Vietnam heritage October-November 2015 by Vietnam Heritage

3:1 3:11 1 OCT-NOV OCT T--NOV V 2015

ISSN 1859-4123

CULTURAL HERITAGE ASSOCIATION OF VIETNAM

Binh Thuan Province offers wild and pure beauty

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CONTENT No 3, Vol.11, October-November 2015

COVER STORY Travel 8 Binh Thuan Province offers wild and pure beauty

Culture

12 A festival called Kate 16 Protecting the nests Food

19 Northern noodles Craft

20 A new life for bamboo Art

24 ‘Homeland and Sea’ An exhibition at the Tu Do Gallery

Advertorial 26 Mystery of pearls Miss Universe crown Vietnam 2015 28 Hanoi Museum: Present and future 29 Opening of Tuan Chau International Passenger Port 30 The beauty lies within: The Times Square Building Architecture

32 Temple of virtue

34 What the papers say 36 Events

39 Value for money 42 Buyable

43 Directions

12 18 29

58 Laid back

Cover photograph: Making fish sauce, Phan Thiet, Binh Thuan Province, 2004. Photo: Do Huu Tuan

Published by the Cultural Heritage Association of Vietnam

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VIETNAM HERITAGE - OCTOBER-NOVEMBER 2015

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A dragon boat racing, Binh Thuan Province,2015

Vietnam Heritage Photo Awards 2015 - First prize for Binh Thuan theme Photo: Nguyen Quoc Huy

Binh Thuan Province offers wild and pure beauty

n October 24th, 1995, a total eclipse occurred in Phan Thiet. Scientists and tourists from all over the world congregated here in this remote area to behold the miracle moments when the solar flower magnificently blossomed in the Binh Thuan sky. According to the Oriental I Ching philosophy, this is the sacred moment of the harmony between Yin and Yang. Binh Thuan features a gorgeous, nearly 200 km-long coast line, stretching from Tuy Phong to Bac Binh, Mui Ne, Ham Thuan Nam and Ham Tan. Captivating tourist attractions in Binh Thuan such as Mui Ne, Co Thach, Bau Trang, Doi Hong, Suoi Tien, Ke

Ga and Ta Cu have gradually become common knowledge. Binh Thuan has always been generous in serving guests with its unique, natural yields; tropical warm sunlight, long beaches lined with fine sand, lots of sea breezes and clear blue water. Countless secluded streams, waterfalls and rapids are found in the primal forests that make up Truong Son mountain range in the West of Binh Thuan. This land, moreover, is also extremely attractive to curious tourists who are interested in learning about the local history and culture. Cham culture has been in Binh Thuan for ages. Through many changes, Poshanu Cham tower is still solemnly

8 • VIETNAM HERITAGE - OCTOBER-NOVEMBER 2015

standing on the top of Ba Nai Mountain, contemplating the universe’s transformation. The Cham traditional dances, music, festivals and handicrafts have been maintained and conserved until today. Ke Ga lighthouse, which was established in 1900, plays an essential role in the international maritime routes in the East Sea area. The water tower is Phan Thiet city’s symbol. It was designed by the Kingdom of Laos’ Prince, Suphanuvong, in 1928. This is also the symbol of the Vietnam – Laos nation’s friendship. Inside the Truong Tho Linh Son Pagoda on the Ta Cu mountain top lies a statue of Buddha entering Nirvana.

It is a totally refreshing and different experience to wake up early in the morning and visit the fish landings scattered along the Binh Thuan coastal line. The festive atmosphere of those fish landings cheerfully ignite a new day. The seaside air has imbued Binh Thuan people with certain characteristics; hard-working, honest and especially friendly. As a place rich in marine life, fish sauce-making has been Binh Thuanâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s special and famous profession since ancient times. The fresh, sweet and healthy blue dragon fruit is another distinctive specialty of Binh Thuan. The formation and development of lll Clockwise from left: Bau Trang or White Lake, Binh Thuan Province, 2008.Photo: Do Huu Tien; Releasing a boat model, a ritual in the Whale Worship Festival, Binh Thuan Province, 2014. Photo: Tran Khanh Hung; Mui Gio, 30 km away from Mui Ne, Binh Thuan Province, 2015, Photo: Nguyen Minh Tan; Watering on the farm, Phu Long Town, Binh Thuan Province, 2014. Photo: Truong Anh Vu

VIETNAM HERITAGE - OCTOBER-NOVEMBER 2015

â&#x20AC;˘9

TRAVEL

Binh Thuan tourism began with ‘the Pearl’ Mui Ne. Beside the natural potential, policies and plans of the local government and the support of local people, there are also great and meaningful contributions from investors from all over the world. Today, Binh Thuan welcomes millions of new and old tourists every year, thanks to its own glamour. Those who come to visit Binh Thuan find the activities at sea most interesting. Outdoor sports such as water jetting, surfing, windsurfing and ballooning lll

take place here. Sea Links City stands out among all Binh Thuan’s tourism projects. This is an architecture ensemble with 5-star hotels, high-class restaurants, villas for rent, golf courses and many other entertainment services. Most notable is probably the Champagne Castle, where there is a wine cooling cellar, demonstrations of champagne making procedures and a display of many kinds of rare champagne from all over the world.

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Bau Trang (White Lake), a magnificent landscape, has been planned and conserved into a wonderful eco-tourism zone in Binh Thuan. This place offers you not only a chance to enjoy nature, but also a thrilling Clockwise from top: Co Thach Beach, Tuy Phong District, Binh Thuan Province,2015. Photo: Vo Hoai Huy; Kite surfing in the sea Binh Thuan Province, 2015 Photo: Nguyen Quoc Huy; Bringing a dead whale to the shore for a funeral, Binh Thuan Province, 2012. Photo: Pham Ngoc Hoang

TRAVEL

experience of driving an ATV on a winding road over the sand dulls. Together with the overall booming of the province, Phan Thiet City has also renewed itself to be a young, fresh and potential urban area. Investors and international brands are pouring here to do business and service of all types, contributing to the whole land’s development. Ca Ty River charmingly runs through the ports before pouring into the ocean, adding to the special beauty that is full of

the vitality of Phan Thiet. After 20 years of planning and developing, Binh Thuan Province has become a renowned destination with millions of local and international tourists every year. One of the most interesting features of Binh Thuan tourism is: ‘Binh Thuan – Green Convergence’. It is the harmony of heaven and earth, of mountains and seas of rivers and lakes and the unity of cultures.n Text from film Binh Thuan - Green Convergence 2015, script writer Phan To Hoai,

Director Tran My Ha Photos from the Vietnam Heritage Photo Awards 2015, photos selected for display at 8 exhibitions in Vietnam Clockwise from top: A festival of Cham peopler praying for rain, Binh Thuan Province, 2014.Photo: Do Huu Tuan; Dragon and unicorn dances, Binh Thuan Province, 2014. Photo: Dang Thanh Lan; A dragon fruit plantation in Binh Thuan Province, 2015.Photo: Do Huu Tuan

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CULTURE

A festival called Kate BY INRASARA*

The holy ceremonies of the Cham people are a crossroads for two diﬀerent minorities

ham people in Vietnam are named after their religion. There are Cham Ahier (Hindu Cham), Cham Awal or Cham Ba-ni (followers of localized Islam) and Cham Islam (Muslims). The community has two big festivals, Kate and Ramuwan, which is a variation of Muslims’ Ramadan. Islam came to Champa in the 14th century and was localized to become Ba-ni. Ramuwan is a purely religious festival which takes place in the ninth Muslim month. The time is not fixed on the western calendar, because the Muslim

year has 12 fewer days. Kate takes place in the seventh Cham month. The Cham calendar originated from Sakti, India and differentiates less from western calendar. This year, the Kate of Cham people falls on 11 to 13 October, 2015. Kate is the biggest festival of the Cham communities in Ninh Thuan and Binh Thuan provinces, making many mistake it for ‘Cham New Year’. In fact, Rija Nugar is Cham New Year, which takes place at the Cham year’s beginning. During Kate, Cham people go to their temples to conduct their national sacred rituals, re-

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gardless of each person’s religion and residence. Ninh Thuan Province has Po Klaung Garai, Po Rome and Po Nugar temples. Binh Thuan has Po Dam temple at Tuy Phong District and Po Sah Inu temple in Phan Thiet City. People thank heaven, the deities and the ancestors for creating the country and for peace and prosperity. The main rituals of Kate include: Dress Procession, Temple Opening, Deity Bathing, Deity Dressing and

Deity Worship. Then they go back to their village and pray at the chief monk’s house. On the third day, they pray at home. Kate may last till the end of the month. Depending on the regional and private customs of each clan and family, people may conduct the heaven and earth appreciation ritual on different days of the month. In the past, only those Cham families that had made a ‘promise’ to a deity would make

CULTURE sacrifices to return their debt. The others didn’t take part in Kate. In the last few decades, due to the modern cultural blending, Kate the ritual became Kate the festival. Cham villages open their arms to welcome people from near and far, Vietnamese and foreigners alike. Kate becomes even more vibrant and attractive when both Ninh Thuan and Binh Thuan have Cham performers coming to Cham villages to have fun together with the people after hard days of work. The most surprising and impressive phenomenon of Kate is the first ritual. The Deity dress is brought not by the Cham, but by the Raglai people, who are of a different ethnicity. Noon of the last day of the sixth Cham month, the Raglai who keep the Deity’s dress in Tra No Village of Phuoc Ha Commune, Ninh Thuan Province, bring it to Huu Duc, the largest Cham village in Ninh Thuan, where Po Nugar temple is located. The next morning, the villagers and senior monk take it in a procession to the temple for the rituals. Here, the Raglai delegation performs their most special dance in the shared ceremony. After that, they go back to the Cham village to celebrate Kate with their Cham brothers and sisters. Raglai and Cham people have been inseparable for centuries. They share living regions, language, business relations and common cultural activities. Today, the Raglai are found wherever the Cham live. The Raglai live in the midlands, so the Cham call them the highland Cham, and they call themselves the lowland Cham. Cham and Raglai are dialects of Malay. Ede, Churu, Jarai are

also dialects of Malay, but Raglai and Cham are much closer to each other. They share almost 90 per cent of their vocabulary; only one uses the vowel ‘a’ and the other use ‘u’, so they can understand each other well. Both Cham and Raglai families are matriarchal, which means women take their husband home. Both of them maintain this family structure today. The Cham have these sayings: Cham is the elder, Raglai is the younger brother. Or: Cham and Raglai are like blood brothers. Raglai is the King’s youngest child. In a matriarchal family, the last child keeps the property. So, naturally the King’s youngest child must keep the royal dress. All Champa Kings were deified. The royal dress is the dress of Yang God. The God’s statue must be dressed in it during the solemn Kate ceremony of the nation for the chief monk to conduct the rituals. After Kate is over, the Raglai wrap the dress up and take it back home to preserve. Finally, all festivities involve pilgrimage. Pilgrims from Cham villages come every year without fail to Po Inu Nugar temple, in Nha Trang, Khanh Hoa Province for Kate. This attracts more and more people of other ethnicities. Here, apart from the Raglai, the Viet people also come to make offerings and worship. Over a hundred years ago, when the Cham communities moved southward, the Viet replaced them to perform ceremonies to keep the temple from becoming fallow; thus it became a custom.n *Inrasara is a Cham and well known expert on Cham culture

Opposite, top: Kate Festival at Po Rome Temple, Ninh Thuan Province, 2011. Photo: Truong Van An. Opposite, below from left: Deity Dressing in Kate Festival at Po Klaung Garai Temple, Ninh Thuan Province, 2010; Dance performances in Kate Festival in Huu Duc Village, Ninh Thuan Province, 2009. Photos: Truong Van An Top: Kate Festival at Po Klaung Garai Temple, 2010. Photo: Nguyen Phuoc Toan

Below: Preparing offerings to deities in Kate Festival. Photo: Inrajaya; Cham dance in Kate Festival. Photo: Ngo Dinh Hong

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Traditional relics still shine

n 28 September, Ho Chi Minh City Museum opened the exhibition of the ‘Collection of Thang Long Royal Citadel’s relics’, with 638 artefacts and over 100 pictures, maps, photographs and documentary films. These are classified under three topics: Introduction to Thang Long – Hanoi and the Thang Long Royal Citadel Heritage site, Building materials of Thang Long Royal Citadel and Thang Long Royal Citadel’s ceramics. The hall on 1st floor shows the formation and development of Thang Long – Hanoi capital and the Thang Long Royal Citadel excavation on panels of pictures and introductory texts. In the middle, reproductive copies of terra-cotta building materials of the Ly-Tran era, XI-XIV centuries, including

roof-top tiles decorated with banyan leaf and phoenix, phoenix heads decorating royal palace roofs, roof-top tiles decorated with asymmetric banyan leaf and phoenixes of the Tran era, etc. Next is a collection of bricks used in the buildings of Thang Long’s Royal palaces, including some typical stone foundations of the Ly and early Le eras. The 2nd floor’s hall is the central part of the collection of ‘Thang Long Royal Citadel’s relics’. It includes architectural elements of historical eras of Ly, Tran, Early Le and Mac Dynasties, such as terra-cotta statues of birds of paradise and lions, Tran era lotus roof tiles, Early Le era, XV century yellow and blue enamel-coated pipe roof tiles that form a dragon and XVI century dragon relief bricks of the Mac era. The dragon theme col-

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BY KHOA VAN

lection is central, representing royal power and prestige. There are also china and ceramic utensils used by royal families of different periods, such as a Ly era lamp base, Tran era emerald enamel ceramics, Tran era stone ink slab in the form of a carp, and many Le era ceramic items. A map system helps see the evolution of Thang Long as a capital city. The exhibition is a special activity that links together the cultural heritage of the nation. The exhibition runs till an undetermined date. Ho Chi Minh City Museum 65 Ly Tu Trong St, Ben Nghe Ward, Dist.1, Ho Chi Minh City Tel: (08) 3829-9741. Open daily 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.

CULTURE

Khanh Hoa Province

Protecting the nests BY THUY NHI

‘Day of Tradition’ remembers a time when a navy defended swallow’s nests

ocated about 15 nautical miles from downtown Nha Trang, the island of Hon Noi looks like the head of a seal looking out to the sea. It’s one of the rocky islands that host the largest conglomerates of swallows, which give almost 2/3 of the total amount of natural swallow nests that Khanh Hoa Salanganes Nest Company collects every year, according to the company’s managers. Around Hon Noi, there are dozens of other islands where the swallows live and make their nests in great numbers, such as Hon Ngoai, Hon Cha La, Hon Dun, Hon Cong, Hon Doi Moi, Hon Mun and Hon Xa Cu. Visitors may encounter sea gulls walking, flirting or sharing a catch on precarious rocks. They swing high above, their eyes scanning laced shawls of waves that curve around the

islets. Getting into the swallow caves here to see firsthand the swallow nests that densely tile the sheer rocky walls is quite an experience, because one has to worm and push one’s way through narrow and treacherous entrances. This alone is enough to help one understand the perils of the swallow nest trade. Hon Noi is also romantic, with its Twin Beach separated by a thin long dune. The water is crystal clear and cool. Visitors can board the tour boats of Sanest Tourist at the Cau Da (Rock Harbour) of Nha Trang to take an hour ride to Hon Noi. On the way they might see big colourful coral reefs at the Hon Sam area, enjoy fresh sea food at the fish farms of Vinh Nguyen, and contemplate the loneliness of an ocean watch post towering on Du Ha peak. One can also climb a few hundred steps to feel so tiny amid ocean

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and heaven. On Hon Noi, one can visit the temple devoted to the founders of the swallow nest trade. On the 10th of the 5th lunar month every year, swallow nest collectors come here to remember their ancestors who pioneered the trade. In the temple, a stone stele tells us about the life and deeds of the island’s deity. In 1328, a Tran Dynasty’s navy ship drifted to Hon Tre in a big storm. Its commander, Le Van Dat, founded Bich Dam Village. He also discovered the swallow islets around the area and started the swallow nest trade of Khanh Hoa. In 1769, his descendant, Count Le Van Quang of An Phu, and his daughter, Le Thi Huyen Tram, an admiral who headed the navy of Binh Khang District and Hon Tre archipelago, defeated foreign raiders and defended

CULTURE

the region’s swallow nest trades. Then, in a battle to defend the sea, Le Thi Huyen Tram and Count Le Van gave their lives on the 10th day of 5th month in 1793. For that great sacrifice, the local people have deified Le Thi Huyen Tram as their guarding deity and built a temple to worship her. Throughout our heroic history, Khanh Hoa’s swallow nest trade has always been

part of the ups and downs, wars and peace of the nation. Today’s generation of Khanh Hoa swallow nest collectors maintains and further develops the traditions founded by their ancestors. They call the holiday the Day of Tradition. On this day, they gather around the altar of the forefathers and burn incense to recall their legacy and to report their latest achievements. It’s truly a respectable business culture.n

Left: A swallow bird at Hon Noi. Photo: Tien Thanh Clockwise from top: A corner of Hon Noi; The festival ‘Day of Tradition’ on the 10th of 5th lunar month on Hon Noi to commemorate those who founded the swallow nest trade. Photos: Tien Thanh; A swallow cave on Hon Noi. Photo: Khanh Hoa Salanganes Nest Company

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Once a delicacy for special occasions, this dish is becoming a lost art

Northern noodles

here are many kinds of noodles made with bún (rice vermicelli), among which the most prominent in the North is, perhaps, bún thang. Bún thang has been on festive tables in Hanoi for quite a long time. Culture experts are inclined to think that thang in Han Chinese means ‘broth’, so bún thang can be understood as ‘rice vermicelli in broth’. Indeed, the core, or the soul, of this dish is the broth which results from simmering chicken or pig bones with salt water shrimp for hours. Any froth appearing on the surface has to be removed immediately to avoid turbidity. A standard broth has to be clear, elegantly sweet, with a touch of shrimp and dry mushroom flavour and aroma. There are about twenty ingredients in a bowl of bún thang. Fibres of pure white, fine, tangled bún are the bún of choice. Small 18 • VIETNAM HERITAGE - OCTOBER-NOVEMBER 2015

TEXT BY KHANH VAN; PHOTO BY NGUYEN BA NGOC

domestic chickens are boiled, their meat shredded finely, with a little shiny skin still attached. Thin pies of lean, pinkish pork paste are cut into fine threads. Fluffy shrimp pemmican makes it look, smell and taste even better. Some yellowish, dried threaded turnip marinated with magi is added. Eggs are mixed with a little vodka to make them thinner, and then fried on as little oil as possible, and only very briefly to make paper-thin sheets, which are then cut into fine strips. Thin-top mushroom, green onions and fragrant knotweed are indispensable, all finely chopped. All these ingredients are skilfully arranged in a bowl to make it look like a flower with a slice of boiled egg as its pistil. As writer Vu Bang described it, ‘If a bowl of phở (rice noodle) looks like a colourful oil painting, then a bowl of bún thang depicts a clear and lively river with pencil colours, which are

intermingled but not mixed. Finally, the diner may choose to add shrimp paste and belostomatidae attar. As an expert once remarked, bún thang without shrimp paste is like sushi without wasabi. And the belostomatidae attar is like turning the light on at twilight. What a pity that this insect is near extinction because of pesticides, and the pungent smell and taste is becoming more and more a nostalgic fairy tale of the Hanoi people. Bún thang used to be the delicacy of special occasions, such as New Year or big family events. Nowadays, it is available at any time. Many shops don’t use all the ingredients prescribed by traditional recipes. Yet the dish is good enough to make anyone, having tasted it once, remember it forever.n *The article was printed in a different form on Lang Viet Online, 30 June, 2014

CRAFTS

A new life for bamboo

ince its debut in 2012, trúc chỉ, a kind of paper, has overwhelmed the market segment of creative interior and handmade items. The paper has been used for walls, room separators, sign boards, and pillar covers in many buildings in HCM City, Dalat, Hoi An, Danang and Hue. Trúc chỉ also serves as a trendy material for wallets, passport holders, hand fans, jewellery boxes, candle covers, handbags, and postcards. But the popularity of trúc chỉ products in the market is not as strong as its incursion into art community. The paper made from bamboo has also replaced ordinary materials used in

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BY HA NGUYEN

making umbrellas, conical hats, and lanterns and with it, these things turn into art items. Artists in the US, the UK, France, Belgium, Japan, Thailand and in different localities around Vietnam who have had a chance to use the paper have been amazed at the effects that trúc chỉ has on paintings, portrait prints and calligraphy work. Many artists from the Vietnam Fine Arts Association have affirmed that they have gained and regained inspiration thanks to the paper. Those include Tran Anh Phi, Nguyen Hong Phuong, Ngo Dinh Bao Vi and other artists. Phi started working on trúc chỉ when he was a student in Hue College of Art. He won several prizes with products that used the paper as its main material. ‘The paper is very special and it gives me strong

CRAFTS

visualization of art subjects,’ he says. Phi used the paper for his final graduation work in May and he is now a trúc chỉ artist in the only workshop producing the paper in Hue. ‘The paper trúc chỉ is made from bamboo, instead of wood pulp,’ says Phan Hai Bang, the artist who initiated and has practiced making the paper since 2002. ‘Trúc chỉ is a kind of paper, certainly, but it has its own spirit and it is beyond the boundary of familiarity to those who get chance to have it in an art work.’ The artists produce the paper by cutting bamboo trees into sections and slicing those into thin sticks, which are soaked in water for a night and then cooked in solvent lime for half a day to make them softer before being grilled into bamboo pulp. The pulp is then mixed with water in a mould to create a sheet of paper after a long process of sun drying. Prior to the drying process, the adding of graphic designs will help to turn the rustic paper into a piece of art.

This process makes each sheet of paper a unique work of art. ‘Patterns on a sheet of trúc chỉ can be seen or exposed when light goes through it,’ Bang says, adding that trúc chỉ paper products have the most attractive look with light effects. The year of 2014 has brought fame to the inspiring paper as it made headlines on

Opposite, top: A truc chi painting depicting Buddha and his followers displayed at Lieu Quan Buddhism Centre in Hue. Photo: Ngo Dinh Bao Vi Opposite, below: A conical hat made of truc chi that perfectly replaces the traditional palm leaf. Photo: Ngo Dinh Bao Vi; Above: Lanterns and paintings made with truc chi in an exhibition in Lieu Quan Buddhism Centre in Hue. Photo: Ha Nguyen; Below: Truc chi painting, hand fan and candle holders. Photo: Ngo Dinh Bao Vi

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CRAFTS

local Vietnamese newspapers and English language magazines. Art communities in the country and internationally began to turn their attention to the unique paper and its marvellous applications. Several artists have made notable achievements with the paper. Phi and Vi won encouragement prizes at the national Young Artist Symposium held in Hanoi in August 2014. The Hanoi-based painter, Phuong, won third prize at the Capital (Hanoi) Art Prize contest later, using trúc chỉ and graphic prints. A number of exhibitions in different types and styles of trúc chỉ in HCM City, Hoi An, and Hue has given the paper a sound standing in the market segment of handicraft products that could represent the Vietnamese soul. ‘Trúc chỉ hand fans, postcards, and wallets are at top gift items that local residents send abroad for friends,’ says Vi, who is working at the workshop as a product manager. Bars and restaurants in tourism hubs of Danang and Hoi An pick trúc chỉ as the best material for interior decoration, making

more demands on the handicraft paper. But the greatest motivation to the team of trúc chỉ artists comes from local experts, who are thirsty for a kind of material that could evoke a nostalgic sense and be artistic at the same time. ‘The reenacting of ancient graphic heritage matches well with something in relation with the Vietnamese old countryside, particularly in this case, bamboo and trúc chỉ, the paper made from bamboo,’ says Nguyen Huu Thong, a cultural researcher. Thong adds that basic colour tone of trúc chỉ makes very good harmony with presentation of old nostalgic patterns. ‘Trúc chỉ is the type of paper that we have sought for a long period of time,’ Thong affirms. The trúc chỉ team of Bang, Vi, Phi and several others are working hard on large paintings of Buddha for a Theravada pagoda in Hue. Almost every resident in the former feudal capital city considers stuff related to Buddhism an honourable task, as the city is a popular destination for Buddhism pilgrimage. While Vi and Phi find a lot energy to

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create more unique products on trúc chỉ, Bang has a broader vision. ‘I expect the paper could enhance the craftsmanship of artisans in traditional craft villages in Hue and around the country,’ he says. ‘My dream is to unite handicraft skills, including bamboo knitting, paper picture making, or embroidery with trúc chỉ, targeting Vietnamese crafts standing firm in the list of outstanding craftsmanship globally.’ In Hue, trúc chỉ products can be found at a stand in the pedestrian Nguyen Dinh Chieu Street that runs along the Huong River’s section near famed Truong Tien Bridge. Those want to have a hand in performing the techniques of trúc chỉ should park at 4 Trieu Quang Phuc Street, where the Truc Chi workshop is located. Wider choices of trúc chỉ products can be found at the nearby exhibition house at 5 Thach Han Street. Both places are behind the former Imperial Palace in Hue.n Top: Truc chi paintings made by the artist Tran Anh Phi at Hue College of Arts. Photo: Ha Nguyen

ART

‘Homeland and Sea’

An exhibition at the Tu Do Gallery BY RITCH PICKENS

apturing the essence of the land and sea on canvass where I grew up would be a priority for me if God had given me artistic talent. Like the artist Tran Manh Duc, I grew up on the edge of a small town and so close to the sea that seagulls flew above me as I played in the street. That was Kent - the garden of England. Tran Manh Duc is from rural Khanh Hoa Province, which has the famous beach resort of Nha Trang as its capital-picturesque, too, but in a very different way. I went to an exhibition of eighteen pictures of his that celebrate the elements, the beauty and the soul of his countryside. It is in the Tu Do Gallery, one of the oldest in Ho Chi Minh City. You can not miss it. It is directly opposite the main entrance to the iconic Bitexco Tower, the city's highest building. The overall feeling you get from viewing the eighteen frames in the exhibition hall is one of warmth and joy. This emanates in no

small part from the exuberant use of colour and light. Each picture has a main colourbe it golden, violet or red-with supporting ones. The gallery owner explained to me that in the two in which crimson red dominate, that the artist has been inspired by the technique and composition of Vietnamese lacquer painting. All the pictures are in fact, oil on canvass. The style could be said to be mainly expressionism, with some abstract and some fairly obscure depictions of people, landscapes and markets. On my hour-long visit, I was fortunate to have for company and guide the owner, seventy-seven-year old Mr Dong Hai Son. It began to rain heavily for an hour soon after I arrived, so nobody entered to disturb us. Mr Son, who speaks excellent English, taught me a lot about Vietnamese art, especially lacquer painting. He often promotes Vietnamese art in the United States and owns a gallery there. Perhaps because he

24 • VIETNAM HERITAGE - OCTOBER-NOVEMBER 2015

wanted to practice his English, I found Mr Son to be a great conversationalist and our talk extended to well beyond the boundaries of art. I hope you will be lucky enough to meet him. Our first stop was before what vaguely looked liked a landscape. I could make out a twisting mountain road and perhaps there were fields down in a valley, I told the galley proprietor. ‘You are right.’ replied Mr Son, ‘this painting is inspired by the mountain pass that leads from Khanh Hoa to the Central Highlands’. Then it was on to a pair with more realistic elements, entitled ‘Fishermen's Hamlet’. It was only with some help from Mr Son that I was able to work out that the thatched yellow and reds depicted a fish market, but the actual fishermen in their conical hats were clear enough. The artist clearly conveyed to me his love for those who devote their lives to the sea.

ART

Artworks of Tran Manh Duc.

Photos: Tu Do Gallery

The next pair was much more abstractcolourful wavy lines crossed by swathes of cloudy white. One was vertically arranged; the other horizontal. The idea here, Mr Son explained, was to give you the feeling of the wind – the artist comes from a particularly windy section of the coast. One picture I particularly liked was a landscape of jagged grey mountains topped with white clouds, but the predominant colour being a warm gold suggested that it was bathed in sunshine. This came with the mysterious title ‘Echoes’. We passed on to a series of frames, variations on a theme, called ‘Lotus One, Two, Three, Four and Ten.’ The artist clearly loves this flower and one imagines it grows abundantly in his homeland. Silver, blue, ochre and crimson are the main colours here, with the flowers tightly bunched together. The soothing powers of flowers come across clearly, although in one of swirling lines

there is the suggestion they may be agitated by the wind. Following this, we viewed another series, ‘Homeland Three through to Six’. These were quite abstract and varied. One was an almost Scottish tartan enveloped in golden colour - it spoke to me of fields in the bright sunshine. Another featured flowers, but not lotus this time. All these, it seemed, were images of aspects of the artist's ‘Que Huong’ (home area), for which he has particular love and warm feelings and which he wishes to communicate to the world. The final series of four, with the title ‘Serene’, uses light beautifully and is very abstract. I liked best the one in which crimson predominates and is centred on a rough outline of a fish dazzling in light as if freshly drawn from the sea. Art can have many functions. If you are fond of paintings that act as a 'de-stressor'a tonic to counter the hurly-burly life, then

Tran Manh Duc's selection is for your viewing. You will come away soothed as much as you would be from sitting in an armchair and listening to a romantic symphony. By the time this goes to print, the exhibition will be over-but do not worry; three or four will be left for permanent exhibition. Furthermore, I am informed the others will be held in a back room for six months and the interested art lover can request to see them. Dear reader, I hope you will enjoy this show as much as I have. Tran Manh Duc's paintings sell for between $800 and $2,400.n The exhibition 'Hon Que va Bien' (Homeland and Sea) was held from 1 September to 28 September, 2015 at Tu Do Gallery, 53 Ho Tung Mau St, Dist.1, Ho Chi Minh City. Tel: (08) 3821-0966, Email: tudogallery@hcmc.vnn.vn, www.tudogallery.com

VIETNAM HERITAGE - OCTOBER-NOVEMBER 2015

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ADVERTORIAL

MYSTERY OF PEARLS

MISS UNIVERSE CROWN VIETNAM 2015

he Miss Universe Vietnam 2015 pageant, held on 3 October, was a celebration of beauty, talents and charisma. Amongst the prettiest Vietnamese girls, one was chosen to be a representative of Vietnam at the international Miss Universe contest. In her tiara, we can see 5 big golden South Sea Pearls. The pearls were put on the head of the tiara as a symbol of the 5 central municipal cities of Vietnam: Hanoi, Hai Phong, Danang, Can Tho and Ho Chi Minh City. We always pay attention to the meaning of num-

bers. When thinking about the tiara concept, artisans were trying not only show the beauty of pearls, gold and gemstones, but also create a spiritual value for the crown. South Sea Pearl is very special variety of pearl, precious and unique. Unlike any other pearls, South Sea pearls have a very beautiful and soft satin-like shine. South Sea pearls flatter every womanâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s beauty with their white, silver and brilliant golden colours. South Sea pearls can reach the size of 8mm-20mm and are usually harvested after 4-5 years of growth. The Golden South Sea Pearl is a

queen among pearls; thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s why it was chosen to be on the top of the crown. The tiara is also delicately ornamented with white pearls. The total number of white pearls of tiara is 58. It is a symbol of the 58 provinces of Vietnam. Thus, the numbers 5 and 58 will be symbols of special moral support from the whole country of Vietnam to the beautiful owner of this crown, when representing Vietnam, the beauty of Vietnamese culture, values and talents of Vietnamese people for the international audience.n

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ADVERTORIAL

Hanoi Museum: Present and future

anoi Museum, a large-scale cul- ‘Private collections’. tural project of the capital, has In working sessions with foreign designcompleted its basic construc- ers, the scenario drafters, science committee tion phase and been in use for and the museum’s specialists have studied five years. deeper to decide the content that must be During that period, Hanoi Museum has showcased and to propose the types of docfulfilled its mission of introducing to the uments and artefacts that must be present, public some typical artefacts and collections, many of which must be further collected, fit to be exhibited in the proposed themes since the museum doesn’t have enough of and topics of the future official design of the them. museum. It is a big task that requires much effort As for the design approach, the museum from the scenario drafters and Hanoi Muhad the scenario ready almost at the same seum specialists, especially a lot of knowtime as the construction began; the content how and talent from scientists of many is based on six main topics, namely ‘Geogra- different disciplines, such as museology, arphy and natural resources of Hanoi’, ‘The chaeology, art, architecture ... The new appre-Thang Long period’, ‘Capital Thang Long proach requires innovation and dedication. in the Dai Viet Civilization’, ‘Hanoi of late The participation of New Zealand specialists 19th, early 20th centuries’, ‘Hanoi, Capital of in the total design and that of Japanese spethe Democratic Republic of Vietnam’, cialists in detailed design are crucial. Today, ‘Hanoi, Capital of the Socialist Republic of the specific design of the exhibitions of Vietnam’, and 7 major themes, namely ‘Uncle Hanoi Museum is basically complete and has Ho and Hanoi’, ‘Hanoi lifestyle’, ‘Ancient achieved significant success. money collections’, ‘Foreign antiques’, ‘Fine Hanoi Museum is currently finishing the handicrafts collections’, ‘Ethnic cultures’, and outdoor themes, content topics 1 and 2 on

An activity in the Mid-Autumn Festival of 2015 organized by Hanoi Museum. Photo: Hanoi Museum

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the 2nd floor of the building, at the same time finishing the design of the remaining topics on 3rd and 4th floors. Apart from that, the museum has also done many topical exhibitions for the public, the most recent being ‘Typical Antiques of Hanoi Museum’. Soon, to celebrate Cultural Heritage Day (Nov 23rd, 2015), the museum will collaborate with ‘Vietnam Heritage’ magazine to organize a photo exhibition on the topic of Vietnamese cultural heritage. In recent years, cultural activities become more and more frequent and higher quality, thus attracting more attention and appreciation of the community. This is the right path to the future, when, with the completion of the display content under the official design, Hanoi Museum will become a cultural destination, truly dear to the people of the capital, all compatriots and foreign tourists.n Hanoi Museum 2 Pham Hung St (next to Vietnam National Convention Centre), Me Tri Commune, Tu Liem Dist., Hanoi Tel: (04) 6287-0604

The photo exhibition of Vietnam Heritage Photo Awards 2014 at the Hanoi Museum. Photo: Vietnam Heritage

Photos: Tuan Chau Group

Opening of Tuan Chau International Passenger Port

n 7 October, 2015, at Tuan Chau International Tourism Centre, Tuan Chau Group hosted the event of announcing the opening of Tuan Chau International Passenger Port. After three years of construction, Tuan Chau International Passenger Port, also called ‘Port 2’, is located in the South-West of Tuan Chau Island, hidden and safe from storms, and convenient for operation. With total dock length of almost 7km, a 10-17m water depth and a width of 300 – 800m, the port can harbour up to 2000 ships at any time. In 2015 Tuan Chau Group offers many incentives such as free docking and services for the first 6 months, discount on logistics

for tourist ships ... Vietnam Records organization has recognized the port as the biggest artificial cruise ship port of Vietnam. Tuan Chau Group is petitioning for the recognition as being the largest in Asia and the world. The port is already marked on the world tourism map and has entered the cruising network, adding a new stop to the world’s journeys. ‘Port 2’ is very environment-friendly, with 2,000 coconut trees, lawns and parterres surrounding modern buildings that house the offices of the port and Halong Bay authorities. On the national marine routs, ‘Port 2’ is in the middle of Halong Bay and very near to Cat Ba Island, a world ecological reserve,

making it ideal for visitors. Surrounding it is a ‘miniature European town’ with a shopping centre, a 27-hole golf course, a school, villas, hotels and restaurants. Tuan Chau Group is currently requesting permission of UNESCO and Quang Ninh Province to light up the Halong Bay and to organize art shows, reality shows, laser light shows, fireworks and other sportive and cultural activities of national and international scale to make Halong Bay constantly vibrant. Tuan Chau International Passenger Port is selected by the Quang Ninh Province People’s Committee as the milestone work to celebrate the Quang Ninh Province XIV Party congress of 2015-2020 term.n

VIETNAM HERITAGE - OCTOBER-NOVEMBER 2015

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The beauty lie The Times Squa

he Chief Architect rambled on – ‘the best address in Saigon’. Pardon me, I thought that was where I live on Le Thanh Ton Street, I thought. But fair enough; if your front door is on Nguyen Hue Boulevard and your back door is on Dong Khoi Street, can justifiably stake a claim to that. ‘Iconic building...’ Hang on a moment, this is a fairly non-descript concrete and glass skyscraper that could be anywhere in the in the world. In my book among the latest editions to Saigon skyline it is only that great shard the Bitexco building that could boast such a distinction. However, the Times Square Reverie building truly has become a landmark, especially at night time when it illuminates in different colours. There we were – a motley assembly of public relations people, press folk, and sales

representatives of elite Italian design companies flown in from around the world – we had gathered to undertake a tour of the magnificent interiors of the building; not just the public areas, but also the luxury hotel rooms and flats (residences) adorned and embellished with the very best that the world leader of interior design, Italy, has to offer. The words of one of the sales persons could have spoken for all the companies: ‘We do not deliver according to a standard, but everything is exceptional and bespoke’. The Chief Architect Mr Ken Lui went through the litany of firms contributing to the exquisite beauty of the building's interior. Firstly, there is Colombostile, a centuries-old handmade wooden furniture firm. Venini specialises in lighting and glass Venetian style. Baldi is a jewellery company,

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famous here for the shining green Bechstein grand piano and clock tower, which feature the semi-precious stone Malachite and beside which many Vietnamese like to have their photograph taken. VG Company produces chandeliers and tableware which can be appreciated in the 'Romeo and Juliet' Italian Restaurant. B and B Italian are interior design specialists. Visionnaire is another interior design outfit whose furniture can be appreciated in the hotel rooms and lobby of The Reverie five-star hotel. Giorgetti is another wooden furniture company. Poltona Frau, Casselli and Cassini is another world leader in top-of-the-range furniture, whist Snaidero Co provides modern luxury kitchens. Vittorio Griffoni are for bespoke porcelain, lighting and artisan furniture. Finally, Rubelli are artisan fabric experts re-

s within: re Building sponsible for adorning the Grand Ballroom. One could consider the Times Square building to be a permanent exhibition or museum of contemporary Italian design. The serious student of art, architecture and design would benefit from a tour like we were given. However, if you are just an ordinary mortal or the curious average citizen not staying in the hotel or apartments do not refrain from a peek. A cat can look at a Queen, as we English say. Why not take a look at the public areas. Just take a stroll into the hotel lobby to admire the glory of the reception counter inspired by Michael Jackson's favourite sofa. Coming in from Dong Khoi, admire the decor from the escalators culminating in the dazzling grand piano on an upper floor. Or, Why not have a buffet in the splendid atrium style seventh floor

BY PIP DE ROUVRAY

restaurant? If you do, make sure to walk one floor up to see the exquisite clock tower. We were shown the hotel rooms and residences for lease, every one of which is furnished differently. If you are rich and fortunate enough for this, make sure you see a few before making your choice. The crowning glory are the two presidential suites on the thirty eighth floor - the last word in suites! Each one is on two floors connected by a winding staircase and with stunning views of the river and Saigon cityscape below. They are worthy of a United States President and his entourage. Lastly, we saw the business centre which has its own tenseater meeting room on one of the highest floors. If you stayed here, you would not need to step outside the building to conduct your business.

Mr Ken Lui, the Chief Architect of Times Square Building. Photos: WMC Group This morning tour of Italian luxury took me back to my European roots â&#x20AC;&#x201C; it was a brief escape from the Vietnamese culture and family I now spend my days in. Every modern city embraces world culture to some extent from time to time. Kew Gardens in London has its famous ten-story octagonal oriental pagoda and Monaco its wonderful Japanese gardens. A shrine to the splendour of Italian design only adds to glory of Saigon helping it back onto its pedestal as the Pearl of the Orient.n

Times Square Building

22 - 36 Nguyen Hue St, Ben Nghe Ward, Dist.1

VIETNAM HERITAGE - OCTOBER-NOVEMBER 2015

â&#x20AC;˘ 31

ARCHITECTURE

Temple of virtue BY NGUYEN CHUNG

ocated at Trai Mat, eight kilometres from the centre of Dalat, Linh Phuoc Pagoda is famous, thanks to its structure, which is intricately adorned with millions of pieces of broken bottles and ceramics. The pagoda was built in 1949. During the 1990 renovation, many new features were added. Visitors are first impressed by the Dragon Garden, where a 49-metre long dragon, its scales made from 12,000 beer bottles, appears to glide around a

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Maitreya statue. In front of the garden is a 37-metre high, seven-storey tower. The first floor houses a 4.3-metre high Great Bell, 2.3metres in diameter and weighing 8.5 tons. A group of artisans, three generations in the bell-casting business, was Counter-clockwise from top, right: The Buddha statues; The facade; The incense burner; The decorarted details on roofs, walls and pillars. All of them sculpted with pieces of broken bottles and ceramics. Below, right: The Great Bell. Photos: Nguyen Huu Thanh

ARCHITECTURE

The statue of Avalokiteśvara Bodhisattva in the sanctum. Photo: Nguyen Chung

invited to design it and spent over a year to mould it and to carve reliefs of Buddha and Vietnam’s famous pagodas on it. The bell can turn and has four faces representing the four seasons. The whole tower is adorned with ceramic mosaic of dragons and phoenixes. The sanctum is 33 m long, 22 m wide, and stores valuable Buddha statues. Two rows of ceramic inlaid dragon pillars run along the hall. On top of them are reliefs depicting Shakyamuni’s life from his birth to his reaching Nirvana. A statue of Avalokiteśvara Bodhisattva

made of 650,000 eternal flowers sits in the courtyard. The pagoda also owns a collection of jaw-dropping wood carvings that hold many Vietnamese records, including King Peacock made from sao (Hopea odorata) wood, a ‘fir couple with hundred cranes’, (the biggest wood carving depicting fir trees and cranes), the biggest trâm (Syzygium zeylanicum) stem housing the biggest prayer-book, the biggest (15-metre long) sao wood flat bed, and sao wood table and chairs with carvings of the twelve zodiac animals.

Another unique feature of Linh Phuoc Pagoda is its 18 levels of hell tunnel that tells the ‘Mother seeking Muc Lien’ Da Lat story. To visitors, the 300-metre long tunnel is a lively demonstration of karma and filial piety. This hell scene is also a message to the world’s inhabitants: nurture your virtues and fulfil your filial duties.n

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WHAT THE PAPERS SAY Hanoi drug trafficking cases rise in 2015

Banned chemical substances detected in pig farms

Viet Nam News, 21 September Some five pig-breeding farms in a southern Tay Ninh Province have been fined for using banned chemical substances, such as leanmeat agents, that have harmful side effects, inspectors said. Inspectors from the provincial Agriculture and Rural Development Department said five of the nine samples taken by the department from these breeding farms had tested positive for salbutamol, which was banned in 2002. The farms were fined $3,600 in total, three of them receiving the highest fine of $909 each. Meanwhile, in southern Dong Nai Province, the Veterinary Department found 17 out of 84 samples have tested positive for salbutamol in the first eight months of the year. Each violator was fined VND15 million ($680). Last month, more than 300 pig-breeding households in Dong Nai Province signed a commitment to refrain from using banned chemical substances.

Road accidents kill 700 in one month

Viet Nam News, 29 September There were 1,836 road accidents nationwide between August 16 and September 15 that left 696 people dead and injured 1,692, the latest statistics from the public security ministry said. The number of road accidents, the number of people killed and injured on the roads increased 7.5 per cent, 6.4 per cent and 6.3 per cent, respectively, compared with last month's figures.

Viet Nam News, 30 September More than 2,500 drug trafficking cases have been detected in Viet Nam since early this year, a report of the capital city's police department said. A report by the ministry said 3,210 drug dealers were arrested during the period and criminal charges were filed against 2,425 offenders. The country's north-western region was found to be a key route of drug dealers. Heroin was trafficked from Laos to Hanoi, seen as a key transaction area, before being shipped to the northern provinces of Lang Son and Cao Bang and China. The methamphetamine sent to Viet Nam and other countries came from Middle Eastern countries and the Golden Triangle. Cocaine was imported from South American countries. Meanwhile, heroin was shipped to China and Australia.

Funding shortage hinders HIV/AIDS fight

Viet Nam News, 30 September Medical experts are concerned that an outbreak of the HIV virus is likely to return to Vietnam at any time, due to a lack of funds. It is estimated that Vietnam will need at least $329 million for the programme for 201620 period, but it will lack about 11 per cent of the capital. Because the HIV prevention programme will not be a national target programme, it will suffer a big reduction in budget allocation. About 80 per cent of funding for HIV response in Vietnam comes from external donors, but the funding will be gradually lowered because Vietnam has now been classed as a middle-income country.

20 food poisoning deaths reported in nine months

Viet Nam News, 1 October The Viet Nam Food Administration said 20 people died in 129 food-poisoning cases na-

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tionwide during the first nine months of 2015. Among them were 28 cases of group poisonings, with 3,436 people getting infected. The number of food poisoning cases in 2015 fell by 19 (12.8 per cent), while there were 404 fewer cases of infections (10.5 per cent) and nine fewer deaths (31 per cent), compared to the same period last year. Cases of group poisoning may occur in canteens of industrial and processing parks, due to the use of materials whose origins are suspect or have been produced by small-scale households. For the first time, Viet Nam will pilot food safety inspections at the district and commune levels, compared to the provincial and citylevel inspections in previous years. A total of 172 companies that violated food hygiene and safety regulations have been punished.

HCMC opens second emergency centre

Viet Nam News, 1 October The HCM City's Department of Health launched the 115 Emergency Centre at Binh Tan District's General Hospital. It is the city's second emergency centre. The first centre at Saigon General Hospital opened in December last year. The city will open three more emergency centres at the city's gateways to reduce the number of fatalities due to late emergency aid.

Vietnam to fine those using cellphones while driving

Tuoi Tre News, 10 September People using cell phones while driving will likely be fined up to $35.60 in the near future, according to a draft decree of the Ministry of Transport detailing penalties for traffic law violators. Accordingly, a fine ranging from $26.70 to $35.60 has been proposed for this act by the board that drafted the decree. The penalties are aimed at deterring drivers from using cell phones when driving, a practice that can make them lose concentration, leading to tragic accidents. This fine is only a small part of the draft decree that also sets out heavier penalties for drunk drivers and those riding motorbikes on expressways in Vietnam.

WHAT THE PAPERS SAY Ho Chi Minh City to build 3 reservoirs to curb inundation

Tuoi Tre News, 16 September Work on three reservoirs aimed at preventing flooding will kick off in three districts of Ho Chi Minh City next year, with a total investment of about $57.6 million. The three lakes, to be built underground, are part of a master plan to build 103 reservoirs of this kind, 875 hectares in area, across the city during the 2016-2020 period, the centre said. Of the three, the Bau Cat reservoir is the pilot project to construct the first underground lake in the city, the centre added. The reservoir, which is designed to be 125 meters long, 32 meters wide and 2.5 meters deep, will be able to contain 10,000m3 of rainwater upon completion. It will help ease floods when rainfall exceeds the existing drainage capacity of 76mm for three hours in an area of about 20 hectares around the artificial lake.

2 killed, 6 injured in villa collapse

Tuoi Tre News, 23 September A 300m² part of a state-owned villa built by the French in Hanoi 110 years ago fell on Tuesday, claiming two lives and injuring six others. The block caved in vertically and the broken parts hit many houses on its sides in alleys 105 and 107, burying many people and property. Before the collapse, more than 30 employees of the Vietnam Railways Corporation had been working in the block. They managed to escape from the place after they saw the block shaking and saw some cracks on its walls. Local authorities mobilized thousands of policemen, fire-fighters, rescuers, soldiers, and specialized vehicles and equipment for the rescue mission at the scene.

Pollution killing off coral under Phu Quoc Sea

Tuoi Tre News, 28 September Many coral reefs under the sea of Phu Quoc Island, off southern Vietnam, have disappeared due to climate change and water pollution over the past several years, the local conservation agency has said. Shrimp, fish, and ‘banh long’ (actinopyga mauritiana) exploitation activities to the west

of the island have been detrimental to the marine environment and have destroyed coral and other aquatic animals there. Statistics showed that 90 percent of the coral in certain locations has been destroyed.

Vietnam exempts visa for foreign spouses of Vietnamese

Thanh Nien News, 30 September A new government decree has allowed overseas Vietnamese, their foreign spouses and children to visit Vietnam without having to apply for a visa. Foreign family members of Vietnamese citizens will also benefit from the new policy. They are only required to have a passport that is valid for at least one year and present related identification documents to visa agencies in their areas. A visa-waiver certificate will then be issued, with validity of up to five years. Foreigners in Vietnam can apply for the certificate at the Immigration Department at the Ministry of Public Security.

Woman sets teenage son on fire for playing online games

Thanh Nien News, 2 October A 13-year old boy is being treated at a Ho Chi Minh City hospital with severe burns after his mother doused him in gasoline and set him on fire last Friday. Nguyen Xuan Thanh, a high school student in the Central Highlands province of Lam Dong, played truant on Thursday and Friday his mother found him playing online games at an internet shop nearby. The 32-year old woman reportedly poured gasoline on him and set him on fire. Authorities said they have already filed charges against the woman, but allowed her to take care of her son.

Vietnam scraps road use fee for motorbikes

Thanh Nien News, 2 October The Vietnamese government has pulled the plug on a road use fee for motorbikes that officials said is too hard to collect and not worth the bother. The decision was made at a cabinet meeting Wednesday, where everyone agreed it

should be scrapped with effect from January 1 next year. However, until the suspension takes effect, local governments will continue to collect the fee of $5.2-6.5 a year, depending on motorbikes' engine capacity. As of June 30 this year nearly $56.12 million was collected from motorbike owners around the country, much lower than the estimated VND2.6 trillion ($114 million) a year, according to the transport ministry's report.

Quy Nhon named among best undiscovered places

Thanh Nien News, 6 October The UK travel publisher Rough Guides has listed Quy Nhon in the central coast among the top nine authentic escapes in Southeast Asia. Quy Nhon is the capital town of Binh Dinh Province and fishing is its main industry, as you can see locals swinging along the coast in coracles to travel between boats. The town is home to long sandy beaches which remain pristine thanks to few tourist arrivals, most of whom are locals. Tourists can take a xe om (motorbike taxi) to a hilltop to the north of the town to visit Champa towers, which were built between the 11th and 13th centuries. Quy Nhon offers a wide range of cheap and fresh seafood that tourists can enjoy anytime of day.

Angry mob kills 2 dog thieves

Thanh Nien News, 7 October, 2015 The Dak Lak police are trying to find the people involved after two alleged dog thieves were lynched by an angry mob. The incident took place at around 2 a.m., when residents in a locality in Buon Ma Thuot town found four suspected dog thieves fleeing on two motorbikes. After driving for a kilometre, one of the motorbikes crashed and the duo were immediately thrashed by the chasers. One of them died on the spot while the other died on the way to hospital. Their motorbike was burned. Dog thefts are common in Vietnam where dog meat consumption is popular.

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EVENTS HANOI

EXHIBITIONS Pictures worth a thousand words Till 26 October

A group exhibition, ‘Street Storytelling Photography’ is on at Zoom, 46 Hang Vai St, Hoan Kiem Dist., Hanoi, till 26 October. Free entrance. Jump back to Panama 26 to 30 October

Free entrance. L’Espace, 24 Trang Tien St, Hanoi. Tel: (04) 3936-2164. MUSIC A night for tradition 24 October

A night performance of Vietnamese traditional music, along with the contemporary poetry of Nguyen Duy will be at 8 p.m. 24 October at L’Espace, 24 Trang Tien St, Hanoi. Tel: (04) 39362164. Ticket: VND160,000 The event includes artists Xuan Hoach, Thanh Hoai and Thanh Binh performing famous works of Nguyen Duy and many traditional music genres such as ví, cò lả, ru, xẩm, hát văn, hát chèo and ca trù. Happy Birthday, Beethoven 7 November and 3 December

An exhibition about Panama, a country in Central America, will be displayed from 26 to 30 October at National Library of Vietnam, 31 Trang Thi St, Hoan Kiem Dist., Hanoi. It introduces images of Panama including people, relic sites and famous attractions. Besides this, there is a showcase of crafted products, tagua jewelleries and traditional costumes. Don’t ‘Pass’ this up Till 1 November An installation exhibition entitled ‘Pass the time’ by Tran Ngoc Sinh is on at L’Espace till 1 November. Working on large-sized paintings, utilizing black lines on a white background, he presents an installation of the contrast between objects and space, to raise questions about the value of each individual’s existence in a large community.

To celebrate the 245th birthday of composer Ludwig van Beethoven, musicians Nguyen My Huong and Dao Trung Tuyen will perform some of his piano and violin sonatas at the GoetheInstitut Hanoi. 8 p.m. 3 December: Sonata No. 6 in A major, Opus 30; and Sonata No. 9 in A major, Opus 47 Free tickets are available from 14 September at Goethe-Institut Hanoi, 56-58 Nguyen Thai Hoc St, Ba Dinh Dist., Hanoi. Tel: (04) 3734-2251

36 • VIETNAM HERITAGE - OCTOBER-NOVEMBER 2015

Euphonium artist to perform 4 and 5 November Conductor Honna Tetsuji, pianist Ngo Phuong Vi, guest euphonium artist Hokazono Shoichiro and artists from the Vietnam National Symphony Orchestra will perform pieces music of Edvard Grieg, Mousorgsky and Ravel at 8 p.m., 4 and 5 November at Hanoi Opera House, 1 Trang Tien St, Hanoi. Tickets range from VND200,000 to VND500,000. All tickets are available at Hanoi Opera House orbook at www.ticketvn.com for free delivery. Questing for a good time 6 to 8 November

This year, Quest Festival will be held from 6 to 8 November at Son Tinh Camp, Ba Vi, Hanoi, a 40-minute drive from Hanoi. The event features a stacked musical card, a North vs. South break dancing battle, a cinema, a flea market, fire performances, workshops, live visual mapping, interactive art installations, natural adventures, games and a plethora of activities. For more information and to book tickets, go to www.questfestival.net. Fusion Quartet 7 November Tri Minh Quartet will perform at 8 p.m. 7 November at L’Espace, 24 Trang Tien St, Hoan Kiem Dist., Hanoi. Ticket: VND160,000. The band has earned a place on the Vietnamese contemporary music stage. The band includes Tri Minh, Van Mai, Duc Minh and Ha Dinh Huy. They play Vietnamese traditional music such as ca trù, chèo and quan họ accompanied by modern instruments in the style of jazz or electronic music.

‘Colour of Love’ 12 November A night of concert and ballet entitled ‘The Colour of Love’ will be shown at 8 p.m. 12 November at Hanoi Opera House, 1 Trang Tien St, Hanoi. Part 1 is the performance of conductor Le Ha My accompanied by the choir and the symphony orchestra of the Vietnam National Opera and Ballet. Part 2 is the classical ballet ‘Firebird’ directed by Harald Emgard. Tickets range from VND200,000 to VND500,000. All tickets are available at Hanoi Opera House or book at www.ticketvn.com for free delivery. A night at the Opera House 13 November There will be a special concert with conductor Honna Tetsuji, pianist Bui Cong Duy and artists from the Vietnam National Symphony Orchestra at 8 p.m. 13 November at Hanoi Opera House, 1 Trang Tien St, Hanoi. Tickets range from VND200,000 to VND500,000. All tickets are available at Hanoi Opera House or book at www.ticketvn.com for free delivery.

BINH THUAN PROVINCE

Tourism Day in Binh Thuan Till the end of October There are many activities in Binh Thuan Province to celebrate the 20th anniversary of Binh Thuan Tourism Day till the end of October. 22 to 24 October: A fair of coastal gastronomy from Nguyen Tat Thanh St to Doi Duong Park and an exhibition of big lanterns and performances of đờn ca tài tử at Ca Ty River 23 to 30 October: A photo exhibition at Ocean Dunes Resort, 1 Ton Duc Thang St, Phan Thiet City. The exhibition includes more than 100 selected photos from Vietnam Heritage Photo Awards, an annual photo contest organized by Vietnam Heritage. Viewers will have a chance to travel Vietnam through the photos of four themes: nature, tangi-

ble culture, intangible culture and life. 23 October: Binh Thuan Tourism Open Tennis Tournament 2015 at resort area in Ham Tien Ward, Phan Thiet City

HO CHI MINH CITY

EXHIBITIONS Viewing art with filters 27-29 October

UrbanArt is please to announce an exhibition with the theme ‘Filters: Vietnam Contemporary Art Exhibition’ by three Vietnamese artists: Bui Hai Son, Le Kinh Tai and Nguyen Quang Vinh from 27 to 29 October at Gem Centre, 8 Nguyen Binh Khiem St, Dist.1,Ho Chi Minh City. The exhibition displays over 30 large-scale paintings and sculptures. Viewers have a chance to experience Vietnamese contemporary art through artists’ perspectives. Tickets: Vernissage, 6 p.m. to 9 p.m., 27 October, VND3,600,000 for two persons. Exhibit dates, 9 a.m. to 9 p.m., 28 and 29 October, VND250,000 per person. Book tickets via ticketbox.vn, tel: 091-333-2198. Smoke on the water Till 31 October

Galerie Quynh is running an exhibition themed ‘Khoi Song’ by

Hanoi-based artist Ha Manh Thang till 31 October. The exhibition is his on-going project ‘Vietnam Landscapes’ from 2010, which work with the country’s most iconic structures and sites. ‘Khoi Song’ refers to the smoke [‘khói’] on the waves [‘sóng’] in an ocean, lake or other body of water. Alluding to the atmosphere – the sound, humidity, fog, air – on the surface of water, the title is inspired by the 8th century Tang Dynasty poem Lau Hoang Hac or Hoang Hac Temple by Thoi Hieu. A reflection on the idea of home, Lau Hoang Hac closes with a poignant, if melancholic, reference to haze on the river. Galerie Quynh Level 2, 151/3 Dong Khoi St, Dist.1, Ho Chi Minh City. Tel: (08) 3836-8019 Opening hours: Tuesday – Saturday, 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.; closed Sundays and Mondays Eclectic art exhibition Till 19 November

dialogue. Her bi-polar world is polarized, where she must balance herself between many opposing forces; it is a laboured task. Saras employs different objects: a dead bird, a flourishing plant, a dried branch, or discarded fruits as a new kind of dictionary for mapping her reality and its definition, using her own body to create a performance that speaks of this struggle. Vo Tran Chau traces the descendants of the Nguyen dynasty (1802-1945) - Vietnam’s last imperial dynasty. The once royal progenies now lead difficult lives, many doing odd jobs for a living. Tran Chau listens to their stories and asks them to give a piece of clothing. She disintegrates the donated pieces to reconstruct a new gown. Relics of days gone by Till the end of October An exhibition with the theme: ’40 Years of Antiques Collection’ is on till the end of October at the History Museum, 2 Nguyen Binh Khiem St, Ben Nghe Ward, Dist.1, Ho Chi Minh City. Open: 8 a.m. to 11.30 p.m. and 1.30 p.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday to Sunday. Closed on Monday.

MUSIC Spin masters 27 November San Art is holding a group exhibition, including artists Nguyen Thuy Tien from Hanoi, Ratu Saraswati from Jakarta and Vo Tran Chau from Ho Chi Minh City at Saigon Domaine, 1057 Binh Quoi St, Thanh Da, Binh Thanh Dist., Ho Chi Minh City, till 19 November. Nguyen Thuy Tien borrowed the identity of ‘Co Ba’, a fictionalized lady whose image appears as the identity of a popular Vietnamese soap. Thuy Tien then writes, directs, produces, stages, acts, and edits a love story that ends in a murder mystery surrounding this character. Ratu Saraswati, otherwise referred as ‘Saras’, invites the audience to partake in a performance

Hypersonic Music Festival will be from 5.30 p.m. till midnight 27 November at the 7th Military District Stadium, Hoang Van Thu St, Tan Binh Dist., Ho Chi Minh City. It will be an exciting night of music with participation by many local and International DJs. Ticket: VND1,000,000. Book at www.ticketbox.vn

EVENTS OTHER ‘Balade en France’ French festival 2015 23 and 24 October Hotel Equatorial HCMC will hold a French festival, 6.30 p.m. to 11 p.m., on 23 and 24 October, featuring many famous and exquisite French dishes, live music from three French bands, souvenir gifts, games, lucky draw and French wine tasting. Some French products will also be displayed; these fine items are suitable for purchase and will allow you to bring a bit of France into your home. There will also be live performances by magicians, painters and cartoonists. All of it is designed to ‘transport you to the heart of France’. There will be appearances by many restaurants, sponsors, wine and other beverage distributors participating in the festival. The ticket price is at VND450,000 for adults and VND200,000 for children under 14. Early bird booking (before 22 October) is VND350,000. Food and beverage coupon VND20,000 a piece. Hotel Equatorial HCMC, 242 Tran Binh Trong St, Dist.5, Ho Chi Minh City. Tel: (08) 38397777 Modern gladiators 24 October

‘Thai Fight’ will be held at 6.30 p.m. 24 October at the 7th Military District Stadium, Hoang Van Thu St, Tan Binh Dist., Ho Chi Minh City. The event promises to bring a fierce competition with fighters from many countries. There will also be a performance of rock music. Tickets: VND100,000 and VND150,000. Tickets are available at Let’s Viet, 41 – 43 Vo Van Tan St, Ward.6, Dist.3, HCMC; The World Vovinam Federation, 2 Dinh Tien Hoang St, Da Kao Ward, Dist.1, HCMC or book at www.ticketbox.vn

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83A Ly Thuong Kiet St, Hanoi Tel: (04) 3822-2800 www.moevenpick.hotels.com/hanoi Movenpick Hotel Hanoi is offering a 15 per cent discount on room rates for those who book via its website till 31 October for stays from 5 October to 30 November.

Furama Resort is offering a ‘Furama Villa Promotion’ till 19 December. The prices start from VND11,000,000 per night per villa in a twobedroom Pool Villa to VND22,000,000 per night per villa in a four-bedroom Ocean Villa – private pool. The prices include shuttle bus to Hoi An Ancient Town and a 50 per cent payback of the room rates for food and beverage at the resort outlets during stays. The promotion is applicable for those who book at least two nights.

Alba Spa Hotel

Palm Garden Beach Resort & Spa

HOTELS

Movenpick Hotel Hanoi

29 Tran Quang Khai St, Hue Tel: (054) 3828-444 www.albaboutiquehotels.com

Lac Long Quan St, Cua Dai beach, Hoi An Tel: (0510) 3927-927 www.palmgardenresort.com.vn Palm Garden Beach Resort & Spa is offering a ‘Complimentary Meeting Room’, till 31 December, including a full-day or a half-day meeting room with full facilities. The promotion is applicable for bookings at least 30 persons with tea or coffee break at VND110,000 per person and lunch or dinner at VND450,000 per person.

Bai Tram Hideaway Resort

Alba Spa Hotel is offering a three-night ‘Spa Package’ at VND3,630,000 ($165) per room per night for two with breakfast, one-way airport transfer, two spa vouchers, usage of hot and cold Jacuzzi mineral pool, two pieces of laundry per day and a 20 per cent discount on food & beverage. It is valid till 31 December.

Hoa Loi, Xuan Canh, Song Cau, Phu Yen Province Tel: (057) 3722-563 www.baitramestate.com

VND8,499,000 per room for two nights for three adults and a child, roundtrip transfers at Cam Ranh Airport or Nha Trang city, breakfast, lunch and dinner, a trekking tour to local mountains, a diving tour, a Ninh Van discovery tour and a local market tour. The price includes service charge and VAT.

Bamboo Village Beach Resort & Spa

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

Bamboo Village Beach Resort & Spa has a ‘Summer Promotion’ till 31 October. Dove Cottage is VND1,700,000 per night. Deluxe Garden View is VND1,922,000 per night. Nova Deluxe is VND2,027,000 per night. Garden View Bungalow is VND2,499,000 per night. Beachfront Bungalow is VND3,234,000 per night. The rates include breakfast, service charge and VAT.

Coco Beach Resort

RESORTS AND SPAS

Bao Ninh Beach Resort

Ha Duong, Bao Ninh, Dong Hoi, Quang Binh Tel: (052) 3854-688 www.baoninhbeachresort.com.vn

VALUE FOR MONEY

Bai Tram Hideaway Resort is running ‘Adventure Package’ till 2 November. It costs VND16,000,000++ ($750++) including two nights’ stay in Beachfront Deluxe One Bedroom Villa, breakfast and dinner.

58 Nguyen Dinh Chieu St, Ham Tien Ward, Phan Thiet, Binh Thuan Province Tel: (062) 3847-111 www.cocobeach.net

Amiana Resort

Bao Ninh Beach Resort has a 45 per cent discount on public room rates till 31 December. The discounted rates range from VND825,000 per night in a Superior Garden View Room to VND1,320,000 per night in a Ocean Suite.

Furama Resort

105 Vo Nguyen Giap St, Khue My Ward, Ngu Hanh Son Dist., Danang Tel: (0511) 3847-333 www.furamavietnam.com

Nha Trang Bay, Pham Van Dong St, Nha Trang Tel: (058) 3553-333 www.amianaresort.com Amiana Resort has a ‘Honeymoon Package’ at VND12,000,000 including two nights’ stay in Ocean Front Villa, breakfast, roundtrip airport transfers, candle-light dinner, one bottle of sparkling wine and an hour spa treatment. The package runs till 23 December.

Wild Beach Resort & Spa

Ninh Tinh Village, Ninh Phuoc Hamlet, Ninh Hoa District, Khanh Hoa Province Tel: (058) 3622-694 www.wildbeachresort.com Wild Beach Resort & Spa is offering a ‘Family Getaway’ till 31 December. It costs

Coco Beach Resort is offering a five-night package with the price starting from VND9,460,000 ($430) per person in a bungalow (double occupancy) with breakfast, an hour-long body massage, a half-day Phan Thiet city tour, jeep excursion to sand dunes in Mui Ne and a pagoda excursion. It runs till 31 October. The price includes service charge and VAT.

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

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VALUE FOR MONEY

Sandunes Beach Resort & Spa is offering a Honeymoon package at VND2,520,000 per room for two nights in the Senior Grand Deluxe Ocean View Room with buffet breakfast, one bottle of wine and a 10 per cent discount on drinks and Mui Ne tours. It is valid till 31 October.

Villa Aria Muine

60A Nguyen Dinh Chieu St, Ham Tien Ward, Mui Ne, Phan Thiet Tel: (062) 3741-660 www.villaariamuine.com Villa Aria Muine has a two-night package at VND4,985,000 ($237) per room for two in a Garden Superior Room with breakfast, a dinner and body massage. The package is applicable on weekend and runs till 31 October.

Salinda Resort Phu Quoc Island

Cua lap Hamlet, Duong To Commune, Phu Quoc Island Tel: (077) 3990-011 www.salindaresort.com Salinda Resort Phu Quoc Island is offering a promotion, ‘Pampering 90 minutes’ at VND1,999,000++ including a 30-minute coconut body scrub and a 60-minute Salinda aromatherapy or deep tissue treatment. The promotion is valid till 31 October.

OTHER

Le Meùridien Saigon

3C Ton Duc Thang St, Dist.1, Ho Chi Minh City Tel: (08) 6263-6688

nese Tao Li Restaurant. VND550,000++ including a draught beer or a soft drink.

InterContinental Hanoi Westlake

1A Nghi Tam St, Tay Ho Dist., Hanoi Tel: (04) 6270-8888 Café du lac Restaurant, at the InterContinental Hanoi Westlake, serves Sunday Brunch, noon to 3 p.m., including Vietnamese and international dishes. Diners can enjoy live music and spectacular views over West Lake. VND1,000,000 excluding beverage. VND1,700,000 including Martini cocktails. Children enjoy half price.

Sheraton Hanoi Hotel 11 Xuan Dieu St, Hanoi Tel: (04) 3719-9000

Dalat Edensee Resort

Tuyen Lam lake, Zone VII.2, Dalat. Lam Dong Province Tel: (063) 3831-515 www.dalatedensee.com Dalat Edensee Resort has a promotion ‘Dalat City Tour’ at VND4,550,000 for two nights for two in a Mimosa Superior Room with breakfast, a romantic dinner, use of all sport and entertainment activities, shuttle bus to Dalat City and a tour to famous places in Dalat. It is valid till 31 October. An additional night is VND1,650,000 per room. The prices include service charge and VAT.

Terracotta Hotel & Resort Dalat Tuyen Lam Lake, Ward 3, Dalat Tel: (063) 3883-838 www.terracottaresort.com

Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc, with more than 1,200 hotels and resorts in 100 countries, launched Le Méridien Saigon in September, its fourth hotel in Vietnam, as well as Sheraton Hanoi Hotel, Sheraton Nha Trang Hotel and Sheraton Saigon Hotel & Towers. Situated beside the Saigon River, Le Méridien Saigon has 350 modern and sophisticated rooms, three restaurants, fitness centre, spa and indoor swimming pool. The hotel merges heritage with modern elements from Vietnam and France.

FOOD PROMOTIONS

Oven D’Or Restaurant, at the Sheraton Hanoi Hotel, serves Chinese dinner buffet with a variety of dishes prepared by Chinese chefs from The St. Regis Shenzhen Hotel, till 25 October. There will be lucky draws with the highest prize a return trip Hanoi – Shanghai and a two-night stay with breakfast at Le Royal Meriden Shanghai. VND1,100,000, including free flow of Heineken draught beer.

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

Hotel Nikko Hanoi

84 Tran Nhan Tong St, Hai Ba Trung Dist., Hanoi Tel: (04) 3822-3535 Terracotta Hotel & Resort Dalat is running a ‘Summer Package’ at VND2,260,000 per room for two nights in a Superior Room with dinner. It is valid till 31 October.

Mango Bay Resort

Ong Lang Beach, Phu Quoc Island, Kien Giang Province. Tel: (077) 3981-693 www.mangobayphuquoc.com Mango Bay Resort has a promotion; ‘Stay 3, Pay 2’ till 31 October. The promotion includes breakfast, a 10 per cent discount when booking at least 10 rooms and tai chi and yoga classes everyday.

Hotel Nikko Hanoi prepares a lunch buffet on 18 October to celebrate ‘Vietnamese Women’s Day’ with more than 70 specialties of its restaurants, including Japanese Benkay Restaurant, International La Brasserie and Chi-

40 • VIETNAM HERITAGE - OCTOBER-NOVEMBER 2015

Spices Garden, at the Sofitel Legend Metropole Hanoi, serves Saturday nights BBQ at VND1,350,000++ and Sunday Family BBQ at VND1,075,000++. Also, Le Club & Bamboo Bar at the hotel prepares a handmade chocolate buffet at VND570,000++. L’Epicerie du Metropole at the hotel launches a new collection of dessert at VND100,000.

VALUE FOR MONEY

Hotel Royal Hoi An – MGallery Collection 39 Dao Duy Tu St, Hoi An Tel: (0510) 3950-777

Novotel Nha Trang

50 Tran Phu St, Nha Trang Tel: (058) 6256-900 On the occasion of Vietnamese Women’s Day on 20 October, The Square Restaurant, at the Novotel Nha Trang Hotel, offers a 50 per cent discount on seafood buffet for ladies with free flow beer or soft drinks. Also, the restaurant has a promotion ‘Come 4, Pay 3’ on Fridays for seafood dishes, free flow beer and soft drinks.

InterContinental Asiana Saigon

Wakaku Sushi Restaurant, at the Hotel Royal Hoi An – MGallery Collection, offers a ‘All you can Eat Sushi & Yakitory’ every Thursday from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. at VND 490,000++.

Corner Hai Ba Trung & Le Duan Blvd, Dist.1, Ho Chi Minh City Tel: (08) 3520-9999

Bavico International Hotel

2 Phan Boi Chau St, Nha Trang, Khanh Hoa Province Tel: (058) 6266-555 www.bavicohotelnhatrang.com Bavico International Hotel has BBQ buffet from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. every Friday and Saturday with a variety of seafood. VND350,000 including a free flow of beer.

Market 39 Restaurant, at the InterContinental Asiana Saigon, serves Korean cuisine, from 22 October to 15 November, prepared by

Korean guest chefs from InterContinental Seoul Coex. VND1,099,000++ including one glass of Sohju and VND1,199,000++ including one bottle of Sohju.

Liberty Central Saigon Citypoint

59 Pasteur, Dist.1, Ho Chi Minh City Tel: (08) 3822-5678 To celebrate Vietnamese Women’s Day 20 October, from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m., Central Restaurant, at the Liberty Central Saigon Citypoint, prepares a buffet dinner at VND499,000++ including free drinks for ladies.

Sheraton Saigon Hotel & Towers

88 Dong Khoi St, Ben Nghe Ward, Dist.1, Ho Chi Minh City Tel: (08) 3827-2828 Three Michelin stars chef Bruno Ménard will prepare a ‘Culinary Challenge’ wine dinner for one night only - 29 October, 6 p.m. to 10 p.m., at Signature Restaurant, at the Sheraton Saigon Hotel & Towers. He will create perfect dishes with Don Melchor, Chile’s most iconic wine, including egg paired with Don Melchor 1990, foie gras with Don Melchor 2007, lobster with Don Melchor 1988, beef with Don Melchor 2011, and strawberry with Don Melchor 2010. VND1,750,000++

BUYABLE

VND2,150,000

VND3,500,000

VND1,800,000

VND2,500,000

VND1,550,000

VND2,300,000

SHIN SHOP

53A Nguyen Du St, Dist.1, Ho Chi Minh City Tel: 0909 352 369

All bags are made of leather

42 • VIETNAM HERITAGE - OCTOBER-NOVEMBER 2015

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

SAPA

(TELEPHONE CODE: 020) Sapa is a former French hill station in northwestern Vietnam, in Lao Cai Province, near the Chinese border. A number of minority cultures including the H’mong, Dao and Tay live in villages in the countryside around Sapa. HOTELS, RESORTS Note: Prices at many hotels depend on occupancy and change daily Cat Cat View Hotel 46 Fan Xi Pang St, Sapa, Lao Cai Province Tel: (020) 3871-946 www.catcathotel.com VND735,000 to VND3,780,000 ($35 to $180) Cha Pa Garden Boutique Hotel & Spa 23B Cau May St, Sapa, Lao Cai Province Tel: (020) 3872-907 Email: hotelchapagarden@gmail.com

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

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

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

HALONG

(TELEPHONE CODE: 033) With around 1,600 islands and islets in the Gulf of Tonkin, Halong Bay, about 170 km east of Hanoi, is well known for its limestone seascape. Overnight boat trips out of Halong City are a popular way to see it. HOSPITALS

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

24 Dong Loi St, Sapa, Lao Cai Province Tel: (020) 3871-245 Email: resa@chaulonghotel.com.vn www.chaulonghotel.com.vn From VND2,100,000 ($100) Holiday Sapa Hotel 16 Muong Hoa, Sapa, Lao Cai Province Tel: (020) 3873-874 Email: info@holidaysapa.com www.holidaysapa.com VND588,000 to VND2,100,000 ($28 to $100) Mường Thanh Sapa Hotel 44, 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) 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) Saigon Halong Hotel Ha Long St, Bai Chay Ward, Halong Tel: (033) 3845-845 info@saigonhalonghotel.com www.saigonhalonghotel.com From VND950,000 ($45) 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-

equipped rooms, with many breathtaking views of Halong Bay Tuan Chau Island Holiday Villa Halong Bay Tuan Chau Island, Halong Tel: (033) 3842-999 Email: rsv@tuanchauresort.com.vn www.holidayvillahalongbay.com 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

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

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) 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)

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A quare 1. B aD inh S Ba Dinh Square

2. H oa L oP Hoa Lo Prison rison

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

ouse Opera House 4. Hanoi O pera H

Cot Co Tower 5. C ot C oT ower

Women’s Museum 6. Women’s

Ho Chi Minh 7. H oC hi M inh Museum

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

CENTRE O

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

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

13. Ngo on T emple Ngocc S Son Temple

14. Dong Da H ill Hill

15. Dong X uan M arket Xuan Market

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

1 4 14

Mr Song Hao Mobile: 0903 476 999

STREET GUIDE

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

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

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

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

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

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

OF HA NOI D

12 1 11

15 8

7 5 10 13 3

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

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

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

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

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

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

DIRECTIONS HANOI HANOI

(TELEPHONE CODE: 04) EMBASSIES

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

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

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

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

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

Australia 8 Dao Tan St, Ba Dinh Dist., Hanoi Tel: (04) 3831-7755 Austria 53 Quang Trung St, Hoan Kiem Dist., Hanoi Tel: (04) 3943-3050 Bangladesh Villa D6B 5 – Khu Vuon Dao Ngo 675, Lac Long Quan St, Tay Ho Dist., Hanoi Tel: (04) 3771-6625 Belarus 52 Ho Tay St, Tay Ho Dist., Hanoi Tel: (04) 3829-0494 Belgium Hanoi Tower, 49 Hai Ba Trung St, Hoan Kiem Dist., Hanoi Tel: (04) 3934-6179 Brazil T72-14 Thuy Khue St, Tay Ho Dist., Hanoi Tel: (04) 3843-2544 Brunei Villa 8-9 No 44/8-44, 9 Van Bao St, Ba Dinh Dist., Hanoi Tel: (04) 3726-0001 Bulgaria 5 Nui Truc St, Ba Dinh Dist., Hanoi Tel: (04) 3845-2908 Cambodia 71A Tran Hung Dao St, Hoan Kiem Dist., Hanoi Tel: (04) 3942-7636 Canada 31 Hung Vuong St, Ba Dinh Dist., Hanoi Tel: (04) 3823-5500 China 46 Hoang Dieu St, Ba Dinh Dist., Hanoi. Tel: (04) 3845-3736 Cuba 65 Ly Thuong Kiet St, Hoan Kiem Dist., Hanoi Tel: (04) 3942-4775 Czech Republic 13 Chu Van An St, Ba Dinh Dist., Hanoi; Tel: (04) 3845-4131 Denmark 19 Dien Bien Phu St, Ba Dinh Dist., Hanoi Tel: (04) 3823-1888 Egypt 63 To Ngoc Van St, Tay Ho Dist., Hanoi Tel: (04) 3829-4999

Hungary 12th floor of Deaha Building, 360 Kim Ma St, Ba Dinh Dist., Hanoi Tel: (04) 3771-5714 India 58-60 Tran Hung Dao St, Hoan Kiem Dist., Hanoi Tel: (04) 3824-4990 Indonesia 50 Ngo Quyen St, Hoan Kiem Dist., Hanoi Tel: (04) 3825-3353 Iran 54 Tran Phu St, Ba Dinh Dist., Hanoi Tel: (04) 3823-2068 Iraq 66 Tran Hung Dao St, Hoan Kiem Dist., Hanoi Tel: (04) 3942-4141 Ireland 8th floor of Vincom Tower B, 191 Ba Trieu St, Ha Dong Dist., Hanoi Tel: (04) 3974-3291 Israel 68 Nguyen Thai Hoc St, Ba Dinh Dist., Hanoi Tel: (04) 3843-3141 Italy 9 Le Phung Hieu St, Hoan Kiem Dist., Hanoi Tel: (04) 3825-6256 Japan 27 Lieu Giai St, Ba Dinh Dist., Hanoi Tel: (04) 3846-3000 Laos 22 Tran Binh Trong St, Hoan Kiem Dist., Hanoi Tel: (04) 3942-4576 Libya 298B Kim Ma St, Ba Dinh Dist., Hanoi Tel: (04) 3845-3379 Malaysia 43-45 Dien Bien Phu St, Ba Dinh Dist., Hanoi Tel: (04) 3734-3836 Mexico Coco Villa T-11, 14 Thuy Khue St, Tay Ho Dist., Hanoi Tel: (04) 3847-0948 Morocco 9 Chu Van An St, Ba Dinh Dist., Hanoi Tel: (04) 3734-5586 Mongolia 5 Van Phuc, Kim Ma St, Ba Dinh Dist., Hanoi Tel: (04) 3845-3009

46 • VIETNAM HERITAGE - OCTOBER-NOVEMBER 2015

Myanmar 298A Kim Ma St, Ba Dinh Dist., Hanoi Tel: (04) 3845-3369 Netherlands 6th floor of Deaha Building, 360 Kim Ma St, Ba Dinh Dist., Hanoi Tel: (04) 3831-5650 New Zealand 63 Ly Thai To St, Hoan Kiem Dist., Hanoi Tel: (04) 3824-1481 North Korea 25 Cao Ba Quat St, Ba Dinh Dist., Hanoi Tel: (04) 3845-3008 Norway 8th Floor, Hanoi Tower, 49 Hai Ba Trung St, Hoan Kiem Dist., Hanoi Tel: (04) 3974-8900 Nigeria 44/1 Van Bao St, Ba Dinh Dist., Hanoi Tel: (04) 3726-3610 Palestine 6 Dang Van Ngu St, Dong Da Dist., Hanoi Tel: (04) 3852-4013 Philippines 27B Tran Hung Dao St, Hoan Kiem Dist., Hanoi Tel: (04) 3943-7948 Poland 3 Chua Mot Cot St, Ba Dinh Dist., Hanoi Tel: (04) 3845-2027 Romania 5 Le Hong Phong St, Ba Dinh Dist., Hanoi Tel: (04) 3845-2014 Russia 191 La Thanh St, Ba Dinh Dist., Hanoi Tel: 3833-6991 South Africa 31 Hai Ba Trung St, Hoan Kiem Dist., Hanoi Tel: (04) 3936-2000 South Korea 4th floor of Deaha Building, 360 Kim Ma St, Ba Dinh Dist., Hanoi Tel: (04) 3831-5111 Spain 15th floor of Deaha Building, 360 Kim Ma St, Ba Dinh Dist., Hanoi Tel: (04) 3771-5207 Sweden 2 Nui Truc St, Ba Dinh Dist., Hanoi Tel: (04) 3726-0400 Thailand 63-65 Hoang Dieu St, Ba Dinh Dist., Hanoi Tel: (04) 3823-5092 Turkey 14th Floor, HCO Building, 44B Ly Thuong Kiet St, Hoan Kiem Dist., Tel: (04) 3822-2460 United Kingdom 31 Hai Ba Trung St, Hoan Kiem Dist., Hanoi Tel: (04) 3936-0500

United States 7 Lang Ha St, Dong Da Dist., Hanoi Tel: (04) 3772-1500 MEDICAL CENTRES Acupuncture Institute 49 Thai Thinh St, Dong Da Dist., Hanoi Tel: (04) 3563-1069 Hanoi French Hospital 1 Phuong Mai St, Ba Dinh Dist., Hanoi Tel: (04) 3577-1100 International SOS Clinic 1 Dang Thai May St, Tay Ho Dist., Hanoi Tel: (04) 3934-0666 Thuy Tran Otolaryngology Clinic 6 Do Quang St, Cau Giay Dist., Hanoi (6/61 Tran Duy Hung Avenue) Tel: (04) 3556-6124 Mobile 098 368 0276 Email: thuyent12@yahoo.com www.taimuihongthuytran.com Vinmec international hospital 458 Minh Khai St, Hai Ba Trung Dist, Hanoi, Tel: (04) 3974-3556 AIRLINES Air France 1 Ba Trieu St, Hoan Kiem Dist., Hanoi Tel: (04) 3825-3484 Qatar Airways Hilton Hanoi Opera Building, M floor, 1 Le Thanh Tong St, Hoan Kiem Dist., Hanoi Tel: (04) 3933-6767 www.qatarairways.com Singapore Airlines 17 Ngo Quyen St, Hoan Kiem Dist., Hanoi. Tel: (04) 3826-8888 Vietnam Airlines 25 Trang Thi St, Hoan Kiem Dist., Hanoi Tel: (04) 3823-0320 TRAVEL

Amega Travel Hancorp Plaza, 72 Tran Dang Ninh St, Cau Giay Dist., Hanoi Tel: (04) 3783-3570 www.amegatours.net Buffalo Tours 10th Floor, 70-72 Ba Trieu St, Hoan Kiem Dist., Hanoi Tel: (04) 3828-0702 www.buffalotours.com Emeraude Classic Cruises 46 Le Thai To St, Hanoi Tel: (04) 3935-1888 www.emeraude-cruises.com Email: info@buffalotours.com Exotissmo 3rd Floor, 66A Tran Hung Dao St, Hoan Kiem Dist., Hanoi Tel: (04) 3828-2150 www.exotissimo.com Email: go.vietnam@exotravel.com

DIRECTIONS HANOI Topas Travel 52 To Ngoc Van St, Hanoi Tel: (04) 3715-1005 Email: sales@topastravel.vn www.topastravel.vn HOTELS Note: Prices at many hotels depend on occupancy and change daily Fortuna Hotel Hanoi 6B Lang Ha St, Ba Dinh Dist., Hanoi Tel: (04) 3831-3333 Email: fortunahanoi@fortuna.vn www.fortuna.vn From VND1,920,000 ($91) Hanoi Daewoo Hotel 360 Kim Ma St, Hanoi Tel: (04) 3831-5000 Email: sales@daewoohotel.com www.daewoohotel.com Hanoi Emotion Hotel 26 – 28 Hang Bot St, Hanoi Tel: (04) 3848-9848 Email: info@hanoi-emotion.com www.hanoi-emotion.com The hotel also provides Vietnamese, Japanese and International cuisine Hilton Hanoi Opera Hotel 1 Le Thanh Tong St, Hanoi Tel: (04) 3933-0500 Email: hanoi.opera@hilton.com www.hanoi.hilton.com Hotel de l’Opera 29 Trang Tien St, Hoan Kiem Dist., Hanoi Tel: (04) 6282-5555 Email: H7832-RE@accor.com www.hoteldelopera.com Melia Hanoi Hotel 44B Ly Thuong Kiet St, Hanoi Tel: (04) 3934-3343 Email: melia.hanoi@melia.com www.melia.com Mövenpick Hotel Hanoi 83A Ly Thuong Kiet St, Hanoi Tel: (04) 3822-2800 hotel.hanoi@moevenpick.com www.moevenpickhotels.com/hanoi From VND3,622,500 ($172.50) Hotel Nikko Hanoi 84 Tran Nhan Tong St, Hanoi Tel: (04) 3822-3535 mc.nikko@hotelnikkohanoi.com.vn www.hotelnikkohanoi.com.vn From VND4,620,000 ($220) Pullman Hanoi 40 Cat Linh St, Hanoi Tel: (04) 3733-0808 www.pullman-hanoi.com From VND2,448,600 ($115.50) Silk Path Hotel Hanoi 195-199 Hang Bong St, Hoan Kiem Dist., Hanoi Tel: (04) 3266-5555 Email: info@silkpathhotel.com www.silkpathhotel.com From VND2,173,500 ($103.50)

Sheraton Hanoi Hotel 11 Xuan Dieu St, Hanoi Tel: (04) 3719-9000 reservations.hanoi@sheraton.com www.sheraton.com/hanoi From VND4,956,000 ($236) Sofitel Legend Metropole Hanoi 15 Ngo Quyen St, Hanoi Tel: (04) 3826-6919 Email: h1555@sofitel.com www.sofitel-legend.com From VND6,090,000 ($290) Sunway Hotel Hanoi 19 Pham Dinh Ho St, Hanoi Tel: (04) 3971-3888 Email: reservation@sunwayhotel.com.vn www.hanoi.sunwayhotels.com RESTAURANTS Com Chay Nang Tam Restaurant 79A Tran Hung Dao St, Hanoi Tel: (04) 3942-4140 Green Tangerine 48 Hang Be St, Hoan Kiem Dist., Hanoi Tel: (04) 3825-1286 www.greentangerinehanoi.com Serving French food with a Vietnamese cuisine Hoa Vien Brauhaus 1A Tang Bat Ho St, Hai Ba Trung Dist., Hanoi Tel: (04) 3972-5088 www.hoavien.vn The restaurant has been famous for its production of Czech beer Le Tonkin Restaurant 14 Ngo Van So St, Hoan Kiem Dist., Hanoi Tel: (04) 3943-3457 www.letonkinrestaurant.vn Serves Vietnamese food

BOOK STORE

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

Craft Link 43 and 51 Van Mieu St, Hanoi Tel: (04) 3843-7710 Email: craftlink@hn.vnn.vn Ha Dong Silk 102 Hang Gai St, Hanoi Tel: (04) 3928-5056 Tan My Embroidery 66 Hang Gai St, Hanoi Email: tanmyhuong@fpt.vn Tel: (04) 3825-1579 Viet Culture 1 Trang Thi St, Hanoi Tel: (04) 3934-7417

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

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

SIGHTSEEINGS

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

Hanoi Museum 2 Pham Hung (next to Vietnam National Convention Centre), Me Tri Commune, Tu Liem Dist., Hanoi Tel: (04) 6287-06 04 Opening hour: 8 a.m. to 11.30 a.m. and 1.30 p.m. to 5 p.m. Free entrance Ho Chi Minh Museum 19 Ngoc Ha St,

Ba Dinh Dist., Hanoi Tel: (04) 3846-3752 www.baotanghochiminh.vn Open: 8 a.m. to noon (Monday and Friday), 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. (other days) Entry fee: VND25,000 Imperial Citadel of Thang Long 12 Nguyen Tri Phuong St/ 9 Hoang Dieu St, Ba Dinh Dist., Hanoi Tel: (04) 37345427 hoangthanhthanglong@gmail.com www.hoangthanhthanhlong.vn Open: 8.30 a.m. to 11.30 a.m. and 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. (Closed on Mondays) Entry fee: VND30,000 Vietnam National Museum of History 1 Trang Tien St, Hanoi 216 Tran Quang Khai St, Hanoi Tel: (04) 3824-1384 www.baotanglichsu.vn Open 8 a.m. to 4.30 p.m. Closed every first Monday of months. Entry fee VND 20,000 ($0.95) for adults and VND10,000 ($0.48) for children Vietnam Fine Arts Museum 66 Nguyen Thai Hoc St, Ba Dinh Dist., Hanoi Tel: (04) 3733-2131 Email: btmtvn@vnfam.vn www.vnfineartsmuseum.org.vn Open 8.30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Entry fee VND20,000 ($0.95) Vietnam Military History Museum 28A Dien Bien Phu St, Hanoi www.btlsqsvn.org.vn Open 8 a.m. to 11.30 a.m. and 1 p.m. to 4.30 p.m. Closed on Mondays Entry fee VND30,000 ($1.43) Vietnam Museum of Ethnology Nguyen Van Huyen St, Cau Giay Dist., Hanoi Tel: (04) 3756-2193, www.vme.org.vn Open 8.30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Closed on Mondays Entry fee VND40,000 ($2) Women’s Museum 36 Ly Thuong Kiet, Hanoi Tel: (04) 3825-9936 www.womenmuseum.org.vn Open 8 a.m. to 4.30 p.m. Closed on Mondays Entry fee VND30,000 ($1.43) SPA

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

VIETNAM HERITAGE - OCTOBER-NOVEMBER 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

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) Lang Co Beach Resort

Alba Spa Hotel

Email: info@ninhbinhlegendhotel.com

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

NGHE AN

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

www.songlam.muongthanh.vn

QUANG BINH

(TELEPHONE CODE: 052) HOTELS, RESORTS

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

29 Tran Quang Khai St, Hue Tel: (054) 3828-444 Email: info@albavietnam.com www.albavietnam.com BW Premier Indochine Palace 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

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

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

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 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

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

Van Long Reserve, Gia Van Commune, Gia Vien Dist., Ninh Binh Province Tel: (030) 3658-333 Email: info@emeraldaresort.com www.emeraldaresort.com Ninh Binh Legend Hotel Tien Dong Zone, Ninh Khanh Ward, Ninh Binh City Tel: (030) 3899-880

Tel: (0511) 3981-234 Email: danang.regency@hyatt.com www.danang.regency.hyatt.com From VND5,225,000 ($243)

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

48 • VIETNAM HERITAGE - OCTOBER-NOVEMBER 2015

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) 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)

Le Belhamy Hoi An Resort & Spa Ha My Beach, Hoi An Tel: (0510) 3941-888 Email: info@belhamy.com www.belhamy.com 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

From VND3,024,000 ($144) Royal Hotel and Healthcare Resort Quy Nhon 1 Han Mac Tu St, Quy Nhon, Binh Dinh Province Tel: (056) 374-7100 Email: reservation@royalquynhon.com www.royalquynhon.com VND1,155,000 to VND1,365,000 ($55 to $65) MUSEUM

Quang Trung Museum Block 1, Phu Phong town, Tay Son Dist., Binh Dinh Province Tel: (056) 3580-320 Open 7 a.m. to 11.30 a.m. and 1.30 p.m. to 5 p.m. Entry fee VND10,500 ($0.50). Free for children under six Lac Long Quan St, Cua Dai Beach, Hoi An, Quang Nam Province Tel: (0510) 3927-927 Email: info@pgr.com.vn www.palmgardenresort.com.vn From VND4,485,000 ($214) River-Beach Resort & Residences Hoi An

Hoi An Historic Hotel

NHA TRANG

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

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

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) 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 Jolie Villa Hoi An Homestay 14 Luu Trong Lu St, Tan An Ward, Hoi An. Tel: 0934 847788 Email: Joliehomestay@gmail.com www.joliehoianhomestay.com Kiman Hotel & Spa

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

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 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.

Champa Island Nha Trang Resort & Spa 304, 2/4 St, Vinh Phuoc, Nha Trang Tel: (058) 3568-888 Email: sales@champaislandresort.vn www.champaisandresort.vn 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 Bavico International Hotel 02 Phan Boi Chau St, Nha Trang, Khanh Hoa Province Tel: (058) 6266-555 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 Email: reservations-nhatrang@evasonresorts.com

www.evason-resorts.com Galina Hotel and Spa 5 Hung Vuong St, Loc Tho Ward, Nha Trang Tel: (058) 3839-999 Email: info@galinahotel.com.vn www.galinahotel.com.vn Green World Hotel Nha Trang 44 Nguyen Thi Minh Khai St, Nha Trang, Khanh Hoa Province Tel: (058) 3528-666 Email: sales@greenworldhotelnhatrang.com www.greenworldhotelnhatrang.com InterContinental Nha Trang Hotel 32-34 Tran Phu St, Nha Trang Tel: (058) 3887-777 www.intercontinental.com Liberty Central Nha Trang Hotel 9 Biet Thu St, Nha Trang, Khanh Hoa Province Tel: (058) 3529-555 Email: frondesk.lcn@odysseahotels.com www.odysseahotels.com

QUY NHON

(TELEPHONE CODE: 056) 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

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 VIETNAM HERITAGE - OCTOBER-NOVEMBER 2015

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DIRECTIONS PHAN THIET Michelia Hotel 4 Pasteur St, Nha Trang, Khanh Hoa Province Tel: (058) 3820-820 Email: sales@michelia.vn www.michelia.vn From VND2,200,000 ($105) Mường Thanh Grand Nha Trang Hotel 6 Duong Hien Quyen St, Vinh Hoa Ward, Nha Trang, Khanh Hoa Province Tel: (058) 3552-468 Email: info@nhatrang.muongthanh.vn www.nhatrang.muongthanh.vn From VND1,400,000 ($66) Novotel Nha Trang Hotel 50 Tran Phu St, Nha Trang, Khanh Hoa Province Tel: (058) 6256-900 Email: rsvn@novotel-nhatrang.com www.novotel-nhatrang.com From VND2,100,000 ($100) Six Senses Ninh Van Bay Ninh Van bay, Ninh Hoa, Khanh Hoa Province Tel: (058) 3524-268 reservations-ninhvan@sixsenses.com www.sixsenses.com/resorts/ninh-vanbay/destination From VND18,837,000 ($897)

PHAN THIET

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

SHOPPING

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

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

Romana Resort & Spa

Ly Thai To St, Tan Tien, Lagi, Binh Thuan Province Tel: (062) 3874-458 Email: contact@lazibeachresort.com www.lazibeachresort.com From VND1,900,000 ($90) Muine de Century Beach Resort & Spa 16 Huynh Thuc Khang St, Ham Tien Ward, Phan Thiet, Binh Thuan Province Tel: (062) 3743-668 reservation@muinedecentury.vn www.muinedecentury.vn From VND1,701,000 ($81) Muine Ocean Resort & Spa 10 Nguyen Dinh Chieu St, Ham Tien Ward, Phan Thiet City, Binh Thuan Province Tel: (062) 3741-616 Email: sale.muineocean@gmail.com www.muineoceanresort.com From VND1,050,000 ($50)

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

Muine Bay Resort

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)

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

5 Quarter, Mui Ne Ward, Phan Thiet City, Binh Thuan Province Tel: (062) 3748-868 Email: info@sandunesbeach.com www.sandunesbeach.com Saigon Mui Ne Resort 56 - 97 Nguyen Dinh Chieu St, Ham Tien Ward, Phan Thiet City, Binh Thuan Province Tel: (062) 3741-044 Email: saigonmuineresort@hcm.vnn.vn www.saigonmuineresort.com.vn From VND1,908,000 ($90) Seahorse Resort & Spa

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

MUSEUM

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

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)

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

Vinpearl Luxury Nha Trang Hon Tre Island, Nha Trang, Khanh Hoa Province Tel: (058) 3598-598 Email: info@vinpearlluxury-nhatrang.com www.vinpearl.com Vinpearl Resort Nha Trang Hon Tre Island, Nha Trang City, Khanh Hoa Province Tel: (058) 3598-188 Email: info@vinpearlresort-nhatrang.com www.vinpearl.com

Mom Da Chim - Lazi Beach Resort

HOTELS, RESORTS

Sheraton Nha Trang Hotel & Spa 26-28 Tran Phu St, Nha Trang, Khanh Hoa Province. Tel: (058) 3880-000 reservations.nhatrang@sheraton.com www.sheratonnhatrang.com Sunrise Nha Trang Beach Hotel & Spa 12-14 Tran Phu St, Nha Trang, Khanh Hoa Province Tel: (058) 3820-999 Email: info@sunrisenhatrang.com.vn www.sunrisenhatrang.com.vn VND2,520,000 to VND4,305,000 ($120 to $205)

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

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

50 • VIETNAM HERITAGE - OCTOBER-NOVEMBER 2015

Km 11 Nguyen Dinh Chieu St, Ham Tien Ward, Phan Thiet City, Binh Thuan Province. Tel: (062) 3847-507 reservation@seahorseresortvn.com www.seahorseresortvn.com From VND1,680,000 ($80) Sunny Beach Resort & Spa 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) Ocean Dunes Resort 1 Ton Duc Thang St, Phan Thiet City, Binh Thuan Province Tel: (062) 3822-393 Email: info@oceandunesresort.com.vn www.oceandunesresort.com.vn

64-66 Nguyen Dinh Chieu St, Ham Tien, Phan Thiet City, Binh Thuan Province Tel: (062) 3741-355

DIRECTIONS DALAT, BINH DUONG, HO CHI MINH CITY 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) 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) Victoria Phan Thiet Beach Resort & Spa Phu Hai Ward, Phan Thiet City, Binh Thuan Province Tel: (062) 3813-000 Email: resa.phanthiet@victoriahotels.asia www.victoriahotels.asia From VND1,980,000 ($90) Villa Aria Mui Ne

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 Email: 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

60A Nguyen Dinh Chieu St, Ham Tien Ward, Phan Thiet City, Binh Thuan Province; Tel: (062) 3741-660 Email: info@villaariamuine.com www.villaariamuine.com From VND2,520,000 ($120) White Sands Resort

KM8, Nguyen Thong St, Phu Hai Ward, Phan Thiet City, Binh Thuan Province Tel: (062) 3741-175 Email: frontoffice@whitesandresort.com www.whitesandresort.com From VND1,344,000 VND ($64) MUSEUM

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

BINH DUONG

(TELEPHONE CODE: 0650) An Lam Saigon River

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.

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

HO CHI MINH CITY (TELEPHONE CODE: 08) CONSULATES

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

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

HOSPITALS

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

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

VIETNAM HERITAGE - OCTOBER-NOVEMBER 2015

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DIRECTIONS HO CHI MINH CITY Ho Chi Minh City Tel: (08) 3930-2939 Japan Airlines 88 Dong Khoi St, Dist.1, Ho Chi Minh City. Tel: (08) 3821-9098 Jetstar Pacific Airlines 112 Hong Ha St, Tan Binh Dist., Ho Chi Minh City Tel: (08) 3955-0550 Philippine Airlines 2nd Floor Saigon Royal Building 91 Pasteur St, Dist.1, Ho Chi Minh City Tel: (08) 3827-2105 Qatar Airways 1-5 Le Duan St, Dist.1, Ho Chi Minh City Tel: (08) 3827-3888 Royal Brunei Airlines 787 Tran Hung Dao St, Dist.1, Ho Chi Minh CityTel: (08) 3924-5100 Singapore Airlines 29 Le Duan St, Dist.1, Ho Chi Minh City Tel: (08) 3823-1588 Thai Airways International 29 Le Duan St, Dist.1, Ho Chi Minh City Tel: (08) 3829-2809

Trails of Indochina 10/8 Phan Dinh Giot St, Tan Binh Dist., Ho Chi Minh City; Tel: (08) 3844-1005 Email: dosm@trailsofindochina.com www.trailsofindochina.com Transviet Travel Travel House, 170-172 Nam Ky Khoi Nghia St, Dist.3, Ho Chi Minh City Tel: (08) 3933-0777 www.transviet.com.vn HOTELS

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

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

Asiana Travel Mate 113C Bui Vien St, Dist.1, Ho Chi Minh City. Tel: (08) 3838-6678 www.atravelmate.com Buffalo Tours 81 Mac Thi Buoi, Dist.1, Ho Chi Minh City Tel: (08) 3827-9168 Email: travelagency@buffalotours.com www.buffalotours.com.vn Buffalo Tours operates in Vietnam, Thailand, Cambodia and Laos. The Buffalo Tours portfolio caters to all types of tours.

Duxton Hotel Saigon 63 Nguyen Hue Blvd, Ben Nghe Ward, Dist.1, Ho Chi Minh City Tel: (08) 3822-2999 enquires@saigon.duxton.com.vn www.duxtonhotels.com First Hotel

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

Hotel Majestic

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

www.libertycentralhotel.com 18 Hoang Viet St, Ward 4, Tan Binh Dist, Ho Chi Minh City Tel: (08) 3844-1199 Email: first.hotel@hcm.vnn.vn www.firsthotel.com.vn Grand Hotel Saigon 8 Dong Khoi St, Ben Nghe Ward, Dist.1, Ho Chi Minh City. Tel: (08) 3823-0163 Email: info@grandhotel.vn www.grandhotel.vn Built in 1930, the Ancient Wing of Grand Hotel Saigon offers a cozy and elegant atmosphere. The Luxury Wing, opened in November 2011, adds a modern style. 230 rooms and suites, a ballroom, recreation area, VIP Lounge, Western & Asian restaurants, Bars & Grand Café at Roof Garden Hotel Nikko Saigon 235 Nguyen Van Cu St, Dist.1, Ho Chi Minh City, tel: (08) 3925-7777 reservation@hotelnikkosaigon.com.vn www.hotelnikkosaigon.com.vn From VND4,830,000 ($230) Hotel Equatorial Ho Chi Minh City

Exotissimo 261/26 Phan Xich Long St, Phu Nhuan Dist., Ho Chi Minh City Tel: (08) 3995-9898 www.exotravel.com Saigon Tourist 45 Le Thanh Ton St, Dist.1, Ho Chi Minh City. Tel: (08) 3827-9279 www.saigon-tourist.net

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

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

United Airlines Suite 708 Sun Wah Tower, 115 Nguyen Hue St, Dist.1, Ho Chi Minh City Tel: (08) 3823-4755 Vietnam Airlines 115 Nguyen Hue St, Dist.1, Ho Chi Minh City Tel: (08) 3832-0320

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

Kelly Hotel

42-44 Thu Khoa Huan St, Dist.1, Ho Chi Minh City. Tel: (08) 3823-3364 Email: info@kellyhotel.com.vn www.kellyhotel.com.vn From VND750,000 ($36) An elegant and cosy hotel with good service. Within walking distance to Ben Thanh market, Independence Palace and several museums. Vietnamese food is served at reasonable prices. InterContinental Asiana Saigon Corner Hai Ba TrungSt. & Le Duan Blvd, Dist.1, Ho Chi Minh City Tel: (08) 3520-9999 Email: saigon@ihg.com www.intercontinental.com/Saigon Eastin Grand Hotel Saigon

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

52 • VIETNAM HERITAGE - OCTOBER-NOVEMBER 2015

11A Thi Sach St, Dist.1, Ho Chi Minh City Tel: (08) 3825-1751 reservation@northernhotel.com.vn www.northernhotel.com.vn From VND1,505,000 ($71) Three-star boutique hotel, 99 rooms in Superior, Deluxe and Suite categories, a short walk from major entertainment and shopping venues. Novotel Saigon Centre 167 Hai Ba Trung St, Dist.3, Ho Chi Minh City. Tel: (08) 3822-4866 Email: H7965@accor.com www.novotel-saigon-centre.com Palace Hotel Saigon 56-66 Nguyen Hue Blvd, Dist.1, Ho Chi Minh City Tel: (08) 3829-2860 Email: sales@palacesaigon.com www.palacesaigon.com Park Hyatt Saigon 2 Lam Son Square, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City Tel: (08) 3824-1234 Email: saigon.park@hyatt.com www.saigon.park.hyatt.com From VND 7,887,850 ($376) PARKROYAL Saigon 309B – 311 Nguyen Van Troi St,Tan Binh Dist., Ho Chi Minh City Tel: (08) 3842-1111 enquiry.prsgn@parkroyalhotels.com

www.parkroyalhotels.com Renaissance Riverside Hotel Saigon 8-15 Ton Duc Thang St, Ben Nghe Ward, Dist.1, Ho Chi Minh City Tel: (08) 3822-0033 www.renaissance-saigon.com Royal Hotel Saigon 133 Nguyen Hue St, Dist.1, Ho Chi Minh City, tel: (08) 3822-5915 www.royalhotelsaigon.com From VND1,092,000 ($52) Rex Hotel 141 Nguyen Hue St, Ben Nghe Ward, Dist.1, Ho Chi Minh City Tel: (08) 3829-2185 Email: rexhotel@rex.com.vn www.rexhotelvietnam.com From VND4,620,000 ($220)

DIRECTIONS HO CHI MINH CITY Sheraton Saigon Hotel & Towers 88 Dong Khoi St, Ben Nghe Ward, Dist.1, Ho Chi Minh City Tel: (08) 3827-2828 Email: sheratonsaigon@sheraton.com www.sheratonsaigon.com Sofitel Saigon Plaza

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

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

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

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

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

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

Lemongrass Restaurant 4 Nguyen Thiep St, Dist.1, Ho Chi Minh City Tel: (08) 3822-0496 www.bongsencorporation.com Mam Son Restaurant 35 Ton That Thiep St, Dist.1, Ho Chi Minh City Tel: (08) 3915-3653

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

Tandoor Restaurant

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

Windsor Plaza Hotel

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

Sonnet Saigon Hotel

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

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

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

Lu's Handmade 240 Ly Tu Trong St, Ben Thanh Ward, Dist.1, Ho Chi Minh City Facebook: Lu's Handmade Tropic Shop 89 Dong Khoi St, Ben Nghe Ward, Dist.1, Ho Chi Minh City Tel: (08) 3822-3714 www.ofcvn.com/tropic SPA

Vspa & Skincare

BARS & CAFÉS

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

Beef No.1 Restaurant 1 Hoang Viet St, Ward 4, Tan Binh Dist., Ho Chi Minh City Tel: 0935891818/ 0919898253 Chit Chat Restaurant Hotel Equatorial Ho Chi Minh City, 242 Tran Binh Trong St, Dist.5, Ho Chi Minh City Tel: (08) 3839-7777 Email: info@hcm.equatorial.com www.equatorial.com New daily menus for lunch and dinner buffets, all served in a relaxing atmosphere. Eight live cooking stations with over 60 varieties of mouth-watering domestic and international dishes. A meeting place to enjoy delicious house-made

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

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

Craig Thomas Gallery 27i Tran Nhat Duat St, Dist.1, Ho Chi Minh City Mobile: 0903 888 431 Email: cthomasgallery@gmail.com www.cthomasgallery.com Open: 1 p.m. to 6 p.m. Closed Mondays and Sundays Galerie Quynh Level 2, 151/3 Dong Khoi St, Dist.1, Ho Chi Minh City Tel: (08) 3824-8284 www.galeriequynh.com Tuesday to Saturday, 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Sàn Art 48/7 Me Linh St, Ward 19, Binh Thanh Dist., Ho Chi Minh City Tel: (08) 6294-7059 www.san-art.org Opening: 10.30 a.m. to 6.30 p.m. every. Closed on Sunday and Monday Tu Do Gallery 53 Ho Tung Mau St, Ben Nghe Ward, Dist.1, Ho Chi Minh City Tel: (08) 3821-0966 www.tudogallery.com Opening: 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. everyday SIGHTSEEINGS

Elle Cafe 45 Ngo Duc Ke St, Bitexco Financial Tower, Ho Chi Minh City Tel: (08) 6291-8769 Caffe Molinari 5 Le Duan St, Dist.1, Ho Chi Minh City Tel: (08) 3910-6903 Email: molinari@vnn.vn www.caffemolinari.com

Cactus Contemporary Art 17/12 Nguen Huy Tuong St, Ward 6, Binh Thanh Dist., Ho Chi Minh City Tel: (08) 7300-1270 info@cactusartgallery.com www.cactusartgallery.com

15B/25 Le Thanh Ton St, Dist.1, Ho Chi Minh City Tel: (08) 3827-9484 Email: reception.vspa@gmail.com www.vspa.com.vn

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

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

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

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

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

COOKING CLASSES

GALLERIES

VIETNAM HERITAGE - OCTOBER-NOVEMBER 2015

• 53

CENTRE OF HO

1. IIndependence ndependence P Palace alace

2. N Notre otre Dame C Cathedral athedral

3. V Vietnam ietnam H History istory Museum

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

6. Southern Women omen Museum Southern W

War Remnants ts Museum 7. Wa ar Remnan

Ben T hanh M arket 8. Ben Thanh Market

9. T ao Dan P Tao Park ark

Post Office 10. P ost O ffice

Zoo 11. Z oo

Nha Wharf 12. N ha Rong W harf

STREET GUIDE

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

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

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

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

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

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

CHI MINH CITY D

6 4 11 11

7 2

10 10

9 8

12 1 2

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

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

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

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

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

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

DIRECTIONS VUNG TAU, LONG HAI, CON DAO, CAN THO, MY THO, CHAU DOC whole-sales market, the street of herbal medicine located on Hai Thuong Lan Ong and Thien Hau Temple on Nguyen Trai Street. MUSEUMS

Ao Dai Museum 206/19/30 Long Thuan St, District 9, Ho Chi Minh City www.baotangaodaivietnam.com Open daily, closed on Monday from 8.30 a.m. until 5.30 p.m. The entry ticket is VND100,000 for adults Fine Arts Museum of Ho Chi Minh City 97A Pho Duc Chinh St, Nguyen Thai Binh Ward, Dist.1, Ho Chi Minh City Tel: (08) 3829-4441 www.baotangmythuattphcm.com Open 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Closed Mondays

Fito Museum

Tau does not have the most beautiful, or cleanest, beaches in Vietnam but can act as a quick getaway from the buzz of the city. HOTELS, RESORTS

Note: Prices at many hotels depend on occupancy and change daily Grand Hotel Vung Tau 2 Nguyen Du St, Ward.1, Vung Tau Tel: (064) 3856-888 Email: sales@grandhotel.com.vn www.grandhotel.com.vn From VND2,058,000 ($98) Mường Thanh Vung Tau Hotel No 09, Thong Nhat St, Ward 1, Vung Tau Tel: (064) 3835-567 sales@vungtau.muongthanh.vn www.vungtau.muongthanh.vn From VND1,890,000 ($90) Kieu Anh Hotel

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

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

Palace Hotel 1 Nguyen Trai St, Ward 1, Vung Tau Tel: (064) 3856-411 Email: sales@palacehotel.com.vn www.palacehotel.com.vn From VND2,062,000 ($97)

MUSEUM

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

LONG HAI

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

MY THO

The Island Lodge

390 Ap Thoi Binh, Thoi Son Ward, My Tho City Tel: (073) 6519-000 contact@theislandlodge.com.vn www.theislandlodge.com.vn 12 Truong Cong Dinh St, Ward 2, Vung Tau Tel: (064) 3624-748 Email: sales@petrosetco.com.vn www.petrosetcohotel.vn From VND1,085,700 ($52) Petro House Hotel

VUNG TAU

CAN THO

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

63 Tran Hung Dao St, Ward 1, Vung Tau

56 • VIETNAM HERITAGE - OCTOBER-NOVEMBER 2015

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

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

CHAU DOC

(TELEPHONE CODE: 076) HOTELS

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

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

Petrosetco Hotel

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

(TELEPHONE CODE: 064) A popular beach resort town for residents of Ho Chi Minh City, Vung Tau is about 128 km southeast of HCMC. It can be reached either by road or by a 90-minute hydrofoil boat from HCMC. Sitting on a peninsula that sticks out into the East Sea, Vung

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

CON DAO

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

The History Museum 2 Nguyen Binh Khiem St, Ben Nghe Ward, Dist 1, Ho Chi Minh City Tel: (08) 3829-8146 www.baotanglichsuvn.com 8 a.m. - 11.30 p.m. and 1.30 p.m. - 5 p.m. Tuesday to Sunday. Closed on Monday War Remnants Museum 28 Vo Van Tan St, Ward 6, Dist.3, Ho Chi Minh City, Tel: (08) 3930-5587 Email: warrmhcm@gmail.com Open daily 7.30 a.m. to midday and 1.30 p.m. to 5 p.m.

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

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

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

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

PHU QUOC

(TELEPHONE CODE: 077) Phu Quoc Island, off the southern tip of Vietnam in the Gulf of Thailand, has some of the most beautiful beaches in the country. White-sand beaches, scuba diving around coral reefs or exploring the protected jungle. Accessible by either the Rach Gia hydrofoil boat or a 50-minute flight from Ho Chi Minh City. Modest family-owned bungalows on the beach to fivestar resorts.

DIRECTIONS PHU QUOC, OVERSEAS HOTELS, RESORTS Note: Prices at many hotels depend on occupancy and change daily Chen Sea Resort & Spa Phu Quoc, Centara Boutique Collection Bai Xep, Ong Lang, Cua Duong, Phu Quoc Island Tel: (077) 3995-895 Email: cpv@chr.co.th www.centarahotelsresorts.com From VND3,381,000 ($161) Eden Resort Phu Quoc

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

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

CANADA

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

FRANCE

(Telephone code: 33)

CLEMONT-FERRAND Kim Anh 6 Bis r Elie Gintrac Tel: (33-4) 7391-9364 Serves traditional Vietnamese food, from €12.80 per dish Open 11.30 a.m. to 3 p.m. (closed on Sundays). GRENOBLE Kim Ngan 22 r Nicolas Chrier Tel: (33-4) 7649-0847 Serves Vietnamese food with prices starting at €8 per dish

UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

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

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

UNITED KINGDOM

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

AUSTRALIA

(Telephone code: 61) La Mint 62–64 Riley St, East Sydney NSW 2010 Tel: (61) 293-311-818 Email: service@lamint.com.au www.lamint.com.au French and Vietnamese dishes

INDONESIA

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

Hung Ky Mi Gia 5237 El Cajon Blvd, San Diego, CA 92115; Tel: (1) 619-229-2188 Serves noodle varieties with prices starting at $5 per dish Open 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. International Restaurant 1 4444 – A University Ave, San Diego, CA 92115 Tel: (1) 619-281-9999 Little Saigon 7 Linden Ave (Railroad) South San Francisco, CA 94080 Tel: (1) 650-589-1398 New York-NY Saigon Grill 620 Amsterdam Ave, New York, NY 10024 Tel: (1) 212-875-9072 Serves over 100 Vietnamese dishes including vegetarian options Open 11 a.m. to 12 a.m. Mai Lan Vietnamese 505 N State St Syracuse, NY 13203 Tel: (1) 315-471-6740 www.mailanrestaurant.com L’Annam 121 University Pl New York, NY 10022 Tel: (1) 212-420-1414 VIRGINIA-VA Minh’s Vietnamese 2500 Wilson Blvd Arlington, VA 22201 Tel: (1) 703-525-2828 Prices start at $15 per dish Open 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. (closed on Mondays) WASHINGTON-WC Ho Bac 1314 S Jackson St Seattle, WA 98144 Tel: (1) 206-860-8164 Kieu Nga Lemongrass Restaurant VIETNAM HERITAGE - OCTOBER-NOVEMBER 2015

• 57

LAID BACK

Photo: Nguyen Thi Sin

Photo: Do Hieu Liem

Photo: Le Huy Hoang Hai

Photo: Nguyen Ba Lam

Photo: Nguyen Van Mien

Clockwise from top left: Making iron tools at a forge in Ngan Dua Town, Bac Lieu Province; Bringing roofs from a market to build houses, in Yen Minh District, Ha Giang Province; Giving alms to monks, in Hue; Bringing ducks to another field, in Tan Hong District, Dong Thap Province; Terraced fields in La Pan Tan Commune, Mu Cang Chai District, Yen Bai Province

58 â&#x20AC;˘ VIETNAM HERITAGE - OCTOBER-NOVEMBER 2015

to winners of V ietnam Heritage Photo A wards Vietnam Awards Binh Thuan - Green Convergence 2015

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