vietexplorer0025

France has provided a grant of over EUR700,000 (US$763,595) to the Hanoi People’s Committee for a feasibility study on the renovation of the iconic Long Bien Bridge in Hanoi, according to the French Embassy in Vietnam. The non-refundable grant has been handed over to the Hanoi People’s Committee. The study, conducted by the French engineering firm Artelia and funded by the General Directorate of Treasury, aims to minimize the impact of the renovation on road and rail traffic. The study will propose a renovation plan compatible with the future use of Long Bien Bridge, which is currently under discussion among various departments of the Hanoi Municipality. Despite its deteriorated condition in recent years, the French side hopes that the renovation work can begin as soon as the study’s conclusions are available. The Agence Française de Développement (AFD), which is closely involved in the project, is willing to discuss financing for the subsequent works with the Hanoi authorities. ...

These exclusive images are currently on display at the “Sword Lake: East-West Intersection” exhibition at the Hoan Kiem Lake Cultural Information Center until October 31. Over 100 documents, materials, photographs, design drawings, and planning maps offer a comprehensive view of Hanoi’s transformation from the early 19th century to the mid-20th century. The documentary photos capture the landscape and daily life of Hanoi, evoking nostalgic memories of the past days at Hoan Kiem or Sword Lake. Sword Lake , which is the remaining part of the ancient Nhi Ha River, is a renowned landmark of the capital. It is surrounded by Hang Khay – Le Thai To – Dinh Tien Hoang streets. Thanks to its prime location, this area served as a significant intersection connecting the architectural and cultural aspects of the East and the West. By the end of the 19th century, iconic French-style buildings such as the Post Office, City Hall, Embassy, Indochina Bank, and others were constructed. These majesti...

Situated adjacent to the recently inaugurated Ho Guom Theater, the Bao An Binh Barrack Gate stands as a cherished historical artifact from the momentous August 1945 Revolutionary General Uprising in Hanoi. The restoration of the Bao An Binh Barrack relic was completed in July 2023. The barracks was meticulously crafted in the late 19th century by esteemed French architect Henri Vildieu. Renowned for his architectural prowess, Vildieu also spearheaded the construction of prominent structures in Hanoi during the French colonial era, including the Presidential Palace (1900-1906), Supreme Court, Hoa Lo Prison, and various others. The camp formerly served as the garrison for a force of 1,000 French blue-belted militiamen known as the provincial guards or garde indigene. These guards were responsible for maintaining internal order and security in Vietnam prior to August 19, 1945. Historical Monument On one side of this monument hangs an illustrated plaque that commemorates the signi...

The opening ceremony of the painting competition entitled “Vietnamese Heritage in Fine Arts” was held on May 18, highlighting the importance of preserving cultural heritage and natural values. The lacquer painting titled “The Scenery of Thay Pagoda” by Pham Hau (1903- 1995) Participants in the contest have a chance to win a special prize worth VND100 million or nearly US$4,400, according to the Cultural Heritage Association of Vietnam. The contest offers 17 with a total value of VND960 million (US$40,500), including the US$4,400 grand prize. To Van Dong, Vice President of the Cultural Heritage Association of Vietnam (CHAV), said the event organizer calls for the participation of young local artists and art lovers who can depict the beauty and value of Vietnam’s heritage through artworks. “The contest aims to praise the value of heritage and spread the love for national heritage among Vietnamese youth. This will encourage them to foster the protection and preservation...

The exact time when Phu Dien Village was founded remains unknown, but the village appears in geography books from the late 18th century. An ancient village in the heart of the capital  Phu Dien Communal House in today’s Phu Dien Ward, Bac Tu Liem District. Photo:  ditichlichsu-vanhoahanoi.com  Phu Dien was formerly part of  Co Nhue Canton, Bac Tu Liem District – an ancient land in the capital of Thang Long. The villagers were mostly farmers, yet they had an academic tradition with numerous Tu tai or junior bachelors and Cu nhan or senior bachelors, as well as some scholars who passed regional and national exams. Not only studious but the people of Phu Dien were also known for their bravery and willingness to sacrifice themselves for the country. During the American war in Vietnam (1965 – 1975), the whole village contributed a total of 844 soldiers, who fought bravely for the independence of Vietnam. Upon stepping through the three-entrance gate,...

The festival was held on April 22 in Hanoi, attracting a large number of visitors. Quan Thanh Temple, formerly known as Tran Vu Temple, was built during the reign of King Ly Thai To (1010-1028). The temple worships Huyen Thien Tran Vu, one of the four sacred deities of Taoism. The temple is one of the “Thang Long Tu Tran” or the four guardian temples of Thang Long, built at the four cardinal points to protect the ancient Thang Long Citadel from evil spirits. The Quan Thanh Temple Festival is held twice a year, on the third day of the third Lunar month; and on the ninth day of the ninth Lunar month in gratitude to Huyen Thien Tran Vu. The genie is believed to help the Hung Kings expel invaders and help the people fight against evil spirits and natural disasters.  The art performance kicked off the Quan Thanh Temple Festival. Photo: Duy Minh  Ta Nam Chien, Chairman of Ba Dinh District People’s Committee delivered a speech to pay tribute to Huyen Thie...

Check out the news caught today. Tuyen Quang Province to hold 2nd international hot-air balloon festival Tuyen Quang Province’s first International Hot-Air Balloon Festival held in 2022. Photo: Vietnam News Agency The Second International Hot-Air Balloon – 2023 will last from April 28 to May 5 in Tuyen Quang Province, offering a great opportunity for visitors to enjoy the tremendous scenes of the northern mountainous region. The festival will gather 20 hot-air balloons and pilots of various nationalities, such as Vietnam, Japan, South Korea, Thailand, the Netherlands, and Malaysia. Huynh Vo Hoang Son, the first runners-up of the Mister Universe Tourism 2023, and Quan Tran Gia Han, the first runners-up of the Miss Peace Vietnam 2022, will be the brand ambassador of the festival. The festival is one of the serial key events that will uphold the tourism year of Tuyen Quang Province. Other events include an exhibition of local handicrafts and craftsmanship, a kayak race, ...

Slovakian artists perform on the opening night of the seventh Vietnam International Choir Competition on April 2. Photo: Bao Quang Nam The 7 th Vietnam International Choir Competition starts The seventh Vietnam International Choir Competition opened on April 2 in Quang Nam Province’s ancient town of Hoi An. Eighteen troupes with nearly 600 artists of seven nationalities, including Vietnam, Slovakia, India, Saudi Arabia, Thailand, Malaysia, and Indonesia, will compete in 13 categories with eight grades. The competition, co-organized by Interkultur and authorities of Hoi An Ancient Town since 2011, will introduce and share a wide range of the cultural traits and beauties of the participating nations to the public, thus boosting international relations. Hanoi launches communication project on human rights The authorities of Hanoi have announced a plan to carry out communication activities on human rights. Under the plan, the city will inform local people of their so...

Hanoi plans to allocate VND14 trillion ($593.6 million) to renovate about 580 relics in the city, especially those that have suffered severe deterioration and have been on the verge of collapse, Hanoi Party chief Dinh Tien Dung said on March 21. The ancient Temple of Phu Nhieu Village in Phu Xuyen District’s Quang Trung Commune. Photo: The Hanoi Times Hanoi plans to allocate VND14 trillion ($593.6 million) to renovate about 580 relics in the city, especially those that have suffered severe deterioration and have been on the verge of collapse, Hanoi Party chief Dinh Tien Dung said on March 21. The plan aims to restore the relics and their ancient structures, thus strengthening the tourism sector and enhancing Hanoi’s cultural values, as well as increasing revenue for the state coffers from tourism, said the secretary of the Hanoi Party Committee. According to the Hanoi Party Committee secretary, Hanoi plans to allocate VND49.2 trillion (about US$2.1 billion) for develo...

Located beside the busy VinHomes Smart City urban area, west of Hanoi, Phu Thu Village in Tay Mo Ward, Nam Tu Liem District appears to be immune to urbanization. Duong Thi Thu Huong, a villager of Phu Thu Village in Tay Mo Ward, Nam Tu Liem District of Hanoi introduces her family’s products. Photo: Tri Thuc Tre In the village, there are still peaceful tiny alleys and weathered old houses that are kept intact as treasures. Above all, no matter how life has changed, the people here are still passionate about their traditional handicraft of metalworking. For them, the hammer sounds are not only standing for the sustainability of their livelihood but also the rhythm of life and echoes from the past. Tay Mo used to be a purely agricultural ward with over 300 hectares of arable land, of which only about 10% still remains, due to a series of urbanization projects, particularly the construction of Thang Long Avenue. As a result, many households in Phu Thu Village decided t...