Hanoi (VNA)🗹 - With over 1,000 years of history, Hanoi has been Vietnam’s centre of Buddhism for centuries.
The capital city has more than 600 temples and pagodas, many of which are not only religious relics but also popular tourist sites.
Located on a small peninsula on the East side of West Lake, Tran Quoc is regarded as the most ancient pagoda in Hanoi with its history going back more than 15 hundred years.
The architecture of this Buddhist place of worship is a subtle combination between the solemn and beautiful landscape, and the peaceful and quiet ambiance of West Lake’s surface.
Nguyen Hong Phuong from Ba Dinh district said “I like the landscape of Tran Quoc pagoda very much. This is a very old pagoda, and the tranquil atmosphere gives me a sensation of peace every time I come here.”
Humbly standing on busy Hang Duong street, Cau Dong pagoda was built to worship Buddha and to honor a general who contributed significantly to the prosperity of the Tran Dynasty (1225-1400).
As this pagoda has witnessed numerous historical changes over the centuries, its architecture reflects the quintessence of different dynasties that contributed to its multiple restorations.
When regarding famous pagodas in Hanoi, visitors must not miss out on Quan Su pagoda. The pagoda was built in the shape of a Chinese Gong character, with three roofs in each building, and what makes it even more special are the unicorn statues carved on the roofs.
Thich Thanh Nhieu, Permanent Vice President of the Vietnam Buddhist Sangha Executive Council, said having gone through a lot of renovation, Quan Su pagoda has still managed to preserve its original architecture. The things that make it special are the curved roofs with carved unicorns on them.
It has been a long-lasting custom of the people in the country, when each New Year comes, it is time to visit a pagoda. In Vietnam, the custom is described as “Le Chua” – in which “le” means not only visiting but also showing respects in all sincerity to Buddha and the Gods of the pagodas and temples.
Nguyen Thi Yen from Tay Ho district, said she visited the pagodas during spring to pray for health and prosperity for my family members.
Meanwhile, Trieu Nhu Thang from Dong Da district, said visiting pagodas during spring time not only has a spiritual meaning, but also aims to let the young generation understand more about the customs of the homeland.
Not only that, praying at pagodas and temples is a great way to get outside and enjoy the spring air. Mixing ones’ soul with these spiritual spaces, breathing in the aroma of burning incense and flowers, and enjoying the relaxing view of a pagoda’s gardens - helps heal all the stresses and worries from the previous year.-VNA
It is the first time that the country is to hold a G1-level tournament which is expected to lure more than 100 athletes of 15 countries and regions at Go Vap Gymnasium.
Nguyen Trong Nha Uyen has made history for Vietnam’s dancesport by clinching a bronze medal in the solo Latin category at the WDSF World Championship 2025 in Germany.
The ambassador noted that among the 300,000 Vietnamese residing in the RoK, around 3,000 are living in Pyeongtaek and contributing actively to the local economy. Ho expressed his hope that the local authorities will continue support the overseas Vietnamese community in the city.
This is the first time since the adoption of the Convention that a country has served two consecutive terms on the Committee. The outcome shows the trust and recognition that member states have given Vietnam for its efforts and achievements in carrying out and promoting the Convention, as well as for its active role, strong standing, and growing credibility at UNESCO.
Quang Duc pottery is known for its wide range of forms, including wine bottles, jars, lime pots, vases, plant pots, incense burners and candle stands. Decorative motifs are equally rich, featuring mythical creatures, pastoral scenes, floral patterns, deer, peacocks, bats and more.
Vietnam’s cinematic appeal lies in its diverse settings, from terraced mountains and limestone karsts to bustling markets and ancient towns. Its mix of ethnic vibes, buzzing street life, and old traditions gives directors a goldmine for storytelling.
The Vietnamese team will gather on June 26 in Ba Ria-Vung Tau, where they will train until July 14 before departing for Indonesia for the ASEAN U23 Championship 2025, which runs from July 15 to 29. Vietnam will face Laos on July 19 and Cambodia on July 22 in the group stage.
The exhibition showcases more than 100 valuable documents and artifacts, divided into two main parts: “Journalist Nguyen Ai Quoc – Ho Chi Minh” and “President Ho Chi Minh – Founder and Mentor of Vietnamese Revolutionary Press.” This is an opportunity to recall the late leader’s journalism journey and affirm his exceptional role in founding and guiding the revolutionary press in Vietnam.
For the first time, the World DanceSport Federation (WDSF) has granted Vietnam hosting rights for the two championships, including the Asian women’s solo category, which debuts this year as an officially recognised event.
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Despite strong home support and high expectations, Vietnam were unable to overcome the defending champions, who secured their third consecutive win over Vietnam in a regional final, following previous victories in 2014 and 2023.
The event, part of Vietnam’s cultural diplomacy strategy through 2030, was jointly organised by the Vietnamese Embassy in Venezuela and USM’s Faculty of International Relations. It attracted thousands of students from universities across Venezuela.
For the first time, Vietnamese audiences will have the opportunity to experience the ballet masterpiece "Don Quixote" in its original version by renowned choreographer Marius Petipa.
The contest carried deep meaning as it was the first time the life of Vietnamese women abroad had been highlighted as the central theme, said poet and writer Nguyen Quang Thieu, Chairman of the Vietnam Writers’ Association.
The event formed part of Vietnam’s ongoing campaign to seek UNESCO World Heritage status for the complex at the 47th session of the UNESCO World Heritage Committee, scheduled to take place in Paris in July.
Creative cultural festivals are fast emerging as a new catalyst for tourism development in Vietnam, as localities increasingly invest in these vibrant events on a more systematic and larger scale.
This marks the first time Vietnam has hosted a continental-level Muay event which will feature competitions across 28 weight categories in combat and eight performance categories.
Tran Quoc pagoda at night (Source: the internet)
