Vietnam Holiday Tips: Six Sights and Experiences Not to Be Missed

Eternal green fields fused with the bustling metropolis of Vietnam make this Southeast Asian nation a feast for the eyes. After decades of unceasing wars, Vietnam has risen from the trenches as a triumphant country proud of its unique culture and history.

If you are taking a trip the cultural and vibrant Vietnam, here are some sights and experiences that are not to be missed.

Cu Chi Tunnels - Vietnam

Vestiges of the Past: The Cu Chi Tunnels

Witnessing some of the most gruesome encounters, take a tour on the former battlefields, foreign military bases, and national museums in the country to commemorate this time of courage. From the Cu Chi tunnels, My Lai, to the Khe Sanh grounds, you will instantly feel the cry to save the lives of people.

Holy Grounds: Temple Tours

A trip to Vietnam is partly synonymous to centuries-old architectural wonders of worship. Filled with Buddhist temples, entering these historic and highly-ornamented shrines offers a moment of tranquility on your journey.

Most notable are the One-Pillar Pagoda located above a lotus pond in Hanoi and the towering Thien Mu Pagoda in Hue constructed in 1601. Visitors should wear suitable clothing that covers most of the body when going inside these sacred sites.

Through the Waters: The Mekong Delta and Halong Bay

Whether buying goods from the floating market of Mekong Delta, or cruising on a luxurious ship in Halong Bay, the rivers flowing within Vietnam serve as the channel to view the most heart-stopping sights on the land. Its clear waters and white sand also provide for amazing beach holidays where diving is a must for every ocean adventurer.

Shopping Districts: Ho Chi Minh and Hanoi

Affordability is the selling point of Vietnam when it comes to top-quality garments, handicrafts, jewelry, paintings, and souvenir items. The cities of Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh come to life with a whole lot of products which you can get at a cheap price especially if bargaining is your prowess. Haggling is a typical scene in Vietnam but make sure to negotiate firmly but friendly, if possible, with a smile to boot. The conical hat and trademark ao dai costume are tourist favorites.

Founded on Festivals: Traditional Celebrations with Dance and Music

Sapa - North Vietnam

There is no better way to experience the Vietnemese culture than to take part in one of their many festivals throughout the year. From traditional ceremonies, vivid costumes, sports competitions, cultural music and dance, to special offerings, Vietnamese festivals pay tribute to ancestors, heroes, and the land's natural wealth. Undeniably the most-awaited celebration is the Tet or New Year festival which occurs around the end of January or early February.

Reaching the Peak: Sapa and Dalat

Tread the mountains of Vietnam for a closer look at its sweeping landscapes. The Sapa and Dalat regions are exciting destinations to breathe in the fresh air on top of the highlands. It is not surprising how mountain climbing and cycling have been a favorite for travelers as well as photographers from around the world.
Traveling to this land guarantees a rich learning experience of traditions carried by the enduring spirit of the Vietnamese people.

For an awesome customized tour anything from Japan Ski Packages to a Maldives Honeymoon, check out Lightfoot Travel at http://www.lightfoottravel.com.

Article Source: Kent_Tan

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Vietnam and Cambodia - Land of the Dragon

Hanoi Traffic

"I can't say what made me fall in love with Vietnam... (and Cambodia)... that everything is so intense... The colours, the taste, even the rain. Nothing like the...rain in London. They say whatever you're looking for, you will find here. They say you come to Vietnam and you understand a lot in a few minutes, but the rest has got to be lived. The smell: that's the first thing that hits you, promising everything in exchange for your soul. And the heat....You could be forgiven for thinking there was no war." These were the words of Thomas Fowler from the film, "The Quiet American," which so accurately sums up Vietnam. It is a land that captures the very essence of your soul and takes you on an unforgettable journey through the land of the dragon.

Ancient mythology tells us that the people of Vietnam are descendants of the Dragon Lord Lạc Long Qun and the Immortal Fairy u Cơ. They produced 100 children, 50 of whom lived with their mother in the mountains and the other 50, with their father in the sea. So steeped in mythology is the land of Vietnam that each area is shrouded in some story of mythological formation.

Landing in Hanoi, capital of Vietnam and home to about 3.7 million people and 1.2 million motor bikes, is like landing in the heart of a giant mosquito that never sleeps. Endless streams of bikes pass you by each day, with many families of 4 heading off on their daily chores. Farmers from surrounding areas meet at the "morning market at 03h00 and by 07h00 have cleared up and gone. At night, entire streets are transformed into night markets which trade until late in the evening. Unlike its sister city, Saigon, Hanoi has narrow streets and still retains some of its old city charm. The old quarter, often known as the "36 streets," dates back over 2000 years. The area was once home to numerous craft guilds which created work areas. When the streets were eventually named, each street was named after the craft sold along that street and so today, if you need shoes, you head for Hang Guay, and for jewellery, Hang Bac.

Leaving the bustle of the city behind and traveling northwards towards the sea, highway 5 takes you to a world Heritage site, and the tail of the "descending dragon." Halong Bay is an endless canvas of 1969 limestone islands, 989 of which have been named. Many of these islands are home to numerous caves, some of which can be visited on foot and others in the pleasant tranquility of a kayak.

According to local legend, Halong Bay was created by a family of dragons, sent by the gods to help protect the Vietnamese from Chinese invaders. The dragons spat out pears and jade stones which soon turned to a myriad of islands protecting the people from the invaders. Today, these very same islands provide a safe home to many small floating villages, the inhabitants of whom survive off the 200 species of fish and 450 different species of mollusks that the waters provide.

Far south of Halong Bay is the picturesque small historical town of Hoi An, where the "The Quiet American," was partially filmed. Between the 15th to 19th centuries the town served as one of South-East Asia's most important trading ports for spices and silk and today is still a traders paradise. Cars are banned and the narrow cobbled streets are lined with old buildings, temples, pagoda's and endless shops selling hand made trousers for $15, evening dresses for $25 and three-piece suits for $40. In the heart of the town is the Ving Hung Hotel, which served as the dressing room for Michael Caine during filming. Today, tourists jostle to book into the same room which overlooks the narrow bustling lantern lit streets below, which come alive during the festival of the full moon.

From the quiet tranquility of Hoi An, a short flight takes you in the belly of the dragon, Saigon or the modern day, H" Ch Minh City. Inhabited by 8 million people and 4 million motor bikes it pulsates 24 hours a day. Traveling through the vast tarred streets with towering modern hotels and malls, it is hard to believe that the city started out as a small fishing village in an area that was originally swampland, but when heading out into the neighbouring areas the tranquility of forgotten days soon prevails. Endless rice paddies line the myriad of roads that spread out from the city. Framers work the land, harvesting rice in the blazing heat. Old carts are pulled by weary horses. Rubber trees are methodically planted in rows, their sticky sap slowly seeping into wooden bowls for collection.

Driving back in time, one arrives at the area of Cu Chi, whose 121km hand-dug underground tunnels became famous as a battleground of the Vietnam War. The forested area is littered with B52 bomb craters and the endless spattering of gun fire can be heard from the firing range. Some of the tunnels are open to tourists to experience for a brief period, what life in the tunnels must have been like. In the blistering heat of the day, 7 of us descended into the dark abyss below us. The tunnels are narrow, dark, airless and in places slope down and narrow so one has to belly crawl. 40m was all it took for me to realize that as a non-sufferer of claustrophobia, another 20m would surely have converted me. Lack of air. Stifling heat. For the Viet Cong, life in the tunnels was difficult. Sometimes, during periods of heavy bombing from American troops, the Viet Cong would be forced to remain underground for many days at a time. Malaria and sickness were rampant and accounted for the second largest cause of death after battle wounds.

As horrific as life in the tunnels must have been, it is the images of the war weapons and traps set by the Viet Cong for the Americans that will remain in my memory for a life time, but as one local guide said, when your way of life is under attack, you will do all in your power to protect it.

South of Saigon lies the feet and arms of the dragon, whose claws spread out to form the massive expanse of the Mekong Delta. The area, also known as Nine River Dragon Delta, drains an area of over 790 000 km2. The Mekong is the 12th-longest river in the world, and runs all the way from the Tibetan Plateau through China, Burma, Thailand, Laos and Cambodia, into Vietnam and finally into the south china sea.

With such an expanse of water it is not surprising to find that the residents of the Mekong area are river people. Where Hanoi's streets come alive with early morning markets, the tributaries of the Mekong erupt into a chattering wash tub as hundreds of boats navigate the narrow channels laden with hands of bananas, grapefruit, jackfruit, spinach, fish and every kind of vegetable imaginable. Trade takes place under the shade of Vietnamese hats while hotel and restaurant owners on the shore line yell instructions across the water of their daily needs. About 20 minutes up the Mekong we headed along a narrow tributary to encounter life up river. Locals wade about in the waters catching fish. Children cycle and play along narrow sidewalks dodging chickens and dogs. Mothers sit at the waters edge washing clothes while the men potter about fixing their boats. Farmers live on combination fish and rice farms, generating an average of $35 a month, while small family businesses survive making rice cakes, rice paper and potent rice wine.

Temples Of Angkor - Cambodia

Leaving the peace and tranquility of the Mekong, our next stop was neighbouring Cambodia, lying at the back of the dragon. Like Vietnam, the history of Cambodia is marred with foreign invasions, international political intervention and internal conflicts. The pinnacle of Cambodia's history arose during the rulership of the Khymer Kings between about 800 - 1400AD. It was during this period that Khmer kings built the most extensive concentration of religious temples in the world - the Angkor temple complex - and hundreds of surrounding temples.

Then in 1431 the Thais plundered the area and the complex of Angkor was abandoned. For almost 200 years the forces of nature invaded the temples. Fig trees took up residence on temple walls and slowly engulfed the buildings. Moss adorned the intricate carvings and aerial roots flowed to the floor.

Today, the complex of temples is a World Heritage site. Many of the Hindu statues have been removed and replaced with sculptures of Buddha and numerous renovations are underway. Time seems to have stood leaving an imprint of mystique. I lost my heart to the temples of Cambodia.

I cannot say what made me fall in love with Vietnam and Cambodia. Perhaps it was the ever smiling faces of the people, the sheer simplicity of life or the vast green rice fields; the smell of the rain or the sounds of children splashing about kicking a home crafted soccer ball. Perhaps it was the excitement with which vendors haggle over prices or the intense respect shown by children to their elders. Whatever the reason, they left an indelible imprint on my heart and a yearning to return, in my soul.

Debra Bouwer
http://www.nomadicadventures.com
http://www.nomadicadventures.co.za

Article Source: Debra_Bouwer

Images By: Adam Hurley

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The Brave Souls of Viet Nam

It is no secret that many people in the West still do not have a clear understanding of Viet Nam. This is because when most of us think about Viet Nam we immediately think about the Vietnam War. The war in itself brings out more distortions of fact than truth. For instance there are racial stereotypes involved in discussions about the war. There also exist strong emotions which confound the historical facts. There is still deep remorse for the human loss through the fighting on both sides of the political spectrum. However, it is of interest to note that Viet Nam's proud history reaches far back into time... long before there was a "Vietnam War."

Throughout their embattled history, the people of Viet Nam enjoyed a culture which is part legend and rich in tradition. At many times they have displayed the highest level of determination possible. During other events and circumstances, their adaptability was equally remarkable. This is why it is crucial to understand this ancient history to know the importance of Viet Nam's great struggle to maintain its independence. To know the people of Viet Nam today, it is always helpful to understand the past.

According to some of the oldest and most traditional legends, Viet Nam came into existence when King Lac Long Quan (who was also known as the "Dragon Lord of the Seas") took Princess Au Co (a Chinese Immortal who descended from the High Mountains) as his bride. It is said that she bore him 100 eggs which gave him 100 sons. Afterward, they promptly established a mighty kingdom that extended from southern China to northern Indonesia. In this legend it is unmistakable that Viet Nam owes some of its mythology to China. In fact, according to the legend Princess Au Co was herself a "Chinese" person. In any case, the King and Princess for some reason became convinced that their different origins would make them unhappy together. Their solution was to separate from each other. Princess Au Co took 50 sons with her back into the mountains. King Lac Long Quan took the other 50 sons to rule with him over the lowlands. In 2879 BCE the legendary king died. It was at this time that his elder son, Hung Vuong, established what came to be known as the "Hung" dynasty. This beginning is regarded as the founding of the nation. As such, it is also the first official Vietnamese dynasty on record. It is part legend and part fact; the truth is difficult to tell in any precise way.

This legend has the greatest symbolic value to the people of Viet Nam. It symbolizes the importance that the people have placed upon uniting the two geographic and cultural regions of the country. One region is the mountains, which represents the northern section of the country. The other region is the lowlands, which represents the south. Only when these two regions are united together can there be a "true" Viet Nam nation. This theme has been acted out repeatedly in Viet Nam's history. It even extends to the spelling of the name of the country: Viet Nam. It was only after Viet Nam became a colony of France beginning in the late nineteenth century that its name was shortened to "Vietnam."

The Hung dynasty produced 18 kings. Each king ruled for 150 years. It was at this time the nation was named "Van Lang." However, this legendary dynasty was overthrown by a nearby ruler in 258 BCE. This ruler established the new kingdom of Au Lac. Then he built his capital at Phuc An whose remains still exist today in the village of Co Lou, which is located west of Hanoi. Fifty years later, a Chinese general named Trieu Da conquered the kingdom and then formed the new nation of Nam Viet. There are reputed scholars, in addition to many Vietnamese people, who consider this time period to be the official end of historical legend. It is also thought to be the point where authentic, modern Vietnamese history begins. The next one hundred years brought more conflict between King Trieu Da and the Han emperors of China. Finally, in 111 BCE Nam Viet was conquered and incorporated into the Chinese Empire.

It is here that Viet Nam's old history of resistance was born. This is when the people of this southeast, Asian nation began to seriously fight to remain free and independent of foreign control. For nineteen centuries the people of Viet Nam fought hard against the Chinese for their independence. The very first Vietnamese rebellion took place in 39 CE. It was led by the legendary Trung sisters. They succeeded in driving out the Chinese invaders. The nation lived free of Chinese control for the next three years, and then it was re-conquered. This next period of Chinese domination lasted until 539. It was then a Vietnamese scholar, Ly Bon, drove out the Chinese rulers once more. However, Viet Nam was re-invaded and subdued again a few years later.

The Vietnamese people continued to resist the rule of China. This was especially true after the Chinese renamed their country "An Nam." However, at this time the Chinese attempted to persuade the people to accept their rule in a more positive manner. The Chinese introduced many important and beneficial agricultural, technical, and educational innovations to An Nam. These efforts did, in fact, bring some benefits to the Vietnamese people. However, these new innovations did not prove to be sufficient enough to quash the desire of the people for freedom. In addition, the imposition of Chinese culture, customs, language, and political institutions all inspired resentment. Even worse, the cruel oppression and exploitation of the nation finally ignited the flames of resistance once more.

This fire of rebellion broke out in victory! The hope of independence was finally realized in 939 CE. The Tang dynasty of China had fallen into decline. The Chinese were struggling to maintain their control over much of Asia, and internal conflicts were causing real problems at home. The Vietnamese seized upon this opportunity to fight for their freedom. General Ngo Quyen succeeded in driving the Chinese out once again. He established the first of the "Great Dynasties" of Viet Nam. Viet Nam managed to remain mostly independent of all foreign domination for the next 944 years!

This is a very proud, ancient story of the origins of Viet Nam. It reflects the cultural and political facts of a people determined not to be ruled by others. The people of Viet Nam should feel honored by the costly, bitter battles and many sacrifices along the way to bring such events to pass. However, the culture and language of Viet Nam has indeed been influenced by foreign powers. The people of Viet Nam have adopted foreign customs, certain manners, and language elements for cultural reasons with little or resistance at all. Based upon the ancient history, China appears to be the single greatest contributor to the culture of Viet Nam. China is certainly not the only contributor. Its language, customs, ideas, and manners have often been absorbed by the Vietnamese. This has happened intentionally, but it has also occurred unintentionally. Despite the fervent desire to live free of others, Vietnamese people have frequently looked to China in practical matters of life.
This is certainly not difficult to do since both countries border each other. There are no doubt other intimate connections between the people of both countries. As this subject relates to Asian home decor, the Chinese style is often agreeable to the Vietnamese household. While each culture is distinct, there are more similarities than not!

Harlan Urwiler answering all your Asian collectibles questions. For more information, please feel free to visit my website at: http://www.myorientalgallery.com.

Article Source: Harlan_Urwiler

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AFL Grand Final - Vietnam

 If you're in HCMC for the AFL Grand Final, there is only one place to be and that's the super cool, super funky Boomerang Cafe in D7. Click on the poster below or head over to the Vietnam Swans for full details.  The Swans will also be lighting up Hanoi on GF Day - Details Here  

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Vietnam Golf

Have you ever thought of going on a golfing trip to Saigon, how about a driving off in Hanoi, chipping around in Danang or putting on the greens in Hoi An? For many American these names conjure up a time of terrible images, of Americans fighting and dying in a war they did not want to be in and which was unwinnable in the conventional sense. There are lasting images of refugees flying off the roof of the US embassy and of Huey Helicopters being thrown over the side of the carriers to make way for more to alight.

Well the truth is that that all happened over 35 years ago and many of the veterans of that campaign have mellowed with age. Relations with the US were normalized in 1995 Much of the bitterness has faded and Vietnam is now a respected and prosperous nation. Much has happened in Vietnam as well to make it an attractive tourist destination.

Not the least of which is golf. Come to this land to enjoy some fabuous Vietnam Golf Vacations. In the period since 2000 a number of world class golf courses have been developed in Vietnam and its major cities. And Vietnam is an exciting and affordable destination with well organized golf tours so one never has to play the same course twice, it includes a chance to see an historic country and experience its warm weather, beautiful
people, delicious food and see some of the historic sites.

A number of full and organized itineraries have been put in place to take the need for the golfer to worry about anything. And full entertainment and sightseeing packages are available for wives or non-golfing partners.

The top of the line golf excursion is an 18 Day 17 Night tour staring in Hanoi and ending in Ho Chi Ming City (Saigon) where you will play on the best course throughout the country. It is an ideal trip for anyone who wants an exotic and relatively inexpensive vacation, playing 11 rounds of golf on different courses and throughout Vietnam. Accommodation is in 5 star luxury hotels and the tri includes transfers and includes transfers, a boat trip in Hanoi, leisure time as well as a trip to the Chu Chi tunnels near Saigon..

The Golf courses range from the Mountainous Courses in Hanoi to the coastal courses in Danang and Saigon. Plus a game at the famous challenging course at Long Thanh. Wives or non golfing companions will be escorted to the famous sightseeing locations all around this beautiful country so this is a break of a lifetime. It is a chance to enjoy golf and visit this fabulous country and enjoy its wonderful offerings.

The other end of the scale are self arranged golfing tours where you will book your own itinerary. Vietnam Golf Tours will be delighted to assist you in any way they can from arranging hotel accommodation or times at the golf courses you request.

A full description of all the golf courses plus details of all the tours on offer are listed on their website. You are encouraged to go and browse as you decide on what sort of trip would suit you best.

All inclusive packages are offered for Vietnam Golf Vacations at the site vietnamgolftours.com. With excellent personalized services they offer you the true joy of playing golf in Vietnam.

Article Source: Ingrid_Underwood

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NRL Preliminary Finals

And then there were 4! 
This weekend is shaping up to be a cracker - two big games with the winners getting a Grand Final jersey on Sunday 2nd Oct. 
One NSW team, one QLD, one VIC and 17 kiwi's - who will end up in the big one? Check out this weekends tips, direct from the Noodle Soup Stand in Saigon!  

(If you're traveling in Asia, the Aust Network no longer shows the NRL. Head to a local bar to see the games. Otherwise, plug in the laptop and head to veetle.com for live streams)

Manly Sea Eagles v Brisbane Broncos 7:45pm (3.45pm VN time) - Sydney Football Stadium
Manly will be to strong on Friday night. The Sea Eagle defense has been fast, uncompromising and tough all year. 
Their attack is one of the best and I expect the young Sea Eagle half's to step up this week, producing a match winning performance. 
As they say in Dee Why - in with the new (DCE / Foran) and out with old (Lockyer)!  Predictions
Manly by 14.

Melbourne Storm v Auckland Warriors7:45pm (3.45pm) - AAMI Park
A tough game to pick. Melbourne have been ordinary in the past few weeks, while the Warriors have been pathetic and brilliant. 
That said if the Warriors turn up this week, their size and toughness will worry the Storm. Melbourne don't like being roughed up and defenses in their faces. I expect the boy's from NZ to play a tough fast brand of footy which will get them over the line. 
Predictions 
Warriors by 4
But as a Manly fan, secretly hoping Melb win. A Manly v Melb GF - with Stewart back, bring it on! 

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Market Photography - Saigon, Vietnam

Markets are not only good for buying fresh produce and your daily needs, they also make one of the best locations for photography. Below is a small collection of images taken at local markets around D4 and D7 while traveling on a Saigon Unseen Motor Bike Tour. 

So to have a wicked day in Saigon, seen the unseen and to blast around the lanes and alleys that make up this city of 10 million plus, head over to Saigon Unseen!

Fresh, cheap and plentiful.

Fresh Market Fish

Your local butcher, a happy chappy!

Pumpkin and pumpkin flower

Fresh mango's for sale

Markets faces

Anyone for fish tonight?

Fruit, vegetables and more

Catch of the day

Images by Adam Hurley owner of Vietnamandcambodia.com. 

Check out his newest project 

Unique Travel Blog

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Book Review - In a Sunburned Country by Bill Bryson

Bill Bryson is best known for his humorous travel writing. Previously, I had read two of Bryon's other books. One was titled, I'm a Stranger Here Myself. This book was about Bryson's return to living in the United States after living in Great Britain for twenty years or so. His writing portrayed how differently Americans are from the rest of the world, from the cars we drive to our love of fast food restaurants. The second book of his I read was titled, A Walk in the Woods. This book was about Bryson's attempt to hike the Appalachian Trail, from start to finish (Georgia to Maine). He accurately portrayed the difficulties in hiking pretty much the entire east coast and all of the interesting animals and people one might encounter while on the mighty trek.

Keeping in line with his first two books, the third book I read was called In a Sunburned Country. This book deals with Bryson's multi-week trip through the massive land mass that is Australia. The author traveled to all of the major tourist destinations, from viewing the Sydney Opera House to the Great Barrier Reef, and everywhere in between. He seems to have traveled at a leisurely pace and a very generous budget.

While reading In a Sunburned Country, you notice how much character Australia has as a whole, and also how quirky it is. Bryson notes several times that Australia has dozens of prized, larger-than-life monuments of random objects. For example, he travels to a giant earth worm museum located in a, you guessed it, enormous earth-worm shaped building. Some might consider this type of monument weird, but it is one of the many unique things that Australia has and takes pride in. If Australia has the largest, most disgusting worm in the world, why not show it off?

Bill Bryson also discusses many times how the country has thousands of animals that are not even discovered yet and do not exist anywhere else in the world. People constantly trek into the jungle or Outback to look for undiscovered animals, and the result is that once in a while an animal that was thought to be extinct thousands of years ago is found. Not only are there rare animals, but there are trees that rival the size of any trees in the world and some of the oldest organisms in the world, that simply look like a gray mush.

One of the constant themes in this book is that the country is much larger than anyone realizes. Cities are spread out here and there, and the large ones are on the coast, but there are small cities of hundreds of thousands of people that are thousands of miles away from any other city. Getting from one city to another may take a day or two, and everywhere in between the two cities is desert with an occasional gas station and bar. The larger cities on the coast have main-stream hotels, restaurants from every culture, and many bars that Bryson utilizes.

The best part of the book in my opinion is when the author visits the Great Barrier Reef with a good friend. He travels to the Reef on a large boat with approximately 400 people and takes part in various water-related activities. There is also talk of a couple who were killed near the Reef several years in the past, and rumors of Jellyfish and sharks that like to nibble on humans, so Bryson is careful the entire time he is near the water.

Overall, In a Sunburned Country is very entertaining and will definitely make you laugh once or twice every chapter. Bill Bryson has a straight-forward, easy-to-understand way of writing and will always leave you wanting to read more. Although the book is a bit long, it is still very entertaining. I would rate this book a 4 out of 5.

Daniel Breedlove is the owner and manager of Corner Office Books, the internet's premier website on business book reviews and sales. For hundreds of reviews of the best business books ever written, visit the website at http://CornerOfficeBooks.com/

Article Source: Daniel_Breedlove

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German jazz quartet to play

German jazz quartet Max.Bab will perform in Viet Nam this month as part of their Southeast Asian tour to eight major cities in the region.

In Viet Nam, the internationally acclaimed jazz band from Munich will delight audiences at the Ha Noi Goethe Institute on September 17 and the HCM City Conservatory of Music a day later.

The quartet consists of saxophonist Max Von Mosch, pianist Benedikt Jahnel, bassist Henning Sieverts and drummer Andreas Haberl.

The band have performed in more than 400 concerts around the world and released six albums, of which the latest is Inner Orbit.

The German Jazz band broke onto the jazz scene with a bang in 1999, winning, among others, the first prize of the German Jugend Jazzt contest and the International Jazz Competition in Usti Nad Labem in the Czech Republic.

Their unique style and distinctive sound attracted the critics, while their melodic and enthralling compositions captured even audiences not closely acquainted to jazz.

The quartet will perform in Viet Nam after an appearance in Bangkok on September 15.

Following Viet Nam, the band will head to Myanmar, Singapore, Malaysia and Indonesia. It will wrap up the tour with two concert nights in Jakarta and Bandung.

Admission is free in Ha Noi and HCM City. Invitations can be picked up at the Goethe Institute in HCM City, 18 Street No 1, Do Thanh Apartment in District 3 from tomorrow.

Source - Vietnam News

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NRL Finals

Photo Credit - maddison

September is shaping up as the most unproductive month in years - NRL and AFL finals plus the Rugby World Cup in New Zealand, all set to kick off tomorrow - can it get any better!

For those of you tripping around Sth East Asia, it can be hard to catch up on the footy, especially the NRL. So if you're a fan find a local watering hole with a live stream via the net. Otherwise, grab your laptop and head to sites like veetle.com to find a stream for your favorite game.

Now, being a NSW boy, the AFL picks are left to you. Here are the the tips that matter - NRL Final Tips! 

West Tiger v St George

Friday 9 Sept 7.45pm (4.45pm VN time)

Should be a cracker of a game to kick of the finals. The Saints have struggled of late, but have had a little bit of form coming into wk 1 of the finals. The Tigers have be putting wins together over the past few weeks and are looking good. 

But when it's all said and done, I have to back the Saints in this one. Wayne Bennett will have his troops pumped and ready to fire, with the Tigers just missing out due to a misguided no-look Benji pass! 

Saints by 4

Final Score

Tiger 21 d Dragons 12

Bronco's v Warriors

Saturday 10 Sept 6.30pm (3.30pm VN time)

With a packed home ground full of die hard Bronco fans, this is primed to be a classic, tough and entertaining game of footy. The Warriors have proven themselves as real contenders in 2011 playing tough, hard footy. 

But with home ground advantage and Darren Lockyer's never ending farewell I believe it will be a Bronco Day with them pipping the Warriors in Golden Point!

Bronco's By 1 (golden point)

Final Score 

Bronco's 40 d Warriors 10

Sea Eagles v Cowboys

Saturday 10 Sept 8.30pm (5.30pm VN time)

As a Manly fan, the choice here is easy! 

But the Cowboys will be the hunt, make no mistake! With Thurston, Scott, Bowen in the team, there is plenty of fire power. However, while Manly failed to win against the Bronco's last missing several stars, they will be back and I expect Foran and Stewart to fire after a weeks rest. 

Manly's tough in your face defense and abundant attacking choices will get them the win and a week off in week 2. 

Manly By 10

Final Score 

Manly 42 d Cowboys 8

Storm v Knights

Sunday 11 Sept 4.00pm (1pm VN time)

Melbourne Storm are expected to run riot in Melbourne against a Newcastle side many say are just making up the numbers. Well I disagree! This will be a close game of footy and I expect the Knights to give it to the Storm. Expect plenty of free flowing footy by Knights as they throw everything at this game. Let's face, the only team that has anything to lose here is the Storm! 

I'm tipping the Knights in an upset, the really tester for them will by the last 20 minutes, can they hold the Storm at bay? 

Knights By 4

Final Score 

Melbourne 18 d Newcastle 8

Rugby World Cup 

Australia v New Zealand in the final, Australia to win by 8. 

AFL Finals 

Who cares..................!

Agree or disagree, leave a comment and let us know your thoughts! 

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Beyond the clouds in Sa Pa

By Le Huong

If you're looking to escape from the summer heat, you could do worse than hop on an overnight train to Sa Pa – after all, that was why the French established the hill station in the first place.

I, for one, was not disappointed. Sa Pa, which lies some 1,600m above sea level, is beautifully refreshing in summer. But more than that, the views of forests, the inhospitable peaks of the Hoang Lien Son mountain range and the terraced paddy fields are to die for.

On the advice of my experienced ethnic Tay tourist guide, I rented a motorbike so I could visit the Giay people's village in Ta Van Commune, which nestles in the hills some 10km from Sa Pa town centre along a tree-lined zigzagging road.

On the way, Luong Ngoc Khoa, my guide, informed me about local hill tribe customs.

"Among the several villages in the Muong Hoa Valley the best known are Sin Chai, Cat Cat, Lao Chai and Ta Van Giay. Most of the houses lean against the hills and face a small streamline," he says.

Unlike the houses built by the ethnic Mong and Dao in the same commune, the Giay's houses are far more sturdy, with higher ceilings and walled with solid timber. Recently, a number of households have added second floors for homestay tourists, who are mostly foreign.

There are about 160 households in his village. I noticed that on closer inspection, at the entrance to the 30-odd houses at the centre of the village – the oldest – swallows have built nests.

Khoa pointed at one particular nest, which he said was typically constructed of mud, dry grass and feathers. Above and around, swallows darted this way and that.

We visited one of the oldest houses in the village, whose owners offered rooms to tourists.

"We do not know why the swallows keep flocking to our house to build nests for their children," Vang Thi Soi, owner of the house, tells me in Vietnamese in a soft, slow and thoughtful voice. "Maybe because they know we love nature and everything belongs to the forest."

Soi says her family were among the first households in the village to offer homestay services in 2004. Now about 20 households have started to tap into the lucrative tourism market.

She says the biggest house in the village can host up to 40 guests a night in its upper storey. And facilities are far from basic.

"The Giay people are catching up with the city-dwellers in installing comfortable and clean facilities for tourists," Khoa says. "However, I prefer them to offer guests a basin of hot water in their houses, and no shower, which is more traditional and closer to real local life. I believe tourists want to experience the real thing when they live in the village."

Roger Clark, an Australian tourist, is quite happy to forego the conveniences of modern life. "This village is unlike any other tourism villages in Sa Pa. And there are no wandering hawkers! I love the peaceful life and fresh atmosphere here."

To make things easier for their foreign visitors, Khoa says most of the homestay hosts now speak a bit of English, French or Spanish – or all three.

But tourism has not come without a price, and Khoa and Clark both admit they are concerned about damage to the environment.

Khoa says most local villagers simply dump rubbish in the nearby stream.

"If local authorities do not implement proper waste-disposal measures, the river will soon be blocked with rubbish," he warns.

In addition, Khoa says the dirt track leading to the village should be cemented over to reduce soil erosion, while trees should be planted to replace those used for firewood or timber.

Soi says the best time to visit the village is from the end of August to October, when the terraced paddy fields surrounding the village are turning from green to yellow and the air is scented with the perfume of rice.

Khoa says he is still captivated by the familiar sight of rice plants waving in the breeze. "I have to admit that I am often dazzled by the sight of our beautiful rice terraces, the plants waving to and fro in the breeze, while I trek with tourists around the village," Khoa says. "The air is perfumed with the smell of rice. You can't help feeling closer to nature."

Ly Thi Lien, who also opens her house to tourists, is proud of the food she serves her visitors, which includes locally grown fruit and vegetables and free-range cattle and poultry.

With my own stay at an end, I snapped away happily at the intoxicating scenery around me in the hope that on returning to Ha Noi I would be reminded of the happy time I spent in Ta Van Giay. There is surely nothing that can beat getting up with the sunrise to the sound of swallows at night chattering in the eves. I will be back.

Article - VN News (English)

Images - Adam Hurley

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Hot Jazz in Hanoi

Photo Credit -mllejml

Discovering the history of jazz in Vietnam is not difficult. It starts and ends with saxophonist Quyen Van Minh. If you like your jazz hot, cool, or anything in between; if you like your nightclubs dim, smoky, and walled with neon beer signs, posters and pictures of jazz greats; if you like your women dreamy, slinky, wearing bright dresses fitted like snake-skins and men in silk suits or wearing tee shirts and berets; if you like the best mixed drinks in town and great food; then you must be in Vietnam - Minh's Jazz Club in Hanoi, to be exact. Or at least, you were. Minh has closed his club and is presently attempting to find a new home for his music somewhere in the city.

Minh, who opened his original club 13 years ago, has single-handedly brought jazz to Vietnam. In a nation where struggle has always been the norm, Minh's fight for musical freedom, for the right to express himself, came naturally from a people who believe strongly in the right to govern their own lives. Expressing those beliefs has taken time but the Vietnamese are not known to be quitters.

Vietnam has a long history of traditional music and instruments. Musicians studied music in its true (chan) and straight (phuong) form, without embellishment. After they learned the music exactly they often embellished it by adding what were called flowers (hoa) and leaves (la). Changing the music is often performed on fold songs. Changing any classical music is not allowed.

Minh has always been fascinated with music, the combination of structure and freedom, its lyrical qualities and the ability to transfer emotions to sounds. His mother bought him a clarinet when he was a child but she could not afford lessons or schooling. Minh taught himself to play and spent hours learning songs from the radio, both traditional Vietnamese and classical music. He seemed never to be without his clarinet and the music rattled constantly in his head. Yet, something was missing, a sound he knew was there but that he could not reach.

One day he happened upon a feint and distant station, the BBC. They were featuring a series on jazz. Minh instantly fell in love with the moving rhythms, the emotions pouring from the music. Benny Goodman, articulate and swinging, soon became a special favorite of his. This was the music he had been longing to play. His struggle against tradition was about to begin.

His father became the first obstacle to overcome. He forbade Minh from learning the new music and felt it to be a virus invading the traditional Vietnamese values. In a country where elders, especially fathers, are respected and obeyed, Minh refused. The music had been born into him and could not be removed. His father destroyed the radio. Undeterred, Minh found a family with a radio. "Times were tough then," he said. "There was little food but I managed to have some extra. In exchange for bread they let me listen to the BBC for two hours each night."

Because he liked the deeper melodic sound, the versatility, he bought a saxophone, an instrument completely foreign to Vietnam. "I loved Charlie Parker but oh, so quick and all those notes. More than I could handle at the time." Everything he heard came from the radio and it was difficult to remember the songs or to
transcribe the solos.

He found some Russians and Czechs who owned several jazz cassette tapes. They let him borrow them so he could write down the music. He eventually bought a single tape and a tape recorder.

Just having the music was not the only problem to overcome. He had to find musicians willing to learn the music and to practice with him, not an easy task in a country where such foreign music was a mystery and frowned upon by the government and by society.

With hard work and determination, typical of Vietnamese people, he formed a successful jazz band. The music was slowly accepted as his reputation grew and musical barriers started to fall. He has since developed an international reputation and has performed throughout the world.

Minh was not satisfied with just playing American jazz. He has taken the music and molded it with traditional Vietnamese songs. What has emerged is a beautiful and elegant music unique to him. Songs like Giai Dieu Sapa, a love song for the women of Sapa usually played on the khen, a traditional Vietnamese instrument, and Mau Xuan Kinh Bac, are both beautifully meldodic. The melodies are rich, gorgeous, and exquisite.

Westerners often experience difficulties playing the songs because of the time singnatures. Most jazz in played in 4/4 time. Vietnamese often play in difficult times, even changing the times within the song.

Minh has been a tremendous international asset to Vietnam both as an ambassador and a musician. Because of him, many people are learning more about the music of Vietnam. Music has always been an international language and Minh speaks it well.

I am the author of "First a Torch" a new novel about the siege at Dien Bien Phu. I am also a former jazz musician who has played with such groups as Woody Herman and Mel Torme' Although no longer much of a player, I sometimes sit in at Minh's Jazz Club in Hanoi, Vietnam. Because there are practically no trumpet players in Vietnam the people do not know how one is supposed to sound so I get away with some pretty bad technique. I am presently an editor for "Vietnam Cultural Window" magazine in Hanoi and sometimes take people to interesting places in the country while working on assignments.

Article Source: Richard_E_Baker

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Hanoi - It May Not Be Quite What You Are Expecting

You're going to find that the city has a touch of a European feel to it. Much of Hanoi's design has French influences, and, if you've ever been to Paris you will see the similarities immediately.

While the city pays tribute to the ancient roots, Hanoi offers a thoroughly modern experience for visitors. Hanoi, is an ideal destination for those who love the experience of a big city but still wants to enjoy the richness of a city with centuries of history.

A visit to the Old Quarter will take visitors back more than a thousand years to experience the history of the area. There are carefully preserved structures and historically significant relics. The photogenic district features traditional Vietnamese homes, including some that allow you to tour the homes and see how life was lived in the 19th century.

Apart from the old quarter there are a multitude of amazing must do sites to visit whilst in Hanoi, these are:
Bach Ma Temple - is a wonderful, well looked after temple that is a good example of the small temples all over Vietnam.

The Ancient House - a house that dates back to the 19th century, and is one of the few remaining examples of early Hanoi architecture.

Ngoc Son Pagoda - Ngoc Son Pagoda sits at the northern-end of the Hoan Kiem Lake; It's on an islet which is only accessible by the 'Bridge of the Rising Sun.' A must see while you're at Hoan Kiem Lake.

Hoan Kiem Lake - the lake is the show piece of Hanoi. The name, Hoan Kiem Lake comes from a legend
that means 'Lake of the Restored Sword'. It's a great place to stop for a while, and just let the chaos of the rest of this thriving city go by.

There are many things that you could be seeing while you're in Hanoi. You will need to spend several nights to a week in this thriving town just to fit it all in. The other thing that is a special thing about Hanoi, is it is the gateway to the stunning Halong bay. Hanoi is generally used as the kick off point to tour Halong bay for 3 or so days. 3 hours from Hanoi, Halong Bay should be a part of your Hanoi itinerary.

Those who are hoping for the complete Hanoi experience may want to think about an organized tour of the city. You can relax in air-conditioned comfort, or take a traditional bicycle rickshaw to get a feel for the city. Hanoi has a scorching summer, sending many tourists to the many pools and water parks like Ho Tay and Moon Park, that are located close to the heart of the city. These are fantastic places for all those traveling with kids!

A visit to Hanoi is an experience you won't soon forget. The unmistakable blend of ancient and modern, Europe and Asia cannot be found anywhere else in the world.

Hanoi is a diverse city with so much to give travelers, to find out more about this great city and accommodation it has to offer go to: http://www.halongbooking.com/hanoi

Article Source: Stacey_Morrison

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