On the evening of September 26, the Vietnam Tourism Association, in collaboration with Golden Palm JSC. Co and Van Show, presented a captivating folk art performance, *Hon Viet* (Vietnamese Soul), at the Sol 8 Live Stage in Hanoi’s Ba Dinh district. This event not only celebrated World Tourism Day, which falls on September 27, but also aimed to meet the cultural needs of international visitors to the city.
**World Tourism Year 2024: Emphasizing “Tourism and Peace”**
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| The Vietnamese Soul art performance captivated both local and international audiences with its beautiful display of traditional culture. Photo: Jenna Duong |
Cao Thi Ngoc Lan, Vice President of the Vietnam Tourism Association, shared that the art program’s theme, “Tourism and Peace,” promotes peace and understanding between nations and cultures. This aligns with the United Nations World Tourism Organization’s (UNWTO) mission of supporting reconciliation efforts worldwide. Lan emphasized the significance of this topic, especially amidst the current global conflicts.
Hanoi and Vietnam, as friendly and safe tourist destinations, were proud to host this event, sharing their rich cultural heritage with both domestic and international visitors through the *Hon Viet* show. Lan affirmed that tourism’s greatest strength lies beyond economic benefits—it is in its power to bring people together and contribute to peace.
**Vietnam’s Tourism Sector: A Crucial Economic Driver**
Vietnam’s tourism industry has met all the conditions to establish itself as a crucial economic sector in the country. According to the General Statistics Office, from January to August 2024, Vietnam welcomed nearly 11.4 million foreign tourists, a remarkable 46% increase year-on-year. Domestic tourism also flourished, with 89.5 million visitors, and total tourism revenue reached an estimated VND586 trillion (US$23.56 billion). These figures reflect a vibrant and growing industry.
**”Vietnamese Soul”: A Showcase of Vietnam’s Rich Cultural Heritage**
The “Vietnamese Soul” folk art program, held at the inviting Sol 8 Live Stage, treated audiences to a diverse range of unique traditional performances. From the traditional music ensemble “A Circle of Vietnam” to the modern twist of a monochord solo of “Hotel California” by People’s Artist Hoang Anh Tu, the show celebrated the very best of Vietnamese folk art. Other highlights included Cheo singing, Ca Tru, and Xam folk singing, all of which left a lasting impression on those in attendance.
John Smith, a tourist from England, shared his enthusiasm for the show with *The Hanoi Times*, expressing how he felt overwhelmed by the extraordinary performance presented on such a grand and modern stage. He praised the rich melodies, enhanced by modern lighting, excellent sound, and beautiful stage decoration, creating an unforgettable cultural experience.
Nguyen Trung Hoang Nam, production director of the Vietnamese Soul Art Program, emphasized the responsibility of promoting and introducing Vietnamese culture to both locals and international visitors. He shared that their aim was to share the love for Vietnam’s unique folk music while enriching Hanoi’s tourism offerings. However, creating a performance that truly resonates with audiences is challenging, and the organizers consulted extensively with experts in stage performance to craft a show that all audiences could enjoy, regardless of their language.
The organizers successfully brought Vietnamese folk music closer to the audience by performing internationally renowned pieces with traditional instruments like the *Dan Bau, Dan Nhi*, and flute. Vice President Lan echoed the sentiment, noting the lack of traditional cultural performances in Hanoi and the potential for development in this area. She acknowledged the long-standing interest in traditional music performance programs within the Hanoi tourism community and the need for continued efforts to create high-quality folk art performances.
**A Warm Invitation to Explore Vietnam’s Rich Cultural Arts**
“Vietnamese Soul” is the first of its kind, a cultural tourism product designed to meet tourists’ interest in Vietnamese culture. This small yet impactful event serves as a warm invitation for international audiences to delve into the diverse world of traditional cultural arts imbued with Vietnamese identity. It is hoped that this show will inspire more Vietnamese folk art performances, enriching Hanoi’s tourism offerings and spreading Vietnamese culture far and wide.
Captivating Hanoi: Autumn Escapes for the Discerning Traveler
The enchanting city of Hanoi comes alive in autumn, offering a unique and serene charm that is truly captivating. This vibrant season brings forth a plethora of tourism opportunities, showcasing the city’s cultural richness and natural beauty. With its tranquil atmosphere and stunning visuals, Hanoi presents a delightful array of experiences that are sure to enchant visitors from all walks of life. From picturesque landscapes to vibrant cultural festivals, the city’s autumnal allure is a spectacle to behold, creating an unforgettable travel destination that leaves a lasting impression.
The Green Leap: Denmark and Vietnam’s Bound Towards an Eco-Conscious Tomorrow
“A captivating painting contest launch ceremony, themed ‘Denmark in Your Eyes: Green Initiatives’, was held in Hanoi on the 25th of September. This artistic endeavor is a collaborative effort between the Vietnam-Denmark Friendship Association and the Danish Embassy in Vietnam, aiming to foster cultural exchange and inspire creative expressions of Denmark’s environmental leadership through the eyes of Vietnamese artists.”
The Symphony of Art: French Masters Harmonize Color and Music in Ho Chi Minh City
Supported by the Institute of Cultural Exchange with France (IDECAF), the French Institute in Vietnam is proud to present an extraordinary exhibition, ‘Color Box.’ This unique event showcases the captivating collaboration between visual artist Mathilde Hess and pianist Raphael Eligoulachvili, blending their respective mediums into a mesmerizing experience.
Vietnam’s Top Leader Addresses the United Nations General Assembly: A Visionary Speech at the 79th Session.
Vietnam News Today (Sep. 25): Strengthening Ties and Global Presence. Vietnam fosters enhanced cooperation with the UK and Algeria, as its top leader addresses the United Nations General Assembly’s 79th session, emphasizing the nation’s growing global role. Additionally, Vietnam continues its commitment to international peacekeeping with deployments in Abyei and South Sudan, while a forum boosts economic and trade exchange between Vietnam and France.
“Hanoi, Forever Etched in My Heart”: A Visual Odyssey Through Hanoi’s Rich Historical Landscape.
Hanoi has witnessed a remarkable transformation over the last seven decades since its liberation in 1954, and this evolution is beautifully captured through the lenses of local photographers. Their visual narratives offer a unique insight into the city’s progress, reflecting a journey that is both inspiring and captivating.
