1:29 AM
LAO CAI, 22 October 2014: Hanoi-based Centre for Social Initiatives Promotion (CSIP) has proposed that the free Wi-Fi programme be extended to Sapa to give visitors convenient access to the internet while visiting the far north destination. Most major tourist destinations in Vietnam are developing free Wi-Fi as a tool to encourage more tourists and provide better communications services. According to the centre, Sapa should have the free service as soon as possible, between now and early 2015. inside no 2The central city of Danang was the latest city to offer a free municipal Wi-Fi network at a cost of USD2 million that provides 300 hotspots, serving 10,000 local residents and tourists. The first locality in Vietnam to offer free Wi-Fi coverage was the World Heritage town of Hoi An in Quang Nam province, about 50 km south of Danang. In April 2012, Halong City followed with 106 hotspots, but more will be added by next year. Other Wi-FI towns and locations include Hue, Da Lat, Cat Ba,ed Tam Dao, and at Saigon Railway Station. Over the next two years Quang Ninh province will provide more free Wi-Fi at economic and tourist hub cities such as Uong Bi, Cam Pha, Van Don and Mong Cai. Sapa attracted 800,000 tourists in the first half of this year, a 25% increase over last year. More than 1.26 million tourists visited Sapa, last year, generating more than USD118 million in revenue. Sapa nestles in a mountain range overlooking Lao Cai and is best known for trekking, cool weather and its role as a market town for ethnic minority groups. The best time to visit Sapa is from February to April and September to November to enjoy spring and autumn weather. It is extremely cold in December and January and guest houses lack heaters in the rooms. Four-star hotels are better equipped to keep their guests warm even to featuring fireplaces in bars or lobbies.
