The Space of Gong Culture in the Central Highlands of Vietnam was recognized by UNESCO as a Masterpiece of the Intangible Heritage of Humanity on November 25, 2005. The space of Gong culture spreads in the Central Highlands provinces of Kon Tum, Gia Lai, Dak Lak, Dak Nong, and Lam Dong
The Central Highlands Gong Festival in Vietnam will open on November 21 in Dak Lak province with a wonderful combination of Gongs and classical instruments in a symphonic performance, which is known as a mixture between Original and Academic music.
As part of the festival, an original space will be set up at the Ban Don cultural-ecological tourist site, 50 kilometers from Buon Ma Thuot city centre as venue for cultural and art programs including folk art performances and elephant racing shows.
An exhibition on wooden sculpture will also be opened on November 24, 2007. The exhibition is the result of a creative camp which was launched from November 1, gathering many talented craftsmen from various ethnic groups like the Ede, Jrai, Bahnar, Sedang and Catu.
The four day Central Highlands Gong Culture Festival in Vietnam will have the participation of nearly 30 art gong troupes and thousands of artists and musicians from all parts of the country who will not only perform in the museums but also dance with local residents in a well-prepared ‘Rhythm of Central Highlands’ street show.
Vietnam Central Highlands Gong Culture Festival, the program will take place on November 22 and 23 in four places, including the City Square, Phu Dong Park, Sports and Cultural Centre and the University of Central Highlands. “Rhythm of the Central Highlands” consists of typical activities describing daily life of highlanders like knitting, weaving, popular games and other activities. A music show, a fashion show of different ethnic groups in Vietnam and elephant parade are also included in the event.
During the festival, there will be a seminar on Gong culture which will provide a chance for concerned people to discuss ways to preserve this cultural value.
The 2007 Central Highland Gong Culture Festival in Vietnam is organized to honor and spread the value of Gong Culture following UNESCO recognition as a Masterpiece of Oral and Intangible Heritage of Humanity and also calls upon the whole community to preserve and expand these cultural values of the highlanders.
Showing posts with label World heritage sites in Vietnam. Show all posts
Showing posts with label World heritage sites in Vietnam. Show all posts
Monday, March 1, 2010
Hue Court Music - Nha Nhac Cung Dinh Hue
Hue Court Music is the last vestige of Vietnamese Court Music. It contains all quintessence of Vietnamese Court Music trend that has been established and developed over 1,000 years; therefore Hue Court Music is identical with Vietnamese Court Music.
However, the term "Hue Court Music" also indicates to some concrete aspects as such as its historical period (the Nguyen Dynasty - the last Vietnamese feudal dynasty), the site of its being and preservation (Hue, the capital of Vietnam under Nguyen Dynasty) and, as a matter of fact, its evolution in the back - ground general features of the entire Vietnamese Court Music as well as its specific features demonstrated through its achievements and contributions
Achievements and contributions
Hue Court Music succeeded and enhanced the achievements of Thang Long Court Music to a new height. This succession and enhancement are shown in:
- Maintaining some court orchestras of the previous dynasties (the most distinctive of which are Tran Dynasty's Tieu nhac and Dai nhac) and creating rich variations based on Le Dynasty’s orchestras;
- The continuing use of many common musical instruments of Thang Long Royal Music (such as, nguyet, tranh, ty ba, nhi, ho, dan sat, ong senh, phach ban used since Ly Dynasty and bien chung, bien khanh, huan, tri, chuc, etc, related to the Bat am orchestras of Chinese type of the Late Le Dynasty).
- Maintaining and diversifying some previous court dances (such as Luc cung, Tam tinh chuc tho, Tu linh, especially exploiting the lanterns dances folk and court rituals of the Viet in the North, as well as "civil" and "military" dances in Tran and Ho dynasties) at the same time creating many new dances;
- Creating a new type of chamber music (don ca Hue) and enhancing Vietnamese instrumental music to a new height both in performance techniques and forms of ensemble;
- Succeeding the Dang ngoai "tuong" and bringing it to flourish simultaneously forming a new specific kind of tuong: the "tuong Kinh" (tuong of the capital city) in the style of "tuong van ";
- Succeeding the system of tone regulations of the Hong Duc time under Le Dynasty in the second half of the 15111 century (expressed in the classification of the two music repertoires the Khach or Bac (Northern) and the Nam (Southern) and developing music language and theory (the most attractive is "hoi ai" (sadness in the Southern repertoire of Hue);
- Continuing the traditions of learning, adopting and Vietnam sing foreign music elements that were shaped in Vietnamese music in general and in Thang Long Court Music in particular (the conception of YinYang, Five Elements, Eight-Sign Figure "five modes and seven tones", music characters and certain musical instrument, etc).
However, the term "Hue Court Music" also indicates to some concrete aspects as such as its historical period (the Nguyen Dynasty - the last Vietnamese feudal dynasty), the site of its being and preservation (Hue, the capital of Vietnam under Nguyen Dynasty) and, as a matter of fact, its evolution in the back - ground general features of the entire Vietnamese Court Music as well as its specific features demonstrated through its achievements and contributions
Achievements and contributions
Hue Court Music succeeded and enhanced the achievements of Thang Long Court Music to a new height. This succession and enhancement are shown in:
- Maintaining some court orchestras of the previous dynasties (the most distinctive of which are Tran Dynasty's Tieu nhac and Dai nhac) and creating rich variations based on Le Dynasty’s orchestras;
- The continuing use of many common musical instruments of Thang Long Royal Music (such as, nguyet, tranh, ty ba, nhi, ho, dan sat, ong senh, phach ban used since Ly Dynasty and bien chung, bien khanh, huan, tri, chuc, etc, related to the Bat am orchestras of Chinese type of the Late Le Dynasty).
- Maintaining and diversifying some previous court dances (such as Luc cung, Tam tinh chuc tho, Tu linh, especially exploiting the lanterns dances folk and court rituals of the Viet in the North, as well as "civil" and "military" dances in Tran and Ho dynasties) at the same time creating many new dances;
- Creating a new type of chamber music (don ca Hue) and enhancing Vietnamese instrumental music to a new height both in performance techniques and forms of ensemble;
- Succeeding the Dang ngoai "tuong" and bringing it to flourish simultaneously forming a new specific kind of tuong: the "tuong Kinh" (tuong of the capital city) in the style of "tuong van ";
- Succeeding the system of tone regulations of the Hong Duc time under Le Dynasty in the second half of the 15111 century (expressed in the classification of the two music repertoires the Khach or Bac (Northern) and the Nam (Southern) and developing music language and theory (the most attractive is "hoi ai" (sadness in the Southern repertoire of Hue);
- Continuing the traditions of learning, adopting and Vietnam sing foreign music elements that were shaped in Vietnamese music in general and in Thang Long Court Music in particular (the conception of YinYang, Five Elements, Eight-Sign Figure "five modes and seven tones", music characters and certain musical instrument, etc).
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, Hoian townHoi 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.
Hoi An, Vietnam is one of the most popular of the Vietnam tourist attractions. It lures the tourists in Vietnam, with its ancient charm of temples, shrines, Chinese style tile-roofed wooden houses and a unique blend of Japanese and Chinese architecture. A vacation in Hoi An, Vietnam would be an ideal one for those looking for a break from the busy city life with peace and tranquility around.
Some of the popular tourist attractions in Hoi An, Vietnam are
Old Houses
Phung Hung Old House built believed to be built in 1798 is the most visited among all others. This three storied house has a mix of Chinese and Japanese structural designs and used to be a shop house of merchants. The other similar Old Houses in Hoi An, Vietnam are the 200 year old Tan Ky Old House, the well preserved Quan Thang Old House and the Diep Dong Nguyen Old House. Hoian
Temples and Shrines
These are the most visited places for sightseeing in Hoi An, Vietnam. The prominent among them are the Tran Family chapel built in 1802 by the Tran family, the ethnic Chinese shrine called Truong Family Chapel, Japanese Tombs, Trieu Chau Assembly Hall and Phuc Kien Assembly Hall. Japanese Covered Bridge
Beaches, Islands and Lagoons
These are the most popular Hoi An, Vietnam tourist attractions. Among the beaches the Cua Dai Beach famous for sunbath and fresh seafood is widely visited. Cham islands , a cluster of 7 island and Hai Van Pass with hills, Thu Bon River, valleys and lagoons are no less popular.
My Son Holy Land [My Son]
Located 60 kilometers from Hoi An, Vietnam this UNESCO declared World Heritage Site houses 17 temples and towers of 13th and 14th centuries belonging to the Champa people. .
Museums, Churches and Pagodas
Some of the prominent museums are Hoi An Museum of History and Culture, Museum of Sa Huynh Culture and Hoi An Museum of Trade and Ceramics, Some pagodas and churches are also worth a visit in Hoi An, Vietnam like Cao Dai Pagoda, Chuc Thanh Pagoda, the Hoi An Church and the Cham Museum In Danang is just 15 km away
Shopping [Hoian Beach]
Hoi An, Vietnam offers a good selection of Vietnam art, handicraft and clothes with more than 140 shops in the city as in 2002. The cloth market is filled with small tailor stalls that are cheaper than shops elsewhere's.
Getting to Hoi An, Vietnam
Hoi An, Vietnam is easily accessible by rail and air, another reason for it being one of the prime Vietnam popular destinations. The nearest airport and rail stations are at Danang. There are regular traveler buses running to Hoi An, Vietnam from various other cities of Vietnam.
Hoi An, Vietnam is one of the most popular of the Vietnam tourist attractions. It lures the tourists in Vietnam, with its ancient charm of temples, shrines, Chinese style tile-roofed wooden houses and a unique blend of Japanese and Chinese architecture. A vacation in Hoi An, Vietnam would be an ideal one for those looking for a break from the busy city life with peace and tranquility around.
Some of the popular tourist attractions in Hoi An, Vietnam are
Old Houses
Phung Hung Old House built believed to be built in 1798 is the most visited among all others. This three storied house has a mix of Chinese and Japanese structural designs and used to be a shop house of merchants. The other similar Old Houses in Hoi An, Vietnam are the 200 year old Tan Ky Old House, the well preserved Quan Thang Old House and the Diep Dong Nguyen Old House. Hoian
Temples and Shrines
These are the most visited places for sightseeing in Hoi An, Vietnam. The prominent among them are the Tran Family chapel built in 1802 by the Tran family, the ethnic Chinese shrine called Truong Family Chapel, Japanese Tombs, Trieu Chau Assembly Hall and Phuc Kien Assembly Hall. Japanese Covered Bridge
Beaches, Islands and Lagoons
These are the most popular Hoi An, Vietnam tourist attractions. Among the beaches the Cua Dai Beach famous for sunbath and fresh seafood is widely visited. Cham islands , a cluster of 7 island and Hai Van Pass with hills, Thu Bon River, valleys and lagoons are no less popular.
My Son Holy Land [My Son]
Located 60 kilometers from Hoi An, Vietnam this UNESCO declared World Heritage Site houses 17 temples and towers of 13th and 14th centuries belonging to the Champa people. .
Museums, Churches and Pagodas
Some of the prominent museums are Hoi An Museum of History and Culture, Museum of Sa Huynh Culture and Hoi An Museum of Trade and Ceramics, Some pagodas and churches are also worth a visit in Hoi An, Vietnam like Cao Dai Pagoda, Chuc Thanh Pagoda, the Hoi An Church and the Cham Museum In Danang is just 15 km away
Shopping [Hoian Beach]
Hoi An, Vietnam offers a good selection of Vietnam art, handicraft and clothes with more than 140 shops in the city as in 2002. The cloth market is filled with small tailor stalls that are cheaper than shops elsewhere's.
Getting to Hoi An, Vietnam
Hoi An, Vietnam is easily accessible by rail and air, another reason for it being one of the prime Vietnam popular destinations. The nearest airport and rail stations are at Danang. There are regular traveler buses running to Hoi An, Vietnam from various other cities of Vietnam.
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 [Myson] 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,Myson Holly Land 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.
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,Myson Holly Land 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.
Hue Travel Guide Vietnam
Hue is a province located in the northern part of Central Vietnam. It is eHuencompassed 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.
Hue
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 TransportationHue
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.
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.
Hue
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 TransportationHue
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.
Phong Nha - Ke Bang National Park - world natural heritage
Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park is located to the north of the majestic Truong Son Range in central Quang Binh Province. [Phong Nha - Ke Bang]
Phong Nha - Ke Bang is ancient karst area of the highest significance and value in both Vietnam and the world.
Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park is one of the world's two largest limestone regions, and it has been recognized as a world natural heritage site by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) at its 27th general assembly session being held in Paris from June 30-July 5, 2003. At the session, delegates from over 160 member countries of UNESCO World Heritage Convention agreed to include Phong Nha - Ke Bang Park and 30 others worldwide to the list of world heritage sites.
Phong Nha - Ke Bang Park is now the fifth UNESCO recognized site in Vietnam after Halong Bay, Hue Imperial City, Hoi An Ancient Town and My Son Cham Towers.
The over 200,000 ha of parkland includes beautiful limestone formations, grottoes and caves, and boasts lush forestland covering 95 percent of the park area.
The area is considered a paradise for researchers and explorers of grottoes and caves, and Vietnamese and British scientists have so far surveyed 20 with a total length of 70km. Of them, 17 are in the Phong Nha area and three in the Ke Bang Area.Phong Nha - Ke Bang National Park
The Phong Nha Grotto itself which lends its name to the whole system is probably the most beautiful of all, containing many fascinating rock formations, enchanting visitors with evocative names such as Lion, Fairy Caves, Royal Court and Buddha.
Besides the grotto and cave systems, Phong Nha has the longest underground rivers, the largest caverns and passageways, the widest and prettiest sand banks, and the most astonishing rock formations in the world.
According to initial statistics, the primitive tropical forest in Phong Nha - Ke Bang houses 140 families, 427 branches, and 751 species of high-rated plants, of which 36 species are endangered and listed in the Vietnam Red Book. The forest is also home to 32 sets, 98 families, 256 races and 381 species of four land backboned animals. Sixty-six animal species are listed in the Vietnam Red Book and 23 other species in the World Red Book.
Phong Nha - Ke Bang also boasts dozens of mountain peaks of over 1,000 metres still unexplored by men and seen as ideal sites for activities like climbing and exploration. Worthy of note are Peak Co Rilata with the height of 1,128m and Peak Co Preu, 1,213m. Lying between these peaks are valleys which promise tourists exciting eco-tours.
Phong Nha - Ke Bang National Park
In addition to the diversity in the ecosystem, Phong Nha - Ke Bang is home to archeological and historical relics, such as an ancient hieroglyphic script of the Cham ethnic minority, King Ham Nghi's base built for the resistance war against French colonialists in the late 19th century, and the Xuan Son ferry station, Ho Chi Minh Trail and Road 20 used during the US resistance war.
Central Quang Binh Province has poured heavy investment into upgrading the Phong Nha - Ke Bang visitor site to turn it into the country's major tourist destination.
Phong Nha - Ke Bang is ancient karst area of the highest significance and value in both Vietnam and the world.
Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park is one of the world's two largest limestone regions, and it has been recognized as a world natural heritage site by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) at its 27th general assembly session being held in Paris from June 30-July 5, 2003. At the session, delegates from over 160 member countries of UNESCO World Heritage Convention agreed to include Phong Nha - Ke Bang Park and 30 others worldwide to the list of world heritage sites.
Phong Nha - Ke Bang Park is now the fifth UNESCO recognized site in Vietnam after Halong Bay, Hue Imperial City, Hoi An Ancient Town and My Son Cham Towers.
The over 200,000 ha of parkland includes beautiful limestone formations, grottoes and caves, and boasts lush forestland covering 95 percent of the park area.
The area is considered a paradise for researchers and explorers of grottoes and caves, and Vietnamese and British scientists have so far surveyed 20 with a total length of 70km. Of them, 17 are in the Phong Nha area and three in the Ke Bang Area.Phong Nha - Ke Bang National Park
The Phong Nha Grotto itself which lends its name to the whole system is probably the most beautiful of all, containing many fascinating rock formations, enchanting visitors with evocative names such as Lion, Fairy Caves, Royal Court and Buddha.
Besides the grotto and cave systems, Phong Nha has the longest underground rivers, the largest caverns and passageways, the widest and prettiest sand banks, and the most astonishing rock formations in the world.
According to initial statistics, the primitive tropical forest in Phong Nha - Ke Bang houses 140 families, 427 branches, and 751 species of high-rated plants, of which 36 species are endangered and listed in the Vietnam Red Book. The forest is also home to 32 sets, 98 families, 256 races and 381 species of four land backboned animals. Sixty-six animal species are listed in the Vietnam Red Book and 23 other species in the World Red Book.
Phong Nha - Ke Bang also boasts dozens of mountain peaks of over 1,000 metres still unexplored by men and seen as ideal sites for activities like climbing and exploration. Worthy of note are Peak Co Rilata with the height of 1,128m and Peak Co Preu, 1,213m. Lying between these peaks are valleys which promise tourists exciting eco-tours.
Phong Nha - Ke Bang National Park
In addition to the diversity in the ecosystem, Phong Nha - Ke Bang is home to archeological and historical relics, such as an ancient hieroglyphic script of the Cham ethnic minority, King Ham Nghi's base built for the resistance war against French colonialists in the late 19th century, and the Xuan Son ferry station, Ho Chi Minh Trail and Road 20 used during the US resistance war.
Central Quang Binh Province has poured heavy investment into upgrading the Phong Nha - Ke Bang visitor site to turn it into the country's major tourist destination.
Halong Bay Travel Guide Vietnam
Halong Bay, Vietnam is one of world’s natural wonders and is one of the top tourist attractions inHalong Vacation Vietnam. The literal meaning of “Halong” is “Bay of Descending Dragons”. A local legend says that a family of dragons was sent to defend the land long ago when the Vietnamese were fighting the Chinese invaders. These dragons had descended upon what is now Halong Bay. Halong Bay, Vietnam, famous for its scenic rock formations, has been listed among the World Heritage Sites by UNESCO.
Halong Bay, Vietnam is a spectacular location for sightseeing in Vietnam. Located in the Gulf of Tonkin, it forms an amazing seascape of limestone pillars along with more than 1,600 islands and islets. The visitors seem to discover paradise in Halong Bay with the clear water of the Bay, with some large islands and small alcoves with sandy beaches facilitating a relaxed swimming in the calm bay water.
Halong Bay is one of the most visited and recognized of the Vietnam tourist attractions. It houses a greatHalong Vacation diversity of ecosystems including coral reefs, freshwater swamp forests, mangrove forest, small freshwater lakes, and sandy beaches. The islands feature beautiful grottos and caves with interesting stone formations and hidden ponds. Some of the most visited Halong Bay, Vietnam tourist attractions are
Bai Chay (Scorched Beach)
The visitors have to drive along Bai Chay beach to reach Halong Bay, Vietnam. Unlike its name, Bai Chay is a very pleasant black sand beach significant for a historical event attached to it. Bai Chay was once a forest until 1287 when the Mongols attacking Vietnam were driven back and many Mongol ships were set on fire. High winds drifted these ships to the shore setting the forest on fire creating a stretch of beach in this area which came to be known as Bai Chay or scorched beach.
Caves and GrottosHalong Vacation
The mystical caves and grottos in Halong Bay, Vietnam comes with strange shapes and structures. One of the most prominent among them is Virgin Cave (Hang Trinh Nu), also called the Mid Gate cave, which derives its name from the statue of a woman lying atop a flat surface of the cave. Legend says that beautiful woman committed suicide in the cave, unable to return home after being forcefully married to an old mandarin. Here her body tuned into stone. The tunnels in the Virgin Cave crisscross the island for around 2 kilometers with many chambers along the tunnel.
The next cave attraction is Hung Sung Sot Cave, Thien Cung located in the same island as Virgin Cave and has a steep path lined with shady trees. There are two chambers in the cave with a square shaped outer chamber and a ceiling of about 30meters height. The inner chamber formations look like sentries conversing with one another, animals and a formation resembling a general surveying his troops in the middle of the chamber. The light reflected from the water outside seems to bring these formations to life. Halong Vacation
The other caves existing here are the historically significant Hang Dau Go (Flowers on Stone) and Pelican Cave (Hang Bo Nau). Besides these the visitors can go kayaking, swimming and hiking in the mountains in the islands. There are several cruises offering tours in and around Halong Bay.
Accommodation in Halong Bay is available with many hotels present in the islands of Halong Bay, Vietnam. Halong Bay can be reached from Hanoi by road which is a three and a half hour drive covering 165 kilometers.
Halong Bay, Vietnam is a spectacular location for sightseeing in Vietnam. Located in the Gulf of Tonkin, it forms an amazing seascape of limestone pillars along with more than 1,600 islands and islets. The visitors seem to discover paradise in Halong Bay with the clear water of the Bay, with some large islands and small alcoves with sandy beaches facilitating a relaxed swimming in the calm bay water.
Halong Bay is one of the most visited and recognized of the Vietnam tourist attractions. It houses a greatHalong Vacation diversity of ecosystems including coral reefs, freshwater swamp forests, mangrove forest, small freshwater lakes, and sandy beaches. The islands feature beautiful grottos and caves with interesting stone formations and hidden ponds. Some of the most visited Halong Bay, Vietnam tourist attractions are
Bai Chay (Scorched Beach)
The visitors have to drive along Bai Chay beach to reach Halong Bay, Vietnam. Unlike its name, Bai Chay is a very pleasant black sand beach significant for a historical event attached to it. Bai Chay was once a forest until 1287 when the Mongols attacking Vietnam were driven back and many Mongol ships were set on fire. High winds drifted these ships to the shore setting the forest on fire creating a stretch of beach in this area which came to be known as Bai Chay or scorched beach.
Caves and GrottosHalong Vacation
The mystical caves and grottos in Halong Bay, Vietnam comes with strange shapes and structures. One of the most prominent among them is Virgin Cave (Hang Trinh Nu), also called the Mid Gate cave, which derives its name from the statue of a woman lying atop a flat surface of the cave. Legend says that beautiful woman committed suicide in the cave, unable to return home after being forcefully married to an old mandarin. Here her body tuned into stone. The tunnels in the Virgin Cave crisscross the island for around 2 kilometers with many chambers along the tunnel.
The next cave attraction is Hung Sung Sot Cave, Thien Cung located in the same island as Virgin Cave and has a steep path lined with shady trees. There are two chambers in the cave with a square shaped outer chamber and a ceiling of about 30meters height. The inner chamber formations look like sentries conversing with one another, animals and a formation resembling a general surveying his troops in the middle of the chamber. The light reflected from the water outside seems to bring these formations to life. Halong Vacation
The other caves existing here are the historically significant Hang Dau Go (Flowers on Stone) and Pelican Cave (Hang Bo Nau). Besides these the visitors can go kayaking, swimming and hiking in the mountains in the islands. There are several cruises offering tours in and around Halong Bay.
Accommodation in Halong Bay is available with many hotels present in the islands of Halong Bay, Vietnam. Halong Bay can be reached from Hanoi by road which is a three and a half hour drive covering 165 kilometers.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)