Temples of Angkor - 5 day
Starts : Phnom Penh, ends : Siem Reap
Highlights: Phnom Penh, Royal Palace, Siem Reap, Temples Of Angkor, Tonle Sap Lake.
Trip Code : C-ToC5
Days 1 + 2 : Phnom Penh Arrive in Phnom Penh and transfer to your hotel, ideally situated on the banks of the Tonle Sap River. Explore the National Museum and Royal Palace, including the majestic Silver Pagoda, and reflect on the Khmer Rouge legacy on a visit to Tuol Sleng. Learn about the plight of local street children, and what you can do to help, at the ChildSafe Centre. If you have time, be sure to enjoy a sunset drink at the legendary Foreign Correspondents Club.
Accommodation in Phnompenh :
+ Hotel grade: 4 Star
+ Room type: Superior Room
Days 3 – 5 : Siem Reap Fly to Siem Reap, gateway to the incredible Temples of Angkor. This afternoon cruise on Tonle Sap Lake, one of the largest freshwater lakes in the world. Rise early the next morning to enter the little used eastern gate of Angkor Wat before dawn, our path through the jungle illuminated by torchlight. Seeing the sun rise over this magnificent temple, its golden spires slowly emerging from the darkness, is simply unforgettable. Wander through the Bayon and the atmospheric ruins of tree covered Ta Prohm. We travel between the temples by tuk tuk, which is great for taking photos – and a lot of fun! Your journey ends with an airport transfer on day 5.
Accommodation in Siem Reap :
+ Hotel grade: 4 Star
+ Room type: Superior Room
Prices : USD$ 516 for per person base for 2 people travelling together
What's inclusive and Not ?
Transportation
Booking Conditions

Inclusive :
* All accommodation on double basis in Hotel 4star with daily breakfast
* All transfers/ transports
* English speaking guide
* Airfares
* All Lunches on Tour (not in free days)
* Admission fees and permits where applicable
* Visa arrangement
Exclusive :
* Pre/post trip arrangement
* Travel insurance
* Meals not indicated
* Other personal expenses
* Tips and gratuities
**** Information in this itinerary was correct at the time of its preparation.
We reserves the right to make itinerary changes as operational or other circumstances require
**** Once your booking has been confirmed you will receive a detailed itinerary for this tour,
detailing day by day arrangements, as well as a predeparture
guide containing valuable information designed to
help you get the most out of your holiday

For road journeys, air conditioned coasters or mini buses or car are used. These are modern, spacious, comfortable, well maintained, safe vehicles - perfect for private travel !
See the Goup Size and know what you get
* Tour Type :Private
* Vehicles Type :Car
* Group Size : 2 -3 Pax

----------Altis Toyota - 4seats
* Tour Type :Private
* Vehicles Type :Van
* Group Size : 4 - 8 Pax

-----------Mercedes Van - 16seats

STATUS:
CONFIRMED indicated overleaf means the airline, hotel, vehicle rental or tour operator has accepted your reservation from Vietnam Royal Tourism , subject to the usual reservation conditions.
REQUEST means your arrangements have been requested although not yet confirmed. WAITLIST means that your flight, hotel or tour arrangements are currently full and your name has been placed on a waiting list. CANCELLED means your flight, hotel, vehicle rental or tour arrangements are cancelled. UNABLE means the airline, hotel or tour operator cannot meet your request.
PAYMENTS: We require an initial non-returnable deposit normally 30% of tour cost per person for the travel element of your itinerary. Additional deposits may also be required to hold "other facilities" arrangements such as hotels, car-hire, cruises and tours - all payment details will be advised at the time of booking. Any final payment is usually due until customers arrival their destinations as Vietnam , Laos or Cambodia on First Day ( Day 1 ). Bookings made within 1 month of travel require 30% payment upon confirmation. If you have booked hotel accommodation, vehicle rental, tours or any 'Other Facilities' you should refer to the booking conditions in the Vietnam Royal Tourism - brochure or where Vietnam Royal Tourism - is acting as the agent for the Tour Operator you should refer to the booking conditions contained in Tour Operator's brochure (a copy of these conditions will be given or sent to you at the time of booking).
Please note that all airfares and taxes are subject to increase until full payment is received and tickets issued it is therefore to your advantage to finalise payment as soon as you can after booking. However Government taxes additional to the fare may be imposed or increased without notice at any time up until departure date.
YOUR PEACE OF MIND:
Vietnam Royal Tourism with Vietnam Business Number ( VBN 0102032888). We hold an Travel Agent License (TAG number 0825 ) Awarded by Vietnam National Administration of Tourism. This ensures that in the very unlikely event of our insolvency you will be able to continue with your arrangements as planned (if already abroad in Vietnam , Laos, Cambodia or Thailand) or refunded in full if travel has not already commenced.
For all monies paid to Vietnam Royal Tourism - will be legally safeguarded by being held in Trust in a Vietnam Royal Tourism - Trust account, thus ensuring that in the very unlikely event of our insolvency money paid in respect of advance bookings (future travel) will be refunded in full.
EMERGENCY CONTACT:
In the event that you experience a real emergency outside of Vietnam Royal Tourism - ' normal opening hours, please contact details to us on +844 2425892 or email :vietnamroyaltourism@vnn.vn.
METHODS OF PAYMENT:
PLEASE NOTE: If you intend to mail payment details or are arranging a bank transfer you should confirm the exact amount due with your consultant.
1. PERSONAL (AND COMPANY) CHEQUES: Payment for travel arrangements may be made by personal or company cheque. Cheques should be made payable to VIETNAM ROYAL TOURISM - LTD. Please note. However, that we require SIX WORKING DAYS FOR CHEQUE CLEARANCE before tickets can be issued. It is therefore advisable to confirm with Vietnam Royal Tourism - that there is sufficient time between cheque payment and any ticketing deadline. For urgent ticketing we can usually arrange to have cheques up to US3,000 guaranteed upon payment of an extra fee determined by the value of the cheque. Foreign currency cheques are acceptable.
2. BANK AND BUILDING SOCIETY DRAFTS: These are treated as cash if received at a time when the relevant bank or building society is open and able to verify the cheque.
3. CASH: Please note we advise clients not to post cash to us. Cash are acceptable and welcome when you will made your final payment on your arrival date in Vietnam , Laos , Cambodia
4. CARDS:
We accept Visa, MasterCard . We may require written Form of Authorisation letter and Letter of Aproval for the debit from the card holder before tickets can be released. We may also require one copy paper of the credit card both side and one copy of the passport (first page) with identify and photo before tickets can be released. We may also require seeing the actual card.
5. DIRECT CREDIT/BANK TRANSFER: Payment may be made from your bank directly to our bank account at:
Account name: Vietnam Royal Tourism Co.,LTD
Account number: 4094439
Bank Name: ANZ Bank
Address: 14 Le Thai To str., Hanoi, Vietnam
Tel : +844-38258190
Fax : +844-38258188
SWIFT Code: ANZBVNVX
Website: www.anz.com
( Recommendation using this one for citizen of New Zealand, Australia, United Kingdom, US and Canada with small fee of bank transfer )
or other :
Account name: VIET NAM ROYAL TOURISM CO., LTD
Account number: 0011372354159
Bank Name: Bank for foreign trade of Vietnam – Operation Center
Address: 198 Tran Quang Khai str., Hanoi, Vietnam
Tel : + 844-3825 1322
Fax: +844-382 69067
SWIFT Code: BFTVVNVX001
Website: http://www.vietcombank.com.vn/en/
Vietnam Royal Tourism - must be notified of all direct bank payments. All payments must be identified by the passenger's name and booking number.
PROVISIONAL FARES:
If a fare is shown on an itinerary as being 'PROVISIONAL', this means that the airline, hotel or tour/ground operator has not confirmed the exact fare at the time of booking and any increases in cost must be met by the client.
TICKETING: Unless you notify us otherwise, your travel documents will be posted to you at the address shown overleaf, except E-tickets where your boarding pass is issued at check in on production of your passport and this Vietnam Royal Tourism - client confirmation form if requested. Air tickets cannot be posted overseas. Tickets are generally valid a maximum of one year from the date of issue. Any exception to this will be shown on your ticket.
REROUTING: As a general rule, airline tickets cannot be rerouted or transferred to another airline. All flights must be used in sequence, as booked. Failure to do so may result in cancellation of all remaining sectors and restrict any possible refund.
PASSPORT & VISA REQUIREMENTS: Please ensure that you are fully aware of all passport and visa requirements and that you allow adequate time to obtain them. We recommend that you travel with a passport that has a minimum validity of 6 months remaining at all times. This is an immigration requirement for many countries and airlines. Please check with your travel consultant if you will not have the recommended validity whilst travelling. Passports should be Machine Readable for travel via the USA. Please call our visa service if you are unsure if your passport is Machine Readable. Please call +844 24 25 892 for more details.
Visa requirements are only noted for those countries listed on your itinerary. If you intend visiting or transiting through other countries, please ensure you are fully aware of all relevant visa and passport requirements.
AIRLINE PASSENGER INFORMATION: Please note that airlines are now required by laws introduced in the United States and other countries to give border control agencies access to passenger data. Accordingly any information that the airline holds about you and your travel arrangements may be disclosed to the customs and immigration authorities of any country on your itinerary. Please contact your travel consultant if you require further information.
HEALTH REQUIREMENTS: Health facilities, hygiene and disease risks vary worldwide, you should obtain health advice on your specific needs as early as possible. It is your responsibility to ensure that you have fully complied with all health and immunisation requirements of the countries you may be visiting.
INSURANCE: Vietnam Royal Tourism - strongly recommends insurance cover whenever you travel abroad. Insurance is a must for Vietnam, as the cost of major medical treatment is prohibitive. A travel insurance policy to cover theft, loss and medical problems is the best bet
TRAVEL INSURANCE
Unfortunately things can go wrong on holiday. You could fall ill or have an accident; you could have money or luggage stolen; your visit might be cancelled or cut short through injury or illness; your family may need to fly out to be with you if there is a serious incident.
Costs - particularly medical treatment costs - can easily run into thousands of dollars. Local medical facilities are unable to provide the full range of medical services available in developed countries making evacuation a requirement in many non life threatening medical emergencies. The costs of relocation as well as local international standard care are extremely high. In the most serious emergencies, you may not be positioned to authorise payment for an appropriate medical response that is urgently required. This may delay or prevent the provision of critical and possibly life saving medical attention.
Market surveys show that many people don't take insurance. People believe that their credit card accident cover, home insurance, or private health cover is sufficient. However, it is unlikely that these will give adequate cover. If you do not already have a policy we urge you to take out insurance as soon as you make a booking with us to ensure you have adequate cancellation cover.
Know what your policy covers and check that the cover is adequate.
If in doubt ask your insurer. Your policy should cover you for the following:
The whole time that you are away, whether that is a day or a year.
Any activities and sports you might do. Some activities, such as jet skiing, are excluded from many policies. Many insurers will extend cover, if requested, otherwise shop around for a specialist policy.
The medical cover is very important. It must include cover for emergency medical treatment, hospitalisation and repatriation.
Personal liability - for injury or damage to others and their property.
Cancellation - if you have to cancel or abandon your trip. Cancellation cover should start as soon as you book your trip.
24 hour emergency assistance - if things go wrong the assistance company will help you to sort everything out.
Possessions cover, including money and documents to specified limits.
Your policy may also cover:
Personal accident - money paid on death or permanent disability.
Legal expenses - to help you pursue compensation for damages following personal injury.
Declare anything that you think might affect the cover.
Be honest - tell your insurer about current or past medical conditions. This should include the condition of those to be insured and others, such as close relatives, whose state of health may prevent you from travelling or may cause you to curtail your trip. If you don't declare you may invalidate your policy.
When you travel.
Make sure you take your policy and the 24 hour emergency phone number with you.
Make sure you know what to do in the event of a problem.
Some insurance companies insist that you call their assistance company as soon as possible after a problem arises.
If anything does happen make sure you keep as much paperwork as possible - tickets, receipts, medical bills, police reports etc - to help prove that what you're claiming for actually happened.
CANCELLATIONS/AMENDMENTS/REFUNDS:
It is important that you are fully aware of the cancellation and administrative charges relating to your contract with Vietnam Royal Tourism - .
The circumstances surrounding cancellations and refunds vary greatly. The following general conditions are as simple as the complex problem permits and makes allowance for the work carried out by Vietnam Royal Tourism - on behalf of clients. Should you for any reason have to cancel your booking; the person making the original arrangements must give us written notice of cancellation.
In certain cases cancellation charges, if incurred involuntarily, will be covered by insurance taken out at the time of booking. This is strongly recommended.
AMENDMENTS:
Any change of itinerary before receipt of full payment on any particular ticket(s) will be termed an amendment. An amendment fee of up to $US 100 per change will be levied according to the amount of work involved. Changes to hotel accommodation, vehicle rental, tours and other travel arrangements will incur extra charges. Please refer to the relevant Vietnam Royal Tourism - brochure or where Vietnam Royal Tourism - is acting as the agent for the tour operator, you should refer to the booking conditions contained in the tour operator's brochure. Any change of itinerary after receipt of full payment on any tickets will be subject to applicable cancellation conditions. Please note that it will not be possible for our Travel Centres in Vietnam to assist with changes to the routing of your airline ticket. All such enquiries must always be made directly with the relevant airline. Vietnam Royal Tourism - may be able to assist in changing your dates, subject to the conditions of your ticket and flight availability; however, fees from $US 30 per change apply, over and above any airline fees detailed on your booking form. These date changes may also be made directly with the airline. Amendments to hotel and tour bookings made in the Vietnam and Laos, Cambodia may be made through our Travel Centres in Vietnam. However, at least 7 days notice is required and all amendments are subject to availability. Cancellations or amendments made within 30 days will incur two night's cancellation fee per hotel as per the conditions detailed in our Tailor-made Indochina. A minimum fee of US$25 per hotel or tour booking will apply to amendments made outside 28 days. Our Travel Centres in Vietnam will be delighted to assist with additional flights and selected hotels together with local tours whilst travelling Vietnam. Please call in or telephone.
AIRLINE RESERVATION & TICKET CANCELLATION:
For all confirmed bookings cancelled before receipt of full payment on any particular ticket(s), the booking deposit is forfeit. For cancellation after receipt of full payment, cancellation charges as stated overleaf will apply. Please note cancellation charges of 10% per ticket or $US100 per ticket, whichever is the greater, will apply to any cancelled tickets not specifically covered under the cancellation conditions overleaf. On any fixed dated ticket there is a 100% cancellation charge if part used, or if the reservation is not cancelled prior to the first flight. Please note that it is your responsibility to advise airlines if you do not wish to travel on a flight booked. Failure to do so can result in the cancellation of onward flights and the forfeit of any ticket refund.
Please note all flight cancellations must be notified in writing to Vietnam Royal Tourism - prior to the day of departure.
HOTEL/VEHICLE RENTAL/TOUR/OTHER TRAVEL ARRANGEMENTS:
CANCELLATION
If you have booked hotel accommodation, vehicle rental, tours or any other travel arrangements and you cancel your reservation, you should refer to the booking conditions in the Vietnam Royal Tourism - brochure or, where Vietnam Royal Tourism - is acting as the agent for the tour operator, you should refer to the booking conditions contained in the tour operator's brochure. Reservations are non-transferable.
AIRLINE TICKET REFUNDS:
Tickets returned will be presented to the airline for assessment. As soon as we receive a refund from the issuing airline, we will forward it to you less any cancellation or administration charge. Please note that refunds for part-used/return halves of tickets are always less than the pro-rata rate and may have no refund value whatsoever. Refunds usually take 8-12 weeks but in isolated cases may take longer. Refunds will be processed via the original method of payment, except for cash transactions where refunds will be provided by cheque. Tickets returned more than one year from date of issue are classed as expired by the airline and generally have no refund value at all. If tickets are lost or stolen, certain airlines will not issue duplicates. New tickets may then have to be purchased locally, at the focal fare. Even if replacement tickets are purchased, certain airlines will not issue refunds for lost/stolen tickets. A delay of up to 18 months is possible before we receive authority from the airline to make any refund. Vietnam Royal Tourism - applies a further $US25 per ticket administration fee over and above cancellation charges in such cases.
Please ensure that any tickets returned to Vietnam Royal Tourism - are sent by registered post.
REFUNDS:
No refunds are given for partly used vouchers. In all circumstances please refer to the booking conditions in the Vietnam Royal Tourism - brochure or, where Vietnam Royal Tourism - is acting as the agent for the tour operator, please refer to the booking conditions contained in the tour operator's brochure.
AIRLINE RESERVATIONS:
All flight reservations are subject to seat availability of the relevant booking class, which at certain times may be limited. Any alterations you may wish to make to a confirmed itinerary after departure from your country should be addressed to the airline as soon as possible. Airline reservations are non-transferable.
CARRIAGE BY AIR:
Carriage by air is subject to the terms and conditions of the carrier with whom you travel and to international conventions, which may limit liability. Transport timings and routings are provided by the airlines and other carriers concerned. They are subject to change as a result of air traffic control restrictions, weather conditions, operational/maintenance requirements and the requirement for passengers to check in on time, over which Vietnam Royal Tourism - has no control. We cannot make any special arrangements for you if you are delayed since such matters are at the sole discretion of the airline concerned.
FLIGHT RECONFIRMATIONS:
Please reconfirm all onward flight reservations with the relevant airline at least 72 hours prior to departure. In addition, it is important to establish if there have been any changes to your flight timings since leaving your country. Failure to do so may result in cancellation of your reservation. Unless Vietnam Royal Tourism - advises you to reconfirm the first flight out of your country there is no need to do so.
TAXES:
Vietnam Royal Tourism - will advise of all mandatory pre-paid taxes. Most countries also charge departure taxes that may only be paid locally. It is therefore recommended that clients retain sufficient local currency to meet such charges. For further details please enquire directly with the airline.
SEAT REQUEST (AIRLINES) SPECIAL REQUEST (HOTELS):
Where airline policy allows, Vietnam Royal Tourism - is happy to request pre-allocated seating and other special service requests. We are also happy to make any special requests in respect of your hotel accommodation. Please note however that unless specifically confirmed by Vietnam Royal Tourism - all such requests will never be guaranteed and form no part of your contract with Vietnam Royal Tourism .
BAGGAGE ALLOWANCE: If you are unsure of the baggage allowance on the flights you have booked please contact your consultant or the relevant airline.
PHOTOGRAPHIC IDENTIFICATION: Some countries require that photographic
ID is carried at all times. Vietnam Royal Tourism - recommends that passports be carried whenever flying.
COMPLAINTS:
If you have a problem during your holiday, please inform the relevant airline, hotel, tour operator or other supplier immediately so that they can endeavor to put things right. If they cannot resolve the problem, you must contact one of Vietnam Royal Tourism - ' Vietnam Travel Centres immediately by telephone or fax so that we are given an opportunity to help. Vietnam Royal Tourism - will not hold themselves responsible for the non-performance of an itinerary through causes beyond their control or when they are not notified of a problem at the point when remedial action can be taken. In the unlikely event that a complaint cannot be resolved at the time, you should write to us within 90 days of returning home, giving your original booking reference number and all other relevant information. If you fail to take any of these steps this will hinder our ability to put any problem right and/or investigate it fully and any right you may have to receive compensation will be reduced or completely invalidated.
TRAVELLING IN LAOS AND CAMBODIA: If you have a problem whilst travelling in Laos or Cambdia please follow our complaints procedure as detailed above, rather than in the first instance contacting one of our Travel Centres in Vietnam. This will enable us to attend to your complaint in the most effective manner. The Vietnam Royal Tourism - Vietnam 24 hour emergency number is +844 2425892 or +84 9888 23458.
YOUR HOLIDAY CONTRACT:
These booking conditions form part of your contract with Vietnam Royal Tourism - . This contract and matters arising from it are subject to the exclusive jurisdiction of the Courts of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam. Please note differing terms and conditions may apply between you and the vehicle rental company/tour operator or airline involved in providing these travel arrangements. A copy of the applicable terms can be requested by contacting Vietnam Royal Tourism - in writing
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Cambodia
News Update
- The poetry of a waterfall in the spring
From Duc Pho Town in the central province of Quang Ngai, we went west across seven kilometers of road through thick sugarcane fields.
From Duc Pho Town in the central province of Quang Ngai, we went west across seven kilometers of road through thick sugarcane fields.
We passed through a forest before the road let out into a poetic clearing of rocks and water. We had reached Da Giang Spring in Pho Nhon Commune.
We followed the spring that runs smoothly through rocks as the sound of crashing water grew louder and louder.
Then we hit the cascade, dozens of meters high. The waterfall created dazzling white spumes when it hit the spring.
It was easy to find large and flat rocks to use as small picnic tables. We were given shade by the leafy canopy of the old-growth forest.
My friend, who lives in the area, used a local trick to chill our beers: he placed them in a small hollowed out space in the rocks that filled with cool spring water. Ten minutes later, we were quenching our thirst with cold beer.
Orchids in yellow, purple, and pink jutted out from cliffs. Such a soft beauty in such a mighty forest!
read more >>> - New 18-hole golf course opens in Da Nang
VinaCapital , Vietnam"s largest fund manager, Friday launched an 18-hole golf course in the central city of Da Nang.
VinaCapital , Vietnam"s largest fund manager, Friday launched an 18-hole golf course in the central city of Da Nang.
Designed by Australian Greg Norman, the world"s number one ranked golfer in the 1980s and 1990s, "The Dunes" covers 150 hectares of a sand hill in Ngu Hanh Son District’s Hoa Hai Ward, about 10 kilometers from the city"s downtown area.
It is one of the two 18-hole courses belonging to the Da Nang Golf Club. The other is yet to be put into use.
The club is part of the US$450 million VinaCapital tourism complex built along the Da Nang beach that includes hotels, villas and apartments.
read more >>> - Northern flavors find Saigon
Southern food is sweet and succulent, but it would be a sin to neglect these delicious northern novelties
Southern food is sweet and succulent, but it would be a sin to neglect these delicious northern novelties
Vietnam’s three major regions are as different as earth, wind and fire.
The people, landscape, weather and yes, even the food, change in almost every province, but the most pronounced differences come between the northern, central and southern regions.
Southern food is often sweet and filled with fruit while central food is known for being spicy and a bit salty.
But northern dishes are known for their subtlety and are often prepared in a minimalist way without losing out on flavor. Northern chefs concentrate on freshness and focus more on vegetables and pure fish sauce rather than on fruits and sugar like in the south. Spice is added to dishes by diners, not by the cooks.
Ho Chi Minh City has a cornucopia of restaurants from every region and sub-region in Vietnam and the world and many locals frequent northern eateries to get the rawer, simpler flavors of Hanoi and its surrounding areas.
Banh cuon (rolled rice cake) is one of the most popular northern dishes in HCMC.
The meal, which is often taken for breakfast, starts with a thin sheet of freshly cooked rice paper. Though these are normally prepared beforehand in HCMC, in the north they are made fresh to order. The papers are super-thin, sticky, wet, stretchy and chewy.
Skillfully rolled in the silky smooth paper is a delicious combination of ground pork and spices.
The cake is placed on the plate and sprinkled with tiny shrimp, chopped peppermint and coriander for a dash of freshness. The rolled cake is served with fish sauce and two kinds of Vietnamese cold-cuts: cha lua (lean pork paste) and cha que (roasted cinnamon pork paste). Northern banh cuon is served with a straight fish sauce, while southern eateries mix the sauce with sugar. Diners can add red-hot chilies to the sauce if they like.
Other northern foods popular in HCMC are pho ga Ha Noi (Hanoi chicken and rice noodle soup), banh da cua (rice pancake with crab soup), cha muc (squid cake), bun rieu cua (shrimp crab tomato soup with rice noodle) and canh bun (round noodle crab soup).
Many people in HCMC love eating canh bun with rau nhut (water mimosa) and rau muong (water spinach). The green, crispy leaves blend perfectly with the sharp broth and savory crab meat. This soup is also often a breakfast dish.
Other popular northern meals not usually taken for breakfast include canh cua rau day (jute plant crab soup) and ca phao muoi (salted egg-plant), which is served with mam tom (shrimp paste).
To get a taste that brings you back to the old historic streets of the northern capital, try the dishes listed above or go for ga rang muoi (fried chicken with salt), rau lang luoc (boiled sweet potato bud), and ca ro kho tuong ban (stewed anabas with bean paste) at any of these HCMC eateries specializing in northern delicacies:
Goc Ha Noi Restaurant
24/8 Pham Ngoc Thanh Street, Ward 6, District 3Huong Xua Restaurant
222 Ly Tu Trong Street, District 1Dang Xua Restaurant
33 Cao Thang Street, District 3Nga Restaurant
23 Ton Duc Thang Street, District 1Bun Cha Hoang Tuan Restaurant
T11 Hong Linh Street, Bac Hai Quarter, District 10Banh Cuon Restaurant
127 Dinh Tien Hoang Street, District 3Reported by Nguyet Anh
read more >>> - Vietnam Travel - News
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read more >>> - Set in stone
The “Great Wall” of central Vietnam tells a fascinating story of collaboration and ingenuity
The “Great Wall” of central Vietnam tells a fascinating story of collaboration and ingenuity
Archaeologists study artifacts unearthed at a post on the rampart in the Chim Hut Pass area in the central province of Quang Ngai. (Photo by Hien Cu)Archeologists surmise that it is an unusual work involving local indigenous H’re people, the Kinh ethnic group and Nguyen Dynasty soldiers.
After five years of excavation and study, it has been determined that the 200km-long rampart that runs from Quang Ngai to Binh Dinh provinces in central Vietnam is around 500 years old.
Researchers from the Vietnam Institute of Archaeology and the French School of the Far East in Hanoi say the historical relic runs along the Truong Son mountain range through eight districts of Quang Ngai before running into the districts of An Lao and Hoai Nhon in Binh Dinh, separating the plains and the highlands.
The longest and largest rampart in the country and the entire Southeast Asian region winds through mountains and valleys, sometimes at altitudes of nearly 800m, is 4-5m high and 6m wide at its base.
The wall is large and diverse, made of stone in some places to avoid landslides on high slopes and mountainous areas. These parts are a testament to the amazing rock arrangement skills of the indigenous H"Re people. The parts made of earth/lay were built mostly by the Kinh people and soldiers of the Nguyen Dynasty.
The rampart’s stones arrangement techniques, varying in different sections and terrains, can also be seen in structures on Ly Son Island in Quang Ngai Province.
Many researchers believe, based on notes found in the book of Dai Nam Thuc Luc (the annals of Dai Nam or the true record of the great south) and geographical records maintained during King Dong Khanh’s reign (1885-1889) and other documents compiled under the Nguyen Dynasty, that the rampart with 115 guarded posts was mostly built by general Le Van Duyet of the Nguyen Dynasty in 1819 during the reign of King Gia Long (1802-1820).
However, according to Dr. Nguyen Tien Dong, chief technical officer of the Vietnam Institute of Archaeology, the wall was built more than 500 years ago by the Vietnamese Kinh people, the H’re people and soldiers. By the 19th century, it was maintained as a military project, he said.
Dr. Nguyen Dang Vu, director of the Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism of Quang Ngai, said some sections of the rampart on the mountains in Quang Ngai Province existed several centuries earlier. He speculates that these sections may have been built by General Bui Ta Han (1496–1568), known for both literary and martial art skills, when he was assigned to the head position of Quang Nam.
The discovery of many ceramic artifacts during excavations at some sections of the rampart also proves that the rampart was built in the 16th century, not the 19th; and the close trading relationships that existed between Vietnamese Kinh peoples and the indigenous ethnic minorities, including H"Re, Chinese, Ka Dong, Xo Dang, and the Ba Na.
One more thing that makes the rampart interesting is that it was built not only for protection and military purposes but also to facilitate trade. Along the wall, the sections which are interrupted by many rivers and streams, are the mini-forts, guarded by soldiers, to ensure and create a safe environment for the Kinh and H"Re ethnic people to do business.
Each of the forts mentioned earlier was an open gate that facilitated travel and trade. The H’re people bought salt from Vietnamese people and the Vietnamese people bought rice, cinnamon and forest products from the H’re.
Experts studying the rampart also say that there is evidence that it was not just the Vietnamese Kinh people, but also the Thai and the Muong from Thanh Hoa Province who were part of the migration from the north to the south during the 18th century.
During the Vietnam War, the rampart sections in Duc Pho and Hoai Nhon districts in Quang Ngai and Binh Dinh provinces respectively were also used as a branch of the Ho Chi Minh Trail to transport weapons and food from the north to the south of the country.
Unearth and preserve
Researchers say the conclusions they have reached over the last five years are still preliminary findings. They are looking for foreign documents about the relic, and will continue excavation works to unlock more secrets about the very unique architectural structure.
Dr. Nguyen Giang Hai, vice director of the Vietnam Institute of Archaeology, said that, “The heritage is still alive if only the locals have the heart to preserve. Therefore, there is a need to sow the seed of consciousness for protecting the relic in the community living alongside the structure.”
Prof. Christopher Young, head of the UK Heritage Council’s Advisory Board, said, “The general principle is that a world heritage is not something to admire, but that it is for the benefit of people. Therefore, the development of tourism related to this relic should involve benefits such as income-generation opportunities for communities living alongside.”
For its part, the institute should help Quang Ngai and Binh Dinh prepare the application for the rampart to be recognized as a national, cultural and historical relic. The legal recognition will help to protect it better and will also be necessaery preparatory work for subsequent recognition as a world cultural heritage by UNESCO, Hai added.
read more >>> - Floating around
For several generations, these markets have kept afloat rural livelihoods, a way of life, and a distinct culture
For several generations, these markets have kept afloat rural livelihoods, a way of life, and a distinct culture
Can Tho City’s Cai Rang Floating Market is one of the biggest floating markets in the southern regionFloating markets are great tourist draws.
Found only in Southeast Asia, the sight of boats as shops and food stops, the colors of the boats and the produce, ranging from flowers to fruits and vegetables to everything else found in on-land markets, never fail to impress.
However, if you were to tarry a while, the markets have interesting stories to tell, stories of those whose families have been clothed and fed for generations by them, of those who have met their life partners there, and those who cannot imagine their lives without it.
When the first rays of the sun spread their light, thousands of boats of different sizes have already converged along the Tien and Hau rivers in locations that have remained the same for centuries, whether it is Cai Be (Tien Giang Province), Tra On (Vinh Long Province), Phong Dien (Can Tho City) or Thoi Binh (Ca Mau Province).
Not only have the boats gathered, but the markets are already in full swing at dawn. The scene of sellers skillfully throwing and catching goods from one boat to another with the skill of jugglers is one that stands out, but there are many other chaotic scenes where the underlying method is not immediately apparent.
Unlike shops and stalls in ordinary markets, sellers cannot cry out their wares since it is impossible to be heard amidst the noise of running boat engines. So samples of goods are hung on bamboo poles that can be easily seen from afar.
Floating markets draw people from everywhere, and a boat’s initials, like registration plates, identify where it is from. A boat marked “TG” is one that comes from Tien Giang Province, for instance.
Among the big boats are small ones darting in and out selling cooked food and drinks to market-goers and visitors. These swimming canteens skillfully draw alongside boats ordering food and drinks, but there are also occasions when the big boats make a food stop by the side of smaller ones.
One would expect that a floating market is no place for a service industry, but these days, they also offer several “modern” services like installing ringtones and wallpaper for cell phones and cell phone repairs.
Repositories of culture
Floating markets are also living museums of the southern traditional culture that has been fostered by the Mekong Delta’s interlacing waterway systems.
With the advent of several new road networks and bridges over many rivers, as well as the setting up of supermarkets on the mainland, the indispensability of floating markets has been dented somewhat, but the waterways still offer the only route to several rural remote areas in the region.
But many locals still prefer floating markets which have been a part of their daily lives and livelihoods for generations
The floating market has helped Van raise her three children and send them to schoolLam, a merchant from Hau Giang Province who drives his boat to Can Tho City’s Cai Rang Floating Market, one of the biggest in the south, says: “My whole clan lives as vendors on floating markets. We own more than ten boats.”
They have an advantage in working together because they can easily exchange information about prices and demand and supply in market, Lam adds.
Di Ba, as she is called by everyone at the Cai Rang Floating Market, is probably the most famous name among food sellers here. For more than thirty years, the woman whose real name is Nguyen Thi Ngoc Van, has taken her small boat to the market, serving bun (noodle) to the locals.
Her family was very poor, Di Ba says. “Like other poor people, my husband and I have to go “down” the river for a living since we don’t have any job or land.”
However, this 60-year-old woman has not only raised her three children well, but also given them a complete education that has changed their lives.
Her children don’t want their mother to continue selling noodles at the floating market at her age, but Di Ba cannot quit. “I am so attached to the market that I feel uncomfortable if I am separated from it.”
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