EMBASSY - Key Persons
Job Titles:
- Ambassador Nguyen Tam Chien ( 2001 - 2007 ) Ambassador Le Van Bang ( 1995 - 2001 )
Job Titles:
- Ambassador Nguyen Tam Chien ( 2001 - 2007 ) Ambassador Le Van Bang ( 1995 - 2001 )
Job Titles:
- Ambassador
- Ambassador Pham Quang Vinh ( 2014 - 2018 ) Ambassador Nguyen Quoc Cuong ( 2011 - 2014 )
Job Titles:
- Ambassador
- Ambassador Pham Quang Vinh ( 2014 - 2018 ) Ambassador Nguyen Quoc Cuong ( 2011 - 2014 )
Job Titles:
- Ambassador Nguyen Tam Chien ( 2001 - 2007 ) Ambassador Le Van Bang ( 1995 - 2001 )
Job Titles:
- Ambassador
- Ambassador Pham Quang Vinh ( 2014 - 2018 ) Ambassador Nguyen Quoc Cuong ( 2011 - 2014 )
Ba Na Hill is located in Hoa Vang district, Da Nang city. Situated at an altitude of 1.487m above sea level, Ba Na has all year-round cool climate, the average temperature in summer is about 18ºC, Ba Na - Chua Mountain is the ideal eco-tourism destination in Central of Viet Nam. Ba Na has rich and diverse fauna and flora. In the primeval forest is a home of 256 animals, including 61 mammals, 178 birds, and 17 reptiles. The flora here have 543 species, Ba Na is also home of many rare animals. In the early 20th century to serve the French needs of relaxing, many motels, villas, hotels were built along the mountainside, top Ba Na and top of Chua Mountain. After the devastation caused by the war, it became abandoned and forgotten over time. In recent years, Da Nang was gradually restored and built some antique French villas, the Buddhist area, wine-cellar and series of hotel. From Vong Nguyet Hill, visitors will be transported by modern cable systems to the center area. This system has 16 cabins which can accommodate about 320 passengers/hour. Up to a peak of Ba Na, visitors must pass 15km winding road. The terrain is flat like a small highland. Every year, Ba Na Hill welcomes thousands of tourists from Viet Nam and abroad. One night stay at Ba Na is a chance for visitors to be able to listen to the breath of wildlife of Ba Na.
Bat Trang Ceramic Village is a famous destination in Hanoi. With more than 7 centuries of history, it has plenty of exclusive artworks crafted by skillful craftsmen. Whether you are looking for an outdoor adventure or a contemporary city break, Bat Trang is a notable place of interest in Hanoi. The seven-century old pottery village is situated on the left bank of the Red River, about 10km away from the center of Hanoi. You may feel like it is just a small town, but don't let its size fool you: its small workshops pack a serious pottery punch. There is a variety of shapes, colors, designs, and sizes of pottery available in Bat Trang, partly because each family has their own pottery making techniques. Skillful potters use their hands to mold the exact same mold into different shapes. But there are still some common themes in the designs traced on the ceramics once they have been shaped. Visit the ancient village on the bank of the Red River to experience the rural life and the profusion of pottery and ceramic wares. Try to make your own pottery or stop by street side shops to find your own gifts for family or friends.
Job Titles:
- Head of Viet Nam Trade Office
Vietnamese Grilled Pork Meatballs with Vermicelli Noodles (Bun Cha) is a classic Northern Vietnamese dish. Bun Cha features flavorful and juicy pork meatballs, vermicelli noodles, plenty of refreshing herbs and traditional lime fish sauce dipping. It is the dish all Hanoians, as well as many Northerners, hold dear in their hearts.
Bun Cha is thought to originate in Hanoi, but it is also a popular dish in other Northern cities. This dish can be found at every corner of Hanoi, from big streets to small alleys. People in Hanoi eat these grilled pork meatballs with vermicelli noodles for either lunch or dinner.
Restaurants or street food stalls selling bun cha usually look modest with basic plastic tables and chairs. Of course, you can find this dish on the menu of fancier restaurants, but those aren't the places the locals go to eat bun cha. Even Chef Anthony Bourdain chose a street food shop to treat the former President Obama to bun cha in his Parts Unknown series. (Source: delightfulplate.com - Photo credit: prettywildworld.com)
Another interesting place worth exploring in Halong Bay is Dau Go Grotto (Wooden Stakes). The cave is situated on Driftwood Island, next to Thien Cung cave. There are some stories to explain the name of cave; but the most popular and well-recognized by locals is history story linked with victory battle against Mongolian enemy under Tran dynasty in the 13th century.
Visiting Linh Ung Pagoda, Da Nang, could be an overwhelming experience. Our recommendation for religious attractions in Da Nang will be Linh Ung Pagoda. 10 km from My Khe Beach Da Nang, Linh Ung Pagoda is located on a hill of Son Tra Peninsula, have a shape like turtles, facing the sea, leaning back into the vast primeval forests of Son Tra peninsula…
Linh Ung Pagoda Bai But, Son Tra Peninsula is the largest temple in the city of Da Nang with 20 ha wonderful and architectural art. This temple is situated in the tourist complex of Son Tra Peninsula which was built with a combination of modernity and tradition of Viet Nam Pagoda. This is now the new attractions of this beautiful coastal city. Buddha Statue at Linh Ung Pagoda have the height of 67m, 35m diameter of lotus as tall as 30 storey building is considered the highest Buddha statue in Viet Nam today. Son Tra Peninsula residents said that, in the reign of King Minh Mang (Nguyen dynasty, nineteenth century) has a Buddha statue from nowhere drifted here. Think it is a good sign, they built the temple to worship and from then, the whole sea in this area is not a hurricane, and people lived and worked well for a long time. Area where the Buddha statue drifted was named But Beach "Bai But" (means the presence of the Buddha between real lives) was also where the Linh Ung Pagoda is today.
Long Bien bridge-one of 3 main bridge cross over the red river was first named "Doumer" and became the biggest bridge in the Indochina in the 90s last century. By the time the French dominated, they have built much architectural work like Hoa Lo prison, church... during the first colony exploited in Viet Nam (1897-1914). One of the most famous architectural work is Long Bien bridge. Built by Dayde & Pille company, started in 1899 and completed in 1902. Long Bien bridge was first named "Doumer" and became the biggest bridge in the Indochina that time. The French proudly called it "The 2 centuries connection bridge".
With 2290m long, 19 cadences of steel placed on 20 pillars, 40m height, 896m of the bridge leading road and a rail in the middle, Long Bien bridge was first built for the train to carry materials, the 2 others side was for small vehicles and walkers. For Ha Noi, Long Bien bridge is one of the most favorite history witnesses. It has been through 2 wars and had so many memories with the people there. Although had been strafed very violently by bombs and guns, Long Bien bridge still stand still with pride. Nowadays, Long Bien bridge is forbidden to use because of the downgrade. But it now became a new favorite place for the youth, photographer to take photos.
Hoa stream flows along the Muong Hoa valley, extends throughout the Lao Chai, Ta Van, Hau Thao,… Along the mountains are strange carved stones, spreading over 4 kilometers length, 2 kilometers width with at least 159 stones. This place was researched by scientists of Viet Nam, Russia, France, Australia, etc. Both populations of ancient stones with beautiful carving are located in Ban Pho. The big stones have many different sculptures on the surface. Especially, there have various postures and 11 motifs strange shape. Most scientists evaluated that this area is a great heritage of mankind. They found out many similarities with the Dong Son culture, which has dated back to 2300 - 3000 years. The mysterious graphics of the Sapa's ancient stones could be the works of many ethnic groups living in different ages. They draw a primitive picture or sophisticated picture to express many different believes and cultures. They can be either Dao or Mong. On the main road leading to Muong Hoa valley, tourist will have opportunities to take photos and behold Sapa's views. This valley also has the most beautiful terraced fields of Sapa. Crossing the suspension bridge, you will be able to visit the village of weaving and dyeing cloth of the Hmong and exploring Muong Hoa valley. Exploring the magnificent Muong Hoa valley to enjoy its breathtaking landscapes, you will also paying a visit to small and isolated hamlets and villages meet the Black H'mong, Zay and Red Zao at home and at work.
Every year on Dragon's first lunar month, in Ta Van commune of Sapa district, there is a festival to welcome a new year and a bumper harvest. The Giay, H'mong, Dao ethnic… and a large number of tourists come here, which makes Muong Hoa valley becomes more vibrant and colorful. Previously, Ta Van Giay was called Roong Pooc festival. Although it was originaly the traditional festival of Ta Van ethnic, now it has become the festival of the whole valley of Muong Hoa.
Make sure you do not miss adventurous but lovely Rattan Bridge. Situated about 17km southeast of Sapa centre, the bridge over Muong Hoa river made from rattan is a pleasant and magnificent place. If you visit the bridge on misty days, you will feel like you are floating on clouds. The way that the bridge was made is very special. The Xo Dang and Gie Trieng Rattan ethnic minority peoples used rattan - an abundant material in the mountainous areas in Viet Nam - to create an environment-friendly sway bridge to connect the river banks. Each end of the bridge is skillfully tied between trees on either bank. The main frame of a rattan suspension bridge is made from two big rattans while smaller rattans are weaved into something like a hammock. Nowadays, it is rare to see a suspension rattan bridge. Only a few bridges like this still exist on the Annamite Range (so-called Truong Son in Vietnamese) and on the Northern Central Highlands. These days, simple suspension bridges though gradually disappearing, remain valuable to many in remote areas. They are still popular gathering places for villagers to enjoy the shade of the trees and socialize. Joining a trekking tour to Rattan Bridge, you will have chance to contemplate the stunning view of Muong Hoa valleys as well as have an insight understanding about the life of tribal peoples and pass by local houses of Red Dao.
Silver Waterfall called Thac Bac in Vietnamese lies beside National Highway No 4D, about 12km from Sa Pa Town's centre. The waterfall is very convenience to visit and majestic as its name. The falls are stunning in all weather condition and scenic for photography. Freshwater is flowing down from the Lo Sui Tong mountain peak in a torrent, looks like a river stream. From there you can see the stunning view of the surrounding mountains and the last forests belonging to Hoang Lien National Park.
Halong Bay is a city teeming with attractions. Sung Sot Grotto or the Cave of Surprises is one of the most beautiful and widest grottoes of Halong Bay. Located on Bo Hon Island in the heart of Ha Long Bay, Sung Sot grotto was discovered by the French and given a name of "Grotte des surprises" initially. It is the most magnificent and enormous cave of Ha Long Bay.
To reach the cave's mouth, you have to climb up around a hundred stone steps and it takes you around 45 minutes. You are advised to wear neat and have good shoes. The grotto is divided into two partitions; the first looks like a wide theater, with numerous stalactites dangling from the high roof. A narrow and short stair connects to the second chamber, where a stream of sunlight through a natural skylight showers the surfaces. The chamber is massive enough to hold a thousand people at one time.
The cave covers around 10,000 m2 with a huge number of stalactites and stalagmites along with the 500-meter entry. The cave is a perfect picture of the amazing formation of the rocks. Light is arranged along with the entry and enlighten the stunning landscape. Colorful spotlights are set in such an appropriately subtle way and add to the charm of the cave. The cave has 30-meter height with numerous innumerable cracks and crevices which are persuadable proof of natural creation throughout millions of years. The deepest point is an "imperial garden" with a small lake and an interesting scene of some mountains. Near the way out, a massive structure is straightened out from floor to roof, narrowing at the centre to create a concave pillar in order to keep the roof in place.
Another interesting tourist attraction worth exploring in Ho Chi Minh City is Suoi Tien. This is an amusement park in District 9, Ho Chi Minh City, which opened since 1995. The park has many entertainment areas. The landscaping and attractions in the park illustrate the country's history and legends, such as Au Co and Lac Long Quan, the over-the-top Buddhist statues with decorations, as well as the battle of Son Tinh and Thuy Tinh in Vietnamese story (The Mountain God and The River God). There is an artificial seawater pool located in the park for sea-bathers and also a dinosaur garden. It is a long drive to get to the park, with 15km south of Ho Chi Minh City, it is a perfect place to hang out with friends you're your family. Suoi Tien is also known as the first water park devoted to Buddhism, specifically the Southeast Asian animistic form of Buddhism.
Thien Cung Grotto is a must-see place in Halong bay for all travelers who stop by even just for a few days. Thien Cung cave (English name: Heavenly Palace cave) is located on a southwest island of the bay and the mouth of the cave is 25 meters above sea level. While Dau Go cave (on the same island) brings a magnificence beauty and honorable history, travelers visiting Thien Cung Cave will feel being in a heavenly world.
A journey through Thien Cung Grotto takes around 1 hour. In the middle of the cave, there are four large substantial columns supporting the "roof of paradise." From floor to top of the cave, numerous peculiar pictures appear in the stone: birds, fish, blooms and even scenes of human life. On the north wall of the grotto, by your imagination, you can see many fairies dancing and singing in honor of the wedding. Under the tremendously high top, stalactites make a regular stone shade. In some places, there is the sound of a drum which originally made by the wind blowing through stone. To finish a voyage through Thien Cung Cave, you are to pass a thin way with dazzling stalactites, and at the existing door, you'll be enchanted by the overview beauty of Ha Long Bay and Ha Long City.
Another interesting place worth exploring in Ho Chi Minh City is the Pagoda of the Lady Thien Hau, so-called Thien Hau Pagoda. Situated on Nguyen Trai Street in the Chinatown district, Chinese style temple is dedicated to Thien Hau, the Lady of the Sea, known as a traditional Chinese goddess not specifically Buddhist or Taoist. The pagoda was originally built as an expression of gratitude by 19th-century Chinese immigrants for her protection during their initial trip to Saigon by sea. While the pagoda itself isn't the largest or most elaborate in the city, it is unique for amazing incense. Every pagoda in the city has a pot for incense burning, and some hang incense from the ceiling, but here they take it to the next level. The pagoda is also outstanding with the elaborate dioramas that decorate the roof and walls. Made from porcelain in the early 1900s, the dioramas depict several different scenes, such as duels on horseback and fighting in arenas.
Tran Quoc pagoda - one of the oldest pagoda in Ha Noi, after many times of relocated and reparation, Tran Quoc pagoda still kept its own spirit and standstill with pride and honor. Viet Nam has a lot of pagodas, some of them are very old and very marvelous. As a Hanoian, you can be proud of Tran Quoc pagoda - one of the oldest temple in Ha Noi and also in Viet Nam. Placed on the peninsula on the south of Westlake near Thanh Niên road, Tran Quoc pagoda is famous for being a marvelous place and also a very attractive destination for Buddhists and tourists. According to history's records, Tran Quoc pagoda was built in Lý Nam Đế's period, named Khai Quốc (inauguration of a nation). This is a pagoda related closely to the beginning of the first state of Viet Nam Van Xuan. After many times of relocated and reparation (1615 - 1842), Tran Quoc pagoda still kept its own spirit and standstill with pride and honor. All are related to the career of building, developing and protecting the nation, that is the spirit and the pride of Tran Quoc pagoda. With 3000m2 and an only big road made of red brick, the geomancy is very good and the gate is placed on the right back of the temple near Thanh Nien road, which is a convenience for Buddhist and tourist. Inside, the pagoda has so many architecture works placed very harmonious, specific for the rule of Buddhism architecture. With many layers of houses, divide up in 3 main house: forecourt, Burn incense, upper house connect with each other to create a "Công" word. The forecourt is on the left, 2 sides of Burn incense and upper house are two halls, the left hall has a monastery, the right hall now has a guest room with a lot of pictures about the story of Thích Ca Buddha. The pagoda now keeping 14 steles, on one stele, there is still a story of temple restoration Dr.Dang Quy Thich in 1815. Used to be a central of Buddhism in Lý and Trần dynasty with beautiful design, Tran Quoc pagoda was a place for the King and feudal lord to visit sites and make ceremonial offerings. With more than 1500 years old, became a symbol of Ha Noi architecture. Nowadays, tourist still comes here not only for ceremonial offerings but also for visiting sites.
Located on the top of Phuong Hoang hill, Truc Lam Pagoda matches perfectly with the charming city. You have two options to get there. By the first way, you have to climb 222 steps past the triple-gated entrance to enter the main courtyard after crossing Tuyen Lam lake. The other way is a direct entrance to the temple with 3km long soaring over majestic pine forests. The cable cars are available. No matter which way you choose, you will be strongly impressed by the stunningly beautiful landscapes on the way. Surrounded by splendid gardens, the pagoda features elegant architecture. Inside of the Central Sanctum, there is Shakya Buddha statue. The exterior is a solemn tower, where a great bell is hung. From the monastery, you can walk down to the shore of Tuyen Lam lake where cafes and boats for hire are available.
Van Don is well-known with pristine beaches as Quan Lan, Minh Chau, Ngoc Vung which are the most magnificent beaches in the north of Viet Nam. Cai Rong Town located in the major island of Van Don Island was one of the first and most prosperous trading ports of Viet Nam under Ly and Tran dynasties. Vietnamese army under the leadership of General Tran Khanh Du succeeded in fighting battles against foreign foes on Van Don sea. In the near future, these natural beaches combine with Bai Tu Long Park and Cai Rong town will form a maritime tourism complex with many recreational activities such as trekking, beach relaxing and exploring caves. Van Don island district includes one main island (Cai Bau Island) and many offshore islands. The Cai Bau Island is linked with the mainland by a series of bridges from Cua Ong town. It takes about 1 hour from Ha Long City if traveling by car and around 90 minutes if traveling by buses. Another means is high-speed hydrofoil from Ha Long within 1 hour. From Cai Rong pier on this island, you can take a boat to other offshore islands. With some of the islands such as Quan Lan, you can start a journey from Ha Long by boat for 4 hours.