“Triumphant Smile”

11 years ago, Vietnam Pictorial did an article about Mrs. VoThiThang who is famous for “Triumphant Smile” which was deeply imprinted in the memory of the times. On August 22, she passed away at the age of 69. To honour her, Vietnam Pictorial would like to introduce to readers the article printed on Vietnam Pictorial No.3, 2003.

Mrs.Vo Thi Thang (in 2003). Photo: VNP's file

How could a young girl just over 20, sentenced to 20 years’ hard labour, have such a gentle and innocent smile of self-confidence! That’s why, some wonder whether or not Vo Thi Thang was real; her smile had become virtually surreal. However, to those who know the land and the people living on this soil, this is quite simple and understandable. That smile belongs to Mother – the Vietnamese Motherland.

Vietnamese Crispy Spring Roll - Nem rán / Chả giò

Vietnamese Crispy Spring Roll - Nem rán / Chả giò

Video by: Helen

Chanel Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/user/HelenRecipes

Full recipe at (Xem cong thuc day du tai) http://danangcuisine.com/?p=3797

► GET MY COOKBOOK here: http://danangcuisine.com/cookbook/
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Hoi An Cuisine Culture Space

 Located on a quiet alley on Cach Mang Thang Tam Road, District 3, Ho Chi Minh City, Hoi An or Hoai Pho Restaurant with its space and décor reminds people of the peaceful scenery of old streets and the Hoai River running through the ancient town of Hoi An.

Hoi An is well-known for its pure beauty of an ancient and pensive town with the peaceful Hoai River. For this reason, when visiting the restaurant people will feel close and familiar with its space and architecture.

The gate at Hoi An Restaurant is similar to Ngo Mon (Moon Gate) in the Imperial Capital of Hue.

Exquisite Pieces of Fruit Art

Every year starting in June, many localities in southern Vietnam start the harvest of fruit which not only brings farmers high economic value but also is an abundant material resource for artists to create various unique and gorgeous pieces of work.

Fruit is beautiful in its own right, but when it is carved into art, the results can be magnificent. The art of arranging and carving fruits and vegetables into beautiful artwork has existed for a long time in the spiritual and cultural life of Vietnamese people that can be seen through five-fruit trays on special occasions, such as Tet and other ceremonies. Today, it has become more popular, particularly in the fruit tree growing regions, such as Binh Duong, Dong Nai, Tien Giang and Vinh Long in the south. 

The Southern Fruit Festival is held annually at the Suoi Tien Amusement Park that attracts a large number of tourists. During the festival, tourists see many exquisite pieces of fruit art. It takes artists’ time and effort to create beautiful artwork.

Culture values and customs family

The family is the most important of all social units in Vietnam. In contrast to the focus on individualism in the West, the close-knit family is the basic unit in Vietnamese society.

"Hieu", or filial piety, is one of the basic virtues. This refers to the idea of love, care, and respect that children give their parents. This obligation is unconditional, even in the case of a parent who abandons the children or does not fulfill his or her parental duties. Children are taught this virtue from a very young age. The socialization process normally begins at home with the teachings from grandparents and parents. This educational process continues throughout a child`s early years and is reinforced throughout all the social institutions.

Exhibition showcasing 104 photos of General Vo Nguyen Giap

PANO - The exhibition, titled “Vo Nguyen Giap, the People’s General” celebrating the General’s 104^th birthday (August 25^th) opened in Hanoi on August 24^th by the Capital Veterans’ Newspaper and the Hanoi Art Photographers’ Association. 
 

On display are 104 photos of General Vo Nguyen Giap at different moments. The photos were taken by photographic artist, Lieutenant Colonel Nguyen Trong Nghi during nearly 15 past years. 

This is the 3^rd time photographer Nguyen Trong Nghi has exhibited his photos of General Vo Nguyen Giap. The two previous exhibitions under the theme “General Vo Nguyen Giap with Truong Son Troops” and “General Vo Nguyen Giap with Veterans” were in 2009 and 2012, respectively.

Đông Hồ woodblock paintings

Đông Hồ woodblock painting

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"Hứng dừa" - coconut catching.

On my trip to Bắc Ninh province last week, I bought some Đông Hồ woodblock paintings. This is the most famous traditional painting style in northern Vietnam which has experienced 400-year history. The paintings are drawn on "Dó" (poonah) papers with coloring from pigments in half-baked bricks, tree leaves, ground coal, roots and resin. They reflect the aspirations of the people for peace, prosperity and happiness.

The village that specializes in making these paintings is Đông Hồ village in Thuận Thành district, Bắc Ninh province, 40km from Hanoi. Previously, it was called "Mái" village. It's a beautiful village by the Đuống river which still preserves some cultural heritages of the Kinh Bắc area.

Photos No. 7 - 12 in this blog were taken at the Museum of Ethnology in Hanoi on 30 January 2009 during our lunar New Year festival (Tết 2009) and they show how to make the paintings. Each artist is in charge of a part of the paintings and they are using wooden moulds. The papers they use are "giấy điệp" (poonah papers covered with mixture of sea shell powder and sticky liquid). After printing, they brush the rear surfaces, so that the ink on the moulds can stick into the papers. When the paintings are complete, they dry them in the sun.

Đông Hồ woodblock painting
"Chọi trâu" - buffalo fighting.

The subjects of Đông Hồ woodblock paintings are dreams in the daily life, national heroes, or landscape, flowers, birds and animals symbolizing the 4 seasons. The 8 Đông Hồ woodblock paintings in my blog are the buffalo fighting (chọi trâu), chicken family (gà đàn), pig family (lợn đàn), little girl holds a duck (em bé gái ôm vịt), little boy with flute on a buffalo (em bé chăn trâu thổi sáo), swinging (đánh đu), lovers fighting because of jealousy (đánh ghen), coconut catching (hứng dừa). They are the symbols of happy family, prosperity, development, life in the countryside, as well as the sense of humor in Vietnamese culture.


Blog about my trip to Đông Hồ village in 2014: Đông Hồ painting village &Chuôn Ngọ village

Tranh dân gian Đông Hồ

Đông Hồ woodblock painting
"Em bé chăn trâu thổi sáo" (little boy with flute
on a buffalo) - symbol of life in the countryside.
This lunar year 2009 is the Year of the Buffalo,
 so this painting is very popular in Vietnam.

Tranh Đông Hồ là tranh khắc gỗ in trên giấy "điệp". Tranh Đông Hồ màu in trước, nét in sau. Tờ tranh có bao nhiêu màu thì in bấy nhiêu lần ván màu. Giấy in tranh là giấy "dó" dai bền, trên mặt giấy quét phủ một lớp màu trắng óng ánh, mịn màng như
 lụa, đó là tinh chất của mai con điệp ở ngoài biển hoà quyện cùng bột hồ nếp thơm, tạo cho tờ giấy "dó" cứng xốp và nổi lên chất nghệ thuật đặc sắc của những thô điệp. Sắc màu của tranh Đông Hồ rất đặc biệt, đó là sự hoà quyện của những sắc màu cổ truyền tươi tắn của những cây cỏ rất dễ tìm ở mỗi vùng quê Việt Nam. Màu son được khai thác từ đất đá của đồi núi, màu vàng được lấy từ hoa hoè. Tất cả các nguyên liệu làm tranh đều có sẵn trong tự nhiên và các bức tranh có màu sắc rất bền và đẹp, không dễ bị phai nhạt bởi ánh sáng và thời gian.

Nội dung tranh dân gian Đông Hồ rất phong phú, có tranh phản ánh cuộc sống sinh hoạt dân dã (em bé chăn trâu thổi sáo, em bé chăn trâu thả diều, chọi trâu, múa rồng, múa lân, bịt mắt bắt dê, rước rồng, đấu vật, kéo co...), có tranh miêu tả các anh hùng lịch sử (Đinh Bộ Lĩnh cưỡi rồng sang sông, Hai Bà Trưng, Bà Triệu...), các câu chuyện cổ tích (Thạch Sanh, Tấm Cám...), hay phong cảnh cỏ cây hoa lá phối hợp với chim muông, cầm thú tượng trưng cho 4 mùa (chim công, tứ quý...).

Đông Hồ woodblock painting
"Lợn đàn" (pig family) - symbol of prosperity.

Hình ảnh những em bé bụ bẫm, khoẻ mạnh hay những con vật quen thuộc thường xuất hiện trong loại tranh "chúc phúc" thể hiện ước vọng hạnh phúc từ bao đời của người dân. "Em bé trai ôm gà trống" biểu hiện lời cầu chúc mọi người, mọi nhà có con trai khoẻ mạnh, lớn lên sẽ vinh hiển với đủ đức tính tốt, văn, võ, duy, nhân, tín. "Em bé gái ôm vịt" biểu hiện đức tính của nữ giới về sự phong lưu, hiền dịu, đông con. "Em bé ôm cóc" biểu hiện ước mong đứa bé lớn lên gan dạ, dũng cảm, giàu có và nhân nghĩa. "Em bé ôm rùa" tượng trưng cho ước mong khoẻ mạnh và sống lâu. Tranh "gà trống" oai vệ, hùng dũng biểu tượng cho sự thịnh vượng và có ý chúc mừng mọi người, mọi nhà đón xuân tốt lành. Tranh "gà đàn" có ý nghĩa chúc tụng mọi người về hạnh phúc gia đình, vợ chồng hoà thuận, con cái đông vui quấn quít bên nhau. Tranh "lợn đàn" là biểu tượng của sự sung túc, no đủ. Khoáy âm dương trên mình lợn ngụ ý sự phát triển, sinh sôi, nảy nở.

Bài viết về chuyến đi đến Làng tranh Đông Hồ vào năm 2014: Đông Hồ painting village & Chuôn Ngọ village

Hanoi_girl 

Source: travelblog.org

A Tour to Ngoc Vung Island

Ngoc Vung Island is about 50km away from the tourist wharf of Ha Long. Ngoc Vung (halo of a gem) Island in Van Don District, Quang Ninh Province has a natural beautiful landscape, attracting a great number of visitors.

Its name comes from the fact that in the old days this area had many categories of rare and precious oysters whose pearls brightened the whole area. Today, people in the surrounding area still dive for oysters to retrieve the pearls, although the oyster-rearing farms for pearls are developing.

Rowing kayaks to explore Cong Do fishing village.

Mui Ne rated 2nd most beautiful beach in Southeast Asia

Mui Ne beach in the central province of Binh Thuan has been rated by travel guide Canadian Travellers as one of the 11 most beautiful beaches in Southeast Asia.— Photo muinebayresort.com

BINH THUAN  (VNS) — Mui Ne beach in the central province of Binh Thuan has been rated by travel guide Canadian Travellers as one of the 11 most beautiful beaches in Southeast Asia.

It ranks second behind only Koh Lipe, a Thai island in the southern Andaman Sea.
The magazine says: "Mui Ne... has slowly been becoming the top getaway in Vietnam, but while a few boutique resorts have popped up along the white sand beaches, the area has yet to go tourist crazy.
"The beach is right by the town of Phan Thiet, a humble little fishing port. If you like fresh seafood, wander into town to sample the local catch of the day."
From third in the list are Tanjung Rhu (Malaysia), Menjangan Island (Indonesia), Ko Yung (Thailand), Koh Rong (Cambodia), Coron (Philippines), Kuta (Indonesia), Camiguin (Philippines), Gili Trawangan (Indonesia), and Ko Phangan (Thailand). — VNS 

Source: http://vietnamnews.vn

Hanoi Tumeric Fish with Dill - Cha Ca La Vong

This legendary iconic dish of Hanoi is listed by a few books and TV Programs to be one of the things you have to try before you die.

Video by: Helen

Chanel Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/user/HelenRecipes

Full recipe at (Xem cong thuc day du tai) http://danangcuisine.com/?p=519

Ingredients
500 g tilapia/ling/snakehead/catfish fillet cut into 1x2 inch cubes
1 tsp turmeric powder
3 tbsp minced galangal
2 tsp rice flour
1 tbsp plain yoghurt
1 tsp mam tom (Vietnamese shrimp paste) or fish sauce
1 tbsp vegetable oil
½ tsp ground pepper

Ngoc Lang temple – an old trace on the ancient land

Ngoc Lang temple (Ngoc Lang village, Binh Ngoc commune, Tuy Hoa city) has been a cultural-historical site for a long time, a cultural-belief activities’ venue of the local community associated with Ngoc Lang land’s formation and development.

Comtemporary NgocLang Temple

Ngoc Lang temple is situated in an area of about 3,000m2, surrounded by lush fields and gardens, lots of houses. The temple faces the South,  opposite Da Rang river, and Da Bia mountain far like a front-shielding.

Ngoc Lang temple is built in accordance to the traditional architecture, including three chambers, tile-roof, roof top decorated with “luong long trieu nguyet” (two dragons at two sides of the moon), the front side was simply decorated with three National language’s words “Dinh Ngoc Lang”, while the inside, above the main doorwith three Chinese words “Ngoc Lang Dinh”. Either side of the two walls is the remains of the old architecture from the late 19th century, 0.4 m thick, built of compounds.

On the walls of the corridor’s two ends still remain two “phu dieu” panes of the door-guarding deity with the majestic look. The altar inside the temple worships the “bai vi” of those leading to the development of  the new land and establishment of villages, including Le Van Xuyen, Le Thi Loi and Le Luu. Ngoc Lang temple also worships the White Horse deity, a Vietnamese people’s important belief.

Weekend at Khoang Xanh & Thác Đa

Khoang Xanh - March 2009

Sunday 15 March 2009 - I traveled with my parents and their friends to Khoang Xanh and Thác Đa, which are located 50km from Hanoi's center. Both places are famous for the waterfalls and hot spring/mud bath services, however we are now in the dry season, so there are not much water at the waterfalls.

We left Hanoi at 6:30am and arrived back on the same day at 6:30pm. I climbed up the rocks at Khoang Xanh, but there were not much to see so I decided to go down. The lake and another little waterfall are the places where I met a local photographer and he helped me take some beautiful photos of my orange traditional dress Áo Dài. Often I choose a bright place for taking photos, but this photographer advised me to stand in the shadow and his advice really worked this time. When I offered him a tip, he refused and walked away. I am always touched by the kindness of friendly locals wherever I travel.

While my parents and their friends stayed at Khoang Xanh and danced with their own music (CD), I walked 2km with two girls to Thác Đa, which is another site near Khoang Xanh.

Hanoi Seen from Above

In the period of integration, Hanoi seems to have a new appearance, more modern and dynamic that is clearly seen through a series of new construction projects, particularly since Hanoi expanded its administrative boundary (August 1, 2008 - August 1, 2013).

To meet the requirement for development, improve the lives of the urban capital residents and beautify the landscape of the capital, the city authority has focused on building a modern and synchronous infrastructure, new urban areas and trade centres.

Seen from above, Hanoi looks like a colourful painting, worthy to be the cultural, political, economic centre and the “heart” of the country.

Seen from above, Hoan Kiem Lake looks beautiful with colourful flowers. Photo: VNP’s file

Vietnamese Baguette (Banh Mi)

Bread and wheat products occupy a unique position in the cuisines of every country on Earth. From Europe to Asia, Africa to America, everybody loves bread, and certainly, Vietnamese is no exception. Although bread made of wheat and rice flour is not the tradition dish, it plays an essential role in Vietnam daily life.

Vietnamese baguette in the past
Vietnam has a long history as an agriculture country with rice being the main staple. Not until 1859 when the French colonials entered Southern Vietnam did bread appear widely throughout the country.
An imported food, bread speedily became popular and assimilated in Vietnam. The most apparent evidence is the shape of the bread, which is typically small and long. Vietnamese bread originally came from the bread made à-la- Françe!, the kingdom of bread, yet Banh mi in Vietnam was first made for the working class such as drivers, porters, blue-collar workers. That accounts for the reason why “banh mi Viet Nam” had the shape of a baguette instead of a bun or roll. With the shape of a baguette, it would be much easier for people to hold it by one hand and eat while working. Through times, the plain French baguette has adapted in various ways to become the present “Banh mi Viet Nam”.

Distinctive “Banh mi Vietnam”
The very first thing about “banh mi Vietnam” that amazes foreign travelers is that they can hardly find Vietnamese-style baguette in a shiny shop, in which cakes and fancy Western bread with pretty high price are displayed for sale.

Banh mi Vietnam can be purchased right at the roadside stalls or from the street vendors, in many the alleys of the city or even in the bus terminals and train station. Small freshly hot baguettes are kept warm in the red hot coal brazier; or inside the bamboo basket fully covered with a woolen blanket.
Not only foreigners feel nostalgic when hearing the voices of street vendors resounding on every alley of Hanoi “Crisply hot bread for sale! Crisply hot bread for sale” (Bánh mì nóng giòn nào!) but Vietnamese loves that as well.
Years ago, when Hanoi was quieter, the cry of the street vendors is considered a symbol of tranquility. Even now, it still invokes special feelings among Hanoians, especially those who come back to visit Hanoi after a long time living far away from the city. Those sellers have become a typical image of the good old days, of the past full of unforgettable memories.

“Banh mi Viet Nam” is also special for its diverse tastes. Those who have taken a bite of Vietnamese baguette will never forget the crunchiness of the crust since it is very light, airy and crispy. Bakers making Vietnamese-style baguette does not add butter, shortening or chicken fat. The dough contains only wheat, rice flour and quick-rise yeast. “Banh mi Viet Nam” has a pretty low price, only VND2000-VND3000 per loaf, which answers the question why Vietnamese rarely bake their own bread at home.
Vietnamese baguette is also very versatile, and it can be served any time of the day. Moreover, depending on their personal taste, people can enjoy their Banh mi in their own way: with fried eggs, liver pâté, mayonnaise or even condensed milk. There are many “versions” of “banh mi Viet Nam” that each area has its individually famous kind, which can even stunningly astonish Western travellers coming from the motherland of bread.

Recipes
If you are keen on making your own Vietnamese bread, click here for the recipe of Banh mi Vietnam.

Source: vietnamfood.org

Awakening the “Land of the Dragon”

The island district of Van Don is considered the “land of the dragon” because this area is related to the legend about the place where a mother dragon landed (Ha Long Bay) and her children flanked her (Bai Tu Long Bay). The district consists of 600 small and big islands mostly lying in Bai Tu Long Bay and partly in Ha Long Bay. That’s why the “land of the dragon” will become a special administrative - economic zone in the near future and is attracting the attention of people

The “land of the dragon” is moving

«     Van Don District is situated in the east and southeast of Quang Ninh Province, about 50km from Ha Long City. It covers an area of 551.3km2 and has a population of about 40,000 people. It has one town named Cai Rong and 11 communes. »

In 2006, Van Don, one of the largest island districts in Vietnam, was approved to develop into Van Don Economic Zone by the Prime Minister. Recently, the Politburo decided to develop it into Van Don Special Administrative–Economic Zone, and this northeastern “front post” has started to change rapidly.

More than 800 years ago, King Ly Anh Tong ordered workers to build Van Don into the first international trading port of Dai Viet (former name of Vietnam) in the 12^th century and it became a centre for trading with other countries in East Asia and in the world, such as Japan, China, India, Thailand and Indonesia. However, it was not until the Tran Dynasty (13^th century) that Van Don really flourished and became the largest port in the country with typical cultural features of the sea and islands in the northeast.

Van Don District has a lot of advantages in maritime, air and road transport. It is the hub of the economic corridor, including the Vietnam – China economic belt, the Nanning – Singapore economic corridor and the key economic zone in the north (Hanoi–Hai Phong–Quang Ninh). These are outstanding advantages of this island district.

In addition, it is endowed by nature with a source of sea food, rich in both quantity and variety. This source brings great revenue and creates a basis for the district to develop aquaculture, which is the district’s strength. Along the coast of Quan Lan and Minh Chau Communes there are silica sand beaches which are dozens of meters long. They serve as a source of materials exploited and provided for most the glass factories in the north by Van Hai Viglacera Company. So Van Don is called a “kingdom of white sand” in Vietnam.

With advantageous geography and natural resources Van Don has changed significantly in the past few years, especially after the Prime Minister decided to develop it into Van Don Economic Zone. It has continually received investment to upgrade infrastructures and material facilities with large-scale projects on “clearing the way” and “building the foundation”.

Party General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong makes an inspection visit to Van Don Special Administrative-Economic Zone. Photo: Tri Dung - VNA Van Don Island District consists of 600 islands and places which are related to the legend of dragon. Photo: Trong Chinh

Xuan Dai Bay - A Gift Endowed to Phu Yen by The Nature

Arriving at Phu Yen, a province situated in South-Central Coast of Vietnam, a large number of tourists in Vietnam travel has been fascinated with the scenery of the sea, the mountains, the sky and the clouds of Xuan Dai bay together with the famous special foods here. The Bay is known as the the gift endowed to Phu Yen by the nature.

Traveling about 45 kilometers to the north of Tuy Hoa city, tourists in Vietnam travel will stop at Xuan Dai Bay. The National Highway 1A runs along the western bank of Xuan Dai bay, to the North and to the South, on arriving at the top of Doc Gang slope, visitors can easily enjoy a partial view of Xuan Dai bay. Boats and ships can enter from the estuary of the bay or exit from the ports of Dan Phuoc, Tien Chau, etc make a sightseeing tour around the entire bay.

The surface area of the bay is about 13.000 acres. The estuary of the bay is about 4.4 kilometers wide, with the depth from 7 meters to 18 meters; the bank of the bay is about 50 kilometers long, running through various areas of different terrain with rather interesting names such as Ganh Den (light reef), Mui Da Ong (Laterite Cape), Ganh Den (Black reef), Ganh Do (Red reef), Vung Lam bay, Vung Mam bay, Vung Dong bay, Vung Su bay, Vung Chao bay, Vung Me bay, Vung La bay, Bai Om beach, Tu Nham beach, Dong Tranh cape, Ganh Tuong cape, Hon Mom islet, Tai Ma cape, Ganh Ba reef, Ong Xa islet, Nhat Tu Son island, Con Ca islet.

On the south-east side of the bay are Da Dia reef, Hon Lao Mai Nha islet; In the north are Tu Nham beach, Cu Mong lagoon, Vung Vuong bay, Bai Tram beach, Bai Nom beach, in the sea there are various coral reefs and sea-weeds.

The scenery of the sea, the mountains, the sky and the clouds of Xuan Dai bay together with the famous special foods here such as jumping oysters, perfume snails, shrimps, etc has been fascinating so many poets and tourists in Vietnam travel:

Xuan Dai bay surrounded by mountains and sea
The natural landscape recalled
The vestiges of the ancient God temple
And Tien Chau boat festival
The two rivers join into one with the tide up and down
With reefs of scattered rocks on three sides
Green sea-pines on white sand ground
The forest in the natural site

Xuan Dai bay has witnessed a lot of historic events: in the years of 1775 “ 1801, there was a sea-battle between the Tay Son army and the Nguyen Dynasty; during the World War II, the navy ship of the Japanese Royal Ship was sunk in the middle of Xuan Dai bay by the allied war-planes; Vung Lam bay used to be the most bustling trading port of Phu Yen in the past, the door connecting Phu Yen to the outer trading worlds.

Near Xuan Dai bay, there are famous landscapes such as Da Dia reef, O Loan lagoon, Cu Mong lagoon, etc, which are ideal places for organizing various types of tourism activities such as mountain climbing, sea-diving, boat-racing, wind-surfing and exploring the sea.

If you have never visited Phu Yen and come to Xuan Dai Bay before, now please come to Xuan Dai bay to explore and experience the gift endowed to Phu Yen by the nature.

Source: vietnamtourism.org.vn

The cult of worshiping the village`s tutelary genie

The cult of worshiping the tutelary genie was imported from China and had become part of Vietnamese people`s spiritual life and had been diversified.

The village`s tutelary genie can be a genie coming from heaven like Phu Dong Thien Vuong, a genie of mountain like Tan Vien, a peson who had a great contribution to the country like Ly Thuong Kiet, Tran Hung Dao, Yet Kieu, Da Tuong, and also some evils. There are a lot of mysterious or even illogical legends around these genies. Those titled by the King always represent the history, ethics, traditions and regulations of village. The tutelary has an invisible power that somehow manages the whole village in an orderly way.

Stir-fried Water Spinach with Garlic (Rau Muong Xao Toi)

Stir-fried Water Spinach with Garlic (Rau Muong Xao Toi)

Video by: Helen

Chanel Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/user/HelenRecipes

Ingredients

1 bunch water spinach (~ 700g)
5 cloves garlic
1 tbsp oyster sauce
fish sauce, salt, sugar, chicken stock to taste

Full recipe at (Xem cong thuc day du tai) http://danangcuisine.com/?p=2361

Plough Casting of the Mong Ethnic People

For a long time, the Mong people in Dong Van Karst Plateau in Ha Giang Province have preserved a technique of casting a special kind of plough that is suitable to rocky land.

With its great geological value, the plateau was officially recognized as a Global Geo-Park by the UNESCO Global Geo-parks Network (GGN) in 2010. It is the only certificate in Vietnam and the second in Southeast Asia.

Over the years, the plateau has been the home of ethnic groups, mainly the Mong people who survive by farming in rare plots scattered on rocky mountains. The image of the plateau is one of an immense, rugged, rocky, mountain area with a thin layer of land mixed with rock between mountain creeks. Therefore, it is very difficult for local people to farm. They cannot use the ploughs that are often used in the plains because the ploughs will break or become damaged by rocks.

Grinding clay to make the mould. Mixing the rock and oak charcoal flour to coat the casting mould. Making the mould smooth with a mixture of oak charcoal and rock flour. The mould consists of two pieces made from clay mixed with charcoal flour and rock flour and it is placed on a wooden stand. Grafting two pieces of the casting mould using a layer of clay. To cast a plough, it requires about 7kg of pig iron. Pouring the melting pig-iron into the mould. After three minutes, the plough can be taken out of the mould. At the market, each plough is sold for 350,000 VND.

Vietnam’s Territorial Map Collector

Prof. Nguyen Dinh Dau has devoted his whole life to conducting research on Vietnam’s territory and collecting old maps about Vietnam’s sea and islands, including those drawn by the Vietnamese, Chinese and people from western countries.

Prof. Nguyen Dinh Dau is famous in the field of geography and history and he is a dedicated scientist who has made important contributions to Vietnam’s sciences.

Nguyen Dinh Dau was born in 1920 in Hanoi and he studied at a French/Vietnamese primary school. From 1940-1941, he was assigned the task of drawing a map while following Hoang Dao Thuy, a famous revolutionist and culturist in Vietnam, to research the area surrounding the West Lake. At that time, he showed an interest in ancient maps about Vietnam.

Prof. Nguyen Dinh Dau at a press conference to introduce his book entitled “Vietnam’s Sovereignty in the East Sea and over Hoang Sa - Truong Sa Archipelagoes” in June 2014.             Prof. Nguyen Dinh Dau introduces an ancient map which depicts in detail Vietnam’s continental shelf, sea and islands.             Nguyen Dinh Dau’s book entitled “Vietnam’s Sovereignty in the East Sea and over Hoang Sa – Truong Sa Archipelagoes”.

After he graduated from the Science and Society Faculty of the Catholic University of Paris in 1953, Nguyen Dinh Dau lived and worked in Sai Gon, (present day Ho Chi Minh City). With his great passion and aptitude for drawing maps, he has made great efforts in researching Vietnamese history via ancient maps.

Prof. Nguyen Dinh Dau has so far collected over 3,000 old maps, including hundreds of precious ones which describe in detail Vietnam’s continental shelf and islands so they become a very useful material for Vietnamese researchers to give clear evidence to confirm Vietnam’s sovereignty over Hoang Sa and Truong Sa Archipelagoes. There are maps dating back to the 15th century and many others which the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment of Vietnam does not have. Most of the maps were bought from foreign countries and there is only one map from the National Library of France in Paris that he had to re-draw because he was not allowed to copy it.

Prof. Nguyen Dinh Dau said: “I consider maps an important means for research because maps help in explaining many issues related to history and geography. More importantly, maps are exact and scientific evidences which help find the truth in history.”
He also said that most of his researches are based on old maps and land registers in Vietnam. From the maps, he could tell much about the history of Vietnam as well as the historical ups and downs of the nation.

Through researching thousands of maps, he realised that almost all the Chinese maps about Vietnam from the 15th century, or earlier, to the early 20th century wrote the name of the sea east of Vietnam as Giao Chi Duong (Giao Chi is one of the names of Vietnam in the past) or Dong Duong Dai Hai or Dong Nam Hai. The map drawn by navigator Diogo Ribeiro from Portugal also wrote that the coast of Pracel is in the coastal province of Quang Ngai today. After discovering the Pracel Archipelago, known as Hoang Sa and Truong Sa by the western people, in the East Sea in 1525, Diogo Ribeiro defined the archipelagoes as part of Cochin (represented by phonetic symbols of Giao Chi by the westerners).

Speaking about Vietnam’s sovereignty over Hoang Sa and Truong Sa, Prof. Nguyen Dinh Dau cited some world maps made by westerners from the 16th to 19th century in which the Paracel or Pracel in the East Sea and the coast of Paracel was drawn on the coast of Quang Nam-Khanh Hoa Province in Vietnam. He also said that he has never seen any world maps that write the coast of Paracel in South China, in the Philippines or Malaysia. All show the fact that Hoang Sa and Truong Sa belong to Vietnam.

To make joint efforts with people nationwide to affirm Vietnam’s sovereignty over Hoang Sa and Truong Sa, at “Sea and Islands of Vietnam” week held in Ho Chi Minh City from June 1-8, Prof. Nguyen Dinh Dau showed the public his valuable book entitled “Vietnam’s Sovereignty in the East Sea and over Hoang Sa - Truong Sa”. His book focuses on two decisive factors of defining Vietnam’s sovereignty over territory and marine territory, including historical evidence and legal foundations. Therefore, his work is really a scientific and objective document system that helps scientists, authorities and viewers understand exactly and systematically issues related to Vietnam’s sovereignty over Hoang Sa and Truong Sa. His work also serves as a valuable scientific document during the process of resolving disputes in the East Sea according to international law.

Associate Prof. Phan Thanh Binh, Director of Ho Chi Minh City National University said: Dau’s work is not only a scientific research of high historical value but also shows the responsibility and the hard and serious work of a Vietnamese scientist. It is a precious work on the East Sea and Hoang Sa and Truong Sa of Prof. Nguyen Dinh Dau who has devoted his whole life to the documenting of Vietnam’s territory.”

Researcher Nguyen Dinh Dau was presented the Tran Van Giau Award in 2005 for his research relating to land registers in the Nguyen Dynasty in six provinces in the South and the 2008 Research Award granted by Phan Chu Trinh Cultural Foundation for his great contributions to the field of research. He also sets a national record for his book about official names and borders of Vietnam and collecting the largest number of ancient and modern maps about Vietnam’s Hoang Sa and Truong Sa Archipelagoes.

Story: Nguyen Vu Thanh Dat - Photos: Le Minh

Source: Vietnam Pictorial

Vietnamese Seafood

One of best delicious Vietnamese Street Food is Fresh Seafood. From the reason that Vietnam has a long coast from North to South, people can eat Seafood day by day. Many types of seafood from fishes to snails live in Sea of Vietnam. They can bring many delicious dishes for people especially young Vietnamese. Today, I will show you some photos about Cooking Vietnamese Seafood Dishes in many ways.

Firstly, best delicious Vietnamese Street Food about Seafood is Grilled Crab with Chili Sauce/Chili Powder.

Next, it is Alive Oyster with Lemon dish

Fried Blood Cockle with Garlic and Chili Sauce dish

Fried Blunt Greeper with Coconut Syrup dish, att some sliced chili and Persicaria leaves

Fried Mussel with Green Pepper, Red Chili and Garlic dish, use with pepper salt and some lemon drops.

Fried Periwinkle with Garlic, Peanut and Tamarind Syrup dish, use with Persicaria leave and pepper salt with some lemon drops. If you love spicy, you can add some sliced chili.

Fried Sweet Snail with Hot Chili Sauce dish, use with Persicaria leaves

Grilled Ark Shell with Spring Onion and Peanut dish, use with Persicaria leaves, pepper salt and some lemon drops

Grilled Scallop with Quail Egg and Spring Onion dish, this is one of my favorite Vietnamese Street Food

Grilled Hard Clam with Fried Onion dish, use with pepper salt and some lemon drops.

Grilled Scallop with Cheese dish, ise with sliced garlic and Persicaria leaves.

Grilled Scallop with Spring Onion and Peanut dish

Oyster Hot Rice Soup with Lemon Grass and Spring Onion dish, if you get hungry, you should eat this dish first. And then, you can eat seafood. It can protect your stomach does not get hurt.

Hard Clam Hot Rice Soup dish

Steamed Hard Clam with Lemon Grass dish, best way to eat this dish is in Rainy Days.

Steamed Quail Eggs with Pepper Salt and Lemon dish.

Finally but not last one is Grilled Squid with Chili Sauce. You can grill it when seller serve to you.

To sum up, there still has other Vietnamese Street Food about Seafood dishes in our Country. I will show you the way to cook them in next entry. Hope you have an amazing trip in Vietnam






                                                                                                                   Source: vietnamesefood.com.vn