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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 Giong Festival, an annual celebration honoring the legendary hero Thanh Giong, kicked off on February 3, 2025, at the Soc Son Temple National Special Relic Site. Ha Minh Hai, Vice Chairman of the Hanoi People’s Committee, commenced the festival by offering incense to Thanh Giong in a solemn ceremony. Located about 30 kilometers from downtown Hanoi, in the suburban district of Soc Son, the Soc Son Temple holds significant cultural and historical value. According to folklore, Thanh Giong, also known as Saint Giong, was an infant from Phu Dong Village who rapidly grew into a formidable man within a few months. He bravely fought and defeated the Chinese invaders, bringing peace to the nation. As a tribute to his valor and sacrifice, the people deified him as Genie Giong and instituted the annual Giong Festival to express their gratitude and honor his legacy. This three-day festival, held from the 6th to the 8th of the first lunar month, features a plethora of traditional rituals and ...

Hanoi, the capital city of Vietnam, took center stage in the country’s tourism boom, showcasing its cultural heritage and festive programs. The city attracted 12.5 million domestic travelers, a 19% increase from the previous year, and generated $148 million in revenue, up by 7.85%. Hanoi’s success is a testament to the appeal of its cultural offerings and the effectiveness of its strategic policies, including relaxed visa rules and promotional packages. Tourists explore Hanoi’s charming streets by cyclo. Photo: Hoai Nam Other cities also experienced robust tourism growth. Ho Chi Minh City brought in $322 million, while Danang and Quang Nam welcomed 228,000 and 157,000 visitors, respectively, reflecting a 29% and 40% increase. The Tet holiday provided a perfect opportunity for these cities to display their unique cultural offerings, with Hanoi organizing traditional performances, handicraft demonstrations, and culinary delights in its Old Quarter and the historic Village...

Le Mat, a village located about seven kilometers from downtown Hanoi, in the present-day Viet Hung Ward of Long Bien District, has gained a reputation for its unique snake farming tradition and mouthwatering snake cuisine. To commemorate this ancient trade, the village hosts an annual festival on the 23rd day of the third lunar month, attracting locals and visitors alike. The village of Le Mat comes alive during its annual festival, with the highlight being the famous Jiaolong or snake dance. This ancient ritual draws visitors from near and far, eager to witness this unique tradition. Photos: Huy Pham/The Hanoi Times The festival is a celebration of rich cultural heritage, featuring a range of rituals and folk activities. Among these, the Water Offering Ceremony and the Jiaolong or Snake Killing Dance stand out as particularly unique. The latter, one of the ten ancient dances of the imperial capital of Thang Long, showcases the village’s deep-rooted traditions. Accordi...

Let’s dive into the captivating world of light performances across various cities in Vietnam, as witnessed and captured by the talented reporters of *The Hanoi Times*. Fireworks illuminate the night sky over a lake in downtown Hanoi, creating a mesmerizing display. Photo: Duy Khanh/*The Hanoi Times* A breathtaking display of fireworks explodes over Hoan Kiem Lake in Hanoi, captivating onlookers. Photo: Duy Khanh/*The Hanoi Times* Cam Tu, a skilled photographer from *The Hanoi Times*, captures the essence of a spectacular fireworks show. The night sky above Ngoc Khanh Lake in Ba Dinh District, Hanoi, is painted with vibrant colors during a firework display. Photo: Thanh Thanh/*The Hanoi Times* The vibrant energy of Ho Chi Minh City is further enhanced by a stunning firework display. Photo: Tieu Thuy/*The Hanoi Times* A large crowd gathers in Hanoi to witness the mesmerizing beauty of a firework displa...

Hanoi, the capital of Vietnam, has been recognized by Time Out magazine as one of the top global destinations to visit in 2025. The city’s rich history, vibrant culture, and diverse cuisine are just some of the attractions that have caught the publication’s eye. In their recent list of the 50 best cities to explore worldwide, Time Out ranked Hanoi as the 21st most appealing destination. This ranking places Hanoi as the second-highest among Southeast Asian cities, just after Thailand. According to the magazine, Hanoi has been a cornerstone of Vietnamese culture for millennia. The city’s Old Quarter, encircling the iconic Hoan Kiem Lake, is a culinary and architectural hub, offering a unique blend of traditional and modern influences. Visitors are invited to discover the grand Opera House and a church reminiscent of Notre Dame, along with hidden gems—cozy cafes nestled in narrow alleyways or perched atop ancient structures. One of Hanoi’s distinguishing features, as noted by Time O...

The ‘Thach Ong Xa’ or laterite snakes lacquerware collection is a stunning display of craftsmanship by artisan Nguyen Tan Phat. Hailing from the ancient village of Duong Lam in Son Tay Town, on the outskirts of Hanoi, Phat’s talent shines through in this exquisite range. The collection boasts 45 intricately designed snake statues, each a masterpiece in its own right. Reflecting Vietnam’s rich cultural heritage, these statues are a true work of art. Photos: Huy Pham/The Hanoi Times Crafted from locally sourced materials, such as jackfruit wood and laterite, these statues seamlessly blend natural elegance with traditional craftsmanship. Jackfruit wood, a common find in Vietnam’s rural areas, is skillfully transformed into unique snake figures and then lacquered to enhance its beauty and longevity. Each statue is a labor of love, with the creation process being a meticulous one. It takes several days to complete each piece. ...