Vietnam Fun Cup 2009 wrapped up with surprising victories, in which Chris Pressler (Austria) took first Place for men and Sandra Wolf (Germany) took first place for women.
A view of a windsurf competition in Phan Thiet.
Notable for Vietnamese contestants, Nguyen Thanh Dong and Nguyen Thanh Tam won the second and third prizes, leaving fourth place to French competitor, Remi Vila.
In women's races, Sylvier (France) claimed the second prize while Kerstin Reiger (Austria) and Lucy Maher (Australia) placed third and fourth respectively.
The 10th Vietnam Fun Cup a windsurfing slalom race, took place at the Jibe's Beach Club in Mui Ne last Friday. The international race attracted 35 competitors from countries including Vietnam, Singapore, Japan, Australia, Russia, Germany, the UK, Austria, Hungary and Switzerland.
The two-day event took place under the glistening sun and cool wind of Phan Thiet City.
Hundreds of local and international tourists were fascinated by the splendid moves and performances of the athletes and their colorful sails.
VietNamNet/SGT
google7a530f09a650304b.html
Saturday, February 28, 2009
a festival worshipping the sea in Soc Trang
Khmer people in the Mekong Delta have many year-round festivals, most of them featuring ethnic religion and culture, namely Chol Chnam Thmay, Dolta and Ok Om Bok. In Soc Trang Province’s Vinh Chau District, Chrorumchec, the festival to worship the sea, is held on the 14th and 15th days of the second lunar month (March 10-11) and is aggressively promoted to attract millions of visitors.
Local children perform pentatonic instruments in the Chrorumchec festival in Soc Trang.
The festival worshipping Vinh Chau Sea has existed for hundreds of years and the meaning of the festival is to pray for peace for the country, safety for the people, good weather and a great harvest. Moreover, the festival commemorates forefathers who were devoted to the country, the god who blessed them with a good life and the sea that provided them a bounty of food.
For these reasons, the festival has become a tradition not for only Khmer people but also for Chinese and Vietnamese in Soc Trang.
The festival opens with a requiem at an ancient tower built by a local man, Ta Hu. The requiem aims at honoring the contributions of forefathers and praying for good luck for villagers. After that, people make a procession from Cang Sa Pagoda to a Buddhist pavilion to celebrate a solemn religious ceremony to pray for peace for the country.
After the ceremony it is time for recreation activities and animated programs which feature traditional cultures and reflect the daily life of the Khmer people. At the festival, visitors will have a chance to see hundreds of country girls with barrels on their shoulders while they still talk and smile together. The activity illustrates the hard life of the locals but proves they still try to reduce worries and overcome fatigue in their hopes for a better life.
The most animated activity may be the wagon race which features dozens of wagons full of shrieking, laughing participants. The race is to commemorate the past, when Vinh Chau had no machines or tractors and used oxen to plow the fields.
The most exciting part of the festival is a boat race not on water but on dry land. The race represents the hope for rain in times of drought. Racers make boats from banana trees.
The festival also features parallel sentences and traditional songs whose lyrics are prayers for rain and a good harvest.
Visitors to the festival will have a chance to enjoy the sweet voices of Khmer girls singing traditional songs and talented dancers moving with the rhythms of Khmer drums. The two-day event also features traditional folk games that represent the hopes and beliefs of the Khmer people.
VietNamNet/SGT
Local children perform pentatonic instruments in the Chrorumchec festival in Soc Trang.
The festival worshipping Vinh Chau Sea has existed for hundreds of years and the meaning of the festival is to pray for peace for the country, safety for the people, good weather and a great harvest. Moreover, the festival commemorates forefathers who were devoted to the country, the god who blessed them with a good life and the sea that provided them a bounty of food.
For these reasons, the festival has become a tradition not for only Khmer people but also for Chinese and Vietnamese in Soc Trang.
The festival opens with a requiem at an ancient tower built by a local man, Ta Hu. The requiem aims at honoring the contributions of forefathers and praying for good luck for villagers. After that, people make a procession from Cang Sa Pagoda to a Buddhist pavilion to celebrate a solemn religious ceremony to pray for peace for the country.
After the ceremony it is time for recreation activities and animated programs which feature traditional cultures and reflect the daily life of the Khmer people. At the festival, visitors will have a chance to see hundreds of country girls with barrels on their shoulders while they still talk and smile together. The activity illustrates the hard life of the locals but proves they still try to reduce worries and overcome fatigue in their hopes for a better life.
The most animated activity may be the wagon race which features dozens of wagons full of shrieking, laughing participants. The race is to commemorate the past, when Vinh Chau had no machines or tractors and used oxen to plow the fields.
The most exciting part of the festival is a boat race not on water but on dry land. The race represents the hope for rain in times of drought. Racers make boats from banana trees.
The festival also features parallel sentences and traditional songs whose lyrics are prayers for rain and a good harvest.
Visitors to the festival will have a chance to enjoy the sweet voices of Khmer girls singing traditional songs and talented dancers moving with the rhythms of Khmer drums. The two-day event also features traditional folk games that represent the hopes and beliefs of the Khmer people.
VietNamNet/SGT
The War Hotels, Part I: Vietnam
In Saigon there were several war hotels: The Caravelle and the Majestic were popular. But it was the Continental Palace, a relic of French colonial days, that caught the imagination. It had a quiet garden in an internal, Frangipani-filled courtyard where you could have a good, freshly baked French bread and coffee every morning. There was a peacock in the garden that would take your bread off the table, if you weren't looking. The peacock disappeared at a time when there were shortages in the city during the Tet offensive — I suspect into a cooking pot.
The Continental was best known for its open-sided terrace — "the Continental Shelf," some called it — where you could drink and watch le tout Saigon pass by. It was there that Graham Greene's journalist character, Fowler, meets his "Quiet American," quite unlike "those noisy bastards at the Continental." Greene describes the terrace as it was during the French war: "It was an early evening, in the momentary cool which came when the sun had just gone down, the candles were lit on the stalls in the side streets. The dice rattled on the tables when the French were playing Quatre Cent Vingt-et-un and the girls in the white silk trousers bicycled home down the Rue Catinat." The plot is driven by a bomb that goes off in the square outside the hotel.
By the time the American war came, the noisy bastards had increased their hold on the Continental Shelf, with beefy American contract construction workers and sweat-soaked journalists. Towards the end of the Vietnam War the hordes of diseased and limbless beggars — some carrying sick babies they had rented — pressed closer and closer out of the shadows towards the terrace's light in a last desperate effort before the foreigners fled.
In April of 1937 Hemingway wrote a story for NANA that began: "The window of the hotel is always open and, as you lie in bed, you hear the firing in the front line seventeen blocks away ... You listen to it and it is a great thing to be in bed with your feet stretched out gradually warming the cold foot of the bed and not out there..."
It was much the same in Saigon 38 years later. "The sound of artillery shells bursting in the city came through the open window of the Continental Hotel in the early hours before dawn. Up from a shallow sleep came the realization that this sound was different from the occasional incoming rocket that had awakened the capital on other nights ... The fall of Saigon was upon us," I wrote of that last day for The Washington Post.
The last weeks of that conflict were marked by a rising hysteria as Vietnamese begged and pleaded to be taken away before the capital fell to the communists. American males were offered marriages of convenience if only the girls could get out of Saigon and into America.
Towards the end there were no Americans in the provinces any more, and the South Vietnamese military command was reluctant to admit that it had abandoned cities and towns before the North Vietnamese could actually get there. Reporters went to the markets for information. If there were shrimp, it meant that the trucks were still running to Nha Trang on the coast, and that the city had not fallen. When the shrimp stopped coming, you knew that Nha Trang had gone. The same was true of vegetables from Dalat, and so on.
Later in the morning of Saigon’s last day, the staff politely and efficiently added up the foreigners' bills, the discs of their abacuses clicking, as guests scrambled to check out in time to make the evacuation. When the American helicopters swept in from the sea to the American embassy, a huge crowd of crying and moaning Vietnamese surrounded the embassy. Marines fought off those who tried to climb the fence. When the last helicopter lifted off, the North Vietnamese were about to enter the city.
It was dusk when I left. A squall had just passed, and as my helicopter was racing away and out to sea, below I could see the rain-swept streets and the red roof of the Continental where I had lived, off and on, for eight years. The friends I made there would remain friends for life, while those who died are never far from my mind.
Read the rest of the War Hotels series:
Introduction
Part II: Cambodia
Part III: Bangladesh
Part IV: Lebanon
Part V: Iraq
The Continental was best known for its open-sided terrace — "the Continental Shelf," some called it — where you could drink and watch le tout Saigon pass by. It was there that Graham Greene's journalist character, Fowler, meets his "Quiet American," quite unlike "those noisy bastards at the Continental." Greene describes the terrace as it was during the French war: "It was an early evening, in the momentary cool which came when the sun had just gone down, the candles were lit on the stalls in the side streets. The dice rattled on the tables when the French were playing Quatre Cent Vingt-et-un and the girls in the white silk trousers bicycled home down the Rue Catinat." The plot is driven by a bomb that goes off in the square outside the hotel.
By the time the American war came, the noisy bastards had increased their hold on the Continental Shelf, with beefy American contract construction workers and sweat-soaked journalists. Towards the end of the Vietnam War the hordes of diseased and limbless beggars — some carrying sick babies they had rented — pressed closer and closer out of the shadows towards the terrace's light in a last desperate effort before the foreigners fled.
In April of 1937 Hemingway wrote a story for NANA that began: "The window of the hotel is always open and, as you lie in bed, you hear the firing in the front line seventeen blocks away ... You listen to it and it is a great thing to be in bed with your feet stretched out gradually warming the cold foot of the bed and not out there..."
It was much the same in Saigon 38 years later. "The sound of artillery shells bursting in the city came through the open window of the Continental Hotel in the early hours before dawn. Up from a shallow sleep came the realization that this sound was different from the occasional incoming rocket that had awakened the capital on other nights ... The fall of Saigon was upon us," I wrote of that last day for The Washington Post.
The last weeks of that conflict were marked by a rising hysteria as Vietnamese begged and pleaded to be taken away before the capital fell to the communists. American males were offered marriages of convenience if only the girls could get out of Saigon and into America.
Towards the end there were no Americans in the provinces any more, and the South Vietnamese military command was reluctant to admit that it had abandoned cities and towns before the North Vietnamese could actually get there. Reporters went to the markets for information. If there were shrimp, it meant that the trucks were still running to Nha Trang on the coast, and that the city had not fallen. When the shrimp stopped coming, you knew that Nha Trang had gone. The same was true of vegetables from Dalat, and so on.
Later in the morning of Saigon’s last day, the staff politely and efficiently added up the foreigners' bills, the discs of their abacuses clicking, as guests scrambled to check out in time to make the evacuation. When the American helicopters swept in from the sea to the American embassy, a huge crowd of crying and moaning Vietnamese surrounded the embassy. Marines fought off those who tried to climb the fence. When the last helicopter lifted off, the North Vietnamese were about to enter the city.
It was dusk when I left. A squall had just passed, and as my helicopter was racing away and out to sea, below I could see the rain-swept streets and the red roof of the Continental where I had lived, off and on, for eight years. The friends I made there would remain friends for life, while those who died are never far from my mind.
Read the rest of the War Hotels series:
Introduction
Part II: Cambodia
Part III: Bangladesh
Part IV: Lebanon
Part V: Iraq
Monday, February 23, 2009
Hello Vietnam TV channel to come
The Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism has reached an agreement with the Vietnam Television (VTV) on the building of a TV channel advertising Vietnam at home and abroad, named Hello Vietnam.
This channel will introduce new and old Vietnamese movies. Between movies, there will be five- minute clips introducing Vietnamese culture and landscapes.
Hello Vietnam will have a special monthly program about foreign movies, such as the USA, Italy, and South Korea
The channel is developed by the Vietnam Cinema Administration and BHD Company. The Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism will provide around VND 5 billion a year for the channel to produce tourism advertising clips.
In the first three years, the Ministry will also supply VND 16.8 billion for producing films for this channel.
A joint stock company will be set up to run the channel, with a legal capital of VND 66 billion (US $3.88 million), in which the Vietnam Cinema Administration will contribute VND 19.8 billion (US $1.16 million).
Hello Vietnam will be part of the cable TV system of the Vietnam Television and then a popular channel after that.
VietNamNet/TT
This channel will introduce new and old Vietnamese movies. Between movies, there will be five- minute clips introducing Vietnamese culture and landscapes.
Hello Vietnam will have a special monthly program about foreign movies, such as the USA, Italy, and South Korea
The channel is developed by the Vietnam Cinema Administration and BHD Company. The Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism will provide around VND 5 billion a year for the channel to produce tourism advertising clips.
In the first three years, the Ministry will also supply VND 16.8 billion for producing films for this channel.
A joint stock company will be set up to run the channel, with a legal capital of VND 66 billion (US $3.88 million), in which the Vietnam Cinema Administration will contribute VND 19.8 billion (US $1.16 million).
Hello Vietnam will be part of the cable TV system of the Vietnam Television and then a popular channel after that.
VietNamNet/TT
Saturday, February 21, 2009
Vietnam Expo 2009 planned for April
The 19th Vietnam International Trade Fair, Vietnam Expo 2009, will take place in Hanoi on April 8-14, said the Ministry of Industry and Trade.
Among 500 stalls, Vietnamese businesses occupy 350 ones where they can display their potential exports, such as pieces of fine arts and handicrafts, furniture, food, garment, footwear, domestic utensils, electronic goods, and building materials.
The other 150 stalls are reserved fro enterprises from different countries and territories. Especially, Algerian and Belarusian products will make their debut at the week-long fair.
On the sidelines, several seminars and conferences will be held to introduce new techniques as well as products, promote trade activities.
An online fair will be organized for trade promotion.
Vietnam Expo 2009 is part of the National Trade Promotion Program 2009, serving to boost up export and market expansion.
Plus, the fair will provide both Vietnamese and international enterprises with opportunities to share experience, transfer technology, and do business.
VietNamNet/VGP
Among 500 stalls, Vietnamese businesses occupy 350 ones where they can display their potential exports, such as pieces of fine arts and handicrafts, furniture, food, garment, footwear, domestic utensils, electronic goods, and building materials.
The other 150 stalls are reserved fro enterprises from different countries and territories. Especially, Algerian and Belarusian products will make their debut at the week-long fair.
On the sidelines, several seminars and conferences will be held to introduce new techniques as well as products, promote trade activities.
An online fair will be organized for trade promotion.
Vietnam Expo 2009 is part of the National Trade Promotion Program 2009, serving to boost up export and market expansion.
Plus, the fair will provide both Vietnamese and international enterprises with opportunities to share experience, transfer technology, and do business.
VietNamNet/VGP
Friday, February 20, 2009
Accor puts a million rooms up for sale-20 February, 2009
Accor puts a million rooms up for sale
SINGAPORE - Accor has launched the largest-ever hotel sale staged in the Asia Pacific region, with 1,000,000 rooms on sale throughout 13 countries.
The sale commences at midnight February 24, (midnight in the country of the hotel being booked) until 11.59pm February 26, 2009.
Rooms at more than 300 hotels will be available for stays from April 1 – July 31, 2009 with discounts of up to 75 percent booked via www.accorhotels.com/supersale
Accor Hotel brands participating in the sale include Pullman, MGallery, Grand Mercure, Novotel, Mercure, all seasons and ibis.
Each participating country has a single sale rate – Australia US$52, Singapore US$60, Hong Kong US$55, Malaysia US$37 and Thailand US$38. Rates reflected are approximate US Dollar conversions at time of release.
Commenting on the launch of the three-day super sale, Accor Asia senior vice president sales and marketing, Ray Stone, said the super sale would provide a significant stimulus to regional tourism.
He added, “With an unprecedented range of cheap airfares, and now bargain hotel rooms, short-breaks and longer holidays have never been more affordable.
“People are looking for value in this difficult economic climate and these special rates will allow couples and families to get away for a quality holiday without breaking the bank.
“It will be a welcome boost to local tourism and all the businesses that rely on the industry for income and jobs.”
SINGAPORE - Accor has launched the largest-ever hotel sale staged in the Asia Pacific region, with 1,000,000 rooms on sale throughout 13 countries.
The sale commences at midnight February 24, (midnight in the country of the hotel being booked) until 11.59pm February 26, 2009.
Rooms at more than 300 hotels will be available for stays from April 1 – July 31, 2009 with discounts of up to 75 percent booked via www.accorhotels.com/supersale
Accor Hotel brands participating in the sale include Pullman, MGallery, Grand Mercure, Novotel, Mercure, all seasons and ibis.
Each participating country has a single sale rate – Australia US$52, Singapore US$60, Hong Kong US$55, Malaysia US$37 and Thailand US$38. Rates reflected are approximate US Dollar conversions at time of release.
Commenting on the launch of the three-day super sale, Accor Asia senior vice president sales and marketing, Ray Stone, said the super sale would provide a significant stimulus to regional tourism.
He added, “With an unprecedented range of cheap airfares, and now bargain hotel rooms, short-breaks and longer holidays have never been more affordable.
“People are looking for value in this difficult economic climate and these special rates will allow couples and families to get away for a quality holiday without breaking the bank.
“It will be a welcome boost to local tourism and all the businesses that rely on the industry for income and jobs.”
Monday, February 16, 2009
Israel plans free eye surgery for Vietnamese patients
The Israeli humanitarian organisation “Eye from Zion ” will conduct free eye surgical operations on patients in northern Ninh Binh and central Nghe An provinces from Feb. 17-26.
The Embassy of Israel in Hanoi said on Feb. 12 that it coordinates with Vietnam’s Central Eye Hospital to organise the charity activity to celebrate the 61st founding anniversary of the State of Israel.
“Eye from Zion” will send four surgeons and one ophthalmological equipment expert, headed by the organisation’s director and founder, Nati Marcus, to join the project.
VietNamNet/VNA
The Embassy of Israel in Hanoi said on Feb. 12 that it coordinates with Vietnam’s Central Eye Hospital to organise the charity activity to celebrate the 61st founding anniversary of the State of Israel.
“Eye from Zion” will send four surgeons and one ophthalmological equipment expert, headed by the organisation’s director and founder, Nati Marcus, to join the project.
VietNamNet/VNA
Mekong cruise launches in Luang Prabang-17 February, 2009
LUANG PRABANG - Villa Maly has launched Nava Mekong, a dinner cruise along the river in Luang Prabong..
The cruise embarks daily at 5:30 pm, motors downstream to moor near a traditional village for dinner and music, and returns at 9 pm.
The traditional Lao river boat also embarks at 10:30 am for a four-hour lunch cruise that takes in the Pak Ou Caves.
During the afternoon cruise, the Nava stops at the Pak Ou Caves where 5,000 sacred Buddhist statues and images are scattered among two limestone grottoes.
On the evening cruise, traditional Lao dancers from nearby villages perform age-old sets.
Through April, the Nava charges US$30 for dinner and $35 for lunch.
Stay two nights at the Villa Maly and the cruise is complimentary.
Villa Maly, the former residence of a Lao prince and princess, opened in October with 28 superior rooms and five deluxe rooms.
The cruise embarks daily at 5:30 pm, motors downstream to moor near a traditional village for dinner and music, and returns at 9 pm.
The traditional Lao river boat also embarks at 10:30 am for a four-hour lunch cruise that takes in the Pak Ou Caves.
During the afternoon cruise, the Nava stops at the Pak Ou Caves where 5,000 sacred Buddhist statues and images are scattered among two limestone grottoes.
On the evening cruise, traditional Lao dancers from nearby villages perform age-old sets.
Through April, the Nava charges US$30 for dinner and $35 for lunch.
Stay two nights at the Villa Maly and the cruise is complimentary.
Villa Maly, the former residence of a Lao prince and princess, opened in October with 28 superior rooms and five deluxe rooms.
Thailand recovery effort is floundering, says hotelier
BANGKOK – A leading Bangkok hotelier says more can be done to restore global confidence in Thailand’s tourism sector.
Andrew J Wood, general manager of the Chaophya Park Hotel & Resort,said " My hotel occupancy this week is almost 80 percent. For the month we will finish February 09 at 60 percent, a drop of 20 percent from last year.
“I am working flat out on marketing my way out of the global slowdown so might be a few points ahead of the average, however across the board the recovery effort is floundering.
“We need action as the 5-star hotels hover at 30-40 percent occupancy and the resorts are facing possible single digit occupancy on their forward bookings radar,” said Wood.
“Much talk has happened now we need funding and action.
“We need a campaign to drive business back to Thailand that was lost to Indonesia, Australia, China, Vietnam and Japan,” Wood added,
“In my view, we need a well-orchestrated campaign that focuses on the wonderful positive aspect of Thailand's great strengths.
“It needs to draw in all the major arms of the industry, airline and travel agents and accommodation providers.
“The campaign needs to cover a broad range of media: Print, TV, radio, Internet, email and possibly new social networks like Facebook.
“This would be best-achieved with a focused, country-by-country campaign using a global media firm. The budget will be steep but the losses are already enormous.
“We need action and we need activity,” Wood added.
Andrew J Wood, general manager of the Chaophya Park Hotel & Resort,said " My hotel occupancy this week is almost 80 percent. For the month we will finish February 09 at 60 percent, a drop of 20 percent from last year.
“I am working flat out on marketing my way out of the global slowdown so might be a few points ahead of the average, however across the board the recovery effort is floundering.
“We need action as the 5-star hotels hover at 30-40 percent occupancy and the resorts are facing possible single digit occupancy on their forward bookings radar,” said Wood.
“Much talk has happened now we need funding and action.
“We need a campaign to drive business back to Thailand that was lost to Indonesia, Australia, China, Vietnam and Japan,” Wood added,
“In my view, we need a well-orchestrated campaign that focuses on the wonderful positive aspect of Thailand's great strengths.
“It needs to draw in all the major arms of the industry, airline and travel agents and accommodation providers.
“The campaign needs to cover a broad range of media: Print, TV, radio, Internet, email and possibly new social networks like Facebook.
“This would be best-achieved with a focused, country-by-country campaign using a global media firm. The budget will be steep but the losses are already enormous.
“We need action and we need activity,” Wood added.
Chopper hopper to Halong Bay
HANOI - Trails of Indochina has improved access to Halong Bay from Hanoi with the release of a luxury junk cruise module that includes return helicopter transfers.
The use of helicopters between the Vietnamese capital and the UNESCO World Heritage site means travel time between the two points, a three-hour journey by road, has been cut down to less than one hour.
This positions the cruise option as a pre or post conference add-on module.
The cruise component is operated by Trails of Indochina’s Halong Bay specialist Cruise Halong with groups staying on board traditionally built luxury junks.
These include the Halong Jasmin, which can accommodate up to 48 passengers, and the smaller 10-cabin Halong Ginger.
Both vessels include restaurants, lounge bars, libraries, gyms and massage rooms.
Highlights of the one to three day cruise itineraries include visits to floating villages and local schools, traditional temple ceremonies, trekking, cycling and exploration of Cat Ba Island and its national park by kayak.
The use of helicopters between the Vietnamese capital and the UNESCO World Heritage site means travel time between the two points, a three-hour journey by road, has been cut down to less than one hour.
This positions the cruise option as a pre or post conference add-on module.
The cruise component is operated by Trails of Indochina’s Halong Bay specialist Cruise Halong with groups staying on board traditionally built luxury junks.
These include the Halong Jasmin, which can accommodate up to 48 passengers, and the smaller 10-cabin Halong Ginger.
Both vessels include restaurants, lounge bars, libraries, gyms and massage rooms.
Highlights of the one to three day cruise itineraries include visits to floating villages and local schools, traditional temple ceremonies, trekking, cycling and exploration of Cat Ba Island and its national park by kayak.
Sunday, February 15, 2009
French tourists to enjoy 25% discount tours to Vietnam
Vietnam Airlines, and well-established Vietnamese tourism companies, are working with French partners to design a tourism promotion programme which will provide special discounts to French tourists who want to visit Vietnam.
The programme will be launched during two periods, from April 21st-June 19th and from August 21th-October 20th in 2009. Under progamme, many tours will be offered with discounts of up to 25%. The programme is an effort to help the implementation of the national tourism campaign known as “Vietnam’s Impression”, being organzied by the Ministry of Culture, Sport & Tourism from January to September this year.
Detailed information of the programme will be made available by Vietnam Airlines via e-newspapers and websites which are popular in France such as Le Monde, Courrier International, Yahoo Voyage, Telerama and the airline’s French website
Vietnam Airlines is also planning a tourism promotional event April 28th-29th at the Pierre Cardin Fashion House in Paris under the theme “Vietnam’s Sea Travel Festival 2009”.
Source: TBKTSG
Translated by Hoang Anh
The programme will be launched during two periods, from April 21st-June 19th and from August 21th-October 20th in 2009. Under progamme, many tours will be offered with discounts of up to 25%. The programme is an effort to help the implementation of the national tourism campaign known as “Vietnam’s Impression”, being organzied by the Ministry of Culture, Sport & Tourism from January to September this year.
Detailed information of the programme will be made available by Vietnam Airlines via e-newspapers and websites which are popular in France such as Le Monde, Courrier International, Yahoo Voyage, Telerama and the airline’s French website
Vietnam Airlines is also planning a tourism promotional event April 28th-29th at the Pierre Cardin Fashion House in Paris under the theme “Vietnam’s Sea Travel Festival 2009”.
Source: TBKTSG
Translated by Hoang Anh
Vietnam Airlines to open direct flight to the U.S in 2010
The national flag carrier Vietnam Airlines has announced a new plan to open direct flights to the U.S in 2010 if conditions are right, three years later than its earlier plan which was delayed for three years.
Vietnam Airlines confirmed that it would open direct flights to the U.S once the carrier is again economical strong enough.
At the moment, the airlines is preparing the market and planes to reach the goal of direct flights to the US by 2010.
According to the Vietnam Aviation Department, the US is a difficult market, and that aviation authorities in the country impose many conditions on airlines wanting to open direct flights to the country.
Besides making the airlines follow the US’ tight security and safety regulations, US aviation authorities also require airlines to supply a passenger list with personal information on all passengers on-board the planes four hours before take-off. This is an unprecedented condition, not require by most other countries. However, the US remains the number one aviation market, so most airlines in the world want enter it. That is why Vietnam Airlines is trying to open direct flights to the country, even in this time of worldwide economic crisis.
Like other airlines around the world, Vietnam Airlines’ number of passengers and cargo flights are decreasing.
In the first quarter of 2009, the number of international passengers traveling with the airline fell 5%, and the airline has set a target to carry only around 9.4 million passengers in this challenging year of 2009.
Last year, Vietnam Airlines carried nine million passengers.
Source: VN Express
Translated by Ngoc
Vietnam Airlines confirmed that it would open direct flights to the U.S once the carrier is again economical strong enough.
At the moment, the airlines is preparing the market and planes to reach the goal of direct flights to the US by 2010.
According to the Vietnam Aviation Department, the US is a difficult market, and that aviation authorities in the country impose many conditions on airlines wanting to open direct flights to the country.
Besides making the airlines follow the US’ tight security and safety regulations, US aviation authorities also require airlines to supply a passenger list with personal information on all passengers on-board the planes four hours before take-off. This is an unprecedented condition, not require by most other countries. However, the US remains the number one aviation market, so most airlines in the world want enter it. That is why Vietnam Airlines is trying to open direct flights to the country, even in this time of worldwide economic crisis.
Like other airlines around the world, Vietnam Airlines’ number of passengers and cargo flights are decreasing.
In the first quarter of 2009, the number of international passengers traveling with the airline fell 5%, and the airline has set a target to carry only around 9.4 million passengers in this challenging year of 2009.
Last year, Vietnam Airlines carried nine million passengers.
Source: VN Express
Translated by Ngoc
Vietnam Sea Festival to open in France - Vietnam Sea Festival to open in France
The 2009 Vietnam Sea Festival will be held in Paris, France on April 28-29 to promote advertising programmes and attract foreign visitors to tourist sites in Vietnam.
The festival is organised by the national flagship, Vietnam Airlines, in coordination with the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism and the Vietnamese Embassy in France.
The event is expected to showcase 30 top-rated tourist sites and areas in Vietnam, which have maritime tourism potential, and hundreds of travel agencies in France, Europe and Vietnam.
The 2009 Vietnam Sea Festival is an opportunity for businesses to exchange information, seek business opportunities and advertise Vietnam’s tourism image.
Also on the occasion, Vietnam Airlines coordinated with tourist companies from France and Vietnam to create two special promotional programmes for French tourists visiting Vietnam from April 21 to June 19, and from August 21 to October 20, offering them a 25-percent reduction in prices.
The festival is organised by the national flagship, Vietnam Airlines, in coordination with the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism and the Vietnamese Embassy in France.
The event is expected to showcase 30 top-rated tourist sites and areas in Vietnam, which have maritime tourism potential, and hundreds of travel agencies in France, Europe and Vietnam.
The 2009 Vietnam Sea Festival is an opportunity for businesses to exchange information, seek business opportunities and advertise Vietnam’s tourism image.
Also on the occasion, Vietnam Airlines coordinated with tourist companies from France and Vietnam to create two special promotional programmes for French tourists visiting Vietnam from April 21 to June 19, and from August 21 to October 20, offering them a 25-percent reduction in prices.
Friday, February 13, 2009
First US university opens rep. office in Vietnam
The Loyola University of Chicago (LUC) received permission earlier this month to set up a representative office in Ho Chi Minh City, becoming the first US university to have an office in Vietnam.
Under its licence, the office will work to promote cooperation between LUC and Vietnamese universities and training establishments and develop education and training cooperation programmes in line with Vietnam ’s educational development.
LUC has so far set up ties with two Hanoi universiteis with a cooperative agreement with the Hanoi National University signed during a Vietnam visit by the university’s leader, Dr Michael Garanzini, in July 2007 and another signed with the Hanoi Medical University in January last year.
Last month, LUC and the Ho Chi Minh City National University signed a cooperative project under which the two sides will jointly organise training courses in Vietnam for US students and research tours in Chicago for management staff of Vietnamese universities and colleges.
The first “Studying in Vietnam ” course is scheduled to open in June this year.
Targeting a long-term education and research cooperation in Vietnam , LUC has organised a cultural exchange programme for its professors and training staff. The first Vietnam visit as part of the programme was conducted in mid-2008 in Ho Chi Minh City and central provinces.
Source: VNA
Under its licence, the office will work to promote cooperation between LUC and Vietnamese universities and training establishments and develop education and training cooperation programmes in line with Vietnam ’s educational development.
LUC has so far set up ties with two Hanoi universiteis with a cooperative agreement with the Hanoi National University signed during a Vietnam visit by the university’s leader, Dr Michael Garanzini, in July 2007 and another signed with the Hanoi Medical University in January last year.
Last month, LUC and the Ho Chi Minh City National University signed a cooperative project under which the two sides will jointly organise training courses in Vietnam for US students and research tours in Chicago for management staff of Vietnamese universities and colleges.
The first “Studying in Vietnam ” course is scheduled to open in June this year.
Targeting a long-term education and research cooperation in Vietnam , LUC has organised a cultural exchange programme for its professors and training staff. The first Vietnam visit as part of the programme was conducted in mid-2008 in Ho Chi Minh City and central provinces.
Source: VNA
You can fly almost anywhere in Europe for $490 round-trip (taxes and fees included) from locations in the eastern U.S.
And the near-unbelievable claim in our headline can be confirmed by simply placing a few test bookings into Orbitz, as one example. Thus, Chicago to Frankfurt, leave March 26, return April 8, $231 round-trip, plus fees and taxes bringing the entire round-trip to $490, on American Airlines. New York to Paris, making one stop along the way, leave March 26, return April 8, $258 round-trip, plus fees and taxes bringing the entire round-trip to $572, on Lufthansa.New York to London, leaving March 26, returning April 8, $332 round-trip, plus fees and taxes bringing the entire round-trip to $490, on numerous airlines. This is obviously a fine time to make that trans-Atlantic crossing, using an airfare structure that has virtually collapsed.
Thursday, February 12, 2009
United takes its jobs back from India-13 February, 2009
WASHINGTON - United Airlines has confirmed that it is closing its call centre in India and transferring 165 jobs to the United States. The move came about a month after UAL Corp, parent of the third biggest North American carrier, said it was cutting 1,000 more jobs, pushing the total to 9,000 by year's end, to help stem losses. The jobs in India will be transferred to call centres in Chicago and Honolulu, and filled by workers who now handle reservations, the Chicago-based airline said. Beginning in April, it said the workers will add customer-relations duties, said Robin Urbanski, airline spokesman. AFP reports that United shipped the call centre positions to India about three years ago as part of a trend by US companies to move such functions overseas to save costs.
Russianists continue traveling to Vietnam: official
More Russians keep going holiday in Vietnam in a time when many travelers around the world have shelved their plans for vacations in this country to cope with the impact of the global economic downturn, according to the Russian consul general in HCMC.
There was a large number of Russian tourists choosing Vietnam as their favorite destination, Nikolay D. Ubushiev told a meeting with reporters on Tuesday when he announced new developments in the relations between Russia and Vietnam.
Ubushiev estimated 80,000-90,000 Russians traveled to Vietnam last year, and said that there had not any sign of decline in the number of Russian visitors to Vietnam, though figures showed a fall in the number of travelers from Japan and other markets.
“Russian holidaygoers take great pleasure in traveling in Vietnam,” Ubushiev said, pointing out the resort kingdom of Mui Ne and the beauty contest city of Nha Trang in central Vietnam as among popular sites attractive to Russians.
Ubushiev disclosed a crew of a Moscow television station would come to make a film of Vietnam, especially HCMC this month for airing in Russia.
“Vietnam is popular in Russia,” Ubushiev said and attributed this to the fact that more Vietnamese travel officials and agencies had managed to attend theme exhibitions in Russia to promote the country and introduce their products to potential customers.
But, Vietnam needed to have more tour guides with better Russian competence if the country wanted to attract more Russian travelers. He suggested resorts and hotels should design programs appropriate for Russians’ tastes of entertainment in the evening and good foods.
The local tourism industry is looking to 100,000 Russian tourists this year given the visa waiver for Russian visitors holding ordinary passports to stay up to 15 days from January 1 this year in accordance with the decision by the Prime Minister.
Ubushiev hailed the visa waiver for Russians, saying such a move would create favorable conditions for not only Russian tourists but also business people who want to explore Vietnam within the period.
Ubushiev said the Russia-Vietnam tourism ties had been on the way to further development, which was marked by the establishment of the Lanta-An Travel, a 50-50 joint venture between Vietnam’s Anh Duong Co., Ltd. and Russian tour operator Lanta-Tur Voyage.
He revealed a Russian investor was surveying the opportunity to cooperate with the Vietnamese side to develop a resort on Con Dao Island off the southern province of Ba Ria-Vung Tau.
Russia wanted to enhance economic and trade relations with Vietnam, Ubushiev said. He cited the two countries were cooperating over plans to open trade centers in major cities including Moscow, Hanoi and HCMC.
The Russian consul general said the project to open a Hanoi house in Moscow was progressing quicker than scheduled while the opening of a HCMC facility in the Russian capital had been slowed.
As for the Moscow house planned in HCMC’s District 7, Ubushiev clarified Russia wanted a land plot near downtown area of this city and convenient for trade. Construction would move very fast if an appropriate location was decided, he said.
VietNamNet/SGT
There was a large number of Russian tourists choosing Vietnam as their favorite destination, Nikolay D. Ubushiev told a meeting with reporters on Tuesday when he announced new developments in the relations between Russia and Vietnam.
Ubushiev estimated 80,000-90,000 Russians traveled to Vietnam last year, and said that there had not any sign of decline in the number of Russian visitors to Vietnam, though figures showed a fall in the number of travelers from Japan and other markets.
“Russian holidaygoers take great pleasure in traveling in Vietnam,” Ubushiev said, pointing out the resort kingdom of Mui Ne and the beauty contest city of Nha Trang in central Vietnam as among popular sites attractive to Russians.
Ubushiev disclosed a crew of a Moscow television station would come to make a film of Vietnam, especially HCMC this month for airing in Russia.
“Vietnam is popular in Russia,” Ubushiev said and attributed this to the fact that more Vietnamese travel officials and agencies had managed to attend theme exhibitions in Russia to promote the country and introduce their products to potential customers.
But, Vietnam needed to have more tour guides with better Russian competence if the country wanted to attract more Russian travelers. He suggested resorts and hotels should design programs appropriate for Russians’ tastes of entertainment in the evening and good foods.
The local tourism industry is looking to 100,000 Russian tourists this year given the visa waiver for Russian visitors holding ordinary passports to stay up to 15 days from January 1 this year in accordance with the decision by the Prime Minister.
Ubushiev hailed the visa waiver for Russians, saying such a move would create favorable conditions for not only Russian tourists but also business people who want to explore Vietnam within the period.
Ubushiev said the Russia-Vietnam tourism ties had been on the way to further development, which was marked by the establishment of the Lanta-An Travel, a 50-50 joint venture between Vietnam’s Anh Duong Co., Ltd. and Russian tour operator Lanta-Tur Voyage.
He revealed a Russian investor was surveying the opportunity to cooperate with the Vietnamese side to develop a resort on Con Dao Island off the southern province of Ba Ria-Vung Tau.
Russia wanted to enhance economic and trade relations with Vietnam, Ubushiev said. He cited the two countries were cooperating over plans to open trade centers in major cities including Moscow, Hanoi and HCMC.
The Russian consul general said the project to open a Hanoi house in Moscow was progressing quicker than scheduled while the opening of a HCMC facility in the Russian capital had been slowed.
As for the Moscow house planned in HCMC’s District 7, Ubushiev clarified Russia wanted a land plot near downtown area of this city and convenient for trade. Construction would move very fast if an appropriate location was decided, he said.
VietNamNet/SGT
US outbound travel in freefall-12 February, 2009
BERLIN - The global economic recession arrived on the US tourism scene in September 2008 like an abrupt cold weather front. The big chill will continue to bite at US outbound travel harder than inbound travel throughout 2009. These are the conclusions of IPK International, which will release extensive details on America’s inbound and outbound travel performance during the ITB Future Day, March 11, at ITB Berlin. According to the upcoming ITB World Travel Trends Report 2009 tourist arrivals growth into the USA was running at eight percent until August 2008. September was flat. While final figures are still being collated, the report says declining arrivals in Q4 will drag America’s overall performance for 2008 down from eight percent to six percent. “A figure of six percent is well above the world average,” said Dr. Martin Buck, director of the Competence Centre Travel & Logistics at Messe Berlin, which commissions the ITB World Travel Trends Report. “However, the abrupt change is worrying as it tells the US travel industry what to expect in early 2009. Weak demand from foreign markets seems likely to continue, especially if the dollar stays strong.” According to official US data, before the abrupt Q4 2008 global economic downturn, European arrivals into America had been surging ahead at an average of 17 percent, led by Spain (+36%), Italy (+29%), France (+28%), the Netherlands (+26%) and Germany (+20%). Travel from Asia to the USA, however, stagnated in 2008, attributable in large part to a six percent decline in travellers from Japan, the USA’s largest market in Asia. The contraction in American outbound travel has been even more severe. Despite a strong start to 2008, growth in US outbound travel slowed fairly dramatically in March, and turned negative in June, the beginning of the outbound slump. By September, the monthly decline was over seven percent. The freeze had set in. As Americans reduce their travel, Europeans are being hit the hardest, according to Dr Buck. “Europe and other destinations dependent on travelling Americans need to go on alert and adjust their strategies,” he said. “What we’re seeing in the ITB World Travel Trends Report is a continued decline in American consumer and business confidence combined with higher unemployment and lower disposable incomes – despite the otherwise positive Obama effect.” Dr Buck added, “Americans seem likely to trade down in terms of destination choice and type of trip. Business travel, especially travel for meetings and conventions, is the new weakest link.” He said that for leisure travel, the new preference among Americans is to take shorter trips closer to home. “The destination is almost irrelevant,” said Dr Buck. “It simply depends on the overall deal available.”
US outbound travel in freefall-12 February, 2009
US outbound travel in freefall-12 February, 2009
China, Vietnam & Cambodia 2009/10
When you travel with Scenic Tours to China, Vietnam and Cambodia you’ll experience an in depth tour where you’ll encounter history, culture and scenic wonders wherever you go. Touring programs to China, Vietnam and Cambodia in 2009 include new Scenic Enrich experiences. This inventive enhancement programme of events and activities focuses on the region you are in and allows you to experience life from the perspective of the local people. For example, in Shanghai watch a thrilling performance by the world renowned Shanghai Acrobatic Troupe and go backstage to meet with some of these incredible performers. In Vietnam take part in a hands-on cooking demonstration of some of Hoi An’s speciality dishes. By taking part in our Scenic Enrich experiences you’ll live in the destination you are in, not just travel through it.
The Mystique of China
With picture perfect landscapes and vibrant ancient capitals, a Scenic Tours adventure to China embodies a truly incredible experience with a rich kaleidoscope of history, culture and scenic treasures of each region. In Chengdu observe the Great Pandas of China at the Chengdu Panda Breeding and Research Centre, see the Terracotta Warriors and Horses in Xian and enjoy a 4 night Luxury Yangtze River Cruise onboard the newest ship on the Yangtze River, the Victoria Jenna, including a guided tour of the Three Gorges Dam Project.
Intriguing Vietnam and Cambodia
Discover the beauty of Vietnam, rich in culture and history. Explore Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon), the hill tribes of Sapa, Halong Bay with a luxury overnight cruise through the emerald waters and Nha Trang plus much more. In Cambodia enjoy a guided tour to Angkor Watt, consisting of cities and temples described as one of the most astonishing and enduring architectural achievements of mankind. The tours to Vietnam and Cambodia are truly unforgettable journeys - where Vietnam captivates, Cambodia will fascinate.
Fabulous Inclusions
With Scenic Tours guests can expect only the best with everything included in the one package price. The finest deluxe hotels, all ‘must-see’ sightseeing, most meals, tipping and gratuities on land tours and airport transfers are all included. Guests will be escorted by a Scenic Tours’ professional Tour Director and local English speaking guides for an in-depth touring experience.
The new brochure is out now with fantastic Earlybird savings of up to $900 per couple*.
15 Day Splendours of China (CHSP) from $6,405*
17 Day Splendours of China, including Chengdu (CHPA) from $8,045*
15 Day Essence of Vietnam (VIET) from $4,645
22 Day Grand Tour of Vietnam & Cambodia (VICS) from $7,595*
*Conditions apply. See China & Vietnam & Cambodia 2009/10 brochure for full details. Prices include Earlybird savings. Earlybird specials are valid until 30 April 2009 unless sold our prior. Offers available on strictly limited seats on set departures, subject to availability at the time of booking.
The Mystique of China
With picture perfect landscapes and vibrant ancient capitals, a Scenic Tours adventure to China embodies a truly incredible experience with a rich kaleidoscope of history, culture and scenic treasures of each region. In Chengdu observe the Great Pandas of China at the Chengdu Panda Breeding and Research Centre, see the Terracotta Warriors and Horses in Xian and enjoy a 4 night Luxury Yangtze River Cruise onboard the newest ship on the Yangtze River, the Victoria Jenna, including a guided tour of the Three Gorges Dam Project.
Intriguing Vietnam and Cambodia
Discover the beauty of Vietnam, rich in culture and history. Explore Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon), the hill tribes of Sapa, Halong Bay with a luxury overnight cruise through the emerald waters and Nha Trang plus much more. In Cambodia enjoy a guided tour to Angkor Watt, consisting of cities and temples described as one of the most astonishing and enduring architectural achievements of mankind. The tours to Vietnam and Cambodia are truly unforgettable journeys - where Vietnam captivates, Cambodia will fascinate.
Fabulous Inclusions
With Scenic Tours guests can expect only the best with everything included in the one package price. The finest deluxe hotels, all ‘must-see’ sightseeing, most meals, tipping and gratuities on land tours and airport transfers are all included. Guests will be escorted by a Scenic Tours’ professional Tour Director and local English speaking guides for an in-depth touring experience.
The new brochure is out now with fantastic Earlybird savings of up to $900 per couple*.
15 Day Splendours of China (CHSP) from $6,405*
17 Day Splendours of China, including Chengdu (CHPA) from $8,045*
15 Day Essence of Vietnam (VIET) from $4,645
22 Day Grand Tour of Vietnam & Cambodia (VICS) from $7,595*
*Conditions apply. See China & Vietnam & Cambodia 2009/10 brochure for full details. Prices include Earlybird savings. Earlybird specials are valid until 30 April 2009 unless sold our prior. Offers available on strictly limited seats on set departures, subject to availability at the time of booking.
Slumdog Millionaire to top counterfeit mkt
Danny Boyle`s `Slumdog Millionaire, a rags-to-riches story of a Mumbai street boy, is set to become one of the most counterfeited movies of all time, anti-piracy experts have warned. The black market of DVD is flooded with illegal copies of the film, which won seven British Academy Film Awards (BAFTA) on Sunday and is still running packed in cinema halls. In the UK, the film, currently is the highest grosser. But pirate versions are already being sold in London for 1 pound to 2.50 pounds each, a report in a city based tabloid `London Lite` claimed yesterday. Eddy Leviten of the Federation of Copyright Theft said that "Any new release is camcordered and duplicated straightaway. But Slumdog Millionaire has real global mass appeal and is going to be targeted on another level." He said "It is a film that has used some relatively unknown talents on a modest budget and all those who worked on it deserve not be cheated." Bureau Report
Vietnam's First Roadside Station Opens In Hoa Binh
HOA BINH, Feb 12 (Bernama) -- Weary travellers on national Highway No. 6 can now take a well-earned break from their journey, following the official opening of a new roadside station in Tan Lac district, in the northern mountainous province of Hoa Binh, on Feb 11, Vietnam News Agency (VNA) reported.Although roadside stations are ubiquitous in Japan, for instance, this is the first of its kind on Vietnam's highways. It not only offers motorists a place to rest and take a break, it also provides public information and promotes local trade.Roadside stations also possess the potential to act as efficient outlets for promoting the regional images of provinces across the nation.The station also houses multi-purpose rooms for civil organisations, such as the Women's Union and the Farmers' Association, as well as non-governmental organisations to hold meetings, workshops and training courses.Covering an area of approximately 5,000 sq.m, the roadside station is one of three such pilot projects in the provinces of Hoa Binh, Ninh Binh and Bac Giang, jointly carried out by the Vietnam Road Administration and the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), using with funding supplied by JICA.The two other roadside stations in Ninh Binh and Bac Giang provinces are expected to become operational soon. Each station costs a total of US$330,000.The Vietnam Road Administration expects that by 2015, there will be about 80 standardised roadside stations across the country. This is good news for motorists as they will have benefit directly from the range of public services offered by such establishments.-- BERNAMA
Tuesday, February 10, 2009
Vietnam to participate in Earth Hour
At 8:30pm on March 28, thousands of people in Vietnam will switch off bulbs and electric appliances in their houses for one hour to respond the Earth Hour 2009 program.
This will be the first time Vietnam take part in this campaign, to support efforts against global warming.
Earth Hour is an annual international event created by the World Wide Fund for Nature/World Wildlife Fund, held on the last Saturday of March that asks households and businesses to turn off their non-essential lights and electrical appliances for one hour to raise awareness towards the need to take action on climate change. It was pioneered by WWF Australia and the Sydney Morning Herald in 2007, and achieved worldwide participation in 2008.
This year, at least 74 cities will join the campaign, including Los Angeles, Las Vegas, London, Hong Kong, Sydney, Rome, Manila, Oslo, Cape Town, Warsaw, Lisbon, Singapore, Istanbul, Mexico City, Toronto, Dubai, Moscow, and Copenhagen.
Between 50 million to 100 million people in the world turned off electric appliances and bulbs at their home last Earth Hour campaign.
The Earth Hour 2009 is expected to attract one billion people worldwide. Participants can register at www.earthhour.org.
VietNamNet/VNE
This will be the first time Vietnam take part in this campaign, to support efforts against global warming.
Earth Hour is an annual international event created by the World Wide Fund for Nature/World Wildlife Fund, held on the last Saturday of March that asks households and businesses to turn off their non-essential lights and electrical appliances for one hour to raise awareness towards the need to take action on climate change. It was pioneered by WWF Australia and the Sydney Morning Herald in 2007, and achieved worldwide participation in 2008.
This year, at least 74 cities will join the campaign, including Los Angeles, Las Vegas, London, Hong Kong, Sydney, Rome, Manila, Oslo, Cape Town, Warsaw, Lisbon, Singapore, Istanbul, Mexico City, Toronto, Dubai, Moscow, and Copenhagen.
Between 50 million to 100 million people in the world turned off electric appliances and bulbs at their home last Earth Hour campaign.
The Earth Hour 2009 is expected to attract one billion people worldwide. Participants can register at www.earthhour.org.
VietNamNet/VNE
Little Girl needs help
A father named Hung doesn’t sleep at night anymore. His daughter, named Ha, is suffering from hypogastrium cancer. She may only have a few more months to live. Medical expenses are far beyond what the family can afford. Their most valuable asset is a tiny, old house.
Ho Van Hung and his daughter at the Central Pediatrics Hospital.
Ho Van Hung, from Dien Kim, Dien Chau, Nghe An, is 33 years old. But people might think he is more than 40 because a hard life has left many wrinkles on his face.
A few weeks ago, Hung took his daughter to the Central Pediatrics Hospital. He was worried but hopeful. But he has had to bring his child back home in pain. The father feels helpless knowing that his little girl might be leaving him and his family forever, and he doesn't know what to do to prevent it.
Hung said his family discovered baby Ha was sick a few months ago. One day when she was playing with her grandmother and little sister, Ha's grandmother happened to touch her tummy and felt a hard lump. She was brought to a district-level hospital. Doctors there told the family to take the child to the provincial hospital.
At the provincial hospital, Ha was diagnosed as having a tumour in her stomach and they conducted an operation to cut out the growth. As the tumour was big (as big as an egg), they sent it to the Poland Hospital in Nghe An for testing. The results suggested it was only a benign tumor.
One month later, Ha often cried due to stomach pain, for the lump had returned, and soon her left leg became swollen. The family took her back to the hospital. This time they were advised to go to the Central Pediatrics Hospital in Hanoi.
The day Hung took their daughter to Hanoi, his wife had no more tears to cry. She couldn't go with them to take care of Ha herself, as she needed to take care of the two other children (a five- and a one-and-a-half year old) as well as their elderly parents.
Till that day, no member of the family had ever left Nghe An. Every day, they had earned around VND30,000 ($8-9) from producing salt. They borrowed VND10 million ($590) from relatives and neighbours to take Ha to Hanoi.
Doctors at the Central Pediatrics Hospital diagnosed Ha with stage-3 hypogastrium cancer. Although it had not yet metastasised, it was still very dangerous. This form of cancer is very rare and often hospitals cannot help. The possibility of being cured from hypogastrium cancer is quite low, about 30% according to international medical research.
Another disadvantage in Ha's case is that her reaction to chemotherapy was unclear, meaning that even if the treatment is continued, the doctors are not confident if that would help, notwithstanding the potential side-effects of chemotherapy: high fever, bad infection, or worse, hemorrhaging in the brain, lungs, or even death. Moreover, medication is very expensive.
Doctors said without treatment, she might only live for a few more months. As time goes by, the tumour gets bigger and will press down on internal organs; the cancer will likely metastasise to the bones, liver, etc. which will cause Ha considerable pain, as well as urination and bowel movement disorders.
Hung felt like the sky just crashed down on him. All that he had worried about had come true. The painful feeling of being helpless broke him down.
When Ha was in the hospital, he spent as little as possible to save the money he borrowed from friends for Ha's medical expenses. He got Ha a corn on the cob for breakfast, a loaf of bread for lunch, and a VND10,000 ($0.5) dinner. Whatever his daughter didn't eat, that was his meal.
"I ate just enough to take care of her, but that of course is not enough for a man,” he said.
"My wife was planning to ask for a bank loan to cure our daughter, but since I'm the head of the household, the bank required me to be there for the paperwork. I couldn’t leave Ha here, and I couldn’t let my wife come to Hanoi herself to take my place with Ha, she doesn't know the way around.”
He said he was taking Ha back home, but wasn't sure if he would be able to bring her back for treatment.
"It's so hard to decide. If we knew she would be cured, we would definitely sell our house. But the doctors said her chance to live is so slim, if we sold everything, what if we'd ended up losing her, losing our house and can't take care of our other children?"
Tears ran down the broken-hearted father's cheeks. He pulled his little girl into his arms and cried.
"Raising her this long, this much, how can I let her go? But what else can we do now? It's all up to fate."
Holding Ha in one arm, a duffle bag with all of their clothes in the other, he was leaving for the bus to go back to Nghe An. At home, Ha's mother, her sister and brother, her grandparents are waiting.
Readers who would like to help out Ha and her family, please contact Mr. Ho Van Hung at: Team 1, Kim Lien village, Dien Kim commune, Dien Chau district, the central province of Nghe An; Tel: 84-01696651273.
VietNamNet/VNE
Ho Van Hung and his daughter at the Central Pediatrics Hospital.
Ho Van Hung, from Dien Kim, Dien Chau, Nghe An, is 33 years old. But people might think he is more than 40 because a hard life has left many wrinkles on his face.
A few weeks ago, Hung took his daughter to the Central Pediatrics Hospital. He was worried but hopeful. But he has had to bring his child back home in pain. The father feels helpless knowing that his little girl might be leaving him and his family forever, and he doesn't know what to do to prevent it.
Hung said his family discovered baby Ha was sick a few months ago. One day when she was playing with her grandmother and little sister, Ha's grandmother happened to touch her tummy and felt a hard lump. She was brought to a district-level hospital. Doctors there told the family to take the child to the provincial hospital.
At the provincial hospital, Ha was diagnosed as having a tumour in her stomach and they conducted an operation to cut out the growth. As the tumour was big (as big as an egg), they sent it to the Poland Hospital in Nghe An for testing. The results suggested it was only a benign tumor.
One month later, Ha often cried due to stomach pain, for the lump had returned, and soon her left leg became swollen. The family took her back to the hospital. This time they were advised to go to the Central Pediatrics Hospital in Hanoi.
The day Hung took their daughter to Hanoi, his wife had no more tears to cry. She couldn't go with them to take care of Ha herself, as she needed to take care of the two other children (a five- and a one-and-a-half year old) as well as their elderly parents.
Till that day, no member of the family had ever left Nghe An. Every day, they had earned around VND30,000 ($8-9) from producing salt. They borrowed VND10 million ($590) from relatives and neighbours to take Ha to Hanoi.
Doctors at the Central Pediatrics Hospital diagnosed Ha with stage-3 hypogastrium cancer. Although it had not yet metastasised, it was still very dangerous. This form of cancer is very rare and often hospitals cannot help. The possibility of being cured from hypogastrium cancer is quite low, about 30% according to international medical research.
Another disadvantage in Ha's case is that her reaction to chemotherapy was unclear, meaning that even if the treatment is continued, the doctors are not confident if that would help, notwithstanding the potential side-effects of chemotherapy: high fever, bad infection, or worse, hemorrhaging in the brain, lungs, or even death. Moreover, medication is very expensive.
Doctors said without treatment, she might only live for a few more months. As time goes by, the tumour gets bigger and will press down on internal organs; the cancer will likely metastasise to the bones, liver, etc. which will cause Ha considerable pain, as well as urination and bowel movement disorders.
Hung felt like the sky just crashed down on him. All that he had worried about had come true. The painful feeling of being helpless broke him down.
When Ha was in the hospital, he spent as little as possible to save the money he borrowed from friends for Ha's medical expenses. He got Ha a corn on the cob for breakfast, a loaf of bread for lunch, and a VND10,000 ($0.5) dinner. Whatever his daughter didn't eat, that was his meal.
"I ate just enough to take care of her, but that of course is not enough for a man,” he said.
"My wife was planning to ask for a bank loan to cure our daughter, but since I'm the head of the household, the bank required me to be there for the paperwork. I couldn’t leave Ha here, and I couldn’t let my wife come to Hanoi herself to take my place with Ha, she doesn't know the way around.”
He said he was taking Ha back home, but wasn't sure if he would be able to bring her back for treatment.
"It's so hard to decide. If we knew she would be cured, we would definitely sell our house. But the doctors said her chance to live is so slim, if we sold everything, what if we'd ended up losing her, losing our house and can't take care of our other children?"
Tears ran down the broken-hearted father's cheeks. He pulled his little girl into his arms and cried.
"Raising her this long, this much, how can I let her go? But what else can we do now? It's all up to fate."
Holding Ha in one arm, a duffle bag with all of their clothes in the other, he was leaving for the bus to go back to Nghe An. At home, Ha's mother, her sister and brother, her grandparents are waiting.
Readers who would like to help out Ha and her family, please contact Mr. Ho Van Hung at: Team 1, Kim Lien village, Dien Kim commune, Dien Chau district, the central province of Nghe An; Tel: 84-01696651273.
VietNamNet/VNE
Monday, February 9, 2009
Vietnam By Train: Ahoy Hanoi! || Jaunted
The seasoned—and spoiled—traveler often complains of desensitization. After viewing a few world wonders, everything becomes banal. So when an amazing place comes along, particularly one without a ton of hype, it restores a traveler’s basic belief that there are places in the world worth seeking out and crossing great distances to experience.
For me, that place is Hanoi. When I traveled the length of the country last month, I started in the capital, and it exceeded all expectations. Sure, its inhabitants say the city was even better 10 years ago, but it's still great and I don't risk sanctions by my home country now for visiting it.
Perhaps you’ve heard the city is quaint, with vendors lining narrow streets, selling bowls of steaming pho and two-cent glasses of ice-cold local beer. I promise—it’s more charming than the image in your mind right now. And even if people have mentioned that the country, while economically liberalized, remains staunchly communist, you can’t conceptualize the ubiquity of political propaganda—with posters, flags, and Ho Chi Minh’s face virtually everywhere.
Even if someone told you Hanoi’s dotted with lakes surrounded by parks with giant, looming trees and well-kept promenades, you can’t imagine how green the city truly is. In Asia, the “pave paradise, put up a parking lot” ethos is often an unironic way of life. Historic buildings are demolished and replaced with high rises; lakes filled and parks razed to make way for new developments. In Vietnam, a country that spent most of the last century at war, it’s amazing that its centuries-old architecture—and trees—somehow managed to survive.
Our only warning is that once in Hanoi, you might be met with a strong and sudden urge to never leave. However, if you stick around for only a few days, here are a few Best Ofs in town.
Best MuseumHo Chi Minh’s Mausoleum: Arrive early. Visitors can view the preserved corpse of communist Vietnam’s founder from 8 to 10 a.m. every day of the week except Monday. Locals take the ritual seriously, and dress in formal attire, so spruce up bit before heading there, as they won’t let you in without sleeves or long pants anyway. After viewing the body, which resembles a Madam Tussaud’s wax replica, head to the adjacent Ho Chi Minh Museum, which is open all day, and contains loads of interesting war-era documents and artifacts, as well, as odd modern art instillations exalting the communist struggle. However, if you find a particular political ideology offensive, this isn’t the place for you. Nor is Vietnam, for that matter.
Best RestaurantSeasons of Hanoi: Located in a beautiful, white colonial-era French villa, this restaurant sort of reminded us of the type of place our grandparents take us when they’re in town—in a good way. It is a place for Hanoi’s high-society to dine, with an impressive wine list, delicious teas, and surprisingly reasonable fixed-price lunches. I stopped in for teas and desserts one afternoon, and enjoyed the crème caramel, but not as much as I enjoyed the stately atmosphere after days of eating on sidewalk stools.
Best ParkLenin Park: Anchored by a giant statue of the father of Soviet Russia, communist Vietnam’s benefactor and great friend, Lenin Park is the largest and lushest park inside Hanoi. It costs 5,000 dong to enter, or about 30 cents, and once inside you’ll see groups of women in track suits practicing aerobics in unison, kids playing soccer, and lovers cuddling on benches and looking out over Bay Mau Lake. You’ll also see stylish old men in fedoras and berets sitting on the sidewalks playing Tien Len, a traditional Vietnamese card game. If you’re lucky, you might even spot a mid-day cockfight or two.
For me, that place is Hanoi. When I traveled the length of the country last month, I started in the capital, and it exceeded all expectations. Sure, its inhabitants say the city was even better 10 years ago, but it's still great and I don't risk sanctions by my home country now for visiting it.
Perhaps you’ve heard the city is quaint, with vendors lining narrow streets, selling bowls of steaming pho and two-cent glasses of ice-cold local beer. I promise—it’s more charming than the image in your mind right now. And even if people have mentioned that the country, while economically liberalized, remains staunchly communist, you can’t conceptualize the ubiquity of political propaganda—with posters, flags, and Ho Chi Minh’s face virtually everywhere.
Even if someone told you Hanoi’s dotted with lakes surrounded by parks with giant, looming trees and well-kept promenades, you can’t imagine how green the city truly is. In Asia, the “pave paradise, put up a parking lot” ethos is often an unironic way of life. Historic buildings are demolished and replaced with high rises; lakes filled and parks razed to make way for new developments. In Vietnam, a country that spent most of the last century at war, it’s amazing that its centuries-old architecture—and trees—somehow managed to survive.
Our only warning is that once in Hanoi, you might be met with a strong and sudden urge to never leave. However, if you stick around for only a few days, here are a few Best Ofs in town.
Best MuseumHo Chi Minh’s Mausoleum: Arrive early. Visitors can view the preserved corpse of communist Vietnam’s founder from 8 to 10 a.m. every day of the week except Monday. Locals take the ritual seriously, and dress in formal attire, so spruce up bit before heading there, as they won’t let you in without sleeves or long pants anyway. After viewing the body, which resembles a Madam Tussaud’s wax replica, head to the adjacent Ho Chi Minh Museum, which is open all day, and contains loads of interesting war-era documents and artifacts, as well, as odd modern art instillations exalting the communist struggle. However, if you find a particular political ideology offensive, this isn’t the place for you. Nor is Vietnam, for that matter.
Best RestaurantSeasons of Hanoi: Located in a beautiful, white colonial-era French villa, this restaurant sort of reminded us of the type of place our grandparents take us when they’re in town—in a good way. It is a place for Hanoi’s high-society to dine, with an impressive wine list, delicious teas, and surprisingly reasonable fixed-price lunches. I stopped in for teas and desserts one afternoon, and enjoyed the crème caramel, but not as much as I enjoyed the stately atmosphere after days of eating on sidewalk stools.
Best ParkLenin Park: Anchored by a giant statue of the father of Soviet Russia, communist Vietnam’s benefactor and great friend, Lenin Park is the largest and lushest park inside Hanoi. It costs 5,000 dong to enter, or about 30 cents, and once inside you’ll see groups of women in track suits practicing aerobics in unison, kids playing soccer, and lovers cuddling on benches and looking out over Bay Mau Lake. You’ll also see stylish old men in fedoras and berets sitting on the sidewalks playing Tien Len, a traditional Vietnamese card game. If you’re lucky, you might even spot a mid-day cockfight or two.
Noah's Ark found off Peru coast
The Chilean Navy has uncovered a "Noah's Ark" of contraband exotic animals - some of them endangered - which were being shipped from Peru.
A Navy patrol boat from the Chilean port of Arica noticed a boat heading for shore with its lights off.
After checking on board for a registration, the authorities discovered the animals, most of which were from the Amazon jungle.
Sonia Legg reports.
A Navy patrol boat from the Chilean port of Arica noticed a boat heading for shore with its lights off.
After checking on board for a registration, the authorities discovered the animals, most of which were from the Amazon jungle.
Sonia Legg reports.
: Japan prince leaves for first Vietnam visit
Japan's Crown Prince Naruhito left for Vietnam on Monday, the first visit to a communist nation for the heir to the Chrysanthemum Throne, officials said.
During the week-long trip, he will meet President Nguyen Minh Triet in Hanoi and visit the ancient city of Hue in central Vietnam, as well as Ho Chi Minh City in the south, the palace said.
The trip marks the 35th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic ties between the two countries. Japan is the largest foreign donor to Vietnam.
"I am glad if I can contribute to much closer relations of friendship between the two countries, and would like to deepen my understanding of the Vietnamese people and the country," Naruhito told a news conference last week.
Crown Princess Masako, who has skipped most public duties since late 2003 because of stress-induced illness, did not accompany the prince on the trip but bade him farewell at the palace.
The former career woman has struggled to adjust to life inside the world's oldest monarchy.
During the week-long trip, he will meet President Nguyen Minh Triet in Hanoi and visit the ancient city of Hue in central Vietnam, as well as Ho Chi Minh City in the south, the palace said.
The trip marks the 35th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic ties between the two countries. Japan is the largest foreign donor to Vietnam.
"I am glad if I can contribute to much closer relations of friendship between the two countries, and would like to deepen my understanding of the Vietnamese people and the country," Naruhito told a news conference last week.
Crown Princess Masako, who has skipped most public duties since late 2003 because of stress-induced illness, did not accompany the prince on the trip but bade him farewell at the palace.
The former career woman has struggled to adjust to life inside the world's oldest monarchy.
Sunday, February 8, 2009
Vietnam's First Luxury Tour Operator at ITB Berlin to Promote Luxury Tourism
Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam, February 08, 2009 --(PR.com)-- Luxury travel will be one of the sectors to see growth in 2009, bargain hunting and last-minute travel dominate in the current global financial crisis.A newly-released report indicates that luxury travel will be one of the sectors to see growth in 2009, according to ITB Berlin, one of the travel industry’s leading trade shows.The ITB World Travel Trends report predicted that the effects of the global financial crisis will tend to favour niche markets such as luxury travel.However, bargain hunting and last-minute travel will dominate at the same time, according to ITB Berlin.Dr Martin Buck, director of the Competence Centre Travel and Logistics at Messe Berlin, said: ‘Whether we like it or not – the idea of saving money at all costs is back with us again.’Based on the assessments of around 60 tourism experts who met at the World Travel Monitor forum in Pisa in November 2008, the report also indicated that short breaks in Europe could be increasingly popular this year.Dr Buck said: ‘Higher costs and a new kind of insecurity affecting consumers will undoubtedly impact negatively on long-haul travel in 2009.Ha Pham, founder and CEO of the Luxury Travel Vietnam Company believes the time is ripe for high-end travelers worldwide discovering Vietnam in lap of luxury. The Luxury Travel Company is Vietnam’s first luxury tour company and full travel service agency.“ Luxury travelers have time and money to travel. The current financial crisis they may shorten their holiday, stay in the less luxurious hotels…but still travel” Ha added.Luxury Travel Vietnam Company is experienced in providing special services and unique tourism products to luxury global travelers since 1990 and highly recommends tourism industry players to selling niche luxury tourism products to niche market.Vietnam's first luxury tour operator will be present at ITB to promote Vietnam luxury tourism and its destinations. Visit Luxury Travel Company Stand at ITB Berlin or check it out at www.luxurytravelvietnam.com for inspirational luxury travel.
Friday, February 6, 2009
Vietnam to slash tour prices till September-end
The Vietnam National Administration of Tourism (VNAT) is to carry out a national tourism promotion campaign until the end of September in order to encourage domestic tourism and attract more foreign tourists to the country. An announcement to this effect was made by Vu The Binh, Director of VNAT’s Travel Service Department during a conference on the tourism sector’s Action Programme, which took place in the southern province of Ba Ria-Vung Tau on February 6. Under the programme, VNAT will ask travel agencies and hotels to commit to reducing their prices by up to 50 percent, Binh said, adding that it will also call upon local airlines to participate in this campaign. Other travel companies must also pledge to offer discounts, with VNAT vowing to punish those who do not honour their commitments. In addition, VNAT will conduct a broader campaign to promote Vietnam via the Internet and other mass media, as well as hosting tourism events and festivals to encourage domestic tourism. The administration is to launch a new range of tourism products and intensify tourism promotion activities. According to Binh, VNAT has to date created 99 discounted package tours for tourists from countries including Japan, ASEAN, France, Western Europe, China, Australia and New Zealand. It also plans to launch an additional 60 competitively-priced domestic tours. On January 21, the Prime Minister signed a decision regarding a 50 percent-VAT reduction for travel, transport and hotel businesses. VNAT also proposed a 30-percent cut in corporate income tax rates for businesses involved in the tourism sector. (VNA)
Today In Asia : Last Update : 10:57:06 7 February 2009 (GMT+7:00)
Today In Asia : Last Update : 10:57:06 7 February 2009 (GMT+7:00)
Vietnam’s English center strikes training deal with US university
The Vietnam USA Society-English Training Service Center (VUS-ETSC) signed a teacher training agreement with the City University of New York in Ho Chi Minh City early this week.
Under the agreement signed on Wednesday, the US university (CUNY) will employ and train teachers for the center, a nongovernmental organization affiliated with the Vietnam USA Society.
It will also help the center hold educational conferences and establish the VUS-CUNY Scholarship Fund, which aims to improve the student community’s English skills.
Since 2004, VUS-ETSC has cooperated with Thanh Nien in granting annual English scholarships worth more than VND1 billion (US$58,270) each year
Under the agreement signed on Wednesday, the US university (CUNY) will employ and train teachers for the center, a nongovernmental organization affiliated with the Vietnam USA Society.
It will also help the center hold educational conferences and establish the VUS-CUNY Scholarship Fund, which aims to improve the student community’s English skills.
Since 2004, VUS-ETSC has cooperated with Thanh Nien in granting annual English scholarships worth more than VND1 billion (US$58,270) each year
Pandas boost tourism in Taipei
Taipei Zoo's latest additions, panda pair Tuan Tuan and Yuan Yuan, have attracted thousands of visitors during the Spring Festival season. Businesses around the zoo are booming.
The street near the zoo used to be famed for its bean curd products, but now pandas are the new theme. As people pour into the zoo, they all want to go home with panda mementos. In hotel rooms, on the street, and throughout the zoo, panda souvenirs appear in many different shapes and sizes.
Even the bears' favorite food - bamboo - has become a popular dish for zoo visitors. Anything with a panda theme is a bestseller here. Some stores and restaurants near the zoo say business is up around 30 percent thanks to the ongoing 'panda popularity'.
var para_count=3
The street near the zoo used to be famed for its bean curd products, but now pandas are the new theme. As people pour into the zoo, they all want to go home with panda mementos. In hotel rooms, on the street, and throughout the zoo, panda souvenirs appear in many different shapes and sizes.
Even the bears' favorite food - bamboo - has become a popular dish for zoo visitors. Anything with a panda theme is a bestseller here. Some stores and restaurants near the zoo say business is up around 30 percent thanks to the ongoing 'panda popularity'.
var para_count=3
Tuesday, February 3, 2009
People flock to films during Tet holiday
HCM CITY — Vietnamese and Chinese movies have set new records in ticket sales during this Tet (Lunar New Year).
Thien Ngan Film’s Giai Cuu Than Chet (Saving the Death) leads the pack at the box office selling 67,000 tickets nationwide in the first week after its release on January 15.
As of last Sunday, Thien Ngan’s Galaxy cinemas on Nguyen Du and Nguyen Trai streets were house-full.
Giai Cuu Than Chet by Nguyen Quang Dung is a musical comedy with joyful songs and romantic scenes that have proved popular among teenagers.
Tickets for the Chinese blockbuster Red Cliff II set advance ticket records during Tet.
John Woo’s historical drama re-creates the legendary Chinese battle from AD 208 that led directly to the end of the Han dynasty.
That it would do well at the box-office was expected after the resounding success of the first part of the movie which was released in Viet Nam last July.
Vietnamese movies – Dep Tung Centimet (Beauty in Every Centimetre) by Vu Ngoc Dang and overseas Vietnamese director Luu Huynh’s Huyen Thoai Bat Tu (The Legend Is Alive) – and Walt Disney’s Bedtime Stories – also attracted large numbers of people to cinemas during Tet.
Full house
Pham Van Thanh, manager of the Megastar Cineplex at Hung Vuong Plaza in District 5, said all Megastar cinemas in the country were full during the Lunar New Year.
Every Megastar cinema had offered two extra shows a day to meet the demand, he said
Nearly 7,000 people visited the cinema at Hung Vuong Plaza from Lunar New Year’s Eve to the third day of the new year.
Le Ngoc Chau, manager of Megastar Cineplex at CT Plaza in Tan Binh District, said this year’s attendance was double last year’s. —VNS
Thien Ngan Film’s Giai Cuu Than Chet (Saving the Death) leads the pack at the box office selling 67,000 tickets nationwide in the first week after its release on January 15.
As of last Sunday, Thien Ngan’s Galaxy cinemas on Nguyen Du and Nguyen Trai streets were house-full.
Giai Cuu Than Chet by Nguyen Quang Dung is a musical comedy with joyful songs and romantic scenes that have proved popular among teenagers.
Tickets for the Chinese blockbuster Red Cliff II set advance ticket records during Tet.
John Woo’s historical drama re-creates the legendary Chinese battle from AD 208 that led directly to the end of the Han dynasty.
That it would do well at the box-office was expected after the resounding success of the first part of the movie which was released in Viet Nam last July.
Vietnamese movies – Dep Tung Centimet (Beauty in Every Centimetre) by Vu Ngoc Dang and overseas Vietnamese director Luu Huynh’s Huyen Thoai Bat Tu (The Legend Is Alive) – and Walt Disney’s Bedtime Stories – also attracted large numbers of people to cinemas during Tet.
Full house
Pham Van Thanh, manager of the Megastar Cineplex at Hung Vuong Plaza in District 5, said all Megastar cinemas in the country were full during the Lunar New Year.
Every Megastar cinema had offered two extra shows a day to meet the demand, he said
Nearly 7,000 people visited the cinema at Hung Vuong Plaza from Lunar New Year’s Eve to the third day of the new year.
Le Ngoc Chau, manager of Megastar Cineplex at CT Plaza in Tan Binh District, said this year’s attendance was double last year’s. —VNS
Vietnam bans birds on bikes -
Vietnam bans birds on bikes - Visordown Motorcycle news : General news: "VIETNAM HAS banned the transportation of poultry and cattle on motorbikes in its capital city, in a bid to reduce the spread of disease.
The ban became effective on Monday, however sources say live animals, including pigs and dogs, were being driven in the city early Tuesday morning on motorbikes.
The ruling has been made in an attempt to reduce the risk of infectious diseases; Vietnam has been frequently hit by the H5N1 strain of bird flu since 2003. The virus is known to have killed 52 people in the country."
The ban became effective on Monday, however sources say live animals, including pigs and dogs, were being driven in the city early Tuesday morning on motorbikes.
The ruling has been made in an attempt to reduce the risk of infectious diseases; Vietnam has been frequently hit by the H5N1 strain of bird flu since 2003. The virus is known to have killed 52 people in the country."
Monday, February 2, 2009
Builders hopeful property market will recover in 2009
With the government loosening the credit policy and interest rates plunging, some property developers expect the real estate market to recover this year and are poised to begin new housing projects.
Tran Van Thanh, general director of Vietnam House Joint-Stock Company, said he believed the market would be better this year because of the credit loosening.
The State Bank of Vietnam has lowered its benchmark rate to 7 percent from 8.5 percent, effective Sunday, the sixth rate cut since October.
Thanh said his company plans to begin construction of 1,630 apartments in Ho Chi Minh City’s District 9 by the third quarter of this year.
Dang Hoang Vu, general director of Thanh Binh Real Estate and Trade Company, said it is looking to raise VND600 billion (US$34 million) to build 1,500 condominiums in District 9 and 100 villas in Cu Chi District.
Site clearance is complete, he said, adding the first one targeted medium-income earners, with each apartment costing VND700 million to 1 billion ($40,000-57,000).
Nova Real Estate Investment Corporation (Novaland) last December commenced work on a $500 million project in District 7.
Sunrise City will have 1,800 luxury apartments and a 60,000-square-meter shopping mall.
Nguyen Xuan Chau, general director of Novahomes, a unit of Novaland, said the company is working on a strategy to promote the condos, adding they could be sold at $2,500-3,000 a square meter.
Le Hoang Chau, chairman of the HCMC Real Estate Association, said the association has asked the central bank not to slap penalties on its members who fail to repay bank loans in time.
It had also asked the bank to lower interest rates to the current rate, he said.
According to a central bank report, by November 2008, banks’ outstanding loans to the property sector was VND115 trillion (nearly $6.6 billion), 73.9 percent of which in Hanoi and HCMC.
Chau said since most property companies in HCMC are small- or medium-sized, they would find it very difficult to survive if banks do not give them a helping hand.
Tax concerns
The director of a real estate company in HCMC, who wished to remain unnamed, said property developers would face difficulties this year since official land values have been doubled in some areas.
“This will make site clearance more difficult and land-use taxes will double. For instance, a 10-hectare project in District 2 will be taxed VND20 billion ($1.14 million) compared to VND10 billion before.”
Vietnam does not allow formal land ownership but grants land use rights, which confer the same rights as freehold property.
Thanh Binh Real Estate and Trade Company’s Dang Hoang Vu said an increase in land values and the new capital gains tax on property would put developers under great pressure.
With the introduction of the new Personal Income Tax Law on January 1, people owning more than one house will have to pay a flat 2 percent tax when they sell a house or 25 percent on the profit on the sale.
Tran Van Thanh, general director of Vietnam House Joint-Stock Company, said he believed the market would be better this year because of the credit loosening.
The State Bank of Vietnam has lowered its benchmark rate to 7 percent from 8.5 percent, effective Sunday, the sixth rate cut since October.
Thanh said his company plans to begin construction of 1,630 apartments in Ho Chi Minh City’s District 9 by the third quarter of this year.
Dang Hoang Vu, general director of Thanh Binh Real Estate and Trade Company, said it is looking to raise VND600 billion (US$34 million) to build 1,500 condominiums in District 9 and 100 villas in Cu Chi District.
Site clearance is complete, he said, adding the first one targeted medium-income earners, with each apartment costing VND700 million to 1 billion ($40,000-57,000).
Nova Real Estate Investment Corporation (Novaland) last December commenced work on a $500 million project in District 7.
Sunrise City will have 1,800 luxury apartments and a 60,000-square-meter shopping mall.
Nguyen Xuan Chau, general director of Novahomes, a unit of Novaland, said the company is working on a strategy to promote the condos, adding they could be sold at $2,500-3,000 a square meter.
Le Hoang Chau, chairman of the HCMC Real Estate Association, said the association has asked the central bank not to slap penalties on its members who fail to repay bank loans in time.
It had also asked the bank to lower interest rates to the current rate, he said.
According to a central bank report, by November 2008, banks’ outstanding loans to the property sector was VND115 trillion (nearly $6.6 billion), 73.9 percent of which in Hanoi and HCMC.
Chau said since most property companies in HCMC are small- or medium-sized, they would find it very difficult to survive if banks do not give them a helping hand.
Tax concerns
The director of a real estate company in HCMC, who wished to remain unnamed, said property developers would face difficulties this year since official land values have been doubled in some areas.
“This will make site clearance more difficult and land-use taxes will double. For instance, a 10-hectare project in District 2 will be taxed VND20 billion ($1.14 million) compared to VND10 billion before.”
Vietnam does not allow formal land ownership but grants land use rights, which confer the same rights as freehold property.
Thanh Binh Real Estate and Trade Company’s Dang Hoang Vu said an increase in land values and the new capital gains tax on property would put developers under great pressure.
With the introduction of the new Personal Income Tax Law on January 1, people owning more than one house will have to pay a flat 2 percent tax when they sell a house or 25 percent on the profit on the sale.
Sunday, February 1, 2009
Evason Hideaway at Ana Mandara Resort- your ideal destination
Around 15 km from the beautiful coastal city of Nha Trang, Evason Hideaway at Ana Mandara Resort is located on Hon Meo island in central Khanh Hoa province’s Ninh Van Commune and Ninh Hoa district.
Relaxing in Evason Hideaway at Ana Mandara Resort, you can enjoy a quiet secluded atmosphere. Accessible only by boat, the site of the Evason Hideaway at Ana Mandara on dramatic Ninh Van Bay is quite unique, taking full advantage of the setting. Impressive rock formations, the coral reef, white sand beach, a playful stream and the towering mountains behind, all add to the sense of being luxuriously at one with nature.
The resort also presents the reality of the destination, with an architectural style reflecting the traditions of Vietnam. This is very evident in the reception champa and dining pavilion, which are classic Vietnam structures transported across the water and assembled at the site.
With modern architectural features combined with national identity, the resort includes 54 villas of different kinds built on rock blocks or on fine beach, including Beach villas, Water villas, a Spa suit villa and a Rock villa.
The resort also has one special villa called the Presidential Villa, which is available for US$1,800 per day and is where the UK prince stayed during his visit to Vietnam in June, 2006,
Resort designers have made the most of a favorable geographical position on the islands to bring about new discoveries and give tourists an insight into nature.
Tourists can ride bicycles or take tramcars to the beach villa, climb three-step staircases to the Hill Top villa and Spa suit villa or go by express railway to the Rock villa. The Presidential Villa stands isolated between the mountain and the sea. Undisturbed and simple natural scenery is the highlight of Evason Hideaway at Ana Mandara resort and this is incorporated into the interior details of villas as well as the services on offer. Apart from the simplicity, tourists can still enjoy luxurious and modern conveniences. All human feeling and sense are towards nature to absorb its beauty.
Each villa at the resort has living rooms, bedrooms, bathrooms and a swimming pool.The bathrooms have been designed to incorporate nature, so visitors feel they are in the open air.
Mr Bary Warrington, Assistant Director of Evason Hideaway at Ana Mandara said: “Its architecture is more special than the others. It is naturally beautiful as it was constructed out of wood taken from the North of Vietnam. Coconut leaves and other materials are also native to Vietnam. The most spectacular feature is that each villa has a private swimming-pool.”
Evason Hideway at Ana Mandara has a stunning setting in the untouched Ninh Van Bay, a deserted beach accessed only by boat from Nha Trang.
In particular, tourists can relax in the healthcare therapeutic massage, sauna and steam, which will help them leave all worries and stresses behind.
The vegetable garden is also an interesting site for tourists to enjoy strolling around. The garden has all kinds of fresh fruits and vegetables and medicinal herbs, which have contributed to supplementing food supplies to restaurants and medicines to the health Spa.
One of the unique services at the resort is a wine cellar, which was built from a natural cave and provides more than 800 types of wine from different countries, thus giving a good chance for tourists to enjoy warm dinners and lavish banquets. This is considered the most singular wine cellar of all the resorts in Vietnam.
The Evason Hideaway at Ana Mandara resort from a distance looks like a quiet and romantic fishing village. But as soon as visitors enter through a villa’s door, they feel as if they are drifting through another world.
Relaxing in Evason Hideaway Resort is a good opportunity for tourists to entertain themselves with nature as Mrs Area General, a German tourist, said: “This is the first time I’ve been to Vietnam. I feel comfortable as this place is very quiet, spacious, lovely and romantic, very suitable for couples. The staff here is friendly and hospitable and the restaurant serves delicious Vietnamese food. Furthermore, here we can enjoy the Spa, which is very good for our health. I hope that I will have a chance to come back.”
Evason Hideaway at Ana Mandara is expected to be an attractive destination for tourists from all corners of the world.
Relaxing in Evason Hideaway at Ana Mandara Resort, you can enjoy a quiet secluded atmosphere. Accessible only by boat, the site of the Evason Hideaway at Ana Mandara on dramatic Ninh Van Bay is quite unique, taking full advantage of the setting. Impressive rock formations, the coral reef, white sand beach, a playful stream and the towering mountains behind, all add to the sense of being luxuriously at one with nature.
The resort also presents the reality of the destination, with an architectural style reflecting the traditions of Vietnam. This is very evident in the reception champa and dining pavilion, which are classic Vietnam structures transported across the water and assembled at the site.
With modern architectural features combined with national identity, the resort includes 54 villas of different kinds built on rock blocks or on fine beach, including Beach villas, Water villas, a Spa suit villa and a Rock villa.
The resort also has one special villa called the Presidential Villa, which is available for US$1,800 per day and is where the UK prince stayed during his visit to Vietnam in June, 2006,
Resort designers have made the most of a favorable geographical position on the islands to bring about new discoveries and give tourists an insight into nature.
Tourists can ride bicycles or take tramcars to the beach villa, climb three-step staircases to the Hill Top villa and Spa suit villa or go by express railway to the Rock villa. The Presidential Villa stands isolated between the mountain and the sea. Undisturbed and simple natural scenery is the highlight of Evason Hideaway at Ana Mandara resort and this is incorporated into the interior details of villas as well as the services on offer. Apart from the simplicity, tourists can still enjoy luxurious and modern conveniences. All human feeling and sense are towards nature to absorb its beauty.
Each villa at the resort has living rooms, bedrooms, bathrooms and a swimming pool.The bathrooms have been designed to incorporate nature, so visitors feel they are in the open air.
Mr Bary Warrington, Assistant Director of Evason Hideaway at Ana Mandara said: “Its architecture is more special than the others. It is naturally beautiful as it was constructed out of wood taken from the North of Vietnam. Coconut leaves and other materials are also native to Vietnam. The most spectacular feature is that each villa has a private swimming-pool.”
Evason Hideway at Ana Mandara has a stunning setting in the untouched Ninh Van Bay, a deserted beach accessed only by boat from Nha Trang.
In particular, tourists can relax in the healthcare therapeutic massage, sauna and steam, which will help them leave all worries and stresses behind.
The vegetable garden is also an interesting site for tourists to enjoy strolling around. The garden has all kinds of fresh fruits and vegetables and medicinal herbs, which have contributed to supplementing food supplies to restaurants and medicines to the health Spa.
One of the unique services at the resort is a wine cellar, which was built from a natural cave and provides more than 800 types of wine from different countries, thus giving a good chance for tourists to enjoy warm dinners and lavish banquets. This is considered the most singular wine cellar of all the resorts in Vietnam.
The Evason Hideaway at Ana Mandara resort from a distance looks like a quiet and romantic fishing village. But as soon as visitors enter through a villa’s door, they feel as if they are drifting through another world.
Relaxing in Evason Hideaway Resort is a good opportunity for tourists to entertain themselves with nature as Mrs Area General, a German tourist, said: “This is the first time I’ve been to Vietnam. I feel comfortable as this place is very quiet, spacious, lovely and romantic, very suitable for couples. The staff here is friendly and hospitable and the restaurant serves delicious Vietnamese food. Furthermore, here we can enjoy the Spa, which is very good for our health. I hope that I will have a chance to come back.”
Evason Hideaway at Ana Mandara is expected to be an attractive destination for tourists from all corners of the world.
Ancient architecture stands test of time in king’s village - Ancient architecture stands test of time in king’s village
The ancient village of Duong Lam on the outskirts of Hanoi is also known as a museum of laterite, home to many houses built three or four centuries ago with lateritic bricks. It is also the birth village of two Vietnamese kings.
Many have said a visit to Duong Lam, some 60 kilometers north of Hanoi, is a trip tracing the origins of Vietnam's culture and traditions due to the large amount of well-reserved ancient architecture in the village.
Duong Lam has also been described as the last stronghold of northern Vietnam's wet rice farming culture. The only noticeable change that has taken place in the village over the past 400 years is its division into nine hamlets, including Mong Phu, Cam Lam, Cam Da and Mia. Of these, Mong Phu is its biggest and the most famous.
There are around 300 houses still standing in Duong Lam, 50 of which date back 300 years and the rest about 200 years. The interesting thing is that most of these houses were built from laterite and mud, both abundant in the area. Laterite was used for house walls, gates, wells and temple walls.
A typical example of laterite architecture is the Mong Phu communal house, which was built in 1638 to honour Son Tinh (God of the Mountains). The house's roof frames and beams are carved with complex designs and images.
Tourists to the village can wander along its narrow alleyways, visit temples dedicated to the two kings born there, and most interesting of all, chat with locals living in the ancient houses.
Mong Phu is the only hamlet whose original village entrance gate remains intact. The laterite-brick gate is roofed with yin yang tiles and has two iron and wood doors four-to-five centimeters thick.
Duong Lam village is also distinguished because it was the birthplace of two kings - Phung Hung and Ngo Quyen - both venerated for their staunch struggles against invasions from China.
Phung Hung (761-802) was the leader of a resurrection against the Duong Chinese dynasty in the eighth century. Wealthy and prestigious, he was reputed for his benevolence and extraordinary strength. In 791, he besieged and occupied Tong Binh (present-day Hanoi), liberating the country. He died after seven years in power and was respectfully called Bo Cai Dai Vuong by the people.
Ngo Quyen (897-944) was the hero that brought independence to the Vietnamese people after more than 1,000 years of Chinese domination. In 938, Ngo Quyen advanced troops from Ai Chau in Thanh Hoa province to beat Nam Han (Chinese) troops on the Bach Dang River. After ascending the throne, Ngo Quyen set up the royal capital in Co Loa.
It comes as no surprise that there are many temples in Duong Lam village dedicated to these two national heroes.
Mong Phu hamlet is a site recognised by the Ministry of Culture and Information as a national cultural and historical heritage. The Mia Pagoda, also known as Sung Nghiem Tu, sits on a small hill in Dong Sang hamlet. The pagoda, which was constructed before 1632 and has been restored and upgraded many times, houses 287 Buddha statues, the most beautiful of which is Quan Am Tong Tu, or Kwan Ying Bodhlsattva.
To reach Duong Lam village from Hanoi, drive along National Highway No.32 or Lang-Hoa Lac Expressway, turn right on National Highway No.21 and continue for another 50 kilometres.Sai Gon Times daily
Many have said a visit to Duong Lam, some 60 kilometers north of Hanoi, is a trip tracing the origins of Vietnam's culture and traditions due to the large amount of well-reserved ancient architecture in the village.
Duong Lam has also been described as the last stronghold of northern Vietnam's wet rice farming culture. The only noticeable change that has taken place in the village over the past 400 years is its division into nine hamlets, including Mong Phu, Cam Lam, Cam Da and Mia. Of these, Mong Phu is its biggest and the most famous.
There are around 300 houses still standing in Duong Lam, 50 of which date back 300 years and the rest about 200 years. The interesting thing is that most of these houses were built from laterite and mud, both abundant in the area. Laterite was used for house walls, gates, wells and temple walls.
A typical example of laterite architecture is the Mong Phu communal house, which was built in 1638 to honour Son Tinh (God of the Mountains). The house's roof frames and beams are carved with complex designs and images.
Tourists to the village can wander along its narrow alleyways, visit temples dedicated to the two kings born there, and most interesting of all, chat with locals living in the ancient houses.
Mong Phu is the only hamlet whose original village entrance gate remains intact. The laterite-brick gate is roofed with yin yang tiles and has two iron and wood doors four-to-five centimeters thick.
Duong Lam village is also distinguished because it was the birthplace of two kings - Phung Hung and Ngo Quyen - both venerated for their staunch struggles against invasions from China.
Phung Hung (761-802) was the leader of a resurrection against the Duong Chinese dynasty in the eighth century. Wealthy and prestigious, he was reputed for his benevolence and extraordinary strength. In 791, he besieged and occupied Tong Binh (present-day Hanoi), liberating the country. He died after seven years in power and was respectfully called Bo Cai Dai Vuong by the people.
Ngo Quyen (897-944) was the hero that brought independence to the Vietnamese people after more than 1,000 years of Chinese domination. In 938, Ngo Quyen advanced troops from Ai Chau in Thanh Hoa province to beat Nam Han (Chinese) troops on the Bach Dang River. After ascending the throne, Ngo Quyen set up the royal capital in Co Loa.
It comes as no surprise that there are many temples in Duong Lam village dedicated to these two national heroes.
Mong Phu hamlet is a site recognised by the Ministry of Culture and Information as a national cultural and historical heritage. The Mia Pagoda, also known as Sung Nghiem Tu, sits on a small hill in Dong Sang hamlet. The pagoda, which was constructed before 1632 and has been restored and upgraded many times, houses 287 Buddha statues, the most beautiful of which is Quan Am Tong Tu, or Kwan Ying Bodhlsattva.
To reach Duong Lam village from Hanoi, drive along National Highway No.32 or Lang-Hoa Lac Expressway, turn right on National Highway No.21 and continue for another 50 kilometres.Sai Gon Times daily
Conical hats draw many visitors - Conical hats draw many visitors
Visitors to Phu Cam village in the former imperial capital of Hue will be instantly impressed by its traditional way of making conical hats. Poem-hat is a distinctive feature of culture in Hue. Locals say they like to do the job not only to earn money but to preserve their age-old tradition.
Hat-making village Phu Cam (also Phuoc Vinh) lies on the southern bank of the An Cuu River in the centre of the former imperial capital of Hue. It’s a village famous for its traditional way of making conical hats for hundreds of years.
Phu Cam-made hats look graceful, soft and thin as silk. Hue landscapes or even poems can be seen clearly through the hats in the sunshine. It takes woman much time to make the frame and iron leaves before young girls start sewing. The beauty and grace of a hat depend much on the frame (made of 16 brims from the hem to the top). Artisans use sharp knives to prepare the brims and make the frame that needs skills, techniques and experiences, as well as mathematical calculations which have been handed down for generations.
Leaves to make hat play a vital part, leaves have to be blue-white, neither too young nor too old. Collected leaves are to be put to dry in the sun, then put to be moistened by dewdrops, then to be ironed flat on a steel- plank above a kiln, cleaned with a towel. After all this, leaves are cut to fit the frame.
How to arrange the leaves on to the frame is not easy. Each hat needs 50 leaves and between the leaves are coloured papers with pictures or paintings of landscapes, or even poems. Hat-makers are hardworking and careful and diligent. Hats are served with silk-threads and the chin-straps are made of coloured silk (black, white, yellowish, purple, violet…) to harmonize with Hue climate and beauty.
Poem-hat is a distinctive feature of culture in Hue. Locals say they like to do the job not only to earn money but to preserve their age-old tradition as poem-hats have been absorbed into folk music and songs. Today hat are still used by young girls to shade their heads in the sun and to make them look more graceful in the traditional Ao Dai (long dress
Hat-making village Phu Cam (also Phuoc Vinh) lies on the southern bank of the An Cuu River in the centre of the former imperial capital of Hue. It’s a village famous for its traditional way of making conical hats for hundreds of years.
Phu Cam-made hats look graceful, soft and thin as silk. Hue landscapes or even poems can be seen clearly through the hats in the sunshine. It takes woman much time to make the frame and iron leaves before young girls start sewing. The beauty and grace of a hat depend much on the frame (made of 16 brims from the hem to the top). Artisans use sharp knives to prepare the brims and make the frame that needs skills, techniques and experiences, as well as mathematical calculations which have been handed down for generations.
Leaves to make hat play a vital part, leaves have to be blue-white, neither too young nor too old. Collected leaves are to be put to dry in the sun, then put to be moistened by dewdrops, then to be ironed flat on a steel- plank above a kiln, cleaned with a towel. After all this, leaves are cut to fit the frame.
How to arrange the leaves on to the frame is not easy. Each hat needs 50 leaves and between the leaves are coloured papers with pictures or paintings of landscapes, or even poems. Hat-makers are hardworking and careful and diligent. Hats are served with silk-threads and the chin-straps are made of coloured silk (black, white, yellowish, purple, violet…) to harmonize with Hue climate and beauty.
Poem-hat is a distinctive feature of culture in Hue. Locals say they like to do the job not only to earn money but to preserve their age-old tradition as poem-hats have been absorbed into folk music and songs. Today hat are still used by young girls to shade their heads in the sun and to make them look more graceful in the traditional Ao Dai (long dress
Lam Dong province lures visitors with adventure tours - Lam Dong province lures visitors with adventure tours
The Central Highlands province of Lam Dong offers plenty of opportunities for adventure. Coming here, visitors can choose from a wide variety of tours, from elephant riding, mountain biking, and trekking, to bird watching.
Tuyen Lam translates as "Jungle Spring", an apt name for this pristine lake surrounded by lush jungle just seven kilometres from downtown Da Lat. I take a boat across Tuyen Lam Lake to Da Tien (Fairy Stones), where visitors can rent stilt-houses, some of which are big enough to hold large groups, and some made just for couples. As Da Lat is Vietnam’s favourite honeymoon destination, I imagine a lot of newlyweds come here to enjoy the romantic views. If you want privacy, houseboats are another good option. In the mid-day heat, it is pleasant to stay on the boat and fish. Come dusk, birdwatchers can venture into the forest that surrounds the lake.
Coming here, visitors can ride elephants for sightseeing. Bordered by ferns as tall as a man, the track through the jungle is just wide enough to allow my massive mount to pass. I feel as if I entered a scene from the film Jurassic Park. Sitting on a padded chair atop a towering elephant, I enjoy the breeze and the sense of being at the same height as the treetops. Here and there I have a view of K’ho villages, and the smoke from distant cooking fires rising into the air.
After rolling along for two leisurely hours I reach the eco-tourism resort of Nui Voi (Elephant Mountain). The view is heavenly with the surrounding slopes covered with thick foliage rustling in the wind.
Guests can stay in stilt-houses or, if they have no fear of heights, in tree houses made from wood and bamboo. Some of the houses are shaped like baskets, with a dome-shaped roof. They are even equipped with electricity and modern plumping.
Communal showers are set in a cave in a hillside.
As darkness falls, it turns cool. The cold air and the strange noises of the jungle seem to melt away as I move closer to the fire. I join people from Darahoa village in roasting corn, beans and dried venison over the flames. Some K’ho children sing and perform traditional dances. It is cosy inside the house and the darkness of the surrounding jungle makes this gathering seem even warmer.
Visitors to Lam Dong can now choose from a wide variety of tours. They can ride elephants, mountain bike, trek, and bird-watch. There are even specialised tours for hunters, who pay big money for the privilege of shooting deer, hippos, wild boar and jungle fowl around Pang Pa-Lam Ha, some 92km from Da Lat.
By Do Thi Tham
Tuyen Lam translates as "Jungle Spring", an apt name for this pristine lake surrounded by lush jungle just seven kilometres from downtown Da Lat. I take a boat across Tuyen Lam Lake to Da Tien (Fairy Stones), where visitors can rent stilt-houses, some of which are big enough to hold large groups, and some made just for couples. As Da Lat is Vietnam’s favourite honeymoon destination, I imagine a lot of newlyweds come here to enjoy the romantic views. If you want privacy, houseboats are another good option. In the mid-day heat, it is pleasant to stay on the boat and fish. Come dusk, birdwatchers can venture into the forest that surrounds the lake.
Coming here, visitors can ride elephants for sightseeing. Bordered by ferns as tall as a man, the track through the jungle is just wide enough to allow my massive mount to pass. I feel as if I entered a scene from the film Jurassic Park. Sitting on a padded chair atop a towering elephant, I enjoy the breeze and the sense of being at the same height as the treetops. Here and there I have a view of K’ho villages, and the smoke from distant cooking fires rising into the air.
After rolling along for two leisurely hours I reach the eco-tourism resort of Nui Voi (Elephant Mountain). The view is heavenly with the surrounding slopes covered with thick foliage rustling in the wind.
Guests can stay in stilt-houses or, if they have no fear of heights, in tree houses made from wood and bamboo. Some of the houses are shaped like baskets, with a dome-shaped roof. They are even equipped with electricity and modern plumping.
Communal showers are set in a cave in a hillside.
As darkness falls, it turns cool. The cold air and the strange noises of the jungle seem to melt away as I move closer to the fire. I join people from Darahoa village in roasting corn, beans and dried venison over the flames. Some K’ho children sing and perform traditional dances. It is cosy inside the house and the darkness of the surrounding jungle makes this gathering seem even warmer.
Visitors to Lam Dong can now choose from a wide variety of tours. They can ride elephants, mountain bike, trek, and bird-watch. There are even specialised tours for hunters, who pay big money for the privilege of shooting deer, hippos, wild boar and jungle fowl around Pang Pa-Lam Ha, some 92km from Da Lat.
By Do Thi Tham
Forced evictions leave thousands homeless in Cambodia, says UN expert
The forced evictions of tens of thousands of Cambodia’s poor constitute a “grave breach” of human rights, a United Nations independent expert said today, calling for damages to be paid for lost homes and the provision of alternative housing.
In the middle of the night last week, over 130 families were forced to leave their homes without prior notice in the capital, Phnom Penh, so that a private company could redevelop the site. The shelters in the poor community were destroyed, and there have been reports that before the eviction, the community suffered intimidation and that the area’s representatives were subject to criminal charges.
“It is regrettable that the ongoing negotiations with residents were abandoned, casting aside a valuable opportunity to reach a just and lawful solution to this longstanding dispute,” said Raquel Rolnik, the Special Rapporteur on adequate housing, in a statement. “It is now of utmost importance that the rights of the residents to fair compensation for their lost homes and property and the provision of adequate alternative housing are fully respected.”
She noted that last week’s evictions in Phnom Penh are not isolated, but are “[alarmingly]” on the rise, with tens of thousands of people losing their homes and becoming even more destitute.
In the South-East Asian nation, the expert said, there has been a “consistent pattern” of rights violations tied to forced evictions, including the systematic lack of due process, inadequate compensation, and the excessive use of force.
“Given the disastrous humanitarian situation faced by the victims of forced evictions, I urge Cambodian authorities to establish a national moratorium on evictions until their policies and actions in this regard have been brought into full conformity with international human rights obligations.”
Ms. Rolnik, who reports to the Geneva-based UN Human Rights Council, took up her post last May and serves in an independent and unpaid capacity, as do all Special Rapporteurs.
In the middle of the night last week, over 130 families were forced to leave their homes without prior notice in the capital, Phnom Penh, so that a private company could redevelop the site. The shelters in the poor community were destroyed, and there have been reports that before the eviction, the community suffered intimidation and that the area’s representatives were subject to criminal charges.
“It is regrettable that the ongoing negotiations with residents were abandoned, casting aside a valuable opportunity to reach a just and lawful solution to this longstanding dispute,” said Raquel Rolnik, the Special Rapporteur on adequate housing, in a statement. “It is now of utmost importance that the rights of the residents to fair compensation for their lost homes and property and the provision of adequate alternative housing are fully respected.”
She noted that last week’s evictions in Phnom Penh are not isolated, but are “[alarmingly]” on the rise, with tens of thousands of people losing their homes and becoming even more destitute.
In the South-East Asian nation, the expert said, there has been a “consistent pattern” of rights violations tied to forced evictions, including the systematic lack of due process, inadequate compensation, and the excessive use of force.
“Given the disastrous humanitarian situation faced by the victims of forced evictions, I urge Cambodian authorities to establish a national moratorium on evictions until their policies and actions in this regard have been brought into full conformity with international human rights obligations.”
Ms. Rolnik, who reports to the Geneva-based UN Human Rights Council, took up her post last May and serves in an independent and unpaid capacity, as do all Special Rapporteurs.
8,000 foreign tourists to Vietnam during Tet - 8,000 foreign tourists to Vietnam during Tet
About 8,000 foreign visitors, including 4,000 from China, had a holiday in Vietnam during the lunar New Year festival.
According to the General Statistics Office, the country is estimated to receive 370,000 foreigners in January, down 11 percent from a year ago. Numbers of visitors from the Republic of Korea and the US fell significantly, while those from France rose 51.1 percent, Malaysia 23.3 percent and Singapore 26.6 percent.
The Da Lat tourist resort in the Central Highland province of Lam Dong has received more than 110,000 visitors, including 5,000 foreigners, during the long New Year holiday. All the hotels and guesthouses have been fully occupied. Room services have also increased by between 25-30 percent compared to the period before the New Year.
More than 100,000 people have made a pilgrimage to Yen Tu Mount – the cradle of Vietnamese Buddhism - in the northeastern province of Quang Ninh over the past six days.
The province upgraded National Highway No18 to Yen Tu to facilitate travel and ease traffic congestion. Phuc Xuyen Transport Company purchased 20 more buses to serve the pilgrims. The Yen Tu festival is launched on the 10th day of the first lunar month and this year it falls on February 4.
According to the General Statistics Office, the country is estimated to receive 370,000 foreigners in January, down 11 percent from a year ago. Numbers of visitors from the Republic of Korea and the US fell significantly, while those from France rose 51.1 percent, Malaysia 23.3 percent and Singapore 26.6 percent.
The Da Lat tourist resort in the Central Highland province of Lam Dong has received more than 110,000 visitors, including 5,000 foreigners, during the long New Year holiday. All the hotels and guesthouses have been fully occupied. Room services have also increased by between 25-30 percent compared to the period before the New Year.
More than 100,000 people have made a pilgrimage to Yen Tu Mount – the cradle of Vietnamese Buddhism - in the northeastern province of Quang Ninh over the past six days.
The province upgraded National Highway No18 to Yen Tu to facilitate travel and ease traffic congestion. Phuc Xuyen Transport Company purchased 20 more buses to serve the pilgrims. The Yen Tu festival is launched on the 10th day of the first lunar month and this year it falls on February 4.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)