Chuck Kuhn's Asia in Photos: Lao Cai

Friday, February 6, 2015

Sapa – focus of tourism sector in 2015

February 6, 2015

(VOV) -The Lao Cai provincial’s People Committee on February 6 announced a number of noteworthy tourism events in 2015.

This is a golden opportunity for domestic and foreign visitors and travel agencies to update information on ideal destinations in Lao Cai.

The reproduction of Lao Cai markets in Hanoi from February 6-15 is the first highlight of tourism events in 2015.

The following events include Upper Temple Festival, the spiritual tour along the Red River, Sapa Cultural Week, Bac Ha Horse Race, Vietnam Mountain Marathon 2015, and mountain bike tours 2015.

Particularly, the Sa Pa Culture-Tourism Week held in Sa Pa town, Sa Pa district is expected to lure a large number of tourists during holidays. During the week, new tourism products will be introduced such as specialised tours, night at Sa Pa love market, flower display along the roads, street festical and a photo exhibition.

Speaking at the press conference in Hanoi, Director of Lao Cai provincial Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism Tran Huu Son said that last year, the number of tourists travelling to the province increased thanks to the opening of Noi Bai-Lao Cai expressway.

He hopes that new tourism products including eco and village tours will help domestic and foreign tourists enjoy a very good time in a best destination in Vietnam.

Sapa – focus of tourism sector in 2015 — Talk Vietnam

Monday, September 9, 2013

DPM visits worst affected flood area — TalkVietnam

Posted: 08 Sep 2013 10:43 PM PDT

Deputy PM Nguyen Xuan Phuc on September 7 visited Sa Pa district in the northern province of Lao Cai, one of the worst flood affected province.

Deputy PM Nguyen Xuan Phuc (center) visits and encourages victims of torrential rains, floods and landslides, Sa Pa district, September 7, 2013 - Photo: VGP/Le Son

The Government leader asked the local authorities to mobilize all resources to support victims to overcome the difficulties.
Mr. Phuc also proposed Lao Cai province rebuild landslide damaged roads and provide 200 tons of food relief to flood victims.
According to the National Steering Committee for Flood and Storm Prevention, as of September 7, torrential rains, floods and landslides in northern provinces have led to 25 deaths in which Lao Cai saw the highest number of casualties, with 10.
The floods also injured 16, destroyed 139 houses and submerged over 6,800 hectares of rice and other crops.
The total financial loss caused by the disaster is estimated at about VND39.2 billion.

They say "

“I can’t say what made me fall in love with Vietnam - that a woman’s voice can drug you; that everything is so intense. The colors, the taste, even the rain. Nothing like the filthy rain in London. They say whatever you’re looking for, you will find here. They say you come to Vietnam and you understand a lot in a few minutes, but the rest has got to be lived. The smell: that’s the first thing that hits you, promising everything in exchange for your soul. And the heat. Your shirt is straightaway a rag. You can hardly remember your name, or what you came to escape from. But at night, there’s a breeze. The river is beautiful. You could be forgiven for thinking there was no war; that the gunshots were fireworks; that only pleasure matters. A pipe of opium, or the touch of a girl who might tell you she loves you. And then, something happens, as you knew it would. And nothing can ever be the same again.”
― Graham Greene, The Quiet American

Tips on Travel to Vietnam

It's always warm in Southeast Asia apart from high mountains, so leave the heavy clothing at home. Cotton and breathable fabrics are always better than synthetics -- although cotton does wrinkle a lot when traveling! December through April is roughly the dry season in that region, although it can still rain a little. December is a good time to go in terms of temperature -- cooler than in the humid summertime. Either way, wearing more clothing (shirt sleeves and long pants) is always more respectful towards the Asian culture, especially when visiting temples and rural areas.