LookAtVietnam – The celebration of Valentine’s Day is said to have begun in the 14th century with varying opinions as to its origin. These days, it is essentially regarded as a festival that celebrates love between individuals and not just lovers.

HCMC-based tour operator Fiditour offers two and three day tours on the occasion of Valentine’s Day, including chocolate, a symbol of the special day.

The Cai Be-Vinh Long-Can Tho tour in the Mekong Delta offers a peaceful river excursion, while guests of the Phan Thiet-Hai Dang-Ke Ga-Mui Ne tour can swim, sunbathe and discover Ne Cape.

Fiditour also offers a tour to the central coastal city of Nha Trang for couples who want to pamper themselves with mud baths and hot-spring baths at US$195 a couple for two-day tours and US$315 a couple for three-day tours.

Tours depart on February 13 and 14.

Hanoi’s Evitco Travel Joint Stock Co. has announced a program named “Sweety Valentine 2009” with different kinds of tours around Vietnam. Sapa – Where Love Raises Its Voice (two days and three nights), Yachting on Red River – Romantic Valentine (one day) and Dalat – Dreamlike City (three days and two nights) are some of the highlights.

Vietnam Dive Center, Vinadive, under HCMC-based Vietravel, is organizing the third consecutive year of underwater wedding ceremonies for Valentine’s Day at Hon Mun Islet in Nha Trang. Couples equipped with diving gear and dressed in traditional Vietnamese wedding clothes will dive into the sea under the guidance of trained professionals. The exchange of rings and kisses takes place under water.

According to Vinadive, the event has attracted many foreign couples in the past two years. The special ceremony costs VND10 million a couple, including accommodation at a five-star hotel and trips around the island.

VietNamNet/SGT