Ancient space: Kim Ngân Communal House in Hàng Bạc Street. — VNS Photo Trương Vị Viet Nam News HÀ NỘI — A series of cultural activities have been organised at historic relics and cultural spaces in downtown Hà Nội’s Old Quarter featuring ancient Vietnamese customs for the Lunar New Year. Hotcakes: Tourists try making bánh chưng at the Ancient House in Mã Mây Street. — VNS Photo Lê Hương At Kim Ngân Communal House, No 42 and 44 Hàng Bạc Street, visitors can experience traditional decorations for public spaces at a common gathering house and offerings to the village god of various local delicacies like bánh cốm (cake made from sweetened green young rice bean and coconut) and bánh chưng (sticky rice square cake). Artisans: Ancient paintings on dó (poonah) paper at Kim Ngân Communal House on Hàng … [Read more...] about Old Quarter relics set in Lunar New Year theme
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Foreign tourists flock to Da Nang city on New Year day
The Golden Bridge in Da Nang (Photo: VNA) Da Nang (VNA) – The Da Nang Airport in the central coastal city of the same name on January 1 welcomed the first international flight of this year which carried 180 visitors from Hong Kong (China). The tourists on Flight UO550 of the Hong Kong Express arrived at the airport at 7:50 am to a welcome ceremony consisting of art performances, and flower and gift presentation. Meanwhile, more than 2,000 Chinese tourists arrived at Tien Sa port in the afternoon the same day on board of the Italian-registered Costa Atlantica cruiser as the first foreign visitors coming to Da Nang this year on a sea route. Leading officials of the municipal tourism authority said the arrival of the first foreign visitors on the first day of the new year marks the fine start of the city’s tourism industry in 2019. They said they hope the tour will leave deep imprints on the mind of the visitors about the friendly and hospitable locals and scenic … [Read more...] about Foreign tourists flock to Da Nang city on New Year day
Saigon prepares New Year firework displays
Authorities in Ho Chi Minh City have approved a plan for two fireworks shows on New Year’s Eve, and another six for Tet, on the Lunar New Year’s Eve. As in previous years, the 15-minute fireworks will be set off at the Thu Thiem Tunnel that links Districts 1 and 2; and Dam Sen Park in District 11 on the midnight of January 1, to welcome 2019. For the Lunar New Year’s Eve, which falls on February 4, the municipal government will have the fireworks shows at six locations, one of which will be a high-altitude display at the Thu Thiem Tunnel area, and the remaining five low-altitude ones at the Dam Sen Park, the Ethnic Culture Historical Park in District 9, and other locations in the outlying districts of Nha Be, Can Gio and Cu Chi. The city intends to use private funding for the fireworks shows. Tet is the biggest and most important holiday in Vietnam, a time for family reunions. It is celebrated by Vietnamese and Chinese communities around the world. The … [Read more...] about Saigon prepares New Year firework displays
Smuggling cases boom as New Year holiday approaches
Smuggled cigarettes in Binh Phuoc Province are destroyed. Smugglers have stepped up their activities as the New Year season approaches. — Photo sggp.org.vn Prevention of smuggling of goods across the country’s borders is becoming more difficult as the New Year season approaches, according to border authorities. Three districts in Binh Phuoc Province (Bu Gia Map, Bu Dop and Loc Ninh) which border Cambodia have seen an increase in smuggled goods. For the first nine months of the year, authorities detected 2,659 smuggling cases. Smuggled goods were mostly cigarettes, sugar and clothing. The amount of issued fines and back taxes totalled over VND37 billion (US$1.6 million). The smuggling cases are usually carried out by small groups of individuals in a number of ways that have become more sophisticated. Many smugglers use shortcuts through the rocky terrain and rivers that help them elude capture by authorities. Smugglers travel to Cambodia to purchase goods, split up the … [Read more...] about Smuggling cases boom as New Year holiday approaches
Pagodas overwhelmed with pilgrims during Lunar New Year holiday
Around Town Pagodas overwhelmed with pilgrims during Lunar New Year holiday Nguyen Quy Monday, Feb 26, 2018,22:04 (GMT+7) Pagodas overwhelmed with pilgrims during Lunar New Year holidayNguyen Quy Visitors admire the unique architecture of the Lady Thien Hau Temple in District 5, HCMC - PHOTOS: HOANG PHONG The first lunar month is the busiest time of year at most pagodas and temples in HCMC as huge throngs of pilgrims are coming there to pray for health, wealth and good luck for the New Lunar Year. For centuries, many Vietnamese have kept the tradition of visiting pagodas during the first days of the lunar calendar to pray for peace and fortune for family. Famous pagodas in District 5 are always crowded with visitors. In particular, Minh Huong Pagoda where Quan Cong, an ancient Chinese historical figure, is worshiped for his loyalty and sincerity and the Lady Thien Hau Temple dedicated to Thien Hau, a traditional Chinese … [Read more...] about Pagodas overwhelmed with pilgrims during Lunar New Year holiday