English Test - 12 (time: 45’) code: 001 docx

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
Party, State and HaØ Noi officials as
well as foreign diplomats.
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 Heritage
site at the opening.


General Director of UNESCO Irina Bokova hands over a
certificate recognising the Thang Long Royal
Citadel as a
World Heritage site to Chairman of Ha Noi People's Committee
Nguyen The Thao.
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 such 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 anniversary, 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, histo
ric 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
chicken and cook sticky rice to worship
our ancestors," says Thang. "Then my
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 son had
arranged for her.
"I was born, grew up and got married in the Old Quarter. I witnessed each little change in my area and 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 their
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 will

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 Long
citadel have completed and are ready for the celebrations. Visitors will have a chance to visit the citadel,
which opened on Saturday.



Party
: Hanoian and Russian children
perform a dance with s
tuffed animals.
VNA/VNS Photo Thanh Tung
The Museum of Ha Noi will also be a new, attractive destination in the city. Located in Me Tri Commune,
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 Association,
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 the 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
Viet Nam's Military History that will be on display at the
Vietnamese Military History Museum on October 4. The Hearts for
Thang Long – Ha Noi exhibition will be held at the Palace of Culture
and Friendship on October 5.
On October 6, a traditional martial arts performance, Thang Long
Spirit, will kick off at the Quan Ngua Gymnasium in Ba Dinh
District. Hanoians and tourists alike will be able to visit the
exhibition Ancient Ha Noi at the Museum of Ha Noi on Pham Hung
Road.
Later that evening, visitors will be able to enjoy the Ha Noi Food
Festival at West Lake Water Park.
On October 8, there will be artistic and cultural programmes for
young people around Hoan Kiem Lake and at outdoor stages
throughout the city. In the evening, the Street Festival programme
will be held for young people at the Square in front of the State
Bank.
On October 9, Thanh Tri and Vinh Tuy bridges will be inaugurated,
along with Thang Long Boulevard at the Pham Hung-Tran Duy
Hung crossroads.
During the historic anniversary on October 10, there will be a solemn ceremony, with a parade that will
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.
Construction projects cel
ebrate
anniversary
Construction projects to celebrate the
anniversary include: upgrading the
King Le Thai To statue; Thang Long
Tu Tran (four sacred temples that
protected the four corners of the
ancient Thang Long citadel); Ha Noi
Library; August Revolut
ion Square;
Dan Xa Tac Square; Kim Lien-
O Cho
Dua route and Lac Long Quan
Boulevard.
The city finished more than 30
constructions before September 30
including: Statue of Saint Giong,
Statue of President Ho Chi Minh
standing with President Ton Duc
Thang, H
a Noi ancient citadel, Hoa

Binh (Peace) Park, Vinh Tuy and
Thanh Tri bridges, and Ha Noi
Museum.
"We shouldn't just think about the appearance of the anniversary. Our work should be rooted in a real 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 Noi 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.
The house, located at 101 Nguyen Thai Hoc Street, was built
more than two centuries ago. The same family has lived in the
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.
Boats sailed up the Thu Bon River to reach the house. Goods
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.




Tan Ky Old House has been a popular
destination for foreign tourists visiting
Hoi An.



Two foreign tourists (right) listen to a
guide in the house. — VNS Photos
Ngoc Duy

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 leaders 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
by an enthusiastic boatwomen.
The interesting tour gives tourists a chance to behold the
captivating scenery and enjoy the fresh air. The site is also the
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 shaped 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
examinations. When they were successful and became scholars,
the plant was renamed in tribute.

Still waters: Travelling by boat is the
best way to tour the islands and
passages in the lake. — VNS Photos
Minh Thu

Blooming: Lotus on Quan Son Lake,

which is also home to many different
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 Fruits
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 marvel 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.
The resort is owned by Truong Dinh Ngoc Yen, a Nha Trang-
born woman, who loves peace and quiet.
"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 city. 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."
She followed her dreams and bought a small plot of land which
she turned into a picturesque garden.
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.




Garden of Eden: On entering Nha
Trang Xua visitors go back in time to
a golden era of peace and tranquility.
— Photos courtesy of Nha Trang Xua




Tranquillity: A lotus pond is a
resfreshing respite from the heat of
summer.

"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 19th 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
has gone through a lot of changes, with more of its Thai ethnic
people currently involved in tourism compared to his previous

visit.
"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
over the centuries," said Chan.
Lo Van Then, the owner of a stilt house, said his village has 25
wooden and bamboo hotels which have been built according to
a plan approved by the district authorities.
"Many people called our stilt houses ‘hotels' but they're more
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 costs
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.

Peaceful environment:
Visitors wander Lac Village
which has become a tourist
attraction in Hoa Binh

Province. — VNS Photo


Colourful performance:
Local women sing and
dance for foreign
tourists at a Lac Village
traditional house on
stilts. — VNA/VNS Photo
Thanh Ha


"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, commonly
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 young
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.
PTVN is not a travel company. It's a non-profit organisation.
Through their tour packages, the company allows Vietnamese and
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
died while fighting against the US. After that we went to Vinh
Moc tunnels in Vinh Linh District, which housed an underground
village built in the demilitarised zone dividing north and south
Viet Nam. Later, we went to Quang Tri Citadel where Vietnamese
soldiers fought a bloody 81-day battle. Finally we arrived at the
historic Hien Luong Bridge over the Ben Hai River, which served

Low-impact living: The Old Quarter in
Hoi An invites foreign tourists to join
local community life. — VNA/VNS
Photo Vu Cong Dien


Tipplers: Foreign tourists enjoy wine
drunk from a jar through pipes of Mo

Nong ethnic people in the Central
Highlands province of Dac Lac. —
VNA/VNS Photo Hong Ky
as the border between the two regions between 1954 and 1975.
After visiting these destinations, I felt that I had learned a lot about the bravery of the Vietnamese people
and the soldiers who fought during the war. However, I also felt that I understood the true cost of the war,
which still affects people today.
After the inspiring tour, the group visited and worked at a friendship village that PTVN built for UXO and
Agent Orange victims and impoverished poor children.
I will never forget playing with the children. The children at the centre were overcome with joy as they
played with the balloons and stickers that tourists bought for them. While the children that live in the city
where I am from may not be that impressed with such gifts, the poor children here thoroughly enjoyed them.
Nguyen Thi Cuc lost her legs in an accident caused by a UXO. Now unable to work, Cuc continues to live
an active lifestyle and even won several medals during the province's special olympics.
She has had a hard life, but now she looks relaxed and is able to teach courses on how to properly prepare
sunflower and pumpkin seeds.
Interesting
"Vietnamese people love these snacks, especially during Tet (lunar new year) or when they are receiving
guests," she says. "I don't know why they are so popular, perhaps because they are delicious and they make
interesting noises when you bite into their shells."
This type of trip is known as responsible travel, which encourages travellers to participated in tour packages
that are designed by companies to form responsible relationships with local communities. This new
approach to tourism can help improve businesses incomes and create more jobs for people. The concept is
new to Viet Nam.
Le Nguyen Travel is one the first companies that has implemented this new paradigm into their travel
packages in Viet Nam. The company works with its Canadian counterpart, Cegep Marie Victoria Company,
to recruit Canadian tourists to visit Hoi An. Participating travellers can stay up to one month in the area,
where they will live together with the locals and volunteer in social programmes.
The tourists are able to help with household chores, study Vietnamese, and learn how to cook Vietnamese
food. They can also help village elders and disabled residents and teach English to orphans.

With this package, travellers can visit Tra Que Village, which is famous for its vegetables, and Thanh Ha
pottery village where they can learn how to make pottery.
"I stayed at a house in Hoi An and I shared warm moments with the family when we cooked, ate and did
house chores together," says K Paul, who went on the package. "We really understood each other."
"We didn't use the air conditioner in order to save electricity and protect the environment," Paul says. "Hoi
An people are so nice and friendly and the life here is peaceful."
According to Le Ho Phuoc Vinh, Le Nguyen Travel's director, the three key components that play a central
role in responsible travel are the local people, the tour operator and the travellers.
There are two essential aspects that responsible tourism utilises – environmental protection and socio-
economic development. Both aspects are crucial to creating responsible and sustainable services that will
employ large numbers of people without harming the environment.
A pilot project Responsible Travel in Viet Nam has been launched in co-operation with the Netherlands
Development Organisation (SNV) and will last until December 2010.
"Visitors are now becoming more aware and concerned about other matters relating to tourism such as
littering in public places and water and noise pollution," says Phil Harman, senior advisor of SNV in Viet
Nam. "About 97 per cent of tourists, when interviewed, said that they were willing to pay more for a
responsible travel holiday that is environmentally conscious and brings about more benefits for needy local
people."
Someone may think travelling is all about enjoying yourself, but for me its about making a difference.
Before leaving Quang Tri, we spent the morning planting trees. Looking at the saplings, I felt satisfied with
my trip and I hope one day to come back and see how much growth has taken place in the area. — VNS


7 kì quan thế giới hiện đại



1. Kim tự tháp Ai Cập

Kim tự tháp Ai Cập là kỳ quan duy nhất của thế giới cổ đại còn lại với thời gian và cho đến ngày nay, nó

vẫn tiếp tục đứng đầu danh sách các kỳ quan trên thế giới. Qủa là danh bất hư truyền. Người Ai Cập cổ đại
đáng nể thật!

2. Grand Canyon
Arizona - U.S.A.

Grand Canyon quả thực là một tác phẩm vĩ đại của thiên nhiên. Hẻm núi rộng đến 29km (18 dặm) từ bờ núi
này đến bờ núi kia và sâu 1600m (1 dặm). Grand Canyon trải qua quá trình hình thành dài đến hàng triệu
năm nhờ ảnh hưởng xói mòn của sông Colorado đã tạo nên đường cắt xuyên những lớp đá hàng tỉ năm tuổi.
Sự bao la mênh mông và hoang vắng của quang cảnh đã khiến cho những du khách ở đây không thể thốt
nên lời !

3.Vạn lý trường thành
Trung Quốc

Nếu như bạn đứng trên tường thành trong một khung cảnh hoang dã không một bóng người, bạn sẽ thấy bức
tường uốn lượn như một con rắn chạy dài từ phía trước và từ phía sau bạn. Đó thực sự là một cảnh hùng vĩ,
hoành tráng của Vạn Lý Trường Thành.
Vạn Lý Trường Thành là một công trình kiến trúc vĩ đại, được khởi công từ thời Tần Thủy Hoàng, vị Hoàng
Ðế đầu tiên của Trung Hoa, và trở thành một trong những kỳ quan thế giới. Có thể nói đây là niềm tự hào
của văn hóa Trung Quốc. Khởi nguyên của nó chỉ là một bức tường trấn thủ và bảo vệ nướcTrung Hoa tránh
làn sống xâm lược của quân Hung Nô từ phía Bắc.
Vạn Lý Trường Thành không phải là một chuỗi tường dài liên tục, mà là một kết hợp của những đọan tường
kiên cố được xây dựng một cách riêng biệt vào những thời đại khác nhau qua hai thiên niên kỷ, cuối cùng
tạo nên một tường thành bảo vệ dài 7200 km, nằm về phía Bắc của Trung quốc, làm nổi bật đường biên giới
xa xưa của vương quốc nhà Tần rộng lớn chạy dài suốt từ Sơn Hải Quan ở phía đông đến tận Gia Dụ Quan
ở phía tây, nó vẫn còn đứng sừng sững đến tận ngày nay. Dưới thời Tần Thủy Hoàng Ðế vào năm 221 cho
đến 210 trước Tây Lịch, tường thành đầu tiên của Vạn Lý Trường Thành, như chúng ta gọi ngày nay, đã
được xây dựng. Thoạt tiên tường thành ấy chỉ được đắp bằng bùn và đá, chạy dài ngăn cách Trung quốc và
phần đất của Mông Cổ. Bao nhiêu triều đại phong kiến của xứ sở Trung Hoa đến rồi đi, một vài triều đại đã

có công xây dựngthêm, làm cho tường thành ấy càng dài hơn nữa, trong khi những triều đại khác chỉ lo
tranh giành quyền lực, chém giết lẫn nhau. Nhưng tường thành đầu tiên là một bức tường thành đầy hữu
dụng đã ngăn cản quân Hung Nô, bảo vệ an tòan đất nước Trung quốc phong kiến cho đến khi vó ngựa quân
Mông Cổ dưới sự chỉ huy của Thành Cát Tư Hãn tràn vào Trung quốc năm 1211.
Mãi đến năm 1368, khi quân Mông Cổ bị đánh đuổi ra khỏi Trung thổ, triều đại nhà Minh được thiết lập,
việc xây dựng giai đoạn cuối của Vạn Lý Trường Thành mới được bắt đầu. Lúc ấy có thể nói, tường thành
đã được xây hoàn chỉnh trên 200 năm với những lớp gạch trộn lẫn với hỗn hợp xi măng và đá, nhà Minh chỉ
xây thêm phần tường thành kéo dài về phía Đông giáp với Bắc Hàn và xây thêm một đoạn tường thành khác
về phía Tây trong vùng Xinjiang.
Năm 1644, bức tường thành ấy đã không ngăn cản bước tiến của quân Mãn Thanh, khi họ kéo quân vào
Trung quốc và trị vì đất nước này gần ba trăm năm. Trong suốt triều đại nhà Thanh, bức tường thành ấy vẫn
đứng im sừng sững, không một ai ngó ngàng đến.