On every trip, I often buy a souvenir of the place where I visit. They are the local specialties that I cannot find the same anywhere. I am also collecting coins, notes and postcards of over 20 countries. Let's see what I brought home after so many trips over the past few years. [View Full Entry]

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The first image in this blog is a photo of me when standing at the summit of Hải Vân Pass (altitude 1,500m) in central Vietnam. This pass is located between Huế and Đà Nẵng, and to get there we have to climb up and down by car through many hair-pin curves. Hải Vân means "Ocean Clouds" in English, which is most apt since the peak of the mountain reaches toward the clouds, while its foot extends to the East Sea. In my opinion, the drive along this pass is the most scenic in Vietnam. We could view both mountains and sea, [View Full Entry]

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The photos in this blog were taken in Hanoi and at the Bát Tràng ceramic market (13km away from Hanoi). These paintings are some pictures of Hanoi and northern Vietnam, for example, Hàng Đào street in 1926 with the rail line and tram-car, tube houses in Hanoi's Old Quarter, cyclos, lotus flowers, countryside landscape, Vietnamese girls wearing traditional dresses, Hoàn Kiếm lake in Hanoi's center, markets at some northern villages and ethnic minority women etc. Some portrait paintings are drawn by black pencils, which we call "Vẽ truyền thần", while other paint [View Full Entry]

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The 1,000-year-old Vietnamese water puppetry (Múa rối nước) is one of the most special art forms in the world. It originated in the Red River Delta area of northern Vietnam in the 11th century. The farmers in the region, while being free from the harvests, spent their time carving the wooden puppets and performing water puppet shows at the communal ponds to celebrate the festivals. The puppets are made of wood and painted for waterproofing. During performances, the puppets are controlled through a pole-and-string apparatus concealed by the pond water. The puppeteers stand [View Full Entry]

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Mỹ Sơn Sanctuary (Thánh địa Mỹ Sơn) near Đà Nẵng and Hội An in central Vietnam is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It used to be an imperial city during the Chăm dynasty (Champa kingdom) from the 4th to the 13th century. Mỹ Sơn also is the only site in South East Asia that experienced such a long development period (for 9 centuries). Up to present, it has played an important role in the architectural heritage of the Chăm ethnic minority group in Vietnam. Mỹ Sơn is a large complex inside a valley, which was buil [View Full Entry]

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One of the must-see places when you visit Hanoi is "Văn Miếu" (the Temple of Literature) - "Quốc Tử Giám" (the first National University of Vietnam) which is nearly 1,000 years old. It's a representative of Confucian ways of thought and behavior, as well as a historical and cultural relic. In 1070, King Lý Thánh Tông erected several important monuments, including Văn Miếu (the Temple of Literature). The organization of instruction and learning at the Quốc Tử Giám (National University) began in 1076 under the Lý dynasty and further developed in t [View Full Entry]

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I was lucky I had lived in Hanoi's Old Quarter for 16 years, until my father decided to move to another place near Hanoi's railway station. The 1,000 year old quarter is located right at Hanoi's center and very famous for its history and charm. It was formed in the 11th century, when King Lý Thái Tổ decided Hanoi became Vietnam's capital in 1010 and at that time Hanoi was called "Thăng Long" (Soaring Dragon). Although the Old Quarter is often called "the 36 old streets", there may have actually been more streets (see my list below). Most of the street [View Full Entry]

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Hanoi capital is my home city, where I was born and live my entire life. I have traveled a lot in Vietnam and abroad, but anywhere I go, I always miss my home city. There has been a lot of changes in Vietnam over the past few years, but Hanoi still maintains its charm with the old French architectural buildings, the old quarter, museums, lakes, parks and historical sites. On 10 October 2010, Hanoi will celebrate its Millennium year. The photos in this blog were taken during 2007 - 2009 in Hanoi. [View Full Entry]

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I have been to all countries in South East Asia (except East Timor). Brunei is the last country in SE Asia that I visited, and also my favorite country in the region. In May 2007, I visited Bandar Seri Begawan (BSB) for a few days and enjoyed a great time over there. From Hanoi, I flew to Kuala Lumper then BSB on Air Asia budget airlines. My 15 hour transit at the LCCT (low cost carrier terminal) in KL was so long. Waiting for 15 hours over night at the airport was a real challenge to my patience. However, it was [View Full Entry]

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In late April 2006, I had some days off work on our national holiday. The rice terraces in Banaue, which are a world heritage site, attracted me to go there and see them in reality. However, after searching information, I realized that there was only night bus traveling between Manila and Banaue. If I got that bus, I would be back in Manila at 2:00am. Leng, a Filipina friend, said that she was willing to go the bus station and pick me up at night. I was very touched by her kindness, but for the safety reason, I decided to stay [View Full Entry]

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