Travellers' Notes

(25-06-2005)

Ancient wells attract visitors to Quang Tri

Hundreds of tourists have been visiting Gio An Commune in the central province of Quang Tri to have a look at nine ancient wells, which were reportedly built at the end of the Neolithic era, some 5,000 years ago. The stone wells, dug in a basalt hill, have never run dry. They have been recognised by local residents as a significant part of the area’s cultural heritage.

Young Viet kieu invited on nationwide tour

Some 80 young overseas Vietnamese have been invited to join a two-week trip to Viet Nam scheduled to start in mid-July. The young Viet kieu from the US, Canada, France, Laos and Cambodia will visit Ha Noi, Ha Long Bay and the Hung King Temple in the northern provinces. They will also tour the ancient city of Hue, Cu Chi Tunnels near HCM City and the Mekong province of Tien Giang. The tour has been organised by the Overseas Vietnamese Committee and the Ho Chi Minh Communist Youth Union.

Luxury resort planned for Con Dao Island

A luxury resort will be built on Con Dao Island off Ba Ria-Vung Tau coast later this year. The resort, a US$11.5 million project mapped out by a joint venture between the Vung Tau-based OSC Viet Nam and UDS Construction Design Co, will be built on 38ha. It will comprise 60 bungalows, a physiotherapy area, a traditional craft village and other facilities such as restaurants and a cruise ship pier. Construction is scheduled to start in October and be completed in 2007.

Tours for disabled people on the boards for Germans

Saigontourist recently organised a package tour for six disabled Germans. The June 8-22 expedition took in major tourist attractions in Ha Noi, Quang Ninh, Da Nang, Quang Nam, HCM City and Tien Giang as well as parts of Cambodia. The company plans to set up a department that caters specifically to physically handicapped tourists. Last year Saigontourist organised a package excursion to Da Lat for 50 local blind people.

Hue to host annual tourism, cultural festivals

Starting this year, the central province of Thua Thien-Hue will alternately organise annual tourism and cultural festivals to attract local and foreign tourists. The tourism expos will be organised during odd years (2005, 2007... ) and cultural festivals during even years (2004, 2006... ). The first tourism festival will kick off on July 8 this year with fashion shows, contests, painting exhibitions, music shows and traditional games on Nguyen Dinh Chieu Street along the Huong River. This year’s festival will also feature a parade with floats and carriages.

Five-star beach resort opens in central Viet Nam

The five-star Golden Sands Resort has just opened in central Hoi An, featuring the largest swimming pool in Viet Nam and a private beach and swimming area. Still in its soft opening until late this summer, the Swiss-Belhotel-owned resort, located on Cua Dai beach, is offering a special package through A Class travel agency, which includes round trip airfare from Ha Noi, two nights in a superior room, complimentary breakfasts, replenished fruit basket, daily high tea, and 10 per cent off all food and beverage for US$209. The offer expires on July 30. For more information email aclasstravel@hn.vnn.vn or check out the hotel’s website at www.swiss-belhotel.com. — VNS

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