Vietexplorer2024

Vice Chair of the Hanoi People’s Committee, Nguyen Manh Quyen, signed a decision this week to recognize the Huong Son special relic complex, also known as the Huong Pagoda , in My Duc District as an official tourist destination for the city. Located approximately 60 kilometers southwest of Hanoi’s bustling downtown, the Huong Pagoda site offers visitors an ethereal experience, akin to stepping into a fairy tale. Spanning over 4,900 hectares, the complex is a stunning mosaic of pagodas, temples, and caves, each housing intricate stalactites and stalagmites that pay homage to Buddha and indigenous agricultural deities. Constructed in the late 17th century and meticulously renovated over the years, the Huong Son complex stands as a testament to historical preservation. It seamlessly blends its rich history with natural beauty, contributing to the diverse and unique Buddhist culture that Vietnam is known for. The Huong Pagoda Festival is a grand affair, traditionally spanning from the s...

The best artworks from the “Hanoi-Moscow in My Heart” drawing contest 2024 will be auctioned to raise funds for gifts intended for 20 underprivileged students affected by Typhoon Yagi. This was shared by the contest organizer. Contest participants being awarded on September 28. Photo: The Hanoi Times The initiative aims to spread messages of love, compassion, humanity, and the importance of the environment and nature, especially during times of adversity and natural disasters. The Vietnam-Russia Friendship Association in Hanoi, the Pushkin Institute, and the Long Bien District People’s Committee jointly organized this year’s competition. The contest is one of the highlights commemorating the 70th anniversary of the Hanoi Liberation Day (October 10) and the 75th anniversary of Vietnam-Russia diplomatic relations (1950-2025). Duong Hoai Nam, Chairman of the Vietnam-Russia Friendship Association in Hanoi, shared that the contest serves as an educational platform for th...

The Vietnam Tourism and Cinema Promotion Program, an initiative by Vietnam’s Ministry of Culture, Sports, and Tourism, is all set to take place from September 23 to 25 in San Francisco and Los Angeles, California. As per the organizers, the event will witness the participation of representatives from the ministry, Vietnam National Authority of Tourism, and prominent localities like Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, along with Ninh Binh and Quang Binh provinces. These regions share a history of tourism and cinematic collaboration with the United States. They will be joined by Vietnamese tourism enterprises, film production houses, and renowned actors. The guest list from the U.S. is equally impressive, featuring government officials, management agencies, associations, chambers of commerce, and investors. Additionally, well-known figures from the film industry will grace the event, including producers, directors, and Hollywood celebrities. The attendance of these distinguished guests was faci...

The Mid-Autumn Festival, affectionately known as the ‘Children’s Festival,’ is a beloved celebration in Vietnam, steeped in rich traditions and enchanting legends. One of the most captivating stories revolves around a character named Cuoi, who, according to folklore, climbed a magical banyan tree and found himself floating to the moon. To guide Cuoi back to Earth, children take to the streets on the night of the festival, parading with colorful lanterns. Crowds of all ages gather at the Children’s Cultural Palace, parks, and various venues in Da Nang, Vietnam, to witness the captivating lion dances. Photo : Thanh Nguyen / Tuoi Tre This festival occurs annually on the 15th day of the eighth lunar month, which, this year, falls on Tuesday, September 17. However, the celebrations start weeks in advance, with vibrant decorations, delicious mooncakes, and the lively lion dances taking center stage. Lion dancing, initially a cultural tradition, has evolved into a professional ...

The schedule of events was announced at a press conference held at the French Consulate General Palace on Wednesday. The exciting lineup includes informative talks, impressive exhibitions, captivating film festivals, engaging competitions, and captivating performances showcasing notable individuals from both the French and Vietnamese fashion industries. Fashion and Design season commences with a bang The Consul General of France, Emmanuelle Pavillon Grosser, expressed her satisfaction with the previous season titled ‘Cuisine.’ This season, which took place from January to June, hosted a series of captivating events that showcased the diverse aspects of French and Vietnamese culinary arts. Gain unique insights into topics such as the rich history of bread, the captivating world of culinary cross-pollination, the exquisite art of wine tasting, the intriguing diplomatic cuisine, the enticing realm of coffee, and the indulgent secrets of cocoa. Engage with renowned culinary experts from...

Nguyen Thi Thu Huong, the head of the Department of Communications and External Relations at the Vietnam National Fine Arts Museum, highlights that the cultural heritage tour is a result of a long-standing collaboration between the museum and travel companies. The aim of the tour is to provide visitors with an engaging and informative experience during their visit to the capital. Visitors have the option to explore the museum with a tour guide or utilize a multimedia voiceover application that offers sound, images, and smart instructions in eight languages. This technology allows visitors to save time and enhance their overall experience, explains Huong. Of particular note, the Highlight Tour aims to provide visitors with in-depth knowledge about the various artworks on display at the museum, revealing the fascinating stories behind these artifacts. Moreover, this tour offers an engaging experience for art enthusiasts who seek to delve deeper into the unique cultural values of ...

Media Companies Turned Against AI Initially, the emergence of AI technology that could produce long-form pieces of data, essays, and sophisticated answers to complex questions was seen as a significant technological advancement. However, it became apparent to writers and those in the media that much of this technology poses a threat to the future of human-written research, industry, and innovation. As a result, there is now a growing call for change. Major media companies are leading the charge against the rise of AI companies and their potential global dominance by implementing safeguards and measures. How AI is Impacting Different Industries: From Gambling to Healthcare While the media industry is currently experiencing the full impact of AI, it should be noted that the implementation of AI in other industries, such as healthcare and gambling, has been happening for some time. However, the stakes are much higher in the media industry, as jobs, livelihoods, and the essence of...

Nguyen Thi Tuyen is the sole remaining artisan in her village dedicated to crafting traditional toys for the annual Mid-Autumn Festival. Despite only working for one month each year, she perseveres in this art form, considering it to be the essence of her existence and a means of preserving cultural heritage for the younger generation.  Nguyen Thi Tuyen is busy making Mid-Autumn toys for customers. Photo: Cong Phuong Every year during the Mid-Autumn Festival, the residents of Ai Hau Village in Van Canh Commune, Hoai Duc District, located approximately 10 kilometers from Hanoi, are engaged in the production of lanterns that are then distributed to the market. The village was filled with trucks, eagerly awaiting to load star lanterns, carp lanterns, and traditional toys for delivery to various destinations. Ai Hau Village proudly holds the title as the birthplace of lantern making in the historic capital city. In today’s world, the allure of industrially manufactured...