VIETNAM
“Vietnam boasts some of the world’s most
GOOD MORNNG VIETNAM! BY DEBBIE WARD “In the morning, wearing nothing but my underwear, I open my cabin curtains expecting to see the stunning miles of emerald water and limestone islands of Halong Bay. With a startled shriek I find a woman in a rowing boat instead. She is under my window, passing shell trinkets to potential customers on the deck above. During my cruise on the
Bhaya Classic, as well as the stalactite-filled ‘surprise’ cave, we row to a floating school and an oyster farm. I come to realise the bay is not just a UNESCO-listed beauty spot, but a home and workplace. Halong Bay is a Vietnam must-see, and an easy side trip from Hanoi. Tell clients it’s important to book cruises through a reputable operator in advance because many local outfits have eco-unfriendly boats with noisy generators.”
breathtaking scenery, beaches, hotels and spas. You will also discover the most delicious food, finest service and kindest people on earth”
PHAM HA, FOUNDER AND CEO, LUXURY TRAVEL LTD
private fams on request – email
agents@luxurytravelvietnam.com. Airlines: Regional carrier
Dragonair, sister to Cathay Pacifi c, has boosted twin-centre options with new thrice-weekly fl ights between Hong Kong and Danang. Vietnam Airlines has meanwhile launched a daily scheduled fl ight between Danang and Siem Reap in Cambodia, operating on a seasonal basis during the months of January, February and March. Hue’s Phu Bai Airport (HUI) will be closed for renovation from April 1 through until December 31 this year. Flights will move to Danang Airport, 85km south. Hotels: Intercontinental Danang
Sun Peninsula Resort recently added a French restaurant to its amenities operated by three-star Michelin chef Michel Roux. La Maison 1888 is set in a colonial-style mansion overlooking Monkey Mountain. La Veranda Phu Quoc Resort
has added 27 new rooms while Evason Ana Mandara Nha Trang has introduced a kids’ club for accompanied over-fours with an emphasis on adventure activities like beach camping. The Caravelle Hotel in Ho Chi Minh
City is offering opera-themed stays which include three nights in an Opera Suite and a visit to the French- designed Saigon Opera House, which the suite overlooks. The Ritz-Carlton Saigon is scheduled to open in 2017 as part of the new One Ho Chi Minh City project, in a 48-storey tower which will also feature luxury apartments as well as retail outlets.
Tourism talk
“Forward bookings for this year are in line with expectations. We’re fi nding
an increasing proportion of passengers are looking to include a meaningful beach stay of a week or more, as well as the popular cultural destinations. A number of local tourism
stakeholders from prominent hotels, resorts, golf courses and operators have formed the Central Coast Vietnam Destination Marketing Organisation, to promote the region as an emerging competitor in Southeast Asia. As the national carrier, Vietnam Airlines is happy to provide destination and product training for travel agents.” David Cook, Sales Manager UK, Vietnam Airlines
Left: Vietnam’s ubiquitous cyclos and Cai Rang fl oating market
www.sellinglonghaul.com
April 2013 39
Page 1 |
Page 2 |
Page 3 |
Page 4 |
Page 5 |
Page 6 |
Page 7 |
Page 8 |
Page 9 |
Page 10 |
Page 11 |
Page 12 |
Page 13 |
Page 14 |
Page 15 |
Page 16 |
Page 17 |
Page 18 |
Page 19 |
Page 20 |
Page 21 |
Page 22 |
Page 23 |
Page 24 |
Page 25 |
Page 26 |
Page 27 |
Page 28 |
Page 29 |
Page 30 |
Page 31 |
Page 32 |
Page 33 |
Page 34 |
Page 35 |
Page 36 |
Page 37 |
Page 38 |
Page 39 |
Page 40 |
Page 41 |
Page 42 |
Page 43 |
Page 44 |
Page 45 |
Page 46 |
Page 47 |
Page 48 |
Page 49 |
Page 50 |
Page 51 |
Page 52 |
Page 53 |
Page 54 |
Page 55 |
Page 56 |
Page 57 |
Page 58 |
Page 59 |
Page 60 |
Page 61 |
Page 62 |
Page 63 |
Page 64 |
Page 65 |
Page 66 |
Page 67 |
Page 68