Sunday, May 24, 2015

Xam singing is a unique traditional folk music in Vietnam

Xam singing is a folk music genre which was previously circulated mainly in Northern provinces of Vietnam such as Bac Giang, Hanoi, Ha Dong, Haiphong, Ninh Binh, and Thanh Hoa... with unique performances featuring regional cultural characteristics. Later, due to wrong opinions, Xam singing disappeared, and it was put in danger. Acknowledging the great artistic value of Xam singing, a group of researchers restored successfully Xam singing - the unique traditional Vietnam folk music. Having a chance to explore more about traditional folk culture in general and traditional folk music in particular is an interesting in any Vietnam tours.
Vicissitudes of Xam singing
Xam Artists
Xam Artists

Xam singing is a unique folk performing art which was born in over 700 years ago. Besides artistic values, Xam singing is a Vietnam folk music with humane, aesthetic features, ethical education and lifestyles of all strata of Vietnam society. Late 19th century and early 20th century is the heyday of Xam singing. At the time, it was not just simply a recreational activity of peasants, but also a way to make one's living in cities. It was taught from generation to generation. In the popularity of Xam singing, some blind or poor people who had the talent of music took advantage of Xam singing to earn a living. Since then, Xam singing became the "specialty" of the poor. The number of Xam singers was highest in the French occupation and early years of French resistance war.It is said that Xam singing was a spiritual "meal" of labor force for a long time. It mentioned many fields and contexts of daily life, and society. Not only does Xam singing the public, but also at events of weddings, funerals, and death's anniversary... One of the unique features of Xam singing art is a communication channel with a very powerful voice. During the resistance wars against the French and the US, Xam appeared and brought its role into play significantly. To encourage heroic struggle spirit of soldiers, the Xam singing artist Minh Sen (in Thanh Hoa) performed in battles to bring happiness to soldiers. And, Xam singing artist - Ha Thi Cau in Ninh Binh - is dubbed the last Xam singer of the 20th century. She composed the Xam song "Theo Dang tron doi" (Follow Party forever), even though she is illiterate. In the mid-20th century, Xam singing was associated with famous artists such as Nguyen Van Nguyen, Vu Duc Sac, Than Duc Chinh, Nguyen Phong Sac, Trum Khoan, Chanh Truong Mau, Dao Thi Man, Tran Thi Nhon, Tran Thi Thin, Nguyen Van Khoi, and other unknown artists. However, up until now, few artists of Xam singing exist, especially the artist considering Xam singing as a day job is Mrs. Ha Thi Cau the youngest wife of Truong Chanh Mau in Ninh Binh. From the 60s onwards, for different reasons Xam singing in Vietnam gradually disintegrated and not active anymore. Xam talented artists are too old. They gradually pass away and bring along unique artistic values of the art. Social life of Xam artists does no longer exist, Xam singing art has been forgotten, almost lost.
Origin of Xam singing
Xam performance
Xam performance

According to document, Xam singing came into being in the 14th century. From its appearance to the first half of the 20th century, Xam singing was called different names like busking or troubadours. But in fact, Xam singing is a professional folk music genre, a unique oratorio style in traditional Vietnam music treasure with a deep, ingenious and attractive storytelling. In the feudal period, Xam singing was the voice of protesting and condemning the injustices, oppression, and vices of society. After wars, Xam folk songs were used as tools to promulgate policies and guidelines of the Party and State.Todays, in Vietnam tour packages in Hanoi, travelers have more chance to admire the unique art on old streets of the Vietnam’s capital. Xam singing is often performed on Hang Dao Street in Hanoi Old Quarter. It is said that Xam singing has eight main tunes: X©m chã, X©m xoan, Huê tình, X©m nhà trò, Nï oán, Hò bÑn mùa, Hát ai, and Th­p ân. In Hanoi, there is a unique Xam singing style found nowhere - Xam singing on trams. Previously, to meet the satisfaction of audience, Xam singing artists added famous poems in Xam songs, which made the art become a second-to-none street music in Thang Long - Hanoi. In the system of Xam singing tunes, there are special and outstanding melodies which are often borrowed by other Vietnam art such as Cheo singing, Ca Tru singing... In the past, Xam singing was also performed in assembly halls. It proves that artists of Ca Tru singing respect Xam singing very much. They keep the word "Xam" in this tune, pointing out the origin of the melody.
The last Xam singing artist
Mrs. Ha Thi Cau

Up until now, many people think that Xam singing is the singing style of the blind or beggars. In fact, the disadvantaged people use Xam singing to make their living. Therefore, Xam singing is a professional music type. The difference is that Xam singing stages are streets, banyan tree, berth, and courtyard... In the past, Xam singing was associated with daily life of Vietnamese peasants. Normally, after the harvest, Xam singing groups were invited to perform in rich households.Among Vietnamese traditional music, only Xam singing is regarded as a job to earn a living. As being a product of working men, the music characteristics are rustic and sincere, but possess profound ideological contents. Xam singing lyrics are not only rich in genres such as folk songs, proverbs, and poems of famous authors, but also very diverse in terms of content. The lyrics of Xam imply ethical teachings in life. The unique thing of Xam is that even though the content is about love, nature, war, or public relations... the Xam singing artists "tell" by a witty, catchy, and easy-to-remember music. The art really needs reserving and promoting by later generations. Source: http://www.alotrip.com

Friday, May 22, 2015

A memorable trip to Pirate Island Vietnam

Pirate Island, also known as Ha Tien Islands in Kien Giang, is a strange destination. Pirate Island is the name of an Archipelago of 16 islands. The biggest island is Hon Tre Island (Hon Doc) in Tien Hai Commune of Ha Tien District. It is about 28km from Ha Tien Beach, and 40km from Phu Quoc Island. With the special name, travelers in Vietnam tours to Kien Giang can somehow image about the past in this island. Due to situating from Ha Tien - Rach Gia Gulf to the Gulf of Thailand, an important trading route from China to Western countries, from centuries ago, the archipelago was an ideal place for pirates to shelter and attack merchantman.
Hon Heo-Ba Lua Islands
Hon Heo
Until early 20th century, piracy remains rife here. It was not just an obsession of many ships, but also was regarded as a place of a treasure. Some people think it is a rumor, while other do not believe. It is said that in 80s of the last century, there was an invasion in this island with the purpose of looking for the treasure. There is a story about a 300-year-old map to look for the treasure and a great volume of ancient coin, which makes Pirate Island more special and attractive. Todays, apart from the curiosity by its name, travelers coming to Ha Tien Islands, Vietnam tour packages from Ho Chi Minh City, to explore a unique primitive beauty.
The best time to travel Pirate Island Vietnam is in spring when the sea is turquoise with gentle waves, which is suitable for those who often get seasick. Beaches in Kien Giang are not directly affected much by storm, but the rainfall volume is quite high. Before the trip to Ha Tien, it is necessary to pay attention to follow the weather forecast. From Saigon, it is easy to approach Ha Tien by mini bus, visit attractions in Ha Tien, and then travel to Pirate Island. The only way to get to Pirate Island is by water. Travelers can buy tickets at Ha Tien Wharf. There are two turns from Ha Tien to Pirate Island and vice versa, at 9:00AM and 15:00PM. It is highly recommended to arrive the wharf early to buy tickets. It costs about 50,000VND per turn. However, according to the latest news, from May 7 to the end of May, there is only one turn to Pirate Island per day, as one ship had to stop to maintain. The turn from Ha Tien to Pirate Island departs at 14:00, and from the island to Ha Tien at 9:00 AM of the next morning. Therefore travelers should arrange a suitable timetable if having intention to visit the island during the time. It is suggested that, you should call to ask for information in advance. It takes about one hour and 30 minutes to travel from Ha Tien to Pirate Island.
How to get there
Pirate Island Kien Giang
Pirate Island

In this island, you can ride a bike or a motorbike to get around without worrying about gettingl lost. There is only one road in this island, one side is immense sea, and another side is majestic mountains. In addition, you can get around the the island by motor-taxi, about 50,000VND/pax. Local motor-taxi riders are very friendly and hospitable. They are willing to act as a tour guide for all travelers. Moreover, if you have more time, you can hire a small boat to travel around the archipelago. The rate of hiring a boat for 10 person is about 300,000 - 400,000 VND/boat .
Where to stay
Ha Tien Islands
Ha Tien Islands

Many travelers coming to Pirate Island and shared that there were no services in this island, which is the most attracting thing here. At present, there are no hotels in Pirate Island. There are guesthouses only of local people. It costs about 50,000VND/night. In case, you are going on a picnic here, you can bring tent to make a camp on the beach. However, the island still lacks fresh water and electricity. Electricity in this island is provided by generator. Electricity is available in the morning, at noon, and in the evening. After 9pm, electricity will be cut off. You should prepare another battery in emergency. Food and belongings of people on the island are transported from the mainland; therefore, you should prepared some before going. If you want to experience the local life, you can order to stay with local people - homestay.
What to do
Ha Tien Beach
Ha Tien Beach

Pirate Archipelago has 16 islands, including Hon Keo Ngua, Hon Kien Vang, Hon Tre Lon, Hon Tre Vinh, Hon Gui, Hon U, Hon Giang, Hon Cho Ro, Hon Duoc Non, Hon Bo Dap, and Hon Doi Mo... Among those, Hon Tre Lon Island is the center of Tien Hai Island (Pirate Island). The island is portrayed by white smooth sandy beaches and turquoise waters. Here, you can freely immerse in the cool water, or participate in sea sport activities, explore colorful undersea world by scuba diving. The next stopover that you should not to miss when visiting here is the sovereignty milestone carved with 16 islands' names of Pirate Islands.
Most area of this island is covered by forest. Some places adjacent to sea water are barren and pristine cliffs. Here, apart from exploring and listening to stories about origin of the island's name told by locals, you will have a chance to experience natural landscapes with pristine and fresh atmosphere. One of indispensable things to do in Vietnam holidays in Pirate Island is squid fishing at night. If you are staying with local people, you can ask them for going with them to find new experiences.
In this island, there are many fresh and delicious seafood. Yet, at present, there are less restaurants and food stalls serving tourists in this island. travelers come here can make reservation in advance with locals then pay them money. Seafood here is provided by local people. Otherwise, you can come to the fishing port in the early morning to buy newly caught seafood.

Let’s discover the “strange” island with AloTrip – a reputable travel company, tourists will find many interesting things. At present, AloTrip is providing a series of information about traveling Vietnam this summer, especially information about ticket promotion to Ho Chi Minh City. Do not waste your time on choosing where to go this summer; Pirate Island in Vietnam is looking forwards to your exploration!
Source: AloTrip

Thursday, May 14, 2015

Why to try Halong and Phan Thiet seaplanes?

Enjoying spectacular views from high-above level or stunning feel when landing on water surface is a wonderful experience on seaplanes in Vietnam. Although having come into being and been exploited in recent time, seaplane flight service in Vietnam creates a definitely and peerage and unique experience for tourists in these Vietnam holidays. Most modern seaplane
Seaplane flight services in Vietnam are using Seaplane Cessna Grand Caravan EX - the most modern seaplane of the United States. The brand of Cessna Caravan C208 EX 2014 was numbered VN-B68 and VN-B469, and the latest one as VN-B466. The aircraft has the maximum capacity of 12 passengers. It reaches the speed of 300km/h. The seaplane can take off and land at normal airport and on the surface of water. In June 2014, Hai Au Aviation is the only airline receiving three seaplanes of Cessna in Wichita Kansas and flied to Wipaire Inc in St. Paul (Minnesota) to install Wipline 8750 float. Then, the seaplane took about 60 hours to fly from California, Hawaii, Marshall and Philippines to Vietnam. VIP check-in counters Passengers in Vietnam tours packages using seaplanes will not be worried about queuing at the airport to check-in. They will be supported by attentive staff to complete the check-in procedure in at a separate area without waiting. In addition, the information of passengers is prepared before. They just come to get the tickets. Private shuttle After finishing all procedure, passengers will be instructed to move to shuttle service area to travel to the seaplane. The flight crew includes foreign captain and Vietnamese co-pilot who will be waiting for passengers to welcome passengers on board. Sightseeing from high above
The seaplane has two seats for flight crew and 12 seats for passengers. It also has a wide windows, which facilitates passengers to contemplate the seascapes and landscapes from the height of 150-3,000 meters above the sea level. With the speed of 260km/h, the plane will not just save the time to travel to famous tourist sites, but also possesses a wonderful view from low level bringing a unique experience to passengers. In addition, tourists can enjoy the magnificent view of thousands of islands and islets with seaplane tours in Halong Bay, or admire the green color of rice fields or long-stretching sand dunes in Mui Ne, Phan Thiet. Sitting in seaplanes, tourists will have an opportunity to experience a second-to-none feeling in Vietnam tours. Unlike civil aircrafts, seaplanes bring a bit of strange but exciting, especially when it lands on the water surface. Professional staff When the flight ends, the captain and co-pilot will support passengers to get on board. Tourists will be taken care warmly and attentively with food and drink. Staff will be ready to consulate tourism services at the destination. Otherwise, you can share photos taken on seaplanes. The time from landing areas to the resort will be shorten with stories told by staff on board. Relaxing at luxury resort
In Vietnam seaplane services to Phan Thiet, tourists enjoying two night at the lush green space of private beach-front bungalows at Victoria Phan Thiết Beach Resort & Spa you will be served with high-class and unlimited spa treatments, along with a romantic dinner in candle light and the sound of sea waves. Each bungalow is designed in accordance with the style of rustic leave-roof houses in the countryside amid an attractive tropical garden. The main materials to build the luxury resort are laterite and coral with classic and liberal furniture. According to The Guide under Vietnam Economics Times, Victoria Phan Thiết Beach Resort & Spa is voted as one of the most beautiful resorts in Mui Ne - Phan Thiet. Ideal service fee
Tourists will have a chance to book Vietnam seaplane tours with an attractive rate. - Halong one day - two night tour: Admiring Halong Bay from high above - nearly 3 million dong per pax - Halong one day - two night tour: Hanoi - Halong flight: about 8.3 million dong per pax. - Phan Thiet 2-day 3-night tour: honeymoon seaplane for couple: 11 million dong per pax. Summer comes. If you want to renew and make your holidays in Vietnam different, let’s come and experience interesting things of seaplane flights in top famous destinations in Vietnam. AloTrip International Limited Company – a reputable and leading travel agent with the official website of alotrip.com will provide tourists with the most useful and latest information about traveling Vietnam and exploring top destinations in the country with this new tourism product – sightseeing by seaplanes.

Friday, May 8, 2015

Hue kites - High-flying culture

Hue ancient city had been the convergence of many pastimes such as making poems, playing cards in huts, and listening to Hue folk music. However, these entertaining activities just bring fun to joiners. Meanwhile, flying kites make everyone happy. People who fly a kite become a server meeting the happiness and admiration of onlookers. Hue kites came into being for hundreds years ago. They have been a featured Hue culture. Flying a kite is one of the most long-lasting recreational activities in Hue, attracting a large number of participants from children to the old people. It is not clear about the exact time when kites were born. It is said that, flying a kite was a game of children in countryside, and then the game spread and became popular in Hue royal citadel. For a long time ago, the royal class in Hue used to hold kite festivals in some big events. Since then, kites became more colorful and diverse in shapes. These kites are made of various materials by skillful artisans. The visual and performance art reached a high level.
To make a kite flying high, artisans must have a skillful, ingenuous and talent technique. The process of making a kite undergoes several steps from choosing bamboo to make frame of kites to decorate them. Each kite is an artwork which is the combination of many factors such as art, architecture, aerodynamics, and folk experience. Artisans do not fly a kite and let them free in the sky, they will control to create a lively and flexible kite depending on its theme. Hue kites are characterized by different beautiful shapes such as butterfly, phoenix, dragon, frog, horse… and harmonic colors. Each kite has its own beauty, size and visual art. The most interesting thing of Hue kites is the performing art. Kites’ performances are seen as on-air puppetry art in Vietnam. Hue kites do honor Vietnamese kites at domestic and international kite festivals in Vietnam. In 1992, in the framework of Vietnam – France cultural festival, Vietnamese artisans were firstly invited to France to perform flying kites, which attracted all onlookers.
In Vietnam tours to Hue, travelers not just have a chance to visit majestic Hue royal citadel, enjoy court cuisine, and court music, but also have an opportunity to explore Hue culture through vivid kites. Recently, there are Hue tours to explore kites. The exploring kite tours in Hue lasts about one hour. Travelers will be introduced by artisans with basic stages to make a kite. Travelers can join some of stages in the process, which brings an interesting feeling to them. Also, in this tour, travelers will have a chance to explore the history of kite art in Hue. Kite is an artwork, and artisans are architects and artists who ensure all kites to fly high. Many travelers coming to Hue are interested in Hue kites. They learn to make kites and bring them home as unique souvenirs. Flying kite becomes an appealing cultural sport. At present, there are many craft villages in Hue making kites, which are attractive and featured tourism services. In Vietnam travel, tourists will have chances to explore not only puppetry, water puppetry, but also air puppetry. Let’s come to Hue in summer to enjoy a flying kite performance in front of Ngo Mon Square or on beaches in Hue to feel the beauty of Hue kites.

Monday, May 4, 2015

Strange Vietnam tour packages attract travelers

To meet the demand of globetrotters in finding new things in Vietnam tour packages, tourism services in the country are becoming diverse and unique. Normally, travelers are enticed by rustic adventures or sea exploration tours. Summer is the most exciting time in a year. In this season, travelers have more time and chances to explore new lands and have new experiences. Vietnam becomes a popular tourist destination in the world with cheap travel expense and various interesting tourism products. Among present-day Vietnam tour packages, travelers are being enticed by some strange but interesting tours such as traveling by seaplane, undersea walking tours, or shooting fish. Seaplane tours
Being organized by Hai Au airline with leading modern Cessna Grand Caravan 208B-EX seaplanes and controlled by high-skill Vietnamese pilots, at present, Seaplane flight service in Vietnam appealing a large number of travelers who want to seek new feeling. Currently, there are available seaplane flight services in Ho Chi Minh City – Phan Thiet, and Hanoi – Halong routes, sightseeing Halong seaplane flights, Ho Chi Minh - Phan Thiet full tour packages, and charter flights. Now, there are 1-3 round-trip Hanoi – Halong flights, and 5-10 sightseeing flights in Halong Bay. By virtue of the special Vietnam tours, travelers have a chance to contemplate the panoramic and spectacular view of the bay. In the time coming, the airline will provide service of sightseeing flights in Saigon, Nha Trang and Mekong River Delta. In Ho Chi Minh City, travelers fly with seaplanes to admire the entire city view, and then land Saigon River or Can Gio to go sightseeing. Undersea adventure
Nha Trang City has been well-known for marvelous beaches, wonderful and primitive islands, along with many high-standard services of entertainment. In this summer, when coming to Nha Trang, travelers will have a chance to experience a completely new tour of walking undersea in Nha Trang – seawalker which seems to exist on TV. Wearing a diving helmet like astronauts, travelers can see colorful coral reef and diverse marine creatures under the sea through glass of helmets. Undersea walking tours are a new tourism service in Nha Trang travel organized by Holiday diving company. The service impresses tourists with new methods of diving and interesting scenery under the sea. Travelers will be provided with necessary equipment which will help them to explore the colorful marine life under the sea. That will bring amazing experiences in Vietnam holidays in Nha Trang. Shooting fish tours
Da Nang is not just famous for popular attractions such as Son Tra Peninsula, Linh Ung Pagoda, Marble Mountains and Ba Na Hills, but also second-to-non tours. In Da Nang tours, travelers have opportunities to contemplate striking landscapes and seascapes, but also enjoy diving tours and shooting fish under the sea – a new tourism product in the beach city. There are two options in this tour. One, travelers take part in diving shooting fish tours in Chao Island which is an untouched place suitable to backpackers who are fans of adventure tours. Second, travelers can join diving and shooting tours in Lo Beach or Nom beach in Son Tra Peninsula. In the tour, travelers will be taken to the diving spot and enjoy local dishes made from fish caught. Fishing tours
Mekong River Delta is one of attractive destinations in Vietnam. And, travelers will be more appealed by unique tours in the delta such as watching fishing tours on Vam Nao River, and motorbike tours around the southwest area. Tours of seeing catching fish on Vam Nao River are new and attractive to travelers in Mekong River Delta tours. Vam Nao River is the biggest part connecting Tien River and Hau River. Coming to Vam Nao River, travelers can participate in catching fish and cooking local dishes with indigenous people. That will be unforgettable memories. The tour is suitable to all travelers, especially those who love adventures. Are you wondering where to go and what to do in this summer vacation? That will be an interesting idea to begin your holidays by spending time on discovering natural life in Vietnam. Currently, AloTrip – a reputable travel company with AloTrip.com as its official website is providing a wide range of cheap airfares to famous destinations. Do not miss your chances and enjoy your holiday!