Twice as many foreigners as last year gathered in Pyongyang Sunday for the city's annual marathon, tour firms said, as reduced tensions see visitor numbers rise in North Korea. Runners begin the annual Pyongyang marathon at Kim Il Sung stadium on Apr 8, 2018. (Photo: AFP/Ed Jones) The event -- part of the celebrations for the anniversary of founder Kim Il Sung's birth in 1912 -- is the highlight of the North's tourism calendar and offers the chance to run or jog through the streets of the tightly-controlled city. Around 950 Westerners entered the event, according to market leader Koryo Tours, compared to some 450 last year when numbers slumped. That brought participation almost back to the levels of 2017, before tensions soared as the North carried out a series of missile launches. More Western tourists signed up for the marathon this time, tour operators said, following a year of high-level diplomacy between Trump and Kim. "As political tensions have subsided, tourism … [Read more...] about Tourist numbers double at North Korea marathon
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Locals and tourists elated about DPRK US Hanoi Summit
Uten Yellow, Thailand Kim Jong Un lookalike attracts the curiosity of Hanoians In the past three days, many local people and even foreign tourists have been showing great excitement when they see me, a man who looks like Chairman Kim Jong-un, and asked for pictures. I am very happy when receiving positive response as people think that my appearance in the streets of Hanoi is funny and interesting. I had my hair cut, I practiced a lot so that I could “pretend” to be Chairman Kim and hope to bring joy to Vietnamese people. I can see that Vietnamese people are looking forward to the DPRK-US Summit, which is coming soon and the influence of it can be felt all over the city. I am heading back to Thailand tomorrow, but I am really excited about the results of the summit. This is quite a favourable opportunity for Vietnam to promote itself. Marcos Wolf, Germany Germany tourist Marcos also excited with the Chairman Kim lookalike This is my first time in Hanoi and … [Read more...] about Locals and tourists elated about DPRK US Hanoi Summit
Bustling HCM City a top spot for tourists
Spiritual life: A foreign tourist burns incense at Thiên Hậu Pagoda in Chợ Lớn (Chinatown) in HCM City’s District 5. Photo San Hà Viet Nam News The country’s largest city brims with things to do and explore, from motorbike tours of former Chinatown to incense-filled pagodas, underground war tunnels and a UNESCO-listed biosphere. San Hà HCM CITY — HCM City, formerly known as Sài Gòn, has emerged from its darkest days to become one of Asia’s most exciting cities. The international travel guide publisher Lonely Planet named Việt Nam’s southern metropolis one of the top 10 places to visit in Asia in 2018. If you’re a first-time visitor and don’t have a week-long holiday in HCM City, it’s crucial to experience some of the city’s intriguing historic landmarks, vibrant markets, local food and diverse nightlife offerings and activities to make the most of two or three days in the … [Read more...] about Bustling HCM City a top spot for tourists
Many foreigners to join 6th Ho Chi Minh City Marathon next year
The Hanoitimes - Marathon has become the spiritual food for people in Ho Chi Minh City in recent years as the marathon helps to make your heart and body stronger. The sixth Ho Chi Minh City International Marathon is expected to attract not only Vietnamese athletes, but also to welcome runners from 49 countries and territories such as Japan, China, South Korea, Singapore, and Malaysia, helping to promote the attractive destination of Ho Chi Minh City and Vietnam to international friends. The race themed “Big Dream” will not only will be held on January 13, 2019 in district 7 with competition distances of marathon (42km), half marathon (21km), (10km) and Kids Dash (1km), the Thanh Nien (Young People) newspaper reported. 6th Ho Chi Minh City Marathon grand opening celebration set for next year. In which, Kids Dash, the fun run is designed especially for children to encourage them to be active and healthy through participating in the 1km (Kids Dash) and 2km (Kids … [Read more...] about Many foreigners to join 6th Ho Chi Minh City Marathon next year
Foreigners join Vietnamese to celebrate President Ho’s birthday
Foreign tourists in the line to the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum (Source: VNA) Hanoi (VNA) - Thousands of foreign tourists visited the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum on May 19-20 on the 128th birthday anniversary of late President Ho Chi Minh (May 19). Many came to pay their tribute to the late President while others visited the landscape because they wanted to see how locals admire the late leader. Mancelline Serce, a French tourist, has been travelling in Vietnam for two months. He wanted to visit the mausoleum on the special day. “I know the story of Ho Chi Minh and I like this man,” Mancelline said. “It’s like a dream for me to see Ho Chi Minh in the building.” Mancelline Serce, a French tourist (Source: VNA) Tom, from the Netherlands, wanted to spend the first day in Hanoi to see the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum and enjoy the respectful atmosphere in the landscape. “We are glad to be here on his birthday,” he said. “It’s beautiful to … [Read more...] about Foreigners join Vietnamese to celebrate President Ho’s birthday