VietExplorer2030

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...

Le Mat, a village located about seven kilometers from downtown Hanoi, in the present-day Viet Hung Ward of Long Bien District, has gained a reputation for its unique snake farming tradition and mouthwatering snake cuisine. To commemorate this ancient trade, the village hosts an annual festival on the 23rd day of the third lunar month, attracting locals and visitors alike. The village of Le Mat comes alive during its annual festival, with the highlight being the famous Jiaolong or snake dance. This ancient ritual draws visitors from near and far, eager to witness this unique tradition. Photos: Huy Pham/The Hanoi Times The festival is a celebration of rich cultural heritage, featuring a range of rituals and folk activities. Among these, the Water Offering Ceremony and the Jiaolong or Snake Killing Dance stand out as particularly unique. The latter, one of the ten ancient dances of the imperial capital of Thang Long, showcases the village’s deep-rooted traditions. Accordi...

(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...