Tile roofed bridges in Vietnam - the everlasting beauty

Not much popular as iron bridges, stone bridges or wooden bridges in Vietnam, the tile roofed bridges are unique architectural forms which have been rarely seen in Vietnam. The bridges curved like the rainbows hundreds of years old with ancient tile roofs leaning in the blue waters have brought Vietnamese countryside landscapes the extraordinary and unforgettable beauty. Moreover, the architecture of the tile roofed bridges in Vietnam is extremely unique strongly appealing tourists who prefer to learn and discover new experiences. The journey of exploring Vietnam travel will certainly much more memorable and meaningful when tourists set foot on these unique sights. Not only admiring the architecture and unique landscapes, tourists also have the opportunity to find out the stories associated with the famous bridges.
Phat Diem tile roofed bridge, Ninh Binh

tile roofed bridge in Ninh Binh

Along with Stone Cathedral, Phat Diem tile roofed bridge is one of unique folk architectural works in Kim Son, Ninh Binh. This is both the bridge undertaking the function of transportation and the ancient communal house close to the locals here. Far about 30km from Ninh Binh city center, the bridge is situated in the center of Phat Diem town across An River. Phat Diem tile roofed bridge is made of wood consisting of three spans with 4 compartments in each span. The bridge retains the total length of 36m and 3m wide. Two sides of the bridge are 2 rows of handrails and pillars made of ironwood. The bridge is covered with traditional red tiled roof. There are also flights of steps leading down the road and the river at both bridgeheads. Along with Phat Diem Stone Cathedral and Trang An tourist complex, Phat Diem tile roofed bridge is gradually becoming one of the indispensable tourist sites in Vietnam tour packages.
From a coastal swampy region, Kim Son district was listed on the map of Vietnam in 1829. Together with the establishment of the village, Nguyen Cong Tru constructed irrigation works. First of all, he allowed digging An River connecting Vac River with Can River to get fresh water. Digging the canals was conducted in parallel with building roads and dividing the boundaries. The tile roofed bridge was born in that situation. The bridge was built entirely with wood and tile roof in 1876. The floors of the bridge at that time were sheets of plywood 10 meters long which was connected with the bridge beams thanks to nails used on the boats. The bridge has been constantly reinforced and renovated to serve the needs of the locals as well as the main road to the sea... Over time, the wood floor of the bridge has been replaced. The 2 sides of the roads are pretty solidly concreted, yet the bridge with ancient and tranquil tile roofs is always the pride of the people in Kim Son. Phat Diem tile roofed bridge is worth one of the most impressive tourist attractions in Ninh Binh alluring tourists.
Thanh Toan tile roofed bridge, Hue

Thanh Toan Bridge

Far about 8km from Hue city center by road to the east, the tile roofed bridge is cross the ditch flowing from the beginning to the end of Thanh Toan Village, Thuy Thanh commune, Huong Thuy district, Thua Thien - Hue province. Thanh Toan village was founded in the 16th century. The wooden bridge was built for the convenient transportation of the locals in the village. It is also home to temporary stop for tourists participating Hue travel. Thanh Toan tile roofed bridge was built under the architecture style of "house on the bridge" with 17m long and 4m wide. The bridge was covered with glazed tubular tiles and divided into 7 compartments.
Thanh Toan tile roofed bridge is the ancient architectural monuments retaining great values in terms of history, culture; simultaneously, it is an indispensable scenic sight in the journey of discovering Vietnamtours to Hue. The bridge was built over 2 centuries ago. Undergoing storms, floods and the juggernaut of war, the bridge still retains its unique form and architecture. In the spirit of "eating a fruit, thinking of the man who planted the tree" and respecting cultural heritages, many generations of villagers in Thanh Toan have preserved the unique architectural works in Hue. In particular, the bridge was greatly restored in original scale and officially recognized as a National Monument by Ministry of Culture - Information in September 1991. It has become a precious scenic sight in Hue tourism in particular and the country in general so far.
Japanese Covered Bridge - symbol of Hoi An

Japanese Bridge

Japanese Covered Bridge, also known as Cau Pagoda - the common name for the architectural complex consists of a small pagoda mounting in the northern slopes of the ancient bridge in the urban area of Hoi An Ancient Town, Quang Nam province. The 18m long bridge with 7 wooden compartments crossing Hoai River (a tributary of Thu Bon River) connects Nguyen Thi Minh Khai Street with Tran Phu Street, Hoi An. The bridge retains the soft curved shape with the large number of beautiful motifs. Both bridge and pagoda are carved lacquer extremely meticulously. The pagoda overlooks towards the riverside. The pagoda is covered with yin-yang tiled roof covering whole bridge. It deserves one of the indispensable tourist addresses in the journey of discovering Hoi An travel attracting the great number of both domestic and international tourists.
Cau Pagoda is an architectural works constructed by Japanese traders in Hoi An in the early 17th century. The bridge is also called Lai Vien Kieu by Lord Nguyen Phuc Chu in his visit to Hoi An in 1719 with the implications willing to welcome tourists from over the world. The bridge is associated with the legend of mamazu - a kind of sea monster whose head was in India, body was in Vietnam and tail was in Japan. Whenever bestirring, the monster caused floods, earthquakes... Japanese Covered Bridge is considered as the sword astride on the back of the monster to keep the peaceful life. Not only retaining significance in terms of trading, Japanese Covered Bridge also owns architecture extremely unique strongly attracting tourists.
Although called the pagoda, inside the temple has no statue of Buddha. In the sanctum of the pagoda is home to worship the wooden statue of God Xuan Wu - Gods protecting the country, bestowing joy and happiness to people. With Hoi An people, Japanese Covered Bridge is the soul, the Hoi An symbol existing more than four centuries. Even though having gone at least six times of the restoration, Cau Pagoda still retains its original ancient features. It was recognized as a national level cultural historical relics in 1990. It is always the indispensable tourist attraction in Da Nang - Hoi An tour in Vietnam. Tourists going to Hoi An without visiting Japanese Covered Bridge are considered not setting foot on the beautiful and peaceful land. Along with other Vietnam tile roofed bridges, Japanese Covered Bridge displays its contribution in promoting Vietnamtourism closer to both domestic and international tourists.

Top 10 most famous architectural works in Ho Chi Minh City

Architectural works in Ho Chi Minh City have long been well-known throughout Vietnam and over the world. Strongly influenced by the famous French architect, Gothic or Roman architectural style, these works not only retain great values in terms of architecture but also deserve one of the unique tourist attractions when tourists participate in Vietnam travel to this famous dynamic city. Its impressive design harmonizing with the natural landscapes has turned these architectural works into the symbols of the city annually attracting both domestic and international tourists. Tourists will be definitely surprised and impressed when admiring this unique design. 

Reunification Palace

Reunification Palace Reunification Palace, formerly known as Norodom Palace was started its constructions on 23rd February 1868 and completed in 1871 under the sketches of architect Hermite. The palace was built on an area of 12 hectares including a large mansion with its frontage 80 meters wide, a living room containing 800 people inside and a large campus with the great number of trees and lawns. In particular, most of construction materials were transported from France. In 1962, a new palace was rebuilt on the old land under the design blueprints of architect Ngo Viet Thu. Reunification Palace is nowadays the appealing tourist site attracting tourists at home and abroad in the journey of discovering Vietnam travel to Ho Chi Minh City. 

Saigon Opera House 

Opera House Situated in the city center, Opera House is situated on Dong Khoi Street, district I. It is considered the versatile theater of the city organizing art performances and hosts numerous major events as well. Completed on 1st January 1900, Opera House belongs to the oldest types inspired by architecture in Western Europe and is considered as one of enchanting tourist attractions in Ho Chi Minh City.

Cathedral Saigon

Saigon Notre-Dame Basilica The church was built from 1877 to 1880 with a width of 35m and 93m long. It was designed by the French architect Bonard imitated the architecture of Notre Dame de Paris. It used to be one of the most beautiful churches in the colonies of France at that time. In 1895, the church built 2 bell towers with the height of 57,6m each. These 2 towers retain 6 large bronze bells weighing 25,850 tons, which is now the largest bell set in Vietnam. Standing in front of the church is the 8.5 ton statue of Our Lady of Peace made of Italian marble with 4.2 m high designed in Rome and built in 1959. Saigon Notre-Dame Basilica is one of the bewitching attractions alluring the great number of both domestic and international tourists in Vietnam tour packages toSaigon travel. 

Vietnam Pagoda 

Vietnam National Pagoda The pagoda was started its construction under the supervision of architect Ngo Viet Thu on 26th April 1964. It was designed with a 7-storey tower curved roofs and delicate carvings in the natural airy space. The pagoda's architecture harmonizing with excellent scenery was deeply inspired of Vietnamese architectural style. Vietnam National Pagoda has been the convergence of numerous Buddhists and tourists when participating in Ho Chi Minh City travel so far. 

Post Office

Saigon Central Post Office Saigon Central Post Office is located at No. 2 Cong Xa Paris Street, district I. Being a mixture of Gothic, Renaissance and French influences, the building fascinates tourists by its typical colonial French features, from exterior to interior decorations. It was built around 1886 – 1891, based on the design of Gustave Eiffel – a famous French architect along with Foulhoux, his assistant. Located adjacent Saigon Notre-Dame Basilica and Diamond Plaza shopping center, the architectural works creates the vivid and beautiful interaction and becomes the highlight of Saigon in Vietnam tourism alluring tourists. The facade of Post Office is decorated with names of famous French celebrities such as Laplace, Voltaire, Arage together with the large number of eye-catching decorative squares. There is also a big clock on the dome of the building. Setting foot on inside, tourists will have a chance to admire the unique Gothic architecture and more than 35 customer service desks. In addition, there are stalls selling souvenirs and Vietnamese handmade products. 

Ben Thanh Market 

Ben Thanh Market Ben Thanh Market has long been considered as the symbol of the city. After many changes in construction positions and its name, the market was started its construction in 1912 and completed with the name of Ben Thanh Market as today in March 1914. Ben Thanh Market retains 4 doorways and 4 towers mounted clocks overlooking 4 central streets in District 1, namely Le Loi street, Phan Boi Chau street, Phan Chu Trinh street respectively in the north, south and east and the main gate with the high tower overlooking Quach Thi Trang Square. Currently, there are over 3,000 wholesale and retail stalls in the market with the wide range of goods from food, daily supplies to luxury commodities. The market starts its operations from 4 am and closes at 6 pm daily. Apart from serving the trading of the citizens, the market also yearly welcomes millions of tourists at home and abroad to visit and go shopping. Ben Thanh Market is also one of the most the impressive tourist Ho Chi Minh attractions. 

Thu Thiem Bridge

Thu Thiem Tunnel Thu Thiem Tunnel is the most modern underwater tunnel in South East Asia. After nearly 7 years of construction, Thu Thiem Tunnel was officially opened to traffic on 21st November 2011. The tunnel plays an important role in connecting 2 riverbanks and reducing the load of Saigon Bridge; simultaneously, it motivates the development of the dynamic city. 

City Hall

Ho Chi Minh City People' Committee Ho Chi Minh City People' Committee, also known as Ho Chi Minh City Hall situated on Nguyen Hue Boulevard, district 1 was built from 1898 to 1909 under the design of architect Gardes imitating bell tower architecture in North France. Before becoming the workplace of Ho Chi Minh City People' Committee, the building was Dinh Xa Tay and then renamed as Saigon City Hall. It is considered as one of the most beautiful architectural works in Ho Chi Minh City. 

Nha Rong Wharf

Nha Rong Wharf - Dragon House Wharf Nha Rong Wharf started its construction on 3rd April 1863 for the purpose of the accommodation for General Management and selling the train tickets. Right here, on 6th May 1911, Nguyen Tat Thanh, a patriot young person set foot on ship naming Amiral Latouche Tréville to seek the ways to save his country. Nha Rong Wharf is now Ho Chi Minh Museum - one of the branches of Ho Chi Minh Museum and memorial monuments of President Ho Chi Minh in the country annually attracting the large number of tourists. 

Vietnam History Museum 

Museum of Vietnamese History As one of the unique tourist sight of Ho Chi Minh City tourism, Museum of Vietnamese History is home to preserve and display tens of thousands of precious artifacts collected throughout the country and foreign countries. The museum was officially built under the design of architect Delaval with "innovation Indochina" architectural style. After 30th April 1975, the museum has been intactly transited under the takeover of Revolutionary Government. The museum was renamed into Ho Chi Minh City History Museum on 26th August 1979. It has been then given a new name as Museum of Vietnamese History Ho Chi Minh City and existed so far.

Hanoi egg coffee to taste to memorize

Hanoi is partly regarded as the cradle reflecting Vietnam cuisine clearly most. Hanoi cuisine is not just famous for Vietnamese traditional dishes, but also second-to-none drinks, egg coffee as a stark example. To explore and know how to make and enjoy a cup of Hanoi egg coffee, let’s do it with AloTrip. As being a trustworthy travel agent, AloTrip craves for bringing travelers as professional tasters a new and interesting experience on Vietnam cuisine during your holidays in Vietnam.

Egg coffee

In Vietnam tours around Hanoi, tourists will find that among hundreds of coffee shops mushrooming and always crowded in the city, there is a unique drink fascinating a large number of tasters, Hanoi egg coffee. When winter comes, sitting in a small and cozy space with Hoan Kiem Lake view, sipping hot egg coffee contained in small and simple cups, guests will have an unforgettable experience. What an amazing and strange combination! Why can coffee mixed with egg create a world-famous drink? That would be a marvelous and magic creation. Coffee and eggs are harmoniously blended, which makes the flavor is not too sweet, not too bitter, but a little fatty with a passionate scent. If having a chance to visit Hanoi, tourists almost do not miss to taste and to memorize. Egg coffee - a creative drink of Hanoian, becomes famous around the world, since foreign tourists after enjoying this drink, "whisper" each other. Some say, once drinking hot egg coffee contained in small and simple cups, they will remember every single memory about Hanoi.

When winter comes and the coldness suffuses everywhere in the city, both local people and tourists want to have more time to sit together, to feel the warmth and to share stories with each other. In cold days, what is more wonderful for than sitting with friends, enjoying a hot, sweet and odorous cup of egg coffee? Cold winter in Hanoi makes cups of Vietnam egg coffee more special and delicious. Seemingly, eggs in winter are rounder and firmer. Egg yolk is easily separated from egg-white, which will create more fatty and sweet flavors compared with that in summer or other seasons. That partly explains why in winter, coffee lovers linger in coffee shops for long hours to enjoy exclusive cups of egg coffee.

Sunflower Seeds and Egg Coffee

Egg coffee first appeared in Hanoi in the early 20th century. The creator of egg coffee is Mr. Nguyen Van Giang. He used to work at Sofitel Legend Metropole, a 5-star hotel in Hanoi, in French colonial period. He varied Capuccino of Western countries to create Vietnam coffee with egg yolk, familiar but charming. Egg coffee is simply made. Bartender has to choose fresh eggs to reduce fishy smell. Coffee must be pure and premium among Vietnam coffee with passionate fragrant. Egg yolk and egg-white are separated from each other. The egg yolk is mixed with dense milk and sugar, even cheese by hand or machine until having cake-like smell. Then, the mixture is lightly poured into the cup of coffee. When the mixture of egg floats on the surface, it is ready to use. Making egg coffee is not too complicated, but it requires subtlety and ingenuity. The formula is not special or hides its own secret, but very few coffee shops where the drink is perfectly made. The secret lies in decreasing the proportion of eggs, coffee and milk harmonically, not too sweet, not too bitter with fatty flavor in passionate scent. The fatty egg flavor mingled with the aroma of coffee makes up its own taste. The best way to enjoy egg coffee is drink as it is hot; otherwise, it smells fishy and hard to drink. Later, some coffee shops use cacao powder to decorate and add flavor for the attractive drink. The unmatched drink captivates many tasters in Vietnam tour packages in the long-lasting historical city.

Egg cafe Giang

The cup used to containing egg coffee is usually small, fits in the palm of hand, just enough for people to enjoy, but still craving and longing. Cup of fragrant coffee is made from coffee, eggs and milk but has a strange attraction to anyone who has the opportunity to enjoy. Coffee egg is particularly suitable for people who do not tolerate the bitterness of filter coffee, but still want to enjoy and sip little by little. Fleshy sweetness, fatness of eggs and milk will melt away the "unpleasant" flavor of coffee, leaving only sweet and attractive fragrant. Egg coffee has existed for a long time, and it does not create a culinary trend like present-day drinks. It is just famous enough to feature a unique culture of Hanoi cuisine. Todays, tourists in Hanoi travel can enjoy egg coffee at 39 Nguyen Huu Huan Street, 11 Hang Gai Street, and 13 Dinh Tien Hoang Street. 

Sapa brocade - colors of Vietnam ethnic groups

Sapa, one of the most visited destinations in almost Vietnam tour packages, is a name evoking unforgettable memories in tourists' mind. It is not just the land of majestic mountains and immense white flowers forests, but also the residence of many ethnic minority groups with unique cultural colors of brocade. That is so fantastic when popping in Dao people's markets in Sapa the most attractive thing is ladies' vivid costumes. The colors of Sapa brocade not just create the hidden charm of ladies, but also become a traditional culture of ethnic people in Sapa. For local people, brocade has an important meaning in their daily as well as spiritual life. Brocade is used as decorative items, and keepsakes of love... 

Ethnic costume

In Vietnam tours to Sapa, tourists will easily meet Dao ladies in brightly red bandanas or hats, and rainbow-like dresses. When entering local villages of Dao people, tourists will be lured into small of beautiful stilt houses with flamboyant brocade items decorated in these houses. These houses are places where many unique cultural features remain, from distinctive festivals to traditional brocade embroidery. Dao women can embroider anywhere and unleash their creativity to weave artistic brocade products. In terms of embroidery skills shown in colorful brocade, it proves the talent, ingenuity, diligence and industriousness of Sapa women in particular and mountainous women in general. From little girls to ladies all are taught to make eye-catching brocade. When these ladies are in married age, they embroider necessary costumes for their wedding in accordance with traditional customs. Embroidering to create beautiful costumes indicates not just the adroitness of local women, but also the long-established cultural features inherited over generations. Each patterns on brocade tinged with their love for working, for hometown, and for villages. 

Ethnic costume pavilion

Brocade in Sapa is traditionally made of cotton and flax yarn materials found in the forest. Its patterns are also dyed with natural colors. The patterns on the brocade fabrics often follow traditions of each ethnic group. Brocade weaving tradition is preserved and inherited through skillful hands of women in families. In present-day life, Red Dao people in Sapa remain their own traditional cultural identity. Previously, brocade was created to meet the needs in daily life, to use as dowry and in festivals. Todays, when Sapa tourism and economy are more developed, Sapa brocade products are favored by most tourists. Sapa brocade products gradually bring to local people a new and better life. These special products are often sold in Sapa markets, or along the roads to Cat Cat Village or Ta Phin Village. These brocade products vary from vivid dresses, bandanas, handbags, wallets, or some interesting decorative items. Obviously, the development of brocade as tourism products contributes to the preservation of traditional cultural values. 

Red Dao ethnic people

Along with other values, brocade is improved by local ethnic groups to become a culture featuring unique identity, enriching Vietnam culture. Apart from owning a humble and quiet beauty, hiding in itself the magic of a foggy town, Sapa possesses an irresistible charm - colorful unique culture of Vietnam ethnic groups, which is manifested through exclusive and subtle brocade products. Brocade is an indispensable souvenir when enjoying Vietnam holidays in Sapa. The contours of motifs shown on brocade are the essence of culture imbued with national identity, which makes Sapa brocade unique among other brocade products in the region. Embroidering brocade items used in daily life is an indispensable work. If a woman does not know how to weave or embroider, it means the family will not have clothes to wear. It is a very valuable skill and has a deep root over the development process to become a traditional handicraft. Coming to Sapa and seeing local ladies sitting on rocks along route and embroidering bring to tourists an interesting feeling about local people and daily life’s culture. By dint of the dedication featuring cultural identity of brocade products in Sapa, more and more tourists come to visit and explore the land and people here.
Source: AloTrip

Mekong River Delta floating markets - Precarious life

Floatingmarket is a form of market appearing on main rivers. In this market, both buyers and sellers use boats and canoes for transporting. In Vietnam, floating markets are situated mostly in Southwestern region. The unique markets have existed for a long time in Mekong River Delta. In Vietnam tour packages to travel Mekong River Delta, travelers will have a chance to discover the unique river life, which is one of the most outstanding attractions in Vietnam, as well as one of the most stunning images in the country. From Tien Giang, Can Tho to Ca Mau everywhere is full of bustling life with life on river. Cai Be Floating Market in Tien Giang, Phong Dien Floating Market, Phung Hiep Floating Market in Can Tho, and Thoi Binh Floating Market in Ca Mau are among famous floating markets in Mekong River Delta. Compared with floating markets in Mekong River Delta such as Phong Dien Floating Market and Cai Be Floating Market, Thoi Binh Floating Market in Ca Mau is smaller and less bustling. Yet, each floating market has its own unique characteristics and local specialties.

Cai Rang Floating Market

The cultural, economic and social factors are fundamental backgrounds creating second-to-none features in floating markets and remaining their existence over the time. In Vietnam tours to these special markets, travelers will witness the hustle and bustle of merchants' boats exchanging and trading. Almost these boats measure weights of 2-3 tones. These boats carry agricultural products and items from rice, salt, fish sauce to household tools to other provinces throughout the country. Besides, there are smaller boats carrying home-made agricultural products trading here. From orchards in Tien Giang and Can Tho, boats of fruits move to Ca Mau to trade. To recognize which kind of goods sold on boats, customers just look at a long pole attached to the deck. The pole looks like a "billboard" in front of stores showing things to sell. This "special marketing" style makes the floating markets so exclusive and attract a great number of travelers going on Vietnam holidays to southwestern area. By looking at things hung on these poles, buyers know what kind of goods that the boat carrying and selling. Meanwhile, on boats from Ca Mau to Cai Be and Can Tho, there are products as local specialties carried.

Market in Cantho

In Vietnam travel tours to the floating areas, travelers will have chances to explore life and culture of local people. The all-year-round life on boats is not easy at all. Exchanging on boats on rivers is the only way of making their living. The sellers have to undergone many difficulties to maintain their life. Due to the lack of land for living, life of merchants is always attached to boats and rivers, which is unstable. They can dock in Phong Dien today, but tomorrow they will sail to Sa Dec or Ca Mau... To them, life is a series of arduous days and struggles for difficulties on rivers. Their life on river is always affected by rivers and natural changes. Children living on boats with their parents do not have any chance to go to school; they have to participate in earning their living. The scenery is numerous in these floating markets. Yet, spiritual life of local people on boats is so diverse and special. By dint of trading in different places and communicating with different people, merchants know how to live and treat each other right. Therefore, in spite of lacking literacy, these local merchants treat their customers in an extroverted and hospitable way. Merchants on rivers have strong belief in fortune. They believe that if the beginning is good, their trading day will go smoothly. Thus, when customers come to these Mekong River Delta attractions to buy, they are always welcomed in the warmest manners. In each morning, the sellers wish to meet a customer who will bring luck to their trading day. To seek the luck, at the beginning of the trading, sellers often give a quite high rate that buyers will bargain, which makes the trading more exciting. When sellers and buyers agree the rate which is bargained, goods will be purchased with the satisfaction of both sides.

Chau Doc Floating Market

When the sun goes down, merchants anchor their boats overnight next to each other and continue their trading journey in the next morning. Clearly, no one knows each other, but these merchants just make some greetings, and then they become friends. They dine together and talk about daily life of each other. Some from far orchards in Sa Dec and others from Ca Mau, all of them become friends in a couple of minutes, even become close friends of each other, even intimates or in-law relations. In Tet holiday, many trading boats cannot come back their hometown. On the 30th day of lunar 12th month, they cook an offering meal to invite their forefather to join the New Year and pray for the best things in the New Year. Many families on boats docking next to each other hold a Tet holiday together, which is so cozy and happy. They contribute what they have to celebrate the New Year. In spite of being far away from home, they think that everywhere is their hometown and their family. The affection of merchants with each other makes them feel more consoled.

floating market in Can Tho

Trading on rivers is so wanderous and full of ups and downs. The lives of merchants are more difficult today, as supermarkets spring up everywhere, the purchasing power and selling pressure of the floating markets have dropped. However, the floating markets in Mekong River Delta still exist in spite of the increasing modernization. Only when the rivers dry up, then the floating markets no longer exist. That is the local people's philosophy of life.