vietexplorer0015

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...

Boasting a wide range of unique culinary and cultural activities, the event provides an ideal venue in which to introduce the local unique culinary culture whilst contributing to spreading the value of Vietnamese culinary culture to both domestic and international tourists. On display across the 70 stalls are specialties of three regions across the country, as well as One Commune One Product (OCOP) products of Phu Tho province. Most notably, visitors will have the opportunity to enjoy a range of impressive performances by renowned culinary artist Matsuo Tomoyuki, who is also president of the Japan – Vietnam Culinary Association (JVGA), and artisan Le Thi Thiet, chairman of the Nam Dinh Culinary Culture Association. The gastronomic demonstration put on by two artisans will be the highlight of the Japanese-Vietnamese culinary exchange programme, aiming to introduce the local dish of bagridae of Phu Tho province. Aside from culinary spaces at the five-day event, visitors...

The quirky Hop-on Hop-off Sightseeing Tour in Hanoi will be offered free of charge during the holiday to celebrate Reunification Day and International Workers’ Day from April 29 to May 3. Explore Hanoi’s cultural and historical attractions aboard a double-decker hop-on hop-off bus is a funky travel experience in Hanoi. Photo: Mia.vn Accordingly, travelers can take a tour around Hanoi on three double-decker buses with license numbers 29B19658; 29B19906; and 29B19688, which start and end at the left side of Hanoi Opera House. The duration of each City Sightseeing Hop-On Hop-Off bus tour is 70 minutes, with a frequency of nine routes per day. Travelers can also opt for another double-decker bus with license number 29B-19994 that departs and stops at Vuon hoa 19-8 or August 19 Flower Garden (near Hanoi Opera House). Each trip lasts for about 90 minutes, with a frequency of seven trips per day, departing at 8:30am, 10:30am, 1pm, 3pm, 5pm, 7pm and 9pm. Visiting Hanoi by do...

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...

Nguyen Huu Dong. Nguyen Huu Dong is an experienced Vietnamese diplomat. Dong, who could speak French even before his mother tongue, studied economics in Switzerland and France. He worked in the information room of the National Front for the Liberation of South Vietnam, which then became the Provisional Revolutionary Government of the Republic of South Vietnam in France. After the national reunification, Dong was assigned to the Economic Department of the Vietnamese Embassy in France. In 1982, he was introduced to work at the United Nations by Nguyen Co Thach, the Minister of Foreign Affairs at that time. Proud to be Vietnamese At the United Nations, he worked in organizing and supervising elections. He also assists in institutional building in underdeveloped or unstable countries. He has been to approximately 40 countries with a passport that says nothing about his nationality, and a few cassettes of Trinh Cong Son’s music. During his mission, Nguyen Huu Dong introduce...

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 ...