Latest news with #TempleofLiterature
News18
07-08-2025
- News18
5 Cool Places Indians Can Visit Visa-Free This September
Last Updated: From vibrant cities to serene beaches, these 5 international getaways offer visa-free, low-cost, and unforgettable travel experiences. September is the perfect time to pack your bags and go on a trip that's big on experience but easy on your wallet. For travellers looking to avoid tourist rush, explore new cultures, and do it all without burning your pocket, this season offers the sweet spot between off-season rates and good weather. And we're not just talking about quick weekend escapes near your city. Think international. Yes, there are countries just a short flight away from Delhi that are easy on the budget. Many of them even offer visa-free or visa-on-arrival access for Indian passport holders. Here's your guide to planning an affordable international trip this September. Malaysia September is a great time to visit Malaysia, just before the northeast monsoon season begins. This means you get pleasant weather and fewer tourists, especially on the west coast. Begin your journey in Kuala Lumpur, the buzzing capital. Marvel at the Petronas Towers, stroll through the Islamic Arts Museum, or hop on a train to explore the iconic Batu Caves. Don't miss the mouth-watering street food at Jalan Alor, where flavours of Malaysia come alive without costing much. Round-trip flight cost from Delhi (approx.): Rs 15,000 – Rs 20,000 Visa: eVisa available for Indian citizens. Fee around Rs 1,500 Daily budget: Rs 2,000 – Rs 3,000 Sri Lanka Sri Lanka is known for its Island beauty, cultural treasures, and soulful beaches. September offers quieter beaches and better hotel rates as it sits between peak tourist seasons. Visit Colombo for a mix of modern and colonial charm, explore the hills of Kandy, or head to Galle for a coastal retreat. Beaches in Unawatuna or Mirissa are perfect for those seeking some downtime with a coconut in hand. Flight cost from Delhi (round-trip): Rs 15,000- Rs 17,000 Visa: Visa-free entry for Indians Daily budget: Rs 2,000 – Rs 3,500 Nepal Want to escape to the mountains without leaving the subcontinent? Nepal is a visa-free destination for Indians and it offers some of the most budget-friendly travel experiences. September is the post-monsoon season, meaning clearer skies and green landscapes, ideal for trekking or just relaxing in the valley. Visit Kathmandu's cultural landmarks, relax by the lake in Pokhara, or take a short trek in the Annapurna region. It's a dream destination for nature lovers and spiritual travellers alike. Flight cost from Delhi (round-trip): Rs 8,000 – Rs 10,000 Daily budget: Rs 1,500 – Rs 3,000 Vietnam Affordable adventures and scenic landscapes with rich culture are waiting for you. September marks the tail-end of summer in northern Vietnam and the beginning of cooler, drier days in the south. Explore the Temple of Literature in Hanoi, walk around Hoan Kiem Lake and visit the War Remnants Museum, the Independence Palace, or climb up to the Saigon Skydeck in Ho Chi Minh City. Vietnam is extremely budget-friendly with delicious meals, scenic train rides, and great hostels all costing very little. Flight cost from Delhi (round-trip): Rs 14,000 – Rs 18,000 Visa: eVisa available for Indians Daily budget: Rs 2,500 – Rs 4,500 Thailand Thailand remains a favourite for Indian travellers and good reason. It's close, affordable, and offers something for everyone, whether you're into bustling markets, scenic islands, or ancient temples. Explore Bangkok's vibrant streets and floating markets, chill on the beaches of Phuket or Krabi, or head north to Chiang Mai for a more laid-back vibe. September is still part of the rainy season, but showers are usually brief and great deals make it all worthwhile. Flight cost from Delhi (round-trip): Rs 14,000 – Rs 20,000 view comments First Published: Disclaimer: Comments reflect users' views, not News18's. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.
Borneo Post
09-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Borneo Post
Digital storytelling adds new appeal to night tours at Vietnam's Temple of Literature
Tourists take a night tour at Temple of Literature in Hanoi, Vietnam, June 4, 2025. In the Vietnamese capital of Hanoi, the Temple of Literature, known locally as Van Mieu, has begun using digital projection technologies to present its cultural heritage in a new light, drawing growing interest from both local and international visitors. Built in 1070 during Vietnam's Ly Dynasty, the site is one of the country's oldest and most revered historical landmarks, originally established to honor Confucius and later serving as Vietnam's first national university, Quoc Tu Giam. (Photo by Dang Hong Dung/Xinhua) HANOI (June 10): In the Vietnamese capital of Hanoi, the Temple of Literature, known locally as Van Mieu, has begun using digital projection technologies to present its cultural heritage in a new light, drawing growing interest from both local and international visitors. Built in 1070 during Vietnam's Ly Dynasty, the site is one of the country's oldest and most revered historical landmarks, originally established to honor Confucius and later serving as Vietnam's first national university, Quoc Tu Giam. The temple, long seen as a symbol of Vietnam's traditional respect for education and scholarship, now features a nighttime experience that uses 3D mapping projections to transform its historic walls into a dynamic visual stage. Under a program titled 'The Quintessence of Education,' animated imagery is projected onto the Tien Duong building in the Thai Hoc courtyard, combining light, sound and motion to illustrate traditional symbols, classical examinations, and cultural values rooted in education. By blending historical content with digital storytelling, the performance aims to make the site's cultural legacy more accessible to younger generations and international visitors unfamiliar with Vietnamese history. A woman tries an AR/VR application at Temple of Literature in Hanoi, Vietnam, June 4, 2025. In the Vietnamese capital of Hanoi, the Temple of Literature, known locally as Van Mieu, has begun using digital projection technologies to present its cultural heritage in a new light, drawing growing interest from both local and international visitors. Built in 1070 during Vietnam's Ly Dynasty, the site is one of the country's oldest and most revered historical landmarks, originally established to honor Confucius and later serving as Vietnam's first national university, Quoc Tu Giam. (Photo by Dang Hong Dung/Xinhua) Thu Thuy, a Vietnamese visitor, said she came to the Temple of Literature for the first time after learning about the night tour on social media and was particularly drawn by the use of 3D projection technology. She said the visuals helped her notice architectural details and historical symbols that she might otherwise have missed, adding that the format made the experience easier to understand. 'It's a good way for people who don't know much about history to connect with it more deeply,' she said, noting that she would recommend it to others. Jim Glovier, a visitor from the United States, said the nighttime experience gave him a different impression compared to his daytime visit to the site in 2018, as the projected visuals helped clarify the narrative and highlight cultural messages. He described the performance as easy to follow, even for someone unfamiliar with the historical background, and said the storytelling helped him better appreciate the site's educational significance. According to Duc Phuc, a staff member at the temple's communications office, the 3D mapping projection has been part of the evening tour since 2022 and has played an important role in attracting more visitors to both the temple and Hanoi in general. This photo taken on June 4, 2025 shows a 3D mapping projection on the facet of a building at Temple of Literature in Hanoi, Vietnam. In the Vietnamese capital of Hanoi, the Temple of Literature, known locally as Van Mieu, has begun using digital projection technologies to present its cultural heritage in a new light, drawing growing interest from both local and international visitors. Built in 1070 during Vietnam's Ly Dynasty, the site is one of the country's oldest and most revered historical landmarks, originally established to honor Confucius and later serving as Vietnam's first national university, Quoc Tu Giam. (Photo by Dang Hong Dung/Xinhua) He said the use of technology adds a strong visual element that leaves a lasting impression and supports the communication of educational values in a more engaging and modern format. Phuc added that 3D mapping is just one of several tools the temple has adopted, alongside AR/VR applications, holographic displays, AI-driven interactive systems and video walls aimed at enhancing the visitor experience. 'In today's context, if technology helps preserve and promote culture, we should embrace it as part of our development,' he said. According to the Hanoi Department of Tourism, the city recorded around 12.77 million tourist arrivals in the first five months of 2025, with nearly 70,000 people visiting the Temple of Literature during the Lunar New Year holidays. China cultural heritage Hanoi storytelling
The Star
09-06-2025
- Entertainment
- The Star
Digital storytelling adds new appeal to night tours at Vietnam's Temple of Literature
Tourists taking a night tour at Temple of Literature in Hanoi, Vietnam, June 4, 2025. - Xinhua HANOI: In the Vietnamese capital of Hanoi, the Temple of Literature, known locally as Van Mieu, has begun using digital projection technologies to present its cultural heritage in a new light, drawing growing interest from both local and international visitors. Built in 1070 during Vietnam's Ly Dynasty, the site is one of the country's oldest and most revered historical landmarks, originally established to honour Confucius and later serving as Vietnam's first national university, Quoc Tu Giam. The temple, long seen as a symbol of Vietnam's traditional respect for education and scholarship, now features a nighttime experience that uses 3D mapping projections to transform its historic walls into a dynamic visual stage. This photo taken on June 4, 2025 shows a 3D mapping projection on the facet of a building at Temple of Literature in Hanoi, Vietnam. - Xinhua Under a programme titled "The Quintessence of Education," animated imagery is projected onto the Tien Duong building in the Thai Hoc courtyard, combining light, sound and motion to illustrate traditional symbols, classical examinations, and cultural values rooted in education. By blending historical content with digital storytelling, the performance aims to make the site's cultural legacy more accessible to younger generations and international visitors unfamiliar with Vietnamese history. Thu Thuy, a Vietnamese visitor, said she came to the Temple of Literature for the first time after learning about the night tour on social media and was particularly drawn by the use of 3D projection technology. She said the visuals helped her notice architectural details and historical symbols that she might otherwise have missed, adding that the format made the experience easier to understand. A woman tries an AR/VR application at Temple of Literature in Hanoi, Vietnam, June 4, 2025. - Xinhua "It's a good way for people who don't know much about history to connect with it more deeply," she said, noting that she would recommend it to others. Jim Glovier, a visitor from the United States, said the nighttime experience gave him a different impression compared to his daytime visit to the site in 2018, as the projected visuals helped clarify the narrative and highlight cultural messages. He described the performance as easy to follow, even for someone unfamiliar with the historical background, and said the storytelling helped him better appreciate the site's educational significance. According to Duc Phuc, a staff member at the temple's communications office, the 3D mapping projection has been part of the evening tour since 2022 and has played an important role in attracting more visitors to both the temple and Hanoi in general. He said the use of technology adds a strong visual element that leaves a lasting impression and supports the communication of educational values in a more engaging and modern format. Phuc added that 3D mapping is just one of several tools the temple has adopted, alongside AR/VR applications, holographic displays, AI-driven interactive systems and video walls aimed at enhancing the visitor experience. "In today's context, if technology helps preserve and promote culture, we should embrace it as part of our development," he said. According to the Hanoi Department of Tourism, the city recorded around 12.77 million tourist arrivals in the first five months of 2025, with nearly 70,000 people visiting the Temple of Literature during the Lunar New Year holidays. - Xinhua
Los Angeles Times
27-05-2025
- Los Angeles Times
The Top 12 Best Asian Destinations – Your Must-Visit Spots for 2025
Looking for the best destinations in Asia for your summer and fall 2025 travels? This guide lists the top 12 hotspots you should see on your first trip. Each destination offers something unique: Whether it's a bustling city, a historical site or a natural wonder. Discover why these places should be on your travel list. Bangkok, the capital city of Thailand, is a mesmerizing blend of traditional richness and modern energy. In its bustling streets and ancient temples stand juxtaposed with towering skyscrapers. The Grand Palace, built in 1782, is a ceremonial residence for Thai royalty featuring stunning architecture and includes the picturesque Temple of the Emerald Buddha. Bangkok's vibrancy shines through its food scene and night markets, offering delicious pad thai and exotic fruits. The city's contrasts make it a captivating destination, blending ancient and modern experiences for every traveler. Chiang Mai, in northern Thailand, offers a tranquil escape with its serene culture, natural beauty and Buddhist temples. Wat Chedi Luang Varavihara is an ancient site known for its serene atmosphere and intricate architectural details. Wat Phra Singh, featuring intricate carvings and a peaceful garden, is another notable temple. Surrounded by lush mountains, Chiang Mai is ideal for hiking and outdoor adventures. Doi Inthanon, Thailand's highest peak, offers scenic trails and waterfalls. The city offers cooking classes where tourists can learn to prepare traditional Thai dishes with locally grown ingredients. Chiang Mai's tranquility and natural sites make it a top destination in Southeast Asia for 2025. Hanoi, the capital of Vietnam, is steeped in ancient history and cultural heritage. The Old Quarter, also known as '36 Streets,' has been a trading hub for centuries, where street names reflect the specific crafts that were historically sold. This vibrant city is home to over 6,000 historical relics, showcasing its rich legacy and giving an overview of Vietnamese culture during a first-time visit. Explore the Temple of Literature, founded in 1070, Vietnam's first university dedicated to Confucius. Voi Phuc Temple, honoring Prince Hoang Chan, features intricate carvings and annual festivals. Hanoi's rich history and cultural sites make it a must for 2025, as many travelers have visited the city. Kuala Lumpur, the capital of Malaysia, is a vibrant city recognized for its diverse cultures, languages, and religions, showcasing a blend of Malay, Chinese, and Indian heritages. The Petronas Twin Towers, currently the tallest twin towers in the world, are a must-see landmark, offering breathtaking views of its surroundings. The Central Market offers a glimpse into local culture with its crafts, textiles, mouthwatering treats and bustling market stalls. Kuala Lumpur's mix of vibrant cultures and modern attractions makes it captivating destination in 2025. Kyoto, Japan's historic capital, is a city rich in cultural heritage and ancient temples. Home to numerous UNESCO sites, Kyoto was the imperial capital of Japan from 794 to 1868. The city hosts the famous Gion Matsuri festival, one of Japan's most celebrated traditional festivals. Kinkaku-ji, the Golden Pavilion, is renowned for its stunning architecture and beautiful gardens. Fushimi Inari Shrine, with its thousands of vermilion torii gates, creates picturesque walking paths. Kyoto's cherry blossom season, peaking in early April, is a must – there's no reason to not start your planning now for 2026! Hong Kong is a vibrant city where Eastern and Western cultures blend seamlessly. With over 300 skyscrapers, Hong Kong boasts one of the highest densities of tall buildings worldwide. The best views of Hong Kong's towering skyscrapers are from The Peak. Temple Street Night Market is known for its lively atmosphere and unique souvenirs. The Symphony of Lights laser show illuminates the city's skyline at night, offering a spectacular experience. Hong Kong's cultural blend and modern attractions make it an ideal starting point to visit in Asia in 2025. Jaipur, known as the Pink City of India, is a royal city established in 1727 by Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh II. The city earned its nickname when most buildings were painted pink for Queen Victoria's visit in 1876. Jaipur boasts architectural marvels like Hawa Mahal, built in 1799, with 953 intricately designed jharokhas. Amer Fort, near Jaipur, showcases Hindu and Muslim architectural styles and was built in 1592. Jantar Mantar, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, includes the largest sundial in the world. Jaipur's historical and architectural significance makes it a must-visit for 2025. Osaka, known as 'Japan's Kitchen,' is renowned for its rich culinary scene. Dotonbori is famous for its foodie culture, with numerous dining stalls and vendors. Takoyaki and okonomiyaki are must-try dishes that exemplify Osaka's culinary offerings. Kuromon Ichiba fish market offers some of the finest sashimi in Japan. Osaka's culinary landscape and historical significance as a major trading hub during the Edo period make it a top destination in Asia for food lovers in 2025. For nature lovers, Palawan Island in the Philippines is a dream come true. Known for its diverse ecosystems, Palawan boasts lush rainforests and vibrant coral reefs that are home to incredible wildlife, including the endangered Philippine crocodile. This beach destination offers pristine beaches and stunning landscapes that make it one of the most popular destinations in Asia. Kayaking through El Nido's lagoons and limestone cliffs is a favorite activity. Coron, famous for its shipwreck diving sites, attracts divers from around the world. The Puerto Princesa Underground River is a natural wonder that should not be missed. Palawan offers a myriad of activities for adventure seekers and nature enthusiasts, from snorkeling to climbing. The island's natural beauty and wildlife make it great for a 2025 visit. Seoul, the capital city of South Korea, is a dynamic metropolis where history meets modernity. Gyeongbokgung Palace, with its historical significance, features a ceremonial guard-changing event that transports visitors back in time. N Seoul Tower, located near Namsan Park, offers stunning 360-degree views and is popular for couples to hang padlocks on the fence, known as 'love locks.' Myeongdong Shopping Street is famous for its array of beauty products, making it a must-visit. Seoul's modern attractions make it a captivating destination, blending the old and new. Siem Reap, in Cambodia, is best known as the gateway to Angkor Wat, a UNESCO World Heritage site and one of the largest religious monuments in the world. Its proximity to Angkor Wat makes it a primary destination for tourists exploring ancient Khmer architecture. If you plan to visit, walking through the ancient ruins and learning about the rich history and culture of the Khmer Empire is a truly awe-inspiring experience. The Angkor complex also includes significant historic sites like Angkor Thom and Ta Prohm, offering unique insights into Cambodia's history. Siem Reap, with its historical significance, is a must-see for history enthusiasts and cultural explorers. Tokyo, Japan's capital, is a vibrant city blending ancient traditions with cutting-edge technology, perfect for a first trip to Asia. Stroll through Shibuya's bustling streets, where skyscrapers and lively shops highlight the city's dynamic culture. The city's culinary landscape is diverse, from street food like sushi to high-end dining experiences on your first trip. See Senso-ji Temple in Asakusa. This beautiful Buddhist temple showcases intricate architecture and vibrant market areas, giving visitors a glimpse into Tokyo's rich history. teamLab Planets TOKYO provides modern art experiences, immersing visitors in large-scale artworks. Enjoy panoramic views from the Tokyo Skytree, symbolizing the city's contemporary landscape and highlighting some of the best places to visit. Beyond landmarks, Tokyo is a melting pot of vibrant cultures. Akihabara, with its unique electronics shops and anime culture, showcases Tokyo's blend of old and new. Exploring historical sites like Meiji Jingu Shrine or enjoying modern attractions, Tokyo offers a unique travel experience.
Kuwait Times
27-05-2025
- Politics
- Kuwait Times
'It's in our blood': How Vietnam adopted the Latin alphabet
At a calligraphy class in Hanoi, Hoang Thi Thanh Huyen slides her brush across the page to form the letters and tonal marks of Vietnam's unique modern script, in part a legacy of French colonial rule. The history of Romanized Vietnamese, or "Quoc Ngu", links the arrival of the first Christian missionaries, colonization by the French and the rise to power of the Communist Party. It is now reflected in the country's "bamboo diplomacy" approach of seeking strength through flexibility, or looking to stay on good terms with the world's major powers. A month after China's Xi Jinping visited, French President Emmanuel Macron will arrive on Sunday. Huyen, 35, takes weekly calligraphy classes alongside six others at her teacher's tiny home as "a way to relax after work". "When I do calligraphy, I feel like I'm talking to my inner self," she told AFP, her head bent in concentration. Missionaries, civil servants On Monday, Macron is due to visit Hanoi's star attraction, the Temple of Literature, whose walls and explanatory panels are decorated with calligraphy in both traditional Chinese-influenced characters and Quoc Ngu. Colonisation led to the widespread use of Quoc Ngu -- which uses accents and signs to reflect the consonants, vowels, and tones of Vietnamese -- but it was created two centuries earlier on the initiative of Catholic priests. Hoang Thi Thanh Huyen learning calligraphy at the home of calligrapher Nguyen Thanh Tung in Hanoi. A woman walking past a calligraphy shop in Hanoi. Students learning calligraphy at the home of calligrapher Nguyen Thanh Tung in Hanoi. Calligrapher Nguyen Thanh Tung teaching calligraphy to students at his home in Hanoi. Hoang Thi Thanh Huyen learning calligraphy at the home of calligrapher Nguyen Thanh Tung in Hanoi. When the Avignon-born Jesuit Alexandre de Rhodes published the first Portuguese-Vietnamese-Latin dictionary under his own name in 1651, it was primarily intended for missionaries wishing to spread their religion in what was then called "Dai Viet". The French then spread the Latin alphabet while training the civil servants who helped them govern Indochina, explained Khanh-Minh Bui, a doctoral student at the University of California, Berkeley, specializing in 19th- and 20th-century Vietnamese history. Another motive was "severing connections with an older civilization, which has greatly influenced the elites", in this case China, she said. Artistic freedom Compared to the characters that had been in use for centuries, Quoc Ngu was far easier to learn. Its adoption fueled an explosion in newspapers and publishing which helped spread anti-colonial ideas that ultimately led to the rise of the Communist Party. "Quoc Ngu carried the promise of a new education, a new way of thinking," said Minh. When Ho Chi Minh proclaimed independence in 1945, it was "unthinkable" to turn back the clock, she added. Today, a Western tourist lost in the alleys of Hanoi can read the street names, but would have a hard time pronouncing them correctly without understanding the diacritics used to transcribe the six tones of Vietnamese. Calligraphy teacher Nguyen Thanh Tung, who has several young students in his class, says he has noticed rising interest in traditional Vietnamese culture. "I believe that it's in our blood, a gene that flows in every Vietnamese person, to love their traditional culture," he said. Calligraphy in Quoc Ngu offers more artistic freedom "in terms of colour, shape, idea" than that using characters, he believes. "Culture is not the property of one country, it's an exchange between regions," added Tung, 38. "English and French borrow words from other languages, and it's the same for Vietnamese." - AFP
