Travel feel at home in Ninh Binh

Ninh Binh Province is promoting tourism homestays and improving co-operation with other provinces to enhance the tourism experience, says provincial Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism deputy director Duong Thi Thanh.

Grey nomad trail: Tourists enjoy outdoor activities during their homestay tour in Van Long District in Ninh Binh Province.

Up to 50 households in five villages in Gia Van Commune were providing homestays, Thanh said. "Each household has one to five rooms for tourists. I'm receiving good feedback."
Tourists in homestay accommodation take part in the family's daily activities, like going to the market, cooking and farming
The nation's current tourism strategies favours green tourism which Thanh said was associated with the preservation of eco- diversity and natural values.
In ties with other regions, Ninh Binh had signed a 2012 development and co-operation agreement with 10 provinces and cities with high tourism potential, including Ha Noi, HCM City, Da Nang, Thua Thien-Hue, Quang Nam, Can Tho, Quang Ninh, Hai Phong, Lao Cai, and Lang Son.
Thanh said the ties would assist tours of ancient capitals, including Hoa Lu in Ninh Binh, Thang Long citadel (Ha Noi), Lam Kinh vestige, Ho citadel (Thanh Hoa Province) and Hue City.
The provincial tourism section head, Hoang Thanh Phong said: "The province also has craft villages like Van Lam embroidery village, Ninh Van stone carving village of Hoa Lu District, and Kim Son sedge village in Kim Son District.
"When craft villages are better known, it could help create jobs for local people."
However, Ninh Binh still faced challenges, including the perception of poor environmental protection, site information and professionalism among tourist guides, along with annoying street vendors and a lack of entertainment, Thanh said.
"Employees in tourism activities will undergo training in environment protection, languages, culture and history."
Recently, Gia Sinh Commune in Gia Vien District opened the club Lang Am Thuc De Nui (Gastronomy Village of Mountain Goat). There, 20 members made a commitment to strictly observe food service regulations and to make sure prices were included on menus.
Located 93km south of Ha Noi, Ninh Binh has diverse landscapes, with the Trang An ecotourism complex boasting mountains, caves and lakes.
Among 3.6 million visitors to the province in the first six months of this year, 2.5 million went to the complex.
The Tam Coc-Bich Dong tourist destination and Bai Dinh Pagoda have also created an impression.
Ninh Binh aims to welcome 6 million visitors, including 1 million foreigners, by 2015, an annual growth rate of 10 per cent. 

Cham Island – a place to discover

Cham Island – a place to discover

Considered as a beautiful pearl of Hoi An in the central coast province of Quang Nam, the Cham Island has many interesting things to explore.

Situated about 15 km from Cua Dai beach, Cham Island comprises eight islets. It is endowed by nature with terrific advantages: nice weather all year round, unspoiled and beautiful beaches and great landscape. Visitors can discover and enjoy many things on the island.

In 2009, the island was recognized as a world biosphere reserve by UNESCO. It has more than 1,500 ha of natural forest and more than 6,700 ha of water surface, and is home to a critical ecosystem that includes coral reefs, seaweed and sea grass beds. The area is also rich in marine resources, including many species of ecological and economic importance.

Given these advantages, the Pearl of Hoi An has attracted tourists who are interested in adventures and nature discovery. Picnic, camping and scuba diving are among the top choices of visitors. Many positive reviews have been given by international visitors on the famous tourism forum tripadvisor.com. A New Zealand tourist who visited Cham Island in July wrote: “We had a great day out with the team from Cham Island Diving. Not only reasonably priced, but a brilliant seafood lunch, beautiful relatively quiet beach stop and great snorkeling spots.”  A Hong Kong visitor commented: “Great atmosphere, beautiful beach and fun diving!”

Some other tourists said Cham Island diving was worth of 5/5 points.

Besides a rich ecosystem, the Cham Island Marine Protected Area’s ancient monuments absolutely captivate tourists. The excavated ruins are proof of the former cultural and trade exchanges between Cham Island and countries in the region. The island was once a transshipment point of international merchant ships on the maritime silk road found in the 13th century. Famous vestiges such as Hai Tang Pagoda, Cham Well in Cam village, Temple of the Founder of the Edible Birds Nest Industry, Mausoleum of the Tutelary God reflect the prosperity of the ancient Cham and Vietnamese people thousands of years ago.

For those who like tranquility, unspoiled countryside and relaxation, the island is an appropriate destination. Its beaches which are almost untouched by humans are as beautiful as those on Phu Quoc Island off Kien Giang Province in the country’s south. Visitors can enjoy the fresh air and warm sunshine. However, the island is less known due to insufficient promotion and inconvenient transportation.

Visitors can also stay overnight at a fisherman’s house. The islanders are friendly and honest. Visitors will enjoy savoring rustic but delicious dishes made with wild vegetables, fish, squid and pickles and listen to the home owner’s fishing trip stories or legends about the island.

Those who want to go to Cham Island to simply enjoy fresh seafood could take a squid catching or fishing tour. Travel agents and fishermen will take them to a fishing ground. Caught fish and squid will be served at a restaurant or right on board.