vietexplorer0028

THE HANOI TIMES — The Vibrant Tay Phuong Pagoda Festival has been recognized as a National Intangible Cultural Heritage of Vietnam, a well-deserved honor that coincides with the 10th anniversary of its 34 statues being designated as national treasures. This annual celebration, which spans from the new year to the 6th day of the 3rd lunar month and continues until the month’s end, is held in Hanoi’s suburban Thach That District. It’s a unique festival that blends cultural and religious activities, honoring heaven and earth with traditional Buddhist rituals and energetic folk games. Pham Xuan Tai, Deputy Director of the Hanoi Department of Culture and Sports, presents the decision to include the Tay Phuong Pagoda Festival as a National Intangible Cultural Heritage. Photo: Cong Phuong/The Hanoi Times Nguyen Manh Hong, Chairman of the Thach That District People’s Committee, emphasized the festival’s significance, stating that it holds a profound historical value and plays a crucial...

Vietnam’s government bond auctions in March 2025 witnessed remarkable success, raising 65.3 trillion VND (over 2.5 billion USD), reflecting a significant 124% surge compared to February. This impressive achievement is a strong testament to investors’ unwavering confidence in the country’s financial stability and prospects. Demonstrating the effectiveness of the State Treasury’s strategies, the first quarter of 2025 saw a mobilization of 110.4 trillion VND, inching closer to the Q1 issuance target with 99.5% achievement and marking a solid start towards the full-year plan, with 22.1% already accomplished. The bond issuance in March covered a diverse range of maturities, including 5, 10, 15, and 30 years, with the 10-year bonds taking center stage. These bonds accounted for a substantial 92.6% of the total issuance, translating to 60.523 trillion VND and showcasing their dominance in the market. An illustrative image depicting stacks of coins and a bar graph, symbolizing financ...

THE HANOI TIMES — Thai Nguyen, a northern province neighboring Hanoi, is a hidden gem boasting a rich cultural heritage, breathtaking landscapes, and a renowned tea-growing region with untapped potential for tourism. With improved connectivity to Hanoi, this region is poised to become a must-visit destination. Just a short drive from Hanoi’s bustling city center, Thai Nguyen Province beckons visitors with its serene tea hills, picturesque scenery, and vibrant ethnic minority traditions. However, this hidden gem remains relatively undiscovered. Long Coc Tea Hill, Thai Nguyen: An Idyllic Tea Harvest Scene. Photo: Thai Nguyen Tourism Information Center Unveiling a Gemstone Near Hanoi Recognizing its untapped potential, Thai Nguyen has embarked on a journey to promote its diverse attractions. A recent conference, “Promoting and Advertising Thai Nguyen Tourism in Hanoi,” showcased the region’s tea culture and scenic beauty, organized by the Thai Nguyen Department of Culture, Sports...

THE HANOI TIMES — The Hanoi People’s Committee is excited to announce that the “Pho Festival 2025” will take place at the UNESCO-recognized Thang Long Imperial Citadel from April 18 to 20. This highly anticipated event offers a unique and immersive experience, allowing attendees to delve into the rich history, diverse regional variations, and cultural significance of Vietnam’s beloved national dish, Pho. By organizing this festival, we aim to celebrate and preserve Hanoi’s traditional food culture while showcasing the city’s reputation as a leading culinary and cultural tourism destination. A bowl of Hanoi Pho. Photo: Duy Khanh/ The Hanoi Times This year, we are thrilled to present the theme, “Pho and AI Technology,” which seamlessly blends Vietnam’s culinary heritage with modern innovation. Through the use of cutting-edge AI technology, visitors will be able to easily locate Pho stalls that align with their personal preferences, offering a unique and personalized dining exper...

For many foreigners living in Vietnam, the country’s traditional Lunar New Year, or Tet, can be a bewildering but fascinating experience. This is certainly the case for British Consul General in Ho Chi Minh City, Alexandra Smith, who is celebrating her first Tet this year, which falls on January 29. To embrace the festive spirit, Smith and her team donned the elegant ‘ao dai’, the traditional Vietnamese outfit. They joined the latest trend among young people, taking photos in their festive attire at the metro station. Smith remarked on the unique New Year atmosphere in Vietnam, which differs from what she experienced in the UK. “As a foreigner, I have felt the New Year atmosphere since January, but in Vietnam, that feeling is especially palpable as Tet draws near,” she said. One of the most intriguing differences she noted between Christmas in the UK and Tet in Vietnam is the custom of giving lucky money. She was intrigued to learn that the age of receiving lucky money is not set in...

THE HANOI TIMES — The Hanoi People’s Committee is excited to announce that the “Pho Festival 2025” will take place at the UNESCO-recognized Thang Long Imperial Citadel from April 18 to 20. This highly anticipated event offers a unique and immersive experience, allowing attendees to delve into the rich history, diverse regional variations, and cultural significance of Vietnam’s beloved national dish, Pho. By organizing this festival, we aim to preserve and celebrate Hanoi’s traditional food culture while showcasing the city’s reputation as a leading culinary and cultural tourism hub. A mouthwatering bowl of Hanoi Pho. Photo: Duy Khanh/ The Hanoi Times This year, we’re excited to present the theme, “Pho and AI Technology,” which seamlessly blends Vietnam’s culinary traditions with modern innovation. Through the use of cutting-edge AI technology, visitors will be able to easily locate Pho stalls that align with their personal preferences, offering a unique and personalized dining...

THE HANOI CHRONICLE — Art enthusiasts and cultural explorers alike are invited to embark on a captivating journey through Hanoi’s vibrant tapestry, as depicted by renowned artist Tran Thanh Thuc in her latest exhibition, “Fabric Tells Its Stories.” Currently adorning the walls of the Vietnam Fine Arts Museum, this collection showcases the artist’s unique perspective on the city’s rich heritage and charm. Tran Thanh Thuc’s artistic depiction of Quan Chuong Gate, a beloved Hanoi landmark. Marking Thuc’s third solo exhibition, this event is a testament to her nearly four-decade-long artistic career. Unconventional in her approach, Thuc forgoes the traditional paintbrush, opting instead for pre-printed pieces of fabric that she meticulously composes into vivid, textured masterpieces. The exhibition boasts 75 fabric-cut creations, each a unique exploration of landscapes, human figures, and the emotions they evoke. Among these are large-scale landscape paintings, measuring 200cm x 90...

THE HANOI TIMES — Hundreds of disadvantaged Vietnamese youth have been equipped with visual arts training thanks to a year-long project funded by international firms and organizations. The initiative aims to empower young people to secure careers in the digital economy. Truong Minh Phuc, a student at the REACH Institute, excels in 2D Graphic Design. Photo: Linh Pham/The Hanoi Times Truong Minh Phuc, a student at the 2D Graphic Design Class K58 at REACH Institute , is one of over 200 learners who have benefited from the “Transformational Skilling for a Smarter Future in Vietnam” project. Funded by Lenovo and implemented by Plan International in partnership with the Hanoi-based REACH Institute, the project offers a transformative education. With a US$1 million TransforME Grant Round sponsorship from the Lenovo Group, the project, which ran from April 2024 to March 2025, focused on providing training in 2D and 3D Graphic Design, Digital Marketing, and soft skills development. It ai...

On April 1, 2025, Minister of Industry and Trade Nguyen Hong Dien chaired a pivotal meeting shortly after his US trip as the Prime Minister’s Special Envoy. The agenda focused on drafting a decree on strategic trade control, and the minister’s leadership accelerated its publication on the ministry’s website and the government’s e-portal for public feedback. This swift action showcases the trade policy enforcement agency’s efficiency and underscores Vietnam’s strategic vision, proactive spirit, and international responsibility amidst a shifting global trade order. Minister Nguyen Hong Dien chairs the meeting on the draft decree – Photo: PV Urgent and Necessary Action Minister Dien emphasized the urgency of this decree, stating, “As Vietnam forges ahead with building a modern, sustainable, and highly competitive economy, this decree is of paramount importance.” With global supply chains in flux and high-tech investments surging in Vietnam across sectors, a legal framework ...