Vietnam beauty - The valuable and rare photos of “Hue, Saigon, Hanoi”

Vietnam beauty – below is the rare documentation recorded by foreign journalists – photos of Hanoi, Hue, Saigon in previous centuries.

In the late 19^th century and early 20^th century, the appearance of vendors in every street were very familiar and became the culture of Vietnam at that time. Streets in Vietnam in the 1930s and 1940s were always associated with vendors.

There were noodles with seasoned and saute beef stalls, refreshment booths…on every pavement in the streets in Saigon. While, Pho vendor stalls, street barbers…were more popular in Hanoi. The little and hardworking Vietnamese with smiling faces were always familiar and close images.

Troupe in Hanoi

Street vendors in the bank of Red river

Street vendors in a market in Saigon

Street vendor selling noodle with seasoned and saute beef in Saigon

Street vendor on the roundabout in front of Ben Thanh Market, Saigon

Street barber in Hanoi

Refreshment booth in Hue street

Pho street vendor in Hue

Pho street vendor in Hanoi

Pho street vendor in Hai Phong

Old photos of Vietnam

Street vendors in Hanoi

A smiling boy selling balloons on street in Saigon

A photo taken in Cho Lon, 130 years ago

A girl selling fried rice pancakes

 

 

Vietnam beauty - The valuable and rare photos of “Hue, Saigon, Hanoi”

Vietnam Tourism – Festival of 200 Southern folk cakes

Vietnam tourism – Southern folk cakes festival 2014 will be taken place from 23 to 25 January in Can Tho with over 200 types of cakes and over 50 dishes of the South.

The event focuses on promoting and advertising the folk cakes which are made from sticky rice in Can Tho and Mekong Delta to honor the folk cultural values of Southern cuisine.

According to a representative of  Culture Sports and Tourism department of Can Tho, the purpose of the event is culture exchange to show the spiritual union of ethnic groups such as, Kinh, Khmer, Hoa, Cham in the Mekong Delta. Many activities of cuisine, culture will be presented by Southern provinces such as, traditional conical hat dance, shows of zither, monochord, flute, traditional Southern music…

Besides culture exchange of ethnic groups in the Mekong Delta, there are shows of cuisine and traditional cakes with the topic of “Southern Flavor”. Craftsman will present the methods to make local dishes  from sticky rice and rice power such as, Banh Tet (cylindrical glutinous rice cakes), Banh La Dua (coconut leaf cakes),Banh It (cylindrical rice cakes), Banh La (leaf cakes), Banh Hoi (rice vermicelli woven), Banh Ong (tube cake), Banh Uot Ngot (Sweet wet cake)….

Traditional cakes event is held annually from 2012 until now

Vietnam Tourism – Festival of 200 Southern folk cakes

Vietnam beauty - Binh Tien Beach a sleeping princess

Vietnam beauty – Binh Tien beach is endowed with a tranquil and clear sea with wild nature, friendly locals and various sea food.

Binh Tien beach is located 30km away from Phan Rang – Thap Cham to the Southern North and about 70km from Nha Trang to the Northern South. Depart from Phan Rang and go along highway 1A to Km 1.525, then you will travel on a small asphalt road with the length of 10km, the beach will appear in front of you with wild landscape, tranquility and quiet.

Located in a tourism zone including Vinh Hy bay, Nui Chua national park, Binh Tien beach; you will immerse in the wonderful landscape here. Along the way to BInh Tien beach is winding road through  streams with clusters of trees on both sides which make a fantastic world of nature.

Three  sides of Binh Tien beach are covered by forest and rock mountain, thus the sea wave is very calm. Binh Tien is like a sleeping princess on the ocean surrounded by white stones with various strange shapes.

In the evening, you can camping on the beach to see millions sparkling stars reflecting on the sea and enjoy cool wind blowing from the sea.  On the way to find pure streams you will catch stones with strange human faces. Besides, you should not forget to try fresh sea food with various types from crayfishes, crabs, shellfishes…To get a real experience, you should visit a fishing village nearby. You can ride a boat, see the sunrise and enjoy a good haul of fish.

Traveling to Binh Tien to enjoy the peace, beauty and romance as fairly land in the earth

Vietnam beauty - Binh Tien Beach a sleeping princess

5 interesting things in the world largest cave - Son Doong

A majestic and stunning scenery in the Son Doong cave will exceed your imagination and artists’ creation

Recognized as the largest natural cave in the world, Son Doong in Quang Binh contains many secrets which scientists have not encoded. This is also an interesting site which foreign tourists are happy to pay a price of $3000 to visit, but have to wait until 2016 as the tour is full to at that time.

1.      Found in the rainy day

In 1991, Ho Khanh – a local man incidentally discovered Son Doong cave when he was avoiding rain in the cave. Not until 2009, did the expedition of British Royal Geographic Society come to discover and at that time Ho Khanh announced them about the cave.

It must be difficult to recall the cave location which is situated deeply in the jungle with steep terrain and cannot be found on Google Earth. Thank to his guidance, the expedition went deep into the cave to take photos, survey and collect scientific data. Ho Khang said “when entering though the gate, I can find clearly the cool breeze blowing from inside the cave…”

2.      Fit a 40 storey building

Son Doong cave is 150 m wide, 200m high, and at least 5 km long. The actual length of the cave may be even longer than the report of scientists. However, the expedition  of  British Royal Geographic Society could not go to the end of cave due to technical limitations.

Therefore, with reported dimensions, Son Doong cave has passed Deer cave in Gunung Mulu National Park in Malaysia (120 m high, 150 m wide, 2 km long) to be recognized as the largest natural cave in the world .

Besides, some segments inside the cave have a size of 140mx140m including 14m high stalactite pillars. Photographer – Carten Peter took a photo of the cave to show the width and the height of cave which are 91.44m and 243.84m respectively. This means the cave can store a 40 storey building.

 3.      Formed 5 million years ago.

According to the science documents, Son Doong cave was formed when a river running through the limestone area buried along a fault line. Over millions of years, due to water erosion, a giant tunnel was formed under the mountain range. At the soft rock points, the ceiling was collapsed forming holes which shaped a giant dome long time later.

erosion and water currents create a giant tunnel in the ground below the mountains. In areas where soft rock, forming part of the ceiling collapsed holes, hang long into giant domes.

4.      A rich animal world

Because the cave ceiling was collapsed many centuries ago, thus there are a green jungle in the cave which is name Eden by explorers. The jungle is the inhabitance of monkeys, bats flying foxes. There are many types of ferns, palms, vines covering from outside to inside the cave.

The ancient lakes, waterfalls, rivers inside the cave formed rich Algal Mats and Flora

In particular, the explorers also discovered  species of pearls which were formed in the process of dripping water to create calcite on the sand crystals.

5.      Why control number of tourists to Son Doong?

Tourists to Son Doong need to be restrict because of landscape and environmental protection factors. Until now, the secrets of animals world inside the cave have not totally encoded. Therefore, Son Doong cave would welcome explores and scientists researching biology rather than tourists traveling here for their curiosity.

 

5 interesting things in the world largest cave - Son Doong

Vietnam beauty - Cloudy valley in Hoa Binh

Vietnam beauty – Located at a altitude of 1.200 m above sea level, not only is Lung Van covered by clouds all year round but also is surrounded by mountains such as, Trau (Buffalo), Po and Tien, thus Lung Van has another name – Thung May (Cloudy valley).

Situated about 40 km away from the center of Hoa Binh city, Lung Van, Tan Lac district is very famous at the beautiful  and majestic landscapes with the typical cultures of Muong ethnic group. This place is also considered as “the roof of Muong Bi” which is one of four major culture cradle and the most ancient in Muong’s land – Hoa Binh (Bi, Vang, Thang, Dong)

 Fairyland

Although located deeply on the road axis of Hoa Binh – Moc Chau with dangerous, winding and constantly steep slopes which is over 13km from the foot to the top, but Lung Van still has its own attraction with fanciful clouds as fairyland.

As the highest site in Tan Lac valley with a altitude of 1200m above sea level, Lung Van is covered by clouds all year round. The thin and light clouds fly around you as if playing with tourists. The air is very cool because of being surrounded by  mountains – Buffalo, Po, and Fairy which even make translucent clouds more illusionary.

In the morning, Lung Van is very beautiful with wind, light sun and white clouds flying smoothly over the mountains, the villages … At noon, the sun shines through dense clouds to the valley. The dew drops of chilly winter on the green leaves of terraced fields  glitter as sapphire.

The winter frost deposition drops on green leaf colors of the terraced fields glitter like jade. White clouds, sunny yellow of air as a poet creates wonderful paintings between Highlander…. Noon, the sun dawned, the sun breaking straight dense layer of clouds rolled down the valley. The winter frost deposition drops on green leaf colors of the terraced fields glitter like jade. White clouds, sunny yellow color make up a wonderful painting in the highland region.

For those who want to avoid the noise and dust for cities, Lung Van is a ideal place with the tranquil space. Although, very few people living, Lung Van does not evoke desolate and deserted.

Everlasting life

In such a fairyland, lives of people here is like a fairy tale. It is not because of the wealth, but everlasting life. There are over 400 households with dozens of the elderly who has lived over century but are very healthy and lucid.

It is said that people here live longer than somebody because of three united streams which they often use the water for their daily life. The everlasting life of people here is also supposed that because they are very honest and hardworking, thus they live well.

For whatever reason, we cannot ignore the fresh and clean environment in Lung Van. You have to visit the place in order to experience the pure and simple life here – “the roof of Muong Bi”.

In Lung Van, you can bath in the stream, climb up Fairy mountain and stay at local houses of Muong and discover the highland market in every Tuesday.

Vietnam beauty - Cloudy valley in Hoa Binh

Three Most Romantic destinations in Vietnam

Floating clouds and mountains, quiet space, pristine and fresh scenery … Con Dao, Phu Quoc, Ba Na are really romantic destinations in Vietnam for lovers or tourists looking for peaceful places.

1. Con Dao – a wild island

The island was “ the hell on earth” but now it has become a tourist paradise. Besides, Con Dao is voted one of ten most pristine, beautiful and fresh islands in the world by Lonely Planet Magazine. It owns a range of beautiful sites such as the preserved national park, dense forests islands, shelter and  proliferation of dolphins, turtles and beautiful coral reefs.

Furthermore, visitors can admire bewitching blue sea, the stretching white sand; visit famous historical sites or watch sea turtles in breeding season from May to November.

There are very few resorts in Con Son, thus the island is quite pristine, peaceful and mystical. Perhaps because of the silence, purity, then island has become a romantic destination of couples who want to have a private space in the honeymoon period.

Transportation: you can go to Con Dao by hydrofoils ( buy tickets at Bach Dang Wharf ) or airplanes

Transportation: you can go to Con Dao by hydrofoils ( buy tickets at Bach Dang Wharf ) or airplanes

Attractions include: prison, Ong Dung forest and watch sea turtles in Bay Canh Islet…

Transportation on the island : Motorcycles

2. Phu Quoc – a dreamlike island

Consume 35 minutes by flight from Ho Chi Minh, Phu Quoc is stunning and romantic with immense forests, pristine beaches, fresh air and a dozen enchanted landscapes.

Transportation: you can go to Con Dao by hydrofoils ( buy tickets at Bach Dang Wharf ) or airplanes.

Visitors can enjoy the nature with some activities, such as squid fishing, fishing, discovering old growth forest, naked bath in streams or exploring the fish sauce production shops or pearls.

Transportation: airplanes or ships

Duration: 4-5 days

Transportation on the island: Motorcycles

3. Ba Na mountain dew and clouds

At an altitude of nearly 1,500 meters above sea level, there are all 4 seasons in a day, Ba Na has become an ideal destination for fastidious tourists who want to enjoy the comfort of summer, light chill of autumn and fog of winter in a short holiday period.

Not only will you have a great chance to take a panorama – a stunning picture of pristine mountain from the top, but also have a great feeling of flying in the floating clouds on your motorcycle which is an interesting vehicle to conquer the steep mountain.

You can reach Ba Na (Da Nang) by plane, bus or train, depending on your budget.

Duration: 2-3 days.

Three Most Romantic destinations in Vietnam

9 interesting things in Hue Citadel

Hue citadel – A ancient pensiveness and magical Royal Palace night will be reappeared with the history of the flashy palace or sweet voice on the Perfume river which has formed Hue citadel – a dreamlike city.

1. The most intact palace relic in Vietnam

If you have been to the ancient capital of Hoa Lu (Ninh Binh), Co Loa, Thang Long (Hanoi) which were the capital of Vietnam, now has become ruins , you will find the most intact preservation of Hue ancient capital relics population. Hue has its own serene beauty and quiet with palaces, fortresses, shrines, tombs , temples and many garden houses.

When traveling to Hue, you will admire the artistic masterpieces of the golden palaces, splendid temples and shrines , majestic tombs, and pensive scenery.

2. Military architectures

Hue Citadel was built under King  Gia Long and King Minh Mang, located in the northern Perfume River, facing the South. Hue Citadel is a unique combination between the traditional principles of Vietnamese architecture, Eastern philosophy with feng shui  and yin and yang and western military architecture.

3. Unique royal tombs

Tombs of the Nguyen dynasty were based on the principles of feng shui, such as rivers, mountains, lakes and streams. Surface layout of every tomb always is divided into two main parts: the sepulchral area and the temple area… The sepulchral area is reserved for burying the King’s corpse and the temple area is a place where many palaces, mansions, pavilions and others were built for the king’s entertainment during his visits. Therefore, every tombs of Hue is not only a historical and cultural relic but also is a landscape, but also landscapes and architecturally artful ‘flowers’ of Hue Ancient City.

4. The conservation of precious royal treasure system

Located in the Citadel, Museum of royal antiquities was established in 1923, with the first name of Musee’ Khai Dinh. Then, it had changed other names and in 1993 was renamed Museum of Hue imperial antiquities.

You will see and discover thousands of items including pottery, wood, copper, rocks, bones, ivories, horns, sculpture on rocks…in this museum.

 5. The successful reconstruction of some unique royal festivities

Hue imperial festivals were national ceremonies and were held by government. There were dozens of large and small festivals celebrated annually in the citadel which were ruled very closely and seriously, even recorded as regulations. From the kings to the people must comply with strict rules. Today, traveling to Hue, you will have great chances to see some royal festivities.

6. Nha Nhac (Royal refined music)

Royal refined music is a beauty of the unique art and culture of Hue which is recognized by UNESCO as an unwritten masterpiece of the intangible heritage of humanity. This is the traditional royal music of the Oriental which has reserved for ages in the former capital. You can enjoy the musical talents with instruments which are manufactured elaborately and performed  in Hue.

  7. Night palace

In the every Hue Festival, the ancient citadel and mossy roof of anient Citadel – Hue at night will be lit up illusively. From the Ngo Mon Gate – the main gate of the Citadel area (Imperial Citadel of Hue), you’ll find decorated flags, majestic lanterns majestic and rows of guards in the traditional uniforms… It is the reappearance of the prosperous life of the palace as the night falls.

8. Ca Hue (traditional Hue singing) on the Perfume River

Ca Hue is a precious spiritual food, an elegant pleasure that any visitor also want to have the opportunity to enjoy. Cruise on the Perfume river under romantic moonlight or under the lights on both sides of the river, there is nothing as great as listening to traditional music.

Ca Hue on the Perfume River usually is started at 7pm. Traditional music is performed on the junk from Phu Van Lau segment to Trang Tien bridge passing the citadel, thus you will have the great experience of the history and culture of Hue.

9. Royal cuisine

Speaking about Hue, people often think of the royal culinary style which was formed to serve the Nguyen dynasty. Royal cuisine always shows the quintessence, sophistication and elegance. People in Hue have retained partially images of ancient royal dining place, so when traveling to Hue you will enjoy the elite cuisine.

9 interesting things in Hue Citadel

Dalat Flower Festival 2013

To create a special impression for tourists to Dalat flower festival 2013, on the opening ceremony day, there are carriages decorated with flowers demonstrating during the night of December 27^th  in the sparking light of fireworks.

In the Culture and Tourism Week 2013 in Dalat (Lam Dong) from 27^th to 31^st December, there will have 3 major events including: 120th formation and development of Da Lat Anniversary; the 5^th Da Lat Flower Festival; national Tourism Year of Highland – Dalat 2014 Announcement.

In particular, Da Lat Flower Festival is considered to be an important point at the end of the year to show flowers in the local, other regions and some neighboring countries which will attract visitors, honor the value of flowers and flower industry.

 Previously, there was only one event, but there are 3 big events  with 19 programs to introduce visitors to a beautiful Dalat, such as the Central Highlands plateau tours, Dalat – Trai Mat railway cafe tours…

In particular, on the night of” Dalat flower color convergence”, there are many attractive art program, such as carnival flower fashion, flower on the bicycle, flower space in Dalat station organization…

Dalat Flower Festival this year has a spatial impression of music called “peace city night – Dalat”, with the street arts programs, international art, rock music and DJ music funky for the young. As for the tourists preferred soothing music can attend the program “Dalat – Melodramas” to hear the timeless love song to the city of fog.

Dalat Flower Festival 2013