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Graham Cooke, Founder and President of World Travel Awards (WTA), shares his perspective after Hanoi’s recent triumph at the WTA Asia & Oceania Gala Ceremony, where it garnered three prestigious titles. On September 10, at the Hanoi Tourism Department headquarters, WTA President Graham Cooke presented the city with trophies and Winner Certificates for the accolades: “Asia’s Leading City Destination,” “Asia’s Leading City Break Destination,” and “Vietnam’s Leading Cultural Destination.” WTA President Graham Cooke (left) and Hanoi Tourism Department Director Dang Huong Giang (right) during the WTA delegation’s visit to Hanoi. Photo courtesy of Hanoi Tourism Department. During the ceremony, Cooke extolled Hanoi’s tourism potential and unique advantages, highlighting its rich cultural heritage and attractions. The consecutive awards affirm Hanoi as a destination with exceptional cultural tourism offerings. He further advised the city to leverage these strengths in dev...

Southeast Asia has long been a dream destination for travelers worldwide, with Thailand, the Philippines, and Bali in Indonesia among the more obscure choices for those seeking unique, off-the-beaten-path adventures on a budget. Vietnam, with its recent surge in infrastructure development and direct flight connections, has rapidly climbed the ranks of desirable locations. But this newfound popularity comes at a cost. A recent exposé shed light on the antics of a TikToker named “Small Brained American” , highlighting the rise of offensive, reckless, and self-centered tourists seeking attention in this era of social media dominance. Vietnamese tourism has bounced back strongly post-pandemic, with visitor numbers surging. Resorts and facilities have expanded across the country, from the northern region to the southern and central areas, to accommodate this influx. To manage this growth sustainably, Vietnam has introduced more direct flights from countries like France, Australia, and T...

A team of distinguished comic book illustrators from the UK have arrived in Vietnam to offer complimentary children’s book illustration classes to aspiring young Vietnamese artists. Jan Fearnley, renowned illustrator of 26 bestselling children’s books, and Jane Buckley, award-winning art director of Simon & Schuster Publishing House, which is considered one of the world’s top five publishing houses for children’s books, are leading the classes. This exceptional opportunity for local artists is made possible through the collaboration of Nha Nam Culture and Media Joint Stock Company, Simon & Schuster Publishing House, and Pop Up Projects, an esteemed UK-based organization focused on the development of children’s literature. The course officially commenced on September 6 in Hanoi.   Donna McGowan, Director of the British Council in Vietnam, opens the course. Photo: VietNamNet The course boasts a specific focus on teaching students of illustration and professi...

Top headlines from Vietnam News Today (Sep. 11) Vietnam and US strengthen bilateral relationship to comprehensive strategic partnership Laos-Vietnam Relationship: Now at its Peak The relationship between Laos and Vietnam is currently at its best time in history. The two countries have fostered a strong and mutually beneficial partnership that spans across various sectors. Laos and Vietnam have a long history of close ties, rooted in their shared culture, history, and geographic proximity. Over the years, this relationship has evolved and grown stronger, marked by deep diplomatic, economic, and cultural cooperation. In recent years, both countries have made significant strides in enhancing bilateral trade and investment. The establishment of special economic zones and cross-border trade agreements has facilitated the exchange of goods and services, contributing to the economic growth of both nations. Furthermore, Laos and Vietnam have collaborated on infrastructure dev...

The Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on cooperation in Digital Payment mechanism was signed between the National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI) and Bangladesh Bank, as announced by the Ministry of External Affairs. Another MoU focuses on the renewal of the Cultural Exchange Program (CEP) between India and Bangladesh for the period of 2023-2025. The third MoU was signed between the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) and the Bangladesh Agriculture Research Council (BARC). During the bilateral meeting, Prime Minister Modi and Sheikh Hasina expressed their anticipation for the initiation of negotiations on the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA), which will cover trade in goods and services, as well as investment protection and promotion, according to the MEA release. The two leaders discussed various aspects of bilateral cooperation, including political and security cooperation, border management, trade and connectivity, water resources, pow...

The Vietnam Peace Committee in collaboration with the Vietnam – US Society held a meeting to celebrate the 100th birthday of the late composer Do Xuan Oanh, former Vice President and Secretary General of the World Peace Protection Committee of Vietnam (now Vietnam Peace Committee). This event was an opportunity to honor the late musician’s contributions to the revolution, people-to-people diplomacy, and the country’s arts. Speaking at the meeting, Chairman Uong Chu Luu of the Vietnam Peace Committee (VPC) reviewed the revolutionary career of the late musician Xuan Oanh. Chairman Uong Chu Luu speaks at the event. Photo: Ngoc Chau According to Chairman Uong Chu Luu, the late musician was not only a talented artist, translator, and journalist but also an excellent people’s diplomat. He made significant contributions to the people-to-people diplomatic front. Do Xuan Oanh played an important role in establishing the World Peace Protection Committee of Vietnam and participat...

The event is being held to commemorate the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Vietnam and Japan. The exhibition will showcase various artworks depicting the moon in different phases, seasons, weathers, times of day, and shades of color. These artworks will be accompanied by specifically chosen waka poems. The organizer highlights that the artworks and poems are displayed together. Saeko Ando, born in Japan in 1968, has become known for her traditional Vietnamese lacquer art and painting. Her unique blend of traditional Vietnamese lacquer techniques with a Japanese sensibility has gained her widespread acclaim. Aside from her artistic pursuits, Ando is also recognized as a researcher in the field of natural lacquer and has shared her expertise at conferences and seminars worldwide. In addition to the exhibition, Ando’s opera project “Princess Anio” will be premiering at the Hanoi Opera House from September 22 to September 24. This follows her previous lacquer pa...

Nguyen Van Trung, a seasoned craftsman born in 1955 in Chuong My District, Hanoi, has dedicated his life to the intricate art of rattan and bamboo weaving. Showcasing a profound admiration for President Ho Chi Minh, Trung’s meticulously handcrafted products embody the essence of this revered leader. There have been over 200 pieces of work created in honor of the late President Ho Chi Minh, serving as a tribute to the esteemed father figure of our nation. Artisan Nguyen Van Trung proudly showcases his expert craftsmanship in rattan and bamboo weaving. Photograph: Trong Tung Exquisite works of art In the rural village of Phu Vinh, located in the district, resides artisan Nguyen Van Trung. His home is adorned with exquisite rattan and bamboo handicrafts, showcasing his exceptional skill and craftsmanship. Standout among these artworks are his intricate renditions of Uncle Ho, with one particularly remarkable piece being a meticulously hand-woven portrait standing at an ...