Vietnam heritage No.48 May-June 2015 by Vietnam Heritage

3 3:6 :6 M MAY-JUNE AY-JUNE 2015 2015

ISSN 1859-4123

CULTURAL HERITAGE ASSOCIATION OF VIETNAM

+$9$1$ /2<$/7< 352*5$0 -RLQ +$9$1$ /2<$/7< 352*5$0 WRGD\ HQMR\ RXU H[FOXVLYH RIIHUV 9LVLW ZZZ KDYDQDKRWHO YQ HPDLO XV DW LQIR#KDYDQDKRWHO YQ RU FDOO IRU PRUH GHWDLOV

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

7UDQ 3KX /RF 7KR 1KD 7UDQJ 9LHW 1DP 7HO 1+$ 75$1* _ +$ 12, _ +&0& )D[ _ (PDLO LQIR#KDYDQDKRWHO YQ :HEVLWH ZZZ KDYDQDKRWHO YQ

CONTENT No 3, Vol.6, May - June 2015

COVER STORY Apparel 8 A dress for all Vietnamese 11 Covering everything, hiding nothing

Culture

16 The last true market Sinh village

20 Going to the dirt 21 Ritual craft becomes folklore art Tradition

23 Planting a tree for luck Art

24 Beauty is and beauty does

Travel Binh Thuan 28 Old Rock and more

Advertorial

30 As above, so below at Sandunes

Beach Resort & Spa 32 Vietnam’s crown of pearls in a kingdom of jewels

34 What the papers say 36 Events

39 Value for money

43 Directions 58 Laid back

Cover photograph: Ao dai on display at the Ao Dai Museum Photo: Ao Dai Museum 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

Vietnam Heritage Editorial Office: 4th Floor, 1/1 Hoang Viet St., Ward 4, Tan Binh District, Ho Chi Minh City Tel: (84-8) 38 11 88 46 Fax: (84-8) 38 11 87 75 Email: vnheritagemagazine@gmail.com vietnamdisan@gmail.com l

www.vietnamheritage.com.vn

Vietnam Heritage

VIETNAM HERITAGE - MAY-JUNE 2015

•5

Bac Son Town, Lang Son Province, Northeast Vietnam, 2013. Photo: Nguyen Phung Chi

APPAREL

A dress for all Vietnamese

began wearing the ao dai (lit. ‘long gown’) at the age of 10, when my mother had sewed me a new ao dai for the Tet lunar new year as if to mark the figure of my person. Since then, the ao dai has followed me throughout my youth. The year that I matriculated at Dong Khanh Women’s Secondary School, my mother made the uniform out of white silk. Whenever I wore the ao dai, I felt proud because I became more dignified and more of a woman. During the time that I became acquainted with the ao dai, it was for me Vietnamese attire reserved for Vietnamese women. The ao dai had straightened my gait and my manner of living as a Vietnamese woman. Since our generation, the ao dai has been the national women’s attire. The ao dai was closely tied to every families’ traditional lifestyle and was virtually the single manner of 8 • VIETNAM HERITAGE - MAY-JUNE 2015

dress for every woman. School girls going to school in the ao dai was something natural rather than forced or stipulated like today. In 1965, when I went to Germany to study, I brought with me six sets of ao dai made from domestic silk. On the day of the start of my first academic year, I along with the other female teachers came in to report to school donning the ao dai. Our foreign colleagues who attended the opening were astounded when they saw our clothing. They lavishly praised our ao dai for their tender, graceful appearance and also as an unusual, beautiful, and proper, manner of dress that is suitable to ‘oriental’ women’s lissom forms. In the unusual setting of foreign lands and amongst unfamiliar faces, wearing ao dai, I felt confident and steady. Compared to dressing in awkward foreign clothing, Vietnamese

BY THAI KIM LAN

women, regardless of how fashionable the latter may be, are never more beautiful than when in the ao dai, because the ao dai suits Vietnamese women’s manner, bearing, and physical form. The ao dai brings out their special graceful appearance. I still recall when I saw my female friends in polite and respectful ao dai and how joyous I was when everyone paid attention to them like rare, beautiful flowers amongst hundreds of thousands of unfamiliar people. During my time in Germany, when I appeared in ao dai, not a few came to touch the ao dai and expressed compliments. People even knelt down, held the dress, and kissed it to convey their respectfulness and admiration. Winter in Germany is very cold, so it was necessary to change my clothing. The ao dai were tucked away in my luggage. Occasion-

APPAREL

ally, not seeing me bearing ao dai, my colleagues requested that I bring ao dai just for them to behold! In 2000, I went to attend an international conference in South Korea. At that time, I brought along a classical ao dai. Everyone was surprised, not expecting that the Vietnamese ao dai was so elegant and noble, so graceful and appealing in comparison to Korean traditional dresses. That particular ao dai was an embroidered gown. Underneath was crimson silk, while the outer fabric was embroidered in silver and gold threads in the form of male and female phoenixes as well as the sun and moon. The old way of cutting the five laps was so that they were loose rather than tight-fitting. Nowadays, the ao dai has broken away a lot in style. Ao dai fashioned the old way were covered in loose flaps. Although they weren’t tight at the waist, owing to being just closefitting enough, they continued to emphasize the slender, elegant Vietnamese female form. Hue girls are very fond of purple ao dai. There was a time when, for female Dong Khanh students, the uniform was purple ao

dai, so the Dong Khanh school at that time was also referred to as the ‘purple gown school’. In my day, the school gave us white ao dai. However, purple ao dai continued to be liked because it conveyed a Hue character that was beautiful and poetic. Hence, the dress was also referred to as ‘tim Hue’ (Hue purple). The beautiful features of Hue favour elegance, reserve, and simplicity rather than flashy coloration. Purple has been deeply engrained in the hearts of Hue girls because they were forged precisely by the sky, rivers, mountains, and space of ancient times. The city of Hue is the reverent land of the capital, but its splendour is not displayed externally but from within. The purple ao dai discreetly conceals its resplendent beauty, diminishing the flashy colour spectrum and directs people to notice its virtuous manner and inner spirit. That is the distinct beauty of women in general and particularly the beauty of Hue girls. After many years of having had settled in Germany, I still to choose to wear purple; in the colours of the dress, I trained myself to become more adept and modest.n

Above: Women in traditional ao dais at Square 16 /4 in Ninh Thuan Province. Photo: Le Van Hung

Below: Pupils wearing ao dais in Dong Thap Province. Photo: Nguyen Vinh Hien VIETNAM HERITAGE - MAY-JUNE 2015

•9

APPAREL

Covering everything, hiding nothing

here can be few things more pleasing to the eye than a fine lady in a fine dress. In Vietnam, ‘fine dress’ means the long, two-piece dress known as the ao dai, which is, of course, a national symbol. It consists of a flowing, tightfitting tunic over loose pantaloons and is one of only a few Vietnamese words that one may find in an English dictionary. Many museums feature costumes, but few are dedicated

TEXT BY PIP DE ROUVRAY; PHOTOS PROVIDED FROM AO DAI MUSEUM

to one form in particular. Since 2013, Vietnam has had a museum to display the dress and to inform people of its history and diversity of styles and patterns. In fact, as I was to discover, it does that to great effect and delivers a lot more besides. The museum is located on a large island in the Dong Nai River way out in District 9. Whilst it is technically in Ho Chi Minh City, it is located in mangrove swamp countryside

of probable interest to bird watchers as I heard a lot of different bird songs. It may look remote on the map, but it could not be easier to reach. Of course, many would simply hire a taxi. However, there are frequent number eighty-eight buses departing from Ben Thanh Market, which get you there in comfort and in just over an hour. The ticket is just 6,000 dongs one way. It is a jolly jaunt over the not-so-densely populated lll

VIETNAM HERITAGE - MAY-JUNE 2015

• 11

APPAREL

12 • VIETNAM HERITAGE - MAY-JUNE 2015

APPAREL

VIETNAM HERITAGE - MAY-JUNE 2015

• 13

APPAREL

districts two and nine. Shortly after the connecting bridge, you will see a sign for the museum. Alight here and walk three hundred metres down a wide dirt track and you have arrived. This short walk shows you just how swampy the area is, especially in the uncultivated areas. A visit to the museum will probably take half a day. If you wished to make it a full-day excursion, there is a recreational area nearby with gardens, a beautiful swimming pool and a restaurant. River boat trips can also be arranged here. Bring your binoculars. The museum itself is housed in two parts. First, there is a section devoted to the history and evolution of the garment from the seventeenth century until the present. This is in a traditional beam-and-rafter long house. Separately, in a two-storey atmospheric wooden building, there is a display of contemporary ao dais donated by well-known people. But first to catch your eye will be the gardens. There is a central lake with a pavilion, where tea is often served from the nearby lll

14 • VIETNAM HERITAGE - MAY-JUNE 2015

café, which also has other light refreshments on its menu. Over what appears to be an ancient bridge, you reach a small pagoda. Down a slope there is a muddy creek, which is an inlet of the river. The lawns are given a rustic atmosphere with old wooden carriages and wagon wheels. Hidden away, there is a pond thick with lotuses and white swans gliding around. Even the functional water tower has been disguised as a turret that could be from the Hue citadel. The only other places I have seen such delightful landscaped gardens like these are in highend resort hotels. As you enter the longhouse hall, you see on other side displays of the common accessory to the ao dai - the equally iconic ‘non la’. Explanations are in Vietnamese and generally well-translated. Most of the exhibits have been worn by well-known people, and potted biographies of them, with the occasion on which they wore their dresses, are given. These show just how democratic a garment the ao dai is, running as it does across a spec-

trum of social class and occupation. There are models, singers, actresses, designers, artists and even a female army general.Two rather coarse and plain examples remind us too that even Buddhist nuns enjoy wearing the ao dai. Furthermore, whilst the dress maybe the epitome of feminine elegance, we are also shown exhibits of the male ao dai; indeed I own one myself which I wear at Tet Vietnam. The displays are very professionally arranged, often with pictures behind them of the historical era to which they belong and a lighting system that enhances the natural colours. The two-storey building has no historical theme but rather has ‘ao dais’ donated by people living now. There are one or two donated by elderly ladies, but mostly they have been worn by glamorous beauties. I know it is all in the eye of the beholder, but looking at the photographs, I would not have put the runner-up to a Miss World competition in the top five - maybe it was her that won the day for her! Do have a walk along the top floor wooden corridor which has great views

APPAREL

out across the whole compound. Besides the museum itself there is a lot else that goes on at this place. There are great places for wedding photos and videos for example. With a conference room seating two hundred, it holds company retreats. There are guest houses for specialists. Meditation sessions can be arranged for spiritual health and relaxation as well as student camps and team-building activities.

My visit to the Ao Dai Museum was a great day out and a mini-escape from urban living. I learned a lot about the ao dai and enjoyed the stunning colours, designs and embellishments of many dresses. It was also a back-to-nature experience of a very SouthEast Asian kind. I can thoroughly recommend it to you. Place it high on your list of things to do while in Ho Chi Minh City. It is much more than just a museum!n

Ao Dai Museum

206/19/30 Long Thuan St, District 9, HCMC 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, VND50,000 for teachers and VND30,000for students

CULTURE

The last true market BY DO PHAN

Above and below: Bazaars outside Hanoi in early the 20th century.

Photos from the archive of Nguyen Anh Tuan

16 â&#x20AC;˘ VIETNAM HERITAGE - MAY-JUNE 2015

CULTURE

azaars are not, by nature, permanent structures. Rows of thatched huts, mostly wall-less, they come and go based on the needs of the town or village and the fortunes and fates of the individual families that make up the vendors. When the market is closed for the evening or a holiday, the simple structures are desolate and sad. Years ago, village bazaars had all that was

Above and below: Village bazaars in Hai Duong Province, Northern Vietnam needed for the localsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; everyday life. There were always some blacksmith shops to make and mend tools. A few clothes vendors. Rows of rice, salt, vegetables and meat. A separate corner for fruits. One or two tables equipped with a sewing machine to make or mend clothes. A few peddlers selling necessities, like threads and needles, flint, rubber bands, fishing lines and hooks and kerosene lamps. No bazaar was without a hectic food

Photos: An Thanh Dat

shop area with all sorts of local delicacies, which sent mouth-watering smells all over and far beyond. Drunken men fell fast asleep on tables and staggered home only in late afternoon. Most who went to the bazaar knew each others well. Strangers were rarely seen. There were no burglars. Sometimes a few beggars from far away came and sat at the gates. No one felt cheated-the initial asking price lll VIETNAM HERITAGE - MAY-JUNE 2015

â&#x20AC;˘ 17

lll was never too high, and only existed to creating bargaining, which was believed to bring luck and satisfaction to both parties. The bazaars were thus peaceful oases of culture until urbanization swept away everything. Supermarkets and large, commercial bazaars became the norm. Suburban bazaars are now spacious structures. There is a large area outside for merchandise. The parking lot is so big it takes forever to find one’s own motorbike. In the late 19th century, the French began constructing Dong Xuan Bazaar. The building was enforced by steel frames and rivets (similar to those of Long Bien Bridge), done by the masters dwelling on Lo Ren (blacksmith shop) street. The building was large and spacious, a wonder of high-tech grandeur. Later Dong Xuan was expanded towards the Red River dikes. This part was called Bac Qua. People later called it Dong Xuan - Bac

18 • VIETNAM HERITAGE - MAY-JUNE 2015

Photo from the archive of Philippe Chaplain

Photo from the archive of Nguyen Anh Tuan

Photo from the archive of Philippe Chaplain

Photo from the archive of Nguyen Anh Tuan

CULTURE

Qua bazaar. The Dong Xuan side sold dry foods, clothes, and jewellery and metal household tools. The Bac Qua side sold all sorts of foods, cooked and uncooked. Bargaining, cooking and eating, all were done accompanied by the smells of food and kitchen smoke. The space between Dong Xuan and Bac Qua was the kids’ favourite. Plenty of fish, birds, plants and pets were sold there. It was like a small zoo with a whole orchestra of nightingales, laughing-thrush, orioles and other song birds. No city bazaar is without thieves. Dong Xuan became thick with thieves in the 1970’s and 80’s, mostly pick-pockets. New sayings appeared around here, like ‘As many as thieves at Dong Xuan’ or ‘Four pick-pockets a square metre’. Hanoi people got so used to them that anybody complaining about the issue of burglary at Dong Xuan would be considered a country bumpkin.

Dong Xuan - Bac Qua was repaired in 1990. It became a bit neater but much less lively. Then, the 1994 fire destroyed everything. Vain efforts to restore it only resulted in the fake-looking façade. The glorious structural elements inside are now replaced by soldered steel bars which can attract nobody’s attention. Dong Xuan nowadays is the only big bazaar of Hanoi which still preserves the old trade culture, although the goods have changed. Looking closer, one can still find the pure elegance of trading girls of Hanoi. They have preserved stylishness in making deals. Not inviting too much, and rarely shrewish. And it’s been a long time since the last thief came here.n

Photos: Dong Xuan Market in the old day

AN EXCELLENT STOPOVER

Free pick up and drop off. offf. f. Five minutes drive from the airport. Far away from the noise. Restaurants: Buffet, Beefsteak and Coffee. Bufffet, fet, Grill, Korean/Japanese Restaurant, R Cofffee. f fee. center,, bingo club, Entertainment & Sport: Swimming pool, tennis courts, gym center sauna/massage.

18 Hoang Viet Street, Tan Binh District, HoChiMinh City.

Tel: (84.8) 38 44 11 99 - 09 35 89 18 18

SINH VILLAGE

Going to the dirt

ownstream from Hue to Thuan An, Huong (Perfume) River meets Bo River in such a glorious grandeur of water and sky that even the most indifferent ones have to utter ‘so beautiful!’ It was such a strategic point that since 1307, this junction had always been guarded by the most elite troops of the Viet. For centuries, there used to be shipyards and marine training camps here. To build ships, the locals needed wood. Big logs of wood (about ten metres long) had to

be transported from deep forests. It took strong and smart men to do that. It took strong men to control and oar the ships. So they selected strong and smart men for the camps and shipyards. They introduced wrestling, very popular in the North, as a discipline for military purposes. For seven centuries, around the Thanh Phuoc junction, also popularly known as Sinh, villages were formed with the colour paper and worship painting trades. Again, strong and smart people were needed to get materials to make paper and

20 • VIETNAM HERITAGE - MAY-JUNE 2015

BY NGUYEN DAC XUAN

colours from the forests and the sea. The wrestling training centre was moved from the Thanh Phuoc military zone to Sinh village on the south bank of Perfume River. Every New Year, Sinh villagers build a stage at the ancestral worship house next to Lai An bazaar. A wrestling competition takes place on the 10th of the first lunar month. The arena is a square dirt floor about a metre high, four arm spans long on each side, built in front of the ancestral house. Two persons control the fight: a young arbiter standing

on the stage and a respected elder of the village in formal traditional dress sitting on the ancestral house veranda to judge the outcomes. Fighters come unannounced. They fight to represent their localities. Wrestling fans can tell immediately by appearance where the wrestlers come from. Doing both farming and trading, Sinh villagers have well-built bodies. Fairskinned Hue people look like scholars. Thuan An shore people’s skin is like bronze. Reality shows that fishers have big arms, small legs, and

SINH VILLAGE Opposite: Wrestling Festival in Sinh Village, Hue. Photo: Ha Nguyen. Right: Artisan Ky Huu Phuoc at his workshop in the village. Photo: Bao Huy

farmers have small arms and big legs. A good wrestler should be wellproportioned. Strong legs mean strong base; strong arms can take down the opponent. But big is not necessarily strong, and strong does not always win. On the tournament day, morning is spent for the elimination rounds. Those who have three consecutive wins stay on for the semi-finals in the afternoon, and again those who have three consecutive wins will fight on in the final. Each wrestler can register only once. When a man’s back touches the dirt, one of his village fellows can retake the fight to save the village’s face. To be able to step onto the arena, young men have to train hard and nurture their morale. A strong man without a strong spirit won’t be able to hide rude behaviour when his body and honour are touched. Sinh village is as far south as the art of wrestling spread. Going further southward, one sees only nonwrestling martial arts. Today, Sinh village wrestling traditions are so popular that competitions are organized not only on the 10th of first lunar month in Sinh, but also in other big events of the nation or of Hue.n

Ritual craft becomes folklore art

he love of one man for the craftsmanship of a traditional village located in the outskirts of Hue has yielded strong attention from tourists visiting the country’s former imperial capital city, who regard the ritual craft as art. Ky Huu Phuoc, a resident of the village that has long been known for its votive paper paintings, wants his

craft to have wider fame outside its ritual use. Phuoc began his creation in 2006 and the increasing number of foreign visitors approaching his workshop in the village proves the effort to build on a foundation of tradition has been worth it. Phuoc’s workshop has become a destination for unique countryside traditional craft among tour programmes in Hue, said Bao Huy, a local guide. According to Sinh, or Lai An village, is located on the southern Phuoc, the village’s riverbank of the Huong (Perfume) River in Hue. The vilcraft was hibernatlage was formed in 16th century following the arrival of ing for a long time, Nguyen Lords, whose descendants later formed the ever since the culNguyen Dynasty (1802-1945). The village is reachable tural authorities put from Hue City centre on motorbikes or bicycles for the ritual paper painting on the list 30km downstream. The village has become renown for of superstitions and the craft of votive paper paintings and traditional its production was wresting bout in the 10th day of every lunar new year. prohibited.

HA NGUYEN

‘We experienced a very tough time; the villagers had to bury the woodblock and tools to avoid destroying them. The preservation of our ancestral craft has been fortunate so far,’ says Phuoc. ‘But the painful experience drives me strongly to make the craft an art form, which helps it to get broader fame as well as stand outside from any possible allegation of superstition,’ he said. Originally, the paper painting products from the village served in the custom of burning votive paper offerings. The village also produces paper paintings used for worshiping of Mau (Mother), who is said to be a home god guarding lives of women in every family. Artisans at the village use a woodblock with carved lll

VIETNAM HERITAGE - MAY-JUNE 2015

• 21

SINH VILLAGE

patterns to put black ink on a sheet of paper, on which they will add colours, depending on the votive purposes. Ink and colours are extracted from vang (sappan wood) tree and several other wild plants. The burning of votive items includes substituting paper paintings inked with pigs, cows, buffalos, to wish for good husbandry, or with ancient coins, for the wish of prosperity, or even with humans, for sacred rituals. Practicing his craft since the age of 10, the 66-year-old Phuoc is an expert in all the techniques, from carving the woodblocks to making ink and colours, which inspired him to combine tradition with creation. The first application of that resulted in the paintings of wrestlers. The Sinh village is also well-known for its traditional wrestling bout, held on the 10th day of every lunar New Year. ‘The paintings depicting

lll

Sinh village painting fearturing postures in wrestling. Photo: Ha Nguyen wrestlers carry my double happiness, as it reflects two prominent sides of my village,’ says Phuoc. At first, Phuoc worked with artists from the Hue College of Arts and artist Than Van Huy, who is a painter and an artisan who makes paper lotus flowers in neighbouring Thanh Tien village, for drawings on wooden plates. He then carved the drawings of wrestlers’ kneeling and standing gestures for woodblocks for the paper paintings, just as in local tradition. Phuoc uses industrial paints instead of traditional ink, due to the shortage of ink materials. The collection of wrestler paintings gained much applause from people who love folklore art and from foreign visitors, who buy the paintings as a local unique gift item. Following his success, Phuoc began to produce wall calendars printed with the 12 Oriental zodiac animals in 2010. With similar approaches,

22 • VIETNAM HERITAGE - MAY-JUNE 2015

Phuoc copied the zodiac animal drawings on woodblocks that he inherited from his ancestors to make his own blocks. Calendars are quite popular in Vietnam, for wall decoration. Many in Hue favour calendars made by Phuoc, as they have a nostalgic look about them. ‘The strongest demand for the calendars comes from Hanoi when new year is near. Sometimes I have to refuse some of their orders,’ says Phuoc, reaffirming that he has an urge to make the products, to get more people know about his village’s craft. Another creation by Phuoc on the craft is the painting of ladies with Vietnamese traditional music instruments, including dan nhi (two-string vertical violin), dan tranh (long zither), dan nguyet (moon lute) and dan bau (monochord zither). In the paintings, the ladies with smiling round faces dressed in colourful traditional costumes give a very charming

look, thus many purchase the painting for home decoration. Last year, Phuoc went further on the road of renewing his village’s craft village, issuing a collection of farmers on rice paddies. The paintings feature the farmers ploughing with a buffalo, planting rice and harvesting. The collection has earned much acclaim. However, experts have pointed out that Phuoc has been less than clever and has basic shortcomings in knowledge. According to Phuoc, he added more musical instruments into the original bat am (eight tune) paintings, which were in a traditional paper painting collection of ladies with four instrument items used for votive purpose. ‘Bat means eight, but I found in the heritage woodblocks only four instrument items, so I added four more, including the drum,’ he says. ‘Bat am is for tune, not for musical instrument items, so adding the wrong instrument ruins the theme of original paintings of the village,’ says culture researcher Ho Tan Phan. Everyone recognizes that Phuoc wrongly placed a harvesting machine in the new collection of farmers at work. Phuoc admits the mistake and pledges to replace that with a woodblock carving showing the ancient method of rice harvesting. Despite the mistakes, people welcome Phuoc’s innovative attempts. The mistakes could be seen as part of folklore art, as it reflects the innocent characteristic of a farmer, which best describes Phuoc, as researcher Phan says.n

TRADITION

Planting a tree for luck

very year, the Co Tu ‘plant’ a x'nur tree (cây nêu) and tie a buffalo to it for sacrifice to the gods, good ghosts and ancestors to beg for a year of good weather, good crops, peace and harmony in the village. Co Tu elders, knowledgeable of the traditional customs, adorn the x'nur tree with great care. The expression of faith displayed on the tree varies from one place to another. In general, the x'nur trees of the Co Tu of Quang Nam’s mountains are ornamented with agate, fence and wave patterns in three major colours including black (the earth), red (the sun) and white (lifegiving).

The Co Tu plant the x'nur tree in front of the guol (traditional communal house). The x'nur tree is about four metres tall, consisting

TEXT AND PHOTOS BY NGUYEN VAN SON

of three parts which are adorned differently. The middle part is the most important, representing a rice-crushing mortar and two female arms raised high to receive divine gifts. At its top, the x'nur tree has a funnel made of bamboo. Among additional decorations, it has also two tall bamboos placed symmetrically on both sides with the tops and leaves bent down near the funnel, and fringes made of thinly split palm leaves or bamboo. All of that forms a miniature cosmos.n Above: A wooden board at guol reenarting x’nur tree and a view of stabbing buffalo Below: A pillar at guol decorated as x’nur tree

VIETNAM HERITAGE - MAY-JUNE 2015

• 23

ART

Beauty is and beauty does

n December, 2014, three artists teamed up to create a special event. Artist Tran Thanh Minh, art director of Vi Quan Advertising and Marketing, and martial artist and instructor Truong Quang Huy of Nam Chon Temple organized an unusual double event to create a wonderful Christmas for 110 disabled children in Ho Chi Minh City. The first event was an unusual art show with paintings by artist Tran Thanh Minh. The exhibition was held on 23 November, 2014, and over 40 paintings by the artist were exhibited and sold. Several abstract paintings were propped up by the entrance to whet our appetites for what was within. Done in different styles, some of the paintings were of flowers or folk scenes. While the artist downplayed their artistic sig24 â&#x20AC;˘ VIETNAM HERITAGE - MAY-JUNE 2015

nificance, I was enchanted by the combinations of colours and elements. One painting was of a simple flower, but the shades of lavender and blue were gorgeous! (Unfortunately, another buyer got there first.) Two women working in the fields seemed at first glance a simple genre painting, yet the artist conveyed the feeling that the women are village rivals. I was particularly fascinated by paintings reminiscent of ancient Chinese styles, yet each character has a lively personality and there is more to it than meets the eye. An old man holding a glowing globe meets two men in blue, one holding a sleeping baby. The old year greets the new, perhaps handing over the globe of the world or of time. Board games are popular pursuits found

TEXT & PHOTOS BY JONATHAN BAR-ON

in every culture and one painting shows two men playing, another watching. Change the clothes and alter the style a little and it could be in any century anywhere. An old man on an ox is a study in contrasts; the old man is contemplative while the youth walking beside him is happy and carefree. Artist Tran Thanh Minh has a special interest in and compassion for children, especially those who are poor or disabled. In one painting, two poor boys enjoy the snow, or perhaps they are petals of blossoms falling from a tree. The largest canvas in the show, and another of my personal favourites, was a classic painting of cranes and pine trees, both symbols of longevity. Done in an ancient style,

ART they were perfect symbols for the coming new year. A pair of more abstract canvases painted as two parts of a whole were simply electrifying! The forms and the wonderful play of colour sent my imagination soaring. Were these the sun and moon in stylized lotus blossoms? Or the regenerative powers of yin and yang? Or something else? Another favourite was a painting of Mother and Child, the rounded forms giving a feeling of sacredness and the appearance of stained glass. In one painting, a modern woman dressed in 1940's style, holds a bird and a ring on her hand. Which is the real treasure, the diamond ring or the bird? What are life’s truest values, the artist seems to ask. In the painting of a girl and cat sleeping, the angular figure of the girl is contrasted with the soft, circular forms of the cat, the bowl and the table. Is the girl dreaming of a better life? Or perhaps it shows that all beings are united in sleep. The painting of a boy, a girl and a dove shows childhood innocence, done in a simple folk style with heavy outlining of figures. The influence of cubism is seen but is felt as an integral part of the simple scene. Mr Minh, who uses the pen-name Vi Tran to sign his paintings, leaves most of his works untitled, allowing the viewer to enter into the painting and experience it through his own perceptions The second event was really the purpose for which the exhibit and sale were organized. Mr Minh and Mr Truong Quang Huy, martial arts instructor at Nam Chon Temple in District 1, HCMC, joined forces to help Sister Hien create a fun-filled day for the students. ‘The object was to create a joyful Christmas for disabled children,’ said Mr Minh. The event included a nutritious breakfast of chicken soup, playing games and winning prizes, a delicious lunch, then cake and gifts from Santa. Both Mr Minh and Mr Huy feel a deep concern and compassion for disabled children. Mr Huy teaches beginning martial arts in local schools to children with special needs, giving them greater co-ordination, strength,

confidence and a sense of belonging. More events are planned for the future. No donations are received, and everything is paid for by the sale of artist Tran Thanh Minh’s paintings. According to the artist, he

plans to organize an exhibition in August, 2015. Something to look forward to!n Above: Artist Tran Thanh Minh and children learning martial arts. Photo: Thong Dang VIETNAM HERITAGE - MAY-JUNE 2015

• 25

HO CHI MINH MUSEUM Ho Chi Minh Museum is a memorial-type museum, a part of the Historic-Cultural Legacy Complex which includes Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, Ho Chi Minh’s Living Quarters and Ho Chi Minh Museum. The museum was opened on May 19th, 1990, the 100th Anniversary of the birth of Ho Chi Minh. The museum building is shaped like a 20 m tall white lotus. The exhibition space is 4,000 m2, showcasing over 2,000 documents and artefacts (from nearly 17,000 items stored in the museum’s basic collection) that introduce the life and legacy of Chairman Ho Chi Minh, in connection with Vietnam’s and the world’s history. There is also 600 m2 for topical exhibitions and cultural activities. The museum’s library has over 8,000 titles, its archive – about 35 documents for Ho Chi Minh-related research. The Exploration and Experience Space of the museum is an area of 150 m2. Every year, Ho Chi Minh Museum receives over a million visitors, among whom more than 1/5 are foreigners. Contact Info:

Address: No 19 - Ngoc Ha St - Ba Dinh Dist - Hanoi Tel. : (84.4) 38463752 - 38463757 - Fax. : (84.4) 38439837 Website. : http://www.baotanghochiminh.vn

To celebrate the 125th Anniversary of our National hero and World cultural icon Ho Chi Minh (May 19, 1890 – May 19, 2015), Ho Chi Minh Museum will initiate the following activities:

from Uncle Ho; competing in telling stories and singing songs about Uncle Ho; recycling products; making and wearing rubber sandals and many other games.

4. Conference titled ‘Some solutions to attract visitors to museums and memorials dedicated to Chairman Ho Chi Minh’ on 27-29th of May, 2015 in Tra Vinh city, in cooperation with the local Dept. of Culture, Sports and Tourism. This is a chance for the Network of Ho chi Minh Museums and Memorials to clarify information related to Chairman Ho Chi Minh’s life and legacy, and to try and find ways to attract tourists to visit the Museums and Memorials.

1. Opening of the ‘Noble yet modest

role models’ exhibition, which honours 125 of the most outstanding persons from all occupations and areas, who learned and followed Ho Chi Minh’s moral example. The exhibition will open at 9 a.m., May 15, 2015 and lasts till the end of July, 2015.

2. Opening of ‘Chairman Ho Chi Minh, the inspirer of creativity’ exhibition, which introduces 79 artefacts and documents corresponding to the 79 years of Chairman Ho Chi Minh’s life. These are gifts-some of which are being shown for the first time to the public-from our people and from international friends of Chairman Minh during his life. The exhibition will be open at Ho Chi Minh Museum from May 18, 2015 to June 10, 2015.

3. Educational activities for children from the 15th to the 20th of May on the

premises of the Museum. The kids will have memorable experiences by viewing pictures from the patriotic movement initiated by Uncle Ho; learning about exemplary kids from that movement who received a badge

Visitor contact:

5. The Ho Chi Minh Museum has been constructing a special exhibit ‘Space where Uncle Ho wrote his last Will’ to open to the public on this occasion. This additional exhibition space revives the years Chairman Ho Chi Minh contemplated his historical ‘Will’, which is now one of the 30 National Treasures that the Prime Minister had decreed to recognize in 2012.

Education Bureau - Ho Chi Minh Museum Tel. : - (84.4) 38463757 - 38463752, ext.: 176 - (84.4) 37341800.

TRAVEL BINH THUAN

Photo: Ngo Dinh Hong

Old Rock and more

BY DANG KHOA

inh Thanh Commune of Tuy Phong District, Binh Thuan Province, though occupying only 27,7 square kilometres, has two national cultural relics, including Co Thach Pagoda and Binh An Temple, which has a dozen structures with a regal appearance. Apart from that, Binh Thanh also has the Lord of South Sea tomb, almost 200 years old, that houses a whale skeleton; a memorial of a massacre over 60 years ago; and a beach famous forseven-colour pebbles. We drove 300 kilometres from Saigon to Lien Huong township of Tuy Phong, then turned to provincial road No.716 and went another 10 kilometres to reach Co Thach (Old Rock) Pagoda.

Photo: Dang Khoa

Photo: Ngo Dinh Hong

The old temple in a cave

28 • VIETNAM HERITAGE - MAY-JUNE 2015

Co Thach Pagoda is not big. It stands on a slope, about 64 metres above the sea. According to the Vietnam Buddhist Association webpage, in the mid-19th century, Zen monk Bao Tang found a desolate shore cave in a spiritual land and decided to use it as his place of worship. A little later, to pay respect to his virtues, a rich man named Ho Cong Diem built a nice temple and named it Co Thach. Since then, the pagoda has passed to four generations of virtuous head monks and has been renovated many times. ‘Co Thach preserves many valuable cultural heritage items, which include highly sophisticated inscriptions, historical documents dating from the time the temple was established, and bells and drums made in early 19th century,’ according to the Tuy Phong District webpage. In the five ha premises of Co Thach, there are many age-old trees and big rocks with Buddha statues on them. ‘The North-East slope behind the pagoda has many caves formed by large strange-looking rocks. Some caves are so deep that people thought they From top: Co Thach Pagoda Opposite: Co Thach Beach. Photos: Nguyen Dinh Thanh

TRAVEL BINH THUAN

were the way to the underworld. Behind the three-doorgate is a cave formed by three rocks which look like a whale (a benevolent fish), a toad (representing chastity) and the Bat Nha boat that carries people to the Domain of Awakening. There are many altars inside the cave for Amitābha Trinity, Shakyamuni, Ksitigarbha, Cunïdïhi and Bodhidharma’ according to the Vietnam Buddhist Association sources.

The seven-colour pebbles

Walking about 500 metres down from the pagoda, we came to the famous beach with billions of pebbles of different colours, including yellow, grey, black and white. The beach is about 1.5 kilometres long and 250 metres wide. The waves come and go, making the pebbles knock against each other. Each time, it sounds like a beach of firecrackers. The pebbles shine all their glorious colours under the blazing sun. Scientists say that an undersea current brought these pebbles and formed a nearly 250,000-cubic-metre opencast quarry.

The gruesome massacre

About 2.5 kilometres from Co Thach, there is a memorial for a gruesome massacre that happened over 60 years ago. The stele relates that early morning of 20 February, 1951, a French regiment moved in to Cat Bay Village and opened fire. They killed 311 people, burned houses and raped many women. Having burnt incense for the dead, we entered the village. Cat Bay with its few hundred roofs feels vaguely nostalgic. 80-year-old Duong Minh Thoi, one of the ten survivors, recalls the horror. ‘That morning, my family was having cassava for breakfast. Suddenly the legionnaires surrounded the village. A group of soldiers came to my house and shouted ‘Everybody up! Out!’ All 12 of us huddled together inside in fear. They started shooting at us, and then burnt the house…’ The frail old man added, because many families have no descendants to take care of

the family altar, villagers contributed money to build the memorial in 2001. Since then, every first full moon, villagers collect rice, sugar and other items to make sacrificial sweets and come to the memorial to pray for the souls of the dead to reach salvation.n

At East Terminal of Saigon, there are about 10 buses going to Lien Huong Township every day. Ticket price is VND120,000 – VND130,000 on average. At Lien Huong Township and next to Co Thach Pagoda there are about 20 inns. The room rate is VND120,000- VND150,000 per night on average.

Photos: Sandunes Beach Resort & Spa

As above, so below at Sandunes Beach Resort & Spa

any people come away from a Mui Ne beach holiday without realising they never actually went to Mui Ne. The Mui Ne tourist area today stretches from the cliff tops just beyond the Poshanu Champa Towers. This area is actually in Phu Hai ward of Phan Thiet City. From there, you go downhill to the long sandy strip that epitomises Mui Ne for most people and on which most of the hotels and activity is centred. This is actually in Ham Tien Ward. You have to continue to the base of the peninsula of Mui Ne in order to reach the large Mui Ne fishing village. Beyond this and still in Mui Ne Ward is the secluded Hon Rom Bay with another long, beautiful beach. It is on this golden strand that in

that a number of hotels have sprung up in recent years. In its windy season, this is the place to be for lovers of aquatic sports. I went along with my family to experience the newest of the Hon Rom hotels still on its soft opening – ‘The Sandunes Beach Resort & Spa’ which looks set to become a Mui Ne star. For me, the short stay was all about spending prime time with family whilst soaking up nature. For one thing, we woke up to the joyous singing of birds, which we do not get in the city. Above us loomed the famed Red Sand Dunes and also the open reception had a huge wall of sand behind it. Below were the sands and muddy areas of the beach with sandpipers darting in and out of the lapping waters. Above was the infinite azure sky, while

30 • VIETNAM HERITAGE - MAY-JUNE 2015

below lay the deep blue of the eternal ocean. Beneath were the svelte green lawns. Above was the leafy verdure of the coconut fronds. Adding to the green credentials of 'Sandunes' were the solar panels and grass growing on the roofs of the villa accommodation. The architecture of these and the main block reminded us of the power of wind coming as they did in the form of sails somewhat reminiscent of the Sydney Opera House. My wife and daughter went for a paddle on the beach. I prefer the swimming pool and there is a magnificent three-tiered one here. The first is small; a paddling pool for the kids. The other two-not too deep-are for Mum and Dad. There were many Vietnamese children splashing around, as this was a public hol-

BY PIP DE ROUVRAY

iday. I found this a very familyoriented place, as there was also a fine kids play room near reception. Meanwhile, down on the beach, my wife and daughter were digging out starfish. Our baby granddaughter has asthma and starfish provide a cure, my wife explained. ‘We can also make starfish wine’, said my wife. Indeed, I have seen this in Saigon supermarkets. I also spotted a huge beached jelly fish. My wife investigated, even picking it up. Later, ‘Sandunes’ management told me the species found here is not poisonous. I have eaten and enjoyed jelly fish. My wife told me the one she saw would sell for around fifteen dollars in a Saigon market. All of the over one hundred rooms at ‘Sandunes’ have an ocean view. Our room was on the

ADVERTORIAL upper level of one of the many bungalows set among gardens sloping to the sea. The balcony equipped with sunbeds on boards was like the deck of a ship-great for a sundowner and not only do you get complimentary coffee and water here, but also a bottle of red wine. The ample room with parquet flooring had a huge bed with a painting of beach and sea shells above it. The gleaming white bathroom had a large bathtub and there was a walk-in shower. If you require a wide-angle view over the whole bay, book a room on the upper levels of the main building. On to the delicious fresh food you can eat here. First, my wife remarked on how spotlessly clean the Para Kite Restaurant was. She is Vietnamese and I left it to her to select some Vietnamese dishes. Firstly, the fish cooked in a clay pot packed in the flavour. My wife has introduced me to a wonderful fish which feeds on crabs and retains something of a crab flavour. If you want a change from the usual snapper, mackerel or tuna I suggest you try ‘ca bop’, which in English is known as cobia fish. Our other main dish was very tender chicken on the bone with a strong lemongrass taste. The rice was fluffy and perfectly done. To round matters off, we had water spinach and a sour soup (canh), a taste for which I recommend visitors to Vietnam to acquire. My wife rated the whole ensemble very highly, which in my book is equivalent to a Michelin star. If you tire of beach relaxation, you can rent a bicycle and explore the mainly flat Mui Ne area. Do not forgo a ‘Lawrence of Vietnam’ adventure. Make sure you enjoy a clamber up and slide down the Red Dunes, which are right on the hotel's door step. When we were there, it was a public holiday and many local

people were doing just that. Reception can arrange excursions too. Phan Thiet was the last bastion of the Champa Kingdom. A visit to the Po Shanu Towers is well worthwhile. Cham people still live here and you get to know them in a visit to one of their villages. Why not complete your Phan Thiet experience with cable car ride to enjoy the views from the Buddhist Mountain of Ta Cu? I sat down for a chat and a Vietnamese coffee by the pool with Mr Nguyen Trong Quang, the General Manager. Dressed in smart casuals, he had a sunny disposition worthy of a beach hotel. He has had plenty of start-up experience working for the ‘Six Senses Evason’ group. Here he is steering an almost exclusive team of Mui Ne villagers, as well as a chef from Hanoi. He told me he spends a lot of his time on training. We discussed the current downturn in Vietnam tourism. Whilst recognising the need to diversify markets, he is confident matters will normalise by the time the hotel gets into full swing. Now is the time to go to ‘Sandunes’, as you can enjoy promotional rates at least until to the Grand Opening, which is slated for the next national holiday, National Day, on September the second. In short, ‘Sandunes’ offers you all you need for a beach holiday. You are immersed by nature on both land and sea. The rooms are bright and cheerful and equipped for the perfect chill-out. Pool and ocean give great aquatic relaxation and the food is excellent. I can guarantee you will come away feeling refreshed with your batteries renewed by solar and wave energy.n 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

VIETNAM HERITAGE - MAY-JUNE 2015

• 31

Vietnam’s crown of pearls in a kingdom of jewels

ong Beach Pearl (LBP) is a jewellery brand from Vietnam. LBP’s impressive galleries and beautiful jewelry boutiques are located at worldknown travel destinations such as Mui Ne – Phan Thiet, Nha Trang and Phu Quoc Island. LBP showrooms are truly world-class jewellery centres in Vietnam. All LBP’s showrooms are 1000-2000m², with modern design and excellent services for guests. In 2014, LBP was listed in the top 10 most famous Vietnamese brands. In April 2015, Long Beach Pearl celebrated the opening of 4 more new pearl pavilions. Namely, the showroom at Sheraton Nha Trang resort and spa on 13 April and the same day, an opening ceremony was held at Phu Quoc Island. Only 3 days later, LBP launched at Vincom Centre – Dong Khoi, shopping paradise of Ho Chi Minh City. On 30 April, LBP boutique welcomed the first guests at Vinpearl Premium – Nha Trang. With these 4 new boutiques, now the beautiful crown of the LBP brand has 11 exquisite pearls. And more are coming this year. LBP plans to have up to 20 jewellery showrooms and boutiques by the end of 2015. Long Beach Pearl boasts an impressive

32 • VIETNAM HERITAGE - MAY-JUNE 2015

collection of several hundred sophisticated designs, with sapphires, rubies, topazes and many other natural gemstones. LBP’s specialty, however, remains pearls. The most famous varieties of sea water pearls are Akoya pearls, Tahitian pearls, South Sea pearls and Mabe pearls, and LBP has them all. Akoya Pearls have an elegant vintage beauty with white, gold and pinkish colours. A mussel needs to grow at least 3 years to form a pearl, and they are harvested when it reaches 3mm -10mm. Tahitian Pearls are considered the ‘Queen of pearls’. They are well-known for their style, luxury and mysterious beauty with a black colour (sometimes mixed with green and grey) and a well–proportioned

shape. They are harvested after 5 years of growth. Unlike any other pearls, South Sea Pearls have a satin-like shine. They flatter every woman’s beauty with their white, silver and brilliant golden colours. South Sea pearls are usually harvested after 4-5 years of growth and can reach the size of 8mm-20mm. Mabe Pearls are a chic and seductive white or pinkish-white colour. The longer the mussels are raised, the higher gloss their pearls can reach. Harvested after 6-10 years of growth, Mabe pearls are a specific oval shape as a result of being grown in the inner shell of mussels. Visiting Long Beach Pearl, you will learn more about pearls; how to choose, how to wear, how to care to keep your pearls beautiful forever. Pricing allows everybody to choose the pearl, starting from quite affordable freshwater pearls in silver, all the way up to luxurious and sophisticated jewel masterpieces with Tahiti pearls and diamonds with rare, trendy black gold. Thousands of beautiful pearls are displayed in this kingdom of jewels. Long Beach Pearl proudly offers the best choice of pearl jewelleries in Vietnam with seawater pearls.n

WHAT THE PAPERS SAY

Museum of Muong ethnic group opens

Vietnam News, 10 April A new private museum featuring traditional Muong ethnic culture has opened in the northern province of Hoa Binh. This is the second private museum in the province and the 24th in the country. The museum hosts studies on Muong culture, while collecting and preserving objects, along with food fairs and cultural events. Located in Thai Binh Ward, the museum has 5,000 objects, including 100 ancient gongs, on display.

First A/H1N1 case of 2015 reported in northern city

Vietnam News, 17 April The Hai Phong health department yesterday reported a serious case of avian influenza A/H1N1. The patient, born in 1955, was in coma and had suffered respiratory failure due to pneumonia after five days of fever. The man tested positive for the A/H1N1 virus in tests conducted by the city's preventive medicine centre. He is being treated in an isolated room, following the health ministry's treatment plan. He is the first A/H1N1 case to be reported in the city in 2015. The city has also implemented measures to decontaminate the man's house and the neighbouring area.

HCM City faces flooding in the coming rainy season Vietnam News, 22 April

34 • VIETNAM HERITAGE - MAY-JUNE 2015

Authorities in HCM City planned to finish fortifying the city against floods before the season began, but the deadline is looming and preparations aren't complete. Despite efforts to prevent flooding over the years, 22 different areas flooded last year because of water blockages in canal projects, the negative impacts of climate change and heavy rain, and other natural causes, according to the Steering Committee for Flood Control. The committee added that the city would only be able to fortify 61 of 68 floodprone areas this year. Apart from measures like canal dredging, building a network of tidal sluices could help eliminate urban flooding.

Vietnamese elderly the world’s living oldest lady

Vietnam News, 24 April A 122-year-old Vietnamese woman, Nguyen Thi Tru, is the world's oldest living person, the World Record Association has said. Currently living in Ho Chi Minh City, Tru had 11 children, of which only two – both in their eighties – are alive, the Viet Nam Book of Records said, while announcing the WRA statement in HCM City on April 23. Tru has had a healthy life and has never been hospitalised for serious illnesses. The title of being the oldest living person was previously held by a Japanese woman, Misao Okawa, who passed away on April 1 this year.

Forests in Central Highlands at risk over illegal logging

Tuoi Tre News, 23 April Vast primeval forests in the Central Highlands province of Kon Tum have been at risk of vanishing because of illegal logging. Foresters have admitted they cannot protect the forests from being destroyed as they do not have enough personnel.

Forest has covered most of Nam Sa Thay District bordering Cambodia for centuries but it has suffered from damage since the Se San River was blocked for building hydropower electricity plants in 2003. Thus, thousands of hectares of primeval forests along the riverbank have become isolated and fallen prey to illegal loggers.

HCMC to issue fishing regulations

Tuoi Tre News, 25 April Over 475,000 young fish of different species, weighing a total of approximately ten tons, were released into the canal in April. This is the third time HCMC authorities organized the releasing of fish into canals and no fishermen were observed waiting to immediately catch the released fish as in previous years. Tat Thanh Cang, deputy chairman of HCMC People’s Committee, noted that the city has invested a great deal to upgrade the city’s environment. Aquatic resources have been reproduced but excessive exploitation has occurred, causing damage to the canals, he said. Cang instructed district authorities to strictly punish those who catch fish by electrocution. He added that the city will issue new regulations to ban the excessive exploitation to protect the canals.

600-year-old trees in northern Vietnam recognized

Tuoi Tre News, 26 April The Vietnam Association for Conservation of Nature and Environment on Friday recognized two ancient gold apple trees in the central province of Thanh Hoa as national heritage. The trees, planted near the Ho Dynasty Citadel, a world cultural heritage site, were believed to be grown very long time ago in Tran-Ho Dynasties era. They were located in the centre of the village and around 30 meters away from the southern moat of the citadel. The trunks of the two trees have a cir-

WHAT THE PAPERS SAY cumference of 10 meters and are around 20 meters high. Their roots extend from three to five meters around the trunks. The two trees’ canopies are very large, creating beautiful scenery for the village. They are attractive points for tourists when visiting the Ho Dynasty Citadel.

Ho Chi Minh City’s pedestrian street

Tuoi Tre News, 29 April The Nguyen Hue Pedestrian Street in downtown Ho Chi Minh City, the city’s first of its kind, opened to the public at the end of April. Railings were removed from the street to welcome city dwellers and tourists, who were stunned by the trial-run music-fluctuated water and decorative lighting spectacles. The Nguyen Hue Pedestrian Street spans 670 meters from the Ho Chi Minh City People’s Committee edifice to Bach Dang Wharf in Districts 1 and 4, respectively, and measures 64 metres in width. To ease heat and keep temperatures level, the entire length of the Nguyen Hue Pedestrian Street is installed with automatically-operated mist-emitting systems and lined with over 200 trees and 122 large tubs of flowering creepers. The street will be a venue for parades, meetings, street festivals, and the city’s hallmark Nguyen Hue Flower Street. The walking street will also boast art, exhibition and sports activities, and will be lined with mobile stands that offer for sale a wide array of mementoes and food specialties.

Walk on the seabed

Tuoi Tre News, 3 May A sea walking service offered in Nha Trang City has captured the great attention of tourists since it was launched in March this year. The service allows tourists to walk on the seabed in Nha Trang Bay, located in the southcentral province of Khanh Hoa, and behold richly-coloured coral reefs and schools of fish through the glass of the astronaut-like helmets. Trip takers will have the chance to gently touch the swimming fish without spooking or scaring them off. The rafts on which the service is provided are positioned on Hon Mot Islet in Nha Trang Bay.

Elderly people, kids, and those who cannot swim are all welcome to enjoy the experience. Such sea walking strolls cost VND800,000 ($37.3) each.

There were no casualties, the official said. The district government has supported each affected family VND6 million (nearly $300) and some food.

Halong to launch electric car

Elephant recovers from injuries by poacher

Tuoi Tre News, 5 May An electric car service is expected to be launched in June in Halong City, home to the UNESCO-recognized Halong Bay. The cars will carry visitors to some of the city’s major tourist attractions on two routes. The first route, Bai Chay, is as follows: Marine Plaza - Bai Chay Tourist Boat Wharf - Bai Chay Tourism Complex - Bai Chay Bridge. The second route, Hon Gai, will depart from Vincom Halong and take tourists to Halong Market 1, Bai Tho Mountain, and the Quang Ninh Museum.

Road crashes claim 2,000 child lives in Vietnam every year

Thanh Nien News, 28 April Around 2,000 children are killed annually in road traffic crashes in Vietnam, according to World Health Organization statistics released on Monday. The National Traffic Safety Committee launched a national plan advocating for strengthened road safety with a special focus on children, in response to the UN Global Road Safety Week themed “Children and road safety.” The new plan calls on provinces to take action and raise public awareness of children’s road safety across Vietnam. WHO statistics showed that more than 186,300 children in the world die due to road crashes per year, which is equivalent to 500 children per day.

Lighting strike sparks fire

Thanh Nien News, 1 May Lightning struck a Ba Na ethnic village in Gia Lai Province in early of May, causing a fire that consumed a dozen hundred-year-old wooden houses. A local official said lightning hit a house in the afternoon and fanned flames and spread sparks to 11 others, burning them all down. The houses were made of the rare redwood and may have been worth hundreds of thousands of dollars.

Thanh Nien News, 4 May A young elephant rescued from a poacher's trap in the Central Highlands is currently in better condition after being treated for severe wounds. An elephant veterinarian at Thailand’s National Elephant Institute, and two Thai mahouts arrived in the Dak Lak Province to help treat the elephant. They anesthetized the elephant, cleaned the wounds and dressed them. After one week of treatment, the elephant got better. Home to one of the largest elephant herds, Dak Lak Province's forests used to be inhabited by more than 550 wild elephants in 1980. However, the number has significantly shrunk to five herds with a total of 60-65 individuals. Some 20 wild elephants have died since 2009.

HCMC voted top veggie destination

Thanh Nien News, 4 May US travel website When On Earth has listed Ho Chi Minh City among the ideal cities worldwide for vegans and vegetarians. The city is named one of the ten destinations that ‘tickle veggie-loving taste buds’, as it offers a wide range of no-meat menus. Visitors can look for the word ‘quan chay’ (vegetarian restaurant) if they specifically want that. But many general restaurants are also willing to make vegetarian dishes if one just orders ‘chay,’ the site advised. The city’s vegetarian restaurants range from budget ones like Phap Hoa on Nguyen Trai Street, to middle ones like Saigon Vegan on Vo Van Tan. Hum, which has two restaurants on Vo Van Tan and Thi Sach, offers a bit more fancy options. Metropole Hotel on Ly Chinh Thang Street also serves vegetarian buffets during the Lunar New Year and the seventh lunar month. All have special meat-free versions of Vietnamese favourite dishes, including noodle soups and spring rolls. VIETNAM HERITAGE - MAY-JUNE 2015

• 35

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)

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.

Hanoi Old Quarter Cultural Exchange Centre, 50 Dao Duy Tu St, Hanoi. International art show From 15 to 31 May

Nguyen Thai Hoc St, Ba Dinh Dist, Hanoi. Tel: (04) 3734-2251 ‘Behind the Wall’ Till 31 May

Ca truø

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

Ca trù, an ancient Vietnamese musical form with a singer accompanied 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

Vietnam National Museum of Fine Arts is displaying artworks of six international artists from 15 to 31 May. The artists depict their contemporary artwork in different ways, including large-scale formatted figurative painting, architectural forms and smallerscale cabinet pieces on wood. Vietnam National Museum of Fine Arts, 56-58 Nguyen Thai Hoc St, Ba Dinh Dist., Hanoi German graphic novelist Till 31 May

EXHIBITIONS ‘A living museum’ Till 24 May

An exhibition, themed ‘Hanoi – A living museum’, by Nguyen The Son is on at Hanoi Old Quarter Cultural Exchange Centre till 24 May. The exhibition displays 19 reliefs and 80 photos which comprise two parts: ‘Looking for the community house’ and ‘Western house transformation’. These photos feature community houses in Hanoi’s 36 streets and old French villas during the urban development.

36 • VIETNAM HERITAGE - MAY-JUNE 2015

An exhibition, titled ‘Behind the Wall’, by Lolo Zazar is on at L’Espace till 31 May. Lolo Zazar has been familiar with Vietnam’s walls since he took the photos of ‘Khoan Cat Be Tong’ with phone number. He is passionate about all the form of surfaces including metal, wood, concrete or plaster. Each of them brings different message and opens another world. Firstly there is a wall, and then, on closer look, behind the wall there is something else. The Ombre Chinoise technique can transform these surfaces into living pictures. Free entrance. L’Espace, 24 Trang Tien St, Hanoi.Tel:(04) 3936-2164 What art is up to lately Until 9 October, 201

Reinhard Kleist, born in 1970, one of the most famous comicartists in Germany, will live and work in Hanoi as ‘artist in residence’ in May. The artist will show selected works of his graphic novels at the Goethe-Institut till 31 May. His novels include ‘Cash – I See a Darkness’, ‘The Boxer’ and ‘The Dream of Olympia’. There is an artist talk on the 20 May. He will discuss and explain his works. On this occasion he will also talk about comic-art in Germany and Vietnam with artists. Goethe-Institut Hanoi, 56-58

Vietnam Fine Arts Museum presents an exhibition, ‘Modern Arts’ by various artists till 9 October, 2015. The exhibition includes 28 artworks of oil painting, lacquer painting, silk painting, paper painting, synthetic material and sculpture. The museum hopes to give the audiences a comprehensive overview about the developing modern art of Vietnam

through the richness of its styles and materials. Vietnam Fine Arts Museum, 66 Nguyen Thai Hoc St, Hanoi. Tel: (04) 3733-2131. Open: 8.30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Entry fee: VND20,000 MUSIC French pianist to entertain Hanoi 20 May

David Violi, a young, talented pianist from France, will perform at 8 p.m. 20 May at Hanoi Opera House. David Violi has been performing in many countries including Japan, Spain, Moldova, Sweden, Germany, Canada, China and Italy. Free tickets are available from 11 May at L’Espace, 24 Trang Tien St, Hanoi. Tel: (04) 3936-2164 Hanoi Opera House, 1 Trang Tien St, 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. Classical concert 28 and 29 May A two-night concert of ‘Tchaikovsky & Mahler’ with

EVENTS

artists from Vietnam National Symphony Orchestra will be performed at 8 p.m. on 28 and 29 May at Hanoi Opera House. Ticket: VND200,000, VND350,000 and VND500,000. Call at 0943541019 for buy tickets. Hanoi Opera House, 1 Trang Tien St, Hoan Kiem Dist., Hanoi

HALONG

Freedom photos Till 31 May Quang Ninh Provincial Museum is displaying 68 photos regarding the early liberation stage of Cam Pha Mine, Quang Ninh Province and an ancient Vietnamese currency. The exhibition runs till 31 May. Quang Ninh Provincial Museum, Tran Quoc Nghien St, Hong Hai Ward, Halong

HUE

Ancient treasures Till 27 June

Hue's Royal Antiquities Museum is displaying over 100 antique jewelleries dating back from prehistory to Nguyen Dynasty (18th to 20th century). They are a variety in shapes and materials. The collection shows the development and creative process of Vietnamese artists. Hue's Royal Antiquities Museum, 3 Le Truc St, Hue

NHA TRANG

Sea Festival 11-14 July A Nha Trang Sea Festival, with the theme ‘Peace and Creation’, will be held in Nha Trang City from 11 to 14 July. The event includes a marine cultural heritage exhibition, a document ex-

hibition about the Paracel and Spratly Islands, ‘Summer 2015 – Tourism Fair’, traditional games, an art kite contest, women’s beach volleyball international championship and national beach handball championship. There will be also international art troupes from Korea, France, Japan, Russia and America. 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.

HO CHI MINH CITY

EXHIBITIONS Artist is in the pink Till 30 May An exhibition, titled ‘Happiness Lies Beyond the Clouds’, by Tran Minh Duc, is on at San Art till 30 May. The author said ‘The exhibition wants to narrate a story which relies upon connection of similarities of the two cities, Sasebo City and Ho Chi Minh City, in a realistic yet

dreamy way with the colour pink. It wants to sing a song of time and people, reminding history through memories, would like to not to repeat but to avoid repetition of past’s missteps, because it knows happiness is like a beautiful word in a song, romantic yet fragile as a piece of pink cloud in the blue sky.’ San Art, 48/7 Me Linh St, Binh Thanh Dist., Ho Chi Minh City The movement of wood Till 29 June

Wood-flux – a wooden flow – seems to be a contradictory phrase-for how can something as sturdy as wood also stream so fervently? Such a concept indeed recalls a Japanese genre of woodblock prints on silk and paper – ‘Ukiyo-e’ – meaning ‘pictures of the floating world’. Inspired by the calibre of Ukiyo-e woodblock and the textile pattern of Phuong My’s Spring Summer 2015 collection, artist Nguyen Huu Tram Kha showcases various fascinations of a ‘Wood-flux’ at Phuong My Flagship Store, 81 Le Thanh Ton St, Dist.1, Ho Chi Minh City, till 29 June.

THEATRE What is left? 16 May

VIETNAM HERITAGE - MAY-JUNE 2015

• 37

EVENTS AN GIANG

Inspired by a novel ‘Ce Qui Reste’ (What is Left) by Oliver Sacks, O Ultimo Momento Circus will bring audiences a circus performance at 8 p.m. 16 May at Ho Chi Minh City Drama Theatre, 30 Tran Hung Dao St, Dist.1, Ho Chi Minh City. Ticket: VND160,000. Students and pupils enjoy a half price. Tickets are available at www.ticketbox.vn AO! AO Show is on at Opera House at 6 p.m. on 14, 18, 20, 21, 25, 26, 27, 28 May and 8 p.m. on 24 May. A O Show is a new kind of art performance, acknowledged globally as new type of circus. 60

Memento Mori Till 25 May An exhibition, themed ‘War Memory’, is on at An Giang Provincial Museum till 25 May. The exhibition includes over 200 photos and 400 objects involving Vietnamese War. An Giang Provincial Museum, Thoai Ngoc Hau St, My Long Ward, Long Xuyen Province minutes of using bamboo and basket boats, traditional music of Don Ca Tai Tu, visual creations and lighting, and audiences see themselves walking on a small walkway of sweet and breezy Southern Vietnam, and wandering past the surging dunes of the Southern Central only to find themselves front of a lotus swamp. Tickets range from VND504,000 to VND1,176,000. Opera House, 7 Lam Son Square, Dist.1, Ho Chi Minh City. Tel: (08) 3829-9976

Dressing the goddess 9 to 13 June

The Ba Chua Xu temple festival, the biggest folk festival in southern Vietnam, will be held

this year from 9 to 13 June at Mt. Sam in An Giang province. Millions of local pilgrims go every year. On the first night, a ceremony is held to wash and change the robes worn by the statue of the goddess. Old robes are torn up and distributed among the pilgrims, who regard the scraps as lucky charms. At midnight on the 9 June, the Tuc Yet ritual begins, with dragon dances. Finally, a village man who is well-versed in the ritual performs the duc boi, a sung ceremony for good weather and prosperity. Most of the ritual offerings are distributed among the pilgrims, particularly the offerings of roast pork. Other offerings include fruit, betel nuts and incense, as well as colourful robes, shoes and hats for the goddess. After the festival, most pilgrims go on to visit other historical places such as the old Tay An Pagoda, the Ba Chua Xu Shrine, the Hang Pagoda and the tomb of Thoai Ngoc Hau. Mt Sam is 5 km from Chau Doc and a six-hour car journey from HCMC.

HOTELS

Bao Son International Hotel

50 Nguyen Chi Thanh St, Dong Da Dist., Hanoi Tel: (04) 3835-3536 www.baosonhotels.com Bao Son International Hotel has a promotion from 15 May to 15 September for those who book at least three nights’ stay in Deluxe Room or Superior Room. The price starts from VND1,480,000 per room per night including breakfast and a 20 per cent discount on massage service.

Best Western Premier Indochine Palace 105A Hung Vuong St, Hue Tel: (054) 3936-666 www.bwp-indochinepalace.com

Best Western Premier Indochine Palace is offering a ‘Honeymoon Package’ for residents of Vietnam till 30 December. It costs VND10,500,000, including two nights’ stay in a Palace Suite, a candle light dinner, international buffet breakfast, a bottle of Champaign and a 90-minute spa package for two. The price includes service charge and VAT.

Century Riverside Hotel Hue

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

La Residence Hotel & Spa is offering a ‘Summer Deal’ for Vietnamese residents and expatriates till 30 September. The offer features a 30 per cent discount on room rates.

Alcove Library Hotel

133A Nguyen Dinh Chinh St, Ward 8, Phu Nhuan Dist, Ho Chi Minh City Tel: (08) 6256-9966 Email: alcove@alcovehotel.com.vn www.alcovehotel.com.vn The Alcove Library Hotel offers a ‘Summer Package’; those who book three nights will get one night free. The price starts from VND 1,600,000 per room per night in a Standard Room with breakfast and a voucher of 10 per cent discount at Bookmark Restaurant. The offer is valid till 30 September.

Eastin Grand Hotel Saigon

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

La Residence Hotel & Spa

5 Le Loi St, Hue ; Tel: (054) 3837-475 www.la-residence-hue.com

Palm Garden Beach Resort & Spa

Lac Long Quan St, Cua Dai Beach, Hoi An, Quang Nam Province Tel: (0510) 3927-927 www.palmgardenresort.com.vn Palm Garden Beach Resort & Spa is running a ‘Special Promotion for Summer 2015’ for those who book at least two nights from 1 June to 31 August. The promotion includes a 30 per cent discount on published rates of Superior Garden View Room and Deluxe Garden View Room, a roundtrip airport transfer, a complimentary soft drink or beer for each meal at restaurants, a voucher of shampoo service at Palm Spa and a voucher of 50 per cent discount on body massage at Palm Spa. The published rate of Superior Garden View Room is VND3,900,000++per room per night and Deluxe Garden View Room is VND4,500,000++ per room per night.

River-Beach Resort & Residences Hoi An

5 Cua Dai St, Hoi An Tel: (0510) 3927-888 www.river-beachresort.com River-Beach Resort & Residences Hoi An is offering a 20 per cent discount on accommodation. The price after discount is VND1,344,000 per room per night in a Deluxe Garden and Pool View. The promotion is valid till 31 May.

Diamond Bay Resort and Spa

Absolute Hotel Services Group has purchased the five-star Movenpick Hotel Saigon and rebranded it as Eastin Grand Hotel Saigon. Eastin Grand Hotel Saigon is part of the Eastin chain of international hotels and residences, covering Asia, India and the Middle East. The brand was created in 2008 and started in Bangkok, Thailand. To celebrate the opening, the hotel is offering a promotion with prices starting from $90++ (VND1,890,000++) per room per night till 30 June.

RESORTS AND SPAS

Century Riverside Hotel Hue is running a ‘Summer Deal Package’ at VND 1,050,000 per room per night in a Deluxe River View Room with International buffet breakfast, and a card of 10 per cent discount at Cat Dang bar, beauty salon, spa and Terrace Restaurant.

VALUE FOR MONEY

Pilgrimage Village Boutique Resort & Spa

130 Minh Mang Road, Hue Tel: (054) 3885-461 www.pilgrimagevillage.com Pilgrimage Village Boutique Resort & Spa is offering a ‘Summer Promotion 2015’; those who book two consecutive nights will pay for 1.5 and those who book three consecutive nights will pay for two. The promotion runs till 30 September and is applicable for Vietnamese.

Nguyen Tat Thanh Boulevard, Nha Trang, Khanh Hoa Province Tel: (058) 3711-711 www.diamondbayresort.vn Diamond Bay Resort and Spa is offering a promotion at $105++ (VND2,205,000++) per bungalow per night with a 20 per cent discount on spa services, food and beverage at the resort and Nhu Tien recreation area, roundtrip airport transfers, shuttle bus to Nha Trang City and vice versa. The promotion is valid till 31 December.

Galina Hotel & Spa

5 Hung Vuong St, Loc Tho Ward, Nha Trang Te: (058) 3839-999 www.galinahotel.com.vn Galina Mud Bath & Spa, at the Galina Hotel & Spa, has a promotion ‘Enjoy Spa, bonus Mud Bath’ for those who use spa services, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. everyday, at VND640,000 will get a free hot mineral mud bath.

Sheraton Nha Trang Hotel & Spa

26-28 Tran Phu St, Nha Trang, Khanh Hoa Province Tel: (058) 3880-000 www.sheratonnhatrang.com Sheraton Nha Trang Hotel & Spa is running a promotion for those who book at least two nights and stay from 3 May till 30 June. It costs VIETNAM HERITAGE - MAY-JUNE 2015

• 39

VALUE FOR MONEY

VND2,700,000++ per room per night for parents and 2 children below 12 with buffet breakfast. The promotion is valid till 31 May.

Muine Ocean Resort & Spa

10 Nguyen Dinh Chieu St, Ham Tien Ward, Phan Thiet, Binh Thuan Province Tel: (062) 3741-616 www.muineoceanresort.com

Muine Ocean Resort & Spa is offering a ‘Hello Summer 2015’ with the price starting from VND959,000 per room per night for two in a bungalow garden with breakfast, lunch or dinner. The promotion runs till 30 June.

Pandanus Resort

Quarter 5, Mui Ne, Phan Thiet, Binh Thuan Province Tel: (062) 3849-849 Email: rsvn@pandanusresort.com www.pandanusresort.com Pandanus Resort is offering a package with the price starting from VND4,800,000++, including two nights’ stay in a Superior Room, breakfast, lunch and dinner, a 60-minute body massage, one-way transfer from Ho Chi Minh City to Phan Thiet and a special discount for way back transfer to Ho Chi Minh City for bookings of more than three rooms. The offer is valid until 31 October.

The Cliff Resort & Residences

Zone 5, Phu Hai Ward, Phan Thiet, Binh Thuan Province Tel: (062) 3719-111 www.thecliffresort.com.vn The Cliff Resort & Residences is offering ‘Hello Sunny’ at VND3,890,000 per room for two nights in a Azul Sea View Room for parents and two children under 12. The package includes a wide range of indoor and outdoor activities for family. The package is valid till 31 August.

Ana Mandara Villas Dalat - Resort & Spa

Le Lai St, Ward 5, Dalat, Lam Dong Province Tel: (063) 3555-888 www.anamandara-resort.com Ana Mandara Villas Dalat is offering the ‘Summer Le Petit Package’ at VND2,420,000 per room per night for two. The package in40 • VIETNAM HERITAGE - MAY-JUNE 2015

cludes a voucher of VND840,000 for food and beverage at Le Petit Restaurant or spa services at La Cochinchine Spa, a 20 per cent discount on spa services and a 10 per cent discount at the restaurant and tour. The package runs till 30 September. Surcharge VND630,000 per night on weekend and holidays. The prices include service charge and VAT.

Caravelle Hotel

19-23 Lam Son Square, Dist 1, Ho Chi Minh City Tel: (08) 3823-4999 www.caravellehotel.com

Mango Bay Resort

Ong Lang Beach, Phu Quoc Island Tel: (077) 3981-693 www.mangobayphuquoc.com Mango Bay Resort is offering a special price at VND 1,320,000++ per room per night. Those who book three nights’ stay will pay two. The promotion includes breakfast and airport transfer. It is valid till 31 October.

OTHERS

Hilton Hanoi Opera

1 Le Thanh Tong St, Hoan Kiem Dist., Hanoi Tel: (04) 3933-0500 Hilton Hanoi Opera is offering many special offers for those who organize a private meeting, outdoor team-building event or a cocktail party at the hotel. The offers are valid till 31 August.

Möôøng Thanh Can Tho Kara Salon & Spa at the Caravelle Hotel has a three-hour spa package; ‘Mothers’ Day Retreat’ at VND2,000,000, including exfoliation from head to toe, an anti-aging facial with luxury products from THANN, a foot reflexology session or manicure and pedicure. The package is valid till 31 May.

E1 Quarter, Con Cai Khe, Cai Khe Ward, Ninh Kieu Dist., Can Tho Tel: (0710) 3688-888 www.cantho.muongthanh.vn

Hotel Nikko Saigon

235 Nguyen Van Cu St, Dist.1, Ho Chi Minh City Tel: (08) 3925-7777 www.hotelnikkosaigon.com.vn Ren Spa, at the Hotel Nikko Saigon, has a ‘Ren Spa Special Package’ at VND2,500,000 including a 60-minute body therapy, a 60-minute facial treatment and 30-minute foot relaxation.

La Veranda Resort Phu Quoc

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

The 30th hotel of Mường Thanh Hospitality, 5-star Mường Thanh Can Tho Hotel, has just launched in Can Tho in 28 April. The hotel is just 10 kilometres from International Can Tho Airport. It has 19 floors, 309 rooms, a restaurant and four meeting rooms with 30 to 1,200 seats. The hotel combines between nation-specific characteristics and a tendency towards modernism.

Long Beach Pearl

La Veranda Resort Phu Quoc is offering an up to 24 per cent discount on rooms for those who are members of Accor Plus and Le Club Card holders. The offer includes round trip airport transfers, personal check-in at Le Bar, welcome drink, canapé and fruit platter, decoration for honeymoon room with roses and candle. The offer is valid till 31 May.

In April of this year, Long Beach Pearl celebrated the opening of four new pearl pavilions at Sheraton Nha Trang Resort and Spa, Vinpearl Premium Hotel & Villa in Nha Trang, Phu

Quoc Island and Vincom Centre in Ho Chi Minh City. This brings to 11 the total of jewelry showrooms and boutiques, including Nha Trang, Mui Ne, Phu Quoc and Ho Chi Minh City. By the end of this year, Long Beach Pearl plans to have 20 showrooms in Vietnam.

FOOD PROMOTIONS

Fortuna Hotel Hanoi

6B Lang Ha St, Ba Dinh Dist., Hanoi Tel: (04) 3831 3333 www.fortuna.vn

Café Du Lac Restaurant, at the InterContinental Hanoi West Lake, serves Sunday Brunch with Vietnamese and International dishes. VND1,110,000 excluding beverage and VND1,700,000 including wines, beers, soft drinks and Martini. Also, the restaurant serves buffet dinner, 6 p.m. to 10.30 p.m., including local and International dishes. VND999,000 excluding beverage.

Sofitel Legend Metropole Hanoi

15 Ngo Quyen St, Hanoi Tel: (04) 3826-6919 www.sofitel-legend.com In May, Spices Garden Restaurant, at the Sofitel Legend Metropole Hanoi, serves ‘Summer salad and rolls’ at VND195,000++.

Novotel Nha Trang

50 Tran Phu St, Nha Trang, Khanh Hoa Province Tel: (058) 6256-900 www.novotel-nhatrang.com

84 Tran Nhan Tong St, Hai Ba Trung Dist, Hanoi Tel: (04) 3822-3535 www.hotelnikkohanoi.com.vn

Orientica Seafood Restaurant at the Hotel Equatorial Ho Chi Minh City has ‘Weekend Dim Sum Brunch’ every Saturday and Sunday, 9 a.m. to 2.30 p.m., at VND398,000++. Those who get 10 tickets will get a free lunch. Also, the restaurant has ‘A la carte Dim Sum’ from Tuesday to Friday, 11.30 a.m. to 2.30 p.m., at VND48,000++.

Lotte Legend Hotel Saigon

May Man Cuisine Restaurant, at the Fortuna Hotel Hanoi, prepares roasted pig skin with minced seafood and almond in plum sauce for those who love Chinese cuisine at VND960,000++.

Hotel Nikko Hanoi

VALUE FOR MONEY

Come and enjoy daily buffet dinners with seafood, barbecue and Asian cuisine at VND525,000++, including a beer or soft drink. Also the hotel is running a promotion ‘Dine 4 Pay 3’. Moreover, the hotel is offering a 50 per cent discount for 20 first bookings of buffet lunch from noon to 2.30 p.m. every Friday and Sunday.

2A-4A Ton Duc Thang St, Dist.1, Ho Chi Minh Tel: (08) 3823-3333 Yoshino Restaurant, at the Lotte Legend Hotel Saigon, has a ‘Yoshino Weekend Feast’ of Japanese cuisine including Edamame, salad, Sashimi and California Maki, mixed Tempura and pork or beef Shabu-Shabu. Dinners will enjoy free flow of Sapporo beer and free use of swimming pool from noon to 5 p.m.

Sheraton Saigon Hotel & Towers

88 Dong Khoi St, Dist.1, Ho Chi Minh City Tel: (08) 3827-2828 www.sheratonsaigon.com

Duxton Hotel Saigon

La Brasserie Restaurant, at the Hotel Nikko Hanoi, serves ‘Weekday International Dinner Buffet’ from Monday to Friday with a variety dishes from different countries. VND555,000, including free flow draught beer and soft drinks. Also, the restaurant serves ‘Sunday Dinner International Buffet’ and ‘Sunday Lunch Buffet with Lobster’ at VND555,000 including free flow draught beer and soft drinks. Groups from 4-10 get a 15 per cent discount. Group from 11 above get a 20 per cent discount.

InterContinental Hanoi West Lake 1A Nghi Tam St, Hanoi Tel: (04) 6270-8888

63 Nguyen Hue Boulevard, Dist. 1, Ho Chi Minh City Tel: (08) 3822-2999 www.duxtonhotels.com/saigon The Bar, at the Duxton Hotel Saigon, serves a selection of snacks at VND60,000++ per item, including crispy oriental mix, deep-fried seafood, cheesy fries, hot wings and Mozzarella meatball accompanied by sour cream, sweet, hot and spicy dips. Also The Bar offers three snack items at VN150,000++ and a free bar snack with every purchase of Tiger/Heineken jug or bottle of wine.

Hotel Equatorial Ho Chi Minh City

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

Saigon Café, at the Sheraton Saigon Hotel & Towers, serves Japanese cuisine buffet dinner, including a wide range of sushi and sashimi, salad with Japanese dressing, fried seafood and vegetable tempura, shabu-shabu and suki shabu hot pot and ramen noodle soup, sweet mocha, soya milk pudding and oshiruko. Every Friday, 6 p.m. to 10 p.m., 15, 22 and 29 May, VND1,100,000++ including free flowing house wine, coffee and tea.

Rates may be subject to 5-per-cent service charge and 10-per-cent VAT if there is no statement to the contrary. VIETNAM HERITAGE - MAY-JUNE 2015

• 41

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 - MAY-JUNE 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

7. Ho Ho Chi Chi Minh Minh Museum

8. Imperial Long ong Imperial Citadel Citadel of Thang Thang L

CENTRE O

9. Vietnam off H History F3 istory F 3 Vietnam National National Museum Museum o 10. Vietnam Vietnam Military Military History History Museum D2 illar 11. O ne P One Pillar

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

13. Ngo on Temple Temple Ngocc S Son

14. Dong Da H ill Hill

15. Dong X uan M arket Xuan Market

1 4 14

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 12 1 11 11

15 15 8

one pillar

5 10 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 Mongolia 5 Van Phuc, Kim Ma St, Ba Dinh Dist., Hanoi Tel: (04) 3845-3009 Myanmar 298A Kim Ma St, Ba Dinh Dist., Hanoi Tel: (04) 3845-3369

46 • VIETNAM HERITAGE - MAYJUNE 2015

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

MEDICAL CENTRES Acupuncture Institute 49 Thai Thinh St, Dong Da Dist., Hanoi Tel: (04) 3563-1069 Hanoi French Hospital 1 Phuong Mai St, Ba Dinh Dist., Hanoi Tel: (04) 3577-1100 International SOS Clinic 1 Dang Thai May St, Tay Ho Dist., Hanoi Tel: (04) 3934-0666 Thuy Tran Otolaryngology Clinic 6 Do Quang St, Cau Giay Dist., Hanoi (6/61 Tran Duy Hung Avenue) Tel: (04) 3556-6124 Mobile 098 368 0276 Email: thuyent12@yahoo.com www.taimuihongthuytran.com Vinmec international hospital 458 Minh Khai St, Hai Ba Trung Dist, Hanoi, Tel: (04) 3974-3556 AIRLINES Air France 1 Ba Trieu St, Hoan Kiem Dist., Hanoi Tel: (04) 3825-3484 Qatar Airways Hilton Hanoi Opera Building, M floor, 1 Le Thanh Tong St, Hoan Kiem Dist., Hanoi Tel: (04) 3933-6767 www.qatarairways.com Singapore Airlines 17 Ngo Quyen St, Hoan Kiem Dist., Hanoi. Tel: (04) 3826-8888 Vietnam Airlines 25 Trang Thi St, Hoan Kiem Dist., Hanoi Tel: (04) 3823-0320 TRAVEL

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

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

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

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

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

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

DIRECTIONS HANOI Email: sales@topastravel.vn www.topastravel.vn HOTELS Note: Prices at many hotels depend on occupancy and change daily 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)

Tan My Embroidery 66 Hang Gai St, Hanoi Email: tanmyhuong@fpt.vn Tel: (04) 3825-1579

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)

Mekong Quilts 13 Hang Bac St, Hoan Kiem Dist., Hanoi Tel: (04) 3926-4831 www.mekong-quilts.org

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

Dome Yen The 10 Yen The St, Hanoi Tel: (04) 3843-6036

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

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

Viet Culture 1 Trang Thi St, Hanoi Tel: (04) 3934-7417

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

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

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

VIETNAM HERITAGE - MAY-JUNE 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 - MAY-JUNE 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

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)

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 - MAY-JUNE 2015

â&#x20AC;˘ 49

DIRECTIONS PHAN THIET Mường Thanh Nha Trang Hotel 6 Duong Hien Quyen St, Vinh Hoa Ward, Nha Trang, Khanh Hoa Province Tel: (058) 3552-468 Email: info@nhatrang.muongthanh.vn www.nhatrang.muongthanh.vn From VND1,400,000 ($66) Novotel Nha Trang Hotel 50 Tran Phu St, Nha Trang, Khanh Hoa Province Tel: (058) 6256-900 Email: rsvn@novotel-nhatrang.com www.novotel-nhatrang.com From VND2,100,000 ($100)

Email: info@whitesandresort.com.vn www.whitesandresort.com.vn SHOPPING

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

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) 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)

MUSEUM

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) 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)

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

PHAN THIET

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

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

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) Phu Hai Resort 20B, Nguyen Dinh Chieu St, Ham Tien Ward, Phan Thiet, Binh Thuan Province Tel: (062) 3741-617 Email: info@muineuniqueresort.com www.muineuniqueresort.com From VND2,898,000 ($138)

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

Romana Resort & Spa Km8, Nguyen Dinh Chieu St, Phu Hai Ward, Phan Thiet City, Binh Thuan Province Tel: (062) 3812-799 Email: info@phuhairesort.com www.phuhairesort.com Mom Da Chim - Lazi Beach 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

Bamboo Village Beach Resort & Spa

White Sand Doclet Resort & Spa Population group 9 Dong Cat, Ninh Hai Ward, Ninh Hoa Town, Khanh Hoa Province Tel: (058) 3670-670

Muine Bay Resort

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

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

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)

www.phuhairesort.com 50 • VIETNAM HERITAGE - MAY-JUNE 2015

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)

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

DIRECTIONS DALAT, HO CHI MINH CITY Tel: (062) 3741-044 Email: saigonmuineresort@hcm.vnn.vn www.saigonmuineresort.com.vn From VND1,908,000 ($90)

Province; Tel: (062) 3741-660 Email: info@villaariamuine.com www.villaariamuine.com From VND2,520,000 ($120)

Seahorse Resort & Spa

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

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) Sunny Beach Resort & Spa

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) Victoria Phan Thiet Beach Resort & Spa Phu Hai Ward, Phan Thiet City, Binh Thuan Province Tel: (062) 3813-000 Email: resa.phanthiet@victoriahotels.asia www.victoriahotels.asia From VND3,633,000 ($171)

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

DALAT

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

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

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

Located in the heart of Dalat, SaigonDalat Hotel is a four-star-standard hotel, comprised of 160 luxurious and comfortable rooms with air-conditioning throughout and other modern amenities. Four restaurants, two bars, one tennis court, one indoor swimming pool, one fitness centre and one beauty salon and spa help make your getaway experience complete.

HO CHI MINH CITY (TELEPHONE CODE: 08) CONSULATES

Australia 5B Ton Duc Thang St, Dist.1, Ho Chi Minh City Tel: (08) 3829-6035 Belgium 91 Nguyen Huu Canh St, Ward 22, Binh Thanh Dist., Ho Chi Minh City Tel: (08) 3512-7968 Cambodia 41 Phung Khac Khoan St, Dist.1, Ho Chi Minh City Tel: (08) 3829-2751 Canada Metropolitan, 235 Dong Khoi St, Dist.1, Ho Chi Minh City Tel: (08) 3827-9899 China 175 Hai Ba Trung St, Dist.3, Ho Chi Minh City. Tel: (08) 3829-2457 Cuba 45 Phung Khac Khoan St, Dist.1, Ho Chi Minh City Tel: (08) 3829-7350 France 27 Nguyen Thi Minh Khai St, Dist.3, Ho Chi Minh City Tel: (08) 3829-7231 Germany 126 Nguyen Dinh Chieu St, Dist.3, Ho Chi Minh City Tel: (08) 3829-2455 India 55 Nguyen Dinh Chieu St, Dist.3, Ho Chi Minh City Tel: (08) 3822-7853 Indonesia 18 Phung Khac Khoan St, Dist.1, Ho Chi Minh City Tel: (08) 3825-1888 Japan 13-17 Nguyen Hue St, Dist.1, Ho Chi Minh City; Tel: (08) 3822-5314 Kuwait 24 Phung Khac Khoan St, Dist.1, Ho Chi Minh City, tel: (08) 3827-0555

Villa Aria Mui Ne

Laos 93 Pasteur St, Dist.1, Ho Chi Minh City Tel: (08) 3829-7667

60A Nguyen Dinh Chieu St, Ham Tien Ward, Phan Thiet City, Binh Thuan

180 Ba Thang Hai St, Dalat, Lam Dong Province Tel: (063) 3556-789 Email: hotel@saigondalat.com ; resvn@saigondalat.com www.saigondalathotel.com

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

Mexico 11 Tra Khuc St, Tan Binh Dist., Ho Chi Minh City Tel: (08) 3848-6290

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

Netherlands 29 Le Duan St, Dist.1, Ho Chi Minh City Tel: (08) 3823-5932

Asiana Airlines 39 Le Duan St, Dist.1, Ho Chi Minh City Tel: (08) 3822-8710, (08) 3829-3038

VIETNAM HERITAGE - MAY-JUNE 2015

â&#x20AC;˘ 51

DIRECTIONS HO CHI MINH CITY British Airways 170-172 Nam Ky Khoi Nghia St, Dist.3, Ho Chi Minh City Tel: (08) 3930-2933 Cathay Pacific Airways 72-74 Nguyen Thi Minh Khai St, Dist.1, Ho Chi Minh City Tel: (08) 3822-3203 Emirates Airlines 170-172 Nam Ky Khoi Nghia St, Dist.3, Ho Chi Minh City Tel: (08) 3930-2939 Japan Airlines 88 Dong Khoi St, Dist.1, Ho Chi Minh City. Tel: (08) 3821-9098 Jetstar Pacific Airlines 112 Hong Ha St, Tan Binh Dist., Ho Chi Minh City Tel: (08) 3955-0550 Philippine Airlines 2nd Floor Saigon Royal Building 91 Pasteur St, Dist.1, Ho Chi Minh City Tel: (08) 3827-2105 Qatar Airways 1-5 Le Duan St, Dist.1, Ho Chi Minh City Tel: (08) 3827-3888 Royal Brunei Airlines 787 Tran Hung Dao St, Dist.1, Ho Chi Minh CityTel: (08) 3924-5100 Singapore Airlines 29 Le Duan St, Dist.1, Ho Chi Minh City Tel: (08) 3823-1588 Thai Airways International 29 Le Duan St, Dist.1, Ho Chi Minh City Tel: (08) 3829-2809 United Airlines Suite 708 Sun Wah Tower, 115 Nguyen Hue St, Dist.1, Ho Chi Minh City Tel: (08) 3823-4755 Vietnam Airlines 115 Nguyen Hue St, Dist.1, Ho Chi Minh City Tel: (08) 3832-0320

Exotissimo 261/26 Phan Xich Long St, Phu Nhuan Dist., Ho Chi Minh City Tel: (08) 3995-9898 www.exotravel.com

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

Saigon Tourist 45 Le Thanh Ton St, Dist.1, Ho Chi Minh City Tel: (08) 3827-9279 www.saigon-tourist.net

Northern Hotel Saigon

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

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.

InterContinental Asiana Saigon Corner Hai Ba TrungSt. & Le Duan Blvd, Dist.1, Ho Chi Minh City Tel: (08) 3520-9999 Email: saigon@ihg.com www.intercontinental.com/Saigon Kelly Hotel

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

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

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

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

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)

First Hotel

42-44 Thu Khoa Huan St, Dist.1, Ho Chi Minh City. Tel: (08) 3823-3364 Email: info@kellyhotel.com.vn www.kellyhotel.com.vn From VND750,000 ($36) An elegant and cosy hotel with good service. Within walking distance to Ben Thanh market, Independence Palace and several museums. Vietnamese food is served at reasonable prices. Liberty Central Hotels in Ho Chi Minh City 17 Ton Duc Thang St, Dist.1 Tel: (08) 3827-1717 177-179 Le Thanh Ton St, Dist.1 Tel: (08) 3823-9269

Vietjet Air 8Bis Cong Truong Quoc Te, Dist.3, Ho Chi Minh City Tel: (08) 3827-0123 www.vietjetair.com TRAVEL

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

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 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 242 Tran Binh Trong St, Dist.5, Ho Chi Minh City

52 • VIETNAM HERITAGE - MAY-JUNE 2015

Eastin Grand Hotel Saigon

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

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) Sheraton Saigon Hotel & Towers 88 Dong Khoi St, Ben Nghe Ward, Dist.1, Ho Chi Minh City

DIRECTIONS HO CHI MINH CITY Tel: (08) 3827-2828 Email: sheratonsaigon@sheraton.com www.sheratonsaigon.com

Kim Lam Restaurant

Sofitel Saigon Plaza

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) Sonnet Saigon Hotel

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

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

Lemongrass Restaurant 4 Nguyen Thiep St, Dist.1, Ho Chi Minh City Tel: (08) 3822-0496 www.bongsencorporation.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 pastries and cakes and a cup of coffee from selected premium blends.

info@cactusartgallery.com www.cactusartgallery.com

Handed by crafts from Vietnam 47 Dong Khoi St, Dist.1, Ho Chi Minh City Tel: 0908 447 282

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

IPA Nima 85 Pasteur St, Ben Nghe Ward, Dist.1, Ho Chi Minh City Tel: (08) 3824-2701 IPA Nima is well-known for its bags. Lu's Handmade 240 Ly Tu Trong St, Ben Thanh Ward, Dist.1, Ho Chi Minh City Facebook: Lu's Handmade 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

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

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 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

Dong Duong 123A Bui Vien St, Dist.1,

Galerie Quynh Level 2, 151/2 Dong Khoi St, Dist.1, Ho Chi Minh City Tel: (08) 3824-8284 www.galeriequynh.com 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

Mam Son Restaurant 35 Ton That Thiep St, Dist.1, Ho Chi Minh City Tel: (08) 3915-3653

BARS & CAFÉS

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

Ho Chi Minh City Tel: 0943925348

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 COOKING CLASSES

Mint Culinary School 778/45 Nguyen Kiem St, Phu Nhuan Dist., Ho Chi Minh City Tel: (08) 3844-5500 Email: sales@vca.com.vn www.vca.com.vn Saigon Cooking Class 74/7 Hai Ba Trung St, Dist.1, Ho Chi Minh City Tel: (08) 3825-8485 www.saigoncookingclass.com GALLERIES

Artists Long & Ngoc Gallery Grand Hotel (at the lobby), 8 Dong Khoi, Dist.1, Ho Chi Minh City TeL: (08) 2246-6839 Mobile: 0908 229 708 Email: ngoclongfineart@yahoo.com Apricot Gallery 50 Mac Thi Buoi St, Ben Nghe Ward, Dist.1, Ho Chi Minh City Tel: (08) 3822-7962 Cactus Contemporary Art 17/12 Nguen Huy Tuong St, Ward 6, Binh Thanh Dist., Ho Chi Minh City Tel: (08) 7300-1270

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. 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. 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 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

VIETNAM HERITAGE - MAY-JUNE 2015

• 53

CENTRE OF HO

1. Independence Independence Palace Palace

2. Notre Notre Dame Cathedral Cathedral

3. Vietnam Vietnam History History Museum

4. Fine Fine Arts Arts Museum Museum of of Ho Ho Chi Chi Minh Minh City City E4 E4 5. Ho Ho Chi Chi Minh Minh City City Museum

6. Southern Women omen Museum Southern W

7. War Wa ar Remnants Remnants Museum

Ben Thanh Thanh M arket 8. Ben Market

9. Tao Tao Dan Park Park

10. Post Post Office Office

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 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

Tel: (064) 3856-888 Email: sales@grandhotel.com.vn www.grandhotel.com.vn From VND2,058,000 ($98) Mường Thanh Vung Tau Hotel

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

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

257 Le Hong Phong St, Ward 8, Vung Tau Tel: (064) 3584-179 Email: quanly@kieuanhhotel.com www.kieuanhhotel.vn Petrosetco Hotel

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.

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

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

CON DAO

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

MY THO

The Island Lodge

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

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

Palace Hotel

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

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

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

CAN THO

63 Tran Hung Dao St, Ward 1, Vung Tau Tel: (064) 3852-014 Email: info@petrohousehotel.vn www.petrohousehotel.vn From VND1,260,000 ($60)

(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.

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

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

56 • VIETNAM HERITAGE - MAY-JUNE 2015

Golf Can Tho Hotel 2 Hai Ba Trung St, Tan An Ward, Ninh Kieu Dist., Can Tho Tel: (0710) 3812-210 golf4.cantho@vinagolf.vn www.vinagolf.vn

HOTELS, RESORTS

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

DIRECTIONS PHU QUOC, OVERSEAS a 50-minute flight from Ho Chi Minh City. Modest family-owned bungalows on the beach to fivestar resorts. HOTELS, RESORTS

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

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

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

(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

Tel: 01912330766 Vietnamese dishes

1314 S Jackson St Seattle, WA 98144 Tel: (1) 206-860-8164 Kieu Nga Lemongrass Restaurant 514 12th Ave Seattle, WA 98122 Tel: (1) 206-860-8164 Moonlight Café 1919 S Jackson St Seattle, WA 98144 Tel: (1) 206-322-3378 Massachusetts-MA Saigon Hut 305-307 Meridian St. Boston, ] MA 02128; Tel: (1) 617-567-1944 Xinh Xinh 7 Beach St (Washington St.) Boston, MA 02111 Tel: (1) 617-422-0501

UNITED KINGDOM

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

AUSTRALIA

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

INDONESIA

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

Hung Ky Mi Gia 5237 El Cajon Blvd, San Diego, CA 92115; Tel: (1) 619-229-2188 Serves noodle varieties with prices starting at $5 per dish Open 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. International Restaurant 1 4444 – A University Ave, San Diego, CA 92115 Tel: (1) 619-281-9999 Little Saigon 7 Linden Ave (Railroad) South San Francisco, CA 94080 Tel: (1) 650-589-1398 New York-NY Saigon Grill 620 Amsterdam Ave, New York, NY 10024 Tel: (1) 212-875-9072 Serves over 100 Vietnamese dishes including vegetarian options Open 11 a.m. to 12 a.m. Mai Lan Vietnamese 505 N State St Syracuse, NY 13203 Tel: (1) 315-471-6740 www.mailanrestaurant.com L’Annam 121 University Pl New York, NY 10022 Tel: (1) 212-420-1414 VIRGINIA-VA Minh’s Vietnamese 2500 Wilson Blvd Arlington, VA 22201 Tel: (1) 703-525-2828 Prices start at $15 per dish Open 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. (closed on Mondays) WASHINGTON-WC Ho Bac VIETNAM HERITAGE - MAY-JUNE 2015

• 57

LAID BACK

Photo: Vu Quoc Bao

Photo: Ls Trung

Photo: Chitu Catalin

Photo: Hoang Thach Van

58 â&#x20AC;˘ VIETNAM HERITAGE - MAY-JUNE 2015

Clockwise from top left: Van Chuong Apartment Building in Hanoi, 2013; In Hang Bo St, Hanoi; Fishing on West Lake, Hanoi; Learning to swim in Dong Thap Province; Hanoi railway line runs through old quarter of the city on way to Long Bien Bridge, Hanoi, 2014

Photo: Kirstinesall