in HCM City that cooperation between airlines and travel firms is very important, because both airlines and travel firms have the same purpose and the subjects of clients to serve.
At the workshop, Tuan asked airlines to improve their fleets and have enough aircrafts in order to meet the demand of tourists, because the number of tourists will increase very rapidly in the time to come.
Phan Dinh Hue, Director of Vong Tron Viet (Viet Circle) Travel firm, said the cooperation between airlines and travel firms last time was not close enough, because travel firms always find it difficult to arrange enough air tickets for their clients to fly to Vietnam’s famous tourist sites, including Phu Quoc Island.
Hue told Thoi bao Kinh te Saigon that a group of Vong Tron Viet’s clients once had to shift from Vietnam Airlines to fly with Jetstar Pacific, because Vietnam Airlines could not provide enough air tickets, though the travel firm booked tickets in advance under the cooperation program between Vietnam Airlines and travel firms.
As the result, Vong Tron Viet had to compensate 300,000 dong to every client, because the clients could not fly with Vietnam Airlines as the travel firm promised.
Nguyen Quoc Ky, General Director of Vietravel, also said his travel firms is meeting similar difficulties.
“It is very difficult to book enough air tickets for the same flights on some air routes, especially on some days of week,” he said.
Ky added that many MICE (meeting, incentive, convention, exhibition) groups of tourists consist of 200-400 members. Meanwhile, on some air routes, Vietnamese air carriers only serve with 70-seat aircrafts. As a result, groups of tourists cannot fly on the same aircrafts, which always takes time.
Regarding the flights to Phu Quoc island, Ky said that it is very difficult to arrange enough seats for big groups of tourists, and it will be too tiring for them to go there by road.
Currently, only the national flag air carrier Vietnam Airlines and the Vietnam Air Service Company (VASCO) are providing flights to some tourist sites like Phu Quoc and Da Lat. Previously, Jetstar Pacific provided flights between Hanoi and Can Tho, but it has given up the air route because it could not compete with Vietnam Airlines.
What to do to attract more tourists?
Clodelsa Ty, General Director of United Airlines in Vietnam, said in order to attract airlines, especially international ones, to Vietnam’s airports, the first thing that Vietnam needs to do is to create demand and attract tourists.
“When there is demand, air carriers will come to meet the demand. It is necessary to give clients and investors reasons to come to Vietnam,” Ty said.
Ky of Vietravel said together with developing international airports, local authorities need to develop tourist products in order to attract clients. Travel firms really want to have more tourist products to sell.
VNAT’s General Director Nguyen Van Tuan asked airlines to reserve preferences for travel firms and strategic partners to help them get more favorable conditions to explore the market. Airlines should also listen more to the opinions from travel firms in order to make the cooperation between travel firms and airlines closer
Source: Thoi bao Kinh te Saigon