Annam Culture

Name: Annam Culture
Address: Ho Chi Minh City, 70000, VN
Telephone: +84775663167
Price range: Not Applicable

Home
Vietnam
Ho Chi Minh City
Annam Culture

Our focus is on cultural and historical travel experiences combined with a sense of adventure.

Welcome to a cultural journey through Vietnam and Indochina, brought to you by HERITA Travel. This page is a space to discover the living heritage of the region. We share stories from ancient temples, quiet canals, floating markets, and vibrant street corners. Each post highlights how culture is woven into everyday life, shaped by both tradition and modern change. From village customs to urban rhythms, our goal is to bring you closer to the people, places, and spirit of Southeast Asia. Follow us to explore the real stories, rich culture, and beauty of local life.

14/08/2026

𝗔 𝗡𝗲𝘄 𝗥𝗮𝗶𝗹 𝗝𝗼𝘂𝗿𝗻𝗲𝘆 𝗧𝗵𝗿𝗼𝘂𝗴𝗵 𝗩𝗶𝗲𝘁𝗻𝗮𝗺'𝘀 𝗪𝗼𝗿𝗹𝗱 𝗛𝗲𝗿𝗶𝘁𝗮𝗴𝗲

Vietnam is preparing to welcome an exciting new tourism experience. Beginning 𝟮𝟴 𝗔𝘂𝗴𝘂𝘀𝘁 𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟲, Vietnam Railways will launch the Hue – Phong Nha Heritage Train, a scenic journey celebrating some of the country's most remarkable cultural and natural treasures under the theme "Journey of Wonders – World Heritage."

Designed to offer far more than transportation, the train features 8 uniquely designed carriages with a capacity of 304 passengers, including:

• A luxurious 24-seat VIP carriage
• Five 360-degree rotating soft-seat carriages, allowing uninterrupted views of the landscapes
• A community carriage for cultural interaction
• An entertainment and service carriage for onboard experiences

The train's interior and exterior are inspired by the distinctive heritage, culture, and tourism identity of Hue, Quảng Trị, and Phong Nha, creating a unique visual identity unlike any other train in Vietnam.

Covering approximately 190 km, the route connects:
📍 Hue – A city of imperial cultural heritage
📍 Đông Hà – The destination of peace
📍 Mỹ Trạch – A place of memories and distinguished historical figures
📍 Đồng Hới – The gateway to Vietnam's beautiful beaches
📍 Thọ Lộc – The gateway to the UNESCO World Heritage site of Phong Nha

Each station will feature themed photo spots, OCOP local product displays, and beautifully landscaped railway gardens, turning every stop into a destination worth exploring.

The planned daily schedule includes:
🚆 HQ2 (Outbound): Hue 07:15 → Thọ Lộc 11:55
🚆 HQ1 (Return): Thọ Lộc 13:15 → Hue 17:25

This new service represents another significant step in Vietnam's growing commitment to rail tourism, offering travellers a slower, more immersive way to discover the country's extraordinary heritage while supporting local communities along the route.

Would you take this journey through Vietnam's World Heritage landscapes?

18/06/2026

VIETNAM WAR - THE FIRE SUPPORT BASE CORAL in TÂN UYÊN - BÌNH DƯƠNG.🔥🔥🔥On 12 May 1968, Australian and New Zealand forces established Fire Support Base (FSB) Coral approximately 7 kilometres north of Tan Uyen. The base was positioned in an area frequently used by North Vietnamese and Viet Cong forces as a staging ground for operations against Saigon. Its primary role was to intercept and disrupt enemy units advancing toward or withdrawing from the city.

🔥 Throughout the day, helicopters transported troops and equipment into the newly established base. Having observed these activities, enemy forces launched an assault on FSB Coral in the early hours of 13 May. Australian artillery, mortar, and machine-gun crews positioned along the main axis of attack came under heavy fire. The engagement resulted in the deaths of nine Australian soldiers and injuries to a further 28 personnel.

Following the initial attack, FSB Coral was strengthened into a well-defended position. On 24 May, elements of the Australian force advanced approximately 4.5 kilometres north to establish Fire Support Base Balmoral. This second base was subjected to two separate enemy attacks. Australian patrol operations continued in the surrounding area until the force withdrew on 6 June 1968.

Between 12 May and 6 June 1968, Australia suffered 25 fatalities, with many additional personnel wounded. The fighting at Coral and Balmoral is regarded as Australia's longest and most costly battle of the Vietnam War.

🔥 Involvement in the Vietnam War

The Vietnam War, fought between 1962 and 1975, was among the longest conflicts of the twentieth century. Over a ten-year period, approximately 60,000 Australian defence personnel served in Vietnam.

Australia's military commitment began in 1962 with the deployment of 30 military advisers. This involvement expanded to include a battalion in 1965 and a task force in 1966. The last Australian combat troops departed Vietnam in March 1972, nearly three years before the conflict ended.

In 1975, Australian personnel returned to Vietnam to assist with evacuation and humanitarian operations during the final stages of the war.

Overall, more than 500 Australians lost their lives during the conflict, while over 3,000 personnel were evacuated due to wounds, injuries, or illness.

16/06/2026

𝐕𝐈𝐄𝐓𝐍𝐀𝐌 𝐌𝐀𝐃 𝐊𝐈𝐍𝐆 𝐎𝐑 𝐌𝐈𝐒𝐔𝐍𝐃𝐄𝐑𝐒𝐓𝐎𝐎𝐃 𝐏𝐀𝐓𝐑𝐈𝐎𝐓? 𝐓𝐇𝐄 𝐒𝐓𝐎𝐑𝐘 𝐎𝐅 𝐄𝐌𝐏𝐄𝐑𝐎𝐑 𝐓𝐇𝐀𝐍𝐇 𝐓𝐇𝐀𝐈
I recently came across a fascinating 1907 article published in Le Courrier Européen. It portrayed Emperor Thành Thái of Vietnam's Nguyễn Dynasty as a young ruler who was mentally unstable and brutally cruel. The article accused him of abusing, and even killing, his royal consorts, while questioning why the French colonial administration continued to let him reign despite these alleged crimes. It also criticized the French authorities for remaining silent or deliberately covering up the case.

👉 𝐁𝐮𝐭 𝐰𝐚𝐬 𝐭𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐥𝐥𝐲 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐰𝐡𝐨𝐥𝐞 𝐬𝐭𝐨𝐫𝐲?

Many historical accounts suggest a very different perspective.

Under constant surveillance by the French Resident Superior and betrayed by several pro-French officials within the imperial court, Emperor Thành Thái found himself in an extremely dangerous position. According to many historians, his apparent "madness" was not insanity at all, but a carefully calculated disguise designed to mislead the colonial authorities.

This façade helped him avoid immediate repression, preserve his strength, and quietly prepare for resistance against French rule. Rather than confronting the colonial regime head-on when the odds were impossible, he chose patience, deception, and survival.

🍀Today, Emperor Thành Thái rests at An Lăng (An Mausoleum), located on Duy Tân Street in Huế—a quiet resting place for one of Vietnam's most intriguing and controversial emperors.

🍀Sometimes, history isn't just written by the victors—it is also shaped by those who controlled the newspapers.

06/06/2026

⭐ TURTLE LAKE – From Maréchal Joffre Square to International Square 🌍

⭐ The area known today as Turtle Lake is one of Saigon’s oldest urban sites, having undergone numerous transformations in landscape, function, and name over more than a century.

In 1878, the colonial administration built a water tower on the site of present-day Turtle Lake to provide fresh water for local residents. On February 24, 1897, the road stretching from behind Notre-Dame Cathedral to the water tower was named Blancsubé Street. As the demand for water increased, the tower could no longer fulfill its original purpose and was demolished in 1921. The road was subsequently extended to Mayer Street (now Võ Thị Sáu Street), with the final section known as Garcerie Street.

Following the demolition of the water tower, the site developed into a major intersection and was named Place Maréchal Joffre by the French authorities. Located at the junction of Testard Street (now Võ Văn Tần Street) and Larclauze Street (now Trần Cao Vân Street), the square featured a monument consisting of three bronze French soldiers beside a small pond. The monument was erected to commemorate the French conquest of Indochina and symbolize colonial authority.

Due to the monument’s distinctive appearance, local residents commonly referred to the area as “Ba Hình Square” (Three Figures Square). During the period of the State of Vietnam, established in 1950, the government retained the Fallen Soldiers Monument as a symbol of solidarity within the French Union. Commemorative ceremonies continued to be held, although references to the colonial conquest period were largely omitted.

⭐ After the withdrawal of French forces from Vietnam in 1954, the monument remained in place and the area was renamed War Veterans Square (Công trường Chiến Sĩ). The name referred not only to the intersection itself but also to a ward within District 3 of Saigon. This ward was bounded by Hồng Thập Tự Street, Hai Bà Trưng Street, Yên Đổ Street, and Trương Minh Giảng Street. After 1970, Chiến Sĩ Ward was renamed Hiền Vương Ward.

⭐ In the early 1960s, relations between the Republic of Vietnam and France became increasingly strained after French President Charles de Gaulle expressed support for the neutralization of South Vietnam. Against this backdrop, numerous demonstrations took place in Saigon protesting both this policy and perceived French cultural influence. Some movements called for an end to French-language education programs, burned effigies of Charles de Gaulle and Hồ Chí Minh, and carried out actions aimed at removing symbols associated with the colonial era.

👉 The climax came at 10:00 PM on July 30, 1964, when the Fallen Soldiers Monument at War Veterans Square was destroyed. After the incident, the bronze statues disappeared, leaving only the small pond at the center of the intersection.

👉 On June 22, 1969, International Square (Công trường Quốc Tế)—the landmark we recognize today—was officially inaugurated. Designed by architect Nguyễn Kỳ, the project was completed to commemorate International Aid Day (*).

🍀 (*) International Aid Day, in the context of the Vietnam War, refers to an inauguration ceremony held in Saigon on June 22, 1965. Organized by the government of the Republic of Vietnam, the event formally launched a campaign to recognize and publicize the wide-ranging economic, medical, and military assistance provided by a coalition of allied nations, commonly referred to as the “Free World.”

—//—

📸 Below are several archival photographs collected from various sources.

20/01/2026

ORIGINS OF VIET, ANNAM, TONKIN, AND VIETNAM 🇻🇳🇻🇳🇻🇳 The term Viet is an ancient ethnic name, used long before the Common Era. In Chinese records, it may have meant “people beyond the border” or referred to a common farming tool. Nam means “south,” giving rise to Nam Viet, an early kingdom of southern Viets mentioned in Chinese histories.

⭐ After the Chinese conquest in 111 BCE, the land was renamed Annam, meaning “Pacified South.” During periods of independence, however, Vietnamese rulers revived the name Viet, most notably in Dai Viet (Great Viet) from the 11th century.

🇻🇳 Tonkin, meaning “Eastern Capital,” appeared in 1428 and referred mainly to today’s Hanoi. The name Vietnam emerged in the early 19th century under the Nguyen dynasty, likely combining Dai Viet and Annam.

🇻🇳 Colonial powers avoided “Viet,” instead using Cochinchina, Annam, and Tonkin, making “Viet” a powerful symbol of national identity today.

13/12/2025

NAM DINH - CO LE PAGODA
Nestled in the quiet countryside of Nam Dinh Province, Co Le Pagoda is a captivating blend of history, spirituality, and unique architecture. The pagoda dates back nearly a thousand years to the Ly Dynasty and is closely associated with the respected monk Nguyen Minh Khong, a key figure in Vietnamese Buddhism. Over time, Co Le Pagoda has been restored and expanded, creating a harmonious mix of ancient tradition and later influences.

One of its most striking features is the Nine Piece Lotus Tower rising gracefully from the lake, symbolizing Buddhist philosophy and offering panoramic views of the surrounding village. The pagoda is also home to an enormous bronze bell, one of the largest in Vietnam, which reflects the craftsmanship and devotion of past generations. Today, Co Le Pagoda remains a sacred place where cultural heritage and spiritual life continue to thrive.

31/10/2025

𝗦𝗔𝗜𝗚𝗢𝗡 - 𝗜𝗡𝗧𝗘𝗥𝗘𝗦𝗧𝗜𝗡𝗚 𝗧𝗛𝗜𝗡𝗚𝗦 𝗔𝗕𝗢𝗨𝗧 𝗔𝗟𝗕𝗘𝗥𝗧 𝗖𝗔𝗟𝗠𝗘𝗧𝗧𝗘
Calmette Street, Calmette Bridge, those names may be familiar to Saigonese today, and we all probably know of him through his success in developing the vaccine against tuberculosis. But that was after he returned to France and became the first director of the Pasteur Institute in Lille, following his years of work in Indochina.

⚓ In 1890, Albert Calmette arrived in Saigon. One could say his greatest legacy for Saigon in particular and Vietnam in general was founding the very first Pasteur Institute outside of France (since before that, all institutions bearing the Pasteur name were within French territory). However, few may know that because he had to personally cover the costs of equipment and materials necessary for the institute’s operation without any support from the colonial authorities and was even assigned by the colonial government to generate revenue for the state budget instead of producing rabies vaccines, Calmette began to turn his attention to o***m research. Why?

👉 In 1882, the colonial government established an o***m monopoly, which became a key pillar of French rule in Indochina, theoretically contributing up to one-third of annual state revenue. Calmette tried to study how to speed up the fermentation process of o***m in hopes of increasing production and, consequently, revenue. However, according to records, this experiment was not successful.

Following the o***m monopoly came the alcohol monopoly. Calmette then shifted his research to rice wine production and fermentation, and this time, he was far more successful. He managed to cut distillation time by half and double productivity. Moreover, Calmette delved deeply into the economic side of things, laying the groundwork for the French to replace the Chinese monopolists who had previously controlled rice wine production — a move that would help develop French industry and increase the colonial government’s revenue.

👉 According to La Dépêche coloniale illustrée, January 15, 1908:
“... Il en serait certainement encore ainsi, si le savant Dr. Calmette, directeur de l’Institut Pasteur de Lille, n’avait mis à profit le séjour qu’il fit à Saïgon pour faire, parmi tant d’autres travaux remarquables, une étude approfondie de la fameuse levure chinoise employée dans tout l’Extrême-Orient pour la fermentation du riz.”

🙏 Rough translation:
“... It would certainly still be the case today, if the eminent Dr. Calmette, Director of the Pasteur Institute of Lille, had not made use of his stay in Saigon to carry out, among many other remarkable works, an in-depth study of the famous Chinese yeast used throughout the Far East for rice fermentation...”
---//---
To elaborate a bit: until 1902, rice wine production in Cochinchina and Cambodia was entirely in the hands of the Chinese, while in Tonkin and Annam it was handled by the Vietnamese. A few daring Frenchmen had tried multiple times to replace the traditional Asian techniques with European methods, but all had failed due to technical difficulties. Thus, Calmette’s success strengthened the French monopoly on alcohol, displacing the Chinese and other local producers.

In 1894, Calmette returned to France and, by 1899, became the first director of the Pasteur Institute in Lille. It was there that he collaborated with veterinarian Camille Guérin to research tuberculosis, a partnership that spanned twenty years and led to the discovery of an effective vaccine bearing their names: BCG (Bacille de Calmette et Guérin).

At Lille, he also continued his research on Indochinese rice wine, and his long-standing partnership with the “king of rice spirits,” A.R. Fontaine, made him a wealthy man. Both he and his brother, Gaston Calmette, were members of the board of directors of the Société Française des Distilleries de l’Indochine (SFDIC), the French Company of Distilleries in Indochina.
30 October 2025.
---//---
Sources:
📗 Monopoly of Alcohol and the French Colonial Regime in Indochina – Gérard Sasges
📰 La Dépêche coloniale illustrée – 1908
🔎 Website of the Institut Pasteur de Lille
https://pasteur-lille.fr/fondation/histoire/

20/06/2025

𝗤𝗨𝗔𝗡𝗚 𝗣𝗛𝗨 𝗖𝗔𝗨 𝗜𝗡𝗖𝗘𝗡𝗦𝗘 𝗩𝗜𝗟𝗟𝗔𝗚𝗘 - 𝗧𝗛𝗘 𝗦𝗖𝗘𝗡𝗧 𝗢𝗙 𝗩𝗜𝗘𝗧𝗡𝗔𝗠𝗘𝗦𝗘 𝗦𝗣𝗜𝗥𝗜𝗧𝗨𝗔𝗟𝗜𝗧𝗬✨🇻🇳 Nestled just 35 kilometers southwest of Hanoi, Quang Phu Cau Village is more than just a picturesque stop for travelers, it is a place where tradition breathes and spirituality lingers in the air. For generations, families in this vibrant village have handcrafted incense, a sacred cultural element deeply rooted in Vietnamese spiritual life.

Every courtyard in the village becomes a canvas as thousands of incense sticks bloom like floral bursts in vivid hues of red, pink, and yellow. While these displays have gained global attention for their visual beauty, the essence of Quang Phu Cau lies far deeper than its colors. The art of incense making is passed from elder to youth, a ritual of dedication, patience, and pride. From splitting bamboo to blending aromatic powders of sandalwood, cinnamon, and agarwood, every step honors both craft and faith.

✨ In Vietnam, incense is far more than fragrance. It is the language of the soul. Used in ancestor worship, lunar celebrations, Buddhist rituals, and daily household offerings, incense bridges the spiritual and material worlds. As the smoke rises, so too do wishes, prayers, and respect, sent toward ancestors and deities in an unbroken cultural dialogue.

🍀 Quang Phu Cau is not just a destination but an experience of Vietnam’s spiritual identity. Walking through its alleyways, visitors are immersed in the rhythmic clatter of work, the warm scents of tradition, and the unspoken stories of devotion. Amid growing interest in slow travel, mindfulness, and authenticity, places like Quang Phu Cau remind us of the enduring connection between craft, culture, and community.

📸Whether you are a cultural traveler, a photography enthusiast, or a seeker of spiritual experiences, Quang Phu Cau offers a moment of reflection wrapped in color and scent.
---//---
Photo Source: Owner & Internet

03/05/2025

𝗩𝗘𝗦𝗔𝗞 𝗗𝗔𝗬 𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟱 🇻🇳🇱🇦🇰🇭
📿🙏Vesak, a significance of Buddha Day in Buddhism celebrating the birth, enlightenment, and passing of Gautama Buddha. Observed on the full moon of the Vesak month (usually in May), Vesak is recognized in many countries including Sri Lanka, Thailand, Nepal, and Myanmar. On this holy day, Buddhists visit temples, engage in prayer, meditation, and rituals, and offer flowers, candles, and food to honor the Buddha. Vesak promotes key Buddhist values such as compassion, peace, and mindfulness.

🇻🇳🇻🇳🇻🇳 Vietnam will host the 𝗨𝗡 𝗗𝗮𝘆 𝗼𝗳 𝗩𝗲𝘀𝗮𝗸 𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟱 𝗳𝗿𝗼𝗺 6–8 May at the Vietnam Buddhist Academy in Ho Chi Minh City, welcoming over 2,000 delegates from 80 countries. Organized by the Vietnam Buddhist Sangha and the International Council for Day of Vesak, this global event honors the Buddha’s birth, enlightenment, and passing.

With the theme "𝙐𝙣𝙞𝙩𝙮 𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝙄𝙣𝙘𝙡𝙪𝙨𝙞𝙫𝙞𝙩𝙮 𝙛𝙤𝙧 𝙃𝙪𝙢𝙖𝙣 𝘿𝙞𝙜𝙣𝙞𝙩𝙮”, Vesak 2025 promotes Buddhist insights for peace and sustainable development. Cultural activities, international dialogues, and ceremonies will highlight Vietnam’s spiritual heritage and global contributions.

This marks the 4th time Vietnam hosts the event, reinforcing its role in global Buddhist diplomacy and intercultural harmony.
---//---
Photo Source: Internet

02/05/2025

𝗞𝗮𝗶𝗽𝗲𝗻 - 𝗟𝗮𝗼𝘀' 𝗖𝗿𝗶𝘀𝗽𝘆 𝗥𝗶𝘃𝗲𝗿𝘄𝗲𝗲𝗱 𝗦𝗻𝗮𝗰𝗸 🇱🇦🇱🇦🇱🇦 If you're a Foodie exploring Southeast Asia, don’t miss 𝗞𝗮𝗶𝗽𝗲𝗻 – a unique Laotian snack made from riverweed harvested fresh from the Mekong. Sun-dried, seasoned with sesame seeds, garlic, tomato, and tamarind, then flash-fried to crispy perfection, Kaipen is crunchy, savory, and packed with umami.

Locals enjoy it with spicy jaew b**g (chili paste) and a cold Beerlao – the perfect combo of texture and taste. More than just a snack, Kaipen is a cultural bite into Luang Prabang’s slow, mindful lifestyle.

Planning your Laos trip? Add this delicious tradition to your food bucket list!

---//---
Photo Source: Michael Yamash*ta & Internet

Address

Ho Chi Minh City
70000

Telephone

+84775663167

Website

https://www.annamculture.com/, https://www.herita.info/

Alerts

Be the first to know and let us send you an email when Annam Culture posts news and promotions. Your email address will not be used for any other purpose, and you can unsubscribe at any time.

Contact The Business

Send a message to Annam Culture:

Want your business to be the top-listed Travel Agency in Ho Chi Minh City?