VietExplorer2032

A range of miniature candid cameras are being openly sold to the public, raising serious concerns about privacy and illegal activities. A simple online search by Tuoi Tre (Youth) newspaper journalists for ‘hidden cameras’ or ‘disguised cameras’ on social media platforms revealed numerous groups offering these invasive products. The journalists then made contact with a camera store based in Hanoi, where a staff member showcased an array of covert cameras disguised as everyday items such as sockets, lightbulbs, phone chargers, and pens. These miniature cameras are discreet and challenging to detect. However, users can easily connect them to their phones to view recorded content directly. The price of these devices varies depending on the image quality and the sophistication of the disguise, ranging from VND 1.2 million (US$47) to VND 1.6 million (US$62.4) each. According to the store employee, the most popular items are the cameras hidden in lightbulbs and sockets, which are easily...

The Stunning Vinpearl Resort & Spa Ha Long In recent years, Vietnam has emerged as a top travel destination for Indian tourists, offering a unique blend of natural beauty and a burgeoning luxury tourism market. Leading the way is Vinpearl, a premier resort brand that caters to discerning travelers with a seamless fusion of local culture and modern amenities. With strategic investments in both business and leisure facilities, Vinpearl has positioned itself as the go-to choice for affluent Indian tourists seeking memorable experiences and unique venues for milestone events. Be it destination weddings or MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions), Vinpearl offers the perfect setting. Riding the Wave of Indian Tourism According to Vietnam’s National Tourism Administration, there has been a significant increase in interest from Indian tourists, with arrivals from India rising steadily over the last decade. In 2023 alone, Vietnam welcomed over 392,000 Indian vi...

The award-winning film Cu Li Never Cries by Hanoi-based director Pham Ngoc Lan is set to captivate audiences in Vietnam from November 15 onwards. Having already garnered acclaim at the Berlin Film Festival, the movie now brings its powerful story to local screens. Director Pham Ngoc Lan shares a unique perspective on the film’s intention. With a special focus on the disabled community, the crew has created a dedicated 120-seat screening room to ensure an inclusive cinematic experience.  A captivating scene from the movie, courtesy of the producer. Lan and his team recognize the artistic talent and potential of individuals with disabilities, and their desire to connect and portray their ordinary beauty shines through in Cu Li Never Cries . This inclusive approach is a testament to the filmmaker’s commitment to social responsibility and creativity. The movie, with both English and Vietnamese subtitles, follows the journey of a middle-aged woman, Nguyen, played by Pe...

Hanoi locals and visitors alike are in for a treat as they witness the vibrant yellow cosmos flowers blooming beneath the iconic Long Bien Bridge. After Typhoon Yagi , the once-flooded wastelands of the Red River’s tidal flats have transformed into a stunning sea of golden blossoms in just over a month. This magical setting, located in Phuc Xa Ward, Hoan Kiem District, spans an impressive 10 hectares, offering a breathtaking sight to all who visit. The flower fields, a result of a nature restoration project by local associations such as the Women’s Union, Veterans’ Association, and Youth Union, in collaboration with residents, offer a beautiful contrast to the bridge’s sturdy structure. This alluvial land is susceptible to flooding when the Red River’s water levels rise. However, when the waters recede, it transforms into a stunning flower field, providing a delightful leisure spot for tourists and locals alike. The flower fields flourish due ...

Nguyen Huong Lan has dedicated her career to translating renowned literary works, including Little Nicolas , as well as books by celebrated authors Marc Levy and Guillaume Musso. Her passion project, InBook, is more than just a bookstore; it’s a labor of love aimed at fostering a reading culture within families and inspiring a love of books in children.  The visionary behind InBook: Translator Nguyen Huong Lan. Photo: Ngo Minh/The Hanoi Times In 2017, Lan’s dream took shape in the form of a quaint bookstore in Vietnam, born out of a desire to nurture her children’s love of reading and extend the same opportunity to other families. Esteemed cultural scholar Huu Ngoc endorsed her endeavor, recognizing the potential impact a bookstore in Hanoi could have not just on families but on society as a whole. And so, Blue Horizon, a charming bookstore in Hoan Kiem District, opened its doors. “While selling books may not bring immense wealth, it offers a sense of fulfillment,”...

The Noor brothers, Sabir and Abid, were reportedly taken into custody during a security operation earlier this month, plunging their family into a state of distress as they desperately seek information about their sons’ whereabouts. Enforced disappearances have become an all-too-familiar tragedy for families in Balochistan in recent times. “Over a 25-year period, an estimated 55,000 people are believed to have suffered a similar fate, with the region bearing the scars of a tumultuous history of human rights abuses. The ongoing protest sheds light on the escalating crisis, as communities unite to demand justice amid a climate of fear and uncertainty for those still missing,” reports indicate. The plea from the Noor family for the safe return of their sons resonates with countless other families across the region who have endured comparable ordeals. Activists and local residents have come together, staging demonstrations across Balochistan to bring attention not only to the...

In her inaugural address on October 20, Mai Thi Hong Ngoc, Chairwoman of the VWA in Gyeonggi, emphasized the festival’s goal of fostering a deeper understanding of Vietnamese and Korean cultures among the citizens of both nations. Through a vibrant showcase of Ao dai, traditional musical performances, and folk games, the organizers aim to introduce and reconnect the Vietnamese diaspora with their rich cultural heritage, instilling a sense of pride and a stronger connection to their roots. Ngoc further highlighted the festival’s role in uniting the Vietnamese community, fostering solidarity, and enriching their cultural and spiritual lives. Ambassador Vu Ho acknowledged the growing presence of the Vietnamese community in the RoK and recognized the invaluable contributions of Vietnamese women in fostering stronger ties between the two nations. He expressed his desire for more cultural exchange initiatives to strengthen people-to-people connections. The event concluded with the organ...

The 76th World Championship 3-Cushion Billiards tournament witnessed an intense rivalry between the current champion, Vinh, and the runner-up, Chien. As the tournament unfolded, Chien, ranked second worldwide, aimed to dethrone Vinh, who held the number three spot. In the Group C opener, Chien faced off against Daniel Morales from Colombia. Displaying his prowess, Chien surged ahead with an early six-point lead, extending it to 7-2. He continued his stellar performance with a remarkable 10-point run, pulling ahead to a commanding 20-12 lead. Although Morales staged a comeback to tie the game at 23-23, Chien remained unfazed. He showcased his resilience and ultimately clinched the match with a score of 40-30 in just 22 turns, temporarily claiming the top spot in Group C. On Thursday, Chien will face his final group-stage challenge against Kostantinos Kokkori from Greece, aiming to secure the first-place finish in the group. Meanwhile, in Group A, the defending champion Vinh demon...

The Hanoi Art House and ArtBlue Studio galleries showcased a diverse array of Vietnamese art at the fair. This included lacquerware, oil on canvas, and watercolor paintings, among other mediums. The artworks of renowned Vietnamese artists Thanh Chuong, Phuong Binh, Bui Trong Du, and Phan Thu Trang captivated art enthusiasts from the UK and beyond. Their unique styles and techniques left a lasting impression on all who attended. Hoa Angie, the director of Hanoi Art House, expressed that the event provided a valuable platform for international artists, including those from Vietnam, to exhibit and sell their creations. It offered them a rare opportunity to promote their art to a global audience and expand their reach into foreign markets. The Affordable Art Fair, a well-established annual event in the UK with a 25-year legacy, presented approximately 1,000 contemporary pieces from a diverse range of artists. This year’s edition featured exhibitions from 100 galleries, not only from t...