Posted by admin on March 31, 2011 under News | 
The SuperStar Aquarius ship of the Star Cruises Hong Kong Limited will come back to Quang Ninh Province’s Halong City on April 3, nearly three years after the cruise line suspended Halong’s calls.
According to the local service provider of the ship, Saigontourist Travel Service Co., the ship will bring around 2,200 crew members and passengers to Halong, which is known for the UNESCO World Heritage-listed bay of the same name.
The passengers, mostly from China and Hong Kong, will tour the bay that features thousands of limestone karsts and isles, shop at the Halong market, and drop by some other attractions in the city.
The ship will leave the bay for Hong Kong in the evening the same day.
Le Quang Thang, manager of Saigontourist’s Shorex & Port Agency Department, said he expected the cruise line to arrange regular trips to the city after the SuperStar Aquarius visit. “The Star Cruises will come to the bay every month if things are fine.”
Before December 2007, the Star Cruises did not include Halong in its ships’ Vietnam tour programs for three years and repeated its exclusion of the city in July 2008. From late 2007 to mid-2008, the company brought 1,000 to 2,200 foreign passengers to the bay a week.
The Star Cruises ships made only two trips to the country last year but Halong was not on their itinerary.
Saigontourist last Friday welcomed the Princess Daphne cruise ship to Halong with 500 crew members and cruise passengers on board. The Portuguese-flagged ship is taking a trans-Vietnam tour for seven days, which takes in Halong, Danang, Hoi An, Hue, Nha Trang and HCMC.
The company has estimated that it will receive around 20,000 international cruise passengers in the first quarter of this year, up 8% year-on-year.
* In related news, Saigontourist and another travel firm, Lua Viet, are promoting river tours from downtown HCMC to Can Gio and Cu Chi. The tours may be extended to neighboring Cambodia.
Lua Viet is focusing on budget travelers such as students and workers. It offers a three-hour sightseeing tour without food on the Ben Nghe boat that traverses the Saigon River between Bach Dang Wharf in District 1 and Nha Be District. The tour costs only VND20,000 per guest.
Saigontourist has put on six tours, including river and water-and-land tours. A daily tour to explore the Saigon River at night plus a water puppetry show costs VND735,000 per person.
A tour running from Bach Dang Wharf to Binh Quoi Tourist Village in Binh Thanh District is available on Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday and costs VND735,000 per tourist.
For the day-long Cu Chi District tour, travelers take a high-speed boat ride to the district and come back to the city center by road at a price of VND2.2 million per traveler.
Two-day tours of Can Gio cost nearly VND2.4 million and tourists travel by both water and land. Visitors can opt for a one-day tour by boat at a price of VND995,000.
A five-day tour of the Mekong Delta’s Chau Doc City and then Cambodia’s Phnom Penh and Siem Reap by water and land costs nearly VND8 million per tourist.
Source: SGT
Posted by admin on March 30, 2011 under Halong Bay Cruises, News |
Steering towards an exclusive, personalized cruise experience, Life Heritage Resort Ha Long Bay set sail the first weekend in March with a fleet of heritage-style junks, each a floating four-star hotel room, ready to drop anchor in breathtaking Ha Long Bay.
In its initial weeks on the water, the Life Resort vessels take to the bay in six-hour day cruises, with overnight voyages to follow soon. Whether cruising by the hour or the day, passenger preference guides the itinerary.
“At Life Heritage Resort Ha Long, guests custom-design their trip, choosing where they want to go,” said Chris Duffy, group general director of Life Resorts. “Your crew lets you do what you wish, when you wish, for the most bespoke experience on the bay.”
Day cruises begin with a leisurely check in at Life Resort’s private land-based hub at Tuan Chau Island while a three-member crew makes preparations before guests board their private junk. Crews consist of a captain, engineer and cruise host, who acts as butler to the passengers.
Each boat is built and operated to Certified Marine Standards, meeting Vietnam’s shipping registry requirements, VIRES, and is fully equipped with modern maritime emergency features for peace of mind and safety while on the water.
Inside, the junk boasts a fully-furnished 32 sq. meter cabin featuring local Vietnamese touches, carved hardwood detailing and wide panoramic windows opening onto the tranquil waters and awe-inspiring limestone karst formations of Ha Long Bay. Each vessel is 15 metres length with 4.5 metre beam and powered by WEICHAI engine with maximum speed of 10 knots.
Life Heritage Resort Ha Long’s private vessels include a separate lounging area, and the cabin features an en suite bathroom, air conditioning and heating, and is outfitted with an LCD television, CD/DVD player and an assortment of board games.
Sun beds for two await on the upper deck while below, guests can unwind in their very own private, timber-style cabin. For the more energetic, the boat’s kayaks, snorkeling equipment and fishing gear are all complimentary with the $220 day cruise.
Anytime throughout the trip, guests can dine on sumptuous fresh cuisine while taking in the sights from the romantic covered dining terrace. The six-hour cruise includes afternoon tea and a set lunch for two, prepared on-board by Life Resort’s expert hosts. A wide spectrum of international wines and chilled beverages are available and pre-ordered before boarding. Guests can also select favorite dishes from Life Resort’s international menu, prior to sailing.
Once out on the water, sailing through the maze of islands, the Life Resort boats cruise past floating fish markets, call on hidden grottos, anchor off secluded beaches and simply sail gently beneath the sleeping dragons of a UNESCO World Natural Heritage Site, in privacy and at one’s leisure.
General Director Chris Duffy notes that besides offering first-rate amenities on a historic Vietnamese craft, it is the customizable aspect of the cruises, set against a backdrop of one of the most stunning locations on the planet, which makes Life Resort Ha Long Bay a once in a lifetime experience.
“We don’t ‘rush’ guests around. Some may opt to visit the famous caves or beaches, but if the guests want to avoid the tourist crowd, we sail past and away,” said Duffy. “And when guests wish to be alone, the whole boat is theirs to do so.”
ABOUT LIFE RESORTS
Life Resorts owns and operates three resorts in Vietnam and manages one other. On Vietnam’s central coast, the 94-room Life Heritage Resort Hoi An evokes the colonial splendor of a bygone era on a quiet stretch of the Thu Bon River within walking distance of the trading port’s world-famous Old Town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. On the south-central coast, the 63-room Life Wellness Resort Quy Nhon is dedicated to the tenets of wellness, from yoga and tai chi to an ample range of spa treatments and anti-stress and detox programs. Four hours from Ho Chi Minh City, Life manages the 84-room Blue Ocean Resort at Mui Ne, featuring a 153-meter beach, a 26-meter swimming pool and lush tropical grounds.
Source: Etravelblackboard
Posted by admin on March 29, 2011 under Halong Festivals, News |
The Hạ Long – Quảng Ninh tourism week will be held between April 28 and May 2 in the Tuần Châu Tourism Area with eventful and attractive cultural, sport and tourism events.
The tourism week comprises a carnival, a promotion seminar for Hạ Long bay to be one of Seven Wonders of the World, gastronomy festival, beach volleyball final, tennis contest and music performance.
The week’s main highlights are the opening ceremony with art performance and carnival on May 1.
In addition, other cultural, tourist and sports activities will be launched in the province’s other tourism centers such as Móng Cái city and Uông Bí town.
This is a good chance to strengthen the promotion for Halong Bay, which has been recognized twice by the UNESCO as the world’s heritage.
Source: VGP
Tip: To take place this festival, you should book Halong hotels now at http://vietnamhotels.net/ to get good prices!
Posted by admin on March 28, 2011 under News |
The luxury cruise ship, Princess Daphne from Portage, has arrived at Ha Long Bay with 500 passengers on board.
The visitors, mainly from Australia, are on a 7-day tour of Vietnam including Ha Long, Da Nang, Hoi An, Hue, Nha Trang, Ho Chi Minh City and My Tho.
After visiting Ha Long Bay, the cruise will sail for Da Nang at 7pm on March 26. The tourists will spend two days in Da Nang to visit the ancient city of Hoi An, Thanh Ha ceramic village and the Hue Imperial Palace. They will arrive in Nha Trang on March 29.
The Princess Daphne has visited Vietnam three times so far this year.
Source: VOV
Posted by admin on March 26, 2011 under Emeraude Cruise |
There’s a different type of luxury in getting away from the trappings of the world. One where you experience the natural wonders of the Earth. One where you taste foods you’ve never tasted before, prepared in ways you’ve never seen before. One where you leave the stress, the hectic pace and the worries of the civilized world behind.
If that’s one of the ways you define luxury, then there is no more luxurious destination than Vietnam. In Vietnam, you won’t find any of the common sights and sounds of Western countries. You won’t find towering cathedrals, impressive monuments, colossal amphitheaters, or excavations of ancient civilizations. Rather, the fascination for Vietnam comes from its extraordinary beauty and simplicity of life, juxtaposed against its emerging economy.
During a recent trip to Vietnam, nothing said luxury like my excursion along Halong Bay. This bay, a UNESCO World Heritage site, is dotted with about 3,000 limestone karsts and isles. Local legend has it that long ago, when the Vietnamese were fighting Chinese invaders, the gods sent dragons to help defend the land. The dragons spit out jewels and jade, which turned into the islands and islets of Halong, forming a great wall against the invaders.
Most travelers opt for a short cruise on Halong Bay, half a day usually, to admire the beautiful waterway. But if you have more time and a flair for a romantic journey, I recommend a night aboard the Emeraude. That’s exactly what I did.
The Emeraude is a replica, one-of-a-kind steamer from the French Indochina days. When I stepped aboard, its polished wooden floors and brass fixtures and fittings exuded warmth and character. Its distinguished style offered a timeless elegance, and the service was impeccable.
Every cabin has a window and if it’s on the walkway, like mine was, it also includes a balcony and sitting area, although you won’t be spending too much time in your cabin. During the day, you can treat yourself to a soothing massage on the sun deck while sipping a refreshing cocktail and gazing at the rock formations reflected in the crystal clear water of the bay.
Or you can explore the huge caves with gorgeous stalactites and stalagmites that top the isles. I headed for the Hang Sung Sot Cave. This cave, whose name in English means Cave of Surprises, was named by a French explorer who was amazed by the size and beauty of the cave’s interior rooms. It is probably the most beautiful of all the caves found in this region of Vietnam.
When I exited the cave, I found myself high above Halong Bay, peering at a gorgeous panoramic view of the water, the mist, the limestone karsts and the women paddling boats laden with all sorts of things for sale – from conical hats to Ritz crackers and Oreo cookies. It’s truly an amazing site.
Back on the Emeraude, the swimming deck provides an opportunity for a dip in the cool waters of the bay surrounded by the majestic scenery. I relaxed with high tea, which is served in the late afternoon. For dinner, the Emeraude’s restaurant offers delicious freshly caught local seafood and other specialties.
I discovered my dream menu aboard the Emeraude. I couldn’t get enough of pho, a light, delicious Vietnamese soup made with a lovely, delicate beef stock, rice noodles and aromatic herbs. And I can’t forget to mention the spring rolls! Vietnamese spring rolls are made with bits of shrimp, sprouts, green onion, fresh basil and cilantro, artistically wrapped in a soft, thin rice pancake. Served along with several types of sauces for dipping, this is one luscious treat.
It’s so easy to understand why Vietnamese food is one of my favorite cuisines. It is healthy, fresh and naturally low in fat, yet so wonderfully delicious. It consists of fish and meat in small quantities, plenty of vegetables and fruit galore. And, while we here in the West love our freezers and microwave ovens, in Vietnam everything is fresh. If the spices were picked in the morning, by dinner time, you need a fresh supply.
A special treat aboard the Emeraude is the demonstration of Vietnamese culinary techniques and tips by the chef. It’s hands on, too, so you’ll get a chance to practice what the chef teaches and at home become the star chef among your family and friends.
After dinner, the Emeraude’s decks invite sitting and enjoying the magnificent sunset. When it’s dark, the film “Indochine” is screened under the stars. As you settle into your seat, glass of wine or cup of tea in hand, there was a gauzy fog draped haphazardly over the limestone karsts.
But that doesn’t obscure them or their beauty. As the movie progresses, the familiar karsts of Halong Bay appear, as lovely and mysterious on the screen as they are in real life. The next morning starts with taking in the calming silence of the bay while practicing T’ai Chi on the deck.
The entire trip aboard the Emeraude is a step back to another time. The excursion along Halong Bay ignited all of my senses. It was an exotic escape that is hard to match and one that every traveler should experience.
Source: IT Times
Posted by admin on March 25, 2011 under News |
The Vietnamese delegation including representatives of the Vietnam National Administration of Tourism and 11 travel companies took part in the 18th Moscow International Travel and Tourism Exhibition in Russia.
This four-day exhibition, one of the five annual biggest tourism expos in the world, opened on March 16 and drew 1,700 domestic and international travel agents and tourism offices form 157 countries and territories.
The Vietnamese stall displayed lots of ideal tourism destinations in Vietnam such as high quality resorts, hotels, restaurants as well as many attractive tourism products. Especially, the image of Ha Long bay was also promoted to call on the vote for the bay as one of the world’s seven natural wonders.
According to statistics provided by the Vietnamese Embassy in Russia, the number of Russian tourists to Vietnam has been increasing. In 2010, more than 60,000 Russian tourists visited Vietnam.
Representatives of a number of travel agents applauded the visa exemption for Russian tourists visiting Vietnam within 15 days, saying that the move helps attract more Russian citizens to visit the Southeast Asian country, according to the embassy.
Source: QN News
Posted by admin on March 24, 2011 under Halong Attractions, Tips for Halong tours |
As a large and age-old fishing village in Ha Long bay, Vong Vieng attaches great historical and cultural value and has currently attracted lots of tourists.
Vong Vieng Floating Village in Halong Bay
There are 4 fishing villages in the World Heritage site: Ba Hang, Cua Van, Vong Vieng and Cap La. After disembarking the mother boat, tourists will be transferred by rowing boats, tender boats, or doing kayaking to enter Vong Vieng fishing village.
There are about 50 families in the village and the population is between 200 and 300 residents, including nearly 100 children.
These families have lived in this village for generations. Their floating houses look spacious and clean. The well-off families even have tiled roof houses with radios, television sets, tables and chairs, etc. There is one community house here where villagers come to have meetings. Here is also the place tourists stopover to shop some traditional hand made items.
Visiting the village, tourists have a chance to enjoy “Vong Vieng night” which is considered an attractive and original tourism product. In the evening, under the soft light of the moon and the oil lamps, tourists sit on woven bamboo boats, breathe fresh air, listen to duel love songs, drop flower garlands and colored lanterns for luck and see the fishermen catching marine products. Tourists get strange and unforgetable feeling after enjoying this special kind of tourism product.
In addition, the fishing village festival is held once a year during the Ha Long Tourism Week. In the festival, tourists can take part in a variety of activities will be held such as folk song singing contest, food processing competition, swimming competition, boat handling competion, etc.
Source: QN News
Posted by admin on March 23, 2011 under News |
Vietnam has for the first time participated in the Putrajaya International Hot Air Balloon Fiesta, which took place in Malaysia from March 17-20.
Putrajaya International Hot Air Balloon Fiesta 2011
Along with five balloons carrying Halong bay posters, Vietnamese team also had a stall advertising Halong bay in the festival to call on international friends to vote for Halong Bay as one of the world’s seven natural wonders.
The festival saw a total of 27 balloons of the US , Japan , Belgium , Switzerland , Netherlands , New Zealand , France , Germany , the UK , India , Thailand , Malaysia , Vietnam and Dubai ( United Arab Emirates ).
According to the Organizing Board, the event attracted 300,000 domestic and foreign spectators.
Source: QN News
Posted by admin on March 22, 2011 under News |
The tour to Vietnam by the world’s famous boy band Backstreet Boys in late March 2011 is expected to help introduce Vietnam to international friends, said Minister of Culture, Sports and Tourism Hoang Tuan Anh.
Speaking at a meeting with relevant agencies on the upcoming tour of Backstreet Boys in Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City on March 8, the Minister said that Vietnam should welcome the boy band thoughtfully to impress them.
The Minister said that this is a large-scale event, which attracts both local and international media so relevant agencies should see it as a chance to advertise Vietnam’s images and call for the vote for Halong Bay as a new natural wonder of the world.
Minister Hoang Tuan Anh emphasized that the number of fans will be huge so security, traffic and habits and customs must be guaranteed.
The tour organizers confirmed that Vietnam’s images will be highlighted in the tour. Specifically, a 1-minute clip calling for votes for the Halong Bay will be screened before the show.
Four members of Backstreet Boy – Nick Carter, Howie Dorough, Brian Littrell and A. J. McLean – will have two shows for more than 55,000 people at the Military Zone 7 Stadium in Ho Chi Minh City on March 24 and the My Dinh National Stadium in Hanoi on March 26.
Source: QN News
Posted by admin on March 21, 2011 under Halong Bay Cruises, Indochina Sails |
Indochina Sails is proud to announce the launch of the newest additions to its fleet of luxury junks. The “Indochina Sails Premium” and the “Valentine Premium” began sailing the emerald waters of Halong Bay in late 2010.
Dining room in Indochina Sail
Following in the tradition of our entire fleet, the Indo and Valentine Premiums offer luxurious accommodation, professional and friendly service, fine Vietnamese and Western cuisine and an itinerary designed to maximize your holiday pleasure.
The junks are built to the highest standards, in a time-honoured style, with first-class modern facilities. The best of Old World and New and the best of East and West are combined to create a unique and memorable way to explore one of Mother Nature’s most spectacular creations.
The Indo Premium comprises 23 exquisitely appointed cabins and ultra spacious public areas, while the Valentine Premium offers ultimate exclusivity with only two spacious cabins.
Both vessels have very large windows, both in the cabins and the dining rooms, ensuring our guests won’t miss a bit of the incredible scenery Halong Bay has to offer.
Our fleet now has a total of 74 cabins on six boats.
Our goal is to offer a soothing as well as stimulating experience that you will remember and cherish. Our dedicated and professional management and staff await you and look forward to serving you on magnificent Halong Bay.
