No 3, Vol.10 , September - October 2015
  During that time, brigands from all around came to loot the villages. They used catapults to destroy dwellings, thus making the cold even colder. Giang (Heaven) heard the laments of the local people, and sent Hong Ngai Mountain God down to teach the Hmong, Yao and Ha Nhi peoples the way to build rammed earthen wall houses to protect themselves from the cold and the bandits. Since then, the Hmong of Hong Ngai Village knew how to make rammed walls. This is also the village with the best rammed wall houses of Y Ty highland commune in Bat Xat Dist.  The Hmong people of Hong Ngai Village have a special procedure of house building. According to Mr Vang A Su, 56, an ex-chairman of Y Ty Commune, before making a house, a Hmong family has to choose a good day and time and a flat area of 40 - 50 m² of land. They have to cook a chicken and some sticky rice to make a sacrifice and pray their house would be strong and endure the centuries. To have four walls as strong as steel that even bullets can’t penetrate, they have to find an adhesive kind of mountain soil. First, Hong Ngai villagers use stones to make the house foundation. The foundation is built on the ground, without digging in to it as people in the low lands. Then, they reinforce strong boards to make formwork, much like those for making concrete slabs. The walls of a 40 m² house must be 40 cm thick. They fill the form with the selected soil and beat and bray it hard with pestles until blows leave no mark. The boards removed, the wall looks smooth, as if filed.  Then they make the next level on top of the built wall. Each such level is about 40 cm high. They fill it with soil and bray it again exactly the same way. The upper layer would bond with the lower as one. Layer upon layer, it takes months to finish the walls. Mr Vang A Su told us that five-six form layers would be enough, but some families make seven-eight layers. Some in Pha Long of Muong Khuong District even make nine layer-tall walls.  The walls finished, they use oak, Fujian cypress or menghundor wood to make the house frame. None of the walls have piers. Wooden pillars inside do the reinforcement. After the frame come the roofs. The Hmong of Hong Ngai used to thatch their roofs. Since the Government introduced the 135 Program, they modernized their houses with cement sheets. In Bac Ha District, Mr Vang A Tuong built a two-storey house in 1921, roofed with peeled layers of cypress wood, still a wonder of Lao Cai architecture for visitors to contemplate.  Photo: Nguyen Tuan Anh Hmong rammed wall houses at Y Ty have a front door in the middle and a back door connected with a buffalo or horse stable at the back. They also have one or two hive-like windows for ventilation near the front door.  Ha Nhi rammed houses at Y Ty are somewhat different from the Hmong ones. They are square instead of rectangular. The wall faces, both inside and outside, are buffed smooth. In the house they build another wall, also earthen, about 1.5m from the door. Behind this wall is the kitchen and bedroom of the house owner.  Photo: Nguyen Cong Binh Seen from above, the ethnic rammed wall houses of Y Ty look like giant mushrooms on a mountain slope, very nice, cosy and cute. Major Ha Duc Hon of Y Ty border patrol outpost, who spent long years living on this land and studying rammed wall houses, told me that this is a unique feature of residential architecture of the Y Ty highland. Inside the house, it’s warm in the freezing cold of winter and cool in 37 the summer. The walls are bulletproof and don’t shake at all, even when butted by buffalo.  When building rammed wall houses, the ethnic people of Y Ty avoid bare hills and mountain slopes near creeks, where landslides are frequent. Otherwise, even hurricanes and tornadoes can take away only the roofs. The house remains strong like a castle.  Hong Ngai Village of Y Ty Commune currently has 71 very beautiful rammed wall houses. Lao Chai, Sin Chai 1 and Sin Chai 2 Villages have about 30-40 rammed wall houses each. Some decade-old thatched roofs are covered with moss, which makes them look even more attractive. Groups of domestic and foreign visitors and researchers have come here to see the houses. Many couldn’t help remarking ‘What a wonder!’ |
Thứ Tư, 25 tháng 11, 2015
Earthen wall houses
Binh Thuan Province offers wild and pure beauty
No 3, Vol.11 , October – November 2015
On October 24th, 1995, a total eclipse occurred in Phan Thiet. Scientists and tourists from all over the world congregated here in this remote area to behold the miracle moments when the solar flower magnificently blossomed in the Binh Thuan sky. According to the Oriental I Ching philosophy, this is the sacred moment of the harmony between Yin and Yang.
Bau Trang or White Lake, Binh Thuan Province, 2008.Photo: Do Huu Tien
Binh Thuan features a gorgeous, nearly 200 km-long coast line, stretching from Tuy Phong to Bac Binh, Mui Ne, Ham Thuan Nam and Ham Tan. Captivating tourist attractions in Binh Thuan such as Mui Ne, Co Thach, Bau Trang, Doi Hong, Suoi Tien, Ke Ga and Ta Cu have gradually become common knowledge.
Binh Thuan has always been generous in serving guests with its unique, natural yields; tropical warm sunlight, long beaches lined with fine sand, lots of sea breezes and clear blue water. Countless secluded streams, waterfalls and rapids are found in the primal forests that make up Truong Son mountain range in the West of Binh Thuan.
Releasing a boat model, a ritual in the Whale Worship Festival, Binh Thuan Province, 2014.Photo: Tran Khanh Hung
This land, moreover, is also extremely attractive to curious tourists who are interested in learning about the local history and culture. Cham culture has been in Binh Thuan for ages. Through many changes, Poshanu Cham tower is still solemnly standing on the top of Ba Nai Mountain, contemplating the universe’s transformation. The Cham traditional dances, music, festivals and handicrafts have been maintained and conserved until today.
Mui Gio, 30 km away from Mui Ne, Binh Thuan Province, 2015, Photo: Nguyen Minh Tan
Ke Ga lighthouse, which was established in 1900, plays an essential role in the international maritime routes in the East Sea area. The water tower is Phan Thiet city’s symbol. It was designed by the Kingdom of Laos’ Prince, Suphanuvong, in 1928. This is also the symbol of the Vietnam – Laos nation’s friendship.
Inside the Truong Tho Linh Son Pagoda on the Ta Cu mountain top lies a statue of Buddha entering Nirvana.
Watering on the farm, Phu Long Town, Binh Thuan Province, 2014. Photo: Truong Anh Vu
It is a totally refreshing and different experience to wake up early in the morning and visit the fish landings scattered along the Binh Thuan coastal line. The festive atmosphere of those fish landings cheerfully ignite a new day. The seaside air has imbued Binh Thuan people with certain characteristics; hard-working, honest and especially friendly.
Co Thach Beach,Tuy Phong District, Binh Thuan Province,2015. Photo: Vo Hoai Huy
As a place rich in marine life, fish sauce-making has been Binh Thuan’s special and famous profession since ancient times. The fresh, sweet and healthy blue dragon fruit is another distinctive specialty of Binh Thuan.
The formation and development of Binh Thuan tourism began with ‘the Pearl’ Mui Ne. Beside the natural potential, policies and plans of the local government and the support of local people, there are also great and meaningful contributions from investors from all over the world.
Kite surfing in the sea Binh Thuan Province, 2015. Photo: Nguyen Quoc Huy
Today, Binh Thuan welcomes millions of new and old tourists every year, thanks to its own glamour. Those who come to visit Binh Thuan find the activities at sea most interesting. Outdoor sports such as water jetting, surfing, windsurfing and ballooning take place here.
Bringing a dead whale to the shore for a funeral, Binh Thuan Province, 2012. Photo: Pham Ngoc Hoang
Sea Links City stands out among all Binh Thuan’s tourism projects. This is an architecture ensemble with 5-star hotels, high-class restaurants, villas for rent, golf courses and many other entertainment services.
Most notable is probably the Champagne Castle, where there is a wine cooling cellar, demonstrations of champagne making procedures and a display of many kinds of rare champagne from all over the world.
A festival of Cham peopler praying for rain, Binh Thuan Province, 2014.Photo: Do Huu Tuan
Bau Trang (White Lake), a magnificent landscape, has been planned and conserved into a wonderful eco-tourism zone in Binh Thuan. This place offers you not only a chance to enjoy nature, but also a thrilling experience of driving an ATV on a winding road over the sand dulls.
Together with the overall booming of the province, Phan Thiet City has also renewed itself to be a young, fresh and potential urban area. Investors and international brands are pouring here to do business and service of all types, contributing to the whole land’s development.
Dragon and unicorn dances, Binh Thuan Province, 2014. Photo: Dang Thanh Lan
Ca Ty River charmingly runs through the ports before pouring into the ocean, adding to the special beauty that is full of the vitality of Phan Thiet.
After 20 years of planning and developing, Binh Thuan Province has become a renowned destination with millions of local and international tourists every year. One of the most interesting features of Binh Thuan tourism is: ‘Binh Thuan – Green Convergence’. It is the harmony of heaven and earth, of mountains and seas of rivers and lakes and the unity of cultures.
A dragon fruit plantation in Binh Thuan Province, 2015.Photo: Do Huu Tuan
Text from film Binh Thuan - Green Convergence 2015, script writer Phan To Hoai, Director Tran My Ha
Photos from the Vietnam Heritage Photo Awards 2015, photos selected for display at 8 exhibitions in Vietnam
Binh Thuan features a gorgeous, nearly 200 km-long coast line, stretching from Tuy Phong to Bac Binh, Mui Ne, Ham Thuan Nam and Ham Tan. Captivating tourist attractions in Binh Thuan such as Mui Ne, Co Thach, Bau Trang, Doi Hong, Suoi Tien, Ke Ga and Ta Cu have gradually become common knowledge.
Binh Thuan has always been generous in serving guests with its unique, natural yields; tropical warm sunlight, long beaches lined with fine sand, lots of sea breezes and clear blue water. Countless secluded streams, waterfalls and rapids are found in the primal forests that make up Truong Son mountain range in the West of Binh Thuan.
This land, moreover, is also extremely attractive to curious tourists who are interested in learning about the local history and culture. Cham culture has been in Binh Thuan for ages. Through many changes, Poshanu Cham tower is still solemnly standing on the top of Ba Nai Mountain, contemplating the universe’s transformation. The Cham traditional dances, music, festivals and handicrafts have been maintained and conserved until today.
Ke Ga lighthouse, which was established in 1900, plays an essential role in the international maritime routes in the East Sea area. The water tower is Phan Thiet city’s symbol. It was designed by the Kingdom of Laos’ Prince, Suphanuvong, in 1928. This is also the symbol of the Vietnam – Laos nation’s friendship.
Inside the Truong Tho Linh Son Pagoda on the Ta Cu mountain top lies a statue of Buddha entering Nirvana.
It is a totally refreshing and different experience to wake up early in the morning and visit the fish landings scattered along the Binh Thuan coastal line. The festive atmosphere of those fish landings cheerfully ignite a new day. The seaside air has imbued Binh Thuan people with certain characteristics; hard-working, honest and especially friendly.
As a place rich in marine life, fish sauce-making has been Binh Thuan’s special and famous profession since ancient times. The fresh, sweet and healthy blue dragon fruit is another distinctive specialty of Binh Thuan.
The formation and development of Binh Thuan tourism began with ‘the Pearl’ Mui Ne. Beside the natural potential, policies and plans of the local government and the support of local people, there are also great and meaningful contributions from investors from all over the world.
Today, Binh Thuan welcomes millions of new and old tourists every year, thanks to its own glamour. Those who come to visit Binh Thuan find the activities at sea most interesting. Outdoor sports such as water jetting, surfing, windsurfing and ballooning take place here.
Sea Links City stands out among all Binh Thuan’s tourism projects. This is an architecture ensemble with 5-star hotels, high-class restaurants, villas for rent, golf courses and many other entertainment services.
Most notable is probably the Champagne Castle, where there is a wine cooling cellar, demonstrations of champagne making procedures and a display of many kinds of rare champagne from all over the world.
Bau Trang (White Lake), a magnificent landscape, has been planned and conserved into a wonderful eco-tourism zone in Binh Thuan. This place offers you not only a chance to enjoy nature, but also a thrilling experience of driving an ATV on a winding road over the sand dulls.
Together with the overall booming of the province, Phan Thiet City has also renewed itself to be a young, fresh and potential urban area. Investors and international brands are pouring here to do business and service of all types, contributing to the whole land’s development.
Ca Ty River charmingly runs through the ports before pouring into the ocean, adding to the special beauty that is full of the vitality of Phan Thiet.
After 20 years of planning and developing, Binh Thuan Province has become a renowned destination with millions of local and international tourists every year. One of the most interesting features of Binh Thuan tourism is: ‘Binh Thuan – Green Convergence’. It is the harmony of heaven and earth, of mountains and seas of rivers and lakes and the unity of cultures.
Text from film Binh Thuan - Green Convergence 2015, script writer Phan To Hoai, Director Tran My Ha
Photos from the Vietnam Heritage Photo Awards 2015, photos selected for display at 8 exhibitions in Vietnam
Thứ Năm, 10 tháng 9, 2015
Home to storks
Home to storks
Located in Hai Duong Province’s Thanh Mien District, about 70 km southeast of Hanoi, Chi Lang Nam, also known as Stork Island, is home to over 16,000 white storks and 6,000 night herons.
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Usually tourists will hire a car to travel directly from Hanoi to Thanh Mien, but we chose to take a train to Hai Duong City and then a motorcycle taxi to the island.
In total the journey took around an hour and 45 minutes. After passing through fragrant fields of young green rice we reached the island, which lies in a large and crystal clear lake named An Duong. The weather was sunny, but not very hot, which made Hai Duong a welcome escape from the humid heat of Hanoi.
The entrance ticket was VND20,000 (US$0.9) per person while the cost hire a boat was VND100,000 (US$4.6).
“This boat can carry up to 20 people,” share Truong, a 30-year-old boat driver with rich, tanned skin. We decided to take a boat although there were no life jackets or any other kinds of protection. Still, we had a guide to help and tell us more about these beautiful islands.
This is truly the kingdom of the white stork. Hundreds gather and there was no sense of panic when our boat approached. “Storks go searching for food in the daytime, so if you cone here in late afternoon, you will see thousands of them,” Truong said. “In contrast, night herons go hunting at night and that’s why the two species can live in harmony.”
Tourists come here to capture pictures of storks and many are willing to wait for hours to get a perfect shot.
“When I was born, storks had already gathered around this lake,” Truong shared, adding “Citizens here used to hunt storks for meat, which tastes similar to chicken or duck.”
According to the boat river, storks and night herons are easy to catch: “They are not scared of people so you can slowly approach them and grab their legs. You have to quickly put them into a bag so that they don’t have a chance to peck you.”
After stork island became one of the province’s most attractive tourist sites, the provincial government created new policies to protect and preserve the storks and night herons. “The rules are very strict. I remember two guys hunting 21 storks to sell in the market. Having been caught by the island’s security, they were fined VND21 million (US$1,000), which is a great amount of money in this commune,” he said.
Back on dry land we sat in a beverage stall run by 60year-old woman named So. She told is that there used to be seven families living on the main island but they had to move because more and more storks were invading their living space.
If tourists are interested, they can visit An Duong temple, which lies right on the bank of An Duong lake. The temple is a place to worship the village’s god and the locals usually come here on the first and the 15th day of the lunar month to wish for health and luck.
On the up
Since Chi Lang Nam has become famous, the life of people here has been improved. “Tourists come during every season so we can have stable incomes. We are all farmers but proving services in this tourist site brings us an easier and fuller life,” said So.
At around six in the afternoon when the sun sets, storks come back in large flocks, which create a spectacular view. After witnessing this sight we headed back to Hai Duong City and took a late train to Hanoi, each of us sure of our future return.
Time Out
The beauty of the ancient temple in Hoa Lu
The beauty of the ancient temple in Hoa Lu
The King Dinh Tien Hoang Temple is the only place in Vietnam worshipping King Dinh Tien Hoang, his parents and his sons, with ancestral tablets of the generals of Dinh Dynasty.
The Temple of King Dinh Tien Hoang is an important monument of the special protection zone of the heritage complex of Hoa Lu ancient capital in Truong Yen Commune, Hoa Lu District of Ninh Binh Province.
The middle compartment has an altar and statue of King Dinh Tien Hoang.
The temple of King Dinh Tien Hoang is a unique structure with wood carvings made by Vietnamese folk artists in the 17th century
In the yard is a king’s bed, made of blue stone.
Around the bed are flags symbolizing the army ...
It is said that the temple was built on the grounds of the ancient Hoa Lu palace.
A screen in the temple.
Facing the screen is a stone bed, with two lion’s whelps standing on two sides.
Lion’s whelps carved on monolith stone.
Behind the screen is a semicircular lake.
The temple is part of the world cultural heritage site of Trang An, recognized by UNESCO in 2014.
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| Photo: VNE |
WHAT'S ON SEPTEMBER 1-15 (DAILY UPDATE)
Exhibition “Mixed: Vietnam” by Nguyen Da Quyen
Exhibition: 03 Sep – 03 Oct 2015
Toong Co-working Space
3rd, 08 Trang Thi, Hoan Kiem, Hanoi
Come to an art showcase “Mixed: Vietnam” of artist Nguyen Da Quyen – winner of Asian Creative Awards Vol. 1 2014 in Japan.
NGUYEN DA QUYEN:
– Self-studied & started to create since 2012.
– Currently living & working in HCMC, Vietnam.
She won “Asian Creative Awards Vol. 1 2014” organized by Asian Creative Network with over thousands of artists from 26 Asian countries. The inaugural Asian Creative Awards was initiated to look for graphic artworks that will be the forefront of the Asian creative scene. The aim of ACA is to support the next generation of artists in the region by providing them with opportunities to present their works abroad.
Exhibition “The Vacant Chair” by Bang Nhat Linh
Opening: Sat 12 Sep 2015, 6 pm
Artist talk: Sat 19 Sep 2015, 4 pm
Exhibition: 12 – 22 Sep 2015, 10 am – 6 pm
Nha San Collective
24 Lý Quốc Sư, Hà Nội
Nha San Collective is pleased to introduce a solo exhibition of artist Bang Nhat Linh, titled “The vacant chair”.
Bang Nhat Linh is a visual artist who is also a collector of war memorabilia. The primary concerns and inspiration for his artistic practice is human beings. This exhibition is part of Ling’s long-term project, in which, the whole process reflects “the surveys into the depths of memories, history, submerged psychological spaces, and of oblivion…”, in which “war memorabilia are taken from their original contexts to be placed within a new context, or they are positioned in a relationship with human as communicable and interactive objects…”
“The vacant chair” is a multi-layered video installation. It is an intimate narrative, whereby social issues derived from modern history of a turbulent Vietnam are unveiled: the wounds, tolerance, optimism, as well as the special relationship amongst those who remain. From a broader angle, it suggests an universal sense of existence and death, particularly the limited nature of the human race… On the other hand, through the act of transforming a powerful symbol of war into a symbol of love and loss, the work steps out of its geographical context to tell a universal story of all humanity. “The vacant chair”, therefore, is a song of humanity, and for humanity…
*”The vacant chair” is a popular song during the American Civil War written by George F. Root in 1861 based on a poem by Henry S. Washburn. The song signifies the loss and emptiness of those who lost their loved ones in the Civil War, it specially gained empathy from both the North and the South of the United States during the war.
The exhibition is curated by Le Thuan Uyen.
Music Night with Jan Oberlaender
Sat 12 Sep 2015, 9 pm
Hanoi Rock City
27/52 To Ngoc Van, Tay Ho
Come to a music night with:
✔ JAN OBERLAENDER// KATERMUKKE [GER]
✔ Jack Swift (UK)
✔ Jody O’Dea (IRL)
✔ Dee.F (Viet)
✔ Blip Blop (UK)
✔ Live visuals by Lizo
✔ Installation and concept by GingerWork
Tickets at Door: 130k plus 1 free drink.
Jan Oberlaender
The only way to explain Jan Oberlaender is by listening. His podcasts are legendary, as is his status as a firm resident of the globally renowned Fusion Festival. Able to command dance floors in the tens of thousands, Jan has a versatility and style that is rarely seen anywhere, let alone in Hanoi. Playing deep through to tech house and techno with some disco elements and a generally hypnotic mastery, this is two hours worth losing yourself in. Here is his Fusion Set from 2014 to whet your appetite…
Jack Swift SJ – House/Tech house/ Techno
A very welcome newcomer to the burgeoning Hanoi music scene. Jack is an accomplished DJ – with supports for serious players such as Oliver Huntemann and Sam Paganini under his belt. His sound is solid and driving and we are very much looking forward to welcoming him for his Hanoi debut, whipping us up for Jan.
Jody O’dea [IRL] DJ – House / Nu Disco
Jody is an elusive Hanoi gem, venturing out rarely to lay down an eclectic mix of beats, melody and groove. Well known for his ability to lift a dance floor with positive sounds, he makes the perfect choice to open up the Red Room. Starting around 9.30 – he is worth coming early for.
Dee. F [Hanoi / VN] DJ – Genre, Techno / Experimental
// Founder of Hanoi Rock City, the very first and still most prestigious and independent live & electronic music venue in the capital of Vietnam, acclaimed for its open deck policy and promotion of emerging and underground as well as established international artists (https://www.facebook.com/hrc.hanoi).
// Performed with Kangding Ray (Stroboscopic Artefacts / Raster Noton), Samuel Kerridge (Contort / Dowards..), Martin Eyerer (Kling Klong), Kode 9 (Hyperdub), Untold (Hemlock Recordings) and many more.
// Co-host of two acclaimed annual electronic music festivals, Sonic Moon Festival. (https://www.facebook.com/sonicmoonfestival) (https://www.facebook.com/hanoiexperimen.tet)
// Numerous live performances and DJs through out Asia and Europe from 2010.
Blip BLop (Hanoi/Uk)
The bear of boom is a Hanoi stalwart – versatile is style and passionate in his occupation. As Music Director of Vietnam’s Quest Festival, Luke’s lives and breathes musical exploration and curation. We sometimes know what he might play but to be frank this musical chameleon will lay down what is right for the night, he’ll be tickling your fancies in HRCs open air courtyard to loosen you up for the explosion upstairs.
Roundtable Discussion “How has Hanoi changed?”
Wed 09 Sep 2015, 6 pm
L’Espace
24 Tràng Tiền, Hà Nội
You are invited to the round-table discussion “How has Hanoi changed?” with the participation of architect Pho Duc Tung, Dr. Dang Hoang Giang, researcher Tran Quang Duc and artist Nguyen The Son.
For over a century, Hanoi has seen many physical changes, not only in buildings but also in its planning. We can see the changes through pictures taken by foreigners who have crossed or lived in the city published in books. Then how did it change?
Language: Vietnamese
Free entrance.
Film Screening “Mune: Guardian of the Moon”
02 – 13/09/2015
L’Espace
24 Tràng Tiền, Hà Nội
You are invited to the daily animation screening “Mune: Guardian of the Moon” (2D) from 02 Sep at L’Espace!
Director: Alexandre Heboyan & Benoît Philippon (France, 86 mins)
Cast: Jun 365, Chi Pu
For more information about synopsis, please see L’Espace website (in French) or refer to the Vietnamese version of this post.
Language: Vietnamese dubbed with English subtitles
Schedule:
Wed 02 Sep 2015: 14:00, 16:00, 18:00, 20:00
Thu 03 Sep 2015: 18:00, 20:00
Fri 04 Sep 2015: 18:00
Sat 05 Sep 2015: 14:00, 16:00, 18:00, 20:00
Sun 06 Sep 2015: 14:00, 18:00, 20:00
Mon 07 Sep 2015: 18:00, 20:00
Tue 08 Sep 2015: 18:00, 20:00
Wed 09 Sep 2015: 18:00, 20:00
Fri 11 Sep 2015: 18:00
Sun 13 Sep 2015: 14:00, 18:00, 20:00
Ticket:
Price: 60 000 VND
Tickets are available at L’Espace.
Tel:
Film Screening “For No Eyes Only” in German Film Festival 2015
Wed 09 Sep 2015, 8 pm
National Cinema Center
87 Lang Ha Str, Hanoi
As a special guest in Hanoi for the 6th German Film Festival, Tali Barde – young film director, actor and scriptwriter of “For no eyes only” – is looking forward to a lively
discussion about the film with the audience.
– Genre: youth thriller
– 97 Minutes, Germany 2013
– Age restriction: 12 years
– German with English and Vietnamese subtitles
Due to a hockey accident, computer nerd Sam is forced to stay home with a broken leg. Just when he is about to die of boredom, he hits upon a hacking software that
enables him access to external webcams. The shy teenager becomes a hidden voyeur and finds out everything about the intimate secrets of his classmates: Aaron, for
example, the mysterious new boy at school, apparently has serious issues with his father. When Sam observes Aaron hiding a knife in his room – and after the incident
there is no trace of Aarons father – Sam becomes suspicious. Together with Livia, his classmate and secret crush, he tries to get to the bottom of the situation – but soon
they end up in a precarious situation…
Tali Barde was born in 1990 in Bensberg and was already interested in acting and films during his youth. After creating several short films the young actor, director and
scriptwriter realized the film “For no eyes only” in cooperation with the film group of his former school, which he founded. During the production process he also founded the
production company Avalon Film and recently finished his second film “Dot”.
Tickets for all films are free.
Free tickets from 1st September, noon at:
Goethe-Institut Hanoi
56-58 Nguyen Thai Hoc
Tel. /52/53 (ext. 9)
National Cinema Center
87 Lang Ha Str, Hanoi
Workshop “Improvisation Drama with Quentin Delorme”
10 and 11 Sep 2015, 7 – 9 pm
Blossom Art House
94B Tran Hung Dao, Hanoi
This practical drama class aims to enhance aesthetics, develop acumen, openness and knowledge through playing, sharing and creating art.
Finding your individual performance style and role playing will allow you to control your emotion by showing them through the prism of a role. It is also a good way to assert yourself and improve confidence.
Improvisation drama is a discovery of a subject including both art and exercises. This practice is a combination of all the benefits of drama lessons, develop instant creativity, free expression through a variety of regulations, the ability to adapt and make every situation improvised.
NUMBER OF PARTICIPANTS: Max. 24 people
• You don’t need to have drama skills, only need passion and the desire to experience with drama.
**Deadline to sign up: 06/09/2015 (The attendance list is limited so make sure to sign up ahead of time).
FEE: 300,000 VND per person
REGISTER:
Please fill in the registration form through this link.
WORKSHOP TIMELINE:
This workshop will be conducted in 2 days, with the duration of 2 hours each day:
First day:
– Heating
– Games for waking up body and mind, and make the group comfortable with each other
– Start to play in front of the audience
– Learn the different kind of improvisation and discover the rules
– See what is exactly the improvisation sport (look video, and practice)
Second day:
– Heating
– Games like the first day
– Practice improvisation, improve our play on stage
– Practice different kind of improvisation
– Do a competition of improvisation together
ABOUT THE CONDUCTOR
Quentin Delorme is a French director, an actor as well as a performer in general and improvisation performer in particular.
Growing from the most recognized drama school in Paris – France, Cours Florent, Quentin has accrued to his early experience throughout the stages of France and Italy in many different roles as stage director, screenwriters, actor. Also, in the first 15 years pursuing performing arts, he had gathered students of Cours Florent and create a troupe of young actors who share the same passion.
After having many successful plays in his career, Quentin wanted to fulfill a much bigger dream, which is to bring theater arts to everyone. With the love for Vietnam in particular and Southeast Asian countries in general, him and his partner decided to come to Hanoi to make their dream come true.
Bookworm Birthday 2015
Sun 06 Sep 2015, 2.30 – 4.30 pm
Bookworm
44 Châu Long, Hà Nội Now open every day 9am – 7pm
This September Bookworm celebrates two milestones: 14 years in Hanoi and 5 years in Chau Long Street!
To mark its longevity, Bookworm celebrates with an afternoon of cool contemporary music (2.30pm – 4.30pm) and free sangria in Chau Long and with discounts from 15% to 25% off the price of all books and merchandise at both Bookworm outlets.
Thanks all dear readers for your support throughout the years. Come and celebrate this special occasion with us!
Creative City Day at Hanoi Creative City
Sat 05 Sep 2015, 8 am – 9.30 pm
Hanoi Creative City
No. 1 Luong Yen, Bach Dang Ward, Hai Ba Trung District, Hanoi
You are invited to the Creative City Day at Hanoi Creative City with many fascinating activities, such as:
– The unique street performances, amazing magic shows in lively music and colorful fairs
– High-tech entertainment space, fashion and street foods
– Stacked tires, games in rustic styles, Pitches stairs, and transparent glass with ArtPEn, etc…
PROGRAM:
+ 8h – 18h: Flea market
+ 10h – 11h: Street performance
+ 15h – 20h: Vietnam Freestyle Football Championship
+ 20h – 21h30: Street music
Free entrance.
Contact information: Email: Creativecity.vn@gmail.com
Film Screening “Astérix – Le Domaine des Dieux” at L’Espace
Sun 06 Sep 2015, 4 pm
L’Espace
24 Tràng Tiền, Hà Nội
You are invited to the animation screening “Asterix: The Land of the Gods” (France, 2014, 85 mins).
Director: Louis Clichy, Alexandre Astier
Starring: Roger Carel, Lorànt Deutsch, Laurent Lafitte
Adapted from the French-Belgian comic, the comedy enchanted the whole family all over the world!
For more information about synopsis, please see L’Espace website (in French) or refer to the Vietnamese version of this post.
Language: French with Vietnamese subtitle.
Tickets:
Ticket price: 50 000 VND
Special price for members of L’Espace and students: 40 000 VND
Tickets are available at L’Espace.
Film Screening “Yves Saint Laurent”
Fri 04 Sep 2015, 8 pm
L’Espace
24 Tràng Tiền, Hà Nội
You are invited to the film screening “Yves Saint Laurent” (France, 2014, 106 mins).
Director: Jalil Lespert
Cast: Pierre Niney, Guillaume Gallienne, Charlotte Le Bon
An insight into the brightest stage of his career but the most vicissitudinous one in his private life and love. The film reveals the hidden corners of the homosexual fashion genius.
For more information about synopsis, please see L’Espace website (in French) or refer to the Vietnamese version of this post.
Language: French with Vietnamese subtitle.
Tickets:
Ticket price: 50 000 VND
Special price for members of L’Espace and students: 40 000 VND
Tickets are available at L’Espace.
Exhibition “Homeland and Sea” by painter Tran Manh Duc
Opening: Fri 04 Sep 2015, 4 pm
Exhibition: 04 – 28 sep 2015
Tu Do Gallery
53 Ho Tung Mau Street, District 1, HCMC
You are invited to the exhibition “Homeland and Sea” by painter Tran Manh Duc.
The artist shares:
“Drop the empty space in the time circle. Drop the soul in hardworking lives. The rhythm of water, wind, trees… Under the surface of my paintings are the metaphysical borders of form and colors, of consciousness and unconsciousness.
For me, drawing, getting to draw, and conversing with life by the experiences, worries and passion make me feel alive. And beyond all these things is the freedom to create in my own silent world.”
PAINTER TRAN MANH DUC
– 1969: Born at Ninh Hoa, Khanh Hoa Province, Vietnam.
– 1933: Fraduated from Khanh Hoa’s College of Culture and Fine Arts.
– 2006: Member of Vietnam Fine Arts Association.
– Member of Khanh Hoa Fine Arts and Literatue Association.
ART ACTIVITIES:
Solo exhibition:
– 2005: “Serene Sea”, Khanh Hoa Province, Vietnam.
– 2010: “One Thousand Years of Thang Long”, Hanoi, Vietnam.
– 2000 – now: Regularly participated in yearly National and Regional Fine-Arts Exhibitions.
AWARDS:
– 2007: A Prize: “Legendary of Viet”. Art Exhibition of Southern Central and Highland Region of Vietnam.
– 2007: Award from the Vietnam Fine Arts Association.
Has paintings kept in the collections of Vietnam Fine Arts Association, Private collections inland and abroad.
Exhibition “Memory for Tomorrow” by artist Dinh Q. Le in Japan
Exhibition: 25 Jul – 12 Oc 2015
Mori Art Museum
Tokyo, Japan
Born in Hà Tiên, a Vietnamese town near the Cambodian border, Dinh Q. Lê immigrated with his family to the U.S. at the age of ten to escape the Khmer Rouge. After studying photography and media art, Lê attracted attention with his tapestries made by weaving together strips of photographs (1989-), a process inspired by traditional Vietnamese grass mat weaving. Based on thorough research and interviews, Lê throws light on people’s memory as it is told through actual personal experiences.
This year marks the 40th anniversary of the end of the Vietnam War as well as the 70th anniversary of Japan’s defeat in WWII, examining the stories that have never been told, of individuals who have undergone events whose facts have been overshadowed by “official,” national and/or social histories, and exploring closer relations between art and society are extremely important issues. Through the unique artworks and activities of Dinh Q. Lê, the “Memory for Tomorrow” exhibition provides us with an opportunity to think about our past, present and future.
Persistence of Memory #10 2000-01 C-print and linen tape Collection: Joy of Giving Something, Inc., New York Artwork in exhibition by Dinh Q. Le
Persistence of Memory #10
2000-01
C-print and linen tape
Collection: Joy of Giving Something, Inc., New York
Artwork in exhibition by Dinh Q. Le
This is the first major solo exhibition of artist Dinh Q. Le in Asia. Click here to read a review.
Classical Concert with pianist Mai Charissa
Sat 12 Sep 2015, 8 pm
L’Espace
24 Trang Tien, Hanoi
You are invited to the classical concert with Mai Charissa.
Mai Chrissa was born in 1996 to one Vietnamese mother and one British father. She started to learn piano at the age of 5 in France. After that, she continued her study in
Thailand and in master-class of Colin Stone at the Royal Academy of Music in London in 2014.
She has performed on many France and UK stages. Before coming to the concert at L’Espace, she will attend Beethoven Festival in Bonn.
Program:
Beethoven
– 32 Variation in C major, WoO 80
– Sonate in D minor (Storm), Op. 31, No. 2
Elgar
– In Smyrna (~ 5mn)
Chopin
– Nocturne in D major, Op. 27, No. 2
– Nocturne in D minor, Op. 71, No. 1
– Andante spianato and Grande Polonaise brillante in E flat major, Op. 22
Tickets
Ticket price: 160,000 VND
Special price for members of L’Espace and students: 80,000 VND
Tickets are available at L’Espace.
Exhibition “A Fictional Journey” by artist – architect Trong Le
Opening: Fri 11 Sep 2015, 6 – 8 pm
Exhibition: 07 Sep – 18 Oct 2015
VinGallery
6 Lê Văn Miến, Thảo Điền, District 2, HCMC
Come to the exhibition showcasing the original drawings of artist and architect Trong Le.
Trong Le’s drawing style is distinctive. Swirling lines are elaborated by an art nouveau style which describes recognizable Saigon buildings – both old and new. An architect by trade, Trong Le is unapologetically influenced by the city he knows so well – whether that’s through transportation, city streets or buildings.
An architectural background mixed with a great deal of imagination has allowed Trong Le to generate his series of water colours and ink drawings. His highly acclaimed first hard-back book “Saigon Xua: The Colour Of Nostalgia” was released earlier this year.
Trong Le will be exhibiting a series of completely original art works, giving viewers the chance to study the fine detail that goes into each remarkable piece.
Installation exhibition “Chapter 2: At Noon” by Sandrine Llouquet at L’Espace
Opening: Thu 10 Sep 2015, 6 pm
Exhibition: 10 Sep – 02 Oct 2015
L’Espace
24 Tràng Tiền, Hà Nội
You are invited to the installation exhibition “Chapter 2: At Noon” by Sandrine Llouquet.
“It will be at noon when people are on the way to become Superman from animal, when people praise the road leading to sunset as the highest hope of their life, because that is the path to a new dawn.” (Zarathoustra said, Nietzsche)
“At noon” is both a milestone and a period of time in which the artist is positioning herself on the career path. The adventure in her literature between philosophy and history, between exploring and alchemy, between legend and polytheistic worship has led Sandrine Llouquet to the exhibition “Chapter 2: At Noon”, to express herself through paintings, carved statue and arrangement. The audience will enter a strange temple mixed among psychology, ritual and alchemy,…
Free entrance.
In the recent years, Sandrine Llouquet has held a solo exhibition and a talk at Gallery Quynh in HCMC.
Food Festival
05 September
Bien Dong Park, Da Nang
A Vietnamese Food Festival will be held by the Danang Farmers Association with the aim of presenting and promoting the agricultural products of local farmers as well as special food from Danang and other Vietnamese dishes from different regions throughout the country.
Visitors can enjoy hundreds of Vietnamese dishes prepared by professional chefs of restaurants, hotels and resorts in Danang and Hoi An and see a culinary art competition as well as many other cultural and entertainment activities, such as folk games and traditional dances.
The festival is also a place for visitors, farmers and scientists to meet and share their experience, to develop agriculture that is suitable to market needs.
Music Night “Autumn Story”
Sat 05 Sep 2015, 8 pm
V-art Club
2nd floor, 75th Tran Hung Dao street, Hoan Kiem district, Hanoi
You are invited to “Autumn story” – music night for seasonal transition moment.
This is where you can feel gentle and fascinating melodies and immerse in the story of autumn in a unique space. This is the time for us to slow down and experience every passing moment in life.
The show has the participation of Luu Quang Minh – conductor of the Vietnam youngest orchestra Rhapsody Philharmonic, famous drummer Hoang Phu Tung, Hanoi top contrabass Dao Minh Pha, guitarist Nguyen Quoc Linh. There are singer Tang Ngan Ha (Top 7 of Vietnam Idol 2013), singer Dang Duc (Top 24 of Vietnam Idol 2013) and singer Hoang Khanh Linh (Finalist of Vietnam’s Got Talent) who also make appearances.
Price: 100.000 VND
Contact: 0462601459
Thứ Tư, 9 tháng 9, 2015
Old Rock and more
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Thứ Hai, 31 tháng 8, 2015
Up close and personal
Homestays give travellers a taste of what life is actually like in Vietnam’s remote regions.
There are a number of comfy hotels in Mai Chau, one of the most popular places in the north,
but many people, especially backpackers and thrill-seekers, choose the more modest option of a homestay.
Not only in Mai Chau but also in many other areas, from the north to the south,
from the highlands to the delta or islands and particularly in tourist destinations
such as Sapa, Moc Chau, Hoi An, Ly Son, and the Mekong Delta, homestays
have become a favoured option among travellers.
Totally new experience
About 130 kilometres northwest of Hanoi, Mai Chau, in Hoa Binh province,
captivates visitors with its picturesque valleys, beautiful terraced rice fields,
traditional stilt houses, and the rich culture of the ethnic Muong and Thai minorities.
As local tourism quickly developed, Mai Chau was one of the first places to offer homestay services,
in the stilt houses of local people.
Opening her house to welcome travellers to Mai Chau since 1996,
Ha Thi Chung said only a few guests stayed every week at the beginning.
But after a few years the number grew remarkably and she now welcomes 20 to 30 guests a week
and even 20 a night on weekends and holidays. In nearby villages such as Lac and Poom Coong almost all households offer homestay services.
The demand for homestays is growing everywhere, with many travellers preferring them to hotels
when booking tours, according to Cao Thao, a sales executive of inbound tours at Viet Fun Travel.
For just VND50,000 ($2.5) a night you can get a safe place to sleep in a stilt house in Mai Chau or elsewhere in the northern mountains. A stay in a ‘normal’ house costs VND100,000-200,000, and for a few dollars more the host will prepare a meal as well.
The dirt-cheap cost of homestays is a plus for those who hope to find a new experience when travelling, according to Johannes Burow from Germany, who used homestays in the central region and the Mekong Delta. They’re also easy to find, he added, on popular websites such as www.booking.com or www.hostelworld.com, and sometimes the chance comes to you at bus stations and ports. ‘Sometimes I want something different. Homestays give me the rare opportunity to live with a real local family and learn more about them,’ he said.
Of a similar mind, Claire Bonnette from France said she usually chooses homestays when she travels so she can better explore the local culture, life and food. Her experience in a stilt house in the Pu Luong Nature Reserve in Thanh Hoa province, was priceless. ‘It was totally different and something you just can’t get staying at a hotel or a hostel with their concrete walls,’ she said.
She still remembers the creaky sound the floorboards made every time she took a step, as the house was entirely built from wood with a thatch roof and split bamboo for flooring. ‘The host told me this helps the house stay cool in summer and warm in winter,’ she said. ‘They’re very smart in taking advantage of nature to cope with nature.’ She also found it to be great fun, as the house was large enough for 20 people but had no partitions. ‘So the host’s family and the guests, including our group and a group of local travellers, slept in the same room, just in different corners,’ she smiled. ‘It was a bit inconvenient, with no privacy and no hot water for a shower, but it wasn’t a big deal because I got to experience local life.’
Claire and her friends also had a delicious and memorable dinner of fresh vegetables, chicken raised in the host’s garden, and ‘interesting but scary-looking’ roasted grasshoppers. Bedtime was early, as there’s not much to do and it’s pretty dark in the mountains, though not completely dark as fireflies danced around the house. ‘It was amazing. I couldn’t tell you the last time I saw a firefly but it would have to be at least 20 years ago,’ she said.
Just as the flickering of fireflies lulled them to sleep, so did the crowing of roosters wake them up early the next day. Sticking her head out of the window, Claire took in the fresh cool mountain air before noticing her host and his neighbours were already ploughing the fields while the older kids took care of their younger siblings and played around the house. ‘It was like time just stood still,’ she said. ‘Everything was so peaceful and beautiful. I think it was the real Vietnam.’
Homely feel
Thanks to the diverse surrounding terrain of mountains, forests, beaches, rivers, homestays are more alluring for travellers with a sense of adventure and hotels can be hard to come by in remote regions. And they’re more than just a place to sleep amid a pretty landscape, as it’s the local people and their rich culture that are the heart and soul of a homestay. Johannes said that although the facilities at the homestays were simple and basic, like in a hostel, the difference is the warm hospitality of the host family, which ‘makes you feel like you’re one of them or a good friend,’ he said.
Travellers not only get to meet the host family but also their neighbours. ‘Every time I went out of the house there would be someone saying “Hi, how are you?” or “Where are you going?”, accompanied by a friendly smile,’ Johannes said.
He and his ‘homestay mate’ on An Binh Islet in the Mekong Delta’s Vinh Long province, John Coakley from the US, also had some lessons in how to cook Vietnamese dishes like spring rolls and banh xeo (a pancake of rice flour mixed with meat and shrimp) and were invited to eat and drink with the family and their neighbours. ‘I had the chance to try their traditional wine,’ John remembered. ‘Oh my God, it tasted so good and Vietnamese people can drink so well. They “zo” (toasted) every time we drank it. Back home we only toast a few times during a night out. It was really fun, so we drank a lot and sang some songs we just made up on the spot.’ And he was very happy to be given a small bottle of the wine after the party.
Their host, Quang Vinh, said he started offering homestays two years ago after seeing the success his neighbours had. ‘Initially I just let the guests stay and sleep,’ he said. ‘But then I started providing some activities for them, like cooking and drinking or some short tours by bicycle or boat around the islet, to help them enjoy their time here.’ He can earn nearly ten-times more with the homestays than he can toiling away in the fields all day, and his children also have chance to improve their English.
A close up look at family culture is also an interesting part of a homestay.
It’s very different, Johannes said, to see three generations of one family living together. In his country children may move out of home when they’re as young as 18. He was very much impressed by the family spirit he encountered. ‘I like the way a family shares a meal,’ he said. ‘Everyone gets together to eat and talk about their day. After I moved out of home I usually ate alone or with friends, so it was a really nice thing to see.’ He also liked the way young people showed respect to their elders and the clear role of men and women within the family. ‘It’s amazing to be a man here,’ he laughed. ‘The husband and sons don’t need to do anything at home except enjoy the great food. The wife and the daughters do all the cooking and housework. Back home we usually share the work, like if the woman cooks then the man washes the dish.’
Another great thing about homestays is the handy tips the host family give about what there is to see and do nearby and even in other places around the country.
While it’s a great experience, a homestay does come with the odd inconvenience. The language barrier sometimes makes its hard for host and guest to understand each other, Johannes said. But with goodwill, everything is dealt with by body language or even, when all else fails, Google Translate. For John, following the 11pm curfew and not being allowed to invite a woman to visit him was a hassle. ‘It was a bit annoying, but I chose a homestay to try a new experience and see the local habits and customs, so I must follow them. When in Rome, do as the Romans do,’ he smiled.
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