VietExplorer2025

The number of visitors to the festival was higher than expected. Apart from locals, many traveled to the city for the festival from other localities, such as Ca Mau Province, Vietnam’s southern tip. “Thousands of foreign tourists participated in the festival to enjoy local specialties, while crowds of overseas Vietnamese people returned to the country to join the fest to feel a traditional Vietnam via food and folk games,” said Pham Huy Binh, chairman of Saigontourist Group, the organizer of the event. Given the success of the festival, Binh said that the tourism firm planned to host the food and culture festival annually and turn it into a world-class event. The organizer plans to hold the Saigontourist Group Food and Culture Festival in many countries to popularize Vietnamese food and cultural characteristics among international visitors, according to the representative of Saigontourist Group. This year’s festival featured some 350 local dishes stemming from t...

I clearly remember that time, as I was the youngest member of the Senate Armed Services Committee when we voted to end the United States war in Vietnam. That vote was not popular in my own state of Vermont. In fact, Vermont’s largest newspaper predicted that because of it I was finished as a politician and would serve only one term.  History turned out differently, and of the more than 17,000 votes I have cast during eight terms in the Senate, that vote in 1975 is one that I am proudest of.  As I have said at other times, we cannot change history, but we can choose a different future – for ourselves, our children, and our grandchildren. Today, two former enemies can take pride in more than 33 years of reconciliation, normalization, and a comprehensive partnership. Next year is the 10th anniversary of that partnership, signed in 2013 by President Obama and President Truong Tan Sang, and what better way to commemorate this anniversary than by elevating our partnership to a st...

The idea of a combined ASEAN bid has been floating around since 2011. After much discussion, leaders of ASEAN countries and football officials from the ASEAN Football Federation have agreed to bid for co-hosting the 2034 edition of the tournament. In 2017, ASEAN held talks on launching the joint effort with FIFA President Gianni Infantino during his visit to Myanmar. In January that year, FIFA confirmed the 2026 World Cup would have 48 finalist teams, expanded from 32, so hosting the tourney in multiple countries was seen as a logical way to accommodate the increase. In June 2019, Thai Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha announced that all 10 nations of ASEAN had agreed to appeal for the co-hosting of the 2034 World Cup. However, in October 2019, only five ASEAN countries officially proposed co-hosting the 2034 competition, with Thailand leading the initiative. The other four countries in the proposed joint effort were Indonesia, Malaysia, Singapore, and Vietnam. The...

Nothing is more peaceful than spending the summer months enjoying the natural landscapes and deepening your knowledge of the local culture in the dreamy land of Sapa . There is a small, secluded village that lies at the foot of a mountain, waiting for you to discover its beauty and make a memorable trip on your journey. Ta Giang Phin is a border commune of the Sapa district. Photo: @nguyen.daido Ta Giang Phinh commune, also known as Ngu Chi Son commune, is a border commune located in the Sapa district, about 28 km from the town center. If you want to come here, go along National Highway 1A to Ban Den, then follow Provincial Road 152 to Xuan Vien, then reach National Highway 4D to O Quy Ho village, before turning to Provincial Road 155 for another 15km. After that, you will finally arrive at the place. The village is not far away from the center of Sapa, but remained a hidden gem since it is located near the border with a complex pathway to travel on. Th is is a mes...

One day in late April, American artist and war veteran David Thomas and I strolled along Nguyen Thai Hoc Street, Hanoi where the Vietnam Fine Arts Museum was exhibiting his latest works. He said that walking was very beneficial for someone suffering from Parkinson’s like him. The disease was a result of his exposure to Agent Orange during his army service in the Central Highlands in 1969. As we walked, we talked about the old days when he set foot in Vietnam for the first time and fell in love with the country for the rest of his life.  David Thomas at his exhibition in Danang in April. Photo courtesy of David Thomas The war is not over – You came to Vietnam for the first time in the war. Recalling those days, how do you feel? In June 1968, after graduating from Portland Art School, I joined the Army. From April 11, 1969 to March 22, 1970, I was stationed in Pleiku, Buon Me Thuot, Kon Tum, South Vietnam. My job was to drive a jeep and draw blueprints. I also dre...

Hanoi’s streets become more lively these days with flowers, red flags, and banners in celebration of Reunification Day and International Workers’ Day in 2023. Reunification Day marks a significant turning point in Vietnam’s history, as the southern and northern halves of the country were reunited. To commemorate the event, flags, banners, and posters are displayed on famous buildings and in the streets. Leading up to Reunification Day [April 30] and International Workers’ Day [May 1], decorations and communication campaigns are designed to inspire celebration and raise public awareness of the event. These banners and posters carry phrases praising the 48th anniversary of the Liberation of the South for National Reunification (April 30, 1975-April 30, 2023) and the 137th anniversary of International Workers’ Day (May 1, 1886-May 1, 2023). Photos: Duy Minh/The Hanoi Times Flags and banners hang along the road leading to Hanoi’s landmark building: Presidential ...