travel agency in Vietnam, Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar

The Centre of Vietnam is now accessible by air from Hanoi and HCMC with 4 flights per day to Hue and 5 flights per day to Danang. These flights are less than an hour and so it is the best choice for individual travellers as well as groups looking for white sandy beaches. Recently built luxury accommodations in Danang have made this city a perfect incentive destination. It is also possible to fly to Cambodia (Siem Reap) directly from Danang twice a week on Friday and Wednesday by Silk Air. Flights from Siem Reap to Danang depart late in the afternoon on Mondays and Saturdays. Note, however, that this region experience heavy rainy season from September to December. While Hue, the old imperial capital of Vietnam with its famous citadel, is an important cultural site, Danang became a seaside holiday city during the past 2 years. The distance between Danang and Hue is just approximately 100km, so one can make the journey within a few hours by road.

Danang has greatly developed during the recent years and you will find a row of luxurious hotel on the 35km coastline between Danang and the charming city of Hoi An. There is a wide range of hotels available from a guest house to a 5-star hotel category.

Phoenix Voyages would be glad to provide you with a list of recommended hotels in the region on request. In addition, a selection of those recommended hotels are featured in our newsletter. We will guide you in the choice of hotel whether you are looking for a wellness holiday or the best place to stay with your family.

The distinctiveness of this "beach destination" is its proximity from the charming city of Hoi An, a UNESCO World Heritage site, which has kept its authenticity despite the rise of major hotel chains close-by. Indeed, for only 30min by road, one can scour alleys besides bicycles and tuk-tuk to admire the blend of culture in the architecture of houses. At night, typical colorful lanterns light up the night market and locals playing Chinese chess on the pavement.

THE REGIONAL STATISTICS

Quang Nam has 2000-hotel rooms between 3 and 5 stars. In 2010, the province welcomed 2.37 million tourists against 1.68 million in 2006.

Moreover, the province expects to reach 3.7 million visitors in 2015. The revenue from tourism in 2010 amounted to $ 40 million just in that province.

These statistics do not include the city of Da Nang which has 181 hotels of which six hotels are between 4 and 5 stars. Likewise, the city has a total of 6089 rooms. The region is projecting 21,500 rooms in 2015 with a turnover of nearly 165Million Dollars.

HOIAN, A CULTURAL JEWEL

The small town of Hoi An is a few kilometers from Da Nang. The town is free from traffic or pollution. The city was classified a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1999. In the first century, the city was the first port in Southeast Asia. Moreover, for several centuries, many civilizations have passed through Hoi An and the architecture reflects these different influences. The yellow walls and also the concave and convex tiles on the roofs are well representing the Chinese influence, whereas the Japanese bridge separating Chinatown district from the Japanese district is also a symbol of the city.

Hoi An was an important stopover of the road of silk in the 15th century, therefore many rich merchants moved here. There are still many tailors whose origins are traced back very long time ago. Beautiful costumes can be tailor-made within just few hours with carefully selected fabrics.

After the silting of the river, the Port of Hoi An was neglected in favor of Da Nang Port. This is why a visit to this village is like traveling in time few centuries back. Hence, Phoenix Voyages is proud to offer new activities in Hoi An, such as introduction to traditional games or dinners in quality school of restaurants.

DISCOVER MY SON OFF THE BEATEN TRACKS

The site of My Son is a very interesting visit, just an hour drive from Hoi An. Here, Hindu temples have been built between the 4th and 14th century. Similar to Angkor, but in a much smaller version, My Son temples are hidden in the jungle and also a part of UNESCO World Heritage since 1999. Phoenix Voyages exclusively offer a new product - reaching My Son temples after an easy hike on the ridge of a hill.

This 8kms hiking is available to trekkers of all levels and will end up right in the middle of the temples after a 2-hour walk with a magnificent view over the streams and rivers. In the shoes of an adventurer but accompanied by a forest guide, discovering the temples off the beaten tracks will be significant to this cultural experience.

BA NA, IN THE CLOUDS

Ba Na is a mountain 25km away from Da Nang and 1487-meter in altitude. On the summit, a pagoda was constructed with a 27m high Buddha statue. In 2009, the highest non-stop cable car in the world (5042m) with the highest ascent of 1291.81m was built reaching the peak of Mt. Ba Na very easily. When you arrive at the height of the clouds and the weather is foggy, you will experience a unique floating sensation which is awesome.

Are you yearning for a spa? Are you longing to read a book by your private pool? or a breakfast for two in the mid-afternoon on the beach? The FUSION MAIA offers UNLIMITED SPA which is included in the price. Only individual villas are proposed - A PERFECT CHOICE FOR HONEYMOONERS.

The Nam Hai is one of the most luxurious hotels in Vietnam. The hotel offers individual villas and some with private pools. The hotel swimming pool is very large and tennis courts are also available.

Palm Garden has the facilities of a 5-star hotel with a Spa "Qi", a fitness sport center and a large swimming pool. The resort also offers water activities. Dinghies and windsurfs are available.

The Life Heritage Resort has the advantage of being located in the heart of Hoi An. One can enjoy a leisurely walk to the city, while the beach is situated only few kilometers further. The rooms are overlooking the garden or the Thu Bon River.

The Victoria Hotels and Resorts chain has properties in different cities of Vietnam and one of them, the charming Victoria Hoi An with its architecture illustrating memories of different culture which have lived in Hoi An in the past. This is one the most recommended hotels of Phoenix Voyages in this category.

This hotel with a simple design offers clean rooms with a nice pool in the center of a large garden.

NEW 3- STAR HOTEL IN YANGON

The East Yangon Hotel is a new hotel in Yangon offering best value for money . The rooms are well designed and nicely decorated.

NEW 3- STAR HOTEL IN MANDALAY

Ayeyarwaddy River View is a new recommended hotel with spacious rooms and beautiful view over Mandalay.

MYANMAR AIRPORT TAX

Since 1st June 2011, airport tax of 1,000 Kyats (about 1.3 USD) per person will be charged for each domestic flight from Myanmar Airport.

DEATH OF GEORGE CONDOMINAS

Phoenix Voyages Team is sad to learn the loss of the famous Ethnologist Georges Condominas and sends a message of condolence to his family. Born in 1921 in Hai Phong, Georges Condominas returned to Vietnam in 1948 after studying in Paris. His work about Mnong Gar minority in the central highland was the main subject of his thesis at the "Ecole pratique des hautes Etudes" published in 1957 under the name "Nous avons mangé la forêt de la pierre Génie Gôo". In addition to objects and photographs, this publication is also illustrating the oral literature of this minority having no written documents.