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| Da Nang among the best places in Southeast Asia for solo travellers. (Photo: VNA) |
VNA reported that Da Nang ranks third for its idyllic coastal escape and gateway to varied experiences. Meanwhile Hanoi is in the sixth place for its unpretentious vibes.
The criteria for selecting a destination are based on a low crime rate, safety, affordability, diverse landscapes, an "amazing" and immediately noticeable culture upon arrival, and cuisine with enticing flavors that offer a sense of daily triumph with delicious dishes.
The ranking criteria are based on low crime rates, safety, affordability, diverse cultures and landscapes, and delicious foods with enticing flavours.
According to Lonely Planet, cities must have a dense network of flights, trains and buses, which give travellers access to the smallest of provinces, encouraging free-spirited exploration. Strong and widespread Wi-Fi coverage is also considered a significant advantage.
Lonely Planet said Da Nang's graceful arc of a coastline is as stunning as they come, punctuated at the end by the majestic Lady Buddha statue on the Son Tra peninsula. The hotels by the bay recognise this, often maximising room views with large windows, balconies and infinity pools. Solo travellers on a budget needn't worry about missing out as rooms here average 1,000,000 VND (39.47USD).
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| Hoan Kiem lake in Hanoi (Photo by Doan Anh Tuan updated on hanoinoimoi.vn) |
For those unused to the country's hectic moped culture, this can be a lifesaver, as the traffic here is easier for pedestrians to navigate, it added.
Solo travellers who love to connect with local people will find them especially amenable to sharing their stories here. Otherwise, the southern stretch invites one to linger with its food trucks and photogenic spots.
Meanwhile, Hanoi is one of the few cities in the region that has remained relatively unchanged by its popularity.
Local people go about their daily lives with a genuine, unpretentious spirit that keeps Hanoi feeling refreshingly authentic; which to casual observers might seem aloof, but is largely not personal. It is this unvarnished appeal that has won its fans.
Vietnamese people are a sociable lot, and solo travellers will find themselves making transient connections easily.
“Don't be surprised if you're approached by local youths when walking about – they often just wish to practice their English skills and are more than happy to make recommendations,” Lonely Planet said.
Hanoi also serves as a springboard for neighbouring attractions, it said, adding that from Hanoi, visitors can book tours to Ha Long, Lan Ha Bay, Sa Pa, and Ninh Binh to explore the beauty of the northern region of Vietnam.
HCM City plans to build three int’l passenger terminals to boost tourism
According to VNA, Ho Chi Minh City plans to construct three international passenger terminals in the Can Gio coastal urban area, Mui Den Do, and Ben Nghe port as part of its efforts to develop waterway transport and attract tourists.
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| An international cruise ship at Nha Rong -Khanh Hoi port, Ho Chi Minh City (Photo: VNA) |
Bui Hoa An, Deputy Director of the municipal Department of Transport, stated that the three international passenger terminals have been included in the city’s General Planning adjustment project until 2040, with a vision to 2060, set to be submitted to the Prime Minister for approval soon.
He noted the terminal to be built in the Can Gio coastal urban area will be able to cater for ships of up to 100,000 GT (gross tonnage), the one in Mui Den Do can serve ships of up to 60,000 GT, and that in Ben Nghe port for ships of up to 30,000 GT. These terminals will be equipped with modern facilities and services, including dedicated docking areas, luxurious reception zones, dining, shopping, and entertainment services to enhance tourist experiences.
After two months, the Thang Long high-speed boat, capable of carrying 1,017 passengers on the Ho Chi Minh City - Con Dao route, will be suspended on July 29 due to inefficient operations.
HCM City, with its 23km-long coastline and a dense network of rivers and canals, holds significant potential for developing eco-tourism and urban waterway tourism.
The 80km Saigon River is the largest of its kind in the city, capable of accommodating large sea and tourist vessels and connecting the city with other localities in the southeastern and Mekong Delta regions, and Cambodia.
Over the past years, international passenger ships coming to HCM City have had to dock at cargo ports like Nha Rong - Khanh Hoi and Hiep Phuoc ports, which does not meet maritime safety and security requirements. The lack of dedicated docking facilities has hampered many cruise lines from bringing tourists to HCM City, thus affecting tourism revenue and related services such as restaurant, hotel, and retail.
The Department of Tourism estimated that cruise tourists spend an average of 100 USD per day, a significant source of revenue that remains fully untapped.
Vietnamese film to premiere at Venice Film Festival 2024
Vietnamese horror-comedy “Don’t Cry Butterfly” will have its world premiere at the Venice Critics’ Week, the Venice Film Festival sidebar which is dedicated to first-time filmmakers taking place from August 28 to September 7, reported VOV.
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| Vietnamese film to premiere at Venice Film Festival 2024 (Source: VOV) |
Both written and directed by Duong Dieu Linh, the Hanoi-based film follows a housewife who uses voodoo in an attempt to get her cheating husband to fall back in love with her, but instead accidently invites a mysterious presence into the house.
It explores recurring themes of womanhood, family relations, and cultural traditions, all of which are told with a quirky sense of humour and making use of magical realism.
Linh’s feature film debut is also a companion piece to her award-winning short film series about middle-aged women, including “A Trip to Heaven”, “Sweet, Salty”, and “Mother, Daughter, Dreams”.
Held annually in Venice, the film festival is the world's oldest and one of the Big Five International film festivals worldwide, alongside the Big Three European Film Festivals, the Toronto Film Festival in Canada, and the Sundance Film Festival in the United States.
These festivals are all internationally renowned for giving creators the artistic freedom to express themselves through film.
In 1951, the International Federation of Film Producers Associations (FIAPF) formally accredited the Venice Film Festival. This year marks the 81st edition of the festival.
Vietnamese representative wins silver medal at Man of The World’s sub-contest
According to VOV, lLocal contestant Doan Cong Vinh bagged a silver medal in the Best Physique sub-contest as part of the ongoing Man of The World 2024 male pageant which recently concluded in the Philippines.
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| Doan Cong Vinh wins a silver medal in the Best Physique sub-contest as part of the ongoing Man of The World 2024 male pageant. (Source: VOV) |
The Brazilian representative finished first in the Best Physique sub-contest, whilst the bronze medal went to the contestant from the UK.
This comes after the Venezuelan representative won the Best in Swimwear sub-contest and the Best in Beach Wear winner went to the contestant from Puerto Rico.
Doan Cong Vinh, 25, hails from Tay Ninh province. The model stands at 1.82 metres tall, weighs 74kg, with body measurement of 101-73-102cm. He spent four months preparing for the global male pageant.
The Man of The World 2024 male pageant first began in the Philippines on July 18 and its final night is scheduled to take place on July 26, with the event drawing the participation of 80 contestants worldwide.
The male pageant was first held back in 2017 by Philippine-based multinational conglomerate Prime Events Productions Philippines (PEPPs) Foundation, Inc.
The current Man of the World is Jin Wook Kim of the Republic of Korea, who was crowned on June 16, 2023.
Vietnam has sent representatives to participate in the pageant since 2017. In the male pageant’s second edition in 2018, Cao Xuan Tai was announced as the winner of Man of The World./.