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Vietnam continues to ride the crest of a popularity wave as a destination for Australian tourists and, while Old Diggers going back down memory lane are still numerous, a new generation is finding it a land with much appeal.
It makes sense, therefore, for Virgin Blue and Vietnam Airlines to come to a “comprehensive interline agreement” which will provide international travellers with seamless connections from Sydney (and Melbourne) to Vietnam and beyond.
Benefits for travellers include full baggage check-through from point of origin to port of destination. Virgin sees the move as “significant”.
Genial Phong Quang Nguyen, Vietnam Airlines GM Australia and New Zealand believes the partnership will help create increased links between the two countries.
It also means Virgin Blue passengers who book international travel with Vietnam Airlines can travel from anywhere on Virgin Blue's domestic network via Sydney or Melbourne to any of Vietnam Airlines 41 international and 18 domestic destinations.
Vietnam Airlines has four flights a weeks from Sydney using late model Boeing 777s. They offer free and attractive Vietnam stopovers to those going on to north Asian and European cities.
If you want to know more see www.vietnamair.com.vn Mind your manors
Exploring Hong Kong's selection of world class museums has just become easier courtesy The Luxe Manor's new package deals.
The Luxe Manor, one of the former colony's most alluring boutique properties, is committed to supporting local arts and culture, hence their new deal which comes into force from May 1.
The Museum Package includes a seven-day museum pass at seven separate venues PLUS a delightful afternoon tea experience at the hotel's signature Italian restaurant, Aspasia.
The Luxe Manor is at Kimberley Rd in the heart of Kowloon's Tsim Sha Tsui with its shops, markets, restaurants, bars, clubs and tourist attractions like the harbourfront’s Avenue of Stars and nightly Symphony of Lights.
The Museum Pass allows guests free access to seven of Hong Kong's most popular museums including the Museum of Art, Heritage Museum, Museum of History, Science Museum, Space Museum, the Museum of Coastal Defence and the Dr Sun Yat-sen Museum. Many are within easy walking distance of The Luxe Manor while the other three are easily accessible via the city's efficient MTR network.
Museum Packages start at HK$1400 per room per night with prices varying daily in line with The Luxe Manors i-rate (ideal rate) inclusive of a buffet breakfast at Aspasia, free use of wireless internet access and free local phone calls throughout the duration of the booking.
The Luxe Manor is an intriguing mix of design styles with surreal and abstract elements, offering 153 guest rooms and excellent facilities to meet the needs of both leisure and business travellers. Some Enchanted Islands
Here’s a chance to venture to some pristine tropical islands, coral reefs, rainforests and beaches of Melanesia hitherto off-limits to South Pacific tourists.
Coral Princess Cruises include free international flights and two nights free luxury accommodation in conjunction with a 14-night voyage of discovery.
Your vessel is the luxurious small ship Oceanic Discoverer which, this October, will thread its way along the necklace of islands and nations between Rabaul in Papua New Guinea and Port Vila, Vanuatu.
Melanesia retains the romance and adventure of the fabled South Pacific. You will trace the footsteps of some of history's greatest adventurers, visit remote tribal villages in New Guinea and historic WWII sites of the Solomons, including Kennedy Island where JFK swam ashore from a sinking patrol boat in WWII, and unforgettable Alite Harbour where seashells are still used as currency.
You will go ashore with a naturalist on beautiful Santa Ana island to view orchids and rare birds.
In Vanuatu you will sail right into the volcanic caldera of Ureparapara, where cruise ships rarely venture, and stroll exquisite Champagne Beach on Espiritu Santo.
Add the black volcanic sands and black magic of Ambryn Island, walk an active volcano crater rim on Tanna Island and come back to earth in Port Vila.
Coral Princess is offering free return flights from selected Australian cities (excluding taxes) and two free nights at Vanuatu's five-star Le Lagon Resort in conjunction with the 14-night cruise. Prices start at $10,500 pp twin share.
For more information and reservations call 1800 079 545. Going cheap
Maintaining the push to keep Fiji on our travel map, Blue Lagoon Cruises has lopped 20 per cent off all its Yasawa Island Club and Gold Club cruises booked for travel until March 31, 2009. The discount applies to all three and four-day Club Cruises and all four and seven-day Gold Club cruises.
The only stipulation is that you must book by June 30 this year.
Prices for a three-day/two-night Club cruise start from $499pp twin share including all meals.
See www.bluelagooncruises.com for full itineraries. | 
