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Vietnam Open Tour News & EventsSUNDAY 01 NOVEMBER, 2009 |
 Sapa in the clouds
VietNamNet/Dan Tri
Taking excursion to Dai Nam Van Hien For those day-trippers who are not willing to spend the time scouring the country to discover the historical images and the centuries old culture of Vietnam’s 63 provinces and cities, there is a place just 40 kilometers outside HCMC in Binh Duong Province offering replicas of the wonders of the world, a zoo, and a colorful, natural setting that promises an unforgettable short excursion.
A stone bridge leading to main gate of Dai Nam Van Hien tourism park in Binh Duong Province. The park covers 711 hectares, of which 261 hectares of the first phase were completed last year while the second phase is under construction. With its man-made lakes, rivers and mountains you get the feeling of experiencing far away landscapes without spending days or weeks. There are a wide range of recreational activities that appeal to people of all ages. Replicas of the Eiffel Tower, the Statue of Liberty, Angkor Wat, Thailand’s Golden Pagoda and the Kremlin are also on display. One of the towering works is Kim Dien, or Dai Nam Quoc Tu Temple, which features historical exhibits of Vietnam’s dynasties from Ngo to Nguyen. The temple is surrounded by a poetic moat called Bao Giang which rests under the shade of the green trees and is home to many kinds of fish. The moat is lined on both sides with bonsai and flowers as well as recreational family facilities that include a circus, trains, a mirrored ‘laughing house’, a roller coaster and water slides. Adults can bathe in a warm stream or practice tai chi. These recreational zones are separated by yards of grass and small paths lined with colorful flowers. One kilometer from the recreation area is an artificial beach where tourists play in the waves as if on a real beach. The open zoo has over 800 types of animals including rare species such as the white lion, the rhino, the zebra and the giraffe. Behind the temple is the artificial Bao Son Mountain Range which includes a sanctuary with many statues of Buddha in the peaceful fragrance of incense. The highlight of the range is a seven-story tower used to worship historical characters of Vietnam such as the 18 Hung Kings, President Ho Chi Minh, and heroes and martyrs who devoted their lives to build and defend the country. Tourists can stay overnight at the park’s Dai Nam Hotel nestled along the wall. Entrance tickets are VND40,000 but admission is free on Mondays and Tuesdays. To get to the park, catch a bus from Ben Thanh Station in HCMC’s District 1. VietNamNet/SGT Preserving ancient Kon Tum village Eight kilometres from the centre of Kon Tum city lies the Kon K’Tu eco-tourist village which attracts both domestic and foreign tourists keen to enjoy its unique culture and traditional long and stilt houses.
Tall order: Nha rong – a communal house of ethnic groups living in the region – is a symbol of Central Highlands’ culture. From 1867-69, about 100 houses made up the village, but an epidemic wiped out many of the villagers and left only three families alive. It wasn’t until 1920 that the village was re-established and thriving once again. Currently there are approximately 530 village residents, all from the Ba Na ethnic group. Upon arrival in Kon K’Tu, the first image that amazes any visitor is the unique and primitive natural beauty. To the east lies the imposing Kong Muk Mountain, and a stunning sand bank stretches along the Dak Bla River. Along a path to the ecological forest, tourists have a chance to take in the fresh air and the beautiful scenery of H’Lay and Map (Fat) Falls. Paddling along the peaceful Krong Bla River in rubber boats or dug-out canoes is another enjoyable activity. Kon K’Tu also attracts visitors with its traditional long houses and houses on stilts. "We are very proud of our traditional houses. They were designed by native Ba Na people a long time ago," says village patriarch A Xep. Four to six kitchens serve the multiple generations of families that live together in each of the houses. There is one door located at each end of traditional long houses, but the main door is located in front, right in the middle. "It takes us nearly two weeks to cut down the trees and other plants required to build such special houses, which are warm in winter and cool in summer," says A Xep.
Say pho mat (cheese)! A group of foreign tourists pose in front of a communal house in Kon K’Tu eco-tourist village. "What a wonderful piece of heaven! I love the unspoiled natural beauty and friendly people here. Even though I can not thoroughly understand all the traditional songs and dances, I still find them beautiful. I’ve also enjoyed watching the local children swim in the river and play on the sand," says 65-year-old American veteran James Michener. Although many traditions have disappeared over time, the annual K’Lang T’nglang Festival is one of the rare celebrations that the Ba Na people have preserved. The festival, its name meaning "to catch the water drop," is held on the first two days of every first lunar month. On the first day, people prepare cay neu (New Year trees) to purge evil spirits. The next day, offerings of buffaloes, cows and gongs are made. Ba Na youth, in home-made tho cam (brocade) costumes, perform mua xoang, a traditional Ba Na dance, to express their wishes for favourable weather, abundant crops, health and solidarity. "We are trying our best to preserve Ba Na’s cultural characteristics. Two groups for traditional performances continue to perform, including an 18-member gong group and a 30-member mua xoang team," says the village leader with happiness evident on his face. About 10 years ago, Kon K’Tu began attracting tourists who wanted to experience its wild and unspoiled beauty. Construction of the Kon K’Lor suspension bridge in the 1990s made travel between Kon K’Tu and Kon Tum city more convenient. Kon K’Tu receives 40-50 foreign visitors per day, proving its undeniable attraction to tourists, according to A Kheo, who has been the village leader for 35 years. However, something saddens village patriarch A Xep. Ever since Kon K’Tu was turned into an eco-village and its road was upgraded, the lives of the people have improved while the original culture has been gradually lost. Communal houses, once unique tourist attractions, have been replaced by concrete versions. A Xep’s eyes are full of intensity as he raises the difficult question: "Will the original culture of the village survive?" Local authorities and visitors alike share his concern, both wondering what will happen to its unique characteristics and natural beauty if no preservation efforts are implemented. VietNamNet/Viet Nam News Eco-tourism brings new life to Gao Giong
News for Friday 30 October, 2009
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