Hanoi spa selected as one of 28 best spas in Asia by CNN

CNN has recently announced a selection of 28 most relaxing spas in Asia. Among them is the Sofitel Legend Metropole Hanoi, Vietnam. Below is what CNN wrote about this spa:



"Take a bow as the grand dame of Hanoi learns new tricks with the opening of its theatrical Le Spa du Metropole. Drape yourself in textiles and colors, the reds of the Hoa Dao (cherry blossom) room, the sleek greys of Exquis, the turquoise-beige combo in the Tonkin Suite. Mosaics, ceramics and artifacts, you’re in old, rich Vietnam. Traditional Dieu Cham facials and herbal poultices are the extra lime in the pho."

Along with Sofitel Metropole Hanoi, other spas in the list included Sutherland Chan Centre, Hong Kong; Shilla Seoul, South Korea; Oazia Spa Villas Bali; and Grand Hyatt Erawan, Bangkok.

Striking wild peach blossoms in Bac Ha arrive early

Locals and tourist's alike can enjoy the striking peach blossoms in full bloom in Bac Ha highland (Lao Cai province) earlier than usual this year.

Engineer Nguyen Quang Hung, Deputy Manager of the Agricultural and rural development Department cum Manager of Forest Management Department of Lao Cai province said that the weather was warmer in early winter so the wild peach blossoms have bloomed two months earlier than usual in Na Hoi, Ta Chai, and Ban Pho areas (Bac Ha). They will be faded after only 20 days. Bac Ha wild peach blossoms look like Japanese cherry blossoms grown in Sapa.

This kind of flower can only grow and bloom from 700 metres above sea level. They are very beautiful and efforts need to be made to preserve and grow them in ecosystem areas like Sapa and Bac Ha.

Enjoy some of the beautiful snapshots below:

By Pham Ngoc Trien - Pham Ngoc Bang

http://www.dtinews.vn/news/beautiful-vietnam/striking-wild-peach-blossoms-in-bac-ha-arrive-early_547.html

Flowers blossoms are signs of Tet

Villages outside the ancient city of Hue are full of blossoming flowers and lush gardens; a welcome sight for visitors and clear reminder that Tet is coming.

Tien Non village, Phu Mau commune, Phu Vang district, is the largest flower garden that serves not only Thua Thien-Hue province but also nearby Quang Tri and Quang Binh provinces.

Visitors are welcomed with a breathtaking view and captivating fragrance which surrounds the gardens at this time of year.
Locals say that nearly eight thousand lily trees and over two million yellow daisy trees are grown in the village to prepare for the coming Hue spring trade fair during the Tet holiday.
Gardener Nguyen Tin said, “I grow 7,000 clumps of daisies in my garden. I am hoping to earn over VND10 million (USD500) from selling flowers during the holiday.”
Nearby, Nguyen Van Duan’s garden is filled with flowers from Dalat, which have turned out buds. He has grown them for a year in anticipation of the Lunar New Year.
Fellow gardener Le Van Lu was happy to share that, “Although my flower garden blossoms sooner than others, I hope the cool weather keep them beautiful until the Tet holiday and bring in more profit.”
Many believe that flower prices in Tien Non this year will be lower due to a large supply.

Blossoming flowers are a reminder that Tet is coming

Gardeners busy watering flowers in anticipation of Tet

Cold weather is expected to keep the flowers blossoming until Tet

By Dai Duong  

http://www.dtinews.vn/news/beautiful-vietnam/flowers-blossoms-are-signs-of-tet_6844.html