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The Giong Festival, an annual celebration honoring the legendary hero Thanh Giong, kicked off on February 3, 2025, at the Soc Son Temple National Special Relic Site. Ha Minh Hai, Vice Chairman of the Hanoi People’s Committee, commenced the festival by offering incense to Thanh Giong in a solemn ceremony. Located about 30 kilometers from downtown Hanoi, in the suburban district of Soc Son, the Soc Son Temple holds significant cultural and historical value. According to folklore, Thanh Giong, also known as Saint Giong, was an infant from Phu Dong Village who rapidly grew into a formidable man within a few months. He bravely fought and defeated the Chinese invaders, bringing peace to the nation. As a tribute to his valor and sacrifice, the people deified him as Genie Giong and instituted the annual Giong Festival to express their gratitude and honor his legacy. This three-day festival, held from the 6th to the 8th of the first lunar month, features a plethora of traditional rituals and ...

Le Mat, a village located about seven kilometers from downtown Hanoi, in the present-day Viet Hung Ward of Long Bien District, has gained a reputation for its unique snake farming tradition and mouthwatering snake cuisine. To commemorate this ancient trade, the village hosts an annual festival on the 23rd day of the third lunar month, attracting locals and visitors alike. The village of Le Mat comes alive during its annual festival, with the highlight being the famous Jiaolong or snake dance. This ancient ritual draws visitors from near and far, eager to witness this unique tradition. Photos: Huy Pham/The Hanoi Times The festival is a celebration of rich cultural heritage, featuring a range of rituals and folk activities. Among these, the Water Offering Ceremony and the Jiaolong or Snake Killing Dance stand out as particularly unique. The latter, one of the ten ancient dances of the imperial capital of Thang Long, showcases the village’s deep-rooted traditions. Accordi...

(Photo: Quest’s World of Wonder) “It’s true what they say: when you first arrive in Vietnam, you understand a lot in just a few minutes. But to truly grasp the essence of this captivating country, you need to immerse yourself in its vibrant reality.” This sentiment, echoed by Richard Quest, perfectly encapsulates his journey through Ho Chi Minh City, inspired by Graham Greene’s Quiet American. According to Quest, Vietnam exudes an irresistible allure that draws tourists from across the globe. The warmth and hospitality of the locals leave a lasting impression on visitors. “It had been two decades since my last visit to Vietnam, and I felt compelled to return and showcase its allure to the world through my show,” Quest shared. (Photo: Quest’s World of Wonder) In Ho Chi Minh City, Quest embarked on a cultural voyage, delving into the local lifestyle and unique traditions. He navigated the bustling streets, indulged in the delights of banh xeo, and even experienc...

Roberto Martinez’s successor has been named, and it’s none other than Rudi Garcia. The Belgian football association has appointed the Frenchman as their new boss, choosing him over competitors like Thierry Henry, Julen Lopetegui, and Mark van Bommel. This announcement came earlier in the day, marking an exciting new chapter for Belgian football. At 60 years old, Garcia brings a wealth of experience to the table. He has previously coached notable clubs like Napoli, Lyon, and Roma, and his task now is to convince Thibaut Courtois to return to the national team. Courtois, who is considered by Garcia as the best goalkeeper in the world, had self-exiled himself due to differences with former coach Domenico Tedesco. Garcia, addressing the media during his unveiling, expressed his confidence in Courtois’ quality and shared his optimism about initial positive signals from the goalkeeper. While Matz Sels and Koen Casteels are capable options, getting Courtois back would be a massive boost for...

The Hanoi Police FC, managed by the Hanoi Department of Public Security, started the match strongly with a goal from midfielder Nguyen Quang Hai in the 10th minute. The player skillfully controlled a long pass from his teammate before finishing decisively. Both teams then engaged in an open, attacking game, creating an exciting contest. Kuala Lumpur, however, found an equalizer in the 24th minute through Adrijan Rudovic’s header from a corner kick. The Malaysian team took the lead just eight minutes later. A delicate header from Paulo Josue beat the Hanoi goalkeeper, Nguyen Filip, putting the score at 2-1. After halftime, coach Alexandre Polking made strategic adjustments to the lineup, which paid dividends. Cong An Hanoi came out with renewed energy and improved performance in the second half. Their efforts were rewarded in the 67th minute when Bui Hoang Viet Anh scored from a corner kick, equalizing the match at 2-2. As the game intensified, Kuala Lumpur adopted an aggressive ap...

As we welcome the Year of the Snake, here are some exciting recommendations to make your celebrations memorable: Indulge in Tet Delights and Floral Splendour at Ba Na Hills The renowned Sun World Ba Na Hills offers a unique Tet experience, combining traditional cuisine and stunning floral displays. At ‘True Taste – Goc Bep Viet’, visitors can savour authentic Tet dishes such as bamboo shoot soup, roasted pork, crispy Vietnamese pancakes, and banh cuon . These delicacies are a tasty showcase of Vietnam’s diverse culinary heritage. From January 25 to May 30, the Ba Na Hills Flower Festival will exhibit millions of vibrant tulips, sunflowers, and roses, creating a sensory escape on Mount Chua. Sun World Ba Na Hills presents a memorable Tet experience with a blend of traditional flavours and breathtaking floral displays. Photo: SGR Explore Vibrant Flower Streets Da Nang has transformed its streets into a floral wonderland with an investment of VND18.6 billion. The Tet fl...