Vietnam showcased at Paris street festival

Vietnam’s cultural symbols such as lotus, tortoise, conical hat and martial arts have been featured at the Paris tropical carnival 2013.

This has been the first time Vietnam joined such a festival, where a van decorated with a pink lotus followed by charming girls wearing ao dai traditional dresses and conical hats entertained the festival goers. Vietnamese ambassador to France Duong Chi Dung said: “ This unique festival honor cultural diversity of ethnic communities in Paris. Vietnam’s participation showed our active integration and contributions of cultural essence to the French society. We think that this is an important event and one of cultural diplomatic activities to promote the Vietnamese cultural values and contribute to cultural diversity in France”.

The carnival is held annually in Paris over the past 11 years. In this year’s festival, more than 4,000 artists and 200,000 spectators were involved:

“Nhet” fish cooked with ginger

Tay Hoa rice paddy field (Phu Yen) has abundant alluvium since this is the convergence of lots of rivers like Ba, Dong Bo, Banh Lai, Bau Quay, Trong…with many specialties like “sac” fish, stone fish, black carps,…but the most delicious fish is “nhet” in Banh Lai river basin.

“Nhet” fish has slippery skin like eels, with brown color, sharp-pointed head, flat tail with lots of large spots, the largest “det” fish is just the size of an adult’s thumpkin, around 20cm long. After catching, people sink “det” fish in water to wash away the mud, clean the viscous, clean the intestine and cook the entire fish.

On the popular food list, “nhet” fish is often grilled to be served with rice, or stir-fried in lemongrass and chili, cooked with banana flowers, or cooked as big soup, sweet and sour soup, cooked with brine,..

“Nhet” fish is yummy, even more delicious when serve hot with ginger. This type of fish has soft bones, so diners can chew and swallow the little bones, to feel the sweet taste entirely. Or diners can even pick up each single fish to dip into the fish sauce and green chili, especially with fat fish. When eating, we can feel the stout, sweet and buttery taste, adhering with the ginger, green chilli and pepper. “Nhet”fish can be served with rice or grilled rice paper.

Gogerous images of Da Vien Islet

Da Vien Islet that was formed by silt deposits from the Huong River (Perfume Rvier), covers more than 100,000 square meters with 890m in length, and 185m in width.

Da Vien Islet, a small island, which was officially named by King Tu Duc, facing the entry to the Hue Royal Palace. When building the Phu Xuan Royal Palace in the early 19th century, King Gia Long during the Nguyen Dynasty chose Da Vien as a White Tiger and Hen Islet as an Azure Dragon. The two powerful creatures was used to guard the emperors’ throne in the former Imperial City of Hue. 

After King Tu Duc, owner of the Da Vien garden, died in 1883, the Nguyen Dynasty was facing a crisis. Da Vien soon became deserted and was destroyed by a storm in 1904.

In 1908, the Hue  -Quang Tri railway line was built with two bridges – Bach Ho and Da Vien crossing the islet.

In 1957, a water tower and water supply plant took shape, giving the royal garden a facelift.

Da Vien Islet seen from the northern bank of the Huong River

Bach Ho Bridge linking the northern bank of the Huong River to Da Vien Islet

Da Vien Bridge linking the southern bank of the Huong River to Da Vien Islet

A water tower in the centre of Da Vien Islet

The tower has stood the test of time for more than half a century

This is the only concrete road on the islet

Around 15 families living on the islet

This is  a common worship place of local people

A living quarter of water plant’s workers

A stone stele erected in July 1868.

Da Vien Islet seen from the southern bank of the Huong River

RESTORED HISTORIC HOUSES TO BE JOURNEY BACK IN TIME FOR TOURISTS

 Le Van Vinh used pieces of shells from 3 million coconuts to make roofs for three houses in central Quang Nam Province's Dien Ban District.

History in a nutshell: A house with a roof made from millions of coconut shells is a unique part of an exhibition in Quang Nam Province's Dien Ban District. The houses are in a 11,000sq m open museum called "Vinahouse Space" (of which Vinh is the owner), located about 7km from the ancient town of Hoi An. They are among dozens of centuries-old houses from the northern, southern and central regions, creating new tourist attractions. Visitors can bike from Hoi An to the village in 15 minutes. Vinh, 33, said: "I want to restore ancient houses in the country before they are all replaced with concrete and steel. "More and more ancient houses in rural areas are disappearing from rapid urbanisation. The restoration of ancient houses will preserve relics of the farming lifestyles and architecture for future generations. Royal past: A centuries-old Ruong house (built with wooden beams and pillars) is preserved in the Vinahouse Space. The Ruong house is associated with the old imperial capital in Hue city. "Old houses depict rural behaviour over the centuries, typical countryside houses that tourists rarely see now." Ngo Dinh Tu, a staff member at Vinahouse Space, said: "We spent around 15 years to identify 500 old houses in different provinces, including Bac Ninh, Quang Nam, Hue, Quang Binh and Quang Tri. "We have preserved some of the most typical ones in a small area for visitors to appreciate." The Space also has 2,000 wooden exhibits, including furniture, interior decorations, wood sculptures of old houses and farming and carpentry tools. Le Thi Kim, a guide at Vinahouse Space, said that in the past people in rural areas used wood, bamboo and coconut leaves to make houses. "They planted bamboo, timber and coconut trees or palms in the garden to provide shade and protect them from storms," Kim, 23, said. "Then they harvested them to make their houses. It saved them a lot of money. "Vinahouse Space has restored a Ruong house (built with wooden beams and pillars), which was associated with the old imperial capital in Hue City." House of Co Tu The roofs of houses of the ethnic Co Tu group, in the mountainous Tay Giang District in Quang Nam Province, have also been restored. Tree-lined: The path leads to a village gate built using bamboo and brick tiles. They were made from millions of coconut shells, instead of the traditional palm leaves, creating a unique decoration for the location. Vo Van Binh, who worked at restoring one of the roofs, said: "Co Tu ethnic people make their houses with bamboo and palm leaves but we want to create an extraordinary house in the area. "Three houses are built in the shape of a conical hat, which we will preserve. They serve as the cooking area and restaurant." The staff also protect a century-old bamboo house – the oldest in the province. All furniture and kitchen utensils in the house are on display, and visitors can see the ancient wood-fuel stove in action as it is kept burning all day. Nguyen Tran Viet, a tour operator from Ha Noi, said: "I get a great impression from the house with the roof made of coconut shells. "It's an extraordinary design and unique creation which I am sure will lure the visitors." Viet said, however, that the area was very poor and had yet to develop products and recreation activities. His company planned to include a tour of the site as an option. "It's suitable for a half-day tour or a quick visit," he said. Meanwhile, the provincial department of culture, sport and tourism is pushing the Vinahouse Space as more than just a quick visit. They want it to be a new tourist destination in itself, and have included a craft centre to introduce products from nearby Kim Bong Village. Vinh said: "We really need to promote the carpentry of Hoi An. However, the space is quite small for a large introduction of the craft. "We also want to include local art performance and other recreation activities." Kim said cooking classes were already operating as part of the push for diverse attractions, and proving an ideal introduction to the local food. "We introduce my quang (local rice noodles) and barbecued Cau Mong veal – two specialties of Quang Nam Province," she said. Vinahouse Space, which debuted last month, is expecting at least 600 visitors a month.

Caramelized pork spare ribs recipe

A very simple dish with familiar ingredients can be delicious meal for your family.

Ingredients:
500g pork spare ribs (1.1lb)
1 tsp minced garlic
1 tsp minced shallot (or white part of spring onion)
1/2 tsp salt
1/2 tsp pepper
1 tsp seasoning powder (eg. Knorr - this is optional)
1 tbsp sugar
chopped spring onion or cilantro to garnish

How to make

Chop the ribs into 1.5-inch (4cm) pieces. Soak the ribs in slightly salted water for 15 minutes (or boil for 2-3 mins) to reduce bad smell. Rinse well and drain. 

Marinate with 1 tsp minced garlic, 1 tsp minced spring onion (white part only), 1/2 tsp salt, 1/2 tsp pepper, 1/2 tsp seasoning powder. Mix well and set aside for 15 minutes.

Heat a medium sauce pan on medium heat, add in 1 tbsp cooking oil, and 1 tbsp sugar. Wait until the sugar melts and turns into caramel color. Then add the marinated ribs and stir-fry until the color outside changes. 

Add 1/2 cup water (use coconut water for better result) and bring to boil. Cover the lid and cook on medium low for 25 minutes. Then open the lid and continue to simmer for another 25 minutes or until the sauce thickens.

Transfer to serving plate and garnish with black pepper, chopped spring onion or cilantro. Serve with hot steamed rice.

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DAI BI PAGODA IN KY LAN MOUNTAIN

 Dai Bi pagoda is located in the southern of Thanh Hoa city, at the foot of Ky Lan mountain. Its another name is Mat pagoda.

Landscape here captivates many tourists visiting here. In 1619, Prince Le Duy Ky became the king, having the title of Le Than Tong. He was the only king of Le Trung Hung dynasty who was choosen to be the king two times (the first time was from 1619 to 1643, the second time was from 1649 to 1662) and reigned the country in 38 years. On occasion of visiting Thanh Hoa, he was attracted by imposing beauty of Ky Lan mountain. Therefore, he ordered to build a pagoda next to the mountain and named it Dai Bi pagoda. The pagoda has a sanctum with three rooms,  being about 200 meters from Kenh Vi. The yard of the pagoda has many stone artifacts such as elephant, horse, and stone stele. According to Vietnamese history, in 1927 March 24th, despite the prohibition of the French colonialists, 200 students in Thanh Hoa came to Dai Bi pagoda to commemorate Phan Boi Chau. In 1945 August 19th, the Vietnamese flag flied on Ky Lan mountain as a signal of a new era of national independence and freedom. Currently, the area of Dai Bi pagoda – Ky Lan mountain has been ranked as the provincial historical monuments by Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism of Thanh Hoa.

Gao Giong Eco-Tourism

Gao Giong Eco-tourim is situated in Hamlet 6, Gao Giong Commune, Cao Lanh District in Dong Thap Province, about 20km from the centre of Cao Lanh city. With a beautiful and charming landscape, Gao Giong Eco-tourim is considered the miniature of Dong Thap Muoi in the western region in South Vietnam.

From Cao Lanh, tourists follow a beautiful stretch of road on Highway 30 to arrive in Gao Giong Eco-Tourism Area – the lung of the area of Dong Thap Muoi. The green oasis-like area is divided into four areas with over 70km of canals and 20km of self-contained dikes. The mangrove forest in Gao Giong covers 1,700ha, including 250ha of primitive forest that creates a wild beauty.

Part of Gao Giong Eco-Tourism Area seen from above. Photo: Le Minh 

Tourists visit Gao Giong Eco-Tourism Area by a sampan. Photo: Le Minh
An observatory in Gao Giong Eco-Tourism Area. Photo: Le Minh 
Tourists take beautifull photos from the observatory. Photo: Le Minh 
Tourists discover the cajeput forest using a sampan. Photo: Le Minh 
Peaceful scenery in the cajeput forest. Photo: Le Minh 
The entrance gate of Gao Giong Eco-Tourism Area. Photo: Le Minh
Thatched houses in  Gao Giong Eco-Tourism Area.
The locals earn their living by catching fish in the eco-tourism area. Photo: Le Minh

Standing on the observatory in the middle of the eco-tourism area, tourists have a birds’-eye-view of an immense area with the distinctive landscape of Dong Thap Muoi that was lively reflected in the famous Vietnamese film, called “Canh Dong Hoang” (Wild Field) by late People’s Artist Hong Sen. The film script was written by writer Nguyen Quang Sang.

On small sampans rowed by gentle women on criss-crossing canals through thick mangrove forests, tourists arrive in a 40ha bird sanctuary, one of the “must-see” destinations in the eco-tourism area.

Visiting the bird sanctuary in the early morning or late afternoon, tourists will be amazed at the animated and noisy scene of thousands of birds hovering above a corner of the forest. The bird sanctuary has now over 200 species of birds, including many listed on the Vietnam and the World Red Books, such as O tac (Otididae), Nhan diem and Giang sen (Mycteria leucocephala) . The area is also the habitat of dozens of water birds, such as Trich mong do, Lesser, whistling ducks, wild ducks, and tens of thousands of white egrets so the area is considered the largest habitat of white egrets in Dong Thap Muoi.

The area is also famous for a plentiful resource of aquatic products, including snakeheads, anabas and That lat(Notopteridae) and especially Rohu from the shallow lake in western Cambodia. Gao Giong is most beautiful in flood season with an immense area covered with the yellow of Dien dien (Sesbania sesban) flower, the red of water-lilies, the violet of Giant Crape-myrtle, the pink of lotus and the green of mangrove forest. All form a romantic colourful natural painting hardly seen anywhere else.

Grilled snakehead, a specailty of Dong Thap Muoi. Photo: File 
Steamed snails with a speacial taste. Photo: Le Minh 
A delicious dish in the area. Photo: File

Visiting the area, tourists will have a chance to learn about the daily life of people in the watery area and enjoy delicious dishes, such as grilled snakehead, sour soup of Dien dien flowers and steamed snails with a special taste.
Established in March 2003, Gao Giong Eco-Tourism Area is now a favourite destination of both domestic and foreign tourists to the western region of South Vietnam.