Bon Bien Resort - Mui Ne Beach

Bon Bien Resort is about 220 Km East of Ho Chi Minh City and also about a 15 minute drive from Phan Thiet City.

Bon Bien is located in the luxury resort section of Mui Ne Beach, close to the finest restaurants the area has to offer.

Rooms

Bon Bien is a new and very modern resort.

They offer 72 luxurious rooms with air-conditioning, telephone, large bathtub and satellite TV.

Superior rooms, Deluxe rooms and Suites are available.

Activities

They have a large private swimming pool, gourmet restaurant serving traditional Vietnamese and foreign dishes, and a bar at the pool and the beach.

Bon Bien Resort is located on the beach, so naturally they offer an abundance of water sports activities.

• Kite Surfing with/without instruction
• Wind Surfing with/without instruction
• Surfing with/without instruction
• Kayaking with/without instruction
• Sailing
• Snorkling
• Sunbathing
• Swimming Beachside or Poolside
• Fishing

Come and experience paradise for yourself!

Source : Bon Bien Resort

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Hoi Khanh Pagoda – a spiritual gem in the south

Located in Phu Cuong Ward, Thu Dau Mot Town, Binh Duong Province, 25 kilometers south of Ho Chi Minh City, Hoi Khanh Pagoda features distinctive architecture and splendid replicas of four Buddhist holy sites.

Originally built in 1741, French troops had razed the complex in 1860.

A monk named Chanh Dac mobilized efforts to reconstruct the structure in 1868 near the ruins of the old one.

The overarching design of the pagoda resembles a typical nha ruong – houses in the former Hue imperial capital in the central region with carved wooden beams and pillars – rather than traditional southern architecture.

However, the style of each building on its grounds and the many stupas in the big courtyard varies wildly.

North of the main entrance stands a multi-level tower, which houses the remains of late head monks and the sutras.

The tower follows the traditional pattern of Chinese-style pagodas in the south.

It is hexagonal-shaped with seven tiers, each displaying a curved roof forming the image of a blooming lotus.

A one-ton bell is located in the tower’s center.

The pagoda’s sanctuary presents a surprise for visitors as its exterior resembles a Catholic church but interior decorations specifically feature southern characteristics, boasting etchings of parallel sentences and letters from the sutras.

Another attraction is the reproduction of four Buddhist holy sites placed on a high hill inside the compound’s yard.

The depictions include Lumbini, the Buddha’s birthplace, Bodh Gaya, the place of his Enlightenment, Sarnath, where he delivered his first teaching and Kusinara where he died.

Guests can now visit the facsimile of these sacred sites without having to go to India.

Hoi Khanh at one time served as the temporary residence of Nguyen Sinh Sac, the father of President Ho Chi Minh, who was born Nguyen Sinh Cung.

Sac had stayed in the pagoda during the period of 1923–1928, working as a teacher and botanist to avoid interaction with the French.

The pagoda nowadays retains his original wooden bed.

A model of the pagoda’s unique blend of architecture was displayed in Marseille, France in 1920.

The then Ministry of Culture and Information in 1993 had honored the site as one of the national historical-cultural heritages.

A depiction of the birth of the Buddha
displayed inside Hoi Khanh Pagoda

Reported by Phuong Anh

Source : Thanh Nien Daily

Big House at Long Son - Ba Ria-Vung Tau Province

The architectural complex of Nha Lon (Big House) on Long Son Island (Vung Tau Town) is one of the places of interest in Ba Ria-Vung Tau Province.

On the right-hand side of National Highway 51, the section from Ba Ria to Vung Tau, is a mountain range and also an island.

This is Long Son Commune, which belongs to Vung Tau Town of Ba Ria-Vung Tau Province.

The island is connected to the mainland by a bridge.

A unique architectural feature of the Big House,
built between 1910 and 1929

Apart from its pristine scenery, the island is well-known for Nha Lon, an architectural complex certified as a historical and cultural relic in 1991 by the Ministry of Culture and Information.

Nha Lon is made of wood with red roof tiles.

It was built between 1910 and 1929 by Le Van Huu, an emigrant from the Mekong Delta province of Ha Tien (present-day Kien Giang Province) to worship the sacred beings.

Huu also built five rows of houses for new settlers.

Huu often worked all day long and at night taught his relatives and villagers the art of living.

He was respectfully called Ong Tran.

After he passed away in 1935, his lessons became a folk religion which was named “Dao Ong Tran” (Mister Tran’s religion).

At Nha Lon, most of the objects from the time of reclamation and settlement are preserved.

The most outstanding items include a set of table and chairs carved with pictures of eight saints, a set of 33 worshipping cabinets inlaid with mother-of-pearl and a set of silk paintings depicting Luc Van Tien, the hero of an epic poem by Nguyen Dinh Chieu (1822-1888).

Every year, on the anniversary of Ong Tran’s death (February 20 in the lunar calendar) and on the Festival of Praying for Happiness (September 9 in the lunar calendar), a large number of visitors gather at Nha Lon where they are served with a free vegetarian meal and offered free accommodation.

Reported by Diem Thu
Source : Thanh Nien Daily

Sun Spa Resort - Quang Binh, Vietnam

Sun Spa Resort is set in the picturesque Central Vietnam city of Dong Hoi, some 150 kilometers to the North of Imperial city of Hue and on the banks of the legendary of Nhat Le river. This idyllic resort is located 30 kilometers from the mystical, UNESCO recognized caves of Phong Nha. Sun Spa Resort provides the ideal location for your perfect getaway in Central Vietnam.

Sun Spa Resort has put into being a complex of 7 beachfront villas. Stretching to most-end point of Bao Ninh peninsula facing to the unspoiled beach, this is a place where spectacular sunrise over the sea can be observed.

The Resort offers a wide variety of International Restaurants which take a fresh, modern approach to dining and serve an exciting blend of Asian and Western culinary specialties, indoors and al fresco.

The Ocean meeting room can accommodate up to 350 people. Available latest audio/ visual equipment, it offers flexible settings for all types of corporate events including meetings, seminars, conferences...

Guests can also relax around the outdoor swimming pool or enjoy a traditional massage, sauna, steam bath, Jacuzzi, hair cut and treatments for men and women. Sun Spa Resort is a place where guests enjoy in Vietnam a unique and unforgettable holiday Other facilities can suit your needs such as parasailing, tennis court, Jet ski, Catamaran boat, banana boat, windsurfing and kayak. Volleyball on the Dream Beach, badminton, Tai Chi and Aerobic.

Source : Sun Spa Resort

Den Gion Ninh Chu Resort

Den Gion Ninh Chu is an ideal eco-resort with 7ha in area and 5 km eastern far from Phan Rang city, lying on charming and romatic Binh Son – Ninh Chu beach. This area is one of the most beautiful beaches in Vietnam with a weeping willow forest lying along beautiful seashore, which looks like a long green ribbon standing out in warm sunshine all year round.

Den Gion Ninh Chu Resort is decorated in earthern red tones which is burned in fire. By using rock sculpturing art on terracotta material, our craftsman has brought a new breath of Bau Truc traditional pottery village to Den Gion resort to make a full-of-arts space.

Our tents at camping garden will bring couples romatic moments in warm yellow lamp light, or take cosy environment to whole family. You will have opportunities to enjoy white sand, sea breeze and calming moment of your soul. Den Gion is truly a place for lovers.

Source : Den Gion Ninh Chu Resort

Phuong Nam Pearl Resort

In the middle of two rivers Vam Sat and Long Tau, Phuong Nam Pearl Ecological beach Resort is brightest pearl in Can Gio mangrove forest (Preserved biosphere of the wnrld by UNESCO), Long Hoa commune, Can Gio district, at two hours driving distance from Ho Chi Minh city center (65Km), Phuong Nam Pearl Resort is interesting in tourists by fresh air of mangrove forest anh long beautiful beach....

Source : Phuong Nam Pearl Resort

Truc Lam Tay Thien Zen Monastery offers serenity

Truc Lam Tay Thien Zen Monastery is considered to be one of the most impressive and peaceful monasteries in Vietnam.

This Zen sanctuary is located on Tay Thien Mountain, which belongs to the Tam Dao mountain range in the northern province of Vinh Phuc.

Built in 2005 on the ruins of an ancient pagoda named Thien An Thien Tu, and using remains of that ancient pagoda’s floor, Truc Lam Tay Thien Zen Monastery sits majestically on the apex of the mountain, where from below the red tips of its tile-covered roof can be seen peaking through the pine trees.

The higher visitors climb up the sides of Tay Thien Mountain, the more the busy world of commerce below evaporates as the world of tranquility above pervades.

The sense of peace is palpable as visitors reach the impressive three-door gate in front of the monastery.

To transport the building materials from the lowlands to the top of mountain, workers initially had to build a passable road up the side of the mountain.

After the road was completed, the most skilled artisans and construction workers across the country were employed to build the monastery from April 2004 to November 2005.

Truc Lam Tay Thien Zen Monastery is very ornate, from carved pictures on the doors to embossed works on the wall, ceiling, and pillars, every detail was considered.

Stone sculptors from Da Nang created Buddhas out of sandstone, while stone sculptors from the northern province of Ninh Binh contributed stone lamps, incense burners, pillars and steles.

A two-ton bell was contributed by bronze casters from Hue while wood carvers from all over the country contributed panels and altars.

In addition to the monastery there are supporting buildings constructed in the ancient architectural style that house a library, a museum, a meditation house for monks and the Tam To Truc Lam temple.

Now that the Zen Buddhists are settled into their new monastery, they aren’t finished.

They are planning to build a 43-meter-high Buddha statue to place atop the mountain in honor of the Buddha’s birthday and in recognition of the Vesak Festival, the greatest Buddhist festival in the world, which will be held by the United Nations in May in Hanoi.

Dining with the monks

Visitors to Truc Lam Tay Thien Zen Monastery can enjoy a special

meal with the monks while learning about the dining rites of the Zen Buddhists.

The monks have rituals of thanks and homage before and after the meal.

Additionally, in order to not harm any sentient beings in honoring life and ancestry, the monks eat only vegetarian food.

For the Zen Buddhists, eating is considered the same as breathing and a means of maintaining the energy of life, so during meals they do not make any noise that could disturb others.

The monastery has 40 rooms for monks, nuns and pilgrims to stay in for one to two weeks while visiting to study Buddhism.

Just call (021)121 8300 if you would like to have a free stay here and learn about the discipline of the Zen Buddhist monks of Truc Lam Tay Thien Zen Monastery.

Source : Thanh Nien Daily

Mui Ne resorts offers Vietnam hospitality for Tet

Hotels in Mui Ne, Phan Thiet Town are presenting a host of traditional activities over the country’s biggest holiday, the Tet Lunar New Year festival.

Resorts in the two beach towns expect to receive some 7,000 tourists over the holiday period, February 1-10.

Mui Ne tends to attract droves of snowbird Europeans for Tet and local hoteliers have made it their job to introduce Vietnamese culture to their guests throughout the festive season.

Personnel Manager of the four-star Seahorse Resort, Tran Viet Ha says Seahorse will drive guests to the Phan Thiet municipal flower market on Lunar New Year’s Eve, where exquisite flower displays bring out the Tet ambience in full.

Seahorse chefs will also teach tourists how to make the traditional Tet holiday cakes banh tet and banh chung – glutinous rice cakes

filled with green bean paste and fatty pork, wrapped in leaves in cylindrical and square shapes.

“On New Year’s morning on February 7, our travelers can enjoy the cakes they made the day before alongside our savory buffet,” says Ha.

In its most unique program, Seahorse will invite long-stay guests to experience local families’ Tet celebrations at selected employees’ homes.

“We hold a diverse range of activities so tourists can experience true Vietnamese hospitality,” says Ha.

Phu Hai Resort, a four-star hotel in Phan Thiet, distinguishes itself from other hotels by hiring a Cham musical troupe for traditional Tet-inspired performances over the holiday.





The Cham, descended from the kingdom of Champa, are an ethnic group found in Cambodia, Vietnam, and Thailand.

They makeup the majority of Vietnam’s Muslim population, and while they live mainly in provinces north of Mui Ne – Phan Thiet, their traditional cultural influence can be found throughout the south.

Phu Hai Resort sales manager Le Thi My Hanh says “We plan to serve some 200 international tourists over New Years Eve.

We don’t only want to improve our services for the country’s biggest festival, but we also want to promote our culture to foreign friends.”

Nguyen Tuong Nguyen, managing director of the Bamboo Village Resort, says that his chefs plan to introduce customers to traditional Vietnamese dishes specific to the Tet holiday.

Nguyen adds that “We always consider tranquility our major value.

Therefore, instead of organizing bustling activities over Tet, we sustain the quietude for our guests.”

Reported by Que Ha

Source : Thanh Nien Daily

The unique churches of Da Lat

Besides offering a cool mountainous respite from Vietnam’s sweltering lowlands, Da Lat is home to two breathtaking religious structures known for the tranquility they offer.

As visitors reach the top of Prenn Pass, the gateway to Da Lat, they can see a high bell tower in the distance.

This is the bell tower of Nha Tho Chanh Toa Da Lat, known in English as the Da Lat Cathedral.

However, the church is commonly referred to as Nha Tho Con Ga because on the top of the tower was placed a bronze rooster (con ga) weathervane measuring 66 cm long and 58 cm tall.

Historical documents show that a small chancel was built on this site by the French in 1920 and upon it was etched, Hic Domus est Dei, which means “This is the House of Christ.”

Two years later a cathedral measuring 26 meters long and eight meters wide, with a 16-meter high bell tower, was built.

On July 19, 1931 work began on the church that stands today and was completed on January 25, 1942.

This church became the largest cathedral in the region, measuring 65 meters long, 14 meters wide, and boasting a 47-meter high bell tower.

The cathedral was used mostly by the French and other Europeans living in Da Lat.

The cathedral was built in the European Gothic architectural style.

The main doors of the cathedral face Langbian, the highest mountain in Da Lat.

There are 70 French-made stained glass windows that make the interior dazzlingly colorful as the sunlight shines through.

Da Lat Cathedral not only attracts churchgoers, but also domestic and foreign tourists.

Daily services start at 5:15 a.m. and 5:15 p.m. on week-days.

On Sundays, there are services at 5:15 a.m., 7 a.m., 8:30 a.m., 4 p.m. and 6 p.m.

Domaine de Marie

Domaine de Marie, one of the most beautiful churches
in Da Lat thanks to the generosity of Suzanne Humbert

Built in 1938 on a high hill that offers a panoramic view of Da Lat, approximately eight kilometers northwest of the city, Domaine de Marie is a church used by catholic nuns of the Missionary of Charity sect in Da Lat.

The church was built in a 17th century European architectural style using domestic limestone.

Domaine de Marie has no bell tower and its façade is characterized by sharp triangular features.

The interior of the main hall is adorned with ornamental designs.

The most prominent feature of the church is a three-meter high statue of the Virgin Mary standing on a globe, which weighs approximately one ton.

The statue was donated by Suzanne Humbert, the wife of Jean Decoux, French general-governor of Indochina from 1940 to 1945.

Mrs. Humbert used to worship at Domaine de Marie and made generous donations to make upgrades and renovations to the church.

In 1944 she passed away in a car accident on Prenn Pass while on her way back to Da Lat to reconcile a dispute between Queen Nam Phuong and Mong Diep, a beloved concubine of Bao Dai, the last monarch in Vietnam.

Mrs. Humbert was buried in an area behind Domaine de Marie in accordance with her will.

In spring, the exterior of Domaine de Marie is accentuated by the numerous blossoms of the cherry trees planted around the church and along the road leading up to it.

Daily service at the church starts at 5:15 p.m. on weekdays and at 6 a.m. and 4:15 p.m. on Sundays.

Reported by Nhat Hung

Source : Thanh Nien Daily

Ho Chi Minh City's General Post Office

The General Post Office in HCMC is steeped in architectural history as a prominent example of the French colonial past, but nowadays it is just as well known for a wise 77-year-old employee, Duong Van Ngo.

At 2 Cong Xa Paris Square in Ho Chi Minh City's District 1, the General Post Office stands adjacent to the Notre Dame Cathedral.

The General Post Office is among the most visited sites in the southern region.

In 1886, the post office was built based upon the design specifications of renowned French architect Gustave Eiffel, who built the Eiffel Tower in Paris.

With a beautiful dome-shaped roof and an interior of exquisite decorative patterns, the grand colonial building also includes dome-shaped window panes, in which are carved the names of inventors who contributed to the fields of electricity and telecommunications such as Edison, Morse, Ohm, Ampere and Bell.

Over the main gate there is a large clock, which was installed when the building was constructed, and is still in operation.

One modern update to the post office has been the addition of a souvenir stall selling traditional crafts, post-cards, stamps and more, targeting the business of foreign travelers.

In 1998, on the occasion of the 300th anniversary of Saigon, two statues symbolizing the contributions of the post office's staff in the wartime and present day were constructed on the sides of the post office.

Besides its unique architectural history, the HCMC General Post Office is also known for another reason, Duong Van Ngo.

The 77-year-old Ngo has spent 60 years working for the post office, the last 17 years of which he has spent writing letters in English or French for Vietnamese people in need.

Each day he sits at the writing table row in the center of the main hall from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Neat and brisk in his manner, the old man, who is fluent in French and English, is also willing to help any tourists that want to learn more about the post office.

Ngo said, “Since the beginning of the year, some ten publications, including local and those from Canada, America and France have written about me,” as he takes copies of the articles from his bag.

Ngo began working for the post office at the age of 17 and was sent to the Vietnam-US Association to study English when he was 36.

Ngo said that he tries to learn new things everyday to be able to help people better.

Ngo expresses great happiness when he receives praise or letters of encouragement from people he has helped.

Having attached his life to the post office for some 60 years, Duong Van Ngo has become the living soul of the building.

Tourists travel to and fro through
the main entrance of the General Post Office

Reported by Diem Thu

Source : Thanh Nien Daily

Vinh Nghiem Pagoda, an architectural masterpiece of HCMC

Vinh Nghiem Pagoda in Ho Chi Minh City is one of the largest pagodas in Vietnam.

It covers an area of 6,000 square meters and was constructed between 1964 and 1971 under the design guidelines of Vietnamese architect, Nguyen Ba Lang.

Two Vietnamese monks, Thich Tam Giac and Thich Thanh Kiem, originally conceptualized the idea of building a large Buddhist center in Southern Vietnam.

They had come to Saigon, present-day HCMC, from the north in 1964 to spread Buddhism and visualized a temple of worship that could be made from long-lasting concrete instead of traditional wood.

The monks modified a version of wooden Vinh Nghiem Pagoda in Bac Giang Province which was built during the Ly Dynasty (1010-1225).

The newly-built pagoda thus became the first in Southern Vietnam to have similar architecture of the old Vinh Nghiem Pagoda, but with concrete as its main building material.

The pagoda has since become a popular place of worship for Buddhists, especially on the first and fifteenth of the lunar months.

In addition, thanks to its peaceful atmosphere and unique and beautiful architecture, great numbers of tourists come to relax daily and learn about Vietnamese Buddhism and architecture.

During religious holidays however, the pagoda transforms from a sanctuary of tranquility, into a packed and bustling hub of activity.

Like many other structures in Vietnam, the architectural style and layout of Vinh Nghiem Pagoda was influenced by other Asian cultures.

There is a spacious courtyard in front of the building and the walls are decorated with scrolls of Jataka Tales.

A large bell inside the temple was given to the Vietnamese by Japanese Buddhists during wartime to symbolize prayers for peace.

In addition to the main sanctuary, there is also the seven-storey, Japanese-influenced Kwan-Yin Tower.

It is located to the left of the pagoda and was built with the assistance of the Japan-Vietnam Friendship Association.

Another tower of the pagoda stands 25 meters high.

This strange-looking tower with a curved roof holds jars containing the remains of Buddhists who have passed away.

Vinh Nghiem Pagoda is also a campus of the HCMC University of Buddhism, where classes are held each week.

In 2003, another 14-meter tower of the pagoda was recognized by architects and arts researchers as having the highest density of elaborated carvings among such towers in Vietnam.

It is also the tallest in the nation and the first of its kind in the south to have been built by craftsmen all under the age of 30.

One pair of large dragons, and 27 pairs of small dragons and phoenixes also appear on the walls of the pagoda’s towers.

Countless lotuses, bodhi leaves, waves, bats and mantras are all intricately inscribed on the walls.

Reported by Diem Thu

Source : Thanh Nien Daily

A history of Ben Thanh Market

As one of the earliest surviving structures in Saigon, Ben Thanh Market is considered one of the symbols of present day Ho Chi Minh City.

The historic main entrance and clock tower of Ben Thanh Market

The market is popular with tourists seeking local handicrafts, ao dai (traditional Vietnamese dress), souvenirs, and local cuisine.

The market developed from a group of makeshift markets formed by early 17th century street vendors who gathered near the Saigon River.

The market was formally established after the French took over the Gia Dinh Citadel in 1859.

The French built a large covered market with a thatch roof and mud floor on the site where the Banking Institute now stands.

The market got its name Ben Thanh because at the beginning the market was located near a wharf (ben) of the Gia Dinh Citadel (thanh).

Trading at the market was brisk as traders came from the wharf and the commercial port to sell their goods here.

In 1870 however, fire destroyed the market.

The French rebuilt a new market with metal frames that became the largest market in Saigon.

In 1912, the mayor of Saigon ordered the construction of a new market for the city in a marshy land called Le Maraise Boresse.

The building took two years to build and the new market was inaugurated in March 1914.

This market was named New Ben Thanh Market.

Ben Thanh Market was repaired in 1975 and underwent a major renovation ten years later in 1985, which expanded and updated the market.

While many aspects of the market were changed in the renovation, the famous clock tower on the main entrance, which is a landmark symbol of HCMC, was left unchanged.

Today’s market

The market’s daily routine usually starts at 4 a.m. with the opening of fruits stalls at the back gate.

The other gates open at around 8 a.m.

The market is a staple destination of HCMC tours for visitors.

In the late afternoon food stalls are set up around the sides of the market that serve many traditional food specialties of Vietnam at a reasonable price.

On an area of over 13,000 square meters, Ben Thanh Market is home to more than a thousand stalls and shops that sell a wide range of products such as handicrafts, souvenirs, clothes, fabric, confectionaries, jewelry and more.

It is a place where both foreigners and locals can find some of the best products the country produces.

Foreign visitors can communicate in English with most of the shop-keepers.

Several sellers can also speak French, Chinese, Japanese or Korean.

However, a foreign shopper doesn’t need to worry about the language barrier because shopkeepers are adept at bargaining by use of a calculator, which all have on hand.

With its prime location, tourist draw and abundance of goods, Ben Thanh Market attracts thousands of visitors every day.

Foreigners account for a considerable proportion of the visitors at the market.

The Japanese are the most represented nationality among foreign shoppers.

Over the centuries of history and development, Ben Thanh Market remains one of the most prosperous commercial centers of HCMC.

Reported by Diem Thu

Source : Thanh Nien Daily

Visiting the Hang Pagoda

Situated in the lower section of the Mekong Delta, Tra Vinh Province is surrounded by the Tien and Hau rivers just a few hours away from its tourist hub neighbor, Vinh Long.

In recent years, Tra Vinh has become a growing attraction for foreign visitors who want to enjoy a more serene and isolated getaway from the hubbub of other popular Mekong destinations.

Home to over 300,000 ethnic Khmer who still maintain their culture through the practice of Theravada Buddhism, Tra Vinh hosts a unique system of over 140 pagodas built by this ethnic minority, as well as 50 Vietnamese and five Chinese pagodas.

Among well-known sites such as the Ong Met Pagoda and the ornate Chinese Ong Pagoda, the Hang Pagoda is deemed one of the more gorgeous structures less frequently mentioned in travel guides.

Located six kilometers away from the downtown area, the 12-hectare pagoda initially welcomes visitorswith its dense tree shades and the mellifluous sound of birds chirping.

The main gate of the pagoda, called Kompong Chray, meaning “banyan-tree wharf,” leads toward a river bank.

The two statues of Yak, a formerly evil spirit converted to serve as Buddha's protector, guard the pagoda's gate.

Upon entering the pagoda complex, visitors will discover many distinctive decorative aspects totally different from Vietnamese-built counter-parts.

The multi-layered roof displays a vibrant, intricate design.

No sounds of wooden bells are heard, immersing the compound in a remarkably silent and tranquil atmosphere.

In general, the Khmer ethnic minority who reside in Tra Vinh tend to live a rustic lifestyle with very simple decorations in their houses.

However, the pagoda represents a site that is dually imposing and sacred, serving an indispensable role in educating moral lessons as well as a center to preserve the traditional arts and culture of the Khmer people.

Between the ages of 15 and 20, most Khmer boys set aside a few months or years to live as monks.

Some youth nearing marriageable age are also sent to the pagoda to be trained in life skills in preparation for adulthood.

Inside the grounds of the Hang Pagoda, visitors will discover a large school for children and some 20 houses built on stilts.

From time to time, Khmer men come to