VietExplorer2023

According to the National Center for Hydrometeorological Forecasting, the weather has been extremely cold in the Northern and north-central regions. In some areas, there has even been frost in the northern highlands. It is strongly recommended that people wear warm clothing when outdoors, as the cold waves and rain can be detrimental to their health, especially in mountainous areas. Heavy rain can also impact sightseeing, tourism activities, and the safety of vehicles on the roads. This harsh weather conditions can also have an effect on livestock, poultry, and the growth of plants. Weather Forecast in Different Regions Northwest region: The weather forecast predicts cold and rainy conditions in the early mornings and at night. High mountain areas may experience frost and snow. The lowest temperature will range between 8-11 degrees, and in some areas, it may even drop below 0 degrees. The highest temperature will range between 11-14 degrees, with some places reaching above 14 degre...

The Vietnam National Authority of Tourism (VNAT) under the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism on December 26 organized a workshop on ASEAN festival tourism, as reported by VNA. Vietnam is actively participating in and contributing to tourism cooperation activities within the ASEAN framework. Currently, Vietnam holds the Chair position of the Committee on Resources, Monitoring and Evaluation of ASEAN Tourism; and serves as the main coordinator of the project “Building ASEAN festival tourism products”. According to the organizing committee, the World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) has stated that international tourism is on its path to recovery and is expected to reach about 90% of pre-pandemic levels by the end of 2023. Several destinations have already recovered, some even surpassing their pre-Covid-19 visitor numbers and revenue. Based on forecasts by tourism experts, the global tourism industry is projected to fully recover starting from 2024 onwards. Delegates discuss...

According to Travel2next, a website that provides inspiration and information about world travel, Vietnam offers plenty of unique sites for expats to visit and explore. The lifestyle in Vietnam is also quite affordable, which is why many expats choose to stay there. Some popular sites for expats residing in Vietnam include Bui Vien Walking Street in Ho Chi Minh City, Hanoi’s Old Quarter and Ba Dinh district, and My An Beach and Bach Dang District in Da Nang. The cost of living in Vietnam is another attractive factor for expats. In Hanoi, for instance, rent can be as low as $300 per month or up to $1,000 per month depending on one’s needs. The food budget can start at around $150 per month. Da Nang offers a lower cost of living compared to Hanoi, with rent at $200 per month. Food options in Da Nang are also plentiful, with both local and international cuisine available, ranging from $100 to $200 per month. Ho Chi Minh City has the highest rental prices, starting at around $400 and g...

Representatives from Vietnamese youth studying and researching at universities across Thailand, as well as representatives from the Vietnamese Association in Bangkok and surrounding areas, and the Vietnamese Businessmen Association in Bangkok, attended the event. The President of the Executive Committee of the Vietnamese Student Association in Thailand (VSAT), Nguyen Thi Ngoc Diep, emphasized that VSAT is the only student association supported by the Vietnam Embassy in Thailand. It is also one of the foreign units directly under the Central Vietnamese Students’ Association. Despite facing numerous challenges since its establishment six years ago, VSAT has become one of the largest and most influential international student associations in Thailand. VSAT’s recent accomplishments include completing the document for the Vietnamese Student Congress in Thailand and the registration of the VSAT Executive Committee in the 3rd term, both recognized by the Central Vietnam Students’ Associ...

The Bodh Gaya Marathon brought together a unique group of participants including soldiers and monks, creating a remarkable blend of spirituality and physical endurance. The distinguished flag-off ceremony was presided over by His Holiness Tai Situpa Rinpoche, Lt Gen. P.S. Minhas, AVSM, Comdt. OTA, Bodhgaya and DG IBC Shri Abhijit Halder. Their presence added a spiritual and military aura to the event, as stated in an official release by the International Buddhist Confederation. The marathon saw a diverse assembly of approximately 800 participants including professional runners, monks, army personnel, lay individuals, and government officials. The event started at Magadha University, gathering individuals from various backgrounds, according to the press release. This enlightening run for peace and unity transcended borders, drawing international participants from countries such as Korea, Hong Kong, London, Bhutan, Kenya, and more. The marathon offered categor...

A Vietnamese Lunar New Year (Tet) festival is scheduled to take place in the Japanese city of Amagasaki on February 3-4, ahead of the Lunar New Year’s Eve. The festival will feature art performances, fashion shows, folk games, trade promotion, and cultural activities, according to VOV. The festival is part of the celebrations for Tet, which is the biggest annual event for Vietnamese people around the world. The program is organized by the Japan-Vietnam Trade Association with the sponsorship of Amagasaki City and the Vietnamese Consulate General in Osaka. This year, the festival will also have the participation of the Vietnamese Association in Kansai, the Vietnamese Association in Kobe, the Reiwa-International Business Innovation Association, the Japan-Vietnam Support Association, and the Kansai Vietnam-Japan Cultural and Sports Exchange Association. Calligraphy writing will be performed at the program “Homeland Spring – Vietnamese Tet Amagasaki 2024”. The highlights of the...

Vietnam’s “bamboo diplomacy” and “Make in Vietnam” chip production efforts have been highlighted by Swiss journalist Guy Mettan in an article published on online newspaper bonpourlatete.com on January 12. The article was released ahead of Vietnamese Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh’s attendance at the 54th Annual Meeting of the World Economic Forum (WEF) in Davos, Switzerland, according to VNA. The article of Swiss journalist Guy Mettan. Photo: VNA In the early 2000s, the author visited Vietnam several times to prepare for a book on the Geneva Accords, which ended the war and restored peace in Indochina in 1954. The author was fascinated by the remarkable changes in the country since then. The article mentions that 2023 was a busy year for Vietnam, with its “bamboo diplomacy” policy and efforts to become a new hub of the semiconductor industry. Vietnam took full advantage of the opportunities brought by the international situation, increasing its foreign activities and st...

The Tan Dinh Church in Ho Chi Minh City is ranked fourth in a global list of 8 prettiest pink destinations that can “fulfill every Barbie lover’s fantasy.” The listing is carried by an article in the Hindustan Times, a prominent Indian English daily. “Tan Dinh Church, located in the center of Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam, is a stunning architectural marvel and an iconic pink landmark,” the article says. The Tan Dinh Pink Church in Ho Chi Minh City was built in 1876 and is 60 meters high. Photo: Local Vietnam It notes that Tan Dinh is “the oldest Catholic church in Ho Chi Minh City…founded in 1864. The pink exterior paint job was applied in 1957. The interior, which is painted an even brighter pink, is the real surprise. For those who adore pink, it will be an amazing joy since it is like standing inside a wedding cake.” The article calls the church a “captivating pink landmark.” The other destinations mentioned in the list in order are Lake Hillier in Australia; Jaipur...

Fansinpan summit is located 9km away from the center of Sapa Town, Lao Cai Province, Vietnam. It has an altitude of 3,147m and takes approximately 2 days to hike to the top. Before 2016, Fansipan used to attract a minimum of 1,000 trekkers daily due to its breathtaking panoramic view from the summit and its relatively easy hiking trail. However, in February 2016, a cable car was built to transport visitors from the base of the mountain to a station near the summit, making it a highly popular tourist attraction. The stunning natural scenery of Fansipan surrounded by clouds. Photo: Hoang Trung Hieu Cloud hunting is an intriguing activity that depends on various factors such as time, temperature, climate, and even luck. Ideal conditions for cloud hunting include windy weather, foggy surroundings, and no rain. Each year, starting from early November, tourists flock to Fansipan to search for beautiful clouds that often appear after rain showers. It is widely regarded that Fan...

During the final month of the year, Vietnam offers a wide range of experiences that captivate travelers, according to the article. In the northern region, as winter sets in, destinations like Hanoi and Sa Pa become even more enchanting with their cool temperatures and misty landscapes. On the other hand, the southern region, including Ho Chi Minh City and the Mekong Delta, enjoys pleasant warmth and abundant sunshine. Whether it’s exploring the lantern-lit streets of Hoi An and its ancient temples or cruising through the breathtaking Ha Long Bay, Vietnam’s diverse scenery never fails to impress. For the adventurous souls, trekking through lush terraced rice fields in the highlands or embarking on thrilling motorbike rides along winding coastal roads are highly recommended. In December, the festive atmosphere adds a special charm with colorful celebrations taking place during Christmas and the upcoming lunar New Year holiday. Affordable Luxury Travel suggests that visitors to Vietna...

Located in Ta Nung commune, Duc Trong district, Lam Dong province , Masara is renowned for its stunning pink grass hill and breathtaking natural scenery. From mid-November to mid-December, this place is transformed into a mesmerizing pink wonderland, attracting numerous young people eager to explore its beauty. Pink grass, which blooms only once a year, becomes glistening with dew under the morning sun, creating a spectacular sight that captivates the hearts of visitors. Pink grass, blooming only once a year. Photo: Ngo Anh Tuan The color of the grass here changes throughout the day. The best time to admire the scenery and capture stunning photos at Masara is during sunrise and sunset. Many tourists and aspiring photographers choose to camp overnight to ensure they don’t miss these picturesque moments. Masara Hill in Lam Dong boasts a unique and rare beauty. Travelers will feel as if they are immersed in a vast space opening up right before their eyes. Many peop...

According to Nguyen Dang Thang, the Vietnamese community in Australia consists of approximately 350,000 people, which is about 1.3% of the country’s population. Around 500 highly qualified Vietnamese intellectual experts have made significant contributions in various fields in Australia. They serve as consultants for the Australian Government on projects related to Vietnam or carbon certificates. Many of them are also involved in standardizing Australia’s processes and standards in construction, infrastructure, iron and steel, aviation, investment, finance, and tax. The Vietnamese Australian Scholars Experts Association (VASEA) was launched in Melbourne, Australia in August 2023. According to Nguyen Dang Thang, overseas experts and intellectuals from Australia are willing to contribute to Vietnam’s development. The Vietnamese Australian Scholars Experts Association can offer suggestions and insights to the government on policies and issues that Vietnam is currently facing, thanks to...

New opportunities arise from the visit US Commercial Counselor to Vietnam, Lynne Gadkowski, mentioned that the establishment of the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership has opened up new opportunities for cooperation between Vietnam and the US in education, clean energy, science, and technology, aiming to build an innovative economy and elevate Vietnam’s position in the global supply chain. The US is currently a comprehensive strategic partner, supporting Vietnam in achieving these goals. Vietnam is undergoing significant changes and the US is ready to accompany them in this process. “I want to emphasize the importance of the investment environment in Vietnam. In addition to attractive factors such as land, incentives, and skilled labor, access to green technology and clean, green energy is also crucial”, said US Commercial Counselor Lynne Gadkowski. Recalling her visit to a medical and aviation equipment manufacturing company in Ho Chi Minh City last October, Lynne shared her im...

While Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City are the largest cities in Vietnam, the central region offers unique experiences that cannot be found elsewhere. Digital nomads from Vancouver often visit Da Nang, located in central Vietnam, during the winter season. This is not surprising given the city’s attractions and amenities. Many travelers prefer to visit Vietnam between March and April, as the rainfall is less frequent and the temperatures are milder during this time of the year. Vietnam has a number of popular sightseeing spots that should not be missed. In Hanoi, visitors can immerse themselves in the city’s rich art scene, explore historic temples, and indulge in local street food. The city also offers a mix of experiences, with plenty of opportunities to learn about the culture or enjoy a relaxing drink at a rooftop bar or a laid-back backpacker bar. Ha Long Bay is one of the most famous tourist attractions in Vietnam. The bay features over 1,500 islands and islets, with towering limesto...

The National Center for Hydro-Meteorological Forecasting has reported that the northern and central regions of Vietnam, specifically from Thanh Hoa to Quang Binh, will experience cold temperatures at night and in the morning. Some areas may also experience fog in the early morning, followed by sunny weather in the afternoon. From Quang Tri to Khanh Hoa, there will be showers and moderate to heavy rain, with rainfall ranging from 10 to 30 mm. Localized heavy rain may result in flash floods in small rivers and streams, landslides on slopes, and flooding in low-lying areas. Weather Forecast for Different Regions Northwest region: The weather forecast predicts a mix of rain and sun in the afternoon, with light fog in the early morning. The temperatures will be cold at night and in the morning, and in some places, it may even be very cold. The lowest temperature will be around 13-16 degrees Celsius, and in some areas, it may drop below 10 degrees. The highest temperature will range fr...

The Vietnam Trade Office in Algeria organized an event at the Carrefour Hypermarket in the City Center Mall in Algiers to introduce and promote Vietnam Agricultural Products on December 22. The event aimed to showcase two of Vietnam’s key products – coffee and catfish (tra and basa fish) fillets – to Algerian consumers. Visitors had the opportunity to learn about these Vietnamese products, explore different recipes, and even taste them. During the event, Vietnamese Trade Counselor in Algeria Hoang Duc Nhuan spoke to consumers, supermarket representatives, and local importers about Vietnam’s aquaculture industry. He mentioned that Vietnam is expected to achieve an aquaculture output of over 9.26 million tonnes in 2023, with an estimated total export turnover of 9.2 billion USD. Notable seafood export items from Vietnam include shrimp (with an export turnover of 3.45 billion USD), catfish (1.9 billion USD), mollusks (0.8 billion USD), and tuna (0.9 billion USD). At the event, ...

The Vietnam – Cuba Friendship Association’s chapter in Ho Chi Minh City (VCFA HCMC) will continue to promote people-to-people diplomacy activities to increase understanding between the people of Vietnam and Cuba as well as between HCM City and Cuban localities in particular, contributing to further intensifying the special relations between the two countries. This orientation was approved at the third congress of the association for the 2023-2028 tenure held in HCM City on December 28, VNA reported. Truong Thi Hien, chair of the Vietnam – Cuba Friendship Association in Ho Chi Minh City for the 2023 – 2028 term, spoke at the congress. Photo: HUFO Accordingly, the VCFA HCMC will focus on promoting communication activities, including setting up a YouTube channel named “Cuba – The Beautiful Island”, to introduce the country and people of Cuba to people from all walks of life, especially young people, and the importance of the Vietnam-Cuba relations in the new situation. A...

Pope Francis appointed Archbishop Marek Zalewski as the first Resident Papal Representative in Vietnam, according to the Holy See’s announcement on December 23, as reported by VNA. Archbishop Marek Zalewski, who joined the diplomatic service of the Holy See in 1995, has served in various countries. He was appointed as the Apostolic Nuncio to Singapore and the non-resident Papal Representative in Vietnam in 2018. During his tenure as the non-resident Papal Representative in Vietnam, he visited and conducted pastoral activities in almost all dioceses of the Catholic Church in Vietnam. He also met with representatives from ministries, sectors, and local administrations nationwide. Archbishop Marek Zalewski, first Resident Papal Representative in Vietnam. Photo: Vietnam Episcopal Council Vietnam and the Holy See have made progress in bilateral relations, particularly since establishing a regular dialogue mechanism through their Joint Working Group in 2009. Numerous meetings...

According to the National Center for Hydrometeorological Forecasting, the temperature in the North is still at a low level. Many measuring stations have recorded temperatures below 10 degrees Celsius. The weather forecast in different regions Northwest region: The weather is predicted to be less cloudy and sunny during the day, with moderate to heavy rain in some places. The lowest temperature is expected to be between 10-13 degrees, and in high mountainous areas, it may drop below 5 degrees. The highest temperature is expected to range from 18-21 degrees. Northeast region: The weather will be less cloudy and sunny during the day, with no rain at night. The wind from the northeast will be at level 2-3. The lowest temperature will range from 11-14 degrees, and in high mountainous areas, it may drop below 8 degrees. The highest temperature is expected to range from 19-22 degrees. The weather will be warmer in Hanoi. Photo: Hoang Ha Thanh Hoa – Thua Thien Hue: The weather wi...

The sale is the result of the first forest proceeds from six provinces in the north central region under the emission reduction agreement with the World Bank. It is transferred to localities to compensate forest owners, local communities, and people for their efforts in managing, protecting, and developing forests. The emission reduction agreement, successfully implemented in Vietnam, has brought in US $41 million in carbon credit sales with the World Bank (Photo: Getty Image). As the first emission reduction agreement successfully implemented in Vietnam, the sale represents an important step towards advanced forest management, protection, and improving people’s lives. The six provinces participating in the agreement are Thanh Hoa, Nghe An, Ha Tinh, Quang Binh, Quang Tri, and Thua Thien-Hue. They collectively have over 3.1 million hectares of forested land, accounting for 58 percent of the total area. Nguyen Quang Bao, Director of the Department of Forestry under the ...