I praid for more money,and you? Me for more power ...

Hà Nội - Miếu Quốc Tử Giám
(Hanoi - Temple Quốc Tử Giám)

There a 2 main religions in Vietnam: Christianity and Buddhism.
It's a result of the history. Actually Buddhism dominated Vietnam in the past - well... Buddhism isn't just a religion. Buddhism is a lifestyle and an attitude to life- but that's another topic.
The western Powers brought their own religion into the country and tried to force the people to convert. They were successful, partial.

Hà Nội - Chỗ để cắm hương
(Hanoi - place to stickin the joss stick)

My own family follow the Buddhism. That's the reason we visited some pagodas and special places with buddhistic holyness. My mom and her little sister have a strong beliefe in holy places. I don't think that they really work, in the real content. It more like their beliefes always give them some faith and self-confidence to keep on a straight live.

Hà Nội - Dì và mẹ thắp hương
(Hanoi -My aunt and my mom pray)

I'm an athist but have to say that I really like the type of the religion buildings- specially the buddhistic ones. So, no complaining. We saw alot of buddhistic locations. You should visit at least one to get a small feeling of these culture piece of Vietnam.

Ninh Bình, Chùa Bái Đinh- người xây dựng
(Ninh Binh, Temple Bai Dinh - building labors)

A lot of foreign companies invests in these constructions. So, many new pagodas and altars are produced every year. I think they know how important religion to Vietnamese is and support this kind of development.

Chùa Bái Đinh - tượng Phật 100 tay
(Temple Bai Dinh - statue of Buddha with 100 arms)

I would say a huge sin of Buddhism are the gorgeous ornaments and the wasteful statues - which of course have their own charm. They are all hand-made, Vietnam don't have enough machines. Actually every statue and ornament is a unique.

Chùa Bái Đinh - tượng Phật vàng
(Temple Bai Dinh - gold statue of Buddha)

Religion and belief is an inherent part of the Vietnamese. Every year they visit some pagodas - at least 3 times. I don't even know and met one human, who don't have altars in their house.

Việt Trì - Đền Hùng

But to have something at home or go to a holy-buddhistic-rock-concert-like-szene.That's why these places are also big tourist attractions.

Chùa Bái Đinh

A tourist never comes alone, in Vietnam. A lot of vultures fly around the believers and want a bite. Really annoying! They beg, touch and follow you >__<

Chùa Bái Đình - xe ôm
(Temple Bai Dinh - "motorbike-taxi")

Another want to guide you with his motorbike to the next place and the rest want to much you and sell different stuffs.

Chùa Bái Đinh - trời đẹp, nhiều người đến
( Temple Bai Dinh - good weather, many people)

Know what's also disturbing? Huge territorials are taken for the Buddhism although land is really rare and valuable now. Poor people and their homes have to give way for the buildings.

Việt Trì - Đền Mấu

They just get a small compensation. They are just poor people. They don't need a fair price. If they don't like the deal... just beat them up or something. They 'll move. 'Cause they're poor people... -___-

Somehow I don't like this place anymore ... let's choose another :D

You could see in my last posting the form of Vietnam. It's a little bigger than Germany and the travelling is much more difficult. Vietnam is a poor country and therewith the possbilities for a good street network are missing.

I'll introduce you some ways of shifting I used:

__The train

Tàu chợ - Ga Đồng Hới
(train station of Đồng Hới)

Travelling by train is a very popular kind. You can reach nearly every bigger city 'cause the railway system connect them with each other. I visited Nha Trang, Dong Ha and Dong Hoi with it. That are just small distances but you can also drive from Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh.

You can buy tickets for chairs if your destiny isn't far away.

Tàu chợ
("market train")

For long distances are the bed tickets. They cost more than twice but it's comfortable.

Vé nằm & cơm đặt
( bed tickets & booked meal)

Most trains also have air conditioners to assure a pleasant travel.
There is always personnel who sells drinks and snacks.

Sữa đá
(milk with ice)

If you want to have a real meal you can book it. They buy fresh ingredients and handle them on board.
Another attractiv point to travel by train is the fact that you can see a lot of the landscape.


You should go by train at least one time if you're in Vietnam.




to be continued --> another post ...

What the hell is that?

At the age of 18 I got a big present from my parents. I will be allowed to visit my birthcountry for a whole month. I already was there a few times but every time my grandparents were sick. That's why I didn't see much.

But this time I could get to know my mothercountry, make new friends, have fun with my relatives and see nearly everything with my own eyes. In addition to that I also experienced the dark side of this beautiful country.

I want to share it with you, want to share "my Vietnam". That's the reason I'm writing in English and not German. So, sorry for the mistakes I'll maybe make.

A lot people just know Vietnam in connection with the Vietnam War. Vietnam is not a war. It's a country where people live, cry, work, have fun, love, hate and are at home.

I'll show you typical vietnamese situations and pictures, I took myself or also some I just find in the web.

Take my invitation and guide me. Become a part of my trip and let Vietnam seduce you!



// <3