Chào Việt Nam by MOFA Viet Nam

MINISTRY OF CULTURE, SPORTS AND TOURISM

VIETNAM NATIONAL ADMINISTRATION OF TOURISM

CHÀO

VIỆT NAM T R A V E L

G U I D E

B O O K

HONG DUC PUBLISHING HOUSE

MINISTRY OF CULTURE, SPORTS AND TOURISM

VIETNAM NATIONAL ADMINISTRATION OF TOURISM

CHÀO

VIÊT NAM T R AV E L

G U I DE

BO O K

HONG DUC PUBLISHING HOUSE

INDEX Open Letter Map of Vietnam

5 6

FACTS AND FIGURES VIETNAM TODAY THOUSANDS OF COLORS COMBINED

8 17 19

USEFUL INFORMATION

RENOWNED TOURIST SITES AND HISTORICAL VESTIGES IN VIETNAM Ha Noi The Midlands and Northern Mountainous Region The Red River Delta and the Northeast Coastal Region The North Central Region The South Central Coast Region The Central Highlands The Southeast Region Ho Chi Minh City The Mekong Delta Region

28 29 37 47 57 63 71 77 84 91

THE DIVERSITY OF VIETNAM THROUGH TOURIST SERVICES Sea and Island Tourism Cruise Tourism Cultural Heritage Tourism Eco Tourism Traditional Festivals Handicraft Village Tourism MICE Tourism Adventure and Sport Tourism Agriculture Tourism

98 99 100 101 102 103 108 109 110 112

VIETNAMESE GASTRONOMY

113

REMARKABLE CULTURAL EVENTS IN VIETNAM

122

IMPORTANT ADDRESSES

125

eaching Vietnam in search of stunning discoveries and new travel experiences, you may be surrounded by hundreds of questions: Where to start, or How to travelâ&#x20AC;Ś

Ha Long Bay, World Natural Heritage - New7Wonders of Nature

Open Letter Many tourists report that this S-shaped country has won their hearts with its rich culture and scenic works of art which highlights Vietnam’s continuous desire for freedom and peace. Tourists to Vietnam will never be disappointed by the rustic lifestyle and unique festivals of 54 ethnicities throughout the country along with her subtle culinary essences. Each delicacy embodies some spiritual values, aestheticism and regional cultural diversity. Vietnam’s landscape is enchanting. Stretching over 3,200km, its coastlines are adorned by many fine beaches bathed in golden sunlight. Vietnam’s world bio reserves, unspoiled jungles and delightful caves are ideal destinations for those in love with adventures, excitement and archeology. Most popular destinations include the Red River Delta with its ancient pagodas, fields of tiny golden flowers on river banks and glinting paddy fields, the Mekong Delta with abundant fruit gardens and interlacing canals, the Northern mountainous regions lushly forested with ancient jungles, and the Central Highlands with its energetic indigenous people. Vietnam also offers both shopping and recreational destinations. Ha Noi capital and Ho Chi Minh City are must see destinations, while Hue imperial city and Hoi An ancient town offer glimpses of Vietnam’s ancient history through tombs and temples… Chào Việt Nam (Travel Guide Book) contains useful information that will come in hands for your maiden voyage to Vietnam. Your amazing journey will start with the more than 100 pages in this brochure. Vietnam – Timeless Charm is waiting for you!

Nguyen Van Tuan Chairman of Vietnam National Administration of Tourism

Khue Van Cac, typical architectures in Temple of Literature

FACTS AND FIGURES

Ha Noi flagpole

Ben Thanh market

Official name: Socialist Republic of Vietnam Area: 331,211.6km2 Population: 90,5 million (2014) Capital: Ha Noi Geography Vietnam lies at the coordinates of 23o23’ north to 8o27’ north in the Indochinese peninsula by the Pacific Coast of the Southeast Asian Region. The country shares 4,550km of borderlines with China in the north and Laos and Cambodia in the west. It borders the East Sea in the east and Southeast and bay of Thailand in the Southwest. Vietnam’s marine territories include the over 3,260km coastlines, thousands of islands, two offshore archipelagos, Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ), vast continental shelf and fine beaches. In some areas, limestone mountains arise from the sea. The most famous example is Ha Long bay, geological wonder twice registered a UNESCO World Natural Heritage. In 2012 Ha Long bay was voted as the New World Natural Wonder.

Vietnam is characterized by tropical climate and diverse terrains from lowlands, mountains and plateaus to lush forests. The mainland territory includes the Northern Mountains, the Red River Delta, Truong Son Range, the Central Highlands, the Central coastal platforms and the Mekong Delta in the south. The northeast, northwest and west of Vietnam include mountainous regions and midlands, highlands and hills which are the residence of various ethnic minorities. The highest peak in the Indochinese peninsula is Fansipan (3,143m) in the northwest. The Ha Noi capital is located in the center of the Red River Delta while Ho Chi Minh City in the basin of Saigon – Dong Nai river in the southeastern region.

CHÀO VIỆT NAM | 9

Charming Plateau

National flag

Language

The country’s flag features a five pointed yellow star, two-thirds the flags length, set on a red rectangular background. The five pointed star flag was first introduced in the Southern Revolt (November 23, 1940) and later became the national flag of the Democratic Republic of Vietnam since its foundation in August, 1945.

Vietnamese language is the lingua franca applied for all ethnicities in the education system, administrative machinery and social conversations.

Population The Vietnamese ethnicities totaled over 90,5 million people in 2014. Vietnamese (Kinh) make up over 85% of the population and are concentrated in platform provinces and the basin of alluvial rivers. The rest of the 53 ethnicities lives in mountainous regions and midlands across the country. The rest of the population includes the Khmer Krom ethnicity 1.5%, Chinese 3% and other ethnicities including: Tay, Muong, Mong, Cham and more.

CHÀO VIỆT NAM | 10

There are 24 ethnicities with distinctive writing systems such as Tay, Nung, Mong, J’rai, Ede, Thai, Khmer, Chinese or Cham… Some of these languages are optional in many public schools.

Religion Buddhism and Catholicism are the two most popular religions in Vietnam along with many others such as Protestantism, Islam and some vernacular religions (Hoa Hao, Cao Dai…)

Climate Vietnam has a tropical monsoon climate with high humidity and rainfall levels all year

Thai Vi temple festival in Ninh Binh

(1500 – 2000mm). Average temperature varies from 21oC to 27oC and gradually ascends from the north to the south. The north (from Hai Van pass up) has the tropical monsoon climate with 4 separate seasons. The Northern winter is quite harsh as temperature in the Northern mountainous regions may drop below 0oC, and occasionally snow. The Southern territory from Hai Van pass down is characterized by the sub-equatorial climate which is consistently hot and divided into two seasons: rainy (May to November) and dry.

History briefing An Duong Vuong who later renamed the country Au Lac built the Co Loa citadel (Dong Anh, Ha Noi). By 208 BC Au Lac was replaced by Nam Viet nation of Zhao Tuo. In 111 BC, Nam Viet was annexed by the Chinese Han dynasty.

Chinese colonization During 1000 years, Vietnamese made constant uprisings to regain independence as initiated by the resistance of the Two Trung Sisters (Hai Ba Trung) (40 - 43) and followed by Lady Trieu (248). In the mid-6th century, Ly Bi led troops to Giao Chau defeat Tieu Tu and took over Long Bien Fortress. This set up the first independent kingdom which was pitifully ill-fated. Many successive revolts of Mai Thuc Loan (722), Phung Hung (766 – 791) and Ngo Quyen, who defeated the South Han navy on Bach Dang River in 938m marked the end of the poignant 1000-year Chinese colonization. In 939, Ngo Quyen seized the throne and established the capital in Co Loa. Vietnamese feudal states In the dynasties of Ngo (938 – 965), Dinh (969 – 979) and Pre-Le (980 – 1009), feudalism took root. Vietnam entered a prolonged age

CHÀO VIỆT NAM | 11

Water puppetry

of renaissance and development by the name Dai Viet throughout the dynasties of Ly (1010 – 1225), Tran (1225 – 1400), Ho (1400 – 1407) and Preliminary Le (1428 – 1527). Dai Viet in this period emerged as a prosperous Asian power. Thang Long (the Ha Noi capital) became the capital in 1010 (the name Dai Viet appeared in 1054). From the 16th to 18th century, urban areas and trading ports were set up for trade including foreign countries. This was the Age of Dai Viet Civilization. French started putting the yoke of colonialism on Vietnam in 1858. For 87 years (1858 -1945) Vietnam was a quasi-colonial feudal country. With control over the entire Vietnamese territory, French officials eventually carried out massive colonial exploitation. From the August Revolution on The birth of the Vietnam Communist Party in 1930 led to fierce attempts to regain independence. On CHÀO VIỆT NAM | 12

Elephant in Tay Nguyen

September 2, 1945, President Ho Chi Minh read the Declaration of Independence to announce the sovereignty of the Democratic Republic of Vietnam. Between 1945 and 1954 Vietnam underwent resistance against French colonialist army. The war ended with the Dien Bien Phu victory (May 1954) and Geneva Agreement (July 1954). Vietnam was torn into two divisions. North Vietnam conducted a transformation to socialism while the South Vietnam, under the Geneva Agreement, was temporarily controlled by France and the US in run-up to the national election. However, the election in accordance with the Agreement was never held, making the divide last over 20 years. For over 20 years (1954 - 1975), Vietnam fought the liberation war to reunite the two divisions. The war ended with the victory of Ho Chi Minh campaign on April 30, 1975.

Cheo singing

In 1976, the National Assembly renamed the country the Socialist Republic of Vietnam.

for cultivation and have long mastered the prairies.

Culture

Southern Khmer people are associated with Brahmana practices and festivals that take place in their unique pagodas.

Vietnam is highly diverse in ethnicity, culture and belief. Vietnamese culture is enriched by various ethnicities and incorporates many traditional factors from the mountainous, lowland and marine regions. Kinh people along with other ethnicities such as Tay, Nung, Chinese, Cham, Thai, Khmer… together make up and retain the richness of the national culture. Kinh people possess a villagebased culture. Different types of villages and communities take part in agriculture, craftsmanship or commerce. Traditional customs in Northern, Central and Southern villages also vary greatly. Tay – Thai communities mainly live in the North while Mon – Khmer people live sporadically in highlands

Cham people mainly populate Ninh Thuan, Binh Thuan and An Giang. They left some of the most magnificent architectural structures in the Southeast Asia including Cham grave towers in the South Central region. Mong and Dao people are genuine nomads and live in earthen, semi-earthen or stilt houses in the Northern Highlands. They are skillful at irrigating rocky mountains for wet cultivation, herding, iron crafting and herbal medicine. In traditional Vietnamese society, a typical family would comprise three or four generations under the same roof. People desired a multitude of CHÀO VIỆT NAM | 13

Space of Viet pagoda

Handicrafts

children. Vietnamese also treasure ancestor cults.

Performance arts

Yen stream in Huong pagoda Tam Coc - Bich Dong in Ninh Binh

Vietnam boasts some rich performance arts such as cheo, tuong, cai luong, water puppet, royal court performance arts, quan ho singing, chau van, ca tru, xoan singing, Southern chants, etc. Of these water puppet performances are the most famous and unique. Invented in the Ly dynasty (10101225), water puppet performances are a captivating theatrical art of Vietnamese.

Traditional craftsmanship Vietnam is proud of its traditional craftsmanship, with a long standing history and a wide array of sophisticated products famous worldwide. Some crafts are still inherited and have evolved up to now particularly: pottery,

Fruit market in Vietnam

Kite festival in Vung Tau

lacquering, silk weaving and rattan craft. Indigenous products made by adept artisans from Vietnam have captured the hearts of customers throughout the world.

international arena has also brought back huge opportunities for further regional and global economic integration and development.

Economy The Doi moi (Renovation) initiated in 1986 has generated huge success and giant leaps in Vietnam’s economy. Impressive growth has resulted in vastly improved quality of life among the people. Vietnam was granted official membership in the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) in July 1995 and also in other international organizations such as the United Nations (UN), Asian Regional Forum (ARF), Asia - Europe Meeting (ASEM), Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) and Non-Aligned Movement (NAM). Vietnam was officially admitted to the World Trade Organization (WTO) in January, 2007. The country’s position in the

Tourism Tourists worldwide are free to travel in Vietnam since the country is of great cultural diversity and rich in history. Furthermore, Vietnam boasts appealing and scenic wonders registered as World Natural Heritages, Tangible or Intangible Cultural Heritages by UNESCO. In recent years, fueled by the non-stop advancement of the country, the tourist sector has made crucial contributions to Vietnam’s economy. In December 2011, in Ha Noi, the Association of Tourism and Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism officially announced the new logo and slogan for the National Tourism Promotion Program 2012 - 2015: Vietnam Timeless Charm.

CHÀO VIỆT NAM | 15

Ho Chi Minh city by night

VIETNAM TODAY THOUSANDS OF COLORS COMBINED

Visiting Ninh Binh

VIETNAM TODAY Vietnam is looking forward to becoming the go-to place for business and leisure travelers. The historical and cultural rich Vietnam has transformed itself into the fastest growing country in Southeast Asia. Overcoming economic barriers, old fashioned policies and harsh regional recession, Vietnam marks its great achievements through remarkable and sustainable economic growth in recent years. Since being the 150th World Trade Organization member, Vietnam has committed itself to fulfill all responsibilities and duties related to its new role within ASEAN and ASEAN plus Free Trade Area. This creates joint promotion of investment and export opportunities. There have been changes in the content of Vietnamese economic and trade

regulations since the introduction of the Vietnam – US trade agreement. It creates favorable conditions which in turn promote the development of the whole economy as well as the entire free trade area. The Vietnam economic is growing with large scale economic and social development throughout the whole country. There was an increase in the standard of living for millions and a huge decline in poverty. It further confirms that Vietnam’s position and prestige in the international arena has progressed in regards to creating a stable and peaceful environment for the country’s development. There is no doubt that Vietnam has changed itself from a less developed country to one of the fastest growing countries in the region.

CHÀO VIỆT NAM | 17

The terraced field

Vietnam has long been renowned as one of the world’s largest exporters of agricultural product, especially rice and coffee. The Red River Delta and Mekong River Delta in Northern and Southern Vietnam rank themselves as the two leading agricultural areas where hundreds of tons of rice, peppers, rubbers, coffee, tea, groundnuts and tobacco are produced. For years agriculture reform has been a major pillar of the fundamental economic reform undertaken by Vietnam that in turn brings out high grade products. Over the past ten years, Vietnam has recorded large scale capital inflows of more than 124 billion USD and about 8.5 thousand projects with an operation capital of nearly 48 billion USD in total. Besides, FDI contributor accounts for 25 – 30% of the total investment. The growth rate of exports increased to 25% and suddenly jumped to 56%. Up to 1.7 million jobs were directly attributed to labor force. Vietnam is enlarging its long term sustainable diplomatic links with neighboring countries in ASEAN, U.S, Europe, Korea, Australia, Singapore, Japan, Russia and China. A number of international banks have been approved by the Vietnamese government to operate their headquarters and branches in big cities like Ha Noi and Ho

CHÀO VIỆT NAM | 18

Chi Minh City. The U.S, Singapore, Taiwan, Japan and Korea are the biggest investors in Vietnam. Vietnam offers a wide variety of tourism products and policy in order to promote sustainable tourism development. Since July 1 2014, Vietnam implements regulations on refunded Value Added Tax (VAT) for goods purchased in Vietnam when departing at 8 gates, including: international airports of Noi Bai, Tan Son Nhat, Da Nang and Cam Ranh and international harbors of Khanh Hoi (Ho Chi Minh City), Da Nang, Nha Trang and Phu Quoc. Purchasing bills entitled to refunded VAT are at least VND2 million and goods are purchased at the same store in the same day. With a long term vision to guide the tourism industry to the year 2030, new strategies approved by Prime Minister in December, 2011 pay attention to specific goals and objectives combined with a course of action and toward highly efficient and sustainable outcomes. Vietnamese Tourism is looking forward to being the most critical economic contributor with a high quality modern infrastructures and diversified eco-friendly tourism products. Vietnam wants to be friends with every country all over the world. Vietnam always welcomes guests of all nationalities.

Dong Ho painting

Water puppetry

THOUSANDS OF COLORS COMBINED Vietnam has long been hailed as a worldwide haven of enchanting landscape and fine cuisine. Rich in both natural beauty and cultural heritages scattered throughout the country, this Oriental land casts a strong spell over all foreign tourists. Besides the capital Ha Noi with its Temple of Literature and the Sword Lake, the vibrant and economically buoyant Ho Chi Minh City or Ha Long bay as twice registered by UNESCO as a World Natural Heritage, Vietnam is still a flawless and opulent diamond. For those in love with adventures, Vietnam has journeys to mountainous regions in the north Vietnam. From the Global Geopark of Dong Van Stone Plateau (Ha Giang) that joined the club of worldwide Geoparks in 2010 owing to its rock pastures formed 500 million years ago, to the challenging peak of Fansipan (height 3143m), Vietnam has something for every climber… In harvest seasons, the entire northern mountains are draped in the exuberant yellow of terraced fields. In places such as Mu Cang Chai (Yen Bai) or Hoang Su Phi (Ha Giang), terraces have become a

national-level cultural heritage thanks to its unique cultivation. In the Center, Phong Nha - Ke Bang (Quang Binh) has long been known as a natural treasure. Not only a UNESCO’s World Natural Heritage, the complex also contains a new discovered grotto – Son Doong. This is one of the world’s largest natural caves of 150m in height, 200m in width and at least 6.5km in length. On June 23, 2014, the natural complex of Trang An, Ninh Binh was registered by the UNESCO as a World Natural and Cultural Heritage. On December 11, 1993, Hue citadel complex (associated with Nguyen dynasty in 1802 - 1945) was registered by the UNESCO as World Cultural Heritage. On June 16th 2012 Ho Dynasty Fortress was also awarded the title World Cultural Heritage. Meanwhile, two cultural heritages in Quang Nam registered by the UNESCO are Hoi An’s ancient town which fascinates visitors with vestiges of a once affluent trading port centuries ago and My Son sanctuary of which ancient tower temples will CHÀO VIỆT NAM | 19

capture the hearts of those interested in the history of Champa Kingdom between the 4th and 14th century. Vietnam is proud of 9 performance arts acknowledged as world intangible cultural heritages: quan ho singing, xoan singing, ca tru, court music, the Central Highlands’ gong performances and the Southern amateur music, Giong festival, Cults of Hung Kings and Nghe Tinh vi and giam folk songs. There are lots of arts from coastal provinces to the mainland and from vast mountains to fertile deltas. These arts range from elegant and grave ca tru chants, to graceful and honeysweet quan ho singers in the north, to the wild and untamed soul of the Central Highlands’ gongs and idle, and leisurely artist songs in the south.

Traditional handicraft village

While quan ho singing of the Red River culture captivates us with passionate chants, xoan singing bears reminiscence of the cultural life of ancient Vietnamese. Xoan singing is still traditionally preserved in villages in Phu Tho – a midland province of Vietnam.

Western Nghe An

Ca tru is a completely different style. It blends the enchanting singing skills of a well-trained singer, the rhythmic drum sounds of a knowledgeable listener and haunting instrument melodies of a player. Ca tru traced back to the 15th century and was once presented in royal courts. Meanwhile the Central Highlands’ gongs are acknowledged by UNESCO experts both for its music materials and cultural atmosphere. The ambience spans across five provinces Kon Tum, Gia Lai, Daklak, Dak Nong and Lam Dong. Ethnic people of Ba Na, Xe Dang, M’nong, K’hor, Ede and J’rai… are born to be gong players. Their sounds still proudly echo to celebrate a new harvest, sacrifices and folk festivals…

Hung King’s festival

My Son relic complex

The Southern amateur music (briefly known as amateur music) is a quintessential art genre of Vietnam, which was founded and evolved since the late 19th century. Amateur music is the art of musical instruments and singing and composed by Southern peasantry to perform after their hours of grueling farm work. It once included musical instruments only, to be added with vocal performances later, thus its name “don ca” (musical and vocal). There is also court music – a form of royal performances employed in festivals. Through the misty mountains where Tay and Nung ethnicities reside, romantic luon melodies wake up the first love of thrilling hearts. The horn sounds of Mong people in love markets Khau Vai or chants of fishermen offshore amidst the cheering drum sounds in Fish Praying Festivals are also of great value… Nghe Tinh vi and giam folk songs were recognised by UNESCO as Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity in a meeting dated 27 November 2014 in France. Vi and giam songs are sung by a wide range of communities in Nghe An and Ha Tinh provinces of north-central Vietnam. Specific songs are sung without instrumental accompaniment while people cultivate rice in the fields, row boats, make conical hats or lull children to sleep. Currently the two provinces of Nghe An and Ha Tinh have nearly 100 folk song clubs and 803 artisans. Vietnam is undoubtedly a country of diverse festivals occurring throughout every region and ethnicity. The lasting impacts of the 4000-year-old history and 54 ethnicities of Vietnam living in peace and brotherhood are intertwined to beautify the colorful portrait of Vietnam. Just a short trans-Viet trip of several days cannot help unveil all the fascinating miracles of Vietnam which has long been an “endless beauty”.

The Central Highlands’ bronze gong performances

Sapa brocade market

Nha Trang city

USEFUL INFORMATION

Currency Vietnam’s currency is Vietnam Dong (VND). Bank notes include: VND500,000; VND200,000; VND100,000; VND50,000; VND20,000; VND10,000; VND5000; VND2000; VND1000; VND500; VND200. Coins were also introduced, but are less common. Tourists can use traveler’s checks or credit cards (American Card, VISA Card or JCB Card…) to convert foreign currencies to Dong or make transactions in large retail stores, hotels, restaurants and department stores. Foreign currencies are converted to VND in banks, exchange kiosks, hotels or jewelry stores granted currency exchange licenses.

valid at least 6 months from the date of entry. Holders of boarding pass are required to present the verification of effective re-entry. Tourist visas are not exceeding 3 months. The visa exemption is applicable to ASEAN countries. As for visitors from Russia, Japan, Korea, Denmark, Norway, Finland and Sweden are exempt from visa in 15 days at best. Since March 10, 2014, visitors to Phu Quoc are exempt from visa with total residence not exceeding 30 days. A foreigner who enters an international port of Vietnam (both by airway and waterway), remains in the transit area of one of these airports and departs to Phu Quoc is also exempt from visa.

Time zone

For further info of visa, please visit website: www.visa.mofa.gov.vn.

Local time: GMT+7. Vietnam does not apply daylight savings.

Customs regulations

Entry procedures and visa regulations Visitors to Vietnam are required to have passport or boarding pass recognized by the Vietnamese government. Passport needs to be left blank enough for sealing and

Tourists entering (or departing from) Vietnam who bring foreign currency of over USD5000 or equivalent foreign currency values of over VND15,000,000, professional camera/camcorder and other electronic devices not classified as personal properties, gold of 300gr

Ha Long bay

Tam Coc - Bich Dong in Ninh Binh

and over, jewelry and gemstones not of personal properties must declare these processions at Customs.

many common pharmaceuticals which are widely accessible.

Telephone and the Internet

Tourists entering Vietnam are exempt from tax on: 200 tobacco sticks, 50 cigarettes, 150gr of tobacco thread and 1.5litres of alcohol. Other items (not in banned list) are exempt from the maximum tax payable of USD300.

Pre-paid phone cards that allow direct international calls are sold everywhere: airports, retail stores, department stores and branch stores of major networks such as MobiFone, VinaPhone or Viettel… Floor price is VND10,000.

Banned items include: weapons, opium and other addictive and pornographic materials.

Internet services are also extremely popular, particularly in cities. Internet service providers can easily be found on the streets. Most of cafés are free wifi connected.

Tax refunds for visitors Value Added Tax (VAT) refunds are effective since July 1, 2014 for goods purchased in Vietnam when departing at 7 gates, including: international airports of Noi Bai, Tan Son Nhat, Da Nang and Cam Ranh and international harbors of Khanh Hoi (Ho Chi Minh City), Da Nang, Nha Trang and Phu Quoc. Purchasing bills entitled to refunded VAT are at least VND2 million and goods are purchased at the same store in the same day (accumulated billable amount at the same store in the same day is allowed).

Medicinal and insurance regulations Tourists from regions affected by infectious fever or common epidemics must be vaccinated. Local drugstores in Vietnam carry

CHÀO VIỆT NAM | 24

Business course of banks Banks are available from 7.30 or 8am to 4.30 or 5pm in ordinary weekdays from Monday and Friday. Some branches are open on Saturday morning from 8 to 11.30am. All banks are closed on Sunday.

Shopping hours All stores are available from 8 or 8.30am to 7 or 7.30pm. In large cities, opening hours may be earlier and closing hours later.

Costumes Vietnamese costumes are diverse and rich, which reflect cultural characteristics of 54 ethnicities of the country. Many ethnicities boast their distinct costumes. Ethnicities

The terraced fields

who live in mountainous areas usually have their costumes made of flamboyant ethnic fabrics. Costumes of the ancient Vietnamese are the ao dai, which is nowadays worn by women in national holidays, Tet, weddings or longevity ceremonies…

Traditions and beliefs Vietnam is a secular multi-religious country. Ethnicities in the whole national community have their own religion. Inspired by the conception that every being possessed a soul, ancient Vietnamese set up cults to deities, especially those related to farming and cultivation such as the Sky, the Sun, the Moon, Land, Forests, Rivers or Mountains… to pray for a peaceful and affluent life. Ancestor worshiping is a long standing tradition and custom of Kinh ethnicity and some other ethnic minorities. Almost every family has an ancestor altar, and tributes and homages to the departed are important values. Besides the ancestor cults practiced in each family and clan, many villages in Vietnam also have religious cults to their Patron Gods.

Tips to remember

Can wine in Tay Nguyen

• Don’t directly fetch water from public taps. Just drink cooled boiling water. • Wear neat and reserved costumes when visiting religious sites. (temples, pagodas, churches, etc.). • Don’t take passport, important personal papers and valuable belongings to go out at night or take a sea bath. • Be particularly careful to cross streets, especially in Ha Noi and Ho Chi Minh City. • Ask for permission before taking photos of the locals, particularly in hinterlands.

O Quan Chuong gate

Hoan Kiem lake

RENOWNED TOURIST SITES AND HISTORICAL VESTIGES IN VIETNAM • • • • • • • • •

Ha Noi The Midlands and Northern Mountainous Region The Red River Delta and the Northeast Coastal Region The North Central Region The South Central Coast Region The Central Highlands The Southeast Region Ho Chi Minh City The Mekong Delta Region

One-pillar pagoda

del

Thang Long Royal Cita

HA NOI The Ha Noi capital is the national center of political administration, culture, science, education, economics and foreign trade. Due to a favorable geographical position, Ha Noi is the key transport hub nationwide. After the administrative zone adjustment in 2008, Ha Noi spans a total area of 3,300km2 and has a population of 6.9 million, one of the 17 largest capitals of the world. Ha Noi is a culturally rich city with over 1000 years of history. There are many priceless cultural and historical legacies of which UNESCO registered Thang Long Royal Palaces and Saint Giong festival as World Cultural Heritages and the Doctor Steles in the Temple of Literature as a World Documentary Heritage. In the national tourist development strategy, Ha Noi is supposed to play a crucial role as a travel hub

in the north - one of the two most important tourist regions. Ha Noi’s superior advantages lie in the way it combines the culture and history of an over 1000-yearold capital with ecological and landscape beauty. The capital’s attractive tourist sites include:

The Temple of Literature The Temple of Literature is a top notch cultural vestige of the capital. It was constructed in 1070 and dedicated to Confucius for his renowned sages and teacher Chu Van An. The temple held Vietnam’s first university which was established

CHÀO VIỆT NAM | 29

Tran Quoc pagoda

in 1076 as a foundation for great talents throughout the country. The interior complex consists of: The grand gate, the big middle gate, Khue constellation pavilion, the pond, the steles pavilion with 82 stone steles concerning examinations from 1442 to 1779, the dedication hall and the upper palace. The main hall was restored in 2000 in traditional architecture and dedicated to King Ly Thanh Tong – founder of the temple, King Ly Nhan Tong – founder of the university and King Le Thanh Tong – the father of the doctors’ steles. The Temple of Literature is a tourist magnet for both domestic and foreign visitors and also a favorite venue for Ha Noi cultural activities and to honor excellent students. The pavilion of Khue constellation has been chosen as Ha Noi’s symbol. In March 2010, UNESCO officially acknowledged the 82 doctor steles as a World Documentary Heritage.

CHÀO VIỆT NAM | 30

Hoan Kiem lake - Ngoc Son temple Hoan Kiem lake is a natural lake of Ha Noi. It is also known as the Sword Lake in association with the legend of the sword of King Le Thai To in the 15th century. The 12ha lake is situated at the very heart of Ha Noi and surrounded by a large variety of plants. At the center lies the Turtle Tower and across the lake are Ngoc Son temple and The Huc bridge. Other surrounding historical sites include the statue of King Le Thai To, Lady Kieu temple or the pen tower... Ngoc Son temple is dedicated to Guan Yu, La To, the Deity of Van Xuong (responsible for exams) and the national hero Tran Hung Dao, a glorified mortal by Vietnamese people. In 1865, the temple was restored by scholar Nguyen Van Sieu and combined with Tran Ba communal house, the pen tower and a crossing bridge to the isle create the complex of Ngoc Son temple – The Huc bridge – pen tower – ink tray gate.

Ha Noi at night

The Huc bridge is famous for its vermilion paint and 15 bending arches. It literally means “the gathering of the dawning light”. Both the pen tower and ink tray gate symbolize the ideology of Ha Noi’s elite in the late 19th century.

Ha Noi’s old quarter Spanning about 100ha and initiated in the early 15th century, the quarter lies outside Thang Long Royal Palaces. Residents who lived on traditional crafts and trades created unique separate crafting streets. Harmonious moss covered roofs and jostling tube-shaped houses make up the soul of the old quarter. These blocks serve both as dwellings and stores. Each street’s name may start with “Hang”, followed by some specific craft or product: Hang Dao, Hang Chieu, Hang Ma, Hang Thiec… There are over 50 streets remaining. Next to Hang Chieu is Quan Chuong gate (or the Eastern gate), a well-preserved site of this special ancient quarter.

The 36 streets of Ha Noi is an etymology of the old urban area. Strolling through the narrow streets is the one of the greatest pleasures for both native and foreign tourists to Ha Noi. Near Hang Ma street is Dong Xuan market, a major trading center of Vietnam.

Thang Long Royal Palaces Registered as a World Cultural Heritage in 2010, the complex is closely associated with the history of the Pre-Thang Long period from the 7th century up to now. The 20-ha complex encompasses the No.18 Hoang Dieu archeological site and the remaining ramparts of Ha Noi’s ancient citadel such as the North Gate, South Gate, Princess Pavilion, Kinh Thien palace, stone dragons of Kinh Thien palace, D67 commanding shelter and Ha Noi’s flag pedestal. The No.18 Hoang Dieu archeological site, a center of this World Cultural Heritage, was discovered and excavated in 2002. Overlapping

CHÀO VIỆT NAM | 31

Ho Chi Minh mausoleum

architecture impacts of various dynasties spanning from the 7th to 19th century are quite consistent. There are still many types of bricks used for the construction of palaces and temples. Each type of brick is attributed to a certain dynasty.

Ho Chi Minh complex in Hanoi President Ho Chi Minh’s mausoleum along with the Ho Chi Minh complex and museum form a memorial architectural, cultural and historical site of President Ho Chi Minh. Ho Chi Minh mausoleum: where the body of President Ho Chi Minh is stored. Commenced on September 2, 1973 and was inaugurated on August 29, 1975, the mausoleum was constructed on the former foundation of the stage of Ba Dinh square where President Ho read his Declaration of Independence on September 2, 1945. Ho Chi Minh museum: located near Ba Dinh square and behind President Ho Chi Minh’s mausoleum. The structure was opened to the public on May 19, 1990 – the 100th birthday of the president.

CHÀO VIỆT NAM | 32

Uncle Ho stilt house: situated within Ho Chi Minh complex, Ba Dinh Dist., Hanoi. The stilt house was the dwelling and working place of President Ho since 1958 till his death (1969). The house is encircled by a garden of hundreds of rare plants from throughout the country. In the front is Uncle Ho’s fish pond surrounded by all-year orchids.

Vietnam museum of ethnology The museum is nested on a 3ha area on Nguyen Van Huyen Street, Cau Giay District and was inaugurated in 1997. This museum stores artifacts, housing models, products, belongings and precious sources of documents of the daily life and customs of the 54 ethnicities throughout Vietnam. Cultural activities of ethnicities often take place in the outdoor display area such as. These include a sacrifice of Dao people’s houses; shuttlecock kicking and còn throwing in Mong’s residence; grave houses of Co Tu people and reenacted weddings, funerals, water puppets and religious rituals in Kinh ethnic houses.

West Lake and Truc Bach lake

West Lake landscape West Lake boasts its scenic beauty in the West Ha Noi. The West Lake is the result of the Red River’s changing current. It covers 500ha, and is the largest lake in Ha Noi. The lakeside street measures around 17km and includes streets of Thanh Nien, Nghi Tam, Tay Ho, Nhat Tan, Buoi or Thuy Khue… It is also beautified by renowned pagodas and temples such as Tran Quoc, Kim Lien, West Lake pagoda or Quan Thanh temple… Since ancient times, various feudal dynasties have had their palaces erected around the lake for purposes of leisure. Rowing on the West Lake is an elegant pursuit to enjoy its breathtaking landscape. Recently, West Lake has witnessed some opulent structures erected as it has become a major tourist center of Ha Noi. Truc Bach lake: Next to the West Lake is Truc Bach lake. It was first mentioned in old accounts in the 17th century. Its northern side is home to Cau Nhi temple in

association with the capital moving legend of King Ly Cong Uan. Along with the West Lake, Truc Bach lake creates a harmonious natural complex in honor of the capital. Quan Thanh temple: dedicated to Saint Huyen Thien Tran Vu, one of the four Guardian Deities of Thang Long Citadel. The temple was built in King Ly Thai To’s reign (1010 - 1028) and ideally placed between the sides of Truc Bach lake and West Lake. Inside the temple is a grave and solemn black copper statue of Guan Yu weighing 4 tons. This black copper statue was the masterpiece of skilled artisans from Ngu Xa craft village. Tran Quoc pagoda: nested on an island of the West Lake, is Vietnam’s oldest pagoda, and was erected in King Ly Nam De’s era (544 – 548). It has undergone many restorations. The pagoda proudly holds a priceless statue of the Buddha in Nirvana and 14 steles recording precious historical information. Kim Lien pagoda: regarded as one of the most significant pagodas for

CHÀO VIỆT NAM | 33

its well-preserved old architectural patterns, this pagoda was built in 1631. It’s dedicated to Buddha and Princess Tu Hoa who taught people the skills of silkworm breeding and silk weaving. The pagoda is now located in Nghi Tam village, Quang An, West Lake District.

wharfs, outposts, clan temples and laterite houses unique to the culture of the Red River Delta. It is considered an “outdoor museum of the rural and agricultural lifestyle” of Vietnam. Duong Lam has survived time’s harsh challenges to protect its mysterious charm and secrets.

Tay Ho pagoda: in Quang An ward, was formerly an ancient village in the East of West Lake. It is dedicated to lord Lieu Hanh, a talented woman long known as the mother. On every 1st and 15th day in lunar calendar, pilgrims flock here to pray for fortune and luck.

Duong Lam is also the birthplace of two kings: Phung Hung and Ngo Quyen and of the Giang Van Minh or Lord Lady Mia (a concubine of Lord Trinh Trang)…

Bat Trang ceramic village Bat Trang is a 600-year-old village near the Red River, 15km Southeast from Hanoi. It is famous for crafting handmade ceramics. Bat Trang’s pottery industry reached its peak in the 16th - 17th century. Thus, many ceramic religious items in pagodas, shrines, temples and communal houses nationwide originated in Bat Trang. Bat Trang was a pottery center of the ancient Thang Long and gained fame throughout the country. Nowadays, tourists can visit the village with its communal houses, old houses, narrow alleys, wharfs, ceramic market, stores, workshops or furnaces.

Duong Lam ancient village On the outskirts of Son Tay town, Duong Lam ancient village boasts 8 nationally registered sites and was the first ancient village to be registered as a National Historical Site in 2006. Duong Lam is typical of Vietnamese old villages with communal houses, temples, pagodas, shrines, village gates, banyan trees,

CHÀO VIỆT NAM | 34

Tourist sites include: Ngo Quyen mausoleum and temple, Mong Phu communal house dedicated to Ngo Quyen, Giang Clan’s temple, Mia pagoda and some 200 to 400-year-old houses…

Tay Phuong pagoda Situated on the peak of Tay Phuong hill (formerly Cau Lau mount) of about 50m in Thach Xa commune, Thach That, Hanoi, the long standing pagoda underwent various restorations from the 16th to 18th century and includes 3 parallel partitions: the altar, main hall and rear palace. Each area comprises two piled roof layers and walls of wellprocessed Bat Trang bricks… The pagoda boasts some masterpieces of religious sculpture arts, including chiseling, reliefs and statues. There are 42 gold-plated statues of jack fruit wood such as the Buddha of Three Worlds, Lama, Tuyet Son, Kannon, Diamond statue or the statues of 16 Arhat… Tay Phuong pagoda is a unique religious structure to representing Vietnam’s fine art in the Post-Le period (17th - 18th century).

Duong Lam ancient village

Ba Vi tourist and national park The park is an attractive resort complex of spectacular landscape in Ba Vi mountains (Ba Vi District, Ha Noi) lying in the town Son Tay. Go 16km further to Hai Fountain, and row on the lake; visitors will never be disappointed with an otherworldly experience in the fresh air and fairy landscape. Among the sites are the Ho Chi Minh temple, Saint of Tan Vien mount temple and some remains of the resort built by the French in the 1940s at the height of 2000m above sea level. Ba Vi National Park is truly a valuable outdoor lab and ecological site of biodiversity. There are currently some resort areas around Ba Vi National Park for weekend excursions including: Khoang Xanh, Ao Vua, Heavenly Mountains – Ivory Fountain to Da Waterfall…

St. Joseph’s Cathedral in Hanoi

Perfume Mountain & surroundings The Perfume Pagoda is in Huong Son commune, My Duc district, about 70km away from Ha Noi’s center. Its surroundings which encompass thousands of hectares, provide many rich natural wonders from mountains, streams, villages, pagodas (18 pagodas and temples) and caves. Pilgrims to the Perfume Mountain complex usually follows three main routes: Perfume Mountain, Long Van and Snow pagoda. Main routes to the Perfume pagoda: from Duc wharf, go down Yen fountain to Tro wharf (Thien Tru wharf ) to visit Trinh temple, Thien Tru and climb to the finest and most famous grotto – Huong Tich. In the 17th century, during a trip to the site, Lord Trinh Sam sealed five Chinese characters on the grotto “Nam Thien De Nhat Dong” (the finest grotto under the Southern sky).

CHÀO VIỆT NAM | 35

Do Cat cellar – Dien Bien Phu

Quan Ba - Ha Giang

Happy harvest time

THE MIDLANDS AND NORTHERN MOUNTAINOUS REGION This region has 14 provinces: Hoa Binh, Son La, Dien Bien, Lai Chau, Yen Bai, Phu Tho, Lao Cai, Tuyen Quang, Ha Giang, Bac Kan, Thai Nguyen, Cao Bang, Lang Son and Bac Giang, and has many important border gates close to China and Lao People’s Democratic Republic. Its natural area is 95,274.7km2 and population 11.508 thousand, with average population density of 121 persons/km2. The unique characteristics of the region are its landscape on diversified topographic base, geographic uniqueness, climate, ecology and the traditional culture of ethnic minorities. The main attractive destinations of the region include: CHÀO VIỆT NAM | 37

Sapa in fog

Mai Chau Mai Chau (in Hoa Binh province) is an immense green valley with villages of ethnic minority people living. In Mai Chau, tourists can visit the lakes and villages of Mong and Muong people, such as Hang Kia, Pa Co, Van Mai, by bicycle or on foot. Visitors can also enjoy popular music performances, the Thai special foods in Lac village, Van village, and Pom Coong, and the unique landscape of the mountainous area along to Da river. Staying overnight at Lac village will help tourists to better understand the manners and customs of the Northwest ethnic minorities.

Moc Chau Highlands Moc Chau Highlands (Son La province) is the home of the Mong ethnic people. It is 1,050m above sea level, 200km Northwest of Hanoi, and reached by highway No.6 from Ha Noi. Moc Chau is a green steppe, has cool and airy climate, in summer it is often around 20oC. Moc Chau is

CHÀO VIỆT NAM | 38

well-known for its tea farms, dairy and now flower farms. Tourists can visit Dai Yem waterfall, pine forests, caves as well as see immense grass fields, unbounded white-plum and yellow flower.

A cluster of Dien Bien Phu relics The Dien Bien Phu battlefield, Dien Bien province, is 500km west of Ha Noi. The valley of Dien Bien was the location of an extremely heroic fight between Vietnamese people and the expeditionary army of French colonialism. The battle lasted 55 days and nights (13/3/1954 – 7/5/1954) with the defeat of the French. The Dien Bien Phu victory created a great resound that forced France to enter into Geneve Agreement for recognition of independence and peace for Vietnam. Destinations of Dien Bien Phu include: Dien Bien Phu Historic Victory Museum, Dien Bien Martyrs’ Cemetery, the outstanding relics of Dien Bien battlefield in the old days, hills A1, C1, C2, D1, entranced

fortifications Hong Cum, Him Lam, Independence Hill, Muong Thanh bridge and airport, commanding cellar of General De Castries... currently become the attractive destinations for tourists.

Mu Cang Chai terraced field Mu Cang Chai yellow terraced fields (Yen Bai Province) in the Northwest highlands are 1,750m high compared with sea level, far 300km of mountain pass and slope road from Ha Noi. Visiting Mu Cang Chai, tourists will be surprised at amid the high mountains with full of obstacles and difficult of access; there are the gigantic and endless terraced fields of Mong people. In this region, there are approximately 90% Mong people, who had taken water rice to the high mountains and changed mountains and hills into layers of immense terraced fields curving round the mountain slope. In Mu Cang Chai town, terraced fields are in everywhere and take account of approximately 2,200ha. October is the month of yellow ripen rice, is the most beautiful month in Mu Cang Chai and the month at which quantity of tourists reaches the highest number. In three communes La Pan Tan, Che Cu Nha and De Xu Phinh, 500ha of terraced fields have been kept intact and is the relic of Mong, which was ranked to be the national level relic.

Sapa Sapa is the vacation spot famous for the illusory beauty of the Northwest Mountains and forests. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a colourful destination with the cultural beauty of the ethnic

Dai Yem waterfall in Son La

Mu Cang Chai terraced field

Spring in Highlands

Fansipan peak

minorities: Mong, Thai, Tay, Nung… Lying in the Northwest, the town of Sapa town (Lao Cai Province) is about 1.600m high above sea level, 38km from Lao Cai City and 376km from the capital Hanoi. Sapa has natural and poetic beauty with the terraced fields curving around mountain slopes, May Bridge, Bac Fall and Heaven Gate... Ham Rong mountain is a beautiful site, from this position, tourists can see the whole of Sapa, Sapa’s famous church, the ancient stones in Muong Hoa valley, villages such as Cat Cat, Ta Phin, Lao Chai, Ta Van, Ban Ho… Sapa is also “the kingdom” of many kinds of fruits and flowers such as peach blossom, plum flowers, pear-tree flowers, immortal flowers and more.

Fansipan peak – Hoang Lien Son Fansipan, also known as “the Roof of Indochina,” is the highest mountain within the Hoang Lien Son mountains with a height of 3,143m. It lies southwest of Sapa. Hoang Lien National Park is a gigantic national park with a vegetation cover and many endemic varieties. The terraced fields

Bac Ha market

Bac Ha The town Bac Ha has long been famous for its Sunday market. At this place, tourists can visit villages of the Mong and Tay ethnic minority people as well as kermises in Can Cau, Coc Ly. Hoang A Tuong edifice is in the center of Bac Ha district (Lao Cai Province). It was built in 1914 and completed in 1921. Its owner is Hoang Yen Cha, a Tay ethnic minority person. His father is

Children in highlands

Hoang A Tuong. Hoang A Tuong edifice has been conserved, maintained and embellished so that tourists can learn about the history of mountainous semicolonial and semi-feudal society throughout time.

Tan Trao historical relic Tan Trao is a small valley in Son Duong district, 40km East of the town Tuyen Quang and 200km from Ha Noi. Tan Trao is a historical relic area, and acted as a revolutionary base for Vietnam in the Before August Revolution period. It used to be the temporary capital of the liberated area.

Dong Van Stone Plateau

Main relics: Tan Trao communal house, Hong Thai communal house, Tan Trao banian tree, Na Lua tent where President Ho Chi Minh lived from June to August, 1945, before he returned to the capital Ha Noi.

Dong Van Stone Plateau Dong Van Stone Plateau is in the districts including Quan Ba, Yen Minh, Dong Van, Meo Vac (Ha Giang Province) with area of 2,350km2 and an average height between 1,400 - 1,600m. In this region, scientists have discovered 45 geomorphologic relics, 33 tectonic relics and many fossils in layers of sedimentary rock. The diversified geology of Dong Van Stone Plateau is unique in Vietnam. In this region, there are many formations of more than 500 million of years old. Formations of limestone are especially prominent with approximately ten structures of limestone with total width of nearly 4,000m. Dong Van Stone Plateau

Tan Trao - Tuyen Quang

Spring coming in Ha Giang

The smile in moutainous region

has witnessed two of five related to global extermination of the world of creature; one nearly 250 years ago and the other 350 million years ago. Nearly 1,000 varieties of fossil flora including several endemic species of the region are found here. In the world, there is selfdom the style of stone mountains as the ranges of cone or pyramid shaped mountains on the peak of Ma Pi Leng in Dong Van. Particularly interesting is the stone forests and gardens in Khau Vai. Limestone bluffs with height of 700m in Nho Que ravine of more than 1,000m depth was formed due to faults in the earthâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s crust. On October 3rd 2010, Global Geopark Network (GGN) recognized Dong Van Stone Plateau as the second Geopark in Southeast Asia for its the geographic, geomorphology values (landscape of weathered kaster in tens of millions of years and diversified geological base) and the traditional character and

Tea harvesting

A corner of Ba Be lake in Bac Kan

culture of ethnic minorities on Stone Plateau (UNESCO considered it as the special feature of Dong Van Stone Plateau Geopark in the global Geopark system). In the region of Dong Van Stone Plateau, tourists can visit villages of Mong people, Lo Lo people..., Lung Cu flagpole at the top of the North of Vietnam, Vuong Chi Sinh edifice, Dong Van market and ancient street and Khau Vai love market (held once a year in the night of 26th and 27th March of lunar calendar in Khau Vai commune, Meo Vac district).

Ba Be lake Ba Be is the unique natural beautiful site in Bac Kan Province 250km North of Ha Noi. Ba Be is one of 20 largest freshwater lakes in the world. The natural reserve of Ba Be is nearly 500ha wide, 8km long and 145m above sea level. It has three main lakes sourced from three rivers including Nang river, Ta Han river and Nam Cuong river.

Sunset in Mau Son in Lang Son

Tourist destination: sitting in a dugout canoe on the lake, visiting Puong cave, Dau Dang waterfall, Tien pond, Room fall, Phya Khao, going to the kermises Nam Cuong, Quang Khe... Villages, in which Tay people are living such as Pac Ngoi, Po Lu, are close to the lake and always welcome tourists at their home.

Museum of The Cultures of Vietnam’s Ethnic Groups Museum of the Cultures of Vietnam’s Ethnic Groups was built in 1960 at the centre of Thai Nguyen City. The museum includes 5 rooms which display and reserve nearly 30,000 family objects from the 54 ethnic groups in Vietnam. The museum is an interesting tourist destination for internal and external tourists because has a simple and easily understandable display which brings visitors closer to the lives of ethnic groups in Vietnam.

CHÀO VIỆT NAM | 43

Ban Gioc waterfall in Cao Bang

Peaceful land

Ban Gioc fall – Pac Bo cave

Chi Lang district and Huu Lung District of Lang Son Province. Chi Lang pass is a beautiful spot that is enclosed by the range of Kai Kinh Stone Mountains in the West and the range of Bao Dai mountain in the East. The two ends of the pass have towering stone mountains, which provide an advantageous defense position. The powerful history of Chi Lang connects closely to the activities of great military geniuses such as Ly Thuong Kiet, Tran Quoc Tuan and the heroic leaders of Lang region. Chi Lang pass has been considered a wall of the Thang Long ancient citadel for northern invaders.

In field of Dam Thuy Commune, Trung Khanh District, Cao Bang Province, Ban Gioc waterfall is considered as the most grandiose and beautiful waterfall in Vietnam. From a height of more than 30m, the water falls as clear as huge band of silk. The famous Nguom Ngao cave is close to the fall and has a length of 3km. Visiting Cao Bang, tourists cannot ignore Cac Mac mountain, Lenin stream or Pac Bo relic (Ha Quang District). Passing a bendy stretch of mountainous roads, tourists will have the chance to understand the revolutionary life of President Ho Chi Minh much more, and visit the charming landscape.

Chi Lang pass Chi Lang pass is 20km long, 3km wide and connected with

CHÀO VIỆT NAM | 44

Tam Thanh cave The famous cave west of Ky Lua street is Tam Thanh cave. It lies in the middle of a range of mountains

Nui Coc lake in Thai Nguyen

in shape of herd of elephants on a green glass surface. The cave entrance faces the east, is approximately 8m high, with a including 30 stone steps carved into the side of the mountain. The right wall of the cave has a carved a poem from Ngo Thi Si (1726 1780) when he worked as the chief of Lang Son Province. The poem praises the grandiose beauty of nature. Tam Thanh and Nhat Thanh, Nhi Thanh, Tien pagoda, Ky Lua, Ky Cung river, Vong Phu mountain, and the legend of To Thi create an attractive beauty for tourists when they visit the Lang region.

Hung Temple Hung Temple lies on Nghia Linh mountain, in Co Tich hamlet, Hy Cuong commune, Phong Chau (Phu Tho), 100km from Ha Noi and 14km from Viet Tri City. It has many national historical

relics, and contains vestiges of Hung Kings in the initial time of establishment of Van Lang State. Hung Temple is associated with the legend Au Co, Lac Long Quan, the first state of Vietnamese people, which has been handed down in many generations. Hung Temple has been established for a long time and received many repairs and improvements. The relic area includes main items such as Ha temple the bell-tower, Thien Quang pagoda, Trung temple, 6th Hung King’s royal tomb, Gieng temple, Mother Au Co temple and Hung Vuong museum. Hung Temple Festival is annually organized on March 10th of the lunar year and also the national holiday in Vietnam.

CHÀO VIỆT NAM | 45

Tam Dao ancient churches

Trang An scenic area

in Ninh Binh

The road to Tam Dao

THE RED RIVER DELTA AND THE NORTHEAST COASTAL REGION This region includes the Ha Noi capital and 10 provinces and cities namely: Vinh Phuc, Bac Ninh, Hai Duong, Hung Yen, Thai Binh, Ha Nam, Ninh Binh, Nam Dinh, Hai Phong City and Quang Ninh associated with the Northern key economic zone. Natural area: 21,050.9km2; population: 20,439.4 thousand; average population density: 971 persons/km2. The value of the region derives from the culture, based on wet rice civilization, and history, combining values of geological – geomorphologic landscape, coastal ecology and Northeast Island. Main attractive tourist destinations of the region include: CHÀO VIỆT NAM | 47

Tam Dao Tam Dao is a rocky mountain range in the Northeast of Vietnam, located in three provinces: Vinh Phuc, Thai Nguyen and Tuyen Quang. Tam Dao resort (in Tam Dao town) is romantic location, located in the valley of Tam Dao National Park 86km from Hanoi. Tam Dao resort has an average height of 879m above sea level, endowed by great mountains, cool air and annual average temperature of 18OC. From the early 20th century, the French built this place as a resort with many villas, hotels, swimming pools and sports grounds. Tam Dao National Park also has about 2,000 species of plants and about 840 species of animals. Many species are enlisted in the Red Book as they are extremely rare and precious.

Transplanting festival

On Tam Dao range, there is the famous relic site named Tay Thien and Tay Thien temple (also known as Mau temple). The road to Tay Thien is full of obstacles and difficult of access. Tourists must cross many rivulets, streams, mountain slopes and dense forests.

But Thap pagoda But Thap pagoda (in Thuan Thanh District, Bac Ninh Province) was built in 1647. It is one of the famous pagodas with unique architecture and ancient sculptures with the most accurate scale in Vietnam. The stone 5-storey Bao Nghiem tower is regarded as the cultural symbol of Northern Vietnam. In the pagoda, there are many valuable statues of Buddha and antiques such as the thousand-eye and thousand-hand Kuan Yin statue with the height of 3.7m, Tuyet Son statue, Thi Gia statue and 18 arhats.

Con Son - Kiep Bac relic and tourist attraction cluster Con Son relic site in Chi Linh District (Hai Duong Province), about 70km from Hanoi, includes a complex of mountains with pine forest, rivulets and many famous relics such as Con Son pagoda, Nguyen Trai temple, Gieng Ngoc, Fairy Alta, Thach Ban flagstone. Originating from the Tran dynasty, Con Son was one of three centers of Truc Lam Zen (Con Son, Yen Tu, Quynh Lam). This land has been associated with the names and careers of many Vietnamese celebrities such as Tran Nguyen Dan, Huyen Quang and Nguyen Trai. Kiep Bac historic and cultural relic site in Hung Dao Commune, Chi Linh District (Hai Duong), 5km from Con Son, is where Hung Dao Vuong Tran Quoc Tuan established his base, stored

food and trained soldiers in the resistance wars against Nguyen Mong invaders in the 13th century. The center of the relic site contains the Saint Tran Temple built in the early 14th century.

Cat Ba island Cat Ba is an archipelago with 367 islands of various sizes, distributed mainly in Lan Ha bay succeeding Ha Long bay. The main island is Cat Ba covering about 100km2 and 30 nautical miles from Hai Phong port. Cat Ba archipelago is recognized as a World Biosphere Reserve by UNESCO. Cat Ba National Park covers 15,200ha including 9,800ha forest and 5,400ha sea to create an ideal ecological environment. Coming to Cat Ba, you can bathe in Cat Co Beach 1, Cat Co Beach 2, Da Bang Beach, Ben Beo Beach and Co

Cat Ba at night

Van Long eco-tourism in Ninh Binh

Tien Beach and more. Also, you can visit Trung Trang cave, Hoa Cuong cave or join in ecological tours in Cat Ba National Park and in Phu Long Commune.

Ha Long bay Ha Long bay - one of new world seven wonders, has been recognized as a World Natural Heritage by UNESCO for aesthetic and geological - geomorphologic uniqueness. It lies on a total area of 1,553km2 with 1,969 lively and grandiose islands. Ha Long bay is part of the Gulf of Tonkin, located between Lan Ha bay and Bai Tu Long bay. It includes the coastal area of Ha Long City, Cam Pha Town and part of Van Don Island District. There are two types of islands in Ha Long: limestone islands and schist islands. The bay has been developed by various activities for hundreds of millions of years. Ha Long bay has many wonderful caves such as Dau Go, Thien Cung, Bo Nau, Trong, Trinh Nu and Sung

CHĂ&#x20AC;O VIáť&#x2020;T NAM | 50

Sot. Each cave is associated with interesting legends. Coming there, tourists can travel by boat to visit islands, floating fishing village, discover natural beauties, visit historic and cultural relics (Bai Tho mountain, Duc Ong temple, Long Tien pagoda), fish market to study cultural values and even kayak.

Yen Tu Yen Tu relic site is a complex of pagodas, hermitages, towers and ancient tree forests and is regarded as a famous mountain of Vietnam. Yen Tu is considered the center of Buddhism of the old Dai Viet country and the origin of Truc Lam Zen who was associated with the Buddhist King Tran Nhan Tong (1258 - 1308). Vast Yen Tu now has 11 pagodas and hundreds of the most famous hermitages and towers: Trinh temple, Hoa Hien pagoda, Dong pagoda (on the highest peak 1,068m from the sea level). An Ky Sinh statue, ancient

Dong pagoda in Yen Tu - Quang Ninh

apricot forest, Vang waterfall, Giai Oan spring, Tung road, Truc forest are excellent tourist destinations.

biosphere reserve in Vietnam to be recognized internationally under the Ramsar convention.

Over the past years, Truc Lam Yen Tu Monastery has been built on the base of the old Lan pagoda.

Xuan Thuy National Park is located right at Ba Lat gate where the Red River merges into the East Sea. The core area of the park is the salt mash land on three rivers and sand dunes, namely Ngan dune, Lu dune and Xanh dune in Giao Thien commune. These cover about 7,100ha, including: 3,100ha ground land area with forest and 4,000ha mangrove swamp land.

Keo pagoda Keo pagoda was built from 1630 to 1632 in Vu Thu District, Thai Binh Province and is regarded as the largest and most beautiful pagoda in Northern Vietnam Delta. The pagoda has wide architectural scope covering about 58,000m2. Now, there are 17 architectural works left, including 128 Buddhism worshiping areas and Zen Buddhist Khong Lo temple. The famous architectural work of the pagoda is bell tower made of wood with a beautiful, solid and unique design.

Xuan Thuy National Park Xuan Thuy National Park is located in Giao Thuy district (Nam Dinh Province), 150km from Ha Noi. This is also the first mangrove swamp

Every year there are around 100 species of migrating birds heading South to seek warmer climates for the winter. Close to one fifth of the worlds’ black-faced spoonbill fly through this area. This place is estimated to accommodate 215 species of water bird; about 165 species of zooplankton and 154 species of zoobenthos, 120 species of high class plants, including many species of seaweed of high economic value.

CHÀO VIỆT NAM | 51

Cat Ba islands

Tam Coc â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Bich Dong

Located near Xuan Thuy National Park, the community ecological tourist model in Giao Xuan helps tourists have more interesting experiences in the trip.

King Dinh temple and King Le temple King Dinh Tien Hoang temple and King Le Dai Hanh temple are located in Truong Yen commune, Hoa Lu District, Ninh Binh Province. This area was once the ancient Hoa Lu capital city. King Dinh temple in Yen Thuong Hamlet (Thuong temple) is built on a land area covering 5ha. It is shielded by Ma Yen mountain and Du mountain, including three layers: Kowtow Palace, Celestial Perfume Palace and Seraglio. In the seraglio, there is a statue of King Dinh Tien Hoang and statues of Prince Dinh Lien, Prince Dinh Toan and Prince Hang Lang on the sides. King Le temple is situated in Yen Ha hamlet (also known as Ha temple) with smaller architectural scale than King Dinh temple. In the temple,

King Dinh - Le temple

Phat Diem Stone Cathedral

Xuan Thuy National Park in Nam Dinh

there are statues of King Le Dai Hanh, Queen Duong Van Nga and King Le Ngoa Trieu. Every year, the sacrifice festival is opened on the lunar 10th day of March, also known as Truong Yen festival.

Tam Coc - Bich Dong Bich Dong is located in the Ngu Nhac Son mountain range in Ninh Hai Commune, Hoa Lu District, Ninh Binh Province. In 1773, Nguyen Nhiem (father of the great poet Nguyen Du) visited the cave. The mountain, cave, river, rice fields and sky in this place are covered with a breath-taking green color, thus he gave the cave a very beautiful and romantic name “Bich Dong”. The beautiful scenery of Bich Dong is called “The second most beautiful cave in Vietnam.” From Bich Dong, tourists can continue by boat to visit Tam Coc. Tam Coc means three caves: First Cave, Second Cave and Third Cave. When the boat goes into the three caves, tourists will feel cool. Stalactites from the cave ceiling hang down unevenly and sparkly like magical pearls and gems.

Sedge product

Trang An wharf

Trang An - Bai Dinh relic site Located 95km from Ha Noi and mostly in Hoa Lu District (Ninh Binh Province), there is Trang An ecological tourist resort - “Ha Long bay on land”. It has a total area of 2,168ha and belongs to two main ecosystems, namely limestone mountain and submerged land.

as a World Natural and Cultural Heritage on June 23, 2014.

Cuc Phuong National Park

This place still stores many relics of the prehistoric men from 5,000 to 30,000 years ago in Bui cave and Trong cave.

Cuc Phuong National Park is located in Nho Quan District, Ninh Binh Province, on the border of Ninh Binh Province, Hoa Binh Province and Thanh Hoa Province, over 100km Southwest of Ha Noi. It was the first National Park of Vietnam and was established in July 1962. The park covers 22,000ha, including a majority of limestone mountains with the height ranging from 300 to 600m above sea level. Cuc Phuong has a diversified flora and fauna with nearly 2,000 species. Cuc Phuong is famous for parashrea stellata, ancient dracontomelum aged about 1000 years old, with the height ranging from 50 to 70m, trachypithecus delacouri and many species of rare and precious butterflies.

The complex of Trang An (Ninh Binh) was acknowledged by the UNESCO

Main attractions: environmental interpretation center, primate

Surrounded by limestone mountain ranges, Trang An is a complex of 31 valleys, 48 trans-water caves and many lakes together with historic relic sites intercalated in forests and limestone mountains. The most popular big caves are Dia Linh, Sinh Duoc, May, Toi, Sang and Nau Ruou with diversified beauty.

CHÀO VIỆT NAM | 54

A corner of Trang An

rescue center, ancient man cave, Con Moong cave.

Phat Diem stone cathedral Phat Diem stone cathedral is located in the town Phat Diem, Kim Son District, Ninh Binh Province, 120km south of Hanoi. This is one of the most beautiful cathedrals in Vietnam and was built from 1875 - 1898. Phat Diem means the generation of beauty and was named by Nguyen Cong Tru. Phat Diem stone cathedral is a unique architectural complex bearing Oriental style. Phat Diem stone cathedral is the hallmark in the panorama of the historical and beautiful spots of the ancient capital.

Harvest time

The road to Vang waterfall in Yen Tu

Hue capital city

Gianh river landscap

Sen village in Nghe

THE NORTH CENTRAL REGION The region comprises 6 provinces: Thanh Hoa, Nghe An, Ha Tinh, Quang Binh, Quang Tri and Thua Thien - Hue in close association with the focal economic zone of the Center and East West tourist corridor with the total natural area of 51,459.2km2 and total population of 10,297.7 thousand; population density 191 persons/km2. Special about the region is its world heritage system combining values of history, coastal and island ecology. Main attractive tourist destinations of the region include:

CHĂ&#x20AC;O VIáť&#x2020;T NAM | 57

Sam Son beach Located 16km from Thanh Hoa City, Sam Son beach is 10km long with silky white smooth sand. It is an ideal relaxation destination that was used by the French starting in 1906 and quickly become a famous resort of Indochina. Sam Son has many beautiful scenes: Trong Mai stone, Doc Cuoc temple, Co Tien pagoda and aquatic life such as prawns, mackerels and squids.

Ho dynasty citadel Ho dynasty citadel was built in the reign of King Ho Quy Ly in 1397 with very big and solid green stone blocks and unique architecture in Vinh Loc district, Thanh Hoa Province. The square citadel is also known as Tay Do with each edge 500m long and surrounded by a deep trench. The citadel has 4 gates, one in the east, west, south and north. The citadel southern gate still maintains curved archways made with 3 green stones. The remaining citadel walls are made of earth. In the citadel, there remain many vestiges of an ancient palace.

Sam Son beach in a summer day

The previous ancient citadels of Vietnam such as Hoa Lu, Co Loa are made of earth but Ho dynasty citadel was built with big stone blocks and is one of very few stone strongholds left in the world. Ho dynasty citadel was recognized as a World Cultural Heritage by UNESCO (27/6/2011).

Kim Lien relic site - native land of President Ho Chi Minh Kim Lien Commune, Nam Dan District, Nghe An Province, about 15km from Vinh City, is the relic site of the native land, family and childhood of the President Ho Chi Minh. This place accommodates many relic sites including: the birth place of the President Ho Chi Minh in his maternal native land, Hoang Tru village (also known as Chua village), Sen village (Kim Lien Commune) - his paternal native land, where he lived from 1901 - 1906 tomb quarter of Ms. Hoang Thi Loan - mother of the President Ho Chi Minh, relic cluster of Chung mountain and many other sites closely associated with his childhood.

Cua Lo beach Located 18km from Vinh City, Cua Lo beach is nearly 10km long and has gentle slopes, smooth white sand, clear clean water and diversified seafood. Above the beach, there are many wide forest areas with green pine trees and coconut ranges. Cua Lo is surrounded by many small mountains, and has Hon Ngu Island 4km far from the beach and Cua Hoi also near the beach.

Pu Mat National Park As the core area of the Western Biosphere Reserve of Nghe An, Pu Mat National Park is located on the administrative boundary of 3 districts: Anh Son, Con Cuong and Tuong Duong, Nghe An Province. The core area of Pu Mat Park covers 94,804ha and the buffer area covers over 86,000ha. The park has many species of rare and precious animals and plants, and was one of the first places to discover Pseudoryx nghetinhensis. Pu Mat National Park has grandiose Pu Mat peak with the height of 1,841m, Kem waterfall with the height of 150m, Giang River, Moc spring and

short pine forest. Tourists can choose to walk in the forest or stay on boat along Giang River to observe animals and visit the mountain villages of Dan Lai ethnic group in the forest.

Thien Cam Located 26km north of Ha Tinh town, along the National Road 1A, Thien Cam beach (in Cam Xuyen District) is like a bow shape nearly 3km long from Thien Cam mountain to Dau Voi mountain. This place has natural beauty, is fresh and has quiet environment. Close to the beach is splendid Thien Cam mountain. Legend has it that when King Ho Quy Ly inspected the defense of this land, he heard a faint wind, and waves leaving sounds bouncing against the mountain wall. It created a melodious sound, thus he named this land Thien Cam (sky musical instrument).

Phong Nha - Ke Bang National Park Phong Nha - Ke Bang National Park is located in Bo Trach District, Quang Binh Province, about 50km Northwest of Dong Hoi City.

The Southern gate of Ho dynasty citadel

Thien Duong grotto

Hue imperial city

This is part of the most ancient limestone mountain area in Asia, which was created more than 400 million years ago by various geological activities. In 2003, Phong Nha - Ke Bang was recognized as a World Natural Heritage by UNESCO. Caves in Phong Nha - Ke Bang National Park are classified into 2 types: dry cave and water cave. Main caves include: Phong Nha, Tien Son, Thien Duong, Son Doong. Phong Nha cave is nearly 8km long with 14 small caves and a sparkling underground river nearly 14km in length. Phong Nha - Ke Bang National Park is home to many archeological vestiges which show proof of human life from the Stone Age.

Vinh Moc tunnel Vinh Moc tunnel (in Vinh Linh District, Quang Tri) is a special work of tunnels which accommodated a village of hundreds of people

CHĂ&#x20AC;O VIáť&#x2020;T NAM | 60

during the resistance war against American imperialists. The tunnel is nearly 2km long and includes 3 layers, at the depth of 12 - 23m. The tunnel is designed for nearly 100 families, with wells, meeting halls, maternity home, surgery room, kitchen, etc. Vinh Moc tunnel is nearly undamaged and an attractive sightseeing point for international tourists.

Demilitarized Zone (DMZ) The DMZ is a collection of many war historic relics along Northern and Southern banks of Ben Hai river, associated with the 17th parallel, it has famous places such as Hien Luong bridge, Ben Hai river, Mieu slope, Tien Dune, Gio Linh, Khe Sanh, Ta Con, Vay village, Quang Tri Ancient Citadel and Cam Lo. The road No. 9 from Dong Ha town to the Lao Bao border gate to Laos was one of the key traffic routes during the war.

City is the working and living place of the king and imperial family, which is strictly protected. The Royal Palace is includes the following architectural structures: the Southern Main Gate Ngo Mon, Thai Hoa temple and theater for ceremonies.

Vinh Moc tunnel in Quang Tri

One of the important sightseeing locations is the Quang Tri Ancient Citadel, a relic of the bloody 81-daynight war to protect the ancient citadel in the summer of 1972. Visiting the DMZ, tourists can go to other tourist locations such as Cua Tung, Cua Viet, Truong Son Martyr Cemetery and La Vang church.

Hue imperial city Hue imperial city (in Thua Thien Hue Province) was Vietnam’s capital for the reigns of 13 kings during the 143 years of the Nguyen dynasty from 1802 to 1945. Located on the northern bank of Huong river, the imperial city is surrounded by walls 6.6m in height, 21m in thickness, nearly 9km in length and protecting an area of over 500ha. There is a protective deep moat outside the walls. Nearly 140 architectural works are contained by three imperial city grounds: Imperial city, Royal citadel and Purple Forbidden City. Royal citadel and purple Forbidden City are collectively referred to as the Royal Palace. The Royal Citadel is home to the most important rites and political agencies of the court and temples. The Purple Forbidden

• The Mieu is the place worshiping Nguyen dynasty kings with Cuu Dinh. • Dien Tho temple and Truong Sanh temple are the living place of the Queen Mother and Mother of Queen Mother. • Home Affairs Palace is the place of storing precious items, and manufacturing royal appliances. • Co Ha Garden and Kham Van temple is the place where princes study and play. • Purple Forbidden City: Can Chanh temple (living place of the king), Ta Vu and Huu Vu, Vac Dong, Duyet Thi Duong (theater), Thai Binh Lau (king library). Relics in the imperial city: Ky Dai, Quoc Tu Giam, Long An temple, Fine Arts Museum of Hue Imperial Palace, Phu Xuan temple, Tinh Tam lake, library, Important and Secret Institute - Tam Tao, Dan Xa Tac. Relics outside the imperial city: Mausoleums of Gia Long, Minh Mang, Thieu Tri, Tu Duc, Dong Khanh and Khai Dinh. Other relics: Tran Binh Dai, Phu Van Lau, Thuong Bac Palace, Temple of Literature, Temple of Martial Arts, Dan Nam Giao, Ho Quyen, Hon Chen temple, Thien Mu pagoda, Bao Quoc pagoda, Tu Hieu pagoda, An Dinh Palace. Hue was recognized as a World Cultural Heritage by UNESCO on December 11, 1993 for its architectural relics and beauty.

CHÀO VIỆT NAM | 61

Nha Trang city in Khanh Hoa

Da Nang beach

THE SOUTH CENTRAL COAST REGION This region includes Da Nang City and 7 provinces: Quang Nam, Quang Ngai, Binh Dinh, Phu Yen, Khanh Hoa, Ninh Thuan and Binh Thuan associated with the Central key economic zone and the East - West tourist corridor. Its natural area is 44,376.6km2, population is 9,064.8 thousand and average population density is 263 persons/km2. The regionâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s value includes its beautiful beaches combining world heritage values, ecology and landscape of the coastal and island area. Main attractive tourist destinations of the region include:

Nha Trang beach

Da Nang at night

Da Nang City Da Nang City is in the middle of the country. It is bounded by the beautiful Hai Van pass in the north, 1,487m high Ba Na mountain in the Northwest and the uninhabited Son Tra peninsula in the East. Da Nang is situated by Han River and Da Nang bay with beautiful beaches stretching over 30km from Son Tra peninsula to Non Nuoc beach. Da Nang is naturally endowed by its close proximity to three world cultural heritages: the ancient capital Hue, Hoi Anâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s ancient street and My Son relic site. In a farther distance, there is Phong Nha cave, a World Natural Heritage. Therefore, Da Nang is regarded as the important transit point on the central heritage way.

Da Nang beaches have wide unobstructed space, splendid seaside resorts, spotless white, deep blue sea water and very spacious roads. My Khe beach: located right in the city is 900m long and is one of the busiest among the beaches of Da Nang. Seaside resorts in Son Tra peninsula: from city center through Han River Bridge, you will travel about 8km before reaching Son Tra. Its very beautiful beaches include Nam, Rang, But, Tien Sa, Con and Bac. Bac My An seaside resort: located about 7km Southeast of the city center, there are many beautiful seaside resorts such as Bac My An and Furama Resort.

Vinh Hy bay

Non Nuoc seaside resort: Non Nuoc seaside resort stretches nearly 5km with clean wide sand banks and clean blue sea water. Non Nuoc seaside resort is close to the base of Ngu Hanh Son and beside Non Nuoc fine arts stone village with many famous stone sculpture works. Champa sculpture museum: (or the Cham museum) was built in 1915 under the sponsor of France Far East Research Institute in Vietnam and was officially opened in 1939. The Cham sculpture museum was adapted from the motif of Champa architecture and has a white showroom. At present, the museum displays hundreds of original sculptures made from sandstone, and some terra-cotta. Sculptures have been collected from Cham temples and towers dispersed in the Central region from Quang Binh to Binh Thuan.

Hoi An ancient town Hoi An (in Quang Nam Province) is situated by Thu Bon river bank. In

the 16th and the 17th centuries, the name Faifoo was famous for many Japanese, Chinese, Netherlands, Indian and Spanish traders. At that time, Hoi An’s trading port developed prosperously and was a big trading center of the Southeast Asia, and one of the main stops for trading boats to the Far East. Hoi An has ancient street rows that are preserved nearly to their original state. Ancient houses in Hoi An are characterized by wood and tubular male and female tiles throughout all streets, combining living space with the shops. Main sightseeing points: Cau pagoda, Quang Dong Club-house (Ong pagoda), Phuc Kien Clubhouse, Trieu Chau Club-house, Hoi An Historic Museum, Hoi An Ceramic Museum, family churches, ancient houses including: Tan Ky, Diep Dong Nguyen, Phung Hung ancient house. Inside the ancient houses, there remain such items as altar, horizontal lacquered boards, pairs of wood panels and columns with sophisticatedly carved

CHÀO VIỆT NAM | 65

Nha Trang beach

patterns. Hoi An is a living museum, an ancient city that was recognized as a World Cultural Heritage by UNESCO and the place which preserves the lifestyle of the ancient capital in Vietnam. Hoi An is surrounded by some craft villages such as Tra Que vegetable village, Kim Bong carpentry village and Thanh Ha ceramic village. Cua Dai seaside resort is 5km from Hoi An. It’s beach extends with smooth white sand, clean blue water and small waves. There are many famous health resorts here. Coming to Hoi An, tourists may have quality clothes quickly tailored, buy decorative multi-colored lanterns and handmade souvenirs. Two hours offshore to the east of Hoi An is Cu Lao Cham, a World Biosphere Reserve.

My Son cultural heritage My Son is located in Duy Xuyen

CHÀO VIỆT NAM | 66

My Son cultural heritage

District (Quang Nam Province), 70km from Da Nang City and 45km from Hoi An. This is the My Son tower temple complex situated in a closed valley surrounded by mountains, where sacrifices and offering rites of many old Champa royal dynasties were conducted. This grandiose religious relic site bears the characteristics of Champa culture and was built continuously over a 1,000 year period. Commenced from the 4th century to the early 14th century, this relic complex has over 70 tower temples with Hindu influenced architectural and sculpture style typical of historic Champa kingdoms. Most tower temples face the East towards the sunrise where spirits reside. Due to hundreds of years of fierce war and severe natural conditions, My Son retains only about 20 relics in seriously downgraded condition. Recently, with the assistance of the governments, organizations and international specialists have restored some structures.

Hoi An ancient town

Main temples in My Son worship Linga - Yoni set, or the symbol of the spirit Siva - the Protector of Champa reigns. For important architectural, cultural and historic values, My Son Relic Site was recognized as a World Cultural Heritage by UNESCO in 1999.

Truong Luy relic Truong Luy is a newly found historic relic. It is a system of connected fortifications stretching hundreds of kilometers, starting from the south of Quang Nam Province through Quang Ngai provincce and 8 districts to the north of Binh Dinh Province. At present, researchers have discovered 127.4km of Truong Luy including 113km in Quang Ngai. Truong Luy was established in the mid-16th century and completed in the early 19th century. The rampart is built mainly from stone, and some places by earth with an average height of 2m. The rampart base is 4m wide and rampart surface is 1m wide. Fortifications have a square shape, each edge

Po Klong Grai tower

averaging from 25 to 30m. Truong Luy - fortifications are not only designed to protect but also designed for economic and cultural exchange between the lowland and the mountainous areas.

Rang waterfall Located at the foot of Xuan Van mountain, about 3km Southeast of the center of Quy Nhon City, Rang Waterfall is a succeeding stone bank, winding along the curve of the mountain channel. The natural aggression and wave corrosion have exposed giant stone blocks to overlap one another, creating strange and lively caves and shapes such as Hon Chon. It also includes many stones randomly fixed to each other, and Da Trung with many natural round smooth stones.

Quang Trung museum 45km from the city Quy Nhon, Quang Trung museum is located in the town Phu Phong (Binh Dinh Province), and is the native land of the three brothers of Tay Son dynasty: Nguyen Nhac, Nguyen Hue and Nguyen Lu.

CHĂ&#x20AC;O VIáť&#x2020;T NAM | 67

Established in 1978 on a campus covering 95,000m2 with ancient and modern architectural style, Quang Trung museum is a cultural space including: museum, Tay Son Threehero temple, statue of the Emperor Quang Trung, Tay Son martial art music performance house, cultural house of Central Highland ethnic groups.

Da Dia reef Da Dia reef is a natural beautiful location with particularly interesting landscapes and unique geology in Vietnam. It is situated in An Ninh Dong Commune, Tuy An District (Phu Yen Province). It is believed that tens of thousands of years ago, lava from volcano eruptions met cold seawater and created intercalated stone column layers with heights of 60 - 80cm from the sea level. The stone surface is like numerous overlapping black discs.

Nha Trang - Khanh Hoa Nha Trang is the capital city of Khanh Hoa Province with all-year moderate climate, and accessible by waterway, roadway, airway, and railway. Nha Trang has many famous landscapes and is one of the biggest sea tourist centers for the whole country with many coastal health resorts. Nha Trang’s location is quite beautiful facing the sea. It is surrounded by 5 mountains. Beaches stretch numerous kilometers and attract millions of tourist each year. Nha Trang bay covers around 500km2 including 19 islands, forming an adjoining island cluster. The biggest island is Hon Tre covering 36km2, which shields the shore and makes Nha Trang’s beaches calm. Nha Trang bay is a home to underwater biodiversity. This place has many beautiful coral reefs that create favorable conditions for diving tourist development. On Nha Trang bay, there are famous hotels and resorts that are managed

CHÀO VIỆT NAM | 68

by world famous groups such as Starwood, Mandara, Six Senses, Hyatt, Marriott, etc. Vinpearl Land: situated on the beautiful Hon Tre island in the middle of the sea with a clean blue beach, Vinpearl Land resort is the leading 5-star resort in the region with a splendid garden, entertainment park and shopping street. It is possible to travel to the island by canoe, sailboat, motorized boat or the longest suspension cable in the Southeast Asia. Nha Phu pond: situated at the foot of Hon Keo, it is one of the two largest ponds in Khanh Hoa and is about 15km from Nha Trang. Nha Phu pond is about 10km long and about 1,500 ha wide. This place has many ideal resorts: Hon Lao, Hon Thi, Hoa Lan spring and Ninh Van resort with wooden houses close to the water edge. Van Phong bay: situated in Van Ninh District, about 60km north of Nha Trang. A sand hill with the length of 18km is located between the mainland and two islands, giving Van Phong bay a splendid landscape. Dai Lanh beach: located in Van Ninh district, by the National Road 1A, about 80km North of Nha Trang, Dai Lanh Beach is like a crystal white sand strip stretching in the shape of crescent moon with green willow ranges. Doc Let: Situated in Ninh Hoa District, about 50km north of Nha Trang, this wonderful beach has smooth white sand banks stretching along the sea of clean blue water for nearly. It is called Doc Let because this place has long spotless sand dunes tens kilometers above the willow row, separating the mainland from the sea. Hon Mun Marine Reserve: located in the South of Nha Trang bay. On the island, there are emerging rock tops with dangerous cliffs creating ebony caves. Every year swallows fly to the caves to make nests. The sea floor of Hon Mun region holds multi-colored coral reefs which are inhabited by many diverse

marine creatures. It is the favorite place of marine creature researchers, oceanographers and tourists. Nha Trang is also known as a city of festivals: Sea festival and the place to hold competitions: Miss Universe 2008, Miss World 2010.

Po Klong Garai tower It is the common name for the most grandiose and beautiful Cham tower cluster in Vietnam located in the Northwest of Phan Rang. Cham tower (Ninh Thuan Province) is about 7km from the city center. Po Klong Garai tower is a complex of three towers: main tower (20.5m high), fire tower (9.31m high), gate tower (8.56m high). The towers worship King Poklong Garai (1151 - 1205) who had many merits in ruling the country.

Ly Son island Mui Ne beach in Phan Thiet

Po Klong Garai Tower was built from the late 13th century to the early 14th century under the guidance of King Che Man. This tower is the climax of architecture and sculpture of Cham people. Every year, Cham people organize Kate Festival in July in Cham calendar, which is the biggest festival in the year for Cham people.

Mui Ne It is the name of a fishing village, 22km Northeast of the city Phan Thiet (Binh Thuan Province) along Nguyen Dinh Chieu road (road 706). Developing from a desolate beach strip with desert like red sand hills, far from traffic roads and only several poor fishing villages, Mui Ne now has hundreds of resorts and hotels. From Phan Thiet city to Mui Ne, there are many relics and famous landscapes for tourists to drop in such as Mui Ne fishing village, Ong Hoang Castle, Mui Ne sand hill, Poshanu tower, Duc Thanh School, Suoi Tien, Hon Rom. Over the past years, the sand hill has become a composition theme for many photographers.

Cua Dai - Hoi An

Da Lat college

Overcoming Lak lake

Da Lat landscape

THE CENTRAL HIGHLANDS The region comprises 5 provinces: Kon Tum, Gia Lai, Dak Lak, Dak Nong and Lam Dong in association with the “development triangle” Vietnam - Laos - Cambodia, with natural area of 54,641.1km2; population 5,460.4 thousand; average population density 100 persons/km2. The tourism characteristics of the region include the culture of ethnic minorities in the “gong cultural space” that has been recognized as the Intangible Cultural Heritage by UNESCO ecological and landscape qualities of the central highland. Main tourist destinations of the region include:

CHÀO VIỆT NAM | 71

By the jar of Tay Nguyen can wine

Ba Na village Ba Na ethnic minority is one of the most populated native ethnic minorities in the Central Highland. They live mostly in Kon Tum province. Visiting Ba Na village, tourists will see square or rectangular stilted houses with sophisticated wooden carved staircases. Ba Na people were the first ethnic minority in the Central Highland to learn to use writing and use buffaloes and oxen to plough fields. Like many other ethnic minorities in the Central Highland, in the middle of the house floor of Ba Na people, there is a cooking fire that is always active; the cooking fire is the living center of the family.

Central Highland funeral house Funeral houses and statues are typical characteristics of the traditional culture in the Central Highlands. The tradition of erecting funeral house and statues is seen only in the Ba Na, Ede, Gia

CHĂ&#x20AC;O VIáť&#x2020;T NAM | 72

Dray Sap Waterfall

rai, Mnong and Xo Dang ethnic minorities. Funeral houses are built over the grave and are the place of the grave-hut removal ceremony. There are many types of funeral houses which often use the 3 colors black, red and white for decoration. Funeral statues are unique sculptures to this land, especially the funeral statues of the Gia rai and Ba Na ethnic minorities. The grave-hut removal ceremony is a ritual that sees the dead off to another world.

To Nung Bien Ho Located in Bien Ho Commune, Pleiku City, Gia Lai, this fresh water lake provides water to the city. It is one of the most beautiful lakes in the Central Highland. To Nung Bien Ho is in a volcano that has been dormant for hundreds of million years. The oval shaped lake has depth of 20 - 30m and area of 230ha. The landscape around the lake is quite spectacular with trees, flowers, endless forests, rolling hills and dugout canoes surfing on the water.

Don Village Don Village is located in Krong Na Commune, Buon Don District, Dak Lak Province, 42km Northwest of Buon Ma Thuot City. This place has endless forests and the grandiose Serepok river. Don Village has been famous not only for the landscape of forests and mountains but also for the wild elephant hunting and taming tradition of the elephant hunter king Amakong. Coming to Don Village, tourists have a chance to ride elephants, climb mountains, cross streams and swim the river. This place also has Yok Don, the Vietnamâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s largest national park that covers 115,500ha with forest ecosystems and where preserves Asian elephants and rare grey brown oxen.

Gong cultural in the Central Highlands of Vietnam

Truc Lam Monastery

Dray Sap waterfall Dray Sap waterfall is the downstream waterfall in the system of three waterfalls Gia Long - Dray Nur - Dray Sap of the Serepok river, Dak Nong Province, 30km South of Buon Ma Thuot City. The waterfall is nearly 20m high but 100m wide. In Ede language, Dray Sap means the smoke waterfall because the water stream falling from a high position creates a misty spray resembling smoke. All year round, the region resounds from waterfall and is flooded in the vaporous water smoke.

Da Lat Da Lat is a healthy city on the mountain in Lam Dong Province with many natural distinctions in terms of climate and landscape. Located at 1,500m above the sea level, Da Lat has fresh and pleasant climate with the low average temperature of 15OC and the high average temperature

Coffee havest season in Dak Lak

Boat racing festival on the Dak Bla river

around 24OC during the normal day. It also has year long sunshine. Da Lat is called the city of spring, flowers and pine forest. Da Lat Flower Festival is organized in December every year. Xuan Huong lake: covers 5,000m, located in the center of Da Lat. The lake has crescent moon shape, surrounded by shaded roads, small flower gardens and romantic cafés. Love Valley: beautiful and romantic, about 5km north of the center of Da Lat, Love Valley is as beautiful and lively with colorful flower gardens, green pine forest and bending basalt roads. Da Lat Railway Station: located 500m East of Xuan Huong lake. The railway connects Da Lat with Cham Tower (Tourcham). It was inaugurated in 1938 and was regarded as the most beautiful

CHÀO VIỆT NAM | 74

railway station in Indochina at that time. The railway covers a length of 84km including 16km of saw-toothed section (Crémailère) was designed by the Swedish. In 1991, the 7km section of railway connecting Trai Mat with Da Lat was restored. Coming to Trai Mat, tourists can visit miraculously changing natural sceneries and enjoy the fresh air of the Central Highlands. Truc Lam monastery: located by Tuyen Lam lake on Phuong Hoang mountain, Da Lat City. The pagoda was created by the superior Buddhist monk Thich Thanh Tu in the early 1990s. The monastery covers 24.5ha and is divided into 3 separate areas. This is the biggest Zen research monastery in Vietnam. Apart from being a big pagoda and a monastery, Truc Lam is also an ideal tourist destination because its beautiful location - viewing Tuyen Lam lake and Voi Mountain.

Tuyen Lam lake in Da Lat

Bi Dup - Nui Ba National Park Located in Lac Duong district (Lam Dong province) , about 25km from Da Lat, Bi Dup - Nui Ba National Park covers 64,800ha, including 50,000ha of primeval forest with pine forests, Fokiena hodginsii L. forests, green cypress forests, Cephalotaxaceae forests and many species of rare and precious animals and plants. Bi Dup - Nui Ba National Park is one of 221 endemic bird centers of the world. Common birds include: shrike, black-necked grackle, spotted dove, francolin, Moorcock, boucal, drong and woodpecker. Among them, there are three species of endemic birds: black-throated laughing, black-headed laughing and yellow sparrow. Two famous mountain tops are Langbian and Bi Dup which like many rivers and waterfalls in the area, are part of national park.

Pongour waterfall, also known as seven-layer waterfall: located in Duc Trong District, Lam Dong Province, 50km from Da Lat City. Pongour waterfall is 30m high, hundreds of meters long and has a wide veranda. Pongour is a famously beautiful waterfall that was regarded by the French as the “most grandiose waterfall in Indochina”. The waterfall is surrounded by the primeval forest covering about 2.5ha a diversity of vegetation cover and many ancient trees and animals. Dambri waterfall: about 18km from the center of Bao Loc town, located in the middle of a secluded and beautiful primeval forest. Dambri waterfall is about 60m high. In the rainy season, upstream water flows violently and it is possible to hear the sound from several kilometers away. The waterfall is surrounded by a nearly untouched forest.

CHÀO VIỆT NAM | 75

Cao Dai holy see in Tay Ninh

Cat Tien National Park

Con Dao

THE SOUTHEAST REGION The region includes Ho Chi Minh City and 5 provinces: Dong Nai, Binh Duong, Ba Ria - Vung Tau, Binh Phuoc and Tay Ninh associated with the Southern key economic zone and Trans-Asia tourist corridor. The region’s natural area is 23,598km2; population 15,459.6 thousand; average population density 655 persons/km2. Unique value of the region is the diversified landscape of the topography transitioning from the central highlands to the lowlands and coastal areas combining ecological and urban regions. Main attractive tourist destinations of the region include: CHÀO VIỆT NAM | 77

Lac Canh â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Dai Nam tourist area

Ba Den mountain

Nam Cat Tien National Park Cat Tien is the name of a the roughly 71,350ha of land located within a winding section of the Dong Nai river through three provinces: Dong Nam, Binh Phuoc and Lam Dong. It is a tropical primeval forest area with many ancient trees such as banaba, red wood as well as unique species of mammals and birds such as the red feather pheasant, ibis, one-horn rhino and elephants. Nam Cat Tien National Park often attracts researchers, archaeologists, explorers and tourists. At the head of Dong Nai river, archaeologists found a relic temple from Phu Nam culture. This is a valuable archaeological work that reveals origin of a forgotten kingdom. In November 2001, Cat Tien was recognized

Nam Cat Tien National Park

as a World Biosphere Reserve by UNESCO.

Dai Nam Paradise Resort Dai Nam Van Hien is the largest recreation and tourist resort in Vietnam covering an area of 450ha. It is located within the town Thu Dau Mot, Binh Duong Province and is about 40km from Ho Chi Minh City. Main attractions include: Dai Nam temple, also known as Kim Dien, famous for gold-inlaid statues, embossment and worshipping items; Bao Son mountain; temples for Mountain God, Farming God, White Tiger God; zoo with many species enlisted in Red Book such as: white lion, white tiger, white rhino, giraffe and zebra. There is also an artificial sea, a water park and a dolphin training center.

International kite festival in Vung Tau

Long Hai beach

Long Hai is a town in Long Dat District, Ba Ria - Vung Tau Province, 25km from Vung Tau City. The town is surrounded by many beautiful beaches stretching along the base of Minh Dam mountain. It is isolated, and an ideal location to relax and sunbathe. In the middle of the beaches Huong Bien and Hang Duong, lies Dinh Co temple. During the Dinh Co festival (lunar 12 February), people pilgrimage to this place to wish for peaceful travels at sea and great seafood.

Binh Chau - Ho Coc Ecological Resort Binh Chau - Ho Coc Ecological Resort (Xuyen Moc District, Ba Ria - Vung Tau Province) is located amid endless primeval forests. Its main attraction is the hot water spring with more than 70 open spray points, forming a stream and lake system that always radiates heat at temperatures from 37OC to 82OC. The water vein under this endemic cajuput forest contains high content of silicon, nitrogen, sulfur, natrium and chloride that are

used to treat many diseases and said to be good for your health. Beside Binh Chau primeval forest, there is Ho Coc Sea with its long gentle sloping sand bank. Binh Chau together with Vam Sat mangrove forest (Ho Chi Minh City) was recognized as two of 65 “most sustainable ecological resorts in the world” by the World Tourism Organization (UNWTO).

Bau Lach grass field Fifteen km from the town Duc Phong (Bu Dang District) lies this 500ha grassland amid the endless forests and mountains. Twenty connected fields of grass make up the whole area with many white streaming waterfalls standing out amid the ancient tree forests. The widest and most beautiful grass field with nearly 140ha is called the Great Grass Field. It is vast laden with water ponds amid open space, making it suitable for camping, walking, parachute jumping and hunting. Water lakes and grass fields are located in the middle of a restricted forest, thus

CHÀO VIỆT NAM | 79

Cat Tien National Park

there are no residents but many wild birds and storks. The grass fields are surrounded by the villages of the M’Nong, Xtieng and Ma ethnic minorities.

Vung Tau Vung Tau is a big tourist center located in Ba Ria - Vung Tau Province. Vung Tau’s attractiveness as a tourist spot derives from the harmonious combination of the sea with mountains and urban architecture. It also has many cultural works such as monuments, pagodas. Vung Tau has no winter, thus resorts can operate all the year round. There are 7 seaside resorts close to the city each resort has its own beauty such as Sau resort (Thuy Van), Truoc Resort (Tam Duong), Dau Resort (Phuong Thao), Dua Resort (Huong Phong), Hang Bang Resort (or Lang Du Resort), Vong Nguyet Resort (or O Quan). Vung Tau also has many sites and scenic spots such as Hai Dang on Nho Mountain and Lon Mountain, Bach Dinh, Niet Ban Tinh Xa, Thich Ca Phat Dai, Long Son Great House.

CHÀO VIỆT NAM | 80

Con Dao Located in Ba Ria - Vung Tau Province, 180km along the sea road from the city Vung Tau, there is an archipelago. The archipelago includes 14 islands with beautiful terrain, a diversity of natural resources, beautiful landscapes, beaches, the historic Con Dao and the famous Hang Duong cemetery. The biggest island is Con Son with the center being the town Con Dao located between Co Ong Airport and Ben Dam port. The town Con Dao has many residents, health resorts and administrative units of Con Dao District. Nowadays, Con Dao is regarded as a paradise for those who are interested in learning about history, and experiencing nature in a land that continues to have new findings on the sea biodiversity of Vietnam.

Ba Den mountain Ba Den (Tay Ninh Province) is the highest mountain in the Southeast region (986m). Coming here,

Con Dao beach

Nghinh Phong in Vung Tau

tourists are free to watch the romantic scenery of the mountain and the center of the town Tay Ninh suspension cable system. Enjoy the trip as you ride from the top to the base of the mountain. On Ba Den Mountain, there are cultural, religious and revolutionary sites such as Ba temple, pagodas, Thanh Long cave, Huyen Mon cave, Kim Quang cave, Gio cave, To Tower. Go and learn more about the legend of Ba Den mountain.

Cao Dai holy see Cao Dai holy see is 4km Southeast of Tay Ninh. Cao Dai holy see is a famous art architectural work built in 1926. The holy see is located in a campus of about 1km2. Standing out in the architectural complex is Thanh Temple with typical features of a temple for the Cao Dai religion. The work shows a harmonious combination between Oriental and Western architectural fine arts with sophisticated domes and patterns.

Buu Long tourist area in Dong Nai Cao Dai holy see in Tay Ninh

HO CHI MINH CITY Ho Chi Minh City is the largest economic hub of Vietnam and an important gateway connecting Vietnam to the world; natural area is 2,095.6km2, population 7,818.2 thousand, average population density 373 persons/km2. Ho Chi Minh City is the largest urban area in Vietnam through its dynamic economic growth, modern structures, large commercial and department stores and recreational areasâ&#x20AC;Ś Serving as an international gateway and a developed city, Ho Chi Minh City is determined to be a crucial tourist hub (up to 70% of foreign tourists to Vietnam visit Ho Chi Minh City). Ho Chi Minh Cityâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s tourism is characterized by the cityâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s history, urban services on the basis of a dynamic economic center in combination with landscape and ecological values.

Saigon by night

Ho Chi Minh City at night

Ben Thanh market.

ral

Notre Dame Cathed

Ben Thanh market

Notre Dame Cathedral

Ben Thanh market: situated at the heart of District 1, it built from 1912 to March 1914. In 1985, Ho Chi Minh People’s Committee conducted a great restoration and refurbishment of Ben Thanh market, yet its original architecture with the clock tower remained intact. The market usually serves as an iconic symbol of the city.

Notre Dame Cathedral: built by the French colonial authorities, it was inaugurated on April 11, 1880 in the Parisian Commune Square, District 1. The cathedral offers fine views from every angle with its Noveau-Roman architecture mixed with Gothic influences as designed by architect J. Bourad. Construction materials and ornaments were all transported from France. This solemn and divine cathedral is an architectural masterpiece of Saigon.

Grand market Grand market: a huge residence including District 5, District 10 and parts of Districts 11 and 6. Chinese densely populate this area, resulting in many Chinese restaurants, herbal stores, pagodas and Assembly houses such as Ba pagoda and Minh Huong pagoda…

Vinh Nghiem pagoda Vinh Nghiem pagoda: commenced in 1964 and finished in 1971. The pagoda is named after the Buddhist school Vinh Nghiem (in Ly dynasty

CHÀO VIỆT NAM | 85

Notre Dame Cathedral

in Bac Giang), one of the birthplaces of the Three Divines Zen school. Inspired by the ancient northern pagoda, yet constructed using modern materials. This is a typical structure of 20th century Vietnamese Buddhism and also the largest Mahayana pagoda in the city.

War Remnants Museum War Remnants Museum: located at No.28, Vo Van Tan Str., Dist. 3, the War Remnants Museumwas founded in September 1975 and previously known as the Exhibition Hall of the US and Allies’ War Crimes. The museum offers some war artifacts such as aircrafts, cannon, tanks, guillotines and two jail cells in the actual proportion of those in Con Dao prison. There are exclusive halls focusing on the Southwestern Frontier War, Northern Border Protection War, Spratly Islands Issues. The outside of the museum features pavilions of Vietnam’s ethnic

CHÀO VIỆT NAM | 86

cultures and water puppet houses that appeal to large numbers of foreign tourists.

Reunification Palace Reunification Palace: on its foundation once lay a structure called Norodom Palace that was built in 1873. In 1975, the President of the Puppet Government, Ngo Dinh Diem chose the building as the Presidential Palace. In late 1962 the palace was reconstructed and renamed the Independence Palace. It comprises 5 stories with 100 rooms, each of which is characterized by distinctive decorative styles. The floor area is 4,500km2 on a total land area of 120,000km2. On April 30, 1975, tanks of the Liberation Army penetrated the Independence Palace to mark the end of the Saigon Puppet Government.

Vinh Nghiem pagoda

A corner of Ho Chi Minh city

After unification, the palace became the headquarters of the Cityâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Takeover Army Committee. In December 1975 there was the Consultation Conference of Unification and the building was renamed the Reunification Palace.

Botanical Garden Botanical Garden: commenced in March 1864 and finished in 1865 on an area of 12ha, it features rare species of plants and animals from all over the world. Many nearly extinct animals are also seen here, earning it the name The Zoo. In late 1865, The Zoo was extended to 20ha. Nowadays the Saigon Botanical Garden has an abundant collection of floras and faunas. Many animals unfamiliar to Vietnamese people are here such as hippos, pygmy hippo, South American cheetah, African ostriches, flamingos, orangutans or giraffes and moreâ&#x20AC;Ś Saigon Botanical Garden has forged ties with many

Reunification Palace

Dam Sen park

other international organizations including the Southeast Asian Zoo Association (SEAZA), International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUNC) and International Zoo Education Association (IZEA)…

Suoi Tien Recreational Complex In Thu Duc district, Suoi Tien Recreational Complex covers 20ha and serves as a commonplace for the weekend leisure of Ho Chi Minh City People. Suoi Tien was inspired by folk legends and divided into four places of sacred beasts: dragon, unicorn, turtle and phoenix. The giant dragon measures 400m. The underground aquarium features over 500 marine species full of lively colors along with reenactments of Vietnamese history. Suoi Tien complex is also famous for modern activities for dynamic young people such as an artificial ocean, waterfall and 4D cinema…

Vam Sat - Can Gio Eco Tourist Site 50km away from Ho Chi Minh CHÀO VIỆT NAM | 88

Nguyen Hue Flower Street in Spring

City, the Can Gio Natural Reserve of Mangroves is one of the typical reserves of the tropical coastal region lying on an area of over 75,000ha. This was the first mangrove forest to be acknowledged as a World Biological Reserve by the UNESCO in Vietnam. Vam Sat is an eco tourist site in the best position of Can Gio mangrove, covering about 2000ha in Ly Nhon commune and surrounded by four rivers: Dinh Ba, Lo Ren, Goc Tre and Vam Sat. There is a natural bird yard of over 100ha with rare water bird species. The Bat Marsh here also boasts 100 black flying foxes and a natural reserve of wild animals. Along with Binh Chau Hot Spring, Vam Sat was registered by the World Tourism Organization (WTO) as the World’s Most Sustainable Eco Tourist Site. Reaching Vam Sat, visitors should go through two wharfs Binh Khanh and Dan Xay. Roads are good. Sites: Can Gio forests, alligator camp, islands with monkeys, pythons,

Central Post Office in Ho Chi Minh City

snakes, birds and iguanas…, Sac Military Forest with interlacing tree roots that were once the shelter of anti-US guerillas, Can Gio market, April 30 beach, etc.

Cu Chi tunnels In Phu My Hung Commune, Cu Chi is 70 Northwest of Ho Chi Minh City’s center. Cu Chi tunnels are a revolutionary vestige with 250km of twisted underground tunnels with various floors and lanes combined to create a labyrinth of sheltering. The tunnels served as places for accommodation, meetings and fighting. The digging of these secret tunnels began during the Resistances against France (1948), but were only 17km at the time. After 1960, the system continued being reinforced and extended to 250km. Cu Chi tunnels have three floors; the greatest depth is 8 to 10m. Cu Chi is dubbed the “Home of Tunnel War” and has been awarded the title The Invincible Fortress. This historical site is also a tourist magnet that attracts thousands of foreign and domestic visitors per day.

Cu Chi tunnels

Suoi Tien recreational complex

Ca Mau landscape

Thap Muoi lotuses

Tourists visit cajuput

forest

THE MEKONG DELTA REGION This region includes the Can Tho City and 12 provinces: Long An, Dong Thap, An Giang, Kien Giang, Ca Mau, Bac Lieu, Soc Trang, Ben Tre, Tra Vinh, Vinh Long, Tien Giang and Hau Giang associated with Greater Mekong Sub-region with natural area of 40,553.1km2, population of 17,478.9 thousand people and average population density of 431 persons/km2. The regions is characteristics for the delta river ecological landscape combining ecological attributes of coastal area with traditional community life activities and culture of Kho Me ethnic minority. Main attractive tourist destinations of the region include:

CHĂ&#x20AC;O VIáť&#x2020;T NAM | 91

U Minh Ha National Park

Lang Sen Lang Sen salt-marsh natural reserve is located in Tan Hung District, Long An Province, and is sponsored by the Global Environmental Fund (GEF), UN Development Program (UNDP), International Union of Conservation of Nature (IUCN) and Mekong Wetlands Biodiversity Program (MWBP). This was selected as one of the two regions for intelligent biodiversity preservation in Mekong Sub-region. In Lang Sen, there is a diversity of plants and animals including hundreds of species, especially sarus cranes.

Tram Chim National Park Tram Chim National Park is located in Tam Nong Province, Dong Thap Province, covering 7,588ha. This is a wetland with a diversified and abundant biological system. It is home to many species of plants, nearly 200 species of wet birds, about one quarter of the species of birds in Vietnam, and includes many rare species of birds in the world. The most typical and known specie of bird is sarus crane. Coming here, tourists have chance to see sarus

CHĂ&#x20AC;O VIáť&#x2020;T NAM | 92

cranes - one of 15 species of cranes existing in the world on the brink of extinction. The cranes can be over are over 1.7m high with glossy grey feathers, red heads and wide wings.

Xeo Quyt Xeo Quyt base, which is over 30km from the town Cao Lanh, Dong Thap Province, is a cajuput forest covering more than 20ha. In the resistance war against American imperialists, this was the base of the Provincial Party Committee Agency (from the end of 1960 - 1975). Nowadays, it has been restored by Dong Thap Province as a resort. The ecological environment is quite diversified with hundreds of species of wild animals including the Indian python, ptyas mucosus, cuora trifasciata, etc. that are enlisted in the Vietnam Red Book. Therefore, Xeo Quyt is often called the miniature Dong Thap Muoi.

Chau Doc Close to the Vietnam - Cambodia border, Chau Doc town is near Hau River, in An Giang, about 245km west of Ho Chi Minh City. Chau Doc has Ba Chua Xu Nui Sam temple

Doi pagoda

(Ba Chua Xu Festival is organized in lunar April every year). Chau Doc is the place where tourists can study the culture of Cham and Khmer ethnic minorities and Holy Sees of Cham ethnic minority. Relics and beauty spots in Chau Doc include: Sam Mountain, Ba Chua Xu temple, Tay An pagoda and Thoai Ngoc Hau mausoleum. Ba Chua Xu temple: established in 1820 with the architecture of “quoc” letter. The temple holds a statue made of blue stone named Lady of the Realm. Ba Chua Xu Festival is organized every year on the ending days of lunar April. Tens of thousands of people rush to this temple to attend the Lady of the Realm statue ceremony, and partake in the ceremonies.. Tay An Pagoda: located at the food of Sam Mountain, also known as Tay An co tu, is 5km from Chau Doc. Tay An pagoda and Sam mountain (284m high) is a beautiful tourist spot. Tay An pagoda was constructed with influence from

Indian and Islamic art, combined with ancient pagoda architecture of Vietnamese Buddhist. Thoai Ngoc Hau mausoleum: located in the Sam mountain relic site, and built in 1820. This mausoleum is also the place to worship Thoai Ngoc Hau - who was instrumental in reclaiming the southern land, defending the national border and the works left for the next generations such as Thoai Ha trench (nearly 32km long) and Vinh Te canal (extending from Chau Doc to Ha Tien about 90km long).

Tra Su cajuput forest Tra Su cajuput forest is located in Tinh Bien District, An Giang Province. This is a wetland cajuput wetland and abundant animal and plant system. Tra Su is characterized for the beauty during flooding season in An Giang. Tra Su cajuput forest is 845ha in the core area and 643ha in the buffer area, 10km from Cambodia border

CHÀO VIỆT NAM | 93

Chau Doc fish village in An Giang

and located on the tourist route which connects Cam mountain, Sam mountain and Tuc Dup resorts. It is best to visit Tra Su in the flooding season when the water covers most of the forest creating unforgettable beautiful sceneries.

Ha Tien beauty location Ha Tien is a northwestern border town of Kien Giang Province, about 90km from the town Rach Gia by road. Ha Tien was founded nearly 300 years ago with close association with the Mac family. Ha Tien is home to many beautiful and untouched natural areas. Sites include deep and thrilling caves, rock islands on the sea, rivers, lakes, pagodas, mausoleums and many beautiful seaside resorts.

Phu Quoc Phu Quoc is located in the Gulf of Thailand in Phu Quoc District, Kien Giang Province. Duong Dong Township, is the district seat of the island, 120km from the town Rach Gia. The area includes 22 islands in which Phu Quoc is the biggest with

CHÀO VIỆT NAM | 94

Collecting sung flowers in Dong Thap

area of about 590km2, length of 50km and the widest part (in the North) of 25km. Phu Quoc has mountains, lowlands and natural forest covering 37,000ha with many precious kinds of wood and birds. Phu Quoc is called Pearl Island because of the natural richness and ecological diversity, tourist potential, strange land with primeval forests, Dau waterfall, Tram Trench, and Vem Trench. It holds many many beautiful seaside resorts such as the Truong and Kem resorts. The specialty of the island is Phu Quoc fish sauce and pepper. In 2006, the coast and Kien Giang Island (including Phu Quoc) was recognized as a world biosphere.

Ngoc Hien Bird Sanctuary in Ca Mau cape land Ca Mau is at the extreme southern tip of the country. Every year, nearly 100m of land is lost to rising sea levels. Ca Mau Cape Land National Park is the the last landmark of Vietnam’s southern inland, with total area of 41,862ha - a natural mangrove forest with mangrove, avicennia germinans. Natural mangrove forests are along

Tram Chim National Park

the coastline and the riverbank acts like protective walls to prevent wind and erosion. Ngoc Hien bird sanctuary is located in Ngoc Hien District, Ca Mau Province and covers 130ha. It is one of the biggest natural bird sanctuaries in the country. Ngoc Hien bird sanctuary has the Bay Hap river intertwined with a canal system. It also has abundant all-year fresh vegetation cover, which is the natural environment and shelter for the birds.

Doi pagoda Located at No. 73B Le Hong Phong Street, in the town of Soc Trang, Soc Trang Province, Doi pagoda is also known as Ma Toc or Mahatuc pagoda. The pagoda was built in the 16th century and restored many times with the traditional architectural style of Khmer. The pagoda campus is wide and home to tens of thousands of bats and crows. The bats never eat the fruits of the pagoda where they are sheltered.

Sa Dec in spring

Cai Mon fruit garden Located in Vinh Thanh commune, Cho Lach District, Ben Tre Province, this fruit garden has ripening fruits all the year round. Every year, Cai Mon craft village provides the market with many seedlings such as durian, mangosteen, sweet mango, longan, langsat and segmented fruits. Cai Mon is also the provides decorative plants in beautiful shapes of deers, dragons and phoenixes. Its products are sold in great quantity in Ho Chi Minh City and Bien Hoa as well as exported to the countries in Southeast Asia.

Harvest the thot not trees

Bull racing festival in Bay Nui â&#x20AC;&#x201C; An Giang

Group of 4 supernatural creature islands Located in the middle of Tien river, within Tien Giang and Ben Tre Provinces, are 4 islands: Long (dragon), Lan (unicorn) (also known as Thoi Son - Tien Giang Province), Qui (tortoise), and Phung (phoenix) (Dao Dua dune - Ben Tre province). Lan Island and Phung Island are the biggest and the most popular. Coming here, tourists can go by motorboat on Tien river and row boat in the canals to visit handicraft facilities. Alternatively tourists can orgo by horse-drawn carriage to visit fruit gardens, stop at the coconut leaf-roofed houses, sit on

Floating market

Vinh Long pottery village

bamboo chairs drinking tea mixed with bee honey mandarin, eat tropical hick fruits, listen to amateur music and study the life activities of the people.

An Binh and Binh Hoa Phuoc island Floating amid Tien river, opposite to the town Vinh Long, Vinh Long Province, the island includes 4 communes: An Binh, Binh Hoa Phuoc, Hoa Ninh and Dong Phu, in Long Ho District. The island covers around 60km2 with fertile land. The locals grow many fruit trees such as rambutant, mango, longan, durian and sapoche. Tourists to the island often visit families to see the Bonsai

At the end of Thoi Son island, many motorized boats are willing to take tourists to discover small trenches situated quite far in the coconut groves, and see typical houses amid numerous fruit gardens among the two sides of the trench.

Cai Rang floating market

Eco-tourism

garden with hundreds of decorative plants such as: yellow apricot, wrightia religiosa, and also to visit the fruit garden and osphronemus goramy pond.

Thoi Son dune - Hick ecological tourism Thoi Son island (Chau Thanh District, Tien Giang Province) covers nearly 660ha with fertile soil for such fruits as mandarin, longan, jackfruit, mango and star apple. Tourists can freely walk freely at Thoi Son island to visit handmade milk rice cake and coconut candy bake houses; try the products and buy them as souvenirs. Tourists also have the chance to enjoy tasteful bee honey or pollen wine, relax in the countryside setting and listen to live music in the local garden. Recently, there have been many new tours such as fishing or staying overnight on the dune.

Located in Cai Rang District, Can Tho City, it is one of the famous river markets in the southwestern region. Although the present road traffic system has developed, the floating market still exists and gets busier. The market often opens from dawn to 8 or 9 am. The market usually sells fruits, agricultural and forest products of the region. To show what kind of goods are being sold, sellers often plant a pole on top of their boat with a sample of their goods. This cultural characteristic is only seen in the Mekong River Delta.

Phung Hiep floating market Located in the town Phung Hiep, Hau Giang Province, the market opens at Phung Hiepâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s seven-corner conjunction. At this point, the river is vast and is pointed in 7 directions with boats and crowds. Formulated in 1915, Phung Hiep floating market is regarded as the biggest wholesale and retail market in the region. What can be seen in inland market also can be found in this floating market. From needlework to clothes, food, alcohol and meats, innumerable fruits this market has everything. For people looking for unusual meats, Phung Hiep market also has snakes, tortoises, birds, squirrels and varan all the year round.

CHĂ&#x20AC;O VIáť&#x2020;T NAM | 97

Climbing mountains

THE DIVERSITY OF VIETNAM THROUGH TOURIST SERVICES • • • • • • • • •

Sea and Island Tourism Cruise Tourism Cultural Heritage Tourism Eco Tourism Traditional Festivals Handicraft Village Tourism MICE Tourism Adventure and Sport Tourism Agriculture Tourism

SEA AND ISLAND TOURISM Vietnam is supposed to be the next paradise of sea tourism. The over 3,200km coastlines running along the country makes a proportion of 100km2 of mainland/1km of coastline (the world average is 600km2/1km of coastline). Besides, Vietnam 3,000 islands of various sizes, white sandy beaches and crystal blue sea water also greatly facilitate the prospect of Vietnam’s sea tourism. Apart from renowned beaches such as Cat Ba, Sam Son, Lang Co, Non Nuoc, Nha Trang, Mui Ne, Vung Tau, Phu Quoc, etc, Vietnam also boasts many bays among the world’s best bays such as Ha Long, Lang Co or Nha Trang that hide underneath majestic coral reefs. The marine ecology in islands and seashores is also appealing in Bai Tu Long, Cat Ba, Cu Lao islands, Con Dao, Phu Quoc as blessed with typical floras and faunas suitable for tourist development. Coastal regions are also home to many world heritages from Ha Long bay, Phong Nha - Ke Bang National Park, Hue citadel complex with the court music to Hoi An’s old town and My Son monastery. This proves ideal to combine sea tourism with trips to world heritages. Furthermore, the basic infrastructure for coastal tourism has rapidly evolved, thus bringing a new breeze to the whole sector. In recent years, coastal regions in Vietnam attract about 70% of foreign tourists and over 50% of domestic tourists, contributing make up 70% of total the revenues from tourism. Many large cruise ship brands have carried visitors to Vietnam to discover the country’s sea territories

such as Star Cruise, Royal Caribbean, Silversea Cruises and Discovery Cruise Lines... Annually, many provinces and cities come forward to host sea tourist festivals from Carnival Ha Long, Nha Trang - the August Rendezvous to Lang Co the Sea Legend… These hold the gaze of both foreign and domestic visitors. As pointed out in the Marine Strategy, Vietnam is aiming for a share of 53 – 55% of GDP from the marine economy by 2020. Sea tourism will serve as the fourth spearheading industry to make up 14% to 15% of the total marine economy nationwide. The Vietnam Tourism Development Strategy by 2020 and Vision to 2030 indicated: “Continue to focus on tourist services and products that can generate strong added values in the whole country and each location; switching priority to developing sea- and island-related tourism; emphasizing unique cultural and ecological elements in tourist products; developing high quality sea resorts and cementing national brands to equally compete in the region and the world over”. By 2020, Vietnam is expected to rank alongside the most developed regional countries in sea tourism (Thailand, Malaysia and Indonesia). To produce a truly recognizable sea image, five internationally and regionally competitive sea resorts should be heavily invested in the future, including Ha Long - Cat Ba, Lang Co - Son Tra - Hoi An, Nha Trang - Cam Ranh, Phan Thiet - Mui Ne and Phu Quoc.

CHÀO VIỆT NAM | 99

CRUISE TOURISM Vietnam has been evaluated as having huge potential to develop cruise tourism. The mainland territory is demarcated by the over 3200km coastlines in three directions: East, West and Southwest. There are 14 deep water ports, hundreds of bays and unspoiled and beautiful beaches. Supported by long standing cultural traditions, richness in heritages, famously open and friendly locals and increasingly offering more services, Vietnam can emerge as a cruise tourist hub in the region in which Phu My port is the most favored location. In 2010 and 2011, the number of cruise tourists to Vietnam witnessed a big leap compared to previous years. However, their main purpose in Vietnam was transit to continue heading for other countries, thus resulting in short stays in Vietnam’s ports. The average duration was 2 to 3 days in one or two ports with a stay of 8 to 24 hours. Cruise tourism focuses on visits to the port city where the ports are situated, world heritages in the Central Region, Ha Long bay,

the Mekong Delta or traditional craft villages. They also go in combination with live shows of Vietnamese folk music, water puppet performances, artistic exhibitions, cultural exchanges, etc. The top tourist agencies in Vietnam that are implementing cruise tourism include Saigontourist and Tan Hong… Vietnam’s tourist sector has selected marine tourism as one of the five spearheading industries to develop the marine economy in upcoming years. In the General Planning of Vietnam Tourism Development by 2020 and Vision to 2030, seas tourism is noted to be the top priority with highly competitive sea resort complexes to be built in the regions Ha Long - Cat Ba, Lang Co - Son Tra - Hoi An, Nha Trang Cam Ranh, Phan Thiet - Mui Ne and Phu Quoc Resort Area. Vietnam’s tourist sector is committed to taking advantage of sea tourism and facilitating cruise tourism to rapidly evolve in the future to achieve the goal of 1 million cruise tourists by 2015.

Boat cruise on Ha Long bay

CULTURAL HERITAGE TOURISM Vietnam’s territory, made up of mountainous and hilly regions, alluvial plains and beautiful turquoise coast, brings out diverse zones each having its own unique features. Vietnam’s natural and cultural diversity has the potential of yielding lucrative results when it comes to tourism. The diversity of numerous cultural heritage tourism attractions underlines Vietnam as one of the most famous tourist destinations in Southeast Asia. According to Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism, Vietnam has more than 3,000 national places of heritage and over 5,000 provincial level relics. The kaleidoscope of Vietnam’s world-renowned natural and historical sites attracts an increasing number of visitors from the international community. In addition to Vietnam’s famous UNESCO World Heritage Sites, historical and cultural monuments such as the memorial of President Ho Chi Minh, and the Temple of Literature attract many tourists. Moreover, tourists who come to Vietnam are astonished by local artistic heritages which appear in traditional festivals, tourism events, and traditional forms

of arts including: water puppetry, classical drama, traditional operetta and reformed theatre. The National Tourism Year 2015 entitled “Thanh Hoa Networking World Heritages” celebrates numerous cultural events with an aim to promote tourism in Vietnam. Tour operators offer tourists cultural heritage tours to various popular beautiful landscapes in Vietnam. For example, going to Ha Long bay, tourists can not only enjoy the stunning scenes and serene of the bay but also visit fishing villages like Vung Vieng, Cua Van to explore the simple daily life of local dwellers. Tourists can travel out of Hanoi and flock to Con Son - Kiep Bac the home of numerous historical relics associated with the life of many Vietnamese heroes and famous persons. Tour Kiep Bac - Ha Long - Yen Tu brings you on a journey to discover wonderful picturesque landscapes made up of towering mountains, crystal clear water white sandy beaches and dense forests. Tourists are able to take part in cultural heritage tours according to their own expectations. Here tour enterprises provide customizable tours appropriate for every customer. To experience the most in Vietnam it is highly recommended to travel with a tour guide on a private tour. Festival in Spring

Spring calligraphy

ECO TOURISM Generously endowed with diverse terrains from high mountains to coastal platforms and offshore islands, Vietnam is without a doubt a timeless charm to tourists. In particular the country boasts a high biodiversity with hundreds of endangered animal species in need of special protection. The various communities throughout the country with their unique customs, strong cultural identities and a rich treasures of native wisdom passed on to many generations greatly contribute to the curiosity and yearning for discovery in each tourist. This lays a firm foundation for the blooming of attractive eco tourist services. Currently, Vietnam has 8 natural reserves registered by UNESCO, 3 marine reserves and 164 forests of special use, of which 30 are national forests, 69 are natural preservation forests, 45 landscape forests and 20 forests are used for scientific research. Along with the initial preservation purpose, national parks and reserves have served as a new tourist hub for nature lovers. Nowadays, eco tourism in Vietnam is quite developed and favored by many tourists. In some provinces in the Mekong Delta, eco tours to tropical gardens are on the rise. Here visitors can experience a memorable trip riding boats through canals to go fishing, visit fruit gardens and bird yards and stay with the locals…

CHÀO VIỆT NAM | 102

In the Central coastal regions, eco tours are always associated with the theme of oceans and islands. Some separate tours are currently offered such as visits to discover an island’s ecology or sea diving to explore colorful coral reefs. In the Central Highlands, the discovery of dipterocarp trees unique to this basalt land and peculiar cultural identity in association with lavish bronze gongs feast of ethnic communities are always are huge attractions for eco tours. In the North, eco tours are fueled by the appeal of national parks and ethnic minorities in remote mountainous regions. Eco tours to discover areas such as Fansipan peak, Ba Be lake and Moc Chau Plateau… are great destinations. In particular, Ha Long and Cat Ba’s reputation as a World Natural Heritages draws large numbers of tourists on ecotours. In Cat Ba, already registered a World Bio Reserve, eco activities are strongly encouraged and oriented in a comprehensive strategy for the sustainable development of the coastal and island regions famous for their incredible biodiversity. In addition, eco tourism in Vietnam is regarded as a type of socially responsible and environmentally friendly tourism. In the long term national development strategy, eco tourism is determined to be a sustainable smokeless industry.

Le Mat village festival in Hanoi

TRADITIONAL FESTIVALS Vietnam has long been renowned for its extensive history and multi ethnically prosperous culture. There are about 500 traditional festivals and events held in Vietnam throughout a year. The Vietnamese pay homage to ancestral customs and traditions as well as their loyal religious beliefs through traditional festivals and events. Such special occasions are deeply embedded in the mind of every Vietnamese citizen, regardless of their origination.

Lunar New Year Tet - Vietnamese and Chinese Lunar New Year, is the most important festival for Vietnamese. It’s most exciting festival of the year and is generally held in late January

or early February depending on the lunar calendar. It is also the time for family reunions, and paying respect to ancestors and the elders. When spring comes, Vietnamese, wherever they may be, are all excited with the advent of Tet Festival. They feel a strong nostalgia and wish to return to their homeland for a family reunion and enjoy the unforgettable taste of Tet traditional foods.

Huong Pagoda Festival Huong Pagoda Festival is undoubtedly the most famous Buddhist pilgrimage site in Northern Vietnam. Every spring year when the numerous beautiful white apricot flowers bloom , hundreds of thousands of pilgrims travel to this

CHÀO VIỆT NAM | 103

Thai Vi temple festival in Ninh Binh

sacred cave to pray for happiness and prosperity in the coming year. Huong Pagoda Festival held on My Duc District, Hanoi, lasts from the 6th day of the 1st month to the end of the 3rd month of the lunar calendar.

Lim Festival The Lim Festival takes place every year on 13th day of the 1st lunar month in three communes: Noi Due, Lien Bao and Lim. Lim hill in the village Lim is the centre of the festival. The Lim Festival is regarded as a special cultural activity in the north. “quan ho” folk song, noted as a World Intangible Cultural Heritage by UNESCO, plays an especially prominent role and holds a unique place in both local and national cultures.

Hung Temple Festival Since 2007, King Hung’s anniversary has been a National Festival. Hung Temple Festival is held annually on the 10th of the third lunar month to worship the Hung Kings, who

CHÀO VIỆT NAM | 104

were instrumental in founding our nation. The festival is also a time for Vietnamese to honor the legend of Lac Long Quan and Au Co. Hung temple is a scared historical and culturally rich site with many activities such as: the lion dance, xoan singing, chung cake, giay cake wrapping contests and so forth.

Yen Tu Festival Located in the Yen Tu mountains, Thuong Yen Cong Commune, Uong Bi District, Quang Ninh Province, Yen Tu Festival commences annually on the 10th day of the first lunar month and lasts three lunar months. Yen Tu was home to the Buddhist meditation center of the ancient kingdom Dai Viet. The Truc Lam Zen Monastery was founded here seven centuries ago by the King Tran Nhan Tong. Every year, tens of thousands of pilgrims begin their journey after a solemn ritual held at the base of Yen Tu mountain and travel across dense forests to the Bronze pagoda atop the mountain.

Kinh Dinh - Le temple festival

Giong temple festival

Upon reaching the top visitors feel a sense like entering Nirvana.

Giong Festival Every year the village Phu Dong hosts the Giong Festival registered by UNESCO as a World Intangible Heritage. Giong Festival is among the most age - old festivals which brings together the traditions of love for the motherland and the preservation of the cultural heritage. It is held from the 6th to 12th day of the 4th lunar month in Phu Dong Commune, Gia Lam District, Ha Noi. The date acommemorates the legendary hero of Giong who sacrificed his life to fight against An invaders. The people proclaimed him Saint Giong or Phu Dong Thien Vuong. The Giong Festival expresses the everlasting fighting spirit and prayers for peace of the Vietnamese.

Long Tong Festival Long Tong festival is marked as the most scared festival of the Tay and Nung ethnic groups.

Every year the festival occurs during the 1 st lunar month. Local dwellers pay tribute to the deities and pray for favorable weather conditions and an abundant harvest. The main activity involves a farmer plowing fields with a buffalo to mark the beginning of the harvest.

Nem con Festival Nem con is one of the most distinctive and exciting games many ethnic minorities in the Northern Highlands. Nem con is often played in an open space with a 2-30 meters tall bamboo pole in the center. There is a red paper hoop at the top of the bamboo. Two teams of boys and girls take turns throwing the ball at the hoop while happily singing. The winning team is the one who throws the ball through the hoop the most. Every successful throw is met with rousing cheers.

CHĂ&#x20AC;O VIáť&#x2020;T NAM | 105

Phu Day festival

Nui Ba Festival Ba mountain better known as Ms. Den mountain is home to one of the most scared festivals. It commemorates the legend of Ms. Den, the devout daughter of a guard officer of the Mien ethnic minority group who remained a nun at the monastery at Ba mountain her whole life. Ms. Den was honored as Linh Son Thanh Mau (The Saint of Linh Son). The festival is held annually from the 4th to 6th day of the 5th lunar month.

Kate Festival The Kate festival is the most important festival of the Cham ethnic group who inhabit the An Phuoc District of Ninh Thuan Province. Every year the Kate festival starts on the 1st day of the 7th month of the Cham Calendar (in correspondence with September or October of the solar calendar). During the festival, the Cham people always relate mythical life stories of the creator of the universe and burn incense in commemoration of heroic martyrs.

CHÀO VIỆT NAM | 106

Ooc Om Bok Festival and Ghe Ngo Festival Ooc Om Bok and Ghe Ngo festivals are Khmer people’s annual events held on 14th and 15th of October following lunar calendar. Ooc Om Bok festival: The Oc Om Bok festival is characterized as a religious festival to worship the moon god of the Khmers. Here local dwellers say thanks to the Moon God for rich crops and favorable weather conditions that will bring health and happiness. When the full moon appears on the night of the 14th day of the 10th lunar month, Khmers worship the Moon God by preparing a feast consisting of green rice flakes, ripe bananas, freshly peeled coconuts, mangoes and other foods in front of pagodas or in their houses.

Ghe Ngo Festival The Ghe Ngo festival is held after the first day of Ooc Om Bok festival with groups of young strong men taking part in the Nge

Ha Long Carnaval

Ngo boat race on Maspero River in Soc Trang Province.

Kiep Bac temple festival

Traditional festival in Nam Tri village (Hung Yen)

Elephant Race Festival Elephant Race Festival, the biggest festival of the Central Highlands of Vietnam, opens around the 3rd month of the lunar calendar. It honors the martial spirit of the Mâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;nong ethnic group in Buon Me Thuot, who are admired for their bravery and excellent skills for hunting wild elephant. All elephants and mahout riders go to the starting line and with the signal of a horn, begin the race on the 400 - 500 meter track. The racing elephants, wild sounds of drums and gongs, and cheering crowd make the race one of the most exciting environments. Vietnamâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s diversity of festivals and events, celebrate the rich history and culture of the country. They make for great opportunities to share Vietnamâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s special culture with tourists.

Elephant Race Festival

HANDICRAFT VILLAGE TOURISM Vietnam has long been renowned for its numerous multi product craft villages. Vietnam’s traditional craft villages account for 400 out of more than 2500 villages scattered throughout the country. The north is hosts to many craft villages with special products: Van Phuc silk, Phu Lang pottery, Bat Trang porcelain/ pottery, Phu Vinh with facilities made from rattan and bamboo, Chuyen My nacre furniture, Quat Dong – Hanoi beautiful embroidered handicrafts, Dong Ho paintings Dong Ky – Bac Ninh wooden products, Y Yen – Nam Dinh brass products, Non Nuoc – Ninh Binh stone sculptures, and Thanh Ha – Ha Nam lace embroidery handicrafts. The middle region of Vietnam is home to brass sculptures in Hue and Phuoc Kieu, Kim Bong potteries in Quang Nam, Bau Da wine, horse hats in Binh Dinh, etc. South Vietnam is famous for Vinh Long and Bau Truc potteries. Each of Vietnam’s ancient village offers unique and diverse handicrafts. Raw materials are transformed into beautiful items with the clever hands an artist’s eye and the craftsman’s care. Vietnamese traditional handicrafts convey a wide variety of art and culture significance. Tourists can hear stories about a particular ethnical culture through its distinct handicrafts. Vietnamese potteries are among the most famous traditional handicrafts. In northern Vietnam, Bat Trang, Tho Ha, Huong Canh, Phu Lang are popular pottery villages. Meanwhile, Dong Nai, Song Be, Binh Duong, Ninh Thuan in southern Vietnam is home to large scale pottery manufactures. Tourists are also very interested in Vietnam’s

CHÀO VIỆT NAM | 108

many antique pottery exhibitions. For example, Bat Trang hosts a famous antique pottery exhibition of about 400 old items dating from the 15th to 19th centuries and 300 more samples of Bat Trang pottery. Hue Museum of Royal Fine Arts displays an exhibit of 3,700 antique potteries and porcelains, 700 out of the 3,700 are gem porcelain items which belonged to the Ly – Tran, Mac, and Le - Trinh dynasties. Numerous antique exhibits of ancient Sa Huynh, Champa and Chu Dau are on display at a scared space to pay tribute to Grand Ho Tan Phan. Tourists coming to Vietnam are entranced by diverse handicraft villages with numerous cultural festivals and scared religious events that show the traditions and ancestral customs of long ago. Visits to traditional craft villages in Vietnam bring you on a journey to discover historical and cultural rich heritages. Going to Bac Ninh, the home of wooden fine arts, tourists can visit the ancient Do temple in Dinh Bang, Dong Ky Communal House, Phat Tich pagoda and attend the famous Lim Festival in the spring. Tour operators offer tourists exotic tours to these amazing craft villages with inspiring landscapes and colorful cultures. Thanks to their locations and convenient modes of transportation, it is easy for tourists to travel to almost all of Vietnam’s craft villages. Take a drive to the ones you find the most interesting to learn all about the rich history and culture of Vietnam.

MICE TOURISM United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) experts speculated that Vietnam would be the next MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferencing & Exhibitions) haven. They also predicted it would someday rival Singapore, currently the largest MICE hub in Southeast Asia. Endowed with scenic natural landscapes, a rich cultural heritage, world-class natural wonders, fine beaches and hospitable resorts meeting international standards, Vietnam does seem destined to become an ideal destination for these lucrative tourist services. Vietnam has determined that MICE tourism will be one of the strategic products of the tourism industry. Over recent years, some enterprises have shifted focus to MICE and gained some notable success. Favorite MICE destinations in Vietnam among both domestic and foreign tourists include Phan Thiet, Vung Tau, Phu Quoc, Da Lat, Nha Trang, Da Nang, Ha Noi and Ho Chi Minh City, since these locations boast large hotel and resort complexes, conference meeting facilities and impeccable service able to accommodate conferences, award ceremonies and sales meetings with customers. Some of Vietnam’s top travel agencies such as Saigontourist, Viettravel, Vietnam Tourism – Hanoi, and others have cooperated with domestic hotels to provide inclusive MICE packages including transportation, accommodation, meeting spaces, conference rooms, gala dinners and scheduled tours.

Vietnam will continue to improve the infrastructure for MICE guests, providing visa processing services from, airports, harbors or hotels to international fairs and exhibition centers. The country is also planning to promote MICE products within the mass media and at domestic and international tourist events, guaranteeing well-trained staff to support this type of tourism. With continuous improvements in Vietnam’s infrastructure, MICE tourism is projected to continue its rapid growth. Further development of MICE activities benefit Vietnam’s tourist sector and opens other opportunities for socio-economic development through increased tourism from meetings, and international events. Intercontinental Westlake Hanoi

Workshop ballroom in hotel

ADVENTURE AND SPORT TOURISM Vietnam is an emerging name in the world’s tourist map as its terrain is ideal for many adventural sports mixed with distinctive travel destinations. Popular sport tourist services of both domestic and foreign tourists include hiking, mountain climbing, motorcycle racing, cycling, scuba diving, rowing, surfing, kayaking, etc. Many travel agencies also offer tours to satisfy both domestic and foreign risk-lovers. Regions and popular activities include: • For cyclying and motorcycle racing popular locations include: routes of Danang – Kon Tum, Da Lat – Phan Rang, Prenn Pass; No.4 Route of Cao Bang – Ha Giang; two routes in Ha Giang (from Ha Giang town to Dong Van, from Bac Quang to Hoang Su Phi and Xin Man); the Northwestern bend from Hoa Binh to Son La and Dien Bien; Lai Chau – Sapa route (Lao Cai) and Lao Cai town – Bac Ha route. • Mountain and rock climbing enthusiast will find challenges from Fansipan mountain (Lao Cai), Ma Pi Leng (Ha Giang), Lang Biang mountain (Da Lat), Bach

Underwater discovers

Ma Mountain (Thua Thien – Hue), the Fatherhood Crag in Ha Tien and more. • Scuba diving, kayaking, rowing, surfing and hang gliding are possible along the long tranquil shores of Cat Ba, Cham islands, Phu Quoc, Con Dao and islands in Ha Long and Bai Tu Long bays. • There is great potential for aquatic sports and underwater discovers among the interlacing river systems such Ba Be, Hoa Binh, Lady waterfall, Coc mountain, the Rouge river, Da river, Perfume river, Ma river, Lo river and Mekong river.

Van Long – Ninh Binh Those who love natural beauty and sensational tourism will hardly get enough of the sporting tours “Emeralda Ninh Binh.” It includes cycling over various terrains, rowing and climbing to discover the pristine beauty of the natural Van Long reserve in Ninh Binh Province.

Para Gliding Yearn to rule the sky with your wings? Vietwings Club in Vietnam is the place to make your dream come true. Vietwings is a para gliding club of the Southern Aviation Club (370 Division, Ministry of Defense). Main activities of the club include couple

gliding, gliding maneuvers, and tutorial sessions for those interested in this aviation sport.

Sensational tours in Da Lat Tourists in search of memorable experiences should never miss out on sensational tours in Da Lat. These include hiking, cycling to Lang Biang or Elephant Mountain, visiting ethnic minorities’ residences, discovering Datanla waterfall or the Seven-Storied Waterfall, rope climbing on cliffs by Prenn Pass or Tuyen Lam lake and Elephant Rides. Tourists can also register for overnight camping in local forests.

Kayaking – beyond the harsh currents Navigating through turbulant rivers, precipitous crags and fatal whirlpools, kayakers was born to conquer the entire world. However, travelers can enjoy a relaxing kayaking experience as the most ideal way to explore all the

breathtaking mountain sand creeks of Ha Long bay. Ha Long bay was once voted by the National Geographic Adventures Journal as one of the 25 best destinations for kayaking in the world.

Scuba diving – enrich your mind of the underwater world Black Islet (Nha Trang) or Cham Islands (Quang Nam) are among the best locations for scuba diving in Vietnam. You can make reservations for diving tours in any ticket office in Nha Trang. Tours can last for 30 to 50 minutes depending on the diver’s physical stamina. Participants will be fully equipped with an oxygen tank, snorkel, swimming fins and boiler suit. Those without diving certification will be accompanied by an instructor. You can swim through majestic and sparkling coral reefs and marvel at colorful fish peaking out in the crystalline water.

THESE FOLLOWING LINKS WILL HELP YOU ACCESS TRAVEL AGENCIES THAT OFFER SENSATIONAL TOURS:

1. www.vietnamtourism.com/v_pages/service/company-p.asp 2. www.ptv-vietnam.com 3. www.tourdulichcatba.com.vn 4. www.amitourist.com 5. www.buffalotours.com.vn - www.buffalotours.com 6. www.fiditour.com 7. www.luavietours.com 8. www.vietadventure.vn 9. www.greenadventour.com.vn 10. www.dulichvietravel.com 11. www.halongbay.com.vn

AGRICULTURE TOURISM Rural Vietnam includes 92% of the country’s area and 70% of its population. The variety of scenery and farming lifestyles, geography and terrain Vietnam has many distinct villages. Villages in the Red River Delta have rich cultural traditions, historic architecture and artifacts, lush rice paddy fields and natural scenic beauty. Villages in the Mekong Delta boast exuberant tropical gardens, interlacing canals and busy floating markets all year long. Many rural areas in Vietnam have long-established craft villages that produce indigenous handicrafts such as ceramics, porcelain, silk, lacquers, rattan and pearls. Many locations across the country have seized opportunities develop venues for these tours. In Lao Cai, Thua Thien – Hue and An Giang, rural community tours have positively contributed to the preservation of environment and local culture. Since the 90s southwestern provinces have spawned a new form of rural ecotourism linked with their signature tropical gardens and canals. The model has since been spread to other tourist sites to attract domestic and international visitors. Reaching villages in Vietnam, tourists will immediately be impressed by

Discovering the countryside

the peacefulness and profound culture observed in the daily life of the locals. In addition, homestays offer a great experience to become immersed within a village farmer’s life. You can performs daily tasks such as cultivation, fishing, and planting vegetables. You can experience the life and work of a northern farmer in the tour “Travelling the countryside” in Gia Van commune, Ninh Binh. Other choices include discovering farm life in Dong Que farm (Ba Vi, Ha Noi), learning of central life through growing and watering vegetables in the village Tra Que, living in a “Vietnamese villages” which is a miniature model of 21 traditional craft villages in Quang Nam or experiencing the daily life of farmers in the charming Mekong Delta. An Giang province alone has built up rural community tourist units in three communes My Hoa Hung (Long Xuyen City), Tan Trung (Phu Tan) and Van Giao (Tinh Bien). Each commune features 10 to 15 households to host tourists. Many other rural community tourist sites are warmly greeting tourists from all nationalities. In a family of rustic, honest and hospitable Vietnamese farmers, you will immediately feel at home.

Life on river

VIETNAMESE GASTRONOMY Rich in color, aroma and flavor, Vietnamese gastronomy is like no other. People come from all over the world to sample its tastes and smell its fragrances.

Vietnamese food is generally healthy being comparatively low in fat and high in carbohydrate. Common dishes include fresh and nutrious vegetables, as well as sea food. Most Vietnamese dishes are paired with particular herbs and vegetables to best bring out distinctive flavors. Meals are often comprised several dishes each with distinctive flavors. Vietnamese cuisine varies according to location and physical geography. Northern Vietnam focuses on blending fresh ingredients, pungent fish sauce, tart limes, shrimp paste and a wide variety of herbs and fresh sea food including: shrimp, crab, fish, clams, mussels, etc. Ha Noi food represents authentic northern specialties. The central region of

CHÀO VIỆT NAM | 114

Vietnam has long been renowned for its extravagant pungent and salty food, especially multiform shrimp paste. Meanwhile, Southern food has a very sweet taste. Southern dishes often add sugar and coconut essence and are best served with delicious shrimp or fish paste.

Pho - noodle soup Pho noodle soup was tagged as among the world’s most unique dishes worth trying. “Pho” pampers your taste buds with an exclusive and exquisite flavor of sweeten consommé, soft white noodles, fresh vegetables, pungent grilled ginger and chili peppers. The dish for all seasons is best served with beef or chicken. Ha Noi is the go to place for pho. You can enjoy a bowl of pho in Ha Noi at pho Thin

restaurant near Hoan Kiem lake, pho 24 restaurants, pho Gia Truyen (49 Bat Dan St.), pho Hop tac xa (Ly Quoc Su St.), chicken noodle (Nam Ngu St.) and so forth.

Bun cha - grilled pork Bun cha or grilled pork noodle soup is arguably one of the most popular dishes in Vietnam. A bowl of pungent fish sauce, tart limes and pieces of grilled pork meat and herbs is perfectly served with soft white rice vermicelli. A well-mixed fish sauce with vinegar, sugar, hot chilli, garlic, pepper and slices of kohlrabi or green papaya contains all the essential tastes: sour, hot, salty and sweet. If the pork is cut into small pieces, it is called “cha mieng” (piece of grilled pork). If the pork is minced prior to being shaped into small cubes then it is

named cha bam (minced grilled pork). The aromatic flavor of bun cha is accompanied with a wide variety of fresh raw vegetables such as fennel, basil, marjoram, balm – mint, etc. There are various places where you can enjoy bun cha in Hanoi like No.1 Hang Manh Str., Ngo Tram, Hang Chieu or No. 81 Lac Long Quan Str.

Chung cake Chung cake has become the most famous and irreplaceable traditional Vietnamese food during Tet holiday. Vietnamese traditionally pay tribute to ancestors through a feast of fruits, food, sweets, flowers and tea offered to deities and ancestors. Here chung cake plays the important role representing rice

CHÀO VIỆT NAM | 115

and nature in the water rice culture of Vietnam. Main ingredients are glutinous rice, pork meat, and green beans. It is wrapped in a square of bamboo leaves that will give the rice a green color after it is baked. The sticky rice must be very good and has to soak in water for a day. The rice cake is wrapped in square shape, and cooked for about 12 hours by wood. The green chung cake captures the essence of the earth and brings an unforgettable taste!

Green sticky rice cake Hang Than Banh com or green sticky rice cake serves as among the most unique and delish northern specialties and is usually found at every

CHÀO VIỆT NAM | 116

engagement ceremony. The cakes are wrapped with bananas leaves into squares, tied with a red string and are typically good for three days. The dish combines sweet aromatic green sticky rice and green beans. Green sticky rice cakes are sold on Hang Than Str. in Ha Noi.

Cha ca La Vong - La Vong fried fish La Vong fried fish was named in a noted book “1000 places to see before you die” by famous sightseer Patricia Schultz. In late 2003, La Vong fried fish was tagged by MSNBC as the fifth of ten places worth visiting in the world. Only the lang fish (dwarf catfish) is suitable for the dish as its meat is sweet, tasty, solid and fragrant. Sitting down at a table,

guests should take the chance to watch the preparation process: the dish is coocked in the center of the table with oil, as pieces of “lang” fish coupled with fennel and spring onions soak in the oil. The dish is best served with well-stirred shrimp paste sauce mixed up with lemon and a few slices of chili. Also add grilled ground nuts of gold yellow color, white soft rice vermicelli and fresh raw vegetables. Pieces of fried fish, yellow in color and fragrant in smell, will definitely seduce your taste buds. There are many places in Ha Noi where you can enjoy La Vong fried fish, yet No. 14 Cha Ca Str. should come as your first choice.

Hue sweetened porridge Hue has long been renowned for

its exquisite cuisine one of which is Hue sweetened porridge. It is one of the finest cuisines in Vietnam and has many unique flavors. A variety of ingredients are used to create many kinds of delicious and healthy sweetened porridge such as: lotus seeds, longan coated lotus seeds, pomegranate seeds, roasted pork, sweet Vietnamese potato, corn, soya beans, green beans, red beans and so forth. A traditional royal style dish, Hue porridge has much to offer. The aromatic flavor of fresh raw ingredients, sweet sugar and fragrant coconut milk is unique and unforgettable. Hue has dozens of shops and hundreds of sweetened porridge vendors in Hung Vuong Str., Phan Boi Chau Str., to name a few. Hue is also famous for bloating

CHÀO VIỆT NAM | 117

Cao lau Hoi An

Hot pot

fern – shaped cake, plain rice flan, Vietnamese Ravioli, etc.

Cao lau Hoi An Cao lau is the foremost traditional Hoi An food. The dish is made of xa xiu, fresh raw vegetables, grilled ground nuts and cao lau noodles. Soft sweetened pieces of xa xiu served with a slight crunchy texture of raw vegetables and dried pancakes make an awesome taste. The best places where you can enjoy cao lau are Mrs. Lien’s store in Thai Phien St., and Trung Bac restaurant near Cau pagoda.

Fried spring roll (Nem) Many tourists who come to Vietnam fall in love with Vietnamese fried spring rolls, called “nem” or “cha gio” (minced pork rolls). The filling, made of minced pork, shrimp, crab meat as well as shredded carrots, mushroom and cassava vermicelli, tastes delicious. The aromatic filling is covered by a deep-fried,

CHÀO VIỆT NAM | 118

crunchy, and golden brown exterior which brings out an unforgettable tastes. The recipes of multiform Vietnamese spring rolls are famous all over the world.

Ca loc nuong trui Vietnamese style grilled fish “Ca loc nuong trui” is a typical delicacy in southern Vietnam. The dish is made of a kind of water fish called loc. The fishes are covered in clay, buried, then burned using leaves and dried straw. An aromatic flavorsome dish served with the grilled fishes, fresh raw vegetables, pungent fish sauce, tart limes and shrimp paste will surprise your taste buds. Pieces of white soft fish and fresh vegetables, such as cabbage and basil, are rolled in crunchy rice papers to bring you a unique experience with such a strange and special Vietnamese dish.

Lau mam - Mixed vegetables and meat hot pot

Vietnamese tea

Lau mam is a mixture of various fresh raw vegetables like lilies, “keo-neo”, a kind of bitter vegetable, etc. and meat including water fish, shrimp, crab, cuttlefishes, beef or other varieties. The dish is both delicious and nutritious. A particular Vietnamese sour fish soup in southern Vietnam consists of a variety of vegetables like mint, tamarind, carambola, tomatoes, bean sprouts, etc. The dish is made of lóc fish, white catfish and others. A perfect combination of sweet and sour lightly pungent sauce, white soft aromatic pieces of fishes, green peppers and tomatoes creates awesome taste. The dish is best served with caramelized fish cooked with coconut essence and fish sauce in a terra - cotta pot. Almost Vietnamese dishes are attached to a particular place or name from where the dish originates. Now let’s take a look at Vietnamese drinks.

Enjoy green tea

Fruit smoothies

O mai specialities

Trung Nguyen coffee

Green tea

grain. There are many kinds of Vietnamese wine which vary according to location and physical geography. Some examples are Bac Ha corn wine, the village of Van’s glutinous rice – based wine in Bac Giang Province or Bau Da wine in Binh Dinh Province, Vodka Hanoi or fresh sticky rice wine produced by HABECO, to name some. Exclusive and exotic “ruou can” or wine drunk out a jar through pipes is very popular among the highlanders, especially in the north – west and Central Highlands of Vietnam. This special kind of wine is drunk on several occasions like Tet Festival, wedding parties and important ceremonies.

Green tea is one of the most popular drinks in Vietnam. Green tea leaves are carefully cleaned and rinsed out in boiling water. Green tea leaves are soaked in hot water for 20 – 25 minutes to extract all the essence. Dried tea leaves made from fresh raw green tea leaves are flavored with lotus and jasmine flowers. Thai Nguyen tea is the best in Vietnam with its extravagant aroma and unique tea. A cup of iced tea on hot summer day refreshes your mind while a sip of hot tea warms up your body in the cold winter.

Vietnamese wine and alcohol Vietnamese wine not only serves as one of the most popular, drinks but also a special offering to worship deities and ancestors in important feasts. Vietnamese alcohol is made of sticky rice or CHÀO VIỆT NAM | 120

Beer Beer serves as the best drink of summer. Drinking beer has become a popular trend for men in big

Vietnamese beer

cities like Ha Noi, Da Nang, Ho Chi Minh City, etc. Today guests of all nationalities come to Vietnam and enjoy the taste of beer. Beer stores and corners are the go to place to relax, have casual meetings, and enjoy a cup of beer. Beer is best served with special dishes like grilled meat and dried cuttlefishes.

Fresh fruit mixtures and smoothies The Vietnamese tropical climate is very favorable for the production of various fruits like mangoes, watermelons, strawberries, apples, star apples, custard apples, jackfruits, guavas, to name a few. A mixture of multiple fresh fruits served with ice, condensed milk and coconut essence is mouthwatering. A cup of fresh fruit smoothie served with milk, yogurt, honey and herbs has

Lotus seed sweetened porridge

a fresh cool sweet taste. Fresh fruit mixtures and smoothie are really delicious and nutritious and great on hot days.

Coffee Throughout history people around the world have fallen in love with coffee. Vietnam grows some of the world’s finest robusta coffee and is an essential drink for all seasons. Drinking coffee is regarded as an integral part of Vietnamese food and drink culture. Both locals and travelers love to sit at street coffee shops and cafes to enjoy a cup of Vietnamese coffee while chatting with each other and sightseeing. There is a wide variety of Vietnamese coffee yet Trung Nguyen coffee in Vietnam is the No.1 choice for millions of coffee lovers. CHÀO VIỆT NAM | 121

Da Lat Flower Festival

REMARKABLE CULTURAL EVENTS IN VIETNAM

Ho Chi Minh City welcomes New Year

Traditional Festivals After the Lunar New Year Tet, people throughout Vietnam celebrate various unique festivals spanning from January to March in Lunar calendar. Typical festivals include the Perfume Pagoda Festival (longest festival in Vietnam from January to March in Lunar calendar in Ha Noi), Hung Temple Festival (Phu Tho – since 2000 the ceremony has become a national holiday), Tay Thien Festival (Vinh Phuc), Yen Tu Festival (Quang Ninh), Goddess of Sam Mount Festival (An Giang) or Po Nagar Tower Festival (Khanh Hoa)…

National Tourism Year The National Tourism Year is a major events held across many provinces. Since 2003, 8 National Tourism Years have been hosted in association with crucial events in country. Past hosts of the events are Quang Ninh (2003), Dien Bien (2004), Nghe An (2005), Quang Nam (2006), Thai Nguyen (2007), Can Tho (2008), Ha

Noi (2010); South Central coastal provinces - Phu Yen (2011); North central coastal provinces - Thua Thien - Hue (2012); Hai Phong (2013), Lam Dong (2014). The National Tourism Year 2015 - Thanh Hoa was titled “Thanh Hoa - Networking World Heritages” and hosted in Thanh Hoa. The area offers a series of cultural and tourist activities for tourists from afar. National Tourism Years are planed to hold Kien Giang (2016) and Lao Cai (2017).

Ha Long Carnival Since 2007, Ha Long Carnival is annually held on April 30 and May 1. The carnival promotes the image of natural an cultural values of Quang Ninh province. Ha Long Tourist Festival includes non-stop parades featuring many colorfully clad actors, street performers, performance groups and gorgeously decoraged flowers carts potentials CHÀO VIỆT NAM | 123

Traditional festival

and current advantages of Quang Ninh’s tourist sector…

Hue Festival Hue Festival is a notable biannual cultural event in Vietnam that was first hosted in 2000. Hue Festival incorporates both national and international elements. The festival’s aim is for greater exchange of global contemporary arts, create cultural exchanges with tourist and embrace international festival hosting techniques making Hue a popular city of festival in Vietnam.

Da Lat Flower Festival In recent years, Da Lat Flower Festival is supposed to honor the values of flowers and the traditional flower sector in Da Lat and the whole country in general. Da Lat Flower Festival conveys its own message to the entire global community: Vietnam is proud of a Flower Festival City, the eternal and hospitable haven of sprightly flowers, which will satisfy all domestic and foreign tourists to Da Lat city, Lam Dong.

CHÀO VIỆT NAM | 124

International Tourism Exhibition in Ho Chi Minh City (ITE – HCMC) ITE - HCMC is the largest tourist event held annually in Vietnam. Since 2005, ITE - HCMC has been designed to promote and develop tourism . Visitors can acquaint themselves with the diversity of appealing tourist products, service providers and travel agencies as they seek out partners, create business ties and broaden their grasp of tourism across the region.

Vietnam International Travel Mart (VITM) Vietnam International Travel Mart - VITM was first held in 2013. This is an annual fair organized by Vietnam Tourism Association in Ha Noi. Each year, the Fair Organizing Board choses a theme. This is the big event of the Vietnam Tourism and the convergence of travel agencies, hotels, resorts, the destinations as well as services relating to tourism...

IMPORTANT ADDRESSES

IMPORTANT ADRESSES

TRANSPORTATION

1. By Air Vietnam has 25 airports with civil operations, including 9 international airports (Noi Bai, Tan Son Nhat, Da Nang, Phu Bai, Cam Ranh...). Vietnam Airlines is the largest carrier in Vietnam. Vietnam Airlines has operated domestic routes across 21 provinces and cities all over the country along with 28 international destinations across 26 countries and territories worldwide. In addition, Vietnam Airlines also has become an official member of The Global Airline Alliance SkyTeam. Airlines serving Vietnam include Air France, Czech Airlines, Alitalia, Korean Air, China Southern Airlines, Royal Dutch Airlines, Delta Airlines, Japan Airlines, China Airlines, Cathay Pacific, Qantas Airways, Philippines Airlines, Garuda Indonesia, Lao Airlines and Cambodia Angkor Air. Vietnam Airlines Offices of Vietnam Airlines: www.vietnamairlines.com.vn In Ha Noi Tel: (+84-4) 3832 0320 Fax: (+84-4) 3934 9666 In Ho Chi Minh City Tel: (+84-8) 3832 0320 Fax: (+84-8) 3823 0273 In Da Nang Tel: (+84-511) 3811111 Fax: (+84-511) 382 4141 Offices of Other Airlines in Vietnam IN HA NOI Air France Add: No.1 Ba Trieu Str. Tel: (+84–4) 3825 3484 Fax: (+84–4) 3826 6694 Air Asia Add: 33 Quoc Tu Giam Str. Tel: (+84-4) 3732 2333 Fax: (+84-4) 3732 7518 All Nippon Airways Add: 25 Ly Thuong Kiet Str..

CHÀO VIỆT NAM | 126

Tel: (+84-4) 3934 7202 Fax: (+84-4) 3934 7299 Asiana Airlines Add: Daeha Commercial Center, 360 Kim Ma Str. Tel: (+84-4) 3771 4094 Fax: (+84-4) 3771 4096 Air Mekong Add: Syrena Building, 3rd floor, 51 Xuan Dieu Str. Tel: (+84-4) 3719 7214 Fax: (+84-4) 3718 6606 Aeroflot Add: Daeha Commercial Center, 360 Kim Ma Str. Tell: (+84-4) 3771 8512 Fax: (+84-4) 3771 8522 British Airways Add: No.9 Dao Duy Anh Str. Tel: (+84-4) 3934 7239 Fax: (+84-4) 3934 7242 Jetstar Pacific Airlines Add: No.338 Ba Trieu Str. Tel: (+84-4) 3974 3167 Singapore Airlines Add: International Center

17 Ngo Quyen Str. Tel: (+84-4) 3826 8888 Fax: (+84-4) 3826 8666 Thai Airways Add: No.44B Ly Thuong Kiet Str. Tel: (+84-4) 3826 7921 Fax: (+84-4) 3826 7394 Vietnam Airlines Add: No.1 Quang Trung Str. Tel: (+84-4) 3832 0320 Fax: (+84-4) 3824 8989 American Airlines Add: No.47 Phan Chu Trinh Str. Tel: (+84-4) 3933 0330 Fax: (+84-4) 3733 3337 Cathay Pacific Add: Hanoi Towel, 49 Hai Ba Trung Str. Tel: (+84-4) 3826 7298 Fax: (+84-4) 3826 7709 China Airlines (Taiwan) Add: No.18 Tran Hung Dao Str. Tel: (+84-4) 3936 6373 Fax: (+84-4)3824 2688

IMPORTANT ADRESSES Emirates Add: 4th floor, No.9 Dao Duy Anh Tel: (+84-4) 3934 7240 Fax: (+84-4) 3934 7242

Jetstar Pacific Airlines Add: No.112 Hong Ha Str., Tan Binh Dist. Tel: (+84-8) 6299 9399

Japan Airlines Add: 5th floor, 63 Ly Thai To Str. Tel: (+84-4) 3826 6693 Fax: (+84-4) 3826 6698

Singapore Airlines Add: No.101, 29 Le Duan Str., Dist. 1 Tel: (+84-8) 3823 1588 Fax: (+84-8) 3823 6213

Korean Air Add: VIT Building, 519 Kim Ma Str. Tel: (+84-4) 3934 7247 Fax: (+84-4) 3934 7299 Lao Airlines Add: No.40 Quang Trung Str. Tel: (+84-4) 3942 5362 Fax: (+84-4) 3942 5363 VietJet Air Add: Floor 4, Flower Mansion, building, 14 Thuy Khue Str. Tel: (+84-4) 3728 1828 Fax: (+84-4) 3728 1838 IN HO CHI MINH CITY Air Asia Add: 164 Le Thanh Ton, Ben Thanh ward, Dist. 1 Tel: (+84-8) 3732 2333 Fax: (+84-8) 3939 0393 All Nippon Airways Add: Floor 16, Sun Wah Tower, 115 Nguyen Hue, Dist. 1 Tel: (+84-8) 3821 9612 Asiana Airlines Add: Diamond Plaza, No.7071 - 34 Le Duan, Dist. 1 Tel: (+84-8) 3822 2622 Fax: (+84-8) 3822 2710 Air France Add: No.130 Dong Khoi Str., Dist. 1 Tel: (+84-8) 3829 0981 Fax: (+84-8) 3822 0537 Aeroflot Add: 4H Le Loi, Dist. 1 Tel: (+84-8) 3829 3489 Fax: (+84-8) 3829 0076 Air Mekong Add: Centre Point Building, 106 Nguyen Van Troi Str., Phu Nhuan Dist. Tel: (+84-8) 3846 3666 British Airways Add: Travel House 170 - 172 Nam Ky Khoi Nghia, Dist. 3 Tel: (+84-8) 3930 2933 Fax: (+84-8) 3821 9619

Thai Airways Add: No.29 Le Duan Str., Dist. 1 Tel: (+84-8) 3822 3365 Fax: (+84-8) 3822 3465 Vietnam Airlines Add: No.49 Truong Son Str., Tan Binh Dist. Tel: (+84-8) 3832 0320 Fax: (+84-8) 3848 6945

Lion Air Add: 16 Phung Khac Khoan, Dist. 1 Tel: (+84-8) 3823 0958 Fax: (+84-8) 3825 1272 Lao Airlines Add: No.93 Pasteur Str., Dist. 1 Tel: (+84-8) 3822 6990 Fax: (+84-8) 3822 6990 From the airport to the city center From the airport to the center of the city, guests can travel by taxi. In big cities such as Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City, tourists can travel by bus. IN HANOI:

American Airlines Add: No.194 Nguyen Thi Minh Khai Str., Dist. 1 Tel: (+84-8) 3933 0330 Fax: (+84-8) 3733 3337

• Noi Bai taxi price (4 seats) about VND350,000 from the airport to locations at the center of Ha Noi City (35km).

Cathay Pacific Airlines Add: Jardine House, 58 Dong Khoi Str., Dist. 1 Tel: (+84-8) 3822 3203 Fax: (+84-8) 3825 8276

• Noi Bai - one-way minibus price approximately VND30,000/ticket/person. Final destination: No.1 Quang Trung).

China Airlines (Taiwan) Add: No.37 Ton Duc Thang Str., Dist. 1 Tel: (+84-8) 3911 1591 Fax: (+84-8) 3911 1592

• Bus routes No.7 Kim Ma - Noi Bai and No.17 Long Bien - Noi Bai: VND7,000 per person one way15 - 20 minutes.

Emirates Add: Floor 2, Travel House, 170 - 172 Nam Ky Khoi Nghia, Dist. 3 Tel: (+84-8) 3930 2939 Fax: (+84-8) 3930 5002 Eva Air Tel: Tower Bitexco, 19 - 25 Nguyen Hue, Dist..1 Tel: (+84-8) 3822 4488 Fax: (+84-8) 3821 7150 Japan Airlines Add: Sheraton Hotel, 88 Dong Khoi Str., Dist. 1 Tel: (+84-8) 3821 9098 Fax: (+84-8) 3821 9097 Korean Airlines Add: Diamond Plaza, Room 909, 34 Le Duan Str., Dist. 1 Tel: (+84-8) 3824 2878 Fax: (+84-8) 3824 2877

IN HO CHI MINH CITY: • Tourists can travel by taxi (4 seats) from Tan Son Nhat airport to the center of Ho Chi Minh City (8km) at the price of VND120.000 - 150.000. • Tourists can travel by bus route No.28 Sai Gon - Tan Son Nhat or No.50 Van Thanh - Tan Son Nhat. International Airports: • • • •

Noi Bai (Ha Noi) Tel: (+84-4) 3886 6527 Phu Bai (Thua Thien - Hue) Tel: (+84-54) 386 1261 Da Nang (Da Nang City) Tel: (+84-511) 383 0339 Tan Son Nhat (Ho Chi Minh City) Tel: (+84-8) 3848 5383

IMPORTANT ADRESSES 2. By Train Vietnam Railway has 2,600km of track. Major train routes: • Hanoi - Ho Chi Minh City (1.726km) • Hanoi - Lao Cai • Hanoi - Hai Phong • Hanoi - Quan Trieu • Hanoi - Dong Dang • Kep - Uong Bi - Ha Long • Kep - Luu Xa • International: Hanoi – Bac Kinh (China) (part of the international Ha Noi Nanning rail link), crossing the border to China at Dong Dang Station in Lang Son. Major Railway Stations: Hanoi railway station: No.120 Le Duan – Hanoi Tel: (+84-4) 3942 3697 Hue railway station 2 Bui Thi Xuan, Hue City, Thua Thien – Hue Province Tel: (+84-54) 3822 175 Da Nang railway station No.202 Hai Phong, Da Nang City Tel: (+84-511) 3 823810 Sai Gon railway station No.1 Nguyen Thong, Ho Chi Minh City Tel: (+84-8) 38466091 For details, tourists can call telephone number: (+84-4) 3942 3949 or look on the website: www.gahanoi.com. vn or www.gasaigon.com.vn. Travel companies that organize tours by rail: • Haratours: www.haratour.com • Ratraco: www.ratraco.vn • VietVision Travel: www.vietvisiontravel.com • Viratour: www.viratour.com.vn 3. By Sea Tourists can travel by sea to the larger habours of Vietnam such as Ha Long, Da Nang, Nha Trang, Hue and Ho Chi Minh City. From Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City, there

CHÀO VIỆT NAM | 128

are many trains to provinces and cities in the rest of the country. There are also ferry-boats to major islands including Phu Quoc, Cat Ba and Con Dao. There is also a ferry-boat from Hai Phong to Ha Long. Smaller ferry-boats are available in the rivers of Mekong Delta. Tourists in Vietnam can contact travel companies to arrange travel by seaway to other countries. These companies will guide them in all the necessary procedures. Travel companies that organize tours on seagoing vessels: 1. Saigontourist: www.saigontourist.net 2. Peace Tourist: www.peacetourco.com 3. Exotissimo–Cesais Travel Joint Venture Company: www.exotissimo.com 4. Tan Dinh Fiditourist: www.fiditour.com 5. Ha Long Tour: www.halongtour.com 6. Du Ngoan Viet: www.dungoanviet.com 4. By Road Vietnam has an extensive road system with highways and a network of provincial and district roads to every area in the country. In each province, there is an inter-provincial and intraprovincial bus/coach station, with high quality passenger seating. Many cities and provinces have reasonably priced taxis. In big cities, (Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City) buses run regularly on the main roads. Automobiles and motorcycles are the most popular means of transportation. Bus companies for long distance bus rides include Hoang Long, Hoang Ha, Viet

Bus and Open Tour in cities and provinces: In Ha Noi: The Southern Coach Station: No.225 Giai Phong Tel: (+84-4) 3864 1467 My Dinh Coach Station far 15km from the center of Hanoi: My Dinh Commune, Tu Liem Dist. Tel: (+84-4) 3768 5549 Gia Lam Coach Station Nguyen Van Cu Str. Tel: (+84-4) 3827 1529 Luong Yen Coach Station No.3 Nguyen Khoai Str. Tel: (+84-4) 3972 0477 In Ho Chi Minh City: The Western Coach Station: No.137 Hung Vuong Str., Binh Chanh Dist. Tel: (+84-8) 3877 6593 The Eastern Coach Station: No.227/6 highway 13, Binh Thanh Dist. Tel: (+84-8) 3898 4893 Taxi services operate in cities and provinces such as Mai Linh, Sao Mai, Thanh Nga, Hanoi and Mekong. Tourists can hire cars (at least 4 seats with drivers) from travel firms in the big cities. Pedi-cabs are easily available for short distances , day and night. These are popular in big cities such as Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, Da Nang, Hue, Hai Phong and Hoi An. Bicycle and motorbikes can be rented for travel in cities and historic areas.

Hanoi Railway Station

Ho Chi Minh City Post Office

NECESSARY INFORMATION 1. Reasonable time for coming to Vietnam

- O + Area code + subscriber number

The North has 4 seasons including spring, summer, autumn and winter. Theideal time for tours and festivals is from October to April. 70% of Vietnam’s festivals occur in the spring. Tourists during this time may participate in traditional holidays such as Tet. Temperatures are lower, so bring warmer clothing.

- 171 + Area code + subscriber number

From May to November is the ideal time for swimming in the sea, sunbathing and mountaineering. The South is warm throughout the year. Rainy season lasts from April to October, when temperatures can reach 270C. Early on, rains may last just a few minutes or hours, but later in the season, a downpour can last most of the day. 2. Telephones Tourists can buy telephone cards for domestic or international calls at the central post office of major cities or at at post office centers. Fax services are also available at all post offices and hotels. Auto internal long distance calls:

- 178 + Area code + subscriber number Auto international long distance calls: 00 + National Destination Code + Area code + subscriber number 101 To initiate internal long distance calls 1080 Socio-economic, cultural answering information service 113 Police 114 Fire 115 Emergencies 117

Time of Day

142

Answering charges for International calls

143

Paying for and answering international calls

3. Post - Domestic Express Mail Service (EMS) takes from 24 hours to 48 hours. - International express mail service is available to 30 countries in the world from 2 days to 6 days.

- Moneygrams take 24 hours. - Flower service: Money or gifts (allowable goods) may be attached with the flower service for special occasions. 4. Banks Most big cities in Vietnam have well-known banks such as HSBC, ANZ, Vietcombank, Vietinbank, Techcombank and Agribank. ATM machines always give notice of reasonable charges for transactions, so be sure to note this charge before completing transactions. It is a good idea to withdraw money from ATMs in front of the banks to ensure safety and to access bank staff for assistance if needed. Withdrawals made with MasterCard, Visa and other bankcards will be charged 2% of the total withdrawal. Several banks in Vietnam will cash traveler’s checkes from foreign and Vietnamese tourists, who want to use them for travelling, business trips or overseas study tours.

CHÀO VIỆT NAM | 129

IMPORTANT ADRESSES

SOME FOREIGN EMBASSIES AND CONSULATES IN VIETNAM

Bai Dinh pagoda in Ninh Binh

IN HANOI America Add: No.7 Lang Ha Str. Tel: (+84-4) 3850 5000 Fax: (+84-4) 3850 5010 Australia Add: No.8 Dao Tan Str. Tel: (+84-4) 3774 0100 Fax: (+84-4) 3774 0111 Belarus Add: No.52 Tay Ho Str. Tel: (+84-4) 3829 0494 Fax: (+84-4) 3719 7125 Belgium Add : 9th floor, Ha Noi Tower, 49 Hai Ba Trung Str. Tel: (+84-4) 3934 6179 Fax: (+84-4) 3934 6183 Brazil Add: villa D, 6&7th floor, 14 Thuy Khue Str. Tel: (+84-4) 3843 2544/ 0817 Fax: (+84-4) 3843 2542 Bulgaria Add: No.5 Nui Truc Str, Van Phuc Quarter Tel: (+84-4) 38452908 Fax: (+84-4) 38460856

U Minh Ha eco-tourism

Tel: (+84-4) 37262001 Fax: (+84-4) 37262010

Tel: (+84-4) 3944 5700 Fax: (+84-4) 3944 5717

Cambodia Add: No.71A Tran Hung Dao Str. Tel: (+84-4) 3942 4789 Fax: (+84-4) 3942 3225

Finland Add: 31 Hai Ba Trung Str. Tel: (+84-4) 38266788 Fax: (+84-4) 38266779

Canada Add: No.31 Hung Vuong Str. Tel: (+84-4) 3734 5000 Fax: (+84-4) 3734 5049 Czech Add: No.13 Chu Van An Str., Tel: (+84-4) 38454131 Fax: (+84-4) 38233996 China Add: No.46 Hoang Dieu Str. Tel: (+84-4) 3845 3736 Fax: (+84-4) 3823 2826 Denmark Add: No.17-19 Dien Bien Phu Str. Tel: (+84-4) 38231888 Fax: (+84-4) 38231999

Brunei

Egypt Add: No.63 To Ngoc Van Str., Tel: (+84-4) 38294999 Fax: (+84-4) 38294997

Add: Villa 44/8, 44/9 Van Bao Str.

France Add: No.57 Tran Hung Dao Str.

Germany Add: No.29 Tran Phu Str. Tel: (+84-4) 38453836/7 Fax: (+84-4) 38453838 Hungary Add: Daeha Business Center, 12th floor, 360 Kim Ma Str. Tel: (+84-4) 37715714 Fax: (+84-4) 37715716 Indonesia Add: No.50 Ngo Quyen Str. Tel: (+84-4) 3825 3353 Fax: (+84-4) 3825 9274 Israel Add: No.68 Nguyen Thai Hoc Str. Tel: (+84-4) 3843 3140 Fax: (+84-4) 3843 5760 Italy Add: No.9 Le Phung Hieu Str. Tel: (+84-4) 38256246 Fax: (+84-4) 38267602 Japan Add: No.27 Lieu Giai Str. Tel: (+84-4) 3846 3000 Fax: (+84-4) 3846 3043

Office hours: 8.30 a.m – 12.00 a.m and 1.30 p.m – 5.00 p.m Days open: from Monday to Friday CHÀO VIỆT NAM | 130

Tel: (+84-4) 3833 6991 Fax: (+84-4) 3833 6995 Thailand Add: No.63-65 Hoang Dieu Str. Tel: (+84-4) 3823 5092/4 Fax: (+84-4) 3823 5088 Ukraine Add: No.6 Le Hong Phong Str. Tel: (+84-4) 37344484 Fax: (+84-4) 37344497 Uzbekistan Add: No.22/9 Dao Tan Str. Tel: (+84-4) 37665203 Fax: (+84-4) 38470949 United Kingdom Add: 4th floor, Central Building, 31 Hai Ba Trung Str. Tel: (+84-4) 3936 0500 Fax: (+84-4) 3936 0561 HO CHI MINH CITY Ly Son island in Quang Ngai

Korea Add: 4th floor, Daeha Business Center, 360 Kim Ma Str. Tel: (+84-4) 3831 5111/ 6 Fax: (+84-4) 3831 5117 Laos Add: No.22 Tran Binh Trong Str., Tel: (+84-4) 39424576 Fax: (+84-4) 38228414 Malaysia Add: No.43-45 Dien Bien Phu Str. Tel: (+84-4) 3734 3849 Fax: (+84-4) 3734 3832 Mexico Add: 11th floor, 14 Thuy Khe Str. Tel: (+84-4) 38470948 Fax: (+84-4) 38470949 Myanmar Add: No. 298A Kim Ma Str. Tel: (+84-4) 3845 3369 Fax: (+84-4) 38452404 Netherlands Add: Daeha Office Tower, 6th floor, 360 Kim Ma Str. Tel: (+84-4) 38315650 Fax: (+84-4) 38315655 New Zealand Add: 5th floor, 63 Ly Thai To Str.

Tel: (+84-4) 3824 1481 Fax: (+84-4) 3824 1480 Norway Add: 10th floor, Block B Vincom City Towers, 191 Ba Trieu Str. Tel: (+84-4) 39748900 Fax: (+84-4) 39743301 Philippines Add: No.27B Tran Hung Dao Str. Tel: (+84-4) 3943 7948 Fax: (+84-4) 3943 5760 Spain Add: 15th floor, Daeha Business Center, 360 Kim Ma Str. Tel: (+84-4) 3771 5207/ 8/9 Switzerland Add: 44B Ly Thuong Kiet Str. Tel: (+84-4) 39346589 Fax: (+84-4) 39346591 South Africa Add: 3rd floor, center building, 31 Hai Ba Trung Str. Tel: (+84-4) 3936 2000 Fax: (+84-4) 3936 1991 Singapore Add: No.41 - 43 Tran Phu Str. Tel: (+84-4) 3848 9168 Fax: (+84-4) 3848 9178 Russia Add: No.191 La Thanh Str.

Australia Add: 5th floor, The Landmark, 5B Ton Duc Thang Str., Dist.1 Tel: (+84-8) 3521 8100 Fax: (+84-8) 3521 8101 Belgium Add: GBLK 5A, The Manor, 91 Nguyen Huu Canh Str. Add : (+84-8) 3512 7968 Fax: (+84-8) 35127969 Cambodia Add: No.41 Phung Khac Khoan Str., Dist.1 Tel: (+84-8) 3829 2751 Fax: (+84-8) 3829 2744 China Add: No.39 Nguyen Thi Minh Khai Str., Dist.1 Tel: (+84-8) 3829 2457 Fax: (+84-8) 3829 5009 Canada Add: 10th floor, Metropolitan, 235 Dong Khoi Str., Dist.1 Tel: (+84-8) 3827 9899 Fax: (+84-8) 3827 9935 Germany Add: No.126 Nguyen Dinh Chieu Str., Dist. 3 Tel: (+84-8) 38291967 Fax: (+84-8) 38231919 Korea Add: No.107 Nguyen Du Str., Dist.1 Tel: (+84-8) 3822 5757 Fax: (+84-8) 3822 5750

CHÀO VIỆT NAM | 131

Indonesia Add: No.18 Phung Khac Khoan Str., Dist.1 Tel: (+84-8) 3825 1888

Japan Add: No.13-17 Nguyen Hue Str. Tel: (+84-8) 3822 5314 Fax: (+84-8) 3822 5316

Singapore Add: No.65 Le Loi Str., Dist. 1 Tel: (+84-8) 3822 5174 Fax: (+84-8) 3914 2938

Malaysia Add: 1208 Me Linh Point Center, No.2 Ngo Duc Ke Str., Dist. 1 Tel: (+84-8) 3829 9023 Fax: (+84-8) 3829 9027

New Zealand Add:9th floor , Metropolitan, 235 Dong Khoi, Dist. 1 Tel: (+84-8) 3822 6907 Fax: (+84-8) 3822 6905

Thailand Add: No.77 Tran Quoc Thao Str., Dist. 1 Tel: (+84-8) 3932 7637 Fax: (+84-8) 3932 6002

America Add: No.4 Le Duan Str., Dist. 1 Tel: (+84-8) 3520 4200 Fax: (+84-8) 3520 4235

France Add: No.27 Nguyen Thi Minh Khai Str. Tel: (+84-8) 3520 6800 Fax: (+84-8) 3520 6819

Sweden Add: No.8A/11 D1, Thai Van Lung Str., Dist. 1 Tel: (+84-8) 3823 6800 Fax: (+84-8) 3823 6817

Russia Add: No.40 Ba Huyen Thanh Quan Str. Tel: (+84-8) 3930 3936 Fax: (+84-8) 3930 3937

Philippines Add: No.12 Nam Ky Khoi Nghia Str., Dist. 1 Tel: (+84-8) 3821 0033 Fax: (+84-8)3821 0026

United Kingdom Add: No.25 Le Duan Str., Dist. 1 Tel: (+84-8) 3829 8433 Fax: (+84-8) 3822 1971

CHÀO VIỆT NAM | 132

COMMON CONVERSATION

Common Conversation - Xin chào

Hello! How do you do?

- Tên bạn là gì?

What’s your name?

- Tên tôi là...

My name is…

- Anh/chị có khỏe không?

How are you?

- Xin lỗi

Excuse me.

- Cảm ơn

Thank you!

- Cái này giá bao nhiêu?

How much is this?

- Bớt giá được không?

Can you discount?

- Cho tôi đi đến khách sạn

Please take me to the hotel

- Tôi có thể đổi tiền ở đâu?

Where I can change money?

- Tạm biệt.

Goodbye.

Tourists visit Hoi An ancient town

Ly Son island in the morning

IMPORTANT ADRESSES

SOME TYPICAL HOTELS AND RESORTS

Panorama of Sea Links Beach Hotel

Grand Plaza Hanoi Hotel  Add: No.117 Tran Duy Hung Str., Cau Giay Dist., Hanoi Tel: (+84- 4) 3555 1000 Fax: (+84- 4) 3555 0111 www.grandplazahanoi.com Hanoi Daewoo Hotel  Add: No.360 Kim Ma Str., Ba Dinh Dist., Hanoi Tel: (+84-4) 3831 5000 Fax: (+84-4) 3831 5010 www.hanoi-daewoohotel. com.vn Hanoi Pullman Hotel  Add: No.40 Cat Linh Str., Dong Da Dist., Hanoi Tel: (+84-4) 3733 0688 Fax: (+84-4) 3733 0888 www.pullman-hanoi.com Hilton Hanoi Opera Hotel  Add: No.1 Le Thanh Tong Str., Hoan Kiem Dist., Hanoi Tel: (+84-4) 3933 0500 Fax: (+84-4) 39343178 www.hanoi.hilton.com InterContinental Hanoi Westlake Hotel  Add: No.1A Nghi Tam Str., Tay Ho Dist., Hanoi Tel: (+84-4) 6270 8888 Fax: (+84-4) 6270 9999

CHÀO VIỆT NAM | 134

www.intercontinentalculinaryhanoi.com Melia Hanoi Hotel  Add: No.44B Ly Thuong Kiet Str., Hoan Kiem Dist., Hanoi Tel: (+84-4) 3934 3343 Fax: (+84-4) 3934 3344 www.meliahanoi.com Nikko Hanoi Hotel  Add: No.84 Tran Nhan Tong Str., Hai Ba Trung Dist., Ha Noi Tel: (+84-4) 3822 3535 Fax: (+84-4) 3822 3555 www.hotelnikkohanoi.com.vn Sheraton Hanoi Hotel  Add: 11 Xuan Dieu Str., Tay Ho Dist., Hanoi Tel: (+84-4) 3719 9000 Fax: (+84-4) 3719 9001 www.sheraton.com/hanoi Sofitel Legend Metropole Hanoi Hotel  Add: No.15 Ngo Quyen Str., Hoan Kiem Dist., Hanoi Tel: (+84-4) 3826 6919 Fax: (+84-4) 3826 6920 www.sofitel.com/1555 Sofitel Plaza Hanoi Hotel  Add: No.1 Thanh Nien Str., Ba Dinh Dist., Hanoi

Tel: (+84-4) 3823 8888 Fax: (+84-4) 3829 3888 www.sofitel.com/3553 Crowne Plaza West Hanoi Hotel  Add: No.36 Le Duc Tho Str., My Dinh, Tu Liem Dist., Hanoi Tel: (+84-4) 62706688 Fax: (+84-4) 62706666 www.crowneplaza.com De l’Opera Hanoi Hotel  Add: No.29 Trang Tien Str., Hoan Kiem Dist, Hanoi Tel: (84-4) 62825555 Fax: (84-4) 62822888 www.hoteldelopera.com JW Marriott Hotel  Add: No.8 Do Duc Duc Str., Tu Liem Dist, Hanoi Tel: (84-4) ) 38335588 Fax: (84-4) 38335598 www.marriott.com/hotels Mövenpick Hanoi Hotel  Add: No.83 Ly Thuong Kiet Str., Hoan Kiem Dist., Hanoi Tel: (+84-4) 3822 2800 Fax: (+84-4) 3822 2822 www.group.moevenpick.com Fortuna Hanoi Hotel  Add: No.6B Lang Ha, Ba Dinh Dist, Hanoi Tel: (+84-4) 3831 3333

IMPORTANT ADRESSES Fax: (+84-4) 3831 3300 www.fortunahotels.com Silk Path Hotel  Add: No.195-199 Hang Bong Str., Hoan Kiem Dist., Hanoi Tel: (+84-4) 3266 5555 Fax: (+84-4) 3938 1288 www.silkpathhotel.com Best Western Muong Thanh Hotel  Add: Unit C2, Bac Linh Dam Str., Hoang Mai Dist., Hanoi Tel: (+84-4) 3641 3182 Fax: (+84-4) 3641 3178 www.muongthanhhotel.vn Hanoi Hotel  Add: D8 Tran Huy Lieu Str., Ba Dinh Dist., Hanoi Tel: (+84-4) 3845 2270 Fax: (+84-4) 3845 9209 www.hanoihotel.com.vn Bao Son Hotel  Add: No.50 Nguyen Chi Thanh Str., Dong Da Dist., Hanoi Tel: (+84-4) 3835 3536 Fax: (+84-4) 3835 5678 www.baosonhotels.com Thang Loi Hotel  Add: No.200 Yen Phu Str., Tay Ho Dist., Hanoi Tel: (+84-4) 3829 4211 Fax: (+84-4) 3829 3800 www.thangloitourhtl.com.vn Sunway Hanoi Hotel  Add: No.19 Pham Dinh Ho Str., Hai Ba Trung Dist., Hanoi Tel: (+84-4) 3971 3888 Fax: (+84-4) 3971 3555 www.sunway-hotel.com Prestige Hotel Hanoi  Add: No.17 Pham Dinh Ho Str., Hanoi Tel: (+84-4) 62 999 888 Fax: (+84-4) 62 999 666 www.prestigehotels.com.vn Muong Thanh Xa La Hotel  Add: No.66 Phuc La Str., Van Phu, Ha Dong, Hanoi Tel: (+84-4) 33115555 Fax: (+84-4) 33115558 www.muongthanhxala.vn Hilton Garden Inn Hotel Hanoi  Tel: No.20 Phan Chu Trinh, Hoan Kiem, Hanoi Tel: (+84-4) 3944 9396 Fax: (+84-4) 3944 9398 www.hiltongardeninn3.hilton.com

Pool in Sun Rise Hotel

Ninh Binh Legend Hotel  Add: Le Thai To Str., Khu Tien Dong, Ninh Khanh, Ninh Binh Tel: (+84-30) 3899 880 Fax: (+84-30) 3888 365 www.ninhbinhlegendhotel.com Emeralda Resort Ninh Binh  Add: Tap Ninh village, Gia Van, Gia Vien, Ninh Binh Tel: (+84-30) 3658 243 Fax: (+84-30) 3658 223 www.emeraldaresort.com Li Lai International Hotel  Add: Tue Tinh Str., Ka Long Road, Mong Cai Town, Quang Ninh Tel: (+84-33) 3887888 Fax: (+84-33) 3887889 www.lilaihotel.com Majestic - VRG Hotel  Add: Hoa Binh Avenue, Mong Cai City, Quang Ninh Tel: (+84-33) 3746888 Fax: (+84-33) 3746889 www.majesticvrghotel.vn Saigon Ha Long Hotel  Add: Bai Chay Ward, Ha Long City, Quang Ninh Tel: (+84-33) 3845845 Fax: (+84-33) 3845849 www.saigonhalonghotel.com

Heritage Ha Long Hotel  Add: No.88 Ha Long Str., Bai Chay Ward, Ha Long City, Quang Ninh Tel: (+84-33) 3846888 Fax: (+84-33) 3846999 www.heritagehalonghotel.com Ha Long Plaza Hotel  Add: No.8 Ha Long Str., Bai Chay Ward, Ha Long City, Quang Ninh Tel: (+84-33) 3845810 Fax: (+84-33) 3846867 www.halongplaza.com Mithrin Hotel  Add: Hoang Quoc Viet Str., Bai Chay Ward, Ha Long City, Quang Ninh Tel: (+84-33) 384 8090 Fax: (+84-33) 3841770 www.mithrinhotelhalong.com.vn Royal Hotel  Add: Bai Chay Ward, Ha Long City, Quang Ninh Tel: (+84-33) 3846658 Fax: (+84-33) 3847148 www.royalhalong.com Ha Long Dream Hotel  Add: No.10 Vuon Dao, Bai Chay Ward, Ha Long City, Quang Ninh Tel: (+84-33) 3844288 Fax: (+84-33) 3844855 www.halongdreamhotel.com CHÀO VIỆT NAM | 135

IMPORTANT ADRESSES

ASEAN Hotel  Add: Hau Can Str., Bai Chay Ward, Ha Long City, Quang Ninh Tel: (+84-33) 3640027 Fax: (+84-33) 3848139 www.aseanhalonghotel.com Pearl Hotel  Add: Ha Long Str., Bai Chay ward, Ha Long City, Quang Ninh Tel: (+84-33) 3640888 Fax: (+84-33) 3640999 www.halongpearl.vn Grand Ha Long Hotel  Add: Ha Long Str., Bai Chay ward, Ha Long City, Quang Ninh Tel: (+84-33) 3844041 Fax: (+84-33) 3846440 www.grandhalonghotel.com.vn Novotel Ha Long Bay  Add: Ha Long Str., Bai Chay ward, Ha Long City, Quang Ninh Tel: (+84-33) 3848108 Fax: (+84-33) 3848018 www.novotelhalong.com.vn Tuan Chau Resort  Add: Tuan Chau, Ha Long City, Quang Ninh Tel: (+84-33) 3842134 Fax: (+84-33) 3842119 www.tuanchau-halong.com.vn Ha Long Palace  Add: Lot 20, Dong Hung Thang, Bai Chay ward, Ha Long City, Quang Ninh Tel: (84-33) 3619819 Fax: (84-33) 3619826 www.halongpalacehotel.com Starcity Ha Long Bay Hotel  Add: Ha Long road, Bai Chay, Ha Long city, Quang Ninh Tel: (+84-33) 3846 381 Fax: (+84-33) 3846 729 www.starcityhalongbay.com Nam Cuong Hai Duong Hotel  Add: No.10, 30/10 Avenue, Hai Duong City Tel: (+84-320) 3894888 Fax: (+84-320) 3894777 www.namcuonghaiduonghotel. com.vn Pearl River Hotel  Add: Km8, Pham Van Dong Str., Anh Dung Ward, Duong Kinh Dist., Hai Phong City Tel: (+84-31) 3880888 CHÀO VIỆT NAM | 136

Fax: (+84-31) 3880688 www.pearlriverhotel.vn Huu Nghi Hotel  Add: No.60 Dien Bien Phu Str., Hai Phong city Tel: (+84-31) 3823244 Fax: (+84-31) 3823468 www.huunghihotel.vn Nam Cuong Hai Phong Hotel  Add: No.47 Lach Tray Str., Hai Phong City Tel: (+84-31) 3828555 Fax: (+84-31) 3828666 www.namcuonghaiphonghotel.com.vn Sunflower International Village Hotel  Add: No.35A Van Cao Str., Ngo Quyen Dist., Hai Phong City Tel: (+84-31) 3892000 Fax: (+84-31) 3890021 www.sunflower.com.vn Habour View Hotel  Add: No.4 Tran Phu Str., Hai Phong City Tel: (+84-31) 3827827 Fax: (+84-31) 3827828 www.harbourviewvietnam.com Do Son Hotel  Add: Area III, Van Huong, Do Son, Hai Phong City Tel: (+84-31) 3864888 Fax: (+84-31) 3861199 www.dosonresorthotel.com.vn Sao Bien Hotel  Add: No.1/3A Le Hong Phong Str., Ngo Quyen Dist., Hai Phong City Tel: (+84-31) 3556998 Fax: (+84-31) 3556888 www.seastarshotel.vn Camela Hotel  Add: No.501km6, Road 5/II, Hung Vuong, Hong Bang, Hai Phong City Tel: (+84-31) 3538888 Fax: (+84-31) 3538666 www.camelahotel.com Avani Hotel Hai Phong Habour View  Add: No.12 Tran Phu, Ngo Quyen Dist., Hai Phong Tel: (+84-31) 3827 827 Fax: (+84-31) 3827 828 www.avanihotels.com Red River Hotel 

Add: No.189 Lam Son Str., Tich Son, Vinh Yen, Vinh Phuc Tel: (+84-211) 3777777 Fax: (+84-211) 6258888 www.redriver1hotel-travel.com Van Chai Resort  Add: Quang Cu, Sam Son, Thanh Hoa Tel: (+84-37) 3793333 Fax: (+84-37) 3793927 www.vanchai-vn.com Lam Kinh Hotel  Add: Dong Huong New Urban, Dong Huong ward, Thanh Hoa Tel: (+84-37) 3719 969 Fax: (+84-37) 3940 999 www.lamkinhhotel.vn Thien Y Hotel  Add: No.757 Ba Trieu, Thanh Hoa Tel: (+84-37) 8999 666 Fax: (+84-37) 3718 369 www.thienyhotel.vn Muong Thanh Song Lam Hotel  Add: No.13 Quang Trung Str., Vinh city, Nghe An Tel: (+84-38) 3737 666 Fax: (+84-38) 3737 789 www.songlam.muongthanh.vn Sai Gon – Kim Lien Hotel  Add: No.25 Quang Trung Str., Vinh City, Nghe An Tel: (+84-38) 3838899 Fax: (+84-38) 3838898 www.saigonkimlien.com.vn/ vi-vn/hotel Phuong Dong Hotel  Add: No.2 Truong Thi Str., Vinh City, Nghe An Tel: (+84-38) 3562299 Fax: (+84-38) 3562562 www.phuongdongpv.com.vn Bai Lu Resort  Add: Nghi Yen, Nghi Loc, Nghe An Tel: (+84-38) 32226226 Fax: (+84-38) 32226222 www.bailuresort.com.vn Muong Thanh Dien Chau Hotel  Add: Unit 4, Dien Chau town, Nghe An Tel: (84-38) 3601666 Fax: (84-38) 3601789 www.muongthanhdienchauhotel.com

IMPORTANT ADRESSES

Quang Binh Sun Spa Resort

BMC Ha Tinh Hotel  Add: No.6 Phan Dinh Phung Str., Ha Tinh City Tel: (+84-39) 3899595 Fax: (+84-39) 3899292 www.bmchatinhhotel.com Sun Spa Resort  Add: My Canh, Bao Ninh, Dong Hoi City, Quang Binh Tel: (+84-52) 3842999 Fax: (+84-52) 3842555 www.sunsparesortvietnam.com Saigon – Quang Binh Hotel  Add: No.20 Quach Xuan Ky Str., Dong Hoi City, Quang Binh Tel: (+84-52) 38 22276 Fax: (+84-52) 3822404 www.sgquangbinhtourist.com.vn Imperial Hotel  Add: No.8 Hung Vuong Str., Hue City Tel: (+84-54) 3832063 Fax: (+84-54) 3882255 www.imperial-hotel.com.vn Pilgrimage Village Hotel  Add: No.130 Minh Mang Str., Hue City Tel: (+84-54) 3885461 Fax: (+84-54) 3887057 www.pilgrimagevillage.com

La Residence and Spa  Add: No.5 Le Loi Str., Hue City Tel: (+84-54) 3837457 Fax: (+84-54) 3837476 www.la-residence-hue.com Indochine Palace Hotel  Add: No.105A Hung Vuong Str., Hue City Tel: (+84-54) 393666 Fax: (+84-54) 3936555 www.bwp-indochinepalace.com Laguna Lang Co Resort  Add: Cu Du Village, Loc Vinh Commune, Phu Loc Dist., Thua Thien – Hue Tel: (+84-54) 3873555 Fax: (+84-54) 3873504 www.lagunalangco.com Century Riverside Hotel  Add: No.49 Le Loi Str., Hue City Tel: (+84-54) 3823390 Fax: (+84-54) 3823394 www.centuryriversidehue.com Huong Giang Hotel  Add: No.51 Le Loi Str., Hue City Tel: (+84-54) 3845555 Fax: (+84-54) 3823102 www.huonggianghotel.com.vn Saigon Morin Hotel  Add: No.30 Le Loi Str., Hue City

Tel: (+84-54) 3823526 Fax: (+84-54) 3825155 www.morinhotel.com.vn Mercue Gerbera Hue Hotel  Add: No.38 Le Loi Str., Hue City Tel: (+84-54) 3936688 Fax: (+84-54) 3936699 www.mercue.com Green Hue Hotel  Add: No.2 Le Loi Str., Hue City Tel: (+84-54) 3824668 Fax: (+84-54) 3824527 www.greenhotel-hue.com Park View Hotel  Add: No.9 Ngo Quyen Str., Hue City Tel: (+84-54) 3823278 Fax: (+84-54) 3828372 www.parkviewhotelhue.com Camellia Hotel  Add: No.57-59 Ben Nghe Str., Hue City Tel: (+84-54) 2220550 Fax: (+84-54) 2220440 www.camellia-hotels.com.vn Mondial Hue Hotel  Add: No.17 Nguyen Hue Str., Hue City Tel: (+84-54) 3945599 Fax: (+84-54) 3945566 www.mondialhotel.com.vn CHÀO VIỆT NAM | 137

IMPORTANT ADRESSES

Majestic hotel

Romance Hotel  Add: No.16 Nguyen Thai Hoc Str., Hue City Tel: (+84-54) 3898888 Fax: (+84-54) 3839898 www.romancehotel.com.vn Muong Thanh Hue Hotel  Add: No.38 Le Loi Str., Hue City Tel: (84-54) 3936688 Fax: (84-54) 3936699 www.muongthanh.vn/vi/hotel/hue Cherish Hotel  Add: N0.59 Ben Nghe, Hue City, Thua Thien - Hue Tel: (+84-54) 3943 943 Fax: (+84-54) 3942 942 www.cherishhotel.com Moonlight Hue Hotel  Add: No.20 Pham Ngu Lao, Phu Hoi, Hue City, Thua Thien - Hue Tel: (+84-54) 3979 797 Fax: (+84-54) 3894 567 www.moonlighthue.com Furama Hotel  Add: No.68 Ho Xuan Huong Str.., Da Nang City Tel: (+84-511) 3447333 Fax: (+84-511) 3447666 www.furamavietnam.com HAGL Plaza Da Nang Hotel  Add: No.1 Nguyen Van Linh Str., Da Nang City Tel: (+84-511) 2223344 Fax: (+84-511) 2223355 www.haglplazadanang.com

CHÀO VIỆT NAM | 138

Pullman Da Nang Beach Resort  Add: Truong Sa Str., Khue My Ward, Ngu Hanh Son Dist., Da Nang City Tel: (+84-511) 3958888 Fax: (+84-511) 3951898 www.life-resorts.com Silver Shore Resort  Add: Unit 8, Son Tra Dien Ngoc Str., Khue My Ward, Ngu Hanh Son Dist., Da Nang City Tel: (+84-511) 3918888 Fax: (+84-511) 3951889 www.ssiresort.com Fusion Maia Da Nang Resort  Add: Son Tra Dien Ngoc Str., Khue My Ward, Ngu Hanh Son Dist., Da Nang City

Tel: (+84-511) 3967999 Fax: (+84-511) 3967888 www.fusionmaiadanang.com Hyatt Regency Hotel  Add: Ngu Hanh Son Str., Hoa Hai ward, Da Nang City Tel: (+84-511) 3981234 Fax: (+84-511) 3981235 www.danang.regency.hyatt.com Vinpearl Luxury Da Nang Resort  Add: Truong Sa Str., Hoa Hai Ward, Ngu Hanh Son Dist., Danang City Tel: (+84-511) 3968888 Fax: (+84-511) 3938188 www.vinpearlluxury-danang.com Intercontinental Danang Sun Peninsula Hotel  Add: Northern Beach Eco-tourist Area, Son Tra Peninsula, Da Nang City Tel: (+84-511) 3938888 Fax: (+84-511) 3928899 www.danang.intercontinental.com Pullman Da Nang Beach Resort  Add: Truong Sa Str., Khue My Ward, Ngu Hanh Son, Da Nang City Tel: (+84-511) 3958888 Fax: (+84-511) 3951898 www.pullman-danang.com Novotel Danang Premier Han River  Add: No.36 Bach Dang, Hai Chau Dist, Da Nang City Tel: (+84-511) 3929 999

IMPORTANT ADRESSES Fax: (+84-510) 3940999 www.thenamhai.com

Hanoi Daewoo Hotel

Fax: (+84-511) 3929998 www.novotel-danang-premier.com Olalani Resort  Add: Son Tra Str., Dien Ngoc, Khue My, Ngu Hanh Son, Da Nang City Tel: (+84-511)3956293 www.olalani.com.vn Vinpearl Premium Da Nang  Add: Truong Sa Str., Hai Hoa, Ngu Hanh Son Dist., Da Nang Da Nang City Tel: (+84-511) 396 8888 www.vinpearlvillas.com Sandy Beach Hotel  Add: No.225 Huyen Tran Cong Chua Str., Da Nang City Tel: (+84-511) 3836215 Fax: (+84-511) 3836335 www.sandybeachhotel.com Green Plaza Da Nang Hotel  Add: No.238 Bach Dang Str., Da Nang City Tel: (+84-511) 3223399 Fax: (+84-511) 3222299 www.greenplazahotel.vn Muong Thanh Da Nang Hotel  Add: No. 962 Ngo Quyen, Son Tra, Da Nang City Tel: (+84-511) 3929 929

Fax: (+84-511) 3929 939 www.danang.muongthanh.vn Hoi An Beach Resort  Add: Cam An, Hoi An City, Quang Nam Tel: (+84-510) 3927011 Fax: (+84-510) 3927019 www.hoianbeachresort.com.vn Hoi An Trails Resort & Spa  Add: No.276 Cua Dai, Hoi An City, Quang Nam Tel: (+84-510) 3 923 999 Fax: (+84-510) 3 923 888 www.hoiantrailsresort.com.vn Palm Garden Resort  Add: Lac Long Quan Str., Hoi An City, Quang Nam Tel: (+84-510) 3927927 Fax: (+84-510) 3927928 www.palmgardenresort.com.vn Golden Sand Resort  Add: Thanh Nien Str., Cua Dai, Hoi An City, Quang Nam Tel: (+84-510) 3927555 Fax: (+84-510) 3927565 www.goldensandresort-spa. com.vn Nam Hai Resort  Add: Dien Duong Commune, Dien Ban Dist., Quang Nam Tel: (+84-510) 3940000

Sunrise Resort  Add: Au Co Str., Cua Dai Beach, Frontal Beach, Hoi An City, Quang Nam Tel: (+84-510) 3937777 Fax: (+84-510) 3937778 www.sunrisehoian.vn Victoria Hoi An Beach Resort & Spa  Add: No. 175 Cua Dai Str., Hoi An City, Quang Nam Tel: (+84-510) 3927040 Fax: (+84-510) 3927041 www.victoriahotels-asia.com Riverside Hoi An Resort  Add: Cua Dai Str., Cam Chau Commune, Hoi An City, Quang Nam Tel: (+84-510) 3864800 Fax: (+84-510) 3864900 www.hoianriverresort.com Vinh Hung Resort  Add: No. 11 Ngo Quyen Str., Minh An commune, Hoi An City, Quang Nam Tel: (+84-510) 3910577 Fax: (+84-510) 3864094 www.vinhhungresort.com Dong An Hotel  Add: Cua Dai Road, Phuoc Tan, Hoi An City, Quang Nam Tel: (+84-510) 3927888 Fax: (+84-510) 3927777 www.donganbeachhotel. com.vn Pacific Hotel  Add: No.321 Cua Dai Str., Hoi An City, Quang Nam Tel: (+84-510) 3923777 Fax: (+84-510) 3923455 www.hoianpacific.com Hoi An Hotel  Add: No.10 Tran Hung Dao Str., Hoi An City, Quang Nam Tel: (+84-510) 3861445 Fax: (+84-510) 3861636 www.hoianhotel.com.vn Life Heritage Resort Hoi An  Add: No.1 Pham Hong Thai Str., Hoi An City, Quang Nam Tel: (+84-510) 3914560 Fax: (+84-510) 3914515 www.life-resorts.com

CHÀO VIỆT NAM | 139

IMPORTANT ADRESSES

Rex Hotel

Hoi An Glory Hotel & Spa  Add: No.538 Cua Dai, Hoi An City, Quang Nam Tel: (+84-510) 3914444 Fax: (+84-510) 3914445 www.gloryhotelhoian.com Boutique Hoi An Resort  Add: Group 6, Tan Thinh Block, Cam An Ward, Hoi An, Quang Nam Tel: (+84-510) 3939111 Fax: (+84-510) 3939222 www.boutiquehoianresort.com

Lotte Legend Hotel

CHÀO VIỆT NAM | 140

Center Hotel  Add: No.784 Quang Trung Str., Quang Ngai City, Quang Ngai Tel: (+84-55) 3829999 Fax: (+84-55) 3822460 www.centralhotel.com.vn Petro Song Tra Hotel II  Add: No.1 An Duong Vuong, Quang Ngai Tel: (+84-55) 3714468 Fax: (+84-55) 3714469 www.petrosetco.com.vn

Duc Long Gia Lai - Dung Quat Hotel  Add: Chu Lai industrial complex, Binh Chanh, Binh Son, Quang Ngai Tel: (84-55) 3603999 www.dlgl-dungquathotel.com.vn Saigon Quy Nhon Hotel  Add: No.24 Nguyen Hue Str., Quy Nhon City, Binh Dinh Tel: (+84-56) 3829922 Fax: (+84-56) 3828128 www.saigonquynhonhotel. com.vn Life Resort Quy Nhon  Add: Bai Rai Area, Ghenh Rang Ward, Quy Nhon City, Binh Dinh Tel: (+84-56) 3840132 Fax: (+84-56) 3840138 www.life-resorts.com Hoang Anh Quy Nhon Hotel  Add: No.1 Han Mac Tu Str., Quy Nhon City, Binh Dinh Tel: (+84-56) 3747100 Fax: (+84-56) 3747111 www.hoang-anh-resort.directrooms.com Hai Au Hotel  Add: No.489 An Duong Vuong Str., Quy Nhon City, Binh Dinh Tel: (+84-56) 3846377 Fax: (+84-56) 3846926 www.haiauhotel.com.vn

IMPORTANT ADRESSES

Muong Thanh Quy Nhon Hotel  Add: No.2 Nguyen Huu Str., Quy Nhon, Binh Dinh Tel: (+84-56) 3892 666 Fax: (+84-56) 3892 667 www.quynhon.muongthanh.vn Cendeluxe Hotel  Add: Hai Duong Str., Binh Ngoc, Tuy Hoa City, Phu Yen Tel: (+84-57) 3818818 Fax: (+84-57) 3896896 www.cendeluxehotel.com Sao Viet Resort  Add: Nui Thom, An Phu, Tuy Hoa City, Phu Yen Tel: (+84-57) 3789999 Fax: (+84-57) 3794373 www.vietstarresort.com Kaya Hotel  Add: No.238 Hung Vuong Str., Tuy Hoa City, Phu Yen Tel: (+84-57) 3819999 Fax: (+84-57) 3896666 www.kayahotel.com.vn Sai Gon Phu Yen Hotel  Add: No.541 Tran Hung Dao Str., Ward 6, Tuy Hoa City, Phu Yen Tel: (+84-57) 3826666 Fax: (+84-57) 3822886 www.saigonquynhonhotel. com.vn

Dakruco Hotel  Add: No.30 Nguyen Chi Thanh Str., Buon Ma Thuot City, Dak Lak Tel: (+84-500) 3970888 Fax: (+84-500) 3970889 www.dakrucohotels.com Sai Gon Ban Me Hotel  Add: 1-3 Phan Chu Trinh, Buon Ma Thuot, Dak lak Tel: (+84-500) 3685666 www.saigonbanmehotel. com.vn Hoang Anh Gia Lai Hotel  Add: No.1 Phu Dong Str., Pleiku City, Gia Lai Tel: (+84-59) 3718540 Fax: (+84-59) 3718461 www.hagl.com.vn Vinpearl Luxury Nha Trang Resort  Add: Hon Tre Island, Vinh Nguyen Ward, Nha Trang City, Khanh Hoa Tel: (+84-58) 3598598 Fax: (+84-58) 3590613 www.vinpearlland.com.vn Vinpearl Resort & Spa  Add: Hon Tre Island, Vinh Nguyen, Nha Trang City, Khanh Hoa Tel: (+84-58) 3598188 Fax: (+84-58) 3598199 www.vinpearlresort-nhatrang.com

Evason Anna Mandara Hotel  Add: Bai Duong Area, 86 Tran Phu Str., Nha Trang City, Khanh Hoa Tel: (+84-58) 3524705 Fax: (+84-58) 3525828 www.sixsenses.com/evason-resorts/ana-mandara/destination Six Senses Hideway Ninh Van Bay  Add: Ninh Van Island, Ninh Hoa Dist., Khanh Hoa Tel: (+84-58) 3728222 Fax: (+84-58) 3728223 www.sixsenses.com Sunrise Nha Trang Hotel  Add: No.12-14 Tran Phu Str., Nha Trang City, Khanh Hoa Tel: (+84-58) 3820999 Fax: (+84-58) 3822866 www.sunrisenhatrang.com.vn Sheraton Nha Trang Hotel & Spa  Add: No.26-28 Tran Phu Str., Nha Trang City, Khanh Hoa Tel: (+84-58) 3880000 Fax: (+84-58) 3882222 www.sheratonnhatrang.com Mia Resort & Spa  Add: Bai Dong, Cam Hai Dong, Cam Lam, Khanh Hoa Tel: (+84-58) 3989666 Fax: (+84-58) 3989667 www.mianhatrang.com

Mui Ne Bay Resort

CHÀO VIỆT NAM | 141

IMPORTANT ADRESSES

Caravelle Hotel

Amiana Hotel  Add: Pham Van Dong Str., Nha Trang City, Khanh Hoa Tel: (+84-58) 7305555 Fax: (+84-58) 7306666 www.amianaresort.com Intercontinental Nha Trang Hotel  Add: No.32-34 Tran Phu Str., Loc Tho, Nha Trang City, Khanh Hoa Tel: (+84-58) 3887 777 Fax: (+84-58) 3886 666 www.nhatrang.intercontinental. com Yasaka-Saigon-Nha Trang  Add: No.18 Tran Phu Str., Nha Trang City, Khanh Hoa Tel: (+84-58) 3820090 Fax: (+84-58) 3820000 www.yasanhatrang.com Lodge Nha Trang Hotel  Add : No.42 Tran Phu Str., Nha Trang City, Khanh Hoa Tel : (+84-58) 3521500 Fax: (+84-58) 3521800

CHÀO VIỆT NAM | 142

www.nhatranglodge.com Diamond Bay Resort & Golf Nha Trang  Add: Phuoc Ha, Phuoc Dang Commune, Nha Trang City, Khanh Hoa Tel: (+84-58) 3711711 Fax: (+84-58) 3711666 www.diamondbayresort.vn Novotel Nha Trang Hotel  Add: No.50 Tran Phu Str., Nha Trang City, Khanh Hoa Tel: (+84-58) 36256928 Fax: (+84-58) 3523335 www.novotel.com Michelia Hotel  Add: No.4 Pasteur Str., Nha Trang City, Khanh Hoa Tel: (+84-58) 3820820 Fax: (+84-58) 3813303 www.michelia.vn Galina Hotel  Add: No.5 Hung Vuong, Loc Tho, Nha Trang City, Khanh Hoa Tel: (+84-58) 383 9999

www.galinahotel.com.vn Muong Thanh Nha Trang Hotel  Add: No.6 Duong Hien Quyen, Nha Trang City, Khanh Hoa Tel: (+84-58) 3552 468 Fax: (+84-58) 3552 469 www.nhatrang.muongthanh.vn Dalat Palace Hotel  Add: No.12 Tran Phu Str., Da Lat City, Lam Dong Tel: (+84-63) 3825444 Fax: (+84-63) 3825666 www.dalathotel.vn Dalat Edensee Lake Resort & Spa  Add: Area 2, Tuyen Lam Lake, Dalat City, Lam Dong Tel: (+84-63) 38311515 Fax: (+84-63) 3524477 www.dalatedensee.com Golf 3 Hotel  Add: No.4 Nguyen Thi Minh Khai Str., Da Lat City, Lam Dong Tel: (+84-63) 3826042

IMPORTANT ADRESSES

Park Hyatt Saigon Hotel

Fax: (+84-63) 3830396 www.vinagolf.vn Hoang Anh Da Lat Hotel  Add: No.3 Nguyen Du Str., Ward 9, Da Lat City, Lam Dong Tel: (+84-63) 3810826 Fax: (+84-63) 3549036 www.hoanganhdatxanhresort.com.vn Ana Mandara Villas Da Lat Resort & Spa  Add: Le Lai Str., Ward 5, Da Lat City, Lam Dong Tel: (+84-63) 3555888 Fax: (+84-63) 3555666 www.anamandara-resort.com Sammy Da Lat Hotel  Add: No.1 Le Hong Phong Str., Da Lat City, Lam Dong Tel: (+84-63) 3545454 Fax: (+84-63) 3541154 www.sammyhotel.vn Ngoc Lan Hotel  Add: No.42 Nguyen Chi Thanh

At La Veranda Resort

Str., Ward 1, Da Lat City, Lam Dong Tel: (+84-63) 3838838 Fax: (+84-63) 3824032 www.ngoclanhotel.vn Sai Gon - Da Lat Hotel  Add: No.2 Hoang Van Thu Str., Ward 4, Da Lat City, Lam Dong Tel: (+84-63) 3556789 Fax: (+84-63) 3551155 www.saigondalathotel.com

Trang Thanh Hotel  Add: No.4 Phan Boi Chau Str., Da Lat City, Lam Dong Tel: (+84-63) 357888 Fax: (+84-63) 359777 www.thanh-trang-hotel. directrooms.com Hoang Anh Dat Xanh Da Lat Resort  Add: No.3 Nguyen Du Str., Da Lat City, Lam Dong

CHÀO VIỆT NAM | 143

JW Marriott Hotel

Tel: (+84-63) 3810826 Fax: (+84-63) 3549036 www.hoanganhdatxanhresort. com.vn La Sapinette Da Lat Hotel  Add: No.1 Phan Chu Trinh Str., ward 9, Da Lat City, Lam Dong Tel: (+84-63) 3550979 Fax: (+84-63) 3550595 www.lasapinette.com Vietso Petro Hotel  Add: No.7 Hung Vuong Str., Da Lat City, Lam Dong Tel: (+84-63) 3833077 Fax: (+84-63) 3833088 www.vietsovpetrohotel.vn Saigon Ninh Chu Hotel  Add: Khanh Hai, Ninh Hai, Ninh Thuan Tel: (+84-68) 3876005 Fax: (+84-68) 3876008 www.saigonninhchuhotel. com.vn Sea Links Beach Hotel  Add: Km9, Phu Hai, Phan Thiet, Binh Thuan Tel: (+84-62) 2220088 Fax: (+84-62) 2220099 www.sealinksbeachhotel.com

CHÀO VIỆT NAM | 144

Anantara Mui Ne Resort & Spa  Add: No. 12A Nguyen Dinh Chieu, Ham Tien ward, Phan Thiet City, Binh Thuan Tel: (+84-62) 3741 888 Fax: (+84-62) 3741 555 www.mui-ne.anantara.com Princess D’Annam Resort & Spa  Add: Hon Lan Region, Tan Thanh Commune, South Ham Thuan Dist., Binh Thuan Tel: (+84-62) 3682222 Fax: (+84-62) 3682333 www.princessannam.com Bamboo Village Beach Resort & Spa  Add: No.38 Nguyen Dinh Chieu Str., Phan Thiet, Binh Thuan Tel: (+84-62) 3847007 Fax: (+84-62) 3847095 www.bamboovillageresortvn.com Novotel Phan Thiet Hotel  Add: No.1 Ton Duc Thang Str., Phan Thiet City, Binh Thuan Tel: (+84-62) 3822393 Fax: (+84-62) 3825682 www.novotel.com

Victoria Phan Thiet Resort  Add: Km8, Phu Hai commune, Phan Thiet City, Binh Thuan Tel: (+84-62) 3847170 Fax: (+84-62) 3813007 www.victoriahotels-asia.com Phu Hai Resort  Add: Phu Hai, Phan Thiet City, Binh Thuan Tel: (+84-62) 3812799 Fax: (+84-62) 3812797 www.phuhairesort.com Ocean Star Resort  Add: No.22 Nguyen Dinh Chieu Str., Phan Thiet City, Binh Thuan Tel: (+84-62) 3847736 Fax: (+84-62) 3847740 www.oceanstarresort.com Saigon Mui Ne Resort  Add: No.56-97 Nguyen Dinh Chieu Str., Ham Tien, Phan Thiet City, Binh Thuan Tel: (+84-62) 3847303 Fax: (+84-62) 3847307 www.saigonmuineresort.com Pandanus Resort  Add: quater 5, Mui Ne ward, Phan Thiet City, Binh Thuan Tel: (+84-62) 3849849 Fax: (+84-62) 3849850

IMPORTANT ADRESSES www.pandanusresort.com Terracotta Tourist Area  Add: No.28 Nguyen Dinh Chieu Str., Ham Tien, Phan Thiet City, Binh Thuan Tel: (+84-62) 3847610 Fax: (+84-62) 3847611 www.terracottaresort.com Seahorse Resort & Spa  Add: Km11, Nguyen Dinh Chieu Str., Ham Tien, Phan Thiet City, Binh Thuan Tel: (+84-62) 3847507 Fax: (+84-62) 3847774 www.seahorseresortvn.com Romana Resort & Spa  Add: Km5, Phu Hai, Phan Thiet City, Binh Thuan Tel: (+84-62) 3741289 Fax: (+84-62) 3741281 www.romanaresort.com.vn Hoang Ngoc Resort  Add: No.152 Nguyen Dinh Chieu Str., Ham Tien, Phan Thiet City, Binh Thuan Tel: (+84-62) 3847850 Fax: (+84-62) 3847549 www.hoangngoc-resort.com Sea Lion Beach Resort & Spa  Add: No.12 Nguyen Dinh Chieu Str., Ham Tien, Phan Thiet City, Binh Thuan Tel: (+84-62) 3743390 Fax: (+84-62) 3763394 www.sealionresort-muine.com Allezboo Beach Resort & Spa  Add: No.8 Nguyen Dinh Chieu Str., Ham Tien, Phan Thiet City, Binh Thuan Tel: (+84-62) 3743777 Fax: (+84-62) 3741999 www.allezboo.com Mui Ne Bay Resort  Add: 14 unit, Mui Ne, Phan Thiet City, Binh Thuan Tel: (+84-62) 3743777 Fax: (+84-62) 2220272 www.muinebayresort.com Park Diamond Hotel  Add: Doi Duong, Le Loi, Hung Long ward, Phan Thiet City, Binh Thuan Tel: (+84-62) 3835666 Fax: (+84-62) 3835667 www.parkdiamondhotel.vn

The Sailing Bay Beach Resort  Add: No.107 Ho Xuan Huong, neighborhood 4, Mui Ne, Phan Thiet, Binh Thuan Tel: (+84-62) 3836 555 www.thesailingbay.com Amaryllis Resort & Spa  Add: Km8 Nguyen Dinh Chieu, Phan Thiet, Binh Thuan Tel: (+84-62) 3719 099 Fax: (+84-62) 3719 097 www.amaryllisresort.com Hai Ba Trung Hotel  Add: No.8 Hai Ba Trung, Buon Me Thuot, Dak Lak Tel: (+84-500) 3899 999 Fax: (+84-500) 3566 666 www.hbthotel.vn BMC Ngoc Hoi Hotel  Add: No.1 Tran Phu, Plei Kan, Ngoc Hoi, Kon Tum Tel: (+84-60) 6268 999 Fax: (+84-60) 6268 368 New World Hotel Saigon  Add: No.76 Le Lai Str., Dist. 1, Ho Chi Minh City Tel: (+84-8) 38228888 Fax: (+84-8) 38230710 www.saigon.newworldhotels.com Caravelle Hotel  Add: No.19 Cong Truong Lam Son Str., Dist. 1, Ho Chi Minh City Tel: (+84-8) 38234999 Fax: (+84-8) 38256956 www.caravellehotel.com Renaisance Riverside Hotel  Add: No.8-15 Ton Duc Thang Str., Dist. 1, Ho Chi Minh City Tel: (+84-8) 38220033 Fax: (+84-8) 38235666 www.marriott.com/hotels Majestic Hotel  Add: No.1 Dong Khoi Str., Dist. 1, Ho Chi Minh City Tel: (+84-8) 38295517 Fax: (+84-8) 38295510 www.majesticsaigon.com.vn Rex Hotel  Add: No.141 Nguyen Hue Str., Dist. 1, Ho Chi Minh City Tel: (+84-8) 38296043 Fax: (+84-8) 38296536 www.rexhotelvietnam.com

Sofitel Plaza Saigon Hotel  Add: No.17 Le Duan, Dist. 1, Ho Chi Minh City Tel: (+84-8) 38235500 Fax: (+84-8) 38241666 www.sofitel.com Equatoria Hotel  Add: No.242 Tran Binh Trong, Dist. 5, Ho Chi Minh City Tel: (+84-8) 38397777 Fax: (+84-8) 38359970 www.equatorial.com Moevenpick SaiGon Hotel  Add: No.253 Nguyen Van Troi Str., Phu Nhuan Dist., Ho Chi Minh City Tel: (+84-8) 38449222 Fax: (+84-8) 38449200 www.moevenpick-hotels.com Legend Saigon Hotel  Add: No.2A-4A Ton Duc Thang Str., Dist. 1, Ho Chi Minh City Tel: (+84-8) 38233333 Fax: (+84-8) 38232333 www.legendsaigon.com Park Hyatt Saigon Hotel  Add: No.2 Cong Truong Lam Son Str., Dist. 1, Ho Chi Minh City Tel: (+84-8) 38241234 Fax: (+84-8) 38237569 www.saigon.park.hyatt.com Sheraton Saigon Hotel & Tower  Add: No.88 Dong Khoi Str., Dist. 1, Ho Chi Minh City Tel: (+84-8) 38272828 Fax: (+84-8) 38272929 www.sheratongrandtower.com Windsor Plaza Hotel  Add: No.18 An Duong Vuong Str., Dist. 5, Ho Chi Minh City Tel: (+84-8) 38336688 Fax: (+84-8) 38336888 www.windsorplazahotel.com Vu Anh International General Hospital  Add: No.15-16 Phan Van Tri Str., Go Vap Dist., Ho Chi Minh City Tel: (+84-8) 39894989 Fax: (+84-8) 39897209 www.vuanhhospital.com.vn Intercontinental Asiana Saigon Hotel  Add: No.39 Le Duan Str., Dist. 1, Ho Chi Minh City

CHÀO VIỆT NAM | 145

Tel: (+84-8) 35209990 Fax: (+84-8) 35209992 www.intercontinental.com Nikko Saigon Hotel  Add: No.235 Nguyen Van Cu Str., Dist. 1, Ho Chi Minh City Tel: (+84-8) 3925 7777 Fax: (+84-8) 3925 7766 www.hotelnikkosaigon.com.vn Pullman Hotel  Add: No.148 Tran Hung Dao Str., Dist. 1, Ho Chi Minh City Tel: (+84-8) 3838 8686 Fax: (+84-8) 3838 9179 www.pullman-saigon-centre.com Nikko Saigon Hotel  Add: No. 235 Nguyen Van Cu, Nguyen Cu Trinh, Dist. 1, Ho Chi Minh City Tel: (+84-8) 3925 7777 Fax: (+84-8) 3925 7766 www.hotelnikkosaigon.com.vn Grand Hotel  Add: No.8 Dong Khoi Str., Dist. 1, Ho Chi Minh City Tel: (+84-8) 38230163 Fax: (+84-8) 39236427 www.grandhotel.vn First Hotel  Add: No.18 Hoang Viet Str., Tan Binh Dist., Ho Chi Minh City Tel: (+84-8) 38441175 Fax: (+84-8) 38444282 www.firsthotel.com.vn Palace Hotel  Add: No.56 – 66 Nguyen Hue Str., Dist. 1, Ho Chi Minh City Tel: (+84-8) 38292860 Fax: (+84-8) 38244229 www.palacesaigon.com Continental Hotel  Add: No.132 – 134 Dong Khoi Str., Dist. 1, Ho Chi Minh City Tel: (+84-8) 3829 9255 Fax: (+84-8) 3829 0936 www.continentalhotel.com.vn Park Royal Saigon Hotel  Add: No.309B, 311 Nguyen Van Troi Str., Tan Binh Dist., Ho Chi Minh City Tel: (+84-8) 38421111 Fax: (+84-8) 38424365 www.parkroyalhotels.com Ramana Saigon Hotel  Add: No.323 Le Van Sy Str., Dist. 3, Ho Chi Minh City

CHÀO VIỆT NAM | 146

Tel: (+84-8) 38439999 Fax: (+84-8) 39348649 www.ramanasaigon.com Duxton Hotel  Add: No.63 Nguyen Hue Str., Dist. 1, Ho Chi Minh City Tel: (+84-8) 38222999 Fax: (+84-8) 38241888 www.saigon.duxtonhotels.com Kim Do Hotel  Add: No.133 Nguyen Hue Str., Dist. 1, Ho Chi Minh City Tel: (+84-8) 38225914 Fax: (+84-8) 38225913 www.kimdohotel.com Oscar Saigon Hotel  Add: No.68, Nguyen Hue Str., Dist. 1, Ho Chi Minh City Tel: (+84-8) 38292959 Fax: (+84-8) 38222958 www.oscar-saigonhotel.com Liberty Central Hotel  Add: No.177-170 Le Thanh Ton Str., Dist. 1, Ho Chi Minh City Tel: (+84-8) 38239269 Fax: (+84-8) 38239270 www.libertycentralhotel.com Golden Central Hotel  Add: No.140 Ly Tu Trong Str., Dist. 1, Ho Chi Minh City Tel: (+84-8) 38270666 Fax: (+84-8) 38270093 www.goldenhotelsaigon.vn Norfolk Hotel  Add: No.117 Le Thanh Ton Str., Dist. 1, Ho Chi Minh City Tel: (+84-8) 38295368 Fax: (+84-8) 38293415 www.norfolkhotel.com.vn New Pacific Hotel  Add: No.9-11 Ky Dong Str., Dist. 9, Ho Chi Minh City Tel: (+84-8) 35261788 Fax: (+84-8) 35264428 www.newpacific.vn Golden Central Hotel Saigon  Add: No.140 Ly Tu Trong, Dist. 1, Ho Chi Minh City Tel: (+84-8) 3827 0666 Fax: (+84-8) 3827 0566 www.goldenhotelsaigon.vn Vissai Sai Gon Hotel  Add: No.144 Nguyen Van Troi, Phu Nhuan Dist., Ho Chi Minh City

Tel: (+84-8) 3999 8888 Fax: (+84-8) 3995 8888 www.vissaisaigonhotel.vn Imperial Vung Tau Hotel  Add: No.159-163 Thuy Van Str., Thang Tam ward, Vung Tau City Tel: (+84-64) 3628888 Fax: (+84-64) 3561111 www.imperialhotel.vn Six Senses Con Dao Hotel  Add: Steep Dune Beach, Con Dao Dist., Vung Tau City Tel: (+84-64) 3831222 Fax: (+84-64) 3831456 www.sixsenses.com/resorts/ con-dao/offers Saigon – Binh Chau Eco-Tourist and Resort  Add: Highway 55, Binh Chau Commune, Xuyen Moc, Vung Tau City Tel: (+84-64) 3871131 Fax: (+84-64) 3871130 www.saigonbinhchauecoresort.com Palace Hotel Vung Tau  Add: No.1 Nguyen Trai Str., ward 1, Vung Tau City Tel: (+84-64) 3856411 Fax: (+84-64) 3856878 www.palacehotel.com.vn Long Hai Beach Resort  Add: Provincial road 44, Long Hai Town, Long Dien, Vung Tau City Tel: (+84-64) 3661353 Fax: (+84-64) 3661356 www.longhaibeachresort.com Dic Star – Vung Tau Hotel  Add: No.169 Ky Van Str., Vung Tau City Tel: (+84-64) 3859519 Fax: (+84-64) 3818026 www.dictt.com.vn Ho Tram Beach Resort & Spa  Add: Ho Tram, Phuoc Thuan Commune, Xuyen Moc Dist., Vung Tau City Tel: (+84-64) 3781525 Fax: (+84-64) 3781433 www.hotramresort.com Petrol PTSC Hotel  Add: No.9-11 Hoang Dieu Str., ward 1, Vung Tau City Tel: (+84-64) 3588588 Fax: (+84-64) 3588589

www.ptsc.com.vn Anoasic Beach Resort  Add: Provincial road 44, Hai Son, Long Hai Town, Long Dien, Vung Tau City Tel: (+84-64) 3868227 Fax: (+84-64) 3868229 www.anoasisresort.com.vn Ho Coc resort  Add: 44 road, Bung Rieng Commune, Xuyen Moc Distric, Vung Tau City Tel: (84-64) 3791036 Fax: (84-64) 3878175 www.huongphonghococresort.com Vung Tau Intourco Resort  Add: 1A Thuy Van, 8 ward, Vung Tau City Tel: (84-64) 3585324 Fax: (84-64) 3583327 www.intourcoresort.com.vn Vietsovpetro Resort  Add: Phuoc Thuan, Xuyen Moc, Vung Tau City Tel: (+84-64) 3782 266 Fax: (+84-64) 3782 255 www.vietsovpetroresort.com The Mira Hotel  Add: No.555B Binh Duong Avenue, Hiep Thanh, Thu Dau Mot, Binh Duong Tel: (+84-650) 3678 888 Fax: (+84-650) 3678 880 www.themirahotel.com.vn Wooshu Hotel 

Add: No.253 Pham Van Thuan, Tan Mai, Bien Hoa, Dong Nai Tel: (+84-61) 3918 888 Fax: (+84-61) 3918 889 www.wooshuhotel.com Victoria Chau Doc Hotel  Add: No.1 Le Loi, Chau Doc, An Giang Tel: (+84-76) 3865 010 Fax: (+84-76) 3865 020 www.victoriahotels.asia Victoria Can Tho Hotel  Add: Cai Khe Ward Tourist Area, Can Tho City Tel: (+84-710) 3810111 Fax: (+84-710) 3829259 www.victoriacanthohotels.com Golf Can Tho Hotel  Add: No.2 Hai Ba Trung, Can Tho City Tel: (+84-710) 3812210 Fax: (+84-710) 3812354 www.vinagolf.vn Ninh Kieu 2 Hotel  Add: No.3 Hoa Binh Avenue, Can Tho City Tel: (+84-710) 3625414 Fax: (+84-710) 36252477 www.ninhkieuhotel.com Sai Gon - Phu Quoc Hotel  Add: No.1 Tran Hung Dao, Duong Dong Town, Phu Quoc island, Kien Giang Tel: (+84-77) 3846999 Fax: (+84-77) 3847163 www.sgphuquocresort. com.vn

Hoa Binh - Rach Gia Resort  Add: Lot A9, 3-7 Co Bac, Vinh Bao, Rach Gia, Kien Giang Tel: (+84-77) 3553 355 Fax: (+84-77) 3553 366 www.hoabinhrachgiaresort. com.vn Blue Lagoon Resort  Add: No.64 Tran Hung Dao, 7 area, Duong Dong, Phu Quoc, Kien Giang Tel: (+84-77) 3994 499 Fax: (+84-77) 3994 294 www.sasco-bluelagoon-resort.com Hoa Binh Phu Quoc Kien Giang Hotel  Add: No.71 Tran Hung Dao, area 7, Duong Dong, Kien Giang Tel: (+84-77) 3996 868 Fax: (+84-77) 3995 789 www.hoabinhphuquoc. com.vn Aristo International Hotel  Add: No.28 Yet Kieu Str., Kim Tan, Lao Cai Tel: (+84-20) 3826 668 Fax: (+84-20) 3826 768 www.aristohotel.com.vn Victoria Sapa Resort & Spa  Add: Sapa Town, Sapa, Lao Cai Tel: (+84-20) 3871 522 Fax: (+84-20) 3871 539 www.victoriahotels.asia

CHÀO VIỆT NAM | 147

IMPORTANT ADRESSES

SOME TYPICAL TRAVEL AGENCIES IN VIETNAM

Vietnamtourism - Hanoi JSC. Add: No.30A Ly Thuong Kiet Str. , Hoan Kiem Dist., Hanoi Tel: (+84-4) 38259942 Fax: (+84-4) 38257583 Email: info@vn-tourism.com Buffalo One-member Travel Co., Ltd. Add: 94 Ma May, Hoan Kiem Dist., Hanoi Tel: (+84-4) 38280702 Fax: (+84-4) 38269370 Email: travelagency.hn@ buffalotours.com Hanoitourist Travel Company Add: No.18 Ly Thuong Kiet Str., Hoan Kiem Dist., Hanoi Tel (+84-4) 6250 5858 Fax: (+84-4) 62506777 Email: vanphong@hanoitourist. com.vn Focus Travel And Trading CO., LTD Add: No.18, Alley 47, Nguyen Hong Str., Dong Da Dist., Hanoi Tel: (+84-4) 38357585 Fax: (+84-4) 38358836 Email: baoloc@focusvietnam.com Kim Lien Travel JSC Add: 7 Dao Duy Anh Str., Dong Da Dist., Hanoi Tel: (+84-4) 35770809 Fax: (+84-4) 35770346 Email: kimlientravel@hn.vnn.vn

Diethelm Travel Co., LTD Add: Room 1701, Melia Hotel, 44B Ly Thuong Kiet Str., Hanoi Tel: (+84-4) 39344844 Fax: (+84-4) 39344850 Email: info@vndiethelmtravel.com Footsteps Outdoor Adventure Travel Add: No.6 Le Thanh Tong Str., Phan Chu Trinh, Hoan Kiem Dist, Hanoi Tel: (+84-4) 39 332844 Fax: (+84-4) 39332844 Email: booking@footstepstravels. com Investment Promotion Tourism Co,. Ltd Add: No.281 Doi Can, Lieu Giai Str., Ba Dinh Dist, Hanoi Tel: (+84-4) 38325126 Fax: (+84-4) 38325938 Email: viptour@hnn.vnn.vn Hanoi Redtours JSC Add: No. 63, Hang Trong Str., Hang Trong ward, Hoan Kiem Dist., Hanoi Tel: (+84-4) 39285588 Fax: (+84-4) 39285779 Email: redtours@hvg.com.vn ANZ Promotion- Trade Investment Tourist Joint Stock Company Add: No 71 Mai Hac De Str., Hai Ba Trung Dist., Hanoi Tel: (+84-4) 39744405 Fax: (+84-4) 39744407 Email: booking@vietnamanztravel.com

Surfing on the Binh Thuan beach

Huong Giang Travel Co., LTD Add: No.7 Le Hong Phong Str., Hue City, Thua Thien - Hue Tel: (+84-54) 3949596 Fax: (+84-54) 3821426 Email: hgtravel@dng.vnn.vn VITOURS One-member Travel Co., Ltd. Add: No.83 Nguyen Thi Minh Khai Str., Hai Chau Dist., Da Nang City Tel: (+84-511) 3822213 Fax: (+84-511) 3821560 Email: info@vitours.com.vn Saigontourist Travel Service Co., LTD Add: No.45 Le Thanh Ton Str., Dist. 1, Ho Chi Minh City Tel: (+84-8) 38279279 Fax: (+84-8) 38224987 Email: saigontourist@sgtourist.com.vn Vietravel Add: No.190 Pasteur, Dist. 3, Ho Chi Minh City Tel: (+84-8) 38228898 Fax: (+84-8) 38299142 Email: c.s@vietravel.com.vn Benthanhtourist Add: No.70 Ly Tu Trong Str., Dist. 1, Ho Chi Minh City Tel: (+84-8) 38222979 Fax: (+84-8) 38227788 Email: info@benthanhtourist.com Exotissimo â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Cesais Travel Venture Company Add: 80-82 Phan Xich Long Str., Phu Nhuan Dist., Ho Chi Minh City Tel: (+84-8) 39959898 Fax: (+84-8) 39959184 Email: vietnam@exotissimo.com

Fish season

Vietnam Hoa Binh Travel Joint Stock Company Add: No.60 Vo Van Tan Str., Dist. 3, Ho Chi Minh City Tel: (+84-8) 39303909 Fax: (+84-8) 39304416 Email: peacetour@hcm.vnn.vn Apex - Vietnam CO., LTD Add: 6th floor, 393B Tran Hung Dao Str., Dist. 1, Ho Chi Minh City Tel: (+84-8) 39204700 Fax: (+84-8) 39204718/25 Email:hcm@apexvietnam.com Vietnamtourism JSC. at Ho Chi Minh City Add: No.234 Nam Ky Khoi Nghia Str., Dist. 3, Ho Chi Minh City Tel: (+84-8) 39326776 Fax: (+84-8) 39326775 Email: headoffice@vietnamtourism-hcmc.com.vn V.Y.C Travel JSC. Add: No.178 -180 Nguyen Cu Trinh Str., Dist. 1, Ho Chi Minh City Tel: (+84-8) 38368899 Fax: (+84-8) 38368399 Email: vyctour@vyctour.com Vidotour Add: No.145 Nam Ky Khoi Nghia Str., Dist. 3, Ho Chi Minh City Tel: (+84-8) 39330457 Fax: (+84-8) 39330470 Email: marketing@vidotourtravel.com

Western Nghe An

Coming to Vietnam

Fiditourist Travel JSC Add: No.129 Nguyen Hue Str., Dist. 1, Ho Chi Minh City Tel: (+84-8) 39141414/16 Fax: (+84-8) 39141363 Email: fidi@fiditour.com Luaviettour Travel Co., LTD Add: No.677 Tran Hung Dao, Dist.5, Ho Chi Minh City Tel: (+84-8) 39241458 Fax: (+84-8) 39233616 Email: info@luaviettours.com Thanh Nien Tourist JSC - YTC Add: No.292 Dien Bien Phu Str., ward 7, Dist. 3, Ho Chi Minh City Tel: (+84-8) 39325236 Fax: (+84-8) 3932 5480 Email: ytc@dulichthanhnien-ytc.com.vn Can Tho Tourist JSC Add: No.50 Hai Ba Trung Str., Tan An ward, Ninh Kieu Dist., Can Tho City Tel: (+84-710) 3821854 Fax: (+84-710) 3810956 Email: canthotourist@hcm.vnn.vn An Giang One-member Travel Services Co., Ltd. Add: No.619/31 Tran Hung Dao Str., Binh Khanh ward, Long Xuyen City, An Giang Province Tel: (+84-76) 3956002 Fax: (+84-76) 3956001 Email: luhanhangiang@vnn.vn

Visiting My Son relic

OSC Vietnam Travel Add: No.2 Le Loi, Vung Tau City Tel: (+84-64) 3852603 Fax: (+84-64) 3852834 Email: osc-tours@hcm.vnn.vn

Phu Quoc island

IMPORTANT ADRESSES

SHOPPING DESTINATIONS IN HA NOI Trang Tien Plaza Business Center Add: 24 Hai Ba Trung, Hoan Kiem, Hanoi Tel: (+84-4) 39349734 Vincom Business Center Add: No.191 Ba Trieu Str., Hai Ba Trung Dist., Hanoi Tel: (+84-4) 3974 9999 Fax: (+84-4) 3974 8888 Fivimart supermarket Add: 210 Tran Quang Khai Str., Hoan Kiem Dist., Hanoi Tel: (+84-4) 3826 4746 (+84-4) 3826 0167 Fax: (+84-4) 3934 1039 Intimex supermarket Add: No.22, 23 Le Thai To Str., Hoan Kiem Dist., Hanoi Tel: (+84-4) 3828 9765 Fax: (+84-4) 3928 6032 Metro Thang Long supermarket Add: Pham Van Dong road, Cau Giay Dist., Hanoi Tel: (+84-4) 3755 1617 Fax: (+84-4) 3755 1650 OCD Plaza Business Center Add: No.29 La Thanh Str., Dong Da, Hanoi Tel: (+84-4) 22 117 287 Royal City Add: No.74 Nguyen Trai, Thanh Xuan Dist., Hanoi Tel: (+84-4) 3974 3550 Time City Add: No.458 Minh Khai, Hai Ba Trung Dist, Hanoi Điện thoại: (+84-4) 3975 6868 Long Bien market Add: Long Bien market , Phuc Xa ward, Ba Dinh Dist., Hanoi Tel: (+84-4) 38261133 Buoi market Add: Buoi market, Buoi ward, Tay Ho Dist., Hanoi

CHÀO VIỆT NAM | 150

Tel: (+84-4) 38233056 Fax: (+84-4) 38361117

Hoan Kiem Dist., Hanoi Tel: (+84-4) 39381528

Hang Da market Add: Hang Da Str., Hanoi Tel: (+84-4) 38257104

Dung Ngan - Bat Trang ceramic Add: Kios 85, area C, Bat Trang ceramic market, Bat Trang commune, Gia Lam Dist., Hanoi Tel: (+84-4) 38744877

Dong Xuan market Add: Dong Xuan Str., Dong Xuan ward, Hoan Kiem Dist., Hanoi Tel: (+84-4) 39280679 Kana Add: No.41 Hang Trong Str., Hoan Kiem Dist., Hanoi Tel: (+84-4) 3928 6208 Kenly Silk Add: No.108 Hang Gai Str., Hoan Kiem Dist., Hanoi Tel: (+84-4) 3826 7236 Khai Silk Add: No.96 Hang Gai Str., Hoan Kiem Dist., Hanoi Tel: (+84-4) 3825 4237 Tan My Add: No.66 Hang Gai Str., Hoan Kiem Dist., Hanoi Tel: (+84-4) 3825 1579 Ngan An long traditional dresses Add: No.103 Hang Bong Str.,

Dong Xuan market

IN HO CHI MINH CITY Tax Trading Center Add: No.135 Nguyen Hue avenue, Dist. 1, Ho Chi Minh City Tel: (+84-8) 38213849 Coopmart supermarket Add: No.199-205 Nguyen Thai Hoc Str., Pham Ngu Lao ward, Dist. 1, Ho Chi Minh City Tel: (+84-8) 38360143 An Dong Plaza supermarket Add: No.18 An Duong Vuong Str., ward 9, Dist. 5, Ho Chi Minh City Tel: (+84-8) 3832 3288 Diamond Plaza supermarket Add: No.34 Le Duan Str., Dist. 1, Ho Chi Minh City Tel: (84-8) 38257750 Fax: (+84-8) 38228562

Vincom City Tower

Diamond Palaza hotel

Ben Thanh market by night

Saigon Square Add: Nam Ky Khoi Nghia Str., Ben Thanh ward, Dist. 1, Ho Chi Minh City Tel: (+84-8) 3821 7816

Vincom Center B Add: No.72 Le Thanh Ton and 45A Ly Tu Trong, Dist.1, Ho Chi Minh City Tel: (+84-8) 39369999

Parkson supermarket Add: No.35 Bis – 45 Le Thanh Ton Str., Dist. 1, Ho Chi Minh City Tel: (+84-8) 38277636 Fax: (+84-8) 38277643

Cho Lon (Binh Tay market) Add: 57A Thap Muoi, ward 2, Dist.6, Ho Chi Minh City Tel: (+84-8) 38571512

Zen Plaza supermarket Add: Pham Ngu Lao ward, Dist. 1, Ho Chi Minh City Tel: (+84-8) 3925 0339

An Dong market Add: An Duong Vuong street, ward 9, Dist.5, Ho Chi Minh City Tel: (+84-8) 38356609

Binh Tay market Add: No.24 Nguyen Huu Than Str., ward 2, Dist. 6, Ho Chi Minh City Tel: (+84-8) 38571512

Miss Ao Dai Add: No.21 Nguyen Trung Ngan Str., Ben Nghe ward, Dist. 1, Ho Chi Minh City Tel: (+84-8) 38222139

Can Cau market Can Cau commune, Si Ma Cai Dist., Lao Cai Province

Kenly Silk Add: No.132 Le Thanh Ton Str., Dist. 1, Ho Chi Minh City Tel: (+84-8) 22292603

Cai Rang floating market Cai Rang Dist., Can Tho City

Ben Thanh market Add: Le Thanh Ton Str., Dist. 1, Ho Chi Minh City Tel: (+84-8) 38292096 Vincom Center A Add: No.171 Dong Khoi & 116 Nguyen Hue, Dist 1, Ho Chi Minh City Tel: (84-8) 3936 9999

L’ami Add: No.67 Pasteur Str., Dist. 1, Ho Chi Minh City Tel: (+84-8) 3829 2063

Theu Theu Add: No.71B Le Thanh Ton Str., Dist. 1, Ho Chi Minh City Tel: (+84-8) 3829 5374 Kleo Add: No.177-179 Le Thanh Ton Str., Dist. 1, Ho Chi Minh City Tel: (+84-8) 3824 2467 Highland markets and floating markets Coc Ly market (opens every Tuesday) Coc Ly commune, Bac Ha town, Lao Cai Province

Bac Ha market (opens every Sunday) Bac Ha town, Lao Cai Province

Nga Nam floating market Nga Nam town, Nga Nam Dist., Soc Trang Province Cai Be floating market Cai Be town, Cai Be Dist., Tien Giang Province

CHÀO VIỆT NAM | 151

IMPORTANT ADRESSES

SIGHTSEEING ATRACTIONS IN HA NOI Ho Chi Minh Museum Add: No.3 Ngoc Ha Str., Ba Dinh Dist., Hanoi Tel: (+84-4) 38463757 Fax: (+84-4) 38455435 Historical Museum Add: No.1 Trang Tien Str., Hanoi Tel: (+84-4) 38242433 Fax: (+84-4) 38252853 Vietnam Military History Museum Add: No.28A Dien Bien Phu Str., Hanoi Tel: (+84-4) 69554662 (+84-4) 69552583 Fax: (+84-4) 37334682 Vietnam Museum of Ethnology Add: Nguyen Van Huyen Str., Cau Giay Dist., Hanoi Tel: (+84-4) 37562193 Fax: (+84-4) 38360351 Vietnam National Museum of Fine Arts Add: No.66 Nguyen Thai Hoc Str., Hanoi Tel: (+84-4) 37332 131 Fax: (+84-4) 37341427

Vietnamese Women’s Museum Add: No.36 Ly Thuong Kiet Str., Hoan Kiem Dist., Hanoi Tel: (+84-4) 38259936 Fax: (+84-4) 38259129 Hanoi Museum Add: Pham Hung, Tu Liem, Hanoi Tel: (+84-4) 6287 0604 Vietnam People’s Air Force Museum Add: No.171 Truong Chinh, Thanh Xuan Dist, Hanoi Tel: (84-4) 6956 2322 Fax: (+84-4) 3563 0630 IN HO CHI MINH CITY Nha Rong habour Add: No.1 Nguyen Tat Thanh Str., Dist. 4, Ho Chi Minh City Tel: (+84-8) 39402060 Fax: (+84-8) 39401094 War Remnants Museum Add: No.28 Vo Van Tan Str., Dist. 3, Ho Chi Minh City Tel: (+84-8) 38290325 Independence Palace Add: No.135 Nam Ky Khoi Nghia Str., Dist. 1, Ho Chi Minh City

Tel: (+84-8) 38223652 (+84-8) 38290634 Fax: (+84-8) 08085008 Notre Dame Cathedral Add: No.1 Cong xa Paris square, Dist. 1, Ho Chi Minh City Tel: (+84-8) 38294822 Cu Chi Tunnel Add: Phu My Hung commune, Cu Chi Dist., Ho Chi Minh City Tel: (+84-8) 22184442 History Museum Add: No. 2 Nguyen Binh Khiem Str., Dist. 1, Ho Chi Minh City Tel: (+84-8) 38298146 Fax: (+84-8) 38258783 Vinh Nghiem pagoda Add: No.339 Nam Ky Khoi Nghia Str., Dist. 3, Ho Chi Minh City Tel: (+84-8) 3848 3153 Fax: (+84-8) 3843 9901 Museum of Ho Chi Minh Campaign Add: No.2 Le Duan, Dist.1, Ho Chi Minh City Tel: (+84-8) 3822 9387 Southern Women’s Museum Add: No.202 Vo Thi Sau, Ward.7, Dist.3, Ho Chi Minh City Tel: (+84-8) 3932 0322 Fax: (+84-8) 3932 7130 Ho Chi Minh Museum Add: No.65 Ly Tu Trong, Dist.1, Ho Chi Minh City Tel: (+84-8) 3829 9741 Fax: (+84-8) 3829 8250 Ho Chi Minh Arts Museum Add: No.97A Pho Duc Chinh, Dist.1, Ho Chi Minh City Tel: (+84-8) 3829 4441 Fax: (+84-8) 3821 3508 Ton Duc Thang Museum Add: No.5 Ton Duc Thang, Dist.1, Ho Chi Minh City Tel: (+84-8) 3829 7542 Fax: (+84-8) 3829 4651 Southeastern Armed Forces Museum Add: No.247 Hoang Van Thu, Tan Binh Dist, Ho Chi Minh City Tel: (+84-8) 3842 1354

Temple of Literature

IMPORTANT ADRESSES

RECREATION DESTINATIONS IN HA NOI Ho Tay Water Park Add: No.614 Lac Long Quan Str., Tay Ho Dist., Hanoi Tel: (+84-4) 3718 4222 (+84-4) 3718 4566 Fax: (+84-4) 3718 4190 Thong Nhat park Add: No.130B Le Duan Str., Hai Ba Trung Dist., Hanoi Tel: (+84-4) 3572 5721 Bao Son Paradise Park Add: Lang - Hoa Lac avenue, An Khanh commune, Hoai Duc, Ha Dong, Hanoi Tel: (+84-4) 62653004 Tuoi Tre Theatre Add: No.11 Ngo Thi Nham Str., Hai Ba Trung Dist., Hanoi Tel: (+84-4) 3943 4673 Hanoi Opera House Add: No.1 Trang Tien Str., Hoan Kiem Dist., Hanoi Tel: (+84-4) 3933 0113 Fax: (+84-4) 3933 0116 Thang Long Water Puppet Theatre Add: No.57B Dinh Tien Hoang Str., Hoan Kiem Dist., Hanoi Tel: (+84-4) 3824 9494 Fax: (+84-4) 3824 5117 National Cinema Center Add: No.87 Lang Ha Str., Dong Da Dist., Hanoi Tel: (+84-4) 3514 1791 Hanoi Central Circus Add: No.67-69 Tran Nhan Tong Str., Hai Ba Trung Dist., Hanoi Tel: (+84-4) 3942 2116 Fax: (+84-4) 3822 1946 MegaStar Vincom Add: 6th floor, Vincom City Towers, 191 Ba Trieu, Hai Ba Trung, Hanoi Tel: (+84-4) 3 974 3333 Platinum Cineplex Garden Mall Add: 4th floor, The Garden building, Me Tri, Tu Liem, Hanoi Tel: (+84-4) 3787 8555 Bar Tamarind Add: No.80 Ma May Str., Hanoi Tel: (+84-4) 3962 0580

Bar Kangaroo Add: No.18 Bao Khanh Str., Hanoi Tel: (+84-4) 3828 9931 IN HO CHI MINH CITY Can Gio Tourism - Vam Sat Ecological Area Add: Ly Nhon, Can Gio, Ho Chi Minh City Tel: (+84-8) 38894008 Fax: (+84-8) 3963 3073 Suoi Tien Cultural Tourist Area Add: Ha Noi Str., Tan Nhon, Tan Phu ward, Dist. 9, Ho Chi Minh City Tel: (+84-8) 38350420 Dam Sen Park Add: No.3 Hoa Binh Str., Dist. 11, Ho Chi Minh City Tel: (+84-8) 3858 8418 Fax: (+84-8) 3858 8419 Idecaf Drama Theatre Add: No.7, Tran Cao Van Str., Da Kao ward, Dist.1, Ho Chi Minh City Tel: (+84-8) 38272653 Phu Nhuan Drama Theatre Add: No.70 - 72 Nguyen Van Troi Str., Ward 8, Phu Nhuan Dist., Ho Chi Minh City Tel: (+84-8) 38443950 Dong Dao Cafe Concert Add: No.164 Pasteur Str., Dist. 1, Ho Chi Minh City Tel: (+84-8) 38 296 210 Megastar Cinema Add: No.126 Hung Vuong Str., Dist. 5, Ho Chi Minh City Tel: (+84-8) 62996666 Fax: (+84-8) 62645820 5B Drama Theatre Add: 5B Vo Van Tan Str., Dist. 3, Ho Chi Minh City Tel: (+84-8) 3824 2465

Ho Chi Minh City Tel: (+84-8) 38272653 Fax: (+84-8) 39302196 Saigon Bar Add: No.19 Lam Son Str., Dist. 1, Ho Chi Minh City Tel: (+84-8) 3823 4999 Pham Ngu Lao Area, De Tham Str. Add: Pham Ngu Lao ward, Dist. 1, Ho Chi Minh City Botanical Garden Add: No.2B Nguyen Binh Khiem Str., Ben Nghe Ward, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City Tel: (+ 84-8) 3829 3728 Van Thanh Tourist Area Add: No.48/10 Dien Bien Phu, Binh Thanh District, Ho Chi Minh City Tel: (+ 84-8) 3512 3026 Saigon Wonderland Tourist Area Add: Lot R11,14,17 New urban area of Saigon, Tan Phong Ward, District 7, Ho Chi Minh City Tel: (+ 84-8) 3873 1370 Dong Dieu Amusement Park Add: No.33 Cao Lu, Ward 4, District 8, Ho Chi Minh City Tel: (+ 84-8) 5431 2949 Tao Dan Park Add: No.55C Nguyen Thi Minh Khai Str., District 1, Ho Chi Minh City Tel: (+ 84-8) 3930 1941 Koi Rin Rin Park - Japanese Garden Add: No.26/11 Tran Van Muoi Str. Xuan Thoi Dong commune, Hoc Mon District, Ho Chi Minh City Tel: (+ 84-8) 3590 1959

Hoa Binh Theatre Add: No.240-242 Ba Thang Hai Str., Dist. 10, Ho Chi Minh City Tel: (+84-8) 38655215

Unique Premium Outlets Center Add: No.91B2 Pham Van Hai, Ward 3, Tan Binh District, Ho Chi Minh City Tel: (+ 84-8) 3991 8000

Rong Vang Water Puppet Theatre Add: No.55 Bis Nguyen Thi Minh Khai Str., Dist. 1,

Great World Water Park Add: No.100 Ham Tu, Ward 6, District 5, Ho Chi Minh City Tel: (+ 84-8) 3853 7867

IMPORTANT ADRESSES

RESTAURANTS IN HA NOI Sen Ha Thanh Restaurant Add: No.177 Bui Thi Xuan Str., Hanoi Tel: (+84-4) 39744192 Indochine Restaurant Add: No.16 Nam Ngu Str., Hoan Kiem Dist., Hanoi Tel: (+84-4) 3942 4097 Au Lac House Restaurant Add: No.13 Tran Hung Dao Str., Hoan Kiem Dist., Hanoi Tel: (+84-4) 3933 3533 Fax: (+84-4) 3933 3522 Dinh Lang Restaurant Add: No.1 Le Thai To Str., Hoan Kiem Dist., Hanoi Tel: (+84-4) 3828 6290 Fax: (+84-4) 38255265 A Taste of Hanoi Restaurant Add: No.33 Chau Long Str., Ba Dinh Dist., Hanoi Tel: (+84-4) 37153020 Northern Restaurant Add: No.14 Ngo Van So Str., Hoan Kiem Dist., Hanoi Tel: (+84-4) 3943 3457 Buffef Ngoc Mai Restaurant Add: Floor 17, Ruby Plaza, 44 Le Ngoc Han Str., Hai Ba Trung Dist., Hanoi Tel: (+84-4) 6220 6698 La Vong Fish Cake Restaurant Add: No.14 Cha Ca Str., Hanoi Tel: (+84-4) 38253929 Cuu Ngu Lau Restaurant Add: No.413 Au Co Str., Tay Ho Dist., Hanoi Tel: (+84-4) 3719 2888 Hanoi Soul Cafe Add: Floor 3, No.7, Dinh Tien Hoang Str., Hoan Kiem Dist., Hanoi Tel: (+84-4) 39348541 Northern – Central – Southern Seafood Restaurant Add: No.2 Cau Dat Str., Hoan Kiem Dist., Hanoi Tel: (+84-4) 3932 8413 Hanoi Marina Restaurant Add: No.12 Tran Vu Str.,

CHÀO VIỆT NAM | 154

Ba Dinh Dist., Hanoi Tel: (+84-4) 3716 3249 Fax: (+84-4) 3715 0069 Highway 4 Restaurant Add: No.3 Hang Tre Str., Hoan Kiem Dist., Hanoi Tel: (+84-4) 3926 0639 Ngon Restaurant Add: No.26 Tran Hung Dao Str., Hoan Kiem Dist., Hanoi Tel: (+84-4) 39336133 Fax: (+84-4) 39336135 Pho 24 Add: No.31 Hang Khay Str., Trang Tien, Hoan Kiem Dist., Hanoi Tel: (+84-4) 3938 1812 Old Ha Noi Restaurant Add: No.4 Ton That Thiep Str., Ba Dinh Dist., Hanoi Tel: (+84-4) 37478337 Fax: (+84-4) 37475560

Trong Dong Son Restaurant Add: No.1 Tran Dang Ninh, Cau Giay, Hanoi Tel: (+84-4) 38339999 Seasons of Hanoi Restaurant Add: No.95B Quan Thanh, Ba Dinh, Hanoi Tel: (+84-4) 3843 5444 Mai Vien Restaurant Add: No.145 Trung Hoa, Cau Giay, Hanoi Tel: (+84-4) 6 683 3326 Opera Open Restaurant Add: No.5 Dang Thai Than, Hoan Kiem, Hanoi Tel: (+84-4) 9333740 Ly Club Restaurant Add: No.4 Le Phung Hieu, Hoan Kiem, Hanoi Tel: (+84-4) 3936 3069

Maison Sens Restaurant Add: No.61 Tran Hung Dao, Hoan Kiem, Hanoi Tel: (+84-4) 3944 9735

Don’s Tay Ho Restaurant Add: No.16/27 Xuan Dieu, Tay Ho, Hanoi Tel: (+84-4) 3719 3719

Buffet Viet Restaurant Add: No.1A, Tang Bat Ho, Hanoi Tel: (84-4) 39931782

Paris Deli Restaurant Add: No.6 Phan Chu Trinh, Hoan Kiem, Hanoi Tel: (+84-4) 3934 5269

Sen Tay Ho Restaurant Add: Ho Tay park, 614 Lac Long Quan, Tay Ho, Hanoi Tel: (+84-4) 3719 9242

My Way Cafe & Lounge Restaurant Add: No.24T2 Hoang Dao Thuy, Cau Giay, Hanoi Tel: (+84-4) 62512226

USEFUL WEBSITES - Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism: www.bvhttdl.gov.vn - Vietnam National Administraton of Tourism: www.vietnamtourism.com www.vietnamtourism.gov.vn www.vietnamtourism-info.com www.vietnam-tourism.com www.myhotelvietnam.com - Vietnamese Society of Travel Agents: www.vista.net.vn - Vietnam Tourism Association: www.vita.vn - Vietnam Hotel Association: www.vietnamhotel.org.vn - Ministry of Foreign Affairs: www.mofa.gov.vn www.mienthithucvk.mofa.gov.vn - Hanoi Postoffice: www.hnpt.com.vn

Mandarin restaurant in Ho Chi Minh City

Long Dinh Restaurant Add: No.64B Quan Su, Hoan Kiem, Hanoi Tel: (+84-4) 39429168 Luc Thuy Restaurant Add: No.16 Le Thai To, Hoan Kiem, Hanoi Tel: (+84-4) 6283 8888 KOTO Restaurant Add: No,59 Van Mieu, Dong Da, Hanoi Tel: (+84-4) 3747-0337 Sumvilla Restaurant Add: West Lake villa, Dang Thai Mai street, Tay Ho, Hanoi Tel: (+84-4) 3719 5511 IN HO CHI MINH CITY Ngoc Suong Restaurant Add: No.17 Le Quy Don Str., Dist. 3, Ho Chi Minh City Tel: (+84-8) 3930 4209 (+84-8) 3930 0071 Fax: (+84-8) 3930 5234 Vietnam House Restaurant Add: No.93-95 Dong Khoi Str., Dist. 1, Ho Chi Minh City Tel: (+84-8) 38291623 Saigon rice-pot Add: No.59 Ho Xuan Huong Str., Dist. 3, Ho Chi Minh City Tel: (+84-8) 39302888

Opera Hotel in Hanoi

Pho 24 Add: No.23-25 Tran Nhat Duat Str., Dist. 1, Ho Chi Minh City Tel: (+84-8) 38480807 Mandarin Restaurant Add: No.11A Ngo Van Nam Str., Dist. 1, Ho Chi Minh City Tel: (+84-8) 38229783 Fax: (+84-8) 38256185 Maxim’s Nam An Restaurant Add: No.13-15-17, Dong Khoi Str., Dist. 1, Ho Chi Minh City Tel: (+84-8) 38 296 676 Fax: (+84-8) 38 230 644 Song Ngu Restaurant Add: No.70-72 Suong Nguyet Anh Str., Dist. 1, Ho Chi Minh City Tel: (+84-8) 3832 5017 Saigon Ship Restaurant Add: Gate 3, Bach Dang port, Dist. 1, Ho Chi Minh City Tel: (+84-8) 38230393 Wrap & Roll Restaurant Add: No.62 Hai Ba Trung Str., Dist. 1, Ho Chi Minh City Tel: (+84-8) 3822 2166 Muoi Xiem Griddle Cake Add: No.190 Nam Ky Khoi Nghia Str., Dist.3, Ho Chi Minh City Tel: (+84-8) 39330207 Salted fish hot pot (Lau Mam) Add: No.140/13 Tran Huy

Lieu, Phu Nhuan Dist., Ho Chi Minh City Tel: (+84-8) 38444484 De Nhat Restaurant Add: No.15 Hoang Viet Str., Tan Binh Dist., Ho Chi Minh City Tel: (+84-8) 38117646 Fax: (+84-8) 39485018 Pho Xua Restaurant Add: No.11B Le Quy Don Str., Dist. 3, Ho Chi Minh City Tel: (+84-8) 38299625 Mam Viet Restaurant Add: No.41 Ky Dong Str., Dist. 3, Ho Chi Minh City Tel: (+84-8) 39350099 Charm Cham Restaurant Add: No.2 Phan Van Chuong, Phu My Hung, Dist.7, Ho Chi Minh City Tel: (+84-8) 5410 9999 Ming Dynasty Restaurant Add: No.23 Nguyen Khac Vien, Dist.7, Ho Chi Minh City Tel: (+84-8) 5411 5555 Strata Restaurant Add: Bitexco Financial Building, 2 Hai Trieu, Ben Nghe, Dist.1, Ho Chi Minh City Add: (+84-8) 6291 8750 Non La Restaurant Add: No.19 Nguyen Dinh Chieu, Dist.7, Ho Chi Minh City Add: (+84-8) 39104012

CHÀO VIỆT NAM | 155

TRAVEL GUIDE BOOK

RESPONSIBILITY FOR PUBLISHING Director Bui Viet Bac RESPONSIBILITY FOR CONTENT Editor-in-chief Ly Ba Toan EDITOR Nguyen Phuong Mai ART DESIGNER Vu Manh Ha RESPONSIBILITY FOR PRINT VERSION Tran Ngoc Diep

PUBLISHING COOPERATION Vietnam Tourism Review HONG DUC PUBLISHING HOUSE No.A2 – 261 Thuy Khue street, Tay Ho district, Ha Noi, Viet Nam Tel: (04) 39260024 - Fax: (04) 39260031 E-mail: nhaxuatbanhongduc@yahoo.com

Printed 1,750 copies, size 13cm x 21cm, Printed by HighTech Printing JSC. – Desktop Publishing and High Technological Prints Registered publication: No. 1249-2015/CXBIPH/90-29/HĐ; Publishing licence number: No. 1244/QĐ-NXBHĐ delivered May 20th 2015. Printed and deposited in the 2th quarter/2015; ISBN code: 978-604-86-5998-1 Copyright @ 2015 All rights reserved. Copyrighted by Vietnam Tourism Review – Vietnam National Administration of Tourism

MINISTRY OF CULTURE, SPORTS AND TOURISM

VIETNAM NATIONAL ADMINISTRATION OF TOURISM

NOT FOR SALE

80 Quan Su Street, Hoan Kiem District, Ha Noi, Viet Nam Tel: (+84-4) 3942 3760 - Fax: (+84-4) 3942 4115 Email: tmd@vietnamtourism.gov.vn www.vietnamtourism.com www.vietnamtourism.gov.vn