On Tuesday, Variety revealed an exclusive promotional video featuring natural scenery at Son Doong, dubbed the "eighth wonder of the world," and a team of explorers studying the cave. Visitors tour Son Doong cave in central Vietnam's Quang Binh province. Photo by AFP "Deep in the jungle of central Vietnam lies an underground kingdom. Hang Son Doong, which translates as ‘mountain river cave’ is the largest cave passage in the world and a place of beauty," Variety said. According to the newspaper, the documentary tells the story of how local communities reacted to the plan of building a cable car system into the cave, which was proposed in 2004 and stirred controversy. "At its core, ‘A Crack in the Mountain’ is a lens through which to explore the challenges which modern day Vietnam faces," said Alastair Evans, director of the documentary. "As the clock ticks down and people around the world struggle to find that optimum balance point between environmental … [Read more...] about Son Doong Cave documentary releases promo video
In 1940 who discovered the lascaux caves
Natural outdoor adventure abounds at Tien Cave
The journey to Tien Cave in Coc Ly Commune, Bac Ha District, follows a miniature path resembling the flow of the Chay River. The river originates at tributaries in the western Ha Giang Province and then meanders through Lao Cai and Yen Bai before merging with the Lo River in Phu Tho. According to the Lao Cai Tourism Information and Promotion Center, Tien Cave is a natural cave that has not been developed for tourism yet. While it has been a passing sight on Bao Nhai - Coc Ly Market tours, its popularity among domestic tourists has grown steadily since early 2023. Tien Cave offers a captivating scene reminiscent of Ha Giang's renowned Tu San Pass, which stands as one of Southeast Asia's most magnificent canyons. At Tien, visitors can camp in the cave and engage in various water activities on the river. The landscape at Tien Cave in Lao Cai Province. Photos by Dung Nguyen Local tour guide Dung Nguyen explains that reaching Tien Cave requires a journey to Bao Nhai … [Read more...] about Natural outdoor adventure abounds at Tien Cave
More and more people get tattoos removed, discover it is not straightforward
The 32-year-old Hanoian initially did not think about removing the tattoo since, whenever she went out with her groom-to-be, she wore a shirt that covered her back. But as her wedding day approached, she realized she could not hide her secret forever and found a place that promised to completely remove the tattoo in four to five laser sessions for VND10 million (US$430). Tuyet said though she was given anesthesia she felt the laser moving on her skin and a burning sensation and smell. Her tattoo was removed, and in its place now is a large scar. "I would rather have a scar than let my husband know I have my ex’s name on my back," she says. A man gets a tattoo on his arm in Hanoi in early May, 2023. Photo by VnExpress/Quynh Nguyen Thanh Hung, 25, of Nghe An Province went for laser sessions to remove large tattoos of phoenixes and dragons on his shoulder since he was planning to leave for Japan to work. "It is a long and uncomfortable experience that changes … [Read more...] about More and more people get tattoos removed, discover it is not straightforward
Ninh Binh’s ceramics conservation efforts pay off
Artisans make Bo Bat pottery products. (Source: Ninh Binh Department of Information and Communications) Ninh Bình (VNA) – The northern province of Ninh Binh, which recorded the appearance of pottery from about 8,000 - 9,000 years ago, has made significant efforts to revive the local pottery village in Yen Mo district. Ninh Binh is an ancient land, where prehistoric people lived in limestone caves with many material creations, including terracotta pottery. Ancient artifacts discovered at the Man Bac archaeological site in Yen Mo’s Yen Thanh commune have reflected a brilliant culture and an important part of the prehistoric pottery peak in the northern region. According to Pham Hong Tung, head of the Institute of Vietnamese Studies and Development Sciences, the Ninh Binh pottery is among the earliest of its kind in the region and in the world. Through different historical periods, the province has always played the role of a centre of Vietnamese pottery. The pottery has a … [Read more...] about Ninh Binh’s ceramics conservation efforts pay off
Conquering Fansipan – the “Roof of Indochina”
Lao Cai (VNA) - For those enchanted by the allure of Southeast Asia and the majestic beauty of the Northwest region of Vietnam, conquering Mount Fansipan - the Roof of Indochina , is hailed as the pinnacle of every adventurous expedition. Fansipan - the Roof of Indochina Vietnam may not have a mountain that stands as a national symbol like Mount Fuji in Japan or the Matterhorn in Switzerland. However, if there were to be a mountain that the Vietnamese people can proudly boast about, it would undoubtedly be Mount Fansipan - the highest peak in the Indochinese peninsula among the former French Indochina (comprising Vietnam, Cambodia and Laos). It’s not just by chance that the Vietnamese people have a saying: “Everyone has their own Fansipan to climb”, as a metaphor for their greatest dreams in life. The allure of Fansipan - A familiar stranger Fansipan, also known as Hua Xi Pan in the local language, carries the meaning of ‘the tottering giant rock’. According to the … [Read more...] about Conquering Fansipan – the “Roof of Indochina”
Removing policy bottlenecks to facilitate businesses
Many commented that the pace of institutional reform in some sectors and fields seems to be showing signs of slowing down. — VNA/VNS Photo The Government has stepped up the reform of administrative procedures, and cut business conditions and compliance costs for businesses in recent years. But the impact of the reform process has been always in question. Thousands of business conditions and administrative procedures have been abolished or simplified, greatly facilitating businesses. In particular, many commented that the pace of institutional reform in some sectors and fields seems to be showing signs of slowing down, affecting the post-pandemic recovery process. The General Statistics Office under the Ministry of Planning and Investment reported that the whole country had 78,900 enterprises registered for new establishment and returned to operation in the first four months of this year, a year-on-year decline of 2 per cent. However, up to 77,000 businesses withdrew from … [Read more...] about Removing policy bottlenecks to facilitate businesses
Pan Pacific Hanoi & Hope Centre present Heart For Autism art exhibition
Co-organised by the hotel, founder of Hope Centre Dr. Do Thuy Nga, and artist Dinh Cong Dat, the aim of the exhibition is to spread the artistic soul of autistic children and inspire them by bringing their voice to the community. The exhibition Heart For Autism will be held from June 2-4 at Pan Pacific Hanoi Children with autism may have difficulty developing language skills, so singing and drawing are effective ways to communicate their thoughts and reveal their inner world to others. With the motivation to bring happiness to these young people, Dr. Nga has organised many special painting classes for them, which have received high praise from other organisations and individuals. Throughout the exhibition, visitors will discover the colourful yet often hidden world of children with autism and their deep sense of creativity and imagination when perceiving the world around them. Heart for Autism is not only a fundraising event, but also an opportunity to call for … [Read more...] about Pan Pacific Hanoi & Hope Centre present Heart For Autism art exhibition
President hails athletes for performances at SEA Games 32
The 32nd edition in Cambodia marked the first time in history that the Vietnamese contingent, despite not being at the host position, had topped the tally with 136 gold, 105 silver, and 118 bronze medals, broken 12 records, and set four new records. At the meeting, President Vo Van Thuong and other leaders presented the second-class Labor Order to runner Nguyen Thi Oanh, who seized four gold medals at the games; and 37 third-class Labor Orders to other athletes for their excellent performances. The order is a noble distinction of the Party and State. Congratulating participating athletes and hailing their efforts and achievements, President Vo Van Thuong affirmed that the Party, State, and people always pay attention to the sports sector, including high-achievement sports. He pledged the best possible conditions for athletes to practice and compete in order to continuously improve their performances. The President requested agencies involved, especially the Ministry of Culture, … [Read more...] about President hails athletes for performances at SEA Games 32
Broken rice ranks second among top 100 most tasty rice dishes in Asia by TasteAtlas
Broken rice (or com tam) has become a must-try dish for locals, foreign visitors, and travellers to Vietnam. (Photo toplist.vn) Hanoi (VNS/VNA) - Vietnam’s broken rice (locally known as com tam) was chosen the second place among the top 100 most tasty rice dishes in Asia by TasteAtlas , the home of local food, traditional restaurants, and authentic recipes, in March this year. This traditional dish of Vietnam is cooked from broken rice, once considered food for the poor. Still, nowadays, it has become a special popular dish in the country, particularly in Hanoi and HCM City, TasteAtlas said, noting that Japanese sushi ranked first. A friend of mine, Chiam Jia Xine from Malaysia, said during his recent trip to Hanoi, he was interested in not only bun cha (vermicelli with grilled pork and fresh herbs) and rau muong xao (fried morning glory with garlic) but also broken rice. “I like broken rice eaten with grilled sour and sweet pork ribs and salad made from the mix … [Read more...] about Broken rice ranks second among top 100 most tasty rice dishes in Asia by TasteAtlas
British forex boss convicted for $62mln Ponzi-style fraud
LONDON -- A British foreign exchange company boss who used investors' cash to fund a luxury lifestyle was convicted in a London court over his role in a 50 million pound ($62 million) Ponzi-style scheme. Anthony Constantinou was found guilty on Monday of one count of fraud by false representation, two counts of fraudulent trading and four counts of transferring criminal property, City of London Police said in a statement. The 41-year-old, who had pleaded not guilty to all charges, skipped bail in April and the trial at London's Southwark Crown Court continued in his absence. Constantinou could not be reached for comment on Monday. Constantinou ran Capital World Markets (CWM), which offered a 5 percent monthly return on investments. Prosecutors told the court that investors were lured by CMW's high-end City of London offices and high-profile sports sponsorship deals, including with Premier League soccer club Chelsea. But the fraud unravelled in March 2015 when CWM was raided by … [Read more...] about British forex boss convicted for $62mln Ponzi-style fraud