Do a hotel research on the net looking not only for the cheapest
rates but also considering the amenities and services provided,
location, possible references from other people. Travel
guidebooks can also be very helpful for choosing the hotel that
suits you best. Be as much flexible with your trip schedule as
possible. For example, business class hotels often have lower
weekend rates.
As soon as you reserved the room(s) online, document all
information about the hotel(s). The easiest way is to print out
the whole page off your computer screen so you will have a clear
statement that you can use as evidence in case of misplacing or
incorrectly entering your information by a hotel clerk. Take a
copy with you, make another one for your relatives so they will
know when and where you are going to stay so they can contact
you in emergency cases.
WHEN CHECKING-IN
Learn the proper check-in and check-out times. Confirm the
amenities and services the hotel provides. Ask for directions, a
local map. Get a card with the hotel’s name, address and phone
number so you can show it to a taxi driver or a passer-by in the
street if you get lost.
Some hotels may provide extra services that you may not know
about unless you ask for it:
- laundry service,
- hair dryers,
- voltage converters/ adaptors,
- newspaper service,
- complementary meals,
- access to fax machine, copier, printer, computer, Internet connection,
- cable TV, rental movies, video games,
- portable beds, baby cribs,
- complementary shuttle service to airport,
- rental safe for your money, jewellery, documents,
- telephone access charges,
- fees for using mini-bar,
- guided tours, excursions.
AT THE HOTEL
Safety should be a priority for everybody and you have to take
some precautions. We devoted a whole separate page to travel
safety including hotel safety measures so we will skip this part
here. When you go out for the day, leave your key at the
reception desk. Confirm closing time. Some hotels do lock up at
night and you’re expected to keep the key if you stay out late.
BEFORE LEAVING YOUR HOTEL
Check out your room for left-behind items. If you need extra
time for staying over the regular check-out time (usually it
ranges from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m), make a request in advance or the
hotel may charge you an additional night.
Review the hotel bill making sure that all charges are accurate.
Key Travel Tips
Following these tips will help you reduce your wait time at the security checkpoint.
Before you go to the Airport
•Do not pack or bring Prohibited Items to the airport.
•Place valuables such as jewelry, cash and laptop computers in carry-on baggage only.
•Tape your business card to the bottom of your laptop.
•Avoid wearing clothing, jewelry and accessories that contain metal. Metal items may set off the alarm on the metal detector.
•Avoid wearing shoes that contain metal or have thick soles or heels. Many types of footwear will require additional screening even if the metal detector does not alarm.
•Put all undeveloped film and cameras with film in your carry-on baggage. Checked baggage screening equipment will damage undeveloped film.
•Declare firearms & ammunition to your airline and place them in your checked baggage.
•If you wish to lock your baggage, use a TSA-recognized lock.
•Do not bring lighters or prohibited matches to the airport.
•Do not pack wrapped gifts and do not bring wrapped gifts to the checkpoint. Wrap on arrival or ship your gifts prior to your departure. TSA may have to unwrap packages for security reasons.
While at the
Airport
Each adult traveler needs to keep available his/her airline boarding pass and government-issued photo ID until exiting the security checkpoint. Due to different airport configurations, at many airports you will be required to display these documents more than once.
•Place the following items IN your carry-on baggage or in a plastic bag prior to entering the screening checkpoint:
oMobile phones
oKeys
oLoose change
oMoney clips
oPDA’s (personal data assistants)
oLarge amounts of jewelry
oMetal hair decorations
oLarge belt buckles
•Take your laptop and video cameras with cassettes OUT of their cases and place them in a bin provided at the checkpoint.
•Take OFF all outer coats, suit coats, jackets and blazers.
An artist’s impression of the live-star Pullman Saigon Center Hotel
On November 29, 2010, Saigontourist will hold a groundbreaking ceremony for its five-star Pullman Saigon Center Hotel, complete the foundation for its four-star Novotel Saigon Center Hotel and inaugurate its four-star Liberty Central Hotel.
The total investment capital for the three hotels is about US$113 million. These three hotels belong to Que Huong Liberty Joint Stock Co., under the umbrella of Saigontourist Holding Company.
Nguyen Huu Tho, general director of Saigontourist, said: “Regarding the development strategy for the period 2010-2015 and the vision for 2010, Saigontourist aims to become the biggest tourism corporation in Vietnam and the region in the fields of accommodation, tourism, gastronomy and other services. The company strives for a total turnover of over US$1 billion in 2015, making tourism a key industry of HCM City and Vietnam. The three hotels, Pullman Saigon Center, Novotel Saigon Center and Liberty Central of Que Huong Liberty Joint Stock Co., are among the tens of key investment projects of Saigontourist in HCM City.”
Pullman Saigon Center Hotel
The five-star Pullman Saigon Center Hotel, on the site of the former three-star Metropole (at 148 Tran Hung Dao St., Dist. 1), will be built with a three-level underground car park, 24 floors, with 300 bedrooms, restaurants, meeting rooms and fitness clubs. It has an investment capital of US$60 million and is due to be completed in 2013.
Pullman — a prestigious upscale five-star hotel brand of Accor group — will manage the Pullman Saigon Center Hotel. Currently, the Pullman network has 46 hotels around the world, and in the future Accor plans to develop 150 hotels under this brand.
Novotel Saigon Center Hotel
Work on Novotel Saigon Center Hotel, on the site of the former QueHuong 1 Hotel (at 165-167 Hai Ba Trung St., Dist. 1), started in April, and to date the foundation has been completed. The four-star hotel is due to commence operation in 2012, with three-level underground parking, 18 floors of hotel space, 250 bedrooms, restaurants, meeting rooms, leisure and entertainment rooms. The project’s investment capital is about US$38 million.
Que Huong Liberty Co. started building Liberty Central Hotel (formerly Que Huong Liberty 6 at 177-179 Le Thanh Ton St., Dist. 1), with the design by Ong & Ong Company (Singapore) and construction by CotecCons.
In February 2010, the company put part of Liberty Central Hotel into operation, consisting of one-level underground parking, 12 floors of hotel space, 139 bedrooms and other international four-star standard services, capitalized at US$15 million.
Central Restaurant can host up to 150 guests, serving breakfast and Vietnamese specialties in a Fusion style. LIO Coffee Lounge on the ground floor is a relaxing area for welcoming guests.
To meet the demand for meetings and parties, there are the luxurious Apollo conference room hosting up to 150 people, with modern equipment and two small meeting rooms, holding from 20-40 guests.
There are two private dining rooms on the second floor and the Executive Lounge on the 11th floor serving business guests.
In addition, staff at the Business Center and Concierge are ready to answer any questions. Guests can relax with services such as spa, massage, an outdoor swimming pool on the 12th floor and a gym on the top floor.
Liberty Central Hotel is managed by Saigontourist. Pullman Saigon Center and Novotel Saigon Center hotels will be under Accor’s management.
“The combination of Saigontourist and Accor will help increase international tourists, diversify and upgrade product and service quality as well as professionalism. The cooperation between Saigontourist and Accor will also contribute to perfecting management techniques of Saigontourist in line with international standards,” Nguyen Huu Tho said.
A longboarder surfs at Mui Ne’s Malibu Beach also known by Vietnam locals as Ghan Beach – Photo: Chiga Balazsd
I had two of my best surfs so far in Vietnam over Christmas on the back beach at Mui Ne also known as Malibu Beach.
The surf on Christmas Day and Christmas Eve had three foot sets with some good rides, both lefts and rights. It was slightly bigger down the south end of Malibu Beach near the No Mad kitesurfing camp, but it was glassier down further near the resorts, which was particularly good. Boxing Day was reportedly excellent as well.
December has swung the wind from the South to the North bringing the wind-swell onto the east-facing Malibu beach. The front beach at Mui Ne has very little surf this time of year. The website, forecasts.swellwatch.com, demonstrates really well where the wind and swell are coming from. For another tip to find secret spots to surf in Vietnam look at Google Earth.
It’s best to go around sunrise before the wind picks up at 10am when it starts to get blown out.
I got my hands on a motorbike with a board rack, which was a great score, so I could cruise along the beach and choose the best peak. Otherwise I recommend you get a taxi or a xe om (motorbike taxi) and hold your board under your arm. If you get in and out of Malibu Beach before 10 in the morning the wind is not going to be too much of a problem for carrying the board on the bike.
To get to Malibu Beach from the main resort strip, just head up to the fishing port and turn left at the roundabout at Mui Ne Town, then follow your nose.
I took my own board (borrowed actually) from Saigon on a Phuong Trang bus from De Tham Street. It’s an eight footer and truly if it was another inch longer it wouldn’t have fitted in the luggage compartment, so be mindful of that if you’ve got a longer board – you might need a bus with roof racks on top. It can be handy to have some octopus straps as well.
Surfing at Malibu Beach is nothing like Uluwatu in Bali or Nias in Sumatra or other legendary surf spots. It’s just a beach break but it’s much better than Vung Tau and I suspect more consistent this time of year. But it hasn’t been a good season for wind so far – leaving all the kite surfing schools in Mui Ne feeling a bit down.
It may not be Uluwatu but it’s definitely frontier Asia surfing with waves, coconut palm trees and fishermen in basket boats just beyond the break, which makes for an epic adventure.
Chiga takes half day surfing safaris around Mui Ne for US$95.
VietNamNet Bridge – The tourism authorities of Quang Nam and Quang Ngai provinces plan to launch a tour combining islands and inland destinations to further build on their reputation as the land of heritage sites.
Do Tan Cuong, deputy director of Quang Nam Province’s Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism, told the Daily that the tour would likely be launched next year. Tourists will start the tour in the ancient town of Hoi An to explore Cu Lao Cham, or Cham Islets, before getting on board speed boats to ply the waters for two hours to Quang Ngai’s Re Island on the island district of Ly Son.
The two tourism departments will explore the route between Cu Lao Cham and Re Island to develop new tourism products before opening the new tour late next year, Cuong said.
The new tour will likely attract many tourists due to the good combination between sightseeing in the ancient town of Hoi an and Cu Lao Cham biosphere reserve, and exploration of the neglected beauty of Re Island as well as beautiful beaches along the route.
“We will make the survey trip next summer in the hope of launching the new tour late next year,” he said.
The tourism industry in the central coastal province of Quang Nam is growing rapidly with the total number of tourists expected at around 2.45 million this year, with half being foreigners. In Quang Ngai Province nearby, the hospitality sector is much less developed, with just over 300,000 tourists expected for this year.
Cuong said Quang Nam’s tourism industry has been enjoying strong development in recent years.
“More and more tourists are coming, and we are trying to enrich tourism services for them,” he said.
Cuong said the room occupancy rate was high in Hoi An, with the current rate hovering around 73%.
Along with preparations for the new tour, the province’s tourism sector has decided to replace the Heritage Itinerary Festival next year by an international music festival. The Heritage Itinerary Festival, which was organized every two years, has become less attractive.
“We need to end the ten-year old festival to make the new and exciting festival for tourists. We need to refresh the image of Quang Nam’s tourism,” Cuong said.
He added Lung Lo 5 Company had asked the province for approval to map out a scheme to turn Cu Lao Cham into a high-end tourist area in the biosphere reserve.
I was pleasantly surprised after a 3-week trip in South Vietnam touring some of the cities and attractions. Truthfully, I was not expecting anything glamorous. However, this small Asian country has so much natural beauty and plenty of amazing places to check out – you’ll love the experience.
Located on the coast of Southeast Asia, the country of Vietnam has lots of beautiful attractions and amazing tourist destinations to visit and experience. Here are the five amazing places I would recommend to anyone thinking of visiting South Vietnam in no particular order:
Saigon (Ho Chi Minh City)
Nha Trang
Dalat
Phu Quoc Island
Vung Tau
Before I go into detail about visiting each of these destinations in South Vietnam, at the time I was there, 1 United States Dollar (USD) was equivalent to 18,930 Vietnamese Dong. It is amazing to find out what you can buy with $1 USD in Vietnam compared to $1 in the United States. You will find that traveling, eating, and hotel accommodations are relatively inexpensive in almost every part of this country. So, if you’re on a limited budget, this is a great country to visit in Southeast Asia.
The first thing you will notice about Vietnam’s largest and most crowded city is the amount of motorcycles – add in a few crazy car and truck drivers and after a while Saigon feels more like a riot zone! Some of these drivers like playing chicken with you (yes even the motorcycles!). They’ll cut you off, honk their horns all day long, and some on bicycles are brave enough to do the same. There’s also plenty of drivers who completely disregard traffic laws like a regular day at the zoo; its complete mayhem out there – but no one takes it personally like they do in the United States.
I apologize if I’ve given you a negative view of this amazing Vietnamese city so far, but truthfully, the insane traffic actually gives the city lots of energy and vitality; it wouldn’t be right without the craziness! I like to compare traffic in Saigon to a human ant-farm. I recommend that if you do visit Saigon in South Vietnam, take a taxi cab so you don’t end up as roadkill.
Besides the traffic nightmare, there are a plethora of businesses for your shopping wants and needs. Street vendors are everywhere selling everything you can imagine. There are also discount malls, the most famous being Ben Thanh Market selling everything from clothing to souvenirs. There are also other markets selling fresh food items such as fish, vegetables, fruits, and all kinds of animal meat – all as fresh as it gets.
Not into street vendors? There are also plenty of gourmet restaurants, designer malls with air conditioning, and fine hotels. But c’mon you’re in Vietnam! I say rent the cheap guesthouses, eat and buy cool stuff from all the different vendors….all with a bit of caution though of course!
For site seeing, check out the Suoi Tien Amusement Park, ancient pagodas, Buddhist temples, french-built churches, government buildings such as the Reunification Palace, the Ho Chi Minh Museum, Saigon Opera House and much more!
Depending on what you want out of your stay, Saigon has everything to offer including an amazing nightlife with karaoke bars and dance clubs.
Amazing Place #2 Nha Trang
A city located on the coast of South Vietnam, Nha Trang is one of the most beautiful places I have ever seen in my life. Most of the hotels are located along the coastline so you will always have breathtaking views outside your window. I grabbed a hotel for $35 USD per night – an amazing price. Although the beaches along Nha Trang are gorgeous, the beaches and waters off the Islands of Nha Trang are even more amazing.
These are the amazing islands of Nha Trang in South Vietnam:
Đảo Khỉ (Monkey Island)
Hòn Mun Island (Ebony island)
Đảo Yến Island (Swiftlet island)
Hòn Tre Island (Bamboo island)
Hòn Tằm Island (Silkworm island)
I didn’t get a chance to visit every island, but I wish I could have and recommend them all because lots of tourists and visitors talk about how beautiful they are. You can take daily tours of the islands by talking directly to the people working in your hotel lobby and soon enough a tour guide will literally pick you up from the hotel and take you out there – you don’t have to worry about planning or any dining accommodations during the tour at all!
I took a tour to see 2 or 3 islands for only $120 USD~!! This was for a 6-8 hours which included a taxi ride to and from the boat from my hotel, the boat ride out to the islands, dining accommodations, snacks, bottled water, and even equipment rental for things like snorkeling – an absolutely amazing deal!
I recommend snorkeling or scuba diving off the beaches of the islands in the crystal clear water. The islands are the important things to see in Nha Trang. There are also plenty of other things you can do such as going for a walk down the coastal road to check out local businesses, restaurants, and the nightlife. However, in my opinion, the islands are what makes Nha Trang special.
Amazing Place #3 Dalat
This city is located among the clouds and amazing high mountains of South Central Vietnam. You will climb up an incredible 1500-1600 meters in altitude, all while going along gorgeous, curvy, scenic mountain roads before ending up in this breathtaking city.
The weather in Dalat is always cool due to its high location. It was such a relief to visit Dalat and get away from the hot humid temperatures of, practically, everywhere else in South Vietnam. In fact, it can get pretty chilly during the nights so you may need a sweater here if you want to enjoy the night life.
The city is also known as a “Little Paris” since it was colonized and occupied by the French decades ago. Dalat has kept the Paris atmosphere by continuing with the gorgeous French architecture of its buildings.
Some of the amazing tourist attractions to visit in Dalat include:
Emperor Bao Dai’s Summer Palace (The Last Emperor of Vietnam)
The Valley of Love
The Hang Nga Guesthouse & Art Gallery (also known as CrazyHouse)
Old French Quarter
Churches & Temples within the city
Many gorgeous waterfalls in and around the city
This city has many flower gardens with the most famous being The Valley of Love. It is an amazing place to visit (with a special someone) filled with lots of flowers, amazing statues, scenic views of the mountains, and a huge pond to pedal boat away in…the boat is in the shape of a swan I might add. A very peaceful and lovely place.
The night life here consists of mainly shopping and karaoke. I was fortunate to have a karaoke bar next to my hotel to put me sound to sleep – I wouldn’t know how to tell you to avoid a karaoke bar next to a hotel, but be on the lookout! Anyways, you can shop through the local street vendors who sell everything from handcrafted jewelry to fresh soy milk. In the center of Dalat is where you will find the prime shopping and restaurant locations. It can get very crowded here so be careful!
I would also like to add that during my visit to Dalat, unfortunately, the main lake near the center of the city, known as Xuan Huong Lake, was completely dry and a road was built in the middle of it. I’m not sure if they wanted to fix, renovate, or make room for other things, but it was an unfortunate site to see. I believe it would have been much more beautiful had the lake remained there. Also, the surrounding restaurants and boat businesses around the lake were shut down.
Dalat is still an amazing place to visit in South Vietnam regardless. I would say my expenses were approximately $60 a day during my visit including hotel accommodations and dining. Relax here and enjoy the fresh mountain air!
Amazing Place #4 Phu Quoc Island
This is the biggest island of Vietnam. Located at the southernmost tip of Vietnam in the Gulf of Siam, this island is a hidden treasure. I paid an amazing price for a 2 day-1 night visit that included the boat fare (ferry) to the island, hotel, dining, tour, taxi, and tour guide accommodations! It was only $100. For an extra $20, you could stay an extra day and night to see more, but I was limited on time and did not choose this option.
Here are some of the amazing attractions I visited on Phu Quoc Island of South Vietnam:
Pepper fields
Buddhist temples
Vietnam’s most popular Fish Sauce Manufacturer
Waterfalls
Pearls from the local oysters
A Prisoner of War camp from the Vietnam War turned into a tourist attraction
What I loved most about this island were the beaches and warm ocean water. The waves next to the hotel I stayed in were huge! I went for a swim when the sun was slowly going down and also in the early morning (FYI – the majority of Vietnamese natives do not swim in direct sunlight, they believe being tan isn’t as attractive as being white and pale – this also explains why they wear jackets and cover up when riding around town in the middle of the afternoon). The waves off Phu Quoc Island made it more fun to be out there and, surprisingly, the water was not very salty.
Towards the end of my trip on this amazing island, we had lunch at a remote beach location that was more beautiful that I can put into words; it was paradise. I can’t remember what the name of the location was, but I remember going through dirt roads and jungle to get there. I went for another swim, rode jet ski’s across clear warm waters in between fishing boats, flew a couple kites, and ate as much as I could before leaving on the ferry.
The best part of this whole trip? The clear warm waters! This is a must see island if you’re going to South Vietnam. $100!
Amazing Place #5 Vung Tau
This is another amazing coastal destination to visit in South Vietnam. It is known for its beaches and is a getaway for many of the city-residents from close by Saigon (a 2 hour ride away).
Vung Tau also offers a lot of visually appealing architecture scattered throughout the city. There are French style mansions in the hills and elegantly styled homes everywhere. Vung Tau is much more of a site seeing destination; it is like a combination of Dalat scenery with Nha Trang Beaches.
Other popular places to visit in Vung Tau South Vietnam:
Statue of Jesus Christ with outstretched arms
“Big Mount” landmark
Hydrofoil Fast Ferry Station landmark
Buddhist temples
Ha Long Road overlooking the coast
The sea-food in this city is very tasty. Crab seems to be the specialty and so is the fish.
Overall, Vung Tau, is the place to be if you don’t want to take the half day trip to Nha Trang. It is an amazing city and a popular getaway to relax at one of its many beaches.
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The great thing about all these locations is that you will always get the freshest food. Fresh food is always the norm in Vietnam. Fresh vegetables, meat, fruit, bread, you name it – its all organic and tastes fantastic! Personally, I had no favorite dish in Vietnam, but I did enjoy them all to the point where my stomach was exploding. The Vietnamese food is inexpensive and I recommend to give everything a try, even all the different types of meats!
Also, one of the things you should know about Vietnam is that when you are planning to purchase anything, you have the power to ask for a discount. Don’t be afraid to do this for food, clothing, even hotel stay! I would say the usual discount price you could ask for is 10-30% off what they ask for. Also, make sure vendors charge what their advertised prices indicate. Many businesses will mark up prices on, for example, a bowl of noodle soup because they know you’re a tourist. Every little bit counts!
Personally, I would definitely like to go back someday and visit all the amazing places in South Vietnam again.
Cheap beach vacations is for all those people who want a piece of the good life without having to pay an arm and a leg for it. Let’s face it! You work hard, you should be able to sit on a beautiful beach and do some serious relaxing.
Everybody always dreams of taking that perfect vacation. When you ask your friends or family about great beach destinations, what do they always tell you? Hawaii, Italy, the South of Spain, Tahiti, blah, blah, blah. Hey, don’t get me wrong, those are great places. No doubt about it. Now, ask them if they would like to pay for your trip there. All of a sudden Hawaii seems a tad bit overrated.
Don’t worry, cheap beach vacations are a lot easier to find than you might think. That’s why I created this lens. I want to show all of you the top 10 cheap beach vacations in the world. These little gems are perfect for every kind of beach goer. Whether you are extreme sports fanatic or just want layout on the beach and let the waves carry your mind to another world.
I also took into account that you might want to drive around and see some of the scenery (well at least for one day, don’t worry the beach will still be there when you get back). So without further ado, here are my top 10 cheap beach vacations. If you think I missed some, don’t be shy, let me know and drop me a comment. This lens isn’t just for you, you know
1. Dominican Republic Vacation Packages
2. Bocas Del Toro in Panama
3. Margarita Island in Venezuela
4. Dubrovnik in Croatia
5. Taking a Trip to Cyprus
6. Boracay Island Phillipines
7. Vietnam Beach Packages
8. The Island of Malta
9. Destin Florida Beach Vacations
10. Prince Edward Island Canada
About Vietnam Beach Packages
I know when you think of luxurious beach vacations, Vietnam doesn’t spring to mind. But it should!
Vietnam has a massive coastline full of unspoilded beaches just ready to be admired. The beaches cater to all different kinds of people. Whether you’re looking for a five star resort that accommodates your every whym or are looking for sheer solitude where its just you and the fishes, you’ll find it in Vietnam.
The coastline of central and southside of Vietnam has the countries’ best beaches. From Hue to Nha Trang, you’ll find miles of coast which is filled with coconut palms and fishing villages with tons of amenities to make your vacation perfect.
China Beach looks out at Monkey Mountain east of Danang Bay. It has not only some of Vietnam’s best surfing beaches but also some of the best surfing beaches in all of Southeast Asia, which is saying something because Thailand is a world renowned surfing destination.
Its here where you’ll find 5 star resorts like the Furama resort and the Lang Co resort.
Nha Trang is the mecca of beach destinations in Vietnam. This is not the place to look for a secluded beach, because you’re not going to find it. But if you’re looking for a trip out to the islands in Nha Trang Bay, you’ll see some of the best snorkeling in the world. It also doesn’t hurt that the city incredible seafood, which includes prawns, scallops and crabs.
The exciting atmosphere of Christmas has filled streets from Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh City, with striking colours and decorations.
A cathedral in Hanoi lit up for Christmas
The familiar image of Santa Clause is seen in almost all places. Pine trees and white snow have also been displayed at fashion and souvenirs shops while offices cross the city have eagerly decorated pine trees with nice and cute items such as shells, ribbons and white-red silver papers or reindeers and beautiful dolls.
Vietnam news agency reported that the Vincom Trading Centre has impressed visitors with a colossal pine tree and big reindeers ridden by Santa Claus, and
Trang Tien Plaza splendidly decorated with Santa Claus and Baby Jesus, has become an ideal destination for children on this occasion.
Pine trees are still the first choice of customers.
This year, trees come in all different sizes and designs with prices ranging from 700,000 VND (US$35.91) to 4 million VND (US$205.23), doubling last year’s prices.
Ho Chi Minh City, the country’s economic hub, has been bustling on the day before the Christmas Eve with various music shows and artistic performances which will be staged by popular pop stars, namely My Linh, Hong Nhung, Phuong Thanh and Ho Ngoc Ha..
Many of the city’s entertainment venues are busy these days, offering exciting activities and entertainment programs.
Ho Chi Minh City is ‘decked out’ with colorful lights and Christmas decorations. Streets are very crowded with locals and tourists enjoying Christmas.
A concert entitled ‘Colors of the winter night’ featuring Christmas songs will be performed in Ho Chi Minh City Youth’s Cultural House on December 25.
Furthermore, ‘Winter night-happy new year’, is an activity for children taking place at HCM City Children’s House on December 24. The program includes a music performance, a winter fair, a masquerade and a circus.
The Idecaf Theater will present a new drama play entitled ‘Lucky genie’.
The Dam Sen Cultural Park will lure visitors with musical performances, comedies and puppetries.
The highlight will be a concert entitled ‘Gala Xmas 2010’ featuring pop star Dam Vinh Hung. This will bring a happy and enjoyable time to all music lovers. In addition, a special music show welcoming in the New Year for 2011, will take place on December 31.
The ‘Red Lotus 2011’ hip-hop competition is expected to attract large amounts of young people on January 1, 2011.
Meanwhile, Le Quy Duong Company will cooperate with the ‘Beloved heart club’ of the Ho Chi Minh City Youth’s Cultural House, to offer gifts and scholarships to disadvantaged students from Thanh Tung Primary School. The school is in Dinh Quan District, Dong Nai Province and the event will take place on December 25.
DTiNews reporters caught pictures of the celebrations across the country:
A Santa Clause posing in front of Hanoi’s Saint Joseph Cathedral
Inside the cathedral
A dog wearing a Santa hat
Gift shops opened until late on Christmas Eve in Hanoi
Areas around Hoan Kiem Lake were packed with people
Fake snow attracted thousands in Ho Chi Minh City’s Suoi Tien Entertainment Centre
People poured to the streets in Ho Chi Minh City…
… and in Hue City…
… and Da Nang
Kids enjoying the Christmas atmosphere in Nha Trang
Vietnam will participate in major international exhibitions and fairs in France to introduce its image and potential to international friends in 2011.
This year, many programmes have been implemented at various localities across France to promote the image of Vietnam. In future, these programmes will continue to be held in France and Europe.
Notably, in May 2011, Vietnam will introduce its culture at the Tours International Fair (in the central region of France). Vietnam will be one of the fair’s guests of honour.
In addition, in May 2011, “Vietnam month” programme will be held in Florence city in the southwest region of France with diverse activities including a seminar on Vietnam-France cooperation. Vietnam will present unique performances by artists from Vietnam’s northeastern region and other areas to help international audience find out more about the country.
Three exhibitions held to introduce Vietnam’s cultural heritages will present Ha Long Bay, My Son Relics, the 1,000th anniversary of Thang Long-Hanoi and documents on Hanoi’s historic development. On the occasion, Vietnam will send experts to attend a seminar on science and technology, environment, climate, health, and culture.
According to Nguyen Van Tinh, Head of the International Cooperation Department under the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism, these are significant activities for Vietnam, especially as it wants to introduce its diversified and unique culture as well as promote its image of a peaceful and dynamic nation on the right track of development.
The Tours International Fair is a major annual tourist fair and France often invites one nation to be an official guest of honour. Becoming one fair next year proves Vietnam’s role and status in the international arena.
France also wants to introduce Vietnam’s potential in trade, tourism, and culture, especially handicrafts. Florence’s authorities have also supported “Vietnam’s month in Florence” programme which will help French public learn more about Vietnam.
Also in May 2011, Vietnam will get involved in “Vietnam Day in Lorient” in the western region of France.
Ha Long Bay of Vietnam has been listed among the world’s ten most outstanding tourist destinations by Lonely Planet Magazine.
Two of Vietnam’s coastal destinations have been listed among the world’s ten most outstanding tourist destinations by Lonely Planet Magazine, according to the Vietnam National Administration of Tourism (VNAT).
Ha Long Bay, in the northern province of Quang Ninh, has made it onto the list of the 10 most outstanding coastal destinations.
About 500 ships ply the waters of Ha Long Bay, designated as the World Heritage site in 1994, carrying millions of tourists every year, according to the VNAT.
Quang Ninh has attracted 5.3 million visitors so far this year, 2.5 million of whom visited Ha Long Bay.
The other nine locations were the Norwegian Fjords, the Amazon River, the Franklin River in Australia, the Quetico
Provincial Park in Canada, the Kerala backwaters in India, New Zealand’s Milford Sound Bay, the Greek islands, Disco Bay in Greenland, and the Galapagos Archipelago off the coast of Ecuador.
Con Dao Islands, an archipelago off the coast of Ba Ria-Vung Tau Province, was listed in the top 10 most mysterious and outstanding islands in the world for an ideal holiday.
The island was featured for its unspoiled beaches and dark history as a site for inhumane prisons – often known as the Alcatraz of Southeast Asia.
The list includes Socotra off the coast of Yemen, Australia’s Torres, Yaeyama from Japan, Iles du Salut of Guyana, Ulleungdo from Korea, San Blas Islands from Panama, Taiwan’s Penghu; Bay and Hog Islands of Honduras and Uganda’s Ssese.
# Hoi An Pacific Hotel is a calm, comfortable and relaxing hotel which overlook from it 6th floors the picturesque Hoi An town. Ideally located between the beach and town center, the hotel provides transportation, available from morning until evening, to enjoy a private beach space or discover the old town charms. With 96 rooms fully equipped at 4 star stand […]
# Our hotel is one of the best hotel in hoi an with reasonable rate. It is just a walk from the ancient town through Cam Nam Bridge to Cam Nam Island - a tourist village - and from the bridge you will have an overview of the resort reflect in the river on your left hand side. There are many special villas and bungalows in the resort. The whole resort is on a […]
# Hoian Vinh Hung 2 Hoi an hotel is another hotel of the Vinh Hung Company. The newly renovated Vinh Hung 2 hotel is located close to the center of Hoi An and about a 5 minutes walk from the famous Japanese Covered Bridge. The Hotel includes a swimming pool where you can spend the hot hours of the day and a restaurant which serves both western and Vietnamese […]
Hoi An Ancient House River is a four-star luxury resort, the newest product of the Ancient House Group. The resort occupies a total area of 3000 square meters on the bank of Thu Bon River. With its luxury river view rooms and professional staff, your stay will be a memorable one when staying there. With ideal location and qualified services, the hotel is reg […]
Betel Garden Homestay is situated in a small village not farm from the center of Hoi An ancient town (10 minutes walking) and just 20 minutes cycling from the beach. Our hotel makes it the most convenience for guests with free of charge bicycles and laundry service. If you would like to stay in one of the best hotels in Hoi An, Betel Garden is properly a nic […]
# Chau Long Sapa Hotel lies on a lane of Cau May Street, which is perched on a hill in this mountainous region. The stone and wooden construction blends perfectly with the surrounding valley features of terraced paddies and blazing green fields, cut by fast following streams and overlooking Vietnam highest peak, Mount Fan Si Pan (3,143meter). # […]
# Bamboo Sapa Hotel is rated 3 stars and now it is considered one of the leading hotels in Sapa, Luxury hotels Vietnam, particularly its views to the greatest valley and its perfect service plans which enable guests to have something special, different from others. Featuring 45 elegantly appointed international standard and cozy guest rooms including deluxe, […]
The Royal View Sapa Hotel is a 3-star hotel and comprises modern and fully equipped guestrooms. Located in the heart of downtown, the hotel is a desirable place for any tourists visiting Sapa to explore the natural landscapes of this area. […]
Since ten years, Pinocchio Hotel is proud to be the friendly and safe stay of travelers when coming to Sapa. In parallel with the development of the tourism in the region, our hotel has receipt thousands tourists and kept in their mind the good feeling about the friendly and hospital people of Sapa. The hotel has an ideal location, lying at the foot of Ham R […]
The Lao Cai Star Hotel is making one of the best hotels in Vietnam to stay at while during your vacation in the North Mountain of Vietnam. Situated in the lively heart of the City, Laocai Star hotel enjoys a truly stunning location, offers the ideal accommodation choice both for business or leisure travelers with a superb combination of comfortable accommoda […]
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