Directory_and_Chronicle_1940 — Page 1292

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INDO-CHINA

commerce have passed into the hands of French people who are gradually but rapidly organizing and improving Indo-China. The Cambodians are naturally apathetic, and have given way to the Chinese and Annamites, but they maintain and develop their ancestral artistic ability under the French direction and protection.

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 (Riviere 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 trade of the Colony is rapidly increasing and nearly 50 per cent of the imports are of French origin. Indo-China has its own customs tariff governed by an Act signed by the President of the Republic on the 29th of June, 1939 and the amount of the same as that of France. By far, the largest export is rice, and second maize, third rubber.

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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 tombs 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.

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 or the Tonkin branch in Hanoi Galerie du Credit Foncier will issue every information required on the subject of travel in Frencli Indo-China.

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