CategoriesNews By Ánh Ngọc Trương

New air routes to link Da Nang with Kazakhstan and Myanmar

Flight VJ52, using A330-300 aircraft, brought nearly 300 passengers from Kazakhstan’s Almaty City to Da Nang on Wednesday morning.

The Da Nang Department of Tourism welcomed a group of tourists on board a flight from Almaty, Kazakhstan, to Da Nang. Photo: NGOC HA

The passengers were welcomed with amazing art performances, and presented with flowers and conical hats as souvenir gifts.

According to the plan, flag carriers will operate 4 flights from Kazakhstan to Da Nang per week from April to October 2025. Specifically, there are two Almaty – Da Nang flights on Tuesdays and Fridays; and two flights between Astana and Da Nang on Wednesdays and Saturdays.

Mrs. Truong Thi Hong Hanh, Director of the Da Nang Department of Tourism, said that the opening of the Almaty (Kazakhstan) – Da Nang air route marked an important milestone in connecting Da Nang with Kazakhstan in particular and with the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS) in general, contributing to attracting more tourists from the new potential markets to the central coastal city.

Tonight, flight 8M-454 departing from Yangon International Airport in Myanmar will land at Da Nang International Airport, carrying the first 80 passengers to visit and travel in Viet Nam.

The opening of a new route from Yangon, Myanmar, to Da Nang marks the milestone of 8 out of the 10 countries in Southeast Asia having direct flights to Da Nang. These nations are Thailand, Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore, Cambodia, Laos, Indonesia and Myanmar. The operation of the new air route will help to bring the total number of international routes to Da Nang to 16 regular routes.

Source: Da Nang Today – baodanang.vn – Apr 2, 2025

CategoriesNews By Ánh Ngọc Trương

Insignia cruise ship calls at Khanh Hoa

Insignia cruise ship registered in the Marshall Islands bringing 550 travelers called at Cam Ranh Port, Khanh Hoa on April on an itinerary Khanh Hoi Port (Ho Chi Minh City) – Cam Ranh International Port (Khanh Hoa) – Chan May Port (Hue City). This marked the 11th cruise ship to dock at Khanh Hoa this year.

Insignia cruise ship calls at Cam Ranh Port.

The ship is equipped with state-of-the-art amenities, featuring a variety of restaurants, elegant bars, refreshing swimming pools, premium spas, and a wide range of entertainment services for an exceptional onboard experience.

Insignia cruise ship passengers pose with Cam Ranh International Port staff.

The travelers took city and countryside tours, a cycle rickshaw tour of Nha Trang City and Cai Rover tour, explored popular attractions, including Truong Son Traditional Craft Village, Hoang Tram Agarwood Cultural Conservation Area, Dien Khanh paddy fields, etc.

Insignia travelers visit Truong Son Craft Village (Nha Trang City).

The ship left Cam Ranh International Port for Chan May Port this afternoon. 

Source: Khanh Hoa News – news.baokhanhhoa.vn – Apr 2, 2025

CategoriesNews By Ánh Ngọc Trương

Indian Ambassador visits agricultural and tourism models in Moc Chau

Indian Ambassador to Vietnam Sandeep Arya and his spouse on March 31 visited several exemplary economic models in the fields of agriculture and tourism in Moc Chau township.

The Indian delegation visits Mocha Hill tourist site.

Ambassador Sandeep Arya and his delegation visited the Moc Chau Milk Factory, the Moc Chau Dairy Cattle Breeding Joint Stock Company (Moc Chau Milk); the Mocha Hill tourist site; the 19/5 Agricultural Development Service Cooperative; the Innovation and Startup Support Centre under the Department of Science and Technology; and the Huong Tu Orange Garden.

The Indian Ambassador and his wife visit tea hills at the Mocha Hill tourist site.

Leaders from the Department of Agriculture and Environment, along with local businesses and organisations, introduced the production processes and the soil conditions and climate suitable for each type of plant and livestock. They also shared plans and solutions for agricultural product sales, as well as experience in developing tourism in harmony with nature conservation and preservation of natural landscapes and traditional local cultural values.

The Indian Ambassador and his wife visit the Huong Tu Orange Garden in Van Son ward, Moc Chau township.

The ambassador appreciated the farming methods and the economic effectiveness of agricultural production and tourism models in Moc Chau township. He wished that Son La province will continue supporting and creating favourable conditions for Indian investors to explore investment opportunities in the locality, and boost connections for the export of Son La’s agricultural products to India. At the same time, he emphasized the importance of joint efforts to promote tourism development and attract more Indian tourists to Son La province in general and the Moc Chau National Tourism Area in particular.

Source: Son La News – en.baosonla.org.vn – Mar 31, 2025

CategoriesNews By Ánh Ngọc Trương

Hoi An becomes a global tourist hub

Fifty years after liberation, Hoi An has transformed from a little-known town into one of Vietnam’s top tourist attractions. This result comes from decades of dedication by local residents and businesses.

Hoi An- a global tourist hub in Vietnam

The early days

Reportedly, Hoi An’s first tourism company was established in 1990. An old building was then converted into a mini hotel named after Hoi An with just eight rooms, marking the city’s first step into tourism.

Back then, the tourism industry was small, with only a few homestays and guesthouses. Most visitors were Western backpackers who often stayed in Da Nang and made brief stops in Hoi An. In 1993, the city introduced entrance tickets for the ancient town, though the initial reception was modest.

Visitors to Hoi An

By 1995, Hoi An’s tourism industry began to grow, with more restaurants, shops, and tailor services. Quick tailoring became a signature attraction, with brands like Thu Thuy, YaLy, and A Dong Silk thriving. Many families transitioned from selling fabric in the market to opening tailoring businesses, a service still beloved by visitors today.

Hoi An’s cultural transformation

In the early 1990s, Hoi An’s economy relied on fishing, agriculture, and handicrafts. However, experts soon recognized the economic potential of heritage conservation. Polish architect Kazimierz Kwiatkowski once predicted that Hoi An’s residents could prosper by preserving their historic homes.

Fast tailoring service in Hoi An

A major turning point came in 1999 when UNESCO recognised Hoi An as a World Cultural Heritage site. Tourism surged, with visitor numbers rising from 202,000 in 1999 to 4.43 million in 2024.

Nguyen Su, former Hoi An city’s Party Secretary, said that Hoi An’s true charm lies not just in its architecture but in its people. Visitors may come for the ancient town, but they return for Hoi An’s warmth and peaceful spirit.

Source: QNO – en.baoquangnam.vn – Mar 31, 2025

CategoriesNews By Ánh Ngọc Trương

Visa issuance at Viet Nam’s international border gates

Foreign nationals can apply for visas to enter Viet Nam at international border gates, according to current Law on entry, exit, transit and residence of foreigners in Viet Nam.

Accordingly, foreign nationals shall be issued with visas in the following cases:

a) Departing from a country where there is not a Vietnamese competent authority responsible for visa issuance;

b) Having travelled to other countries before arriving in Viet Nam;

c) Entering Viet Nam on tours organized by international tourism agencies in Viet Nam;

d) Foreign crew members on board ships anchored in Vietnamese seaports who need to exit Viet Nam through another border gate;

dd) Entering Viet Nam to attend the funeral of a relative or visit a seriously ill relative

e) Entering Viet Nam to participate in emergency, rescue, disaster and epidemic prevention and control efforts or others reasons at the request of Vietnamese competent authorities.

Foreign nationals shall have to show valid passports, or international travel papers, fill visa application form at the checkpoint areas.

Children under 14 years of age shall be declared together with the visa application form of their parent or guardian in case they share the same passport with their parent or guardian.

Note:

Currently, Viet Nam issues e-visas to foreigners from all countries and territories with the duration of stay of up to 90 days. 

The fee shall be US$25 for a single-entry visa and US$50 for a multiple-entry visa.

Foreigners using e-visas must enter and exit Viet Nam through the following international border gates designated by the Government.

List of land border gates

1. Bo Y international border gate, Kon Tum province.

2. Cha Lo international border gate, Quang Binh province.

3. Cau Treo international border gate, Ha Tinh province.

4. Huu Nghi international border gate, Lang Son province.

5. Ha Tien international border gate, Kien Giang province.

6. Lao Bao international border gate, Quang Tri province.

7. Lao Cai international border gate, Lao Cai province.

8. La Lay international border gate, Quang Tri province.

9. Moc Bai international border gate, Tay Ninh province.

10. Mong Cai international border gate, Quang Ninh province.

11. Nam Can international border gate, Nghe An province.

12. Na Meo international border gate, Thanh Hoa province.

13. Vinh Xuong international land and river border gate, An Giang province.

14. Tinh Bien international border gate, An Giang province.

15. Tay Trang international border gate, Dien Bien province.

16. Xa Mat international border gate, Tay Ninh province.

List of air border gates

1. Cat Bi Airport Border Gate.

2. Cam Ranh Airport Border Gate.

3. Can Tho Airport Border Gate.

4. Da Nang Airport Border Gate.

5. Noi Bai Airport Border Gate.

6. Phu Quoc Airport Border Gate.

7. Phu Bai Airport Border Gate.

8. Tan Son Nhat Airport Border Gate.

9. Van Don Airport Border Gate.

10. Tho Xuan Airport Border Gate.

11. Dong Hoi Airport Border Gate.

12. Phu Cat Airport Border Gate.

13. Lien Khuong Airport Border Gate.

List of sea border gates

1. Chan May Port Border Gate, Thua Thien Hue Province.

2. Cam Pha Port Border Gate, Quang Ninh Province.

3. Da Nang Port Border Gate, Da Nang City.

4. Duong Dong Port Border Gate, Kien Giang Province.

5. Dung Quat Port Border Gate, Quang Ngai Province.

6. Hon Gai Port Border Gate, Quang Ninh Province.

7. Hai Phong Port Border Gate, Hai Phong City.

8. Nghi Son Port Border Gate, Thanh Hoa Province.

9. Nha Trang Port Border Gate, Khanh Hoa Province.

10. Quy Nhon port border gate, Binh Dinh province.

11. Ho Chi Minh City Port Border Gate, Ho Chi Minh City.

12. Vung Ang Port Border Gate, Ha Tinh Province.

13. Vung Tau Port Border Gate, Ba Ria – Vung Tau Province./

Source: VGP – en.baochinhphu.vn – Mar 28, 2025

CategoriesNews By Ánh Ngọc Trương

Da Nang Food Tour Festival 2025 kicks off

The Da Nang Food Tour Festival 2025 officially kicked off the East Sea Park on Friday evening. The opening ceremony of the event was attended by Vice Chairman of the municipal People’s Committee Tran Chi Cuong.

Vice Chairman of the Da Nang People’s Committee Tran Chi Cuong (left) presents a commemorative medal to the festival sponsor. Photo: NGOC HA

During the opening ceremony, many unique performances brought a vibrant atmosphere to the festival such as a flashmob performance “Fun with the chef”, bartender skill demonstration, and noodle pulling. After the opening, residents and tourists experienced the cuisine at the booths.

Flashmob performance “Fun with the chefs” at the opening ceremony of the food festival. Photo: NGOC HA

On the occasion, the Da Nang Chefs Club was launched with nearly 200 members, providing a playground for professional chefs to share experience and cooking skills to meet the increasingly high and diverse needs of tourists.

The Da Nang Chefs Club was launched. Photo: NGOC HA

The festival lasting until April 1 features many exciting activities. In particular, a culinary space with the theme “Delicious dishes” introduces and serves more than 200 typical dishes and authentic cuisines of Da Nang, Viet Nam and foreign countries. There are rural gift spaces, and rural market spaces.

Many people and tourists experience the cuisine at the festival. Photo: NGOC HA

In addition to enjoying and experiencing cuisine, festival-goers have the opportunity to enjoy the “Da Nang Food Tour – The Chef Competition”, and culinary-themed flashmob performances, music shows, and nighttime DJ performances.

The Da Nang Food Tour Festival is the first of its kind in the city, promising to bring entertainment programmes, diverse culinary activities, and unique and interesting experiences to tourists and locals.

Source: Da Nang Today – baodanang.vn – Mar 29, 202

CategoriesNews By Ánh Ngọc Trương

Opening Ceremony of Visit Viet Nam Year – Hue 2025

On the evening of March 25, the opening ceremony of Visit Viet Nam Year – Hue 2025 officially took place at the semi-realistic stage by the Huong River, marking the beginning of a series of cultural, sports, and tourism activities across provinces and cities throughout the country.

The shimmering colors of the Huong River” kicks off the opening ceremony of Visit Viet Nam Year – Hue 2025

Opening a new phase for tourism development

By 6 PM, the grandstand area where the opening ceremony of Visit Viet Nam Year – Hue 2025 was held was already crowded. With pleasant weather, both locals and tourists eagerly arrived early to witness this special event.

This is the second time Hue has hosted the Visit Viet Nam Year – Hue 2025, demonstrating the city’s efforts, along with the Ministry of Culture, Sports, and Tourism (MOCST), in organizing the event under the theme “Hue – The Ancient Capital, A New Opportunity.”

Speaking at the ceremony, Minister of Culture, Sports, and Tourism Nguyen Van Hung emphasized Hue’s crucial role in Vietnam’s development. Located in the heart of the country, Hue serves as a cultural bridge between the North, Central, and South regions. With nearly 720 years of history from Thuan Hoa – Phu Xuan – Hue, the city embodies Vietnam’s intellectual and cultural essence. It boasts eight UNESCO-recognized heritage sites, including Hue Royal Court Music, which has earned international recognition, reinforcing the enduring value of Vietnam’s traditional arts.

According to Minister of Culture, Sports, and Tourism Nguyen Van Hung, the Visit Viet Nam Year – Hue 2025 will feature numerous vibrant activities in Hue City and various provinces and cities across the country. The event follows the direction of “combining strengths, amplifying advantages, and igniting success,” with a focus on organizing practical and widely impactful events such as cultural-tourism weeks, culinary festivals, and artistic activities that are “diverse in form – unique in content.” Additionally, it aims to “transform cultural assets and cultural industries into resources and driving forces for tourism development.” With a new spirit, renewed enthusiasm, and a profound resonance with the nation’s millennia-old cultural traditions and civilization, the event deeply reflects the determination and aspiration for a strong and prosperous national development.

Member of the Party Central Committee, Deputy Prime Minister Mai Van Chinh addressing at the ceremony

Speaking at the program, Deputy Prime Minister Mai Van Chinh emphasized that 2025 is expected to mark a strong comeback for Vietnam’s tourism industry, with ambitious goals of welcoming 22–23 million international visitors and 120–130 million domestic visitors. Over 22 editions of the event, Hue has been honored twice as the host of the Visit Viet Nam Year (in 2012 and 2025). This not only acknowledges Hue’s position on the tourism map of Vietnam and the world but also reflects the attention and responsibility of the Party, the State, and central agencies toward Hue in its overall socio-economic development and tourism growth.  

To ensure a breakthrough and even stronger development in tourism, Deputy Prime Minister Mai Van Chinh urged the Ministry of Culture, Sports, and Tourism, along with other ministries, sectors, Hue City, and localities nationwide, to build on their achievements, overcome difficulties and challenges, and actively collaborate to effectively implement key tasks. These include rolling out comprehensive and synchronized solutions in planning and investment attraction to create distinctive and high-quality tourism products linked to the unique values of cultural heritage.

He also stressed the importance of digital transformation and technology in promoting Hue and Central Vietnam’s tourism, creating new opportunities while minimizing environmental and heritage impact; enhancing a civilized, friendly, and sustainable tourism environment, advancing green transformation, and leveraging cultural heritage for tourism growth are essential. The vision is to establish a “Journey Through Ancient Capitals”, with Hue as a key destination attracting visitors worldwide.

According to Nguyen Van Phuong, Deputy Secretary of the Party Committee and Chairman of Hue People’s Committee, hosting Visit Viet Nam Year 2025 is an opportunity for Hue to showcase its rich cultural, historical, and natural beauty to both domestic and international visitors. This comes at a significant moment as Hue has just been designated as a centrally governed municipality. The event is a powerful motivation for Hue to preserve and promote its cultural heritage while embracing innovation and sustainable development in the new era – the era of Vietnam’s resurgence. Hue aims to deliver a vibrant tourism year with numerous festivals, artistic performances, and cultural events that honor heritage while blending tradition with modernity.

The Visit Viet Nam Year – Hue 2025 opening ceremony not only marks the start of a dynamic tourism year but also heralds a new phase for Vietnam’s and Hue’s tourism industry. With meticulous preparation and a strong sense of responsibility, the event is expected to be a great success, elevating Hue’s tourism status and driving local socio-economic growth.

An impressive artistic program

The Visit Viet Nam Year – Hue 2025 opening ceremony featured a grand artistic performance themed “The River’s Serenade.” Staged in a semi-realistic riverside setting, the production involved over 800 performers, including renowned singers, artists, and international art troupes. Notable highlights included drone light shows, electronic water drums, panoramic water music, flying dragons, and parachute performances. The ceremony also featured a dazzling fireworks display celebrating the 50th anniversary of Hue’s Liberation (1975–2025).

The opening art program of the Visit Viet Nam Year – Hue 2025 consists of three chapters, carrying the message “A River’s Serenade: The Legend of a River; The Convergence of Rivers; The New Flow of Rivers.” It showcases the tangible and intangible cultural values, unique tourism resources, and products of Vietnam. At the same time, it serves as a promotional platform for Festival Hue 2025, commemorates the 50th anniversary of Hue’s Liberation (1975 – 2025), and highlights the transformation of Hue as a centrally governed municipality.

The opening art program of the Visit Viet Nam Year – Hue 2025 begins with the Huong River, rich in cultural sediments, intertwined with the history of the ancient capital and its evolution into modern-day Hue. Additionally, it artistically narrates the stories of famous rivers from different regions of Vietnam. The performances focus on highlighting the unique cultural identities of each land through their iconic rivers. The script’s concept also conveys a profound message: from these rivers flowing into the vast sea, it carries the symbolization of the nation’s integration, development, and rise in the new era.

The opening night left a deep impression on officials, audiences, and tourists, offering a mesmerizing experience of the heroic land’s beauty, cultural richness, and warm hospitality. Chau Ngoc Mai, a tourist from Hanoi, shared: “The riverside stage was breathtaking. This event has deepened my appreciation for Hue’s culture, land, and people.”

Photos from the ceremony captured by Hue Today:

The scene of the river 50 years ago – The joyous day of liberation 

The vibrant performance by artists from the Land of the Kimchi made the night festival shimmering and enchanting

A Tay Nguyen love song along the poetic Huong River  

The boats adorned the Huong River, making it soft and graceful.

The song “Nối vòng tay lớn” (Joining Hands) closed the opening program. 

In addition to the artistic performances, there was also a brilliant fireworks display (Photo: DinhHoang). 

Source: Hue News – news.baothuathienhue.vn- Mar 26, 2025

CategoriesNews By Ánh Ngọc Trương

Honoring Khanh Hoa’ aloeswoood traditional industry

Nha Trang – Khanh Hoa Sea Festival 2025 will feature aloeswoood festival for the first time. This aims to honor Khanh Hoa Province’ aloeswoood traditional industry as well as provide data for the documents of the intangible cultural heritage namely “Folk Knowledge – Khanh Hoa traditional aloeswoood industry”. 

Performance of aloeswoood procession in a music program in Nha Trang City

Aiming to promote the images of the country and Khanh Hoa people in close relationship with aloeswoood; honor and introduce the cultural and historical values of Khanh Hoa, the land of aloeswoood, to domestic and international tourists; and strengthen the position and brand of Khanh Hoa aloeswoood, Khanh Hoa Province Aloeswoood Association has proposed the organization of the aloeswoood festival.

As stated by Bien Quoc Dung, head of Khanh Hoa Aloeswoood Association, the aloeswoood festival 2025 is part of a series of events celebrating the cultural heritage of aloeswoood and Thien Y A Na Holy Mother. Therefore, the festival will be solemnly organized with traditional rituals and ceremonies, along with introduction of the aloeswoood industry. Additionally, the festival will feature traditional values such as studiousness, respect for teachers, filial duty, and kindness, which is expected to raise young people’s awareness of responsibilities towards communities. 

The aloeswoood festival takes place at National Monument of Am Chua (Dien Khanh District), Special National Monument of Ponagar Temple; Provincial Museum, Cu Huan Street (Nha Trang City) from June 3 to 9. The main activities of the festival include incense offering at Am Chua Monument; aloeswood offering and aloeswood procession, flower lanterns floating joined by 1,000 people and 10 unicorn, lion and dragon dance teams; display and introduction of aloeswoood products; demonstration of aloeswoood processing; honoring typical aloeswoood businesses and artisans.

Khanh Hoa Provincial People’s Committee, on January 3, issued an official document approving the proposal of the Department of Culture and Sports (now the Department of Culture, Sports, and Tourism) to prepare documents for proposing “Folk Knowledge – Khanh Hoa traditional aloeswoood industry” as national intangible cultural heritage.

Source: Khanh Hoa News – news.baokhanhhoa.vn – Mar 26, 2025

CategoriesNews By Ánh Ngọc Trương

Official poster for the Visit Vietnam Year – Hue 2025 announced

On the morning of March 19, the Department of Tourism announced that the Organizing Committee of the Visit Viet Nam Year – Hue 2025 had just released the official poster for the Visit Viet Nam Year – Hue 2025, which will open on the evening of March 25.

Official poster for the Visit Viet Nam Year – Hue 2025 (horizontal version)

According to the Organizing Committee of the Visit Viet Nam Year – Hue 2025, the poster draws its main inspiration from the activities throughout the Visit Viet Nam Year, modern and communicated under the slogan “Ancient Capital – New Horizons”. An artist wearing a traditional ao dai plays the moon lute, showcasing the beauty of court music culture. The image of a winding golden dragon combined with a woman in a purple ao dai symbolizes the development and harmony between the past and present. Unicorn dances, street festivals, and sports activities create a vibrant atmosphere. A chef prepares Hue cuisine, honoring the local culinary culture.

Official poster for the Visit Viet Nam Year – Hue 2025 (vertical version)

With bright and cheerful colors and diverse activities suitable for all ages, the poster demonstrates a harmonious combination of the ancient capital’s cultural heritage and modern vibes, promoting Hue as not only an ancient capital but also an attractive destination with many new development opportunities in the future. All of which creates a vibrant life of development on a foundation of heritage, seizing new opportunities to step into a brilliant era.

The opening ceremony of the Visit Viet Nam Year – Hue 2025 will take place on the evening of March 25, with an art program themed “Love confession of the river”, and a brilliant fireworks display. The program is scheduled to be broadcast live on Vietnam Television and Hue City Radio and Television station, and relayed on the channels of Television stations of several provinces and cities across the country.

Source: Hue News – news.baothuathienhue.vn- Mar 21, 2025

CategoriesNews By Ánh Ngọc Trương

Aeroflot launches commercial flight Moscow – Cam Ranh

Khanh Hoa Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism jointly with Cam Ranh International Airport and the representative office of Russian Airline Aeroflot welcomed the first commercial flight from Moscow (Russia) to Khanh Hoa on March 23. Present at the event were representatives of the Consulate of Russia in Ho Chi Minh City, leaders of the Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism, Cam Ranh International Airport and relevant agencies.

Nguyen Van Nhuan, Director of Khanh Hoa Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism presents gifts to the first tourists arriving at Cam Ranh International Airport.

The Aeroflot’s Moscow – Cam Ranh service on Airbus A350-900 and A330-300 has a capacity of 315 and 295 passengers respectively with 3 flights/week. The first flight departed from Sheremetyevo International Airport, Moscow and landed at Cam Ranh International Airport at 9:30 on March 23 with 292 passengers. Russian tourists were very happy to travel to Khanh Hoa, enjoying the warm weather and receiving a heartfelt welcome from Khanh Hoa’s tourism leader.

Russian tourists are excited to travel to Khanh Hoa.

Russian tourists arrive in Khanh Hoa by Aeroflot commercial flight.

Russia is a traditional market for Khanh Hoa’s tourism. Earlier, Azur Air (Russia) had resumed charter flights connecting 11 Russian cities with Khanh Hoa from March 17. Anex Vietnam jointly with Azur Air (Russia) operates flights on Boeing 757, Boeing 767 and Boeing 777 from Moscow, Ekaterinburg, Khabarovsk, Vladivostok, Barnaul, Krasnoyarsk, Novosibirsk, Irkutsk, Tomsk, Novokuznetsk and Blagoveshchensk to Khanh Hoa.

Leaders of the Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism and delegates pose with Aeroflot Airlines crew.

According to the Civil Aviation Authority of Vietnam, besides Azur Air and Aeroflot, Ikar, North Wind, Red Win… are planning to operate flights to Cam Ranh this summer.

Source: Khanh Hoa News – news.baokhanhhoa.vn – Mar 23, 2025

CategoriesNews By Ánh Ngọc Trương

The First “Vietnamese Martial Arts Festival – Hue 2025” opens

On the evening of March 21st, the opening ceremony of the first-ever “Vietnamese Martial Arts Festival – Hue 2025” took place at Ngo Mon Square – Hue Imperial Citadel, with the theme “Heroic spirit of the nation.”

The event marks the 50th anniversary of Hue’s liberation day (March 26th, 1975 – March 26th, 2025) and is part of the Visit Viet Nam Year – Hue 2025. It is also one of the Spring Festival programs within Hue Festival 2025.

The opening ceremony was staged in an epic, theatrical style, featuring a grand drum performance, renowned artists and singers, and the integration of Vietnamese martial arts into a spectacular showcase. The event also included fire displays and pyrotechnic effects. In the beautiful spring weather of Hue, thousands of spectators gathered at Ngo Mon Square to witness a unique and captivating blend of martial arts and performing arts.

The program began with “Sacred Drum of the Nation” and the song “Red Blood, Yellow Skin” performed by artists from Hue Royal Traditional Arts Theater. A highlight of the event was the “Heroic spirit of the Nation” performance, which depicted the history of Vietnamese martial arts through breathtaking demonstrations from various disciplines, including Kinh Van An Martial Arts, Vovinam, Taekwondo, and Karatedo. A Hip-Hop dance special “Martial Arts with Hue music” was a fusion of traditional and modern elements…

Spanning over two days, March 21st -22nd, the “Vietnamese Martial Arts Festival – Hue 2025” is a cultural, sports, and tourism event that aims to honor and promote the rich heritage of Vietnamese martial arts. It also seeks to spread the deep values and humane spirit of martial arts to the world. The festival serves as a platform for martial arts schools and practitioners to meet, exchange knowledge, and discuss the preservation and promotion of traditional Vietnamese martial arts both domestically and globally.

According to Mr. Hoang Viet Trung, Director of Hue Monuments Conservation Center, this first “Vietnamese Martial Arts Festival – Hue 2025” is not only a gathering for martial arts groups to pay tribute to their ancestors and national heroes but also an opportunity for them to showcase their strengths through competitions, performances, and exhibitions. The event promises to take the audience on an emotional journey, immersing them in a legendary artistic space filled with the essence of martial arts and the cultural heritage of the ancient capital.

Earlier, on the morning of March 21st, the ceremonial segment of the festival took place with activities such as the Preliminary and Incense tribute Ceremony at The Mieu Temple, the Dragon Procession on the Perfume River, and the Offering Ceremony at the Martial Temple. The festival’s celebratory activities included the Vietnamese Martial Arts Exchange Program, the Martial Arts Conference, a tour of the Imperial Citadel, large-scale martial arts formations, and synchronized performances. The event welcomed renowned martial arts groups representing various Vietnamese disciplines, including Kinh Van An Martial Arts, Vovinam, and Binh Dinh Martial Arts.

“Through this festival, we hope to revive Hue’s historical martial arts sites, such as the Martial Temple and Xien Vo Tu, integrating them into regular martial arts activities. Our goal is to make Hue a premier destination for the martial arts community and the general public alike. We aim to establish the Vietnamese Martial Arts Festival as an annual, well-organized event that attracts martial arts groups from around the world. In the future, traditional Vietnamese martial arts events will also be hosted at this venue, creating a unique cultural institution dedicated to martial arts,” said Mr. Trung.

Highlights from the opening night of the Vietnamese Martial Arts Festival:

The grand opening ceremony was staged with epic theatrical elements

Spectacular martial arts performances 

Archery demonstrations

 Modern arts were also included

Source: Hue News – news.baothuathienhue.vn- Mar 23, 2025

CategoriesDiscover Viet Nam By Ánh Ngọc Trương

Vietnamese culinary adventure: “Breakfast will never be the same”

Sydney Morning Herald, a newspaper published in Sydney, Australia, has just published an article highlighting a Vietnamese culinary adventure “Greatest pho ever: I ate the best of Vietnamese food in 48 hours”.

Pho, a famous Vietnamese soup dish consisting of broth, rice noodles, herbs and meat

The writer excitedly shared the best Vietnamese dishes based on his own experiences. His first dish for an energetic breakfast is pho, a famous traditional dish of Vietnamese cuisine. Phở can be found everywhere—in restaurants, hotels, and on virtually every street corner.

“Sitting at a rickety table amid early-morning Ho Chi Minh City crowds, the smell of scooter exhaust almost entirely masked by the scent of ripped basil leaves and the deeply complex beef broth right before you. I’ve eaten a lot of pho. I love pho.”

This aromatic Vietnamese noodle soup is so perfectly balanced with flavors and textures, its broth flavored with herbs and aromatics, its noodles slippery and chewy with just-cooked beef, crunchy bean sprouts, thin-sliced onion, fresh basil and coriander. The interplay of textures – from the tender slices of beef to the crisp bean sprouts and velvety noodles—is irresistible.

For many, morning coffee is a ritual and a source of energy and focus

However, besides pho, you should definitely try many other dishes, for example, a charcoal grill Bo la lot, spiced ground beef wrapped in lot leaves served with herbs, pickled vegetables and rice-paper sheets. Its flavors are a delightful mix, sweet, sour, savory and smoky, making it a perfect introduction to Vietnamese cuisine.

Another dish for a good taste is a loaf of bread, a classic pork roll, a baguette filled with pate, mayonnaise, various slices of cured pork, pickled daikon and carrot. It is a beloved street food and a must-try for visitors to Vietnam.

The writer also reminded travelers not to forget to sip iced milk coffee, a great way to start a day. Sitting in a lovely cafe, sipping coffee while listening to melodious music will give us the feeling of peace and relaxation.

For a hearty option, Bun Rieu soup stands out. It is served with tomato broth and topped with minced freshwater crab. There are several varieties of Bun Rieu by region. “Bun Rieu broth is made with tomatoes and small freshwater crabs, with thin rice noodles, crab cakes, hunks of pork meat and pork rind, shredded banana flower, fresh herbs, etc.”

Banh Canh Cua, a thick crab-based soup with chewy tapioca noodles is surely another must-try masterpiece. This slurp-worthy bowl of Banh Canh Cua has an explosive fresh crab flavor and slippery tapioca noodles for every noodle soup lover.

And then finally the next day, he went on to have one more meal with a dish of Banh Cuon, or steamed rice sheets with shrimp and pork, a delicate and delectable Vietnamese dish that exemplifies the country’s culinary artistry. Banh Cuon can be enjoyed as a breakfast dish or a light meal. The dipping sauce is sweet, sour, salty, savory and/or spicy and so addictive.

With a variety of dishes to choose from, “Breakfast will never be the same” during a culinary adventure in Vietnam.

Source: Khanh Hoa News – news.baokhanhhoa.vn – Maarr 23, 2025