Wednesday, December 26, 2012

Halong Old Culture

 


Located in Hạ Long and Bái Tử Long are archaeological sites such as Mê Cung and Thiên Long. There are remains from mounds of mountain shellfish (Christophorus), spring shellfish (Melania), some fresh water mollusk and some rudimentary labor tools. The main way of life of Soi Nhụ’s inhabitants included catching fish and shellfish, collecting fruits and digging for bulbs and roots.
Their living environment was a coastal area unlike other Vietnamese cultures, for example, like those found in Hoà Bình and Bắc Sơn.
Cái Bèo culture (5000- 3000 BC)
Located in Hạ Long and Cát Bà island, its inhabitants developed to the level of sea exploitation.
Feudal period History shows that Hạ Long Bay was the setting for local naval battles against Vietnam’s coastal neighbors. On three occasions, in the labyrinth of channels in Bach Dang river near the islands, the Vietnamese army stopped the Chinese from landing. In 1288, General Tran Hung Dao stopped Mongol ships from sailing up the nearby Bach Dang River by placing steel-tipped wooden stakes at high tide, sinking the Mongol Kublai Khan’s fleet.
During the Vietnam War, many of the channels between the islands were heavily mined by the United States navy, some of which pose a threat to shipping to this day.
 
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Inhabitants and Awards and designations in Halong

In 1962, the Vietnam Ministry of Culture, Sport and Tourism designated Hạ Long Bay a ‘Renowned National Landscape Monument’.
 


A community of around 1,600 people live on Hạ Long Bay in four fishing villages: Cửa Vạn, Ba Hang, Cống Tàu and Vông Viêng in Hùng Thắng commune, Hạ Long city. They live on floating houses and are sustained through fishing and marine aquaculture (cultivating marine biota).
Hạ Long Bay was first listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1994,in recognition of its outstanding, universal aesthetic value. In 2000 the World Heritage Committee additionally recognized Hạ Long Bay for its outstanding geological and morphological value,and its World Heritage Listing was updated.
In 2009, the New 7 Wonders Foundation, which runs the New Seven Wonders of the World program, included Halong Bay on its list of nominations as one the World’s 7 Natural Wonders
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Cha muc – an eating-out special of Halong


Cha muc, a boiled or steamed patty of pounded squid, is the specialty of the Ha Long Bay region.  The patties’ unique taste arouses the desire of visitors from near and far.
Usually, diners ask for a second serving of cha muc, even when tasting this food for the first time, and they want to eat it many times once they happen upon it during their trip to Halong, a renowned tourism city in Quang Ninh province that is home to a UNESCO-listed bay.

We had cha muc several times during our visit to Halong, whose sea provides a plentiful source of fresh squid for local cooks to make the fried squid paste which appeals to so many visitors.

Locals net fresh squid and then pound it by hand in a mortar until it becomes an elastic paste. Then they mix it with broken pepper and fish sauce before shaping it into cakes for deep frying in a pan until the paste cakes turn brown and smell good.

People eat cha muc when it is hot and with steamed rice rolls or steamed glutinous rice as the oily broth from the paste cakes mixes with the steamed rice rolls or rice to turn it into a delicious dish for breakfast, lunch or dinner.

In Halong, a dish of cha muc and steamed rice rolls or steamed glutinous rice is served with pepper fish sauce and bamboo slices pickled with slices of red chili. Such a dish helps stimulate blood circulation and keeps people warm on chilly winter nights in the north.

Visitors can eat cha muc with steamed glutinous rice at street eateries on Ha Long street, near Cong Doan hotel or near the Bai Chay bridge for VND20,000 a portion.

The flavor and reputation of Halong cha muc has gone beyond the tourist city to Hanoi, HCMC and other cities of Vietnam. However, it is in Halong where you can enjoy the authentic taste and flavor of fried squid paste.

In HCM City, Cuong Chung Co. will deliver squid paste to your door. One kilogram of regular cha muc is VND160,000 and one kilogram of special is VND220,000. Orders can be placed by calling 016 8865 6556.

Source:vietnamnet.vn
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Tuesday, July 3, 2012

Hanoi Flag Tower

Hanoi Flag Tower
Hanoi Flag Tower
Flag Tower is on Dien Bien Phu Street, Ba Dinh District, Hanoi; near Ba Dinh Square. Hanoi Flag Tower, also called Cot Co, is one of the rare architectural works in Hanoi that was fortunate enough to not be destroyed by the French administration between 1894 and 1897.

Flag Tower in Hanoi

It was used by French troops as an observation tower and communication station between command headquarters and adjacent military posts.
Hanoi Flag Tower Vietnam
It was built in 1812 and is composed of three platforms and a tower. The words Nghenh Huc, meaning "to welcome dawn's sunlight," are inscribed on the eastern door. The western door bears the two words Hoi Quang, meaning "to reflect light," and the southern door, Huong Minh, meaning "directed to the sunlight."

The tower receives sunlight through 36 flower-shaped and six fan-shaped windows.
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Monday, July 2, 2012

Pavilion of the constellation of Literature

Literature Temple in Hanoi
Literature Temple in Hanoi
Pavilion of the Constellation of Literature is in Temple Literature on Van Mieu Street, Dong Da District, Hanoi.
Characteristic: Khue Van Cac, or Pavilion of the Constellation of Literature, was built under the Nguyen Dynasty (1802-1945).

The artifacts, collected during the recent excavation drives around Van Mieu (Temple of Literature) in Hanoi proved the architecture of this site belongs to the Ly (1010-1225) and Tran (1225-1400) dynasties.

Constellation of Literature in Hanoi


Life of the students in olden times is reflected through these artifacts and seemed to be simple and pure compared to that of the city dwellers. Van Mieu - Quoc Tu Giam (National College) now preserves 82 steles engraved with the names of 1,306 doctors who obtained the doctoral titles at 82 royal examinations, held from 1442 to 1779.
Literature Temple Hanoi
Although Van Mieu was built long ago, some architectural complexes in this area were erected much later. One of them was Khue Van Cac. In 1802, Gia Long took the throne and built the capital in Hue. In 1805, the Commander of the Northern Citadel, Nguyen Van Thanh, ordered the construction of Khue Van Cac at Van Mieu. This project was carried out at the same time as the erection of the surrounding walls around Van Mieu in 1833.

The pavilion was a two-storey complex made of wood and bricks, which is mirrored on the Thien Quang Well. Located in the third courtyard (from the front gate), the pavilion's ground floor is empty with four brick pillars of 85cm x 85cm engraved with designs of clouds. The pillars stand on a square base, 6.8m x 6.8m, which is covered with Bat Trang bricks. The upper floor, made of wooden frames, stands on four brick pillars, with four round windows facing the four directions and having rays like the sun. This floor is the symbol of the brilliant constellation that is shining. The Oriental people consider this star as a symbol of literature. On this floor, the balustrade is supported by engraved wooden pieces and a gilt board with three letters of Khue Van Cac hanging on the wall.
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Ba Ham Lake in Halong Bay

Ba Ham Lake in Halong Bay
Ba Ham Lake in Halong Bay
Ba Ham Lake is found on Dau Be Island (Calf Head Island) on the south-west Side of Halong Bay. This island is part of the range of islands at the farthest end of Halong Bay, bordering the immense zone Long Chau Sea.

Ba Ham Lake of Halong Bay

Ba Ham Lake is situated in the middle of a narrow, rectangular area, with the all four sides enclosed by vertical cliffs. The lake is a system comprising three wide and round pits, linked together by a narrow and meandering tunnel. Although 25km from the shore, it has long been considered an ideal tourism zone.
Ba Ham Lake in Halong
Starting from the entrance, tourists enter the first tunnel, which boasts a forest of stalactites and stalagmites in different shapes and various colors. Stalactites hang from the ceiling in a myriad of strange, colored forms. The deeper one pushes into the tunnel, the darker it becomes. The river is deep and transparent. Some 100m from the entrance one finds a shaft of light coming from the roof of the tunnel, which reveals different kinds of orchids clinging to the cliff, cycads growing here and there, truc duoi ga (a kind of reed with cock's tail-liked yellow leaves) flourishing in clumps.

The second tunnel has the same form and its entrance like the first. In the southeast cliff of the second tunnel there grows an old carambola tree. This is home to yellow hair monkeys, birds, flying squirrels and bats. Lying one cliff away from the second one, the third tunnel is home to various species of bats and yellow butterflies. Here is home to bats and yellow butterflies. Though outside the grotto the waves and wind blow strongly, inside the cave, the water is transparent and calmly. The silence is disturbed only by the sounds of the boat's oars.
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Hanh Grotto in Halong Bay

Hanh Grotto in Halong Bay
Hanh Grotto in Halong Bay
Hanh Grotto is one of the longest grottoes in Ha long Bay, lying 9km west of Cam Pha Town. Hanh Grotto seems suitable for adventures. The mouth of the grotto is very low with 1,300m long.

Hanh Grotto of Halong Bay

The entrance of the grotto is at the foot of the stone mountain of Quang Hanh. That's why the French named it "Le Tunnel" or Tunnel Grotto.
Hanh Grotto in Halong
One should visit the grotto at low tide and has to go by small boat to pass through, as this is the time the mouth of the grotto appears, and then must know the time when the tide rises up to get out of the grotto. In front of the present-day mouth stands Ba Co (Three Girls) shrine to dedicated three girls who according to the legend often went to the sea together. One day, they caught a pouring rain and took shelter in a grotto. They found the scenery so captivating that they forgot the time of rising tide. Locked up in the grotto, they passed away and became Water God.

Hanh Grotto is extremely beautiful. The small boat will take you through the stone passageway by lamp-light, casting magical colors on the hanging stalactites. To get there, tourists can hire canoes in Doan Wharf (Hon Gai, Ha long City) or take a coach to Cam Pha Town. At the Cam Pha Wharf, one can also hire boats or canoes to go to the grotto. The time for visiting the grotto is from 1 hour to 1 hour and 30 minutes.
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Me Cung Grotto (Bewitching) in Halong Bay

Me Cung Grotto in Halong Bay
Me Cung Grotto in Halong Bay

Two kilometers south-west of Titov Beach is the Me Cung Grotto or Bewitching Grotto. It formed on Lom Bo Island, and seen from afar, the entrance is like the roof of a house denting the island's side.

Me Cung Grotto in Halong Bay

After a narrow crack only allowing one person through at a time, many partitions appear. These chambers are somewhat small and narrow, but very refined, and with many stalagmites and stalactites bearing beautiful forms.Pushing into the grotto, tourists feel like walking in a palace of a Persian King. Hearing the murmur from out of nowhere, you think that Scheherazade is telling the stories of the Thousand and One Nights for her king.
Me Cung Grotto in Halong
Threading your way through narrow passages, you find a dim light from afar, which signals the exit of the grotto. On getting out of the grotto, climb up several rugged stone stairs and look down, you see a large round lake surrounded by the mountain. Its waters are blue all year round. The lake is home to many kinds of fish, shrimps, octopuses, algae, see weed, and coral. Lying adjacent to the lake there is an area of old trees popularly known as an alluring "royal garden".

On the island, there are many ancient trees casting long reflections on the water of the bay. They are home to many species of birds and animals (monkeys, chamois and variant). The Me Cung Grotto has been recognized by archaeologists as one of the vestiges of the pre Ha long new Stone Age culture that existed between 7,000 and 10,000 years ago.
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Bo Nau Grotto (Pelican) in Halong Bay

Bo Nau Grotto in Halong Bay
Bo Nau Grotto in Halong Bay
Some 2-3km southeast of Trong Mai Islet lays Bo Nau Grotto or Pelican Grotto. The name Bo Nau or Bo Nong is associated with the fact that pelicans often take shelter here.

 Bo Nau Grotto in Halong Bay

This vaulted grotto covers 200m2 the floor of the grotto is wide and flat, but not deep, and its wall features lots of stalactites and stalagmites.
Bo Nau Grotto in Halong
At the entrance are three stones, looking like three fairies with their heads close to one another. Two men appear to be playing chess, with the third serving as a referee. Turning southward, Bo Nau Grotto enjoys cool wind. Standing there, one can hear the murmur of the sea all year round. Bo Nau Grotto is one of the beauty grottoes in Ha long Bay.
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Kim Quy Grotto (Golden Tortoise) in Halong Bay

Kim Quy Grotto in Halong Bay
Kim Quy Grotto in Halong Bay
This grotto is situated on Dam Nam Island, with a peak 187m above sea level. The grotto is 100m long and 5 to 10m wide, running in a north-south direction.

Kim Quy Grotto of Halong Bay

It is linked to the ancient legend of the Golden Tortoise: after having helped Emperor Le Loi defeat his enemies, the Golden Tortoise took back the magic sword he had given him, and swam towards the sea. Arriving in Ha long Bay, it met with so many evil spirits and demons hindering its journey that it remained to do battle. After having defeated them all, the Golden Tortoise was so exhausted that it searched for a grotto to rest in, and once inside, turned to stone.
Kim Quy Grotto in Halong
A narrow way leads to the interior of the grotto where a stream flows. The stalactites here are snow white and lightly hang from the ceiling. Today in the grotto, it can be found dozing, still with ancient wounds covering its body.
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Tam Cung Grotto in Halong Bay

Tam Cung Grotto in Halong Bay
Tam Cung Grotto in Halong Bay
Situated in the centre of Halong Bay, 5km from Sung Sot Grotto to the northeast. The grotto itself is divided into three parts; after threading the stone cracks, you find the first chamber.

Tam Cung Grotto of Halong Bay

Many beautiful forms can be garnered from the rocky shapes.
Continuing on to the second chamber, the bumpy way leads to a spring with fresh water. The last room contains further incredible stone depictions.

Tam Cung Grotto lies in May Den, a luxuriant island nearly isolated from other islands. May Den’s cliffs are extremely vertical while its forest is flourishing.
Tam Cung Grotto in Halong


Entering its first chamber, one can hear the sound of T’rung or stone musical instrument from near and far. Pushing further inside, tourists meet a “fairy” whose white beard flies in the wind climbing the mountain. High in the wall of the chamber there stand three statues representing prosperity, happiness and longevity, looking down at the earthly world.

From ceiling falls down a stalactite which resembles the bud of a hydrangea among a garden of stone flowers. Going through a narrow passage, one comes to a natural museum of lively animals, including lions, seals, even god of the sea. In the middle of the second chamber lies a stream murmuring all year round, making the two surrounding cliffs rustle. In the last chamber, tourists can find an imposing bas-relief in which are carved elaborate strange images, lying layer after layer in a harmonious layout. One can figure out flowers, bamboos, stone curtains or sleeping elephants.
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Ba Trai Dao Beach (The Three Peaches Beach) in Halong Bay

Ba Trai Dao Beach in Halong Bay
Ba Trai Dao Beach in Halong Bay
To the Ba Trai Dao Beach, it costs 3.5 to 4 hours by cruise from Bai Chay Tourist Wharf. It has that name as Ba Trai Dao Beach (the three peaches), features three small sand beaches embracing small islands. These islands, seen from afar, resemble three peaches...

Ba Trai Dao Beach in Halong Bay

Ba Trai Dao Beach in Halong
Legend has it, that fairies escaped from Heaven and came here for sight-seeing and swimming. The youngest fairy, which was very pretty and virtuous, fell in love with a young fisher- man. The young fairy stole three peaches from Heaven for him that if he ate, would give him eternal life, allowing them to live together forever. But while she waited for him on the island, the King of the Heavens discovered the robbery and turned the peaches into three stone islands. Chastised, the young fairy had to return. Tourists take bath in this beach only 2-3 hours in a day as in other time the beach is lapping by the tide.
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