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The Yin Yang Market is a unique event that takes place once a year in O Village, now known as the Xuan O neighborhood in Vo Cuong Ward, Bac Ninh City. The market opens in the late afternoon of the fourth day of the lunar year and ends early the next morning. Legend has it that the market was a place where deceased individuals would meet their living friends and relatives. Photo: Giaoducthoidai According to Nguyen Xuan Hung, the head of the Xuan O neighborhood, the market was a place where living people would connect with the afterlife. They would burn incense, votive paper, candles, or oil lamps to establish a connection with their deceased loved ones. The Yin Yang Market has evolved into a cultural activity that is deeply rooted in the folk beliefs of the Kinh Bac people. As the night progresses, the market becomes less crowded, and attendees gather to share water and pieces of betel while listening to local Bac Ninh love songs, known as Quan Ho Bac Ninh. The mai...

In the apartment of Luc Mandret, located in Binh Thanh District (Ho Chi Minh City), peach branches have started to bloom with vibrant flowers. Prior to this, Luc had also ordered a small pot of kumquats from Hanoi to be delivered to Ho Chi Minh City. Now, if a stranger walks into his house, they would never guess that the owner is a foreigner. The Tet atmosphere is ever-present with the sight of peaches, kumquats, and snow apricot branches. “I bought these peach blossoms for VND 140.000, aren’t they beautiful?”, Luc exclaimed with excitement when talking about the Lunar New Year. Having come to Vietnam since November 2018, living and working here for over 5 years, Luc Mandret has had unforgettable experiences. Luc Mandret enjoying the Tet and spring atmosphere in Vietnam. In France, the New Year’s holiday only lasts for 1 day. The French often meet friends, gather with family, or go out to the Champs-Élysées Avenue (Paris) to soak in the New Year’s atmosphere. In Vietna...

Epitomizing the elegance and grace of Vietnamese women, the ao dai (long traditional dress) is a timeless fashion statement. Regardless of prevailing trends, the ao dai will always hold its place as a distinguished classic. A Unique Symbol for Tourism Vietnamese beauty queen Ngoc Han wearing a ao dai costume, designed by herself. Photo: Ngoc Han Boutique While it was initially worn as everyday clothing by Vietnamese people for centuries, today the ao dai is commonly reserved for formal occasions such as weddings, Tet holiday celebrations, festivals, and diplomatic events. In southern provinces, it is even the mandatory uniform for female teachers and high school students. Additionally, flight attendants, receptionists, bank tellers, restaurant staff, and hotel workers in Vietnam are often seen donning this attire. Despite its prevalence, the ao dai is still awaiting official recognition as a “national costume” or “national cultural heritage.” Renowned fashion d...