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Hanoi’s Finest: Banh Cuon Eatery Wins MICHELIN Star

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The MICHELIN Guide has announced its 2024 edition, and among the notable inclusions is Banh Cuon Ba Hoanh, a humble eatery specializing in Vietnamese steamed rice rolls, or banh cuon . This street food staple has captured the hearts of locals and visitors alike, and now it has earned a well-deserved spot in the prestigious guide. The MICHELIN Guide 2024 award ceremony in Ho Chi Minh City celebrates the diverse and delicious culinary offerings of Vietnam. The new MICHELIN Selected restaurants in Hanoi showcase the city’s diverse culinary landscape. Banh Cuon Ba Hoanh, or Mrs. Hoanh’s Banh Cuon, delights diners with its simple yet mouthwatering banh cuon . Hanoi Garden offers a unique blend of classic and contemporary Vietnamese dishes, while Le Beaulieu transports diners to France with its exquisite cuisine and extensive wine list. In Ho Chi Minh City, the guide recognizes Du Yen, a haven for vegetarian cuisine, Kobe Bistro, which showcases the best of French fare, and

Green Revolution: Cycling for a Greener Central Vietnam

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The vibrant cycling event in Hue, Vietnam, showcases the city’s beauty and promotes a clean environment. Hue, Vung Tau, and Quy Nhon were recognized as ASEAN Clean Tourist Cities for their dedication to cleanliness and sustainability. This event further emphasizes Hue’s commitment to these values. A heartwarming moment: a mother carries her daughter, dressed in the traditional Ao Dai, on their bicycle as they join the community ride. Nguyen Van Phuc, the director of the Thua Thien-Hue Provincial Department of Tourism, hopes that this event will inspire a collective effort to protect Hue’s environment. The charming combination of Hue’s iconic Ao Dai, local girls, and bicycles creates a unique and memorable experience for visitors. Young girls take part in the community ride, spreading positivity and a message of environmental awareness. Hue, the birthplace of Ao Dai, is also celebrated for its traditional craft of creating t

The Magic of Broadway Comes to Vietnam: An Australian Director’s Vision

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The Broadway-caliber musical, Shrek , is set to wow audiences in Ho Chi Minh City and Hanoi this summer as part of the Shrek: On National Tour project. Produced by The YOUniverse, a creative ecosystem under Pacific Ocean Partners Group based in Australia, the musical promises to be a treat for families and theater enthusiasts alike. Shrek is more than just a fun and entertaining musical; it’s a show that brings families together and helps parents and children connect on a deeper level as they experience the powerful messages conveyed through the performance. And this year, the beloved characters of Shrek, Fiona, and their friends are venturing to Ho Chi Minh City for the very first time, offering a unique and exciting opportunity for the local community. Australian director Jesse Donaldson Jarrett, who is at the helm of this production, shared his insights with The Hanoi Times about the upcoming show, his experience working with local talent, and his vision for the future of the a

Pulisic Shines as USA Secures Convincing 2-0 Win Over Bolivia in Copa America Opener

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Christian Pulisic opened the scoring with a spectacular strike, and Folarin Balogun added a second just before halftime as the United States began their Copa America campaign with a confident 2-0 victory over Bolivia. “It was important for us to start the tournament on a positive note,” said US coach Gregg Berhalter. “We wanted to build momentum and improve our performance as the tournament progresses, so I’m pleased with how we started.” The US team came out with intensity and purpose against Bolivia, who have struggled in recent Copa America tournaments, winning just once in their last 31 matches. Balogun missed an early chance in the opening seconds, but Pulisic quickly made amends with a brilliant goal from outside the box, beating Bolivian goalkeeper Guillermo Viscarra. It was Pulisic’s 30th international goal, a milestone achieved in his 69th appearance. Interestingly, his first international goal also came against Bolivia back in May 2016. The Americans doubled their lead j

The Captivating Capital: Unveiling Hanoi’s Allure for Extended Explorations

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Hanoi is pulling out all the stops to entice visitors to extend their stay in the city during the summer months. According to the Hanoi Department of Tourism, this includes enhancing accommodation options with the addition of four- and five-star hotels.     The prestigious Capella Hanoi Hotel, which recently clinched the “#1 City Hotel” title at the Travel + Leisure Asia Pacific Awards 2023, is a testament to the city’s efforts to elevate its hospitality game. Nguyen Hong Minh, Deputy Director of the Hanoi Department of Tourism, shared insightful statistics about the city’s lodging landscape. Currently, Hanoi boasts 3,760 accommodation establishments, offering over 71,200 rooms to weary travelers. Notably, only 16% of these are ranked hotels and apartments, indicating significant room for growth in the industry. “Hanoi has untapped potential when it comes to luring long-term tourists and boosting tourism revenue,” Minh asserted. However, he also pointed out that the

The Great Turtle Rescue: An Artistic Odyssey

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The Phieu exhibition, or Drifting , is an captivating presentation of 1001 handcrafted ceramic sea turtles, created by the talented artist Cao Thanh Tha. This unique display, sponsored by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), serves as a tribute to these majestic creatures and their journey through the vast oceans. Marking World Sea Turtle Day on June 16th, the exhibition immerses visitors in six artistic installations. Each installation depicts a different stage of a sea turtle’s life, from their birth and early days drifting with the currents, to their eventual return to their birthplace. The installations, including “Beautiful Ocean – Real Space – Future” , “Ocean Current” , and “Undercurrent” , among others, offer a captivating and informative experience. IUCN has been actively involved in protecting sea turtles since 2014 through volunteer programs in Con Dao National Parks, later expanding to other locations like Nui Chua National Park and Hon Cau Marine

A Walk Through Time: Hanoi’s Historic Pedestrian Street

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The Ngoc Khanh Lake Pedestrian Zone , set to open in the heart of the capital in Q4 2024, promises to be a haven for history enthusiasts and leisure seekers alike. This new public space, a stone’s throw from the iconic lake, celebrates 70 years of the city’s liberation and offers a unique blend of cultural heritage and modern amenities. Unwind Amidst Historical Charm Sunrise over Ngoc Khanh Lake, a serene spot in the bustling Ba Dinh District, Hanoi. Photo: Trinh Le Phong Mark your calendars, as the Ba Dinh District People’s Committee is set to unveil this exciting new destination by October 10, 2024. Spanning an area of approximately 3.6 hectares, with a circumference of 750 meters, Ngoc Khanh Lake is an oasis of tranquility amidst the urban jungle. Its surrounding pathways and promenades provide the perfect setting for a leisurely stroll, a quiet moment of reflection, or a lively gathering with friends and family. The district plans to pedestrianize the area around