A hassle-free Vietnam

Vietnam's authorities plan to introduce tougher measures to police vendors that hassle tourists in De Nang city.

This is likely to come as welcome news to tourists who are pestered by vendors popular traveler hotspots, where the measures are set to be introduced.

According to the Vietnam Economic Times, task forces will be deployed in the city centre, Marble Mountains and Hai Van pass where tourists tend to congregate.

Although the Vietnam tourist board states that "it is customary to give alms to beggars and to buy souvenirs from street vendors," it is hoped that the new measures will help to improve the overall image of the city.

It is estimated that around 79,809 UK travelers have been to Vietnam so far this year, which is a 130 per cent increase when compared to the same period in 2006.

The Vietnam tourist board hopes to attract around six million foreign tourists and 25 million domestic visitors to Vietnam by 2010.