Up to now, Ha Long Bay has listed in 28 “Official Finalist Candidates” of the global vote for New7Wonders of Nature.

Situated in the north-east region of Viet Nam, Ha Long Bay covers a total area of 1,553km², including 1,969 islands of various sizes. The beauty of Ha Long Bay consists in the forms of its mountains, islands and the color of its waters. While exploring the bay, tourists will feel lost in a legendary world of stone islands whose shapes change depending on angle and light and names given according to their shapes and forms and they are astonished by rich system of grottoes and caves which are grandiose and refined natural architectural creations. Ha Long is considered as a precious geological museum that has been naturally preserved in the open air for hundreds million years.

Ha Long Bay has value of biological diversity featured ecosystems of a tropical ocean region including ecosystem of coral reefs, salt water-flooded forests, tropical rain

forests… Many important cultural and historical relics have been preserved in Ha Long Bay area. Ha Long is a home of ancient Viet people about 18,000 to 3,500 years ago and a place of witness closely linked to Vietnam’s history during the feudal period.

Now, please vote for Ha Long Bay to be a new natural wonder of the world. The vote is underway and will last until November 11, 2011 via the website: http://www.new7wonders.com/vote-2?lang=en

In Halong has many cruises. Paloma Cruise,

• Bhaya Classic Cruise
• Valentine Cruise
• Indochina Sails
• Violet Cruise
• Jasmine Cruise
• Ginger Cruise
• Emeraude Classic
• Paradise Luxury Cruise
• Paradise Peak

As of October 1, Air Mekong will run a direct air route from Vinh to Buon Me Thuot and vice versa with one flight a day.

Accordingly, flights depart from Buon Me Thuot at 13h50 and return from Vinh at 15h40 with a total time of 1 hour and 20 minutes.

Air tickets excluding tax and aviation fees are sold at different prices. The cheapest costs VND1 million.

Air Mekong is also expected to open a Hanoi-Con Dao air route as of September 6. The new direct flight duration will be shortened by 50 percent compared to the connected flight.

(Source: VNA)

After a few days in Hanoi, we decided to take a break from the hustle and bustle and took a trip to Halong Bay. The bay is basically made up of about 3000 (didn’t have time to count them all) limestone islands, all dotted around the place. We decided to do a two day one night trip, which basically involved going out on a boat into the bay, to a few of the islands and then anchoring for the night, before returning back the following day. There was quite a lot of sea mist around, which reduced visibility quite a bit, but it was still a good trip.

There were not many people on our boat, which was a bit unfortunate, as this made the evening’s entertainment somewhat none existent. Still a few of us had a few drinks up on the stop of the boat and were relaxing nicely until someone come up top and announced that they had just seen a cockroach running around down stairs. Did not think much of it, until someone else came back and said they had just seen it run into my cabin. I went down to find it, and he took a bit of tracking down. Then all I had to do was catch the thing and kill it….I never knew they could run so fast. Anyway, eventually I managed to kill the thing and give it a proper sea burial…and tossed it over the side. On my way back up top, I passed and killed one or two more, but when I got up top I was greeted with the girls and Jeff, stood on chairs on the top deck…there were a few little baby roaches running around.

It was decided to go to the cabins and block every little crack and cranny to stop the roaches from returning. So after about half an hour, we had the cabins secure and myself and Jeff decided to go on operation roach hunt. There by this point were a fair few roaches running around, which we duly trod on (the big ones make a really good crunching sound when you stand on them). I then happened to shine a torch through the kitchen window and lets just say…I didn’t eat breakfast the following morning, apart from fired eggs, which I hope they could not crawl all over!

The next day we made it back to dry land without any further problems and all in all the trip was great fun and well worth doing…the views are scenery are incredible.

Southeast Asia’s leading travel company Exotissimo Travel is pleased to present an exhilarating culinary journey in Vietnam. Culinary Delights of Vietnam is a 12 Days / 11 Nights luxury tour encompassing cooking courses, culinary excursions, sightseeing opportunities and stays in deluxe hotels.

In response to the growing demand for insightful culinary tours, Exotissimo Vietnam tapped into its extensive knowledge of Vietnam to design a rich epicurean expedition. Traversing from south to north along the coastline, this gastronomic adventure features a diverse cross-section of Vietnam’s culinary treats and establishments, ranging from trendy fusion restaurants to the country’s mouth-watering street food.

This experiential culinary journey includes specially-led cooking classes with ample hands-on opportunities. In Ho Chi Minh City, participants spend time with a well-known food connoisseur who thrills with a lively cooking demonstration and delectable creations. In Hoi An’s Tra Que Herb Village, they can harvest vegetables and prepare local dishes alongside local farmers. In Saigon, classic recipes can be uncovered at the eponymous Didier Corlou cooking school where the acclaimed French culinary master shares his outstanding knowledge of Vietnamese cuisine. Adding to these tasteful experiences will be indulgent dinners in charming colonial properties and private residences accompanied by entertaining proprietors.

The itinerary is also designed to provide the food-loving travelers with up-close insights into the local way of life. Travelers will browse Mekong Delta’s bustling floating markets for indigenous snacks and products in Cai Be, observe the skillful techniques used to make pho and explore the ‘traditional medicine street’ in Hanoi’s Old Quarters.

Other trip highlights include an exquisite cruise through the sublime beauty of Halong Bay, a sampling of Hue’s heritage through its royal cuisine, the signature gallery coffee houses of Hanoi and the art galleries and museums of Saigon.

“What better way to experience a culture than a dedicated cuisine tour through the country?” says Maeve Nolan, Product Manager of Exotissimo Vietnam. “Vietnam is a treasure trove of exotic cuisine and we are very excited to promote this tour. For culinary enthusiasts with an appetite for both food and adventure, this tour is a perfect fit.”

A complete description of this tour can be found at Culinary Delights of Vietnam.

To explore more Vietnam Travel

Operating for over 25 years with tours to China and South East Asia, Chinapac understands the needs and wants of the typical North American traveler. And with this understanding they are offering select travel agents and industry professionals the opportunity to participate in one of 3 Chinapac FAM tours this fall. Participants are allowed to join one or more of the FAM tours offered this fall and there are no restrictions on the number of companions allowed to travel with a FAM participant.

9 Day Best of Cambodia & Vietnam Fam Tour

Discover the beauty and culture of Cambodia and Vietnam on this 9 day Indochina tour with an English speaking guide helping travelers understand the mysteries of this fascinating land. Includes overnight cruise on the luxurious Paradise Junk with unforgettable sunsets of Halong Bay.

This FAM is open to all travel agents, companions, and the public.
Travel Agent price land and air starting from 2199/person
Industry professional/Companion price land and air from 2269/person
Direct Client price from 2559/person commissionable at 10%

16 Day 5-star Yangtze & China Tour

Beijing, Wuhan, Yangtze River, Three Gorges, Chongqing, Xian, Suzhou, Shanghai

Travelers will enjoy a 5-star China tour at an incredible price. In addition to sailing the Yangtze River aboard the 5-star MS Sunshine, other highlights of the tour include the famous Great Wall and the magnificent the Terra Cotta Warriors. Very limited space for this departure so book now.

This FAM is open to all travel agents, companions, and the public.

Agent price land and air starting from 1779/person

Industry professional/Companion price land and air from 2139/person

Direct Client price from 2899/person commissionable at 10%

9 Day 5-Star China X-mas Shopping Trip

Travelers can start their Christmas shopping early with visits to Beijing, Shanghai and the Watertown of Zhujiajiao on this 5-star China Tour.

This FAM is open to all travel agents, companions, and the public.

Agent price land and air starting from 1199/person

Industry professional/Companion price land and air from 1299/person

Direct Client price from 1499/person commissionable at 10%

ChinaPac International specializes in travel service to China and the Orient. ChinaPac is proud to celebrate 25 successful years in the travel industry as the premier travel package tour operator to the People’s Republic of China and South East Asia.

Luxury Travel Vietnam has established its reputation as a unique and genuine Southeast Asian experience. And now, there is ample opportunity to explore it in style and luxury.

In the north, wander the charming colonial boulevards of Hanoi. The Sofitel Legend Metropole Hanoi Hotel rivals the finest hotels guest will find anywhere, and the restaurants and eateries will delight your senses.

Enjoy finest cuisine at award winning The Hanoi Press Club, Wild Rice and the elegant Mandarin Restaurant in the Westlake.

The sensuous, serene scenery of Halong Bay is an absolute must-see in the north.

And a trip to central Vietnam would not be complete without exploring the majesty of Hue, the former imperial capital.

Next fly to the resort town of Nha Trang to spend several days in a secluded private villa overlooking beautiful Ninh Van Bay at the Evason Hideaway Ninh Van Bay. Snorkel or dive among the coral reefs in crystal blue waters, hike nature trails, cool off in your private plunge pool, indulge in spa treatments or just relax on the white sand beach and admire the unspoiled mountain and sea views.

Farther south, entertain the senses in Ho Chi Minh City. Exploring the Mekong Delta region is also essential. Start in Cai Be on private junk Cai Be Princess. Lunch is served at a family estate along the delta, with a stop at Vinh Long before returning to Saigon.

Tour prices start from USD $ 14.861 net per-person double rate, this includes best accommodation costs at best suite rooms at luxury properties, nearly all meals, regional flights, private transfers, private pick up and drop off service.

The tour can be booked at last minute, and can be customized to suit individual interests and schedules.

“Throughout Vietnam you will savor fresh and exotic cuisine, experience the warmth and openness of the Vietnamese people and enjoy abundant shopping, this new travel experience in 2010 bring you absolutely the best of the best Vietnam has to offer” said Pham Ha, President and CEO Of Luxury Travel Vietnam.

Guests are also free to request helicopter tour, restaurant reservations, meetings with artists, cooking instructors and designers, shopping recommendations, spa reservations, tours with special-interest lecturers, and exclusive access to local activities and cultural events.

See this unique travel experience online at http://www.luxurytravelvietnam.net

Doug bought two tickets for us to take a boat trip that toured four of the islands near Nha Trang. We put on our swimming suits and grabbed our towels for a day on the boat. Owned and operated by Mister Lum, the boat trip was great fun.

The trip starts out at about nine o’clock in the morning, give or take an hour. They send a van around to pick you up at your hotel, by arrangement, and deposit you at the public harbor. The boat is set up for sightseeing and holds about 20 or 30 passengers. It was interesting that several people went on the boat trip who got terribly seasick – I mean, if you knew you got seasick, why would you pay to go out on a boat all day and then get mad at the skipper?
The boat finally took off and about an hour later we arrived at the first island, where they moored the boat near the rocky coastline of the island in a good snorkeling spot. Most of the passengers hopped out for a swim in the warm waters of the South China Sea. The crew threw us each a floating ring and they also provided snorkeling masks and breathing pipes. If you want to have good equipment, take your own goggles, because theirs aren’t the greatest. But we all had a great time snorkeling and checking out the coral and little fishes. After an hour of swimming we all climbed back on board and set out for the next island.

By now it was getting close to noon, so the crew began preparing a lunch. As lunchtime approached they turned the center benches into a long, wide table and set out a delicious spread of chow mein, fried rice, shrimp, beef, chicken, vegetables, spring rolls and more. If you wanted a coke or beer you had to pay a buck or some such, but most everything was provided.

When lunch was through they cleaned up the dishes, then pulled out instruments and began to play. The cook had a set of pots and pans he turned over and spoons to beat with to create a set of drums. Mister Lum had a guitar and donned a pair of shades. They played a song for many of the different nationalities onboard. For the Americans they played “Twist and Shout.”

After lunch and entertainment we climbed back into the water for the “floating bar.” Mister Lum had a big ring specially designed for dispensing spirits and pineapple. Although we don’t drink, we got out and splashed around with the rest of the passengers and it was alot of fun. If you swam too far away from the party, however, a worried crew would call you back over. Apparently there are sharks in the water and it is much safer to stay in a group, as the sharks prefer to pick off lone swimmers. Yikes!

Eventually we got back into the boat for the trip to the third island, which is owned by the Vietnamese government. Apparently they are promoting this island among the tourists because they want to make some income from the gate. The boats dock there and you have a choice of remaining on the boat or paying a fee to disembark. The fee is nominal, however, so Doug and I got off the boat and walked around the island. The visit there lasted for a little over an hour and, if you wanted, you could rent a jetski and take a spin out on the ocean. The Vietnamese tourists were renting the jetskis, then divvying them up among three or four people to make it affordable, because it was about a buck a minute to rent one.

We sat down on a couple of chairs along the beach for a few minutes. Next thing we knew there was a government man there asking us for money to rent the chairs in which we were seated. It was only a few quarters, so we rented our chairs, but we got a kick out of that.

The crew called to us and we boarded the boat again for the trip to the fourth island. We didn’t get off on the fourth island, but rather moored there to take photographs of the women in the round boats. Of course, Doug and I were already old pros with the round boats, because he had hired a boy to take us each for a ride in one the day before at Bao Dai’s private harbor. In any event, we really enjoyed just looking at the beautiful children and exotic women who paddled their boats around in the harbor.

After a half an hour of taking photos our boat departed the fishing village for Nha Trang Harbor. We walked back to our hotel room and nursed our sunburns for the next few days. The boat trip was one of the most delightful things we did during our stay in Vietnam. Price per person: $5 US, which included lunch and a shuttle to and from the boat.

(source: www.northvalleyroads.com)

Halong bay cruise tours are choices of most visitors to Halong to discover the natural wonder of Vietnam and there are hundred of local junk boats. It makes customers selection more and more difficult. Here is the solution for that.

www.fascinatinghalong.com lets user search by price range and compare the cruises in Halong bay. The website indexes 15 most famous cruises in Halong and about 30 junk tours. Cruises are classified into 4 classes each of which features different cruise with different style: Luxury, deluxe, superior and private.

Halong luxury cruises include:

- Bhaya Classic Cruise

- Halong Ginger Cruise

- Valentine Cruise Halong Bay

- Indochina Sails Halong

- Paradise Cruise Halong

- Halong Violet Cruise

Halong deluxe cruises include:

- Victory Star Cruise

- Red Dragon Cruise Halong

- Lagoon Explorer Cruise Halong

- Calypso Cruiser

Halong superior cruises include:

- Oriental sails

- Halong poseidon Sails

Halong private cruises include:

- Bhaya Legend Cruise

- Princess Junk Halong bay

- Premium Valentine Cruise

Users find it easy to search and make comparison to make the right choice as their wishes. User can also make reservation for the tours in Halong bay. The reservation will be transferred directly to the professional tour planner for processing and vacancy checking. Customers will be contacted via email or phone for further planning.

Fascinating Halong Bay is a product of Viet Sail travel – the official booking agent of 15 Halong bay premium cruises. Viet Sail travel is a young and innovative travel/technology company in Vietnam which is making effort to become the leader in the market by great services.

Come on board The Paloma Cruise. Be charmed by her exquisite luxury, intimate setting and unrivaled home from home service. An unforgettable way to witness the serene, calm setting of Halong Bay’s exceptional natural beauty.

DAY 1: Hanoi – Halong Bay
08.30: Our guide will meet you at your hotel. Mini bus or private car pick up.

Enjoy the peaceful scenery as we travel through the countryside, farmlands and Red River delta. You will have a chance to take photos.
Comfort break.

The distance from Hanoi to Halong bay is approximately 3 ½ hours.

12 noon approx Arrive Halong Bay. Welcome aboard The Paloma. Meet the captain and crew and join us for a welcome cocktail as we tell you about life onboard.

Check into your cabin. Time to refresh and unwind.

Set sail as lunch is prepared by our chef.

Join us for a relaxing lunch in the restaurant or on the outdoor dining area. Enjoy the stunning views of the Bay, its dramatic limestone islands as we sail through the calm waters.

Afternoon While we make our way to Bai Tu Long Bay, relax on the sundeck and watch the world go by or take an afternoon nap in your cabin. Early afternoon arrive at Vong Vieng floating fishing village

Drop anchor.

Our guide will give you some information and interesting facts about this fascinating village and its local community.

Disembark and travel on the sampans rowed by the local people. They will be your guides through their fishing village where you can meet the locals, visit the school and pearl farms. See at first-hand what life is like living on the water. We are proud of our working partnership with, and support of, this community.

Back on board The Paloma we head towards Halong Bay.

We drop anchor in the calm waters surrounded by islets

Opportunity to go swimming in the clear warm waters or go kayaking. Kayaking is suitable for all levels and ages. Our expert will run through the safety procedures and after a basic paddling lesson our experienced guide will lead you to explore the Bay, its lagoons and beaches.

For those who prefer a relaxing afternoon, make the most of sunbathing on deck or pamper yourself with a massage and sauna in our luxurious spa.

Early evening

Back on board, enjoy the sunset with evening cocktails and fresh fruit.

Take an opportunity to refresh and then join friends for a pre-dinner drink in the bar.

Dinner is served in the restaurant or outdoor dining area, which is a gastronomic delight.After dinner, unwind in the bar where there is a selection of books, magazines and board games or relax in the spa; watch a movie on our plasma TV; join some of our team to go cuttle fishing at night or take a late night swim under the stars.

Accommodation and overnight on junk.

DAY 2: Halong Bay – Hanoi

06:30: For the early risers join us for a Tai Chi session on the sun deck. Tai chi helps focus the mind and condition the body and there is no better environment to practice this than amongst the limestone peaks and islands.

Take an opportunity to view the sunrise over the Bay or have an early morning swim.

Breakfast, coffee and tea and served.

After breakfast we sail through the waters and pass by a number of caves including Trong (Drum) cave, Trinh Nu (Virgin) cave, Coc Ngoi (Toad) cave and we drop anchor at Surprise (Sung Sot) Cave.

Disembark and visit Surprise Cave located on Bo Hon Island. It is one of the widest grottoes in Ha Long Bay with thousands of stalactites and stalagmites.

10:00 We board The Paloma again. Take time to refresh and relax before checking out. Bags can be left in the luggage store.

An early lunch is served.

12 noon Return to the shore and disembark from The Paloma as our crew say farewell.

Transfer to minibus or private and return to Hanoi.

Arrival back at your hotel approximately 16:30/17:00

Included Services:

• Full equipped luxury en-suite cabin with A/C, hot water
• All meals onboard
• Complimentary mineral water
• Complimentary morning tea and coffee
• Welcome drink
• Tai Chi
• Cookery demonstrations (on request)
• Entrance and sightseeing fees
• Kayaking
• Fishing equipment
• English speaking tour guide

Excluded Serivces:

• Mini bus per person round trip (see costs above)
• Private car (upon request)
• Beauty Spa and massage
• Additional drinks
• Tips and other personal expenses
• All other services not clearly mentioned above

The Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism is planning to hold more cultural and tourism festivals in foreign countries like South Korea, Japan, Russia and Norway this year to promote inbound travel.

Nguyen Van Tinh, head of the ministry’s International Cooperation Bureau, told the Daily that along with such festivals, the bureau would arrange familiarization trips for foreign media to look into the country’s tourism potentials.

Last year there were 22 groups of foreign media representatives visiting the nation and according to the bureau, the number will be higher this year. In particular, some foreign media teams will come here to organize game shows through which viewers can see images of the country.

In these promotion activities, the bureau will give priority to attracting Japanese tourists to come back after the disaster in March.

“In addition to a festival set for September, we will organize a big concert in Vietnam in October, featuring performances by famous Japanese music bands, and around 2,500 fans from Japan will come for the event,” he said.

Tinh said the country’s tourism authority was pinning high hopes on the Japanese market as it had been growing steadily after the earthquake and tsunami hit northeastern Japan.

“Visitors from Vietnam’s third largest market were briefly down following the disaster. But we’ve seen a pickup of Japanese tourist arrivals in recent months and the total number this year is expected to be the same as last year,” Tinh said.

According to the Vietnam National Administration of Tourism, Japanese tourist arrivals last month increased 6.5% year-on-year, taking the total the year to last month to 204,000, a year-on-year improvement of 2.6%.

Source: SGT