Luang Prabang celebrates World heritage

At Luang Prabang, on 12 March 2015: A Luang Prabang gives plan is outlined to celebrate its 20th anniversary of its World Heritage Site listing by UNESCO this December.

Vientiane Times informed an official celebration will take place in Luang Prabang 7 to 9 December to mark the anniversary.

Activities in event will include seminars on the protection, conservation and development of the town as a World Heritage Site, as well as meetings and a public parade, photo exhibition, and drawing contest for young people.

These events will concerntrate on Luang Prabang and its role as the country’s top tourist destination while supporting handicraft sales, as well as cultural performances and sports.

The highlights of the event will be an elephant parade led by a white elephant. According to Khampheng Xaysompheng- Luang Prabang provincial governor, the event will showcase the achievements of Luang Prabang in protecting, preserving as well as developing the town to ensure its value is maintained since it was listed as a World Heritage Site in 1995.

The economy of province is growing at an average of 8.2% per year, and average income per person per year is USD 1, 450.

The town authorities realize the worth of tourism in terms of revenue and job creation, but they need to recognise that a very high level of stewardship is required to ensure the next generation can enjoy Luang Prabang’s heritage.

Luang Prabang capital is located on a peninsula formed by the Mekong and Nam Khan rivers and mountain ranges, namely the Phou Thao and Phou Nang ranges that encircle the city.

It was known as Meuang Xua, then Xieng Thong and from the 14th to 16th centuries the town became the capital of the powerful Kingdom of Lane Xang (Kingdom of a Million Elephants). Probably, it dates back more than 1,200 years.

But Luang Prabang attracted the imagination of travellers because of the fusion of traditional and French colonial architecture during the 19th and 20th centuries and its chill-out ambience that still survives despite a tourism boom. In Asia, it is one of the few remaining towns that reflect a blending of two distinct cultural traditions.

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Kenya Airline flies to Hanoi

At Hanoi, on 12 March 2015: Kenya Airways will start a new service linking Hanoi and Nairobi, effective 30 March.
Kenya Airways announced that they will create three flights a week to the Vietnamese capital with using a Boeing 787 Dreamliner.
From Nairobi Airport, The flights will depart at 2220 on Monday, Wednesday and Friday and arrive in Hanoi at 1155 next day with a return flights departing Hanoi on Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday. Kenya Airways’ managing directors and CEOs, Mbuvi Ngunze, said there was strong potential to grow the route due to economic expansion in Vietnam.
“Over recent years, Vietnam has enjoyed stable economic growth, including an increase in trade with Africa. As the first African airline to directly connect Vietnam to Africa, we intend to leverage this growth.”
Kenya Airways and Sky Team partner, Vietnam Airline will work closely together, to offer connections from Hanoi to Japan, Malaysia, South Korea and China. Currently, Kenya Airways flies to 51 destinations worldwide, 42 of which are in Africa and carriers over 3 million passengers annually.
It's after Thailand, China, Hong Kong and India Vietnam will be the fifth destinations in Asia.

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Vietnam’s low-cost airline adds flights

At Singapore, on 13 March 2015: Vietjet Air has announced plans to increase flights from one to two daily on its Singapore to Ho Chi Minh City route, effective 30 May.

The airline says the growth is due to a growing demand for low-cost air travel between the two destinations.

It's only two roundtrips per day; the new route will have a capacity of 5,040 seats a week. The expanded plan will see daily flights depart Singapore Changi International Airport at 1350 and 1800 (local times). At HCMC’s Tan Son Nhat International Airport, two hours and five minutes is for the flight time of flights departs at 0855 and 1400 (local times).

Currently, Vietjet operates 150 flights daily with a fleet of 21 A320 Airbus aircraft on 28 routes. To go on routes expanding, Vietjet will take delivery of more Airbus A320s this September. Customers can purchased tickets through booking online at via Vietjet’s Facebook page at www.facebook.com/vietjetairvietnam or www.vietjetair.com.

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Ho Chi Minh city (Sai Gon) made into top destinations for short holidays

Discovering the beautiful temples in Cho Lon, exploring the history of Cu Chi tunnels are two things to do in Ho Chi Minh city that Skyscanner recommend you.
Here are the 5 destinations with beautiful sceneries that you are advised to visit by Skyscanner.

With the high GDP growth rate, Ho Chi Minh city interests not only tourists but also many foreign investors. Photo taken by: Hồ Như Ý. 

Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam 
Being the biggest and busiest city in the country, Ho Chi Minh city (Sai Gon) is sometimes misunderstood as the capital of Vietnam. If you want to explore the landscapes of the city, it is advisable for you to visit Cho Lon – a place of many pagodas. Moreover, Cu Chi tunnel is a great place for you to have a history lesson about Vietnam. This place used to be a revolutionary base in the war against America. These are the interesting things to do in Ho Chi Minh city that are sure to give you an impressive and wonderful experience.


Chiang Mai, Thailand 
Chiang Mai is the place where stands one of the most impressive pagodas in Thailand. Wat Chedi Luang, built in the 15th century, is one of the leading tourist destinations in this country. Visiting this tourist attraction creates a chance for tourists to enjoy and learn how to cook the stunning traditional dishes. Moreover, tourists can also explore the cultural landscapes of this beautiful city.

Hong Kong, China 
If you are about to have a trip with your kids, Hong Kong is a perfect selection. You can shop to your heart’s content at the bustling central of the city. All the goods here including the luxury ones (except for wine and cigarettes) are exempt from tax.

Medan, Indonesia
Mechan is a perfect destination city for people who have passion for culture and architecture. The Grand Mosque (also known as Masjid Raya) was built following the Moroccan architecture by a Dutch architect. This place is one of the most outstanding tourist sites in the city. Visiting this place, you can have an opportunity to enjoy the durians at Durian Ucok and sip a cup of coffee at Otten with your family and friends.

Perth, Australia 
If you are having a relaxing break in your mind, you should visit Perth city in Australia. A stroll along the river or in the green vineyards in the evenings is sure to bring you pleasure. You can hire a car to vineyards along the Margaret river or lie on the famous beaches in Cottesloe.

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Hoi An made into top 10 most romantic destinations in the world

CNN has voted Hoi An city as the third most romantic destination in the world because of its ancient and elegant appearance along with the stunning food at affordable prices.

1. Udaipur, India
Appears like a mirage on the edge of the desert, Udaipur is really a precious treasure with beautiful palaces, spectacular fortresses and numerous goldsmiths. You are sure to know the reason why this place is considered one of the most romantic destinations in Asia when contemplating the beauty of Pichola lake and the luxury architectural works in the Rajput era.

2. Waiheke island, New Zealand 
Waiheke island with its beautiful beaches surrounded by green mountains and numerous bays attracts a huge number of tourists every year. Also, there are dozens of wine shops and factories located here. Visiting this wonderful island, couples are bound to have a golden chance to sip gulps of wine in the fresh and romantic atmosphere. Only a 30 minute ferry ride across the Hauraki Gulf and you can get to this paradise island.

3. Cafayate, Argentina 
This is a romantic sightseeing place in front of Andes Moutains with a lot of hills and colorful cafés along the roads. Coming to Cafavate, couples can sit here for hours with glasses of grape wine and contemplate the original mountain with layers of sediment. The mountain looks as if it were manipulated by an abstract artist.

4. Hoi An, Vietnam 
For the gourmets with tight budget, Hoi An is a perfect place to come and enjoy. Apart from the attraction from the cuisines, Hoi An was also highly appreciated for its ancient, elegant but no less romantic look. This place is certain to bring couples peace to their soul.

5. Quirimbas Islands, Mozambique
Located off the coast of northeastern Mozambique, Quirimbas islands are the collection of white fine sand shore jutting out of a turquoise sea. This place is considered as one of the most ideal place in Africa for diving, birding or simply lounging.

6. Middleburg, Virginia, America 
Middleburg is crowded without being noisy, historic without being antiquated. Along the streets are the contiguous houses with white picket fence and gently curving vines standing next to numerous wine factories. This beautiful scene makes it a romantic getaway for couples.

7. Mostar (Bosnia and Herzegovina) 
The bridge is considered as the symbol of reconciliation and ethnic harmony in Balkan. This spot is also famous for its cobblestone streets, colorful shops and multi – ethnic restaurants along the bank of Neretva river. These destinations are the places that you cannot miss when visiting Monstar.

8. Peter island, British Virgin Islands 
With one marina, two amusement areas, four dining options, five beaches and numerous opportunities for sailing or scuba diving, this paradise resort is bound to bring couples a lot of interesting experiences.

9. Vernazza, Italy 
Vernazza is one of the five fishing villages collectively called Clinque Terre. The Sentiero Azzurro (blue trail) connecting between Riomaggiore and Manarola villages is a perfect place to have a picnic lunch and take a walk around the hill – hugging vineyards.

10. Galle, Sri Lanka 
The ancient seaside town is one of the most beautiful and peaceful town in Sri Lanka. This place is not wide – known for long coastline but for the old castles which are in the list of the World Cultural Heritage.

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