Vietexplorer2024

The Namia River Retreat, a luxurious sanctuary nestled on an islet in Hoi An Ancient Town’s breathtaking Thu Bon River, has recently opened its doors to guests, offering a tranquil escape amidst Vietnam’s lush natural landscape. Travelers partaking in the lantern release ceremony at the Namia River Retreat. Image courtesy of the resort. Tran Thanh Nam, CEO of HG Holdings, the resort’s owner, shared that Namia River Retreat is a wellness haven, designed to offer visitors rejuvenating experiences while championing environmental sustainability and renewable energy practices. “At Namia, we’ve carefully curated materials from traditional craft villages, showcasing the exceptional skills of local artisans. Our commitment to a ‘zero plastic’ policy, solar energy utilization, advanced wastewater treatment, and clean energy regeneration sets us apart,” he proudly stated. Nam further emphasized their mission to set a new standard for wellness-focused, eco-friendly resorts, comb...

“Truc Bach Night,” a unique tourism initiative by Hanoi’s Ba Dinh District, attracted approximately 40,000 visitors during its three-day launch event from November 29 to December 1. A vibrant scene from “Truc Bach Night,” capturing the essence of Hanoi’s cultural life. Credit: Hoang Huy/The Hanoi Times This inaugural event marked the debut of Hanoi’s first open-air “living museum,” vividly bringing to life the streets, spaces, and cultural ambiance of the subsidy era. With a remarkable turnout, “Truc Bach Night” has quickly become one of Hanoi’s most distinctive nighttime attractions, offering both local and international visitors a captivating, immersive journey back in time. The event’s standout feature was its meticulous recreation of the subsidy-era atmosphere. The entire venue was transformed into a life-like movie set, evoking the charm of an old Hanoi neighborhood. Visitors were transported back in time with vintage trams, state-run department stores, and nosta...

Le Ha Uyen, more commonly known as Summer Le in the culinary world, is an exceptional talent. A decade ago, Summer Le began her culinary journey with a blog to promote Vietnamese cuisine during her student years. Today, she is the proud founder and executive chef of two renowned fine dining establishments, Nén Danang and Nén Light Saigon. Both restaurants have earned a place on the Michelin Selected List for Vietnam in 2024, with Nén Light Saigon claiming the title for the second year running. Additionally, Nén Danang has been awarded the Michelin Green Star, becoming the first restaurant in Vietnam to receive this prestigious accolade. The Michelin Green Star recognizes restaurants at the forefront of sustainable practices, combining culinary excellence with a commitment to eco-friendly initiatives. Summer Le, the founder, and executive chef of Nén Danang and Nén Light Saigon, proudly poses with the Green Michelin Star awarded to Nén Danang in June 2024. Photo courtesy of S...

Beyond exploring landmarks, delving into the unique rural culture of northern Vietnam and its heritage sites is an enticing tourism offering in Quoc Oai District . The captivating live-action show, Quintessence of Tonkin , captivates audiences with its authentic portrayal of northern Vietnam’s rustic charm. Photo: Thanh Hai/The Hanoi Times Set in the heart of Baara Land, an entertainment and culinary haven in Sai Son Commune, Quintessence of Tonkin is a live performance that invites visitors on a journey through time to discover the essence of Vietnam’s countryside, its history, and cultural richness. With meticulous attention to detail, the show reflects the simplicity and beauty of traditional rural life in the north. It skillfully brings to life the daily routines and traditions of the northern villagers, evoking a sense of nostalgia and connection to the land. Deeply rooted in northern culture, the performance showcases a diverse range of artistic expressions, in...

As Jorge Luis swayed to the familiar Cuban folk song, his eyes closed, and he was transported back to the vibrant streets of Havana. Nearby, a group of Vietnamese students clapped and sang along, their faces lit up with joy. The ballroom buzzed with energy as the infectious beats of the cha-cha-cha filled the air, bringing everyone together in a joyous celebration of Latin American culture. The 12th Night of Latin American Music brought the vibrant cultures of Latin America to life, uniting Vietnam and the region in a celebration of music, dance, and shared humanity. Photo: The Hanoi Times The Victory Hotel in Hanoi resonated with the lively rhythms of Latin music on December 15. The highly anticipated 12th Latin American Music Night brought together a diverse crowd of over 200 people, including diplomats, students, and cultural enthusiasts, once again bridging the distance between Vietnam and Latin America. Organized by the Hanoi Union of Friendship Organizations, ...

The coastal central city of Nha Trang is one of the favorite travel destinations in Vietnam to Russia. Photo: vnreport.vn Fun&Sun, a leading travel company based in Russia, has recently launched a flight program to Cam Ranh in the southcentral province of Khanh Hoa. Flights operated by Scat Airlines include a stopover in Almaty, Kazakhstan. The first flights have achieved almost 80% of capacity, indicating strong demand. “Demand is at a similar level as 2022, but with a higher demand for the New Year period. Most tourists opt for tours ranging from 9 to 16 nights. The top 3 resorts requested are Nha Trang, Mui Ne, and Phan Thiet, similar to last year,” said Fun&Sun. During the last winter season, Fun&Sun sent approximately 3,000 Russian tourists to Vietnam. Russian Express reported a 30% increase in sales of tours to Vietnam compared to last year. Russtd mentioned that tourists from the Russian market tend to visit various resorts in the southern region to ...

On Sunday night, bustling trade centers like Van Hanh Mall in District 10, as well as Takashimaya and Diamond Plaza in District 1, were filled with shoppers. The festive atmosphere attracted large crowds who were eager to shop, take photos, and immerse themselves in the holiday spirit. Many traders were hopeful that the decorations would enhance their sales, especially with the increased number of visitors during weekends. In addition to running promotional campaigns, several brands have embellished their spaces with Christmas ornaments to entice consumers. Visitors crowd the front of Diamond Plaza in District 1, Ho Chi Minh City at dusk on December 10, 2023. Photo : Nhat Xuan / Tuoi Tre Last weekend, Mai Anh, a 24-year-old resident of District 5, Ho Chi Minh City, and her friends visited Diamond Plaza in District 1. They took Christmas-themed photos and planned this outing earlier in the week. After their photo session, they went to Vincom Dong Khoi, another shopping ...