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141 . One-year multiple Vietnam visa for US citizens
Vietnam, with its rich history, vibrant culture, and breathtaking landscapes, has become an increasingly popular destination for travelers worldwide. For US citizens planning extended stays or multiple visits within a year, understanding Vietnam's visa policies is crucial. This guide delves into the specifics of obtaining a One-year multiple Vietnam visa, ensuring travelers are well-informed and prepared.
142 . Five countries in Europe happy to enjoy Vietnam visa exemption
Vietnam Visa Corporation officially announces that every passport holder of United Kingdom (the UK), France, Germany, Spain and Italy will be able to be exempted from Vietnam visa for stays of maximum 15 days in Vietnam, according to the recently issued Resolution No 46/NQ-CP by Vietnamese Government.
143 . Top 10 best souvenirs from Vietnam: Ultimate gift guide
Vietnam, a country that can offer you a chance to experience breathtaking beauty, explore a new culture, click memorizing pictures and more, also offers you an opportunity to know the locals more closely. It is by the souvenir shopping, which Vietnam has to offer. Every country has a special list of products which tourists must buy as souvenirs and Vietnam too has these which you must buy when you travel to Vietnam.
So, here is a list of top 10 souvenirs which you can gift family members, friends and all others.
144 . Vietnam Topography
Three quarters of Viet Nam's territory consists of mountains and hills. Viet Nam is divided into four distinct mountainous zones.
The Northeastern Zone (Viet Bac)
This zone stretches from the Red River Valley to the Gulf of Tonkin. The mountainous area of Viet Bac is scattered with famous sights: Dong Nhat Grotto, Dong Nhi Grotto, and Tam Thanh Grotto in Lang Son Province; Pac Bo Grotto and Ban Gioc Waterfall in Cao Bang; Ba Be Lake in Bac Kan; Yen Tu Mountain and Ha Long Bay in Quang Ninh; and Tay Con Linh, the highest mountain peak in the region reaching 2,341 meters above sea level.
The Northwestern Zone
This zone is comprised of mountains that run from the north of the Sino-Vietnamese border to the west of Thanh Hoa Province. This magnificent mountain range is nationally known for its resort town of Sapa in Lao Cai Province, which is perched 1500 meters above sea level. Several ethnic groups, such as the H'mong, Dao, Kinh, Tay, Giay, Hoa, and Xa Pho, still reside in this region.
The northwestern zone is also famous for the historical site of Dien Bien Phu and Fansipan Mountain, which measures 3,143 meters above sea level at the peak.
The North Truong Son Zone
This zone runs from the western part of Thanh Hoa Province to the Quang Nam-Da Nang Mountains. This region is known locally for its picturesque Phong Nha Grotto and its two breathtaking passes, the Ngang Pass and the Hai Van Pass. It is also known worldwide for being the location of the legendary Ho Chi Minh Trail constructed during the second great resistance war.
The South Truong Son Zone
This zone is located to the west of the south central coast provinces. Behind these huge mountains is a vast area of red soil known locally as "Tay Nguyen" (the Central Highlands). There are numerous legendary accounts of the flora and fauna and of the lives of several different ethnic minorities living in the Central Highlands. Dalat, established during the 19th century, is a popular resort town in this part of Viet Nam.
Viet Nam has two major deltas, including the Red River Delta in the north and the Mekong River Delta in the south.
The Red River Delta, or Northern Delta
This region stretches for15,000 sq. km. Over time, deposits of alluvium carried from the Red River and Thai Binh River have accumulated to form the delta. The ancient Viet people settled at the junction of the two rivers . At that time, the wet rice civilization was established
The Mekong River Delta, or Southern Delta
This region is approximately 40,000 sq. km. The land is very fertile and has favorable climate conditions for agriculture. As a result, it is the largest rice growing region in Viet Nam.
Viet Nam is crisscrossed by thousands of streams and rivers. There is a river discharging every 20 kilometers along Viet Nam's coastline. The waterways are a very convenient means of transport with major rivers like the Red River in the north and the Mekong River in the south.
145 . Religions and belief in Vietnam: A deep dive into spiritual culture
Vietnam, a country steeped in history and culture, boasts a captivating spiritual tapestry woven by various religions and belief systems. From ancient indigenous practices to the influence of major world religions, Vietnam's religious landscape is a vibrant mosaic that reflects the diverse spiritual heritage of its people.
In this article, we embark on a journey to explore the spiritual tapestry of religions in Vietnam, delving into the intricacies of its religious traditions, rituals, and sacred sites. We will uncover the profound influence of Buddhism, Taoism, Confucianism, folk religions, and other belief systems that have shaped the spiritual fabric of the nation. Join us as we navigate through the coexistence, harmony, and deep-rooted faith that define main religions in Vietnam.
146 . Climate in Vietnam: Seasonal guide & regional weather tips
Viet Nam is located in both a tropical and a temperate zone. It is characterized by strong monsoon influences, but has a considerable amount of sun, a high rate of rainfall, and high humidity. Regions located near the tropics and in the mountainous regions are endowed with a temperate climate.Viet Nam is located in both a tropical and a temperate zone. It is characterized by strong monsoon influences, but has a considerable amount of sun, a high rate of rainfall, and high humidity. Regions located near the tropics and in the mountainous regions are endowed with a temperate climate.
147 . The Timeless Charm of Vietnamese Traditional Instruments
The melodic strains of Vietnamese music are a treasure trove of cultural legacy that has been passed down from generation to generation. Each traditional instrument represents a distinct tonal element that is profoundly ingrained in Vietnamese culture, and together they make up the very soul of this fascinating music. With a history that stretches back centuries, these instruments have played an instrumental role in shaping the cultural identity of the Vietnamese people.
The social and religious fabric of Vietnam is woven with cultural symbols, including traditional Vietnamese instruments, which are more than just musical tools. Their sublime melodies boost the spirit and unite people in harmony at festivals, celebrations, and other occasions during which they play a key role.
Furthermore, despite these instruments' long history, people continue to find them appealing nowadays. Modern musicians are still pushing the limits of traditional music by incorporating cutting-edge styles and methods into these instruments to produce hypnotic fusions of traditional and modern music.
Travel back in time with us as we explore the vibrant history of Vietnamese traditional instruments, tracing their development through various cultural and historical influences. Discover how these instruments have evolved over time, adapting to changing times while still holding steadfast to their traditional roots.
Join us on this musical odyssey as we immerse ourselves in the rich and diverse world of traditional instruments in Vietnam, where the past and present come together in perfect harmony.
148 . Central Vietnamese Cuisine: Rich and Diverse Culinary Delights
Vietnamese food is a global favorite, renowned for its vivid tastes, fresh ingredients, and distinctive culinary traditions. While many people are aware of the classic cuisine of Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City, Central Vietnam's culinary riches are still relatively unknown. This area, which includes cities such as Vietnam Hue, Da Nang, and Hoi An, provides a unique culinary experience that reflects its rich history and cultural variety. In this article, we will look at the must-try Central Vietnamese cuisine, emphasizing the specific traits that set it apart.
149 . Food in the South
Xoi chien phong (Bloating fried sticky rice)
A round plate of Xoi chien phong, placed next to a plate of buttery roasted chicken, is always attractive to anyone. A lump of sticky rice will become a plate of Xoi chien phong as big as a grape-fruit by talent chefs.
In the past, Xoi chien phong was offered only in the Binh Duong Restaurant, Dong Nai Province. At present, you can taste the dish in star classified hotels in Ho Chi Minh City.
Lau mam (Mixed vegetable and meat hot pot)
At present, Lau mam folk dish in the past hundred years - become a luxurious specialty in the South. Chau Doc fish sauce made from fresh-water fish, a kind of sweet- smelling and greasy fish, which must be as required to have a delicious Lau mam dish.
Substances to prepare for Lau mam, including fresh food-stuffs such as snake-head fish, "keo" fish, pork, peeled shrimps, eel, beef, and so on, accompanied with at least 10 kinds of vegetable, sometime amounting to 24 kinds of vegetable. They include water-lily, egg-plant, balsam-apple, straw mushroom, bean sprouts, chilly, etc.
When boiled, the flavors of the sauce, which is mixed with citronella, chilly, vegetables, fish, shrimp and meat, are very sweet-smelling. Lau mamroam is scoop out into bowls and served with soft noodle soup, simply but deliciously.
Goi Buoi (Salad of shaddock)
Goi buoi is available at the majority of famous restaurants in Ho Chi Minh City. The major substances to prepare for the dish include shaddocks mixed with fresh shrimps, pork, and dry cuttle-fish. The dish is originated in Miet Buoi, Bien Hoa City.
Goi buoi dish is especially flavored with slightly sour, sweet, peppery-hot and buttery tastes. It is also added with spice vegetable, white sesames, coconut and dry cuttle-fish. Therefore, the dish will be appeared on dining table as a fresh colorful picture and attractive to customers.
Ca tai tuong chien xu ("Tai tuong" bloating fried fish)
"Tai tuong" fish is classified as a kind of luxurious food-stuffs.
The fish is as white as chicken, delicious and sweet smelling but not crushed. There are two ways to prepare for the dish: Boiled down or bloating fried.
In bloating fried way, pour plenty of oil into pan, wait for the oil to boil before placing the fish in. In boiled oil, fish scabs would be raised up as porcupine's feathers. As serving, place the fish on to the plate, arrange boiled quail eggs around with, fried potato, fresh onion and tomato slices at the edge, season with chilly.
Finally, pour soup and sprinkle fried peanuts and crashed onion on to the fish. The dish is served with sour and sweet sauce of fish. Ca tai tuong chien xu is an unique and luxurious specialty in the South.
Ca nuong trui (Bare fried fish)
The Southern villagers in countryside areas usually have fried fish in the field. They use a bamboo piece to cross through the fish. Pitch the head side to ground, pile up rice straws at the wind-swept place to smoke fish.
As serving, use hand to remove the burned fish scabs. Fish will become as white as chicken. Place the hot fish on a lotus leaf, take up each piece of fish and dip it in peppery salt, squeeze with some lemon drops, roll in fig leaf or sesame young shoot to experience the dish. Bowl and chopsticks are not necessary. At home, the dish can be served with dry pancake, soft noodle soup and vegetables. Ca nuong trui is a dish that accompanies drinking. It is popular and exciting.
Ca kho to (Dry-boiled catfish)
Fish, which used to prepare for the dish, can be catfish, anabas or snake-head fish. Necessary spices include dry garlic, fresh lemon, onion, chilly, sugar, glutamate, fish sauce, grease, and a spoon of pepper and wine.
Although Ca kho to is a popular dish in the South, it is also a cheap specialty. As serving, pick up fish to other bowl, boil the bowl of fish on a low fire and sprinkle some peppers to have sweet-smelling: Keep fire when serving, Ca kho to can be served with such boiled vegetables as shallot, white cabbage, spinach to dip in Ca kho to sauce. It is more convenient to serve it with pickles such as vinegary beet or green pineapple.
Cua rang muoi (Fried salted crabs)
The Westerners, especially those in land-locked countries, usually appreciate the dish as soon as they firstly experience it.
At parties, a plate of bright red Cua rang muoi is usually acted as aperitif. Customers suddenly feel sweet-smelling of spices and delicious buttery flavor of crab at the same time. Highly qualified chefs in Vung Tau coastal area usually select brackish water crabs with much meat and liver-pancreas. A delicious crab dish also depends on the soup, added to frying crabs in pans, including star aniseed, cinnamon, cardamom.
The connoisseurs immediately experience the dish as it is still very hot, mixed with some lemon drops.
150 . Northern Vietnamese Cuisine: Discover food in the North
Northern Vietnamese cuisine is famous for its delicate flavors and unique dishes that have been passed down for generations. From the fragrant bowls of Pho in Hanoi to the crispy shrimp cakes by West Lake, the food here tells the story of a rich cultural heritage and local traditions. Each dish is carefully prepared, balancing fresh ingredients and subtle seasonings, reflecting the cool climate and peaceful lifestyle of the North. Whether you’re wandering through bustling streets or quiet villages, these dishes offer a true taste of northern Vietnam’s soul.
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