Focus Asia News, April 2007.
This edition's table of content:
Welcome to the Focus Asia April newsletter with two new sections; an employee’s presentation segment and a hotel of the month for each destination. This is done to make your experience more complete and to thank some stakeholders for the consistent commitment demonstrated over the years. Furthermore, instead of one destination and one tour, we offer you 2 newly designed tours: Vietnam Prime (culture & dining) and Northern Extension (Heritage, Culture and Shopping) in Vietnam and Cambodia. See the tour of the month section available at www.focus-asia.travel.
March was an extremely busy month; we attended 3 large international tourism fairs: ITB in Berlin, Salon Mondiale du Tourisme in Paris, and MITT in Moscow. Overall, the feedback is excellent and we anticipate a strengthening of partnerships with new clients worldwide. Russia remains our core focus and MITT reinforced our position. Internationally, we are expanding further in India, Egypt, Israel, Philippines, Malaysia, Latvia, and possibly Finland and Italy. In the meantime, we saw an increasing demand coming from our second largest market, Germany.
Locally, Focus Asia began to see a slight decrease in bookings due to the end of the high tourism season. This “spare” time is being used to design, implement and update key projects to make your experience more rewarding. Our new online database system (Tour Plan), for clients only, is now redesigned and available for you to use; it is planned to be fully updated soon. In the meantime, if you need prices not yet available online, please ask for the latest tariffs available on PDF with all the latest tours included.
To manage the many projects and structural changes taking place within Focus Asia, we continue to hire qualified employees because professionalism, creativity, quality and efficiency is needed to serve you best and to manage growth adequately. We hired Miss Huong for our reservation department in Ho Chi Minh City. For further information, please see our employees section available below or visit our website at www.focus-asia.travel.
Vietnam News:
Vietnam: News Information
The strong demand arising from visitors coming to or travelling within Vietnam is challenging the industry with regard to room availability and prices for the up-market segment (4-5 stars). Finding rooms in Hanoi or Ho Chi Minh City can be problematic, especially for tour operators with request for late bookings. As a result, hotel rates are expected to increase some 20% to 100% in the following two semesters. Keep an eye on upcoming newsletters for updates about this issue.
CONGRATULATIONS, Michael!
Michael Shapiro, Focus Asia partner editor, has won the grand prize in the Bedford Pace awards for travel journalism about Great Britain. The award, a trip to Scotland, is for a story called “Land Beyond Time.” It was the cover story of the May-June 2006 issue of National Geographic Traveler magazine.
There were 117 entries including articles from Travel & Leisure, Town & Country, The New York Times, Islands, and the Miami Herald. To read the story in National Geographic Traveler with photographs by Jim Richardson, click here.
Qatar Airways, one of the fastest growing airlines in the world, began operating four flights a week from Doha to HCM City on March 26. Awarded the prestigious 5-star status by Skytrax it offers convenient connections to Europe, the Middle East and Africa.
Jetstar Asia plans to start direct Singapore-HCMC air service this month. The new service is another move to tap Vietnam’s burgeoning aviation market after its subsidiary Jetstar Airways started flying from Sydney to HCM City in November last year.
Sofitel Metropole Hotel and Park Hyatt Hotel have been listed in “The Top Hotels of The World” in 2007 by Travel + Leisure, a renowned U.S. travel magazine. Such news is excellent for the reputation of Vietnam’s hotel Industry.
The Park Hyatt Hotel has been voted the “Best Hotel in HCM City” by DestinAsian magazine in its second annual Reader’s Choice Awards. The hotel was also voted “best Hotel in HCM City” in the AsiaMoney 2007 Travel Poll held by AsiaMoney magazine.
The Furama Resort in Danang is the first five-star resort in Vietnam to have been presented with the American Seven Stars and Stripes Award. The exclusive award recognizes the Furama as offering the best service in Vietnam.
Life Resort Management Co. announced last week that it will manage the blue ocean Resort in Phan Thiet City. The company will officially re-open the Bleu Ocean Resort in September of this year following a US$1 million renovation that started in March.
Vietnam welcomed 749,000 international visitors in the first two months of this year, up 11.3% compared to the same period in 2006, according to the General Statistics Office. Most visitors are from Australia, the U.S., Japan, China and South Korea.
HCM city welcomed 216,800 international travellers in February, up 30% year-on-year. These arrivals bring the total number to the city in the first two months to 552,900, up 34% year-on-year.
Mui Ca Mau National Park in Vietnam’s southern tip, home to over 100 endangered animals and an important site for migratory water birds, has been named a world biosphere reserve. Officials from the Vietnam UNESCO committee met local officials Monday to work on establishing the reserve. The 41,862-hectare (103,400-acre) park contains 26,600 hectares (65,700 acres) of intertidal mudflats and the country’s largest mangrove forest. Established in July 2003 as a National Park, Mui Ca Mau also has a large number of marine species. Globally threatened and near-threatened migratory water bird species sighted there include Far Eastern Curlew (Numenius madagascariensis), Asian Dowitcher (Limnodromus semipalmatus), Chinese egret (Egretta eulophotes), painted stork (Mycteria leucocephala), spot-billed pelican (Pelecanus philippensis) and black-headed ibis (Threskiornis melanocephalus). Large concentrations of Eurasian Curlew (N. arquata) have also been recorded at the site. The park in the southernmost province of Ca Mau is constantly growing due to accretion rates along the coastline of up to 80 meters (262 feet) per year.
Vietnam: Product Information
Vietnam Airlines is offering flexible pricing for services on some domestic routes instead of one fixed price as previously. The airline also plans to offer two prices for business class on domestic services. It also increased flights to Hai Phuong, Dalat and Nha Trang.
Vietnam Airlines began flying (March 10) directly from Hanoi to the central city of Buon Ma Thuot, Vietnam’s coffee capital. The Airbus 320 flights run on Tuesday, Thursday and Sunday.
A new Five-star express train has been operating on the Saigon - Phan Thiet route. The train leaves at 6:15am daily and arrives at 9:45am at Muong Man Station, 11km (7mi) from Phan Thiet. The return trip departs at 7:35pm and arrives at 11:20pm. The train has 10 carriages with comfortable seating for 332 passengers, LCD television, mini bar and odorless lavatories. There is also a multi-purpose carriage for conferences, meetings, and parties as well as a restaurant and foot massage.
The Majestic Hotel in Ho Chi Minh City has become the first state-owned hotel to receive a five-star rating by the Viet Nam National Administration of Tourism. The hotel, belonging to the Saigon Tourist Corporation, is the tenth five-star establishment in the city; the only one wholly owned and run by a Vietnamese company. The Majestic, built in 1925, is one of the most profitable in the city. With 175 rooms, six restaurants and a bar, the hotel's average room occupancy rate is now over 90% of which 95% are foreigners.
CHAU DOC TOURIST JETTY PROJECT. From the March 17, 2007 until further notice, the An Giang Province Tourism Board has begun construction of a new tourist jetty near the Victoria Chau Doc Hotel. The construction may affect a few rooms at the hotel which are facing the work. The work takes place from 7am to 11am and then again from 1pm until 5pm daily. The construction will be at its noisiest during mid-April. During the course of the work, whenever possible, our team at Victoria Chau Doc Hotel will avoid assigning rooms which are located near the construction and continue to make our guests’ stay as enjoyable as possible to ensure guests’ full satisfaction.
Romana Resort & Spa in Phan Thiet will be carrying out minor maintenance at the swimming pool area, mainly for the waterproofing work, and roof maintenance in some areas. The maintenance work is expected to be completed by the April 15, 2007.
Sunrise Beach Resort in Nha Trang hired Swang Gongkaew, a famous Thai chef to work at its Hanabusa restaurant. The chef has over 20 years of experience in Japanese cooking in renowned hotels such as Shrangi La Bangkok, Hilton International Bangkok and Equatorial Hotel is Saigon.
The Swiss-Belhotel Golden Sand Resort, one of Vietnams top resorts located in Hoi An, a renown World Heritage site, has just opened its first Spa – named Scentual’s at the Golden Sands. Located in the hotel with panoramic views overlooking the beach and pool the Spa offers an assortment of packages ranging from the ‘Irresistible’ and ‘Scentual Aloe Vera’ to a multitude of massages from Balinese and Fusion to facials, body conditionings and scrubs. Prices vary, but from US$40, it’s an ideal way to relax and enjoy your stay even more at this outstanding resort. The Spa is open daily from 9 am to 10pm.
The Guoman four stars Hotel in Hanoi is increasing drastically its rates starting May 1st 2007 for any new bookings based on the current market higher demands and the upgraded facilities with more luxury hotel rooms for the Run of House.
Vietnam: HOTEL OF THE MONTH
Sunrise Beach Resort, Nha Trang: Combining the mystical culture and its famous hospitality service with modern resort comfort, Sunrise Beach Resort is a perfect place to luxuriously explore and experience the way of life in the pristine settings of Nha Trang. The resort is located on the tree-lined Esplanade of one of the most sought-after beaches in Vietnam; overlooking the Nha Trang Bay, which has had the honor of being bestowed as a member of The World’s Most Beautiful Bays. A stone’s throw from the beach, the resort is also idyllically located in the heart of the City, within walking distance to major sightseeing and tourist locations, shopping and surrounded by charming colonial buildings. Just 40 minutes’ drive from the Cam Ranh Airport, Sunrise Beach Resort is the latest spectacular 5-star boutique resort and spa that defines the epitome of luxury and pure pleasure, ideal for both business and leisure travelers.
Vietnam: SPECIAL DEALS
Sunrise Beach Resort in Nha Trang (March hotel of the month) is offering travel trade special packages for 2-night stay with free dinner, room upgrade to sea view and a full day tour of Nha Trang inclusive of mud bath and local lunch. Airport transfer is also included and the offer is valid until Oct. 31, 2007. Furthermore, the hotel is offering Super Spring Package or Discover Sunrise Package that are valid until April 28, 2007. The Superior or Deluxe 5-star Packages is valid until June 30, 2007. Please ask us for more information regarding these specials.
Evason Ana Mandara Villas & Six Senses Spa in Dalat offers a special program valid from April 1, 2007 to Oct. 31 2007, excluding national holidays. Travelers are being offered special rates for a Run of House room with a minimum of 2-night stay in single; double or twin shared bedroom only. Bonuses include 1 Free of Charge (FOC) dinner for a minimum stay of 2 nights; stay 3 nights and pay for 2.5 nights with 1 FOC; stay 4 nights and pay for 3 nights with 1 FOC dinner.
Hoi An Pacific Hotel is offering for FIT an early-bird special available from now until 25 April 2007, you will receive a special offer for a stay of 2 consecutive nights, get a free upgrade to Villa Pool View room; for a stay of 3 consecutive nights pay for 2 nights including ABF (3-1).
Hoi An Hotel in Saigon is offering the following special for bookings requested from Deluxe room to higher category from May 1 until September 30, 2007. Stay 4 consecutive nights and book 1 meal (compulsory, min. US$7 per pax) pay 3 nights only. Stay 3 consecutive nights and get 1 free lunch or dinner (excluding drink).
Furama Resort Danang, which nestles along what Forbes magazine has voted as one of the most beautiful beaches in the world, is offering 10% discount for bookings in June (subject to availability) and special prices until April 24. The promotion rates are valid for stays of at least 2 nights; rooms for this promotion are limited.
Palace Hotel Saigon is offering special rates for FIT and GIT in its Superior and Deluxe room categories. All rooms have been renovated. The offer is valid until December 31, 2007.
Cham Villas Summer Promotion 2007 which is valid for any new bookings from May 1 to October 31, 2007 includes a 10% discount for minimum 5 days uninterrupted stay and 15% off for minimum 10 days uninterrupted stay. On top of that a complementary massage is offered per uninterrupted 5 days stay for each booked room.
Vietnam: EMPLOYEE INFORMATION
welcome, huong!
Miss Le My Huong is a new senior tour operator. She was born in the north of Vietnam in April 1973. She moved to the south-central part of Vietnam at age 9. During leisure she enjoys reading, cooking, climbing up trees, catching fish, swimming and playing football. She has an 8-year-old son. She studied Russian language at the University of Ho Chi Minh City. She worked as a salesperson, a car rental executive, and a tour operator. Her dream is to come and see the real Russian autumn. She likes to be a tour operator to make people comfortable with their trips. It gives her a chance to talk with many people from everywhere. Her ambition is simply to become more professional at what she does. Her philosophy of life is “You can win; you can fail but never lose your self-respect”.
Vietnam: Projects under planning, construction or renovation
Following the Vinpearl cable car start last month (see March news letter), the longest in the world over sea, Vinpearl is launching the second phase of developments on Hon Tre Island. It includes an entertainment area near the hotel with Water Park, villas and 18-hole golf courses.
Qantas Airways Ltd. has moved close to buying into Vietnam’s Pacific Airlines as part of the Australian company’s strategy to deepen its presence in the local burgeoning aviation market.
Budget carrier Pacific Airlines plans to inaugurate daily flights between Saigon and both Hue and Nha Trang.
Victoria Hotels and Resorts plans to launch luxury train service between Hanoi and Danang to transport tourists through attractions along the route. The French group will cooperate with Vietnam Railway Corporation.
The tallest hotel in Hanoi is to be built by the South Korean Keangnam Corp. in Cau Giay District. The 60-story hotel, the tallest of its kind in Vietnam, will be a hotel, commercial, office and apartment complex with an investment of US$500 million. It is expected to open in 2010 on the occasion of Hanoi’s 1000th anniversary.
An investment certificate has been granted to Banyan Tree group (Singapore) for the construction of a high-class Resort at Chan May – Lang Co economic zone near Hue. The predicted invested capital is estimated at US$276 millions. According to the project plan, Banyan Tree is going to build a complex resort with hotels, department stores, restaurants, and a golf course and entertainment area that can serve at least 100,000 tourists.
A new resort in Danang and golf course managed by the development arm of Indochina Capital, has received licenses to build a resort in Danang City and a golf course in Quang Nam Province. The well known fund that succeeded in many other projects in Vietnam will invest some US$80 million to develop a five-star resort in front of the Marble Mountains in Hoi Hai Ward, Ngu Hanh Son District. It will also build an 18-hole golf course and golf community with total investment of US$38 million.
Indochina Land will build a deluxe resort on Con Dao Island with an investment of US$20 million. The project, to be opened in 2008, will include 38 rooms, 16 villas and other services. It will be managed by Six Senses Resort & Spas.
A new resort project in Danang managed by Hanoitourist has gained approval from authorities to develop a coastal resort in Hoi Hai Ward, Ngu Hanh Son District with investment capital of US$25 million. Note that Danang authorities have issued licences to a total of 39 tourism projects this past year.
Six investors are listed for the 5-star hotel building project near the National Meeting Center in Hanoi. The Riviera group from Japan and the Keangnam group from Korea are among them. They both plan to invest around US$500 million to build a hotel complex with some 500 rooms and 200 offices for rent. Which investors will be selected is still under consideration by The President of Vietnam SR.
Cambodia News
Cambodia: News Information
Phnom Penh is a safe place for tourism and business. ”We are all proud that in 2006 Phnom Penh secured safety, security and social order, and confidence among investors (and) tourists, while citizens could do business safely without threats and intimidation,” said Kep Chuktema, the municipal governor, according to a National newspaper. He made the remarks based on the annual crime report that shows a decrease in crime in the city.
More tourists travel to Mondolkiri as road improves: Mondolkiri is regarded as a natural tourist province with many ethnic minorities and interesting wildlife. The province is 542km (337mi) east of Phnom Penh. Mondolkiri abounds with mountains and is cooler than other provinces. Cars can now go to the province easily after years of road renovation. Night travel is much more common. “Security at resorts as well as in forests is ok,” says Provincial Tourism Department Director John Samchin. Mondolkiri has over 500 rooms for accommodation; two more hotels with over 100 rooms each are under construction. Mondolkiri received about 120,000 tourists in 2006, including 30,000 foreigners, an increase of 30,000 compared with 2005 (according to the Rasmey Kampuchea newspaper).
The inauguration for upgrading the National Road 76 from Kratie province Snuol district to Mondolkiri province’s Sen Monorom district, which borders Vietnam, was celebrated on 14 February by the Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen. The 127km (79mi) project will cost nearly US$52 million as a part of a grand loan from China, and will be completed in March 2010 (Rasmei Kampuchea).
Visitors to Kratie’s ecotourism areas increase: In 2006, Cambodia’s northeast nature-oriented tourist destination Kratie experienced a large visitor increase (+41%). The province welcomed about 10,800 tourists in 2006, compared to about 7,600 the previous year. Kratie is renowned for its freshwater Irrawaddy dolphins (see www.mekong-dolphin.com) and dense forest area. With the help from the government and NGOs the province has reduced the death rate of the dolphins to an admirable degree.
Cambodia: PRODUCT INFORMATION
Fleet of Compagnie Fluviale du Mékong, Cambodia (CFM), gets more boats for Mékong cruises. The corporation announced the acquisition of a beautiful and comfortable speedboat (first pictures below), brand new, baptized IZABELLA. 12m50 long, 3m50 large, 20 seats, half-covered - privileging a large view, cruising speed 27 knots (50 km/h), IZABELLA transfers already the passengers of the TOUM TIOU, our cruise boat, during the low water season on the Tonlé Sap Lake. Sight the request for shorter programs but rich in sightseeing, starting with October CFM is proposing IZABELLA as an “alternative” to the TOUM TIOU. CFM thus programs her for regular rotations between Phnom Penh and Siem Reap. Regular departures (on FIT basis) are programmed throughout the season, Mondays and Fridays from Phnom Penh, Tuesdays and Saturdays form Siem Reap. Other days or destinations (Battambang - high water season, Chau Doc., Saigon, tailor made) are available upon request.
A second speedboat - ILONA, should be available beginning off 2008 for the same destinations, alternating with IZABELLA.
News at least so important: the small fleet of CFM will widen with a new cruise boat. The LAN-DIEP is 50m long, 10m wide, and will accommodate 22 large air-conditioned cabins, a covered and air-conditioned restaurant, all with a luxurious touch. It will keep the same “local touch” and colonial style as the TOUM TIOU. Built in Vietnam, the LAN-DIEP will be launched at the end of August to sail with her first passengers. She’s available for charter bookings starting with April 2008 on destinations like Siem Reap, Saigon or Kratie.
Cambodia: Hotel of the month
Khemara angkor hotel
Khemara Angkor Hotel, a nice 4-star hotel, is located five minutes walk from Siem Reap city. Spacious yet intimate, polished marble gives way to the beauty of natural wood; rich tropical hardwoods creating an atmosphere of timeless, classic Khmer style, artfully blended with present-day trends. The hotel proposes a total of 130 rooms with wooden floors, (123 deluxe rooms and 7 junior suites, 40% have pool views, 10% have city views; the other rooms have views of the well-kept, lush tropical gardens. Each room is comprehensively equipped combining every modern convenience with the elegance of traditional Khmer decoration.
CAMBODIA: SPECIAL DEALS
The Khemara Angkor hotel (April hotel of the month) is offering special packages for the low season 2007. It includes a stay 3 nights and get one free (package A2). This offer is valid from April 1 to September 30, 2007. Package A1 for the same period includes: stay for 3 nights and enjoy a complimentary meal, set lunch or dinner for one or two persons (food only). Stay 5 nights and get a complimentary one-night stay as well as a complimentary set lunch or dinner for one or two persons (food only). If you are interested, please check with us for the B packages that include a free oil massage under certain conditions.
Special package for Victoria Angkor combined with Victoria Chau Doc & Victoria Hoi An. Victoria hotels are offering special packages for one night at Victoria Angkor Resort & Spa and one night at Victoria Chau Doc Hotel, valid for May 3 to October 31, 2007. Another special package offers discounts for two nights at Angkor Resort & Spa and three nights at Victoria Hoi An Beach Resort & Spa. This second package is valid for May 3 to September 30, 2007.
Cambodia: New products
Bangkok Airways to increase operations: Bangkok Airways subsidiary Siem Reap Airways International plans to start operating flights between Siem Reap and Pakse (Laos) twice a week starting from 10 April onwards, while Bangkok Airways will offer direct links between Chiang Mai and Siem Reap and Phuket and Siem Reap by the end of April.
Laos news
Laos: News Information
New Thai-Lao Friendship Bridge opens in Savannakhet. On December 20, 2006 the second Friendship Bridge, spanning the Mekong between Thailand and Laos, was officially opened. It links Savannakhet, Lao’s largest economic centre with the Thai province of Mukdahan. The 1.6km (1mi) long bridge was financed by Japan and forms part of a newly established east-west corridor leading from Thailand through Laos to Danang on the coast of Vietnam. After entering Laos the recently upgraded Highway No. 9 leads from Savannakhet to the Vietnam border point at Lao Bao.
Construction of the first Friendship Railway linking Laos and Thailand has already kicked off and is expected to be completed in 2008. The 3.5km (2.2mi) railway will connect the existing Thai railway track in the centre of Lao - Thai Friendship Bridge to Tha Na Laeng train station in Dongphosy village (on the outskirts of Vientiane).
Update on speedboat services. At the beginning of this year the Lao government stopped the operation of speedboats plying the Mekong, between Houay Xai and Luang Prabang. These boats were not operating temporarily due to their horrendous noise and low safety level. Since January 24, the speedboats - now equipped with compulsory silencers - are back in business. However boats from/to Houay Xai cannot continue further than Pak Tha, leaving 50km (31mi) of road travel to Houay Xai.
Buses are banned from Luang Prabang historical zone. Following the ban on large 45-seat buses from the peninsula of Luang Prabang, coaster buses (25 seats) will also officially not be allowed to enter the area from May 2007 on. During the next high season, Focus Asia Laos will provide either minibuses/vans of up to nine seats, tuk tuks or boats for the visit by car to the historic zone number 1.
Lao Ecotourism Forum in Vientiane with the theme “Bridging the Mekong Region” will be held in Vientiane July 26 to 29. It will showcase the high quality ecotourism-related products of Laos. Registration for booths is taking place now. Stakeholders, buyers and sellers are invited to take part in an exchange of ideas of how to promote and increase business opportunities for ecotourism. Fam trips, pre and post fair, will introduce specific ecotourism programs of Laos to travel agents. For more details contact: pany@sayolaos.com or check the website at www.ecotourismlaos.com/forum2007.htm
Laos: Product information
Lao Airlines to change schedule for their Friday flight on routing VTE-LPQ v.v., VTE-XKH v.v. as follows:
| Flight No. |
Routing |
ETD (Hrs) |
ETA (Hrs) |
Type of Aircraft |
Remarks |
| QV101 |
VTE-LPQ |
10.00 |
10.40 |
MA6 |
Schedule Change |
| QV102 |
LPQ-VTE |
10.10 |
11.50 |
MA6 |
Schedule Change |
| QV501 |
VTE-ODY |
12.30 |
13.20 |
MA6 |
Additional Flight |
| QV502 |
ODY-VTE |
13.50 |
14.40 |
MA6 |
Additional Flight |
| QV401 |
VTE-XKH |
15.30 |
16.00 |
MA6 |
Schedule Change |
| QV402 |
XKH-VTE |
16.30 |
17.00 |
MA6 |
Schedule Change |
|
Laos: Hotel of the month
The Kamu Lodge opened in May 2004 and is located in a deep Laotian jungle, on the banks of the magnificent Mekong River, only 2.5 hours by river from Luang Prabang. Twenty safari tents feature solar-powered electricity. Each has a private balcony overlooking the river and is simply but comfortably furnished with bamboo and rattan furniture.
Their philosophy is to provide tourism that takes environmental, social and cultural sustainability into account. It is committed to local development that has a positive impact on relieving the poverty of ordinary Lao people. They want to help people preserve their culture and traditions while also giving them new skills and finding activities that can help them and their families generate an income from the tourism industry. Their guests want to see tourism benefit the people of Laos, not just big hotels and foreign-owned businesses. Kamu Lodge provides income and skills to these people through participation in all activities, which, for their guests, is always the most interesting part of the tour.