CategoriesNews By Ánh Ngọc Trương

UNESCO’s World Heritage Center Director visits Hue monuments

On May 22, 2025, Mr. Lazare Eloundou Assomo, the director of UNESCO’s World Heritage Center had a field trip to Hue monuments such as Hue Citadel, Royal Antiquities Museum and An Dinh Palace to learn about the management, conservation and development of world cultural heritage in Hue city.

Ms. Le Thi Hong Van, the Director and Secretary General of the Vietnam National Commission for UNESCO and Ms. Pham Thi Thanh Huong, head of Cultural Department, UNESCO Office in Hanoi, members of the Board of Secretaries and representatives of departments and agencies joined the field trip.

At these destinations, Mr. Lazare Eloundou Assomo was provided information regarding the formation, conservation, and development of monuments such as Hue Citadel, Thai Hoa Palace, Kien Trung Palace, etc. Mr. Hoang Viet Trung, the Director of Hue Monuments Conservation Center shared about the conservation of Hue heritage over the past time, encompassing architecture and intangible cultural heritages conservation to technology application and digital transformation.

Conservation works have brought positive socio-economic results, significantly contributing to urban renovation, attracting visitors to Hue, boosting tourism and service revenues, benefiting local community.

UNESCO’s World Heritage Center visits Five Phoenix Pavilion

Since 1982, there have been nearly 200 works and categories within the complex of Hue monuments renovated with the total funding of over VND 2.000 billion. Hue received the technical and financial aid of over USD 10.5 million from 15 governments, 50 non-governmental organizations and international partners through UNESCO.

At An Dinh Palace, the unique structure where Eastern and Western culture meet, Ms. Andrea Teufel – the representative of German Cultural Heritage Conservation Association introduced interior conservation project and the overall conservation status at An Dinh Palace. She particularly highlighted the implementation and results of the Khai Tuong Lau roof project, which was sponsored by French government through UNESCO. The representative of German Cultural Heritage Conservation Association mentioned its implementation, outcomes and the significance of the project in maintaining and promoting the architecture and art values.

Currently, Hue Monument Conservation Center is implementing the 2nd stage of the wall painting at the 3rd floor of Khai Tuong Lau with the total funding of over VND 852 million sponsored by French government.

UNESCO’s World Heritage Center Director visits Hue monuments

On this occasion, Mr. Hoang Viet Trung hoped that UNESCO would support, particularly developing the recovery project of An Dinh Palace to request French Ministry of Culture and UNESCO for sponsorship. The project will contribute to improving the service, research, education, as well as create a highlight for cultural events on Hue Festival, international exchange programs and contributing to turn Hue into a cultural heritage center in the region.

UNESCO-recognized heritages have made contribution to local socio-economic development. In the long term, Hue cultural heritages are believed to be the foundation and the core for Hue’s comprehensive and sustainable development on the basis of conserving Hue heritage and Hue cultural identity.

Source: hue.gov.vn – May 23, 2025

CategoriesDiscover Viet Nam By Ánh Ngọc Trương

Summer in Ha Long: A vibrant season awaits

Ha Long city, the tourism heart of Quang Ninh province, is ready to welcome a vibrant wave of travelers this summer. With upgraded services, new experiences, and a dynamic calendar of events, Ha Long promises to deliver unforgettable memories for every visitor.

The family of runner-up Bui Phuong Nga and actor Binh An pose for a photo to capture unforgettable moments on the stunning Ha Long Bay.

This summer, the city is going all out to offer more than just beautiful scenery. By diversifying tourism products, improving service quality, and ramping up promotional efforts, Ha Long aims to attract both domestic and international travelers. In 2025, the city targets over 11.5 million visitors, including 3 million international arrivals, with tourism revenue projected to exceed VND 26,000 billion. In the first quarter of 2025, Ha Long welcomed 2.3 million tourists, or 105% of the same period last year and generating VND 6,345 billion in revenue.

In order to make summer 2025 truly spectacular, Ha Long has curated a series of exciting events that blend tradition, modernity, and fun. From the iconic Ha Long Carnival 2025 to themed festivals like the Beer & Grilled Squid Fest, Dragon Boat Races, Light Art Shows on the Heritage Bay, and the playful Guava Season Festival—there’s something for every interest and age. You can fly a kite, enjoy a vibrant lion dance performance, or marvel at hot air balloons floating above the bay.

At the same time, the city is upgrading streets, parks, and lighting systems to ensure a clean, green, and beautiful environment during peak season. Local authorities are working around the clock to maintain hygiene, food safety, public security, and fair pricing—so visitors can fully enjoy their holiday with peace of mind.

According to Mr. Nguyen Thanh Tuan, Head of the Division of Culture, Science, and Information under the People’s Committee of Ha Long city, Ha Long is not just maintaining existing services – it’s elevating them. New experiences such as scenic hot air balloon rides (tethered), café buses, and premium sightseeing cruises are on the way. Local travel agencies, hotels, and restaurants are joining forces to offer attractive packages with better prices and seamless service.

Private businesses are also adding their sparkle. At Sun World Ha Long Entertainment Complex, visitors can explore rose gardens, check-in zones, and a refreshed water park with well-trained lifeguards. Special promotions are available from April 14–25, with water park tickets at only VND 100,000 and Dragon Park at just VND 150,000 for all guests.

Hotels and resorts have been upgraded to meet rising demand. Many new properties have opened, offering unique design concepts and exceptional service. The majority of travelers are opting for 4- to 5-star hotels, attracted by their high standards and competitive rates. Most hotels are working closely with major tour operators to welcome more domestic tourists during the peak season.

“We expect full occupancy during summer, but our priority remains service quality. We will not increase prices during peak season and are actively building partnerships to ensure a stable flow of guests through year-end”, said Mr. Trinh Le Khanh, Sales Director at Bao Minh Radiant Hotel.

With festive energy in the air, endless entertainment options, and a city that’s ready in every detail, Ha Long this summer is the perfect getaway for those who seek excitement, culture, relaxation, and unforgettable experiences. Whether you’re here for the scenery, the festivals, or the food, Ha Long is ready to welcome you.

Source: Quang Ninh Online – english.baoquangninh.vn – Apr 16, 2025

CategoriesNews By Ánh Ngọc Trương

An Giang’s festival receives UNESCO certificate as Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity

A ceremony was held on March 19 to receive UNESCO certificate recognizing the Ba Chua Xu (Holy Mother of the Realm) Festival at Sam mountain in the Mekong Delta province of An Giang as an Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.

A ceremony to receive a UNESCO certificate recognizing the Ba Chua Xu (Holy Mother of the Realm) Festival at Sam mountain in the Mekong Delta province of An Giang as an Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity, Chau Doc, An Giang Province, March 19, 2025 – Photo: VGP

The event saw the participation of Deputy Prime Minister Mai Van Chinh, former Prime Minister Nguyen Tan Dung and UNESCO Representative to Viet Nam Jonathan Baker.

It is Viet Nam’s 16th intangible cultural heritage recognized by UNESCO and the second heritage in the Southern region (after the Art of Don Ca Tai Tu music and song) and, notably, the first traditional festival in the Mekong Delta receiving this honor.

Speaking at the ceremony, the Deputy Prime Minister expressed hopes that international organizations, especially the UNESCO Viet Nam, will continue to accompany and support the country in preserving, promoting, and spreading traditional cultural values, integrating them into the global cultural heritage.

Culture is the spiritual foundation of society and the soul of the nation, he said, emphasizing the need to focus on protecting the cultural space of the heritage by ensuring a harmonious balance between preservation and development, while maintaining the sacred landscape of Sam mountain.

Mai also asked for preserving traditional rituals, raising community awareness about the value of heritage, investing in sustainable development of cultural tourism, and enhancing the promotion of heritage image with a view to further spreading influence, and inspiring cultural values of the festival. 

The festival has been preserved and practiced for generations in Chau Doc of An Giang province. It is held from the 22nd to the 27th of the fourth lunar month, at the Ba Chua Xu Temple on Mount Sam and the stone pedestal on the mountain to worship the Holy Mother.

It reflects the culture of Viet Nam’s southerners as well as cultural exchange and blending with the Khmer, Chinese, and Cham communities. The festival honors Ba Chua Xu and serves as a time for local residents to express their gratitude and respect for those who have rendered service to the nation.

Source: VGP – en.baochinhphu.vn – Mar 20, 2025