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The upcoming Tet, which falls on January 29, holds a unique significance for the Dutch Embassy in Hanoi. For some diplomats, it marks their first-ever celebration in Vietnam, while others are embracing their last Tet before concluding their term in this vibrant country. Deputy Ambassador Christoph Prommesberger and several embassy staff will be bidding farewell to Vietnam in the summer of 2025. Tet, the Vietnamese New Year, thus becomes an even more memorable occasion for them. To commemorate their time in Vietnam, Ambassador Van Baar suggested a special way to capture their Tet memories – by donning the elegant ao dai , a traditional Vietnamese garment, much like the local youths during the holiday. Ta Hien Street, renowned for its French-style architecture, stone-paved roads, and vibrant decorations, was chosen as the perfect backdrop for this photoshoot. Ta Hien is also known for its bustling nightlife, earning the nickname of Hanoi’s ‘street that never sleeps.’ The street’s ener...

Arsenal captain Martin Odegaard set the tone with a second-minute goal, leading his team to a ruthless victory over Manchester City. The Gunners’ dominant performance, coupled with City’s sloppy mistakes, resulted in a final score that all but dashed City’s hopes of a fifth consecutive title. Myles Lewis-Skelly and Ethan Nwaneri, both teenagers, added to the scoreline with well-taken goals, showcasing the depth of talent within the Arsenal squad. Erling Haaland’s 250th senior career goal provided a brief moment of hope for City, but it wasn’t enough to stop Arsenal’s rampant attack. With a 14-game unbeaten streak in the league, Arsenal now sit comfortably in second place with 50 points from 24 games, just six points behind leaders Liverpool. Manchester City, on the other hand, find themselves in a distant fourth place with 41 points, a significant gap between them and the top spots. Arsenal’s fluency and flair on the pitch belied accusations of over-reliance on set-piece goals this ...

Hanoi, the capital city of Vietnam, took center stage in the country’s tourism boom, showcasing its cultural heritage and festive programs. The city attracted 12.5 million domestic travelers, a 19% increase from the previous year, and generated $148 million in revenue, up by 7.85%. Hanoi’s success is a testament to the appeal of its cultural offerings and the effectiveness of its strategic policies, including relaxed visa rules and promotional packages. Tourists explore Hanoi’s charming streets by cyclo. Photo: Hoai Nam Other cities also experienced robust tourism growth. Ho Chi Minh City brought in $322 million, while Danang and Quang Nam welcomed 228,000 and 157,000 visitors, respectively, reflecting a 29% and 40% increase. The Tet holiday provided a perfect opportunity for these cities to display their unique cultural offerings, with Hanoi organizing traditional performances, handicraft demonstrations, and culinary delights in its Old Quarter and the historic Village...

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...

Roberto Martinez’s successor has been named, and it’s none other than Rudi Garcia. The Belgian football association has appointed the Frenchman as their new boss, choosing him over competitors like Thierry Henry, Julen Lopetegui, and Mark van Bommel. This announcement came earlier in the day, marking an exciting new chapter for Belgian football. At 60 years old, Garcia brings a wealth of experience to the table. He has previously coached notable clubs like Napoli, Lyon, and Roma, and his task now is to convince Thibaut Courtois to return to the national team. Courtois, who is considered by Garcia as the best goalkeeper in the world, had self-exiled himself due to differences with former coach Domenico Tedesco. Garcia, addressing the media during his unveiling, expressed his confidence in Courtois’ quality and shared his optimism about initial positive signals from the goalkeeper. While Matz Sels and Koen Casteels are capable options, getting Courtois back would be a massive boost for...

As we welcome the Year of the Snake, here are some exciting recommendations to make your celebrations memorable: Indulge in Tet Delights and Floral Splendour at Ba Na Hills The renowned Sun World Ba Na Hills offers a unique Tet experience, combining traditional cuisine and stunning floral displays. At ‘True Taste – Goc Bep Viet’, visitors can savour authentic Tet dishes such as bamboo shoot soup, roasted pork, crispy Vietnamese pancakes, and banh cuon . These delicacies are a tasty showcase of Vietnam’s diverse culinary heritage. From January 25 to May 30, the Ba Na Hills Flower Festival will exhibit millions of vibrant tulips, sunflowers, and roses, creating a sensory escape on Mount Chua. Sun World Ba Na Hills presents a memorable Tet experience with a blend of traditional flavours and breathtaking floral displays. Photo: SGR Explore Vibrant Flower Streets Da Nang has transformed its streets into a floral wonderland with an investment of VND18.6 billion. The Tet fl...