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Unlocking Hanoi’s Suburban Charm: A Guide to the City’s Untapped Tourism Potential

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Just a short drive from Hanoi’s bustling center, Quoc Oai District in the city’s western suburbs offers a plethora of stunning attractions perfect for heritage tourism, eco-tourism, entertainment, and quick weekend getaways. There is immense potential in Quoc Oai that awaits full exploration and promotion to attract both domestic and international visitors. A Land of Rich Potential The Water Temple, nestled within Thay Pagoda, is a serene and picturesque spot. Photo: Lai Tan/ The Hanoi Times Quoc Oai District boasts a semi-mountainous terrain with plains interspersed by hills and mountains, creating a diverse and naturally beautiful landscape. The district also has a long and rich history, with a unique culture rooted in the Doai land, the ancient territory west of the capital, Thang Long, now Hanoi. Of particular note are the district’s 220 historical, cultural, architectural, and artistic relics. Among these, two stand out as Special National Relics: Thay Pagoda in S

Vietnam’s Capital Unveils Indochina’s Premier Biology Museum

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The Hanoi University of Science’s Museum of Biology, located on the second floor of the historic Indochina University (now the University of Natural Sciences) at 19 Le Thanh Tong Street, Hoan Kiem District, Hanoi, has been a cornerstone of the city’s scientific community since its establishment in 1926. As the first museum of its kind in Indochina, it served research and educational purposes, housing an extensive collection of animal and plant specimens from across the region. During the Hanoi Festival of Creative Design 2024, the museum opened its doors to the public for the very first time, offering a unique opportunity to explore its fascinating exhibits. Housed within a stunning example of French colonial architecture, the museum stands as a testament to Hanoi’s rich historical and cultural heritage. Nearly a century later, the institution still boasts an impressive collection, meticulously preserving hundreds of thousands of specimens from Vietnam, some

Are Vietnamese People Living Their Best Lives?

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Welcome back to Words on the Street , your go-to source for understanding the latest trends in Vietnam. In this edition, we delve into the evolving landscape of health and wellness in the country. Vietnam is witnessing a subtle yet powerful transformation, and we’re here to explore whether these changes are mere ripples or the start of a lasting wave. A snapshot of Vietnam’s vibrant park life, where people of all ages come together to embrace a more active lifestyle. According to the WHO, Vietnam boasts one of the lowest obesity rates globally, with only 2% of adults falling into this category. This impressive statistic, however, doesn’t paint the full picture. Urbanization and dietary shifts are gradually increasing overweight prevalence, but Vietnam still outperforms many developed nations in managing this challenge. The secret to this resilience may lie in the country’s rich cultural heritage, which promotes an active lifestyle. The parks and streets of Vietnam buzz

The Magical Alley Prepares for a Merry Festival

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Although the Christmas countdown has begun, Hang Ma Street in Hanoi’s Hoan Kiem District is already alive with festive cheer, illuminated by a dazzling array of holiday decorations. The street has been transformed into a magical wonderland, with ornaments and sparkling lights adorning every corner. From shimmering tinsel to life-size Santas, the street is a treasure trove of holiday delights, attracting eager shoppers from near and far. The vibrant decorations are embraced by locals and tourists alike, regardless of their religious background, reflecting the growing excitement for the festive season. Hang Ma Street shops have been decking their storefronts with colorful Christmas decorations and festive ornaments since early November, signaling the start of the holiday season. What was once a typical street has now burst into a kaleidoscope of colors and energy, a stark contrast to just a few days ago. A merchant on Hang Ma Street highlights the growing trend of “green” products

Eco-Warriors: Vietnamese Beauty Queens Championing a Greener Tomorrow

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  received sage advice from an inspiring individual.   “A net-zero emissions target has been set by Vietnam for 2050, but Miss Universe Vietnam 2017, H’Hen Nie, emphasized that this ambitious goal can only be achieved through collective effort.” Her words, spoken at a panel discussion during the Green Vietnam Festival, resonated with the audience and emphasized the importance of unity in tackling climate change. The festival, an initiative by Tuoi Tre (Youth) newspaper, in collaboration with Packaging Recycling Organization Vietnam (PRO Vietnam) and other partners, was a two-day event held on November 9 and 10 at the Youth Culture House in District 1. It created a platform for meaningful discussions on sustainable development and environmental protection. H’Hen Nie, a prominent voice at the festival, encouraged both businesses and citizens to embrace green lifestyles and practices. She highlighted the significance of individual actions, stating, “Only by working together can we tur