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An exquisite exhibition of lotus paintings has blossomed at a historic French villa in the heart of Hanoi’s downtown area. This artistic event marks one of the first cultural gatherings to grace the restored villa, offering a unique experience within its timeless walls. Titled “Pink Lotus,” the exhibition showcases a captivating collection of 18 paintings created by renowned contemporary artists, including the talented Binh Nhi, Pham An Hai, Hai Kien, and Dao Lien Huong. Each artwork reflects a unique perspective on the iconic lotus, a flower deeply rooted in Vietnamese culture and history. The curator of this enchanting collection is art collector Thuy Anh, whose passion for the lotus and its symbolic significance inspired her to host an art talk in Hanoi. This engaging discussion delved into the beauty and cultural importance of the lotus in Vietnam, attracting the participation of artists and cultural researchers alike. A glimpse into the exhibition, where the beauty o

The Indian Consulate General in Ho Chi Minh City and the city’s Union of Friendship Organizations joined hands to celebrate the 52nd anniversary of Vietnam-India diplomatic relations and India’s 77th Independence Day, marking the occasion with an International Yoga Day event. Speaking at the opening, Indian Consul General Madan Mohan Sethi shared that this year’s theme, “Yoga for Self and Society,” emphasizes the practice’s ability to foster oneness, harmony, and social wellness. He added that yoga is a 5,000-year-old traditional Indian cultural sport that unites physical, mental, and spiritual disciplines to achieve a harmonious body and mind. This annual event, according to Mr. Sethi, aims to raise awareness of yoga’s ability to connect people and promote life balance, mental and physical health. Ho Chi Minh City’s International Yoga Day celebrations have been a yearly occurrence since 2015, attracting a large number of locals and fostering cultural exchange and friendship between

The vibrant cycling event in Hue, Vietnam, showcases the city’s beauty and promotes a clean environment. Hue, Vung Tau, and Quy Nhon were recognized as ASEAN Clean Tourist Cities for their dedication to cleanliness and sustainability. This event further emphasizes Hue’s commitment to these values. A heartwarming moment: a mother carries her daughter, dressed in the traditional Ao Dai, on their bicycle as they join the community ride. Nguyen Van Phuc, the director of the Thua Thien-Hue Provincial Department of Tourism, hopes that this event will inspire a collective effort to protect Hue’s environment. The charming combination of Hue’s iconic Ao Dai, local girls, and bicycles creates a unique and memorable experience for visitors. Young girls take part in the community ride, spreading positivity and a message of environmental awareness. Hue, the birthplace of Ao Dai, is also celebrated for its traditional craft of creating t

Ho Chi Minh City: A Dynamic Destination for Travelers Ho Chi Minh City, often underrated, is a bustling financial hub offering a unique blend of vibrant energy, year-round warm weather, and a rich cultural heritage. Its food scene is particularly noteworthy, renowned across Southeast Asia for its diverse and delicious offerings. With four to six days to spare, travelers can immerse themselves in the city’s many attractions. The key to navigating this frenetic city is mastering the art of crossing the roads safely; once achieved, a wealth of popular sites are within walking distance. Grand colonial-era buildings such as the City Hall and Opera House, as well as the iconic Saigon Central Post Office and Notre Dame Cathedral, make for a captivating cultural trip. A short stroll away is the Café Apartments, a unique 1960s modernist block on Nguyen Hue Walking Street. Once accommodation for military personnel, it now buzzes with quirky cafes, bars, and boutiques, offering a delightful c

The Broadway-caliber musical, Shrek , is set to wow audiences in Ho Chi Minh City and Hanoi this summer as part of the Shrek: On National Tour project. Produced by The YOUniverse, a creative ecosystem under Pacific Ocean Partners Group based in Australia, the musical promises to be a treat for families and theater enthusiasts alike. Shrek is more than just a fun and entertaining musical; it’s a show that brings families together and helps parents and children connect on a deeper level as they experience the powerful messages conveyed through the performance. And this year, the beloved characters of Shrek, Fiona, and their friends are venturing to Ho Chi Minh City for the very first time, offering a unique and exciting opportunity for the local community. Australian director Jesse Donaldson Jarrett, who is at the helm of this production, shared his insights with The Hanoi Times about the upcoming show, his experience working with local talent, and his vision for the future of the a

Christian Pulisic opened the scoring with a spectacular strike, and Folarin Balogun added a second just before halftime as the United States began their Copa America campaign with a confident 2-0 victory over Bolivia. “It was important for us to start the tournament on a positive note,” said US coach Gregg Berhalter. “We wanted to build momentum and improve our performance as the tournament progresses, so I’m pleased with how we started.” The US team came out with intensity and purpose against Bolivia, who have struggled in recent Copa America tournaments, winning just once in their last 31 matches. Balogun missed an early chance in the opening seconds, but Pulisic quickly made amends with a brilliant goal from outside the box, beating Bolivian goalkeeper Guillermo Viscarra. It was Pulisic’s 30th international goal, a milestone achieved in his 69th appearance. Interestingly, his first international goal also came against Bolivia back in May 2016. The Americans doubled their lead j

Hanoi is pulling out all the stops to entice visitors to extend their stay in the city during the summer months. According to the Hanoi Department of Tourism, this includes enhancing accommodation options with the addition of four- and five-star hotels.     The prestigious Capella Hanoi Hotel, which recently clinched the “#1 City Hotel” title at the Travel + Leisure Asia Pacific Awards 2023, is a testament to the city’s efforts to elevate its hospitality game. Nguyen Hong Minh, Deputy Director of the Hanoi Department of Tourism, shared insightful statistics about the city’s lodging landscape. Currently, Hanoi boasts 3,760 accommodation establishments, offering over 71,200 rooms to weary travelers. Notably, only 16% of these are ranked hotels and apartments, indicating significant room for growth in the industry. “Hanoi has untapped potential when it comes to luring long-term tourists and boosting tourism revenue,” Minh asserted. However, he also pointed out that the