Two local travel bloggers, Quy Coc Tu (Ngo Tran Hai An) and Duong Vu, went on an expedition tour to Hang Va (Va Cave), which features a diverse range of stunning stalactites and stalagmites in Quang Binh Province, north-central Vietnam. With a total length of 1.7 kilometers, Va Cave is part of the cavern system found in the UNESCO-listed Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park. A pathway to Va Cave in the UNESCO-listed Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park in Quang Binh Province, north-central Vietnam. Photo: Ngo Tran Hai An The cave is some 50 meters away from the exit of Son Doong Cave, which is considered the world’s largest known cave. Va Cave is home to numerous cone-shaped, unique, and strikingly beautiful stalactites. Inside Va Cave in Quang Binh Province, north-central Vietnam. Photo: Ngo Tran Hai An When the rainy season ends, rainwater seeps into the ground and through underground waterways to enter the cave, forming extremely unique underground … [Read more...] about In photos: This million-year-old cave in central Vietnam boasts incredibly beautiful stalactites
Bears year by year record
Italian culture more than just food, fashion, football: consul general
Consul General of Italy in Ho Chi Minh City Enrico Padula realized that when Vietnamese people think about his country, all they know is the 3 Fs: food, fashion, and football. “Italian culture is surely more than that,” the diplomat said during an interview with Tuoi Tre News on the occasion of the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Vietnam and Italy. So what is 'Italy' in your mind? We are heading to a 'mixed' development. Culture, commerce, and sciences in Italy are indispensable. Because all are linked through time, that’s how our fashion segment has developed so successfully. And now, we have technology to join in the aggregate. For example, a car will have the mix of Italian technology and the Italian esthetics that we already have in our architecture and interior design. We are trying our best to introduce and promote the aggregate all together. I think this is one of the best ways to develop. I am sure that Vietnamese people highly appreciate this … [Read more...] about Italian culture more than just food, fashion, football: consul general
Hanoi intensifies efforts to combat smuggling and trade frauds ahead of Tet holiday
Local authorities will maintain inspection works at key areas, including Noi Bai International Airport, Yen Vien train station, ports, wholesale markets and shopping malls. Hanoi’s Steering Committee for Combating Smuggling, Commercial Fraud and Counterfeit Goods, known as Steering Committee 389, has announced its plan to intensify efforts to combat smuggling and trade frauds before, during and after the 2021 Lunar New Year holiday. Local authorities would maintain inspection works at key areas. Under the plan, the city’s Steering Committee 389 will enhance inspection works at key areas, including Noi Bai International Airport, Yen Vien train station, ports, wholesale markets, and shopping malls. The committee is set to mobilize personnel and resources to set up checkpoints at roads, railways, airports to prevent movement of smuggled, fake and low-quality products into the country. This is particularly important for the control of banned items or items that … [Read more...] about Hanoi intensifies efforts to combat smuggling and trade frauds ahead of Tet holiday
Vietnam-grown Musang King durian more expensive than imports
A kilogram of husked local Vietnamese Musang King ranges from VND500,000-850,000 per kilogram, equivalent to VND1.5-1.8 million per kilogram (husk removed). The price has increased 10% over the a year ago. Malaysia’s Musang King is considered the "best durian in the world" and is currently grown by Vietnamese farmers in the Central Highlands and the Mekong Delta. The fruit regularly sells out at local markets, and buyers have to wait between two weeks and a month to receive their stocks. Oanh, a durian connoisseur in Ho Chi Minh City, said Musang King durian flesh is fragrant, supple and fat. "I have to pay deposits a month in advance to receive the goods." A fruit shop in Hanoi also reported that it had just sold 10 unhusked Musang Kings for VND700,000 per kg (2-4 kg per fruit). "Since it is a fallen fruit, and is shipped by air, the quality is high. No matter how many we have, customers buy them all," the store manager said. Explaining the high price of Vietnam-grown … [Read more...] about Vietnam-grown Musang King durian more expensive than imports
At least 39 killed in fire at Mexico-US border migrant center
The fire broke out shortly before midnight at the National Migration Institute (INM) facility in Ciudad Juarez, prompting the mobilization of firefighters and dozens of ambulances. An AFP journalist saw forensic personnel remove a dozen bodies from the INM's parking lot, where several other bodies were laid and covered with blankets. "The National Migration Institute (INM) of the Interior Ministry regrets the deaths -- so far -- of 39 foreign migrants, caused by a fire," an INM statement said. A rescuer, who asked not to be identified because he was not authorized to speak to the media, said there were about 70 migrants, mostly Venezuelans, at the center. Numerous migrants have been detained in the center in recent days after local authorities rounded up street vendors, some of whom were foreigners, from the area. A Venezuelan woman who gave her name as Viangly stood outside the immigration center, desperate for information about her 27-year-old husband who had been detained … [Read more...] about At least 39 killed in fire at Mexico-US border migrant center
Australian Energy Mission launched in Hanoi
The Australian Government Trade and Investment Commission cooperated with the Electricity & Renewable Energy Department – Ministry of Industry and Trade of Vietnam and Vietnam Electricity Group to organise the Energy Transformation Forum 2023, held in Hanoi on March 28. Participants at the event The event was part of the Australian Energy Mission which comprises a series of activities in Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City from March 27 - 30 to promote cooperation on renewable energy and to celebrate the 50th Anniversary of Australia and Vietnam’s diplomatic relationship. Like Vietnam, the Australian government has made a commitment to climate action, with a target of reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 43% by 2030 and to zero by 2050. The forum will discuss the energy transition of Vietnam and Australia and introduce new energy technologies and solutions from Australia. Speaking at the event, Australia’s Ambassador to Vietnam, Andrew Goledzinowski, said that … [Read more...] about Australian Energy Mission launched in Hanoi
Australia provides energy expertise to Vietnam
The partnership will enable Australian firms to strengthen business links and identify trade and investment opportunities in the energy sector in Vietnam. Australian experts have discussed the energy transition between Vietnam and Australia and introduced new energy technologies and solutions to its Vietnamese partners. Australian energy delegation and Vietnamese partners. Photos: Australian Embassy in Hanoi The discussion, which aims to promote cooperation on renewable energy, is included in a series of activities in Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City this week launched by the Australian Energy Trade Mission to Vietnam, part of celebrations of the 50th anniversary of bilateral relations. The Energy Transformation Forum was held under the partnership between the Australian Government Trade and Investment Commission (Austrade) and Vietnam’s Ministry of Industry and Trade, and Vietnam Electricity Group (EVN). Like Vietnam, the Australian government has made a … [Read more...] about Australia provides energy expertise to Vietnam
Expensive air tickets discourage travel plans during Reunification Day holiday
Hoai An from Hanoi planned to visit Phu Quoc, Vietnam’s biggest island in the south, with his family during the five-day holiday. However, she had to find another place closer to home like Sa Pa or Hoa Binh after realizing air tickets were too high. The cheapest price for round-trip flights between Hanoi and Phu Quoc was VND6.6 million ($280) per person. "The cost of transportation was over VND20 million for a family of three people," she said. "It was too expensive." This year, Vietnamese will enjoy a five-day break as the Hung Kings anniversary celebration falls on April 29, which is a Saturday, and people are entitled to take two extra days off the following week to compensate for that and Reunification Day on Sunday. Linh Nhi from Ho Chi Minh City (HCMC) and her friends are also wondering whether to visit Da Nang or Thailand during the upcoming holiday. Currently, Vietjet Air's round-trip flight tickets between HCMC and Da Nang during the holiday cost about VND 4.5 … [Read more...] about Expensive air tickets discourage travel plans during Reunification Day holiday
19th Ho Chi Minh City Tourism Fair to take place next month
Press conference on March 28 to announce the organisation of 19th Ho Chi Minh City Tourism Fair (Photo: qdnd.vn) HCM City (VNA) – The 19th Ho Chi Minh City Tourism Fair will be held in the southern metropolis from April 6-9, organisers announced on March 28. The annual event will see a wide range of cultural, artistic and sport activities, and this year's edition will be one among the activities in response to the Visit Vietnam Year 2023 hosted by the south-central province of Binh Thuan. Notably, the tourism stimulation space will have nearly 100 booths, including 46 of other cities and provinces. Bui Thi Ngoc Hieu, deputy director of the municipal Department of Tourism , said that the fair’s activities will seek to improve the quality of tourism services and promotion work./. VNA … [Read more...] about 19th Ho Chi Minh City Tourism Fair to take place next month
Fulbright University chief named to Tasco management board
She had announced she would leave her post as Fulbright president this summer after an eight-year stint. Thuy, 62, has master’s degrees in management from Harvard University and the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania in the U.S. She has also been general director of ANZ Vietnam and the Vietnam International Commercial Joint Stock Bank (VIB). Tasco was known as a major toll booth operator with projects spread throughout the country. After its founder, Phan Quang Dung, quit as president, the firm restructured with three different businesses: infrastructure-car service, real estate and insurance. This year Tasco targets revenues of VND22.5 trillion (US$957.6 million) and a profit of VND600 billion. … [Read more...] about Fulbright University chief named to Tasco management board