VietExplorer2025

An exhibition titled “The Return” showcasing the Vietnamese community in Germany will be held at the Manzi Exhibition Space in Hanoi from January 8th to January 28th. The themes of “Separation and Reunion” have become integral to the works of the Le Brothers. Through art, they delve into individual histories, memories, and the enigmatic layers of the past.   The Le Brothers, Thanh Le Ngoc and Hai Le Duc, are celebrated for their performances and video creations that eloquently depict the metaphor of resemblance. Photo: Goethe Institut   During their two-month residency in Germany last year, the Le Brothers engaged in conversations and interactions with members of the Vietnamese expatriate community in cities such as Halle, Berlin, Munich, Frankfurt, and Leipzig. These individuals come from diverse backgrounds and historical periods: international students, guest workers hailing from the 70s and 80s, post-Doi Moi migrant workers from the 1990s, second-gene...

The Vietnam-Thailand Friendship Association in Hanoi organized a conference on December 22 in Dan Phuong District to evaluate its tasks and cultural exchange program. Delegates at the conference reviewed the association’s achievements over the past year and recognized individuals and organizations that have made significant contributions to promoting cooperation between Vietnam and Thailand. Tran Duc Hai, Chairman of the Vietnam-Thailand Friendship Association, speaks at the event. Photo: Vietnam-Thailand Friendship Association In 2023, led by the Hanoi Union of Friendship Organizations, the Vietnam-Thailand Friendship Association in Hanoi focused on enhancing communication on diplomatic affairs, peace and friendship activities, and other significant political events of the two countries. Additionally, the association launched a website featuring in-depth cultural stories to improve the effectiveness of its tasks. Outstanding individuals are recognized at the ...

A discussion on French-Vietnamese literature between French-Vietnamese writer Nuage Rose and French literary scholar Pham Van Quang took place on December 3 at the Youth Publishing House, HCMC, focusing on Vietnamese  literary works  in France. Traces of Vietnamese writers in French literature The literary discussion between writer Nuage Rose and Associate Professor Dr. Pham Van Quang on December 3 at the Youth Publishing House, HCMC. Photo: Tu Anh The novel “Three Clouds in the Land of Lotus”, about the American war in Vietnam (1964-1975), marked the beginning of the literary career of Nuage Rose or Bui Hong Van. The book was translated and published in Vietnam in 2017 after being first published in French in 2013. The novel was published by Société des Ecrivains in Paris, won the “Most Favored” title of the French Writers Association, and was presented at major book fairs in Paris, Brussels, Geneva, Brittany, Normandy, Mans, and others. Her book tel...

With only a few days left until Halloween (on October 31) season 2023, Hanoi’s downtown toy streets are filled with colorful playthings and masks, hats, mannequins, skeletons, and scythes, providing selfie photo opportunities for many young people. Hang Ma Street Hang Ma Street is a street in Hanoi that is the go-to spot during the Halloween season. A month ahead of the festival, Hang Ma Street is brightly and magically decorated with a series of mannequins, masks, clothes, colorful lanterns, and scary toys. These days, it is packed with people shopping, taking selfies, and savoring the lively environment. Hang Ma Street is an ideal backdrop for photography on this occasion. Ho Guom Pedestrian Street Every Halloween, young people often turn the wide pedestrian street into a fashion runway where they show off their bizarre costumes and unique makeup. There are also many interesting activities such as dressing up, mask painting, exciting magic shows, or street performances. Don’t w...

The Japan Foundation Center for Cultural Exchange in Vietnam will host the annual Japanese Film Festival in Vietnam later this month to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the Establishment of Diplomatic Relations between Japan and Vietnam. The festival will take place in Ho Chi Minh City from October 27 to November 9 (at CineStars Hai Ba Trung); Danang from November 17 to 19 (Metiz Cinema); Haiphong (Galaxy Nguyen Kim Cinema) from December 1 to 3; and in Hanoi from December 8 to 21 (National Cinema Center). Japanese movies presented at the Japanese Film Festivals in Vietnam have been known to be the latest releases in Japan with a variety of titles and genres that offer the audience the opportunity to see Japan from different perspectives. Eight Japanese movies are set to be screened during the nearly two-month film festival including the drama titled The Water Flows To The Sea, the comedy/romance film Liar x Liar, the anime The First Slam Dunk, and others. The highlight of the fest...

GU Bistronomy partnered with the WMF brand to successfully host an event celebrating the incredible 170-year journey of Germany’s leading household brand – WMF in Hanoi. Chef Stephan and his companions prepared for the commemorative party. Photo: GU Bistronomy The event saw an enthusiastic turnout of numerous guests, food connoisseurs, and enthusiasts of premium household products. Chef Stephan’s six-course menu presented an unparalleled culinary experience, expertly blending the exquisite flavors of the freshest ingredients with his culinary expertise. The beautifully presented dishes reflected European culinary finesse while still carrying Chef Stephan’s distinctive personal touch from his renowned Chef’s Table by Stephan Zoisl in Singapore. Accompanied by a meticulously curated selection of premium Italian wines, each dish reached new heights of taste and sophistication. “The menu launched in Hanoi is completely novel, prepared, and presented entirely by WMF’s high...

Kinofest, an annual German Film Festival organized by the Goethe Institute, has returned to audiences in Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City for its 2023 edition from November 1 to 7. A scene from the movie Liebe, D-Mark, Tod (2022, Cem Kaya). Photo: Screenshot Initiated by the Goethe-Institut Southeast Asia with the participation of Indonesia, Malaysia, Singapore, the Philippines, Thailand, Myanmar, Vietnam, Timor-Leste, and New Zealand, Kinofest 2023 will showcase the latest award-winning films of German cinema, including those awarded at the Berlinale Film Festival. Diverse in genre and subject matter, this year’s Kinofest film series revolves around the themes of connection, immigration, and cultural interference in contemporary German life. The topic of migration captivates audiences in Germany, and cinema serves as an effective medium to express social issues in a compassionate way. The idea of migration in the context of globalization is not limited to a specific region ...

Artemis Danza, a renowned dance company led by acclaimed Italian choreographer Monica Casadei, presents an exciting and innovative rendition of the ballet “The Barber of Seville” (Il Barbiere di Siviglia) to the vibrant audience in Hanoi.  Italian Il Barbiere di Siviglia is on Hanoi’s stage tonight. Photo: Artemis Danza Dance Company  “The Barber of Seville” is a compelling story that revolves around the character of Rosina. Count Almaviva has fallen in love with her, and she reciprocates his feelings. However, Rosina’s guardian Bartolo has ulterior motives to marry her, driven by his desire to acquire her substantial dowry. Through a series of comedic complications, the libretto skillfully brings the lovers together with the assistance of the clever Figaro. With a history dating back approximately 200 years, ballet has emerged as one of the world’s most beloved art forms, maintaining its place at the forefront of the global ballet scene. First perfo...

The Hanoi Tourism Ao Dai 2023 (Vietnamese traditional long dress for women) Festival, directed by Dang Huong Giang, the Director of the Hanoi Tourism Department, is scheduled to take place from October 27 to 29. The festival will be held in the pedestrian area surrounding Hoan Kiem Lake.  Hanoi Tourism Ao Dai is an annual event held to foster the promotion of Hanoi tourism and Vietnamese traditional cultural values. Photo: Bao Tin Minh Chau The festival will kick off with an exciting opening program centered around the theme “Discovering the Beauty of Hanoi”. This captivating event will take place at the Ba Kieu Temple area at 8 pm on October 27th. The highlight of the evening will be a visually stunning stage, designed to resemble a train that symbolizes the connection between the past and present. Additionally, attendees can look forward to an exquisite fashion show, showcasing the latest collections from renowned local Ao Dai designers. The program will also inclu...

The exhibition titled “Hanoi Craft Villages” and “The Beauty of Vietnam’s Regions” is currently being held until October 14th at Exhibition Hall 45 Trang Tien. This exhibition is organized to commemorate the 69th anniversary of Capital Liberation Day, which occurred on October 10, 1954.  The Hang Trong Folk Painting’s Soul Keeper by Vu Ngoc Bao won first prize in the “Hanoi Craft Village” photo contest. The Hanoi Artistic Photography Association hosted a photo contest, and the captivating images on display at the exhibition are the outcome of this competition. After a duration of over two months, the Organizing Committee has successfully received a grand total of 1,712 remarkable submissions, originating from 227 highly talented authors. These submissions have been diligently categorized into two distinct themes, resulting in a comprehensive collection. Fifty-two exceptional photos showcasing the captivating craftsmanship of Hanoi’s Craft Village were carefully cho...

An exhibition called “Relic Sites, Festivals, and Imperial Rituals of Ba Dinh District” is currently taking place at Le Truc Flower Garden in Dien Bien Ward, Ba Dinh District, Hanoi. The exhibition is being held to commemorate the 69th anniversary of the Capital Liberation Day, which occurred on October 10, 1954.  The photo exhibition runs until October 12 at Le Truc Flower Garden, Ba Dinh District. Photo: VNA The exhibition showcases a collection of 40 captivating images capturing the essence of Ba Dinh, a sacred and iconic district in the heart of the capital city. These images showcase the district’s rich history, showcasing its historic sites and lively festivals that bring the area to life. The webpage showcases various festivals celebrated at the historic Thang Long Imperial Citadel. These festivals include the traditional Tet (Lunar New Year) rituals observed during the reign of the Le Trung Hung Dynasty (1533 – 1789), as well as the Mid-Autumn Festival, Luna...

Singer Thi Phuong has recently unveiled the music video (MV) titled Quang Binh Que Ta Oi (Quang Binh, My Hometown) to commemorate the 420th anniversary of the establishment of the central province of Quang Binh (1604-2024). The purpose of this release is to showcase and showcase the beauty and charm of her homeland. The music video launch event took place in Hanoi, the birthplace of the composer Hoang Van, in order to celebrate the 60th anniversary of the song’s initial debut. Hoang Van (1930-2018) was a highly acclaimed musician and composer who was awarded the prestigious Ho Chi Minh Prize in 2000. He had a remarkable career that included fighting in the historic battle of Dien Bien Phu and later being sent to China to pursue further studies in music. Singer Thi Phuong is featured in her music video dedicated to Quang Binh Province. Upon his return to Vietnam, he assumed the role of conductor for the orchestra of Radio Voice of Vietnam and took up a position as a lec...

Director Dang Nhat Minh was awarded the Grand Prize at the 2023 Bui Xuan Phai Award-For the Love of Hanoi, for his cinematic works related to Hanoi’s historical milestones such as “Hanoi in the Winter of ’46,” “Guava House,” and “Jasmine.” The award ceremony took place in Hanoi on October 5. Born in Hue in 1938, Director and People’s Artist Dang Nhat Minh didn’t move to Hanoi until two years after Capital Liberation Day in 1956. However, over the past 60 years, Hanoi has played a pivotal role in shaping him as an artist-filmmaker, evoking a multitude of emotions. Director Dang Nhat Minh receives the Grand Prize. Photo: VNA “Hanoi in My Heart is something that cannot be replaced, no matter where I go. Hanoi has shaped me as an artist-filmmaker. I have come this far all because of Hanoi,” he said. Dang Nhat Minh’s films reflect his deep attachment and understanding of Hanoi, showcasing different periods of the capital city. “Hanoi in the Winter of ’46,” “Guava House,” ...

The VYMI EduConcert: Mozart & Now is an upcoming classical music event that aims to share the beauty of classical music with the community. The concert will take place on October 14 at the prestigious Hanoi Opera House in Hanoi. Violinist Duong Minh Duc. Photo: VYMI The Vietnam Youth Music Institute (VYMI) is organizing this event, and it will feature seven talented young musicians who will perform alongside the Vietnam National Symphony Orchestra (VNSO) and Maestro Honna Tetsuji. The concert offers a unique opportunity for the audience to immerse themselves in classical music while participating in inspiring discovery activities. The VYMI has carefully designed and curated the entire experience, focusing on engagement, exploration, listening, and emotion, to provide the most inspiring classical music experience for the audience. The VYMI EduConcert: Mozart & Now in 2023 will showcase a program consisting of four masterpieces by renowned composer Wolfgang ...

The contestants of Miss Grand International 2023 had the opportunity to visit a famous historical site in Hanoi on October 5. They were captivated by the beautifully crafted frames showcasing the development of Hanoi. The historical grandeur of the monument is enhanced by 60 stunning females dressed in vibrantly colored ao dai , or traditional long Vietnamese women’s dresses. During their pageant, the contestants also visited prominent landmarks in Hanoi such as Sword Lake, Ngoc Son Temple, and Temple of Literature. This month-long event, taking place from October 3 to 25, will bring the beauties to various locations in Vietnam, including Halong, Danang, Hoi An, Hue, and Ho Chi Minh City. It presents a great opportunity for Vietnam to promote tourism globally through photos and videos of the contestants. On October 5, the “Hanoi in My Heart” photo exhibition with the theme “Hanoi – 15 years after administrative border extension” was inaugurated at the Temple of Literature-Im...

The Monsoon Music Festival 2023 is scheduled to take place from October 14th to 22nd at the prestigious Thang Long Imperial Citadel, as well as various other venues within the captivating Hoan Kiem District of Hanoi. Musician Quoc Trung, who is heading the organizing committee and serving as the general director of the program, has announced that the theme for the Monsoon Music Festival 2023 will be “Hang Nhac Street” (Street of Music). This concept draws inspiration from the historic Hang streets in Hanoi’s Old Quarter, which were known for their diverse trades. Each Hang represents a different trade, contributing to the cultural richness of the area. Musician Quoc Trung presents the highlights of the Monsoon Music Festival 2023 at a press conference. Photo: Ngo Minh/The Hanoi Times “We are dedicated to bringing music to every corner of Hanoi’s streets, providing a truly fulfilling experience for our community to enjoy the arts,” stated Trung. The Monsoon Music Festiv...

The film Tro Tan Ruc Ro (Glorious Ashes) has been selected to represent Vietnamese cinema in the preliminary round of the 2024 Oscars category for international film. The invitation was extended by the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences based in the US. If the film qualifies for the official competition round, it will be competing in the Best Non-English Film category. This film marks the return of director Bui Thac Chuyen after a 10-year absence since his last film, Loi Nguyen Huyet Ngai (The Curse of the Blood Wormwood). Phuong Anh Dao, playing Nhan, in a scene of “Glorious Ashes”. Glorious Ashes is an adaptation of two short stories by novelist Nguyen Ngoc Tu: Tro Tan Ruc Ro and Cui Muc Troi Ve (Rotten Firewood Returns). The film tells the story of the devastated people of Thom Rom hamlet, a poignant fishing village in Ca Mau province. Glorious Ashes revolves around the unusual love lives of three women, presenting a contrast between their tumultuou...

Several major  music festivals  are to be held in Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City in the last three months of 2023, to build cultural brands and lure domestic and international tourists.  The golden girls of the Korean BlackPink Band successfully held a two-night performance in Hanoi last month. Photo: Some Where In Hanoi Organizing annual music events and contributing to the growth of the cultural industry requires substantial and innovative efforts. Building Cultural Brands There are numerous cultural events and music festivals held in major cities worldwide each year, serving as a gathering place and cultivating the reputation of these cities. Hanoi is no exception to this global trend. In line with this, we are excited to announce the lineup for the HAY Glamping Music Festival 2023. Taking place in Hanoi on September 29 and 30, this festival promises to provide an exceptional experience for music lovers and festival-goers alike. The festival will sh...