A wartime bunker has been discovered under a bar in the garden of the Landmark hotel in Hanoi, Vietnam. Nearly four decades have passed since the so-called Christmas Bombings rocked parts of Vietnam’s capital in December 1972, when the bunker would have been in use.

After the war ended three years later, the bunker was sealed and all but forgotten.

Not much has been found in the seven rooms: a wine bottle, a rusty paint can and a light bulb still in a socket. But a few tales remain, some involving famous guests such as American actress Jane Fonda who is believed to have spent time in the bunker while working for the government as a doctor assisting foreign guests.

Discovery of the roughly 500 square-foot (nearly 50 square-meter) bunker with its mildewed, mustard-colored walls raises questions about how it will be preserved and who will be allowed to visit, especially since half of the hotel is indirectly owned by the government.

Prominent Vietnamese historian Duong Trung Quoc says it should be opened to the public. While the bunker primarily protected foreign guests, he says it could play an important role in illuminating Vietnam War history. But Speth, the general manager, says he doesn’t want mobs of tourists turning his five-star hotel into a Southeast Asian “Grand Central Station.”

The An Dinh Palace in the former imperial city, Hué, was the first site for which German restorers (now of GCREP) developed a joint restoration, which they implemented in several phases from 2003–2008. Investment was close to 500,000 Euros to restore the wall paintings and decorations.

The Palace is one of the classic structures of Hue imperial city, built on the northern bank of the An Cuu River under an order from King Dong Khanh (1886-1888) after his accession to the throne.

The tropical climate and inadequate maintenance had taken its toll on the building. Extensions, coats of paint and fixtures, along with the interim use of the palace as emergency accommodation and as a trade union centre had also taken their toll.

The conservation and restoration of the An Dinh Palace were carried out strictly to UNESCO standards, in compliance with the internationally ratified Venice Charter – which is by no means a matter of course in Vietnam.

The conservation and restoration of the wall and ceiling paintings at the An Dinh Palace was funded in the framework of the Cultural Preservation Programme maintained by Germany’s Federal Foreign Office.

The An Dinh Palace is open once again to Vietnamese and international tourists. Today, entering the grounds from Nguyen Hué Street via what was originally the rear gate, one can revel in lotus ponds and beautiful trees before reaching the main building.

UNESCO has declared Vietnam’s 7th World Heritage Site: The Citadel of the Ho Dynasty. Located 150 km west of the capital Hanoi, the Citadel of Ho Dynasty are the remains of a late 14th century castle constructed from stone blocks. It was constructed according to Feng Shui principles by the Hồ Dynasty which started in 1397. It is a symbol of neo-Confucian architecture. Unfortunately the only remaining structure is the gate. Unless clients are particularly taken with this specific style, it may be worth waiting until further attractions are added in the area before making the long journey to its remote position.

Please contact vietnam@exotissimo.com for more information.

The National Geographic Society recently undertook an expedition into the caves of Phong Nha, placing them in the spotlight of the world’s media. Pass by the entrance to the ‘Cave of Teeth and Wind’ and enter the mystical tunnels, filled with giant stalactites, stalagmites and crystal clear waters. Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park is one of the world’s two largest limestone regions and is the oldest major karst in Asia. A number of expeditions have led explorers into these caves yet the end is still not in sight. The caverns make up a network of 150 or so caves, some large enough to house a Boeing 747 and so dark you can’t see your hand in front of your face. Our extraordinary tour can now take you into the mouth of these caves where only a handful of people have passed before.

Our two day tour takes you on an unforgettable boat trip exploring the UNESCO World Heritage site of Phong Nha, and to the former DMZ area, infamous worldwide for the legendary battles that were fought there. See the original artillery used during the war at a local museum and pay a visit to La Vang Cathedral, an important pilgrimage site for Vietnam’s catholic population. To view a full itinerary of this tour please, click here.

After delays the Ana Mandara Resort & Spa Ninh Binh will open its doors mid May. Initially due to open January 2011 the property features 172 rooms and is styled after a traditional Vietnamese village with large sized bungalow type rooms.

Vinpearl Luxury Resort has recently announced their soft opening in June 2011. Located in the southern coastal city of Nha Trang, Vinpearl Luxury Resort’s 48 villas will overlook the sea and a private beach. Access to the resort, which is situated on Hon Tre Island, will be by speedboat.

Hyatt Regency Danang Resort & Spa will open Q 4 2011. It will signify Hyatt’s second Hotel offering in Vietnam and hail the introduction of one of Hyatt’s most recognized brands to Vietnam “Regency” Comprising of 200 Hotel rooms and Suites/ 138 Condominiums / 20 Villas with private pool. 90% of the resort will have views of the Ocean and the stunning Son Tra Peninsula.

The Accor Group is opening 4 Hotel and Resorts in 2011-2013 in the Danang/Hoi An area including: The 4-star Mercure Danang with 276 rooms opening 2011, the 4-star Novotel Han River Danang with 346 rooms opening in 2013, The 5-star Pullman Danang with 197 rooms and down the coast the 4-star Novotel Hoi An Resort with 230 rooms opening Q1 2012.

For more information on accommodation options in Vietnam please contact, Vietnam@exotissimo.com.

Hoang Tang Tourist Co Ltd and AAPC Singapore Pte LTD have decided to terminate the management contract of the Mecure Gerbera. As of the 30th of April 2011, the hotel has been trading under the name: Gerbera Hotel Hue and will no longer be operated by Accor. For more information please contact, Vietnam@exotissimo.com

Vietnam Airlines will increase airfares by an average of 22% from 02^nd May 2011. A formal notice has not yet been received and new tariffs have yet to be issued, however, we recommend to issue all confirmed bookings immediately and before Saturday 30^th April at the latest to avoid paying higher fares!

All bookings confirmed now, but issued after 02^nd of May will be charged with the new higher rates. If some names are missing for some groups, our sales teams will ask you to try as much as possible to provide us with their names ASAP to avoid the increase.  If tickets were issued before the increase and clients have to cancel, a cancellation fee will apply, which would be still lower than the expected increases. If you have any further questions or queries contact your regular sales consultant or vietnam@exotissimo.com

Previously closed until June 05th 2011, Hue’s Phu Bai Airport will now be closed from May 05th – June 17th 2011 for urgent runway maintenance. All confirmed bookings May 05th – June 05th have been adjusted and agents with confirmed bookings 06th June-13th June will be contacted. All flights into Hue during this period will be rerouted or rebooked to/from Danang by airlines without fee for all issued tickets. Other central region airports close to Hue include Dong Hoi to the north however flights to and from Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City are limited. For any future requests Sales Consultants will suggest new routes according to requested programs. For any further questions contact vietnam@exotissimo.com.

Vietnam’s booming economy has again seen a rise of inflation since the start of 2011 and North Africa and Middle East turmoil have resulted in a sharp fuel price increases of 25-30% within March alone. We are trying our best to contain the increases with the suppliers and hold back on increasing our rates. However, given the amplitude of the price hikes, an increase of our rates will be unavoidable for new quotations as well as a ‘fuel surcharge’ on confirmed bookings from May, 2011.

Expected domestic airfare increases of 20% from Vietnam Airlines in March (See our March ENL) have not yet been approved but are now anticipated for end of April. We will keep you informed of developments and the deadlines to issue existing bookings at the old prices.  For more information on this issue please contact us directly at Vietnam@exotissimo.com

Effective from 28 April 2011 Vietnam will launch a new route from the northern port city of Haiphong (which is located 1 hour from Halong Bay), to the central coastal city of Danang and vise versa.  Flights will depart 5 days per week on Mondays, Wednesdays, Thursdays, Fridays and Sundays by ATR72 aircraft. This new route offers an excellent advantage rather than driving 3.5-hours to Hanoi’s Noi Bai Airport however flight departures are only in the evening departing Haiphong at 2045  2230 to Danang and leaving Danang for Haiphong at 1830  2005. As a smaller aircraft is used flying time will be longer than the Hanoi – Danang route and will take 1hr 35min. Also best as an option for FITs and not GIT’s as seat availability may be limited due to the size of the aircraft.