Nature, locals degrade Điện Biên Phủ historic complex

Tourists visiting part of the Điện Biên Phủ complex. 

Extreme climate change and escalating encroachment by local people looking to expand their homes and farmland are threatening Điện Biên Phủ historical tourism complex in the northern mountainous province of Điện Biên.

These factors are also hindering the protection and preservation of the special national historical site, an authority official has said.

Phạm Việt Dũng, director of the Điện Biên Province’s Culture, Sports and Tourism Department, said that over the past several years, the conservation, restoration and protection of the Điện Biên Phủ War historical complex has faced increasing obstacles due to natural impacts and shortcomings in law enforcement efforts to stop violations.

Dũng said the complex, with a total of 45 relic sites, sprawls across different geographical areas under the administrative management of many local authorities, including the Tuần Giáo and Điện Biên districts and the Điện Biên Phủ Town, as well as other remote localities.

The relics were built long ago by different kinds of materials, most of which are not particularly sustainable, so they were always bound to be damaged by erosion, deformation and even simply the tropical weather of heat and high humidity, as well as extreme climate changes around the year, according to the provincial official.

Meanwhile, near many relics in the Điện Biên Phủ Town, local households living in the protected area of the tourist site have been seeking to expand their homes, encroaching on the site.

“This has caused negative impacts on the management of the relics,” said Dũng.

At present, the work of land clearance, demarcation, satellite positioning of the relics and granting land use licences has been implemented poorly.

“Only 28 among the 45 protected relics in the site have been demarcated for protection. The boundary demarcation markers are scattered and far away from each other. Local residents sometimes intentionally move the markers to take the land for their own purposes,” said the official.

A report from the Điện Biên District authority recently revealed residents in Thanh Nưa Commune, Điện Biên District, have been escalating squatting along the protective corridor 2 of the Độc Lập Hill—one of the major relics in the complex—despite warnings from local authorities.

The report said that most of the squatting had occurred since April and was intended to secure land to build more housing and cultivate more farmland.

Two households in the Nà Nhạn Commune, also in Điện Biên District, had violated the rules protecting the special national historical relics by building two houses on stilts and installing some living facilities near Kéo Pháo Monument in July.

Those residents were living just 60m from the protected site, famous for depicting soldiers pulling artillery by hand during the war against the French.

Dũng said since receiving reports from local authorities about the damage to historical relics’ protected sites, the department had authorised all of its units in localities to intensify the dissemination of information to improve awareness and responsibility on the protection of the sites.

The province appealed for people to follow State regulations and policies for the preservation of national heritage by limiting the effects from nature and preventing the destruction by humans.

In the long term, the provincial official said the department would submit a plan with adequate measures and fully regulated documents to undertake legal procedures to grant land use licences for households living in and around the protected sites.

“The plan will provide firm legal foundations to boost the management and cope with violations in the complex,” according to Dũng.

Earlier in 2016, the provincial department provided advisory dossiers to the provincial People’s Committee on promulgating regulations on management, protection and preservation of historical relics in the province. 

The committee has also submitted to the Government a long-term plan towards 2030 on the management, protection and preservation of the Điện Biên Phủ historical and tourism value.

If the plan is approved, it would help provide long-term and comprehensive solutions for the authorities to overcome current obstacles, according to the official. 

Music show and activities to honour General Giáp

General Võ Nguyên Giáp (fourth from right) discusses strategy with members of the Điện Biên Phủ Strategy Directing Board in March 1954. — File Photo

A special music show dedicated to Gerneral Võ Nguyên Giáp will be held at the Culture Centre of the central province of Quảng Bình on August 18, local authorities have confirmed.

The show aims to celebrate 73rd anniversary of the August Revolution (August 19) and National Day (September 2), the 107th birthday (August 25) and fifth anniversary of the death (October 4) of General Võ Nguyên Giáp, who was born in the province, said Trần Vũ Khiêm, director of the province’s Culture and Sports Department.

The show titled Hát Câu Hò Khoan Nhớ Về Đại Tướng (Singing Folk Songs to Remember the General) expresses the appreciation of Quảng Bình’s people for the General.

It will feature Lệ Thủy folk songs to praise traditional culture.

On August 25, the General’s birthday, various activities will be organised at the General’s homeland, Lộc Thủy Commune, Lệ Thủy District, including an incense procession at the General’s tomb site at Vũng Chùa–Đảo Yến in Quảng Trạch District, the General’s photo procession from the Memorial House in Lộc Thủy Commune to the Traditional House at the Lệ Thủy District’s centre.

On this occasion, Lệ Thủy District will host a photo exhibition featuring local tourism potential, visit families and revolutionaries, and hold a swimming race, a traditional boat race on Kiên Giang River and a volleyball tournament.

An exchange show between veteran revolutionaries and young people themed "General Võ Nguyên Giáp in the Youth’s Hearts" will be held at Lệ Thủy District’s Culture-Sport Centre on August 20.

General Võ Nguyên Giáp (1911-2013) was a Vietnamese general and a politician who is considered one of the greatest military strategiests of the 20th century. He first gained prominence as the military leader of the Việt Minh resistance against the Japanese occupation of Việt Nam and was a crucial military commander in two wars: the French Resistance War (1946-54) and the American War (1955-75). He made great contributions in various historically significant battles: Lạng Sơn (1950), Hòa Bình (1951–52), Điện Biên Phủ (1954), the Tết Offensive in Huế (1968), the Easter Offensive in Hà Nội (1972) and the final Hồ Chí Minh Campaign to liberate Sài Gòn (1975).

Resort wins record for having most plants in VN

A panoramic view of the Forest in the Sky building. — Photo courtesy of the resort

Flamingo Đại Lải Resort has received new records from the Việt Nam Record Organisation, bringing the resort’s total number of awards and special records to 46.

Located by Đại Lải Lake in the northern province of Vĩnh Phúc, the site is attractive to tourists thanks to its beautiful landscape, professional tourism services and luxurious accommodations.

Among the records, three were given to Forest in the Sky building — the building has the largest number of plants in Việt Nam, the largest hanging garden in Việt Nam and the largest spa area — the  SEVA Spa & Beauty Destination. Flamingo Resort Đại Lải Resort was also granted the record for winning the largest number of architectural awards in the country.

The records were announced at the grand opening ceremony of the Forest in the Sky building organised last week. Addressing the ceremony, Nguyễn Văn Tuấn, head of the Việt Nam National Administration of Tourism, praised the efforts of the Flamingo Group in investing in the site’s development and contributing to the provincial tourism growth.

The unique lush green complex of the Forest in the Sky building is a beautiful upscale getaway, featuring spectacular views, sweeping panoramic landscapes, luxurious spa complex, kid’s play station, cinema, virtual reality game zone and 181 fully equipped facility apartments.

"We grew 76,000 plants including precious and rare imported roses, each carefully selected and placed to please the eyes of the visitors," said Lê Thị Vân Anh, vice director of the Flamingo Group.

“Residents and guests can enjoy a tranquil life, lake, pine forest, rose garden and outdoor art zone outside their doors.”

The SEVA Spa & Beauty Destination covers a total area of 5,000sq.m featuring over 100 functional relaxing rooms such as quartz stone sauna, clay room, volcanic rock, cold and snow room and oxygen room. All the services were designed in consultation with experts from France, Dubai and South Korea.

Before, the resort received many international awards and national records such as Top 10 most beautiful resorts of the World from Design Boom Online Magazine in 2014 and Vietnamese Record for “The resort having the biggest lakeside art space in Việt Nam”. 

Photo contest dedicated to Hoàng Su Phì tourism kicks off

A breathtaking view of the Hoàng Su Phì terrace fields. — Photo courtesy of Hà Giang Tourism Department

A photo contest featuring the natural and cultural beauty of Hoàng Su Phì District kicked off on August 10 with the aim of promoting the tourism potential of the region.

Located in the northern mountainous province of Hà Giang, Hoàng Su Phì District is known for picturesque terraced fields which are recognised as a national heritage, one of the most beautiful landscapes in the whole country.

It is a popular destination for both domestic and foreign tourists who come to enjoy the breathtaking views of the terrace fields and the unique culture of the local people.

The contest is open for all professional and amateur photographers from now to September 10.

They can send entries to the organiser at Hoàng Su Phì District’s Culture and Information Office or via email [email protected].

An exhibition and award ceremony will take place on September 14 during Tourism and Culture Week entitled ‘To the Land of Terrace Fields’, held in Hoàng Su Phì District.

Lù Văn Chung, vice chairman of the Hoàng Su Phì District’s People’s Committee, said the photos should cover the beautiful landscape, historical sites, traditional culture of ethnic groups, festivals and ordinary life of the local people.

“The contest honours photographic creations of the authors, as well as provides a huge source of photos to promote local tourism and lure more tourists to discover Hoàng Su Phì District,” he said.

The picturesque terraced fields in Hoàng Su Phì are a worthy reward for tourists who overcome the long road full of obstacles. In each season, Hoàng Su Phì attracts tourists with a different landscape. In May (beginning of the rainy season), farmers plow and flood terrace fields with their irrigation systems. During this period their fields looks like pieces of curved mirror. As the rice grows, their fields are awash with various shades of green. Then September and October is the most beautiful time for photographers. Rice terrace fields are brightly coloured in harvest season.

The Hoàng Su Phì terraced rice fields cover 760ha in Bản Luốc, Sán Sả Hồ, Bản Phùng, Hồ Thầu, Nậm Ty và Thông Nguyên. 

Veteran singer to host live show

Singer Khánh Ly discusses her upcoming live show at a press conference on August 7. — Photo beautyworld.net.vn

Popular pop singer Khánh Ly will host a live show at Hà Nội Opera House on August 12 and 15.

Titled Như Một Lời Chia Tay (Like Words of Farewell), the show will feature various songs by late composer Trịnh Công Sơn. Khánh Ly has been among the best performers of the songs, some of which were written specifically with her voice in mind.

The show will move to Hải Phòng on August 18 and Đà Nẵng on September 1 before moving to Nha Trang and HCM City (where the performance dates are not yet fixed). Part of the proceeds will be set aside for Vòng Tay Nhân Ái (Humanity Embrace) charity fund.

The show will be divided into two parts. The first part features songs from Sơn’s album titled Da Vàng (Yellow Skin) and the second part will focus on his most popular love songs performed by Khánh Ly and other singers like Quang Thành, Paolo and Tuấn Ngọc.

Born in 1945, Khánh Ly started her career as a singer in 1962. She sang at Anh Vũ Tea House on Bùi Viện Street in what was then Sài Gòn (now HCM City) before becoming popular with Sơn’s songs. In 1967, songstress Ly and composer Sơn became a phenomena of Vietnamese contemporary music.

In 1975, she moved to the US and has lived there ever since.

By the end of July, fake news spread on Facebook that Khánh Ly passed away. She hosted a press conference in Hà Nội to inform the public about the show on August 7.

Ly said she had been rumoured to die many times.

“At this age, I consider death a minor event, which may make me happier,” she said.

“Only family members who are still alive may feel a loss when I die. So I have tried my best to bring happiness to people surrounding me.

“I still perform though my voice is no longer as beautiful as it was before. But the performances make me and the people who love me happy.”

Explaining the title of the show, Ly said she borrowed the title of a song by Sơn to name the show: Như Một Lời Chia Tay (Like Words of Farewell).

“Today I have a chance to meet you, tomorrow we will depart for other places. We may never meet one another again,” she said.

“We say ‘good-bye’ and leave beautiful impressions on one another. That’s enough.”