Vietnam ranks on the second in the most attractive destinations in the world

United States Tour Operators Association (USTOA) predicted that Vietnam ranks the second among the choices for the emerging destinations by the international tourists in 2013.

Vietnam has been a country with the great tourism potential. And USTOA has the exquisite views on this issue. They said that: “Vietnam is ranked on the second among the favorite destinations by the international tourist’s selection in 2013.”

Guom Lake in Hanoi city - Vietnam

According to a recent survey which USTOA held in Hawaii in conjunction with the annual conference, when they were asked about the name of the countries are expected to many tourist’s choices to visit in the coming year, the active members of this association have elected for some countries as Myanmar, Vietnam and India.

Danang Beach in Vietnam

Some nations are ranked on next in the list of non-traditional destinations, which can be the most visitors to get their eye on such as Peru, Cambodia, Brazil, China, Colombia, Costa Rica and Ecuador.

Founded in 1972, USTOA is a professional association that based through the partner’s travel companies; the members of this organization offer the tour and travel packages around the world.

Annual, turnover of the members in this association is over $10 billion.

In a previous survey that assesses the favorite in 2012, Vietnam was rated on the first ranking. On that rating, Vietnam is over in comparison with many countries such as India, Ecuador and China...

City Hall in Ho Chi Minh City - Vietnam

In fact, according to estimates by Vietnam General Statistics Office, in this year, Vietnam welcomed more than 6.6 millions international visitors, which increased 9.5% compared to that number last year. And of course, the visitors from most countries and regions are increasing.

If Vietnam can develop the strengths and overcome the limitations, the international travelers will still favor choosing an ideal destination in this country. Thus, the potential of Vietnam Tourism can get the sustainable development in the future.

See the Bac Ha mountain peach flower which blooms early

In winter this year, the weather is sunny, so the forest peach in Na Hoi, Ta Chai, Ban Pho of Bac Ha in Lao Cai Province is early flowering.

In early December, the upland ethnic groups in Bac Ha and a large number of tourists visited and was shocked because they were watching the forest peach which blooms early on the mountainside. In the opinion of the local people, in this year, the peach blooms earlier than normal condition is almost two months.

The Bac Ha mountain peach in recent years has not been only attractive to Lao Cai people, but it is also for the travelers in all parts of country. Perhaps for that reason that people like to come to this mountainous land in the last days of winter to view the spike was starting with new buds. On each branch of the peach tree is a collection of flower buds which were waiting to be protruded out to blooming. Ms. Hoang Thi Van, in Na Hoi commune said: In the past, people called the brilliant flowering trees which are behind the hill, is the Mac Tao trees. This plant blooms only in New Year and spring; then, people call it the forest peach trees.


On earlier days of this winter, it was the warm sunny weather so the forest peaches in some areas such as Na, Ta Chai and Board Street in Bac Ha, are very early flowering. The forest peaches blossom after 20 days and then bread down. The leaves and flowers of the forest peaches blossom in Bac Ha and Sa Pa are near the cherry blossom in Japan that was field to test in the Sapa tourism area.
No need to the human’s hands impact, the natural Bac Ha peaches have many branches. So they also themselves create many different positions. They only develop and flowering at an altitude of 700 m based on the sea level. This is the natural trees which bloom beautifully. They need to be preserved and developed in Bac Ha plateau.

Traditional music performances at Sunrise on Christmas day and New Year 2013

There are many visitors on this occasion in Nha Trang; and they have many questions about the tours program here. There is a place with many special programs that will be extremely appealing to visitors.

With a lot of delicious foods and Christmas songs are at the luxurious Imperial restaurant. Visitors can participate to enjoy a buffet food program at the Christmas’s night program at the Sunrise restaurant on 24-Dec-2012. Besides, there is the organization of a music program on the topic as "Vietnam color and scent"; there are some items such as folk dancing, Cham dancing, playing the instruments of T'rung Ethnic, singing Quan Ho of Bac Ninh to serve tourists.

In addition, the program also has the magic and luck lottery. The ticket price per person is about $170 (not excluding the value-added tax and service charge).
In particular, as from 6:30 AM on 31st–Dec-2012 up to 1 AM on 01st-Jan-2013, the hotel will host a national music program with a theme as "Nha Trang Charming" in front of the restaurant (It may be held at the outdoor stage or in front of the hotel). The program will introduce visitors to many Vietnamese ethnic music genres such as: The net drag song, the ensemble of the national instruments of Champa (a Vietnam ethnic), gongs playing… Besides, the program also has other attractive items such as: Thailand’s dancing, stick jump, belly dancing, fire dancing...

Three hotels in Vietnam in the top 500 in the world

Vietnam has three hotels that have been on the list of the top 500, with the world's best hotels. All are present in the list of 'T + L 500' last. Many people have said, 'T + L 500' is an annual list listed on the world's top hotels by Travel and Leisure magazine. (Travelandleisure.com/tl500/2013)

Sofitel Legend Metropole Hanoi - Photo 1

Sofitel Legend Metropole Hanoi - Photo 2

Three hotels are The Nam Hai (Hoi An), Sofitel Legend Metropole Hanoi (in Ha Noi capital) and Park Hyatt Saigon (in Ho Chi Minh city). This is the first which The Nam Hai is honored in the shortlist. Meanwhile, Sofitel Legend Metropole Hanoi and Park Hyatt Saigon have been included in this list.

The Nam Hai Resort

The list of 'T + L 500' is completely formed by readers of travel magazines that number released this leading decision. This list consists of 12 pages in the January / 2013 issue of Travel + Leisure. In particular, the 12 page report, there is a separate page for introduction of The Nam Hai (only 5 are introduced separately like this). You can refer at: at: http://www.travelandleisure.com/travel-guide/hoi-an/hotels/nam-hai

Park Hyatt Saigon

Standards to vote for the hotels on this list include room, location, service, food and value. Hotels ranked number one in this list is the Singita Grumeti Reserves in Tanzania's Serengeti National Park.

Da Nang welcomes New Year 2013 with the countdown festival.

Da Nang is a center of Central Vietnam, which has always rituals to prepare for the forward to New Year very spectacularly. This year is no exception.
In the afternoon on 17-Dec-2012, Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism of Da Nang City held the press conference to introduce the art program is to welcome New Year 2013 with the theme: "I love the Da Nang."

On the schedule, at the night on 31-Dec-2012, in the 29/3-Square, Da Nang will have a "sleepless night" with "the countdown festival" to welcome New Year 2013 is held for the first time. There will be many exciting art activities and engaging with songs like lyrical music, DJ music and the exciting performances about the Laser light will be special at the Eve moment.

With the theme is "I love Da Nang - Countdown Party 2012," the residents and visitors will be not only harmony in the air excitement and eagerness to welcome New Year 2013 together all over the world, but they will also enjoy the uplifting feeling with an unforgettable impression at the time of transition between the Old and New Year. There will be the organized activities such as a large-scale banquet with music, sound system and modern lighting with a LED giant screen to serve 15,000 to 20,000 people will be attended the event from 21 am to after 24 hours.

The program will be staged by a group of professionals in Vietnam, including: Advisor -Pham Hoang Nam, Viet Tu director, musician - Vo Thien Thanh and the famous artists such as Thanh Lam, Phuong Thanh, Phuong Linh, Nguyen Vu, MC Tran Thanh and the comedian group - Hoai Linh Truong Giang...

In particular, there will be the demonstration of the famous international DJ as Kim Lee - Katrina Nova, Local Pharreal...

This is not only an impressive cultural event, but it is also a tourism specified product with the high art. It's also a place which the friends, the families and loved ones of people converge together and share the emotions at the time of transfer to New Year. People can give each other the best wishes in New Year.

The program will be organized by Saigon Beer Alcohol Beverage Corporation - SABECO, made by B Plus Communications Company, conducted by People's Committee of Da Nang City and Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism of this province.

The inauguration of the spiritual tourism in Phu Quoc

Phu Quoc is an island of Kien Giang province with a strong development of tourism. The first event was the inauguration of Phu Quoc International Airport on 2-Dec-2012. Then, on the morning of 14-Dec-2012, the thousands of cadres, the people, the monks, nuns and Buddhists everywhere arrived here to join in the inauguration of Ho Quoc Pagoda in Phu Quoc Island. This pagoda is located in Suoi Lon are (meaning as Big Spring area), in Duong To Commune - Phu Quoc Island in Kien Giang province. It is built on a high hill; the front face has the way to the sea with the architecture of Ly – Tran Dynasty; the roofs are made by the tiles; the pillars are made of ironwood.

The pagoda is located completely in the eco-tourism, which has an area of over 110ha. In particular, the square of the pagoda is around 12%; the remaining area is the protective forest. The investment for the construction of pagoda and roads is about 100 billion VND. The calculation of the separating building for only the pagoda is 80 billion. All have investment capital from donations.

Speaking at the inauguration, Secretary of Phu Quoc District, Mr. Van Ha Phong said: This is a work in a series of events, which is associated with the inauguration of Phu Quoc International Airport and Conference Preliminary Decision on No. 178 of the Prime Minister (It is the approval of "the overall development scheme of Phu Quoc Island, Kien Giang up to 2010 and the vision up to 2020) was held on 15-Dec-2012. The pagoda is the center of the highlight of the whole of the eco-tourism. It will be a great destination for tourists, which is indispensable when they came to this island. It will also become a tourism characteristic product here.

Expand the way to welcome visitors to the top of Bach Ma in the next summer

The project of the road construction to reach the top of Bach Ma (the meaning is White Horse) in Thua Thien-Hue, was started from Sep/2009. The work is completed more than 70% of the workload after over three years of construction. As expected, in the summer of 2013, work will be completed to serve the tourists come to visit the top of Bach Ma.

According to the director of the Bach Ma National Park, Mr. Huynh Van Keo explained: This route has a total length of 19km, extended from the top of Bach Ma National Park to 1A Highway, on the way investment is scaled up from 5-7m, by concrete. It has a total investment of nearly 120 billion VND, is funding from the State budget.

Bach Ma Mountain was discovered in 1932 by a French engineer, Mr. M. Girard. French turned the place into a resort area with a system 139 items, including villas, hotels, swimming pools, roads... The road to the top of the White Horse was made by the French. However, it is just 4.5 meters wide; it only allows one-way car up or down; it had some dangerous bends; including, over 15 bridges and culverts across the road.

At the White Horse, the temperature is always lower than the other regions of 8 to 10 degrees C. About the climate, here is similar to Da Lat, Sa Pa, Tam Dao... However, because it is near the sea winter temperatures never below 4 º C; and the highest temperature in the summer rarely exceeds 26 º C. White Horse's climate is considered one of the most pleasant climates of the retreat in the mountains of Indochina by foreign tourists.

The best time for tourists to enjoy the White Horse is the summer and early autumn. The air is cold; so it will encourage steps to conquer all visitors up to the beauty of places such as tunnels, airports, five lakes, Do Quyen Waterfalls... Here landscapes and monuments combine together to create White Horse to become a tourist destination with characteristic beauty.

In 1991, Bach Ma National Park was established. Initially, it was an area with the square is 22,031ha; so far, it was extended up into 37,487ha. Bach Ma is recognized 1,493 species of the animal and 2,147 species of the plant; there are the other 68 species of the animal and 86 species of the plant, which are at risk of extinction.

Before the end of the tour, to expand route, annually, Bach Ma received between 100,000 foreign tourists to visit and vacation.

The number of international tourists reached 1 billion people in 2012.

The tourism industry is one of the strengths of the global economy. The recent few years, the industry is on track to develop, but suddenly, economic crisis happened, so it has reduced almost all industries worldwide. In particular, tourism is not immune from this rule.

However, despite the prolonged economic crisis, the world’s tourists are expected to reach the figure of one billion visitors in 2012.
On 12-Dec-2012, according to "The Secretary-General of the World Tourism Organization of the United Nations (UN WTO), Mr. Taleb Rifai said: The tourism’s demand has reached record numbers in 2012, although, the economic difficulties have occurred.




In 2012, the number of European visitors (a region that is suffered by the crisis of the public debt) increased by 3%; Asian visitors increased by 7%. And, the number of visitors worldwide is increased by 4% in comparison with that situation in 2011.
The statistics show that, there is a strong recovery of the industrial "exhaust" of the world than its status in 2009 (this time took place the global financial crisis made the tourism decrease of 3.8%). The growth rate of the world tourism is 6.6% in 2010.
According to the UN WTO, in 2030, the number of the international tourists will reach 1.8 billion.

Vietnam Airlines sells the last ticket period for the flights of Lunar New Year.

On 05-Dec-‘2012, Vietnam Airlines continued to sell tickets of the second Tet phase. This is the final phase open for sale in the plans for the Lunar New Year. So, this is the supply to customers on the number of seats on domestic flights in the peak period of the Snake New Year Tet.

During the Snake Tet New Year, it is from 25/Jan/2013 to 02/Mar/2013 (as from 14-December to 21-Jan based on lunar months); Vietnam Airlines will make about 1,000 flights. So, with the addition of nearly 174,500 seats for passengers can travel in the Lunar New Year on 10 routes, where people have a great demand for download.

Because of the above reasons, the lowest one-way prices are given priority over the air route between Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City or between Da Nang and Ho Chi Minh City. The totals of the open spaces for this class are sold to more than 26 000 seats. This is a special idea annual which Vietnam Airlines launches on Lunar New Year to give passengers the more convenient travel opportunities.

The visitors note that this is the last open period of the plan ticketing service on the occasion of the Lunar New Year. So, on this occasion, Vietnam Airlines also announced the open sale of tickets of low-dimensional deviation; rate may be lower than usual prices. All these incentives are applicable on flights with low demand in the New Year period. Such flights are now departing daily before 7am and after 6pm.

The system of the Cat Ba’ islands in Hai Phong

Cat Ba has been recorded in the record books is the place has many islands in the Vietnam. One of the outstanding values of Cat Ba tourism is a system of islands and white-sand beaches; it represents the journey from the center of Cat Ba travel to Lan Ha Bay. The names of prominent islands like Cat Dua, Nam Cat, Viet Hai... They have become very familiar with each visitor. But, perhaps, it is not everyone always have the opportunity to set foot to explore and enjoy the natural beauty and fresh air of the attractions.

For many visitors, Cat Dua Island really brings interesting. It also provides inspiration for each person always looks forward to coming here at least once. Route to Cat Dua Island is also quite convenient, because this is the first stop on the journey to visit Lan Ha Bay. Visitors can go by the ship, canoe or boat to go from Ben Beo Tourist Pier. The guests must spend about 15 minutes to be able to set foot on the island. The first feel of the visitors is the cruise ship, and boat parked along the island to create a compelling scene is described as on the dock and the boat. However, all are very orderly and tidy; them not to make life and inspiration, but they are close to each visitor. Looking up the island, it is the ordering of human hands created the house with the service points are sticking at mountainside. In it, the house was roofed with bamboo or cork; they are very friendly to the environment. Another impression is certainly the fine white sand-beaches that are very long range. This is an ideal place to swim and relax with the blue water and white sand; they are from pieces of coral formations. This right is ideal for those who want a quiet, have the relaxing bath and soak in the blue space of the sea or the luxuriant vegetation on the island. During the tour here, most ships stop for visitors get on the island to admire what nature gave to Cat Ba. On this island, there is a growth of a lot of the wild pineapple trees which are luxuriant; they are high in proportion to the roof, that radiate shade down around them. Many tourists joked about that: Because on the island, there are many pineapples grow based on the queue along the sandy slope of the beach, so this place is called as “Cat Dua” (meaning as Pineapple Sand). As "Monkey Island" was the residents and visitors named for this island, because, there are some dozen monkeys that are very friendly here. They are ready to come out to drag the food from the visitor’s hands that are carelessness; they even run following or irritate visitors if they do not give them any gift. The monkeys are also a part to make the environment that's very natural and attractive on Cat Dua Island. The guests like it when they can take pictures or fun with the monkeys that hang dangling on the tree’s branches.

The values of the wild nature and the ways to exploit the natural treasure of Cat Dua Island have kept very the natural beauty. There are multiple layers of vegetation that grows luxuriantly in the island. They are always kept to form the natural green color. They provide the space and landscape of eco-tourism, which is the top attraction of Cat Ba. The trip to visit Lan Ha Bay also offers many interesting things in front, but certainly, the sense of Cat Dua will always bring sympathy for each visitor about a group of islands are considered by UNESCO who may recognize this place as a world natural heritage in the near future.

Suoi Tien Tourism in Khanh Hoa

Far from Nha Trang city about 17 kms, Suoi Tien is a famous scenic in Dien Khanh district. This place was also associated with the activities of Dr. Yersin (a French speaking Swiss was accepted to study under Pasteur and settling in Vietnam in 1891). Here, the middle school that bears his name and small temples revered explorers.

It derived from Hon Ba Mountain Area (where the Doctor Yersin grew the test plant as Canh-ki-na). The flow of Suoi Tien is towards the plain area of Dien Khanh district; it was a natural reef sits across to form an imposing stone dam which is very beautiful.

From here, the stream turns into two branches. The first branch that is oriented to the north way, works to provide water for the fields. The remaining branch that is facing to the east way, contacts with Cai River; then the flow goes out the sea.

From Nha Trang, there are two routes for tourists go to Suoi Tien. You can follow 1A Highway with the blend near Dau Spring. Here, there is an instructive table to lead the way to Tien Spring.

The guests can also go through the Dien Khanh ancient city based on Provincial Highway No 2 at Dien Hoa Ward. Here, there are amusement parks, rest and meals are provided to cater to the tourists.

The way up to the stream is very romantic. At the mall, there are many old buildings and temples or pagodas. At the back, there are the green trees on either side. The sound of the water flow is always rumbling throughout the four seasons.

There are many layers of the big rocks. We have a variety of shapes and colors in the middle of the stream. There are many large flat boulders; they are very clean. The guests can rest on the way to the stream.

Continue for about 20 meters, there is a small lake. Any place, visitors can stop to have fun, eat and rest or swimming baths. The visitors can walk on these rocks to be upstream up or go trails are hidden in the foliage of the forest.

The climate here is always cool. If you go on this path, it will be almost no sunlight through, so you'll feel like going in Hon Ba Forest.

If you are the people who take the time to explore, the more you move, the more you see the more beautiful scenery. The visitors will come to the area of the chess board, or is also known as Ho Tien. According to legend, in the past, this is a place which the fairies from the sky (the heaven) come down here to play chess.
If you go continuously forward, you will come to an area with the giant’s footprints. It is a legend of the legendary giants made Cu Lao and Hon Chong in Nha Trang.

The story goes that, in the past, there was a giant from Binh Dinh to explore the Fairy Stream. Because of the beautiful scene here, so it made him to absorb the sightseeing that he cannot pay attention to a moss-covered rock. He was slipped from the foot and during the rush, he stuck up a foot into the rock, and his hands also support on the cliffs to keep your balance.

With the weight of a thousand pounds, his hands were clinging to the rock so strong, so it broke a big rock; it was thrown away to Nha Trang Sea. Since then, it has been the formation of Cu Lao and Hon Chong. Currently, Suoi Tien is still imprinted in the fingers of the giant on the rock! (It's like fingerprints in Hon Chong, Nha Trang).

UNESCO approved Hung Vuong Worship Religion to become the heritage of humanity.

On the evening day 6/Dec/2012, in the 7th session of the "Intergovernmental Committee" on the protection of intangible cultural heritage was taking place in Paris (France), United Nations Educational, Scientific and Culture Organization (UNESCO) has officially passed an approval about Hung Vuong King Worship Religion in Phu Tho province is the Intangible Cultural Heritage representative of humanity.

As soon as the chairman of the session (Mr. Arley Gill, Grenada) typed the hammer through the profile of Vietnam, a number of international delegations came to celebrate and share the joy with the Vietnamese delegation.

It could not hide the emotion, Ambassador of Vietnam, Mr. Duong Van Quang, who is a header of Vietnam's permanent delegation related to UNESCO, said: These are great news and honor for the people of Vietnam in general and the people of Phu Tho province, in particular.

This happiness for Phu Tho province has doubled, because last year, records Xoan singing of the province was also approved as an intangible cultural heritage that should be protected emergency.

The Hung Vuong King Worship Religion that was approved by UNESCO, shows that the world appreciated highly, and also recognizes the spiritual life of the Vietnamese people, it already has thousands of years.

Hung Vuong King Worship Religion was approved by UNESCO

An Ambassador of Vietnam, Mr. Duong Van Quang, in the context of cultural integration, the Belief Hung Vuong Worship in Phu Tho which was approved, proved the existence of a cultural life of Vietnam. It is associated with a flow of cultural integration in the world.

Shortly after this event, Mr. Hoang Dan Mac, who is the Chairman of the Provincial People's Committee of Phu Tho, gave reporters a quick interview at the headquarters of UNESCO on this new pleasure.

Mr. Hoang Dan Mac shared: This religion represents a spiritual foundation of the unity of the nation. It binds the community and makes the power of the people of Vietnam always overcome difficulties and challenges in the process of construction and development of the country. To preserve and promote the value of cultural heritage, Phu Tho province will be a lot of work to do. First, the province will begin drafting a program for action with a lot of content. In particular, there are a number of repair and associated certificates of intangible cultural heritage in the Hung Kings temple.

Some representatives said: In recent years, the State has a lot of interest in the intangible cultural heritage, thus the long-term strategy aimed at protecting and promoting the values of the cell cultural heritage in general; especially of ethnic minority heritage.

Earlier, at a press conference on 28/Nov/2012, Ms. Cécile Duvelle, as Head of the Secretariat of the 2003 Convention on the protection of intangible cultural heritage, has appreciated the preparation of Vietnam on suggest this heritage.

During study, to consider the nomination, one of the prominent points was the submission for Hung Vuong King Worship Religious profile, which was the UNESCO’s experts gave the good reviews. It has achieved the criteria include: the custom of the Hung Vuong Worshiping shows the reverence for ancestors; it adds to the pride and national unity; successful proposal will not encourage awareness of gratitude "predecessors" in many countries around the world, but also raise awareness of respect for cultural diversity in the community.

The reservation and promotion of the values will be guaranteed by Vietnam and local budget. These measures will ensure the maintenance and development of religion, at the same time it remains sacred and other provisions of belief.

Representatives of the village and the members of the festival has contributed positively to the preparation of the dossier. It also represents a consensus. Belief has been censored by the "Institute of Culture and Arts" under the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism of Vietnam. It is based on the opinions of local communities in 13 districts in Phu Tho. Then, the results have been successful, as detailed above.