Peach Blossom of Vietnamese Tet festival

Peach blossom, or Hoa Dao is not only a flower but it has become an integral part in the life of Hanoi people, especially when the Lunar New Year is around. As a traditional feature, every family in Vietnam would buy one or some types of flower that appear only in Tet; if in the South of Vietnam, yellow apricot flower is the most common, in the Northern part, people usually purchase Hoa Dao for adornment. The main reason for this difference is the characteristics of the plants. While peach trees grow well in cold weather, orchid flowers just can survive and bloom in tropical lands with lots of sunshine.

Around one week before Tet approaches, everyone seems to hasten be in a rush so that all the work can be finished once a new year comes. As busy as that, however, hardly any family can neglect to clean their houses neatly, to put on some decorations and especially to buy a pretty peach blossom tree. Hanoi people usually have a saying that “Spring arrives when Hoa Dao starts to blossom” and Spring represents for Tet. This flower may be simple but when the tree is in full blossom, its bright color provokes such a bustling and exciting feeling. Normally, there are two kinds of peach blossom tree or this flower comes in two colors: red (Dao Bich) and pink ( Dao phai), in which the former is more popular. There are also two ways to display the flower, putting a whole tree in a pot or just taking a big branch and arranging in a vast.

Peach blossom comes in vividly red color with double petals

This is a time-honored tradition but no one knows exactly since when people considered Hoa Dao a symbol of Tet. It is said that from a long time ago, there were two Gods called Tra and Uat Luy residing in a giant peach blossom tree and had a power to frighten ghosts and devils and prevent the villagers from being disturbed by them. For that reason, people had a strong belief that by bringing the peach blossom home, peculiarly in Tet, they would drive away the devils and bad fortunes. As time passes by, people were no longer convinced by that story, still, they appreciated Hoa Dao and saw it important for their life. These days, Hoa Dao is thought to be a demonstration of novelty, proliferation and development. Hence, it can deliver health, peace and luck for people when a whole new year comes. Tet is also a special time for families and friends to gather after one year of hard-working, wishing each other all the best. Therefore, peach blossom is a token of happiness and cosiness.

People flock to see the traditional peach blossom market in Hanoi

If you pay a visit to Hanoi in Tet period which varies from year to year, normally around January and February, you can easily catch a sight of Hoa Dao in everywhere: private houses, schools, hospitals or other public areas. Ordinarily, people purchase Hoa Dao two or three weeks ahead of the New Year Eve. In Hanoi, Nhat Tan village is famous for being a cradle of peach blossom with many fine craftsmen. Growing peach tree is such an art that it has been passed from one generation to others.

A view from Nhat Tan Village where you can seek for the most genuine and pretty peach trees in Hanoi

Also, Nhat Tan flower market is well-known for its variety of flowers from different regions throughout the country. Peach trees from mountainous areas such as Lang Son, Mau Son, Moc Chau, etc. are brought to Hanoi and they are preferred by people here. Another major flower market that sells Hoa Dao in Tet is the area around Hang Luoc Street (Combs Street), Hang Ngang, Hang Dao Street in the old quarter. These flower markets are not only a place that people can procure themselves a peach blossom tree but they draw hundreds of visitors every year coming to admire and take photos.

A woman who has just collected the flowers and is about to bring to the market

The image of Hoa Dao is too familiar to people that it even becomes a major subject in poems and songs. In along with Chung Cake or Lucky Money, Hoa Dao is more than a decoration stuff, its vivid beauty and profound meaning is a big part in Vietnamese life whenever Tet comes.

 

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Wedding Ceremony in Vietnam

Wedding, where the two people or a couple are united in marriage, is always a special ceremony. Each country/culture/ethnic groups/religions have a different way to celebrate this day.Vietnam is known as a multi-culture with the diversify of different 54 ethnic minorities. Each group has its own way to celebrate the wedding, and the modern weddings are also changing nowadays with more flexibility. Even the Vietnamese people or the Kinh people, are the majority ethnic group that comprising 86 % of the population, living in the different region has the very  different ways to celebrate the wedding.

Although the long periods of Chinese domination and influence have placed the Vietnamese culture, and with many difficulties during the decades of war, Vietnamese people nowadays has been keeping the traditional culture for the weddings, that are shown in the attire, the engagement, the main wedding, the food, etc. Today let’s see how Vietnamese prepare and what the bride and groom have to do in their most important day of their lives.

Before the Wedding: the Engagement

In the past, under the feudalism, parents have the right to choose the partners for their children. An engagement ceremony usually occurs months before the wedding, with the arrangement of the parents and extended family. Sometimes children were consulted, but it was nearly always the parents’ final decision. The bride and groom haven’t got the chance to meet until the day of their engagement.

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However, things have changed significantly in the last few decades. Vietnamese women and men now can have their own decision for who they date, and marry based on love rather than arranged marriages. The engagement nowadays usually been arranged only one day before the wedding. The date and time usually be picked up carefully. On this day, the groom’s family will come to bride’s family with round lacquered boxes known as betrothal presents. It composes of areca nuts and betel leaves, tea, cake, fruits, wines, jewelry and other delicacies which covered with red cloth and carried by unmarried girls or boys. The number of boxes depends on the wealthy of the groom’s family, but it must be even numbers (3,5,7 or 9).

Bride and groom in the Engagement day

The engagement plays an important part and can not be skipped. It is the time the parents and closed relatives of groom and bride meet and talk in person and discuss how to do the things properly on the next day. The bride usually wears traditional Vietnamese Ao Dai in red, while the groom wears Ao Dai for men or suit.

The Wedding

On the wedding day, young couples have tended to choose a hotel to celebrate, especially in big cities. Invitation cards are sent one or two weeks before the wedding date. Relatives and guests of both groom and bride attend the wedding wear nice clothes but it does not have to be too formal. The bride and groom can choose the theme and style they want to decorate and in the high season (usually in Autumn and Spring), they need to book the services months before.

Wedding Ceremony is organized at the hotel profesionally

Guest brings along an envelope with the money inside and give it directly to the bride and groom, or put in in a red box on the welcome table. The money is reffered as a gift and symbol of prosperity, health and happiness, and will help the young couple in setting up a new start for themselves independently after the wedding.

The guests then enjoy the well-prepared food with the traditional dishes such as the sticky rice, boiled chicken, rice, soup,  seafood, etc. The menu varies depends on the local region but food are usually well prepared and served.

If the bride or groom’s house is large enough to celebrate the wedding at home, guests will be invited to their homes for the meals.  House is specially decorated in the traditional way with main colors in red. The number of guests can up to 300-400 people so each family need to ask for help from their relatives and neighbors to welcome them.

After the party, groom’s family will transfer to bride’s family with the cars decorated with flowers. Groom usually wear suits and bride wear the white dress in Western style on this day. The groom first has to come to the bride’s ancestors, then both of them stand or knee down in front of the alter and burn incense sticks, then asking permission to bless their marriage and their future family. The couple then bows to the bride’s parents giving thanks for raising them, then they bow each other to show the respectation.

During that time, relatives and guests enjoy the teas, sweet and snacks. They sing the happy songs about love for bride and groom. The couple has to walk around to greet and say thanks to the guests for their attending. The parents of groom then ask the permission of bride’s parents to let them marriage and allow their daughter to become their daughter in law. Usually, Mom of the bride will give her daughter the jewelry before saying goodbye to their beloved little girl.

Wealty family hires luxury cars for the wedding

The couple then transfers to groom’s house to repeat the same procedure. Usually, bride’s dad and some closed relatives and friends come along with the bride. When in the groom’s home, parents of the groom and bride’s dad will give them advice about marriage and family to the couple. Mother in law also give the bride the gift box with jewelry with hope it will bring luck and prosperity.

Mother in law give jewelry to the bride

Due to Western influence, the wedding now usually follows the concept of exchanging wedding rings and giving the kiss in front of guests, then taking photos with the guests.

After the Wedding

The guests leave with good wishes for the couple. The wedding usually occurs for 2 days, and then the bride and groom can have a honeymoon trip or not, due to their interest and work timetable.

New husband has to come back to his wife’s home and stay for 1-2 days before the wife moves into their husband’s family to live with their parents in law, or move to the new place to start the marriage life.

If you have a chance to be invited to a Vietnamese wedding, it would be very interesting to learn and understand Vietnamese in further. And don’t forget to bring the lucky money for the bride and groom.

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Tra Su Mangrove Forest – a vast greenery carpet

During your journey to Mekong Delta in the South of Vietnam, there is one the most famous flooded forests that leaves a great impression on any tourists’ mind: Tra Su Mangrove Forest or Tra Su Cajuput Forest in An Giang Province, just 25 km southwest of Chau Doc City.

With an area of 850 hectares, Tra Su Forest is home to an ecosystem of cajuput trees living in dusty paths and a submerged mangrove forest where you can find a wide variety of colorful birds and other animals: storks, bats, snakes, turtles …

Normally, the local boatmen and tour guides advise tourists to visit this enchanted paradise in the high water season from August to December when the whole area is covered by the cajuput forest allowing boats to ride around there. But from my own experience, traveling to the Mekong Delta and the Vietnam tours from Australia should be from November to January for the most pleasant weather conditions with less rain than other time of the year.

 

Tra Su mangrove forest is a flooded forest ecosystem formed by the construction of a special dyke system in An Giang province, belongs to 3 communes: Van Giao, O Long Vy, Thoi Son (Tinh Bien district, An Giang province), only 10 km from Vietnam – Cambodia border. Being directly affected by floods in the Mekong River annually, Tra Su forest plays an important role to prevent unusual flooding: when the flood level increases, the long roots will partially absorb the flood water and the vast area of mangrove forest may weaken the storm and flood. Apart from being a huge air-conditioner to provide the clean atmosphere for the whole area, this is also an ideal shelter of 140 types of flora, 70 species of birds, 11 types of animals, 25 species of reptiles, and 23 kinds of fish making the forest a nature lover’s dream.

In addition to the rich natural resources, Tra Su forest also has its own unique cultural elements from the community living along the forest with many traditional handicrafts such as brocade weaving, thot not sugar making, melaleuca oil distillation, bee honey keeping or fishery for living or tourism activities. Having a chance to visit Tra Su forest, tourist will be surprised by the surprising peace but the lively life that not every place has.

I came to Tra Su in the late afternoon of mid-December and immediately fell in love with the stunning landscape dyed in warm sunshine and painted in green duckweed.

The journey at Tra Su forest may start from getting on the big motorboat for up to 20 people which departs from the entrance of forest and moves along the cajuput forest for tourists to admire vast greenery including lotus and water lilies before they get it off and be transferred to a small rowing wooden boat, which sails you through green duckweed and deep into the forest for around 30 minutes. On the small boat of only 3 people, the boatmen will sail you very slowly for your opportunities to catch the most memorable photos of floating on a living carpet of green water where sometimes we must remind ourselves that we are not on the real road but a waterway.

When the sun hides away behind the tall cajuput trees is also the time to pass a plenty of water birds storks nesting in the specialized forest. I told myself to stop breathing for a while to keep the silence of the natural lives here because I am afraid that they will fly instantly when knowing our presence in their habitat.

For the best wildlife photographs, luck and patience is the most important thing with the help of a good camera. When a bird looks like it is taking a rest, descending or about to do something exciting, be ready with the burst mode to catch the bird in movement.

Soon the small boat finished its round, my wish was to sit in boat for the whole day to keep the most romantic sceneries in my eyes.

When reaching the stopping point, we can choose to stop at the 25 meter high watchtower to see the deeper view of the whole immense forest and the birds coming home after a busy day, enjoy the unique drink of the Khmer Seven Mountain called sweet “thot not” drink and hunt the fabulous moment of the sunset and the dawn here.

If visitors would like to try the great specialty of the locals, the tents on the edge of the forest is a nice stop for you to be served the South River’s best food such as roasted fish grilled fish, chilli salted fish, fried fish wrapped in lotus leaves, grilled crab dip, tamarind casserole in the space.

Endowed with peace and tranquility, Tra Su Forest will certainly become a unique and attractive destination for tourists who love the beauty of nature so do not hesitate to give it a try and share with me your nice photos.

Happy traveling!

 

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Citadel of the Ho Dynasty – a forgotten World Heritage of Vietnam

Have you hear about this Wolrd Heritage in Vietnam? I guess that most of you did not hear about this Citadel. It appear some travel books but the information is limitted and not much writers mentioned about this one. Even in Vietnam, not much local people care about this places. On my post, I will show you some reason why it is forgotten and some useful information about this places. However, there are some historical and political reasons but I am not able to mention on my post. However, when you visit it, you will know why goverment forget this ancient Citadel.

Etrance Gate made from stone of Ho Citadel

Citadel of Ho Dynasty, one of the most distinct architectural constructions from stones in Vietnam, situates in Vinh Loc District, Thanh Hoa province. It was built by Ho Quy Ly in the spring of 1397 and became the center for economy, politics and society in 7 years between 1400 and 1407. Being threatened by the enemy in the past, the citadel was erected for the war to come and was a prime example of of a new style of South-east Asia imperial city. The total area of this historical site is 5000 hectares including 3 areas: Inner Citadel, La Thanh War and the Nam Giao Alter. Its location was followed by feng shui principles, lying in the conjunction of Tuong Son and Don Son mountains in a plain between Ma River and Buoi River. The wall and its four gates were constructed from immense stone blocks 1,5 meters in length, some are 6 meters and 10 to 20 tons in weight; some stone blocks even weighs up to 26,7 tons. Over the past 600 years, the wall remains nearly intact without any type of adhesion which amazes modern researchers the most.

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The stone walls still remain nearly intact without any type of adhesion

Moreover, Ho Citadel was built in three months, this demonstrates the talent as well as excellent creations of the old artists. Additionally, the sophisticated traits are demonstrated by cravings of dragons, a symbol of Ho dynasty’s power. However, the dragon’s head was stolen a long time ago for some mysterious reasons. It is rumored that the head was cut down by the enemy in order to illustrate the perdition of the Ho dynasty or it was demolished by someone who disagreed with the Ho dynasty. Citadel of Ho dynasty was listed as one of the World Heritage by UNESCO in 2011 and the site is attracting more and more tourists every year.

Many rumours about this dragon with stolen head but till now, the real reason and story is a mystery

Although there was an increase in the number of tourists to the site, this was not considerable compared to the historical and cultural value of the Citadel. Regardless of the world recognition, Ho Citadel has not received proper concern from tourism organizations. What is more, roads to the site need upgrading so that it is more accessible for both domestic and international visitors. One more reason that might hinder the tourism development of the site is the incompatibility with other surrounding highlights of Vietnam. Besides, it is located in the North Center of Vietnam, a new tourism area, which is not so famous and not many attractive sites for foreign tourists

Nice over-view picture of a large area inside Ho Citadel

Visiting the citadel, you can walk, drive or cycle through the arches into the citadel. Within the complex, the quiet scenery of the country side also makes you feel peaceful since you can enjoy the fresh atmosphere of rice fields, lotus ponds, farmers and buffalos working on the fields.

I believe that this ancient and historic Citadel will be attractive more and more tourists in the future but it will be still far. I have a route for you if you want to visit this site. You wil visit Ninh Binh, staying over-night there. In the moring, you wil start a trip to Pu Puong – a hidden gem of Vietnam, then atfter 65km from Ninh Binh you will stop to visit Ho Citadel on the way heading to Pu Luong.

 

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A short journey to Perfume Pagoda

Perfume Pagoda or Huong Pagoda has long been regarded as the most famous pilgrimage site when you travel Vietnam tours and it also attracts non-religious tourists because of its beautiful scenery called: “Supreme cave under the southern sky”.

Located nearly 70 km southwest of Hanoi, in My Duc District where is the junction of the Red River Delta ends abrubtly with the steep-sided limestone hills rising from the green paddy fields, Perfume Pagoda is an ideal day trip for anyone to enjoy fresh and peaceful atmosphere out of the busy city.

The panorama of Yen Stream leading to the Huong Tich Cave during festive season of March

Unlike any other religious sites, Huong Pagoda is a complex of pagoda, temples, associated with mountains and forests that brings the harmony of natural and artificial beauty. The center of the complex stays inside the Huong Tich Cave where the Inner Pagoda locates. From the 1^st to the 3^rd lunar month or from early February to early April is when the Huong Pagoda festival takes place, there is a huge number of pilgrims flow to this site to pray for their happiness and prosperity for the new year. Also, gathering in this spring festival, young people have a lot more chance to join in traditional activities and to find their partners because the legend tells that this magical site is an ideal place to begin a romance. It can be said that Perfume pagoda is a must see place not only because of the religious site but also a stunning place for sight-seeing and photo-capturing lovers.

As Huong Pagoda is a large complex of pagodas and temples along the Yen Stream, tourists can choose to spend 1 day, 2 days or up to a week to discover this natural wonder depending on your time. Normally, there are four possible routes for visiting Huong Pagoda:

• Huong Tich Route: Trinh Temple, Thien Tru Pagoda, Tien Son Cave, Giai Oan Pagoda, Huong Tich Cave, Hinh Bong Pagoda
• Thanh Son Route: Thanh Son Pagoda & Huong Doai Cave
• Long Van Route: Long Van Pagoda – Long Van Cave – Sung Sam Cave
• Tuyet Son Route: Bao Dai Pagoda – Chua Ca Cave – Tuyet Son Cave

From my real experiences to Huong Pagoda twice, if you only have one day for sight-seeing, you are highly recommended to visit Huong Tich Route to two sites: Thien Tru Pagoda and Huong Tich Cave.

Now let’s start the pilgrimage to this fascinating nature drawing with the most highlights of Huong Tich Route:

Duc Pier

The very first starting point of Huong Tich Route is Ben Duc (Duc Pier). During the annual festival months, Ben Duc is packed of thousands of row boats used for shuttling visitors from the Pier to the base of Perfume mountain where people can start climbing to the cave.  This one-hour boat ride on the Yen Vi Stream from Pier Duc is actually the most romantic and scenic moments in the trip to Perfume Pagoda.

Duc Pier where boats gather to welcome tourists

Yen Stream

While traveling along Yen Stream, the boat men will sail tourists pass by stunning landscape of blazing green rice paddles with jagged limestone mounts to the base of Huong Mountain. Your “local guide” that is the boat men may tell you about many legends and stories relating to the mountains at the two sides of Yen Stream and with your own imagination, you can easily see on your left the image of Phoenix Mountain, Cat and Turtle Hill and Elephant Mountain. Before boarding Tro Wharf, do not miss to take photos of stunning landscape of the blue sky and green water in the peaceful atmosphere where you can only hear the sound of water sailing.

Relaxing on the boat trip along Yen Stream during autumn

Thien Tru Pagoda

After leaving the boat to step inland, you may not ignore a visit to Thien Tru Pagoda (chuà Ngoài – Outer Pagoda), which was under King Le Thanh Tong dynasty since 18^th century. “Thien Tru” literally means a heaven kitchen, derived from the imagination of the locals in this region, of which the rock formations in this area look like chefs busily working in the kitchen.

Thien Tru Pagoda

Huong Tich Cave – Inner Pagoda

To the right of Thien Tru Pagoda, there is a small path leads to the steep uphill for 4 kilometers to the main Perfume Pagoda that dedicated to Quan Am (Woman Budha). For this route, depending on your physical health and interest, you can choose either walk up the mountain for 1 hour or get in the cable car for just a few minutes.

In fact, the hike is hard going and hot due to the high and steep steps and can be highly treacherous for the way down during wet weather and when you are already tired after climbing up. However, the chance to challenge yourself and to enjoy the sceneries along the route especially when on the top, it is actually rewarding.

Otherwise, while getting out of the Thien Tru Pagoda, you will find at your right side the cable car station that runs all year round even when in the low season and the panorama from your seat is rather spectacular.

The way down to Huong Tich Cave – the most sacred part of Perfume Pagoda

After climbing up hundreds of stone steps, and then down 120 stone steps to Huong Tich Grotto whose name literally means “traces of fragrance”, you will be cooled down by the winds and the moisture in dim light along the path to Huong Tich. For any first-time tourists when reaching the grotto, a big “Wow” by magnificently luxuriant landscapes will not be stopped. Behind the natural huge grotto looking like the Budha, the little wet path may take you to discover numerous stunning stalagmites and stalactites inside the cave such as Dun Gao (Rice) rock, gold and silver trees, Nui Co (Girl) and Nui Cau (Boy) Mountains (in the shapes of a girl and a boy) and the most scared place of the whole complex with the statue of Quan Am and Lord Budha.

We could not hide our surprise to see the stunning grottoes

The wonderful view from inside the cave

As the festival season falls for the spring time from February to early April, my advice is to avoid this time of the year, instead, you can visit in low season for the autumn and the winter to enjoy pleasant weather and peaceful atmosphere. Especially during October and November, you can easily see lovely water lilies booming up with bright color floating on the Yen stream while on the boat.

To enjoy your trip the most, whether you are not planning to walk but do the cable car for driving up, do not forget good walking shoes, a hat and plenty of water, especially in the hot summer months. If you do not have time to prepare them on your own, you can buy mineral water, food and fresh fruits along  the way to Huong Tich cave.  A good camera is always a must!

I hope my sharing will be useful now for your getting started. Let’s enjoy and share with us your great moments.

 

 

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Local life experience in Can Cau Market

Our team had a very interesting experience exploring on our trip to Lao Cai province in October 2017 and would like to share some pictures to you.Our train starts from Hanoi station at 10.pm on Friday and arrives Lao Cai Station at about 6am on Saturday morning. The weather in the early morning is still warm with a bit misty. Our group is welcomed by our drivers and tour guide at the station. We had light breakfast with Chicken soup at a small rest stop near by and then head up to Simacai District.

It takes about 2 hours to transfer from Lao Cai Station to the place where the market is situated. The road sometimes so craggy cause we have to cross over some landslide area from the flood few days ago. Arriving the market at about 8.30 am, the time when the market is most crowded, we jumped out of our car and be impressed by many sounds and smells that can only be found at a fair in the northern Vietnam.

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The market can be divided into 3 main areas: selling foods, cows and buffalo, clothes and other housewares. Spread in front of our eyes are a living, interesting, unique activities. In this corner, a woman selling some vegetables is talking with another woman carrying a baby on her back by their own language and laugh out loud. Whilst another man is trying to lead his buffalo. It seems like the buffalo is not so happy, it keeps shaking its head, so the bamboo bell on his neck makes some noise. Under some wooden roofs, some people are cooking special dishes made from organs of pigs, cows or buffalo. In another corner, some men is making BBQ with beef and vegetables. An old woman is cooking a big pan full of a white mixture that they call tofu. Some people are selling special wine made from tao meo – a special type of fruit in the jungle. Some children is gathering by the pannier full of hot colorful sticky rice. The color is made from 100% natural ingredients. Some teenage girls are trying the handmade dresses. In a lower land, cows and buffalo is gatherings and their owners are trading. All things creates a vivid pictures.

The words can not describe enough, so you would better come and experience by yourself. The market is not fit with all people, but it is a great choice for someone who really like to see local things. Just a tip is the Can Cau Market will be finished at about noon, thus you better arrange your time well, so not to miss the most interesting part of the market. Also, don’t forget to check the weather and bring your warm coat cause at that night the weather changed dramatically, temperature cool down to just about 12-13 Degree.

wine selling area

Colorful sticky rice

Chatting in ethnic language

H’Mong women in their costume

Noodles for breakfast, who’s willing to try?

“Tofu”

People trading buffalo

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Back to Hoian

I decided to book air tickets to return Hoian for the 3^rd time on a day of mid-October. However, this is the first time of mine to visit the enchanting town during its rainy season and especially when reading the weather forecast news warning that if central Vietnam would be anyone’s travel plans over the next few days, they may want to consider delaying the travel — or, at least, keep updated to the latest information pertaining to the weather due to the effects from Typhoon Khanun.” (Boarding Area).

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Having been kept updated by the local weather forecast channel about the weak influence of this storm and believing that the daily rain will not dilute the beauty of this region, I still started my trip as planned and was so lucky to enjoy Hoian without rain or storm but with a pleasantly sunny and cool weather throughout my chilling days.

After strolling around the old streets of Hoi An, I thought of doing something else near the town for more fun experiences. My great day was to rent a bike and ride around on two wheels to visit Thanh Ha Pottery Village, Bay Mau Palm Forest and relax by An Bang Beach.

1. Thanh Ha Pottery Village

Finishing a nice breakfast with Mi Quang (Quang Noodle with shrimp and pork), I headed 3 kilometers out of Hoian town to Thanh Ha Terracotta Park and Pottery Village to see the historical village and made a pottery on my own as a souvernir.

The Thanh Ha village was famous for its pottery, bricks and tiles. You will be amazed to know the unique Yin – Yang tiles which can still be seen on many roofs in the old city of Hoi An were made from this old village. Coming to the terracotta museum, you will have a chance to see the whole building of red bricks and clay in the region.

I must admit that I was lost in the World Square garden of miniature of iconic monuments from all over the world. This was really a great way to learn new places and to check my memory. Besides world famousTaj Mahal, Statue of Liberty, Stonehenge, Sydney Opera House, Pyramids, the Whitehouse, the Angkor Wat, I figured out the little  replica of Hoi An Old Town with lovely old houses which were all made by clay and by the artisans in village.

Though the indoor exhibition was quite attractive with objects and images about the long history development of 500 year history at Thanh Ha, I could not stand going down to the outdoor area where I can see the nice hand-made pottery products and made one by myself. Needless to say, this is an ideal site for both adults and children where you can create any masterpieces of your imagination.

Having made the pottery without previous knowledge and experience but thanks to the great help of the nice artisan, the vase/pot came out surprisingly nice and it cost only 30,000 VND for this worth.

2. Bay Mau Nipa Palm Forest:

Leaving the Thanh Ha village, I continued my day trip to Bay Mau Nipa Palm Forest where is regarded as the Little Mekong inside Hoian.

Located 5 km from Hoian and surrounded by water of 3 major rivers in Hoian: Thu Bon River, Truong Giang River and De Vong River, the hidden coconut forest is really a wonderful destination for tourists to sit in the basket boat and go through the natural coconut waterway. In the past, the forest was an important historical where the guerrilla force relied on coconut forests to cause more damage to the enemy in wars and became a place of shelter, refuge to many officials. Nowadays, it is really nice place for people to explore the tranquil coconut palm while seeing the sunset at Thu Bon River.

Welcomed me on boat, the friendly boat lady gave me an amazing gift made of the coconut leave, that is the ring with shape of a grasshopper! The rowing boat went through the forest and along the river for around 30 minutes. At the end of the ride, I was astonished again by the unique performance of a boat man right in his basket boat while enjoying a great round by my boat’s old lady that was a little dizzy but so much fun.

3. Relax at An Bang Beach

The end of my day trip today was An Bang Beach, a lovely beach that is only 3 kilometers from the town and it is where you will find less vendors, more peace with clean water, smooth sand, gentel waves and pure atmosphere.

While the Hoian ancient town is peaceful, the beach is somehow vibrant by the pace of life showing on a huge number of bamboo basket boats along the beach. Like in Bay Mau forest, these boats are still used as a mafor means of fishing for daily life.

As the ideal time for swimming at Hoian beach is from April to September during the summer of Central, I just stopped at An Bang Beach to have a big fresh seafood dinner that definitely satisfied a hungry soul like me.

Though the trip was taken during the rainy season, I enjoyed myself very much in a great weather. So my best advice for anyone who is planning to Hoian these days would be to get updates from local weather channels, book accommodation through any channels that allows for late cancellations or for last-minute delay until the weather is better and take advice from locals where living right at place. It is certain that you can even still had good days while during rainy time. Therefore, I believe you may also have a lot of fun experience to Hoian and do not hesitate to share with me your great time there!

Happy traveling!

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A local experience in Sapa – Authentic Red Dao herbal baths

Sapa is not only famous for the colorful mountains, terraced rise fields, passes up and down, but also well – know by The Medicinal bath of the Red Dao Ethnic

Coming to Sapa where is not only famous for the colorful mountains, terraced rise fields, passes up and down, but also well – know by The Medicinal bath of the Red Dao Ethnic. This is a long-time medicine that the local people here, every day they go into the forest and cut the medicinal plants to use for bath because according to their experience, these plants can treat many illness.

According to legend, on the last day of the year the Dao boiled leaves from the forest for medicinal bathing before welcoming the new year in. As this practice proves both effective and salubrious, a majority of Kinh people have considered it a unique feature of Red Dao culture. The Red Dao’s medicinal bathing has become one of the northern mountainous province‘s attractions, even though it is still a mystery to foreign tourists who first set foot in Sapa.

After a long day trekking, it’s good chance to go to the bathhouses of Ta Phin village. We went to Dao’Spa – Sapanapro, one among a handful of Dao women in Ta Phin who offers the service. Take this chance, I would like to share about a must-try experience while visiting Sapa:

How to make herbal water of the Red Dao

The number of ingredients in Red Dao herbal water can vary from 10 to 100, depending on the purpose of the users and how experienced the bath maker is. Nonetheless, there are some crucial types of herb. According to local people’s guidance, wild fokienia wood, also known as “Pemou wood”, is believed to be the best material to make the tub used in herbal bath since Pemou wood aromatic essential oil will be extracted by hot water, making it a wonderful scent which may last for even a few days.

You can click: Indochina tours to get more information.

Based on the number of users, the amount of herbs used will be different. Normally, herbs is washed carefully and boiled for 3 hours until the water turns into red color with romantically typical scent.

They will boil these dried plants and bark in a water filled giant wok, over a charcoal fire, of course will take takes several hours to prepare. After several hours of brewing, the water is transferred to a wooden barrel tub. Taking this herbal baths, having just entered the bathroom, you will immediately caught a whiff of fragrant herds, enjoy the beautiful smell of these natural medicines. You can relax and soak your bones in traditional bath and wash away your aches, pains, worries and woes all at once in the privacy of our bathhouse.

According to local people here, for this herbal bath in Sapa, each herb remedy for bathing includes approximately 120 kinds of herbs, plants and bark used for the baths. But of that total there are 39 which are popular and about 10 which are indispensible. The herbs are boiled for 3-4 hours in 30-37^oC to extract the essence, and then mixed in water to serve tourists. Average time to take herbal bath is 30 minutes.

The forests in tranquil Ta Phin, Vietnam, are lush with medicinal plants which are a valuable resource to the resident Red Dao ethnic minorities.

Like the sound of a warm herbal therapy bath in the lovely Sapa. With a grant, social enterprise Sapanapro was able to upgrade its spa facilities, allowing the ethnic Red Dao people to better commercialise their herbal remedies and improve their livelihoods

With a grant, social enterprise Sapanapro was able to upgrade its spa facilities, allowing the ethnic Red Dao people to better commercialise their herbal remedies and improve their livelihoods

Positive effects of using Red Dao herbal bath

According to the wisdom of the Red Dao people, an herbal spa is especially helpful for physical and mental fatigue, as it relaxes your body and renews your energy by enhancing overall circulation, soothing your daily tensions. For women, the herbal bath promotes skin beauty by opening pores, removing dead skin and impurities, and leaving the skin soft, clean, and silky smooth. The bath also relieves some chronic illnesses including rheumatism and joint pain. Herbal bath can help customers, with essential oil of local herbs, reduce negative effects of alcohol in the body, musculoskeletal pain, rheumatism and improve their health. On top of that, Sapa herbs can also a simple natural treatment for skin disease such as ulcer, acnes and psoriasis, etc.

Such a beautiful view from bathroom ^_^

Instruction for bath with traditional medicines (or herbal bath):

First Step: Please soak slowly your feet into water get familiar with temperature, and then put slowly your body until the water surface touch your chest. (Effects of traditional medicines will decrease if you put more water to decline temperature)

During bath time: You can use small bucket or towel to pour water to the part of body above water surface. (Eg: head and shoulder). You can use bathing water to wash your face and hair. You will sweat after 5-7 minutes to soak into water, especially in period 7-10 minutes. (Don’t worry, it’s normal sign)

Final Step: After 15-20 minutes, when your heartbeat and breathing rate increase. Please out of the bathtub, dry your body. (Don’t bath again by other water because it will decrease effects of traditional medicines).

Note: Careful control of temperature and time herbal bath in the following cases:

– You have gotten heart diseases or high blood pressure.

– You get drunk or drink too much alcohol.

– Pregnant women

If you soak your body in bathing water too long (more than 25 minutes), you can lose your balance in some minutes or being sleepy. This phenomenon is called “medicines drunk”. In this case, just call receptionists or staffs to help you. After 5-10 minutes, you will be fine.

Made from longstanding types of herb in Sapa, this service of Red Dao people is a must to any tourist. If you have a chance to visit Sapa, consider giving this amazing bath a try. It’s relaxing indeed.

 

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The best places for live music in Hanoi

Traveling to Hanoi, visitors would definitely be interested in exploring the city nightlife and having some fun when the evening comes. Beside wandering on the streets and trying street food, live music lounges are also a perfect option for a night in Hanoi. The capital city of Vietnam is one of the live music lover’s paradises and the most difficult thing is deciding which gig to go to. There are certain recommendations that should not be skipped.

1. Swing Lounge

(Swing Lounge – source: Internet)

Located right by the Hoan Kiem Lake, Swing Lounge is a retro-inspired café and bar in the capital. You will be impressed by old French architectural design of the venue which may attract you with its elegant beauty.  You can visit in a day for a coffee or a bite or by the night for live music. The cabaret style show alternates between performances from some famous singers and bands of the local music scene to lesser known cover acts. Plus, the set list is a mix of Vietnamese old time favorites, more recent Viet-pop songs as well as iconic Western tunes. Don’t be so surprised when the heartfelt edition of Whitney Houston’s “I will always love you” comes on.

(Live performance at the Swing lounge, source: Internet)

2. Hanoi Rock City

This group of musicians, DJs and artists has been bringing big sounds to Hanoi since 2010. Their focus is mostly on giving a leg-up to emerging acts however; they do dedicate some nights to making sure their audiences get a chance to catch the latest international acts.

(Band performance at Hanoi Rock City, source: Internet)

Hanoi Rock City boasts an impressive line-up of electro, experimental, reggae, rock and alternative acts that will most definitely raise the mood of any gig lover. Located in the Tay Ho District where is the living spot of a lot of foreigners, Hanoi Rock City has a vibrant atmosphere and pleasing prices.

3. CAMA Atk

CAMA are the spots “dedicated to bringing the best of independent music to Vietnam”. With over 60 international acts to date, CAMA are certain to become any indie kid’s hero for their work.

(CAMA Atk at night, source: Internet)

Giles Cooper, the founder of CAMA, says he started the collective simply because there was no live music on offer in Hanoi. Cooper saw that as a gap in the market that sorely needed to be filled and he has certainly done an impressive job in doing so.

(The tranquility inside the CAMA, source: Internet)

“The luxury of choice is starting to emerge in Hanoi,” Cooper says, “More people are stepping up to the plate and doing things.” Artists, musicians, venues and promoters are putting so much effort than ever to bring local and international acts of all genres to the audiences in Hanoi.

CAMA host gigs at their very own venue, CAMA ATK. Conveniently located in Hai Ba Trung, CAMA ATK looks like a mixture between a 1920s speakeasy and a grungy 90s den. The venue tends to be quite during the week, but can get noisy on weekends when live music performance goes on.

Swing Lounge is a place for romantic souls, CAMA’s shows tend to be for the more specific music lover, whereas Hanoi Rock City is perfect for those who just love any music that’s loud and live. So which is your favorite one? Let’s get up and join in with Indochina tour.

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Vietnamese lacquerawe – The unique traditional crafting

Sophisticated. Natural. Glossy. When traveling to Vietnam tours, tourists are attracted by handcraft products, and lacquerware products always on top ten of the list, indeed.The art of lacquerware dates back to China some 10,000 years ago. Lacquer in Vietnam also has a long history since 3rd and 4th centuries B.C. Some lacquered items were found in the ancient tombs, firstly in household items and wares such as the links in the planks of fishermen’s boats,  the household basket ware, furniture and so on. Since Vietnam has been under the Chinese and French colonial period, it absorbed multiple influences of foreign techniques but still, keep its uniqueness. Lacquer traditionally comes in three colors – brown, black and vermilion.  By the 1930s, Some Vietnamese artists started to use a new technique known which gives a richer mix of colors. During the Renovation in 1980’s and 1990’s, the younger generation of Vietnamese artists introduced some innovative experiments, that marked a big step to the modern lacquer art.

The old lacquer painting in 3 main colors – brown, black and vermilion

Nowadays, to create a beautiful lacquer product, artists, craftsmen, and laborers has to work through over 20 steps with patience, responsibility, and hard work. It requires the patient skills of craftsmen in the 1^st step to construct the body of product smoothly. Then the artists with more advanced techniques will apply artwork on products, using many ingredients such as the silver leaf, eggshell, pearls, etc. To make the handcrafted product becomes valuable, it’s very important to choose the right color to harmonize with the art and decorative work. There are 2 coats of color paints and 4- 5 vanished coats to be coated on the products which made all of the art & decorative work appears in the different look, deeply with its own texture.

Making lacquer products requires special techniques

The product then will be sanded and washed two times for cleaning all dust and mark on the product.  The high-quality lacquer products require no falling paint mark and must by shiny and having perfect look before polishing. The surface must be clean and shiny like a mirror with no traces to express the characteristics of lacquerware: The marvelous features, its attractiveness, and its eye-catching ability.

Modern design lacquer decorations

There are more and more products using lacquer technique. Travelers who are in love with this special art can buy furniture products, accessories, decoration, paintings, etc.

Nowadays, the most famous villages producing and exporting lacquerware products are located in Hanoi (Ha Thai village) and Binh Duong Province in the South (Tuong Binh Hiep Village).  Tourists can easily find the small lacquerware souvenirs in shops or look at some online websites: woac.com.vn and lacquerhomevn.com

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