The ASEAN Tourism Awards 2023 ceremony took place on February 5th in Indonesia during the ASEAN Tourism Forum 2023. The event was held under the theme “ASEAN: A Journey to Wonderful Destinations”.
| A foreign traveler enjoys buying fruits in Cai Be Floating Market. Photo: Mekong Smiles |
Two groups of host families, one located in Vinh Long province in the Mekong Delta and the other in Lao Cai province in the northwest, have been awarded the ASEAN Homestay Award.
There are six establishments in the first group located in An Binh District, Vinh Long Province. These establishments include Ut Thuy, Sau Thanh, Nam Thanh, Nam Thanh, Ba Linh, Ngoc Phuong, and Ngoc Sang. They are approximately 140 km away from Ho Chi Minh City.
The area is renowned for its picturesque fruit orchards dotted with small islands. The main highlights for tourists include the bustling Cai Be Floating Market, the impressive Vinh Long Brick and Ceramic Kingdom, and the breathtaking waterways, enchanting islets, and charming homestays.
Here are five homestays located in the villages of Hon, Muong Kem, Na Khuong, and Tham Ma in the picturesque mountainous commune of Nghia Do, Bao Yen District, Lao Cai Province.
Located approximately 280 kilometers northeast of Hanoi, the locality is inhabited by the Tay ethnic group. With a rich history of settlement in this region, the Tay people have cultivated distinct cultural practices, traditions, and beliefs, which remain cherished and upheld in contemporary times.
| The poetic scenery of Nghia Do Commune, Nghia Do, Bao Yen District of Lao Cai Province in the ripening rice season. Photo: Lao Cai Newspaper |
Several enterprises were awarded the ASEAN Community Tourism Award. These include Quan Ba Service Cooperative in Ha Giang Province, Sin Suoi Ho Village in Lai Chau Province, Tan Thanh Fishing Village in Quang Nam Province, and the eco-village of stilt houses in Thai Hai Reserve in Thai Nguyen Province.
The ASEAN Public Toilet Award was presented to the restrooms at the Saigon Skydeck of Bitexco Financial Tower, Southern Women’s Museum, and Ben Xua Tourist Area in Ho Chi Minh City.
Five other businesses have been awarded the ASEAN Spa Service Awards in the following categories: Cham Spa & Massage located in the central city of Danang, Sen Tai Thu at Vincom Mega Mall Smart City in Hanoi, Sol Spa at Minera Resort Hotel in Ba Ria – Vung Tau province, Chi Spa at Silk Path Grand Resort & Spa Sapa in Lao Cai Province, and Thala Spa at Best Western Premier Sonasea Phu Quoc Hotel in Phu Quoc Island, Kien Giang Province.
The ASEAN Tourism Awards is a prestigious annual event that recognizes localities and organizations for their outstanding tourism products and services. By acknowledging excellence, this event plays a significant role in promoting the sustainable growth of tourism destinations within the ASEAN region.
| Having a bath with herbs of the Dao ethnic people is one of the great experiences for visitors to Sapa Town, Lao Cai Province. Photo: Chi Spa, Silk Path Grand Resort & Spa Sapa |
The event presents an excellent opportunity for businesses and local organizations to effectively market their tourism products and promote national tourism brands within the ASEAN community.
ASEAN, of which Vietnam is a member, plays a crucial role in the country’s tourism sector as one of its key markets and partners.
In 2019, Vietnam welcomed approximately 2.1 million visitors from other ASEAN member states, representing approximately 11.6% of the overall foreign arrivals.
Vietnam firmly supports multilateral cooperation within the ASEAN framework, recognizing its pivotal role in the country’s international cooperation efforts, particularly in the domain of tourism.
Sa Pa Winter Festival 2017 opens
NDO – Sa Pa Winter Festival 2017 officially opened in Sa Pa district, Lao Cai province, on December 22, as part of the activities during the 2017 National Tourism Year in Lao Cai province.
Y Ty commune – a sight not to miss
The most recognizable site in Y Ty commune, Lao Cai province are the golden rice fields that shine every autumn. However, in spring, the scenery has a new colourful vibe. The valleys are covered in fog and white clouds, with wild peach blossoms fluttering to welcome the spring and visitors to the faraway land.
Sustainable development of medicinal plants in Lao Cai
Lao Cai province has directed localities to gradually restore and develop medicinal plants, expand growing areas, and supply raw materials for local pharmaceutical processing companies and corporations.
Awakening the potential of “Vinh Long Red Kingdom”
Vinh Long has long been known as the most famous and largest brick production province in the Mekong River Delta region; indeed, the local people called it “red kingdom”.
Vietnamese farmer builds yacht-shaped house as ode to life on the high seas
A farmer in Vinh Long Province in Vietnam’s Mekong Delta region has spent his lifetime savings to build an eye-catching yacht-shaped house out of pure nostalgia for his days as a sailor.
