Vietnam, Venezuela set up JV in oil exploitation

The Vietnam National Oil and Gas Group (PetroVietnam) and the Petróleos de Venezuela S.A. have signed a contract to set up a joint venture to exploit oil and gas in the South American country.

Deputy Prime Minister Hoang Trung Hai, Chairman of PetroVietnam Management Board Dinh La Thang, General Director of PetroVietnam Phung Dinh Thuc and Vietnamese Ambassador to Venezuela Tran Thanh Huan attended the signing ceremony.

The JV dubbed PetroMacareo has a total investment capital of US$8 billion, to which PetroVietnam contributed $3.2 billion (40 percent).

The JV will exploit the offshore Junin-2 oil and gas block of 33 billion barrels in reserves (equivalent to 200,000 barrels per day).

The JV, which has a duration of 25 years and an extended duration of 15 years, has been Vietnam’s largest overseas investment so far.

Japan’s foreign ministry seeks ODA charter revision

Japan’s Foreign Ministry has called for the revision of Japan 's official development assistance (ODA) charter to enhance efficiency of Japanese aid.

A ministry report to review ODA policy said assistance should be given to such priority areas as poverty reduction, peace-building efforts and the promotion of sustainable growth, including projects aimed at tackling climate change.

The report stressed that peace and prosperity in the world also serve Japan's national interests.

The document, compiled by a ministry task force with advice from non-governmental aid organisations and business representatives, also seeks increased funds provided by the private sector and through the so-called “innovative financing mechanisms” such as a taxation system for airline ticket purchases adopted by France and the Republic of Korea.

The report also called for boosting Japan 's aid in overseas infrastructure projects that would also contribute to stimulating its economic growth through technology exports. It also called on Japan to provide yen loans to middle-income countries, to which it mainly offers technical assistance at present.

The Kyodo news said Japan’s ODA charter was last revised in August 2003, citing a ministry official as saying that it would take about a year for the government to amend the charter.

Foreign Minister Katsuya Okada said at a press conference the same day that the government should consider providing USD-denominated loans instead of yen-denominated ones to avert exchange risks.

In order to enhance ODA efficiency, he said, the government should also take a coordinated approach to offer aid under a grand scheme, rather than responding to recipient nations' requests for individual projects.

With its aid being reduced for the 11th straight year, Japan has tumbled from the world’s top position to fifth place in terms of ODA disbursements and has remained at that rank in recent years.

16 foreign companies in HCMC break the law

Sixteen out of 20 businesses the Ho Chi Minh City Department of Industry and Trade inspected in the first half were caught flouting regulations.

Most of them were found to be employing unregistered foreign workers, operating in unauthorized industries and unregistered addresses, and not buying social and health insurance for their employees.

Five mainland Chinese, Hong Kong, and Taiwanese representative offices, Weifang East Steel Pipe, Guangpong Tianzhi Industrial Development Co Ltd, Samesame, Samesame Co Ltd, Jettway Industrial, had unregistered workshops and were involved in unauthorized businesses.

Singapore-based Homag Asia Pte Ltd and Wing Tai Property Management Pte Ltd failed to report on their operations in Vietnam in time.

Three US-based companies were also found violating regulations -- PortoBrazil Llc’s office is not at the registered address, Nexus Technologies Inc shut down after its chief became involved in a court case, and Evergreen Timber was found using an unregistered seal.

Korean firm Sunstar Machinery Co Ltd was found to have unregistered foreign workers and Sungil International, an unregistered workshop.

Indian firm Cadila Healthcare, Indonesia’s PT Barahama Elfindo Binasejahtetra, France-based Sidel Participation, and Switzerland’s De Saga too were found flouting rules.

There are almost 2,400 foreign representative offices in Ho Chi Minh City.

Experts gather to discuss issues of integration

More than 200 experts gathered in Hanoi Thursday to discuss emerging issues of regional integration, including economic integration, media, training and climate change.

The experts, coming from various backgrounds, such as politics, business sector and civil society from all South East Asia countries met for three days during the first Regional Alumni Conference of InWEnt, Capacity Building International, Germany in Hanoi.

They will explore ways so that countries in the region can benefit from economic integration in a competitive world and the rules of game for South East Asia, the role of Media as a vehicle for regional integration, contributions of Technical Vocational Training and Education to regional integration in South East Asia as well as the urgent challenges of climate changes.

South East Asia, one of the fastest growing economic regions worldwide, is having a highly dynamic, complex and multi-layer integration process however not everyone is benefiting from this growth and process. At the same time, the world economic downturn has recently caused impacts on many nations.

“Regional integration processes can only be successful if they themselves are filled with life, if the people in the region actively participate and contribute to the deepening of cross-national ties, and if individuals take on leadership and build personal and professional networks around the region.” said Mr. Bernd Schleich, InWEnt Managing Director, in his welcoming remarks.

What actions should be taken by Southeast Asia Nations against this risk to maintain their growth and ensure the economic stability, the modernization of vocational training as well as health and social security systems in order to benefit the poors, are all the issues of concern of the conference.

Participants will not only touched upon existing concerns of governments but also discuss on how nations can shape the cooperation in a manner that fosters the welfare of all member states of South East Asia and its inhabitants.

Vietnam needs to respond to trade disputes

Knowledge of trading and the law is essential for Vietnamese businesses to cope with disputes over goods exported to the US and the European Union (EU), said a senior trade official.

The Deputy Head of the Ministry of Trade and Industry (MoTI)’s Trade Promotion Department, Le Hoang Anh, stated this at a seminar entitled ‘International Trade and Foreign Investment’ in Hanoi Thursday.

Changes to these two markets’ trade laws and policies have a direct impact on Vietnamese producers and exporters, she said.

In fact, many Vietnamese sectors have faced difficulties and remained passive when responding to trade disputes and anti-dumping lawsuits against the country’s key exports, including frozen shrimp and catfish in the US and leather shoes and bicycles in the EU.

The majority of Vietnamese businesses have not been aware of the risks of trade disputes and are slow to respond due to their poor knowledge of the markets’ trade regulations and laws.

By giving examples of anti-dumping lawsuits against Vietnamese exports to the EU, Paulette Vander Schueren, an international lawyer in customs and international trade from the Brussels-based Mayer Brown JSM, said that many Vietnamese exports have faced unnecessary barriers.

Despite trade disputes, Vietnam’s trade mission to the US has forecast that the country’s export earnings to the US is estimated to have rise by 15 percent over 2009 to more than US$14 billion this year.

The country has also targeted achieving an export turnover of more than $12 billion in the EU market, a year-on-year rise of 14.2 percent.

The award presentation ceremony of the fifth National Tourism Artistic Photo Contest took place in Hanoi on July 1, coinciding with the opening of an exhibition showcasing the outstanding photos.

The contest and exhibition, entitled “ Vietnam – My Homeland”, are activities to mark the 50 th founding anniversary of Vietnam ’s tourism industry (July 9, 1960-2010).

The contest, launched in October 2009, had received 4,426 colour as well as black and white photos, including 121 photo sets of 456 photographers from 51 provinces and cities nationwide. Hanoi recorded the largest number of contestants with 112 photographers.

The Organising Board selected over 130 works for the final round and display. Hanoian photographer Ta Quang Bao won the special prize with his set of photos entitled “Tay Nguyen (Central Highlands) Gongs” while the first prize went to Tran Cao Bao Long from Ho Chi Minh City.

The exhibition, open at 29 Hang Bai, Hanoi , will last until July 5.

Farmer makes 1,000 bamboo dragons for Hanoi millennium

A farmer from northern mountainous province of Hoa Binh has devoted seven years to growing and bending 1,000 bamboo trees into the shape of flying dragons to present them for Hanoi on its millennium anniversary scheduled for October this year.

Nguyen Van Nam, said he had driven to Soc Son district, where legend puts it that Saint Giong pulled off bamboo bushes to fight against Chinese aggressors, to buy “golden” bamboo saplings to grow them at home.

“This sort of bamboo is very flexible, not as hard as green bamboos, thus making it easy to create shapes at will,” he explained.

To have 1,000 flying dragons each with a height of 1.5 m, he had to grow 2,000 bamboo trees to have much room to select the best. He had to form the dragon every day at the growth of the tree.

After more than six years, the mountainous farmer has finished the work, turning his bamboos into flying dragons heading up to the sky with pride.

Manh also grew three additional clusters of bamboo in the shape of the country and a huge “ngau” tree (aglaia) in the shape of the earth with the words “Hoa Binh” (Peace), all as presents ahead for Hanoi.

“I would like to present things of my hard work to the capital city as a token of Vietnamese farmers’ warming feelings,” he confided.

Over the past decade, Nam has presented bonsai for big events in Hanoi such as SEA Games 22 and the ASEAN Summit.

In 1998, he bent a tree into a line of words “Bac Ho Vi Dai” (Great Uncle Ho) to present it to the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum.

Intenational visitor arrivals up in low season

Nearly 376,000 international visitors have arrived in the country this month, a 7% rise from last month and a 34.6% year-on-year pickup, though this is a low season, said the National Administration of Tourism (VNAT).

The low season of the inbound section is from April to August with visitor arrivals often falling month by month.

According to a report by the General Statistics Office, the country has attracted 2.51 million foreign visitors in the first half of this year, up 32.6% year-on-year.

The tourism sector has posted double-digit growth in visitors from key Asian markets such as China, South Korea and Japan. China has remained the biggest market for the tourism sector, with 437,000 Chinese coming to the country in the year to date, up 92.5%.

Far-away markets like the U.S. and France have registered lower growth. Nearly 231,000 Americans have toured Vietnam, up 3.5% year-on-year, while French tourists have numbered 101,000, a 10.4% improvement.

As the country’s biggest tourism center, HCMC says it has received around 1.5 million foreign visitors in the six months, up 12% from a year ago.

Vo Anh Tai, director of Saigontourist Travel Service Co., told the Daily that the company had served about 71,000 foreign tourists so far this year, with growth ranging from 10% to 15% depending on markets.

“This is the good growth rate compared to the same period of 2009 but it is still far from the levels recorded in 2007-2008,” he said.

He noted his company had seen no recovery in tourist numbers from some source markets like the U.S. and Europe since the financial crisis.

Unlike Tai, Bui Viet Thuy Tien, managing director of Asian Trails Co., said her business this year had yet to get back to normal. “It’s boring. Our guests in May were down 12% from May last year. The MICE segment is a single bright spot,” she said.

Tien said the company had taken orders to serve groups of MICE travelers in the high season this year.

Both Tai and Tien said their companies expected better performance late this year but the market would not be returning to the level of 2007.

Hue Festival closes on a high

The Hue Festival, a themed Cultural Heritage activity with Integration and Development, closed on June 14, with international friends from all over the world saying they were deeply moved by the event.

"This is one of the best times I've had in Vietnam," said Mexican flamenco guitarist Paco Renteria. "I feel a sweet connection between my heart and Vietnamese hearts."

"The people are so beautiful," he said. "It's not only on stage but also at the hotel and in the streets. Everywhere they say hello to me."

US pianist Carol Williams said: "I love the audience here; who else will come out in the rain to see us perform like they did?"

"We love the city too, we really do," she said. "It's wonderful for us to be here to experience this way of life."

Gustav Rasmussen, leader of the prestigious funk band MI22 from Denmark, had this to say: "It was incredible! We could even see the temples from the stages."

The artists were just some of many who felt a profound happiness, as during the nine-day festival they shared their time with locals and tourists during a variety of festivities in both traditional and modern genres.

Major traditional spectacles included the Imperial Night, Voyage to Reclaim the Country's Land and Legends of the Huong (Perfume) River, in addition to Russian ballets, Indian ritual dances, performances with bold tropical scents from the Caribbean Pearl and many other shows.

Ngo Hoa, Vice Chairman of the Thua Thien-Hue Province People's Committee, announced that the festival was a brilliant success, and had seen a true harmonisation of traditional and modern factors.

"Different cultures converged during the festival with their own nuances, but in the end they all demonstrated the spirit of exchanges, solidarity, integration and development," said Hoa.

"For the past 10 years, the festival has become a link between the past, the present and the future of the city," said Nguyen Duy Hien, Deputy Head of the Hue Festival organising board. "It has also helped integrate the city with other parts of the nation, and the world."

This year 70 arts troupes from nearly 30 countries brought hundreds of unique art programmes to the festival. Over 6,500 artists, actors and actresses, along with around 3 million people, attended the event through community and fringe activities.

More than 500 journalists from 80 media and press agencies were also present at the event, and the city hosted roughly 120,400 domestic and nearly 28,600 foreign tourists.

Hoa expressed his gratitude to foreign embassies and artists who helped diversify the festivities during the event. He also gave a special thanks to the French partners who had been with the Hue Festival since the first event.

"It's time to say good-bye but what the festival has brought to us will never fade away," Hoa said. "This is motivation for the province to preserve and promote the country's cultural and artistic values, along with the tourism industry and socio-economic development."

The closing ceremony yesterday was highlighted by an ode to the poetic beauty of the Huong River and a friendly and peaceful Vietnam. Flower garlands, coloured lanterns and fireworks blended into the night sky as a farewell until the 2012 rendezvous.

"I don't want to come here just one time; I want to come back, maybe in the next six to twelve months," said Paco. "I need more connections like the beautiful connections I have had."

French media descends upon Hue

A gaggle of French print and electronic-media journalists have been in the central city of Hue since the beginning of this month to report on culture and tourism in the heritage city.
They are from leading newspapers like Le Monde and L’Express and channels like France Television, TV Matin, and TV Escale.

With the help of Trinh Bach, a researcher of Hue culture, they have been exploring elements of the city’s culture, including popular and royal architecture, and interviewing craftspeople and people who lived when the last feudal dynasty was still ruling in the 1940’s.

Bach himself featured in a show on his work to restore traditional Vietnamese cultural values by the tourism channel TV Escale.

Bach is renowned for reviving lost crafts like palace-style hand embroidery, china-making, and wood and silver carving. He has also successfully restored the elaborate costumes worn by kings and queens of Nguyen Dynasty.

The TV shows on Hue will be broadcast in September.

Photo contest to feature dynamic and friendly Vietnam

The third “Vietnam Today” photo contest themed “Dynamic and friendly Vietnam” was kicked off in Hanoi on June 15.

Editor-in-chief of The gioi Anh (World Photo) magazine Pham Van Hien, who is also head of the contest’s organising board, said that entries would depict the beauties of Vietnamese land and people, business activities and the national economic development in global integration.

Addressing the launching ceremony, President of the Vietnam Chamber of Commerce and Industry (VCCI) Vu Tien Loc said that the contest - a playground for local photographers to show their skills - will help illustrate the capital city’s historic traditions on the occasion of the 1,000th anniversary of Thang Long-Hanoi.

The contest is a biennial event held by the World Photo under the sponsorship of the VCCI and the Vietnam Association of Photographic Artists with the two previous contests attracting more than 10,000 entries.

Colour and black-and-white photos should be submitted prior to November 30, 2010. An award ceremony and photo exhibition will be held in Hanoi in December 2010.

Navi Oil Port receives 2,100 foreign visitors

Saigontourist has received 2,100 foreign visitors from Italy, Spain, the UK and Germany on board a Costa Romantica Cruise Ship.

After docking at Navi Oil Port in Ho Chi Minh City on June 15, they visited some tourist sites in the city, Cu Chi tunnels, My Tho and Tien Giang. On the same day, the ship left Ho Chi Minh City for Danang to continue a tour of Danang, Hoi An, My Son and Hue.

Earlier on June 14, Saigontourist welcomed a Costa Classica Cruise Ship with 1,500 international passengers on board who visited Halong, Danang, and Hoi An in two days.

Since the beginning of this year, Saigontourist has received more than 40,000 international visitors traveling on luxury ships, such as Costa Classia, Costa Allegra, SuperStar Virogo, Amadea, Columbus and Europa.

Phu Quoc Island becomes world-famous tourist destination

Vietnamese Prime Minister recently released Decision 633/QD-TTg stating that Phu Quoc would become a special economic and administrative center for Vietnam.

Following the prime minister-approved adjusted master plan to develop Phu Quoc Island through 2030, the island would also become the home for domestic and international resorts, urban development, as well as a forest and marine preservation center.

The Phu Quoc Island, also known as Dao Ngoc ( Pearl Island ), for its famous pearls, has the potential to become a major tourist centre within the country. Located in southwestern Kien Giang Province, 45km from the mainland, the 565sq.km island owns 32,000 hectares of pristine forests, beautiful and clean beaches, and undamaged coral reefs. ABC News selected Bai Dai Beach (Long Beach) as one of the five most beautiful and clean beaches in the world, though it is not well known outside Vietnam.

District Phu Quoc party committee secretary Van Ha Phong said the Kien Giang People’s Committee 52 domestic and foreign-invested projects have been licensed so far, with a total capital of VND43 trillion. Seven of these, including Berjaya, Long Beach, Veranda and Miramar have become operational.

Along with appealing to investors to build tourism facilities, the development of Phu Quoc into a financial and banking center for the region, and an international trading hub, district leaders have concentrated on preserving the island’s specialties.

The planting of sim fruit (tomentose rose /myrle), which historically grows naturally on Phu Quoc, is one such preservation project. Sim Son tomentose rose myrtle wine, tea and syrup, invented by Trinh Cong Phat, the director of the Son Phat Co. in Duong To Commune, has become another speciality of the region, attracting tourist interest. Mr. Phat said the arable land for growing sim fruit has shrunk; it needs therefore to expand for tourism, which will raise income for residents.

It is understandable that over 80% tourists decided to visit the Coi Nguon (Root) Museum- a 40,000sq.m outdoor exhibition where curator and owner Huynh Phuoc Hue displays around 2,000 ancient artifacts including a 3,500-year-old stone axe, a flock of over 60 rare sea eagles and a 500kg dugong bone.

One of Hue’s hardest won artifacts was a part of a boat used by national hero Nguyen Trung Truc.

One of Phu Quoc District’s strengths is the production of traditional fish sauce. However, most of fishing boats have small capacity which can work onshore.

Mr. Nguyen Minh Truc, Head of Phu Quoc District’s Office of Economy, said the district would support local fishermen who can catch fish offshore. Vietnamese-made fish sauce has become world famous with over 100 producers making more than 10 million liters a year.

In the future, the district will reserve two areas for producing the special sauce: Ben Tram and Sau Bridge. In addition, the district is determined to spend budget funds to grow pepper.

Many construction projects have been undertaken on the island, such as a 900-hectare International Airport, a roundabout road for sightseeing tours and the An Thoi International Wharf. Pham Vu Hong, chairman of the Phu Quoc district People’s Committee, said many more important projects will be operating by June.

Dynamic Mekong Delta featured in photo exhibition

The Secretariat of the Mekong Delta Economic Cooperation Forum and the Ho Chi Minh City Department for Culture, Sports and Tourism co-launched a photo exhibition at Lam Son Park in HCMC on June 1 to reflect the dynamism of the region.

At the exhibition, more than 120 photos by professional and amateur photographers from 13 provinces and cities in the region and HCMC depicts the life and attractiveness of the Mekong Delta and HCMC.
Its geographical location has given the delta many advantages in aquaculture, agriculture, mechanical engineering, shipping, food processing industries, ecotourism and transport.
The exhibition will last until June 14.

Exhibition of Uncle Ho’s poems in Korean script

An exhibition displaying 50 works of calligraphy in Korean script based on President Ho Chi Minh’s prison diary opened in the central province of Nghe An on June 29.

The week-long event, which has been organised by the Republic of Korea’s Calligraphy Association (RoKCA) and the Nghe An provincial Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism, is to mark the Vietnamese national hero’s 120 birthday, the 1,000th anniversary of Thang Long-Hanoi and the 18th anniversary of the establishment of Vietnam-RoK diplomatic relations. At the opening of the exhibition, the Chairman of Nghe An People’s Committee presented a certificate of merit to RoKCA President Choi Chang Joon and association member Kim Hye Kaeong for their contributions during the hosting of the Lotus Village Festival 2010. Since December 2009, the works, created by 25 eminent calligraphers from the Republic of Korea, have been on display in seven major cities in the Rok and four cities in Vietnam, Hanoi, HCMC, Nghe An and Hue. The collection will be presented as a gift to the Ho Chi Minh Museum after the exhibition closes.

Photo exhibition highlights Vietnam-Japan ties

An exhibition of 50 selected photos taken by Japanese photographer Hagiwara Takeshi and Vietnamese reporter Nguyen Tien Truong opened in Tokyo on April 27.

The exhibition, part of activities marking the 35th anniversary of the liberation of southern Vietnam (April 30) and the upcoming 1,000th anniversary of Thang Long-Hanoi in October, was jointly held by the Vietnamese Embassy in Japan and the ASEAN-Japan Centre. Vietnamese Ambassador Nguyen Phu Binh and nearly 200 visitors were present at the exhibition entitled “Brothers: Vietnam and Japan”. On the occasion, Binh praised Takeshi and Truong, who reflected Vietnamese and Japanese culture, sentiments and life through their photos, and stressed that the exhibition will be a bridge linking the two peoples, helping build the two countries’ partnership. Takeshi’s photos remind Vietnamese expatriates in Japan of life in Vietnam while photos taken by Truong helped viewers learn about Japanese life and people, said visitors. Junko Suzuki, a visitor, said she sees similarities in the two countries’ cultures through the photos although she has never been to Vietnam.

Vietnam Tourism Award winners honoured

Thirty hotels, 20 travel agencies and 15 tourism service enterprises were presented with the Vietnam Tourism Award 2010 at a ceremony in Hanoi on June 29. Of the 2010 winners, Saigontourist Travel Company remained in the top of the list of domestic and international travel agencies.

Addressing the ceremony, Minister of Culture, Sports and Tourism Hoang Tuan Anh said the Vietnam Tourism Award has been given to businesses, which exerted best efforts in their operation and contributed to the success and trust of the country’s tourism sector. The award is a milestone for tourism businesses to work better to improve their service quality and professional skills. On the occasion, 19 hotels, which won the title “Green Hotel” of the ASEAN Environment Organisation, were also honoured at the ceremony. These hotels have been praised for contributions not only to the country’s tourism development, but were to the environmental protection, energy saving and sustainable development in business.

On the Ho Chi Minh Trail today

Thirty five years after the American War, I had an opportunity to travel on the old Ho Chi Minh Trail with some friends from Ha Noi. The scenery is breathtaking and the atmosphere is peaceful and poetic. This reminds me how beautiful the country is.

Transporting goods along Ho Chi Minh trail to a Southern war zone in the 60’s New road replacing Ho Chi Minh trail General Giap’s headquarters Part of Dien Bien Phu’s cemetery, with tombs of unknown soldiers The 1600 km long trail is known by the Vietnamese as the Truong Son Trail. Built in 1959, it became a network of tracks, roads, and waterways running from North to South Viet Nam, passing through Laos and Cambodia. It provided logistical support to the National Liberation Front (Viet Cong) and the North Vietnamese Army. In the early days it would take about six months to go between North to South, on foot or by bicycles or ponies. Throughout the American War the trail had carried more than one million North Vietnamese soldiers and vast quantities of war supplies to battlefields in the Southern war zones. As we passed by a series of mountains along the Truong Son Range, I was told the Americans had dropped at least four million tons of bombs along the trail during the war. The numbers of Vietnamese deaths and wounded were also in the millions. Aside from Agent Orange, the Americans also sprayed other types of chemical defoliants. In addition, they created rain by seeding clouds, in turn producing mudflows -- attempting to destroy the jungle path. It was in the 90's, when Prime Minister Vo Van Kiet authorized the construction of the entire trail with concrete materials. Its width was increased up to four times. The newly built road also became highly beneficial to tribal Hmong families as it enabled them to travel from the remote mountain sites to towns and cities. Many Hmongs could do direct trading with the Kinh people, which is the majority ethnic group in Vietnam. After nearly four hours of smooth travelling and admiring the beauty of the wilderness, we arrived in Thanh Hoa. There, we attended the ceremony of the 100th day following the re-burial of the 22nd emperor of the Le dynasty, Le Du Tong, who had reigned from 1705 to1729. Like all the 27 Le emperors, Du Tong had been buried in a secret location in Thanh Hoa. Forty six years ago, when a farmer was digging up the soil, he accidentally un-earthed the emperor's tomb. The government decided to keep the remains inside the National History Museum in Ha Noi for research. When Du Tong was first buried in 1731, his body was embalmed and dressed in 13 layers of silk gowns containing preservatives. Finally, last spring he was returned to Thanh Hoa, with a grand ceremony. His new tomb will become one of the great memorial sites. To prepare for the second burial, the local authorities had to widen the village roads to allow the 400 cars and trucks into the site. On the date of the burial, many young children climbed up into the trees to watch the coffin being lowered into the ground. Overloaded with the children, many branches fell and broke. Miraculously, nobody was injured. The locals said the emperor had protected them. The 100th day ceremony was scheduled to begin at 3pm. However, the monks had decided to wait for us as we did not arrive until 4pm. At this ceremony, I was given the rare honor to present a scroll written in calligraphy by a Buddhist monk containing my personal wish to the Emperor's spirit. He is called "the elder gentleman". Something strange would happen soon. In that same week, I was invited to Dien Bien Phu for the commemoration of the 56th anniversary of the Battle of Dien Bien Phu. The trip would take 4 days by road, with stopovers in Moc Chau and Lai Chau. The Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs, Nguyen Thanh Son, would lead the group. I badly wanted to visit the great old battlefield. However, I had already scheduled another trip to the Mekong Delta, concerning my charity. It would not be possible for me to include Dien Bien Phu. While feeling the anxiety, I made a prayer to "the elder gentleman". To my pleasant surprise, the dates for Dien Bien Phu were suddenly changed and we would leave Ha Noi two days earlier. The revised departure date was perfect for me, as I would be able to make the trip to the Mekong Delta after returning from Dien Bien Phu. Did the "elder gentleman" answer my prayer or was it pure chance? In either case, I felt that some spiritual force had blessed me for having committed myself to the charity. We left the burial site in the evening. On the way back to Ha Noi, we stopped at a little restaurant near a mountain site for dinner. The pleasant waitress served us charcoal grilled wild boar. This was accompanied by fried farmer chicken, steamed fish with green bananas, and boiled wild vegetables. That was an exceptionally delicious meal. We returned to the comfortable car and were driven smoothly along. I enjoyed listening to many heart-felt war songs. The long trail circling the Truong Son mountains was most serene and one could hear the whispering of the night wind. The sky was pitch dark: mysterious, calm, and melancholic. My journey to Dien Bien Phu a few days later included another series of scenic routes and also rough and muddy roads. The group enjoyed various local cuisines, including wild boar and buffalo meat. Early morning the next day we arrived at a hilltop overlooking the old battlefield. The grand ceremony for the deceased soldiers was solemn and powerful. The event was organized by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the National Buddhist Association. Nearly 100 monks and nuns were present, with a huge crowd attending each day. The great altar was filled with many varieties of fresh fruits, prepared food, and drinks. Lots of beautiful orchids and chrysanthemums were on display. Together with other overseas Vietnamese, I visited the large cemetery of the unknown soldiers. At each tomb, we lit incense for the deceased. One of the most moving aspects of the whole occasion was the consideration shown to the soldiers on both sides of the war who had died for their countries. On our last day at Dien Bien Phu, we went up to General Vo Nguyen Giap's old headquarters on top of a very steep hill. Climbing was hard physical labor. I wondered about the task of pulling the many heavy cannons uphill. I thought of the thousands of Vietnamese, known and unknown, who had lost their lives at this battle. We owe them our way of life. As soon as I returned from Dien Bien Phu, I made a second trip to Thanh Hoa, this time with Brooke Balza, an American documentary photographer. A devoted member of the charity, she wanted to obtain many photographs of the children victims of Agent Orange. They are of the third generation of those originally infected. Witnessing their physical deformity was most disturbing. With the photos, we will hold international exhibitions to raise money in order to build therapy and skill centres in Thanh Hoa and other provinces. During the American War, a large number of young men and women from Thanh Hoa had gone South to join the nationalist forces. Of these, at least 22,000 were infected by Agent Orange. Thanh Hoa itself had also suffered massive bombing raids. In the mid 60's, when the United States started their seven year campaign against North Viet Nam with "Operation Rolling Thunder", the Thanh Hoa Bridge was a strategic target for repeated attacks. So many B-52 bombers were shot down from this bridge that the proud local residents changed its name to "Dragon's Jaw Bridge". I now anticipate many future trips to Thanh Hoa. And I would love to travel along the Ho Chi Minh trail again. One day I would like to go along the trail all the way to the Mekong Delta. By Laura Lam | dtinews.vn

MediterraneanFever

Capri is a world on its own. It boasts of beautiful weather, beautiful scenic places, and again, beautiful people... emphasizing that. I went to this island a exactly a year ago, and today i still reminisce the amazing-ness of it all.

How did we get there? We took a train from Rome to Naples, then we took a boat or a ferry to Capri. I love the people in Italy. They're so friendly, outspoken, aaand they have the best food, too. I think it's best to go to this island on the month of May... it's no longer too cold, nor is it too hot to walk around. It's just puuuuurfect. The Blue Grotto is probably one of the most visited tourist spot. It's gorgeous. Taking a boat trip around the island, seeing from all sides. And after a water tour, take a lunch break! Almost all restaurants in Capri have the most welcoming smell luring you into their door step. Oh, the pasta, the risotto, the wine, aaaand don't ever forget GELATO! It might be slightly more expensive than Rome, but hey, you forget about it once you see the blue grotto blue grotto beauty of it all...the shopping heaven, walking through cobbled stones and going in the posh shops such as louis vuitton, gucci, prada, and whatever else designer brands there are. This island has it all... no need to go anywhere else !! :D Hello there hot italian boysss !!!! :D

AMA Danube River Cruise Voyage to the Black Sea

We boarded our river cruise ship Amadagio on April 9th for a 7 night voyage from Budapest, Hungary to Rousse, Bulgaria. Our voyage will travel southeast down the Danube River through the former Yugoslavian Republic countries of Croatia and Serbia and the former Soviet Block countries of Bulgaria and Romania. While we don’t actually sail into the Black Sea, we will get fairly close to the juncture.

We were warmly greeted by several staff members in the airy lobby and escorted to our cabins. We were assigned to a 170 square foot Category B cabin 225 on the Cello Deck with French Balcony. The cabins are compact, but make efficient use of the space. The floor to ceiling glass doors made the room feel open and airy. There is a small wardrobe closet with digital safe and a small shelf closet on either side of the vanity area that contained an infotainment system consisting of a 17 inch plasma screen satellite TV, internet keyboard, music, movies and alarm clock system. The bedding was high quality thread count white on white linens with a pillow top covering that padded the gap between the two twin beds put together. The mattress was quite comfortable in this arrangement. There were two small end tables on either side of the bed and a sofa chair and ottoman next to the balcony door. There is also a large drawer underneath the bed for additional storage. The bathroom was quite large for a river cruise ship. The shower was a delight with a glass door enclosure and a massaging Swiss type shower. Shelf space in the bathroom would be a bit tight however, if two women were traveling together. After checking out our room, we were summoned to the Main Lounge where we would meet our Cruise Manager Maddy Caldaruse, from Bucharest, Romania. She provided a brief explanation of how the river cruise would operate during the next week. The main phrase used over and over was “Be flexible”. This was in regards to the immigration officers at each port along the way, because we would be passing through several countries that each operated with their own set of rules. This is different from river cruising in other parts of Europe, where immigration is not necessary because they all operate under the Schengen Rule. Meals would be open seating at designated times with a la carte at dinner and buffet and a la carte at breakfast and dinner. Light breakfast and lunch would also be served everyday in the main lounge as an alternative to the main dining room. All tours in each port will be conducted with the use of a “magic box”, which is a personal portable speaker with earphone. The earphones were given to us in our cabins and each morning we would pick up a color designated box that would correspond to the same color tour bus and group. Normally, these color codes are representative of the activity level of the tour, but on this itinerary all tours would be the same level due to the limited choice and infrastructure in all ports except Vidin, Bulgaria. We returned to the Main Lounge at 6:30 PM for our welcome aboard cocktail party where we got to meet the Captain and crew. Most of the crew were from Bulgaria and Romania. We enjoyed a lovely dinner in the dining room and were entertained by roving musicians playing gypsy music. Dinner would be a nightly 5 course feast featuring appetizers, soups, salads, main courses including fresh (not frozen) fish or meats, and sumptuous desserts. There were also delectable cheeses available at every meal. The dinners each night reflected the area we were visiting that day. The best part was the free flowing local wines (choice of red or white) and beer with dinner every night. I really enjoyed each of the wines they served. After dinner, we went up to the Sun Deck to enjoy our scenic cruise at 9:00 PM up river past the chain bridge to see the Budapest sights lit up at night. It was a lovely way to begin our journey. We had a nightcap at the Main Lounge Bar where we met the bar staff Stefan, Marcel and Alina. They were all from Romania and we got to know them pretty well by the end of our cruise. The nightly entertainment was provided by a very talented pianist named Kalin, with a flair for dressing. After a great night’s sleep, we headed down to a delicious champagne buffet breakfast. Free flowing champagne is served every morning at the buffet table. My other favorite part was the daily bread spread, filled with fresh made breads, rolls and pastries, sure to make my hips spread by the end of the voyage.

Return to Vietnam

When the opportunity came to work in Hanoi, Viet Nam, for three months, it took Travelbite.co.uk writer Kathy Brownlie less than a second to make a decision.

Ten years earlier she spent 12 months backpacking around Asia. She will be working during the day but using every opportunity to explore the city and get to know the country better – this time from a different perspective – and share her experiences with Travelbite.co.uk. Here is her first blog entry: Hanoi is a captivating blend of the ancient and the modern; a city where the exotic side of old Asia blends with the dynamic face of new Asia. And when you least expect it the French colonial influence will jump out at you. A city of contrasts for sure - but somehow it works. On any given street you're likely to come across at least two of the following: a mobile-phone store, a silk merchant, an internet café, a Buddhist temple, a French-style cafe, or statue commemorating a Communist hero. Hanoi even has an emerging art scene and this is complemented by many chic cafes. It is a city of constant change. Women with bamboo hats balance baskets of fruit on their shoulders, other women walk their bikes carrying beautiful freshly cut baskets of flowers, while men sit on miniature chairs on roads-side cafes drinking coffee, watching life (and many tourists) pass them by. The cycle rickshaws weave around the narrow streets searching for the next unsuspecting tourist. Humanity's overflowing in this city. Every space is utilized for some purpose whether it be for cooking the family meal, selling local produce or for personal sanitation. The Vietnamese on the whole are warm and generous people. Even the simple of gestures (like attempting to say thank you in Vietnamese), will evoke big smiles. The Old Quarter bustling with activity is probably one of the most popular places to visit as a tourist. Streets are packed with little shops that specialize in selling recycled engine parts, kitchen ware or unusual plants....you name it, they sell it here! Each street is named after the trade that used to take place there (or still does). Just to give you a selection of examples: Bát Ðàn (wooden bowls), Hàng B¿ (baskets), Hàng Bút (brushes), Hàng Ch¿ (threads), Hàng M¿m (pickled fish), Hàng Mành (bamboo screens), Hàng Mu¿i (salt), Hàng Than (charcoal), Hàng Thi¿c (tin), Hàng Thùng (barrels), Lò Rèn (blacksmiths), Lò Su (coffins), Mã Mây (rattans), Ngõ G¿ch (bricks), Thu¿c B¿c (herbal medicines). And there is the food of course. “Pho” is a Viet Namese staple, and essentially a bowl of noodles, with greens and meat of your choice. This meal and a drink will set you back less than $3. However Hanoi is turning into a city of international cuisine. Whether its Spanish, French, Indian as well Asian food it is easy to be spoilt living in Hanoi. However it is the smell of café au lait and the large baskets of baguettes on street corners first thing in the morning that serves as the constant reminder of the history of the country. I still have yet to find a French bakery that serves a croissant on par with a European equivalent. They are getting close – at least it looks like the real thing! Huge mansions line grand boulevards, and lakes and parks dot the city, providing a green backdrop to the nonstop soundtrack of traffic. The traffic here in Hanoi, is what the weather is to those living in London. Given it’s ever presence, it’s hard to go a day without hearing about traffic (or the effects of it) in conversation. And it is even starting to enter mine! It has taken me a while to realize that the horn we know to be an aggressive warning is actually just a courteous reminder in Viet Nam. “Hey, it’s me, I’m coming through” Beep, Beep. Although there is a notable absence of road rules (and use of indicators) the traffic flows harmoniously. The skilled driver can dodge even the most indecisive of pedestrians. Not guilty! Motorcycles (scooters or mopeds), are used to transport everything. And when I mean everything, I really do mean everything. The motorbike is a family equivalent to station wagon in the west, where one bike could carry Mum and Dad, two children and still have toddler at the very front. I have seen motor bike carrying huge baskets of chickens, panes of glass and long planks of wood. But the craziest sight was a crate of eggs (taller than the driver) about four feet wide. As each day goes by, I can feel that this city is growing on me. Despite Hanoi’s chaotic exterior, I am convinced calm remains at its heart. It now only takes me 5 seconds to cross the road (compared to 5 minutes when I first arrived), and I am looking forward to exploring the city by bicycle – my latest purchase. As they say, if you can’t beat 'em, join 'em!

Awesome trip to Nha trang

My wife and I stayed at Ocean bay hotel 5 star hotel for only 20.00 US dollars a night one block off the beach well worth the money.

This was my first time to Vietnam.I had heard horror storys from my wifes kids that they were told it was nasty and stinky there.But My wife and I went to see her family.It was great loved it I told her kids it's not nasty like you were told.You do have some parts of the city was nasty just like at home.you have some sections of your city that is nasty.But Nha Trang Beach was very pretty.people was very nice seen very beautiful homes.I wanted to stay another week are two but had to come back to work.My wife kids seen the pics and know they are going to plan to go see their family in Veitnam. Pictures: our hotel view from our room our bed our bathroom in our room at hotel another view out our hotel room

Attraction

Hanoi
Hanoi has shaken off its hostile attitude to travelers and has become one of the most beguiling cities in Asia. It is slow-paced and pleasant, with a lovely landscape of lakes, shaded boulevards, verdant public parks, colonial French houses and astounding modern skyscrapers.

Hanoi's enchanting Old Quarter is rich with over a thousand years of history. Surface from its thronged labyrinth to explore the city's lakes, pagodas, historical houses and strange preponderance of turtle imagery. The museums will help make sense of it all.

Da Lat
The city of Dalat is the jewel of the southern Central Highlands region. The cool climate and park-like environment (lathered with Vietnamese-style kitsch) makes it one of the most delightful cities in Vietnam. Dalat is also a good base for trips into the surrounding highlands, which remain tranquil. Make sure you visit the Hang Nga Guesthouse & Art Gallery, nicknamed the Crazy House by locals. It's a counter-cultural gem created by artist and architect Mrs Dang Viet Nga (known as Hang Nga).

Emperor Bao Dai's Summer Palace is stuffed with interesting art and artifacts, and is well worth a look. It's also interesting to stroll around the old French Quarter, which is little changed since the French departed. The Valley of Love, 5km (3mi) north of the city centre, is a bizarre place with a carnival-style atmosphere where you can hire a paddle boat on the lake, or a horse from one of the Dalat Cowboys (no relation to the Dallas Cowboys), who are, indeed, dressed as cowboys.

There are some pleasant walks or rides (on horseback or bicycle) in the countryside around the city, but be aware that areas signposted with a C-sign are off-limits to foreigners. Further out, you can visit the villages of some of the hill tribes, such as Lat Village and the Chicken Village (with a huge statue of a chicken).

Da Lat is famous for its cafes and is a paradise for people who love fresh vegetables. It's extremely popular with domestic tourists and honeymooners, so there's a wide range of accommodation options. You can fly to Da Lat from Ho Chi Minh City, but the airport is 30km (19mi) from town; express buses also link the two cities.

Halong Bay
Magnificent Ha Long Bay, with its 3000 islands rising from the clear, emerald waters of the Gulf of Tonkin, is one of Vietnam's natural marvels. The tiny islands are dotted with innumerable beaches and grottoes created by the wind and waves. The most impressive of the grottoes is the Hang Dau Go, a huge cave of three chambers, while the Thien Cung Caves are also very impressive. The name Ha Long means 'where the dragon descended into the sea', and refers to a legend about a dragon who created the bay and islands with its flailing tail. There's even a modern legendary creature, the Tarasque, said to haunt the area.
Taking a tour of the bay is the main activity here; most book a tour at a cafe or hotel in Hanoi. If you want to arrange things independently, be ready for lots of hard sell from touts in Halong Bay City. To see a lot, choose a fast boat. If you want a romantic experience but with the risk of getting hardly anywhere, look for one of the old junks. You have to charter the whole boat, but there are usually enough travelers around to make up a party and keep costs down.

The main town in the region is Ha Long City, which is in two halves, bisected by a bay. Bai Chay (the western part) is the more scenic and has the most hotels, restaurants and persistent touts. Hon Gai (the eastern part) is connected to Haiphong by a ferry. Masochists might try seeing the bay on a day-trip from Hanoi.

Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon)
Ho Chi Minh City - Saigon is the heart and soul of Vietnam. It's a bustling, dynamic and industrious centre, the largest city in the country, the economic capital and the cultural trendsetter. Yet within the teeming metropolis are the timeless traditions and beauty of an ancient culture.

Ho Chi Minh City - Saigon has several excellent museums that explore its dramatic history; the best of them can be visited on foot. Inside you'll find everything from harrowing images of the war and revolution to political art. Botanical gardens, temples, pagodas and churches also await.

Hue
Traditionally, Hue has been one of Vietnam's main cultural, religious and education centres. Its Thien Mu Pagoda is one of the most famous structures in Vietnam. The remains of the huge, moated Citadel (Kinh Thanh), constructed by the Emperor Gia Long from 1804, contain many interesting sights, such as the Ngo Mon Gate, Nine Holy Cannons, Thai Hoa (the Palace of Supreme Harmony), Nine Dynastic Urns and the Halls of the Mandarins. Sadly, the intriguing Forbidden Purple City was largely destroyed during the Vietnam War. About 15km (9mi) south of Hue are the splendid Royal Tombs, of the Nguyen emperors. Hue has many other places of religious and dynastic importance, and some good museums.

You can do sampan trips up the Perfume River, which include visits to some of Hue's main attractions. If you want to get out of the city for a swim, head 13km (8mi) northeast to Thuan An Beach, where there's a lagoon and a hotel. It can be reached by sampan or bus.

There's a range of accommodation in Hue to suit most budgets, and the city is famed for its fine restaurants. Hue has a long tradition of vegetarian food, which is prepared at pagodas for the monks. Stalls in the markets serve vegetarian food on the 1st and the 15th days of the lunar month, and there are also several restaurants serving it all the time.

Hue is about 700km (430mi) from Hanoi and 1100km (680mi) from Saigon. The Reunification Express train running between those cities stops here, and there are frequent flights and buses to both cities.

Nha Trang
Although it has the potential to develop into a flashy resort such as Thailand's Pattaya Beach, Nha Trang is still a good place to go for sun and partying. But see it while it lasts. With very clear turquoise waters (except for the wet season), snorkelling, diving and fishing are prime activities, and just lazing on the town beach is an experience in itself. You'll be offered everything from lunch to a manicure.

Nha Trang's dry season runs from June to September (which is different from Saigon). To cater for the growing influx of visitors, many new hotels have been built in town. Nha Trang is a major fishing port, so excellent seafood is available. The exotic dragon fruit (thanh long) grows only in the Nha Trang area. It's about the size and shape of a small pineapple, but tastes something like a kiwifruit. The fruit is in season from May to September, when you can find it served as a drink.

Express and regular buses link Nha Trang with Saigon; express buses take about 12 hours. Express trains run to both Saigon and Hanoi, and there are daily flights to Saigon and Hanoi.

Dien Bien Phu
Dien Bien Phu, in the heart-shaped Muong Thanh Valley near the Lao border, is in one of the remotest parts of Vietnam. The valley is surrounded by steep, heavily forested hills and the area is inhabited by hill tribes, notably the Tai and H'mong. Dien Bien Phu was the site of that rarest of Vietnamese military events, a battle that can be called truly decisive. It was here in 1954 that Viet Minh forces overran the beleaguered French garrison after a 57-day siege, forcing the French government to abandon its attempts to re-establish colonial control of Indochina. The site of the battle is marked by a small museum, which eloquently tells the story of Vietnamese determination to be rid of the colonial forces.

You can fly to Dien Bien Phu from Hanoi, but getting to the town overland is half the fun since the surrounding mountains are so beautiful. Buses are generally too crowded for you to appreciate the splendid scenery, though, so do yourself a favor and hire a jeep. It's a two-day, 420km (260mi) trip from Hanoi, so count on hiring a jeep for five days.

Hoi An
An important, picturesque and enchanting river port 30km (19mi) south of Da Nang, Hoi An is rich in history and has a unique character. It was a contemporary of Macau, attracting Dutch, Portuguese, Chinese and Japanese trading vessels, and it retains the feel of centuries past. Its magnificent collection of almost 850 older structures and intact streetscapes just beg to be explored. They include merchants' homes, pagodas, public buildings, a Japanese covered bridge and a whole city block of colonnaded French buildings.

National Parks
Cuc Phuong, 140km (87mi) from Hanoi, preserves 222 sq km (87 sq mi) of primary tropical forest. It's home to an amazing variety of animal and plant life, with animals such as the yellow macaque and the spotted deer, 320 species of bird and has many grottoes, one of which has yielded prehistoric stone tools. Hiking is possible here.

Even more beautiful though, is Cat Ba Island, 30km (19mi) east of Hai Phong city. Its diverse ecosystems include tropical evergreen forests, freshwater swamp forests, coastal mangroves, freshwater lakes and waterfalls, grottoes, caves, sandy beaches and offshore coral reefs. It's home to monkeys, boars, deer, squirrels and hedgehogs, is on the migration route for waterfowl and its offshore waters are also heavily populated by fish, molluscs, arthropods, seals and dolphins. It is hoped that plans to designate further areas of land as national parks in Vietnam go ahead

Sam Mountain
In the Mekong Delta, 3km (2mi) from the riverine commercial centre of Chau Doc and not far from the Cambodian border, this area is known for its dozens of pagodas and cave temples. Favored by ethnic-Chinese pilgrims and tourists, the shrines feature tombs and fine examples of traditional Vietnamese design and artisanship. The views from the top of the mountain are spectacular.

Sapa
Located at an altitude of 1650m (5400ft) in the remote northwest, Sapa entrances most visitors with the spectacular scenery that exists nearby. Built as a hill station for the French in 1922, Sapa went into a long decline from which it has only recently recovered. More and more travellers are braving the bad (but improving) roads and flocking here for the climate (cold in winter, though) and to visit the hill tribes (mostly H'mong, Dao and Kinh people) who live in the area. The Saturday market is the best place to buy handicrafts. Accommodation can be tight, especially on weekends when tour parties visit. Just 9km (5.5mi) from Sapa is Fansipan (3143m/10,309ft), Vietnam's highest mountain. A hike to the top and back takes about four days, and you'll need a guide and decent equipment, as it is usually wet and cold. You can get to within 30km (19mi) of Sapa by train from Hanoi. Once you reach Lao Cai, you'll need to transfer to a local bus.

Western Central Highlands
The western region of the Central Highlands area, along the border with Cambodia and Laos, still sees few visitors. Although much of the forest has been destroyed, the region's varied agriculture and the presence of up to 31 distinct ethnic groups make it a fascinating destination. Towns such as Buon Ma Thuot, Pleiku and Kon Tum are peopled by ethnic minorities, while Tua and Ban Don (a gateway to Yok Don National Park) society is matrilineal and matrilocal.

General Information

Mainland Territory: 331,211.6 sq. km
Population: 85,789.6 thousand inhabitants (Apr. 2009)
National Capital: Hanoi

Lying on the eastern part of the Indochinese peninsula, Vietnam is a strip of land shaped like the letter “S”. China borders it to the north, Laos and Cambodia to the west, the East Sea to the east and the Pacific Ocean to the east and south.
The country’s total length from north to south is 1,650km. Its width, stretching from east to west, is 600km at the widest point in the north, 400km in the south, and 50km at the narrowest part, in the centre, in Quang Binh Province. The coastline is 3,260km long and the inland border is 4,510km.
Latitude: 102º 08' - 109º 28' east
Longitude: 8º 02' - 23º 23' north

Vietnam is also a transport junction from the Indian Ocean to the Pacific Ocean.

Climate: Vietnam lies in the tropics and monsoon (detail)
Topography: Three quarters of Vietnam's territory consist of mountains and hills (detail)
Administrative Units: Vietnam is divided into 63 provinces and cities

Climate

Vietnam is located in both a tropical and a temperate zone. It is characterized by strong monsoon influences, but has a considerable amount of sun, a high rate of rainfall, and high humidity. Regions located near the tropics and in the mountainous regions are endowed with a temperate climate.

The monsoon climate also influences to the changes of the tropical humidity. In general, in Vietnam there are two seasons, the cold season occurs from November to April and the hot season from May to October. The difference in temperature between the two seasons in southern is almost unnoticeable, averaging 3ºC. The most noticeable variations are found in the northern where differences of 12ºC have been observed. There are essentially four distinct seasons, which are most evident in the northern provinces(from Hai Van Pass toward to the north): Spring, Summer, Autumn, and Winter.

Every year there are 100 rainy days and the average rainfall is 1,500 to 2,000mm. The humidity ranges around 80%. The sunny hours are 1,500 to 2,000 and the average solar radiation of 100kcal/cm2 in a year.

Because Vietnam is affected by the monsoon, that why the average temperature is lower than the other countries which are located in the same longitude in Asia. The annual average temperatures range from 22oC to 27oC. In comparing with these countries, the temperature in winter is colder and in summer is less hotter in Vietnam.

Under influence of monsoon, and further because of the complicated topography, the climate in Vietnam always changes in one year, between the years, or between the areas (from North to South and from low to high). The climate in Vietnam is also under disadvantage of weather, such as typhoons (advantage there are 6-10 storms and tropical low atmosphere in year, floods and droughts are threaten the life and the agriculture of Vietnam).

Hanoi
In Hanoi there are four distinct seasons: Spring, Summer, Autumn, and Winter. But it is able to be divided into two main seasons: the rainy season from May to September (it’s hot, heavy rain), and the dry season from October to April (it’s cold, little rainfall). The annual average temperature is 23.2oC, but in winter the average temperature is 17.2oC. The lowest temperature ever recorded was 2.7oC in 1955. The average summer temperature is 29.2oC, with the highest ever recorded being 42.8oC in 1926. On average, there are 114 rainy days a year with around 1,800mm of rainfall.

Haiphong

It's one province in the North then Haiphong is influenced by a tropical monsoon climate too. There are 4 seasons and the annual average temperature is between 23oC and 24oC. Rainfall total is between 1,600 and 1,800mm. The weather is warm throughout the year.

Quang Ninh

The climate is symbolic of the climate of North Vietnam; featuring all four seasons. In summer (from May to September), it's hot, humid and rainy, while monsoons flourish. In winter (from October to April), it's cold, dry, and sees little rainfall.The average temperature is over 25oC. Annual rainfall totals between 1,700 and 2,400mm.

Thua Thien Hue

It features a tropical monsoon climate, featuring all four distinct seasons: spring, summer, autumn and winter. The spring is cool and warm, the summer is hot, the autumn is cool and the winter is cold. Average temperature is 25oC. The best time for tourists is from November to April next year.

Danang

Its climate is tropical, with two distinct rainy and dry seasons. The average annual temperature is between 28oC and 29oC, and storms hit the area every year in September and October.

Khanh Hoa

The climate here is oceanic tropical monsoon, but is quite mild. The average annual temperature is 26.5oC. Annual rainfall totals over 1,200mm.

Lam Dong

The climate here is cold, with an average annual temperature of 18oC. Dalat is a city town, the climate is temperature and there are the beautiful natural landscapes with the waterfalls, lakes and pine groves, and is well known as Vietnam’s flower city.

Ho Chi Minh City

The climate is divided into two seasons, with the rainy season lasting from May to November. The average annual temperature is 27.5oC without winter, and yearly rainfall totals 1,979mm. Tourism is convenient for all 12 months of the year.

Ba Ria-Vung Tau

The climate here is tropical monsoon. The average annual temperature is 27oC, rarely stormy, rich in sunshine. Vung Tau is without winter so resorts can active throughout the year.

Resources

Vietnam has a variety of mineral resources. Located beneath the subsoil are precious stones, coal and valuable minerals such as tin, zinc, silver, gold and antimony. Vietnam also has large deposits of oil and gas on its offshore islands and on the mainland.

Vietnam also has abundant subterranean mineral water sources. These are found at Quang Hanh in Quang Ninh, Hoi Van in Binh Dinh, Vinh Hao in Binh Thuan, Duc My in Nha Trang, Kim Boi in Hoa Binh, and Binh Chau in Ba Ria -Vung Tau.

Topography

Three quarters of Vietnam's territory consists of mountains and hills. Vietnam is divided into four distinct mountainous zones.

The Northeastern Zone (Viet Bac)

This zone stretches from the Red River Valley to the Gulf of Tonkin. The mountainous area of Viet Bac is scattered with famous sights: Dong Nhat Grotto, Dong Nhi Grotto, and Tam Thanh Grotto in Lang Son Province; Pac Bo Grotto and Ban Gioc Waterfall in Cao Bang; Ba Be Lake in Bac Kan; Yen Tu Mountain and Halong Bay in Quang Ninh; and Tay Con Linh, the highest mountain peak in the region reaching 2,341 meters above sea level.

The Northwestern Zone

This zone is comprised of mountains that run from the north of the Sino-Vietnamese border to the west of Thanh Hoa Province. This magnificent mountain range is nationally known for its resort town of Sapa in Lao Cai Province, which is perched 1500 meters above sea level. Several ethnic groups, such as the H'mong, Dao, Kinh, Tay, Giay, Hoa, and Xa Pho, still reside in this region.

The northwestern zone is also famous for the historical site of Dien Bien Phu and Fansipan Mountain, which measures 3,143 meters above sea level at the peak.

The North Truong Son Zone

This zone runs from the western part of Thanh Hoa Province to the Quang Nam-Da Nang Mountains. This region is known locally for its picturesque Phong Nha Grotto and its two breathtaking passes, the Ngang Pass and the Hai Van Pass. It is also known worldwide for being the location of the legendary Ho Chi Minh Trail constructed during the second great resistance war.

The South Truong Son Zone

This zone is located to the west of the south central coast provinces. Behind these huge mountains is a vast area of red soil known locally as "Tay Nguyen" (the Central Highlands). There are numerous legendary accounts of the flora and fauna and of the lives of several different ethnic minorities living in the Central Highlands. Dalat, established during the 19th century, is a popular resort town in this part of Vietnam.

Vietnam has two major deltas, including the Red River Delta in the north and the Mekong River Delta in the south.

The Red River Delta, or Northern Delta

This region stretches for15,000 sq. km. Over time, deposits of alluvium carried from the Red River and Thai Binh River have accumulated to form the delta. The ancient Viet people settled at the junction of the two rivers . At that time, the wet rice civilization was established

The Mekong River Delta, or Southern Delta

This region is approximately 40,000 sq. km. The land is very fertile and has favorable climate conditions for agriculture. As a result, it is the largest rice growing region in Vietnam.

Vietnam is crisscrossed by thousands of streams and rivers. There is a river discharging every 20 kilometers along Vietnam's coastline. The waterways are a very convenient means of transport with major rivers like the Red River in the north and the Mekong River in the south.

Sea

Vietnam's coastline is 3,260km long. If you have a chance to travel along the coast of Vietnam, you will be able to enjoy the beautiful beaches of Tra Co, Sam Son, Lang Co, Non Nuoc, Nha Trang, Vung Tau, and Ha Tien. In some places, you will see mountains jutting out to the sea. One such magnificent site is Halong Bay, which has recently been listed as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO.

Vietnam's coast has been awarded a series of large seaports, such as the ones at Haiphong, Danang, Qui Nhon, Cam Ranh, Vung Tau, and Saigon. There are thousands of islands and islets scattered offshore from north to south. Among the most popular tourist destinations are the Truong Sa and Hoang Sa Archipelagos.

Forest

The forests of Vietnam account for most of the total land area. National parks are preserved by the state and follow a steady development plan. Some of the more famous national parks located throughout the country include Ba Vi in Ha Tay, Cat Ba in Haiphong, Cuc Phuong in Ninh Binh, Bach Ma in Hue, and Cat Tien in Dong Nai.

Danang, Vietnam Airlines to jointly promote tourism in Japan

The central coast city of Danang will contribute US$50,000 to Vietnam Airlines to organize road shows in Tokyo and Osaka, Japan this September to bring the country’s tourism products and services to Japanese travelers.

The road shows will take place on the occasion of the JATA World Tourism Congress and Travel Fair in Japan.
Nguyen Duy Quang, Vice Director of the Danang Tourism Promotion Center, said that the city government would be joining the activities upon request of Vietnam Airlines, and through its representative office in Tokyo.
The promotions will focus on introducing Vietnam as a destination for Japanese tourists, especially the central region. Danang will be trumpeted as a gateway for Japanese visitors to travel to Vietnam.
“There will be a series of activities to promote tourism and the new air route from Danang to Japan, which is expected to be launched this year,” Quang said.
He said Japan is the second biggest source market for Danang’s tourism behind Thailand. The city’s tourism authority expects the new air route to allow Danang to lure more tourists from Japan.
The Danang City Department of Culture, Sports, and Tourism has estimated that the city would be able to serve 880,000 local and international tourists in the first half of this year, up 38% year-on-year.
More than 210,000 of these visitors come from abroad, up 26% compared to the same period of last year. Tourism revenue is projected to amount to nearly VND572 billion, up 66% year-on-year.
The city’s tourism authority has also organized tourism promotion trips to Hong Kong and Thailand this month.

Old Hanoi house to be preserved as tourist site

Hanoi authorities have decided to preserve an old house at 11 Hang Bac Street, in Hanoi’s Hoan Kiem District, as a tourist site. Amidst the hustle and bustle of city life, the house looks like a small oasis, bringing passers by feelings of peace and tranquility.

The house is owned by Pham Ngoc Giao, eldest son of 98-year-old woman Pham Thi Te. His family bought the house in 1945.
The house exhibits harmony between Vietnamese décor and French architecture. Striking amid greenness of mature trees is the red-tiled roof, curved in the style of the traditional Vietnamese pagoda. Large pillars, many windows and separated rooms make people think of old houses in Paris.
The house has two storeys and has about 200m² of floor-space. It is in a poetic 180m² garden with flowers, mature ornamental trees and clusters of bamboo. Paths in the garden are shaded by lines of areca and small bamboo trees, arousing in people peaceful images of the countryside.
Through ups and downs of history for nearly a century, the house has kept its old decorations and some wooden tables and chairs and paintings.
The house, particularly with the garden, has gained much attention and high evaluation from local and foreign experts. It has been listed in the book “The 36 guild streets area in Hanoi’s Ancient Quarter”, by Japanese experts.
After preservation, the house will be developed as a tourist destination for city tours in Hanoi. The site is expected to give visitors a glimpse of old Vietnamese architecture and culture, as well as to give tourists a space of stillness and peace, escaping from the bustle of urban life.

French-speaking markets are among the top three for Vietnam Tourism Sectors from Europe

Vietnam tourism sector welcomes annually 170.000 French tourists. If the Vietnam tourist visa is waived, then French tourist arrival increases. The sector needs qualified tourism workers for this market according to tourism experts.

Luxury Travel, an award winning luxury travel and tour operator in Vietnam, announced the addition of Marie Garcia as its Sales & Marketing Senior Executive at its Hanoi Head Office.
“We expect good French traffic to Vietnam in 2010 after a recovery and visa waive. French-speaking markets are among the top three from Europe, aided by a direct flight between Vietnam and France. And though Vietnam is better known as a backpacker destination, efforts are being made to promote Vietnam as a luxe destination and attract upscale French-speaking travelers with niche tourism products,”
Marie will be responsible for overseeing sales, marketing, and customer care with Luxury Travel’s business partners throughout Europe, seeking new business opportunities and coordinating the company’s national marketing program.
Born in Bordeaux, Marie also speaks English and Spanish, She has traveled to numerous regions around the world, however, she is continuously drawn back to Vietnam. Marie’s in-depth knowledge of the region will be an immense asset to Luxury Travel as it expands its influence in the European market especially French and Spanish markets.
“I am glad to join professional Luxury Travel. We provide special services and unique tourism products to European travelers. We are committed to deliver world class services for the most sophisticated French travelers,” said Marie. She recently completed a Master’s degree from the International Management University in Bordeaux, France.
“Marie is committed to the idea of luxury travel concepts and responsible tourism in our new inbound adventure travel department and its ability to aid and empower local communities in developing countries which aligns perfectly with our own sustainable tourism commitment,” said Luxury Travel’s CEO Pham Ha.
Last year, the company served 10,000 satisfied customers. Among Luxury Travel’s, French ministers, Ambassadors, Deputy Prime Minister of Canada, the most recent VIP guest is Dr. John Quelch from the Harvard University.
The Luxury Travel Company is Vietnam’s first luxury tour company and full travel service agency. Luxury Travel is experienced in providing special services and unique tourism products to luxury global travelers. The company’s depth of experience and large infrastructure enable it to create unique itineraries with the operational confidence to fulfill client expectations.
Luxury Travel Company’s main business activities are luxury inbound/outbound operator, luxury adventures, custom tours, romance, wellness and spa, MICE, family travel and private travel arrangements for VIP stars, celebrities, Royal and Government clientele, private jet and yacht cruises.
Luxury Travel specializes in bespoke travel experiences for VIPs, small fits group led by expert tour guides to Vietnam, Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar, Thailand. All company operations are run by experienced, creative managers and guides. Headquartered in Hanoi, Vietnam, the company maintains management offices in Indochina, Myanmar, Thailand and a representative office in the U.S.