VietExplorer

A view of Ho Chi Minh City from above. Photo: VNA Ho Chi Minh City has been named the trendiest Asian destination this year, as compiled by the famous United States-based travel website Travel off Path, VOV reported Thursday. According to the information given by the website, although Asia has yet to fully reinstate normality like in Europe, there’s no denying that the situation is in a much better place now than it was at the beginning of the year. For instance, it added that several Asian countries which had completely banned tourism in response to the health crisis now welcome them back with open arms, without all of the usual pandemic-era bureaucracy. Based on popular online travel agency Kayak’s recent data, Travel off Path released the top seven Asian destinations for visitors to consider in the upcoming year. HCM City topped the list to be named as the trendiest Asian destination for 2023, becoming the most sought-after destination overall. According to details...

That is the meaning of the “Xong dat” (first footing), a Tet tradition in Vietnam, which has been passed down through generations and continued with equal enthusiasm today, To ensure good luck for the house, the selected “first foot” is normally required to have zodiac signs compatible with the host. He or she should also be successful and content with life.  The invited guest usually visits the house in the morning of the first day of the Lunar New Year, bringing with him small gifts for the family, including lucky money in red envelops for children. He greets each member, wishing the old with longevity, businessmen with thriving prosperity, and kids with good academic achievements.  The host generously welcomes the special guest, offering the family’s best New Year treats, wine or tea.  Some families choose a member to become the first to enter the house. In this case, the “first foot” normally goes out and comes home after midnight with a spring branch,...

The flower festival officially opens at 6:00 pm on Sunday. Being held along Ban Nguyet (Crescent) Lake, the spring flower road is divided into three segments dedicated to Phu (Wealth), My (Beauty), and Hung (Prosperity) themes. The ‘Wealth’ segment includes miniatures of bumper crops and red envelopes symbolizing the affluence. In addition, statues of cats, the zodiac animal of the upcoming lunar year, gold ingots, and bags of golden coins are to be on display in the segment. Meanwhile, the ‘Beauty’ section is decorated with miniatures featuring the culture of various countries. The ‘Prosperity’ segment shows the development and expectations for a brighter 2023, when Phu My Hung Corporation, the organizer of the flower festival, will celebrate its 30th anniversary. “I come here every year to have good moments with my family and friends. Miniature landscapes are eye-catching and diversified,” said Tra, a Phu My Hung resident. Thuy An, residing in District 1, excitedly s...