(Photo: Internet) The exact name of this scary pass is Me Pja, but locals often call it Me Pia. Me Pia Pass is a famous pass in Cao Bang, located on National Highway 4A, 2.5 km long, extending from Xuan Truong commune to the center of Bao Lac (a district bordering China). The pass consists of 14 steep floors, with bends, winding and winding roads. On both sides of the pass are high mountain ranges. (Photo: Vietnamroadtrip) It is said that the Me Pia pass dates back to the French colonial period, which was originally just a trail that could only be passed by horseback. The widest part of the pass is only about 40 cm. It was not until 2009 that the new pass was built and completed in 2011. Now, the pass is opened to be more open, with a width of about 5 m. Because of the ruggedness and picturesque winding, this road is always a place where many domestic and foreign backpackers when coming to the Northeast, typically Cao Bang, want to conquer. (Photo: Internet) Unlike other passes in Vietnam, you only need to reach the top to catch a panoramic view of the magnificence of this 14-storey pass. To reach the highest point of the pass, you need to trek through the forest along its slopes. In the layer of floating white clouds, the Me Pia pass appears winding, with winding bends, cascading like stairs to the “top of the sky”. The majesty of the natural landscape of the Northeast mountains, makes any visitor who can see it firsthand feel overwhelmed. (Photo: Internet) The time to climb up to the panoramic view point of the pass is about 1 hour (both up and down). Therefore, you need to bring water and snacks. Absolutely do not litter in the forest, in the route. If you see garbage, plastic water bottles, you can pick them up and bring them down the mountain to throw them away. (Photo: Internet) (Photo: Internet) Due to the rugged mountainous terrain, all roads in the Northeast provinces are very difficult to move, only for skilled drivers. So, if you decide to drive your own car or travel by motorbike to Me Pia pass, you need to make sure that your ability to cope with all situations.

Mr. Co Nhu Viet – the owner is now at the age of U70. (Photo: Internet) Old beef noodle shop in Hanoi, never use lemon. (Photo: Le Son) If you take a look at the famous noodle shops in Hanoi, you cannot ignore the old beef noodle shop in Hang Dong street. Quan has gone through 4-5 years of succession and has at least 4 decades of existence. Located in the old town, the shop has a fairly small area, only 12 square meters wide, and fits five to six tables for everyone. And the sidewalk with only about 6-7 motorbikes is crowded, there is no entrance. The shop is only 12 square meters. (Photo: Internet) Despite the small area, the restaurant is clean and neat. The kitchen counter is located right in front of the door, the meat is always stored in the refrigerator so diners who come to eat can be assured of hygiene, as well as quality. Come here to enjoy the traditional bowl of beef noodle in Hanoi, you do not have to be uncomfortable when queuing for a long time, or sometimes get annoyed by the difficult face of the seller. Instead, you will always be served quickly, enthusiastically and receive the warmth, friendliness and openness of the owner. The bowl of pho is guaranteed both for its quality and service attitude. (Photo: Internet) The special thing when you go to the restaurant to enjoy beef pho, you can not find a single piece of lemon. Normally, a noodle shop will place on the table of chili sauce, garlic vinegar jar, pepper pot, spices, fresh chili bowl and a bowl of eight-toned lemon, or a plate of blueberries half-cut for easy squeezing. But the Hang Dong beef noodle shop always has the principle of not using lemons or kumquats to squeeze into the bowl of pho to get the sour taste, but use vinegar. Therefore, no visitors have come here to enjoy the presence of lemons and kumquats. The shop does not use lemons when eaten with beef noodle soup. (Photo: Internet) Immediately taking his hands to make goods for customers, Mr. Co Nhu Viet said that his beef noodle shop is a traditional noodle shop in the family. The shop was named Chieu old beef noodle soup because he was the one who built this dish in Hang Dong for the past 40 years. However, according to Mr. Viet shared, Chieu is only the second generation working, previously Chieu’s father was the first person to sell pho on the streets of Hanoi since the old French colonial period, until after year. In 1950, the old men sold pho to rent to a shop in Hang Phen, and then in 1978, Chieu succeeded in building a shop on the old street of Hang Dong. “ My family came from Nam Dinh to Hanoi from the ancient French colonial period up to now. During the years of the French colonial period, then subsidies, because the elderly had contacted for 70-80 years with the guests of the family with conditions such as civil servants and merchants who came to eat, so they improved the pho bowl according to their tastes. forte, hobby suitable for everyone. Currently, our pho is Hanoi pho, no longer Nam Dinh pho, just Nam Dinh original. “, Mr. Viet said. Mr. Viet’s daughter sells goods in the morning and he does the night shift. (Photo: Internet) Mr. Viet confided that he was the oldest son in the house, so he continued his career. In the old days, when he was a child, he had to support his parents during the crowded days and was taught how to cut and prepare meat to make a delicious and attractive pho bowl. Not only was his father taught cooking methods, Mr. Viet was also taught how to treat and receive guests. “ Up to now, the restaurant has gone through 4-5 years of succession, always ensuring traditional techniques, fresh and standard meat. All of us have learned from Chieu’s experience, learned ways to communicate with guests, any guest from old to young will always welcome guests to enjoy their family’s pho not only for the 1st and 2nd time, but also for the second time. many more times , ”Mr. Viet recalled. Raw meat is always fresh and delicious. (Photo: Le Son) Mr. Viet said that squeezing lemons into pho to create a sour taste is a new way of eating. His family still maintains the tradition of beef noodle soup served with vinegar. All the ingredients from vinegar, soy sauce, chili, and his family are taken from 40-50 years old, so the quality is always guaranteed. He also affirmed that today, although there are many pho shops with good technology and quality, they cannot be like his family. Therefore, those who used to eat beef pho Mr. Chieu, even though they moved to another place, still stop by to enjoy again every time they return to Hanoi. His shop is one of the oldest pho shops in Hanoi. (Photo: Internet) It is known that every day, his family has to get up from 4:30 to prepare, prepare, cook and pre-process beef, removing the mustache that can cause the smell. Although the amount of meat is wasted, for him to bring people a good bowl of pho, keeping the job is the most important thing. Speaking of which, Mr. Viet’s face is filled with sadness because he is sorry that his home location is a bit narrow and small. Because he wanted to guarantee the taste in his family’s traditional noodle bowl, he did not want to expand the restaurant. He tries to keep the traditional pho so that people will always remember the taste of Chieu old beef noodle soup, of the 4th – 5th generation of his family.

Located on a fairly quiet street of District 1, Ho Chi Minh City; Coffee “Old terrace” is a silence in the city. The space here is airy and peaceful. It is a harmonious combination between architecture and small green spaces of the garden. Photo: A corner of the garden with natural gravel materials . Relying on an old architecture from the French colonial period, the shop has quite an airy space with many seats. This architecture has two rooms on either side, through a beautiful arched doorway. The walls facing out are open without a door . Impressive old architecture with bare brick walls and large sloping roofs. Old space evokes profound features. Behind the shop there is another architectural block built behind, in contact with the main building in front through a courtyard . This is a well-ventilated space and is also an eye-catching green place . The patio seat – this skylight is the preferred seat in the bar . The main materials are gravel and green trees, which evoke a sense of nature and intimacy . The space of the bar attracts according to the depth and height. Materials here are quite uniform with an old, natural look. Next to the ceiling brick walls, the wooden roof structure is ceramic bricks and stone pebbles. The lighting system is moderated and selected appropriately for the type of lamp. All blended together to evoke a feeling of nostalgia … . A corner of the stairs upstairs with impressive color and lighting . Space behind 1st floor with old wooden floors. This is a private air-conditioned room for those who need cool and quiet, with colorful sofas. . Small flower pots are present everywhere in the restaurant . The pictures on the wall are a distinctive feature of the shop . A different sitting corner with pictures and flowers. The old wall is also an impressive decoration . The space in the ground floor house is cozy and comfortable. There are also smooth sofas here.

Reunification Palace (built in 1966, designed by architect Ngo Viet Thu). Modern, convenient For a long time, when it comes to architectural-historical heritages, we often refer to the works built from early 1865 to about 1920 with European architectural style, including the Notre Dame Cathedral. , City Post Office, Western Palace (now the headquarters of the People’s Committee of Ho Chi Minh City), Opera House, People’s Court, Continental Hotel … But there is a line of architectural products created after 1954 according to the modern school, although the number of imprinted works is not much, but they are used very usefully until today. After 1954, there appeared a large contingent of architects (architects) in Saigon who were well trained from the US, France, Italy and the country. Among them are many famous architects such as Ngo Viet Thu, To Cong Van, Pham Van Thang, Nguyen Quang Nhac, Nguyen Huu Thien, Nguyen Ba Lang, Bui Quang Hanh … They have laid the foundation for a modern architecture. international but still retaining national spirit and suitable for tropical climate. From 1954 to 1975 due to many reasons such as war, the ability to concentrate financial resources and human resources was limited, the number of large-scale construction works was not much. In addition to Tan Son Nhat airport, Saigon Bridge, Bien Hoa Highway, Dai Han Highway, in Saigon appeared a number of modern architectural works, considered the highlight of the inner city. Specifically, about 13 architectural works are considered valuable as the US Embassy Building (wiped out), Independence Palace (1966 – now Reunification Palace), Reunification Hospital (1972), Cho Hospital Ray (1974), Caravelle hotels (1957), Palace (1972), Rex (1959), Arc-en-ciel in Cholon, Institute of Cultural Exchange with France (IDECAF), Credit Bank on Ham Street Nghi, General Science Library (1967), Xa Loi Pagoda (1958), and Vinh Nghiem Pagoda (1971). The common feature of these buildings is modernity in design, building materials and adaptability. At this time, Saigon imported new building materials from the US and Japan such as betong, steel, aluminum, glass, stainless steel, ceramic tiles, artificial wood and modern interior equipment (elevators, machines, etc.). air conditioning), along with modern construction techniques and machinery, allows architects and engineers to build monumental, tall buildings. Even Vinh Nghiem pagoda compared to other pagodas at that time was considered to have a very modern design, using new building materials, functional space layouts that are very reasonable compared to traditional temples, especially the handling convection airflow to create ventilation, even though many people still do not feel frustrated and suffocated. In general, these works follow the school of “functionalism”, oriented to utility, used thoroughly in service of life, without cumbersome decoration, simple colors, clear architectural language, lines. decisively, by straight book. The decoration if any is not pure “aestheticism” but serves other functions. For example, the facade of Thong Nhat Hospital uses a wall of flowers and wind, not only beautifying but also shielding the sun and wind, contributing to highlight the block. It can be said that the construction works of this period influenced the American pragmatism “beauty is usefulness”, so there is almost no excess area and layout. Any space, whether narrow, aisle, a balcony, a doorway or a lawn, is carefully calculated and benefits the user. Bold traditional culture In these 12 buildings, most have the architecture of square or rectangular boxes stacked vertically like the Caravelle hotels, Palace, or arranged horizontally like the General Library, but they are intertwined. with each other and with the surrounding works is very harmonious, high aesthetic. Some modern architectural works but bring the spirit of traditional culture, for example, the front of the Independence Palace is designed in the shape of bamboo and bamboo sticks to both shade the sun, reduce heat from the outside, and both restrict direct views into the interior of the palace; or the front of the General Library is decorated with dragon mascots, stylized phoenixes. In fact, these works are not too unique in terms of architecture, but anyone who has the opportunity to visit will be impressed, because each work brings a few unforgettable images. For example, Thong Nhat Hospital gives the impression of a curved slope on both sides leading into the first floor with a large welcome roof in the entrance hall like an embrace, both convenient for patients and vehicles to access the hospital. , creating a beautiful, friendly landscape. Or the bevelled face of the Rex Hotel, the curved facade of the Palace Hotel also makes a strong impression. With the usefulness and reasonableness, after 1975 these works were put to use right to their original design functions. Due to development needs, at these locations, new projects were built in the Caravelle Hotel, or renovated the terrace at the Rex Hotel, other works were kept intact, just painted, repaired and maintained. . After more than 50 years, these works are still in good condition. In particular, in the process of embellishing and renovating the city, many old buildings have to be demolished, but these 12 works are still preserved, except for the entrance to Vinh Ngem pagoda, which has to be moved to 3m due to the expansion of the South Road Ky Khoi Nghia. After 1990, Ho Chi Minh City has sprung up many modern, high-rise constructions such as Bitexco, Landmark 81, and large apartment buildings of Vinhomes, Novaland … compared to it, 12 works before 1975 are very modest. . However, their images have been imprinted in the memories of many people, especially Saigonese residing overseas, and every time they return to their home country, they walk through these works to find their memories of a while. It is fair to say that these works are not only of historical value of a period, they are still of use and aesthetic value up to now. The academic and classic nature of their architecture and the authors deserve a place on HCMC’s list of structures in need of preservation, when in just fifty years they will become more precious heritage. 100 years old.

Hanoi Old Quarter area with many relic works, old houses, old villas built before 1954. Photo: MINH HA As an area with many works containing historical, cultural and architectural values ​​of Hanoi, the urban subdivision planning H1-1C focuses on conserving and embellishing spaces and works, especially public works. relics, old houses, villas built before 1954. Decision 1357 / QD-UBND, dated March 19, 2021 of the People’s Committee of Hanoi, approving the planning project of urban area H1-1C, scale 1 / 2,000, within the administrative boundaries of 11 wards of Hoan district. Sword, including: Hang Ma, Cua Dong, Hang Trong, Hang Gai, Hang Bong, Cua Nam, Tran Hung Dao, Trang Tien, Hang Bai, Phan Chu Trinh and Ly Thai To. This is an old urban area with many works of historical, cultural and architectural value, built mainly in the French colonial period, located in the area of ​​conservation, renovation and development restriction. Urban zoning planning H1-1C has boundaries: The North borders the southern border of the Old Quarter and the area of ​​Hoan Kiem lake and the surrounding area; the West borders on Le Duan street, Hanoi station (coinciding with the administrative boundaries of Hoan Kiem and Dong Da districts); to the south are the residential areas of Tran Hung Dao ward, Nguyen Du, Han Thuyen and Tran Hung Dao streets (which coincide with the administrative boundary between Hoan Kiem district and Hai Ba Trung district); East: border with Tran Quang Khai, Tran Khanh Du, Hoan Kiem lake area and surrounding area. The total area is about 202.8 ha; population scale up to 2030 is 48,800 people. The plan is divided into two areas, in which the area of ​​Hanoi station and the vicinity, with a total area of ​​about 19.78 ha, population size of about 5,200 people, is implemented under a separate project. The rest of the H1-1C urban area has a total area of ​​183.02 hectares, a population of about 43,600 people divided into six planning plots for development control. Regarding land use planning, the public land area of ​​the city and district is about 38.68 ha, including medical, cultural, hospital, medical station, cultural palace, movie theater … on the basis of now available. Traffic land is about 45.42 ha. Land for greenery, sports, water surface is about 0.93 ha, formed on the basis of squares and existing water-surface trees, including flower gardens of Hang Trong, Quan Su, Tao Dan, Uncle Co, Tran. Nguyen Han; gymnasium and greenery system connected with greenery on the water surface of Hoan Kiem lake, Red river, Thong Nhat Park. The plan clearly states, due to the lack of greenery land, so the greenery land criteria should be balanced on the scale of the planning structure; exploiting the space of green parks, flower gardens, sports outside the Red River beach, areas according to the general planning on construction of Hanoi capital which has been determined to develop parks, trees, and general sports. of the city to meet the demand for greenery and sports in the area. Land for high schools, junior high schools, elementary schools and kindergartens is planned on the basis of the existing land fund and supplemented from the land fund in the list of locations for relocation and functional conversion. Also due to limited development of land, architectural planning criteria such as construction density, building height can be considered higher than specialized design standards if safety solutions are available. , fire prevention and fighting, in accordance with Vietnam’s construction regulations. The additional floors are only used for administrative purposes and other suitable functions; encourage the exploitation of underground space and the first floor to build playgrounds, flower gardens … The housing land group of 55.04 ha is determined mainly on the existing basis, according to the planning, it will be renovated, embellished or rebuilt, fully supplemented with the transport system and technical infrastructure. to control the landscape architectural space in the direction of reducing and low-rise construction density, preserving and exploiting ancient or French colonial architectures, preserving typical cultural values. For old apartment buildings and dormitories, the renovation and reconstruction will be carried out according to a separate project on the principle of self-balance of population. Notably, the renovation and reconstruction of old apartment buildings and dormitories in the area in the direction of encouraging migration to other high-rise apartment buildings in Hoan Kiem district or within the city; converting the function of land use to commercial, service or rental apartments; reduce construction density and be consistent with regional planning and architectural management regulations. In terms of spatial organization, the urban landscape architecture is preserved according to the structure of the French colonial “garden city” with a checkerboard-shaped road network, about 150 meters on each side with the north, south and east sub-axes – west. On the basis of this space network, the group of high-rise buildings, most of which are offices, public works with large land scale, are concentrated on large streets such as Hai Ba Trung, Tran Hung Dao .. The rest of the space is villas interspersed with middle and low-rise building groups with smaller land scale, high construction density creating adjacent house structure. The plan also sets out requirements for the organization and protection of the landscape. Specifically, important landscape axes need to protect the vision on the street axes; preserving and promoting valuable works, improving space to restructure typical “garden city” space. Particularly streets bearing street house features will be improved space to create typical commercial streets. For plots, add planned social infrastructure, control the construction density in the direction of gradually decreasing to less than 75% and manage according to separate regulations to limit the risk of distortion in the neighborhood …