Friends of Viet Nam Heritage (FVH) – a group of Ha Noi expats who voluntarily promote and preserve Vietnamese cultural and historical heritage – will lead an excursion on Saturday to the former French hill resort of Tam Dao, 85km northwest of Ha Noi.

The highlight of the excursion will be a visit to the Viet Nam Bear Rescue Centre, which has provided more than 100 bears rescued from illegal bear bile traders with a safe place to live, heal and recover. After touring the centre, the group will visit Tam Dao town which is located in a forested valley.

The English-speaking daytrippers will depart at 7.15am and return at 5pm. The VND380,000 cost includes transportation, entrance fee and water. To register, contact Chris Bilsland, cbilsland@yahoo.com.au or 01272018170.-VNS