VietExplorer2030

The Berlin im Licht concert, a celebration of the music of renowned German composer Kurt Weill, is set to enchant audiences in Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City. On February 21, the Ho Guom Opera in Hanoi will host this exceptional musical event, with a subsequent performance in Ho Chi Minh City the following week. Headlining the concert is world-renowned soprano Katharine Merhling, known for her captivating interpretations of Weill’s works. The program will include the composer’s iconic pieces, such as Seeräuber Jenny, Bilbao Song, Salomon Song , and Speak Low . Created in 1928 with lyrics by Bertolt Brecht, this composition holds a special place in the history of Berlin’s cultural landscape, having been crafted specifically for the Berlin Festival of Light in September of that year. Kurt Weill, the son of a Jewish cantor, was a student of Ferruccio Busoni, but it was his collaboration with Bertolt Brecht that brought him widespread acclaim. The concert will also showcase the talent of V...

Le Phuong Khanh Nhu, a talented young woman with a commanding presence and fluency in both Vietnamese and English, has earned numerous accolades for her exceptional abilities. Among her achievements are top honors in prestigious student competitions, showcasing her well-rounded excellence. Currently a third-year tourism student at the University of Economics Ho Chi Minh City (UEH), Nhu attributes her success to self-discipline, perseverance, and a strategic approach to language learning, specifically the Linearthinking method developed by DOL IELTS Dinh Luc. Linearthinking is a critical and logical approach to language teaching and learning. It is centered around logical and mathematical thinking and considers the influence of the mother tongue on English studies. The method includes techniques such as simplifying, reading and understanding structures, building sentences, and thinking and expressing thoughts in English. A Voice of Inspiration Nhu’s journey into the spotlight began ...

An official confirmed that while an agreement has been reached regarding the renewable extension of Ronaldo’s contract, it has not yet been signed. An announcement is expected in the coming days. Ronaldo, who recently celebrated his 40th birthday, is currently contracted with Al Nassr until June 2025. The football icon, known for his stints with Manchester United, Real Madrid, and Juventus, joined Al Nassr in January 2023. Since then, he has been on a remarkable goalscoring run, netting 82 times in 90 appearances. In August, Ronaldo pledged his commitment to Al Nassr, stating his intention to remain with the club until the end of his professional career, whenever that may be. He added that it would likely be with Al Nassr, a team that brings him happiness and a sense of belonging. Ronaldo’s move to Al Nassr in Riyadh two years ago was seen as a surprising choice, as he traded the spotlight for a less prominent football scene. The deal was reportedly worth $250 million. However, hi...

The Bat Trang Pottery and Van Phuc Silk Weaving villages, now officially part of the World Crafts Network, were celebrated on the evening of February 14 at the Thang Long Imperial Citadel in Hanoi. This recognition shines a light on the rich history and cultural significance of these traditional craft villages. Nguyen Manh Quyen, Vice Chairman of the Hanoi People’s Committee, in his speech, emphasized the longstanding reputation of Thang Long – present-day Hanoi – as the “land of hundreds of trades” in Vietnam. He highlighted that for centuries, Hanoi has been the nation’s cultural epicenter, boasting a wealth of historical relics, cultural heritage sites, and, of course, its renowned craft villages.  Nguyen Manh Quyen, Vice Chairman of the Hanoi People’s Committee, delivers an impassioned speech at the ceremony. Photo: Tung Nguyen/kinhtedothi.vn Mr. Quyen went on to describe the villages of Bat Trang and Van Phuc as not just symbols of Vietnamese craftsmanship but ...

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...

On the morning of Thursday last week, a meeting was convened between tournament organizers and the Vietnamese cycling team to address the truck fire that caused extensive damage to their equipment. A mutual agreement was reached, wherein the Vietnamese team would borrow bikes from the host team and other participating teams for the duration of the competition. Additionally, the organizers took initiative by gathering information about the cyclists’ sizes, as well as their needs for helmets and shoes, to ensure they were provided with suitable gear. Thailand’s Vietnam Motorcycle and Bicycle Association has stepped up to the challenge, offering seven individual time trial bikes and helmets for the Vietnamese team’s use, along with ongoing efforts to procure shoes and pedals by Thursday. In parallel, the association is expediting the shipment of road bikes from Vietnam, expected to arrive in Thailand on February 10, ensuring a timely solution. A critical aspect of the meeting was the...

The annual commemoration of the Hung Kings’ anniversary, as announced by the People’s Committee of Phu Tho Province, will be a two-part event this year, consisting of solemn worship rituals and vibrant celebrations. The Hung Kings Commemoration Day honors the legendary founders of the nation and fosters patriotism. Photo: Ngoc Tu/The Hanoi Times On April 3, a ceremony will be held at the Hung Kings Temple National Historic Site to commemorate Great Father Lac Long Quan and Great Mother Au Co. This will be followed by the Hung Kings Incense and Flower Offering Ceremony on April 7 at the relief sculpture, “Uncle Ho Talks with Officials and Soldiers,” located within the same historic site. Additionally, from March 29 to April 2, districts, towns, and cities across Phu Tho Province will organize incense-offering ceremonies to pay respect to the Hung Kings. As part of the “Phu Tho Culture Tourism Week 2025,” the celebrations will showcase 22 cultural activities, including a...

The unexpected success of Morocco in reaching the 2022 World Cup semi-finals has sparked a wave of optimism across the continent, with many believing that an African nation lifting the trophy is no longer a distant dream. Benjamin Balkin, co-founder of Eyeball, a digital platform launched in 2020, shares this sentiment and believes that his platform could be a pivotal factor in making this a reality. Describing himself light-heartedly as a “failed footballer,” Balkin’s own experiences as a youth player at Monaco, where he rubbed shoulders with the likes of Yaya Toure and Emmanuel Adebayor, fueled his passion for creating a platform that showcases talent that might otherwise be overlooked. This passion led to Eyeball’s investment in the United Future League, an Under-19 championship for Senegalese academies, as well as providing video cameras to 5,000 youth coaches worldwide. The coaches film training sessions and tag individual players, with the footage then uploaded to the platform....

The Huong Pagoda Festival, one of the most anticipated events in northern Vietnam, commenced on February 3, marking the 6th day of the first lunar month. With an expected turnout of 20,000 visitors on its opening day, the festival promises to be a vibrant celebration of cultural heritage and tradition. The folk performance ignites the Huong Pagoda Festival 2025 with vibrant energy. Photo: Van Bien/ The Hanoi Times A standout feature of the festival is the Cultural Tourism Week, a celebration of traditional art and folk games. This year, to accommodate the large number of attendees, boat and ferry services have been introduced on Suoi Yen, also known as Canary Stream. Additionally, the tickets to the pagoda grounds are equipped with QR codes, providing convenient access to all festival services, including entrance and water transportation. Nguyen Manh Quyen, Deputy Chairman of the Hanoi People’s Committee, presents the decision to recognize the Huong Son Comp...

The Soc Temple Festival: A Thousand-Year-Old Celebration of Vietnam’s Ancient Traditions Held annually from the 6th to the 8th of the first lunar month, this vibrant festival has endured for over a thousand years, attracting visitors from far and wide to Soc Temple in Soc Son District. Recognized as a Special National Monument, the temple hosts one of Hanoi’s most enchanting festivals, offering a glimpse into Vietnam’s rich cultural heritage. The drumming ritual marks the beginning of the 2925th Giong Festival. Photo: Trong Tung The legend of Thanh Giong tells of a miraculous infant from Phu Dong Village, who, in a matter of months, grew into a formidable warrior. With his bravery and strength, he defeated the Chinese invader An, bringing peace to the nation. To commemorate his heroic deeds, the people deified him as Genie Giong and hold an annual festival in his honor. The Giong Festival takes place at multiple locations across Hanoi, with Soc Temple and Phu Dong Tem...