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Dear reaDers,

You are now holding a printed publication

to celebrate the 69th anniversary of Nation-

al Day of the Socialist Republic of Viet Nam

(02/9/1945-02/9/2014). This is a great stamp

which marks an important milestone in the de-

velopment stage of our country.

During the past 69 years our hard-working

and creative Vietnamese people have been

building the country from a poor agro-col-

onised country into a more beautiful and

prosperous country, moving in the direction

of industrialisation and modernisation. Nota-

bly, the Renovation Process (Doi Moi), which

has been implemented nearly past 30 years,

has brought tremendous achievements to the

country as it moves to a period of extensive

and comprehensive integration with improving

position within the international arena. Today,

Viet Nam’s economy is growing rapidly and

dynamically; the politics is stable, the social

security is guaranteed, the defense capability

is strengthened and contributing to maintain-

ing peaceful environment and cooperation,

and its people’s living standards dramatically

improved.

A clear testimony for the above-mentioned

success is the country’s dynamic economic

growth rate. In 20 years (1991-2011), Viet Nam’s

GDP reached 7.34% per year, among one of

the fastest growing economies in Southeast

Asia in particular, Asia and the world in gener-

al. In the period 2011-2013, despite challenges

and difficulties, it reached 5.6%. Many inter-

national organisations forecast that Viet Nam

could achieve faster growth in the 2014-2015

period and the next years with an increase of

about 6.5-7% per year. In 2013, Viet Nam’s GDP

reached the amount of nearly 176 billion USD,

and income per capita was about 1960 USD.

Viet Nam will able to accomplish in advance

the goal reaching income per capita of 2000

USD by 2015. There have been approximately

100 countries and territories having projects in

the country, with over 100 multinational cor-

porations presently active in Viet Nam. As of

August 2014, there are over 16 300 valid For-

eign Direct Investment projects with registered

capital of about 238 billion US dollars.

With the slogan “Safety, friendship and qual-

ity”, Viet Nam is among one of five attractive

destinations for tourism in Southeast Asia with

the number of 7.57 million foreign visitors to

the country in 2013, and is aiming to have 11-12

million international visitors in 2020 with its

total revenues expected to reach 18-19 billion

USD.

The overarching goal of Doi Moi is “prosper-

ous people, strong country, democratic, eq-

uitable and civilised society”. After nearly 30

years of reforms, the promotion of human

rights in Viet Nam have been further guaran-

teed by the State and clearly expressed in all

fields from politics, economics, culture, society,

and especially the Internet development. On

the international level, Viet Nam has always

been appreciated for the achievement of so-

cio-economic development, ensuring social se-

curity, poverty reduction, universal education,

promoting gender equality, improving human

development indicators and environmental

protection. With the accomplishment six out

of eight Millennium Development Goals, Viet

Nam is seen as a good model in this field.

These achievements have helped Viet Nam to

be elected to the Human Rights Council of the

United Nations with the highest level of votes

in the elections history (184/193 countries). Viet

Nam also has trade and investment relations

with 225/250 countries and territories.

The achievements of our country during

Doi Moi have positively strengthened Viet

Nam-Denmark relations. With over 40 years

of relations (since the establishment of diplo-

matic relations in 1971) the two countries have

increasingly close cooperation in all fields,

demonstrated through the signing of the Joint

Declaration on comprehensive partnership be-

tween Viet Nam and Denmark on occasion of

the State visit of the President of Viet Nam,

Mr. Truong Tan Sang to Denmark in Septem-

ber 2013. With the outcome of cooperation in

the past and the good momentum of cooper-

ation at the present, we could believe our re-

lationship will continue to be further strength-

ened in the future.

In this spirit, we expect that this publication

will provide readers with useful information

about the country and people of Viet Nam. We

also wish to convey through this publication

our hope that each person will make a small

contribution to sustainably building up tradi-

tional friendship relations and comprehensive

partnership cooperation between Viet Nam

and Denmark for the interest of each other’s

and striving for peace, cooperation and sus-

tainable development in the world.

Kind regards,

Lai Ngoc Doanambassador of Viet Nam in Denmark

ambassaDor’s weLcome

President and Publisher: Ejvind Sandal ● Editor: David Nothling ● Layout: Lyndsay Jensen ● Sales & Marketing Director: Hans Hermansen,

hans@cphpost.dk, Tel: +45 2420 2411 ● Picture credit for images: Thinkstock

EMBASSY SUPPLEMENT

The firsT sTaTeViet Nam is located in a region considered a

cradle of mankind, one of the earliest agricul-

tural centres practicing wet rice farming, where

the stone and metallurgical revolutions took

place. The first state in Viet Nam, Van Lang,

was established in the 7th century B.C. Thanks

to their hard work and creativeness, Van Lang

(and then Au Lac) residents created a civilisa-

tion that influenced the entire Southeast Asian

region. Viet Nam evolved into a diverse econ-

omy and advanced culture known as the Red

River civilisation (or Dong Son civilisation) sym-

bolised by Dong Son bronze drum, a heritage

reflecting the quintessence of the lifestyle, tra-

ditions and culture of the ancient Vietnamese.

ceNTuries of coNfLicTIn the cause of national building, the Vietnam-

ese also had to cope with many years of for-

eign aggression. During 12 centuries from the

resistance against the Qin dynasty in the 3rd

century B.C until late 20th century, the Viet-

namese had to endure hundreds of wars and

uprisings against foreign aggression.

Since the 2nd century B.C, Viet Nam had been

dominated by different Chinese dynasties for

more than a thousand years. During this period,

the existence of the nation had been challenged

which helped give rise to the spirit of indomi-

tability and staunchness of the Vietnamese in

the struggle to maintain the nation’s vitality,

preserve and build on the quintessence of its

culture and the determination to gain national

independence. A typical feature of Vietnamese

culture is the village culture. It is Vietnamese

villages that have nurtured and fostered the

quintessence of the traditional culture, the spirit

of unity among the Vietnamese in the struggle

against the domination of the North and the

policy of assimilation of Northern dynasties to

gain national independence, maintaining the

nation’s traditions and cultures.

The Bach Dang victory in 938 opened up a new

era in Viet Nam’s history – the era of develop-

ment of an independent feudal state, national

construction and defence. As a result, the cen-

tralised-administration state was established

under the Ngo (938-965), Dinh (969-979) and

earlier Le (980-1009) dynasties. Then, Viet

Nam entered the period of renaissance and

development under the Ly (1009-1226), Tran

(1226-1400), Ho (1400-1407) and Le So (1428-

1527) dynasties. Dai Viet, the name of the coun-

try under the Ly-Tran-Le So dynasties, was

known as a prosperous country in Asia. This

period marked the golden age of Viet Nam’s

history. Economically, this period saw the de-

velopment of agriculture, irrigation (with the

construction of the Red River dike) and the for-

mation of traditional handicrafts.

coLoNiaL ruLeFrom the 16th century, the backwardness and

weakness of the feudal regime under Con-

fucius ideology were revealed, feudalism fell

into a decline. While many nation states in Eu-

rope were moving to capitalism, Dai Viet was

bogged down in internal wars and divisions,

which heavily impeded the country’s evolution.

In the 19th century, Western capitalist countries

entered the period of imperialism and colonial-

ism. Through missionaries and trade, the French

gradually dominated Viet Nam, and for the first

time in history, the Vietnamese nation had to

cope with the invasion of a Western country.

Viet Nam became a semi-feudal colony for

nearly 100 years from 1858 to 1945.

Eventually, the struggle against the French co-

lonialists was initiated by two forces; the bour-

geoisies (represented by Viet Nam Quoc Dan Dang and Yen Bai revolt in early 1930) and the proletarians led by the Communist Party of Viet Nam. The formation of the Communist Party of Viet Nam marked the prevailing strength of the working class and revolutionary movements led by the proletarians. A successful liberation struggle lead to independence on 2nd Septem-ber 1945, and the Democratic Republic of Viet Nam came into being.

The French however returned, and Viet Nam was at arms with them for some nine years. After Viet Nam’s victory over Dien Bien Phu, Viet Nam and France signed the Geneva Treaty in 1954, and the French were forced to leave Viet Nam. However another colonial power, America, built up a pro-American administra-tion namely the Republic of South Viet Nam. This was in violation of the Geneva Treaty and for 20 years the country continued to be divid-ed. Between 1954 and 1975, Viet Nam had to fight another war for national liberation and unification.

buiLDiNg a greaT NaTioNWith the famous victory of the Ho Chi Minh Operation, came once again independence in 1975. Since then, the unified Viet Nam has ush-ered into a new era of peace, unification and national construction.

At the 6th Congress of the Communist Par-ty in 1986, the Doi Moi (reform) policy was launched with the focus on economic reform. This marked an important milestone in the new stage of development of the Vietnamese nation. The Doi Moi policy was consistently re-affirmed throughout the later Party Congress-es. With the implementation of four five-year socio-economic development plans, Viet Nam went from being a food importing country, to becoming the second largest rice exporter in the world. The economy attained high growth rates in the late 20th century and the early years of the 21st century and people’s lives have been significantly improved; social policy received greater attention, the legal system has become increasingly complete and social management based on the rule of law put into place.

VieT Nam: a hisToryfrom humble beginnings through centuries of conflict, Viet Nam has emerged as a powerhouse in asia.

EMBASSY SUPPLEMENT

Although the American War is long past, its impact endures, and visitors to this

country that is steeped in international history will still find reminders of that dev-

astating conflict everywhere they travel. But Viet Nam is so much more than just

the remains of a war zone; its cities are dynamic, natural wonders awe-inspiring

and its people jovial, all this contributing to a thriving tourism sector. Viet Nam is

well worth a visit, and here are just a few reasons why…

Viet Nam is located in both a tropical and a temperate climate zone. The country’s

climate is characterised by strong monsoon influences, but has a considerable

amount of sun, a high rate of rainfall, and high humidity. Regions located near the

tropics and in the mountainous regions are endowed with a temperate climate.

Three quarters of Viet Nam’s territory consists of mountains and hills, and the

country is divided into four distinct mountainous zones. The mountainous regions

are contrasted by the hundreds of kilometres of sand and surf, not forgetting the

many beautiful resorts tourists can visit for some beach-side relaxation.

➊ The “hawaii” of VieT NamLocated in Binh Thuan Province, about 220km from Ho Chi Minh City centre, Mui

Ne is a pristine beach with immense sand dunes meandering through kilometres

of red, yellow and white, shady roads under coconut trees, beautiful rows of palm

trees and cliffs battered by the waves of the sea. The scenery is even more fasci-

nating at dawn, when young Cham girls in green dresses go to work. Mui Ne is an

ideal place for rest and relaxation, with many resorts along the seacoast. Tourists

can swim in the blue water of the sea, lay on the sand dunes, relax in swimming

pools of resorts or kiteboard and windsurf.

➋ ciTy spLeNDourHo Chi Minh City is the big tourism centre in Viet Nam, attracting a large volume

of visitors to Viet Nam. The city has various attractions including the popular Ho

Chi Minh Museum, formerly known as Dragon House Wharf and Cu Chi Tun-

➋

VisiT VibraNTEMBASSY SUPPLEMENT

VieT Nam

from beautiful beaches, expansive mountain rang-

es, breath-taking national parks and cities that

are a mix of both modern architecture and natural

charm, Viet Nam truly has it all.

nels, as well as many theatres and cultural houses. The

city’s architecture is made up of many beautiful build-

ings, displaying a characteristic combination of Viet-

namese, Chinese and European cultures. These include

Nha Rong (Dragon House Wharf), Quoc To Temple

(National Ancestors Temple), Xa Tay (Municipal Of-

fice), Ho Chi Minh Municipal Theatre as well as many

pagodas and churches. After more than 300 years of

development, Ho Chi Minh City presents many an-

cient architectural constructions, famous vestiges and

renowned sights. It is remarkable for its harmonious

blending of traditional national values with northern

and western cultural features.

➌ NaTuraL beauTyDa Nang City is located in middle of Central Viet Nam,

between Ha Noi and Ho Chi Minh City, separated from

Laos by the western Truong Son Mountains. It is sur-

rounded by Thua Thien-Hue along the northern bor-

der and Quang Nam on the southern border, and is

embraced by the East Sea with 150km of spectacular

seacoast. Da Nang is an ancient land, closely related

with the Sa Huynh cultural traditions. Many imposing

palaces, towers, temples, citadels and ramparts can

still be seen in Cham Museum, along with other fasci-

nating attractions in the region including; Ba Na Tour-

ist Resort, Ngu Hanh Son (Marble Mountains) as well

as the Linh Ung Pagoda, Han River, and My An, Non

Nuoc beaches, stretching across dozens of kilometres.

Sources: http://www.lonelyplanet.com; http://www.vietnamtourism.com

➊

➌

Viet Nam is a country built on an array of influences and reference

points. It can be said that there are three layers of culture overlapping

each other during the history of Viet Nam: Local culture, the culture

that mixed with those of China and other countries in the region, and

the culture that interacted with Western culture. In the south, Indian and

Hindu culture has had a lasting influence, and is evident in the remark-

able Cham temples, whilst to the north Chinese sways are far more

apparent. In addition, the French colonial legacy, as well as American

involvement in the country have all shaped the culture, and people of

this unique land.

eThNic origiNsThe Vietnamese people have their origin in the Mongolid race, believed

to be one of the major races of the world; its people often found in

northern and eastern Asia. The Vietnamese nation was formed through

a process of two major ancient cultures, the Chinese and the Indian.

At present there are 54 different ethnic groups inhabiting Viet Nam, in

which the Kinh (Viet) people make up nearly 90% of the whole popula-

tion, and 53 other ethnic groups represent just over 10%.

Through the course of national development, all these groups of people

have been closely attached to one another in sharing the same tasks

of fighting against foreign invaders, defending the country’s territory,

gaining the right to live and the right to national independence and

self-determination. Each group of ethnic people have developed their

own language and identity, thus making the Vietnamese culture, long

known for its variety, a well-blended combination of different cultures.

VaLues, beLiefs aND iDeaLsThe period of modern Vietnamese culture has gradually taken shape

since the 30’s and 40’s of this century under the banner of patriotism

and Marxism-Leninism – a socialist ideology. Vietnamese culture, with

the intensive integration into the world of modern civilisation and the

preservation and enhancement of the national identity, promises to

reach a new historical peak, using its diversity in cultural influence to

its advantage.

On the scale of spiritual values, the Vietnamese highly appreciate “Be-

nevolence” and closely combine it with “Righteousness” and “Virtues”;

no benevolence and righteousness are tantamount to no virtues. When

it comes to religion, the major traditions in Viet Nam are Buddhism

(which fuses forms of Taoism and Confusianism), Christianity (Catholi-

cism and Protestantism), Islam, Caodaism and the Hoa Hao sect.

Viet Nam: a melting-pot of beliefs, languages, peoples and philosophies

The crossroaDs of cuLTures

EMBASSY SUPPLEMENT

Did you know?The 54 different ethnic groups inhabiting Viet Nam can be divided

further into eight different groups by the Vietnamese language (The

Viet, the Tay, the Mon, the Mong, the Kadai, the Nam Dao, the Han

and the Tang Groups).

The Vietnamese eating habit tends towards

vegetarianism; rice and vegetables are the

main course of the meal that may be diver-

sified by adding a type of salty fish. Although

this may not seem very appetising nor some-

thing you would find at a gourmet restaurant,

the Vietnamese cooking style involves many

diverse materials and ingredients that visi-

tors to this country will discover on just about

every street corner. Many of the most popular

dishes can be made just as well on the side of

the road as in a top-end restaurant. It is this

simplicity, with subtle variations by region and

the fresh ingredients that keep you coming

back for more.

VieTNamese sTapLesPlain rice (com trang) is at the centre of the Vi-

etnamese diet. Steamed rice is part of almost

every meal. The Vietnamese prefer long-grain

white rice, as opposed to the short-grain rice

more common in Chinese cooking. Rice is also

transformed into other common ingredients

such as rice wine, rice vinegar, rice noodles,

and rice paper wrappers for spring rolls.

Just as essential to Vietnamese cuisine as rice

and noodles is nuoc mam, a salty fish sauce

that is used in most Vietnamese recipes (just

as salt is used in most Western dishes). Nuoc

mam is produced in factories along the coast

of Viet Nam. Anchovies and salt are layered in

wooden barrels and then allowed to ferment

for about six months. The light-coloured, first-

drained sauce is the most desirable. It is also

the most expensive and reserved primarily for

table use. Less expensive nuoc mam is used in

cooking. When shopping for nuoc mam, one

should look for the words ca com on the label,

which indicates the highest quality.

The most popular condiment is nuoc cham

(dipping sauce), which is as common in Viet

Nam as ketchup is in North America. Saucers

filled with nuoc cham are present at practical-

ly every meal, and diners dip everything from

spring rolls to meatballs into it. Nuoc cham is

quite simple to make and will keep in the re-

frigerator for up to 30 days. A few spoonful’s

over a bowl of plain rice can be considered an

authentic Vietnamese peasant meal.

DeLiciousVieTNamese Dishes

from pho bo to Nuoc cham,

discover the simple flavours

that make Vietnamese cui-

sine simply enjoyable.

EMBASSY SUPPLEMENT

pho bo (beef Noodle soup)

Broth ingredients3 cans beef broth (low-salt suggested)

2 carrots, julienne

4 slices fresh ginger, chopped

1 cinnamon stick

1 star anise

2 whole cloves

2 cloves garlic

2 teaspoons black peppercorns

3 Tablespoons fish sauce

Accompaniments ingredients½ pound roast beef

1 onion, thinly sliced

2 cups fresh bean sprouts

¼ cup chopped cilantro

1 bunch fresh basil, coarsely chopped

2 or more chilies, sliced at a diagonal

2 limes, cut into wedges

1 package rice noodles, cooked

MethodMake broth by pouring contents from

three cans of broth into a large saucepan.

Add carrots, ginger, cinnamon, star anise,

cloves, garlic, and peppercorns. Simmer

covered for 20 minutes. Add fish sauce

and simmer about five more minutes.

Strain by pouring through a colander. To

serve, arrange the following on a platter:

beef, onion, bean sprouts, cilantro, basil,

chilies, lime wedges, and noodles. Ladle

the broth into bowls, and serve. Each per-

son chooses items from the platter to add

to his or her bowl of broth.

fooD worDs iN VieTNamese

Pho (fol) = soup

bo (ball) = beef

ga (gaw) = chicken

gao (gow) = uncooked rice

com (gum) = cooked rice

nuoc mam (nook mum) = fish sauce

bun (poom) = noodles

cuon (coom) = salad or lettuce

Sources: http://www.foodbycountry.com/; http://www.cnn.com

For more information please contact: Helena Duong helena.duong@kwc.com

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Ground floor, 9 floors,

1 mezzanine, 1 basement,

68 bedrooms (60 small

rooms, 8 big apartments)

hall, bar,terrace.

Northwest.

Bank owned listing

SPECS:

❖ House

❖ 1,500 m² of Habitable

Space

❖ 183 m² of Land Size