viet nam Viet nam: through the ages
Discover
visit
The sights, sounds and tastes of Viet Nam
vibrant Viet nam
The Vietnamese Supplement was brought to you by The Copenhagen Post in association with the Viet Nam Embassy
Autumn, weekend and family holidays in Denmark for the whole family
LOW R
GUAR
BEST
ATE
ANTE
WES
TERN
ED
.DK
Bring the whole family to one of our 24 Best Western Hotels
Prices from DKK
795,-
Family room 2 adults and 1 child* incl. breakfast buffet, free internet, double Rewards points** and with you and your family in focus.
ra **Sign up fo of ip sh er memb
oints for and earn p ht and ig n ee a fr ! a lot more
*Children up to 12 years. Additional bed from 150 DKK. The offer is only available in weekends and during Danish holidays. Rates are subject to availability.
Book your stay today on toll free number +45 8001 0988 or visit bestwestern.dk /BestWesternDanmark
EMBASSY SUPPLEMENT
Ambassador’s welcome ing peaceful environment and cooperation, and its people’s living standards dramatically improved.
Dear readers, You are now holding a printed publication to celebrate the 69th anniversary of National Day of the Socialist Republic of Viet Nam (02/9/1945-02/9/2014). This is a great stamp which marks an important milestone in the development stage of our country. During the past 69 years our hard-working and creative Vietnamese people have been building the country from a poor agro-colonised country into a more beautiful and prosperous country, moving in the direction of industrialisation and modernisation. Notably, the Renovation Process (Doi Moi), which has been implemented nearly past 30 years, has brought tremendous achievements to the country as it moves to a period of extensive and comprehensive integration with improving position within the international arena. Today, Viet Nam’s economy is growing rapidly and dynamically; the politics is stable, the social security is guaranteed, the defense capability is strengthened and contributing to maintain-
A clear testimony for the above-mentioned success is the country’s dynamic economic growth rate. In 20 years (1991-2011), Viet Nam’s GDP reached 7.34% per year, among one of the fastest growing economies in Southeast Asia in particular, Asia and the world in general. In the period 2011-2013, despite challenges and difficulties, it reached 5.6%. Many international organisations forecast that Viet Nam could achieve faster growth in the 2014-2015 period and the next years with an increase of about 6.5-7% per year. In 2013, Viet Nam’s GDP reached the amount of nearly 176 billion USD, and income per capita was about 1960 USD. Viet Nam will able to accomplish in advance the goal reaching income per capita of 2000 USD by 2015. There have been approximately 100 countries and territories having projects in the country, with over 100 multinational corporations presently active in Viet Nam. As of August 2014, there are over 16 300 valid Foreign Direct Investment projects with registered capital of about 238 billion US dollars. With the slogan “Safety, friendship and quality”, Viet Nam is among one of five attractive destinations for tourism in Southeast Asia with the number of 7.57 million foreign visitors to the country in 2013, and is aiming to have 11-12 million international visitors in 2020 with its total revenues expected to reach 18-19 billion USD. The overarching goal of Doi Moi is “prosperous people, strong country, democratic, equitable and civilised society”. After nearly 30 years of reforms, the promotion of human rights in Viet Nam have been further guaranteed by the State and clearly expressed in all fields from politics, economics, culture, society, and especially the Internet development. On the international level, Viet Nam has always been appreciated for the achievement of so-
cio-economic development, ensuring social security, poverty reduction, universal education, promoting gender equality, improving human development indicators and environmental protection. With the accomplishment six out of eight Millennium Development Goals, Viet Nam is seen as a good model in this field. These achievements have helped Viet Nam to be elected to the Human Rights Council of the United Nations with the highest level of votes in the elections history (184/193 countries). Viet Nam also has trade and investment relations with 225/250 countries and territories. The achievements of our country during Doi Moi have positively strengthened Viet Nam-Denmark relations. With over 40 years of relations (since the establishment of diplomatic relations in 1971) the two countries have increasingly close cooperation in all fields, demonstrated through the signing of the Joint Declaration on comprehensive partnership between Viet Nam and Denmark on occasion of the State visit of the President of Viet Nam, Mr. Truong Tan Sang to Denmark in September 2013. With the outcome of cooperation in the past and the good momentum of cooperation at the present, we could believe our relationship will continue to be further strengthened in the future. In this spirit, we expect that this publication will provide readers with useful information about the country and people of Viet Nam. We also wish to convey through this publication our hope that each person will make a small contribution to sustainably building up traditional friendship relations and comprehensive partnership cooperation between Viet Nam and Denmark for the interest of each other’s and striving for peace, cooperation and sustainable development in the world. Kind regards, Lai Ngoc Doan Ambassador of Viet Nam in Denmark
President and Publisher: Ejvind Sandal ● Editor: David Nothling ● Layout: Lyndsay Jensen ● Sales & Marketing Director: Hans Hermansen, hans@cphpost.dk, Tel: +45 2420 2411 ● Picture credit for images: Thinkstock
EMBASSY SUPPLEMENT
Viet nam: A history From humble beginnings through centuries of conflict, Viet Nam has emerged as a powerhouse in Asia. preserve and build on the quintessence of its culture and the determination to gain national independence. A typical feature of Vietnamese culture is the village culture. It is Vietnamese villages that have nurtured and fostered the quintessence of the traditional culture, the spirit of unity among the Vietnamese in the struggle against the domination of the North and the policy of assimilation of Northern dynasties to gain national independence, maintaining the nation’s traditions and cultures.
The first state Viet Nam is located in a region considered a cradle of mankind, one of the earliest agricultural centres practicing wet rice farming, where the stone and metallurgical revolutions took place. The first state in Viet Nam, Van Lang, was established in the 7th century B.C. Thanks to their hard work and creativeness, Van Lang (and then Au Lac) residents created a civilisation that influenced the entire Southeast Asian region. Viet Nam evolved into a diverse economy and advanced culture known as the Red River civilisation (or Dong Son civilisation) symbolised by Dong Son bronze drum, a heritage reflecting the quintessence of the lifestyle, traditions and culture of the ancient Vietnamese.
Centuries of conflict In the cause of national building, the Vietnamese also had to cope with many years of foreign aggression. During 12 centuries from the resistance against the Qin dynasty in the 3rd century B.C until late 20th century, the Vietnamese had to endure hundreds of wars and uprisings against foreign aggression. Since the 2nd century B.C, Viet Nam had been dominated by different Chinese dynasties for more than a thousand years. During this period, the existence of the nation had been challenged which helped give rise to the spirit of indomitability and staunchness of the Vietnamese in the struggle to maintain the nation’s vitality,
The Bach Dang victory in 938 opened up a new era in Viet Nam’s history – the era of development of an independent feudal state, national construction and defence. As a result, the centralised-administration state was established under the Ngo (938-965), Dinh (969-979) and earlier Le (980-1009) dynasties. Then, Viet Nam entered the period of renaissance and development under the Ly (1009-1226), Tran (1226-1400), Ho (1400-1407) and Le So (14281527) dynasties. Dai Viet, the name of the country under the Ly-Tran-Le So dynasties, was known as a prosperous country in Asia. This period marked the golden age of Viet Nam’s history. Economically, this period saw the development of agriculture, irrigation (with the construction of the Red River dike) and the formation of traditional handicrafts.
Colonial rule From the 16th century, the backwardness and weakness of the feudal regime under Confucius ideology were revealed, feudalism fell into a decline. While many nation states in Europe were moving to capitalism, Dai Viet was bogged down in internal wars and divisions, which heavily impeded the country’s evolution. In the 19th century, Western capitalist countries entered the period of imperialism and colonialism. Through missionaries and trade, the French gradually dominated Viet Nam, and for the first time in history, the Vietnamese nation had to cope with the invasion of a Western country. Viet Nam became a semi-feudal colony for nearly 100 years from 1858 to 1945. Eventually, the struggle against the French colonialists was initiated by two forces; the bour-
geoisies (represented by Viet Nam Quoc Dan Dang and Yen Bai revolt in early 1930) and the proletarians led by the Communist Party of Viet Nam. The formation of the Communist Party of Viet Nam marked the prevailing strength of the working class and revolutionary movements led by the proletarians. A successful liberation struggle lead to independence on 2nd September 1945, and the Democratic Republic of Viet Nam came into being. The French however returned, and Viet Nam was at arms with them for some nine years. After Viet Nam’s victory over Dien Bien Phu, Viet Nam and France signed the Geneva Treaty in 1954, and the French were forced to leave Viet Nam. However another colonial power, America, built up a pro-American administration namely the Republic of South Viet Nam. This was in violation of the Geneva Treaty and for 20 years the country continued to be divided. Between 1954 and 1975, Viet Nam had to fight another war for national liberation and unification.
Building a great nation With the famous victory of the Ho Chi Minh Operation, came once again independence in 1975. Since then, the unified Viet Nam has ushered into a new era of peace, unification and national construction. At the 6th Congress of the Communist Party in 1986, the Doi Moi (reform) policy was launched with the focus on economic reform. This marked an important milestone in the new stage of development of the Vietnamese nation. The Doi Moi policy was consistently reaffirmed throughout the later Party Congresses. With the implementation of four five-year socio-economic development plans, Viet Nam went from being a food importing country, to becoming the second largest rice exporter in the world. The economy attained high growth rates in the late 20th century and the early years of the 21st century and people’s lives have been significantly improved; social policy received greater attention, the legal system has become increasingly complete and social management based on the rule of law put into place.
EMBASSY SUPPLEMENT
Visit vibrant
Viet nam
➊
➋ From beautiful beaches, expansive mountain ranges, breath-taking national parks and cities that are a mix of both modern architecture and natural charm, Viet Nam truly has it all. Although the American War is long past, its impact endures, and visitors to this country that is steeped in international history will still find reminders of that devastating conflict everywhere they travel. But Viet Nam is so much more than just the remains of a war zone; its cities are dynamic, natural wonders awe-inspiring and its people jovial, all this contributing to a thriving tourism sector. Viet Nam is well worth a visit, and here are just a few reasons why… Viet Nam is located in both a tropical and a temperate climate zone. The country’s climate is characterised by strong monsoon influences, but has a considerable amount of sun, a high rate of rainfall, and high humidity. Regions located near the tropics and in the mountainous regions are endowed with a temperate climate. Three quarters of Viet Nam’s territory consists of mountains and hills, and the country is divided into four distinct mountainous zones. The mountainous regions are contrasted by the hundreds of kilometres of sand and surf, not forgetting the many beautiful resorts tourists can visit for some beach-side relaxation.
➊ the “hawaii” of viet nam Located in Binh Thuan Province, about 220km from Ho Chi Minh City centre, Mui Ne is a pristine beach with immense sand dunes meandering through kilometres of red, yellow and white, shady roads under coconut trees, beautiful rows of palm trees and cliffs battered by the waves of the sea. The scenery is even more fascinating at dawn, when young Cham girls in green dresses go to work. Mui Ne is an ideal place for rest and relaxation, with many resorts along the seacoast. Tourists can swim in the blue water of the sea, lay on the sand dunes, relax in swimming pools of resorts or kiteboard and windsurf.
nels, as well as many theatres and cultural houses. The city’s architecture is made up of many beautiful buildings, displaying a characteristic combination of Vietnamese, Chinese and European cultures. These include Nha Rong (Dragon House Wharf), Quoc To Temple (National Ancestors Temple), Xa Tay (Municipal Office), Ho Chi Minh Municipal Theatre as well as many pagodas and churches. After more than 300 years of development, Ho Chi Minh City presents many ancient architectural constructions, famous vestiges and renowned sights. It is remarkable for its harmonious blending of traditional national values with northern and western cultural features.
➌ natural beauty Da Nang City is located in middle of Central Viet Nam, between Ha Noi and Ho Chi Minh City, separated from Laos by the western Truong Son Mountains. It is surrounded by Thua Thien-Hue along the northern border and Quang Nam on the southern border, and is embraced by the East Sea with 150km of spectacular seacoast. Da Nang is an ancient land, closely related with the Sa Huynh cultural traditions. Many imposing palaces, towers, temples, citadels and ramparts can still be seen in Cham Museum, along with other fascinating attractions in the region including; Ba Na Tourist Resort, Ngu Hanh Son (Marble Mountains) as well as the Linh Ung Pagoda, Han River, and My An, Non Nuoc beaches, stretching across dozens of kilometres. Sources: http://www.lonelyplanet.com; http://www.vietnamtourism.com
➋ city splendour Ho Chi Minh City is the big tourism centre in Viet Nam, attracting a large volume of visitors to Viet Nam. The city has various attractions including the popular Ho Chi Minh Museum, formerly known as Dragon House Wharf and Cu Chi Tun-
➌
EMBASSY SUPPLEMENT
the crossroads of cultures Viet Nam: A melting-pot of beliefs, languages, peoples and philosophies
Viet Nam is a country built on an array of influences and reference points. It can be said that there are three layers of culture overlapping each other during the history of Viet Nam: Local culture, the culture that mixed with those of China and other countries in the region, and the culture that interacted with Western culture. In the south, Indian and Hindu culture has had a lasting influence, and is evident in the remarkable Cham temples, whilst to the north Chinese sways are far more apparent. In addition, the French colonial legacy, as well as American involvement in the country have all shaped the culture, and people of this unique land.
Ethnic origins The Vietnamese people have their origin in the Mongolid race, believed to be one of the major races of the world; its people often found in northern and eastern Asia. The Vietnamese nation was formed through a process of two major ancient cultures, the Chinese and the Indian. At present there are 54 different ethnic groups inhabiting Viet Nam, in which the Kinh (Viet) people make up nearly 90% of the whole population, and 53 other ethnic groups represent just over 10%. Through the course of national development, all these groups of people have been closely attached to one another in sharing the same tasks of fighting against foreign invaders, defending the country’s territory, gaining the right to live and the right to national independence and self-determination. Each group of ethnic people have developed their
own language and identity, thus making the Vietnamese culture, long known for its variety, a well-blended combination of different cultures.
Values, beliefs and ideals The period of modern Vietnamese culture has gradually taken shape since the 30’s and 40’s of this century under the banner of patriotism and Marxism-Leninism – a socialist ideology. Vietnamese culture, with the intensive integration into the world of modern civilisation and the preservation and enhancement of the national identity, promises to reach a new historical peak, using its diversity in cultural influence to its advantage. On the scale of spiritual values, the Vietnamese highly appreciate “Benevolence” and closely combine it with “Righteousness” and “Virtues”; no benevolence and righteousness are tantamount to no virtues. When it comes to religion, the major traditions in Viet Nam are Buddhism (which fuses forms of Taoism and Confusianism), Christianity (Catholicism and Protestantism), Islam, Caodaism and the Hoa Hao sect.
Did you know? The 54 different ethnic groups inhabiting Viet Nam can be divided further into eight different groups by the Vietnamese language (The Viet, the Tay, the Mon, the Mong, the Kadai, the Nam Dao, the Han and the Tang Groups).
EMBASSY SUPPLEMENT
Delicious
Vietnamese dishes From Pho Bo to Nuoc Cham, discover the simple flavours that make Vietnamese cuisine simply enjoyable.
Pho Bo (Beef Noodle Soup) Broth ingredients 3 cans beef broth (low-salt suggested) 2 carrots, julienne 4 slices fresh ginger, chopped 1 cinnamon stick 1 star anise 2 whole cloves 2 cloves garlic 2 teaspoons black peppercorns 3 Tablespoons fish sauce Accompaniments ingredients ½ pound roast beef 1 onion, thinly sliced 2 cups fresh bean sprouts Ÿ cup chopped cilantro 1 bunch fresh basil, coarsely chopped 2 or more chilies, sliced at a diagonal 2 limes, cut into wedges 1 package rice noodles, cooked
The Vietnamese eating habit tends towards vegetarianism; rice and vegetables are the main course of the meal that may be diversified by adding a type of salty fish. Although this may not seem very appetising nor something you would find at a gourmet restaurant, the Vietnamese cooking style involves many diverse materials and ingredients that visitors to this country will discover on just about every street corner. Many of the most popular dishes can be made just as well on the side of the road as in a top-end restaurant. It is this simplicity, with subtle variations by region and the fresh ingredients that keep you coming back for more.
Vietnamese staples Plain rice (com trang) is at the centre of the Vietnamese diet. Steamed rice is part of almost every meal. The Vietnamese prefer long-grain white rice, as opposed to the short-grain rice more common in Chinese cooking. Rice is also transformed into other common ingredients such as rice wine, rice vinegar, rice noodles, and rice paper wrappers for spring rolls. Just as essential to Vietnamese cuisine as rice and noodles is nuoc mam, a salty fish sauce that is used in most Vietnamese recipes (just as salt is used in most Western dishes). Nuoc mam is produced in factories along the coast of Viet Nam. Anchovies and salt are layered in wooden barrels and then allowed to ferment for about six months. The light-coloured, firstdrained sauce is the most desirable. It is also the most expensive and reserved primarily for table use. Less expensive nuoc mam is used in cooking. When shopping for nuoc mam, one should look for the words ca com on the label, which indicates the highest quality.
The most popular condiment is nuoc cham (dipping sauce), which is as common in Viet Nam as ketchup is in North America. Saucers filled with nuoc cham are present at practically every meal, and diners dip everything from spring rolls to meatballs into it. Nuoc cham is quite simple to make and will keep in the refrigerator for up to 30 days. A few spoonful’s over a bowl of plain rice can be considered an authentic Vietnamese peasant meal.
Method Make broth by pouring contents from three cans of broth into a large saucepan. Add carrots, ginger, cinnamon, star anise, cloves, garlic, and peppercorns. Simmer covered for 20 minutes. Add fish sauce and simmer about five more minutes. Strain by pouring through a colander. To serve, arrange the following on a platter: beef, onion, bean sprouts, cilantro, basil, chilies, lime wedges, and noodles. Ladle the broth into bowls, and serve. Each person chooses items from the platter to add to his or her bowl of broth.
Food Words in Vietnamese Pho (fol) = soup bo (ball) = beef ga (gaw) = chicken gao (gow) = uncooked rice com (gum) = cooked rice nuoc mam (nook mum) = fish sauce bun (poom) = noodles cuon (coom) = salad or lettuce
Sources: http://www.foodbycountry.com/; http:// www.cnn.com
INVESTMENT OPPORTUNITY
Ground floor, 9 floors, 1 mezzanine, 1 basement, 68 bedrooms (60 small rooms, 8 big apartments) hall, bar,terrace. Northwest. Bank owned listing SPECS: ❖ House ❖ 3,700 m² of Habitable Space ❖ 365 m² of Land Size
Ground floor, 9 floors, 1 mezzanine, 1 basement, 68 bedrooms (60 small rooms, 8 big apartments) hall, bar,terrace. Northwest. Bank owned listing SPECS: ❖ House ❖ 1,500 m² of Habitable Space ❖ 183 m² of Land Size
For more information please contact: Helena Duong helena.duong@kwc.com