Blogalot

My pet Golden Retriever, Neo and I, often play a guessing game with my globe. We spin the globe on its axis and I close my eyes until my cute pet does a ‘woof’, which is my cue to strike a finger on the moving model of earth and stop it. This time my finger landed on a pink-coloured country bounded by pristine blue waters to its side, Vietnam! On referring the atlas, we found that Vietnam is a Southeast Asian country of picturesque landscapes and staggering natural beauty with rich culture and heritage. We were lucky!

Further, we found that Vietnam, once under the rule of China, followed by colonization by the French and invasions by Japan and the US, has had a tumultuous past. Hence, its heritage is also deeply interwoven with its history of war and struggle for freedom. The Vietnam War was a significant moment in the country’s history and left lasting impressions on its society and culture.

The country has various historical sites like the Cu Chi Tunnels and War Remnants Museum in Ho Chi Minh City which provides a glance into the austerity experienced by the people during their troubled times. We wondered how life would have been for a kid like me and his pet then?

Intrigued by this thought, I googled and found that Vietnam has the most adorable breed of Bac Ha dogs, who are as playful and loving as my very own Neo!

Not only that, but Vietnam is also home to several UNESCO World Heritage Sites, the country has magnificent historical and architectural significance. The ancient town of Hoi An, has a fusion of local, Chinese, and Japanese influences which is reflected in its well-preserved buildings. Ancient landmarks like the Imperial Citadel of Thang Long in Hanoi, the ancient city of Hue, and the stunning landscapes of Ha Long Bay are also designated World Heritage Sites.

The language and culture of Vietnam has been influenced by various civilizations, including the Chinese, Khmer, and Cham peoples. Vietnam’s traditional arts and crafts are one of its most eminent heritages. For centuries Vietnamese artisans have created exquisite pottery, impressive woodwork, stunning silk embroideries and remarkable lacquerware.

And of course, we found that when talking about Vietnam one must not forget the iconic Vietnamese water puppetry, which is a folk art unique to Vietnam that combines puppetry music and storytelling, all of which is performed partially submerged in water! Indeed, the rich culture of Vietnamese people is reflected through these remarkable arts, crafts and their creativity.

The cultural heritage and natural beauty of Vietnam makes it one of the most sought-after tourist destinations in Southeast Asia. The country boasts breathtaking landscapes, majestic mountains, lush forests, terraced rice fields, and pristine beaches.

Vietnam is also well known for its culinary delights. Its cuisine is famous for its fresh ingredients, bold flavors, and balanced textures. Pho, the iconic noodle soup, is a staple dish enjoyed by locals and tourists alike. Other popular Vietnamese dishes include banh mi, cao lau, and bun cha.

Towards the end of our exploratory game, both Neo and I realized that despite its turbulent past, Vietnam has emerged as a high-spirited and resilient nation, welcoming tourists with open arms and showcasing their rich and vibrant culture. Its well-preserved heritage ensures its strong national identity so that the future generations can appreciate Vietnam’s rich cultural, historical, and natural treasures. We were very proud to have discovered this beautiful country on our spinning globe tonight. Hope to visit Vietnam soon!