Australian Ambassador to Vietnam Andrew Goledzinowski and a Chung cake he made. (Photo: Hanoi Times) Hanoi (VNA) – Australian Ambassador to Vietnam Andrew Goledzinowski has wished Vietnamese people peace, love and prosperity in the Year of the Cat 2023. The diplomat came to a small Tet market held in Metropole Hotel in Hanoi, where he explored the traditions of making “Chung” cake (square glutinous rice) – the soul of Tet, and family gatherings during the biggest festival. As the Lunar New Year is just around the corner, Danish Ambassador to Vietnam Nicolai Prytz recalled major events in 2022 when Vietnam and Denmark celebrated the 50th founding anniversary of their diplomatic ties, notably the visit to Vietnam by Crown Prince Frederik and Crown Princess Mary Elizabeth from October 31 to November 3. The couple were accompanied by Danish firms mainly operating in energy, he said, stressing that the two sides expressed their hope to work together for a greener future. … [Read more...] about Foreign ambassadors extend Lunar New Year wishes to Vietnam
5th year wedding anniversary wishes
Mother trafficked to China returns home after 28 years
Human trafficking victim Tran Thi Chieu's favorite foods are still local dishes from her home country. Although she’s been away for 28 years, she said that the scenery in her hometown of Nghia Hoa Commune in Lang Giang District is still exactly as it was when she left. Even though a lot has changed, the 58-year-old woman still remembers every road around her neighborhood. "Now that I'm back in Vietnam, I'll try to make up [for lost time] with my two children," she said when returning Vietnam recently. Pham Xuan Mai, Chieu’s 37-year-old youngest son, remembers vividly the moment he received a call from his mother in China more than a year ago. When Chieu first saw Mai and his brother Pham Xuan Dinh's faces on the screen, she immediately burst into tears. "I didn't leave you guys on purpose," she said. "I was tricked and sold in China, and there was no way to reach you." It was Mai’s birthday that day and everyone was choked up with emotion. Chieu worked as a hired laborer in … [Read more...] about Mother trafficked to China returns home after 28 years
Foreign ambassadors extend lunar New Year wishes to Vietnam
The diplomat came to a small Tet market held in Metropole Hotel in Hanoi, where he explored the traditions of making “Chung” cake (square glutinous rice) – the soul of Tet, and family gatherings during the biggest festival. As the lunar New Year is just around the corner, Danish Ambassador to Vietnam Nicolai Prytz recalled major events in 2022 when Vietnam and Denmark celebrated the 50th founding anniversary of their diplomatic ties, notably the visit to Vietnam by Crown Prince Frederik and Crown Princess Mary Elizabeth from October 31 to November 3. The couple were accompanied by Danish firms mainly operating in energy, he said, stressing that the two sides expressed their hope to work together for a greener future. The visit contributed to promoting the bilateral cooperation in both politics and trade, the ambassador said, using this occasion to wish Vietnamese partners and people a happy New Year. Denmark wants to continue its close cooperation with Vietnam in the years to … [Read more...] about Foreign ambassadors extend lunar New Year wishes to Vietnam
50th anniversary of Paris Peace Accords marked in France
In his remarks at the event, Ambassador Dinh Toan Thang highlighted the significance of the Paris Peace Accords, emphasizing that 50 years have passed since the agreement was signed but the values of peace still need to be preserved and fostered. Referring to the support of French friends for Vietnam, the diplomat affirmed Vietnam always remembers that France has shared with Vietnam common values of peace and solidarity. International solidarity, especially the great support that the French people gave to their Vietnamese peers in the process to regain independence and peace, is a solid basis for building the friendship and cooperation between France and Vietnam, he stressed. He showed the gratitude to all long-time friends of Vietnam in various associations and political organizations of France, who have contributed to promoting peace and friendship between the two countries. The ambassador wished Vietnam and France will continue to maintain this tradition, thus further … [Read more...] about 50th anniversary of Paris Peace Accords marked in France
Deputy Chief of General Staff pays New Year visit to Brigade 84
According to the unit’s report, in 2022 Brigade 84 strictly observed combat readiness regulation and well completed assigned missions. For its obtained results, the unit was honored with the emulation flag of the General Staff. The brigade also won the title of a comprehensively-strong, exemplary, and outstanding unit. The training and management work and use of weapons and equipment was strictly carried out. The unit has built plan on maintaining military discipline during the lunar New Year; strictly managed personnel, weaponry, and equipment; disseminated and educated troops to strictly observe State law, military discipline, and unit’s regulations; protected absolute safety for the unit. Brigade 84 has strictly managed reserve logistics for combat readiness missions as regulated, provided Tet welfare for troops, and ensured vehicles, weapons, and technical equipment for combat readiness missions as well as scheduled and unexpected tasks. In addition, the brigade’s Party … [Read more...] about Deputy Chief of General Staff pays New Year visit to Brigade 84
Hanoi Party chief sends Tet greetings to locals
2023 - the pivotal year of the 5-year plan 2020-2025, has an essential meaning for Hanoi in its effort to realize socio-economic development objectives. The Hanoi Times is honored to publish Tet greetings by Secretary of the Hanoi Party Committee Dinh Tien Dung to locals on the occasion of the 2023 Lunar New Year. Secretary of the Hanoi Party Committee Dinh Tien Dung. Dear compatriots, comrades, and soldiers of the Capital! With the excitement and pride for the city’s achievements in 2022 in the joyful atmosphere to welcome the 2023 Lunar New Year and the 93rd anniversary of the founding of the Communist Party of Vietnam (February 3, 1930 - February 3, 2023), on behalf of the Hanoi Party Committee, the municipal People's Council, the municipal People's Committee, and the Vietnam Fatherland Front Committee - Hanoi, I cordially send my best wishes to my compatriots and fellow citizens, officials, soldiers and children of the Capital from all over the … [Read more...] about Hanoi Party chief sends Tet greetings to locals
Braised pork and stuffed bitter melon soup at Tet: The meaning behind them
A meal served in families in the south during Tet. Photo by Kho Qua Deo Every morning and evening from the 1st to the 3rd day of the Lunar New Year (in some places until the 4th), southerners often cook rice with other dishes to offer to their ancestors. But braised pork with duck eggs and stuffed bitter melon soup are two must-have dishes on these days. According to cultural researcher Nguyen Thanh Loi, no one knows exactly when braised pork with duck eggs and stuffed bitter melon soup first appeared on the Lunar New Year's days in southerner Vietnam. However, each of these dishes has a significant meaning during Tet meals. "About 50 to 70 years ago in the south, not every family could afford to display braised pork with duck eggs and stuffed bitter melon soup on a tray to offer during the Tet holiday. Poor families consider these luxurious dishes," said Loi. "They have to save up for the whole year until the Lunar New Year to purchase new clothes and eat dishes made … [Read more...] about Braised pork and stuffed bitter melon soup at Tet: The meaning behind them
The military must be typical and exemplary
Reporter: In 2022, the military comprehensively completed the tasks and was highly appreciated by Party General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong and Party and State leaders. Could you name some outstanding results, Mr. Minister? General Phan Van Giang: In 2022, the whole military carried out missions in the context of rapid, complicated, and unpredictable developments of international and regional situation. After two years of being heavily affected by the COVID-19 pandemic, armed conflicts broke out in many places in the world, especially the protracted Russia-Ukraine military conflict that has had a profound and comprehensive impact on all countries. Domestically, the COVID-19 pandemic was put under control, the whole country returned to the normal state with many activities and events held; the whole Party, people, and military took advantage of the opportunity, made full use of the time, and exerted efforts to obtain many important achievements in all fields. However, we also … [Read more...] about The military must be typical and exemplary
Alluring destination for pilgrims in Tay Ninh province
A cable car system bringing tourists to Ba Den Mountain (Photo: VNA) Tay Ninh (VNA) – Lying in the middle of a fertile plain, Ba Den Mountain covered with white clouds nearly year-round is one of three mountains in the Ba Den Mountain Relic and Cultural complex, which comprises Ba Den Mountain at a height of 986 metres above sea level, Phung (Phoenix) Mountain and Heo (Pig) Mountain. Ba Den Mountain Relic and Cultural Complex in the southwestern province of Tay Ninh has become an attractive tourist destination awaiting pilgrims and lovers of culture and nature in recent years. The 300-year-old Ba (Lady) Temple was built on the mountainside of Ba Den Mountain, a sacred place for Buddhists. It attracts thousands of pilgrims headed for the temple to pray for peace, good fortune and prosperity. The busiest time of the year for pilgrimages is the first lunar month during the Ba Den Mountain Spring Festival and the 5th to 6th day of the fifth lunar month for Ba Den (Black Lady)'s … [Read more...] about Alluring destination for pilgrims in Tay Ninh province
Flower festival in Ho Chi Minh City’s Phu My Hung attracts multiple visitors
Despite having yet to be inaugurated, a flower festival with the theme ‘Xuan Phon Vinh’ (Prosperous Spring) in the Phu My Hung New Urban Area in District 7, Ho Chi Minh City has attracted multiple visitors. The flower festival officially opens at 6:00 pm on Sunday. Being held along Ban Nguyet (Crescent) Lake, the spring flower road is divided into three segments dedicated to Phu (Wealth), My (Beauty), and Hung (Prosperity) themes. The ‘Wealth’ segment includes miniatures of bumper crops and red envelopes symbolizing the affluence. In addition, statues of cats, the zodiac animal of the upcoming lunar year, gold ingots, and bags of golden coins are to be on display in the segment. Meanwhile, the ‘Beauty’ section is decorated with miniatures featuring the culture of various countries. The ‘Prosperity’ segment shows the development and expectations for a brighter 2023, when Phu My Hung Corporation, the organizer of the flower festival, will celebrate its 30th anniversary. “I … [Read more...] about Flower festival in Ho Chi Minh City’s Phu My Hung attracts multiple visitors