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THE HANOI CHRONICLE — The enchanting ban flower, native to Vietnam’s rugged northwestern mountains, has found a new lease of life in the heart of the capital city. Every spring, it graces Hanoi’s iconic streets with its subtle beauty and delicate hues, captivating locals and visitors alike. Come April, Hanoi takes on a peaceful and poetic ambiance. Deeply rooted in the cultural heritage of the ethnic Thai and Tay communities, the ban flower holds symbolic significance. It embodies grace, purity, and the innate beauty of mountain women. In literature and folklore, it often serves as a metaphor for love and nostalgia. As the ban trees blossom, they shed their old leaves, revealing clusters of fragile, scentless flowers. These blooms boast soft purple petals, pink stamens, and delicate lilac veins. The contrast of their refined beauty against the weathered walls of colonial-era buildings and ancient relics is simply mesmerizing. Stunning displays of ban flowers line the streets ...

Hanoi basks in clear, sunny skies in the lead-up to the Tet Holiday, creating the perfect atmosphere for outdoor activities. The city’s streets come alive with color, adorned with vibrant red flags and fresh floral displays, offering a delightful treat for the eyes. On weekends, the pedestrian zone surrounding Hoan Kiem Lake transforms into a bustling hub of activity, with young ladies donning elegant ao dai, gracefully strolling and striking poses for memorable snapshots. These joyous moments infuse the city with a cheerful vibe, enhancing Hanoi’s springtime allure. These days, Hanoi captivates visitors with the enchanting sight of graceful young women adorned in ao dai, embodying the fusion of youth and tradition as they wander the city’s streets. Photos: Huy Pham/The Hanoi Times Each photograph captures a fleeting moment, preserving the essence of this picturesque season in time. Hoan Kiem Lake, veiled in a misty winter morning haze, presents a serene and romantic backdrop fo...

The Lunar New Year celebrations for 2025 are almost upon us, and the youth of Vietnam are eager to embrace the festivities. With the upcoming nine-day break from work, spanning from January 25 to February 2, many are flocking to renowned and captivating sites, such as the ancient Nam Son Pagoda, to capture memorable moments with their loved ones. Nam Son Pagoda, located in Hoa Chau Commune, Hoa Vang District, in the heart of Da Nang City, has become a hotspot for visitors during this festive season. Its ancient architecture and dream-like atmosphere create a unique and enchanting backdrop for photographs. Nam Son Pagoda attracts crowds of tourists and locals alike. The stunning architecture and festive atmosphere make it a popular destination for Lunar New Year celebrations. Photo by Thanh Nguyen The pagoda’s red-tiled roofs and exquisite carvings on its enchanting towers are a sight to behold. Young people, donning colorful traditional Vietnamese attire, known as ao dai ...

The Vietnam Beauty Fashion Fest 9, as part of the esteemed international male beauty pageant, showcased the exquisite talent of three prominent Vietnamese designers: Viet Hung, Minh Chau, and Tran Thien Khanh. Their collective presentation featured four breathtaking collections of the iconic ‘ao dai’, a traditional Vietnamese garment renowned for its graceful elegance. Adding to the allure of the event, the current Mr. World titleholder, Jack Heslewood, graced the runway, donning an ‘ao dai’ with poise and sophistication. Mr. World 2024, Jack Heslewood, captivates the audience as he struts down the catwalk in a sublime ‘ao dai’ designed by Tran Thien Khanh. The Vietnam Beauty Fashion Fest 9, hosted in Vung Tau City, showcases the harmonious blend of traditional Vietnamese fashion and modern charm. Photo: Supplied The presence of renowned Vietnamese beauty queens and runners-up, including Que Anh, Ha Kieu Anh, Bui Khanh Linh, Hanh Nguyen, Lam Bich Tuyen, Hien Helen, and An...

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...