oleh admin | Agu 19, 2025 | events and festivals, tourist attractions, tourists, Travel, vietnam
Reservations for trips to Hanoi have risen by 40% in the southern region for the National Day military parade scheduled on September 2, celebrating 80 years of independence.
“I purchased my flight to Hanoi in early July and have already reserved my accommodation,” said Nguyen Ngoc Huong Trang, 28, from Ho Chi Minh City.
Trang participated in April’s Unification Day parade in Ho Chi Minh City and is currently traveling north to attend the National Day festivities.
Tourism agencies reported a significant increase in interest, mainly in southern regions. Accommodation availability in the downtown area is almost full, with lodging prices doubling or tripling. Certain last-minute tours are opting to stay beyond the city limits or in adjacent areas, only coming into Hanoi for short visits.
Pham Anh Vu, vice president of Du Lich Viet, stated: “The National Day procession will attract a surge of tourists from the southern region. This presents a chance for Hanoi’s tourism sector.”
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Ten helicopters performing a formation during rehearsal for Vietnam’s 80th Anniversary Day in Hanoi on July 30, 2025. Image courtesy of VnExpress/Giang Huy
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Approximately 60% of tourists coming from the southern region are opting for all-inclusive travel packages, as stated by Tran Thi Bao Thu, the marketing director at Vietluxtour.
Global attention is also increasing. Vietluxtour has noted higher reservations coming from Australia, South Korea, and Europe, with numerous travelers choosing longer vacation trips starting in Ho Chi Minh City going up to Hanoi.
Hanoi provides various opportunities for visitors: single-day urban excursions, rural journeys, culinary and cultural strolls through the streets, as well as evening sightseeing activities.
A highly favored package features a tour to the
Vietnam Military History Museum
and admission passes for a national performance.
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Tourists travel along rivers in Ninh Binh Province close to Hanoi. Image provided by Vietluxtour
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Hanoi remains the leading travel destination, although locations such as Hoi An City and Phu Quoc Island are also widely favored.
Tour packages combining Hanoi with beautiful spots such as Ninh Binh and Ha Long, featuring accommodations close to the procession, are generating significant attention.
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Law enforcement cars practice for the National Day march in Hanoi. Image courtesy of VnExpress/Giang Huy
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The tourism landscape of Hanoi is growing past traditional attractions. Emerging activities feature medicinal bath sessions in Ba Vi Village, agricultural site visits in Tich Loc Village, and cultural excursions along the city’s southern fringes.
Hanoi is further enhancing its allure during nighttime, offering 20 newly launched nocturnal tourist activities. Among them are the bell-chiming ceremony at Quan Thanh Temple and an authentic replica of a “subsidiary era” street near Truc Bach Lake, featuring the late U.S. Senator
John McCain
was brought down and captured during the Vietnam War.
This year, the city has welcomed 4.2 million foreign tourists, marking an increase of 22% compared to 2024. Meanwhile, income generated from tourism has risen by 15%, reaching VND73 trillion ($2.78 billion), as reported by the local Department of Tourism.
oleh admin | Agu 17, 2025 | bicycles, cycling, cyclists, morocco, Travel
Bikes known as White Bicycles originating from Hoge Veluwe National Park, a natural area located in the Dutch region of Gelderland, are being reused in Morocco. More than 500 of these well-known bicycles, which were once provided at no cost to park guests, have now been gifted to assist school children and triathlon competitions within the nation.
“We previously sent them to Central and Southern Africa, but this time we went with Morocco,” stated Baron Seger van Voorst tot Voorst, the park’s director, in an
interview
in collaboration with the local public broadcasting station. “There are 400,000 people of Moroccan origin residing in the Netherlands, and we aimed to help reinforce these connections.”
The initiative seeks to decrease the extended time kids spend traveling to school, which can enhance their attendance and educational outcomes. The bicycles are light and do not have gears; they are provided for use and completely restored every five years by the park’s specialized maintenance center.
Bicycles are also utilized in triathlons across Morocco, even though the region presents difficulties due to its mountainous landscape. As part of the initiative’s future goals, young locals are receiving training as bike technicians to manage emerging service centers and maintain ongoing operations.
Initially created to encourage sustainable travel, these basic white bicycles are currently supporting neighborhoods well outside of the Netherlands.
oleh admin | Agu 15, 2025 | scotland, tourist attractions, Travel, travel advice, travel destinations
Steep cliffs emerging directly from the ocean, enigmatic lakes, towering castles, and valleys covered with heather—Scotland’s highlands represent a region of untamed, rugged, nearly surreal landscapes. Spanning from Glasgow to the Isle of Skye, this route takes you deep into the essence of a Scotland full of contrasts, where each twist offers an unforgettable sight.
Day 1-2: Glasgow, a hub of artistic energy and Victorian architecture
The journey starts in
Glasgow
– The biggest city in Scotland. Here lies the brilliance of
– Scotland’s most populous city. In this place, the ingenuity of
– Scotland’s leading urban center. Here, the creativity of
– The largest city in Scotland. This is where the talent of
– Scotland’s major metropolis. Here, the exceptional ability of
– The premier city of Scotland. Here, the remarkable skill of
– Scotland’s principal city. Here, the outstanding mind of
– The top city in Scotland. Here, the extraordinary capability of
Charles Rennie Mackintosh
Born between 1868 and 1928, this renowned British architect and artist left his mark across various locations: from the House for an Art Lover, through the refined drawing rooms of the Willow Tea Rooms, to the graceful architecture of the Glasgow School of Art. His creative energy remains evident at the Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum, where Flemish artworks, suspended aircraft models, and preserved elephant specimens come together in a carefully managed disorder. Along the River Clyde stands the Riverside Museum, which showcases transportation history within a building crafted by Zaha Hadid. Don’t forget to visit the ancient cathedral and the cemetery perched atop the hill before heading elsewhere.
Day 3-4: Loch Lomond and the Trossachs, the entrance to the Scottish Highlands
Right outside Glasgow, the road leads into the breathtaking landscapes of the Loch Lomond and Trossachs National Park. For an
entrée
Conic Hill provides an exquisite view of the islands within the loch and the lower hills of the Highlands following a brief introductory ascent. The path meanders through the forested lakes of the Trossachs, with every turn offering fresh interplay of sunlight and reflections across the water. In Crianlarich, dusk settles over the softly sloping areas of the park, hinting at more rugged and demanding trails ahead.
Day 5: Glencoe, a valley marked by conflict and towering figures
The village of Glencoe located within the Lochaber area boasts one of Scotland’s most striking natural formations: the Three Sisters, consisting of three pointed, slender peaks that are immediately recognizable. Several viewpoints along the A82 offer excellent opportunities to admire the grandeur of the Three Sisters. However, this location, currently favored by hikers and photo enthusiasts, was once the place where the Glencoe Massacre occurred in 1692, resulting in the destruction of the MacDonald family. The visitors’ center recounts this tragic event alongside details about the region’s geology.
Day 6: Fort William and Ben Nevis, at the peak of the United Kingdom
Fort William, located 25 kilometers away from Glencoe, serves as an ideal starting point for exploring the Ben Nevis area. It is home to the tallest peak in the United Kingdom (1,345 meters), drawing serious hikers who begin their journey just outside the town, with the trek taking approximately seven to eight hours to reach the top. Those new to hiking can enjoy the Glen Nevis Trail, which winds along the river through a forested valley leading up to Steall Falls. Closeby, the Glenfinnan Viaduct crosses over the canyon in a striking landscape. The Jacobite Steam Train, famous due to its appearances in the Harry Potter movies, travels across this bridge twice daily, coming from either direction, emitting clouds of steam and exciting railway fans.
Days 7-8: The Cuillin Hills, the Island of Sky overlooking the sea and peaks
It’s time to go to the
Isle of Skye
, connected to the mainland via a bridge near Kyle of Lochalsh. To the south, the Cuillins create a rugged mountain range suitable only for seasoned trekkers. For those seeking a simpler stroll, the Fairy Pools provide an enjoyable and picturesque route; these transparent pools were created by a stream cascading down the side of a dormant volcano. Portree, the island’s modest capital, offers lodging, dining options, and retail stores. The town’s harbor, bordered by colorful homes, serves as the departure point for numerous trips into the more remote areas of northern Skye.
Day 9: Quiraing and the Old Man of Storr, natural landmarks located in Trotternish
Located on the Trotternish peninsula, the Quiraing presents an incredibly striking landscape featuring rugged summits and expansive grasslands. Completing a two-hour circular hike allows visitors to fully experience the area’s rich variety and natural splendor. Heading further south, the Old Man of Storr—Skye’s famous rock formation—is accessible within an hour via a clearly marked path. From this vantage point, stunning views stretch across the lakes, the Sea of the Hebrides, and the Scottish mainland. Along the descent, modest local vendors operate simple sheds where they offer cheese, jams, and smoked seafood.
Day 10: Eilean Donan and Loch Ness, featuring fortresses and mythical creatures
While returning to the mainland, you will stop at the crucial location
Eilean Donan Castle
located on an island where three lakes meet. Renovated at some point during the 20th century.
th
In the 21st century, this fortress represents Scottish romanticism in its most striking form. Next comes Inverness, where the route passes by one of Scotland’s most recognizable sights: Loch Ness. The Drumnadrochit Loch Ness Center, primarily a tourist spot, offers a lighthearted take on the well-known tale of the creature said to inhabit its murky depths. Castles, lakes, and cryptids… all combine into an authentic and remarkable postcard moment.
oleh admin | Agu 13, 2025 | food and drink, foodies, shopping, snacks, Travel
Vietnam’s street food is gaining widespread popularity, with tourists opting for new delights like fried bananas and rice paper wraps instead of traditional options such as pho and banh mi.
Having spent over a month exploring Vietnam, Filipino Dannica Refe came back home carrying two suitcases filled with snacks valued at almost VND7 million (US$275).
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The 25-year-old remarks: “It’s not even close to what my friends spent. They splurged more than VND10 million ($381) and still wished to purchase additional items.”
She came to Hanoi in mid-June for a vacation but confesses her primary reason was to join the TikTok challenge of sampling local Vietnamese street food.
She immediately went from the airport to convenience shops and grocery stores to purchase the products she had come across as suggested.
She claims she developed feelings for the snacks.
I could devour a bag of grilled coconut cookies without ever growing weary of them. They surpass numerous desserts found in high-end restaurants across the Philippines and are more affordable.
She is also amazed at the variety of Vietnamese snacks. For instance, using just one ingredient such as young green rice (
com
) individuals can prepare glutinous rice, ice cream, and sweets.
Prior to returning home, she and her companions visited supermarkets and stores in Hanoi’s Historic District, looking for treats to bring back as mementos and presents.
A clip she posted displayed snacks and instant coffee being placed inside her suitcase, which gained numerous views on TikTok.
Over the past two months, the “Vietnam snack haul” phenomenon has become popular online, featuring clips of foreigners purchasing instant noodles, treats, and coffee accompanied by tags such as #snackvietnam.
Numerous tourists show astonishment and mention they became hooked on these snacks.
Several people also ask for guidance on transporting significant amounts back home.
Hoang Nghia Dat, chief executive officer of VNA Travel, mentions that international travelers today seek more than just tourism; they are interested in culinary adventures, particularly street foods and traditional restaurants.
Previously, their main interest was trying foods such as pho or Vietnamese cuisine at restaurants. However, nowadays, they are eager to enjoy snacks from roadside stalls, sip locally brewed beer, or look for food vendors offering street-side treats.
bo bia
(Chinese sausage spring rolls).”
Thuy, who runs the Tai Loc sweet soup store located in Hoan Kiem District of central Hanoi, mentions that many international tourists have visited her establishment over the last month, opting for traditional specialties such as cassava dessert and steamed bananas wrapped in glutinous rice.
Many people are amazed to discover that these desserts cost just a few ten thousand VND ($1 to $2), but they can still savor them inside a lovely traditional home.
Thuy further mentions that local convenience stores have grown busy with international customers looking for treats, which was uncommon before.
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Boxes of traditional Vietnamese snacks and beverages that Dannica Refe bought on her visit to Hanoi. Image provided by Tiktok/nicsrefe.
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Nguyen Tien Dat, deputy chairman of the Hanoi Tourism Association, states that social media is transforming the way visitors discover Vietnam. More travelers are now exploring independently, relying on online culinary recommendations.
The range of tastes and affordable costs of Vietnamese street foods attract many tourists, he states.
Towards the start of this year, the culinary guide TasteAtlas featured various Vietnamese street dishes such as
bun dau mam tom
(rice noodles and tofu with prawn sauce) and
banh ran
(deep-fried sticky rice ball) in its list of
The Top 100 Dishes of Southeast Asia
alongside timeless favorites such as pho and banh mi.
Dat states: “Food holds an important position in the growth of tourism. Although the action of tourists purchasing Vietnamese snacks might appear minor, it contributes to promoting our food culture worldwide.”
By June this year, the count of foreign visitors arriving in Vietnam increased by 23% compared to last year.
This highlights the importance of maintaining hygiene in street food and utilizing media to showcase Vietnamese snacks.
Our aim is for visitors to come back because of meals that are delicious, budget-friendly, and leave a lasting impression.
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Zane Hanson (L) and his Vietnamese partner sample local street food in Ho Chi Minh City. Photo courtesy of Zane Hanson
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Twenty-one-year-old Zane Hanson from New Zealand arrived at a school entrance in Ho Chi Minh City and paused near a roadside stall offering popular children’s treats. He mentions that his Vietnamese partner showed him this post-classes snack habit, with items priced between VND5,000 and VND20,000 ($0.20 to $0.80).
He tried
keo chi
A dessert crafted from manually stretched malt sugar encased in a crisp cookie along with grated coconut. He also sampled a bowl of crushed ice soaked in fruit syrup, which he mentioned was the initial refreshment that helped cool him down during the hot weather apart from beer.
I tried instant noodles, pho, and instant coffee that my girlfriend brought with her, thinking these were the essentials, until the Vietnamese snack craze took off online.
He arranged a trip to Vietnam in early July to join the movement.
In New Zealand, snacks usually refer to biscuits or potato chips, and street food is uncommon.
Hanson was surprised by how cheap the snacks were in Vietnam: a bubble tea that costs VND160,000 ($6) back home sells for only VND20,000 ($0.70) on the streets here and includes tapioca balls.
He entered a store with children and was overwhelmed by the taste of hot potato chips,
o mai
(sweetened or seasoned dried fruits), and rice paper wraps.
Nearby school snack kiosks are filled with students and adults enjoying food and conversation.
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Maximilian Rolf (L) sips on beer and savors local cuisine with a companion in Hanoi. Image provided by Maximilian Rolf
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Maximilian Rolf, aged 31, hails from Germany and has been residing in Hanoi for more than three years. Eating snacks has become a regular part of his everyday life. He likes to have light meals with companions at roadside vendors during the afternoon, an activity that aids individuals in unwinding following a tiring day.
He mentions that although Germany also has snacks, it is difficult to find sweets similar to those found in Vietnam.
“Banana fritters (
banh chuoi
They are a weekly necessity for me. It’s incredible how something as straightforward as fried fruit can be so tempting.
He has likewise developed an affection for savory fried rice cakes (
banh ran man
2) soaked in fish sauce along with green papaya. Initially, he thought they were unusual, but quickly became addicted to their mix of tastes.
oleh admin | Agu 13, 2025 | beautiful places, outdoor activities, tourist attractions, Travel, travel destinations
The New England area boasts stunning parks and scenic natural attractions. Starting from the impressive White Mountains to the wild shores of Cape Cod, these are some of the lesser-known treasures found in this part of the northeastern United States.
Acadia National Park, the gem of the Maine coastline
Three hours away from Portland, located in the state of Maine,
Acadia National Park
It is a remarkable lush area along the Atlantic coastline. Situated on Mount Desert Island, which was created 550 million years ago, this park presents a distinctive combination of hills, woodlands, sandy shores, and rugged seashores. We suggest ascending Mount Cadillac early in the day to experience one of the finest sunrises in New England, and then relax at Sand Beach and Echo Lake during the night. Truly unforgettable!
The White Mountains National Forest, considered the gem of New Hampshire
The White Mountains in New Hampshire feature one of the most remarkable natural attractions in New England: the White Mountains National Forest, known for its rugged summits, large forest areas, numerous streams, and powerful rivers. Popular activities include walking along the Appalachian Trail, scaling Mount Washington, and discovering beautiful canyons like Rocky Gorge. During the colder months, the area transforms into an ideal destination for those who enjoy winter sports, offering both downhill and cross-country skiing paths.
The Mohawk Trail State Forest, the gem of western Massachusetts
Located in western
Massachusetts
The Mohawk Trail State Forest derives its name from an old Native American trading path that passes through the area. Today, this green forest is famous for its beautiful roadsides, meandering streams, and towering rock faces. The park provides numerous chances for recreational pursuits like pitching tents, angling, and paddling canoes. Though not widely recognized, it’s definitely deserving of a trip!
Baxter State Park, home to the Katahdin Mountains
Baxter State Park, found in Maine, is another earthly paradise for hikers and outdoor enthusiasts. Mount Katahdin, the state’s highest peak, rises above the park. The name means “Great Mountain” in the local Penobscot language. This park is criss-crossed by a skein of hiking trails, threading through a wild territory full of elk, fallow deer, bears and other forest animals. The sights from the slopes of Mount Katahdin are breathtaking, with uninterrupted views of the surrounding lakes, forests and mountains. In autumn, the colours of the maple leaves turn the whole landscape into a dash of fiery paint.
Franconia Notch State Park, the other one
gem
of the White Mountains
Nestled within the White Mountains of New Hampshire, just beside the White Mountains National Forest, lies Franconia Notch State Park. Though more compact than its larger neighbor, this park hosts some of the area’s most famous attractions, including Franconia Basin, Flume Gorge, and the Sentinel Pine Covered Bridge. Adventure seekers can hike up nearby summits like Mount Lafayette to enjoy breathtaking vistas of the park.
Cape Cod Coastal Park, an extraordinary seaside treasure in Massachusetts
On the
coast of Massachusetts
Cape Cod National Seashore is well-known for its sandy shores, sand dunes, pine forests, and stunning seaside landscapes. Cycling paths like the Cape Cod Rail Trail provide an excellent opportunity to experience the region by bicycle, whereas walking trails present breathtaking vistas of the Atlantic Ocean. The seashore is also renowned among bird enthusiasts. It hosts approximately 350 documented species, making it home to one of the most extensive collections of coastal birds in America.
The Green Mountain National Forest, a gem of Vermont
The Green Mountain National Forest in Vermont is an essential visit for nature lovers. Spanning nearly 1,200 square kilometers, this area provides numerous activities throughout the year, including canoeing, angling, and Nordic skiing. Trekking paths like the Long Trail, which stretches across the entire forest, lead visitors through different terrains ranging from rocky summits to vibrant green basins. During fall, very few spots in New England match its beauty!
oleh admin | Agu 11, 2025 | migrants, morocco, tourists, Travel, world
The tourism industry in Morocco continued its robust growth during July 2025, with 2.7 million tourists visiting, representing a 6% rise from July of the previous year.
This expansion involved both global visitors and Moroccans residing overseas, highlighting Morocco’s lasting attractiveness. As per an announcement from the Ministry of Tourism, the count of international travelers hit 875,000, reflecting a 2% increase compared to last year, whereas visits from the Moroccan expatriate community increased by 7%, totaling 1.8 million.
These numbers support the ongoing revival and expansion of the industry. As of July 2025, Morocco reported around 11.6 million visitor entries, marking a 16% rise from the corresponding timeframe in 2024. Expatriate Moroccans made up 52% of all visitors.
In response to the most recent statistics, Fatima Zahra Ammor, Minister of Tourism, Handicrafts, and the Social and Solidarity Economy, stated: “Morocco is more than just an area waiting to be explored; it is a location that carries strong emotional ties for countless travelers around the globe. This ongoing expansion is fueled by local travel, our expatriate community, and guests from abroad.”
