VIBRANT VIETNAM !!!
I was a bit curious and apprehensive about visiting Vietnam during the third week of September, 2024, as Vietnam had just experienced a massive Yagi Typhoon, on 7th September; one of its kind, in many years! It had brought huge damages to the land, infrastructure as well as life! Going there was a no no at that time because of recent exposure to Corona pandemic in 2020, spanning over almost two years, spreading fear amongst masses. Besides, media and social media played a great role in raising the fear and apprehension. We were a big group and majority doctors, so finally we decided to go ahead with the plan! And lo behold, it was a great decision!
The destination turned out to be vibrant and welcoming! In spite of all the wars and destruction, Vietnam is standing tall today as a world acclaimed tourist hub. We visited southernmost Ho Chin Minh, Central Da Nang and northernmost Hanoi. The country is laced with South China Sea on one side. The culture and tradition were apparent, right from the flight travel. All ladies and men were in their traditional attire of silk pants with a long tunic called ao dai!
I was fascinated by the small towns that have been developed as tourist places and the places of worship – Pagodas! Huge Buddha and Lady Buddha statues, Ba Na hills, Halong Bay Cruise in the South China Sea waters; boating in Han river to view the stalactites and stalagmites all added to the mesmeric charm!
Han river boating
One of the outstanding destinations in Vietnam is the Halong Bay meaning ‘Descending Dragon Bay’. We took the famous one day Cruise tour to see the World Natural Heritage Site.
The bay covers a big area with thousands of islands. Halong Bay is the core of the bay with many wonderful tourist points like Thien Cung Cave, Luon Cave, Ti Top Island, Sung Sot Cave and Fighting Cock Rock.
Thien Cung Cave or the Heaven Palace Cave needs 45 minutes of hiking. Stalactites and stalagmites of various shapes can be seen inside the cave. Natural formations in the rocks, formed by the force of water are truly magnificent. Your memories can be locked inside photographs, which are instantly made available for you. One can't help but wonder about the maintenance of such places, away from land.
Tuan Chau Harbour or Sun Group Harbour is one of the places where you can enjoy the beach. Sung Sot Cave or Amazing Cave is a beautiful cave, with differently shaped stalactites and stalagmites. Ti Top Island is another stop where you can loiter around and relax.
First thing people ask, when you come back from Vietnam tour, is whether you visited Ba Na Hills? Sun World Ba Na Hills is a theme park, off Da Nang. A very long enjoyable cable car ride takes you to this spot. The best part of the ride is the scenic natural beauty around you. Greenery, gurgling streams, flowers, light rain showers or drizzles, because of the height add to the pleasure. Golden Bridge is a popular bridge held by a giant pair of hands. Gardens with bountiful of flowers and landscaping, beautifully structured bushes and trees is a specialty! This is a must visit site.
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Linh Ung Pagoda and
the giant Buddha statue are popular sites. We visited one Pagoda, where rituals
for the dead relatives were being performed and favourite dishes were being
offered to the departed souls. Sentiments and traditions remain same world
over!
In Da Nang, a 67 meters tall statue of
Lady Buddha of Compassion is situated on a hill over the East Vietnam Sea.
It is the tallest Buddhist statue in SE Asia, symbolizing feminine qualities
like love, compassion, peace; she is a messenger of beauty, hope, freedom and
inspiration for women.
Another attractive place to
visit for the art lovers is Bat Trang, a historic Viatnamese village, known for
making of traditional pottery. Every household boasts of this art in the
family. It is said that this area is rich in white clay, hence posing an
advantage to the residents. Pottery wheels and kilns are visible everywhere.
Their products are popular worldwide. They include religious items, household
items and decorative pieces, a visual delight!
Hoi An has more tourist attractions like Cau Pagoda or covered Japanese Bridge, Hoi
An market and Kim Bong Carpentry village. It is considered as the origin of
generations of Viatnamese wood craftsmen. Sculpting techniques are the unique
specialty of the place.
Pearl and oyster farms are a big attraction here for tourists. The
best part is that, they exhibit the techniques of growing pearls, biologically
and have huge showrooms for those interested in buying.
Another place of wonder is Hoi An Silk Village; we were taken to an outlet selling silk articles, in beautiful, bright colors; bedspreads, attires, and what not, a buyer’s delight! The beauty of Vietnamese culture was visible here.
Another wonderful art preserved here is making Bamboo products,
made from high quality raw materials using the latest technologies.
Smiling ladies exhibited the products and explained the process of
manufacturing. Besides, the process is sustainable and environment – friendly.
100% natural bamboo is turned out into kitchenware, clothing, furniture,
construction materials, tableware and bathroom as well as attire accessories!
Vietnam is famous for its fantastic spectacular bridges. Dragon Bridge is a proof of Da Nang’s prosperity. Han River Bridge is significant for connectivity; lit beautifully at night, with blinking and changing colours. Japanese Bridge in Hoi An is also known as Cau Pagoda connects Tran Phu Street, which is the Chinese part on the eastern side and Nguyen Thi Minh Khai Street, which is the Japanese part, on the western side. It crosses the Thu Bon River, bringing a serene and nostalgic atmosphere. Top of the bridge is made of red lacquered wood, while the base of stone. Its architecture is a combination of Vietnamese, Japanese and Chinese cultures. At the entrance and at the exit of the bridge, a dog and a monkey, symbolizing protection and safety in Japanese culture, stand as guardians.
Japanese bridge Dragon bridge
Hoi An or Faifo, is located in the centre of Vietnam, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It is also called as the City of Lanterns or Yellow City owing to yellow coloured buildings and souvenir selling shops. River Thu Bon flows through the city. On full moon days and festivals, all lights are turned off and all lanterns in Hoi An are lit up. There are thousands of lanterns, vibrantly coloured and shaped. All types of Vietnamese souvenirs are sold here.
Vietnam is a shopping paradise for shoppers world over; providing beautiful goods at reasonable prices! No wonder that it is and is becoming a very popular travel destination!
Green Blogger
Prof. Dr. Jaya Kurhekar
