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During the rainy season, there’s one place to be: Lam Vinh Mau sweet soup shop. With its cozy atmosphere and delightful offerings, it’s a haven for those seeking comfort in the heart of District 1, Ho Chi Minh City. Nestled on Nguyen Thai Binh Street, the shop exudes a charming Teochew style. Run by an elderly Chinese man, it embodies a simplistic approach, inviting guests to sit, relax, and indulge in sweet treats while engaging in captivating conversations. The story of this sweet soup cart began in 1958 when it was founded by its namesake, Lam Vinh Mau. Over the years, it has become a legacy, passed down through generations, even as its founder moved abroad. A cozy gathering at Lam Vinh Mau sweet soup shop, where customers enjoy sweet treats and warm ambiance. Photo: Dang Khuong / Tuoi Tre The sweet soup cart holds a special reputation, not only among locals but also visitors from afar. It’s a must-visit destination for those traveling to Ho Chi Minh City, seeking a u...

This September, Vietnam and Germany commemorate 49 years of diplomatic relations, with a celebration that also marks 13 years of a strong strategic partnership. The two countries have shared a rich history since 1975, and their economic and cultural ties continue to flourish. As the largest economy in the European Union, Germany boasts a robust trade relationship with Vietnam, with annual bilateral trade surpassing an impressive US$11 billion. This festival is a testament to the strength of this bond, especially between Da Nang and Germany. Da Nang, the vibrant capital of central Vietnam, has been actively fostering connections with Germany across various sectors. This was evident in May when the city signed a memorandum of understanding with the German state of Thuringia, covering cooperation in human resource development, trade, scientific endeavors, and cultural exchanges. The potential for growth is immense, as demonstrated by Da Nang’s current trade figures with Germany, nearing...

Memorable Hanoi: Capturing the City’s Rich History and Charm Photographer Trinh Hai, 92, has dedicated his life to capturing Hanoi’s beauty. Photo: Jenna Duong In the crisp autumn days of early October, as Hanoi welcomed the seasonal rain, the city’s air was filled with a mix of emotions. Veteran photographer Trinh Hai, former Chairman of the Hanoi Elderly Photography Club, arrived at the Temple of Literature for the 19th “Hanoi in My Heart” photo exhibition. He brought with him a collection of black-and-white documentary photos, each a testament to the city’s rich history. As he walked through the exhibition, he paused thoughtfully before each image, allowing the memories they evoked to wash over him. Reflecting on a black-and-white photo titled “Prime Minister Pham Van Dong and Missile Troops Protecting the Fatherland,” Trinh Hai shared, “As we approach the 70th anniversary of the Capital’s Liberation, I feel a profound sense of pride in participating in t...

The Hanoi Autumn Festival 2023, with the theme “Hanoi Autumn: Come to Love,” was a successful event that attracted approximately 80,000 visitors, according to the head of the Tourism Promotion Department. The Hanoi Autumn Carnival, a part of the festival, took place on October 1 in the pedestrian area of Hoan Kiem Lake. The carnival featured a lively and colorful morning parade with around 1,500 participants, including municipal civil servants, students, members of art groups, and craftsmen. A booth selling banh cuon (steamed rice crepe) at the Hanoi Autumn Festival. Photo: Moc Mien/The Hanoi Times The festival, held under the theme “Bright Colors of Autumn,” featured various performances by art groups and women dressed in traditional long robes, known as ao dai, which added a charming touch to the event. Nguyen Thi Chanh, the head of the Muong Gong Club in Phu Man commune, expressed her happiness that her ancient gong dance on the street brought joy to festival-go...

Hannah Nguyen There are only a few days left before the European Commission (EC)’s fourth on-site inspection in Vietnam over the fight against illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing. In the effort to lift the IUU yellow card, the most crucial prerequisite was to put an end to the situation of fishing vessels violating the exploitation of seafood in foreign waters. However, the task remained challenging, VNS reported. The Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development has announced that with relentless efforts to curb the illegal fishing by Vietnamese fishing vessels in foreign waters, Vietnam’s fishery sector hoped that the removal of its yellow card warning for IUU fishing will happen this year. Deputy Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development Phung Duc Tien made the statement on September 29 during a virtual conference with 28 coastal cities and provinces and relevant agencies and units, regarding preparations for the EC inspection team for the fourth time. T...

The Hanoi Department of Tourism has reported that the number of international visitors to Hanoi in the first nine months of 2023 has exceeded the annual target. Among the arrivals, there have been an estimated 3.2 million international tourists, representing a fourfold increase compared to the same period in 2022. Additionally, the number of domestic tourists reached around 15.7 million, showing a 20.2% year-on-year increase. International visitors at Hoan Kiem Lake – the heart of the capital city. Photos: Hoai Nam/ The Hanoi Times The total tourism revenue during this period reached about VND69.3 trillion (US$2.85 billion), indicating a 66.9% year-on-year increase. The average occupancy rate of accommodation across all categories was 61%, a 27% year-on-year increase. Throughout January-September, Hanoi has consistently received high ratings from international tourism organizations and has been ranked among the most attractive destinations in the world. On September 6,...

The Hanoi Autumn Carnival, a vibrant and colorful event, took place on October 1st as part of the Hanoi Autumn Festival. The festivities unfolded in the bustling pedestrian area surrounding Hoan Kiem Lake. A morning parade saw participation from up to 1,500 individuals comprising municipal civil servants, students, members of art groups, and craftsmen from various parts of the city. The festival, held under the captivating theme “Bright Colors of Autumn,” showcased mesmerizing performances by talented art groups. Adding a charming touch to the event were women dressed in traditional long robes, known as “ao dai.” The carnival program attracts the largest number of spectators. Photo: VNA  The carnival commenced amidst great excitement, featuring a captivating lion and dragon dance performed by a renowned troupe from Thanh Oai District. This mesmerizing spectacle involved 600 skilled individuals manipulating 30 magnificent dragons and unicorns, accompanied by 30 tale...