1

FOREWORD

Although many westerners still imagine Vietnam through

the lens of war, Vietnam is also a beautiful country with captivating natural beauty village life. So many years have passed since Vietnam was officially united and in that time it has done a remarkable job of healing its wound. Today Vietnam is an outstanding travel of destination

Editor: Phm Phng Tho Trn Th Thng V Bi Thu Thy Hong Minh Tr Appendix: Nguyn Th Thu Hong Vn Thng

INTRODUCTION

3 I. HISTORY: History of Vietnam, according to Vietnamese legends, dates back more than 4,000 years. For most of the period from 111 BC to early 10th century, it was under the direct rule of successive dynasties from China. Vietnam regained autonomy in 939 AD, and complete independence a century later. While for much of its history, Vietnam remained a tributary state to the much larger neighbor -China, it repelled repeated attempts by China to make it once again part of the Middle Kingdom Empire, including the three invasions by the Mongols during the Yuan Dynasty, when China was under Mongolian rule. The independent period temporarily ended in mid-19th century, when France colonized the country. During World War II, Japan expelled the French to occupy Vietnam, though they retained French administrators during their occupation. After the war, France attempted to reestablish its colonial rule but ultimately failed. The Geneva Accords partitioned the country in two with a promise of democratic election to reunite the country. That election never took place, but gave way, depending on one's perspective, to a civil war, or another battlefield of then ongoing global ideological conflict, The Cold War -- the Vietnam War. During this time, the North was supported by the People's Republic of China and the Soviet Union, while the South was supported by the United States. After millions of Vietnamese deaths, and the American withdrawal from Vietnam in March 1973, the war ended with the capture of Saigon by the North in April 1975. Due to then heightened ongoing ideological and economic conflicts of The Cold War, and its invasion of Cambodia, Vietnam remained internationally isolated and politically oppressed. In 1986, the Communist Party of Vietnam changed its economic policy and started to move towards reform of the private sector similar to that seen in China. II. GEOGRAPHY: Vietnam is located on the eastern margin of the Indochinese peninsula and occupies about 331,688 square kilometers, of which about 25 % was under cultivation in 1987. It borders the Gulf of Thailand, Gulf of Tonkin, and South China Sea, alongside China, Laos, and Cambodia. The Sshaped country has a north-to-south distance of 1,650 kilometers and about 50 kilometers wide at the narrowest point. With a coastline of 3,260 kilometers, excluding islands, Vietnam claims 12 nautical miles (22.2 km; 13.8 mi) as the limit of its territorial waters, an additional 12 nautical miles (22.2 km; 13.8 mi) as a contiguous customs and security zone, and 200 nautical miles (370.4 km; 230.2 mi) as an exclusive economic zone. III. POPULATION:

4 Vietnam is a multi-nations country, which is home to the people of about different 54 nations. However, about 90% of the population is Vietnamese but there are a large number of ethnic minorities. Spread over an area of about 331,690 sq.kms Vietnam has a population of more than 83, 535, 576 people. IV. CULTURE: Due to its long history as a tributary state of China, as well as several periods of Chinese occupations, Vietnamese culture is heavily influenced by that of Southern China, with Confucianism forming the basis of Vietnamese society. The Vietnamese language also contains many loan words from Chinese, though the two languages are unrelated. Buddhism remains the single largest religion in Vietnam, though like in China but unlike in the rest of northern Southeast Asia, the dominant school of Buddhism in Vietnam is the Mahayana School. Nevertheless, Vietnamese culture remains distinct from Chinese culture as it has also absorbed cultural elements from neighboring Hindu civilizations such as the Champak and the Khmer empires. The French colonization has also left a lasting impact on Vietnamese society, with baguettes and coffee remaining popular among locals. RELIGION: The major religious traditions in Vietnam are Buddhism (which fuses forms of Taoism and Confucianism), Christianity (Catholicism and Protestantism), Islam, Caodaism and the Hoa Hao sect. Buddhism was first introduced to Vietnam in the 2nd century, and reached its peak in the Ly dynasty. It was then regarded as the official religion dominating court affairs. As such, many pagodas and temples were built during this time. Presently, over 70 percent of the population of Vietnam are either Buddhist or strongly influenced by Buddhist practices. V. LANGUAGE: Vietnamese (Ting Vit) is the national and official language of Vietnam. It is the mother tongue of 86% of Vietnam's population, and of about three million overseas Vietnamese. It is also spoken as a second language by many ethnic minorities of Vietnam. Much of Vietnamese vocabulary has been borrowed from Chinese, especially words that denote abstract ideas (in the same way European languages borrow from Latin and Greek), and it was formerly written using the Chinese writing system, albeit in a modified format and was given vernacular pronunciation. As a product of French colonial rule, the language displays some influence from French, and the Vietnamese writing system in use today is an adapted version of the Latin alphabet, with additional diacritics for tones and certain letters.

VI. CLIMATE:

5 Vietnam's climate is as complex as its topography. Although the country lies entirely within the tropics, its diverse range of latitude, altitude, and weather patterns produces enormous climatic variation. North Vietnam, like China, has two basic seasons: a cold, humid winter from November to April, and a warm, wet summer for the remainder of the year. Summer temperatures average around 70 degrees Fahrenheit (about 22 C), with occasional typhoons to keep things exciting. The northern provinces of Central Vietnam share the climate of the North, while the southern provinces share the tropical weather of the South. South is generally warm, the hottest months being March through May, when temperatures rise into the mid-90's (low-30's C). This is also the dry season in the south, followed by the April-October monsoon season. VII. ECONOMY & POLITICS: At the 6th Congress of the Vietnamese Communist Party in December 1986 the Vietnamese Government launched a bold new policy of social, economic and political reform under the rubric of i mi ('renovation'), aimed at transforming the old command economy into a market-based one. Since that time free enterprise has been encouraged and foreign investment and dollarspending tourists welcomed. Decades of war and suffering had left Vietnam in poor economic shape, but reformist economic policies introduced after 1986 stimulated a period of rapid economic growth, attracting over US$30 billion of cumulative authorized foreign investment during the decade prior to 1998. Despite the negative effects of the recent South East Asian economic crisis and the devastation caused by frequent floods, annual growth rates have remained in the region of 6-9 per cent for the past few years. Vietnam is still one of the poorest countries in Asia, with an estimated per capita income of less than US$300 per annum, but average annual inflation has fallen sharply and the economic outlook is now encouraging. Nowadays, Vietnam negotiated a bilateral trade agreement with the USA, marking the completion of bilateral negotiations with World Trade Organization (WTO) members the country required to qualify for accession to the organization. Among other steps taken in the process of transitioning to a market economy, Vietnam in July 2006 updated its intellectual property legislation to comply with TRIPS. Vietnam was accepted into membership of the WTO on 7 November 2006.

VIII. Entry and exit procedures:

6 To enter and exit Vietnam, visitors are required to fulfill the entrance and exit procedures in the form (in Vietnamese or in English languages). Luggage of people on entry (including clothes, personal belongings with reasonable quantity in service of the trips purpose) must be declared in case as follows:

Luggage exceeds duty free concessions Luggage sent before or after trips Professional equipment temporarily imported and re-exported or vice versa; Addictive medicines Other medicines exceed 30 USD in value Foreign currency exceeds 7,000 USD (seven thousand US dollars), or its equivalence other

foreign currency, or over 15,000,000 VND (fifteen million Vietnam Dong), in cash. Notes: Foreigners on entry carry luggage, which exceeds the duty-free quotas, presents and gifts with the total value not exceeding VND 1,000,000 (one million) shall be exempt from taxes Sources: http://www.asiarooms.com/en/travel-guide/vietnam/ http://www.geographia.com/vietnam/viet02.htm

NORTHERN VIETNAM

HANOI CAPITAL

8 I. HISTORY: Hanoi is the capital of Vietnam. In the fall of 1010, King Ly Thai To (Ly Cong Uan) moved the capital from Hoa Lu to Dai La. On the way, the king saw a vision of a golden dragon ascending from the Red river (Song Hong). The King decided to change Dai La to Thang Long (Ascending Dragon). Thang Long remained the capital city until the end of the Tran dynasty when in 1397, the capital city was moved to Thanh Hoa -Tay Do (Western Capital) and Thang Long became Dong Do (Eastern Capital). Most Vietnamese and Westerners are familiar with the phrase Ha Noi ba muoi sau Pho Phuong or Ha Noi 36 districts. Similar to the Guilder age of Europe, Ha Noi's 36 districts is Vietnam's version of the guild concept. Long ago, as artisans moved to the capital city to do business, they gathered in an area as a way to share resources. As a result, many of the streets are named after the crafts that were sold on that street. Pho Hang Bun (Vermicelli), Pho Hang Ma (paper product), Pho Hang Bac (Jewelry) are a few of the streets carrying the name of the products sold on the street. II. CLIMATE: Hanoi is situated in a tropical monsoon zone with two main seasons. During the dry season, which lasts from October to April, it is cold and there is very little rainfall, except from January to March, when the weather is still cold but there is some light rain. The wet season, from May to September, is hot with heavy rains and storms. Typical weather of North Vietnam, Hanoi climate belongs to tropical monsoon temperature type: hot summer with high rainfall and cold winter, rare of rain. Located in tropical zone, Hanoi has abundant radiation aro-und year. Average total of radiation is accounted to 122.8Lcal/cm2, sunshine hour is 1641 and annual temperature is 23.6C. June is hottest month and the temperature may reaches to 38C. The coldest month is recorded in January. Hanoi receives relatively high humidity and rainfall. The average annually humidity is 79% and rainfall is 1,800mm a year. III. OLD QUARTER: Main gate to the Temple of Literature Hoan Kiem lake by night The Old Quarter, near Hoan Kiem lake, has the original street layout and architecture of old Hanoi. At the beginning of the 20th century, the city consisted of only about 36 streets, most of which are now part of the old quarter. Each street then had merchants and households specialized in a particular trade, such as silk traders, jewelry, etc. The street names nowadays still reflect these specializations, although few of them remain exclusively in their original commerce. The area is famous for its small artisans and merchants, including many silk shops. Local cuisine specialties as well as several clubs and bars can be found here also. A night market (near ng Xun market) in the heart of the

9 district opens for business every Friday, Saturday, and Sunday evening with a variety of clothing, souvenirs and food. Some others prominent places are: The Temple of Literature (Vn Miu), site of the oldest university in Vietnam 1070; One Pillar Pagoda (Cha Mt Ct); Flag Tower of Hanoi (Ct c H Ni). In 2004, a massive part of the 900-year-old Hanoi Citadel was discovered in central Hanoi, near the site of Ba Dinh square. IV. LAKES: A city between the rivers, built from lowland, Hanoi has many scenic lakes and sometime is called "city of lakes". Among its lakes, the most famous are Hoan Kiem Lake, West Lake, Halais Lake (H Thin Quang in Vietnamese), and Bay Mau Lake. West Lake (H Ty) is a popular place for people to spend time. It is the largest lake in Hanoi and there are many temples in the area. There are small boats for hire and a floating restaurant. V. FOODS: Hanoi has rich food traditions and many of Vietnam's most famous dishes, such as ph, ch c, bnh cun and cm are thought to come from Hanoi. Perhaps most widely known is Ph, a simple rice noodle soup often eaten as a breakfast dish in the home or at street side cafes, but also served in restaurants as a meal. Two varieties dominate the Hanoi scene: Ph B, containing beef, and Ph G, containing chicken. Shermans Travel has selected Hanoi as one of the top 10 cities for food in the world. Vietnam's national dish Ph has been also named as one of the Top5 street food in the world by global post. VI. TRANSPORTATIONS: Motor scooters dominate the roads in the Old Quarter (2007)Hanoi is served by Noi Bai International Airport, located in the Soc Son District, approximately 40 km (25 mi) north of Hanoi. Noi Bai is the only international airport for the northern regions of Vietnam. The route to the city via Thng Long Bridge is more direct than Highway 1, which runs along the outskirts of the city. The main highways are shared by cars, motor scooters, with separate lanes by the side for bicycles. Taxis are plentiful and usually have trip meters, although it is also common to agree on the trip price before taking a taxi from airport to the city centre. Tourists also sometimes tour the city on cycles especially in the Old Quarter. Hanoi is also the origin departure point for many Vietnam Railways train routes in the country. The Reunification Express (tu Thng Nht) runs from Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh City from Hanoi station (formerly Hang Co station), with stops at cities and provinces along the line. Trains also depart Hanoi frequently for Hai Phong and other northern cities. Public buses run on many routes and fare can be purchased on the bus. For short trips, "xe m" (literally, "hug vehicle") motorcycle taxis are available where the passenger sits at the rear of a motorbike. Source: en.wikipedia.org/wiki/hanoi

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Halong City
History: Ha Long city in Quang Ninh province, was established by Decree No. 102 ND-CP dated 27/12/1993 of Government on the basis of the old town of Hon Gai. On the basis of Hon Gai town has expanded, Halong City was established on 27/12/1993. In 2001, two Vietnamese communes of Hung Yen and Dai Bo district was merged with Ha Long city, making the city stretching from Yen Lap (close to the region of Yen Hung district) to the Buddha Deo (close to the area of market Cam Pha) today. Center City is now the old Oyster Beach, to the Nguyen Dynasty renamed the Social Model Rules. Center City is now the old Oyster Beach, to the Nguyen Dynasty renamed the Social Model Rules. Former east is the Ha Lam commune, Phong Lung. Overview: Hon Gai town as well as before, Halong City was chosen as the capital of Quang Ninh. Dated 16/08/2001, of Ha Long city expanded, merged two Vietnamese communes of Hung Yen and Dai Bo District with Decree No. 51/2001/ND-CP of the Government. Ha Long city in the center of the province's land area is 22,250 hectares, the National Highway 18A runs through the long form of the city, a seaport, 50 km long coastline, there is 2 times of Ha Long Bay UNESCO recognized as a World Heritage area of 434km2 Ha Long city has 20 administrative units, including 18 communes and 2 ward, 165km from Hanoi to the west, along Highway 18A, the center of Hai Phong city 70km south along Highway 10, the Mong Cai international border 180 km along Highway 18A. West of the city-center travel services, as well as the shipbuilding industry and the famous seaport of the country. Here, with international tourism Royal, Tuan Chau, with many hotels from 2 stars to 4 stars, with modern amenities to serve. Ha Long Bay - World Heritage Site: Ha Long Bay has a total area of 1553 km with 1969 islands, of which 989 islands and 980 named islands not named cover spread on the length of nearly 60 km, the area of Halong City, Cam Pha Town and Van Don district. The name Ha Long Bay is based on the ancient legend has it that: To help people fight against invaders, the gods from heaven sent down dragons ceiling to block the enemy from the sea. Dragons erupt like thousands of pearls, pearls turned into the islands. This is a place called the Dragon down to Ha Long. Ha Long is the jade green color, reflected clouds, mountain style, with fresh sea climate, there are many caves and mysterious islands with extraordinary shapes, interesting excursions to places most in Vietnam. Dated 17/12/1994, at City Hotel Meridian Phuket (Thailand) Council of World Heritage (World

11 Heritage Committee) during the 18th session, voted unanimously with very high recognition Bay Ha Long is the world's natural heritage, by "exceptional value and the value of a global cultural heritage and nature, are necessary to protect the interests of the entire world. Dated 29/11/2000, the Council of World Heritage in the 24th session in the city of Cairns (Australia) has recognized Halong Bay as a World Heritage value second place Complex historical and scenic spots in the city center including: Bai Tho Mountain, Temple Mr. Dong Hai Dai Vuong Duc, Long Tien Pagoda.. Bai Tho Mountain at Bach Dang ward This is a limestone mountain, 201m high, first in 1468 called Transmission Mount. Border guards who are stationed here, after receiving a message invaders swept into the burning pile border separates the dry mix into the flame wolf smoke coming up to tell the radio station adjacent to the Thang Long. Rat year in February (1468), King Le Thanh Tong martial browse the Bach Dang River, has patrolled the waters of An Bang, stationed in the mountains of Transmission and he gave her a poem carved into rocky cliffs to the east. From there, the people renamed the mountain Mount Poems. Temple Mr. Dong Hai Dai Vuong Duc Dong Hai Dai Vuong Tran Quoc Nghien, eldest son of Hung Dao Dai Vuong Tran Quoc Tuan. He is instrumental in the resistance of the people of Vietnam in the thirteenth century against invaders and his victory would be attached to this land, so people up the temple. The temple was built in what is not clear, leaving only the stele inscribed restored in 1913. The temple overlooking the Cua Luc, Ben Doan Street, Hong Gai ward. Ha Long City People's annual festival of his death anniversary on March 24th lunar month. Long Tien Pagoda on the mountain Poems From a small temple, was rebuilt, opening in 1941, worship Buddha in the main hall, two offers and useful description, the left coordinate church is the Holy Father Hung Dao Dai Vuong Tran Quoc Tuan, the right hand of Mother Church is the Office Coordinator Marian method. Addresses cultural As a political and cultural center of the province, Ha Long city address some other cultural workers such as Vietnamese Cultural Palace Japanese Cultural Palace for children, the Stadium and the sport. In addition, library, cultural centers and bookstores hoaTinh. Halong City is the headquarters of the Department of Culture and Arts Union Provincial Art, Literature and Art Association of Ha Long city, with many famous artists in the country. Sources: http://www.halongcity.gov.vn/vpages/intro.asp?ml=0101 http://www.dulichhalong.com/category/du-lich-ha-long-2/danh-lam-thang-canh-ha-long/page/2/

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Lang Son travel guide

Lang Son is a frontier mountainous province in the Northeast of Vietnam. It shares border with Cao Bang Province on the south, Bac Giang Province on the north, Guangxi (China) on the east, Quang Ninh Province on the northeast and Bac Kan, Thai Nguyen provinces on the west. Mountains and hills cover over 80% of the province's total area. The complex network of rivers makes a good condition for agriculture. Main rivers that run through the province are: Ky Cung, Ba Thin, Bac Giang, Bac Khe, Thuong, Hoa, and Trung rivers. Lang Son has two international border gates including Dong Dang railway border gate and Huu Nghi road border gate, two national border gates such as Chi Ma (in Loc Binh District) and Binh Nghi (in Trang Dinh District)... So Lang Son has an important strategic position in the North-East of Vietnam. The climate is cool and temperate. Annual average temperature is 21.50C. Annual average rainfall is from 1200mm to 1600mm Culture and history: Doan Citadel Vestige was built in Ly dynasty. This is a military architectural works belonging to Chi Lang ward Lang Son city. It has high value in term of history as well as unique architecture. Doan Citadel in Lang Son is first built to be a defending rampart, and then it became a city an administrative center. It has been ranked as a national vestige. Rampart of Mac dynasty lies in Tam Thanh ward Lang Son city, but the present remains are only two stonewalls in the defile. This is the vestige of a military architectural works reflects Vietnamese feudal period. Nowadays, the rampart of Mac dynasty has been ranked as a national historical vestige. It is invested to restore for the aim of serving tourists. Historical vestige of Chi Lang Pass is in the south of Lang Son province including 52 places over 20 kilometers long. It enclosed by Kai Kinh range of rocky mountains in the east and BaoDai-ThaiHoa range of mountains in the west. High rocky mountains block two gates of Chi Lang Pass to create a dangerous positions of which the Thuong River runs through. It has been listed as a national vestige since 1962.

Thanh Pagoda (DienKhanh pagoda) is located on the bank of KyCung river, this pagoda is an architecture with high artistic value. It was built in the 4th year of CanhThanh dynasty (1796).

13 TaPhu Temple was built in the 4th year of ChinhHoa dynasty (1683) in the center of KyLua Market Street LangSon city. TaPhu temple is an architecture built to commemorate famous man. It worships a general of the later Le dynasty whose name is Than Cong Tai. He was born in Nhu Thiet commune Yen Dung district Lang Giang province. He contributed to forming Ky Lua market. The temple was ranked as a national vestige in 1993.Ky Cung Temple is located on Dau Cau street Vinh Trai ward Lang Son city. Ky Cung Stone Wharf, which is one of eight beautiful landscapes of the country of Lang discovered by Ngo Thi Si since 18th century, is in front of the temple. The temple was restored in 1928, 1931 and 1967. It worships Sir Tuan Tranh a general of the Tran dynasty. Festival Long Tong: This is the festival of the Nung, Tay people held in spring just after Lunar New Year festival in mountain villages. The festival aimed to pray for favourable rain and propitious wind, for a main crop more abundant than usual and for an unshakeable solidarity of the community. Special foods: Roast duck is a specialty of Lang Son province, especially roast duck of That Khe. Duck is killed and plucked, then some ingredients of which Mac Mat leaf is special, will be placed inside and the duck will be re-mended. After that, duck is put into boiling ground-nut oil or fat to be roast until it turn crisp. Roast duck have crisp skin and delicious flavor. Transportation: Lang Son is 154km from Hanoi, 60km from Thai Nguyen, 48km from Quang Ninh, 55km from Cao Bang, 73km from Bac Kan. Getting There by bus, motorbike, car..Everyday early morning buses run from Long Bien station in Hanoi and take about 5 hours to reach Lang Son. Sources: vietnamhorisontravel.com

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HOA BINH CITY

Hoa Binh is a mountainous province located in of the Vietnam, nation's

northwestern region. It is bordered by Phu Tho and Ha Tay in the north, Ninh Binh and Thanh Hoa in the south, Ha Nam in the east, and Son La in the west. Hoa binh is divided into one city (Hoa Binh) and ten districts: Da Bac, Mai Chau, Ky Son, Cao Phong, Luong Son, Kim Boi, Tan Lac, Lac Son, Lac Thuy, Yen Thuy. It is 76 km form Hoa Binh city to Ha Noi. Area natural of the province is 4662.5 km, representing 1, 41% of total area of the country. Population is 832543 habitants(July 2009). Hoa Binh has tropical monsoon climate , cold winter, lower rainfall, hot summer, and rainy. The annual average temperature between 23 and 25C. Hoa Binh Province was created in June 22, 1886 following the decree of Tonkin with the name Muong Province, splitting Muong majority areas from Hung Hoa Province, Son Tay Province, Ha Noi Province and Ninh Binh Province. Its name derives from the Sino-Vietnamese meaning "peace." The province was administered from Cho Bo (in a Bac) hence it was also known as Cho Bo Province, until it November of the same year, it was relocated to Phuong Lam district (today in Bat Bat district, Ha Tay province). In April 1888 it was renamed to Phuong Lam Province, by the French colonial authorities. On March 18, 1891 the Governor-General of French Indochina decreed that the name of the province would change to Hoa Binh Province with six districts. Hoa Binh is a multi national land. Apart from Viet group there are 5 ethnic minorities: Muong, Thai ,Tay, Dzao, H'Mong living together. The culture of Hoa Binh combines ethnic groups with their own languages, traditional literature, and festivals. Ethnic colours of Hoa Binh culture include brass drum, Gong, Epics, culture of feeding, housing and dressing and other cultural diversification. You can stay in stilt houses at Lac Village in Mai Chau Valley, enjoy watching traditional dancing, music performances (bronze drums, gongs), and Thai minority singing and dancing. The remote Muong, Dao, Tay minority villages draw visitors who like study the life of ethnic groups. Beautiful brocade and forest products are interesting souvenirs. Besides that, wild beauty is the greatest charm

15 of Hoa Binh. Mountainous terrain with Thac Bo, Hoa Tien grottoes, Ret Cave, Pu Nooc Primitive forest and many clean springs are suitable for swimming, climbing, walking, and hunting. You are also fascinated by superb beauty of Hoa Binh Hydroelectric Power Plant, the largest one in Vietnam. Da river not only supplies water for the Hydro-electric power plant in Hoa Binh but also an attractive places. You can sit on the boat and admire the majestic landscapes, observer traditional life styles of some ethnic minorities villages along two river sides. Mai Chau, Thung Nai, Lac Thuy are the famous places to visit of Hoa Binh.Thung Nai to be called Ha Long bay in the mountain. Hoa Binh is known not only for Lac Hamlet, Mai Chau District, vast Hoa Binh Lake, the primitive forest of Thuong Tien Kim Boi, Hang Kia Pa Co forest in Mai Chau travel , and Phu Canh forest in Da Bac etc., but also Kim Boi Hot Spring and Lac Son, encompassing high mountains and large lakes, with favorable climate for the development of convalescence tourism. Besides, famous pagodas and temples are located here, such as Fairy Pagoda in Lac Thuy and Bo Temple on the Hoa Binh Lake. Even more interesting is listening to the host's fluting, folk singing playing their traditional musical instruments next to the most fragrant "can wine" jar ( pine wine), enjoy the ethnic specialty dishes including rice cooked in bamboo and grilled meat. Have you ever attended a traditional Market? To satisfy your curiosity, take a tour to Pa Co market. The market time is the festival of minorities, all products made by Thai and H'Mong people will be best souvenirs to your relatives and friends. And from Mai Chau it will be easy for visitors to reach Son La and Dien Bien Phu battle field and discover ethnic minorities full of mysteries. Lets come to Hoa Binh to experience! Sources:http://www.vietnamtourism.com/e_pages/tourist/destination.asp?mt=8418 http://www.vietnamtraveltour.net/hoa-binh-travel.html

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Son La Province
Son La is a highland province in the north-west of Vietnam. It is bounded in the north by the provinces of Yen Bai and Lao Cai, in the east by Phu Tho and Hoa Binh, in the west by Lai Chau, and in the south by Thanh Hoa. The province has 250 km of borderline with the Peoples Democratic Republic of Laos. Son La Town, the provincial capital, is 320 km northwest of Hanoi Capital. Combined with the provinces of Hoa Binh, Dien Bien,and Lai Chau, Son La is regarded as a green roof of the northern delta. The average annual temperature is 21.40C, with highs peaking at 270C and lows being 160C. Annual rainfall averages 1,200- 1,600 mm and average humidity is 81%. The number of days with the dry west wind in a year increased to 4.3 in Son La Town and 37.2 in Yen Chau. However, the climate in the plateaus of Moc Chau and Na San is cool, fresh, and advantageous to the development of agriculture and tourism. The Son La town is 380 km northeast of Hanoi. It is the social and cultural center of the province of Son La. The town is a highland town which is about 600 meters above sea level. Infrastructure here is relatively good and the air is very fresh and cool, which is very suitable for relaxing tourism. In the middle of the town locates the Son La prison where detained communist soldiers built by the French in 1908 on the Khau Ca hills top on which has the grave of To Hieu and his peach-tree. Mai Son district has Tien Phong lake and Ta Hoc port locating at the bank of Da river. Reaching Ta Hoc port, you will begin a river tour on a boat rowing down and up the river and enjoy delicious fish dishes of native fishermen. Coming to Son La town, you will also have opportunities to visit the Tham Ke Cave and Tham Ta Toong Caves in the Thuong Thien Cavern in Chieng Ngan commune, or you can visit the Youth Moon Lake (Nguyet Ho Tuoi Tre) in Chieng An commune. You can enjoy traditional Dishs of the Thai People such as Grilled Fishes Pa Pinh Top, Cat Apple.The hot stream of Mong Village which is 2 km far from the center of Son La town attracts a great number of tourists. According to the study of the Ministry of Healthcare, the hot water at the temperature of 37-380C of the stream can ease such diseases as stomach, rheumatism, etc. Son La is a province whose culture is diverse and rich in national identity. In the province, 12 ethnic minorities reside. Each of them has their own traditional cultural relics and there are also common cultures between them. Typical ethnic minorities in Son La include: Thai, H Mong, Kho Mu, Xinh Mun.

17 The Thai Ethnic Minority: The Thai ethnic minority makes up 54 per cent of the population of the province of Son La. They have their own language and script. The H Mong Ethnic Minority: In Son La, the H Mong ethnic minority makes up 13 per cent of the provinces population after the Thai and Kinh minorities. They mainly reside in mountainous areas in the districts of Bac Yen, Phu Yen, Moc Chau, Yen Chau, Thuan Chau and Song Ma. They \ have 3 groups: White H Mong, Black H Mong and Flowered H Mong. These groups have their own cultural features. Cultural activities of the H Mong people usually involve kermis, festivals and holidays. The Kho Mu Ethnic Minority:The Kho Mu ethnic minority is renowned for their dances like Tang bu, and Hun mang, and traditional bamboo and rattan making. From bamboo and rattan, the Kho Mu people make papooses and baskets to serve themselves and the community. The Xinh Mun Ethnic Minority: The Xinh Mun ethnic minority is famous for their festival of Ban flowers. The La Ha Ethnic Minority: The La Ha ethnic minority makes up a small proportion of the population in Son La. They live mainly in the districts of Muong La, Quynh Nhai and Thuan Chau. The number of people living in each mountain village of the La Ha minority is very small. They live in houses on stilts, dress Champa clothing made from cotton produced by themselves. The bamboo flower offering festival is a profound festival of the La Ha minority.

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CENTRAL VIETNAM

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VINH THE CITY ON THE LAM RIVER

LOCATION:

Vinh is located from 18 4350 to 18 4338 North latitude, from 105 5630 to 105 4950 East Longitudes; at a distance of 295 km from Hanoi (to the North), 350 km from Hue; 427 km from Da Nang and 1,447 km from Ho Chi Minh city (to the South).

POPULATION: The population of Vinh was estimated in 2009 to be 435,208 people. The service sector comprises the largest part of Vinh's economy, with around 55% of the working population being employed in this area. HISTORY : Vinh was originally known as Ke Van. Later, this successively became Ke Vinh, Vinh Giang, Vinh Doanh, and then Vinh Thi. Eventually, in 1789, the official name became simply Vinh, probably under European influence. The name has remained the same ever since. At various times, Vinh has been of considerable military and political significance. The Vietnamese nation began in the north, and only gradually expanded to cover its current territories as such, Vinh was sometimes seen as a "gateway to the south". The Ty Sn dynasty (17881802) is believed to have considered Vinh as

20 a possible capital of Vietnam, but the short duration of the dynasty meant that any plans did not come to fruition. Ty Sn interest in the city did, however, result in considerable construction and development there. Under French rule of Vietnam, Vinh was further developed as an industrial centre, and became well known for its factories. CLIMATE: Total available land area 6,403 ha, of which 9.6% for habitant; 46.5% agricultural land; forestry 1.8%, land for specific purposes 31%, unused land 11.1%, population density 3,590 people/ Square km. Vinh is located in seasonal wind tropical region, there are two distinct seasons and climate greatly changes from one season to another. Sunshine hours 1,696. Wind: 2 distinct seasons: South Western Wind dry wind blows in May until September; North Eastern wind brings about cold and humid, blows from October till April. SPECIAL FOOD AND DRINKS:

Coming to Vinh city, you are not only seen satisfactorally a beautiful view but also enjoyed special foods and drinks here: Vinh city is known the first by Vinh orange, green tea water Nghe land,Cu Do candy. Morever, this graceful city has also many decilious special foods such as: oc xao, banh beo, chao canh, banh da xuc hen,banh muot,ngo nuong, mia hap gung, banh ran, ca ro dong, com lam, me ca bong kho tieu, banh ducThere are special foods and drinks not only Vinh city but also Nghe An province. It makes you never forget this a beautiful city-Vinh city. THINGS TO DO:

Vinh city is the one of tour centres of Nghe An and also an important destination. Coming to Vinh city,tourists can take part in many tour kinds such as:a searching tour, a rest tour. This city has also traces of ancient times, beautyful-spot and 14 traces are recognized national grade, 16 traces are recognized by Nghe An province. With many tour operators are acting here, Vinh city is also the exchangal place of a tour trip in this province and the other province. From Vinh city about 5km, this is a grave area of Nguyen Du great poet, about 15km is a Kim Lien trace area-Ho Chi Minh ,s hometown anh about 17km is Cua Lo sea-the one of the most beautiful beach of central region anh Vietnam. Besides, Vinh city has also an attractive entertainments such as:Nguyen Tat Thanh park, Ho Cua Nam park, centre park, Pu Mat national park, Khe Kem waterfall.Luckily, if you come Vinh city in Janury(lunar), you can join in Qua Son temper festival-special feature in this beautiful city. Sources:http://www.vinhcity.gov.vn/news/?url=detail&id=116&date=21/3/2008&language=2

21

BUON MA THUOT
Buon Ma Thuot is the big city of Daklak province and is the centre city of Tay Nguyen (highlands) zone. Its one of seven urban type in Viet Nam. Buon Ma Thuot is located in the middle of high level population area of Tay Nguyen, 536m height ( 1608 ft). Its 1410 km from here to Ha Noi and 350 km to Ho Chi Minh city. Buon Ma Thuot is a city with strategic position and special important about security national defence. Long time ago, this is the land of EDE ethnic with over 50 EDE long houses, vertical in EaTam stream. And at that time, Its was managed by A Ma Thuot chieftain. With the advantage is centre of Daklak province as whole Tay Nguyen, with rich red soil plateau, even and flat. In 1904, When Daklak province was established, Buon Ma Thuot was chosen to become administration office of province instead of Ban Don.March 10, 1975. VietNam army suddently attacked Buon Ma Thuot, It was started with Ho Chi Minh campaign and grew up fast, not too long afterthat, we defeated republic of Viet Nam force.The whole city, population is 340.000 people. Ethnic minorities account for about 15%, and nearly 80% of the population living in urban areas.The climate in Buon Ma Thuot, as in Daklak is usually change and its very harsh. It usually rains very much for a few months from august to October, and be drought from april to june annual. Buon Ma Thuot definition still characterized by ancient and traditional architecture. Its often aim at the style of the long house EDE. High_light as Bao Dai villa_palace or as Buon Ma Thuot brishopric with unique architecture. As well as home style long-EDE, building materials completely wooden and tile scales create unique style. And Khai Doan pagoda is also same that ( a compound of two names Khai Dinh and Doan Huy ). Was built from age of Khai Dinh king. Beside that, Buon Ma Thuot is cultural treasure of intangible. Tay Nguyen, Thats Gong culture, gong plays a vital role in community cultural activitives. Unesco recognized Gong culture as master pieces of the oral and intangible cultural heritageof humanity.

22

Gong culture

Folk wooden statue

We also see a lot of Tay Nguyen folk wooden statues in here, mainly of the grave a indispensable element in the spiritual life of indigenous peoples. At the centre of city, we will see six junction road, located on the intersection of highway 14 and highway 26 through town. Here is the victory monument in Buon Ma Thuot. Its regarded as a symbol of the city like the Eiffel Tower in Paris or the Statue of Liberty in New York. At the centre of Buon Ma Thuot city has an ancient K-nia tree in backyard campus culture centre of the province, This plant brings great spiritual significance for the ethnic minority. They view them as shelters for the gods, the souls of the dead, they rarely touch them, cut down them. Its 6 km from here to six junction road. Specially, coffee bar in Buon Ma Thuot is so many. Its built very nice and with own styles to attract tourists, such as P-Lang bar, pink valley, green stone, stone bell etc. beside that, Buon Ma Thuot coffee festival with purpose tribute to coffee tree also organize at Buon Ma Thuot city annual. Ako Dhong merchant or merchant Villages Ma Rin is a village of Ede in the city of Buon Ma Thuot,this is a big merchant with a long history of being very good planning and preserved many traditional values, is now a major tourist attraction of the city. In the plan of the exhibition history of Buon Ma Thuot.

23

DA LAT CITY
Da Lat is a city under the province of Lam Dong province, located on the Lam Vien Plateau, at an altitude of 1500 m above sea level and a natural area of 393.29km. With many beautiful landscapes, Da Lat is one of the famous tourist cities of Viet Nam. Da Lat is known as: city of flowers, love, spring, smog.Da Lat city located on Lang Biang Plateau, the north of Lam Dong province, near Lac Duong district at the northern side ; the eastern and southeastern side is the border to Don Duong district and the western and southwestern side is the border to Lam Ha and Duc Trongdistrict. Hundreds of years ago, Lach habituated in the entire area of Lang Biang plateau. Da Lat has an area of over 400 km , surrounded by mountains. The altitude of the city is 1,500 m. The highest place in the city center is the Museum (1532 m); the lowest place is Nguyen Tri Phuong valley (1398.2 m). Inside the plateau, Da lat terrain divided into two distinct steps: Low step terrain is the center looks like a basin, including ranges of mountains; it is very slopping and high. High step terrain is surrounded by the mountain with 1700 m high. The Northeast has two low mountains: Hon Ong (1738 m) and Hon Bo (1709 m). In the north, there is a mountain with 2169 m high. It extends from Northeast to Southwest. Before 1983, Lang Biang Plateau was a local residence of Thuong ethnic. Dr. Paul Neis and Lt. Albert Septans were considered the first two explorers discovered Lang Biang Plateau. Then, it became a resort because there has temperate climate. In 1941, Da Lat became the provincial capital of Lam Vien province. In 1957, Da Lat became the provincial capital of Tuyen Duc. There have many series of villas owned by Saigon officials as well as many temples, churches and monasteries... Da Lat is also an attractive destination to many artists. After 1975, tourism of Da Lat almost was forgotten. The late 1980s until early 1990s, a series of hotel, restaurants, and villas are put into service for travel ... Da Lat becomes an important tourist cities of Vietnam with many festivals. Due to the effects of the altitude and forest cover, Da Lat bears the traits of the temperate domain. Average temperature is 18-21 C, the highest temperatures have never exceeded 30 C and the lowest of more than 5 C. Da Lat has two distinct seasons, namely Rainy season from May to Octoberand dry season from November to April. Summer usually comes with rains the and hails. Average annual rainfall is 1562 mm and 82% humidity. Cu hill is between the centres of Da Lat city next to Xuan Huong

24 Lake. Cu hill is a very old name. People do not know when the name was settled. Why is it called Cu hill? There are two ways to explain, some people argued that the hill is sloping. It looks like the back of a giant Cu so it is called Cu hill. But the other people explained that there is a place to play golf Cu. Xuan Huong Lake is also between the centre of Da Lat city. This is an manmade lake. It was built in 1919. They dammed up intercepting a steam through valley. Its surface area is 25 ha. Its circumference is 51 km. There many unique architectural values of art and esthetics built such as the Palace Hotel, motels Cong Doan, Thanh Thuy Restaurant. Suoi Vang Lake is the largest freshwater lake in Da Lat, providing water for the city. It is also a popular place for tourists because there are gardens of flowers and pine forest. Da Lat Flower Park is located around the northern shore of Xuan Huong Lake.

Previously, Da Lat Flower Park is named Bich Cau. Currently, the area of the park is extended to 7000 m. It has many flowers and ornamental plants. The air is very fresh and cool. Flower festivals are held here annually Pedagogical college of Da Lat is one of 1000 original buildings of 20th century. Da Lat station is the first station recognized as national historic culture in Viet Nam. Sources: dalat.aspx http://w3.lamdong.gov.vn/vi-VN/chinhquyen/bo-may-to-chuc/huyen-tp-tx/Pages/tp-

25

SOUTHERN VIETNAM

HO CHI MINH CITY 1. Location:

26 Ho Chi Minh city (also known as Sai Gon) is located in the heart of the southern part of Vietnam, between the northern edge of the Mekong Delta (Mekong Detalte travel) and the south easter region of volcanic red soil. 2. Area: 2095 km2 3. Population: 7.123.340 people

(1/4/2009) 4. Districts: consists of 24 districts ( 5 outer-countries and 19 inter-countries). 5. Climate: 2seasons: dry and rainy: the dry season runs from November through April with average temperature around 280C and the rainy season from May through Octorber. The rainy, however never last too long while the sun is not too hot. 6. History: One of the earliest known records of the area now known as Ho Chi minh or Sai Gon says that it was a small fishing village called Prey Nokor. In 1623, Vietanamese refzegees fled from civil war in Viet Nam and settled in prey Konor (which was a part of Cambodia then) with the permission of the king of Cambodia. In 1954, communist Viet Minh defeated the French in the Batt of Dien Bien Phu and the French with dren from Viet Nam. 7. Economy: Over the past 3 countries, Sai Gon once praised as the pearl of the orient, was known as an important trade center for Chinese, Japanese and Western merchants. 8. Ethnic group: - Vietnamese - Chinese 9. Beautiful places: Binh Quoi travel village: Location: Binh Quoi travel village lies on Thanh Da distrist island next Sai Gon river, it is 8

km from Ho Chi Minh city.

27 Features: with special landscap, this is the biggest travel in Ho Chi Minh city. Lich Van Thanh: Location: it lies on East of Ho Chi Minh city in Binh Thanh district see out Vung Tau city. Feartures: Van Thanh or we often call Van Thanh part. It is a place we organize many

night festival, fashion show, beautiful competition to choose actress. city. Features: Suoi Mo travel very actractive every one is final week. Suoi Mo travel: Location: It lies in Long Binh district. Suoi Mo travel is 15 km from centre of Ho Chi Minh

10. Hotel: and Bong Sen hotel: This is long standing favourite with visitors to Ho Chi Minh. Conveniently situated in the Caravelle: Star Rating: 5 (19 Lam Son Square District 1). The hotel has a prime city centre location in the heart of the business, shopping, dining

heart of Ho Chi minh city. It is within easy reach of the shopping district and a few minuteswalk to the City Post Office or to the riverside. 11. Special foods and drinks: Watch out of the adjacent restaurants on this street. They all have a similar sign to the : Banh Xeo 46A. Only the number is different (e.g Banh Xeo 48). Oh, and they are dead quiet , because the locals arent fooled. Eating :Banh Xeo: break off a chunk of crepe, wrap it in lettuce, and drunk it in the sauce. 12. Airport: Tan Son Nhat international airport is the biggest airport in Vietnam for 6km the north of the centre (district 1).

28

BEN TRE PROVINCE 1. Location: Ben Tre province is located in the Cuu Long Delta. It is bordered by East Sea, Tien Giang to the North, Vinh Long to the southwest and Tra Vinh to the South. Ben Tres coastline prolongs about 60km. 2.Area: 2.315 km2. 3. Population: 1.354.589 (Census on 01/04/2009) with main ethnic group is Kinh people. 4. Districts: Ben Tre City, Ba Tri district, Binh Dai district, Chau Thanh 1 district, Cho Lach district, Giong Trom district, Mo Cay Bac district, Mo Cay Nam district, Thanh Phu district. 5. Climate: The average annual temperature is from 26C to 27C. The average annual rainfall is from1.250 mm to 1.500 mm. Ben Tres clima is tropical monsoon. The rainy season is from May to October, the rest is dry season. 6. History: In 1832, King Minh Mang established the province leave town, Vinh Thanh divided into two provinces of An Giang and Vinh Long. Vinh Long province at the time, including Hoang An (Ben Tre province today), Dinh Vien (Vinh Long today) and Hoa Lac (Tra Vinh today). In 1876, the French divided the South into four administrative regions, each administrative region split into subdistrict or arrondissement administratif. Ben Tre is arrondissement administratif of Vinh Long. Under Decree 20 December 1899 the Governor of Indochina rename all arrondissement administratif from January 1, 1900 arrondissement administratif of Ben Tre became part of Ben Tre province. Time the Republic of Vietnam, from October 22, 1956, Ben Tre province renamed Kien Hoa province, and includes nine counties: Ba Tri, Binh Dai, Don Nhon, Giong Trom, Mo Cay,

29 Thanh Phu, Ham Long, Huong America, Truc Giang. Since 1975, Ben Tre province takes back the old name. * What tourist can see and do? Ben Tre has favorable conditions for developing eco-tourism, because it still kept the pristine garden, the clean of environment in the green of the coconut and large orchard. Ben Tre province has a flat terrain and some dunes, no big forest. Some tourist destinations: - Con Phung belongs to Tan Thach Commune, Chau Thanh district, located on an island floating between Tien river. At Con Phung, tourist can visit by boat along the coconut candy production facilities, souvenir production from plants, bark coconut ... visit orchards by horses, stop to rest under the coconut house to drink tea with honey and blueberries, enjoy food tropical fruit, traditional music. - Con Phung has Dao Dua on the ruins of about 1.500m2 area, is preserved intact architectural items which are built from cardinals Dao Dua, Nguyen Thanh Nam. There are many souvenir items: masks, picture frames, cart, kitchen utensils such as cups, bowls, spoons, teaspoons ... most of them are made from coconuts. - Con Oc belongs to Hung Phong commune, Giong Trom district. There are many coconut and fruit orchards - Cai Mon Fruit Tree Garden: Cai Mon is famous for durians. It belongs Vinh Thanh Commune, Cho Lach District. Every year, Cai Mon villages supply to the market many millions of seedlings of all kinds such as durian, mango, labels pepper, sweetmeats and other citrus. Cai Mon also has many artisans. Many products are sold in Thu Duc, Bien Hoa, ... and exported to other countries in Southeast Asia. - Thua Duc beach in Binh Dai: There are two major festivals in Ben Tre. They are Phu Le and Nghing Ong festival (Nghinh Ong festival is the festival of the popular coastal village of Vietnam, including Ben Tre. Every year, on 16/6, Binh Dai, Ba Tri district opened this festival. In the days of all fishing boats are moored to focus on the ceremony, playing and dining.)

30 Ben Tre province has many interesting points for travel: Ben Tre has the sea, with garden, there are many special fruits, cultural relics and advantages to develop eco-tourism, and other garden tours.

CAN THO
1. Location: Can Tho is a city located on the right bank of Hau River, the urban area km2. 2.Area: 1389.59 km2 3.Population: 1,187,089 people of (According to the census date 01/04/2009) 4. History: Can Tho land is the old capital An Giang province Clerk of the Nguyen period. When the French occupied the South West (1867), the An Giang province is cut into six small provinces: Chau Doc, Long Xuyen, Sa Dec, Can Tho, Soc Trang and Bac Lieu. In 1957, under the First and then Second Republic to the time called Phong Dinh Province with the provincial capital town of Can Tho. In 1976, the State Socialist Republic of Vietnam Hau Giang up of three provinces: Phong Dinh, Chuong Thien (with Vi Thanh town) and Ba Xuyen province (Soc Trang is the city), Republic of Vietnam. January 1, 2004 Can Tho province is divided into Can Tho city centrally and Hau Giang province today. 5. Geography: Can Tho city directly under central natural area is 138,959.99 ha, including: area and population of the city of Can Tho provincial, O Mon district, Thot Not district, part of Chau Thanh district, including the town of Cai Rang, the hamlet of Thanh My, Thanh Hue, Thanh Thang, Yen Ha and 176 ha of the village with 2216 people in Dong Thanh Phu Quoi; the Thanh Hoa hamlet, Thanh Hung, Thanh Thuan An Hung, Thanh Phu, Phu Khanh, Khanh Binh and 254.19 ha with 1806 the 53

31 hamlet of Phu An commune, Phu My Hung; the village Phu Thanh, Phu Thanh, Phu Thuan, Phu Thuan A and 304.61 ha area of the village with 1262 people in Phu Loi, Phu Dong Commune, Chau Thanh district part of A, including: Truong Long commune, Nhon Ai Commune, Nhon Nghia commune, Tan Thanh Dong commune and village area of 84.7 ha with with 640 people of the hamlet of Tan Thanh Tay commune of Tan Phu Thanh. 6. Special features: Can Tho has many excellent features, unique culture southern delta is the harmonious combination of traditional cultural nuances of Vietnamese, Khmer, Hoa ... Due to the lives of three ethnic VietnameseKhmer - Hoa, Can Tho has many festivals. These festival originated from ancient traditions or folk beliefs of each ethnic group make up. Such as: Ong Pagoda Festival, Royal Festival Binh Thuy, Le Cholchonam Thomay,... Culture of rural Southern culture derived from the general community the people of Vietnam have more than 4000 years of history. 7. Special food and drink: Culinary culture of the Mekong Delta Can Tho general and in particular is quite unique and rich. All have their own flavor, bring your own style scenes, people were attracted to Western diners know how far away the land to these Tay rich. In times of tourism development as now, the exchange is expanding even in food, in big cities are now almost all the country folk dishes: chopped exhaust mouse peppers, tomatoes cooked shrimp hot pot, salt baked snails, turtles cooking bananas, wet cake, pancakes, tea, grapefruit, fish noodle western, hot pot sauce, duck with soya, ... 8. Things to see and do: Can Tho city has many forms of entertainment such as: -About movies, song and dance: Cinema and hi-Sand Beach Theater, Theatre Hau Giang, Theatre Film Center in Can Tho Nguyen Thai Hoc St. Ninh Kieu. -About places to relax: water park in Can Tho, Huong Phu Sa resort, My Khanh tourist, touristCai Rang floating market, Phong Dien, CV Luu Huu Phuoc, District Six Merry, Merry Park Tho Stadium. And planning ahead is to build Con Cai Khe Resort and Con Khuong. - Restaurant: Restaurant Hoa Su, Ninh Kieu Restaurant, Restaurant Golf ... Pubs: Tran Van Hoai and extended road XVNT are two routes concentrated most pubs in central Ninh Kieu District. -Night entertainment: night-club: Club-Xeloi is considered the most fun nightclub in the Mekong region, XK Golf club and discotheques. Sources: 1. http://thoangsaigon.com/ 2. http://www.livecantho.com/am-thuc-can-tho/dac-san-can-tho/nhung-mon-dac-san-cantho-duoc-ua-thich

32

SOC TRANG
1.Location: Soc Trang is a coastal city in the Mekong Delta, located in the right bank of the Hau River in South Vietnam, located on the trunk roads linking Ca Mau, Bac Lieu province to Ho Chi Minh City, north and northwest of Hau Giang, south and southwest borders Bac Lieu province, north east of Vinh Long and Tra Vinh, south east and 72 km of sea. In addition, the Soc Trang has the area between the mounds of sand, not form the focus with an average elevation of 0.5 to 1.0 m. 2. Topography: Being a province in the Mekong Delta, Soc Trang province's terrain is quite flat. The majority of the province's territory is attached to the mainland. Small remaining portion sandwiched between two branches of the Hau River is a strip of island with an area hundreds of square kilometers. The topography of the province of the form pan with an average elevation of 0.5 to 1.0 m above sea level. Dip of the terrain between 3 is Hau River and Sea Lo lower channel in the center. Due to topographic basin should be lowest in the region south of Thanh Tri District My Tu and difficult drainage and prolonged flooding. 3. Culture: * The cultures of three ethnic groups: Kinh, Hoa, Khmer with many attractive colors. * Fresh Water Lake Playground 4. Population and people: About 1.29 million people (according to survey results dated 01/04/2008). The area has three of Kinh, Hoa, Khmer occupied the majority of the population. Soc Trang Khmer approximately 380,000 people, the largest among the local Khmer people live, about 30% of the province's population and over 32% of the Khmer people of the country. The Vietnamese (Kinh), accounting for 65% of the

33 population of the province, the Khmer 28%, so about 7% of U.S. living practices and culture in this bold colors of the three ethnic groups. The whole province has 89 Khmer pagodas, 47 temples, including the United temple known as the Temple Race Code (Bat Pagoda), Khleang temples, pagodas Chruitim Chas, Soc Trang Khmer Museum, Clay Pagoda, Temple Bowl type (Sa Lon ) ... 5. Foods: * Pia cake is a specialty of Soc Trang. Pia cakes is made from durian,green beans.pork lard and salted eggs.It tastes sweet and tastilyrich.Tourists shouldnt miss this delicious food. * Sausage * Noodle soups are the specialties of Soc Trang * Ca tribute at Dai Tam, My Xuyen district. This type of cake made from minced pork, green beans and cassava, with sweet and sour water holding. * Grilled beef specialty tiles, [citation needed] of My Xuyen: beef grilled on the broken tiles, marking packets with vegetable noodles mixed with a little sauce pineapple wedge. 6. Festivals: The Ooc Oom Bok Festival in Soc Trang every year, on the Full moon day of October of the lunar calendar,the Khmer fellow hold the Ooc Oom Bok festival. They prepare sticky nuggets to celebrate the moonfestival.Recently, Ministry of Culture and Information and and the National Administration of Tourismchoose Ooc oom bok festival held in Soc Trang Festival as the "Plains Culture" of three ethnicgroup Kinh, Hoa and Khmer.This is also an occation for tourist to enjoy com dep and boatracing..They encourage warmly andcook all night.On the main night, people gather in the pagodas.They worship com,coconuts,sweet potatoes,bananas or biscuit.They clasp their hands into the moon direction.They pray that the oon will receive the gifts and bring blessings to anyone.Then the elderly ask the children whatthey wished.SpecialtiesThe snakehead fish porridgeon the afternoon in Soc Trang town,you should try the snakehead fish porridge.The most famoussnakehead fish porridge restaurant is on Phu Loi-Tran Hung Dao four-way crossroads Tourists should add some bitter vegetables,fresh bean sprout,ginger and a little of pepper into the bow then mix them together and enjoy. Sources: 1. http://vietnamcayda.com 2. http://vietbao.vn/The-gioi-giai-tri/Chao-ca-loc-Soc-Trang/50768134/416

34

BAC LIEU
1. Location: Bac Lieu province situated in the Mekong River Delta. It shares its border with Can Tho city and Soc Trang province to the north, the East Sea to the south, Ca Mau and Kien Giang provinces to the west. 2. Area: 2542 km2. 3. Population: 856,059 people (as of 1, 2009). Three main ethnic groups are Kinh people (about 90% of the population), Ethnic Khmer (about 7% of the population) and Chinese ethnic (about 3% of the population). 4. Districts and towns: Bac Lieu town, Vinh Loi district, Hoa Binh district, Phuoc Long district, Hong Dan district, Gia Rai district, Dong Hai district. 5. Climate: Bac Lieu in the tropical monsoon, weather divided into two seasons: rainy and dry seasons. The annual average temperature is 24oC. 6. History: After the fall of Saigon, 30 April 1975, Bac Lieu and Ca Mau provinces were merged into one big province which called Minh Hai. Although it is located in Vietnam, many years ago this land was a part of the Khmer Empire which ruled most of Indochina many centuries ago. It is still home to many ethnic Khmer people. In 1996, Minh Hai was split into two, with the northeast becoming Bac Lieu province and the southwest becoming Ca Mau province. 7. Economy:

35 The most important part of Bac lieus economy are fishing, grow rice, fruit trees, catch seafood and make salt. 8. Culture: -Da co hoai lang festival was third place on 13 15/08 lunar annual at memorial park of musician Cao Van Lau, Ward 2, Bac Lieu town. The festival takes many activities such as performing arts, fair trade-tourism Nghinh Ong Ganh Hao festival: The Nghinh Ong festivals go out to sea rituals with more than 300 fishing boats took place on March, 10 lunar year in Ong temple, Ganh Hao Town let, Dong Hai District. Quan Yin Nam Hai Festival rich cultural and spiritual values, which took place three days

from March, 21-23 lunar year. 9. Food: Bun bo cay (spicy vermicelli with beef), beet cake, ba khia, sweet soup, noodle soups......... 10. Beautiful places: -Bac Lieu Bird sanctuary in Hiep Thanh commune, Bac Lieu Town, Bac Lieu Province, about 6km south of Bac Lieu Town. With the natural salt marsh forest ecosystem on the area of approximately 385 ha, of which 19 ha is primitive forest. There are many kind of birds, some of which are in the Red Book such as: Giang Sen, small king cormorant 109 kinds of plants belong to 90 lines of 46 descents, 150 kinds of animals, 10 mammals It is an important home of several water birds, stork, heron, night heron and cormorant. Huge flocks of birds leave the wetlands early in the morning and return to their nests in the sanctuary in the evening, as the night birds fly off to feed. - Vinh Hung Ancient Tower: the tower is the only structure in style of Angkor of Khmer people preserved in Mekong Delta. It was faint in 1911 and listed as one of the historical sites in the South. It is 8,2 m high. There are hand of deity made of bronze, a lower part of bronze statue, a stone statue of the goddess, head of Buddha statue and many worshipping objects. - The Xiem Can Pagoda is located 7km from the town of Bac Lieu, on the same road that leads to the Bac Lieu Bird Sanctuary. Xiem Can Pagoda is renowned for it is Angkor-like architecture with cluster of decorated tower and tombs and bas-reliefs presenting Buddhist culture in harmony with Indian civilization.

36 - Bac Lieu people are love art, especially Vong Co and Don ca tai tu. And in 1919 musician Cao Van Lau (1892-1976) was composed of famous Da Co Hoai Lang (the night song of missing husband); it was the precursor of Vong Co. Sources:1.http://www.vietnamtourism.com/e_pages/country/province.asp?mt=84781&uid=1187 2.http://www.vhttdlbaclieu.gov.vn/bac-lieu-news.gplist.394.gpopen.1276. gpside.2. gpnewtitle. bac-lieu-overview.asmx

Useful information for tourists when visiting Vietnam

Vietnam is a country with potential tourism and rich diversity. With this strong point, Vietnam is a well-known destination of the world. To have a great travel, tourists should know not only some basic information of Vietnam such as geography, history, , but also some useful information as below. 1 Time of travel When you travel to Vietnam, you do not need to care about when you should go because the best time to visit Vietnam is any time. One of the principal tourist lures of the country is its equitable climate. There are not any extremes of climate here, nor are there extremes of temperatures here. What you have are three principal seasons, hot, rainy and cold, with variations in temperature and the rainfall across the various regions of the country. Vietnam is a country with widespread differences in the altitude and there arises temperature and seasonal variations in the climate of the various regions due to this reason. If the mere thought is sending shivers down your spine, then you know when to go to Vietnam: definitely not in the winter. 2 Some celebrations in Vietnam Date 1st January Last day of the last lunar month to 3rd day of the first lunar month 10th day of the 3rd lunar month 30th April 1st May 2nd September 3 Transportation in Vietnam English Name New Year's Vietnamese Lunar New Year Local Name Tt dng lch Tt Nguyn n

Hung Kings Commemorations Liberation Day International Workers' Day National Day

Gi t Hng Vng Ngy gii phng Min Nam Ngy Quc t Lao ng Quc khnh Vit Nam

There are numerous ways of getting around Vietnam over land and by plane. Many tourists utilize the open-

37 tour buses operated by tourist agencies in Ho Chi Minh City and Ha Noi. Motorbikesoften with hired driversare also a popular method of transportation, and they are sometimes the only option in more rural or less-traveled areas. Bus Vietnam has some of the worst local inner-city bus transport in Asia. The bus systems in Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City have improved in the past few years. In general, bus is not a practical way to get around town. Bus is safe and cheap, the cost of it is 3000vnd per bus. Cycle The cycle (xich lo), from the French cyclo-pousse, is the best invention since sliced bread. Cycles, or pedicels, offer easy, cheap Vietnam and is aesthetic confusing, transportation around

sprawling cities. Riding these clever contraptions will also give you the moral superiority that comes with the knowledge you are being kind to the local environment more so than all those driver on whining, smoke spewing motorbikes. Group of cycle drivers always hang out near major hotels and market, and many speak at least broken English. To make sure that the driver understands where you want to go, it is useful to bring a city map with you. Bargaining is usually necessary. If the cycle driver waiting outside your hotel wants too much, flag down someone else less used to spendthrift tourists. Settle on a fare before going anywhere or you are likely to be asked for some outrageous quantity of dong at the trips end. Motorbike taxi The xe om is an ordinary motorbike on which you ride seated behind the driver. Xe means motorbike, and om means hug. In other words, it is a motorbike taxi. You find plenty of xe om drivers hanging around street corners, markets, hotels and bus stations. 4 Accommodations Hotels and Guesthouses Hospitality Clubs Long-Term Accommodations Camping

38 5 Glossaries in Vietnam o di: Vietnamese national dress Bn: village Bia hi: draught beer Ci lng: modern theater Ch c: fish cakes Chm : ethnic minority descended from the people of Champak Cm chy: vegetarian food Gi c: fresh, raw fish Ru cn: snake wine Some recommended sites: http://www.bachkhoatoanthu.gov.vn http://www.informatik.uni-leipzig.de/~duc/Dict/ http://dict.vietfun.com/ http://www.vietlex.com.vn/ http://www.vietnamtudien.org/hanviet/index.php http://www.huesoft.com.vn/hannom/ http://www.viethoc.org/hannom/tdtc_online.php 6 Vietnam Travel Tips - Do's and Don'ts in Vietnam Vietnam is a friendly and safe place to travel. With a sprinkling of common sense, your trip should be smooth and trouble free. Tourists usually complain about over-aggressive street vendors, tour operators with a bad attitude and dangerous driving. However, with a cool head and sensible planning, one can avoid these problems. Do: Greetings are no different to western countries, there are no cultural formalities that as a foreginer you would be expected to know or practice. Dress well when visiting pagodas. No shorts or tatty beer t-shirts. No need to carry huge bottles around with you, a vendor is never far away and no doubt they will find you before you find them. Keep your cash, credit cards, airline tickets and other valuables in a safe place. Travel with recommend tour agencies. Use waterproof sun cream if you plan to spend a good amount of time in the water when you travel to Vietnam. Always reconfirm the tickets for your return journey.

39 Change money from a recognized moneychanger. Keep important documents in your hotel locker and carry photocopies of the same. Indulge in some haggling while buying goods without price tags whenever you go shopping in Vietnam. Always be careful of the belongings you carry with you during your holiday. Do some researching before changing money so that you are aware of the existing rates Try at least once the delicious, local street food. Have good acts for the historical and cultural relics Always in group Save telephone number so important as the 113, 114, 115 Reflect what unhappy with the guider. Do not: Wear a lot of jewelry or take a bag with you. Do not wear singles, shorts, skirts or dresses, or revealing clothes to temples or pagodas. Losing your temper in Vietnam means a loss of face. Keep a cool head and remain polite, you will have a greater chance of getting what you want. Never carry more money than you need when walking around the streets. Do not be worry about security; just be aware of your surroundings... Never sleep or sit with the soles of your feet pointing towards the family altar when in someone's house. Do not try to take photographs of military installations or anything to do with the military. This can be seen as a breach of national security. Never take video cameras into the ethnic minority villages. The local people consider them too intrusive. The above advice is meant to help you have a perfect trip to Vietnam The sources of lonelyplanet.com

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Contents

Part

Page

Foreword.....02 Vietnam..03 Northern Vietnam...07 Hanoi capital (V Vit Thng & Nguyn Quang Tht)..08 Halong city (V Mnh Thy & Trn Xun Thi)..10 Lang Son (Nguyn Vit Trang & Nguyn Minh Thnh)...12 Hoa Binh (Nguyn Th Phng Tho & o Th Huyn Trang)...14 Son La (Hong Th Tuyt & m Th Xim)..16 Central Vietnam. ....18 Vinh (Nguyn Th Vn & Nguyn Th Qunh Trang).19 Buon Ma Thuot (Cao Th Huyn Trang & V Ngc T) ..21 Da Lat (Nguyn ng Thn & Trn Vn Tuyn)..23 Southern Vietnam...25 Ho Chi Minh city (V Th Thy & Bi Th Thu & B.T.T Trang).....26 Ben Tre ( Th Minh Hng & Nguyn Th Qunh Anh).28 Can Tho ( Th Thy & Hong Th Thy)..30 Soc Trang (inh Lan Thng & Nguyn Hi Xuyn)...32 Bac Lieu (Nguyn Th Kim Yn & Dng Vn Trang)....34 Appendix....36 Content...40

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