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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...

The “Vietnamese Tet in Me” contest is divided into four creative categories: photography, painting, video, and literature/poetry. Each category boasts attractive prizes, with a first-place prize of €500, two second-place prizes of €300 each, and three third-place prizes of €200 each. Additionally, the contest features special awards, including the Excellent Collective Prize and the Audience Choice Award. With a total prize pool expected to reach an impressive €12,000, this competition is an exciting opportunity for creative individuals. Organized by the Union of Vietnamese Associations in Europe and the Union of Vietnamese Women’s Associations in Europe, this contest aims to strengthen cultural bonds within the community, particularly among younger Vietnamese living abroad. By encouraging expressions of Vietnamese culture and traditions, especially those surrounding Tet, the holiday that celebrates the Vietnamese Lunar New Year, the competition seeks to unite the Vietnamese diaspora ...

The ‘Going to the Field’ Festival in Cam Chau Ward, Hoi An City, attracted not only hundreds of local farmers but also international travelers eager to immerse themselves in the unique cultural experience. The festival offered a range of engaging activities, including ploughing paddy fields, planting rice seedlings, and bailing out water. It provided a rare opportunity for foreigners to connect with Vietnam’s agricultural heritage and traditions. The festival showcased local cuisine with dishes such as ‘cao lau,’ a noodle delicacy, ‘mi Quang,’ and ‘banh xeo,’ sizzling pancakes. Photo : Thanh Nguyen Among the enthusiastic participants was James, a tourist from New Zealand, for whom this was a thrilling and memorable experience. He shared his excitement, saying, “It was challenging to walk in the mud and steer the buffalo simultaneously, but it was well worth it. This is definitely a highlight of my trip to Hoi An.” Local farmers played a crucial role in guiding and suppor...

Just a short drive from Hanoi’s bustling center, Quoc Oai District in the city’s western suburbs offers a plethora of stunning attractions perfect for heritage tourism, eco-tourism, entertainment, and quick weekend getaways. There is immense potential in Quoc Oai that awaits full exploration and promotion to attract both domestic and international visitors. A Land of Rich Potential The Water Temple, nestled within Thay Pagoda, is a serene and picturesque spot. Photo: Lai Tan/ The Hanoi Times Quoc Oai District boasts a semi-mountainous terrain with plains interspersed by hills and mountains, creating a diverse and naturally beautiful landscape. The district also has a long and rich history, with a unique culture rooted in the Doai land, the ancient territory west of the capital, Thang Long, now Hanoi. Of particular note are the district’s 220 historical, cultural, architectural, and artistic relics. Among these, two stand out as Special National Relics: Thay Pagoda in S...

“The Voice of Hanoi 2024” singing competition is currently captivating the city, with the theme “Hanoi – A Passionate Heart”. The event invites all young, aspiring singers to showcase their vocal prowess and celebrate the rich cultural heritage of the Vietnamese capital. This contest is not merely an artistic endeavor, but a tribute to Hanoi’s liberation and a testament to its enduring legacy as the nation’s cultural epicenter. Do Dinh Hong, Director of the Hanoi Department of Culture and Sports, elaborates on the competition’s deeper purpose: “It’s an opportunity for participants and residents alike to reflect on the city’s heroic past while fostering a sense of love and pride for our beloved country.” Do Dinh Hong, Director of the Hanoi Department of Culture, Sports, and Tourism, shares insights at the press conference held on November 11. Photo: Organizing Committee Hong further emphasizes the competition’s role in showcasing the elegant lifestyle and deep-rooted c...

In her inaugural address on October 20, Mai Thi Hong Ngoc, Chairwoman of the VWA in Gyeonggi, emphasized the festival’s goal of fostering a deeper understanding of Vietnamese and Korean cultures among the citizens of both nations. Through a vibrant showcase of Ao dai, traditional musical performances, and folk games, the organizers aim to introduce and reconnect the Vietnamese diaspora with their rich cultural heritage, instilling a sense of pride and a stronger connection to their roots. Ngoc further highlighted the festival’s role in uniting the Vietnamese community, fostering solidarity, and enriching their cultural and spiritual lives. Ambassador Vu Ho acknowledged the growing presence of the Vietnamese community in the RoK and recognized the invaluable contributions of Vietnamese women in fostering stronger ties between the two nations. He expressed his desire for more cultural exchange initiatives to strengthen people-to-people connections. The event concluded with the organ...

The Hanoi Autumn Festival 2024, with the theme “Hanoi Autumn – A Historical Season,” was a celebration of the city’s rich culture and beauty, marking the 70th anniversary of the Capital’s Liberation Day. This festival, organized with participation from 12 provinces and cities, along with local districts, businesses, and tourism associations, offered a unique glimpse into Hanoi’s autumn attractions and cultural heritage. Nguyen Tien Dat, Vice Chairman of the Hanoi Tourism Association, expressed that the event successfully promoted the city’s distinctive autumn tourism. Visitors had the opportunity to immerse themselves in special cultural spaces that recreated Hanoi’s heritage, capturing memorable photographs. According to Nguyen Tran Quang, Deputy Director of the Hanoi Investment, Trade, and Tourism Promotion Center (HPA), the festival played a crucial role in establishing Hanoi as a prominent tourism brand, especially during the peak season for international travelers. The event sho...