Hanoi During two wars

Hanoi During two wars

The city was occupied by the Japanese in 1940 and liberated in 1945, when it briefly became the seat of the Viet Minh government after Ho Chi Minh proclaimed the independence of Vietnam. However, the French returned and reoccupied the city in 1946. After nine years of fighting between the French and Viet Minh forces, Hanoi became the capital of an independent North Vietnam in 1954.

During the Vietnam War, Hanoi's transportation facilities were disrupted by the bombing of bridges and railways. These were all, however, promptly repaired. Following the end of the war, Hanoi became the capital of a reunified Vietnam when North and South Vietnam were reunited on July 2, 1976.

Hanoi During Nguyễn Dynasty and French colonial

Hanoi During Nguyễn Dynasty and French colonial

In 1802, when the Nguyễn Dynasty was established and moved the capital to Huế, the old name Thăng Long was modified to become Thăng Long (昇隆, "Ascending & Flourishing"). In 1831, the Nguyễn emperor Minh Mạng renamed it Hà Nội (河内, "Between Rivers" or "River Interior"). Hanoi was occupied by the French in 1873 and passed to them ten years later. As Hanoï, it became the capital of French Indochina after 1887.

In 1802, when the Nguyễn Dynasty was established and moved the capital to Huế, the old name Thăng Long was modified to become Thăng Long (昇隆, "Ascending & Flourishing"). In 1831, the Nguyễn emperor Minh Mạng renamed it Hà Nội (河内, "Between Rivers" or "River Interior"). Hanoi was occupied by the French in 1873 and passed to them ten years later. As Hanoï, it became the capital of French Indochina after 1887.

In 1802, when the Nguyễn Dynasty was established and moved the capital to Huế, the old name Thăng Long was modified to become Thăng Long (昇隆, "Ascending & Flourishing"). In 1831, the Nguyễn emperor Minh Mạng renamed it Hà Nội (河内, "Between Rivers" or "River Interior"). Hanoi was occupied by the French in 1873 and passed to them ten years later. As Hanoï, it became the capital of French Indochina after 1887.

Hanoi is the capital of Vietnam

Hanoi is the capital of Vietnam: Hanoi (Hà Nội;  listen; Han Tu: 河內), is the capital of Vietnam and the country's second largest city. Its population in 2009 was estimated at 2.6 million for urban districts,[1] 6.5 million for the metropolitan jurisdiction.[2] From 1010 until 1802, it was the most important political centre of Vietnam.

It was eclipsed by Huế, the imperial capital of Vietnam during the Nguyen dynasty (1802-1945), but Hanoi served as the capital of French Indochina from 1902 to 1954. From 1954 to 1976, it was the capital of North Vietnam, and it became the capital of a reunified Vietnam in 1976, after the North's victory in the Vietnam war.

The city is located on the right bank of the Red River. Hanoi is located at 1,760 km (1,090 mi) north of Ho Chi Minh City and at 120 km (75 mi) west of Hai Phong city.
October 2010 officially marked 1000 years since the establishment of the city.[3]
This city was awarded to host 2019 Asian Games.

History , Pre-history:

Hanoi has been inhabited since at least 3000 BC. One of the first known permanent settlements is the Co Loa citadel founded around 200 BC.

Hanoi has had many names throughout history, all of them of Sino-Vietnamese origin. During the Chinese domination of Vietnam, it was known first as Long Biên, then Tống Bình (Chinese: 宋平, Sòngpíng, "Song Peace") and Long Đỗ (Chinese: 龍肚, Lóngdù, "Dragonbelly"). In 866, it was turned into a citadel and named Đại La (Chinese: 大羅, Dàluó, "Big Net").

Thăng Long, Đông Đô, Đông Quan, Đông Kinh

In 1010, Ly Thai To, the first ruler of the Lý Dynasty, moved the capital of Đại Việt to the site of the Đại La Citadel. Claiming to have seen a dragon ascending the Red River, he renamed the site Thăng Long (昇龍, "Rising Dragon") - a name still used poetically to this day. Thăng Long remained the capital of Đại Việt until 1397, when it was moved to Thanh Hóa, then known as Tây Đô (西都), the "Western Capital". Thăng Long then became Đông Đô (東都), the "Eastern Capital."

In 1408, the Chinese Ming Dynasty attacked and occupied Vietnam, changing Đông Đô's name to "Eastern Gateway" (Chinese: 東關, Dōngguān), Đông Quan in Vietnamese. In 1428, the Vietnamese overthrew the Chinese under the leadership of Lê Lợi, who later founded the Lê Dynasty and renamed Đông Quan Đông Kinh (東京, "Eastern Capital") or Tonkin. Right after the end of the Tây Sơn Dynasty, it was named Bắc Thành (北城, "Northern Citadel").

Weekly performances of Ca Tru in Hanoi

Weekly performances of Ca Tru in Hanoi

A weekly performance of the Ca Tru Hanoi club is held every Wednesday, Friday and Sunday night at 42-44 Hang Bac Street in Hanoi.

Ca tru Hanoi club was established in 1990. Since then the club has organized performances as well as making serious efforts toward preserving and spreading the art of Ca tru.

Ca tru (song with clappers), is an ancient genre of chamber music, featuring female vocalists, with origins in northern Vietnam. For much of its history, it was associated with a geisha-like form of entertainment, which combined entertaining wealthy people as well as performing religious songs for the royal court.

In 2009, Ca tru was officially recognized by UNESCO as a World Intangible Cultural Heritage in Need of Urgent Safeguarding.

Ms. Le Thi Bach Van, director of the club, was awarded the title of “Excellent Artist” by the Vietnamese government in 2012 in recognition of her contribution to this ancient art.

All songs are performed in Vietnamese, but English introduction and translation are available. During the break, audiences can learn more about the history of Ca tru and instruments used in the performance, as well as have a chance to try their hands at the instruments.

(Source: CPV)

VietJet Air launches Ho Chi Minh City - Vinh route

VietJet Air launches Ho Chi Minh City - Vinh route

The new generation low-cost carrier VietJetAir officially launched a domestic route linking Ho Chi Minh City and the central city of Vinh on November 15.

There will be one flight everyday using Airbus A320 which seats 180 passengers.

This is the carrier’s sixth destination in the domestic air network apart from Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, Hai Phong, Da Nang and Nha Trang.

VietJetAir Deputy General Director Pritam Singh said the service is launched to meet the increasing demands of local and foreign visitors.

The airline is expanding its network throughout the country by increasing the flight frequency on existing routes and launching new services to Da Lat, Hue and Phu Quoc, he said.

On this occasion, VietJetAir started a promotion campaign, offering one-way ticket from Vinh to Ho Chi Minh City at only VND499,000 until December 10.

(Source: VNA)

Vietnam Airlines connects Hanoi - Phu Quoc Island

Vietnam Airlines connects Hanoi - Phu Quoc Island

Next month, passengers can travel to the capital of Indonesia (Jakarta) and the largest island in Vietnam (Phu Quoc Island) via two new direct air routes, announced said the Vietnam national flag carrier – Vietnam Airlines, on November 20.

Accordingly, from December 2, the Airlines will operate four direct flights between Ho Chi Minh City and Jakarta per week, using Airbus A321 aircraft every Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday, and Sunday.

Flights will depart from Ho Chi Minh City at 10am and from Jakarta at 13.45 pm (local time). The estimated flying time is around 3 hours. This is the first ever-direct air route between Vietnam and Indonesia.

In the domestic network, from December 12, passengers can make a direct connection between Hanoi and Phu Quoc Island with five Airbus A321 flights per week on Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, and Sunday. Flights will depart from Hanoi at 10am and Phu Quoc Island at 13.15 pm. The estimated flying time is around 2 hours and 25 minutes.

On this occasion, the Carrier will also offer a huge promotional program. Return tickets on the Ho Chi Minh City - Jakarta route is VND2.905 million, a 22 percent saving, and on the Ho Chi Minh City - Jakarta - Bali route is only VND7.085 million, down 11 percent (taxes, fees and surcharges not included in the fare). These tickets must be paid between November 22 to December 31 2012 and flights departing between December 1, 2012 to March 30, 2013.

Meanwhile, on the Hanoi - Phu Quoc - Hanoi route, there are 300 one - way attractive tickets (taxes, fees and surcharges not included in the fare). With the price of VND120,000, passengers need to purchase tickets from December 22-27, 2012 and intending to depart from December 12 - 21, 2012.

So far, Vietnam Airlines has increased its network to 86 routes, including 28 international and 20 domestic destinations.

Detailed information can be found at Vietnam Airlines booking offices nationwide or at www.vietnamairlines.com.

(Source: CPV)

Vietnam Airlines launches new air routes

Vietnam Airlines launches new air routes

Vietnam Airlines, the national flag carrier, has announced it will officially open two new air routes in December.

From December 2 the airline will begin offering four direct Airbus A321 flights between HCM City and Jakarta per week - on Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday, and Sunday.

Flights will depart from HCM City at 10am and from Jakarta at 13.45 pm.

A Vietnam Airlines representative said the new route is the first to fly directly between Vietnam and Indonesia and the second international route the airline has launched.

From December 12, Vietnam Airlines’ domestic network will include a direct route between Hanoi and Phu Quoc. The route will be serviced by five Airbus A321 flights per week on Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, and Sunday-departing from Hanoi at 10am and Phu Quoc at 13.15 pm.

Sales marking the launch occasions are offering return tickets on the HCM City - Jakarta route for only VND2,905,000 million, a 22 percent saving, and on the HCM City-Jakarta - Bali route for only VND7,085,000, down 11 percent. These prices exclude taxes and fees and are only available for tickets purchased between November 22 to December 31 2012 and flights departing between December 1 2012 to March 30 2013.

The airline will also offer one-way tickets on the Hanoi - Phu Quoc route for the attractive price of VND120,000. The offer is valid for passengers purchasing tickets from December 2 to December 27 2012 and intending to depart from December 12 to December 21.

(Source: VOV)

A woman died on Jetstar Pacific flight

A woman died on Jetstar Pacific flight

A 45-year-old woman suddenly died on a flight from Ho Chi Minh City to Haiphong of Jetstar Pacific, which took off at 3.10pm on November 20.

According to Jetstar Pacific, the woman went to Ho Chi Minh City for medical treatment. She was dead on the way home in Haiphong.

Before getting on board, the passenger showed signs of a fever. Staff at the airport asked her to have a medical check and sign an indemnity exemption.

However, after one hour on the aircraft, the woman had critical symptoms. The patient's relatives and Jetstar Pacific staff conducted emergency measures, but the victim did not survive.

This is not the first time a passenger suddenly died during a flight. In August 2010, a 50 year old man died on a flight from Danang to Hanoi of Vietnam Airlines, when the plane was about to take off.

The flight was canceled to take the passenger to the emergency room but he died. The victim was a businessman from Hanoi, who was identified to be dead of heart disease.

The Air Transport Association of America (ATAA) and the American Medical Association (AMA) have agreed on a list of diseases that passengers who suffer from them must not be allowed to or should be restricted from using commercial flights.

These are the following diseases: Cardiovascular diseases; respiratory diseases; blood-related diseases; the patients who have just undergone surgery; mental patients; and over-eight-month pregnant women.



Source: VNN

EU helps build tourism development plans in Ha Long Bay

EU helps build tourism development plans in Ha Long Bay

The European Union (EU) will provide assistance to Vietnam to help design plans for sustainable development of tourism in Ha Long Bay in the future.

The signing of an agreement to this effect took place in the northern province of Quang Ninh on October 18 by the provincial Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism and the Management Board of the “Environmentally and Socially Responsible Tourism Capacity Development Programme” (ESRTCD).

The agreement is part of the ESRTCD in the 2011-2015 period, which is funded by the EU with a total budget of 11 million EUR.

Under the agreement, the programme will assign domestic and international experts to help in the process of drafting a master plan of tourism development in Quang Ninh province to 2020.

Investigations on demand of visitors will be conducted in the framework of the project in order to design suitable tourism products in Ha Long Bay.

Additionally, the project will also help improve professional skills for tourism workers through training courses.

The EU is one of the biggest donors of non-refundable aid for Vietnam ’s tourism sector. This was the second project funded by the union, following the recently completed “Tourism Human Resources Development” project in 2010.

(Source: VNA)

Vietnam, Japan to hold joint cultural activities

Vietnam, Japan to hold joint cultural activities

Japan and Vietnam will co-organise a wide range of cultural activities in 2013 to commemorate 40 years of diplomatic ties.

The agreement was reached at a working session between Vietnam’s Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism (MCST) and a delegation of Japan’s Kyushu National Museum in Hanoi on October 24.

Within the cultural activities framework, Japan’s Kyushu National Museum will host two exhibitions on Vietnam next April. It will exhibit 116 significant cultural artifacts from the Vietnam National Museum of History and another 9 from the Thang Long Heritage Conservation Centre.

For his part, MCST Deputy Minister Le Khanh Hai confirmed the Vietnamese contingent will wholeheartedly support the organisation of these exhibitions, so as to introduce Japanese people to the distinctive cultural identity of Vietnam.

He expressed hope that such cultural activities will help strengthen the strategic partnership between the two countries.

Hai added that his ministry is also ready to assist with the organisation of a friendly match between their respective national football teams.

The same day, the two museums signed a contract to jointly host exhibitions in Japan in 2013.

(Source: VOV)

A colorful day at new Dong Van market

A colorful day at new Dong Van market
The famous market of Dong Van town that was built hundreds of years ago was finally closed down and been replaced by the new market located just across the street.

At the new market, minority people such as H’Mong and Tay sell agricultural products, fruit, meat and some fresh-water fish and snails to buyers. While the ancient market located amid the houses of old Dong Van town is now a tourist spot.

Dong Van town is at the center of Dong Van Karst Plateau in Ha Giang Province which has been recognized as a global geopark by UNESCO. Dong Van Karst Plateau is the highest plateau in Vietnam, attracting tourists from all over the world thanks to its spectacular scenes and local cultures of minority groups.

(Source: SGT)

Shan Tuyet tea - a characteristic of Phin Ho (Ha Giang)

Shan Tuyet tea - a characteristic of Phin Ho (Ha Giang)

(TITC) - Phin Ho Village, about 36 km from the center of Hoang Su Phi District has the area of 77 ha and is home to 44 households with 238 Dao people. As a most remote mountainous village in Thong Nguyen Commune, but Phin Ho Village is one of most richest villages in the commune, because villagers exploited available potentials and strengths to develop economy and built a community-based tourism culture village combining with new rural development.

Most specific feature of Phin Ho Village is hundreds-year-old Shan Tuyet tea trees. Thanks to favor of the nature, climate in Phin Ho is cool and fresh around year. Together with abundant water resource, these are good conditions for development of tea trees.

The village has a total of nearly 50 ha of 50 to 150-year-old Shan Tuyet tea trees. The old Shan Tuyet tea trees attached with the villagers since they were born, so each villager always has awareness of preserving and considers Shan Tuyet teas as an indispensable culture feature of Dao people in Phin Ho Village. Be preserved, cared and grown on the mountain covered by cloud all year, so quality of tea leaves are always delicious and pure. Thanks to these features, Shan Tuyet tea has been well-known for a long time.

Tea leaves are often harvested in the spring because in this time, tea buds are purest and have deepest flavor.

Traditional culture in Phin Ho has been kept intactly, such as fire dance festival of Red Dao people held in the first lunar month. Besides, Dao people in Phin Ho also preserve many other traditional features as cap sac festival (for adult men), duo of love song, traditional dances…

With its own specific products, Phin Ho has many advantages to become a typical community-based tourism culture village combining with new rural development. This will be basis to make Phin Ho become an attractive destination and improve the lives of local people.

 Thu Giang

http://www.vietnamtourism.com/

Seminar discusses community tourism services

Seminar discusses community tourism services

A seminar on developing community-based tourism industry took place in Hue city on October 11.

The event, as part of a broader project in firmly establishing tourism in the Greater Mekong Sub-region, is organised by the project’s management board in the central province of Thua Thien-Hue.

The project is sponsored by the Asian Development Bank (ADB) and the Vietnamese Government. It is being carried out in Cao Bang, Bac Can, Quang Binh, Quang Tri and Thua Thien-Hue provinces during the 2009-2013 period.

In Thua Thien-Hue, it is being deployed in A Luoi district with a series of activities concerning the promotion of tourism and the poor. It encourages the participation of local people in tourism activities and generates jobs for local people through building and introducing models of tourism connected to hunger elimination and poverty reduction.

Throughout the seminar, many proposals were brought forward to increase the efficiency of tourism that contributes to the development of the local community and economy. These included improving infrastructure and enhancing the quality of human resources. 

(Source: VOV) http://www.vietnamtourism.com/

Hue royal music featured at Korean cultural festival

Hue royal music featured at Korean cultural festival

The Nha nhac Hue (Hue royal music) troupe from the Theatre of Hue Traditional and Royal Arts is attending the annual Silla Cultural Festival held in Gyeongju city, South Korea from October 10 to 16.

“Silla Culture Festival is a chance to introduce our cultural values to the world, not only to audiences in Korea,” Outstanding Artist Tran Dai Dung, head of the 15-member delegation said.

“Nha nhac Hue” was performed from the Tran Dynasty of the 13th century to the Nguyen Dynasty, which ended in the early 20th century, at ceremonies including anniversaries and religious holidays, as well as special events such as coronations, funerals or official receptions, by highly trained and skilled court musicians.

In 2005, it was recognized by UNESCO as a Masterpiece of the Oral and Intangible Heritage of Humanity.

Every year since 1962, the Silla Cultural Festival has been held in October to celebrate and honor the country’s history and culture. The event which is one of the major festivals of Korea features athletic events, folk games, music, dance, literary contests and Buddhist religious ceremonies.


(Source: Tuoitrenews) http://www.vietnamtourism.com/

A relaxing ride around town, Hanoi cyclos, cyclos Hanoi

A relaxing ride around town

Cyclos have become not only an inextricable part of Hanoi’s culture but also one of its “tourist attractions” for foreign visitors to the city.

First appearing in Vietnam in the 1940s when the country was under the French colonialist rule, cyclos were primarily used by senior French officials to show their status symbol of luxury and wealth.

During wartime, the humble cyclo became an indispensable means of transport to help bring injured people to clinics for emergence treatment as well as food, weapon and ammunition to the front line.

Things have changed a lot since Vietnam regained its independence. Some cyclos are redesigned to become more solid for a heavy load.They are capable of carrying up to 500 kilos.

In the new context of international integration, the cyclo reclaims its fascinating role as the Vietnamese “pedicab taxi” to meet the growing demand of foreign tourists.

Why do tourists prefer cyclos?

Hanoi has been recognised by UNESCO as a city for peace but it is not very friendly to road users. Only a few foreigners dare cross the road or ride on the back of a “xe om” (motorbike taxi) at rush hour.

So, the cyclo turns out to be an ideal solution for them to enjoy a relaxing ride around town. Modern cyclos, with golden parasols and drivers who radiate professional pride, are particularly popular with foreign tourists.

Matty, a UK student at Hanoi University, said that he will never forget the feeling when he first boarded a cyclo.

“The cyclo seemed to overturn when I got on,” he said. “The driver was too small to keep his vehicle upright”.

“Life is slower and quieter when you are sitting on it,” said Theresa Nguyen, a Danish girl of Vietnamese origin.

For older Vietnamese people and foreigners staying long in Vietnam, the sight of old cyclos moving slowly in the streets is comfortingly familiar.

Most of Hanoi’s cyclos are found in the Old Quarter, where foreign tourists gravitate. But their customers are not restricted to tourists - cyclos often feature prominently in wedding celebrations, and even locals can enjoy the novelty of a stress-free trip.

A cyclo ride around the Sword-Returned (Hoan Kiem) Lake costs around VND50,000-100,000 depending on one’s bargaining panache.

Cycloing – hard work for steady pay?

Touring the city on a weekend afternoon, you can see dozens of cyclo drivers and their beautifully decorated “taxis” waiting for customers on one side of the Opera House.

Due to the Hanoi administration’s decision to tighten inspections of the city’s cyclo operations, almost all drivers are now working for a company.

Lam, a sixty-year-old driver, said life has become harder for him.

“No company wants to hire me”, he said. “They think that I am too old to work”.

Tran, a cyclo driver from the suburban district of Thanh Tri claimed to have done the job for over ten years.

“Everyday I make five or six trips around the lake or in side the Old Quarter,” he said. “It is hard work but gives me a fixed income to support my family”.

(Source: VOV) / http://www.vietnamtourism.com

A relaxing ride around town, Hanoi cyclos, cyclos Hanoi, A relaxing ride around town, Hanoi cyclos, cyclos Hanoi, A relaxing ride around town, Hanoi cyclos, cyclos Hanoi

Hanoi Capital to organize various activities to mark its Liberation Day

Hanoi Capital to organize various activities to mark its Liberation Day

The People’s Committee and the Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism will organize various activities, such dragon dancing festival, art performances and a ceremony to award best dances about Hanoi, to mark the 58th anniversary of Liberation Day from October 6th to 8th.

Dragon dancing festival will take place from 2pm to 6pm on October 6th at the square in front of the entrance to My Dinh National Stadium, with the participation of 29 troupes from 29 districts and towns in Hanoi.

Spectators will also have an opportunity to enjoy various interesting performances, such as hiphop and sports dance in the artistic program for peace, “Singing Together”, from 3pm to 6pm on October 7th at My Dinh Stadium.

Besides, best dances about Hanoi will be performed and awarded at awards ceremony on October 8th.

(Source: QDND) http://www.vietnamtourism.com
Hanoi Capital to organize various activities to mark its Liberation Day, Hanoi Capital to organize various activities to mark its Liberation Day

Vietnam Airlines - 10% off all online purchases

Vietnam Airlines - 10% off all online purchases

Let’s enjoy our 4th Website birthday’s celebration with 10% saving throughout the expanding Vietnam Airlines network with 66 destinations.

The offer is exclusive for website purchase and lasts for 03 days 08-10 October 2012.

Golden Lotus Program member can get extra 1,000 miles bonus for all online purchase with credit card in October 2012 for traveling within October and November 2012.

Book at www.vietnamairlines.com to take advantage of this great offer!

(Source: Vietnam Airlines) http://www.vietnamtourism.com

Vietnam Airlines - 10% off all online purchases, Vietnam Airlines - 10% off all online purchases

Pac Bo recognized as a special national relic site

Pac Bo recognized as a special national relic site

A ceremony to announce Pac Bo as a special national relic site was held in Cao Bang Province on October 6th.

Also on this occasion, the province opened a tourist program, “Travel through Northern Viet heritage sites”, and made public a decision that Cao Bang town officially becomes a city of Cao Bang Province.

In the history of national construction and protection, Cao Bang was considered an important and strategic area along the northern border. This area closely attached to the national war against foreign invaders. Having been abroad for 30 years to find the way for national salvation, leader Nguyen Ai Quoc chose Pac Bo a revolutionary base. From this base, the revolutionary flame spread across Vietnam in contribution to the success of the great August Revolution in 1945, resulting in the founding of the Democratic Republic of Vietnam.

For over 60 years now since the liberation day, Cao Bang Province’s party committee and ethnic minority people have united in taking challenges to obtain important achievements, including yearly economic growth rate of more than 11 per cent, improved living standards, stable security and political situation and consolidated great national unity bloc.

Addressing the ceremony, Senior Lieutenant-General Tran Dai Quang, Politburo member, Minister of Public Security, stressed that Cao Bang should continue to preserve and develop Pac Bo special national relic site to educate the revolutionary tradition among Vietnamese people.

Moreover, the party committee, authorities and people in Cao Bang Province should push up the movement “Study and follow President Ho Chi Minh’s moral example” and build Cao Bang city as a more beautiful and richer one as well as defend a peaceful, friendly and developing border.

(Source: QDND) http://www.vietnamtourism.com
Pac Bo recognized as a special national relic site, Pac Bo recognized as a special national relic site

Romantic autumn in Hanoi, Romantic autumn in Hanoi

Romantic autumn in Hanoi

The scorching heat has gone and a temperate climate has pervaded Hanoi, particularly at night and in the early morning as a sign of the start of autumn - or the romantic season as many people call it.

The capital’s beauty lies in its quiet streets full of yellow leaves, leaves on trees having turned yellow or red and picturesque sunsets at the city’s many lakes. 

The signs of Hanoi in autumn are hoa sua (milky flower) in blossom on Nguyen Du Street, the scent of hoang lan flower overwhelming Phan Dinh Phung Street and its vicinity. These integral parts of Hanoi have inspired a large number of poets and musicians, including Phu Quang.

Hanoians say a stroll on Thanh Nien Street between West Lake and Truc Bach Lake will help visitors fully understand what autumn in Hanoi is like and why it brings lovers closer. Autumn in Hanoi is very beautiful but many argue it is an even more romantic setting in October.

Capital folk say the autumn there has to be felt to be properly appreciated. This is why numerous poems and ballads have been produced but are considered unfinished stories, leaving the chance for others to continue the next chapters.


http://www.dtinews.vn/ Romantic autumn in Hanoi, Romantic autumn in Hanoi

Visiting Hue in the rain, Visiting Hue in the rain

Visiting Hue in the rain, 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.

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.

http://www.dtinews.vn/ , Visiting Hue in the rain, Visiting Hue in the rain, Visiting Hue in the rain

Hotels, schools join hands for personnel training

Hotels, schools join hands for personnel training

Three hotels and three schools in HCMC, Dong Nai and Binh Thuan on Wednesday signed an agreement for cooperation in improving the quality of human resources.

Five-star hotels Rex and Renaissance Riverside Saigon in HCMC and Pandanus Resort in Binh Thuan will join hands with Hoa Sen University, Saigontourist Hospitality College and Long Thanh-Nhon Trach Vocational College to adapt the curricula to the actual demand of the market. They will also jointly form a network among schools and hotels to offer students better conditions for internship.

Tao Van Nghe, general director of the Rex Hotel, said his hotel had clinched a deal with Saigontourist Hospitality College to recruit students of the school.

The partnership is part of the program for improving the quality of hospitality training launched by the Vietnam Chamber of Commerce and Industry in HCMC (VCCI-HCMC) in association with Norwegian Federation of Enterprises and Business Associations.

A similar program for the auto repair industry was carried out at Long Thanh-Nhon Trach Vocational College in early this year. With the aid of Norwegian Federation of Enterprises and Business Associations, the school exchanged its teaching staff with several Norway-based vocational schools in a bid to improve English competence of their teachers and skills of their students.

Nguyen Hong Ha, deputy director of VCCI-HCMC, said around 55,000 students graduated from colleges and universities in HCMC every year. The figure is 180,000 if students graduated from vocational schools are included.

However, only 55% of them can find appropriate and well-paid jobs.


(Source: SGT) / http://www.vietnamtourism.com

Hotels, schools join hands for personnel training, Hotels, schools join hands for personnel training

Tay Ninh focuses on tourism products

Tay Ninh focuses on tourism products

To diversify tourism products and improve service quality, Tay Ninh has focused on creating unique tourism products through renovating, upgrading and promoting tourism attractions such as Ba Den Mountain, Dau Tieng Lake, amusement park, shopping centers, restaurants and hotels.

The attractiveness of Tay Ninh tourism

Ba Den Mountain is the first place mentioned in Tay Ninh. Ba Den Mountain is 11km far from Tay Ninh Town and located in the west of HCM, covering on an area of 24sq.km. Ba Den Mountain was recognized as the national cultural historical monument by the state.

With the beauty of the religion combined with the architecture of caves, Ba Den Mountain annually attracts millions of tourists. To meet needs of transporting passengers from the Tay Ninh Ba Den mountain foot to the Tay Ninh Ba Den Pagoda, Tay Ninh Cable Car JSC has invested in the ropeway system with capacity of 1,000 passengers per hour. Standing before the large growth in the number of customers, the company has invested more in the ropeway system with total investment capital of VND175 billion.

Together with Ba Den Mountain, Tay Ninh is also attractive for tourists with Dau Tieng Lake and Lo Go-Xa Mat National Park. Dau Tieng Lake is 20km far from Tay Ninh Town and is an uninterrupted tourism point between Tay Ninh Town-Tay Ninh Holy See-Ba Den Mountain.

Tay Ninh's traditional handicraft villages with well-known products, such as Trang Bang Rice Spaghetti and Trang Bang Girdle Cake, are also exciting destinations for domestic and international tourists.

Promoting association

Tay Ninh Tourist-Trading Joint Stock Company director Le Huu Phuoc said that with advantages of cultural historical monuments, Tay Ninh associated with tourism agencies in HCMC and other provinces to form short-day tours in order to improve the quality and diversify tourism products. The company is interested in the association with enterprises to construct Xa Mat border market. The border market will associate with tourism services, such as building shops to introduce products, distributors to consume Vietnamese goods to Cambodia and vice versa, and implementing tourism stations to serve for officers, soldiers and people in the border areas. The company strives to reach the revenue growth of 15 percent per year. 
Le Huu Phuoc also said that to develop Tay Ninh tourism, it would be necessary to suitably and efficiently exploit environment and natural resources. The implementation of propaganda programs, the promotion of investment in infrastructure, the development of accommodation facilities and entertainment areas and training of human resources for the tourism will be continued. In addition, creating mechanisms, preferential policies, and open administrative procedures, developing supporting services and improving the work of socialization to create favorable conditions for all economic sectors will be also focused on.

(Source: VEN) / http://www.vietnamtourism.com


Tay Ninh focuses on tourism products, Tay Ninh focuses on tourism products

Hue city, Hue Traditional Craft Festival 2013

Hue city: Hue Traditional Craft Festival 2013

To promote the achievement of traditional craft festivals held once every two years in odd years, the 5th 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 5th 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 / http://www.vietnamtourism.com

Hue city: Hue Traditional Craft Festival 2013, Hue city: Hue Traditional Craft Festival 2013

Trans-Asia Bridge Span Festival opens

Trans-Asia Bridge Span Festival opens

The third Trans-Asia Bridge Span Festival opened in Dong Ha City, central Quang Tri Province on July 28.

Nguyen Duc Cuong, Chairman of the Quang Tri provincial People’s Committee said the event provided a good chance for countries in the East-West Economic Corridor (EWEC) to strengthen cultural exchanges and economic and tourism cooperation, as well as promote their potential and strength in the integration and development process.

After the opening ceremony, there was an art performance which was divided into three parts: journey of heritages, friendship arms and trans-Asia bridge span.

The first part of the show introduced Quang Tri’s citizens and its famous landscape, such as Cua Tung, Cua Viet, My Thuy and its war relics systems.

The second part included  artwork presented by artists from countries in the EWEC and China.

The final part showcased the beauty and tourism potential of countries in the EWEC and initial success of the “four countries-one destination” programme.

The festival aims to foster cooperation among countries in the EWEC and demonstrates successful development of nations in the greater Mekong sub-region (GMS). It also allows Quang Tri province to introduce its potential and strength to international friends and open dialogues to fully exploit advantages in the EWEC.

During the festival which runs until July 30, a wide range of activities are being held, such as a trade fair, a seminar on tourism and economic cooperation development in the EWEC, and a seminar on tourism development cooperation among Mukdahan (Thailand), Savanakhet (Laos) and Quang Tri (Vietnam).

At the seminar on July 29, the three provinces of Mukdahan, Savanakhet and Quang Tri signed a memorandum of understanding on tourism cooperation, under which they will facilitate immigration at international border gates, strictly manage travel agents, officially use the EWEC tourism logo, coordinate tourism advertising campaigns and develop tourism infrastructure.

The EWEC is under the cooperation framework of the GMS initiated by Asian Development Bank (ADB) and Japan to promote development potential of regions in GMS.

The corridor runs through four countries, starting in Mawlomyine in Myanmar to Thailand, and Laos and ending in Danang City, Vietnam.

(Source: VOV) / http://www.vietnamtourism.com

Trans-Asia Bridge Span Festival opens, Trans-Asia Bridge Span Festival opens, Trans-Asia Bridge Span Festival opens

Cheap hotel near Noibai International Airport

The Avi Airport Hotel, Hanoi, Vietnam

Located in a nice, peaceful village just 3 km Southwest of  Noi Bai International Airport. Avi Airport Hotel is an ideal address for both business people and leisure travellers. Our hotel is equipped with new standard facilities for guests, such as: A/C, TV, Free Wi-Fi internet, hot shower…which surely guarentee you a relaxing and comfortable stay with good value for money. We locate just 5 minutes by taxi from Noibai International airport, Hanoi, Vietnam.

Our services: Coffee shop, free wireless, travel desk, air ticket booking, room service and Vietnamese restaurant serves breakfast, lunch and dinner.

Day use rooms: Rate starts from 12 USD / room: A/C conditioning, TV, big bed, wireless, private bathroom with hot shower, clean towels, toiletries. Day use rooms are calculated between 10h00am to 18h00pm.

Standard Double Rooms:  Well equipped, a small room, Have air conditioning, wireless internet, Television, private bathroom with hot water shower, clean towels, toiletries, A window and one double bed in room.

Superior Double Rooms: Well equipped, Nice room with 15-sqm, Have air conditioning, wireless internet, Television, private bathroom with hot water shower, clean towels, toiletries, Big windows also offer a nice open view and one double bed in room.

Relax Suite Room: Well equipped, Nice room with 30-sqm, Have air conditioning, VD player, bathroom with bathtub, hot shower, hair-dryer, seperated WC and bidet, telephone, cable TVs, high-speed wireless and wired internet access, safe, King or Double beds, data port, coffee maker, iron...

Credicard Payments: 3%.bank charge for Master, Visa, JCB credit card or Traveler`s Cheque.

Warning!!! There are a lot of touts and bogus cabbies as well as indecent tour information counters at Noi Bai airport, who try to cheat you to another hotel for commission such as, they secretly contact their hotel-partners and then impersonate our hotel staff to speak to you on the phone that, the hotel you booked that is full already and offer you another hotel or some scams like that...

A taxi from the Noibai Airport should take about 5 minutes (3km). But, BE AWARE, there is a minimum taxi fare from the airport of 5USD /1way/ taxi 4seats ; 8USD /1way/ taxi 7seats. Hotel offers airport pick-up service for the clients on request, So remember to contact us with your details, such as the passenger's name, contact numbers, date, time, flight number. Our staff will await the passengers at arrivals area where all the other drivers are waiting with name boards.

Avi Airport Hotel - Cheap hotel near Noibai International Airport
Tel: (+84 4) 388 66 998  -  Fax: (+84 4) 388 66 986  -  Hotline: 0912 881 885
Email:  hotelavi@gmail.com  Website: www.aviairporthotel.com
Address: B22 Cho Phu Cuong, Noibai Airport, Hanoi, Vietnam