= cac anh hung chong Phap
(from viettouch)
Wednesday, July 18, 2007
WHO'S WHO? continued...
Mac Dang Dung, shrewded and scheming adviser at the Royal Court, seized control and found the Mac dynasty. |
The Tay Son brothers | |||
| 1778-1793 | Nguyễn Nhạc | Thái Ðức | |
1788-1792 | Nguyễn Huệ | Nguyễn Quảng Bình | Quang Trung |
1793-1802 | Nguyễn Quang Toản | Cảnh Thịnh | |
The Tay Son brothers - Nguyen Nhac, Nguyen Lu and Nguyen Hue - staged an uprising against the leading Le Lords. |
 Quang Trung (1752-1792) was born in Kien Thanh hamlet, Binh Thanh village, Binh Khe district (Binh Dinh province). In 1788, the Qing court decided to send an expeditionary corps to conquer the divided country. Nguyen Hue proclaimed himself Emperor Quang Trung in Phu Xuan and overran the Chinese troops in a whirlwind campaign. He pacified the Northern part of the country from the Chinese border to the Hai Van pass in the Center and devoted his energies to national rehabilitation, administrative reorganization and economic development. Significantly, Quang Trung replaced the Chinese Han with the popular Nôm as the official language. He died not long after 1792. October 25, 1788, upon arrival of Nghe An province on foot and by riverway, Quang Trung gave the troops a ten day break and enlisted additional recuitment. Upon reaching Tam Diep mountain on December 20, he ordered his men to celebrate the lunar New Year in advance , then departed the troops on December 30 and to held victory scheduled on January 7. Phu Xuyen battle: Quang Trung torn off the Lee troops located in the Gian Thuy river area then caught the reconnaissance team of the Ts'ing troops, no one were escaped to notify their adjacent posts. Ha Hoi battle: On midnight of January 3, 1789, Quang Trung approached and surrounded the enemy's post and appealed them to surrender through loudspeaker. Ngoc Hoi battle: On the dawn of January 5, Quang Trung ordered to open up Ngoc Hoi post. The enemy fled in all directions. Dong Da battle: While Quang Trung conducting violent fight with the enemy at Ngoc Hoi, admiral Long maneuvered his troops in the flank to assault Khuong Thuong post near Dong Dạ Ton Si Nghi left his seal and crossed the river to run up north. Noon that day, Quang Trung proudly advanced to Thang Long (Hanoi nowaday). Papernote commemorating Quang Trung Victory of Ngoc Hoi Battle: front - - back Stamps commemorating Quang Trung Loi du tuong si |
(from viettouch)
TRAN HUNG DAO (1213-1300)
 |
| |
| In 1284, Kublai Khan leads a 500,000-man Chinese army into Viet Nam. Guerrillas organized by Tran Hung Dao virtually destroy the invasion force. |
| The First Mongol Defeat: (1257) At the beginning of the 13th century, Genghis Khan, having unified Mongolia, started a war of conquest against China. In 1253, Kublai conquered the Dai Ly kingdom (now Yunnan province), thus reaching the Vietnamese frontier. The Mongols demanded passage through Viet Nam (was Dai Viet) in order to attack Sung from the south (1257), but the Tran refused. A Mongol army invaded Viet Nam, smashed its defences, and seized the capital Thang Long, which was burnt to the ground. The Tran king left the capital and abandoned its inhabitants. A Vietnamese counter-offensive drove the Mongols out of the capital. In retreat the enemy was attacked by local partisans from an ethnic minority group living in the Phu Tho region. |
| |
| The Second Mongol Defeat: (1284-1285) Once they had become the overlords of China, the Mongols grew more and more demanding towards Viet Nam. Despite concessions by the Tran, the Mongol court remained intransigent, dreaming of conquering both Viet Nam and Champa. In 1284, Kublai started a powerful expedition against Viet Nam and Champa. Under the command of his son Toghan (Thoa't Hoan), 500,000 cavalrymen and infantrymen were to rush southward to push the frontiers of the Mongol empire to the southernmost part of the Indochina peninsula. King Tran Nhan Tong was aware of the enemy's strategy. As early as 1282 he has assembled and consulted all the princes and dignitaries on the action to be taken; their unanimous response was to fight. Prince Quoc Toan, only 16 years old, recuited 1,000 men to go to the front. By 1283, all princes and dignitaries were ordered to put their troops under the command of Tran Hung Dao. A congress of village elders from all over the country was convened, and the following question put to them: "Should we be capitulated or fight?" A great cry rose from the assembly: "Fight!" At the close of 1284, the Mongols crossed the frontier. The Vietnamese force, totalling a mere of 200,000 men, was unable to withstand the first onslaught. Tran Hung Dao ordered the evacuation of the capital and was asked by the king: "The enemy is so strong that a protracted war might bring terrible destruction down upon the people. Wouldn't it be better-to lay down our arm to save the population?" The general answered: "I understand Your Majesty's humane feelings perfectly, but what would become of our country ancestors' land, and of our forefather's temples? If you want to surrender, please have my head cut off first". to be continued... |
| |
| The Third Mongol Defeat: (1288) to be continued... |
| |
 |
| The Third Battle at Bach-dang River (April 3, 1288) |
(from viettouch)
NGO QUYEN (938-944)
 |
| In a protracted war which ended with the celebrated battle of Bach Dang. General Ngo Quyen vanquished the Chinese invaders and founded the first National Dynasty. Ngo Quyen transfered the capital to Co Loa, the capital of Au Lac Kingdom, thus affirming the continuity of the traditions of the Lac Viet people. Ngo Quyen spent 6 years of his reign fighting the continual revolts of the feudal lords. At his death in 967, the kingdom fell into chaos and became known as the land of "Thap Nhi Su Quan", the 12 feudal principlities constantly fighting each other. |
| The First Battle at Bach-dang River (938) Liu Kung, the Southern Han ruler, jumped at the chance to intervene in Viet Nam again after the death of Dinh Nghe. He had been foiled by Duong Dinh Nghe in 931, but now that Dinh Nghe was dead, he thought the time was ripe for another try. He placed his own son, Liu Hung-ts'ao, in command of the expedition, naming him "Peaceful Sea Military Governor" and "King of Giao." He hastily assembled an army at Sea Gate, where he personally took charge of the reserve force. He ordered Hung-ts'ao to embark the army and sail to Giao. According to Vietnamese tradition, at birth Ngo Quyen was bathed in a strange luminosity and three black moles were discovered on his back. These were taken as signs of his future greatness, and, in anticipation of this, he was named Quyen, meaning "authority and power." He is said to have grown into an unusually fine-looking and stalwart young man with eyes like lightning and a measured step like that of a tiger. He was noted for his wisdom, bravery, and physical strengths. Quyen became a general of Duong Dinh Nghe. In 931, when Dinh Nghe defeated Southern Han, Quyen was thirty-three years old. Dinh Nghe gave him one of his daughters in marriage and placed him in charge of Ai Province. Ai was Dinh Nghe's birthplace and base of power. His giving command of this region to Quyen is an indication of Quyen's quality as a subordinate. When Dinh Nghe was killed by Kieu Cong Tien in the spring of 937, Quyen mobilized an army and marched north to avenge the death of his patron. Once this was accomplished, he unavoidably became the leader of the Vietnamese battle against the Chinese. |
 Coc (wooden poles) used at Bach Dang Battle
|
By the time Liu Hung-ts'ao arrived in Vietnamese waters with the Southern Han expedition, Ngo Quyen had already put Kieu Cong Tien to death and was prepared to meet the Chinese assault. Hung-ts'ao's plan was to ascend the Bach-dang River and to place his army in the heart of Giao before disembarking; the Bach-dang was the major riverine route into the Hong River plain from the north. Quyen anticipated this plan and brought his army to the mouth of the river. He had his men plant a barrier of large poles in the bed of the river. The tops of the poles reached just below the water level at high tide and were sharpened and tipped with iron. When Hung-ts'ao appeared off the mouth of the river, Quyen sent out small, shallow-draft boats at high tide to provoke a fight and then retreat upriver, drawing the Chinese fleet after in pursuit. As the tide fell, the heavy Chinese warboats were all caught on the poles and lay helplessly trapped in the middle of the river. Quyen attacked vigorously. More than half the Chinese were drowned, including Hung-ts'ao. When news of the battle reached Sea Gate with the survivors, Liu Kung wept openly. He collected what remained of his army and returned to Canton. Southern Han never attacked the Vietnamese again.
|
| References: Lich su Viet Nam & The Birth of Viet Nam
|
| Den Tho Ngo Quyen, North Viet Nam
|
(from viettouch)
WHO'S WHO IN VIET NAM HISTORY?
| The Ngo dynasty | |||
| | Emperor | | Reign Title |
| 939-944 | Ngô Vương | | Ngô Quyền |
| 944-950 | Dương Bình Vương | cướp ngôi | Tam Kha |
| 950-965 | Ngô Nam Tấn Vương | | Xương Văn |
| 951-959 | Ngô Thiên Sách Vương | | Xương Ngập |
 In a protracted war which ended with the celebrated battle of Bach Dang. General Ngo Quyen vanquished the Chinese invaders and founded the first National dynasty. Ngo Quyen transfered the capital to Co Loa, the capital of Au Lac Kingdom, thus affirming the continuity of the traditions of the Lac Viet people. Ngo Quyen spent 6 years of his reign fighting the continual revolts of the feudal lords. At his death in 967, the kingdom fell into chaos and became known as the land of "Thap Nhi Su Quan", the 12 feudal principlities constantly fighting each other. |
| The Dinh dynasty | |||
| 968-979 | Ðinh Tiên Hoàng | Bộ Lĩnh | Thái Bình |
| 980 | Ðinh Phế Ðế | Ðinh Toàn | Thái Bình |
 The most powerful of the 12 feudal lords, Dinh Bo Linh rapidly ruled out the others. He reunified the country and took the imperial title of "Dinh Tien Hoang De" (The First August Emperor Dinh). He negotiated a non-aggression treaty in exchange for tributes payable to the Chinese every 3 years. This set the traditions with China which were to last for centuries. On the domestic front, Dinh Tien Hoang established a royal court and a hierarchy of civil and military servants. He instated a rigorous justice system and introduced the death penalty to serve as a deterrent to all who threatened the new order of the new kingdom. He organized a regular army divided into 10 Dao. Security and order were progressively re-established, inaugurating a new era of "Thai Binh" (peace). He was assasinated in 979 by a palace guard, who according to the Annals, saw "a star falling into his mouth" - a celestial omen heralding promotion. The heir to the throne was only 6 years old. |
| The earlier Le dynasty | |||
| 980-1005 | Lê Ðại Hành | Lê Hoàn | Thiên Phúc |
| 1005 (3d) | Lê Trung Tông | | Long Việt |
| 1006-1009 | Lê Long Ðĩnh | (Lê Ngọa Triều) | Ứng Thiên |
 Le Hoan dethroned Dinh Bo Linh's heir and proclaimed himself King Le Dai Hanh. He retained the capital in Hoa Luu and succeeded in warding off several Chinese invasions. With peace assured on the northern border, he decided to pacify the South. In 982, Le Dai Hanh launched a military expedition against the Champa kingdom, entered Indrapura (present-day Quang Nam) and burnt the Champa citadel. The conquest of this nothern part of the Champa Kingdom brought about a marked Cham influence on Vietnamese culture, particular in the fields of music and dance. Le Dai Hanh devoted a great deal of energy to developing the road network in order to better administer the countrýs different regions. After 24 years of difficult rule, he died in 1005. |
 Genghis Khan, original name Temujin (1167?-1227), Mongol conqueror, whose nomad armies created a vast empire under his control, from China to Russia. He was born near Lake Baikal in Russia, the son of Yesukai, a Mongol chief and ruler of a large region between the Amur River and the Great Wall of China. At the age of 13, Temujin succeeded his father as tribal chief. His early reign was marked by successive revolts of his subject tribes and an intense struggle to retain his leadership, but the Mongol ruler soon demonstrated his military genius and conquered not only his intractable subjects but his hostile neighbors as well. By 1206 Temujin was master of almost all of Mongolia. In that year, a convocation of the subjugated tribes proclaimed him Genghis Khan (Chinese chêng-sze, "precious warrior"; Turkish khan, "lord"), leader of the united Mongol and Tatar tribes; the city of Karakorum was designated his capital. The khan then began his conquest of China. By 1208 he had established a foothold inside the Great Wall, and in 1213 he led his armies south and west into the area dominated by the Juchen Chin (or Kin) dynasty (1122-1234), not stopping until he reached the Shantung Peninsula. In 1215 his armies captured Yenking (now Beijing), the last Chin stronghold in northern China, and in 1218 the Korean Peninsula fell to the Mongols. In 1219, in retaliation for the murder of some Mongol traders, Genghis Khan turned his armies westward, invading Khoresm, a vast Turkish empire that included modern Iraq, Iran, and part of Western Turkestan. Looting and massacring, the Mongols swept through Turkestan and sacked the cities of Bukhoro and Samarqand. In what are now northern India and Pakistan, the invaders conquered the cities of Peshawar and Lahore and the surrounding countryside. In 1222 the Mongols marched into Russia and plundered the region between the Volga and Dnepr rivers and from the Persian Gulf almost to the Arctic Ocean. The greatness of the khan as a military leader was borne out not only by his conquests but by the excellent organization, discipline, and maneuverability of his armies. Moreover, the Mongol ruler was an admirable statesman; his empire was so well organized that, so it was claimed, travelers could go from one end of his domain to the other without fear or danger. At his death, on August 18, 1227, the Mongol Empire was divided among his three sons and gradually dissipated. Four of his grandsons, however, became great Mongol leaders in their own right. Genghis Khan's invasions were of great historical importance long after his death, for the Turks, who fled before him, were driven to their own invasion of Europe. |
| Ly Cong Uan was a disciple of a famous monk, Van Hanh, who helped him into power in the Hoa Luu Court. Assuming the name Ly Thai To, the new sovereign inaugurated his dynasty with a change of capital. According to the Annals, king Ly Thai To saw the apparition of an ascending dragon on the site of the future capital and decided to name it Thang Long (Ascending Dragon). |
| Ly Thanh Tong rechristened the country Dai Viet. |
| Ly Thai Tong, Ly Anh Tong, and Ly Cao Tong led the Buddhist sects of Thao Duong and founded some 150 monasteries in the region of Thang Long. The Ly dynasty consolidated the monarchy by setting up a centralized government and establishing a tax system, a judiciary system and a professional army. Important public works, including the building of dikes and canals, were undertaken inorder to develop argriculture and settle the population. Vietnamese art and culture thrived during the Ly dynasty. |
 Tran Hung Dao (1213-1300), Vietnamese general. In 1284, Kublai Khan leads a 500,000-man Chinese army into Viet Nam. Guerrillas organized by Tran Hung Dao virtually destroy the invasion force. |
 Kublai Khan (1215-94), Mongol military leader, founder and first emperor (1279-94) of the Mongol Yüan dynasty in China, grandson of the Mongol conqueror Genghis Khan and his best-known successor. Kublai Khan completed the conquest of China that was begun by his grandfather. From 1252 to 1259 he aided his brother Mangu Khan in the conquest of southern China, penetrating successfully as far as Tibet and Tonkin. Upon the death of Mangu in 1259 he became the khan, or ruler. Between 1260 and 1279 he succeeded in driving the Kin Tatars out of northern China and in subduing rebellious factions among the Mongols. In 1264 he founded his capital on the site now occupied by Beijing; it was called Khanbalik, which is romanized as Cambaluc or Cambalu. He relinquished all claims to the parts of the Mongol Empire outside China, consolidated his hold on China, and in 1279 established the Yüan dynasty as the successor to the Southern Sung dynasty. He undertook foreign wars in attempts to enforce tribute claims on neighboring states, conquering Burma and Korea. His military expeditions to Java and Japan, however, met with disaster. His name was known all over Asia and also in Europe. The court at Cambaluc attracted an international group of adventurous men, including the famous Venetian traveler Marco Polo. Kublai Khan did much to encourage the advancement of literature and the arts. He was a devout Buddhist and made Buddhism the state religion, but during his reign other religions were also tolerated.Bronze seal as authority emblem of Mongol officers |
| Princess Huyen Tran, married to the King of Champa in 1307. The marriage extended the national territory southwards with the peaceful annexation of the Hue region and at the same time inaugurated the politics and diplomatic marriage. |
| The Ho dynasty | |||
| 1400-1401 | Hồ Quý Ly | | Thánh Nguyên |
| 1401-1407 | Hồ Hán Thương | | Thiệu Thành |
| Le Qui Ly, founded a dynasty under his ancestral name of Ho. Under Ho, the competitive examination system for administrators was modified to demand more practical knowledge of peasant life, mathematics, history, the Confucian classics and literature. Legal reforms were undertaken and a medical service established. In 1407, The Ming intervention provoked the fall of the Ho dynasty. During the short period of Chinese occupation that followed, the Vietnamese suffered the most inhuman exploitation. |
| The later Tran dynasty | |||
| 1407-1409 | Trần Giản Ðịnh | Trần Ðế Ngỗi | Hưng Khánh |
| 1409-1414 | Trần Quý Khoáng | | Trùng Quang |
| Le Loi, Vietnamese emperor (1428-1433), established the kingdom of Dai Viet. He organized a resistance movement from his village and waged a guerrilla war against the China's Ming Empire. By employing a strategy of surprise attacks targeting his adversary's weakest points, Le Loi managed to further weaken the enemy and at the same time avoid combat with the superior Chinese forces. His enforcement of strict military discipline ensured that no pillaging was carried out by his troops in the regions under his control and this made him a very popular hero. |
 Nguyen Trai, poet and strategist, set down the Vietnamese strategy in an essay which subordinate military action to the political and moral struggle, it stated: "Better to conquer hearts than citadels". In 1426, Vietnamese finally routed the Chinese on a field at Tot Dong, west of Hanoị In an accord signed two years later, the Chinese recognized Viet Nam's independence, and apart from a last abortive attempt in 1788, China never again launched a full-scale assault against Viet Nam. |
| Le Thai Tong, Vietnamese emperor, son of Le Thai To. His sudden death was followed by a decade of confusion marked by intrigues and plots within the Royal Court. |
| Under his 36 year reign the country prospered as never before. Le Thanh Tong revised the fiscal system, encouraged argriculture and placed great emphasis on customs and moral principles. A writer himself, he founded the Tao Dan Academy and wrote the first volume of national history. He reorganized army won an easy victory over the Champa army in 1471. His farmer-soldiers excelled not only on the battlefields, but also in the fields where they established militarized argricultural communities wherever they went. In this way the national territory was gradually expanded southwards, until finally the Champa Kingdom was completely absorbed and assimilated in 1673. |
 Alexandre de Rhodes, the misionary who traveled through out Asia in the 17th century. An accomplished linguist, he improvised Portuguese into Quoc Ngu, still in use today, to transcribe the Vietnamese language in Roman letters instead of Chinese ideographs.Opening page of Alexandre de Rhodes's Latin Annamese religious text Stamps commemorating Ale |
WHO'S WHO IN VIET NAM HISTORY?
| Hong Bang | |||
| 1(2879BC) | Hùng Dương | Lộc Tục | National Founder |
| 2 | Hùng Hiền | Sùng Lãm | |
| 3 | Hùng Lân | ||
| 4 | Hùng Việp | ||
| 5 | Hùng Hy | ||
| 6 | Hùng Huy | ||
| 7 | Hùng Chiêu | ||
| 8 | Hùng Vỹ | ||
| 9 | Hùng Định | ||
| 10 | Hùng Hy | ||
| 11 | Hùng Trinh | ||
| 12 | Hùng Võ | ||
| 13 | Hùng Việt | ||
| 14 | Hùng Anh | ||
| 15 | Hùng Triều | ||
| 16 | Hùng Tạo | ||
| 17 | Hùng Nghi | ||
| 18(258BC) | Hùng Duệ | ||
| Kinh Duong Vuong reigns over the Xich Quy kingdom that spread in the North up to the Blue river; in the South to Central Viet Nam; in the West up to Sseutch'ouan; and in the East as far as the sea. The Hong Bang dynasty that reigns over the Van Lang kingdom situated in Tonquin and in the Northern part of Central Viet Nam. |
| The Thuc dynasty | |||
| 257-208 | An Dương Vương | Thục Phán | |
| The Trieu dynasty | |||
| 207-136 | Triệu Vũ Vương | Triệu Đà | |
| 136-124 | Dương Văn Vương | Triệu Hồ | |
| 124-112 | Triệu Minh Vương | Triệu Anh Tề | |
| 112 | Triệu Ai Vương | Triệu Hưng | |
| 111BC | Triệu Dương Vương | Triệu Kiến Đức | |
| Chinese general Tch'ao To (Trieu Da) who reigns over the Nan-yue (Nam Viet) kingdom with capital at Fan-yu, subdued the Au Lac kingdom. He founded the Trieu dynasty that reigns at Fan-yu. In Tonquin (Kiao-tche, Giao Chi), legend of My Chau and Trong Thuy attached to the Co Loa capital (Phuc Yen province). |
| Trung Nu Vuong | |||
| 39-43AD | Trưng Nữ Vương | Trưng Trắc & Nhị | First queens |
 Trung Trac and Trung Nhi, In 39, when two widows of local aristocrats, the Trung sisters, led an uprising against foreign rule. The revolt was briefly successful, and the older sister, Trung Trac, established herself as ruler of an independent state. Chinese armies returned to the attack, however, and in 43 Viet Nam was reconquered. |
 Trieu Thi Trinh, fought for Viet Nam's independence against China in 248. Defeated at the age of 23, she committed suicide. |
| The earlier Ly and Trieu | |||
| 544-548 | Lý Nam Đế | Lý Bôn | Thiên Đức |
| 549-555 | Lý Đào LAng Vương | Thiên Bảo | |
| 549-570 | Triệu Việt Vương | Triệu Quang Phục | |
| 571-602 | Hậu Lý Nam Đế | Lý Phật Tử | |
(from viettouch)
Vietnam Pre-History
Western historians became interested in the pre-history of Viet Nam around the turn of the 20th century. Their early studies theorized that ancient civilization of South East Asia, especially Viet Nam, was a product of Chinese and Indian cultures as their cultural influence expanded southward and eastward, hence the region was named Indo-China. But in the past 40 years, Vietnamese archaeologists have brought to light significant information to present a more logical and coherent view of the pre-historic Viet Nam. Based on recent excavations and surveys, Vietnamese historians have established a chronology of cultures originated in the Hong (Red) River valley from the Paleolithic Age to the Neolithic Age through the Son Vi, Hoa Binh, Bac Son, Quynh Van, Da But, Phung Nguyen, Dong Dau and Go Mun culture. The Dong Son culture culminated the Bronze Age and the opening stage of the Iron Age. This culture represented the peak of the ancient civilization of Viet Nam and the beginning formation of Van Lang/Au Lac, the first unified nation under the Hu`ng kingdom.
(from viettouch)
HISTORICAL EXCERPTS
The Vietnamese first appeared in history as one of many scattered peoples living in what is now South China and Northern Viet Nam just before the beginning of the Christian era. According to local tradition, the small Vietnamese kingdom of Au Lac, located in the heart of the Red River valley, was founded by a line of legendary kings who had ruled over the ancient kingdom of Van Lang for thousands of years. Historical evidence to substantiate this tradition is scanty, but archaeological findings indicate that the early peoples of the Red River delta area may have been among the first East Asians to practice agriculture, and by the 1st century BC they had achieved a relatively advanced level of Bronze Age civilization.
Chinese Influence
In 221 BC the Ch'in dynasty in China completed its conquest of neighboring states and became the first to rule over a united China. The Ch'in Empire, however, did not long survive the death of its dynamic founder, Shih Huang Ti, and the impact of its collapse was soon felt in Viet Nam. In the wreckage of the empire, the Chinese commander in the south built his own kingdom of Nam Viet (South Viet; Chinese, Nan Yüeh); the young state of Au Lac was included.
In 111 BC, Chinese armies conquered Nam Viet and absorbed it into the growing Han Empire. The Chinese conquest had fateful consequences for the future course of Vietnamese history. After briefly ruling through local chieftains, Chinese rulers attempted to integrate Viet Nam politically and culturally into the Han Empire. Chinese administrators were imported to replace the local landed nobility. Political institutions patterned after the Chinese model were imposed, and Confucianism became the official ideology. The Chinese language was introduced as the medium of official and literary expression, and Chinese ideographs were adopted as the written form for the Vietnamese spoken language. Chinese art, architecture, and music exercised a powerful impact on their Vietnamese counterparts.
Vietnamese resistance to rule by the Chinese was fierce but sporadic. The most famous early revolt took place in AD 39, when two widows of local aristocrats, the Trung sisters, led an uprising against foreign rule. The revolt was briefly successful, and the older sister, Trung Trac, established herself as ruler of an independent state. Chinese armies returned to the attack, however, and in AD 43 Viet Nam was reconquered.
Independence
The Trung sisters' revolt was only the first in a series of intermittent uprisings that took place during a thousand years of Chinese rule in Viet Nam. Finally, in 939, Vietnamese forces under Ngo Quyen took advantage of chaotic conditions in China to defeat local occupation troops and set up an independent state. Ngo Quyen's death a few years later ushered in a period of civil strife, but in the early 11th century the first of the great Vietnamese dynasties was founded. Under the astute leadership of several dynamic rulers, the Ly dynasty ruled Viet Nam for more than 200 years, from 1010 to 1225. Although the rise of the Ly reflected the emergence of a lively sense of Vietnamese nationhood, Ly rulers retained many of the political and social institutions that had been introduced during the period of Chinese rule. Confucianism continued to provide the foundation for the political institutions of the state. The Chinese civil service examination system was retained as the means of selecting government officials, and although at first only members of the nobility were permitted to compete in the examinations, eventually the right was extended to include most males. The educational system also continued to reflect the Chinese model. Young Vietnamese preparing for the examinations were schooled in the Confucian classics and grew up conversant with the great figures and ideas that had shaped Chinese history.
Vietnamese society, however, was more than just a pale reflection of China. Beneath the veneer of Chinese fashion and thought, popular mostly among the upper classes, native forms of expression continued to flourish. Young Vietnamese learned to appreciate the great heroes of the Vietnamese past, many of whom had built their reputation on resistance to the Chinese conquest. At the village level, social mores reflected native forms more than patterns imported from China. Although to the superficial eye Viet Nam looked like a "smaller dragon," under the tutelage of the great empire to the north it continued to have a separate culture with vibrant traditions of its own.
The Economy Under the Ly Dynasty
Like most of its neighbors, Viet Nam was primarily an agricultural state, its survival based above all on the cultivation of wet rice. As in medieval Europe, much of the land was divided among powerful noble families, who often owned thousands of serfs or domestic slaves. A class of landholding farmers also existed, however, and powerful monarchs frequently attempted to protect this class by limiting the power of feudal lords and dividing up their large estates.
The Vietnamese economy was not based solely on agriculture. Commerce and manufacturing thrived, and local crafts appeared in regional markets throughout the area. Viet Nam never developed into a predominantly commercial nation, however, or became a major participant in regional trade patterns.
Territorial Expansion
Under the rule of the Ly dynasty and its successor, the Tran (1225-1400), Viet Nam became a dynamic force in Southeast Asia. China's rulers, however, had not abandoned their historic objective of controlling the Red River delta, and when the Mongol dynasty came to power in the 13th century, the armies of Kublai Khan attacked Viet Nam in an effort to reincorporate it into the Chinese Empire. The Vietnamese resisted with vigor, and after several bitter battles they defeated the invaders and drove them back across the border.
While the Vietnamese maintained their vigilance toward the north, an area of equal and growing concern lay to the south. For centuries, the Vietnamese state had been restricted to its heartland in the Red River valley and adjacent hills. Tension between Viet Nam and the kingdom of Champa (see Champa, Kingdom of), a seafaring state along the central coast, appeared shortly after the restoration of Vietnamese independence. On several occasions, Cham armies broke through Vietnamese defenses and occupied the capital near Hanoi. More frequently, Vietnamese troops were victorious, and they gradually drove Champa to the south. Finally, in the 15th century, Vietnamese forces captured the Cham capital south of present-day Da Nang and virtually destroyed the kingdom. For the next several generations, Viet Nam continued its historic "march to the south," wiping up the remnants of the Cham Kingdom and gradually approaching the marshy flatlands of the Mekong delta. There it confronted a new foe, the Khmer Empire, which had once been the most powerful state in the region. By the late 16th century, however, it had declined, and it offered little resistance to Vietnamese encroachment. By the end of the 17th century, Viet Nam had occupied the lower Mekong delta and began to advance to the west, threatening to transform the disintegrating Khmer state into a mere protectorate.
The Le Dynasty
The Vietnamese advance to the south coincided with new challenges in the north. In 1407 Viet Nam was again conquered by Chinese troops. For two decades, the Ming dynasty attempted to reintegrate Viet Nam into the empire, but in 1428, resistance forces under the rebel leader Le Loi dealt the Chinese a decisive defeat and restored Vietnamese independence. Le Loi mounted the throne as the first emperor of the Le dynasty. The new ruling house retained its vigor for more than a hundred years, but in the 16th century it began to decline. Power at court was wielded by two rival aristocratic clans, the Trinh and the Nguyen. When the former became dominant, the Nguyen were granted a fiefdom in the south, dividing Viet Nam into two separate zones. Rivalry was sharpened by the machinations of European powers newly arrived in Southeast Asia in pursuit of wealth and Christian converts.
By the late 18th century, the Le dynasty was near collapse. Vast rice lands were controlled by grasping feudal lords. Angry peasants—led by the Tay Son brothers—revolted, and in 1789 Nguyen Hue, the ablest of the brothers, briefly restored Viet Nam to united rule. Nguyen Hue died shortly after ascending the throne; a few years later Nguyen Anh, an heir to the Nguyen house in the south, defeated the Tay Son armies. As Emperor Gia Long, he established a new dynasty in 1802.
French Intervention
A French missionary, Pierre Pigneau de Behaine, had raised a mercenary force to help Nguyen Anh seize the throne in the hope that the new emperor would provide France with trading and missionary privileges, but his hopes were disappointed. The Nguyen dynasty was suspicious of French influence. Roman Catholic missionaries and their Vietnamese converts were persecuted, and a few were executed during the 1830s. Religious groups in France demanded action from the government in Paris. When similar pressure was exerted by commercial and military interests, Emperor Napoleon III approved the launching of a naval expedition in 1858 to punish the Vietnamese and force the court to accept a French protectorate.
The first French attack at Da Nang Harbor failed to achieve its objectives, but a second farther south was more successful, and in 1862 the court at Hue agreed to cede several provinces in the Mekong delta (later called Cochin China) to France. In the 1880s the French returned to the offensive, launching an attack on the north. After severe defeats, the Vietnamese accepted a French protectorate over the remaining territory of Viet Nam.
Colonial Rule and Resistance
The imposition of French colonial rule had met with little organized resistance. The national sense of identity, however, had not been crushed, and anticolonial sentiment soon began to emerge. Poor economic conditions contributed to native hostility to French rule. Although French occupation brought improvements in transportation and communications, and contributed to the growth of commerce and manufacturing, colonialism brought little improvement in livelihood to the mass of the population. In the countryside, peasants struggled under heavy taxes and high rents. Workers in factories, in coal mines, and on rubber plantations labored in abysmal conditions for low wages. By the early 1920s, nationalist parties began to demand reform and independence. In 1930 the revolutionary Ho Chi Minh formed an Indochinese Communist party.
Until World War II started in 1939, such groups labored without success. In 1940, however, Japan demanded and received the right to place Viet Nam under military occupation, restricting the local French administration to figurehead authority. Seizing the opportunity, the Communists organized the broad Vietminh Front and prepared to launch an uprising at the war's end. The Vietminh (short for Viet Nam Doc Lap Dong Minh, or League for the Independence of Viet Nam) emphasized moderate reform and national independence rather than specifically Communist aims. When the Japanese surrendered to the Allies in August 1945, Vietminh forces arose throughout Viet Nam and declared the establishment of an independent republic in Hanoi.
The French, however, were unwilling to concede independence and in October drove the Vietminh and other nationalist groups out of the south. For more than a year the French and the Vietminh sought a negotiated solution, but the talks, held in France, failed to resolve differences, and war broke out in December 1946.
The Expulsion of the French
The conflict lasted for nearly eight years. The Vietminh retreated into the hills to build up their forces while the French formed a rival Vietnamese government under Emperor Bao Dai, the last ruler of the Nguyen dynasty, in populated areas along the coast. Vietminh forces lacked the strength to defeat the French and generally restricted their activities to guerrilla warfare. In 1953 and 1954 the French fortified a base at Dien Bien Phu. After months of siege and heavy casualties, the Vietminh overran the fortress in a decisive battle. As a consequence, the French government could no longer resist pressure from a war-weary populace at home and in June 1954 agreed to negotiations to end the war. At a conference held in Geneva the two sides accepted an interim compromise to end the war. They divided the country at the 17th parallel, with the Vietminh in the North and the French and their Vietnamese supporters in the South. To avoid permanent partition, a political protocol was drawn up, calling for national elections to reunify the country two years after the signing of the treaty.
Partition
After Geneva, the Vietminh in Hanoi refrained from armed struggle and began to build a Communist society. In the southern capital, Saigon, Bao Dai soon gave way to a new regime under the staunch anti-Communist president Ngo Dinh Diem. With diplomatic support from the United States, Diem refused to hold elections and attempted to destroy Communist influence in the South. By 1959, however, Diem was in trouble. His unwillingness to tolerate domestic opposition, his alleged favoritism of fellow Roman Catholics, and the failure of his social and economic programs seriously alienated key groups in the populace and led to rising unrest. The Communists decided it was time to resume their revolutionary war.
The Viet Nam War
In the fall of 1963, Diem was overthrown and killed in a coup launched by his own generals. In the political confusion that followed, the security situation in South Viet Nam continued to deteriorate, putting the Communists within reach of victory. In early 1965, to prevent the total collapse of the Saigon regime, U.S. President Lyndon Johnson approved regular intensive bombing of North Viet Nam and the dispatch of U.S. combat troops into the South.
The U.S. intervention caused severe problems for the Communists on the battlefield and compelled them to send regular units of the North Vietnamese army into the South. It did not persuade them to abandon the struggle, however, and in 1968, after the North's bloody Tet offensive shook the new Saigon regime of President Nguyen Van Thieu to its foundations, the Johnson administration decided to pursue a negotiated settlement. Ho Chi Minh died in 1969 and was succeeded by another leader of the revolution, Le Duan. The new U.S. president, Richard Nixon, continued Johnson's policy while gradually withdrawing U.S. troops. In January 1973 the war temporarily came to an end with the signing of a peace agreement in Paris. The settlement provided for the total removal of remaining U.S. troops, while Hanoi tacitly agreed to accept the Thieu regime in preparation for new national elections. The agreement soon fell apart, however, and in early 1975 the Communists launched a military offensive. In six weeks, the resistance of the Thieu regime collapsed, and on April 30 the Communists seized power in Saigon. See also Viet Nam War.
The Socialist Republic of Viet Nam
In 1976 the South was reunited with the North in a new Socialist Republic of Viet Nam. The conclusion of the war, however, did not end the violence. Border tension with the Communist government in Cambodia escalated rapidly after the fall of Saigon, and in early 1979 the Vietnamese invaded Cambodia and installed a pro-Vietnamese government. A few weeks later, Viet Nam was itself attacked by its Communist neighbor and erstwhile benefactor, China. In the mid-1980s, about 140,000 Vietnamese troops were stationed in Cambodia and another 50,000 troops in Laos. Viet Nam substantially reduced its forces in Laos during 1988 and withdrew virtually all its troops from Cambodia by September 1989.
Within Viet Nam, postwar economic and social problems were severe, and reconstruction proceeded slowly. Efforts to collectivize agriculture and nationalize business aroused hostility in the south. Disappointing harvests and the absorption of resources by the military further retarded Viet Nam's recovery. In the early 1990s the government ended price controls on most agricultural production, encouraged foreign investment, and sought to improve its foreign relations. In 1990 the European Community (now the European Union) established official diplomatic relations with Viet Nam. The country signed a peace agreement with Cambodia in 1991 and shortly thereafter restored diplomatic relations with China. The peace agreement also forged the way for strengthening relations with the members of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN). In 1992 Viet Nam signed a 1976 ASEAN agreement on regional amity and cooperation, regarded as the first step toward eventual ASEAN membership. Also in 1992, Viet Nam established diplomatic relations with South Korea. The United States removed a trade embargo in 1994, and in 1995 Viet Nam and the United States agreed to exchange low-level diplomats, although full diplomatic relations (which involve opening embassies and appointing ambassadors) have not yet been established.
(from viettouch)
VIET NAM HISTORY
PART I
In 20000 BC, before the first history was recorded in writings, there had been already among people the legends and mythology about the origin of mankind and stories about the beginning of formation of Viet nation from HUNG VUONG. These are stories on HONG BANG dynasty, on offspring of dragon and fairy, bag of hundred eggs, eighteen kings of Hung Vuong dynasty, Son Tinh - Thuy Tinh's conflict, Thanh Giong's victory over An foreign aggressors, folk of betel and areca nuts, "banh chung banh day", watermelon ..... All these legends together can be regarded as a folk history comprising mythology characteristic as well as core of history in memory and tradition through many ages of people. Most of history of a nation of the world, with or without writing, is penetrated with treasure of folk and legends.
In era of TRAN (1226-1400) and LE (1428-1527), these historic legends were firstly collected and compiled by the contemporary authors' view. The two symbolic works of this aspect were Viet Dien U Linh by Ly Te Xuyen with a foreword in 1329, and Linh Nam Trich Quai by Tran The Phap in around end of Tran, then edited by Vu Quynh and Kieu Phu in Le era with prologue in 1492-1493.
The Vietnamese have attempted to give their country a history as hoary as China's. According to one of the numerous legends concerning the origin of their state, a Vietnamese prince named LAC LONG QUAN came to Northern Viet Nam from his home in the sea. He married a princess from the mountain, AUCO, who is also described as the wife of a Northern Intruder (Chinese?), on the top of Mount Tan Vien, sometimes around 2800 BC Instead of the commonplace results of a union, the princess laid 100 eggs - when they hatched, a son emerged from each of them. Afterward, the reason why the parents separated was told like this : The father someday told the mother because they were from different origin, he was dragon from the sea, she was lady fair from the mountain, and they couldn't live together. Therefore, the mother led half the progeny across the northern mountains, and became the ancestors of the Muong. While the remaining fifty followed the father to the sea and became ancestors of the Vietnamese. The most valiant of the sons was chosen to be the first of the eighteen HUNG VUONG kings. Lac Long Quan, a prince of the sea, and Au Co, a princess of the mountains, are regarded by the Vietnamese as their primal ancestors. Does this imply that the Vietnamese were originally of the Malay-Polynesian, sea-oriented race coming to terms with the Mongolians of the Southern Chinese plains?
Chu Nguyen
Tai lieu tham khao: Lich su Viet Nam & Trials and Tribulations of a Nation
Since the foundation of the first kingdom of the Viet, some 3,000 years ago, and the first Viet Chuong or Lac Viet kingdom in North Viet Nam 2,400 years ago, the name has been changed several times, depending on historical events.
In 20000 BC, before the first history was recorded in writings, there had been already among people the legends and mythology about the origin of mankind and stories about the beginning of formation of Viet nation from HUNG VUONG. These are stories on HONG BANG dynasty, on offspring of dragon and fairy, bag of hundred eggs, eighteen kings of Hung Vuong dynasty, Son Tinh - Thuy Tinh's conflict, Thanh Giong's victory over An foreign aggressors, folk of betel and areca nuts, "banh chung banh day", watermelon ..... All these legends together can be regarded as a folk history comprising mythology characteristic as well as core of history in memory and tradition through many ages of people. Most of history of a nation of the world, with or without writing, is penetrated with treasure of folk and legends.
In era of TRAN (1226-1400) and LE (1428-1527), these historic legends were firstly collected and compiled by the contemporary authors' view. The two symbolic works of this aspect were Viet Dien U Linh by Ly Te Xuyen with a foreword in 1329, and Linh Nam Trich Quai by Tran The Phap in around end of Tran, then edited by Vu Quynh and Kieu Phu in Le era with prologue in 1492-1493.
The Vietnamese have attempted to give their country a history as hoary as China's. According to one of the numerous legends concerning the origin of their state, a Vietnamese prince named LAC LONG QUAN came to Northern Viet Nam from his home in the sea. He married a princess from the mountain, AUCO, who is also described as the wife of a Northern Intruder (Chinese?), on the top of Mount Tan Vien, sometimes around 2800 BC Instead of the commonplace results of a union, the princess laid 100 eggs - when they hatched, a son emerged from each of them. Afterward, the reason why the parents separated was told like this : The father someday told the mother because they were from different origin, he was dragon from the sea, she was lady fair from the mountain, and they couldn't live together. Therefore, the mother led half the progeny across the northern mountains, and became the ancestors of the Muong. While the remaining fifty followed the father to the sea and became ancestors of the Vietnamese. The most valiant of the sons was chosen to be the first of the eighteen HUNG VUONG kings. Lac Long Quan, a prince of the sea, and Au Co, a princess of the mountains, are regarded by the Vietnamese as their primal ancestors. Does this imply that the Vietnamese were originally of the Malay-Polynesian, sea-oriented race coming to terms with the Mongolians of the Southern Chinese plains?
Chu Nguyen
Tai lieu tham khao: Lich su Viet Nam & Trials and Tribulations of a Nation
Since the foundation of the first kingdom of the Viet, some 3,000 years ago, and the first Viet Chuong or Lac Viet kingdom in North Viet Nam 2,400 years ago, the name has been changed several times, depending on historical events.
| Viet Nam has been successively known as… | ||
| 257 BC | Van Lang | Hung or Lac dynasty |
| 257-207 | Au Lac | Thuc dynasty |
| 207-11 | Nam Viet | Trieu dynasty |
| 3 BC-203 AD | Giao Chi | Han dynasty [first part] |
| 203-544 | Giao Chau | Han dynasty [second part] |
| 544-603 | Van Xuan | Ly dynasty |
| 603-939 | An Nam | Duong dynasty |
| 968-1054 | Dai Co Viet | Dinh dynasty |
| 1054-1400 | Dai Viet | Ly and Tran dynasties |
| 1400-1407 | Dai Ngu | Ho dynasty |
| 1427-1802 | Dai Viet | Le and Nguyen dynasties |
| 1802 | Viet Nam | Gia Long |
| 1832 | Dai Viet | Minh Mang |
| 04/1945 | Viet Nam | First national government |
Viet Su Luoc is a work in Tran era mentioning about the formation of Van Lang, for the first time. In 15th century, Nguyen Trai gave affirmation on position of Van Lang in Hung Vuong dynasty in the first geography-history text of the nation. Ngo Si Lien especially brought Hung Vuong era into official history of Viet Nam under the title of "Hong Bang Dynasty" in addenda chapter of his Dai Viet Su Ky Toan Thu.
The "Hung Era" is rightly termed "legendary" by most historians inasmuch as no eighteen kings or generations could have spanned the nearly two millennia of prehistoric development in the Tonkin delta. Possibly, the Dong Son period was related to HUNG VUONG dynasty because the displacement of the economic and social leadership of primitive agricultural practices by a monarchial apparatus responsible for the building and maintenance of an irrigation system of dykes and canals, providing against nature's vagaries of drought as well as floods caused by excessive rise in the water level of the rivers.
The new state based on the irrigation system in the region of the three rivers in Upper Tonkin must have produced excess wealth, requiring protection against predatory enemies from the exposed borders to the North and the South. Therefore the need for extensive use of bronze technology for various weaponry. By the Dong son period, the kingdom of VAN LANG extended to Hunan in Southern China. The capital was moved to Vinh Phu where the three rivers - Song Da (Black River), Song Ma (Red River) and Song Chay meet.
What led to the fall of the HUNG rulers of VAN LANG, known to us partly through the Dong son cultural remains, cannot be established by historical evidence. By 300 BC, it seems the people in the region of Kwangtung and Tonkin were divided into AU VIET, namely, Vietnamese of the highlands and LAC VIET, Vietnamese of the plains. AN DUONG VUONG, about whom also not much is known, politically united them into the kingdom of AU LAC. It is not clear whether the AU LAC people were partly descendants of VAN LANG or whether they were the Viets, "real" ancestors of the Vietnamese people, migrated from their habitat in Lower Yangtse around 300 BC under pressure from Han Chinese southward into Tonkin delta. Most scholars by now, accept that the Vietnamese are not descended from one single racial group, that they are instead a racial mixture of Austro-Indonesian and Mongolian races.
After Dai Viet Su Ky Toan Thu. the formation of Viet Nam in Hung Vuong era was affirmed in the course of history of nation, but still in a doubtful status. The knowledge level and method of studying and examining history in Middle age did not allow the historians of the current time prove the existence of a long pre-historic time ago. This situation was prolonged in a century from the beginning of Le dynasty to Nguyen dynasty.
In French colony, this viewpoint on Hung Vuong era still existed. In his, Viet Nam Su Luoc, Tran Trong Kim has reserved a chapter for "Hong Bang dynasty" however gave these remarks : "The historians only collected the traditional legends, which were deity and fairy tales, non-natural", and "the story of Hong Bang dynasty was possibly not true". Besides the works with traditional view, there were a number of studies of European, especially French scholars. On the other hand, the legendary nature of the document confused the historians at that time. Even Ngo Si Lien, who must both agreed to the existence of the Hung Vuong era and also showed caution, when he writes : "Let simply narrate the old story to transmit suspicions'.
Once furthermore, the formation of Van Lang of Hung Vuong was also recorded by Viet Su Luoc, the oldest history of Viet Nam that in Trang Vuong of Chu Dynasty (696-681 BC). In Gia Ninh there was a stranger, by his magic won over the tribals, declared himself Hung Vuong, and set the capital at Van Lang giving his kingdom the name Van Lang, with simple and good custom, and used the method of knots tying in his administration. His crown was transferred in 18 offspring, all declared himself as Hung Vuong.
It was unknown that based on what document the author of Viet Su Luoc gave the above affirmation. But the formation of a primitive state of Van Lang, in about 7th century BC, that was the beginning of Dong Son period, was suitable to results of to-day researches, and agreed with by many historians.
Based on the division into two Giao Chi (North Viet Nam), and Cuu Chan (Northern Central Viet Nam) prefectures in later times, and local differences of the two regions recounted in old bibliology, archeological documents, someone pointed out a hypothesis stating that at least two allies of tribes in North Viet Nam and Northern Central Viet Nam had participated in the process of formation of Van Lang and constituted the Lac Viet tribes.
The government is still very simple. Hung Vuong is the head of Van Lang. In Hung Vuong title, Vuong (a Chinese word, meaning King) is clearly to be added by later-time historians because of the concept of the head of a state should be the King (if not the King, should be the Emperor), as for Hung, a Chinese phonetic transcription from a very old Vietnamese term. In Muong language, there is term kun in lang kun indicating the eldest son of the first family in line of descent who ruled the Muong. In Mong-Khmer and Thai language, as Xinh-mun, Kho-mu, Khang, Thai, Lao..., there is a term khun indicating the chief of tribe, the leader; in Mun-da language the term khunzt indicates the first person in the family or any organization of the society. Probably, the word Hung is the Chinese phonetic transcription of an ancient Vietnamese which is synonymous and homonymous with kun, khun, khunzt ... to address the chief of tribe, the leader.
This title showed us that Hung Vuong was originally the chief of Van Lang tribe- the strongest one, with its domain in both sides of Song Hong (River) from Ba Vi Mount to Tam Dao Mount, and played the role of the chief coordinator with the central duty of unifying all the other tribes, then became chief of state. He was assisted by Lac Hau (civilian chiefs).
In Viet Su Luoc, we were also told about a series of significant legends relate to this period. Lord Lac Long Quan married Au Co, who bore him 100 sons. One day he said to his wife: "I am a dragon, you are a fairy. We can't remain together". He took 50 of his sons with him to the plains and coastal regions, while the others followed their mother to the mountains. One of Lac Long Quan's sons inherited his throne and was the founder of a dynasty of 18 rulers known as the Hung kings. Legends put the beginning of the Hung dynasty as early as 4,000 years ago.
The reign of Hung Vuong was hereditary and lasted for 18 kings. The number 18 in Hung Vuong story was brought in question with doubt by a lot of historians who proposed many different explanations. Traditionally, many numbers have only symbolic meaning not mathematical one. The number 18 as well as 9 and all its multiple (36, 991, 999... ) often imminently mean a lot, many, or a great quantity. Is it reasonably that 18 kings of Hung Vuong means many reigns of kings, lasts for long time.
Van Lang was composed of 15 "bo"(administrative division), and according to Viet Su Luoc, these "bo" were originally 15 tribes. Each "bo" was headed by Lac Tuong (military chiefs), or according to a number of legend and mythological tradition, these functionaries were also named bo chua, bo tuong, phu dao ( meaning chief of tribes). As phu dao term was also a Chinese word phonetically transcribed from old Viet as dao in Muong language, tao in Tay-Thai language, po tan in Gia-rai language, mo tao in E-de language, bo dao in Ra-glai language, ba dao in Ba-na language, pa tao in Cham language, and together had a same meaning chief of tribe, leader or chief of a region. If "bo" is tribe, we can say exactly "phu dao" or "lac tuong" is chief of tribe, then became the chief of regional tribe of Van Lang under Hung Vuong reign.
(from viettouch)
Saturday, July 14, 2007
Bargaining in Vietnam
Bargaining is the art of buying things in Vietnam. Vietnamese like bargaining so the price of goods in small shops in Vietnam always has higher price than normal especially the shops for tourist. Always bargain when you buy from small shops, it will get you a better price and the shop keeper expects it.
In order to buy a good things with reasonable price here are some bargain tips:
Preparation
When you prepare to buy an article, it’d better to check the price in different shops to get a general idea about the price. You can ask your tourist guide or travel agency first before buying. They know where is the best place to buy it and how does it cost.
Bargaining Practice
Now remember to relax and enjoy the process, but keep some skills in mind:
- Offer half of the asking price and work from there.
- Try to find some flaws on the article as an excuse of depreciation.
- Be stubborn and persistent when bargaining, but keep smiling.
- Walk away if you find the price unacceptable, you can always come back later.
If the shop man detains you, it may mean he is close to accepting your offer, and with a little more discussion will accept. Once the shopkeeper accepts your price, do not try to put the price down again since it would be unfair. After all, the shopkeeper has agreed to the price you have proposed.
End Bargain
It is really enjoyable to buy at a price you are satisfied with, but make sure that the article you take is the one you want since there are some dishonest shop keepers who will replace the purchased products with shoddy ones.
Many shopkeepers use a calculator during bargaining, as these can help overcome the language barrier.
(from Vietnam-Culture)
Vietnam travel tips-need to know
One of the greatest way to understand Vietnamese culture is to travel through Vietnam individually or in a group. We present some Vietnam travel tips to make your trip enjoyable!
Business hours
Government offices and museums open early, around 8am, and close between 4pm and 5pm. Avoid doing business from 11.30am to 2pm, when people are either at lunch or napping
Currency
The currency in Vietnam is the dong (VND), which currently trades at about VND 16,000 to the US dollar. US dollars remain widely accepted at hotels, but you should have local currency for use in taxis and shops. Credit card acceptance, especially for Visa, is spreading in higher-end hotels, restaurants, and shops in big cities. Some travel cafes provide cash advances at higher rates, their advantage being that they stay open late and on weekends. Almost banks have ATM machines that dispense only dong. Do not accept torn or soiled bills as you may have trouble spending them.
Electricity
Vietnam uses 220V electricity nation-wide. In the South, outlets are often US style flat pins. In the north, many outlets fit round pins. As the electrical current varies, use a surge protector when running sensitive electronic equipment like laptops.
Hotels and registration
There is a wide range of accommodation available, at least in Vietnam’s major cities. Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City feature a choice of five-star hotels, while guest houses and mini hotels offer no-frills rooms fro around US $10. As hotels and private hosts must register your presence with the police, you’ll be expected to hand over your passport, along with your entry/exit from.
Safety
While Vietnam is one of the safest countries in Asia, you should take care with your possessions. Secure your valuables, documents, and credit cards in your hotel’s safe. Beware of pickpockets, purse-snatchers, and mobile phone thieves, especially in Ho Chi Minh City. If you choose to drive a motor bike or ride a bicycle, always wear a helmet.
Telecommunication
International phone charges are steep in Vietnam and many hotels, especially up-market ones, add extra fees. Check rates before dialing. One long distance service offers a flat fee of around US $0.75 per minute to 50 countries; dial 171 followed by the number.
Public phones require phone cards, which are available at post offices. To rent a mobile phone call 821 2382 in Hanoi and 824 2382 in Ho Chi Minh city. Faxes can be sent from hotels, business centers or post offices. Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh city also offer dozens of internet cafes.
Visas
Tourist visas are generally valid for 30 days. Should you wish to extend your visa, go to the immigration office at 40A Hang Bai St. in Hanoi, Tel: 8266200. Many tour operators can also extend your visa for a fee
Weather
Hanoi and the north of Vietnam have a distinct winter and summer season with the mainly dry winter lasting from November through to April with average temperatures of 18-20ºC. Summer lasts from May to October and is hot and humid with temperatures around 30ºC. Hue and Danang in the center of the country have very hot, dry weather from February to August with temperatures reaching the mid 30s-Celsius, but can experience some quite heavy rainfall between September and January. Ho Chi Minh City and the south have a hot, dry season from December till April with average temperatures around 28ºC and a rainy season lasting from May through till November. It rarely rains for long periods even in the rainy season with most rain coming in short, heavy bursts.
 | |
 |  |
Use of English in Vietnam
Most civil servants, custom officials, police, hotel staff and men in the street do not speak English or at best a smattering of English.
Most signboards and notices will carry both English and Vietnamese . However, be aware that some translations can be so notorious that one can hardly understand what was it's original Vietnamese intention.
Do not expect hotels or shops to understand English. Only the very big hotels will have staff that will understand English.
Most young people can understand basic English if you speak slowly.
Useful Vietnam travel tips
Try to get a English speaking tour guide at every opportunity you can. Vietnam has a rich and wonderful history and culture and without a guide, somehow, the flavour and significance of most tour sites can be lost.
*Sneaky tip: Hang around a group that has a English speaking guide if you cannot afford one!
Always ask for a receipt from a taxi driver so that you can complain if you have been cheated or for tracing purposes if you happen to leave your camera behind in the taxi.
Try to take the namecard for each hotel that you are staying at as these cards will have a Vietnamese address and the map of your hotel location. This is useful if you need to seek assistance to find your way back as the English version or pronounciation of a hotel or a street name may be quite different from the Vietnamese version.
After a tiring day, check out Vietnamese foot reflexology or Vietnamese massage. Wonderful for the body after a hard day and very cheap to boot. Simply look out for shop signs that shows two feet! They are everywhere.
Make friends with the Vietnamese whenever you can. They love to meet foreigners and will make good tour guides. Just buy a small present as a small token of appreciation.
Vietnamese Food
Local food is absolutely fabulous. Try as much Vietnamese food as your wallet or stomach can afford. Restaurants are available everywhere and open to late hours. Most restaurants will have a menu that include photographs of the various dishes. Better yet, simply point at the food that your next door table is having, especially if it looks delicious!
However, avoid street side stalls and drinking directly from the taps if you have delicate stomach.
(from Vietnam-Culture)
Transportation in Vietnam
A lot of efforts have been made by the Vietnamese government to establish a comprehensive transport system comprising civil aviation, railways, highways, water transport and especially for tourist: pedicab and motorbike.
Civil Aviation
Apart from the economic factors, traveling by air is the probably the first choice of most travelers. There are two international airports in Vietnam: Noi Bai in Hanoi and Tan Son Nhat in Ho Chi Minh City.
Vietnam's civil aviation has justifiably won universal praise. The entire staff has been trained according to international standards. There is no language barrier aboard the planes since all staffs can speak fluent English and flight announcements are made in both English and Vietnamese.
In major cities in Vietnam, plane ticket booking is available via telephone. Plane ticket booking is also available at all civil aviation ticketing offices, travel agencies and hotels. Airport tax is required for only international flights. In Vietnam you are now able to book ticket via internet.
There are some complains about late arrivals of Vietnam airline but the situation will be changed soon.
City Buses and Taxis
City buses in Vietnam are always crowded and it is not useable for tourist. The Vietnamese government is paying a lot of efforts to improve it now.
A taxi is often the most convenient means of travel in the city. They are available at airports, railway stations and hotels and can be flagged down in urban areas. The total fare depends on the starting meter price, which can range from 7 to 10 thousand VND, and the distance. Extra fees are charged for waiting and low speed driving during traffic jams.
The minibus is a compromise between the relatively expensive taxis and crowded public transport. Charges are a little more than on the bus, about 2 yuan or more depending on distance, but it is very convenient for it can stop at any point you want along the route.
Tour buses are managed by travel agencies, hotels and airports and are provided for short tours. They are normally equipped with air conditioning and TV. A tour guide is usually present on such buses.
Trains
The rail network forms the backbone of the Vietnamese transport system and serves most of big cities. Tourist can explore much of Vietnam by train and many find it an efficient and inexpensive means of travel. The cost is around 25 percent less than comparable air services. Tourist can go by train overnight to save time.
In Vietnam, the accommodation on the trains is divided into four categories, namely, soft-sleeper, soft-seat, hard-sleeper and hard-seat.
Reservations should be made in advance, especially during the holidays and travel season. Tickets may be purchased directly from rail stations or booked a few days in advance from your travel agencies, hotels, or ticket office. Ticking booking is available on the internet.
Waterways
Another method of travel in Vietnam is via the waterways. Navigable inland waterways in Vietnam total 17,000 kilometers.
Motorbike
You can also exploring Vietnam mountainous places such as Sapa, Dien Bien Phu… by motorbike. You can ask tour agency for hiring a good motorbike for you. According to the Vietnam’s law you must have driving license to go by motorbike. Remember that be careful when you are driving.
Pedicab or Xich Lo
In touring cities on some old quarters in Hanoi, Hoi An and Hue you can walk or go by pedicab (it is called xich lo in Vietnamese). It costs about 40 VND / hours (3 dollars / hour).It is convenient that you can take photos or make movies while sitting in pedicab.
(from Vietnam-Culture)
Safety Tips in Vietnam
Compared with many other countries, Vietnam is considered one of the safest countries in the world for personal security. But petty crime has increased in recent year, especially in and around the major cities.
Here are some precautions can help you avoid potential problems
- Traffic in Vietnam especially in Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City is not safe for you as a foreigner. It has no problem if you go by taxi or motor cycle but be careful when you are walking especially crossing the street.
- Be particularly cautious about your possession in crowded areas such as local festivals, markets, tourist sites, railway, bus stations, on trains and buses. There may have pickpocket so you should always keep valuables in a safety deposit box at your hotel instead of leaving them in your room.
- Do not show off your money in public places especially on a street.
- Keep enough money for your immediate needs in your pocket, and hide the rest on your body or leave your backup supply in a safety deposit box at your hotel. It is very convenient if you bring credit card or master card. In big cities you can withdraw as much as you can.
- Remove any jewelry that may draw a thief's attention before you go out for strolling
- Never wear a bag or purse on your street-side shoulder in order to avoid becoming a target of the "snatch-and-ride"
- Never carry your passport/visa, credit cards, traveler's schedules or other travel documents in your shoulder bag or bum bag
- Ensure that you aware of the values of different local banknotes to avoid being deceived.
- Always let your hotel or guides know where you are on your free days during your tour.
- Respect the custom of the local ethnic groups
- Do not quarrel with anyone during your trip.
- Do not voice publicly any opinions contrary to Vietnam's laws and code of ethics and morals.
(from Vietnam-Culture)
Vietnamese New Year Customs
1. Clean and decorate the home
Homes are often cleaned and decorated before New Year's Eve. Children are in charge of sweeping and scrubbing the floor. The kitchen needs to be cleaned before the 23rd night of the last month. Usually, the head of the household cleans the dust and ashes (from incense) from the ancestral altars. It is a common belief that cleaning the house will get rid of the bad fortunes associated with the old year. Some people would paint their house and decorate with festive items.
2. Literally means "getting new clothes"
This is often the most exciting part of the Vietnamese New Year among children. Parents usually purchase new clothes and shoes for their children a month prior to the New Year. However, children cannot wear their new clothes until the first day of the New Year and onward. The best outfit is always worn on the first day of the year.
3. Farewell ceremony for the Kitchen Gods (Ong Tao)
Seven days (the 23rd night of the last lunar month) prior to Tet, each Vietnamese family offers a farewell ceremony for Ong Tao to go up to Heaven Palace. His task is to make an annual report to the Jade Emperor of the family's affairs throughout the year.
4. New Year's Eve
However, in a literal translation, it means "Passage from the Old to the New Year". It is a common belief among Vietnamese people that there are 12 Sacred Animals from the Zodiac taking turn monitoring and controlling the affairs of the earth. Thus, Giao Thua (New Year's Eve)is the moment of seeing the old chief (Dragon for 2000) end his ruling term and pass his power to the new chief (Snake for 2001). Giao Thua is also the time for Ong Tao (Kitchen God) to return to earth after making the report to the Jade Emperor. Every single family should offer an open-air ceremony to welcome him back to their kitchen.
5. The Aura of the Earth
Giao Thua is the most sacred time of the year. Therefore, the first houseguest to offer the first greeting is very important. If that particular guest has a good aura (well respected, well educated, successful, famous, etc.), then the family believes that they will receive luck and good fortune throughout the year. The belief of xong dat still remains nowadays, especially among families with businesses.
6. Apricot flowers and peach flowers
Flower buds and blossoms are the symbols for new beginning. These two distinctive flowers are widely sold and purchased during Tet. Hoa Mai are the yellow apricot flowers often seen in Southern Viet Nam. Hoa Mai are more adaptable to the hot weather of southern regions, thus, it is known as the primary flower in every home. Hoa Dao are the warm pink of the peach blossoms that match well with the dry, cold weather from the North. Tet is not Tet if there is no sight of Hoa Mai (south) or Hoa Dao (north) in every home.
7. Giving away red envelopes (filled with lucky money)
This is a cultural practice that has been maintained for generations. The red envelopes symbolize luck and wealth. It is very common to see older people giving away sealed red envelopes to younger people. Before the younger ones could receive the envelopes, they have to perform a certain greeting. Here is a sample of a greeting I might have to say to the Professor:
-Thua thay, nam moi, con xin kinh chuc thay duoc doi giau suc khoe va gia dinh an khang thinh vuong! (Dear teacher, this New Year, I am respectfully wishing for you to have an abundance of strength and physical wellness, and your family to live in peace and prosperity).
Reciprocally, the older ones would return good advice and words of wisdom, encouraging the younger ones to keep up with the schoolwork, live harmoniously with others, and obey their parents.
This greeting ritual and Li Xi is also known as Mung Tuoi, honoring the achievement of another year to one's life.
8. Making offers for the Ancestors
This ceremony is held on the first day of the New Year before noontime. The head of the household should perform the proper ritual (offering food, wine, cakes, fruits, and burn incense) to invite the souls of the ancestors to join the celebration with the family. This is the time families honor the souls of their ancestors and present the welfare of the family.
(from Vietnam-Culture)
Meaning of Vietnamese New Year
The festival which best epitomizes Vietnam's cultural identity is Vietnamese New Year or Tet. Popular festivals play a major role as mirror and guardian of a nation's cultural identity. In this aspect, the festival which best epitomizes Vietnam's cultural identity is Tet.
Although endowed with honorable credentials, the New Year by Solar Calendar has not succeeded in becoming accredited in Vietnam, at least not in the countryside. People pay it polite homage countryside but reserve their heart and soul for their own traditional Vietnamese New Year
"Tet" is a word of Chinese Origin. It is the phonetic deformation of "Tiet", a Sino Vietnamese term which means "Joint of a bamboo stern" and in a wider sense, the "beginning of a period of the year". The passage from one period to the next may cause a meteorological disturbance (heat, rain, mist) that must be exercised by ritual sacrifices and festivities. Thus, there are many Tets throughout the year (Mid-autumn Vietnamese New Year, Cold Food Vietnamese New Year, etc.). The most significant of all is "Vietnamese New Year Ca" ("Big Vietnamese New Year" or simply "Vietnamese New Year"), which marks the Lunar New Year.
Vietnamese New Year occurs somewhere in the last ten days of January or the first twenty days of February, nearly halfway between winter solstice and spring equinox. Although the Lunar New Year is observed throughout East Asia, each country celebrates Vietnamese New Year in its own way in conformity with its own national psyche and cultural conditions.
For the Vietnamese people, Vietnamese New Year is like a combination of Western Saint Sylvester, New Year's Day, Christmas, Easter and Thanksgiving. It is the festival of Purity and Renewal.
Nature always renews its youth, returning to its primary purity and freshness. People, who are part of Nature, follow the same course.
Vietnamese New Year, the first day of spring, carries with it all the rebirth connotations that Easter has in the West. In the course of this period of universal renewal and rejuvenation, the Vietnamese feel the spring sap welling up within them. This feeling has given rise to special customs: every deed during the three days of Vietnamese New Year should be well intentioned and finely realized, for it symbolizes and forecasts actions during the coming twelve months. One abstains from getting cross, from using bad language. The most shrewish mother-in-law smokes the pipe of peace with her daughter-in-law. Quarrelling husbands and wives bury their hatchets. Children promise to be good, grown-ups hand the children gifts, which are often coins wrapped in scarlet paper since red is the color of luck. The children are happy to get new clothes. Beggars are given alms. The "new" world must be the best of the worlds. Once the holy resting time is over, activities resume with a new frame of mind after inaugurating ceremonies: "inauguration of the seals" for civil servants, "inauguration of the pen-brush" for scholars and students, "inauguration of the shop" for traders.
For the Vietnamese, Vietnamese New Year brings a message of confidence in humanity; it brings redemption, hope and optimism.
"Tet" is a word of Chinese Origin. It is the phonetic deformation of "Tiet", a Sino Vietnamese term which means "Joint of a bamboo stern" and in a wider sense, the "beginning of a period of the year". The passage from one period to the next may cause a meteorological disturbance (heat, rain, mist) that must be exercised by ritual sacrifices and festivities. Thus, there are many Tets throughout the year (Mid-autumn Vietnamese New Year, Cold Food Vietnamese New Year, etc.). The most significant of all is "Vietnamese New Year Ca" ("Big Vietnamese New Year" or simply "Vietnamese New Year"), which marks the Lunar New Year.
Vietnamese New Year occurs somewhere in the last ten days of January or the first twenty days of February, nearly halfway between winter solstice and spring equinox. Although the Lunar New Year is observed throughout East Asia, each country celebrates Vietnamese New Year in its own way in conformity with its own national psyche and cultural conditions.
For the Vietnamese people, Vietnamese New Year is like a combination of Western Saint Sylvester, New Year's Day, Christmas, Easter and Thanksgiving. It is the festival of Purity and Renewal.
Nature always renews its youth, returning to its primary purity and freshness. People, who are part of Nature, follow the same course.
Vietnamese New Year, the first day of spring, carries with it all the rebirth connotations that Easter has in the West. In the course of this period of universal renewal and rejuvenation, the Vietnamese feel the spring sap welling up within them. This feeling has given rise to special customs: every deed during the three days of Vietnamese New Year should be well intentioned and finely realized, for it symbolizes and forecasts actions during the coming twelve months. One abstains from getting cross, from using bad language. The most shrewish mother-in-law smokes the pipe of peace with her daughter-in-law. Quarrelling husbands and wives bury their hatchets. Children promise to be good, grown-ups hand the children gifts, which are often coins wrapped in scarlet paper since red is the color of luck. The children are happy to get new clothes. Beggars are given alms. The "new" world must be the best of the worlds. Once the holy resting time is over, activities resume with a new frame of mind after inaugurating ceremonies: "inauguration of the seals" for civil servants, "inauguration of the pen-brush" for scholars and students, "inauguration of the shop" for traders.
For the Vietnamese, Vietnamese New Year brings a message of confidence in humanity; it brings redemption, hope and optimism.
(from Vietnam-Culture)
The Magic Crossbow
Thanks to the magic bow given by a god, king An Dương Vương succeeded in defeating the Chinese army. Not being able to fight in weapons on the same footing with his army, general Triệu Ðà had to make peace and send his son Trọng Thủy to the court of Âu La
Trong Thuy succeeded in winning the heart of king An DuongVuong's daughter and so became the close adviser to the king. Despite of the affection and love he brought to his wife, Trong Thuy did not lose sight of his mission vested in him by his father: neutralize the magic weapon that helped assure king An DuongVuong supremacy. This miraculous device was well guarded at a place known only by the king and his daughter. The latter, after many insistences of Trong Thuy, showed him the magic weapon whose the trigger was made of the Golden Turtle's claw. Taking advantage of a moment of inattention of the princess, Trong Thuy succeeded in unhooking the Golden Turtle's claw and replace it with an imitation. Then, shortly after that, using his father's ill health as a pretext he asked the king for permission to return to his country.
Before his departure, he asked his wife " How could we find each other in case of a sudden separation?". "You could find me easily in emergency, I will throw on my way the goose down of my coat", she replied to him.
Convinced that the magic weapon no longer possessed its devastating quality, the Chinese general launched offensive attacks on kingdom Au Lac. Always confident in the power of his magic bow, king An DuongVuong went for his weapon to destroy his enemy. Realizing that the weapon had been detracted, the king fled on horseback taking his daughter with him behind, in the direction of the sea. Arriving near the shore, he called out :" God of Golden Turtle, please come for help!". The god appeared at once and pointing his index finger at the king he said "The enemy is behind you, on the back of your horse".
The king looked back, saw his daughter with a trail of white feathers scattered on the road he had taken. Furious, he pulled out his sword, killed My Chau and followed the god of Golden Turtle to the sea. Guided by the goose down, Trọng Thuy found the body of his wife, dead on the beach. The blood that flowed down was swallowed by oysters and turned into pearls. Desperate, Trong Thuy took his wife's body to Co Loa and committed suicide by jumping in a well near the tomb of Mỵ Chau.
(from Vietnam-Culture)
Friday, July 13, 2007
The story of Tam and Cam
Long, long ago there was a man who lost his wife and lived with his little girl named Tam. Then he married again a wicked woman.
The little girl found this out on the first day after the wedding. There was a big banquet in the house, but Tam was shut up in a room all by herself instead of being allowed to welcome the guests and attend the feast.
Moreover, she had to go to bed without any supper.
Things grew worse when a new baby girl was born in the house. The step-mother adored Cam--for Cam was the name of the baby girl--and she told her husband so many lies about poor Tam that he would not have anything more to do with the latter.
"Go and stay away in the kitchen and take care of yourself, you naughty child," said the wicked woman to Tam.
And she gave the little girl a dirty wretched place in the kitchen, and it was there that Tam was to live and work. At night, she was given a torn mat and a ragged sheet as bed and coverlet. She had to rub the floors, cut the wood, feed the animals, do all the cooking, the washing up and many other things. Her poor little soft hands had large blisters, but she bore the pain without complaint. Her step-mother also sent her to deep forests to gather wood with the secret hope that the wild beasts might carry her off. She asked Tam to draw water from dangerously deep wells so that she might get drowned one day. The poor little Tam worked and worked all day till her skin became swarthy and her hair entangled. But Sometimes she went to the well to draw water, looked at herself in it, and was frightened to realize how dark and ugly she was. She then got some water in the hollow of her hand, washed her face and combed her long smooth hair with her fingers, and the soft white skin appeared again, and she looked very pretty indeed.
When the step-mother realized how pretty Tam could look, she hated her more than ever, and wished to do her more harm. One day, she asked Tam and her own daughter Cam to go fishing in the village pond.
"Try to get as many as you can," she said. "If you come back with only a few of them, you will get flogged and will be sent to bed without supper." Tam knew that these words were meant for her because the step-mother would never beat Cam, who was the apple of her eyes, while she always flogged Tam as hard as she could.
Tam tried to fish hard and by the end of the day, got a basket full of fish. In the meantime, Cam spent her time rolling herself in the tender grass, basking in the warm sunshine, picking up wild flowers, dancing and singing.
The sun set before Cam had even started her fishing. She looked at her empty basket and had a bright idea. "Sister, sister," she said to Tam, "your hair is full of mud. Why don't you step into the fresh water and get a good wash to get rid of it? Otherwise mother is going to scold you."
Tam listened to the advice, and had a good wash. But, in the meantime, Cam poured her sister's fish into her own basket and went home as quickly as she could. When Tam realized that her fish were stolen away, her heart sank and she began to cry bitterly. Certainly, her step-mother would punish her severely tonight!
Suddenly, a fresh and balmy wind blew, the sky looked purer and the clouds whiter and in front of her stood the smiling blue-robed Goddess of Mercy, carrying a lovely green willow branch with her. "What is the matter, dear child?" asked the Goddess in a sweet voice.
Tam gave her an account of her misfortune and added: "Most Noble Lady, what am I to do tonight when I go home? I am frightened to death, for my step-mother will not believe me, and will flog me very, very hard."
The Goddess of Mercy consoled her. "Your misfortune will be over soon. Have confidence in me and cheer up. Now, look at your basket to see whether there is anything left there."
Tam looked and saw a lovely small fish with red fins and golden eyes, and uttered a little cry of surprise. The Goddess told her to take the fish home, put it in the well at the back of the house, and feed it three times a day with what she could save from her own food.
Tam thanked the Goddess most gratefully and did exactly as she was told. Whenever she went to the well, the fish would appear on the surface to greet her. But should anyone else come, the fish would never show itself. Tam's strange behavior was noticed by her step-mother who spied on her, and went to the well to look for the fish which hid itself in the deep water. She decided to ask Tam to go to a far away spring to fetch some water, and taking advantage of the absence, she put on the latter's ragged clothes, went to call the fish, killed it and cooked it.
When Tam came back, she went to the well, called and called, but there was no fish to be seen except the surface of the water stained with blood. She leaned her head against the well and wept in the most miserable way. The Goddess of Mercy appeared again, with a face as sweet as a loving mother, and comforted her: "Do not cry, my child. Your step-mother has killed the fish, but you must try to find its bones and bury them in the ground under your mat. Whatever you may wish to possess, pray to them, and your wish will be granted."
Tam followed the advice and looked for the fish bones everywhere but could find none. "Cluck! cluck!" said a hen, "Give me some paddy and I will show you the bones.
Tam gave her a handful of paddy and the hen said, "Cluck! cluck! Follow me and I will take you to the place." When they came to the poultry yard, the hen scratched a heap of young leaves, uncovered the fish bones which Tam gladly gathered and buried accordingly. It was not long before she got gold and jewelry and dresses of such wonderful materials that they would have rejoiced the heart of any young girl.
When the Autumn Festival came, Tam was told to stay home and sort out the two big baskets of black and green beans that her wicked step-mother had mixed up.
"Try to get the work done," she was told, "before you can go to attend the Festival." Then the step-mother and Cam put on their most beautiful dresses and went out by themselves.
After they had gone a long way Tam lifted her tearful face and prayed: "O, benevolent Goddess of Mercy, please help me." At once, the soft-eyed Goddess appeared and with her magic green willow branch, turned little flies into sparrows which sorted the beans out for the young girl. In a short time, the work was done. Tam dried up her tears, arrayed herself in a glittering blue and silver dress. She now looked as beautiful as a princess, and went to the Festival.
Cam was very surprised to see her, and whispered to her mother: "Is that rich lady not strangely like my sister Tam?" When Tam realized that her step-mother and Cam were staring curiously at her, she ran away, but in such a hurry that she dropped one of her fine slippers which the soldiers picked up and took to the King.
The King examined it carefully and declared he had never seen such a work of art before. He made the ladies of the palace try it on, but the slipper was too small even for those who had the smallest feet. Then he ordered all the noblewomen of the kingdom to try it, but the slipper would fit none of them. In the end, word was sent that the woman who could wear the slipper would become Queen, that is, the King's First Wife.
Finally, Tam had a try and the slipper fitted her perfectly. She then wore both slippers, and appeared in her glittering blue and silver dress, looking extremely beautiful. She was then taken to Court with a big escort, became Queen and had an unbelievably brilliant and happy life. The step-mother and Cam could not bear to see her happy and would have killed her most willingly, but they were too afraid of the King to do so.
One day, at her father's anniversary, Tam went home to celebrate it with her family. At the time, it was the custom that, however great and important one might be, one was always expected by one's parents to behave exactly like a young and obedient child. The cunning step-mother had this in her mind and asked Tam to climb an areca tree to get some nuts for the guests. As Tam was now Queen, she could of course refuse, but she was a very pious and dutiful daughter, and was only glad to help. But while she was up on the tree, she felt that it was swaying to and fro in the strangest and most alarming manner.
"What are you doing?" She asked her step-mother.
"I am only trying to scare away the ants which might bite you, my dear child," was the reply. But in fact, the wicked step-mother was holding a sickle and cutting the tree which fell down in a crash, killing the poor Queen at once.
"Now we are rid of her," said the woman with a hateful and ugly laugh, "and she will never come back again. We shall report to the King that she has died in an accident and my beloved daughter Cam will become Queen in her stead!"
Things happened exactly the way she had planned, and Cam became now the King's first wife. But Tam's pure and innocent soul could not find any rest. It was turned into the shape of a nightingale which dwelt in the King's garden and sang sweet and melodious songs.
One day, one of the maids-of-honor in the Palace exposed the dragon-embroidered gown of the King to the sun, and the nightingale sang in her own gentle way: "0, sweet maid-of-honor, be careful with my Imperial Husband's gown and do not tear it by putting it on a thorny hedge." She then sang on so sadly that tears came into the King's eyes. The nightingale sang more sweetly still and moved the hearts of all who heard her.
At last, the King said: "Most delightful nightingale, if you were the soul of my beloved Queen, be pleased to settle in my wide sleeves."
Then the gentle bird went straight into the King's sleeves and rubbed her smooth head against the King's hand. The bird was now put in a golden cage near the King's bedroom. The King was so fond of her that he would stay all day long near the cage, listening to her melancholy and beautiful songs. As she sang her melodies to him, his eyes became wet with tears, and she sang more charmingly than ever.
Cam became jealous of the bird, and sought her mother's advice about it. One day, while the King was holding a council with his ministers, Cam killed the nightingale, cooked it and threw the feathers in the Imperial Garden.
"What is the meaning of this?" said the King when he came back to the Palace and saw the empty cage. There was great confusion and everybody looked for the nightingale but could not find it.
"Perhaps she was bored and has flown away to the woods," said Cam.
The King was very sad but there was nothing he could do about it, and resigned himself to his fate. But once more, Tam's restless soul was transformed into big, magnificent tree, which only bore a single fruit, but what a fruit! It was round, big and golden and had a very sweet smell.
An old woman passing by the tree and seeing the beautiful fruit, said: "Golden fruit, golden fruit, drop into the bag of this old woman. This one will keep you and enjoy your smell, but will never eat you." The fruit at once dropped into the old woman's bag. She brought it home, put it on the table to enjoy its sweet-scented smell. But the next day, to her great surprise, she found her house clean and tidy, and a delicious hot meal waiting for her when she came back from her errands as though some magic hand had done all this during her absence.
She then pretended to go out the following morning, but stealthily came back, hid herself behind the door and observed the house. She beheld a fair and slender lady coming out of the golden fruit and starting to tidy the house. She rushed in, tore the fruit peel up so that the fair lady could no longer hide herself in it. The young lady could not help but stay there and consider the old woman her own mother.
One day the King went on a hunting party and lost his way. The evening drew on, the clouds gathered and it was pitch dark when he saw the old woman's house and went in it for shelter. According to custom, the latter offered him some tea and betel. The King examined the delicate way the betel was prepared and asked: "Who is the person who made this betel, which looks exactly like the one prepared by my late beloved Queen?"
The old woman said in a trembling voice: "Son of Heaven, it is only my unworthy daughter."
The King then ordered the daughter to be brought to him and when she came and bowed to him, he realized, like in a dream, that it was Tam, his deeply regretted Queen Both of them wept after such a separation and so much unhappiness. The Queen was then taken back to the Imperial City, where she took her former rank, while Cam was completely neglected by the King.
Cam then thought: "If I were as beautiful as my sister, I would win the King's heart."
She asked the Queen: "Dearest Sister, how could I become as white as you?"
"It is very easy," answered the Queen. "You have only to jump into a big basin of boiling water to get beautifully white." Cam believed her and did as suggested. Naturally she died without being able to utter a word! When the step-mother heard about this she wept until she became blind. Soon, she died of a broken heart. The Queen survived both of them, and lived happily ever after, for she certainly deserved it.
Moreover, she had to go to bed without any supper.
Things grew worse when a new baby girl was born in the house. The step-mother adored Cam--for Cam was the name of the baby girl--and she told her husband so many lies about poor Tam that he would not have anything more to do with the latter.
"Go and stay away in the kitchen and take care of yourself, you naughty child," said the wicked woman to Tam.
And she gave the little girl a dirty wretched place in the kitchen, and it was there that Tam was to live and work. At night, she was given a torn mat and a ragged sheet as bed and coverlet. She had to rub the floors, cut the wood, feed the animals, do all the cooking, the washing up and many other things. Her poor little soft hands had large blisters, but she bore the pain without complaint. Her step-mother also sent her to deep forests to gather wood with the secret hope that the wild beasts might carry her off. She asked Tam to draw water from dangerously deep wells so that she might get drowned one day. The poor little Tam worked and worked all day till her skin became swarthy and her hair entangled. But Sometimes she went to the well to draw water, looked at herself in it, and was frightened to realize how dark and ugly she was. She then got some water in the hollow of her hand, washed her face and combed her long smooth hair with her fingers, and the soft white skin appeared again, and she looked very pretty indeed.
When the step-mother realized how pretty Tam could look, she hated her more than ever, and wished to do her more harm. One day, she asked Tam and her own daughter Cam to go fishing in the village pond.
"Try to get as many as you can," she said. "If you come back with only a few of them, you will get flogged and will be sent to bed without supper." Tam knew that these words were meant for her because the step-mother would never beat Cam, who was the apple of her eyes, while she always flogged Tam as hard as she could.
Tam tried to fish hard and by the end of the day, got a basket full of fish. In the meantime, Cam spent her time rolling herself in the tender grass, basking in the warm sunshine, picking up wild flowers, dancing and singing.
The sun set before Cam had even started her fishing. She looked at her empty basket and had a bright idea. "Sister, sister," she said to Tam, "your hair is full of mud. Why don't you step into the fresh water and get a good wash to get rid of it? Otherwise mother is going to scold you."
Tam listened to the advice, and had a good wash. But, in the meantime, Cam poured her sister's fish into her own basket and went home as quickly as she could. When Tam realized that her fish were stolen away, her heart sank and she began to cry bitterly. Certainly, her step-mother would punish her severely tonight!
Suddenly, a fresh and balmy wind blew, the sky looked purer and the clouds whiter and in front of her stood the smiling blue-robed Goddess of Mercy, carrying a lovely green willow branch with her. "What is the matter, dear child?" asked the Goddess in a sweet voice.
Tam gave her an account of her misfortune and added: "Most Noble Lady, what am I to do tonight when I go home? I am frightened to death, for my step-mother will not believe me, and will flog me very, very hard."
The Goddess of Mercy consoled her. "Your misfortune will be over soon. Have confidence in me and cheer up. Now, look at your basket to see whether there is anything left there."
Tam looked and saw a lovely small fish with red fins and golden eyes, and uttered a little cry of surprise. The Goddess told her to take the fish home, put it in the well at the back of the house, and feed it three times a day with what she could save from her own food.
Tam thanked the Goddess most gratefully and did exactly as she was told. Whenever she went to the well, the fish would appear on the surface to greet her. But should anyone else come, the fish would never show itself. Tam's strange behavior was noticed by her step-mother who spied on her, and went to the well to look for the fish which hid itself in the deep water. She decided to ask Tam to go to a far away spring to fetch some water, and taking advantage of the absence, she put on the latter's ragged clothes, went to call the fish, killed it and cooked it.
When Tam came back, she went to the well, called and called, but there was no fish to be seen except the surface of the water stained with blood. She leaned her head against the well and wept in the most miserable way. The Goddess of Mercy appeared again, with a face as sweet as a loving mother, and comforted her: "Do not cry, my child. Your step-mother has killed the fish, but you must try to find its bones and bury them in the ground under your mat. Whatever you may wish to possess, pray to them, and your wish will be granted."
Tam followed the advice and looked for the fish bones everywhere but could find none. "Cluck! cluck!" said a hen, "Give me some paddy and I will show you the bones.
Tam gave her a handful of paddy and the hen said, "Cluck! cluck! Follow me and I will take you to the place." When they came to the poultry yard, the hen scratched a heap of young leaves, uncovered the fish bones which Tam gladly gathered and buried accordingly. It was not long before she got gold and jewelry and dresses of such wonderful materials that they would have rejoiced the heart of any young girl.
When the Autumn Festival came, Tam was told to stay home and sort out the two big baskets of black and green beans that her wicked step-mother had mixed up.
"Try to get the work done," she was told, "before you can go to attend the Festival." Then the step-mother and Cam put on their most beautiful dresses and went out by themselves.
After they had gone a long way Tam lifted her tearful face and prayed: "O, benevolent Goddess of Mercy, please help me." At once, the soft-eyed Goddess appeared and with her magic green willow branch, turned little flies into sparrows which sorted the beans out for the young girl. In a short time, the work was done. Tam dried up her tears, arrayed herself in a glittering blue and silver dress. She now looked as beautiful as a princess, and went to the Festival.
Cam was very surprised to see her, and whispered to her mother: "Is that rich lady not strangely like my sister Tam?" When Tam realized that her step-mother and Cam were staring curiously at her, she ran away, but in such a hurry that she dropped one of her fine slippers which the soldiers picked up and took to the King.
The King examined it carefully and declared he had never seen such a work of art before. He made the ladies of the palace try it on, but the slipper was too small even for those who had the smallest feet. Then he ordered all the noblewomen of the kingdom to try it, but the slipper would fit none of them. In the end, word was sent that the woman who could wear the slipper would become Queen, that is, the King's First Wife.
Finally, Tam had a try and the slipper fitted her perfectly. She then wore both slippers, and appeared in her glittering blue and silver dress, looking extremely beautiful. She was then taken to Court with a big escort, became Queen and had an unbelievably brilliant and happy life. The step-mother and Cam could not bear to see her happy and would have killed her most willingly, but they were too afraid of the King to do so.
One day, at her father's anniversary, Tam went home to celebrate it with her family. At the time, it was the custom that, however great and important one might be, one was always expected by one's parents to behave exactly like a young and obedient child. The cunning step-mother had this in her mind and asked Tam to climb an areca tree to get some nuts for the guests. As Tam was now Queen, she could of course refuse, but she was a very pious and dutiful daughter, and was only glad to help. But while she was up on the tree, she felt that it was swaying to and fro in the strangest and most alarming manner.
"What are you doing?" She asked her step-mother.
"I am only trying to scare away the ants which might bite you, my dear child," was the reply. But in fact, the wicked step-mother was holding a sickle and cutting the tree which fell down in a crash, killing the poor Queen at once.
"Now we are rid of her," said the woman with a hateful and ugly laugh, "and she will never come back again. We shall report to the King that she has died in an accident and my beloved daughter Cam will become Queen in her stead!"
Things happened exactly the way she had planned, and Cam became now the King's first wife. But Tam's pure and innocent soul could not find any rest. It was turned into the shape of a nightingale which dwelt in the King's garden and sang sweet and melodious songs.
One day, one of the maids-of-honor in the Palace exposed the dragon-embroidered gown of the King to the sun, and the nightingale sang in her own gentle way: "0, sweet maid-of-honor, be careful with my Imperial Husband's gown and do not tear it by putting it on a thorny hedge." She then sang on so sadly that tears came into the King's eyes. The nightingale sang more sweetly still and moved the hearts of all who heard her.
At last, the King said: "Most delightful nightingale, if you were the soul of my beloved Queen, be pleased to settle in my wide sleeves."
Then the gentle bird went straight into the King's sleeves and rubbed her smooth head against the King's hand. The bird was now put in a golden cage near the King's bedroom. The King was so fond of her that he would stay all day long near the cage, listening to her melancholy and beautiful songs. As she sang her melodies to him, his eyes became wet with tears, and she sang more charmingly than ever.
Cam became jealous of the bird, and sought her mother's advice about it. One day, while the King was holding a council with his ministers, Cam killed the nightingale, cooked it and threw the feathers in the Imperial Garden.
"What is the meaning of this?" said the King when he came back to the Palace and saw the empty cage. There was great confusion and everybody looked for the nightingale but could not find it.
"Perhaps she was bored and has flown away to the woods," said Cam.
The King was very sad but there was nothing he could do about it, and resigned himself to his fate. But once more, Tam's restless soul was transformed into big, magnificent tree, which only bore a single fruit, but what a fruit! It was round, big and golden and had a very sweet smell.
An old woman passing by the tree and seeing the beautiful fruit, said: "Golden fruit, golden fruit, drop into the bag of this old woman. This one will keep you and enjoy your smell, but will never eat you." The fruit at once dropped into the old woman's bag. She brought it home, put it on the table to enjoy its sweet-scented smell. But the next day, to her great surprise, she found her house clean and tidy, and a delicious hot meal waiting for her when she came back from her errands as though some magic hand had done all this during her absence.
She then pretended to go out the following morning, but stealthily came back, hid herself behind the door and observed the house. She beheld a fair and slender lady coming out of the golden fruit and starting to tidy the house. She rushed in, tore the fruit peel up so that the fair lady could no longer hide herself in it. The young lady could not help but stay there and consider the old woman her own mother.
One day the King went on a hunting party and lost his way. The evening drew on, the clouds gathered and it was pitch dark when he saw the old woman's house and went in it for shelter. According to custom, the latter offered him some tea and betel. The King examined the delicate way the betel was prepared and asked: "Who is the person who made this betel, which looks exactly like the one prepared by my late beloved Queen?"
The old woman said in a trembling voice: "Son of Heaven, it is only my unworthy daughter."
The King then ordered the daughter to be brought to him and when she came and bowed to him, he realized, like in a dream, that it was Tam, his deeply regretted Queen Both of them wept after such a separation and so much unhappiness. The Queen was then taken back to the Imperial City, where she took her former rank, while Cam was completely neglected by the King.
Cam then thought: "If I were as beautiful as my sister, I would win the King's heart."
She asked the Queen: "Dearest Sister, how could I become as white as you?"
"It is very easy," answered the Queen. "You have only to jump into a big basin of boiling water to get beautifully white." Cam believed her and did as suggested. Naturally she died without being able to utter a word! When the step-mother heard about this she wept until she became blind. Soon, she died of a broken heart. The Queen survived both of them, and lived happily ever after, for she certainly deserved it.
(from Vietnam-Culture)
The Golden star fruit tree
Once upon a time, there was a very rich man who lived in a village. When he died, he left his two sons a huge fortune. But the two brothers were entirely different.
The elder was greedy, but the younger was very kind. So after the parents' death, the elder claimed the fortune and left his younger brother only star fruit tree. (A very productive tree that gives sour fruit.) The younger brother took good care of his tree, watering it every day and hoping that it would give him a lot of fruit so that he could make a living by selling it. The elder brother, on the other hand, was so happy with his inheritance that he had nothing to worry about.
Chargined, the wife lamented: " Poor us. As poor as we are, the only thing we count much on was what that star fruit tree brings us; now look, this bird ravaged it all. We will probably know starvation". Miracle! The raven upon hearing those lamentations, perched down and replied in a human voice: " Star fruits I eat, with gold I pay, be ready with a three-foot bag and follow me to get it". Afraid the woman ran in the hut to look for her husband. They discussed and decided to sew the bag according to the indicated size, waiting for the return of the bird. A few days later, the bird came back, ate all the star fruits then got down from the tree to invite the husband to take a seat on its back with the bag. Then they disappeared together in the horizon.
Frightened, the younger brother closed his eyes. The bird took him very far before landing on a deserted island, full of precious stones. He was free to take whatever he could. He filled the bag and the raven took him back to his home. From then on, the couple knew opulence, lived in luxury places. They often gave help to the poor. On the occasion of the commemoration of his parents' death, the couple invited the elder brother to come over. Full of despise of his younger brother, the elder look for a pretext to decline and aksed that the younger carpet the road with mats and adorn the gate with gold if he wanted to receive him.
Respectful of his elder brother, the younger complied with the latter's wish. The elder brother and his wife were surprised to see the younger couple's opulence and wealth. Curious, the elder skillfully tried to penetrate the mystery. His younger brother, honest and frank, did not hesitate to tell him the story of the giant raven that took him to look for gold.
The elder couple proposed an exchange of their fortune for only the hut and the star fruit tree. The younger agreed. One day, the raven came back to eat the star fruits and gave the same recommendation: a three-foot bag to go looking for gold. The elder greedy and curious, brought with him two big six-foot bags and when on the spot, filled them with gold. On the way back, burdened by the overweight of of the two bags, the raven who could not hold any longer, swayed and sent the elder to the sea where he drowned.
The elder was the object of much despise when people knew about his greed and stinginess. God always helps good people and always punishes naughty people.
(from Vietnam-Culture)
Chu Dong Tu and princess Tien Dung
The legend that follows is one of the oldest of Vietnam, reputedly going back to the early years of the semi-legendary Hong Bang dynasty. It is probably of Taoist inspiration and affirms a belief in genie and immortals.
The third King Hung Vuong had a beautiful daughter named Tien-Dung (Divine Beauty), who, although of fairy-like loveliness, was endowed with a whimsical nature. Despite her father's entreaties, she rejected every offer of marriage, preferring, as she said, to remain single in order to satisfy her passion for visiting the many beautiful sites of her father's kingdom, known as Van Lang. As the king loved his daughter tenderly, he tried to please her in every way possible, even placing at her disposal a number of vessels including the royal barge, so that she could navigate the rivers of the realm.
At that time, in the village of Chu Xa (Hung Yen province), lived Chu Cu-Van and his son Chu Dong-Tu (Marsh Boy). They were poor fishermen whose home had been ruined by fire. They had lost all their clothing except a single loincloth, which they took turns wearing. When Chu Cu-Van fell seriously ill and felt death approaching, he called his son to the side of his mat.
"After my death," he said, "keep this loincloth for thyself."
But Chu Dong-Tu was a pious son and could not let his old father be buried without shroud. He attended the funeral in borrowed clothes and then found himself without a garment of any kind. The poor young fisherman was obliged to do his fishing at night. During the day he would attempt to sell his catch to the people in the boats passing along the river, remaining immersed in the water up to his waist. One day, Princess Tien Dung, then in her twentieth year, accompanied by a brilliant suite, happened to approach the very place where Chu Dong-Tu was standing in the water. When the young fisherman heard the sound of gongs and bells and perceived the wonderful array of parasols and banners, he became frightened and took cover behind some bulrushes. Then he quickly dug a hole in the sand and covered himself so completely that only his nose was exposed.
Taking a liking to the picturesque surroundings, the princess expressed a desire to bathe there. A tent was set up on the shore. The princess entered, disrobed, and began to pour water over her head and shoulders. As the water trickled to the ground, it washed away some of the sand, exposing Chu Dong-Tu in all his nakedness.
"Who are you?" asked the princess. "What are you doing here?"
"Your Royal Highness," replied the frightened youth, not daring to raise his eyes, "I am only a poor fisherman. Having no garment with which to clothe myself, I was forced to hide in the sand at the approach of the royal barge. Will you not pardon my error?"
Princess Tien Dung dressed in haste and threw a remnant of cloth to the young man so that he could cover himself. Then she questioned him in great detail about his past life. Hardship had not marred Chu Dong-Tu's handsome features, and the princess was not displeased with his demeanor. After some deliberation, she reached a decision.
"I had not expected to marry," she said with a sigh, "but Heaven has ordained this meeting. I cannot oppose Heaven's Will." She immediately ordered all her officers and ladies to come forward. When they had assembled, she told them of the extraordinary adventure that had just befallen her. Then she announced that it was her intention to marry the young man.
"But Your Royal Highness," cried Chu Dong-Tu on hearing these words, "how can I, a penniless fisherman, be the husband of a royal princess?"
"It has been predestined," replied the young woman; "therefore, there can be no reservations about the matter."
"Long live Their Royal Highnesses." cried the officers and ladies in chorus.
Chu Dong-Tu was properly clothed and groomed and the royal wedding took place that same evening with great pomp. But when King Hung-Vuong learned of it, he became furious and shouted angrily at his courtiers.
"In marrying a vagabond," he said, "Tien Dung has dishonored her rank of royal princess. She is to be disinherited and forever banned from my court." The princess had no desire to face her father's wrath. In order to provide for her husband and herself, she decided to go into business. She sold her junks and her jewels, bought some land at a crossroads near the village of Chu Xa, and established a trading post. Visited by merchant vessels from the entire kingdom of Van Lang and from countries overseas as well, the village prospered and in time became a great emporium.
One day, a foreign merchant advised the princess to send an agent across the sea to purchase some rare merchandise that could then be sold at a tenfold profit. Chu Dong-Tu was charged with this mission and together with the foreign merchant left by sea. On reaching the island of Quynh Vien, they met a Taoist priest who immediately recognized the sign of immortality on Chu Dong-Tu's forehead. The former fisherman then entrusted his gold to the foreign merchant and remained on the island for one year in order to be initiated into the secrets of the Way (Dao).
On the day of Chu Dong-Tu's departure, the priest gave his disciple a pilgrim's staff and a conical hat made of palm leaves. He advised him never to be without them.
"This staff will give you support," he said, "but it is worth much more. The hat will protect you from the rain and also from harm. Both have supernatural power."
On returning to Chu Xa, Chu Dong-Tu converted his wife to Taoism. They repented their earthly sins, abandoned their possessions, and left in search of a deserted place, where they would be able to devote themselves entirely to a study of the True Doctrine.
All day they stumbled on through the wilds and at last fell to the earth exhausted. But before lying down to sleep, Chu Dong-Tu planted his staff in the ground and on it hung the conical hat.
The couple had been asleep only a few moments before being awakened by a crash of thunder. They sat up between flashes of lightning and saw a magic citadel suddenly rise from the earth. It was complete with jade-and-emerald palaces, public buildings, and houses for the inhabitants. Mandarins, both civil and military, courtiers, soldiers, and servants came forward to welcome them to the city, begging them to rule over the new kingdom. Chu Dong-Tu and his wife entered their palace and began a reign of peace and prosperity.
When King Hung-Vuong learned of the existence of the magic citadel, he thought that his daughter had rebelled against his authority and was desirous of founding a new dynasty. He assembled an army and ordered his generals to destroy the rival kingdom. The people of the citadel urged the princess to give them weapons so that they might defend her territory.
"No," she said, "I do not intend to defend this citadel by force of arms. Heaven created it and Heaven has sent my father's army against it. In any case, how can a daughter oppose her father's will? I must submit to the inevitable."
That evening King Hung-Vuong's army camped on the bank of the river opposite the magic citadel. His generals planned to attack the following morning. But at midnight a terrible storm arose and the entire citadel with all its inhabitants was seen to rise into the air and disappear. The next morning the royal army found only a marshy pond and a sandy beach at its former sight. The pond received the name of Dam Nhat Da, which means "Pond Formed in One Night", the beach was called "Spontaneous Beach", or Bai Tu-Nhien.
(from Vietnam-Culture)
The legend of the Milky Way (Nguu-Lang and Chuc-Nu)
Once upon a time there lived a very beautiful and charming princess, named Chuc-Nu. She was one of the many daughters of the King of Heaven.
Chuc-Nu was a very hard-working lady and she was often seen sitting on the shore of the Silver River to sew clothes for her younger sisters.
One day a young man herded his buffaloes to the river. His name was Nguu-Lang. He was very handsome. He fell in love with the princess at first sight, and she loved him, too. The King of Heaven, fully aware of their love, consented for her daughter to marry Nguu-Lang. But the couple had to promise to continue their work after their marriage.
They enjoyed being married so much the forgot their promise. The King became furious and ordered them to separate. Each of them would live on one side of the river and could only look at each other from across the river. The King allowed them to meet once a year in the seventh month of the lunar year. This month is called "The Month of Sudden and Short Showers". When they meet each other, they usually cry for joy. They cry even more bitterly when it is time for separation.
That is why it rains torrentially at the beginning of the seventh lunar month in Vietnam. If you happen to be in the countryside during this month, you do not expect to find any ravens. They are believed to have flown to the sky to help carry the bridge across the river for the reunion of Chuc-Nu and Nguu-Lang and if you look at the sky on clear nights, you may see the Silver River which looks like a long milky white strip. Therefore, it is called "Ngan ha" (The Milky Way) .
(from Vietnam-Culture)
The Legendary Origins of the Viet People
Thousands of years ago in the country of Linh Nam, there lived a clan chief with superhuman strength called Loc Tuc who took the title of King Kinh Duong. Endowed with magical powers, he could walk as easily on water as on land.
One day, during a walk on Lake Dong Dinh, he met Long Nu, daughter of King Long Vuong (Dragon). From their union, a son was born who received the name Sung Lam. As he grew up, Sung Lam revealed his herculean strength, lifting a stone block like a piece of straw that two men could not manage to encircle with their arms. Sung Lam also inherited the supernatural gifts of his father, succeeded him as leader of the country under the name Lac Long Quan (Dragon, King of the Country of the Lac).
At this time, there was neither order nor peace in Linh Nam and King Lac Long resolved to travel his country from north to south.
The Giant Fish
Thus it was that one day he met a fish of extraordinary size in the southern waters. Measuring over hundred feet in length, its tail stood up like a huge sail. It could swallow more than ten men in a single mouthful. When it swam, it raised waves sky-high and boats gliding in the vicinity were at risk of being swept away. The fishermen were very afraid of the demon-fish. It lived in a deep cavern leading to the bottom of the sea and an opening on top of a mountain chain that divided the country into two zones.
King Lac Long wanted to rid the people of this threatening danger. He made a solid boat and forged a block of iron with sharp, white-hot sides. Then he sailed toward the demon's abode. Raising the block above his head, he gave the beast the illusion of throwing a man at him as bait. Then he thrust the burning metal into the enormous open mouth of the creature. Mad with pain, the monster rose up, trying to overturn the boat. But quick as lightning, Lac Long sliced the monster into three pieces with his sword.
At once, the head turned into a dogfish and Lac Long started tearing up lumps of the shore and made a dike to keep the animal from escaping. Cutting off the head, he threw it onto the mountain that has ever since been called Cau Dau Son (Mountain of the Dog's Head).
The body was carried away by the current and landed in the country of Man Cau. As for the tail, skinned by Lac Long, it still envelops the island of Bach Long Vi (Tail of the White Dragon).
Having delivered the area of its monster, King Lac Long pursued his route as far as Long Vien. A task awaited him there.
The Nine-Tailed Fox
There was a fox who was more than a thousand years old. He had nine tails and he hid himself in an obscure grotto at the foot of a mountain on the west side of the city. This evil spirit often assumed a human form to mingle with the crowd and to carry away young girls whom he kidnapped for his lair. In the region stretching from Long Bien to Tan Vien Mountain, all the families had, alas, paid their "tribute" to this ignoble being. The population lived in a permanent state of terror. Many were those, who abandoning house, fields and gardens, had carried their households elsewhere.
King Lac Long was filled with deep pity and decided to get rid of this monster as well. Alone and armed with his sword, he went toward the entrance to the grotto. On seeing him, the enemy attacked. Using his magic power, Lac Long called winds, rain and storms to his aid. The fight lasted three days and nights.
Weakened, the monster tried to flee. The king pursued it and cut off its head. Then the monster took its original form and only the body of a nine-tailed fox remained at Lac Long's feet. Entering the grotto, the king released the prisoners, then called on the water powers to destroy this cursed place. The river flowed there in cascading torments, raking the mountain. Whirlwinds produced a deep abyss that the people of the time called "Sea of the Fox's Body" and which is now called Tay Ho (West Lake in Hanoi).
The liberated population returned to their homes and replanted their fields. Peace reigned throughout the region and Lac Long returned to the road through the hills and forests. Thus he came one day to Phong Chau.
The Evil Genie of the Forest
There was an old tree called Chien don in the region that was two thousand feet tall, but its formerly luxuriant foliage was withered. The old tree had then been changed into an evil genie of the woods. The inhabitants of the area called it the Demon Tree. It was wicked and played diabolical tricks, ceaselessly changing forms and moving its lair to better surprise its prey and devour it. Continued heart-rending cries and complaints were heard in the forest.
Lac Long left once more to fight against evil. For days and nights, he sneaked in and out of the forest looking from tree to tree for the demon; after much difficulty, he managed to find it.
The fight lasted one hundred days and nights. Thousands of trees were uprooted, innumerable rocks split in half and clouds of dust obscured the sky and land without the evil spirit giving up. Finally, Lac Long had a brilliant idea. He made such a huge noise with gongs, tom-toms and other musical instruments that the terrified demon fled toward the southwest where he no doubt lives today!
The grateful people built a fortress for their benefactor on a high mountain. But Lac Long rarely stayed there, spending part of his life in his mother's submarine palace. However, he had instructed the people to call him if any danger whatsoever menaced them again.
At this time, a northern chieftain called De Lai invaded the south. His gorgeous daughter, Au Co, of a singular beauty, accompanied him. Dazzled by the splendor of the land and the rich variety of the fauna and flora of Linh Nam, he ordered his troops to build a fortress with the aim of settling down there. Unable to endure the heavy work faced by their invader, they turned toward the south to appeal to Lac Long,
"Oh Father! Why do you not come to our aid?"
From the Hundred Eggs to the Eighteen Hung Kings
In the twinkling of an eye, Lac Long came back. He listened to the complaints of his subjects and then suddenly, he changed into the shape of handsome young man and went off to the invader's fortress. The latter was not there; instead, there was an extraordinarily beautiful young girl surrounded by servants and soldiers. It was Au Co.
Captivated by the majesty and distinction of the young prince, she implored him to take her away. And Lac Long escorted her to his mountain fortress. When the invader returned to his home and found his daughter gone, De Lai sent hundreds of soldiers to look for her. But day after day, with his powers, Lac Long was able to cause thousands of savage beasts to be born that thwarted and attacked the enemy troops. Panic-stricken, the invaders fled and their chieftain finally had to withdraw to the north.
Au Co lived with Lac Long for some time and became pregnant. She gave birth to a pouch filled with one hundred eggs, each of which produced a baby boy at the end of seven days. These hundred boys grew amazingly fast and became handsome men surpassing those of the same age in physical strength and intelligence.
For dozens of years, the couple lived in the most complete harmony. But Lac Long always had nostalgia for the submarine palace. One day he said goodbye to his wife and children and, transforming himself into a dragon, took off toward the sea. Au Co and her sons wanted to follow him but, not being able to fly, they sadly took the mountain road again. Days full of sadness passed without news of him. Upset by the memory of her loved one, Au Co stood on the highest summit and turned toward the south. Anguishly, she cried out,
"Oh Lac Long, why don't you return home?"
And Lac Long was immediately at her side. Au Co reproached him softly
"I am a native of the high mountains and large grottos. I have brought a hundred sons into the world in order to live with you in perfect harmony, but this still has not stopped you from leaving us."
Lac Long replied,
"I am of the Dragon race, you are of the Immortals. We cannot live together. We must separate. I am going to leave for the maritime regions with fifty of our children and you will go with the other fifty to the country of the mountains and the forests. We still divide this country between us to run it as best we can."
And they separated. Thus, the hundred boys became the ancestors of the Viets. Only the eldest lived in the Phong Chau and was proclaimed King as Hung Vuong (King Hung). He divided the country into fifteen provinces, each being the cradle of a tribe. Eighteen Hung kings succeeded him on the throne.
The story of Lac Long and Au Co is at the origin of popular beliefs that the Viets are descended from the race of the Dragons and the Tien.
(from Vietnam-Culture)
Legend of the water melon
Once upon a time, the sixth son of King Hung Vuong the Fifth named An-Tiem disobeyed the King's order and was exiled to a deserted island.
The Prince had to build his own shelter, dig a well for water, and fish and hunt animals for food. One day, he found a green fruit as big and round as a ball. He split the fruit into halves and found the inside of the fruit red. He dared not eat it because he was afraid it was poisonous.
Days passed and the dry and sunny season came. It was so hot that all the plants were dry and the well had no water left. One day An-Tiem was so tired and thirsty that he tasted the fruit He found out that it tasted delicious and quenched his thirst. He tried to grow the plant around his house then. Soon the whole island was covered with the green fruit.
An-Tiem carved the island's name and his own on some of the fruit and threw them into the sea. Later, seamen found the strange fruit with An-Tiem's name floating in the sea.
Soon, words about the fruit reached the continent and many merchants tried to find the way the island. This then turned the deserted island into a busy island. The island was now crowded. Many boats came and went. An-Tiem helped anyone who wanted settle on the island. Soon, news about that reach the King.
King Hung Vuong was very proud of having a son who was brave and strong enough to overcome difficulties without anyone's help. An-Tiem was immediately summoned back to the court. He brought his fruit with him to offer the King, his father. The King gave him his crown and An-Tiem became King Hung Vuong VI.
Since then the fruit which was called "dua hau" and has become the symbol of luck; people often offer it to relatives and friends as a New Year present.
(from Vietnam-Culture)
Story of the rice cake in Tet holiday
Emperor Hung-Vuong had many sons. Some pursued literary careers. Others excelled in martial arts. The youngest prince named Tiet - Lieu, however, loved neither. Instead, he and his wife and their children chose the countryside where they farmed the land.
One day, toward the end of the year, the emperor met with all his sons. He told them whoever brought him the most special and unusual food would be made the new emperor. Almost immediately, the princes left for their homes and started looking for the most delicious food to offer the emperor. Some went hunting in the forests and brought home birds and animals which they prepared into the most palatable dishes. Some others sailed out to the open sea, trying to catch fish, lobsters and other much loved sea food. Neither the rough sea nor the violent weather could stop them from looking for the best gifts to please the emperor.
In his search, Tiet-Lieu went back to the countryside. He saw that the rice in his paddy fields was ripe and ready to be harvested, Walking by a glutinous rice field, he picked some golden grains on a long stalk. He brought them close to his nose and he could smell a delicate aroma.
His entire family then set out to harvest the rice, Tiet-Lieu himself ground the glutinous rice grains into fine flour. His wife mixed it with water into a soft paste. His children helped by building a fire and wrapping the cakes with leaves. In no time, they finished, and in front of them lay two kinds of cakes: one was round and the other was square in shape.
The round cake was made with glutinous rice dough and was called "banh day" by Tiet-Lieu. He named the square shaped cake "banh chung" which he made with rice, green beans wrapped in leaves. Everybody was extremely happy with the new kind of cakes.
On the first day of Spring, the princes took the gifts of their labor and love to the emperor. One carried a delicious dish of steamed fish and mushrooms. Another brought with him a roasted peacock and some lobsters. All the food was beautifully cooked.
When it was Tiet-Lieu's turn to present his gifts, he carried the "banh chung" and his wife carried the "banh day" to the emperor. Seeing Tiet-Lieu's simple offerings, other princes sneered at them. But after tasting all the food brought to court by his sons, the emperor decided that the first prize should be awarded to Tiet-Lieu.
The emperor then said that his youngest son's gifts were not only the purest, but also the most meaningful because Tiet-Lieu had used nothing except rice which was the basic foodstuff of the people to make them. The emperor gave up the throne and make Tiet-Lieu the new emperor. All the other princes bowed to show respect and congratulated the new emperor.
Rice cake (or Banh Chung) and Banh Day are two types of delicacies which are very popular with the Vietnamese people. Banh Day is served regularly at festivals and ceremonies. It is a rounded, convex cake of glutinous or nep rice, which resembles white dough, soft and sticky. Its cupola-shaped top is said to resemble the shape of the heavenly vault. Banh Chung is served particularly at Vietnamese New Year's festival, which occurs during the first three days of the first month of the lunar calendar. It is a square cake, wrapped in banana leaves and tied with lacings of flexible bamboo slivers. It is a very rich food for the interior contains a filling of bean paste to which may be added small bits of pork meat, both fat and lean. This filling, which is amply seasoned, is pressed between layers of glutinous rice. Its square shape is considered a symbol of the thankfulness of the Vietnamese people for the great abundance of the Earth, which has supplied them with nutritious food throughout the four seasons of the year.
The origin of Banh Giay and Banh Chung
Banh Giay and Banh Chung are two types of delicacies which are very popular with the Vietnamese people. Banh Giay is served regularly at festivals and ceremonies. It is a rounded, convex cake of glutinous or nep rice, which resembles white dough, soft and sticky. Its cupola-shaped top is said to resemble the shape of the heavenly vault. Banh Chung is served particularly at Vietnamese New Year's festival, which occurs during the first three days of the first month of the lunar calendar. It is a square cake, wrapped in banana leaves and tied with lacings of flexible bamboo slivers. It is a very rich food for the interior contains a filling of bean paste to which may be added small bits of pork meat, both fat and lean. This filling, which is amply seasoned, is pressed between layers of glutinous rice. Its square shape is considered a symbol of the thankfulness of the Vietnamese people for the great abundance of the Earth, which has supplied them with nutritious food throughout the four seasons of the year. Here is the story about the origin of Banh Giay and Banh Chung.
King Hung the Sixth had already lived a long and useful life. When he had finally repelled the An invaders and restored peace to his kingdom, he determined to relinquish the throne, with all its worldly responsibilities, in order to enjoy mental repose during his declining years. The king was the father of twenty-two sons, all worthy princes. From among them he had to choose an heir and successor. It was a difficult task and the king was not certain how to determine the qualities of a future sovereign in his sons. He thought about it for a long time and finally arrived at a novel solution. Since there is much to be learned from travel, he decided to send his sons on a journey. He called the twenty two princes together and said:"Go forth, all of you, to the farthest corners of the earth and search out for me recipes and foodstuffs that I have not yet tasted, but which I would greatly enjoy. He who returns with the best dish will rule this kingdom."
The princes dispersed and made their preperation. Twenty one of them set out on distant journeys to search for the dish that would most please the king. Some went north into cold and inhospitable areas, and others journeyed south, east and west. But there was one prince who did not leave the royal palace. He was sixteenth in rank and his name was Lang Lieu. His mother had died while he was still very young, and unlike his brothers he had never known the warmth of maternal love. He had only his old nurse to look after him.
| |
Prince Lang Lieu was at a complete loss and had no idea about how he might set about procuring a new dish for the king. There was no one to advise him, so he remain in the palace, lost in gloomy meditation. One night, a genie appeared to the prince in a dream and said:"Prince, I know of your youthful loneliness and understand your anxieties. I have been sent here to help you, so that you will be able to please your royal father. Therefore, do not despair. It is a law of nature that man can not live without rice; it is man's chief food. For that reason, you will first take a quantity of glutinous rice, some beans, some fat and lean pork meat, and spices. Pluck some banana leaves and from split bamboo cut flexible lacings. All this materials symbolize the abundance of the Earth. Soak the rice in clean water and boil part of it. When it is well-cooked, pound it into a cupola-shaped, plain. "Now prepare a stuffing of bean paste and bits of pork. Place this between layers of rice. Wrap the whole in banana leaves and press it into a square shape. Then bind it with the flexible bamboo lacings. Cook it for a day and the cake will be ready for eating."
Then the genie disappeared and the prince awakenedto find himself lying in bed, looking at the ceiling with wide open eyes and repeating the words that he had heard. Could he have been dreaming? In the morning he revealed the secret to his old nurse and together they collected the proper materials and prepared the cakes as directed.
| |
After the apricot trees had blossomed once, the twenty one princes returned from their quests. They were weary from their long travels but happy with anticipation. Each prepared his dish with his own hands, using the special foods and materials that he had brought back with him. Each seemed confident that his dish would win the prize.
On the appointed day the dishes were brought before the king. Twenty one times the king tasted, and twenty one times he shook his head in disapproval. Then Prince Lang Lieu modestly presented his two cakes-one, white and "round as the sky" and the other, steaming hot and "square as the earth", wrapped in banana leaves with flexible bamboo lacings. The prince untied the leaves and displayed a soft, sticky, green cake, which he cut with the bamboo. The inside was white and lemon-yellow and studded with opaline bits of fat and brown bits of lean pork meat.
The king accepted a piece of the square cake and tasted it. Then he picked up a second piece, and then a third, until he had eaten the cake completely. Then he ate the round cake also.
"Is there any more?" he asked, smacking his lips, his eyes dancing with pleasure. "How did you make them?" he asked in wonder.
Prince Lang Lieu told the story of how the genie had appeared to him and had instructed him in the selection of foodstuffs and the manner of making the cakes.
The Court listened in silence. The king was greatly impressed with the revelation for it attested divine support. He surmised that in the handling of state affairs, divine inspiration would not be lacking for the young prince. He accordingly named Lang Lieu the winner and appointed him his heir and successor. He decided that the round loaf should be called Banh Giay and the square one, Banh Chung, and ordered all his ministers to give the recipes to the Vietnamese people.
Recipe for sticky rice cake:
Ingredients (for 5 cakes):
- 2,5 kg of A-class sticky rice.
- 0,5 kg meat of the rump.
- 0,5 kg green bean; bamboo leaves and strings; salt, pepper.
Preparation:
- Clean up the rice, put it into water for 8-10 h (change the water one time).
- Drain the rice until it is dry and mix it with a little salt.
- For green bean: grind, put into water, flay, cook with some salt, smash to powder, make into fist-sized balls.
- Cut meat into large slices, preserve them with salt and pepper.
- Put bamboo leaves down (4 vertically, 2 horizontally). Put into the bamboo leaves 0,25 kg rice, half a bean ball, 2 slices of meat, then the other half of the bean ball and 0, kg rice left. Square off and tie the cake with crossed strings.
- Put the cakes into a big pot full of water with bamboo leaves at the bottom. Boil with high heat.
Add boiled water as the water level decreases. Boil for 10-12 h, then takes the cakes out and press them in fresh water for 8-10h.
- When eating, uncover the cake and cut it into pieces.
Requirements:
- Cakes are green with meat and been smelt.
- Cakes are squared and well-cooken.
The origin of Tao Quan, the three kitchen gods
There is a popular belief in Viet Nam that Tao Quan, the Three Kitchen Gods, are present in the kitchen of every home.
These gods observe everything that takes place there. At the end of the lunar year, on the twenty-third day of the twelfth month, they depart to make their report to Ngoc Hoang, the Jade Emperor, supreme divinity of the Taoist Heaven. On that day, Tao Quan are offered the best of food and spices and are presented with gifts of money and clothing.
The idea of a threesome is unique to this story. More often the kitchen god or genie is described as a single person and may be called Ong Tao, Ong Lo or Ong Vua Bep.
Long, long ago, when Earth and Sky met in the Valley of Whispers, in the dense, green forest there lived a woodcutter and his wife. They were very poor and oftentimes the man was unable to earn enough to buy their food. Frustration and worry drove him to drink, and he would come staggering home at night in a vile mood. Since there was only his wife to listen to him in their ramshackle cottage, he poured out all manner of abuse on the poor woman. Because she was his wife, she had to accept it. Sometimes he would try to appease his rage by smashing the furniture; but when he took to beating her she could endure it no longer. One night, she fled the cottage and was never seen there again.
For days and weeks, the woman wandered in the forest. She was hungry and her feet were torn and bleeding. Finally, she came to a hunter's cabin. The owner was an honest man, who gave her food and permitted her to rest in his home. She kept house for him then, and after some time they were married. They lived together in great happiness, and it seemed that the woman had forgotten the terrors of her previous marriage.
One day, when Tet (Vietnamese New Year) was approaching and the hunter was out in the forest looking for game, a beggar knocked at the door of the cottage and asked for alms. He was clad in rags and his hair was matted and unkempt. The compassionate woman prepared a meal for the man; while he was eating, she suddenly recognized him as her former husband.
The beggar was still eating when the woman heard the steps of her returning husband. In her mind's eyes, she saw rapid end of her newfound happiness and became panic-stricken. Quickly she hid the beggar under a haycock .
The hunter had been very successful that day and was returning home with some excellent game. As soon as he entered the cottage, he prepared to roast it in the haycock quite unaware of the beggar's presence there.
When the beggar found himself ablaze, his first impulse was to cry out; then, fearing that the hunter might kill the woman on discovering him there, he remained silent.
As tongues of flame consumed the haycock, the poor woman was torn with grief. She realized of course that her former husband was meeting death for her sake and that she did not want. Hesitating for no longer than a moment, she threw herself into the fire in order to die with him.
The hunter cried out in dismay when he saw what his wife had done. He tried to pull her back but was unable to do so. Thinking that some act of his had driven her to such desperation, he too jumped into fire, preferring to die with her rather than to continue to live without her.
When the people learned of this touching story, they bowed their heads out of respect for the noble motives that had brought on the deaths of the woman and the two men. They were later acclaimed as Tao Quan, the Three Kitchen Gods.
The Neu tree
In Vietnam, the first days of the Lunar New Year is called Tet. On the days before Tet, people plant an extremely tall bamboo tree in front of their homes. Bows, arrows, bells and gongs are hung on the treetop with the hope that all the bad luck of the past year will be chased away and everyone will have a happy New Year. The tree is called neu and the story is legend. Once upon a time, the devil ruled the earth. Everybody worked for him from early morning until midnight. A very greedy creature, the devil seized everything made by men for himself. People worked hard all year round but had almost nothing to eat. All the fruits of their labor went into the devil's warehouses.
One year, there was a very big crop. Rice fields stretched out like golden carpets and the devil was so dazzled, he aimed to take everything and imposed a new rule "the root of the rice plant belongs to the farmers, the rest belongs to the devil." At the end of the harvest, the rice went to the devil. The people had nothing left except clusters of roots.
The suffering of the people came to Buddha's notice. He descended to earth and told them to grow sweet potatoes for the next crop. Following Buddha's advice, the farmers grew sweet potatoes with full hopes of an abundant crop. When harvest came, following the rule, the peasants took the potato root and left the rest for the devil.
Knowing that he had been fooled, the devil gave a new order: " From the next crop onward, both roots and grown plants will belong to the devil, and the rest to the farmers." This time, the devil believed he would get the upper hand. In the next crop cycle, the people grew corn instead where maize cobs grow in the center of the plant. Once again when harvest came, the farmers took all the cobs and left the rest behind for the devil. Again the devil was outsmarted. This time, he made up his mind to take all of the land and the farmers had no more land to farm.
Because of the people's misfortune, Buddha appeared again and they began to complain:
"How can we live like this?"
"Don't worry" answered Buddha. "Go tell the devil that you want to rent his land for gold. Just rent a small plot of land enough for a single bamboo tree. Make sure that the devil will vow that all land under the bamboo's shadow will belong to you."
The people then collected all the gold they had and went to negotiate with the devil. Stunned with the gold and believing that they would certainly be defeated, the devil agreed with the plan at once.
Bamboo trees were planted and they grew straight and luxuriant. Their shadow spread far and wide with every passing year. The longer they lived, the more immense their shadow became. Finally, one day there was no more land for the devil who was driven out to sea. Since then the people have been free to plant any kind of crop they want without giving a portion to the devil.
Being deprived of his land, the devil wanted vengeance at any cost and swore to retrieve his former land. With the support of wild and ferocious beasts, he let his subjects go to the village to plunder and loot the crops. Armed with spears and sticks, the people fought against the hostile forces to guard the rice fields they had gained at the expense of their own lives. At the same time, Buddha appeared and advised them to
"Go to the forest and make bows and arrows to kill them and make use of water mingled with garlic and lime to splash on their faces."
Following Buddha's advice, they made the weapons and waited for the enemy. When the devil came with his gang, they met tough resistance from the farmers. Leaving their enemies behind, the living survivors ran in every direction.
After that enormous defeat, the devil was put back out to sea and gave up his ambitions to regain the land. His only wish was that every year he be allowed to return to his former native village for a visit to his ancestors' graves.
This is the reason why every year when Tet comes, farmers plant a neu tree in front of their house. The shadow of neu symbolizes the land acquired by the men in the legend. The sounds of small bells and gongs on neu remind us of man's right to own the land and the bows and arrows tell us that they were once the weapons used to fight off the devil.
(from vatoronto.ca)
What is Tết?
Tet, which means the first morning of the first day of the new year, is the Vietnamese New Year. The celebration lasts for 7 days. Like the Chinese, the Lunar New Year is one of the most celebrated holidays.
Tet starts on February 17 in 2007. According to the Vietnamese Zodiac, 2007 is the Year of the Pig.
Preparation for Tet starts weeks before New Year's Day. Homes are cleaned to get rid of bad fortune associated with the old year. Families paint their homes to give it a new look. Everyone gets new clothes and new shoes. Pay your debts and resolve differences between family and friends.
A special ceremony called Le Tru Tich is held at the mid-night hour (Giao Thua) on New Year's Eve. The ritual involves firecrackers and gongs and other festive items that make loud noises to usher out the old and welcome the new.
Like the Chinese, Vietnamese people are very careful about what they do on New Year's Day. The events on New Year's Day determine your luck for the rest of the year. Therefore, everything and everyone you are in touch with on New Year's Day should symbolize good fortune. Don't visit people who are in mourning because they are associated with death. Children should not fight or cry on New Year's Day. Homes are decorated with Hoa Mai, a yellow blossom that represents spring.
Family members exchange gifts and pay homage to the Kitchen God. They also visit local temples to pray for prosperity and good health.
During Tet, Vietnamese families plant a New Year's tree called Cay Neu in front of their homes. A bamboo pole is often used as a Cay Neu. All the leaves are removed from the tree so that it can be wrapped or decorated by good luck red paper. Legends have it that the red color scares off evil spirits. On the seventh (the last) day of Tet, the Cay Neu is taken down. This is the last ritual of the New Year celebration.
(from vatoronto)
Love story of My Chau and Trong Thuy
After helping An DuongVuong - king of Au Lac nation - build Co Loa citadel, saint Kim Qui* offered him one of his claws to make a trigger of crossbow to protect the citadel from enemies.
As the saint's words this crossbow was magic one. Every arrow shot from the crossbow with magic trigger would hit a thousand of enemies at the same time.
The king chose Cao Lo, one of the mandarin's household butlers, who was the most skillful crossbow maker in the country to be in charge of the heavy responsibility. However, this kind of weapon only suited to athletes to use. The king extremely treasured the crossbow so he hung it in his sleeping room.
At that time, Trieu Da was the governor of a country adjoining Au Lac at the north. He had failed to occupy his neighboring nation for many times so he tried to guard his country by all means and waited for the right time. He then sent his son named Trong Thuy to Au Lac to seek a marriage alliance.
Trong Thuy then met My Chau, a dear daughter of An Duong Vuong. She was the most graceful lady of the country at that time. They were soon in love with each other and to be side by side to every where in the citadel. Witness the passionate love of the young couple, the king doubtlessly allowed Trong Thuy to take his dear daughter as a wife.
One night, when sitting in the garden in the moonlight, Trong Thuy asked his wife why there was no one who could defeat the country and if there was a secret. Honestly the innocent princess replied her husband that there was nothing but solid defence works in the citadel and a crossbow with a magic trigger which was kept in the king sleeping room. Trong Thuy was so surprise as if it had been the first time he heard that. The princess immediately took the crossbow out and showed it to the man. She also told him the way to use the crossbow.
One day later, Trong Thuy asked the king for permission to visit his father. He retold his father what he had known and they all agreed to find someone to make trigger reproduction. Finally Trong Thuy came back; he was offered a feast to celebrate the occasion of reunite. Trong Thuy drunk half-heartedly while An Duong Vuong and the princess so enjoyed the feast that they both were drunk at the end. Catching the chance, Trong Thuy secretly broke into the king's room and exchanged the magic trigger by a false one.
Once again Trong Thuy asked the king for permission for returning to his country for some days. The two then were loath to path with each other. Trong Thuy said to his beloved wife that he had to come back to depart a trip to the remove place in the North and it was hard to know when they could met again because of the troubled times. The poor wife released her husband that she had a fur coat so she would make marks on the way she went through with fur in order that he could find her. She then sobbed her heart out.
In a few days time Trieu Da rose troops to Au Lac. When hearing the news, An Duong Vuong didn't take any precaution against. He waited until the enemy reached to the citadel and asked his butler to bring the crossbow to fight back. Unfortunately it wasn't magic one. The citadel at last was occupied; An Duong Vuong had to evade with his dear daughter on a horse's back. The princess remembered what she had told to her husband before they separated so she took the fur coat along with her and marked the way with fur.
King An Duong Vuong and his daughter were on the horse's back for days, they had went through many rocky mountains and many bumpy paths and reach to the seashore while the enemy was tracing behind them. The king got down, turned his face to the sea and prayed saint Kim Qui with supplication. A whirlwind rose to replied the king's words. After that the saint appeared and told him that the enemy was at his back. An Duong Vuong woke up to reality. He drew sword out and cut off his dear daughter's head then jumped into the sea.
Trong Thuy at that time followed the marks to the seashore and found his wife lying dead on the grass with her unchangeable appearance. He burst out crying then buried her in the citadel and jumped into the well where his wife usually washed her hair.
Nowadays, in Co Loa village, there were a temple of King An Duong Vuong and a well called Trong Thuy's in front of the temple. It is said that when My Chau died, her blood leaked into the sea, oyster ate it then born precious pearl. If this kind of pearl was washed by water from Trong Thuy's well, it would be much brighter.
* In Vietnamese folk literature Kim Qui was a saint with an appearance of a tortoise.
Son Tinh and Thuy Tinh
Vietnamese myths do not just recount what may be called the universal condition. They also have myths to explain their own situation in a tropical and monsoon land, and one such myth is the story of Son Tinh and Thuy Tinh.
Son Tinh was the spirit of the Mountain and Thuy Tinh the spirit of the Waters. The king, Hunh Vuong VI, had an extremely beautiful daughter, and he did not wish her to marry just any prince. He consulted with his court and hit upon the idea of sending out a proclamation far and wide to the effect that he was seeking a suitable party for his daughter. Princes came from far and wide but none was considered to be a good match for the king's beloved daughter. Finally, one day there came at the same time two very handsome young noblemen asking for the princess' hand. Upon inquiry and examination, they turned out both to be equally distinguished, talented, and powerful. The king was in a quandary as to how to choose. Finally, he decided to send them both away, saying that whoever turned up the next day first with the proper wedding gifts would be given the princess in marriage.
He was, therefore, given the hand of the princess. Barely had the proceedings been completed when Thuy Tinh, the Water spirit, turned up with his gifts.
Being of a fiery disposition, Thuy Tinh could not accept his defeat. He sought to challenge Son Tinh to a contest to see who was the stronger and therefore more deserving of the princess. But Son Tinh simply ignored him, strong in his conviction that right was on his side. Furious, Thuy Tinh called on the waters of the rivers and brooks to overflow their banks and flood the land, In no time the whole land became a storm and raging sea that rose day by day and hour by hour, ruining all the crops and ravaging the land.
But Son Tinh was imperturbable in his palace in the mountains; all he needed to do was to get his mountains to rise a little bit higher when the waters threatened to flood them. After several days and weeks of trying to overcome his rival by raising the waters, Thuy Tinh finally had to concede defeat and order the waters to withdraw. This happened at the end of the monsoon but Thuy Tinh was never fully reconciled to the loss of the beautiful princess. Every year he tries to reenact the battle and that was how monsoons came to Vietnam.
Hotels in Hanoi Capital 5
Thanh Cong Hotel  Address: 101 Lang Ha St., Ba Dinh Dist., Hanoi Tel: 8563030 Fax: 8563042 | Thanh Lich Hotel Address: 89 Trieu Viet Vuong St., Hoan Kiem Dist., Hanoi Tel: 8228804 Fax: 9762960 |
| The Ky Moi Hotel Address: 16 Nguyen Van Cu St., Long Bien Dist., Hanoi Tel: 8721132/ 8721372 Fax: 8721131 | Thien Duong Hotel Address: 3A Phan Dinh Phung St., Ba Dinh Dist., Hanoi Tel: 8283896 Fax: 8284066 |
| Thu Do Hotel Address: 109 Tran Hung Dao St., Hoan Kiem Dist., Hanoi Tel: 9421268 Fax: 9421121 | Tien My Hotel Address: 150 Nguyen Thai Hoc St., Ba Dinh Dist., Hanoi Tel: 8455897/ 8234018 |
| Truong Hotel Address: Pham Van Dong Road, Tu Liem Dist., Hanoi Tel: 8362510/ 8389579 Fax: 8389961 | Van Xuan Hotel Address: 15 Luong Ngoc Quyen St., Hoan Kiem Dist., Hanoi Tel: 8244743 Fax: 8246475 |
| Viet Anh Hotel Address: 11 Ma May St., Hoan Kiem Dist., Hanoi Tel: 9261302/ 9261303 Fax: 9261306 | Viet Bac Hotel Address: 23 Hang Than St., Ba Dinh Dist., Hanoi Tel: 8283242/ 8283243 Fax: 8281225 |
| Xay Dung Hotel Address: 20 The Giao St., Ba Dinh Dist., Hanoi Tel: 9782868 Fax: 8218871 | Xuan Vu Hotel Address: 6A Tran Nhan Tong St., Hai Ba Trung Dist., Hanoi Tel: 8225715 |
| BSC Hotel Address: 77B Kim Ma St., Ba Dinh Dist., Hanoi Tel: 8232502 Fax: 8233754 | Chien Thang - Win Hotel Address: 34 Hang Hanh St., Hoan Kiem Dist., Hanoi Tel: 8287371/ 8267150 Fax: 8247448 |
| Dai Nam Hotel Address: 87 Pho Hue St., Hai Ba Trung Dist., Hanoi Tel: 8228830/ 9435407 Fax: 8228829 | Duc Thai Hotel Address: 95B Hang Ga St., Hoan Kiem Dist., Hanoi Tel: 8281379 Fax: 8283134 |
| Duc Thai Hotel Address: 3 Bao Khanh St., Hoan Kiem Dist., Hanoi Tel: 8250271 | Hai Thanh Hotel Address: 525 Ngo Gia Tu St., Long Bien Dist., Hanoi Tel: 8271957 Fax: 8273992 |
| Hanoi Tourism Trade Union Hotel Address: 1A Tang Bat Ho St., Hai Ba Trung Dist., Hanoi Tel: 8214070/ 8255208 Fax: 8267427 | Hoa Duong Hotel Address: 1 A Hang Mam St., Hoan Kiem Dist., Hanoi Tel: 9261686/ 0904264546 |
Hotels in Hanoi Capital 4
Long Bien Hotel  Address: 78 Yen Phu St., Tay Ho Dist., Hanoi Tel: 8254911 | Lucky Star Hotel Address: 11 Bat Dan St., Hoan Kiem Dist., Hanoi Tel: 9231781 Fax: 9231781 |
| Minh Thu Hotel Address: 61 Hang Thanh St., Ba Dinh Dist., Hanoi Tel: 9349741 Fax: 8247641 | My Lan Hotel Address: 334 Ba Trieu St., Hai Ba Trung Dist., Hanoi Tel: 9764063 Fax: 9761070 |
| Nam De Hotel Address: 14A Ly Nam De St., Ba Dinh Dist., Hanoi Tel: 8232484 Fax: 7331989 | Nam Hai Hotel Address: 55 Duong Thanh St., Hoan Kiem Dist., Hanoi Tel: 9286630/ 9286633 Fax: 9286629 |
| Nang Huong Hotel Address: Km9, Nguyen Trai St., Thanh Xuan Dist., Hanoi Tel: 8544413 Fax: 8548565 | Ngoc Mai Hotel Address: 17 Cua Dong St., Hoan Kiem Dist., Hanoi Tel: 9231931 Fax: 9231933 |
| Noi Bai Airport Hotel Address: Noi Bai International Airport, Hanoi Tel: 8864745 Fax: 8840353 | Pacific Hotel Address: 30 Cua Nam St., Hoan Kiem Dist., Hanoi Tel: 9362587/ 88/ 89 Fax: 9361798 |
| Paradise Hotel Address: 45 Nguyen Truong To St., Ba Dinh Dist., Hanoi Tel: 7164126 Fax: 7164917 | Pho Co Hotel Address: 41 Hang Be St., Hoan Kiem Dist., Hanoi Tel: 8252421 |
| Phu Cuong-Lucky Hotel Address: 12 Hang Trong St., Hoan Kiem Dist., Hanoi Tel: 8251029 | Phu Do Hotel Address: 68 Hang Bo St., Hoan Kiem Dist., Hanoi Tel: 8281324 Fax: 8281323 |
| Phuc Loi Hotel Address: 128 Hang Bong St., Hoan Kiem Dist., Hanoi Tel: 8267354/ 8289895 Fax: 8289897 | Phuc Thanh Hotel Address: 190 Nguyen Van Cu St., Long Bien Dist., Hanoi Tel: 8722122 |
| Phung Hung Hotel Address: 2D Duong Thanh St., Hoan Kiem Dist., Hanoi Tel: 8252614/ 8244665 Fax: 8269279 | Quang Ba Hotel Address: Quang Ba, Tay Ho Dist., Hanoi Tel: 8290053 Fax: 8290074 |
| Quang Bo Trade Union Hotel Address: 98 To Ngoc Van St., Tay Ho Dist., Hanoi Tel: 8293812 Fax: 8293825 | Safia Hotel Address: 125 Truc Bach St., Ba Dinh Dist., Hanoi Tel: 8291280 |
Hotels in Hanoi Capital 3
| Binh Minh Hotel Address: 27 Ly Thai To St., Hoan Kiem Dist., Hanoi Tel: 8266441 Fax: 8257725 | Bong Sen Hotel Address: 63 Nguyen Truong To, Ba Dinh Dist., Hanoi Tel: 7164017 Fax: 7163232 |
| Dai Hoang Gia Hotel Address: Km 5 Bac Thang Long Road, Dong Anh Dist., Hanoi Tel: 9580144 Fax: 9582219 | De Syloia Hotel Address: 17 Tran Hung Dao St., Hoan Kiem Dist., Hanoi Tel: 8245346 Fax: 8241083 |
| Dong Do Hotel Address: 146 Giang Vo St., Ba Dinh Dist., Hanoi Tel: 8351382/ 8351383 Fax: 8314928 | Dong Loi Hotel Address: 94 Ly Thuong Kiet St., Hoan Kiem Dist., Hanoi Tel: 9422721 Fax: 9422999 |
| Dragon Hotel Address: 48 Xuan Dieu St., Tay Ho Dist., Hanoi Tel: 8292954/5 Fax: 8294745 | Eden Hotel Address: 94 Yet Kieu St., Hoan Kiem Dist., Hanoi Tel: 8227465 Fax: 8228235 |
| Gold Hotel Address: 43B Ngo Quyen St., Hoan Kiem Dist., Hanoi Tel: 8258863 | Ho Guom Hotel Address: 76 Hang Trong St., Hoan Kiem Dist., Hanoi Tel: 8243565 Fax: 8243564 |
| Hoa Tra Hotel (Camellia) Address: 12 Pho Hue St., Hai Ba Trung Dist., Hanoi Tel: 8225140 Fax: 8225949 | Hoa Tra II Hotel Address: 13 Luong Ngoc Quyen St., Hoan Kiem Dist., Hanoi Tel: 8283583 |
| Hoan Kiem Hotel Address: 25 Tran Hung Dao St., Hoan Kiem Dist., Hanoi Tel: 9436759 Fax: 9438690 | Hoang Long Hotel Address: 184 Lo Duc St., Hai Ba Trung Dist., Hanoi Tel: 9720369 |
| Hoang Minh II Hotel Address: 53 Hang Bun St., Ba Dinh Dist., Hanoi Tel: 8237003 | Hong Ngoc Hotel Address: 14 Luong Van Can St., Hoan Kiem Dist., Hanoi Tel: 8267566/ 9230000 Fax: 8245362 |
| Huong Duong Hotel Address: 16A Nguyen Cong Tru St., Hai Ba Trung Dist., Hanoi Tel: 9713627/ 9711692 Fax: 8211770 | Huu Nghi Hotel Address: 23 Quan Thanh St., Ba Dinh Dist., Hanoi Tel: 8253182 Fax: 8459272 |
| Huyen Trang Hotel Address: 36 Hang Trong St., Hoan Kiem Dist., Hanoi Tel: 8247512 | Kim Anh Hotel Address: 132 Ton Duc Thang St., Dong Da Dist., Hanoi Tel: 8231291 Fax: 8459122 |
Hotels in Hanoi Capital 2
| Blue Park Hotel Address: 48 Tran Nhan Tong St., Hai Ba Trung Dist., Hanoi Tel: 8227727/ 8227725 Fax: 8225977 | Capital Garden Hotel Address: 4 Hoang Ngoc Phach St., Dong Da Dist., Hanoi Tel: 8350373 Fax: 8350363 |
| Cong Doan (Trade Union) Hotel Address: 14 Tran Binh Trong St., Hai Ba Trung Dist., Hanoi Tel: 9421776/ 9421763 Fax: 9421762 | Dan Chu Hotel Address: 29 Trang Tien St., Hoan Kiem Dist., Hanoi Tel: 8254937 Fax: 8266786 |
| Danly Hotel Address: 22-24 Dao Tan St., Ba Dinh Dist. Tel: 273 0565 Fax: 273 0567 | Galaxy Hotel Address: 1 Phan Dinh Phung St., Ba Dinh Dist., Hanoi Tel: 8282888 Fax: 8282466 |
| Golden Key Hotel Address: 65 Quan Su St., Hoan Kiem Dist., Hanoi Tel: 8222428 Fax: 8220892 | Hacinco Hotel Address: 110 Thai Thinh St., Dong Da Dist., Hanoi Tel: 8574040/ 8574444 Fax: 8572626 |
| Heritage Hotel Address: 625 De La Thanh St., Ba Dinh Dist., Hanoi Tel: 8344727 Fax: 8343882 | Hoa Binh Hotel Address: 27 Ly Thuong Kiet St., Hoan Kiem Dist., Hanoi Tel: 8253315 Fax: 8269818 |
| Holidays Hanoi Hotel Address: 27 Quoc Tu Giam St., Dong Da Dist., Hanoi Tel: 7474106 Fax: 7474338 | Kim Lien I Hotel Address: 7 Dao Duy Anh St., Dong Da Dist., Hanoi Tel: 8522522 Fax: 8524919 |
| Lakeside Hotel Address: 23 Ngoc Khanh St., Ba Dinh Dist., Hanoi Tel: 8350111 Fax: 8350121 | Phuong Dong Hotel Address: 16 Lang Ha St., Ba Dinh Dist., Hanoi Tel: 8345398/ 8345397 Fax: 8345396 |
| Saigon Hotel Address: 80 Ly Thuong Kiet St., Hoan Kiem Dist., Hanoi Tel: 9424499 Fax: 9422631 | Tay Ho (West Lake) Hotel Address: 58 Tay Ho St., Tay Ho Dist., Hanoi Tel: 8232381 Fax: 7198690 |
| Thanglong Opera Hotel Address: 1C Ton Dan St., Ba Dinh Dist., Hanoi Tel: 8244775 Fax: 8244784 | Thien Thai Hotel Address: 45 Nguyen Truong To St., Ba Dinh Dist., Hanoi Tel: 7164126 Fax: 7164917 |
| Thuong Mai (Trade) Hotel Address: 25 Ngoc Khanh St., Ba Dinh Dist., Hanoi Tel: 8344677 Fax: 8343165 | AST Hotel Address: 33B Pham Ngu Lao St., Hoan Kiem Dist., Hanoi Tel: 8243428 Fax: 8248152 |
Hotels in Hanoi Capital
| Sofitel Plaza Hanoi Address: 1 Thanh Nien St., Tay Ho Dist., Hanoi Tel: 8238888 Fax: 8293888 E-mail: resvn@sofitelplazahn.com.vn Website: www.accorhotels-asia.com/3553 | APT Guest House Address: 32 Hang Vai St., Hoan Kiem Dist., Hanoi Tel: 9285489 Fax: 9285489 Website: www.aptguesthouse.com |
| Ha Noi Dream Hotel Address: 3B Tong Duy Tan St., Hoan Kiem Dist., Hanoi Tel: 9288767/ 8286262 Fax: 8287472 E-mail: booking@hanoidreamhotel.com Website: www.hanoidreamhotel.com | Classic I Hotel Address: 22A Ta Hien St., Hoan Kiem Dist., Hanoi Tel: 8266224/ 8281688 Fax: 8281727 E-mail: classic1hotel@yahoo.com Website: www.hanoiclassichotel.com |
| Hanoi Daewoo Hotel Address: 360 Kim Ma St., Ba Dinh Dist., Hanoi Tel: 8315000 Fax: 8315010 | Hanoi Horison Hotel Address: 40 Cat Linh St., Dong Da Dist., Hanoi Tel: 7330808 Fax: 7330888 |
| Hilton Hanoi Opera Hotel Address: 1 Le Thanh Tong St., Hoan Kiem Dist., Hanoi Tel: 9330500/50 Fax: 9330530 | Hotel Nikko Hanoi Address: 84 Tran Nhan Tong St., Hai Ba Trung Dist., Hanoi Tel: 8223535 Fax: 8223555 |
| Melia Hanoi Hotel Address: 44B Ly Thuong Kiet St., Hoan Kiem Dist., Hanoi Tel: 9343343 Fax: 9343344 | Sheraton Hanoi Hotel Address: 11 Xuan Dieu St., Tay Ho Dist., Hanoi Tel: 7199000 Fax: 7199001 |
| Sofitel Metropole Hanoi Address: 15 Ngo Quyen St., Hoan Kiem Dist., Hanoi Tel: 8266919 Fax: 8266920 | Bao Son Hotel Address: 50 Nguyen Chi Thanh St., Ba Dinh Dist., Hanoi Tel: 8353356 Fax: 8355678 |
| Fortuna Hotel Address: 6B Lang Ha St., Dong Da Dist., Hanoi Tel: 8313333 Fax: 8313300 | Guoman Hanoi Hotel Address: 83A Ly Thuong Kiet St., Hoan Kiem Dist., Hanoi Tel: 8222800 Fax: 8222822 |
| Hanoi Hotel Address: D8 Tran Huy Lieu St., Dong Da Dist., Hanoi Tel: 8452270 Fax: 8459209 | Sunway Hotel Address: 19 Pham Dinh Ho St., Hai Ba Trung Dist., Hanoi Tel: 9713888 Fax: 9713555 |
| Thang Loi Hotel Address: Yen Phu St., Tay Ho Dist, Hanoi Tel: 8294211 Fax: 8293800 | Army Hotel Address: 33C Pham Ngu Lao Sr., Hoan Kiem Dist., Hanoi Tel: 8252896 Fax: 8259276 |
| ASEAN Hotel Address: 6-8 Chua Boc St., Dong Da Dist., Hanoi Tel: 8529110/ 8529108 Fax: 8529111 | ASIA Hotel Address: 23 Nguyen Cong Tru St., Hai Ba Trung Dist., Hanoi Tel: 5212045 |
Sunday, July 8, 2007
Hotels in Thua Thien - Hue
| Lang Co Beach Resort Address: Lang Co Town, Phu Loc Dist, Thua Thien Hue Tel: 873555 Fax: 873504 E-mail: langco@dng.vnn.vn Website: www.langcobeachresort.com.vn | Thanh Noi Hotel Address: 03 Dang Dung St., Hue City Tel: 522478/ 537209/ 527210 Fax: 522711 E-mail: thanhnoi@dng.vnn.vn Website: vietnamtourism.com/thanhnoihotel |
| Imperial Hotel Address: 8 Hung Vuong St., Hue City Tel: 832063 Fax: 882244 | Huong Giang Hotel Address: 51 Le Loi St., Hue City Tel: 822122 Fax: 823102 |
| La Residence Hotel & Spa, Hue Address: 05 Le Loi St., Hue City, Vietnam Tel: 849808/ 837475 Fax: 837476 | Saigon Morin Hotel Address: 30 Le Loi St., Hue City Tel: 823526 Fax: 825155 |
| Asia Hotel Address: 17 Pham Ngu Lao St., Hue City Tel: 830283 | Duy Tan Hotel Address: 12 Hung Vuong St., Hue City Tel: 825001 |
| Festival Hue Hotel Address: 15 Ly Thuong Kiet St., Hue City Tel: 823071 | Thuan Hoa Hotel Address: 7 Nguyen Tri Phuong St., Hue City Tel: 822553/ 823340/ 822576 |
| Dong Da Hotel Address: 15 Ly Thuong Kiet St., Hue City Tel: 823071/ 826176 Fax: 823204 | Hoa Hong Hotel Address: 1 Pham Ngu Lao St., Hue City Tel: 826949/ 826943 Fax: 826949 |
| Hung Vuong Hotel Address: 2 Hung Vuong St., Hue City Tel: 823866 Fax: 825910 | Ngo Quyen Hotel Address: 09 Ngo Quyen St., Hue City Tel: 823278 Fax: 828372 |
| Co Do Hotel Address: 32 Truong Chinh St., Hue City Tel: 826249 Fax: 826252 | Phuong Hoang Hotel Address: 48/3 Le Loi St., Hue City Tel: 826736 Fax: 828999 |
| Thang Long Hotel Address: 18 Hung Vuong St., Hue City Tel: 826462/ 3 Fax: 826464 | A Dong I Hotel Address: 1 Chu Van An St., Hue City Tel: 824148/ 8249757 Fax: 828074 |
| A Dong II Hotel Address: 21 Doi Cung St., Hue City Tel: 822765/ 6 Fax: 849419 | Ben Ngu Hotel Address: 18 Tran Thuc Nhan St., Hue City Tel: 828622 Fax: 828439 |
Saturday, July 7, 2007
Hotels in Quang Ninh 8
| Truong An Hotel Address: Huu Nghi St., Mong Cai Town Tel: 881900 Fax: 882228 | Truong Giang Hotel Address: Hau Can St., Bai Chay, Ville de Ha Long Tel: 844908 Fax: 844403 |
| Tuan Thanh Hotel Address: Group 11 - 4B Area, Bai Chay, Ha Long City Tel: 846477 | Van Anh Hotel Address: Group 6- 1 Area, Bai Chay, Ha Long City Tel: 847618 Fax: 847618 |
| Van Long Hotel Address: Group 12 - 4B, Bai Chay, Ha Long City Tel: 846331 | Van Long Hotel Address: Cam Pha Town Tel: 862253/ 862159 Fax: 864143 |
| Van Xuan Hotel Address: Group 4 - 4B Area, Bai Chay, Hạ Long City Tel: 844626 Fax: 844170 | Viet Nhat Hotel Address: 66 Vuon Dao St., Bai Chay, Ha Long City Tel: 846175 Fax: 846175 |
| Viet Phuong Hotel Address: 5 Anh Dao St., Bai Chay, Ha Long City Tel: 846493 Fax: 846493 | Viet Thai Hotel Address: Hung Vuong, Mong Cai Town Tel: 881170/ 881346 Fax: 881100 |
| Viet Tien Hotel Address: 32 Vuon Dao St., Bai Chay, Ha Long City Tel: 846978 | Vinaly 1 Hotel Address: Groupe 11 - 4B Area, Bai Chay, Ha Long City Tel: 846694 Fax: 844070 |
| Vinaly 2 Hotel Address: 65 Vuon Dao St., Bai Chay, Ha Long City Tel: 846576 |
Hotels in Quang Ninh 7
| Phuong Dong Hotel Address: Huu Nghi St., Mong Cai Town Tel: 881250 | Phuong Dung Hotel Address: 78 Le Thanh Tong St., Hon Gai, Ha Long City Tel: 828952 |
| Phuong Nam Hotel Address: 11 Le Thanh Tong St., Hon Gai, Ha Long City Tel: 827242 Fax: 825607 | Phuong Vi Hotel Address: 25 Vuon Dao St., Bai Chay, Ha Long City Tel: 846595 Fax: 846595 |
| Quang Linh Hotel Address: 63 Anh Dao St., Bai Chay, Ha Long City Tel: 846379 Fax: 845017 | Quoc Cuong Hotel Address: 68 Vuon Dao St., Bai Chay, Ha Long City Tel: 845385 Fax: 845385 |
| Rong Bien Hotel Address: 30 Vuon Dao St., Bai Chay, Ha Long City Tel: 846142 Fax: 845077 | Sao Bien Hotel Address: Tra Co Beach, Mong Cai Town Tel: 881264 |
| Sao Bien Hotel Address: Group 19 - 4 Area, Bai Chay, Ha Long City Tel: 844448 Fax: 844448 | Sao Mai Hotel Address: 74 Le Thanh Tong St., Hon Gai, Ha Long City Tel: 825216 |
| Sao Mai Hotel Address: 88 Vuon Dao St., Bai Chay, Ha Long City Tel: 846256 Fax: 845956 | Son Ha Hotel Address: Quang Ha town, Hai Ha District Tel: 879376 |
| Song Chanh Hotel Address: Tran Khanh Du ward, Quang Yen, Yen Hung district Tel: 875104 | Suoi May Hotel Address: 8 Anh Dao St., Bai Chay, Ha Long City Tel: 846473 Fax: 846473 |
| Suoi Tien Hotel Address: Tien Yen Town, Tien Yen District Tel: 876210 | Thai Binh Duong Hotel Address: Group 8 - 9 Area, Bai Chay, Ha Long City Tel: 844469 |
| Thai Ha Hotel Address: 58 Anh Dao, Bai Chay, Ha Long City Tel: 846851 Fax: 846850 | Thai Hoa Hotel Address: 264 Ha Long St., Bai Chay, Ha Long City Tel: 845477 |
| Thai Hoang Hotel Address: Zone 8, Cai Rong Town, Van Don Dist., Quang Ninh Tel: 793383 | Thang Loi Hotel Address: Tran Phu St., Mong Cai town Tel: 881002 Fax: 881004 |
Hotels in Quang Ninh 6
| Phuong Dong Hotel Address: Huu Nghi St., Mong Cai Town Tel: 881250 | Phuong Dung Hotel Address: 78 Le Thanh Tong St., Hon Gai, Ha Long City Tel: 828952 |
| Phuong Nam Hotel Address: 11 Le Thanh Tong St., Hon Gai, Ha Long City Tel: 827242 Fax: 825607 | Phuong Vi Hotel Address: 25 Vuon Dao St., Bai Chay, Ha Long City Tel: 846595 Fax: 846595 |
| Quang Linh Hotel Address: 63 Anh Dao St., Bai Chay, Ha Long City Tel: 846379 Fax: 845017 | Quoc Cuong Hotel Address: 68 Vuon Dao St., Bai Chay, Ha Long City Tel: 845385 Fax: 845385 |
| Rong Bien Hotel Address: 30 Vuon Dao St., Bai Chay, Ha Long City Tel: 846142 Fax: 845077 | Sao Bien Hotel Address: Tra Co Beach, Mong Cai Town Tel: 881264 |
| Sao Bien Hotel Address: Group 19 - 4 Area, Bai Chay, Ha Long City Tel: 844448 Fax: 844448 | Sao Mai Hotel Address: 74 Le Thanh Tong St., Hon Gai, Ha Long City Tel: 825216 |
| Sao Mai Hotel Address: 88 Vuon Dao St., Bai Chay, Ha Long City Tel: 846256 Fax: 845956 | Son Ha Hotel Address: Quang Ha town, Hai Ha District Tel: 879376 |
| Song Chanh Hotel Address: Tran Khanh Du ward, Quang Yen, Yen Hung district Tel: 875104 | Suoi May Hotel Address: 8 Anh Dao St., Bai Chay, Ha Long City Tel: 846473 Fax: 846473 |
| Suoi Tien Hotel Address: Tien Yen Town, Tien Yen District Tel: 876210 | Thai Binh Duong Hotel Address: Group 8 - 9 Area, Bai Chay, Ha Long City Tel: 844469 |
| Thai Ha Hotel Address: 58 Anh Dao, Bai Chay, Ha Long City Tel: 846851 Fax: 846850 | Thai Hoa Hotel Address: 264 Ha Long St., Bai Chay, Ha Long City Tel: 845477 |
| Thai Hoang Hotel Address: Zone 8, Cai Rong Town, Van Don Dist., Quang Ninh Tel: 793383 | Thang Loi Hotel Address: Tran Phu St., Mong Cai town Tel: 881002 Fax: 881004 |
Hotels in Quang Ninh 5
| Huong Que 2 Guesthouse Address: 8 Area, Cai Rong Town, Van Don District Tel: 874113 | Huong Que 3 Guesthouse Address: 8 Area, Cai Rong Town, Van Don District Tel: 874435 |
| Huong Que 4 Guesthouse Address: 8 Area, Cai Rong Town, Van Don District Tel: 874316 | Huu Nghi Hotel Address: Nguyen Du St., Mong Cai Town Tel: 881408/ 881389 Fax: 881144 |
| Huu Nghi Hotel Address: Group 15, 4 Area, Bai Chay, Ha Long City Tel: 846314 Fax: 846314 | Kieu Anh Hotel Address: Group 3, 2 ward, Bai Chay, Ha Long City Tel: 846382 |
| Kim Cuong Hotel Address: 46 - 48 Anh Dao St., Bai Chay, Ha Long City Tel: 846808 | Le Hoa Hotel Address: 109 Le Thanh Tong St., Hon Gai, Ha Long City Tel: 625067 |
| Lien Lan Guesthouse Address: 5 Area, Cai Rong Town, Van Don Distrisct Tel: 874265 | Linh Dan Hotel Address: Group 12, 4B ward, Bai Chay, Ha Long City Tel: 846025 Fax: 844412 |
| Mai Oanh Hotel Address: 20 Vuon Dao St., Bai Chay, Ha Long City Tel: 846194 | Mai Quyen Hotel Address: Bai Dai Beach - Halong, Van Don Dist., Quang Ninh Tel: 793188/ 796199 Fax: 796200 |
| Manh Cuong Hotel Address: 79 Vuon Dao St., Bai Chay, Ha Long City Tel: 846342 | Minh Trang Hotel Address: 102 Vuon Dao St., Bai Chay, Ha Long City Tel: 844379 Fax: 846179 |
| Nam Phuong Hotel Address: 42 Anh Dao, Bai Chay, Ha Long City Tel: 845454 Fax: 845454 | Nang Huong Hotel Address: 59 Anh Dao St., Bai Chay, Ha Long City Tel: 845400 Fax: 846226 |
| Ngan Hang Dau Tu Hotel Address: Hung Vuong St., Mong Cai Town Tel: 881879/ 881121 | Ngoc Mai Hotel Address: Hau Can St., Bai Chay, Ha Long City Tel: 846123/ 848068 Fax: 847868 |
| Ngoc Phuong Hotel Address: 59 Anh Dao St., Bai Chay, Ha Long City Tel: 846653 | Nu Hoang Hotel Address: 70 Le Thanh Tong St., Hon Gai, Ha Long City Tel: 826383 Fax: 827268 |
Hotels in Quang Ninh 4
| Hai Yen Hotel Address: 57 Vuon Dao, Bai Chay, Ha Long City Tel: 846126 Fax: 845568 | Hai Yen Hotel Address: Tran Phu ward, Cam Pha town Tel: 862250 |
| Ho Tay Hotel Address: 2 Anh Dao St., Bai Chay, Hạ Long City Tel: 846620 | Hoa Binh Hotel Address: Huu Nghi St., Mong Cai town Tel: 881039/ 881075 Fax: 881067 |
| Hoa Phuong Hotel Address: 68 Vuon Dao St., Bai Chay, Ha Long City Tel: 846743 | Hoa Thuy Tien Hotel Address: 193 Le Thanh Tong St., Hon Gai, Ha Long City Tel: 826297 |
| Hoang Gia Hotel Address: 1A Anh Dao, Bai Chay, Ha Long City Tel: 846451 Fax: 846451 | Hoang Lan Hotel Address: 15 - 17 Vuon Dao St., Bai Chay, Ha Long City Tel: 846504 Fax: 846712 |
| Hoang Long Hotel Address: Ha Long St., Bai Chay, Ha Long City Tel: 846234 | Hoang Thao Hotel Address: 110-112 Vuon Dao St., Bai Chay, Ha Long City Tel: 846703 Fax: 846923 |
| Hong Gai Hotel Address: Ha Long St., Bai Chay, Hạ Long City Tel: 846258 Fax: 847685 | Hong Hai Hotel Address: 425 Le Thanh Tong St,, Hon Gai, Ha Long City Tel: 825179 Fax: 823436 |
| Hong Hanh Hotel Address: Group 12 - 4B Area, Bai Chay, Hạ Long City Tel: 844488 | Hong Hoa Hotel Address: Group 9 - 3 Area, Bai Chay, Ha Long City Tel: 845014 Fax: 846601 |
| Hong Minh Hotel Address: 21A Ha Long St Tel: 847643 Fax: 846733 | Hong Ngoc Hotel Address: 36A Le Thanh Tong St., Hon Gai, Ha Long City Tel: 826369 |
| Hung Toan Hotel Address: Cai Rong town, Van Don district Tel: 874220 | Huong Ha Hotel Address: 22 Vuon Dao, Bai Chay, Hạ Long City Tel: 846308 Fax: 845779 |
| Huong Lien Hotel Address: 283 Le Thanh Tong St., Hon Gai, Ha Long City Tel: 826608 | Huong Que 1 Guesthouse Address: 8 Area, Cai Rong Town, Van Don District Tel: 874126 |
Hotels in Quang Ninh 3
| Bong Lai Hotel Address: Group 6 - 2 Area, Bai Chay, Ha Long City Tel: 845658 | Cay Tre Xanh Hotel Address: Group 15 - 4B Area, Bai Chay, Ha Long City Tel: 847797 Fax: 847787 |
| Cong Doan Mong Cai Hotel Address: Hung Vuong St., Mong Cai town Tel: 881165/ 882621 | Cong Nghe Hotel Address: Ly Tu Trong St., Mong Cai town Tel: 883011 Fax: 883012 |
| Dai Trang Hotel Address: 77 Tran Quoc Tang St., Hon Gai, Ha Long City Tel: 829588 | Dia Chat Hotel Address: Ha Long St., Bai Chay, Ha Long City Tel: 846234/ 846132 Fax: 846646 |
| Doan Trang Hotel Address: Group 12 - 4B Area, Bai Chay, Ha Long City Tel: 846953 | Dong A Hotel Address: Hung Vuong St., Mong Cai Town Tel: 881151/ 881113 |
| Duc Ngan Hotel Address: 35 Tran Quoc Toan St., Hon Gai, Ha Long City Tel: 826959 | Ga Trong Vang (Le Coq) Hotel Address: Hau Can St., Bai Chay, Ha Long City Tel: 844146/ 844148 Fax: 844147 |
| Giao Te Quang Ninh Hotel Address: Km4 Ha Long St., Bai Chay, Ha Long City Tel: 845999 Fax: 847465 | Guest House of Co To District People`s Committee Address: Co To Town, Co To Island Dist., Quang Ninh Tel: 889388 |
| Ha Long 4 Hotel Address: Bai Chay, Ha Long City Tel: 846320 | Ha Long Hotel Address: 80 Le Thanh Tong St., Hon Gai, Ha Long City Tel: 826509 |
| Ha Long Xanh Hotel Address: Group 2 - 3 Area, Bai Chay, Hạ Long City Tel: 846376 | Ha Noi Hotel Address: Group 8, 4A Area (Hau Can Street), Bai Chay, Ha Long City Tel: 844909 |
| Hai Ha Hotel Address: 83 Vuon Dao, Bai Chay, Hạ Long City Tel: 846590 | Hai Long Hotel Address: Group 6 - 2B Area, Bai Chay, Hạ Long City Tel: 846378 Fax: 846171 |
| Hai Tan Hotel Address: Group 3B - 2A Area, Bai Chay, Ha Long City Tel: 846794 | Hai Van Hotel Address: 76 Le Thanh Tong St., Hon Gai, Ha Long City Tel: 826279 |
Hotels in Quang Ninh 2
| Sunrise Hotel Address: Bai Chay Ward, Halong City Tel: 844908 | Van Hai II Hotel Address: 8 Ha Long St., Bai Chay Ward, Halong City Tel: 848834 |
| Bien Dong Hotel Address: Ha Long St., Bai Chay, Ha Long City Tel: 846677/ 847116 Fax: 847635 | Commercial Hotel Address: 496 Quang Trung St., Uong Bi town Tel: 660088 Fax: 854198 |
| Entity Hotel Address: Group 7, 4A ward, Bai Chay, Ha Long City Tel: 846424 | Ha Long II Hotel Address: Ha Long St., Bai Chay beach, Ha Long City Tel: 846445 Fax: 846317 |
| Ha Long III Hotel Address: Ha Long St., Bai Chay, Hạ Long City Tel: 846316 Fax: 846318 | Hiep Dung Hotel Address: 92B Vuon Dao St., Bai Chay, Ha Long City Tel: 844624 Fax: 848107 |
| Hoang Ha Hotel Address: Hau Can St., Bai Chay, Hạ Long City Tel: 844844/ 844568 Fax: 844845 | Van Hai Hotel Address: 32 Anh Dao St., Bai Chay, Ha Long City Tel: 846403 Fax: 846115 |
| Viet Hai Hotel Address: 30 Anh Dao, Bai Chay, Ha Long City Tel: 846699 Fax: 845704 | Viet Linh Hotel Address: Zone 8, Cai Rong Small Town, Van Don Dist., Quang Ninh Tel: 793898 Fax: 794488 |
| Vuon Dao Hotel Address: Ha Long St, Bai Chay, Ha Long City Tel: 846427 Fax: 846827 | Bac Hai Long 1 Hotel Address: 46 Vuon Dao St., Bai Chay, Ha Long City |
| Bac Long Hotel Address: 34 Vuon Dao St., Bai Chay, Ha Long City Tel: 846167 Fax: 846283 | Bin Bop Hotel Address: Group 10 - 1 Area, Tran Hung Dao St., Hon Gai, Ha Long City Tel: 627686 Fax: 827339 |
| Binh Minh Hotel Address: Huu Nghi St., Mong Cai town Tel: 881185/ 881014/ 882592 | Binh Minh Hotel Address: 16 Vuon Dao, Bai Chay, Ville de Ha Long Tel: 846151 Fax: 847465 |
| Binh Minh Hotel Address: 117 Vuon Dao St., Bai Chay, Ha Long City Tel: 844315 | Binh Than Hotel Address: 4 Doan Thi Diem St., Bach Dang Ward, Halong City, Quang Ninh Tel: 621668 Fax: 621836 |
Hotels in Quang Ninh
| Asean Hotel Address: Hau Can St., Bai Chay Ward, Ha Long City Tel: 640027 | Ha Long Plaza Hotel Address: 8 Ha Long St., Bai Chay, Ha Long City Tel: 845810/ 845819 Fax: 846867 |
| Halong Dream Hotel Address: 10 Ha Long St., Halong City Tel: 844288 | Heritage Ha Long Hotel Address: 88 Ha Long St., Bai Chay, Ha Long City Tel: 846323/ 846888 Fax: 846999/ 846718 |
| Hoang Gia Hotel Address: Ha Long St., Bai Chay, Ha Long City Tel: 846658 Fax: 847148 | Mithrin Hotel Address: Bai Chay Ward, Ha Long City Tel: 848090 |
| Pearl Hotel Address: Ha Long St., Bai Chay Ward, Ha Long City Tel: 640888 | Sai Gon - Ha Long Hotel Address: Ha Long Tel: 845845 Fax: 845849 |
| Bach Dang Hotel Address: 2 Ha Long St., Bai Chay, Ha Long City Tel: 846330 Fax: 846026 | Blue Sky Hotel Address: Dong Hung Thang, Bai Chay Ward, Halong City Tel: 647647 |
| BMC - Thang Long Hotel Address: Ha Long St., Bai Chay, Ha Long City Tel: 846458 Fax: 845744 | Buu Dien Ha Long Hotel Address: Ha Long St., Bai Chay, Hạ Long City Tel: 844890/ 844891/ 844892 Fax: 845416 |
| Cong Doan Hotel Address: Ha Long St., Bai Chay, Hạ Long City Tel: 846780/ 846782/ 846442/ 846443 Fax: 846440 | Crown Hotel Address: Dong Hung Thang St., Bai Chay Ward, Halong City Tel: 646999 Fax: 843999 |
| Ha Long Bay Hotel Address: Ha Long St, Bai Chay, Ha Long City Tel: 845209/ 845210/ 845211 Fax: 846856 | Ha Long I Hotel Address: Ha Long St., Bai Chay, Hạ Long City Tel: 846320/ 846321 Fax: 846318 |
| Halong Spring Hotel Address: Ha Long St., Bai Chay, Ha Long City Tel: 846072/ 846381 Fax: 846729 | Hoa Cuong Hotel Address: Group 4, Zone 4, Bai Chay Ward, Halong City Tel: 640646 |
| Moonlight - Dong Hung Thang Hotel Address: Cai Dam St., Bai Chay, Ha Long City Tel: 844739 Fax: 844303 | Ngoc Lan Hotel Address: Bai Chay Ward, Ha Long City Tel: 846372 |
Thursday, July 5, 2007
Hotels in Da Lat 2
| Duy Tan Hotel Address: 83 road 3 thang 2, Dalat City, Lam Dong Tel: 822384 Fax: 823677 | HAGL Resort - Dalat Address: 03 Nguyen Du St., Dalat City, Lam Dong Tel: 810826/ 810961 Fax: 549036 |
| Hai Duong Hotel Address: 01C Bui Thi Xuan St., Dalat City, Lam Dong Tel: 823913 | Hai Son Hotel Address: 01 Nguyen Thi Minh Khai St., Dalat City, Lam Dong Tel: 822379 |
| Hoa Binh Hotel Address: 64 Truong Cong Dinh St., Dalat City, Lam Dong Tel: 822787 | Hoang Hau Hotel Address: 08A Ho Tung Mau St., Dalat city, Lam Dong Tel: 821431 |
| Hong Phuoc Hotel Address: 24 Hai Ba Trung St., Dalat City, Lam Dong Tel: 825256 | Hong Van Hotel Address: 45b Dinh Tien Hoang St., Dalat City, Lam Dong Tel: 822717 Fax: 822717 |
| Huong Thuy Hotel Address: 51E Bui Thi Xuan St., Dalat City, Lam Dong Tel: 827812 | Huy Hung Hotel Address: 54 Bui Thi Xuan St., Dalat City, Lam Dong Tel: 828414 |
| Investment Bank Hotel Address: 02 Ba Trieu St., Dalat City, Lam Dong Tel: 827370 | Khanh Huong Hotel Address: 07 Nam Ky Khoi Nghia St., Dalat city, Lam Dong Tel: 822835 |
| Mimoza Hotel Address: 170 Phan Dinh Phung St., Dalat City, Lam Dong Tel: 822656 | Minh Tam Hotel Address: 20 Khe Sanh St., Dalat city, Lam Dong Tel: 822447 |
| Nam Ky Hotel Address: 11 Nam Ky Khoi Nghia St., Dalat city, Lam Dong Tel: 824493 | Ngoc Linh Hotel Address: 12A Phan Dinh Phung St., Dalat city, Lam Dong Tel: 864560 |
| Phu Hoa Hotel Address: 16 Tang Bat Ho St., Dalat City, Lam Dong Tel: 822194 | Quang Binh Hotel Address: 05 Mai Hac De St., Dalat city, Lam Dong Tel: 820099 |
| Sai Gon Hotel Address: 15C Nam Ky Khoi Nghia St., Dalat City, Lam Dong Tel: 828267 | Saigon Ship Hotel Address: 9A Lu Gia St., Dalat city, Lam Dong Tel: 824098 |
| State Bank Hotel Address: 03 Ba Trieu St., Dalat City, Lam Dong Tel: 822733 | Tan An Hotel Address: 75 - 3 thang 2 Rd., Da Lat City, Lam Dong Tel: 822700 |
| Thai Binh Hotel Address: 3b Bui Thi Xuan St., Dalat City, Lam Dong Tel: 828303 | Thanh Binh Hotel Address: 40 Nguyen Thi Minh Khai St., Dalat City, Lam Dong Tel: 822909 |
| Thanh Dat Hotel Address: 8A Nam Ky Khoi Nghia St., Da Lat City, Lam Dong Tel: 820826 | Thanh The Hotel Address: 118 Phan Dinh Phung St., Dalat City, Lam Dong Tel: 822180 |
| Thanh Tung Hotel Address: 28 Nguyen Chi Thanh St., Dalat City, Lam Dong Tel: 821437 | Thuan Lam Hotel Address: 20 Nguyen Du St., Dalat city, Lam Dong Tel: 822408 |
| Trang Anh Hotel Address: 01A Ho Tung Mau St., Dalat City, Lam Dong Tel: 823118 | Xuan Tam Hotel Address: 25b Le Hong Phong St., Dalat City, Lam Dong Tel: 823142 |
Hotels in Da Lat
| Dona Villa Address: A17 - 18 Huy Hoang Hill, Phu Dong Thien Vuong St., Dalat City, Lam Dong Tel: 554430/ 554440 Fax: 554450 E-mail: dongnaivilla@sonadezi.com.vn Website: www.sonadezi.com.vn/bietthu.html | Golf 3 Hotel Address: 04 Nguyen Thi Minh Khai St., Dalat City, Lam Dong Tel: 826042 Fax: 830396 E-mail: golf3hot@hcm.vnn.vn Website: www.golfhotel.vnn.vn |
| Sofitel Dalat Palace Address: 12 Tran Phu St., Dalat City, Lam Dong Tel: 825444 Fax: 825666 | Novotel Dalat Address: 07 Tran Phu St., Dalat City, Lam Dong Tel: 825777 Fax: 825888 |
| Cam Do Hotel Address: 81 Phan Dinh Phung St., Dalat City, Lam Dong Tel: 822732 Fax: 830273 | Anh Dao Hotel Address: 50-52 Place Hoa Binh, Dalat City, Lam Dong Tel: 822384 Fax: 823570 |
| Golf 1 Hotel Address: 11 Dinh Tien Hoang St., Dalat City, Lam Dong Tel: 824082 Fax: 824945 | Golf 2 Hotel Address: 114 - 3 thang 2 Rd., Dalat City, Lam Dong Tel: 826031 Fax: 820532 |
| Hang Khong Hotel Address: 40 Ho Tung Mau St., Dalat city, Lam Dong Tel: 831369 Fax: 831368 | Lavy Hotel Address: 02B Lu Gia St., Dalat City, Lam Dong Tel: 826008 Fax: 825466 |
| Ngoc Lan Hotel Address: 42 Nguyen Chi Thanh St., Dalat City, Lam Dong Tel: 822136/ 823522 Fax: 824032 | Seri Bank Hotel Address: 05 Duong 28 thang 3, Bao Loc Town, Lam Dong Tel: 864150 Fax: 864430 |
| A Dong Hotel Address: 63 Nguyen Van Troi St., Dalat city, Lam Dong Tel: 822700 | Tri Ky II Hotel Address: 1C Ha Huy Tap St., Dalat City, Lam Dong Tel: 531238 |
| An Lac 2 Hotel Address: 47C Pham Ngoc Thach St., Dalat City, Lam Dong Tel: 826400 | Bao Ngoc Hotel Address: 5B Nam Ky Khoi Nghia St., Dalat city, Lam Dong Tel: 822847 |
| Bich Dao Hotel Address: 25C Le Hong Phong St., Dalat city, Lam Dong Tel: 822753 | Cong Doan Hotel Address: 1 Yersin St., Dalat city, Lam Dong Tel: 826003 |
| Crazy House Address: 3 Huynh Thuc Khang St., Dalat city, Lam Dong Tel: 822070 | Da Lat Victory Villas Address: 1 Lu Gia - 6 Nguyen Dinh Chieu St., Dalat City, Lam Dong Tel: 810867 Fax: 810867 |
Hotels in Vung Tau 2
| South-East Asia Hotel Address: 249 Le Hong Phong Ave., Vung Tau City Tel: 859412 Fax: 853630 | Thang Muoi Hotel Address: 151 Thuy Van St., Vung Tau City Tel: 852645 Fax: 859876 |
| Thuy Duong Hotel Address: 4 Thuy Van St., Vung Tau City Tel: 852635 Fax: 852807 | Kim Cuong Hotel Address: 10 Tran Nguyen Han St., Vung Tau City Tel: 859233 Fax: 856205 |
| Tri Ky Hotel Address: 180 Hoang Hoa Tham St., Vung Tau City Tel: 859198 | ATC Hotel Address: 16B Ton Duc Thang St., Con Dao Dist. Tel: 830666 Fax: 830111 |
| Con Dao Resort Address: 8 Nguyen Duc Thuan St., Con Dao Dist. Tel: 830939 Fax: 830949 | Cu Mi Hotel Address: Binh Chau, Xuyen Moc Dist. Tel: 871161 |
| Dong Nai Trade Hotel Address: Long Hai Town, Long Dien Dist. Tel: 868312 Fax: 843202 | Hai Au Hotel Address: 124 Ha Long St., Vung Tau City Tel: 856178 Fax: 856868 |
| Hai Yen Hotel Address: 8 Le Loi St., Vung Tau City Tel: 852571 Fax: 852858 | Ho Tram Osaka Resort Address: Phuoc Thuan, Xuyen Moc Dist. Tel: 781525 Fax: 781433 |