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In Lao Cai, the mighty Red River and its tributary crosses the city and divided the land between two great socialist republics - Vietnam and China - the later having dominated over the other for a millennium during historic times. It had hardly been a happy union.
Bicycles and motorbikes dominate the streets of this bustling city with a huge market selling all kinds of goods, many of which have been transported across the border. It seems like a city behind time, deeply rooted to its historical past and struggles but signs of development are apparent everywhere. There are modern buildings newly completed and more are in construction progress and it is bursting with activities. |
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The river divides - Vietnam and China - it joins the all important
Red River. |
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The arch on the Viet side (foreground) and across the river, the
pyramidal one is Chinese. |
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The Red River - so named because of its colour, is the source
of wealth in North Vietnam. The fertile alluvial deposits support
agriculture in Red River Delta. |
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An old temple by the border. Vietnamese temples always have
symbols of its 4 sacred creatures - dragon, lion, tortoise
and phoenix. |
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| Inside, the temple is elaborately decorated including the roof. |
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Dignity and patriotism - an ancient ceremony honouring the
Emperor’s mother is in progress. The rituals performed by the
lady in gold outfits signifying royalty is witnessed by many
especially the older generation. |
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Over historical times, China intermittently occupied
Vietnam and cumulatively it totalled a 1,000 years.
There were constant struggles to free the country
and transitional periods of independence ruled by
its own Emperors during various dynasties. |
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The musicians playing ancient instruments in
accompaniment of the ritual. |
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| Offerings to the Gods - fruits, vegetables and money. |
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Lao Cai market is a galore of sights, smells and sounds.
In the middle of a street meant for the countless motorbikes and
bicycles, a fruit seller sets up his ‘store’. |
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A vendor catching her escaping shrimps - they are alive !
But, the yellow coloured silk worms are not. |
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Seafood - eels and crustaceans including tiny crabs and sea snails
are up for sale. |
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Gac fruits considered 'miracle fruits' because of their medicinal value
and the brown roll on the right is betel bark meant to be chewed
with betel nut and leaves. Though betel nut chewing is less popular
now - especially in the cities, it is still an essential offering to guests
at social functions and occasions. It is supposed to be good
for the health. |
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A flower stall, tropical roses of which the blooms are smaller than
temperate ones, are seen in abundance in North Vietnam. |
