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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...

Hanoi has embarked on an ambitious project to restore and rejuvenate iconic historical and cultural landmarks, with a scheduled completion date of 2026. With a substantial investment of VND267 billion (US$10.5 million), the project aims to conserve the revered pagodas and create a new memorial dedicated to the beloved President Ho Chi Minh. The Tram Pagoda complex, nestled in the serene Tram Mountain, is one of Vietnam’s four oldest architectural treasures. A short walk from the main pagoda leads to the mystical Long Tien Cave, enhancing the spiritual ambiance of this sacred site. The National Relic Complex, comprising the Tram Pagoda and the Tram Gian Pagoda, is a testament to Vietnam’s rich historical and cultural heritage. Located just 20 kilometers from the bustling heart of Hanoi, the complex offers a tranquil escape amidst ancient trees and a sense of spiritual serenity. As visitors approach the Tram Pagoda, they are greeted by majestic ancient trees that provid...

**Prime Minister Narendra Modi Meets Fahad Ghazi Alabduljaleel, President of the Kuwait Heritage Society** Prime Minister Narendra Modi met with Mr. Fahad Ghazi Alabduljaleel, a prominent figure in Kuwait’s cultural landscape. Fahad, born in 1974, is an author, businessman, and passionate preserver of Kuwait’s heritage and history. He currently chairs the Kuwait Heritage Society and is a member of the Kuwait Writers Association. During their meeting, Prime Minister Modi expressed appreciation for Fahad’s dedication to conserving rare manuscripts and artifacts connected to India and Kuwait. This work strengthens the historical connections between the two nations. Fahad has published numerous books on Kuwait’s heritage, including encyclopedias on its economy, press, and media history. He is also working on a book titled “Encyclopedia about Kuwait India relations.” His efforts have been recognized by the Gulf Cooperation Council countries, who named him the Heritage Personality of the...

Tran Nam Long, a young artist with a unique perspective, was born in 2005 with disabilities. He found his voice through art at the age of three, using his creative talent as a means to express his emotions. Long’s art offers a captivating glimpse into his innocent view of the world, and his paintings of Hanoi are a testament to this. The city, through his eyes, takes on a serene and uncluttered atmosphere, filled with a romantic and graceful allure. Time appears to have stood still in his depictions of old houses and apartment blocks, carefully preserved as cherished memories of the city. Art scholar Tran Hau Yen The beautifully describes the intimate and familiar feeling of Long’s artwork: “As Hanoi becomes more crowded and modern, Tran Nam Long’s paintings offer a space of tranquility and nostalgia, inviting us to linger and evoke a sense of home.” In 2019, Long’s talent was recognized with the inclusion of his ancient house portraits in the book, “Impressions of Hanoi: From the S...

The Hanoi Heritage Marathon course is designed to meet global standards, offering four standardized distances (5km, 10km, half, and full marathon) certified by the Association of International Marathons and Distance Races. Runners will trace a path through Hanoi’s iconic landmarks, including Hoan Kiem Lake and the Hanoi Flag Tower, to name a few. Photos: Hanh Le The race commences at Thien Quang Lake, winding through the enchanting Old Quarter with its 36 historic streets, and then meandering along the picturesque West Lake, offering endless photo opportunities. The course then ventures into the more modern districts of Hai Ba Trung, Hoan Kiem, and Ba Dinh, showcasing the vibrant, contemporary side of Hanoi. The full marathon is a comprehensive tour of Hanoi’s lakes, passing by Hoan Kiem Lake, West Lake, and the serene Truc Bach Lake. Runners will also get to glimpse the historic Ba Dinh Square and the majestic Hanoi Flag Tower. The annual Hanoi marathon at...

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. ...

These exclusive images are currently on display at the “Sword Lake: East-West Intersection” exhibition at the Hoan Kiem Lake Cultural Information Center until October 31. Over 100 documents, materials, photographs, design drawings, and planning maps offer a comprehensive view of Hanoi’s transformation from the early 19th century to the mid-20th century. The documentary photos capture the landscape and daily life of Hanoi, evoking nostalgic memories of the past days at Hoan Kiem or Sword Lake. Sword Lake , which is the remaining part of the ancient Nhi Ha River, is a renowned landmark of the capital. It is surrounded by Hang Khay – Le Thai To – Dinh Tien Hoang streets. Thanks to its prime location, this area served as a significant intersection connecting the architectural and cultural aspects of the East and the West. By the end of the 19th century, iconic French-style buildings such as the Post Office, City Hall, Embassy, Indochina Bank, and others were constructed. These majesti...