Culture and nature are also prime draws
The central Vietnamese city of Hue may be somewhat overshadowed by bustling Hanoi and Saigon but a Vietnamese DMC says the central Vietnam destination provides intriguing insights into the Vietnam of yesteryear. Venus Travels Asia says Hue enables a look at the wealth of earlier Vietnam’s upper class and also serves a showcase for the Asian nation’s tea culture.
“The former imperial capital still retains the architectural and culinary legacies of Vietnam’s feudal past, “from majestic palaces to its renowned royal cuisine and tea culture,” Venus Travels Asia employee Iris Luu said during a Wheelhouse Webinars presentation.
Those who visit Hue can learn of the “sophistication and complexity of tea preparation during the feudal dynasties,” Luu added.
Area attractions include the Hai Van Pass, 20 kms of road that reaches the highest point in the country while providing views of mountains rising above the South China Sea, beaches and jungle. Local cuisine has both Asian and European influences. Hue is also known for salted coffee that Iris pronounced “super good.”
Luu said the nearby coastal city of Hoi An in turn provides a “captivating glimpse into Vietnam’s past” as well, with the trading port home to what she said was well-preserved architecture that helps make it a “living museum.”
Hoi An is also home to Vy’s Market Restaurant, which offers visitors Vietnamese cooking classes. Luu said Hanoi in turn features “thousands of years of civilization.” She suggested visitors ride three-wheeled bike taxis called cyclos, once used by the wealthy alone. “When you sit here — in a cyclo— you’re very rich in the past,” she stated.
Luu referred to scenic Halong Bay as “one of the New Seven Wonders of the World,” adding luxury cruises are available in its waters, with passengers able to opt for the likes of kayaking, swimming and other activities on the “very, very relaxing cruises.”
Luu said memories of the Vietnam war continue to be seen in the Saigon-area Cu Chi Tunnels, a vast underground complex used by the Viet Cong to fight American troops. Tourists can also visit ranges that allow them to fire AK47 assault rifles, another holdover from the war. Southern Vietnam’s Mekong Delta is home to ancient pagodas, Luu added. She said that Venus Travels Asia — in business for 15 years — has programs that focus on community life and uses “local experts” for its itineraries. It is committed to sustainability, she added.
The company has a fleet of modern vehicles for its clients and will greet clients upon their airport arrivals. “We always put ourselves in our customers’ shoes,” Luu said.
More information can be found at venustravelsasia.com.
Meanwhile, Laguna Golf Lang Co. showcased Central Vietnam’s golf offerings in Australia in September at separate events in Melbourne and Sydney.
These events were aimed to familiarize people with “the exceptional golf experiences offered in Central Vietnam.”
Central Vietnam has established itself as a world-class destination for play, featuring courses designed by legendary golfers such as Nick Faldo (Laguna Golf Lang Co), Luke Donald (Ba Na Hills Golf Club), and Colin Montgomerie (Montgomerie Links), alongside iconic names like Greg Norman and Robert Trent Jones Jr.
The region’s growing acclaim on the global stage was underscored in 2023 when it set a record for the number of rounds played. Laguna Golf Lang Co, a cornerstone member of the Vietnam Golf Coast — a destination marketing alliance promoting Central Vietnam’s signature courses — is set to introduce the region to foreign tour operators.
Danang has emerged as a central hub for golf tourism and Central Vietnam offers golf courses, luxurious hotels, and diverse tourism offerings. Representatives from the Danang Tourism Promotion Center, under the direction of the Danang Tourism Department, will also be on hand to provide insights and answer questions.
“This roadshow highlights our commitment to positioning Central Vietnam as a leading golf destination,” said Stephen Banks, director of golf at Laguna Golf Lang Co. “Central Vietnam is one of Asia’s most complete golf destinations, offering spectacular year-round play, incredible cuisine, cultural richness, and top-tier accommodations.”
