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Hanoi or Ho Chi Minh City—find out which one's right for you
Hanoi or Ho Chi Minh City—find out which one's right for you

National Geographic

time5 days ago

  • National Geographic

Hanoi or Ho Chi Minh City—find out which one's right for you

This article was produced by National Geographic Traveller (UK). Hanoi may be Vietnam's capital, but Ho Chi Minh City isn't your ordinary 'second city'. Its appeal for travellers is on a par with Hanoi's, but the two cities have a very different atmosphere. Since Ho Chi Minh City's name was changed from 'Saigon' following the country's reunification after the Vietnam War, it's evolved and grown exponentially. While Hanoi, in the north, is on the doorstep of popular attractions like the Sapa hill tribes and Ha Long Bay, southerly Ho Chi Minh City is a gateway to the mighty Mekong Delta. Which one suits you best? Hanoi Population: 8.6 million Key experience: Catching a mua roi nuoc (water puppetry) show Climate: Subtropical, with cool winters (17C in Jan) & hot summers (29C in Jul) The city vibe is… cultural, historical and traditional. Hanoi is Vietnam's capital, a sophisticated, thousand-year-old city whose heartbeat emanates from the Old Quarter. Here, 19th-century teak-beamed Chinese shophouses shelter cafes with French names and traditional music mingles with the sound of millions of motorbikes. Amid the bustle, a source of calm is Hoan Kiem Lake, a serene body of water on the edge of the Old Quarter. If you like… museums, Hanoi is home to many of Vietnam's finest. Highlights include the Vietnam Museum of Ethnology, which showcases the country's 54 ethnic groups, and the Vietnamese Women's Museum, which explores folk religion and features exhibits about wartime heroines. There are always long lines at the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum in Ba Dinh district, where the embalmed body of Vietnam's greatest national hero, communist leader Ho Chi Minh, is on display. One legendary spot for pho is the no-frills Pho Gia Truyen restaurant. If you want to explore… architecture, you'll find many elegant examples here. Perhaps the city's most iconic structure is Thap Rua, a weather-worn, moss-strewn tower on a tiny island in Hoan Kiem Lake. Also, don't miss the Temple of Literature, built in the 11th century to honour the Chinese philosopher Confucius. If you're hungry for… pho, Hanoi is the home of this national noodle broth dish. It's said to have originated here in the 19th-century French colonial period and is served everywhere from street stalls to high-end restaurants. One legendary spot is no-frills Pho Gia Truyen restaurant, near Hoan Kiem. Go now because… the city is easier to navigate on foot thanks to new hefty traffic fines, which are making the roads safer. The Hanoi Metro Line 3 opened in 2024, too, connecting the centre with the west of Hanoi. Ho Chi Minh City is a place of superlatives. Vietnam's largest urban hub, it's brasher, louder and more restless than Hanoi — and it's growing at breakneck speed. Ho Chi Minh City Population: 10 million Key experience: Discovering its street food and bars after dark Climate: Tropical, with highs of around 32C all year; the dry season is Dec-Apr The city vibe is… cosmopolitan, vibrant and cool. Ho Chi Minh City is a place of superlatives. Vietnam's largest urban hub, it's brasher, louder and more restless than Hanoi — and it's growing at breakneck speed. If you like… bars, Ho Chi Minh City is second only to Bangkok when it comes to Southeast Asian nightlife — and there are countless voguish bars and cocktail clubs. Head for the rooftop bar of the five-star Hôtel des Arts in District 3 for some of the best views of the city or book a cocktail tour with Secret Experiences to find hidden speakeasies. In Ho Chi Minh City, there are countless voguish bars and cocktail clubs. If you want to explore… art galleries, Galerie Quynh, in District 1, showcases cutting-edge sculpture and installations, while the Lotus Gallery in District 7 scours the country for the finest modern painters. Traditional Vietnamese lacquer and silk painting can be found at District 1's Museum of Fine Arts, housed in a 1930s French villa. If you're hungry for… street food, Ho Chi Minh City brings the country's best dishes together in one place, with some great markets and a number of stall-lined 'food streets' famed for particular specialities. Feast on crab and sea snails, washed down with local beer, on raucous Nguyen Thuong Hien Street in District 3, or head to Cô Giang Street in District 1 for delicious com tam (broken rice with grilled pork and spring onions). Highlight markets include Ben Thanh Market and Ben Nghe Market, both in District 1. Go now because… Ho Chi Minh City is at the heart of Vietnam's economic boom, but still retains the traditional spirit and bustle of its street food markets, Chinese temples and stately French squares. December 2024 also saw the opening of Ho Chi Minh's first Metro line, making it easier to get around. This story was created with the support of InsideAsia and Vietnam Airlines. Published in the July/August 2025 issue of National Geographic Traveller (UK). To subscribe to National Geographic Traveller (UK) magazine click here. (Available in select countries only).

Vietnamese Prime Minister pays floral tribute to President Ho Chi Minh in Brazil
Vietnamese Prime Minister pays floral tribute to President Ho Chi Minh in Brazil

The Star

time06-07-2025

  • Business
  • The Star

Vietnamese Prime Minister pays floral tribute to President Ho Chi Minh in Brazil

Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh lays flowers at the plaque in commemoration of President Ho Chi Minh in Rio de Janeiro city, Brazil, on July 5, 2025. - Photo: VNA RIO DE JANEIRO: Vietnamese Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh and his spouse laid flowers at the plaque in commemoration of President Ho Chi Minh on Saturday (July 5) in Brazil's Rio de Janeiro City, where the late leader once stayed during his journey seeking ways for national salvation. The event was part of PM Chinh's ongoing trip to the Latin American nation to attend the expanded BRICS Summit and engage in bilateral activities. The PM expressed deep appreciation for the affection the Brazilian people and nation have extended to President Ho Chi Minh and Vietnam. Chinh noted his belief that building on the strong ties between Vietnam and Brazil, the present and future generations of both countries would continue to carry forward the values and legacy left by President Ho Chi Minh and previous generations. He also hoped for shared determination to elevate the bilateral relations to new heights, for peace and development cooperation, aiming to bring prosperity and happiness to the people of each country and region, and the world at large, as envisioned by President Ho Chi Minh. Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh and his spouse lay flowers at the plaque commemorating President Ho Chi Minh in Brazil's Rio de Janeiro City on July 5, 2025. - Photo: VNA In November 2024, PM Chính attended the inauguration of the plaque as part of his trip to Brazil for the G20 Summit and bilateral activities. In 1912, during his journey in search of a path to national salvation, President Ho Chi Minh worked aboard a French ship and fell ill, prompting him to disembark at the port of Rio de Janeiro for medical treatment. While there, President Ho Chi Minh established close ties with the workers' movement of the Porto trade union, laying the foundation for friendship and cooperation between the two nations at the beginning of the 20th century. PM Chính, his spouse, and the delegation of Vietnam set foot at Galeao Airport in Rio de Janeiro City earlier on the day. Representing Vietnam at the BRICS Summit 2025 as a partner country – the 10th partner country of BRICS, PM Chinh is scheduled to attend and speak at the summit's high-level sessions on topics such as strengthening multilateralism, economic and financial issues, artificial intelligence, environment, climate change, global health. On this occasion, he will have bilateral meetings with leaders of the participating countries and organisations, thereby affirming Vietnam's role, wish, and responsible contributions to this multilateral mechanism while further deepening Vietnam's cooperation with BRICS members and international organisations. This is also the third time in three consecutive years that PM Chinh has come to Brazil. Aside from the expanded BRICS Summit, he will also engage in bilateral activities in Brazil, aiming to promote multifaceted cooperation, especially in economic affairs. - Vietnam News/ANN

Tetra Pak sees strong growth potential beyond dairy sector in Malaysia
Tetra Pak sees strong growth potential beyond dairy sector in Malaysia

Malay Mail

time04-07-2025

  • Business
  • Malay Mail

Tetra Pak sees strong growth potential beyond dairy sector in Malaysia

HO CHI MINH, July 4 — Tetra Pak, a Swedish-Swiss multinational food processing and packaging solutions company, sees strong growth potential in Malaysia and across Asia Pacific beyond the milk category, said its president and chief executive officer Adolfo Orive. He highlighted the growing consumer demand for a variety of beverages such as plant-based, fruit juices, coffee, iced tea, protein-enriched, oatmeal and energy products, signalling a broader shift in the local (Malaysia) and regional beverage markets. He said that globally, the demand for protein is on the rise, and Malaysia is no exception, protein is becoming increasingly important to consumers. The whole of Asia Pacific is a great source of those new beverage categories, he said. 'Our role is to support a wide range of products tailored to different age groups, lifestyles, and consumption. 'We commit to making food safe and available everywhere, and that is what we have been doing for more than 75 years,' he told Bernama. Additionally, Orive stressed the importance of sustainable packaging, solutions that have a positive impact on the environment — currently, about 70 per cent of Tetra Pak's packaging materials come from renewable sources, contributing to lower carbon dioxide emissions. 'We believe our packaging is already a strong and positive option in terms of sustainability, and we are committed to going further. 'Our goal is to keep investing in innovations that make our packaging even more sustainable for society as a whole,' he said. Tetra Pak has invested approximately EUR 500 million in research and development over the past five years, underscoring its commitment to innovation, sustainability, and meeting the evolving needs of the global food and beverage industry. On July 3, Tetra Pak announced the expansion of its facility in Binh Duong with the launch of Phase 2, following an additional investment of EUR97 million. This follows the inauguration of Phase 1 in 2019, as the company aims to better serve the growing demands of Vietnam and the broader Asia Pacific markets. Serving as a regional production hub, Tetra Pak Binh Duong supplies packaging solutions to Vietnam and several key Asia Pacific markets, including Thailand, Malaysia, Indonesia, Singapore, the Philippines, Australia, and New Zealand. The production capacity at Tetra Pak's Binh Duong facility has now reached 30 billion packs annually. Currently, Tetra Pak operates a local office in Malaysia, which primarily serves all consumers and customers in the country. Among the notable companies using Tetra Pak's packaging in Malaysia are Fraser & Neave Holdings Bhd, Farm Fresh Bhd, and Nestle. Asia Pacific remains one of the world's most dynamic food and beverage markets, valued at US$667 billion (US$1=RM4.21) in 2023 and projected to reach US$900 billion by 2028. Meanwhile, Tetra Pak Malaysia, Singapore, Philippines and Indonesia managing director Michael Wu said the company views Malaysia as a stable and reliable market. 'We see Malaysia as a secure baseline, and each year we target around two to three per cent value growth to stay ahead of inflation. 'At the same time, we see strong potential to drive more innovation here,' he said. Wu noted that many of the products launched by customers in Malaysia have been in the market for years, and there is a clear opportunity to introduce new offerings, especially for younger and more diverse consumer segments. 'Malaysia is uniquely multiracial, with Malays, Chinese, Indians (and other ethnic groups), as well as a growing number of foreign tourists or residents. 'That diversity presents a valuable opportunity to innovate,' he explained. Before its expansion, Tetra Pak's Binh Duong facility supplied only 60 per cent of the packaging materials used in Malaysia. However, following the upgrade, over 95 per cent of the packaging material for the Malaysian market is now produced at the Binh Duong site, he said. — Bernama

I visited one of the world's cheapest countries that feels like going back hundreds of years – you can find beers for £1
I visited one of the world's cheapest countries that feels like going back hundreds of years – you can find beers for £1

Scottish Sun

time27-06-2025

  • Scottish Sun

I visited one of the world's cheapest countries that feels like going back hundreds of years – you can find beers for £1

This was paradise. If this destination isn't already on your bucket list, it sure should be BACK IN TIME I visited one of the world's cheapest countries that feels like going back hundreds of years – you can find beers for £1 THE sun warmed my face as we soared through the emerald waters on a traditional junk boat, its large sails steering the way. Drifting closer to Unesco World Heritage Site Ha Long Bay, the landscape unfolded like something out of a dream. Advertisement 6 Arriving in Hoi An felt like a love letter, thanks to its lantern-lit streets, ancient architecture and riverside charm Credit: Shutterstock 6 For thrill-seekers like myself, an optional motorbike excursion is an absolute must - like this in Ho Chi Minh City Credit: Getty 6 Train Street in Hanoi offers a thrilling close-up as trains speed past tiny cafés just inches from your seat Credit: Shutterstock In front of me, nearly 2,000 limestone karsts and islets soared from the jade-green waters, their rugged silhouettes softened by tropical vegetation. This was paradise. If Vietnam isn't already on your bucket list, it sure should be. Ha Long Bay was just the beginning for me. A kayaking excursion was also on the horizon and an evening of cold beers in a local bar — along with the promise of adventure, shared with 12 other keen explorers and crammed into a jam-packed ten-day itinerary. Advertisement This is the unique and brilliant thing about a G Adventures holiday: after just a few days a set of total strangers, from all age ranges and with a love for travel, leave as pals. We were led by a local guide who went above and beyond in recommending the best sights and their expertise made navigating such a vibrant and complex country feel effortless. From the moment I touched down in Hanoi, Vietnam's capital, I knew my trip would be unforgettable. The city doesn't just welcome you — it wraps you in its embrace with the hum of motorbikes, the aroma of street food, and a culture so vibrant you can't help but fall in love. Advertisement One of the most powerful places to visit in this region is Hoa Lò Prison, also called the 'Hanoi Hilton.' Built by the French to hold Vietnamese revolutionaries, the building later became known for imprisoning American soldiers during the Vietnam War. Abandoned Ho Thuy Tien water park in Vietnam And don't miss the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum — a grand memorial and the resting place for Vietnam's beloved former leader, Ho Chi Minh, after whom the city is named, his body preserved inside a Soviet-style building. My favourite memories of Hanoi, however, were on Train Street. Advertisement This narrow alley is famed for its railway, which runs straight through the centre, so close to the tiny cafés flanking the street that you can feel the rush of air when the carriages whoosh past. Arriving in Hue was nothing short of magical. Strolling through the Imperial Citadel felt like stepping back in time to the days of emperors and dynasties. I sat on a small stool with a Hanoi Beer, waiting for the magic moment. Then, as the train roared towards me, the whole street sprung into action — people moved aside, cameras clicked, and for a few thrilling seconds, it was pure excitement. The next stop on my epic adventure was the coastal city of Hue, a place where history comes alive. Advertisement I'm not usually a fan of overnight trains and the idea of spending 13 hours onboard had me feeling a little anxious. Emperors and dynasties But, much to my surprise, the experience was a lot of fun. My cosy compartment, which I shared with tour group members, came with four flat beds and I slept like a baby after a few beers in the buffet car. Arriving in Hue was nothing short of magical. Advertisement Strolling through the Imperial Citadel felt like stepping back in time to the days of emperors and dynasties. Exploring the Royal Tombs and the tranquil Thien Mu Pagoda gave me a sense of the city's rich history. For thrill-seekers like myself, an optional motorbike excursion is an absolute must. I zoomed through the lush countryside, taking in stunning views of the Perfume River. Advertisement Along the way, I had the chance to try my hand at making incense sticks and learn first-hand how the locals sow their rice fields using traditional methods. The adventure ended on a high note with a refreshing Huda beer, crispy fried spring rolls, and a mouth-watering stir-fried rice noodle dish — all for less than £8. In fact, you'd be hard-pressed to find a place that charges more than £1 for a beer. The same goes for the city of Hoi An — except it's the food that captivated me most here. Advertisement After a scenic private coach ride through the breathtaking mountain pass of Hai Van, arriving in Hoi An felt like a love letter, thanks to its lantern-lit streets, ancient architecture and riverside charm. If you're craving a break from spring rolls, noodles, and rice, a visit to Madam Khanh's – The Bánh Mì Queen is a must. Bánh mì is a national sandwich, now known across the world, that blends French and Vietnamese flavours. The much-loved dish is made from a crispy baguette filled with savoury meats such as pork, chicken, or pâté, along with pickled vegetables, fresh herbs, cucumber, and a tangy sauce — an irresistible fusion of textures and tastes. Advertisement The stunning Saigon Central Post Office came after, with its intricate design making it a photographer's dream. Several hearty mouthfuls were enough to fuel us on a bike ride through lush rice paddies, relaxing on the golden sands of An Bang Beach, before witnessing the incredible skill of local tailors, who crafted two custom suits for me in just a few hours, all for only $250 USD. It was hard to tear ourselves away, but the electrifying energy of Ho Chi Minh City was calling — a sharp contrast to the peaceful calm of Hoi An. A tour in a Cyclo (a bit like a rickshaw, but with riders sitting at the front) is the perfect way to experience this vibrant city's pulse and rich history. We passed the Reunification Palace, where the Vietnam War came to a dramatic end in 1975. Advertisement Next, we saw the Landing Zone, the apartment building where US government workers were evacuated by helicopter during the Fall of Saigon. 6 The harrowing Cu Chi Tunnels, an underground network of supply routes once used by Viet Cong soldiers Credit: Supplied 6 James enjoys a boat trip to Ha Long Bay Credit: Supplied 6 Along the way, I had the chance to try my hand at making incense sticks and learn first-hand how the locals sow their rice fields using traditional methods Credit: Getty Advertisement The stunning Saigon Central Post Office came after, with its intricate design making it a photographer's dream. Then came my highlight: House 287/70 on Nguyen Dinh Chieu Street, home to a secret bunker that once hid nearly two tonnes of Viet Cong weapons during the 1968 Tet Offensive. Of course, none of this quite compared to the harrowing Cu Chi Tunnels, an underground network of supply routes once used by Viet Cong soldiers. The experience gave a sobering look at the resilience of the Vietnamese people during the war. Advertisement If you're claustrophobic, though, you might want to skip crawling along the restored tunnels. Why not kick back with a beer instead? It'll only cost you £1, after all.

I visited one of the world's cheapest countries that feels like going back hundreds of years – you can find beers for £1
I visited one of the world's cheapest countries that feels like going back hundreds of years – you can find beers for £1

The Irish Sun

time27-06-2025

  • The Irish Sun

I visited one of the world's cheapest countries that feels like going back hundreds of years – you can find beers for £1

THE sun warmed my face as we soared through the emerald waters on a traditional junk boat, its large sails steering the way. Drifting closer to Unesco World Heritage Site Ha Long Bay, the landscape unfolded like something out of a dream. Advertisement 6 Arriving in Hoi An felt like a love letter, thanks to its lantern-lit streets, ancient architecture and riverside charm Credit: Shutterstock 6 For thrill-seekers like myself, an optional motorbike excursion is an absolute must - like this in Ho Chi Minh City Credit: Getty 6 Train Street in Hanoi offers a thrilling close-up as trains speed past tiny cafés just inches from your seat Credit: Shutterstock In front of me, nearly 2,000 limestone karsts and islets soared from the jade-green waters, their rugged silhouettes softened by tropical vegetation. This was paradise. If Vietnam isn't already on your bucket list, it sure should be. Ha Long Bay was just the beginning for me. A kayaking excursion was also on the horizon and an evening of cold beers in a local bar — along with the promise of adventure, shared with 12 other keen explorers and crammed into a jam-packed ten-day itinerary. Advertisement READ MORE TRAVEL DESTINATIONS This is the unique and brilliant thing about a G Adventures holiday: after just a few days a set of total strangers, from all age ranges and with a love for travel, leave as pals. We were led by a local guide who went above and beyond in recommending the best sights and their expertise made navigating such a vibrant and complex country feel effortless. From the moment I touched down in Hanoi, Vietnam's capital, I knew my trip would be unforgettable. The city doesn't just welcome you — it wraps you in its embrace with the hum of motorbikes, the aroma of street food, and a culture so vibrant you can't help but fall in love. Advertisement Most read in News Travel One of the most powerful places to visit in this region is Hoa Lò Prison, also called the 'Hanoi Hilton.' Built by the French to hold Vietnamese revolutionaries, the building later became known for imprisoning American soldiers during the Vietnam War. Abandoned Ho Thuy Tien water park in Vietnam And don't miss the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum — a grand memorial and the resting place for Vietnam's beloved former leader, Ho Chi Minh, after whom the city is named, his body preserved inside a Soviet-style building. My favourite memories of Hanoi, however, were on Train Street. Advertisement This narrow alley is famed for its railway, which runs straight through the centre, so close to the tiny cafés flanking the street that you can feel the rush of air when the carriages whoosh past. Arriving in Hue was nothing short of magical. Strolling through the Imperial Citadel felt like stepping back in time to the days of emperors and dynasties. I sat on a small stool with a Hanoi Beer, waiting for the magic moment. Then, as the train roared towards me, the whole street sprung into action — people moved aside, cameras clicked, and for a few thrilling seconds, it was pure excitement. The next stop on my epic adventure was the coastal city of Hue, a place where history comes alive. Advertisement I'm not usually a fan of overnight trains and the idea of spending 13 hours onboard had me feeling a little anxious. Emperors and dynasties But, much to my surprise, the experience was a lot of fun. My cosy compartment, which I shared with tour group members, came with four flat beds and I slept like a baby after a few beers in the buffet car. Arriving in Hue was nothing short of magical. Advertisement Strolling through the Imperial Citadel felt like stepping back in time to the days of emperors and dynasties. Exploring the Royal Tombs and the tranquil Thien Mu Pagoda gave me a sense of the city's rich history. For thrill-seekers like myself, an optional motorbike excursion is an absolute must. I zoomed through the lush countryside, taking in stunning views of the Perfume River. Advertisement Along the way, I had the chance to try my hand at making incense sticks and learn first-hand how the locals sow their rice fields using traditional methods. The adventure ended on a high note with a refreshing Huda beer, crispy fried spring rolls, and a mouth-watering stir-fried rice noodle dish — all for less than £8. In fact, you'd be hard-pressed to find a place that charges more than £1 for a beer. The same goes for the city of Hoi An — except it's the food that captivated me most here. Advertisement After a scenic private coach ride through the breathtaking mountain pass of Hai Van, arriving in Hoi An felt like a love letter, thanks to its lantern-lit streets, ancient architecture and riverside charm. If you're craving a break from spring rolls, noodles, and rice, a visit to Madam Khanh's – The Bánh Mì Queen is a must. Bánh mì is a national sandwich, now known across the world, that blends French and Vietnamese flavours. The much-loved dish is made from a crispy baguette filled with savoury meats such as pork, chicken, or pâté, along with pickled vegetables, fresh herbs, cucumber, and a tangy sauce — an irresistible fusion of textures and tastes. Advertisement The stunning Saigon Central Post Office came after, with its intricate design making it a photographer's dream. Several hearty mouthfuls were enough to fuel us on a bike ride through lush rice paddies, relaxing on the golden sands of An Bang Beach, before witnessing the incredible skill of local tailors, who crafted two custom suits for me in just a few hours, all for only $250 USD. It was hard to tear ourselves away, but the electrifying energy of Ho Chi Minh City was calling — a sharp contrast to the peaceful calm of Hoi An. A tour in a Cyclo (a bit like a rickshaw, but with riders sitting at the front) is the perfect way to experience this vibrant city's pulse and rich history. We passed the Reunification Palace, where the Vietnam War came to a dramatic end in 1975. Advertisement Next, we saw the Landing Zone, the apartment building where US government workers were evacuated by helicopter during the Fall of Saigon. 6 The harrowing Cu Chi Tunnels, an underground network of supply routes once used by Viet Cong soldiers Credit: Supplied 6 James enjoys a boat trip to Ha Long Bay Credit: Supplied 6 Along the way, I had the chance to try my hand at making incense sticks and learn first-hand how the locals sow their rice fields using traditional methods Credit: Getty Advertisement The stunning Saigon Central Post Office came after, with its intricate design making it a photographer's dream. Then came my highlight: House 287/70 on Nguyen Dinh Chieu Street, home to a secret bunker that once hid nearly two tonnes of Viet Cong weapons during the 1968 Tet Offensive. Of course, none of this quite compared to the harrowing Cu Chi Tunnels, an underground network of supply routes once used by Viet Cong soldiers. The experience gave a sobering look at the resilience of the Vietnamese people during the war. Advertisement If you're claustrophobic, though, you might want to skip crawling along the restored tunnels. Why not kick back with a beer instead? It'll only cost you £1, after all. GO: VIETNAM GETTING THERE: Vietnam Airlines flies from Heathrow to Hanoi, daily, and to Ho Chi Minh City three times a week, with fares from £376 each way (£755 return). See TOUR WITH: G Adventures Classic Vietnam ten- day tour from Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh City, via Ha Long Bay, Hue and Hoi An costs from £705pp when booking directly at or via

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