(23-07-2005)

Ha Noi in top five Asian cities

Ha Noi has been selected as one of the top five best Asian cities by readers of US magazine Travel and Leisure.

Ha Noi ranked fifth in 2005 compared with its fourth position in the 2004 poll. Bangkok was voted the best Asian city, followed by Chiang Mai also in Thailand, Hong Kong and Kyoto.

Australia’s biggest city, Sydney, has again been named the world’s best, according to the 10th annual World’s Best Awards readers’ survey.

New security team for tourists

A team of security guards to protect foreign tourists will begin working in October, said the city’s Tourism Department.

The security guards will help tourists with problems such as traffic disorders, harassment and overcharging.

The city will also set up a hotline for tourists who can call if they need help from guards. The team is part of a larger effort to promote HCM City as a safe destination.

Backpacker area to be revamped

A plan to turn Pham Ngu Lao Ward in HCM City’s District 1 into a big tourist hub is to be submitted soon to city authorities.

The city’s Tourism Department’s recent survey of 333 tourists in the popular budget area revealed that the visitors came from a variety of professions, including doctors, engineers, business people and students.

New eco-resort for Da Nang

The central city of Da Nang will set up a new eco-spa resort near the famous tourist site Ngu Hanh Son (Marble Mountain) which symbolises five basic elements: metal, wood, water, fire and earth.

The Ngu Hanh Son spa resort will be built on more than 8ha and will offer a swimming pool, museum and mud bath.

More resorts in Quang Nam

Quang Nam Province will have two more resorts, with the first a VND100 billion to be invested by a local Mua Vang Co in the central coastal town of Hoi An.

The 4.5ha Mien Chim Ngoi Resort will include 13 Vietnamese-style villas and will serve as a venue stage performances of folk music, such as ca tru (ceremonial songs), quan ho (love duets) and hat boi (Vietnamese classical theatre).

The provincical authorities have also approved a French-invested resort project with a VND500 billion investment on 18ha in Binh Duong Commune in Thang Binh District.

VN has ‘best food in the world’

Viet Nam was recently recognised both as a gourmet paradise and as one of the safest destinations in the world for travelers.

A Footprint Travel author writes that the country’s "environment is captivating and the food divine. I think it’s the best food in the world." Aon Insurance Company ranked Viet Nam among the safest countries.

Viet Nam’s tourism is booming, with 1.7 million tourists arriving in the first half of 2005, an increase of 23.7 per cent compared to the same period last year. The country is targeting 3.5 million visitors this year. — VNS

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