VietExplorer2022

Time Out magazine has recently listed Vietnam as one of the world’s nine safest destinations for solo female travelers , based on an article published by the editor on March 19th, 2024. “When considering the safest destinations for women backpacking in Southeast Asia, Thailand and Vietnam are still vying for the top spot – but Vietnam is a great place to start,” the magazine wrote. Vietnam’s political stability and low crime rates make it an attractive destination for visitors. Visitors can enjoy a tour that spans from the capital city of Hanoi in the north to Ho Chi Minh City in the south, taking in the best of Vietnam’s natural beauty, including mountains, beaches, and islands. The Time Out editors strongly recommend that tourists take the time to visit the historic cities of Hoi An and Hue, which are known for their distinctive traditional cuisine. “I realized that I had nothing to fear about traveling in Vietnam as a solo traveler or as an American. My experience there was n...

Customers conduct transactions at an HDBank branch in HCM City. Photo courtesy of HDBank. One of the key factors driving growth is the lender’s focus on maintaining profitability ratios such as ROA and ROE. In 2024 the bank remains on track for high growth while continuing to improve its comprehensive environmental, social, and governance (ESG) strategy. The bank is projecting total assets to exceed VND700 trillion (US$27.6 billion) this year, up 16% from 2023. Total deposits are expected to reach VND624 trillion (US$24.6 billion), up 16%. Loans outstanding are projected to exceed VND438 trillion (US$17.28 billion) in line with the credit growth quota allocated by the central bank. This year the bank plans to increase its charter capital by 5% to VND29.1 trillion ($1.15 billion) by issuing shares. In 2023, it managed to ensure a low bad debts ratio of 1.5% and achieve a capital adequacy ratio (CAR) of 12.6%, among the highest in the industry. The annual general meeting al...

Weather forecast for various regions Northwest region: The weather forecast predicts cloudy skies and hot afternoons with intense heat. Thunderstorms are expected in the evenings and nights. Potential hazards during thunderstorms include tornadoes, lightning, hail, and strong winds. Minimum temperature: 24-27 degrees Celsius. Maximum temperature: 36-39 degrees Celsius. Northeast region: The weather forecast predicts cloudy skies and sunshine during the day, with extreme heat in the afternoons. Scattered showers are possible in the evenings and nights. Minimum temperature: 25-28 degrees Celsius. Maximum temperature: 36-39 degrees Celsius. Thanh Hoa – Thua Thien Hue: The weather forecast predicts sunny skies with extreme heat, with temperatures reaching up to 42 degrees Celsius in the afternoons. Minimum temperature: 27 – 30 degrees Celsius. Maximum temperature: 39-42 degrees Celsius. Da Nang – Binh Thuan: The weather forecast predicts cloudy skies and sunshine during the day, wi...

Ho Chi Minh City is a treasure trove of Vietnam’s rich historical heritage, particularly significant sites related to the Vietnam War. Nha Rong Harbor Nha Rong Harbor (or Ho Chi Minh Museum – Ho Chi Minh City branch) is the largest harbor in Saigon and a renowned attraction, captivating both domestic and international visitors with its unique architecture that blends French elegance and Vietnamese cultural influences. Nha Rong Harbor holds historical significance as the point of departure for President Ho Chi Minh, the revered leader of Vietnam, as he embarked on a journey to seek national liberation in 1911. This historic destination is a must-see for anyone exploring Ho Chi Minh City. Nha Rong Harbor (or Ho Chi Minh Museum – Ho Chi Minh City branch) is renowned as the largest harbor in Saigon. Photo: Saigon Local Tour Nha Rong (or Ho Chi Minh Museum) is strategically situated at the junction of the Saigon River and the end of Nguyen Tat Thanh Street. “Nha Rong” tran...

The Sam Son Sea Tourism Festival in the northern central province of Thanh Hoa kicks off on April 27, with the event featuring a wide range of activities such as firework displays along with light and music shows. It is expected to receive more visitors as the weather gets hotter. The Ha Long Carnival 2024 festival is expected to offer both local and foreign guests fresh experiences with fireworks, parades, and the first-ever drone light show. Firework displays, joyous street parades featuring various colourful costumes and dances on wide streets along the coast, and art performances will also be organised. The northern province of Ninh Binh will arrange activities in one week starting from April 26 to celebrate the 10th anniversary of UNESCO recognition of the Trang An Landscape Complex as a World Cultural and Natural Heritage Site. The northern mountainous province of Tuyen Quang hosts the third International Hot-air Balloon Festival from ...

The report, released by the IMD World Competitiveness Center’s Smart City Observatory and the World Smart Sustainable Cities Organization (WeGO), analyzes data and resident surveys from 142 cities globally. In Asia alone, Hanoi ranks 20th out of 28 cities. The capital city is highly rated in terms of safety in public places, employment services, and easy access to information from competent agencies. Earlier, Hanoi ranked 96th and is the only representative in Vietnam mentioned in the World’s Best Cities ranking. The city moved up 16 places to 144th in a global ranking of the world’s most livable cities. A corner of Hanoi. Photo: Tuan Anh The digitalization process is expected to help Hanoi realize its vision to become a smart and modern city by 2025, creating the foundation for rapid and sustainable economic development. The view was shared in a resolution by the Hanoi Party Committee on promoting Hanoi’s smart city by 2025, with a vision to 2030. Accordingly, the c...

Vietnam News Today (Apr. 26) notable headlines Vietnam, China conducts joint patrol along demarcation line in Gulf of Tonkin Vietnam attends international security meeting in Russia Vietnam-Singapore trade on the rise since start of 2024 Vietnam affirms unwavering stance on Chinese fishing ban in East Sea Northern VN transitions into scorching heat after prolonged rainy days Images of Vietnamese localities promoted in US Argentinian scholar praises Vietnam’s April 30, 1975 victory Vietnamese, Algerian Parties forge cooperation Gift festival expected to promote Hanoi tourism Commander of the Vietnam Coast Guard Region 1 Col. Tran Van Tho assigns tasks to Vietnamese officers joining the joint patrol. (Photo: qdnd.vn) Vietnam, China conducts joint patrol along demarcation line in Gulf of Tonkin Two vessels of the Vietnam Coast Guard (VCG) on April 25 departed from the northern port city of Hai Phong for a joint patrol mission with the China Coast Guard (CCG...

Vietnam is an attractive investment destination for foreign investors due to its high and stable economic growth, large domestic market and young, well-educated human resources, said Paulo Medas, head of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) team to Vietnam at the recent Annual Meetings of the IMF and the World Bank Group (WB) held in the US. According to Medas, despite rising geopolitical instability globally, Vietnam’s economy experienced a growth rate of 5.66% in the first quarter of this year. Exports continue to see an upward trend, facilitating overall growth until the end of this year. He projected that Vietnam’s economic growth is predicted to expand by nearly 6% this year due to the recovery of domestic demand and supportive fiscal policies from the government. However, he noted that Vietnam needs to maintain a flexible fiscal policy to manage risks and ensure sustained growth. A production line at the Republic of Korea’s Bluecom Vina Co., Ltd, in the Trang Due Ind...

WB: Vietnam’s economy is showing different signs of recovery, with growth forecast to reach 5.5% in 2024 and gradually increase to 6.0% in 2025 Signs of recovery in early 2024 After experiencing a period of deceleration in 2023, the economy is showing some signs of recovery in early 2024. Exports are recovering, domestic consumption and private investment are also on the rise. Exports at constant prices are expected to increase by 3.5% in 2024, reflecting improving global demand. In addition, the real estate sector is also expected to recover stronger at the end of this year and next year, boosting domestic demand as investors and consumers gradually regain confidence. Total investment and private consumption at constant prices are expected to increase by 5.5% and 5% in 2024, respectively. In the first quarter of 2024, the economy achieved growth of 5.66% (compared to the same period last year). Merchandise exports rebound strongly, up 17.2% year-on-year in the first ...

Every helicopter undergoes a thorough inspection before participating in the event. To mark the 70th anniversary of the Dien Bien Phu Victory over French colonialists, several military branches, including the air force, will participate in the parade on May 7 at Dien Bien Provincial Stadium. A helicopter receives a rigorous inspection before being cleared for flight. The practice session must prioritize the safety of personnel, equipment, and weapons. The parade on May 7 will feature participation from all military and militia forces, including the air force. The Vietnamese revolutionary army launched its initial attack against the French colonialists’ heavily fortified base at Dien Bien Phu on March 13, 1954, initiating a historic 56-day campaign. The victory led directly to the signing of the Geneva Accords, ending the war and restoring peace in Indochina. The parade will be the highlight of several activities commemorati...

For the first time ever, a Vietnamese film has taken home the top prize from the Asian Film Festival in Italy, according to Vietnamese Ambassador to Italy Duong Hai Hung. Hung represented the film crew as they accepted their award at the closing ceremony, which was held at the Farnese Arthouse Cinema on April 17th. He expressed his deep gratitude to the film’s director, actors, actresses, and entire crew, describing the award as a tremendous honor. He also thanked them for helping to establish Vietnam’s cinematic presence on the global stage and for strengthening the cultural exchange, understanding, and friendship between the peoples of Vietnam and Italy. The film follows the journey of a young man who must transport his sister-in-law’s body back to his rural hometown following a tragic motorcycle accident. As he traverses the beautiful yet enigmatic landscapes, he embarks on a quest to find his older brother, who disappeared years earlier. “Inside the Yellow Brick Road” is unque...

Kenny G takes viewers on a sweeping tour of Hanoi’s celebrated landmarks, including Long Bien Bridge, Hoan Kiem Lake, Turtle Tower, The Huc Bridge, Thang Long Imperial Citadel, and Temple of Literature, via beautiful, lyrical melodies. According to Le Quoc Minh, a member of the Party Central Committee and editor-in-chief of Nhan Dan, the idea for the MV originated with Kenny G’s “Good Morning Vietnam” concert, which was produced by Nhan Dan Newspaper and IB Group in November 2023, with all proceeds going to charitable organizations. “The saxophone virtuoso greatly valued the show’s significance and eagerly participated in the MV promoting Hanoi tourism – a medium that we believe will have a greater impact than conventional tourism promotional clips,” Minh stated at a press conference in Hanoi on April 19. He went on to reveal that the saxophonist had even donated a trumpet to the charity fund. The organizers of the concert presented the “Going Home” MV to the Hanoi administration...

The cultural elements of Vietnam are deeply rooted in the worship of the Hung Kings, the tradition of preparing square sticky rice cakes and pounding round sticky rice cakes as offerings to ancestors, and the performance of Xoan singing. The Hung Kings’ Death Anniversary is held on the 10th day of the third lunar month, commemorating 18 generations of the Hung Kings, Vietnam’s national founders. This significant event, held nationwide, celebrates the legacy of the Hung Kings and their impact on the spiritual realm of the Vietnamese people, both at home and abroad. Nguyen Tien Khoi, Chairman of the Phu Tho Historical Science Association, emphasized the gratitude of the Vietnamese people towards the Hung Kings. This reverence has been passed down through generations, leading to the construction of temples on Nghia Linh Mountain for descendants to pay homage. Khoi stressed the importance of honoring one’s roots, citing the proverbs “When drinking water – remember the source” and “When...

Vietnam News Today (Apr. 24) notable headlines Vietnam attends 26th UN-INTOSAI symposium Vietnamese and Chinese localities seek stronger cooperation Vietnam’s economy shows gradual recovery: WB’s report Vietnamese and Lao PMs co-chair roundtable with ASEAN businesses and partners Dien Bien Phu veterans and war youth volunteers honored on 70th anniversary Government leader rejoices over sound strategic partnership with Indonesia ASEAN Future Forum 2024 wraps up in Hanoi Vietnam, RoK hold 11th defense policy dialogue PM hosts Chairman of Russian Federal Bar Association Vietnam attends 26th UN-INTOSAI symposium A delegation of the State Audit Office of Vietnam (SAV) led by Deputy Auditor General Nguyen Tuan Anh attended the 26th symposium co-organized by the United Nations (UN) and the International Organization of Supreme Audit Institutions (INTOSAI) in Vienna, Austria, as part of their working trip from April 15-21. The biennial event aimed to enhance the capacity of Sup...

Quang Phu Cau commune (Ung Hoa district) is currently a tourist destination sought after by many domestic and foreign tourists. The village has a tradition of making incense sticks, and visitors will not only witness the beautiful scenery but also learn about the profession of making incense that has been over 100 years old. Offering a glimpse into the authentic charm of Vietnam travel, a Quang Phu Cau tour will unveil the captivating essence of this destination. The colorful incense in Quang Phu Cau Incense Village. Photo: Khanh Long/VNP Quang Phu Cau commune has 6 villages including Xa Cau, Quang Nguyen, Phu Luong Thuong, Phu Luong Ha, Cau Bau, and Dao Tu, about 35km south of Hanoi center. Recently, Quang Phu Cau incense stick village has become a famous tourist destination on the outskirts of Hanoi because of its peaceful beauty and the vibrant colors of incense sticks with beautiful shapes. To truly experience Quang Phu Cau, tourists should come on sunny days, when ...

Vietnam logged over 4.6 million foreign tourist arrivals in the first quarter of this year, up 72% year-on-year, and 3.2% compared to the figure recorded in the same period of 2019 before the Covid-19 outbreak, the General Statistics Office (GSO) announced on March 29, VNA reported. The GSO attributed the result to favorable visa policies, tourism stimulus programmes, and efforts made by local authorities and the sector. Among the foreign arrivals, 83.6% have travelled to Vietnam by air, 13.5% by road and 2.9% by sea. Revenue from accommodation and food services in the first quarter is estimated at VND 174.8 trillion (USD 6.98 billion), and from travel and tourism activities at VND 14.1 trillion (over USD 575 million), up 46.3% year-on-year. In the period, 1.2 million Vietnamese people travelled abroad, a year-on-year rise of 11.5%. In March alone, nearly 1.6 million international tourists have visited Vietnam, leading to a month-on-month increase of 4.4%. Photo: Thanh...