Unesco

Vietnam's epic Tale of Kieu will be performed by French and Vietnamese artists in September 25 at French Cultural Centre (Photo courtesy of L'espace) Entitled Kim Van Kieu, the script is adapted from French language research by Nguyen Van Vinh and Nguyen Khac Vien. Director Christophe Thiry combines different art genres such as drama, dance, opera and singing to express the masterpiece's takes on life, love, violation, misfortune, hope, ruthlessness and emptiness. The Tale of Kieu by poet Nguyen Du (1766-1820) is regarded as one of Vietnam’s top literary works. Du was honoured by UNESCO in 2013 as a cultural figurehead. The masterpiece has been translated into more than 20 languages and is cherished for its creativity, independent thinking and distillation of Vietnamese culture. It is about the life and trials of Thuy Kieu, a talented and beautiful young woman who has to sacrifice herself to save her family. She sells herself into a loveless marriage … [Read more...] about French artists to perform ‘Tale of Kieu’

Vietnamese performers a the festival (Photo: VNA) Pretoria (VNA) – Vietnam’s Ao Dai (traditional long dress) and folk dances were introduced at an international cultural festival held by the International Diplomatic Spouses Association (IDSA) in South Africa on September 28. Through patterns printed on the dresses, international friends learned more about Vietnam’s famous sites like Thap Rua (Turtle Temple), One-Pillar Pagoda, UNESCO-recognised Ha Long Bay, Hoi An ancient capital city and Ben Thanh market. The Vietnamese delegation has the largest number of performers and is the only to present folk dances at the festival. Festival goers also enjoyed traditional dishes of the 28 participating countries and territories. According to the IDSA, all proceeds collected in the festival will be used to support social sponsor centres in South Africa./.   VNA … [Read more...] about Vietnam’s Ao Dai, culture promoted in South Africa

Cai Chien island is dubbed the "forgotten paradise" of the north-eastern province of Quang Ninh (Source: internet) Quang Ninh (VNA) – Cai Chien island, dubbed the “forgotten paradise”, is a must-see destination in the northeastern province of Quang Ninh. It is the only island commune in Hai Ha district, about 330 km from the capital city of Hanoi. To reach the island, visitors have to move to Hai Ha port, about 40-50km from Mong Cai city, by car or motorbike. Cai Chien island covers nearly 2,500 hectares with 120 households and 550 people. It attracts visitors by its pristine beauty and peaceful atmosphere that are rare to find in other places. Coming to Cai Chien, holidaymakers can immerse themselves in another world, making a break with the hustle and bustle of big cities. Most of the beaches in the island have been untouched with long stretches of white sand. Lying in the east of the island, Dau Rong (dragon’s head) beach is considered the most … [Read more...] about Cai Chien island – untouched paradise in Quang Ninh province

Products of Van Phuc silk village (Photo: VNA) Hanoi (VNA) – The first-ever folk festival honouring Hanoi’s traditional and contemporary culture as well as cultural heritages will be held at the Ly Thai To Statue Square beside Hoan Kiem Lake in the heart of the capital city on November 15-17, according to the municipal Department of Culture and Sports. The festival is part of activities to mark the Vietnam Cultural Heritage Day (November 23) and respond to the city’s nomination to the UNESCO Creative Cities Network. An exhibiting area will be set up to introduce local traditional craft villages like Van Phuc silk village, Bat Trang pottery village, Phu Vinh bamboo and rattan village, and Ha Thai lacquer village. Besides, the villages’ modern products that meet demands of domestic and foreign markets will be nudged closer to the visitors. In addition, a traditional art space will offer an opportunity for local residents and tourists to discover the … [Read more...] about First folk festival to highlight Hanoi’s traditional culture, heritage

At the seminar (Photo: VNA) Ninh Binh (VNA) – Experts gathered at seminar in the northern province of Ninh Binh on October 2 to share experiences on the management, conservation and promotion of world heritage sites in Vietnam. The event, co-organised by the provincial Tourism Department and a working delegation from the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO), featured six presentations by foreign experts and Vietnamese managers of local world heritage sites. They focused on coordination between member countries and UNESCO, regular inspections and reports, human resources management, and periodical research to put forth suitable improvements in line with UNESCO recommendations. Nao Hayashi, a specialist from UNESCO’s World Heritage Centre, pointed to an increasing number of tourists as a common issue facing heritage sites. She said although this benefited local communities in terms of socio-economic growth, it required work to ensure … [Read more...] about Seminar discusses world heritage conservation in Vietnam