VN 04: TASTE OF VIETNAM

Overview

Itinerary

DAY 1: HANOI (D)
Welcome to Vietnam, transfer of 45 min to your hotel in town, (if it is still early then we can venture out for some culture shock on a short walking tour in the Old Quarter of Hanoi - this is the way to get familiar with the people and the culture). Welcome dinner and water puppet show at night. Overnight in Hanoi.

DAY 2: HANOI CITY TOUR (B/L)

Pick you up at 8:30AM from your hotel, spend your day touring the capital and visit the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum and museum, One Pillar Pagoda, Tran Quoc Pagoda.

After lunch, visit Temple of Literature, Museum of Ethnology. Then take 1 hour trishaw (cyclo) ride to visit the trading area in Hanoi Old Quarter. Stop at Hoan Kiem Lake to learn more about the legend of the Lake and the Ngoc Son Temple. Overnight in Hanoi.

DAY 3: HANOI – PHAT DIEM – HOALU – HANOI – LAO CAI (B/L/D)
Breakfast at the hotel. Driving to the village of Kim Son and visit Phat Diem’s cathedral then continue to Van Lam village and board a small sampan for a spectacular 3-hour cruise through numerous waterways, beautiful rural landscape of limestone cliffs and rice paddies, to the stunning Tam Coc caves. Lunch at local restaurant.

In the afternoon visit Dinh and Le Dynastic temples before returning to Hanoi in the late afternoon to take the night train to Sapa. Overnight on the train.

DAY 4: LAO CAI/SAPA (B/L)
Arrive at Lao Cai Train station at about 5.30am. Take a transfer to Sapa. Having breakfast and relax before explore Sapa Town. In the afternoon, take a 2km short trekking to Cat Cat Village, the home of H’mong Ethic. Meeting & talking with locals to learn more about their daily life. In the evening, enjoy a dinner in a cosy and friendly atmosphere. Overnight in Sapa.

DAY 5: SAPA -LAO CHAI - TA VAN - TA FIN VILLAGE - LAO CAI - HA NOI(B/L/D)
Breakfast at hotel and take a short trek to Lao Chai - Ta Van Village. Back to the hotel to check out around 11:00am. Pleasant drive to Tafin village (12km from Sapa) of Red Dzao ethic. Touring to the village to visit Tafin handicraft shop and explore the daily life of Red Dzao. Here you have a good choices to buy woven and textile brocades, which is made by ethic people. Visit Tafin Cave and small hamlet of Black H'mong people.

Return to Sapa and take a transfer to Lao Cai station for night train to Ha Noi. Overnight at an AC 4 berth soft sleeper.

DAY 6 : HANOI – HALONG (B/L/D)
Arrival from Sapa in the early morning. Take a mini van Ha Long city then boat cruise straight to the Bay with seafood lunch served on the Bay, cruise along the wonderful Bay in the afternoon with cave visit and swimming, dinner and sleep on boat (under thousands of stars)

DAY 7: HALONG – HANOI (B/L)
Morning enjoy the sunrise, that would be great picture as it is raising up from the ocean and through the peaks of the limestone islands. Breakfast served on boat. Cruise back to Ha Long City. Lunch on boat before disembarking and drive back to Hanoi. Overnight in Hanoi.

DAY 8: HANOI – DANANG – HOIAN (B)
Transfer to the airport for the morning flight to Danang. Welcome on arrival to visit the Cham Museum, Marble Mountains and have a look at China Beach. Continue to the riverside town of Hoi An which was an important trading port during the 17th and 18th centuries and which nowadays, is officially listed as a world heritage site. Hotel checks in on arrival. Overnight in Hoian.

DAY 9: HOIAN - WALKING TOUR IN THE ANCIENT TOWN (B/L)
Breakfast at hotel then walk with your tour guide to visit around Hoi An- the old Tan Ky House, Japanese Covered Bridge, Phuc Kien Assembly Hall. Shop for tailored made silk products or spend your time at the wonderful beach. Free at leisure. Overnight in Hoian.

DAY 10: HOIAN – DANANG – HUE (B/L)
Hotel breakfast. Morning driving to Hue via Hai Van Pass and stop at Lang Co Beach on the way. Hotel checks in on arrival. In the afternoon, visit the Imperial Citadel and Emperor Khai Dinh’s mausoleum, Emperor Tu Duc’s tomb. Overnight in Hue

DAY 11: HUE – SAIGON (B/L)
After an early breakfast transfer to Hue Airport for your morning flight to Saigon. On arrival, transfer to your selected hotel. In the same morning, discover bustling Saigon: Enjoy a tour in the Old Colonial Residential Quarter and discover the old Hotel de Ville, the Opera House, Notre-Dame Cathedral (built in the 19th century), the dazzling French-style post office and the Reunification Palace (outside). In the afternoon visit the War Remnants Museum, then continue to Cho Lon and stop at Binh Tay Market. Finally, end the day with a visit to a lacquer ware factory. Overnight in Saigon.

DAY 12: SAIGON – CAI BE – VINHLONG – CAN THO (B/L/D)
Morning departure from Ho Chi Minh City and drive overland to Cai Be, in the heart of the Mekong Delta. On arrival, board a sampan for a cruise on the Mekong River and its multiple canals to Vinh Long. Visit Cai Be floating market, an old colonial house, a rice corn factory and taste local specialties for lunch. In the afternoon continue to Can Tho, the main town of the Mekong Delta. Overnight in Can Tho.

DAY 13: CANTHO –SAIGON (B/L)
Morning start with a Sampan to visit Cai Rang floating market and a family run noodle-making factory. Witness the rural life and the beautiful vegetation along the riverbanks. Discover Can Tho’s market then drive back to Saigon. On the way, stop at Me Kong Rest Stop in My Tho for a rest. Arrive in Saigon late in the afternoon. Overnight in Saigon.

DAY 14: SAIGON - BACK HOME (B)
Free at leisure until to be transferred to the airport for back home.

Price List

Room Type		Number of Travellers		Price
3-star hotel		2 pax		$1391		Book
3-star hotel		3 pax		$1187		Book
3-star hotel		4 pax		$1072		Book
3-star hotel		5 pax		$1003		Book
3-star hotel		6 - 7 pax		$956		Book
4-star hotel		2 pax		$1555		Book
4-star hotel		3 pax		$1358		Book
4-star hotel		4 pax		$1248		Book
4-star hotel		5 pax		$1181		Book
4-star hotel		6 - 7 pax		$1137		Book
5-star hotel		2 pax		$1842		Book
5-star hotel		3 pax		$1645		Book
5-star hotel		4 pax		$1535		Book
5-star hotel		5 pax		$1468		Book
5-star hotel		6 - 7 pax		$1424		Book
Single Supplement (3-star hotel)		1 pax		$256		Book
Single Supplement (4-star hotel)		1 pax		$447		Book
Single Supplement (5-star hotel)		1 pax		$793		Book

Note: Prices net per person in US$, and may change depending on high or low season.

INCLUSION :
- Accommodation in twin share at selected hotels or similar.

- Private transportation with A/C as itinerary.

- Entrance fees.

- Guide (in english or french, other languages upon request).

- Meals as indicated.

- Domestic Air-tickets, economy class including tax

- Local tourist train Hanoi-Sapa-Hanoi, sharing cabin 4berths

- Private boat trip

EXCLUSION :
- Services not stated in the program
- Drinks
- International airfare to Vietnam and Departs Vietnam on first and last days.
- International airport tax
- Entry Visa for Vietnam
- Insurance
- Personal expenses & Tips


ACCOMMODATION
Hanoi

Flower hotel *** Superior - www.flowerhotel.com.vn

Flower Garden hotel **** Superior – www.flowergardenhotel.com.vn

Melia hotel ***** Deluxe – www.meliahanoi.com

Sapa

Chau Long hotel **** Sup New Wing - www.chaulonghotel.com.vn

Victoria Sapa **** Superior – www.victoriahotels-asia.com

Halong

Huong Hai Junk **** Deluxe - www.halongdiscovery.com

Indochina Sails ***** Superior – www.indochinasails.com

Hoian

Thuy Duong 3 hotel *** Superior room - www.thuyduonghotel-hoian.com

Hoian beach resort **** Deluxe GV – www.hoianbeachresort.com.vn

Palm Garden resort ***** Superior GV – www.palmgardenresort.com.vn

Hue

Hue Queen hotel *** Standard room - www.huequeenhotel.com

Park view hotel **** Standard – www.parkviewhotelhue.com

Celadon Palace ***** Deluxe - www.celadonpalacehue.com

Saigon

Elios hotel *** Superior - www.elioshotel.vn

KimDo hotel **** Deluxe – www.kimdohotel.com

Rex hotel ***** Deluxe – www.rexhotelvietnam.com

CanTho

Ninh Kieu 2 hotel *** standard/Superior – www.ninhkieuhotel.com

Victoria Hotel **** Superior – www.victoriahotels-asia.com

Ana Mandara Resort

Address: Beachside Tran Phu road, Khanh Hoa Province Phone: (84 58) 522 522 City: Nhatrang, Vietnam Ana Mandara means "beautiful home for the guests". Reminiscent of an old Vietnamese village, and furnished with native woods and rattan, the Resort reflects the real image of Vietnam, with its warm hospitality, rich culture and unique tastes.

Room type Single Double Triple GardenView Villa $205 $215 Superior SeaView Villa $265 $280 Deluxe SeaView Villa $330 $340 Ana Mandara Suite $415 $440

Overview Accomdation Restaurants & Bar Meeting facilities Sport & Leisure Direction Amenities Business service Air-conditioned library Boutique 24 hour room service Laundry and dry-cleaning services Visa extension services Full size bath with fixed shower IDD telephone In-room safe Satellite television HBO channel 24 hour room service Mini-bar Coffee/tea making facilities Hairdryer Stationery box Daily newspapers upon request Policies Compulsory Gala Dinner on nights of 24th December and 31st December Prepayment for full guarantee required to confirm bookings during this peak period For Group and Long Term stay, please contact Reservation Hot Lines Check in time 1300 hours Check out time 1200 noon There is no additional charge for children under 12 years of age who accompany their parents in the same room provided that an additional bed is not required All reservations must be guaranteed by a credit card American Express, JCB, Visa, Master cards are accepted All rates are in US Dollars and are subject to 5% service charge and 10% government tax (subject to change without notice), exclusive of breakfast

Tay Ninh National Park is home to array of rare birds

VietNamNet Bridge – A group of Vietnamese friends from the US visited Lo Go-Xa Mat National Park in the southern province of Tay Ninh to experience the virgin forests and eco-landscapes that abound there.

Feather dusting: The site is home to many rare species including eastern cranes. — VNS File Photos

Park deputy director Ly Van Tro guided the group through the area, which was gazetted as a national park by the Government in 2002.

There they witnessed three different forests at the same site – the old forests of the Tay Nguyen (Central Highlands), wetland and semi-wetland forests of the eastern region and the mangrove forests of the Cuu Long (Mekong) Delta.

Tro told the group that the potential of these forests included fishing and seafood in the mangroves and river system, tourism, entertainment, and scientific research as well as other natural items such as fragrant mushrooms.

The forests accounted for roughly 25 per cent of the province's total natural forest cover and supported a mosaic of lowland semi-evergreen forests and lowland deciduous forest and melaleucas, Tro said. Smaller areas of lowland evergreen forest existed along watercourses. A variety of wetland habitats, including seasonally inundated grasslands and forests, permanent lakes and watercourses were also present.

Apart from the forests, the site was found to qualify as an Important Bird Area (IBA) due to the presence of a number of globally threatened birds and restricted-range species, including Germain's peacock-pheasant Polyplectron germaini, Tro said.

"Scientists have defined that the park is one of most rich important bird areas in Viet Nam."

Happy tree friends: The park also hosts endangered monkeys.

The visitors under Tro's guidance were interested in witnessing birds bathing in the park's puddles, while boucals and drongos try to land on guests' cars.

"Rabbits and monkeys ran around us as if we were their close friends," group leader Duong Quoc Minh said.

The park also has relics of a base of the southern liberation forces during the American War, which includes a radio station of the fighters, a news agency station and a printing house and many other facilities.

"We plan to build a museum to show visitors the history of the revolution and national liberation," Tro said.

"The park management board holds training courses for village officials, security guards, teachers and students to teach them more about the park's potential and to encourage them to protect the park.

"We plan to build a large stilt house on the Vam Co Dong River which forms a boundary of the park so visitors can stay overnight," he said.

Surveys had revealed Lo Go-Xa Mat qualified as an IBA, Tro said, while subsequent meetings with stakeholders generated considerable local interest in its value for biodiversity, resulting in the request for its formal protection.

The site was declared a protected area by the government of Viet Nam in 1986 to commemorate its historical importance as a revolutionary base during the American War, Tro said. In January 2001, following reports that the site had been designated for village resettlement, the BirdLife International Viet Nam Programme undertook a survey trip.

Wet and wild: A corner of the Lo Go-Xa Mat National Park.

The site was found to support a variety of lowland habitat types almost lost from elsewhere in Viet Nam but these were under severe and immediate threat from conversion to agricultural land. Indeed, drainage canals and roads were already under construction, he said.

In response to these threats, BirdLife and the International Crane Foundation convened a meeting with provincial leaders to explain the importance of the site for conservation, and to raise awareness of the threats posed by the resettlement project. The response from the provincial leaders was positive: they agreed to halt the project temporarily, pending a more detailed biodiversity assessment, Tro said.

Consequently, in October 2001, BirdLife led a joint survey of Lo Go-Xa Mat. The designation of the site as an IBA was announced at a provincial workshop, generating much interest among local leaders, who had been unaware of the biodiversity value of the site. Immediately following the workshop, the provincial leaders made an official request that the site be designated a National Park.

Now it is a place for students to learn about afforestation and Tay Ninh authorities have recently adopted a master plan to develop eco-tourism in the national park until 2020.

Vu Ngoc Long, deputy director of the Institute for Tropical Biology, who is in charge of the implementing the plan, said the province aimed to develop different kinds of eco-tourism such as walking or pedalling around the park to enjoy its flora and fauna and to swim, row dug-out canoes and camp, plus visit war bases, historic relics and craft villages and take part in community culture activities.

"All visitors are welcome at the park, to enjoy its natural beauty, join local people in caring for the trees and to learn about our great natural forest restoration project."

VietNamNet/Viet Nam News

Vietnam, India plan direct flights

A direct service between Viet Nam and India is on the cards following a memorandum of understanding signed between Vietnam Airlines and India's largest private carrier, Jet Airways.

Under the MoU for comprehensive co-operation signed in New Delhi on Wednesday during the ongoing visit by President Truong Tan Sang, the carriers will jointly evaluate the possibility of direct services which will significantly contribute to the development of bilateral investment, trade, and tourism relations and a strategic partnership.

Addressing the signing ceremony, Sang hoped it would translate into fruitful co-operation and benefit both carriers.

"The signing of this MOU with Jet Airways, India's largest private airline, is a step in achieving the two countries' strategic partnership commitment," said Pham Ngoc Minh, president and CEO of Vietnam Airlines.

Naresh Goyal, chairman of Jet Airways, said: "This agreement with Vietnam Airlines is an integral part of our strategy for increased international growth and providing seamless service for travellers between India and Viet Nam."

There is no direct flight yet between the two countries and passengers have to transit in one of the Southeast Asian countries.

Vietnam Airlines has a young fleet of 72 aircraft, mainly Boeing 777s, Airbus A330s and A321/320s, and operates more than 300 daily flights to 20 domestic and 26 international destinations.

Jet and its subsidiary JetLite have a fleet of 116 aircraft, including Boeing 737-700s/800s/900s, Boeing 777-300 ERs, Airbus A330-200s and ATR 72-500s, and operate 620 daily flights to 80 domestic and overseas destinations. 

VNS

Ba Na - “the green fairy”

Sitting 1,487km above sea level and within spitting distance of Da Nang City, the Ba Na resort area offers a wonderful respite for any weary traveller.

With its awesome landscape and year-round cool, Ba Na serves up the perfect alternative to the hustle and bustle of the city. However, the resort’s only accessible by a tortuous but spectacular 20km road running from the foot of the mountain across mist-covered hillsides.

The first attraction to thrill tourists is the clear skies and puffy clouds floating over the valleys below and spectacular panoramic views of Da Nang City, Thung Bay (with its semi-circle coastline from the foot of Hai Van Pass Tunnel to Son Tra Peninsula), My Khe Beach, Ngu Hanh (Marcle) Mountains, and Thu Bon River (embracing fertile fields in Quang Nam province).

The blue waves of the Eastern Sea lapping Cham Island are visible and the picturesque landscape is breathtaking.

Tourists can enjoy four seasons in one day: spring in the morning, summer at noon, a little of autumn in the afternoon, and a cold winter bite at night. Ba Na’s weather is unique. In Ba Na, rain often falls only halfway up the hill, leaving the peak and the sky above clear and the views spectacular.

The French turned Ba Na into a resort in 1901. In 1912, a progressive governor general of Indochina designated the area as a forestry reserve. However, in 1930, the French reclassified Ba Na as a holiday resort for French officers and built hotels and villas. After decades of war and neglect, the structures fell into disrepair. Then, in 2000, developers reclaimed Ba Na from the jungle. A tourist town rose from the ruins.

The areas greatest asset is its pristine eco-system and temperate climate. Ba Na is famous for its bio-diversity. Its flora and fauna contain over 544 tree species (including six rare species) and 256 vertebrates, all of which are recorded in Vietnam’s Red Book.

Endangered vertebrates include the crested argus, the Asian black bear, the yellow-cheeked gibbon, and lignum aquilariae, along with several other species yet to be listed that are thought to survive in small numbers, protected only by the pristine wilderness.

Stone steps lead adventuresome tourists to 18th century Linh Ung Pagoda, which houses ancient documents about the temple’s history and boasts a 30m tall statue of Buddha.

French wine cellars built during the colonial period which are still used for aging the locally grown products, are another attraction. Wine-tasting tours are popular with many visitors.

Suoi Mo (Mo Stream) near the magical Thach Tien Waterfall is another favourite spot for tourists during muggy summer days. Mist created by the waterfall looks like “fairy hair”.

The Ba Na area has many facilities, including villas, hotels, restaurants, tennis courts, and many other services. Most impressive is the new cable car that links the Ba Na Peak to Mo Stream. Strung between 22 pillars, its 94 cars can carry 1,500 people on a wonderful journey through the jungle.

People often call the unspoiled environment of Ba Na “Green Fairy”, for it provides a great opportunity for visitors to Da Nang to savor the jungle and enjoy an unforgettable experience among the clouds.

Ba Na in pictures: 

PV/VOV

TRAVEL IN BRIEF 14/10

Cruise ships to link Ba Ria, Can Gio

Two boats will be built to connect Phu My Port in Ba Ria–Vung Tau Province with HCM City's outlying district of Can Gio to mainly serve international tourists.

The two place are only 15 minutes apart by boat but have yet to be connected.

The two vessels, each with a capacity of 48 passengers, will be built by local tour operator Viet Excursion and the Can Gio Biosphere Reserve.

Besides, 30 kayaks and other services will also be launched to develop a river tour on Can Gio.

In Can Gio, tourists can move around the biosphere reserve by ship or kayak.

Hoi An to offer free Wi-Fi internet

Visitors to the historic town of Hoi An in Quang Nam Province will be able to surf the internet for free from the end of this year.

According to the Quang Nam Province Department of Information and Communications, the Viet Nam Data Communications Area 3 and Quang Nam Telecom have drafted the plan for setting up a Wi-Fi system in the town.

There will be 350 hotspots in areas around Hoi An where large numbers of people gather.

Ha Noi to host Diwali festival

Diwali or the festival of lights, India's largest festival, will be celebrated in Ha Noi at the Viet Nam Culture and Arts Exhibition Centre on October 29.

Organised by the Indian Business Chamber in Viet Nam along with the Indian embassy and Indians living in Viet Nam, the event will feature Indian dance and music, fashion shows, and games.

It will also have several stalls selling handicrafts and Indian food.

Tickets ranging from VND99,000 to VND149,000 are available at the Indian Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Heritage Hotel, 625 De La Thanh.

Viet Nam holds Culture Day in Ukraine

A Viet Nam Culture Day will be celebrated in Ukraine on November 14, the Viet Nam National Administration for Tourism has said.

A direct service to be launched by a Ukrainian carrier later this year is expected to bring a large number of tourists from that country to Viet Nam in future.

An agreement was signed between Vietnam Airlines and the Ukraine-based Aeroxvit Airlines during PM Nguyen Tan Dung's visit to the country last week.

Saigontourist wins top national award

Saigontourist Travel Service Co, which served 320,000 foreign and local customers last year, has been recognised as the country's leading tour operator in 2010 at the Viet Nam Tourism Association's Tourism Awards.

Out of the top 20 tour operators nationwide, 13 were from HCM City with the others being from Ha Noi, Da Nang, Can Tho, and An Giang Province.

The 10 top domestic tour operators included Fiditour, Ben Thanh Tourist, Lua Viet Travel, Youth Tourist, Can Tho Tourist and An Giang Travel.

The top 10 outbound operators were Saigontourist, Ben Thanh Tourist, APEX Viet Nam, Vietnamtourism, Fiditour, Vietravel, Peace Tour, Exotissimo-Cesais, Vitours, and Buffalo Tours.

VietNamNet/Viet Nam News

Vietnam lacks three-star hotels

VietNamNet Bridge – Investors have been told that they can find bigger profit if they have three-star hotels, because the demand has been increasing rapidly.

According to travel firms, 60-75 percent of domestic travelers choose to stay at three-star hotels. As for foreign tourists, 50-55 percent choose four-star hotels and 30 percent choose five-star hotels for their convalescence purposes. Meanwhile, those, who want to have discovery tours, regularly choose three-star hotels.

The Hoa Binh travel firm said that three-star hotels are the choice of 70-80 percent of Vietnamese individual tourists who take domestic tours. The proportion is 60 percent at Vietravel and TST Tourism, and 50 percent at Saigon tourist. Especially, the figures are very high at 65 percent at Du Lich Viet and VYC, and 75 percent at Lua Viet.

Three-star hotels provide barely enough facilities

When asked why tourists prefer three-star hotels, travel firms said that despite the current big economic difficulties, Vietnamese people still have high demand for traveling, but they tend to cut down expenses. The things that travelers most care about are how many destination points in the itineraries and how good the food is, while they do not care much about the accommodation facilities. They can stay at two or three star hotels, where they can enjoy barely enough facilities and clean beds.

There is a big difference in the tours with the same excursion programs and the same quality of food, but with different hotel service quality. As for the tours with 4-5 star hotel rooms, the expenses on hotel rooms account for 45-50 percent of the total tour expenses. 

Meanwhile, the spending on hotel room just amounts to 30 percent of total expenses, if travelers choose three-star hotels, and 20 percent if travelers choose 2-star hotels.

Hoang Le Quyen, Deputy Director of the Hoa Binh travel firm, has also noted that travelers nowadays tend to choose 3-star hotels, because the hotels have been better equipped recently, which nearly can meet the standards of 4-star hotels. 

For example, there are safety deposit boxes, free wi-fi, free swimming pools, healthcare service centers, entertainment area and restaurants right in the hotels’ precincts. Therefore, travelers would prefer three-star hotels to two-star hotels, if they just have to pay 100,000-150,000 dong per day to enjoy much better facilities and have breakfasts.

Foreign tourists now also tend to choose three-star hotel rooms for their holidays. This has led to the changes in the occupancy of three-star and four-star hotels. In the first six months of 2011, in HCM City, four-star hotels had the room rate occupancy of 80 percent, while three-star hotels 60 percent only. However, big changes occurred in the third quarter: while the three-star hotel room occupancy soared to 70 percent, four-star occupancy drops to 65 percent.

According to Doan Thi Thanh Tra, Marketing Director of Saigontourist, when choosing three-star hotel rooms, travelers do not demand for luxury, but they want “clean, green and safe” services.

Demand still higher than supply

According to Robert McIntosh, Managing Director of CBRE Hotels in Asia-Pacific, there are still big opportunities for hotel investments in Vietnam. Especially, the investors who seek long term growth should think of developing three-star hotels and resorts, because they would not have to spend much money to build the hotels and resorts, while it is easier to do business with them and get higher profit.

Accor Group has jumped into the field, planning to officially manage two hotels with ibis brand in HCM City – ibis Saigon and ibis Saigon South – the firsts of the system of popular hotels with international standards in Vietnam.

Meanwhile, many local authorities have not realized the opportunities. Ninh Binh, Binh Dinh and Soc Trang provinces have been trying to attract more tourists by introducing beautiful landscapes, natural heritages and cultural events, and designing long-time tours to persuade travelers to stay in the localities for more days. 

However, there are only one three star, three 2-star and 4 4-star hotels/resorts in Binh Dinh. Meanwhile, Ninh Binh only has one 4-star hotel and 10 2-star hotels. Soc Trang has been advertising for the international rice festival, but there is only one 3-star and 7 2-star hotels, which makes it impossible to keep travelers for many days.

Source: SGTT