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The Highland’s Geological Wonder: Vietnam’s Central Highlands Geopark Gains Global Recognition Twice Over

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UNESCO’s Earth Sciences and Geo-hazards Risk Reduction Section renewed the Dak Nong Geopark’s title at a ceremony hosted by the provincial People’s Committee on Thursday evening. This prestigious recognition highlights the region’s exceptional geological and geo-hazard risk reduction efforts. Spanning across 4,760 square kilometers, the geopark encompasses five districts – Krong No, Cu Jut, Dak Mil, Dak Song, and Dak G’Long – and Gia Nghia Town. With 65 geological and geomorphological heritage sites, including a vast system of caves, craters, and waterfalls, the Dak Nong Geopark offers a unique insight into the region’s natural history. The caves within the park have revealed prehistoric archaeological sites, captivating the interest of researchers and tourists worldwide. The geopark is also renowned for its diverse array of minerals and gemstones, further enhancing its appeal. UNESCO’s revalidation, conducted every four years, is a testament to Dak Nong’s commitment to global conse...
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Vietnam Eyes Cigarette Tax Increase to Snuff Out Smoking Rates

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Vietnam’s revised Law on Excise Tax is expected to be passed in May next year, with a key focus on curbing the deadly smoking habit in the country. According to statistics from 2021, Vietnam has a significant smoking population, with over 15 million smokers consuming up to four billion packs of cigarettes annually. The issue is not just limited to the high number of smokers but also the alarming rate of cigarette production. In 2023 alone, local manufacturers produced 5.3 billion packs of cigarettes, contributing to a growing number of health issues in the country. Medical experts have raised concerns about the serious public health impact of smoking, and increasing excise taxes on cigarettes is seen as a crucial step in addressing this challenge. By making smoking a more expensive habit, the government aims to deter people from starting or continuing this harmful practice. Addressing the Issue of Low-Cost Cigarettes Currently, the excise duty on tobacco in Vietnam is set at 75% of...
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The FIFA Player of the Year: Vinicius Jr’s Magical Year; Bonmati’s Consistent Brilliance

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Vinicius Jr. had an exceptional season with Real Madrid, scoring an impressive 24 goals in 39 appearances across all competitions. His contributions were instrumental in helping Real Madrid secure the coveted LaLiga and Champions League double, and he further cemented his impact by scoring in their Champions League final victory over Borussia Dortmund. The Brazilian forward claimed the prestigious award, finishing ahead of Spain and Manchester City’s midfield stalwart, Rodri, and his talented Real Madrid teammate, England’s Jude Bellingham. The 24-year-old, who narrowly missed out on the Ballon d’Or to Rodri earlier in October, was in Doha to receive the award. Real Madrid are currently in Qatar for the highly anticipated FIFA Intercontinental Cup final against Mexico’s Pachuca on Wednesday. “It felt like a distant dream when I played football barefoot on the streets of Sao Goncalo, and now here I am,” an emotional Vinicius Jr. expressed. Aitana Bonmati, the FIFA Women’s Pl...
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The Captivating Capital: Hanoi Unveils Entry Fees for its Historic Treasures

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The Management Board of Hoan Kiem Lake and the Hanoi Old Quarter has announced an entrance fee for two of its historic sites: the Ancient House on Ma May Street and the Cantonese Assembly Hall on Hang Buom Street. For just VND20,000 [~US$0.86], visitors can step back in time and explore these hidden gems, which offer a fascinating glimpse into Hanoi’s rich cultural heritage. The Cantonese Assembly Hall, located at 22 Hang Buom Street, is a hidden gem in Hanoi’s Old Quarter. The Cantonese Assembly Hall, established nearly 400 years ago, showcases a unique blend of Vietnamese, Chinese, and French architectural influences. Spanning 1,800 square meters, this spacious and well-preserved building once served as a religious center and a hub for trade and arbitration among the Chinese expatriate community. Today, it stands as a testament to the vibrant history of the region. The Ancient House on Ma May Street is one of only 14 preserved ancient houses from the late ...
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Hanoi Rings in the New Year with a Grand Art Extravaganza in 2025

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The ongoing exhibition, “ Tet Ty : A Celebration of the Snake,” offers a captivating exploration of this majestic creature’s symbolism and significance in Vietnamese culture. Running until January 3 at the Vietnam Fine Arts Museum, the exhibition features 80 diverse artworks by the talented G39 group, a fitting tribute to welcome the new year. The Tet Ty art exhibition showcases a diverse range of artworks, creating a vibrant and captivating space. This exhibition is a celebration of the snake, a powerful symbol of wisdom and renewal, as well as a fond farewell to the passing year. Showcasing the works of 16 renowned artists, including Binh Nhi, Vuong Linh, and Le Thiet Cuong, the annual event presents a unique perspective on this fascinating creature. The artworks on display are a testament to the artists’ mastery of various media, including oil, gouache, do paper, and acrylic, as well as sculpture and ceramics from Huong Canh and Bat Trang. While some pieces, such a...
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A Festive Season of Cheer: Spreading Christmas Joy to Vietnamese and Foreigners Alike

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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...
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