Vietnam heritage August-September 2015 by Vietnam Heritage

3:9 AUG-SEP 2015

ISSN 1859-4123

CULTURAL CUL LTURAL HERIT HERITAGE TA AGE ASSOCIA ASSOCIATION ATION TION OF VIETNAM

Small ffish, ish, big dreams

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CONTENT No 3, Vol.9, August-September 2015

COVER STORY Culture Small fish, big dreams 16 Customs

8 Of rice and boats 12 The rules of the forest Travel

18 Where the fairy fern grows

Husbandry

20 Life among the ducks Pottery

22 What brown can do

Crafts

24 Pop culture on a stick 26 The versatile calabash Jewelry

27 A collar adorned Advertorial

28 Hotel Majestic where history and luxury meet

30 Best Western Premier Havana Nha Trang Hotel

Restaurant 32 A meal fit for a king

34 What the papers say

36 Events

39 Value for money 43 Directions 58 Laid back

Cover photograph: Collecting anchovies at Hon Ro Harbour, Nha Trang. Photo: Tran Hai Binh

Published by the Cultural Heritage Association of Vietnam

Publication licence No: 1648/GP-BTTTT from the Ministry of Information and Communications of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam for the English-language edition of The Gioi Di San (The World of Heritage) magazine Editor-in-Chief: Le Thanh Hai; Public Relations Director: Bui Thi Hang; Sub-editing: Erik Johnson; Assistant: Kha Tu Anh; Production: Nguyen Hoang Kim Long; Contributing Photographers: Nguyen Ba Han, Hoang Quoc Tuan, Hoang The Nhiem, Huynh Van Nam, Le Hoai Phuong, Nguyen Anh Tuan; Ngo Nguyen Huynh Trung Tin; Tran Viet Duc Correspondent: Pip de Rouvray; Advertising and Circulation: Green Viet Advertising JSC Advertising and Subscriptions Service: Email: ads.vietnamheritage@gmail.com; Duy Huong 0903 630 489 Email: vietnamheritagemagazine@gmail.com Hanoi Advertising and Subscription: The He Moi MHN Viet Nam Co.Ltd, Mr Song Hao: 0903 476 999 Nha Trang Advertising and Subscription: Bach Cat Co. Ltd,; 22/6A Bach Dang Str. Nha Trang City Tel: (58) 360 7070 Fax (58) 387 0099, Email: bachcatprco.ltd@gmail.com Contact in the US for subscription and advertising: 2628 Sturla dr. San Jose, CA 95148

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VIETNAM HERITAGE - AUGUST-SEPTEMBER 2015

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Ke Ga Cape, Binh Thuan Province, South-Central Vietnam, 2014.

Photo: Nguyen Thi Kien Trinh

CUSTOMS

Of rice and boats BY DANG HUYNH

Moon festival brings out the special activities of the Khmer people

n the full moon night of the 10th lunar month, the Khmer people have their Ok-Om-Bok Festival, also known as the Moon Festival or the Squashed Green Rice Festival. On the origin of Ok-Om-Bok Festival, research works such as Son Phuoc Hoan’s ‘Khmer Festivals in Southern Vietnam’ and ‘Soc Trang Folklore’, a collective work led by Chu Xuan Dien, agree that it came from the legend about a previous life of the Buddha. As the story goes, in one of His incarnations, Buddha was a white rabbit living along the Ganges. The rabbit had three friends; an otter, a monkey and a wild dog. The rabbit was intelligent, kind and meditated diligently. He always reminded his friends to

fast and meditate on full moon days to keep the body and mind clean and virtuous. On a full moon day, the rabbit meditated beside his burrow while his friends all caught something to eat. The King of Heaven turned into a beggar and came down to earth. He asked the otter, the monkey and the dog for food. They shared theirs with him but he delayed, ‘Let me cleanse myself before the meal.’ He came to the rabbit and asked for the same. The rabbit said, ‘Please find some timber and make a fire, I will give you food.’ The beggar followed his instructions. When the fire went high, the rabbit jumped into it to grill himself to make food for the beggar. But the fire didn’t kill the rabbit because a wind had blown it off. The King of Heaven showed himself, praised the animals and told the rabbit, ‘I will make example of your great self-sacrifice for people to follow.’ He became a giant and painted a rabbit on the moon. Since then the Khmer people have the Moon Festival. The Moon Festival takes place in the evening, when the moon shows itself above the tree tops. Simple farmed sacrifices include taros, manioc, coconuts, bananas, cakes

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made of flour and, of course, there must be squashed green sticky rice. Green sticky rice is roasted briefly and then squashed to remove the husk. Everything is beautifully arranged on a table at the centre of the village square. Everybody prays and thanks the deities. Then the monks and village elders take a bit of everything, including the squashed rice in a palm and put some in each child’s mouth, slightly patting his/her back and asking, ‘What is your wish?’ The child then speaks their wishes. The Squashed Green Rice Festival is intended to bring a happy, prosperous life. Ceremonies performed, sacrificial food is taken down for everybody to enjoy, thus sharing in the blessings of the Moon Goddess. Besides the ritual, Ok-Om-Bok also has

CUSTOMS

Opposite: A fierce and energetic ngo boat race, in Soc Trang Province. Photo: Le Hoang Vu. Top: A ngo boat race in An Giang Province. Photo: Nguyen Minh Tan. Below: Squashed Green Rice ritual in Ok-Om-Bok Festival. Photo: Dang Huynh a fun portion, usually conducted at temples, which is joyful and highly communal, with garlands and coloured lanterns, games and songs and dances. Particularly, the ngo boat race attracts Khmer, Viet and Chinese people from Tra Vinh, Soc Trang, Bac Lieu and Hau Giang Provinces to come and take part. The tales have it that in this region with its criss-crossing rivers and canals, people are kind and love helping each other. Every day, Buddhist mendicants have to go far away from their pagodas, and come back at mid-noon for prayers. On one such day, lll VIETNAM HERITAGE - AUGUST-SEPTEMBER 2015

â&#x20AC;˘9

CUSTOMS

a big storm burst. There is a Buddhist teaching that anyone who did kind things, especially to the monks, would have good luck later. Fearing that the monks couldn’t get back in time, everybody quickly made rafts and oared vigorously to bring them to their temple. To commemorate the event, people began to organize boat races. Since the boats have a beautiful curving, like a snake. They are called them ngo boats. But according to ‘The ngo boat origin’ in

lll

‘Soc Trang Folklore’, the ngo boat race custom originated from the fact that Khmer men had to train using boats to defend their settlements. Today, not only men, but Khmer women also take part in ngo boat races. A ngo boat can carry 40-50 persons and is decorated with beautiful symbols and ornaments. Ngo boat race tradition has spread to all provinces and cities where Khmer people live.

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In September, 2014 the Ministry of Culture, Sport and Tourism recognized OkOm-Bok Festival as a national intangible cultural heritage.n Clockwise from top: A team practising for Ok-Om-Bok Festival. Photo: Duong Van Mai; A winning team in a ngo boat race, Soc Trang Province; Ngo boats before racing, Soc Trang Province. Photos: Le Hoang Vu

CUSTOMS

Lam Dong Province

The rules of the forest

Left: A ritual worshipping gods of the Ma Below: Ma people in a festival. Photos: Phan Dinh Dung Opposite: A ritual worshipping Yang forest of the Ma. Photo: Thanh Binh

BY PHAN DINH DUNG*

Among the Ma people, even a small sin can cost you a pig

a is an ancient tribe that populated Tay Nguyen and the East of Southern Vietnam. Today, there are 41,405 Ma people distributed in Lam Dong, Dak Nong

and Dong Nai Provinces. Ma live in the forests and mountains. Forests give them paddies and food and protect their villages. Ma people have forest classifications: Yang forests, Krong forests, Glong forests, ghost forests (burial areas), Rlau Goe forests and Sar forests. They also have rules to treat each forest accordingly. The Ma often sing together: ‘This is Yaang forest, oh children, mind your sins. This is Krong forest, oh children, mind your sins.’ It is to remind the community members not to violate the rules that help preserve the living environment of the tribe.

Treating Yang forest (where deities reign) Yang/Yaang in the Ma language means ‘deity’. Yang forests are sacred; they are where deities live and reign. In Ma territories, there are many mountain tops covered by forests, but only some are chosen to be the living place for their deities. Each village has its own Yang forests. These are usually located on high mountain tops, with big, tall trees and 12 • VIETNAM HERITAGE - AUGUST-SEPTEMBER 2015

fertile soil, where a river or a creek brings water down to the valleys. They are carefully selected by village elders and family representatives, taking opinions from the whole community. The elder then informs other villages to avoid choosing the same forest. A date is set for a sacrificial ritual and passed down through generations to protect and preserve. Ma villagers have these sacrificial rituals irregularly. The time periods between rituals are usually over 5 years, sometimes as long as 20 years. It’s up to the village. The forest deities are received in a procession. The sacrifice is a buffalo, a valuable Ma possession. The animal’s blood would be smeared on tools, utensils and the ritual pole. Taboos are imposed on the villagers in relation to the Yang forest: logging, hunting and gathering are prohibited. There are many tales about those who violate these rules and then suffer illnesses and painful death, which make people fear and respect the taboos. Violators, if known, would be fined heftily and the fine is sacrificed to seek forgiveness from the deities.

Violations are judged as big and small. Cutting a big tree and hunting are big crimes. Cutting a small tree, gathering veggies and littering are small crimes. The judgment is communicated by an elder to everybody. The violator has to prepare the sacrifice, and villagers choose a date for the ritual. The big fine is a buffalo (accompanied by goats, pigs, poultry and wine.) If the sinner has no buffalo, he can sacrifice a bull. The small fine is a pig (accompanied by goats, poultry and wine.) The ritual has two parts. One takes place at the common house, the other at the place of violation in Yang forest. The sinner has to be present during the whole ceremony, hosted by an elder, who would say prayers to beg for forgiveness. In 2011, at Village 2, Loc Bao Commune had a sacrificial ritual at a Yang forest. A forestry company’s bulldozer had trespassed on Yang forest territory. Elder K’Lo gathered the villagers and fined the company. It was a big crime, so the fine was a buffalo. A company’s representative was present during the whole ceremony.

Treating Krong forest (residence of the god of the homeland) Krong forest is an old forest, not as big as Yang forests, but related to a specific deity, the god of the homeland. The mountains in this forest must have specific features. The Ma of B’Dung village (Loc Bac Commune, Bao Lam District, Lam Dong Province), conduct their ceremonies on Nao Ut, Luc Mo, and Lah Nhal mountains. They used to have this ritual every year. Village elders let the villagers know the time, so they all can participate. An elder would host such a ceremony. The village’s sacrifice is normally a chicken and a jar of wine. On the mountain, the elder conducts the rituals and reads prayers. Then he kills the chicken and pours the wine on the ritual ground. The sacrifice items of the village members are taken back to the common long house and enjoyed by everybody.n *Phan Dinh Dung is working at the Ho Chi Minh City University of Culture

CUSTOMS

Table set to remember mum BY PIP DE ROUVRAY

Ancestor veneration begins at home

s a young traveller, upon seeing a strange custom in a strange land, I would always ask myself - Why do these people do this? Now, as an experienced traveller, my tendency is to ask - Why do we at home NOT do that? For two reasons, I cannot forget the anniversary of my mother's death. Firstly, she died on July the fourth, which is American Independence Day. Secondly, I have a Vietnamese family and we follow the tradition of having a memorial dinner on my daughter's grandmother's death anniversary. ‘Can't they just accept that death is the end and move on?’ was my first reaction on encountering this ritual eighteen years ago. Reared on scientific rationalism and Christianity, I found it difficult to accord any kind of presence of the dead in the here and now and the idea of ancestor worship as heresy. But firstly, man does not live by reason alone but also by feeling and emotion. I soon warmed to the idea that the essence of whom my mother was needs to be revered. As for worship, which for a Christian is for God alone, here I think most Vietnamese might agree a better word would be veneration-deep respect for those who have come before us and made us who we are-one of the ten commandments! Our family has six of us living under the same roof. We are of four faiths-Catholic and Protestant Christianity, Cao Daiism, and Buddhism. Of course, as a family, we are united and Vietnam also is united as a nation. This custom and the family shrine are two unifying factors for a diversified country. Before we have dinner, the table is set with ample dishes before the family shrine.

It is left this way for well over an hour. I let my wife officiate, although it should be the son who does. Interestingly, there is a difference between Chinese and Vietnamese ancestor veneration here. In China, only the males officiate, whilst in Vietnam, it is usually fine for females to do so. My wife lights incenses sticks and thus Mum is invited to dinner and we seek her blessings. At this point, I am drawn to the photographs on the shrine of Mum and my wife's parents. Here is Mum in her final year. In contrast, nearby on the wall, is another photograph of mother in the full bloom of youth. My daughter is by my side. She never knew her grandmother, as, sadly, she died five months before she was born. I would like to think this is some way for my daughter to connect with her grandmother. One thing we do not do at this point that many families do is to burn paper offerings in the street-perhaps because my wife is Christian. I am glad we do not, as I hate the chemical smell and it is not good for the environment. Finally we sit down to enjoy dinner. We always invite family and friends. This year, our family members are back in their 'quê hương' (home village) but we have our most direct neighbour, Phuong Anh, present. When our daughter was small, a photograph of mother was always placed on the table. We have left off this custom in recent years. I have attended such gatherings, invited by friends, and some actually have a chair and place at table for the deceased. I like that. It is not a sumptuous feast, but some dishes which we do not normally have at dinner time are on the table. For example, there is sticky rice and crispy French-style

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bread normally only seen at breakfast in our house. There is a vegetable curry, not too spicy, and a shredded chicken with fresh herb dish native to Hue, from whence my wife hails. Finally there is 'gỏi', another Vietnamese salad dish featuring papaya. This is not a solemn occasion and everyone is enjoying his or her self, but thoughts of Mum are always at the back of my mind. Back to the introduction-why don't we English do something like this? I have not lived in England since mother died, but the most I would probably do would be to visit the grave. I think in our family, only my father does this. To tell you the truth, I might even forget the significance of the day. This, I am sure, would horrify most Vietnamese. We do have a day when we pray collectively for all departed souls. This is All Souls Day on November 1, but only a very few regular church attenders do this. Living abroad a long time, I sometimes think what strange people the English are! Moreover many English people especially now on the Internet like to draw up a family tree, which surely is a kind of veneration. So, July 4 for me has become a day to remember Mum and venerate her. It is also a day when I become closer to my Vietnamese family and friends and educative for my daughter. My mother never set foot in Vietnam, although she spent some very happy years in Singapore and thereafter holidayed several times in Malaya. She would have understood this custom. Here she is now in Vietnam with her own special day! They will do this annual event in my honour one day. Let us hope it will not be any day soon!n

CULTURE

t’s quite a fuss at 7 a.m. on Hon Ro harbour in Nha Trang. Mr Dinh Van Bay’s boat has just come back after six hours of pulling his net at sea. Mr Bay urges his men to shake the anchovies from the net to give them to the dry-fish export businesses. They hang the net and used cloth-wrapped bats to beat the fish stuck on it down into big bamboo baskets and then take them ashore. Unlike seasonal fishes, you can fish for anchovy the whole year round, Mr Bay said. Yet the best time to do it is from February to August. On a lucky night, he can catch nearly a ton of anchovy. In bad weather, he may get only 50 kg. The fish and the trucks of processing facilities came to shore at the same time. Following Mr Bay’s instructions, I came to Mr Mai Thanh Quyen’s fish-steaming shop at Cua Be fish bazaar in Vinh Truong Commune. It smelled fishy all around. In the shop, about 40 workers were busy cleaning and steaming the fish. Tons of fresh fish are always coming and they have to be processed right away to retain freshness and sweet taste. According to Ms Dao Thi Phuong, to have good quality, the fish has to be very fresh, cleaned carefully, steamed moderately, dried quickly, and kept in good storage. As it arrives, they put a single layer of fish on a gridiron, dip into water and shake it softly to avoid crushing the fish. Then the gridirons are put in an autoclave for three to five minutes to steam. Then the gridirons are loaded on a wheelbarrow to be transported out to

‘tan’. By the afternoon, the fish is already crispy dry. Mr Mai Thanh Quyen said his family has been doing this for nearly 20 years. Before that, his family was in fish sauce business, like most others in Vinh Truong. Realizing that steam fish business could bring extra income and create jobs for others, he invested boldly and made new connections. Now his Hanh Quyen steamed-anchov y-for-export business is a robust name, known near and far. ‘Actually this business is not much more profitable than fish sauce-making, but it creates many more jobs for the locals. Beside this one, our family has five other facilities, each gives job to about 30 workers with an income of over VND100,000/day/person.’ ‘Nowadays the steam fish facilities pay VND25,000 VND30,000/kg for anchovy, much higher than the fish sauce businesses. Just catch 500 kg a time, you get over 10 million. But sometimes the export is stalled, and you can only bring the fish to the bazaar or to the fish sauce-making shops. Sometimes the loss is too great and I prefer to stay home, not going out to the sea,’ Mr Dinh Van Bay said. Dried steamed anchovy is exported mostly to Taiwan and China, but the price is not stable. ‘Low yield, high price, high yield, low price, fish business has this dilemma too. The usual price for our finished product is $7/kg, but sometimes they press it down to just $2/kg,’ Mr Mai Thanh Quyen said. Stable output is a dream of the steamed fish shop owners.n

Anchovy fishermen net tiny profits

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Small fish,

CULTURE

big dreams

Nha Trang

TEXT BY VINH THANH AND PHOTOS BY TRAN HAI BINH

VIETNAM HERITAGE - AUGUST-SEPTEMBER 2015

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TRAVEL

Where the fairy fern grows BY LE HOANG

uring the high-water season from September to November, water ferns cover the surface of swampy cajuput forests, creating a beautiful natural scene. The most attractive in the Western South is the Tra Su Forest of Van Giao Commune, Tinh Bien District, An Giang Province. Occupying about 845 ha, it is known as a pristine forest with a di-

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verse ecosystem. The most prominent flora is cajuput. The fauna includes many rare species listed in Vietnamâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Red Data Book: milky storks, lesser short-nosed fruit bats, Indian egrets, walking catfish, painted storks, darters, and many others. The deeper we go, the more fairytale-like it is. Pure white cajuput flowers in full bloom fill the air with a soft aroma. Lotuses and water-lilies do a catwalk on the water. Bright yellow

TRAVEL

Sesbania sesbans are waving in the wind. Care-free birds land on trees and ferns as if we weren’t there. Hung and Khoi, two famous ‘trampers’ from Dong Nai Province, who were in the boat with me, said, ‘It’s worth the time and the road, really. It’s so beautiful here. We will definitely come back here with a few more friends.’ After 10 minutes on a motor-boat, we came to a small boat dock. We changed to a smaller boat to row further into the woods to see the biggest cajuput trees. The

birds here are talkative and make the forest noisier than the city. Mr Nguyen Van Tuan, our boat guide, told us there are over-30year-old cajuput trees here, which host rare birds from the Vietnam’s Red Data Book such as painted storks and darters. There are plenty of fish in the water, including many scientifically valuable species which are on the brink of extinction. The forest is prettiest during the high water season, especially at dusk and dawn, when thousands of birds come in wave after wave.

Then we were taken to a watch tower to take a view of the whole forest.n *The article appeared in a different form in An Giang Newspaper, 16 October, 2014

Clockwise from left: Tra Su Forest covered with water ferns; Giang Sen - a wild stork as seen in Vietnam's Red Data Book; Tourists on small boat going to the forest Photos: Nguyen Huu Thanh

VIETNAM HERITAGE - AUGUST-SEPTEMBER 2015

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HUSBANDRY

Life among the ducks

The wandering duck shepherd finds joy in a life of hard work

isery of the duck farming trade, especially the natural feeding kind. But in the Cuu Long River Delta, many are still earning their living with it, leading a nomadic life. Early summer, in the Ben Bao fields of Vinh Loc A Commune, Hong Dan District, Bac Lieu Province, are all white with wandering ducks. From time to time, a herdsman waves a bamboo stick with a piece of cloth at the end and shouts ‘ziew, ziew…’ to drive them to a new feeding place. The farm of Mr Nguyen Van Hung, 57, is at the edge of a new canal. I came to his hut when he was relaxing on a hammock tied to two eucalyptuses on the bank. After a tea in the middle of a deserted field, Mr Hung became nostalgic, ‘My wife and I have been doing this for over 30 years. Moving around is bitter, but it’s fun too. Friends everywhere, that’s what’s good about it. It doesn’t make one rich, just enough to see another day.’ Looking around the field, Mr Hung thought about 28 Tets spent away from home. Every year, on the 28th of the last lunar month, Mr Hung takes a boat home to Vinh Phu commune, Phuoc Long District, Bac Lieu Province. He cleans the family altar, makes a tray of new year sacrificial food and immediately goes back to his ducks. His friends often joke, that ‘Mr Hung has a house but lives in the field, and he has friends but befriends ducks.’ Now he has about 2800 ducks, and every year he goes to Bac Lieu, Ca Mau and then to An Giang, Kien Giang looking for feeding grounds for them. Now he is used to living

Mr Hung and his ducks at Ben Bao field, Bac Lieu Province. Photo: Duy Khoi in the fields with his duck friends and makes friends with people everywhere. A breeze wandered around Mr Ba Hung’s empty hut. The sounds of duck carkling and frog mating calls mixed with a lone, melancholic lullaby over the Ben Bao fields are truly unforgettable. Mr Hung joyfully told us he hit good ground this time. His ducks drop over 2500 eggs each night. Where the food is not in abundance, the ducks can’t give as many eggs. The stories of his life and work never stopped fascinating me. They are full of colourful terminology such as ‘curbing the ducks’ with his stick to prevent them from

20 • VIETNAM HERITAGE - AUGUST-SEPTEMBER 2015

BY DANG DUY KHOI

getting lost or mixed with other flocks, ‘thinning feathers’ means to pluck feathers for those ducks which have stopped dropping eggs to help them recover, or ‘basin’ them while looking for a new feeding ground. A field exhausted, Mr Hung hires a ferry to take his ducks to another place, another land with new bonding relationships. Collecting eggs is not quite an easy job as it may seem. Mr Hung and his son carefully move on their toes around the 100 m2 fenced area to avoid stepping on the eggs. Nearly three thousand eggs littered on the ground could overwhelm any unaccustomed observer. Every evening, coming home from the fields, Mr Cua, Mr Hung’s son has to count the ducks to see if any is missing, while they move in a huge, noisy congregation. But to them, it’s just another day’s work, something elementary that every nomad duck farmer has to get used to doing in order to survive with the ducks. Mr Hung’s eight children are all matured and well-settled. He still follows his ducks only for the love of the hard work, which is full of fun. He really misses the ducks when they are not around. In a new place, away from home, without new acquaintances, he listens to birds’ night cries and talks to his ducks. To him, every journey is a new one, every place is home, and every field is a life source. He knows the ducks’ health status by their sound. Hissing means they have flu, a too-long opened mouth means some lung problems, which require medicines. Mr Hung said, due to the government’s vaccination program, the ducks rarely get sick.n

What brown can do

ietnam Heritage has been publishing a series based on ‘2,000 Years of Vietnamese Ceramics’ by Nguyen Dinh Chien and Pham Quoc Quan, published by Vietnam National Museum of History, Hanoi, 2005. This month the topic is brown patterned ceramics. This group of wares is considered the most distinctive of Vietnamese ceramics. In the thirteenth and fourteenth centuries, at the beginning, wares were produced with an unique technique; patterns are scraped or incised, then brown-painted on a white ivory glazed body. Ly examples are mostly in a smaller size, including animal figurines, stem-cups in the parrot shape and ewers in the form of Kinnara or Kinnari (Indian celestial musicians,

half bird-half human). There are also spittoons in the shape of a flower basket, decorated with floral sprays and four and six petal apricot flowers. Tran examples are numerous, comprising covered jars with moulded lotus petal collars on the neck and shoulder, cylindrical lobed bodies, and flat bases or pieced pedestal feet. Decorative motifs are much more varied and realistic, especially hunting and fighting scenes, long-legged and longtailed birds, tigers and elephants. In the 15th and 16th centuries, this group of ceramics was decorated with underglaze painting, a technique common for blue and white wares. Typical examples are the vases and lamp stands in the National Museum of Vietnamese History. In the 16th and 17th centuries, this type

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Photos provided by Nguyen Dinh Chien

POTTERY

of ceramics totally disappeared. However, brown glaze was still used for highlights on lamp stands of Le-Mac period. Some scholars believe that Thanh Hoa Province is the homeland of this type of ceramics. I share this opinion. Besides, it should be stressed that, in the 15th to 17th century, kiln centres of blue and white ceramics were also those for manufacturing brown wares with underglaze painting. The specimens decorated with cobalt blue combined with brown glaze can prove this view.n 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

CRAFTS

Pop culture on a stick BY HA NGAN

rtisan Nguyen Van Thanh, chairman of the trade association of Xuan La, has made a lot of contributions to the development of the Xuan La trade village, the only village of Vietnam with the tò he trade. Born in Xuan La Village, Phuong Truc Commune, Phu Xuyen District, Hanoi, where traditionally everybody made tò he, Mr Thanh learnt to make basic figures from coloured starch when he was three. Sevenyear-old Mr Thanh already made colourful animals for his parents to sell. He knows how to cook the starch to make the colour mix most glistening, to produce the most eyecatching tò he. So, tò he followed him to his university’s auditoriums. With a tool box containing starch, a small knife, some bamboo sticks, some wax, a comb and a spongy box, Mr Thanh goes to make and sell tò he every Saturday. His magic fingers transform coloured starch into lively figurines, fascinating children and adults alike. After graduation, Mr Thanh took a job in his home town and continued preserving his ancestral trade. A dynamic individual, he quickly found the tastes of different clienteles. Old people love the cakes he kneads, farmers

Left: Artist Nguyen Van Thanh receiving a certificate of contribution to development of Xuan La trade village in 2014. Photo: www.tohexuanla.vn Right: Tò he. Photo: Bui Xuan Thuy

The wizard of starch figurines makes heroes come to life.

ask him to make buffaloes, soil picks, ploughs, theatrical figures and national heroes such as the Trung Sisters, Lady Trieu, Le Loi and Quang Trung. Young people want roses, teddy bears, zodiac animals and cartoon characters such as Tom and Jerry, Superman and the Monkey King. And so he has been making tò he for the past 21 years of his life. In 2009, Mr Thanh and other artisans like him established a cultural heritage association and traditional trade club of Xuan La Village with 54 members and him as the chairman. Now the membership includes 119 people. On 27 October, 2011, Mr Thanh won one of the three highest prizes in tò he-making competition during the first festival of traditional trade villages of Phu Xuyen District. He made King Ly Thai To and Phoenix on a Lotus in only about 30 minutes. In 2012, Mr Thanh launched tohexuanla.vn website to promote his own tò he figurines and Xuan La’s traditional trade to

24 • VIETNAM HERITAGE - AUGUST-SEPTEMBER 2015

tourists near and far. In 2014, he was invited by the Vietnam Centre of Culture and Arts of the Ministry of Culture to participate in cultural exchanges of the peoples of ASEAN in Thailand and China. His cute and lively tò he have become unique gifts, a typical symbol of the charming Vietnamese culture for the ASEAN delegations. Mr Thanh is often invited to lecture, show and teach the art of tò he making in restaurants and schools. He is also a regular presenter, showing how to make tò he in the Creative Corner program on TV. Mr Thanh said, ‘Tò he kneading is very educational. It helps kids develop creativity, mind fluidity and links the abstract and the concrete.’ All children love the tò he, not only Vietnamese. His deepest concern is that his members still can’t earn a living by the trade. Each of them only makes 2,5 – 3 millions a month and has to sell other toys too. Xuan La villagers only make tò he in festive occasions during Spring, and do other things for the rest of the year. Many families only do it for fun and for the sake of preservation of ancestral values.n

ser nch Wine Week with a Celebrating Sofitel Fre

ies of exceptional

CRAFTS

The versatile calabash

TEXT AND PHOTOS BY THANH BINH

or generations, dry calabashes (gourds) have become a part of the material and spiritual life of the Ma people. Unlike the sweet ones, old bitter calabash husks are thick, tough and nicely shaped. Some have a slender waist in the middle with two naturally round, connected compartments above and beneath it. Some look like a bottle and are very convenient for making utensils. So Ma people grow a lot of bitter calabash. They leave the fruits to grow hard on the fields, then collect them, cut the stalk and shake the seeds out. The husks are soaked in a creek for a week or two for the inside to decompose. Then, they clean the inside and hang the husks over the kitchen to let them harden more and gain a yellowbrown colour. In Ma families, everybody has their own water gourd. Women and girls take care not to let the gourds go empty. Calabash gourds

are very convenient to carry through steep mountain passes to get water home. The largest ones, with a round tummy and more or less flat base, are used for storage. The round, middle-sized ones can be cut to make bowls for meals. Dry gourds can also be used to store corn, beans, and calabash and pumpkin seeds. Like many other ethnicities, The Ma also use husks to make blow pipes, a musical instrument. It’s a multi-part pipe, consisting of six bamboo tubes of different lengths, arranged into two rows (four at the top, two at the bottom), that are driven through the husk, which serves as the sound amplifier. To have a beautiful blow pipe, the Ma select a nice round-shaped husk with a long neck, a little bent near the stalk, which is where they blow. They cut holes on the husk’s tummy to drive the tubes in, and then seal the holes with bees’ wax to make them

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air tight. Blow pipes can accompany songs or be part of an orchestra to perform in festive occasions. They are also a very common means for young men to show their affection for the lady of their heart. The husk gourds are present in all Ma spiritual ceremonies, too. They are used to hold wine and animal blood offered to the gods. Husks that are used for this purpose are usually small and shiningly black-lacquered with a kind of forest leaf.n

JEWELRY

A collar adorned TEXT AND PHOTOS BY MAI HONG LAM

Despite the change in materials, Co Tu necklaces still flatter

ll Co Tu men and women love to adorn themselves. The Co Tu traditional necklaces were very rich and diverse in materials; agate, glass, metals, stones, shells and horns. Nowadays, because of the changes and influences from outside, the Co Tu necklaces are not so rich. Most Co Tu necklaces today are made of only agate, glasses and plastics. The necklaces most beloved by the Co Tu were made of agate beads. One can see at any Co Tu festive occasion men and women with an agate necklace. Archaeological excavations show that the Co Tu people of the Quang Nam Mountains learned to adorn themselves with agate beads quite early. Since agate is beautiful, colourful and durable, they were passed down through thousands of years. To the Co Tu, agate is the most valuable among their jewellery. Blood-red agate beads are the most favoured by Co Tu men and women. Agate is also a must among Co Tu betrothal gifts. Beside agate, glass is also a popular material with which to make Co Tu necklaces. They love it because itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s beautiful and can produce desirable light effects. The preferable ones include transparent, opaque, blue, dark blue, green, brown, orange, plum and ash-grey. Beside agate and glass necklaces today, the Co Tu also love to wear necklaces with plastic beads. They used to use all sorts of materials found in the forests to make beads, but nowadays, they buy plastic beads available in the market to adorn their appearance. These are very similar to the white ones that the Co Tu attach to their brocade dresses, but much more colourful and very cheap, so some even wear a dozen necklaces of many colours-blue, black, red, yellow and white. Co Tu folks love best the white plastic bead necklaces, because these suit the colour of their brocade ornaments. If during the festive times you happen to be in the areas where

The Co Tus live, you would be impressed by the image of graceful and tender young Co Tu girls in their traditional brocade dresses, with a dozen necklaces made of agate, glass, plastics that shine all the lovely colours of the world on their necks. The necklaces never leave the Co Tu women. They add a unique, alluring, glowing charm to everything they wear, do and say.n Above: A Co Tu woman with necklaces in a festival. Below: Co Tu people wearing necklaces in a festival VIETNAM HERITAGE - AUGUST-SEPTEMBER 2015

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Photos: Hotel Majestic

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where history and luxury meet

plendid five–star Hotel Majestic, which celebrated its 90th anniversary this year, has been justly rewarded the title of grand dame of Saigon. Together with Continental, Caravelle, Rex and Grand hotels, it has been setting standards for luxury and hospitality in the southern capital for nearly a century. Built on the charming esplanade of the Saigon River, it serves as the starting point of legendary Dong Khoi Street (formerly Rue Catinat) and impresses one with its finely fretted elegant façade in classic colonial French style yet from a distance. Its columned lobby housing the atmospheric Cyclo Restaurant, Catinat Coffee Lounge, photo gallery showcasing a retrospective of changing hotel images through

BY NATHALIE SOKOLOVSKAYA

its long history, Indian merchants souvenir shop and reception area boast a charming flair of art deco, old-world noble elegance and that very kind of thrilling mystery sensation caused by the image of millions of guests the hotel has welcomed during its long history. It brings to mind both Maugham’s picturesque descriptions of his visits to The Ritz and Remarks’ wanderings through old Paris cafes. The labyrinths of carpeted corridors with antique Vietnamese paintings that look like real art, alternating with passages from a new to an old wing, arcs and columns, and wooden booths of attendants on every floor, are utterly atmospheric and serve as an impressive introduction into the hotel’s fancy accommodations, which range from Colonial

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Deluxe through Colonial Majestic Suite up to President Suite with spectacular panoramic views of the Saigon River and pool. A long veranda with finely forged wrought-iron latticework beautifully frames the old wing courtyard and looks down on the P–shaped swimming pool with its cosy open patio sitting area/alcove with manicured green lawn right above it. Colonial Deluxe elegant interiors feature noble-looking antique chestnut furniture, ornamental carpet, wooden floors, sophisticated and century-old door-handles and water taps, altogether creating a ceremonious yet festive, cosy and intriguing atmosphere, and also a space of absolute comfort and chic in which to indulge oneself. The exquisite 24 hour in-

ADVERTORIAL room service menu boggles the mind with Vietnamese and French culinary delights, bringing grilled king lobster and the finest champagne with one phone call. Hotel picturesque interiors with spiral staircases and passages lead up to the stunning rooftop terrace Sky Breeze Restaurant, where gourmet buffet breakfast is served with stunning views as a backdrop; leading down to the visually delightful courtyard with open-air pool, gym, sauna and library; leading sideways to conference and ballrooms with pictures of famous guests who stayed here. One day would be barely enough to visit all of the in-house facilities, which include six thematic restaurants and rooftop bars offering almost unlimited options to widen oneâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s gastronomic outlook. Three ballrooms with a total capacity of over 1,000 attending guests offer an outstanding venue for various events. The unique mix of history, architecture and famous names such as Graham Greene, Francois Mitterrand, Catherine Deneuve, Prince Andrew Edwards and Kaiko Takeshi

on the list of guests are the features that make Hotel Majestic an iconic hospitality institution which offers its guests an excellent chance to discover another Saigon, elegant and aristocratic, which stands behind the bustling modern metropolis curtain.n

Hotel Majestic

1 Dong Khoi St, Dist.1, Ho Chi Minh City Tel: (08) 3829-5517 Email: majestic@majesticsaigon.com.vn www.majesticsaigon.com.vn

BEST WESTERN PREMIER Havana Nha Trang Hotel

beautiful seaside town with amiable people and flawless tourist service, Nha Trang is currently a rising star. A romantic boulevard with towering hotels lines the shore. Along Tran Phu beach, there are many hotels, but only Best Western Premier Havana Nha Trang Hotel has an undersea tunnel which is very safe and convenient for the guests. Conveniently located at the centre of privilege in the city, the hotel is 40 minutes from the airport, 3 minutes to the town centre, and the sea is right in the front of the building. This 41floor, 5-star hotel with 1,260 rooms is one of the tallest in Nha

Trang. Havana’s rooms have wall-sized glass panel windows looking out to the vast blue sea which seems touchable by hand. At Havana, one can stay up late at night, but can’t wake up late in the morning, for fear of missing the moment when the sun emerges on the horizon where heaven and water meet, when the very first golden threads fall onto the deep blue. In the evenings, I love lying on the couch, looking out the window at the darkening sea, spotted with fishing lights on one side, and buildings and bridges under bright lights on the other. My family loves Havana’s spacious rooms. Some even have a kitchen area separated from

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the bedroom area. This is good because I don’t feel safe having a boiling kettle next to my working table. In a suite, you would have a bedroom, a living room and a kitchen, all completely separated. In a room with sea view, one can see the water from everywhere. Even in the bath tub, the sea also seems to be just behind the glass panel. Deep in warm water, away from all the noise and hurry down there, just alone with the sea, that’s bliss! I love the beds here. Single or double, they are all of international standards, big and wide, with comfortable and blankets. Havana’s abundant buffet breakfast can be Western or Asian. The style here is hos-

BY MIKE HUYNH

pitable and friendly, not so snobbish as to intimidate the guests. In the hotel, there are many bars and restaurants with delectable food for all tastes. I like best the Sky Light here. From the top floor, one can enjoy the panoramic view of the whole Nha Trang Bay unobstructed. As for the kids, nothing is like the pool. Havana’s pool is giant, and also looks toward the sea. A part of it is shaded for Asian guests, while Westerners seem to prefer to expose themselves to the sun. There is a bar beside the pool, serving snacks and cool, refreshing beverages under the tropical sun. In the hotel, there are also spas with standard skincare services.

Photos: Best Western Premier Havana Nha Trang Hotel

For Havanaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s guests, the holidays pass by so fast that the guests feel sorrowful to leave. One can enjoy vibrant Nha Trang with its good food, classy commodities, and heart-boosting music in the basement bar. All this is impressive and unforgettable, and it urges one to come back soon to Havana.n

Best Western Premier Havana Nha Trang Hotel 38 Tran Phu St, Nha Trang, Khanh Hoa Province Tel: (058) 3889-999 Email: info@havanahotel.vn www.havanahotel.vn

RESTAURANT

here is a new buffet lunch and dinner on the tables in town and it is quite the ‘Ritziest’ I have ever eaten. It is in District One, at the Sofitel Saigon Plaza on quiet Le Duan Boulevard. It is in their new restaurant which was built at no regard for expense and which opened its doors on 16 July. It is called the Mezz - a rather clever name which alludes to four things. The first three were easy for me to fathom. Firstly, it is on the Mezzanine floor. Secondly, it recalls mezze; those mouth-watering appetisers that make up a substantial part of Lebanese cuisine. Then, there is, flatteringly for the guests, the notion of the messe, which is the dining area for the officer class in the military. The fourth meaning had to be supplied to me by the General Manager, M. Bertrand Courtois. A mezza or mezza luna is a cooking utensil

A meal fit - a half-moon- shaped chopping knife. A very apt name, but the proof of the pudding is in the eating, as they say. The buffet consists of a number of stations. This makes for a more interactive experience than at most buffets, as you can engage in conversation about your choices with the servers. At the grill station, you can order your steak and seafood to your specification and they will bring it to your table. This works by giving the server one of four plastic credit cardlooking tokens placed at your table. It did not take long for 'surf and turf' or lobster and beef steak, along with some oysters in their shells, to reach ours. When I go to a buffet, I look for things I do not normally eat at home, namely, Vietnamese food. The cold cuts station, with its whole cured ham, allowed me to savour some long-lost favourites such as olives,

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gherkin, European charcuterie, and French and English cream and hard cheeses. There was a large selection of breads also with which to complement these delicacies. The Asian station had Vietnamese, Chinese and Japanese favourites with what I thought was shark fin but turned out to be pork scratching for decoration. I always find sushi and sashimi make for excellent starters before you get down to more filling matters. I ate quite a number of slices of tuna, smoked salmon, white fish and mackerel and egg and seaweed delights all with vinegar rice. The Western station had a number of selections, all of which were kept hot in chafing dishes. I chose the duck a l'orange, as mouth-watering and succulent as you can get. These were served at the edge of a huge stove. This, I was told, was a Molteni stove,

RESTAURANT

for a king the Rolls Royce of stoves. It is beloved by chefs worldwide, enabling them to deliver their specific requirements down to the finest details. This accounted for a huge chunk of the staggering investment needed to create Mezz. Before I was overcome with vertigo, I believe I heard $800,000. The most colourful station, the kids will be pleased to know, is the dessert station. I did not indulge at first, but my much slimmer table mate did get stuck into some gooey gateaux. I did try a little, and in fact, came back for a second bite, the steamed pear taking me right back to my school days, except this, with its cinnamon (or was it clove?) flavour, was far superior. There is one important element to a dining experience that you have to supply yourself and that is the company. With me, I had fellow countryman, Mr Leon Shears of Mar-

BY RITCH PICKENS

keting Solutions Vietnam Co. Impeccably dressed, as always, as a true English gentleman should be, there are paradoxically no words in English to describe his personality, Befittingly, as we a were in a French establishment, you have to use French. He is a 'bon vivant' and a 'raconteur' and, as such, a perfect dinner companion. A useful chap, too, as his way with our waitress ensured our glasses of white and red wines never went dry. We stayed until most had left-until three. Do you know the food was still available at the same quantity as it was at noon! And another thing we witnessed was the attention to detail by the waitress who was resetting the tables for the next influx. We had the mid-week lunch buffet. If you have an Accor card there are discounts. The dinner buffets are themed. Wednesday, for example, is BBQ night and at weekends,

it is seafood specials. The prices range from VND600,000++ with water and one tea or coffee to VND1,388,888++ for Sunday brunch including Champagne, wine, beer and softs. For a five-star buffet in Saigon, these prices are very competitive and a snip of a price if you just rolled in from Paris or London. I can highly recommend these new spreads at the Sofitel Saigon Plaza. They are five star with a little extra cachet. Whether with family, friends or a group of business colleagues, there is something old, something new and something extraordinary for everyone at the Mezz, which could will end up being the new Ritz!n

Sofitel Saigon Plaza

17 Le Duan St, Dist.1, Ho Chi Minh City Tel: (08) 3824-1555 h2077@sofitel.com - www.sofitel.com

VIETNAM HERITAGE - AUGUST-SEPTEMBER 2015

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WHAT THE PAPERS SAY in the 13th century and one or two thousand years BC, as artwork on the ancient bronze drums shows.

Unemployment increases among degree holders

Bears killed as bear bile price drops

Sai Gon Giai Phong, 6 July As the demand for bear bile has dropped recently, along with tightened regulations on control and protection for bear, the number of bears kept in cages has reduced swiftly. Unfortunately, bears were not released into the wild but sent to slaughterhouses for bear bone glue. Nghe An Province is one of a few provinces across the country where bears are kept in cages because of high profits. In previous years, keeping bears for bile was considered as a trendy industry of many households in the province. During that time, the price of bear bile sometimes rose to VND200,000-300,000 per cubic centimetre. According to the Department of Forest Rangers of Nghe An Province, there are 92 bears remaining in the province now from more than 300 bears in 2005.

VN to set up centre for underwater archaeology

Viet Nam News, 5 July Viet Nam plans to build the country's first Centre for Underwater Archaeological Research in Hoi An this year. The centre, which has initial investment of VND200 billion ($9.5 million), will boost research in underwater archaeology. Viet Nam has a 3,200km coastline. Many shipwrecks are yet to be discovered. The centre is expected to help the country explore the precious value of underwater heritage and the history of our sea and islands. According to some historians, central Vietnamese ports were among the busiest in Asia

Viet Nam News, 21 July Nearly 178,000 persons with bachelor's and masters' degrees could not find jobs in the first quarter this year, the statistics released recently by the Labour and Social Sciences Institute said. The number increased by 16,000 persons as compared with the same period last year, the statistics said. In the first quarter, more than 1.1 million were unemployed nationwide, an increase of 14,000 persons. The unemployment rate this year was 2.43 per cent, rising by 0.22 per cent in comparison with last year. Notably, groups with higher educational degrees had a higher rate of unemployment at 6.9 per cent, while it was 1.97 per cent in the non-degree groups, the institute said.

Noi Bai airport to tighten baggage security

Viet Nam News, 29 July The Aviation Security Centre of Noi Bai International Airport in Hanoi has developed a plan to improve aviation security and better manage baggage and cargo to prevent it from being stolen. The plan was drawn up following reports of stolen property among passengers recently. So far, security forces have been checking that all regulations related to the process of receiving, delivering and transporting passengers' luggage have been followed. The plan aims to strengthen management and assign specific responsibilities to organisations and individuals at different stages of the luggage-handling process.

Hundreds die in work accidents

Viet Nam News, 31 July Construction and machinery installation jobs are the most dangerous in the country. Together they account for 30 per cent of work-related accidents nationwide, according to

34 â&#x20AC;˘ VIETNAM HERITAGE - AUGUST-SEPTEMBER 2015

statistics from the Ministry of Labour, Invalids and Social Affairs. About 6,700 work-related accidents were reported last year in Viet Nam, with nearly 7,000 injuries, of which 630 resulted in death. The ministry officials said many labourers are not given proper safety training or safety equipment, explaining that many accidents happen because workers didn't know safety rules.

Experts urge better nutrition for Vietnamese children

Viet Nam News, 5 August About 2.1 million or 24.9 per cent of the Vietnamese children under the age of five suffer from malnutrition, according to statistics from the National Nutrition Institute. In addition, 1.2 million or 14.5 per cent of the country's children are underweight. That means one in every four Vietnamese children under the age of five suffers from malnutrition, while one in every six children is underweight. The institute experts advised parents to pay more attention to food consumed by children and prevent malnutrition by adding probiotics to their diet. Probiotics are live bacteria and yeast that are beneficial for digestion and nutrient absorption, are said to help reduce cholesterol levels, absorb vitamins and improve the immune system.

Korean marriage support project launched in Vietnam

Tuoi Tre News, 17 July A project to give support to Vietnamese women in their marriage relations with Korean husbands was launched in Vi Thanh, the capital city of the Mekong Delta province of Hau Giang. This marriage support project, worth $390,000, was jointly run by the Vietnamese Womenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Cultural Centre in the Republic of Korea and the Vietnam Womenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Union. The project will be piloted in Hau Giang and the northern province of Hai Duong for 18 months. It will focus on education, consultation and giving pre- and post-marriage assistance, with an aim to enhance awareness of women

WHAT THE PAPERS SAY in these localities about cross-culture marriage in line with the two countries’ relevant laws and regulations. According to the Ministry of Public Security statistics, more than 115,600 Vietnamese citizens married foreigners from over 50 countries and territories from 2008 to June 2014.

ing is similar to snowboarding, which involves riding down the slope of a sand dune with both legs strapped to a board. Sand-boarding is a popular sport for tourists visiting the coastal tourism town in Binh Thuan Province’s Phan Thiet City, besides kite surfing, wind surfing, and others.

Ho Chi Minh City to have ‘river bus’ routes

Land erosion, depression ‘burying’ Vietnam’s granary

Tuoi Tre News, 22 July Ho Chi Minh City authorities have approved a project to set up two inland waterway transport routes to carry passengers on boats from District 1 to District 6 and Thu Duc District. The two ‘river bus’ routes will help ease the crowded traffic on roads, especially during rush hour, and contribute to the city’s waterway tourism development, the municipal People's Committee said.

Vietnam to begin issuing International Driving Permits

Tuoi Tre News, 22 July Vietnam’s transport authorities will start granting International Driving Permits (IDPs) to Vietnamese and foreigners who have permanent residence permits in October, allowing the holders to drive in more than 80 countries that recognize the licenses. The IDP will be valid for three years at most and it is recognized in 84 other countries. The International Driving Permit is a multipage book with its basic information written in English and Vietnamese. It also includes a section, printed in Vietnamese, English, Russian, French and Spanish, where the holder declares their personal particulars and the vehicle classes.

Vietnam’s Mui Ne listed among world’s best destinations for sand-boarding

Tuoi Tre News, 29 July The coastal town of Mui Ne in south-central Vietnam has recently been listed among the best destinations for sand-boarding in the world. According to the list titled ‘World’s 10 Best Sandboarding Destinations,’ created by the infotainment blog wonderslist.com, sand-board-

Tuoi Tre News, 31 July Tens of thousands of inhabitants of the Mekong Delta in Vietnam have lost their houses to land erosion, especially along river banks, as the result of a decrease in the volume of water in rivers. It is predicted that a million people living in coastal areas and along river banks will have suffered direct adverse effects from land erosion by the year 2050, said a counsellor of the Vietnam Rivers Network. The area of the Mekong Delta, which is considered the rice bowl of the country, has become smaller and smaller year after year. Not only residential areas, but also protective forests along the coast of the Mekong Delta may soon be eradicated, thanks to the fast rate of erosion. The loss reached 20,000 hectares in 2011, and will multiply to 90,000 hectares, or a sixth of the total area of Ca Mau, the farthest southern point of the country, in the near future.

Travellers beware

Tuoi Tre News, 1 August People are highly advised to follow weather reports and keep alert when traveling in localities in northern Vietnam, as heavy rainfalls, and possible floods, are hitting many provinces in the region. Heavy downpours are forecast to continue hitting northern provinces from August 1 to 3, whereas such provinces as Quang Ninh, Lang Son, Cao Bang, Bac Giang, Bac Can, Ha Giang, Tuyen Quang, Lao Cai, Yen Bai, Phu Tho, Lai Chau, Dien Bien and Son La are facing high risks of floods, according to the National Centre for Hydro-Metrological Forecasting. The Vietnamese military has put 31,000 soldiers on standby for activities to deal with the flooding, after 17 people in Quang Ninh were killed by floods earlier this week.

Watch out for scam bus services

Tuoi Tre News, 3 August If you are invited to book a seat on a bus travelling from Hanoi to Sapa, do not hesitate to say no, as there is no such service. Local transportation firms are running attractive ads for bus routes bringing tourists from Hanoi to Sapa, in Lao Cai Province. But Tran Dang Hai, head of the inspectorate of the Hanoi Department of Transport, asserted that the capital has yet to launch any bus service to Lao Cai. Most of the buses in Hanoi are operating on short routes and within the city, according to the official. Many long-haul coaches and for-hire cars are also disguised as Hanoi-Sa Pa buses and offer cheap tickets to dupe passengers.

Nha Trang to have night swimming

Tuoi Tre News, 4 August A company in the south-central province of Khanh Hoa has received the green light from local authorities to earmark part of the beach in the provincial capital of Nha Trang for tourists and locals to swim at night. Swimming after 6:00 pm is normally not advisable at beaches across Vietnam for safety reasons, as no lifeguards work that late to protect beachgoers. TD JSC, which proposed opening a night swimming beach in front of the 32-34 Tran Phu Hotel, thus said it will set up a lighting system and arrange lifeboats and lifeguard forces to ensure safety.

Central Highlands loses forest

Thanh Nien News, 8 August Vietnam's Central Highlands has lost nearly 14 percent of its forest area since 2008, with some local officials found to have been involved in illegal deforestation. A total of 358,797 hectares (886,606 acres) of forest have been destroyed over the past seven years. The region now has 2.25 million hectares of forest, of which 45 percent are in poor health. Causes to the loss include timber poaching and illegal deforestation for farming. Experts have called for emergency and creative measures to protect forests in the region for biodiversity protection and sustainable local farming.

VIETNAM HERITAGE - AUGUST-SEPTEMBER 2015

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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 Conceptual art show Till 17 August Manzi Art Space presents ‘PRISM – lăn[g] kính lăn[g] trụ’, a group exhibition by Ly Hoang Ly, Patricia Nguyen and John Lee, till 17 August. The exhibition is an interactive multi-media video, sound, and photography installation and poetry performance project, including a series of artist’s books that explores the relationship between bodies, shifting landscapes, and cultural memory in Vietnam. Through an embodied experience attending to the senses of sight, sound, and tactile navigation, ‘PRISM – lăn[g] kính lăn[g] trụ’ – offers an experience that challenges the viewer to question the relationship between notions of memory and amnesia, home and displacement, and construction and destruction. Manzi Art Space, 14 Phan Huy Ich St, Hanoi. Free entry. Obsessed with silk Till 25 August

A silk painting, themed ‘Order’, by Le Thuy, is on at Chula till 25 August. The artist said ‘I am passionate about silk, as it is a traditional typical material of Eastern Asia. Silk is smooth, but weaved with extremely tight silk fibers, just like connections among individuals in a society. I

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exploit the transparent aspects of silk to create the feeling of longing, mystery, and obsession. Viewers can focus on the image on the surface of the silk, or also see through the silk to what is behind the silk, to create tension that reflects my own obsessions.’ ‘I have a cynical feeling about life. I express these cynical feelings about order through the placement and composition of the animals I paint such as fish, birds, and dogs. I place these animals in a large, empty and flat spatial composition to express my confusion.’ Chula, 43 Nhat Chieu St, Hanoi The price of progress Till 30 August An installation, themed ‘8m²’ by Nguyen The Son, is on at Goethe Institut Hanoi till 30 August. In the photo installation, the artist addresses the individual consequences of the progressing industrialization in Vietnam. People move to the city in quest of work and often live there in the smallest spaces under severe conditions for years. The artist records the small corners of these living environments and the workers’ belongings in his artworks, telling their stories to viewers. Free admission. Goethe Institut Hanoi, 56-58 Nguyen Thai Hoc St, Ba Dinh Dist, Hanoi. MUSIC Archetypal Concert 21 and 22 August

‘Subscription Concert Vol. 82’ will be performed at 8 p.m. on 21 and 22 August at the Hanoi Opera House with conductor Le Phi Phi, violinist Lidija Dobrevska and the artists from the Vietnam

National Symphony Orchestra. Tickets range from VND200,000 to VND500,000. Call 0913489858 for free delivery. Hanoi Opera House, 1 Trang Tien St, Hanoi. Baroque and chamber music 20 and 22 August Vietnamese American Music Festival 2015 will be shown at 5.30 p.m. on 20 and 22 August at the Vietnam National Academy of Music. On 20 August, it will be with the participation of international chamber artists and a Fantasmi baroque ensemble. On 22 August, it will have the participation of international chamber artists and artists from Vietnam National Academy of Music. Tickets range from VND200,000 to VND500,000. Tickets are available at Hanoi Opera House, 1 Trang Tien St, Hoan Kiem Dist., Hanoi. Tel:(04) 3933-0113. Or call 0913489858 for free delivery. Vietnam National Academy of Music, 77 Hao Nam St, Dong Da Dist., Hanoi Disney singer to perform 12 September Peabo Bryson will perform from 8 p.m. to 11 p.m. on 12 September at Vietnam National Convention Centre. There will be a participation by singers Uyen Linh, Van Mai Huong and Duong Hoang Yen in the shows. Peabo Bryson won both Grammy and Oscar awards for the performance ‘Beauty and The Beast’ with Celine Dion in 1992. A year later, he continued won another Grammy with the duet ‘A Whole New World’ with Regina Belle. Tickets range fromVND500,000 to VND3,500,000. Vietnam National Convention Centre, Pham Hung St, Tu Liem Dist, Hanoi Farmer at Le Club Till 30 August African-American Jazz diva Kathryn Farmer will perform from Tuesday to Sunday at 8.45p.m. till 30 August at Le Club

of the Sofitel Legend Metropole Hanoi, 15 Ngo Quyen St, Hanoi. Dubstep DJ to perform 29 September in Hanoi DJ Skrillex will be on an Asian tour in September. He will perform at Hero Club in Hanoi on 29 September. The 27-year-old producer, DJ, singer and songwriter has won six Grammy awards. Hero Club, 24 Yen Phu St, Hanoi

DANANG

Rising sun meets yellow star 28 – 30 August

Japan-Vietnam Cultural Exchange Festival 2015 will be organized from 9 a.m. to 10 p.m., 28 to 30 August at Danang Administration Centre Park, 24 Tran Phu St, Danang. The event includes cuisine booths, street performances, Chadou performances by artists from Sakai City, Akido performances, Kendo competition, cultural and music performances and other activities such as cosplay, manga mask drawing, Origami and traditional games of Japan and Vietnam. Celebrate summer with flowers Till 31 August Ba Na Cable Car Service Joint Stock Company holds a summer holiday with theme ‘The Colour of Summer’ till the end of August at Ba Na Hills, in Hoa Vang Dist, Danang. The event has a variety of interesting activities, including flower decoration of bicycles and horse wagon, models wearing unique outfits made of flowers, Dalat’s fresh flower stall, a calligraphy exhibition and a sketch painting service.

NHA TRANG

Water Puppetry Afternoon and evening everyday Nha Trang Water Puppetry 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 living 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. Nha Trang Water Puppetry Theatre, 46 Tran Phu St, Nha Trang, Khanh Hoa Province. A walk to remember Holiday Diving Company has launched ‘Sea Walking’ at Hon Tam Island, Nha Trang. Everyone, old or young, swimmer or nonswimmer, can get to the bottom of the sea. Tourists wear a special helmet with oxygen supply and follow a tour guide on a walk for 15 to 20 minutes on the seabed at a depth of 4 to 6 metres to view coral and other sea creatures and feed the fish. Ticket: VND800,000/person Holiday Diving Company, 2D Lam Son, Phuoc Hoa, Nha Trang, Khanh Hoa Province. Tel: 0935.626.090

VUNG TAU

Plastic boat race 29 August

On the occasion of the 70th National Day, there will be a sailing boat race at Dong Xuyen Industrial Zone, Ganh Rai Bay, Vung Tau City, on 29 August. The race is organized by the Vung Tau Marina Company and Vietnam sailing club. The race includes 6 catamarans made by Viet-Czech Company using plastic and 4 sailing boats made by other boat lovers. The event attracts professional and amateur racers from Halong, Nha Trang, Binh Thuan, Ho Chi Minh City, Vung Tau, Kien Giang and the Czech Republic.

HO CHI MINH CITY

EXHIBITIONS Relentless rhythm Till 26 August

An exhibition, named ‘Motion’, by Phan Phuong Dong is on at Eight Gallery till 26 August. The artist uses lines, surfaces, colours and space combined with geometric forms to create the phenomenon of ‘Motion’. The works are placed on stainless steel, crystal, and Plexiglas by means of digital technology. Eight Gallery, Lafayette Building, 8 Phung Khac Khoan S., Dist.1, Ho Chi Minh City Local art collective shines Till 28 August A group painting exhibition, themed ‘Café Saigon’, is on at Tu Do Gallery till 18 August. The exhibition displays 18 artworks, including lacquer, oil and acrylic paintings by Ho Van Hung, Tran The Vinh, Pham Tuan Tu, Chu Viet Cuong, Tran Dinh Binh and Nguyen Hoang Viet. Tu Do Gallery, 53 Ho Tung Mau St, Dist.1, Ho Chi Minh City Tel: (08) 3821-0966

EVENTS Asian artefacts Till 31 October Some 250 artefacts, most of them never before shown in public, are on display till 31 October at the Ho Chi Minh City History Museum, 2 Nguyen Binh Khiem St, Dist.1, Ho Chi Minh City. The items on show at ‘A 40year collection of artefacts’ exhibition include a gemstone earring in a skull dating back 2,500 years, a bronze jar from the 1st-3rd centuries, and ceramic oil lamps from the 19th-20th centuries. They have been excavated, gifted, or bought over the past 40 years. While most of the items belong to Vietnamese cultures, some are from Cambodia, China, India, Japan, Laos, and Myanmar.

MUSIC Disney singer to perform 18 September Peabo Bryson will perform from 8 p.m. to 11 p.m. on 18 September at Hoa Binh Theatre. See Hanoi section for more information. Tickets range from VND500,000 to VND3,500,000. Hoa Binh Theatre, 240 – 242, 3 Thang 2 St, Ward 12, Dist 10, Ho Chi Minh City

Dubstep DJ to perform 27 September DJ Skrillex will be on an Asian tour in September. He will perform at Lush in Ho Chi Minh City on 27 September. Lush, 2 Ly Tu Trong St, Dist.1, Ho Chi Minh City THEATRE ‘Autumn Melodies’ arts festival 25 – 30 August ‘Autumn Melodies’ arts festival is held biannually in Ho Chi Minh City. This is the biggest event in 2015 for the Ho Chi Minh City Ballet Symphony Orchestra and Opera. This August, the festival will be held for 6 continuous days, from 25 to 30 August, with performances by many talented pianists, violinists, and choreographers who are highly acclaimed on the international stage. The show also will feature the Royal Norwegian Navy Band trumpet

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EVENTS

orchestra from Norway. There will be 10 music and ballet arts shows, promising the most unique, attractive and highest quality festival, ranging from classic to modern. Tickets range from VND80,000 (for students) to VND800,000. Opera House, 7 Lam Son Square, Dist.1, HCMC. For more information please visit www.hbso.org.vn. Tel: (08) 3823-7419.

AO! AO Show is on at Opera House at 6 p.m. on 17, 18, 19 and 21 August 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

features a floating fruit market with more than 70 boats, collections of rare and huge fruits from the countryside in Vietnam and international art performances.

themselves front of a lotus swamp. Tickets range from VND504,000 to VND1,176,000. Opera House, 7 Lam Son Square, Dist.1, Ho Chi Minh City. Tel: (08) 3829-9976

FAIRS Floating fruit market Till the end of September Southern Fruit Festival 2015 will be organized at Suoi Tien Theme Park in District 9, Ho Chi Minh City from 1 June and lasts for three months. The festival

38 • VIETNAM HERITAGE - AUGUST-SEPTEMBER 2015

Safe foods fair 22 and 23 August Saigon Green Fair is a monthly activity at Café D’anver, with 30 stalls selling safe food, organic products and environmentally friendly products. It is aimed to create a 'playground' for citizens and tourists and build good habits for using safe and clean food. There will be other activities, including a talk show about how to recognize clean food, live music, food fair and a lucky draw. The event will be held on 22 and 23 August. Café D’anver, 96B Le Thanh Ton St, Dist.1, Ho Chi Minh City. Entrance free.

OTHER Fast and Furious Till 17 August

Vietnam Motorbike Festival will be held from 14 August to 17 August in Phu Tho Stadium. The highlight of the event is a performance of riders on a flat track 890 m in length. In addition, there will be a performance of Rallycross by Asian professional riders, a display of scooters, Silk Road Flea Market and Ultra Speed Music Show, including electronic music and dangerous motorbike stunts. Phu Tho Stadium, 1 Lu Gia St, Ward.5, Dist.11, Ho Chi Minh City

HOTELS

Hilton Garden Inn Hanoi

20 Phan Chu Trinh St, Hoan Kiem Dist., Hanoi Tel: (04) 39449-396 www.hanoi.hgi.com Hilton Garden Inn Hanoi is offering a 25 per cent discount on room rates for stays till 20 December. The price starts from VND1,430,000 ($65) per room per night. The promotion is valid till 30 September.

(China). The hotel has 18 floors, including 195 accommodations and three meeting rooms with a total capacity of 1,000 guests.

Mường Thanh Grand Quang Nam

351A Hung Vuong St, An Xuan Ward, Tam Ky City, Quang Nam Province Tel: (0510) 3555-222 www.muongthanh.vn

Hilton Hanoi Opera Hotel

1 Le Thanh Tong St, Hanoi Tel: (04) 3933-0500 www.hanoi.hilton.com Hilton Hanoi Opera Hotel is offering a 30 per cent discount on room rates for stays from now till 20 December. The price starts from VND1,980,000 ($90) per room per night. The promotion is valid till 30 September.

Movenpick Hotel Hanoi 83A Ly Thuong Kiet St, Hanoi Tel: (04) 3822-2800

2 Lam Son Square, Dist.1, Ho Chi Minh City Tel: (08) 3824-1234 www.saigon.park.hyatt.com Four-star Mường Thanh Grand Quang Nam has opened in August with 233 modern rooms and 4 meeting rooms. Among them is Tam Ky Grand Ballroom, with a capacity of over 1,000 guests. Besides this, it has Ban Thach Restaurant and Truong Giang wedding room seating 800 people. The hotel is situated on Hung Vuong St, the heart of Tam Ky City, about 70km away from Danang City and 30km from Chu Lai International Airport and Ky Ha Harbour. 1 Dong Khoi St, Dist.1,Ho Chi Minh City Tel: (08) 3829-5517 www.majesticsaigon.com.vn

La Residence Hotel & Spa

5 Le Loi St, Hue Tel: (054) 3837-475 www.la-residence-hue.com La Residence Hotel & Spa has a promotion ‘Hue, Cruise With Us’ till the end of September for those who book at least two nights. The special promotion includes a complimentary sightseeing cruise on the Perfume River and a free conical hat. The price starts from VND3,268,000++ per room per night.

Hotel Majestic is offering an ‘Exclusive Deal Promotion’ till 31 October. The prices start from $140 (VND3,080,000) per room per night, including a one-way airport transfer and buffet breakfast. The price includes service charge and VAT.

Mường Thanh Grand Lao Cai

Caravelle Hotel

86 Thanh Nien St, Duyen Hai Ward, Lao Cai Province Tel: (020) 3778-888 www.laocai.muongthanh.vn Mường Thanh Grand Lao Cai, a four-star hotel, opened at the end of July in Lao Cai Province. It located in the city centre and near Lao Cai-Ha Khau International Border Gate

party held from now till 31 January, 2016 will get many perks, including a 10 per cent discount on food and beverages, a gift card valued at VND15,000,000 from Joli Poli Fashion, a gift card valued at VND4,000,000 from Bliss Wedding Planner, tapas with a bottle of Moet Chandon for couples at the hotel’s Tapas Kitchen, Reine Blanche Whitening skin care product from L’Occitane, Génifique facial treatment from Lancome, a 40 per cent off bridal gown rental from Koyuki Tokyo and a 30 per cent off invitation card from Forever Wedding Card.

Park Hyatt Saigon

Hotel Majestic Movenpick Hotel Hanoi has a package: ‘Hanoi Insight’ till the end of August for those who book at least two nights. The price starts from VND4,402,000++ per room per night with breakfast and a one day city tour.

VALUE FOR MONEY

19-23 Cong Truong Lam Son St, Dist.1, Ho Chi Minh City Tel: (08) 3823-4999 www.caravellehotel.com Caravelle Hotel will hold a wedding exhibition from 2 p.m. to 8 p.m. on 25 and 26 August. Those who book their weddings from 25 August to 8 September with at least 200 guests and the

After three months of renovation with a project themed ‘Luxury Redefinition’, Park Hyatt Saigon is now in operation with a complete facelift. Traditional Vietnamese artworks and photography are displayed in every corner of Park Hyatt Saigon. Crystal chandeliers shine and reflect sunlight coming through the high windows, and eclectic hand-crafted furniture in Park Lounge featuring a lively mix of different patterns gives the whole venue a brand new look. The hotel’s 245 rooms and suites have luxurious elements from Vietnamese artworks. The highlight of renovation is the pool and the outdoor garden transformed into a green oasis of peace. In addition, the Pool House and the Guest House boast an innovative meeting concept that is truly unique for events and conferences. All three restaurants and lounges were upgraded with new menus.

RESORTS AND SPAS

Fusion Maia Danang

Vo Nguyen Giap St, Khue My Ward, Ngu Hanh Son Dist., Danang Tel: (0511) 3967-999 www.fusionmaiadanang.com Fusion Maia Danang will offer a promotion, ‘Stay 7 nights, pay for 5’ from 1 September, 2015 to 31 January, 2016. The promotion includes breakfast and spa treatments.

Anantara Hoi An Resort

1 Pham Hong Thai St, Hoi An, Quang nam Province

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VALUE FOR MONEY

Tel: (0510) 3914-555 www.hoi-an.anantara.com Anantara Hoi An Resort is offering a promotion for those who book at least two nights till 31 December. It includes breakfast, a 20 per cent discount on dining and a 20 per cent discount on massages. The package costs VND4,400,000 per room for two nights. It is valid till 31 December.

AVANI Quy Nhon Resort & Spa Ghenh Rang, Bai Dai Beach, Quy Nhon, Binh Dinh Province Tel: (056) 3840-132 www.avanihotels.com/quynhon

per cent discount for spa services, a 10 per cent discount at Hippocampe Restaurant and Non La Pool Bar, a 5 per cent discount at Seahorse Bistro Restaurant, and a shuttle bus from Phat Thiet Railway Station to resort. Those buy 10 vouchers get one free on weekends. Those buy 5 vouchers get one free for all days from 3 September to 31 October. Guests can combine more vouchers for a longer stay. Vouchers are valid till 31 October.

coffee shop. The original concept of Maison Ken ライフ Ji is the fusion of Asia and Europe, decorated in black and white colours. It serves a variety of drinks and French cuisine, including ‘tartine’, a croissant showered in butter and macaroons. It has over 60 seats. Diners can enjoy wall paintings by artist Dan Nguyen on the first floor. Besides, it has a clothing and accessory shop on the second floor with fashionable designs in the Japanese style by designers as well as owners Anais Lacouture and Madox Thanh Hoang Nguyen. Drinks start at VND50,000.

Harems Cruise

10th Floor, Thanh Dung Building, 179 Nguyen Cu Trinh St, Dist.1, Ho Chi Minh City Tel: (08) 6282-4567 www.haremscruise.com

Alcove Library Hotel AVANI Quy Nhon Resort & Spa is offering a two-night package till 31 May, 2016. It includes breakfast, a 30-minute massage and roundtrip airport transfers. The price starts from VND3,910,000 per room per night.

133A Nguyen Dinh Chinh St, Ward 8, Phu Nhuan Dist, Ho Chi Minh City Tel: (08) 6256-9966 www.alcovehotel.com.vn

Best Western Premier Havana Nha Trang

38 Tran Phu St, Nha Trang Tel: (058)3889-999 www.havanahotel.vn Havana Spa, at the Best Western Premier Havana Nha Trang, is offering a 20 per cent discount on spa treatments, except for salon services, in August.

Bamboo Village Beach Resort & Spa

38 Nguyen Dinh Chieu St, Ham Tien Ward, Phan Thiet, Binh Thuan Province Tel: (062) 3847-007 www.bamboovillageresortvn.com Bamboo Village Beach Resort & Spa has an ‘Anniversary Celebration Luxury Package’ from 15 August to 31 October. The prices start from VND3,688,000 per night in a Garden View Bungalow for two with dinner and a 60-minute body massage. The price includes service charge and VAT.

Bookmark Restaurant, at the Alcove Library Hotel, offers a dinner course menu at VND500,000++ per person. There are three types of course menu, including Saigon Course, Bookmark Course and Steak Course.

OTHERS

Maison Ken ライフJi

18 Ho Huan Nghiep St, Dist.1, Ben Nghe Ward, Ho Chi Minh City

Seahorse Resort &Spa

Nguyen Dinh Chieu St, Ham Tien ward, Mui Ne, Phan Thiet City, Binh Thuan Province Tel: (062) 3847-507 www.seahorseresortvn.com Seahorse Resort & Spa is offering vouchers valued at VND1,899,000, including a one-night stay in a Deluxe Room, breakfast, lunch, a 30

Maison Ken ライフJi launched in July and is located in the chic area of Ho Huan Nghiep St, District 1. It features shopping, dining and a

40 • VIETNAM HERITAGE - AUGUST-SEPTEMBER 2015

Royal Investment Joint Stock Company launched luxury ship Harem Cruise 2 in Danang in July. Harem Cruise 2 has three floors including restaurant, bar, and sundeck with a capacity up to 200 persons. Harem Cruise 2 is at Han River Port along with beautiful roads and white sandy beaches.

New luxury river cruiser in Vietnam

September 2015 The luxury river cruiser ‘Anawrahta’, owned by Heritage Line, is the newest ship in the collection and is set to cruise the Ayeyarwady in Myanmar this mid-September 2015. The ship will sail on 4 different itineraries ranging from 4 to 11 nights, visiting ports including Yangon, Bagan, Mandalay and Homalin. Guests on the Anawrahta can expect a five-star experience with superior services and classy, luxurious facilities. The 23-cabin Anawrahta mixes Burmese motifs and British colonial-style décor and features a bar, lounge, restaurant, spa, gym and Jacuzzi pool. It joins the five other unique Heritage Line ships in Halong Bay, Vietnam and on the Mekong River between Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam and Siem Reap (Angkor Wat), Cambodia. For more information please visit www.heritage-line.com. Tel: (08) 3773-8555.

FOOD PROMOTIONS

Sofitel Legend Metropole Hanoi

15 Ngo Quyen St, Hanoi Tel: (04) 3826-6919 www.sofitel-legend.com Sofitel Legend Metropole Hanoi presents handmade moon cakes in a variety of flavours, including traditional mix, lotus with young rice, bean and mango, caramel with dry fig and candied orange. Those orders placed before 21 August will get a one-night stay in Premium Room with breakfast. Those orders before 28 August, 4 and 11 September will get a 15 per cent discount, a 10 per cent discount and a 5 per cent discount, respectively, on the total bill. VND1,550,000 for a box of four and VND1,650,000 a box of six. Special deal: VND 3,680,000 a box accompanied with a bottle of sparkling wine.

Sheraton Nha Trang Hotel & Spa prepares boxes of four moon cakes with green tea with lotus seed and salted egg yolk, green bean with pandan flavour and salted egg yolk, savoury moon cake with jambon and salted egg yolk and savoury moon cake with roasted chicken Jambon. The price is VND619,000. Those who book early or order over 200 boxes till 30 August will get a 20 per cent discount. The price includes service charge and VAT.

Ngoc Lan Dalat Hotel

42 Nguyen Chi Thanh St, Ward 1, Dalat, Lam Dong Province Tel: (063) 3838 838 www.ngoclanhotel.vn

Novotel Danang Premier Han River 36 Bach Dang St, Hai Chau Dist., Danang Tel: (0511) 3929-999

Every Friday, The Square Restaurant, at the Novotel Danang Premier Han River, serves Peking roasted duck with three courses at VND850,000++ a whole bird and VND425,000++ a half bird. The chefs will prepare the dishes at the table to diners’ order.

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

a 10 per cent discount and 150 or more will get a 15 per cent discount. Early Birds will get a 5 per cent discount and Club Epicure members will get an additional 5 per cent off the total bill.

Royal Hotel Saigon

133 Nguyen Hue St, Dist.1, Ho Chi Minh City Tel: (08) 3822-5914 www.royalhotelsaigon.com Royal Hotel Saigon will prepare a ‘Vu Lan Festival’ with vegetarian buffet dinner featuring over 40 dishes in Asian and European styles, 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. on 14, 27, 28 August and 12 September. VND239,000 for adults and VND139,000 for children. Those who buy 10 tickets will get one free.

Sheraton Saigon Hotel & Towers

Sofitel Plaza Hanoi

1 Thanh Nien St, Ba Dinh Dist, Hanoi Tel: (04) 3823-8888 Sofitel Plaza Hanoi serves a selection of hand made moon cakes from 12 August to 27 September. The cakes have many flavours, including green bean, taro, lotus seed, green rice, honeydew and jambon. Those who order 10 boxes before 5 September will get a complimentary box. Price ranges from VND490,000+ to VND5,886,000+ a box. Also, the hotel has ‘Moon cake Master Class’ for those who want to make hand-crafted moon cakes. It costs $25 (VND540,000), including a tea break.

VALUE FOR MONEY

Tulip Restaurant, at the Ngoc Lan Dalat Hotel, is offering a special rate at VND210,000 per person for Saturday Buffet Dinner with more than 40 dishes. Also, the hotel has a 40 per cent discount for Aroma Hot Stone Body Treatment and Whitening – Brightening Face Treatment at First Lady Spa from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. everyday.

88 Dong Khoi St, Ben Nghe Ward, Dist.1, Ho Chi Minh City Tel: (08) 3827-2828 www.sheratonsaigon.com Sheraton Saigon Hotel & Towers is offering hand-crafted moon cakes with many flavours including white lotus, pandan, green tea, cranberry, pomelo and mixed nut. The moon cakes are prepared with or without egg yolks. VND1,068,000 a box of four or VND 270,000 a cake. The price includes service charge and VAT. The moon cakes are available from 11 August to 27 September.

Windsor Plaza Hotel

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

Hotel Equatorial Ho Chi Minh City

242 Tran Binh Trong Str., District 5, HCMC Tel: (08) 3839 7777 Email: dine@hcm.equatorial.com www.hochiminhcity.equatorial.com Orientica seafood Restaurant and Bar at Hotel Equatorial Ho Chi Minh City offers the new promotion, ‘Orientica Gone Cray-Z’ from Tuesday to Sunday, lunch and dinner. Enjoy crayfish with tomato sauce and garlic and a complimentary bowl of steamed rice at VND 999,000++/per kg (half price for half kg). 1 bucket of 6 San Miguel lights can be bought at VND 348,000++.

New World Saigon Hotel

76 Le Lai Street, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City Tel: (08) 3822-8888 Chefs at Saigon Bakery, at the New World Saigon Hotel, will prepare crafted moon cakes, from 21 August to 27 September, with flavours of mixed nut, white Lotus, black sesame, red bean, green tea and Tiramisu. VND850,000+ for a box of four or six pieces and VND185,000+ for a cake. Those who order 10 to 20 boxes will get a 5 per cent discount, 21 to 149 boxes will get

Windsor Plaza Hotel is offering a selection of moon cakes in a variety of flavors, including green bean, red bean, coconut, lotus seed, green tea, black sesame, tiramisu, roasted chicken, and roasted chicken with shark’s fin. The hotel presents two types of moon cake boxes that fuse modern and tradition styles. The boxes are designed with rectangular and octagonal shapes, representing the earth and heaven. VND868,000 for a box of four large and an Oolong tea box. VND828,000 for a box of small eight.

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

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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 - AUGUST-SEPTEMBER 2015

• 43

A quare 1. B aD inh S Ba Dinh Square

2. H oa L oP Hoa Lo Prison rison

3. S ’s Cathedral Cathedral Stt Joseph Joseph’s

ouse Opera House 4. Hanoi O pera H

Cot Co Tower 5. C ot C oT ower

Women’s Museum 6. Women’s

Ho Chi Minh 7. H oC hi M inh Museum

Citadel Thang Long hang L ong 8. IImperial mperial C itadel of T

CENTRE O

Vietnam History F3 9. V ietnam National National Museum of History Vietnam Military History 10. V ietnam M ilitary H istory Museum D2 illar 11. O ne P One Pillar

ausoleum 12. H oC hi M inh M Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum

13. Ngo on T emple Ngocc S Son Temple

14. Dong Da H ill Hill

15. Dong X uan M arket Xuan Market

An entry in the Directions section is either editorial or advertising To advertise, and be certain that your entry appears, please contact

1 4 14

Mr Song Hao Mobile: 0903 476 999

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

12 1 11

15 8

7 5 10 13 3

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 Morocco 9 Chu Van An St, Ba Dinh Dist., Hanoi Tel: (04) 3734-5586 Mongolia 5 Van Phuc, Kim Ma St, Ba Dinh Dist., Hanoi Tel: (04) 3845-3009

46 • VIETNAM HERITAGE - AUGUST-SEPTEMBER 2015

Myanmar 298A Kim Ma St, Ba Dinh Dist., Hanoi Tel: (04) 3845-3369 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 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 United Kingdom 31 Hai Ba Trung St, Hoan Kiem Dist., Hanoi Tel: (04) 3936-0500

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

DIRECTIONS HANOI Topas Travel 52 To Ngoc Van St, Hanoi Tel: (04) 3715-1005 Email: sales@topastravel.vn www.topastravel.vn HOTELS Note: Prices at many hotels depend on occupancy and change daily 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 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) 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 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

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

SIGHTSEEINGS

Ba Dinh Square 36A Dien Bien Phu St, Ba Dinh Dist, Hanoi Ba Dinh Square, where President Ho Chi Minh declared Vietnam’s independence in September 1945, is a complex of historic sites. Cot Co Tower 28 Dien Bien Phu St, Ba Dinh Dist, Hanoi Cot Co Tower, the so-called Flag Tower, is now part of the Vietnam Military History Museum complex. The Tower was built in 1950, under the Nguyen Dynasty, with the help of French engineers. The tower has 36 flower-shaped windows. At the top of the tower flies the flag of Vietnam. Hanoi Opera House 1 Trang Tien St, Hoan Kiem Dist, Hanoi Designed by a French architect along the lines of the Paris Opera House, it is embellished with wonderful Gothic statuary. For many decades, Hanoi Opera House has been a centre for theatre, traditional music and dance, symphonies, traditional and classical music. This, the largest theatre in Vietnam, was completed in 1911. Hoa Lo Prison ‘La Maison Centrale’, the prison on Hoa Lo Street in Hanoi, was built by the French in 1896 and became the place where generations of Vietnamese freedom fighters were held. St Joseph’s Cathedral 40 Nha Chung St, Hoan Kiem Dist., Hanoi Fresh missionaries built this cathedral in the late 19th century. The small but beautiful panes of stained glass were created in Paris in 1906. Also of note is the ornate altar, with its high gilded sidewalls. 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 Email: btmtvn@vnfam.vn 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

VIETNAM HERITAGE - AUGUST-SEPTEMBER 2015

• 47

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. 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

463 Lac Long Quan St., Lang Co Town, Phu Loc Dist, Thua Thien Hue Province Tel: (054) 3873-555 Email: langco@dng.vnn.vn www.langcobeachresort.com.vn

NGHE AN

Email: sales@songlam.muongthanh.vn

www.songlam.muongthanh.vn

QUANG BINH

(TELEPHONE CODE: 052) HOTELS, RESORTS

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) TRAVEL

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

30 Le Loi St, Hue Tel: (054) 3823-526 Email: info@morinhotels.com.vn www.morinhotel.com.vn From VND2,173,500 ($103.50) Hue Riverside Boutique Resort & Spa

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

Pilgrimage Village Boutique Resort & Spa 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

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 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

DANANG

(TELEPHONE CODE: 0511) HOTELS, RESORTS

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

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

588 Bui Thi Xuan St, Thuy Bieu Dist., Hue Tel: (054) 3978-484 Email: sales@hueriversideresort.com www.hueriversideresort.com

48 • VIETNAM HERITAGE - AUGUST-SEPTEMBER 2015

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

BW Premier Indochine Palace

Email: info@ninhbinhlegendhotel.com

(TELEPHONE CODE: 038) Mường Thanh Song Lam Hotel 13 Quang Trung St, Quang Trung Ward, Vinh, Nghe An Province Tel: (038) 3737-666

Lang Co Beach Resort

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

Ninh Binh Legend Hotel Tien Dong Zone, Ninh Khanh Ward, Ninh Binh City Tel: (030) 3899-880 www.ninhbinhlegendhotel.com From VND1,575,000 ($75)

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)

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

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 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

DIRECTIONS HOI AN, QUY NHON, NHA TRANG Tel: (0510) 3914-555 Email: hoian@anantara.com www.hoi-an.anantara.com 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) 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)

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

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

5 Cua Dai St, Hoi An Tel: (0510) 3927-888 saleshoian@river-beachresort.com www.river-beachresort.com From VND1,350,000 ($65) ($179 to $364)TRAVEL

Kiman Hotel & Spa

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

Hoi An Historic Hotel

Hotel Royal Hoi An, Mgallery Collection 39 Dao Duy Tu St, Hoi An, Quang Nam Province Tel: (0510) 3950-777 reservation@hotelroyalhoian.com www.mgallery.com

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

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)

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)

Tel: (056) 374-7100 Email: reservation@royalquynhon.com www.royalquynhon.com VND1,155,000 to VND1,365,000 ($55 to $65)

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

QUY NHON

(TELEPHONE CODE: 056)

reservation@bavicohotelnhatrang.com

www.bavicohotelnhatrang.com. Best Western Premier Havana Nha Trang Hotel

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

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

reservations-nhatrang@evasonresorts.com

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

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

Bavico International Hotel

www.evason-resorts.com

Green World Hotel Nha Trang 44 Nguyen Thi Minh Khai St, Nha Trang, Khanh Hoa Province Tel: (058) 3528-666 sales@greenworldhotelnhatrang.com www.greenworldhotelnhatrang.com InterContinental Nha Trang Hotel 32-34 Tran Phu St, Nha Trang Tel: (058) 3887-777 www.intercontinental.com

MUSEUM

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.

Tel: (058) 6266-555

02 Phan Boi Chau St, Nha Trang, Khanh Hoa Province

Liberty Central Nha Trang Hotel 9 Biet Thu St, Nha Trang, Khanh Hoa Province Tel: (058) 3529-555 Email: frondesk.lcn@odysseahotels.com www.odysseahotels.com

HOTELS, RESORTS

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

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 VIETNAM HERITAGE - AUGUST-SEPTEMBER 2015

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DIRECTIONS PHAN THIET 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 Grand 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 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 reservations-ninhvan@sixsenses.com www.sixsenses.com/resorts/ninh-vanbay/destination From VND18,837,000 ($897)

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.

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

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

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) 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) 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)

38 Nguyen Dinh Chieu St, Ham Tien Ward, Phan Thiet City, Binh Thuan Province Tel: (062) 3847-007 info@bamboovillageresortvn.com www.bamboovillageresortvn.com From VND2,835,000 ($135)

Muine Bay Resort

Km 8, Phu Hai, Mui Ne Ward, Phan Thiet, Binh Thuan Province Tel: (062) 3741-289 Email: info@romanaresort.com.vn www.romanaresort.com.vn Sandunes Beach Resort & Spa

5 Quarter, Mui Ne Ward, Phan Thiet City, Binh Thuan Province Tel: (062) 3748-868 Email: info@sandunesbeach.com www.sandunesbeach.com 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) Seahorse Resort & Spa

Hoang Ngoc (Oriental Pearl) Beach Resort & Spa 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) Mui Ne Unique Resort 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)

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)

Km8, Nguyen Dinh Chieu St, Phu Hai Ward, Phan Thiet City, Binh Thuan Province

50 • VIETNAM HERITAGE - AUGUST-SEPTEMBER 2015

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)

Phu Hai Resort

MUSEUM

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

Romana Resort & Spa

Mom Da Chim - Lazi Beach Resort

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

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

www.saigonsuoinhumresort.com From VND1,700,000 ($81)

HOTELS, RESORTS

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)

Tel: (062) 3812-799 Email: info@phuhairesort.com www.phuhairesort.com

Saigon - Suoi Nhum Resort Thuan Quy, Ham Thuan Nam Ward, Binh Thuan Province Tel: (062) 3683-240 info@saigonsuoinhumresort.com

Sunny Beach Resort & Spa

DIRECTIONS DALAT, BINH DUONG, HO CHI MINH CITY 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)

HOTELS Note: Prices at many hotels depend on occupancy and change daily Dalat Edensee Resort Tuyen Lam Lake, Zone VII.2, Dalat, Lam Dong Province Tel: (063) 3831-515 info@dalatedensee.com www.dalatedensee.com From VND2,450,000 ($117) Ana Mandara Villas Dalat Resort & Spa

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 VND1,980,000 ($90) Villa Aria Mui Ne

Le Lai St, Dalat, Lam Dong Province Tel: (063) 3555-888 reservation-dalat@anamandara-resort.com www.anamandara-resort.com From VND3,150,000 ($150) Saigon-Dalat Hotel

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) 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

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.

BINH DUONG

(TELEPHONE CODE: 0650) An Lam Saigon River

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.

21/4 Trung St, Vinh Phu Ward, Thuan An Dist., Binh Duong Province Tel: (0650) 3785-555 Email: rsvn.sr@anlam.com www.anlam.com

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,

VIETNAM HERITAGE - AUGUST-SEPTEMBER 2015

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DIRECTIONS HO CHI MINH CITY Ho Chi Minh City Tel: (08) 3930-2939 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

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 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 HOTELS

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

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.

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 First Hotel

Lotte Legend Hotel Saigon 2A-4A Ton Duc Thang St, Ben Nghe Ward, Dist 1, Ho Chi Minh City Tel: (08) 3823-3333 www.lottehotel.com Northern Hotel Saigon

Hotel Majestic

1 Dong Khoi St, Dist.1, Ho Chi Minh City. Tel: (08) 3829-5517 majestic@majesticsaigon.com.vn www.majesticsaigon.com.vn Liberty Central Hotels in Ho Chi Minh City 17 Ton Duc Thang St, Dist.1 Tel: (08) 3827-1717 177-179 Le Thanh Ton St, Dist.1 Tel: (08) 3823-9269 Email: frontdesk.lcc@libertyhotels.com.vn

www.libertycentralhotel.com 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 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 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 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) Hotel Equatorial Ho Chi Minh City

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

253 Nguyen Van Troi St, Phu Nhuan Dist., Ho Chi Minh City Tel: (08) 3844-9222 Email: Info@eastingrandSaigon.com www.eastingrandsaigon.com

Caravelle Hotel 19-23 Cong Truong Lam Son St, Dist.1, Ho Chi Minh City Tel: (08) 3823-4999 www.caravellehotel.com

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

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.

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. 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 Eastin Grand Hotel Saigon

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

52 • VIETNAM HERITAGE - AUGUST-SEPTEMBER 2015

11A Thi Sach St, Dist.1, Ho Chi Minh City Tel: (08) 3825-1751 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, Ho Chi Minh City Tel: (08) 3824-1234 Email: saigon.park@hyatt.com www.saigon.park.hyatt.com From VND 7,887,850 ($376) PARKROYAL Saigon 309B – 311 Nguyen Van Troi St,Tan Binh Dist., Ho Chi Minh City Tel: (08) 3842-1111 enquiry.prsgn@parkroyalhotels.com

www.parkroyalhotels.com 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 www.royalhotelsaigon.com From VND1,092,000 ($52) 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)

DIRECTIONS HO CHI MINH CITY 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 Sofitel Saigon Plaza

pastries and cakes and a cup of coffee from selected premium blends.

Tel: (08) 3823-8811 www.authentiquehome.com

Mobile: 0908 229 708 Email: ngoclongfineart@yahoo.com

Kobe Teppanyaki Restaurant 13A Tu Xuong St, Ward 7, Dist 3, Ho Chi MInh City Tel: (08) 3932-0187

Doma Vina Co., Ltd 50C Tran Binh Trong St, Ward 5, Binh Thanh Dist., Ho Chi Minh City Tel: (08) 3550-0558 www.papercraft.com.vn

Apricot Gallery 50 Mac Thi Buoi St, Ben Nghe Ward, Dist.1, Ho Chi Minh City Tel: (08) 3822-7962

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

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)

Tandoor Restaurant

39A-39B Ngo Duc Ke St, Ben Nghe Ward, Dist.1, Ho Chi Minh City Tel: (08) 3930-4839 www.tandoorvietnam.com

Windsor Plaza Hotel

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.

Sonnet Saigon Hotel

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

Dong Gia Enterprise 114 Xuan Thuy St, Thao Dien Ward, Dist.2, Ho Chi Minh City Tel: (08) 6296-0147 www.dong-gia.com

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

Lu's Handmade 240 Ly Tu Trong St, Ben Thanh Ward, Dist.1, Ho Chi Minh City Facebook: Lu's Handmade 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

BARS & CAFÉS

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 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

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

Authentique Home 113 Le Thanh Ton St, Dist.1, Ho Chi Minh City Tel: (08) 3822-8052 71/1 Mac Thi Buoi St, Dist.1, Ho Chi Minh City

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 Galerie Quynh Level 2, 151/3 Dong Khoi St, Dist.1, Ho Chi Minh City Tel: (08) 3824-8284 www.galeriequynh.com Tuesday to Saturday, 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Sàn Art 48/7 Me Linh St, Ward 19, Binh Thanh Dist., Ho Chi Minh City Tel: (08) 6294-7059 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 SIGHTSEEINGS

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

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

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

Notre Dame Cathedral Cong Xa Paris Square, Dist.1, Ho Chi Minh City Built in 1877, and the Cathedral opened to the public in 1880. The bricks used to build this marvellous structure were shipped from Marseilles.

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

Ben Thanh Market Le Lai St, Ben Thanh Ward, Dist.1, Ho Chi Minh City The original market was located on the bank of the Ben Nghe River by the old Gia Dinh Fort. In 1859, when the French invaded Saigon and overtook Gia Dinh Fort, Ben Thanh Market was destroyed. It was rebuilt shortly after and remained standing until it was moved to its present location in 1899. Now, Ben Thanh market is a trade centre and a favourite tourist destination, offering a wide range of Vietnamese handicraft, fresh fruits and local specialities.

Artists Long & Ngoc Gallery Grand Hotel (at the lobby), 8 Dong Khoi, Dist.1, Ho Chi Minh City TeL: (08) 2246-6839

Chinatown – Cho Lon It was set up at the end of the 18th century when the Minh Dynasty in China was overthrown. Chinatown has many shops and private workshops. The most interesting places are Binh Tay market, Soai Kinh Lam fabric

COOKING CLASSES

GALLERIES

VIETNAM HERITAGE - AUGUST-SEPTEMBER 2015

• 53

CENTRE OF HO

1. IIndependence ndependence P Palace alace

2. N Notre otre Dame C Cathedral athedral

3. V Vietnam ietnam H History istory Museum

4. F Fine ine A Arts rts M Museum useum of of Ho Ho Chi Chi Minh Minh City City E4 E4 Ho Chi Minh City 5. H oC hi M inh C ity Museum

6. Southern Women omen Museum Southern W

War Remnants ts Museum 7. Wa ar Remnan

Ben T hanh M arket 8. Ben Thanh Market

9. T ao Dan P Tao Park ark

Post Office 10. P ost O ffice

Zoo 11. Z oo

Nha Wharf 12. N ha Rong W harf

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

6 4 11 11

7 2

10 10

9 8

12 1 2

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, MY THO, CHAU DOC whole-sales market, the street of herbal medicine located on Hai Thuong Lan Ong and Thien Hau Temple on Nguyen Trai Street. MUSEUMS

Ao Dai Museum 206/19/30 Long Thuan St, District 9, Ho Chi Minh City www.baotangaodaivietnam.com Open daily, closed on Monday from 8.30 a.m. until 5.30 p.m. The entry ticket is VND100,000 for adults 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

Fito Museum

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 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) Mường Thanh Vung Tau Hotel No 09, Thong Nhat St, Ward 1, Vung Tau Tel: (064) 3835-567 sales@vungtau.muongthanh.vn www.vungtau.muongthanh.vn From VND1,890,000 ($90) Kieu Anh Hotel

41 Hoang Du Khuong S, Ward 12, Dist. 10, Ho Chi Minh City Tel: (08) 3864-2430 www.fitomuseum.com.vn Open daily from 8.30 a.m. till 5.30 p.m. Ticket: VND50,000 The first museum of traditional Vietnamese medicine 257 Le Hong Phong St, Ward 8, Vung Tau Tel: (064) 3584-179 Email: quanly@kieuanhhotel.com www.kieuanhhotel.vn

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.

Palace Hotel 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)

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

MY THO

The Island Lodge

390 Ap Thoi Binh, Thoi Son Ward, My Tho City Tel: (073) 6519-000 contact@theislandlodge.com.vn www.theislandlodge.com.vn 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

VUNG TAU

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

63 Tran Hung Dao St, Ward 1, Vung Tau

56 • VIETNAM HERITAGE - AUGUST-SEPTEMBER 2015

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

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)

Petrosetco Hotel

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

(TELEPHONE CODE: 064) 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

Romeliess Hotel 31 - 33 Thuy Van St, Vung Tau Tel: (064) 3613-366 Email: sales@romeliss.com www.romeliesshotel.com

CON DAO

Ho Chi Minh City Museum 65 Ly Tu Trong St, Ben Nghe Ward, Dist.1, Ho Chi Minh City Tel: (08) 3829-9741 www.hcmc-museum.edu.vn Open daily 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.

The History Museum 2 Nguyen Binh Khiem St, Ben Nghe Ward, Dist 1, Ho Chi Minh City Tel: (08) 3829-8146 www.baotanglichsuvn.com 8 a.m. - 11.30 p.m. and 1.30 p.m. - 5 p.m. Tuesday to Sunday. Closed on Monday 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.

Tel: (064) 3852-014 Email: info@petrohousehotel.vn www.petrohousehotel.vn From VND1,260,000 ($60)

Note: Prices at many hotels depend on occupancy and change daily Golf Can Tho Hotel 2 Hai Ba Trung St, Tan An Ward, Ninh Kieu Dist., Can Tho Tel: (0710) 3812-210

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.

DIRECTIONS PHU QUOC, OVERSEAS HOTELS, RESORTS Note: Prices at many hotels depend on occupancy and change daily 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) Eden Resort Phu Quoc

Cua Lap Hamlet, Duong To Ward, Phu Quoc District, Kien Giang Province Tel: (077) 3985-598 reservations@edenresort.com.vn www.edenresort.com.vn 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.

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

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

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 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 Kieu Nga Lemongrass Restaurant VIETNAM HERITAGE - AUGUST-SEPTEMBER 2015

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LAID BACK

Photo: Pham Ngoc Hoang

Photo:Trinh Minh Khoi

Photo: Danh Thi Hong Nhung

Photo: Tran Vinh Phong

Clockwise from top left: Fishermen bringing a dead whale (Cﾃ｡ﾃ馬g) to the shore for a funeral; A Hmong woman and her children; At a Buddhist teaching class at Chan Khong Pagoda, Vung Tau City; A street vendor in Hue; Drying fish 58 窶｢ VIETNAM HERITAGE - AUGUST-SEPTEMBER 2015

Photo: Le Ngoc Nam