Vietnam Travel Guide » English

BBC spotlights cruise safety in Ha Long Bay

thuytrang — Tue, 21 Feb 2012 02:38:38 +0000

The BBC Television has covered cruise safety in Vietnam’s Ha Long Bay.

In the film footage Carmen Roberts reported that it has been almost a year since 12 people died on a tourist boat sinking in Ha Long Bay, which was recently voted as one of the world’s seven new natural wonders in 2011. The accident has prompted a complete safety overhaul, she said.

Carmen said that thanks to great efforts by local authorities, Ha Long Bay cruise services have improved remarkably with safety equipment for tourists.

The BBC film footage focused on some cruise service providers, such as Bahya, Au Co and Emeraude, to see whether they meet safety standards or not. Au Co is among those meeting international safety standards in the Gulf of Tonkin.

It also touched upon Z189 shipyard in the northern port city of Haiphong, which is currently one of the most modern and prestigious shipbuilding factories in Vietnam. As the shipyard meets international shipbuilding standards, it is providing cruises for Au Co under the strict management of Vietnamese and French experts.

In recent months, the number of foreign arrivals has increased sharply. The local department for culture, sports and tourism said Ha Long Bay welcomed more than 337,000 tourists in January 2012, up 14 percent compared to the same month of last year.

Visitors to Ha Long Bay enjoyed free entrance ticket from January 23 to February 5.

To see how safe tourist boats are in Ha Long Bay, please visit http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/programmes/fast_track/9692898.stm

Source: VOV

Mövenpick Saigon extends Valentine’s Day hospitality

thuytrang — Tue, 14 Feb 2012 02:42:29 +0000

Mövenpick Hotel Saigon is celebrating Valentine’s Day with a month of various promotions.

Until February 29, couples staying at the hotel can enjoy the third night free by booking for three consecutive nights.

The offer only applies for rooms, subject to availability, and cannot be combined with any other discounts or package rate.

Other tasty offers are on during the month of romance at the hotel at 253 Nguyen Van Troi Street, Phu Nhuan District.

Customers will receive a free chocolate fondue for every “Coupletini” order at Slate – The Bar, which is among the trendiest in town with a unique choice of more than 30 designer martinis.

Lovers can also celebrate the month with a sushi platter at the hotel’s Japanese restaurant IKI with a selection of the best nigiri, maki and sashimi, for VND389,000++ (US$19) a couple, or tuck into the exclusive five-course Chinese set dinner, accompanied by tea at Lotus Court, for 990,000++ ($47).

Cay Da Cafe at the hotel will be open every day from 11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. with a variety of Valentine gifts including personalized chocolate boxes upon request.

Source: Thanh Nien News

Award-winning hotel celebrates Valentine’s Day with buffet, spa discount

thuytrang — Tue, 14 Feb 2012 02:18:25 +0000

InterContinental Asiana Saigon, named Vietnam’s top hotel last year, is designing exclusive dining and spa programs for a memorable Valentine celebration.

The Valentine dinner at Market 39 will allow lovebirds to enjoy champagne, salmon, steak and a variety of sumptuous desserts together from VND1.2 million (US$57) a person.

Italian food fans can try out the hotel’s renowned Italian restaurant Basilico, where set menus will be accompanied with the free flow of drinks and a surprise gift for women, priced at VND996,000 a person.

The hotel’s spa will provide the Couple Delight Treatment including foot therapy, fresh milk and orange body scrub, warm Jacuzzi with essential oils and a long flowing massage with aromatic oil. The package has been discounted through February to VND1.9 million++ per couple.

The InterContinental Asiana Saigon was last year named “Vietnam’s leading hotel” for the second consecutive year by the World Travel Awards.

In early September, the hotel was named one of the “Top 25 Business Hotels in Asia” by the “Best In Travel Poll 2011,” organized by Smart Travel Asia.

Source: Thanh Nien News

HCM City promotes Vietnam tourism in New York

thuytrang — Mon, 13 Feb 2012 07:15:08 +0000

The Saigontourist Travel Service has coordinated with Vietnam’s Permanent Mission to the United Nations to organise a festival to promote HCM City tourism in the US.
Speaking at the festival that took place on Nov. 4 in New York, Chairman of the HCM City municipal People’s Committee Le Hoang Quan said HCM City considers tourism development as one of the city’s major tasks to promote the land, people, culture and economic potential of Vietnam and call for investment.

Every year, the city organizes tourism events such as the “Three countries – One destination” fair in 2010 that involved Vietnam, Laos and Cambodia and the “Four countries – One destination” fair in 2011 that included the three mentioned countries and Myanmar.

Thanks to those efforts, the city received 2.9 million foreign visitors during the first ten months of this year, Quan said, adding that the number is expected to increase to over 3.4 million in 2012.

Visitors to the event had opportunities to watch films introducing HCM City and enjoy traditional Vietnamese dishes.

Source: VNA

Viet Jet Air offers New Year discounts

thuytrang — Mon, 13 Feb 2012 04:35:44 +0000

On January 31, Vietnam’s low-cost carrier, VietJetAir, announced discounted one-way tickets between HCM City and Hanoi for just VND590,000.

The prices will apply to passengers departing between March 1 to April 25 who purchase tickets online through its website in the 48 hours from 12:00, February 2, to 11:59 February 4.

Passengers can make online payments via Visa and MasterCard or at nationwide ticketing offices and transaction sections of HD Bank.

VietJet Air launched an earlier discount program during the Lunar New Year Festival (Tet) with one-way tickets on the Hanoi-HCM City route for VND250,000. Nearly 50,000 passengers logged onto the airline’s website to buy tickets online.

For further information on discounts, travellers can visit the website www.vietjetair.com or call 1900 1886 from 8 am to 10 pm everyday.

Hoi An becomes first Asian city to provide free wifi

thuytrang — Mon, 13 Feb 2012 02:50:21 +0000

Hoi An ancient town in the central province of Quang Nam started offering free wireless internet (wifi) access at the beginning of the Lunar New Year, becoming the first city in Asia to provide such service.

The free wifi service now covers three ancient wards of Minh An, Cam Pho and Son Phong, meeting the demand for information search of the local residents and tourists.

In the coming time, Hoi An plans to expand the service to its other key wards.

Hoi An was recognised by UNESCO as a world cultural heritage in 1999. The ancient town is among Asia’s top 25 tourist destinations.

Source: VOV

Kingston Hotel

luonghuyen — Tue, 31 Jan 2012 08:11:46 +0000

Address: 52-54 Thu Khoa Huan St, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam.
Tel: 848 38 245588
Fax: 848 38 245577
Email: info@kingstonhotel.com.vn
Website: http://www.kingstonhotel.com.vn
Grade: 3

Overview

Kingston Hotel earlier known as Kingston, is nestled in the midst of business and leisure destinations.
Kingston Hotel is located at the center of the city, it is convenient for the commercial transactions, sightseeing and entertainment. It is 50m from Ben Thanh market, and close to all other shopping area.

It takes about 20 minutes to go to the airport and Kingston Hotel is elegantly and luxuriously designed. Kingston Hotel’s bedrooms are warm and convenient, all with shower and/or bath and fully air-conditioned.

Our spacious rooms are brand new enhanced with combination of unique and modern design. We personalized service and competitive rates will ensure your Saigon experience in style, sophistication, and comfort ways.

At its definite convenient center location, Kingston Hotel is central to both business and leisure destinations steps away from Central Business District and a short distance from historical sites like reunification Palace, Ben Thanh market, war relics museum and Tao Dan central park. A luxury three star hotel offers highly specialized products and services in a particularly Manner.

Rooms & Rates

Room Grade	Single	Double/Twin
Valid from 01 November, 2011 to 31 September, 2012
Standard	US$ 51	US$ 51
Superior window	US$ 56	US$ 56
Deluxe City View	US$ 68	US$ 68
Junior Suite	US$ 94	US$ 94
Royal Suite	US$ 130	US$ 130

All rates are in USD per room per night, including breakfast, 10% VAT & 5% service charge
No extra charge for child under 11 sharing bed with parents.
Extra bed adds US$ 16.00,/night/person.
Check-in time at 13:00 or sooner, Check-out time at 12:00.
Payment: Visa, MasterCard, American Express, JCB, Traveler’s Cheques, Bank Transfer and Cash.

Facilities

Kingston Hotel’s Amenities

Individual controlled air-conditioning
Satellite TV with international channels
Private bathroom with bathtub or shower
IDD Telephone and Internet access in room
Hair-dryer and refrigerator
Modern elevator and Mini-bar
Tea/Coffee making facilities
Standard: 6 rooms in the middle of hotel but no window
Superior Window: rooms in the middle of hotel with window in 24-28m2.
Deluxe City View: rooms along hotel with window offer city view in 26-30m2.
Junior Suite: suites with living area offer city view in 32-35m2.
Royal Suite: suites with separate living room offer city view in 40m2.

Kingston Hotel’s Facilities

Airport pick-up: US$ 15 for 4 seats car; US$ 20 for a mini van.
Laundry and dry-cleaning service
Fitness center
Restaurant and Bar service
Baggage storage area
Safe deposit box at reception desk
Foreign currency exchange
Travel tour arrangement
Vehicles for rent
Internet & Email service
Visa extension and air-ticket booking service
Airport pick-up: USD16/way/4seats and USD18/way/7seats (Mineral water and chilled tissue served on trip)

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Dong Khanh Hotel

luonghuyen — Tue, 31 Jan 2012 07:53:40 +0000

Address: 2 Tran Hung Dao B St., Ward 7, Dist.5, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
Tel: (84.8) 3923 6404 – 3923 6424
Fax: (84.8) 3923 6427
Email: dongkhanh@dongkhanhhotel.com
Website: www.dongkhanhhotel.com
Grade: 3

Overview

Dong Khanh three-star International Hotel with over 50 years reputation, is a member of Saigon Tourist Holdings Company with elegantly design and spacious interiority, can meet the maximum demand for relaxation of distinguished guests.

The restaurant has just been rebuilt to serve special Chinese dishes in connection with the traditional Vietnamese dishes. Especially with modern appliances, Dong Khanh hotel is an ideal prestigious place for holding meeting, for organizations.

Situated in the center of China town, within steps of the An Dong market- the famous market in China town- good location for shopping and entertainment. It is about 10 minutes from the historic Ben Thanh market.

Conveniently located in China Town 30- minute drive from the international airport. Easy access to the biggest commercial and shopping centers.

Rooms & Rates

Room Grade	Single/Double/Twin
From 01st January, 2012 to 31st December, 2012
Superior	US$ 45
Deluxe	US$ 52
Inner Suite	US$ 63
Dong Khanh Suite	US$ 99

All rates are in USD per room per night, including buffet breakfast, 10% VAT & 5% service charges.
Discount of USD 7 room rate for Vietnamese resident.
Extra bed will be charged: US$ 15/night/person.
Special discount rates for group and long-term guests.
No extra charge for child under 11 sharing bed with parents.
Check-in time at 13:00 or sooner, Check-out time at 12:00.

Facilities

Dong Khanh Hotel’s Amenities

Individual controlled air-conditioning
Satellite TV with international channels
Private bathroom with bathtub or shower
IDD Telephone
Hair-dryer and refrigerator
Tea/coffee making facilities
Mini-bar and guest modern elevator
Safety deposit box in room
DONG KHANH hotel with 76 well- appointed rooms and suites, elegantly design, large interior can create the hotel’s special atmosphere.
Superior: room without windows, have bathtub and shower
Deluxe: Room with window, bathtub and shower
Inner Suite: Room with 1 Double bed and 1 Single bed, have window, room size: 35 m2
Dong Khanh Suite: a bed room & a living room with balcony, 56m2

Dong Khanh Hotel’s Facilities

Laundry and dry-cleaning service
Baby cots and babysitting service
Massage, Sauna and Steam-bath service
Foreign currency exchange
Baggage storage and Souvenir/Gift shop
Internet & Email service
Travel tour arrangement
Visa extension and air-ticket booking service
Airport pick-up: USD16/way/4seats and USD18/way/7seats (Mineral water and chilled tissue served on trip)
Dong Khanh Restaurant: banquet facilities for up to 1000 guests, are specializing the fantastic and colorful wedding ceremony with attractive promotions. Professional and rich experience staff, your wedding party will be celebrated in the most solemn and cordial atmosphere. However, the multiform of Dong Khanh restaurant drinking and eating made the different with all the others restaurant in area by the combination of outstanding Cantonese dishes and the traditional Vietnamese cuisine.
Conference rooms: Large Function rooms accommodating up to 300 persons for meetings, seminars, conferences or cocktail receptions. mall Function room accommodating 40 persons.

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Empress Saigon Hotel

luonghuyen — Tue, 31 Jan 2012 07:38:27 +0000

Address: 136 Bui Thi Xuan St.,Dist.1, Ho Chi Minh City,Viet Nam
Tel: (84.8) 38322888
Fax: (84.8) 38358215
Email: empress@hcm.vnn.vn
Website: http://www.empresshotelvn.com
Grade: 3

Overview

The Empress Hotel is a charming, small hotel whose hallmark is service. While not luxurious, it boasts some upscale touches like terra cotta tile and marble. Deluxe rooms are cozy (read that as small!) but well laid out, with two twins or one queen bed. More spacious are the suites, with a small living room and separate bedroom.

The Empress Hotel also boasts a small fitness center, coffee shop, and sports bar, every bit as cozy as the guest rooms. Not surprisingly the Empress Hotel has recently begun to receive recognition from guidebooks and the local press, including an award as 1999 best Boutique Hotel by Vietnam Economic Times.

While technically in District 1, the Empress Hotel is about two clicks from the prime tourist area. If you’re like us and prefer to walk everywhere, it can be a bit inconvenient; but then, you also avoid the beggars, petty thieves and con artists that troll Le Loi and Dong Khoi streets. While most business travelers will seek out the bigger and more fashionable haunts in town, leisure travelers will appreciate the Empress Hotel’ modern amenities, personal service and cozy feel.

Rooms & Rates

Room Grade	Single	Double/Twin
Run of House	US$ 39	US$ 39

All rates are in USD per room per night, including breakfast, 10% VAT & 5% service charges.
Special discount for long-term staying guest.
No extra charge for child under 12 sharing bed with parents.
Extra bed adds USD 17/night/person.
Check-in time at 13:00 or sooner, Check-out time at 12:00.

Facilities

Empress Hotel’s Amenities

Individual controlled air-conditioning
Satellite TV with international channels
Private bathroom with bathtub and shower
IDD Telephone and internet in room
Hair-dryer and mini-bar
Refrigerator and guest modern elevator
Tea/coffee making facilities
Bachelor: rooms with a bed, a writing desk and bathroom with shower, but there are no windows in the room in 15m2.
Superior: rooms with beds, a writing desk and bathroom with shower and window for city view in 18m2.
Junior Suite: en-suite of a small living area and separate bedroom and bathroom with bathtub, window for city view in 25m2.

Empress Hotel’s Facilities

Airport pick-up service
Babysitting service
Internet & Email service

Laundry and dry-cleaning service
Restaurant and Bar service
Vehicles for rent
Fitness and Gym center
Baggage storage area & safe deposit box
Foreign currency exchange
Travel tour arrangement
Visa extension and air-ticket booking
Airport pick-up: USD16/way/4seats and USD17/way/4seats (Mineral water and chilled tissue served on trip)

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Le Duy Hotel

luonghuyen — Tue, 31 Jan 2012 07:24:24 +0000

Address: 18-20 Nguyễn Thị Nghĩa, District 1 ,Ho Chi Minh City ,Việt Nam
Tel: (84-8) 3925 2090 – 3925 2177 – 3832 2782
Fax: (84-8) 3925 2098
Website: www.leduyhotel.vn . www.leduyhotel.com.vn
Email: info@leduyhotel.vn
Grade: 3

Overview

Le Duy Hotel is opposite the New World Hotel and it lies between Ben Thanh market and Pham Ngu Lao back packers’ area.

It has operated (Aug 2007) under motto of “Great service is complimentary” and the city air terminal for its guest. An ideal place for your relaxation with 108 modernized rooms full of comfort and reasonable price.

All 108 rooms & suites featured by AC, IDD Tel, satellite TV, safety box, mini-bar, tea/coffee maker, hairdryer and a private bathroom.

Rooms & Rates

All rates are in USD per room per night, including breakfast, 10% VAT & 5% service charges.
Free of charge for a child under 12 years old sharing same bed with parents. Breakfast price:US$5/Child from 8 years old.
Special Promotion Long stay from 3nights or more will get 5% discount per night
Extra bed: and more USD16/person/night.
Check-in time at 13:00 or sooner, Check-out time at 12:00.

Facilities

Le Duy Hotel’s Amenities

Individual controlled air-conditioning
Satellite TV with international channels
Private bathroom with bath tub or shower
IDD Telephone, Hair-dryer and refrigerator
In-room safe deposit box and mini-bar with tea/coffee making facilities
Non-smoking room available and smoke detector
Medical assistance available
Elevator/lift, Security guard, Safety box
Suitable for children
Free ADSL & Wi-Fi internet in room.
Superior: 36 rooms with small window for city views in 18m2
Deluxe: 60 spacious rooms with city view in 21m2
Junior Suite: 8 suites of king size bed with living area offer main street & city view; bathroom with bathtub & Jacuzzi in 25m2
Deluxe City: 4 suites for family stay with a king size bed & a double bed; bathroom with bathtub & Jacuzzi in 27m2

Le Duy Hotel’s Facilities

24-hour room and security.
Non-smoking floors available.
Complimentary in-room Wi-Fi.
Spacious bathroom with shower / bath-tub /Jacuzzi.
Facsimile, photocopying and printing services.
Laundry & dry-cleaning service.
Car/Motor/Bicycle rental service.
Internet & Email service
Foreign currency exchange and credit card accepted.
Travel tour arrangement and information.
Conference room, Business center, Fitness center.
Restaurant: At Le Duy restaurant the menu is abundant with Vietnamese, Chinese and European tastes.
Airport pick-up: USD16/way/4seats and USD18/way/7seats (Mineral water and chilled tissue served on trip)

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