HOAN KIEM LAKE

Legend has it that in the 15th Century, King Le Loi found a sword which he used to defend the country against the Chinese Mind’s domination. After the enemy retreated, Le Loi returned to the Thang Long Citadel. One day, when he was sailing on Green Water Lake, a golden turtle appeared from the water. The King pointed the sword at the turtle which then held it in its mouth and disappeared into the depth of the lake. King Le Loi derived that the sword was given to him by the Heaven for the sole purpose of fighting the enemy, and now that this mission has been accomplished and peace is restored, the sword is returned to its divine owners, the Heaven. The King then named the lake Hoan Kiem. Viet Vison Travel provides the best Vietnam Travel Deals.

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VIETNAM-LAOS-CAMBODIA TRIANGLE FOCUSES ON TOURISM

The agreement, which also included the creation of favourable conditions for the triangular region that comprises 10 border provinces of Vietnam , Laos and Cambodia , was reached at the third meeting addressing trade, investment and tourism promotion in the Development Triangle, held in Champassak, Laos, on September 22.

Vietnamese Minister of Planning and Investment Vo Hong Phuc joined Lao Minister of Planning and Investment Soulivong Daravong and Cambodian Secretary General of the Development Council Soun Sitthy in chairing the meeting, which brought together both state officials and businesspeople of the 10 localities in the Development Triangle.

Minister Phuc described the three countries’ policy to develop their shared triangle as a right decision that has contributed largely to promoting each country’s socio-economic growth and reinforcing friendship between the three nations.

Following the second meeting of its kind in February this year, the three countries have taken their own initiatives to spur the development of the triangle. In the meantime, mechanisms and policies to facilitate the cross-border flow of people and commodities, investment and trade in the area are being discussed, Minister Phuc added.

At this meeting, the participants focused on assessing what has been done since the two previous meetings and discussed ways to solve difficulties that arise in the process of implementing the reached agreements.

They informed each other of their own countries’ current policies, investment environments and related legal regulations in addition to the potentials and priorities of the localities located in the development triangle and worked on orientations for cooperation in the future.

Established in 2004 by a decision signed by the three countries’ prime ministers, the Development Triangle comprises Vietnam ’s central highlands provinces of Gia Lai, Kon Tum, Dak Lak and Dak Nong, Laos ’s provinces of Attapeu, Sekong and Saravanh, and the Cambodian provinces of Rattanakiri, Strungstreng and Moldonkiri.

The governments of the three countries have high hopes for the effects of promoting the development of the region, which has been highly evaluated for its great potential in the areas of hydro-power industry, mining, industrial crop growing and processing and tourism, to improve the living conditions of local people, the majority of whom belong to ethnic minorities.

TAKING A CYCLO TOUR IN HANOI CAPITAL CITY

After wandering around Dong Xuan and Hanoi markets, I took a walk to the ancient town and reached Hang Duong. I was really impressed with the cyclos (xich lo) leisurely carrying travelers through the bustling streets. The red colored cyclos are striking in the crowds as they busily take care of their customers.

Without hesitation I decided to experience a cyclo tour. It is fascinating to ride a cyclo tour around the old streets, taking in ancient relics and the development of Hanoi capital city.

With no planned route we left behind the crowded areas and soon came to the spacious streets of Hang Chieu, Hang Buom and Hang Giay. The fragrance of a special kind of flower on Quang Trung Street was delightful, as was the panoramic view of Hoan Kiem Lake.

The Cyclo has existed in Hanoi for a long time. At first it was a rickshaw, introduced by the Japanese in 1868 and imported to Vietnam in 1983 to serve the rich. It returned as a cyclo from France to Hanoi in 1939 and became a popular means of transport in the romantic and peaceful city.

Having survived 80 years of the rise and fall of life, cyclos are now regarded as an ornament for Hanoi’s tourists. No longer the simple vehicles of the past, these days they are decorated splendidly and luxuriously.

A cyclo is a fascinating way to relax as one takes in 36 old streets in the shade of the trees, ancient buildings and temples, transparent lakes and old cultural features of Hanoi. A unique way to learn more about Hanoians and local relics and specialties is by talking with cyclo riders, as they can speak foreign languages such as pidgin English and French.

Though Hanoi has seen many changes with the rising buildings and economic zones, it still retains its elegance due to its old relics. Hanoi is a place for large-scale national and international events, and many celebrities have experienced a cyclo tour such as King and Queen of Spain, Czech Republic’s Prime Minister Milos Zeman, French’s President Jacques Chirac and other famous ones.

With old streets, traditional dishes, fragrance of milk flower and blue color of lakes, the capital city is also the place for tourists to enjoy relaxing moments on a cyclo tour around town.