Wildlife

Pip de Rouvray* As a country to visit for its wildlife, Việt Nam has sadly fallen by the wayside. The last Javan rhino was shot by poachers in 2016 and wild elephants and tigers, both now numbering barely in double figures, are on the brink of local extinction. Yet many less famed smaller species of general attraction remain. Such is the case for the squirrel; Việt Nam can count 19 species, six of which are of the amazing ‘flying’ varieties. To spot a flying squirrel, you need to go deep into the forest, but can easily observe the common species in the cities, and not just in parks. In the original French part of Sài Gòn where there are many trees, you need just to look up. Those telegraph lines are squirrel highways. I have often seen the bushy-tailed, cheeky chappies on the move to the next tree, even in the heart of the city. A Black Squirrel atop a tree. — Photo by Pip de Rouvray As with most westerners raised on childhood stories such as those of Beatrix Potter, I find …

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Chinese ships are dredging more than 100,000 tons a day. Operations of Chinese dredging vessels near Vietnam's Paracel and Spratly islands violate not only Vietnam's sovereignty, sovereignty rights but also international law, a spokesperson of the Vietnamese Ministry of Foreign Affairs has stated. China's dredging in South China Sea. Image: H I Shutton “Any activities by any parties in Vietnam’s two islands (Paracel and Spratly) and other areas that are under Vietnam’s jurisdiction in the East Sea (referring to South China Sea) violate Vietnam’s sovereignty, sovereignty rights and international law,” Deputy Spokesperson of the Vietnamese foreign ministry Doan Khac Viet said at a press conference on May 28. Forbes reported on May 12 that an unrelenting fleet of China-based dredging vessels are churning up the South China Sea, triggering concerns over the ecological damage by their illegal acting. Satellite images show the incredible scale of the activity. …

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The five-star Indochine Cruise takes visitors to explore the natural beauty of Ha Long Bay in the northern Quang Ninh Province and Lan Ha Bay in Hai Phong City, just south of Ha Long. Visitors can admire the world-famous bay with its thousands of limestone karsts rising from emerald waters, kayak to explore natural caves, enjoy a five-star dinner at sea, or witness squid fishing at night. The cruise resumed, welcoming fully vaccinated tourists, in October. Its 43 stylish cabins in four options range from a 32-square-meter junior suite cabin to the 80-square-meter presidential suite. The vessel also has two restaurants, a lounge, Jacuzzi plunge pool, a spa, and a sky bar. A tour package for two days and one night costs from VND2.59 million ($115). Heritage Cruises Binh Chuan Cat Ba has an Indochinese-style vessel inspired by Binh Chuan, a ship owned by Bach Thai Buoi, a famous …

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Experts: Night-time economy expected to boost Hanoi tourism Ta Hien street in Hanoi Night-time economy is expected to develop Hanoi tourism, tourism experts and policymakers said. The Hanoi Old Quarter, locating in the downtown in Hoan Kiem district, is the most popular destination in the capital city. Tourists come here to explore ancient streets, craft products, local food or experience lives there. In the evening, streets become more crowded and lively with Hang Dao – Dong Xuan nigh fair and outdoor music performances. Since 2016, Hanoi has allowed Hoan Kiem district to pilot the extension of opening hour of bars and restaurants to 2am. As a result, their revenues increased by about 30 percent. Following the pilot, tourist arrivals in 2016 neared 1.4 million, up 22.8 percent from a year earlier. The figure went up to 1.95 million in 2017, nearly 2.2 million in 2018 and 2.5 million in 2019. The number of business households switching to hospitality services …

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