Vietexplorer2024

(Photo: Quest’s World of Wonder) “It’s true what they say: when you first arrive in Vietnam, you understand a lot in just a few minutes. But to truly grasp the essence of this captivating country, you need to immerse yourself in its vibrant reality.” This sentiment, echoed by Richard Quest, perfectly encapsulates his journey through Ho Chi Minh City, inspired by Graham Greene’s Quiet American. According to Quest, Vietnam exudes an irresistible allure that draws tourists from across the globe. The warmth and hospitality of the locals leave a lasting impression on visitors. “It had been two decades since my last visit to Vietnam, and I felt compelled to return and showcase its allure to the world through my show,” Quest shared. (Photo: Quest’s World of Wonder) In Ho Chi Minh City, Quest embarked on a cultural voyage, delving into the local lifestyle and unique traditions. He navigated the bustling streets, indulged in the delights of banh xeo, and even experienc...

The closing ceremony was an exhilarating event held on Sunday evening at District 5’s Culture and Sports Center.  A vast crowd gathered to witness the spectacular performances, filling the venue with their enthusiastic cheers, waving flags, and chanting ‘Vietnam’ in unison throughout the night. The Mieu Bay Ba troupe from An Giang Province, southern Vietnam, claimed the top spot in the International District 5 Open Kylin-Lion-Dragon Championship. Photo : Thuong Khai / Tuoi Tre The championship witnessed an array of impressive performances by both international and domestic troupes, who wowed the audience with their creative and dynamic moves, showcasing not only their technical prowess but also a strong sense of national pride and unity. Following a closely contested competition, Chung Huy Duong from Tan Binh District, Ho Chi Minh City, secured second place. Xuan Long Dragon and Lion Dance Rawang Selangor from Malaysia and Tai Anh Duong from An Giang also delivered r...

Ho Chi Minh City police detained Le Sy Manh, a former Vietnamese international footballer, for assaulting a referee during an amateur tournament. The incident, which occurred on December 22, 2024, sparked outrage as a video of Manh’s violent reaction to receiving a red card went viral. Manh, a member of the Thanh Hoa City senior team, lashed out at referee Pham Van Nguyen after being shown a yellow card for a foul. He slapped the referee and was subsequently shown a red card, leading to an even more aggressive response. Manh kicked and punched Nguyen, with the entire incident being captured on camera and shared widely across social media platforms. Born in 1984 in Thanh Hoa Province, Manh represented Vietnam from 2009 to 2010. Throughout his club career, he played for prominent teams such as Hanoi T&T, Vissai Ninh Binh, FLC Thanh Hoa, Quang Nam, Xuan Thanh Sai Gon, and Hai Phong. The Ho Chi Minh City Police’s swift action in detaining Manh sends a strong message about their comm...

On Monday, the municipal Department of Tourism convened to assess its performance in 2024 and establish a comprehensive plan for the upcoming year. The southern city witnessed a substantial increase in international visitor numbers, serving six million guests, a remarkable 20% year-on-year rise, as shared by Nguyen Cam Tu, director of the municipal Tourism Promotion Center. Domestic tourism also flourished, with an estimated 38 million local visitors in 2024, reflecting an 8.6% increase compared to the previous year. The city’s tourism industry demonstrated its economic prowess, generating VND190 trillion ($7.5 billion) in revenue, an impressive 18.8% surge from 2023 figures. Building on this success, the department has set its sights on an ambitious target of welcoming 8.5 million international visitors in 2025, representing a remarkable year-on-year increase of over 40%. Additionally, they have outlined aggressive goals for tourism revenue and attracting domestic tourists for the c...

Despite the chilly weather, the festive cheer of Christmas warmed the streets of Hanoi as residents headed out to celebrate and enjoy the holiday spirit. Hanoi’s youth capture memories on Hang Ma Street, capturing the essence of Christmas Eve in the Hoan Kiem District. Photo: Hong Quang / Tuoi Tre As the clock struck 5:30 pm, the Hoan Kiem District transformed into a bustling hub of activity, with vibrant lights and festive decorations illuminating the area. Among the crowd was Robert R. Besner, a Canadian tourist, who shared his delight in experiencing the wonderful Christmas atmosphere that Hanoi had to offer. Besner, along with his wife and their three children, embarked on a 14-day journey through Vietnam. Their itinerary included exploring the picturesque Ha Long Bay in Quang Ninh Province and the enchanting town of Sa Pa in Lao Cai Province, with their journey commencing on Wednesday. The family plans to return to Hanoi to ring in the 2025 New Year, joining the ci...

Vietnam’s first luxury train, Sjourney, commenced its maiden voyage from Ho Chi Minh City to Hanoi on Wednesday, ushering in a new era of opulent rail travel in the country. This collaborative effort between Railway Transport JSC, Gia Lam Train JSC, and Vietnam Railways Corporation has resulted in a premium train service that promises to elevate the railway tourism industry while showcasing Vietnam’s rich cultural heritage. Stepping aboard the Sjourney train, passengers are enveloped in an atmosphere of timeless elegance and comfort. The classic Indochine-style interiors feature premium wooden finishes, luxurious bedding, and warm lighting, creating a relaxing and inviting ambiance. Every detail has been carefully considered to ensure a memorable journey. Departing from Hanoi every Wednesday evening, the Sjourney SE61 train invites travelers to embark on a week-long adventure, exploring some of Vietnam’s most iconic destinations. The train makes stops at Ninh Binh, Quang Binh, Hue, H...