Vietnam extends visa waiver for five European countries from until 30 June 2021

( Hanoi ) - Vietnam extends visa waiver for five European countries from until 30 June 2021

Recently Vietnam Government has decided to extend visa waivers program for visitors from the United Kingdom, Germany, France, Italy and Spain.

This information was announced by the Minister, Chairman of the Government Office Mai Tien Dung announced at the meeting on 03 May, 2018. Thus, visitors from 5 Western European countries (including: United Kingdom, France, Italy, Spain and Germany) are exempt from visa from 01 July, 2018 to 30 June, 2021, if the stay is less than 15 days, applicable to all kinds of passport and travel purposes.

Besides, citizens from 40 countries can apply for the Vietnam e-visas at https://evisa.xuatnhapcanh.gov.vn/

List of Countries that allowed E-visa issuing.

1. Azerbaijan 2. Argentina 3. Armenia 4. Ireland 5. Poland 6. Belarus 7. Bulgaria 8. Brunei

9. South Korea 10. Germany 11. Chile 12. Colombia 13. Czech Republic 14. Cuba

15. Denmark 16. Timor Leste 17. United States of America 18. Hungary 19. Greece 20. Italy

21. Kazakhstan 22. Russia 23. United Kingdom 24. Luxembourg 25. Myanmar 26. Mongolia

27. Japan 28. Panama 29. Peru 30. Finland 31. France 32. The Philippines 33. Romania

34. Spain 35. Sweden 36. China (not applicable to Chinese e-passport holders)

37. Uruguay 38. Venezuela 39. Norway 40. Slovakia

List of International Airport allowed foreigners enter and exit Vietnam by E-visa.

1.      Cat Bi Int Airport (Hai Phong)

2.      Cam Ranh Int Airport (Khanh Hoa)

3.      Can Tho International Airport

4.      Da Nang International Airport

5.      Noi Bai Int Airport (Ha Noi)

6.      Phu Bai Int Airport

7.      Phu Quoc International Airport

8.      Tan Son Nhat Int Airport (Ho Chi Minh City)

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Insight Asia Travel

Cửa Vạn fishing village an attractive destination in Hạ Long Bay.

Travel-In-Style#Insight Asia Travel - Cửa Vạn, a small fishing village in Quảng Ninh, has been recognised as one of the world’s 16 most picturesque villages by travel blog Journeyetc.com.

In an article compiled by bloggers on the renowned travel site, the village is listed 14th out of the 16, and described as a hidden gem in the world heritage-listed Hạ Long Bay.

There, visitors can gaze at the beautiful limestone karsts and isles of Hạ Long Bay, take photos of the floating village with its colourful raft houses and witness first-hand the daily lives of local fishermen.

According to the website of the Việt Nam National Administration of Tourism (vietnamtourism.com), Cửa Vạn is home to more than 170 households who depend mainly on fishing for their livelihoods. Last year the village had made it to a list of the top 30 travel destinations around the globe as voted by readers by the US-based Travel + Leisure magazine.

In 2015 it had been named the world’s most charming little town by the US online newspaper Huffington Post.

Figures from Hạ Long city reveal that last year the city received 6.9 million visitors, including 2.94 million foreigners, up 12.9 per cent from 2016. — VNS

Vietnam Attractions - 5 Must See Gems

Among those long lists of Vietnam's must-see attractions, it is essential to stop at big cities Hanoi, Hue, Da Nang, Ho Chi Minh City to understand the characteristics, lifestyle and culture. However, the most unique scene of the country lays beyond the urban hustle and bustle. Travelers, who are seeking for the best of Vietnam, should consider visiting at least one of these five natural and cultural gems. By including them in your travel bucket list, you will not only discover the country's true beauty, but also finding yourself falling in love with it.

1. SAPA - Hilltop breathtaking views

Located near the northern border, Sapa is home to Vietnam's most beautiful rural vistas that will take your breath away. This type of beauty comes at a price. Vegetation like this occurs because the weather in this region consists of overcasts, monsoons, and temperatures roughly cooler than in the south. For trekkers seeking beautiful lush green mountains, covered by rice paddy terraces, put on hiking boots and expect to get a little muddy. Aside from Sapa's main source of economy, a trip may also include scenic waterfalls, delightsome farmhouses, and local villages along the way. There is no place like Sapa in Vietnam, which is why it always appears in lists of top things to do in Vietnam.

If your trip to Sapa is on the weekend, stop by the Bac Ha market on Sunday and meet the locals from different ethnic groups including Hmong, Giay, and Red Dzao. Learn some simple greetings and share some smiles with the opportunity to see diversity and unity among the local hill tribes. The market has everything from local produce to hand-made fabrics, and souvenirs like keepsake or trinket.

2. HA LONG BAY - New 7 Wonders of Nature
 

Halong Bay was classified as a UNESCO Heritage Site and one of the New 7 Wonders of Nature. A boat cruise sailing around this captivating bay is one-of-a-lifetime experience and a must-do while in Vietnam. The bay's picturesque unspoiled nature is comprised of around 1,600 to 2,000 limestone islands and islets in various shapes and sizes. Halong Bay day trip or overnight cruise from Hanoi are two most popular tourist activities in Northern Vietnam.


3. The world’s largest cave, Son Doong Cave is in Northern Central Vietnam.
 

The cave is approximately 3 miles long and has its own ecosystem, underground cloud cover, tropical rain forest and flowing river. It is first stumbled across by a Vietnamese local man, Ho Khanh, who was seeking shelter from a passing storm in 1999, but his attempts to find way back to the cave were unsuccessful. It was until 2009, the cave was rediscovered by the British Cave Research Association with the help of Ho Khanh. The cave has been officially open to the public since 2013 and is now accepting tours up to 5 days costing upwards to 3,000 US dollars. A world of its own, untouched by civilization and home to multiple species of wildlife puts Son Doong Cave as a must-see attraction in Vietnam.

4. HOI AN - UNESCO World Heritage Ancient Town
 

Hoi An is simply unique. There are no where in Vietnam that looks like the acclaimed UNESCO World Heritage Site - Ancient Town. 17th century Eastern architecture, relaxing streets, colorful lanterns, lovely tea houses, tailor shops, amazing cuisine, quiet beach and countryside scene. All combined creates the city’s attractive vibes.

Make sure to check out the icon of Hoi An, the Japanese Bridge at the end of Tran Phu Street. There are numerous museums and traditional houses for a quick visit. A highly recommended activity is renting a bike for an early morning ride around the tranquil Ancient Town, or an 2km adventure to the beach. For those who love shopping, come prepared with an extra suitcase because it is very hard to say no to gorgeous tailor-made clothes, shoes and bags here.

5. Phu Quoc Island - Vietnam’s Paradise Island
 

Gifted with the long East Coast running from North to South, Vietnam has many beautiful beaches, for instance fishing village Quy Nhon, party beach city Nha Trang, resort town Mui Ne. Phu Quoc, located way in the South West, however has the most unexposed white sand beach, crystal clear water, and well-preserved national parks. Luxurious resorts or local homestay, active boat tours or lazy day on the beach, 5-star breakfast buffets or local food stroll at night markets. Phu Quoc island is perfect for everybody no matter what they are looking for in a beach trip. 

Happy travel time in Vietnam. # Travel in Style  # Insight Asia Travel

Ninh Binh, Vietnam listed as one of 50 places to travel in 2018

Whether you're exploring the world solo or taking a romantic trip with a significant other, travel is arguably one of the best ways to spend your time and money.
The start of a new year provides the opportunity to add to your bucket list of destinations, and in the interest of helping you do that, we rounded up some of the best spots to visit in 2018.

Glide along the rivers of Ninh Binh, Vietnam, or wander the cobblestone streets of Tbilisi, Georgia — there's no shortage of countries to discover.

Ninh Binh , Vietnam - John Bill/Shutterstock

Ninh Binh, Vietnam 
Known as the "Halong Bay on Land," Ninh Binh is a small city in Northern Vietnam. Its proximity to Hanoi — 60 miles to the south — is the reason that many overlook the scenic destination.

Nestled into the country's Red River Delta, Ninh Binh boasts impressive topography that includes mountains, limestone cliffs, and forests. Glide along the river in a traditional boat, explore caves in Cuc Phuong National Park, or visit the ancient temples and palaces in Hoa Lu.

Follow the link to see 50 places that should be on your radar this coming year.
http://www.thisisinsider.com/best-places-to-travel-2018-2017-11

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Vietnam Airlines, Polish Airlines ink co-operation agreement

Vietnam Airlines (VNA) and LOT Polish Airlines signed a co-operation agreement on Wednesday to bring more benefits and travel options to their passengers.



The co-operation agreement between VNA and LOT will give passengers preferential rates when buying tickets from the two companies. 

The signing ceremony took place as Polish President Andrzej Duda visited Viet Nam from Monday to Wednesday.

Under the agreement, passengers can buy tickets from VNA or LOT to make the journey between Ha Noi/HCM City and Warsaw, Poland via the transshipment points of Paris, Frankfurt, Moscow and London. VNA will carry passengers between Viet Nam and these transit points, while LOT will transport passengers between these transit points and Warsaw.

From Warsaw, passengers can continue their journey on LOT flights to many other Polish and European destinations.

The co-operation agreement also gives passengers preferential rates when buying tickets from VNA or LOT, compared to the purchase of tickets for each leg of every airline to conduct their entire journey.

According to Deputy General Director of Vietnam Airlines Trinh Ngoc Thanh, Vietnam Airlines and LOT have co-operated since 1998.

During the period from 2011-16, the number of visitors between Viet Nam and Poland grew 5.5 per cent per year and reached approximately 24,000 visitors in 2016. Of these, more than 90 per cent were visitors from Poland to Viet Nam.

VNS 

Travel in Style - Insight Asia Travel

TIPS TO MAKE VACATION RELAXED, JOYOUS AND STRESS-FREE

Vacations offer some of the most cherishable moments of one’s life. A good vacation is likely to stay in your memories and make you smile even years after it’s over – so how about you added a bit of planning to ensure that your coveted vacation proceeds as close to perfect as possible?

Listed below are a few basic points that can go a long way in making your getaway more hassle-free, blissful, and comfortable:

1. Choose a Right Destination: 
Choose a right vacation destination for perfect holidays. Some destination may appear in all the top 10 lists of vacation spots you may search on the Internet, but it may not necessarily be the one made for you. To take yourself to just the right place for a change of air, you must first list down your expectations from a vacation and accordingly choose a holiday spot that promises to satiate most of these desires. Weather it is relaxation or a wild adventure you seek, with some research and inquiries you will be able to find your ideal spot.

2. Take Sufficient Time Off From Work
Once you have decided your destination, choose when you want to visit, and how long you wish to spend there, and then accordingly apply for a leave from work. Make sure you give yourself at least two days extra besides the time spent travelling, first to pack and then to unwind after getting back home.

3. Settle Things at Home
If you have kids to attend to, decide carefully about where you wish to leave them while you enjoy a vacation. It is best if you leave the children in the care of a trusted family member or friend. In addition, other minor things at home like watering the garden or periodical checks are best left to a trusted neighbor so that you do not have to bother yourself with domestic thoughts while you are out there to have fun.

4. Pack Thoroughly
Packing all things essential and leaving out all that is unessential will add to a good vacationing experience. Leaving behind things you need, will incur unnecessary expenditure, whereas packing too much will add on extra burden of attending to larger luggage.

5. Book vacation rentals, Cabs, Guides, and Flights Well in Advance
Anticipate all the services you are going to need and try booking them in advance after comparing prices from different vendors – this will help you relax while actually out there, and will most likely fetch valuable early-bird discounts. In case you have previous had a less than pleasant experience with a particular airline or vacation rental; avoid booking on the same again.

6. Look for All-inclusive Vacation Rental Deals
Vacation rental packages that allow shuttle services to nearest destinations and public transport, meals, and beverages are often well suited for a vacation. You will end up saving money and trouble expended on finding these things yourself.

7. Read a Guide on Your Destination
Knowing a place you are about to visit will give you valuable insights on the expected behavioral norms and culture of it. It will also evoke greater curiosity and interest in exploring areas that other tourists may miss out. It is a good idea to read up on your destination to multiply the enjoyment that is in store for you.

8. Stay Miles Away from Stress
Do not let stress mess any of your precious vacation moments. Plan well, pack efficiently, leave for the airport a little before time, keep your passport and visa handy (for international travel), and avoid unnecessary phone calls during the trip.

So get in the optimistic mood, step into your travel shoes, and with an ear-to-ear smile set on to explore the big, beautiful world out there. Hope the checklist above does its job of enhancing your vacation!

VacationCluster.com

New direct flight links Phu Quoc island - Vietnam with Bangkok

Bangkok Airways is the only scheduled airline to fly directly to Phu Quoc Island from Thailand.

Thai carrier Bangkok Airways on Sunday launched its first direct flight from Bangkok to the Vietnamese resort island of Phu Quoc.

Flights are scheduled to operate on Tuesdays, Thursdays, Fridays and Sundays, and take around 1 hour 45 minutes.

"The aim of this new launch is to provide better flight connections for Thai and Vietnamese customers," said Puttipong Prasarttong-Osoth, president of Bangkok Airways.

Following Bangkok Airways, British airline TUI Airways has also announced a plan to launch charter flights from the U.K. to Phu Quoc on November 1, while Italian leisure airline Neos has scheduled its first flight from Milan to Phu Quoc in December.

Phu Quoc Island is home to luxury resorts and scenic beaches, and is one of the most popular tourist destinations in southern Vietnam.

During the first nine months of this year, Phu Quoc welcomed 2.8 million visitors, well exceeding the target of 1.8 million set at the beginning of this year.

VNexpress