Vietnam lied on the eastern part of Indochina, border with China to the North, Laos and Cambodia to the West and the East of South China Sea. Three quarters of Vietnam are mountains and hills mainly in the North and central region. The waterways are a convenient means of transports with two major rivers – Red River in North and Mekong River which are described as a "Mother River" and a lifeline of Vietnamese.
Da Nang is one of the major port cities and third biggest city on the South Central Coast in Vietnam. Its rainy season is from May to November, land will turn to fresh and bright and rice field become emerald green in good season. A 30 Km stretch of beach includes China Beach in Da Nang with Bondi Beach in Sydney, Grace Bay Beach in the Turks and Caicos Island, South Beach in Miami, Plage de Pamplona in St Tropez and Wailea in Hawaii had been listed in Forbes magazine. There are four other UNESCO World Heritage Sites nearby-the ancient port of Hoi An, the spiritual centre of Cham civilization at My Son, the imperial city of Hue and mystical Phong Nha caves in Dong Hoi. With the increasing number of direct flights from Singapore, Bangkok, Taipei and Siem Reap and the daily flight domestic connections from two main cities –Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh. The newly built hotels & beaches resorts and beautiful beaches as well as rich cultural and historical heritages, Da Nang has become one of the best the travelers' beach holiday destinations. Ancient Cham civilization in Hoi An is the largest collection of Cham artifacts that have been well kept in a museum. Other attractions such as Ba Na Mountain, Ngu Hanh Son (Marble Mountain), Bach Ma National Park.
ANCIENT CITY –HUE
Ancient Capital –Hue was once the imperial capital of the Nguyen Dynasty from 1802-1945 vide architecture monuments reflected the richness of cultural heritage such as impressive Citadel which was awarded by UNESCO as a World Heritage site. The tranquil city lies on the banks of the Song Huong River also known as "Perfume River" ,you can take a boat drive on the picturesque river and visit a small business incense sticks and view historical sites such as the Thien Mu Pagoda, the official symbol of Hue and tombs of Minh Mang, Tu Duc and Khai Dinh. Bach Ma National Park stretching from East Sea to Laos border, there are abundance of wildlife to attract wildlife –lovers, trekkers and climbers to climb up the summit of Bach Ma Mountain with a panoramic views.
CULTURAL AND HISTRICAL SITES –HOI AN
Hoi An is located In the southern central Vietnam. Tracing back to the 15 century, its eclectic mix of architectural styles bare testament to its illustrious past as a flourishing trading port. It is a home of Champa people, the Chinese, Japanese, Dutch and Indians who all brought in their respective cultures which were clearly reflected rich heritage of Hoi An. The said town was eventually demised as a trading port was during the late 18th century due to political upheavals. It is an important tourist destination not only from the historical aspect but also for its ceramics, textiles, handicrafts and its colourful handmade lanterns. You will be impressed by the characteristics of Japanese covered bridge with adjoining Buddhist pagoda. The various museums hold a rare store of historical artifacts. Take a short distant-walk to the pristine stretch of golden sand on Cua Dai beach where is a perfect relaxation in one of the splendid resorts
CLIMATE
Vietnam straddles both a tropical and temperate zone. There are two seasons and weather is variable and seasonable. The average temperature ranges from 22C to 27C. Hue 25C in highland. Dry season in the North from November to April –cold and damp. Preferable travel period is May to October.
RELIGION AND LIFESTYLE
Buddhism is the most common religion in Vietnam. About 90% of population are Buddhist. A few of them are Catholic. About 85% of population are Vie Kinh and 15 % are ethnic Chinese ethnic minority-Cham living in highland. However, it seems that Vietnam economic development are unequally in south, central and North due to different political systems and social structures previously prior to People Republic of Vietnam established. Ho Chi Minh City was formally occupied by French and American respectively and Hanoi was by under the administration of Communist government. Therefore, Vietnamese in Ho Chi Minh City are more adaptable to market economy than those in planning economy in Da Nang and Hanoi cities. Generally, Vietnamese live in the traditional and simple life, love and take pride of their cultural natural and historical heritages. They loves music which stirred your feeling with all ears to music in everywhere.
LANGUAGE AND CURRENCY
Most of Vietnamese speak their own language but a few can speak Chinese. Some locals cannot communicate in English quite well. Staff in hospitality industry are professionally trained and they speak good English, friendly, polite, and helpful to greet guests and visitors with lovely smile and meet their needs and wants. Vietnamese DONG (VND) is the National currency and commonly acceptable in outlets.
CUISINE AND ENTERTIANMENT / SPA
Asian and international and Vietnamese cuisine are available at restaurants and eateries in hotels, resorts and certain areas nearly the cities. Vietnamese cuisine is spicy but delicious. You can enjoy live music or "classical" Jazz that bring you back nostalgically to the 1940s and 50s played by veteran musicians in comfortable lounge with a pleasant ambience in evening. You can also indulge your Vietnamese treatment massage provided by skillful massagers at respectable hotel SPA with an affordable price in an atmosphere.
ACCOMOMMODATION
Hotels and resorts such as Furama Resort Da Nang offers the promotion package including breakfast, beauty treatment and massages, a cyclic tour with a guide to Da Nang Market and a private-car tour with guide to Hoi An.
New 5 star hotel in Hoi An-Swiss Behotel Golden Sands Resort on Cua Dai beach with 212 rooms and facilities such as Japanese and Vietnamese restaurants, daily high tea, pool with Bar and shuttle buses to Hoi An town Hoi Ann Ancient House Village Resort and SPA is another popular resort. Some of hotel and resort are being built and will be completed soon
MICE TOURISM
Da Nang is an attractive new MICE destination backed up by its numerous attractions, ie fine sandy beaches, beautiful hills and mountains, rivers, fertile deltas, rich in flora and fauna, world biospheres and heritage sites, modern cities, ancient cultures and traditions, various cuisines and shopping, delightful architecture and a warm, charming and hospitable people. Supported by Central government, mini MICE and Beach Tourism Exhibition & Meeting and Forum 2016 was successful. It has attracted not only exhibitors, international host buyers, hoteliers and business and leisure travellers. To cope with next mega MICE Tourism, Da Nang Tourism office with stakeholders have taken positive steps to improve its infrastructures, facilities and registration procedure and pre & post tour itineraries as well as trained more personnel of tourism and hospitality industry based on feedback collected.
OBSERVATION AND OPINIONS
Vietnam land shaped like "S". Almost similar as ladies' shape and also like shape of narrow and tall buildings vertically. It is a beautiful country with combination Eastern and Western culture and heritage as well as its own unique traditional value. Da Nang is a safe, good destination with charming tourist attractions. The lifestyle of Vietnamese is simple but meaningful. With further relaxation of Visa policy by exempting from entry Visa for 44 citizens of countries since 01 /07 /2015. Vietnam has attracted more international visitors and benefited Da Nang City on the strength of its wonderful beaches and emerging MICE sector though it has 1-million population only as compared to Hanoi and Saigon
During 9-days experience in Da Nang City, I was deeply touched by spirits of organizers, volunteers and Tourism office staff together with industry partners to actively promote its Beach & MICE tourism sustainably and create awareness of Corporate Social Responsibility (SCR) simultaneously. I appreciated an opportunity provided to meet other international host Buyers and Exhibitors. The event with aim were successful and aims were achieved though it is mini MICE and potentiality of Beach Tourism have not been fully explored. Tourism policy planners and marketers from Tourism Ministry of Vietnam central government attended the event and forum showing their supportiveness on Da Nang Tourism development. It was reported Da Nang City will host a Mega Asia Pacific Forum 2017. Great and Congratulation!
Tourism is one of the main national revenues for Da Nang city, Vietnam. Tourism products and Services are linked with other related hospitality sectors (ie hotels & resorts, transportation, attractions, entertainments and retails, F & B outlets, MICE sectors). World Tourism Organization (WTO) has awarded its attractions as UNESCO sites. As an invited host buyer for Da Nang Beach & MICE Tourism Mart held on 22 -29 Jun 2016 (including pre and post tour) by Vietnam Tourism Office. The Feature posted is related to my profession –an Operator travel business, Tourism Researcher, Tourism Marketer, Travel Writer and Journalist as well as advocator of Sustainable Tourism Development.