HA NOI — Viet Nam's Con Dao Island has been named as one of the top ten romantic destinations in the world for 2011 by the UK's Lonely Planet magazine.
Other islands on the list were Yemen's Socotra in Yemen, Australia's Torres Strait Islands, Japan's Yacyana, French Guiana's Iles du Salut, the Republic of Korea's Ulleungdo, Panama's San Blas archipelago, Chinese Taipei's Penghu, the Bay Archipelago and Hog Island off the coast of Honduras and Uganda's Ssese.
Con Dao Island has a strong political and cultural history. Under the French, Con Dao was used as a major prison for opponents of French colonialism.
Con Dao National Park, one of the country's top six biodiversity hotspots for both land and sea, contains thousands of plant and animal species, and provides a range of eco-tourism options.
The island is home to playful black and brown squirrels, many species of native and migratory birds, and even endangered marine animals like the sea cow, green turtle and hawk's bill turtle.
According to the Sai Gon Travel Service Company (Saigontourist), in the wedding season this year Con Dao was one of the most popular honeymoon destinations for young couples.
Quang Binh reserves 21 ancient ca tru tunes
QUANG BINH — Troupes of ca tru (ceremonial singing) in the central province of Quang Binh is now reserving 21 ancient tunes, according to the provincial Culture, Sports and Tourism Department.
The province now has 10 ca tru troupes with 138 artists.
Some of the troupes often hold ca tru classes for local learners aged between 10-20.
Since ca tru was recognised as a cultural heritage in need of urgent protection by UNESCO last year, ca tru troupes in Quang Binh have held over 30 free performances to raise awareness of the art form.
Ca tru, also known as hat a dao or hat noi which dates back to the 15th century, had also been listed among intangible global cultural heritage traditions in danger of disappearing.
HTV to host anniversary of reality-show
HCM CITY – The HCM City Television (HTV) will host an anniversary show for its reality shows Ngoi nha mo uoc (A House of Dreams) and Cau chuyen uoc mo (A Tale of Dreams) at the HTV Theatre tomorrow.
The Hanh Trinh Uoc Mo (A Journey of Dreams) show will feature popular artists, including cai luong (reformed opera) artist Uùt Bach Lan, comedian Trung Dan and singers of Nam Khanh and Ha Tram, who have been guests on two reality shows.
The show celebrates the fifth anniversary of A House of Dreams and the third anniversary of A Tale of Dreams.
The shows, which focus on charitable and other humanitarian activities, are supported by Vina Pomina Steel Co. — VNS