Laos Tours
Highlights Laos Experience - 5 days
Starts : Vientiane, ends : Vientiane
Highlights: Vientiane - Phonesavanh - Luang Prabang
Trip Code : L-HLE5
Day 1 : Vientiane Arrival
Pick up and transfer to your hotel in Vientiane. We will embark on a tour of Vientiane including Vat Sisaket, Vat Phrakeo and the impressive That Luang Stupa. In the evening, following the meal you can enjoy an evening stroll along the banks of the Mekong River.
Accommodation in Vientiane:
+ Hotel grade: 4 Star
+ Room type: Superior Room
Day 2 : Vientiane - Phonesavanh
Today we set off to Phonesavanh, home to the mysterious Plain of Jars. The jars, over 250 in total are thought to be 2,000 years old although there is little proof to date them very accurately. Archaeologists have also struggled to find out the specific purpose of the jars, some of which weigh up to 1 ton.
Accommodation in Phonesavanh:
+ Hotel grade: 4 Star
+ Room type: Superior Room
Day 3: Phonesavanh - Luang Prabang
Raising in the morning we drive to Luang Prabang. In 1995 UNESCO designated the town as a World Heritage site and we explore this enthralling town including the 16th century Vat Xieng Thong, the Golden City monastery, considered to be the finest in Laos with its low-sweeping roofs as well as a rare bronze reclining Buddha
Accommodation in Luang Prabang:
+ Hotel grade: 4 Star
+ Room type: Superior Room
Day 4: Luang Prabang
Today we take a trip to the Royal Palace Museum. In the afternoon we take a boat on the Mekong River to the holy caves of Pak Ou, crammed with gilded and wooden images of Buddha. Along the way we will have a picnic lunch before returning to Luang Prabang.
Accommodation in Luang Prabang:
+ Hotel grade: 4 Star
+ Room type: Superior Room
Day 5: Luang Prabang - Vientiane Departure
This morning following breakfast there will be a transfer from the hotel to the airport for the morning flight back to Vientiane and your connecting flight out of Laos
Prices : USD$ 516 for per person base for 2 people travelling together
The tour itinerary, inclusions and departures are based on travel from 01/01/2010 to Sunday, 05 September 2010. Prices are subject to availability and may vary by departure date. For travel outside of these dates itinerary and inclusions may vary to that shown above - please ask for details.
What's inclusive and Not ?
Transportation
Booking Conditions

* All accommodation on double basis in Hotel 4star with daily breakfast
* All transfers/ transports
* English speaking guide
* Airfares
* All Lunches on Tour (not in free days)
* Admission fees and permits where applicable
* Visa arrangement
Exclusive :
* Pre/post trip arrangement
* Travel insurance
* Meals not indicated
* Other personal expenses
* Tips and gratuities
**** Information in this itinerary was correct at the time of its preparation.
We reserves the right to make itinerary changes as operational or other circumstances require
**** Once your booking has been confirmed you will receive a detailed itinerary for this tour,
detailing day by day arrangements, as well as a predeparture
guide containing valuable information designed to
help you get the most out of your holiday

For road journeys, air conditioned coasters or mini buses or car are used. These are modern, spacious, comfortable, well maintained, safe vehicles - perfect for private travel !
See the Goup Size and know what you get
* Tour Type :Private
* Vehicles Type :Car
* Group Size : 2 -3 Pax

----------Altis Toyota - 4seats
* Tour Type :Private
* Vehicles Type :Van
* Group Size : 4 - 8 Pax

-----------Mercedes Van - 16seats
For airway journeys, Modern and comfortable flights and are used with Economic ticket.
**Flights in Laos we use Laos Airlines with :
- ATR42 - ATR72 : Manufactured by the Franco-Italian ATR group
**Flights in Vietnam we use :
- Vietnam Airlnies and Jetstar Ailines
** **Flights connecting betwwen Vietnam and Laos lines :
- Vietnam Airlines or Laos Airlines ; Boeing 747

STATUS:
CONFIRMED indicated overleaf means the airline, hotel, vehicle rental or tour operator has accepted your reservation from Vietnam Royal Tourism , subject to the usual reservation conditions.
REQUEST means your arrangements have been requested although not yet confirmed. WAITLIST means that your flight, hotel or tour arrangements are currently full and your name has been placed on a waiting list. CANCELLED means your flight, hotel, vehicle rental or tour arrangements are cancelled. UNABLE means the airline, hotel or tour operator cannot meet your request.
PAYMENTS: We require an initial non-returnable deposit normally 30% of tour cost per person for the travel element of your itinerary. Additional deposits may also be required to hold "other facilities" arrangements such as hotels, car-hire, cruises and tours - all payment details will be advised at the time of booking. Any final payment is usually due until customers arrival their destinations as Vietnam , Laos or Cambodia on First Day ( Day 1 ). Bookings made within 1 month of travel require 30% payment upon confirmation. If you have booked hotel accommodation, vehicle rental, tours or any 'Other Facilities' you should refer to the booking conditions in the Vietnam Royal Tourism - brochure or where Vietnam Royal Tourism - is acting as the agent for the Tour Operator you should refer to the booking conditions contained in Tour Operator's brochure (a copy of these conditions will be given or sent to you at the time of booking).
Please note that all airfares and taxes are subject to increase until full payment is received and tickets issued it is therefore to your advantage to finalise payment as soon as you can after booking. However Government taxes additional to the fare may be imposed or increased without notice at any time up until departure date.
YOUR PEACE OF MIND:
Vietnam Royal Tourism with Vietnam Business Number ( VBN 0102032888). We hold an Travel Agent License (TAG number 0825 ) Awarded by Vietnam National Administration of Tourism. This ensures that in the very unlikely event of our insolvency you will be able to continue with your arrangements as planned (if already abroad in Vietnam , Laos, Cambodia or Thailand) or refunded in full if travel has not already commenced.
For all monies paid to Vietnam Royal Tourism - will be legally safeguarded by being held in Trust in a Vietnam Royal Tourism - Trust account, thus ensuring that in the very unlikely event of our insolvency money paid in respect of advance bookings (future travel) will be refunded in full.
EMERGENCY CONTACT:
In the event that you experience a real emergency outside of Vietnam Royal Tourism - ' normal opening hours, please contact details to us on +844 2425892 or email :vietnamroyaltourism@vnn.vn.
METHODS OF PAYMENT:
PLEASE NOTE: If you intend to mail payment details or are arranging a bank transfer you should confirm the exact amount due with your consultant.
1. PERSONAL (AND COMPANY) CHEQUES: Payment for travel arrangements may be made by personal or company cheque. Cheques should be made payable to VIETNAM ROYAL TOURISM - LTD. Please note. However, that we require SIX WORKING DAYS FOR CHEQUE CLEARANCE before tickets can be issued. It is therefore advisable to confirm with Vietnam Royal Tourism - that there is sufficient time between cheque payment and any ticketing deadline. For urgent ticketing we can usually arrange to have cheques up to US3,000 guaranteed upon payment of an extra fee determined by the value of the cheque. Foreign currency cheques are acceptable.
2. BANK AND BUILDING SOCIETY DRAFTS: These are treated as cash if received at a time when the relevant bank or building society is open and able to verify the cheque.
3. CASH: Please note we advise clients not to post cash to us. Cash are acceptable and welcome when you will made your final payment on your arrival date in Vietnam , Laos , Cambodia
4. CARDS:
We accept Visa, MasterCard . We may require written Form of Authorisation letter and Letter of Aproval for the debit from the card holder before tickets can be released. We may also require one copy paper of the credit card both side and one copy of the passport (first page) with identify and photo before tickets can be released. We may also require seeing the actual card.
5. DIRECT CREDIT/BANK TRANSFER: Payment may be made from your bank directly to our bank account at:
Account name: Vietnam Royal Tourism Co.,LTD
Account number: 4094439
Bank Name: ANZ Bank
Address: 14 Le Thai To str., Hanoi, Vietnam
Tel : +844-38258190
Fax : +844-38258188
SWIFT Code: ANZBVNVX
Website: www.anz.com
( Recommendation using this one for citizen of New Zealand, Australia, United Kingdom, US and Canada with small fee of bank transfer )
or other :
Account name: VIET NAM ROYAL TOURISM CO., LTD
Account number: 0011372354159
Bank Name: Bank for foreign trade of Vietnam – Operation Center
Address: 198 Tran Quang Khai str., Hanoi, Vietnam
Tel : + 844-3825 1322
Fax: +844-382 69067
SWIFT Code: BFTVVNVX001
Website: http://www.vietcombank.com.vn/en/
Vietnam Royal Tourism - must be notified of all direct bank payments. All payments must be identified by the passenger's name and booking number.
PROVISIONAL FARES:
If a fare is shown on an itinerary as being 'PROVISIONAL', this means that the airline, hotel or tour/ground operator has not confirmed the exact fare at the time of booking and any increases in cost must be met by the client.
TICKETING: Unless you notify us otherwise, your travel documents will be posted to you at the address shown overleaf, except E-tickets where your boarding pass is issued at check in on production of your passport and this Vietnam Royal Tourism - client confirmation form if requested. Air tickets cannot be posted overseas. Tickets are generally valid a maximum of one year from the date of issue. Any exception to this will be shown on your ticket.
REROUTING: As a general rule, airline tickets cannot be rerouted or transferred to another airline. All flights must be used in sequence, as booked. Failure to do so may result in cancellation of all remaining sectors and restrict any possible refund.
PASSPORT & VISA REQUIREMENTS: Please ensure that you are fully aware of all passport and visa requirements and that you allow adequate time to obtain them. We recommend that you travel with a passport that has a minimum validity of 6 months remaining at all times. This is an immigration requirement for many countries and airlines. Please check with your travel consultant if you will not have the recommended validity whilst travelling. Passports should be Machine Readable for travel via the USA. Please call our visa service if you are unsure if your passport is Machine Readable. Please call +844 24 25 892 for more details.
Visa requirements are only noted for those countries listed on your itinerary. If you intend visiting or transiting through other countries, please ensure you are fully aware of all relevant visa and passport requirements.
AIRLINE PASSENGER INFORMATION: Please note that airlines are now required by laws introduced in the United States and other countries to give border control agencies access to passenger data. Accordingly any information that the airline holds about you and your travel arrangements may be disclosed to the customs and immigration authorities of any country on your itinerary. Please contact your travel consultant if you require further information.
HEALTH REQUIREMENTS: Health facilities, hygiene and disease risks vary worldwide, you should obtain health advice on your specific needs as early as possible. It is your responsibility to ensure that you have fully complied with all health and immunisation requirements of the countries you may be visiting.
INSURANCE: Vietnam Royal Tourism - strongly recommends insurance cover whenever you travel abroad. Insurance is a must for Vietnam, as the cost of major medical treatment is prohibitive. A travel insurance policy to cover theft, loss and medical problems is the best bet
TRAVEL INSURANCE
Unfortunately things can go wrong on holiday. You could fall ill or have an accident; you could have money or luggage stolen; your visit might be cancelled or cut short through injury or illness; your family may need to fly out to be with you if there is a serious incident.
Costs - particularly medical treatment costs - can easily run into thousands of dollars. Local medical facilities are unable to provide the full range of medical services available in developed countries making evacuation a requirement in many non life threatening medical emergencies. The costs of relocation as well as local international standard care are extremely high. In the most serious emergencies, you may not be positioned to authorise payment for an appropriate medical response that is urgently required. This may delay or prevent the provision of critical and possibly life saving medical attention.
Market surveys show that many people don't take insurance. People believe that their credit card accident cover, home insurance, or private health cover is sufficient. However, it is unlikely that these will give adequate cover. If you do not already have a policy we urge you to take out insurance as soon as you make a booking with us to ensure you have adequate cancellation cover.
Know what your policy covers and check that the cover is adequate.
If in doubt ask your insurer. Your policy should cover you for the following:
The whole time that you are away, whether that is a day or a year.
Any activities and sports you might do. Some activities, such as jet skiing, are excluded from many policies. Many insurers will extend cover, if requested, otherwise shop around for a specialist policy.
The medical cover is very important. It must include cover for emergency medical treatment, hospitalisation and repatriation.
Personal liability - for injury or damage to others and their property.
Cancellation - if you have to cancel or abandon your trip. Cancellation cover should start as soon as you book your trip.
24 hour emergency assistance - if things go wrong the assistance company will help you to sort everything out.
Possessions cover, including money and documents to specified limits.
Your policy may also cover:
Personal accident - money paid on death or permanent disability.
Legal expenses - to help you pursue compensation for damages following personal injury.
Declare anything that you think might affect the cover.
Be honest - tell your insurer about current or past medical conditions. This should include the condition of those to be insured and others, such as close relatives, whose state of health may prevent you from travelling or may cause you to curtail your trip. If you don't declare you may invalidate your policy.
When you travel.
Make sure you take your policy and the 24 hour emergency phone number with you.
Make sure you know what to do in the event of a problem.
Some insurance companies insist that you call their assistance company as soon as possible after a problem arises.
If anything does happen make sure you keep as much paperwork as possible - tickets, receipts, medical bills, police reports etc - to help prove that what you're claiming for actually happened.
CANCELLATIONS/AMENDMENTS/REFUNDS:
It is important that you are fully aware of the cancellation and administrative charges relating to your contract with Vietnam Royal Tourism - .
The circumstances surrounding cancellations and refunds vary greatly. The following general conditions are as simple as the complex problem permits and makes allowance for the work carried out by Vietnam Royal Tourism - on behalf of clients. Should you for any reason have to cancel your booking; the person making the original arrangements must give us written notice of cancellation.
In certain cases cancellation charges, if incurred involuntarily, will be covered by insurance taken out at the time of booking. This is strongly recommended.
AMENDMENTS:
Any change of itinerary before receipt of full payment on any particular ticket(s) will be termed an amendment. An amendment fee of up to $US 100 per change will be levied according to the amount of work involved. Changes to hotel accommodation, vehicle rental, tours and other travel arrangements will incur extra charges. Please refer to the relevant Vietnam Royal Tourism - brochure or where Vietnam Royal Tourism - is acting as the agent for the tour operator, you should refer to the booking conditions contained in the tour operator's brochure. Any change of itinerary after receipt of full payment on any tickets will be subject to applicable cancellation conditions. Please note that it will not be possible for our Travel Centres in Vietnam to assist with changes to the routing of your airline ticket. All such enquiries must always be made directly with the relevant airline. Vietnam Royal Tourism - may be able to assist in changing your dates, subject to the conditions of your ticket and flight availability; however, fees from $US 30 per change apply, over and above any airline fees detailed on your booking form. These date changes may also be made directly with the airline. Amendments to hotel and tour bookings made in the Vietnam and Laos, Cambodia may be made through our Travel Centres in Vietnam. However, at least 7 days notice is required and all amendments are subject to availability. Cancellations or amendments made within 30 days will incur two night's cancellation fee per hotel as per the conditions detailed in our Tailor-made Indochina. A minimum fee of US$25 per hotel or tour booking will apply to amendments made outside 28 days. Our Travel Centres in Vietnam will be delighted to assist with additional flights and selected hotels together with local tours whilst travelling Vietnam. Please call in or telephone.
AIRLINE RESERVATION & TICKET CANCELLATION:
For all confirmed bookings cancelled before receipt of full payment on any particular ticket(s), the booking deposit is forfeit. For cancellation after receipt of full payment, cancellation charges as stated overleaf will apply. Please note cancellation charges of 10% per ticket or $US100 per ticket, whichever is the greater, will apply to any cancelled tickets not specifically covered under the cancellation conditions overleaf. On any fixed dated ticket there is a 100% cancellation charge if part used, or if the reservation is not cancelled prior to the first flight. Please note that it is your responsibility to advise airlines if you do not wish to travel on a flight booked. Failure to do so can result in the cancellation of onward flights and the forfeit of any ticket refund.
Please note all flight cancellations must be notified in writing to Vietnam Royal Tourism - prior to the day of departure.
HOTEL/VEHICLE RENTAL/TOUR/OTHER TRAVEL ARRANGEMENTS:
CANCELLATION
If you have booked hotel accommodation, vehicle rental, tours or any other travel arrangements and you cancel your reservation, you should refer to the booking conditions in the Vietnam Royal Tourism - brochure or, where Vietnam Royal Tourism - is acting as the agent for the tour operator, you should refer to the booking conditions contained in the tour operator's brochure. Reservations are non-transferable.
AIRLINE TICKET REFUNDS:
Tickets returned will be presented to the airline for assessment. As soon as we receive a refund from the issuing airline, we will forward it to you less any cancellation or administration charge. Please note that refunds for part-used/return halves of tickets are always less than the pro-rata rate and may have no refund value whatsoever. Refunds usually take 8-12 weeks but in isolated cases may take longer. Refunds will be processed via the original method of payment, except for cash transactions where refunds will be provided by cheque. Tickets returned more than one year from date of issue are classed as expired by the airline and generally have no refund value at all. If tickets are lost or stolen, certain airlines will not issue duplicates. New tickets may then have to be purchased locally, at the focal fare. Even if replacement tickets are purchased, certain airlines will not issue refunds for lost/stolen tickets. A delay of up to 18 months is possible before we receive authority from the airline to make any refund. Vietnam Royal Tourism - applies a further $US25 per ticket administration fee over and above cancellation charges in such cases.
Please ensure that any tickets returned to Vietnam Royal Tourism - are sent by registered post.
REFUNDS:
No refunds are given for partly used vouchers. In all circumstances please refer to the booking conditions in the Vietnam Royal Tourism - brochure or, where Vietnam Royal Tourism - is acting as the agent for the tour operator, please refer to the booking conditions contained in the tour operator's brochure.
AIRLINE RESERVATIONS:
All flight reservations are subject to seat availability of the relevant booking class, which at certain times may be limited. Any alterations you may wish to make to a confirmed itinerary after departure from your country should be addressed to the airline as soon as possible. Airline reservations are non-transferable.
CARRIAGE BY AIR:
Carriage by air is subject to the terms and conditions of the carrier with whom you travel and to international conventions, which may limit liability. Transport timings and routings are provided by the airlines and other carriers concerned. They are subject to change as a result of air traffic control restrictions, weather conditions, operational/maintenance requirements and the requirement for passengers to check in on time, over which Vietnam Royal Tourism - has no control. We cannot make any special arrangements for you if you are delayed since such matters are at the sole discretion of the airline concerned.
FLIGHT RECONFIRMATIONS:
Please reconfirm all onward flight reservations with the relevant airline at least 72 hours prior to departure. In addition, it is important to establish if there have been any changes to your flight timings since leaving your country. Failure to do so may result in cancellation of your reservation. Unless Vietnam Royal Tourism - advises you to reconfirm the first flight out of your country there is no need to do so.
TAXES:
Vietnam Royal Tourism - will advise of all mandatory pre-paid taxes. Most countries also charge departure taxes that may only be paid locally. It is therefore recommended that clients retain sufficient local currency to meet such charges. For further details please enquire directly with the airline.
SEAT REQUEST (AIRLINES) SPECIAL REQUEST (HOTELS):
Where airline policy allows, Vietnam Royal Tourism - is happy to request pre-allocated seating and other special service requests. We are also happy to make any special requests in respect of your hotel accommodation. Please note however that unless specifically confirmed by Vietnam Royal Tourism - all such requests will never be guaranteed and form no part of your contract with Vietnam Royal Tourism .
BAGGAGE ALLOWANCE: If you are unsure of the baggage allowance on the flights you have booked please contact your consultant or the relevant airline.
PHOTOGRAPHIC IDENTIFICATION: Some countries require that photographic
ID is carried at all times. Vietnam Royal Tourism - recommends that passports be carried whenever flying.
COMPLAINTS:
If you have a problem during your holiday, please inform the relevant airline, hotel, tour operator or other supplier immediately so that they can endeavor to put things right. If they cannot resolve the problem, you must contact one of Vietnam Royal Tourism - ' Vietnam Travel Centres immediately by telephone or fax so that we are given an opportunity to help. Vietnam Royal Tourism - will not hold themselves responsible for the non-performance of an itinerary through causes beyond their control or when they are not notified of a problem at the point when remedial action can be taken. In the unlikely event that a complaint cannot be resolved at the time, you should write to us within 90 days of returning home, giving your original booking reference number and all other relevant information. If you fail to take any of these steps this will hinder our ability to put any problem right and/or investigate it fully and any right you may have to receive compensation will be reduced or completely invalidated.
TRAVELLING IN LAOS AND CAMBODIA: If you have a problem whilst travelling in Laos or Cambdia please follow our complaints procedure as detailed above, rather than in the first instance contacting one of our Travel Centres in Vietnam. This will enable us to attend to your complaint in the most effective manner. The Vietnam Royal Tourism - Vietnam 24 hour emergency number is +844 2425892 or +84 9888 23458.
YOUR HOLIDAY CONTRACT:
These booking conditions form part of your contract with Vietnam Royal Tourism - . This contract and matters arising from it are subject to the exclusive jurisdiction of the Courts of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam. Please note differing terms and conditions may apply between you and the vehicle rental company/tour operator or airline involved in providing these travel arrangements. A copy of the applicable terms can be requested by contacting Vietnam Royal Tourism - in writing
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Laos & Vietnam Tours
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News Update
- Floating around
For several generations, these markets have kept afloat rural livelihoods, a way of life, and a distinct culture
For several generations, these markets have kept afloat rural livelihoods, a way of life, and a distinct culture
Can Tho City’s Cai Rang Floating Market is one of the biggest floating markets in the southern regionFloating markets are great tourist draws.
Found only in Southeast Asia, the sight of boats as shops and food stops, the colors of the boats and the produce, ranging from flowers to fruits and vegetables to everything else found in on-land markets, never fail to impress.
However, if you were to tarry a while, the markets have interesting stories to tell, stories of those whose families have been clothed and fed for generations by them, of those who have met their life partners there, and those who cannot imagine their lives without it.
When the first rays of the sun spread their light, thousands of boats of different sizes have already converged along the Tien and Hau rivers in locations that have remained the same for centuries, whether it is Cai Be (Tien Giang Province), Tra On (Vinh Long Province), Phong Dien (Can Tho City) or Thoi Binh (Ca Mau Province).
Not only have the boats gathered, but the markets are already in full swing at dawn. The scene of sellers skillfully throwing and catching goods from one boat to another with the skill of jugglers is one that stands out, but there are many other chaotic scenes where the underlying method is not immediately apparent.
Unlike shops and stalls in ordinary markets, sellers cannot cry out their wares since it is impossible to be heard amidst the noise of running boat engines. So samples of goods are hung on bamboo poles that can be easily seen from afar.
Floating markets draw people from everywhere, and a boat’s initials, like registration plates, identify where it is from. A boat marked “TG” is one that comes from Tien Giang Province, for instance.
Among the big boats are small ones darting in and out selling cooked food and drinks to market-goers and visitors. These swimming canteens skillfully draw alongside boats ordering food and drinks, but there are also occasions when the big boats make a food stop by the side of smaller ones.
One would expect that a floating market is no place for a service industry, but these days, they also offer several “modern” services like installing ringtones and wallpaper for cell phones and cell phone repairs.
Repositories of culture
Floating markets are also living museums of the southern traditional culture that has been fostered by the Mekong Delta’s interlacing waterway systems.
With the advent of several new road networks and bridges over many rivers, as well as the setting up of supermarkets on the mainland, the indispensability of floating markets has been dented somewhat, but the waterways still offer the only route to several rural remote areas in the region.
But many locals still prefer floating markets which have been a part of their daily lives and livelihoods for generations
The floating market has helped Van raise her three children and send them to schoolLam, a merchant from Hau Giang Province who drives his boat to Can Tho City’s Cai Rang Floating Market, one of the biggest in the south, says: “My whole clan lives as vendors on floating markets. We own more than ten boats.”
They have an advantage in working together because they can easily exchange information about prices and demand and supply in market, Lam adds.
Di Ba, as she is called by everyone at the Cai Rang Floating Market, is probably the most famous name among food sellers here. For more than thirty years, the woman whose real name is Nguyen Thi Ngoc Van, has taken her small boat to the market, serving bun (noodle) to the locals.
Her family was very poor, Di Ba says. “Like other poor people, my husband and I have to go “down” the river for a living since we don’t have any job or land.”
However, this 60-year-old woman has not only raised her three children well, but also given them a complete education that has changed their lives.
Her children don’t want their mother to continue selling noodles at the floating market at her age, but Di Ba cannot quit. “I am so attached to the market that I feel uncomfortable if I am separated from it.”
read more >>> - Foreign arrivals to Vietnam up 35.7 pct in Jan-Apr
Foreign arrivals to Vietnam reached 1.8 million in the first four months this year, up 35.7 percent from the same period last year, official figures show.
The number of tourists rose 39.5 percent while arrivals for business purposes up 60.4 percent in the period, the Vietnam Economic Times reported, citing the General Statistics Office in Hanoi.
China continued to be the largest market for Vietnamese tourism products with 307,000 visitors, followed by South Korea and the US, according to the office.
Vietnam plans to spend VND71 billion (US$3.75 million) on tourism promotion this year, compared with VND50 billion last year, as the country has set a full year target of 4.2-4.5 million foreign arrivals.
read more >>> - New 18-hole golf course opens in Da Nang
VinaCapital , Vietnam"s largest fund manager, Friday launched an 18-hole golf course in the central city of Da Nang.
VinaCapital , Vietnam"s largest fund manager, Friday launched an 18-hole golf course in the central city of Da Nang.
Designed by Australian Greg Norman, the world"s number one ranked golfer in the 1980s and 1990s, "The Dunes" covers 150 hectares of a sand hill in Ngu Hanh Son District’s Hoa Hai Ward, about 10 kilometers from the city"s downtown area.
It is one of the two 18-hole courses belonging to the Da Nang Golf Club. The other is yet to be put into use.
The club is part of the US$450 million VinaCapital tourism complex built along the Da Nang beach that includes hotels, villas and apartments.
read more >>> - Neither gone nor forgotten
Old Vietnam is alive and well at one of the country’s most sacred pagodas
Old Vietnam is alive and well at one of the country’s most sacred pagodas
Clay statues depict 18 Arhats (Buddhist monks post-enlightenment) at Chuong PagodaChuong Pagoda, the centerpiece of Vietnam’s largest port in the 17th and 18th centuries, still stands as a tall reminder of Vietnam’s not so distant past: a time of spirituality, tradition and simple beauty.
Still the most scenic spot in the former town of Pho Hien, now a part of the town of Hung Yen, the pagoda has lost none of its historic allure.
Pho Hien was once the north’s premier port city and a vibrant commercial and cultural melting pot of Vietnamese and foreign peoples. It was second only to the capital city of Thang Long (now Hanoi) in terms of commercial activity.
Today, visitors to Hung Yen can see the unique historical and cultural remains of the past at Chuong (Bell) Pagoda.
Built in the 15th century under the Le Dynasty, the pagoda was then restored in 1707 in the architectural style of the post-Le period.
The pagoda’s name came from a legend:
In the days of myths and folk tales, a golden bell drifted to the shore of the Red River in Nhan Duc Village during a flood and when the waters receded it began to sink in the mud.
Throngs of residents of neighboring villages rushed to Nhan Duc to save the bell but they could not make it budge, it was too heavy.
Eventually a group of Nhan Duc villagers were able to take the bell home. Believing they had been granted the charm by God, the villagers then built a pagoda to worship the bell, whose toll could be heard for miles around.
Also known as Kim Chung Tu (Golden Bell Pagoda), the religious complex was built with meticulous attention to detail.
After entering the Cong tam quan (three-entrance gate), which has eight roofs, visitors cross a stone bridge over a lotus pond. The bridge will lead them to a brick patio made of bricks from Hanoi’s famous Bat Trang handicraft village.
Walking across the stone walkway in the middle of the patio is like walking through time. The path leads to a courtyard in front of the sanctuary compound. The bell tower and altar house, where local residents worship their ancestors, follow next
HOW TO GET THERE
- Chuong Pagoda is located in Nhan Duc Village, Hien Nam Ward, Hung Yen Town, Hung Yen Province, 64 kilometers south-east from Hanoi.
- From Hanoi, tourists can take buses 205, 208, or 209 from the Luong Yen and Giap Bat bus stations to get to the pagoda.
- They can also book private buses at Hanoi’s Gia Lam bus station for the trip.
- Another way is to travel by boat on the Hanoi – Pho Hien route from the Red River tourism wharf.
Cong tam quan (Three-entrance gate) at Chuong Pagoda in the northern province of Hung YenThe pagoda, recognized as a National Architectural Relic by the government in 1992, has many carved Buddha statues, including the Tam The (three Buddhas of the Past, Present and Future), A-di-da (Amitabha), and four Bo-tat (Bodhisattvas).
Next is a startling wood relief depicting the Thap Dien Diem Vuong (Ten Courts Managed by the 10 Kings of Hell).
In it, sinners are depicted serving out punishments for their crimes: some are being dumped into a cauldron of boiling oil; others are having their tongues cut out.
But the Thap bat La Han (18 Arhats), made of clay, are much more peaceful. Each one depicts a wise monk expressing a different attitude.
The Arhats are Buddhists who have achieved full spiritual fulfillment. They have reached “Nirvana,” the state of absolute freedom from worldly cravings, and thus they are no longer subject to reincarnation.
Tourists can go up to the bell tower before contemplating a stele which dates back to 1711, built under the reign of King Le Du Tong. On the stele is engraved a picture of Pho Hien and the city of Thang Long.
The stele helped researchers locate the commercial road that once connected Pho Hien and Thang Long. It used to pass right by the Chuong Pagoda gate. The map also helped historians locate the borders of Pho Hien’s original 20 wards
The mad hatters of Chuong Village
Chuong Village has been the home of Vietnam’s famous non la (conical leaf hat) for centuries.
The small village, around 30 kilometers from downtown Hanoi, is often crowded with people buying non la and also watching local craftswomen make it.
The village’s Non Market is open from 6 a.m. to 8 a.m., six times a month, on the 4th, 10th, 14th, 20th, 24th, and 30th days of the lunar calendar.
Most non la are made from palm leaves. The leaf is cleaned with sand before being left in the sun to whiten. It is then evened by a blade.
The hat makers of Chuong Village, all women, then place the leaves over a frame made of bamboo circles. The leaves are tied into place with string and sewn from top to bottom. The excess leaves are then trimmed. Strong sewing makes the most durable hats.
Finally, to make the hat whiter and protect it from mold, the hats are singed with burning matches.
read more >>> - The poetry of a waterfall in the spring
From Duc Pho Town in the central province of Quang Ngai, we went west across seven kilometers of road through thick sugarcane fields.
From Duc Pho Town in the central province of Quang Ngai, we went west across seven kilometers of road through thick sugarcane fields.
We passed through a forest before the road let out into a poetic clearing of rocks and water. We had reached Da Giang Spring in Pho Nhon Commune.
We followed the spring that runs smoothly through rocks as the sound of crashing water grew louder and louder.
Then we hit the cascade, dozens of meters high. The waterfall created dazzling white spumes when it hit the spring.
It was easy to find large and flat rocks to use as small picnic tables. We were given shade by the leafy canopy of the old-growth forest.
My friend, who lives in the area, used a local trick to chill our beers: he placed them in a small hollowed out space in the rocks that filled with cool spring water. Ten minutes later, we were quenching our thirst with cold beer.
Orchids in yellow, purple, and pink jutted out from cliffs. Such a soft beauty in such a mighty forest!
read more >>> - ‘Abandoned child’ blessed with abundance
Sa Huynh Beach in the central province of Quang Ngai has clear water, golden sand, and pine trees… It also has a small rocky surprise
Sa Huynh Beach in the central province of Quang Ngai has clear water, golden sand, and pine trees… It also has a small rocky surprise
The stretch is just 200 meters long, cut off from the rest of the 10-kilometer long Sa Huynh Beach by two rocky ranges.
But Bai Con (Little Beach), which locals call Sa Huynh’s “abandoned child,” has its own unique beauty.
Unlike the other part of Sa Huynh Beach, the waters of Bai Con are always calm and peaceful.
From the nearby Cam Mountain, Bai Con’s golden sands make it look like a yellow silk strip floating on a blue sea.
The two long rocky ranges offer a special adventure for the beachgoers, as navigating them is fun, but not always easy.
From Bai Con, we went west along the rocks, listening to the bird songs from the trees of a nearby mountain. Some of them decided to give us a surprise by darting out of the trees and flying to the rocks we were “walking” on.
After walking for about 20 minutes, we saw the Thien Y A Na Goddess Temple. Thien Y A Na is the Vietnamese name for Po Nagar, the Goddess of the Cham people.
Sa Huynh fishermen visit the temple and pray for a safe trip before heading out to sea.
How to get there
- Bai Con is around 60 kilometers south of the town of Quang Ngai in its namesake province.
- To reach the beach, visit the Sa Huynh Tourism Site in Pho Thanh Commune in Duc Pho District. You can park your vehicles there or around the site. Then ask a xe om (motorbike taxi) to take you to Bai Con (about VND15,000 per person) as there are no parking lots near the beach . You will arrive at Bai Con twenty minutes later.
- You should bring food to enjoy at the beach.
- Apart from Bai Con, you can also explore Hoc Mo Cave in Thanh Duc 2 Hamlet in Pho Thanh Commune and travel around Ma Vuong Hill in the neighboring Pho Khanh Commune to see historic archeological sites.
We moved back and went east. Not long after, we saw smoke rising into the air from people baking oysters. We sheltered behind a large rock to avoid the smoke.
When locals have some free time, they come to the beach with lit torches. They choose some rocks to which numerous oysters cling and bake them. The high temperature force the oysters to open their mouths but their shells are still attached to the rocks.
They are then seasoned with pepper, salt, and lemon juice before the meat is taken out and consumed, accompanied very often by local alcohol. If you are a visitor, chances are you will get invited by the hospitable residents to join them for this special meal.
It is also possible to buy fresh oysters on the way to Bai Con for around VND35,000 (about $2) per kilogram. An oyster soup of rice porridge is a surprisingly enjoyable meal.
Local residents will extend their hospitality if you ask to join them as they take their boats out to sea. Drifting on the gentle waters of Bai Con is a good way to soak in the peaceful atmosphere.
When you are on the boat, it is not a bad idea to carry a pair of binoculars to watch monkeys forage for food on the nearby mountain.
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