Friends of Sep 2015 Vietnam Heritage Program Summary ­­­­­­­­­

1 Tràng Tiền Street,

Tel: (84-4) 3824-1384 / 3825-7753

Email: banbientap@nmvnh.org.vn

(daily except Monday)

mobile: (84) 094-536-8086

10,000 VND for students

2,000 VND for children

Photo/Video Charges:

Video: 800,000 VND per day if showcases are opened; 400,000 VND per day if showcases are not opened

Research photographs: 20,000-600,000 VND per day (depending on needs)

Personal video: 30,000 VND

Personal camera: 15,000 VND

Publications

Friends of Vietnam Heritage produce a number of publications. All publications are 60,000 VND. If you would like to purchase any of these books just contact FVH at fvheritage@gmail.com. Books are also sold at all FVH events or at Bookworm.

Learn about King Lý Thái Tổ’s dream and why the temple honors the White Horse Deity. This guidebook offers detailed information on the history of Bạch Mã Temple on Hàng Buồm Street, including temple layout, translation of panels written in Chinese characters, as well as information about the symbolism used in the temple. The guided walk contained at the end of this guidebook provides an opportunity to explore and experience some of the same streets where the craft guilds and merchants set-up within the third enclosure of the citadel.

This publication details the legends of Huyền Thiên Trấn Vũ, also known as the ‘genie who guards the Dark Heaven.’ This guidebook contains detailed information on the history of Quán Thánh Temple, as well as translations of the many parallel sentences and poems on the walls and columns of this magnificent Taoist Temple. A walking tour of the bronze-casting village of Ngũ Xã, with its Chùa and Đình and the enjoyable atmosphere around Trúc Bạch Lake is included. Published 2002, reprinted 2008

The Trấn Quốc Pagoda on Thanh Niên Road was founded some 1400 years ago, and it is one of the most ancient Buddhist pagodas in Hà Nội. Nestled between West Lake and Trúc Bạch Lake, the pagoda is considered a magnificent symbol of Buddhism in Việt Nam, and is one of the most visited sites in the capital. This guidebook covers the history of Buddhism, the temple layout, and describes in detail the different areas of the pagoda. A fascinating publication, which includes especially commissioned drawings and photographs.

Have you ever wondered who these doll-like statues in glass cabinets, in blue, white, red or green attire may be? Phủ Tây Hồ at the far end of the Tây Hồ peninsula is the most impressive pagoda dedicated to the cult of the Mother goddesses in Hà Nội, an indigenous cult that seems to permeate the lives of all Vietnamese women in varying degrees. The guidebook describes in detail the complex itself, then discusses the religion of the Mother goddesses, including its philosophy, pantheon and rituals. Published 2004

Traditional medicine is very much alive on this particular street of the Old Quarter. This guidebook not only describes the area in its historical context and current set-up, but also offers information on a variety of Vietnamese herbal teas for the health conscious as well as a comprehensive pictorial of Lãn Ông Street. Published 2005, reprinted 2005

This guidebook focuses on the old section of the pottery commune of Bát Tràng, a village with a long history hitherto unknown to many outsiders. The guidebook is based on a self-guided walk. There are three different circuits lasting from 45 minutes to two hours, all shown on a map. Published 2006, reprinted 2009

The area around Hồ Hoàn Kiếm represents the physical heart and spiritual soul of Hà Nội. Continuing the tradition of FVH to promote the understanding of Việt Nam's history and culture, this guidebook focuses on the history and legends, the temples and pagodas surrounding the lake. Also included is information on the large Báo Ân Pagoda complex, which was razed between 1886-1889 and left only the Hòa Phong tower still standing today. Published 2007

This guidebook provides an insight and appreciation of the influence on Hà Nội of the French colonial period from 1873 until 1954. The three guided walks contained in this guidebook provide an opportunity for the reader to explore and experience aspects of what the people of Hà Nội have absorbed and made their own as a result of eighty years of French presence in their city. Published 2008

Hồ Tây continues to inspired writers, artists and photographers with its beauty, history, culture and religious aspects, but it also provides for its local residents a source of fish, water and a rich soil to cultivate a variety of plants and vegetables. This guidebook covers the legends of the lake, as well as its history and future plans for this rapidly expanding part of Hà Nội. Included are five self-guided walks identifying those places of interest both old and new around the entire West Lake shore. Published 2009

This guidebook introduces visitors to the Văn Miếu, or the Temple of Literature, one of the foremost architectural treasures of Việt Nam and its capital city Hà Nội. The Văn Miếu - Quốc Tử Giám ranks third in Việt Nam's register of national historic sites. A leafy oasis in the centre of the bustling city, it is a magnet for the citizens of Hà Nội and for visitors to the city who wish to spend a quiet moment contemplating its rich past. This guidebook contains a history of the school and the temple, a description of each courtyard and its meaning as expressed through its architecture, translations of all the plaques, as well as quick guides to Confucianism and the Royal Examinations

Bookmark the Friends of Vietnam Heritage website where you will find the monthly program and further information about FVH, including a photo page and links.

Address all correspondence to the Friends of Vietnam Heritage email address.

Helen Huntley - Vice Chair;

FVH would like to invite Vietnamese students to join our events for half of the activity cost. Please contact the event coordinator to reserve a place (subject to availability, as determined by the coordinator). Students are required to present their current student identification card.

All FVH activities, especially the lectures and discussions, are considered “off the record” and as such, may not be quoted in the press or other format. Exceptions will only be considered when proper requests for permissions and arrangements have been made beforehand with FVH and the individual speaker. In addition, all statements made during FVH programs belong to the individual presenter(s) and as such do not reflect the views or opinions of the organization, council or members of FVH.