Sunday, June 3, 2012

French ruled period advertisement Vietnam

Discovering advertisements in the French-ruled period

June 3, 2012

LookAtVietnam – Through these advertisements, readers will discover interesting things in the life of the upper class in Vietnam one century ago. These advertisements come from a French magazine, ExtrÃªme-Asie, published in April 1927.

Advertisement for a photo shop, set up by Mr. Khanh Ky in 1907.

Fresh meat advertisement.

Advertisement for a pharmaceutical firm, established in 1920 by Louis Sarreau.

A ‘super-car’.

The advertisement for Langbian Palace Hotel in Da Lat.

An umbrella shows the position of the user and owning a ‘famous-brand’ umbrella is the dream of many people.

Advertisement of Brossard & Mopin, the oldest financial firm in Indochina.

This is advertisement of the Colonial Financial Corporation.

Soft drink was quite popular in the French-rule period.

Advertisement of the Charner shopping mall in Saigon.

Advertisement for an antique shop.

The Indochina Bank.

Advertisement for rubber products.

Belle Indochine

They say "

“I can’t say what made me fall in love with Vietnam - that a woman’s voice can drug you; that everything is so intense. The colors, the taste, even the rain. Nothing like the filthy rain in London. They say whatever you’re looking for, you will find here. They say you come to Vietnam and you understand a lot in a few minutes, but the rest has got to be lived. The smell: that’s the first thing that hits you, promising everything in exchange for your soul. And the heat. Your shirt is straightaway a rag. You can hardly remember your name, or what you came to escape from. But at night, there’s a breeze. The river is beautiful. You could be forgiven for thinking there was no war; that the gunshots were fireworks; that only pleasure matters. A pipe of opium, or the touch of a girl who might tell you she loves you. And then, something happens, as you knew it would. And nothing can ever be the same again.”
― Graham Greene, The Quiet American

Tips on Travel to Vietnam

It's always warm in Southeast Asia apart from high mountains, so leave the heavy clothing at home. Cotton and breathable fabrics are always better than synthetics -- although cotton does wrinkle a lot when traveling! December through April is roughly the dry season in that region, although it can still rain a little. December is a good time to go in terms of temperature -- cooler than in the humid summertime. Either way, wearing more clothing (shirt sleeves and long pants) is always more respectful towards the Asian culture, especially when visiting temples and rural areas.