Travel Weekly Magazine The 30th Issue (12 Aug, 2010)

Of
fic
ial
M
ed
ia
Pa
r tn
er
fo
r:
12 Aug, 2010
04-05
Flamboyant Island
to be an impressive destination
in Do Son
16-17
Useful tourism information
when visiting Vietnam
Little Europe
38-39
How to Overcome Culture Shock
in a Foreign Country
www.travelweekly.com.vn
Off
icia
lM
ed
ia
Pa
rtne
r fo
r:
12 Aug, 2010
04-05
Flamboyant Island
to be an impressive destination
Dear Travel Weekly readers!

in Do Son
16-17
Useful tourism information
when visiting Vietnam
Little Europe
38-39
How to Overcome Culture Shock
in a Foreign Country
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Thursday 12.08.2010
VIETNAM NEWS 02 FEATURES

02. VND 300 billion for four-star hotel in
Tay Ninh 03
03. Mekong Delta’s tourism industry to
grow up 04
04 - 05 Flamboyant Island
to be an impressive
destination in Do Son
06. Hotel Equatorial HCMC in top With the investment of DasCo Vietnam Group, the Hoa
hotel list 05 Phuong Island (Flamboyant Island) will become the first
an artificial island in Vietnam and is divided into 5 re-
08. Come and experience the new Möv- gions representing the 5 petals of the flamboyant flower
enpick Hotel Saigon 06 and the central region representing its pistil.
10. International Sailboat Festival 2010
postponed until last year 07
11. The eighth Vietnam - Japan Cultural
Exchange Days to be held 08
12 . Da Nang boosts investment in tourism
industry 09
1,000 YEARS OF
THANG LONG - HANOI 10
14. Vietnam Culture to be shine in

11
16 - 17
Grand Celebration
Useful tourism infor-
15. Hanoi Expo 2010 to marks millennial 12 mation when visiting
anniversary
Vietnam
INTERNATIONAL NEWS 14 Lying on the eastern part of the Indochinese peninsula,
Vietnam is an attractive destination for tourists with a
20. Hilton Shanghai Hongqiao opens in beautiful natural landscape, and a unique culture and
mid September 16 cuisine. Towards 1,000 years of Thang Long – Hanoi,
TravelWeekly’s Editor Board sends you some specific
21. Asia Fitness Convention 2010 to be instructions to help you have a perfect trip to Vietnam.
held in Bangkok 17
22. Sofitel Fiji announces fifth arts festival
23. Japan increasingly attractive to Aus-

21
tralians
26. STB launches ‘YourSingapore’ in

22
Thailand
23
AVIATION NEWS
29. THAI passengers entitled to shopping 25
discounts
38 - 39
30. Qantas eyes China as hub for Europe 26 How to Overcome
32. Asiana Airlines named Airline of Culture Shock in a
the Year
29 Foreign Country
35. Polish airline to fly to Vietnam in Culture shock is defined as the feeling of disorienta-
November tion, insecurity, and anxiety one may feel in unfamiliar
30
surroundings. Values, behaviors, and social customs
DO YOU KNOW we routinely take for granted may no longer serve us in
32 our new environment. To adapt to a foreign culture and
36 - 37. 10 Thai Customs to Know Before effectively manage culture shock, one should keep in
Visiting Thailand (part 2) mind as below article.
34
BUSINESS ADVICE
MEDICAL TOURISM 36
40 - 41. Exciting Times to be in Medical 38

Tourism
DESTINATIONS 40
42 - 44. 1. Ninh Chu Beach
42
2 VIETNAM NEWS
Petroland hotel project in Tay Ninh
VND 300 billion

for four-star hotel in
Tay Ninh
Petrocapital and Infrastructure Investment JSC, or Petroland,
said a four-star hotel in the southern province of Tay Ninh
was built on 8 August 2010, marking its first step into the
hospitality sector.
Bui Minh Chinh, General Director of Petroland, told that the

realty firm would invest some VND300 billion to develop the
Petroland Tay Ninh Hotel on Hoang Le Kha Street in the heart
of Tay Ninh Town, some 100 km from HCMC.
The project, covering some 1,2 hectares on Hoang Le Kha

Street in the heart of Tay Ninh Town, some 100 km from
HCMC, is designed with two blocks of 18-storey buildings,
including a 14,400 square meters for office space and a sec-
tion for the hotel with 144 guest rooms. Besides, there will be
serviced facilities for conference, restaurant, fitness center
and spa among others.
Bui Minh Chinh, General Director of Petroland, told that the

realty firm would invest some VND300 billion to develop the
Petroland Tay Ninh Hotel and scheduled for completion by
the third quarter of 2012.
Established in 2007, Petroland is active in investment and

construction fields including housing, office and hotel proj-
ects, infrastructure development and property trading.
Hanoi hosts int’l per- Saigon Invest builds

forming arts festival hotel in Laos
HCMC keeps an eye on
An international performing arts
festival kicked off 9 August in Hanoi.
Saigon Investment Group (SGI)
kicked off construction on building
riverside tourism
The lineup includes artists from SGI Lao Hung Hotel in Sam Nua
the Netherlands, Thailand, the US, district, Hua Phan province, Laos
Australia, Myanmar, Japan, and Ma- on 30 July. This will be the first inter-
laysia, as well as nine Vietnamese national standard hotel in Hua Phan
artists including Nguyen Phuong province; covering on a site of 5,642
Linh, Bill Nguyen, Le Huy Hoang, square metres has a total invest-
Lai Dieu Ha and Vu Duc Toan. The ment of 5billion dong. The project
festival promoted experience shar- is expected to be in operational by
ing and creativity in performing arts 2012.
and will last until 14 August.
Traditional Festival to
Int’l promotion for car- be hold in Phan Thiet Ho Chi Minh City is eager to kick start river tours along its
avan tours approved Phan Thiet City in Binh Thuan Prov-
historic rivers. A new tour to the painting village along Sai Gon
The Ministry of Culture, Sports and River, District 2 will get underway in September to begin the Sai
ince will hold the traditional Nghinh
Tourism has approved a plan to Ong Quan Thanh Festival from 30th
Gon – Chu Chi – Binh Duong route. The route is also an impor-
promote Vietnam tourism on both August to 1st September. The event tant part of plan to develop riverside tourism over the next ten
local and international media. A will begin with important rituals at years in HCMC.
survey will be carried out to help lo- Ong Pagoda including a Buddhist
cal tourism develop a trans-national prayer ceremony, whale worship- Currently, some operators offered short tours, otherwise, the Ben
caravan tourism route from Vietnam ping and a ceremony where people Nghe – Nha Be and Bach Dang – Binh Quoi route have become
to Laos, Thailand and Cambo- release lanterns on the river to pray popular with the introduction of six floating restaurants and three
dia. The programme will include for good life. The festival’s highlight yachts.
exhibitions and other promotional is the procession of Quan Thanh De
events in foreign countries as well Quan, accompanied by about 1,000 Medium-distance tours are from the Sai Gon – Dong Nai – Sai
as documentaries on a new journey people doing folk performances in Gon – Binh Duong and Bach Dang – Cu Chi route. Long-dis-
connecting Vietnam with Laos, the city centre on 1st September. tance tours start from HCMC to a few Mekong Delta provinces
Cambodia and Myanmar.
as well as Phnom Penh and Shihanoukaville in Cambodia.
Thursday 12.08.2010 www.travelweekly.com.vn
VIETNAM NEWS 3
Mekong Delta’s
tourism industry to grow up
T he Ministry of Culture, Sports and
Tourism has approved a plan to de-
velop tourism as a key economic sector
2020. Officials estimate that revenue
in the region would reach US$723.1
million, with a GDP of $491,6 million by
in the Cuu Long (Mekong) Delta. 2015, and revenue of $1,35 billion, with
a GDP of $877,1 million by 2020.
According to the ministry said which
with the aim at diversifying tourism The Mekong Delta region would focus
products and fully exploit the country’s on developing rural tourism (orchard
tourism potential, the plan will extends and river tours combined with home-
to 2020, supporting the economic stays); cultural tourism (exploration
transformation of the country and help of ethnic cultures), eco-tourism (tours
reduce hunger and poverty. of ecological systems in the area),
and high-quality spa therapy tourism
Under the plan, the Mekong Delta (including Kien Giang Province’s Phu
region would focus on the overseas Quoc Island and Ha Tien Town).
Vietnamese community and South-
east Asian tourism market, especially Tourism growth
Cambodia, while maintaining current
markets in Northeast Asia, Western Eu- According to Huynh Vinh Ai, Deputy
rope and North America. Domestically, Minister of Culture, Sports and Tourism
the area aims to attract more tourists as said the Mekong Delta has attained sig-
well, particularly from HCM City and nificant achievements in tourism. Spe-
Hanoi and the southeastern region. cifically, the number of foreign visitors
reached VND1,2 million, a three-fold
The Delta region is expected to wel- higher than 2000, local tourists gained
come 2,7 million international arrivals VND8 million, contributing in revenue
and 5,3 million domestic tourists by of VND2 trillion for the tourism industry.
2015. By 2020, the region expects to The country’s coastal areas have lured
receive 3,9 million foreign tourists and nearly 70 percent of foreign visitors and
6,5 million local visitors. By 2015, there more than 50 percent of local tourists,
would be 37,150 hotel rooms and a total accounting for nearly 70 percent of the
of 50,000 by 2020. The aim is to employ gross income of the country’s tourism
154,700 people in the Mekong Delta industry.
tourism sector by 2015 and 236,600 by
Flamboyant IslandVIETNAM NEWS
to be an impressive
destination in Do Son
Model of the Flamboyant Island project - Hai Phong

VIETNAM NEWS 5
I
t’s the first time an artificial island has appeared in Vietnam. With its advantages in
location, terrain as well as exceptional value, the Hoa Phuong Island (the Flamboyant
Island) becomes the ideal space for living, relaxation and financial investment.
Located in Do Son - Hai Phong with the investment of Dasco Vietnam Group, the Flam-
boyant Island not only inherits brilliant and pretty scenery of Do Son but also creates its
own pure, unique and elegant beauty.
The Flamboyant Island has a total area of nearly 60 ha. It’s designed into a luxurious
resort community with the first 5 star hotel in Hai Phong and about 150 villas for sale. The
Flamboyant Island is divided into 5 regions representing the 5 petals of the flamboyant
flower and the central region representing its pistil.
* Apollo Villa area

If Apollo is a sound-mind, talent God of Light, Truth and Art, Apollo villa is a spacious,
luxurious and precise place. 56 villas are located on a land facing the sea in the front and
poetic mountainous view of Do Son behind. The lake and green park right in the center
of this area create one ideal living space for people keen on a peaceful landscape. Total
area: 47,910m2
* Poseidon villa area

Poseidon, the powerful God of the Sea, “who quakes the earth.” His power and capacity
dominate in every villa here. Locating along the main road with the width of 12m, this is
the most convenient villa area for the traffic. Nature is airy and romantic, clouds run end-
lessly. With a boundless beach, the lapping of the waves dissolving into a whisper of the
pine forest on the hill, 61 Poseidon villas are valuable gifts for anyone that knows how to
enjoy his life. Total area: 61,941 m2
* Helios villa area

Helios, God of the Sun, a powerful God using a metaphor to express potential power,
energy and brilliant values of Helios villa area. The Helios area is next to the 5-star hotel,
harbor, and seaplane landing place. Moreover, Helios has various natural beaches which
are built to serve residents in the Flamboyant Island. This is a large area with 50 of the
most luxurious and splendid villas. Some villas are facing the sea to welcome the gentle
breeze while others are looking towards the flower garden. Helios becomes an abso-
lutely beautiful petal in the overall Flamboyant Island. Total area: 75.884 m2
* Eros area
Eros area includes villas for lease, a marina serving residents on the island, and recre-
ation places such as: a club, sport house, large-scale swimming pool, medical aid station
and kindergarten. Nothing is more enjoyable than having our body served by perfect
caring service in fanciful light and scenery of the sea and sky in Do Son. Total area:
63,475 m2
* Zeus five-star hotel

Zeus is the king of Gods; Zeus area concentrates every super-utility serving personal pur-
poses of the Flamboyant Island owner: harbor, Water Park, seaplane landing space, and
airport. Zeus hotel area is also the only place having gentle waves which are appropriate
for building a natural beach. Located beside the beach is a five-star hotel with 28 stories
in the shape of a sail filled with wind. The unique and modern structure of Zeus hotel is
the most outstanding point on the Flamboyant Island. Total area: 80,028 m2
* Trade center
Center of the project is the pistil planned to be a trade center and food street having
modern two-storey architecture with a wavy Teflon (ETFE) roof. This is a recreation and
shopping area for residents on the island or an ideal place for holding conferences.

6 VIETNAM NEWS
looking forward to extending our high
level service to even more guests.”
Other Vietnamese hotels also mentioned

in the list include the Sunrise Beach Resort
Nha Trang, the Sofitel Metropole Hanoi,
the Thanh Xuan Hotel in Hoi An City, the
Melia Hanoi, the Renaissance Riverside
Hotel Saigon, the New World Hotel Saigon
and the Metropole Saigon Hotel.
Hotel Equatorial HCMC

in top hotel list
According to the select list of Expedia overall experiences and a notable value.
Insiders said the hotel Equatorial HCMC
has been ranked among over 110,000 best James Montenegro, General Manager of
hotel properties around the world. The list Equatorial hotel said: “We are pleased
recognised individual hotels that consis- that our efforts have been acknowledged
tently deliver excellent services, a great by Expedia travellers and we are
VNAT invites tourism industry

on Europe campaign
The Vietnam National Administration of Tour- and meetings with the tourism sector, media
ism (VNAT) has invited tourism agents, hote- and Overseas Vietnamese entrepreneurs.
liers to join a marketing program in Germany,
Belgium and France later this year. In Brussels, VNAT will organise a road show
on 4 September then travel to France 8 -12
According to VNAT, all international travel September.
companies and hotels from three-star stan-
dard and more can join the campaign that VNAT said more than 2,9 million international
will travel to some of Vietnam’s key target visitors had visited the country as of end-July,
markets. VNAT will promote Vietnam as a up 34.9% year-on-year. Nearly 1,85 million
destination in Germany and Belgium during came for travel, up 44.4% compared to the
the Vietnam Culture Week there, and target same period last year. The top ten markets in
France during a French event for Overseas the January-July period included China with
Vietnamese. 511,800, up 95.4%, followed by South Korea,
Japan, Taiwan, Australia, Cambodia, Thai-
Marketing activities in Berlin from 28-31Au- land, France and Malaysia.
gust will include exhibitions, a road show
VIETNAM NEWS 7
Nha Trang gets go-ahead

to host Miss Earth 2010 Miss Earth 2007 - Vinpearl Land
Le Xuan Than, Vice Chairman of Khanh People’s Committee in co-ordination with Vietnam on 4 November. They will join in
Hoa Province announced Deputy Prime Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism; charity and environmental protection pro-
Minister Nguyen Thien Nhan had ap- the Ministry of Foreign Affair and other grams in three provinces before arriving
proved the proposal of the Khanh Hoa concerned agencies to ensure security in Nha Trang on 20 November.
Province People’s Committee to host the during the event, contributing to promot-
Miss Earth 2010 in the coastal city of Nha ing Vietnam’s image. The contest’s final round is scheduled to
Trang. take place at Vinpearl Land Resort and
According to the plan, about 90 beauty Spa, Hon Tre Island on 4 December.
Deputy PM Nhan asked the Provincial queens from around world would arrive in
S
aigon-Ham Tan Tourism Corporation
(SHTC), a member of Saigon Invest
Group (SGI), held the second phase
Construction on Second Phase of
ceremony of Marriott - Ham Tan Court-
yard Resort in Tan Binh commune of La
Marriott - Ham Tan Courtyard Resort
Gi, Binh Thuan province on 8 August 2010.
The project is undertaken by Coma9 and
HBC as main contractors.
Saigon-Ham Tan Tourism Complex

Project, total area of 200 hectares, situ-
ated on the new upgraded area from 1A
Highway to Lai Gi, 150 km away from Ho
Chi Minh City. The total investment of
more than VND3,000 billion (150 million)
and will go into operation in 2012. This is
a complex including work items, com-
mercial service, travel services, entertain-
ment, culture and sports resort villas to
luxury resort development of advanced,
investment has created jobs, accelerate
economic development of Binh Thuan and by Marriott International, Inc. The proj- bungalows located across the expansive
South Central regions. ect with over $150 million USD in capital development. The project is expected
investment, including 200-room Courtyard to be in business in 2012 as scheduled,
As part of Saigon-Ham Tan Tourism will be unique, consisting of a mix of contributing to Binh Thuan economic
Complex Project, the Marriott – Ham Tan standard guest rooms in a series of low- development.
Courtyard project will be managed by rise buildings as well as semi-detached
8 VIETNAM NEWS
Come and experience

the new Mövenpick
Hotel Saigon
The Mövenpick Hotel Saigon Board is
excited to announce the opening of the
Mövenpick Hotel Saigon on 1st August
2010 after a complete renovation of all
guest rooms, public areas and restau-
rants. The hotel are proud to present
a hotel that has been completely trans-
formed, from the exterior of the build-
ing to the guest rooms, from the multi-
tude of food and beverage choices to
the enhanced level of service. A brand
new, modern look will welcome and
surprise from the moment you step into
the lobby.
Come and experience the new Möven-

pick Hotel Saigon and take advantage
of the various opening specials on
offer.

VIETNAM NEWS 9
Guest Rooms
The guest rooms were designed with one goal in mind: Modern design with
uncompromising comfort and quality!
To welcome our first guests, the hotel is offering a special introductory room
rate of VND 2,360,000++ inclusive of breakfast and free upgrade to our Ex-
ecutive Club. This exceptional offer is valid for all bookings from 1st August to
September 30th.
IKI – Japanese Restaurant
Without a doubt, the most hip and trendy Japanese restaurant in town. An en-
tirely new concept of fresh and affordable Japanese food. Experience IKI and
receive 50% off your current bill for your next visit! This promotion runs for the
entire month of August. Don’t wait and be one of the first to discover the new
benchmark for Japanese food in Ho Chi Minh City! You will be amazed how
affordable great Japanese food can be!
Mid Autumn Festival – Moon Cakes
This year the Mövenpick Hotel Saigon will help you to convey the message
from your heart to your family, friends or colleagues via a vibrant assortment
of colours and flavours. Choose from six distinctive flavours, our moon cakes
come in boxes of four, priced at VND 488,000 net. Special discounts are avail-
able on volume order.
Lotus Court – Chinese Restaurant
With the addition of a new Executive Chinese Master Chef, Lotus Court is
destined to rival the best Chinese restaurants in the city! A culinary journey
through the various facets of Chinese cuisine awaits our guests. If you prefer
the traditional or more adventurous approach - Chef Ng has prepared a menu
that leaves no wish unanswered. Do try our Sunday Dim Sum brunch as well
and take a pick from a vast selection of Dim Sum prepared in our show kitchen
in front of your eyes!
Cay Da Café
The freshest bread, cakes and pastries plus an assortment of daily changing
sandwiches and pies. A great selection of the finest coffee and tea special-
ties as well as funky fruit and herbal tea smoothies. Come and try our home
made ice cream and choose your favorite ice cream creation from our special
menu. All bakery and pastry items are freshly baked every day, so enjoy a 50%
discount on all those items after 6.00p.m.
Get married and enjoy a honeymoon stay in Hanoi
Be one of the first couples to get married in our brand new hotel, the perfect
venue for any wedding and enjoy a free honeymoon trip to Hanoi. The Möven-
pick Hotel Saigon will provide the couple with air tickets, airport transfers and
a two night stay at the stylish Mövenpick Hotel Hanoi. This opening special is
applicable for all weddings confirmed from August 2010 to February 2011.
Mövenpick Hotel Saigon

Add: 253 Nguyen Van Troi Str., Phu Nhuan Dist., HCMC
Phone:+ 84 8 3844 9222 Fax:+ 84 8 3844 9198
Email: hotel.saigon@moevenpick.com
10 VIETNAM NEWS
International Sailboat
Festival 2010 postponed
until last year
The organising boat for the Mui Ne – Binh Thuan International Sailboat Festival 2010
decided to put off the event until 8-11 December 2010 instead of 21-24 October 2010, said
the Binh Thuan Department of Culture, Sport and Tourism on 5 August.
Ms. Le Thi Thanh Lien, Deputy Director of the Binh Thuan Department of Culture, Sport
and Tourism said that the result of postponement is due to the provincial People’s Com-
mittee, concerned agencies and donors need more time to prepare for this event.
With the title of “Sailboat, Sea and Sun”, the Mui Ne – Binh Thuan International Sailboat
Festival 2010 is expected to attract 20 sailboat teams and 20 sea beauties from Russia,
Australia, the Netherlands, Switzerland, U.S, France, Germany, Italy, Croatia, Hong Kong,
China, Greece, Spain, Belgium, Finland, New Zealand, Argentina, Japan, Saudi Arabia,
and the Republic of Korea.
Illustrated Picture

VIETNAM NEWS 11
begin with the Grand Sale Fair to open

at the Phu Tho Gymnasium in District 10
from August 31 through September 4.
The Vietnam National Administration of

Tourism (VNAT) plans to kick off the pro-
gram this month as a part of the national
tourism marketing campaign “Vietnam –
Your Destination”.
At the request of VNAT, the Department

of Culture, Sports & Tourism and trade
industry of the three cities would have to
team up to carry out the program. In two
months, local and international tourists
could enjoy discounts of 10% to 40% at
Major cities to begin shopping centers, supermarkets, and re-

tail outlets among others in Hanoi, HCMC
and Da Nang.
Grand Sale Programme However, unlike similar big sale programs
in neighboring countries like Thailand
Hanoi, Da Nang and Ho Chi Minh City will Hanoi kicked off the Impressive Vietnam and Singapore, promotional activities
become the first cities to launch a big sale Grand Sale 2010 yesterday, 11 August and for the event have remained insufficient.
programme designed to encourage cus- the central coast city of Da Nang on 19 Other incentives like visa fee exemp-
tomers spending and shopping tourism. August while HCMC has announced the tions for international travellers and VAT
Special Sales Promotion programme will refunds have not been worked out.
The eighth Vietnam - Japan

Cultural Exchange Days to be held
The 2010 Vietnam – Japan Cultural Exchange
Days will take place in Hoi An from 21-23
August.
The annual event will begin at Hoi An Sculp-

ture Garden on 21 August, featuring a wide
range of cultural and sporting exchange
activities including a performance of Koto
(a Japanese traditional musical instrument);
a tea ceremony; calligraphy; Japanese
traditional clothing (Kimono and Yukata) and
Japanese cooking classes.
Other cultural activities will be held such as

traditional dance and musical instruments
shows, a dragon dance, a floating lantern
festival, a street exhibition of photographs
about festivals, culinary activities together
with many other sports exchange events in-
cluding cross-river boat race, stick-pushing,
etc.
Several famous Japanese art troupes, in-

cluding Iwami Kagura royal dance troupe,
Daisuwa Taiko drum troupe and Sakai City’s
lion dance troupe, will join the event.
The first Vietnam – Japan Cultural Exchange

Days took place in Hoi An in 2003 and it has
become an annual event since then. The
event aims to strengthen Vietnam-Japan
friendship and cooperation as well as to
popularize the charms of Hoi An, a UNESCO
world cultural heritage site.
12 VIETNAM NEWS
Domestic tour
A large number of visitors have turned back
on domestic tours when airline ticket prices
are higher than to 30-35 percent since Viet-
nam Airlines halted the discounted airfares
which are offered previously from 1st July to
15th August.
According to travel agents at HCMC said

numbers decrease
customers have switched to cheap tours of
Cambodia, Thailand and Singapore which
have a range of interesting activities.
Tran The Dzung, Deputy Head of the Do-

mestic tourism promotion programme at
HCMC, said that the group sold airplane
tours for 2,089 visitors in July and 4,052 visi-
tors in June. Most of them booked tours in
May and June before the National Flag Car-
rier stopped offering discounted airfares.
Saigontourist said they sold Thailand tours

to 541 travellers and Cambodia tours to
over 1,500 travellers in July, up to 15 percent
and 30 percent, respectively, compared to
June. Also, Viet Media Travel Corporation
received 60 overland visitors to Laos per
week, seeing a two-fold increase against
June.
Thang Long Royal

Da Nang boosts Citadel to be open in
investment in tourism industry mid-September
According to Nguyen Manh Hung, Head

of the Heritage Department under the
Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism,
said the Thang Long Royal Citadel will
open for tourism in middle of September
2010.
After being recognised as a World
Cultural Heritage by UNESCO, currently,
Da Nang will issue new policies to encour- will support local agencies to co-operate the citadel has still closed for preserva-
age investors to invest in major tourism sites with foreign partners in Japan, China and tion and conservation to open before the
including Ba Na Tourist Site, Son Tra Pen- Singapore to produce promotions and cre- celebration of 1,000 years of Thang Long
nisula, My Khe beach and Non Nuoc beach. ate new tours. – Hanoi.
The local authorities also offered plans to Regarding UNESCO’s proposals on the
focus on tourist safety, investing in improv- A tourism programme between Da Nang continued excavation, Hung said that in
ing infrastructure, transportation and flight and neighbouring provinces of Quang Nam the celebration year of the 1,000th birth-
schedules. and Thua Thien-Hue will be expanded. day, it is not suitable to excavate, and that
In recent years, many international-standard the exaction may continue in 2011. The
A travel promotion campaign via mass me- hotels have been built in Da Nang, including central part of the Thang Long Royal Cita-
dia, advertising and marketing will also take 4- and 5-star luxury resorts Furama, Sandy del has an area of 18,395 square meters,
place locally and internationally this year. Beach and eco-tourism resorts Ba Na and including the Hanoi ancient citadel and
The city will increase marketing activities Son Tra. Since 2001, Da Nang has reported the archaeological relics at No. 18 Hoang
by publishing tourism brochures and main- a 15 percent annual visitor growth. The city Dieu. Professor Phan Huy Le compares it
taining websites with travel information for expects to attract 1.4 million visitors this to “a living historical collection” covering
domestic and foreign tourists, tour organis- year, including 350,000 foreigners, and earn all the history of Thang Long – Hanoi with
ers and travel agencies. more than VND1 trillion (US$55 million) many precious architectural features and
from tourism. artifacts from the 7th century.
As part of a media campaign, the authorities
VIETNAM NEWS 13

days to come 1,000 years of Thang Long - Hanoi
Vietnam Culture to be shine in

Grand Celebration
A n art programme to mark 1,000 years of Thang Long – Hanoi will be
not only for artists but also attract the attendance of all walks of life
throughout the capital city.
channel on the evening of 10 October.
At 6 a.m. on 10 October, all bells and drums in pagodas, churches and
schools will beat as a signal of the great day’s beginning. Also, a solemn
According to Dr. Luu Tran Tieu, President of the Vietnam Cultural Heri- ceremony, a national parade and a cultural festival will take place at My
tage Association said in the past few days, the Thang Long Royal Citadel Dinh National Stadium.
has been recognised as a world cultural heritage by UNESCO’s World The Grand Celebration of the 1,000th anniversary of Thang Long – Hanoi
Heritage Committee; Giong Saint Festival has also been submitted to will set a record for the greatest number of artists to join any single event
UNESCO for its recognition. in Vietnamese history.
Pham Quang Long, Director of the city’s Department of Culture, Sport 30 foreign art troupes from Italy, France, the US, Spain, Hungary, Germany,
and Tourism said the department is preparing art activities for ten-day Denmark, Singapore, the UK, Korea, China, Rumania, Russia and more
giant celebration. Specifically, a live show with the title “Dem huyen ao have registered to take part in various activities such as fine arts perfor-
Ho Guom” (The fanciful night of Sword Lake) was held in Hanoi and nine mances, food fairs, exhibitions, trade promotion activities and others.
other provinces and cities throughout the country as well 16 foreign cities, Apart from local people, many foreign individuals and organizations have
where Vietnamese overseas live in, will broadcast the Vietnam Television provided material and spiritual support for the Grand Celebration.
Entrepreneurs join caravan

for Hanoi’s great celebration
Young Vietnamese entrepreneurs will join a car- to contribute to environmental protection and in
avan named “Thang Long Millennial - Cultural co-ordination with 1,000 outstanding business-
Journey” on 4 October to mark the 1,000th an- men to attend a live dialogue with the Prime
niversary of Thang Long - Hanoi. Minister and the Open Asian Entrepreneurship
The businessmen will drive themselves from Ho Forum in Vietnam during the event.
Chi Minh City to provinces of the Central High-
lands and the central coastal region and then The event will be jointly held by Nam Phuong
stopping in Hanoi. They will also hold meetings Tourist Company, Vietnam Young Entrepreneurs
and forums to promote trade and investment at Association and Young Entrepreneurs Associa-
each locality. tions in Ho Chi Minh City as well as other prov-
The mission will participate in practical actions inces and cities.

Planting flag on Fansipan peak to

mark Hanoi’s millennium
T he tourism sector will plant
a flag on the nation’s Fan-
sipan peak, the highest moun-
tain in the northern province of
Lao Cai to welcome the capital
city’s millennium birthday.
According to Mai Tien Dzung,

Deputy Director of Hanoi’s
Culture, Sport and Tourism
Department, said a group of 85
people working in tourist sec-
tor will set out on their climb
up the 3,143-m mountain on
October 26.
This is a joint activity between

the municipal Department of
Culture, Sport and Tourism and
the Vietnam National Adminis-
tration of Tourism to welcome
Thang Long-Hanoi 1,000th
birthday and the 2010 National
Tourism Year.
Hanoi Expo 2010 to marks millennial anniversary

A big international fair will take place
from 30 August to 5 September at the
Vietnam Exhibition and Fair Centre
as a part of activities celebrating the
1000th anniversary of Thang Long -
Hanoi.
The two-part fair will cover 20,000m2
with about 750 booths representing
300 domestic and foreign business-
es in area of agriculture, construc-
tion, trade and technology.
Section A1 will depict Hanoi’s socio-
economic achievements and poten-
tial through many pictures, docu-
ments, charts and artifacts. This
section will also have 30 pavilions
introducing the land, people, culture
and potential for economics, invest-
ment, trade and tourism of countries
such as France, India, South Africa,
Denmark, Chile and Cuba.
Meanwhile, Section D will be re-
served exclusively for agricultural
products, methods and technology.
This section is expected to create
favourable conditions for agricultur-
al businesses to seek opportunities
for trade and market expansion.

VIETNAM NEWS
Useful tourism information when visiting Vietnam

V ietnam is an attractive destination for tourists with a beautiful natural landscape, and a unique culture and cuisine.
Most visitors to Vietnam will need a valid visa to enter the country, though citizens of a few countries are eligible for a visa on
arrival. A tourist visa is valid for about 30 days, depending on each specific case.
Customs procedures in Vietnam are quick and simple. To enter and exit Vietnam, visitors are required to fill out an arrival - departure
card (available in Vietnamese and English).
Passengers also must make customs declarations in the following cases: bringing an amount of goods exceeding the duty-free limit,
unaccompanied luggage, temporarily imported and re-exported or temporarily exported and re-imported professional tools, habit-
forming drugs, medication worth over 30 USD, cash of over 7,000 USD or the equivalent in other foreign currencies of over 15 million
VND in Vietnamese currency. Goods forbidden for import and export are also included.
Visitors can take taxis, motorbikes from the airport to downtown. They may also go by bus in major cities like Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh
City.
In Vietnam, the official language is Vietnamese. Almost all tour guides can speak English, French, Russian, Japanese or Chinese.
Entering Vietnam, tourists should use Vietnamese dong (VND) for payment in daily transactions.
Traveller’s cheques and credit cards can be exchanged into Vietnamese dong at banks and at major hotels and restaurants.
Foreign currencies can be changed into Vietnamese dong and cheques at banks and foreign exchange counters. Banks are open
from 7:30 or 8:00 am to 15:30 pm and closed on Saturdays and Sundays.
The forex rate changes everyday. When leaving Vietnam, visitors can change Vietnamese dong into foreign currency at forex coun-
ters at airports.
VIETNAM NEWS
Things to keep in mind when visiting Vietnam

- Do not drink water directly from the tap, especially after flooding.
- Avoiding using “xich lo” (pedicab) services in the evening.
- Wear tidy and suitable clothes when visiting local houses, temples and pagodas.
- Do not take along valuable things when going out at night or swimming in the sea.
- Do not give money to ethnic minority people directly. Instead, send a donation to a local charitable
fund or present them a small gift such as a pen.
- Ask permission before taking photos, particularly in remote areas.
Things not to miss

- A tour of Hanoi’s old quarter.
- An overnight stay on Ha Long Bay
- A boat trip on the Huong River in Hue, visiting imperial tombs
- Sleeping in guest-house amid riverside gardens in the Mekong delta.
- A “xich lo” ride to view the colonial French-architecture quarter in Ho Chi Minh City.
- Ordering tailor-made clothes at a local tailor shop.
- Enjoying traditional “Pho” rice (noodle soup).
- Watching a traditional water puppet show in Hanoi.
- Attending the mid-lunar month festival in Hoi An ancient town.
- Drink “can” wine (sipped from a jar through long straws).

VIETNAM NEWS

VIETNAM NEWS

20 INTERNATIONAL NEWS
Hilton Shanghai Hongqiao

opens in mid September
A new Hilton hotel is opening in Shanghai’s Hongqiao area,
which is regaining importance since the upgraded Hongqiao
Airport recommenced serving international flights.
The 682-room Hilton Shanghai Hongqiao will start up in mid-
September in the Minhang district, just 15 minutes from the
airport. The location will also prove attractive to travellers
with business in the newly developed Hongqiao Development
Zone.
The three-tower hotel is close to metro lines and upscale shop-

ping malls in a neighbourhood long preferred by expatriates.
It is also just across the road from the nine-hole Hongqiao golf
course.
In the four room categories available, the 335 Standard and 221
Deluxe rooms are a minimum of 46sqm while the 73 Executive
rooms are a spacious 59sqm and the 53 suites range between
79sqm to 238sqm. All rooms offer high speed internet access
and Wi-Fi, 42-inch LCD televisions, rain showers and Crabtree
and Evelyn bathroom amenities, as well as tea- and coffee-
making facilities.
Executive-room guests in Tower 3 have access to the executive

lounge with complimentary breakfast, all-day refreshments and
free Wi-Fi and booking of the lounge’s conference room for
two hours a day, free pressing of one garment per stay and use
of the gym, pool and spa facilities among others.
The hotel offers a ballroom measuring 1,706sqm, plus six well-
equipped meeting rooms and a boardroom. Six F&B outlets in-
clude the all-day dining Essence, the Cantonese Yue Xuan, the
western MED Grill, the lobby lounge Pulse, a Deli and Vine, a
View from Hilton Barbados Hotel
wine bar with a well-stocked cellar and tasty snacks.
Chinese museum dis-

plays ancient culture
Chinese energy
consumption climbs
Singapore, China hotels
The Chifeng Musuem in China’s Chinese energy consumption, per lead recovery in June
Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region unit of GDP rose 0.1% year-on-year
is due to open on 8 August, when in the first half of the year, the Na-
it will become China’s largest tional Bureau of Statistics (NBS) has
permanent exhibition of the ancient said. China cut energy use per unit
Hongshan culture. Xinhua reports of GDP 14.4% between 2006 and
that the attraction, which has been 2009, and aims to reduce it by 20%
under construction for three years, between 2005 and 2010.
will display artifacts and informa-
tion from the aboriginal culture that Fuzhou named China’s Mandarin Oriental Hotel, Singapore
existed in northern China about hottest city
6,000 years ago. Hotels in Hong Kong experienced a 54.6% rise in revenue per
Travellers wanting to catch some
rays in China should head to
available room (revPAR) in June 2010, while Beijing’s hotels
Goa eyes Japanese surged 41.2%. These are the findings of the latest citywide data
Fuzhou, in the province of Fujian.
tourists The southeastern city has been reports from STR Global, provided exclusively to TDA. Last
Goa tourism sees Japanese Bud- named as China’s hottest city over month, five of the seven studied markets recorded double-digit
dhists as a travel market with strong the past decade, according to a year-on-year revPAR rises, with Singapore also experiencing
potential. With their strong list compiled by Song Yingjie, a a major increase, climbing 50.6% year-on-year. Only Bangkok,
Buddhist beliefs, local authorities weatherman with China Central TV. still feeling the effects of the political protests, and Dubai saw
believe that India’s Buddhist roots Fuzhou recorded a total of 375 days declining revPAR.
and ancient sites could help bring of temperatures in excess of 35ºC
Japanese pilgrims to Goa, reports during the 10-year period, ahead The cumulative figures for the first half of 2010 saw most markets
the Times of India. According to the of Hangzhou (355 days), Chongq- rebound strongly from the troubles of 2009. Beijing (+35.7%),
state’s Tourism Director Swapnil ing (343) and Changsha (326). Hong Kong (+37.7%), Singapore (+39.9%), Sydney (+41.9%)
Naik, a Buddhism circuit is already Wuhan, Changsha, Chongqing and and Tokyo (+18.7%) all saw significant revPAR rises, when
in place and representatives will Hangzhou are often referred to as measured in US dollars. Despite its recent troubles, Bangkok’s
be sent to a travel fair in Japan to the ‘Four Stoves’ or China’s hottest strong start to the year allowed half-year revPAR to grow, albeit
promote the concept. cities.
marginally.
INTERNATIONAL NEWS 21
Asia Fitness Convention 2010

to be held in Bangkok
The Asia Fitness Convention 2010 (AFC CEO and creator of the Face2Face Reten- the exhibition will command part of the
2010), which is being organized for the tion System, and Tracy Minnoch-Nuku, main hall on the 22nd floor of the Centara
second consecutive year at Centara SEA Director of Les Mills Asia Pacific, Grand’s Bangkok Convention Centre.
Grand’s Bangkok Convention Centre @ from Australia,” said Dr. Suzanne Hosley, Various free exercise demonstrations will
Central World, is aiming to attract over Managing Director of Fitness Innovations take place 3 times a day from 10:00 – 11:00
700 fitness and health professionals and (Thailand) Ltd., on behalf of the event a.m., 12:00 – 1:00 p.m. and from 3:00 – 4:00
enthusiasts from the Asia Pacific region organizers. p.m.
from 17 - 19 September, 2010.
Running in conjunction with the AFC 2010 The AFC 2010 will also have pre and post
With the theme of ‘Raising the Bar’, the or- will be a Fitness Exhibition, which will of- convention sessions in Kettlebell certifica-
ganizers of this year’s event are bringing fer fitness and health-related products and tion, yoga teacher training, group exercise
in 40% more world-class presenters and services at considerable discount to not choreography development, personal
providing more workshop and sessions only the delegates of the convention, but training, business management, triathlon
than last year. Some of the world’s lead- also to members of the health-conscious training and a number of other topics. A
ing fitness experts coming to share their general public. post-convention Beach Party is also being
latest exercise techniques, regimes and planned to take place at the Pullman Pat-
nutrition programs include Fabio Comana, Confirmed exhibitors so far include taya Aisawan during 20 - 22 September.
Steve Cotter, Carrie Ekins, Joe Friel, Jen- Adidas, Alkem Pte Ltd., American Coun-
nifer Galardi, Fraser Quelch, Jim Stoppani, cil on Exercise (ACE), Central Trading Last year, the Convention was attended by
Peter Twist and Tim Ziegenfuss. Co. Ltd., COB Group Co., Ltd., Johnson over 500 fitness, health and sports profes-
Health Tech (Thailand) Co., Ltd., Les sionals and enthusiasts from countries
“This year, as the fitness and health Mills Asia Pacific, Nshactive, Oasis Hong around the Asia region as well as from
industry is growing so fast in Asia, we Kong, Sportathlon (Thailand) Ltd., STOTT Australia, USA, Qatar, UAE and Bahrain,
have also included sessions on how to Pilates, Sun Sport Marketing Co., Ltd and and generated an approximate revenue of
manage fitness clubs, how to attract and Wellnex to name but a few. Baht 100 million for Thailand.
retain members and sustain profitability.
These sessions will be led by Paul Brown, Open from 10:00 a.m. - 6:30 p.m. daily,

Sofitel Fiji announces

fifth arts festival
Artists from across Fiji are saying talent to the world.” local artists’ work on display in each
bula to brushstrokes and trading and every guest room at the hotel.
their kava for carving tools in prepa- A celebrated artist in her own right, For Sofitel it’s a simple yet important
ration for ART ON THE ISLAND V set Maria Rova’s work is on permanent way for us to support the local arts
to take place at the Sofitel Fiji Resort display at the Sofitel. community and ensure that Fijian
& Spa in October 2010. culture permeates the hotel and
Other Fijian artists who will show- inspires our visitors each and every
One of the biggest events on Fiji’s case their work at the hotel as part of day.”
cultural calendar, ART ON THE the exhibition include local painter
ISLAND V is a celebration of Fiji’s Joe Bilbu, and drawings by Lautoka CreatiVITI is a membership-based
artistic talent, presented by local arts “The upcom- artist Apimeleki Vakarau, a quad- organisation representing artists
ing ‘Art in
charity CreatiVITI in association with the Island V’ riplegic (victim of a rugby accident) from across Fiji and home to Fiji’s
Sofitel Luxury Hotels. exhibition is a and talented artist who draws while only pottery production studio, with
great way for lying on a mattress on the floor, using showroom, mini-gallery and a crafts
us to further
A gala event to launch the eight-day showcase
ink pen on bark cloth. Previously garden hosting demonstrations and
exhibition at the Sofitel Fiji Resort & Fiji’s emerging commissioned by Sofitel to create classes.
Spa will take place on Friday the 1st art talent to artworks for display in guest rooms,
of October. Tickets to the gala launch the world,” Api’s minute pen strokes reflect the The organisation specialises in
said Maria
are F$20 per person. The visual and Rova, Art on very limited movement he has left in custom ceramic commissions and
heritage arts event, which includes the Islad V his arms and hands, making him an promoting local artists paintings,
craft markets, will be open for Sofitel spokesperson inspiration in person and on paper. pottery, drawings, sculpture, handi-
and CreatiVITI
guests and the public to enjoy until Secretary.
crafts, pottery classes CreatiVITI
Saturday the 9th of October 2010. General Manager Adam Laker says, also runs kids craft activities, , sea-
“Maria Rova and Apimeleki Vakarau sonal craft markets in addition to its
ART ON THE ISLAND V spokes- are two of many local artists featured annual art competition.
person and CreatiVITI Secretary on walls in public spaces and in
Maria Rova says, “Our mission is guest rooms at the Sofitel. As Denarau’s most sophisticated in-
to develop arts and crafts in Fiji ternational resort, the Sofitel blends
through training, promotion and the “Maria was one of the first artists we traditional French influences that are
enjoyment of creative expression supported when we launched the the hallmark of the Sofitel Luxury
in a setting accessible to the whole resort in 2006, and indeed her colour Hotels brand with more exotic Fijian
community. and creativity is still one of the first charms to offer a choice of modern
things our guests see when they facilities that extend to a Mandara
“Sofitel Fiji Resort & Spa has always check in, with a huge Rova original Day Spa retreat, the world’s first Pure
been very supportive of the arts on display directly behind our recep- Fiji concept store, the Turtle Club for
community in Fiji, and this upcom- tion desk to greet visitors on arrival. kids, plus an impressive line up of
ing exhibition a great way for us to award winning restaurants, bars and
further showcase Fiji’s emerging art “In addition we have many other new sidewalk café Parisienne.
Japan increasingly
attractive to Australians
Australians are arriving in Japan in increasing numbers. Com-
pared to June 2009, Australian arrivals in Japan were up 26.8
percent in June 2010, according to a preliminary report by the
Japan National Tourism Organisation (JNTO).
For the first six months of 2010, cumulative Australian visitor ar-
rivals totaled 117,200 - up 14 percent on 2009 figures.
Australia represents Japan’s sixth major inbound tourism market

behind South Korea, China, Taiwan, USA and Hong Kong.
The increase in Australian arrivals is mostly due to the increase

in flights to Japan, special sale airfares, the ‘Visit Japan Year
2010’marketing campaign which ran until March 2010, and con-
tinued consumer confidence, the report cited.
Japan is proving attractive to all of its 14 major inbound markets,

recording increases on 2009 figures across the board. Cumula-
tive visitor arrivals from all markets were up 35.8 percent on 2009
figures.
The Japan Tourism Agency (JTA) has set its annual international
visitor arrivals target at 10 million in 2010, 15 million by 2013, 20
million by 2016, 25 million by 2019, and 30 million in the years
beyond.
Asian hotels offer

best rooms with a view
Marina Bay Sands, Singapore
Hotels.com has selected its top 10 hotels with the best views, with
Asian properties featuring prominently. Asia Pacific properties took
seven of the 10 slots, with the new Marina Bay Sands hotel a notable
inclusion. Kempinski’s Commune by the Great Wall and the Oberoi
Amarvillas, Agra, which overlooks the Taj Mahal, also featured. The
full Hotels.com list is as follows:
- Marina Bay Sands, Singapore
- The Twelve Apostles Hotel & Spa, Camps Bay, Cape Town, South
Africa
- Four Seasons, Hong Kong
- The Oberoi Amarvillas, Agra, India
- Qualia, Hamilton Island, Australia
- Blanket Bay Lodge, Glenorchy, New Zealand
- Four Seasons Golden Triangle, Thailand
- Il San Pietro di Positano, Positano, Italy
- Commune by The Great Wall, China
- Machu Picchu Sanctuary Lodge
INTERNATIONAL NEWS

Aloft hotels
debut in India
I
ndia has now seen the opening of its first Aloft hotel, which is a brand
owned and operated by Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide. The
new Aloft Chennai OMR-IT Expressway property is also the 42nd prop-
erty to open in the world for this brand. It has 130 rooms and accessible
technology.
The Aloft Chennai, OMR - IT Expressway, is situated on the Old Mahaba-

lipuram Road (OMR), a place known for its abundance of IT companies,
capitalising on one of India’s fastest-growing and most important indus-
tries.
Each of Chennai’s loft-style rooms will include “design-led” features such

as high ceilings, Aloft’s signature bed and walk-in showers, as well as
free wifi and large high-definition TVs that link to most common electronic
devices.
But hot on Chennai’s heels is the 170-room Aloft Bengaluru Whitefield,

due to open in less than a week’s time and already taking bookings for
stays starting September 9. Like Chennai, the Bengaluru property is situ-
ated in an IT-industry hotspot.
One more Aloft is due to open before the year is out – the Aloft Coim-
batore Singanallur which launches 1 December. The Aloft Ahmedabad,
SG Road, and Aloft Chandigarh Zirakpur will open next year, while the
Aloft Bengaluru Cessna Business Park is slated to open in 2012.
Aloft, with its 40-strong portfolio, has pursued a rapid expansion since its
US debut in June 2008, having gone global within its first 15 months. Star-
wood recently announced its first London property and second in Europe,
the Aloft London Excel, due open in time for the 2012 Olympic Games.
The first Middle Eastern Aloft opened in Abu Dhabi in October last year
while Europe’s first property, the Aloft Brussels, is due to launch 1 Sep-
tember this year.

tional reward of empowerment campaign
website facilitates sharing of experiences
among travellers and local residents alike,
and will be powered by up-to-date multi-
media content about all things Singapore.
The website www.yoursingapore.com will
deliver a new virtual experience that no
other destination website currently offers.
In the past few years, the way that people
plan and book travel has fundamentally
shifted from passive content consumption
to the active engagement of empowered
individuals, primarily due to the domi-
nance of digital and social media. Video-
on-demand, online news, blogs and
websites that enable social interaction
have changed the way that travellers seek
STB launches
and obtain information. YourSingapore is
a response to the pervasive influence of
digital media and the rise of virtual com-
‘YourSingapore’ in Thailand munities, as well as consumer demands
for personalised travel plans.
The Singapore Tourism Board (STB) tration of sights, sounds, tastes, culture Singapore welcomed 318,000 Thai visitors
launched in Thailand its new destina- and attractions coupled with unparalleled who spent S$501 million in 2009, mak-
tion brand – “YourSingapore”. An evolu- user-centricity. ing Thailand the 10th largest source
tion of the “Uniquely Singapore” brand, market of visitors to the city state. In the
“YourSingapore” underpins Singapore’s As a brand, YourSingapore articulates Sin- first six months of 2010, close to 200,000
strengths as a destination that offers an gapore’s uniqueness and captures what Thais have visited Singapore, which is an
experience which can be easily person- travellers seek – a personal travel experi- increase of 27% over the same period in
alised by the visitor, thanks to its concen- ence. Visitors can look forward to an emo- 2009.

Business Events
Sydney expands
China presence
Business Events Sydney (BESydney) is expand-
ing its sales and marketing reach in China with
the opening of a new office in Shanghai. Ms Shu
Ping Chen has been appointed as Business De-
velopment Manager to be based in Shanghai.
“Asia is a key growth area for us especially
China, where we have seen strong interest in
Sydney for outbound corporate incentive groups.
We are delighted that Shu Ping has joined us,”
said BESydney Chief Executive Officer, Jon
Hutchison.
BESydney works closely with the New South

Wales (NSW) government to align priorities
and collaborate on winning business events
for Sydney. Business development efforts are
focused primarily on core segments; finance and
insurance services, information communication
technology (ICT), pharmaceutical, manufactur-
ing and direct selling sectors.
Shu Ping boasts an impressive background, with

over 10 years working in the tourism industry.
She has strong knowledge of the Australian
tourism product from her past roles, where she
has attained the Aussie Specialist Certification
awarded by Tourism Australia.
Reporting to Sinead Yeo, Business Development

Director Asia, Shu Ping will be responsible for
developing relationships with key corporate
clients from the priority sectors.
Her most recent position was as Business Devel-

opment Manager with Experience Tours Austra-
lia, a division of the Australian Outbound Travel
(AOT) group, where she was responsible for the
markets of Singapore and Vietnam.
“Since opening the BESydney office in Hong

Kong in 2003, we have confirmed an estimated
$373 million worth of business from Asia for Syd-
ney, of which 77% originates from China.” said
Hutchison.
BESydney secured 69 business events in

2009/10, a significant increase from the previous
record of 47 wins in 2002/3. These events will
deliver an estimated $179 million to the NSW
economy.
28 AVIATION NEWS

AVIATION NEWS 29
THAI passengers entitled

to shopping discounts
Passengers flying THAI Airways of a personal stylist and premium
should remember to hold onto giveaways at Siam Paragon and
their boarding passes.
By showing their boarding pass-
The Emporium.
Special promotions are also avail-
AirAsia X offers
es to the customer relations staff able at Siam Ocean World, Para- Kuala Lumpur-Seoul air route
of popular Bangkok malls, Siam gon Cineplex, Big Loft, Mob.F,
Paragon, Siam Center, The Em- Coffee Bean by Dao, Asia Books AirAsia X will launch daily direct flights between Kuala Lumpur
porium and Siam Discovery, they and Laser Definition. and Seoul from 1 November 2010.
can receive “The Pride of Thai” The campaign runs until April 30, Flights depart from Kuala Lumpur International Airport for the six-
card which offers five to 10 per- 2011. hour journey to Seoul, arriving at Incheon International Airport.
cent discounts in the establish- The initiative is part of THAI’s Return flights depart Seoul and arrive in Kuala Lumpur next day.
ments as well as up to 70 percent World@THAI programme, aimed An Airbus A330 aircraft feature premium flat-bed seats in Busi-
reductions in big department at boosting tourism, in partner- ness class.
stores. First and Business class ship with a variety of commercial KLIA-Seoul Incheon is AirAsia X’s 11th international route. It also
clients even enjoy the services establishments. flies to Australia, India, Taiwan, China and London.
Tiger Airways Reports Strong passenger

volumes for July 2010
Tiger Airways has reported strong passenger volumes and load pecially on the routes operated by Tiger Airways. In addition, our
factors for July 2010. recently increased frequencies and new routes to points in China
From August 2009 to July 2010, a total of 5.4 million passengers are seeing very high demand,” said Tony Davis, President and
chose to fly with Tiger Airways, an increase of 51% over the 3.6 Group CEO of Tiger Airways Holdings. “We are capitalising on
million passengers who booked in the preceding 12 months. Av- the ongoing strength in economic growth and visitor arrivals in
erage load factor for the 12-month period to July 2010 was at 86%, Singapore by growing our business with the largest increase in
an increase of 5 percentage points year-on-year. Tiger Airways Singapore’s network since its inception. New ser-
The number of passengers in July 2010 grew 42% over last year to vices are being introduced to Taipei, Trichy and Trivandrum, and
523,000. The average load factor across both airlines in Asia and frequencies are being increased on existing services to China –
Australia for the month was a very strong 89%. including Hong Kong, India, Indonesia, Malaysia and Vietnam. We
“Externally, the robust economic performance and outlook in the are also increasing services in Australia with the commencement
Asia Pacific has significantly boosted demand for air services, es- of services from Avalon Airport in November.”

30 AVIATION NEWS
Qantas eyes China as hub for Europe

Qantas has identified China as a potential base for
its passenger and freight operations to Europe, it NOi dung: Qantas coi China nhu
has been reported.
trung tam du lich cua cac nc Chau
China offers a “huge opportunity for us”, Qantas
CEO, Alan Joyce said in a Herald report.“We would
Au
love to hub out of China into Europe.” Hinh anh: Qantas
Though Qantas has been approved air rights by
Chinese authorities, it is still waiting on approval
from European regulators.
However, Mr Joyce’s enthusiasm was tempered by
the airline’s tumultuous history with China. The air-
line lost “a lot of money” during the global financial
crisis, conceded Mr Joyce, having to cancel flights
between Shanghai and Sydney in 2001 and unable
to reintroduce them for another four years.
In January, Qantas’ budget offshoot Jetstar chose
Singapore as its main hub in Asia, over Ho Chi
Minh City or Bangkok. The low fare airline is look-
ing to fly to Athens and Rome with new Boeing 747
aircraft, the first of which are due to arrive in 2012.
‘’Singapore is a focus for us … but eventually, if our
pan-Asian strategy works, you could see the Jetstar
and Qantas operations based in a number of cities
in Asia,’’ Mr Joyce said. ‘’Jetstar will eventually have
multiple hubs in Asia.’’
THAI extends maintenance contract in Cambodia

Thai Airways International Public Company Limited’s (THAI) Techni- these two airports. The SCA and THAI’s Technical Department have
cal Department and Societe Concessionaire De L’Aeroport (SCA), the enjoyed a long standing cooperation. THAI’s Technical Department is
airport operator of Cambodia, signed a four-year extension contract for determined to maintain the good reputation it has built with proven reli-
aircraft maintenance services at Phnom Penh International Airport and ability, by following the IATA Standard Ground Handling Agreement.”
Siem Reap International Airport. This is an extension of the previous “This agreement,” said Mr. Nicolas Deviller, CEO of SCA, “will en-
agreement made in 2004 for handling such airlines as Asiana Airlines, hance our airports’ services for carriers serving medium range des-
China Airlines, Korean Airlines, and Silk Air. tinations and, in the future, the prospected companies with long haul
At the signing ceremony in Phnom Penh, Captain Montree Jumrieng, flights. Aircraft maintenance, which requires high level of expertise, is
Managing Director of THAI Technical Department, announced, “THAI’s a major driving force for the development of the Kingdon’s internation-
Technical Department was honored to have been awarded the con- al airports and partnering with Thai Airways International, a reputable
tract extension for Technical Handling Services of airlines operating at airline, is definitely a plus.”

AVIATION NEWS 31
THAI and Tiger Airways form low-cost carrier

THAI Airways and Tiger Airways are forming a new low-cost
carrier - Thai Tiger. Thai Airways will own 51 percent of the
new airline, while Tiger Airways will hold 49 percent.
Thai Tiger plans to start up domestic and international servic-

es in January 2011, pending regulatory approvals, but has yet
to announce its routes. It will fly out of Suvarnabhumi Inter-
national Airport, offering short-haul, point-to-point services
within a five-hour flying radius. Airbus A320s will be used on
the flights.
Although based in Bangkok, Thai Tiger will not operate routes
that may overlap with those provided by THAI.
Key officials of both airlines lauded the joint venture. Piyas-
vasti Amranand, THAI president, said: “We believe that this
move will provide revenue opportunities for THAI and allow
THAI to be more competitive in the region with the antici-
pated growth in the low cost market”.
Tony Davis, Tiger Airways group president, said that from
Thailand, the new airline would be well positioned “to offer
low fares to even more parts of the Asia-Pacific region” in-
cluding destinations in North Asia and the Indian sub con-
tinent. “Spreading our paw-print means greater economies
of scale for Tiger Airways which in turn enables us to lower
costs and fares even further.” Illustrated picture
Vietnam and Japan Airlines to Expand Codeshare

Japan Airlines and Vietnam Airlines are to expand the scope of their
bilateral agreement from 1 October 2010, to again offer VN-operated
codeshare flights between Nagoya (Chubu) and Ho Chi Minh, as well
as between Tokyo (Narita) and Hanoi.
Vietnam is one of few countries that have successfully maintained a
high economic growth. Complemented with a rich and captivating cul-
ture, its cities remain key destinations in South East Asia that attract
many foreign business and leisure travelers.
From 1 October 2010, JAL and VN will be able to collectively offer code-
share flights on 8 routes that effectively connect vital gateways in Japan
- Tokyo (Narita), Osaka (Kansai), Nagoya (Chubu) and Fukuoka, with
both Vietnamese cities of Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh.

AVIATION NEWS

AVIATION NEWS 33
Asiana Airlines named

Airline of the Year
More than 17.9 million air travellers from over 100 different nationalities took part in
the 10 month survey, between July 2009 and April 2010. These Passenger’s Choice
awards are respected and recognised around the world for being the only truly global,
independent passenger survey of airline standards. Established in 1999, the Skytrax
survey and awards apply an unmatched level of integrity and transparency that is un-
matched.
Commenting on the Airline of the Year 2010 award received by Asiana Airlines, Ed-
ward Plaisted of Skytrax said: “this is a fantastic achievement for Asiana Airlines to
be named winner of this top Airline of the Year Award, and Asiana Airlines are clearly
meeting and exceeding their customer’s expectations. This award represents a true
recognition of the front-line product and service that Asiana Airlines is delivering to it’s
customers, and being the Passenger’s Choice awards underlines the fact that Asiana
Airlines are succeeding in satisfying the hardest critics - their users.”
Asiana Airlines President and CEO, Mr Young-Doo Yoon, said : “We would like to ex-
press our most heartfelt appreciation to our customers who voted us for Skytrax 2010
Airline of the Year Award. Asiana Airlines is extremely honored to be recognized as
the world’s top airline by our customers and to be awarded our industry’s highly es-
teemed accolade from Skytrax. To be the winner of the 2010 Airline of the Year Award is
even more special and holds greater meaning, as it is ‘The Passenger’s Choice’.”
The top 10 places in the Airline of the Year were:

1. Asiana Airlines
2. Singapore Airlines
3. Qatar Airways
4. Cathay Pacific
5. Air New Zealand
6. Etihad Airways
7. Qantas Airways
8. Emirates
9. Thai Airways
10. Malaysia Airlines

34 AVIATION NEWS
Vietnam Airlines aims for 12 million passengers in 2010

Vietnam Air is looking to pass 11 million and prob-
board 12 million passen- ably reach 12 million this
gers over its domestic year.”
and international flights Should the carrier reach
in 2010, after the carrier the target, it will be a sig-
became a full member of nificant increase on the
the global airline alliance 9.34 million that it hosted
Skyteam. in 2009.
The figure was released For Skyteam, the inclusion
at a function for other of Vietnam Air marks a
Skyteam member airlines major step for the alliance
to welcome membership and signals clear intent to
of Vietnam’s national car- gain a firmer foothold in
rier, held in Ho Chi Minh the Asian market.
City on Thursday 5 Au- “By welcoming its first
gust, Viet Nam Business member in Southeast Asia,
News reported. the alliance significantly
2010 is an important year strengthens its network
for Vietnam Airlines as in Vietnam and in the re-
the airline is expanding gion,” Country Manager
fast in terms of network of Air France in Vietnam,
coverage and transport Thierry Beragnes said.
capacity, Deputy General Last year, Vietnam Air
Director of Vietnam Air, posted revenue of over
Duong Tri Thanh said. VND24.6 trillion, includ-
“We currently have 68 ing VND150 billion in pre-
aircraft and our number tax profits
of passengers will sur-
Cathay Pacific allows online re-bookings
Cathay Pacific (CX) customers Conditions still apply.

can now make changes to their To access the booking change
online bookings without having facility, passengers need to
to go through reservation of- click on the website’s “Manage
fices or travel agents. My Booking” function, and then
click on the “Change Booking”
The new service enables them icon. Features include ticket eli-
to change or re-issue their gibility checking, calendar dis-
tickets on CX’s website, www. play, re-pricing function, offers
cathaypacific.com through its for tickets in other far groups
Calendar Display feature. It al- and ability to reissue e-tickets.
lows them to choose alterna-
tive flights or travel dates and This online facility was first
applies to all e-tickets, whether launched in the US, and will be
unused or partially flown. rolled out next in Singapore,
Australia, New Zealand, the UK
It also covers all flights, whether and Europe, and by year-end, in
inbound or outbound, one-way Hongkong. It will be available
or round trip, as well as those in- in all CX markets by the second
volving interline partners. Nor- quarter of 2011.
mal ticketing rules and Terms &

AVIATION NEWS 35
Polish airline to fly to Vietnam in November

Poland’s LOT Airlines has announced its plan to make its
maiden passenger flight from Warsaw to Hanoi in Novem-
ber this year, offering passengers more air connections be-
tween Europe and Vietnam in the winter schedule.
The Civil Aviation Administration of Vietnam (CAAV) con-
firmed that the Polish carrier had been granted the traffic
right to fly on the Warsaw-Hanoi route on Mondays, Wednes-
days and Saturdays from 13 November.
LOT Airlines has loaded fares for the Warsaw-Hanoi service
on www.lot.com, with the return fare starting from 2,450 Pol-
ish zloty, or equivalent to US$800. The carrier said on this
website that tickets to Hanoi were also available for pur-
chase at ticketing offices and sales agents.
LOT Airlines, a member of STAR as the world’s biggest air-
line alliance, will operate its Boeing B767-300 aircraft for the
Warsaw-Hanoi service.
The route to Vietnam’s capital city of Hanoi is one of LOT’s
10 new routes to be opened this year. With this route, LOT
will join the list of carriers operating non-stop flights be-
tween Vietnam and Europe.
Currently, Vietnam Airlines has direct services from Hanoi
and HCMC to Germany’s Frankfurt and France’s Paris and
vice versa. Air France now conducts flights between Paris
and Vietnam via Thailand’s Bangkok, but is planning non-
stop services to Vietnam.
Thierry Beragnes, country manager of Air France in Viet-
nam, told that the European carrier’s schedule to operate
non-stop flights between Paris and this emerging market
later this year.
Other foreign airlines including Lufthansa, Qatar Airways,
Thai International Airways, Cathay Pacific, Singapore Air-
lines and Malaysia Airlines also offer flights between Viet-
nam and Europe via their hub airports in Bangkok, Doha,
Kuala Lumpur, Hong Kong and Singapore.
Vietnam’s overall aviation market is picking up strongly
in 2010, and this encourages local and foreign airlines to
increase frequencies and launch new flights in and out of
Vietnam.
Qatar Airways has recently publicized a massive plan to be-
gin four weekly services between Qatar’s capital of Doha
and Hanoi via Bangkok on November 1, and add three
flights to its weekly schedule for the Doha-HCMC route to
bring its total weekly services between Vietnam and Doha
to 11.
CAAV’s latest figures unveiled some 45 airlines are exploit-
ing 55 international air routes to and from Vietnam. The first
half of this year recorded 15.2 million passengers and more
than 273,000 tons of cargo on both domestic and interna-
tional flights, up 20.3% and 31.8% respectively over the year
earlier period.

36 DO YOU KNOW
“ Part 2 For many travellers, Bangkok is the first stop on travels in

Thailand and”
throughout Southeast Asia. With its chaotic veneer, Thai cus-
toms are easily overlooked in Bangkok. Respect the local people by know-
ing these ten cultural points before you embark on travels in Thailand.
Know Before Visiting
10 Thai Customs to

DO YOU KNOW 37
7 Religious Objects
About 95% of Thailand’s population

is comprised of Buddhists from the
Theravada school. Despite teach-
ings against material attachment,
many Thais worship Buddha im-
ages and don amulets for protec-
tion.
Various animist practices have also

been integrated into Thai religious
life. Most buildings boast spirit
houses or altars, where offerings
of food and garlands are made to
appease the spirits inhabiting the
land. Avoid touching such dis-
plays as some Thais can be highly
superstitious, fearing disruption of
harmonious balance. places, such as temple libraries. More traditional monikers cover
Women who wish to worship do so categories such as colors, animals,
8 Bodily Conduct outside the buildings.
Also, while it is taboo for a woman

and fruit, including Daeng (red),
Lek (small), and Moo (pig); these
days, you will encounter nicknames
Based on Buddhist beliefs, the head to touch a monk or pass things to such as Good, Money, and Benz (as
is the most valued part of the body him directly, polite conversation is in the luxury auto).
while the feet are the lowest, sym- fine.
10
bolizing attachment to the ground, a Bathroom Basics
9
cause of human suffering.
Destinations
Touching someone’s head is highly Outside of large cities, squat toilets
offensive, as is raising your feet or rule. These are flushed by pouring
pointing them at people or religious Thais are generally addressed by
their first names, preceded by the water from an adjacent bucket into
objects. the hole. Also, used toilet paper is
honorific title Khun, appropriate
for both men and women. In more to be discarded in the bin provided;
Shoes are to be removed before never try to flush it down as it most
entering homes and religious casual settings, mono-syllabic nick-
names are used. plumbing isn’t designed to handle
structures. paper.
Most types of attire are tolerated in Traditional washrooms include a
areas frequented by tourists. It is trough filled with water where a
a good idea, however, to cover ladle or bowl is used to sluice water
up when visiting temples over the body. In areas where out-
and shrines. Those wearing door bathing is the norm, women
sleeveless tops, short skirts, will don a cotton sarong or wrap-
shorts, and flip flops may be around, and men will bathe in their
denied entrance. underwear.
It is not unusual to encounter
signs prohibiting women
from entering highly sacred

By Amy, Adam and Caidoz
38 BUSINESS ADVICE
It is common to experience culture shock when living in a foreign

country for an extended period of time. Culture shock is defined
as the feeling of disorientation, insecurity, and anxiety one may feel
in unfamiliar surroundings. Values, behaviors, and social customs
we routinely take for granted may no longer serve us in our new
environment. To adapt to a foreign culture and effectively manage
culture shock, one should keep the following in mind:
Keep an open mind

Do not automatically perceive anything that is different to be “wrong” or “negative”. Withholding judgment will allow you to
be an objective observer and will facilitate the process of cross-cultural understanding. Also, if you are going to a country with
which you no close to nothing about, do a little background information. As you learn about the country in which you are going
to, keeping an open mind is necessary, and, who knows, you may find the reason for something you may not understand.
Make an effort to learn the local language

This increases your communication skills and it helps you to integrate with the local community. It also demonstrates your
interest in the new country.
Get acquainted with the social conduct of your new environment

Do not assume or interpret behavior from your own cultural perspective or “filter”. Behavior is not data. For example, Ameri-
cans often use the phrase “How are you?” to mean “hello” or “I acknowledge your presence as I pass you in the hall.” A for-
eigner may wonder why Americans don’t respond in detail to this question about one’s well-being. Thus they may interpret the
behavior of walking away before one has a chance to respond to the question to be “uncaring”, “superficial” or even “rude”. An
American knows otherwise and would probably not be offended that someone did not take the time to respond to this question.
Remember: If in doubt, check it out!
Do not take cultural familiarity or knowledge at face-value

Even as you become savvier about rituals, customs and protocol in your new environment, be careful not to attribute an expla-
nation or rationale to what you now believe you know. A little bit of knowledge can be misleading. Psychologist Geert Hofstede
wrote that ‘culture’ is like an onion that can be peeled, layer by layer, to reveal the content. It takes a long time to really under-
stand a culture in its social and historical context.
Make sure you get to know people in your new environment

Respectfully ask questions, read newspapers, and attend a variety of festivals and events.
Try to achieve a sense of stability in your life

Establishing a routine will give you a feeling of safety.
Most importantly, maintain a sense of humor

Don’t be too hard on yourself if you make a cultural gaffe or don’t know what to do in a social situation. Laugh at yourself and
others will laugh with you. Most individuals will admire your tenacity and effort to understand their ways, especially if you are
devoid of judgment and cultural comparisons that subtly and perhaps unconsciously convey a veil of superiority.
Tips
• When one experiences culture shock it is natural to withdraw to the comfort of what is familiar. Try not to give in to the
temptation to isolate yourself.
• It’s always good to keep in touch with family and friends back home. However, spending too much time communicat-
ing with them can exacerbate homesickness and delay the acculturation process.
• Be patient. It takes time to adapt to new surroundings, a new culture and a new lifestyle.

BUSINESS ADVICE 37

40 MEDICAL TOURISM
By Jonathan Edelheit
These are very exciting times to be involved in the medical tourism industry. This industry has grown so significantly
in the past few years it is really hard to comprehend. There are more hospitals and governments marketing their
cities, regions, countries and medical services than ever before.
More Medical Tourism Facilitator companies have started and many country specific Medical Tourism Facilitator
companies have been created to handle inbound Medical Tourism. Many countries around the world are now pro-
moting themselves for healthcare services and those that aren’t are in the process of implementing their plans to
get into the international healthcare sector. Insurance companies and employers around the world are more open
minded than before about implementing medical tourism and allowing for global benefit plans within their health
insurance program. New health insurers and employers have implemented Medical Tourism, but they have been
doing it very quietly and not broadcasting it.
Healthcare Reform in the US may be one of the most exciting trends so far for the medical tourism industry. Almost
every insurance company, employer and health insurance agent is under the belief that Healthcare Reform will
significantly increase the cost of healthcare and health insurance in the US because Healthcare Reform did not re-
form “costs”. In a recent survey, almost one hundred percent of respondents in the US insurance industry felt that
Healthcare Reform would have a positive impact on Medical Tourism and more Americans would travel overseas.
Healthcare Reform in the US and Healthcare Reform and health insurance reform in other countries will be a large
topic at this year’s World Medical Tourism and Global Healthcare Congress 2010.

MEDICAL TOURISM 41
This year’s 3rd Annual World Medical Tourism and Global Health-
care Congress, scheduled to take place from 22-24 September at
Los Angeles, will be bigger and better than ever. We are focused
this year on bringing in as many buyers of healthcare as possible,
from employers, insurance companies, health insurance agents,
governments and Medical Tourism facilitators. We allocated a
huge budget this year to create a VIP Buyers Program that will
cover certain expenses for up to 200 buyers of healthcare who may
not have otherwise been able to afford to come to the conference.
This is in addition to the already large number of healthcare buyers
that are already planning on coming to the conference anyway!
We are very excited about the addition of our Global Health Insur-
ance, Expatriate Healthcare and Travel Insurance Conference we
have added this year in2010 which will bring a new dimension to
the conference and an even larger number of buyers. Many insur-
ance companies and employers are going multinational and now
have employees or insured all over the world. These insurance
companies and multinational employers are creating new insur-
ance policies that are global and allow the insured to receive
medical care anywhere in the world. This opens up a whole new
market of patients traveling for medical care.
This year we are also organizing a Global Healthcare Reform Min-
isterial Summit, which will focus on Healthcare Reform and health
insurance reform occurring around the world, and will bring to-
gether Ministers of Health and Healthcare Leaders to discuss
problems, hurdles and solutions in healthcare and health insur-
ance reform occurring in countries around the world. This means
we will have the highest quality and level of senior healthcare
leaders from around the world in attendance in Los Angeles in
September.
A significant practice to remember is that most business done in
the medical tourism industry is through personal relationships and
building trust and friendships. This can’t be done through imper-
sonal email or telephone conversations. People in the industry
need to get out to the conference, network and build the founda-
tions of strong business and personal relationships in order to suc-
ceed in the future.
Bring a lot of business cards because you will need them! See you September 22-24 in Los Angeles!

L
ocated in Ninh Thuan prov-
ince, Southeast of Phan Rang,
Ninh Chu beach is considered
one of the most beautiful beaches in
Vietnam.
Ninh Thuan province prides itself in
several beautiful beaches, among
which is Ninh Chu Beach, with more
than 10-km length and the shape of a
nice crescent. Ninh Chu, located in
Binh Son, Van Hai commune, Ninh Th-
uan province, is one of the top beach-
es of the Middle of Vietnam for every
tourist, who comes here to explore an
extremely different landscape.
Ninh Chu is attractive with rows of popla humming in
the wind just nearby the beach as if they were whisper-
ing to the blue sea and singing about its fine sand dune
- the daughter of the sea and sky. Thanks to this, you can
lie down on the popla leaf carpet, without umbrella or
bench, to restfully watch the sky.
The sand is yellowish, quite clean and fine. The beach

features special shape of a crescent, with a very clean
and charming sea. The original beauty of Ninh Chu is not
for a hurry trip but carefree one, so as to enjoy the fresh
air of the sea area. Entertaining yourself freely in the cool
and blue water, contemplating purple sunset on the long
stretching sandal slopes, and the small dreamlike vil-
lages near the seaport, will make you feel attached to the
nature, clear sky and peaceful clouds and water.
Specialty: Nearby the beach, there are also Nai pond,

which is full of fish, shrimp, prawn, lobster, craw-fish,
cuttle-fish, etc., Ca Du and Da Chong Mountains with dif-
ferent sized rocks piling up, which create a harmonious
natural view.
Like other beaches, the popular
types of entertainment here are
swimming, sailing, diving, fishing,
sun-bathing, and so on. What is more
here might be the ideal walking trips.
From Ninh Chu, tourists can travel
to Tri Thuy hamlet, where exists a
harmonious landscape of sea-view
and mountain-view. The mountain is
not full of plants or grass, but lots of
grayish white rock-gardens with dif-
ferent heights, which are adorned
with some small trees. On the moun-
tain side stands some ancient pago-
das and scattering small tile-roofed
houses. Walking on a few steps, you
will reach a small wild beach, which
is beautiful with green poplar forest
and rocks of weird shapes on sand.
Should you need a nice quiet space
to hide from hasty daily life, this is
the ideal selection!
Perhaps, you get a bit tired of walking,

dropping by some grape gardens
on your way and having some fresh
grapes might boost your energy. The
wonderful taste of fresh grapes to be
eaten at the gardens would never
fade away in your mind!

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Dear Travel Weekly readers!

Welcome to the 30 Issues of Travel Weekly! www.travelweekly.com.vn

Add: #130 Pho Duc Chinh Str.,

VIETNAM NEWS 02 FEATURES

14. Vietnam Culture to be shine in

23. Japan increasingly attractive to Aus-

26. STB launches ‘YourSingapore’ in

40 - 41. Exciting Times to be in Medical 38

Petroland hotel project in Tay Ninh

VND 300 billion

Bui Minh Chinh, General Director of Petroland, told that the

The project, covering some 1,2 hectares on Hoang Le Kha

Bui Minh Chinh, General Director of Petroland, told that the

Established in 2007, Petroland is active in investment and

Hanoi hosts int’l per- Saigon Invest builds

Model of the Flamboyant Island project - Hai Phong

Thursday 12.08.2010 www.travelweekly.com.vn

* Apollo Villa area

* Poseidon villa area

* Helios villa area

* Zeus five-star hotel

Thursday 12.08.2010 www.travelweekly.com.vn

Other Vietnamese hotels also mentioned

Hotel Equatorial HCMC

VNAT invites tourism industry

Nha Trang gets go-ahead

Saigon-Ham Tan Tourism Complex

Come and experience

Come and experience the new Möven-

Thursday 12.08.2010 www.travelweekly.com.vn

IKI – Japanese Restaurant

Mid Autumn Festival – Moon Cakes

Lotus Court – Chinese Restaurant

Get married and enjoy a honeymoon stay in Hanoi

Mövenpick Hotel Saigon

Thursday 12.08.2010 www.travelweekly.com.vn

begin with the Grand Sale Fair to open

The Vietnam National Administration of

At the request of VNAT, the Department

Major cities to begin shopping centers, supermarkets, and re-

The eighth Vietnam - Japan

The annual event will begin at Hoi An Sculp-

Other cultural activities will be held such as

Several famous Japanese art troupes, in-

The first Vietnam – Japan Cultural Exchange

According to travel agents at HCMC said

Tran The Dzung, Deputy Head of the Do-

Saigontourist said they sold Thailand tours

Thang Long Royal

According to Nguyen Manh Hung, Head

Thursday 12.08.2010 www.travelweekly.com.vn

Vietnam Culture to be shine in

Entrepreneurs join caravan

Thursday 12.08.2010 www.travelweekly.com.vn

Planting flag on Fansipan peak to

According to Mai Tien Dzung,

This is a joint activity between

Hanoi Expo 2010 to marks millennial anniversary

Thursday 12.08.2010 www.travelweekly.com.vn

Useful tourism information when visiting Vietnam

Things to keep in mind when visiting Vietnam

Things not to miss

Thursday 29.07.2010 www.travelweekly.com.vn