Vietnam Travel News

The sacred Nam Giao Offering Ritual took place the evening of June 9 at Nam Giao Esplanade, attracting thousands of visitors.

The executive committee of the National Tourism Action Program will select international television channels this week to promote the culture and tourism image of the country worldwide, an official said.

Over a week before the FIFA World Cup 2010 opens in South Africa (June 11), the number of visitors booking tours to South Africa rose sharply, said some large travel firms in Hanoi and HCM City.

The Vietnamese market is turning out to be promising for 3-star hotels of international standards as proved during the 2008-2009 global economic crisis that dealt a heavy blow to destinations for international travelers, according to Grant Thornton Vietnam.

After a 2-hour flight from Hanoi, visitors will arrive in romantic Da Lat city in the Central Highlands province of Lam Dong to see thousands of varieties of flowers and to ride ostriches.

Average prices of high-class hotel rooms in Vietnam fell by 31.9 per cent in 2009, according to figures released on June 8th by Grant Thornton Vietnam.

Lao Airlines plans to open a new air-route from Pakse International Airport in the southern province of Champassack to HCMC this October, said Lao Airlines’ marketing manager.

Lao Airlines will open a new air route from Pakse airport, Champassack province to Vietnam’s Ho Chi Minh City in October.

Air passengers face fines of up to VND30 million (US$1,580) for violating safety regulations under a new government decree. Smoking on no-smoking flights entails a fine of VND500,000 to VND1 million.

The 2010 Hue Festival has stepped into its fifth day with a range of diverse and unique activities, including a science festival, street performances, a “Royal Palace by Night” event and a fashion show of “Ao dai”, Vietnam’s traditional long dress.

The Hue Festival 2010 will open at Ngo Mon Square in Hue City at 8 p.m. on June 10 with all preparations complete, according to the organizers.

Around 160 models performed at the “Ao Dai Festival 2010” in the central city of Hue last night, featuring 1000 ao dai designed by 17 leading fashion designers in Vietnam.

Last year’s economic downturn had a negative impact on the tourism and hospitality industries, according to Grant Thornton Viet Nam’s annual Viet Nam Hotel Survey covering 69 three – to five-star hotels and resorts, which was released yesterday/ June 8.

Local travel firms have re-opened tours to Thailand and are launching promotions to attract Vietnamese tourists now that the political situation is back to normal.