Thay Thim Festival kicks off on Saturday

The Thay Thim cultural-tourism festival 2012 will be held at Thay Thim Palace from Saturday until Tuesday in La Gi Town, Binh Thuan Province.

Chau Thanh Long, vice chairman of La Gi Town, said: “The festival is not only a cultural event but also a historical activity to pay tribute to ancestors. This year, the festival has new features from the rituals to the activities.”

The rituals include offering ceremonies to goddesses, ancestors and whales as well as ceremonies to pray for a good harvest, good health and happiness for residents.

The festival days were filled with traditional artistic performances such as dragon dances, drum roll and sports activities including hill trekking, human chess and tug-of-war.

For the first time the festival will feature a legend about Thay Thim by cai luong (Southern opera) drama performed by popular artists from HCMC.

The organizers also introduced a book about Thay Thim Palace by Le Cong Si which aims to mark the 15th anniversary of the palace being recognized as a national historical-cultural relic. They expect to attract over 200,000 visitors.

(Source: SGT)

Keo Pagoda designated special national relic

The Keo Pagoda in Duy Nhat commune, Vu Thu district, in northern Thai Binh province, has been recognised as a special national relic for its unique historical, cultural, architectural and artistic values. 

The province held a ceremony on October 24 to receive the title and officially open the 2012 Keo Pagoda Autumn Festival.

After the first ceremonies, the delegates, along with many Buddhist monks, nuns, followers and tourists, offered incense in commemoration of Buddhist monk Duong Khong Lo and those who took part in the pagoda construction, from the 17 th century.

Speaking at the ceremony, a senior official from the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism underlined the unique values of the pagoda and urged Thai Binh province to preserve and promote these values so that it is worthy of becoming one of the nation’s special cultural heritages.

Just over 130 km away from the capital Hanoi, Keo Pagoda, which was built in 1632, is an ancient building but has 102 rooms, more than any other pagoda in Vietnam.

There are two passages which separate the pagoda from the temple. They are designed with curved roofs that join together at the 11.5m-high iron and wood bell tower.

The tower has three storeys, each of which possesses its own tiled roof and bronze bell.

The 108,000 m2 pagoda is home to a wealth of ancient artefacts, which range from intricately engraved wooden dragons to a collection of over 100 statues.

It has also preserved many valuable antiques, such as a pair of candlesticks from the Mac Dynasty, pottery and altars from the Le Dynasty and several imperial boats.

The Keo Pagoda Autumn Festival is held annually from the 13 th to 15 th of the ninth lunar month, in honour of monk Duong Khong Lo, who is said to have cured King Le Thanh Tong of illness.

In addition to the traditional religious rituals that commemorate the Buddhist monk, the festival also hosts a variety of cultural activities that reflect the lifestyle of the Red River Delta’s agricultural communities.

(Source: VNA)

Government says VN welcomes tourists, but terrible vice keeps travelers away

VietNamNet Bridge – Foreign travelers have been heading for Vietnam, the oriental “millennium destination” with “hidden charm” to discover. However, many of them have shrunk back because of the stories about the problems travelers may meet in the country.

Vietnam has been determined to attract more foreign travelers to Vietnam, trying to show to them the images of a peaceful, beautiful Vietnam and Vietnamese hospitality.

Competent agencies have filed the documents to international organizations for the recognition of its relics and landscapes as the world’s natural wonders and cultural heritages. Ancient relics have been rebuilt or upgraded; imposing inauguration ceremonies have been organized.

The pieces of news about the events have continually appeared on local newspapers, showing the evidence about a renovating Vietnam.

However, while the government and competent agencies try to show the brilliant images of Vietnam, a lot of Vietnamese people show the dark part of the travel market.

Foreign travelers got their bags snatched. Foreign travelers were overcharged when taking taxis, got sexually abused, had money robbed. Especially, a foreign traveler had all of his money stolen, and he had to sell pictures to earn some money.

Lately, on October 17, 2012, Charlotte, a French woman, when walking on Tran Phu Street in the sea city of Nha Trang, had her camera snatched. At that time, Ruben Engelhardt, a member of the travelers’ team, tried to prevent the snatching, but he was attacked by the other gangs.

Finally, Charlotte had to give all the money she had in her pocket to the gang team to beg them to stop fighting the friend. After that the man was taken to a hospital for the injury treatment.

The noteworthy thing is that the Tho Loc ward’s police station said it did not receive any report about the attack from the foreign travelers.

It was true that the foreign travelers did not report the attack to the local authorities. Under the current regulations, travelers, even though suffering injuries, would have to come to police stations to report about the cases first before they can go to hospitals for treatments.

Here, at the police stations, they would provide all the details relating to the cases. This is really a difficult task for them, because there may be no one who can understand him if he speaks foreign languages.

After that, they would have to report the cases in written documents and show evidence and witnesses. Only when the criminals are arrested and exhibits are presented, would the competent agencies be able to begin considering the cases and making decisions.

As such, travelers have to undergo so many procedures to protect their benefits. This explains why they would rather not to ask for the intervention of the police.

Quang Ninh province has become “famous” in recent years, not only because it has the natural wonder Ha Long Bay, but also because of the troubles occurring in the locality.

Five travelers were lost in a case of a tourist boat sinking in early October, after 12 travelers died in a similar case in February 2011. Meanwhile, the local authorities have “thrown more oil into the fire” when announcing the two-fold increase in the transport service fees.

Vietnamese people have a saying: “the fly that spoils the broth.”, i.e. just some problems occurring in some places may spoil the images of Vietnam’s tourism. Therefore, Vietnamese people have called for eliminate the “flies” to keep the Vietnam’s tourism environment clean.

In the latest news, the foreign travelers to Vietnam in June, July and August dropped by 15 percent in comparison with the same period of the last year.

Nguyen Duy Nghia

National Professional Cai Luong Festival features 22 stage troupes

The National Professional Cai Luong (reformed theatre) Festival 2012 featuring 22 stage troupes from across the country, opened in Bien Hoa city, Dong Nai province, on October 20.

The artists will perform 26 new pieces that have been composed since 2009, focusing on issues in contemporary life.

Speaking at the opening ceremony, Deputy Minister of Culture, Sports and Tourism Vuong Duy Bien said the event provides an opportunity for Cai Luong artists to exchange experiences and be inspired to create more high quality works for the public.

The festival also honours individuals and collectives that have made positive contributions to the development of the art form, he added.

The event, held jointly by the Department of Performing Arts, the Vietnam Association of Stage Artists and the Dong Nai provincial Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism, will conclude with an awards ceremony on November 4.

The stage troupes will then travel to give performances in Long Khanh town, Bien Hoa city and other districts of the city.

(Source: Nhan Dan )

My Son: A Holy Land Of Hinduism

My Son is an ancient monumental treasure in Vietnam. However, some statues and exhibits were stolen or had collapsed during the war or over time. 

Arriving at My Son, tourists may lose themselves in the vast green forest, fresh air and tranquility. After going up and down the slopes, travelers will see an ancient tower hidden behind the gravel path and bushy trees.

My Son is a cluster of Hindu temples and is surrounded by mountain ranges. In the past, My Son was a burial place for Cham royalty and a site of religious ceremonies for the kings of the ruling Champa dynasties.

My Son is regarded as one of the oldest Hindu temple complexes in Southeast Asia and is a unique place in Vietnam. Observing the My Son temples, with their sandstone exhibits and statues, tourists will see spiritual culture more often identified with India. Scientists said that the first temple was built in My Son in the sixth century. Unfortunately, a major fire reduced it to ashes. Some other temples were built to make My Son an original architectural complex. These temples are different from each other, and each has its own mysterious exterior.
Apart from the temple architecture, Hindu culture is also reflected through the relics found in My Son. They were made in the era of King Bhadravarman I, who ruled from 380 until 413 AD. A temple was built to worship Shiva in the form of lingam, which is interpreted as the God of Rebirth. Until now, this religious culture has existed in old written records in Sanskrit.

Lingam, yoni, Nadin and Apsara statues have been kept in the temples. Tourists will be amazed when seeing the red bricks used to build the temples. No one fully understands how the bricks were made, or what construction techniques were used by the Cham builders to set up these temples without any adhesives.

No matter how the temples were built, every cluster in My Son consists of the main temple of Kalan, which is surrounded by temples featuring lingam, yoni and Shiva statues. Researchers said that in front of the complex is the entrance gate-tower called Gopura, and the next is Mandapa, a vestibule for public rituals.

Next to the vestibule is an architectural work facing the north, often called the direction of Kubera, the God of Wealth. It has one or two halls containing offerings to worship the gods. The main entrance gates of all temples face the east to receive the sunlight completely. Every temple is shaped like a pyramid, which is the symbol of Lord Meru and where Hindu gods reside. However, tourists will find some traces of Buddhism in the land of Hinduism. In the 10th century, Buddhism became the main religion of the Cham people.

Sweating profusely after a tour around temples in My Son Sanctuary, tourists can enjoy a folk music program performed by Cham girls in traditional dress.

Source: Saigontimes

 

Beauty of Ninh Binh enhanced by mountains, nature reserve

VietNamNet Bridge – Tired after a busy week, I went to rejuvenate at Emeralda Ninh Binh Resort, a perfect place at the edge of the Van Long Nature Reserve, about 90km south of the capital. 

Van Long Nature Reserve is a flooded field surrounded by limestone mountains.
A boat trip is an ideal way to witness its wild beauty.

The reserve in Ninh Binh Province is a primeval tropical forest with spectacularly shaped limestone mountains surrounding the north's largest wetland, an area described as an "inland Ha Long Bay".

Instead of western style resort rooms, Emeralda's have traditional Vietnamese timber materials and furnishings, plus a private courtyard and outdoor shower.

But the highlight of the place was the warm-hearted staff who cared for my family. They did their best to help us enjoy our stay. All of them were gracious and smiling. One of my friends said they had the character of rural residents: plain, helpful and enthusiastic.

Following information on a leaflet left in our room, we decided to take a tour to the Van Long Reserve. About five minutes walk from the resort is a dyke from where we boarded a boat for a 45- minute tour around the reserve. We admired the wild beauty while our boatwoman, Vu Thi Tam, gave us a commentary.

The reserve is home to more than 450 plant species and nearly 40 animal species, including the rare Delacour's langur and the belostoma, a nearly extinct insect species.

The water surface is dotted with wild flowers of different colours. When I tried to take a water lily, Tam stopped me.

She said the area had remained beautiful because of a united effort of local people and tourists. Since it became a tourist destination in 1998 people quickly learnt how to protect it and popularise conservation among all visitors, she said.

Suddenly Tam pointed towards a high promontory where some Delacour's langurs sat on the peak. They looked tiny from a distance but Tam said we were lucky because the primate did not appear often and there were very few of them left.

Next to our boat, some South Korean tourists were even luckier, because they had a digital single-lens reflex camera that helped them watch the langurs clearly before taking photos.

One of them said happily: "I took pictures, they are beautiful."

Emeralda Ninh Binh Resort offers local architecture
that gives guests the feeling they are staying in the real
countryside environment of Viet Nam.

The cruise took us past ranges of splendid rocky mountains and such was the peaceful, tranquil atmosphere that we could hear the sounds of whisking fish, flying birds and moving oars.

Tam steered us to a beautiful cave which she said was about 250m depth. Though we couldn't get more than several metres into the cave because it was half submerged and the water-plants were too thick, we could see many magnificent stalactites and stalagmites inside.

This was only one of several caves in the area surrounded by walls of mountains.

Back to the dyke, we borrowed two bicycles from the resort to take a short tour, passing between towering limestone peaks, rice fields, lotus flower ponds and local villages.

We paused for a rest under the shade of a banyan tree where three old men were playing Chinese chess. They offered us cups of tea and talked with us and one teased my five-year-old son, like a grandfather.

Later we saw a family bailing out water from their fish pond and my son jumped into the mud to catch some. He came out dirty, but all the better for the experience he would never get in the city.

We ended our tour at the indoor swimming pool of the resort, tired but relaxed, and looking forward to more of the same the next day.

VietNamNet/VNS

Hue Traditional Craft Festival 2013

(TITC) - To promote the achievement of traditional craft festivals held once every two years in odd years, the 5^th Hue Traditional Craft Festival 2013 with the theme “Craft villages in tourism development” will take place from 27 April to 1 May, 2013 at the center of Hue City.

The event organized by People’s Committee of Hue City in collaboration with Department of Agriculture and Rural Development; Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism, Tourism Association of Thua Thien Hue Province and related departments will attract the participations of traditional craft villages in Thua Thien Hue and other provinces.

Main activities of the Hue Traditional Craft Festival 2013 include exhibition and introdution of handicrafts as well as shopping service for visitors. Besides, many activities responding the festival will also be organized as craft villages fair, art photo exhibition on craft villages; instruction of making traditional handicrafts; artisans meeting, talk and honor; programs of art performance; installation art…

In early November 2012, Thua Thien Hue Province will hold a press conference to propaganda, promote and call funding resources for the festival.

The 5^th Hue Traditional Craft Festival 2013 is opportunity to introduce traditional craft villages in Hue and also honor Hue cuisine in particular and Vietnamese cuisine in general to domestic and international visitors; contribute to affirming Hue as an special culture-tourism center, festival city of Viet Nam.

Thu Giang

Binh Thuan will soon become a fascinating destination

The goal of “the overall planning for developing Binh Thuan tourism up to 2020 with a vision toward 2030” approved by Binh Thuan provincial People’s Committee is to construct Binh Thuan to become a fascinating destination.

Chairman of the provincial People’s Committee Mr. Le Tien Phuong has lately signed the decision on approving the project of “Overall planning for developing Binh Thuan tourism up to 2020 with a vision toward 2030”. Accordingly, sustainable tourism development is an important strategy to form the locality to be a considerable brand name. Binh Thuan is expected to become an attractive national and international destination by means of continuing to popularize its potential and strength.

Under the approved project, the provincial authorities will focus on building Mui Ne to be a national tourist area and Phan Thiet as a major tourism city of the country. From the oriented development, Binh Thuan, which can reach a large tourist center of national and international stature, plays an important role in the promotion of the whole country’s tourism…

With the available advantages, the specific products also identified by the locality are sea tourism associated with forest ecotourism, high-grade resort center. To be on the high level, Phan Thiet tourism urban should be built into high-class sea resort center, sport- recreation. Besides satisfying the conditions of national and international activities and events, Binh Thuan authorities should also invite the investment in Casino and develop a typical center of food and drink. With respect to the broadcasting strategies, the provincial authorities will also attach much importance to creating the brand name of “Mui Ne tourism” in association with the famous center of business – sailboat entertainment.

(Source: Binh Thuan Newspaper)

Visiting Hue in the rain

The rain often makes you nostalgic with either the blues or happy memories. Rain makes the scenery more romantic and green, especially in sites of ancient works and historical plots like Hue City. Local authorities in Thua Thien-Hue Province have offered many tourism products during the rainy season this month.

A view of Ngo Mon Gate in Hue Imperial Citadel

This is a new, attractive bid to lure visitors who are looking for a more real and romantic experience. The product ‘Hue’s rain’ from the workshop ‘Building brand names for Hue’s tourism’ was started in February. Therefore, tourists will be invited to join tours to the landscapes of Hue Imperial City, walking under the rain on shaded roads. Authorities will erect installation artworks, souvenir shops, fine arts and craft villages on those roads to cater for the visitors.
Moreover, tourists will be taken on Hue-style tourist vehicles such as the cyclo and dragon boats with equipment to protect tourists from rain and help them to admire the surroundings.
Moreover, restaurants will serve food for the rainy season, especially grilled dishes. Tourist agencies will collaborate with cabarets to entertain guests with traditional music shows, so tourists can sense the romance of the raindrops, sip tea and listen to folk melodies.
Recognized as a World Cultural Heritage site by UNESCO, the former Hue Imperial Citadel built by the Nguyen Dynasty from 1805-1945 is one of the must-see destinations for those who take a trip through to the central coast.
The citadel compound is located on the north bank of the Huong (perfume) River, comprising three rings of ramparts: Hue Capital Citadel, Royal Citadel and Forbidden Citadel. The original look of the outer ring has amazingly remained intact with nearly 140 small and large constructions. Inside the second ring is the Royal Citadel with brick walls four meters high and one meter thick. There is also a trench system circling the citadel.
The citadel consists of more than 100 fascinating architectural works, with the most striking being the Noon Gate and the Thai Hoa Palace.
Inside the Imperial Citadel complex and behind the Throne Palace, the Forbidden Citadel was erected for the Emperor and his family. The whole site consists of about 50 architectural constructions of different sizes and seven gates.

50-year-old lantern making hamlet in Saigon

VietNamNet Bridge - "From the morning until now I have delivered over 2,000 lanterns. This year lanterns sold very well," said a saleswoman of toys for Mid-Autumn Festival on Lac Long Quan road, District 11, Ho Chi Minh City, told VietNamNet.

Resurrecting a "rare" trade

In the early morning of a day in early September, the alley leading to Phu Binh hamlet was more bustling than usual. Stalls selling lanterns for the Mid-Autumn Festival showcased traditional paper and glass lanterns.

A young man was carefully arranging lanterns on a tricycle. These lanterns were in various animal shapes like butterflies, crabs, rabbits, chickens, etc. The young man did his job while saying that a charity society had ordered him 4,000 lanterns for this mid-autumn festival. As the order is big, he had to deliver goods by installments.

"For some reason the purchasing power for lanterns suddenly rises this year. Thanks to this we can maintain this 50-year traditional trade," he said.

There are over five booths selling lanterns within a 100m alley, from the entrance of the alley to Phu Binh Church. Visiting a booth, we saw Ms. Nguyen Thi Bich was splitting spokes to make lantern frames.

As the bookkeeper of a company in HCM City, Bich, 28, quit the job for several years to join her family to produce lanterns.

Inside the store, Nguyen Thi Hoa, Bich’s mother was assembling lantern frames. This family began making lanterns right after the Lunar New Year. After over 8 months, they have produced tens of thousands of lanterns with a variety of shapes and colors, to bring joy to children in the full moon night.

Bich said lantern selling power highly increased this year. This is a good sign, especially in the attack of imported electronic toys.

An old lantern maker in the hamlet said this year lanterns sold well, meaning that after years of playing imported lamps, Vietnamese children want to go back to the rustic and profound beauty of traditional lanterns. Is the soul of the nation is coming back strongly?

“Bao Dap” lanterns

Phu Binh lantern making hamlet was formed in the mid-1950s. This was a community of the families who came from the north. According to the elders, the founders of this hamlet originated from a lantern making village in Nam Dinh province. They carried this traditional job to the South. They gathered together in the hamlet to maintain and develop this trade. At first, there were a few dozens of households in the hamlet. The number used to reach more than 200 households and it is now down to just a half.

Young girls make the final stage: decorating lanterns.

The golden age of this craft was the years before 1975. Back then, the lantern was a dream of Saigon children. Today, lanterns are also upgraded to satisfy new tastes of customers.

We dropped in on a house near Phu Binh market. Mr. Nguyen Van Quyen, 54, sat among piles of bamboo splints. His hands deftly bent each splint into a chicken shaped lantern. He stopped to talk with us: "Three generations in my families have made lanterns. Lanterns in Phu Binh are also called “Bao Dap” (Gratitude) lanterns. According to my grandparents, all Bao Dap villagers migrated here, with the lantern making craft. Today, it has the same meaning to call “Bao Dap” or “bao dap” lanterns. Bao Dap is the name of the village and it is also meaning that we maintain our father's profession to repay gratitude to our."

Mr. Quyen recalled the hardships of this profession in the past. He said that his family began a new lantern-making season after each lunar New Year. He went to Binh Phuoc to purchase bamboo to make lantern frames. His family used to produce around 10 kinds of lanterns, in the shapes of animals, aircrafts and ships. A 5m long bamboo tree can produce from 80 - 100 lanterns.

His family only processed lantern frames. Another group of workers were specialized at pasting cellophanes on frames. These workers were highly skilled in order to do their task quickly and beautifully. The last stage is decorating lanterns, which was assigned to other workers.

Quyen and his wife assemble lantern frames.

Every person had his/her own task. Everyone was busy all the year round. "We worked in one season to earn for the whole year," Quyen said.

He said that after the Mid-Autumn Festival, his family would begin making star-shaped lanterns for the Christmas. The time from the Christmas to the New Year is the relaxing period for lantern makers.

Saying goodbye to Mr. Quyen, we were informed good news: He was about to deliver over 2,000 lanterns to a trader in a southern province in the next few days. He invited us to stay back to film this scene.

We left Phu Binh lantern making village in late afternoon, with hopes to return. The most obvious thing here is that this year the atmosphere seemed to be more cheerful, because lanterns have been favored again to welcome a peaceful Mid-Autumn season.

Tran Chanh Nghia

Haiphong to host National Tourism Year 2013

The national tourism year 2013 will be held in Haiphong City aiming to introduce destinations, attract both domestic and foreign visitors, and foster tourism linkage among localities across the country.

National Tourism Year 2013 will be held in Haiphong

This was affirmed by the General Director of the Vietnam National Administration of Tourism, Nguyen Van Tuan, and the Vice Chairman of the Haiphong City People’s Committee, Le Khac Nam, at a press briefing to introduce to event in Ho Chi Minh City on September 13.
Themed “The Red River civilization”, the tourism year will provide a good chance for Vietnam to strengthen international integration and attract investment for tourism development as well as promoting local advantages to raise public awareness of the role and position of the tourism sector in socio-economic development.
The event will help international friends know more about local cultural identities.
A wide range of cultural, art, sport, tourism and trade events will take place during the whole year in Hanoi, Haiphong, Quang Ninh, Thai Binh, Nam Dinh, Ninh Binh, Bac Ninh, Hai Duong, Hung Yen, Ha Nam, Vinh Phuc, Phu Tho and Bac Giang provinces.
The opening ceremony will be held on May 11, 2013 to mark the 58th liberation anniversary of Haiphong. City centre and Do Son and Cat Ba towns will be the main venues for activities.
| VOV |

Hoi An's traditional silk village

A silk village in Hoi An, Quang Nam Province, somewhat overlooked for a while, has seen a revival of tourism of late, attracting tourists.
Ma Chau Village in Duy Xuyen District is just one kilometre away from centre of Hoi An City.
The combination of eco-tourism and traditional handicraft product development has helped to preserve the cultural life of people in Quang Nam.
Now, the village appears much more like in the past. Old looms in wooden houses, long unused, have been activated again. Besides the sight and sound of the moving looms, village also has green mulberry gardens and silkworm baskets.
Scarves and dresses made of silk are on display throughout the village, showing off the traditional craft of the residents.
Visitors also have the chance to learn something about the fabric-weaving method of the Cham ethnic minority people as well as see special products of the area. 

By Khanh Hien | dtinews.vn |

UNESCO recognizes Xoan singing as intangible cultural heritage

UNESCO has cast ballots approving Vietnam’s Xoan folk singing as a world intangible cultural heritage that needs urgent protection.

The approval was made at 11.30am (Vietnam time) on November 24, according to the Cultural Heritage Department under the Ministry of Culture, Sports, and Tourism.
UNESCO previously considered Vietnam’s dossier seeking its recognition of this type of singing as one of the best dossiers submitted.

Hat xoan or Xoan singing is done to worship a village’s tutelary god in the midland province of Phu Tho in northern Vietnam.
The hat xoan clubs often mark each new spring in a temple or communal house. Singing takes place at the door of the communal house.
The vice director of the Cultural Heritage Department, Nguyen Huu Toan, said that the Ministry of Culture, Sports, and Tourism will formulate long-term, specific programs to protect and promote hat xoan heritage.

| VOV |

Quang Nam province to boost tourism industry

The central province of Quang Nam hosted a record 2.3 million tourists in the first eight months of this year, earning VND3 trillion (US$143 million).

The figure was announced on Thursday at a conference in Hoi An Town to sum up 15 years of Quang Nam tourism.

Last year, the province, home to world heritage sites Hoi An, My Son sanctuary, and Cham Island biosphere reserve, hosted 2.5 million tourists.

In 1997 the province earned only VND47 billion ($2.2 million).

"We have made efforts in building charming destinations while travel agencies have made great contributions to the province having gained record earnings from tourism," said Vice Chairman of Quang Nam People's Committee Tran Minh Ca, adding that Hoi An had launched free wireless internet for tourists in the Old Quarter.

"The province plans to be the centre of the tourism industry among the central provinces by 2020. We have made efforts to create the most favourable conditions for investors in tourism," he said, adding that the province had already attracted 110 tourism projects.

Investors had built 80 international standard hotels and resorts with a total 5,000 rooms while the provincial tourism industry had created 15,000 jobs, he said.

"We are proud that the province still preserves cultural values as well as a healthy environment and friendly hospitality," said Vice Chairman of Hoi An People's Committee Truong Van Bay.

"Hoi An has boosted sustainable development in tourism and promoted environmental protection," Bay said. "We also are looking at developing eco-tour sites in the town."

Quang Nam Provincial People's Committee has co-operated with international organisations in building Hoi An and My Son Sanctuary as safe and green destinations.

(Source: VNS)

Vietnam’s first balloon festival a big success

Vietnam’s first ever International Hot Air Balloon Festival came to an end in the central province of Binh Thuan on September 3.

During the six-day event, 17 balloons from 12 countries and territories took to the skies above Phan Thiet City.

A wide range of activities, including kite displays, tourism and trade fairs and a culinary gala, were also held as part of the festival.

Binh Thuan plans to create a new kind of attraction, which the province hopes will open up opportunities for it to develop other products. Tourism itself has helped raise the province’s profile, as well as promote its nature and people in particular and Vietnam in general, to international friends.

Ngo Minh Chinh, Director of the provincial Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism, said that the central province will now hold the festival annually to become a regular feature on the tourism calendar.

(Source: VNA)

Nguom Ngao Cave – a must-see natural wonder

Nguom Ngao, an astonishing cave with numerous formations, is the most famous limestone grotto in the northern mountain province of Cao Bang due to its distinctiveness and scale.

Visiting Nguom Ngao, you are immediately captivated by its wild beauty when you view it cavernous spaces and impressive stalactites and stalagmites. The formidable echo only adds to the experience.
Nguom Ngao literally means “tiger’s cave” in the language of the local Tay ethnic minority. It is said that a long time ago, many fierce tigers sheltered in the cave and would enter the nearby village to hunt for livestock and even villagers.
The main entrance to the cave is 2km from Ban Gioc waterfall, just off the road to Cao Bang.The wonderful beauty of Nguom Ngao spreads throughout the cavern. A British study in 1995 found the grotto to be 2,144m long, reaching heights of up to 60m, with three main entrances known as Nguom Ngao, Nguom Lom and Ban Thuon.
At its main entrance you can feel the fresh, cool air from the natural filtering inside. Nature has endowed the cave with amazing rock formations that resemble humans, trees, plants and mythical animals.
The cave was formed due to the weathering process of limestone mountains by wind and water over many years. As a result, numerous sparkling multi-coloured stalactites hang from the high stone walls throughout the cave system. Along the way are stalactites of various shapes that resemble boats, cacti, forests, and terraced rice fields, reflecting the mountainous regions of Vietnam and the poles and valleys that are said to create a link between the earth and the heavens and the loving bond between men and women.
Nature has been busy with its work over the years to create attractive stone statues, such as those that resemble human forms, forest trees, animals of fairy tales, a huge lotus bulb and even a fairy combing her hair. Stalagmites appear to grow from the ground, but in fact are fed by dripping stalactites that vertical or horizontal. Many locations feature a large cluster of formations to indulge visitors. One of the most impressive stalactite clusters is one that forms an upside-down lotus chandelier, featuring fairies with flowing long hair on the corners. It is nestled a little below the oncoming path for perfect viewing.
Local people discovered Nguom Ngao in 1921, but the cave was not officially opened to tourists until 2006 when paths were built to lead visitors to many corners of the cave. The electricity system is due to be installed, but it's probably sensible to take a torch.
The main cave is enormous, with one branch reaching almost all the way to the waterfalls, where there is a 'secret' entrance. Normally a guided tour will take about an hour and will only go about 400m into the cave; but ask if you would like to see more. A full tour takes about two hours.
Here are some photos of Nguom Nao cave:

Vietnambeauty 

Cultural Exchange Festival between Hoi An and Japan

In August, when the weather is getting so hot, Hoi An is preparing for the 10th Cultural Exchange Festival between Hoi An and Japan (2012). You have chance relaxing on Cua Dai beach and enjoying special festival on the period 24th – 26th of August in Hoi An.
This year, the festival has many activities which are hold on main streets in ancient town and expanded to outside the town to places near rivers and beaches. You can explore local lives through visiting Kim Bong Pottery village, Tra Que Vegetables village, etc...You can relax on Cua Dai beach or An Bang beach and join sporty activities such as kitting, Kayak sailing, etc...; or exploring Cham island with wild beach, diving, fishing, camping, etc... After long active day, tourists will be relax their mind with peaceful environment in ancient town, enjoying activities of "Cultural Exchange Festival between Hoi An and Japan" and exploring traditional culture essences of Vietnam and Japan. A ancient and simple Hoi An will welcome you with a new and attractive cultural outfit.

Many special cultural – art – sport activities will be held. They aren't only performance, but you will be a part of these activities also. Every corner in the town will be a stage. You can take part in the contest of compose and perform Haiku poems of Japan. There're display typical food and beverage of Quang Nam and Japan; Jukata dress or Origami paper art of Japan. There's Tourism and Handicraft Fair of Vietnam and Japan.
You will have chance to read Japanese comic books or cartoon which are achieved Oscar prizes. Famous Japanese and Vietnamese singers will perform many traditional and model songs. The ending show will be held as a caravan with performances along streets.

 Hoi An city will hold Lunar festival at 16:00 – 21:30 on 30th of July, 2012. Besides regular activities on Lunar festival, there's Lantern Festival on Hoai river and "Vu Lan" ceremony at An Hoi Status Garden. You can taste many simple and typical Quang Nam food and beverage such as Quang noodle, Cao Lau, chicken rice, white rose, sweet soup, green tea, ect...
In this occasion, "The Memory of Japan in Hoi An" tour will be introduced. You will have chance to understand more about Japanese memories in Hoi An and cultural exchange between Japanese and Vietnamese. There're 3 old tombs of Japanese businessman in Hoi An which are as evidences for cultural exchange between 2 countries.
In Truong Le ward, there're tombs of Mr. Banjito (died in 1665) and Mr. Tani Yajirobei (died in 1647) who are Japanese businessman. They came Hoi An to establish their business, then got married with Hoi An woman and lived here for rest of live. The third tombs of Mr. Gu Sikukun is in Tan An ward which was built on 1689. He was a wealthy and powerful businessmen. He's known as leader of Japanese businessman in Hoi An on the 18th century. People live around these tombs take care them very carefully, so they're in good status as usual. In Hoi An, you meet other evidence for cultural exchange between Vietnam and Japan such as Japanese Bright, old houses, decoration, etc... You can taste special food and beverage of Quang Nam and Japan; play traditional games; learn and perform Bon dance of Japan or sing traditional folk songs. You can try and take pictures with Kimono and Yukata dresses of Japan or Ao Dai dresses of Vietnam.

You can find a Japanese restaurant easily everywhere in Viet Nam. However, let's visit Hoi An and tastle some Japanese and Vietnamese food and beverage on August, it's complete different feeling for you. You will have chance trying Art of Japanese Tea in Hoi An, on exciting environment and feeling the highest value of Cultural Exchange between Viet Nam and Japan.

http://118.69.203.162/crm/newsletter/04/newsletter04_full.html#festival

Central city to improve management of cyclo services

VietNamNet Bridge – The Thua Thien – Hue Province's Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism has approved a project to better manage the xich lo (pedicabs) operating in Hue City.

The trade union is going to be given VND120 million (US$5,700) to improve the pedicab services by training drivers and giving them uniforms and repairing and painting all pedicabs purple.
Pedicab tour prices will be fixed and notified publicly.
But this will only cover pedicab drivers affiliated to the trade union. There are more than 2,000 others who are not members.
The project was launched following many complaints by visitors against pedicabs, including about overcharging.
* Ba Na Hills Resort lures tourists with ‘magic' nights
The Ba Na Hills Mountain Resort has been hosting nightly entertainment through August entitled Ba Na-Magic Night at Fantasy Park. Besides circus and musical performers, there will be a nightly campfire for tourists. A chef from Karkav, Russia, will also introduce gourmet dishes and host barbecue parties. Vitours began operating a bus route to shuttle tourists to the resort from downtown Da Nang and back between 7am and 6pm daily, at a cost of VND110,000 (US$5.20) for a return ticket.
* Vietravel, Korean Air organize Korean pop music concerts
HCM City-based Vietravel has joined hands with Korean Air to launch a tour to watch a star-studded pop concert in South Korea departing on August 27 and 28.
The six-day tour of Seoul, Everland, and Jeju is priced at VND23.4 million (US$1,100), and will include tickets for shows besides meetings with K-Pop idols SNSD, Wonder Girls, Big Bang, and Super Junior.
Tourists will be taken to Jeju island, Kwan-dokjon and Songsan peaks, Seongeup ethnic village, Jangbang waterfall, and other spots.
VietNamNet/Viet Nam News

Foreign arrivals to Vietnam up nearly 11 percent

Welcomed over 3.8 million foreign arrivals in the January-July period, up 10.8 percent over the same period last year, according to the General Statistics Office of Vietnam.

In July alone, about 466,000 foreign arrivals flocked to the country, up 11.6 percent over the previous month, but down 7.9 percent over the same period last year.

This month, 380,000 foreign arrivals arrived in Vietnam by air while 7,000 came via sea routes and 79,000 by land.

Vietnam’s major tourism markets includes China, with over 773,000 arrivals in seven months, followed by the Republic of Korea with more than 421,000 and Japan with nearly 330,000.

The tourism sector is making every effort to fulfill the target of attracting 6.5 million foreign arrivals, serving 32 million trippers and earning VND150 trillion in 2012.

(Source: VNA-TITC)

Mang Lang Church is Phu Yen gem

| SGT | July 19, 2012 09:05 PM

Phu Yen Province is renowned for its many stunning beaches, splendid rock cliffs and magnificent mountains, but tourists looking for something unusual should visit Mang Lang Church in An Thach Commune, Tuy An District, about 35 kilometres north of Tuy Hoa City.
The church was built 130 years ago by French priest Joseph de la Cassagne who started erecting it in a paddy field in 1892. The building has experienced much change since that time, when there were many plants with purple pink blossoms called Mang Lang, from which the church takes its name.

Some people walk around Mang Lang Church in Phu Yen Province

After he died, parishioners buried him in the church in order that they can feel him close by.
The church has been renovated twice, in 1924 after a storm and in 1992 when the church celebrated a century. The church still retains its original Gothic architecture with bell towers on each side and a cross in the middle.
The church is equally appealing behind its walls. It has stained glass windows with the cross and other Christian images with yellow arches along the corridors that run down both sides of the building.
The combination of Eastern and Western architecture makes Mang Lang worth a visit and Catholics may want to peruse the documents about the life of Saint Andrew Phu Yen. His statue stands solemnly on a small hill in the church yard.
He was beatified in March 2000 by Pope John Paul II. Documents say he was publicly executed in July 1644 after a purge of Christians aged just 19, three years after he was baptized and 248 years before work began on the church.
The church’s name comes from a wild tree with big trunk, large groves, oval-shaped leaves and purple pink flowers which grow in An Thach Commune. They call that tree mang lang.
To reach Mang Lang Church, tourists just travel on National Road 1A to Chi Thanh T-junction in Tuy An District, then travel ahead for two kilometres, making a right turn to Ngan Son Bridge. From the bridge, tourists go on a road along Ky Lo River for one kilometer and they reach this treasured building.

Preparing for the first Viet Nam International Hot Air Balloon Fiesta (VIHAF)- Binh Thuan 2012

TITC_On 17th July 2012, a press conference on the First Viet Nam International Hot Air Balloon Fiesta (VIHABF)- Binh Thuan 2012 was held in Ha Noi by the Binh Thuan Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism, HCM-based Chien Thang Service Co., Ltd (Victory-Mind company) and Viet Nam News Agency (VNA). The event had the attendance of reporters and journalists of Ha Noi’s and central press agencies.

The VIHABF-2012 aims to celebrate the 67th anniversary National Day of Socialist Republic of Viet Nam (September 2nd, 1945 – September 2nd, 2012) and the 20th anniversary of Binh Thuan province’s re-establishment (1992 – 2012).

The fiesta will be held from August 28, 2012 to September 3, 2012 and attract about 40-50 balloonists coming from 10-12 countries and territories as: Netherlands, Belgium, Switzerland, Germany, United Kingdom, USA, India, China, Hong Kong… and the home team Viet Nam.

There will be 20-30 huge balloons carrying theirs nations’ flags and including ones with special shapes as: Felix cat, Golden pig, Ice cream cone, Elephant… According to Organizing Board, the fiesta area is opposite to Sea Links golf course, 706B road, Phu Hai Ward, Phan Thiet City, Binh Thuan Province. The fiesta will take place with a sea tourism and trade fair (from 29th Aug. to 3rd Sept.) and international hot air balloon performance (from 31st Aug. to 3rd Sept.)

In addition, there will be performance of sports flying equipment from 8:30 to 17:00 daily during the fiesta such as parasailing, fabric wing aircraft, model aircraft, kite-flying competition…and other attractive music and cultural performances every night.

Specially, logo of the fiesta is a Thanh Long shape (dragon fruit), a famous speciality of Binh Thuan, stylized as a hot air balloon with slogan “ Blue sea- white sand-yellow sunshine”.

At the press conference, Head of the Photo Editorial Board (VNA), Mr. Pham Tien Dung also announced a photo contest entitled “Binh Thuan green space – hot air ballon aspect ” in the framework of the VIHABF-2012.

About the preparation for the fiesta, Director of Binh Thuan Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism and Vice Head of Organizing Board of VIHABF-2012, Mr. Ngo Minh Chinh said the Province has currently 300 tourist accommodations including 10,000 rooms and many homestay accommodations to serve tourists on this occasion. In addition, safety and security for travelers, food safety and hygiene… will also be core concern of organizing board during the fiesta.

With unique ideas and careful preparation, the VIHABF-2012 promises to be an impressive cultural and sports event attracting the attention of numerous domestic and int’l tourists, contributing to improve tourism brand of Binh Thuan Province.

Thanh Pham

Growing “natural antibiotic” on Ly Son Island

VietNamNet Bridge - Ly Son island district in Quang Ngai province in central Vietnam, is very famous for its specialty – garlic, which is compared to “natural antibiotic.”

It takes nearly one hour by speedboat from Sa Ky port in Quang Ngai city to get to Ly Son district island, where the first Sa Huynh residents lived nearly 3,000 years ago and left behind mysterious stories about Sa Huynh culture.

Ly Son Island is known as Cu Lao Re or Re Island because, according to local elders, the island has a lot of Ré, a type of wood. The bark of the tree is used as strings. Ly Son has three communes - An Hai, An Vinh and An Binh. Though it is a small island, it takes three to four days to explore.

Ly Son is also known as the kingdom of garlic. Garlic fields on the island are like a green carpet. Ly Son garlic is a local specialty, preferable to other varieties. It’s medium-sized, white, tasty, and often used as a remedy. The local garlic has become an indispensable gift for any tourist.

Tourists to Ly Son are also captivated by the local special seafood, especially the wide variety of snails. Souvenirs made of snail shells are often included in gift packages of tourists. 

Local residents also grow onions. If garlic is planted in the winter, onion is planted in the summer.

Annually, Ly Son residents harvest thousand tons of garlic from 550 hectares of garlic fields. Garlic is mainly planted on sandy land.

Garlic and onion are usually harvested in the afternoon.

One kilo of onion is priced VND20,000 ($1) at the field and VND25,000-VND30,000/kg at port.

Compiled by Na Son