Showing posts with label Countryside 乡间. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Countryside 乡间. Show all posts
Tuesday, July 22, 2025
Wednesday, January 10, 2024
Wednesday, December 21, 2022
Tuesday, November 29, 2016
Quang Binh to promote tourism on TripAdvisor
Vietnam’s Quang Binh to promote tourism on TripAdvisor
A section of the Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park in Quang Binh Province
Authorities in the north-central Vietnamese province of Quang Binh will advertise the locality’s tourism on TripAdvisor in 2017 following their recent consensus this week.
Quang Binh officials said on Friday that they had reached agreement with TripAdvisor on promoting the province’s tourist industry on the travel website.
There has been little international advertising for Quang Binh so far due to a limited budget although the province has huge potential, Tran Tien Dung, deputy chairman of the local People’s Committee, said.
This has resulted in very few international tourists visiting the province, Dung added.
Thus provincial leaders have decided to turn to TripAdvisor for publicity.
Matthew Zatto, destination marketing sales manager, Southeast Asia, with TripAdvisor, suggested that Quang Binh authorities should build a system of information on the current tourism services, provide tourist information on all websites, including those of local companies, about destinations and connecting tours, and choose a keyword for the local tourist industry so visitors can easily search for it on the Internet.
A chamber in Son Doong Cave. Photo: Tuoi Tre
Quang Binh officials have tasked relevant agencies and bodies with proceeding first with these suggestions before signing an official contract to promote the province’s tourism on TripAdvisor.
Quang Binh is famous for the Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and which houses Son Dong – the largest cave in the world now.
~News courtesy of Tuoi Tre~
A section of the Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park in Quang Binh Province
Authorities in the north-central Vietnamese province of Quang Binh will advertise the locality’s tourism on TripAdvisor in 2017 following their recent consensus this week.
Quang Binh officials said on Friday that they had reached agreement with TripAdvisor on promoting the province’s tourist industry on the travel website.
There has been little international advertising for Quang Binh so far due to a limited budget although the province has huge potential, Tran Tien Dung, deputy chairman of the local People’s Committee, said.
This has resulted in very few international tourists visiting the province, Dung added.
Thus provincial leaders have decided to turn to TripAdvisor for publicity.
Matthew Zatto, destination marketing sales manager, Southeast Asia, with TripAdvisor, suggested that Quang Binh authorities should build a system of information on the current tourism services, provide tourist information on all websites, including those of local companies, about destinations and connecting tours, and choose a keyword for the local tourist industry so visitors can easily search for it on the Internet.
A chamber in Son Doong Cave. Photo: Tuoi Tre
Quang Binh officials have tasked relevant agencies and bodies with proceeding first with these suggestions before signing an official contract to promote the province’s tourism on TripAdvisor.
Quang Binh is famous for the Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and which houses Son Dong – the largest cave in the world now.
~News courtesy of Tuoi Tre~
Tuesday, October 4, 2016
Coffee shop with a bus twist in Central Highlands
Coffee shop with a bus twist in Vietnam’s Central Highlands
A Vietnamese woman from the Central Highlands province of Dak Lak has designed a coffee shop utilizing an old bus, providing a unique experience to customers.
The Bus Coffee, located in Buon Ma Thuot City, simulates a modern-looking bus station, featuring sidewalks, stations, and road markings for buses.
The highlight of the venue is a yellow bus at its center. The vehicle’s interior has been refurbished with wooden seats and tables, giving it a retro feel.
The coffee shop design simulates a bus station. Photo: Tuoi Tre
The person behind the creation is Phan Nguyen Hoai Thu, 32, the owner of the coffee shop.
Thu said that she searched many places for a bus that fit her needs and eventually found one at a scrap trading center in the neighboring province of Dak Nong.
“The important thing was that the bus’ frame had to be in good condition for long-term safety, and that the bus was long enough to install seats and tables,” she explained.
“Passengers” enjoy drinks while viewing the surrounds from the windows. Photo: Tuoi Tre
The bus has two air-conditioners, one at each end, while its original steering wheel and driver’s seat have remained.
The original entrance and exit doors have also been retained, allowing waiters and “passengers” to board and disembark from the bus.
“As the main concept centers on the bus, a lot of the fixtures and furniture in the venue are made from parts of the vehicle,” the coffee shop owner said.
Tables and planting pots have been made from used tires.
The unique coffee venue has been welcomed by scores of young customers and received positive feedback because of its comfort and friendly atmosphere.
Tables and pot plants inside the venue are made from used tires, creating a unique experience. Photo: Tuoi Tre
“Customers can easily find a seat that suits their preference thanks to the iconic design of the bus, allowing them to enjoy a window view,” Nguyen Phan Hoai Thuong, a student of Tay Nguyen University, told Tuoi Tre (Youth) newspaper.
“Today social networking is still on the rise, which means there is a great thirst for sharing visual information among people, especially the young,” Thu said, explaining why she came up with the design.
“Thus, something familiar but unique and endearing fits what customers need, checking in on social networks or saving their moment with photos of their families and friends.”
~News courtesy of Tuoi Tre~
A Vietnamese woman from the Central Highlands province of Dak Lak has designed a coffee shop utilizing an old bus, providing a unique experience to customers.
The Bus Coffee, located in Buon Ma Thuot City, simulates a modern-looking bus station, featuring sidewalks, stations, and road markings for buses.
The highlight of the venue is a yellow bus at its center. The vehicle’s interior has been refurbished with wooden seats and tables, giving it a retro feel.
The coffee shop design simulates a bus station. Photo: Tuoi Tre
The person behind the creation is Phan Nguyen Hoai Thu, 32, the owner of the coffee shop.
Thu said that she searched many places for a bus that fit her needs and eventually found one at a scrap trading center in the neighboring province of Dak Nong.
“The important thing was that the bus’ frame had to be in good condition for long-term safety, and that the bus was long enough to install seats and tables,” she explained.
“Passengers” enjoy drinks while viewing the surrounds from the windows. Photo: Tuoi Tre
The bus has two air-conditioners, one at each end, while its original steering wheel and driver’s seat have remained.
The original entrance and exit doors have also been retained, allowing waiters and “passengers” to board and disembark from the bus.
“As the main concept centers on the bus, a lot of the fixtures and furniture in the venue are made from parts of the vehicle,” the coffee shop owner said.
Tables and planting pots have been made from used tires.
The unique coffee venue has been welcomed by scores of young customers and received positive feedback because of its comfort and friendly atmosphere.
Tables and pot plants inside the venue are made from used tires, creating a unique experience. Photo: Tuoi Tre
“Customers can easily find a seat that suits their preference thanks to the iconic design of the bus, allowing them to enjoy a window view,” Nguyen Phan Hoai Thuong, a student of Tay Nguyen University, told Tuoi Tre (Youth) newspaper.
“Today social networking is still on the rise, which means there is a great thirst for sharing visual information among people, especially the young,” Thu said, explaining why she came up with the design.
“Thus, something familiar but unique and endearing fits what customers need, checking in on social networks or saving their moment with photos of their families and friends.”
~News courtesy of Tuoi Tre~
Saturday, July 18, 2015
Reasons to visit Hoi An, in French photographer’s opinion
Reasons to visit Hoi An, in French photographer’s opinion
A French photographer living in central Vietnam has recently caught the attention of foreign tourists and photo lovers with his beautiful shots published on an international website.
Hoi An-based Rehahn C, who is known for his huge collection of photos of Vietnam, especially portraits of minority people, recently had his work displayed at http://www.boredpanda.com/, which has more than two million followers on Facebook.
Several photos capturing Hoi An, in the central province of Quang Nam, and its people by Rehahn have been showcased in a post titled “15 photos that will make you want to visit Hoi An.”
The Frenchman, who has lived in Vietnam for more than three years, told Tuoi Tre News that tourists said they visit Hoi An because the town is not noisy or crowded and they can appreciate the food, traditional lifestyle and old architecture there.
“I meet tourists every day, and 99 percent of them love Hoi An more than other cities,” he said. “They can ride bicycles around without any danger. Some international magazines call Hoi An the Venice of Asia.”
Rehahn added that he has captured 10,000 photos of Hoi An and is thinking about publishing a book on the town in the future.
“I like the lifestyle and the peaceful daily life here,” he said. “Yellow walls make a perfect background.”
He said Hoi An is an open air studio where each person is a potential model, calling it a paradise for photographers.
“My favorite models are the old people in small villages around here,” he added.
Last year, he released a book titled “Vietnam – Mosaic of Contrasts,” featuring 150 of the best portraits of people across Vietnam among the 30,000 Rehahn said he has taken over the last six years.
In March, Rehahn held his first exhibition in Ho Chi Minh City, starting his world tour through France, Toronto, San Francisco, London and other locations.
Besides putting his works in exhibitions and books, Rehahn also displays his photos on his Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/Rehahn.Photography, where he has more than 217,000 followers.
Below are photos of Hoi An provided by Rehahn:
A street vendor walks by a yellow wall, the typical feature of Hoi An.
Hoi An's Cua Dai Beach
A hidden smile from Hoi An. This photo has been used on the cover of Rehahn's book "Vietnam – Mosaic of Contrasts"
Hoi An seen from the sky
Beautiful lanterns in Hoi An
Morning sunlight
Morning work
Old couple
Sunset
Sunset in Hoi An
Hoi An's Tra Que Village
A woman dressed in “ao dai” walks by a yellow wall, the typical feature of Hoi An
Tranquility
Rehahn's gallery in Hoi An
~News courtesy of Tuoi Tre~
A French photographer living in central Vietnam has recently caught the attention of foreign tourists and photo lovers with his beautiful shots published on an international website.
Hoi An-based Rehahn C, who is known for his huge collection of photos of Vietnam, especially portraits of minority people, recently had his work displayed at http://www.boredpanda.com/, which has more than two million followers on Facebook.
Several photos capturing Hoi An, in the central province of Quang Nam, and its people by Rehahn have been showcased in a post titled “15 photos that will make you want to visit Hoi An.”
The Frenchman, who has lived in Vietnam for more than three years, told Tuoi Tre News that tourists said they visit Hoi An because the town is not noisy or crowded and they can appreciate the food, traditional lifestyle and old architecture there.
“I meet tourists every day, and 99 percent of them love Hoi An more than other cities,” he said. “They can ride bicycles around without any danger. Some international magazines call Hoi An the Venice of Asia.”
Rehahn added that he has captured 10,000 photos of Hoi An and is thinking about publishing a book on the town in the future.
“I like the lifestyle and the peaceful daily life here,” he said. “Yellow walls make a perfect background.”
He said Hoi An is an open air studio where each person is a potential model, calling it a paradise for photographers.
“My favorite models are the old people in small villages around here,” he added.
Last year, he released a book titled “Vietnam – Mosaic of Contrasts,” featuring 150 of the best portraits of people across Vietnam among the 30,000 Rehahn said he has taken over the last six years.
In March, Rehahn held his first exhibition in Ho Chi Minh City, starting his world tour through France, Toronto, San Francisco, London and other locations.
Besides putting his works in exhibitions and books, Rehahn also displays his photos on his Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/Rehahn.Photography, where he has more than 217,000 followers.
Below are photos of Hoi An provided by Rehahn:
A street vendor walks by a yellow wall, the typical feature of Hoi An.
Hoi An's Cua Dai Beach
A hidden smile from Hoi An. This photo has been used on the cover of Rehahn's book "Vietnam – Mosaic of Contrasts"
Hoi An seen from the sky
Beautiful lanterns in Hoi An
Morning sunlight
Morning work
Old couple
Sunset
Sunset in Hoi An
Hoi An's Tra Que Village
A woman dressed in “ao dai” walks by a yellow wall, the typical feature of Hoi An
Tranquility
Rehahn's gallery in Hoi An
~News courtesy of Tuoi Tre~
Monday, July 13, 2015
My Son Sanctuary delays plan to hike entrance fees
My Son Sanctuary delays plan to hike entrance fees amid criticism
Tourists visit My Son in the central province of Quang Nam.
Tourism firms concerned over entrance fee hike at My Son Relic
The management of My Son Sanctuary has delayed a plan to increase entrance fees following complaints from tourism agencies that send tourists to the UNESCO heritage site in central Vietnam.
Huynh Tan Lap, who manages the site, said the popular tourist destination with a cluster of 4th century Hindu temples needs more money to improve infrastructure and services.
“We will increase ticket prices in September, two months later than previously planned,” he said.
My Son in Duy Xuyen District is some 40 kilometers from Hoi An, an old town and another favorite place in Quang Nam Province and nearly 70 kilometers southwest of Da Nang.
Last month, the management of My Son announced that it would increase entrance fees by up to 70 percent from July. Accordingly, the fees would go from VND100,000 (US$4.60) to VND150,000 for foreigners, and from VND60,000 to VND100,000 for locals.
Many tourism agencies have complained about the short notice, arguing that such a hike is unreasonable considering the unimproved services.
Lap said his team is carrying out a VND20 billion project to improve relevant services, including preserving a church, building roads, ticket booths, toilets, buying electric vehicles and hiring Cham music performers.
My Son welcomed 132,000 tourists in the first half of this year, a 4.8 percent increase over last year.
The site, which was recognized by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site in 1999, is expected to attract 250,000 tourists this year.
~News courtesy of Thanh Nien~
Tourists visit My Son in the central province of Quang Nam.
Tourism firms concerned over entrance fee hike at My Son Relic
The management of My Son Sanctuary has delayed a plan to increase entrance fees following complaints from tourism agencies that send tourists to the UNESCO heritage site in central Vietnam.
Huynh Tan Lap, who manages the site, said the popular tourist destination with a cluster of 4th century Hindu temples needs more money to improve infrastructure and services.
“We will increase ticket prices in September, two months later than previously planned,” he said.
My Son in Duy Xuyen District is some 40 kilometers from Hoi An, an old town and another favorite place in Quang Nam Province and nearly 70 kilometers southwest of Da Nang.
Last month, the management of My Son announced that it would increase entrance fees by up to 70 percent from July. Accordingly, the fees would go from VND100,000 (US$4.60) to VND150,000 for foreigners, and from VND60,000 to VND100,000 for locals.
Many tourism agencies have complained about the short notice, arguing that such a hike is unreasonable considering the unimproved services.
Lap said his team is carrying out a VND20 billion project to improve relevant services, including preserving a church, building roads, ticket booths, toilets, buying electric vehicles and hiring Cham music performers.
My Son welcomed 132,000 tourists in the first half of this year, a 4.8 percent increase over last year.
The site, which was recognized by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site in 1999, is expected to attract 250,000 tourists this year.
~News courtesy of Thanh Nien~
Monday, June 22, 2015
A motorbike jaunt to Tay Ninh Province
No-plan vacation: A motorbike jaunt to Tay Ninh Province
A Sunday noon worship service at the Cao Dai Holy See in the southern province of Tay Ninh.
The city of Tay Ninh lies in the heart of Tay Ninh Province, almost an even 100 kilometers from Ho Chi Minh City.
The ride is along well-travelled highways, and there are many buses back and forth if you choose to watch the scenery roll by, instead of getting a super sexy farmer’s tan.
But a rando weekend getaway on a bus? Nopers. Nuh-uh. Not when it’s so close!
It’s time for a motorbike trip!
The scenery isn’t that special for most of the trip. The first 70 km is pretty monotonous, with small houses, a burning field glimpsed behind a marble statue workshop, small stores of all kinds, bike repair stops, and hammock cafes featuring relaxing dudes watching Vietnamese soaps.
Honestly, it really feels like you’re never leaving outer HCMC for much of it, except for glances of rice paddies and larger-than-usual palm trees. It’s only once you get within the last 30-35 km that the people step back and let the beauty of this low-lying agricultural region come to the fore.
Eventually, though, you’ll reach Tay Ninh. Welcome!
The city unfortunately is nothing special – which is actually rather unusual given the inordinate amounts of tourists that come through here.
It’s surprisingly large, and yet almost impossibly dull. How is it possible that a city big enough to have city buses, several large hotels, and be the home to an entire religion could be so boring? (Actually, on second thought, that last point might be self-explanatory.)
Having said that, a trip to Tay Ninh has 2.5 things worth seriously investigating.
1. Ba Den or Black Virgin Mountain
The Black Virgin Mountain towers like Kilimanjaro over the plains of Tay Ninh
The Black Virgin Mountain towers like Kilimanjaro over the plains of Tay Ninh, most of which is just a few meters above sea level. The mountain is a different story altogether. This extinct volcano rises almost 1,000 meters out of nowhere and is a popular tourist destination for Vietnamese people, both secular and religious.
It was a focal point of conflict during the American War – it was coveted because of its status as the highest point in southern Vietnam, and because of the many local legends surrounding it.
Two-thirds of the way up the mountain is a temple complex, and it’s beautiful.
But don’t worry – although you can take the walking route to the summit (at six hours up and down, it’s a hefty time investment and a serious workout), you don’t have to exercise if you don’t want to.
There’s a modern cable car/gondola ride that takes you directly to the temple. From there, it’s a mere 1-1.5 hour hike to the summit. Fortunately we visited in the dry season, because these stairs looked like they’d be treacherous wet. But the most fun thing about this has to be the slideway. Yes, my friends. There’s a little slide car thing that lets you coast 1,700m down the side of this mountain. Yes!
Unfortunately, we were in relax mode in getting to the mountain, and the slide closes at 4 p.m. We arrived just before 4. Pretty much the only disappointment of the trip!
There are many vendors at the base of the mountain as well as within the temple grounds themselves. Hats, fish, snacks, or just a cold coconut, make sure you’re hydrated and have some calories in you! (Just in case your cable car breaks and you’re stranded on the mountain for days with no one but monks to take care of your broken body and mind. You know.)
Costs are minimal. To get into the mountain area, it costs VND16,000.
A round trip in the cable car/slideway is VND150,000.
Water can be found for VND10-15,000, and food is available everywhere.
2.0. Caodaism
The Cao Dai Holy See
Cao Dai, the religion, is so colorful, so joyful, and so... Vietnamese, for lack of a better word (well, "absurdly optimistic" might work equally well), that actually visiting and witnessing a temple ceremony in progress was a revelation.
This new-ish faith contains a multitude (literally) of deities – in fact, it was founded in the anticipation of a time when all religions would unite and universal peace would reign on Earth.
It incorporates aspects of Confucianism, Taoism, Hinduism, Christianity, and Buddhism into a syncretic whole. Despite having at least 4-6 million adherents globally, this church was only begun in 1926!
The grounds of the Holy See are peppered with colorful structures and gardens (with monkeys!), as well as helpful Caodaist groundskeepers, many of whom know a bit of English and love to talk.
Architecturally, the church walks the walk – these temples, which are remarkably consistent in design around the globe, marry Eastern and Western design ideas to create something new and weird. The temples are part-church, part-pagoda, and all color.
Of course, the music I love to hate (most traditional Vietnamese music) gets center stage in the upper balconies, where you can ascend to see the temple and faithful from above. Here’s a short video I took of the choir members and musicians:
It was a fascinating and brilliant first glimpse of Cao Dai. If only every religion included Victor Hugo as a founding saint, maybe we’d get along better.
2.5. Sidetrip: Cu Chi Tunnels
I mentioned 2.5 things to do here, right?
Ok, this is cheating. But really, despite the sheer numbers of people that come to visit Ba Den Mountain and the Cao Dai Holy See (and it’s a lot), there just isn’t much more to do in the city proper, despite how pretty and relaxing it is.
However/meanwhile, around 50 km south, on the same highway…
The Cu Chi Tunnels await!
If you do have time on your way back, do stop and check it out. You shouldn’t need more than 3-4 hours, and, since all these sights are all very close to each other, you should have no problem packing them all into a single weekend getaway.
All told, we spent a measly VND600,000 (US$30) for a fantastic weekend, at at least half of that was food and beer. Go team!
And did I mention my super sexy farmer’s tan? Because hot damn, my neck and arms! No really, so hot.
~News courtesy of Thanh Nien~
A Sunday noon worship service at the Cao Dai Holy See in the southern province of Tay Ninh.
The city of Tay Ninh lies in the heart of Tay Ninh Province, almost an even 100 kilometers from Ho Chi Minh City.
The ride is along well-travelled highways, and there are many buses back and forth if you choose to watch the scenery roll by, instead of getting a super sexy farmer’s tan.
But a rando weekend getaway on a bus? Nopers. Nuh-uh. Not when it’s so close!
It’s time for a motorbike trip!
The scenery isn’t that special for most of the trip. The first 70 km is pretty monotonous, with small houses, a burning field glimpsed behind a marble statue workshop, small stores of all kinds, bike repair stops, and hammock cafes featuring relaxing dudes watching Vietnamese soaps.
Honestly, it really feels like you’re never leaving outer HCMC for much of it, except for glances of rice paddies and larger-than-usual palm trees. It’s only once you get within the last 30-35 km that the people step back and let the beauty of this low-lying agricultural region come to the fore.
Eventually, though, you’ll reach Tay Ninh. Welcome!
The city unfortunately is nothing special – which is actually rather unusual given the inordinate amounts of tourists that come through here.
It’s surprisingly large, and yet almost impossibly dull. How is it possible that a city big enough to have city buses, several large hotels, and be the home to an entire religion could be so boring? (Actually, on second thought, that last point might be self-explanatory.)
Having said that, a trip to Tay Ninh has 2.5 things worth seriously investigating.
1. Ba Den or Black Virgin Mountain
The Black Virgin Mountain towers like Kilimanjaro over the plains of Tay Ninh
The Black Virgin Mountain towers like Kilimanjaro over the plains of Tay Ninh, most of which is just a few meters above sea level. The mountain is a different story altogether. This extinct volcano rises almost 1,000 meters out of nowhere and is a popular tourist destination for Vietnamese people, both secular and religious.
It was a focal point of conflict during the American War – it was coveted because of its status as the highest point in southern Vietnam, and because of the many local legends surrounding it.
Two-thirds of the way up the mountain is a temple complex, and it’s beautiful.
But don’t worry – although you can take the walking route to the summit (at six hours up and down, it’s a hefty time investment and a serious workout), you don’t have to exercise if you don’t want to.
There’s a modern cable car/gondola ride that takes you directly to the temple. From there, it’s a mere 1-1.5 hour hike to the summit. Fortunately we visited in the dry season, because these stairs looked like they’d be treacherous wet. But the most fun thing about this has to be the slideway. Yes, my friends. There’s a little slide car thing that lets you coast 1,700m down the side of this mountain. Yes!
Unfortunately, we were in relax mode in getting to the mountain, and the slide closes at 4 p.m. We arrived just before 4. Pretty much the only disappointment of the trip!
There are many vendors at the base of the mountain as well as within the temple grounds themselves. Hats, fish, snacks, or just a cold coconut, make sure you’re hydrated and have some calories in you! (Just in case your cable car breaks and you’re stranded on the mountain for days with no one but monks to take care of your broken body and mind. You know.)
Costs are minimal. To get into the mountain area, it costs VND16,000.
A round trip in the cable car/slideway is VND150,000.
Water can be found for VND10-15,000, and food is available everywhere.
2.0. Caodaism
The Cao Dai Holy See
Cao Dai, the religion, is so colorful, so joyful, and so... Vietnamese, for lack of a better word (well, "absurdly optimistic" might work equally well), that actually visiting and witnessing a temple ceremony in progress was a revelation.
This new-ish faith contains a multitude (literally) of deities – in fact, it was founded in the anticipation of a time when all religions would unite and universal peace would reign on Earth.
It incorporates aspects of Confucianism, Taoism, Hinduism, Christianity, and Buddhism into a syncretic whole. Despite having at least 4-6 million adherents globally, this church was only begun in 1926!
The grounds of the Holy See are peppered with colorful structures and gardens (with monkeys!), as well as helpful Caodaist groundskeepers, many of whom know a bit of English and love to talk.
Architecturally, the church walks the walk – these temples, which are remarkably consistent in design around the globe, marry Eastern and Western design ideas to create something new and weird. The temples are part-church, part-pagoda, and all color.
Of course, the music I love to hate (most traditional Vietnamese music) gets center stage in the upper balconies, where you can ascend to see the temple and faithful from above. Here’s a short video I took of the choir members and musicians:
It was a fascinating and brilliant first glimpse of Cao Dai. If only every religion included Victor Hugo as a founding saint, maybe we’d get along better.
2.5. Sidetrip: Cu Chi Tunnels
I mentioned 2.5 things to do here, right?
Ok, this is cheating. But really, despite the sheer numbers of people that come to visit Ba Den Mountain and the Cao Dai Holy See (and it’s a lot), there just isn’t much more to do in the city proper, despite how pretty and relaxing it is.
However/meanwhile, around 50 km south, on the same highway…
The Cu Chi Tunnels await!
If you do have time on your way back, do stop and check it out. You shouldn’t need more than 3-4 hours, and, since all these sights are all very close to each other, you should have no problem packing them all into a single weekend getaway.
All told, we spent a measly VND600,000 (US$30) for a fantastic weekend, at at least half of that was food and beer. Go team!
And did I mention my super sexy farmer’s tan? Because hot damn, my neck and arms! No really, so hot.
~News courtesy of Thanh Nien~
Tuesday, January 20, 2015
越南越美 爱上越南的21个理由
越南越美 爱上越南的21个理由
首选之地。美不胜收的自然风景，引入入胜的悠久历史，极具特色的当地食 物以及充满朝气的人文气息，深深吸引着每一位到此游玩的游客，它的每个 角落都绽放魅力。越南是一个集狂热、平和、刺激与休闲为一体的国度。无 论是飞翔于河内或这胡志明市的上空，亦或是乘坐火车，飞机，公交车或者 选择当地最喜欢的旅行方式摩托车出游，这个国度总会带给你无限的遐想。 下面这21个理由也足够说服你爱上越南。  1. 极具特色的街边小吃 品尝越南美食的最佳地点便是路边那些小小的摊点。无论是越式 酸辣汤（以鱼和猪肉做汤，配以莳萝熬煮）还是烤肉粉（烘烤的猪肉配以 米粉和香草），越南街边的小吃总会一次又一次给你的味蕾带来惊喜。一 天里无论任何时候，你都会发现当地的越南人聚集在超市街边的大排档里 ，品味着美食，享受着与彼此团聚的时光。品味街边小吃新鲜而刺激，也 是你体验越南当地生活寻找美食的极佳选择。  2. 随处可见的摩托机车 游览越南时，首先要学会的是如何穿过越南的街道。越南大城市的交通 十分混乱拥挤，起初，从马路的一边走到另一边看起来十分不可能。在街上， 轿车和人群川流不息，但是最受欢迎的交通方式却是摩托车。当你过马路时，这 种两个轮子的蒸汽机车从你面前风驰而过，这便是越南街道的一道风景。据统计 ，越南现有3900万辆摩托车，数量十分庞大。而穿越马路的秘诀是每一步都要 小心翼翼。如果你走的过快，那么你可能会被匆匆而过的摩托车包围。与车上的 人们的眼神交流并不会让彼此尴尬。最重要的一点是你需要一直慢慢走，而不是 突然停下或者加速。一旦你掌握了过马路的秘诀，你便会真正欣赏到越南街道上的 这种有序的混乱之美。  3. 香味浓郁的咖啡 作为世界上第二大咖啡生产国，越南人对咖啡十分了解。最重要的， 在这里咖啡搭配炼奶带给人们预期之外的口感。咖啡也是越南文化 必不可少的一部分，无论是在咖啡厅还是街边，咖啡的影子随处可见。  4. 风景怡人的湄公河三角洲 湄公河三角洲位于越南西南部，湄公河在这里奔腾入海。你也可以 去当地最大的城市芹苴游玩。这片地区有着最具田园生活的色彩， 种植着大量的水稻。逆流而上，你会欣赏到漂浮的商铺，此外， 那里的人们也十分热情好客。  5. 神秘莫测的越南溶洞 越南溶洞里拥有越南保存完整的丛林和湖泊。韩松洞，也是世界上最 大的洞穴，于2009年首次被人们探险。2012年，韩松洞正式对游客 开放。至今在韩松洞里游玩都要受到严格控制，费用也十分昂贵。此 外，还有许多洞穴是对外开放的，如天堂洞，位于风牙者榜国家公园 ，为游客们提供各种各样的洞内游览活动，包括洞口的木板路观光以 及洞内的探险旅行。  6. 鳞次栉比的购物市场 越南的超市可谓是购物者的天堂，各色商品琳琅满目。如岘港市场， 从各色纤维衣品到食材小小虾，应有尽有，种类繁多的商品架台也 让你往返其间。通常，从早上到晚上越南的市场一直都十分活跃。 在中午的时候，你还会发现购物者们在他们的摊前小憩。越南的市 场真的值得一逛，那里可以体验到这个国家真实的节奏。  7. 新鲜味美的海鲜食品 越南市场最神奇的地方就是这里的食物没有杂味。你可以一直走到食 物摊，这里有新鲜捕捉的活鱼、蜗牛、螃蟹和大虾，弥漫着海鲜的味 道。因为你在市场里看到的这些鱼都是几小时前才捕捉的，因此没有 任何杂味。  8. 鲜嫩干净的肉制品 越南的肉制品也十分干净。当你经过肉摊看到摊主正在宰杀猪崽，你 可能觉得会闻到一些奇怪的味道。但是这些猪肉都是四五个小时之前 宰割的，因此十分鲜嫩。而鲜红色的肉色也告诉你这些猪肉十分新鲜 。如果是那些暗色的猪肉，价格也可能便宜些。大多数人们都会在宰 割猪肉时购买，烹饪佳肴这源自于他们多年的购物经验。  9. 新鲜安全的时令蔬菜 越南蔬菜摊上卖的蔬菜你不一定都见过，但是你应该都尝试一下。 从苦瓜到牵牛花，越南的沙拉里样样俱全。这里的蔬菜也如同其 他食物一样，超级新鲜。  10. 甘甜适口的各色水果 如果你在越南街道上见到那种浑身长满刺的水果，千万不要惊讶。 它可能是榴莲、火龙果、红毛丹，无论是它们是何种水果，都值 得你去品尝。此外，还有芒果、木瓜、山竹、大树菠萝和南美番 荔枝，这些水果也都让你垂涎欲滴。当然大众水果如菠萝，香蕉 和西瓜等也都十分普遍。  11. 神奇美丽的山间远景 日落时分，越南的风景十分迷人。远处的山峦高低起伏，沐浴 在金色的日落余晖之中，宛如一幅古典的山水画，这便是越南 中部的风景。  12. 风景如画的下龙湾 说起越南的风景，下龙湾位于越南东京湾，被联合国教科文组织 评为世界文化遗产。从河内驾车出发只需四个小时，但是这段旅 程却值得一游。正如人们所说的那样，下龙湾风景如画，十分迷 人。海湾中拥有1600座海岛，站在远处眺望，海天相接，令人 十分陶醉。  13. 古老悠久的历史 越南的历史十分复杂，因为其被不同的国家占领割据了数十年。 殖民影响在越南随处可见，从建筑到食物都蔓延殖民国家的影响。 越南战争之后的影响也十分明显，无论是越南的纪念碑还是博物 馆，或者是每位幸存者的脸上，都能见到这种影响。越南过去的 历史不但悠久古老，而且值得你去深入了解。  14. 美味可口的脆米薄饼 脆米薄饼是越南当地一种特色美食，听起来十分普通，但是却 十分可口。越南意外的人们可能很少听过这种美食。用米粉制 成薄饼，煎成金黄。里面通常包裹一些炸好的小虾，若是再包 裹些花生酱和新鲜的香草，口感倍加。  15. 淳朴自然的沙巴小镇 沙巴是越南西北部的一片小山区，也是越南风景最迷人的地方。层 层展开的梯田也为这片宁静的山村增添了不少魅力。你可以选择从 河内乘坐夜班火车去沙巴，这也是游客们最喜欢的旅行方式。  16. 休闲放松的城市公园 无论是早晨还是黄昏时分，在越南的城市公园里随处可见锻炼身体的 男女老少。大家都随着音乐，跟着教练，做着有氧运动。在公园里的 各个角落，大家都在做着各式的有氧运动，成为这个城市一道靓丽的 风景线。  17. 阳光明媚的海水沙滩 越南的沙滩有一种说不出的美丽。尽管游客们可能以为泰国和柬埔寨 拥有干净的白沙滩和湛蓝的海水。然而，越南的沙滩和海水却是游客 们钟爱的地方，如芽庄和美奈的沙滩吸引了不少游客。此外，昆岛和 富国岛的海滩也十分迷人，也是游客们的最佳选择，它们如同泰国和 柬埔寨一样深受游客们的喜爱。  18. 爽嫩可口的新鲜生菜 越南是香草的王国。餐馆里随处可见九层塔、胡荽、薄荷、莳萝以及 牵牛花等等，一直陪伴着越南当地的鲜汤和春卷。这些爽脆的生菜可 以去除人们体内的油脂，实为健康之选。通常这些生菜都作为泰国菜 的配菜，为人们的饮食也增添了不少乐趣。  19. 美若童话的会安古城 越南的会安也是被联合国教科文组织授予的世界文化遗产。会安风景 如画，是越南的必游之地。16世纪到19世纪其间，会安十分繁荣。 在20世纪90年代其间，会安也获得了“越南威尼斯”的美誉。由于大量 国际居民的涌入，会安古城也容纳了众多文化习俗。当地的传统小吃 Cao Lau和白玫瑰水饺也足够让你爱上会安。会安古城还拥有许多 法国殖民时期留下的建筑，为名副其实的国家宝库。  20. 口感极佳的越南粉 越南粉可能是最具特色的小吃，就是一种美味的面汤，通常人们在早餐时 实用，在街边小摊或者大市场上都可以买到。此外，当地的酸辣汤，以猪 肉和鱼类熬煮，配以莳萝和西红柿，是河内的一种特色小吃。在越南， 汤类及其繁多，数月都喝不重复。每一种汤都会让你回味无穷。  21. 热情友好的越南人 善良、善解人意、勤劳乐观、慷慨，这便是这片土地上的人们。如 果你去越南游玩，一定要多花些时间去了解他们。 ~佳礼中文论坛 ~ |
Sunday, November 2, 2014
UNESCO recognizes Trang An as Vietnam’s first mixed heritage
UNESCO recognizes Trang An as Vietnam’s first mixed heritage
The scenic beauty of Trang An in the northern province of Ninh Binh.
Trang An Scenic Landscape Complex was recognized by UNESCO as a mixed natural and cultural property at the 38th session of the organization’s World Heritage Committee in Doha on Monday (June 23).
The scenic landscape, located in the northern province of Ninh Binh, won the votes of all 21 members of the Committee, becoming Vietnam’s first mixed natural and cultural property recognized by UNESCO.
The complex includes three adjacent parts, Vietnam’s old capital of Hoa Lu in the 10th and 11th centuries, Trang An – Tam Coc – Bich Dong natural scenes and the Hoa Lu primitive forest.
The recognition is based on the principles of the Convention on the Protection of World Culture and Natural Heritages including cultural, aesthetical, and geological-geomorphic values and the preservation of heritage.
UNESCO described Trang An as “a spectacular landscape of limestone karst peaks permeated with valleys, some of which are submerged, and surrounded by steep, almost vertical cliffs.”
Exploration of some of the highest altitude caves that are dotted across the landscape has revealed archaeological traces of human activity dating back almost 30,000 years.
They illustrate the occupation of these mountains by hunter-gatherers and how they adapted to climatic and environmental changes.
The property also includes temples, pagodas, paddy-field landscapes, with villages and sacred sites.
Professor Nguyen Khac Su of Vietnam Institute of Archeology said discoveries at Trang An has heated archeology conferences in recent years.
“We found many oyster shells used as money. Similar shells have been found in Lai Chau, Son La and Thanh Hoa and belonging to civilizations 7,000-8,000 years ago. They were used as both money and jewelry,” he said.
Many other items like tools made from oyster shell, stone and pottery have also been found.
Archeologist Nguyen Viet said Trang An used to be a non-fertile land and was the expanded area in the Hoabinhian (Hoa Binh Culture, 12,000-10,000 BC).
“People only reached the stone mountain after claiming all the valley areas,” he said.
With the acknowledgment, Trang An has become Vietnam’s 8th world heritage site recognized by UNESCO. The others are Ha Long Bay in Quang Ninh Province, Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park in Quang Binh Province, the Complex of Hue Monuments in Thua Thien-Hue Province, Hoi An Ancient Town and My Son Sanctuary in Quang Nam Province, Thang Long Imperial Citadel in Hanoi and Ho Dynasty Citadel in Thanh Hoa Province.
~News courtesy of Thanh Nien~
The scenic beauty of Trang An in the northern province of Ninh Binh.
Trang An Scenic Landscape Complex was recognized by UNESCO as a mixed natural and cultural property at the 38th session of the organization’s World Heritage Committee in Doha on Monday (June 23).
The scenic landscape, located in the northern province of Ninh Binh, won the votes of all 21 members of the Committee, becoming Vietnam’s first mixed natural and cultural property recognized by UNESCO.
The complex includes three adjacent parts, Vietnam’s old capital of Hoa Lu in the 10th and 11th centuries, Trang An – Tam Coc – Bich Dong natural scenes and the Hoa Lu primitive forest.
The recognition is based on the principles of the Convention on the Protection of World Culture and Natural Heritages including cultural, aesthetical, and geological-geomorphic values and the preservation of heritage.
UNESCO described Trang An as “a spectacular landscape of limestone karst peaks permeated with valleys, some of which are submerged, and surrounded by steep, almost vertical cliffs.”
Exploration of some of the highest altitude caves that are dotted across the landscape has revealed archaeological traces of human activity dating back almost 30,000 years.
They illustrate the occupation of these mountains by hunter-gatherers and how they adapted to climatic and environmental changes.
The property also includes temples, pagodas, paddy-field landscapes, with villages and sacred sites.
Professor Nguyen Khac Su of Vietnam Institute of Archeology said discoveries at Trang An has heated archeology conferences in recent years.
“We found many oyster shells used as money. Similar shells have been found in Lai Chau, Son La and Thanh Hoa and belonging to civilizations 7,000-8,000 years ago. They were used as both money and jewelry,” he said.
Many other items like tools made from oyster shell, stone and pottery have also been found.
Archeologist Nguyen Viet said Trang An used to be a non-fertile land and was the expanded area in the Hoabinhian (Hoa Binh Culture, 12,000-10,000 BC).
“People only reached the stone mountain after claiming all the valley areas,” he said.
With the acknowledgment, Trang An has become Vietnam’s 8th world heritage site recognized by UNESCO. The others are Ha Long Bay in Quang Ninh Province, Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park in Quang Binh Province, the Complex of Hue Monuments in Thua Thien-Hue Province, Hoi An Ancient Town and My Son Sanctuary in Quang Nam Province, Thang Long Imperial Citadel in Hanoi and Ho Dynasty Citadel in Thanh Hoa Province.
~News courtesy of Thanh Nien~
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