Mu Cang Chai - Gold rice field

Mu Cang Chai is a rural district of Yen Bai province, in the northeastern region of Vietnam, which is 300 kilometres from Hanoi. Over the past few years, Mu Cang Chai has become a popular destination for tourists, researchers and photographers.

Mu Cang Chai owns 700 hectares of terraced rice fields, with 70 percent at three communes: La Pan Tan, Che Cu Nha, De Su Phinh. This traditional cultural heritage of an ethnic minority was recognised as a national landscape by the Ministry of Culture, Sport and Tourism for Vietnam travel.

Located in a temperate zone, the average temperature all-year round is 18.5 Celsius degrees so when the sunset comes, the district is blanked in mist and makes tourists feel they are in late winter of the lowland.

Best time to visit here from September to October

The center of Mu Cang Chai District lies in a valley expanding over seven kilometers. September and October is suggested as the most ideal time to visit Mu Cang Chai as everywhere, from magnificent mountains or beautiful terraced rice fields are bathed in glistening rays.

In addition to terraced fields, Mu Cang Chai was blessed with naturally beautiful flora and fauna and outstanding geographic features, including vast mountain ranges with high peaks which have protected the people for an age.

Historical Monuments in Hue

 

Hue is a representation of the vanished Vietnamese feudal empire in the early 19th century. The place’s monuments recognized by UNESCO only show an intact and well defended capital city in a form of its architecture, urban planning and construction.

With a deep history popular around the world, Vietnam has become one of the main tourist destinations for its historic monuments. The country’s monuments acclaimed by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) are particularly located in Hue city, which is as equally famous as other cities for its breathtaking travel destinations.

Hue is located in central Vietnam,  between two huge and well known cities, Ho Chi Minh City (formerly Saigon) and Hanoi. It is approximately 1100 km north from Hồ Chí Minh City, the largest city of Vietnam and 700 km from the south of Hanoi.

Today, Hue is a representation of the vanished Vietnamese feudal empire in the early 19th century. The place’s monuments recognized by UNESCO only show an intact and well defended capital city in a form of its architecture, urban planning and construction. For these historical monuments, it is also recognized as one of the best travel destinations in Vietnam.

Part of the complex of historic monuments, Hue’s prime attractions, is the Imperial Citadel. The citadel is the courtyard of Ngo Mon, the entrance of the city from the south. One of the more peaceful area in Vietnam due to its size, the citadel is a mixed of different historical buildings educating tourist about art and costumes from different Vietnam historical periods.

Not very far from the courtyard is the Ngọ Môn. As mentioned earlier, it is the southern entrance of Hue. It is believed to be reserved only for the emperor’s use and was the main entrance to the Imperial Enclosure. While other officials were then not allowed inside the citadel, the Emperor addressed them at the top of the Ngọ Môn gate.

Another palace included inside the complex of monuments is Thái Hòa Palace. It was the emperor's coronation hall and also the space where the emperor received foreign guest particularly dignitaries.

Famous in movies, the Forbidden Purple City can also be seen in Hue. It is located at the rear area of the Thai Hoa Palace. Little is left of the Forbidden Purple City because it was destroyed in 1968. Nevertheless, more tourist still visit the place because of its history as articulated in the remains of the Mandarin Palaces located on both sides of the area.

Tourists who are fond of historical insights such as these may get a hand full while visiting the historic monuments of Hue.

Japanese Bridge - Chua Cau in Hoi An

Japanese bridge was probably built in the early 17th century. It is also known as the Pagoda Bridge (Chua Cau), was built by Japanese craftsmen who were part of a huger community of Japanese merchants, operated in Hoi An.

Japanese bridges have had a reputation for their pure beauty of being graceful curves and the inspiration from Zen spirit for a long time. It’s no doubt that the most well-known bridge of this kind in Vietnam culture travel is the one in Hoi An – the historic riverside town in the Central Part.

Travelling to Vietnam knows further that Japanese settled in this town in large numbers following a treaty with local Nguyen lords signed in the early 1600s. Hoi An at that time was underdeveloped, but the Japanese envisioned transforming the town into a great trading center. The Nguyen Lords allowed the Japanese to build  streets, pagodas, and other infrastructure, along with housing for the merchants. The bridge is one of a handful of architectural treasures still extant from that era.

The bridge doubles the same as a temple, with shrines to lots of deities situated inside. One theory of the bridge's religious purpose is that it was constructed to subdue a world-spanning 'mamazu' dragon monster, whose head was situated in India and its tail in Japan. The movement of the tail was believed to cause earthquakes in Japan. As Vietnam was located in the area of

Hoan Kiem Lake

Hoan Kiem lake (or Lake of the Restored Sword) was once a part of the Red river. Throughout thousands of years of geographical changes, the lake moved eastward to its present position kilometers from the river. Before the well-known historical legend of King Le Loi here, Hoan Kiem Lake used to be known as Luc Thuy Lake (or Green Water Lake) since the water was green all the year round. In fifteenth century, it was named Hoan Kiem Lake after the legend of Emperor Le Thai To, which is somehow like the story of King Arthur and the Lady of the Lake's.

At present, Hoan Kiem Lake is the famous historical and legendary beauty-spot, many tourists who travel to Vietnam, don't miss the chance to visit this lake. It is eternal for good as an evidence of a fairy & heroic Hanoi during the past wars, and a romantic & charming Hanoi of Today!

Turning back time to the Le Dynasty 6 centuries ago to witness the legendary story. Throughout the war against the Minh aggressors, King Le Thai To was given a precious fairy Sword by the Golden Turtle God. After 10 years of continuous struggling, the King finally defeated the Chinese and reclaimed the nation’s independence. On a nice day, while boating on lake Luc Thuy, a big turtle came towards him.

It immediately grabbed the sword with its mouth and submerged. The king mourned the lost of such a valuable sword, yet could not find either the turtle or the sword. He realized that the God must have lent him the sword to drive back the enemy, but then that his nation was free, the sword must be returned. Therefore, King Le Thai To named the lake Ho Hoan Kiem or Lake of the Restore Sword after this episode. 

Since the reign of King Le Trung Hung (XVI century), every King in the Le dynasty, and Lord Trinh have all contributed to the beauty of the lake. Lord Trinh Giang built Khanh Thuy shrine on Ngoc island on the north end of the lake. He also had the two man made hills built across from Ngoc son Shrine. At the end of the Le Dynasty, Khanh Thuy was toppled by Chieu Thong. A philanthropist named Tin Trai built Ngoc Son pagoda, which was renamed into Ngoc Son shrine during the reign of Thieu Tri III (1843) as it was no longer a Buddhist shrine. Instead, it became  a shrine of Van Xuong, a deity, in charge of literature and the various tests required to become a Mandarin. It has also been a shrine of General Tran Hung Dao, a national Hero who secured numerous victories against the Mongols.

Hence, Hoan Kiem Lake is now situated inside a complex of Ngoc Son Temple, The Huc Bridge, Pen Tower in the surroundings, making a sparkling colorful natural picture! Ngoc Son has undergone a lot of renovations, one among which was the addition of Thap But (translated as Pen Tower) on its hill, which was once called Dao Tai. Three words were inscribed on the tower: "Ta Thien Thanh" or "write on blue sky". Inside the gate a pool resembling the shape of an ink well was added. Beyond the ink well is The Huc bridge, which means "where the sun light is absorbed". The bridge leads to Dac Nguyet Lau (or "Moon Light tower") - Ngoc Son shrine. Beyond the gates to the shrine, there are two walls called bang Rong and bang Ho (dragon and tiger slate), where the names of those who passed the national test were inscribed.

What could not be missed in this beautiful complex is the Turtle Tower, which lies in the middle of the Lake, so as to remind Vietnamese people of the Turtle God of his great assistance. It was told that King Le Thanh Tong used to fish here. Lord Trinh also was built the structure to house his entourage when visiting the lake.

Ba Dinh square in Hanoi

The square is near the Ho Chi Minh complex is called Ba Dinh square, where lots of important national historical events in modern history took place.

The square was firstly developed by French colony and known as Round Point Pugininer. On September 2nd, 1945 ( Vietnam National Day), Ho Chi Minh has read the Vietnam Independence Declaration. In the Declaration, he quoted for people to hear about French and the United States’s Independence Declaration that “All men are created equal and that everyone has the right to life, liberty and pursuit of happiness”.

Representatives from all social sectors comprise of workers, youth, educators, soldiers, cheered over the country’s unity and independence is that historical moments. About 24 years later, the square also hosted the funeral of Ho Chi Minh. It was the same crowd who mourned and cried in the rain to send off their revere leader. It was then decided by in-power Vietnamese government that Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum was built on the square so that the national hero can be forever remembered.

Nowadays, Vietnam culture travel with Ba Dinh square is one of some green and unoccupied areas of urban Hanoi. Many important events like parades and commemoration of veterans, took place at the square. Interestingly, In spite of its solemnity during the day, during the night time, the square is a popular gathering place for the local: families who want a walk, old people who want to exercise and friends who want to hang out. Paying a visit to Ba Dinh Square can be associated with a day or half-day trip to Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum and One-pillar Pagoda.

Ly Quoc Su Pagoda in Hanoi

Ly Quoc Su Pagoda lies on 50 Ly Quoc Su Street, Hoan Kiem District, Hanoi. The Pagoda worships a Buddhist Monk of the Ly Dynasty (the 10th - 12th centuries). This Monk, whose full name was Nguyen Chi Thanh, was born on 1066 in Dien Xa Village, Gia Vien District in Ninh Binh Province in the reign of King Ly Thanh Tong.

In the spring, Ha noi people often come to Ly Quoc Su Pagoda to wish for happiness and prosperity. Visitors come the pagoda not only for worshipping but also for knowing the cultural as well as historical value of the pagoda...

In 1077, at the age of 11, Nguyen Chi Thanh began practicing for the Buddhist monkhood and was taught by Tu Dao Hanh, a well-known monk. As the legend says, Monk Tu Dao Hanh was erudite in Buddhism and excellent in healing. He admired and respected Nguyen Chi Thanh's talent and virtue. In 1138, in his seventies, Monk Nguyen Chi Thanh cured King Ly Than Tong of a disease that many famous doctors had failed to do. For his respectful virtue and talent, he was given the title Ly Quoc Su by the King, which meant Great Monk and Merit Teacher of the nation.

The King provided Ly Quoc Su with a serene residential quarter, which was situated next to Bao Thien Pagoda in the centre of Thang Long Capital, on a side of Luc Thuy Lake (Hoan Kiem Lake of today). This pagoda with Vietnam culture travel had a 12-storey tower. Apart from preaching Buddhist sutra for the monks and nuns, Ly Quoc Su taught medicine, prescription of medicines and demotic scripts to many people in the temple and surrounding areas. Skilled in bronze casting, Ly Quoc Su also trained many bronze casting craftsmen.

That is why when he died at the age of 75 at Giao Thuy Pagoda in Nam Dinh in 1141, King Ly Anh Tong (holding power from 1138 to 1175) had a temple erected right on the ground of the residential quarter where Ly Quoc Su had lived. Throughout the country there are many pagodas worshipping both Buddha and Ly Quoc Su, who is considered the Saint of the bronze casting craft, such as Giao Thuy Pagoda in Nam Dinh and Keo Pagoda in Thai Binh.

Ly Quoc Su Pagoda was rehabilitated and redecorated lots of times with the hugest restoration being created in 1954. The cultural and historical treasure of this temple still remains Ly Quoc Su's statue, Buddha statues and statues of Monk Tu Dao Hanh and his mother and Monk Giac Hai. There's additionally the precious bell of Tu Chung, cast in the 19th century and a stone stele with inscriptions created in 1855 by Le Dinh Duyen, a famous man. The name of Ly Quoc Su was given to a 244 metre-long street running from Hang Bong to Nha Tho streets

The one pillar pagoda in Hanoi

The One-pillar pagoda or Dien Huu pagoda is one of the most special architectures in Vietnam. The pagoda is located adjacent to Ho Chi Minh Mauseleum, right in the center of Hanoi.

The One-pillar pagoda

The pagoda for travelling to Vietnam started being built under Ly’s dynasty in 1049. The legend goes that one night in 1049, King Ly Thai Tong dreamed of the Holy Lady (Phat ba Quan Am) sitting on a lotus and leading him to a similar building.

When he woke up, he was advised by Thien Tue monk to construct the pillar-based pagoda like in his dream and topping it with the lotus of the Holy lady. Every year when it came to April 8th in Lunar calendar, the King came to the pagoda for Buddha bathing ceremony and afterwards, released a bird.

In 1105, King Ly Nhan Tong spread the pagoda and added Linh Chieu bond. But time has erased everything but the limited area like what we see now. Adjacent to the pagoda there’s a bodhi tree. This is the gift from Rajendra Prasad- Indian presidents to Ho Chi Minh President.

The pagoda now became one of the most meaningful symbols of Hanoi.

Dong Xuan - A famous market in Hanoi

Dong Xuan Market located in Dong Xuan street, Hang Khoai street and Cau Dong street in the West end of Hanoi Old quarter. If you continue walking down Hang Ngang street, you will reach the market after 4 blocks.

History

Although located in the heart of the Old Quarters, the market is fairly young compared to the surrounding streets. It used to be an empty lot in front of Huyen Thien pagoda. Old Hanoi residents step by step developed trade activities here because it is adjacent to the river which made it convenient for transportation of products.

On the night of July 14th, 1994, a fire has brought down the whole market, causing a damage of 300 billion VND. At present, you see the market today was recently built with the model after the architecture before the fire.

Shopping

Travelling to Vietnam of local residents, Dong Xuan is mostly reserved for bulk sale and distribution points for many retailers in Hanoi. Main products include electronic devices, household equipments and clothing. At the back of the market is the trading place for animals (puppies, kitties, birds, fish, etc.) and plants (mostly Vietnamese bonsai). Suppliers for the market come mainly from North Vietnam with many Chinese blends.

Eating

The Northern end of the market holds mainly eating venue, serving both day and night time. It is a wise decision to stop here for local cuisines such as “bun cha”, “bun rieu” or chipping in a hot pot in a fall/winter night.