A group of investors in 2022 alleged that Elon Musk and his company had manipulated the price of dogecoin using their X (then Twitter) accounts.
A Manhattan judge permanently dismissed a lawsuit alleging Elon Musk and his electric-car company, Tesla, manipulated the price of dog-themed token dogecoin (DOGE) using postings on X (then Twitter) and in public appearances.
U.S. District Judge Alvin Hellerstein issued the decision on Thursday night. In 2022, investors accused Musk of using his Twitter following and a 2021 appearance on NBC’s “Saturday Night Live,” among other instances, to influence the memecoin’s price and allegedly take profits on his suspected DOGE holdings at their expense.
Some of Musk’s statements in that lawsuit included his claims to “become Dogecoin’s CEO,” put a “literal Dogecoin in SpaceX and fly it to the moon,” and that “Dogecoin might become the standard for the global financial system.”
Hellerstein said the statements were “aspirational and puffery, not factual and susceptible to being falsified,” adding that “no reasonable investor could rely upon them.”
“Defendants’ motion to dismiss the Fourth Amended Complaint is granted with prejudice,” Hellerstein wrote in the judgment. “The Clerk shall enter judgment in Defendants’ favor and tax costs, dismiss the Fourth Amended Complaint with prejudice, terminate all open motions, and mark the case closed.”
U.S.-listed BTC ETFs recorded $71 million in net outflows on Thursday for the third consecutive day, SoSoValue data shows, in a sign of professional funds leaving the market.
Continual profit-taking after last week’s rally saw bitcoin (BTC) continue a week-long slide to under $59,000 early Friday, with major exchange-traded funds (ETFs) recording net outflows amid signs of waning demand.
BTC lost just over 1% in the past 24 hours, CoinGecko data shows, bringing weekly losses to over 3.5% and on track to end August at an 8% haircut (with one day to go). Overall bitcoin demand growth remains low and has even turned negative in the last few weeks, as previously reported.
U.S.-listed BTC ETFs recorded $71 million in net outflows on Thursday for the third consecutive day, SoSoValue data shows, in a sign of professional funds leaving the market.
The biggest losers on Thursday were Fidelity’s FBTC at $31 million and Grayscale’s GBTC at $22 million. However, a shock move for traders came as BlackRock’s IBIT – the world’s largest bitcoin fund by assets under management – recorded outflows of $13 million for the second time ever.
As such, exchange data shows a bump in demand from U.S. retail investors as the bitcoin price premium on the Coinbase exchange has increased to its highest level since July, on-chain analytics firm CryptoQuant shared in a Thursday report.
Additionally, bitcoin is flowing again from exchanges outside the U.S. to Coinbase, a signal of higher demand from US investors and a condition historically correlated with higher prices.
Meanwhile, traders expect market volatility to pick up in the coming weeks. BTC has largely traded sideways in the past week despite favorable rate cut signals and endorsements from Republican candidate Donald Trump – which has impacted sentiment for the broader crypto market.
“Crypto had an uneventful week as BTC and ETH hovered around +/- 1.5% compared to last week’s levels. ETF inflows remain subdued,” Augustine Fan, head of insights at SOFA, said in a weekly note to clients.
“We expect market action to pick up after US Labour Day and into next week’s NFP to kickstart a busy Fall season, and political headlines to start gaining importance, particularly with the latest Harris/Walz announced plans to raise taxes aggressively.”
It’s a view shared by traders at Singapore-based QCP Capital, who said in a Telegram broadcast that they expect price action to remain choppy even as market volatility may continue.
“Risk reversals until Oct are still skewed towards puts in both BTC and ETH, indicating that the market remains cautious about the downside,” QCP said. “In the lead-up to next week’s non-farm payroll report, we expect market volatility to continue its downtrend as the market positions itself for potential rate cuts by the Fed.”
Federal Reserve chair Jerome Powell has confirmed a pivot to lower borrowing costs next month, as previously reported. Such steps have historically buoyed bullish sentiment among traders as cheap access to money spurts growth in riskier sectors.
“With the absence of any catalysts in the near term, we anticipate prices to continue chopping within the range as we move into September,” QCP added.
Step-by-Step Guide: How To Choose The Best Grout Cleaning Machine
After reinforcing tiles, you must remove the excess grout to keep the floor attractive and sparkling clean. While installed tiles might resist stains and dirt, grout is porous and thus can easily absorb grease, spills, and grim. Handling such uncertainties requires effective grout-cleaning equipment.
If you’re looking for a reliable grout-cleaning machine that cleans without damaging tiles, this guide is for you. There are four main types of grout (cementitious, epoxy, urethane, and furan grout ); no matter your choice, these steps will help you buy the best cleaning machine that serves you well.
Step #1: Assess Your Grout Cleaning Cleaning Needs
Before buying a grout cleaning machine, know that they are typically developed to suit cleaning a certain type of tiles. As such, think about the type of tile you need to clean. The most common types are porcelain and ceramic tiles. But there are also tiles made from stone, such as limestone and marble, so you must choose the cleaning machine carefully.
Acommercial grout cleaning machine with high power and durable brushes is abrasive, making it ideal for removing tough grout on surfaces. On the other hand, a lighter, more compact model might be better suited for removing grout gently on fragile surfaces and for regular maintenance.
Ideally, in addition to buying a grout cleaning machine that matches the nature of your cleaning surface, you must consider the size of the area since larger areas would require a bigger cleaning head and a more powerful motor.
The grout condition also matters. The rule is that highly stained or dirty grout needs a stronger grout machine or brush set. Conversely, moderately dirty grout that is easy to remove requires less power.
Step #2: Keep An Eye on The Key Features
Another essential factor before buying a grout cleaning machine is the specifications. You should check the power capacity, which influences its performance. A machine with a capable motor and a rotational speed of 1600 RPM or more can effectively scrub off grout.
Also, check the brush’s design. But don’t be misled into thinking that soft materials like nylon brushes won’t get the job done; they still have a strong cleaning force that removes the stains. Some other grout-cleaning machines have detachable brushes to clean different parts, which makes them a perfect choice if you want convenience and flexibility.
You should also note that lightweight grout cleaning machines have comfortable handles and are easier to use, especially in enclosed areas. A telescopic handle, for instance, minimizes strain as you do the cleaning.
Versatility again matters because you need a single machine that can clean all sections of your house. In this case, the grout cleaning machines with many accessories or variable parameters offer top-notch versatility.
Step #3: Read Reviews About the Grout Cleaning Machine
The quickest way to find the best grout machine is to ask friends, relatives, or anyone you know with expertise in cleaning grout. Once you get a suggestion, it’s time to do your homework and find out what users say about the machine or maker.
The best grout cleaning machines should have the highest ratings and positive reviews from users; they show high satisfaction. So, reading through reviews is a must and can be a reliable way to gauge the machine’s performance. However, you must ensure you check them on reputable review sites or social media pages to avoid fake manufacturer-sponsored reviews.
Be wary of generally positive testimonies without the specific aspects they love about the product. Check what other users say about the machine regarding performance, sturdiness, and functionality.
You must familiarize yourself with the different grout cleaning machines on the market. The common varieties are steam cleaners, scrubbing machines, and multipurpose cleaners. This knowledge will allow you to choose the right machine for your needs.
Step #4: Consider Durability
When choosing a grout cleaning machine, it should be sturdy and long-lasting, with little or no frequent maintenance needed. Spend your time getting it right when it comes to the brushes. A good brush for the grout cleaning machine can be used for tiling at least 500 sq. ft.
For extra safety, look at the manufacturer’s warranty and support. The warranty, of course, is one year. Still, some machines can have an extended guarantee or other quality control.
Step # 5: Make Informed Decision
Finally, make your decision after considering all the factors that matter to you.
Select a machine that is most suitable for your operations. Make sure it has the features you need and is affordable. Whether you prefer a highly effective commercial machine or a small portable machine, ensure it meets your needs for guaranteed satisfaction.
Conclusion
Selecting the most appropriate grout-cleaning machine is crucial in ensuring your tiles are clean and attractive.
Therefore, consider your cleaning requirements first to get the most suitable machine. That means focusing on the features you need and looking for reviews to see how these features hold up. As an investment, you must consider durability to get a good return on your money.
So, whether buying a powerful commercial machine or a small portable model for home use, always choose a great product from a reliable seller for a good experience.
Money laundering and gambling are linked in the context of financial misconduct, which often amplifies the severity of financial outrages. Gambling, particularly when it becomes an addiction, is frequently associated with various forms of economic crime. The largest share of individuals affected by gambling-related issues report thefts committed by addicts seeking funds to support their addiction, with money laundering emerging as a close secondary concern. This connection stresses the dual threat posed by gambling, where the pursuit of illicit financial gain can increase both personal and systemic financial harm.
What is Money Laundering and Gambling?
Money laundering and gambling are somehow related to each other due to their direct dealing with monetary scams. Imposters utilize their sophisticated tactics to make money legal without getting caught by authorized departments.
Money laundering is the advanced protocol employed by fraudsters to make illegal money, a legitimate one, through the concealing of their original source from where it is gained, such as drug trafficking, corruption, bribery, etc. On the other hand, gambling is a term defined as risking money or something substantial in an uncertain event by hoping to prevail in added funds or commodities. Gambling activities include online betting platforms, lotteries, casinos and other games of chance.
Red Flags in Online Gambling – Combat Potential Risks of Money Laundering
Online gambling presents unique challenges for AML compliance due to the anonymity, flexibility, and global reach it offers. Acknowledging and confronting these risks is central for financial institutions to mitigate the potential for money laundering. Some of the potential money laundering risks available in online gambling are given below:
Anonymity: The anonymity afforded by online gambling platforms allows criminals to use stolen identities, fake documents, or cryptocurrencies to conceal their illicit activities.
Multiple accounts and cross-border transactions: The ability to create multiple accounts and engage in cross-border transactions makes it hard to monitor the financial flows and detect illegality.
Free flow of funds: The large volumes of money that flow through online gambling platforms can facilitate the integration of illicit funds into the legitimate financial system.
Regulatory challenges: The varying regulatory frameworks across jurisdictions create inconsistencies that money launderers can exploit.
Identifying Money Laundering Operations in Gambling Platforms
Imposters can exploit online gambling platforms at each stage of the money laundering process, which are given below in tabular form for better understanding:
Types
Description
Placement
Illicit funds are introduced into financial management by lodging money into gambling accounts in different ways. These diverse methods include credit/debit cards, cryptocurrencies, prepaid cards, or checks.
Layering
The source of funds (SoF) is concealed through complex transactions, which include multiple bets and withdrawals within the gambling platform. This layering process makes it difficult to trace the origin of funds.
Integration
The laundered funds are withdrawn or employed for legitimate transactions, such as acquiring properties or conveying money to other accounts. This stage involves blending the illicit funds with legitimate funds to make them appear legitimate.
Defined Gambling AML Regulations in the Digital Platforms
Gambling AML compliance refers to the regulatory bodies which are defined by the government organizations in order to combat the potential risks related to money laundering, terror funding, corruption and bribery. Some of the defined rules given by authorized departments in prominent territories are given below:
Countries
Compliance Requirements
United States
FinCEN regulations: The Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (FinCEN) requires online casinos to execute the Bank Secrecy Act (BSA) and anti-money laundering (AML) programs, which are similar to traditional casinos.
Government-wide priorities: In 2021, FinCEN issued eight national priorities for AML and counter-terrorism financing (CFT) policy, which online gambling establishments must incorporate into their programs. These priorities include corruption, cybercrime, terrorist financing, transnational criminal activity, drug trafficking, human trafficking, and proliferation financing.
European Union
Lack of unified legislation: The EU lacks a single set of gambling regulations, with member states having their own laws and regulations.
United Kingdom
Compliance requirements: Operators must comply with the Proceeds of Crime Act 2002, the Terrorism Act 2000, and the Gambling Act 2005.
Final Interpretation – Anti-Money Laundering for Gambling
Money laundering and gambling are the most hot topics in this advanced world with high monetary scams. As digital facilities are increasing, the hunger for getting more money is the ultimate goal for most of the fraudsters through illegalities such as terror funding, corruption, drug trafficking and corruption. There are defined gambling AML checks for every state and country, which should be regulated in financial and related institutions to combat these scams.
Ha Long City is set to host its first-ever Hot Air Balloon Festival, themed “Heritage City – Colors of Ha Long,” on September 1 and 2 at 30/10 Square and Ocean Park Beach. This festival, part of the celebrations for the 30th anniversary of Ha Long Bay’s World Heritage designation, promises unique experiences, offering breathtaking views of the city from above. The event will feature hot air balloon flights, a lantern night, and decorative displays.
The 2024 Ha Long Wave Crossing Festival just took place in Ha Long City, attracting many locals and tourists (Photo: Tien Dung)
According to Mr. Nguyen Ngoc Son, Vice Chairman of Ha Long City People’s Committee, this festival is part of the city’s vision of becoming a “Festival City,” aiming to welcome around 10 million visitors this year. Alongside the Hot Air Balloon Festival, Ha Long City has also hosted other events, including Sailing, Parachute, and Jet Ski Festivals, all of which have left lasting impressions on both locals and tourists.
The digital assets industry has bounced back from the collapse of crypto exchange FTX and returned to growth in the past 12 months, the report said.
The digital assets industry has bounced back from the collapse of crypto exchange FTX in November 2022 and has returned to growth in the past year, broker Canaccord said in a research report on Wednesday.
FTX, the crypto exchange founded by Sam Bankman-Fried, filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy following a CoinDesk exclusive highlighting the weakness of the company’s balance sheet. The company’s collapse was a major contributor to the crypto winter and bear market for digital assets.
“In the last year, we believe the broader digital assets industry has transitioned from a post FTX consolidation/recovery phase back to one focused on growth and business model/total addressable market (TAM) expansion,” analysts led by Joseph Vafi wrote.
The launch of spot exchange-traded funds (ETFs) in the U.S. earlier this year was a positive catalyst for the crypto market.
With the approval of both bitcoin (BTC) and ether (ETH) spot ETFs, “we have also seen broader institutional adoption of digital assets and expect portfolio allocations here to continue to increase,” the authors wrote.
Spot ether ETFs started trading in the U.S. on July 23, about six months after the bitcoin funds.
The broker praised Michael Saylor’s MicroStrategy (MSTR) for its “continued evolution into a Bitcoin development company,” and noted that the shares have risen around 325% in the past year, outperforming most asset classes including BTC, which has gained about 148%.
Wall Street giant Citi (C) noted that the crypto market has struggled since the launch of spot ether ETFs in the U.S., in a report last week.
The court ordered India’s Ministry of Communication to move against as many as 38 websites.
Cryptocurrency exchange Mudrex won a court order asking India’s Ministry of Communication to take down as many as 38 websites using the company’s name to carry out scams.
The Delhi High Court’s Aug. 23 judgement, passed within a day of the petition, gives the ministry a week to comply. The ministry, the designated authority to take down fake websites, did not immediately respond to a CoinDesk request for comment.
Mudrex approached the court after around 15 people contacted customer support or came to its office in Bengaluru to say that they had been scammed.
“We estimate the actual number of retail investors scammed could be 1,000, and the estimated loss could be in excess of about $50,000,” Mudrex CEO and co-founder Edul Patel said in an interview.
Scammers impersonating Mudrex employees on messaging service Telegram would lure retail investors by promising rewards and work opportunities if they performed certain tasks, including writing Google reviews. They also used fake websites under the Mudrex name and “invited the general public to invest on these websites, collecting monies from them illegally and frequently,” the court order said.
Amit Rangari, Mudrex’s legal head said the police complaint was filed in Bengaluru on March 23, well before prominent cryptocurrency exchange WazirX suffered a $234 million hack. The July exploit cost WazirX almost 45% of customer funds and the company has since been struggling to find solutions.
“We don’t know if any action was taken after our police complaint,” Patel told CoinDesk. “Because people continued to get scammed in the months following we decided to take a more formal approach, a direct line of communication with the ministry, and the only way we can get that is if we had a High Court order.”
Asked if this could add to the nervousness among Indian retailers after the WazirX hack Patel said that he hoped “it works more in our favor, than against it.”
The Railway Department has recently submitted a proposal to the Ministry of Transport for a project to upgrade the railway line through Hai Van Pass, which includes relocating Da Nang Station between 2026 and 2031.
The Railway Department has proposed investing more than VND19,000 billion to relocate Da Nang station and build a new Hai Van tunnel. Photo: VNA
The total investment for these two projects is estimated at approximately 19 trillion VND, sourced from the medium-term public investment fund for the 2026-2031 period.
The Railway Department has identified several limitations with the current railway line through Hai Van Pass, such as tight curves and steep gradients, which restrict train speeds. Additionally, the railway passing through the city center contributes to traffic congestion and diminishes the urban landscape.
According to the plan, the railway sector will invest in constructing a new Hai Van tunnel and relocating the entire railway line in Da Nang out of the city center.
The railway development plan until 2050 includes relocating Da Nang Station to the west and upgrading the existing railway line to run parallel to the highway, creating a corridor for future high-speed rail.
Moreover, the railway sector will also invest in building a modern freight station in the Kim Lien area to enhance connectivity with Lien Chieu Port, addressing the increasing demand for freight transportation. This project aims to alleviate congestion and technical limitations on the Vinh – Nha Trang railway line.
The latest report from Booking.com reveals the rise of the “passion-driven travel” trend among Vietnamese youth in 2024.
Jennie (Black Pink) posted a selfie with Zico during the SPOT! collaboration. Both artists have a large fan base in Korea and internationally. Photo: @jennierubyjane.
As Gen Z becomes a major demographic in the travel industry, their preferences and habits are gradually reshaping the current travel landscape.
Varun Grover, Country Director of Booking.com in Vietnam, shared: “Gen Z’s travel choices are shaping the future of the industry—a future driven by personal passion and limitless online connections. For Gen Z, travel is not just about sightseeing but about connecting with their passions and engaging with stories that shape their worldview.”
There are three new trends that will influence Gen Z’s travel habits in 2024, based on Booking.com’s latest surveys: Travel Trends 2024 and Travel Predictions 2024 (one of the leading companies in digital travel).
According to the surveys, Vietnamese Gen Z tends to use social media not only for connection but also as a source of inspiration for their travel plans.
Specifically, 69% of young travelers use platforms like Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, and YouTube to find ideas for their next trip. Beautiful landscapes shared by influencers, trending destinations featured in popular videos, and the visual appeal of social media are all sources of travel inspiration for this generation.
Some young tourists want to go to pristine places that few people have set foot in. Photo: Booking.
Additionally, traveling based on passion is becoming a prominent trend within Gen Z. These trips may involve attending music festivals, concerts, or sports events, depending on personal preferences.
Among Gen Z travelers who go to festivals or events, 22% say they spend money due to their affection for the performing artists. Furthermore, 22% are willing to travel far to attend their favorite events.
Entertainment culture significantly influences Vietnamese Gen Z’s travel decisions. According to the survey, 67% of respondents are inspired to explore locations seen on screen, while 60% want to experience foods and cultural aspects introduced through television.
Moreover, Gen Z also desires to visit famous landmarks, cultural experiences, and specific tourist spots depicted in films and TV shows. The following statistics highlight the deep connection between pop culture and this generation’s travel choices:
55% of Vietnamese Gen Z are willing to visit a specific landmark they’ve seen in movies or TV shows.
49% will engage in activities featured on television or in films.
65% feel compelled and eager to experience cultures portrayed in programs or films.
46% choose to dine at restaurants mentioned in their favorite shows or movies.
37% select accommodations they have seen in media.
40% of Vietnamese Gen Z travel specifically to meet idols from films or TV shows.
22% would like to travel to experience the residences of famous artists.
The Nui Cuong Island Resort is set to be planned for the entire area of the island, creating a 27-hole golf course and tourism area.
Dam Ha district currently has the Da Dung Island Eco-tourism Resort Project. Photo: Dam Ha District Cultural and Information Center.
The Quang Ninh Provincial People’s Committee has recently approved the general planning for Nui Cuong Island Tourism Area in Dai Binh Commune, Dam Ha District. The planning scope includes the entire Nui Cuong Island, with the northern boundary adjacent to the waters of Bim Bim Island (Dam Ha District), the eastern boundary facing Bai Tu Long Bay, and the remaining two sides bordering Cai Bau Island (Van Don District ).
The project covers nearly 1,080 hectares, with over 670 hectares designated for planning and the remainder allocated for the research and development of forest and marine resources. The goal of the project is to create a tourism area, golf course, and eco-friendly island resort, combined with developing aquaculture around the island to form a diverse range of tourism products. The population is expected to be around 7,800 by 2030 and reach 20,000 by 2045, mainly from tourists and workers.
The resort area is planned to be divided into four sub-zones: Sub-zone 1: Covering over 190 hectares, this area is located at the northern gateway to the eastern part of Nui Cuong Island, connecting to the center of Dam Ha District, Van Don-Mong Cai Expressway, and Van Don Economic Zone. The central area of this sub-zone will feature a resort, entertainment facilities, a marina, seaplane dock, cultural center, exhibition and conference center, plaza, central park, and coastal ecological reserve. The northern part of the sub-zone will be reserved for future service and tourism activities.
Sub-zone 2: This is designated as the western resort area of the island, spanning over 120 hectares, with high-end, secluded resort accommodations.
Sub-zone 3: This is the Dam Ha Golf and Resort area, covering nearly 167 hectares, with plans to build a 27-hole golf course and associated amenities.
Sub-zone 4: This is the southern resort area of the island, extending over 190 hectares with a commercial service center. Surrounding isolated islands will feature resort villages offering various experiences, linked to the conservation of mangrove forest ecosystems.
On the afternoon of August 27, District 7 of Ho Chi Minh City held a press conference to announce the opening of the Sky Garden Commercial – Culinary Street at the end of August.
According to Mrs. Nguyen Thi Kim Thanh, Head of the Economic Department of District 7, the grand opening will feature a cultural and musical exchange program with the theme “Vietnam-Korea Colors,” showcasing performances by Korean singer Lee Deawon, Vietnamese singer Y Lux singing in Korean, as well as Ngo Kien Huy, Dong Trieu, Ho Tuan Phuc, and Pham Dong Dieu Ly. A special highlight will be the lighting ceremony for the Nightown D7 street.
Signage and traffic flow into District 7 night market
The night market will host daily performances, including a show celebrating the 79th anniversary of Vietnamese National Day on September 2, traditional ethnic music performances, Khmer quintuple music, a fashion show themed “Folk Emotions,” acoustic performances, and the “Student Singing Festival 2024.”
Traditional games and sports activities will also be organized, such as blindfolded pot-breaking, palm leaf folding, clay figurine making, portrait painting on glass, self-portrait painting, children’s drawing, statue painting, reading culture, free drawing classes, human statue performances, Yoyo demonstrations, and martial arts performances.
Experience-based activities will include guided craft art sessions, green and eco-friendly practices suitable for young people and families, such as Gluedesign, Resin art with mirror phone cases and keychains, traditional Mid-Autumn lantern making, traditional Chuong Village conical hat making, and booths showcasing Vietnamese products and souvenirs for visitors.
Visitors will be able to enjoy international cuisine from restaurants within the night economic area, as well as traditional Vietnamese food from local eateries, including specialties from Tra Vinh Province such as noodle soup, vermicelli noodles, banh xeo, banh la, and sweet soup with grapefruit.
Mrs. Nguyen Thi Be Ngoan, Vice Chairman of District 7, stated that this is the district’s first pilot commercial food street. The district hopes that after the bustling activities from August 30 to September 8, they can continue to maintain and develop this commercial food area to enhance the district’s night economy.
The opening of this commercial food street coincides with a festival, providing an opportunity to make it a regular destination for tourists and young people visiting Ho Chi Minh City and District 7. In addition to this night market, District 7 plans to implement a similar night economy project in the area around Crescent Lake – Anh Sao Bridge in Phu My Hung, Tan Phu Ward, and on Road No. 11N – Bank Residential Area in Tan Thuan Tay Ward.
On the morning of August 28, the Thua Thien Hue Provincial Department of Tourism, in collaboration with Grab Company Ltd., launched a program to support the installation of benches and decorative pillars. This initiative aims to enhance public amenities, providing better services for both local residents and tourists.
Delegates attended the ceremony marking the official use of stone benches at tourist attractions in Hue City. Photo: Xuan Dat
Specifically, Grab installed 50 benches, with 20 benches at Dong Ba Market, 10 benches at Phu Mong Street Park, and 20 benches at the Hue Imperial City. Each bench is numbered and displayed on the Grab app, allowing users to easily locate the corresponding public space. This feature helps local residents and tourists easily identify their destinations.
By accessing the QR code on each bench, visitors can search for a list of local eateries. Photo: Xuan Dat
Additionally, by scanning the QR code on each bench, visitors can quickly and conveniently access a list of local dining spots. The decorative pillars serve not only as check-in points but also as mobile phone charging stations, offering a range of conveniences for everyone.
The Hanoi Autumn Festival will be organized in celebration of the 70th anniversary of the Capital’s Liberation, with themes centered around Hanoi’s autumn. The festival is set to take place over four days, from September 12, 2024, to September 15, 2024.
A cultural activity at the first Hanoi Autumn Festival. Photo: VGP/Minh Anh
The festival aims to promote the beauty, cultural and historical values, and tourism of Hanoi by showcasing its unique and attractive features. It will highlight and honor the capital’s famous landmarks, historical sites, and cultural heritage. The theme for the 2024 Hanoi Autumn Festival is “Hanoi Autumn – A Historic Season.”
This year’s festival will focus on the unique cultural heritage of Hanoi, which is considered the essence of the nation, with its own distinctive characteristics. The event will be held at several locations in the city, including Ba Kieu Temple Garden, Dinh Tien Hoang Street, Ly Thai To Flower Garden (at the Three-Square area in front of the Ly Thai To Statue and the Octagonal House), and Le Thach Street in Hoan Kiem District, as well as in other districts across Hanoi.
Key Events: Opening Ceremony: The festival will officially begin with the opening ceremony from 7:30 PM to 8:00 PM on September 13, 2024. This will be followed by the “Hanoi Autumn – A Historic Season” art program from 8: 00 PM to 10:00 PM on September 13, 2024, at the Ba Kieu Temple Garden stage area.
Exhibitions and Displays: Approximately 150 stalls will be set up along Dinh Tien Hoang Street, Le Thach Street, and the Octagonal House area, divided into themed sections showcasing Hanoi’s historical sites. There will be spaces dedicated to reimagining the bustling streets of Hanoi during the victory celebrations, the “Hanoi with 12 Flower Seasons” space, the “Hanoi Culinary Delights” space, and areas promoting handicrafts and village products.
Festival Activities: Parades and Performances: Various performances and parades will be organized, featuring contributions from the city’s Youth Union and 30 districts and towns. This will include lion and dragon dances from Thanh Oai District, a Mid-Autumn lantern parade from Son Tay District, kite flying from Dong Anh, floral displays from Me Linh, and water puppetry from Te Tieu – My Duc.
Culinary Culture: The festival will also feature a showcase of Hanoi’s culinary culture, including the art of making and enjoying West Lake lotus tea, traditional green rice products from Cau Giay and Nam Tu Liem, green rice cakes from Hang Than, sugared fruits from Hang Duong, sticky rice from Phu Thuong, Phung fermented pork rolls, Quan Ganh sticky rice cakes, and Phu Nhi rice cakes. Both traditional and contemporary Hanoi cuisines will be presented.
Dance and Fashion: There will be folk and sports dance performances, an ao dai (traditional long dress) fashion show, a children’s parade, and children’s drawing and painting exhibitions.
Tourism Promotion: Various districts with tourism potential will introduce their cultural and tourism products and destinations at the stage area and the festival stalls.
Photography Exhibition: A photography exhibition titled “Hanoi Autumn – A Historic Season” will be held at the Three-Square area in front of the Ly Thai To Statue. This will feature archival and photojournalism images of Hanoi, commemorating the 70th anniversary of the Capital’s Liberation.
According to the Hanoi Department of Tourism, nearly 20 cultural, artistic, and entertainment events will be organized in the capital during the National Day holiday on September 2nd.
Tourists check in at the Hanoi Gift Festival. Photo: VGP
This year, the National Day holiday will last for four days (August 31st – September 3rd), providing a suitable opportunity for people to travel and participate in cultural and artistic events.
Some of the notable events to be held in the capital during the National Day holiday include: the “Ao Dai Connecting Tourism with Hanoi Heritage” program, which will take place from 5:30 AM to 9:00 AM on September 1st at the Thang Long – Hanoi Heritage Conservation Center and several streets in the Ba Dinh, Hoan Kiem, and Long Bien districts.
The “Celebrating Independence Day” program at the Vietnam National Village for Ethnic Culture and Tourism will be held from August 31st to September 3rd, along with many exhibitions, fairs, and art performances across the city.
The “Network for Sustainable Production and Consumption of the 2024 Ceramics Industry Chain” event, organized by the Department of Industry and Trade and the Gia Lam District People’s Committee, will take place from August 29th to August 31st at the Kim Lan Ceramics Museum – Kim Lan Tourism Site in Gia Lam District.
The “Ink Still Smells Fresh” exhibition, organized by the Temple of Literature – Quoc Tu Giam Cultural and Scientific Activities Center, will be held at the Temple of Literature – Quoc Tu Giam site in Dong Da District from August 31st to September 25th, 2024. A free puppet show will be performed at the Thang Long Imperial Citadel from 9:30 AM to 10:30 AM and from 3:00 PM to 4:00 PM on September 1st and 2nd.
The “Wonderland Festival” will be held from August 31st to September 3rd, with the main events taking place on September 1st and 2nd at Bao Son Paradise Park in Hoai Duc District.
The “Northern Quintessence” program, featuring a special fireworks display, will be held on September 2nd at the Tuan Chau Beach Park Hanoi in Quoc Oai District.
During this period, the Hanoi Department of Tourism will also offer free tickets for the “Hanoi City Tour” double-decker bus service to visitors from September 1st to 4th, as well as provide free snacks and water to locals and tourists visiting Ho Chi Minh’s Mausoleum on September 2nd.
According to a survey by Agoda, 75% of Vietnamese tourists decide to return to their favorite travel destinations.
In the ranking of destinations that attract repeat visits from tourists, as many as 75% of Vietnamese travelers typically choose to revisit their favorite locations. Not only Thailand, but also Japan, South Korea, Singapore, and China are destinations that Vietnamese tourists tend to return to multiple times. Vietnamese tourists revisit these places not only because they are interesting destinations but also due to the memorable experiences they find there.
Based on data from travelers who have just booked trips to their favorite destinations, the results show that about 47% of Vietnamese tourists are eager to explore during their upcoming trips. Meanwhile, 39% of Vietnamese travelers are enthusiastic about culinary experiences, and 26% are looking forward to cultural and artistic experiences.
Of the total number of tourists who have returned to their favorite destinations, the majority (64%) have revisited these locations 1 to 3 times in the past 10 years. Notably, about 8% of travelers have returned to their favorite country more than 10 times.
When asked about the factors that attract Vietnamese tourists to return, most shared that convenience in transportation (50%) is the top factor, followed by local cuisine (47%) and a favorable location (34%). Additionally, factors such as safety and cleanliness, as well as previous enjoyable experiences, also play a significant role in tourists’ decisions to return.
Factors Motivating Tourists to Return
(Based on Agoda’s survey data)
Convenience in transportation (50%)
Local cuisine (47%)
Favorable location (34%)
Safety and cleanliness (33%)
Previous enjoyable experiences (30%)
According to data filtered by the Asia region, Japan, Thailand, and Vietnam are the destinations that attract Asian tourists for repeat visits. About 44% of Asian tourists stated that “convenience in transportation” is the decisive factor that brings them back to these places.
