Overview of traditional festivals

Formation and meaning of traditional festivals

Traditional festivals constitute a form of cultural activities, a spiritual product which the people have created and developed during the course of history. From generation to generation, the Vietnamese people preserve the fine tradition of “remembering the source while drinking water.” Festivals are events which represent this tradition of the community as well as honour the holy figures named as “gods” – the real persons in national history or legendary persons. The images of gods converge the noble characteristics of mankind. They are national heroes who fought against foreign invaders, reclaimed new lands, treated people, fought against natural calamities, or those legendary characters who affect the earthly life. Festivals are events when people pay tribute to divinities that rendered merits to the community and the nation.

Festivals are occasions when people come back to either their natural or national roots, which form a sacred part in their mind.

Festivals represent the strength of the commune or village, the local region or even the whole nation. Worshipping the same god, the people unite in solidarity to overcome difficulties, striving for a happy and wealthy life.

Festivals display the demand for creativity and enjoyment of spiritual and material cultural values of all social strata. Festivals become a form of education under which fine traditional moral values can be handed from one generation to the next in a unique way of combining spiritual characters with competition and entertainment games.

Festivals are also the time people can express their sadness and worries in a wish that gods might bestow favour on them to help them strive for a better life.

Process of festivals

Generally speaking, every festival will include the following three steps:

Preparation: The preparation work is divided into two phases: prior to the coming festive season and in the immediate time before the festive day. The preparation work for the coming festive season starts right after the previous festival comes to an end. When it is coming to the festive day, people need to check the worshipping objects, attires, decoration, and cleaning of the worshipping place and statues.

The festive day: Many activities take place, including rituals of procession, incense offering, and rejoicing games, among others. They form the most important and significant part of any festival. These activities also play a decisive role in attracting tourists and deciding the timing of the festival itself.

The ending of the festival: The organization board expresses their thanks to all festival goers and closes the worshipping place. 

Time for festivals

In Vietnam festivals often take place during the three months in spring and in autumn when people have a lot of leisure time. In addition, the climate in spring and autumn is especially suitable for holding festivals and for festivals goers to enjoy.

Central coastal city draws Russian tourists

From mid-March, the central coastal city of Danang will receive around 36,000 Russian tourists this year, according to the HCM City-based Anh Duong Tourism Company and Russian travel agency Pegas Touristik.

After the two popular destinations of Nha Trang and Mui Ne in the central coastal region, Danang is becoming a new destination favoured by Russian tourists.

Along with taking tourists to Danang, Pegas Touristik will continue to bring tourists to Nha Trang and Mui Ne through this summer, instead of only flying until May 2012 as scheduled. From the end of October 2011 to now, the Cam Ranh International Airport has welcomed 25,000 Russian tourists.

Deputy Director of the Danang Department of Culture, Sport and Tourism Nguyen Phuc Linh said that by 2015, Danang will need around 10,000 workers in the tourism sector to able to service the local tourism infrastructure system. However, tourism workers in the city now meet just one tenth of the real demand.

Currently, Danang has nearly 280 hotels with more than 8,660 rooms. In 2011 alone the number of hotel rooms increased by 2,500, and the city aims to have 17,000 rooms in 2015.

On February 11, the management board for Son Tra Peninsula and beaches in Danang kicked off programme “Spring Walk around Son Tra” with a series of sport and amusement activities and tours around the peninsula. In January 2012, 41,000 tourists visited Son Tra Peninsula, of which more than 40,000 were domestic tourists.

Syrena Cruise- 4-deck boat on Halong Bay, launched in 2011

Syrena is a new junk boat on Halong Bay, with 17 cabins on each boat, the 2 vessels can accommodate maximum 68 adults

All Syrena deluxe cabins and Suites are well appointed, with traditional Vietnamese hardwood creating lavish warmth. Light materials and clear windows ensure that each cabin is bright and airy. Hand-crafted furniture and delicate upholstery further enhance the warmth and light in each cabin

Suites
The two spacious Suites (21m²) are located in the forward section of the lower accommodation deck. Each Suite offers all the standard amenities of the Deluxe Cabins, plus a larger ensuite bathroom with bathtub, picture windows and a 32” LCD television.

Total Number of Cabins: 2 Cabins per Cruise Boat
Number of Twin Beds:  0
Number of Double Beds: 2 Cabins
Size per Cabin: 21 m2
Bed Size: 180 cm x 200 cm
Bath Tub: Yes
Standing Shower No
Special offer Fruit basket and 01 sparkling wine per cabin

Deluxe Cabins
Our Deluxe cabin (15m²) offers all the amenities necessary for you to feel comfortable: twin beds or a queen-size bed, air-conditioner, en-suite bathroom with shower. Each features a picture window, providing added light and memorable views.

Twin bedded cabins: 14 per vessel
Double bedded cabins: 04 per vessel
Size per cabin: 15 m2
Bed size: Twin: 180 cm * 90 cm | Double: 180 cm * 180 cm
Bath Tub: No
Standing Shower: Yes

Lotus Restaurant
Reflecting the modern & traditional cultural influence of Vietnam, the menu in this restaurant offers our guests Vietnamese to International cuisine.  Feasting in this restaurant enables one an aromatic & exceptional opportunity to taste and experience the cultural and food traditions of both worlds.  Aside from these exquisite offerings and an elegant atmosphere, the Lotus Restaurant also hosted many presentations or meetings, parties or weddings, etc.

Sunset Bar
It’s located at the sun deck offering un-parallel enjoyment to those who love the effect of the sun & sea by reclining on our expansive deck.  An impressive variety of beverages and snacks will be available throughout the day.  It is also the place for watching the sun set as well staring into the starry nights wondering about Science

Other services
Massage: Yes
Meeting: Yes
Wedding: Yes
Kayaking: Yes
Other Water Sports: Yes

On board Activities
Swimming, snorkeling and kayaking in the crystal waters of Ha Long Bay are favored activities for the energetic while morning Tai Chi on the sundeck offers a meditative and uplifting start of the day. Adventure outings, tour excursions and cooking classes are also available on board.

Foot Reflexology and Massage
Our tailor-made services are designed to rejuvenate energies and ultimately provide the comfort to our guests.

Incentives
One of the most worthwhile ways of recognizing your most outstanding staff or clients is an all-inclusive incentive cruise with Syrena. A wide range of corporate incentive packages and cruise itineraries are available. Daily itineraries can be structured around meetings and team-building exercises, together with plenty of free time for excursions, fun activities and relaxation

Cham people celebrate Kate festival in Ninh Thuan

Thousands of Cham people in the central province of Ninh Thuan on October 7 attended Kate festival, the biggest annual festival of Cham people who are Balamon followers, at Poklong Giarai tower.

Ninh Thuan province has nearly 70,000 Cham people, including around 40,000 Balamon followers.Poklong Giarai is a group of Cham temple towers which was built in honor of the legendary king Po Klaung Garai, who ruled Champa from c.1285 to 1307 A.D.

The towers were constructed during the early 14th century during the reign of King Jaya Simhavarman III, and are thus classified as belonging to the Pô Klông Garai or Late style of Cham architecture (14th-17th centuries).

The complex was built on the site of an earlier temple and originally comprised six towers: a main tower at the centre and five lesser towers, all facing eastward. However, the two towers in the south west and north east respectively have long since fallen into ruin. The main tower was dedicated to revered local King Pô Klông who, according to legend, won a contest with Prince Pô Đam to see who could construct a temple in the shortest time.

All four remaining towers were extensively renovated by Polish conservation agency PKZ in the period 1981-1990 and are now in the care of local experts. Particularly noteworthy are the central kalan, with its intricate decoration and elegant roof towers, and the mandapa, with its horse-saddle shaped roof. During numerous excavations at the site a number of gold and silver bowls have been found. Each year during the 8th and 9th lunar months (September-October) this temple complex is one of the most important venues for the ceremonies of the Kate (Chăm New Year) Festival.
 

Third private carrier flies Viet Nam’s skies

Air Mekong, Viet Nam’s third private airline, received its Air Operator’s Certificate from the Civil Aviation Administration of Viet Nam (CAAV) in southern Kien Giang Province on Friday.

On the same day, the carrier also launched its first two routes, Ha Noi – Phu Quoc and HCM City – Phu Quoc.

"The Vietnamese aviation market is dramatically developing. The aviation demand, especially for domestic flights, will increase considerably in the next few years," said CAAV deputy director Dinh Viet Thang.

"The introduction of Air Mekong is essential to meeting market demand, diversifying aviation services and increasing competitiveness," Thang said.

"The CAAV’s certificate will open up a new page for our development", said Air Mekong chairman Doan Quoc Viet.

Air Mekong would start commercial operations since Saturday with eight flights from Ha Noi and HCM City to Phu Quoc, Con Dao, Buon Me Thuot, Pleiku, Viet said, adding that they would expand operations to 10 flights from November including destinations of Da Lat in the Central Highlands and Da Nang City.

The airline has launched a promotional offer until November 9 with 1,000 tickets at prices ranging from VND400,000 to VND1.2 million (US$20.50-$61.50) for flights on all its domestic routes. Tickets are on sale at travel agents and via Air Mekong’s website and customer care centres.

Air Mekong was establish in 2009 by Ha Long Investment and Development Company and is based at Phu Quoc Airport. The existing two private carriers operating in Viet Nam are Indochina Airlines and VietJet AirAsia.

The CAAV said there were also a number of other organisations and individuals planning to launch airlines. To qualify, private operators must have a charter capital of at least VND500 billion ($26.3 million) to fly internationally and VND200 billion ($10.5 million) to launch domestic flights. They must also meet strict aviation and security standards.

Central Sector of the Imperial Citadel of Thang Long - Ha Noi

Geographical position

The central sector of Imperial Citadel of Thang Long – Ha Noi covers area of 20ha, includes archaeological area at 18 Hoang Dieu Street and relics in Ha Noi Citadel such as: Bac Mon, Doan Mon, Hau Lau, stone dragons in Kinh Thien Palace, dragon house, house D67 and Ha Noi flag tower. These relics are surrounded by 4 streets: Phan Dinh Phung Street in the north, Dien Bien Phu Street in the south, Nguyen Tri Phuong Street in the east and Hoang Dieu Street in the west.

History

In 1009, Ly Cong Uan was enthroned, founded Ly Dynasty. In July, 1010, the king promulgated Chieu Doi Do (the royal decree) to change the capital city from Hoa Lu (Ninh Binh) to Dai La Citadel. After transferring the capital city, Ly Cong Uan had Citadel of Thang Long built and the citadel construction was finished in early 1011.

The ancient Citadel of Thang Long was encircled by three incorporated forts. The outer fort was Kinh Thanh (Imperial City), where the general public lived. Surrounded by the Hong, To Lich and Kim Nguu rivers, Kinh Thanh acted as a dyke system for the capital city. The second fort (the middle ring) was Hoang Thanh (Imperial Citadel), where the royal court, offices and residence of mandarins were located. The smallest and most inner enclosure was Tu Cam Thanh (Forbidden City) where the king, queens and concubines lived in seclusion. The Citadel of Thang Long was repaired and had many new works in Tran Dynasty and expanded in Le So Dynasty. From 1516 to 1788 in dynasties of Mac and Le Trung Hung, the Citadel of Thang Long was destroyed many times. In early 1789, King Quang Trung transferred the capital city to Phu Xuan, the Citadel of Thang Long only acted as Bac Thanh (the northern defensive fortification). In Nguyen Dynasty, the remainders of the Imperial Citadel of Thang Long were transferred to Phu Xuan for building new citadel. Only Kinh Thien Palace and Hau Lau were retained to be accommodations for Kings Nguyen during their business trips to the Bac Thanh. In 1805, King Gia Long ordered the demolition of walls surrounding the Imperial Citadel of Thang Long and requested the building of a new, smaller citadel called Ha Noi Citadel with architectural style of Vauban (France). In 1831, King Minh Mang changed name of the Citadel of Thang Long to Ha Noi Province in a big administrative reform. When French colonists occupied all Indochina, they chose Ha Noi as the capital of French Indochina Union and the Ha Noi Citadel was destroyed to build military camp for French colonists. Since the Vietnamese army took the control of the capital city in 1954, the Ha Noi Citadel has become the headquarters of the Ministry of Defense.  The first value of the central sector of Imperial Citadel of Thang Long – Ha Noi shows that it is nearly a book displaying over 10 century- history of Thang Long – Ha Noi from Dai La Citadel in Pre-Thang Long period to nowadays.

Archaeological value

History revealed that Imperial Citadel of Thang Long changed a lot but its centre, especially Forbidden City, remained nearly unchanged. As architectural structures inside the Imperial Citadel were rebuilt and upgraded several times, this explained for the findings of layers of architectural vestiges and artefacts at archaeological site at 18 Hoang Dieu. These vestiges reflect clearly relation between urban project and architectural space as well as succession of dynasties in building the Citadel of Thang Long. This is the unique and prominent value of the central sector of Imperial Citadel of Thang Long – Ha Noi. Here, archaeologists excavated a great deal of porcelain and ceramic wares used in the Imperial Citadel through various stages of development. The findings paved the way for researchers to study ceramics made in Thang Long and ceramic wares used in the Imperial Citadel of Thang Long through different dynasties. It is also concrete evidence about high development level of economy and culture. In addition, porcelains and bronze coins of China, Japan, Western Asia… found here proved that Thang Long was centre of cultural exchange among countries in area and received quintessence values of humanity

At 20h30 on July 30, 2010 in Brasilia Capital of Brazil, World Heritage Committee of UNESCO recognized the central sector of Imperial Citadel of Thang Long – Ha Noi as world cultural heritage based on three prominent criterions: historical and cultural length; its continuousness as a power centre; diversification and plenty of vestiges and artifacts. In opening ceremony of the 1000^th anniversary of Thang Long – Ha Noi on October 1, 2010, Ms Irina Bokova – General Director of UNESCO gave certification of the central sector of Imperial Citadel of Thang Long – Ha Noi to leaders of Ha Noi City.

Hanoi Capital

Hanoi Capital (expansion)

Area: 3.324,92 sq. km
Population: 6,448,9 thousand habitants (April 2009).
Administrative divisions:
-10 urban districts: Hoan Kiem, Ba Dinh, Dong Da, Hai Ba Trung, Tay Ho, Thanh Xuan, Cau Giay, Long Bien, Hoang Mai, Ha Dong.
- 1 city: Son Tay
- 18 rural districts: Dong Anh, Soc Son, Thanh Tri, Tu Liem, Gia Lam (Hanoi); Ba Vi, Chuong My, Dan Phuong, Hoai Duc, My Duc, Phu Xuyen, Phuc Tho, Quoc Oai, Thach That, Thanh Oai. Thuong Tin, Ung Hoa (former Ha Tay province) and Me Linh (a former district of Vinh Phuc province).
Ethnic groups: Viet (Kinh), Hoa, Muong, Tay, Dao...
Hanoi is the capital of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam, the center of culture, politics, economy and trade of the whole country.

Geography
Hanoi is located in the Red River Delta, in the center of North Vietnam. It is encompassed by Thai Nguyen, Vinh Phuc provinces to the north, Hoa Binh and Ha Nam to the south, Bac Giang, Bac Ninh and Hung Yen provinces to the east, Hoa Binh and Phu Tho to the west.

Hanoi means "the hinterland between the rivers" (Ha: river, Noi: interior). Hanoi's territory is washed by the Red River (the portion of the Red River embracing Hanoi is approximately 40km long) and its tributaries, but there are some other rivers flowing through the capital, including Duong, Cau, Ca Lo, Day, Nhue, Tich, To Lich and Kim Nguu.

Climate: Hanoi is situated in a tropical monsoon zone with two main seasons. During the dry season, which lasts from October to April, it is cold and there is very little rainfall, except from January to March, when the weather is still cold but there is some light rain. The wet season, from May to September, is hot with heavy rains and storms. The average annual temperature is 23.2oC (73.7oF) and the average annual rainfall is 1,800mm. The average temperature in winter is 17.2oC (62.9oF), but can go down to 8oC (46.4oF). The average temperature in summer is 29.2oC (84.6oF), but can reach up to 39oC (102.2oF).

History
Hanoi is a sacred land of Vietnam. In the 3rd century BC, Co Loa (actually belonging to Dong Anh District) was chosen as the capital of the Au Lac Nation of Thuc An Duong Vuong (the King Thuc). Hanoi later became the core of the resistance movements against the Northern invasions. Located in the middle of the Red River Delta, the town has gradually expanded to become a very populations and rich residential center. At different periods, Hanoi had been selected as the chief city of Vietnam under the Northern domination.In the autumn of Canh Tuat lunar years (1010), Ly Thai To, the founder of the Ly Dynasty, decided to transfer the capital from Hoa Lu to Dai La, and so he rebaptized it Thang Long (Soaring Dragon). The year 1010 then became an historical date for Hanoi and for the whole country in general. For about a thousand years, the capital was called Thang Long, then changing to Dong Do, Dong Kinh, and finally to Hanoi, in 1831. This sacred piece of land thereafter continued to be the theatre of many fateful events.

Tourism
Throughout the thousand years of its eventful history, marked by destruction, wars and natural calamities, Hanoi still preserves many ancient architectural works including the Old Quarter and over 600 pagodas and temples. Famous sites include the One Pillar Pagoda (built in 1049), the Temple of Literature (built in 1070), Hanoi Citadel, Hanoi Opera House, President Ho Chi Minh's Mausoleum...

Hanoi also characteristically contains 18 beautiful lakes such as Hoan Kiem Lake, West Lake, and Truc Bach Lake..., which are the lungs of the city, with their surrounding gardens and trees providing a vital source of energy.
Many traditional handicrafts are also practiced in Hanoi including bronze molding, silver carving, lacquer, and embroidery. Hanoi has many famous traditional professional handicraft villages such as Bat Trang pottery village, Ngu Xa bronze casting village, Yen Thai glossy silk...

Transportation
By road: Hanoi is 93km from Ninh Binh, 102km from Haiphong, 153km from Thanh Hoa, 151km from Halong, 474km from Dien Bien Phu, 658km from Hue, 763km from Danang, and 1,710km from Ho Chi Minh City.

By air: Noi Bai International Airport, over 35km from the city center, is one of the biggest airports of the country with various international and domestic routes. There are domestic flights from Hanoi to Danang, Dien Bien, Ho Chi Minh City, Hue, Nha Trang and international flights to many countries in over the world.

By train: Hanoi Railway Station is Vietnam's main railway station. It is the starting point of five railway lines leading to almost every province in Vietnam.

Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum in Hanoi

Fast Facts of Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum in Hanoi

  -   Address: 5 Pho Ngoc Ha, Ba Dinh District, Hanoi
  -   Phone Number- +84 4 942 1061
  -   Open Hours 8 am to 11am from Tuesday to Thursday and 8 am to 11 am from Saturday to Sunday.
  -   Closed in October or in November for maintenance of the body of H? Chí Minh

Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum in Hanoi is an important landmark of the city and stands integrated to the political and social history of Vietnam. Hanoi in Vietnam, which has a history dated back to 3000 years, even otherwise has several monuments, scenic beauty and reserves of history imprinted through the strife-torn colonial and political regimes. However, Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum draws special emphasis because it testifies about Uncle Ho in Vietnam.

Yes, we are talking about the famous revolutionary and statesman of Vietnam, Ho Chí Minh, who is revered as the father of Viet Minh independence movement in 1941. This Vietnamese leader later founded the communist regime partially in Vietnam in 1950 and served as both the Prime Minister and President of North Vietnam. Known to the world as Bác Ho or Uncle Ho' meaning "he who enlightens," he also inspired the foundation of Ho Chi Minh City. Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum in Hanoi is located in 5 Pho Ngoc Ha and you will feel a wave of awe and mysticism hitting you when you watch the corpse preserved in the mausoleum.

After his death on September 2, 1969 at Hanoi from cardiac failure, Ho Chi Minh . was embalmed and put for view in this granite mausoleum. Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum in Hanoi was built on the basis of the model of Lenin's Tomb in Moscow. Though Ho Chi Minh wished that he be cremated after his death and his ashes buried on three hilltops spread in the three main regions of Vietnam, his body was embalmed following the tradition upheld by other Communist leaders across the world.

Features of Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum in Hanoi

  -   The structure in which the body is placed, is a gray cubicle surrounded by columns.
  -   On the top, there is a flat, square fresco engraved with the words "Chu Tich (President) Ho Chi Minh" written in red plum marble.
  -   The marble was brought from Marble Mountain outside Danang in Vietnam
  -   When the national holidays are celebrated in Vietnam, numerous people including the general secretary of the Communist Party, the prime minister and the president visit Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum in Hanoi and witness parades of ethnic minorities, tanks and soldiers.
  -   Before entering Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum in Hanoi, you have to sign in at an office at No. 8 Hung Vuong Street, which is towards the south of the mausoleum.
  -   You can not take cameras, hats or bags and don't dress in shorts or tank tops while going inside
  -   You are expected to observe silence in the room containing the corpse.