Photo: Freepik

Like other Asian countries, Vietnam values hierarchy and holds etiquette to high standards, as it normally shows how educated and well-behaved the person is. Therefore, it is crucial for international visitors to learn the customs and etiquette of Vietnam, especially handy in navigating social situations and impressing local people.

An overview

Vietnam, a Southeast Asian nation, has a rich tradition of agricultural production, which makes rice a staple in every meal throughout the day for its people. Vietnamese households prepare a diverse array of dishes, which encompass meat, vegetables, soups, stews, and more. Besides, Vietnamese cuisine is predominantly characterized by mild flavors, complemented by unique condiments like nuoc mam (fish sauce) or mam tom (shrimp purple paste).

A tradition Vietnamese meal displayed in a round tray (Source: Collected)

Utensils! You may have seen chopsticks before in a lot of Asian dining tables. Vietnamese people use chopsticks to pick up food from the common dishes. When it comes to dishes with a soup base, they also employ spoons to enjoy the rich and flavorful broth.

As working hours mostly in Vietnam start at 8 AM and end at 5 PM, Vietnamese locals often grab food on the road or bring lunch boxes to their work. Consequently, dinner is considered the most important meal of the day since family members can come together and share the details of their respective day with the others. 

Do’s and Don’ts on Vietnamese dining etiquette 

Do’s

• Serve the oldest people first and wait for them to start eating. Vietnamese people honor traditional customs in a way to show respect and care to their seniors.
• Eat after everyone is present at the table, this will make people feel included and welcomed especially when you are a host.
• Learn to invite people to eat by saying “Mời mọi người ăn cơm!” meaning “Bon appétit” in French/English.
• Use both hands when giving or receiving food to show politeness, mostly with people older than you.
• Even if you like any dish better than others, eat moderately and make sure that everyone can try it too.
• Place your utensils neatly on top of your bowl or utensil holder if any.
• Say thanks after the meal “Cảm ơn về bữa ăn” to show your appreciation to the host. You can also offer to help with cleaning or putting away the setting. 

Don'ts 

• Eat directly from shared dishes but pick up food one at a time in your separate bowl. People think this action is rude when you seem to not care about others. 
• Make loud sounds when eating even though you are just excited. This is because Vietnam is a reserved culture and open reaction is not widely welcomed. 
• Stick chopsticks against the bowl is deemed to bring bad luck according to Buddhism and Taoism because the scene is quite similar to incense pinning on an altar.   
• Point with chopsticks toward someone. Foreigners easily get carried away with the conversation and make this mistake so be careful!
• Flip fish on the plate, especially when you are eating in coastline provinces since this act resembles an unfortunate event - flipping a vessel.

North latitude: 15°505

East longitude: 108°573

Total Area: 1.158ha

Duy Phu Commune, Duy Xuyen District, Quang Nam province

My Son Temple was recognized by World Heritage UNESCO in 1999. It is a complex with 70 constructions of Champa Kingdom monuments. Locating with magnificent natural surroundings, My Son sanctuary welcomes dozen of tourists visit yearly. It contains the values of history, culture, architecture, and art in a long period of 9 centuries

My Son Sanctuary Location

My Son Sanctuary Vietnam is a famous destination of Cham Pa Kingdom in Southern Vietnam. It is about 70km southwest of Da Nang City and 40km from Hoi An City. It is a cluster of abandoned and partially ruined Hindu temples constructed between the 4th and the 14th century.

My Son Sanctuary – A destination that attracts millions of visitors

The architecture and a brief history of My Son Sanctuary

Originally created as a site for religious ceremonies for the Kings of the Dynasty of Champa, My Son Sanctuary was also a burial site for Cham royalty and other national heroes.

The sanctuary is roughly 2 kilometers wide and encompassed by two breathtaking mountains. At one time, the sanctuary contained over 70 temples as well as many wooden slabs named‘ steles’ bearing historically important inscriptions in Cham and Sanskrit.

Unfortunately, a large majority of the architecture was destroyed by a U.S. carpet bombing in the Vietnam War.

Original Architecture

The very first temple was constructed with wood in the 4th century to worship Saint Siva Bhadravarman.

However, in the 6th century. It was completely destroyed by a fire which only led the Champa folk to build more towers and temples to worship their Gods and publicly present their great power.

The structures continued to grow greater but in the 13th century, the Champa Kingdom fell under attack from neighboring countries such as China, Cambodia and even fellow Vietnamese. As a result, they were forced to migrate south to the Binh Thuan province.

Since then, My Son was decommissioned and no more structures were built on this site.

These lands were all but forgotten until 1898 when it was explored by French scholar M.C Paris. It began reconstruction from 1937 onwards. Unfortunately, a large majority of the architecture was destroyed by a U.S. carpet bombing in the Vietnam War.

There still remain many structures that preserve their beautifully unique look today, making My Son Sanctuary a popular destination each year for holiday-makers and locals alike.

My Son ruins Hoi An

French, Polish, and Vietnamese researchers have concluded that My Son was influenced by Arabian, Malaysian, Indonesian, and most particularly Indian traditions. All towers were originally constructed meticulously using red bricks and sandstone.

There are many different beliefs among archaeologists about the process of brick making to how the construction of these marvelous temples and towers took place. Upon visiting this hidden beauty, visitors quickly realize the sheer intelligence of the Champa folk even hundreds of years ago.

Apsara dance from Cham people in My Son Temple

Visiting My Son, you will have an opportunity to watch the traditional dance from Khmer people in Southern Vietnam at My Son Complex. The performance starts around 9:00 am in the morning and 3:00 pm in the afternoon daily.

It is very exciting to experience when watching amazing Apsara dancers performing in the fanciful and mysterious beauty of My Son ruins.

Aspara dance

How to travel to My Son Sanctuary

By Private Car

This is the most convenient way to travel to My Son Sanctuary. It depends on where and when you would like to depart. Our driver will pick you up from your hotel for the journey. The estimated duration is around over an hour to reach the destination. You can hire a private car service with an English speaking driver at VM Travel, we are happy to assist your trip.

By Motorbike

If you would like to travel in an adventurous way, the motorbike is the second option for traveling to My Son temple, it allows you to see and absorb more of the landscape and local life.

The duration is one hour and 30 minutes to travel by motorbike. You either can book a motorbike tour from VM Travel in Hoi An or rent a scooter to drive on your own.

By Bus

There is a public bus transfer to My Son sanctuary daily. You can take bus number 06 from Da Nang to My Son. The bus runs every 30 minutes beginning at 5:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily. The bus fare ranges from 8,000VND to 30,000VND. Although it is less expensive and the bus takes longer than other modes of transportation

Things should note when visiting My Son Sanctuary

Time to visit

My Son Sanctuary opens from 6:30 am to 5:30 pm daily. Especially, during the summertime, you can choose to visit this destination during the sunrise or sunset hours to immerse in the tranquil beauty of the Hindu temple complex. You can refer to our My Son Sanctuary In Sunrise Tour By Private Car.

My Son temple, Hoi An

Entrance tickets

The fee to enter My Son Sanctuary from Hoi An or Danang is 150,000 VND = 6.5 USD for international travelers. For the domestic visitor is 100,000 VND= 4,4 USD/ ticket

Source: hoiantravel.com

As one of oldest cities in the world, Hanoi certainly has its own way to stand out from fellow Southeast Asian cities. Its rich culture is reflected on one of the most ancient historical sites: the Imperial Citadel of Thang Long. In this article, we will walk you through the best architectural and cultural patterns of this phenomenal site, which earned it the title of UNESCO World Cultural Heritage Site.

I. History of the Imperial Citadel of Thang Long

The origin of the Citadel dates back to the 7th century, when its very first foundation was set up. Vietnam was under Chinese invasion at the time, and a Chinese fortress was said to be built in the area. In 1010, King Ly Thai To moved the capital from Hoa Lu (Ninh Binh) to Dai La (former name of Hanoi) and renamed it Thang Long. The Citadel was built in the same place, over the top of the torn-down fortress. From then on, the Citadel had remained the center of regional political power for 13 consecutive centuries.

The Imperial Citadel was expanded under Tran, Le and Nguyen Dynasty, with several occasions of major destruction by war. It remained the seat of the Vietnamese Court until 1810, when Emperor Quang Trung moved the capital from Thang Long to Phu Xuan (now known as the Imperial City of Hue), and Thang Long was no longer the capital of the country.

(Image: vietnamdiscovery)

During the French colonial era, the royal palaces and most of the structures were severely damaged. By the 20th century, a number of the remaining structures were torn down. The Citadel was used by the Imperial Japanese Army to imprison over 4000 French colonial soldiers captured in March 1945. During 1954, when the Vietnamese Army took over Hanoi, the Citadel became the headquarters of the Ministry of Defense.

In the 21st century, the ruin foundations of Thang Long Imperial Citadel were systematically excavated. In 2004, a number of artifacts and items between the 6th and 20th centuries were excavated, including foundations of old palaces, ancient roads, ponds and wells.

II. Cultural Values of the Imperial Citadel of Thang Long

Cultural value (Image: Vietnam Discovery)

The Imperial Citadel of Thang Long is an outstanding place of interest not only for the capital city, but also for the country as a whole. The Citadel witnessed a series of dramatic changes throughout the history of Vietnam and braced itself through a number of destructive wars.The most notable part of the Citadel is the Central Sector, which was listed as one of the UNESCO Natural World Heritage Sites in 2010.

The Central Sector of the Imperial Citadel of Thang Long expresses a set of intercultural exchanges with major influences from China in the north and the Champa Kingdom in the South. It’s also historically significant, hosting the center of political powers from the 7th century to the 20th century. In the official representation to nominate the Thang Long Citadel to be on the World Natural Heritage List, the Citadel’s cultural values were cited as “to be found in the way the site manifests, in exemplary detail and over a long span of time, the interchange of human values in the development of Asian architecture, construction technology, town planning, monumental and plastic arts and landscape design…”.

Although a large part of the original construction was lost, the site is still currently under excavation by archeologists. The artifacts found are expected to help the authorities provide a better and clearer demonstration of the Citadel.

Image: Sathianpong phookit/shutterstock

III. Architecture Features of the Citadel

There are 5 significant sectors to the Imperial Citadel of Thang Long.

1. Flag Tower (Ky Dai)

Flag Tower is known as one of the most iconic symbols of Hanoi. Rising 33.4 meters from the ground, the Tower consists of four main structures: the base, the second floor, the third floor and the top. The third floor featured four doors in the four different directions. The top is a cylindrical pillar with the Vietnamese national flag on top. Built in 1812 under the Nguyen Dynasty, the Flag Tower survived over the French colonial era, when it was used as a military post.

2. Kinh Thien Palace

Image: wikimedia.org

Situated in the heart of the Citadel, Kinh Thien Palace is the central relic in the complex. It was built in 1428 and used as a place to celebrate imperial ceremonies and major national affairs. The palace’s foundation is 57 meters long, 41.5 meters wide, and 2.3 meters high. Despite being a culturally significant relic, the only remains of Kinh Thien Palace to the present day are the steps. You will find sophisticated dragon statues carved on green stones along the stairs. 

3. Doan Mon (South Gate)

Doan Mon was built in the Le Dynasty and located to the south of the Citadel. Only members from the royal family were allowed to pass this gate. There is one main gate in the middle and four smaller gates on the sides. The gate is now decorated with lotus-shaped lanterns that are lit up at night, adding a mystical beauty to the Citadel.

4. Bac Mon (North Gate)

Bac Mon is located to the north of the Citadel. Together with Doan Mon, these are the only two remaining gates of the Citadel. Built with brick and arches of stone, the gate is now used as a place to worship the two former governors of Hanoi: Nguyen Tri Phuong and Hoang Dieu. They stood as loyal subjects to the Vietnamese court under the invasion of the French colonists in the 19th century.

5. Hau Lau (Princess Pagoda)

Image: vntrip

Hau Lau (literally “the tower in the back”) was built of brick and consists of a basement and 3 floors above. The Pagoda was constructed for the use of princesses and queens. The French called Hau Lau “Pagode des Dames”. At the end of the 19th century, Hau Lau was severely damaged, after which the French rebuilt the monument as today.

6. D67 House and tunnel

From 1954 to 1975, the Citadel, coded D67, was used as the headquarters of the Vietnamese People’s Army. A connecting tunnel allowed for emergency evacuation in case of an attack. The house and tunnel are situated to the north of Kinh Thien hall. D67 house was built in 1967, with modern architectural style, 60-centimeter wall and good soundproofing system. Rooms with various purposes are found here: meeting rooms, break rooms and working rooms. The objects and items used during the Vietnam War are on display, including soundproof doors, maps, telegraphs and the aircraft’s notice board.

IV. How to Get to the Imperial Citadel of Thang Long

The site is situated in the heart of Hanoi and only a short walk away from other attractions such as Cua Bac Church, Quan Thanh Temple and Vietnam Military History Museum. It’s about 2 kilometers from the center of the Old Quarter.

You can easily reach the site by taxi, motorbike or Grab. Bus is another sound option as there is a bus stop very close to the entrance.

V. Tips to Visit the Imperial Citadel of Thang Long

There are only a few things to bear in mind before visiting the Imperial Citadel:

Most historical sites will require you to dress properly and the Imperial Citadel is no exception. Visitors are asked to avoid shorts, miniskirts, tank tops and transparent clothing.

The archeological site is across the road. Make sure you don’t miss the site when visiting the Citadel.

The Imperial Citadel of Thang Long is one of the most remarkable historical sites in Hanoi. This UNESCO-listed Heritage Site is a destination you should not miss while staying in Vietnam. The interesting excavated items and mock-ups of the citadel will certainly give you a better understanding into Vietnamese cultures and history through thousands of years. 

Source: vietnamdiscovery.com

Ho Citadel is a long-standing architectural achievement of Vietnam’s feudal era. In this article, you will get to dig deeper and see what is behind the walls of this UNESCO World Cultural Heritage Site.

Ho Citadel is a time capsule that stores captivating tales of a very significant era of Vietnamese history. Situated in Thanh Hoa, Ho Dynasty Citadel is widely regarded as a historical and architectural gem, a true testament to the nation's rich cultural heritage. From its location and architecture to its historical significance and artifacts, Ho Dynasty Citadel invites visitors to travel back in time.

1. Overview of the citadel of the Ho Dynasty

Ho Citadel, a widely known former capital of Vietnam, is one of the country’s most recognizable ancient constructions. Its distinctive architecture and stories beckon many tourists to pay it a visit.

1.1. Location of Ho Citadel

The Citadel of the Ho Dynasty, which is located in Vinh Long, Vinh Loc, Thanh Hoa, boasts a strategic geographical placement. This advantageous position now translates to one of the most gorgeous attractions in the country, achieving the perfect balance between a majestic structure and picturesque surroundings.

Throughout its history, Ho Citadel has gone by many names: An Ton, Tay Do, Tay Kinh, Thach Thanh, Tay Giai, etc. Most of these are bestowed upon the citadel by the locals.

Ho Dynasty Citadel is a UNESCO World Cultural Heritage Site. After 11 long years of application, the citadel of the Ho Dynasty finally earned the coveted accolade, an emblem that recognizes its historical and cultural values.

Moreover, Ho Citadel is surrounded by gorgeous and tranquil scenery. The unspoiled beauty of the landscape is another aspect that attracts numerous tourists to the citadel.

The scenery around Ho Citadel is part of the appeal of this attraction (Source: Collected)

1.2. Entrance fees of Ho Citadel

Despite being a sought-after attraction now, the entrance fees are incredibly affordable compared to other popular tourist sites throughout the country.

◊ Adults: 40,000 VND

◊ Children (from 8 to 15 years old): 20,000 VND

◊ Children under 8: Free of charge

1.3. History of Ho Dynasty Citadel

The Citadel of the Ho Dynasty was built in 1397 under the supervision of Ho Quy Ly, the very first monarch of the dynasty. The reason behind its construction was a coup. When Ho Quy Ly forcibly took the throne in 1400, he relocated the capital and opened up a new chapter in Vietnam’s feudal era.

As the capital of the country from 1398 to 1407, it acted as the political, economic, and cultural center of North Central Vietnam.

During this time, Ho Dynasty Citadel was a historical witness of a critical period in Vietnamese history.

The majestic Ho Citadel was built in a turbulent era in history (Source: Collected)

2. The unique architecture of Ho Dynasty

One of Ho Citadel’s names was Thach Thanh, which translates to “Stone Citadel”. The Citadel of the Ho Dynasty was the only imperial building made of stone slabs instead of bricks, unlike many other constructions before it. The large stone slabs required a new construction technique without the use of any mortar.

As expected from a royal building, it had an advantageous position for its time, surrounded by steep mountains and rivers. Back then, it was an ideal position for defense and maritime trade. In the modern era, however, this location paints a gorgeous and majestic painting that is hard to find anywhere else.

2.1. La Thanh Outer Wall

The outer wall, known as La Thanh, envelops the citadel as a protective barrier and the first line of defense. Spanning approximately 4 kilometers, this perimeter reflects the dedication to protecting the inner sanctum from attacks and floods.

2.2. Hao Thanh

Hao Thanh is essentially a moat encircling Ho Citadel's outer wall. This 90-meter wide and 6.5-meter deep component was a tremendous idea in the meticulous plan behind the citadel's defense. Undoubtedly, the moat played a crucial role in ensuring the citadel's safety.

2.3. Hoang Thanh (Inner Citadel)

Within the heart of the citadel lies Hoang Thanh, an architectural masterpiece that once housed the royal family. Its meticulous design, including four gates facing all four directions and the use of massive limestone blocks, speaks volumes about the skills and dedication of the builders.

2.4. Nam Giao Altar

Nam Giao Altar, situated in the south of the citadel's premises, holds immense cultural and spiritual significance. This symbolic piece of the citadel is not simply an intricate design choice but also an example of the cultural values of the Ho Dynasty.

Ho Citadel paints a gorgeous and majestic painting (Source: Collected)

The four components listed above are what you can still admire with your own eyes. According to ancient records, the citadel was made up of other magnificent pieces. Unfortunately, in the span of 6 long centuries, most of them did not manage to withstand the test of time. Archeologists have uncovered many ruins buried under the ground that signifies the existence of these constructions in the original citadel.

3. A glance at the large collection of artifacts unearthed in Ho Citadel

Ho Dynasty Citadel not only captivates with its architecture but also a treasure trove of artifacts kept in mint condition. These ancient artifacts offer a window into the life and culture that once thrived within these ancient walls. Stone artifacts make up the majority of exhibits inside the citadel, but you can also admire some copper or clay relics. Ho Dynasty Citadel also has a significant connection with the Tran Dynasty, so you can expect quite a few items from that era as well.

Here are some incredible artifacts that you will get to see with your own eyes at the citadel:

Stone slabs used to build the citadel

Cannons and catapults

A coin vase from the Tran Dynasty

Clay roof tiles

Sculptures

Everyday items

A stone dragon head

Ho Dynasty Citadel is home to many ancient artifacts (Source: Collected)

Thanh Hoa is an underrated tourist destination due to the sheer volume of attractions located in the areas surrounding it. However, visiting the province will help you uncover quite a few prominent sites like Sam Son Beach, Hai Tien Beach, Ham Rong Bridge, Ben En National Park, etc.

After exploring the Citadel of the Ho Dynasty and its fellow Thanh Hoa attractions, continue your journey to other cities and provinces like Phu Quoc, Nha Trang, Hoi An, Da Nang, and Ha Long. The more destinations you stop by, the more exciting your Vietnam travel experience will be.

A vacation will not be complete without comfortable accommodation. To add a sense of luxury to your stay, consider choosing Vinpearl’s hotels and resorts, where services and amenities will cater to all your needs. At Vinpearl, you can indulge in pleasant hospitality across the country. In addition, with Vinpearl, you can add a hint of excitement to your stay with a day at the entertainment complexes of VinWonders.

Ho Citadel stands as a living embodiment of a significant era in Vietnam's illustrious history. Thanks to the daring architectural design and compelling stories attached to it, the citadel solidifies itself as one of the most worthwhile attractions to visit in the country. As you wander through its grand halls and artifacts, you may find a new appreciation for the ingenuity and creativity of Vietnamese people.

Source: vinpearl.com