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Dear readers,
Tourism is seen as a key industry not only by the central government,
but also by local authorities in central Vietnam and both place great hope
in its ability to boost economic growth. Along the central coast of Vietnam,
the provinces of Binh Thuan, Khanh Hoa, Thua Thien Hue, Danang and
Quang Nam have already emerged as new tourism destinations, but more
recently the authorities in Phu Yen, Binh Dinh and Ninh Thuan have also
started paying more attention to developing the hospitality industry.
They have begun building more roads, upgrading airports and seaports
and enticing developers to build high-end resorts, golf courses and restau-
rants. As a result, a gold coast for tourism is taking shape.
It has not all been plane sailing however. The industry has been dealt a
blow in terms of dropping international arrivals. In addition, the overcharg-
ing of tourists is an ingrained problem that the authorities urgently need to
address if they want tourists to make repeat visits. This issue, Timeout takes
an in-depth look at the region and what is being done to ensure the central
coast reaches its full potential.
Also within these pages you will find a report on Duong Lam village
outside Hanoi, where many local people feel they are not benefiting from
tourism. The village has been recognised as a national cultural relic, with
ancient houses that have drawn a lot of tourists in recent times. However,
some local residents do not welcome the village’s new-found status as they
have encountered a lot of problems repairing and expanding their houses.
This collision between preservation and progress has also taken place
elsewhere, stirring public debate. Another famous case is that of the Thanh
Chuong’s Viet Palace, a tourist attraction near Hanoi that has garnered
much high praise, but now stands accused of being built illegally on forest
land. Its fate remains uncertain.
Alongside these controversial topics, you will also find plenty of peace
and tranquillity in this issue, with features on some of the most beautiful,
pristine beaches along the central coast in our special feature on tourism in
this upcoming region.
Yours sincerely
NGUYEN ANH TUAN
Editor-in-Chief
PRICE: VND52,000 if sold separately
Editor-in-Chief
Dr. Nguyen Anh Tuan
Deputy Editors-in-Chief
Le Trong Minh
Bui Duc Hai
Do Xuan Khanh
Deputy Managing Editor
Tran Ngoc Son
Designer
Lai Hoang Yen
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REGULARS
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What's on
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Hot deal
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Update
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Timeout Guide
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Voyeur
CAST & CREW
TIMEOUT
THE ESSENTIAL MAGAZINE FOR LIVING AND TRAVEL IN VIETNAM
JUNE 2013
Inside the Novotel Danang
Premier Han River Hotel
Preservation and progress collide
THE DUONG LAM CONFLICT
Exploring
THE CENTRAL COAST
LIVING THE HIGH LIFE