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The Vietnam – Cuba Friendship Association’s chapter in Ho Chi Minh City (VCFA HCMC) will continue to promote people-to-people diplomacy activities to increase understanding between the people of Vietnam and Cuba as well as between HCM City and Cuban localities in particular, contributing to further intensifying the special relations between the two countries. This orientation was approved at the third congress of the association for the 2023-2028 tenure held in HCM City on December 28, VNA reported. Truong Thi Hien, chair of the Vietnam – Cuba Friendship Association in Ho Chi Minh City for the 2023 – 2028 term, spoke at the congress. Photo: HUFO Accordingly, the VCFA HCMC will focus on promoting communication activities, including setting up a YouTube channel named “Cuba – The Beautiful Island”, to introduce the country and people of Cuba to people from all walks of life, especially young people, and the importance of the Vietnam-Cuba relations in the new situation. A

The approaching New Year holiday brings with it a flurry of tourist activities. Due to the current economic conditions, many people are opting for destinations near Hanoi that offer shorter travel times and are not too expensive for the three-day holiday. In addition to well-known attractions such as heritage sites, handicraft villages, resorts, tourist attractions, eco-tourism destinations, and entertainment areas, there are also options for capital residents and tourists to explore. Nguyen Ha Thanh from Bac Tu Liem District plans to take her children to places on the outskirts of Hanoi. A day trip allows them to have a fun-filled day, save money, and still enjoy their vacation without feeling exhausted. Foreign tourists visit Quang Phu Cau, an incense-making village in Ung Hoa District. Photo: Le Giang/The Hanoi Times “As usual, tourist sites can get too crowded during holidays, and since our income is not great, we have decided to cut down on travel expenses,” she sa

According to the National Center for Hydrometeorological Forecasting, the temperature in the North is still at a low level. Many measuring stations have recorded temperatures below 10 degrees Celsius. The weather forecast in different regions Northwest region: The weather is predicted to be less cloudy and sunny during the day, with moderate to heavy rain in some places. The lowest temperature is expected to be between 10-13 degrees, and in high mountainous areas, it may drop below 5 degrees. The highest temperature is expected to range from 18-21 degrees. Northeast region: The weather will be less cloudy and sunny during the day, with no rain at night. The wind from the northeast will be at level 2-3. The lowest temperature will range from 11-14 degrees, and in high mountainous areas, it may drop below 8 degrees. The highest temperature is expected to range from 19-22 degrees. The weather will be warmer in Hanoi. Photo: Hoang Ha Thanh Hoa – Thua Thien Hue: The weather wi

The sale is the result of the first forest proceeds from six provinces in the north central region under the emission reduction agreement with the World Bank. It is transferred to localities to compensate forest owners, local communities, and people for their efforts in managing, protecting, and developing forests. The emission reduction agreement, successfully implemented in Vietnam, has brought in US $41 million in carbon credit sales with the World Bank (Photo: Getty Image). As the first emission reduction agreement successfully implemented in Vietnam, the sale represents an important step towards advanced forest management, protection, and improving people’s lives. The six provinces participating in the agreement are Thanh Hoa, Nghe An, Ha Tinh, Quang Binh, Quang Tri, and Thua Thien-Hue. They collectively have over 3.1 million hectares of forested land, accounting for 58 percent of the total area. Nguyen Quang Bao, Director of the Department of Forestry under the

The Ho Thi Tu Street Book Street, situated in Hiep Phu Ward, is set to open from December 22nd to January 1st, treating visitors with a range of music performances, cultural activities, and engaging programs. The Thu Duc City People’s Committee is committed to providing a space to promote the tradition of reading, enrich cultural and tourism offerings, and create a reading space by opening the book street. The book street spans approximately 190.6 meters in length, covering an area of over 3,500 square meters. Operating from 9:00 am to 10:00 pm daily, the book street features different areas such as the Ho Chi Minh culture space, a reading area, an old book section, a brain-training games playground, a book-themed coffee space, and a main stage. Within the book street premises, two rocks can be found engraved with the biography of Vietnamese heroic mother Ho Thi Tu and a quote from late President Ho Chi Minh regarding the importance of reading culture. The opening of the book str

Despite the cold weather this Christmas in Hanoi, the peaceful and festive atmosphere for the Catholic community and Hanoi’s townspeople remains undiminished. The streets are filled with joy and festive spirit, creating a vibrant and lively ambiance. Locals gather at St. Joseph’s Cathedral on Nha Chung Street to celebrate Christmas. The photos capture the joyous moments of the celebration. A Christmas of unity… Euphoria is in the air in Thach Bich Parish, Bich Hoa Commune, and Thanh Oai District as the Catholic community celebrates their most sacred holiday. Everyone comes together to decorate homes and light up the streets, especially on Thach Bich Church premises. Thach Bich Parish is a longstanding and prominent Hanoi Archdiocese parish with approximately 8,000 parishioners. It consistently upholds the spirit of ‘living a good life following the faith.’ The parish actively engages in economic development and contributes to social activities, working together to build a prospero

Vietnam News Today (Dec. 25) notable headlines Severe cold spell to end early this week in North Vietnam promotes development of green industrial parks Vietnam-US trade exceeds US$100 bln in 11 months More foreign travelers to visit Vietnam Vietnam hoped to become healthcare destination Religion unity creates Vietnam strength Over 1,500 runners compete at Son Tra Run Challenge 2023 Export results in 2023 provide stepping stone for rice sector next year Ho Chi Minh City International Music Festival opens Photo: VNA Severe cold spell to end early this week in North The severe cold spell, which has blanketed the northern region as well as the north-central provinces of Thanh Hoa and Nghe An for about 10 days now, is expected to end early this week. The National Center for Hydro-meteorological Forecasting has warned that the severe cold weather will continue hitting the northern mountainous provinces with the lowest temperatures of 4-7 degrees Celsius. The

Vietnam – China Border Youth Friendship Exchange in 2023. (Photo: Hang Nguyen) The program aims to review and continue the long-standing traditions of friendship, connection, and exchange, and aims to expand cooperative relationships in social affairs as well as learn from effective economic development models. The program also facilitates the sharing of experiences in implementing Youth Union work and youth movements, as well as cultural and artistic exchanges. By doing so, it aims to express the faith, will, and aspirations of the youth from both countries to work together and cultivate a close relationship “from mountain to mountain, river to river”. During the event, youth delegations from four Vietnamese provinces bordering Yunnan province (including Dien Bien, Lai Chau, Lao Cai, and Ha Giang) and Chinese youth delegates participated in a variety of exciting activities in Kunming city, Honghe Hani and Yi, and Dali Bai of Yunnan province. At the “Chinese-Vietnamese Yout

The annual TasteAtlas rankings are based on a total of 395,205 dish ratings and 115,660 food product ratings, which were considered to determine the top culinary experiences worldwide. Italy secured the top spot in the list, followed by Japan in second place and Greece in third. Two representatives from Southeast Asia made it to the top 20, with Indonesia ranking sixth and Thailand coming in at 17th. Vietnam was ranked 22nd, placed behind Hungary at 21st and followed by Iran at 23rd. When it comes to the 100 best dishes in the world, as announced by TasteAtlas, Vietnamese dishes were also celebrated internationally. Bánh Mì Kẹp Thịt (Vietnamese Baguette Sandwich with Meat) and Phở Bò (Beef Noodle Soup) were ranked 14th and 100th, respectively. In terms of best food cities & regions, Hue City and Ho Chi Minh City secured the 28th and 73rd spots. TasteAtlas readers recognized Phở Thìn Lò Đúc in Hanoi as one of the most iconic food places in the world, ranking it 90th. The restau

Hang Ma street is a popular destination for buying toys and decorations in Hanoi’s Old Quarter. It attracts people who are looking for year-end-party decorations as well as those who want to experience the vibrant atmosphere of the area. Hang Ma street is known for its wide selection of toys and decorations, making it one of the best places to shop for festive items in the capital. The street is currently abuzz with business activities as shops display a variety of festive items for purchase, getting ready for the Christmas season. This year, Hang Ma street offers a wide range of festive items, including trees, wreaths, golden bells, and snowmen, featuring rich designs and vibrant colors. Customers can choose from a diverse range of prices, from a few hundred thousand to several million VND, to find the perfect festive items. Christmas and New Year are joyous occasions for Vietnamese families, especially children who eagerly await g

The Vietnam-Thailand Friendship Association in Hanoi organized a conference on December 22 in Dan Phuong District to evaluate its tasks and cultural exchange program. Delegates at the conference reviewed the association’s achievements over the past year and recognized individuals and organizations that have made significant contributions to promoting cooperation between Vietnam and Thailand. Tran Duc Hai, Chairman of the Vietnam-Thailand Friendship Association, speaks at the event. Photo: Vietnam-Thailand Friendship Association In 2023, led by the Hanoi Union of Friendship Organizations, the Vietnam-Thailand Friendship Association in Hanoi focused on enhancing communication on diplomatic affairs, peace and friendship activities, and other significant political events of the two countries. Additionally, the association launched a website featuring in-depth cultural stories to improve the effectiveness of its tasks. Outstanding individuals are recognized at the

According to the National Center for Hydro-Meteorological Forecasting, there is a strong level 3 Northeast wind on the mainland. In the North, Thanh Hoa and Nghe An, the weather continues to be very cold, and the mountains are freezing. In the area from Ha Tinh to Thua Thien Hue, the cold will be harmful to young children and the elderly’s health. In the area from Ha Tinh to Khanh Hoa, there is moderate to heavy rain with rainfall of 15-30mm. The weather forecast in different regions Northwest region: The weather forecast is predicted to be cloudy with drizzles in some places and sunny during the day. High mountain areas have the possibility of frost. Lowest temperature: 9-12 degrees. Highest temperature: 16-19 degrees. Northeast region: The weather will be cloudy and sunny during the day. The northern midlands and mountainous areas are likely to experience frost. Lowest temperature: 9-12 degrees. Highest temperature: 15-18 degrees. Thanh Hoa – Thua Thien Hue: The weather wil

An article from the market news website recently sourced data from the International Monetary Fund (IMF), which analyzed the real GDP growth rates of countries over the past 10 years. The average real GDP growth rate was used to rank the countries. Yahoo Finance stated, “With an average real GDP growth of 6.1% over the past decade, Vietnam is among the countries with high economic growth. The agricultural sector plays a significant role in supporting the economy by contributing to the GDP as well as employment.” With an average real GDP growth rate of 6.1% over the past 10 years, Vietnam ranks among countries with high economic growth. Photo: VNA Vietnam achieved a record-high agro-forestry-fishery export value of US $53.22 billion in 2022, representing a 9.3% increase compared to the previous year. This resulted in a trade surplus of US $8.5 billion in the agricultural sector, accounting for over 75% of the total trade surplus, according to VietnamPlus . The article

The Vietnam International Professional Golf Tour, the first of its kind in Vietnam, is set to conclude on Saturday. The tournament has attracted renowned golfers from around the world, including Michael Campbell, Euan McIntosh, James Kingston, and Emanuele Canonica. Michael Campbell, winner of the 2005 U.S. Open and an eight-time winner on the European Tour, is serving as an ambassador for the event in the coastal city of Nha Trang. “The golf courses in Nha Trang City are well-prepared for the tournament,” Campbell stated. “I am extremely impressed with playing golf on an island.” The Vinpearl DIC Legends Vietnam 2023, part of the Legends Tour, the world’s leading golf tournament, is being hosted in Southeast Asia for the first time. Vietnam is the first country in the region to organize the tournament, which is expected to boost golf tourism and attract international visitors, particularly golfers. “Vietnam has won numerous medals in golf at the Southeast Asian Games, and golf is

Organized jointly by the Permanent Mission of Vietnam in Geneva and the UN Office at Geneva (UNOG), the event was attended by ambassadors, heads of missions, and representatives from countries and international organizations, as well as delegates from UN member countries participating in the High-Level Event Commemorating the 75th Anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. In her opening speech, Ambassador Le Thi Tuyet Mai, Permanent Representative of Vietnam to the UN, the World Trade Organization (WTO), and other international organizations in Geneva, emphasized the importance of the exhibition, stating that it showcases the profound connection between human rights and the preservation and development of cultural and natural heritage. Mai expressed her hope that through the exhibition, international friends will gain a deeper understanding of Vietnam’s cultural diversity, where communities of 54 ethnic groups coexist harmoniously and unitedly. She also highlighted

Da Nang was ranked second on the list, right behind Bangkok in Thailand. According to the magazine, Da Nang is one of Asia’s major success stories after the Covid-19 pandemic, with its proximity to many UNESCO-recognized sites such as Hoi An and Hue. In fact, Da Nang has surpassed its pre-pandemic international arrivals, thanks to new flight routes that have made it more accessible than ever before. Beautiful Dragon Bridge in the rain. Photo: Huynh Nam Dong This year, Vietnam Airlines resumed its popular Da Nang – Tokyo route, while China Airlines of Taiwan (China) started direct flights from Taipei to Da Nang. Additionally, many Southeast Asian budget airlines have also launched flights to this coastal city, with more to come. “Every June, more than 150 daily flights bring tourists who are eager to witness the Da Nang International Fireworks Festival,” added the magazine. CnTraveller revealed that the Son Tra Peninsula, just 20 minutes from the city center, is anothe

The job of keeping specimens helps individuals earn thousands of U.S. dollars per month. In a small garden on the terrace of Khai Hoan’s house in District 6, Ho Chi Minh City, insects have been gathering since early this year. Different species of butterflies and beetles come to reproduce on the trees and eventually die. Previously, Hoan used to get rid of them. However, he discovered that the dead insects maintained their shapes and colors for a long time. This prompted him to start keeping them in glass jars. Since the practice wasn’t popular at the time, Hoan had to learn how to make the specimens himself. He found that most creatures can be turned into specimens, but they require sterilization, reinforcement, and drying. The crucial requirement is to maintain their original shape and color. All phases of the process are performed manually and with great attention to detail. Hoan stated, “If the specimens get too dry, they’re easy to break. On the other hand, if they aren’t

Folk songs, dances, and games from Thailand kicked off the Dien Bien Culture and Tourism Week in Hanoi on the evening of December 15th. The event will take place in the pedestrian area of Hoan Kiem Lake until December 17th, showcasing the best of culture and tourism from the northern province of Dien Bien. The event, organized by the Dien Bien Province People’s Committee, aims to celebrate the 70th anniversary of the Dien Bien Phu Victory (1954-2024), the National Tourism Year – Dien Bien 2024, and to strengthen the bond between Dien Bien and Hanoi.   Tourists joining ethnic minorities from Dien Bien province in a folk dance. Photo: VNA Speaking at the opening ceremony, Vice Chairman of Dien Bien Provincial People’s Committee, Vu A Bang, highlighted that the Dien Bien Culture and Tourism Week in Hanoi initiates a series of cultural and sports activities to be held in Dien Bien in 2024 as part of the National Tourism Year. Bang views this as an opportu

The Korea Tourism Organization in Vietnam (KTO) Vietnam has awarded the Korea Travel Awards to travel agents that have best promoted South Korean tourism in Hanoi. The Korea Incentive Travel Awards 2023 includes three categories: Incentive Diamond Partner, Incentive Gold Partner, and Incentive Silver Partner – based on the statistical performance of agents and individuals in sending tourists to the East Asian country in 2023. KTO Vietnam Director Lee Jae Hoon speaks at the award ceremony. Photo: KTO Accordingly, Vietravel Hanoi was honored with the Most Strategic Partner award. Flamingo Redtours and Vietrantour won the Most Impressive Partner awards for many new and special diverse products such as high-end tours, Korean cultural wave (Hallyu) experience, exploration of Korean sites, and impressive achievements in customer acquisition. Top Travel and Hanoi Tourism were recognized as the Most Creative Partner for their great contributions in building and developing uniq

France has provided a grant of over EUR700,000 (US$763,595) to the Hanoi People’s Committee for a feasibility study on the renovation of the iconic Long Bien Bridge in Hanoi, according to the French Embassy in Vietnam. The non-refundable grant has been handed over to the Hanoi People’s Committee. The study, conducted by the French engineering firm Artelia and funded by the General Directorate of Treasury, aims to minimize the impact of the renovation on road and rail traffic. The study will propose a renovation plan compatible with the future use of Long Bien Bridge, which is currently under discussion among various departments of the Hanoi Municipality. Despite its deteriorated condition in recent years, the French side hopes that the renovation work can begin as soon as the study’s conclusions are available. The Agence Française de Développement (AFD), which is closely involved in the project, is willing to discuss financing for the subsequent works with the Hanoi authorities.

The coastal central city of Nha Trang is one of the favorite travel destinations in Vietnam to Russia. Photo: vnreport.vn Fun&Sun, a leading travel company based in Russia, has recently launched a flight program to Cam Ranh in the southcentral province of Khanh Hoa. Flights operated by Scat Airlines include a stopover in Almaty, Kazakhstan. The first flights have achieved almost 80% of capacity, indicating strong demand. “Demand is at a similar level as 2022, but with a higher demand for the New Year period. Most tourists opt for tours ranging from 9 to 16 nights. The top 3 resorts requested are Nha Trang, Mui Ne, and Phan Thiet, similar to last year,” said Fun&Sun. During the last winter season, Fun&Sun sent approximately 3,000 Russian tourists to Vietnam. Russian Express reported a 30% increase in sales of tours to Vietnam compared to last year. Russtd mentioned that tourists from the Russian market tend to visit various resorts in the southern region to

On Sunday night, bustling trade centers like Van Hanh Mall in District 10, as well as Takashimaya and Diamond Plaza in District 1, were filled with shoppers. The festive atmosphere attracted large crowds who were eager to shop, take photos, and immerse themselves in the holiday spirit. Many traders were hopeful that the decorations would enhance their sales, especially with the increased number of visitors during weekends. In addition to running promotional campaigns, several brands have embellished their spaces with Christmas ornaments to entice consumers. Visitors crowd the front of Diamond Plaza in District 1, Ho Chi Minh City at dusk on December 10, 2023. Photo : Nhat Xuan / Tuoi Tre Last weekend, Mai Anh, a 24-year-old resident of District 5, Ho Chi Minh City, and her friends visited Diamond Plaza in District 1. They took Christmas-themed photos and planned this outing earlier in the week. After their photo session, they went to Vincom Dong Khoi, another shopping