Vietnam Heritage May-Jun 2014 by Vietnam Heritage

ISSN 1859-4123

3:5 MA MAY-JUN Y-JUN 2014

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Pushing to victory

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No 4, Vol.4, May-June 2014 COVER STORY The battle of Dien Bien Phu 8 Pushing to victory 9 The bullet women Travel

12 Worshiping Mr Whale 16 The good life 18 Blessings above the gates 22 Climbing a Buddhist stairway to heaven History

26 Rare moss-green ceramics Sculpture

28 Vietnam gets a jeweled Buddha of its own Theatre

29 Masks of ‘Vietnamese Opera’ 30 Watching the lotus bloom, listening to its music

Hotel advertorial Sea 32 sensation at Mường Thanh Nha Trang Hotel

34 What the papers say 35 Asides 36 Events 39 Value for money 42 Buyable 43 Directions 58 Laid back Cover photograph: Bikes carrying food in the Dien Bien Phu campaign. Photo from the archive of Vietnam News Agency

Published by the Cultural Heritage Association of Vietnam

Vietnam Heritage Editorial Office:

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Photo: Chau Doan

Vietnamese in Vietnam and overseas protested on the 11th May after China placed an oil rig in Vietnam's waters in the East Sea Photos: Internet

On the historic 60th anniversary of the battle of Dien Bien Phu - 7th May 2014 - coast guards marched the streets of Dien Bien Phu alongside 15,000 other troops on parade. Photo: Barry J Atkinson - Mekong Expeditions

Pushing to victory

n 1954, French and Vietnamese Communists’ forces fought a decisive battle in Dien Bien Phu in the northwest for control of a small mountain outpost. The Vietnamese victory in this battle lead to French withdrawal from Vietnam, effectively ending almost a century of French rule. Researcher Duong Xuan Dong writes about how the Vietnamese em-

The role of the humble bicycle in the FrancoVietnamese conﬂict

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ployed bicycles for logistics in the campaign. During the Dien Bien Phu campaign, over 21,000 bicycles were mobilized. The bike pushers were called the ‘pack bicycle force’, operating on more than 1,500 km of forest paths. The force was organized into caravans by locality. Each caravan had many platoons of 30-40 bikes, each of which was divided into groups of about five bike pushers, so they could support each other on steep mountain passes. Each caravan had one vehicle that carried spare parts and repair tools. A pack bicycle could carry 200-

300 kg, five times more than a man. It could operate on many kinds of terrain inaccessible to motorised vehicles. Bikes didn’t consume fuel and were easier to fix and to camouflage. The groups could be small or big, and they could move in any weather. To increase the load capacity of the bikes, the bike pushers tied a meter-long piece of bamboo, called a ‘throne’s arm’, to the handlebar, making it easier to steer. They removed the seat and attached a 50cm bamboo tube in its place, to help keep the bicycle upright and push it ahead. The bike pushers welded more

the battle of dien bien phu iron and tied wood sticks to the frame to make it sturdier, and they tied old cloths and inner tubes to the tiers to help them last longer. Two bikes, ‘coupled’ together, could carry two wounded soldiers, or four, if they could sit. Bikes that had a headlight could also be used to aid surgeons as they worked in the night. The record for a bicycle load was 352 kg. It belonged to Mr Ma Van Thang (Phu Tho caravan). Currently, the contemporary history section of the Vietnam National Museum of History, 216 Tran Quang Khai St, Hanoi, exhibits the bicycle of Mr Bui Tin from Thanh Hoa. In early 1954, like many others, he took his bicycle to join the labour forces to serve the campaign voluntarily. At first, each bike pusher could take only 80 kg of goods. They encouraged each other

to take on more. Then, when the load per bicycle reached 200 kg, few could believe they could do better. But Mr Bui Tin advised them to reinforce the frame and practice driving techniques and tactics of mutual support, and he showed them how to increase the load to 213 kg. Talking about this primitive logistic force in his book ‘The Battle of Dien Bien Phu’, French journalist Jules Roy wrote, ‘Hundreds of tons of bombs were dropped along the transportation and supply routes of the Vietnamese Army, but they failed to disrupt these bikes. General Navarre was defeated by no one but the pack-bike pushers, who carried 200 to 320 kg each, who never had enough to eat, and who slept on a piece of nylon, spread on the roadside.’n

Opposite: Bikes carrying food in the Dien Bien Phu campaign. Above: A Vietnamese soldier waves a flag atop a French post during the battle of Dien Bien Phu, May 7, 1954. Photos from the archive of Vietnam News Agency

The bullet women

years ago, tens of thousands of women from all over the country followed troops to Dien Bien Phu in the northwestern mountainous region to clear paths and transport food and ammunition to the front. I met two of them; both carried rice for their husbands who fought. A few years ago, I still saw Mrs Hoang Thi Tu (who died in 2011), a Tay ethnic of Thuong Bang La Commune, Van Chan District, Yen Bai Province. She served food and ammunition to the Vietnamese communists beginning in 1951. Her previous husband was Mr Lo Van Nghi, who joined the army in 1947. She had stayed home to take care of their parents. She had no duty to join the fight, but hearing that he took part in the Dien

By Thai Sinh

Bien Phu campaign, she volunteered to join the labour force, hoping to meet him. From late 1953 till the end of Dien Bien Phu battle in May 1954, she carried rice and wounded soldiers back and forth. She carried rice from Thuong Bang La through the Lung Lo pass to Phu Yen, and then carried ammunition from there to Co Noi. The women moved at night to avoid the enemy’s air raids. They were bombarded every night. The forest burned, but the flow of supplies never stopped. At that time, there were no shoes. In the winter, their chapped feet coated the rocky paths with blood. After transferring ammunition to Son La, they carried wounded soldiers on the way back.

Four women took turns to carry one soldier. She said, ‘I volunteered to join the labour force, hoping to meet my hubby. I met him in Hoa Binh, on the way to Dien Bien Phu. We had only a few hours together. Mr Nghi died during the first assaults to Dien Bien Phu.’ The second woman I met was Mrs Ha Thi Nom, who currently lives in Cat Thinh Commune, Van Chan District, Yen Bai Province. She was weeding in the garden when I came to her house. I asked her about her time carrying supplies to the front. She shook her head, ‘Oh heaven, it’s a very long lll

Two women tell how they risked all for love of country and husbands

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the battle of dien bien phu

story. I can’t remember everything after all those 60 years…’ Mrs Nom was from Thuong Bang La Commune, married to Mr Ha Van Viet from Binh Thuan Commune. Their three-year-old son died while Mr Viet was fighting as far away as in Lai Chau. In pain of her loss, she volunteered to join the labour force to the front line. First, she carried ammunition to Sam Nua for those who were fighting in Laos. Then, she carried ammunition for the Dien Bien Phu campaign. The ammunition depot was at the foot of the Lung Lo pass, at the top of a long steep slope above the motorway. Every night, when a lorry came with cases of ammunition, she and her comrades took turn carrying them up to the storage. She said, ‘Heaven knows why I was so strong then. We carried 4050 kg bullet cases all night long. I stumbled and fell sometimes. I

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Above: Mrs Ha Thi Nom holds the photos of her deceased husband. Below: Lung Lo Pass, a well-known site in the Dien Bien Phu battle. Photos: Thai Sinh

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stood up and moved on, but I never dropped the cases.’ She firmly believed that she would meet her husband on the war paths. In the darkness of nights, she listened to the voices of the soldiers marching, trying to catch his, but never succeeded. After the end

of the Dien Bien Phu battle, she looked for those who joined the army together with him to ask of his whereabouts, but nobody knew anything. Only a year later she learned that he had died. ‘They said he died in Nam Khat. I don’t even know where Nam Khat is.’n

Worshiping Mr Whale

The whale festival. Photo: Dang Khoa

By Dang Khoa

Maritime traditions surrounding ‘The protector of the sea’

Cau Islet

very year, when the full moon of the fourth month on the lunar calendar rises, villagers of Phuoc The in South-Central Vietnam go to Cau Islet (Cu Lao Cau) for their most important ceremony of the year: Nghinh Ong (Whale Procession) Festival. This year, the event falls on 13 May. I had a chance to attend the festival two years ago. I went to Phuoc The, a fishing village about 100 kilometres to the

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northeast of Phan Thiet City, when the village was bustling with preparations for the festival. I jumped on a boat to Cau Islet, which is four nautical miles from the village. The wind blew gently and the sea was peaceful. ‘It’s ideal to visit Cau Islet from January to July, because the weather is fine and the sea is calm,’ said the helmsman. After about an hour, the old boat docked at the islet, which is 1,500 metres long and a maximum of 700 metres wide. The surface was very flat and covered with wild low weeds, which made me feel like standing on an enormous green barge floating on the

blue sea. ‘There are no natives here, only one border guards’ station and two shops selling souvenirs to visitors,’ said the boat owner.

The midnight festival 5:00 p.m. The drums commencing the festival were struck consecutively, echoing all around the islet. Thousands of people were packed into an ancient temple. The shaman, named Tran La, told me: ‘I don’t know when the temple was built, but I guess it’s about 100 years old.’ ‘That there is a festival on this island today that is due to the fact that hundreds of years ago, there

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The whale festival. Photo: Dang Khoa was an Ông (whale) that washed ashore on this islet and died. Since the villagers of Phuoc The believed that whales were sacred creatures, they prepared a funeral and burial ceremony and built a temple to worship Ong. Since then, a festival takes place every year,’ explained an old man in the organizing committee. Following the shaman’s offering incense and prayers, a procession with the altar of the whale was shouldered by tens of youthful men toward the sea, accompanied by the incessant hums of the drums and gongs. While the procession stood solemnly on the sandy beach, the shaman stood facing the sea with his hands holding steaming incense sticks, and mouthing mantras to call whales from all over the world to attend the festival. Right after the shaman’s last words was the sounds of gongs mixed with the sounds of the drums and about 20 young men in the costumes of sailors from olden times, carrying a sword on their shoulders and paddles on their hands lined up in a shape of a boat,

sang and danced a traditional ritual. The dance expressed the work of fishermen: kayaking, seining with a net, and saving or picking up the bodies or souls of the people who died in the river or the sea. After the dancing and singing, the procession was brought back to the temple, right at the time when the full moon rose up on the sea, spraying bright red rays on the water. The people gathered in groups, eating, drinking, singing and dancing on the beach. 2:00 a.m. The drumbeats resurfaced. Under the yellow gleams of a light bulb, the shaman devoutly prayed for Ong to bless the villagers with health, national security, peace, good weather and many marine fish.

two crudely built cafés. I went into one of them and the owner, an old man named Tu Huu, who had fished throughout the region since he was 10 and had twenty years of keeping the café on Cau Islet, told me many interesting ancient stories of the sea. Ordering lunch from Mr Huu, I ran to the sea to seek corals. I knew from newspapers that the sea around Hon Cau (another name of Cu Lao Cau, Cau Islet) was one of many coral reef areas with some of the densest coverage and highest diversity in Vietnam. After swimming about 40 metres offshore, I only saw sporadic corals. Mr Huu told me: ‘If you want to see dense coral reefs, you have to wear a decent diving suit.’ At lunch time, I had a good time enjoying braised giấy fish, sour soup with giấy fish and shrimp, braised anchovies (cá cơm kho tộ) and squid steamed with ginger. All of the seafood was very fresh and cooked simply. Except for the sandy beach, which is about 700 meters long, the rest of Hon Cau coast was full of rough rocks. The crags on the south were much more interesting, with many giant rocks rising over 30 meters above the sea lll

And more on Cau Islet Earlier that day, in the morning and afternoon, I had explored the islet. On the northern shore were

A coracle on Cau Islet, August, 2013. Photo: Nguyen Dinh Thanh vietnam heritage - may-june 2014

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travel binh thuan level. Some had such artistic shapes as to seem skilfully sculptured by hand. On the cliffs, sea birds constantly flew up and down, landed and stood, cavalierly pluming themselves. In the middle of a cliff, I found a very beautiful small beach, which was as pretty as the place where fairies take baths in the folktales. The curved sandy beach was about 20 meters long and surrounded by two cliffs reaching out to the sea. The water was as clear as crystal.n Some fishermen at Phuoc The rent out their fishing boats to visitors who want to go to Hon Cau Islet. The price depends on the time, one-way or return and the agreement between both sides, which is about VND2,000,000 to VND3,000,000. At present, a number of companies in Ca Na and Phan Thiet city organize tours to Hon Cau Islet with snorkeling and scuba diving at the price of $100 to $200 / person. Phuoc The Commune is located at Tuy Phong District, Binh Thuan Province, SouthCentral Vietnam. lll

Phan Thiet, Binh Thuan Province, September, 2011 Photo from Vietnam Heritage Photo Awards 2012. Photo: Hoang Trung Thuy

The V good life By Thai a

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an Phong Bay, with its beautiful turquoise and aquamarine water, lies nearly two hours by car from Nha Trang, and is protected by Hon Gom peninsula and two islands, which keeps it well away from the flood of visitors that usually descends on Nha Trang. Until recently, Van Phong’s boats were used almost exclusively for fishing, and fishermen seldom quit the net to take visitors on sight-seeing tours. Recently, I and some others headed for an island in Van Phong. Piloting our sight-seeing boat that day was a middle

aged man, who clearly had spent much of his life at sea and his son, who looked more shark than human. Dark and solid, they both used a very unintelligible dialect as they guided the boat out of the harbour and zig-zagged between sand bars to our destination. The beach on the island was full of foreign kids lying on the sun, and a mesmerizingly beautiful girl sat motionlessly, like Andersen’s mermaid on a lone rock amid blue waves. The island we visited had 11 households, almost completely secluded from the outside world. Fishing boats drop by there before and after long fishing trips.

A few hundred yards from the island are the fish and shrimp farms of the locals. Since fish farming came into fashion, the island has lost area primarily due to the hedges emerging from the water. The boat owner showed us his familyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s farm. Just a scoop of water sparkling under the sun, and one sees fish and shrimp wiggling and jumping. One can buy them for half the price charged in Nha Trang. I idly jumped into the water; it was clear and cool. Tiny fish circled around me, among them were

some jelly fishes, half a palm-sized. Corals and sea anemones slowdanced under the water. They are not as abundant here as near Hon Mun in Nha Trang Bay, but are breath-taking nonetheless. Van Phong Bay is a closed part of the sea, with mangrove and tropical forests and very diverse fauna. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s bliss to swim in the sea without a soul around, without the noise of motors and without a piece of rubbish in the water. We sat around dinner arranged on nylon and leaves spread on the

golden sand. The grilled cuttlefish still had ink in their guts. Grilled snails, the shells burned black, smelled quite sweet. There were fish I never saw anywhere else. The strangest one was called a bull fish, with broad, thin body and eyes protruding out. There is a well at the centre of the island with a bucket with a long rope there. After dinner, I followed a few new mates there to bathe myself in a prehistoric way.n

Van Phong Bay

Van Phong Bay, December, 2011.

Photos: Nguyen Ba Ngoc

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Cuu Village. Photo: Lam Phong

Blessings above the gates By Lam Phong

orty kilometres downstream from Hanoi, one comes to Cuu Village in Van Tu Hamlet in Phu Xuyen District. Many people call Cuu Village ‘Western Village,’ because they regard the village’s architecture as perhaps too peculiar and outstandingly beautiful in comparison with the familiar manner of ancient villages in the early summer-harvest lowlands of the North. However, to be specific, Cuu Village is actually an Asian village with subtle decorative features that are at once rudimentary as well as open and lofty. The village borrows

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a touch of Western style, so as to elevate the beauty of an architecture that is infused with Vietnamese characteristics. The interesting thing is that this impeccable fusion has, for almost a century, retained its original beauty. The wealth and prosperity of Cuu Village, it is told, began during the French occupation. The people of Cuu Village were renowned for the Western sartorial trade throughout North Vietnam. Owing to this, the village grew quickly and the village’s prosperity manifested in the unique ornamental house designs, which started in the 1920s and continued

through to the 50’s. Returning to the Cuu Village of today, the village gate is stately and is the tallest ancient architectural structure in Cuu Village. The gateway appears like a giant book that opens up to greet guests. The village gate’s watchtower, along with its roof tiles, high curved fringes and embossed mythical lion statues, despite having chipped away with time, still retains its original ancient beauty. Continuing along the village’s winding road, the spacious houses and moss-covered brick alleys gradually reveal a different story— a story about the decorative sym-

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bols and lines in the architecture—a story whereby people can fathom the intents of the owners, who wanted to send messages along with word of their dreams, prayers for auspicious signs, lucky omens and affluence. On the gate into a house in Cuu Village is an image of a bat, a symbol that is supposed to bring blessings that include riches, longevity, health, virtue, and the full enjoyment of one’s years. On this gate, the bat bears in its mouth the character for ‘Longevity,’ which is stylized to look round just like a tortoise shell (the tortoise is a symbol of longevity).

The people of Cuu Village built high, stately houses with wide doors, but worked afar and settled in the major provinces and cities. Thus, the magnificent architectural structures of the period are now almost entirely devoid of their owners. However, the enlarged character plaques on the arched gates accentuate Cuu Village’s exceedingly unique architecture. Each family in ancient times had their own distinct way of exhibiting lines of characters, parallel couplets, and architecture. There are plaques of enlarged Chinese characters that read anything from, ‘The sun blankets the trees

below; a wellspring of profit arrives from afar. Building this home, may fortune abide therein’, to those that suggest a noble air: ‘Chivalrous and elegant, diminish arrogance and haughtiness’—such are words that remind the master of the household to exhibit humility among people. One of Cuu Village’s most beautiful structures today is the home of the elder Phu Du, in which the family of Mr. Bui Van Khanh now dwells. The house was built in 1929 and is one of the oldest houses in Cuu Village. On the entrance gateway is a finelysculpted image of a prawn lll

Cuu Village.

Photos: Nguyen Huynh Mai

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Cuu Village. Photos: Lam Phong with robust pincers that appear to cradle the four enlarged characters for: ‘Enter with filial piety; leave with fraternal deference’. Just past the gate, the home’s inner space consists of a mix of Asian and Western architecture. The jalousies, pillars and gables are all sculpted in relief with subject matters like flowers and leaves and prunings that are very much Western characteristics, but on the rooftop is an embossment of the familiar characters, ‘Fortune, Wealth, Longevity’ (Phước, Lộc, Thọ), which are often seen in the cultures of Vietnam and China, along with a line of Chinese characters: ‘Three stars shine.’ This Western-Vietnamese mix is never confused, but on the contrary, appears harmonious, luxurious, stately, and to some degree manifests the noble status of the head of the household in the Cuu Village at that time. Walking through Cuu Village is like losing oneself in a storehouse of ancient literature through the decorative features of parallel couplets that further enhance the significance and beauty

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of each structure in the village. Right from the village gate, a parallel couplet evinces the open-mindedness, broadness, and free-spiritedness of the people of Cuu Village: ‘Outside, peace is not closed to the rivers and mountains that remain just as in yesterdays/In days to come, prosperity shall abide supremely dignified as horse-drawn carriages come and go .’ Passing through the village gate, inside is the parallel couplet, ‘Left and right, the path to the clouds is recast broadly/North and south, converging to the great level road.’ Indeed, going through Cuu Village, strangers always get a sense of the village’s intimacy and congeniality, as if the stranger and the village had already met a long time ago. Everyone is willing to invite visitors to come into the house, drink a cup of tea, and receive a few stories about Cuu Village’s time of prosperity in days of old. On the village’s main road is the building of the Duc Loi garment brand, a tailor shop that is famous throughout Hanoi. It has a parallel couplet in Chinese char-

acters that reads, ‘Prosperity and fortune come to the door, everything fine and fragrant/Flourishing, the roads are clear for ten-thousands of miles afar.’ Next to the ancestor worship hall, the house of the head of the household has an enlarged character plaque for ‘Chivalry and Elegance’ and a parallel couplet right at the entrance gateway that says, ‘On the road home is sunlight upon the mandarin in service/In the clear wind, the stars lead an old friend to arrive.’ That’s how it is; every time one passes by each house on the Cuu Village road, regardless of whether people still live there or the doors are shut silent and abandoned, there is a feeling of going back through time in the realm of memory. However, above all, from the lines of characters of every home at its entrance gateway, a purely East Asian character and the particular personality of the household head are conveyed so that the people of later generations may, to their heart’s content, come to understand, appreciate, and explore.n

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Climbing a Buddhist stairway to heaven By PiP de RouvRay

tanding at the base of the great green slab of forestcovered rock dropped by the hand of the Almighty on a featureless plain and craning my neck to see the lofty summit at 461 metres above sea level, I wondered if I was going to make it to the top. I began to ask myself why people climb mountains. Malory’s famous, honest and straight-forward quote about Everest sprang to mind - ‘Because it is there.’ But I had more motivation than that. Not having climbed one for a few years and now approaching the age of fifty-nine, I wanted to see if my body was still capable of making an ascent. I have climbed to a few peaks before; most notably South East Asia’s highest-Mount Kinabalu in Sabah and Sri Lanka’s Adam’s Peak. On that December morning, Vietnam’s Thi Vai Mountain had me cowering and doubt was troubling my mind. There were other reasons for me or anyone else to climb this particular mountain. Firstly, this is a Buddhist mountain and there are 22 • vietnam heritage - may-june 2014

beautiful and inspiring pagodas to visit. There is an abundant supply of fresh air not so readily available to most of us who live in cities. The twittering of birds and squirrels leaping from branch to branch and the occasional skink scurrying away as I approached it gave me that longed-for ‘back-to-nature feeling’. You may be luckier than me and glimpse a deer or meet some of the resident monkeys. If you do conquer Thi Vai, you will have a great feeling of both physical and spiritual accomplishment. Lastly, we all need exercise and despite all the wheezing and stiffness of muscles, you are likely to feel a fitter person when you come away from here.

As above, so below, and even in the middle, there are pagodas. After nodding to a laid-back monk, I took some photos of the beautiful wooden roofed Lien Tri Pagoda at the base. On the wall by the first step were a few bamboo staves for loan. However, I was to rely on my long umbrella for leverage. It served the purpose well. The other essential for this thirsty business is water. Bring your own supply, though there is a potable water tank with plastic cup at the central pagoda. There is only a simple vegetarian restaurant at the base, so you will probably want to bring along food, too. There are 1,340 stone steps to climb. The good news is that they are wide, in very

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Thi Vai Mountain. Photo: Le Thang My good condition and there is even a concrete railing painted to look like logs at least as far as the central pagoda. After that, the way is less frequented, rougher and in patches with no steps hewn out at all. The bad news is that this staircase is very steep. Mostly, the gradient is as much as fifty per cent! Off I set. My initial target was a hundred steps at a time and then a break. I did this a couple of times, but I was so out of puff that I reduced the number to fifty and then to twenty-five. Panting and wheezing a lot after half an hour, I came to a small pagoda housing a golden Buddha with a belvedere, at which I paused for my first long rest. The day was a bit hazy but there was a

great view of green fields, the industrial town of Phu My, and its port and across the river to the rural territory of H.C.M.C. There was a house opposite the pagoda with three generations of a family out taking the air in the courtyard. The children were curious to see a foreign face and being a teacher, I found it easy to organise some games with them. By now my small backpack had become a burden and the family kindly allowed to leave it there. I drank one of my bottles of water, figuring that this would be enough to get me to the top and back down again to this level and I was off on my way. I passed a white Buddha perched on a rock bearing that sym-

bol of peace most vilely misappropriated by the Nazis, the swastika. By now I was down to stopping every fifteen steps to catch my breath and beginning to feel quite stiff. Then, quite close together, I came across two tracks to opposite sides of the pathway. There were clear indications that they led to caves. Now, this mountain has its darker side. There is a harrowing account on the Internet of fighting on it when a base of The Peopleâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Liberation Armed Forces established itself in caves on this mountain, only to be evicted by Australian troops in 1966. After an hourâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s interesting but gruelling climb, I had reached Phuc Hong or central pagoda. The actual pagoda itself lll

Thi Vai Mountain

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is open a few hours a day only. I contented myself with a long rest beside a stunningly beautiful lotus pond, guarded by a statue of a white lion. This would be the ideal place for a picnic. If you only make it to this, you will have been amply rewarded for your efforts. Then I got a little lost. I took a path that led me to a minor pagoda, but then the path became rudimentary and finally I turned back upon seeing a sign with a cross on it. Luckily I came across a man of my own age who must have been a pagoda worker. He led, jumping about like a mountain goat, with me wheezing behind and he told me the top was still far off-about 500 metres’ distance. Now I really felt like giving up, but somehow I soldiered on. How could I write this article if I allowed Thi Vai to defeat me? This was what spurred me on.

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I was now stopping every five steps! Then a wonderful sight; the sun shining through a rock that had been cleft down the middle. I named this spot the ‘Gate of the Sun.’ A little further beyond, I found myself on a black rock with the path now horizontal, not vertical and with the bright shining Buddhist Goddess of Mercy statue at the Linh Son Buu Thien Pagoda (the top pagoda) in full view at about two hundred metres away. Wow, Jack had finally climbed the beanstalk! Thi Vai has a fairy tale of its own. In the late nineteenth century, the mountain’s sole inhabitant was a hermit nun called Dieu Hanh, who dedicated her life to the Buddha. She gave refuge in her hut to Nguyen Phuc Anh, a fugitive from the Tay Son rebellion. A few years later, he was crowned King Gia Long (1802-1814). He remembered

his mountain saviour and conferred open her title of Linh Son, Holy Mother and rebuilt her hut into a pagoda. It is from this time that Thi Vai became a place of Buddhist pilgrimage. I paused at the summit only for a short time. In the near distance, there loomed an even higher mountain. On a clearer day than this, there are views taking in the ocean, the swamp of Can Gio and the city of Vung Tau. Lien Son Buu Thien pagoda is of recent construction and the least attractive of all. Soon, I was making a careful descent, fully aware that this is the most dangerous part. I borderlined between being intrepid and being foolhardy. I knew I should not be doing this alone. In case of a serious fall, I only had my cell phone to call for help. I made it down to the central pagoda with no mishap, where I stopped for

travel baria-vung tau

a cup of water and a final view of the lotus pond. By now, I was very tired indeed, but there was none of the wheezing of the ascent. I reached the house and belvedere where I met my first other climber of the day. He was, I think, another pagoda worker. The people of the house were having their siesta, but the grandmother was awake to hand me my back pack. Just before reaching the bottom, I came across three young fellow climbers, one of whom was a monk. I was here on a Monday. If you come on weekends, it will be much busier. A word of warning: be sure to be back down before 5 p.m. They close the gate then! As another reminder of the war, I noticed a sign warning of mine clearance activities as I was leaving the hamlet and making my way to the H.C.M.C - Vung Tau express way. Thi Vai Mountain makes a

good day out from the city at only a short distance away. However, it is mainly visited by local Buddhist folk. I have not found it any guide book and there is even not much information on the Internet either. I only learned about from Ong Hai, a devoted Buddhist friend of mine. There is certainly no one in Pham Ngu Lao touting trips there. Yet it is so much easier to access than the other sacred Buddhist mountains I have climbed. They are all far out; Chau Doc’s ‘Sam Mountain’, The Black Lady Mountain at Tay Ninh and Ta Cu Mountain are around twenty five kilometres south of the city of Phan Thiet. If you do not have your own transport, you can reach Phu My Township very cheaply and easily from Saigon. It is 65 kilometres to there and a further 40 to Vung Tau. You can other take local buses, or

for a few dongs more, the Futa Bus Lines comfortable express bus from which has regular departures from 205 Pham Ngu Lao Street. From the centre of Phu My town, take the road east a kilometre or so and then turn down a bumpy country lane for a further three to get to the Mountain. I apologise to my Buddhist friends and indeed family members for mentioning heaven in the title. I know the aim of Buddhism is Nirvana and not heaven but spiritually if not physically (my poor aching body!), the mountain gave me quite a heavenly day out. If I have inspired you to take the stairway I am sure you will be a better boy scout or girl guide than me and be better prepared. Having said that I think I have demonstrated that all you really need to enjoy Thi Vai is a healthy pair of legs.n

From left: Pilgrims on Thi Vai Mountain; A pagoda on Thi Vai Mountain; A Buddhist sculpture on Thi Vai Mountain Photo: Le Thang My

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history

Rare moss-green ceramics

Ceramic jars, Tran Dynasty, 13th - 14th century.

Photos provided by Nguyen Dinh Chien

ietnam Heritage has been publishing a series based on 2,000 Years of Vietnamese Ceramics by Nguyen Dinh Chien and Pham Quoc Quan, published by Vietnam National Museum of History, Hanoi, 2005. This month, the topic is monochrome moss-green ceramics. Green ceramics have a green glaze which is made from copperoxide. Chinese green ceramics appeared as early as the Tang period (618-906) with a thin, glassy and bright green glaze covering a body that is light, thin, white and porous. Many examples have been found along with white ceramics of Five Dynasties at sea estuaries in Northern Vietnam. Obviously, they were imported. However, most of them are bowls and dishes incised with boys among lotus scrolls. Ritual wares like lamp stands and incense

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burners are very rare. Vietnamese green ceramics were first produced in the Ly period. Some topical examples are covered jars with lobed bodies, pedestal feet, and lotus petal collars on the shoulder and base. Many brown and ivory decorated jars in the Vietnam National Museum of History have also that form. Tran green ceramics have opaque, thick and erodible glaze due to low firing temperatures. Their bodies are not white, thin and porous like those of Tang. In Vietnam, except for some bowls in the Vietnam National Museum of History, typical examples of Vietnamese green ceramics are rarely found in the collections of state museums. Instead, they turn up in private collections that reveal a variety of forms. Notable among these is a jar decorated with carps transforming into fairies playing flutes and flying amid clouds. This jar is regarded now as the finest and

most representative example of Vietnamese covered jars in general, and green glazed jars in particular. The 16th century green ceramics have a thicker and darker green glaze on a gray body. Fired to higher temperature, this glaze would not erode quickly. Typical examples are bowls and dishes carved with chrysanthemum and floral sprays. Some ewers have special forms such as fish with shrimp-shaped bodies or nghe (Chinese lion-dog) shaped knobs. From the 19th to 20th century, porous stoneware with green glaze was produced at kilns of Lai Thieu (Binh Duong) and Hung Ky (Hanoi).n Vietnam National Museum of History 1 Trang Tien St, Hanoi 216 Tran Quang Khai St, Hanoi Tel: (04) 3824-1384; www.baotanglichsu.vn Open 8 a.m. to 4.30 p.m. Closed every first Monday of month

sculpture

Vietnam gets a jewelled Buddha of its own TexT and phoTo by Chu Khoi

The sapphire statue of Buddha Shakyamuni at Tay Thien Zen Monastery

isitors travelling to Tay Thien Zen Monastery in Tam Dao, 80 km to the west of Hanoi, can pay homage to the precious statue of Buddha Shakyamuni, which is made of sapphire. The statue was unveiled in 2012. The statue is housed in a majestic stupa, which was built on an area of 200 square metres. The entire sculpture (including the pedestal) is 3.45 metres in height, weighs 31 tonnes and depicts the Buddha Shakyamuni in a lotus posture, leaning against a stone cliff carved in the shape of a bodhi leaf. The face bears the calm and lenient features of the Vietnamese people. The whole statue glitters with a black shiny gloss and its surface is so smooth that you cannot find any blemish on it. According to Thich Hue Tinh, a Bhikkhu monk at Tay Thien Zen Monastery, the stone was brown, but after being carved and polished, the blacker and shinier it became. The pedestal is still rough and monolithic. The idea of carving a statue of Buddha from gemstone had

been nurtured among Buddhist monks and nuns since 2009, when the people worshiped ‘the Jade Buddha for Universal Peace Statue’. 27 metres high and weighing four tonnes, it is said to be the largest Budhha statue carved from gemstone-quality jade in the world and was exhibited in many countries, including Vietnam. The members of Hanoi Gem Association questioned: ‘Vietnam also has many kinds of gems and the artisans are not inferior, why don’t we have a jewelled statue as do the Australians?’ The Hanoi Gem Association discussed the matter with the managing monk of Truc Lam Tay Thien Zen Monastery, Bhikkhu Thich Kien Nguyet, about the idea of searching for Vietnamese gems to create a jade statue of Buddha. After two years, a group representing Vietnamese Bonsai Rocks and gem experts went to Chau Thanh Commune, Quy Hop District, Nghe An Province, Central Vietnam, to appraise six blocks of particularly rare rock found there. In the stream bed, the water-flow gushed around slabs and stones,

28 • vietnam heritage - may-june 2014

wearing most of them into rounded shapes. Strangely, the six rocks did not show any signs of erosion and still retained all of their sharp edges. The total weight of the six blocks was estimated at about 200 tonnes. According to artisan Ngoc Chau, Vice Chairman of Hanoi Gemstone Association, geologist had tested and concluded that the rocks contain 80-90 per cent sapphire with a hardness up to nine (a diamond’s hardness is a 10, among the hardest substances). Knowing that some strangers were taking the precious rocks away from the streams, the local people gathered together to take them back. Artisan Ngoc Chau said: ‘A number of locals blocked our road by using obstacles such as farm tractors and wagon trucks, although we had negotiated with the authorities and were allowed to carry them away. A girl also prevented us from doing our work by lying across the road. When we explained that we were to use the stones to carve statues of Buddha and place them at Tay Thien for the people of the whole country to

worship, the girl and the villagers accepted and allowed us to go on. ‘It took a month for 80 tons of the gemstones to be brought to Tay Thien Zen Monastery,’ Honoured Monk Hue Tinh said, ‘Two large blocks of rocks had been used to make the statue and its pedestal. The other two blocks will be used to sculpt the statues for the Buddha King Tran Nhan Tong and Maitreya Bodhisattva later.’ The construction of the statue was tremendously elaborate. Many groups of artisans were invited to manipulate it, but they gave up, because the rocks were too solid and hard to carve. Many punching, cutting, grinding tools and machines were chipped and damaged, but the rocks were still impervious. No knives could carve or abrade them, because sapphire is used to cut other materials. Not until the artisans Pham Ngoc Chau, Hoang Nam Hai, Vuong Ngoc Tien replaced the awls and saws of the grinder and cutter with diamond blades did the work go on smoothly. After nearly two years of honing, the sapphire statue of Buddha was completed.n

theatre

Masks of ‘Vietnamese Opera’

Photos: Nguyen Van Son

Photo from Vietnam Heritage Photo Awards 2013. Photo: Van Thanh Chau

By NguyeN VaN SoN

uồng or hát bội is a form of Vietnamese classical theatre. In the past, when spring and autumn came, Tuồng troupes used to be invited to entertain villagers, when the farming work was finished. Besides giving a good performance, tuồng artists have to be able to do make up by themselves before appearing on stage. Compared to other traditional performing arts, such as Cải lương or Chèo, make up in tuồng is quite peculiar. Depending on the character, the artist’s face is covered with a thick layer of red, white or black powder that looks like a mask. Tuồng masks are highly symbolic. Face colour represents the background and/or personality of the character. White colour is used mostly for women, scholars or urban dwellers. Red colour is for loyal war heroes. Black faces usually belong to straightforward and

hot-tempered martial men. Thick lines are also drawn around the character’s eyes. These are more or less slanting, depending on the age, and the colour is also related to the character’s background and personality. To preserve the masks of tuồng characters, in recent years, there have been efforts to make tuồng masks from different materials. Artist Huu Thong from the Dao Tan Tuong Theatre (Binh Dinh

Province) made 100 gypsum tuồng masks. At Quang Nam Province Museum, following Artist Vinh Hue’s design, painter Tran Duc, a staff of the museum, has made 30 very impressive 20cm-by-30cm tuồng masks from composite material. These are currently featured at the museum.n Quang Nam Province Museum 107B Phan Boi Chau Street, Tam Ky City, Quang Nam Province Phone: 0510.3852.823

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theatre

Watching the lotus bloom, listening to its music By PiP de RouvRay

f you are resident of Ho Chi Minh City or happen to be in town on the fifth of any month, there is a real treat awaiting for you in the evening at the city opera house. Due to a lack of publicity for foreigners (Mine was the only non-Vietnamese face in a fairly packed auditorium!) one might call this one a shrinking violet, were it not for the fact the flower in question is the lotus. This cultural show takes, as its theme, 30 • vietnam heritage - may-june 2014

this national emblem and the waters upon which it floats. Do not be deterred by all the commentary being in Vietnamese; there is no programme in any language and the advertising flyer is written in poor English. This is an absolute feast for both the ears and eyes. It features many of the country’s best known artistes and scenes put together by leading choreographer Mr Dang Van Hung. You will enjoy a range of lively dance with both traditional and modern elements and with swirling dancers dressed in dazzlingly colourful costumes. Further colour is provided by stunning lighting effects. You will hear traditional music played on local instruments to a standard of excellence even higher than that you will have heard in five-star hotel lobbies at afternoon tea time and the divas and divos will enchant you with their renditions of Vietnamese folk songs. Attending a Vietnamese cultural show not tailored for outsiders gave me further insight into this land. This show is televised live by VTV and the police’s own TV unit. In fact, the organisation is run by the police. Around half of the audience were policemen and women in uniform. As I was ushered into the theatre by police at the door and had my ticket inspected by a very young policewoman, I felt more like I was being remanded to custody than coming into a place of entertainment and cultural manna. But you have to ask yourself, where in the world

would you find the police taking such an active interest in its country’s culture? In my country, you would not find more than a police brass band. As for the troupe itself, this assemblage is called Bong Sen (Lotus Flower) Theatre of Traditional Music and Dance. Its director, editor and choreographer is honoured with the letters NSUT in front of his name, indicating eminent artiste, as are three other participants and the young lady who plays the lead dancer in many of the scenes Miss Linh Nga has been dubbed Peacock (should that be Peahen?) of Dancers. The opening scene is a dance dedicated to the lotus flower itself. The central dancer representing the flower is resplendent in her flowing silver and crimson dress. Amidst ground mist she is surrounded by other less-attractively adorned females representing leaves. The piece develops into lively swirling and swinging movements from the flower and graceful twists and turnings from the leaves-a delightful entree! This is followed by further kinaesthetic poetry with superb lighting effects in a scene entitled ‘Moon on the Lotus Pond.’ Male dancers in traditional Vietnamese men’s robes and caps appear. They dance very acrobatically around a female singer dressed in yellow who is surely a personification of the moon. Throughout the evening, the audience seemed to be familiar with the tune. The background

theatre music, however, was innovative, very modern and electronic, with traditional instrumentation. At the end, two male dancers with graceful Asian hand movements showcased the singer holding up large lotus flowers painted on bamboo. Two other acts involving song were also very memorable. A monk dressed in yellow robes accompanied by girl dancers carrying lotus flowers sang a very stirring composition. He ended very poignantly by kneeling down to the audience. The other star surprised me when she appeared to hushes of awe from many of my fellow spectators. She was just a kid of perhaps just ten years and dressed not in colourful traditional garb like nearly everyone in this show, but in normal clothes. My teenage daughter explained that this was the winner of ‘The Voice Vietnam for Kids’ TV talent show. She amply showed why she was a winning diva with a rendition of a traditional song. Another highlight of the evening was the act featuring traditional instruments. The flautist with his alluringly beautiful melody at times reminiscent of bird song was superb, as were two ladies playing the stand-up bamboo xylophone fast and sonorously. First class musicians also demonstrated melodious music on zithers and the ‘dan nhi’ fiddle. The show appears to lose focus for a while when half an hour is given over to videos showing charity activities for minority children in primary school. Then, there was an interview with two teachers from the film. My Vietnamese was good enough to understand that the lady teacher was of Thai ethnicity and that she was awed to be in a big city for the first time. Then, there was a presentation of flowers to donors and representatives of donor organisations, each carrying

placards of the sum donated-perhaps a cultural difference for a Westerner who generally expects charity to show a modest face. All of this in a foreign language might be a little boring, but do try to stay on as there are further treats toward the end. Notably, a group of very small girl dancers and singers in praise of their Uncle Ho all but steal the show. Then there is a traditional dance that somehow manages to incorporate frenetic hip-hop action. Do try to stay to the end as the finale is very colourful, joyous and beautiful. If you are the kind of person who, when in a foreign land, disdains cultural shows put on for the tourists and seeks out authentic culture, then you really should not miss this one. It is a whole potpourri of dance, song and music, much of it unique to Vietnam and fresher and more vibrant than what your hotel may provide. With tiptop performers and a lavish pro-

duction, this is two hours of sheer value for money entertainment and insight into the Vietnamese performing arts.n

Photos: Bong Sen Theatre of Traditional Music and Dance

‘Sen’ cultural show is performed at 18 30h every fifth evening of the month at The Municipal Opera House at 7 Cong Truong Lam Son, Ho Chi Minh City. Tickets at the Opera House, the Rex Hotel and at branches of ‘Gao’ restaurant. Price: VND600,000 and VND400,000

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hotel advertorial

Photo: Mường Thanh Nha Trang Hotel

Sea sensation at Möôøng Thanh Nha Trang Hotel By Nathalie SokolovSkaya

Mường Thanh Nha Trang

ith the tropical sun plunging its glaring self into the waters of Nha Trang Bay, the outlines of a familiar seaside city observed from a new and unaccustomed angle from the floor-to-ceiling windows of my

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Grand Deluxe Room on the 10th floor of the bright new four-star Mường Thanh Nha Trang Hotel, the view took on the surprising likeness of Greece. The lines of neat, square houses lamed in white with flat roofs and tiny gardens descending from the juicy green hill

down the sandy shore with the full city stretching along a 10 km coastline at the distance gradually looked like something one could imagine while reading about a magic music box or old street organ from Andersen fairy tales. After long years of staying in three-four

floor houses in the mostly plain terrains of Vietnam, it felt quite thrilling to find oneself observing a bird’s view of charming coastal surroundings both distant – with the endless palmtree domed esplanade of Tran Phu – and nearby seafront side street full of local colour. As if to strengthen a flying bird feeling in me, there was a picture of a phoenix with its wings spread wide, the symbol of prosperity and sincere hospitality in Vietnamese culture, chosen as the Mường Thanh Hotel information booklet logo. The room’s interior, featuring elegant light walnut furnishing, three beds and separate sitting area with the glass wall of the panoramic window as the background, were no less inspiring and boasted lots of space and natural light to enjoy. Mường Thanh Hotel chain recently added Nha Trang to its impressive collection, now comprising 19 in operation; from Sapa, Dien Bien Phu and Halong in the north to Vung Tau in the south, all of them being under Vietnamese management. The Mường Thanh brand started from one hotel in Northern Vietnam 17 years ago and gradually expanded into all of the major tourism destinations in the country. A focus on Vietnamese culture and authentic local traditions, together with an aspiration to bring guests as close to the real spirit and inimitable atmosphere of Vietnam as possible, are the main elements that make up the Mường Thanh Hotel chain signature style of hospitality and all of them are built to provide excellent accommodation for a modern comfort travel experience. The hotel premises are truly

expansive, with exquisite fourstar accommodations, featuring 255 rooms, ranging from elegant Deluxe overlooking either the vast spaces of the sea or picturesque green hill to sumptuous Club and Presidential suites with an almost 360-degree sea panorama. To ensure the utter comfort and to provide memorable pleasures for guests’ pastime, at the hotel are two restaurants with outstanding local seafood fare and truly Vietnamese cuisine, cosy bar, spa centre with expansive spa-menu and private beach with sun loungers. The on-spot blue lake of the outdoor swimming pool with an area up to 100 m² on the 4th floor of the hotel is tailored to serve the prime sea vistas’ observatory with the fresh and salty sea breeze blowing tirelessly. The sea sensation doesn’t leave one for a second; wherever you are in the hotel, the sparkling waters of Nha Trang bay are at one’s full view. Mường Thanh Nha Trang Hotel has everything the most discerning traveller may need for excellent seaside retreat, starting from surrounding vast green spaces and colourful hilly terrain and direct access to the sea with private beach that few hotels in Nha Trang can offer, and major sightseeing sites being within minutes’ drive to the small details and pleasant in-house surprises that make one’s stay truly memorable.n Mường Thanh Nha Trang Hotel 6 Duong Hien Quyen St, Vinh Hoa Ward, Nha Trang, Khanh Hoa Province Tel: (058) 355 2468 info@nhatrang.muongthanh.vn www.nhatrang.muongthanh.vn

what the papers say scribed the hydrofoils as old, worn out and poorly maintained. At one point, Thang noted, 22 boats ran between HCMC and Vung Tau, but at the time of the suspension, only 10 were operational due to irreparable wear and tear. Most of the operational hydrofoils, he noted, had already had their engines replaced. Eight are 20 years old, and two others are 18 and 19 year old, respectively.

Fare regulations

They can do that?

vietnamnews.vn, 21 April All taxis will be required to install black boxes and printers connected to their metres to improve monitoring of the fares charged to passengers, according to a new regulation. The transport ministry also asked local authorities to regulate the number of taxis for each enterprise, which could range between 10 and 100 cars. The draft decree has been sent for public comments.

www.thanhniennews.com, 24 April The Olympic Council of Asia (OCA) said in April that it understands Vietnam’s financial difficulties and will not impose any penalties on the country for declining to host the 2019 Asian Games (Asiad). In 2012, the capital city of Hanoi won the vote over Surabaya of Indonesia in a two-city race. In April Vietnam estimated the Asian Games would cost $300 million to host, double the initial estimate.

Water everywhere, but none to drink vietnamnews.vn, 22 April Falling water levels in several rivers and increasing salinity intrusion have authorities in the central region scrambling for solutions. In the lower sections of the rivers in the region, sea water penetration was stronger and happened earlier than usual, depriving millions of local residents of clean water for daily use and cultivation.

Abandon ships www.thanhniennews.com, 24 April The Ministry of Transport has called on the government to continue its suspension of hydrofoil service between Ho Chi Minh City and the beach town of Vung Tau indefinitely. Services came to a halt early this year following a fire. In his proposed extension of the ban, Minister Dinh La Thang de34 • vietnam heritage - may-june 2014

What do you bet? www.thanhniennews.com, 18 April A contingent of lawmakers have proposed including provisions that would open casinos to Vietnamese gamblers in a draft decree presented in April. Others recommended addressing the issue at a later date. Nguyen Van Hien, chairman of the legal committee under the National Assembly – Vietnam’s parliament – said that many Vietnamese presently gamble at casinos in Cambodia, Hong Kong and Singapore. Only foreigners and Vietnamese nationals who hold a foreign passport (dual-nationality) are currently allowed to enter casinos in Vietnam. In August 2013, Vietnamese meeting certain criteria were to gamble at a casino to be built in the Van Don Economic Zone in Quang Ninh Province bordering China.

Sea battle thanhniennews.com, 7 May Vietnamese Marine Police ships patrolling Vietnamese waters were rammed by Chinese marine police, Ngo Ngoc Thu, vice commander of the High Command of Vietnam Marine Police said early May. Thu was speaking at an international press conference held in Hanoi after China deployed a mobile drilling rig to search for oil and gas inside Vietnam’s exclusive economic zone in the East Sea, also known as the South China Sea. Videos showed at the press conference showed Chinese ships, backed by helicopters, aggressively obstructing Vietnamese ships. The Chinese ships also sprayed water cannons, damaging Vietnamese vessels and injuring their crew members.

Vietnamese seeing spots vietnamnews.vn, 21 April Hanoi reported in April 1,222 cases of measles since the beginning of this year, accounting for 30 per cent of all cases nationwide. Throughout the country, at least 116 deaths have been recorded due to measles or its complications.

Don’t relax just yet vietnamnews.vn, 19 April National Assembly deputies in April agreed that the retirement insurance policy needed be adjusted. They said this could be mainly done by raising the retirement age of workers from 55 for women and 60 for men. They also discussed the possibility that Social Insurance may not be able to make full payments to all retired citizens by 2034. The deputies also debated if the Social Insurance Agency should be given the power to inspect companies that violated payment rules.

asides

Running a test on Truong Sa submarine. Photo: tuoitrenews.vn

Look out below tuoitrenews.vn, 29 March Vietnam’s first domestically made submarine, Truong Sa, which was built by a private company in northern Thai Binh Province, has successfully completed its second trial run in a lake in the province. The sub was named after Vietnam’s Truong Sa (Spratly) archipelago in the East Sea. Nguyen Quoc Hoa, director of Quoc Hoa Mechanical Company, who designed the sub, steered it on the surface of the lake safely for about two hours, with all parts of the vessel operating properly and smoothly. As the lake is only 2.5-3 metre deep, the sub could not travel underwater, Hoa said. In the first test run for the vessel conducted January in a water reservoir, Truong Sa travelled well both underwater and on the surface, the sub's designer said. Truong Sa is about nine meters long and

three meters wide, and has a displacement of 12 tons when it is submerged and 9.2 tons when it is on the surface. The vessel is expected to be able to operate for 15 consecutive days at sea, at a speed of 2025 nautical miles per hour within a radius of 800 km. It can dive to a depth of 50 metres and stay on the seabed for 15 hours. Hoa, six other engineers and more than 30 workers began to build the submarine in August 2012, Hoa said, adding that he imported special steel that is 15 mm thick to make the body and the prow of the vessel.

New and improved www.thanhniennews.com, 24 April Hoi An installed checkpoints and blueshirted guards to make sure visitors pay $6 (foreigners) or $4(Vietnamese) for entering the old town.

The fee was introduced in 1995, but enforcement was not as strong as it is now. Also, the unfriendly attitude of some security guards who harassed visitors on the street caused objection from the public.

Learning about the birds and beasts vietnamnews.vn, 21 April Wildlife education began last year with support from non-profit organisation Wildlife At Risk (WAR). It was done on a pilot basis in schools in Binh Thanh District, Ho Chi Minh City, but is soon set to become city-wide.

Earth day vietnamnews.vn, 21 April The Ministry of Planning and Investment in April announced a national action plan on ‘green growth’ that focuses on reducing greenhouse gas emissions and increasing the use of clean and renewable energy.

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events HANOI TRADITIONAL PERFORMANCES Cheo singing performances Cheo, a kind of popular opera / traditional music, is shown at 8 p.m. every Friday at the Kim Ma Theater, 71 Kim Ma St, Ba Dinh Dist., Hanoi. English interpretation offered. Price: VND150,000 per person. Tel: (04) 3764-8079/ 0904549-579 (Ms Ngoan)

Hát xẩm is a Vietnamese blues from the 13th century. It is making a comeback, after several decades. Artists at the Centre for Research on and Development of Vietnamese Music now perform xẩm at Dong Xuan Market, in the Old Quarter of Hanoi, every Saturday night. Free. Ca truø

Ancient folk form

Water puppets Every Saturday and Sunday Water puppet performances take place at 10 a.m., 11.30 a.m., 2.30 p.m. and 4 p.m. every Saturday and Sunday at the Vietnam Museum of Ethnology, Nguyen Van Huyen Road, Cau Giay Dist., Hanoi, tel: (04) 3756-2193. Email: vme18@hn.vnn.vn, www.vme.org.vn/index.asp. Tickets: VND40,000 ($1.90) for adults, VND10,000 to VND15,000 ($0.48 to $0.71) for children. EXHIBITIONS Lost & found 9 a.m.-7 p.m., 16-18 May

Quan họ is a folk song form that originated in the northern province of Bac Ninh in the 13th century. The form took on elements of other genres as it spread throughout the country, incorporating a dialogue style of singing in the 18th century, the period when Vietnamese literature blossomed. As a folk art with a highly collective nature, Quan họ songs alternate from group to group with singers keeping up the conversation by exchanging songs. There is no accompanying instrumental music. Bac Ninh Quan Ho folk music company offers Quan họ performances on request; an hour costs around VND30 million. Performance venues can also be requested. Contact Mr Quy Trang, head of Bac Ninh Quan Ho folk music company, at mobile 0913-073-326. Street songs of the poor and blind Every Saturday night Hát xẩm is a minimalist style of Vietnamese singing, traditionally performed by the poor and the blind and especially wanderers, usually accompanied with a simple đàn nhị (two-string violin) or đàn bầu (single-string zither).

Ca trù, an ancient Vietnamese musical form with a singer accompanied by threestring đàn đáy and other instruments, is performed at 87 Ma May Street, Hoan Kiem, Hanoi, at 8 p.m. every Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday, by artists from Ca Tru Thang Long Club, www.catruvietnam.net. Price: $10 (VND210,000). Reservation is necessary. Tel: 01 223 266 897 Ancient Vietnamese songs

A Ca Trù, an ancient Vietnamese song form, is performed by Hanoi Ca Tru Club at Kim Ngan Temple, 42-44 Hang Bac St, Hoan Kiem Dist., Hanoi, at 8 p.m. every Wednesday, Friday and Sunday. Tickets $10 (VND210,000). Contact: Ms Le Bach Van at 0913544876, Email: bachvancatru.vn@gmail.com

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To celebrate the launch of the photography book – ‘Lost & Found in Hanoi’ distributed by Thing Asian, the Goethe-Institut in Hanoi will exhibit a selection of the pictures. Visitors will enter living spaces tucked away in alleys, enjoy art installations that expose Hanoi’s natural world, study architecture that has developed over the centuries, and watch people savouring a sidewalk meal, rushing off to work in a wild river of traffic, and working at jobs that have existed forever and at new occupations that will change the city. These photos were taken by five Hanoi-based photographers - Nguyen The Son, Elizabeth Rush, Matthew Dakin, Maika Elan and Aaron Joel Santos- and will be displayed at the Goethe Institut, -56-58 Nguyen Thai Hoc St/. Ba Dinh Dist., Hanoi from 9 a.m.-7 p.m. 16 to 18 May. Free entrance. Children’s portraits Until 29 May French photographer Rehahn Croquevielle taught himself pho

tography while on a journey through over 30 countries around the world. His heart turned toward Vietnam quickly and after more than 10 trips, he decided to settle here. So far, Rehahn has been living in Vietnam for 13 years. In his first-ever exhibition at L'Espace, Rehahn will introduce a series of portraits of children in Vietnam. Their eyes are bright or sad and seem to remind viewers to keep a little childlike manner in their souls. The photo exhibition will be displayed until 29 May at L'Espace, 24 Trang Tien St., Hoan Kiem Dist., Hanoi; tel: (04) 3936-2164 FILM European Film Festival 8 p.m., 16-31 May

For two weeks, cinemas in Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City and Danang will screen movies from 14 European countries. This year’s festival will be opened by the British Council with the movie ‘How I live now’, in Hanoi on 16 May. The fictitious drama is based on the novel of the same name by Meg Rosoff and is about Daisy, a 15-year-old American girl that is sent to her relatives in England. There, she has a great summer and falls in love with her eldest cousin Eddie, who is as introverted and strong-willed as

events she. Shortly after, there is chaos; The Third World War begins. On following days films from the other participating countries will be screened, including one of Germany’s most acclaimed films,‘Oh Boy!’, by Jan-Ole Gerster. The films will be on screen at 8 p.m. from 16 to 31 May at: National Cinema Centre, 87 Lang Ha St., Ba Dinh Dist., Hanoi; BHD Cineplex ICON 68, 2 Hai Trieu St, Dist.1, Ho Chi Minh City and CGV Cinema Group, Vinh Trung Plaza, 255-257 Hung Vuong St, Danang. Free tickets can be collected from Goethe-Institut Hanoi, 5658 Nguyen Thai Hoc St., Ba Dinh Dist, Tel (04) 3734 2251 from 12 May, the British Council, 20 Thuy Khue St, Tel: (04) 3843 6780, or the National Cinema Centre, 87 Lang Ha, Tel: (04) 3514 2856. MUSIC Gabriel Bianco’s performance 8 p.m., 20 May

ferings of roast pork. Other offerings include fruit, betel nuts and incense, as well as colourful robes, shoes and hats for the goddess. After the festival, most pilgrims go on to visit other historical places such as the old Tay An Pagoda, the Ba Chua Xu Shrine, the Hang Pagoda and the tomb of Thoai Ngoc Hau. Mt Sam is 5 km from Chau Doc and a sixhour car journey from HCMC. second annual ASEAN music festival in Hanoi, featuring live music, performances, and food & beverages, with bands from the ASEAN region as well as art and community groups in and around Hanoi. With acts such as Protocol Afro (Indonesia), Big Bag (Myanmar), The Pinholes (Singapore), and Stylish Nonsense (Thailand), as well as many Vietnamese acts. The festival will also feature a creative arts market run by the Hanoi Flea Market, a section for artists, and a children’s play area. ASEAN Pride will run from 1 p.m. until midnight on Saturday 24 May. Entrance is free for ASEAN nationals (passports or IDs may be required). For everyone else, a limited number of advance tickets priced at VND320,000 are available from the start of May at CAMA ATK,73A Mai Hac De St., or at ticketbox.vn. Tickets at the door are VND400,000.

The young talented French guitarist, Gabriel Bianco, was born into a family of musicians, and got an early start on the guitar, receiving lessons with his father at age 5. The guitarist has many various musical abilities, but his main one is to perform as a soloist. Gabriel will hold a performance at 8 p.m. on 20 May at L’Espace Convention Hall, 24 Trang Tien St., Hoan Kiem Dist., Hanoi. Ticket: VND120,000; L’Espace members & students enjoy half price.

Two nights of classical 28 and 29 May A two-night concert will be held at 8 p.m. 28 and 29 May at Hanoi Opera House with conductor Honna Tetsuji, violin soloist Goto Ryu and artists of the Vietnam National Symphony Orchestra. The program features pieces of music composed by Tchaikovsky and Gustav Mahler. Tickets: VND200,000, VND350,000 and VND500,000. All tickets are available at Hanoi Opera House, 1 Trang Tien St, Hanoi or can book over www.ticketvn.com for free delivery.

ASEAN pride From 1 p.m. until midnight, Saturday 24 May The US Embassy in Hanoi and CAMA Vietnam will hold the

Rock Concert with ‘Dissonant Nation’ rock band 8 p.m. on 31 May With the resonating album titled ‘We play, We are’ in their

credit, the trio from Aubagne called Dissonant Nation started a dynamic style of rock performed in French and English. Their energy guarantees to burn the night away in a performance that will be taken place at 8 p.m. on 31 May at L’Espace Convention Hall, 24 Trang Tien St, Hoan Kiem Dist., Hanoi. Tickets: VND120,000; L’Espace members & student enjoy half price.

HO CHI MINH CITY EXHIBITIONS Enamelwork exhibition Until 22 May

AN GIANG PROVINCE Dressing the goddess 21 to 25 May

The Ba Chua Xu temple festival, the biggest folk festival in southern Vietnam, will be held this year from 21 to 25 May at Mt. Sam in An Giang province. Millions of local pilgrims go every year. On the first night, a ceremony is held to wash and change the robes worn by the statue of the goddess. Old robes are torn up and distributed among the pilgrims, who regard the scraps as lucky charms. Most of the ritual offerings are distributed among the pilgrims, particularly the of-

The History Museum hosts a collection of Enamelwork (falang) by the collector Nguyen Hong Phuc until 22 May. The collection includes enamel house wares from Vietnam, China, Japan, Europe and the Middle East. The collection introduces an antiquity which once was wellknown all over the world, yet has rarely been found in Vietnam. Enamelwork was developed to give the surface of metal objects a vitreous glaze with intense heat to create a brilliantly-coloured decorative effect. It may have originated in the Middle East or Europe in the 12th century, and later it spread to China and other countries. Enamelware has been made in Vietnam since the early 19th century. It was usually used in households, architecture and decoration. In Vietnam they were mostly decorated in architectural works of the Huế citadel. Enamelware’s splendid beauty of colour blends and become favourites of the upper class. History Museum, 2 Nguyen Binh Khiem St, Dist.1, Ho Chi Minh City

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events ‘Black’ exhibition Until 28 May

Dist.1, Ho Chi Minh City, tel: (08) 3836-8019. Open: 10 a.m. to 7 p.m., Tuesday to Sunday. Power of imagination Until 8 June

‘Den’ (black) is the second solo exhibition by Vietnamese artist Pham Manh Hien after his first exhibition held in 1999. After 15 years, Pham Manh Hien has returned with a quite different style. He paints in abstract style only with two colours-black and white-which create space in his paintings with unusual movements and changes, spaces of endless grey colour or dark and light colours created only from black and white. His paintings reflect his strong feeling and imagine. The exhibition displays 25 oil-on-canvas paintings. Pham Manh Hien wants to invite audiences to have their own feelings about his work, so all his paintings in this exhibition have no title. The exhibition is on at Tu Do Gallery till 28 May. Tu Do Gallery, 53 Ho Tung Mau, Dist.1, Ho Chi Minh City

28-year-old Hanoian artist, Nguyen Nhut, shows his first solo exhibition at DeciBel Lounge until 8 June. The exhibition titled ‘The Portrait’ displays a series of digital paintings which are fragile and powerful at the same time. His style is inspired by religious imagery, fairytales and also is influenced by classical and modern painters. DeciBel Lounge, 79/2/5 Phan Ke Binh St, Dist.1, Ho Chi Minh City, tel: (08) 6271-0115 Thoughts, feelings, objects From 13 May to 7 August

Information animal Until 7 June

Nadège David’s first solo exhibition, ‘Ho®s-Sol’, is at Galerie Quynh until 7 June. The exhibition comprises of drawings and sculptures that examine and question the connection between human and animal. Galerie Quynh, Level 2, 151/3 Dong Khoi,

MUSIC Jogadanz In May Jogadanz is a 6-piece, hardworking, fun-loving show band formed in Jakarta, Indonesia. The band is one of the hottest entertaining and energetic club bands with a wide repertoire, covering retro and current hits. The band have performed at Hard Rock Cafes in Jakarta, Pattaya, Kuala Lumpur, Penang, Bali, Macau and many other leading venues in Asia. A superb mix of vocal harmonies makes the band magnificent live performers and an uncanny knowledge of what moves and grooves the crowd makes them the favorites wherever they play. The band members are Herna (Lead vocal & band leader), Fajar (Vocal & bassist), Andika (Guitarist), Irwan (Keyboardist), March (Vocal) and Donaldo (Drummer). Jogadanz will perform live from 9pm till late most of every night at Hard Rock Café, 39 Le Duan St, Dist.1, Ho Chi Minh City. Belle Cosmopolite 20 May until 20 July French classical pianist and Jazz singer Gabrielle Jeanselme will perform at 8 p.m., Tuesday through Sunday, from 20 May until 20 July at Sofitel Saigon Plaza, 17 Le Duan St, Dist.1, Ho Chi Minh City, tel: (08) 3824-1555. She has performed in many countries around the world.

ding at the hotel. First prize is 50 per cent off of food & beverage, second prize is 20 per cent off and two third prizes are 15 per cent off. Contestants should send their photos with a brief description of their love to annie.le@sheraton.com until 10 June. 20 photos getting the most ‘Likes’ on the hotel’s Facebook page will be considered for awards on 14 June. Sheraton Nha Trang Hotel & Spa, 26-28 Tran Phu St, Nha Trang, tel: (058) 3880-000, www.sheraton.com/nhatrang Romance fair 31 May The ‘Romance Fair’ will be held at the Sofitel Legend Metropole Hanoi from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on 31 May. Couples will have a chance to get consultations from designers and experts from across the country for their weddings. Also, there will be dance performance, a fashion show and lucky draw. Entrance free. Sofitel Legend Metropole Hanoi, 15 Ngo Quyen St, Hanoi, tel: (04)3826-6919 Wedding fair 21 and 22 June

OTHER Wedding photo contest Until 10 June

A group exhibition ‘Mind, Flesh, Matter’, by artists Le Phi Long, Lai Thi Dieu Ha and Nguyen Van Du will be presented at San Art from 13 May to 7 August. The exhibition includes painting, photography, installation and video showing the relationship between mind, body and the physical environment. San Art, 3 Me Linh St, Binh Thanh Dist., Ho Chi Minh City, tel: (08) 3840-0183. Open: Tuesday-Saturday, 10.30 a.m. – 6.30 p.m.

38 • vietnam heritage - may-june 2014

Sheraton Nha Trang Hotel & Spa is organizing a ‘Sheraton wedding photo contest’. Winners will receive discounts on a wed-

Mövenpick Hotel Saigon will hold a ‘Wedding Fair 2014’ at the hotel’s Grand Ballroom at 5 p.m. on 21 June and 11.30 a.m. to 6 p.m. on 22 June. Visitors will meet the most prestigious wedding brands in Vietnam and service providers who will introduce and consult with the couples for an ideal wedding. Also, there is a gift for guests in the lucky draw at the party. Mövenpick Hotel Saigon, 253 Nguyen Van Troi St, Phu Nhuan Dist., Ho Chi Minh City, tel: (08)3844-9222

value for money HOTELS Century Riverside Hotel Hue 49 Le Loi St, Hue Tel: (054) 3823-390 www.centuryriversidehue.com Century Riverside Hotel Hue is running a Summer Promotion until 30 September. VND1,050,000 per night for two in a Deluxe River View Room with breakfast.

Hoi An Hotel 10 Tran Hung Dao St, Hoi An, Quang Nam Province . Tel: (0510) 3861-445 www.hoianhotel.com.vn Hoi An Hotel has a 40 per cent discount on accommodations for Vietnamese and expatriates. The prices after discount start from VND1,125,000++ per night per Superior Room to VND2,595,000++ per night per Grand Suite with breakfast, tai chi class and shuttle bus to Cua Dai Beach.

Best Western Premier Havana Nha Trang Hotel 38 Tran Phu St, Nha Trang, Khanh Hoa Province Tel: (058) 3889-999 www.havanahotel.vn Best Western Premier Havana Nha Trang Hotel is offering a ‘Sweet honeymoon complemented with love’ at VND7,990,000++ for two nights in a Deluxe Ocean View Room with breakfast, one bottle of sparkling wine or love cake, airport roundtrip transfers, a buffet dinner and a 60-minute massage.

Michelia Hotel 04 Pasteur St, Nha Trang Tel: (058) 3820-820 www.michelia.vn Michelia Hotel is running a ‘Sweet Honeymoon Package’ until 20 December at VND5,590,000++ ($279++). The package includes two night’s stay in a Deluxe Room with breakfast, airport pick up, one candle-lit dinner at pool side or BBQ buffet on Saturday night and a 20 per cent discount on spa services.

Cat Tien Jungle Lodge Hamlet 4, Nam Cat Tien, Tan Phu Dist., Dong Nai Province Tel: (061)3664-888 www.cattienjunglelodge.com Cat Tien Jungle Lodge is offering a ‘Farm Stay Package’ until 31 October for those who book at least two nights. It costs VND450,000++ per person per night for a twin-share accommodation including breakfast, bicycle rental, a tour to see new-born pig babies at pig farm and pick cashew nuts with local people.

VND200,000 per room per night for weekend (Friday & Saturday).

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

RESORTS AND SPAS Hyatt Regency Danang Resort & Spa Hoa Hai Ward, Ngu Hanh Son Dist., Danang Tel: (0511) 3981-234 Hyatt Regency Danang Resort & Spa has a ‘Summer Package’ until 14 September. The prices start from VND4,500,000 per room per night, including a one hour to Camp Hyatt for children, a F&B credit of VND1 million, a 20 per cent discount at VIE Spa and breakfast.

Novotel Danang Premier Han River 36 Bach Dang St, Hai Chau Dist., Danang Tel: (0511) 3299-999 www.novotel-danang-premier.com In Balance Spa, at Novotel Danang Premier Han River, has a promotion; those who book a body massage, body scrub or body wrap will get a free 30-minute facial or 30minute foot massage. The promotion runs till 30 June. The prices start from VND700,000 for a 25-minute body scrub.

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 www.centarahotelsresorts.com/cdv

Pilgrimage Village Boutique Resort & Spa is offering a promotion, ‘Stay two nights pay 1.5’ & ‘Stay 3 nights pay 2’ until the end of September. The prices start from VND1,688,000 per night in a Deluxe Room with breakfast. The price includes service charge and VAT.

Hoi An Beach Resort 1 Cua Dai St, Hoi An, Quang Nam Province Tel: (0511) 3927-011 www.hoianbeachresort.com.vn Hoi An Beach Resort is offering a 20 per cent discount for all type of rooms until 30 September. The prices after discount range from VND1,600,000++ per night in a Garden View Deluxe Room to VND 2,273,000++ per night in a River View Villa with breakfast and shuttle bus to Hoi An. The promotion is applicable for Vietnamese and expatriates.

Palm Garden Beach Resort & Spa Lac Long Quan St, Cua Dai Beach, Hoi An, Quang Nam Province Tel: (0510) 3927-927 www.palmgardenresort.com.vn

Best Western Dalat Plaza Hotel 09 Le Dai Hanh St, Dalat, Lam Dong Province Tel: (063) 6252-999 Email: info@dalatplazahotel.com.vn www.dalatplazahotel.com.vn Best Western Dalat Plaza Hotel is offering a special rate at VND1,000,000 for those who book from Sunday to Thursday. The price includes one-night’s stay for two in a Standard Room with breakfast, lunch or dinner and a 50 per cent discount on tour to Prenn and Cam Ly waterfalls. The price includes service charge and VAT.

Sandy Beach Non Nuoc Resort Danang Vietnam, Managed by Centara has a twonight ‘Summer Getaway Package’ till 31 August. It costs VND5,500,000 for two in a Superior Ocean View Room with round trip airport transfers, breakfast, lunch or dinner and a 45-minute spa treatment. Surcharge is

Palm Garden Beach Resort & Spa Hoi An has a 40 per cent discount for those who book till 15 May for stays in May and June. The prices before discount are VND3,600,000++ per night in a Superior Garden View Room and VND4,000,000++per night in a Deluxe Garden View Room. The promotion includes a voucher of VND300,000 for body massage and a soft drink or beer with each meal at restaurants. vietnam heritage -may-june 2014

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value for money River-Beach Resort & Residences Hoi An 5 Cua Dai St, Hoi An. Tel: (0510) 3927-888 www.river-beachresort.com River-Beach Resort & Residences Hoi An is offering a 25 per cent discount on all type of rooms until 31 October. The prices after discount start from VND 1,260,000 per room per night with breakfast, use of bicycle, shuttle bus to Hoi An ancient town and a 20 per cent discount on Food & Beverage and spa services.

Sunrise Hoi An Beach Resort Cua Dai Beach, Hoi An, Quang Nam Province Tel: (0510) 3937-777 Email: resa@sunrisehoian.vn www.sunrisehoian.vn Sunrise Hoi An Beach Resort is running a ‘Family Fantastic Summer Package’ till 30 September with a rate starting from VND6,815,000 ++ per room for two nights in a Deluxe Garden Room including one lunch or dinner, free swimming class for children and round trip airport transfers.

VietStar Resort & Spa Nui Thom, An Phu, Tuy Hoa, Phu Yen Province Tel: (057) 3789-999 www.vietstarresort.com VietStar Resort & Spa is running a promotion at VND1,769,000++ per room per night in a Superior Room with breakfast, electronic car to Bai Xep Beach, and round trip airport transfers. The promotion is applicable for those who book two nights and is valid till 31 October.

Evason Ana Mandara Nha Trang Beachside Tran Phu St, Nha Trang, Khanh Hoa Province Tel: (058) 3524-705 reservations-nhatrang@evasonresorts.com

Evason Ana Mandara Nha Trang has a promotion for Vietnamese and expatriates till 31 October. The price ranges from VND3,900,000 per night in a Garden View Room to VND9,400,000 per night in an Ana Mandara Suite with breakfast, round trip airport transfers and many activities for children. 40 • vietnam heritage - may-june 2014

Sunrise Nha Trang Beach Hotel & Spa 12 – 14 Tran Phu, Nha Trang, Khanh Hoa Province Tel: (058) 3820-999 www.sunrisenhatrang.com.vn Sunrise Nha Trang Beach Hotel & Spa has a two-night ‘Family Retreat Package’ till 31 October at VND6,400,000++ ($305++) per room in a Superior Sea View Room with breakfast, one dinner, round trip airport transfers, a 30minute foot massage and a 10 per cent discount on Food & Beverage, spa services and tour activities.

Mui Ne Unique Resort 20B Nguyen Dinh Chieu St, Ham Tien Ward, Phan Thiet, Binh Thuan Province Tel: (062) 3741-617 www.muineuniqueresort.com Mui Ne Unique Resort is offering a special rate until 31 October at VND1,499,000 per night for two in a Garden View Room with breakfast. The price includes service charge and VAT.

Thai Hoa Mui Ne Resort 56 Huynh Thuc Khang St, Ham Tien Ward, Phan Thiet City, Binh Thuan Province Tel: (062) 3847-320 www.thaihoamuineresort.com Thai Hoa Mui Ne Resort has a package until 31 August at VND3,199,000 per room for two nights with three meals daily. Also, the resort is offering a special rate at VND990,000 per room per night, and those who book before 31 May will get a 15 per cent discount on the rate and a complimentary bottle of sparkling wine.

The Pegasus Resort Ke Ga Thuan Quy Commune, Ham Thuan Nam Dist., Phan Thiet, Binh Thuan Province Tel: (062) 3683-072 www.thegasusresort.com

The Pegasus Resort Ke Ga is running an ‘Exciting Summer Package’ from 15 April to 31 August at VND950,000++ per night per Superior Room for two and one child under 12, including pick-up and drop- off service from and to Phan Thiet City and breakfast.

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 Ana Mandara Villas Dalat Resort & Spa has a Highland Escape package until 31 July. It costs VND 2,690,000 including one-night’s stay in villa room with breakfast, 60-minute body or facial massage, round trip airport transfers. The package is applicable for those who book at least two nights. The price includes service charge and VAT.

Caravelle Hotel 19-23 Lam Son Square, Dist.1, Ho Chi Minh City Tel: (08) 3823-4999 Kara Salon & Spa, at the Caravelle Hotel, is offering a spa package until 31 May, including a 50-minute body scrub, a 60-minute aromatherapy massage and a 60-minute foot reflexology or manicure/pedicure. VND 2,177,000

Seaside Resort 28 Tran Phu St, Ward.1, Vung Tau Tel: (064) 3513-888 www.seasideresort.com.vn Seaside Resort, in Vung Tau, has a Summer Promotion till 31 May for those who book from Sunday to Friday. The prices start from VND1,300,000 per night per room for two with a 10 per cent discount on Food & Beverage at Vuon Pho Restaurant and Seaside Cafe. Those who book five nights will pay four.

OTHER InterContinental Nha Trang Hotel 32-34 Tran Phu St, Nha Trang Tel: (058) 3887-777 www.intercontinental.com

In March, InterContinental Hotels Group expanded its wing to Nha Trang with an opening of the five-star InterContinental Nha Trang Hotel. The hotel, on beachfront Tran Phu Street, has 279 rooms, three restaurants and bars, a fitness centre, three outdoor swimming pools, a spa, a grand ballroom for up to 700 guests and five meeting rooms.

value for money Trails of Indochina

Movenpick Hotel Hanoi

10/8 Phan Dinh Giot St, Tan Binh Dist., Ho Chi Minh City. Tel: (08) 3844-1005 www.trailsofindochina.com Trails of Indochina are pleased to be nominated for Asia’s Leading Destination Management Company 2014 by World Travel Awards. Trails of Indochina invites all of its partners to vote for it by clicking on www.worldtravelawards.com/vote until 20 July. Trails of Indochina is a pioneer and leader in Destination Management and luxury travel within South East Asia including Vietnam, Cambodia, Laos, Thailand, Indonesia, Myanmar, Singapore and China. Trails of Indochina offers specialized and creative itineraries with a range of ‘Tailored Experiences’ for travellers.

83A Ly Thuong Kiet St, Hanoi Tel: (04) 3822-2800 Lounge 83, at the Movenpick Hotel Hanoi, is offering a 50 per cent discount on drinks including draft beer, wine and our signature Chili Passion Martini, Cinnamon Appletini, Shirley Temple, Moji-tea from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. Monday to Friday and a 50 per cent discount on cocktails and mocktails from 8 p.m. to 11 p.m. Thursday to Saturday.

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

FOOD PROMOTIONS Pullman Danang Beach Resort Vo Nguyen Giap St, Khue My Ward, Ngu Hanh Son Dist,. Danang Tel: (0511) 3958-888

From 5.30 p.m., every Wednesday & Friday in May, Azure Beach Lounge, at the Pullman Danang Beach Resort, is serving BBQ buffet at the poolside, including beef, pork, chicken, seafood, salads, appetizers and desserts with the price at VND525,000 including ice cream and two beers or soft drinks.

Ngan Dinh Restaurant at the Windsor Plaza Hotel will offer authentic Cantonese dim sum lunch for just VND488,000++ for four persons. Top of the Town Bar and Restaurant at the Windsor Plaza Hotel will offer classic Ph , combining traditional flavors with each guest’s choice of Wagyu beef, shark’s fin, lobster, or abalone. VND198,000++/course

Hanoi Daewoo Hotel 360 Kim Ma St, Ba Dinh Dist., Hanoi Tel: (04) 3831-5000 www.daewoohotel.com Silk Road Restaurant, at the Hanoi Daewoo Hotel, is serving ‘Special Chicken Dishes’, including superior sautéed chicken with vegetables cooked in a clay pot, steamed rice cooked in a clay pot with chicken infused with a special sauce and vegetables with chicken in a clear broth. The prices start from VND350,000.

Sheraton Saigon Hotel & Towers

Café Central An Dong at the Windsor Plaza Hotel will serve crab cooked with black pepper or chili, cooked in a hot pot, to deep fried to every dinner buffet this May. From 30 May to 1 June, star Chef Martin Yan will cook at 7 p.m. for every dinner buffet. Traditional Chinese dumplings will be served at this event. Dinner buffet: Monday to Friday: VND488,000++/person . Saturday, Sunday & Holidays: VND545,000++/person The restaurant will also serve Raspberry Mille-Feuille at the new cake counter. VND300,000++/cake

88 Dong Khoi St, Dist.1, Ho Chi Minh City Tel: (08) 3827-2828 www.sheratonsaigon.com Saigon Café, at the Sheraton Saigon Hotel & Towers, every Friday in May, 6 p.m. – 10 p.m., has specialties of Lebanese and Middle East food, including Lebanese cheese marinated with green and black olives, parsley, and served with mint lemon olive oil sauce; mixed grills of shish kebab, beef tikka, shish tawouk, arayes and lamb chops served with garlic sauce. VND995,000++ including free flowing house wine, coffee and tea. Rates may be subject to 5-per-cent service charge and 10-per-cent VAT if there is no statement to the contrary.

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buyable

bicycle handlebar bag, VND1,200,000 - VND3,500,000

leather notebook, VND750,000

Messenger bag, VND1,800,000

Messenger bag and bicycle pannier, VND1,800,000

HC LeatHer

Messenger bag, VND2,000,000

42 â&#x20AC;˘ VieTNaM HeriTage - May-juNe 2014

93F ly Nam De St, Hoan Kiem Dist., Hanoi Tel: 0915 558 996 www.facebook.com/hc.handmade

directiOnS Sapa, halOng, haiphOng 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 Email: 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 VND700,000 ($33) Holiday Sapa Hotel 16 Muong Hoa, Sapa, Lao Cai Province Tel: (020) 3873-874 Email: info@holidaysapa.com www.holidaysapa.com VND588,000 to VND2,100,000 ($28 to $100) Mường Thanh Sapa Hotel No 044, Ngu Chi Son, Sapa, Lao Cai Province Tel: (020) 3887-766 Email: sales@sapa.muongthanh.vn www.sapa.muongthanh.vn Royal Hotel 54B Cau May St, Sapa, Lao Cai Province Tel: (020) 3771-131 Email: hoanggiasapa@gmail.com www.royalsapahotel.com From VND340,000 ($17)

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 Halong Hidden Charm Hotel Block 22D, Tuan Chau Villas, Halong Tel: (033) 3842-360 Email: infor.halonghiddencharmhotel@gmail.com

www.hiddencharmhotel.com.vn From VND600,000 ($29) 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 VND1,200,000 ($57) 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 Ha Long St, Bai Chay Ward, Halong Tel: (033) 3848-108 Email: info@novotelhalong.com.vn www.novotelhalongbay.com From VND2,772,000 ($132) Saigon Halong Hotel Ha Long St, Bai Chay Ward, Halong Tel: (033) 3845-845 info@saigonhalonghotel.com www.saigonhalonghotel.com From VND700,000 ($35) StarCity Halong Bay Hotel

equipped rooms, with many breathtaking views of Halong Bay RESTAURANTS Co Ngu Restaurant Halong St, Halong Tel: (033) 3511-363 Jumbo Vietnam Floating Restaurant 119 Le Thanh Tong St, Halong Tel: (033) 3624-888 Sea Food Restaurant Halong St, Halong Tel: (033) 3845-822

Thu Huong Restaurant Halong St, Halong Tel: (033) 3845-142 BARS & CAFÉS Emeraude Café Royal Park, Ha Long St, 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 VND527,500 ($25) Catba Sunrise Resort Cat Ba Island, Hai Phong City Tel: (031) 3887-360 Email: info@catbasunriseresort.com www.catbasunriseresort.com From VND3,520,000 ($168) Harbour View Hotel 12 Tran Phu St, Ngo Quyen Dist., Hai Phong Tel: (031) 3827-827 Email: info@harbourviewvietnam.com www.harbourviewvietnam.com From VND2,772,000 ($132)

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

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

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CENTRE O

1 Asean International Hotel 2 Capital Garden Hotel 3 Daewoo Hotel

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

12 1 2 Melia Hanoi Hotel 13 1 3 Movenpick Hotel Hanoi 14 1 4 Nikko Hanoi Hotel 15 1 5 Sofitel Legend Metropole Hanoi 16 1 6 Sunway Hotel Hanoi 17 1 7 Hanoi Emotion Hotel

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

6 10

11 9 17 15 13

12 8 4

14 16

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

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

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

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

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

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

directiONS haNOi HANOI

(TELEPHONE CODE: 04) EMBASSIES

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

46 • vietNam heritage - may-juNe 2014

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 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 No 2606 Thang Long International Village, Tran Dang Ninh St, Cau Giay Dist., Hanoi Tel: (04) 3783-3570 www.amegatravelvietnam.com Buffalo Tours 94 Ma May St, 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 26 Tran Nhat Duat St, Hanoi Tel: (04) 3828-2150 www.exotissimo.com Email: go.vietnam@exotissimo.com Oriental Sails 16A Ly Nam De St, Hoan Kiem Dist., Hanoi Tel: (04) 3926-4009 Email: sales@orientalsails.com www.orientalsails.com Topas Travel 52 To Ngoc Van St, Hanoi Tel: (04) 3715-1005 Email: sales@topastravel.vn www.topastravel.vn

directiONS haNOi HOTELS Note: Prices at many hotels depend on occupancy and change daily Baoson International Hotel 50 Nguyen Chi Thanh St, Hanoi Tel: (04) 3835-3536 Email: sales@baosonhotels.com www.baosonhotels.com From VND1,570,000 ($75) De Syloia Hotel 17A Tran Hung Dao St, Hanoi Tel: (04) 3824-5346 Email: desyloia@hn.vnn.vn www.desyloia.com From VND1,806,000 ($86) Fortuna Hotel Hanoi 6B Lang Ha St, Ba Dinh Dist., Hanoi Tel: (04) 3831-3333 Email: fortunahanoi@fortuna.vn www.fortuna.vn From VND1,920,000 ($91) Hanoi Daewoo Hotel 360 Kim Ma St, Hanoi Tel: (04) 3831-5000 Email: sales@daewoohotel.com www.daewoohotel.com Hanoi Emotion Hotel 26 – 28 Hang Bot St, Hanoi Tel: (04) 3848-9848 Email: info@hanoi-emotion.com www.hanoi-emotion.com The hotel also provides Vietnamese, Japanese and International cuisine Hilton Hanoi Opera Hotel 1 Le Thanh Tong St, Hanoi Tel: (04) 3933-0500 Email: hanoi.opera@hilton.com www.hanoi.hilton.com Hotel de l’Opera 29 Trang Tien St, Hoan Kiem Dist., Hanoi Tel: (04) 6282-5555 Email: contact@hoteldelopera.com www.hoteldelopera.com From VND4,140,000 ($197) 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 Email: hotel.hanoi@moevenpick.com www.moevenpickhotels.com/hanoi From VND3,139,500 ($149.50) Nikko Hanoi Hotel 84 Tran Nhan Tong St, Hanoi Tel.: (04) 3822-3535 reservation@hotelnikkohanoi.com.vn www.hotelnikkohanoi.com.vn From VND6,762,000 ($322) Pullman Hanoi 40 Cat Linh St, Hanoi Tel: (04) 3733-0808

Email: getcloser@pullman-hanoi.com www.pullmanhotels.com From VND2,448,600 ($115.50) Prestige Hotel Hanoi 17 Pham Dinh Ho St, Hanoi Tel: (04) 6299-9888 Email: sales@prestigehotels.com.vn www.prestigehotels.com.vn A new four-star international standard hotel, on a tree-lined street in the heart of Hanoi, 15 minutes walk from the Old Quarter and Hoan Kiem Lake. Modern luxuries, impeccable service and excellent value for the business or pleasure traveller. 80 rooms including elegant suites and an executive apartment, conference facilities, business centre, a restaurant, a fitness centre, a rooftop swimming pool and a cocktail bar. 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 VND2,289,000 ($109) 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) As a ‘resort within the city’, Sheraton Hanoi Hotel is on the West Lake. Sofitel Legend Metropole Hanoi 15 Ngo Quyen St, Hanoi Tel: (04) 3826-6919 Email: h1555@sofitel.com www.sofitel.com From VND6,090,000 ($290) Sunway Hotel Hanoi 19 Pham Dinh Ho St, Hanoi Tel: (04) 3971-3888 Email: reservation@sunwayhotel.com.vn www.hanoi.sunwayhotels.com APARTMENTS Fraser Suites Hanoi 51 Xuan Dieu St, Quang An Ward, Tay Ho Dist., Hanoi Tel: (04) 3719-8877 sales.hanoi@frasershospitality.com hanoi.frasershospitality.com Somerset Serviced Residence Vietnam 49 Hai Ba Trung St, Hoan Kiem Dist., Hanoi Tel: (04) 3934-2342 www.somerset.com Luxurious apartments and properties for hiring RESTAURANTS Com Chay Nang Tam Restaurant 79A Tran Hung Dao St, Hanoi Tel: (04) 3942-4140

Green Tangerine 48 Hang Be St, Hoan Kiem Dist., Hanoi Tel: (04) 3825-1286 www.greentangerinehanoi.com Serving French food with a Vietnamese cuisine Hoa Vien Brauhaus 1A Tang Bat Ho St, Hai Ba Trung Dist., Hanoi Tel: (04) 3972-5088 www.hoavien.vn The restaurant has been famous for its production of Czech beer Le Tonkin Restaurant 14 Ngo Van So St, Hoan Kiem Dist., Hanoi Tel: (04) 3943-3457 www.letonkinrestaurant.vn Serves Vietnamese food BOOK STORE Infostones Bookshop 41 Trang Tien St, Hoan Kiem Dist., Hanoi Tel: (04) 3826-2993 Email: sach41trangtien@gmail.com Thousands of magazines and books by hundreds of publishing houses worldwide SHOPS Craft Link 43 and 51 Van Mieu St, Hanoi Tel: (04) 3843-7710 Email: craftlink@hn.vnn.vn Ha Dong Silk 102 Hang Gai St, Hanoi Tel: (04) 3928-5056 Tan My Embroidery 66 Hang Gai St, Hanoi Email: tanmyhuong@fpt.vn Tel: (04) 3825-1579 Viet Culture 1 Trang Thi St, Hanoi Tel: (04) 3934-7417 Vietnam Quilts 13 Hang Bac St, Hoan Kiem Dist., Hanoi Tel: (04) 3926-4831 www.vietnam-quilts.org Traditional embroidery and other handicraft cloth products FURNITURE/ INTERIOR Dome Au Co 9 Au Co St, Hanoi Tel: (04) 3718-5866 Email: sales@dome.com.vn

MUSEUMS Ho Chi Minh Museum 19 Ngoc Ha St, Ba Dinh Dist., Hanoi Tel: (04) 3846-3752 www.baotanghochiminh.vn Open: 8 a.m. to noon (Monday and Friday), 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. (other days) Entry fee: VND25,000 Imperial Citadel of Thang Long 12 Nguyen Tri Phuong St/ 9 Hoang Dieu St, Ba Dinh Dist., Hanoi Tel: (04) 37345427 hoangthanhthanglong@gmail.com www.hoangthanhthanhlong.vn Open: 8.30 a.m. to 11.30 a.m. and 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. (Closed on Mondays) Entry fee: VND30,000 Vietnam National Museum of History 1 Trang Tien St, Hanoi 216 Tran Quang Khai St, Hanoi Tel: (04) 3824-1384 www.baotanglichsu.vn Open 8 a.m. to 4.30 p.m.Closed every first Monday of months Entry fee VND 20,000 ($0.95) for adults and VND10,000 ($0.48) for children Vietnam Fine Arts Museum 66 Nguyen Thai Hoc St, Ba Dinh Dist., Hanoi Tel: (04) 3733-2131 www.vnfineartsmuseum.org.vn Open 8.30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Entry fee VND20,000 ($0.95) Vietnam Military History Museum 28A Dien Bien Phu St, Hanoi www.btlsqsvn.org.vn Open 8 a.m. to 11.30 a.m. and 1 p.m. to 4.30 p.m. Closed on Mondays Entry fee VND30,000 ($1.43) Vietnam Museum of Ethnology Nguyen Van Huyen St, Cau Giay Dist., Hanoi Tel: (04) 3756-2193, www.vme.org.vn Open 8.30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Closed on Mondays Entry fee VND25,000 ($1.19) 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

Dome Yen The 10 Yen The St, Hanoi Tel: (04) 3843-6036 STORE Annam Gourmet 51 Xuan Dieu St, Quang An Ward, Tay Ho Dist., Hanoi Tel: (04) 3718-4487 www.annam-gourmet.com Annam Gourmet’s motivation is to “Enjoy Life. Eat and Drink well.”

Elite Fitness & Spa 51 Xuan Dieu St, Tay Ho Dist., Hanoi Tel: (04) 3718-6281 Email: 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 - may-juNe 2014

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directiOnS ninh Binh, hue, danang, hOi an NINH BINH

(TELEPHONE CODE: 030) Cuc Phuong Resort & Spa Village of Dong Tam, Nho Quan, Ninh Binh Province Tel: (030) 3848-888 Email: cucphuongresort@gmail.com www.cucphuongresort.com From VND1,500,000 ($71) Emeralda Ninh Binh 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 Email: info@ninhbinhlegendhotel.com

www.ninhbinhlegendhotel.com From VND1,575,000 ($75) A four-star hotel that features an elegant building in the French style. NearTrang An Ecological Area, Tam Coc-Bich Dong River Landscape, Hoa Lu Ancient Citadel and Bai Dinh Pagoda.

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

HA TINH

(Telephone code: 039) White Palace Hotel 139 Ha Huy Tap St, Ha Tinh City Tel: (039) 6269-999 info.wh@hatinhtourist.com.vn www.whitepalacehotel.com.vn A three-star hotel in the heart of Ha Tinh City, Central Vietnam, near tourist sites. 50 rooms designed in the French style, VIP dining rooms and two international-standard meeting rooms which can seat up to 500 people

QUANG BINH

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

TRAVEL

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

Caving and jungle trekking in Vietnam

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 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 Ana Mandara Hue Thuan An Town, Phu Vang Dist., Hue Tel: (054) 3983-333 Email: sales@anamandarahue-resort.com www.anamandarahue-resort.com Banyan Tree Lang Co Hotel Cu Du village, Loc Vinh Commune, Phu Loc Dist., Thua Thien Hue Province. Tel: (054) 3695-888 reservations-langco@banyantree.com www.banyantree.com Best Western Premier Indochine Palace

588 Bui Thi Xuan St, Thuy Bieu Dist., Hue Tel: (054) 3978-484 Email: sales@hueriversideresort.com www.hueriversideresort.com Imperial Hotel 8 Hung Vuong St, Hue Tel: (054) 3882-222 Email: info@imperial-hotel.com.vn www.imperial-hotel.com.vn VND2,300,000 to VND29,400,000 ($110 to $1,400)

Hyatt Regency Danang Resort & Spa Hoa Hai Ward, Ngu Hanh Son Dist., Danang Tel: (0511) 3981-234 Email: danang.regency@hyatt.com www.danang.regency.hyatt.com From VND4,683,000 ($213) 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 Sandy Beach Non Nuoc Resort Danang Vietnam, Managed by Centara

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)

105A Hung Vuong St, Hue Tel: (054) 3936-666 Email: rsvn@bwp-indochinepalace.com www.bwp-indochinepalace.com From VND3,024,000 ($144) 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.

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

Century Riverside Hotel Hue

Novotel Danang Premier Han River

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

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

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

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36 Bach Dang St, Hai Chau Dist., Danang. Tel: (0511) 3929-999 Email: H8287@accor.com www.novotel-danang-premier.com

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

directiOnS quy nhOn, nha trang,phan rang 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 Golf Hoi An Hotel

187 Ly Thuong Kiet St, Cam Pho Ward, Hoi An, Quang Nam Province Tel: (0510) 3861-171 Email: sales@golfhoianhotel.vn www.golfhoianhotel.vn

Le Belhamy Hoi An Resort & Spa Ha My Beach, Hoi An Tel: (0510) 3941-888 Email: reservations@belhamy.com www.belhamy.com From VND2,835,000 ($135) Hoi An Riverside Resort & Spa 175 Cua Dai St, Hoi An, Quang Nam Province Tel: (0510) 3864-800 Email: reservation@hoianriverresort.com.vn www.hoianriverresort.com From VND1,650,000 ($79) Sunrise Hoi An Beach Resort Au Co Road, Cua Dai Beach, Hoi An, Quang Nam Province Tel: (0510) 3937-777 Email: sm1.north@och.vn www.sunrisehoian.vn Palm Garden Beach Resort and Spa

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

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 VND 4,158,000 ($198) River-Beach Resort & Residences Hoi An

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)

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

Hoi An Pacific Hotel & Spa

($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

321 Cua Dai St, Hoi An, Quang Nam Province Tel: (0510) 3923-777 Email: info@hoianpacific.com www.hoianpacific.com From VND1,113,000 ($53)

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

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

PHU YEN

(TELEPHONE CODE: 057)

Viet Star Resort and Spa Núi Thơm, Tuy Hoa City, Phu Yen Province Tel: (057) 3789-999 Email: info@vietstarresort.com www.vietstarresort.com VND2,898,000 to VND18,112,500 ($138 to $862.50)

NHA TRANG

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)

Email: info@amiana.com.vn www.amiana.com.vn From VND8,001,000 ($381)

Avani Quy Nhon Resort & Spa Ghenh Rang, Bai Dai Beach, Quy Nhon, Binh Dinh Province Tel: (056) 3840-132 Email: quynhon@life-resorts.com www.life-resorts.com From VND1,995,000 ($95)

MUSEUM

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 VND2,656,500 ($126.50) Hoi An Beach Resort 1 Cua Dai St, Hoi An, Quang Nam Province Tel: (0510) 3927-011 Email: info@hoianbeachresort.com.vn www.hoianbeachresort.com.vn VND2,184,000 to VND2,772,000 ($104 to $132) Hoi An Historic Hotel

QUY NHON

(TELEPHONE CODE: 056)

(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

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

www.sixsenses.com/evasonresorts/ana-mandara/destination From VND7,728,000 ($368) Evason Ana Mandara has received the ‘Certificate of Excellence 2013’ by TripAdvisor InterContinental Nha Trang Hotel

Note: Prices at many hotels depend on occupancy and change daily An Lam Ninh Van Bay Villas Hon Heo, Ninh Van Commune, Ninh Hoa Town, Khanh Hoa Province Tel: (08) 3920-6949 Email: info@anlamninhvanbay.com www.anlamninhvanbay.com VND9,660,000 to VND19,320,000 ($460 to $920) Amiana Turtle Bay, Pham Van Dong St, Nha Trang, Khanh Hoa Province Tel: (058) 7305-555

32-34 Tran Phu St, Nha Trang Tel: (058) 3887-777 www.intercontinental.com Michelia Hotel 4 Pasteur St, Nha Trang, Khanh Hoa

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directiOnS phan thiet Province Tel: (058) 3820-820 Email: sales@michelia.vn www.michelia.vn From VND2,200,000 ($105) Mường Thanh Nha Trang Hotel 6 Duong Hien Quyen St, Vinh Hoa Ward, Nha Trang, Khanh Hoa Province Tel: (058) 3552-468 Email: info@nhatrang.muongthanh.vn www.nhatrang.muongthanh.vn From VND1,400,000 ($66) Novotel Nha Trang Hotel 50 Tran Phu St, Nha Trang, Khanh Hoa Province Tel: (058) 6256-900 Email: rsvn@novotel-nhatrang.com www.novotel-nhatrang.com VND2,415,000 to VND4,830,000 ($115 to $230) Six Senses Ninh Van Bay Ninh Van bay, Ninh Hoa, Khanh Hoa Province Tel: (058) 3524-268 Email: reservationsninhvan@sixsenses.com www.sixsenses.com/resorts/ninh-vanbay/destination From VND17,629,500 ($839.50) 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 From VND3,565,000 ($170) Some Days of Silence Resort & Spa Dong Hai, Ninh Hai, Ninh Hoa, Hon Khoi, Khanh Hoa Province Tel: (058) 3670-952 Email: generaldepartment@somedaysresort.com www.somedaysresort.com From VND2,310,000 ($110) Sunrise Nha Trang Beach Hotel & Spa 12-14 Tran Phu St, Nha Trang, Khanh Hoa Province Tel: (058) 3820-999 Email: info@sunrisenhatrang.com.vn www.sunrisenhatrang.com.vn VND2,520,000 to VND4,305,000 ($120 to $205)

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

Thuan Province Tel: (068) 3876-011 Email: sales@saigonninhchuhotel.com.vn www.saigonninhchuhotel.com.vn VND1,575,000 to VND4,200,000 ($75 to $200)

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

(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.

White Sand Doclet Resort & Spa

PHAN THIET

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

Population group 9 Dong Cat, Ninh Hai Ward, Ninh Hoa Town, Khanh Hoa Province Tel: (058) 3670-670 Email: info@whitesandresort.com.vn www.whitesandresort.com.vn SHOPPING Khanh Hoa Salanganes Nest Company 248 Thong Nhat St, Nha Trang, Khanh Hoa Province Tel: (058) 3822-472 yensaokh@yensaokhanhhoa.com.vn www.yensaokhanhhoa.com.vn

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 VND1,400,000 ($66)

Full Moon Village Suoi Nuoc Beach, Mui Ne, Phan Thiet City, Binh Thuan Province Tel: (062) 3836-099 Email: reservation@fullmoon-village.com www.fullmoon-village.com VND2,100,000 to VND6,300,000 ($100 to $300) Mom Da Chim - Lazi Beach Resort Ly Thai To St, Tan Tien, Lagi, Binh Thuan Province Tel: (062) 3874-458 Email: contact@lazibeachresort.com www.lazibeachresort.com From VND1,900,000 ($90) 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 VND1,550,000 ($74)

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

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)

Bamboo Village Beach Resort & Spa

Muine Bay Resort

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

PHAN RANG

(TELEPHONE CODE: 068)

HOTEL, RESORT Note: Prices at many hotels depend on occupancy and change daily Saigon Ninh Chu Hotel & Resort Khanh Hai Town, Ninh Hai Dist., Ninh

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 VND2,200,000 ($105) DuParc Phan Thiet Ocean Dunes & Golf Resort 1 Ton Duc Thang St, Phan Thiet City, Binh Thuan Province Tel: (062) 3822-393 Email: reservation@phanthietresorts.com www.phanthietresorts.com From VND1,500,000 ($71)

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) Pandanus Resort

Hoang Ngoc (Oriental Pearl) Beach Resort & Spa Quarter 5, Mui Ne, Phan Thiet, Binh Thuan Province Tel: (062) 3849-849 Email: pandanus@pandanusresort.com www.pandanusresort.com From VND1,575,000 ($75) 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)

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Park Diamond Hotel Nguyen Tat Thanh St, Hung Long Ward, Phan Thiet City, Binh Thuan Province Tel: (062) 3835-666 Email: reservations@parkdiamondhotel.vn www.parkdiamondhotel.vn From VND990,000 ($47)

directiOnS dalat, hO chi minh city 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) Sandhills Beach Resort & Spa Km6, Tien Binh hamlet, Tien Thanh Commune, Phan Thiet, Binh Thuan Province Tel: (062) 3846-789 Email: info@sandhillsresort.com.vn www.sandhillsresort.com.vn From VND2,520,000 ($120)

Tel: (062) 3719-111 Email: reservation@thecliffresort.com.vn www.thecliffresort.com.vn The Sailing Bay Beach Resort 107 Ho Xuan Huong St, Mui Ne, Phan Thiet Tel: (062) 3836-555 Email: resort@thesailingbay.com www.thesailingbay.com From VND2,571,000 ($122) Mui Ne Unique Resort

Seahorse Resort & Spa

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

DALAT

(TELEPHONE CODE: 063) Dalat, founded in 1893, has Frencharchitecture, pine forests and a perpetually cool climate. It is in the southern Central Highlands, about 300 kilometres from Ho Chi Minh City. HOTELS Note: Prices at many hotels depend on occupancy and change daily

Km 11, Ham Tien Ward, Phan Thiet City, Binh Thuan Province Tel: (062) 3847-507 Email: info@seahorseresortvn.com www.seahorseresortvn.com From VND1,440,000 ($68) Sea Links Beach Hotel Km 9, Nguyen Thong St, Phu Hai Ward, Phan Thiet City, Binh Thuan Province Tel: (062) 2220-088 Email: sales@sealinksbeachhotel.com www.sealinksbeachhotel.com From VND1,995,000 ($94) Sea Lion Beach Resort & Spa 12 Nguyen Dinh Chieu St, Ham Tien Ward, Phan Thiet, Binh Thuan Province Tel: (062) 3743-390 Email: info@sealionresort-muine.com www.sealionresort-muine.com

20B, Nguyen Dinh Chieu St, Ham Tien Ward, Phan Thiet, Binh Thuan Province Tel: (062) 3741-617 Email: info@muineuniqueresort.com www.muineuniqueresort.com Reservation contact in Ho Chi Minh City, 57 Pham Viet Chanh St, Nguyen Cu Trinh Ward, Dist.1 Tel: (08) 3925-4196 Email: sales@muineuniqueresort.com Victoria Phan Thiet Beach Resort & Spa Phu Hai Ward, Phan Thiet City, Binh Thuan Province Tel: (062) 3813-000 Email: resa.phanthiet@victoriahotels.asia www.victoriahotels.asia From VND3,633,000 ($171)

Ana Mandara Villas Dalat Resort & Spa Le Lai St, Dalat, Lam Dong Province Tel: (063) 3555-888 Email: reservation-dalat@anamandara-resort.com www.anamandara-resort.com From VND1,700,000 ($81) Dalat Edensee Resort Tuyen Lam Lake, Zone VII.2, Dalat, Lam Dong Province Tel: (063) 3831-515 Email: reservation@dalatedensee.com www.dalatedensee.com VND2,331,000 to VND4,662,000 ($111 to $222) Saigon-Dalat Hotel

Villa Aria Mui Ne

Sunny Beach Resort & Spa

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 VND1,743,000 ($83) 64-66 Nguyen Dinh Chieu St, Ham Tien, Phan Thiet City, Binh Thuan Province Tel: (062) 3741-355 Email: info@sunnybeach.com.vn www.sunnybeach.com.vn From VND1,699,000 ($80) 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) The Cliff Resort & Residences Zone 5, Phu Hai Ward, Phan Thiet City, Binh Thuan Province

White Sands Resort

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

HO CHI MINH CITY (TELEPHONE CODE: 08)

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)

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

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directiOnS dalat, hO chi minh city Switzerland 42 Giang Van Minh St, Dist.2, Ho Chi Minh City Tel: (08) 3744-6996 Thailand 77 Tran Quoc Thao St, Dist.3, Ho Chi Minh City Tel: (08) 3932-7637 United Kingdom 25 Le Duan St, Dist.1, Ho Chi Minh City Tel: (08) 3825-1380, (08) 3829-8433 United States 4 Le Duan St, Dist.1, Ho Chi Minh City Tel: (08) 3822-9433 HOSPITALS Columbia Asia Gia Dinh International Hospital 1 No Trang Long St, Binh Thanh Dist., Ho Chi Minh City Tel: (08) 3803-0678 FV Hospital 6 Nguyen Luong Bang St, Dist.7, Ho Chi Minh City Tel: (08) 5411-3500 Stamford Skin Centre 254 Dien Bien Phu St, Dist.3, Ho Chi Minh City Tel: (08) 3932-1090 Email: info@stamfordskin.com www.stamfordskin.com AIRLINES Air France 130 Dong Khoi St, Dist.1, Ho Chi Minh City Tel: (08) 3829-0981 All Nippon Airways 115 Nguyen Hue St, Dist.1, Ho Chi Minh City Tel: (08) 3821-9612 American Airlines 69 Ba Huyen Thanh Quan St, Dist.3, Ho Chi Minh City. Tel: (08) 3933-0330 Asiana Airlines 39 Le Duan St, Dist.1, Ho Chi Minh City Tel: (08) 3822-8710, (08) 3829-3038 British Airways 170-172 Nam Ky Khoi Nghia St, Dist.3, Ho Chi Minh City Tel: (08) 3930-2933

Cathay Pacific Airways 72-74 Nguyen Thi Minh Khai St, Dist.1, Ho Chi Minh City Tel: (08) 3822-3203 Emirates Airlines 170-172 Nam Ky Khoi Nghia St, Dist.3, Ho Chi Minh City Tel: (08) 3930-2939 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 Turkish Airlines 76A Le Lai St, Room 4, 8th Floor, AB Tower, Dist. 1, Ho Chi Minh City Tel: (08) 3936-0360 - Ext 121 Email: saigon@thy.com.vn www.turkishairlines.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 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 Buffalo Tours 81 Mac Thi Buoi, Dist.1, Ho Chi Minh City Tel: (08) 3827-9168 Email: travelagency@buffalotours.com www.buffalotours.com.vn Buffalo Tours operates in Vietnam, Thailand, Cambodia and Laos. The Buffalo Tours portfolio caters to all types of tours. Exotissimo 80-82 Phan Xich Long St, Phu Nhuan Dist., Ho Chi Minh City Tel: (08) 3995-9898 www.exotissimo.com Saigon Tourist 45 Le Thanh Ton St, Dist.1, Ho Chi Minh City Tel: (08) 3827-9279 www.saigon-tourist.com 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 Catina Saigon Hotel 109 Dong Khoi St, Ben Nghe Ward, Dist.1, Ho Chi Minh City Tel: (08) 3829-6296 www.hotelcatina.com.vn From VND1,690,500 ($80.50) Caravelle Hotel 19-23 Cong Truong Lam Son St, Dist.1, Ho Chi Minh City Tel: (08) 3823-4999 www.caravellehotel.com

Grand Hotel Saigon

8 Dong Khoi St, Ben Nghe Ward, Dist.1, Ho Chi Minh City. Tel: (08) 3823-0163 Email: info@grandhotel.vn www.grandhotel.vn Built in 1930, the Ancient Wing of Grand Hotel Saigon offers a cozy and elegant atmosphere. The Luxury Wing, opened in November 2011, adds a modern style. 230 rooms and suites, a ballroom, recreation area, VIP Lounge, Western & Asian restaurants, Bars & Grand Café at Roof Garden Hotel Nikko Saigon 235 Nguyen Van Cu St, Dist.1, Ho Chi Minh City, tel: (08) 3925-7777 reservation@hotelnikkosaigon.com.vn www.hotelnikkosaigon.com.vn From VND4,830,000 ($230) InterContinental Asiana Saigon Corner Hai Ba TrungSt. & Le Duan Blvd, Dist.1, Ho Chi Minh City Tel: (08) 3520-9999 Email: saigon@ihg.com www.intercontinental.com/Saigon From VND5,845,455 ($278) 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 VND966,000 ($46) 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. Mövenpick Hotel Saigon

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

18 Hoang Viet St, Ward 4, Tan Binh Dist, Ho Chi Minh City

52 • vietnam heritage - may-june 2014

Tel: (08) 3844-1199 Email: first.hotel@hcm.vnn.vn www.firsthotel.com.vn

253 Nguyen Van Troi St, Phu Nhuan Dist., Ho Chi Minh City Tel: (08) 3844-9222 Email: hotel.saigon@moevenpick.com www.moevenpick-hotels.com Lotte Legend Hotel Saigon 2A-4A Ton Duc Thang St, Ben Nghe Ward, Dist 1, Ho Chi Minh City Tel: (08) 3823-333 Email: info@legendsaigon.com www.legendsaigon.com From VND4,221,000 ($201)

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

Email: info@ramanasaigon.com www.ramanasaigon.com From VND1,050,000 ($50) Renaissance Riverside Hotel Saigon 8-15 Ton Duc Thang St, Ben Nghe Ward, Dist.1, Ho Chi Minh City Tel: (08) 3822-0033 Email: reservation@renaissancesaigon.com www.renaissance-saigon.com From VND4,105,500 ($195.50) Royal Hotel Saigon 133 Nguyen Hue St, Dist.1, Ho Chi Minh City Tel: (08) 3822-5915 Email: hotel@royalhotelsaigon.com www.royalhotelsaigon.com From VND1,932,000 ($92) Rex Hotel

Northern Hotel Saigon

Windsor Plaza Hotel 18 An Duong Vuong, Dist.5, Ho Chi Minh City Tel: (08) 3833-6688 services@windsorplazahotel.com www.windsorplazahotel.com RESTAURANTS Kobe Teppanyaki Restaurant 13A Tu Xuong St, Ward 7, Dist 3, Ho Chi MInh City Tel: (08) 3932-0187 Lemongrass Restaurant 4 Nguyen Thiep St, Dist.1, Ho Chi Minh City Tel: (08) 3822-0496 www.bongsencorporation.com L-Lounge 47 Pham Viet Chanh St, Nguyen Cu Trinh Ward, Dist.1, Ho Chi Minh City Tel: (08) 6260-2555 www.l-lounge.com.vn Mam Son Restaurant 35 Ton That Thiep St, Dist.1, Ho Chi Minh City Tel: (08) 3915-3653 Vietnamese food

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

www.northernhotel.com.vn From VND1,505,000 ($71) Three-star boutique hotel, 99 rooms in Superior, Deluxe and Suite categories, a short walk from major entertainment and shopping venues. Novotel Saigon Centre 167 Hai Ba Trung St, Dist.3, Ho Chi Minh City. Tel: (08) 3822-4866 Email: H7965@accor.com www.novotel-saigon-centre.com From VND2,959,000 ($140) 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.parkhyattsaigon.com From VND8,436,000 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 From VND2,173,500 ($103.50) Ramana Hotel Saigon 323 Le Van Sy St, Dist.3, Ho Chi Minh City Tel: (08) 3843-9999

141 Nguyen Hue St, Ben Nghe Ward, Dist.1, Ho Chi Minh City Tel: (08) 3829-2185 Email: rexhotel@rex.com.vn www.rexhotelvietnam.com From VND4,620,000 ($220) Sheraton Saigon Hotel & Towers 88 Dong Khoi St, Ben Nghe Ward, Dist.1, Ho Chi Minh City Tel: (08) 3827-2828 Email: sheratonsaigon@sheraton.com www.sheraton.com/saigon From VND8,740,000 ($416)

Maxim Nam An Vietnamese Restaurant 13-15-17 Dong Khoi St, Dist.1, Ho Chi Minh City Tel: (08) 3829-6676 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 Vietnam House Restaurant

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 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. Shin 122 Ly Tu Trong St, Dist.1, Ho Chi Minh City 53A Nguyen Du St, Dist.1, Ho Chi Minh City Tel: 0909352369 Shin is famous for fashion clothes and leather bags. SPA V Spa 15B/25 Le Thanh Ton St, Dist.1, Ho Chi Minh City. Tel: (08) 6291-8179 www.vspa.vn COOKING CLASSES Mint Culinary School 778/45 Nguyen Kiem St, Phu Nhuan Dist., Ho Chi Minh City Tel: (08) 3844-5500 Email: sales@vca.com.vn www.vca.com.vn

Silver Creek City Resort 112 An Phu Dong 11, Dist.12, Ho Chi Minh City Tel: (08) 3719-9533 Email: reservation@silvercreek.com.vn www.silvercreek.com.vn From VND1,207,500 ($57.50)

Saigon Cooking Class 74/7 Hai Ba Trung St, Dist.1, Ho Chi Minh City Tel: (08) 3825-8485 www.saigoncookingclass.com

Sofitel Saigon Plaza

Artists Long & Ngoc Gallery Grand Hotel (at the lobby), 8 Dong Khoi, Dist.1, Ho Chi Minh City TeL: (08) 2246-6839 Mobile: 0908 229 708 Email: ngoclongfineart@yahoo.com

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 ($184) Tan Son Nhat Hotel 200 Hoang Van Thu St, Ward 9, Phu Nhuan Dist, Ho Chi Minh City Tel: (08) 3844-1039 Email: hotel@tsnhotel.com www.tsnhotel.com From VND785,400 ($37)

GALLERIES 93 - 95 Dong Khoi St, Dist.1, Ho Chi Minh City Tel: (08) 3829-1623 www.vietnamhousesaigon.com Established in 1992, Vietnam House is a charming restaurant inside a French-Vietnamese style colonial mansion on chic Dong Khoi Street.. The restaurant features over 200 Vietnamese dishes, piano and traditional music.

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

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

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

Caffe Molinari 5 Le Duan St, Dist.1, Ho Chi Minh City Tel: (08) 3910-6903 Email: molinari@vnn.vn www.caffemolinari.com

Craig Thomas Gallery 27i Tran Nhat Duat St, Dist.1, Ho Chi Minh City Mobile: 0903 888 431 Email: cthomasgallery@gmail.com

BARS & CAFÉS

vietnam heritage - may-june 2014

• 53

CENTRE OF HO

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

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

2 1 4 14

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

1 7 V 17 -Spa V-Spa

4 2

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

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

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

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

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

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

CHI MINH CITY D

15 10 5

13 1

16 9 3

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 mekOng delta www.cthomasgallery.com Open: 1 p.m. to 6 p.m. Closed Mondays and Sundays Galerie Quynh 65 De Tham St, Dist.1, Ho Chi Minh City Tel: (08) 3836-8019 www.galeriequynh.com

Vung Tau Tel: (064) 3835-567 Email: sales@vungtau.muongthanh.vn www.vungtau.muongthanh.vn From VND1,890,000 ($90) Grand Hotel Vung Tau

Email: sales@romeliss.com www.romeliesshotel.com A new three-star hotel at the Back Beach, the ‘best beach in Vung Tau,’ with nearly 50 rooms overlooking the beach! Many promotions at www.romliess.com Vietsov Petro Resort

Sàn Art 3 Me Linh St, Ward 19, Binh Thanh Dist., Ho Chi Minh City Tel: (08) 3840-0183 www.san-art.org Opening: 10.30 a.m. to 6.30 p.m. every. Closed on Sunday and Monday Tu Do Gallery 53 Ho Tung Mau St, Ben Nghe Ward, Dist.1, Ho Chi Minh City Tel: (08) 3821-0966 www.tudogallery.com Opening: 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. everyday MUSEUMS Fine Arts Museum of Ho Chi Minh City 97A Pho Duc Chinh St, Nguyen Thai Binh Ward, Dist.1, Ho Chi Minh City Tel: (08) 3829-4441 www.baotangmythuattphcm.com Open 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Closed Mondays. Ho Chi Minh City Museum 65 Ly Tu Trong St, Ben Nghe Ward, Dist.1, Ho Chi Minh City Tel: (08) 3829-9741 www.hcmc-museum.edu.vn Open daily 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Independence Palace 135 Nam Ky Khoi Nghia St, Ben Thanh Ward, Dist.1, Ho Chi Minh City Tel: (08) 3822-3652 www.dinhdoclap.gov.vn Open daily, 7.30 a.m. to 11.30 a.m., 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. 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.

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

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) A four star hotel, 125 km from Saigon, built in 1890s with the French architecture, near the beach and few hundreds metres from Vung Tau Hydrofoil Terminal. 66 rooms and 17 apartments, three meeting rooms seated from 20 to 250 and wedding services. Palace Hotel

Petro House Hotel 63 Tran Hung Dao St, Ward 1, Vung Tau Tel: (064) 3852-014 Email: info@petrohousehotel.vn www.petrohousehotel.vn From VND1,260,000 ($60) Newly refurbished rooms conveniently located near Vung Tau ferry terminal. Catering to Asian and European tastes with Malaysian cuisine specialty. Romeliess Hotel

The Imperial Hotel & Residences Vung Tau 159 - 163 Thuy Van St, Vung Tau Tel: (064) 3628-888 Email: info@imperialhotel.vn www.imperialhotel.vn

LONG HAI

Long Hai is a beach town, 30km northeast of Vung Tau and 124 km southeast of HCMC. Anoasis Beach Resort Domain Ky Van, Long Hai, Ba Ria – Vung Tau Province Tel: (064) 3868-227 Email: sales@anoasisresort.com.vn www.anoasisresort.com.vn From VND2,310,000 ($110) The Grand Ho Tram Strip

Note: Prices at many hotels depend on occupancy and change daily 31 - 33 Thuy Van St, Vung Tau Tel: (064) 3613-366

56 • vietnam heritage - may-june 2014

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 Email: 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 1 Le Loi St, Chau Doc Town, An Giang Province Tel: (076) 3865-010 Email: resa.chaudoc@victoriahotels.asia www.victoriahotels.asia From VND3,169,000 ($149)

Phuoc Thuan, Xuyen Moc, Ba Ria-Vung Tau Province Tel: (064) 3788-888 Email: info@thegrandhotramstrip.com www.thegrandhotramstrip.com

CON DAO

HOTELS, RESORTS

Mường Thanh Vung Tau Hotel No 09, Thong Nhat St, Ward 1,

Phuoc Thuan Commune, Xuyen Moc Dist., Ba Ria-Vung Tau Tel: (064) 3782-266 Email: info@vietsovpetroresort.com www.vietsovpetroresort.com

MUSEUM

Petrosetco Hotel 12 Truong Cong Dinh St, Ward 2, Vung Tau Tel: (064) 3624-748 Email: sales@petrosetco.com.vn www.petrosetcohotel.vn From VND1,085,700 ($52)

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

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

con-dao/destination From VND14,490,000 ($690) Six Senses Con Dao has been selected as one of 2013's 25 Best Ecolodges by National Geographic Traveler

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/

Victoria Nui Sam Lodge Vinh Dong 1, Nui Sam, Chau Doc, An Giang Province Tel: (076) 3575-888 Email: 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

directiOnS Phu QuOc, OverSeaS p.m. to 5 p.m. Closed on Monday Entrance fee: VND42,000 ($2)

PHU QUOC

(TELEPHONE CODE: 077) Phu Quoc Island, off the southern tip of Vietnam in the Gulf of Thailand, has some of the most beautiful beaches in the country. White-sand beaches, scuba diving around coral reefs or exploring the protected jungle. Accessible by either the Rach Gia hydrofoil boat or a 50-minute flight from Ho Chi Minh City. Modest family-owned bungalows on the beach to fivestar resorts. HOTELS, RESORTS Note: Prices at many hotels depend on occupancy and change daily Eden Resort Phu Quoc Cua Lap Hamlet, Duong To Ward, Phu Quoc District, Kien Giang Province Tel: (077) 3985-598 Email: reservations@edenresort.com.vn

www.edenresort.com.vn Chen Sea Resort & Spa Phu Quoc, Centara Boutique Collection Bai Xep, Ong Lang, Cua Duong, Phu Quoc Island Tel: (077) 3995-895 Email: cpv@chr.co.th www.centarahotelsresorts.com From VND3,381,000 ($161) La Veranda Resort Tran Hung Dao St, Ward 7, Duong Dong Town Phu Quoc Island Tel: (077) 3982-988 Email: 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 Open: Wednesday to Friday, noon to 2:30 p.m., Monday to Saturday, 6 p.m. to 10.30 p.m. French and Vietnamese dishes

INDONESIA

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

Hung Ky Mi Gia 5237 El Cajon Blvd, San Diego, CA 92115; Tel: (1) 619-229-2188 Serves noodle varieties with prices starting at $5 per dish Open 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. International Restaurant 1 4444 – A University Ave, San Diego, CA 92115 Tel: (1) 619-281-9999 Little Saigon 7 Linden Ave (Railroad) South San Francisco, CA 94080 Tel: (1) 650-589-1398 New York-NY Saigon Grill 620 Amsterdam Ave, New York, NY 10024 Tel: (1) 212-875-9072 Serves over 100 Vietnamese dishes including vegetarian options Open 11 a.m. to 12 a.m. Mai Lan Vietnamese 505 N State St Syracuse, NY 13203 Tel: (1) 315-471-6740 www.mailanrestaurant.com L’Annam 121 University Pl New York, NY 10022 Tel: (1) 212-420-1414 VIRGINIA-VA Minh’s Vietnamese 2500 Wilson Blvd Arlington, VA 22201 Tel: (1) 703-525-2828 Prices start at $15 per dish Open 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. (closed on Mondays) WASHINGTON-WC Ho Bac 1314 S Jackson St Seattle, WA 98144 Tel: (1) 206-860-8164 Kieu Nga Lemongrass Restaurant vietnam heritage - may-june 2014

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laid back

Photo:Do Quang Tuan Hoang

Clockwise from top: Farming in Pac Rang Village, Cao Bang Province; A Pacoh man dries a buffalo-skin drum before performing. The skin gets slack after it is left unused for a long time; Shrink-wrapped coffins in Dalat; Hoi An, May, 2012. Photo from Vietnam Heritage Photo Awards 2013

58 â&#x20AC;˘ vietnam heritage - may-june 2014

Photo: Erik Johnson

Photo: Dang Ke Cuong