Independance Day - 2nd September
In just a few weeks Vietnam will be celebrating the anniversary of the Declaration of Independance, which was declared in Hanoi's Ba Dinh Square by then President, Ho Chi Minh.
The day was the 2nd of September 1945 when the President made the declaration after the August Revolution. North Vietnam took control of the South making Vietnam one as we know today (later to be seperated through further war)
The day is celebrated with ceramonies, parade's and concerts accross the country. Independance Day is also a public holiday which means hotels, planes, trains and buses are full to the roof with local VIetnamese traveling, so if your here, book early.
The 2nd of September is also the same day that President Ho Chi Minh died in1969.
Save with Early Bookings
If your traveling around and want to do so on the Reunification Express Train Service, you can save a few extra dong by simply booking early.
The savings will kick in from the 15th September and this is what you get:
# For Danang to HCMC
- Book 30 days in advance get 30% off.
- Book 60 days in advance and recieve a whopping 40% off!
# For other tickets on the Hanoi - HCMC service you can get the following discounts:
- Book 30 days in advance and get 10% off.
- Book 90 days in advance and you'll get 20% off.
While it can be hard for travelers to book this far ahead, it is something to remember for you first arrive in to Vietnam.
Better to put the dong in your own pocket then Vietnam Rail!
Visit the Vietnam Rail Website for further details on fares, time tables and much much more!
After the Storm
During the past week or so, north Vietnam has been hammered by a large storm that earned the name Kummuri. The storm has left a trail of damaged housing, record beating floods, tons of landslides and a death toll of some 162, with many still unaccounted for.
The storms cut the main highways and the Lao Cai/Hanoi train line in the north isolating towns and villages from rescue teams, food drops and medical help. The storms where the worst recorded in over 40 years.
Now with water levels dropping the full extent of the damage is becoming clear. In the northern province of Cao Bang alone, they estimate a damage bill of over VND4 Billion or $250,000USD - just for the repairs to and clearences of the roads.
For anyone heading to Sapa or north of the capital, Hanoi, besure to check out the current weather conditions. More storms have been predicted, including heavy rains.
Currently the train service from Lao Cai (Sapa) and Hanoi is operating but some of the roads are still waiting repairs.
Safe Travels!
Helicopers flying over Halong
The National Air Service Company and the Royal International JS Company have just began an Air Taxi Service from Hanoi to Halong Bay.
The flights will aboard an EC 130B4 Helicopter and will take approx 45 minutes one way. Each aircraft can hold up to 5 passangers.
With the prices set at USD$550 return and USD$350 one way, I'm guessing that it's really aiming at the budget minded traveler!
Both companies also intend to run a Halong Bay Scenic tour which will cost you a little less at USD$110 p/p.
For more info visit the following website - http://www.northernsfc.vn
What's on in Hanoi
Melia Hanoi Hotel - 44B Ly Thuong Kiet StreetEvery Wednesday is Bachelorette Nite for the Ladies with free Sangria and Tapa for ladies all night long! On Thursday nights at the Melia is Disco Fever Night.
Sofital Metropole Hanoi Hotel - 15 Ngo Quyen Street
Set in the oldest bar of Hanoi; enjoy some colorful jazz at the Le Club Bar. Featuring French singer, Nadia Cambours you will be taken back in time with some classics from the 1920's and 30's.
Every Tuesday - Sunday from Aug 22 - Oct 22.
Maison Des Arts - 31A Van Mieu Street
Exhibition of Video, Photos, Sculpture and paintings entitled Long Bien Bridges' Memory, which runs until Oct 11.
Movie Time!
Sick of the noise, the horns, the post card sellers.................?Then head to 191 Ba Trieu Street (Vincom Tower) and on the 6th floor you'll find Mega Star Cineplex! Tickets cost 50,000VND per person and if you feel the cold, take a jumper. Amazing air-con!
Movies now showing include
• Journey to the centre of the Earth
• Hellboy 2 - The Golden Army
• Rogue
• Get Smart
• The Incredible Hulk
• Kung Fu Panda
All movies are the original version, in English (with Vietnamese sub-titles).
For times and information call - 974 3333 (staff speak English).
And don't forget to try the popcorn, it's like at home.......!
Rising Petrol, Rising Bus Fares
As with much of the world, Vietnam has seen a huge increase in the cost of petrol, and as such transport costs (among everything else!) are going up! Recently petrol prices arcoss the nation shot up 30% (now selling for 19,000VND per litre) pushing local bus operators to increase their fares by an estimated 8 - 15%. Along with the buses, expect taxi's to follow suit.
The express ferry from HCMC to Vung Tau has also joined the party increasing the 1 ½ hour journey to 160,000VND an increase of 20,000VND.
So what ever you read in the guide books or on the internet, use it as a guide. Because it won't be long and prices will increase again!
Snippet of Useless Information - The cost of Diesel in Vietnam has increased 14% during the year, while petrol has jumped 31%