Ngoc Vuong

Photojournalism

Muong Girls on Long Coc Tea Hill 2024.

In early September, I set aside the busy pace of work to embark on a journey with colleagues to Long Coc, a serene region in Tan Son district, Phu Tho province, Vietnam. A friend, experienced in photography tours, had described the tea hills here as a breathtaking landscape, reminiscent of a fairyland—often compared to the “Ha Long Bay of the midlands.” Inspired by this, I led a photography group from Kuching, Malaysia, departing at 2 a.m. to capture the beauty of the region in perfect weather conditions.What a memorable experience! The day before, I had carefully planned for our group to depart at 2 a.m. sharp to catch the sunrise at Long Coc tea hill. However, due to an oversight, I mistakenly set my alarm for 1 p.m. instead of 1 a.m. Thankfully, the driver stepped in to assist, ensuring the group was ready for departure. Despite the mix-up, I arrived just in time at 3 a.m., and we set off as planned that night.多么难忘的经历！前一天，我精心计划了我们团队在凌晨 2 点准时出发，去 Long Coc 茶山看日出。然而，由于疏忽，我错误地将闹钟设置为下午 1 点而不是凌晨 1 点。谢天谢地，司机介入协助，确保团队准备就绪。尽管发生了混乱，但我还是在凌晨 3 点准时到达，我们当晚按计划出发。 The Enchanting Long Coc Tea Hills Long Coc tea hill is located in Long Coc commune, Thanh Son district, Phu Tho province, approximately 125 kilometers from Hanoi and 70 kilometers from Viet Tri city, making it a convenient travel destination. The area spans nearly 700 hectares of tea hills and is positioned along the route to several notable tourist attractions, including Hung Temple, Au Co Temple, Lac Long Quan Temple, Thanh Thuy Hot Mineral Water Resort, and Xuan Son National Park. Thanh Son and Tan Son districts are renowned for their tranquil natural beauty, enhanced by the unique cultural heritage of the Muong and Dao ethnic groups. These qualities have drawn numerous visitors, particularly photographers, eager to capture the captivating scenery. Upon arriving in Tan Son, the picturesque beauty of Long Coc’s tea hills immediately stood out. The tea plantations stretch across the landscape, appearing as perfectly shaped, upside-down bowls, gently rolling over the terrain. Small pathways weave through the hills, creating a mosaic that invites exploration. The view from the Bong peak, one of the best vantage points, offers a panoramic glimpse of the rolling tea hills, often shrouded in mist. This serene and ethereal atmosphere is especially enchanting in early autumn, where the shifting seasons add a fairy-tale quality to the scenery. A Natural Masterpiece As we wandered the narrow, misty paths between the hills, we marveled at the lush green expanse unfolding before us. The tea hills, set against a backdrop of harvested rice fields and silvery clouds, resembled an otherworldly, magical landscape. The scene was made all the more captivating by the presence of towering limestone mountains, which added to the distinctiveness of this midland region. It is said that the tea hills are most beautiful during late autumn and early winter. At that time, the air is cool but not harsh, and the golden sunlight casts a shimmering glow over the tea buds. The scenery seems to embody all…

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Traditional Art

Khmer Folk Dance in the Southern Region

A Brief Overview of Traditional Khmer Folk Dance in the Southern Region. Read more about All Mekong delta Craft Villages here | Unique Hair style of Flower HMong here Folk dance is a common form of dance among various ethnic communities in Vietnam, widely used in community cultural activities. Each ethnic group has its own distinctive folk dances. The traditional Apsara dance of the Khmer people is known for its unique and impressive courtly movements. For the Khmer people in the southern region, dance is an essential form of cultural art during festivals, celebrations, or rituals such as housewarming parties and weddings, creating a lively atmosphere of interaction and unity within the community. There are three main genres of dance: Classical dance for the royal court; Folk dance depicting traditional cultural heritage; Social dance performed during social gatherings. Robam Preah Reach Trop is a highly stylized performing art form originating from the royal court, often showcased on special occasions such as festivals, public events, and to cater to tourists at major tourist centers. These dances commemorate or invoke prayers and recreate traditional stories and epic poems like the Ramayana. Robam Choun Por in Khmer tradition is typically presented at the beginning of ceremonies or special events, performed by a group of Khmer young women in odd numbers (3 - 5 or 7 people) to wish for health, happiness, prosperity, and success. With graceful and elegant movements, the dancers hold golden cups, pick flowers, and delicately throw them towards the audience as a sign of honor and blessing. Trot dance is performed to ward off evil spirits and bad luck from the previous year and welcome the Khmer New Year. Chhayam - a famous entertainment dance known for its charm, involving comedic roles and beautiful girls. This dance is performed during festivals and celebrations. Kngaok Pailin - a dance depicting the movements and beauty of a peacock. The Khmer artisan performs a traditional dance in Bạc Liêu. Image captured by DUY KHÔI. The typical folk dances of the Khmer people in the southern region feature simple movements that are easy for everyone to imitate and integrate into. During traditional ethnic festivals and holidays, when the drums or traditional music resonate, pairs of men and women, old and young, gracefully engage in collective folk dances that are soft and charming. From a young age, every Khmer person is immersed in traditional folk dances such as Răm Vông, Lăm Leo, Saravan, which are taught by their elders. Creating the depiction of a goddess in the dance form of Apsara. One of the first traditional dances that many people are familiar with is Răm Vông, also known as Lâm Thôn, meaning circle dance, where couples dance in circles, gazing affectionately at each other, symbolizing closeness. The movements involve the women's arms sweeping forward across the chest, while the men's arms spread wide as if protecting their dance partners. The coordination between the arms and legs is crucial, with the arm corresponding to the forward…

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Craft villages

Mekong delta Craft Villages

The Mekong Delta is a region of the Mekong River delta. According to the statistics of the General Statistics Office of Vietnam in 2011, the total area of the provinces in the Mekong Delta is 40,548.2km², with a total population of 17,330,900 people. It is located adjacent to the Southeast region, bordering Cambodia to the north, the Gulf of Thailand to the southwest, and the East Sea to the southeast. When participating in tourism tours and researching craft villages, visitors will have the opportunity to explore the technical process of traditional crafts, immerse themselves in the community life with customs, practices, and rituals of traditional craft villages. In the Southwest region, as of the end of 2009, there were about 164 craft villages, including: 38 bamboo and rattan craft villages; 16 weaving villages; 8 pastry-making villages; 7 flour-making villages; 7 brick and pottery villages; 5 coconut product-making villages; 4 core tile-making villages; 3 broom-making villages; 2 wine-making villages; and other products such as forging, drums, ancestral altars, ornamental flowers, and boats, with only 01 craft village. Below, I will briefly introduce some famous crafts and craft villages that can contribute to the development of tourism: AN GIANG: The entire province of An Giang currently has 82 traditional handicraft villages associated with tourism development services (including 24 villages recognized by the provincial People's Committee, 14 traditional craft villages that have existed for over 50 years): Tan Chau silk craft village Van Giao and Chau Giang brocade weaving villages. fishing net-making village; household wooden furniture-making villages like Long Giang, Long Dien, My Luong, and Cho Thu (Cho Moi). bamboo and rattan weaving village Long Giang. strawberry farming, silkworm breeding, and silk weaving in Tan Chau. ironwork in Phu My (Phu Tan) weaving in Cu Lao Gieng (Cho Moi) brick and tile making in Chau Thanh and Chau Phu glass painting in Long Dien B and My Luong (Cho Moi) fish cage farming in Chau Doc and My Hoa Hung (Long Xuyen) brocade weaving in My A (Tan Chau town) Champa silk weaving in Chau Phong Uzu weaving village bamboo silk art palm leaf paintings bamboo basket weaving rice paper-making in My Khanh incense-making in Binh Duc (Long Xuyen) sugar-making in An Phu (Tinh Bien) bamboo-weaving in My An, Long Giang crab-shell craft in My Duc crab trap making in My An (Thanh Phu);… Tan Chau silk craft village - Click on the link to see map of the village BAC LIEU: Bac Lieu province has 6 famous and traditional craft villages. In Hong Dan and Phuoc Long districts, there are villages specializing in: weaving mats, bamboo and rattan weaving (Ninh Thanh Loi) makeshift village, blacksmithing, mat weaving, rice paper-making village (Ngan Dua township) woodworking village (Ninh Hoa) mat-making, knife-making, woodworking, Dong hai salt-making villages; leaf-rolling craft. The profession of salt making is known for its challenges, yet the resilient people of Bac Lieu are determined to persevere, with a strong desire to preserve the traditional craft. Photo credit: Phuong Nghi. There are…

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Featured Photos

Apple presents a collection of photographs by a female Vietnamese photographer.

"Apple presents a series of images by the renowned Vietnamese photographer, Khánh Phan. The official Apple account on Instagram recently showcased photographs captured by Khánh Phan using the iPhone 15 Promax. Khánh Phan, also known as Phan Thị Khánh, born in 1985 in Thái Bình, has gained recognition for her stunning photography depicting the beauty, culture, and people of Vietnam, winning top prizes in prestigious international photography competitions. Passionate about her country's culture, Khánh Phan long harbored the idea of creating a photo series to celebrate Vietnamese culture in a fresh and unique way. She explains, 'This series is based on the concept of honoring Vietnamese culture in a modern way, shot during the traditional Tet festival of Vietnam in 2024. From the traditional costumes of Vietnamese women, to the intricate details, patterns, and colors on the garments, everything was creatively combined with lighting, angles, and the charisma of the subjects to evoke mystery and allure in the photographs.' To date, Khánh Phan's photo series is the first and only collection by a Vietnamese photographer featured on Apple's official Instagram account. The images garnered over 35,000 likes and hundreds of comments within 12 hours of being shared on Apple's platform. The photographs captured by female photographer Khánh Phan have been featured on Apple's official Instagram page. Link : https://www.instagram.com/p/C_gEyesP5A9/?img_index=1 Throughout her photography career, Khánh Phan has received numerous awards both domestically and internationally. Her most prestigious accolades include winning the top prize in the National category at the 2019 Sony World Photography Awards and the Travel category in 2021. Currently, Khánh Phan possesses an Instagram account, @khanhphanphotography, which has amassed over 45,000 followers. The Sony World Photography Awards is a prestigious honor and one of the largest photography competitions in the world, receiving over 300,000 submissions each year. In 2024, the competition saw an impressive increase with over 395,000 entries from more than 220 countries and territories. The top prize for the competition reaches up to $25,000. The winning entry in the Travel category of the Sony World Photography Awards (SWPA) 2021 was a photograph capturing dried fish by Khánh Phan. The image was taken by Khánh Phan and awarded first place in the competition. The photograph capturing a father and son in disguise at a festival in the Central Highlands of Vietnam won first prize in the National category of the 2019 Sony World Photography Awards (SWPA). Image: Khánh Phan. Some of the international photography awards that Khánh Phan has previously won include: First Prize in the People category at the 2019 Drone Siena Awards, First Prize at Skypixel 2019, and most recently the Grand Prize at the Skypixel 2023 awards. The Floral Dress (Váy Hoa) piece wins the prestigious Grand Prize at the Skypixel 2023 awards with a value of $15,000. Image: Khánh Phan. At dawn, the sun rises from the sea, scattering water droplets, and as evening falls, the aging sun turns ripe red before sinking into the sea after a day of self-combustion. Cre: Khanh Phan

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Photojournalism

The unique hairstyles of Flower H’Mong women are truly captivating.

When encountering Flower H' Mong women, their colorful embroidered dresses are not the only eye-catching feature. Of particular note is the large, heavy hair bun atop their heads. 遇见孟化族妇女，她们色彩鲜艳的绣花衣裙并不是唯一引人注目的特色，尤其引人注目的是她们头顶上那又大又重的发髻。 For centuries, the H'mong people have been migrating to the high mountainous regions of Ma Thi Ho - Muong Cha - Dien Bien to establish their villages, with approximately 80 households currently residing there. Despite the impermanence of change, the cultural consciousness of the H'mong community in this area remains steadfast. A prime example of this is their traditional attire, characterized by black hemp fabric tunics with a V-neckline embellished with vibrant embroidered patterns. Additionally, distinguishing between the various branches within the H'mong community is the embroidered Sunday motif on the back of their garments. 几个世纪以来，苗族人一直迁徙到马氏湖 - 芒查 - 奠边的高山地区建立自己的村庄，目前约有 80 户人家居住在那里。 尽管变化无常，但该地区苗族社区的文化意识仍然坚定不移。一个典型的例子是他们的传统服饰，其特点是黑色麻布束腰外衣，V 形领口饰有鲜艳的刺绣图案。此外，苗族社区内各个分支之间的区别在于他们服装背面绣有星期日图案。 Additional information: The Mong ethnic group is comprised of three subgroups: Mong Hoa, Mong Trắng, and Mong Đen, primarily residing in the high mountainous regions of Bac Yen, Thuan Chau, Song Ma, Mường La, Mộc Châu, Yen Chau (Son La). They are known for preserving their ethnic identity in various aspects of life, including their traditional hairstyles. 苗族由三个支系组成：苗化、苗庄和苗甸，主要居住在北安、顺州、松马、芒罗、木州、安州（山罗）等高山地区。他们以在生活的各个方面保留本民族特征而闻名，包括他们的传统发型。 From a young age, Mong Hoa girls are taught the importance of their hair. Mothers meticulously collect and store their daughters' fallen hair strands, which are then woven into thick strands using a half chopstick. 孟化族女孩从小就被教育头发的重要性。母亲们会细心地收集和保存女儿掉落的头发，然后用半根筷子将它们编织成粗发束。 As these girls grow up, they learn to collect their own fallen hair strands while combing or washing their hair. When they reach adulthood, they weave these strands into elaborate hair buns that adorn their heads during traditional festivals and community celebrations. The hair bun of a Mong Hoa woman is not only a symbol of beauty but also carries deep cultural and spiritual significance. It reflects the mother's dedication to their children and imparts valuable lessons about diligence and skill – qualities that all Mong women embody. In contrast, Mong Đen women do not preserve fallen hair strands as Mong Hoa women do. Instead, they allow their hair to grow naturally. When they reach adulthood, they style their hair into buns adorned with colorful scarves or hairpins. Additionally, they may wrap a black linen scarf around their heads to enhance their overall look. 随着这些女孩长大，她们学会在梳头或洗头时收集自己掉落的头发。成年后，她们将这些头发编成精致的发髻，在传统节日和社区庆典期间装饰头部。 蒙化妇女的发髻不仅是美的象征，还具有深厚的文化和精神意义。它反映了母亲对孩子的奉献，并传授了关于勤奋和技能的宝贵经验——这是所有蒙族妇女都具备的品质。 相反，蒙旦族妇女不像蒙化妇女那样保留掉落的头发。相反，她们让头发自然生长。成年后，她们将头发扎成发髻，用彩色围巾或发夹装饰。此外，她们可能会在头上缠一条黑色亚麻围巾，以增强整体外观。 Some Mong Đen women tightly coil their hair into thick strands around their heads, albeit in smaller quantities compared to Mong Hoa women. Similar to Mong Đen women, young Mong Trắng girls also let their hair grow naturally. Upon reaching adulthood, they shave off a portion of their hair around the head and tie the rest into a bun at the top, typically adorned with a pointed black scarf embellished with bright red flowers. The meticulous care of Mong women's hairstyles exemplifies their cultural awareness and the values of patience and hard work. It also serves as a simple yet effective method of instilling discipline in their children. 有些黑苗族妇女会把头发紧紧地盘成一缕缕，虽然数量比蒙化族妇女少。 与蒙旦族妇女类似，蒙庄族的少女也会让头发自然生长。成年后，她们会剃掉头上的一部分头发，将其余的头发扎成发髻，通常会戴上一条尖尖的黑色围巾，上面点缀着鲜红的花朵。 蒙族妇女对发型的精心打理体现了她们的文化意识以及耐心和勤奋的价值观。这也是一种简单而有效的向孩子灌输纪律的方法。 Thank you for reading this article. I am eager to introduce foreign photographers to Vietnam…

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Photojournalism

“Ná Nhèm – A festival dedicated to the male genitalia procession in Vietnam.

Several countries around the world such as Japan, Greece, and even Vietnam continue to uphold the tradition of "ceremonial procession" during special occasions with various symbolic meanings. Time: Takes place on the 15th day of the first lunar month every year.Location: Mỏ village communal house (Trấn Yên commune, Bắc Sơn district, Lạng Sơn province). Historical background of the festival. The procession of the male genitalia symbol is one of the unique rituals to pray for luck and peace during the spring festival of Ná Nhèm (Trấn Yên commune, Bắc Sơn district, Lạng Sơn province). Significance: According to the local people, "Ná Nhèm" is a Tày word meaning "to make one's face dirty" or "to disgrace oneself." The festival is a ritual, a ceremony of offering to Thành Hoàng associated with the legend of protecting the village from enemies and cultural activities, games, and performances of the Tày people in Trấn Yên commune, Bắc Sơn district." The training session skillfully recreated scenes of ancient soldiers practicing combat, battling enemies, and engaging in sword fights. From early morning, a large number of individuals were present inside the village temple of Mo, where ritual offerings known as "Tàng thinh" and "Mặt nguyệt" were placed. "Tàng thinh" is a large carved wooden statue symbolizing masculine vital energy, while "Mặt nguyệt" represents the feminine reproductive aspect of women. When "Tàng thinh" and "Mặt nguyệt" come together, they harmonize to create peace, warmth, and abundant growth. Participants of the festival must smear dirt on their faces as they believe that doing so will confuse the evil spirits and prevent any ghosts from recognizing and haunting the villagers, causing disaster and illness for them and their families. Mr. Ngư, a member of the Tày ethnic group, arrived at 6 am to perform the ritual of smearing dirt on his face. Mr. Ngư shared that this is his sixth year participating in the festival, and he is pleased to see a large number of international tourists coming to witness the event. Around 10 o'clock, two ritual objects called "Tàng Thinh" and "Mặt Nguyệt" were carried out of the communal house, in the presence of thousands of local residents and tourists who had gathered outside eagerly awaiting. Leading the procession are two senior generals and their deputies, followed by the soldiers. Flanking them are offerings including: a bamboo tree, ceremonial umbrellas, moon-shaped lanterns, water, and various plants. The lieutenant general leads the way, holding a broom, simultaneously sweeping and performing sweeping motions to clear the path. The commander and lieutenant general must coordinate their movements and steps to ensure a smooth and rhythmic progression. Several strong and healthy young men in the village were selected to escort "Tàng thinh" and "Mặt nguyệt" to the Xa Vùn temple located approximately 500 meters from the village temple of Mỏ. After approximately 45 minutes, the procession brought the ceremonial offerings to the front of the Xa Vun temple for the ritual. In contrast to previous years, the organizers of this year's festival…

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Featured Photos Photojournalism

Hà Giang is a place where flowers blossom from the rocky mountains.

The region of Ha Giang is renowned for its rugged beauty and unique landscapes that captivate the hearts of photography enthusiasts. Each visit to this northernmost part of Vietnam fills me with a sense of renewed wonder and excitement, as if experiencing it for the very first time. Ha Giang, with its harsh summer heat and chilly winters occasionally blanketed in snow, offers a pristine environment and a landscape that is unforgettable. This land is aptly named the "land of blooming rocks," showcasing raw and untouched beauty that leaves a lasting impression. Nature has gifted this region with vibrant seasons of blossoming flowers amidst rocky plateaus. Furthermore, Ha Giang is home to the simple and traditional life of ethnic minority communities nestled in cozy villages. During my recent visit at the beginning of the New Year, I had the pleasure of witnessing the spring beauty of Sùng Là valley, Dong Van rocky plateau, Ma Pi Leng pass, and Nho Que River. Departing from Hanoi at 5 AM and traveling over 400 kilometers for more than 10 hours, I arrived in Pho Cao, a district in Dong Van, Ha Giang, in the late misty evening. The tranquil villages nestled under the hills exuded a serene ambiance as local women returned home carrying bundles of firewood after a day's work. Exploring Ha Giang further, I ventured to Sùng Là valley the next morning, situated 20 kilometers from Dong Van district along Highway 4C. Strolling through the winding dirt paths of Lao Xa village, I captured the essence of Mong ethnic architecture with their dark brown, yin and yang tiled-roofed homes set against the backdrop of ancient peach blossoms, cherry trees, and plum blossoms heralding the arrival of spring. In the afternoon, I wandered through the Sùng Là valley, where the playful rays of the setting sun danced upon the rocky mountains, intermingling with blossoming cherry, plum, pear, and mustard flowers, revitalizing the entire valley. The young H'Mong children in Sủng Là, Hà Giang Province. The beauty of peach blossoms in Ha Giang blooms abundantly during the traditional Lunar New Year period, along with the golden hues of late-season mustard flowers, and the pure white elegance of early-season plum and pear blossoms. Children play joyfully under ancient peach trees, amidst rocky outcrops, and carry vibrant yellow mustard flowers under the spring sun. Dong Van's UNESCO-recognized global geopark, known as the "heaven's gate" of the rocky plateau, bewitches photography enthusiasts like myself with its towering rocky peaks such as Sa Phin. Located 15 kilometers from Dong Van towards Yen Minh, I was fortunate to witness a breathtaking sunrise at Sa Phin, allowing my soul to soar amidst the craggy peaks harmonizing with drifting clouds in the early morning highlands. Leaving Sa Phin, I embarked on the legendary journey to conquer the mythical Ma Pi Leng Pass. Spanning about 20 kilometers, it is renowned as one of the four great mountain passes in northern Vietnam, alongside Khau Pha, O Quy Ho, and Pha Din Pass.…

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Craft villages

Quang Phu Cau Incense Village travel guide 2024.

Quang Phu Cau Incense Village, with its unique beauty in the outskirts of Hanoi, is a familiar destination for travel enthusiasts. With its diverse and colorful charm, it is a must-visit location for tourists exploring Hanoi. Location Precisely located in Quảng Phú Cầu village, Ứng Hòa district, Hanoi. the village has been a cherished landmark for over a century. Despite the changing times, the residents have stayed steadfast in their traditional craft of making incense, which has been passed down through generations. Not only a means of livelihood for the local community, Quảng Phú Cầu village also holds a special significance as a unique gem in the outskirts of the capital city. Various modes of transportation facilitate convenient access to Quang Phu Cau Incense village. Located approximately 35km from the city center, accessing Quang Phu Cau Incense village is convenient with various transportation options such as motorbikes, cars, or buses. Based on travel experiences shared with me, motorbikes are recommended for those looking for a more flexible mode of transportation in Hanoi. The cost of renting a motorbike in the capital is reasonable, around 120,000 VND per day depending on the type of bike chosen. Given the narrow roads and heavy traffic in Hanoi, a motorbike is the ideal choice for maneuvering through the city. For those preferring to drive themselves, a suggested route to Quang Phu Cau Incense village by motorbike or car is: city center - National Highway 21B – Provincial Road 429 – Quang Phu Cau Commune. Alternatively, if you prefer to sit back, enjoy the cityscape, and save costs, taking a bus is a suitable means of transportation. Head to Yen Nghia Bus Station and catch bus route number 91, which will take you directly to the famous Quang Phu Cau Commune known for its unique perfume village. Furthermore, with the Cat Linh-Ha Dong urban railway in operation, consider this unique transportation option to reach Quang Phu Cau Incense village. Travel to the final station at Yen Nghia Bus Station and transfer to bus route 91 to reach the Quang Phu Cau Incense village. Exploring the history of Quang Phu Cau Village by reversing the flow of time. For generations, the art of making incense has always been a traditional profession closely tied to the Vietnamese people. As time passes, fortunately these craft villages continue to thrive thanks to the skilled hands of artisan craftsmen. Among them, Quang Phu Cau Village stands out. Despite its nearly century-old existence, Quang Phu Cau Village remains a timeless gem, portraying the unique culture of the rural landscape of the North Delta region. During beautiful days, the sight of local residents arranging and displaying bundles of incense outside their homes will surely deepen your affection for this place. Originally centered in Phu Luong Thuong hamlet, the art of making incense gradually expanded to Dao Tu and Cau Bau hamlets. Over time, the entire Quang Phu Cau commune has become renowned as one of the most prominent incense-making villages in the…

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Photo Contests

Results of Mirror 2024 in Montenegro have been announced.

Photo Club Olcinium in the Republic of Montenegro organized the competition, under the patronage of FIAP (number: 2024/335), IAAP, PBA, MAPA, with five themes: freedom for color photographs, monochrome photographs, portraits, shadows and lines, and nature. A total of 173 authors from 50 countries around the world submitted their entries for the competition. The organizers of the competition have revealed the results, with Vietnamese authors winning awards in the following categories: Freedom of colorful photography: Silver SALON medal. Photographic work: Harvesting white salt - Author: Dương Văn Nhi. The photographic work titled "Seven-day Question Mark" authored by Vu Hai. Photographic work: Reducing the net after catching fish - Author: Ngô Thị Thu Ba. Furthermore, authors such as Vũ Hải, Nguyễn Hồng Hải, Dương Duy Khang, Lê Quang Viên, Ngô Thị Thu Ba, and Dương Văn Nhi all have their works selected for display in various categories of the competition. Detailed information on the award-winning photos and exhibition display can be found at: https://mirror.fotolcinium.com

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Craft villages

What distinguishes Bần Yên Nhân – a specialty offering to ancient kings and emperors?

Together with lồng nhãn (labelled lychee), Bần Yên Nhân sauce is a renowned specialty presented to kings in the province of Hưng Yên. It is one of the finest sauces in Vietnam. Nowadays, Bần village sauce has become a familiar condiment for people from all corners of the country. While planning a trip to Hanoi, alongside sightseeing and entertainment, you may also consider visiting ancient villages, traditional craft villages in the suburbs, and neighboring provinces. Among them, do not miss the chance to admire the peaceful beauty of Bần Yên Nhân sauce village (Hưng Yên) and learn about this famous specialty dish offered to kings. Introduction to the soybean sauce village of Ban Yen Nhan For travelers looking to explore the craft villages in Hanoi, a visit to the soybean sauce village of Ban Yen Nhan, located 25km from the capital city, offers a unique opportunity to immerse in the rural atmosphere of Northern Vietnam and discover the renowned specialty of Ban Yen soybean sauce. What is Ban Yen Nhan? Ban Yen Nhan is a town in My Hao district, Hung Yen province famous for its soybean sauce making industry. The tradition of producing soybean sauce here dates back many generations, known for its delicious and rich flavor. Ban Yen Hung Yen soybean sauce is highly regarded by culinary enthusiasts as one of the most famous regional specialties in the Northern part of Vietnam. "Tương Bần Yên Nhân is a common dipping sauce among the Vietnamese people The historical origins of the famous Bần Hưng Yên soy sauce The tradition of making Bần Hưng Yên soy sauce dates back to the 19th century. During soy sauce season in Bần village, every household would produce several large jars of soy sauce to use throughout the year. The rich and savory flavor of Bần Yên Nhân soy sauce is unforgettable, enticing anyone who tries it to crave for more. With its reputation spreading far and wide, Bần Yên Nhân soy sauce became a beloved condiment and a specialty of Hung Yen province at that time. Bần Yên Nhân soy sauce officially entered the commercial market in the 20th century, when National Highway 5 connecting Hanoi to Hai Phong was expanded. In the present day, very few households in Ban Yen Nhan are still manually producing soy sauce at home, as modern technology-driven soy sauce production facilities have taken over. This new method allows for fast production, ensuring food safety and hygiene standards, and facilitating distribution to provinces and cities nationwide, as well as for export. As of 2022, the Ban Yen Nhan Soy Sauce Craftsmen Association boasts 17 household members, with 5 members operating large-scale soy sauce production facilities that yield thousands of liters annually. The total annual soy sauce production output in Ban Yen Nhan has now exceeded 2 million liters. The process of making Tương Bần Yên Nhân A traditional delicacy loved by ancient Vietnamese kings, involves key ingredients such as fermented soybeans (also known as tofu, or soybeans). The…

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