Vietnam identified in the list of top travel lists by U.S. TOUR OPERATORS ASSOCIATION

Where should you travel in 2017 ? Annual Member Survey Reveals Economic Impact of Membership, Industry Forecasts and Travel Trends for 2017

Ninh Binh., Vietnam

U.S. TOUR OPERATORS ASSOCIATION Active Members identified their top 10 off-the-beaten path or emerging destinations that they see gaining popularity in 2017: Cuba ranked first, Iceland ranked second, followed by Croatia, Sri Lanka, Vietnam, Myanmar, Iran, Africa (South Africa and Morocco), Cambodia and India.

When asked who’s traveling, tour operator members responded that about half their customer base are 51 years of age and older. The next largest group was 36 to 50 years old representing 24%.  Gender is split evenly (50/50) among male and female passengers.  Two thirds of business booked was by US residents traveling internationally, with 20% by US customers traveling domestically.

USTOA

Vietnam among 5 spots you must see in your lifetime

If you could see the sights at only five places in the world during your lifetime, where would they be? Editors posed this question to me a few days before my retirement this month. So forget the books about 1,000 places you must see before you die. You need to see only five:

1. Paris: 

Yes, the city has suffered some blows recently, but it remains the most elegant of all world cities. I once wrote that if they held a contest for the best city in the universe, Earth should send Paris. I still believe that.

2. The Grand Canyon: 

The U.S. has equal or better scenery than anywhere in the world. And the Grand Canyon and its massive scale must absolutely be seen in person at least once in your lifetime. Stand on the edge and be overwhelmed.

3. Vietnam: The combination of incredible food, wonderful shopping, energetic people and a profound sense of history makes this one place you must try to see in your life. For anyone who recalls the Vietnam War, there's an added poignancy and familiarity here, especially when you're taking a cruise down the Mekong River or lunching in Hanoi.

4. Great Migration on the Serengeti and Maasai Mara in Tanzania and Kenya, Africa: 

Stunning wild animal scenes you will never forget. Don't scrimp on this trip. Go during the migration months, spend the money to fly at least part of the in-country routes, and stay at the best tented camps you can afford. Life changing.

5. New York City: 

I actually have grown to love the city over the many decades I have visited. The museums, the little restaurants, the neighborhood feel, and of course Lady Liberty are sights every American should see at least once in their lives.

Ellen Creager , Detroit Free Press

Vietnam to launch e-visas by 2017

Viet Nam will grant e-visas to foreigners from 2017-2018, aiming to attract more tourists and foreign visitors as well as boosting the domestic tourism industry, according to the Viet Nam National Administration of Tourism.

Under the new program, the new e-visas will be valid for 30 days. Tourists applying for an e-visa will not need an invitation letter or a letter of guarantee from Việt Nam. They will apply for their visas online and collect them at airports.
VNAT’s General Director Nguyen Van Tuan said the decision to grant online visas to foreign tourists is a breakthrough for the Vietnamese government in its policies to develop tourism.
Currently, Viet Nam has a visa waiver program for citizens from 21 countries and territories.
During the first ten months of this year, Viet Nam attracted more than 8 million foreign visitors, an increase of 25.4% over the same period last year.  This year, the tourism sector in Viet Nam expects to attract 9.7 million foreign tourists and 62 million domestic tourists. By 2020, the country hopes to attract 10 – 10.5 million international visitors with tourism revenue reaching US$18 billion – US$19 billion each year.
VGP

Vietnam Airlines Dreamliner flies to Melbourne

Vietnam Airlines’ first Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner landed at Tullamarine in Melbourne on December 5, marking the first direct flight between Vietnam and Australia served by the national flag carrier’s new-generation plane.

Melbourne and Sydney are two of the international routes departing in Hanoi and HCM City to destinations, including London (the UK), Frankfurt (Germany), Narita (Japan) and Beijing (China) served by Vietnam Airlines’ fleet of new-generation airplanes.

As planned, the carrier will continue receiving wide-body airplanes till 2019.

Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner and Airbus A350-900 are among the world’s most modern and advanced wide-body aircrafts.

Vietnam Airlines (VNA) said it is planning to change aircrafts which help save energy and environmental friendly. This move is aimed to promote its brand name to be the first carrier in Asia to own the wide-body aircraft types.

The national flag carrier Vietnam Airlines was named as the world's Most Improved Airport for 2016 by the UK-based airline review organization Skytrax at the Farnborough International Airshow 2016 in London.

VNA has also ranked the 44th position in the list of the world’s 100 best airlines for 2016 and was awarded the prestigious 4-Star rating by Skytrax World Airline at the event. The awards based on the criteria of the level of improved services quality and satisfaction at airports such as meals, in-flight entertainment, and other services recognize efforts of the carrier during the past years.

Hue., Vietnam offers Golden Tourism Week

A special tourism promotion program called Golden Tourism Week promoting Hue Heritage Site will be launched from December 25-31.

As planned, visitors will receive free admission and a discount of 50 percent on entrance tickets of attractions such as Hue Imperial Citadel, mausoleums of Kings  Khai Dinh,  Minh Mang, Thieu Tri and Tu Duc, Nha Nhac music performance, and exhibitions.

Groups of 20 or more who arrive at the site will be awarded a free presenter; 10 percent discount for electronic buses of the Imperial City, free of charge for water; 15 percent discount for services of royal costume photo taking in the Imperial City.

Many rituals will be restored and held during the event as part of efforts to revive ancient royal performances and music, while promoting intangible cultural values in modern life.

The local authorities expect to attract more domestic and international tourists to Hue during promotional programs.

SGGP Daily

CNN suggests street dishes visitors should try in HCM City

CNN gives a hint about street dishes that every visitor should not miss when they come to Ho Chi Minh City, including banh cuon, banh xeo, be thui, goi cuon and bun bo Hue.

Originally from the north of the country, banh cuon is as fun to eat as it is to watch being made.

Turmeric powder, not eggs, lend this iconic southern dish its yellow color. Banh xeo is named for the sizzling sound its batter makes on the skillet.

The rice noodles in Hu tieu Nam Vang are thinner and more delicate than pho noodles, the broth is made with pork bone, and all of that is dressed with shrimp, pork liver, quail egg and green onion.

A recent street food invention from Ho Chi Minh City, banh trang tron, literally "rice paper mixture," is basically strips of rice paper served salad-style with ingredients like quail eggs, julienned green mango and calamansi juice.

Cut into thin slices, be thui can be eaten with Vietnamese coriander, sliced starfruit and green banana, all wrapped in rice paper and dipped in fermented shrimp paste.

Bun bo Hue is made of vermicelli, generous slices of beef shank and a broth in which lemongrass and shrimp paste are the star players.

Goi cuon-Vietnamese spring roll, not to be confused with its fried cousin, is a popular appetizer commonly made with slices of pork belly, shrimp, cold vermicelli noodles, and veggies like lettuce, mint and chives.

Singapore, Vietnam join hands to boost MICE tourism

Tourism packages combining meetings, incentives, conventions and exhibitions (MICE) hold big potential for cooperation between Vietnamese and Singaporean travel agencies, as heard at a roadshow event in Singapore on December 9.

Organised by the Vietnam National Administration of Tourism (VNAT), the event gathered 100 travel companies from both countries.

The roadshow featured information on Vietnam’s tourism infrastructure, products and support policies, particularly those related to the development of MICE, sport and cruise tours. At the event, VNAT representatives cleared up questions asked by Singaporean tour operators.

Ha Van Sieu, deputy head of the VNAT, said target tourists of Vietnam are not only Singaporeans but also citizens of other countries visiting and living in Singapore, which he called a cosmopolitan island.

Operating MICE tours is the strength of Singapore, which will be enhanced further through cooperation with Vietnam, Sieu noted.

Pham Tien Dung, head of the Golden Tour from Vietnam, said Singaporean visitors require professional services, and many local companies are interest in cultural–rich destinations in northern Vietnam.

Singapore is the last stop of the VNAT roadshow that has also travelled through Indonesia and Malaysia since December 5.

In 2015, Vietnam welcomed over 500,000 tourists from the three ASEAN countries. Malaysia took the lead with 230,000 arrivals of the total.

In the first ten months of 2016, the number of Singaporeans travelling to Vietnam jumped 8.5 percent compared to the same period last year.-VNA

HCM City,Vietnam develops water-way tourism

Ho Chi Minh City,Vietnam has a great potential for water-way tourism with about 1,000 km of rivers and canals connecting it with neighboring provinces, Thailand, and Cambodia. The city intends to market water-way services as a tourism product.

With 300-year history and many natural advantages, Ho Chi Minh City also has a potential for water-way tourism to explore cultural and historical sites, architectural works and cuisine along river banks.
Huynh Van Sinh of Ho Chi Minh City’s Personnel Institute said water-way tourism brings people close to the local lifestyle.

“Ho Chi Minh City is a meeting point of rivers from many regions. Taking a water-way tour, you can go to Binh Quoi – Thanh Da to experience their culture and cuisine and to Lai Thieu to sample local fruits. The itinerary will pass through historical sites in district 9 – Hoi Son pagoda and the Ao Dai museum", he said.

Bui Ta Hoang Vu, Director of Ho Chi Minh City’s Tourism Department, said the city has identified many potential stops along the route. It will provide more services including building floating markets and connect its water-way tourism with Mekong Delta provinces and neighboring countries.
“Ho Chi Minh City is a gateway of local tourism. Businesses are encouraged to develop short tours from here to the Mekong Delta region and long tours to Cambodia and Thailand", Vu said.

VOV5

5 best places to spend New Year holidays in Vietnam

If you’re one of the many who want to see new landscapes, new environments and to meet fascinating people for the New Year holidays, here’s our choice for top five perfect destinations in Vietnam.

Da Lat – The City of Eternal Spring

Da Lat has a year-round mild climate with simply amazing botanical gardens. Nowadays it retains its natural beauty, the city of thousand flowers, and a favourite destination for lovers for the New Year holidays.

Sapa

Sapa is famous for its rugged mountainous scenery and cultural diversity. One of the distinctive features is Love Market where young men and ladies often gather, perform traditional love songs and dance together.

Phu Quoc

Phu Quoc is best known for its charming beaches with blue sea, white sand, romantic landscapes along with its unspoiled beautifully scenic national parks. A perfect getaway for the New Year holidays.

Ninh Binh

The best time to visit Ninh Binh is after the Tet Holiday in Vietnam. At this time, many people from all over the country travel there to visit, burn incense and pray for their parents, relatives or friends good luck in the New Year.

Nha Trang

Nha Trang is a seaside haven, increasingly a popular perfect New Year holiday destination due to its urban atmosphere, pristine beaches, scuba diving, interesting places and delectable seafood cuisine.

Fire on the mountain: sunset tours in Son Tra, Danang., Vietnam

Da Nang’s tourism department will introduce the Son Tra Sunset Tour next March, the newest tourism service on top of Son Tra Mountain.

The tour would offer tourists the chance to enjoy a breathtaking sunset panorama and a bird’s eye view of Son Tra peninsula and a corner of the city from 500m above sea level. Tourists will be taken up the Mountain Tower on Saturdays and Sundays. Activities including a BBQ party, music performances, and bar service will be available for visitors between 6pm and 9pm at the weekend.
Son Tra Mountain, which is home to the 2,500ha Son Tra Nature Reserve, 10km from the city centre, is a popular tourist destination, with 10,000 tourists visiting the reserve every month.

The Da Nang-based Centre of Biodiversity Conservation, GreenViet, also offers free tours for students and nature lovers to watch langurs and see the forest up close as part of an environmental education programme on Sundays.

The well-protected biodiversity also shelters nearly 300 red-shanked douc langurs, which were declared endangered by the International Union for the Conservation of Nature (IUCN) in 2013.
The government also approved an area of over 1,000ha in Son Tra Mountains as a national tourism site between 2025-30, and an eco-tour in the central coastal region with 3.5 million tourists per year.
The city has approved the plan to protect biodiversity in Son Tra Nature Reserve towards 2030.

VNS

Viet Nam among attractive destinations of US

Viet Nam has become a big tourist attraction for United States citizens, with over 330,000 visitors in 2015, an increase of 33% year-on-year.

According to the US Department of Commerce, last year, US citizens travelled abroad more than ever, with a total of 74 million people.

Kim Sykes from Carefree Vacations travel agency said that Viet Nam is a favourite destination for US tourists from 18 to 35 years old.

In 2015, Mexico and Canada drew the most number of US tourists, followed by the United Kingdom, the Dominican Republic and France.
VNA

Developing tourism in the Mekong River Delta region,Vietnam

The Prime Minister has approved the overall planning and a master plan for developing tourism in the Mekong River Delta region until 2020 with a vision extending to 2030.

The master plan aims to develop tourism commensurate with the region’s potentials and affirm its important position on Viet Nam’s tourism map.

Meanwhile, the plan also aims to create a driving force for socio-economic development, improving people's lives in the region and promoting a positive image of the Mekong River Delta to domestic and international visitors.

Covering an area of 40, 576 square kilometres, the Mekong River Delta region includes Can Tho city and the 12 provinces of An Giang, Ben Tre, Bac Lieu, Ca Mau, Dong Thap, Hau Giang, Kien Giang, Soc Trang, Long An, Tien Giang, Tra Vinh and Vinh Long provinces.

The region hopes to welcome 34 million tourists, including 3.5 million foreigners by 2020 and 52 million arrivals with 6.5 million foreigners by 2030. The region targets total revenue of VND 25 trillion (US$1.12 billion) by 2020 and VND 111 trillion (US$5 billion) by 2030.

To achieve those goals, the region will focus on developing attractive tourism products and national tourism areas.

Building tourism products

Basing on the region’s potentials and advantages, it should give priority to developing specific tourist products of the Mekong River Delta, such as experiencing life on the river, ecological tourism, tours to cultural heritages, while also improving the quality of current key products, including sea and island resort tourism and entertainment tourism.

It should also diversify tourism products with supplementary products, including community tourism, farming and agri-tourism, discovery tours to historical sites, and Meetings, Incentives, Conferences and Exhibitions (MICE) tourism.

The Mekong River Delta region is expected to develop foreign tourism markets such as Northeast Asia, North America and West Europe.

Apart from the international market, the region will also focus on the domestic market, with visitors from Southeast region, Ho Chi Minh City, Ha Noi and Da Nang.

Developing five national tourism zones

The plan will develop five national tourism areas, namely Thoi Son in Long Lan Quy Phung island in the Tien river between Tien Giang and Ben Tre provinces, Phu Quoc island in Kien Giang province, Nam Can - Mui Ca Mau in Ca Mau province, Tram Chim - Lang Sen in Long An and Dong Thap provinces and Nui Sam in An Giang province.

It also focuses on seven tourist sites - the Happy Land entertainment complex in Long An province, Cu Lao Ong Ho in An Giang province, the Commemorative Site for the Southern Don Ca Tai Tu and Cao Van Lau traditional music in Bac Lieu province, Ninh Kieu Wharf in Can Tho city, Ha Tien town in Kien Giang province, Van Thanh Mieu in Vinh Long province and Ao Ba Om in Tra Vinh province.

The plan also aims to develop Can Tho city and Phu Quoc Island into tourism centres for the region and develop My Tho city in Tien Giang province into a tourism centre of the region’s eastern tourism zone.

Based on the network of inter-regional tours, specific tours such as forest, sea, the Dong Thap Muoi wetlands, U Minh, and Nam Can and rural exploration ecological tours will be created.

The region will also develop national and international tourism tours in collaboration with HCM City, Can Tho city and Ca Mau province such as the south coastal corridor route (Thailand - Cambodia - Rach Gia - Ca Mau) and tours via international border gates Ha Tien, Tinh Bien in An Giang province, Dinh Ba, Thuong Phuoc, in Dong Thap, and Binh Hiep in Long An.

There will also be sea routes via ports in Can Tho and Phu Quoc and waterway routes on the Tien and Hau rivers to Phnom Penh and Seam Reap in Cambodia.

International air tourism will be increased as well by upgrading and expanding Can Tho and Phu Quoc international airports.

Bahamas-flagged luxury liner docks in Thua Thien-Hue.,Vietnam

Luxury liner Ovation of the Seas, carrying nearly 4,100 tourists and 1,600 crewmembers, anchored in Chan May port, the central province of Thua Thien-Hue on November 25, beginning their tour of Hue, Hoi An and Da Nang., Vietnam

With 18 floors, the ship has a length of 348m and width of 41.5m and is equipped with the latest equipment and luxury services, assessed to outclass five-star resorts in the mainland.

Since the beginning of 2016, Chan May port has served 66,000 visitors, and expects to welcomes more seven cruise liners this year, raising the total number of visitors to 74,000, said Director of the Chan May port company Huynh Van Toan.

As one of the 46 seaports chosen by the Asia Cruise Association as a stop for cruisers in Southeast Asia, the port lies between the central cities of Thua Thien - Hue and Da Nang, and connects Viet Nam with Singapore, the Philippines and Hong Kong (China).


With the upgraded wharf of 420m in length and 12.5m in depth, the port is now able to accommodate vessels of 30,000 DWT and international cruisers carrying more than 3,000 passeng
ers.

VNA

Hue tourism, culture day to open in Ha Noi., Vietnam

A programme highlighting tourism and culture of the ancient imperial city of Hue, central Thua Thien – Hue Province, will take place from December 13-16 at the Ha Noi Opera House.

The announcement was made by Vice Chairman of People’s Committee of Thua Thien – Hue Province at a press conference on November 24 in Ha Noi.

The programme, organised by the Minstry of Culture, Sports and Tourism and the provincial People’s Committee, aims to promote Hue’s cuisine and tourism products to other Vietnamese localities.

The programme includes a cuisine and tourism promotion festival and an art performance programme themed “Winter in Hue”.

The cuisine festival will feature Hue’s specialties while the tourism promotion will introduce tourism products and tours such as heritage tourism, cultural tourism and community tourism.


The “Winter in Hue” programme will take place at 8pm from December 14-16 at the Ha Noi Opera House.

VNA

Central city voted in Asia’s Top 10 Holiday Destinations

Da Nang city., Vietnam has been named among the Top 10 Holiday Destinations in Asia by Smart Travel Asia – an online tourism magazine for Asia.

Deputy Director of the city’s tourism department Nguyen Xuan Binh told Viet Nam News a certificate recognising the honour was handed over by a representative of the magazine in Da Nang last week.  Bình said Da Nang has been listed in the annual magazine’s Top 10 Holiday Destinations since 2013.

In the readers’ vote this year, Da Nang ranked ninth, tied with Dubai, United Arab Emirates, and Chengdu, China.

HCM City, a trade hub in Viet Nam, was listed in the Top 10 Cities for Business, while HCM City-based Park Hyatt Saigon was included in Top 25 Conference Hotels.

The Nam Hai Hoi An in Hoi An City and Banyan Tree Lang Co in Thua Thien-Hue were listed in the Top 25 Spa Hotel and Resorts. The Nam Hai resort, situated on the coast of Hoi An, and Sofitel Legend Metropole in Ha Noi, ranked second in the Top 25 Leisure Hotels and Resorts.
Da Nang also received an award for Asia’s Leading Festival and Event at the World Travel Awards ceremony for tourism in Da Nang this October.

VietNamNet Bridge 

Ha Long Bay, Vietnam among Top 3 places to visit in Southeast Asia

Ha Long Bay has been ranked third in a list of the 29 Best Places to Visit in Southeast Asia by Touropia, an international travel website featuring the most amazing sights around the world divided into various “Best of” lists.  Hoi An, Hanoi, and Sapa also found places on Touropia’s list. 

“Located in northeastern Vietnam, Ha Long Bay resembles a scene from a fantasy story with its thousands of limestone karst islands of different shapes and sizes,” the website explained.
“Some of the islands contain lakes while some are hollow, with a colorful fairyland of grottoes inside.”

Hoi An, ranked 15th, was described as a charming town known for its great atmosphere at the mouth of the Thu Bon River on the central coast. “The narrow, winding lanes of the old port are lined with beautiful old architecture, traditional wooden houses and hundreds of tailor shops selling everything from clothing to souvenirs,” it said.




Hanoi, ranked 25th, made the list for blending the charm of the old world with a pace of life that is quickening as the old city modernizes and is where visitors can see local people both taking tai chi chuan exercises and aerobics.  “At the heart of Hanoi is its Old Quarter, an open-air museum of historic Asian and French colonial architecture that has largely remained intact,” it wrote.

Sapa, ranked 27th and located in remote northwest of Vietnam, was assessed by Touropia as being suitable for trekking in the surrounding mountains, touring rice paddies, and visiting traditional villages and ethnic minorities.

Nghinh Ong Festival – Unique cultural identity in Kien Giang

Hanoi., Vietnam - The Nghinh Ong (whale worshipping) Festival opened in Lai Son commune, Kien Hai district, the Mekong Delta province of Kien Giang on November 14 as part of the “National Tourism Year 2016 - Phu Quoc - Mekong Delta”. 

The festival is a cultural identity of the coastal locality, which has been preserved and passed through generations, contributing to enriching the country’s culture. This is also a chance for Kien Hai district to introduce cultural values, natural resources and typical tourism products, as well as its beautiful natural landscapes and maritime economic potentials.

Through the festival, Kien Hai district expects to leave a strong impress on tourists both at home and abroad, while encouraging local people to join hands in developing tourism, and promoting tourism cooperation with other areas and regions across the country, said Son.

According to the official, boosting sea-based tourism in parallel with protecting maritime resources is seen as a pillar in the district’s socio-economic development strategy. The two-day festival includes various traditional activities, including rituals to invite Gods, peace-praying and requiem ceremonies.

An exhibition highlighting the legal and historical evidence proving Vietnam’s sovereignty over Hoang Sa (Paracel) and Truong Sa (Spratly) archipelagoes kicked off on the same day.

Within the festival’s framework, a number of activities will also be organised, including a trade fair, sport events and music performance.-VNA

Ancient city to provide environment-friendly public vehicles

Hội An., Vietnam  — The ancient city of Hội An will launch three routes of public battery-powered cars to serve tourists, starting in January, Vice Chairman of the city’s People’s Committee Nguyễn Văn Sơn confirmed to Việt Nam News. Sơn said it’s the first stage of a pilot project to boost environment-friendly public transport in the tourism hub of central Việt Nam.

He said the city will use 50 six and eight-seat cars to shuttle between the Tân An public car park to the old town and favourite beaches of An Bàng and Cửa Đại. Sơn said the project will also help reduce car pollution in the UNESCO-recognised world heritage city.  He said the city would consider using solar power panels on the battery-powered cars in the second stage of the project.

Since 2002, Hội An has earmarked several streets for pedestrian and non-engine vehicles to reduce noise and ensure people’s safety in the old quarter, where most foreign tourists use bicycles. The city also plans to provide 100,000 bicycles for residents’ use in order to become the first eco-city in Việt Nam.

Earlier this year, the UNESCO-recognised world heritage city of Hội An, and Naha City, the capital of Okinawa Prefecture, agreed to commence the third phase of the Eco-city Achievement Support Project. Last year, Hội An began the first trial of a public van route connecting major destinations, with funding from the Japan Fund for Global Environment.

VNS

Vietnam Airlines to go daily on London Heathrow route

Vietnam Airlines has confirmed that it will commence the operation of daily non-stop services between Heathrow and Vietnam from June 23rd, 2016, adding a new Thursday flight to Hanoi to its existing six flights per week schedule.

Offering three flights per week to Ho Chi Minh City and four flights to Hanoi, Vietnam Airlines’ increased service follows the successful launch of its new Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner aircraft on all UK routes and new livery, corporate identity and brand image in September 2015.
Vietnam Airlines offers the UK’s only nonstop flights to Vietnam, operating from Heathrow Terminal 4.

The flights are carefully scheduled to offer convenient overnight journeys in both directions, and excellent onward connections via its comprehensive network of over 40 destinations in Asia, including 23 within Vietnam and Indochina as well as China, Japan and Taiwan.

As the national flag carrier of Vietnam, headquartered in Hanoi, Vietnam Airlines operates 94 routes to 21 domestic and 29 international destinations with more than 360 flights daily.

Operating a young fleet, mainly comprising Boeing 777s, Airbus A330s and Airbus A321s, the airline is expanding its fleet with next-generation aircraft such as Boeing 787 Dreamliners and Airbus A350-900 XWBs.

Four Seasons Resort The Nam Hai, Hoi An, opens to bookings

One of Asia’s most celebrated beachfront resorts is about to become a Four Seasons, with a host of new features enhancing the luxury vacation experience.

Four Seasons Resort The Nam Hai, Hoi An, Vietnam debuts on December 20th, 2016, and reservations are now being accepted.

“The best is about to get even better as we unveil new features and experiences for our guests, all wrapped in the legendary service for which Four Seasons is known the world over,” said general manager Anthony Gill, who has led the Resort team for four years.

“Four Seasons Resort The Nam Hai on Ha My beach is a special place, both a sanctuary and a playground for the culturally curious, beach lovers, active families, culinary connoisseurs and spiritual seekers.”

Guests of Four Seasons Resort The Nam Hai will find refreshed villas, an enhanced beach program plus new beach bar, a new concept for its serene lagoon spa, and a new Vietnamese cooking academy.

Families will especially enjoy the new family villas with special features for parents and children, and the new, fully supervised kids club loaded with indoor and outdoor fun.

Just a half hour from Da Nang International Airport, Four Seasons Resort The Nam Hai is close to three spectacular UNESCO World Heritage Sites including Hue’s imperial city, the temple sanctuary of My Son and the enchanting village of Hoi An.

Vietnam extends UK visitor visa waiver

The government of Vietnam has announced that it is extending its visa exemption program for UK passport holders for single-entry stays of up to 15 days, until June 30th, 2017. The policy, which was first introduced on July 1st, 2015, also applies to French, German, Spanish and Italian nationals.

The extension of the visa exemption program comes just after the introduction of Vietnam Airlines’ daily non-stop services between Heathrow and Vietnam – a new Thursday flight to Hanoi was added to the national flag carrier and SkyTeam member’s existing six flights per week schedule on June 23rd this year.

Vietnam Airlines offers the UK’s only nonstop flights to Vietnam, operating the B787-9 Dreamliner from Heathrow Terminal 4.

The flights are carefully scheduled to offer convenient overnight journeys in both directions, and excellent onward connections via its comprehensive network of over 40 destinations in Asia, including 23 within Vietnam and Indochina as well as China, Japan and Taiwan.

Thomson and First Choice add Vietnam to long-haul programme

The Caribbean islands of St Lucia and Cayo Santa Maria in Cuba, which were new additions to its summer 2017 programme, will also be extended into the winter season.

The move is part of continued interest in long haul destinations and builds on the 350 per cent increase in long haul holidays over a ten year period that the brands revealed last year.

The stunning beach island of Phu Quoc, off the coast of Vietnam, is the latest long-haul destination to be added to Thomson and First Choice’s long-haul line up.

Phu Quoc is Vietnam’s largest island and is fringed with white-sand beaches ideal for relaxing, and features dense, tropical jungle and stunning reefs, perfect for intrepid explorers.

The first direct flights to Phu Quoc International Airport from the UK will operate on Thomson Airways’ 787 Dreamliners and will depart from London Gatwick every Wednesday, taking just 12 hours to reach this far off favourite.

In a UK first for the travel industry Thomson is launching multi-centre holidays via its website using market leading technology, enabling customers to design and book their multi-trip break online without having to wait for their itinerary details to be confirmed.

Six long-haul destinations will have dynamic multi-centre options for the first phase of Thomson’s commitment to offering customers more flexibility and choice in a technologically innovative, user-friendly, and efficient format.

Costa Rica, Cuba, Thailand, Sri Lanka and Goa are the first destinations to be bookable on a dedicated tab on Thomson’s website which goes live mid-late November.

In the future holidaymakers will be able to book over 40 different multi centre types and more than 1,500 options ranging from Tour & Stay Combinations to mixing different hotels in different parts of a country using Thomson’s expertise and tailoring.

The Caribbean has long been a popular spot for cruise customers as demand for cruise holidays continues to increase year on year.

In winter 2017 Thomson Cruises will have three ships based in the Caribbean.

Thomson Celebration will move to a new homeport La Romana in the Dominican Republic, TUI Discovery will be based in Bridgetown, Barbados and TUI Discovery 2 will sail from Montego Bay, Jamaica.

Mark Hall, director of product for Thomson and First Choice, said: “Our focus for winter 2017 remains on the growth of our long-haul programme using our fantastic 787 Dreamliner and Vietnam’s Phu Quoc island is a fantastic addition. “We are also thrilled to announce the extension of St Lucia and Cayo Santa Maria, Cuba into our winter programme, along with an array of new city breaks and long haul destinations. “Our multi-centre holiday offering is an exciting venture and another important part of our continued commitment to offering customers more choice and flexibility seizing the opportunity to deliver what customers are demanding.”

Sol Beach House Phu Quoc takes brand into Vietnam

Positioned as a chic lifestyle hotel brand, Sol Beach House Phu Quoc will cater to travellers looking for an intimate and affordable holiday.

Nestled in a beautiful tropical garden, Sol Beach House Phu Quoc is set in a beautiful location on the Truong Beach, just 15 minutes from Phu Quoc International Airport. Truong Beach is the prime beach destination of the main island and is just south of the main town of Duong Dong.

This stylish, pet-friendly resort boasts 284 rooms across three buildings, including 12 Xtra Beach House Suites. All rooms have private balconies to enjoy panoramic views of the ocean. With three restaurants and two bars, the hotel will bring wonderful dining experiences to its guests.

The Kitchen is a market style restaurant offering Asian and International cuisines. At OLA Beach Club, guests can enjoy fresh Mediterranean style seafood on the beachfront. The restaurant’s upper floor also features enticing cocktails and gorgeous sunset views. In addition, Shack, which is located next to the beach, will introduce street food from all over the world.

Sol Beach House Phu Quoc will also feature a fully equipped gym and an infinity swimming pool surrounded by hammocks and Bali beds. Sol Beach House Phu Quoc focuses on relaxation of both the body and the mind.

Bernardo Cabot Estarellas, senior vice president Asia Pacific of Meliá Hotels International stated: “I’m excited to introduce this new brand to the Vietnam market. “Sol Beach House Phu Quoc is the third Meliá Hotels International property in the country after Meliá Hanoi and Meliá Danang.

“Our company has been an established leader in the resort segment in both the Mediterranean and the Caribbean for decades. With our extensive hotel management expertise, we will be able to offer the modern travellers in Asia an unparalleled holiday experience.”

Known for its beachside locations, Sol Beach House hotels combine modern luxuries with bohemian touches in some of the most stunning Oceanside locations in the world, including Mallorca, and Menorca.

New York Times names Vietnam a top youth destination

A new travel checklist by the New York Times listed Việt Nam among 20 places that 20-year-old travellers should visit.

The newspaper mentions three destinations in particular: Hạ Long Bay and the ancient cities of Hội An and Huế. All three places are among the greenest tourist destinations in Việt Nam and are much loved by both local and foreign visitors.

The article reccomends Việt Nam as a country rich in cuisine, culture and natural beauty but with low prices.

Việt Nam attracted 7.3 million foreign visitors in the first nine months of this year, up 25 percent compared with last year.

The New York Times list also included Amsterdam, Berlin, Budapest, Cuba, Montreal, New Orleans, Oaxaca in Mexico, Patagonia in Argentina and Prague.

VNN

Four Vietnam local hotels land on Condé Nast Traveler List

Four hotels in Viet Nam won coveted spots in this year’s Condé Nast Traveler’s Readers’ Choice Awards, with the Sofitel Legend Metropole Hanoi and the Park Hyatt Saigon being placed in the top three on a list of the “Top Hotels in Southern Asia.”

La Residence Hue Hotel & Spa

La Residence Hue Hotel & Spa - MGallery by Sofitel earns No. 15 on the same list in its third appearance, besting the likes of big-name hotels like the Fullerton Bay and Marina Bay Sands in Singapore, and coming within just a few beats of the Mandarin Oriental in Bangkok. Villa Song made its first appearance on the list.

Announced in New York on October 18, Condé Nast Traveler’s 29th annual compendium came together after a dramatic restructuring of the voting process. Though still reader-driven, Condé Nast took charge of its own survey this year after outsourcing the tabulation to an independent research firm in years past.

Between April 1 and July 1, more than 300,000 readers voted in this year’s competition, up from 128,000 last year. Another significant change is with the voting demographic. Last year, the median age of the Readers’ Choice Awards voters was in the late 60s compared to this year’s late 40s.

The Readers’ Choice Awards and Travel + Leisure’s World’s Best Awards are widely considered the two most important to hotels worldwide.

SGT

The perfect holiday in Vietnam: our expert's ultimate itinerary

By Nigel Richardson

Here’s the scene. The Hai Van Pass, which crosses coastal mountains between Hue and Danang, forms a natural barrier across Vietnam’s tiny waist. Its strategic importance through centuries of conflict is signified by the various fortifications that mark the summit – including a concrete pillbox from the Vietnam War.

On my last visit to Vietnam, we stopped on the top of the pass to enjoy the stupendous views of jungle-clad mountains sloping to the misty ocean. I was taking pictures when I noticed a couple preparing to assault the pillbox. They weren’t in combat fatigues, however. They were bride and groom, she in a pink chiffon dress and high heels.

Using a ladder, they clambered on to the circular roof of the pillbox and posed for a photographer standing below. It was a lovely vignette that said much about modern Vietnam: how far it has come in the 40 years since the end of a conflict that claimed millions of Vietnamese lives and obliterated infrastructure and landscape alike; how dynamic and optimistic its people have become.

When organised tourism from the West started in the Nineties the war was a focal point – the Cu Chi tunnels, in which the Viet Cong hid out, near Saigon (now Ho Chi Minh City) were a major draw. But the war is now a distant event for the Vietnamese, the majority of whom were born after hostilities ended.

When you arrive in the capital Hanoi, for example, I’m suggesting you head straight out of the city and into tranquil countryside to recover from the flight. Two days later, back in Hanoi, take a city tour with an experienced local guide who will show you the traditional sights, including the Temple of Literature.

From Hanoi the fantastical natural beauty of Halong Bay – karst limestone peaks rising from a shimmering sea – is a compulsory part of any trip.

For linking your stops and for day tours, hiring a car and driver (speaking some English) is not prohibitively expensive. Expect to pay around £50 a day, bookable through hotels.

A revelatory tour of the former no-man’s-land of the Vietnam War, the De-Militarised Zone (DMZ) includes my alternative to the Cu Chi tunnels, the more accessible underground village of Vinh Moc. On my visit the man who showed me around (by hand gestures as he was mute) had been born in one of the tunnels during the war – an unforgettable meeting.

So far, so busy but the beauty of this itinerary is that it allows for three nights in one of the world’s most highly evolved tourist towns, Hoi An, with its delightful waterside setting and beautiful old merchants’ houses converted into sophisticated restaurants, bars and tailor shops (they hand-make clothes to order but caveat emptor – do your homework and shop around).

The trip finishes in Ho Chi Minh City. Like all world-class cities, the former Saigon is a glorious paradox, both futuristic and traditional. I recommend visiting the War Remnants Museum, with its emphasis on the horrors of defoliants, and exploring its street life – the markets, food, and bars – like a local: on a scooter. Whichever way you go you will find a nation as colourful, enterprising and well-balanced as those newly-weds on the pillbox.

Six Senses Krabey Island, Cambodia, set for 2017 opening

The portfolio of inspiring destinations that create the settings for Six Senses Hotels Resorts Spas is to expand to an exciting island location in Cambodia, a country steeped in history and re-emerging onto the world stage of exotic destinations.

Six Senses Krabey Island is scheduled to premiere in 2017.

From its beginnings in 1995, Six Senses quickly became recognized as the hospitality industry’s pioneer of sustainable practices, demonstrating that responsibility can be successfully wedded to uncompromised high-end facilities. Six Senses Krabey Island further reinforces this dedication to the environment and the community.

Located on the island of Krabey, the resort is comprised of 40 pool villas set around the naturally landscaped 30-acre island, with its highest point being 137 feet above sea level.

Guests arrive at the mainland reception before the short water transfer to the island.

Sihanoukville Airport is less than a ten minute drive from the mainland jetty, Phnom Penh International Airport is a three-and-a-half-hour drive and Siem Reap International Airport is a scenic eight and a half hours.

Sihanoukville Airport has domestic as well as international flights from Ho Chi Minh City, Phnom Penh and Siem Reap, and also has the capability to facilitate international private jets and helicopters.

“We are delighted to add this gorgeous gem to our portfolio of island escapes,” said Six Senses Hotels Resorts Spas president Bernhard Bohnenberger.

“It is a great pleasure to align with a like-minded and committed owner when it comes to sustainability and wellness.

“RPB Investment Company based in Cambodia has taken careful steps to preserve and protect the island of Krabey and is also employing thoughtful and conscientious design into the project’s building practices.

“We are eager to offer an enticing holiday option and new destination to travellers bound for Cambodia and Southeast Asia.”

The resort’s private pool villas exemplify Six Senses’ commitment to using sustainable material while embracing modern technology for total guest convenience and comfort.

Living rooms will include a day bed that can be adapted to an additional bed, minibar and working desk. The master bedroom will feature a bed with a netting canopy while the bathroom includes a generous bathtub. Some villas will also feature outdoor showers. All units include a private plunge pool and decking ideal for sunbathing and al fresco poolside dining.

The resort will offer the Sleep with Six Senses experience which includes Naturalmat mattresses and dedicated sleep ambassadors to guide guests in achieving the very best night’s sleep. Retreat and Reserve villa categories will offer mini wine cellars.

Six Senses Spa Krabey Island will feature the Six Senses specialty menu as well as several ancient Cambodian healing traditions and multi-day rejuvenation journeys, Six Senses Integrative Wellness, detox, yoga and workshops.

ANA signs codeshare deal with Vietnam Airlines

ANA and Vietnam Airlines will launch a codeshare partnership at the beginning of their 2016 winter schedules, commencing on Sunday.

The codeshare partnership will initially cover ten international routes, linking Japan and Vietnam. In addition, it will link 25 principal domestic routes in both countries. This will allow passengers to travel more conveniently throughout the region. The partnership will also include a frequent flyer deal allowing members of the ANA Mileage Club and Lotusmiles to accumulate miles on codeshare flights operated by Vietnam Airlines and ANA.

They will also have the opportunity to redeem rewards on all Vietnam Airlines and ANA marketed and operated flights.The launch of this partnership between the two companies follows ANA HD’ s acquisition of an 8.8 per cent stake in Vietnam Airlines this year.

In addition to capital investment, this commercial partnership will allow ANA and Vietnam Airlines to extend and enhance their services across Asia, taking advantage of the increasing demand for air travel and cargo across the region. Duong Tri Thanh, president, Vietnam Airlines said: “The cooperation with ANA Holdings, which owns a leading global airline with excellent services quality, has an important meaning in the development of Vietnam Airlines as it helps us to diversify our products and improve our competitiveness in the international market.”

In addition to the codeshare and frequent flyer initiatives, Vietnam Airlines cabin crew will work on ANA flights in order to guide and interpret for customers and make in-flight announcements in Vietnamese. This follows the decision to integrate certain airport support activities such as check-in, lounge and baggage services for both airlines at selected airports including Haneda Airport in Japan and Tan Son Nhat Airport in Vietnam.

Shinya Katanozaka, president, ANA HD said: “There is strong and growing demand for air services between Japan and Vietnam, and this trend is set to continue. “Together, ANA and Vietnam Airlines can play a vital role as a bridge between the two countries, promoting greater economic, cultural and personal ties. “As well as providing an enhanced service for our passengers, we can also share our combined industry expertise, in a win-win partnership.”

Air fares set to soar with proposed hike to Vietnam's aviation fees

The national aviation administration wants to lift landing and takeoff fees by 15 percent. Fares for domestic flights in Vietnam are likely to increase next year following a proposal by the civil aviation agency to raise costs for various airport services by up to 42 percent. The Civil Aviation Administration of Vietnam (CAAV) has asked the Ministry of Transport to hike landing and takeoff fees for domestic flights at all airports by 15 percent from next year. Aviation security and service fees for domestic passengers, which are included in ticket fares, would also go up 42 percent to VND100,000 ($4.50) per passenger at large international airports, such as Cam Ranh, Can Tho, Cat Bi, Da Nang, Noi Bai, Tan Son Nhat and Vinh.Fees at smaller airports in central Vietnam, including Buon Ma Thuot, Chu Lai, Dong Hoi, Lien Khuong, Phu Bai, Phu Cat, Pleiku and Tho Xuan, as well as Phu Quoc International Airport on the southern resort island, would rise by 33 percent to VND80,000 ($3.60) per person, the CAAV said.

Lai Xuan Thanh, director of the unit, said it made the proposal based on the recommendation of the state-owned Airports Corporation of Vietnam, which said that the landing and takeoff fees for domestic flights at 22 airports nationwide have remained unchanged for the past five years and are just 32-72 percent of the average rate in Southeast Asia.

“We think the recommendation is suitable because heated aviation growth has put a lot of pressure on infrastructure,” Thanh said, as cited by the Vietnam News Agency.Landing and takeoff fees for domestic flights in Vietnam currently range between VND1.35 and 3 million ($60-135). “The fees are too low. They fail to account for how much the government has to subsidize the airports,” Thanh said.

Carriers said the fee hikes are bound to push ticket prices up, but that may not happen immediately as they do not want to lose customers. Carriers said they will ask the CAAV to recalculate the hikes to reduce their impact on ticket prices.

Thanh said Vietnamese carriers offer tickets that cost less than the caps set by the government, so there is still room for them to increase. Vietnam’s aviation market has been booming in recent years. The number of Vietnamese air passengers jumped by 29 percent on-year to nearly 19 million in the first six months, according to the CAAV. However, more than 20,000 flights, or 15.8 percent of the total, were delayed, often due to overloaded facilities.

Tourism boom threatens Vietnam's 'Tonkinese Alps'

'If building continues at this rate, then one day we will lose Sapa.'

Throngs of giddy tourists wield selfie sticks on the peak of Vietnam's Fansipan Mountain.

Amateur trekkers once spent two days slogging to the top for a photo of Lao Cai Province's undulating rice fields.

But most in today's crowd take a 20-minute cable car to the highest peak in Indochina.

Insiders say this quick ride has upended tourism in the tiny mountain resort of Sapa, where the completion of a new highway to Hanoi coincided with a boom of hotel construction.

"If building continues at this rate, then one day we will lose Sapa," said Giang Thi Lang, a guide and member of the Black Hmong ethnic group. "We won't have any more mountain."

'They didn't listen'

In Sapa, lots piled with rubble mark out the sites of future hotels.

Way back in 2009, the misty hill station had a permanent population of just over 50,000 people.  The following year, it reported 2,500 hotel rooms. Last year, it had 4,000, according to official figures. Visitor numbers snowballed too, hitting 700,000 in 2015. During the same period, tourism revenues tripled to yield a whopping $50 million. At the center of that growth lies the Fansipan Sa Pa Cable Car—the longest in the world, which launched its maiden voyage in February. The three-rope system now has the capacity to ferry 2,000 people to the mountaintop, daily.