Talk Vietnam

The travel news site Reisereporter has just published an article that highlights some of the famous tourist destinations and landscapes in Vietnam, including Hanoi. In the article titled “Vietnam: You shouldn’t miss these sights”, www.reisereporter.de suggests tourists to visit some hidden "treasures" and undiscovered natural wonders in this wonderful country in the Southeast Asia region, in addition to popular tourist attractions. A Vietnamese girl in her charming ao dai (long dress) and non la (conical hat) walks through the Thang Long Imperial Citadel. Photo: Yeu Ha Noi According to Daniel Schramm, staff writer for www.reisereporter.de , Vietnam is a fascinating destination with a wide variety of sights and experiences. From historic cities like Hanoi and Hue to stunning natural landscapes like Halong Bay and Sapa to culinary adventures in street kitchens and markets, the country offers something for every taste. Vietnam's … [Read more...] about German press: Vietnam is a fascinating travel destination

Vietnamese singer Hanbin. Photo from TEMPEST's Twitter The Vietnamese artist and his six bandmates held their showcase Wednesday to present their new single "Into the Storm." Footage of his performance has garnered tens of thousands of interactions from the public audience on various South Korean news outlets and social media platforms. Hanbin said during the Q&A section that he wanted to hold more tours with his bandmates in the future, and wanted his home country Vietnam to be one of the stops of the tours. "I can go everywhere as long as you [fans] are there," he said. The group also promised to bring the fans more interesting experiences in the future. Born Ngo Ngoc Hung in the northern Yen Bai province, Hanbin gained attention with his attendance in the South Korean reality show "I-Land," produced by boy group BTS’ management agency Big Hit Entertainment, in 2020. He then signed a contract with Yuehua Entertainment and debuted in the K-pop idol group TEMPEST … [Read more...] about Vietnamese singer creates buzz in South Korea

The event was attended by Chief of the Vietnam Coast Guard Major General Le Quang Dao, among others. The establishment of the Military Intelligence and Reconnaissance Division marked the new height of the Vietnam Coast Guard Command in general and its Staff in particular, on the occasion of the Vietnam Coast Guard Command’s 25th anniversary of its foundation day. Meanwhile, it also helps the Staff of the Vietnam Coast Guard grasp situations at sea early and from afar, meeting all task requirements of protecting the national sovereignty over sea and islands in the current context. Addressing the event, Major General Le Quang Dao congratulated the unit on its new development, urging the General Department II of the Ministry of National Defense and functional units to create favorable conditions for the unit in both personnel and equipment, so as to meet all task requirements. He also asked the newly-established division to ensure its firm political stance, raise competence and … [Read more...] about Vietnam Coast Guard’s Military Intelligence and Reconnaissance Division established

In this pool photograph distributed by Russian state owned Sputnik agency on September 20, 2023, Russia's President Vladimir Putin (R) shakes hands with China's Foreign Minister Wang Yi, in Saint Petersburg. Photo handout via AFP Speaking at a meeting with Putin in Saint Petersburg, at which the Russian leader accepted an invitation to visit China next month, Wang Yi said the "world is rapidly moving toward multipolarity." "Economic globalization is progressing against headwinds, unilateral actions are unsustainable, and hegemonism is not popular," Wang said, according to an English readout by Beijing's Xinhua news agency. "Both sides need to strengthen their multilateral strategic cooperation, protect their legitimate rights and interests, and make new efforts to promote the international order toward fairness and justice," he added. Putin, in response, told Wang "our positions coincide regarding the emergence of a multipolar world," according to a readout from the … [Read more...] about Beijing, Moscow must deepen cooperation: China foreign minister

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky arrives to address the 78th United Nations General Assembly at UN headquarters in New York City on September 19, 2023. Photo by AFP Zelensky is set to hold talks with President Joe Biden on his second visit to the U.S. during the Russian invasion. Russia hit cities across Ukraine with a barrage of missiles ahead of the talks. "Today there are important negotiations in Washington. Air defense for Ukraine is among the top issues," Zelensky said on Telegram as he arrived from New York. "More air defense, more support for Ukrainian soldiers on the front lines." Zelensky slammed Moscow's "massive" overnight attack that killed several people in the southern city of Kherson and wounded many in various regions. "Most of the missiles were shot down. But only the majority. Not all," Zelensky said. He thanked those countries that had "provided Ukraine with anti-missile systems. "We are working to completely rid Russia of its terrorist … [Read more...] about Zelensky arrives in Washington, says air defence aid ‘top issue’

Business mogul Nguyen Phuong Hang at her trial on September 21, 2023. Photo by VnExpress/Thanh Tung Hang, the general director of the Dai Nam Joint Stock Company, stands trial at the Ho Chi Minh City’s People’s Court on Thursday, after she was arrested by Ho Chi Minh City police in March last year for "abusing democratic freedoms to infringe upon the interests of the State, and the lawful rights and interests of organizations and/or citizens." She was accused of using different social media accounts to livestream and make allegedly false claims about various celebrities, as well as spread information related to celebrities' private lives. In her videos, she said singer Dam Vinh Hung had not been transparent in distributing money he collected from others, and singer Vy Oanh had earned a huge amount of money after having a child with a rich man. "My reputation, which I have built over the past 20 years, was damaged," Hung said at the trial of Hang at the HCMC People’s Court, … [Read more...] about Singers want apology not money from tycoon in alleged defamation case

In Saigon, the lantern streets in District 5 have become a lively hub of activity half a month before the Mid-Autumn Festival, which peaks on September 29 this year. Families from all corners of Ho Chi Minh City converge on streets like Luong Nhu Hoc, Phu Dinh, and Lao Tu. Among these, Phu Dinh walking street takes the spotlight as the epicenter of lantern shopping. Phu Dinh and Luong Nhu Hoc streets are renowned for their wide assortment of traditional handmade lanterns. These lanterns, adorned with intricate designs ranging from boats to dragons, fish and butterflies, are predominantly crafted from red cellophane. LED lights have replaced traditional candles, enhancing safety while preserving durability. These enchanting lanterns vary in size, from modest 20-centimeter versions to creations exceeding 1 meter, with prices ranging from VND20,000 to VND500,000 (US$0.80 to $20). Rabbit and pig lanterns, housed in bamboo … [Read more...] about Mid-Autumn magic hits Vietnamese cities in pre-festival spirit

The regulation, approved by the European Commission (EC) on May 16, 2023, is the latest by the EU regarding green, sustainable development, specifically deforestation-free agricultural products. It sets mandatory due diligence rules for all operators and traders who place, make available or export the following commodities from the EU market: palm oil, cattle, wood, coffee, cocoa, rubber and soy. The rules also apply to a number of derived products such as chocolate, furniture, printed paper, and selected palm oil-based derivatives (used for example as components in personal care products). They will be applicable to most companies from December 2024. Micro-enterprises and small-medium enterprises would have an additional six months to comply with the regulation's requirements. Binh Phuoc's key products like rubber, cashew nuts, coffee, pepper, durian, and wood and wood products are expected to be impacted by the requirements. Under the document, the chairwoman of the … [Read more...] about Vietnam’s cashew ‘capital’ takes action to comply with EU’s anti-deforestation regulations

Ngo Van Quoc, 39, will be jailed for eight years and three months, a court in Thua Thien – Hue Province announced Thursday on two charges of "asset appropriation" and "appropriating and illegally using military weapons." At around 12:30 p.m. on July 31 last year, Quoc took an AK47 rifle to the gold shops at Dong Ba Market in Hue, threatened the staff and shot at the glass shelves where gold items were displayed. He then took the gold items and threw them into the street for people to pick, shouting "Gold for the poor," according to eyewitnesses. He repeated the stunt for about 10 minutes before leaving the scene and walking along Tran Hung Dao Street in front of the market to reach Trinh Cong Son Park. As he left the market, people rushed to the scene to collect the gold. Around 2 p.m., Quoc dropped his gun and surrendered after a 15-minute negotiation with local police. At that time, he was working as a warden at Binh Dien prison in Huong Tra Town of Thua Thien-Hue. … [Read more...] about Former police captain jailed for robbing gold stores

Pham Thi Minh Phi, who won the Miss Philanthropy title in the Miss Vietnam Business 2022 contest held in Da Nang, was arrested by Lam Dong police on Wednesday to be investigated for obtaining property by fraud. In October 2022, a man in Da Lat of Lam Dong called Phi, requesting her cooperation to raise capital together and do business. Phi, the general director of the Moc Hoa trade and service company, said she was negotiating to buy two land plots, spanning 1.7 ha in total, at VND22 billion. She said she had found a buyer, who was willing to buy the land plots at VND23.6 billion. This would mean profit of VND1.6 billion. Phi said she did not have the VND3 billion needed as a down payment to buy the land plots, so invited the man to raise the money with her. The man agreed to give Phi VND1.8 billion, without seeing the land plots first-hand or checking the legal information of the plots. On November 2, 2022, Phi signed a contract stating that she would borrow VND1.8 billion … [Read more...] about Beauty queen arrested in fake land sale scam