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The Bat Trang Pottery and Van Phuc Silk Weaving villages, now officially part of the World Crafts Network, were celebrated on the evening of February 14 at the Thang Long Imperial Citadel in Hanoi. This recognition shines a light on the rich history and cultural significance of these traditional craft villages. Nguyen Manh Quyen, Vice Chairman of the Hanoi People’s Committee, in his speech, emphasized the longstanding reputation of Thang Long – present-day Hanoi – as the “land of hundreds of trades” in Vietnam. He highlighted that for centuries, Hanoi has been the nation’s cultural epicenter, boasting a wealth of historical relics, cultural heritage sites, and, of course, its renowned craft villages.  Nguyen Manh Quyen, Vice Chairman of the Hanoi People’s Committee, delivers an impassioned speech at the ceremony. Photo: Tung Nguyen/kinhtedothi.vn Mr. Quyen went on to describe the villages of Bat Trang and Van Phuc as not just symbols of Vietnamese craftsmanship but ...

The Forbes Travel Guide, an esteemed global authority on luxury travel, has unveiled its prestigious 2025 Star Award winners. This year’s accolades celebrate the finest hotels, restaurants, spas, and ocean cruise ships across the globe, with a special focus on two outstanding properties in Hanoi’s bustling downtown area. The Capella Hanoi, a visionary hotel with funky spaces designed by architect Bill Bensley, pays homage to the city’s rich history and its proximity to the iconic opera house. Guests are immersed in a captivating 1920s opera-themed experience throughout their stay. Alongside the Capella Hanoi, the Sofitel Legend Metropole Hanoi has also attained the coveted five-star rating from Forbes Travel Guide for 2025. This prestigious award recognizes exceptional service, stunning architecture, and immersive guest experiences. Speaking of the Capella Hanoi, Forbes Travel Guide commends its architecture and interior design, masterfully crafted by Bill Bensley, tha...

Real Madrid and Atletico Madrid played out a thrilling 1-1 draw in LaLiga on February 8, 2025, at the Santiago Bernabeu stadium. The match was a tale of two halves, with Atletico dominating the first 45 minutes and taking the lead through a 35th-minute penalty converted by Alvarez. However, Real roared back after the break, with Kylian Mbappe scoring the equalizer in the 50th minute. This result kept Real at the top of the league table with 50 points, just one point ahead of second-placed Atletico. Barcelona, in third place with 45 points, had the opportunity to close the gap when they visited Sevilla on Sunday. Atletico’s impressive form ahead of the match, with 19 wins in their previous 21 games across all competitions, was reflected in their strong performance in the first half. Their solid defense, the best in Europe’s top five leagues, frustrated Real’s stellar attack, who couldn’t register a single shot on target before halftime. Atletico’s wing play, particularly through Samue...

The 22nd annual event kicked off with a breathtaking fireworks display that illuminated the night sky, captivating spectators and marking the start of a memorable celebration. The streets surrounding the venue, including Ngo Duc Ke, Pasteur, and Dong Khoi in District 1, were filled with families, young individuals, and international tourists, all eager to immerse themselves in the vibrant Tet festivities. The night sky lit up with a spectacular fireworks display at the entrance gate of Nguyen Hue Flower Street in District 1, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam, on January 27, 2025. The entrance gate of Nguyen Hue Flower Street presented a stunning spectacle named ‘The Dance of Unity,’ showcasing a harmonious blend of vibrant floral arrangements, artistic designs, and energetic snake mascots, symbolizing the unity and spirit of the occasion. Bui Thi Ngoan, a local resident of District 10, enthusiastically shared her excitement about the event, stating that she and her friends had bee...

On the morning of Thursday last week, a meeting was convened between tournament organizers and the Vietnamese cycling team to address the truck fire that caused extensive damage to their equipment. A mutual agreement was reached, wherein the Vietnamese team would borrow bikes from the host team and other participating teams for the duration of the competition. Additionally, the organizers took initiative by gathering information about the cyclists’ sizes, as well as their needs for helmets and shoes, to ensure they were provided with suitable gear. Thailand’s Vietnam Motorcycle and Bicycle Association has stepped up to the challenge, offering seven individual time trial bikes and helmets for the Vietnamese team’s use, along with ongoing efforts to procure shoes and pedals by Thursday. In parallel, the association is expediting the shipment of road bikes from Vietnam, expected to arrive in Thailand on February 10, ensuring a timely solution. A critical aspect of the meeting was the...

The annual commemoration of the Hung Kings’ anniversary, as announced by the People’s Committee of Phu Tho Province, will be a two-part event this year, consisting of solemn worship rituals and vibrant celebrations. The Hung Kings Commemoration Day honors the legendary founders of the nation and fosters patriotism. Photo: Ngoc Tu/The Hanoi Times On April 3, a ceremony will be held at the Hung Kings Temple National Historic Site to commemorate Great Father Lac Long Quan and Great Mother Au Co. This will be followed by the Hung Kings Incense and Flower Offering Ceremony on April 7 at the relief sculpture, “Uncle Ho Talks with Officials and Soldiers,” located within the same historic site. Additionally, from March 29 to April 2, districts, towns, and cities across Phu Tho Province will organize incense-offering ceremonies to pay respect to the Hung Kings. As part of the “Phu Tho Culture Tourism Week 2025,” the celebrations will showcase 22 cultural activities, including a...

The unexpected success of Morocco in reaching the 2022 World Cup semi-finals has sparked a wave of optimism across the continent, with many believing that an African nation lifting the trophy is no longer a distant dream. Benjamin Balkin, co-founder of Eyeball, a digital platform launched in 2020, shares this sentiment and believes that his platform could be a pivotal factor in making this a reality. Describing himself light-heartedly as a “failed footballer,” Balkin’s own experiences as a youth player at Monaco, where he rubbed shoulders with the likes of Yaya Toure and Emmanuel Adebayor, fueled his passion for creating a platform that showcases talent that might otherwise be overlooked. This passion led to Eyeball’s investment in the United Future League, an Under-19 championship for Senegalese academies, as well as providing video cameras to 5,000 youth coaches worldwide. The coaches film training sessions and tag individual players, with the footage then uploaded to the platform....

The top destinations highlighted below offer exciting exploration and unforgettable vacations. Each location promises a unique experience, from coastal paradises to cultural intersections and serene natural escapes. The wild and rugged red sand dunes of Mui Ne Beach in Binh Thuan Province, Vietnam, offer a dramatic contrast to its clear blue beaches. This coastal paradise is a haven for water sports enthusiasts, especially those who enjoy kitesurfing and windsurfing. The following are the destinations chosen by Booking.com for their unique appeal: Mui Ne Beach : Located in central Vietnam, Mui Ne Beach stands out for its striking red sand dunes and pristine coastal beauty. It’s a dream destination for kitesurfing and windsurfing enthusiasts. Approximately 100 kilometers southeast of Ho Chi Minh City lies Vung Tau Beach , renowned for its serene beauty and pristine beaches. It offers a tranquil escape with its lush mangrove ecosystems and exciting fishing e...