VietExplorer2021

In the middle of a busy street, a man has been immersed in repairing sewing machines, once the bread and butter of many Hanoi families, for more than four decades. Leading a comfortable life thanks to repairing manual sewing machines Hanoian repairman Pham Van Chien. Photo: Nha bao & Cong luan Unusual jobs in the capital such as mending shoes, repairing clothes, or locksmithing not only pay well for industrious workers but also contribute to the unique Hanoi lifestyle. Pham Van Chien, 60, sat humbly inside the last remaining sewing machine repair shop which has been lasting for nearly 40 years on Nguyen Thai Hoc Street in Dong Da District amidst the hustle and bustle of the city.  “More than 30 years ago, many people opened sewing machine repair shops in Hanoi. I wanted to learn the trade to support myself since I didn’t have a steady job. I worked on the machines for a long time, often getting grease over me. I worked as an assistant and foreman many years ...

An ongoing photo exhibition in the heart of Hanoi features a glimpse of the city’s past.  A man (in the central) orders a cup of tea while chatting to tea shop owners and another client in Hanoi’s Old Quarter in 1988. Photos: William Crawford A photo exhibition on Hanoi entitled “Hanoi 1985 – 2015 in the Years of Forgetting” is on display at Manzi Art Space, Hanoi until May 20. William Crawford was one of the first photographers to gain access to post-war Vietnam in 1985, and he has returned periodically for over 30 years. As an American who witnessed the destruction and agony of war, he felt compelled to show how humanity can coexist with extreme pain. Sensitive to the subtle nuances of daily life and the customs of the people of this exotic land, he documented the daily lives of the Vietnamese as they evolved over three decades. According to the photographer, since the introduction of the economic liberalization policy known in Vietnam as “Doi Moi” in 1986...

Portraits of 21 individuals selected to represent Vietnamese and Italian women are on display at the multimedia exhibition “Ontology”, which runs until May 7 at Casa Italia, No.18 Le Phung Hieu Street, Hoan Kiem District, Hanoi. Vietnamese artist Le Khanh at the “Ontology” exhibition. Photo: PSI The exhibition is organized by Vietnamese makeup artist PSI with the support of the Bat Trang Museum and the Italian Embassy in Hanoi to celebrate the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Vietnam and Italy. The exhibition “Ontology” is considered the first solo exhibition of a make-up artist in Vietnam, presented by PSI, whose real name is Pham Ha Phuong. Inspiring female figures in the exhibition include folk artist Le Khanh, singer Le Cat Trong Ly, Italian architectural creative director Annamaria, Italian research engineer Viviana, and others. According to the organizers, “Ontology” is a multimedia exhibition that uniquely blends visual arts and modern tech...

Huynh Dinh, a resident of Duc Pho commune in Quang Ngai province, said his boat with 10 fishermen docked at Tinh Hoa fishing port with nearly 20 tonnes of various kinds of fish after being at sea for nearly one month. The first trip of the year always means a lot to fishermen. Whether catching a little or a lot, the initial voyage out to sea sets the hopes for a new year with luck and prosperity. At the same time, boats full of fish dock at Sa Ky fishing port in Binh Chau commune of Quang Ngai province. Tuna boats enjoy bumper catches. Returning home after a fishing trip at the beginning of the new lunar year, many local fishermen are happy as the price of seafood has risen and the boats are full of fish, with this being a hugely positive sign for the beginning of a season full of hope. Each boat of 10 fishermen can earn a profit of VND25 million to VND30 million for each trip. The post Fishing boats in Quang Ngai enjoy...

Con Dao is named in the list of among 16 best island vacations in the world (Photo: chinhphu.vn) According to the publication, in its location off the nation’s southern coast, Con Dao is a small island with very little commercial development. “With this, the beaches are quiet and the few resort options allow for a special retreat,” says Condé Nast Traveler. The article noted that the beaches are typically long with soft sand, making them perfect for light water sports like SUP and kayaking. Condé Nast Traveler stated that the downtown area boasts a quaint seaside atmosphere with small restaurants, whilst there are also plenty of historical connections for visitors to explore. According to the magazine, a visit in August can allow holiday goers to have the chance to watch turtles hatch. “Stay through the morning when the turtle sanctuary supports the release of the hatchlings and watch them find their way to the big blue sea,” it suggested. From those visitors interes...