A conference to discuss a comprehensive project for Hoi An’s preservation and tourism development has been organised. Architect Hoang Dao Kinh, who has helped preserve and research the ancient town since 1982, discusses the progress. After 27 years’ work in Hoi An, could you give a brief summary of the progress? Hoi An is the country’s first urban heritage work undertaken following in-depth research from various angles by different specialists. The work was based on relevant methodology and techniques. In 1982, Polish and Vietnamese specialists started restoring Cham towers and researched Hoi An’s urban heritage. The work was valuable because it was the cornerstone for preserving Hoi An’s heritage. In-depth research was missing at other urban heritage sites. Many agencies and scientific organisations researched the town’s archaeology, architecture and other fields. This helped us understand Hoi An as a resource of culture and architecture. … [Read more...] about Hoi An’s architectural heritage faces usual threats
Hundred house hotel
JW Marriott Phu Quoc Emerald Bay elected champion at World Luxury Hotel Awards 2017
The resort’s Alice in Wonderland-inspired Chanterelle -Spa was also named the World’s Best New Resort Spa at World Spa Awards, at a glamorous and unprecedented dual Gala Ceremony held at the fantastical new resort on December 10.The event is not only an opportunity for the resort to celebrate, but also to showcase both the best of Vietnamese hospitality and the global spa and wellness industry to hundreds of hospitality representatives from around the world.Having already picked up the prized titles of Asia’s Leading New Resort at World Travel Awards Asia & Australasia in June and Southeast Asia’s Top Luxury Emerging Spa at World Luxury Spa Awards in July, as well as being named Asia’s Top Luxury New Hotel and Vietnam’s Top Luxury Design Hotel at World Luxury Travel Awards on December 2, the five-star resort was the natural choice to host the combined World Travel Awards and World Spa Awards Grand Final Gala … [Read more...] about JW Marriott Phu Quoc Emerald Bay elected champion at World Luxury Hotel Awards 2017
VN’s tourism in international integration
This development target was set by the Political Bureau in its resolution issued on January 16, 2017 under which, the tourism industry is projected to welcome between 17 and 20 million foreign travelers and cater to the needs of 82 million domestic visitors from now to 2020.The total revenue from tourism is expected to reach US$35 billion, representing a 10% contribution to the nation’s GDP and providing roughly 4 million jobs.By 2030, Vietnam is destined to be listed among the leading Southeast Asian countries with strong tourism growth, an accolade which will become a power driver of socio-economic development.To reach this target, there is still much work to be done, a significant breakthrough for the vigorous growth of tourism must be achieved.Over recent years, various kinds of tourism products have been developed in Vietnam with the aim of attracting more tourists, for example, homestays, sea and island tourism, craft village tourism and MICE. Diverse tourism modelsThe … [Read more...] about VN’s tourism in international integration
Investment for high-end hotels called upon on Cat Ba Island
Mr. Pham Xuan Hoe, Chairman of the Cat Hai Island District People’s Committee said that the island district is calling upon investment in building high-end hotels and recreation areas. Mr. Hoe claimed that there have had a great number of both international and domestic tourists to the Cat Hai Island District in general and the Cat Ba Island in particular in recent years. Together with potentials of the island and maritime, Cat Ba Island also possesses Cat Ba National Park spreading over a total natural site of 15,200 hectares, containing hundreds of precious species of animals and plants. The Cat Ba Island has a primeval forest on a rocky lime mountain where the development of eco-tourism is being improved. The Lan Ha Bay to the South East and the Cat Gia Bay to the South West, with many small but clean sandy-banks, are suitable to develop bathing and recreation tourism. Moreover, there are many wonderful rocky lime mountains on the sea, like Ha Long Bay and Bai Tu Long … [Read more...] about Investment for high-end hotels called upon on Cat Ba Island
Hanoi seeks to revive craft villages
Nguyen Van Ung doesn't believe in swaying out of the way when faced with challenges posed by the dying bronze casting craft.Motivated by a desire to not only live by his craft and find satisfaction and success, Ung also wants to fulfill the dying request of his father who was a bronze casting worker. That was to maintain the traditional craft of his predecessors, even if others turned their backs on it.Firm on his commitment and motivation, Ung and his sister-in-law, Ngo Thi Dan, are two families unique in Ngu Xa Street still holding on to the traditional craft.Renowned as one of four most prestigious craft villages of ancient capital city Thang Long (now Hanoi), Ngu Xa was well-known for its original, unique bronze statues and bells.There is a saying that proves how good the village is in making craft items: "Glossy silk from Yen Thai, pottery from Bat Trang, goldsmith from Dinh Cong and bronze casting from Ngu Xa".Legend has it that during the Le dynasty (1428-1527), bronze casting … [Read more...] about Hanoi seeks to revive craft villages
Da Lat – Fragrance and Beauty from City of Tourism
In 2008, Dalat City still maintains a growth rate of 17 percent, average income per capita, VND14 million per annum (VND2.2 million higher than that of 2007); total social investment capital, VND1,800 billion, and tourist service makes up 73 percent of the economic structure, etc.The policy to develop high quality tourism has been the impetus to make changes to investments in upgrading and expanding infrastructure system, improving the quality of tourist service, and attracting tourists, especially attracting investments for construction and improvement of high quality hotels. Up to now, Dalat is home to hundreds of hotels and houses for tourists, among which there are some eighty hotels of one to five stars. At the end of 2007 and during 2008, some projects came into service, catering for high quality tourism. Some hotels regularly organize conferences and seminars, including: Samy hotel, Saigon – Dalat hotel, Ngoc Lan hotel, and Trade Union hotel, etc. Lots of ecotourism spots … [Read more...] about Da Lat – Fragrance and Beauty from City of Tourism
Legend Hotel Saigon Voted One of Top 10 Boutique Services Hotels in HCM City
Legend Hotel Saigon, Ho Chi Minh City’s luxury river-front five-star international hotel, has been awarded one of the top 10 Vietnamese boutique services hotels for international tourists in the “Ho Chi Minh City – One Hundred Excitements”, the program by the city government and its Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism. The “Ho Chi Minh City – One Hundred Excitements”, aiming to develop tourism products in the city and promote the city’s image to tourists, was presented at a formal ceremony at the Opera House in Ho Chi Minh City on February 25, 2010. Deputy General Director, Ms. Winnie Fang said: “We’re delighted to have been voted one of the top 10 Vietnamese boutique services hotels in HCMC. This is indeed a wonderful recognition of our outstanding international standard facilities and services. We are constantly striving to enhance the experience for business and leisure travelers to Vietnam.” … [Read more...] about Legend Hotel Saigon Voted One of Top 10 Boutique Services Hotels in HCM City
Five London towers evacuated over fire safety fears
Residents of 800 London flats were hurriedly evacuated Saturday due to fire safety fears over their tower blocks' external cladding, after urgent testing prompted by the deadly Grenfell Tower inferno. The cladding on the five Chalcots Estate towers is similar to that used on Grenfell Tower (pictured) The cladding on the five Chalcots Estate towers is similar to that used on Grenfell, widely blamed for the rapid spread of the massive blaze last week that is presumed to have killed 79 people.The dramatic decision follows urgent testing of the towers' exteriors, which were installed by the same contractor as the Grenfell Tower. As a result, Chalcots residents were being sent to hotels across the city.Just hours earlier, police said that manslaughter charges could be brought over the Grenfell inferno, after finding that the fire started with a faulty fridge and the building's cladding had failed safety tests."Grenfell changes everything and I don't believe we can take any risks," … [Read more...] about Five London towers evacuated over fire safety fears
Ha Noi seeks to revive craft villages
Going for bronze: Workers make bronze casting products in Ngu Xa. — VNA/VNS Photo Huy Hung The capital has outlined a plan to restore traditional craft villages, which are rapidly disappearing. Hong Thuy reportsNguyen Van Ung doesn't believe in swaying out of the way when faced with challenges posed by the dying bronze casting craft. Motivated by a desire to not only live by his craft and find satisfaction and success, Ung also wants to fulfill the dying request of his father who was a bronze casting worker. That was to maintain the traditional craft of his predecessors, even if others turned their backs on it.Firm on his commitment and motivation, Ung and his sister-in-law, Ngo Thi Dan, are two families unique in Ngu Xa Street still holding on to the traditional craft.Renowned as one of four most prestigious craft villages of ancient capital city Thang Long (now Ha Noi), Ngu Xa was well-known for its original, unique bronze statues and bells. There is a saying that … [Read more...] about Ha Noi seeks to revive craft villages
Restoring ancient houses proves challenging
This modern life: Duong Lam ancient village on the outskirts of Ha Noi has 956 ancient houses built as early as the 16th century, but many have degraded and the village now faces a "threat" from urbanisation. — VNA/VNS Photo Nhat Anh Throughout Viet Nam, residents of ancient houses are watching them disintegrate due to a lack of funds for repairs. Can the ongoing efforts to restore these old homes succeed? Trung Hieu and Thuy Trinh report.Luong Thanh Phong's wooden house in Phong Dien District of Thua Thien-Hue Province was built nearly 150 years ago. When his ancestors constructed the three-room house, it was quite grandiose. However, decades of rain and storms have taken their toll. The wood columns have rotted, the tiles are damaged and the roof might collapse at any moment.These wooden houses, some of which are hundreds of years old, are the most unique feature of Phuoc Tich Village. However, like Phong's, many have seriously deteriorated. Since the residents lack … [Read more...] about Restoring ancient houses proves challenging