Author Archives: admin

Itinerary

Houses on stilts rested under the shadow of big trees, surrounded by paddy fields. Our curious eyes seemed not to bother the chickens who walked freely on simple bamboo fences. A small cement path led us to houses where we could see how Muong people garden, raise poultry, weave and cook.

The northern province of Hoa Binh has long been home to Muong ethnic people. Although the province is not far from the capital, the Muong culture has many special features that distinguish it from majority Kinh society. Visiting Giang Mo Village, I experienced this culture firsthand.

Set in a valley at the foot of Mo Mountain in Cao Phong District, 85km northwest of Ha Noi and 10km from Hoa Binh City, the village has been a popular tourist destination for more than 20 years.

Soulful beats: To Muong ethnic people, gongs are not simply musical instruments. People treat them like living bodies with souls and deep understanding. — VNA/VNS Photo Thanh Tung

Walking along the path, I saw children on high bamboo stilts and playing folk games like shuttle throwing. Some of them invited us to try the games. Taking a deep breath of fresh air, I felt as if I had escaped to a more tranquil world.

I stepped inside local Bui Kim Dinh’s house, where she told me about Muong gong culture. Showing me a set of 12 gongs symbolising the 12 months of the year, she said each family in the village owned at least one gong handed down through generations. On New Year’s Eve, people beat that gong to invite their ancestors to join the festivities.

“Gongs are not simply musical instruments,” Dinh said. “People treat them like living bodies with souls and deep understanding.”

She explained that the gongs are used for various purposes throughout the year. Gongs are beaten when a host welcomes guests to festivals, parties and weddings, and to welcome the new year. A team of women travel throughout the village, singing and beating gongs to wish people a happy new year and ward off bad things, as the long-lasting echo is believed to scare away evil.

The gongs also have a utilitarian purpose. When a person in the village wants to build a house, he must gather lots of tree trunks and bamboo. Neighbours work together, using gongs to motivate each other.

Gongs are also used during huntings to scare wild animals. When hunting ends, people beat gongs to announce the victory to the whole village. If the sounds last a long time, the message is that the men caught lots of animals and are inviting people to come enjoy the bounty.

Friendly face: Visitors to Giang Mo Village can be sure to receive welcoming smiles from local residents. — Photo cungphuot.info

Of course, the gong is also a musical instrument.

“Learning to play the gong is not difficult,” she said. “The biggest challenge is for all the gong beaters to work together to create a perfect melody.”

Muong cuisine is also fascinating to experience. The tribe used to live in valleys surrounded with lime mountains, near small rivers and streams, so their lives still rely significantly on nature and they remain almost self-sufficient.

Local Bui Thi Luu showed me how to steam rice in a piece of bamboo. The rice was carefully washed, mixed with peanuts and put into a bamboo trunk, which was then covered with a banana leaf and steamed. Muong people steam fish, vegetables and pork in the same way. The method preserves the freshness and sweetness of the ingredients.

Dinh said there was a saying among Muong people: “We show love through words; we show respect through our eating habits.” While eating, elder people always sit higher than younger ones, while a guest invited to a cup of wine should drink the whole thing in one go to express his or her sincerity to the hosts.

People tend to serve their food in banana leaves, which are then placed on a bamboo tray, rather than putting them on dishes. Sitting next to the fire and eating from the banana leaves, I felt the essence of forest and mountain, which was added to by a few sips of rice wine infused with leaves from the tro trang tree.

Leaving the village, I was drunk, not only with the special wine, but also with the echo of gongs and aroma of food of this unique culture.

Price

Policy

Itinerary

With an abundance of attractive destinations lighting the tourist trail along Vietnam’s coastline, the market for beachside holidays has become fiercely competitive. As a result, holiday-makers are faced with an almost impossible choice of heavenly hotspots vying for a slice of the country’s growing tourism market. Nha Trang, on the nation’s southeast coastline, is no exception.

Many choose Nha Trang as a safe middle ground between the country’s southern and central regions, and for good reason. With its tropical climate and cluster of pulsing nightlife venues, it has been a reliable party destination for years. But as is the case with popular food and tourist haunts, when something has been on the menu for a while it begins to feel a bit stale.

That is why it’s always good to see a newcomer throw a well-crafted spanner into the hospitality scene. The latest contender is Bacaro, perched on the very tip of Turtle Bay and offering spectacular panoramic views from Nha Trang’s latest five-star resort, the Amiana.

Celebrating its first anniversary last month, the venue is already well renowned for its luxurious beach-side villas, idyllic grounds and, of course, its destination dining. The restaurant has been especially well received by travellers wanting to sample local and international cuisine away from the hustle and bustle of the city’s main tourist thoroughfares.

Of an evening, both guests and walk-ins can be seen savouring unrivalled sunset views from LB’s Bar before indulging in the restaurant’s exotic fare. The only noise you can hear is the rustle of fresh sea-air through palm leaves and the occasional sampan fishing boat chugging by.

The concept of the restaurant is to offer a mix of Italian Ciccetti (a kind of Italian tapas) and a la carte dining. However, the restaurant is also branching out into themed buffet nights, where diners can sample an mixture of local specialties or Italian cuisine for around VND350,000 per person. On the night we visited, the “Nha Trang Market” buffet featured a sumptuous selection of local specialties including a home-style Nha Trang claypot, freshly made banh cuon and banh xeo.

The restaurant itself is positioned looking out across the five-star resort’s freshwater infinity pool, making the most of balmy ocean breezes that flow through the open-air layout. Hand-selected coconut tree trunks are used as elegant ceiling pillars while the wooden fans have been carved into the shapes of coconut leaves. In essence, the design is an artistic blend of contemporary and natural elements all intended to help you feel relaxed and at home among nature.

Bacaro offers a modern take on traditional cicchetti, usually comprised of small sandwiches and cured meats. The chefs have worked under the tutelage of some of Viet Nam’s top culinary performers – and it shows with each delicious plate served.

Dishes range from the Black Angus beef tartar with quail egg and forest mushrooms (VND110,000) to the more traditional bruschetta calabria served with cherry tomatoes, olives and goat cheese crumble (VND110,000). A particular favourite was the hummus with spicy lamb cutlet served with garbanzo bean mash and rubbed with a generous blend of harissa (VND120,000). The lamb was fresh, seared to a perfect medium-rare – itself a rare feat in Viet Nam – and complimented perfectly by the garlic flavours and subtle textures of the hummus.

In keeping with Nha Trang’s specialty, the restaurant also offers a rich selection of barbequed seafood plucked daily from the surrounding waters. We recommend the black tiger prawns (VND120,000 per 100 grams) and the succulent bay scallops wrapped in pancetta with tomato mango salsa (VND140,000). Visitors can also sample the restaurant’s own Amiana cured salmon with orange balsamic pickled beetroot, served with rocket and parmigiano (VND150,000).

 For those with a sweet tooth, it’s hard to be disappointed with the selection of cheesecakes, tarts and flavoured tiramisus. If you have to choose one, go for the Australian blueberry and white chocolate cheesecake (VND80,000).

An international wine and cocktail list is also on hand to compliment the vast selection of dishes. Our bottle of New Zealand Villa Maria Sauvignon Blanc came recommended by the waiter and was perfectly suited to our choice of food. And while the cocktail list is comprehensive, outside requests are also welcome and charged at a reasonable VND110,000. I was particularly surprised when my Manhattan Sidecar, which wasn’t on the menu, arrived looking and tasting exactly as I had wanted.

Maybe it was the cocktail, maybe it was the idyllic location, but either way it was nearly impossible to leave. And while Nha Trang’s party strip will always have its charms, it’s nice to know there is somewhere to escape to. Needless to say, we’ll definitely be heading back soon

Price

Policy

Itinerary

Morocco has been unveiled as the host for the World Travel Awards Grand Final 2014, 2015 and 2016 following the signing of a three-year hosting agreement during a ceremony hosted at Arabian Travel Market.

The announcement was made at a press conference jointly hosted by World Travel Awards president Graham Cooke, Moroccan minister of tourism, His Excellency Dr Lahcen Haddad, and Mohammed Arkobi, chairman of Innovate Marketing Solutions.

Speaking at the event Cooke said: “This is a momentous day for World Travel Awards and for the Moroccan tourism industry.

“Morocco is the ideal destination for World Travel Awards; growing rapidly to become the leading tourism destination in the region.

“There is so much to offer, from the beaches of Agadir, to the splendour of the Atlas Mountains and the cosmopolitan chic of downtown Rabat.”

The first event will take place in the beautiful city of Marrakech in November this year.

Discussing the role of Innovate Marketing Solutions in securing the deal, WTA president Cooke added: “We look forward to building our relationship with Innovate Marketing Solutions, over the coming months ahead of the event.

“As World Travel Awards’ representatives their role in negotiating the contract with the Moroccan tourism authorities has been instrumental.”

Securing hosting rights for the World Travel Awards Grand Final is just the latest coup for Morocco, which has been able to use its reputation as one of the most politically stable destinations in the region to significantly increase its tourism revenue in recent years.

While Marrakesh has been a ‘must see’ destination for generations, Fez, Meknez, and capital Rabat are now joining the city on the global stage.

Haddad added: “Morocco is an enchanting, hospitable land full of mystery, wonder and cultural richness.

“One of North Africa’s top tourist destinations, its dusty deserts, snow-capped Atlas Mountains, medieval medinas, and pristine beaches continue to delight and amaze visitors.

“Hosting the World Travel Awards Grand Final will be a defining event in enhancing the awareness of the Kingdom of Morocco among the most powerful leaders of the travel and hospitality industry.”

“We are delighted to be able to bring the WTA to morocco,” enthused Dr. Mohammed Arkobi, chairman of Innovate Marketing Solutions.

“We are true believers that morocco will be among top 20 tourist destinations in the world shortly.

“We believe in Moroccan hospitality and Moroccan ability.

“It was easy to the decision to host the World Travel Awards; it will showcase Morocco to the World Travel Awards’ global audience.”

The World Travel Awards Grand Final will follow a series of regional Gala Ceremonies, with events this year scheduled for Dubai (United Arab Emirates), Athens (Greece), Quito(Ecuador), Abuja (Nigeria), New Delhi (India), and the fantastic holiday island of Anguilla in the Caribbean.

World Travel Awards was established in 1993 to acknowledge, reward and celebrate excellence across all sectors of the tourism industry.

Today, the WTA brand is recognised globally as the ultimate hallmark of quality, with winners setting the benchmark to which all others aspire.

source : http://www.breakingtravelnews.com/news/article/morocco-signs-three-year-hosting-deal-for-world-travel-awards-grand-final/

Price

Policy

Itinerary

Etihad Airways, the national airline of the United Arab Emirates, has unveiled the new product and service offering on its Airbus A380 and Boeing B787 Dreamliner aircraft, including The Residence by Etihad, the world’s most luxurious living space in the air, available only on the airline’s A380 aircraft.

The Residence will be the breath-taking and completely new forward upper-deck cabin on the A380.

Accommodating single or double occupancy, it features a living room, separate double bedroom and en-suite shower room. Customers in The Residence will also have a personal butler.

With the launch of these new fleets, the Abu Dhabi-based airline will also redefine and rename its cabin classes.

The A380 will feature revolutionary First Apartments, which are fully private suites with a separate reclining lounge seat and full-length bed, as well as a chilled mini-bar, personal vanity unit and wardrobe.

Etihad Airways has allocated the upper deck of the A380 to its premium cabins.

On the B787, Etihad Airways has designed an enhanced First Suite, adding many new features including a chilled mini-bar.

The Business Studio and Economy Smart Seat will feature on both the A380 and the B787.

Etihad Airways is introducing the latest Panasonic eX3 entertainment system across both fleets, providing more than 750 hours of on-demand entertainment, improved gaming and high definition screens across all cabins.

The system has video touchscreen handsets, offering an additional screen for customers to maximise their entertainment, so they can play games or view a moving flight route map while watching a movie.

Noise cancelling headsets are provided across all cabins, with built-in magnetic audio jacks to ensure the best sound quality.

The A380 aircraft will have full mobile and Wi-Fi service while the B787 will be equipped with Wi-Fi.

The new cabins and service offering follow the airline’s pledge to transform air travel and make every customer journey a remarkable one.

James Hogan, Etihad Airways’ president and chief executive, said: “These new living spaces will raise inflight product and service standards to their highest level yet in commercial aviation and alter air travellers’ expectations of inflight comfort and luxury forever.

“Etihad Airways’ A380 and B787 will deliver the most advanced airline cabins in the industry, while meeting all weight, range and cost targets at our desired seat count.

“This will allow us to offer products unparalleled in quality and style, yet at competitive prices across all three cabins.”

Believing that no single design agency could deliver its vision for the new cabins, Etihad Airways established in 2008 the Etihad Design Consortium which brought together three leading British design companies, Acumen, Factory design and Honour Branding to develop innovative cabin and seat designs for the new fleets.

The EDC collaborated with Promise Communispace, a leading agency, to launch comprehensive consumer research and workshops in London, Abu Dhabi, Sydney, and New York, with the goal of understanding what makes a ‘perfect flight’ and asking consumers to help design the perfect airline.

Eighty per cent of the new product offering is a direct result of the feedback and information garnered from these workshops.

Etihad Airways’ design vision was to bring the individuality and exclusivity of a luxury boutique hotel experience to the sky in a way that embraced Arabian modernism, an aesthetic that combines the traditions of the Middle East with contemporary design.

The Residence by Etihad

The Residence, which is certified by the European Aviation Safety Agency for single or double occupancy, offers levels of luxury and total privacy normally found only on private jets.

Each Etihad Airways A380 will offer a boutique version of The Residence with different colour palettes, table marquetry and custom carpets.

Customers in The Residence will have the services of a personal butler throughout their flight.

These fully trained service professionals will receive specialist training at the Savoy Butler Academy in London.

They will also have a dedicated VIP travel concierge team who will ensure every detail of their travel experience, including ground transport, cuisine, and amenities, are tailored to their requirements.

First Apartments

Etihad Airways will redefine first class and set a remarkable new industry standard with the launch of the First Apartment on the A380.

Nine First Apartments will be installed on the upper deck in a 1-1 configuration to create the only single aisle first class cabin in the industry.

Each First Apartment, which has a 64 inch high sliding door, includes a reclining armchair and a full-length ottoman, both upholstered by the prestigious Italian suppliers of Ferrari’s interiors, Poltrona Frau. The ottoman transforms into a separate 80 inch long fully flatbed.

The First Apartment, which also includes features such as a chilled mini-bar, a personal vanity unit and a swivelling TV monitor for viewing from either the seat or the bed, has a 74 per cent larger footprint than the airline’s current award-winning first class suites.

A fully equipped shower room is available on the A380 for exclusive use by first class customers.

First Suites

On the B787, Etihad Airways has designed an enhanced First Suite with many new features.

The eight First Suites in a 1-2-1 configuration along a curved aisle, another first in commercial aviation.

Each completely private First Suite has a large seat and ottoman, both upholstered by Poltrona Frau, which converts into an 80.5 inch long full-flat bed.

On the centre seats, the armrests retract and the suites can be joined to create a ‘double’ bed.

Other features include a chilled mini-bar and a 24 inch TV monitor.

Business Studios

On both the A380 and the B787, Etihad Airways will launch its new Business Studios which provide 20 per cent more personal space than the airline’s current business class seat.

Configured 1-2-1 in a forward and aft ‘dovetail’, the Business Studios all have aisle access and the seat converts into a fully flat bed of up to 80.5 inches long.

With its privacy, ample storage and surface space, the Business Studio has been designed with the diverse needs of the premium business or leisure traveller firmly in mind.

The Lobby

On the Airbus A380, First and Business Class guests will be able to relax in The Lobby which is a serviced lounge and bar area located between the first and business cabins.

Providing a semi-circular leather sofa, a marquetry table and a large TV screen, The Lobby is designed for relaxing and socialising.

The TV has a USB connection so it can be used for sharing content or it can also be set to the airline’s live news and sport TV channels.

Economy Smart Seat

New Economy Smart Seat will offer an ergonomic fixed-wing headrest, to give customers a place to rest their head for added comfort and relaxation.

The seat also has a lumbar support feature, allowing customers to adjust their seat comfort, and an 11 inch personal monitor screen, with all the IFE peripherals conveniently set into the seatback in front.

The latest Panasonic eX3 personal entertainment system, of which Etihad Airways is a launch customer, is installed across all cabins

Cabin Entrances

A key design objective for Etihad Airways was to transform the boarding experience making it more akin to stepping into the lobby of a boutique hotel.

In all entry-ways in both aircraft and in all cabins, the galley equipment is concealed behind custom Arabic fretwork screens and blinds, while the trolleys are covered by elegant wood-finish doors, setting a stylish and welcoming environment for all customers.

Importantly for the airline’s Muslim customers, Etihad Airways has developed prayer areas which can be curtained off for privacy and are equipped with a real-time electronic Qibla-finder showing the exact direction of Mecca based on the aircraft’s geographical position.

In the premium class boarding areas, Etihad Airways will collaborate with cultural institutions in the UAE to exhibit artwork and artefacts in display cabinets installed throughout.

Items from the Etihad Airways duty free catalogue will also be displayed.

With the launch of these new aircraft, Etihad Airways will update its dining equipment, amenities and soft furnishings across its entire fleet.

Price

Policy

Itinerary

John Holland-Kaye, currently Heathrow’s development director, will become the company’s new chief executive officer with effect from July 1st 2014.

As development director, he has been responsible for delivering the £1 billion annual investment in transforming Heathrow, including the new Terminal 2: The Queen’s Terminal, which will open to passengers in June.

He joined the company as commercial director in May 2009, and was responsible for a 30 per cent growth in retail income and improved passenger experience.

Holland-Kaye was previously divisional chief executive with Taylor Wimpey, operations director at Taylor Woodrow and divisional managing director at Bass Brewers.

Heathrow announced on April 1st that Colin Matthews will be standing down as Chief Executive Officer.

Holland-Kaye said: “I am very proud to have been chosen to succeed Colin as chief executive.

“We have worked closely together for the last five years to improve passenger experience, efficiency and resilience, to a point where Heathrow is increasingly seen as Europe’s hub of choice.

“My aspiration is to improve Heathrow as much in the next five years as we have in the last five years.”

Price

Policy

Itinerary

Atlantis, The Palm, holds the key to success in the rapidly growing tourism industry in the UAE with its dynamic lead in innovation. The iconic resort is demonstrating its commitment to innovation by introducing significant new experiences and cutting-edge multi-channel marketing initiatives in 2014 to drive visitors from key global and regional markets, including the GCC, to Dubai.

This innovative game-changing approach will be a main highlight of Atlantis, The Palm’s participation in the Arabian Travel Market 2014 (ATM) Exhibition, held from today until Thursday, May 5 to May 8, 2014, at the Dubai International Convention and Exhibition Centre.

Participating under the umbrella of Kerzner International Holdings Limited, the leading international developer and operator of destination resorts and luxury hotels, Atlantis will showcase attractive tourism packages to suit all tastes and preferences of holiday seekers across the world.

Atlantis will participate under “Kerzner Group” in Sheikh Saeed Hall at booth No. HC5420, which will be dedicated to business visitors who can meet representatives of the three brands of the group: “Atlantis,” “One & Only” and “Mazagan”.
Ravini Perera, SVP of Sales and Marketing Atlantis, The Palm said “ATM is not only a platform to interact with our current customers and build new relationships, it is a place to highlight our USPs to a global market, as we gear up for an extraordinary summer season and beyond.”

The spectacular new additions to Aquaventure Waterpark that cement the resort’s identity as the ultimate entertainment destination in Dubai, will be key highlights at the four day show.

In partnership with VISA, Atlantis has created The Visa Family Fun package starting from AED 1,595++* valid for stays between 15th May and 30th September 2014. The offer includes one night in a Deluxe Room including breakfast and lunch or dinner from a choice of 14 restaurants for every person including Ronda Locatelli, Asian Republic and TBJ, for every night of stay. For parents looking to enjoy some well-deserved alone time, the package also includes a 2 for 1 spa treatment (30 minute head, neck and shoulder massage) at ShuiQi Spa & Fitness and complimentary daily afternoon or morning access to Kids Club or Club Rush per day per child. The offer may be redeemed by presenting a valid VISA card and may be booked between 20th April and 30th September 2014. Black out dates apply.

For refreshing fun, Aquaventure Waterpark rewards guests with the spectacular Aquaventure 3 for 1 Summer Offer. With every ticket purchased to Aquaventure Waterpark, guests receive free lunch and free admission to beautiful underwater exhibits in The Lost Chambers Aquarium. Lunch is a combo meal deal (drink and meal) redeemable at any of the four restaurants in park with over 50 mouth-watering lunch options.

The exciting marine activities will also be showcased, including unforgettable experiences at Dolphin Bay and the resort’s newest attraction, Sea Lion Point, allowing guests a great opportunity to learn about the newest members of the Atlantis family, the South African Fur Seals. Visitors can enjoy a cuddle and a kiss with one of the world’s most charming mammals and leave with a smile on their face.

At the show, Atlantis will unlock the MICE potential across many regional markets. Perera says MICE tourism will comprise a large component of Atlantis offerings in ATM, as the resort witnessed a significant increase in bookings for exhibitions and conferences in the first two quarters of 2014 and during the whole of 2013. To meet the rising MICE demand, the resort is in the process of devoting larger resources to business from events tourism.

Perera says: “Since the opening of ATP, we have organised more than 15,800 events of various types. With the increasing attention on the region and the Emirate of Dubai in particular, international companies are expanding their operations in the Middle East market, and we expect an exceptional boom in the tourism sector.”

Atlantis is not just leading the way with new attractions at the resort, having recently launched its first ever brand campaign this month, the resort is also at the forefront of interactive audience engagement.

Dubbed ‘Check into Another World’, the brand new multi-channel campaign uses innovative Computer Generated Imagery (CGI) technology to take audiences on a magical journey where guests can visually step into the all-encompassing 5 star luxury of Atlantis even before they arrive.

Centred around an 80-second TV commercial. The new ad, which also has 30 and 60 second versions, uses a combination of live action footage and visual effects, with CGI animated bird flocks and stuntmen and women performing acrobatic moves on rigged wire for the bird flock landing.

Covering a plethora of marketing platforms, the ad will be shown in various global travel trade exhibitions including ATM 2014, and with over half a million views on YouTube and a reach of 157,000, on Facebook in just 14 days, the ad is already proving to be a hit.

Part of the marketing also includes a CRM video embedded HTML5 email campaign, which has reached a global database of over a million. Also featuring the hospitality industry’s first ever live HD video broadcast email campaign, results already show over 70% click-through rate, compared to the global travel/tourism average of 15%.

Aptly titled ‘Only 7 Days until Fun and Sun’ and ‘What’s the Weather Like Where You Are?’, the live video emails engage audiences across the globe with a suggestive and playful nudge toward making plans to travel to the resort in Dubai with live broadcasts from cameras in the resort cleverly presented with a live countdown clock to instil a sense of anticipation.

Perera says “Atlantis is about constant innovation. Pairing advancements in interactive technology with the viewer’s emotional desire to unwind in a luxurious resort, our new brand campaign and live video broadcasts engage with travellers and allow guests to prepare for their trip in accordance with the weather, increasing their eagerness for the luxurious and relaxing times they can look forward to.”

“With the help of technology, we are able to bring hospitality marketing into a new era where guests truly enjoy the creative content. We’ve even created a ringtone supporting the brand campaign, which will bring back the happy memories at Atlantis, even after the holiday ends’ She added

Price

Policy

Itinerary

he Japanese government is preparing to extend visa exemptions to Indonesian, Filipino, and Vietnamese tourists in an effort to boost arrivals, Japan’s Kyodo News reported on Tuesday.

Price

Policy

Itinerary

The Ministry of Transport has approved the use of electric cars on a trial basis at the Noi Bai International Airport to help passengers move between terminals easily.

The initiative, which was proposed by the Civil Aviation Administration of Viet Nam, will see the introduction of electric cars on the airport grounds, which will carry passengers and airport staff between Terminal T1, the expanded Terminal T1 and Terminal T2, when it becomes operational by the end of this year.

Lai Xuan Thanh, director of the Civil Aviation Administration of Viet Nam, said the use of electric vehicles would help curb illegal taxis and motorbike taxis that cheat and overcharge passengers. They would also provide security and protect the environment of the airport.

He noted that the need to move between terminals is quite high for both the passengers and airport personnel.

However, due to ministry regulations, there are restrictions on the vehicles allowed inside the airport grounds.

Since most vehicles are also restricted to certain areas within the airport grounds, passengers have found it difficult to move from one terminal to another.

The use of electric cars could temporarily solve the problem, he added, noting that these vehicles will be required to comply with traffic regulations.

According to Thanh, the administration has received support from several quarters to amend the regulation, which currently permits only vehicles that have a certain type of licence plate to operate on the airport grounds.

The administration will be in charge of granting certificates to electric cars that are technically eligible to operate on behalf of the airport. The Northern Aviation Authority will monitor the operations of these vehicles to ensure the safety and security of the airport.

Currently, there are 36 domestic and international airlines operating from and to the Noi Bai International Airport.

Last year, there were around 90,000 flights from the airport, carrying nearly 13 million passenger trips and 332,000 tonnes of cargo. Since the airport was receiving an increasing number of passengers, the capacity of Terminal T1 was expanded.

In December, the expanded Terminal T1 officially started operations. It has the capacity to serve six million passengers every year. Terminal T2, which has the capacity to serve 15 million passengers every year, is expected to become operational by the end of this year.

Price

Policy

Itinerary

The heart-shaped Phu Quoc Island of Viet Nam ranked third in the list of best winter trips 2014, according to the U.S.-based National Geographic Traveler magazine.

The periodical noted that there’s no reason to hibernate this winter when there are new beaches, slopes, sports, and festivals to discover. This year’s list of best winter trips is a global collection of 15 editor-recommended destinations.  

Some of Viet Nam’s best beaches are on Phu Quoc Island, making them closer to Cambodia than the Vietnamese mainland.

Phu Quoc once housed the so-called “coconut tree prison” (now a museum), where Vietcong prisoners of war were held through 1973. What’s bringing international travelers and, so far, restrained development to Phu Quoc today are its warm, turquoise waters; secluded, deep sand beaches; and lush, mountainous interior (protected as a national park).

Most resorts are located south of Phu Quoc International Airport on Long Beach, and provide airport transfers to their guests.

The magazine also suggested tourists The most convenient way to travel around the island is by motorbike taxi or (with extreme caution) by motorbike.to visit the bustling Dinh Cau Night Market to try whatever local fishermen hauled in that day (sea urchin, prawns, clams, squid, scallops, sardines). Held most evenings near Cau Temple in Duong Dong, the market has dozens of stalls and is a good place to shop for souvenirs (although most items aren’t produced locally).

Phu Quoc is Viet Nam’s nuoc mam (fish sauce) capital. The island’s signature (and powerfully pungent) sweet-sour Phu Quoc sauce is the essential Vietnamese condiment and, in 2013, became the country’s first product granted the European Union Protected Designation of Origin (PDO) status.

Other ideal destinations include Paris (France); Lake Baikal, Siberia, (Russia); Santa Margherita Ligure (Italy); Nosara Beaches (Costa Rica); Winter Wolf Viewing, Lamar Valley Yellowstone National Park (the US); Gold Coast, Queensland (Australia); Winter Festivals in Miami, Miami Beach, and Coral Gables, Florida; Muscat-to-Salalah Coastal Route (Oman).

Price

Policy

Itinerary

The Khmer residents of a commune in the southernmost province of Ca Mau can enjoy their unique pentatonic music form once again as youngsters take to it with enthusiasm, Xuan Trang and Trung Hieu report.

An ethic Khmer woman living in Khanh Hoa Commune, U Minh District, says that previously, she would come home after worshipping the Buddha at the local pagoda, but now, there’s something more that attracts her to stay after a ritual ceremony.

With enjoyment writ large on her face, Son Thi Ram, 63, says local Khmer people in this commune of the southernmost province of Ca Mau are very happy that they now have a Khmer music troupe that performs nhac ngu am (Literally, Five-element music – a Khmer music form that uses a pentatonic scale as singers and instrumentalists accompany dancers). “During the previous holidays, when we did not have this traditional music troupe, I visited the pagoda to worship the Buddha, offer rice to the monks, and returned home. But now, I stay back to enjoy their performances, which are full of the traditional tunes of our Khmer people, which I thought were almost lost,” she says.

Most of the team’s musicians are young adults and teenagers who have been officially trained by the Khmer Information and Art Troupe of Ca Mau.

Before the establishment of the nhac ngu am troupe, the commune had a team of young musicians and singers, but they mainly played modern instruments rather than traditional ones.

“We are very happy that the Government has provided funding to organise classes and establish such a large nhac ngu am troupe,” said local resident Danh Van Rinh.

Royal instruments

Thach Dien, head of the Ca Mau Khmer Information and Art Troupe, said this particular music genre was typically played with “royal instruments” of the Khmer community.

“Nobody knows when and where these types of instruments originated. In ancient times, this music primarily served kings and mandarins. Over time, it reached a wider audience and now, it serves the public during the main Khmer festivals,” he said.

Experts say that the pentatonic music arrangement of nhac ngu am is very sophisticated and each instrument’s sound is synchronised with the others during a concert, ensuring a harmony that is very pleasing to the ears.

There are typically seven instruments that are used, including two made of bamboo, two brass gongs, two big drums and a small drum.

In addition to being part of an orchestra, each instrument can combine with other traditional instruments or be played individually to facilitate different dances.

Dien said it took them about three months to train the local children to basically use these instruments.

“If they want to play them more fluently, they should practice for a longer time, and moreover, they must love the art so they can perform in a professional manner,” he said.

Fine tuning: Artisan Thach Suol, 59, has been making the traditional music instruments of Khmer ethnic people for 30 years. The picture shows the artisan checking the sounds of an instrument before delivering to customers. — VNA/VNS Photo Huy Hoang

A member of the troupe since its early days, teenager Dan Van Luom said he is very excited when he performs during the Tet (Lunar New Year) holidays.

“I’m passionate about singing, so when the elders encouraged me to learn to play pentatonic music I enrolled immediately. It is fun when playing music with friends at concerts, and I feel a new vitality,” he said.

All the young members of the troupe are very enthusiastic and want to learn more and understand their music better. However, not many can learn it, either because they come from poor families or there’s no school that teaches this art genre in their region. This is a common problem facing the preservation and promotion the cultural traditions of ethnic minorities in the Cuu Long (Mekong) Delta, Dien said.

With increasing recognition of the importance of preserving ethnic cultural identities, Delta authorities have recently proposed many solutions.

These include raising awareness and emphasising the responsibility of the community in preserving and promoting traditional cultural values.

Dien said that provinces in the Delta have recently held short-term courses for musicians and actors wanting to dance and play music in the Khmer art troupes.

Some provinces have set aside money to support the restoration and recovery of cultural and festival activities, purchase new musical instruments, build the Khmer traditional long racing boats and renovate pagodas.

Thanks to these measures, the unique cultural traditions of the Khmer are not only being restored, but is also growing, and the “Five-element music” troupe of the young Khmer people in Khanh Hoa Commune is a good example, Dien said.

He added: “We hope the authorities will soon help us start professional classes on the traditions of ethnic minorities in general, and the Khmer people in particular.

“We will also encourage the young people to improve their skills and actively join performances in villages to help preserve our traditional culture.”

Price

Policy