Áo dài is a set of traditional costume worn by both Vietnamese men and women but it’s more popular among the women. Most of the Vietnamese women have at least one set of áo dài in their wardrobe. You might think that it’s common because it’s our national costume. Well, yes, it’s partly true. It’s […]
Author: lanhue
The 7 Imperial Tombs of Nguyễn Dynasty in Huế
Our ancestors believe that our present life is just temporary and life after death is eternal. So did the emperors of Nguyễn Dynasty. Therefore, plans for a lăng – their eternal home was made long before they left this world. Locations of imperial tombs in Huế were selected according to the rules of feng shui. […]
How To Make Sugar-coated Pomelo Peel
Markets in Huế are flooded with pomelos now as these fruits are in their season. I love eating this juicy fruit and love its fragrant peel as well. I use its peel to make hair treatment and even snack. I’ve recently made sugar-coated pomelo peel using Auntie Tuyết’s recipe. This is a great snack to […]
Harvesting Pomelos in Hương Vân Commune
It was a hot day in Huế, Auntie Tuyết suggested that we went to Hương Vân Commune, which is about 15 km away from the city’s center, to look for pomelo fruits. Why should we travel this far just to buy fruits? – “It’s because the pomelos there are very delicious,” explained Auntie Tuyết. This […]
- Huế
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A Sunset Stroll at Khiêm Lăng (Emperor Tự Đức’s Tomb)
I revisited Khiêm Lăng – Emperor Tự Đức’s Modest Tomb (1964-1967) one late afternoon when the last tourists were almost done with their visit and were about to leave. Light was changing to golden color and painting the trees, the lakes, the roofs, the stones and bricks with their warmth and gentle touch. I walked […]
- Huế
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Huế Imperial City After Sunset
I never knew Huế Imperial City after sunset until it has recently been opened to guests until late at night since April 2017. Light is on at every main palaces, temples, long corridors and lanes in the Imperial City but the rest is dominated with darkness. It gives me a feeling of mystery and a […]
- Food
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Making Wood Fire-baked Bánh Mì in Huế
My mother loves nothing but loaves of bánh mì which are freshly baked in wood-fired ovens and still feel hot in her hands the moment she has them. I’m happy that I could always make her satisfied thanks to the traditional bakeries near our house. Many bakeries in Huế have changed from baking bánh mì […]
Where Creatures Rejoice, Spirits Are at Peace
台池鸟兽乐, 山川鬼神宁. Đài trì điểu thú lạc. Sơn xuyên quỉ thần minh. The birds and beasts in the pond and on the esplanade rejoice. The ghosts and Gods of the mountains and rivers are at peace. It’s said that Emperor Tự Đức was known as an emperor and poet who chose a peaceful lifestyle. During […]
Hến Islet and Dã Viên Islet Should Be a Pair of Green Lungs for Huế City
Dear KOICA, And to whom it may concern, Greetings from Hương Lan, the Hương River swimmer and the storyteller, in Huế, Việt Nam. I would like to thank you for planning Hương Riversides, from Vọng Cảnh Hill to Bao Vinh Old Town with the best of intentions. I would also like to thank you for […]
How to Make Ambarella Salad in 15 Minutes
When I was a little girl, my neighbors had an ambarella tree. I sometimes came over and asked for some. My neighbors would use a long bamboo stick with a hook at one end to pick up the ambarella fruits for me. I loved it best when they harvested the ambarella fruits for sale. It […]