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| A corner of Da Lat (Photo: SGGP) |
According to the website, Da Lat boasts a cool climate and beautiful landscapes, duly ranking fifth in the list with an average room rate of US$57.
It suggested that visitors can take time to explore the Valley of Love, the Dalat Flower Gardens, and the historic Da Lat Railway Station.
“Adventure seekers will also appreciate the proximity to the Lang Biang Mountain, perfect for those who enjoy hiking and outdoor activities,” the travel platform added.
Agoda also announced that Da Lat represents the most affordable tourist destination in the nation, taking over from Hue in the central province of Thua Thien-Hue which came out on top of the cheapest destinations in the previous ranking in April.
Vu Ngoc Lam, country director in Vietnam of Agoda, shared that as travelers seek to recharge before the final months of the year, its latest ranking of the most affordable destinations across Asia is designed to help consumers make informed decisions and enjoy memorable experiences without breaking the bank.
“Whether it’s for a quick getaway or an extended vacation, these affordable destinations offer a variety of unique experiences that cater to all types of travelers. At Agoda, we hope this list encourages more people to discover new places and see more of the world for less,” he stressed.
Hat Yai of Thailand topped the list Agoda’s cheapest destinations with an average room rate of US$36.
This was followed by Yogyakarta of Indonesia, Kuching of Malaysia, Siargao Island of the Philippines, Narita of Japan, Goa of India, Taichung of Taiwan (China), and Busan of the Republic of Korea.
Vietnamese bodybuilders rank second in Asian tournament
Local athletes brought home seven gold, nine silver, and six bronze medals in the 56th Asian Bodybuilding and Physique Sports Championship, which concluded on August 12 in Indonesia, reported the Voice of Vietnam.
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| Nguyen Thanh Tien (C) wins a gold medal in the men’s fitness physique. (Photo: nld.com.vn) |
Truong Hoang Long secured his title in the men's 75kg physique category.
Elsewhere, his teammate Ho Cong Hoai Long triumphed in the men’s 55kg physique category. Nguyen Thi Kim Dung championed the women's fitness physique up to 1.65m, whilst Nguyen Thi Kim Cuong came first in the women's fitness physique above 1.65m.
Other players, including Chau Nguyen Kha, Truong Quoc Long, and Nguyen Thanh Tien bagged three gold medals in the men’s fitness physique up to 1.70m, 1.67m, and 1.82m.
The championship ran from August 6 to August 12 and featured the participation of over 200 athletes from 30 countries and territories worldwide.
Vietnam sent 23 athletes to the event, ultimately coming second in the medal table, only behind India.
Tra Vinh to host first wax coconut tree festival
A wax coconut tree festival, the first of its kind in the nation, is scheduled to take place from August 25 to August 31 in the Mekong Delta province of Tra Vinh, reported the Voice of Vietnam.
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| Photo: VOV |
At a press conference held on August 12, Le Thanh Binh, vice chairman of Tra Vinh provincial People’s Committee, said that the event aims to promote wax coconut as a famous specialty of Tra Vinh province, whilst offering an opportunity for businesses to expand their market share, whilst locals and tourists get to taste new coconut products.
A wide range of activities will be organised, including a cooking contest introducing dishes made of wax coconuts and sporting activities.
Also as part of the occasion, the administration of Tra Vinh will arrange the Vu Lan Thang Hoi festival, with the event being a typical folk festival of the Chinese community in the locality.
A trade fair with 120 booths will also showcase a range of handicrafts and various goods. A culinary space featuring traditional dishes from various different ethnic groups, art performances, and folk games will get underway as part of the event.
Dừa sáp (wax coconut) is among the most popular dishes in Vietnam. It is often used to make smoothies or is mixed with sweetened condensed milk, shaved ice, and peanuts for a dessert.
Export of manufactured, processed industrial goods up 15.4% in 7 months
Vietnam’s export turnover of processed and manufactured industrial goods hit nearly 192 billion USD in the first seven months of 2024, accounting for 84.6% of the total export value, up 15.4% year-on-year, reported Vietnam News Agency based on statistics from the Ministry of Industry and Trade (MoIT).
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| Checking the quality of exported steel at a factory of Hoa Phat Group (Photo: hanoimoi.vn) |
Many groups of products recorded high growth such as cameras, camcorders, and components (51.5%); and computers, electronic products, and components (30%).
Notably, despite a decline in exports to major markets, businesses in these groups have proactively sought solutions to diversify markets. As a result, export turnover to countries in Africa, Eastern Europe, Northern Europe, and Western Asia has increased.
However, the inventory index for the processing and manufacturing industry as of June 30 was estimated to increase 7.6% compared to the previous month and 9.6% compared to the same period last year. Meanwhile, the consumption index in June decreased 4.3% compared to May but rose 10.5% year-on-year.
Pham Tuan Anh, Deputy Director of the MoIT’s Industrial Department highlighted the limitations of the processing and manufacturing industry, pointing out that 88% of Vietnam's supporting industry enterprises are small- or micro-sized, resulting in the majority having low levels of technology and management, limited human resources, and a lack of opportunities to access customers.
Experts said that expanding the market for processed and manufactured industrial products is considered a top priority for maintaining economic growth in the context of increasing inventory levels.
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| Vietnam’s export turnover of processed and manufactured industrial goods hit nearly 192 billion USD in the first seven months of 2024. (Photo: baodautu.vn) |
Anh said in the supporting industry development programme, the MoIT has supported industrial enterprises to improve their production and business capabilities and gain opportunities to join the global production chain, focusing on initiatives to support research, technology application and transfer, and human resource training; and connecting with multinational assembly corporations and global suppliers to find markets for products, thus gradually integrating into supply chains of foreign-invested enterprises.
Trade Counsellor and head of the Vietnam Trade Office in the US Do Ngoc Hung stated that in the coming time, the agency will boost connection and popularisation activities so that more enterprises and sectors can participate in specific trade fairs, such as Fabtech 2024 supporting industry trade fair in Orlando in October, and the International Manufacturing Technology Show (IMTS) in Chicago in September.
The MoIT said it will intensify trade promotion efforts and expand markets to pave the way for the export of processed and manufactured industrial products, concentrating on effectively implementing government-approved support policies for businesses and addressing challenges in production and business activities, especially in key export sectors such as textiles, footwear, and basic industries like automobiles, machinery, and steel./.