Hoang binh quan

Youths of Binh Dinh province respond to the “Border activities in March 2021” program

March 1, 2021 by en.qdnd.vn

After the launching ceremony, over 200 officials and local Youth Union members cleaned up Tang Long 2 beach in Tam Quang Nam ward, Hoai Nhon town.

Also, the Binh Dinh provincial Young Physicians Club worked with the Thu Phuc international clinic to provide free health checkups and medicines to 300 local people in Hoai Huong and Hoai Xuan wards of Hoai My and Hoai Hai communes, respectively.

In addition, the organizers handed over 300 national flags to Youth Union members and fishermen, presented 5,000 medical facemasks to border guards of Binh Dinh province, and offered 20 gift packages, worth VND 500,000 each, to needy students with excellent academic grades in Hoai Nhon town.

The program aims to celebrate the 90th founding anniversary of the Ho Chi Minh Communist Youth Union, the 65th anniversary of the Traditional Day of the Border Guard, and the 32nd anniversary of the Whole People’s Border Day.

Moreover, the organizers also aim to raise local Youth Union members’ responsibility and awareness of protection of national sovereignty over borders, seas, and islands as well as the natural environment.

Translated by Quynh Oanh

Binh Duong deports 11 Chinese nationals for illegal entry

March 1, 2021 by english.thesaigontimes.vn

Binh Duong deports 11 Chinese nationals for illegal entry

The Saigon Times

The entrance of the general clinic in An Binh Ward, where the 13 Chinese nationals who entered Vietnam illegally were quarantined. Binh Duong Province today, March 1, extradited 11 Chinese nationals who had entered Vietnam – PHOTO: TNO

HCMC – The law enforcement agencies of Binh Duong Province today, March 1, extradited 11 Chinese nationals who had entered Vietnam illegally to the northern province of Lang Son to deport them in line with prevailing regulations.

The 11 Chinese nationals were quarantined for 14 days and have tested negative for Covid-19, the disease caused by the coronavirus, according to the provincial law enforcement agencies.

On February 8, the police of Di An City in Binh Duong Province discovered 13 Chinese nationals disembarking from a passenger coach in Binh Thang Ward, Thanh Nien Online reported.

The 13 people were identified as entering the country illegally as they failed to show their entry papers. They were sent to the general clinic in An Binh Ward for quarantine.

During their quarantine period, two of the 13 Chinese nationals escaped from the clinic.

March will be eventful month with loads of cultural activities

March 1, 2021 by hanoitimes.vn

The Hanoitimes – On the occasion of the International Women’s Day on March 8 and International Day of Happiness on March 20, Vietnam National Village for Ethnic Culture and Tourism will run a series of activities themed “Little Spring” for the whole month.

The cultural activities will draw the participation of nearly 100 non-professional artists and people from 14 ethnic groups in 12 provinces and cities throughout the nation such as Thai Nguyen, Hanoi, Ha Giang, Son La, Hoa Binh, Nghe An, Thua Thien – Hue, Gia Lai, Kon Tum, Ninh Thuan, Dak Lak and Soc Trang.

Songs and dances on the spring, which praise the beauty of nature, culture and people of the Central Highlands will be showcased at the National Village for Ethnic Culture and Tourism this March. Photo: Vinaculto.vn

The event themed “the Spring in the Muong Village” features an artistic show of Muong ethnic dances and songs; an ethnic gastronomic demonstration with dishes prepared from Ban Flower (Bauhinia) and a photo exhibition of beautiful girls from Thai ethnic group with Ban flowers.

At the exhibition “Our homeland’s islands”, visitors will watch photos, documentary films and artifacts related to the sea and islands of Vietnam, especially the Truong Sa and Hoang Sa (Paracel & Spratly) islands while at the music show titled “Love Songs from the Sea”, they will be told about the lives of the marines, their bravery and willing to sacrifice for Vietnam’s territorial water protection.

On weekends, there will be a cultural event called “The Central Highlands in March – I’m the P’lang flower”, including songs and dances on the spring, which praise the beauty of nature, culture and people of the Central Highlands.

In addition, spring festivals, homestay travel programs, culinary experiences, and folk games will also be held on weekdays and weekends to introduce the culture and customs of the 54 ethnic groups of Vietnam.

These cultural activities are aimed at promoting cultural exchange among ethnic groups in Vietnam as well as attracting more tourists to the National Village for Ethnic Culture and Tourism.

Construction of US$115 million high-tech dairy farm starts in An Giang

March 1, 2021 by sggpnews.org.vn

Speaking at the kick-start ceremony, Permanent Deputy Prime Minister, Truong Hoa Binh highly appreciated the provincial government that has created advantages for the implementation of the project, towards the sustainable development associated with benefits of business and the community.

He hoped the project will become a typical dairy farm in the region and asked ministries and State units to support An Giang and the investor, TH Group to complete the project on time.

The project costing VND2,655 billion (US$115 million) will have a herd of around 10,000 cows that are expected to produce 135 tons of milk per day.

Besides, the investor plans to build an eco-accommodation site and focus on organic farming and growing to provide agricultural products meeting Global GAP (Good Agricultural Practices) standards.

By Ngoc Dan – Translated by Kim Khanh

Historic Cu Chi Tunnels site seeks UNESCO World Heritage Site recognition

March 1, 2021 by sggpnews.org.vn

But the city, the country’s largest, also has a great deal of historical value related to the wars of resistance against the French and Americans to offer interest to tourists as well as locals.

One of the most fascinating destinations is Cu Chi guerrilla warfare tunnels, located about 70km from downtown HCM City.

Built by South Vietnamese liberation forces as shelter from US and Sai Gon troops during the war, the site is known over the world, but even many locals have yet to visit the tunnels.

Revolutionary spirit

First formed in 1948 during the resistance war against the French colonialists, the original network of tunnels was in Tan Phu Trung and Phuoc Vinh An wards.

Initially, the tunnels had only short paths and simple structure that were used to hide documents, weapons and resistance members deep inside the enemy-controlled area.

Only during the anti-American war were the tunnels reinforced and widened.

Beginning in 1961, when the Party Committee and headquarters of the Sai Gon-Gia Dinh Military Region of the liberation forces chose Cu Chi as an operating area, the tunnel system maximized its use for years, especially in 1966, against the Americans broadening the war in the South.

With their indomitable strength, Cu Chi’s resistance forces and local people created a system of crisscrossing tunnels with multiple floors, with more than 200km of underground trenches in total.

For a long time, the enemy attacked the base and the tunnel network relentlessly by pumping water into the tunnels, using German shepherd dogs to hunt and identify the tunnels then using bombs to destroy them.

The US forces were involved in 5,000 attacks that aimed to wipe out the Cu Chi resistance base. In addition, thousands of tonnes of various chemical toxins were sprayed on the area.

But, relying on the tunnel network, the Vietnamese liberation soldiers and Cu Chi locals were able to counter all the enemy attacks.

Historic Cu Chi Tunnels site seeks UNESCO World Heritage Site recognition ảnh 1

Liberation forces and local people created Cu Chi tunnels with multiple floors with more than 200km of underground trenches in total. VNS Photo Xuan Dang

Throughout the two resistance wars against the French and the Americans, the resistance army and the people of Cu Chi achieved outstanding victories.

They engaged in 4,269 big and small fights, eliminated 22,582 enemy troops, destroyed and took over 5,168 military vehicles (mostly tanks and armoured vehicles), shot down and destroyed 256 airplanes (mainly helicopters), sank and burned 22 warships and boats, and captured 8,581 guns of all types. They also destroyed 270 enemy stations in Cu Chi District.

Historic Cu Chi Tunnels site seeks UNESCO World Heritage Site recognition ảnh 2

A booby trap with iron sticks set up for guerrilla warfare. Photo vietnamtourism.gov.vn

Tunnel structure

The Cu Chi tunnel relic site includes the Ben Duoc Tunnel (Sai Gon-Gia Dinh military base, Zone A), Sai Gon-Gia Dinh base (Zone B), and the Ben Dinh Tunnel (Cu Chi District base).

The tunnel system runs in a zig-zag shape underground, and the main route branches out in multiple directions that connect in some areas, depending on the terrain.

Many exits open to the Sai Gon River so that when emergencies occurred people could take river route to Ben Cat resistance base in Binh Duong Province.

The tunnel system is bulletproof and can withstand the weight of tanks and armoured vehicles.

Some tunnels have structures that include two to three floors. Stairs between floors have lids that go to secret vaults.

Historic Cu Chi Tunnels site seeks UNESCO World Heritage Site recognition ảnh 3

The structure inside the Cu Chi tunnel network. Photo courtesy of Cu Chi Tunnels

Inside the tunnels are areas that could prevent toxic chemicals sprays or the enemy’s break-ins. There are pathways so narrow that people have to turn sideways to enter.

The exits were well camouflaged to avoid enemy detection. Some of them were also designed as flexible combat and sniping spots to counter enemy attacks.

Around the tunnel entrances, booby traps were placed to prevent enemy entry.

Throughout the war, the tunnels in Cu Chi proved to be a source of frustration for the US and Sai Gon troops. The Vietnamese liberation soldiers were so well entrenched in the area by 1965 that they were in the unique position of being able to control where and when battles would take place.

By helping to covertly move supplies and house troops, the tunnels of Cu Chi allowed Vietnamese fighters to survive and increase the US and Sai Gon military casualties until the US withdrawal from the South in 1973, and their final defeat in 1975.

The Cu Chi Tunnels reflect the Vietnamese military arts and the revolutionary heroism and courageous mindset of the people.

The tunnel architecture, with its outstanding innovations, played a part in the anti-American war.

Today, the site educates people about the Vietnamese revolutionary tradition and patriotism and shows appreciation for the war heroes, war martyrs and previous generations who fought and died in the Sai Gon-Cho Lon-Gia Dinh area in two resistance wars.

These values were cited when the Government officially named the site a national historic relic on December 23, 2015.

Seeking UNESCO’s recognition

Recently, the city’s authorities sent a proposal to the Ministry of National Defence to seek the UN culture agency UNESCO’s recognition for the Cu Chi Tunnels as a World Heritage Site.

Vietnam is home to eight UNESCO World Heritage sites, including Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park, My Son Sanctuary, Hoi An Ancient Town, the Complex of Hue Monuments, and the Citadel of the Ho dynasty in the central region.

The other sites are Ha Long Bay, the Trang An Landscape Complex, and Thang Long Imperial Citadel, which are located in the north.

If the Cu Chi Tunnels network is recognised, it will be the south’s first UNESCO World Heritage Site.

In 2015, the historic area was recognised as a special national relic site. For tourism purposes, more than 120km out of over 200km of the tunnels have been preserved.

Le Van Liem, vice chairman of the HCM City People’s Committee, said the area in the outlying Củ Chi District is a “valuable historical and cultural site that reflects outstanding military and scientific work of the Vietnamese people”.

The tunnels have been a popular tourism landmark for years, attracting thousands of visitors each day. Visitors are able to experience the resilience and unyielding will of the people who lived in the tunnels during wartime.

Dr Phan An, head of the Southern Institute of Social Sciences, said: “The Cu Chi Tunnels’ architecture is one of a kind. UNESCO World Heritage Site acknowledgement would not just introduce global friends to it, but would also be a chance for Vietnamese nationwide to appreciate the relic more.

“The site has not yet received the acknowledgement it deserves. Many HCM City residents have never visited the site despite its historical importance. Publicity is still limited, leading to inadequate attention for preservation of the relic site. Only a small part is preserved for visits and tourism.

“It runs a high risk of destruction from natural and human impact. So, if UNESCO acknowledges it as a World Heritage Site, local authorities and residents will be more responsible and collectively care for and preserve the entirety of the tunnels. At the same time, it would heighten public awareness about heritage sites like this.”

Ta Chi Nhu – the road to conquering the rooftop of Yen Bai province

February 17, 2021 by en.nhandan.org.vn

Beautiful scenery on the road from the centre of Tram Tau district to Mo Chi. The terraced field is one of the “specialties” of this land.

Often called the rooftop of Yen Bai province, Ta Chi Nhu is located in Xa Ho commune, Tram Tau district. It is part of the Pu Luong massif of the Hoang Lien Son mountain range.

Slopes passing through the meadows and tea fields.

A river amongst the severe slopes

The slopes become extremely slippery when it rains.

The dwarf forest with its low foliage along the slopes’ paths.

A camp site built for visitors by Mong people at an altitude of 2,400 meters above sea level.

The camp site is about 2.5km from the peak, this journey being the most beautiful stretch during the journey. Visitors can watch the sea at sunrise and sunset as well as the beautiful landscapes from the “dinosaur spine” and the mighty valleys of Pu Luong mountain massif.