Takahiro Kido and Yuki Murata, famed for their works with the up-and-coming Japanese post-rock band Anoice, will perform on the first day of the highly anticipated Hanoi Sound Stuff festival on Friday 13 April 2012 at Museum of History, No. 1 Pham Ngu Lao, Hanoi .

Takahiro Kido is the founder, leader and composer of the band Anoice, whose albums have been released under American labels Important Records and Ricco. Their works have received critical acclaim not only from music enthusiasts but also from legendary bands such as Mono (Japan)and Sonic Youth.  Kido has also released five solo albums in which he blends various classical musical instruments with a touch of electronics. Yuki Murata, in addition to her work with Anoice, is also hailed for her eclectic piano style in two well-received improvisational albums ‘Films’ and ‘Home’.

In their maiden Vietnam performance, Kido and Murata will perform their solo works as well as Anoice. Also on the same day, Hanoi Sound Stuff curator Tri Minh and Danish Music Award as Innovator, Michael Moller, Sweet Sussieand the experimental DJ Manni Montana (both from Austria)are also set to rock the stage.

Hanoi Sound Stuff Festival is an annual event founded in 2008 by electronic artist Tri Minh, serving as a creative outlet to explore fine electronic and experimental music and promote collaboration between international and Vietnamese artists. This invigorating music festival also supports disadvantaged and disabled children’s development.

(vietnamonline.com)

The Ramsar Convention is an international treaty signed in Ramsar, Iran, in 1971, and has continued to provide a national framework for wetland preservation ever since.

The convention embodies the commitments of its member countries to maintain the ecological character of their Wetlands of International Importance and to plan for the “wise use”, or sustainable use, of all of the wetlands in their territories.

The Tram Chim National Park has become the country’s fourth Ramsar site after Xuan Thuy Natural Wetland Reserve in the northern province of Nam Dinh, which was recognized in 1988; the Bau Sau (Crocodile Lake) Wetlands and Seasonal Floodplains in Cat Tien National Park, selected in 2005; and Ba Be National Park in Bac Kan northern province, recognized in 2011.

Tram Chim covers an area of 7,588 hectares, which is home to 130 species of plant, 100 species of vertebrate animals, 40 species of fish, and 147 types of water birds – of which 13 are listed as endangered.

The most distinguished resident bird is the Sarus Crane (Grus antigone), which has been recognized as threatened by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red Book.

Foreign travelers coupled Ba Always be Lake (Photo: SGGP)

The particular n . domain associated with Quang Ninh has increased priced price ranges after Haya Prolonged These types of ended up being called one of the world’s new seven wonders of mother nature. People that enthusiastically chosen to the UNESCO globe cultural customs website as the more effective normal miracles around the globe have been disappointed.

The actual domain features brought up vacationer turmoil featuring its new prices scheme that is certainly almost increase for Ha Prolonged These kinds of excursions at the time of Dec One particular.

It’s critical for the countrywide tourism sector to settle the issue right away and satisfactorily.

In the same manner ethnic along with historic web sites throughout the nation have got hiked their access solution prices along with total impunity.

Journey companies along with visitors are scared the tourism industry has tirelessly exploited all-natural means and delightful landscapes without any expenditure and also improvement technique. Additionally all-natural sources will not previous once and for all.

Vacation corporations have got proposed many tips to increase vacation, including refund involving significance obligation on 25 seater cars, minimizing Cask through 5-7 % pertaining to take a trip businesses along with motels, supplying tax repayment policy for travelers to further improve sales associated with community goods and also preferential treatment plans regarding opportunities.

When businesses make investments their particular capital throughout vacation, they ought to get a discount regarding transfer taxes about construction gear as well as supplies.

The national tourism sector also considers too little entertainment providers and buying regions with regard to travelers.

Vietnam tourist is targeted on investment in infrastructure, but traveler companies need amusement and purchasing locations to herald income.  

Photo: Tuoi Tre

UK tourist arrivals picked up strongly after Vietnam Airlines launched direct flights between London and Hanoi and HCMC last December.

The airline, which operates four weekly flights on the routes and will introduce daily flights in 2015, has also organized a host of marketing activities to attract British tourists.

The UK was last among Vietnam ‘s top 10 markets in 2005.

VNAT will also focus on exploiting the promising market through promotions, road shows, and familiarization tours to Vietnam for British travel agencies this year.

Source: VNA

Information from Vietnam National Administration of Tourism reveals that one of the greatest projects on development of Vietnam’s tourism industry will be launched in 2012 in 8 mountainous provinces in the North West area. These 8 provinces include Dien Bien, Yen Bai, Son La, Hoa Binh, Phu Tho, Ha Giang, Lai Chau and Lao Cai. Local authorities believe that this project will bring about a fresh new atmosphere to tourism in this area.

There are two things to consider in evaluating a community-benefitting and eco-friendly tour company. Those that are mindful enough often promote both aspects. As the name suggests, first the firm has to include local input in developing its approach. It is to show respect for the indigenous culture and to help preserving their ways, not interfering or altering. Since the cultural differences between that of tourists and one of native people can be staggering, practices that are considered absolutely normal for outsiders can be quite inappropriate for the people.

Worse yet, some habits are fast learned and can replace traditions, which in turn create devastating damage, sometimes permanently. Case in mind: in 4000-year-old Vietnam, if the sudden surge in profit of the new trade drives any particular group away from their once main source of income and gradually depending on it, it completely changes the way they have been for thousands of years. Some traditions will be abandoned as they are no longer needed, creativity once focused on the rice field now diverted to the art of haggling, modern housing replaced old stilt shed to serve the need of “homestay” tourists. Already, in Sapa, the old love-market is done for and the hallow ground now hosts performance shows that only pretend to be genuine, with their foul twists spotted easily. Nostalgia alone will not bring it back for the romance-loving poets that have once watched from afar and written countless verses about its charm. Some claims much of the damages are irreversible.

The second aspect of responsible travel may be more familiar. As international media these days are flooded with news of global warming wreaking havoc on the environment, it is only logical that travelers have started asking for eco-friendly tours. Companies begin to offer information about their itinerary’s impact on the environment. Some opt for using organic food, low-emission means of transportation and green accommodation.

The world-famous Intrepid Travel, which has a variety of Vietnam tours, goes as far as including their carbon emission per passenger for the entire trip. Also, being true to their commitment, there are notes on the physical demand and cultural shock ratings as well. Many native tour operators have not yet adapted such hard-core approach.

Of the local companies, here and there, some have recently given in to the calling. There are the pure-blood Footprint, the warm-hearted Paradissa and the prideful Viet Adventure. They come from different backgrounds, with different approaches, but all share the goal of preserving the land and giving back to the people. One sees such goal well imprinted in the principle of the “responsible travel club” members (www.rtcvietnam.org). With the new-found interest of the government and non-governmental agencies in helping to build sustainable industries, they set out to encourage tourists to take trekking and biking tours, go in large groups, to stay and dining in eco-friendly locations.

Meanwhile, some healthy portion of the profit goes back to building the community. Paradissa loves to stress the importance of the community in their sustainable business model. In the mere-one-page About Us, manager Anh Do decides to repeat the word “local” 21 times. That is one Vietnamese man devoted to his society and his course!

There are the downsides to responsible travelling. First, all those organic foods are going to cost, and for the average Tea-Party loyalist, the nonsense at twice the price of irresponsible enjoyment sounds like a bad investment. Then there is the shock when the ever-pleased tourists can no longer do things their way but rather have to adapt. Third, as far as eco-friendliness concerns, there is a certain amount of physical endurance involved. The corporate lawyers who have no idea what a gym is may find it out-of-the-question. Being a niche product that is demanding of its customers, it is quite hard, if not near impossible, for responsible travelling to catch on with the mainstream.

Now, if the likes of Gates and Buffett truly represent the new trend, one may hold on to the notion that indeed one day it may catch on just fine.

(source:vietnamonline.com)

Christmas is coming to town in Hanoi, along with truly freezing weather Hanoians are expecting for their winter season. Although Christmas is not an official holiday for Vietnamese, but this has still been a popular occasion for people to get on the road and enjoy uproarious atmosphere here, especially in recent years when the economy catches up with cities worldwide. This is a sign of merge between Western and Eastern culture in Vietnam, as well as internationalizing trend in Vietnam’s society.

Good thing to foreigners and expats in Hanoi is that big Christmas events are now not only organized at some grand churches in the city, but also held by numerous organizations and entertaining destinations. Check the information below for some ideal events in Hanoi to participate in at this Christmas (this guide will be updated daily so bookmark this page to stay tuned!):

16 DECEMBER

Aussie Xmas Bash at The American Club (19-21 Hai Ba Trung)

Get a loud night of Christmas atmosphere and live music performed by bands Always, Zamina and DJ Vaughn. Fare is VND 100,000 (USD4.8) for members (AusCham, Dragons, Swans and VGAC) and VND 120,000 (USD5.8) for non-member, including one free drink, Photos with Santa, Christmas cakes and food. The event is held by Australian Chamber of Commerce, KOTO, Vietnamese Graduates from Australia Club, Hanoi Dragons RUFC, Synergy Music Production and Vietnam Swans.See full poster of Aussie Xmas Bash here.

17 & 21 DECEMBER 

Ginger bread house workshop at Hanoi Cooking Center (44 Chau Long)

This is one of the best things you can offer to your beloved child if your family is in Hanoi this Christmas: give them an opportunity to make, and laugh while making, the gingerbread house in Hanoi. Hanoi Cooking Center is holding gingerbread house short class with all the warmth of the winter holiday.It costs only VND350,000 for your kid to join and VND 230,000 to bring a kit home.

19 DECEMBER 

Christmas Concert at Hanoi Opera House (1 Trang Tien)

On December 19th, Hanoi Opera House will host a Christmas concert, featuring famous music pieces by Mozart, Chopin, Verdi, Romance, Rondo, to name  a few.Tickets can be purchased by emailing ticketvn@gmail.com or at the Opera House, starting from VND 150,000 (USD 7.5). Read further information about Christmas Concert at Hanoi Opera House.

23 DECEMBER

Red & White Christmas Party at Handi Resco Tower (521 Kim Ma Street)

A fabulous Christmas Party organized by Event Club, associated with other students clubs, at RMIT University Hanoi. The event creates not only a unique Noel night with intimate atmosphere, but also a romantic party with main theme of a beautiful love story.Organized by RMIT University students club. Further details to follow.

24& 25 DECEMBER

Purple Christmas Dinner with Brazilian Cuisines at Au Lac Do Brazil (6A Cao Ba Quat)

Au Lac Do Brazil is holding special dinner with authentic Churrasco and Bossa Nova music for December 24th and 25th. Dinner price is at 890,000 ++ for adults and 590,000++ for children (Christmas dinner) and 750,000 ++ for adults and 400,000 ++ for children (Christmas Day meal).Both outlets at 6A Cao Ba Quat in Hanoi and in Phu My Hung resident area of Ho Chi Minh City are holding the same Purple party.

Amid the cooling off of the domestic air market competition, with VNA taking over Jetstar Pacific, Indochina and Trai Thien getting their licenses taken away, a new player has decided it is time to join the game.

The festival is going on for 9 days, from 7/4 – 15/4/2012 in the ancient capital of Hue. Festival Hue 2012 is also the first major event to raise the curtain for Vietnamese National Tourism Year 2012. The theme of this upcoming festival is “Cultural heritage and integration and development – The venue of historic cities”.