Trần Phú street in Hội An ancient town is one of the most visited site as it preserves hundreds of old houses and architecture relic from previous centuries. Hội An has been designed as an ecological, ‘smart’ and ‘green’ urban in 2030-50. VNS Photo Công Thành

HỘI AN — The UNECO-recognised world heritage site of Hội An ancient town has been designed as an eco-city, cultural and sustainable tourism concentrated urban area in 2030, with a vision to becoming a ‘green’ and ‘smart’ city in 2050.

Chairman of Hội An City’s People’s Committee, Nguyễn Văn Sơn shared about the city’s Master Plan 2021-30, vision 2050, in a working session with Quảng Nam provincial leadership, stressing that heritage preservation and unique culture and nature conservation are top priority and a key basis of the sustainable development target.

He said Hội An has been preserving heritage for decades, it still keeps the ancient value as a key foundation for sustainable growth in the new wave of development.

“We focus on heritage preservation for growth, and reserve funds for conservation and restoration of relics and heritage. The Master Plan also recognised the important role of heritage restoration as a top priority among investment items,” Sơn said.

Architect Lương Ngọc Trung, design director of Arep Ville company from France, involved in Hội An Master Plan development, said Hội An aims to be a second class urban area in 2030 before reaching ‘smart’ city standard in 2050.

The Hoài River in Hội An. The town has been preserving its unique natural landscape and traditional culture since it was promoted as an UNESCO-recognised world heritage site in 1999. Photo courtesy of Ký Ức Hội An Show

He said the ancient town will be designed as an eco-city, an international culture-based destination on the basic terms of unique tradition, sustainability and climate change resilience, emerging a ‘smart’ urban zone linked with Điện Bàn Town, Tam Kỳ City and Núi Thành district, and boosting ‘smart’ and ‘green’ tourism service.

The plan unveiled that Hội An is designed for 160,000 population on 2,841ha in 2030, and will expand to 3,274ha for a population of 230,000 by 2050.

Hội An will reserve development space to the west including Thanh Hà pottery village and Cẩm Hà botanic garden zone.

Earlier this year, the central Quảng Nam province proposed an overall restoration plan for Hội An ancient town and relics requiring an estimate fund of VNĐ1.67 trillion (US$66.8 million) in 2030-35.

The ancient town, which was recognised as a world heritage site by UNESCO in 1999, has 1,439 relics and old houses, of which 80 per cent belong to the Old Quarter, built 100 to 200 years ago.

Hội An has been boosting co-operation with Japan International Co-operation Agency (JICA) in restoration of the centuries-old Japanese Bridge – a symbol of Hội An and the Việt Nam-Japan friendship.

The ancient town is the most attractive destination in central Việt Nam, hosting 13.5 million tourists in 2018-22.

Hội An City officially became a member of the UNESCO Creative Cities Network (UCCN) in the Crafts and Folk Art category in 2023.

A rural area of Hội An features traditional culture and lifestyle for tourists exploring nature and culture. VNS Photo Công Thành

Previously, many traditional festivals in the old town were recognised as national heritages including the Mid-Autumn Full Moon Festival and the annual Nguyên Tiêu (full moon of lunar January) Festival, as well as Thanh Châu bird’s nest, Thanh Hà Pottery Village, the carpentry trade of Kim Bồng Village, and the Trà Quế vegetable garden.

Two crafts – hammock weaving from tree bark (Firmiana colorata) and the craft of making houses from bamboo and nipa-palm – were also listed in the national intangible heritage.

The town has been promoting ‘green’ and sustainable tourism with zero-waste, non-plastic and low carbon policies.

Experts from Japan International Co-operation Agency (JICA) and Việt Nam have been repairing and strengthening the structure of the centuries-old Japanese Bridge – a symbol of Hội An and the Việt Nam-Japan friendship.

Naha city, the capital of Okinawa Prefecture, also supported Hội An with the Eco-city Achievement Support Project in building the town as an eco-tour site.

Hội An ancient town is the most attractive destination in central Việt Nam, hosting 13.5 million tourists in 2018-22.

Visitors prefer bicycle in touring Hội An ancient town and suburban area of Hội An. The town targets to develop as an international destination in 2030-50. Photo courtesy of Chu Mạnh Trinh

The town has been promoting ‘green’ and sustainable tourism with zero-waste, non-plastic and low carbon policies, a bicycle and non-smoking destination.

The Chàm Islands-Hội An area, recognised as a world biosphere reserve by UNESCO in 2009, and Cẩm Thanh Commune – home to precious nipa palm swamps in the rich ecological system of wetlands – are joined the Master Plan as key ‘ecological’ core zones.

Covering an area of 60sq.km, the tourism hub has developed 22.5sq.km with agriculture and forests and 11sq.km with lakes and channels.

The city also plans to provide 100,000 bicycles for residents in order to become the first eco-city in Việt Nam.

Four Paws animal charity and Hội An agreed on a memorandum of understanding in building the town as a tourist-friendly, free of dog and cat meat and supporting rabies elimination. VNS

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The average temperature of the hot mineral water ranges from 35 to 50 degrees Celsius, with some areas reaching temperatures as high as 70 degrees Celsius. — Photo courtesy of Hà My

Thanh Nga

A picturesque destination that has managed to retain its wild and idyllic look, Lướt Village, located in Ngọc Chiến Commune, Mường La District, is set apart by its steaming natural hot mineral springs, which add a unique feature to its already captivating charm.

Situated over 70km from the centre of Sơn La City, Lướt Village sits at an altitude of approximately 1,500 to 1,800m above sea level, surrounded by incredibly fresh and pristine scenery. Like other beautiful villages in the northwest region, Lướt Village is nestled amid rice fields and winding roads. It enjoys cool and pleasant weather throughout the year, particularly during the summer season.

As visitors journey along the mountain road leading to the village, they are greeted by centuries-old stilt houses built with pơ mu (fokienia hodginsii), a type of wood commonly used in Thái people’s architecture. Pơ mu wood is renowned for its durability and strength, and is highly resistant to termites and flies.

There are many centuries-old stilt houses built with pơ mu (fokienia hodginsii), a type of wood commonly used in Thái people’s architecture, in Lướt Village. — Photo glamptrip.vn

A visit to Lướt Village offers the opportunity for early risers to witness an enchanting sunrise over the villages. Strolling the cool surroundings and basking in the warm rays of sun at the start of the day is a delightful experience for tourists. Additionally, one should not miss the chance to indulge in a mineral bath while stopping over in this village.

The cost of hot mineral baths in Lướt Village is very affordable, only VNĐ20,000 per person. — Photo vov.vn

Nature has truly favoured Lướt Village by bestowing upon it the beauty of natural hot mineral springs. The average temperature of the hot mineral water ranges from 35 to 50 degrees Celsius, with some areas reaching temperatures as high as 70 degrees Celsius. These hot springs provide an ideal setting for visitors to soak, relax and effectively relieve stress.

Trịnh Thúy Quỳnh, a 45-year-old resident of Hà Nội, often takes her two daughters to explore and experience beautiful natural places that are not overly crowded. During a recent trip to Sơn La, Quỳnh chose Lướt Village as her destination.

“This place is not crowded and the scenery remains wild and peaceful. After a long journey and hours of tiring climbing, taking a hot mineral bath here is a delight. It brings great comfort and relaxation to the body,” Quỳnh told Việt Nam News.

According to Bùi Tiến Sỹ, the Communist Party secretary of Ngọc Chiến Commune, the commune is currently home to 11 hot mineral areas, with most of them located in Lướt Village.

“Lướt Village is developing into a tourist destination, offering hot mineral bathing services combined with relaxation, cultural experiences and traditional cuisine. The hot springs in the village attract tens of thousands of visitors each year, creating additional income for the locals,” Sỹ said.

Bathing in hot springs brings numerous health benefits, including the prevention of skin diseases, cardiovascular diseases and rheumatism. The sensation of soaking in the natural hot springs amidst the fresh mountain and forest air, while surrounded by the captivating natural scenery, is truly invigorating. Moreover, the cost of hot mineral baths in the village is very affordable, at only VNĐ20,000 per person, tourists need not worry about financial concerns.

Lò Thị Hà, the owner of Văn Thưởng homestay in Lướt Village, said, “My homestay has been operating since 2017, welcoming approximately 100 guests each month who come to relax and enjoy hot mineral baths. We provide both communal bathing pools and private baths to cater to the needs of tourists.”

The locals attest that regular bathing in these hot springs results in naturally smooth and rosy skin without the need for cosmetics. This is why, despite their arduous work, the women in Lướt Village possess white, rosy and naturally smooth skin that is rarely found elsewhere.

For generations, the people of Lướt Village have utilised the water from these springs for their daily needs. Many still bathe in this water early in the morning to invigorate themselves before heading to the fields for a day’s work, and in the afternoon, they return to take a shower to rejuvenate their bodies after hours of hard labour.

After stepping out of the hot spring, Lò Thị Hạn from Ngọc Chiến Commune exclaimed, “Bathing here is a truly enjoyable experience and highly beneficial for one’s health. Many times, after walking kilometres to work in the fields, my body feels tired and exhausted. However, after taking a hot mineral bath, all my fatigue naturally disappears, my spirit feels at ease, and my body becomes healthy once again.”

Grilled chicken, a delicious local dish in Lướt Village. — Photo mia.vn

Aside from mineral bathing, a visit to Lướt Village offers the opportunity to learn more about the local way of life. The village is home to various ethnic groups such as Thái, Mông and La Ha, each with their unique cultures. Visitors can also savour the delicious local dishes, including grilled fish, grilled chicken, and wild vegetable salad.

The hot springs in Lướt Village serve as a perfect place for rest and rejuvenation after a long journey from other provinces to Sơn La. Don’t miss the chance to explore this captivating destination. — VNS

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At the workshop promoting Vietnam’s tourist destinations and e-visa policy which takes place in Hong Kong (China) on March 14. — VNA/VNS Photo

HÀ NỘI — A workshop promoting Việt Nam’s tourist destinations and e-visa policy took place in Hong Kong (China) on March 14.

Co-organised by the Vietnam Airlines branch in the region and the Society of IATA Passenger Agents Ltd (SIPA), the event gathered representatives of the Vietnamese Consulate General in Hong Kong and Macau and CEOs and senior managers of many local travel companies.

In his opening remarks, the head of the Vietnam Airlines branch, Ngô Trí Hùng, said Hong Kong residents consider Việt Nam an attractive place for its scenic spots, friendly people, diverse culture, exquisite cuisine, and near distance of just several hours’ flight. Vietnam Airlines is operating 11 weekly flights between Hong Kong and Hanoi/Ho Chi Minh City.

The workshop introduced the latest top Vietnamese destinations as voted by TripAdvisor like Ha Long Bay, the Sapa resort town and the ancient citadel of Hue.

In particular, Consul Nguyễn Minh Tuấn from the Consulate General informed the participants about the advantages and convenience of the e-visas, such as simple procedures that save time.

SIPA Chairman Tommy Tam told the Vietnam News Agency that Hong Kong residents are fond of traveling to Việt nam. He expressed his hope to see Vietnamese tourism businesses bringing their products to the upcoming International Travel Expo (ITE) Hong Kong scheduled for June. — VNS

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Bauhinia flowers bloom abundantly throughout the mountains and forests of Điện Biên Province.

ĐIỆN BIÊN PHỦ CITY — Hoa ban (Bauhinia flower, or simply known as orchid tree flowers), known for its beautiful and delicate white petals, holds a special place in the hearts of many former soldiers from Điện Biên.

Amidst the chaos of war, with its bombs, bullets, smoke, and fire, this flower represents a vivid and poetic memory. Growing in the mountains and forests of the northwest, the bauhinia flower symbolises the rustic beauty of a Thái girl, adorned with a piêu scarf and a cóm shirt. It also embodies pure and faithful love between couples. However, few people are aware that this flower also carries a profound significance for the soldiers of Điện Biên Phủ, evoking memories of the glorious days of the Điện Biên Phủ Victory in 1954 – a triumph that marked the end of a century-long struggle against French colonial domination by the Vietnamese people.

The bauhinia flower invokes heroic memories, particularly during the month of March. Along the road leading to the Him Lam Resistance Centre Relic, one can witness the landscape adorned with white bauhinia flowers. The sight of these flowers recalls the spring of 1954, when soldiers hid under the canopies of bauhinia forests, awaiting the Ðiện Biên Phủ Campaign.

Former soldier Bùi Kim Điều pays tribute to his comrades at the Him Lam Resistance Centre Relic by lighting incense

Bùi Kim Điều, a former soldier, slowly walks amidst the pure white blooms of the bauhinia flowers on the road to the Him Lam Resistance Centre Relic. Memories rush back to him as he observes the flowers blooming and fluttering in the sunlight. Pausing next to the mass grave at the entrance of the relic, Điều carefully lights incense sticks in honour of his fallen comrades.

During the Ðiện Biên Phủ Campaign, Điều served as a liaison officer, entrusted with the task of directly transmitting orders from the Political Commissar to units C405, E165, and F312. One battle that remains etched in his memory is the attack on Him Lam base – a stronghold considered by the French army to be an impregnable “steel door.”

At the age of 94, memories of the Ðiện Biên Phủ battlefield remain vivid in Điều’s mind.

“Even now, I can visualise and sketch the entire Điện Biên Phủ basin from that day. It’s as clear in my mind as the palm of my hand. My comrades and I fought and emerged victorious from Him Lam Hill to A1 Hill, ultimately reaching General Christian de Castries’ trench,” Điều reminisces.

In the midst of those arduous and fierce days, the presence of the bauhinia flowers served as a cherished memory for this veteran soldier.

Whenever the bauhinia flowers bloom, they evoke memories of the Ðiện Biên Phủ Campaign in people’s minds.

“I can still recall that during the intense war, many hills on the battlefield of Điện Biên Phủ were adorned with white bauhinia flowers. Every time we caught sight of them, we were astounded. The most memorable experience was during our march to Điện Biên, passing through Pha Đin Pass, where the flowers descended upon us, and we picked them, adorning our chest pockets, backpacks, and gun barrels. Only later, upon hearing from the locals, did I come to know that they were bauhinia flowers,” Điều reveals.

Like Điều, Nguyễn Hữu Chấp’s mind is flooded with war-time memories every time the bauhinia flowers bloom. Chấp served as the squad leader of the 82mm mortar squad in Company 290, Battalion 166, Regiment 209, Brigade 312.

Vietnamese soldiers launched an attack on a fortified position at Him Lam.

Chấp shares, “The Him Lam base group was deemed an invincible ‘steel door’ by the French army. With a troop strength of up to 750 soldiers, the French army constructed fortresses on three hills to establish a formidable foothold, equipped with modern weaponry and a network of sturdy bunkers. To emerge victorious, we fought with unwavering determination.”

“We were steadfast in our resolve to protect this land fully, safeguard the peaceful lives of the people, and preserve the pristine beauty of the flower-filled forests. Today, it fills me with immense joy to witness the excitement that accompanies the traditional festivals held during the blooming season of the Bauhinia flowers. It is a testament that our sacrifices and efforts have been rewarded,” Chấp concludes.

Unique beauty

Điện Biên Phủ City is currently bustling with preparations for the Bauhinia Flower Festival, an annual event held in the middle of March. This festival is closely tied to the opening battle of the Điện Biên Phủ Campaign and coincides with the blooming of the bauhinia flowers.

A visit to Điện Biên Phủ during this time allows visitors to not only explore the remnants of the old battlefield but also to witness and be enchanted by the pristine beauty of the flowers that grace the mountains and forests of the northwest region.

Over the course of 70 seasons, the bauhinia flowers have continued to bloom on the old battlefield, transforming the landscape day by day. Yet, the echoes of victory never cease to reverberate, particularly when the white petals of the bauhinia flowers illuminate the mountainsides and deep valleys. It is during this time that the festival season commences, filling the hearts of the local people with joy and pride as they participate in the festivities and celebrate their heroic land.

The Him Lam Resistance Centre Relic is associated with the opening fight of the Ðiện Biên Phủ Campaign.

Is it a mere coincidence that a flower native to the mountains and forests is intertwined with one of the greatest victories in the nation’s history? The resilient and vibrant bauhinia tree, enduring bombs, sun, and wind, played a role in protecting Vietnamese soldiers, artillery, and tanks. In the midst of the untamed mountains and forests, many reconnaissance soldiers even used bauhinia flowers to mark their paths, ensuring they wouldn’t get lost.

In the Mường Phăng Forest, where the Điện Biên Phủ Campaign Headquarters once stood, bauhinia flowers bloom amidst the towering trees. This land witnessed 56 days and nights of bloodshed, fire, and bombardment that left devastation in their wake.

Mường Thanh Valley became the fiercest battlefield in the history of the resistance war against the French colonialists. Yet, amidst it all, the bauhinia trees emerged as a symbol of resilience and life, still blooming. Thus, the people of Điện Biên Province take great pride in naming their festival after these forest flowers.

The pristine beauty of bauhinia flowers on the Ðiện Biên Phủ battlefield memorial.

Today, bauhinia flowers can be found in many provinces and cities across the country, even adorning the capital city of Hà Nội. However, in Điện Biên, these flowers possess a unique beauty of their own. Every March, the bauhinia flowers surprise visitors with their breathtaking splendor. Despite the early bloom caused by the hot weather this year, tourists continue to flock to this land because they yearn to witness this flower embellishing the heroic historical site.

The people of Điện Biên hold the bauhinia flowers in high regard, just as they cherish the victory of Điện Biên Phủ. As a result, this flower has become a symbol, and the Bauhinia Flower Festival serves as an invitation for tourists from all corners of the world to visit the province every March. VNS

Every March, bauhinia flowers always surprise visitors with their breathtaking beauty.

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At the working session. – VNA/VNS Photo

 CẦN THƠ — Authorities of Cần Thơ and a delegation from Germany’s Wernigerode city led by Mayor Tobias Kascha agreed to strengthen cooperation in various fields, with a focus on sustainable green tourism, during a working session in the Mekong Delta city on March 8.

Vice Chairman of the municipal People’s Committee Dương Tấn Hiền said Cần Thơ boasts a strong agricultural sector, with 80% of its land for farming (nearly 115,000 ha). The city is a hub for services and tourism, with rice, seafood, fruit trees and animal farming forming the backbone of its agricultural industry.

Last year, the city accommodated roughly 6 million visitors, generating a revenue of VNĐ5.42 trillion (US$225.8 million). Leveraging the advantages provided by the Government’s pilot specific policies and mechanisms for Cần Thơ’s development, the city aims to maximise its potential and become a stronger economic force.

Hiền emphasised the mutual benefits of increased agricultural cooperation between Wernigerode and Cần Thơ, saying that it aligns perfectly with Cần Thơ’s strategic focus on developing its services- tourism.

The city commits all possible support for firms from Germany, particularly those from Wernigerode to do business there, he said.

Hien wished that Mayor Kascha would act as a bridge, facilitating information exchange and business opportunities for Cần Thơ enterprises seeking to expand into Wernigerode.

Mayor Kascha expressed his desire for deeper cooperation across various sectors. He highlighted Germany’s existing twinning relationships with HCM Minh City and Hội An, which he believes provide a solid foundation for further locality-to-locality partnerships between Việt Nam and Germany.

Wernigerode, like Cần Thơ, prioritises tourism as a key economic driver, he said, noting the German city’s extensive experience in sustainable green tourism models. He expressed his willingness to share this expertise with Cần Thơ while learning from the Mekong Delta city’s successful models, particularly those focusing on green tourism adaptable to climate change.

According to the municipal Department of Foreign Affairs, Cần Thơ exported $18.15 million  worth of goods to Germany last year, with rice, aquatic products, agricultural and processed agricultural products, apparel and handicrafts as key currency earners. Its imports from Germany reached $260,000, mostly pharmaceutical materials, machinery and equipment.  VNS

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Ngọc Chiến Commune is home to the largest sơn tra forest in the country. — Photo truyenhinhvov.vn

SƠN LA — The Sơn Tra Flower Festival is set to take place on March 9-10 at Ngọc Chiến Commune, Mường La District, Sơn La Province, home to the largest sơn tra forest in the country.

Sơn tra, also known as táo mèo (Docynia indica), is a distinctive tree that holds great economic value for the Mông people in the northwest region. In recent years, it has significantly contributed to the region’s economic growth and improved the livelihoods of the local population.

The festival will showcase a range of cultural and artistic activities featuring the ethnic identity of the northwest. One of the highlights will be the Creative Camp with the theme “Lost in the Sơn Tra Forest,” which will host exhibitions and presentations of agricultural products, local culture, and OCOP (One Commune, One Product) items from Mường La District and neighbouring districts.

The Sơn Tra Flower Festival will highlight local products and culture. — Photo trangtraiviet.danviet.vn

Visitors will also have the opportunity to join folk games and sports, including crossbow shooting and stick pushing, in the commune.

This year’s festival holds special significance as Ngọc Chiến Commune will be officially recognised as the largest sơn tra flower forest in the country.

According to Lò Văn Thoa, vice chairman of the People’s Committee of Ngọc Chiến Commune, the 2023 Sơn Tra Flower Festival attracted approximately 30,000 visitors. This year, the festival is expected to draw around 50,000 visitors.

Sơn tra is a distinctive tree that holds great economic value for the Mông people in the northwest region. — Photo baodantoc.vn

Currently, there are more than 30 accommodation establishments capable of hosting 1,000 to 2,000 guests.

In addition to immersing themselves in the enchanting flower forests, breathtaking natural landscapes, pristine villages and refreshing climate, festival attendees will have the opportunity to explore the unique cultural traditions, customs and tantalising culinary delights of the local community.

Bùi Tiến Sỹ, party secretary of Ngọc Chiến Commune, stated, “Through the festival, our aim is to preserve and promote the rich traditional cultural values of the ethnic groups in the area, while showcasing the captivating beauty of the sơn tra flower landscape in Nậm Nghẹp Village, Ngọc Chiến Commune, to both domestic and international tourists.”

The Sơn Tra Flower Festival is set to take place on March 9-10 at Ngọc Chiến Commune, Mường La District. — Photo trangtraiviet.danviet.vn

This year’s festival also seeks to create optimal opportunities and conditions for fostering connections among communities, businesses and visitors, with the goal of experiencing and exploring investment prospects for the tourism resources of Mường La District, Sơn La Province, Mù Cang Chải District, Yên Bái Province, and neighbouring districts. VNS

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