Vietnam Heritage No.45 Jan-Feb 2015

1:5 JAN-FEB 2015

ISSN 1859-4123

CULTURAL HERITAGE ASSOCIATION OF VIETNAM

Waiting for Mr Midnight

CONTENT No 1, Vol.5, January - February 2015

COVER STORY Tradition 8 Waiting for Mr Midnight

20

Folklore

10 We’ve got your goat

Mythology 12 Year of the Goat

The Vietnamese goat

13 By the horns Tradition

16 Pushing back the darkness Festival

20 Firecracker festival is a gay old time Sanctum 22 Soul carvings

8

22

Art

26 Minimalist art, maximum effect Photography

29 Fresh faces give photography new life Resort Advertorial

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34 Melon Resort: Room with a view 36 What the papers say 38 Events

42 Value for money 46 Buyable

47 Directions 62 Laid back

Cover photograph: Boiling chicken for worshipping ancestors on Tet holiday. Photo: Ly Hong Van

Published by the Cultural Heritage Association of Vietnam

26

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Vietnam Heritage

VIETNAM HERITAGE - JANUARY-FEBRUARY 2015

•5

Tam Coc-Bich Dong is a part of Trang An Landscape Complex, is located in Ninh Binh Province and was recognized as a World Heritage Site in 2014.

Photo: Ngo Huy Tinh

TRADITION

Waiting for Mr Midnight Ngo Phan Luu recalls one particular Tet in his childhood.

F

‘

Left: Boiling chicken for worshipping ancestors on Tet holiday. Photo: Ly Hong Van Right: Preparing ingredients for cooking tét cakes.

Photo: Bui Vy Van

Opposite: Worshipping on New Year’s Eve. Photo: Bui Dang Thanh

irelight of New Year’s Eve.’ When thinking of or uttering these words, my mind immediately falls back into those New Year’s Eve nights of my childhood.

The little mementos, cherished and persistent, suddenly spring up, bursting and zigzagging merrily like the tiny little firecrackers that exploded each time we celebrated the holiday.

I remember how busy my dad was with arranging offerings on the ancestral altar. There was always a lot of fire in my house on New Year’s Eve. My mom’s fire that cooked the rice cakes, my dad’s fire that burned paper votive objects, my grandma’s fire to burn incense, and my firecracker fire … not to mention the fire in everyone’s

8 • VIETNAM HERITAGE - JANUARY-FEBRUARY 2015

heart. It was so warm, so bright, and so full of love. Later, grown up, I knew, as Rabelais said, that ‘Fire is the great master of art.’ Fire is, indeed, the great master of all arts, but the New Year’s Eve fire was the greatest. There were always two amazing extremes; before midnight, everybody fussed heatedly, but after midnight was the time of a tranquil void that was filled with hopes and expectations. The two were connected by a nick of time: the midnight moment. And I, so young that I only knew half the alphabet by heart, nevertheless knew it was time to put on new clothes, grab a roll of firecrackers, and wait for Mr Midnight. My mom’s rice cakes cooked, she sat down with Grandma, who was making quids of betel.

‘Mom, Mr Midnight wears a coat and a pair of shoes but he forgets his pants, right?’

While arranging fruits and sweets on the ancestral altar, my dad thundered: ‘Stop talking rubbish, you stupid little cub.’

My grandma immediately scolded him: ‘It’s you who talk rubbish. He is little and confused. My child, it’s the Kitchen God who doesn’t wear pants. That’s his way. He would look ridiculous in pants. But Mr. Midnight is a dandy. You have to burn firecrackers to welcome him.

Those whom he favours will be very smart, very rich.’

So I rushed out to the courtyard, stumbled on the porch, and fell face down. My face was

TRADITION

bruised, but being brave, I shed no tear. My mom hurriedly pulled me up.

‘His nose is bleeding. Come, quickly.’

My dad ran out, looked at me briefly, and then looked at his watch more attentively then at my blood.

He shouted, ‘Very good. Very timely.

It’s not midnight yet. No problem.

He fell in the old year. He bled in the old year. Wipe his nose, quickly. I am busy.’

Then he went back inside and continued with the lights and incense on the altar. I looked in from the courtyard, the incense smoke curling up in the bright light. The doors of neighbouring houses were also wide open, shedding lots of light. Perhaps their kids were also outside, waiting for the moment to

burn the firecrackers. The clock on the table rang. At that sound, I hurriedly tapped the burning end of an incense stick to the fuse. A torrent of low blasts, fire and smoke elevated the mood to a euphoric height.

What merriness! The firecrackers sounded crisply like the laughter of Mr Midnight. I fancied him flying into the house, patting my praying dad on the shoulder to greet him.

Then He pulled my grandma’s ear to wish her longevity. Then He passed by me and dropped His long-lasting laughter in my hands. My feet caught the rhythms of an imaginary melody that played in my ears. Mr Midnight had just kindled a fire in my heart. And then He was in another house.

The firecracker blasts – Mr Mid-

night’s laughter – ended, I went inside. Everybody’s face seemed younger, relaxed, softer and kinder. I vaguely understood that this was due to Mr Midnight, too.

Grandma told me: ‘Go to bed, my child. Sleep well so tomorrow you can have a lot more fun.’ Then she turned to my dad and said, ‘Leave the lights till morning.

Don’t turn anything off.’

Following Grandma’s instructions, I went to bed, but couldn’t sleep. There was just one New Year’s Eve in a long year; sleeping would be a waste. But there was no one to play with now. I was all to myself. So I just lay there, knowing that it did not matter if I slept or not, but still reminding myself to make sure to be fresh the next day, a day filled with hope. A day called Tet.n VIETNAM HERITAGE - JANUARY-FEBRUARY 2015

•9

FOLKLORE

Wooden sculpture of goat on an outer wall of Co Tu’s communal house at Pa Rong Village, Quang Nam Province. Photo: Nguyen Van Son

We’ve got your goat

T

he hour of goat is between 1 and 3 p.m., just after noon, the time of siesta before starting another working session. The month of goat is the sixth lunar month, when the weather is the clearest, just after a harvest. It is also believed that people born in the year of the goat are mostly clever, dynamic, enthusiastic, talented, lucky and successful in business and happy in life. That’s why some people whine in the folklore, ‘Oh its fate that I was born in the year of Monkey/ Instead of

carrying a bright omen of a Horse or a Goat’.

(Người ta tuổi Ngọ tuổi Mùi/ Riêng tôi ngậm ngùi mang lấy tuổi Thân).

In the Vietnamese language, the goat is used diversely to mean interesting hints and metaphors.

‘Goat blood’ (máu dê) is sure to mean high sexuality; ‘goat beard’ (râu dê) is a sign of the goat’s characteristics; ‘goat milk’ (sữa dê) refers to nutrition or a new rich source of income; ‘old goat’ (dê cụ) is a pervert; ‘goat’s habits’ (thói dê) refers to those of a woman-

10 • VIETNAM HERITAGE - JANUARY-FEBRUARY 2015

BY ANH HUNG

izer, etc. The word ‘goat’ (de or duong) appears in many names of places; be it a river, a mountain, an island, a railway station or an administrative area: Duong Xa Village (Hanoi), Son Duong District (Tuyen Quang), etc. Goats are consumed mostly as meat and as a medicinal ingredient, so its name is also attached to many food and medicinal trees and herbs, such as goat blood vine, goat hoof grass, goat penis (eggplant), dam duong hoac (Herba Epimedii). . .

The goat’s image becomes even more in-

FOLKLORE

timate through games and traditional festivities. ‘Catch the goat while blindfolded’ (Bịt mắt bắt dê) is the most popular game. Children play it just about anywhere, at any time. One kid is assigned to be the goat that has to run around bleating like a goat, and another, blindfolded, is supposed to catch the goat. In the festivals, however, adults play it too, and it is even funnier. A man, a woman, both blindfolded, and a goat are led into the play ground. All three wear palm leaf rain coats and tintinnabula around the ankles. The humans are supposed to catch the goat, but most of the time they catch each other, triggering huge bursts of laughter.

Goats are also seen in architecture, decorations and sculpture.

Among the six domestic animals (buffaloes, chickens, dogs, pigs, goats and horses) the goat is perhaps the first one to appear in ancient temples where there used to be sacred animals (dragons, phoenixes). For example, all the

Buddha’s pedestals at the Boi Khe, Trung, Que Duong temples of Hanoi (dated 14th century) have carvings that depict happy goats with a branch of buds in their mouth, their head turned backward. The stone pedestal of Vap pagoda in Yen Bai has the same goat without the buds. But Thap pagoda in Bac Ninh (dated early 17th century) has over 50 reliefs on the stone railings, among which an upper one on the left delicately depicts three goats: one lying on the

grass, the other two in different dynamic positions looking up the sky at the sun partly hidden behind clouds. Goat paintings also appear quite early, most notably are the ‘Six playing in Spring’ of the Hang Trong strain in Hanoi, depicting an old man watching six kids playing with goats, and the ‘Catching the goat while blindfolded’ of the Dong Ho strain in Bac Ninh, depicting a goat running away and looking back at a blindfolded young couple who are trying to catch it.n

Above: The game of ‘Catch the goat while blindfolded’ (Bịt mắt bắt dê) at Gau Tao Festival in Quang Nam Province Photo: Nguyen Ba Ngoc

Below: Wooden sculpture of a tiger hunting a goat on an outer wall of Co Tu’s communal house in Pa Rong Village, Quang Nam Province Photo: Nguyen Van Son

VIETNAM HERITAGE - JANUARY-FEBRUARY 2015

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Year of the Goat

2015

BY TRAM THIEN THU

Those born in this year have life by the horns

Bronze-block of 12 zodiac animals at Sinh Village, Hue

Photo: Hoang Huu Tu

is a year of the Goat. The goat is not a very sympathetic animal, because people often use it as a symbol of unpleasant things; in Judaism and Christianity the goat is synonymous with evil, for example. However, among rural animals, goats have a high and rich spiritual value, representing a close and important bondthat yields a strong positive influence on a nation’s cultural life.

Among the 12 Chinese zodiac animals, the goat is the symbol of moderate and mild temper, but no less witty than the others. The goat is one of the sacred animals worshiped by ancient Egyptians because of their important contributions in human life. Many people use the goat as a sacrificial animal. The Egyptians sacrificed goats to evil gods instead of humans.

In Eastern cultures, including Vietnamese, goats are among the three sacrificial animals: goat, pigs and cows; and the six most popular household animals, which also include chickens, dogs, pigs, horses and buffaloes.

In the Western zodiac, the goat is the Capricorn, which is thought to be hard-working and practical.

The goat is a rich and sophisticated symbol. The female’s horn

12 • VIETNAM HERITAGE - JANUARY-FEBRUARY 2015

represents fertility. The male represents strength and sexuality, because goats are sexually mighty. A male can mate with a whole herd of females.

Westerners call a sexually insatiable man a satyr, based on the half-man, half-goat from Greek mythology. The Vietnamese call them the goat-blooded, bearded goats, or old goats.

China has many classical references related to goats, notably the ‘goat carriage’ story. A King of Tan, a Chinese Kingdom, used to ride this carriage nightly in his forbidden city, and he would stay the night with the concubine at whose door the goats stopped. So all the king’s concubines stocked young mulberry leaves (goats’ favourite) to put at their door every night, hoping the goat carriage would stop there, or else they would feel cold, lonely and ill-fated. This was related in the ‘Songs of harem sorrow’ of Nguyen Gia Thieu (17411798): Let the fire warm, let the incense burn, Let the goats stop for my mulberry.

Let not my charms be mossgrown.

Winding is the carriage track…

In Vietnam, children used to love the fun and liveliness of the game ‘blindfolded catching the goat’ (Bịt mắt bắt dê).

In his ‘Call to Arms’ (Hich

Tuong Si), Hung Dao Vuong also referred to the Tartar emissaries as just some extra phony dogs and goats. He mocked them: The vultures see not the heaven’s glory, The dogs and goats have no gentle intent.

In Chinese culture, goats are good-natured animals. People born in the year of the goat are cheerful, sincere, kind, understanding, and quick to share others’ feelings. They enjoy others’ attention too. If fully let grow, those who have an inclination towards art and an aesthetic sense can have become highly creative artists. However, without success in their careers, people born in the year of the goat can become pessimistic and dispirited because they are mostly sentimental and emotional.

People born in the year of the goat are soft and timid but social.

They are self-centred and reserved.

They don’t like confrontation, conflicts, or ‘collisions’. Nevertheless, they are also lucky in their career and financial matters.

People born in the year of the goat love a quiet life. In a rush situation, others may be stressed, but people born in the year of the goat remain calm and at ease. Being moderate, they can befriends with strong people and know how to ‘leash’ them. They need a highly disciplined environment to fully flourish.n

THE VIETNAMESE GOAT

G

By the horns

oats, a familiar, unique and meaningful household animal, are also used as a sharp and humorous metaphor, in Vietnamese proverbs and folklore. *‘Sell a cow to buy a goat for farming’, (Bán bò tậu ruộng mua dê về cày) meaning to run a business in a stupid way or exchange a useful thing for something useless. *‘Catching a goat while blindfolded’ (Bịt mắt bắt dê), means to do something difficult, infeasible. * ‘Goat and duck, blah, blah’ (Cà kê dê ngỗng), meaning to talk non-stop, not making sense, jump between topics. *‘Herding goats and drinking snow’ (Chăn dê uống tuyết), meaning to endure any hardship that comes one’s way to achieve one’s purpose. *‘Young goats, itchy in the horns’ (Dê non ngứa sừng), meaning youngsters tend to love confrontation.

Vietnamese proverbs for the year of the goat

*‘Old goat pretending young deer’ (Dê già lại giả nai), meaning this is to unmask a perverted and tricky person who pretends to be naïve. *‘Beat it like a sacrificial goat’ (Đánh như đánh dê tế đền), meaning to beat incessantly, without mercy, to make the victim cry as loud and as much as possible. (In big celebrations, people used to sacrifice three animals, including buffalo, pig and goat. Before killing the goat, they would beat it, believing that the crying and sweating would remove the bad odour from the meat.) *‘Rich at the horse hour, poor at the goat hour’ (Giàu giờ ngọ, khó giờ mùi), meaning life can change quickly. *‘The rich grow dogs, the poor grow goats, and the jobless grow geese’ (Giàu nuôi

A Dong Ho painting depicting the game of ‘Catching a goat while blindfolded’ Photo: Internet

BY PHONG HOA

chó, khó nuôi dê, không nghề nuôi ngỗng), meaning one should choose to do what is suitable to oneself and conditions. *‘Being a dog or a goat’ (Làm thân dê chó), meaning one has to fawn and serve somebody else. *‘Ploughing with a goat for not having a buffalo’ (Không có trâu bắt dê đi đầm), meaning to use a person or tool not suitable for a job or without a suitable tool, one has to improvise something makeshift. *‘Goat or cow alike’ (Máu bò cũng như tiết dê), meaning two irrelevant, unrelated (both in form and content) things or issues. *‘Fixing the barn after the goats are gone’ (Mất dê rồi mới sửa chuồng), meaning to do things when it is too late. * ‘Hanging goat to sell dog’ (Treo đầu dê bán thịt chó), meaning words and actions don’t match, like a restaurant that hangs a goat head as a sign but that sells dog meat instead.n

VIETNAM HERITAGE - JANUARY-FEBRUARY 2015

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14 • VIETNAM HERITAGE - JANUARY-FEBRUARY 2015

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E

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TRADITION

T

Pushing back the darkness

o the Vietnamese, the New Year’s tree (cây nêu) is a much-cherished cultural symbol. It comes with a legend soaked in love to humanity.

In Nguyen Dong Chi’s ‘Treasures of Vietnamese Folktales’ it’s said that once upon a time, a demon owned the country.

People worked the demon’s paddies and submitted most of the harvests to him. The demon grew greedier and greedier, till one day, he decided that he would take all the things at the top and give people the roots.

Humans had only rice thatch to eat, so they asked Buddha for help. Buddha told them to grow only sweet potatoes. That year people were happy, and the demon got only the leaves to chew.

The next year, the demon decided to take the roots and give the top. Buddha told people to grow rice again. The demon was hungry again. He got mad and ruled that

The New Year’s tree is a symbol of an ancient power struggle

the year after that, he would take both the top and the roots. Buddha gave people corn seeds to grow. The demon went hungry again, while people had more than enough corn. The demon decided not to let people work the fields anymore.

Buddha told the people to negotiate with the demon and ask for a piece of land just as big as the shade of Buddha’s frock hung on top of a bamboo tree. The demon agreed. Buddha made the shade cover all the land. So demon lost all his land and had to flee to the East Sea. The demon then mobilized all his armies to come and take back the land. He lost the fight, because people used dog’s blood,

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BY TRI BUU

pineapple leaves, onions and lime to deprive him of his power. Buddha exiled him to the East Sea again. Before going to exile, the demon asked Buddha to let him come back a few days every year to take care of his ancestors’ graves. Buddha agreed, out of kindness.

Since then, every New Year’s, the demon comes back to land. On this occasion, people plant a New Year’s tree so that the demon doesn’t dare to come near the populated areas. They hang wind bells on the tree to make noise that signals the demon to avoid the place. They also hang a bunch of pineapple leaves and ficus leaves to scare the demon away. They also draw a bow with an arrow that points to the East and sprinkle lime around the gates during these days to forbid the demon.

So this is why we plant a bamboo trunk in front of the house at New Year’s.

The tree is planted on the 23th of the last lunar month, which is the day the

TRADITION Kitchen God comes back to heaven, because from that time until New Year’s Eve, in god’s absence, the demon may sneak in to do havoc. The tree stays there until the 7th day after New Year’s.

The New Year’s tree is the symbol of the fight between good and evil to protect the people’s peaceful dwelling.

In the absence of the gods, people must ‘borrow’ their magical power to protect themselves from possible intrusion by the demon.

In Vietnam, this tree is used and interpreted in many different ways, depending on the localities, ethnicities and social classes. Some trees are primitive, not attached to any ritual, as among the farming communities, where they plant it in their field after a harvest.

The tree is a sign to let others know that the owner of that field keeps rice sprouts for the subsequent harvest and so buffalos are not allowed to graze there. Among the minorities, the tree may also be used to mark unprocessed private land. In this case, they plant four bamboo trees in four corners of the area to claim private ownership.

Trees attached to festivities and rituals are more sophisticated. They are always a species of bamboo, 5-6 m tall, cleaned of all leaves and branches; only a few are left at the top to hang a hoop to which people can tie many different things, depending on local customs, such as leaves, flags, or little cloud-shaped gongs that ring in the wind. The name of those gongs rhymes with the word ‘happiness’, so their ringing is thought to bring happiness to the family.

In some places, at night, people hang a lantern on the tree to light the way for their ancestors to come home and celebrate New Year’s with the family. The tree is also where people hang the firecracker rolls to burn to welcome the ancestors and the God of Fortune to come to the family, and at the same time to expel evil spirits and bad luck

of the ending year.

In the past, this tree’s function was to prevent evil, to worship the gods and ancestors and to sweep away the sins and bad luck of the past year.

During the festivals, the tree is the focal point of the sense of belonging.

To the farmers, the farming calendar tells the time for every activity. The end of a year is the time of leisure, time to prepare for fun and festivities. When the New Year’s tree is planted, all other works stop. The tree gives an absolute balance in the succession of years. People can have fun with an easy heart, and the whole community plays and forgets the hardship of the past year.

In the past, the New Year’s tree also represented power; the more influential the family, the taller their tree. This custom is fading in the modern Vietnamese community and is being replaced by the custom of

planting peach and ochna flower branches during the Lunar New Year.In recent years, however, the New Year’s trees are beginning to reappear in pagodas, temples, tourist and cultural centres, and in commercial companies.n

Opposite: Nêu tree at the Buffalo Sacrifice Festival in Quang Nam Province, 2012 Photos: Nguyen Ba Ngoc

Above: Planting nêu tree at the communal house in Duong No Village, Thua Thien-Hue Province.

Below: Hanging offerings on nêu tree.

Photos: Nguyen Van Dung

VIETNAM HERITAGE - JANUARY-FEBRUARY 2015

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Happy New Year 2015 Year of the Goat

FESTIVAL

20 • VIETNAM HERITAGE - JANUARY-FEBRUARY 2015

Photo: Hoang The Nhiem

BY ANH TUAN

Photo: Hoang The Nhiem

et 2013, I went to see a festival in Dong Ky village in Tu Son District, Bac Ninh Province, near Hanoi. It began with a firecracker procession. A train of hundreds of young men brought two gigantic cracker models and rolls of ‘small cracker model,’ each roll over 100 metres long, to the village communal house.

The chief cracker was about 6m long, and the lieutenant cracker about 5.8m long.

The two ends of the crackers were decorated with a star and an imitation of the ancient bronze drumhead.

Since the law forbids crackers, the villagers jumped and shouted instead.

The crackers used to be made of iron, but for a few years now, they have been made of wood, with sophisticated carvings of dragon and cranes, and painted in red and gold.

When the crackers are set in place, the village elders begin the prayer.

After the prayer, shirtless young men, adorned with red cloth belts rush in with shouts to carry the four festive mandarins to the court yard in front of the communal house.

The mandarins were middle-aged men, dressed in female clothes to add flavour to the fun. Everybody tried be the first to bring his mandarin to the court yard. This was the most boisterous part of the festival. The carriers had to hold the mandarins high, without falling. The mandarin who remained upright the longest was the winner. At the same time, everybody tried to touch a mandarin for good luck.

Dong Ky Festival is organized every year on the 4th day of the Lunar New Year (22 February, 2015 ).n

Photo: Anh Tuan

T

Firecracker festival is a gay old time

FESTIVAL

Photo: Anh Tuan Photo: Bui Dang Thanh

VIETNAM HERITAGE - JANUARY-FEBRUARY 2015

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SANCTUM

Soul carvings TEXT BY ANH CHI AND PHOTOS BY NGUYEN BA NGOC

Virtue, wisdom and suffering are encoded into Tay Phuong Pagoda

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SANCTUM

T

ay Phuong Pagoda sits on the earthen hill Cau Lau, in Thach Xa Commune, Thach That District, Hanoi. At the time of its establishment, it was named Sung Phuc. The pagoda, known now by the name of Tay Phuong, underwent some major renovation during the Tay Son reign. The magnificent structures in the pagoda were built in 1794. But older times are still vivid in a stela from the 17th century, or in statues bearing the style of early 18th century. The stairs leading up to the pagoda used to be padded with stones, big and small, which mingled together in such a natural way as to make, some said, the Buddhists feel like they were walking in a flow of original thoughts, further and further away from the burdened world to enter the realm of eternity.

Buddhism entered Vietnam in the first

centuries A.D. During the Ly-Tran era (11th14th centuries), it was our dominant religion.

During the early Le era (15th century), the feudal regime turned to Confucianism, because this religion contains much knowledge regarding social structure and functionality, and Buddhism went into to a decline. By the 16th century, when Confucianism was in crisis, people turned again to Buddhism. During the chaotic times of LeTrinh, Buddhism alone was considered not enough to save human souls, and it was blended with Confucianism to become a remedy for Vietnamese spiritual life. And so, the Buddhist temples began to incorporate elements of Confucianism. A milestone of the phenomenon of Buddhism being mixed with Confucianism was the founding of two big temples in Hanoi, Kim Lien and Tay Phuong pagodas. They are almost identical

24 • VIETNAM HERITAGE - JANUARY-FEBRUARY 2015

in architecture, and one can say that they have been twins of religious architecture of our nation since the 18th century.

Tay Phuong pagoda has three main parts, which are three edifices standing in parallel. Each building has two layers of roofs. The roof corners are all of the form of curved boat prows of different length. They are not aligned, but make a much-improvised formation. The ancient masters, besides making each boat nose a masterpiece, also had to arrange the multitude of boats to look as if they are in constant movement.

The three edifices represent the three forces that move the world: Heaven, the major one, is at the centre and taller than the others; Earth, which is the foundation, is at the rear; and Humanity, which is life itself, stands at the front. Entering the temple, one walks through it in the order of Humanity, from

SANCTUM

Heaven to Earth. One also feels the functioning of Ying and Yang through the scheme of the Eight Trigrams to give birth to everything alive. Each edifice is a symbol of The Single Extreme. The lower, heavier roof represents the Ying, and the top, lighter layer represents the Yang. Four roofs represent the Four Faces: the front roof the Excessive Yang, the rear roof the Excessive Ying, the left roof the Lesser Yang, the right roof the Lesser Ying. Two layers have eight roofs to represent the Eight Trigrams (Can, Kham, Can, Chan, Ton, Ly, Khon, Doai).

Talking about Tay Phuong pagoda means talking about a treasure of sculpture, an invaluable cultural and historical heritage.

Each statue is a unique work of art expressing all the drama of mankind. Tay Phuong is considered a museum of Buddhist sculpture in Vietnam. The 18 Arhant statues are con-

sidered the most perfect ones. They express sorrow, suffering, anxiety, torment and lament. In 1960, poet Huy Can visited the temple and wrote the poem ‘The Arhants of Tay Phuong,’ describing them: ‘Some are glowering, their brows knit tight/ Waves of the sea of reincarnation on their forehead/ Sour crumpled lips of a withered soul/ Twisted hands, blood boiling inside…’ And he saw: Each his own way, a face of mankind, Torrents of sufferings under heaven.

Squirming and trembling as if for the last time Tormenting themselves as people lament!

The biggest festival of the temple begins early in the second lunar month until the main events on the 6th of the third lunar month. On this day, a big altar is set at the foot of the hill next to the stairs that lead to

In early 2015, Buddhist statues of the Tay Son reign (1788-1802) at the Tay Phuong Pagoda were recognized as national treasures. the temple. On the altar, they put a large tray of sacrificial items for heaven and earth. Beside the altar, four elders in traditional dress sit in a red wooden dragon boat. They row the boat in rhythm with Heart Sutra chanting. This symbolizes the Boat of Enlightenment carrying people to the world of light.

The pilgrims sink into a world of spiritual sensations. Afterwards, they come uphill and enjoy all the traditional fun activities and games such as tug-of-war, cock fights, puppet shows and songs of the West Bank.n

VIETNAM HERITAGE - JANUARY-FEBRUARY 2015

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ART

A

long bamboo-like spine runs through the length of Vietnam.

It is the character of the Vietnamese people. Like bamboo, their character is strong but supple. It bends to the wind and droops in the rain but always returns to its orginal form.

Poles, whisks, baskets, bridges, boats and houses, all made of bamboo, as well as the supple strength and grace of young bodies filled the stage of Saigon Opera House in the A O Show. Young men used the bamboo poles to create intricate patterns or fly through the air. Young women crossed narrow bridges and rode the canals and rivers in boats of bamboo, floating on the gentle ripples of the young men’s shoulders.

It is hard not to turn to poetry to describe many of the scenes in the show. The

Minimalist art, m moon shone overhead through it all. Always changing, it was sometimes full, sometimes only a crescent, and once even a blood moon. I think the moon is a good symbol of Vietnam. It is softer and more romantic than the sun, always changing but always returning to itself.

Humor was a vital part of the show, as it is in the life and character of the Vietnamese people. The young cast, using only woven baskets on their backs, became in turn turtles, curious frogs, quacking ducks (although I thought they looked more like flamingos) and an enchanting and inquisitive crab.

A bustling market scene was typical of the street life of Vietnam. One cloying note was the scene in the park and conflict on the street with the cast in western dress being loud and aggressive. The back-

26 • VIETNAM HERITAGE - JANUARY-FEBRUARY 2015

ground music was appropriately modern, raucious and, to my mind, empty of meaning. When I talked with Mr Tuan Le, the creator and director of the show, he expressed concern that so many Vietnamese young people embrace the liberating but ultimately stultifying pop culture of the West. Maybe the scene was put there as a warning to young people who too eagerly embrace not only the best but also the worst of foreign cultures.

There were so many impressive (and expressive) scenes, some almost surreal in the perfect blend of lighting, choreography and traditional music. Whole structures were built from bamboo poles, baskets and bodies, including a stupa, or pagoda-like tower, and an absolutely fascinating industrial machine.

One scene in particular took my breath

maximum effect

Photos: A O Show

ART

BY JONATHAN BAR-ON

away! The lighting evoked the gentle night with the full moon shining on a watery landscape. One young man in a basket boat slowly rolled round and round on the stage. The staves of the boat were mostly cut away, leaving a few that suggested to my mind the stalks of newly-planted rice. It was like being back in the Mekong Delta, riding through the quiet, flooded fields in the moonlight.

The A O Show is really a new kind of performance circus. With its myriad uses of bamboo as its only prop, it joins the vanguard of the modern European movement to use only natural, renewable materials in the various art forms.

According to Tuan Le, the

originator and director, the A O show was two years in preparation. It now includes seventeen performers who strive to make each performance fresh and new.

There are plans to take the show abroad, and shows in France and Spain are already scheduled for this coming summer.

Tuan Le and the cast have done an outstanding job of producing a performance of complex simplicity that creates an experience of timeless Vietnam.

Tickets are available at Saigon Opera House, 7 Lam Son Square, Dist.1, Ho Chi Minh City or email: reservation@aoshowsaigon.com.

Ticket ranges from VND504,000 to VND1,176,000.n VIETNAM HERITAGE - JANUARY-FEBRUARY 2015

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HOTEL ADVERTORIAL

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O

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Galina Hotel & Spa is known for its European-style architecture, simplicity and elegance, class and modernity. It has 161 rooms, including 77 Superior, 70 Deluxe, 7 City View Suites and 7 Sea View Suites. All are spacious yet intimate, with big windows looking out

to the sea or to the city, and with state-of-theart facilities.

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Blending nature and architecture delicately, Galina Mud Bath & Spa creates a peaceful and romantic sphere amidst urban fuss. It offers comprehensive services satisfying health, relaxation and beauty care, including mud bath, Onsen hot mineral bath, spa, massage, sauna, steam and Jacuzzi.

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centre takes traditional techniques such as nerve reflexology massage, acupuncture, and acupressure, and combines them with modern methods: mineral mud bath, Osen bath and therapeutic massage to treat all musculoskeletal problems .

With a team of highly experienced specialists, Galina Traditional Medicine Centre has successfully treated a large number of patients from all over the world. It takes just 37 days, and your musculoskeletal problem will be gone without any of the unpleasant experience that usually accompanies other treatment methods. Musculoskeletal therapy by Galina will give you as easy and relaxed time as you normally see at highly restigious spas!

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Add: 5 Hung Vuong Street, Loc Tho Ward, Nha Trang Tel: (058) 3839-999 - Hotline: 091 888 9077 Web: www.galinahotel.com.vn FB: www.facebook.com/galinahotelnhatrang 28 • VIETNAM HERITAGE - JANUARY-FEBRUARY 2015

PHOTOGRAPHY

Fresh faces give photography new life

A

TRANSLATION OF AN ARTICLE BY LE MANH IN NHAN DAN ON 25 NOVEMVER, 2014

s passionate photographers, many youths of Ho Chi Minh City have spared no effort to record unique, impressive moments in nature and human life that occur around the country. They have become the ambassadors that promote the beauty and liveliness of Vietnamese heritage.

For Pham Manh Tuan, the photographer of ‘Rai Cave in peace’ (Binh Yen Hang Rai), winning a runner-up prize in the ‘Vietnam Heritage Photo Awards 2014’ was a pleasant surprise. A young doctor at Ho Chi Minh City’s Blood Transfusion and Hematology Hospital, he fell in love with photography in a very natural way. From a few pictures taken with friends and family here and there, Tuan gradually discovered the meaning and the attractive power of the layout, lines and colours in each picture that only intensify with time.

And so, he decided to engage himself in amateur photography, focusing on landscapes.

He began saving to buy a professional camera costing a hundred millions, studying photographic techniques, and spending time finding inspiration in Ha Giang, Kien Giang, and Binh Thuan provinces. In his own words, although he is not a professional photographer, and with most of his time being spent at the hospital, following his passion dictates that each photo requires a lot of thought and hard work.

To capture the ‘Rai Cave in peace’ the way he wanted, Tuan had to go three times. Each time, he had to wake up at four o’clock in the morning, calculate the frame and light, and wait for the perfect moment. To him, pressing the camera button means triggering the sublimation of his feelings. It is also the time

when the sense of responsibility for the moment and the beauty and value of the subject reaches its peak.

Tran Minh Trung’s way to photography was more obvious. Since he was a student at the University of Architecture of Ho Chi Minh City, Trung loved artistic pictures. Now an ad designer, he is even more attached to the hobby. While most of his peers choose to take pictures of nature, Trung’s topic is about the human condition.

‘Cham smiles’ (Nu cuoi Cham) is one of his better works. Human life is an infinite source, but his favourite object throughout his works is children. Perhaps it was this love that emboldened him to breach the rules in ‘Cham smiles’. According to him, people present in a picture should not be standing in a line. But he could not help but to capture the moment that life sparked so brightly in the eyes of the playing kids. Holding the camera up as high as possible, he managed to give considerable depth to the picture.

Maestro Hoang Giang Hai, a member of the jury of the ‘Vietnam Heritage Photo Awards 2014’ remarked, ‘Cham smiles’ has successfully captured the glow of happiness in the

face of children playing around a sheep herd.

Although the post-processing was a little immature, it did not affect the overall quality of the piece.’

Although none of her photos won a prize, the exhibited ‘Last rays of the sun’ (Cuoi Ngay Nang Tat) and ‘Rock soul’ (Hon Da) show how much effort Nguyen Thi Kien Trinh put into her works. Being a petite lady is a nuisance for a photographer, but she remedied it with her inexhaustible enthusiasm. Photography is a major part of her inner life, Trinh said. She invests all the income from her business in her passion for photography. Right now, she is brewing ideas and saving money for her new album, ‘Beauty of the sea’ (Ve Dep Cua Bien).

In the ‘Vietnam Heritage Photo Awards 2014’, Ho Chi Minh City has the largest number of photos and photographers, among whom the most noticeable are the young non-professionals. According to artist Hoang Giang Hai, this new wave has brought a fresh breeze into photographic art, making it livelier by communicating newer ideas about the values of nature and human life to the viewing public.n

VIETNAM HERITAGE - JANUARY-FEBRUARY 2015

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Activities at the Ho Chi Minh Museum in 2015

2015 is the year Vietnam celebrates many great national events. Together with the whole nation’s celebrations, Ho Chi Minh Museum plans to initiate some activities to serve the domestic people and international friends.

To boost foreign relations, during Jan 2015, in collaboration with Embassies and the authorities concerned, Ho Chi Minh Museum will organize the following exhibitions: ‘65 years of friendship with China (1950 2015)’, ‘65 years of friendship with USSR/Russia (1950 - 2015)’ and ‘85 years of Communist Party of Vietnam, a glorious journey (19302015)’. These are also meaningful as we celebrate 74 years since the day Chairman Ho Chi Minh came back to the country to directly take charge of Vietnamese revolution after 30 years of being engaged in revolutionary movements abroad.

The gifts to Chairman Ho Chi Minh presented by fellow country people and international friends in his life time, especially the

emotions of the people toward his life, his deeds, his ideology and moral are exposed in the May exhibitions of the Museum: ‘Chairman Ho Chi Minh the inspirer of creativity’, ‘Noble examples of modesty and simplicity’.

Especially, also during this time, Ho Chi Minh Museum will inaugurate and open the ‘Space where Uncle Ho wrote his last will’.

This is a supplementary exhibition to revive the years Chairman Ho Chi Minh contemplated his historical ‘will’. The above activities constitute an important part of the celebration of 125th anniversary of Chairman Ho Chi Minh (19/5/1890-19/5/2015) and 50 years since he wrote the will, one of the 30 national treasures that the Prime Minister had signed a decree to acknowledge in 2012.

Together with the above mentioned activities, Ho Chi Minh Museum plans to publish ‘80 places Uncle Ho lived and worked in France’ to introduce his life and activities as a revolutionary in France (1917-1923 and 1946)

and ‘Ho Chi Minh’s New Year Wish Verses’, a bilingual collection of poems and cards Chairman Ho Chi Minh wrote every lunar New Year.

Also in 2015, Ho Chi Minh Museum will coordinate with Dept of UNESCO cooperation of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to partially sum up five years of the Project ‘Following Ho Chi Minh’s footsteps’ (20092014). This project’s purpose is to find and collect all valuable materials and artefacts about Ho Chi Minh, especially in the countries where he lived and worked in his revolutionary quest, to effectively bring the image of Vietnam, its people and the legacy of Ho Chi Minh to our international friends.n Top: A performance to show how to make the rubber sandals (that Ho Chi Minh used to wear) at the Exploration and Experience Space of the Ho Chi Minh Museum Photos: Ho Chi Minh Museum

HO CHI MINH MUSEUM Ho Chi Minh Museum is a memorial-type museum, a part of the Historic-Cultural Legacy Complex which includes Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, Ho Chi Minh’s Living Quarters and Ho Chi Minh Museum. The museum was opened on May 19th, 1990, the 100th Anniversary of the birth of Ho Chi Minh.

The museum building is shaped like a 20 m tall white lotus. The exhibition space is 4,000 m2, showcasing over 2,000 documents and artefacts (from nearly 17,000 items stored in the museum’s basic collection) that introduce the life and legacy of Chairman Ho Chi Minh, in connection with Vietnam’s and the world’s history. There is also 600 m2 for topical exhibitions and cultural activities.

The museum’s library has over 8,000 titles, its archive – about 35 documents for Ho Chi Minh-related research. The Exploration and Experience Space of the museum is an area of 150 m2.

Every year, Ho Chi Minh Museum receives over a million visitors, among whom more than 1/5 are foreigners.

Contact information

Address: No 19, Ngoc Ha St, Ba Dinh, Hanoi Tel. : (84.4) 38463752 - 38463757 - Fax. : (84.4) 38439837 http://www.baotanghochiminh.vn Visitor contact Education Bureau, Ho Chi Minh Museum Tel. : (84.4) 38463757 - 38463752 ext.: 176

VIETNAM NATIONAL MUSEUM OF HISTORY The Vietnam National Museum of History was established by a Decree of the Prime Minister in 2011, unifying the Vietnam History Museum and the Vietnam Revolution Museum. Inheriting the assets of the two museums, the Vietnam National Museum of History currently holds a large volume of invaluable content with over 200,000 documents and artefacts, diverse in form and material, dated from the primitive times till today. Among these are national treasures, and about 8,000 one-of-a-kind items have been chosen to be featured at one of two locations: no. 1 Trang Tien St and no. 216 Tran Quang Khai St. Each of these items is a valuable heritage artefact that carries a message from the past, an essence of the rich, diverse and distinct Vietnamese culture. Visitors to the museum will learn much more about the nation-building and traditions, both heroic and stoic, of the Vietnamese people.

The achievements during the last 50 years of the Vietnam National Museum of History have been recognized by the Party, the Government and the State through numerous awards.

Vietnam National Museum of History welcomes you!

VIETNAM NATIONAL MUSEUM OF HISTORY

RESORT ADVERTORIAL

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Melon Resort: Room with a view

ui Ne has been given the title of ‘the resort capital of Southern Vietnam’ for a good reason.

In less than eight years, it has metamorphosed itself from a quiet seaside fishing village with no street names and small, clay-tiled houses without numbers scattered along a sandy coastline under the long, living dome of coconut trees, all bursting with rustic charm, into a vibrant resort community with beachfront retreats in the shade of tropical gardens overlooking the rolling sea and long lines of international restaurants and souvenir shops on their backs.

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definitely find them at Melon Resort, nestled on the green slope of a hill right at the entrance to Mui Ne beach retreat village. A circular-shaped chateau at the foot of the hill with two-storey cottages hidden amid lush and neatly - kept tropical garden catches the eye from a distance and obviously boasts one of the most elevated seafront locations in whole resort village. I hop off the bus at its entrance with a big grass lawn at the late afternoon, the very hour of the day when coastal landscapes look mesmerizingly spectacular and sprint to the chateau-shaped reception in hopes of catching the sunset, which coming up too fast. The reception building’s interior is done in noble Bordeaux and terracotta colours, as befits a chateau, and it has a creative private collection of its owner’s ‘trophies’: a quaint set of knotted wooden furniture and big snag with human

34 • VIETNAM HERITAGE - JANUARY-FEBRUARY 2015

BY NATHALIE SOKOLOVSKAYA

silhouette, a whimsical perpetration of nature. The indoor premises are all at the light and refreshing sea breeze’s disposal, thoughtfully divided into check-in counter, cosy lounge and spacious restaurant with several big open-air decks, not with walls, but with levels.

A decorative bridge across a lotus pond at the back of reception serves a gateway to Melon Resort’s landscaped hilly grounds full of trimmed exotic shrubs growing on juicy green lawns and blooming tropical trees stretching their branches up to the balconies of villas. Stone pathways lead uphill to the two-storey villas and bungalows overlooking an infinity pool. At the entrance to Premier Ocean View Room Villa, I even have to walk on stone steps built in the pond full of cheery golden fish. The room where I’m booked pleasantly surprises with its spaces and

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The big deck of the balcony with cosy sitting area provides a stunning view of the vast spaces of the ocean uninterrupted, which bedazzles the spectator from the first second and makes it extremely hard to tear the eye away even for a dip in the swimming pool at the twilight prospect. The contemplating of the ocean with picturesque fishing boats gliding on its enormous canvas can be continued from the infinity pool on the top of the hilly terrain. The point of its elevation visually aligns with the horizon and it gives an

amazing feeling of levitation above the sea surface with no end, right in the huge reservoir of swimming pool. The option of celebrating the unusual sea sensation with a glass of tropic cocktail is immediately available with Aeroplane pool bar being at one’s outstretched hand.

Melon Resort is Korean-owned and run so meticulously; the attention to details, welltrained staff and cordial approach to resort’s guests are all present here, as well as a Korean flair at the restaurant, offering interesting options of a multi-coloured fusion of Vietnamese seafood galore with Korean traditional culinary delights; burned rice with water in a clay pot included to combine with good wine from an extensive list from the restaurant cellar. The courteous and attentive Korean manager is somehow present at all tables at once, giving insightful advice on the food on offer.

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The sandy beach and Sea Links golf field are five minutes’ ride by hotel buggies available immediately upon request. The beach boasts unrivalled sea views that few other resorts on the shoreline can offer.n

Melon Resort

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WHAT THE PAPERS SAY

Review of 2014 Royal treasures on display in Hue Viet Nam News, 14 April, 2014 Royal treasures of the feudal Nguyen Dynasty (1802–1945) of Vietnam are on display in the former capital of Hue City.

A handmade gown, embroidered with phoenix patterns is on display at the private museum of Nguyen Dynasty’s Custom-made Porcelains. The gown was the formal royal costume worn by the king’s wife and mother.

The royal costume collection includes a formal gown and a semi-formal gown for a first-grade mandarin and a formal gown for a third-grade mandarin.

Sets of pottery and bronze artefacts that were used for smoking and culinary purposes and by the royal family members are on display inside the Imperial City.

All the artefacts are considered priceless. Similar artefacts are difficult to make and are rare in the world.

Preservation still a concern for traditional Vietnamese music

Thanh Nien News, 30 April, 2014 Vietnam has witnessed a rapid escalation in the attention paid to a moribund southern musical genre, but experts and locals wonder if that will be enough to keep it alive.

Critics have pointed out that events held for traditional music called don ca tai tu did more to showcase than to preserve the music, which is increasingly unpopular among young listeners.

It is typically played by a group of musicians who sing over Vietnamese 36 • VIETNAM HERITAGE - JANUARY-FEBRUARY 2015

traditional instruments.

The HCMC culture and education departments recently collaborated to launch a trial project to introduce traditional music to students.

An official of the HCMC Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism said the government should immediately implement policies favouring artists and singers.

Nguyen Dynasty documents get UN heritage status

Viet Nam News, 15 May, 2014 Three documents signed by Nguyen kings stored at the National Archives Centre I, have been accorded heritage status by the United Nations Educational Scientific Cultural Organisation (UNESCO).

The archives are a valuable source for studying history, culture and the whole feudal court's activities, as well as Vietnam's society in the 19th century.

The UNESCO has recognised three documentary heritage items of the Nguyen Dynasty.

These are the wooden printing blocks kept at the National Archives Centre IV in central city of Dalat, the Buddhism wooden printing blocks kept at Vinh Nghiem Pagoda in HCM City and 82 doctors’ steles at the Literature Temple in Hanoi.

Trang An wins coveted world heritage recognition

Viet Nam News, 24 June, 2014 The Trang An Tourism Complex in northern Ninh Binh Province has been declared a World Culture and Nature Heritage site by UNESCO. It is the first world site in the country combing both natural and cultural aspects.

The recognition was announced yesterday at a meeting of the Heritage

Committee of the United Nations' Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation in Doha, Qatar.

The complex consists of three adjacent areas. These consist of the cultural area, the ancient capital of Hoa Lu (under three short-lived dynasties Dinh, early Le and early Ly between 968 and 1009).

The natural aspects are the stunning limestone peaks, streams and caves at Trang An, Tam Coc and Bich Dong and Hoa Lu.

Archive of wartime southern Vietnam proposed for UNESCO recognition

Tuoi Tre News, 17 August, 2014 A collection of historical records released and received by the southern Vietnam governor’s office during the resistance war against French colonialists was filed for the UNESCO’s Memory of the World Program in the Asia-Pacific region in October last year.

The collection, dated between 1858 and 1945, covers 2,435m of shelves and is the largest and most historically significant one among the 26 collections in the same period.

In experts’ opinions, the archive is diverse in content and highly trustworthy.

The collection comes in documents, maps, and photos, and is mostly written in French, with a small portion written in Vietnamese, ancient Chinese characters, Khmer, Laotian, Japanese, English, Italian, and Dutch.

Ministry wants task force to protect Imperial Citadel

Viet Nam News, 6 August, 2014 The culture ministry announced that state bodies have thoroughly understood and gained valuable experience from the management and

WHAT THE PAPERS SAY conservation of the Central Sector of Thang Long – Hanoi Imperial Citadel.

The Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism 's announcement was based on the conclusion reached by Deputy Minister Dang Thi Bich Lien during a recent meeting with the concerned authorities and parties.

According to the deputy minister, the ongoing construction of the new National Assembly House and the Ba Dinh Conference Hall has affected the World Heritage site of the Imperial Citadel.

The ministry's announcement follows a petition submitted by the associations of Historical Sciences, Cultural Heritage and Archaeologists, and the UNESCO World Heritage Centre's request for verification and more information concerning the construction which is being done close to the archaeological site on 18 Hoang Dieu Street.

Vietnamese lions to roar again

Viet Nam News, 23 August, 2014 In the near future, foreign-style stone lions with fierce looks, large paws and sharp teeth are expected to be removed from relics, pagodas and temples throughout the country.

Cultural managers have decided that authentic Vietnamese guardian lion statues will replace these objects, which are unsuited to Vietnamese customs and culture. Soon, people will see Vietnamese stone lions roar again at the gates of ruins and heritage sites.

Earlier, the letters were sent to cultural agencies across the nation, with photos of traditional Vietnamese sacred creatures, including lions and kylins made from wood, stone and ceramics.

These samples are from exhibits at the Viet Nam Museum of Fine Arts, Thanh Hoa Provincial Museum and Hue Royal Palace.

Beside lions and kylins, experts suggested that it is time to display nghe (fictional creature with a lion-like head, long tail and doglike body), and elephants in front of the gates of relics and buildings.

Part of southern expressway opened

Viet Nam News, 30 August, 2014 The Vietnam Expressway Company held a ceremony on 29 August to open a 20-km section of the 55-km HCM City-Long Thanh-

Dau Giay.

The inaugurated 20-km section running from District 9 in HCM City to National Highway 51 in Long Thanh District has six lanes, including emergency lanes.

The entire project will reach completion in 2015. The expressway allows vehicles to travel at 120 km per hour, and at 100 km per hour.

The construction of 55 km of the HCM City- Long Thanh – Dau Giay expressway project began in October, 2009, with a total investment of more than VND20.6 trillion ($981 million) sourced from the Asian Development Bank (ADB) and the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA).

Longest expressway opens, cutting Hanoi-Lao Cai travel time in half Tuoi Tre News, 22 September, 2014 On 21 September, Vietnamese transport authorities opened a 245 km expressway, the longest of its kind in Vietnam, to traffic on Sunday, halving the travel time between Hanoi and Lao Cai province.

The expressway runs from Hanoi’s Noi Bai through the provinces of Vinh Phuc, Phu Tho and Yen Bai before reaching Lao Cai, according to the new road’s investor Vietnam Expressway Corporation.

The expressway features 120 bridges, including two large ones that span the Hong and Lo Rivers. It also has a 530-meter long tunnel, 13 toll collection stations and five rest stations.

The expressway will help shorten the travel time from Hanoi to Lao Cai from the current seven hours to 3.5 hours.

Ceremony marks 20 years of Halong's UNESCO recognition Viet Nam News, 29 October, 2014 A ceremony marking the 20th anniversary of Halong Bay's UNESCO recognition took place in northern Quang Ninh province's Halong city.

The event was at the 30-10 Square in Hong Hai district. The 90-minute ceremony, broadcast live on Vietnam Television and Quang Ninh Television, aimed to strengthen promotion of Halong Bay and raise awareness of heritage conservation among locals and tourists.

In addition to the ceremony, there were

airplane tours of Halong Bay, an international workshop on sustainable development of the Halong world natural heritage site, a discussion of the role of business in preserving heritage sites and a photo contest.

Ministry blocks cable-car plan for giant cave

Viet Nam News, 13 November, 2014 The Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism has told Quang Binh Province authorities to postpone the highly controversial Son Doong Cave cable-car project.

The ministry issued a document demanding the Ministry of Construction withdraw the cable car project from a master plan on Phong Nha Ke Bang National Park. The cave is both a national and UNESCO heritage site.

On 30 September, the construction ministry asked the culture ministry to add the project to the National Park plan, following a suggestion by provincial authorities.

Late last month, Quang Binh People's Committee allowed an investor to survey the cable car project without consulting the ministry or UNESCO. News on the project has created a surge of opposition from people around the world.

UNESCO recognizes songs from Vietnam's Nghe Tinh region

Thanh Nien News, 1 December, 2014 Vi and Giam folk songs from NgheTinh have been declared an Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity by UNESCO. The announcement came during the ninth session of the organization’s Intergovernmental Committee for the Safeguarding of the Intangible Cultural Heritage at UNESCO headquarters in Paris between 24 and 28 November.

Vi and Giam songs are performed by communities in the north-central province of Nghe Tinh, which has been divided into Nghe An and Ha Tinh.

The songs were once sung acapella by famers working their fields, boatmen rowing down rivers, or craftsmen making conical hats.

Songs focus on key values and virtues including respect for parents, loyalty, care and devotion, and the importance of honesty and a good heart.

VIETNAM HERITAGE - JANUARY-FEBRUARY 2015

• 37

EVENTS HANOI

TRADITIONAL PERFORMANCES Cheo singing performances Cheo, a kind of popular opera / traditional music, is shown at 8 p.m. every Friday at the Kim Ma Theater, 71 Kim Ma St, Ba Dinh Dist., Hanoi. English interpretation offered.

Price: VND150,000 per person. Tel: (04) 3764-8079/ 0904549-579 (Ms Ngoan) Ancient folk form Quan họ is a folk song form that originated in the northern province of Bac Ninh in the 13th century. The form took on elements of other genres as it spread throughout the country, incorporating a dialogue style of singing in the 18th century, the period when Vietnamese literature blossomed. As a folk art with a highly collective nature, Quan họ songs alternate from group to group with singers keeping up the conversation by exchanging songs.

There is no accompanying instrumental music. Bac Ninh Quan Ho folk music company offers Quan họ performances on request; an hour costs around VND30 million. Performance venues can also be requested.

Contact Mr Quy Trang, head of Bac Ninh Quan Ho folk music company, at mobile 0913-073-326.

Street songs of the poor and blind Every Saturday night Hát xẩm is a minimalist style of Vietnamese singing, traditionally performed by the poor and the blind and especially wanderers, usually accompanied with a simple đàn nhị (two-string violin) or đàn bầu (single-string zither). Hát xẩm is a Vietnamese blues from the 13th century. It is making a comeback, after several decades.

Artists at the Centre for Research on and Development of Vietnamese Music now perform xẩm at Dong Xuan Market, in the Old Quarter of Hanoi, every Saturday night. Free.

Ca truø Ca trù, an ancient Vietnamese musical form with a singer accom-

panied by three-string đàn đáy and other instruments, is performed at 87 Ma May Street, Hoan Kiem, Hanoi, at 8 p.m. every Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday, by artists from Ca Tru Thang Long Club, www.catruvietnam.net.

Price: $10 (VND210,000).

Reservation is necessary.

Tel: 01 223 266 897 EXHIBITIONS Pictorial tribute to ailing father Till 22 February A photo exhibition, themed ‘Like my Father’ by Maika Elan, is on at Chula till 22 February. The exhibition records the cancer treatment of her father in 2013.

She expects to keep his spirit and other family members’ up during this process.

Chula,6 Nhat Chieu, near Water Park, Tay Ho, Hanoi.

Opening hours: everyday from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.

‘Distance’ from Korea Till 14 February

Kim Jung Hyun, a Korean national, depicts her feelings about living in Vietnam in her self- portraits, which are on at Korean Cultural Centre in Hanoi till 14 February. The exhibition, themed ‘Khoảng’ (Distance), includes 20 artworks of oil paintings, carved wood and silk painting.

Korean Cultural Centre, 49 Nguyen Du St, Hanoi, tel: (04)3944-5980 Opening hours: 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. and 1.30 p.m.-6 p.m. from Monday to Friday.9 a.m. to 12 p.m. and 1.30 p.m.-5 p.m. on Saturday.

The colours of winter Till 28 February Dong Phong Art Gallery presents ‘Winter Hues’ by artist Ha

38 • VIETNAM HERITAGE - JANUARY-FEBRUARY 2015

Manh Thang till 28 February. The paintings are inspired by the cold northern winter in Hanoi where the artist lives.

Dong Phong Art Gallery 03 Ly Dao Thanh St, Hoan Kiem Dist., Hanoi. Tel: (04) 38680257 Open everyday from 9.30 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Life of the people Until March Images of culture and daily life in Vietnam from 100 years ago are on at the Vietnam National Museum of History until March.

The exhibition displays 55 photographs from the archives of the Ecole Francaise d'Extreme-Orient (French School of the Far East) and 50 objects from the museum.

The photos record relics throughout Vietnam, especially those belonging to the Champa, Dong Duong and Oc Eo cultures in the central and southern region of Vietnam.

Vietnam National Museum of History, 25 Tong Dan St, Hanoi.

Tel: (04) 3824-1384 Modern dishes Till 30 March An exhibition titled ‘Contemporary Vietnamese Pottery’ displaying Vietnamese pottery from the Red River Delta regions by many artists. The exhibition runs till 30 March at Heritage Space, Dolphin Plaza, 17 Tran Binh St, My Dinh Commune, Hanoi, tel: 090 282 67 69 Dong Son artefacts Until April, 2015

An exhibit, themed ‘Van Hoa Dong Son’ (Dong Son Culture), is going on at the Vietnam National Museum of History till until April, 2015.

It showcases nearly 300 artifacts, which are the fruits of a 90year painstaking research on the Dong Son era of ancient Vietnam, dated around 1,000 B.C. to A.D. 100.

The exhibit’s main highlights are Dong Son bronze drums, which are indicative of the zenith in ancient Vietnamese people’s bronze casting techniques.

Also on display are centuryold drums from other localities, working tools, everyday items, weaponry, musical instruments, and ornaments typical of the Dong Son culture, as well as products from its exchanges with other cultures.

Vietnam National Museum of History, 1 Trang Tien St, Hoan Kiem District, Hanoi. Tel: (04) 3824-1384 What art is up to lately Until 9 October, 2015 Vietnam Fine Arts Museum presents an exhibition, ‘Modern Arts’ by various artists till 9 October, 2015. The exhibition includes 28 artworks of oil painting, lacquer painting, silk painting, paper painting, synthetic material and sculpture. The museum hopes to give the audiences a comprehensive overview about the developing modern art of Vietnam through the richness of its styles and materials.

Vietnam Fine Arts Museum, 66 Nguyen Thai Hoc St, Hanoi.

Tel: (04) 3733-2131. Open: 8.30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Entry fee: VND20,000 Painting on glass Undetermined date Over 60 Indonesian glass paintings are being showcased at an exhibit that opened in early November at the Vietnam Museum of Ethnology.

The paintings are Indonesia’s unique art form and feature a wide variety of topic matters in cluding history, religion, folk culture, and entertainment.

The exhibition will last six months.

Vietnam Museum of Ethnology, Nguyen Van Huyen St, Cau Giay Dist., Hanoi. Tel: (04) 37562193. Open 8.30 a.m. to 5 p.m.

MUSIC Classic Vietnamese 7 March A night of music by Trinh Cong Son, performed by singer Giang Trang with guitar, flute, piano and zither is on 7 March at L’Espace, 24 Trang Tien St, Hoan Kiem Dist, Hanoi. Tel:(04) 39362164. Ticket: VND160,000.

FAIR Tet in Hanoi From 6-8 February

Sofitel Legend Metropole Hanoi will set up a Tet market from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m., 6 to 8 February. The event includes a dragon dance, traditionallydressed vendors, bamboo stalls, food, handicrafts and paintings.

Sofitel Legend Metropole Hanoi 15 Ngo Quyen St, Hanoi Tel: (04) 3826-6919

FESTIVAL Longest-running Till May The Huong Pagoda festival (at Huong Son commune, My Duc district, Hanoi), is the Vietnam’s longest-running festival. It starts 24 February until mid May. Every year, tens of thousands of pilgrims and visitors come to petition the gods for luck, wealth and happiness in the numerous pagodas scattered around the mountainous area. A visit to the pagoda includes a boat ride through winding streams and hours of mountain-climbing. The main pagoda, Thien Tru (Heaven’s Kitchen), was built in 1686. The most popular destination is Huong Tich cave, which contains a great many altars honouring a variety of deities. There will be crowds of people and hawkers in the pagoda; beware of scams such as over-priced drinks

and demands for big tips from the boatwomen.

NAM DINH PROVINCE

Good-luck market 26 February Vieng Market is held only once a year, on the 8th of the first month in the lunar calendar (this year falls on 26 February), in Trung Thanh hamlet, Kim Thai Commune, Vu Ban District, Nam Dinh Province. Trading is expected to begin at midnight on 25 February and go into the morning of 26 February. Goods for sale include plants, agricultural tools, meat and antiques, but the goods are not really the point; a transaction at Vieng Market is reputed to confer luck for both sides for the entire new year. According to market tradition, sellers don’t ask exorbitant prices and buyers don’t bargain. However, the market has changed a lot; nowadays, true antiques are rare, bargaining and even arguments are seen.

NHA TRANG

Water Puppetry Afternoon and evening everyday

Nha Trang Water Puppetry Theater, 46 Tran Phu St, Nha Trang, Khanh Hoa Province, opened to the public in early November.

The theatre stages 16 performances per week, which depict stories of Vietnam’s pastoral life and history and re-create traditional dances.

On the performing list are excerpts from famed plays and tunes in ‘tuong’ (traditional Vietnamese opera) and ‘bai choi’ (the central Vietnamese region’s folk game and art), folk songs and dances of ethnic communities liv-

ing across the province, and traditional music performances.

The theatre hosts three shows at 3 p.m., 5 p.m. and 8 p.m. on Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Sunday and two shows at 3 p.m. and 7 p.m. on the remaining days.

Tet happenings in Nha Trang From 14 to 23 February Nha Trang has a variety of activities to welcome Tet 2015: From 12 to 15 February, there is a unicorn dance competition at 2-4 Square, Nha Trang.

From 14 and 16 February, Vietnamese amateur music will be on at Provincial Cultural Centre, No 5, 2-4 Street, Nha Trang.

From 17 to 23 February, at Beach Park opposite to Novotel Hotel, the artwork exhibition themed, ‘Beauty of Aloes wood region’ will be displayed.

On 18 February, there is a music performance and fireworks at 2-4 Square.

From 20 to 28 February, at Beach Park opposite to Novotel hotel, the festival of ‘Bai choi’ will take place.

At 2-4 Square, in the evenings on 20 February, the unicorn and dragon dance is performed. In the afternoons from 21 to 23 February, there is human chess competition. In the afternoons from 20 to 22 February, there is art kite flying performance. On the evening of 22 February, there is a music and fashion show.

Other festivities include: calligraphy art performance to give the lucky words at the beginning of the New Year, performance of pottery-making and weaving the brocade of Cham people, performance of Cham traditional music, exhibition of sanding paintings, gemstone paintings, aloe wood, display and exchange of products printed on cups and plates at Ponagar tower and Hon Chong scenes from 18 to 25 February.

At Khanh Hoa Provincial Museum, there is an exhibition of art bonsai, orchids, driftwood and stones from 11 to 23 February.

The flower fair will combine with a photographic exhibition at Yen Phi Park from 11 to 23 February.

EVENTS DAK LAK PROVINCE

Coffee festival perks up March 9 to 12 The fifth Buon Ma Thuot Coffee Festival will be held from 9 to 12 March at Buon Ma Thuot City, Dak Lak Province. The festival aims to promote Buon Ma Thuot coffee to the world, increase its export, make a place to exchange for farmers and buyers and introduce beautiful scenes of Dak Lak Province.

The festival will include booths displaying coffee seedlings, fertilisers, machinery and equipment used in processing coffee and coffee products, a barista contest, art performances and photo exhibitions.

HO CHI MINH CITY

Philosophy of destiny Till 5 February

The exhibition ‘Come to [what] end?’ by Pham Dinh Tien, Rudy Atjeh, and Nguyen Tran Nam is on Sàn Art till 5 February.

Pham Dinh Tien ponders the idea of ‘fate’ – sudden events occurring in lives that are out of our control. Inspired by the disappearance of Malaysia Airlines Flight 370, Tien’s sculpture and installation compel us to see ourselves as passengers on flights that can potentially go awry. How can we be prepared for the unexpected? Is it possible that our need for control in contemporary life is but an illusion? These are just some of the questions the viewer may find themselves asking.

Rudy Atjeh is fascinated by the visual similarities between text and pronunciation of the naming of Vietnam’s Champa Kingdom, compared to the

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EVENTS

Jeumpa Kingdom of Aceh (his hometown in Indonesia). He rediscovers a part of history of where he grew up, and weaves the narrative into an intricate and graceful paper-cutting work.

Nguyen Tran Nam, while questioning if death is the ultimate punishment for a crime or a glorified act of sacrifice, recognizes the weight of belief in the conscience of a deadly act (be it personal conviction, religious or political). His sculptural works question how we determine what is ‘right’ or ‘wrong’ in the act; the answer may lie on how we choose to believe in its justification.

Sàn Art, 3 Me Linh, Binh Thanh Dist., Ho Chi Minh City.

Tel: (08) 3840-0183. Tuesday - Saturday 10.30 a.m. - 6.30 p.m.

Walls, heart, eggs Till 5 February Sàn Art is displaying artworks by artist Phan Quang, Phunam, Lena Bui and Tran Minh Duc till 5 February. Phan Quang’s sculptural installation of light and bamboo, titled ‘Red Stone’, speaks of social balance and belief, and asks what kind of heart can be freely nurtured in today’s world.

Phunam’s photographic ‘Patination’ takes inspiration from the urban streets of Saigon, where walls peel and crumble, revealing a layered history of hidden agendas and secrets. Lena Bui’s drawings map the chaotic order of Saigon’s street traffic. Tran Minh Duc’s tourist postcard collages of ‘classic’ Vietnam carries his signature ‘pink’ crystal, which refers to Pomacea Canaliculata, or apple snail eggs, that were officially imported into Vietnam in the 1980’s, believed desirable by the domestic consumer market. These snails were later listed as one of the most dangerous invasive species in Vietnam.

Sàn Art, 3 Me Linh, Binh Thanh Dist., Ho Chi Minh City.

Tel: (08) 3840-0183. Tuesday - Saturday 10.30 a.m. - 6.30 p.m.

ciation with Movenpick Hotel Saigon, will hold a painting exhibition at the hotel from 6 to 20 February. Contemporary paintings by Vietnamese artists will be inaugurated with an auction and donated to Operation Smile, a non-governmental organization that helps to ‘bring the smile back’ to Vietnamese underprivileged children.

Movenpick Hotel Saigon, 253 Nguyen Van Troi St, Phu Nhuan Dist, Ho Chi Minh City. Tel: (08) 3844-9222 Paintings by a ‘cat’ Till 22 February

A solo painting exhibition of Saigon-based artist Lieu Nguyen Huong Duong is held at Craig Thomas Gallery in Ho Chi Minh City till 22 February. The title of the exhibition is ‘This cat dreams in colour’. The artist said that the cat is himself; he was born in the year of Cat, 1975.

Craig Thomas Gallery, 27i Tran Nhat Duat, Tan Dinh Ward, Dist.1, Ho Chi Minh City. Tel: 0903 888 431 Opening hours: Tuesday to Saturday 11 am to 6pm; Sundays 1 to 5 pm; and by appointment OTHER Fireworks Midnight 18 February

Bringing back the smiles From 6 to 20 February Vietnam Art Gallery, in asso40 • VIETNAM HERITAGE - JANUARY-FEBRUARY 2015

At midnight on 18 February, there will be fireworks shows at the Thu Thiem tunnel in District 2, Dam Sen Cultural Park in District 11, Lang Le-Bau Co in Binh Chanh District, Nga Ba Giong in Hoc Mon District, District 12 Cultural Centre, Ethnological History and Culture Park in District 9 and Bitexco Financial Tower, District 1. Each display lasts 15 minutes.

Annual flower show 16 to 22 February A Tet flower festival to celebrate the Lunar New Year will be held from 16 to 22 February in Ham Nghi Street, in the centre of Ho Chi Minh City. The festival features a 580 m street decorated with a variety of flowers. This year, the highlight is the image of the goats from mountains in Ninh Binh Province.

THEATRE AO! AO Show is on at Opera House at 6 p.m. on 2, 4, 10, 11, 12, 13, 23, 24, 25, 26 and 27 February and 8 p.m. on 6, 7, 8, 22 and 28 February.

A O Show is a new kind of art performance, acknowledged globally as new type of circus. 60 minutes of using bamboo and basket boats, traditional music of Don Ca Tai Tu, visual creations and lighting, and audiences see themselves walking on a small walkway of sweet and breezy Southern Vietnam, and wandering past the surging dunes of the Southern Central only to find themselves front of a lotus swamp.

Tickets range from VND530,000 to VND1,250,000.

Opera House, 7 Lam Son Square, Dist.1, Ho Chi Minh City.

Tel: (08) 3829-9976

VALUE FOR MONEY HOTEL

Sunset Westlake Hanoi Hotel

491-493 Lac Long Quan St, Tay Ho Dist., Hanoi Tel: (04) 3758-6501 www.sunsetwestlake.com

Bai Dinh-Hoa Lu tour.

Pilgrimage Village Boutique Resort & Spa 130 Minh Mang Road, Hue Tel: (054) 3885-461 www.pilgrimagevillage.com

those who book at least two nights. The rate before discount is VND3,900,000++ per night in a Superior Garden View Room and VND4,500,000++ per night in a Deluxe Garden View Room. The rates include a choice of a roundtrip airport transfers or a meal or a 60minute body massage and a voucher of VND300,000 for body massage. The promotion runs till 31 May and is not applicable on public holidays.

Binh An Village Resort Dalat

Sunset Westlake Hanoi Hotel is offering an accommodation promotion till 31 March, 2015.

The prices start from VND750,000 per room per night in a Sunset Classic Room to VND1,650,000 per room per night in a Sunset Connecting Room. The prices include breakfast, service charge and VAT.

RESORTS AND SPAS

Sofitel Legend Metropole Hanoi 15 Ngo Quyen St, Hanoi Tel: (04) 3826-6919

Sofitel Legend Metropole Hanoi is offering an accommodation for Vietnamese and expatriates at VND5,000,000++ per room per night with breakfast, a 10 per cent discount on food at its restaurant and a credit of VND525,000 for a 90-minute spa therapy. The offer is valid from 1 to 28 February.

Emeralda Resort Ninh Binh

Van Long Reserve, Gia Van Commune, Gia Vien District, Ninh Binh Province Tel: (030) 3658-333 www.emeraldaresort.com Emeralda Resort Ninh Binh offers a ‘Emeralda Tet package’ with the price starting from VND4,600,000 per room per night or VND7,700,000 per room for two nights for stays from 13 to 23 February. The package includes breakfast, dinner, a sixty-minute foot or body massage for two, complimentary access to heated indoor pool and kid’s club, free bike rental and 20 per cent discount on a Trang An-

Pilgrimage Village Boutique Resort & Spa has an accommodation promotion till 30 April.

Those who stay one night get a 10 per cent discount, two nights get a 15 per cent discount and three nights or more get a 20 per cent discount.

Tuyen Lam Lake, Ward 4, Dalat Tel: (063) 3800-999 Email: dalat@binhanvillage.com www.binhanvillage.com Binh An Village Resort Dalat is offering a ‘Family Package’ at VND4,300,000++ per room per night in a Family Suite for 4 people with breakfast, a half-day excursion to Bao Dai Palace and Crazy House, dinner or lunch. The promotion applies for those who book at least two nights and valid till 31 March.

Hoi An Beach Resort

La Veranda Resort

1 Cua Dai St, Hoi An, Quang Nam Province Tel: (0510) 3927-011 Hoi An Beach Resort runs a two night ‘Spa package’ till 31 December, 2015.

VND5,210,000++ per room for single occupancy, VND6,460,000++ per room for double occupancy and VND9,110,000++ per room for triple occupancy. The package includes breakfast, a spa treatment with a choice of a 30minute body scrub or body wrap, a choice of 60-minute body massage (Swedish, Asian, Western, Vietnamese, Balinese or Thai) and a 30-minute mini-facial, 10 per cent discount on food, beverage and laundry, free use of bicycles and kayak, shuttle bus to Hoi An Ancient town, Tai chi lesson on the beach or garden.

Pullman Danang Beach Resort

Vo Nguyen Giap St, Khue My Ward, Ngu Hanh Son Dist, Danang Tel: (0511) 3958-888 www.pullman-danang.com Pullman Danang Beach Resort has a ‘Tet Escape’ for those who book at least three night’s stay from 13 February to 1 March. The price starts from VND5,800,000 per room per night in a Superior Room with breakfast, dinner, a 90minute spa treatment for two and a credit of VND1,000,000 for use at the resort’s outlets.

The price includes service charge and VAT.

Palm Garden Beach Resort & Spa

Lac Long Quan St, Cua Dai Beach, Hoi An Tel: (0510) 3927-927 www.palmgardenresort.com.vn Palm Garden Beach Resort & Spa is offering a 38 per cent discount on Superior Garden View Rooms and Deluxe Garden View Rooms for

42 • VIETNAM HERITAGE - JANUARY-FEBRUARY 2015

Tran Hung Dao St, Ward 7, Duong Dong Beach, Phu Quoc Island Tel: (077) 3982-988

La Veranda Resort has a promotion for those who book at least two nights till 31 October. The price starts from VND8,170,000 per room for two nights for two with a full-day snorkel tour, a lunch on the boat or the beach, round-trip airport transfers and free sport activities and bicycle use. The price includes service charge and VAT.

OTHER

Cam Ranh Riviera Beach Resort & Spa

Northern Peninsula Cam Ranh, Nha Trang, Khanh Hoa Province Tel: (058) 398 9898 Email: info@rivieraresortspa.com www.rivieraresortspa.com A five-star resort, Cam Ranh Riviera Beach Resort & Spa, launched on 29 January, 2015. Just a 15-minute drive from Cam Ranh International Airport and 30-minute drive from Nha Trang City Centre, the resort has 70 pool villas

and rooms which are exclusively designed and furnished in a modern contemporary style with an elegant décor. It also features Rosone Restaurant, Adora Bar & Lounge, Pool Bar and Rinata Oasis Spa and a vast array of water and land sports activities.

Sheraton Nha Trang Hotel & Spa 26-28 Tran Phu St, Nha Trang, Khanh Hoa Province Tel: (058) 3880-000 www.sheratonnhatrang.com

conducting a series of investments, expanding the scope of its activities and seeking potential partners in key Vietnam tourism markets.

coasted young sticky rice, steamed chicken rolls with ginger and lemongrass and many more at VND420,000.

Panasonic

Fortuna Hotel Hanoi

In mid-January, 2015, Panasonic launched its new models of air conditioners, which combine two new technologies of P-Tech and Aerowings to create the iAuto-X function, bringing an ‘Ultimate Cooling Experience’ to users. At the start-up, it realizes up to 35 per cent faster cooling than conventional air conditioners. After the set temperature is reached, it provides a ‘Shower Cooling’ effect to ensure the continuity of comfortable coolness. Also, these new products still maintain the technologies of Econavi and Nanoe-G, to provide extraordinary energy-saving and air-purifying. The prices start from VND7,630,000.

The Island Lodge Altitude, the rooftop bar located on the 28th floor of Sheraton Nha Trang Hotel & Spa, has reopened with a new look. The bar offers a fantastic view overlooking the beach and Nha Trang City day and night. The bar has a range of beverages and cocktails, including classics and signature creations. Also, the bar has promotions every day. Open hour: daily from 4 p.m. to 11 p.m. It is an ideal place to enjoy fireworks performance at midnight on 18 February at VND350,000 per person including a drink.

Odyssea Hospitality Management Company

Odyssea Hospitality Management Company is a newcomer, but its precursor, Liberty Hospitality Management Company, is a member of Liberty JSC, which has operated for over 30 years in Vietnam's hotel industry.

Odyssea has succeeded with two brands: 4star Liberty Central and 3-star Liberty Hotels, such as Liberty Central Saigon Centre, Liberty Central Saigon Riverside, Liberty Central Saigon Citypoint, Liberty Hotel Saigon Parkview and Liberty Hotel Saigon South.

Odyssea expects to officially introduce Liberty Central in Nha Trang in early 2015.

With the ambition to become the leader in Vietnam Hospitality Management, Odyssea is

VALUE FOR MONEY

My Tho, Tien Giang Province Tel : (073) 6519-000 www.theislandlodge.com.vn

The Island Lodge, just an hour south of Saigon, has recently opened in My Tho, with 12 luxurious rooms overlooking the Mekong River.

It is an ideal place for exploring the fantastic waterways and authentic country living of the Mekong Delta.

FOOD PROMOTIONS

Movenpick Hotel Hanoi

83A Ly Thuong Kiet St, Hanoi Tel: (04) 3822-2800 www.moevenpick-hotels.com/hanoi Mangosteen Restaurant, at the Movenpick Hotel Hanoi, serves Lunar New Year set menu, including seafood soup, deep-fried prawn

6B Lang Ha St, Ba Dinh Dist., Hanoi Tel: (04) 3831-3333 Yu Sheng, a symbol of well-wishes, abundance and good fortune, will be served at May Man Cuisine Restaurant of the Fortuna Hotel Hanoi from 29 January to 5 March. Yu Sheng includes salmon with shredded vegetables and other various condiments. Yu Sheng is available in three different sizes including Prosperous (23 persons), Bountiful (4-6 persons) and Auspicious (7-10 persons) atVND380,000++, VND550,000++ and VND800,000++ respectively.

Hilton Hanoi Opera Hotel

1 Le Thanh Tong St, Hanoi Tel: (04) 3933-0500 Ba Mien Restaurant at Hilton Hanoi Opera Hotel prepares a cozy and romantic Valentine buffet dinner at 6 p.m to 10 p.m. on 14 February at VND550,000++ including free flow of beer, wine and soft drinks. Surcharge is VND300,000 for free flow champagne.

The Press Club

Corner of 59A Ly Thai To and 12 Ly Dao Thanh St, Hoan Kiem Dist, Hanoi Tel: (04) 3934-0888 www.hanoi-pressclub.com

Come and enjoy a romantic dinner at The Press Club Restaurant on Valentine’s Day with pan-fried shrimps on mango avocado salsa and cilantro dressing, pan fried salmon served with sautéed mushroom, mashed potato and cauliflower in saffron butter sauce, chocolate fondant served with ice cream and strawberry sauce. VND840,000++ including a complimentary cocktail La Vie en Rose for ladies.

Novotel Nha Trang

50 Tran Phu St, Nha Trang, Khanh Hoa Province Tel: (058) 6256-900 www.novotel-nhatrang.com Fireworks watching from the rooftop at the Novotel Nha Trang at midnight 18 February for VND350,000++ including house wine, beer or soft drink. On 18 February, the hotel serves buf-

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VALUE FOR MONEY

fet dinner at VND630,000++. Also, from 19 to 25 February enjoy Lunar New Year buffet lunch at the hotel for VND350,000++. Until the end of February, Vous Spa at the hotel offers a 150minute spa package in Vietnamese style at VND1,390,000 including body massage, herbal footbath, facial and scalp massage.

Beef No. 1 Restaurant

1 Hoang Viet St, Ward 4, Tan Binh District, Ho Chi Minh City Te: 0935891818 - 0919898253 - 0919898257 Beef No.1 Restaurant will debut on 31 January, 2015. It will serve beef from America. To celebrate the ‘Grand Opening’, the restaurant offers a 10 per cent discount for the month of February.

New World Saigon Hotel 76 Le Lai St, Ben Thanh Ward, Dist.1, Ho Chi Minh City Tel: (08) 3822-8888

Dynasty Restaurant at the New World Saigon Hotel prepares a Valentine’s Day on 13 and 14 February with a six-course set menu lunch and dinner, including crispy king prawn marinated in wasabi mayonnaise, stir-fried Udon noodles and a custom-made heartshaped dessert. VND1,200,000 per couple, including sparkling wine, red roses, photographic keepsakes and a chocolate gift.

of seafood every Saturday night, 6.30 p.m. to 10.30 p.m., at Chit Chat Restaurant at VND840,000++. Tet hampers are available at the hotel till 19 February. Also, Chit Chat Restaurant at the hotel serves Tet buffet parties till 20 February at VND798,000++.

On Valentine’s Day, Hotel Equatorial Ho Chi Minh City has buffet dinner at Chit Chat Restaurant at VND940,000++ and set menu dinner at Orientica Restaurant at VND1,298,000++. Then, complete the romantic night with cocktails at Flo Lounge with love melodies by the Funky Haven band for VND110,000++.

The chefs of the Opera Restaurant and Square One Restaurant at the Park Hyatt Saigon will prepare five-course dinner menus with candlelight and music to bring an unforgettable Valentine’s Day on 14 February. Italian dinner at Opera Restaurant is VND3,333,000 per couple, including one glass of Prosecco Rose per person.

Dinner for two at Square One Restaurant is VND5,555,000, including one glass of Moet & Chandon Rose per person. The prices include service charge and VAT. Also, throughout February, Park Lounge has macaroons at VND90,000++ for a set of three including strawberry, pomegranate and cranberry flavours.

Hotel Nikko Saigon

Pullman Saigon Centre

235 Nguyen Van Cu St, Dist 1, Ho Chi Minh City Tel: (08) 3929-5520

Ming Court Restaurant at the Hotel Nikko Saigon prepares dishes for Tet from 18 to 22 February. It serves set menu dinner from 6 to p.m. to 10 p.m. at VND1,100,000++. Also, it has set menu vegetarian dinner at VND800,000++.

Dim Sum Brunch is served from 11 a.m. to 2.30 p.m. at VND650,000++.

Movenpick Hotel Saigon

253 Nguyen Van Troi St, Phu Nhuan Dist, Ho Chi Minh City Tel: (08) 3844-9222

148 Tran Hung Dao St, Dist.1, Ho Chi Minh City Tel: (08) 3838-8686 www.pullman-saigon-centre.com

In February, Food ConneXion Restaurant, at the Pullman Saigon Centre, prepares Tet traditional dishes and International food on its buffet counters, following the concept ‘East meet West’. Buffet lunch, VND480,000++ including mineral water, tea and coffee. Buffet dinner, VND888,000++including free flow of international wines, beer and soft drink.

Sofitel Saigon Plaza

17 Le Duan, Dist.1, Ho Chi Minh City Tel: (08) 3824-1555 - www.sofitel.com

Hotel Equatorial Ho Chi Minh City 242 Tran Binh Trong St, Dist.5, Ho Chi Minh City Tel: (08) 3839-7777 www.equatorial.com

Hotel Equatorial Ho Chi Minh City has ‘All you can eat Dim Sum’ every Saturday and Sunday lunch at Orientica Restaurant at VND338,000++. The hotel also has a selection

Movenpick Hotel Saigon runs ‘Taste the world’ experiences at Café Saigon Restaurant in each month. February is the month of Vietnamese cuisine to celebrate lunar New Year.

Buffet dinner is served from 6p.m. to 9p.m. daily at VND799,000++.

Park Hyatt Saigon

2 Lam Son Square, Dist.1, Ho Chi Minh City Tel: (08) 3824-1234 www.saigon.park.hyatt.com

44 • VIETNAM HERITAGE - JANUARY-FEBRUARY 2015

Enjoy Tet festival from 19 to 28 February at Café Rivoli, at the Sofitel Saigon Plaza, at VND650,000++ for lunch and VND1,190,000++ for dinner including free flow of house wine, beer and soft drink. Advantage Plus members will get 10 per cent discount on the bill.

Rates may be subject to 5-per-cent service charge and 10-per-cent VAT if there is no statement to the contrary.

ADVERTORIAL

RESTAURANT

A great hidden gem in our own backyard

A

lthough I have lived in Ho Chi Minh City for some time, I never cease to be amazed by the high-quality stores, restaurants and other gems this great city has to offer. These are what make our adoptive hometown so special.

One never knows which new treasure he will discover, and I have just discovered a new prize. Allow me to share it with you.

The side streets off Le Thanh Ton Street are predominantly residential. However, they have a smattering of restaurants, coffee shops and other businesses. Many of the restaurants cater to a Japanese clientele. I found one that people of any background will love returning to many times over.

‘Spice Curry’ opened just recently. I live up the street. Many times, I have walked by the place and have always received a warm greeting from the nice people who run it.

I thought that a place run by

Photo: Spice Curry

BY WILLIAM SABINO

such nice people must be a nice place to eat. I thought it was at least worth a try. It turned out to be much more.

The manager served me a combo platter of curried chicken and curried pork, accompanied by rice, golden peppers and pickled vegetables. The curried meat was, without a doubt, the best I have ever had. Some curry restaurants use too much spice and overwhelm the taste of the meat. This place uses just the right amount of spice to enhance the flavour of the meat without overdoing it.

I also had a delicious smoked sausage with hash browns and string beans. This would be a perfect light lunch for a businessman looking for something substantial, but not overly large. The Swiss sausage was properly cooked, without any extra oil or fat.

My meal was accompanied by delicious, refreshing green tea. For dessert, I had a delicious egg coffee.

It was my first. However, it definitely

won’t be my last. It was heartier than an iced milk coffee and would be a great pick-me-up or treat.

‘Spice Curry’ would be perfect for families, as well as for business lunches. The restaurant is planning smaller, more intimate meeting rooms upstairs, where people can discuss business or meet friends over lunch or dinner.

The tremendous location is a plus, as well. Located on a quiet side street, one can relax and savour delicious food, refreshing coffee or tea, as well as great service and nice people who will do all they can to make the experience an enjoyable one which one will want to repeat many times.

It’s a little difficult to find unless one knows exactly where to look. Give them a call and pay a visit. You’ll be glad you did.n

Spice Curry

15B/83 Le Thanh Ton St, Dist. 1, Ho Chi Minh City Tel: 0120 2969562 They also organize small parties.

VIETNAM HERITAGE - JANUARY-FEBRUARY 2015

• 45

BUYABLE

VND1,200,000

VND800,000

VND1,200,000

VND1,200,000

VND1,200,000

VND800,000

AO DAI MUSEUM 206/19/30 Long Thuan St, Long Phuoc Ward, Dist.9, Ho Chi Minh City Tel: 0908018086 - Website: baotangaodaivietnam.com Barbies with ao dais designed by Si Hoang 46 • VIETNAM HERITAGE - JANUARY-FEBRUARY 2015

DIRECTIONS SAPA, HALONG, HAI PHONG EMERGENCIES Police: 113 Fire: 114 Ambulance: 115

SAPA

(TELEPHONE CODE: 020) Sapa is a former French hill station in northwestern Vietnam, in Lao Cai Province, near the Chinese border.

A number of minority cultures including the H’mong, Dao and Tay live in villages in the countryside around Sapa.

HOTELS, RESORTS Note: Prices at many hotels depend on occupancy and change daily Cat Cat View Hotel 46 Fan Xi Pang St, Sapa, Lao Cai Province Tel: (020) 3871-946 www.catcathotel.com VND735,000 to VND3,780,000 ($35 to $180) Cha Pa Garden Boutique Hotel & Spa 23B Cau May St, Sapa, Lao Cai Province Tel: (020) 3872-907 Email: hotelchapagarden@gmail.com

www.chapagarden.com From VND1,470,000 ($70) Chau Long Sapa Hotel

Topas Ecolodge Thanh Kim Ward, Sapa, Lao Cai Province Tel: (04) 3715-1005 reservation@topasecolodge.com www.topasecolodge.com From VND2,300,000 ($110) Victoria Sapa Resort and Spa Xuan Vien St, Sapa, Lao Cai Province Tel: (020) 3871-522 Email: resa.sapa@victoriahotels.asia

www.victoriahotels.asia From VND3,657,000 ($172) RESTAURANTS Buffalo Bell Restaurant 25 Cau May St, Sapa, Lao Cai Province Tel: (020) 3873-455 Delta Restaurant 33 Cau May St, Sapa, Lao Cai Province Tel: (020) 3871-799 Fansipan Restaurant 23 Cau May St, Sapa, Lao Cai Province Tel: (020) 3871-556

HALONG

(TELEPHONE CODE: 033) With around 1,600 islands and islets in the Gulf of Tonkin, Halong Bay, about 170 km east of Hanoi, is well known for its limestone seascape.

Overnight boat trips out of Halong City are a popular way to see it.

HOSPITALS

Bai Chay Hospital Gieng Day Ward, Halong Tel: (033) 3846-557 www.benhvienbaichay.vn

24 Dong Loi St, Sapa, Lao Cai Province Tel: (020) 3871-245 Email: resa@chaulonghotel.com.vn www.chaulonghotel.com.vn From VND2,100,000 ($100) Holiday Sapa Hotel 16 Muong Hoa, Sapa, Lao Cai Province Tel: (020) 3873-874 Email: info@holidaysapa.com www.holidaysapa.com VND588,000 to VND2,100,000 ($28 to $100) Mường Thanh Sapa Hotel No 044, Ngu Chi Son, Sapa, Lao Cai Province Tel: (020) 3887-766 Email: sales@sapa.muongthanh.vn www.muongthanh.vn From VND900,000 ($43) Royal Hotel 54B Cau May St, Sapa, Lao Cai Province Tel: (020) 3771-131 Email: info@royalsapahotel.com www.royalsapahotel.com

Traditional Medicine Hospital Cot 8, Hong Ha Ward, Halong Tel: (033) 3838-113 Vietnam-Sweden Hospital Thanh Son Ward, Uong Bi Commune, Halong Tel: (033) 3854-037 www.bvubqn.tk TRAVEL

Halong Tourism 1 Halong St, Halong Tel: (033) 3846-272 Quang Ninh Tourism Company Ha Long St, Bai Chay Ward, Halong Tel: (033) 3846-350 Syrena Cruises Hung Thang new urban area, Bai Chay, Halong Tel: (033) 3847-043 Hanoi Sales Office: Syrena Tower, 3th Floor, 51 Xuan Dieu St, Hanoi Tel: (04) 3719-7214 Email: se@syrenacruises.com www.syrenacruises.com HOTELS, RESORTS

Note: Prices at many hotels depend on occupancy and change daily

Asean Halong Hotel Hau Can St, Bai Chay Ward, Halong Tel: (033) 3640-034 Email: sm@aseanhalonghotel.com www.aseanhalonghotel.com From VND1,600,000 ($76) Halong Hidden Charm Hotel Block 22D, Tuan Chau Villas, Halong Tel: (033) 3842-360 infor.halonghiddencharmhotel@gmail.com

www.hiddencharmhotel.com.vn From VND350,000 ($17) Halong Palace Hotel 1, Block 20 Dong Hung Thang, Hoang Quoc Viet St, Bai Chay Ward, Halong Tel: (033) 3619-819 Email: info@halongpalacehotel.com www.halongpalacehotel.com From VND3,800,000 ($181) Halong Plaza Hotel 8 Ha Long St, Bai Chay Ward, Halong Tel: (033) 3845-810 Email: info@halongplaza.com www.halongplaza.com VND1,500,000 to VND3,800,000 ($71 to $179) Heritage Halong Hotel 88 Ha Long St, Bai Chay Ward, Halong Tel: (033) 3846-888 Email: saleheritagehl@gmail.com www.heritagehalonghotel.com.vn VND2,310,000 ($110)

equipped rooms, with many breathtaking views of Halong Bay RESTAURANTS

Co Ngu Restaurant Halong St, Halong Tel: (033) 3511-363 Jumbo Vietnam Floating Restaurant 119 Le Thanh Tong St, Halong Tel: (033) 3624-888 Sea Food Restaurant Halong St, Halong Tel: (033) 3845-822

Halong Gold Restaurant Halong St, Halong Tel: (033) 3845-142

BARS & CAFÉS

Emeraude Café 6A Le Thanh Tong St, Hon Gai, Halong Tel: (033) 3849-266 www.emeraude-cruises.com Royal International Gaming Club and Villa Bai Chay, Halong Tel: (033) 3848-777

HAI PHONG CITY (TELEPHONE CODE: 031) HOTELS, RESORTS

Mường Thanh Halong Hotel No.7, Block 20, East of Hung Thang, Bai Chay Ward, Halong Tel: (033) 3812-468/ (033) 3819-777 Email: info@halong.muongthanhhotel.vn www.muongthanhhotel.vn From VND1,400,000 ($67) Novotel Ha Long Bay 160 Ha Long St, Bai Chay Ward, Halong Tel: (033) 3848-108 Email: info@novotelhalong.com.vn www.novotelhalongbay.com From VND2,625,000 ($125)

Note: Prices at many hotels depend on occupancy and change daily Catba Princes Hotel

Saigon Halong Hotel Ha Long St, Bai Chay Ward, Halong Tel: (033) 3845-845 info@saigonhalonghotel.com www.saigonhalonghotel.com From VND950,000 ($45)

303 Nui Ngoc, Cat Ba Island, Hai Phong City Tel: (031) 3888-899 Email: sale@catbaprinceshotel.com www.catbaprinceshotel.com From VND500,000 ($24) Catba Sunrise Resort Cat Ba Island, Hai Phong City Tel: (031) 3887-360 Email: info@catbasunriseresort.com www.catbasunriseresort.com From VND3,045,000 ($145)

StarCity Halong Bay Hotel

168 Halong St, Bai Chay Ward, Halong Tel: (033) 3846-058 Email: sm1.north@och.vn www.starcityhalongbay.com In the centre of Halong, StarCity Halong Bay Hotel offers 152 well-

Avani Hai Phong Harbour View 12 Tran Phu St, Ngo Quyen Dist., Hai Phong Tel: (031) 3827-827 Email: haiphong@avanihotels.com www.avanihotels.com From VND2,772,000 ($132) ENTERTAINMENT

Do Son Casino Zone 3, Do Son town, Hai Phong Tel: (031) 3864-888

VIETNAM HERITAGE - JANUARY-FEBRUARY 2015

• 47

CENTRE O

B

A

C

1 Hanoi Emotion Hotel 2 Capital Garden Hotel 3 Daewoo Hotel

1

4 De Syloia Hotel 5 Fortuna Hotel Hanoi 6 Green Mango 7 Sunway Hotel Hanoi 8 Hilton Hanoi Opera Hotel 9 Joseph’ Joseph’ss Hotel 10 1 0 Little Hanoi 11 1 1 MAison d’Hanoi Hanova Hotel

3

2

12 1 2 Melia Hanoi Hotel 13 1 3 Movenpick Hotel Hanoi 14 1 4 Nikko Hanoi Hotel 15 1 5 Sofitel Legend Metropole Hanoi

3

5

2

4

STREET GUIDE Ba Trieu...................E3, E4 Bac Son.........................D1 Bach Dang.....................F2 Bach Mai........................E4 Bat Dan..........................E2 Bich Cau........................C2 Buoi................................A1 Cat Linh..........................C2 Cha Ca....................E1, E2 Cua Bac.........................D1 Cua Dong.......................D2

Da Tuong.......................E3 Dang Tat.........................D1 Dao Duy Anh.................D4 Dao Duy Tu.............E1, E2 Dien Bien Phu................D2 Doc Ngu.........................A1 Doi Can.............A1, B2, C2 Duong Thanh.................E2 Gam Cau........................E1 Giai Phong.....................D4 Giang Vo.....A3 ,B3 ,B2,C2

Hai Ba Trung.....E2, E3, F3 Ham Long......................E3 Han Thuyen....................F3 Hang Bac.......................E2 Hang Bo.........................E2 Hang Bong.....................E2 Hang Buom....................E2 Hang Can.......................E2 Hang Chuoi....................F3 Hang Cot........................E1 Hang Da.........................E2 Hang Dao.......................E2

Hang Dau.......................E1 Hang Ga.........................E2 Hang Gai........................E2 Hang Khay.....................E2 Hang Khoai....................E1 Hang Ma.........................E1 Hang Quat......................E2 Hang Trong....................E2 Hang Chieu....................E1 Hang Luoc......................E1 Hao Nam........................C2 Hoa Ma...........................F3

Hoang Dieu.............D1, D2 Hoang Hoa Tham............... ....................A1, B1, C1, D1 Hoang Van Thu..............D1 Hoe Nhai........................E1 Hung Vuong............D1, D2 Huynh Thuc Khang........A3 Kham Thien.............C3, D3 Kim Ma..............A2, B2, C2 La Thanh.................B3, C3 Lang Ha..........................B3 Nguyen Chi Thanh.........A3

Le Dai Hanh...................E4 Le Duan............D2, D3, D4 Le Hong Phong.............D2 Le Lai..............................F2 Le Thai To.......................E2 Le Thanh Tong...............F3 Le Van Huu....................E3 Lieu Giai........................A2 Lo Duc......................F3, F4 Lo Su..............................F2 Luong Ngoc Quyen.......E2 Luong Van Can..............E2

OF HA NOI D

E

F

6 10 1 0

11 1 1 9 1 15 1 5 13

12 1 2 8 4

14 1 4

Ly Nam De..............E1, E2 Ly Quoc Su....................E2 Ly Thai To.......................F2 Ly Thuong Kiet........E3, F3 Mai Hac De..............E3, E4 Ngo Quyen.....................F3 Ngo Si Lien....................D2 Ngo Thi Nham................E3 Ngoc Ha.........................C1 Ngoc Khanh...................B2 Nguyen Canh Chan......D1 Nguyen Cong Hoa.........B2

Nguyen Dinh Chieu............ .................................E3, E4 Nguyen Du..............D3, E3 Nguyen Huu Huan........ F2 Nguyen Khuyen.............D2 Nguyen Luong Bang.....C3 Nguyen Thai Hoc....C2, D2 Nguyen Thuong Hien......... ........................................D3 Nguyen Van To..............E2 Nha Chung.....................E2 Nha Tho.........................E2

Nui Truc..........................B2 Pham Dinh Ho................F3 Pham Ngu Lao...............F3 Phan Boi Chau.......D2, D3 Phan Chu Trinh..............F3 Phan Dinh Phung..........D1 Phan Huy Chu................F3 Pho Duc Chinh...............F3 Pho Hue...................E3, E4 Phu Doan.......................E2 Phung Hung............E1, E2 Quan Su..................E2, E3

Quan Thanh...................D1 Quang Trung...........E2, E3 Quoc Tu Giam...............D2 Son Tay..........................C2 Thai Phien......................E4 Thanh Cong...................B3 Thanh Nien....................D1 Tho Nhuom.............E2, E3 Thuy Khue.......................... ....................A1, B1, C1, D1 To Hien Thanh...............E4 Tong Dan........................F2

Ton Duc Thang..............C3 Tran Hung Dao................... ...........................D3, E3, F3 Tran Huy Lieu................B2 Tran Khanh Du...............F3 Tran Khat Chan..............F4 Tran Nguyen Han..........F2 Tran Nhan Tong......D3, E3 Tran Nhat Duat..............E1 Tran Phu........................D2 Tran Quang Khai............F2 Tran Qui Cap.................D2

Tran Quoc Toan......D3, E3 Tran Thanh Tong............F3 Tran Xuan Soan................. .................................E3, E4 Trang Thi........................E2 Trang Tien................E2, F3 Trieu Viet Vuong......E3, E4 Trinh Hoai Duc...............C2 Tue Tinh.........................E3 Yen Phu..........................E1 Yersin..............................F4 Yet Kieu..........................D3

DIRECTIONS HANOI HANOI

(TELEPHONE CODE: 04) EMBASSIES

Finland 31 Hai Ba Trung St, Hoan Kiem Dist., Hanoi Tel: (04) 3826-6788

Algeria 13 Phan Chu Trinh St, Hoan Kiem Dist., Hanoi Tel: (04) 3825-3865

France 57 Tran Hung Dao St, Hoan Kiem Dist., Hanoi Tel: (04) 3944-5782

Argentina 41A Ly Thai To St, Hoan Kiem Dist., Hanoi Tel: (04) 3831-5263

Germany 29 Tran Phu St, Ba Dinh Dist., Hanoi Tel: (04) 3845-3836

Australia 8 Dao Tan St, Ba Dinh Dist., Hanoi Tel: (04) 3831-7755 Austria 53 Quang Trung St, Hoan Kiem Dist., Hanoi Tel: (04) 3943-3050 Bangladesh Villa D6B 5 – Khu Vuon Dao Ngo 675, Lac Long Quan St, Tay Ho Dist., Hanoi Tel: (04) 3771-6625 Belarus 52 Ho Tay St, Tay Ho Dist., Hanoi Tel: (04) 3829-0494 Belgium Hanoi Tower, 49 Hai Ba Trung St, Hoan Kiem Dist., Hanoi Tel: (04) 3934-6179 Brazil T72-14 Thuy Khue St, Tay Ho Dist., Hanoi Tel: (04) 3843-2544 Brunei Villa 8-9 No 44/8-44, 9 Van Bao St, Ba Dinh Dist., Hanoi Tel: (04) 3726-0001 Bulgaria 5 Nui Truc St, Ba Dinh Dist., Hanoi Tel: (04) 3845-2908 Cambodia 71A Tran Hung Dao St, Hoan Kiem Dist., Hanoi Tel: (04) 3942-7636 Canada 31 Hung Vuong St, Ba Dinh Dist., Hanoi Tel: (04) 3823-5500 China 46 Hoang Dieu St, Ba Dinh Dist., Hanoi.

Tel: (04) 3845-3736 Cuba 65 Ly Thuong Kiet St, Hoan Kiem Dist., Hanoi Tel: (04) 3942-4775 Czech Republic 13 Chu Van An St, Ba Dinh Dist., Hanoi; Tel: (04) 3845-4131 Denmark 19 Dien Bien Phu St, Ba Dinh Dist., Hanoi Tel: (04) 3823-1888 Egypt 63 To Ngoc Van St, Tay Ho Dist., Hanoi Tel: (04) 3829-4999

Hungary 12th floor of Deaha Building, 360 Kim Ma St, Ba Dinh Dist., Hanoi Tel: (04) 3771-5714 India 58-60 Tran Hung Dao St, Hoan Kiem Dist., Hanoi Tel: (04) 3824-4990 Indonesia 50 Ngo Quyen St, Hoan Kiem Dist., Hanoi Tel: (04) 3825-3353 Iran 54 Tran Phu St, Ba Dinh Dist., Hanoi Tel: (04) 3823-2068 Iraq 66 Tran Hung Dao St, Hoan Kiem Dist., Hanoi Tel: (04) 3942-4141 Ireland 8th floor of Vincom Tower B, 191 Ba Trieu St, Ha Dong Dist., Hanoi Tel: (04) 3974-3291 Israel 68 Nguyen Thai Hoc St, Ba Dinh Dist., Hanoi Tel: (04) 3843-3141 Italy 9 Le Phung Hieu St, Hoan Kiem Dist., Hanoi Tel: (04) 3825-6256 Japan 27 Lieu Giai St, Ba Dinh Dist., Hanoi Tel: (04) 3846-3000 Laos 22 Tran Binh Trong St, Hoan Kiem Dist., Hanoi Tel: (04) 3942-4576 Libya 298B Kim Ma St, Ba Dinh Dist., Hanoi Tel: (04) 3845-3379 Malaysia 43-45 Dien Bien Phu St, Ba Dinh Dist., Hanoi Tel: (04) 3734-3836 Mexico Coco Villa T-11, 14 Thuy Khue St, Tay Ho Dist., Hanoi Tel: (04) 3847-0948 Mongolia 5 Van Phuc, Kim Ma St, Ba Dinh Dist., Hanoi Tel: (04) 3845-3009 Myanmar 298A Kim Ma St, Ba Dinh Dist., Hanoi Tel: (04) 3845-3369

50 • VIETNAM HERITAGE - JANUARY-FEBRUARY 2015

Netherlands 6th floor of Deaha Building, 360 Kim Ma St, Ba Dinh Dist., Hanoi Tel: (04) 3831-5650 New Zealand 63 Ly Thai To St, Hoan Kiem Dist., Hanoi Tel: (04) 3824-1481 North Korea 25 Cao Ba Quat St, Ba Dinh Dist., Hanoi Tel: (04) 3845-3008 Norway 8th Floor, Hanoi Tower, 49 Hai Ba Trung St, Hoan Kiem Dist., Hanoi Tel: (04) 3974-8900 Nigeria 44/1 Van Bao St, Ba Dinh Dist., Hanoi Tel: (04) 3726-3610 Palestine 6 Dang Van Ngu St, Dong Da Dist., Hanoi Tel: (04) 3852-4013 Philippines 27B Tran Hung Dao St, Hoan Kiem Dist., Hanoi Tel: (04) 3943-7948 Poland 3 Chua Mot Cot St, Ba Dinh Dist., Hanoi Tel: (04) 3845-2027 Romania 5 Le Hong Phong St, Ba Dinh Dist., Hanoi Tel: (04) 3845-2014 Russia 191 La Thanh St, Ba Dinh Dist., Hanoi Tel: 3833-6991 South Africa 31 Hai Ba Trung St, Hoan Kiem Dist., Hanoi Tel: (04) 3936-2000 South Korea 4th floor of Deaha Building, 360 Kim Ma St, Ba Dinh Dist., Hanoi Tel: (04) 3831-5111 Spain 15th floor of Deaha Building, 360 Kim Ma St, Ba Dinh Dist., Hanoi Tel: (04) 3771-5207

MEDICAL CENTRES Acupuncture Institute 49 Thai Thinh St, Dong Da Dist., Hanoi Tel: (04) 3563-1069 Hanoi French Hospital 1 Phuong Mai St, Ba Dinh Dist., Hanoi Tel: (04) 3577-1100 International SOS Clinic 1 Dang Thai May St, Tay Ho Dist., Hanoi Tel: (04) 3934-0666 Thuy Tran Otolaryngology Clinic 6 Do Quang St, Cau Giay Dist., Hanoi (6/61 Tran Duy Hung Avenue) Tel: (04) 3556-6124 Mobile 098 368 0276 Email: thuyent12@yahoo.com www.taimuihongthuytran.com Vinmec international hospital 458 Minh Khai St, Hai Ba Trung Dist, Hanoi, Tel: (04) 3974-3556 AIRLINES Air France 1 Ba Trieu St, Hoan Kiem Dist., Hanoi Tel: (04) 3825-3484 Qatar Airways Hilton Hanoi Opera Building, M floor, 1 Le Thanh Tong St, Hoan Kiem Dist., Hanoi Tel: (04) 3933-6767 www.qatarairways.com Singapore Airlines 17 Ngo Quyen St, Hoan Kiem Dist., Hanoi.

Tel: (04) 3826-8888 Vietnam Airlines 25 Trang Thi St, Hoan Kiem Dist., Hanoi Tel: (04) 3823-0320 TRAVEL

Amega Travel Hancorp Plaza, 72 Tran Dang Ninh St, Cau Giay Dist., Hanoi Tel: (04) 3783-3570 www.amegatours.net

United Kingdom 31 Hai Ba Trung St, Hoan Kiem Dist., Hanoi Tel: (04) 3936-0500

Buffalo Tours 10th Floor, 70-72 Ba Trieu St, Hoan Kiem Dist., Hanoi Tel: (04) 3828-0702 www.buffalotours.com Emeraude Classic Cruises 46 Le Thai To St, Hanoi Tel: (04) 3935-1888 www.emeraude-cruises.com Email: info@buffalotours.com Exotissmo 3rd Floor, 66A Tran Hung Dao St, Hoan Kiem Dist., Hanoi Tel: (04) 3828-2150 www.exotissimo.com Email: go.vietnam@exotravel.com

United States 7 Lang Ha St, Dong Da Dist., Hanoi Tel: (04) 3772-1500

Topas Travel 52 To Ngoc Van St, Hanoi Tel: (04) 3715-1005

Sweden 2 Nui Truc St, Ba Dinh Dist., Hanoi Tel: (04) 3726-0400 Thailand 63-65 Hoang Dieu St, Ba Dinh Dist., Hanoi Tel: (04) 3823-5092 Turkey 14th Floor, HCO Building, 44B Ly Thuong Kiet St, Hoan Kiem Dist., Tel: (04) 3822-2460

DIRECTIONS HANOI Email: sales@topastravel.vn www.topastravel.vn HOTELS Note: Prices at many hotels depend on occupancy and change daily Baoson International Hotel 50 Nguyen Chi Thanh St, Hanoi Tel: (04) 3835-3536 Email: sales@baosonhotels.com www.baosonhotels.com From VND1,570,000 ($75) De Syloia Hotel 17A Tran Hung Dao St, Hanoi Tel: (04) 3824-5346 Email: desyloia@hn.vnn.vn www.desyloia.com From VND1,806,000 ($86) Fortuna Hotel Hanoi 6B Lang Ha St, Ba Dinh Dist., Hanoi Tel: (04) 3831-3333 Email: fortunahanoi@fortuna.vn www.fortuna.vn From VND1,920,000 ($91) Hanoi Daewoo Hotel 360 Kim Ma St, Hanoi Tel: (04) 3831-5000 Email: sales@daewoohotel.com www.daewoohotel.com Hanoi Emotion Hotel 26 – 28 Hang Bot St, Hanoi Tel: (04) 3848-9848 Email: info@hanoi-emotion.com www.hanoi-emotion.com The hotel also provides Vietnamese, Japanese and International cuisine Hilton Hanoi Opera Hotel 1 Le Thanh Tong St, Hanoi Tel: (04) 3933-0500 Email: hanoi.opera@hilton.com www.hanoi.hilton.com Hilton Garden Inn Hanoi 20 Phan Chu Trinh St, Hanoi Tel: (04) 3933-0500 reservations.hgihanoi@hilton.com hanoi.hgi.com Hotel de l’Opera 29 Trang Tien St, Hoan Kiem Dist., Hanoi Tel: (04) 6282-5555 Email: H7832-RE@accor.com www.hoteldelopera.com Melia Hanoi Hotel 44B Ly Thuong Kiet St, Hanoi Tel: (04) 3934-3343 Email: melia.hanoi@melia.com www.melia.com Mövenpick Hotel Hanoi 83A Ly Thuong Kiet St, Hanoi Tel: (04) 3822-2800 hotel.hanoi@moevenpick.com www.moevenpickhotels.com/hanoi From VND3,622,500 ($172.50) Hotel Nikko Hanoi 84 Tran Nhan Tong St, Hanoi

Tel: (04) 3822-3535 mc.nikko@hotelnikkohanoi.com.vn www.hotelnikkohanoi.com.vn From VND4,620,000 ($220) Pullman Hanoi 40 Cat Linh St, Hanoi Tel: (04) 3733-0808 www.pullman-hanoi.com From VND2,448,600 ($115.50) Prestige Hotel Hanoi 17 Pham Dinh Ho St, Hanoi Tel: (04) 6299-9888 Email: sales@prestigehotels.com.vn www.prestigehotels.com.vn Silk Path Hotel Hanoi 195-199 Hang Bong St, Hoan Kiem Dist., Hanoi Tel: (04) 3266-5555 Email: info@silkpathhotel.com www.silkpathhotel.com From VND2,173,500 ($103.50) Sheraton Hanoi Hotel 11 Xuan Dieu St, Hanoi Tel: (04) 3719-9000 reservations.hanoi@sheraton.com www.sheraton.com/hanoi From VND4,956,000 ($236) Sofitel Legend Metropole Hanoi 15 Ngo Quyen St, Hanoi Tel: (04) 3826-6919 Email: h1555@sofitel.com www.sofitel-legend.com From VND6,090,000 ($290) Sunway Hotel Hanoi 19 Pham Dinh Ho St, Hanoi Tel: (04) 3971-3888 Email: reservation@sunwayhotel.com.vn www.hanoi.sunwayhotels.com APARTMENTS Fraser Suites Hanoi 51 Xuan Dieu St, Quang An Ward, Tay Ho Dist., Hanoi Tel: (04) 3719-8877 sales.hanoi@frasershospitality.com hanoi.frasershospitality.com Somerset Serviced Residence Vietnam 49 Hai Ba Trung St, Hoan Kiem Dist., Hanoi Tel: (04) 3934-2342 www.somerset.com Luxurious apartments and properties for hiring RESTAURANTS Com Chay Nang Tam Restaurant 79A Tran Hung Dao St, Hanoi Tel: (04) 3942-4140 Green Tangerine 48 Hang Be St, Hoan Kiem Dist., Hanoi Tel: (04) 3825-1286 www.greentangerinehanoi.com Serving French food with a Vietnamese cuisine Hoa Vien Brauhaus 1A Tang Bat Ho St,

Hai Ba Trung Dist., Hanoi Tel: (04) 3972-5088 www.hoavien.vn The restaurant has been famous for its production of Czech beer Le Tonkin Restaurant 14 Ngo Van So St, Hoan Kiem Dist., Hanoi Tel: (04) 3943-3457 www.letonkinrestaurant.vn Serves Vietnamese food

BOOK STORE

Infostones Bookshop 41 Trang Tien St, Hoan Kiem Dist., Hanoi Tel: (04) 3826-2993 Email: sach41trangtien@gmail.com Thousands of magazines and books by hundreds of publishing houses worldwide SHOPS

Craft Link 43 and 51 Van Mieu St, Hanoi Tel: (04) 3843-7710 Email: craftlink@hn.vnn.vn Ha Dong Silk 102 Hang Gai St, Hanoi Tel: (04) 3928-5056 Tan My Embroidery 66 Hang Gai St, Hanoi Email: tanmyhuong@fpt.vn Tel: (04) 3825-1579 Viet Culture 1 Trang Thi St, Hanoi Tel: (04) 3934-7417 Mekong Quilts 13 Hang Bac St, Hoan Kiem Dist., Hanoi Tel: (04) 3926-4831 www.mekong-quilts.org Traditional embroidery and other handicraft cloth products

FURNITURE/ INTERIOR Dome Au Co 9 Au Co St, Hanoi Tel: (04) 3718-5866 Email: sales@dome.com.vn Dome Yen The 10 Yen The St, Hanoi Tel: (04) 3843-6036

STORE

Annam Gourmet 51 Xuan Dieu St, Quang An Ward, Tay Ho Dist., Hanoi Tel: (04) 3718-4487 www.annam-gourmet.com Annam Gourmet’s motivation is to ‘Enjoy Life. Eat and Drink well.’

MUSEUMS

Hanoi Museum 2 Pham Hung (next to Vietnam National Convention Centre), Me Tri Commune, Tu Liem Dist., Hanoi Tel: (04) 6287-06 04 Opening hour: 8 a.m. to 11.30 a.m.

and 1.30 p.m. to 5 p.m.

Free entrance Ho Chi Minh Museum 19 Ngoc Ha St, Ba Dinh Dist., Hanoi Tel: (04) 3846-3752 www.baotanghochiminh.vn Open: 8 a.m. to noon (Monday and Friday), 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. (other days) Entry fee: VND25,000 Imperial Citadel of Thang Long 12 Nguyen Tri Phuong St/ 9 Hoang Dieu St, Ba Dinh Dist., Hanoi Tel: (04) 37345427 hoangthanhthanglong@gmail.com www.hoangthanhthanhlong.vn Open: 8.30 a.m. to 11.30 a.m. and 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. (Closed on Mondays) Entry fee: VND30,000 Vietnam National Museum of History 1 Trang Tien St, Hanoi 216 Tran Quang Khai St, Hanoi Tel: (04) 3824-1384 www.baotanglichsu.vn Open 8 a.m. to 4.30 p.m.Closed every first Monday of months Entry fee VND 20,000 ($0.95) for adults and VND10,000 ($0.48) for children Vietnam Fine Arts Museum 66 Nguyen Thai Hoc St, Ba Dinh Dist., Hanoi Tel: (04) 3733-2131 www.vnfineartsmuseum.org.vn Open 8.30 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Entry fee VND20,000 ($0.95) Vietnam Military History Museum 28A Dien Bien Phu St, Hanoi www.btlsqsvn.org.vn Open 8 a.m. to 11.30 a.m. and 1 p.m. to 4.30 p.m.

Closed on Mondays Entry fee VND30,000 ($1.43) Vietnam Museum of Ethnology Nguyen Van Huyen St, Cau Giay Dist., Hanoi Tel: (04) 3756-2193, www.vme.org.vn Open 8.30 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Closed on Mondays Entry fee VND40,000 ($2) Women’s Museum 36 Ly Thuong Kiet, Hanoi Tel: (04) 3825-9936 www.womenmuseum.org.vn Open 8 a.m. to 4.30 p.m.

Closed on Mondays Entry fee VND30,000 ($1.43) SPA

Elite Fitness & Spa 51 Xuan Dieu St, Tay Ho Dist., Hanoi Tel: (04) 3718-6281 info@elitefitness.com.vn www.elitefitness.com.vn Spa de Palace Fortuna Hotel Hanoi, 6B Lang Ha St, Hanoi Tel: (04) 3831-3333

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DIRECTIONS NINH BINH, NGHE AN, QUANG BINH, HUE, DANANG NINH BINH

(TELEPHONE CODE: 030) Emeralda Resort Ninh Binh

UNESCO World Heritage in 1993. Hue is also known for its particular cuisine.

Huong Giang Hotel Resort & Spa

HOTELS, RESORTS Note: Prices at many hotels depend on occupancy and change daily

Van Long Reserve, Gia Van Commune, Gia Vien Dist., Ninh Binh Province Tel: (030) 3658-333 Email: info@emeraldaresort.com www.emeraldaresort.com

Banyan Tree Lang Co Hotel Cu Du village, Loc Vinh Commune, Phu Loc Dist., Thua Thien Hue Province. Tel: (054) 3695-888 reservations-langco@banyantree.com www.banyantree.com BW Premier Indochine Palace

Ninh Binh Legend Hotel Tien Dong Zone, Ninh Khanh Ward, Ninh Binh City Tel: (030) 3899-880

DANANG

51 Le Loi St, Hue Tel: (054) 3822-122 info@huonggianghotel.com.vn www.huonggianghotel.com.vn La Résidence Hue Hotel & Spa 5 Le Loi St, Hue Tel: (054) 3837-475 Email: resa@la-residence-hue.com www.la-residence-hue.com Pilgrimage Village Boutique Resort & Spa

Email: info@ninhbinhlegendhotel.com

www.ninhbinhlegendhotel.com From VND1,575,000 ($75)

NGHE AN

(TELEPHONE CODE: 038) Mường Thanh Song Lam Hotel 13 Quang Trung St, Quang Trung Ward, Vinh, Nghe An Province Tel: (038) 3737-666 Email: sales@songlam.muongthanh.vn

www.songlam.muongthanh.vn

QUANG BINH

(TELEPHONE CODE: 052) HOTELS, RESORTS

105A Hung Vuong St, Hue Tel: (054) 3936-666 Email: info@bwp-indochinepalace.com www.bwp-indochinepalace.com From VND2,940,000 ($140) The hotel is surrounded by lush green gardens that make it an outstanding landmark in Hue and give the city the feel of a resort. This luxurious, international standard hotel is created to appeal to Vietnamese and international visitors to Hue. Century Riverside Hotel Hue

Note: Prices at many hotels depend on occupancy and change daily Bao Ninh Beach Resort Ha Duong, Bao Ninh, Dong Hoi City, Quang Binh Province Tel: (052) 3854-866 Email: sales@baoninhbeachresort.com.vn www.baoninhbeachresort.com.vn From VND1,120,000 ($53) Sun Spa Resort My Canh, Bao Ninh Commune, Dong Hoi City, Quang Binh Province Tel: (052) 3842-999 Email: info@sunsparesortvietnam.com www.sunsparesortvietnam.com From VND1,870,000 ($89)

Hue Riverside Boutique Resort & Spa

TRAVEL

Oxalis Adventure Tours Phong Nha Commune, Son Trach Village, Bo Trach Dist., Quang Binh Province Tel: (052)3677-678 www.oxalis.com.vn

HUE

(TELEPHONE CODE: 054) Hue is a city on the Perfume River in lowland central Vietnam and was the capital of the Nguyen dynasty from 1802 to 1945. Many imperial structures remain. They were named part of

130 Minh Mang Road, Hue Tel: (054) 3885-461 Email: info@pilgrimagevillage.com www.pilgrimagevillage.com Vedanā Lagoon Resort & Spa Zone 1, Phu Loc Town, Phu Loc Dist., Hue Tel: (054) 3681-688 Email: info@vedanalagoon.com www.vedanalagoon.com RESTAURANT

49 Le Loi St, Hue Tel: (054) 3823-390 Email: info@centuryriversidehue.com www.centuryriversidehue.com

588 Bui Thi Xuan St, Thuy Bieu Dist., Hue Tel: (054) 3978-484 Email: sales@hueriversideresort.com www.hueriversideresort.com Imperial Hotel 8 Hung Vuong St, Hue Tel: (054) 3882-222 Email: info@imperial-hotel.com.vn www.imperial-hotel.com.vn From VND2,940,000 ($140)

52 • VIETNAM HERITAGE - JANUARY-FEBRUARY 2015

VND45,000 per dish. The restaurant also serves as an art playground for Hue artists. Guests have chance to get their portraits drawn by the owners at a reasonable price. Vegetarian cooking classes are also available. The restaurant is about 1-2 km from Tu Duc tomb

Thien Tam Vegetarian Restaurant 110A Le Ngo Cat St, Thuy Xuan Ward, Hue Tel: (054) 3898-220 www.thientamrestaurant.com Thien Tam Vegetarian Restaurant features a Hue garden house with a simple design and a serene atmosphere. The restaurant serves a variety of Hue vegetarian food, from royal to local dishes, at a reasonable price. The menu has many choices, with prices starting from

(TELEPHONE CODE: 0511) HOTELS, RESORTS

Note: Prices at many hotels depend on occupancy and change daily Grand Mercure Danang Lot A1, Green Island, Hoa Cuong Bac, Hai Chau Dist., Danang Tel: (0511) 3797-777 Email: H7821@accor.com www.accorhotels.com/7821 Hyatt Regency Danang Resort & Spa Hoa Hai Ward, Ngu Hanh Son Dist., Danang Tel: (0511) 3981-234 Email: danang.regency@hyatt.com www.danang.regency.hyatt.com From VND5,225,000 ($243) Pullman Danang Beach Resort Vo Nguyen Giap St, Khue My Ward, Ngu Hanh Son Dist., Danang Tel: (0511) 3958-888 Email: info@pullman-danang.com www.pullman-danang.com Novotel Danang Premier Han River 36 Bach Dang St, Hai Chau Dist., Danang. Tel: (0511) 3929-999 Email: H8287@accor.com www.novotel-danang-premier.com Sandy Beach Non Nuoc Resort Danang Vietnam, Managed by Centara

255 Huyen Tran Cong Chua St, Ngu Hanh Son Dist., Danang Tel: (0511) 3961-777

DIRECTIONS HOI AN, QUY NHON, NHA TRANG Email: cdv@chr.co.th www.centarahotelsresorts.com/cdv VND1,785,000 to VND5,670,000 ($85 to $270) Ho Chi Minh sales office: 4th Floor, Ben Thanh TSC Building; 186-188 Le Thanh Ton St, Dist.1, Ho Chi Minh City Tel: (08) 3914-7940 Vinpearl Luxury Danang Truong Sa St, Hoa Hai Ward, Ngu Hanh Son Dist., Danang Tel: (0 511) 3968-888 Email: info@vinpearlluxury-danang.com www.vinpearl.com MUSEUM

Danang Museum of Cham Sculpture 2, 2 Thang 9 St, Danang Tel: (0511) 3572-935 www.chammuseum.danang.vn Open 7.15 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Entry fee VND30,000 ($1.43)

HOI AN

(TELEPHONE CODE: 0510) A major port town from the 15th to 19th centuries, Hoi An has well preserved vestiges of Vietnamese, Chinese and Japanese cultures. The buildings are now often used for tailor’s shops. The old town is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Hoi An is a little over 30 km south of Danang, on the central coast.

HOTELS, RESORTS

Note: Prices at many hotels depend on occupancy and change daily Anantara Hoi An Resort 1 Pham Hong Thai St, Hoi An, Quang Nam Province Tel: (0510) 3914-555 Email: hoian@anantara.com www.hoi-an.anantara.com

Hoi An Historic Hotel

($179 to $364)TRAVEL

10 Tran Hung Dao St, Hoi An, Quang Nam Province Tel: (0510) 3861-445 Email: reservation@hoianhotel.com.vn www.hoianhotel.com.vn From VND2,127,500 ($101) Kiman Hotel & Spa

Hoi An Beach Resort 1 Cua Dai St, Hoi An, Quang Nam Province Tel: (0510) 3927-011 info@hoianbeachresort.com.vn www.hoianbeachresort.com.vn From VND3,415,500 ($163) Hoi An Riverside Resort & Spa 175 Cua Dai St, Hoi An, Quang Nam Province Tel: (0510) 3864-800 reservation@hoianriverresort.com.vn www.hoianriverresort.com From VND1,650,000 ($79)

Rose Travel Service co..ltd 37 - 39 Ly Thai To St, Cam Chau Ward, Hoi An, Quang Nam Province Tel: (0510) 3917-567 Email: sales@rosetravelservice.com www.rosetravelservice.com.vn

HOTELS, RESORTS

Sunrise Hoi An Beach Resort Au Co Road, Cua Dai Beach, Hoi An, Quang Nam Province Tel: (0510) 3937-777 Email: sales@sunrisehoian.vn www.sunrisehoian.vn Palm Garden Beach Resort and Spa

Note: Prices at many hotels depend on occupancy and change daily AVANI Quy Nhon Resort & Spa Ghenh Rang, Bai Dai Beach, Quy Nhon, Binh Dinh Province Tel: (056) 3840-132 Email: quynhon@avanihotels.com www.avanihotels.com/quynhon From VND3,024,000 ($144) Royal Hotel and Healthcare Resort Quy Nhon 1 Han Mac Tu St, Quy Nhon, Binh Dinh Province Tel: (056) 374-7100 Email: reservation@royalquynhon.com www.royalquynhon.com VND1,155,000 to VND1,365,000 ($55 to $65) MUSEUM

Quang Trung Museum Block 1, Phu Phong town, Tay Son Dist., Binh Dinh Province Tel: (056) 3580-320 Open 7 a.m. to 11.30 a.m. and 1.30 p.m. to 5 p.m.

Entry fee VND10,500 ($0.50).

Free for children under six Lac Long Quan St, Cua Dai Beach, Hoi An, Quang Nam Province Tel: (0510) 3927-927 Email: info@pgr.com.vn www.palmgardenresort.com.vn From VND4,485,000 ($214) River-Beach Resort & Residences Hoi An

NHA TRANG

(TELEPHONE CODE: 058) On the central coast, Nha Trang is a city originally known for beautiful beaches but these have lately been found to suffer from pollution due to modern life, development and tourism, like other popular resort areas in Vietnam. It has large numbers of foreign tourists, island-hopping, scuba diving, sightseeing and lounging on the beach.

HOTELS, RESORTS

Note: Prices at many hotels depend on occupancy and change daily 5 Cua Dai St, Hoi An Tel: (0510) 3927-888 saleshoian@river-beachresort.com

Best Western Premier Havana Nha Trang Hotel

Hoi An Centre for Cultural Heritage Management and Preservation 10B Tran Hung Dao St, Hoi An Tel: (0510) 3862-367 www.hoianheritage.net Open daily 8 a.m. to 9 p.m.

QUY NHON

461-463 Hai Ba Trung St, Hoi An, Quang Nam Province Tel: (0510) 3920 430 Email: kimanhoianhotel@gmail.com Website: kimanhoianhotel.com Le Belhamy Hoi An Resort & Spa Ha My Beach, Hoi An Tel: (0510) 3941-888 Email: info@belhamy.com www.belhamy.com

Email: sales@champaislandresort.vn www.champaisandresort.vn Hotline: 0123 6009 777 With architecture reflecting nearby Po Nagar temple, Champa Island Nha Trang offers exquisite cuisine and many entertainment services that promise a memorable stay in Nha Trang

MUSEUM

(TELEPHONE CODE: 056)

Golden Sand Resort & Spa Hoi An Thanh Nien Road, Cua Dai Beach Hoi An, Quang Nam Province Tel: (0510) 3927-555 info@goldensandresort-spa.com.vn www.goldensandresort-spa.com.vn VND3,759,000 to VND7,644,000 Ancient House River Resort Hamlet 2, Cam Thanh Village, Hoi An, Quang Nam Province Tel: (0510) 3930-777 Email: sales@ancienthouseriver.com www.ancienthouseriver.com From VND2,310,000 ($110)

www.river-beachresort.com From VND1,350,000 ($65)

Champa Island Nha Trang Resort & Spa 304 2/4 St, Vinh Phuoc, Nha Trang

38 Tran Phu St, Nha Trang, Khanh Hoa Province Tel: (058) 3889-999 Email: info@havanahotel.vn www.havanahotel.vn Diamond Bay Resort & Spa Nguyen Tat Thanh Blvd, Phuoc Ha, Phuoc Dong Dist., Khanh Hoa Province Tel: (058) 3711-711 Email: info@diamondbayresort.vn www.diamondbayresort.vn Evason Ana Mandara Nha Trang Beachside Tran Phu St, Nha Trang, Khanh Hoa Province Tel: (058) 3524-705 reservations-nhatrang@evasonresorts.com

www.evason-resorts.com Galina Hotel and Spa 5 Hung Vuong St, Loc Tho Ward, Nha Trang Tel: (058) 3839-999 Email: info@galinahotel.com.vn www.galinahotel.com.vn Green World Hotel Nha Trang 44 Nguyen Thi Minh Khai St, Nha Trang, Khanh Hoa Province Tel: (058) 3528-666 Email: sales@greenworldhotelnhatrang.com www.greenworldhotelnhatrang.com InterContinental Nha Trang Hotel 32-34 Tran Phu St, Nha Trang Tel: (058) 3887-777 www.intercontinental.com Michelia Hotel 4 Pasteur St, Nha Trang, Khanh Hoa Province Tel: (058) 3820-820 Email: sales@michelia.vn www.michelia.vn From VND2,200,000 ($105) Mường Thanh Nha Trang Hotel 6 Duong Hien Quyen St, Vinh Hoa Ward, Nha Trang, Khanh Hoa Province Tel: (058) 3552-468 Email: info@nhatrang.muongthanh.vn www.nhatrang.muongthanh.vn From VND1,400,000 ($66) Novotel Nha Trang Hotel 50 Tran Phu St, Nha Trang, Khanh Hoa Province Tel: (058) 6256-900

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DIRECTIONS PHAN THIET Email: rsvn@novotel-nhatrang.com www.novotel-nhatrang.com From VND2,100,000 ($100) Six Senses Ninh Van Bay Ninh Van bay, Ninh Hoa, Khanh Hoa Province Tel: (058) 3524-268 Email: reservationsninhvan@sixsenses.com www.sixsenses.com/resorts/ninh-vanbay/destination From VND18,837,000 ($897) Sheraton Nha Trang Hotel & Spa 26-28 Tran Phu St, Nha Trang, Khanh Hoa Province. Tel: (058) 3880-000 reservations.nhatrang@sheraton.com www.sheratonnhatrang.com Sunrise Nha Trang Beach Hotel & Spa 12-14 Tran Phu St, Nha Trang, Khanh Hoa Province Tel: (058) 3820-999 Email: info@sunrisenhatrang.com.vn www.sunrisenhatrang.com.vn VND2,520,000 to VND4,305,000 ($120 to $205) Vinpearl Luxury Nha Trang Hon Tre Island, Nha Trang, Khanh Hoa Province Tel: (058) 3598-598 Email: info@vinpearlluxury-nhatrang.com www.vinpearl.com Vinpearl Resort Nha Trang Hon Tre Island, Nha Trang City, Khanh Hoa Province Tel: (058) 3598-188 Email: info@vinpearlresort-nhatrang.com www.vinpearl.com White Sand Doclet Resort & Spa Population group 9 Dong Cat, Ninh Hai Ward, Ninh Hoa Town, Khanh Hoa Province Tel: (058) 3670-670 Email: info@whitesandresort.com.vn www.whitesandresort.com.vn

SHOPPING Khanh Hoa Salanganes Nest Company 248 Thong Nhat St, Nha Trang, Khanh Hoa Province Tel: (058) 3822-472 yensaokh@yensaokhanhhoa.com.vn www.yensaokhanhhoa.com.vn

Hoang Ngoc (Oriental Pearl) Beach Resort & Spa

Binh Thuan Province Tel: (062) 3835-666 Email: reservations@parkdiamondhotel.vn www.parkdiamondhotel.vn From VND990,000 ($47) Pandanus Resort

MUSEUM Alexandre Yersin Museum Pasteur Institute, 10 Tran Phu St, Nha Trang, Khanh Hoa Province Tel: (058) 3822-406

PHAN THIET

(TELEPHONE CODE: 062) Sitting on the coast about 200 km north of Ho Chi Minh City, Phan Thiet is a beach city with many resorts and hotels.

HOTELS, RESORTS

Note: Prices at many hotels depend on occupancy and change daily Allezboo Beach Resort & Spa 8 Nguyen Dinh Chieu St, Ham Tien, Phan Thiet, Binh Thuan Province Tel: (062) 3743-777 Email: info@allezbooresort.com www.allezbooresort.com From VND2,100,000 ($100) Anantara Mui Ne Resort & Spa 12A Nguyen Dinh Chieu St, Ham Tien Ward, Phan Thiet City, Binh Thuan Province Tel: (062) 3741-888 Email: res.amui@anantara.com www.mui-ne.anantara.com Bamboo Village Beach Resort & Spa

TOUR

Nha Trang Limousine 93 Nguyen Thi Minh Khai St, Nha Trang Tel: (058) 3516-612 or 09868 33555 Email: hieu@everbluetravel.com.vn www.nhatranglimousine.com

info@bamboovillageresortvn.com www.bamboovillageresortvn.com From VND2,835,000 ($135)

38 Nguyen Dinh Chieu St, Ham Tien Ward, Phan Thiet City, Binh Thuan Province Tel: (062) 3847-007

152 Nguyen Dinh Chieu St, Ham Tien Ward, Phan Thiet City, Binh Thuan Province . Tel: (062) 3847-858 Email: info@hoangngoc-resort.com www.hoangngoc-resort.com VND1,600,000 to VND6,090,000 ($75 to $287) Full Moon Village Suoi Nuoc Beach, Mui Ne, Phan Thiet City, Binh Thuan Province Tel: (062) 3836-099 Email: reservation@fullmoon-village.com www.fullmoon-village.com VND2,100,000 to VND6,300,000 ($100 to $300)

Saigon - Suoi Nhum Resort Thuan Quy, Ham Thuan Nam Ward, Binh Thuan Province Tel: (062) 3683-240 info@saigonsuoinhumresort.com www.saigonsuoinhumresort.com From VND1,700,000 ($81)

Mom Da Chim - Lazi Beach Resort Ly Thai To St, Tan Tien, Lagi, Binh Thuan Province Tel: (062) 3874-458 Email: contact@lazibeachresort.com www.lazibeachresort.com From VND1,900,000 ($90)

Sandhills Beach Resort & Spa Km6, Tien Binh hamlet, Tien Thanh Commune, Phan Thiet, Binh Thuan Province Tel: (062) 3846-789 Email: info@sandhillsresort.com.vn www.sandhillsresort.com.vn From VND1,070,000 ($51)

Muine de Century Beach Resort & Spa 16 Huynh Thuc Khang St, Ham Tien Ward, Phan Thiet, Binh Thuan Province Tel: (062) 3743-668 reservation@muinedecentury.vn www.muinedecentury.vn From VND1,701,000 ($81)

Saigon Mui Ne Resort 56 - 97 Nguyen Dinh Chieu St, Ham Tien Ward, Phan Thiet City, Binh Thuan Province Tel: (062) 3741-044 Email: saigonmuineresort@hcm.vnn.vn www.saigonmuineresort.com.vn From VND1,908,000 ($90)

Muine Ocean Resort & Spa 10 Nguyen Dinh Chieu St, Ham Tien Ward, Phan Thiet City, Binh Thuan Province Tel: (062) 3741-616 Email: sale.muineocean@gmail.com www.muineoceanresort.com From VND1,050,000 ($50)

Seahorse Resort & Spa

Muine Bay Resort

Quarter 14, Mui Ne Ward , Phan Thiet City, Binh Thuan Province Tel: (062) 2220-222 Email: info@muinebayresort.com www.muinebayresort.com VND2,205,000 to VND6,195,000 ($105 to $295) Park Diamond Hotel Nguyen Tat Thanh St, Hung Long Ward, Phan Thiet City,

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Quarter 5, Mui Ne, Phan Thiet, Binh Thuan Province. Tel: (062) 3849-849 Email: pandanus@pandanusresort.com www.pandanusresort.com From VND1,575,000 ($75)

Km 11 Nguyen Dinh Chieu St, Ham Tien Ward, Phan Thiet City, Binh Thuan Province Tel: (062) 3847-507 reservation@seahorseresortvn.com www.seahorseresortvn.com From VND1,680,000 ($80) Sea Links Beach Hotel Km 9, Nguyen Thong St, Phu Hai Ward, Phan Thiet City, Binh Thuan Province Tel: (062) 2220-088 Email: sales@sealinksbeachhotel.com www.sealinksbeachhotel.com From VND1,995,000 ($94) Sea Lion Beach Resort & Spa 12 Nguyen Dinh Chieu St, Ham Tien Ward, Phan Thiet, Binh Thuan Province Tel: (062) 3743-390 www.sealionresort-muine.com

DIRECTIONS DALAT, HO CHI MINH CITY

Sunny Beach Resort & Spa

MUSEUM Cham Culture Exhibition Centre Song Mao intersection, Phan Hiep Commune, Bac Binh Dist., Binh Thuan Province; Tel: (062) 3641-456 Open: 7.30 a.m. to 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. Monday to Friday Free entrance

64-66 Nguyen Dinh Chieu St, Ham Tien, Phan Thiet City, Binh Thuan Province Tel: (062) 3741-355 Email: info@sunnybeach.com.vn www.sunnybeach.com.vn From VND2,940,000 ($140) The Cliff Resort & Residences Zone 5, Phu Hai Ward, Phan Thiet City, Binh Thuan Province Tel: (062) 3719-111 reservation@thecliffresort.com.vn www.thecliffresort.com.vn From VND2,667,000 ($127)

DALAT

(TELEPHONE CODE: 063) Dalat, founded in 1893, has Frencharchitecture, pine forests and a perpetually cool climate. It is in the southern Central Highlands, about 300 kilometres from Ho Chi Minh City.

HOTELS

Note: Prices at many hotels depend on occupancy and change daily Ana Mandara Villas Dalat Resort & Spa

Mui Ne Unique Resort

20B, Nguyen Dinh Chieu St, Ham Tien Ward, Phan Thiet, Binh Thuan Province Tel: (062) 3741-617 Email: info@muineuniqueresort.com www.muineuniqueresort.com From VND2,898,000 ($138) Victoria Phan Thiet Beach Resort & Spa Phu Hai Ward, Phan Thiet City, Binh Thuan Province Tel: (062) 3813-000 Email: resa.phanthiet@victoriahotels.asia www.victoriahotels.asia From VND3,633,000 ($171)

Le Lai St, Dalat, Lam Dong Province Tel: (063) 3555-888 Email: reservation-dalat@anamandara-resort.com www.anamandara-resort.com From VND3,150,000 ($150) Dalat Edensee Resort Tuyen Lam Lake, Zone VII.2, Dalat, Lam Dong Province Tel: (063) 3831-515 Email: info@dalatedensee.com www.dalatedensee.com From VND2,450,000 ($117) Saigon-Dalat Hotel

Villa Aria Mui Ne

60A Nguyen Dinh Chieu St, Ham Tien Ward, Phan Thiet City, Binh Thuan Province; Tel: (062) 3741-660 Email: info@villaariamuine.com www.villaariamuine.com From VND2,520,000 ($120) White Sands Resort KM8, Nguyen Thong St, Phu Hai Ward, Phan Thiet City, Binh Thuan Province Tel: (062) 3741-175 Email: frontoffice@whitesandresort.com www.whitesandresort.com From VND1,344,000 VND ($64)

180 Ba Thang Hai St, Dalat, Lam Dong Province Tel: (063) 3556-789 Email: hotel@saigondalat.com ; resvn@saigondalat.com www.saigondalathotel.com Located in the heart of Dalat, SaigonDalat Hotel is a four-star-standard hotel, comprised of 160 luxurious and comfortable rooms with air-conditioning throughout and other modern amenities. Four restaurants, two bars, one tennis court, one indoor swimming pool, one fitness centre and one beauty salon and spa help make your getaway experience complete.

HO CHI MINH CITY (TELEPHONE CODE: 08) CONSULATES

Australia 5B Ton Duc Thang St, Dist.1, Ho Chi Minh City Tel: (08) 3829-6035 Belgium 91 Nguyen Huu Canh St, Ward 22, Binh Thanh Dist., Ho Chi Minh City Tel: (08) 3512-7968 Cambodia 41 Phung Khac Khoan St, Dist.1, Ho Chi Minh City Tel: (08) 3829-2751 Canada Metropolitan, 235 Dong Khoi St, Dist.1, Ho Chi Minh City Tel: (08) 3827-9899 China 175 Hai Ba Trung St, Dist.3, Ho Chi Minh City. Tel: (08) 3829-2457 Cuba 45 Phung Khac Khoan St, Dist.1, Ho Chi Minh City Tel: (08) 3829-7350 France 27 Nguyen Thi Minh Khai St, Dist.3, Ho Chi Minh City Tel: (08) 3829-7231 Germany 126 Nguyen Dinh Chieu St, Dist.3, Ho Chi Minh City Tel: (08) 3829-2455 India 55 Nguyen Dinh Chieu St, Dist.3, Ho Chi Minh City Tel: (08) 3822-7853 Indonesia 18 Phung Khac Khoan St, Dist.1, Ho Chi Minh City Tel: (08) 3825-1888 Japan 13-17 Nguyen Hue St, Dist.1, Ho Chi Minh City; Tel: (08) 3822-5314 Kuwait 24 Phung Khac Khoan St, Dist.1, Ho Chi Minh City, tel: (08) 3827-0555 Laos 93 Pasteur St, Dist.1, Ho Chi Minh City Tel: (08) 3829-7667 Mexico 11 Tra Khuc St, Tan Binh Dist., Ho Chi Minh City Tel: (08) 3848-6290 Netherlands 29 Le Duan St, Dist.1, Ho Chi Minh City Tel: (08) 3823-5932 New Zealand Metropolitan, 235 Dong Khoi St, Dist.1, Ho Chi Minh City Tel: (08) 3822-6907 Panama 7A Le Thanh Ton St, Dist.1, Ho Chi Minh City. Tel: (08) 3825-0334 Russia 40 Ba Huyen Thanh Quan St, Dist.3, Ho Chi Minh City Tel: (08) 3930-3936

Singapore Saigon Centre, 65 Le Loi St, Dist.1, Ho Chi Minh City Tel: (08) 3822-5173 South Korea 107 Nguyen Du St, Dist.1, Ho Chi Minh City Tel: (08) 3822-5757 Switzerland 42 Giang Van Minh St, Dist.2, Ho Chi Minh City Tel: (08) 3744-6996 Thailand 77 Tran Quoc Thao St, Dist.3, Ho Chi Minh City Tel: (08) 3932-7637 United Kingdom 25 Le Duan St, Dist.1, Ho Chi Minh City Tel: (08) 3825-1380, (08) 3829-8433 United States 4 Le Duan St, Dist.1, Ho Chi Minh City Tel: (08) 3822-9433 HOSPITALS

Columbia Asia Gia Dinh International Hospital 1 No Trang Long St, Binh Thanh Dist., Ho Chi Minh City Tel: (08) 3803-0678 FV Hospital 6 Nguyen Luong Bang St, Dist.7, Ho Chi Minh City Tel: (08) 5411-3500 Stamford Skin Centre 254 Dien Bien Phu St, Dist.3, Ho Chi Minh City Tel: (08) 3932-1090 Email: info@stamfordskin.com www.stamfordskin.com AIRLINES

Air France 130 Dong Khoi St, Dist.1, Ho Chi Minh City Tel: (08) 3829-0981 All Nippon Airways 115 Nguyen Hue St, Dist.1, Ho Chi Minh City Tel: (08) 3821-9612 American Airlines 69 Ba Huyen Thanh Quan St, Dist.3, Ho Chi Minh City. Tel: (08) 3933-0330 Asiana Airlines 39 Le Duan St, Dist.1, Ho Chi Minh City Tel: (08) 3822-8710, (08) 3829-3038 British Airways 170-172 Nam Ky Khoi Nghia St, Dist.3, Ho Chi Minh City Tel: (08) 3930-2933 Cathay Pacific Airways 72-74 Nguyen Thi Minh Khai St, Dist.1, Ho Chi Minh City Tel: (08) 3822-3203 Emirates Airlines 170-172 Nam Ky Khoi Nghia St, Dist.3, Ho Chi Minh City Tel: (08) 3930-2939

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DIRECTIONS HO CHI MINH CITY Japan Airlines 88 Dong Khoi St, Dist.1, Ho Chi Minh City. Tel: (08) 3821-9098 Jetstar Pacific Airlines 112 Hong Ha St, Tan Binh Dist., Ho Chi Minh City Tel: (08) 3955-0550 Philippine Airlines 2nd Floor Saigon Royal Building 91 Pasteur St, Dist.1, Ho Chi Minh City Tel: (08) 3827-2105 Qatar Airways 1-5 Le Duan St, Dist.1, Ho Chi Minh City Tel: (08) 3827-3888 Royal Brunei Airlines 787 Tran Hung Dao St, Dist.1, Ho Chi Minh CityTel: (08) 3924-5100 Singapore Airlines 29 Le Duan St, Dist.1, Ho Chi Minh City Tel: (08) 3823-1588 Thai Airways International 29 Le Duan St, Dist.1, Ho Chi Minh City Tel: (08) 3829-2809 United Airlines Suite 708 Sun Wah Tower, 115 Nguyen Hue St, Dist.1, Ho Chi Minh City Tel: (08) 3823-4755 Vietnam Airlines 115 Nguyen Hue St, Dist.1, Ho Chi Minh City Tel: (08) 3832-0320 Vietjet Air 8Bis Cong Truong Quoc Te, Dist.3, Ho Chi Minh City Tel: (08) 3827-0123 www.vietjetair.com TRAVEL

Asiana Travel Mate 113C Bui Vien St, Dist.1, Ho Chi Minh City. Tel: (08) 3838-6678 www.atravelmate.com Buffalo Tours 81 Mac Thi Buoi, Dist.1, Ho Chi Minh City Tel: (08) 3827-9168 Email: travelagency@buffalotours.com

www.buffalotours.com.vn Buffalo Tours operates in Vietnam, Thailand, Cambodia and Laos.

The Buffalo Tours portfolio caters to all types of tours.

Exotissimo 261/26 Phan Xich Long St, Phu Nhuan Dist., Ho Chi Minh City Tel: (08) 3995-9898 www.exotravel.com Saigon Tourist 45 Le Thanh Ton St, Dist.1, Ho Chi Minh City Tel: (08) 3827-9279 www.saigon-tourist.net Trails of Indochina 10/8 Phan Dinh Giot St, Tan Binh Dist., Ho Chi Minh City; Tel: (08) 3844-1005 Email: dosm@trailsofindochina.com www.trailsofindochina.com

November 2011, adds a modern style. 230 rooms and suites, a ballroom, recreation area, VIP Lounge, Western & Asian restaurants, Bars & Grand Café at Roof Garden First Hotel

18 Hoang Viet St, Ward 4, Tan Binh Dist, Ho Chi Minh City Tel: (08) 3844-1199 Email: first.hotel@hcm.vnn.vn www.firsthotel.com.vn Hotel Equatorial Ho Chi Minh City

Transviet Travel Travel House, 170-172 Nam Ky Khoi Nghia St, Dist.3, Ho Chi Minh City Tel: (08) 3933-0777 www.transviet.com.vn

Caravelle Hotel 19-23 Cong Truong Lam Son St, Dist.1, Ho Chi Minh City Tel: (08) 3823-4999 www.caravellehotel.com Duxton Hotel Saigon 63 Nguyen Hue Blvd, Ben Nghe Ward, Dist.1, Ho Chi Minh City Tel: (08) 3822-2999 enquires@saigon.duxton.com.vn www.duxtonhotels.com Grand Hotel Saigon 8 Dong Khoi St, Ben Nghe Ward, Dist.1, Ho Chi Minh City. Tel: (08) 3823-0163 Email: info@grandhotel.vn www.grandhotel.vn Built in 1930, the Ancient Wing of Grand Hotel Saigon offers a cozy and elegant atmosphere. The Luxury Wing, opened in

242 Tran Binh Trong St, Dist.5, Ho Chi Minh City Tel: (08) 3839-7777 Email: info@hcm.equatorial.com www.equatorial.com Facebook: www.facebook.com/equatorialhcmc Hotel Equatorial Ho Chi Minh City is an international 5-star hotel, located where the borders of the city's four main districts intersect; hence in the heart and true centre of Ho Chi Minh City. Tan Son Nhat International Airport can be reached conveniently within 30 minutes, while the city's major commercial and entertainment area is only a mere 8minute drive.

Hotel Nikko Saigon 235 Nguyen Van Cu St, Dist.1, Ho Chi Minh City, tel: (08) 3925-7777 reservation@hotelnikkosaigon.com.vn www.hotelnikkosaigon.com.vn From VND4,830,000 ($230) InterContinental Asiana Saigon Corner Hai Ba TrungSt. & Le Duan Blvd, Dist.1, Ho Chi Minh City Tel: (08) 3520-9999 Email: saigon@ihg.com www.intercontinental.com/Saigon Kelly Hotel 42-44 Thu Khoa Huan St, Dist.1, Ho Chi Minh City. Tel: (08) 3823-3364 Email: info@kellyhotel.com.vn www.kellyhotel.com.vn From VND750,000 ($36) An elegant and cosy hotel with good service. Within walking distance to Ben Thanh market, Independence Palace and several museums.

Vietnamese food is served at reasonable prices.

Liberty Central Hotels in Ho Chi Minh City 17 Ton Duc Thang St, Dist.1

56 • VIETNAM HERITAGE - JANUARY-FEBRUARY 2015

Email: frontdesk.lcc@libertyhotels.com.vn

www.libertycentralhotel.com Mövenpick Hotel Saigon

253 Nguyen Van Troi St, Phu Nhuan Dist., Ho Chi Minh City Tel: (08) 3844-9222 Email: hotel.saigon@moevenpick.com www.moevenpick-hotels.com From VND2,100,000 ($100) Lotte Legend Hotel Saigon 2A-4A Ton Duc Thang St, Ben Nghe Ward, Dist 1, Ho Chi Minh City Tel: (08) 3823-333 www.lottehotel.com

HOTELS

Note: Prices at many hotels depend on occupancy and change daily Catina Saigon Hotel 109 Dong Khoi St, Ben Nghe Ward, Dist.1, Ho Chi Minh City Tel: (08) 3829-6296 www.hotelcatina.com.vn From VND1,690,500 ($80.50)

Tel: (08) 3827-1717 177-179 Le Thanh Ton St, Dist.1 Tel: (08) 3823-9269

New World Saigon Hotel 76 Le Lai St, Ben Thanh Ward, Dist.1, Ho Chi Minh City Tel: (08) 3822-8888 Email: saigon@newworldhotels.com www.saigon.newworldhotels.com New Epoch Hotel 120 Cach Mang Thang 8 St, Dist.3, Ho Chi Minh City Tel: (08) 3932-6169 Email: info@newepochhotel.com.vn www.newepochhotel.com.vn From VND1,155,000 ($55) Northern Hotel Saigon

11A Thi Sach St, Dist.1, Ho Chi Minh City Tel: (08) 3825-1751 Email: reservation@northernhotel.com.vn

www.northernhotel.com.vn From VND1,505,000 ($71) Three-star boutique hotel, 99 rooms in Superior, Deluxe and Suite categories, a short walk from major entertainment and shopping venues.

Novotel Saigon Centre 167 Hai Ba Trung St, Dist.3, Ho Chi Minh City. Tel: (08) 3822-4866 Email: H7965@accor.com www.novotel-saigon-centre.com Palace Hotel Saigon 56-66 Nguyen Hue Blvd, Dist.1, Ho Chi Minh City Tel: (08) 3829-2860 Email: sales@palacesaigon.com www.palacesaigon.com Park Hyatt Saigon 2 Lam Son Square, District 1,

DIRECTIONS HO CHI MINH CITY Ho Chi Minh City Tel: (08) 3824-1234 Email: saigon.park@hyatt.com www.saigon.park.hyatt.com From VND 7,887,850 ($376)

17 Le Duan St, Dist.1, Ho Chi Minh City Tel: (08) 3824-1555 Email: h2077@sofitel.com www.sofitel.com From VND3,864,000 ($262)

PARKROYAL Saigon 309B – 311 Nguyen Van Troi St,Tan Binh Dist., Ho Chi Minh City Tel: (08) 3842-1111

Silver Creek City Resort 112 An Phu Dong 11, Dist.12, Ho Chi Minh City Tel: (08) 3719-9533 Email: reception@silvercreek.com.vn www.silvercreek.com.vn From VND1,050,000 ($50)

enquiry.prsgn@parkroyalhotels.com

www.parkroyalhotels.com Ramana Hotel Saigon 323 Le Van Sy St, Dist.3, Ho Chi Minh City Tel: (08) 3843-9999 Email: info@ramanasaigon.com www.ramanasaigon.com From VND1,690,500 ($80.5) Renaissance Riverside Hotel Saigon 8-15 Ton Duc Thang St, Ben Nghe Ward, Dist.1, Ho Chi Minh City Tel: (08) 3822-0033 www.renaissance-saigon.com Royal Hotel Saigon 133 Nguyen Hue St, Dist.1, Ho Chi Minh City Tel: (08) 3822-5915 Email: hotel@royalhotelsaigon.com www.royalhotelsaigon.com From VND1,092,000 ($52)

Sofitel Saigon Plaza

Kim Lam Restaurant

Sonnet Saigon Hotel

Caffe Molinari 5 Le Duan St, Dist.1, Ho Chi Minh City Tel: (08) 3910-6903 Email: molinari@vnn.vn www.caffemolinari.com Sax N’ Art Jazz Club 28 Le Loi St, Dist 1, Ho Chi Minh City Tel: (08) 3822-8472 www.saxnart.com Thao Nguyen Café Floor 7 and Rooftop of Restaurant Ngon 138 138 Nam Ky Khoi Nghia St, Ben Nghe Ward, Dist.1, Ho Chi Minh City Tel: (08) 3827-9666 Open from 7 a.m. until 10.30 p.m.

SHOPS

14 Truong Dinh St., Ward 6, Dist.3, Ho Chi Minh City Tel: (08) 3930-1999 reservation@sonnetsaigonhotel.com www.sonnetsaigonhotel.com From VND925,000 Windsor Plaza Hotel

Rex Hotel 141 Nguyen Hue St, Ben Nghe Ward, Dist.1, Ho Chi Minh City Tel: (08) 3829-2185 Email: rexhotel@rex.com.vn www.rexhotelvietnam.com From VND4,620,000 ($220) Sheraton Saigon Hotel & Towers 88 Dong Khoi St, Ben Nghe Ward, Dist.1, Ho Chi Minh City Tel: (08) 3827-2828 Email: sheratonsaigon@sheraton.com www.sheratonsaigon.com

Tel: (08) 3839-7777 Email: info@hcm.equatorial.com www.equatorial.com New daily menus for lunch and dinner buffets, all served in a relaxing atmosphere. Eight live cooking stations with over 60 varieties of mouth-watering domestic and international dishes. A meeting place to enjoy delicious house-made pastries and cakes and a cup of coffee from selected premium blends.

23 Dong Khoi St, Ben Nghe Ward, Dist.1, Ho Chi Minh City Tel: (08) 6299-0879 Email: kimlam@galaxyfood.com.vn www.kimlam1galaxyfood.com The restaurant serves Vietnamese food from the North, Centre and South with emphasis on artistic garnish. It has three floors and can hold one hundred and twenty people. The restaurant is a treasure trove of Vietnamese culture with art objects serving as the decor Kobe Teppanyaki Restaurant 13A Tu Xuong St, Ward 7, Dist 3, Ho Chi MInh City Tel: (08) 3932-0187

18 An Duong Vuong, Dist.5, Ho Chi Minh City Tel: (08) 3833-6688 services@windsorplazahotel.com www.windsorplazahotel.com RESTAURANTS

Beef No.1 Restaurant 1 Hoang Viet St, Ward 4, Tan Binh Dist., Ho Chi Minh City Tel: 0935891818/ 0919898253 Chit Chat Restaurant Hotel Equatorial Ho Chi Minh City, 242 Tran Binh Trong St, Dist.5, Ho Chi Minh City

Lemongrass Restaurant 4 Nguyen Thiep St, Dist.1, Ho Chi Minh City Tel: (08) 3822-0496 www.bongsencorporation.com Mam Son Restaurant 35 Ton That Thiep St, Dist.1, Ho Chi Minh City Tel: (08) 3915-3653 Vietnamese food Orientica Restaurant Hotel Equatorial Ho Chi Minh City, 242 Tran Binh Trong St, Dist.5, Ho Chi Minh City Tel: (08) 3839-7777 Email: info@hcm.equatorial.com www.equatorial.com A Teppanyaki restaurant with an openpreparation counter, guests will be able to view spectacular food preparation before their very eyes.

Vatel Saigon Bistronomique-Lounge 120 Bis Suong Nguyet Anh St, Ben Thanh Ward, Dist.1, Ho Chi Minh City Tel: (08) 5404-2220 www.vatelsaigon.com BARS & CAFÉS

Elle Cafe 45 Ngo Duc Ke St, Bitexco Financial Tower, Ho Chi Minh City Tel: (08) 6291-8769

Dong Duong 123A Bui Vien St, Dist.1, Ho Chi Minh City Tel: 0943925348 Handed by crafts from Vietnam 47 Dong Khoi St, Dist.1, Ho Chi Minh City Tel: 0908 447 282 IPA Nima 85 Pasteur St, Ben Nghe Ward, Dist.1, Ho Chi Minh City Tel: (08) 3824-2701 IPA Nima is well-known for its bags.

Lu's Handmade 240 Ly Tu Trong St, Ben Thanh Ward, Dist.1, Ho Chi Minh City Facebook: Lu's Handmade Thegioidecor.vn 123 Bis 2 Tran Quoc Thao St, Ward 7, Dist.3, Ho Chi Minh City Tel: 0123.236.1111 Email: thegioidecor.vn@gmail.com www.thegioidecor.vn Tropic Shop 89 Dong Khoi St, Ben Nghe Ward, Dist.1, Ho Chi Minh City Tel: (08) 3822-3714 www.ofcvn.com/tropic SPA

Vspa & Skincare

15B/25 Le Thanh Ton St, Dist.1, Ho Chi Minh City Tel: (08) 3827-9484 Email: reception.vspa@gmail.com www.vspa.com.vn 20 per cent off all treatments when you show us a copy of Vietnam Heritage

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CENTRE OF HO

A

B

C

1 Duxton Hotel Saigon 2 Equatorial Hotel 3 Grand Hotel 4 Intercontinental Asiana Saigon Hotel 5 Kelly Hotel

1

6 Lotte Legend Hotel Saigon 7 Majestic Hotel 8 New W World orld Hotel 9 Oscar Hotel 1 0 Park Hyatt 10 1 1 Renaissance Riverside Hotel Saigon 11 12 1 2 Rex Hotel 13 1 3 Sheraton Saigon Hotel & TTowers owers 14 1 4 New Epoch Hotel

2 1 4 14

15 1 5 Ngon 138 Restaurant 16 1 6 V ietnam House Restaurant Vietnam

1 7 V 17 -Spa V-Spa

3

4 2

STREET GUIDE 3 Thang 2..........A2, A3, B2 Alexandre De Rhodes........ ........................................E2 An Duong Vuong....A4, B4 Ba Le Chan....................D1 Ba Huyen Thanh Quan...... ........................................C2 Ban Co...........................B3 Ben Chuong Duong........... .................................D4, E4 Ben Van Don...........D4, E4

Bui Thi Xuan..................C3 Bui Vien...................C4, D4 Cach Mang Thang Tam..... ......A1, B1, B2, C2, C3, D3 Calmette.........................E4 Cao Thang.....................B3 Chu Manh Trinh.............F2 Co Bac.....................C4, D4 Co Giang............. ...C4, D4 Cong Quynh............C3, C4 De Tham........................D4

Dien Bien Phu.....................

A3, B2, C2, D1, D2, E1, F1 Dinh Tien Hoang............E1 Do Quang Dau...............C4 Do Thanh.......................B3 Doan Cong Buu.............C1 Doan Nhu Hai..........E4, F4 Dong Du.........................F3 Dong Khoi................E3, F3 Hai Ba Trung....................... ...........................D1, E2, F3 Hai Trieu.........................F4

Ham Nghi.................E4, F4 Han Thuyen....................E2 Ho Hao Hon...................C4 Ho Tung Mau...........E3, E4 Ho Xuan Huong.............C2 Hoa Hung.......................A2 Hung Vuong...................A4 Huyen Tran Cong Chua..... ........................................D3 Huynh Thuc Khang........E3 Huynh Tinh Cua.............D1 Ky Con.....................D4, E4

Ky Dong...................B2, C1 Le Duan...................E2, F2 Le Hong Phong.................. ...........................A2, A3, A4 Le Lai.......................C3, D3 Le Loi..............................E3 Le Quy Don....................D2 Le Thanh Ton...................... ...........................D3, E3, F2 Le Thi Hong Gam............... .................................D4, E4 Le Thi Rieng............C3, D3

Le Van Sy.......................B1 Luong Huu Khanh.........C3 Ly Chinh Thang.......C1, C2 Ly Thai To......................A3 Ly Tu Trong......................... ...........................D3, E3, F2 Ly Van Phuc...................E1 Mac Dinh Chi...........E1, E2 Mac Thi Buoi..................F3 Mai Thi Luu..............E1, F1 Nam Ky Khoi Nghia............ ...................C1, D1, D2, D3

CHI MINH CITY D

E

F

4

17

15 10 5

12

13 1

6

16 9 3

8

11

7

Ngo Duc Ke....................F3 Ngo Thoi Nhiem ....C2, D2 Ngo Van Nam.................F2 Nguyen Binh Khiem.............. .....................................F1, F2 Nguyen Cau...................D1 Nguyen Cong Tru............... .................................D4, E4 Nguyen Dinh Chieu............ ......B3, C2, C3, D2, E1, F1 Nguyen Du..............D3, E3 Nguyen Hue.............E3, F3

Nguyen Khac Nhu.............. .................................C4, D4 Nam Quoc Cang.....C3, C4 Nguyen Phi Khanh.........E1 Nguyen Sieu...................F3 Nguyen Son Tra................. .................................B3, C3 Nguyen Tat Thanh..........F4 Nguyen Thai Binh............... .................................D4, E4 Nguyen Thai Hoc....D3, D4 Nguyen Thanh Y............E1

Nguyen Thi Dieu............C2 Nguyen Thi Minh Khai........ .................................B3, C3 Nguyen Thien Thuat........... .................................A3, B3 Nguyen Thong........B2, C2 Nguyen Thuong Hien........ .................................B2, C3 Nguyen Trai.............B4, C4 Nguyen Trung Ngan......F2 Nguyen Trung Truc........E3 Nguyen Truong To.........E4

Nguyen Van Cu..............B4 Nguyen Van Thu......E1, F1 Pasteur................................ ...............D1, D2, E2, E3,E4 Pham Ngoc Thach.........D1 Pham Ngu Lao........C4, D4 Pham Viet Chanh...........B3 Phan Ke Binh..........E1, E2 Pho Duc Chinh...............E4 Phung Khac Khoan.......E2 Suong Nguyet Anh........C3 Thach Thi Thanh.....D1, E1

Thai Van Lung................F3 Thi Sach.........................F3 Thu Khoa Huan.......D3, E3 To Hien Thanh................A1 Ton That Dam..........E3, E4 Ton Duc Thang..............C3 Tran Binh Trong......A3, A4 Tran Cao Van.................E2 Tran Dinh Xu...........B4, C4 Tran Hung Dao.......C4, D4 Tran Minh Quyen...........A3 Tran Nhan Tong.......A3, A4

Tran Phu.........................A4 Tran Quang Dieu...........B1 Tran Quang Khai.....D1, E1 Tran Quoc Thao......C1, D2 Tran Quoc Toan......C1, D1 Truong Dinh............C1, C2 Tu Xuong.......................C2 Vinh Vien........................A3 Vo Thi Sau........C2, D1, E1 Vo Van Tan..............C3, B3 Vuon Chuoi..............B2, B3 Yersin..............................D4

DIRECTIONS VUNG TAU, LONG HAI, CON DAO, CAN THO, CHAU DOC COOKING CLASSES Mint Culinary School 778/45 Nguyen Kiem St, Phu Nhuan Dist., Ho Chi Minh City Tel: (08) 3844-5500 Email: sales@vca.com.vn www.vca.com.vn Saigon Cooking Class 74/7 Hai Ba Trung St, Dist.1, Ho Chi Minh City Tel: (08) 3825-8485 www.saigoncookingclass.com GALLERIES

Artists Long & Ngoc Gallery Grand Hotel (at the lobby), 8 Dong Khoi, Dist.1, Ho Chi Minh City TeL: (08) 2246-6839 Mobile: 0908 229 708 Email: ngoclongfineart@yahoo.com Apricot Gallery 50 Mac Thi Buoi St, Ben Nghe Ward, Dist.1, Ho Chi Minh City Tel: (08) 3822-7962 Cactus Contemporary Art 17/12 Nguen Huy Tuong St, Ward 6, Binh Thanh Dist., Ho Chi Minh City Tel: (08) 7300-1270 info@cactusartgallery.com www.cactusartgallery.com Craig Thomas Gallery 27i Tran Nhat Duat St, Dist.1, Ho Chi Minh City Mobile: 0903 888 431 Email: cthomasgallery@gmail.com www.cthomasgallery.com Open: 1 p.m. to 6 p.m.

Closed Mondays and Sundays

www.hcmc-museum.edu.vn Open daily 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Independence Palace 135 Nam Ky Khoi Nghia St, Ben Thanh Ward, Dist.1, Ho Chi Minh City Tel: (08) 3822-3652 www.dinhdoclap.gov.vn Open daily, 7.30 a.m. to 11.30 a.m., 1 p.m. to 4 p.m.

War Remnants Museum 28 Vo Van Tan St, Ward 6, Dist.3, Ho Chi Minh City, Tel: (08) 3930-5587 Email: warrmhcm@gmail.com Open daily 7.30 a.m. to midday and 1.30 p.m. to 5 p.m.

Southern Women Museum 202 Vo Thi Sau St, Dist.1, Ho Chi Minh City Tel: (08) 3932-7130

A popular beach resort town for residents of Ho Chi Minh City, Vung Tau is about 128 km southeast of HCMC. It can be reached either by road or by a 90-minute hydrofoil boat from HCMC. Sitting on a peninsula that sticks out into the East Sea, Vung Tau does not have the most beautiful, or cleanest, beaches in Vietnam but can act as a quick getaway from the buzz of the city.

HOTELS, RESORTS

Note: Prices at many hotels depend on occupancy and change daily Mường Thanh Vung Tau Hotel

Galerie Quynh 65 De Tham St, Dist.1, Ho Chi Minh City Tel: (08) 3836-8019 www.galeriequynh.com Sàn Art 3 Me Linh St, Ward 19, Binh Thanh Dist., Ho Chi Minh City Tel: (08) 3840-0183 www.san-art.org Opening: 10.30 a.m. to 6.30 p.m. every.

Closed on Sunday and Monday Tu Do Gallery 53 Ho Tung Mau St, Ben Nghe Ward, Dist.1, Ho Chi Minh City Tel: (08) 3821-0966 www.tudogallery.com Opening: 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. everyday MUSEUMS

Fine Arts Museum of Ho Chi Minh City 97A Pho Duc Chinh St, Nguyen Thai Binh Ward, Dist.1, Ho Chi Minh City Tel: (08) 3829-4441 www.baotangmythuattphcm.com Open 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Closed Mondays.

No 09, Thong Nhat St, Ward 1, Vung Tau Tel: (064) 3835-567 Email: sales@vungtau.muongthanh.vn www.vungtau.muongthanh.vn From VND1,890,000 ($90) Grand Hotel Vung Tau 2 Nguyen Du St, Ward.1, Vung Tau Tel: (064) 3856-888 Email: sales@grandhotel.com.vn www.grandhotel.com.vn From VND2,058,000 ($98) Palace Hotel

Ho Chi Minh City Museum 65 Ly Tu Trong St, Ben Nghe Ward, Dist.1, Ho Chi Minh City Tel: (08) 3829-9741

60 • VIETNAM HERITAGE - JANUARY-FEBRUARY 2015

1 Nguyen Trai St, Ward 1, Vung Tau Tel: (064) 3856-411 Email: sales@palacehotel.com.vn www.palacehotel.com.vn From VND2,062,000 ($97) Petrosetco Hotel 12 Truong Cong Dinh St, Ward 2, Vung Tau Tel: (064) 3624-748 Email: sales@petrosetco.com.vn www.petrosetcohotel.vn From VND1,085,700 ($52) Petro House Hotel 63 Tran Hung Dao St, Ward 1, Vung Tau Tel: (064) 3852-014 Email: info@petrohousehotel.vn www.petrohousehotel.vn From VND1,260,000 ($60) Romeliess Hotel 31 - 33 Thuy Van St, Vung Tau Tel: (064) 3613-366 Email: sales@romeliss.com www.romeliesshotel.com The Imperial Hotel & Residences Vung Tau 159 - 163 Thuy Van St, Vung Tau Tel: (064) 3628-888 Email: info@imperialhotel.vn www.imperialhotel.vn

Ninh Kieu Dist., Can Tho Tel: (0710) 3812-210 golf4.cantho@vinagolf.vn www.vinagolf.vn Victoria Can Tho Resort Cai Khe Ward, Ninh Kieu Dist., Can Tho Tel: (0710) 3810-111 Email: resa.cantho@victoriahotels.asia www.victoriahotels.asia From VND3,700,000 ($175) MUSEUM

Can Tho Museum 1 Hoa Binh St, Tan An Ward, Can Tho Tel: (0710) 3820-955 Open: Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday (8 a.m. to 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. to 5 p.m.); Saturday and Sunday (8 a.m. to 11 a.m. and 6.30 p.m. to 9 p.m.). Closed on Friday. Free admission

CHAU DOC

(TELEPHONE CODE: 076) HOTELS

Note: Prices at many hotels depend on occupancy and change daily Victoria Chau Doc Hotel

MUSEUM

White Palace 6 Tran Phu St, Ward.1, Vung Tau Tel: (064) 3852-605 Open daily 7 a.m. to 5 p.m.

LONG HAI

Long Hai is a beach town, 30km northeast of Vung Tau and 124 km southeast of HCMC. The Grand Ho Tram Strip Phuoc Thuan, Xuyen Moc, Ba Ria-Vung Tau Province. Tel: (064) 3788-888 Email: info@thegrandhotramstrip.com www.thegrandhotramstrip.com

CON DAO

Six Senses Con Dao Dat Doc Beach, Con Dao Dist., Ba Ria - Vung Tau Province Tel : (064) 3831-222 reservations-condao@sixsenses.com www.sixsenses.com/resorts/ con-dao/destination From VND14,490,000 ($690)

CAN THO

(TELEPHONE CODE: 0710) Can Tho is the largest city in the Mekong Delta, about 170 km southwest of Ho Chi Minh City, and acts as the area’s economic, transportation and cultural centre. Sitting on the Mekong River, Can Tho is popular for its nearby floating markets, canals and rivers that can be explored by boat.

HOTELS, RESORTS

Note: Prices at many hotels depend on occupancy and change daily Golf Can Tho Hotel 2 Hai Ba Trung St, Tan An Ward,

1 Le Loi St, Chau Doc Town, An Giang Province Tel: (076) 3865-010 resa.chaudoc@victoriahotels.asia www.victoriahotels.asia From VND3,169,000 ($149) Victoria Nui Sam Lodge Vinh Dong 1, Nui Sam, Chau Doc, An Giang Province Tel: (076) 3575-888 resa.nuisam@victoriahotels.asia www.victoriahotels.asia MUSEUM

An Giang Museum 11 Ton Duc Thang St, My Binh Ward, Long Xuyen City, An Giang Province Tel: (076) 3956-248 Open hour 7a.m. to 11a.m. and 1.30 p.m. to 5 p.m. Closed on Monday Entrance fee: VND42,000 ($2)

PHU QUOC

(TELEPHONE CODE: 077) Phu Quoc Island, off the southern tip of Vietnam in the Gulf of Thailand, has some of the most beautiful beaches in the country.

White-sand beaches, scuba diving around coral reefs or exploring the protected jungle. Accessible by either the Rach Gia hydrofoil boat or a 50-minute flight from Ho Chi Minh City. Modest family-owned

bungalows on the beach to fivestar resorts.

HOTELS, RESORTS

Note: Prices at many hotels depend on occupancy and change daily Eden Resort Phu Quoc

FRANCE

(Telephone code: 33) CLEMONT-FERRAND Kim Anh 6 Bis r Elie Gintrac Tel: (33-4) 7391-9364 Serves traditional Vietnamese food, from €12.80 per dish Open 11.30 a.m. to 3 p.m. (closed on Sundays).

GRENOBLE Kim Ngan 22 r Nicolas Chrier Tel: (33-4) 7649-0847 Serves Vietnamese food with prices starting at €8 per dish

Cua Lap Hamlet, Duong To Ward, Phu Quoc District, Kien Giang Province Tel: (077) 3985-598 reservations@edenresort.com.vn www.edenresort.com.vn Chen Sea Resort & Spa Phu Quoc, Centara Boutique Collection Bai Xep, Ong Lang, Cua Duong, Phu Quoc Island Tel: (077) 3995-895 Email: cpv@chr.co.th www.centarahotelsresorts.com From VND3,381,000 ($161) La Veranda Resort

Tran Hung Dao St, Ward 7, Duong Dong Town Phu Quoc Island Tel: (077) 3982-988 contact@laverandaresorts.com www.laverandaresorts.com VND5,082,000 to VND8,694,000 ($242 to $414) Sai Gon Phu Quoc Resort 1 Tran Hung Dao St, Phu Quoc Island Tel: (077) 3846-999 Email: sgphuquocresort@hcm.vnn.vn www.sgphuquocresort.com.vn VND2,499,000 to VND4,011,000 ($119 to $191)

CANADA

(Telephone code: 1) Xe Lua 254 Spadina Ave, Tonronto, Ontario Canada M5T2C2 Tel: (1-416) 703-8330 Xe Lua has been open since 1996 and serves phở for $6 a bowl Open: 11.30 a.m. to 12 p.m Chau Kitchen and Bar 1500 Robson St. Vancouver, British Columbia Tel: (1-604) 682-8020 www.chaukitchenandbar.com Serves Vietnamese dishes with prices starting at $7 per dish.

UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

(Telephone code: 1) CALIFORNIA-CA Emerald Restaurant Pacific Gateway Plaza 3709 Convoy Street, Ste 101, San Diego, CA 92111 Tel: (1) 858-565-6888 Serves Vietnamese food

DIRECTIONS PHU QUOC, OVERSEAS Kieu Nga Lemongrass Restaurant 514 12th Ave Seattle, WA 98122 Tel: (1) 206-860-8164 Moonlight Café 1919 S Jackson St Seattle, WA 98144 Tel: (1) 206-322-3378 Massachusetts-MA Saigon Hut 305-307 Meridian St. Boston, ] MA 02128; Tel: (1) 617-567-1944 Xinh Xinh 7 Beach St (Washington St.) Boston, MA 02111 Tel: (1) 617-422-0501

UNITED KINGDOM

(Telephone code: 44) Little Saigon Restaurant 6 Bigg Market, Newcastle upon Tyne, England Tel: 01912330766 Vietnamese dishes

AUSTRALIA

(Telephone code: 61) La Mint 62–64 Riley St, East Sydney NSW 2010 Tel: (61) 293-311-818 Email: service@lamint.com.au www.lamint.com.au Open: Wednesday to Friday, noon to 2:30 p.m., Monday to Saturday, 6 p.m. to 10.30 p.m. French and Vietnamese dishes

INDONESIA

(Telephone code: 62) Pho 24 Pondok Indah, Plaza I, Jln. Taman Duta 1Blok UA 35 Jakarta Selatan Tel: (62) 0217-505-909 JIn. Wolter Mongonsidi No. 71, Kebayyoran Baru, Jakarta Selatan Tel: (62) 0217-278-8411 Pacific Place Mall, 5th Floor, SCBD, JIn. Jendral Sudirman Kav. 52-53, Jakarta 12190 Tel: (62) 0215-140-0531

Hung Ky Mi Gia 5237 El Cajon Blvd, San Diego, CA 92115; Tel: (1) 619-229-2188 Serves noodle varieties with prices starting at $5 per dish Open 8 a.m. to 9 p.m.

International Restaurant 1 4444 – A University Ave, San Diego, CA 92115 Tel: (1) 619-281-9999 Little Saigon 7 Linden Ave (Railroad) South San Francisco, CA 94080 Tel: (1) 650-589-1398 New York-NY Saigon Grill 620 Amsterdam Ave, New York, NY 10024 Tel: (1) 212-875-9072 Serves over 100 Vietnamese dishes including vegetarian options Open 11 a.m. to 12 a.m.

Mai Lan Vietnamese 505 N State St Syracuse, NY 13203 Tel: (1) 315-471-6740 www.mailanrestaurant.com L’Annam 121 University Pl New York, NY 10022 Tel: (1) 212-420-1414 VIRGINIA-VA Minh’s Vietnamese 2500 Wilson Blvd Arlington, VA 22201 Tel: (1) 703-525-2828 Prices start at $15 per dish Open 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. (closed on Mondays) WASHINGTON-WC Ho Bac 1314 S Jackson St Seattle, WA 98144 Tel: (1) 206-860-8164 VIETNAM HERITAGE - JANUARY-FEBRUARY 2015

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Photo: Nguyen Minh Tho

Photo: Nguyen Quang Toan

Photo: Vu Quoc Bao

LAID BACK

Clockwise from top left: Mother and her child in spring 2014 in Lao Cai Province; Back home in the rain, Hanoi; Chess competition in Hoi An Ancient Town at the fullmoon day every month that lanterns and candles used at night; On Ba Chay River, Gia Lai Province; The wooden statues of fertility in Gia Lai Province

62 • VIETNAM HERITAGE - JANUARY-FEBRUARY 2015

Photo: Nguyen Tien Thanh

Photo: Ngo Huy Tinh