Vietnam’s Best Receptionist In 2010

Quan tieu My (R) in the contest

A HCM City woman is recognized as the best receptionist of Vietnam in 2010 after winning the first prize in the national competition for hotel receptionists

Quan Tieu My, a receptionist of the five-star Rex Hotel in HCM City’s District 1, became the first-prize winner in the hotel receptionists’ competition for the year 2010.

The result of the competition, held by the Vietnam National Administration of Tourism in coordination with the Vietnam Hotel Association, was announced at the final and awarding ceremony in Hanoi on September 19.

In the three rounds of the contest, with her self-confidence and skills, Quan Tieu My of Rex Hotel, a member of Saigontourist Holding Company, beat more than 90 other rivals countrywide to win the first prize. She also won a secondary prize, “The receptionist in the most beautiful, most suitable costume.” Three second prizes went to Truong Cong Khanh Linh from Pilgrimage Hotel in the central city of Hue, Nguyen Dang Bao Anh from Saigontourist’s Hotel Continental Saigon, and Ly Thi Anh Ngoc from Saigontourist’s Grand Hotel Saigon.

The organization board also offered other prizes, including the two third prizes for Saigontourist’s representatives – Nguyen Huu Nang Phuong from Majestic Hotel in HCM City and Giang Hue Lam from Ngoc Lan Hotel in HCM City.
The 2010 competition for hotel receptionists was an event for hotel reception workers countrywide to learn and exchange experiences, improve professionalism and service quality, and increase the comparative advantages and competitive strength of Vietnam’s hotel operation.

According to the organizing board, 130 outstanding contestants and five performance items were selected in provinces and cities from June until August in the preliminary round to take part in the second round in Hanoi from September 11-15. The contestants performed their professional skills before 30 of them continued to be shortlisted to take a test in any of the three foreign languages, English, French or Chinese. Ten of these 30 contestants were then selected for the final round, in which they were tested in dealing with situations and answering the organization board’s questions.

One of the main sponsors of the competition’s preliminary round in HCM City on July 23 and the final round in Hanoi in the middle of this month was Saigontourist Holding Company. Among the 12 contestants for HCM City that entered the final round, eight came from Saigontourist’s hotels, representing Rex, Majestic and Continental.

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Hanoi sets twenty Vietnam records

Vietnam Records Book, Vietkings on Sunday announced twenty Vietnam records for the capital city of Hanoi, reports VietnamPlus.

1. The place where three Vietnam’s declarations of independence were written. They are Nam quoc son ha by General Ly Thuong Kiet in the 11th century, Binh Ngo dai cao by politician/diplomat/ high-ranking mandarin under Hau Le dynasty, Nguyen Trai, in early 15th century and “Tuyen ngon Doc lap” by President Ho Chi Minh in 1945.

2. The city that has the most ponds and lagoons.

There are more than 40 ponds and lagoons of all sizes inside and outside Hanoi.

3. The biggest city. Hanoi covers an area of around 3.3 thousand square kilometers and is ranked as one of the 17 largest capitals in the world by area.

4. The city that has the most historical sites and tourist attractions.

Hanoi has more than 4,000 historical sites and tourist attractions, in which are more than 1,000 nationally-ranked and/or classified as intangible cultural heritages and over 1,200 unique craft villages.

5. The city that has the most museums, including the Ho Chi Minh Museum, Revolution Museum,  Historical Museum, Military Museum, Museum of the B-52 victory, Vietnam Women’s Museum, Vietnam Museum of Ethnology, Fine Arts Museum and Hanoi Museum among others.

6. The city that has the most streets and alleys named Hang.

The old Thang Long-Hanoi had more than 50 streets and alleys with the first word Hang while the second words were popular daily items including Co, Chuoi, Chinh, Chieu, Chi , Che, Chao and Chai.

The other records include the city with the first high-level school in Vietnam - Quoc Tu Giam (1076); the city with the most epitaphs of doctorates - Van Mieu (Temple of Literature); the city with first epitaph of doctorates from the examination in 1442; the city with the most ancient citadel - Co Loa Citadel which was built in the year 225 BC; the city with a tower in the shape of inkstone and brush (Dai Nghien and Thap But) (1865); the city with first old village that was ranked as a national historical relic, Duong Lam Village; the city with the most ancient street gate – Thuy Khue Street; the city with the largest excavation site, Thang Long Royal Citadel.

Hanoi also has the first fine arts school, the Indochine Fine Arts School (1924); the first medicine school (1902); the first scientific research institute - Vien Dong Bac Co Institute (École française d’Extrême-Orient) (1901); the unique garden that has fruits of three regions – the garden of Uncle Ho, the most ancient bridge – Long Bien Bridge (1902); and the most ancient photography village - Lai Xa Village in Kim Chung Commune, Hoai Duc District (1900-1910).

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Hanoi sets twenty Vietnam records

Vietnam Records Book, Vietkings on Sunday announced twenty Vietnam records for the capital city of Hanoi, reports VietnamPlus.

1. The place where three Vietnam’s declarations of independence were written. They are Nam quoc son ha by General Ly Thuong Kiet in the 11th century, Binh Ngo dai cao by politician/diplomat/ high-ranking mandarin under Hau Le dynasty, Nguyen Trai, in early 15th century and “Tuyen ngon Doc lap” by President Ho Chi Minh in 1945.

2. The city that has the most ponds and lagoons.

There are more than 40 ponds and lagoons of all sizes inside and outside Hanoi.

3. The biggest city. Hanoi covers an area of around 3.3 thousand square kilometers and is ranked as one of the 17 largest capitals in the world by area.

4. The city that has the most historical sites and tourist attractions.

Hanoi has more than 4,000 historical sites and tourist attractions, in which are more than 1,000 nationally-ranked and/or classified as intangible cultural heritages and over 1,200 unique craft villages.

5. The city that has the most museums, including the Ho Chi Minh Museum, Revolution Museum,  Historical Museum, Military Museum, Museum of the B-52 victory, Vietnam Women’s Museum, Vietnam Museum of Ethnology, Fine Arts Museum and Hanoi Museum among others.

6. The city that has the most streets and alleys named Hang.

The old Thang Long-Hanoi had more than 50 streets and alleys with the first word Hang while the second words were popular daily items including Co, Chuoi, Chinh, Chieu, Chi , Che, Chao and Chai.

The other records include the city with the first high-level school in Vietnam - Quoc Tu Giam (1076); the city with the most epitaphs of doctorates - Van Mieu (Temple of Literature); the city with first epitaph of doctorates from the examination in 1442; the city with the most ancient citadel - Co Loa Citadel which was built in the year 225 BC; the city with a tower in the shape of inkstone and brush (Dai Nghien and Thap But) (1865); the city with first old village that was ranked as a national historical relic, Duong Lam Village; the city with the most ancient street gate – Thuy Khue Street; the city with the largest excavation site, Thang Long Royal Citadel.

Hanoi also has the first fine arts school, the Indochine Fine Arts School (1924); the first medicine school (1902); the first scientific research institute - Vien Dong Bac Co Institute (École française d’Extrême-Orient) (1901); the unique garden that has fruits of three regions – the garden of Uncle Ho, the most ancient bridge – Long Bien Bridge (1902); and the most ancient photography village - Lai Xa Village in Kim Chung Commune, Hoai Duc District (1900-1910).

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Hanoi sets twenty Vietnam records

Vietnam Records Book, Vietkings on Sunday announced twenty Vietnam records for the capital city of Hanoi, reports VietnamPlus.

1. The place where three Vietnam’s declarations of independence were written. They are Nam quoc son ha by General Ly Thuong Kiet in the 11th century, Binh Ngo dai cao by politician/diplomat/ high-ranking mandarin under Hau Le dynasty, Nguyen Trai, in early 15th century and “Tuyen ngon Doc lap” by President Ho Chi Minh in 1945.

2. The city that has the most ponds and lagoons.

There are more than 40 ponds and lagoons of all sizes inside and outside Hanoi.

3. The biggest city. Hanoi covers an area of around 3.3 thousand square kilometers and is ranked as one of the 17 largest capitals in the world by area.

4. The city that has the most historical sites and tourist attractions.

Hanoi has more than 4,000 historical sites and tourist attractions, in which are more than 1,000 nationally-ranked and/or classified as intangible cultural heritages and over 1,200 unique craft villages.

5. The city that has the most museums, including the Ho Chi Minh Museum, Revolution Museum,  Historical Museum, Military Museum, Museum of the B-52 victory, Vietnam Women’s Museum, Vietnam Museum of Ethnology, Fine Arts Museum and Hanoi Museum among others.

6. The city that has the most streets and alleys named Hang.

The old Thang Long-Hanoi had more than 50 streets and alleys with the first word Hang while the second words were popular daily items including Co, Chuoi, Chinh, Chieu, Chi , Che, Chao and Chai.

The other records include the city with the first high-level school in Vietnam - Quoc Tu Giam (1076); the city with the most epitaphs of doctorates - Van Mieu (Temple of Literature); the city with first epitaph of doctorates from the examination in 1442; the city with the most ancient citadel - Co Loa Citadel which was built in the year 225 BC; the city with a tower in the shape of inkstone and brush (Dai Nghien and Thap But) (1865); the city with first old village that was ranked as a national historical relic, Duong Lam Village; the city with the most ancient street gate – Thuy Khue Street; the city with the largest excavation site, Thang Long Royal Citadel.

Hanoi also has the first fine arts school, the Indochine Fine Arts School (1924); the first medicine school (1902); the first scientific research institute - Vien Dong Bac Co Institute (École française d’Extrême-Orient) (1901); the unique garden that has fruits of three regions – the garden of Uncle Ho, the most ancient bridge – Long Bien Bridge (1902); and the most ancient photography village - Lai Xa Village in Kim Chung Commune, Hoai Duc District (1900-1910).

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Sheraton Nha Trang celebrates grand opening

Life Resort Danang gets five-stars

The Sheraton Nha Trang Hotel & Spa had its official opening last week after taking six months to complete the final touches.

“We opened in March, but in the last few months we’ve taken the product to the next level,” said Scott Hodgetts, the Sheraton Nha Trang’s general manager. “It’s only after every aspect of your operation has been finely-tuned that you can really celebrate the introduction of a tremendous hotel. We’re there now.”

Situated less than an hour’s flight from HCMC, the 30-storey, 284-room Sheraton Nha Trang drinks in views of Nha Trang Bay, which has been rated as one of the world’s most beautiful bays. The property offers both leisure and business travelers more accommodation options for their trip to the central coastal city.

“Blending the resort charm with modern comforts, the Sheraton Nha Trang Hotel & Spa is a choice addition to the Sheraton resort portfolio,” said Wayne Buckingham, regional vice president of Starwood Thailand, Vietnam, Cambodia and Singapore. “The hotel offers visitors a variety of sites to explore and a wide selection of restaurants, markets and exciting adventures.”

Other facilities of the Sheraton Nha Trang on Tran Phu Street include the Wine Bar, the Shine Spa, the first purpose-built cooking school inside the hotel, a WiFi community lounge and a multi-purpose function room.

Sheraton is the largest and most global brand of Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc. – a global hotel and leisure company with over 980 properties in more than 100 countries and territories.

*The Vietnam National Administration of Tourism has recognized Life Resort Danang on Bac My An Beach near the ancient town of Hoi An as a five-star hotel.

The rating for the resort in the tourism and economic hub of central Vietnam comes more than half a year after the hotel was inaugurated

“We will always make every effort to become a destination for guests,” said Nguyen Thi Tuy Van, general director of Hoang Tra Travel and Trading Co. Ltd. – that owns the hotel. She added the five stars make a good contribution to constantly developing tourism in Vietnam and the beautiful coastal city of Danang.

Life Resort Danang’s 187 rooms are categorized in superior, deluxe, suite, villa and grand presidential suite standards. Besides, the resort has the 1,400 square-meter Nang Spa with 10 treatment rooms, a fitness center, tennis courts, a resort pool and conference facilities. Life Resorts now owns and operates the 94-room Life Heritage Resort Hoi An and the 63-room Life Wellness Resort Quy Nhon, as well as manages the 84-room Blue Ocean Resort at Mui Ne. The Dutch resort company plans to open a property on Halong Bay later in 2010.

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Stone Turtle on Water Mountain

Linh Buu Pagoda at the foot of Nui Nuoc Mountain in An Giang Province

Anyone who has visited the Mekong Delta province of An Giang has probably heard about That Son Mountain Range (otherwise known as Bay Nui) near the Cambodian border.

The stone turtle is on the top of the mountain - Photos: Dang Hoang Tham

The Mountain Range has more than 40 peaks. The seven that are best known are Thien Cam Son, Ngoa Long Son, Ngu Ho Son, Phung Hoang Son, Thuy Dai Son, Anh Vu Son and Lien Hoa Son. Among them, Thuy Dai Son or Nui Nuoc (water mountain) is the smallest.

The mountain is about 54 meters tall and about a kilometer in circumference, surrounded by rice fields. Despite its small size, the locals believe the mountain is mysterious and sacred, so many pilgrims often come to Linh Buu Pagoda to worship the Buddha and pray for a better life and harvest.

There is also a sacred old stone turtle that protects the mountain. The turtle is on the top so pilgrims have to climb up the path to show their respect to the turtle that they believe is a god.

The pagoda was built in 1884.

Nui Nuoc has some small caves and very old trees to explore on the peak.

It’s a nice hike for nature enthusiasts as the path is shaded by the large trees.

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Stone Turtle on Water Mountain

Linh Buu Pagoda at the foot of Nui Nuoc Mountain in An Giang Province

Anyone who has visited the Mekong Delta province of An Giang has probably heard about That Son Mountain Range (otherwise known as Bay Nui) near the Cambodian border.

The stone turtle is on the top of the mountain - Photos: Dang Hoang Tham

The Mountain Range has more than 40 peaks. The seven that are best known are Thien Cam Son, Ngoa Long Son, Ngu Ho Son, Phung Hoang Son, Thuy Dai Son, Anh Vu Son and Lien Hoa Son. Among them, Thuy Dai Son or Nui Nuoc (water mountain) is the smallest.

The mountain is about 54 meters tall and about a kilometer in circumference, surrounded by rice fields. Despite its small size, the locals believe the mountain is mysterious and sacred, so many pilgrims often come to Linh Buu Pagoda to worship the Buddha and pray for a better life and harvest.

There is also a sacred old stone turtle that protects the mountain. The turtle is on the top so pilgrims have to climb up the path to show their respect to the turtle that they believe is a god.

The pagoda was built in 1884.

Nui Nuoc has some small caves and very old trees to explore on the peak.

It’s a nice hike for nature enthusiasts as the path is shaded by the large trees.

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• Stone Turtle on Water Mountain
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