Deputy Minister of Culture, Sports and Tourism Ho Anh Tuan have met with President of the Russian Federal Agency for Tourism Alexander Radkov to discuss measure to strengthen cooperation in tourism.

Due to huge tourist growth, Phu Quoc Island will need around 3,000 new hotel rooms in the next two to three years to meet the increasing demand, said a provincial official.

New tours, destinations and promotions to the Mekong Delta were introduced at a seminar held on May 16 in Ha Noi.

Once possessed by the sweet flavour of Hue cake, which used to be very popular in the former capital, a local resident has created a traditional entertainment programme of song and dance which features a tea ceremony based around the traditional Hue cake.

(TITC) - After 5 days with many specific cultural, art activities, in the evening 14th May 2013, in Hai Phong Fine Art Exhibition Center, the closing ceremony of Red River Delta – Hai Phong Tourism Fair 2013 was held. This is an activity in the frame work of Culture, Sports, Tourism Week of Red River Delta - Hai Phong 2013 and the 2nd Red Flamboyant Hai Phong (from 9 to 17 May 2013).

Day two of H2H 2013 got off to a warm, humid start. We stretched as a group at Hoa Binh’s stadium before setting off under an overcast sky. The day’s ride was shorter than the first, at 60km, but it included the first significant hill as well – a 260 meter ascent over 5.5 kilometers. As amateur cyclists we were all nervous, though I knew what to expect.

Ho Chi Minh City will host the Southern Land Cuisine Festival and the Southern Fruit Festival as part of its strategy to stimulate tourism demand in 2013, according to the municipal Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism.

Representatives from Russian travel agencies and media organisations will join familiarisation (FAM) trips to destinations in Quang Nam on June 21-26, the provincial department of culture, sport and tourism confirmed on May 14.

Editorial's note: Having taken part in H2H twice, I feel that it is a unique experience that has deepened my understanding of Vietnam, which I have called home for over two years. I have had the opportunity to see parts of the country I would've never visited otherwise and get a more 'real' experience than is often available in highly developed, westernized Ho Chi Minh City. Not to mention the trip takes place on a bicycle, not the usual motorbike. I think the story of the ride is worth sharing, and I will be covering H2H 2013 in 10 parts over the next five weeks. I hope you enjoy it, and if you have any questions or comments feel free to contact me at matatarski@gmail.com.