#Bangkok a top Tet holiday choice for Vietnamese travelers

The Thai capital is the hottest destination this year for Vietnamese choosing to travel during the Tet holiday.

Agoda, a leading global online accommodation reservations provider, has used new bookings data to assess 10 most popular Tet, Lunar New Year, holiday destinations for Vietnamese this year.

Traditionally, Tet is a time when Vietnamese people return home all over the country and the world to join their family for important Lunar New Year rituals, and to visit relatives and friends as part of the festival tradition.

However, the long holiday is tempting increasing numbers of Vietnamese citizens to travel within and outside the country.

This year, Bangkok has overtaken many of famous Vietnamese tourist hotspots like Da Lat, Nha Trang and Phu Quoc. Singapore came sixth on the list, while Kuala Lumpur took the ninth position.

.

.

 Around one million Vietnamese tourists touched down in Thailand in 2018, putting Vietnam among the kingdom's top 10 tourism markets, according to a recent report by the Tourism Authority of Thailand.

Citizens of ASEAN member nations can travel within the region without applying for visa and stay as a tourist for a maximum of 30 days.

Bangkok’s high popularity among Vietnamese holiday goers is reflected in the fact that 30 airlines have direct routes connecting Hanoi and Saigon with the capital of Thailand.

The Year of the Pig begins on February 5 and the Vietnamese government has approved a nine-day (February 2-10) break for the holiday.

Rising overseas travel is a result of economic development and an expanding middle class, said Nguyen Cong Hoan, vice general director of Hanoi Redtour.

"A more affluent younger generation now wants to see the world. They are willing to spend more money on experiencing new destinations," he said.

According to Mastercard, Vietnam has the second fastest growing outbound market in the Asia Pacific region after Myanmar, with projected annual growth of 9.5 percent between 2016 and 2021.

Mastercard has forecast that some 7.5 million Vietnamese travelers will venture outside the country in 2021.

Source - VN Express

Thailand - #Phuket named second best beach in the world

Phuket is celebrating its most recent award after being named the ‘Second Best Beach in the World’ by business publication US News & World Report.

It continues to win accolades from major international media for its white sands, aquamarine waters and limestone cliffs that attract millions of travelers every year. This island was hailed as “a little piece of paradise” according to the magazine.

Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) Governor, Mr. Yuthasak Supasorn, said everyone in Phuket, both public and private stakeholders should take pride in this achievement as it demonstrates the island’s appeal as one of the world’s most desirable beach destinations.

“Obviously we are delighted to win this important award. The fact the honour comes from the US News & World Report is even more gratifying given its target audience and readership.

 “In the past, Phuket has won several other prestigious awards for its beaches as well, so we are very grateful for the continued recognition.” Mr. Yuthasak added.

Phuket continues to expand its appeal as it tries to shift upmarket. It is also quickly established itself as one of the super-yacht hubs of Southeast Asia, a tropical playground for various groups of tourists who enjoy the island’s charms.

Along with its tropical appeal, Phuket beckons travellers wanting to experience its world-famous cuisine. Phuket was listed by UNESCO as a Gastronomic City in 2015 and will be included in the Michelin Guide Bangkok, Phuket and Phang Nga 2019.

Just the ticket for girl time

Travel website Booking.com has been busy finding out what types of trips ladies between the ages of 18 and 34 favour right now and unsurprisingly the results are almost equally divided between beach vacations (54 per cent) and city breaks (53 per cent).

The respondents indicated that most important factors were travelling to somewhere new, a relaxing getaway and great value for money.

The data was collected by Booking.com from 12,781 respondents across 13 markets in September 2016. Respondents had to be 18 years of age or older, had to have travelled at least once in 2016 and had to be planning at least one trip for 2017. 

Interestingly, 65 per cent of Thais said that they took a beach vacation in 2016 with 51 per cent opting for a city break. 

 FOR THE BEST GLOBAL HOTEL & FLIGHT BOOKINGS

 So whether you’re planning ladies nights or some quality mother-daughter time for 2017, one of the destinations below could well be what you’re after. 

For the Beach Lovers: Sydney, Australia 

A getaway to the sun-drenched capital, Sydney is a must on the wish list. Check out the most photographed ocean pool in Australia, Bondi Icebergs, have a picnic in the Botanic Gardens, take a hike through the Royal National Park, stroll from Bondi to Coogee or savour a cocktail or two with a view at the impressive Hacienda Bar. 

 Where to stay: Bounce Sydney is the perfect scene for travellers on a budget but who do not want to compromise on style. Bounce Sydney boasts an onsite restaurant, bar, BBQ facilities and a rooftop terrace offering views of Sydney. You and your girl squad can choose from shared dormitories to private rooms and can meet fellow travellers in the three communal lounges and the fully equipped kitchen.

For the City Girls: New York City, US

The Big Apple is the perfect fun-fuelled getaway for you and your friends, from the neon lights of buzzing Times Square, the famed Broadway theatres to the sprawling beauty of Central Park.

Where to stay: Located on Manhattan’s Lower East Side is Sanctuary NYC Retreats. Offering retreat-style accommodation complete with an onsite yoga studio, Stanton Street Yoga and free unlimited classes for guests, this is the perfect scene to recharge your batteries after hitting the town.

For the Zen Seekers: Ubud, Bali

Bali is the perfect beach getaway. Discover tropical rainforests, terraced rice paddies, Hindu temples and shrines, ancient holy sites and breathtaking coastlines fringed by swaying palm trees. Be sure to check out the Goa Gajah Elephant Cave and the Ubud Monkey Forest!

Where to stay: Alam Ubud Culture Villa and Residence boasts two spring-water swimming pools and stunning views of the river valley and forest. The spacious villas are set on the hillside and come with modern Balinese decor.

READ CONTINUE

THAILAND - King’s holidays to remain

A large crowd of football fans form the shape of the Thai number “9” to mourn His Majesty the late King Bhumibol Adulyadej, who is also known as King Rama IX, upon their arrival at the Rajamangala National Stadium yesterday.

.

 

Events including oath-taking planned to honour monarch

PRIME MINISTER Prayut Chan-o-cha said yesterday that the government would retain holidays related to His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej, while the Cabinet approved activities for next Tuesday to express loyalty to the late monarch on the occasion of his 89th birthday on December 5.
The calendar would have to be adjusted after the new reign commences, officials said, adding that the Royal Household Bureau would take care of the details. 
However, holidays linked to the late King Rama IX will remain, although with some name changes, because of His Majesty’s profound influence on Thailand, the PM said. 
Officials were discussing the matter and everything was proceeding in steps, so the public should remain calm, Prayut said.
He added that he would wait for an appropriate time after the royal funeral to humbly offer His Majesty the posthumous title of “Bhumibol Maharaj”, or “Bhumibol the Great”. 
People should not move too fast on such matters to raise public awareness or collect donations, he said. 
Steps such as building a monument or offering a designation to the late monarch would require the Cabinet’s approval and the Royal Household Bureau’s endorsement. 
The Cabinet is now working to ensure order in the country Horror Monarch 

.

New Rules Destroy Tourism in Bangkok

Street resistance: Vendors say new sidewalk rules hurt business

Contrary to official reports, vendors are resisting orders to clear the streets and make way for pedestrians.

On a field trip with a city official to check out street stalls between sois Ramkhamhaeng 17 and 65, members of the media saw many not complying with orders to operate only at night.

Intended as a dog-and-pony show to show the success of the new street rules, the tour found a small portion street vendors have followed the new rules. Only 30 of 207, admitted tour leader Wanlop Suwandee, chief adviser to the Bangkok governor’s office.

Visits were also made to stretches of Sukhumvit Road and areas in Khlong Toey and Watthana districts, where Wanlop claimed more vendors are following the request to only operate from 7pm to midnight.
Some vendors, such as one near Soi Nana, told the Bangkok Post, she’s been there for over 20 years, and although she was willing to comply with the rules, said it would ruin her business as most evening visitors in the area were not there for shopping.

She said she’ll petition junta officials for help should the policy negatively affect her business.

Sourse:  @CoconutsBKK

.