B200
INDO-CHINA
the Chinese and Annamites. The Laotians and Mois, authochtones of the forests and mountainous grounds oppressed by their neighbours, are lazy and timid. The Muongs, who occupy all the basins of the Black River (Rivière Noire) and Song-Ma River are handsomer and stronger than the Annamites. The Nungs look like the Chinese and the Thos belong to the Thai race,
The total force of the French Army in Indo-China in normal time is composed as follows: 15 battalions of Europeans, 19 battalions of natives, 21 batteries of artillery, five squadrons of airplanes, and sundry units-altogether about 11,000 Europeans and 18,000 natives.
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The trade of the Colony is rapidly increasing and nearly 50 per cent of the imports are of French origin. Less than 4 per cent of the remainder comes from Europe, as much of the import consist of natural products from neighbouring countries. Indo- China has its own customs tariff governed by an Act signed by the President of the Republic on the 29th of June, 1929 and the amount of the duties charged may by said to be somewhat the same as that of France. By far, the largest export is rice.
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Indo-China should attract the attention of travellers from all parts of the world, as it is an ideal field for tourists. The bay of Along (Baie d'Along), in the gulf of Tonkin, is widely famed for its scenery. Running along the Annamese coast by a railway the tourist reaches Hué, the residence of the Emperor of Annam, and finds the sepulchres of Emperors Gia-Long, Ming-Mang, Thieu-Tri, etc., a mine of interest. From Nhatrang the railway runs down to Saigon through the mysterious forest land. Full of game from elephants, gaur and tiger to rabbit, and where; the "mois" or primitive tribes inhabit, and reach Saigon, the main port of Indo China. There is a daily express train, with restaurant-cars and berths, running between Hanoi and Saigon, covering the distance of 1,940 kilometers (1,200 miles) in 42 hours.
A good motor road, the famous "Mandarin Road" also runs almost parallel to the railway track.
Side railway lines and motor road take, either from Saigon or from Hanoi, to the fine hill resort, Dalat in South-Annam, 4,500 feet above sea-level, amid fir clad mountains, where travellers will find two large hotels and a secondary one offering: excellent accommodation. In the neighbourhood of Dalat, sport of every kind, includ ing big game hunting specially organised, may be indulged in, as well as excursions and motor trips. Nor must reference be omitted to the famous ruins of Angkor, which will bear comparison with those of the ancient kingdom of the Pharoahs.
Reference must on no account be omitted of the world-famed ruins of Angkor, which for magnitude, beauty and stateliness bear comparison with those of the ancient king- dom of the Pharaohs. It is easy to reach Angkor from Saigon, in a car, the distance being only 295 miles. Let us take this opportunity to mention that the Government Tourist Information Bureau, 22, Rue Lagrandière, Saigon, will issue every information required on the subject of travel in French Indo-China.