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THE HANOI TIMES — Immerse yourself in the captivating exhibition, “Ly Dynasty Zen: Heritage Meets Tech,” open until July 31. This exhibition isn’t just a display of artifacts but a sensory journey through time, bringing to life the golden age of Vietnamese Buddhism with modern technological flair. Witness the majestic Dragon Head Statue from the Ly Dynasty at the exhibition. Photo: Cong An Nhan Dan The Ly Dynasty , spanning the 11th to 13th centuries, left an indelible mark on Vietnam’s history. Known for its political prowess and economic prosperity, it was also a period of flourishing for Vietnamese Buddhism. Buddhism, as the official ideology, permeated every facet of society, influencing architecture, sculpture, music, and literature. This exhibition revives that spiritual golden age, merging history with innovation to offer a unique cultural experience. Among the highlights are precious artifacts like the Phoenix-Head finial and a dragon-carved Bodhi leaf, illuminated thro...

THE HANOI TIMES — Hanoi has set its sights on an ambitious business growth plan, with targets to register 30,000 new enterprises in 2025 and an additional 200,000 by 2030. This was outlined in a directive (Document No. 129/KH-UBND) issued by Chairman of the Hanoi People’s Committee, Tran Sy Thanh, on May 10, 2025, which aims to boost the development of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). A bustling garment factory in Dong Anh District, Hanoi. Photo: Chien Cong/The Hanoi Times, depicting workers operating machinery and overseeing the garment production process. The directive emphasizes a citizen-centric and business-friendly approach, calling for local agencies to provide proactive and coordinated support. To enhance the business environment, Hanoi will further simplify administrative processes in 2025, reducing time and compliance costs by at least 30% for procedures under its jurisdiction. In addition to process streamlining, Hanoi aims to eliminate at least 30% of unne...

A captivating performance by the spouses and children of officials from Vietnamese representative agencies in Mexico, showcasing the country’s vibrant culture. (Photo: VNA) The vibrant and diverse cultural tapestry of Vietnam took center stage at the “Vietnam Culture Day” event, held in Mexico City from March 29-30. This colorful celebration attracted members of the diplomatic community, local authorities, international guests, and residents, all eager to immerse themselves in Vietnam’s rich heritage. Located in the heart of the city, Abraham Lincoln Park played host to this special occasion, marking the commencement of a series of events commemorating 50 years of strong diplomatic ties between Vietnam and Mexico (May 19, 1975 – 2025). It was a true testament to the enduring friendship between our nations. In his opening remarks, Vietnamese Ambassador Nguyen Van Hai emphasized the shared history of struggle for independence and nation-building that has forged a strong bond...

The Hanoi Times — A vibrant tourism program was launched on the evening of March 4, coinciding with the Hai Ba Trung Temple Festival and the celebration of the recognition of the Hai Ba Trung Temple, Pagoda, and Communal House Complex in Hanoi’s Hai Ba Trung District as a National Intangible Heritage site. Nguyen Manh Quyen, Deputy Chairman of the Hanoi People’s Committee, presents the official decision recognizing the Hai Ba Trung Festival as National Intangible Heritage. Photo: Hoai Nam/ The Hanoi Times Dang Huong Giang, Director of Hanoi’s Department of Tourism, delivered a speech at the opening ceremony, outlining the city’s tourism vision for 2025. She emphasized Hanoi’s plans to develop its tourism sector by celebrating its rich cultural heritage and historical significance. According to Giang, “In 2025, Hanoi will continue to evolve into a city that seamlessly merges its cultural heritage with modernity, embodying the values of ‘Cultured – Civilized – Modern.’ It will ...

The Bat Trang Pottery and Van Phuc Silk Weaving villages, now officially part of the World Crafts Network, were celebrated on the evening of February 14 at the Thang Long Imperial Citadel in Hanoi. This recognition shines a light on the rich history and cultural significance of these traditional craft villages. Nguyen Manh Quyen, Vice Chairman of the Hanoi People’s Committee, in his speech, emphasized the longstanding reputation of Thang Long – present-day Hanoi – as the “land of hundreds of trades” in Vietnam. He highlighted that for centuries, Hanoi has been the nation’s cultural epicenter, boasting a wealth of historical relics, cultural heritage sites, and, of course, its renowned craft villages.  Nguyen Manh Quyen, Vice Chairman of the Hanoi People’s Committee, delivers an impassioned speech at the ceremony. Photo: Tung Nguyen/kinhtedothi.vn Mr. Quyen went on to describe the villages of Bat Trang and Van Phuc as not just symbols of Vietnamese craftsmanship but ...

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...