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Showing posts from January, 2024

Norwegian Ambassador Explores Vietnamese Tet at Duong Lam Ancient Village

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The Norwegian diplomat is excited to explore the cultural similarities between their country and Vietnam during the New Year holiday, a time for family reunion. In the photo, the diplomat’s family poses for a group picture with local residents in Duong Lam. Mia Pagoda was constructed during the Tran Dynasty (1225-1406) and still houses numerous ancient artifacts. It has the largest collection of ancient statues in Vietnam, with 287 statues. Duong Lam is renowned for its architectural charm and culinary traditions, making it a must-visit destination for tourists in Hanoi. Tourists often get to taste a local specialty, chè lam cake, in the ancient houses. The cake is made from simple ingredients such as glutinous rice, mung beans, ginger, honey or sugar, and peanuts. It is a popular treat during Tet, the Vietnamese New Year. Exploring the ancient houses and experiencing the old architecture is a fantastic experience for the Norwegian diplomat’s family.

Vibrant Decorations Adorn Hanoi for Lunar New Year Celebration

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Posters are displayed everywhere throughout the city, some with the messages “Happy New Year 2024 – the Year of the Dragon,” “Happy New Spring,” or “Celebrating 94 Years of the Communist Party of Vietnam.” Office buildings across Hanoi are adorned in red as part of the festive celebrations. A large banner has been erected at the headquarters of the Hanoi Party Committee, displaying the message “Celebrating 94 Years of the Communist Party of Vietnam.” The festive atmosphere can be felt on every corner of the capital city. The Lunar New Year holiday is the largest celebration in Vietnam, lasting for seven days this year for State employees. Many venues have undergone major transformations to celebrate the Lunar New Year. Large posters have been placed on the main streets of the capital city to welcome the Lunar Year of the Dragon. As the new year begins, local residents are hopeful that the economy will rebound from

Working on Hoi An Rice Fields: An Unforgettable Experience for International Tourists

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Nguyen Van Lanh, Vice Chairman of Hoi An City People’s Committee, stated that the festival offers an opportunity for farmers to share their experiences in rice cultivation and improve the quality of rice production. It also contributes to the preservation and promotion of the intangible cultural values associated with traditional rice farming. Following the ceremony, participants were able to engage in various engaging activities, including witnessing buffalo plowing in the fields and water bailing with bamboo buckets. Notably, the event attracted a significant number of international tourists who eagerly learned about rice cultivation in Vietnam. Despite the heavy rain, tourists fearlessly embraced the muddy fields and actively joined farmers in planting rice. Foreign tourists experience rice planting at Cam Chau Field Festival 2024. Photo: hoiancreativecity.com Among them, Melanie, a female tourist from Spain, along with her family, wore raincoats, boots, and Non La (

Vietnamese Athlete Secures Spot in 2024 Olympics

Tuyen performed exceptionally well in the qualifying round of the women’s 10m air rifle event at the Asian tournament, scoring an impressive 627.8 points. This secured her a place in the final. On the other hand, her teammate, Phi Thanh Thao, scored 625.2 points, which placed her in the 26th position, ending her run at the competition. Out of the eight finalists, five had already qualified for the Paris Olympics. Tuyen needed to outperform Amini Pozveh of Iran and Huiyi Tan of Singapore for one of the remaining two available Olympic berths. Guided by coach Nguyen Duy Hoang, Tuyen finished in fourth place overall with a score of 125.9, officially securing herself a place at the 2024 Paris Olympics, scheduled from July 26 to August 11. This achievement also makes Tuyen the second Vietnamese shooter and the fourth athlete from Vietnam to earn a spot in the 2024 Olympics. Trinh Thu Vinh secured a ticket to the Games after finishing fifth in the women’s 10m air pistol event at the 2023 IS

Vietnamese Community in Argentina and Japan Celebrate Lunar New Year

At the event organized by the Vietnamese Embassy in Argentina, Vietnamese expatriates in the Latin American country had the opportunity to watch a video showcasing Vietnam’s impressive socio-economic achievements and the vibrant Vietnamese culture. They were also treated to delicious traditional Vietnamese dishes as part of the Tet festival celebrations. During the event, Vietnamese Ambassador to Argentina, Duong Quoc Thanh, emphasized the positive development of Vietnam-Argentina relations in 2023. Particularly noteworthy was the high-level visit of National Assembly Chairman Vuong Dinh Hue, which coincided with the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the two countries. Looking ahead to 2024, there are plans for important visits by Vietnamese leaders, as well as representatives from ministries and localities, to Argentina. These visits aim to further enhance the potential for cooperation between Vietnam and Argentina. The Vietnamese community in Argentina comprises app

Is Tet the Best Time to Visit Vietnam?

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The Vietnamese Tet holiday usually occurs in late January or early February. It is considered the optimal time to travel to Vietnam as the weather is not too hot in the central and southern parts of the country, while the north is cold. However, there are a few things foreign travelers should keep in mind when visiting during this time of year. A calligraphy stall on Hanoi Street during the Tet holiday. Photo: Chuyen cua Ha Noi Best places to visit during Tet holiday Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City are excellent destinations to visit during Tet , as many national celebrations and events take place, particularly in the downtown areas. One of the highlights of this year’s Tet holiday in Hanoi is the “Vietnamese Tet – Old Quarter Tet 2024″ program, which will be held from January 28 to February 9 at Kim Ngan Temple; Hanoi Old Quarter Culture Exchange Center, located at No.50 Dao Duy Tu Street; Culture and Arts Center, located at No.22 Hang Buom Street; Thang Long Impe

Hanoi Spring in the eyes of renowned artists

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Hanoi Spring , an exhibition at the Vietnam Museum of Fine Arts, Hanoi, showcases 36 unique artworks from renowned artists selected from the museum’s modern art and Hang Trong folk painting collections. Visitors have the opportunity to admire the exquisite artworks by prominent artists. Photo: VNA Nguyen Anh Minh, the Director of the  Vietnam Museum of Fine Arts , emphasized the significance of spring in Hanoi as a unique feature and source of inspiration for artists. The charm and ambiance of Hanoi’s spring have been immortalized in numerous literary and artistic works. “In terms of visual arts, the enchanting atmosphere, picturesque scenery, and harmony of Hanoi’s spring have always been a muse for countless generations of artists. This source of inspiration never ceases, just like the four seasons that cyclically grace our lives, perpetually in motion, evolving, and flourishing,” he explained. The exhibition splendidly captures the beauty of Hanoi during t

Vietnam Streamlines Trade with Cambodia

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The Vietnamese Government has issued Decree 5/2024/ND-CP, which includes special preferential import tariffs for Cambodian goods. This is part of the implementation of the bilateral trade promotion agreement for the 2023-2024 period, as reported by VNA. The decree provides detailed information on special preferential tax rates and the conditions to be entitled to those rates. These conditions include being on the list in Appendix I to the decree, having a C/O form S issued by authorized agencies of Cambodia, and being transported through specific border gates specified in Appendix III to the decree. Photo: VNA In addition, the decree also stipulates specific tariffs and import quotas for rice and unprocessed tobacco leaves originating from Cambodia . According to the decree, rice products that are produced with the support of Vietnamese firms, households, and individuals in Cambodian provinces bordering Vietnam must comply with the existing regulations on export and im

Vietnam Climbs 2 Ranks in Missosology’s Global Beauty Rankings

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Vietnam ranked 49th on the global beauty rankings in 2023, with a total of 3,669 points, according to Missosology, the world’s leading publication on beauty pageants, as reported by VOV. Missosology calculates Vietnam’s points based on the achievements of its representatives in five major beauty pageants: Miss Universe, Miss World, Miss International, Miss Earth, and Miss Supranational. Notable Vietnamese contestants include Dang Thanh Ngan, the fourth runner-up of Miss Supranational 2023, Nguyen Phuong Nhi, who made it to the Top 15 of Miss International 2023, and Do Thi Lan Anh, the second runner-up of Miss Earth 2023. Vietnamese beauty Do Thi Lan Anh. Source: KIENG CAN TEAM Do Thi Lan Anh was honored with the title of Miss Earth Water, equivalent to a runner-up, in the grand final of the Miss Earth 2023 pageant, held in Ho Chi Minh City in December 2023. Lan Anh, 26, was crowned Miss Earth Vietnam 2023. She currently resides in the United States and stands at a heig

Preparatory visit made to isolated island districts before Tet

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The purpose of the visit is to encourage them to remain strong in protecting the country’s sea and island sovereignty. In Ly Son district, the officers and reporters toured administrative units and brought gifts to the staff working at the Ly Son Radar Station. The delegation deliver Tet gifts to soldiers and local people in Con Co island district of Quang Tri province. For their participation, military units have planned duty timetables to ensure their staff can enjoy a cozy Tet, which is the country’s largest festival of the year. The post Preparatory visit made to isolated island districts before Tet appeared first on Vietexplorer.com .

Weather Forecast in Vietnam (January 28th): Persistent Cold Waves in the North

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According to the National Center for Hydrometeorological Forecasting, the weather has been extremely cold in the Northern and north-central regions. In some areas, there has even been frost in the northern highlands. It is strongly recommended that people wear warm clothing when outdoors, as the cold waves and rain can be detrimental to their health, especially in mountainous areas. Heavy rain can also impact sightseeing, tourism activities, and the safety of vehicles on the roads. This harsh weather conditions can also have an effect on livestock, poultry, and the growth of plants. Weather Forecast in Different Regions Northwest region: The weather forecast predicts cold and rainy conditions in the early mornings and at night. High mountain areas may experience frost and snow. The lowest temperature will range between 8-11 degrees, and in some areas, it may even drop below 0 degrees. The highest temperature will range between 11-14 degrees, with some places reaching above 14 degre

Ninh Binh requests increased UNESCO support for heritage conservation

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During a meeting with a UNESCO delegation led by Jonathan Baker, Chief Representative of UNESCO in Vietnam, Huan highlighted the crucial role that UNESCO has played in the socio-economic development of Ninh Binh Province. He emphasized that since Trang An complex received UNESCO recognition in 2014, it has contributed to local economic restructuring and the development of tourism. Ninh Binh is committed to transforming into a millennium urban heritage site and a creative city with exceptional values. Recognizing the challenges in preserving and promoting heritage values, climate change, and urbanization, the province hopes to receive further assistance from UNESCO. This includes mobilizing international resources for archeological and biodiversity research, as well as implementing advanced preservation measures. Ninh Binh also seeks UNESCO’s support and close cooperation in building a UNESCO charter or declaration for the Trang An landscape complex. Ninh Binh is home to the UN

Young Vietnamese artists draw inspiration from Japanese woodblock prints

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There are 38 artworks created by young Vietnamese artists currently on display at the Temple of Literature. These unique pieces are inspired by Japanese ukiyo-e woodblock prints. The exhibition, titled “Dialogue with Japanese Ukiyo-e Woodblock Prints,” opened on January 23. Originating from the Edo period (1615-1868), these vibrant woodblock prints depict various scenes from everyday life in Japan. Ukiyo-e, which translates to “pictures of the floating world,” refers to the licensed brothel and theater districts in Japan’s major cities during the Edo period. The exhibition showcases 38 artworks by Vietnamese artists. Photo: Ngo Minh/The Hanoi Times The ukiyo-e style emerged in 1765 and remained popular until the final decades of the Meiji period (1868-1912). While paintings by contemporary artists were only affordable for the wealthy, ukiyo-e prints were accessible to a wide audience, including commoners, as they could be produced relatively cheaply and in large quanti

First Ao Dai Festival in Vietnam takes place in Fukuoka

Displayed are 160 sets of Ao Dai created by four Vietnamese designers – Ngoc Han, Cao Minh Tien, Che Quyet Tien, and Tran Thien Khanh. During her opening speech, Vu Chi Mai, consul general of Vietnam in Fukuoka, emphasized that the festival’s purpose is to honor the Vietnamese costume and promote popular tourist destinations in the Japanese cities of Fukuoka and Kyushu. Mai shared that the festival helps introduce Vietnamese cultural values to international friends and showcases the cultural essence of both countries. Inoue Hirotaka, vice chairman of the Japan – Vietnam Parliamentary Friendship Alliance in Fukuoka, mentioned that this year commemorates the 10th anniversary since the Hanoi People’s Council and the Fukuoka Prefectural Council signed an agreement to foster exchanges and friendship in April 2014. He also announced that a delegation from the Fukuoka administration would visit Hanoi on January 22 to further promote friendly exchanges between the two sides. The post

Hanoi prioritizes environmental protection during upcoming festivals

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Hanoi is looking forward to organizing cost-effective and practical festive events in 2024, without any religious fanaticism, as discussed at a meeting on January 23. Huong Pagoda Festival in 2023. Photo: The Hanoi Times The local authorities have been instructed to prioritize safety during these events and ensure that the festivals align with the local socio-economic development. Tran Thi Van Anh, the deputy director of Hanoi’s Department of Culture and Sports, emphasized that the ritual activities should reflect traditional cultures, and visitors should be mindful of their behavior and actions to uphold cultural values and preserve relics. The deputy director also stressed the importance of training relic managers and staff on how to receive visitors and maintain the local environment, safety, and tradition preservation. During the meeting, representatives from local communes and districts in Hanoi expressed their commitment to making their festivals unique and appea

Exploring Vietnamese Culture Through Water Puppetry: The German President’s Wife’s Journey

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During their state visit to Vietnam, German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier and his wife, Elke Büdenbender, visited the Thang Long Water Puppet Theatre. Elke Büdenbender went behind the scenes and talked to the artists to gain a deeper understanding of the art of water puppetry and their work. As part of their visit to the Thang Long Water Puppet Theatre, the first ladies of Vietnam and Germany received special gifts from the theatre. Water puppetry is a traditional art form in Vietnam that dates back to the 11th century. The shows depict scenes from rural life, including landscapes, bamboo trees, and traditional activities like fishing and rice cultivation. The wives of the Vietnamese and German Presidents posed for a photo with the artists at the Thang Long Water Puppet Theatre. Vietnam and Germany established diplomatic relations in 1975 and elevated their ties to a strategic partnership in 2011. The year 2024 is significant as it leads up to the 50th anniver

Miss World Business Vietnam 2024 – Unveiling of a New Era

The competition for Miss Businesswoman is now open to Vietnamese women in business who are between the ages of 18 and 55 and are at least 1.55 meters tall. Contestants must either live or work in the country. From January 1 to March 15, the organizers will select candidates in the preliminary round. The semi-final will take place from April 1 to 15, while the final round will be held between May 1 and 19. The aim of the competition is to provide a platform specifically for talented and beautiful businesswomen from all over the country to showcase their abilities, enabling them to be involved in economic integration and community activities, as stated by the organizers. The post Miss World Business Vietnam 2024 – Unveiling of a New Era appeared first on Vietexplorer.com .

Vietnam President Welcomes German Counterpart with a Grand Ceremony

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President Vo Van Thuong invites German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier to step on the podium while military bands play the national anthems of both nations. Vietnam and Germany first established diplomatic relations in 1975. The two countries lifted ties to strategic partnership in 2011. Germany is Vietnam’s biggest trade partner in Europe, and more than 350 German businesses are operating in Vietnam. As of May 2023, Germany had 444 valid projects worth over US$2.36 billion, ranking fourth from a total of 24 European countries investing in Vietnam. The two leaders inspect the guard of honour. This is the first foreign visit of the German President in 2024 and the first high-level delegation exchange between the two countries this year – a pivotal year towards the 50th founding anniversary of bilateral diplomatic ties in 2025. The two leaders hold talks immediately after the welcome ceremony. During two-day visit, German President