Cultural features

The park, located at a tourist sculpture tunnel at Tuyen Lam Lake National Tourist Complex, Da Lat city, Lam Dong province, has attracted the attention of locals and tourists from the first days after its launch.

It was initiated by Trinh Ba Dung, General Director of the Sculpture Tunnel Tourist Site, who also tells the story of Da Lat’s history with a complex of clay sculptures under a 1,200m-long tunnel at Tuyen Lam Lake National Tourist Complex.

The park lies under a pine forest canopy.

Mr. Dung is also the person that brought the Kilo submarine to the mountain, in the Submarine Tourism Area on the Mountain in Cam Lam district, Khanh Hoa province, with the model of a submarine same shape and size as the Kilo submarine of the army at Cam Ranh Port, by which he hopes to send the message that Vietnam is hospitable, peace-loving and ready to fight to protect the country.

“The world has admired Vietnam in its battle against the COVID-19 pandemic. I really appreciate the Vietnamese spirit and the Government’s decisive and timely leadership, which has brought about very good results. That helped me form the idea of building this park, thereby, continuing to send the message of a safe and peaceful Vietnam to international friends,” said Dung.

Mr. Trinh Ba Dung introduces a model to send the message of “Only leave your house when it is really necessary”.

On the large steel clock placed at the entrance, each hour is an anti-epidemic measure (keep distance, disinfection, medical declaration, wear face masks etc), essential items for epidemic prevention (field hospitals, disinfection spray, breathing apparatus, communication) and 12 o’clock features the Vietnamese people unanimously joining the Government to repel the epidemic.

The number 2021 also communicates a belief in the defeat of the coronavirus. At position 0 (2020) is standing the coronavirus. At number 1 (2021), there is a model featuring medical staff defeating the evil virus and bringing back joy. At the entrance, the name “COVID-19 Park” appears on the ground, meaning that when we bury COVID-19, life will be green.

The model reflecting faith in defeating COVID-19.

Ms. Vu Thi Hue, a tourist from Hai Phong, said: “This beautiful park built under a pine forest sends a very practical and meaningful message. Let us join hands to spread the message on disease prevention and control to make people more aware, and contributing more to repelling COVID-19 in the shortest time possible, bringing a peaceful life back.”

Uprooting the evil coronavirus.

Unanimously knocking-out COVID-19.

According to the owner of the park, the idea was something he wished to do for quite a long time, and after more than three months, his collaborators joined him in making 80 sculptures, followed by a theme to make everyone understand the story of Vietnam uniting and effectively fighting against COVID-19.

Antiseptic solution fighter “blowing” out COVID-19.

Covid-19 will have to surrender.

“The greatest value is the image and reputation of the nation in the fight against the pandemic. When there is a safe and reputable destination, many people in various fields will pay attention and look for it,” said Dung.

Inside the park, each cluster of sculptures represents each level of COVID-19 epidemic prevention and control, from the crude “weapons”, to science and technology advances and the quest to destroy the coronavirus, forcing it to surrender. The last area shows how human civilisation is the “supreme court on earth” in condemning the evil virus.

Sentencing of Covid-19.

Bringing COVID-19 to prison awaiting execution with a vaccine.

Taking her children to visit the park, Ms. Nguyen Thi Thu Hong from Ho Chi Minh City said: “This park is very meaningful, especially children. I find it very interesting and useful, as the messages from the models will add to the feeling of optimism regarding quickly destroying the epidemic.”

Currently the world is grappling with the epidemic, and “COVID-19 Park” is a spiritual dish reinforcing a belief in victory over the pandemic, introducing to international friends a safe and beautiful Da Lat as well as Vietnam.

Vietnam joining the world to smash the epidemic.

This comment was made by Outbox Consulting – a company specialising in providing in-depth research and consulting solutions for the tourism and hospitality sectors in Vietnam in a report on Vietnam’s Travel Trends in 2021, announced on February 24.

Changing travel habits

Before COVID-19, exploring a crowded city, strolling through bustling markets, enjoying dinner at a bistro brimming with locals, or touring major attractions were Vietnamese tourists’ favourite activities. However, as the epidemic has still been fully resolved, tourists are now giving their top priority to their safety in the new situation.

Therefore, socially distant travel is expected to be the trend once again in 2021. Travelers will select sparsely populated areas nearby so that they can set plans and tours that align with their travel demands and ensure protection from the pandemic.

Vietnamese tourists often spend 2-3 days, especially weekends or short holidays, travelling to domestic destinations. This year once again, they will choose destinations that are easy to move and near their cities they live.

Coastal and island destinations are still the Vietnamese tourists’ favourite, with Vung Tau and Nha Trang emerging as popular destinations for domestic tourists. In addition, other famous tourist sites such as Ha Long, Sapa, Phu Quoc and Da Lat will attract a large number of visitors.

If socially distant travel is how independent travelers will adapt to the new situation, small group travel is the choice for people who want to travel as a group and adapt to the current situation.

Different from regular trips in 2019 that could accommodate 20 – 30 visitors, sizes have shrunk down to control the spread of infectious diseases.

According to Outbox Consulting, the COVID-19 pandemic will make wellness travel an emerging trend this year. Wellness travel is not a new trend in the tourism industry; however, during the pandemic, fatigue and stress have become familiar to almost everyone. So, after the pandemic is controlled, visitors will find wellness retreats useful after a long period of repressed travel demand.

Vietnam was considered an emerging destination in the wellness travel trend in the Asian Pacific region in 2019. This, combined with an increase in visitors’ demands for wellness travel trends in 2021 will present an opportunity for Vietnam’s wellness tourism market, especially as Vietnam is emerging as a safe destination in terms of controlling the pandemic.

Another feature that has emerged during the outbreak of COVID-19 pandemic is that visitors tend to book accommodation at the last minute because they they perceive it may be harder to cancel and get a refund for hotel bookings as opposed to flight tickets.

Pre-COVID, Vietnamese travelers often planned their trip and booked services long before their departure, especially when it came to overseas tours, in order to save money. However, in the face of the complicated developments of COVID-19, shorter booking timeframes will help mitigate the risk of travel policy changes and mobility restrictions.

Contactless technology to inspire traveler confidence

The use of technology in tourism has long been popular across the world and in Vietnam in recent years. The COVID-19 pandemic sped up this digital transformation in 2020.

This year, technology will be a leading factor helping visitors regain their confidence. A survey conducted by Censuswide tshowed more than 4 out of 5 travelers said that technology would increase their confidence to travel in the next 12 months. They noted that a mobile app that provides warnings and updates during trips, for example local outbreaks or the government’s latest guidelines, will be essential this year.

In addition, contactless payments (for example, Apple, Google Pay, PayPal, and Venmo) will help tourists travel more confidently within next 12 months. In 2021, safety will be of paramount importance, and simple technological solutions will be the driving force for travelers to explore the world more confidently. Vietnamese tourists are part of the general global technological .

Commenting on the roadmap for the recovery of Vietnam’s tourism, the Outbox Consulting report said it will depend on foreign countries’ ability to control the epidemic. Beside vaccines, the speed of tourism’s recovery depends partly on factors that boost destinations reopening timeframes.

Actors perform in costumes by fashion designer Sĩ Hoàng of HCM City. Hoàng is working with actors of the Hoàng Yến Drama Club to produce Khóc Giữa Trời Xanh (Crying under the Blue Sky), a new play on Vietnamese history, in an aim to lure audiences back to the theatre. — Photo courtesy of the producer

HCM CITY — Well-known fashion designer Sĩ Hoàng is working with a group of actors in HCM City to produce a new play about Vietnamese history in an aim to lure audiences back to the theatre.

Hoàng is working as a stage costume designer for Khóc Giữa Trời Xanh ( Crying under the Blue Sky), a tragic work featuring the life of Lê Văn Thịnh, a famous official of the royal court of the Lý Dynasty in 1084.

He was also invited to play the lead role Thịnh after casting. He has worked with skilled actors of the Hoàng Yến Drama Club to perfect his performance.

Khóc Giữa Trời Xanh is directed by Nguyên Phùng. The play depicts the themes of patriotism and honesty.

“ Khóc Giữa Trời Xanh features historical events. The play should be staged in a realistic style,” said fashion designer Hoàng, in an interview with Thanh Niên (Young People) newspaper last week.

“Director Phùng asked actors to read documents and books about the history of Lý Dynasty, its culture and people. This helped to breathe life into the play.

“I hope our performance will leave a new impression on audiences,” he said.

Fashion designer Sĩ Hoàng (second from right) has many years in stage costumes design. — Photo courtesy of the producer

Hoàng has been working as a stage costume designer for many years with a large number of his products used in large-scale plays, including two produced by the Việt Nam Chèo Theatre and the Hà Nội Drama Theatre, to celebrate the 1,000th anniversary of Thăng Long-Hà Nội.

He has tried his hand at acting, and achieved his first success winning a silver prize for his role in Yêu là thoát tội at the National Drama Festival 2018 in Hà Nội.

Hoàng has worked with experts such as Professor Dương Trung Quốc in Hà Nội and Professor Nguyễn Khắc Thuần in HCM City for his latest drama. “This helps me understand the national and local tradition from the period in which the drama is set,” said Hoàng.

Graduating from HCM City Fine Arts College, Hoàng has worked hard to make his dream come true. He designed his first áo dài in 1989 when the country’s first beauty contest Miss Áo Dài was held in HCM City.

He painted flowers on áo dài which were worn by the competition’s winners. His designs impressed judges and audiences. The trend of painting on áo dài was born.

In 2002, he opened Đi ểm Một Thời , a tea shop offering fashion shows and Vietnamese tea served in traditional style. The luxury shop quickly became an essential part of life in HCM City for many residents.

Điểm Một Thời served Queen Sylvia of Sweden and her husband King Carl Gustaf XVI during their tour to Việt Nam in 2004. They revealed their musical side when they played the parts of “cup clickers” during a performance of traditional Vietnamese music at the shop. They also watched beautiful girls in áo dài at a fashion show.

“In Khóc Giữa Trời Xanh , we will offer Vietnamese drama in the style of the South,” said Hoàng.

The play Khóc Giữa Trời Xanh will make its debut on May 12 at the city’s Opera House at 7 Lam Sơn Square in District 1.  VNS

1990, a new movie by director Nhất Trung highlighting beautiful and successful Vietnamese women, stars famous actresses Ninh Dương Lan Ngọc, Nhã Phương and Diễm My 9x (left to right). The film is expected to be released in cinemas on April 30. — Photo courtesy of the producer

HCM CITY — The award-winning film producer and director Nhất Trung has announced a new project called 1990 that highlights the career and life of successful Vietnamese women.

1990 is a rom-com work revolving around a group of three close friends with different personalities. When all three women turn 30, they must face challenges in life, marriage, love and career. They learn to help each other to overcome problems.

Trung, who is also the film’s scriptwriter, told local media: “Most Vietnamese films’ leading characters are male, featuring topics about love. Not many films highlight female characters.”

The film stars famous actresses Ninh Dương Lan Ngọc, Nhã Phương and Diễm My 9x, who were born in 1990 and turned 30 during the filming last year.

Trung said all three actresses were best friends in real life. Their lives were the inspiration for making 1990.

“In recent years, my studio has changed to develop topics which have been rarely mentioned in Vietnamese cinema,” Trung said, adding that his future projects may be less attractive to audiences.

Director Trung become known for his rom-com Cua Lại Vợ Bầu (Win My Baby Back) which was released in late January 2019, during the Tết (Lunar New Year) holiday.

The film raked in more than VNĐ191.8 billion (US$8.33 million) in ticket sales, one of the highest-grossing Vietnamese movies of all time. Nearly 2.7 million tickets were sold within two months.

The work features love themes using comedy and exciting action, starring Ninh Dương Lan Ngọc, winner of the Golden Kite award for Best Actress in 2010 and 2015, and famous comic actor Trấn Thành.

The film won the Silver Lotus Award for best movie at the 21st Việt Nam National Film Festival in Bà Ria-Vũng Tàu in late November 2019.

It also brought Trung the prize for best scriptwriter, and Trấn Thành the prize for best leading actor.

Trung’s new movie 1990 is in post-production, and is expected to be released in cinemas on April 30. — VNS

Dancer Snoop Glee from La Difference dance crew will be a judge at the “Ayyo Hiphop 2021” competition held at the HCM City Labour Cultural House on March 6. — Photo courtesy of the organiser

HCM CITY — A competition called “Ayyo Hiphop 2021” with professional and amateur dancers from HCM City and neighbouring provinces will be held at the HCM City Labour Cultural House on March 6.

There will be separate sections for men and women. Dancers will have 45 minutes to show their style.

The judges will include top dancers like Snoop Gee from La Difference dance crew, Shunen from XClown Crew, and Libra from Street Ladies, who will also offer a dance workshop at the event.

The event will feature DJ Rufu of XClown Crew and MC Son Clown of Destiny Family.

It will take place from 4-6pm at 55B Nguyễn Thị Minh Khai Street in District 1. Entrance fee is VNĐ100,000.

Hip Hop has become mainstream and well-loved by the youths of HCM City in recent years. To please the savvy clientele, some giants of the nightlife industry have organised weekly Hip Hop night events in the city where every Hip Hop events are guided by resident DJs.

Hip Hop music has also evolved and claimed its dominant position in the most envied nightclubs in the city. The Hip Hop community does not only include break-dance and grafitti lovers, but also branches out to those who have fallen in love with the pumping beats. — VNS