VIETNAM ~ Cu Chi Tunnels - Ho Chi Minh City ~

... View of a Viet Cong female guerrilla fighter in the Cu Chi Tunnels during the Vietnam War between 1965 and 1967... often referred to as part of the "long-haired army".. they operated within an elaborate, 121km long underground tunnel network, playing crucial roles as messengers, and intelligence gatherers... many were also active combatants who engaged in direct fire, placed mines, and used improvised traps to fight opponents... they lived alongside men in cramped, dark, and hot underground tunnels, often cooking, treating the wounded, and sewing uniforms while dealing with constant threats... today, you can visit parts of this  fascinating underground network to learn more about the war from a Vietnamese perspective and see how people survived in such difficult conditions... Thanks a lot Sam!【ツ】

Photo: Duong Thanh Phong
The Vietnam War was a long conflict in Southeast Asia. It began in 1954, after the country of Vietnam was split into two parts, North Vietnam and South Vietnam. North Vietnam wanted to reunite the country under Communism, its political and economic system. South Vietnam fought to keep this from happening. The United States helped South Vietnam, but North Vietnam won the war in 1975. Soon Vietnam was a united, Communist country.

In the Vietnam War, millions of Vietnamese women served in the military and militias, particularly within the National Liberation Front of South Vietnam (Viet Cong), inspired by the slogan, "when war comes, even the women must fight." 

 

Stamps:

Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Hanoi 

(Issued 011-2019)

 Vietnamese Venomous Snakes 

(Issued 31-12-2025)

Vietnam ~ Marie Curie High School - Saigon ~

... Pretty view of students in front of their highschool... Marie Curie High School is one of the oldest and most architecturally unique schools in Saigon... featured with classic French architecture style mixed with traditional oriental decoration... established in 1918 and named after the Nobel prize-winning scientist Marie Curie by the French colonial government, it remains the only high school in Saigon that still bears its original name... but french heritage left Saigon (Ho Chi Minh City) also classic automobiles like this great citroen Traction and many more examples... Thanks a lot Jobbo!【ツ】

Photo: Hans Kemp
Founded in  1918 as an all-girls school, it began accepting boys in 1970. In 1997, it was turned into a semi-public high school. In the recent past, it was one of the largest high schools in Vietnam, with around 5000 students in regular attendance. In 2007, it became a public high school.

The university is named after the Polish-born female scientist - Marie Curie (1867-1934), she was a pioneer in the study of radioactivity, the first female scientist to receive the honor of receiving two Nobel Prizes in two years.

Stamp:

Architecture of Vietnam

(Issued 16-01-2012)

VIETNAM ~Central Post Office - Ho Chi Minh City~

.... Great view of the beautiful and grand interior of this still working postoffice.... a well preserved French colonial building with all the by-gone architectural features.... when you come into this place, you can see the dome roof covering the whole length... above the international telephone booths near the entrance there are two large handpainted maps... a good place to see how a post office was run in the old days...the postmasters are still using old methods to send letters ✉... the whole inside is overlooked by a giant picture portrait of Ho Chi Minh President... unfortunately in Belgium the price of stamps will also increase next year... again😢... like almost every year😭... Thanks a lot Jobbo!【ツ】

Photo: Nguyen Quoc Hung
The Saigon Central Post Office was constructed from 1886-1891 and depicts classic elements of Gothic, Renaissance and French colonial design. While some mistakenly credit Gustave Eiffel, the famed designer of the Eiffel Tower in Paris, it was actually designed by French architect Alfred Foulhoux.

Stamps:

Marine Life - Fish of the Mekong River
(Issued 01-08-2019)

Butterflies - World Stamp Exhibition CHINA
(Issued 11-0§2019)

VIETNAM ~ Ben Thanh Market - Ho Chi Minh City ~

... Great view of one Saigon's well known fascinating markets... one of the earliest surviving structures in Saigon and an important symbol of Ho Chi Minh City... easily  to recognize from far with a iconic sign, the clock tower...  located at the centre of the city, this Market is a famous destination for many local and foreign tourists from over the world...  seeking local handicrafts, textiles, áo dài (silk tunics) and souvenirs, as well as local cuisine... they have all one in common, crowded and bustling at all times, a true reflection of the local lifestyle and people... a tip from Jobbo!!👍... you should visit "26 Ly Tu Trong" instead where you have a much better shopping experience... all local Vietnamese brands in shops very tastefully furnished, with absolutely no need to haggle... will keep it in mind whenever going to Vietnam😀😉... Thanks a lot Jobbo!!【ツ】

Photo: Jethuynh The market was formally established by the French colonial powers after taking over the Gia Định citadel in 1859. This market was destroyed by fire in 1870 and rebuilt to become Saigon's largest market. In 1912 the market was moved to a new building and called the New Bến Thành Market to distinguish over its predecessor. The building was renovated in 1985.

Ben Thanh Market has a total area of 13,056 m², with an average of 10,000 visitors per day coming here to go shopping and visit. The market has 1,446 stalls, 6,000 small businesses, 5 businesses, with four main doors and 12 doors in four directions.

Stamps:

The 100th Anniversary of the Birth of Nelson Mandela, 1918-2013
(Issued 05-12-2018)

Vietnamese Silk Paintings
(Issued 01-04-2019)

VIETNAM ~Khai Dinh Tomb - Complex of Hué Monuments - UNESCO ~

...  Plenty of great views of the most majestic and last Hue imperial tomb... .architecturally and historically important... although a quite recent addition, Khai Dinh Tomb is one of the more popular tombs in the area... the architecture of the tomb is a mixture of both Eastern and Western designs... that makes it unique, strange and different from other traditional architectures of Vietnam... with  great selection of lovely stamps... Thanks a lot Manh!【ツ】

Hue was the capital for 143 years (1802 – 1945). It is a city rich with history. Hue is home to 7 imperial tombs as well as the ancient imperial city.

Khai Dinh became the Emperor of Vietnam in 1916 at the age of 31. The king had died when the building was on the way to be finished. The tomb was completed by Emperor Bao Dai, Khai Dinh's successor in 1931. It took 11 years to build (1920-1931)

The structure of the Imperial Khai Dinh tomb is a rectangle of 117 meters long by 48.5 meters wide, resting on the mountain Chau Chu. This imperial tomb is small in extent, little more than 5600 square meters, however its construction, decoration and details are very elaborate.

Outside of Khai Dinh Hue Imperial Tomb Upon crossing the gateway to the imperial Tomb, we find 37 steps whose railings have been carved in the shape of dragons, these dragons are the largest of all Vietnam.

This site was added to the list of UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Vietnam in 1993.

Stamps:

Flowers of Vietnam
(Issued 01-03-2018)

3X Vietnamese Community of Ethnic Groups
(Issued 30-09-2005)

Vietnamese Markets
(Issued 01-03-2017

 Insects - Beetles
(Issued 20-10-2015)

VIETNAM ~ Map Indochina ~

.... Wonderful "cartoon" map card of three countries linked by the Mekong river... the land between China and India with influences of both... highlighting their most famous tourist attractions... although the term “Indochina” is still used to refer to these three countries, it’s nowadays more known as “Southeast Asia”, which also encompasses other countries in the area, such as Burma and Thailand... Vietnam territory has a shape of a narrow ‘S’ letter... located on the eastern edge of the peninsula  Indochina... the narrowest point of Vietnam is only 40.3 km wide.... with a great selection of lovely stamps... Thanks a lot Manh!【ツ】

Indochina, also called (until 1950) French Indochina are strictly described as being the countries of the former French colonies, which were Vietnam, Laos and Cambodia. Located in the Southeast Asia region, east of Thailand, and south of China.

 It became part of the French colonial empire in the late 19th century. The Japanese Empire conquered it in the Second World War, and other wars went on for decades tearing the region apart for a generation.


The term Indochina refers to the intermingling of Indian and Chinese influences in the culture of the region.





Stamps:

2X Ancient Architecture
(Issued 25-01-2018)

3X Vietnamese Community of Ethnic Groups
(Issued 30-09-2005)

Flowers of Vietnam
(Issued 01-03-2018)

VIETNAM ~ Cai Rang Floating Market - Mekong Delta ~

... Beautiful floating market view crowded with sellers... Cai Rang floating market is one of 3 biggest floating market in South West Vietnam and the largest wholesale floating market in the Mekong Delta.... one of the most popular attractions in Can Tho which tourists shouldn’t miss... every early morning, hundred boats gather together where their owners start trading agricultural products, goods, fruits, food as well with an eating area... to be recognized easily, they hang out product samples on a long bamboo (called Cay Beo) in front of the boats, so that they do not need to cry their wares as in mainland market.... although their lives are not as flourishing as the lives on lands, they are still enthusiastic, friendly and keep a smiley face... with great selection of stamps used...Thanks a lot Manh!! ¯\_(ツ)_/¯

Cai Rang floating market is located in Can Tho province, Mekong Delta on the Cai Rang river near Can Tho City (the capital of the Mekong Delta). Cai Rang was initially formed to meet the trading needs of the locals while the road traffic system was still in its infancy and it existed for over a 100 years.

These floating markets are often organized at the junction of rivers. There, the water level of rivers is not too deep, and river surface is not too wide, which is convenient for boats to moor.

Stamps:

UNESCO World Heritage - Trang An
(Issued 23-01-2015)

3X  Vietnamese Community of Ethnic Groups
(Issued 30-09-2005)

Ancient Architecture - Joint Issue with India
(Issued 25-01-2018)

Chinese New Year - Year of the dog
(Issued 01-12-2017)

VIETNAM ~ One Pillar Pagoda - Hanoi ~

... A wonderful view of a historic Buddhist pagoda in the capital of Vietnam... the spirituality destination in Hanoi... one of the oldest, almost 1000 years... and most iconic ones... the pagoda balances on a single pillar, surrounded by a small flowers pond, and has a beautiful lotus shaped carved wood sitting on its top... there is a  difference between a "temple" and "pagoda" in Vietnam...  temples honor gods, who were real human beings such as mandarins, emperors or national heroes... pagodas are for worshiping Buddhists.... Thanks once more Jobbo!! ✿◕ ‿ ◕✿

Photo: Trong Nguyen
The One Pillar Pagoda was originally built by the Emperor Ly Thai Tong who ruled from 1028 to 1054. Built of wood , 1.25 m in diameter and 4 m in height, this pagoda is the symbol of purity designed to resemble a lotus blossom, which is a Buddhist symbol of purity, since a lotus blossoms in a muddy pond.

The emperor constructed the temple in 1049 and is located in Ho Chi Minh Complex.

One of the last acts of the French before quitting Hanoi in 1954 was to destroy the original One Pillar Pagoda; the structure was rebuilt by the new government.

Stamp:

Architecture
16-01-2012)

Architecture
(Issued 01-07-2014)

VIETNAM ~ Young girl - Fine Arts Museum - Hanoi ~

... First of two great postcards... this is one of the most outstanding works of Mai Trung Thu expressing the classic beauty of Hue's ladies... the most notable are the lively dreaming eyes... the Vietnam Fine Arts Museum has one of the best and most diverse art collections in the country... a visit here will provide some good insight into Vietnamese culture and history....Thanks a lot Jobbo!!【ツ】

The museum is set in a  three-storey, 1930s-era building, originally ordered built by the French to house the daughters of the colonial elite.

After a renovation in the 1960s, during which some traditional architectural elements of Vietnamese communal houses were added, the museum was opened in 1966.

Mai Trung Thứ was a Vietnamese-French painter. He lived and worked mostly in France. His main subjects were women, children and daily life, incorporating some traditional Vietnamese conceptions about fine arts and folk arts. All his work, apart from a few oil paintings, is silk painting with gouache, by rubbing and colours applied as solids.


Oil on canvas painted in 1934.

Stamps:

Architecture
(16-01-2012)

Bamboo Lamp
(Issued 15-05-2009)

VIETNAM ~ Van Long Nature Reserve - Ninh Binh ~

 ... Beautiful picturesque peaceful landscape...  also called “the bay without wave” because when going on a boat, visitors will see a flat surface like a big mirror surrounded by mystical limestone forests.... they are eco-friendly boat, made of bamboo and rowed by hand ... popular with bird-watchers... this reserve is also one of the last wild refuges of the endangered Delacour’s langur, partly because the wetlands keep predators and poachers out of the bay... Thanks Manh!!【ツ】

Van Long natural reserve is located in Gia Vien district, Ninh Binh province. Ninh Binh is a province in the Red River Delta region of Vietnam. The centre of the province is about 100 km to the south of Hanoi.

With an area of 3000ha Van Long Nature Reserve is the  largest natural reserve of wetlands of Northern Vietnam. The reserve has 32 beautiful grotto such as: Ca Grotto, Bong Grotto, Rua Grotto, Chanh Grotto.

In the Van Long forest, there are 457 species of higher plants of which 8 species are recorded in the Vietnam Red list.  39 species of animals; 12 species of rare animals such as the Delacour langur, chamois, Bengal slow Loris, Asian black bear and stump-tailed macaque.

Stamps:

Chinese New Year 2017 - Year of the Rooster
(Issued 20-12-2016)

VIETNAM ~ The Opera House - Hanoi ~

.... Great card nr2... a magnificent piece of classic French architecture dominating the central square... Hanoi Opera House is the landmark in the French Quarter of the city... it is the biggest theatre in the country... the French occupied Vietnam for 100 years, and it has influenced their food, their architecture and in their way of life... Big thanks once more Jobbo!! ❁◕ ‿ ◕❁

The Hanoi Opera House was built in 1911 by the then ruling French. It’s a piece of neo-classical French architecture featuring Gothic themes on the doors and domes with pillars, shuttered windows, balconies and a glass room. Musicians, actors and dancers play to a 600-strong audience delivering powerful operatic and classical performances, making it a very popular theatrical attraction.

The building was completed after 10 years of construction, by two French architects, Broyer and V. Harley, resembling the Opéra Garnier de Paris.

In 1995, the government spent nearly 14 million US dollars to restore the opera house.

Stamps:

Chinese New Year 2017 - Year of the Rooster
(Issued 20-12-2016)

Chinese New Year 2016 - Year of the Monkey
(Issued 01-12-2015)

VIETNAM ~ Tam Coc Landscape - UNESCO ~

... First of two wonderful cards sent by postcard friend Jobboツ... amazing scenery of one of the most beautiful regions in Vietnam... this location is famous for its natural beauty with mountains, streams and paddy fields... it is a miniature landlocked version of Ha Long Bay and  known as "Halong Bay on Land" ... Thanks a lot Jobbo!! ¯\_(ツ)_/¯ (PS. And how was the "snake" dining experience??? ʘ͜͡ʘ )

Tam Coc is located about 90 kilometers south of Hanoi in Ninh Binh province (home of the Tran dynasty) and near to the city of Ninh Binh.

Tam Coc, literally "three caves", consists of three natural caves,  Hang Cả, Hang Hai, and Hang Ba. These three caves were formed by Ngo Dong river after long erosive process of water river running through limestone mountains.

The area is part of the famous Trang An Landscape Complex UNESCO World Heritage site. (2014)

Stamps:

Vietnamese Markets
(Issued 01-03-2017)

 ????

VIETNAM ~ Hoi An Ancient Town - UNESCO ~

... Lovely Vietnam postcard nr2 from Glenn... the architecture is a blend of Vietnamese, Chinese and Japanese influences... more than 800 historic buildings in Hoi An have been preserved... Thanks a lot Glenn!!【ツ】

Hoi An city is situated in Central Vietnam. Old Town Hội An, the city's historic district, is recognized as an exceptionally well-preserved example of a South-East Asian trading port dating from the 15th to the 19th century, its buildings and street plan reflecting a unique blend of influences, indigenous and foreign. Prominent in the city's old town, is its covered "Japanese Bridge," dating to the 16th-17th century.

Hội An (會安) translates as "peaceful meeting place". In English and other European languages, the town was known historically as Faifo. This word is derived from Vietnamese Hội An phố (the town of Hội An), which was shortened to "Hoi-pho", and then to "Faifo".

 It is recognized as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO since 1999.

Stamps:
Music and Dance
(Issued 03-06-2008)

Architecture - Landscape
(Issued 16-01-2012 )

VIETNAM ~ Ha Long Bay - UNESCO ~

... More great cards from Glenn's travels in Asia... wonderful view of the most famous bay of Vietnam...it is one of the world’s natural wonders... and the most beautiful tourist destination... the bays calm water and the thousands limestone pillars forming a spectacular seascape...Thanks a lot Glenn! ! \_(♥‿♥)_/

Photo: Thê`Thuc
Halong Bay is located in the Quang Ninh province of Vietnam along the 120km coastline of Bai Chay Beach. There are more than 1960 limestone, rocky, tall islands of various sizes and shapes which are rich in tropical vegetation.

Halong Bay is approximately 579 square miles in size and is home to approximately 1600 fishermen who live in floating villages. The rich bio-diversity of the bay, and its beauty and its history has captured the interest of many throughout the ages.

The Halong Bay became  a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1994.

Stamps:

Architecture - Landscape
(Issued 16-01-2012 )

VIETNAM ~Central Post Office-Ho Chi Minh City~

...I already got a postcard from the outside of this 19th C post office...this one shows the beautiful and grand interior.... a good place to see how a post office was run in the old days...the postmasters are still using old methods to send letters ✉... the whole inside is overlooked by a giant picture of Ho Chi Minh... with great matching stamp!! Thanks a lot Maria!!【ツ】➞Connections to the World

Photo: © Daan Duc Minh
The Central Post Office is one of the oldest buildings in Ho Chi Minh City, near Saigon Notre-Dame Basilica. It counts with Gothic, Renaissance and French influences.

There is a large clock on the exterior of the post office and painted on the walls inside are fascinating maps on history of telecommunication system in Saigon. Respectively “Saigon et ses environs in 1892″, translated as “Saigon and the vicinity, 1892″ and “Lignes telegraphiques du Sud et du Cambodge Vietnam, 1936″ translated as “telegraph line South Vietnam and post office 1936 “.

Stamps:

Central Post Office, Ho Chi Minh City
Architecture
(Issued 01-07-2014)

The 400th Anniversary of the Death of William Shakespeare, 1564-1616
(Issued 23-04-2016)

VIETNAM ~Central Post Office-Ho Chi Minh City~

My postcard for the Weekend theme...Postal and Mail Related Cards...see more at  Connections with the world

And I saved the best till last ㋡...great view of one of the city's major tourist attractions... this is still a functioning post office...it’s a piece of living history where even the old fashioned glue pots are still in use for sticking stamps to letters ✉...to know that my postcard was sent from there and also the stamps where bought here make this a really special one... Big Thanks Jobbo¯\_(ツ)_/¯

Photo: Thien Thach
The Central Post Office is one of the oldest buildings in Ho Chi Minh City, near Saigon Notre-Dame Basilica. It was built around 1886 – 1891, based on the design of Gustave Eiffel – a famous French architect. It counts with Gothic, Renaissance and French influences.

Painted on the walls are fascinating historic maps of South Vietnam, Saigon and Cholon, whit a mosaic of Ho Chi Minh  at the end of its barrel-vaulted hall.

 It has long been the busiest post office of the country.

Stamps:

Architecture - Landscapes of  Vietnam
(Issued 16-01-2012)

UNESCO World Heritage - Trang An
(Issued 23-01-2015)

VIETNAM ~Scootering around Saigon ~

...Interesting postcard nr2...it seems to be that hiring a scooter is the best way to see Vietnam...⁀⊙﹏☉⁀... Thaaaaaaanks a lot Jobbo !!

Vietnam has a total motorbike/scooter culture and the number of people riding around on these things is a sight in and of itself.

It is is the largest international market for this iconic Italian scooter. "Vespa is a status symbol that you can take with you wherever you go.”

In the background you see a propaganda poster commemorating the Viet Minh's victory at Dien Bien Phu.





© LNvision

Stamps:

The 150th Anniversary of the Birth of Alexandre Yersin, 1863-1943J
(Issued 30-06-2013)

Fauna Birds
(Issued 01-06-2013)

VIETNAM ~People's Committee Building - Ho Chi Minh City ~

...One of three great Vietnam postcard sent by travelling friend Jobbo...a beautiful historic building at night...did I really read "dog meat" (◑﹏◐)???.. Thanks Jobbo!!

Photo: Jethuynh
The People’s Committee Building of Ho Chi Minh City was built in 1898 and was put into use in 1909. It was designed by Gardes who is a famous French architecture.

Because the building is for government workplace, it is not open for tourists to visit inside to view completely the beauty of the architecture. Only state officials are allowed in this working government building.

Stamp:

Flowers - Orchids
(Issued 01-04-2013)

VIETNAM ~ Hanoi Cathedral ~

...A great view...three lovely girls in beautiful white dresses and pointy hats going to church??? in this very imposing building...a little Notre Dame...from traveling friend Jobbo!!Thanks once more Jobbo!! (✿◠‿◠)

Saint Joseph Cathedral, located in Hanoi, is a Roman Catholic cathedral with neo- gothic style.

The Cathedral was opened in 1886, a year after the French colonial officially occupied the country of Vietnam.

It was one of the first structures built by the French colonial government in Indochina and is the oldest church in Hanoi.

The cathedral was built on the site of an important Vietnamese temple which the French destroyed.

It was closed in 1975 upon the reunification of Vietnam, and was not reopened until 1985.


Photo: Lai Dien Dam

Stamps:
Birds in Xuan Thuy National Park
(Issued 01-06-2013)

The 40th Anniversary of Diplomatic Relations with Singapore - Joint Issue
(Issued 12-09-2013)

VIETNAM ~Khải Định Tomb - Hue - UNESCO ~

View of the most majestic imperial tomb of the country... architecturally and historically...another great postcard sent by Benny, thanks!!!

The Tomb of Khải Định is located in Chau Chu mountain near Huế in Vietnam. It was built for the Nguyễn Emperor Khải Định and it took 11 years to complete,  from 1920 to 1931. The site is located on a steep hill.

The structure of the tomb is of concrete elements with cement, a blend of Western and Eastern architecture.

Compared to other emperor tombs in Hue, Khải Định Tomb is much smaller. At the entrance, one should climb a 37 steps gate with dragons as side walls. Some 30 steps further one arrives at the imperial audience court, with an octagonal steel monument, again made of reinforced concrete. On both sides of the courtyard, there are two rows of statues facing towards the center, together with other statues representing bodyguard soldiers. These statues are made of stone, not in concrete, which is rare in Khai Dinh Tomb.

Stamps:

Architecture - Landscape of Vietnam -One-pillar Pagoda
(Issued 16-01-2012 )
Architecture - Landscape of Vietnam - Bridge Pagoda
(Issued 16-01-2012)