#vietnamese imperial family

[pokadandelion]

Emperor Bao Dai of Vietnam with his wife Empress Nam Phuong

[comradecowplant]

"I used to think that [Iraq war vets] had it easier when they got back... [Arlo] told me when they got back the tarmac was covered with people with signs and balloons welcoming everybody... When we got back from Vietnam, oh there was a crowd alright, but they spit on us as we walked by."

Vic, scandalized: >:O

lmao GOOD, fuck the Vietnam war, fuck the Iraq war, and fuck everyone who willingly participated/makes excuses for their participation, including this side character we're supposed to be sympathizing with. returning Iraq war vets ought to have been spit on too! i fucking HATE episodes of television like these where it's all about compassion for the unhoused...... as long as they're military veterans. no no, ME the imperial stooge doesn't deserve to be dehumanized like this, unlike those other icky dirty crazy homeless who deserve it. fuck off, Shonda & co.!!!!

[papenathys]

1 & 5 for the book ask thing

1 - Fave Books

Gun to my head, I had to narrow it down to five books and felt like drinking bleach throughout. In no particular order, they are as follows:

Providence Girls by Morgan Dante ( @ghostpoetics on tumblr): A historical cosmic horror novel set in 1940s New England which retells two Lovecraftian horror tales in the form of a tragic sapphic love story. Fucking broke me. Exists at the very specific juncture of my mind between the lesbian eroticism and healing from trauma of The Handmaiden, and the body horror and monster romance of The Shape of Water.

Annihilation by Jeff Vandermeer: I'll be honest the movie was whatever for me but this book was what kids these days call a serve...a banger even. Don't know how the author described the surreal morphing sentient, geographic, sort of sci-fi sort of psychological– sort of straight up eldritch horror?? but it terrified the shit out of me, because everything was so beautiful, so unsettling and so distorted, that by the end I wanted to be consumed alive by the fungi and the lighthouse moss too. Also the biologist is to me what Camille Preaker and Abigail Hobbs are to vaguely sad white girls on tumblr.

Walking Practice by Dolki Min: An allegory for queer peoples' alienation in South Korea, wrapped up in a gruesome, dark and funny little story about a crash-landed alien that kills people via dating app stalking. Not only was this book fucking fantastic visually in terms of typesetting and illustrations, but also the translation was genuinely great. And while the narration was very funny, there were also many passages that were gut-punchingly tragic and raw, and captured how it feels to be trans, queer and disabled in a homophobic, conservative society.

Blue Hunger by Viola Di Grado: Gorgeous litfic novella about a young Italian teacher grieving the loss of her brother, who moves to Shanghai and has a toxic, obsessive, dreamlike affair with a Chinese lesbian, one of her new students. This one is not for everybody because the romance is extremely imbalanced, unhealthy and nasty but also I don't care because the writing was so hauntingly beautiful. Think cityscapes, urban loneliness, lesbian sex in dirty alleys and grief striking you at the oddest, sweatiest, most surreal hour of night.

The Sympathizer by Viet Thanh Nguyen: Scathingly powerful political-historical satire novel, about a Viet Cong spy in the South Vietnamese army who escapes to USA during the 1970s fall of Saigon, and once there, finds himself repulsed and fascinated by the heinous facade and global crimes perpetuated by the Western intellectual, political and military complex that he both loathes and lusts after. Easily the best book I read this year, banger from beginning to end, reminded me why I love historical fiction. It TEARS apart American imperialism, the politics of colonial/orientalist academia, propaganda film, and anti-communist fear mongering in the 70s, during the Vietnam war. Delicious and horrifying usage of the unreliable narrator. Extremely relevant, timely read today. If there's one book you take from this list, it should be this one.

5 - Book I would recommend to anyone

We Deserve Monuments by Jas Hammonds. It's a YA novel about a teen Black girl who moves to rural Georgia with her parents to look after her terminally ill, estranged maternal grandmother, but ends up having a whirlwind summer as the dark, violent and tragic secrets of her family's past–and that of her mother's childhood hometown–comes to light. This is possibly one of the best young adult books I ever read, it felt like a cross between a coming-of-age film, and a classic historical transgenerational family saga. It was at once a love letter to finding queer and Black joy and community in a conservative Southern town, but also harrowing grief about historic racism and police brutality and how trauma informs identity, as does love. I mean this in the most respectful way possible: in parts this reminded me of Toni Morrison's Beloved, that's how fucking good it was.

[littlestpersimmon]

Thinking about this one girl on this forum I know who was American, but ethnically, she was Vietnamese, and how her entire family was American except for her grandmother, who lived in the countrysides of Vietnam.

Anyways, her grandmother started becoming disabled, and she talked about moving back to Saigon, and *everyone* in the forum was discouraging her to go, bc why would you give up life in America to move to Vietnam, and it just feels so weird to me. Bc I also live in the global south, and while I do currently live in the cities of Manila, A huge chunk of my childhood was spent in the mountains of the northern Philippines with my indigenous grandmother-

she was half Chinese, half Isneg. It was in a very small coastal town with less than 2,000 people in it, and many of the people there were indigenous, just like grandma. And it just sort of bothers me the way people talk about these very small indigenous communities as incapable of addressing harm, just ontologically incapable of change and totally primitive, and that the true heart of the problem is the harm that appears in these small marginalized communities rather than the thousands of years of records of the structural abuse that does occur in communities bigger than the indigenous ones.

The problem is more than the belief that indigenous people are primitive- Despite that being used as a stereotype to continuously dehumanize indigenous people, it is morally neutral, it's not a way of living that needs to be changed.

It does feel as if many people are discouraged from any form of living outside of the ones that are known within the imperial core and the white world. Many people are pressured into believing in imperial and occupational powers like the marginalized people of America, that you *need* an active occupation, that it will sort itself out, people just have to die a little. And the change never comes, and you're trapped in a perpetual cycle of being tricked into reducing harm by taking baby steps, and no revolutionary action need be taken. (kicks rock)

It feels as if indigenous communities are the only ones left in the world who understand that in order to dismantle a harmful cycle, you must participate in the cycle in the first place. You have to understand why harmful people are harmful in the first place, because it's that, or you believe that prisons should exist, actually. There is no easy answer or easy way to opt out of the post colonial world.

[keepsmagnetoaway]

Marvel Team-Up 100 (December 1980)

Chris Claremont/Frank Miller & John Byrne

We've read a fair few issues of the long-running Marvel Team-Up and it's always an interesting time: now, for its 100th issue, we have the treat of it featuring X-Men (or, at least, X-Men-related characters) in both its main story and its back-up, both of which are striking and important stories.

In the first of them, the featured team-up is actually Spider-Man (yay!) and the Fantastic Four (boo!), but the story also introduces the silhouetted figure you can see here, initially seemingly as a villain.

If you're thinking "fuck, these layouts are good," then you're right: it's Frank Fucking Miller! We don't have time for Miller Discourse - I will literally never have time for Miller Discourse - but Miller here was at the beginning of his imperial phase, having just started drawind Daredevil and being on the point of taking over writing on it too, and his distinctively moody take on New York City is on display in this issue. This nightmare Deco tower, at a wildly expressionist angle, is purest Miller.

Anyway, I'm skipping over most of the action here because it's Reed Richards bullshit and I hate it, but I do want to talk about that mysterious new character: it's Karma, and she's got Issues.

A beautiful panel filled with politics: that's good comics, baby. It's important to say that there is also a fair amount of tone-deaf stuff about Asians in this issue - Karma's wider family feature and they're not exactly subtly depicted, especially the villainous members, who include Karma's evil twin brother.

And yet...this is 1980, the Vietnam War is a recent memory in the US, and along comes a complex, traumatized Vietnamese character, who evolves from villain to anti-hero to something like a full-on hero in the space of this single comic when - in a moment that's genuinely shocking, coming as it does in the middle of a fight in which Peter Parker and Ben Grimm seem to be competing to make the most wise-cracks - she kills and psychically absorbs her brother. This, I repeat, is our introduction to this character, her very first issue. Fucking hell.

And that's Karma! The story ends just after this, with her tentatively established as some kind of hero, but the reader is none the wiser about what's coming next for her: which was, as you probably know, an integration into the X-Men world and a gradual emergence as one of the most interesting and popular characters of that world (helped by the fact that she also eventually turns out to be gay, hell yeah). It's a hell of an introduction and a fascinatingly political story about the shadow of American imperialism, and it's then followed by this issue's back-up story, which is also powerfully political.

This is a Claremont/Byrne story, a little chaser after our farewell to him in the main book, and (despite the team behind it...) it's about Blackness. It's The One Where Storm and Black Panther Meet, And Also Apartheid South Africa Tries To Kill Ororo.

It's actually largely told, after the initial sequence, in a flashback to their first meeting, and I have tried and failed to work out how it's supposed to fit in with the backstory also depicted in the 2006 Storm series - I don't think they exactly line up, but the 2006 series does sort of reference and expand on this story, in particular by reusing Andreas 'The Bull' de Ruyter, the enjoyably repulsive Afrikaner villain.

In the present, it turns out, de Ruyter is still trying to kill them, and they get to defeat him all over again, and part ways in a bittersweet, ship-teasy moment (again, no idea how this fits into subsequent canon with them getting married and so forth, but, who cares).

This is a really remarkable issue, all told, and though it's all created by white men, and as ever there are some, shall we say, heavy-handed moments, but its use nevertheless of a Vietnamese heroine, her life ruined by American warfare, and of two Black heroes fighting an explicitly apartheid-supporting villain is pretty striking: on top of which, the art is outstanding. Great stuff! This is also the start of a run of half a dozen guest appearances and the like from this era that we're about to read, so let's hope the rest of them are this interesting.

[guzhuangheaven]

In Ruyi, Jia Fei is Jin Yuyan, a foreigner who has a platonic love for the prince. This was something I could never quite understand, I don't know if it explains it in the novel, but from what I understood he lived inside the walls and was under the delegation of the Qing government (since when he assumed the title his wife committed suicide and the emperor called him to be reprimanded). What confuses me is about this title of his, I know that Fuheng's son received a title as a prince even though he was not part of the imperial family and this made me wonder if Jia Fei's foreign prince also received this title as a favor from the emperor or if he already had this title before.

1) Oh it was not platonic. She wanted to marry him.

2) In the novel, Yuyan is from Joseon so the guy she was in love with was the King of Joseon. 

3) Don’t nitpick the details on this, but the general idea is that Chinese emperors often consider themselves ruler of everything(tm), even other kingdoms. In the time of Qianlong, Joseon was in a vassal state relationship with Qing (or at least, in the novel it is). Joseon can only claim to be a kingdom ruled by a king (国王) and not an empire compared to Qing which was ruled by an emperor (皇帝). The idea is, kingdoms are considered smaller/under the rule of the empire, and kings rule their kingdoms at the pleasure of the emperor and are still expected to be loyal to and obey the emperor. This means that if Joseon wants to keep its independence and not be invaded by Qing, they do have to make certain shows of concession to Qing, i.e. paying tributes in various things including women aka Yuyan. 

3.5) The infertility bracelets that Langhua gave Ruyi and Xiyue are tribute items from Annan aka modern Vietnam which is kind of hilarious to me as a Vietnamese

4) I haven’t read enough of the novel bits about Yuyan to know how the dynamics between Joseon and Qing actually work there, but in the drama, for the safety of modern geopolitics of course they’re not going to say the land that is now both North and South Korea was once under any kind of rule by Qing, and have whole plot points around Korea submitting women to an empire etc. So they changed Yuyan’s origins to a Yu tribe (玉氏) > basically Joseon but just with a different name, same vassal state relationship. The Yu tribe is ruled by the Prince of Yu (玉氏王爷)

5) All this does not help that 王 can be translated either as king or prince depending on context 

6) Anyway the Prince of Yu does not live in Beijing. He lives wherever the Yu tribe is supposed to be. It's presumably a mountainous region because there was talk of either Yongcheng or Yongqi visiting it to check up on it, and Ruyi and Qianlong were concerned that if Yongcheng goes, it would help him develop closer ties to his maternal tribe which is not good because it shifts Yongcheng's loyalty to Yu instead of Qing, but if Yongqi goes and some how meets a horrible accident, who can say it was sabotage? So in the end, Qianlong sent one of his brothers/uncles/cousins(?)

7) Anyway anyway, the Prince of Yu was called into Beijing and traveled let’s just say from modern Korea to Beijing just for Qianlong to reprimand him about his wife. The thing is, when you’re the king or prince of a small kingdom and an empire you’re subordinate to calls you in, you really can’t just say nah, don’t feel like it. So the Prince of Yu being called into Beijing just to be scolded like a child is supposed to a) show how serious Qing takes this breach of honour but also b) be humiliating for the Prince. Which is why Yuyan was so distressed about it to the point of going into premature labour.

[bongsuvn]

Art by Not A Starchild

KHẢI ĐỊNH: THE EMPEROR WHO DIDN’T LIKE WOMEN

(Tiếng Việt ở dưới)

Emperor Khải Định (1885 – 1925), named Nguyễn Phúc Tuấn, also known as Nguyễn Phúc Bửu Đảo, was the 12th emperor of the Nguyễn dynasty and father Emperor Bảo Đại (Vietnam’s last monarch). Due to historical beliefs, Emperor Khải Định’s disregard of his harem women allowed others to deem him impotent. Having an impotent husband who never noticed her but gambled and wasted her family money away was the reason why First-ranked Consort Trương, his wife, left him to become a nun.

Abandoned by his wife, Bửu Đảo relied on the palace maid’s care. A young and beautiful maid, Hoàng Thị Cúc, suddenly became pregnant and insisted that the baby was of imperial blood, despite Bửu Đảo’s mother’s attempt to find out who the real father was. Because of this, many speculated that his son, Bảo Đại, was not his; some rumored that he took a tonic that made him take interest in women, allowing him to bless Hoàng Thị Cúc with a child.

From a modern point of view, based on the press and research regarding Khải Định’s life, he was not impotent; he just liked men (or very asexual). This could explain why he often showed boredom towards his maids, as well as the way he treated his wives. Although everyone knew of his impotence, many mandarins still wished to wed their daughters to him for imperial favors. Unable to refuse, the emperor often said: “My harem is a chaste temple, whoever wants to be a nun can enter!” Therefore, although Khải Định refused women, he still had a large harem, not unlike his ancestors. Moreover, in the book Inner Court Stories of the Nguyễn Emperors, Nguyễn Đắc Xuân wrote: “In the mornings, when attending to national duties within the Palace of Political Diligence, his wives stood in two rows to welcome the emperor. However, he would collect the robe’s sleeves to his side so they wouldn’t touch any woman.”

Within ten years as ruler, Khải Định raised Nguyễn Đắc Vọng as his imperial bodyguard, a male favorite of the time. At night, the emperor would hug Vọng to sleep. Due to this ingenuity in obedience, Đắc Vọng was promoted to Fifth-ranked Imperial Bodyguard.

Another story revealed that at festivals with dance performances organized by his harem, Emperor Khải Định would watch with boredom. At one point, he even told the mandarins to replace these dancers with male ones. He seemed to enjoy this, and even ordered the male dancers to apply powder, blush, and lipstick to have fun with him.

In the Letter of Seven Clauses by Phan Chu Trinh, which detailed the sins of Emperor Khải Định, he described the emperor as “wearing ludicrous garments that inappropriately mixed Western and native designs,” as well as “dressing improperly.” Historical documentation regarding Khải Định’s wardrobe showed that he invested a lot in designing the mandarins’, soldiers’, and his personal fashion that was clearly anti-tradition. Chu Trinh said: “The emperor liked and attached great importance to make-up and color coordination by applying gems, gold, silver, and diamonds onto clothes, pants, shoes, boots, hats, and scabbards. He created multiple dragon robes that went against traditional standards of former rulers. In addition, instead of wearing traditional boots, he wore shiny Western leather boots decorated with silver patterns, as well as wearing jeweled belts, white gloves, white Western trousers, and carrying French swords, but his head was still wrapped in Vietnamese turbans, and sometimes even conical hats. His conical hats were made of feathers, covered with golden silk, and had golden tips. The emperor also had black conical hats.”

Khải Định’s tomb, Ứng Mausoleum, in Huế, considered as the most elaborate imperial tomb in Vietnam, was designed by the emperor himself during his reign. The mausoleum was inlaid with porcelain, jade, and precious stone from Japan, China, and the West. Upon entering his tomb, or when reviewing his dressing, one can imagine the luxurious (or to the LGBT+ community, fabulous) personality of Emperor Khải Định.

The famous Hồ Chí Minh also produced a series of taunting works regarding Khải Định, including the short story The Anonymous Visit of the Emperor and the play The Bamboo Dragon, with many details attacking the emperor’s gender expression.

==================

KHẢI ĐỊNH: VỊ VUA KHÔNG THÍCH ĐÀN BÀ

Vua Khải Định (1885 – 1925) tên là Nguyễn Phúc Tuấn, còn gọi là Nguyễn Phúc Bửu Đảo, là vị vua đời thứ 12 của nhà Nguyễn, cha Bảo Đại. Xét trên quan niệm thời xưa, việc Khải Định không đoái hoài đến cung tần mĩ nữ của mình khiến ông bị coi là bất lực, tức kém khả năng trong tình dục, chăn gối. Việc chồng bất lực, không ngó ngàng gì đến mình, lại cộng thêm ham mê cờ bạc, tiêu tốn của cải gia đình nhà vợ là lí do khiến bà Đệ nhất giai phi Trương thị bỏ ông mà đi tu.

Bị vợ bỏ, Bửu Đảo phải dựa vào sự chăm sóc của những người hầu trong phủ. Tình cờ thì một nô tì trẻ trung, xinh đẹp là Hoàng Thị Cúc đã mang thai và nhất quyết cái thai đó là giọt máu của ông, cho dù thân mẫu của ngài dùng mọi cách để tìm ra ai là cha đứa trẻ. Vì thế mà đã xuất hiện nhiều lời đồn đoán Bảo Đại cũng không phải con ruột của ông; người lại đồn rằng ông dùng thuốc bổ, tự dưng muốn gần gũi phụ nữ, nên ông mới ban ơn cho cung nữ Hoàng Thị Cúc.

Nhưng xét trên cái nhìn hiện đại, báo chí và những người quan tâm đến cuộc đời của Khải Định cho rằng ông không hề bất lực, mà thật ra là ông không thích đàn bà, chỉ thích đàn ông (hoặc là hoàn toàn vô tính luyến ái). Đây có thể giải thích vì sao ngài thường tỏ ra buồn chán không quan tâm tới các thị nữ, cũng như cách ông đối xử với những người vợ của mình. Lời kể rằng tuy ai cũng biết Khải Định bất lực, nhưng các quan đại thần vẫn muốn tiến con gái mình vào cung vì lợi ích gia tộc. Khó lòng chối từ, vua thường nói với các quan: “Nội cung của Trẫm là một cái ch��a, ai muốn tu thì cứ vào!” Do đó, dù Khải Định không gần gũi đàn bà, ông vẫn có đủ tam cung lục viện như các vua tiền triều. Hơn nữa, trong cuốn Chuyện nội cung các vua Nguyễn, ông Nguyễn Đắc Xuân viết: “Những buổi sáng phải ra điện Cần Chính thiết triều, các bà đứng hai hàng bái yết đón chào, vua liền dùng tay ôm gọn hai vạt áo bào sát vào người để khỏi vướng vào đàn bà.”

Suốt 10 năm làm vua, ông đã nuôi Nguyễn Đắc Vọng làm thị vệ, cũng đồng thời là nam sủng nịnh thần thời đấy. Ban đêm, ông lại ôm Vọng mà ngủ. Nhờ sự khéo léo trong việc phục tùng này mà ông Vọng đã được thăng tiến đến Ngũ đẳng thị vệ.

Có câu chuyện cho rằng vào ngày lễ hội tổ chức những buổi vũ múa do hậu cung đảm trách, vua Khải Định nhìn những màn vũ một cách buồn chán. Có lúc ông còn bảo quan hãy dẹp những màn múa ấy và thay thế vào những vũ công nam. Vua Khải Định lấy làm thích thú, còn ra lệnh những vũ công nam cần phải thoa phấn, đánh má hồng, tô môi son, và vui đùa với vua.

Trong Thất điều thư của Phan Chu Trinh kể tội vua, có nói Khải Định là “ăn mặc lố lăng, dở Tây dở ta,” còn “phục sức không đúng phép.” Những tài liệu sử sách chép lại về phong cách ăn mặc, phục sức của Khải Định, cho thấy ông đầu tư rất nhiều cho các thiết kế trang phục của bản thân, quan lại, lính tráng một cách phản truyền thống. Ông Trinh rằng: “Vua chuộng và coi trọng việc trang điểm, phối hợp màu sắc điểm xuyết bằng cách đính các viên ngọc quý, vàng bạc, kim cương trên áo quần, giày, ủng, mũ nón, bao kiếm. Vua chế ra một số y phục long bào vượt qua các mẫu mã quy định truyền thống của các vua chúa thời trước. Ngoài ra, thay vì mang hia, vua đi ủng da láng bóng, có trang trí hoa văn bằng bạc, ngang lưng mang đai cẩn ngọc, mang kiếm Pháp, đeo bao tay trắng, quần Tây trắng, nhưng đầu vẫn bịt khăn đóng và có khi đội nón chóp. Cái nón này lợp bằng lông vũ, bọc lụa vàng, có chóp bằng vàng. Vua cũng có một cái nón chóp khác màu đen.”

Ứng Lăng của Khải Định ở Huế, được xem là lăng tẩm vua chúa cầu kì tốn kém nhất Việt Nam, là do chính ông tự thiết kế khi còn sống. Lăng khảm sành sứ, ngọc, đá từ Nhật Bản, Trung Quốc, và phương Tây. Thế nên khi vào lăng, hoặc khi xem phục trang của Khải Định, có thể phần nào hình dung về con người và tính cách của vua.

Nguyễn Ái Quốc cũng có một loạt bài chế giễu Khải Định, trong đó có truyện ngắn Vi hành và v��� kịch Con rồng tre, với nhiều chi tiết xoáy vào thể hiện giới của vua Khải Định.

__________ Tham khảo:

datviet.trithuccuocsong.vn/van-hoa/nguoi-viet/chan-doan-can-benh-bat-luc-cua-vua-khai-dinh-2259639 vi.wikipedia.org/wiki/Khải_Định

__________ Tác giả:

Lương Thế Huy Vietnam Queer History Month 

__________ *Vô tính luyến ái (asexuality): sự không bị hấp dẫn tình dục, hoặc không hay ít quan tâm đến các hoạt động tình dục

[eirikswood]

Trưng Sisters Summon the Bách Việt (Baak Jyut) / 徵氏姐妹感召百粤

The rebellion of the sisters Trưng Trắc and Trưng Nhị (40-43 CE) is revered in modern Vietnamese history as the first of several uprisings and resistance movements during a thousand year period known as the 1st, 2nd, and 3rd Eras of Northern Domination (111 BCE - 938 CE). During the preceding Triệu dynasty (204-111 BCE), the many Việt tribes of the Pearl River and Red River regions were united by a former Qin military general and governor named Triệu Đà / Zhao Tuo. This multicultural independent state was known as the kingdom of Nam Việt (Nanyue) and its name is the etymological origin of both the modern Việtnamese and Yue/Yuht (Cantonese) languages and peoples. In its fifth generation, Nam Việt was conquered by the imperial expansion of the Han dynasty, renamed as Giao Châu (Jiao province), and its distinctly matrilineal and egalitarian family structures and social customs were heavily suppressed under a Confucian system of patrilineal land ownership and tax administration. In 264 CE, the province of Quảng Châu (present day Guangdong and Guangxi) was created out of the eastern half of Giao, and this division is nearly identical to the modern colonial borders between East and Southeast Asia, as Việt people gained independence from Han Chinese culture, Yuht people were assimilated and/or displaced by it.

[nguyenvankimhong]

Lotus In The Magic Well

Once upon a time, in a village, there was a beautiful woman named Sen. According to the arranged marriage by their parents, she married a scholar named Truong. To help her husband feel secure in his studies, Sen did all the farming work and took care of the mother-in-law. Despite the toil and hardship, the family lived harmoniously and happily. When the capital opened the exam, Truong bid farewell to his family to participate.

In the region, a tyrannical landlord wielded his authority to usurp the land and harvests of the villagers.

Upon hearing of Truong's departure for the examination, he sent his henchman to capture Truong's mother and threatened Sen to force her into marriage as a concubine. To ensure Truong's mother's safety, Sen reluctantly accompanied them but fled along the way. The pursuers chased after her. Knowing there will be no escape, Sen threw herself into a deserted well as a gesture of loyalty. Touched by her filial piety and loyalty, the lotus flowers in the well rose to support and cover her from the sight of evil people. From then on, Sen lived at the bottom of the well, eating lotus roots and using lotus leaves to keep warm.

After passing the imperial examination, Truong returned to the village. When he reached the deserted well by the roadside, his horse suddenly stopped and refused to move. The scent of lotus flowers emanating from the well attracted him, and upon looking down, he saw Sen. Since then, Husband and wife were reunited.

As Sen recounted the events, Truong reported the tyrant's crimes to the king. From then on, the villagers lived in peace and prosperity. Sen and Truong lived happily ever after.

The story I crafted follows the style of Vietnamese folktales. We have many great folktales in our country. You can look them up. Someday, when my painting and English skills are better, I'll share them with you.

#nguyenvankimhong

[magpiesbones]

I’ve Just Realized I Can Reccommend Anyone That Follows Me Comics And Nobody Can Stop Me

in no particular order, therefore:

The magic fish: three versions of a Vietnamese fairytale used as an allegory while the author talks about being gay and coming out to his family. Art INCREDIBLE story INCREDIBLE.

Sundance by José Piminenta: teen girl is consumed by trying to free her dead grandfather from his guitar. I don’t remember it very well but it is GOOD

Taproot by Keezy Young: it’s SO good. Use of color and shape is SO good and the character design is very fun. Necromancy. Gay romance. It has The Vibes.

Paper Girls by Brian K Vaughn: what if the locked tomb, instead of being about imperialism, was about a time war and Structures Enforced By Other Generations? Main cast is four Incredibly fucked up teen girls.

Bloom by Kevin Panetta: cute baking romance. The use of PANELING is incredible and definitely stands out especially the way the paneling CHANGES to indicate EMOTIONS. wild!! the story is pretty standard-romance but the PANELING.

On A Sunbeam by Tillie Walden: Girl becomes a space contractor and does a space road trip to say goodbye to her high school ex girlfriend. But the ART is SO good. The COLORS. Tillie Walden does limited palette like nobody else it’s INCREDIBLE. Also the spaceships are fish which is delightful! Very soft science fiction. Also a webcomic.

The Unbeatable Squirrel Girl, vol1-10 (this is going to be shelved in Marvel by Title but you want it to be authored) by North and Henderson: look YES it’s a marvel comic but it is the fix it fic of marvel comics. She wants to work out The Issues without fighting! She’s a computer scientist. It’s got footnotes. It’s delightful.

Witchy by Ariel Ries: girl whose father was killed for having Too Good Magic becomes a wanted fugitive after failing to dodge the draft. The story and characterization are SO good and the COLORS. Delightful. Also a webcomic.

Strong Female Protagonist by Brennan Lee Mulligan and Molly Knox Ostertag: INDEFINITE HIATUS. Likely permanent hiatus actually! The BEST consideration of superhero media I have ever seen. There’s so many thoughts about self sacrifice and legal systems and philosophy of morality and the usamerican military industrial complex. It’s a webcomic.

Spill Zone by Scott Westerfeld: what if nuclear disasters resulted in the overlap of another dimension and there was a whole illicit economy of people who snuck in to take Illicit Art Photographs? Trippy and haunted and insane (compliment) but ALSO cool radiation and haunting/contamination-based horror! The art style is a little racist in the depiction of people but also somewhat universally unflattering. Except to the radioactive hellscape.

Sparrowhawk: WILD faerie murder. It’s about!! CYCLES and STORIES and also that post that’s been going around about Hey Why Would You Trust The First Creature You Meet In Magic Land. Incredibly disturbing memory based horror!! The PARALLELS the CYCLES when you’re DOOMED!! By a narrative!!!

Stage Dreams by Melanie Gillman: trans lesbian cowgirls crash first a stagecoach and then a ball. The art is all colored pencils which is very impressive to me (bad at colored pencils)

[fate-magical-girls]

Every "original" Cinderella story has some cool features, which would be very different from what modern readers are used to when it comes to the idea of Cinderella. Grimm and Perrault's versions are just the most famous, so it inevitably comes down to modern audiences comparing and contrasting just these two versions.

Rhodopis' story exists in two versions, one where she is a courtesan who married a pharaoh, and another where she's a courtesan who marries a rich man. In the second version, she was best friends with benefits with the storyteller Aesop and her lover was brother to Sappho. Rhodopis wasn't exactly welcomed by her new family, as Sappho wrote satires about her. Nevertheless, she ended up a very successful and very rich courtesan who made huge donations to various sanctuaries.

Ye Xian is a story adapted from indigenous peoples from China's southwest. It shows a lot of continuity with the Vietnamese story of Tam and Cam. Both of these stories offer a postcript on what happens after Cinderella marries her prince. The Tam and Cam story uses the True and False Bride motif, where the evil stepsister kills the heroine and steals her identity until the prince can uncover the truth. Ye Xian's postscript is that her descendants eventually abuse her fish benefactor's gifts until the fish's grave stops responding, and their kingdom falls when their people revolt. Ye Xian's story was mostly concentrated around Southwestern China and was relatively obscure among Han Chinese until the modern era, when Western folklorists traced its connections to Cinderella. In traditional Han Chinese Cinderella stories like The Phoenix Returns Home, the emphasis is on the ugly stepsister trying to steal Cinderella's husband, and often the happy ending includes the stepsister being married to an ugly rich guy who wants to marry Cinderella.

There's also a tendency for Chinese writers to apply Cinderella motifs to historical people, with these stories often overlapping with the motif of the Calumniated Wife, where Cinderella is abused or abandoned by her family for marrying a man they don't approve of. Figures who receive this treatment are the wife of Tang Dynasty general Xue Rengui and Empress Li, the final empress dowager of the short-lived Late Han Dynasty of the Five Dynasties period, as well as the purely fictional spin-off fairy tale of Wang Baochuan. Another historical figure who fits the Cinderella motif is Wu Zetian, China's only reigning Empress. She and her mother were harassed by her older half brothers, who barely acknowledged them as their relatives, to the point that Wu Zetian embraced the chance to enter the Imperial Harem so she could be away from her brothers. Of course, since Wu Zetian was neither fragile nor saintly, it's hard to associate her with the image of Cinderella.

The Grimm and Perrault version of Cinderella, with the prominence of the tree and the lost slipper, as well as Cinderella's persecutors being her family, tend to reflect French and Italian story motifs, with the earliest versions cited as Giambattista Basile's stories and Marie de France's lais. In Northern European areas, this story motif is found the most in Ireland and Scotland. Scandinavia, England, much of Germany, and several Eastern European countries seem to favor other types of Cinderella:

Cap o' Rushes, where Cinderella's cinders are a disguise she willingly takes on to find work in a manor, as she's on the run from her family for whatever reason. Her dresses for the ball are pre-prepared and worn underneath her Cinderella disguise, and she goes to the balls with the specific goal of seducing the prince. Her persecutors are her employers or her fellow servants, and no false brides compete with her.

The Ash-Lad, where Cinderella is male, a youngest son underestimated by his family because social awkwardness, laziness, or slovenliness. However, when disaster strikes, he rises to meet the challenge. He usually marries his princess after rescuing her from danger. His persecutors are his family and a False Hero who tries to steal his identity and achievements.

Frau Holle, where marriage to a prince is optional, and the main plot is Cinderella passing the secret character test posed by supernatural forces and gaining riches, while her ugly and rude stepsister fails the tests and suffers disaster. (Though there is a Three Heads at the Well variant where the stepsister marries a kindhearted cobbler.)

My personal theory as to why the Grimm Brothers included the Ascheputtel version of Cinderella, despite it being full of foreign story motifs, is that they're trying to draw a connection between Cinderella's dead mother (the magical tree sprouting from her grave) and Svipdag's dead mother from Scandinavian legend, the witch Groa. Aschenputtel assumes the role of a pagan Scandinavian hero, calling up the spirit of a dead prophetess to aid her.

I’m tired of hearing people say “Disney’s Cinderella is sanitized. In the original tale, the stepsisters cut off parts of their feet to make the slipper fit and get their eyes pecked out by birds in the end.”

I understand this mistake. I’m sure a lot of people buy copies of the complete Grimm’s Fairy Tales, see their tale of Aschenputtel translated as “Cinderella”, and assume what they’re reading is the “original” version of the tale. Or else they see Into the Woods and make the same assumption, because Sondheim and Lapine chose to base their Cinderella plot line on the Grimms’ Aschenputtel instead of on the more familiar version. It’s an understandable mistake. But I’m still tired of seeing it.

The Brothers Grimm didn’t originate the story of Cinderella. Their version, where there is no fairy godmother, the heroine gets her elegant clothes from a tree on her mother’s grave, and where yes, the stepsisters do cut off parts of their feet and get their eyes pecked out in the end, is not the “original.” Nor did Disney create the familiar version with the fairy godmother, the pumpkin coach, and the lack of any foot-cutting or eye-pecking.

If you really want the “original” version of the story, you’d have to go back to the 1st century Greco-Egyptian legend of Rhodopis. That tale is just this: “A Greek courtesan is bathing one day, when an eagle snatches up her sandal and carries it to the Pharaoh of Egypt. The Pharaoh searches for the owner of the sandal, finds her and makes her his queen.”

Or, if you want the first version of the entire plot, with a stepdaughter reduced to servitude by her stepmother, a special event that she’s forbidden to attend, fine clothes and shoes given to her by magic so she can attend, and her royal future husband finding her shoe after she loses it while running away, then it’s the Chinese tale of Ye Xian you’re looking for. In that version, she gets her clothes from the bones of a fish that was her only friend until her stepmother caught it and ate it.

But if you want the Cinderella story that Disney’s film was directly based on, then the version you want is the version by the French author Charles Perrault. His Cendrillon is the Cinderella story that became the best known in the Western world. His version features the fairy godmother, the pumpkin turned into a coach, mice into horses, etc, and no blood or grisly punishments for anyone. It was published in 1697. The Brothers Grimm’s Aschenputtel, with the tree on the grave, the foot-cutting, etc. was first published in 1812.

The Grimms’ grisly-edged version might feel older and more primitive while Perrault’s pretty version feels like a sanitized retelling, but such isn’t the case. They’re just two different countries’ variations on the tale, French and German, and Perrault’s is older. Nor is the Disney film sanitized. It’s based on Perrault.

[danangtour]

Who Built the Ancient Temples Inside Marble Mountains? A Historical Exploration

Nestled just outside Da Nang, Vietnam, the Marble Mountains are more than a natural wonder—they’re a testament to centuries of history, spirituality, and architectural ingenuity. Among the five limestone hills—named after the elements Water, Wood, Fire, Metal, and Earth—Thuy Son stands out as the most visited, thanks to its network of caves and ancient temples. But who built the ancient temples inside Marble Mountains? This question takes us on a fascinating journey through Vietnam’s past, blending indigenous traditions with influences from powerful dynasties and colonial eras.

The Origins of the Marble Mountains

The Marble Mountains, known locally as Ngu Hanh Son (Five Elements Mountains), have long been revered as a sacred site. Before the temples were constructed, the hills were likely places of spiritual significance for the indigenous Cham people, who dominated central and southern Vietnam from the 2nd to the 15th centuries. The Chams were master builders, known for their brick temples like those at My Son, and their early presence in the region may have laid the groundwork for later religious structures.

However, the specific ancient temples inside Marble Mountains we see today—such as those in Thuy Son’s caves and atop its peaks—emerged much later. While the Chams may have influenced the area’s spiritual legacy, historical evidence points to Vietnamese Buddhists and rulers as the primary architects of these sacred spaces.

Panoramic View of Marble Mountains

The Nguyen Dynasty and Buddhist Influence

So, who built the ancient temples inside Marble Mountains? The most significant construction is attributed to the Nguyen Dynasty (1802–1945), Vietnam’s last imperial family, and the Buddhist monks they patronized. During the 19th century, the Nguyen emperors, particularly Emperor Minh Mang (reigned 1820–1841), were devout Buddhists who supported the development of pagodas and shrines across the country. The Marble Mountains, with their natural caves and commanding views, became an ideal location for such projects.

One of the most famous temples, Tam Thai Pagoda, was originally built in 1630 during the Le Dynasty but was significantly expanded and renovated under Nguyen rule in 1825. This seven-story pagoda, perched on Thuy Son, reflects traditional Vietnamese architecture with its tiled roof and intricate wooden details. Buddhist monks, under imperial sponsorship, carved out spaces within the caves—such as Huyen Khong Cave—to house altars and statues, turning natural formations into sacred sanctuaries.

Tam Thai Pagoda

The Role of Local Monks and Communities

While the Nguyen Dynasty provided resources and vision, local monks and villagers played a crucial role in shaping the ancient temples inside Marble Mountains. These structures weren’t just imperial projects—they were living places of worship. Monks carved Buddha statues directly into the limestone walls, as seen in Linh Nghi Pagoda, and maintained the temples over generations. The organic growth of these sites suggests a collaborative effort between royal decrees and grassroots devotion.

For example, the Huyen Khong Cave—with its dramatic natural skylight and Buddhist shrines—wasn’t built in the traditional sense but adapted from the mountain’s existing structure. Monks likely worked alongside skilled stonemasons from nearby villages, famous for their marble craftsmanship, to create the altars and pathways we see today.

Huyen Khong Cave in Marble Mountains

Cham and Earlier Influences

Although the Nguyen Dynasty and Buddhist monks are credited with the most visible temples, traces of earlier inhabitants linger. The Cham people, who ruled the region before the Vietnamese expanded southward, left behind a legacy of stonework and religious reverence. While no definitive Cham temples remain in the Marble Mountains, artifacts like small carvings and the strategic use of caves suggest their influence. Some historians speculate that the Vietnamese built upon Cham holy sites, repurposing them for Buddhist worship.

Cham Ruins Reference

Colonial Era and Beyond

The ancient temples inside Marble Mountains also bear marks of the French colonial period (late 19th to mid-20th century). During this time, the hills served as hideouts for Vietnamese revolutionaries, and the temples became symbols of resistance. While the French didn’t build the temples, their presence in Vietnam indirectly preserved them—colonial interest in the region’s history ensured the sites weren’t destroyed.

In the 20th century, particularly after the Vietnam War, restoration efforts by the Vietnamese government and local communities kept these temples alive. Today, they stand as UNESCO-recognized cultural treasures, drawing visitors from around the world.

Key Temples to Explore

To understand who built the ancient temples inside Marble Mountains, visiting these sites is a must. Here are the highlights:

Tam Thai Pagoda: Built in 1630 and expanded by the Nguyen Dynasty in 1825, this pagoda showcases classic Vietnamese design and offers sweeping views of Da Nang.

Huyen Khong Cave: Adapted by Buddhist monks in the 19th century, this cave features shrines illuminated by natural light, blending nature and spirituality.

Linh Nghi Pagoda: A smaller temple with Buddha statues carved into the rock, reflecting the hands-on work of local monks.

Marble Mountains Pathways

How to Visit

The Marble Mountains are a short 20-minute drive from Da Nang. Entry to Thuy Son costs 40,000 VND (about $1.70 USD), and you can climb the steps or take an elevator (15,000 VND). Wear sturdy shoes, as the paths are uneven, and allow 2–3 hours to explore the temples and caves.

Final Thoughts

So, who built the ancient temples inside Marble Mountains? The answer spans centuries: the Cham laid spiritual foundations, the Nguyen Dynasty and Buddhist monks brought them to prominence, and local communities kept them alive. These temples are more than stone and mortar—they’re a living history of Vietnam’s cultural evolution. Visiting the Marble Mountains offers a chance to step into this story, where every cave and pagoda whispers of the hands that shaped it.

[bushra-levelled-up]

Ali Wong never tries serious acting again 💯 she’s terrible actress.

He wanted to say he was actually into me crushing on MY W0RK 💯 for many years. And then people set him up with Ali lol. He was like but I want the creative tech innovator polymath 3 degrees genius from a family of world reknowned intellectuals why you presenting me with this 1 crappy art degree 1 dimensional swearing not travelled out of her backyard slag who cites her husband as being the qualified one lol ?

Is she a graduate in biochemistry from imperial college ? Has she exhibited her vr globally and spoken about it to industry leaders. Is she published in books by world leading academics in innovation ?

Has she traveled to 100 countries, written about them with 100K readers by the way with no promotion either ?

Also are her best friends also intellectuals and old money. Just saying.

It was a nightmare and they trashed her marriage for the stupid setup. It was nothing to do with him. Usual trashy people around him.

From Leo

Ps he thinks I’m funnier than AW as well

🙄 

And another thing - is she a billionaire even after she told musk to fuck and take the money back you cunt 💯

He is incensed I would be compared to her.

On so many levels. It’s like comparing a professor to a prostitute.

He has been thinking a lot about why they would do this .. other than to try and trash my credibility.

Pps yes she and her sister suffered extreme violent sexual abuse within their Asian community. Her sister is so depressed she can’t work. It’s a huge community problem with Vietnamese and Chinese communities in the US. Really they play cards and majong and gamble their daughters. They should become campaigners and spokes people 💯

Pps Leo baby can you get some sleep,

Bushra 💋

[seewetter]

[Image ID: a series of tweets by transjewtalian on Nov 29, 2023: thinking today of Henry Kissingers victims

3 million + Vietnamese

2.5 million + Cambodians

200,000 + Laotians

3 million + Bangladeshis

10,000 + Indians

10,000 + Pakistanis

15,000 + Egyptians

3500 + Syrians

10,000 + Zimbabweans

60,000 + Mozambiqueans

900,000 + Angolans

11,000 + Guinea Bisseauans

300,000 + East Timorians

1 million + Indonesians

20,000 + Western Saharans

1,100,000 + Iraquis

and so so many more

they are more than just a number, they where people who had parents, children, families, hopes, dreams, pets, jobs who because of Henry Kissinger and the Western foreign policy apparatus were murdered in the name of imperialism and white supremacy

it is very possible that Henry Kissinger has played a role in the mass murder of more human beings than anyone else in human history. ./End ID]

For those wondering why their dash is suddenly crab raves

[nwmns]

Just Watched Platoon (1986)

So, I just watched Platoon (dir. Oliver Stone) and I have some thoughts. Just a warning before I start, this review is full of spoilers.

Objectively speaking, this is an excellently made piece of film, with fantastic editing, cinematography, a superb soundtrack, and so much emotion throughout as a result of all of the latter factors. That scene when Taylor is smoking with Elias and the other men is an exemplary example, the camera shakes a bit and goes into a different perspective when Elias approaches Taylor with his rifle, the music builds upon their smoking through it. But, in spite of all of its great elements (and partially because of them), what Platoon really does is reinforce the fact that it's nearly impossible to make a truly anti-war film. After seeing Taylor and his fellow soldiers brutally murder innocent Vietnamese people, point a gun to the head of a little girl, and set their entire village on fire gleefully, it's impossible to follow through with the rest of the film caring about their emotions. I'm sorry, it wasn't the fact that war changed you that caused you to commit war crimes. It was the fact that you don't view Vietnamese people as human beings in your imperialist war. If this scene were kept in mind by Stone for the rest of the film outside of Elias's feud with Barnes, it would be a far better film, effective in showing that brutality and hatred can be bred when all you get about your enemy is propaganda, without trying to make the audience pity Taylor and the other men, because once you see what his fellow GIs do, you cannot effectively do so. Junior complains that "shit is really getting out of hand", but he still raped a Vietnamese girl, and this line of his isn't played to show him as a hypocrite.

If anything, this kind of reduces how great a lot of the other parts of the film are: when the first Vietnamese village is being razed and leading up to Taylor intervening in the Vietnamese girls being raped by the GIs, Adagio for Strings is played in the background. While this is an effective use of the films score and does set a somber, serious mood, its played while the camera follows Taylor. Again, Taylor is the focus, the effects of this brutality on the American perpetrator is what's being focused on, not the little Vietnamese girls being raped by Taylor's friends, not the families being brutalized and losing their homes; they aren't American, therefore they aren't granted the focus.

This isn't to say that there weren't parts that I still really liked in spite of all of this. The scene where Elias gets shot by Barnes is amazing, and it shows the importance in film editing. The camera lingers on Barnes as he only slightly lowers his gun, realizing Elias isn't Vietnamese, building tension for when it quickly jumps back to Elias's eyes, with the relief visibly leaving his face.

The film treats the question of war crimes as that of good guys and bad guys. Elias is the good guy who tries to individually stop his men from murdering Vietnamese civilians, everybody secretly likes him even though they also allow for the war crimes to happen. Barnes is the bad guy, even though nobody stops him from shooting an old lady and, again, the other soldiers allow for the war crimes to happen.

By individualizing brutality, the film has a fairly shallow message. As a result of all of this, the aim of the film, to show that war is hell overall, that both sides in war suffer, completely fails: Taylor's soldier friends do get killed, but they enlisted. They are soldiers in a war, they are combatants. They are not little girls. They are not grandmothers trying to protect their farm land. These two sides are not equal. The Vietnamese were not doing to American cities what the Americans were doing to Vietnamese villages. In a war of liberation, where one side is fighting for an end to imperialism and the other has soldiers that lack the slightest clue as to why they're fighting, how could these two sides be equal?

[travelsense-asia]

10 Best Family Activities for Kids in Vietnam

Vietnam is a fantastic destination for families with kids, offering a diverse mix of cultural experiences, outdoor adventures, and relaxing spots. From ancient cities to breathtaking natural landscapes, there is no shortage of fun and educational opportunities. Vietnamese people are known for their friendliness, and family travelers often feel safe and welcomed. However, the hot summers, occasional air pollution, and hectic traffic in major cities mean that smart planning can make your trip smoother. With a bit of preparation, Vietnam can deliver an unforgettable family vacation!

In this article, let’s explore the following questions: What are the 10 best family activities for kids in Vietnam?

Family activities for kids in Northern Vietnam

Cruise through Ha Long Bay 

A cruise through Ha Long Bay is a dream come true for families. This UNESCO World Heritage site is famous for its emerald waters and towering limestone formations. Family-friendly cruises offer a range of kid-friendly activities like kayaking, swimming, and exploring mysterious caves. Many boats provide safe decks and onboard entertainment, including nighttime squid fishing. For a quieter experience, consider visiting Lan Ha Bay or Bai Tu Long Bay nearby.

Watch a water puppet show in Hanoi 

Hanoi’s Old Quarter is a vibrant place to experience Vietnamese culture. One highlight for families is the Thang Long Water Puppet Theater, where traditional water puppet shows bring ancient legends to life with music and colorful performances. Kids will love the storytelling and playful puppets. Pair the show with a stroll around Hoan Kiem Lake or a ride in a traditional cyclo to complete your family adventure.

Get creative at Bat Trang Pottery Village 

Located on the outskirts of Hanoi, Bat Trang Pottery Village is a perfect destination for artistic kids. Families can join pottery workshops where children can mold their own clay creations or paint ceramic souvenirs. Beyond the workshops, the village has plenty of pottery shops where you can find unique keepsakes. It’s a hands-on, educational experience that adds a creative twist to your Vietnam family trip.

Discover the beauty of Sapa’s ethnic villages 

Sapa, located in the northern mountains, is famous for its stunning rice terraces and rich cultural diversity. Families can embark on gentle treks to explore ethnic villages where kids can interact with local children, learn about traditional crafts, and experience daily life. The cooler mountain climate is a refreshing change from Vietnam’s hotter regions and is suitable for family-friendly hikes.

Family activities for kids in Central Vietnam

Step back in time at Hue’s Imperial City 

Hue’s Imperial City offers a fascinating glimpse into Vietnam’s royal past. Families can wander through ancient palaces, ornate gates, and the sprawling grounds of this UNESCO-listed site. Kids can imagine themselves as emperors and princesses while exploring the historic complex. A boat ride on the Perfume River adds another layer of adventure, with visits to pagodas and royal tombs along the way.

Relax on the beaches of Danang 

Danang is home to some of Vietnam’s best family-friendly beaches. My Khe Beach and Non Nuoc Beach offer soft sands and gentle waves, making them ideal for young children to play and swim. Many beachfront resorts cater to families with kid-friendly pools, playgrounds, and activity programs. For a fun detour, explore the Marble Mountains for a bit of hiking and cave exploration.

Try farming at Tra Que Vegetable Village 

Just outside Hoi An, Tra Que Vegetable Village offers a fun, hands-on experience for families. Kids can participate in farming activities like planting, watering, and harvesting vegetables. Cycling around the peaceful village is another enjoyable option. Many tours also include a family cooking class where you can transform fresh ingredients into delicious Vietnamese dishes.

Family activities for kids in Southern Vietnam

Explore the Cu Chi Tunnels 

The Cu Chi Tunnels near Ho Chi Minh City provide an exciting, immersive history lesson. Families can explore safe, widened sections of the underground network used during the Vietnam War. Guides share fascinating stories about the tunnels, and there are hands-on exhibits for curious kids. If your family prefers to stay above ground, the surrounding area offers peaceful forest walks.

Take a boat trip in the Mekong Delta 

A boat trip through the Mekong Delta is a memorable family adventure. Glide along lush waterways, visit floating markets, and sample tropical fruits. Kids can interact with locals, see traditional crafts in action, and even hold a python at some tour stops. The laid-back pace makes it a relaxing escape from the city hustle.

Go snorkeling at Whale Island 

For a tropical retreat, head to Whale Island near Nha Trang. This quiet island paradise offers calm, clear waters ideal for beginner snorkelers. Families can spot colorful fish and coral reefs while relaxing on sandy beaches. The island’s only resort is family-friendly, providing a peaceful escape from Vietnam’s busier destinations.

Useful tips for family trips with kids in Vietnam

Food: Vietnamese cuisine is delicious and diverse. While local dishes like pho and banh mi are family favorites, you’ll also find plenty of international options in major cities. Always check for food allergies, and note that Western-style restaurants and supermarkets are easily accessible in urban areas.

Health and supplies: Baby essentials like diapers and formula are widely available in cities but may be harder to find in rural areas. Pack extra supplies if your itinerary includes remote regions. Bug spray is essential when visiting mountainous or rural areas to protect against mosquitoes.

Transportation: Traffic in Vietnam can be overwhelming, especially in cities. Always supervise young children near roads. For longer journeys, consider private car hire for comfort and safety. Train travel can be an enjoyable and scenic option for family trips across the country.

Weather: Vietnam’s climate varies by region. Be prepared for hot, humid weather in the south and cooler conditions in the northern mountains. If visiting between May and September, pack rain gear for unexpected showers.

Conclusion 

Vietnam offers a treasure trove of family activities, from cultural discoveries to outdoor adventures. Whether you’re seeking historical wonders, nature exploration, or beach relaxation, there’s something to captivate every member of the family.

Travel Sense Asia specializes in crafting personalized family vacations to Vietnam. Share your preferences with us, and we’ll design an unforgettable family adventure tailored just for you.