Vietexplorer2024

The Forbes Travel Guide, an esteemed global authority on luxury travel, has unveiled its prestigious 2025 Star Award winners. This year’s accolades celebrate the finest hotels, restaurants, spas, and ocean cruise ships across the globe, with a special focus on two outstanding properties in Hanoi’s bustling downtown area. The Capella Hanoi, a visionary hotel with funky spaces designed by architect Bill Bensley, pays homage to the city’s rich history and its proximity to the iconic opera house. Guests are immersed in a captivating 1920s opera-themed experience throughout their stay. Alongside the Capella Hanoi, the Sofitel Legend Metropole Hanoi has also attained the coveted five-star rating from Forbes Travel Guide for 2025. This prestigious award recognizes exceptional service, stunning architecture, and immersive guest experiences. Speaking of the Capella Hanoi, Forbes Travel Guide commends its architecture and interior design, masterfully crafted by Bill Bensley, tha...

(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...

Hanoi basks in clear, sunny skies in the lead-up to the Tet Holiday, creating the perfect atmosphere for outdoor activities. The city’s streets come alive with color, adorned with vibrant red flags and fresh floral displays, offering a delightful treat for the eyes. On weekends, the pedestrian zone surrounding Hoan Kiem Lake transforms into a bustling hub of activity, with young ladies donning elegant ao dai, gracefully strolling and striking poses for memorable snapshots. These joyous moments infuse the city with a cheerful vibe, enhancing Hanoi’s springtime allure. These days, Hanoi captivates visitors with the enchanting sight of graceful young women adorned in ao dai, embodying the fusion of youth and tradition as they wander the city’s streets. Photos: Huy Pham/The Hanoi Times Each photograph captures a fleeting moment, preserving the essence of this picturesque season in time. Hoan Kiem Lake, veiled in a misty winter morning haze, presents a serene and romantic backdrop fo...

Pakistan’s recent overtures to the BRICS bloc signal a strategic shift and a potential new avenue for the country’s foreign policy. The move can be seen as a preliminary step to garner support for its membership bid, which, if successful, could offer numerous benefits to the nation. Experts believe that joining BRICS would enable Pakistan to strengthen its ties with the existing members – Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa. This would provide an opportunity to exert greater influence or present its case more assertively to Western nations, particularly when navigating geopolitical complexities. At the heart of Islamabad’s motivation lies a desire to compete with regional rivals and secure much-needed financial support. The country’s struggling economy could benefit from loans and investments, potentially revitalizing key sectors and fostering sustainable growth. The expansion of BRICS in 2023, with the inclusion of Iran, Egypt, Ethiopia, Saudi Arabia, and the U...

In the vibrant landscape of Hanoi’s nightlife, Ba Dinh District has emerged as a must-visit destination, offering a range of unique and innovative experiences for travelers. reca The “Truc Bach Night” event takes participants down memory lane to the Subsidy Era. Photo: Thuy Duong/The Hanoi Times In a series of captivating tourism initiatives, Ba Dinh District, in 2024, showcased its commitment to cultural and historical preservation. Local authorities, businesses, and residents united to create immersive experiences, with a recent highlight being the “Truc Bach Night” program from November 29 to December 1. Held at the Dao Ngoc-Ngu Xa night street and attracting 40,000 visitors, this event offered a novel and nostalgic experience, transporting both locals and foreigners back in time to post-war Vietnam of the 1970s and 1980s, known as the Subsidy Era. The event’s standout feature was its meticulous recreation of this historical period’s aesthetics, from vintage tramcar...

Participants of a multiparty alliance led sit-in at Gwadar’s Marine Drive, as shown in this photo taken by the writer, included both supporters and workers. The protest leaders emphasized that border trade is crucial for the livelihood of Gwadar’s residents, many of whom have lost their jobs due to prolonged closure. Additionally, they brought attention to the dismal state of basic services in Gwadar, a city deemed vital for the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) project. The leaders condemned the lack of electricity and drinking water, deeming it a grave injustice to the local community. Protesters claimed that the Pakistan Coast Guard blocked oil trade vehicles owned by residents at the Talaar checkpoint, leaving them stranded on highways for weeks. They argued that these restrictions are exacerbating economic and social conditions, pushing people into dire straits. Mir Rehmat Saleh Baloch, a central leader of the National Party, expressed solidarity with the sit...

The Matsya 6000 submersible is set to embark on its maiden voyage in January 2025, with a crew on board, led by scientist Ramesh Raju from the National Institute of Ocean Technology (NIOT) in Chennai. This marks a significant step towards India’s first crewed underwater mission, Samudrayaan. Raju and a dedicated team of NIOT scientists have diligently prepared for this moment over the past three years. As they approach their litmus test, anticipation mounts. Early next week, the 28-tonne vehicle will undergo trials in a harbor off Chennai, carrying three crew members. If all goes according to plan, NIOT will boldly send a crew 6,000 meters beneath the Indian Ocean in 2026 – coinciding with ISRO’s ambitious manned space mission. Dr. Vedachalam N, Project Director of Matsya 6000, underscores the significance of NIOT’s role in ocean exploration, drawing a parallel with ISRO’s space endeavors. He emphasizes that the success of the Samudrayaan Mission will propel India into an...

**Prime Minister Narendra Modi Meets Fahad Ghazi Alabduljaleel, President of the Kuwait Heritage Society** Prime Minister Narendra Modi met with Mr. Fahad Ghazi Alabduljaleel, a prominent figure in Kuwait’s cultural landscape. Fahad, born in 1974, is an author, businessman, and passionate preserver of Kuwait’s heritage and history. He currently chairs the Kuwait Heritage Society and is a member of the Kuwait Writers Association. During their meeting, Prime Minister Modi expressed appreciation for Fahad’s dedication to conserving rare manuscripts and artifacts connected to India and Kuwait. This work strengthens the historical connections between the two nations. Fahad has published numerous books on Kuwait’s heritage, including encyclopedias on its economy, press, and media history. He is also working on a book titled “Encyclopedia about Kuwait India relations.” His efforts have been recognized by the Gulf Cooperation Council countries, who named him the Heritage Personality of the...