The 60th anniversary of Hanoi’s Liberation Day

By Hoàn Kiếm lake in Hanoi's center
This shot was taken on evening 8 October when
I went down to Hanoi's center with my parents.

10 October 2014 - Today we celebrate the 60th anniversary of Hanoi’s Liberation Day. On 9 October 1954 the French troops left Hanoi and the war against the French was going to an end. Next day the Vietnamese soldiers came into Hanoi from different directions and they were happily greeted by the Hanoians. There are many activities in Hanoi these days and I saw many foreign tourists around Hoan Kiem lake in Hanoi's center. Some Vietnamese students approached to talk with them. The streets are decorated with flowers and colorful lights at night as well as flags everywhere. You can go to see photo exhibitions, music concerts or fireworks at 30 different locations in and around the city tonight.

Angsana Lang Co launches Summer offer for local Vietnamese market

Angsana Lang Co, located within Laguna Lang Co – Vietnam’s first world-class integrated resort, has launched an attractive offer for local residents to experience an activity-filled getaway amidst peaceful seclusion in the heart of central Vietnam.

From now until end of August 2013, Vietnamese citizens and resident expatriates can now enjoy a rate of VND 2.52 million nett per night for a Deluxe room in the most stylish resort to open in Vietnam this year. Offer includes breakfast for two persons and is subject to 5 per cent service charge and 10 per cent government tax.

The Ancient Pagoda of Van Nien

Van Nien Pagoda is located on Lac Long Quan Road to the west of the West Lake in Hanoi. The thousand-year-old pagoda is considered one of the most famous ones in the old capital of Thang Long.

According to historical records, Van Nien Pagoda was constructed in the 2nd Thuan Thien under the Ly Dynasty, one year after King Ly Thai To moved the capital from Hoa Lu to Thang Long. Previously, the pagoda was called Van Tue and situated in Quan La, present-day Ve Ho Village, Xuan La Ward, Tay Ho District.

The book entitled “Thang Long Co Tich Khao” says: “In the 5th year of Ly Thuan Thien (1014), Most Venerable Monk Huu Nhai, Patriarch of the Vietnam Buddhist Sangha asked the king to establish a makeshift platform in the pagoda to organize rites for those who wanted to follow the Buddhist religion. The king issued an edict to agree with the monk’s suggestion”. This fact shows that the pagoda was probably built before the Ly Dynasty because at that time it became the favourite place for many venerable monks to stay and lead a religious life.

The ancient scroll of letters at the sanctum inVan Nien Pagoda.

The ancient three-door gate of Van Nien Pagoda.

Bac Son rice fields in harvest season

The town of Bac Son in the northern border Lang Son is located in a large valley surrounded by high mountains. The valley is magically beautiful in the harvest season.

Bac Son is approximately 160 km from Hanoi. The first impression when you come here is the pure and cool climate, the fresh and wild of rocky mountains and slippery slopes.

 

Bac Son Valley with vast rice fields and the charming scenery at dawn. This small town is surrounded by limestone mountains.

How to make BUN BO HUE - Vietnamese Spicy Beef Noodle Soup

This dish originates from Hue - the old capital city of Vietnam. It is loved by people in other regions for the bold flavors.

Video by: Helen

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

 

If you recreate any of my recipes, please share a photo of your food on social media by inserting #HelenRecipes. Your food will be featured in my video someday ;)
Ingredients: For 6-8 servings (1kg = 2,2 lb)
- 1kg pork trotters (pig's front feet)
- 1kg beef shank
- 1kg beef/pork bone
- 1kg rice vermicelli noodle
- 5 stalk lemon grass
- 1tbsp minced lemongrass
- 1tbsp minced garlic
- 1tbsp minced shallot
- 1tbsp chili powder
- fresh greens: herbs (mint, Viet mint rau ram, Thai basil), bean sprout, banana blossom, shredded lectuce/ cabbage, split water spinach etc.
- lime, sugar, salt, fish sauce
- 2 tbsp Vietnamese shrimp sauce (mam ruoc)
-Optional: blood cubes, Vietnamese shrimp patties, Vietnamese ham

Foreign visitor arrivals up

Foreign tourists in Nha Trang City. The country welcomed over 6 million visitors in the first nine months of the year. — VNS Photo Truong Vi

HA NOI  (VNS) — Vietnam welcomed more than 6 million international arrivals during the first nine months of 2014, up by 10.42 per cent compared to the same period last year. 

The number of domestic tourists hit 32.4 million during the same period, an increase of 7.6 per cent, according to the Viet Nam National Administration of Tourism (VNAT).
Tourism has generated VND179 trillion (US$8.44 billion) so far this year, a year-on-year rise of 19.24 per cent.

Tasting Banh Duc (Plain rice flan)

“Bánh đúc lạc” is the most popular in the north and it is considered one of the most rustic and simple cakes in Hanoi cuisine

It is considered one of the most rustic and simple cakes in Hanoi cuisine, but the way to serve it varies thanks to Hanoian gastronomists. “Bánh đúc lạc” is the most popular in the north.

The main ingredients are non-glutinous rice flour or corn-flour and peanut.