Project of Hue – Da Nang steam trains for tourists to be approved
Recently, the Vietnamese Ministry of Transport has approved a project of using steam-locomotive trains on the Hue – Da Nang Railway, a part of the Hanoi-Ho Chi Minh route, for tourism purposes.
The project will be jointly carried out by Vietnam Railways (VNR) and Indochina Rail Tourist Service Co., Ltd.
The developers need to complete the necessary infrastructures such as swing bridges or standard fire hydrants to enable the operation of the steam locomotive.
Investing VND 81billion in total, the Indochina Rail Co., Ltd has to pay for the railway section use and return the infrastructure when required by the Ministry. On the other hand, VNR will manage transportation services and operating charts.
Steam trains were no longer used in Vietnam in the 1990s and replaced by diesel-driven ones.
Operating through Hai Van Pass – one of the most beautiful passes in Vietnam, the new steam trains include VIP wagons, restaurants, kitchen, wagons for sightseeing, promisingly attracting more tourists from Lang Co (Hue) to Danang.
The steam train operation will not affect passenger and freight transportation on the North-South railway route.
Source: vietnamonline.com
Vietnamese tourist hotpots in contention for 2021 World Travel Awards
Da Nang, Hue, Hoi An and Hanoi, famed Vietnamese tourism havens, have been nominated in different categories at the 2021 World Travel Awards for Asia.
Hoi An ancient town, which used to be a busy international commercial port from the 16th to 19th centuries, and Hue, the seat of Vietnam’s last ruling Nguyen Dynasty, are among six nominees for Asia’s leading cultural city destination.
This Vietnamese tourist towns will compete with Beijing, Kyoto, Delhi and Seoul for the title.
The central city of Da Nang, famous for its signature international fireworks festival, got a nomination for Asia’s leading festival and event destination along with Bangkok, Beijing, Hong Kong, Kuala Lumpur, Macau, Seoul, Shanghai and Singapore.
Vietnam also received nominations as Asia’s leading destination in terms of heritage, nature and sustainable tourism.
The winners will be determined by votes from travelers around the world on the World Travel Awards website.
The awards ceremony for Asia will take place on Oct. 6 in Dubai.
World Travel Awards was first launched in 1993 to acknowledge excellence in the travel and tourism industry. The awards are handed out based on votes by the public and travel professionals across the globe.
Source: vnexpress.net
‘Wow Da Nang’ short film contest promised to be launched Da Nang eyes to mobilize more resources to develop culture in tandem with tourism
Paying attention to developing human resources for cultural affairs
Ms. Cao Thi Huyen Tran, Head of the Board of Cultural and Social Affairs under the municipal People’s Council said that, in the coming time, focus will be placed on training and attracting high-quality human resources in key local economic fields, including the cultural sector, in a bid to accelerate the local socio-economic development.
In his perspectives, Mr. Nguyen Duc Tuan, Chairman of the Da Nang Cultural Heritage Association also underlined a need to employ those who possess great passion and grasp deeper insights into culture so as to boost their active engagement in introducing the city’s distinctive cultural features to domestic and international friends.
Also, it is a good idea to develop the Da Nang Junior College of Culture and Arts, which should be considered the so-called ‘cradle’ for training cultural human resources, in parallel with making preferential policies to attract the highly-qualified.
“With knowledge and enthusiasm for culture, these people will come up with highly practical and proper ideals to fully tap cultural values in service for tourism. At that time, culture is not only a driving force for the non-smoke industry but also an endogenous resource for economic progress”, analyzed Mr. Tuan.
The municipal Department of Culture and Sports has issued a plan to consolidate the organizational apparatus and the contingent of civil servants and public employees working in the city’s cultural sector in the 2021 – 2025 period.
Those who are qualified will have the chance to join training at home and abroad in such aspects as cultural management, event organization, conservation, the operation of museums and libraries, public administration, and cultural and performing arts.
Mobilizing more resources from the community
Over the past times, the Museum of Da Nang has launched a number of events with active contributions made by individuals and organizations such as the thematic exhibition of the artifacts including commercial ceramics that have been collected from ancient ships found in the Vietnamese waters, and the ‘Da Thanh Antiques’ fair.
“In the time ahead, we will continue to calling for more donations of artifacts from organizations and individuals in society in an effort to enrich the museum’ collections and launch more thematic exhibitions”, said Mr. Huynh Dinh Quoc Thien, the museum’s Director.
Ms. Truong Thi Hong Hanh, the Director of the municipal Department of Tourism, said that in order to effectively promote cultural institutions across the city, specific mechanisms should be released to allow the general public to participate in the management, conservation and exploitation of cultural and historical relics, especially the hosting of international events, amidst challenges facing the state budget.
Previously, municipal Party Committee Secretary Nguyen Van Quang asked relevant local agencies to draw up plans for the development of a citywide system of cultural and sports institutions at the grassroots level by 2025, with a vision towards 2030” in line with the Prime Minister –approved adjustments to the Da Nang Master Plan for its major developments by 2030, with a vision towards 2045.
Source: danangtoday.com.vn
Travel firms contribute to offsetting climate change with tree-planting tours in Hoi An
A number of tour operators have organized trips which facilitate individuals planting trees upon traveling in Hoi An City, located in the central Vietnamese province of Quang Nam, to fight climate change.
“The last disastrous year clearly proved the fragility of human life,” said Le Quoc Viet, a hotelier on Hoi An’s famous An Bang beach who together with a number of other tour operators have been organizing such tree-planting trips across Quang Nam. “Only by living in harmony with nature and offsetting what we have taken away from it can we reduce disasters like what happened in 2020.” Since then, Viet has called on local businesses to plant trees in both coastal and mountainous areas.
Quang Nam authorities have called on not only tourists but also local dwellers to participate in tree-planting activities to mitigate the impact of climate change. The first sizable forest planted following the aforementioned October-November aftermath in the central province is a golden oak forest in the Thanh Ha industrial cluster in the namesake ward in Hoi An City. As many as 1,000 golden oak trees funded by the Quang Nam Tourism Association since 2019 were placed on an area of more than one hectare in December.
Source: tuoitrenews.vn
Series of activities to celebrate 25th anniversary of Da Nang’s recognition as centrally-governed city
In the remaining months of this year, the Da Nang Union of Literature and Arts Associations will continue to carry out activities celebrate 25th anniversary of Da Nang’s recognition as centrally-governed city
Notable among them will be the joint compilation of books entitled ‘Son Tra District – Monuments and Beauty Spots’ and “25 Years of Studying into Folk Culture’, the launching of the fourth municipal Literary and Arts Awards, preparation for the Fine Arts Exhibition 2022 in Zone No.5.
In first half of this year, despite the negative impacts of COVID-19 ressurgence, the Union of Literary and Arts Associations achieved remarkable results in celebrating national anniversaries, public holidays, municipal and national-level political events.
In particular, the associations of Fine Arts, Artistic photography and Folk Arts promptly organise camps to improve professional skills and enhance their creativity for their own members.
Source: Danang Today
Top gear motorbike tour from Hue to Hoi An named among world’s best travel experiences
A top gear motorbike tour from Hue to Hoi An has been ranked 12th on the list of the world’s 25 best travel experiences, according to Tripadvisor’s 2021 Travelers’ Choice of the Best Things to Do.
The 7.5-hour motorbike tour that costs US$74.77 per person takes visitors from former imperial capital Hue to the ancient town of Hoi An allows, thus allowing them to explore famous tourist attractions in Central Viet Nam such as Lang Co Beach, Hai Van Pass, Da Nang centre, the Marble Mountains Tourist Area and Hoi An itself.
“Amazing from start to finish! So friendly, great fun. The views were epic! Such good value! It’s a must if you’re in Viet Nam,” a Tripadvisor reader said.
Meanwhile, a street food tour of delicacies in Ho Chi Minh City came in 14th in the top 25 travel experiences.
The list also feature other world-renowned travel experiences such as a jet flight tour of Dubai, white water rafting along Kaituna river in New Zealand, a kayak tour of Shell Key in the U.S., along with a visit to Arenales Caves and River Adventure in Puerto Rico.
Established in 2002, Travelers’ Choice Best of the Best awards are the highest honor Tripadvisor bestows.
The only travel industry awards based on millions of reviews and opinions from travellers around the world, these annual awards reflect “the best of the best” for service, quality and customer satisfaction, from hotels and accommodations to destinations, attractions, restaurants and experiences.
Tripadvisor uses a proprietary algorithm to determine the Travelers’ Choice Best of Best winners. It takes into account the quality, quantity and regency of reviews and opinions submitted by travelers on Tripadvisor over a 12-month period.
Source: Danang Today
Da Nang to renovate and restore many cultural and historical relics
The Da Nang Department of Culture and Sports has chosen highly qualified contractors to implement the preservation and restoration of the downgraded Nam O communal village house Hoa Hiep Nam Ward, Lien Chieu District in a bid to promote the cultural and historical values of this time-honoured site.
A total of more than VNd 8 billion from the municipal budget will be spent on upgrading components such as the roof, walls, foundations and constructing new work items.
Recently, the municipal government also gave a nod to select the contractor for the upgrade of Da Son communal village house in Lien Chieu District at a total investment of more than VND8.3 billion.
In addition, VND 4.5 billion from the municipal budget be earmarked for the renovation and expansion of national-level Phuoc Ninh Cemetery in Nam Duong Ward, Hai Chau District.
A land plot covering an area of nearly 3,200m2 at the front Nguyen Van Linh – Hoang Dieu in intersection adjacent to the cemetery will be turned into a park for the public use.
Following recent approval by the municipal administration, Hoa Vang District-based tomb of Le Van Hoan, a famous Vietnamese general in the Tay Son and Nguyen feudal dynasties will be restored at a an expenditure of more than VND3 billion.
Likewise, a total of more than VND13 billion will be used to bring a “new coach” to a number of degraded relic sites in Son Tra District.
Source: Danang Today
British magazine recommends must-try Vietnamese dishes
“Viet Namese food is distinct and unforgettable,” author Eleanor Aldridge wrote, adding that spread across street-side vendors and high-end restaurants, typical Vietnamese food tastes salty, sweet, sour and hot.
Goi Cuon (spring rolls)
Goi Cuon are translucent spring rolls packed with greens, coriander and minced pork or shrimp. A southern variation has barbecued strips of pork wrapped up with green banana and star fruit, and then dunked in a rich peanut sauce – every bit as tasty as it sounds, the article said.
It is usually served as a starter before a main course at Vietnamese restaurants.
Banh mi (Vietnamese sandwich)
Banh mi is one of the most popular street foods in Viet Nam, Aldridge claimed. The dish was first created during French colonial rule during the 19th century. Banh mi uses a French baguette and is filled with a delicious selection of ingredients.
The baguette sandwich is filled with greens and a choice of fillings, including paté and usually pork. Other fillings include beef, chicken, liver and tofu. Banh mi is so good that it’s gone on to be imitated around the world, from London to New York.
Banh xeo (sizzling pancakes)
These enormous, cheap and filling Vietnamese pancakes contains shrimp, pork, bean sprouts and egg. They are fried, wrapped in rice paper with greens and dunked in a sauce before eaten.
The best city to try Banh xeo (or “sizzling pancake”) is Ho Chi Minh City, the writer recommended, adding that it is a perfect accompaniment for long journeys by train or bus.
Bun Cha (grilled meatballs)
Bun Cha is a Hanoi specialty. It can be found at food stalls and street kitchens across the city. The pork is barbecued on an open charcoal brazier and served on a bed of cold rice noodles with assorted foliage and a broth.
This type of Vietnamese cuisine is usually eaten at lunchtime. It’s been described as somewhat similar to meatballs or hamburgers, but with its intriguing mix of flavors, there’s not another taste like it!
Pho (noodle soup)
The country’s great staple dish is Pho (pronounced “fuh”). This noodle soup can be eaten at any time of day but is primarily eaten at breakfast. It originated in the north of the country but is now a national dish of Viet Nam. A bowl of Pho consists of a light beef or chicken broth flavoured with ginger and coriander, to which are added broad, flat rice noodles and spring onions. Meat-wise, slivers of chicken, pork or beef are then added. Tofu is the main vegetarian option.
Pho in Viet Nam can be found on almost every menu; once you’ve got your serving, squeeze a lime over it and add a dash of chilli flakes for an extra kick.
Cao lau (noodle bowl)
Central Viet Nam does it best. Among Hoi An’s tasty specialities is Cao lau, a mouthwatering bowlful of thick rice-flour noodles, bean sprouts and pork-rind croutons in a light soup. Cao lau is then flavoured with mint and star anise, topped with thin slices of pork and served with grilled rice-flour crackers or sprinkled with crispy rice paper.
Cha ca (Turmeric fish)
Seafood dishes stands above most other Vietnamese cuisine, said Aldridge. Cha ca, reportedly created in Hanoi, is perhaps the best known. It sees white fish sautéed in butter with dill and spring onions, then served with rice noodles and a scattering of peanuts.
Da Nang is one of the best places to tuck into Vietnamese seafood dishes. Thanks to its waterfront position, Da Nang’s specialities are fish-based and is the perfect spot to try Cha ca. A similar eat that’s popular in the local area is Bun cha ca, a fishcake noodle soup.
Mi Quang (noodle soup)
Mi Quang’s ingredients vary by establishment, but expect to see a simple bowl of meat noodles with additions like flavoursome oils, fresh sprigs of leaves, shrimp, peanuts, mint and quail eggs.
British magazine recommends must-try Vietnamese dishes
Com tam (Broken Rice)
Com Tam is a quick’n’easy street-stand favourite that is almost exclusive to Ho Chi Minh City. Made up of smaller pieces of rice, it’s also known as Broken Rice, and was traditionally a leftover-style snack. The Viet Namese have managed to hone it into a renowned Ho Chi Minh City street food snack.
Com Tam is served with either grilled/steamed/shredded pork (usually grilled), fish or simply a fried egg. And this being Viet Nam food, it wouldn’t be complete without a squeeze of lime, a sprinkle of fresh herbs and a smattering of spring onion.
Source: VNA
Vietnamese cuisine impresses with Michelin brand
Expressing the diverse, rich and unique cuisine of Vietnam, many dishes have become brands across the world, and Michelin has hoped to cooperate with the Vietnam National Administration of Tourism (VNAT) to put Vietnamese cuisine in the Michelin Guide in the near future, contributing to bringing Vietnamese cuisine closer to global friends.
At an online meeting with the VNAT and the French Embassy in Vietnam on June 8, Michelin’s representative proposed to promote Vietnamese cuisine in the Michelin Guide – the world-famous culinary handbook.
Welcoming the idea of cooperation on promoting Vietnamese cuisine in the Michelin Guide, VNAT Deputy Director General Ha Van Sieu said that Vietnam’s tourism has grown strongly in recent years, of which its cuisine is one of the factors that helps affirm its position on the world tourist map. Vietnamese cuisine is very diverse with many delicious and unique dishes across all the three regions of the country.
Deputy Director General Ha Van Sieu affirmed that the VNAT always welcomes ideas and plans to promote Vietnamese culture and tourism around the world. The Deputy Director General assigned the Tourism Market Department under the VNAT to continue to have exchanges with Michelin. He also expressed his hope that in the near future, when the Covid-19 epidemic is fully controlled and international tourism reopened, the two sides will have the conditions to meet and work directly on plans of mutual promotion and cooperation.
Da Nang museums go digital with tech apps
There is no need to go to museums and buy entrance tickets to see artifacts, now, with just smart phones connected to the internet, netizens can enjoy exhibits wherever they are. 3D scanning technology has been put into use in the Da Nang Museum of Cham Sculpture since late September 2020 with the aim of bringing up the most authentic experience to visitors amid the burgeoning Industry 4.0. The authentic multi-dimensional virtual experience and 360-degree high-definition pictures satisfy visitors’ visual desire while encouraging them to pay a visit late in reality.
When accessing the website http://scan3d.danangfantasticity.com featuring information on diverse display with the Vietnamese and English languages, both residents and visitors will step into a vivid virtual reality space to explore the Da Nang Museum of Cham Sculpture.
3D scanning is a technology for creating high-precision 3D models of real-world objects. Simply put, objects are digitized and its virtual and physical replications are created by using the photogrammetry technique. The scanning is done at visitors’ premises using special lights and setup without damaging the artifacts.
With 3 viewing modes and 3D multi-dimensional 360-degree viewing angle, you can easily experience a 3D space at the museum’s four galleries, namely Tra Kieu, My Son, Dong Duong and Thap Me.
The short, smooth and detailed movements allow users to actively interact directly with the unlimited space and move through the space to any point to feel as if the real-world exhibits are placed there.
Besides, through the existing multi-lingual audio guide, visitors can access audio recordings to gain an insight into the history, origin, place names, and information about the 14 typical exhibits with themes of Hindu and Buddhist gods, fertility symbols, sacred animals and architectural decorations that reveal diverse cultural, religious and aesthetic life of the ancient Champa inhabitants.
Amongst them were objects to be bestowed Viet Nam’s national treasure status, namely the Ganesha and Gajasimha statutes, the Tara Bodhisattva Statue, and the Tra Kieu, My Son E1 and Dong Duong pedestals.
In fact, the distance between the artifacts in the museum and the public has been narrowed.
Amid the new coronavirus wave, all entertainment, sightseeing and tourism activities across Da Nang have been suspended following the municipal administration’s COVID-19 restrictions. However, thanks to the use of technological devices, both local residents and visitors, even at home, can still access the latest updates and stunning images of historical sites and scenic spots across the city through the Da Nang Cultural Heritage Map at http://scan3d.danangfantasticity.com.
Developed by the Heritage Management Department of the Museum of Da Nang, the Da Nang Cultural Heritage Map software has been operating since 2020 to serve the promotion of cultural heritages in the city on the internet.
By accessing the aforementioned website, users can discover the function of 360-degree virtual tour space with voiceover. At the same time, all information about tourist attractions are presented in the form of images and clips so that viewers can find it easier and convenient to look up what information they need on heritages.
Through the software, locals and visitors can access information about 2 special national-level venues, namely the Dien Hai Citadel and the Marble Mountains Tourist Area, the Hai Van Gate inter-provincial relic site, and 12 national-level and 31 municipal-level sites, and the Ba Na Hills community-based tourist attraction.
In particular, the Dien Hai Citadel, the Marble Mountains Tourist Area and the Hai Van Gate have been represented with 3D images and 360-degree virtual sightseeing space.
Mr. Tran Chuan, Head of Education – Communications Office of the Da Nang Museum said: “The map was built to serve the exploitation and promotion of cultural heritages on the Internet. Through the software, users will have a panoramic overview of the city’s monuments and scenic spots. In addition, the software also builds a database system specialized in Cultural Heritage to help managers search data and information about local heritages”.
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