ABOUT TREES
THE BANYAN TREES
JANUARY 2019
In 2019-2020, Secret Indochina will dedicate a series of articles to the trees found in the forests of south-central Indochina. We will focus mainly on trees found in the Cau Maa’ and the ancient Proto-Indochinese lands (the provinces of Lam Dong, Dong Nai and Dak Nong), drawing inspiration from a seminal 1967 work by noted French ethnologist Jean Boulbet, Pays de Maa’, domaine des génies (Nggar Maa', nggar yaang); Essai d'ethnohistoire d’une population proto-indochinoise du Viêt Nam central.

The banyan tree, the Jrii of the Maa’, is a species of ficus from the Moracea family (Ficus benghalensis). It is characterized by its many aerial roots, which over time wrap around and become indistinguishable from the main trunk. These aerial roots allow a banyan to enlarge itself considerably; a single old tree will often create mysterious small groves with all trunks and branches connected to the main trunk. The banyan is often covered with epiphytes, plants that grow on another plant without being parasitic.

The banyan holds a special place in the oral literature, landscape and inner life of the Cau Maa’. With its large size and the curious appearance of its multi-formed trunks, the Jrii is feared and respected as a complex soul. According to local legends, the first human was forged inside the Jriis, while others gave humans their limbs and provided metals. Some Jriis were sources of evil power, strangling other trees and devouring their souls. These strangling banyans are believed to have the power to stretch their roots into villages and hamlets, entering households to steal the souls of sleepers. If a shaman sees a Jrii taking the soul of a person, the tree must be cut down according to ritual sacrifices. The very big Jriis are well known and visible from afar, with a proper name and typically at the center of sacred groves
 

NGUYEN THE SON
WHEN ART MEETS ARCHITECTURE
Nguyen The Son is a highly talented artist who devotes his time to urban reality planning and Hanoi’s architecture. He combines his plastic technician skills with an archeologist’s approach to restore a building to its original state, whether it is of French, Chinese of Russian influence. Using the “photography in relief” method, his works present the metamorphosis of Hanoi city through its modern history in an original way. Mr. Son’s artwork is on display in public collections at the Aegon Kunstcollectie in the Netherlands; the Central Academy of Fine Art in Beijing, China; and at the Intercontinental Hotel and National Assembly House in Hanoi. It is also prized by private collectors in Belgium, China, France, Great Britain, the Netherlands, Singapore, the USA, and Vietnam. Mr. Son’s art is nourished by his strong desire to present the results of his research to the public so that they can become more involved in the debate on the place of art in society and the importance of combining tradition and memory with modernity.

Stroll through the streets of Hanoi to trace the ancient city’s history that spans 2,000 years and represents its eternal soul. Discover a mural fresco showcasing the evolution of the city and its traditional symbols, a project which is inspiring younger generations to look at the city through a new perspective and to think about how to use public space in a way that preserves heritage. Stop at various buildings of interest to test the architectural concept of “tomographic”, removing the layers of history which were formed and superimposed continuously during the last hundred years. Analyze their facades and architecture to understand the fate of homes and of families facing the fluctuations of time
 

VEDANA LAGOON RESORT & SPA
PEARL ON THE PRISTINE CAU HAI LAGOON
The Vedana Lagoon Resort & Spa is a luxury hotel in Phu Loc, surrounded by gorgeous mountains between the World Heritage Sites of Hue and Hoi An. Nestled on the shore of the mythical waters of one of Southeast Asia’s largest lagoons, this secluded retreat of 55 luxury villas and spacious, thatched-roof bungalows offers a new concept. It combines escapism with a stylish interior design that stretches across 27 hectares of hillside land and the surface of the lagoon, creating a picturesque idyll.

Generously spaced stilted villas connect land with water via serpentine wooden walkways, creating mesmerizing reflections on the ebbing tide. Dining areas replicate the intricately carved garden houses that were once home to the Hue city elite and royalty, giving the resort a truly traditional Vietnamese soul. Venture out to discover a heavenly way to activate your chakras at the stilted spa village with free tai chi and yoga classes, or enjoy a massage with highly trained massage therapists for a sense of peace and harmony

© Painting credit: Amirnir

       

THE THREATENED, MARVELOUS 
ASIAN BLACK BEAR 5
The Asian black bear (Ursus thibetanus) – also known as the Himalayan, Tibetan, or moon bear – is found in Southeast Asia, the Himalayas, and parts of eastern Asia, including Japan. This medium-sized bear, distinguished by the unusual white crest on its chest, is native to Asia and largely adapted to arboreal life. According to Japanese culture, the black bear received its white mark after being given a silk-wrapped amulet by yama no kami (the mountain spirit), which left the mark after being removed. In Hindu mythology, the black bear Jambavantha is believed to have lived from Treta Yuga to Dvapara Yuga. In the epic Ramayana, Jambavantha helps Rama find his wife Sita and battle her abductor, Ravana. The Asian black bear is a close relative of the reclusive sun bear (Helarctos malayanus), the smallest member of the bear family. Also called the Malayan sun bear or “honey bear,” it takes its name from the bib-shaped golden or white patch on its chest, which legend says represents the rising sun. The sun bear is native to the dense lowland forests of Southeast Asia and parts of China and is found from southern China to eastern India, and as far south as Indonesia.
 
THE THREATENED, MARVELOUS 
ASIAN BLACK BEAR 5
As a result of the alarming decline in the bear population, sanctuaries have emerged throughout Southeast Asia where bears find rehabilitation, food, living space, enrichment activities, medical provisions and quality care.

Animals Asia established the Vietnam Bear Sanctuary in Tam Dao, Vinh Phuc province in 2006 to promote compassion and respect for all animals and to end the barbaric bear bile trade. The sanctuary is spread over 11 hectares, with almost 30,000 square meters of semi-natural outdoor enclosure space designed to stimulate the bears’ natural behaviors.

Animal lover Mary Hutton started the Free the Bears charity from her family home in Perth, Australia, via local petitions and raffles in 1995. Today, the Free the Bears Fund provides lifelong care to over 220 rescued bears across five sanctuaries and supports over 300 rescued bears in India. One of the sanctuaries, the Cambodian Bear Sanctuary in Phnom Tamao, is home to the world’s largest group of rescued Malayan sun bears and numerous Moon bears. In 2003, in collaboration with the Laos Department of Forestry, the Tat Kuang Si Bear Rescue Center began construction deep in the forest near the famous waterfalls. It was followed by a rescue center in Cat Tien, Vietnam in 2008. Construction of additional rescue centers in both locations is currently in progress
 
READ MORE ABOUT:

- ANIMALS ASIA

- FREE THE BEAR
Secret Indochina
Secret Indochina was established in 2011, following the encounter of two professionals, Tran Quang Hieu and Nicolas Vidal, passionate about authentic travel. Secret Indochina, DMC branch of Amica JSC, strives to lead travellers to outstanding sites, magical places, and little-known ethnic communities

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