Phan Xuan Anh, chair of Viet Excursions, in Vietnam is called the ‘godfather of cruise tourism’. Anh these days has been making shuttle trips among the ports of Ha Long, Da Nang, Nha Trang and Phu My to receive cruises. And he works hard all day to prepare for bidding for the new year-end travel season. “Cruises have arrived since the beginning of the year. We receive 2-3 cruises a week,” he said. However, many large travel firms cannot develop cruise tourism, while others have given up after a short time of providing the service. Viet Excursion, with 25 workers only, has been ‘living well’ for years. “Cruise tourists always set very high and detailed requirements. You won’t have to warn normal travelers that there are 10 three-step staircases to the temple, but you have to do this with cruise tourists,” he said. “You even have to inform them if the toilets in destinations are designed in Asian or European style.” … [Read more...] about Vietnam sees great opportunities in cruise tourism
Vietnam make my trip
Vietnam makes overtures to Vietnamese-French footballer
The Vietnam Football Federation (VFF) made the move after 22-year-old Pendant told Goal Vietnam that he would "carefully consider" an offer to play for the Vietnamese national team, that it would be a matter of great pride. A report in the The Thao Thanh Pho Ho Chi Minh (Ho Chi Minh City Sports) newspaper said that Pendant, born to a Vietnamese mother and French father in France, is a defender for the Sochaux-Montbéliard football club in Ligue 2, the second-tier French football league. Pendant has played for the French U16 and U18 national football teams. VFF has said it is willing to create favorable conditions for Pendant to travel to Vietnam and play trial matches. In his interview with Goal Vietnam, Pendant said Vietnam means a lot to him though he has never returned to the country after a trip when he was six. "That is where my mother was born and raised. During my childhood, I was taught about the unique culture of Vietnam, from its cuisine, songs to movies." He said it was … [Read more...] about Vietnam makes overtures to Vietnamese-French footballer
Norman drives golf development in Vietnam
Viet Nam News Legendary golfer and Vietnam Tourism Ambassador for 2018-2021 Greg Norman talks to Việt Nam News about his role and future endeavours to bring golf in the country to the next level. Inner Sanctum: Việt Nam was voted the best golfing destination in Asia by Golf World Travel Awards. Could you tell us about your plans for this year as Việt Nam Tourism Ambassador? I wasn’t surprised at all to see Việt Nam voted best golf destination in Asia. The country has some of the most diverse topography and coastline I’ve ever seen, and the pristine sites that developers have access to are producing some of the best courses in the world today. When you combine a high caliber of golf with history, culture, great people and amazing food it makes for a truly special destination – and that’s exactly what you have here in Việt Nam. Some of the world’s most unique resorts exist here now and there are many more to come … [Read more...] about Norman drives golf development in Vietnam
David Thomas: Ho Chi Minh, Vietnam in my life, my career
The Hanoitimes - “I am one of the lucky ones but every day I wake up and wonder if my luck will run out. I have beautiful and normal children and now grandchildren but several of my friends in Vietnam have not been so lucky”. David Thomas, Director of Indochina Arts Partnership said: “I am one of the lucky ones but every day I wake up and wonder if my luck will run out. I have beautiful and normal children and now grandchildren but several of my friends in Vietnam have not been so lucky”. This is maybe the reason why he has spent a large of his time engaging to Viet Nam. Change outdated mind about Uncle Ho When Ho Chi Minh died on September 2, 1969, I was an American soldier stationed in Pleiku, South Viet Nam. At that time I only knew one fact about him, that he was the leader of the people we were fighting against. Therefore, we all naturally celebrated his death. That was the last time I thought seriously about him until 1987, when I returned to Vietnam for … [Read more...] about David Thomas: Ho Chi Minh, Vietnam in my life, my career
Vietnam visa hassles could deter long holidayers
Frenchman Thomas and Thai girlfriend Araya had big plans for Vietnam. Their first visit to the country in August had impressed them so much that they wanted to return for a much longer trip. The first trip happened after they’d traveled from France to Bangkok to visit Araya's parents. As they socialized with Vietnamese people and learnt about different places in the country, they regretted not visiting Vietnam sooner. After the trip, Thomas researched more information about other travel destinations in Vietnam. Fond of motorbikes, he planned to enjoy exploring the northern mountains on one, apart from a leisure trip to Nha Trang, a resort town in central Vietnam, and Ho Chi Minh City for Araya. Vietnam’s beaches are a popular draw among foreigners, but those who want long holidays in the country face complicated visa rules and procedures. The plan was to spend the entire month of November exploring Vietnam, before Thomas starting a new job in December … [Read more...] about Vietnam visa hassles could deter long holidayers