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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 ...

Let’s dive into the captivating world of light performances across various cities in Vietnam, as witnessed and captured by the talented reporters of *The Hanoi Times*. Fireworks illuminate the night sky over a lake in downtown Hanoi, creating a mesmerizing display. Photo: Duy Khanh/*The Hanoi Times* A breathtaking display of fireworks explodes over Hoan Kiem Lake in Hanoi, captivating onlookers. Photo: Duy Khanh/*The Hanoi Times* Cam Tu, a skilled photographer from *The Hanoi Times*, captures the essence of a spectacular fireworks show. The night sky above Ngoc Khanh Lake in Ba Dinh District, Hanoi, is painted with vibrant colors during a firework display. Photo: Thanh Thanh/*The Hanoi Times* The vibrant energy of Ho Chi Minh City is further enhanced by a stunning firework display. Photo: Tieu Thuy/*The Hanoi Times* A large crowd gathers in Hanoi to witness the mesmerizing beauty of a firework displa...

The Kitchen Gods Farewell Ritual  kicks off the Vietnamese Lunar New Year celebrations with a touching love story that has been passed down through the ages. The Kitchen Gods Farewell Ritual, an ancient Vietnamese custom with a poignant love story at its heart. Photo: Le Thu Huyen This annual tradition, held on the 22nd of January this year, is steeped in folklore, with the most popular tale involving the Tao Quan  or Kitchen Gods. In Vietnamese culture, it is believed that the Land Genie presides over the household and its land, while the Kitchen Gods, represented by a woman and her two husbands, are tasked with overseeing the kitchen and the family’s happiness and well-being. The legend goes that Trong Cao and Thi Nhi, a married couple, struggled with childlessness, which led to frequent quarrels. After one heated argument, Thi Nhi left home and, in time, married Pham Lang. Trong Cao, realizing his mistake, spent months searching for his wife. He eventuall...

Mark your calendars for an enchanting evening as the “Light Concert – New Year 2025” illuminates the night sky on January 18 at 8 pm. This spectacular event, held at the picturesque intersection of Nguyen Hoang Ton and Lac Long Quan Streets in Tay Ho District, is an integral part of the city’s vibrant Lunar New Year celebrations. Witness a historic depiction of King Ly Cong Uan’s edict from 1010, where he moved the capital to Hanoi, brought to life by a mesmerizing drone performance. Photo: Huy Pham/ The Hanoi Times The main attraction is a breathtaking light show featuring a symphony of 2025 drones dancing in perfect harmony with live orchestral music. This mesmerizing event marks the grand opening of the Hanoi International Light Festival 2025, a celebration of art, innovation, and cultural heritage. With the theme “Shine Your Vibes,” the festival showcases the creativity and beauty of Hanoi through intricate drone choreography. Each drone is programmed with a unique ...

Hanoi invites locals and tourists alike to immerse themselves in the vibrant Spring Flower Markets, offering a unique blend of shopping, cultural exploration, and entertainment from January 8 to 28, 2025. It’s a joyous celebration not to be missed! Hanoians and visitors flock to the Spring Flower Market, not just for the diverse flora and unique decorations but also to immerse themselves in the festive atmosphere that comes only once a year. Capture the essence of Hanoi’s cultural heritage through this vibrant market experience. Photo: Rosie Nguyen The Hanoi People’s Committee has planned a colorful spectacle with flower markets sprouting across the capital, showcasing an array of vibrant flowers, traditional crafts, and more. It’s a celebration of nature and Vietnamese culture rolled into one, and it’s all taking place in the heart of this historic city. Stroll along the charming streets of Hang Luoc, Hang Ma, Hang Khoai, Hang Ruoi, and Phung Hung Mural Street in the ...

Sai Gon Giai Phong (Liberated Saigon) newspaper, in collaboration with the provincial Department of Culture and Sports and Star Global Entertainment Co., Ltd., is proud to announce an exciting golf festival that celebrates Vietnam’s rich history in the sport while showcasing the region’s vibrant tourism offerings. The three-day event, expected to attract 280 golfers, will be hosted at the prestigious Vinpearl Nha Trang Golf Course and KN Golf Links Cam Ranh. Bui Thi Hong Suong, deputy editor-in-chief of Sai Gon Giai Phong , highlighted the significance of Nha Trang as a premier tourist destination and the crucial role of golf tourism in drawing international visitors to the region. With this festival, Sai Gon Giai Phong aims to invigorate Vietnam’s golf market and promote its development as a key attraction within the country’s tourism landscape in the years ahead. Beyond the thrilling golf tournament, festival attendees can look forward to a diverse range of activities. These in...

The Sai Gon Giai Phong newspaper, in partnership with the provincial Department of Culture and Sports and Star Global Entertainment Co. Ltd., presents a festival celebrating the rich history of golf in Vietnam while boosting local tourism. This three-day extravaganza promises an exciting array of activities, ensuring an unforgettable experience for golfers and enthusiasts alike. Beyond the excitement, the festival aims to highlight the historical, cultural, and economic importance of golf in Vietnam, with a vision to increase accessibility to the sport for all. Additionally, the proceeds from the festival will contribute to a charitable cause, supporting an initiative launched by Sai Gon Giai Phong in 2023, demonstrating our commitment to giving back to the community. One of the highlights of the festival is the Vietnam Golf Festival Championship, which will see 280 golfers from across the nation compete. Alongside this, the Kids Golf Talent Tournament will showcase the next gene...

Halloween, celebrated on October 31st annually, is more than just a fun festival. It carries a significant message: teaching children to face and overcome their fears of ghosts and darkness, and instead, choose to embrace life’s joys. This Western festival has captivated the hearts of many in Vietnam, especially the youth, for the past two decades. It has become an eagerly anticipated event, providing an exciting opportunity for friends to gather and create memorable experiences. As the spooky season approaches, Hang Ma Street in Hanoi’s Old Quarter transforms into a bustling hub of activity. Vendors work diligently to meet the high demand for Halloween toys, decorations, and costumes, ensuring a thrilling celebration for all. According to a local merchant, this year’s offerings are more diverse, creative, and aesthetically pleasing than ever. From plastic pumpkins and lanterns to skeleton figures and fashionable accessories, there is something for everyone to enjoy and embrace the ...