Issue 18 : Apr/Jun 2001

 

COOKERY CENTRE TO OPEN IN HO CHI MINH CITY

One of the many pleasant surprises in store for first time visitors to Vietnam is discovering the subtle delights of Vietnamese cuisine. Now not only will visitors be able to enjoy tasting Vietnam’s unique specialities they will also have the opportunity to learn how to prepare some of them. The Vietnam Cookery Centre, due to open in April 2001 in Ho Chi Minh City, will offer daily cookery classes between 9 in the morning and 1.30 in the afternoon. Each participant will receive a manual for the morning’s course covering the basic principles and ingredients of Vietnamese cuisine, how to cook the different varieties of rice, how to recognise and prepare the many herbs and vegetables, and how to produce the characteristic sauces of Vietnamese cuisine including the famous ‘nuoc mam’ fish sauce. There will also be an introduction to the history and development of Vietnamese cuisine and culinary art. The differences between the dishes of the three regions of Vietnam, the imperial cuisine of Hue, traditions and table etiquette will also be included in the course. At the end of the morning each participant will receive a ceritifcate and a souvenir from the school and, best of all, will get the chance to eat the dishes that have been prepared during the course. The school will also have a good selection of souvenirs and handicrafts relating to Vietnamese cuisine for sale at very reasonable prices. Please contact Exotissimo Vietnam for further details at vietnam@exotissimo.com

NEW MYANMAR FLIGHT ROUTES

Myanmar’s Air Mandalay and Yangon Airways have added some new routings. Air Mandalay will be flying to Thandwe (Ngapali Beach) daily during the high season and twice weekly during low season. Flight to Sittwe will be increased to three times a week during peak season and a new route to Mawlamyine will also operate three times weekly. Other new routes for Air Mandalay will be Yangon to Dawei, Myeik, and Kawthoung, all twice-weekly services. Meanwhile Yangon Airways will fly to Bhamo and Myitkyeena between May and September and twice weekly to Sittwe during the winter season.

 

IN BRIEF

Myanmar arrivals up by 23%

According to the latest figures the total number of foreign visitors to Myanmar for December 2000 showed an increase of 23 per cent over the same period in 1999. Surveys show that what visitors to Myanmar enjoy most are the unspoiled nature, the non-touristy sightseeing and the friendliness of the Burmese people.

Cambodia clinches 2003 ATF

Cambodia’s bid to host the ASEAN Tourism Forum in 2003 was endorsed recently at the 4th ASEAN Tourism Ministers’ Meeting. Cambodia’s minister for tourism, Mr Veng Sereyvuth, said ATF 2003 would provide the country with an excellent opportunity to promote itself as a serious tourist destination, and contribute to the development of ASEAN tourism as a whole.

Angkor Village extension complete

Siem Reap’s Angkor Village resort has added 22 new deluxe rooms and a new restaurant.