Monthly Archives: August 2012

Vietnam Update: An exclusive eco-lodge amid a lush nature reserve

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Pu Long Nature Reserve is an area of outstanding beauty and cultural interest in North Vietnam located along two parallel mountain ridges divided by a central valley. The region is 200 kn from Hanoi, and is blessed with rich forest, limestone panoramas and magnificent rice terraces and is also home to the ethnic minority group, the White Thai.  This is a remote area where you can truly venture off the beaten track and experience nature, untouched landscape and traditional lifestyles.

Set within the reserve in a lush green setting between two beautiful waterfalls, is Les Bains de Hieu Eco-lodge. The lodge is owned by Mr. Sy and his wife Thuan, who have redesigned traditional wooden bungalows so as to combine comfort with authenticity.  With just 3 lodges, the owners can ensure that you have a personal and peaceful stay. You will be invited to enjoy meals in the communal stilt house, or ‘nha san’, built in the style of a typical White Thai family house. Here you can relax and enjoy typical local dishes with fine wines. A full range of activities is available including swimming in the natural pools of the nearby waterfalls, hiking to visit local villages, cycling and fishing. Two horses are also available to help you explore the local are and discover the daily life of the White Thai who live in the nature reserve.

Myanmar Abolishes Censorship of Private Publications – NYTimes.com

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The government of Myanmar said on Monday that it would no longer censor private publications, a move that journalists described as a major step toward media freedom in a country where military governments have tried for decades to control the flow of information.

For more details see the following link to the New York Times…

http://www.nytimes.com/2012/08/21/world/asia/myanmar-abolishes-censorship-of-private-publications.html

 

Canadian Embassy to Open in Myanmar!

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Canada’s decision to open a new embassy in Myanmar comes amid significant democratic reforms — and an international rush for the Southeast Asian nation’s natural resources.

Foreign Affairs Minister John Baird announced the new diplomatic mission in July, after the White House eased U.S. sanctions to allow American firms to invest there and work with its state-run oil and gas company. U.S. businesses were reportedly worried they may miss out as other competitors, including China, India, Thailand, Malaysia and France, have already secured deals. Foreign companies have also sought to cash in on Myanmar’s massive mineral and gem resources, which are valued at billions of dollars.

Announcing the new embassy from Thailand, Baird focused his comments on the progress that has been made by the ruling military junta to improve Myanmar’s human rights and democratic record.

“There’s been an incredible amount of reform in the country over the past 18 months,” Baird said. “We’re impressed by that reform.”

Coming after decades of oppressive rule by the junta, those reforms have included opening up Myanmar’s economy, releasing hundreds of political prisoners, legalizing protests and the holding of historic byelections.

Canada has never had an embassy in Myanmar, and the decision to create one is the latest step in Canada’s re-engagement with the country.

Sanctions imposed against the country in the aftermath of a violent crackdown on pro-democracy protesters in 2007 were suspended in April.

Baird did not mention the economic opportunities that exist in Myanmar, but an official in his office confirmed that in addition to helping promote human rights and democracy, the new Canadian embassy “will work to support Canadian commercial interests and investment in Burma.”