Saigontourist launches ‘charming' deal

Under the Discover the Charm of Viet Nam with Saigontourist and MasterCard programme, all cardholders paying for products and services with their MasterCard will receive special prices at Saigontourist establishments across the country as well as its partner establishments. Visitors will receive preferential deals in travel and accommodation, dining and entertainment as well as other services, companies said in a press release.

Travel club focuses on Thai tourists

Twenty-two travel companies, mostly in central Viet Nam, have formed a club to ensure better services for Thai travellers to the region. The club aims to improve services, prevent price undercutting, boost tourism promotion, and set minimum tour prices for Thai visitors to the country.

Cao Tri Dung, chairman of the club, said the member companies mainly served Thai tourists who travel to the country via border gates in the central region such as Cau Treo, Cha Lo, Lao Bao and Nam Can. They will also contribute funds to promotion programmes to attract more Thai tourists.

The current minimum prices for three popular overland tours designed for Thais in the central region range from US$105 to 170 per person.

HCM City explores river tourism

The HCM City tourism authority will survey a new tourist route traveling up the Sai Gon River to the neighbouring province of Dong Nai early next month.

In addition, the city officials discussed another river tour linking the city's centre, Binh Duong Province, and Cu Chi District. A report prepared by the tourism department after a survey in July said the medium-length river tour has high potential owing to the beautiful scenery and attractions along the route.

The route would start from Bach Dang Wharf, take in Thanh Da-Binh Quoi and then Binh Duong Province's craft villages before ending at the historic Cu Chi Tunnels.

Lao Airlines launches new route

Lao Airlines held the opening ceremony of the Vientiane - Pakse - HCM City service last week. The carrier now has three weekly flights on the routes. The one-way fare ranges from US$123 to $131. One-way tickets for direct service between HCM City and Pakse on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays cost from $95 to $103. At the event, a cooperation agreement was signed between the Champasak Province Association for Travel Agents from Laos and the HCM City Tourism Association.

Mouths water for crocodile delicacies

The Viet Nam Home Restaurant at 125AB Nguyen Dinh Chieu Street in Mui Ne, Phan Thiet City, will hold a crocodile specialties week from October 30 to November 5. The event will offer tourists a chance to try a range of delicious crocodile dishes, including barbecued steaks. Diners will also served with free Australian wine to drink with their meal. The opening night of the crocodile event will feature music by Trio Sensation from the Phillippines.

Viet Nam Home Restaurant offers a free pick up service.

VietNamNet/Viet Nam News