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The exact time when Phu Dien Village was founded remains unknown, but the village appears in geography books from the late 18th century. An ancient village in the heart of the capital  Phu Dien Communal House in today’s Phu Dien Ward, Bac Tu Liem District. Photo:  ditichlichsu-vanhoahanoi.com  Phu Dien was formerly part of  Co Nhue Canton, Bac Tu Liem District – an ancient land in the capital of Thang Long. The villagers were mostly farmers, yet they had an academic tradition with numerous Tu tai or junior bachelors and Cu nhan or senior bachelors, as well as some scholars who passed regional and national exams. Not only studious but the people of Phu Dien were also known for their bravery and willingness to sacrifice themselves for the country. During the American war in Vietnam (1965 – 1975), the whole village contributed a total of 844 soldiers, who fought bravely for the independence of Vietnam. Upon stepping through the three-entrance gate,...

The idea of a combined ASEAN bid has been floating around since 2011. After much discussion, leaders of ASEAN countries and football officials from the ASEAN Football Federation have agreed to bid for co-hosting the 2034 edition of the tournament. In 2017, ASEAN held talks on launching the joint effort with FIFA President Gianni Infantino during his visit to Myanmar. In January that year, FIFA confirmed the 2026 World Cup would have 48 finalist teams, expanded from 32, so hosting the tourney in multiple countries was seen as a logical way to accommodate the increase. In June 2019, Thai Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha announced that all 10 nations of ASEAN had agreed to appeal for the co-hosting of the 2034 World Cup. However, in October 2019, only five ASEAN countries officially proposed co-hosting the 2034 competition, with Thailand leading the initiative. The other four countries in the proposed joint effort were Indonesia, Malaysia, Singapore, and Vietnam. The...

The quirky Hop-on Hop-off Sightseeing Tour in Hanoi will be offered free of charge during the holiday to celebrate Reunification Day and International Workers’ Day from April 29 to May 3. Explore Hanoi’s cultural and historical attractions aboard a double-decker hop-on hop-off bus is a funky travel experience in Hanoi. Photo: Mia.vn Accordingly, travelers can take a tour around Hanoi on three double-decker buses with license numbers 29B19658; 29B19906; and 29B19688, which start and end at the left side of Hanoi Opera House. The duration of each City Sightseeing Hop-On Hop-Off bus tour is 70 minutes, with a frequency of nine routes per day. Travelers can also opt for another double-decker bus with license number 29B-19994 that departs and stops at Vuon hoa 19-8 or August 19 Flower Garden (near Hanoi Opera House). Each trip lasts for about 90 minutes, with a frequency of seven trips per day, departing at 8:30am, 10:30am, 1pm, 3pm, 5pm, 7pm and 9pm. Visiting Hanoi by do...

One day in late April, American artist and war veteran David Thomas and I strolled along Nguyen Thai Hoc Street, Hanoi where the Vietnam Fine Arts Museum was exhibiting his latest works. He said that walking was very beneficial for someone suffering from Parkinson’s like him. The disease was a result of his exposure to Agent Orange during his army service in the Central Highlands in 1969. As we walked, we talked about the old days when he set foot in Vietnam for the first time and fell in love with the country for the rest of his life.  David Thomas at his exhibition in Danang in April. Photo courtesy of David Thomas The war is not over – You came to Vietnam for the first time in the war. Recalling those days, how do you feel? In June 1968, after graduating from Portland Art School, I joined the Army. From April 11, 1969 to March 22, 1970, I was stationed in Pleiku, Buon Me Thuot, Kon Tum, South Vietnam. My job was to drive a jeep and draw blueprints. I also dre...

Hanoi’s streets become more lively these days with flowers, red flags, and banners in celebration of Reunification Day and International Workers’ Day in 2023. Reunification Day marks a significant turning point in Vietnam’s history, as the southern and northern halves of the country were reunited. To commemorate the event, flags, banners, and posters are displayed on famous buildings and in the streets. Leading up to Reunification Day [April 30] and International Workers’ Day [May 1], decorations and communication campaigns are designed to inspire celebration and raise public awareness of the event. These banners and posters carry phrases praising the 48th anniversary of the Liberation of the South for National Reunification (April 30, 1975-April 30, 2023) and the 137th anniversary of International Workers’ Day (May 1, 1886-May 1, 2023). Photos: Duy Minh/The Hanoi Times Flags and banners hang along the road leading to Hanoi’s landmark building: Presidential ...