Thung Lung Tinh Yeu (Valley of Love) is now a park developed by the local government to attract tourists. The valley is approximately 5 km from the center of town. At the floor of the valley is Da Thien lake. To go to the lake there is a small dirt path used for horses. Recently the park attendants have built a series of steps leading to the bottom of the valley. Lake Da Thien is quite small and there are peddles and motorized boats for rent.
Showing posts with label Vietnam Vacations. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Vietnam Vacations. Show all posts
Tuesday, February 23, 2010
Valley of Love in Dalat
Dalat History
The first person to explore this region was Mr. Nguyen Thong. Approximately 25 years later, in 1893, Dr. Yersin, a French immunologist discovered Dankia high lands while on an expedition to the Langbian high lands. Dankia is 10 km from the city of Da Lat. This region reminded Dr. Yersin of his homeland, and particularly the similarities between Da Lat's evergreen forests and those in the Swiss Alps. He made the recommendation to the government to form a resort town with health spas for government officials and foreign dignitaries in Dankia.
Not long after, Dr. Tardiff, also a French citizen, had an expedition through this region and visited Dankia and Da Lat. He recommended Da Lat to the government due to the favorable water source and locale. At the time, South Vietnam was under French rule, and was known as Cochinchina. The Governor of Cochinchina personally visited Dangkia and Da Lat and decided to take Dr. Tardiff's recommendation.
Dalat Travel Guide Vietnam
Vietnam has all the ingredients for a lovely vacation. It was established during 1897 by Alexander Yersin, a French scientist, as a holiday resort for French commanders tired of the tropical atmosphere of Vietnam. The memory of its establishment remains even till date in the ruins of the colonial mansions and in the lovely pagodas built during that time. In the recent years, Dalat in Vietnam is one of the most popular of the Vietnam tourist attractions especially for the honeymooners.The tourist attractions in Dalat, Vietnam comprises mainly of the natural beauties like lakes, waterfalls and parks. There are also few pagodas in this region which are worth a visit. Some of the popular places of interest in Dalat are:
Xuan Huong Lake: It is a lovely lake in Dalat which stretches for nearly 5 kilometers. This lake was created from a dam project which got destroyed by a storm and then the current
Xuan Huong Lake was built in its place in 1935. Here you can rent windsurfing boards and paddle boats to take a spin around the river, though most people generally prefer taking long walks around.Valley of Love: It is the popular name for Thung Lung Tinh Yeu Park, located about 3.2 kilometers away from the town centre. This is nice place for taking leisurely strolls and it also has a small lake where boating can be done.
Ho Than Tho: It is popularly known as the Lake of Sorrow after an age old myth of a young girl having drowned here for her lover. This lake is very popular among the honeymooners.
Prenn Fall: Situated at the bottom of the Prenn pass, nearly 10 kilometers from Dalat, this place is well known for its flora and fauna. People generally come here to see its wildlife.
Gougah Fall: About 40 km away from Dalat, this waterfall has naturally separated water ways at the center of the fall.
Lat Village: This is the village of the Co Ho people, with a huge cement sculpture of a chicken at its centre.
Chicken village: Famous for its giant concrete chicken caught mid-strut in the village centre. Lang Dinh An has become very popular with travellers because it's conveniently situated on the highway, 17km from Dalat. The village is home to about 600 people of the Koho minority, who were enticed down from the hills
Linh Phuoc Pagoda: It is a very contemporary pagoda housing a statue of Buddha made of gold and also has a very fascinating garden around it.
Dalat Central market: It is bustling with activities. Unlike most market in Vietnam, Da Lat's market has an open promenade where people can walk about. At the end of the promenade is a stair leading to the Le Dai Hanh Street, one of Da Lat's major thoroughfare.
Lang Bian Mountain
Also called Lam Vien Mountain, it has five volcanic peaks ranging in altitude from 2100m to 2400m. Of the two highest peaks, the eastern one is known by the woman's name K'Lang while the western one bears as man's name, K'Biang.
Mui Ne fishing village - Phan Thiet - Muine
The name "Mui Ne" was created by local fishing people because this is the shelter in stormy season. "Mui" means cape or island and "Ne" means hiding. The combination of sunlight, sand and teeming blue water has created a landscape appealing and fabulous to tourists. In addition to the excursion, tourists also have chance to witness the daily activities of a pure Vietnamese fishing village. Together with the local fishing people to catch sea fish, rock crabs and to draw fishing nets, tourists not only find it relaxing but also integrate into the real fishing life. Whenever mentioning Phan Thiet, everyone often thinks about the sea and seafood. Seeing believes! This place has so many interesting things waiting for our discovery so that we will have more affection to this small beautiful City!
Hoi An History
Hoi An was considered as the budding port town of the Sa Huynh community who thrived in the region of Vietnam . It was during the 2nd to the 15th centuries that Hoi An was governed by kingdom of Champa. Later on Hoi An turned into a commercial port town, having trade links with Arabia and China. As far as the history of Hoi An claims, the port town of Lam Ap turned into the so called Hoi An of the present day. The region flourished with Tra Kieu and My Son, the capital that had temples and towers belonging to the
kingdom of Champa
As far as the history of Hoi An goes, the settlement of Cham civilization within Hoi An was known for the presence of Cham port that had maritime trade links. Due to the strategic location of Hoi An along the merging point of Quang Nam and due to other positive conditions, the province showed affirmative signs of development during the 16th to the 19th centuries.
As far as the History of Hoi An goes, this small town along with the "Silk road" and "Ceramic road" was involved in trade links with countries like China, Thailand, Japan, India, Portugal, Britain, France, Holland, and others.
With time Hoi An emerged as an international port town for trade links along with being a major economic hub for Nguyen Lords and Kings within of Southern Vietnam. It was during the concluding years of the 19th century, the sailing vessels port town of Hoi An experienced its downfall and lost importance in comparison to the industrial port city of Danang.
The province fought for 117-years especially during the year 1858 - 1975 against overseas invaders and finally several Hoianians sacrificed themselves for the sake of the country’s independence and its unification.
Finally it was in December 4th, 1999 Hoi An was placed within the World Heritage list by UNESCO
Hoian Travel Guide Vietnam
| Hoi An, Vietnam is a small town in Central Vietnam on the coast of South China Sea. Located at the estuary of the Thu Bon river, Hoi An was a busy international commercial port in the 16th and 17th centuries. Herein Chinese from various provinces, Japanese, Dutch and Indians had settled down during the same period. Today Hoi An stands as an example of ancient architecturee and is declared as a World Heritage by UNESCO for being one of the best preserved ancient Southeast Asian trading ports. | |
My Son E1 Style (First half 8th Century Constructions)
In the process of finding and defining the relics, which were constructed at the early stage of the construction in My Son, the scientists not only based on the architectural constructions but also based on the works of stone sculptures. These indigenously marked elements of the works discovered at the Tower E1 give scientists grounds to affirm that they were built at the beginning of the 8th century, when Cham art was at its heyday. The architectural works of the My Son E1 style were remained through the process of constructions My Son Cham Towers the next year. Artifacts characteristic of the My Son E1 style show the harmonious combination between indigenous and external elements, typical of the early period of Cham art. The monuments built later are a reaffirmation of the cultural identity of the kingdom of Champa. Moreover, such indigenous cultures as Dong Son and Sa Huynh have helped the Cham people to produce an original form of art. Together with the neighboring cultures, they have created a distinct identity of Southeast Asian art in general. The towers and architectural construction in the first stage from the beginning of the 8th to the 9th century: Tower E1 and the Happiness god statue of Ganesha.
Hoa Lai Style (First half of the 9th century)
During the first half of the 9th century, the Champa Kingdom remained very prosperous and powerful. At that time, the commercial and economic relations between Southeast-Asian countries and India were almost stopped. Hence, the indigenous arts were no longer directly influenced by Indian art. They entered an independent and wealthy period.The indigenous arts combines selectively with the beauty arts of Indean and foreign arts which were created a distinct splendid period. Hence, the scientists called Hoa Lai style (or late My Son E1 style). The characteristic art of this period shows that many indigenous elements were stressed, pushing back the influence of foreign art. Cham art strongly developed, creating an incredibly attractive, vivid and majestic beauty displayed in decorative motifs. The anthropological characteristics of this period include: square-shaped face, big nose, large mouth, thick lower lip, and bushy moustaches. The garments consist of a stripy tie-belt with the enlarged lower part and its ends folded into thick waves; big round earrings; a single necklace with tassels or a double plain necklace; many ornamental bracelets worn on arms, wrists, forearms, and legs; the hair is twisted into a three-storied cone.
The main architectural features are a band with vertical patterns between two plain bands along the pillars; big gourd shaped vault densely decorated with parallel fishhook-shaped tree branches. Towers built at that time also had pillars adjacent to the walls. All the above elements make the works of this period very impressive, ingenuous, majestic and original. The Hoa Lai group of towers (in Phan Rang) is a masterpiece of Cham art, based on the combination of two aesthetic trends: simple decoration of the My Son E1 style and the more intricate decoration of the new style. The My Son tower complex and the groups following the Hoa Lai style belong to group F (1, 2, 3); A' (1, 2, 3, 4) and C7. Besides, there are some other architectural items such as the lintel, tympana and plinth used in tower Towers C1, D1, and others.
Binh Dinh Style and Muon Style (built between the 12th and 13th century)
From the 12th century onwards, many towns, villages and towers of the kingdom of Champa were devastated by fierce wars, which held back the development of all spheres of social life of this nation, including art the majority of monuments built at that period are found in Binh Dinh Province. They own a new style much more original than monuments dating back to the 11th century. In this period, these towers were often built on hilltops and decorated with poor patterns, which gave them a mysterious beauty. Their architecture was mainly influenced by Khmer art. Their vaults were mostly kept unchanged. The spearhead-shaped motif of these vaults was similar to that of the Po Nagar style. Overlapping spearhead shapes were sometimes surrounded by smaller ones like those of tower G1.
The art of Ly and Tran Dynasties also influenced the architecture of the towers in this period. The art of the Khmer, Ly and Tran Dynasties, together with local cultures gave Cham art a tendency towards an illusory beauty which is rather different from the magnificent and lively beauty of the Group A1 of the My Son style, but is closer to the Dong Duong style. Peculiar decorative motifs of this period are rows of full and round breasts of women, which are carved around the altars and walls. These breasts symbolize Urogia Goddess (Urogia means women's breast in the Cham language), who gave birth to the Cham nation. The towers belonging to the Binh Dinh and Muon style are rather imposing. Standing on top of hills, these structures have a majestic, cold and solitary beauty. Decorative patterns of animal statues are intricate but those of human ones are poor and rational. In My Son, there are two groups of towers, G and H, which symbolize the styles of Binh Dinh and Muon. According to the remaining stele inscriptions at these towers, group G was dedicated to Shiva Emperor Sri Paramabrahmaloka and Queen Gingian (they are parents of King Giaya Harivarman), as well as Harivarmesvana, who was responsible for protecting the life of the King. These groups are the only one in Cham art to be related to the inscriptions of the stele found on the spot, which dates back to 1157, and gives the exact time of the birth of the tower.
Discovery of the site and research
After being the spiritual centre of Champa, My Son fell into oblivion for several centuries and was reclaimed by the jungle. The site was rediscovered in 1885 by a group of French soldiers. In 1895, C. Paris was the first one to clear the site of My Son. Then, from 1898 to 1899, two French scientists came to do some research on the epitaphs. At the beginning of the 20th century, the architect and French archaeologist Henri Parmentier came to My Son to study Cham art and architecture. His first results were published by the EFEO (the French School of the Far East). C. Carpeaux and other scientists also published their research on the architecture, sculpture and culture of the Chams in general and of My Son in particular. Over a period of 40 years, at the beginning of the century, some temples at My Son were restored and consolidated.
The most significant study is probably "L'Art du Champa" by P. Stern, published in Paris, in 1942. According to it, Cham architecture can be classified into seven categories: My Son, Hoa Lai, Dong Duong, My Son-A 1, Po Nagar, Binh Dinh and Po Klong Garai. According to the 20th century census, My Son remained 71 towers, which were divided into: Group A and A' (Chua Towers): 19 relics; Group B, C, D (Cho Tower): 27 relics; Group E, F (Ho Khe Tower): 12 relics; Group G: 5 relics; Group H (Ban Co Towers): 4 relics; other groups such as: K, L, M, N, 0 each one comprised from 1 to two relics. In 1945, My Son fell into oblivion again. Bad weather and devastating wars unfortunately destroyed most of these masterpieces of architecture. The site was mainly affected at the end of 1969, because of the repeated assaults and bombing of the B52s. This is how Kalan A 1, among so many other monuments, was destroyed. Even today the evidence of the war is still visible. Following the on-site investigation, there still remain 31 Cham towers with the wall of 1 m high and over:
Group A and A' remain 3 relics and a large debris. Group B remains 8 over 14 relics. Group C remains 7 over 7 relics. Group D remains 3 over 6 relics. Group E remains 3 over 9 relics. Group F remains 2 over 3 relics. Group G remains 3 over 5 relics. Group H remains 1 over 4 relics. Group K remains 1 over 1 relic. Group L, M, N, 0 became the ruins. After the reunification of the country, on April 29th, 1979 the Ministry of Culture and Information promulgated the decision number 54/VH-QD in which My Son Cham Towers were recognized as “Sculptural art relics" need to be protected. The Vietnamese government made all kinds of efforts to preserve the remains in My Son, in collaboration with numerous associations and experts, Vietnamese and foreign, and scientists interested in archaeological, historical and cultural issues. Besides the important people who helped in the discovery and rehabilitation of My Son at the beginning of the century, such as Parmentier, Carpeaux and Stern, we can also mention Kazimienrz, head of a team of Polish scientists, who has played a major role in the preservation and restoration of My Son, from the beginning of the 80's until 1994.
My Son, a World Heritage Site
Of the 225 Cham vestiges that are known in Vietnam, My Son possesses 71 monuments and 32 epitaphs, the content of which is still being studied. Even though My Son does not display the same splendors as Angkor, in Cambodia, or Bagan in Burma, it is still a unique and very significant site for the length and continuity of its history, since it bears the marks of a development that lasted more than 7 centuries (from the 7th to the 13th). Just like the old town of Hal An, My Son has been listed as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO, in December 1999, which gave an international recognition to the cultural and historic values of the ethnic community of Vietnam. The site was seriously damaged, and no monuments in My Son are totally intact today. Still, they are precious remains that allow researchers to study the evolution of Cham art. After seven centuries of development, this art left behind stunning masterpieces. Cham artists must have concentrated all their talent to bring artistic pieces of such everlasting beauty out of the brickwork. Cham art was deeply influenced by Indian sculpture, but through its development, it managed to emphasize its indigenous features, which give to these monuments all their charm and originality. In the Cham statuary art, we find stoic monks, Epicurean dancers and the vitality of human beings, but also ecstatic moments of quiet serenity. Only the talented Cham sculptors could produce such masterpieces.
History of My Son
We find the first mentions of a Cham Kingdom when the inhabitants of the Tuong Lam region raised a rebellion against the Chinese feudal domination, in 192 AD, in order to establish an independent kingdom in the territory that lay from the present-day Quang Binh Province to Binh Thuan Province.
From 192 to 758 AD, this kingdom bore the name of Lam Ap. From 758 AD, it was designated in Chinese documents as Hoan Vuong (Huan Wang). Then, in 875, it was baptized Chiem Thanh (Sino Vietnamese transcription of Champapura, city of the Chams). The Cham Kingdom had two holy cities belonging to two main opposing clans. My Son Holy City of the Dua Clan ruled over the north of the kingdom and was the place for the worship of God Srisanabhadresvara. The Cau Clan, who reigned over the South, had Po Nagar Holy City, dedicated to King Po Nagar. Nevertheless, My Son was considered as the Holy City of the Champa. Each new monarch came to My Son after his accession to the throne, for the ceremony of purification and to present offerings and erect new monuments, which explains why My Son is the only place where Cham art flourished with out interruption from the 7th to the 13th century.
The first constructions date back to the 4th century, under the reign of Bhadravarman. According to Cham beliefs, the monuments were sacred places, dedicated to gods, and ordinary people were not allowed to go in. Only Brahman monks and members of royalty could take part in the ritual ceremonies. According to the epitaphs (inscriptions) found in My Son, we know that, at the end of the 4th century, King Bhadravarman erected a wooden temple for God Shiva Bhadresvara. This is why you can read that "The King has dedicated to Shiva Bhadresvara an eternal place, surrounded by Mount Sulah to the east, Mount Mahaparvata to the south, Mount Kusala to the west, and Mount (…) to the north. Thereby, he gives him all the lands, the harvest and the people living in this domain. If the lands and harvests are to be destroyed by some enemies, the inhabitants will not be punished. Justice will be implemented by the God himself".
Later on, a fire destroyed this temple. At the beginning of the 7th century, King Sambhuvarman had it rebuilt and rebaptized Sambhu-Bhadresvara. During the period between 758 to 859 AD under the reign of Hoan Vuong, the capital of the Kingdom was moved to the Kauthara region. The holy city of Po Nagar was built to worship King Po Nagar, but some monuments (A2, C7 and F3) were still erected at My Son. From 875 to 915 AD, under the reign of Indrapura, Buddhism took over the religious scene in the kingdom. The temple dedicated to Laksmindra Bodhisattva was built in Dong Duong, and at the same time temples A 10, A 11, A 13 and B4 were erected at My Son. At the beginning of the 10th century, when Hinduism became the major religion again, My Son was back to its situation as the main holy city of Champa. Most of the temples and monuments on the site (A 1, B2, B3, B5, B6, B8; C1, C2, C3, C4, C5, C6, D1, D2, D4) were built during that period, the golden age of Cham architecture. At the end of the 12th century to the beginning of the 13th century (1192 to 1220), Champa was invaded several times by the Khmers; and numerous temples were burned or destroyed. Under the reign of Jaya Paramesvaravarman II (starting from 1220), when the Khmers retreated, some monuments were restored at My Son, while others were still being built until the end of the 13th century.
Po Nagar style (built in the 11th century)
The 11th century was the most chaotic period in the Cham history due to foreign invasion and protracted civil wars. When the capital of Champa was moved from Tra Kieu to Do Ban (Binh Dinh Province), the situation became even more terrible. Historical events exerted direct influences on Cham art. The My Son A1 style, for instance, a tall tree with a far-reaching shade, continued to exert its influence on other structures the following years. Local elements were recovered and foreign ones gradually eliminated. The period after the domination of the My Son A1 style was one of searches for new orientations. The 11th century architecture and sculpture in Champa retained many characteristics of the My Son A1 style. Such characteristics were combined with local identities to produce a strange and mysterious beauty, marking a period of crisis of the Cham art before its decline.
Regarding architecture, the symmetry of structures became less harmonious. Decorations on the works disappeared and designs changed for greater simplicity Spearhead-shaped arches appeared. The slim shape of these arches can be found in false entrances of the Po Nagar Towers, one of the biggest and most typical of this transitional period. The sculptural art of this period, also known as the Chanh Lo style, inherited the huge vestiges of the previous styles. The influence of Java art wore out while local traditions prospered. Sculptures of human beings still had smiling faces, pupil less eyes, small noses and thick lips. Two-tiered hats with many overlapping spearhead-shaped designs replaced headwear. Jewels were still gem chains in the late Tra Kieu style. The themes were used repeatedly, showing the poor creativity of this period. The 11th century buried the charm of the prospering Cham art and led to a new stage. The towers of the Po Nagar style in My Son are E4, F2 and K group ones.
My Son Travel Guide Vietnam
My Son Sanctuary, Vietnam is located in the Quang Nam province which is 69 Kilometers south-west of Danang. It was an imperial city during the Champa dynasty, a centre for spirituality and worship between
the 4th and the 12th centuries. My Son Sanctuary, Vietnam has been listed in the World Heritage site as well, for its exemplification of the heights of Cham architectural achievement and hence is one of the top Vietnam tourist attractions.
My Son Sanctuary, Vietnam is a large complex of religious monuments comprised of more than 70 architectural works built by the nobility of the Champa kingdom deriving their cultural and spiritual influences from Indian Hinduism. Only 25 vestiges remain today as a standing witness to the reign of Champa Dynasty. These are temples and towers connected to each other through complicated red brick design to reflect the divinity of the king.
One of the most recognized of the Vietnam popular destinations, all temple towers in My Son Sanctuary,
Vietnam were built on quadrate foundations each comprising three parts representing different aspect of religion. The solid tower base represents the world of human being, the sacred and mysterious tower body represents the world of spirit and the tower top built in the shape of a man offering flowers or of trees and animals representing things close to spirits and human beings.
My Son Sanctuary- Vietnam, Angkor Wat in Cambodia and Lo Pagan in Myanmar among others.
Hai van Pass Travel Guide
Hai Van Pass, Vietnam is one of the highest passes in the country and one of the most scenic hillside roads
in Vietnam. The meaning of Hai Van is wind and cloud or sea cloud. True to its meaning, wind in Hai Van Pass moves like a herd of horses galloping a number of miles and clouds seem to pour down from the heaven. One of the major Vietnam tourist attractions is the panoramic view of the Danang city, Tien Sa port, Son Tra peninsula and long white sandy beach from the Hai Van Pass.
Hai Van Pass, Vietnam is the last spur of the Truong Son Range that reaches to the sea. As described by a 17th Century Vietnamese scholar, Hai Van seems to stands with feet in the sea and its summit covered with clouds. The road over Hai Van Pass opened in the end of 19th century. The road over the pass is over 21
kilometers long and 435 meters above sea level. The drive over the pass gives the visitors thrill of tearing through the clouds on the winding road up and down the pass.
The pass is crowned with the vestiges of a fortified gateway built by the French which is now covered with moss. This gateway acts as entrance and exit points of Thuan Hoa and Quang Nam provinces. These points are indicated by the inscribed words Hai Van Gate on the one facing Thua Thien and the most grandiose gateway in the world on the one looking down on Quang Nam.
The view during the descending journey from Hai Van Pass, Vietnam is no less enchanting. Sightseeing in Vietnam is at its best here with the sequel of valleys and lagoons as the road descends lower. The first
stop in this descending journey is the village of Lang Co sitting on the tip of a long peninsula separating a shallow lagoon from the sea. This scenic village is a good stop over place for a lunch or even a day with a beautiful beach to swim at or the village houses and the church to explore Vietnamese lifestyle.
This descending journey has much more to offer. The road between Danang to Hue passes by few small hills with its unique landscape just beyond it. The three hour drive from Danang to Hue, Vietnam is sure to leave the visitors asking for more. No wonder Hai Van Pass, Vietnam is listed among one of the most visited of the various Vietnam popular destinations.
Rivers of Hue
Almost all the rivers running across Thua Thien - Hue Province spring up the Truong Son Mountain Range and run throughout the plains towards the sea: 0 Lau River, Bo River, Truoi River, Cau Hai River, and the biggest of them, the Huong River (Perfume River) with a basin area of 300 sq km. The Huong River has two tributaries: Ta (left) Trach and Huu (right).
The Huong River enters the sea at Thuan An Mouth. The swelling season is from September to December, with a peak in October. There are a lot of lagoons and marshes in Hue: Tam Giang, Ha Trung, Cau Hai and An Cu.
Introduction of Hue
Hue is a province located in the northern part of Central Vietnam. It is encompassed between Quang Tri Province to the north, Da Nang and Quang Nam provinces, to the south (with the boundary of the Hai Van Pass), the Eastern sea to the east and Lao PDR to the west (with the boundary of the Truong Son Mountain Range). The provincial capital, Hue, the old imperial city of Vietnam under the Nguyen Dynasty, is 660km south of Hanoi and 1,080km north of Ho Chi Minh City.
History of Hue
From 179 BC to the end of the 2nd century AD, Hue was in the territory of Nhat Nam District, under the domination of the northern feudal regime. Then, for about 12 centuries, it was the northernmost territory of the Kingdom of Champa.
From 1306, after the wedding of the princess Huyen Tran of the Tran Dynasty with Che Man, the Cham King, the territories of Chau O and Chau Ly (comprised of Quang Tri, Thua Thien - Hue and part of Northern Quang Nam) took the name of Thuan Hoa. In the 2nd half of the 15th century, under the reign of King Le Thanh Tong, the name of "Hue" appeared for the first time. In 1636, the residence of the Nguyen Lords was settled at Kim Long (Hue). In 1687, it was transferred to Phu Xuan ¬where is the Citadel today. Early in the 18th century, Phu Xuan became the political, economic and cultural centre of the southern part of Vietnam. Then, from 1788 to 1801, it became the capital of the Tay Son Dynasty.
From 1802 to 1945, Hue was the capital of unified Vietnam under the reign of the Nguyen Kings. During these years, architectural works of a high cultural and historic value were built: the Citadel and the Imperial City (100 constructions), the imperial tombs of 13 kings of the Nguyen Dynasty, the Esplanade of Nam Giao, the Ho Quyen arena and the Hon Chen Temple. Thua Thien - Hue is also a province with an important heroic revolutionary tradition. Today, numerous reminders of the two wars for independence can still be found.
Hue, the First World Cultural Heritage Site in Vietnam
At the meeting of the 17th session of the World Heritage Committee (WHC) in
Columbia, from the 6th to the 11th of December 1993, UNESCO has come to the decision of recognizing the architectural ensemble of Hue as a world cultural heritage. On 2 August 1994, the delivery of the recognizing text has been organized at the Imperial Palace of Hue, with the participation of many international, national and local personalities, as well as representatives of the population of Hue. Great enthusiasm has been generated in the country through the broadcast of this news. This was a noteworthy event in the cultural history. For the reason that Hue is the first site in Vietnam ever listed in the World Heritage list.
As to the cultural value, a World Cultural Heritage Site, like the city of Hue, has to:
- Be representative of an original artistic achievement, a masterpiece created by Man's hands;
- Have a great value for its building technique or its architecture in a general development plan for a city or in a program for the embellishment of the sight of a world cultural zone;
- Be representative of an architectural ensemble of an important historical period; be closely related to important events, to ideas or beliefs having a great influence or to famous historical personalities.
Besides, for a cultural property to be internationally recognized, it has to be fully confirmed on a juridical level, and it must possess a managing organization ensuring its good conservation. The architectural ensemble of Hue meets these requirements; it is embedded with highly humanistic values, and may be compared with the other cultural properties, rare and precious, in this World.
In the closing report of the above-mentioned meeting, the WHC has briefly assessed the value of Hue as follows. "The architecture of Hue, which has been the Capital of a unified Vietnam, built at about the beginning of the 19th century, combines the oriental philosophy with the traditions of Vietnam. Intimately mingled with the natural environment, the beauty and special richness of the architecture and decorative art of the building are an original image of the Vietnamese monarchy at its most prosperous period".
The fact that the imperial city of Hue is now listed as a World Heritage Site may represent a new chance for Thua Thien Hue Province and for the whole country in general. The wonders of Hue can hardly be described to do them justice, and the best way to discover them is still to come in person and admire the beautiful constructions.
Hue Travel Guide Vietnam
Geography of Hue
Hue is a province located in the northern part of Central Vietnam. It is encompassed between Quang Tri Province to the north, Da Nang and Quang Nam provinces, to the south (with the boundary of the Hai Van Pass), the Eastern sea to the east and Lao PDR to the west (with the boundary of the Truong Son Mountain Range). The provincial capital, Hue, the old imperial city of Vietnam under the Nguyen Dynasty, is 660km south of Hanoi and 1,080km north of Ho Chi Minh City.
At the meeting of the 17th session of the World Heritage Committee (WHC) in
Columbia, from the 6th to the 11th of December 1993, UNESCO has come to the decision of recognizing the architectural ensemble of Hue as a world cultural heritage. On 2 August 1994, the delivery of the recognizing text has been organized at the Imperial Palace of Hue, with the participation of many international, national and local personalities, as well as representatives of the population of Hue. Great enthusiasm has been generated in the country through the broadcast of this news. This was a noteworthy event in the cultural history. For the reason that Hue is the first site in Vietnam ever listed in the World Heritage list.
As to the cul¬tural value, a World Cultural Heritage Site, like the city of Hue, has to:
- Be representative of an original artistic achievement, a masterpiece created by Man's hands;
- Have a great value for its building technique or its architecture in a general development plan for a city or in a program for the embellishment of the sight of a world cultural zone;
- Be representative of an architectural ensemble of an important historical period; be closely related to important events, to ideas or beliefs having a great influence or to famous historical personalities.
Besides, for a cultural property to be internationally recognized, it has to be fully confirmed on a juridical level, and it must possess a managing organization ensuring its good conservation. The architectural ensemble of Hue meets these requirements; it is embedded with highly humanistic values, and may be compared with the other cultural properties, rare and precious, in this World.
In the closing report of the above-mentioned meeting, the WHC has briefly assessed the value of Hue as follows. "The architecture of Hue, which has been the Capital of a unified Vietnam, built at about the beginning of the 19th century, combines the oriental philosophy with the traditions of Vietnam. Intimately mingled with the natural environment, the beauty and special richness of the architecture and decorative art of the building are an original image of the Vietnamese monarchy at its most prosperous period".
The fact that the imperial city of Hue is now listed as a World Heritage Site may represent a new chance for Thua Thien Hue Province and for the whole country in general. The wonders of Hue can hardly be described to do them justice, and the best way to discover them is still to come in person and admire the beautiful constructions.
It is next to Quang Tri Province to the north, Danang to the south, and Quang Nam Province to the south-west. This province leans up against the Truong Son mountain range and is washed by the East Sea, along its 120km seashore.
Hue Climate:
The weather is submitted to tropical monsoon climate divided into four distinct seasons: fresh spring, very hot summer, mild autumn and windy, cold winter. The dry season lasts from March to August. It is hot with temperate rarely reaches to 39.5ºC. The rainy season lasts from September to February. It is quite cold with average temperature is 19.7ºC, but sometime down to 8.8ºC. In this time, it rains a lost, sometime lasts all day. If tourist would to avoid rainy, they come to Danang City, 108km from south of Hue. In the mountain area, the weather is cool with the annual temperature is between 9ºC and 29ºC. The most convenient time to visit the area is from November to April.
Hue Tourism
Hue offers very diversified and beautiful landscapes. Nature and human beings create a harmoniously beauty with Bach Ma (White Horse) National Park and other attractive beaches such as Thuan An, Lang Co and Canh Duong.
The province provides a well-balanced blend of royal heritage and folk culture. As a matter of fact, tourists discover dozens of handicraft villages, with annual festivals that are painstakingly organized.
Hue is also an important center of Buddhism. In Hue and its surrounding still exist tens of pagodas constructed more 300 years ago, and hundred of temples and pagodas built in the early 20th century. Besides, tourist is able to enjoy many traditional famous dishes and find out about sophisticated handicraft here.
Hue Citadel has been recognized as a World Cultural Heritage Site by UNESCO since December 1993, Hue Royal Musical (Nha nhac) has been declared as a World Intangible Cultural Heritage since November 2003.
Hue Transportation
Transportation by train, road, air and water routes is very convenient.
Train: The Thong Nhat Express trains from Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh stop at Hue Railway station. The local trains come to some other provinces.
Air: Phu Bai Airport serves flights: Hue - Ho Chi Minh City and Hue - Hanoi.
Hue is a province located in the northern part of Central Vietnam. It is encompassed between Quang Tri Province to the north, Da Nang and Quang Nam provinces, to the south (with the boundary of the Hai Van Pass), the Eastern sea to the east and Lao PDR to the west (with the boundary of the Truong Son Mountain Range). The provincial capital, Hue, the old imperial city of Vietnam under the Nguyen Dynasty, is 660km south of Hanoi and 1,080km north of Ho Chi Minh City.
At the meeting of the 17th session of the World Heritage Committee (WHC) in
Columbia, from the 6th to the 11th of December 1993, UNESCO has come to the decision of recognizing the architectural ensemble of Hue as a world cultural heritage. On 2 August 1994, the delivery of the recognizing text has been organized at the Imperial Palace of Hue, with the participation of many international, national and local personalities, as well as representatives of the population of Hue. Great enthusiasm has been generated in the country through the broadcast of this news. This was a noteworthy event in the cultural history. For the reason that Hue is the first site in Vietnam ever listed in the World Heritage list.
As to the cul¬tural value, a World Cultural Heritage Site, like the city of Hue, has to:
- Be representative of an original artistic achievement, a masterpiece created by Man's hands;
- Have a great value for its building technique or its architecture in a general development plan for a city or in a program for the embellishment of the sight of a world cultural zone;
- Be representative of an architectural ensemble of an important historical period; be closely related to important events, to ideas or beliefs having a great influence or to famous historical personalities.
Besides, for a cultural property to be internationally recognized, it has to be fully confirmed on a juridical level, and it must possess a managing organization ensuring its good conservation. The architectural ensemble of Hue meets these requirements; it is embedded with highly humanistic values, and may be compared with the other cultural properties, rare and precious, in this World.
In the closing report of the above-mentioned meeting, the WHC has briefly assessed the value of Hue as follows. "The architecture of Hue, which has been the Capital of a unified Vietnam, built at about the beginning of the 19th century, combines the oriental philosophy with the traditions of Vietnam. Intimately mingled with the natural environment, the beauty and special richness of the architecture and decorative art of the building are an original image of the Vietnamese monarchy at its most prosperous period".
The fact that the imperial city of Hue is now listed as a World Heritage Site may represent a new chance for Thua Thien Hue Province and for the whole country in general. The wonders of Hue can hardly be described to do them justice, and the best way to discover them is still to come in person and admire the beautiful constructions.
It is next to Quang Tri Province to the north, Danang to the south, and Quang Nam Province to the south-west. This province leans up against the Truong Son mountain range and is washed by the East Sea, along its 120km seashore.
Hue Climate:
The weather is submitted to tropical monsoon climate divided into four distinct seasons: fresh spring, very hot summer, mild autumn and windy, cold winter. The dry season lasts from March to August. It is hot with temperate rarely reaches to 39.5ºC. The rainy season lasts from September to February. It is quite cold with average temperature is 19.7ºC, but sometime down to 8.8ºC. In this time, it rains a lost, sometime lasts all day. If tourist would to avoid rainy, they come to Danang City, 108km from south of Hue. In the mountain area, the weather is cool with the annual temperature is between 9ºC and 29ºC. The most convenient time to visit the area is from November to April.
Hue Tourism
Hue offers very diversified and beautiful landscapes. Nature and human beings create a harmoniously beauty with Bach Ma (White Horse) National Park and other attractive beaches such as Thuan An, Lang Co and Canh Duong.
The province provides a well-balanced blend of royal heritage and folk culture. As a matter of fact, tourists discover dozens of handicraft villages, with annual festivals that are painstakingly organized.
Hue is also an important center of Buddhism. In Hue and its surrounding still exist tens of pagodas constructed more 300 years ago, and hundred of temples and pagodas built in the early 20th century. Besides, tourist is able to enjoy many traditional famous dishes and find out about sophisticated handicraft here.
Hue Citadel has been recognized as a World Cultural Heritage Site by UNESCO since December 1993, Hue Royal Musical (Nha nhac) has been declared as a World Intangible Cultural Heritage since November 2003.
Hue Transportation
Transportation by train, road, air and water routes is very convenient.
Train: The Thong Nhat Express trains from Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh stop at Hue Railway station. The local trains come to some other provinces.
Air: Phu Bai Airport serves flights: Hue - Ho Chi Minh City and Hue - Hanoi.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)