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| Northern Vietnam’s UNESCO-listed Halong Bay, one of the most beautiful places in the world (Photo: Wanderlust) |
UNESCO-listed Ha Long Bay, one of the most beautiful places in the world, was ranked first in the list.
It was recognised by UNESCO in 1994 and again in 2000 as a world natural heritage for the beauty of its landscape and its geological and geomorphological values.
The bay, located in northern Quang Ninh province, is 165 kilometers from the capital city of Hanoi. It covers an area of 43,400 hectares and including over 1,600 islands and islets, and most of the bay is uninhabitated and unaffected by humans, according to UNESCO.
"Lying prostrate aboard an old wooden junker, peering out across the emerald waters as jungle-covered precipices rear out of nowhere isn’t the only way to experience Cat Ba Island’s Halong Bay – it remains among the best, though," Wanderlust wrote.
The magazine commented: "These limestone karst pillars aren’t unique to Vietnam, but nowhere on Earth is their scale so dramatic, sprouting some 1,600 spines from the waters of the Gulf of Tonkin, birthing towering islands and islets out of bounds to all but the native seabirds that have made them home.
"The site was first inscribed by UNESCO in 1994. Twenty-something years later, little has changed except how to see them and the increasing numbers of those who have. The slow-screw of erosion has notched hidden caves and dramatic arches into many of its rises.
"Kayak out for a more intimate look at the likes of Thien Cung, famed for its impressive stalagmites and stalactites; or drift past oysters farms and floating villages – ramshackle constructions linked by trembling walkways – to seek out secret beaches away from the boat-going hordes," it added.
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| The ancient town of Hoi An in central Vietnam (Photo: Wanderlust) |
The ancient town of Hoi An in central Vietnam is placed sixth on the list.
"Far removed from the fogs of exhaust that envelop many a visit to Southeast Asia, UNESCO-listed Hoi An is a quiet, sculpted riposte to the pace of modern Vietnamese life," Wanderlust described.
"It wasn’t always the case, though. The city was once a thriving port town and home to merchants from across Asia until the Thu Bon River silted up some 200 years ago and the traders moved on elsewhere."
According to the magazine, reminders of Hoi An’s multi-cultural past abound in its French-style buildings, Chinese Quarter and dainty Japanese-style covered bridge. The Chinese influence is particularly visible in the city’s assembly halls, each built according to the home province of its settlers.
"Traffic is banned from the centre, affording the chance to gaze undisturbed at the faded pastel facades, collonaded balconies, cafés, markets, tailors and boutiques that cluster the Old Town. All is peace, but for the ringing of temple bells and the clatter of visitors’ feet. It’s hardly a hidden escape, but it’s no wonder it's adored by so many," it said.
It suggested: "Walking along this picturesque town is like literally stepping back in time. The city is one big playground for Instagram savvies as its colorful structures, and charming architecture offer endless snap opportunities. One of the top attractions is the Japanese Bridge, and museums await history buffs."
"Tourists can also rent bikes to get the most out of Hoi An, a place straight out of a picture book," it added.
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| Thien Duong cave (Photo: Wanderlust) |
Meanwhile, Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park in Quang Binh province, central Vietnam, was inscribed in UNESCO's World Heritage List in 2003. It features great geological diversity and offers spectacular phenomena while harboring a high level of biodiversity and many endemic species.
Phong Nha is home to Son Doong, the biggest natural cave on the planet, as well as the third largest Hang En. The Blue Diamond camping site is near the historical Khe Gat field military airport.
"Despite boasting 885 sq.km of untamed evergreen jungle and some of the oldest karst peaks in Asia, neither is surprisingly the main draw at Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park. That privilege goes to the stunning caves and underground rivers that vein the land beneath," Wanderlust said.
The magazine wrote that the park was recognised by UNESCO long before Son Doong Cave, a 5 km-long cavern so big one could fit a skyscraper inside, was named the world’s largest cave. That was opened to visitors in 2013, although guided trips into its gaping limestone maw are still in their infancy. More caves are being found all the time, with the glistening underground stalagmite field of newly discovered Hang Va becoming the latest to receive tours.
Korean language learning now booming in Vietnam
According to VNA, over 50,000 students are studying Korean at more than 60 universities and colleges in Vietnam, making it the top Asian language in terms of the training scale.
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| RoK President Yoon Suk Yeol and Vietnamese students at the Vietnam National University - Hanoi, Hanoi, June 22 (Photo: Office of the President of the RoK) |
According to Office of the President of the Republic of Korea (RoK), Vietnam has the largest and most comprehensive training and research programmes for the Korean language and culture in Asia.
Speaking during a visit to the Vietnam National University - Hanoi on June 22, RoK President Yoon Suk Yeol highlighted that Korean has been chosen by many young people in Vietnam to learn, not just university but also high school and secondary school students.
Nearly 80 secondary and high schools teach Korean as a second foreign language. In 2021, the language began to be taught as a first foreign language on a trial basis.
In 2021, Vietnam ranked first in the number of international students in the RoK with 70,200, about 40% of them language learners. Along with Japan, the RoK are most favoured overseas destinations for Vietnamese students.
According to Dr. Tran Thi Huong, Dean of the Faculty of Korean Language and Culture, University of Foreign Languages and Internationals Studies, Vietnam National University - Hanoi, the movement of studying Korean began when the two countries officially established diplomatic relations in December 1992. Since then, the number of language learners has increased in line with the unprecedented development of the partnership.
Besides, the strong investment of Korean conglomerates, including Samsung, LG, SK, Posco, Hyundai, and Lotte, is a push for the learning of the language as the demand for human resources with proficiency in Korean is increasing.
As of April, the RoK was the largest foreign investor with nearly 82 billion USD in registered capital, second in development aid (ODA) and third in trade in Vietnam.
Taste France 2023 embraces French gastronomy
A food tasting programme, Taste France 2023, has been launched recently at MM Mega Market Thang Long as part of celebrations to mark the 50th anniversary of France-Vietnam diplomatic relations and 10 years of strategic partnership between two countries, reported VNS.
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| Chef Cam Thien Long introduces French cuisine at Taste France 2023 programme at MM Mega Market. — Photo courtesy of MM Mega Market |
Nicolas Warnery, French ambassador to Vietnam, and Marion Chaminade, counselor of Agriculture, alongside a representative from Business France, were presented at the event.
Following the success of Taste of Country 2022, this year MM Mega Market will embrace the deep-rooted characteristics of French gastronomy and present the French cuisine experience to Vietnamese customers.
During the event, customers have the opportunity to discover French flavours through exciting activities, including sampling French food, shopping with attractive discounts, and enjoying French cuisine made by MM's professional chefs.
At Taste France 2023, MM Mega Market has introduced more than 100 French products with attractive offers on baguettes, cheeses, jams, biscuits, and wines from famous brands such as Bel, Paysan Breton, Casino, Elle et Vire, Anchos, Pate Royal, and Evian.
“Taste France 2023 brings the best quality imported French products to Vietnamese customers and foreigners living in Vietnam. It is an excellent opportunity to enjoy the French lifestyle with exquisite tastes just like in the home country,” Bruno Jousselin, Managing Director of MM Mega Market said at the opening ceremony.
“We aim to enhance our imported product portfolio and create an opportunity to build a bridge to Vietnamese consumers so they can explore unique culinary cultures from around the world,” he added.
French cuisine is renowned worldwide, particularly in Vietnam. From rustic countryside dishes to refined haute cuisine, French gastronomy is a culinary treasure that continues to captivate the world with its flavours, artistry, and cultural significance.
“French food not only focuses on refined haute cuisine and fine dining but also has high-quality products that Vietnamese people can enjoy in their everyday lives,” French Ambassador Warnery said at the event.
Taste France 2023 will last through to July 19 at 12 nationwide centres of MM Mega Market./.