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Showing posts with the label October 17

Hanoi’s Ancient Quarter Comes Alive for Halloween

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Halloween, celebrated on October 31st annually, is more than just a fun festival. It carries a significant message: teaching children to face and overcome their fears of ghosts and darkness, and instead, choose to embrace life’s joys. This Western festival has captivated the hearts of many in Vietnam, especially the youth, for the past two decades. It has become an eagerly anticipated event, providing an exciting opportunity for friends to gather and create memorable experiences. As the spooky season approaches, Hang Ma Street in Hanoi’s Old Quarter transforms into a bustling hub of activity. Vendors work diligently to meet the high demand for Halloween toys, decorations, and costumes, ensuring a thrilling celebration for all. According to a local merchant, this year’s offerings are more diverse, creative, and aesthetically pleasing than ever. From plastic pumpkins and lanterns to skeleton figures and fashionable accessories, there is something for everyone to enjoy and embrace the ...

Hanoi: Asia’s Culinary Capital for 2024

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Hanoi, the vibrant capital of Vietnam, has cemented its place as a culinary powerhouse, bagging the prestigious title of Asia’s Best Emerging Culinary City at the 2023 World Culinary Awards. The World Culinary Awards, launched in 1994, is an esteemed platform that recognizes exceptional culinary destinations and tourism brands globally. Adding to the city’s culinary acclaim, renowned restaurants and hotels in Hanoi, including Hibana by Koki Restaurant and Capella Hanoi Hotel, were also acknowledged for their outstanding culinary offerings. The iconic ‘bun cha’ dish – a Hanoi specialty. Photo : Michelin Guide Hanoi’s culinary prowess was further emphasized when it was ranked among the top 15 culinary destinations worldwide by Tripadvisor’s readers in July. In 2023, Travel and Leisure magazine bestowed upon Vietnam the title of Best Culinary Destination in Asia’s Bucket List Places. The magazine highlighted Hanoi, Da Nang, and Ho Chi Minh City as must-visit destinations ...

Vietnam and Algeria Explore Enhanced Oil and Gas Cooperation

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Vietnamese Minister of Construction Nguyen Thanh Nghi and Algerian Minister of Industry and Pharmaceutical Production Ali Aoun co-chaired the 12th meeting of the Vietnam-Algeria Inter-Governmental Committee, which took place in Hanoi on October 16, according to VNA. In his opening remarks, Minister Nghi emphasized the importance of Algeria as a major partner and the fourth-largest export market for Vietnam in Africa. Despite challenges posed by the Covid-19 pandemic, bilateral trade between the two countries reached USD 144.2 million in 2022, with Vietnam’s exports accounting for USD 141 million. Recent data from the General Department of Vietnam Customs shows that bilateral trade in the first five months of 2023 reached approximately USD 116 million, marking an increase of over 80% compared to the same period last year. The 12th meeting of the Vietnam-Algeria Inter-Governmental Committee opens in Hanoi on October 16. Cooperation in the oil and gas sector stands out as a key ...

Have You Witnessed Flower Street Sellers on Valentine’s Day in Vietnam?

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The street sellers of flowers bring a touch of culture to the streets on special days. They have unique stories and motivations for their work, providing an air of celebration while giving commuters the opportunity to purchase a special gift for a loved one. As I ride through Go Vap District, I ponder the origins of these flower sellers and their reasons for choosing this line of work. Bouquets of artificial flowers are sold ahead of Valentine’s Day on a sidewalk in District 12, Ho Chi Minh City. Picture taken on February 13, 2023. Photo: Dong Nguyen / Tuoi Tre News While each seller has their own unique story, many of them are students who use these special occasions to earn some extra money for their education. They often take a day or two off from their studies to spend up to 18 hours selling the flowers they purchased the day before or early in the morning. It can be a challenging experience for these young entrepreneurs, but it also offers them an opportunity to get ...

2023 Hanoi Tourism Ao Dai Festival to Celebrate National Outfit and Culture

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The Hanoi Tourism Ao Dai 2023 (Vietnamese traditional long dress for women) Festival, directed by Dang Huong Giang, the Director of the Hanoi Tourism Department, is scheduled to take place from October 27 to 29. The festival will be held in the pedestrian area surrounding Hoan Kiem Lake.  Hanoi Tourism Ao Dai is an annual event held to foster the promotion of Hanoi tourism and Vietnamese traditional cultural values. Photo: Bao Tin Minh Chau The festival will kick off with an exciting opening program centered around the theme “Discovering the Beauty of Hanoi”. This captivating event will take place at the Ba Kieu Temple area at 8 pm on October 27th. The highlight of the evening will be a visually stunning stage, designed to resemble a train that symbolizes the connection between the past and present. Additionally, attendees can look forward to an exquisite fashion show, showcasing the latest collections from renowned local Ao Dai designers. The program will also inclu...