Đề kiểm tra 1 tiết Tiếng Anh 12 - THPT Phương Xá

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Phuong Xa High School English Test - 12 (time: 45’) code: 001 I. Choose the word which pronounced differently from the rest: 1. A. heat B. scream C. meat D. dead 2. A. tease B. beat C. break D. weak 3. A. stopped B. followed C. rained D. believed 4. A. rains B. hands C. works D. seems 5. A. laughs B. books C. tops D. phones II. Choose the best answer: 1.Hellen: “ Congratulation!” – Jane: “ ………………… A. What a pity B. Thank you C. I’m sorry D. You’re welcome 2. Although his parents are very busy at work, they try ……… as much time with their children as possible. A. spending B. to spend C. spent D. much 3. He was often made ………… milk by his mother. A. drink B. drinks C. to drink D. drank 4. At the end of the letter Mary wrote “ Give my best …………. to your parents.” A. wishes B. hopes C. words D. belief 5. During the school year, he is not allowed …………. watch TV until he has finished his household chores. A. watching B. to watching C. watched D. to be watched 6. Many people believed that “ Men build the house and women make it home”. It means that ……………………… A. In the home only men build the house B. At home both the women and the men join hand to build a happy home. C. At home, only women make her house. D. At home, both parents and the children make their home. 7. Jone reminded me …………. his motorbike by 8o’clock. A. please return B. not forget to return C. remember to return D. to return 8. “I …………… for you so long, Peter. It’s time you gave up your behavior. A. have been waited B. has been waiting C. have been waiting D. has waited 9. Both verbal and non-verbal are forms of …………………… A. communication B. communications C. communicative D. communicating 10. Neither Tom nor his classmates ...........ready for the coming exams. A. are B. is C. has been D. was
III. Rewrite the second sentence in such away it has the same meaning of the first sentence. 1.“ I’ve fallen in love with a beautiful girl”, he said. => He said ………………………………………………………………………………….. 2. “ Well, I’ll see you tomorrow”, she said. => She said …………………………………………………………………………………. 3. “ I’m studying English tonight” Lan said. => Lan said …………………………………………………………………………………. 4. “How long have you been learning English?” he asked. => He asked …………………………………………………………………………………. 5. “ I sent her a valentine card yesterday”, she said. => She said ………………………………………………………………………………….. IV. Read the passage and answer the questions: I have traveling to different parts of my country, and I have learned a lot about interesting lifestyles and customs. In many ethnic villages I went to, I was impressed by some of their beautiful traditional customs. For instance, most of the villagers lived in extended families, and they held a close relationship among family members. In addition, young people always showed respect for their ancestors and for elderly people. People were also willing to give a hand when someone was in need. Members of the family helped one another with household chores as well as with farm work. While men were working in the fields, women were doing the household chores. While we were staying there, the villagers always gave us a helping hand and invited us to have dinner with their families on special occasions. In short, I highly valued the close ties in human relationship shown in the villagers’ way of living. 1. What has the writer learned according to the passage? ………………………………………………………………………………………………… …………………………………………………………………………………………… 2. Was the writer impressed by some of their beautiful traditional customs? ………………………………………………………………………………………………… …………………………………………………………………………………………… 3. What did the villagers do when the writer stayed there? ………………………………………………………………………………………………… …………………………………………………………………………………………… 4. Were people in the family willing to help each other? Give example(s)? ………………………………………………………………………………………………… …………………………………………………………………………………………… 5. What are your responsibilities in your family? ………………………………………………………………………………………………… ………………………………………………………………………………………………… ………………………………………………………………………………………… The end.
Ha Noi celebrates 1,000 years Celebrations to mark 1,000 years since the foundation of Thang Long-Ha Noi began at the Ly Thai To Garden yesterday. — VNS Photos Truong Vi Leaders attend the opening ceremony of festivities to mark the 1,000th anniversary of Thang Long-Ha Noi in the capital city yesterday.
HA NOI — National Assembly Chairman Nguyen Phu Trong lit a flame to the sound of traditional drums and gongs to officially begin the 10 -day celebration of Thang Long-Ha Noi's 1,000th anniversary yesterday morning. Party, State and Ha Noi municipal dignitaries then burned incense before the Statue of King Ly Thai To who transferred the capital from Hoa Lu in northern Ninh Binh Province to Dai La - now Ha Noi. The ceremony at the Ly Thai To Flower Garden, across from Hoan Kiem Lake, drew 1,000 guests, including senior General Director of UNESCO Irina Bokova hands over a Party, State and HaØ Noi officials as certificate recognising the Thang Long Royal Citadel as a well as foreign diplomats. World Heritage site to Chairman of Ha Noi People's Committee Nguyen The Thao. Elsewhere, thousands flooded into city precincts filled with flags, flowers, music and multi-coloured lanterns. Others watched the opening ceremony on giant screens installed throughout the city or on television. Ha Noi Party Committee Secretary Pham Quang Nghi emphasised that the historical transfer had been an extraordinary step for the nation that had reaffirmed the will to build national independence and unification and ushered in a new era for the Dai Viet (Great Viet Nam). "At this solemn moment, Vietnamese citizens from all corners express respect for and gratitude to the immense contribution of our predecessors to national defence and construction," he said. "Thang Long – Ha Noi is where the minds and hearts of talented and creative peple together with the golden hands of working people have converged to construct the capital." Doi moi (renewal) had highlighted Ha Noi's role as nation's capital, said Nghi as he described the city's achievements of the past two years. "Ha Noi is determined to fulfill the tasks of socio -economic development" and better serve its residents, he said. Honour United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO) general director Irina Bokova presented Ha Noi with a certificate recognising the Thang Long Royal Citadel as a World Cultural Her itage site at the opening.
Viet Nam's lively memories of the capital transfer 1,000 years ago, which "few countries could match," was to be admired, she said. But the general director, who dressed a traditional ao dai, cautioned that although UNESCO's recognition was an honour, it would require new commitment to their city from its residents. "You carry the responsibility to promote and preserve the heritage for the future generations," she said. The grand ceremony indicated the profound respect the Vietnamese people had for their predecessors and the mass attendance showed their strong link to their splendid past. The ceremony ended with the release of 1,000 pigeons as a symbol of peace. Phong Dieu (Bird Release) Club member Do Van Vuc of Soc Son District said: "The release of the 1,000 pigeons represents our memory of King Ly Cong Uan - the birth name of Ly Thai To. "It was a great honour to contribute pigeons and take part in the ceremony. I have never attended su ch a great event." The opening ceremony was followed with performances from thousands of artists on five grand stages around Hoan Kiem Lake. In high spirits Joy, emotion and pride were vivid on the faces of many people who attended the ceremony and other events. Ninety- year-old former Agriculture Minister Tran Van Quywas among them. "All the memories of old time Ha Noi seem to be reviving," he said after attending the opening ceremony. "I'm proud that Ha Noi is a city of peace and preserves its typical features. I hope the city will grow stronger and maintain its solidarity." Born and raised in Ha Noi, Hoang Thi Phuc, 81, arrived for the opening ceremony with two sisters and one brother one hour before it began. "I'm weak now and can't walk by myself," she said. "But I wanted to come here to witness these splendid moments for the city," explained the elderly woman whose family served with the army. "It's so emotional. "In our era, the nation was under-developed but now it becomes more and more beautiful each day." Phuc's younger sister, Hoang Thi Hong Van, who returned from the US for the a nniversary, shared the emotion.
"The organisation of events is excellent," she said. "I'm happy to come and live in the excitement of the festival. I'm happy to see the growth of the nation," said Van, who left Ha Noi 31 years ago. A delegation of 190 overseas Vietnamese from 34 countries and territories also returned for the anniversary. They represented more than 4 million Vietnamese living throughout the world. Vietnamese were not alone in enjoying the day. "I feel so good and so proud to be here in Viet Nam at this moment," said Nigerian Akau Ntekpere. "Ha Noi is very rich in culture and has a long history." Israeli amateur photographer and tourist Orna Kalgrad said she had n1ever seen so many people on the streets. "The people are so excited. Although I'm interested in photographing people, I'd love to look at the other activities." Four Belgian tourists wearing head bands reading "Thang Long - Ha Noi" said it was pleasant for them to join the celebrations just some hours after they arrived in the city. — VNS Historical force: On Friday, at King Ly Thai To Garden in Ha Noi, an art programme was held with the theme "Thang Long- Ha Noi, historic city with heroic traditions" to welcome the 1,000th anniversary of Thang Long-Ha Noi. VNA/VNS Photo Doan Tan
City of peace: On Friday, a pigeon was released by Returned Sword Lake (Ha Noi). VNA/VNS Photo Phuong Hoa Old tunes: On the stage in front of Ba Kieu Temple by the Returned Sword Lake, art shows were held to welcome the great 1,000th anniversary of Thang Long-Ha Noi. VNA/VNS Photos Nhat Anh Cross cultural: Thousands of domestic and foreign visitors attend the anniversary.
Sitting by the Returned Sword Lake at 5pm, a group of elders noisily talk about the coming 1,000th anniversary of Ha Noi that falls on October 10. With his sonorous voice, Nguyen Van Thang, 76, from Hang Dao Street, says he has been told that State employees will have four days off during the anniversary. "I will gather my children and grandchildren, and we will slaughter a Party: Hanoian and Russian children chicken and cook sticky rice to worship perform a dance with stuffed animals. our ancestors," says Thang. "Then my VNA/VNS Photo Thanh Tung family will take a taxi to visit the Thang Long ancient citadel and the Temple of Literature to see the relics left behind by our ancestors." Trinh Thi Mai, 70, from Ma May Street, says she has refused to go on a trip to Singapore that her so n had arranged for her. "I was born, grew up and got married in the Old Quarter. I witnessed each little change in my area a nd I love Ha Noi so much," says Mai. "As a child of Ha Noi, how could I go on a trip far from home during the great day of the Motherland? It would be a sin!" For elder residents like Thang and Mai, the anniversary will be a chance to commemorate and tell the ir descendants about their family's traditions. They will also have the chance to tell stories about Ha Noi's streets. At every street corner, people can see the physical transformations that are taking place to celebrate the anniversary. By the Returned Sword Lake and in the parks, elders chat about the capital's traditional customs and how their family is preparing for the anniversary. The atmosphere is reminiscent of the buzz that accompanies the Tet (Lunar New Year) holiday. On the main streets, people hang posters that are chalked full of slogans about the great day that w ill descend on the capital soon. Workers have buried cable networks underground to clean the streets and made flower arrangements that spell out slogans in celebration of the capital's birthday. Doan Mon gate, Kinh Thien Palace, Princess' Pavilion and other buildings inside the ancient Thang Lo ng citadel have completed and are ready for the celebrations. Visitors will have a chance to visit the citadel, which opened on Saturday.
The Museum of Ha Noi will also be a new, attractive destination in the city. Located in Me Tri Commu ne, Tu Liem District, the 54,150sq.m museum includes exhibition rooms, stores, seminar rooms and an outdoor exhibition area. Associate Professor Dr Pham Mai Hung, the deputy chairman of the Viet Nam History Science Associatio n, says the museum will be the most modern museum in Viet Nam. "The museum will also express the three features of Ha Noi: civilisation, heroic tradition, and loving peace." Grand parade A solemn and grand military march will help celebrate the 1,000-year old capital. The National Defence Ministry mobilised 12,000 soldiers to participate in the parade. During the last two months, the participating soldiers have practised many hours a day. "As a pilot, it is a dream to have the honour of flying in the historic Ba Dinh Square's sky," says pilot Senior Lieutenant Colonel Luong Van Lam. Lam will command and lead a squadron of 10 helicopters to fly over the Square on the morning of October 10. "The honour is great, but the responsibility for us is also very heavy," Lam says. "I was assigned t he task of leading the squadron. I have to make exact decisions while commanding the squadron in the air. Flight speed will be very important to reach Ba Dinh Square at the precise moment during the parade." Soldier Dao Van Thanh, who will operate the heavy-artillery section of the performance, says: "We must be very determined and exact, so each cannon shot will fit with the given words of the national anthem. We are all eager to complete our special task." From October 1-10, many activities will be held to celebrate the Great Anniversary.
They include the exhibition Famous Battles and Campaigns from Construction projects celebrate Viet Nam's Military History that will be on display at the anniversary Vietnamese Military History Museum on October 4. The Hearts for Thang Long – Ha Noi exhibition will be held at the Palace of Culture Construction projects to celebrate the and Friendship on October 5. anniversary include: upgrading the King Le Thai To statue; Thang Long On October 6, a traditional martial arts performance, Thang Long Tu Tran (four sacred temples that Spirit, will kick off at the Quan Ngua Gymnasium in Ba Dinh protected the four corners of the District. Hanoians and tourists alike will be able to visit the ancient Thang Long citadel); Ha Noi exhibition Ancient Ha Noi at the Museum of Ha Noi on Pham Hung Library; August Revolution Square; Road. Dan Xa Tac Square; Kim Lien-O Cho Dua route and Lac Long Quan Later that evening, visitors will be able to enjoy the Ha Noi Food Boulevard. Festival at West Lake Water Park. The city finished more than 30 On October 8, there will be artistic and cultural programmes for constructions before September 30 young people around Hoan Kiem Lake and at outdoor stages including: Statue of Saint Giong, throughout the city. In the evening, the Street Festival programmeStatue of President Ho Chi Minh will be held for young people at the Square in front of the State standing with President Ton Duc Bank. Thang, Ha Noi ancient citadel, Hoa Binh (Peace) Park, Vinh Tuy and On October 9, Thanh Tri and Vinh Tuy bridges will be inaugurated, Thanh Tri bridges, and Ha Noi along with Thang Long Boulevard at the Pham Hung-Tran Duy Museum. Hung crossroads. During the historic anniversary on October 10, there will be a solemn ceremony, with a parade that w ill celebrate the anniversary at Ba Dinh Square. On the evening of the 10th, 245 performances will be staged by domestic artistic troupes and 38 performances by foreign troupes. According to a plan approved by Prime Minister Nguyen Tan Dung, 65 structures were built or upgraded to celebrate the anniversary. Ha Noi also upgraded the city's infrastructure and decorated many boulevards and gardens with decorative lights, flowers and ornamental trees. Culture and history researcher Bui Thiet acknowledged that many construction projects were completed in time. "But we should not focus on appearance," he says. "Some publishers have also issued too many books about the anniversary, with some errors which may easily confuse readers." Associate Professor Dr Nguyen Thi Minh Thai, a lecturer at the Ha Noi University of Social Sciences and Humanity, says material and spiritual elements are equally important during the festivities.
"We shouldn't just think about the appearance of the anniversary. Our work should be rooted in a rea l love for Ha Noi." The Ho Chi Minh Communist Youth Union and Ha Noi Moi (New Ha Noi) newspaper held a competition to study "Thang Long-Ha Noi One Thousand Year of Civilisation and Heroism" to celebrate the capital's millennium. Centenarian Vu Duy Binh from Quang An Ward was the oldest competitor in the competition. "I attended the competition because I feel happy and proud of our 1,000 year old capital," he says. Binh says he has participated in previous competitions and he has won many awards. "I want to be a good example for our descendants. Only if they make the effort to read and study history will they become good people. "At the moment, the entire world is watching our city. I have collected a lot of material about Ha N oi and I want to introduce it to everyone." VNS
Old house in Hoi An maintains link with Oriental philosophies by Ngoc Duy As you look at the thousands of name cards and keepsakes that visitors have left in Tan Ky House in the ancient city of Hoi An, you won't have to ask how much interest there is in a house that has been recognised by the Government as a historical and cultural monument since the 1980s. Others may have their own reasons for loving the house, but for me, as I let the lady of the house guide me around, I feel like spending hours here just to contemplate truly old Oriental architecture, learn about the history that is integrated with every detail of the house, and meditate on life's ancient philosophies. Tan Ky Old House has been a popular The house, located at 101 Nguyen Thai Hoc Street, was built destination for foreign tourists visiting more than two centuries ago. The same family has lived in the Hoi An. home for seven generations. The name Tan Ky, meaning "Progress Shop", was given to the house by the second generation to express the owner's wish for a prosperous business. "Tan Ky still offers evidence of an era when trade with foreigners flourished in this major commercial port city from the 18th until the first half of the 19th century, a time when wealthy merchants built imposing houses like this," said Huynh Thi Tan Xuan, the house's mistress. At that time, the Tan Ky family traded in agricultural products. Their customers included local and foreign merchants from Southeast Asia and Europe. Two foreign tourists (right) listen to a guide in the house. — VNS Photos Boats sailed up the Thu Bon River to reach the house. Goods Ngoc Duy ready for sale were kept on the ground floor, while products to be sold later were moved to the upper storage floors by a pulley system. The storage area is just one of the many details of the house that has remained unchanged to this day. However, by the beginning of last century, Hoi An was no longer among the most important business centres of the region as a result of continuous floods that silted up the river and prevented big ships from entering the port. "Generation after generation, the Tan Ky family has made untiring attempts to keep the house in good condition, despite time and the devastation of floods," said Xuan.
She said the architecture is the most special thing about the house because it features elements of Vietnamese, Chinese and Japanese cultures from a time when the three communities lived together in Hoi An during the 16th and 17th centuries. The outside structure of the house is made of bricks and tiles, while the inside is made of jack-fruit trees, ironwood and peck-wood, which are very hard and durable. The floor is covered with stone slates and Bat Trang bricks, which came from northern areas of Viet Nam. The house is joined together with wooden pegs and rests on marble bases. Thanks to thick roofs and wooden walls, the house is cool in summer and warm in winter. The triple-beam structure consists of three beams, which represent heaven, earth and humans, and five round blocks, which represent metal, wood, water, fire and earth – the five basic natural elements in Eastern philosophy. The entire structure is a symbol of heaven and earth in harmony. The ceiling curves like a crab shell, hence it is called a crab -shelled ceiling. The roof is supported by two sabres wrapped in silk ribbons, which represent force and flexibility. The edge of the roof is decorated with four half-dragon fish, a symbol of people who succeed through hard work. "All of the carvings here are expressions of our ancestors' wishes for something," said Xuan. "Peaches symbolise the hope for longevity, bats for happiness (in the Han Chinese language the words for bats and happiness have the same sound), rolls of poetry for knowledge, wine gourds for pleasure, and pumpkins with many seeds for plentiful descendants." "The furniture and art in the house, much of which are original, are also typical of a bygone era," she said. One of the famous pieces is a pair of wood panels, which are inscribed with parallel sentences. Each stroke of writing is an image of a bird. One hundred birds in total represent honourable men and perfection, she said. "Another unique piece has an interesting story behind it," Xuan said, pointing at what she called the "Cup of Confucius". A legend says that when ancient Chinese philosopher Confucius nearly died of hunger and thirst on a journey through the desert, he met an old man who led him to a pond and gave him a cup to scoop water. He scooped up a full cup but when he brought it to his mouth, there was no water. Surprised, he found that the cup had a small hole at the bottom which water fell through when the cup was full. He finally understood that he could not drink the water unless he only partially filled the cup. Confucius then theorised that human beings needed to control their behaviours and keep their minds level, not in extremes, and live as gentleman with human love, faith, righteousness, wisdom and loyalty. Later on, the legendary cup that saved Confucius was named the Cup of Confucius and his followers produced similar cups in order to practise and propagate his doctrine.
The Cup of Confucius in Tan Ky house maintains its original strangeness because if someone attempts to fill it more than 80 per cent, all the water falls out, said Xuan. Xuan said Tan Ky, recognised as one of the best preserved and most beautiful old houses in Hoi An today, has the honour of receiving thousands of visitors every year. Many national and international leader s who have visited the house have left their autographs behind . "Preserving all of these values has become an age-old tradition in our family," she said. "My husband lives and works in Da Nang, but I stay here to look after this property and conserve our traditions." — VNS Basking in the unspoilt wild of tranquil Quan Son Lake by Minh Thus Quan Son Lake, with its many small islands surrounded by forests and hundreds of limestone peaks, retains its wild and tranquil beauty as an idyllic out-of-the-way picnic spot in My Duc District, 50km from central Ha Noi. The lake is considered a small Ha Long Bay on land. Passing the East Bridge, visitors reach a wharf where, for only VND60,000 (US$3), they can be taken around the 850ha lake area b y an enthusiastic boatwomen. Still waters: Travelling by boat is the best way to tour the islands and The interesting tour gives tourists a chance to behold the passages in the lake. — VNS Photos captivating scenery and enjoy the fresh air. The site is also the Minh Thu home of many varieties of birds, including the white egret. During the trip, tourists will also see unique white flowers floating on the surface of the lake. It's a strange plant native to the lake, with leaves as round as the moon and blossoms shap ed like starfish. Our boatwoman, Ngo Thi Huyen, told us a story about this flower. It was once called hoa tien si (scholar's flower) because, in the old days, poor students in the region couldn't afford to buy paper to study. They often sat at the lakeside, wrote on the plant's leaves, and studied under the moonlight in the hope of passing Blooming: Lotus on Quan Son Lake, examinations. When they were successful and became scholars, which is also home to many different the plant was renamed in tribute. types of bird species.
In Quan Son, there are many wonderful destinations, including Trau Trang (White Buffalo) Mountain, Su Tu (Lion) Island, Doc Lap Island, Voi Phuc (Kneeling Elephant) Hill and Hoa Qua Son (Flowers and Fru its Hill), each with its own natural attractions. The area is also famous for Linh Son and Ngoc Long caves, which are not large but are dramatic, with stalactites and stalagmites in various shapes of eagles, dragons, phoenix, unicorns and tortoises. Tourists who arrive in the rainy season in June and July may not have a chance to visit the caves, because the water level rises. But in this season, waterfalls run down into the lake from the high mountains, creating white spumes that add to the splendid scenery. After the boat tour, a rest on the islands is suggested, where stilt-houses serve as places to stop for a picnic. Visitors can bring meals from home or ask the ferrywomen to buy food for a delectable midday feast. Local specialities include chicken and goat raised on the island, as well as fish, crab and snails from the lake. Standing on the shore of Quan Son Lake, visitors marve l at the magnificent and peaceful environment, with imposing cliffs overlooking the green water and flocks of white egrets leisurely stretching their wings. From October to March, Voi (Elephant) Valley – the bird watching point in Quan Son – is especially appealing, with a great number of species flocking to build nests and shelters. Next to the valley, Huyen, our boatwoman, led us to an area filled with lotus. She said that we are so lucky to visit this place while the lotus were in bloom. The boat runs slowly through the kingdom of lotus, hindered by roots and sprigs of flowers and leaves. We were charmed by the perfume of the blossoms. Huyen suggested that we pick a leaf and use it as an umbrella to shade us from the sun. Because there were plenty of flowers, we were allowed to pluck a small bunch to bring home. There are also some pagodas in Quan Son, such as Cao and Ham Yen. However, Linh Son Pagoda, built during the Mac dynasty in the 16th century, is located at the foot of the mountain near Linh Son Cave and reflects on the surface of the lake. About 20 rowboats and several motor boats are available at the lake to serve tourists, Huyen said. — VNS
Remembering old Nha Trang by Le Huong The central coastal city of Nha Trang has long been famed for its beautiful palm-fringed beach, breath-taking vistas and succulent seafood. But if you're bored with lazy days by the beach, Nha Trang Xua (Old Nha Trang) is the place for you. It's hard to believe the resort, which occupies 2ha in Thong Thai Village at the foot of Giang Huong Mountain, is just 3km from the chaotic city centre. The resort has 11 bungalows nestling in a field of yellow rice – at least when I was there. The air is scented with the sweet smell of lotus flowers, and a gentle breeze wafts your cares away. Garden of Eden: On entering Nha The resort is owned by Truong Dinh Ngoc Yen, a Nha Trang- Trang Xua visitors go back in time to born woman, who loves peace and quiet. a golden era of peace and tranquility. — Photos courtesy of Nha Trang Xua "I used to spend a lot of time living with my grandma in the village when I was a child," she says. "Later, I went to university in Nha Trang, before opening a business in the bustling cit y. However, I always longed for the peaceful atmosphere that I remembered from my childhood. "I love seeing small birds pecking at food on the ground. I have always dreamt of building a small secluded garden like my mum's. My childhood is full of fond memories." Tranquillity: A lotus pond is a She followed her dreams and bought a small plot of land which resfreshing respite from the heat of she turned into a picturesque garden. summer. Visiting friends, urged her to open the garden to the public, so she established Nha Trang Xua in 2009. In the beginning it was just a small garden and a food court. But even then, about 200 people would visit daily – three times that number on the weekends. To create a local atmosphere, Yen has bought plants native to the area to her garden. There are also vegetables, fruit trees and herbs.
"The resort reminds me a lot of my grandparents' house in Vinh Phuong Village 30 years ago," says local resident Huynh Phuong. "Every corner of the resort is a reflection of different parts of Nha Trang in days gone by. The wet yin-yang roofed house in the middle of the garden, the pond, the mossy brick path." Yen has relocated houses dating back 100 to 300 years to the resort, which now comprises 11 houses; a food court capable of accommodating 250 diners; a food centre for package tourists and formal functions, which has a capacity of 700 guests; and a seven-room hotel. The restaurants offers more than 100 traditional local dishes, which are served authentically. "The resort is unique, local but professionally run," says Bui Minh Thang, director of Phuong Thang Tourism Company. "Nha Trang lacks places like this. It gives visitors an incite into local culture." However, Thang says the owner should advertise the place better to foreign visitors and provide better car- parking facilities. But these shortcomings do not put off Beth Keyser from Australia. "I like the small cosy and nature-friendly atmosphere of the resort," she says. "I have stayed in similar places in Thailand, but here, I feel like I'm experiencing Vietnamese life as it was in the early 19 th century. All the furniture inside the old house is authentic." Yen says she wants visitors to feel like they are in a time warp. "I want visitors to see a different world, to escape from the hustle and bustle of city life and return to the old peaceful days when people had time for one another. I want people to hear birds singing in the morning, smell the scent of flowers and discover themselves, something that can only happen in a place of quietness and harmony," she says. Lovely as the resort is, Yen is not happy – she has expansionist plans. "I want to relocate more old houses so that I can host wedding parties. I love to imagine a wedding procession proceeding down the path in a field of mature rice," she sighs. — VNS
Scented valley a haven from city bustle by Ha Nguyen A group of Duong Quang Chan's friends from Los Angeles was very excited about a two-day home stay tour in stilt houses in Lac Village. The village is located in the north-western province of Hoa Binh's Mai Chau District, some 120km from Ha Noi. Chan, who visited the village five years ago, said the village Peaceful environment: has gone through a lot of changes, with more of its Thai ethnic Visitors wander Lac Village people currently involved in tourism compared to his previous which has become a tourist visit. attraction in Hoa Binh Province. — VNS Photo "The road to the village is very nice, our car moves smoothly. The landscape is beautiful, too, with immense green fields and stilt houses going in and out of view as we pass through cloud covered mountain valleys," said Chan. "But we were amazed when we stumbled across Lac Village and the nearby Poong Coong hamlet, both nestled in a breathtakingly beautiful mountain valley. Gentle villagers did not hesitate to offer us food and accommodation, as well as a glimpse of a traditional lifestyle that has changed little by little Colourful performance: over the centuries," said Chan. Local women sing and Lo Van Then, the owner of a stilt house, said his village has 25 dance for foreign wooden and bamboo hotels which have been built according to tourists at a Lac Village a plan approved by the district authorities. traditional house on stilts. — VNA/VNS Photo "Many people called our stilt houses ‘hotels' but they're more Thanh Ha than that because they are built out of wood and bamboo, and include modern conveniences such as bathrooms, toilets and massage rooms. They are all very clean and fragrant with the scent of the wild flowers that surround the area," said Then, adding that almost all villagers earn their living from tourism. The stilt houses are built in the traditional design. They're very large, about 100-150sq.m each. For only VND30,000 (US$1.55), a traveller can enjoy a 1.2 by 2 sq.m sleeping area. A delicious meal for six c osts only VND200,000 ($10.31) for the group. "Our favourite memories of the trip were the community activities. Groups of travellers can join in traditional song and dance performances, such as the mua sap (bamboo pole dance), with young Thai men and women," one of Chan's American friends said.
"We will certainly never forget our comfortable and enjoyable stay here, especially the novelty of staying in a stilt house and the warm welcome we received from villagers," said Chan. Many of the local people have invested millions of dong to build stilt houses to serve travellers. They have also perfected specialities such as grilled wild pig and hand -made brocade and silk products, said village head Ha Cong Tim. The village is about 700 years old. Its population is made up of the five key family lines of Ha, Lo, Vi, Mac and Loc. "Their descendants are very well educated because there are no social evils such as drug addiction or theft in the village," Tim said. In the past, local people earned a living by growing upland rice and weaving brocade to sell to foreign tourists in Ha Noi shops. "Since the hidden charm of our village has been discovered by many, including foreign travellers, our village has been visited more frequently. Lac Village has become an attractive tourism site and it has been included as a destination on the Viet Nam National Administration of Tourism's official tourism map," Tim told Viet Nam News. "We welcome visitors year round. During peak tourism season, we have to open all local houses to guests. We established an art troupe which is now very professional and we produce many souvenirs such as Thai skirts, and brocade bags and wallets to sell to travellers," said Tim. Thai men produce hunting instruments such as arcs and crossbows, as well as gongs for guests to bring home as souvenirs or gifts. The number of visitors to the village has increased from a mere 400-500 in 1993 to 400,000-500,000 by the end of last year. Hemmed in between the fierce Da and Ma rivers, Mai Chau is the gateway to Viet Nam's vast north-western mountain region, home to various ethnic groups including the Thai, Muong, Dao, Mong and Hoa. During their journey, travellers will meet Thai women donned in their customary colourful garb, comm only comprised of a tight shirt half indigo, half white, a white waist band , and a long indigo skirt that touches the ground. Thai women always grow their hair long, but the style differs according to marital status. Single yo ung women wear their hair loose, but arrange it in a chignon after marriage. The women also dye their teeth black after marriage. Like women everywhere, the Thai save their best clothes for special occasions. Whether it's the rite when villagers pray for rain, or the procession to offer new rice to the gods, Thai women can be seen wearing elaborately patterned costumes. They consist of a black and white shirt adorned with floral embroidery at the hem and a colourful waist band. Jewellery includes silver bracelets, jade earrings and small bells attached at the waist. "These women make our life more significant and meaningful," said Tim.
The Viet Nam National Administration of Tourism already invested some VND10 billion to improve infrastructure such as roads, electricity and internet to Lac Village, said Tim. Trekking tours to grottoes believed to have been inhabited by ancient tribes and Thai cemeteries hidden among the limestone mountains had also been opened for tourists, said Tim. Public buses from Ha Noi to Hoa Binh travel along Highway 6 straight to the village. Tim said that Lac Village in particular and Mai Chau District in general were still poor and the local authorities were calling on local and foreign firms and organisations to invest more to help it develop and prosper. — VNS Tourists develop eco-awareness by Minh Thu I often tell myself that if in a given day I don't learn anything new or do something useful, then I have wasted that day. Before going on a trip with Peace Trees Viet Nam (PTVN), I didn't think that it was possible to have so many different experiences while I was on vacation. I was able to relax, travel, and chat with the locals, while also working to help people who are in need and learn from them. Low-impact living: The Old Quarter in Hoi An invites foreign tourists to join PTVN is not a travel company. It's a non-profit organisation. local community life. — VNA/VNS Through their tour packages, the company allows Vietnamese and Photo Vu Cong Dien foreign travellers to learn more about Viet Nam and work with social programmes. The tour company allows travellers to assist in the removal of land mines and unexploded ordnance (UXO) in central Viet Nam. Tourists will also be able to work alongside locals to help create an infrastructure that will create a safe and healthy future for residents of the central province of Quang Tri. During my trip, I visited the Truong Son Cemetery in Gio Linh District that is home to 15,000 graves of soldiers and civilians who Tipplers: Foreign tourists enjoy wine died while fighting against the US. After that we went to Vinh drunk from a jar through pipes of Mo Moc tunnels in Vinh Linh District, which housed an underground Nong ethnic people in the Central village built in the demilitarised zone dividing north and south Highlands province of Dac Lac. — Viet Nam. Later, we went to Quang Tri Citadel where Vietnamese VNA/VNS Photo Hong Ky soldiers fought a bloody 81-day battle. Finally we arrived at the historic Hien Luong Bridge over the Ben Hai River, which served