THUA THIEN-HUE — A 312-year-old persimmon tree in Hue has been conferred the status of a heritage tree by the Viet Nam Association of Natural Resources and Environment Protection (VANREP).
VANREP also placed a sign saying "Heritage Tree" on the tree in Duong Xuan Ha village in Thuy Xuan Ward at a ceremony on Friday.
The tree, which is 25m tall and has a trunk 1.4m across, was planted in 1698 to mark the border of the Than Van family's house of worship.
It was healthy for centuries until being damaged by a bomb in 1968.
VANREP chairman Nguyen Ngoc Sinh said the association is responsible for protecting all heritage trees in the country.
Earlier last month the association had conferred the status on nine 700-year-old mango trees in Ha Noi's Voi Phuc Temple.
HCM City to launch Sai Gon River tour to promote tourism
HCM CITY — HCM City tourism authorities hope to launch a new tour on the Sai Gon River this year to promote river tourism.
Nguyen Thi Hong, vice chairwoman of the People's Committee, said it will take tourists through Bach Dang Wharf, the Nha Be crossroads, and the Painters' Village in District 2.
The city will co-operate with neighbouring provinces like Dong Nai and Binh Duong to develop tours to those provinces, she added.
Hong, city tourism authorities and their counterparts from the two provinces, and 20 tour operators surveyed routes along the Sai Gon on Friday.
A conference is planned to gather opinions from the industry and tourism experts about promoting river tourism.
The city tourism authorities have been keen for years to develop river tourism but were handicapped by the lack of wharves and other services.
Diamond Place to host Miss Earth's Beauty and Talent Night
HCM CITY — The Beauty and Talent Night, an exclusive event for the Miss Earth competition in Viet Nam, will be held at Diamond Place conference hall in HCM City's Binh Thanh District tomorrow.
This year's Miss Earth contest will take place in Viet Nam, marking the first time that it has been held outside the Philippines.
With the motto Beauty for a Cause, the competition's organisers aim to improve awareness on the environment and eco- sustainability.
The winner will be spokesperson for the Miss Earth Foundation and the UN Environment Programme.
The contest include 90 participants, 20 of whom will be selected to attend the grand finale.
Celebrities Jennifer Pham and Binh Minh will be the presenters and star singers My Tam and Dam Vinh Hung, among others, will perform.
Starting from 5.30pm, the event also features classical concerts and opportunities for guests to socialise with the contestants. After dinner, there will be a talent contest among the selected final 20 participants. — VNS