VietExplorer2026

Cheerful attendees at the Hanoi Pride 2023 opening ceremony. With the theme “Generations of Pride,” this year’s Hanoi Pride encourages participants to reflect on and celebrate the important milestones of individuals and the LGBTQI+ community over the past decades. The opening ceremony was held at COMPLEX 01 in Hanoi on September 18, with the participation of diplomatic representatives, NGOs, members of the LGBTIQ+ community, and young people from across the capital. Julien Guerrier, Ambassador-Designate of the European Union to Vietnam, at the event. In his opening remarks, Julien Guerrier, Ambassador-Designate of the European Union to Vietnam, expressed the EU’s support for equality and justice for the LGBTQI+ community in Vietnam. He emphasized the importance of providing access to services, opportunities, and the realization of dreams and aspirations for the community. Guerrier also highlighted the significance of events like Hanoi Pride 2023 in promoting ac...

The ceremony was attended by Vietnamese Ambassador to the UK Nguyen Hoang Long, United States Special Agent JP Labbat, US Special Agent Robert Mancene of Homeland Security Investigations (HIS), Tim Hemker, HSI representative of the US Embassy in the UK, along with UK detective Sophie Hayes. According to the official website of the US’ Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s mission (ICE), the US filed and settled a civil forfeiture action against US$12 million derived from the sale of stolen Southeast Asian antiquities by UK indicted antiquities dealer Douglas Latchford. “The settlement with Latchford’s estate, who died in 2020, resolves claims that he transferred proceeds from the sale of stolen antiquities to bank accounts in the Bailiwick of Jersey. As part of the settlement, Latchford’s estate has also agreed to the forfeiture of a seventh century bronze statue depicting the four-armed goddess Durga, which is alleged to have been stolen from Vietnam in 2008 and which Latchford al...

In the bustling streets of Hanoi, it is common to find rows of only one or two types of trees. However, a visit to the beautiful Hoan Kiem Lake is a different experience altogether. Here, visitors are greeted by a magnificent collection of trees, representing a diverse array of over a dozen species. Among these remarkable trees, some have earned the esteemed recognition as “heritage trees” owing to their age and incredible allure, making them truly irreplaceable. Two iconic phoenix trees on Le Thai To Street Two famous phoenix trees on Le Thai To Street form the romantic backdrop of Hoan Kiem Lake. Photo: Vietnam Tourism Discover the elegant charm of Dinh Tien Hoang Street, adorned with a picturesque stretch of ancient dragon plum trees extending from Hoa Phong Tower to the historic Hanoi Post Office. Enchantingly, the neighboring Dinh Le Street is also graced with these exquisite trees. During the months of March and April, these streets transform into a delightful sym...