THE HANOI TIMES — As Hanoi dons a vibrant red hue, the city buzzes with anticipation for Vietnam’s pivotal political event. Flags adorn major thoroughfares, winter blooms enliven public spaces, and familiar streets exude a ceremonial ambiance—both festive and purposeful.
The capital is gearing up for the 14th National Congress of the Communist Party of Vietnam, slated from January 19 to 25, 2026. This landmark event will chart the nation’s trajectory for years to come, marking a significant milestone in its journey toward progress.
The congress is intricately tied to Vietnam’s long-term vision: to emerge as a developed, high-income nation by 2045, rooted in principles of peace, independence, democracy, prosperity, and social equity.
In this moment, Hanoi stands as a living canvas, reflecting a nation’s introspection and its aspirations for the future.
In the lead-up to the National Congress, Hanoi’s central districts pulsate with heightened visual energy. Photos: Duy Khanh/ The Hanoi Times
Party and national flags fly in unison along main roads, their symmetry symbolizing continuity and shared resolve.
Meticulously arranged banners line sidewalks and roundabouts, boldly proclaiming the congress’s significance in clear, concise terms.
Around Hoan Kiem Lake, a cherished civic space, the red of the national flag vividly contrasts with the soft hues of early spring blossoms.
The result is striking: a visual interplay between nature’s renewal and the nation’s forward-looking narrative.
At the Hanoi People’s Committee headquarters, a grand banner formally welcomes the congress, grounding the city’s decorations in institutional solemnity.
Posters and slogans seamlessly integrate into building facades, intersections, and public structures, enhancing rather than overshadowing the urban landscape.
An LED screen outside Trang Tien Plaza in downtown Hanoi displays the hammer-and-sickle emblem, extending the congress’s presence into leisure and commercial spaces.
Across the city, the impending congress fuels collective hopes for a new chapter in Vietnam’s long-term development journey.
Strolling Through Time: Hanoi’s Living Legacy
THE HANOI TIMES — Hanoi is transforming memories into motion with a groundbreaking experiential walking tour around Truc Bach Lake. This immersive journey invites visitors to delve into the heart of the capital’s traditions, cuisine, crafts, and daily life, turning heritage from a static display into a vibrant, sensory adventure. Launched on December 27 by […]
Golden Mustard Blossoms Near Long Bien Bridge Signal Hanoi’s Serene Spring Awakening
THE HANOI TIMES — Beneath the historic Long Bien Bridge, vast fields of golden mustard flowers burst into life, painting the Red River’s winter banks with a vibrant seasonal spectacle. These luminous yellow blooms signal a familiar transition: Hanoi is gently stepping into spring’s embrace. Along the riverbank, a timeless scene unfolds: women in elegant […]
Hanoi’s Old Quarter: A Global Magnet for Street Food Tourism
THE HANOI TIMES — Hanoi is rapidly becoming a global culinary destination, celebrated not only for its rich history and stunning architecture but also for its vibrant food scene. According to Booking.com’s latest “Taste of Home” report, the Vietnamese capital is emerging as a key player in Asia’s culinary tourism. Travelers are increasingly prioritizing food […]
Celebrating Vietnam’s Educational Heritage: An Art Exhibition at the Temple of Literature
THE HANOI TIMES — The art exhibition, “A Thousand Years of Learning,” opened on December 30 at the Van Mieu – Quoc Tu Giam (Temple of Literature), honoring Vietnam’s enduring legacy of scholarship, respect for educators, and the timeless educational values that have shaped the nation’s cultural identity. Curated by the “Ancient Traces of Culture” […]
Tet’s Radiant Reds Transform Hanoi’s Hang Ma Street
THE HANOI TIMES — Hang Ma Street is already aglow with the vibrant reds of Tet, as vendors showcase 2026 Lunar New Year decorations nearly two months in advance. The street, bathed in a sea of crimson and gold, exudes a festive spirit, transforming this central Hanoi thoroughfare into a seasonal spectacle. Nestled in Hoan […]
