Vietexplorer2024

On January 5, Vietnam clinched their third ASEAN Cup title with a thrilling 3-2 victory over Thailand at Bangkok’s Rajamangala Stadium. The match was an exhilarating display of footballing prowess and determination by both teams. Vietnamese players and coaching staff celebrate their third ASEAN Cup triumph. Photo: Ngoc Tu/The Hanoi Times Vietnam drew first blood in the 8th minute through a skillful finish by striker Pham Tuan Hai. Thailand, however, responded strongly with two goals from Ben Davis in the 28th minute and Supachok Sarachat in the 64th, turning the game around to lead 2-1. Controversy arose when Thailand’s second goal was scored after Vietnam had put the ball out of play to attend to an injured player, expecting a return of possession from their opponents. Striker Pham Tuan Hai (number 10) celebrates his opening goal. Photo: Ngoc Tu/The Hanoi Times The match took another turn in the 75th minute when Thai player Weerathep Pomphan received hi...

In a courageous legal battle, Tran To Nga, a former reporter from what was once French Indochina, took on 14 agrochemical companies, accusing them of causing severe harm to herself and others by selling Agent Orange to the American military. The herbicide was infamously used during the Vietnam War with devastating consequences. Nga’s initial case, filed in 2021, was dismissed by a French court, ruling that the companies enjoyed legal immunity as they worked for a sovereign government. The Paris Court of Appeal upheld this decision, citing the companies’ immunity status as a barrier to Nga’s demands. Undeterred, the 82-year-old veteran journalist, who has lived in France for 30 years, plans to take her fight to France’s highest appeals court. Her health issues, including Type 2 diabetes and a rare insulin allergy, as well as the loss of her daughter to a heart malformation, are all attributed by Nga to her exposure to Agent Orange. The use of Agent Orange in Vietnam, Laos, and Cambod...

In an exciting match, Do Le Van Chi (14) and Do Le Van Linh (13), siblings from Vietnam’s Central Highlands, clinched the top spot in the U.S. Open Table Tennis Championships. They beat the U.S. duo, Emily Quan (17) and Abigail Yu (12), with a close score of 3-2. The talented Vietnamese pair are no strangers to success, having previously won championships in the women’s doubles and team events at the 2023 National Youth Tournament in their home country. Their opponents, Emily and Abigail, are also accomplished athletes, with Emily claiming bronze in the U17 and U19 girls’ singles at the National level, and Abigail taking home three gold medals in the U11 category at the Pan American Youth Championships. Earlier in the week, Van Chi and Van Linh had to settle for silver in the U15 girls’ doubles, falling just short against another American pair, Mandy Yu and Abigail Yu. The Vietnamese siblings, along with their fellow top players from Vietnam, participated in the prestigious U.S. Ope...

Vietnam and the Philippines played out a thrilling 1-1 draw in their Group B encounter at the 2024 ASEAN Championship. With this result, Vietnam maintained their lead at the top of the group with seven points. Indonesia and Myanmar are hot on their heels, tied for second place with four points each, setting up an exciting conclusion to the group stage. The Philippines, sitting in fourth place with three points, are still in contention, while Laos have been eliminated. It was a dramatic game that saw Vietnam equalize in the dying moments. The Vietnamese side fielded an unfamiliar lineup and struggled to impose themselves on the game. An early penalty appeal was turned down after a VAR review, and Vietnam found themselves in a stalemate, lacking fluidity and coordination. Intense battle: Vietnamese (red jersey) and Philippine players vie for the ball. Photo: Huu Tan Their attempts on goal came from difficult positions, failing to trouble the Philippine defense. A surpri...

Chairman of the municipal People’s Committee, Phan Van Mai, conveyed a powerful message in a recent notice regarding the transformation of parks and pedestrian spaces in downtown District 1. Mai emphasized the municipal government’s vision to create a vibrant and iconic space in front of Ben Thanh Market, a long-standing commercial and tourist hub in the city. In this ambitious plan, Mai entrusted the chairman of the District 1 administration, Le Duc Thanh, with the task of coordinating with relevant agencies to propose an innovative optimization plan for the area. Mai’s vision is to develop this space into a bustling center, akin to Times Square in New York City, that becomes a famous commercial intersection, a must-visit tourist destination, and a vibrant entertainment hub. The area in front of the market will undergo a remarkable transformation into a travel, cultural, and culinary hotspot, showcasing and promoting the unique identity of the city. The municipal administration, ...

UNESCO’s Earth Sciences and Geo-hazards Risk Reduction Section renewed the Dak Nong Geopark’s title at a ceremony hosted by the provincial People’s Committee on Thursday evening. This prestigious recognition highlights the region’s exceptional geological and geo-hazard risk reduction efforts. Spanning across 4,760 square kilometers, the geopark encompasses five districts – Krong No, Cu Jut, Dak Mil, Dak Song, and Dak G’Long – and Gia Nghia Town. With 65 geological and geomorphological heritage sites, including a vast system of caves, craters, and waterfalls, the Dak Nong Geopark offers a unique insight into the region’s natural history. The caves within the park have revealed prehistoric archaeological sites, captivating the interest of researchers and tourists worldwide. The geopark is also renowned for its diverse array of minerals and gemstones, further enhancing its appeal. UNESCO’s revalidation, conducted every four years, is a testament to Dak Nong’s commitment to global conse...

Vinicius Jr. had an exceptional season with Real Madrid, scoring an impressive 24 goals in 39 appearances across all competitions. His contributions were instrumental in helping Real Madrid secure the coveted LaLiga and Champions League double, and he further cemented his impact by scoring in their Champions League final victory over Borussia Dortmund. The Brazilian forward claimed the prestigious award, finishing ahead of Spain and Manchester City’s midfield stalwart, Rodri, and his talented Real Madrid teammate, England’s Jude Bellingham. The 24-year-old, who narrowly missed out on the Ballon d’Or to Rodri earlier in October, was in Doha to receive the award. Real Madrid are currently in Qatar for the highly anticipated FIFA Intercontinental Cup final against Mexico’s Pachuca on Wednesday. “It felt like a distant dream when I played football barefoot on the streets of Sao Goncalo, and now here I am,” an emotional Vinicius Jr. expressed. Aitana Bonmati, the FIFA Women’s Pl...

The Management Board of Hoan Kiem Lake and the Hanoi Old Quarter has announced an entrance fee for two of its historic sites: the Ancient House on Ma May Street and the Cantonese Assembly Hall on Hang Buom Street. For just VND20,000 [~US$0.86], visitors can step back in time and explore these hidden gems, which offer a fascinating glimpse into Hanoi’s rich cultural heritage. The Cantonese Assembly Hall, located at 22 Hang Buom Street, is a hidden gem in Hanoi’s Old Quarter. The Cantonese Assembly Hall, established nearly 400 years ago, showcases a unique blend of Vietnamese, Chinese, and French architectural influences. Spanning 1,800 square meters, this spacious and well-preserved building once served as a religious center and a hub for trade and arbitration among the Chinese expatriate community. Today, it stands as a testament to the vibrant history of the region. The Ancient House on Ma May Street is one of only 14 preserved ancient houses from the late ...

The ongoing exhibition, “ Tet Ty : A Celebration of the Snake,” offers a captivating exploration of this majestic creature’s symbolism and significance in Vietnamese culture. Running until January 3 at the Vietnam Fine Arts Museum, the exhibition features 80 diverse artworks by the talented G39 group, a fitting tribute to welcome the new year. The Tet Ty art exhibition showcases a diverse range of artworks, creating a vibrant and captivating space. This exhibition is a celebration of the snake, a powerful symbol of wisdom and renewal, as well as a fond farewell to the passing year. Showcasing the works of 16 renowned artists, including Binh Nhi, Vuong Linh, and Le Thiet Cuong, the annual event presents a unique perspective on this fascinating creature. The artworks on display are a testament to the artists’ mastery of various media, including oil, gouache, do paper, and acrylic, as well as sculpture and ceramics from Huong Canh and Bat Trang. While some pieces, such a...