How to Paint Chandelier Globes

Chandeliers give dining rooms and entryways a classical aesthetic. From opulent hanging chandeliers to more minimalistic fluted chandeliers, the decorative silhouette is part of this light fixture's bold statement. Aside from the overall shape of the chandelier, the colorization is also important. Chandeliers provide a focal point for the room, so they should complement wall and furniture colors. You can update the look of a mismatched chandelier with fresh paint on the glass globes that cover chandelier light bulbs.

Instructions

1. Place an A-frame ladder beneath the chandelier.

2. Climb the ladder and remove the chandelier globes. Most chandelier globes are fastened in place with three or four small screws.

3. Place the chandelier globes on several pages of scrap newspaper.

4. Clean the surface with water, soap and a sponge. Though chandelier globes do not come in contact with excessive dirt, thin layers of dust buildup are common.

5. Dry the chandelier globe surfaces with a paper towel

6. Apply painter's tape to any parts of the globe that you don't want painted. If you paint the entire globe, barely any light will shine through the surface, so consider just painting a small portion of the chandelier globe.

7. Prime the globes with bonding primer and a synthetic-bristle paintbrush. Bonding primer is designed to adhere to glass, ceramic, acrylic and other slick surfaces. Wait for the primer to dry.

8. Paint the chandelier globes with semi-gloss or high-gloss latex paint. Use a foam paintbrush to avoid unsightly brushstrokes.

9. Climb the ladder and reattach the globes after the paint has dried for a full 24 hours.

Vietnam Festivals and Events

Vietnam's festivals follow an age-old calendar based on Buddhist and ancient Confucian beliefs. The list below is a work in progress - a run-down of ten important Vietnamese holidays and festivals, although each province has its own series of festivals unique to the locals. Dates are subject to change without further notice.


PERFUME PAGODA ( HUONG TICH) FESTIVAL


Chua Huong - Viet NamThe Perfume Pagoda (Huong Tich), At My Duc, 69km south of Hanoi, without doubt, is the most famous Buddhist pilgrimage site in northern Vietnam. Hundreds of thousands of pilgrims travel to this sacred cave to pray for happiness and prosperity in the coming year. pilgrims board boats, usually rowed by young women, which carry them along the Yen Stream through a stunning landscape of blazing green rice paddles studded with jagged limestone mounts to the base of Huong Mountain.


                                  


From the riverbank, pilgrims proceed on foot, past various ancient pagodas, monasteries and shrines, up hundreds of stone steps and a switchback trail, all worn smooth by the passage of countless feet. The Perfume Pagoda consists of a group of caves and is an impressive architectural ensemble of both human and natural endeavor.


                                 




The Perfume Pagoda Festival lasts from the 6th day of the 1st month to the end of the 3rd month of the lunar calendar. Visitors can get tot the Perfume Pagoda either by the inland road or by water way. The Vietnamese believe that Huong Son is Buddha's Heaven. Huong Son is considered the place to worship Brodhisattva Kwan Yin. People conduct a dragon dance in the yard of Trinh Pagoda, and sail the royal barge on the 6th day of the 1st month. The festival is held in three places, Huong Tich, Tuyet Son, and Long Van. The festival is most crowded from the 15th - 20th day of the 2nd month of the lunar calendar as this period marks the main festival. The path leading from Ngoai Pagoda to Trong Pagoda is full of visitors coming up and down the mountain.


A pilgrimage to the Perfume Pagoda is not only for religious reasons, but also to see the numerous natural landscapes and the buildings that are valuable artifacts of the nation...


Starting Dates in Western Calendar 2011 Feb 08, 2012 Jan 28


COW RACING FESTIVAL


Cow racing Festival - Viet NamEach year on the last day of the Khmer calendar, the Khmer, an ethnic minority group living in the Mekong delta province of An n Giang, hold a festival to honor their ancestors. The festival begins with a visit to the pagoda, where Khmer families invite the souls of their ancestors to dine with the living. Should any visitors appear during the festival they will be warmly received since the Khmer believe that guests who arrive around New Year are messengers sent by their ancestors.


Following a visit to the pagoda people walk to the nearest stream or river where they tie the trunks of banana trees together to form rafts. Offerings are placed on these rafts, which are then pushed into the water to be swept away by the current.


                               




These quiet ceremonies are sharp contrast to the highlight of the festival, a cow race. The racetrack, set in a muddy and slippery paddy field, is 120m long, with both the start and finish lines marked with red and green flags. Each race involves two pairs of cow, controlled by two young men. To further complicate their task, the teams must run in a straight line and will be disqualified for veering off course.

The races are both exciting and hilarious. People travel from miles for the show, bringing food and pots and pans for a picnic. Part rodeo, part race and part comedy, a Khmer cow race is an unforgettable spectacle.


HUNG TEMPLE FESTIVAL


Hung Kinh Temple Festival - Viet Nam Hung temple is located on Nghia Linh Mountain, Hy Lang Commune, Phong Chau District, Phu Tho Province. Every year, this national festival is held to worship the Hung Kings, who were instrumental in founding the nation.


                                 




The festival lasts for 3 days from the 9th to the 11th of the 3rd lunar month. The worship service is held on the 10th day and commences with a flower ceremony with the participation of state representatives. Held in Thuong Temple, where the Hung Kings used to worship deities with full rituals, the ceremony consists of a lavish five-fruit feast. Cakes and glutinous rice dumpling are also served to remind people of the Lang Lieu Legend (the 18th Hung King who invented these cakes), and the merit of the Hung Kings who taught people to grow rice.


                                  




Next to the stage procession for deities, there are several marches in the procession, such as the elephant march followed by the procession chair. These procession marches are conducted in Tien Cuong, Hy Cuong, Phuong Giao, and Co Tich Villages. The procession marches are followed by a Xoan song performance (a classical type of song) in the Thuong Temple, "Ca Tru" (a kind of classical opera) in Ha temple, and other activities.


The Hung Temple Festival not only attracts visitors from all over and allows visitors to participate in special traditional cultural activities, but it is also a sacred trip back in time to the origins of the Vietnamese culture. People usually show their love and pride of their homeland and ancestral land. This religious belief is deeply imbedded in the minds of every Vietnamese citizen, regardless of where they originate.


Starting Dates in Western Calendar 2011 Apr 12, 2012 Mar 31.


CHU DONG TU FESTIVAL

Chu Dong Tu Festival - Viet NamThis festival occurs for three days from the 10th - 12th of the third lunar month in Chu Dong Tu Temple in Du Hoa Village, Chau Giang District, Hung Yen province, some 20 km from Hanoi.


                              




Saint Chu Dong Tu was one of the "four immortal heroes" at the centre of Vietnamese society. Chu Dong Tu was a cultural hero and the founder of agriculture because he conquered the marsh and developed agriculture and trade. After the opening ceremony, there is a procession to remind people of the legend, life, and work of Saint Chu Dong Tu and his two wives.


Starting Dates in Western Calendar 2011 Apr 12, 2012 Apr 31.


LE MAT SNAKE FESTIVAL


Le Mat Village Festival - Viet NamLe Mat Village belongs to the Viet Hung Commune, Gia Lam District, Hanoi. The Le Mat Village Festival is held annually on the 23rd of the 3rd lunar month. In the early morning on the 23rd day of the 3rd month, representatives of the 13 camps to the west of the Ancient Capital of Thang Long carry 13 trays of food over their heads from the capital to the Le Mat Village.
                              




                              




At the beginning of the festival, water and carp processions are staged and brought to the Thanh Communal House. This ritual reminds the present generation of the heroic accomplishments of exploiting and bringing about agriculture to the village. A snake act is then performed in the yard of the communal house. The snake (made of bamboo taped with cloth) symbolizes the water-monster species that has been bitten by the power and will of youth. The music of this act is an octet and the sound of the drummer's double rhythm is haunting. The Le Mat Village Festival provides an opportunity for children in the village, and those who have reclaimed this ancient wasteland in the city, to meet and retell the history of the establishment of the village. The challenge and difficulty that was encountered in the establishment of the village is expressed in the sincere homage of the ancestors of the village.


In addition to the ceremony, the Le Mat people have a special talent for catching snakes. While attending the Le Mat Village Festival, guests are offered a cup of snake wine made from three or five snakes.


Starting Dates in Western Calendar 2011 Apr 25, 2012 Apr 13.


WHALE FESTIVAL

Whale Festival Viet NamThe Whale Festival has been, for centuries, the biggest water festival of the fishermen in Quang Nam, Danang province. The worshipping of the whale is not only about paying respect to their God, but also about ensuring prosperity for the villagers. This festival last for two days in the middle of the 3rd lunar month. On this occasion, the whale temple, as well as all the houses and boats, are beautifully decorated. The peace offering is conducted in the first evening at the whale temple by village elders. Offerings, which do not contain seafoods, are given while the oration is read out. The ceremony is held to respect the Whale God and to pray for the safety and prosperity of the village.


                                   


At dawn the following day, there will be a procession of boats on the sea in a set formation. This procession displays the sincerity of fishermen to their Whale God. By midnight, the official ceremony is conducted as school children offer incense and the orchestra plays a classical opera. All the fishing boats and villagers, no matter where they are, will return to take part in the Whale Festival.
Starting Dates in Western Calendar 2011 Apr 12, 2012 Apr 31.


ELEPHANT RACE FESTIVAL


Elephant Race Festival Viet NamThis festival is held in the spring, around the 3rd month of the lunar calendar. It is usually held in Don Village or in forests near the Sevepoi River (Dac Lak). The race track is on even ground where there are only has a few big trees. The width of the track is large enough for 10 elephants to stand in a line at the same time and the length of the track runs 1-2 km.


                                   


With the signal of the horn (a wind instrument), the mahouts command their elephants to go to the starting line. When the command to start the race is released, all of the elephants rush ahead, excited by the sound of the drums, gongs, and cheering from the viewers. At the end of the race, the winning elephants lift their trunks above their heads to wave to the viewers. They walk deliberately flapping their ears gently, gazing through half-closed eyes to receive sugarcane from their viewers.


The elephant race is the biggest festival in the middle highland. It bears the martial spirit of the M'nong ethnic group, who are very famous for their bravery and skill in hunting wild elephants.


Starting Dates in Western Calendar 2011 Apr 12, 2012 Mar 31.

Vietnam remains world’s top pepper exporter

                                  

Vietnam exported 15,000 tonnes of pepper in May, earning over 102 million USD, bringing pepper exports in the first five months of this year to 62,000 tonnes, worth 424 million USD.

The Ministry of Industry and Trade’s Import-Export Department says that Vietnam continues to be the world’s number one pepper exporter, making up almost half of the world’s pepper exports.

The US , Germany and the United Arab Emirates are Vietnam ’s three biggest pepper importers, with a combined export revenue of more than 30 million USD. They are followed by Egypt , India , the Netherlands , Singapore and Spain .

The department added that the United Arab Emirates is an export market with a huge potential for Vietnamese businesses as the country has no tariffs or trade barriers.

It also recommended that Vietnamese pepper businesses should seek out agents and distributors in the country to make Vietnamese pepper more widely available to consumers in the country.-VNA

Modern bedroom Lamps ideas

With this post we put an end to the series we have been devoting to the latest trends in decoration. In this latest installment will show two new trends and how to follow the upgrade just one of our bedroom accessories, or with different combinations in decoration and without the need for works.

Lamps with personality bring an element of visibility to the environment and give them a stamp of identity. A good example to keep in mind if we add a personal touch to our own bedrooms. Furthermore, the trend can be applied to all types of lamps, whether desktop or standing and even ceilings and fixtures. See these nice bedroom lamps designs.

                             

                                        

                                      


                                

                             

                             

Light House

92 NAM KY KHOI NGHIA, DIST.1.HCM CITY

+ T: (84-8) 22 103 460

+ E: lighthouse@kimsa.vn

+ W: www.kimsa.vn

Vietnam, Morocco inked investment protection deal

Vietnam and Morocco signed an agreement on investment encouragement and protection in the Moroccan capital city of Rabat on June 15. 

                                    

Speaking after the signing ceremony, Vietnamese Deputy Foreign Minister Bui Thanh Son affirmed the Vietnamese Government’s determination to strengthen cooperation with Morocco and join this country’s development efforts through boosting investment in the Moroccan market. 

Moroccan Minister of Economy and Finance Nizar Baraka stressed that the agreement will help increase the flow of trade and investment between the two countries. 

He said through this agreement, the Moroccan Government wants to lure more foreign investment from Vietnam , which enjoys stable economic growths. 

The agreement will also open up opportunities for the two countries’ businesses to penetrate deeper in each other’s market, thus promoting bilateral trade, he added. 

On the same day, Deputy Minister Son met with Moroccan Minister of Foreign Affairs and Cooperation Saad Dine El Otmani to discuss measures to strengthen cooperation between the two countries, especially in economics

Ho Chi Minh Spas & Massage

Increasing numbers of high-end luxury spas are opening up in Ho Chi Minh City.

The therapists have good knowledge of massage and other treatments, mixing eastern philosophy, knowledge and techniques with some western practices.

                                         

YKC Spa

Exceptional service and customer satisfaction for over a decade has firmly established YKC as a premier pampering destination for Saigon’s expats and visitors. Complimentary beverages are offered in addition to a complete range of professional spa and hair services. Family owned from the very start, YKC operates with the utmost integrity and respect in regards to serving its clients.

Address: 219 Dien Bien Phu, District 3, Saigon. 

Tel: +848 3829 2791 / 3827 5194 

                                         

                                       

Glow Spa

This is a day spa where you receive massage therapy, facial care, hair spa, hand and foot care services while enjoying views of the lush, tropical garden. It is situated right in the city centre.

Location: 129A Nguyen Hue, District 1 

Tel: +848 3823 8368 

                                      

L'Apothiquaire Spa & Retreat

L' Apothiquaire is in a colonial mansion with beautiful surroundings dating back to 1959. Services include facials, body treatment and fitness programs such as yoga and T’ai chi. There are a few branches spread out over the city.

Address: 

63 Le Thanh Ton St, District 1, Tel: +848 3822 1218 

64A Truong Dinh, District 3, Tel: +848 3932 5181 

                                      

Jasmine Spa

A long-time favourite among Japanese and European expatriates, Jasmine is famous for its cellulite treament package using seaweed and its cavier facial treatment.

Location: 45 Ton That Thiep, District 1 

Tel: +848 3827 2737

QI Saigon Spa

QI Saigon Spa is a luxury day spa and salon using Qi beauty products, a brand of the Japanese cosmetics firm Shiseido. 

Address: 151 Nguyen Van Troi St, Phu Nhuan District. 

Tel: +848 844 0611 

                                   

SEN Spa

SEN Spa offers body massage, facial care, Jacuzzi and herbal steam room. It is on the 10th floor of Miss Aodai Building in District 1, just minutes from the Saigon River.

Location: 10th floor of Miss Aodai Building in District 1

Tel: +848 3910 2174 

Spa Authentic

Situated on the Saigon River in District 2, Spa Authentic offers massage and facial packages in a luxurious pool surroundings.

Location: 195 Nguyen Van Huong, District 2 

Tel: +848 3744 6452 

                                 

Thann Sanctuary Spa

A branch of a successful Thai company, Thann reaches out to HCMC with its range of therapies that include healing stone body and foot scrubs and massages using their aromatic products based on Southeast Asian flora.

Location: 

Nguyen Du Park Villas, 111 Nguen Du, District 1

Saigon Center Level 2, 65 Le Loi Street 

Tel: +848 3822 0788 and +84 983 624 497

Ho Chi Minh Cooking Classes

Vietnamese food was one of the first true ‘fusion’ cuisines in the world, thanks to the history of the area, with its Indian, Chinese, French, Russian, and American influences. It is also renowned as one of the healthiest foods in the world.

So, while visiting the country, why not learn how to cook your own authentic Vietnamese dishes? Many hotels in Ho Chi Minh City offer cooking classes or you can try the following: 

                                            

Bi Saigon Cooking Classes

Bi Saigon Cooking Classes are held in the Bi Saigon Hotel & Restaurant. Here they teach visitors how to cook a wide variety of traditional Vietnamese recipes. There are no set times for classes. Instead, lessons are organised for individuals and small groups on request. 

Address: 185/26 – 185/16 Pham Ngu Lao St, District 1

Tel: +848 836 0678 

                                          

Hoa Tuc Restaurant Cooking Class

Hands-on cooking classes are offered twice a day at this Vietnamese restaurant which used to be an opium refinery. Hoa Tuc is renowned for its authentic and fusion Vietnamese cuisine.

Location: 74/7 Hai Ba Trung, Dist. 1 

Tel: +848 3825 1676 

Saigon Culinary Arts Centre

One of the latest additions to the burgeoning cooking schools in Ho Chi Minh City, Saigon Culinary Arts Centre is run by Vietnamese chef Mai, who take guests to the local markets, followed by a cooking demonstration at the well-equipped kitchen at Mai Home Restaurant.

Location: 42/3 Nguyen Van Troi Street - Phu Nhuan District 

Tel: +848 3997 9565 

Vietnam Cookery Center

Vietnam Cookery Center offers a morning course from 09:30 to 13:00, including lunch, or an afternoon course from 15:30 to 19:30, including dinner. There are also special courses for professional cooks and for children. Address: 177 Dien Bien Phu, District 1

Tel: +848 823 5872 

Sports, Fitness & Yoga in Ho Chi Minh

Saigon certainly has its share of activities that are not only fun but will also keep you fit and full of health. And yes, there's a chapter of Hash House Harrriers to have boozy fun and exercise with but there are also slightly more serious options such as yoga and fitness centres. 

Ho Chi Minh City may be compact but that's no reason not to go for the optimum in fitness while there.

                                      

Saigon Hash House Harriers

The world-wide runners club Hash House Harriers has a ‘down-down’ in Ho Chi Minh City, too. There are organised runs every Sunday and members meet at Caravelle Hotel at around 13:30 where they are taken by bus for a run outside the city. Return around 19:00 hrs.

Tel: +848 92 386 2453 

                                     

Saigon River Club

Saigon River Club features modern fitness facilities that include sauna, steam rooms, and pools with outdoor Jacuzzi.

Location: 92 Nguyen Huu Canh, District 1 

Tel: +848 3514 9009 

                                     

                                       

Sivananda Yoga Center

Offers yoga classes and Ayurvedic massages and vegetarian meals at its center in district 1, and occasionally organises longer retreats near Cu Chi, 1.5 hours drive from the city.

Location: 17 Tran Quy Khoach, District 1 

Tel: +848 6291 2663 

                                        

Soham Yoga Studio and Boutique

Located in downtown Ho Chi Minh City, Soham Yoga Studio offers regular classes in Vinyasa Flow, Sivananda, Power yoga.

Location: 84T/4 Tran Dinh Xu, District 1 

Tel: +848 3920 5813

Another day in SaiGon

Hai Van Pass Vietnam

Vietnam tours Hai Van Pass, Vietnam is the highest pass in the country and one of the most scenic hillside roads in Vietnam. The meaning of Hai Van is wind and cloud or sea cloud. True to its meaning, wind in Hai Van Pass moves like a herd of horses galloping a number of miles and clouds seem to pour down from the heaven. One of the major Vietnam tourist attractions is the panoramic view of the Danang city, Tien Sa port, Son Tra peninsula and long white sandy beach from the Hai Van Pass.

                           

                                                                 Hai Van Pass

                          

                                                      Hai van Viet Nam tour

Hai Van Pass, Vietnam is the last spur of the Throng Son Range that reaches to the sea. As described by a 17th Century Vietnamese scholar, Hai Van seems to stands with feet in the sea and its summit covered with clouds. The road over Hai Van Pass opened in the end of 19th century. The road over the pass is over 21 kilometers long and 435 meters above sea level. The drive over the pass gives the visitors thrill of tearing through the clouds on the winding road up and down the pass. 

The pass is crowned with the vestiges of a fortified gateway built by the French which is now covered with moss. This gateway acts as entrance and exit points of Thuan Hoa and Quang Nam provinces. These points are indicated by the inscribed words “Hai Van Gate” on the one facing Thua Thein and “the most grandiose gateway in the world” on the one looking down on Quang Nam. 

The view during the descending journey from Hai Van Pass, Vietnam is no less enchanting. Sightseeing in Vietnam is at its best here with the sequel of valleys and lagoons as the road descends lower. The first stop in this descending journey is the village of Lang Co sitting on the tip of a long peninsula separating a shallow lagoon from the sea. This scenic village is a good stop over place for a lunch or even a day with a beautiful beach to swim at or the village houses and the church to explore Vietnamese lifestyle. 

This descending journey has much more to offer. The road between Danang to Hue passes by few small hills with its unique landscape just beyond it. The three hour drive from Danang to Hue, Vietnam is sure to leave the visitors asking for more. No wonder Hai Van Pass, Vietnam is listed among one of the most visited of the various Vietnam popular destinations.

                              

Ao Dai Hue - Traditional Vietnamese Dress of Hue Vietnam

Sweep through Hue and the classic grace of women clad in ao dai will surely to make a lasting impression on you. But behind the beauty is a rich history, brimming with cultural significance.

A researcher of Hue culture, Phan Thuan An, said that variations in Hue ao dai are related to the ups and downs of history.

                                   

                                   Ao Dai Hue - Traditional Vietnam Dress of Hue

History of the Hue ao dai

Under the Minh Mang Dynasty, the King issued a dress code for the whole country. Accordingly, all imperial concubines and servants had to wear ao dai when they set foot in the forbiddance palace. All citizens had to wear trousers, not skirts. Ao dai also became the compulsory costume of adults when they were out and about.

At that time Hue ao dai were similar to those in other regions, which were often dark in colour, and were a tangle of five flaps. Convenience demanded a four-flap version, the ao tu than or four-flap dress (with the two fore-flaps tied or left dangling to match satin trousers and silk belts). The five-flap ao dai has two fore flaps and two back flaps sewn together along the spine.

                                   

                                              

Violet AoDai

There is also a minor flap, which belongs to the forepart, at the right side, which hangs to the fringe. The sleeves are joined at the elbow since cloth available at the time had a width of just 40cm. The collar is 2-3cm high with the sleeves wrapped tight at the wrists, with accentuation of breast and waist. The laps flare from waist to foot.

For trousers paired with ao dai, while women in the North and the South favoured a solemn black, Hue women favoured white. Royals and the well to do often wore trousers with three pleats, giving a graceful spread to the leg, and increased mobility.

In the early of the 20th century, especially when the Dong Khanh High School for female students was founded in 1917, all schoolgirls from the central region flocked to Hue to study at Dong Khanh, ao dai became their uniform. They wore white trousers with violet ao dais as going to school, which then were changed to white colour in the dry and blue in the rainy season.

                                 

                                 

In the 1930s and 1940s, ao dai of Hue as well as of other regions didn’t change. However, they were made of much more abundant materials and colours. Women at that time could select various kinds of cloths imported from Europe, which were replete with bright colours.

The use of imported cloths, with their wider widths resulted in seamless ao dais. The flaps were lengthened, to within 20cm of the ankle. Hue women were renowned for their elegance in white trousers and ao dais. The dress gradually became a fashionable costume among girls in various regions, except among married women.

Hue ao dai would not have today’s design without an innovation initiated by an artist from the Indochina Art College, the owner of the reputed Le Mur tailor shops in Hanoi and Hai Phong, Lemur Nguyen Cat Tuong.

He brought a collection of Europeanised ao dais to the Hue Fair in 1939, which were called “modern ao dai”. These ao dai had two flaps rather than the octopus tangle of five as before. They had puffed out the shoulders, were cuffed at the sleeves, a round collar cut breast-deep and laced, accentuated by a corrugated fringe made of joined cloth of different colours and gaudily laced.

Hue’s women quickly accepted the remodelled ao dai. However, influenced by their inherently unobtrusive style, Hue ao dai were only modernised moderately with two flaps and buttoned from shoulder to waist.

In the 1950s, following trends across the country, Hue ao dai became more figure hugging, with higher collars and narrowed flaps, for an alluring body sculpting form.

In the mid-1960, as more women began to wear bra, Hue tailors stitched ao dai tighter at the waist, in an effort to further please the eye. At the end of the decade, Hue ao dai followed Saigon’s raglan-sleeve ao dai, which hid the troublesome wrinkles that often formed at both shoulder and armpit.

But ao dai with high collars were still fond among Hue women, while others sported the low-necked, décolleté ao dai improved by Tran Le Xuan, sister-in-law of former South administration president Ngo Dinh Diem.

The Hue Ao dai has remained almost unchanged since 1975, although the dress is falling from popularity due to the demands of modern life. In the late of the 1990s, the ao dai made a comeback, at the behest of fashion designers.

However, women in the ancient capital were loath to be strapped back into the tricky dress. Today Hue women are still unobtrusive in their ao dai, which are worn not too thin, with long flaps that are nearly touch ground, high collars and low waist to hide the flash of skin at the flanks.

Violet ao dai, a symbol of Hue

An ao dai tailor since 1970, Nguyen Van Chi has seen many subtle changes to Hue ao dai. Even though material and styles have changed, their colour and purpose of ao dai have not. Ao dai with bright colours for the New Year festival; broad ao dai in brown violet, indigo-blue and milky coffee colour with sombre designs for funerals and ceremonies; ao dai in dark colours for rainy days; and light in colour for sunny days.

Most Hue women have at least one ao dai of violet colour, a specific characteristic for this ancient capital. Along with their grace, unobtrusiveness, violet ao dai and non bai tho have become indispensable images that are closely linked to Hue women.

Suggestions

Should not miss...

There are so many choices of activities and services in Vietnam that you may become quite confused about what to do and what to leave for another time. Viet Value Travel would like to list some of the highlight activities that we think you should try while travelling in Vietnam. However, we also understand that everyone has their own ideas, so what we suggest is just that. We look forward to hearing your comments and recommendations to extend this list.

                                

Having Pho - Noodle soup.

Vietnam's most popular breakfast made from rice and different kinds of herbs. This is not only simple food but also our culture of food - art. Where do you go to try this? Everywhere! Ask your tour guide or any local people and they will show you the one that they normally eat at daily. However, the many Pho 24 or Pho 2000 restaurants are famous with travellers. 

                                              

Cooking class in Hoi An.

If you have been in Vietnam for a few days and decide you love Vietnamese food, try a short demonstration cooking class in Hoian. Mrs. Vy, who owns the Cargo Ship restaurant, can bring you an forgettable class which is a mixture of fun and education. Hai's Scout in Hoi An is another great place to arrange this activity. Enjoy making your own real Vietnamese Spring Rolls. 

                                     

Homestay in the Mekong Delta.

Viet Value Travel believes the local culture will be best understood if you join local activities. That's why we recommend this action. Many tour operators offer this tour from Saigon (including Viet Value Travel). The best tour is a small private tour and an overnight stay with a small family in Vinh Long or Ben Tre. Big tour groups can damage the meaning of this option. Stay to understand the lovely locals of the Mekong Delta - always selected as the highlight of a Vietnam trip from our past customers.

                                         

Fighting Cu Chi tunnel.

Begun during the French war, Cu Chi was used widely during the more recent Vietnam war. These were hidden tunnels to protect the village people from bombs and fighting. Most now is closed for secturity purpose, however enough is maintained so people still have a great opportunity to see how it was built and its various uses. The highlight of Cu Chi is you can actually crawl through it (if you want to) with a local guide. It will be hot down there but this is the way you understand just a bit about how hard it was for people here who had to live in the tunnels during the actions above. Tour departs from Saigon, and takes about 5 hours in total ( Including transportation time ).

                             

Perfume River cruise and Thien Mu Pagoda in Hue

The Perfume river was named through a legend of the Nguyen Lord during the feudal period of Vietnam. People said, this Perfume River is Hue's charm. It devides Hue city into two parts, north and south. By cruising on the river you will have a good view into both sides of the city. The cruise starts from the Toa Kham pier by Dragon Boat and its destinations are Imperial tombs, and of course, the Thien Mu pagoda. Thien Mu is the oldest pagoda in Hue, built in 1601 under Nguyen Hoang Lord. It has a great over the Perfume River, but the most interesting part of this pagoda is its atmosphere, so quiet and peaceful.

                             

Riding Xich Lo ( Rickshaw ) in the Hanoi old quarter

Hanoi's old quarter itself is interesting but riding by Xich Lo to see it is even better. There are plenty of routes to cruise through the 36 old streets. W recommend a 1.5 hour ride to see that special part of Hanoi. Most of Viet Value Travel tours include this experience in their itinerary.

Sit back for water puppet show in Hanoi.

The original Water Puppet shows were created by farmers in the 11th century during flood seasons. Plays are very simple representations of daily activities and something only rarely ever seen out of Vietnam. This is another great chance to understand the Vietnamese 'water-rice' culture. Viet Value Travel includes this show in most of our tours.

                            

Junk cruise in Halong Bay 

Many people travel to Vietnam just because of Halong Bay. This natural world heritage site atracts millions of visitors per year. It is definitely the most popular destination in Vietnam. A trip to Halong bay is offered by many tour operators in Hanoi. Let's have a nice junk - VietValue's junk - to enjoy this famous spot.

                                     

Visit Sapa homestay

Sapa is in the northwest of Vietnam and is the hometown of many different colorful hilltribe groups. This remote area is highly recommended to adventure travelers especially for trekking and homestay. Quite different from homestay in Mekong Delta, a stay in a local house of one of the people in Sapa is more rustic. Everthing seems to be very simple but what you really get from it is the diversity of the local culture, atmostphere, scenerary and unique hospitality.

Price of petrol and diesel down

                              

The retail price of petrol is slashed by 800 VND (4 cents USD) to 21,900 VND (1.1 USD) per litre at 2pm on June 7 in accordance with the continuous drop in world prices, the Ministry of Finance reports. 

In addition, the price of diesel and gasoline is cut by 700 VND per litre to 20,400 VND and Mazut by 650 to 18,250 VND per kg. 

This is the third petrol price reduction of the year after prices were raised twice in March and April at a total of up to 3,000 VND (14 cents USD) per litre. The first and second petrol price reduction came to 500 VND and 600 VND in May. 

The ministry said the reduction aims to ensure the rights and interests of consumers, the State and enterprises. On June 4, the import price of A92 petrol is cut to 104.91 USD per tank, a reduction of 22-24 USD compared with one month ago, while gasoline fell by 109.91 USD per tank. Prices were reported to have fallen since the end of May. 

The import tax on petrol has been increased by 4 percent, diesel by 3 percent, while gasoline and mazut by 5 percent. The ministry said the continuous reduction of the world petrol price is a favourable condition to recover import tax while lovering domestic retail prices. 

The ministry proposed to offer 300 VND per litre in support from the Price Stabilisation Fund.