Sumo bar delights with heavyweight sushi

Sumo bar delights with heavyweight sushi

only been in Ha Noi for a couple of weeks, but already he's found love. With its laid-back family feel, mountains of sumptuous sushi and stunning presentation, it's easy to see how Sumo Sushi stole his heart. And his stomach.

Old meets bold: Sumo Sushi Bar combines modern decor with traditional Japanese cooking. — VNS Photos

David Mann's

Nestled amid the chaos of Nguyen Chi Thanh Street, the Sumo Sushi Bar has everything you can expect from a modern Japanese restaurant, and more.

With a loyal clientele of locals and foreigners, Sumo Sushi came highly recommended on the list of things I "had to experience" in Ha Noi. I had barely been on Vietnamese soil a month before I began to crave good Japanese food, so when a friend invited me to go - I was pushing him out the door before he could finish the words "all you can eat".

Sumo Sushi Bar is part of a large family of popular restaurants based around the capital city. Yet to visit its famous brothers and sisters Kichi Kichi, Ashima and Sumo BBQ, I was told I could expect a "satisfying meal" and "good value".

At street view, Sumo Sushi immediately stands out in a modern, triple-storey complex. Whilst its not the easiest place to get to, there was plenty of signage and a generous supply of parking for the lunchtime rush.

Inside, we were greeted with nothing but the warmest of Japanese hospitality - more akin to a host family than a restaurant. A smiling host dressed in a traditional Japanese kimono led us to a table, while wait staff and chefs alike chorused in unison as they greeted us in Japanese.

Sumo Sushi is an intriguing mix of the old and the new. The modern decor of timber, exposed brick and graffiti, complement the traditional elements of Japanese cooking and hospitality. Chefs and hostesses dress in traditional Japanese costume and waiters practice traditional Japanese etiquette; making for an authentic dining experience.

We were led through the ground floor where patrons feasted on a range of 'cold foods' (fresh oysters, spicy tuna hand rolls and sashimi) and up a staircase to the first landing. As we'd arrived during peak lunch hour the second level was heaving with a crowd of business people, couples, families and tourists.

Shell shock: Lime is the perfect addition to the fresh oysters available in the restaurant's 'Sakura' and 'Kiku' buffet options.

Imported meats sizzled on hot plates, people were laughing and families watched as waiters grilled American chuck steak on a bed of white hot coals. Even though it was busy, the vibe was relaxed, unpretentious and fun.

Shortly after taking our seats, a security guard appeared at our table. Smiling, he reached into his pocket and produced the phone I'd absent mindedly left in the sleeve of my scooter. Many reading this review will know this is not how the "I left my phone in my scooter" anecdote typically ends. But this brings home an important point about Sumo Sushi Bar - they like taking care of their customers.

There are two main options for the 'all you can eat' menu. The slightly more modest Sakura Buffet will set you back VND359,000 and entitle you to everything on the menu except the barbeque. Never to shy away from a barbeque, we opted for the slightly more expensive Kiku Buffet (priced at VND399,000 pp) which included everything on the menu - and it's important to say, it isn't short.

Like all bonafide 'all you can eat' enthusiasts we chose to pace ourselves; tuna and sashimi to start, followed by freshly made sushi, hand-rolls, fresh oysters, miso and chicken salad with a tomato sesame sauce.

The sushi was made fresh to order and arrived faster than we could eat it. The salmon melted; the oysters garnished with lime, were silky and salty; and the salad was fresh.

Next, fried specialties including tempura, chicken karaage and croquettes appeared at our request. The star of this lineup though, was undoubtedly the 'Pork short plate with French beans'; a stunning combination of beans wrapped in sizzling bacon and dipped in a divine teriyaki sauce.

Meaty treat: American chuck steak sizzles over white hot coals as a waiter cooks each piece to perfection. — VNS Photos

However, coming here and not feasting on the buffet of fresh meats cooked before your eyes on a custom barbeque built into your table, is practically a capital offence.

Salivating, we watched as our dutiful waiter grilled each piece of 'American beef short rib' and 'Australian beef chuck roll' to perfection and as we sampled the smoky flavours of barbecued steak, balanced perfectly by a sweet sesame dipping sauce, it was clear this wouldn't be our last visit. And it wasn't.

Sinuses packed with meat, fish and beer, we were about to throw in the towel, relenting only for a modest serving of black sticky rice served with yoghurt - a perfect end to the meal.

By this point, we had eaten a mountain of food in under 45 minutes, which brings me to the downside - if there is one. Having too many choices at an 'all you can eat' venue often leads to a psychological condition I like to call "fear of the uneaten" and you'll probably end up ordering WAY too much food.

But, when in Rome... right?

Including drinks your meal can easily have you reaching for a VND500,000 note, but the quality and range of freshly made food you can eat for that price is worth it.

If price is really a factor, think about this - you probably won't need to eat for a few days afterwards. — VNS

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Sumo Sushi Bar

Address: 16 Nguyen Chi Thanh, Ba Dinh District, Ha Noi

Tel: 0437246865

Opening Hours: 11am-9.30pm

Comment: Modern buffet dishes serve up Japanese favourites

Even downpours can't dampen spirits on Red River boat tour

Even downpours can't dampen spirits on Red River boat tour

Red River cruise: Tourists enjoy posing for a group photo aboard the boat. The weekend tour takes tourists to the Bat Trang ceramic traditional village. Photo Kiribane

by Minh Huong

Though rain bucketed down last Saturday, the dry board and smiling faces of those joining the cruise made for a great start to our tour along the Hong (Red) River in Ha Noi.

Valentin Tino Rion, an intern from the German Embassy, joined myself and more than 20 others on the cruise.

The taxi driver who dropped at the cruise's dock had shaken his head in disbelief as I readied myself to jump through the tumultous downpour to board the ship. Why hadn't I chosen a better day, he asked. I told him I had done many tours but never when it was raining. No one could stop me from enjoying it.

The boat disembarked at 7.30am from the dock on Chuong Duong Do Street. We gathered comfortably around a table, laughing loudly as we joked about being trapped on a boat; past the point of no return.

Artistic freedom: A young woman paints her self-made pottery item. — Photos kiribane.squarespace.com

Red River is the second largest river in Viet Nam after the Mekong. Through the rain it looked gently but vast. The young guide told us that the river descends from Yunnan, a mountainous region in southern China and a hub for economic activity in the north of Viet Nam.

After an hour, we reached Bat Trang pottery village, 10km from the downtown. According to legend, pottery production began in the village under the Ly dynasty in the 16th century after pottery makers travelled by boat up the Red River to the former capital of Thang Long, and discovered clay to make pottery. People settled on the land and established a new village.

The rain faded as we entered the village. Modern buildings outnumbered authentic structures of ancient villages, but we enjoyed meandering through narrow streets and alleyways left intact.

Serious ceramics: A group of foreign tourists visit the ceramic market in Bat Trang Village. Visiting the traditional market is one of the major activities of the Red River boat tour. — VNA/VNS Photo Bui Tuong

We were welcomed into a house with unfinished pottery works; where they offered a self-made pottery service for tourists. This looked incredibly fun, but unfortunately we didn't have time.

We admired the many different types and designs of goods; including hanging dishes, vases, toy animals and replicas of statues made using sophisticated techniques and technology.

The local art and craft of pottery was astonishing and I admired the incredible talent of the village artists. Whilst I had intended to shop, I only bought a small cup with my favorite cartoon image.

After spending hours in the village, we returned to the cruise to enjoy lunch.

We were spoilt with chicken, squid, beef, rice and beer – all made for a delicious meal.

The rain clearing, the wind blowing gently through our hair, and with a fresh cup of strong coffee in our hands, we realised what a special day it had been, touring along the Red River. — VNS

Ninh Thuan to organise wine fest

Ninh Thuan to organise wine fest

A three-day International Grapes and Wine festival will be held in Phan Rang City in Ninh Thuan Province to promote the economic potential of the fruit as well as attract tourists.

Organised by the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism and the province, the festival will have more than 100 booths showcasing products made from grapes from Viet Nam as well as and France, Chile, Argentina, Australia, Hungary, Romania, and Germany.

The festival, expected to be held in April, will also feature an exhibition on grapes and wines, cuisine and kite-flying contests, and recreations of the acts of planting, harvesting, and producing wine and other grape products. — VNS

Long Bien Market receives acclaim

Long Bien Market receives acclaim

HA NOI (VNS) — Long Bien Market in the centre of Ha Noi has been named by travel website gobackpacking.com in top five most exciting markets in Southeast Asia.

This biggest central food distribution market in Ha Noi is described by the website as "alive and booming with customers, transportation and delivery vehicles everyday in the early morning hours".

According to the website, the market, which is located to the north of the capital's Old Quarter, impresses with the huge quantity of fresh produce, including giant piles of herbs, tonnes of vegetables and tropical fruit that cover the market and sprawl out onto the adjacent streets.

The Chatuchak Market in Bangkok tops the list and is described as one of the city's biggest attractions for both locals and tourists.

Gobackpacking.com was founded in 1998 by David Lee, a well-known travel blogger, and is a popular online guide to independent travel and one of the top 100,000 sites in the world. — VNS

Malaysia Week sets stage for year-long promotion

Malaysia Week sets stage for year-long promotion

The Malaysia Tourism Promotion Board in Viet Nam will organise Malaysia Week 2013 in HCM City from September 12-22 as part of the run up to the nation's Visit Malaysia Year 2014 campaign.

Themed "Colours of Malaysia", the event will include an exhibition booth at the International Travel Expo 2013 (September 12-14) offering visitors tour packages and air tickets to Malaysia at attractive prices. They can also witness performances by Malaysian artists.

The tourism board has partnered once again with the New World Saigon Hotel to bring a taste of Malaysia to HCM City from September 12-22, which will include specialties like Nasi Lemak, Chicken Masak Merah, Mutton Curry and Melaka Chicken Rice Ball.

A Malaysia Tourism Day for the youth will be held at Galaxy Nguyen Du, the cinema complex, on September 15. — VNS

Vung Tau attracts hikers

Vung Tau attracts hikers

Apart from swimming, enjoying seafood, visiting pagodas, and conquering the towering statue of Jesus Christ in Vung Tau, visitors should also try hiking up Nho (Small) Mountain to admire the lighthouse as well as the panoramic view of the city and the ocean.

To reach the lighthouse, visitors can take a taxi to the foot of the mountain and walk up to the top where the white lighthouse is situated at a height of 170m

They can also rent a motorbike and reach the top in just 10 minutes.

The two-storey lighthouse was built in 1862 and renovated in 1913. It is 18m high and its light can be seen 30 miles away at sea.

The top offers a wonderful view of the sea, a lake, mountains in the distance, immense green trees and colourful buildings and houses in the town below. — VNS

Sumptuous Asian specialities delight by the sea

Sumptuous Asian specialities delight by the sea

A true taste of Asia: Cafe Sambal Restaurant serves authentic and delicious Malaysian and Chinese specialties.- Photos Courtesy of Petro House Hotel

Mouthwatering Malaysian and Chinese dishes, and a halal-compliant kitchen, are the jewels in the crown of Petro House Hotel's sensational Cafe Sambal. Vo Le Hong makes the scenic trip to Vung Tau to find out more. more.

After travelling an hour and a half by hydrofoil from bustling HCM City, it was a welcome change to reach Vung Tau, with its sea breezes, fresh air and spectacular attractions. This "Bay of Boats" is worth considering as a weekend getaway destination.

At my friend's invitation, I visited Petro House, a boutique business hotel located right in the heart of Vung Tau.

Irresistible: The restaurant's take on Nasi Lemak comes complete with flavours and spices straight from Malaysia.

Renovated last year, the hotel still retains the charm of the original colonial architecture, with columns and arch windows, offering spacious and modern guest rooms that deliver comfort, safety and internet connectivity.

Petro House is not only an ideal place to stay but also a perfect venue for business or social gatherings in a casual setting.

At the hotel, my friend introduced me to the restaurant's manager who offered us specialties prepared by a team of chefs from Malaysia.

Not to be missed: The beautiful Sambal roast duck is a particular highlight.

The hotel's Cafe Sambal restaurant serves authentic Malaysian and Chinese specialties. Catering to diners of different palates, the restaurant can satisfy varying dietary requirements, and the menu has something for everyone, including a halal-compliant kitchen.

Popular with diners are Malaysia's unique curries and China's noodles, barbeque and wok dishes.

It was interesting for us to compare a Nasi Goreng with Chinese wok-fried rice and Char Koay Teow with stir-fried seafood in egg broth with hor fun (soft noodles).

My favourite dish, however, was Sambal roast duck, which had beautifully glossy, crackling and crispy skin and a stunning mahogany colour. The meat was succulent and the smell unforgettable.

To serve, the chef brings the duck to the table and carves off the skin first. The thin and crisp skin is served on a thin pancake with cucumber and spring onion pieces, and topped with a special sauce.

The Sambal roast duck sounds similar to Peking duck but the taste is different with special flavours and spices from Malaysia.

Grilled greatness: A selection of fresh seafood, beef, sausages and satay offers a gloriously extravagant option.

Diners can ask the chef to cook the meat to their specifications in such dishes as wok-fried noodles, wok-fried rice and steamed roast-duck soup.

Another special experience was the Teh Tarik, a presentation of the art of tea pulling by the bartender. The longer the pulling, the more bubbly and flavoursome is the Teh Tarik.

At the hotel restaurant, you can start your day with a bowl of Sambal roast duck noodles at VND47,000++ (US$2,35++), and at lunch, diners can order a combo menu for VND178,000++ ($8,9) per set of five dishes, including Malaysian, Chinese, Western or Vietnamese combinations.

For those who prefer a more robust dinner, an extravagant BBQ buffet is an excellent option, featuring a mouthwatering selection of fresh seafood, beef, sausages, satay and mixed skewers on the grill.

At the carving station, there will be roast duck, roast chicken and char sieu chicken thighs.

In addition to these dishes, I sampled Petro House Hotel's other specialities, including Nasi Lenmak and Nasi Goreng Kampung, all of which made my stay unforgettable. - VNS

-----------------------------

Petro House Hotel restaurant

Add: 63 Tran Hung Dao Str., Ward 1, Vung Tau City.

Tel: +84 64 3852 014

Hours: 24/7

Comment: Authentic Malaysian & Chinese cuisine at reasonable prices.

Golden sands of Sa Huynh offer guests diverse break from city life

Golden sands of Sa Huynh offer guests diverse break from city life

A pinch of: A salt field in Sa Huynh.

by Hoai Nam

Stretching for 6km along National Highway No 1, far from the noisy city, Sa Huynh offers a quiet escape along the central coast.

The area was a major salt production centre during the Nguyen Dynasty; its name means "golden sand". Today, tourists can visit the Sa Huynh salt field, where farmers still collect salt for production.

In the 20th century, French archeologists discovered many tombs containing jars and other artifacts. They revealed that the Sa Huynh civilisation was spread over a vast area, from Ngang Pass in the central province of Ha Tinh to Dong Nai and the Central Highlands. At Ma Vuong Hill, visitors can see many of these ancient relics.

"Tourists have many options for day trips. From Sa Huynh beach resort, you can take a half or full day to see the beach, travel in a boat or trek in the forest on Monkey Island," said Sa Huynh resort tour operator Thuy Kieu.

Home to 500 wild monkeys, the island offers adventurers a challenge. "You have to climb up a mountain to land on the island, although you can also rent a boat from local fishermen to explore the island by sea," Kieu said.

Seaside paradise: A corner of Sa Huynh beach in the central province of Quang Ngai. The beach attracts tourists with its golden sand, beautiful surroundings, culture and seafood. — Photos courtesy Sa Huynh Beach Resort

Visit on the 16th day of the third lunar month to see the annual fish-worshipping festival. Even on an ordinary day, there are plenty of watery activities. Kieu recommended hunting freshwater crabs in Sa Huynh lagoon with a local guide or visiting Thach Tru hot springs, 30km northeast of Sa Huynh. Discovered in 1837, the spring always has temperatures between 60 and 80oC; local people believe that bathing in it is good for their health.

"I visited Sa Huynh with my family last summer. We did a three-day and two-night stay and loved the ocean air and pristine beach. My children and I will never forget joining local fishermen to catch fish and enjoying grilled seafood over a campfire," said Vu Hong Thanh, a tourist from Ha Nam Province. "We hope to come again to relax and explore the culture and lifestyle of local people."

Seafood

Seafood delight: The spanner crab is a specialty at Sa Huynh beach.

Sea urchin is one of Sa Huynh's specialties. Salted urchin was a frequent offering to King Minh Mang during the Nguyen dynasty; today, divers hunt deep in the sea for this local delicacy, which can be grilled with onion and oil or placed in hot broth to make soup.

"Sea urchin is a very special food. It revives you after hard work or a long journey," said Nguyen Hoang Khanh, a self-described "gourmet" from Ha Noi. "My friends say it can even treat Alzheimer's!"

The red frog crab or spanner crab is another specialty.

"Binh Dinh and Sa Huynh have the best spanner crab," Khanh said. "I like it either steamed or grilled."

Sa Huynh's three restaurants can host around 1,000 visitors. There are also two hotels and nine bungalows.

Located in central Quang Ngai Province, Sa Huynh is easily accessible by car, train or plane. You can book a tour from travel agencies or go there on your own.

Fly to Chu Lai Airport in Quang Nam Province, 90km away from Sa Huynh, or Phu Cat Airport in Binh Dinh Province. Or take a train to Quang Ngai, followed by an hour-long bus ride.

Sa Huynh is often crowded on summer holidays and weekends. The tourism site attracts 15,000 visitors each year, of which 20 per cent are foreigners. — VNS

HCM City's hidden Chinatown lies in wait for intrepid tourists

HCM City's hidden Chinatown lies in wait for intrepid tourists

Century old: Cha Tam Church, built by the Chinese community in 1900, is one of the popular tourist destinations in HCM City's Chinatown.

by Khanh Toan

It is not common for Vietnamese to explore Cho Lon, HCM City's Chinatown, in District 5, but I decided to do so because many foreign tourists put it at the bottom of their travel lists. Although I have briefly visited the area, this time I decided to find the main attractions in the biggest Chinatown in Viet Nam.

Reported tourist disinterest reflects the fact that there seems little culturally to see or little genuine Chinese architecture to indicate the presence of the Chinese community for several hundred years.

From downtown, a friend and I headed for Binh Tay Market, also called Cho Lon (Big Market), on a motorbike down Nguyen Trai Street. After a half-hour ride through nightmare traffic, we reached the heart of Chinatown. After touring the incredibly busy, noisy and messy buildings, we decided to head off. But I imagine tourists would love the chaos.

My friend suggested we go somewhere more peaceful, so we headed for Tian Hou Pagoda, the most popular in Chinatown. Tian Hou is particularly popular in Fukien on the China coast, where many southern Chinese come from. The daughter of a fisherman, Tian Hou, or Goddess of the Sea, was reputed to be able to control storms at sea.

Week of blessings: Spiral incense burns for one week, providing heaps of good luck at Tian Hou Pagoda. — VNS Photos Khanh Toan

There were a few foreign tourists at the pagoda, but most of them were from mainland China and Taiwan. The building, on Nguyen Trai Street, was built in the mid-eighteenth century. While not a large structure, the pagoda is a place to see for those who love Chinese-style architecture. It's roof is decorated with small delicately fashioned porcelain figurines expressing themes from Chinese religion and legends.

After entering the main gate, we saw a huge incense burner in front of the main altar. I loved the spirals of incense smoke hanging around the ceiling. We decided to offer up our prayers and light incense. After donating US$1, we wrote our names on red paper to hang up with coils of incense. A Chinese Vietnamese helped me hang the spirals, saying they would burn for seven days, bringing us much happiness.

During Chinese New Year, which is similar to Tet or Vietnamese New Year, the pagoda is apparently crowded with pilgrims, most of whom are Vietnamese of Chinese descent. While praying and admiring the ancient architecture inside the pagoda, we were attracted by a drum sound in the courtyard. We were privileged to see a fantastic Kylin (Unicorn/rhinocerous) dance performance there. This is similar to the popular lion dances in both countries, but the steps are often more deliberate and intricate.

Vu Quoc Dung, a member of the dance group, explained that the ceremony was to dot the eyes, ears, nose and forehead of their new Kylin with red – representing chicken blood – to bring it to life. He maintained that all new Kylin should be taken to the pagoda to be presented to the Goddess of the Sea.

While walking to another pagoda on the same road, we cooled down with a drink of chrysanthemum tea mixed with 24 types of herbs, a popular drink in Chinatown.

Words from heaven: A Vietnamese tour guide explains to foreign tourists the way of pray dedicated to Tian Hou, the Chinese Goddess of the Sea.

The second pagoda honoured Guan Yu, the legendary general during the Three Kingdoms period 2,300 years ago in China. The pagoda, which was built about 200 years ago, is being restored to its former glory.

After visiting Quan Am Pagoda (the Bodhisatva of Limitless Compassion – or the Buddhist version of the Virgin Mary) on Lao Tu Street, we started to head for Cha Tam Church in Hoc Lac Street.

Then we got back into the real world. As many know, Chinatown is not only known for Binh Tay market and Chinese temples, it also has a Chinese business area, which is even busier than downtown HCM City.

Our noses twitched as we entered Hai Thuong Lan Ong Street, adjusting to the strong perfumes from many herbal medicine stores. We eventually came to Luong Nhu Hoc Street, where there were many lantern and kylin shops.

The mid-autumn festival is approaching. The street is full of local Vietnamese and Chinese coming to buy lanterns and mooncakes. We visited during the day, but apparently the street is crowded and glittering at night.

At Trieu Quang Phuc Street, which is parallel to the unicorn street, we found several shops selling knives, scissors and choppers. Skilled craftsmen often do the job right on the pavement.

While it is a bit sad that Chinatown is now so integrated into the main city that it can sometimes appear to be no different, the area is a wonderland for those who love Chinese food.

Chinese food stalls and restaurants are everywhere, especially at nighttime. The best way to discover it is by motorbike, but from Ben Thanh Market, visitors can catch a bus from bus route number 1, which charges about VND6,000 (30 cents) for the ride. — VNS

International Travel Expo 2013 opens in HCM City

International Travel Expo 2013 opens in HCM City

he International Travel Expo HCM City (ITE HCM) 2013 opens on Thursday in HCM City.— Photo qdnd
HCM CITY (VNS) — The International Travel Expo HCM City (ITE HCM) 2013 opens on Thursday in HCM City.

Despite many challenges, to date the exhibition has seen a 30 per cent increase in total floor space compared with last year, attracting more than 300 exhibitors from 50 destinations.

This year's ITE HCM will introduce a new message "Five Countries – One Destination" agreed upon by Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar, Thailand and Viet Nam under the spirit of the fifth ACMECS Conference organised in Vientiane, Laos in 2013. The message is a model for connecting and promoting tourism-based development cooperation among the Mekong sub-region countries.

During the three days, there will be a series of exciting key events and performances organised to help promote socio-economic cooperation and development among regional countries.

The expo will take place until Saturday at the Sai Gon Exhibition and Convention Centre, District 7, HCM City. — VNS

Ha Noi popular Asian destination

Ha Noi popular Asian destination

Ha Noi has been voted Asia's fifth most attractive tourist destination by the Hong Kong-based Smart Travel Asia magazine.

Ha Noi has been voted in the top 10 by the magazine's readers for many years now.

The capital is expected to welcome 1.9 million foreign arrivals in the first nine months of this year, 20 per cent more than last year, and 11.72 million domestic tourists, a 11.7 per cent rise. — VNS

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Quang Ninh to publicise tour prices  (Sep, 20) Ninh Thuan to organise wine fest  (Sep, 20) Long Bien Market receives acclaim  (Sep, 20) Celebration of life warms the soul on remote Con Dao Island  (Sep, 13) Yen Bai prepares to show off terraced fields to tourists  (Sep, 13) Swedish Tuy Hoa beach resort opens for business  (Sep, 13) Quan Ba welcomes sharp rise in visitor figures  (Sep, 13) Saigontourist unveils autumn-winter domestic tours  (Sep, 13) International Travel Expo 2013 opens in HCM City  (Sep, 12) Sumptuous Asian specialities delight by the sea  (Sep, 08)

Food stalls celebrate National Day

Food stalls celebrate National Day

A cuisine programme on the occasion of National Day will be introduced by Arthouse Vietnam at the Furama Resort Da Nang from today through next month.

The programme will offer tourists a taste of 40 Hanoian specialties at seven stalls and an image of the capital 68 years ago on the occasion of National Day.

A painting exhibition featuring the beauty of Vietnamese people will also be held on the occasion.-VNS

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Even downpours can't dampen spirits on Red River boat tour  (Aug, 30) Beautiful Bac Kan still sitting pretty  (Aug, 25) Indian eatery serves up flavours to savour  (Aug, 25) Start-up's quest to localise Vietnamese travel  (Aug, 25) Sihanoukville stays clean and green by the seaside  (Aug, 23) Quality tourism firms honoured  (Aug, 23) HCM Museum lengthens hours  (Aug, 23) Visa exemption for China transits  (Aug, 23) Banh Xeo Pagoda lures visitors  (Aug, 23) VN pearls have the world as their oyster  (Aug, 18)

Beautiful Bac Kan still sitting pretty

Beautiful Bac Kan still sitting pretty

Emerald expanse: Ba Be Lake, a UNESCO heritage site in Bac Kan. — VNA/VNS Photos Thanh Tung

by Nguyen Thanh Ha

War veteran Ta Ngoc Tho and his comrades in Ha Noi's Hai Ba Trung were recently invited to Bac Kan to attend the 65th anniversary of Phu Thong victory over the French. They visited several of the province's tourist destinations, such as Thanh Temple, Puong Cave and Dau Dang Waterfall.

Tho said he would never forget the fight by the Viet Nam Battalion 11 in an attack killing about 100 enemy soldiers on the French army's Phu Thong post in the northern province of Bac Kan's Bach Thong District on July 25, 1948.

"That fight had a strong impact on the French military post network in Viet Nam's northern resistance base known as Viet Bac, because the colonists had intended to use Phu Thong as a strategic position to attack surrounding areas and put down our people's patriotic movements," Tho said.

He quoted General Vo Nguyen Giap as saying:"The Phu Thong Victory is of great significance because it was the first time the Vietnamese foot soldiers overan a French fortified position. Our army gained much confidence and experience in attacking reinforced posts of the enemy, which later helped them in winning the campaign to liberate border province [in 1950], the Dien Bien Phu Battle [1954], and the entire 30-year struggle for national independence."

Phu Thong Town is located on cross-roads linking Highway 3 and Road 258 about 18km from Bac Kan township. From Phu Thong one can go to Thai Nguyen and Ha Noi in the south, go to Cao Bang in the north or northwest to Ba Be Lake, a natural landscape recognised by UNESCO as world heritage.

The Phu Thong Post has been listed as the nation's historical relic site.

After joining the celebrations, Tho and his comrades visited the town's Thanh Temple in Phuong Linh Commune. It is a big temple, the most outstanding in the commune, and was built on the top of Don Dien Hill.

Legend has it that Thanh Temple was a place to worship a prince who was credited with stamping out gangs of robbers in the region.

During a duel fight with the rebels at the Na Phai field, the prince was killed, and his head fell into the Na Mo rice fields. Remarkably, his body still remained on his horse's back until reaching Don Dien Hill before falling off, Tho said.

Local people built the temple to worship him as a saint, while the court placed the temple in royal annals. Since then people call it Thanh Temple and an annual spring festival is held in the first lunar monthï.

Nature's miracle: A section of Dau Dang Waterfall. — VNS File Photo

Tho and his comrades burned jossticks to worship the saint and then continued to visit Na Hai Hamlet's Quan De Temple to worship General Duong Tu Minh who was killed after fierce fighting with the enemy.

After these places of historical interest, Tho and his comrades visited Bac Kan's beautiful Puong Cave and Dau Dang waterfall. Tho said many of the landscapes around the cave were still virgin country compared with 65 years ago when his army pass through.

Puong Cave is located on the Nang River in Ba Be District, about 5km from Cho Ra Town.

Tour guide Nong Thi Thu said that the cave was about 300m long and 30m high with many colourful stalactites. She added that the cave had been formed when the Nang River ran through the Lung Nham limestone mountain millions of years ago.

There are many bats living in the cave. They have become acquainted with visitors.

Tho said he was excited when his boat floated through the cave on the Nang River.

Thu said many travellers consider Puong Cave a giant shark opening its mouth to swallow dug-out canoes that follow each other downstream. From the mouth of the cave, visitors can see strong men casting their nets as if in a water-colour painting created by nature.

She told guests that after passing through the mountain, the Nang River flows down to Hua Tang Hamlet where it is blocked by hundreds of giant stones to create Dau Dang Waterfall.

"We've escaped from pollution and noise in the big city to swallow ourselves in such natural surroundings," Tho said, sitting on a large rock to enjoy the beautiful views and canoes full of Tay girls wearing indigo costumes floating along the river.

Party time: Ethic girls join Ba Be Spring Festival from the 19th to 21st days of the first lunar month. — VNA/VNS Thanh Tung

Tho's friend Lai Van Hoan said he was interested in enjoying chien, a type of fish which weighs up to 10kg and is a speciality of the region.

Hoan said its taste was quite different from other species.

"I've never eaten such delicious fish." He asked the tour guide to buy him several kilograms of the fish for his wife at home.

"Next time I will invite my parents and my wife to the region to enjoy the natural beauty," Hoan said.

Tho told Viet Nam News that the trip was unforgettable for him and his comrades because they were now elderly and may have no chance of making another visit.

The last leg of their journey was to the Cho Don Safe Zone, one of Viet Nam's most outstanding revolutionary bases.

The site is among relics of the Viet Bac revolutionary base where the resistance forces worked out plans to end the French colonialists in Viet Nam.

The resistance war against the French ran from 1945 to the French surrender at Dien Bien Phu in 1954.

President Ho Chi Minh had chosen Cho Don as an ATK (Vietnamese abbreviation for "Safe Zone") together with others such as Tan Trao in the nearby province of Tuyen Quang.

These areas became consolidated political, military and economic hubs pivotal to the national revolution of August 1945. They have been declared historical treasures by the Government.

The Cho Don ATK was located in Bang Lung Town in a district of the same name. Last Monday it was alive with flowers, banners and flags to celebrate the 65th anniversary of the August 1945 Revolution and the National Day, September 2.

Tho and his comrades were moved as they proudly remembered the past glories and struggles of the nation. "I'm happy to come back here after 65 years. The province has changed remarkably," said Tho.

The Director of the Bac Kan Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism, Cao Sinh Hanh, said the province received hundreds of visitors a day and that the Government planned to invest billions of dong to upgrade its historical relics.

"We then expect to welcome double or triple the number of visitors in coming years," Hanh said. — VNS

Phu Quoc Prison welcomes tourists

Phu Quoc Prison welcomes tourists

The historic relic site of Phu Quoc Prison on the island of the same name has welcomed over 75,000 visitors this year, including 3,400 foreigners.

The prison is one of the most popular destinations for visitors to the island.

During the wars against the French and Americans, many Vietnamese revolutionaries were detained and tortured in the prison, and some 4,000 lost their lives there.

The prison has since been named a heritage site and its 12 sections restored.

The restoration and decision to throw open the site to visitors is to benefit historical research and ensure that the heroic prisoners will never be forgotten.-VNS

Yen Bai prepares to show off terraced fields to tourists

Yen Bai prepares to show off terraced fields to tourists

 (VNS) Yen Bai Province in the north will organise a cultural and tourism event to promote its Mu Cang Chai terraced fields as a tourism destination.

It will be held from September 26 to 29 under the framework of the Culture, sports and tourism week highlighting national landscapes of terraced fields.

Organisers have asked several communes in the area to prepare to display traditional local products like musical instruments, violet glutinous rice, folk remedy, wines, and banh day (a kind of rice cake).

Some will also showcase products like brocade, embroidery, honey, tea, traditional herbal medicines, and others.

The event, titled Sac Mau Tay Bac (The Northwest Colour), is expected to be held from September 27 to 30 with 14 pavilions.

Mu Cang Chai's 2,300ha of terraced fields have been cultivated by the H'mong people for hundreds of years.

In recent years it has become a popular tourist destination. .—VNS

Celebration of life warms the soul on remote Con Dao Island

Celebration of life warms the soul on remote Con Dao Island

Luscious landscape: Tau Be Cape on Con Dao Island is a convenient spot to see the whole gulf dotted with islets and docks. — VNS Photos Le Huong

by Le Huong

 (VNS) Before departing for Con Dao Island, I was told it often had an "atmosphere of death", that it was "wild and the food is scarce", and that "it's worth only a day visit as there's nothing to entertain".

Yet my trip was so interesting that, since returning home, I have become obsessed with the smell of wild grass in the wind and the look of the sunlight on the land and water.

In the first hours after landing at Co Ong Airport, a feeling of calmness and safety overcame me. No one was rushing about on the scenic island, which is surrounded by blue sea and covered with a transparent blanket of breezes and sunlight. This feeling was confirmed when a motorbike man told me with a smile: "Just leave the bike at the hotel entrance with the key in it. There are no thieves here."

For the next few days, I revelled in the fresh air and feeling of freedom as I rode my bike from one place to another. When ever I stopped, at a crowded market, a busy restaurant or on a deserted cape, I did not have to worry about my bike. I just left it unlocked and enjoyed the surroundings.

There is only one petrol station on the island, so I was carefully warned by the bike man to fill the vehicle if I did not want to walk the bike with an empty tank.

Rooted in history: An old bang tree in the yard of Phu Hai Jail. The trees used to provide comfort to war prisoners at local jails during the French and American wars.

Two of the capes, Chan Chim and Tau Be, are great spots to view the whole gulf and its many islets. Welcome, but strong, gusts of wind made it difficult to take photos, but it was an unforgettable experience. I heard the sea whispering as the salty air blew over me.

Apart from a series of jails and historical relics dating back to French and American wars highlighted on the tourism map of the island, Hang Duong cemetery is a must-see place to tourists. It holds nearly 2,000 tombs of war martyrs who died between 1862 and 1975. It is both a holy and a beautiful place with hundreds of big trees – something like a park for both the dead and the living.

Taking advice from locals and being curious, I visited the place at midnight in order to "meet the souls". It was unlike anything I expected. It was not dark, deserted and scary, but a festival of light as the cemetery entrance was lit up with hundreds of candles. The holy atmosphere was scented with the fragrance of burning incense. Cool gusts of wind carried the murmurs of conversation from locals and visitors.

People took flowers, especially white flowers, clothes, mirrors and combs and other goods to put on graves and tombs to please departed souls. Many people flocked to the tomb of Vo Thi Sau, a noted heroine who was executed in 1952 at the age of 16.

Locals believed that as she died at a young age, her soul was powerful enough to turn dreams and wishes into reality. The world of the dead brought me a feeling of cleanliness, order, peace and safety. My friend, however, carried some garlic on his pocket just in case.

Another holy place to locals and tourists is a temple dedicated to Hoang Phi Yen, the second wife of Lord Nguyen Anh, who later became the first king of the Nguyen Dynasty, King Gia Long (1802-20). Although abandoned by the king, she always remained loyal - a high virtue in Vietnamese society.

Historical documents say that in 1771, the Tay Son revolution broke out in Quy Nhon, which was under the control of Lord Nguyen. In 1783, Lord Nguyen Anh was defeated by the Tay Son rebels in central Viet Nam led by three brothers.

Lord Nguyen Anh fled to the Con Dao island and sent a prince to France to ask for help in fighting the Tay Son. However, Phi Yen advised him not to accept foreign power to fight Vietnamese.

The lord was so furious that he ordered her to be left on a deserted islet, called Hon Ba (Ba Islet) in the southwest of the Con Dao archipelago. When the Tay Son approached Con Dao Island, Nguyen Anh and his supporters fled to Siam. (Later with the help of the French, he became the first king of the Nguyen Dynasty).

Phi Yen was saved by locals but, later at a local festival, a man teased her. Though the man just touched her hand, she cut it off and then committed suicide to prove her loyalty to her husband, the man who had abandoned her! She was only 25. So moved by her loyalty, locals built a temple to commemorate her.

During my few days on the island, I tried wonderful fresh seafood at local restaurants. Among my favourites were ca mu do (a fleshy, sea fish), large lobsters (yum!) and tom mu ni (a special type of prawn). Vegetables such as rau muong (morning glory) and mong toi (malabar spinach) on the island were extra delicious, crispy and sweet. They seemed to absorb the essence of the sun, the salt wind and fertile soil.

Con Dao road trip: The road named after Hoang Phi Yen, a loyal wife of King Nguyen Anh.

Yet what visitors seek most is preserved hat bang (the internal nut of a natural shade tree, Teminalia catappa). There are two kinds of this delicacy - sweet and salted. After being baked, the fatty nuts are dipped in sugar or salt. The taste lingers ... and lingers.

Bang trees were later used by Vietnamese war prisoners in local prisons during the French and American wars. The prisoners gathered the leaves to make mats to "soften" the hard cement and stone prison floors. The leaves were also used to write news and poems to pass to each other on the once forbidding island. — VNS

Land Law must empower locals

Land Law must empower locals

Independent land policy analyst Professor Dang Hung Vo argued in Nong thon Ngay nay newspaper that the National Assembly should give local people more power in settling disputes over their land

During the consultation process on amendments to the 2003 Law on Land, people are asked to give their opinions on a range of land rights. Do you think these views will be reflected in the amended law?

Public consultation is required by law and people nationwide have been consulted about the proposed changes to the Law on Land. But right now, I don't know if the people's ideas have been reflected in the latest version of the revised Land Law. Further consultation processes should be bottom up not top down, as we are doing right now. In my opinion, the project should only start when the affected people are happy with the provisions for compensation, support or resettlement.

What about the people not affected by the project. Should we consult with all people living in the surrounding areas?

There are two different schools of thought. First, is gaining a "consensus" among the affected people - those having their land acquired. The second, is gaining the "consensus" of the whole population living in the area where the project will be located.

Personally, I prefer the second idea. As we all know, the affected people always want a better deal - sometimes higher than the market price. If we ask the opinions of both the affected and non-affected people, we'll come up with a better decision.

When you say "area", do you mean a hamlet or a commune?

I mean people living in the commune. As a commune is the lowest administrative unit in Viet Nam. However, a public consultation meeting is often held among small group of households like clusters or hamlets, depending on the population density. What's most important is that the points raised by the people are collected, considered and reflected in the law.

How will the people's consensus on the issue of land acquisition, compensation, support and resettlement be considered and reflected in the law?

Viet Nam won the war against the French and then the Americans thanks to the "people's war". Through the two wars for national salvation, we have all realised the power of the people. And even the Communist Party of Viet Nam has always considered the cause of mobilising the people as it's most important.

Now is the time for us to once again seek support from the people. In my opinion, there are two steps we should take relating to the issue of land acquisition, compensation, support and resettlement.

First is to promote the communication campaign helping people thoroughly understand all aspects of the problems surrounding land acquisition and compensation.

Second is to empower the people and community to make their own decisions. As a result, people in many localities have voluntarily contributed the money they got from land compensation to build infrastructure in their localities.

Does Vietnamese law allow people to seek consensus through voting?

Not yet. However, land issue is a very "hot" topic. It is almost impossible to have a hundred per cent in favour of a particular solution. But if the result is less than 50 per cent - it cannot be accepted.

To my knowledge, some developed countries have already decided to take two thirds of the votes as a benchmark for "consensus."

I think HCM City has experienced vote of "consensus" issues regarding land acquisition.

For example, if more than 70 per cent of affected people agree on the compensation price offered by the project owner, the project will get the green light to start. In 2007, the government officially allowed the project owner to use the "consensus" mechanism to negotiate with people on the issue of land acquisition.

I hope at the coming year-end meeting, scheduled for next month, the National Assembly will discuss the issue of empowering the people and community to make their own decisions on land compensation, support and resettlement. This will be a big change in the concept of democracy in Viet Nam if it is approved by the law makers. — VNS

Temporary imports and exports must be more strictly controlled

Temporary imports and exports must be more strictly controlled

Nguyen Ngoc Tuan, deputy director general of the General Department of Viet Nam Customs, told the newspaper Tin tuc (News) that his department will step up inspections of temporary imports and exports.

It is reported that temporary imports and exports, particularly petrol and diesel, are surging in Viet Nam. In your opinion, what is the seriousness of these activities?

Such activities are reported to be increasing, particularly in northern provinces near the Chinese border.

One of the reasons leading to such a bad practice is the government's policy on giving preferential tax treatment to certain commodities. This leads smugglers to step up their activities in the hope of gaining big profits. Since 2012, Viet Nam Customs has detected many smuggling cases relating to temporary imports and exports. The smugglers used tricks such as taking alternate routes and creating falsified documents describing the commodities and their volume. Even more seriously, in some cases, the smuggled goods were on the list of prohibited imports under Vietnamese law, including industrial waste as well as decaying frozen food and other items potentially detrimental to public health.

What are some of the most serious cases that customs officers have detected?

Recently, our Anti-Smuggling and Investigation Department detected many high-value goods being smuggled under the rubric of temporary imports and exports - particularly sensitive goods like petrol, diesel, tobacco and sugar.

During one investigation, customs officers seized four vessels containing 1,650 tonnes of petrol valued at about VND27 billion (US$1.3 million). The victory greatly contributed to the stabilisation of the volatile petrol and diesel market. Afterwards we petitioned the government to revise the petrol and diesel management mechanism.

In addition, the department also successfully foiled the smuggling of 296 tonnes of petrol worth about VND8 billion ($378,000) by the Viet Nam Airline Petrol Company (VINAPCO).

What are the key measures adopted by the Anti-Smuggling and Investigation Department to curb smuggling?

Under instructions from the Viet Nam Customs, all Anti Smuggling and Investigation Sub-Departments nationwide have increased their inspections, particularly at the northern port of Hai Phong and other northern border checkpoints in the provinces of Quang Ninh, Lang Son, Ha Giang, Cao Bang, Lao Cai and Dien Bien. During these missions, the customs officers carefully inspect customs declarations in order to find out if anyone is trying to exploit a loophole.

Regarding temporary imports and exports, anti-smuggling customs officers have focused inspections on the goods stored at the Hai Phong customs bonded warehouses, the main ocean terminal in the north before goods are unloaded and transported to China.

We have asked the Prime Minister to revise the instructions he signed last September on state management of temporary imports and exports so we can carry out our duties better.

In our proposal, we asked the Prime Minister to restrict licensing for temporary import and export to law-abiding enterprises.

We also asked the Prime Minister to prohibit the temporary import and export of sensitive and high tariff commodities or foods of high risk to both humans and the environment. In addition, we asked the government to require all vehicles used to carry goods for temporary import and export to install GPS tracking so that the authorities can see their whereabouts. — VNS

New learning model needed for essential education reform

New learning model needed for essential education reform

Viet Nam has adapted an international model of learning that will modernise its failing education system and better prepare children for the wider world, Deputy Minister of Education Nguyen Vinh Hien told the Vietnam News Agency.

How do you respond to the conclusions of National Assembly inspections from primary to high school levels that learning material lacks consistency and practical use, and it fails to meet the nation's development requirements?

I can't agree more. The quality of our present education and training has not yet met the nation's development requirements.

There are different factors leading to the issue, particularly the objectives, content and teaching methodology, they are all closely intertwined - the major reason causing an imbalance between theory and practical skills.

Regarding the educational objective, we have paid so much attention to the objective of catering for all students, and forgot the idea of enhancing individual's strengths.

We have focused too much on transferring the knowledge to the students and less on self-learning skills, while textbooks and lectures contain too much academic content. All these have led to the imbalance between theory and practical skills.

One of our educational objectives is to provide the students with as much knowledge as possible. As a result, teaching has dominated the class and the students have become passive learners.

This is a result of the fact that many schools only focus teaching students by rote from their textbooks, rather than teaching them practical skills.

More recently your Ministry has introduced an international model - the VNEN - to modernise its education system and prepare children for the 21st century.

Will you please give our readers more details about the model?

The VNEN model has opened a new path for education, a new mechanism to help us to solve the above mentioned problems.

I should say under the Escuela Nueva model, students are more engaged in class with teachers serving as facilitators, and parents and other community members are more involved in making learning relevant to their children's lives.

This new model will also address students' participation during the class and through tests.

MoET has given detailed instructions on how to assess the students during the learning process to encourage them to achieve better results and help them to overcome any difficulties they are facing.

We hope with the new model, the teachers will become their students' close friends and be able to help them develop their strengths and limit their weaknesses.

This is the novel of the VNEN model.

What are the differences between the old and the new models?

There are quite a lot of differences between the two. The first difference I would like to mention is the design of the lesson content.

Each lesson focuses on one topic which it is divided into three steps: the first step - self reading; in the next step, the students have to use their understanding to solve given questions; and the last step is to apply the acquired knowledge to a practical situation either in the school, community or their families.

Lessons designed in such a way will ensure the balance between theory and practical skills.

For the teachers, as I have mentioned, they will act as facilitators and will only intervene in case of necessity.

In the case of advanced students, if they finish the lesson before their peers, they may move to the next lesson or the teacher may give them new assignments.

This way of learning and teaching will help to train the students in dynamism and creativity, two important elements that can shape their futures.

The second difference is the organisation of the classes. The students are sat in groups, but they act individually.

However, in case of necessity, they will discuss or exchange ideas together. This is a very good way for the students to develop individual and collective work.

I must say that the VNEN model is an ideal way for students to self govern.

Of course, these organisations will operate in terms and with specific tasks for each period.

What's more important is that with this model, each student is free to express their idea or any changes they want to make, and discuss to come to mutual agreements.

The students will feel the true prevailing of the democratic environment and the friendship among themselves.

This VNEN model will also provide parents opportunities to make contributions to enriching the students' lessons.

What is the significance of the VNEN model towards Viet Nam's plan to reform the curriculum and textbooks of general schooling by 2015?

This is a good opportunity for us to apply the model to the general school curriculum and textbooks, which we cannot do now after 2015.

From the 1,447 schools that applied the VNEN model in the previous school year (2012-13), MoET have decided to add 200 more schools to the list of VNEN model applying institutions this year.

The introduction of the VNEN model will serve as a transitional period for us to start to reform our general education after 2015.

Lessons learned from the VNEN model will serve as a good foundation for us to start the reform. — VNS

Updated work-permit rules confuse foreign employees

Updated work-permit rules confuse foreign employees

 Next Week

What are your impressions about roadside rest stops in Viet Nam?

Long journeys along Viet Nam's highways are expected to become more convenient and comfortable for travellers after the Ministry of Transport implements a plan to build 150 new roadside rest stops along national highways by 2030.

The stops will be positioned every 30 to 50 kilometres so they are no more than four hours apart.

In 2009, the ministry worked with the Viet Nam Road Administration and the Japanese International Co-operation Agency to set up roadside stations nationwide. However, after just six months, the first three stops set up in the northern provinces of Ninh Binh, Bac Giang and Hoa Binh proved to be a failure. Passenger buses actually avoided the rest stops and complained about the services offered.

Have you ever experienced roadside rest-stops in Viet Nam? What are your impressions of the stops you've been to? What do you think is needed to improve them?

Do you think there should be more rest stops on our highways? Why do you think they are popular or unpopular in Viet Nam?

Please reply by email to: opinion@vnsmail.com, or by fax to (84-4) 3 933 2311. Letters can be sent to The Editor, Viet Nam News, 79 Ly Thuong Kiet Street, Ha Noi. Replies to next week's questions must be received by Thursday morning, September 25, 2013. — VNS

Last week, Viet Nam News asked readers to comment on the new draft law on exit, entry and residency of foreigners in Viet Nam. The law proposes that foreigners entering the country to work must have a work permit upon their arrival, except for special cases allowed by the Government.Here are some responses.

Ben Eichhorn, British, Ha Noi

Although I think that this idea is a good one in theory, I think it will be hard to implement in practice and will result in even more confusion for those of us working here.

Personally, as an English teacher with a valid work permit, I am unsure how I would be affected if I wanted to change my main employer and how it would be possible to collect and submit all the correct documents for a work permit in Viet Nam if I was not actually in the country. For example, health checks from only a limited number of hospitals in Viet Nam. are recognised.

The other question is how will the law affect people such as students or spouses of foreign employees in Viet Nam who decide to start working. Would they be expected to leave and return or are there be provisions for such changes?

There seems to be little clear information except what is available on news websites. It is, therefore, hard to comment on the overall effectiveness of the policy, particularly the one relating to the deportation of foreigners without work permits.

Adam Sitkoff, executive director of American Chamber of Commerce, Ha Noi

The American Chamber of Commerce (AmCham) supports the desire of the Vietnamese government to achieve a highly-skilled local workforce. In fact, foreign enterprises have always prioritised the development of Vietnamese staff because it helps our businesses in the long run. Readers of the Viet Nam News know that foreign employees are expensive due to high salaries and packages that provide various living allowances.

Wherever possible, AmCham member companies hire appropriately qualified Vietnamese workers instead of foreigners. There are, however, many positions for which the necessary skills are not available in Viet Nam in sufficient numbers. In addition, Article 8.2, Chapter IV of the US-Viet Nam Bilateral Trade Agreement (BTA) provides that US companies have the right to engage top managerial personnel of their choice, regardless of nationality, and any application of Viet Nam's laws must not impair the substance of this right.

The approval process outlined in Decree 102 (date September 5, providing detailed guidelines for the implementation of the labour code regarding foreign labour working in Viet Nam) imposes a number of undesirable conditions for the recruitment and work-permit extensions of foreigners working in Viet Nam.

This decree will dramatically prolong the recruitment process and costs without providing the desired benefits of creating stable economic and social development for the Vietnamese people. These unnecessary administrative burdens may potentially have a serious adverse impact on the ability of foreign-invested businesses to recruit senior management, technical experts and other highly qualified labor. Ironically, there is a very real risk that the implementation of Decree 102 as presently conceived could create disincentives for foreign investment and lead to fewer opportunities for the local workforce to learn valuable work skills.

Andrew Burden, Canadian, Ha Noi

Viet Nam needs to introduce any new laws in a timely manner. Plenty of advance notice should be given on new standards. Be predictable and consistent. Willy-nilly changes do not encourage expats to make long- term plans. We need to know visa costs, if they can be extended - and under what conditions.

I resent any inference that foreign workers are criminals or are responsible for corrupting Vietnamese culture or the economy. I say let us in as tourists, let us check out the environment and encourage us to stay.

Last week, the topic was about foreigners being restricted in renting motorbikes. Fair enough. People should have a driver's licence for motorcycles.

David Wood, British, Nha Trang

The new draft law is a paper exercise and a total waste of time. It does not really matter what laws are created if they are not enforced, as foreigners supposedly cannot work on tourist visas, yet hundreds of Russians using them are openly working in Nha Trang. There is no need to make new laws, just enforce the present's ones!

Tiffany Sakato, American-Japanese, HCM City.

I don't mind abiding by work permit regulations in any country, however, many expats do find the lack of information and superfluous formalities in this country are quite troublesome. The hardest thing is the lack of knowledge by Vietnamese staff in dealing with foreigners.

This is why some expats try avoiding work permits and use a tourist visa instead. For me, it's OK to enter the country on a tourist visa and if I'm offered a job, then I can return to my country, get the right papers.

However, I need to return to Viet Nam to apply for work permits. For many others, this procedure is burdensome and encourages them to quit working in Viet Nam. If Viet Nam loses out on highly skilled foreign professionals, the loss goes two ways.

I'm also unclear how foreigners can apply for a work permit before arriving in Viet Nam and whether the system can accommodate all of the requests. Perhaps they have to be in Viet Nam on a tourist visa and then apply.. It's quite confusing. — VNS

SBV adjusts insurance policies

SBV adjusts insurance policies

State Bank of Viet Nam Deputy Governor Dang Thanh Binh spoke with Thoi bao Kinh te VIet Nam (Viet Nam Economic Times) about upcoming adjustments to deposit insurance policies.

What is the general role of the Deposit Insurance of Viet Nam?

Most countries with deposit insurance policies have two clear aims: to protect depositors and secure the banking industry. Public trust in the banking system is an important commodity and can be significantly improved by implementing deposit insurance policies.

Courtesy of Article 29 in the Deposit Insurance Law, deposit insurers were established by the Prime Minister following proposals from the Governor of the State Bank of Viet Nam. They are not-for-profit and self-financed institutions.

Deposit Insurance of Viet Nam will oversee deposit insurance policy and protect the legal rights and interests of depositors in an effort to foster public trust in the country's financial system.

People have paid a lot of attention to the insurance premium limit of VND50million (around US$2,380) and think it is inappropriate. What is your opinion?

The announcement of the deposit insurance law was an important step in building a legal framework on deposit insurance in Viet Nam.

The law did not impose a concrete limit on insurance premiums but assigned the responsibility of regulating the limit to the Government, following recommendations from the State Bank.

The State Bank of Viet Nam is currently researching a premium adjustment plan for the Prime Minister.

Can you explain the deposit insurance fee?

The deposit insurance fee is currently applied at a rate of 0.15 per cent of the total deposit. The downside of the uniform rate is that high risk credit organisations don't pay a higher fee.

To deal with this, the law stipulated that the Prime Minister would regulate fee levels in line with the proposal from the Sate Bank of Viet Nam. SBV's proposal will ensure the rate for deposit insurers will vary according to the insurer's classification and assessment.

However, this requires serious research to perfect the ideal rating system. Our system will be based on the CAMELS model: an American supervisory rating system that assess a bank's overall health by combining analysis of financial statements with onsite inspections.

It will be an important basis for collecting fees in a consistent manner with the level of risk.

However, one very important consideration with this model is privacy of the information used to compile the ratings. We need to avoid information links that would create an unfair playing field and cause damage to the banking system.This is an important goal in developing banking policy reform in Viet Nam.

The new fee system will be announced in due course.

What should the Deposit Insurance of Viet Nam do to implement deposit insurance policies?

We need a plan for implementing deposit insurance policies to develop our financial markets and help us integrate with the global financial system.

Institutionally, we need comprehensive and cohesive deposit insurance policies.

The Government announced Decree 68/2013/ND-CP which will guide the law's implementation. Relevant authorities are also researching and compiling instructive documents for implementation.

This will form the legal basis for the Deposit Insurance of Viet Nam activities in implementing deposit insurance policies in Viet Nam.

In the meantime, Deposit Insurance of Viet Nam needs to strengthen financial and staffing capabilities. A communications plan is also needed to enhance public knowledge of deposit insurance and trust in the banking system. — VNS

Readers agree Viet Nam's visa system is too expensive

Readers agree Viet Nam's visa system is too expensive

Next Week:

The Culture, Sports and Tourism Department of central Khanh Hoa Province has banned local travel agencies letting foreign visitors hire motorbikes without driving licences.

The move came after the National Administration of Tourism requested all tourism departments nation-wide to seriously follow regulations when hiring motorbikes to foreigners.

It said this was an attempt to ensure the safety of foreign visitors travelling in Viet Nam where the traffic often seemed out of control.

Under the regulations, all foreigners unable to get driving licences for the first three months of their stay can use licences issued in their countries or international driving licences.

What do you think about the crackdown? Would it discourage you from visiting many of the nation's distant attractions? Does the move conflict with policies promoting national tourism?

If Viet Nam allows foreign visitors to drive motorbikes without licences, do you think this is discriminatory in any way or a move in the genuine interests of safety?

Please reply by email to: opinion@vnsmail.com, or by fax to (84-4) 3 933 2311. Letters can be sent to The Editor, Viet Nam News, 79 Ly Thuong Kiet Street, Ha Noi. Replies to next week's questions must be received by Thursday morning, September 12, 2013. — VNS

Last week, Viet Nam News asked readers for their opinions about the Government offering a single visa for Thailand, Cambodia and Viet Nam. The proposal is now under consideration. All responders supported the idea, but most expressed hope for an easier visa-application process. Here are some of the responses:

Herve Nguyen, French, HCM City

I understand that some countries need the money to keep the immigration offices operating, but in asking tourists for high fees and creating complicated application procedures, they might have forgotten the bigger picture.

Even if visas are free, countries still gain because of the number of tourists who flock in. In many cases, tourists decide to visit a country partly because of easy visa procedures. Tourists often want to escape their frantic lives and head for quiet resorts overseas. So they avoid nations with complicated visa procedures.

Whether it is single visa for entry into multiple countries, or it is one visa for one country, the most important thing is to make the application easier for tourists. I love travelling, but I often feel terribly tired when I apply for a visa. Any new policy promoting easier visa application procedures, or visas on arrival, or better, no visa applications at all, makes life much easier.

Cu Hong Anh, Vietnamese, Ha Noi

I think the new policy will attract visitors to Viet Nam. The one-visa procedure for three countries will, I feel, also give tourism companies in Viet Nam a chance to integrate more with companies in Thailand and Cambodia.

However, to be effective, the three countries need a strategy to organise tours, hotels and other facility for tourists. I hope the one-visa policy is also expanded to other countries in ASEAN for the convenience of tourists.

John Boag, American, HCM City

The first impression a tourist receives of a foreign country is obtaining a visa. Therefore the process must be simple and honest. Unfortunately, Viet Nam's tourist system is ripe with fraud and abuse because many travel agencies deliberately deceive foreign visitors.

Tourists are often led to believe the cost of a visa is more than what it really is. The extra money extracted from them is pocketed by these scammers, making losers of both tourists and the Government.

Shane Isackson, Australian, HCM City

I think tourists would be much more motivated to visit Viet Nam if a Thai-style Visa on Arrival scheme was implemented. Many tourists can be quite turned off by the difficult and expensive visa process in visiting Viet Nam.

A single visa would definitely motivate tourists travelling around South East Asia to "pop over" to Viet Nam and have a look.

Personally, I would feel more motivated to travel around a bit more, especially into Cambodia. But importantly, a visa-on-arrival would motivate others travelling in places like Thailand and Cambodia to swing by Viet Nam.

David Wood, English, Nha Trang

What I am more concerned about is how much the total cost of this triple visa would be. In my opinion, for it to have any affect on tourism in Viet Nam, it needs to be free, as it is in Thailand.

It's all to do with the cost. Like most people, if I am in Thailand or Cambodia and find I have time for a visit somewhere else, I would be tempted, That's where a triple visa could be beneficial for Viet Nam.

Thailand has far more visitors than Viet Nam and even if only a small proportion of those tourists could be drawn away, it would benefit Viet Nam enormously, but they are only going to be tempted if it's free.

Andrew Burden, Canadian, Ha Noi

Visas are always an inconvenience. I receive upon arrival, a 90 day stamp in Hong Kong and Malaysia. Welcome! In the Philippines and Thailand, it's 30 days, but if I arrive overland in Thailand, it's only 15 days. And I have to pay in Cambodia, Laos, Viet Nam. Why?

If this proposed trilateral agreement means I can flit, fly and drive seamlessly, then I say bring it on. If I have to pay for this proposed Thai visa-then I am off to Kuala Lumpur.

Scams are many and they are disgusting. The late bus arrives at a specific hotel. It's always too dark to search for a better deal. The meal stops along the way charge double normal prices.

Travel agents charge a lot for a visa and going to embassies is time consuming and often results in shorter-length visas. The lesson is be independent and be punished. Grease some palms and become a rock star!

Cambodia's border scams me by requiring a hard copy photo, regardless that my passport is scanned and a camera is on the counter. The same scam exists at the airport in Ha Noi.

ASEAN's tourism ministers need to get real, get organised and stop ripping off international travellers.

Bob Christianson, American, San Diego

Combining the three countries into one visa is very "tourist friendly" idea and should increase visits. But please keep the costs down.

Charlie White , Australian, HCM City

It would be great if a single-visa scheme included other Southeast Asian countries like Laos, Malaysia and Singapore. This would cover the two trips I did many years ago.

Hopefully, they could also introduce a "barriers down" system like in Europe. This would mean trains would not have to stop at borders. For instance, they could go from HCM City to Phnom Penh, Phnom Penh to Bangkok and Bangkok to Singapore without a stop at Butterworth.

I hate plane travel and especially airports - and especially Bangkok airport! — VNS

Limits on rice exporters necessary

Limits on rice exporters necessary

Deputy Minister of Industry and Trade, Tran Tuan Anh, spoke with Nong Thon Ngay Nay (Countryside Today) about a new plan to limit the number of rice exporters in Viet Nam.

The Ministry of Industry and Trade just announced a plan to cut the number of rice exporters to 150 by 2015. Why is the number 150?

It is necessary to limit the number of rice export enterprises as the global rice market continues to face difficulties. These enterprises must be able to meet increasingly fierce competition in the international rice market while ensuring national food security and the benefits of both consumers and farmers.

Viet Nam produces about 7-8 million tonnes of rice annually. Currently there are about 300 exporters, many of which lack necessary facilities such as storage and rice husking mills and fail to negotiate export contracts with foreign partners. Some just want to pocket quick cash, causing unfair competition and hurting the image of Vietnamese rice.

About 100 enterprises have been licensed according to the 2010 government decree that stipulated criteria for rice export enterprises. Recently, more than 50 have been required to get licences.

What do enterprises have to do to get licences?

All criteria are spelled out in the decree and the ministry's Article 12. The People's Committee in localities and the departments of industry and trade and agriculture will be in charge of reporting to the ministry which enterprises should be licensed.

Could you explain why the ministry's plan requires enterprises to have material supply zones while the Government decree doesn't?

It's true that the decree doesn't mention material supply zones. However, this is an important policy the Government has required the Ministry of Industry and Trade to supplement in the decree. Enterprises with material supply zones will be given priority. We believe that this will assure the output of rice for the market and create close connections between agricultural production and market work and between export enterprises and farmers.

This is a tough task that needs a roadmap. The ministry will co-operate with authorised agencies to set up such a plan by 2014. The State will also implement supportive policies to help enterprises build their own material supply zones or order agricultural products with farmers. — VNS

‘Textile industry needs support'

‘Textile industry needs support'

Nguyen Xuan Duong from the Viet Nam Garment and Textile Association, spoke with Kinh te va Do thi (Economy and Urban Affairs) about the human-resource management struggle.

Are human resources more difficult in the garment and textile sector?

Workers in the textile sector tend to be more mobile because they can change jobs or employers when their demands aren't being met. But when employers provide a good income and long term progression, they can develop a strong attachment to the enterprise.

Recently, there were a number of workers resigning because an industrial park did not have a kindergarten or living quarters for married couples.

To deal with the issue, members of the Viet Nam Garment and Textile Group moved their factories to rural areas so that people could work closer to home.

Many enterprises also shortened training periods for workers from 9-12 months to short-term courses to provide more job and income.

Besides the reforms you've mentioned, are there other things enterprises can do to improve productivity?

Labour productivity and wages have doubled from the previously average wage of US$10 per day. Some production lines have even reached productivity worth $30 per day.

To help achieve this, the association organised training courses for improving skills and making them more productive. Production lines have been specialised and workers are using advanced technologies and techniques to improve productivity.

What are the challenges facing the garment and textile sector now?

The biggest challenge facing the sector is regional and global competition. The salary of Vietnamese workers is now higher than others countries within ASEAN while labour productivity remains lower.

Additionally, the Government's policies for the sector are not sustainable; particularly the regional minimum wage. The minimum wage is scheduled to increase by an average rate of 17-20 per cent each year and will burden enterprises.

Enterprises face many challenges in achieving their potential, managing their workforce and lifting productivity. Only wealthy enterprises are able to increase salaries during their first three-years' operation and push up labour productivity for long-term development.

What are your suggestions for the Government to support the development of this industry?

We want the Government to implement policies that will support the development of raw and auxiliary materials.

Enterprises also need to take full advantage of the opportunities presented by the Trans-Pacific Partnership Agreement that will be signed soon.

We also need stable wage policies because enterprises will find it difficult to adapt to the 17 – 20 per cent annual increases in wages. — VNS

Inflation and growth remain top priority

Inflation and growth remain top priority

(VNS) Tran Hoang Ngan, a member of the National Advisory Council on Monetary and Financial Policies, spoke with Thoi bao Kinh te Viet Nam (Viet Nam Economic Times) newspaper about curbing inflation.

In the last two years, Viet Nam has been very successful in curbing the inflation rate, despite slow economic growth. What are your thoughts on the situation?

I should say economic management has received special attention from the government in the short and long term. In an effort to solve the present bottle necks in the national economy; including the prevalence of non-performing loans, limited access to capital for enterprises and the need for tax reductions; the government has issued several emergency measures to help the economy recover.

For the long run, the government has adopted measures to speed up the restructuring of the economy to assist public investment, state economic groups, corporations, commercial banks and the financial market.

Regarding inflation, in 2012 we were successful in curbing the inflation rate to meet set targets for 2013. The inflation rate is still under the control, but remains rather high. Inflationary pressures and instability in the macro economy are still threats to the economy.

Regarding the economic growth rate, it is undeniable that the government has been pro-active in introducing many policies to support economic development. However, in my own opinion, the government's "treatments" will take longer time to take effect.

Between controlling inflation and economic growth, which one do you think it should take priority?

They should be treated equally. As I have mentioned above, inflationary pressure remains high while the economy is still facing many challenges. Many enterprises have stopped producing and declared bankruptcy.

In the last two years, economic growth has failed to meet targets of 5.89 per cent and 5.03 per cent, respectively. In 2013, outlook remains gloomy.

In your opinion, what should the Government do to further jump-start economic development?

I should say one of the key factors in our economic downturn is the reduction in social investment. In 2010; total social investment was 41.9 per cent of GDP, while in 2011; it reduced to 28.5 per cent, of which private sector investment made up only 64 per cent of the target level.

This is the reason why I support the National Assembly's idea to approve the Government's proposal to issue VND 30,000-40,000 billion ($1.4 billion - 1.9 billion) in government bonds each year from 2013 to 2015.

According to the plan, the Ministry of Planning and Investment will provide the criteria and requirements for transparency, for investments using bond money. The National Assembly will make a final decision on the proposal.

What should we do to avoid triggering a high inflation rate?

The Government Resolution 01/ND-CP issued in early 2013 has stipulated five categories of measures to stabilise the economy and control inflation. One of the measure is to impose a tight fiscal policy requiring discipline and close monitoring of the state budget.

At the same time, the Government has also adopted measures to tighten its control of market prices. Of course, to solve this problem, it is very important to have strong and active involvement from the Ministry of Industry and Trade and the Ministry of Finance.

The National Assembly's decisions to reduce the corporate income tax and the personal income tax demonstrate the government's willingness to share the burden with enterprises.

In addition, the government has also adopted a group of measures to enable farmers and rural businesses to have better access to credit.

The enforcement of the Law on Prices is also an effective and practical measure to bring inflation under control. — VNS

Population age a pressing problem

Population age a pressing problem

Viet Nam faces many challenges in adapting to its ageing population, Pham Vu Hoang, Deputy Director of the Centre for Studies, Information and Documentation, told Tin Tuc (News) newspaper.

What challenges does the country face with an ageing population?

Population ageing is a transition in the demographic structure of countries. It is usually reflected in an increase in the population's mean and median ages, a decline in the proportion of the population composed of children, and a rise in the proportion of the population that is elderly.

According to a survey on Viet Nam's population and family planning conducted by the General Statistics Office on April 1st, 2011, the percentage of the population aged above 60 years old was 9.9 percent while those 65 years above was 7 percent.

However, the same survey conducted a year later showed that the percentage of the population aged above 60 had jumped to 10.2 per cent and 7.1 per cent for the age group above 65.

Based on these figures we come to a conclusion that Viet Nam's population started ageing in 2011 - five to six years earlier than the previous forecast of 2017.

Experiences from other countries show that population ageing, particularly in our country, will pose many challenges to health care, social security and others, unless we have sound measures in place.

Our country has recently become a middle income nation - but at the lower end of the scale because living conditions remain very modest.

As I have already mentioned, our population is entering the ageing period while at the same time it is in the "gold stage".

It is important for the country to focus on development and utilise the comparative advantages of its population's gold stage.

According to 2010 statistics from the World Health Organisation, the average lifespan of elderly Vietnamese is 73 years. However the average healthy lifespan is low at 64 years, ranking 124th out of 193 countries world wide.

The 80-and-over age group is growing fast and has a greater dependence on health care services. Though the government has introduced many policies on health care, social security and welfare for the elderly, only about 40 per cent of them have accessed special treatments.

In our country, 70 per cent of the elderly population lives in the countryside and the majority depend on their children. We all know that living conditions in the countryside are much poorer than in urban areas.

Other factors that we can't negate is that the cost of providing health care to the elderly is, on average, four times higher than children in the age group from 0-4.

What lessons can we learn from other countries?

All countries have to prepare for the stage of population ageing. Often, they establish an advisory council to help the government to develop appropriate policies to support and care for old people.

For example, in Japan and South Korea all citizens have the responsibility and obligations to participate in the social security fund. Such a fund is for rainy days. While the government and the community will only focus on helping people in special circumstances.

For most Asian nations, old people often live with their children. That's why in our policies, we talk about the role of the family in caring for their elderly members while the government and community give additional support.

For example, in the case of South Korea, they set up a care centre in all residential areas, so that during the day time they go to the centres and go back to their homes at night time.

So what should Viet Nam do to adapt to its ageing population?

Population ageing goes hand-in-hand with development. It is a universal and irreversible trend during the development phase. That's why in my opinion, we have to adopt various solutions at the same time.

First, we have to promote the ‘behaviour-change' campaign to increase awareness and engender attitudes towards care for the elderly. This is a long term solution and it can have a sustainable impact.

Secondly, we should constantly update policies in health care and other crucial services for the elderly. In my opinion, we should establish a "savings fund for elderly". This is a good way to promote responsibility among all citizens. In addition, the fund is another channel to supplement for the national social security.

Finally, we need to promote the family care model coupled with the community care centres. We should encourage the establishment of elderly care centres or elderly homes for old people whose children don't have the means to take care of their folks themselves. — VNS

Distribution and export quality key to unlocking US market

Distribution and export quality key to unlocking US market

A revolution in the production and distribution of agricultural produce is essential to boost US exports, Nguyen Duy Khien, director general of the American Market Department, told Nong thon Ngay nay newspaper.

Do you think Vietnamese agriculture can penetrate the US market if the Trans-Pacific Partnership is signed later this year?

At present, many Vietnamese farm products, including coffee, fish, shrimp, fruit, vegetables and more are exported to the US with zero tariffs. Therefore, the signing of the TPP could formalise that encouragement for our producers to expand their presence in the US market.

Viet Nam now ranks 15th among the highest agricultural exporters to the US. Food safety standards in the US are very high, so if any country wants to export products to the US market, they must meet those benchmarks.

Among our fruit exports to the US, Thanh Long (dragon fruit) ranks first, followed by chom chom (rambutan), lychee, mangosteen, sapodilla, banana, papaya. Popular vegetables, include sweet potato, onion, garlic and ginger.

More recently, the US has made public that it would soon consider the decision to import some of our tropical fruits, such as longan, lychee, star apple and mango. How significant will this decision be for Viet Nam?

In my opinion, it's great! As at present, the US has to import up to 50 per cent of its fruits and vegetables. On average, the American people consume between 14-15 million tonnes of fruits annually; comprising mainly oranges, grape fruits, apples, banana and pine apples. So far Viet Nam has exported dragon fruits and rambutans to the US market.

Hopefully, in the near future the green light will be given to litchi, longan and sapodilla. In return Viet Nam will consider the possibility of importing some US agro-products. This is a way good way for people in the two countries to taste these products.

Currently, agricultural products exported to the US are still limited. Why?

The main problem is that we have not successfully zoned off special areas to grow agricultural products for export. Currently, we only have the dragon fruits which are grown industrially on a large scale. While longans are grown on a small scale in the two northern provinces of Hai Duong and Hung Yen (some 50km southeast of Ha Noi).

Another big problem we are facing is food safety. Our fruits are loaded with bacteria while the level of micro-organisms contained in fruit is above the required benchmarks. Additionally, some shipments of marine products have been found to have high antibiotic residues.

What should Viet Nam do to increase its export of agriculture products, particularly fruit, to the US?

The US market is not a very demanding market, but in order to capture a market niche, it is important to be able to provide sustainable supply, in term of quantity, quality and delivery.

Viet Nam also needs to put greater efforts into addressing food safety, which is a leading requirement for all exporters to the US.

The final thing I want to talk about is the importance for Vietnamese enterprises to improve their competitiveness, market knowledge and production technology to meet quality requirements imposed by the US. — VNS

New motorbike rental rules for foreigners drive debate

New motorbike rental rules for foreigners drive debate

Next Week

During a meeting organised this week, the National Assembly Standing Committee discussed a draft Law on exit, entry and residency of foreigners in Viet Nam.

The draft law proposes that foreigners entering Viet Nam to work be required to have a work permit upon their arrival in the country, except for special cases allowed by the Government.

It is meant to replace the existing Ordinance on exit, entry and residency of foreigners, which allows them to change their entry purposes after entering Viet Nam.

As a result, a large number of foreigners have actually entered Viet Nam as tourists and then change their registered purposes in order to reside and work in the country. Some have even reportedly been involved in illegal labour activities or crimes.

The draft Law is intended to prevent foreigners from working against their entry purposes and affecting the country's security and social order.

What do you think of the draft Law? Are you for or against it? Do you think that this regulation would be enforceable, if made effective?

Do you think foreigners would be discouraged to work in Viet Nam because of the regulation? How would it affect foreign workforce in Viet Nam and employers with high demands for foreign workers?

Please reply by email to: opinion@vnsmail.com, or by fax to (84-4) 3 933 2311. Letters can be sent to The Editor, Viet Nam News, 79 Ly Thuong Kiet Street, Ha Noi. Replies to next week's questions must be received by Thursday morning, September 19, 2013. — VNS

Last week, Viet Nam News asked readers what they thought about the ban on local travel agencies letting foreign visitors hire motorbikes without Vietnamese driving licences. Here are some of the responses:

Michael Lorton, American, San Francisco

Motorcycling is certainly the best way to see Viet Nam, but Viet Nam certainly does not want to end up like Thailand, where the bodies of drunken Australian boys and the wrecks of their scooters clog the roads of the Gulf islands.

The obvious compromise is to require both an International Driver's Permit, which shows that the rider is qualified to operate a motorcycle in his home country, and proper insurance, which guarantees that any damage the motorcycle does to other vehicles will be paid for and if necessary, the remains of the rider will be repatriated.

Pair that up with vigorous enforcement and stiff fines and you will get enthusiastic, but cautious, travellers and safe highways.

Robert Fox, New Zealander, a frequent visitor

For most travellers coming to Viet Nam as tourist, even for as long as three months they will be unable to procure a driving licence.

It would be beneficial to all concerned if there was a simple procedure where for a small sum of money a visitor could show their own licence issued in their own country and receive a temporary Viet Nam one.

In order to ride a motorcycle in Viet Nam they should have to show a motorcycle license from their country, so this eliminates any discrimination. This would benefit Viet Nam with extra revenue and save money for the tourist to be instead spent on their travels.

My friend and I have travelled parts of this country by bicycle with no problems and enjoyed it very much but we both agree because of the size of your country, in order to see much more we would need to use a motorbike.

I am sure there are many people like us, who do not like and will not take bus tours, but will happily tour Viet Nam by themselves if the regulations make it easy for them to do so.

Nick Veltre, American, Ha Noi

Crackdown is a word used entirely too much in Viet Nam. "Fixing the broken laws" is a phrase used not enough. Making laws easy to comply with is not a forte of the Vietnamese legislature.

In most countries, the "International Driver's License" for which one shows a home country licence and pays a few dollars is accepted as a legal driving document when travelling. Viet Nam did not sign that treaty. So our "International Driver's Licenses" are good all over the world, except Viet Nam.

For those of us who have lived here longer—we would like drivers licences too. But you can only take the written test in Vietnamese.

In California, for example, if a Vietnamese person wants to get a driver's license—they can take the test in Vietnamese. In fact, to get a California drivers license, you can also take the test in Arabic, Armenian, Chinese, Farsi, Korean, Punjabi, Russian and Spanish.

How hard could this be? Sign the International Driver's license treaty. Allow long-term residents to take the drivers test in at least English. Our country is polite to your countrymen. We help Vietnamese visitors to our country follow our laws. We want to follow your laws. Let us take the driving test in English. We do it for you.

Andrew Burden, Canadian, Ha Noi

I attended many first aid courses working in the oil industry. I would not trust most ‘graduates' to help me in an emergency. The same applies for anyone holding a motorcycle license.

You have to be a little crazy or semi-suicidal to ride a bike in Asia. I think it is a good, first, baby step for the Vietnamese government to require foreigners to have a driver's license to rent a bike. What about insurance? Does the bike shop supply a proper helmet? Is the bike properly serviced?

There is a big difference between having a licence and having competence. Confidence and credentials will only get you so far.

I ride bikes in Canada, the US, the Philippines, Thailand and Viet Nam. Each place is equally dangerous. Black ice, speeding sports cars, sand and mud, driving on the left and rats scurrying across roads are all equally dangerous. That is one example per country. There are many more.

Son Linh, Vietnamese, Ha Noi

In recent times the image of foreign tourists driving motor bikes here has become increasingly common. However, many of them do not have an appropriate driving licence for Viet Nam and many are driving these bikes for the first time in their lives.

They are mostly ignored by traffic police due to the language barrier or, more importantly, because foreigners have unofficial special rights as part of our policies promoting tourism.

It is a fact that the disorder on Vietnamese roads will only worsen if unskilled drivers are allowed to rent bikes for travelling. It is dangerous for them and other people as well. Therefore, I think the crackdown is an effective preventative solution for these problems.

For both encouraging tourism and ensuring safety, bikes should only be given to foreign visitors who have sufficient licensing, including their national or international licence.

Anyone else who wants to discover the country's landscapes by bikes had better enjoy them from the back seats of vehicles operated by skilled drivers, who can even act as native travel guides supported by travel agencies.

I am confident that foreign visitors will understand the good sense of this crackdown. There is no need for them to feel sided against as this is just a measure to increase safety for everyone. — VNS