Vietexplorer2024

Japan has asserted its intention to counter Chinese military aggression, signaling a tougher stance on regional security matters. This shift in policy comes as no surprise given the increasing incursions by Chinese naval vessels, aircraft, and spy planes into Japanese territory, which Tokyo deems a severe threat to its sovereignty. The Japanese government, led by Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshimasa Hayashi, recognizes the urgency of addressing China’s military trends. In a statement, Hayashi conveyed a strong sense of crisis regarding China’s series of incursions into Japanese airspace and territorial waters. Japan is committed to taking all necessary measures to safeguard its interests and contribute to regional stability. This assertive approach aligns with the broader international support for ‘freedom of navigation’ and a rules-based international order. Bec Strating, an international relations expert, observes that Japan’s actions are consistent with a growing trend amon...

Expatriates in Vietnam, it’s time for some self-reflection. You’ve made this beautiful country your home, but are you doing your part to protect its environment? Are you an active participant in reducing pollution, or have you left it for someone else to deal with? Let’s explore ways we, as expats, can contribute to a greener Vietnam. Vietnam is a popular destination for expats from all corners of the globe, with many choosing to settle in bustling cities like Ho Chi Minh City and Hanoi. However, when it comes to addressing pollution and environmental issues, the responsibility often falls solely on the shoulders of Vietnamese citizens. It’s time we, as expats, acknowledge our environmental impact and make conscious efforts to reduce it. I, too, was once a passive observer, living comfortably in Ho Chi Minh City for over a decade. I embodied the typical expat lifestyle: living in an apartment close to the city center, relying on motorbikes and taxis for transportation, and enjoying t...

Ha Long Bay, located in northern Vietnam’s Quang Ninh Province, has been designated as one of the top destinations for 2024 by luxury travel experts at OvationNetwork, a US-based travel agency specializing in high-end and experiential travel. As a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Ha Long Bay showcases a unique ecosystem and geological formations that offer a blend of natural beauty, outdoor activities, fresh food, tranquility, and accessibility. According to Zane Schafer, the Vice President and General Manager of OvationNetwork, the demand for travel remains high as people seek deeper and more experiential connections with off-the-beaten-path destinations. Next year, Ha Long Bay is poised to provide such an experience. Cruise on Ha Long Bay. Photo: Travel and Leisure “Whether you’re a history buff, nature lover, foodie, or adventure seeker, Ha Long Bay has something for everyone. The unique rock formations of limestone karsts and islets add to the magic of this unduplicat...

Huy achieved an impressive score of 240.5 points in the final, securing the top position on the podium. Lee Wonho of South Korea took silver with 239.4 points, while Vladimir Svechnikov of Uzbekistan earned bronze with 219.9 points. The final started with two five-shot series, with a 250-second limit per series. After that, the contestants fired single shots, with a 50-second limit per shot. After every two shots, the lowest-ranked shooter was eliminated. Following the 12th shot and the 14th shot, the bottom two shooters were eliminated to take eighth and seventh place, respectively. The bronze medalist was determined by the 22nd shot, and the gold and silver medalists were decided by the final, 24th shot. Huy and Lee were the last two men standing, with the Vietnamese shooter leading by 0.6 points. Lee closed the gap with the 23rd shot by hitting 10.1 points, while Huy managed 9.9 points. With the final shot, Huy gave Lee a bit of an opening by hitting 9.7. A score of 10.2 points o...

Hoang completed the men’s 800 m freestyle event in a remarkable time of 7 minutes and 51.44 seconds, surpassing the Olympic standard time by a margin of 0.21 seconds. The 23-year-old swimmer is the third Vietnamese athlete to have successfully qualified for the 2024 Olympics. Shooter Trinh Thu Vinh has secured a spot in the 2024 Olympic Games in Paris. She achieved this feat by placing fifth in the women’s 10m air pistol event at the 2023 ISSF World Shooting Championships in August. The Olympic Games are scheduled to take place from July 26 to August 11 next year. In addition, female cyclist Nguyen Thi That has also qualified for the Games. She earned her spot by winning the gold medal at the 2023 Asian Road and Para Cycling Championships in June. Hoang, born in 2000, has established himself as one of the country’s most promising swimmers in recent years. He is a holder of national and Southeast Asian records in the 800m and 1,500m freestyle events. He achieved remarkable su...