"Vietnam Diaries - Hello Massa"
Journey Through Vietnam: A Land of Timeless Beauty and Vibrant Culture
Introduction:
Vietnam, a country known for its stunning landscapes, rich history, and vibrant culture, is a destination that captures the hearts of travelers from around the world. From the bustling streets of Hanoi to the serene waters of Ha Long Bay, and from the historic sites of Ho Chi Minh City to the lush greenery of the Mekong Delta, Vietnam offers a diverse and enchanting travel experience. In this blog, we'll take you on a virtual journey through Vietnam, sharing the highlights, must-see destinations, and cultural experiences that make this Southeast Asian gem a must-visit destination.
Travel Dates: 5th Oct '23 to 14th Oct '23
Cities explored: We began our journey from the northern region of Vietnam and traveled towards the southern part.
Places/Cities Visited: Hanoi, Ha Long Bay, Da Nang, Ba Na Hills, Hoi An and Ho Chi Minh.
Ha Noi: The Heart of Vietnam
Hanoi, the capital city of Vietnam, is a place where ancient traditions blend seamlessly with modern life. The Old Quarter, with its narrow streets and charming architecture, offers a glimpse into the country's past. We experienced the local culture, people and their traditions, a beautiful city with lovely people, colorful flowers and a rich tradition of Vietnam.
The places we visited during our stay at Hanoi:
1. Hoan Kiem Lake: Stroll around this peaceful lake and visit the Ngoc Son Temple situated on a small island. It's a tranquil escape from the city's hustle and bustle.
Please be aware that these temples in Vietnam have a strict dress code in place. Revealing attire, such as clothing that exposes the waist or upper body, is not permitted. Some temples may offer overcoats for visitors to cover themselves if necessary.
2. Puppet Show: In Hanoi, among the various cultural activities, an amazing cultural experience the traditional Vietnamese water puppet show is special. This ancient art form has enthralled audiences for centuries, providing a captivating glimpse into the country's abundant folklore and heritage.
This show is also recognized in the Asia Book of Records for achieving the longest duration in Water Puppetry Performance. We watched this show at Thang Long Water Puppet Theatre: Located in the heart of Hanoi's Old Quarter, the Thang Long Water Puppet Theatre is one of the most famous venues for this art form. It offers two shows daily at 2pm and 4pm (Vietnam time) that provide an authentic and mesmerizing experience.
More about the Water Puppetry: Water puppetry - Wikipedia
Tips for Enjoying the Show:
Arrive Early: It's a good idea to arrive at the theater early to secure your seats, as these performances can get quite crowded, especially during peak tourist seasons.
Respect the Traditions: Show respect for the art form and the performers by refraining from talking during the performance and silencing your electronic devices.
Photography: While photos are encouraged before and after the show, refrain from taking pictures during the performance to avoid distracting both the audience and the puppeteers.
Things to do at Hanoi:
Don't forget to catch the Water Puppet Show at Thang Long Water Puppet Theatre. Hanoi is a lively place, somewhat akin to Goa, always in the mood for festivities, party & celebrations.
In terms of food and beverages, savor the local cuisine, with popular dishes including noodles, noodle soups, and various types of spring rolls. Rice is a staple and is consumed in all three meals of the day. Additionally, indulge in their unique beverages, such as beer and wine. If you find the local fare unfamiliar, you have the option to explore a couple of Indian restaurants, one of them being 'Tadka'.
Exploring the local street markets can be an enjoyable experience. If you're skilled at negotiating, you can often score items at discounts ranging from 30% to 50%. Hanoi Weekend Night Market & Hang Dau Street is one of the best.
The Enigmatic Beauty of Ha Long Bay
Vietnam has many UNESCO World Heritage sites, one of the best was, Ha Long Bay is a natural wonder that will leave you in awe. Thousands of limestone karsts and islets rising dramatically from emerald waters create a breathtaking seascape. Exploring the bay by boat, you'll encounter picturesque caves, hidden lagoons, and floating fishing villages.
The second destination was Da Nang:
Da Nang, Vietnam, is a coastal gem known for its pristine beaches, rich history, and modern development. With iconic landmarks like the Dragon Bridge and easy access to cultural sites, it offers a captivating blend of tradition and progress, making it a top destination for travelers.
The city is known for its pristine sandy beaches, including the famous My Khe Beach, which stretches for miles and is a popular destination for both locals and tourists. The crystal-clear waters and warm climate make it an ideal spot for swimming and water sports.
During our stay at Fivitel in Da Nang on the 17th floor, we were treated to breathtaking views from the balcony. The entire city was spread out before us, framed by the stunning My Khe Beach, creating an unforgettable sight.
Our next stop from Da Nang was Ba Na Hills, where we embarked on a captivating cable car journey. This remarkable cable car, suspended at an altitude of 4,900 feet, is one of the longest non-stop single tracks in the world, spanning a distance of 5,801 meters (5 kilometers). This holds the world record for longest non-stop single track cable car.
Ba Na Hills is home to a plethora of attractions, including the iconic Golden Bridge, an Animation Park, the thrilling Fun World with a dinosaur park, entertaining comedy shows, a wax statue museum, and a wide array of games for both children and adults to enjoy.
Hoi An - a city of Lanterns and a beautiful town of Vietnam and a picturesque town that will transport you back in time. Its well-preserved old town features lantern-lit streets, ancient temples, and colonial-style architecture.
You should definitely not miss-out to savor the delectable street food, explore the tailor shops for custom clothing, browse the bustling leather shops, and immerse yourself in the vibrant world of lanterns. And, of course, a serene boat ride in the evening is an absolute must.
Our next and our last destination was Ho Chi Minh City, which was, formerly known as Saigon, is a bustling metropolis and a thriving hub of commerce and culture. The city offers a glimpse into Vietnam's history:
Ho Chi Minh City, resembling a bustling metropolis, stands out as a hub for luxury brand showrooms, IT companies, banks, and boasts an exquisite Opera House. It exudes a distinct air of opulence in comparison to other Vietnamese cities. However, traffic congestion remains a prevalent issue due to the city's numerous thriving industries.
Places to explore in Ho Chi Minh City:
War Remnants Museum: Discover the harrowing realities of the Vietnam War through photographs and artifacts.
Cu Chi Tunnels: Explore the underground network used by the Viet Cong during the war, a fascinating and unique historical site.
Cia Rang Floating Market: biggest floating market in the Mekong Delta region.
The Mekong Delta: A World of Waterways
The Mekong Delta, often referred to as the "Rice Bowl" of Vietnam, is a lush, water-covered region where life revolves around the river. Explore floating markets, fruit orchards, and take a boat ride to experience the local way of life.
Vietnamese Cuisine: A Culinary Adventure
Vietnamese cuisine is celebrated for its freshness and flavors. From pho, a fragrant noodle soup, to banh mi, a delicious sandwich, and the delectable spring rolls, every meal in Vietnam is an adventure for your taste buds. Don't forget to try local specialties in each region.
Cultural Insights:
Vietnam’s value system is based on Buddhism, (where over 75% of the population follows Buddhism) Taoism and Confucianism. In practice, this means images of various gods can be found in temples and pagodas throughout Vietnam, while fortune telling, and symbols of yin and yang are prevalent.
Festivals: Vietnam is known for its vibrant festivals, such as Tet (Lunar New Year) and Mid-Autumn Festival. These celebrations offer a unique window into Vietnamese culture and traditions.
Language and People: Learning a few Vietnamese phrases can go a long way in connecting with the friendly locals. The Vietnamese people are warm and welcoming, making your trip even more memorable. Given its proximity with China and a millennium of Chinese rule, the culture of Vietnam is heavily influenced by China. The Vietnamese language is said to have 80% of its words that are derived from Chinese language.
Few basic phrases:
Xin chào (sin chow) – Hello.
Dạ (zah) – Yes.
Cảm ơn (cam uhn) – Thank you.
Không, cảm ơn (kaung cam uhn) – No, thank you.
Làm ơn (lam uhn) – Please.
The non la is the iconic Vietnamese conical hat known worldwide. Interestingly, images of these bamboo hats have been present in Vietnamese art for as long as 3,000 years.
The Vietnamese are highly rated for their art, you find many such examples across Vietnam be at Hats, Sculptures, showpiece, leather goods.
Water puppetry is Vietnam’s most famous performing art, dating back to the 11th century. When the Red River burst its banks, it provided an opportunity for creative puppeteers to conceal their bodies and the mechanics behind the puppets they operated. Water puppet shows are still performed to this day, with puppeteers performing from positions half immersed in water.
Artisans and craftsmanship are a proud aspect of Vietnamese heritage, with the country’s abundant natural resources providing opportunities for locals to get creative. There are 1,500 + handicraft villages in Vietnam.
Conclusion:
A journey through Vietnam is a tapestry of stunning landscapes, rich history, and an incredibly warm and diverse culture. Whether you're exploring the ancient streets of Hanoi, cruising through Ha Long Bay, or savoring the flavors of Vietnamese cuisine, you'll find Vietnam to be a captivating destination that lingers in your heart and memory long after your visit. So, pack your bags, embark on this remarkable adventure, and immerse yourself in the timeless beauty and vibrant culture of Vietnam.
Must Do:
Don't forget to catch a Water Puppetry show in any Vietnamese city, with the best one being at the Thang Long Water Puppet Theatre in Hanoi.
Recommended applications to download: Google Lens, Translator, and Grab & in-drive for cabs.
For shopping, you can use your Indian Debit card in most shops but be aware that local markets may charge an additional 7% to 10% on each transaction. Don't miss exploring local and street markets, especially Hoi An's leather shops for exquisite bags, wallets, shoes, and jackets. Remember to bargain during your shopping; you might be surprised at the prices offered during negotiations.
A massage is a must-try; unfortunately, I missed out as I couldn't find time to explore this aspect.
Regarding food, you'll find Indian and vegetarian restaurants in all cities, eliminating the need to carry any ready-to-eat items while traveling.
Insights and Discoveries from this Journey:
Cultural Awareness: Vietnam has a rich and diverse culture that reflects its long history and the influences of various civilizations.
Family Values: Family plays a central role in Vietnamese culture. Respect for elders and strong family ties are emphasized, and decisions often consider the well-being of the family unit.
Confucian Influence: Confucianism has greatly influenced Vietnamese culture, emphasizing social harmony, respect for authority, and the importance of education.
Traditional Clothing: The traditional Vietnamese clothing, known as the "ao dai," is a long, flowing tunic worn over trousers. It is often worn on special occasions and represents elegance.
Festivals: Vietnam celebrates a variety of festivals throughout the year, often tied to lunar calendar events. These festivals showcase traditional music, dance, and rituals. It is celebrated with family gatherings, special foods, and various customs.
Language: The official language is Vietnamese. The writing system uses the Latin alphabet, although it incorporates additional diacritical marks.
Religion: The dominant religions in Vietnam are Buddhism, Confucianism, and Taoism. There is also a significant Catholic community, particularly in the southern part of the country.
Traditional Arts: Vietnam has a rich tradition of arts and crafts, including lacquerware, silk weaving, and traditional woodblock prints.
Traditional Medicine: Traditional Vietnamese medicine, influenced by Chinese medicine, incorporates herbal remedies, acupuncture, and massage.
Architecture: Vietnam's architecture reflects a blend of traditional styles and influences from Chinese, French (from the colonial period), and other Southeast Asian cultures.
Respect for Nature: Vietnamese culture often emphasizes a deep respect for nature. This is reflected in traditional practices, folklore, and the importance placed on living in harmony with the environment.
Women play a dominant role in the workforce, with a noticeable presence in running shops, managing businesses, operating restaurants, and holding various professional roles.
Travelers are predominantly from East Asian and Southeast Asian countries such as China, Japan, South Korea, Singapore, Malaysia, etc. Even these travelers are known for being very friendly and helpful. Tạm biệt (Goodbye) for now. 'Hello Massa' :)
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