Justin Timberlake was arrested by police in a drunk and unconscious state, according to Page Six. The incident occurred in New York on June 18.
The Sag Harbor Police Department reported that Timberlake was driving his BMW south on Madison Street early in the morning when he failed to stop properly at a stop sign and did not stay in his lane.
A police officer pulled Timberlake over and determined he was intoxicated. His eyes were bloodshot, and his breath smelled strongly of alcohol. He was unsteady on his feet and unable to complete sobriety and attention tests.
Timberlake was detained overnight for investigation. He was released at 9:30 a.m. on June 18 under the guarantee of a lawyer without having to pay a fine. Ed Burke, Timberlake’s lawyer, confirmed to Us Weekly that Timberlake had refused to take an alcohol test and had committed two traffic violations: not stopping at the stop sign and not staying in his lane.
Timberlake is scheduled to appear in court on July 26. The incident may affect his tour plans in Poland, although it is unclear if his lawyer can represent him at the trial.
The police released a post-arrest portrait showing Timberlake with bloodshot eyes and a lack of alertness.
Justin Randall Timberlake is an American singer, songwriter, and actor. Timberlake is known for his diverse artistry in songwriting, showmanship, tenor vocal range, and music production
Russian President Vladimir Putin arrives in Hanoi today, beginning a state visit to Vietnam at the invitation of General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong. This marks President Putin’s fifth visit to Vietnam since 2001.
The visit, scheduled for June 19-20, includes a delegation of federal and regional leaders, as well as representatives from major Russian businesses, according to Russian Ambassador to Vietnam Gennady Bezdetko. It is a state-level visit, the highest protocol level in international relations, local media reported.
During his visit, President Putin will hold talks with senior Vietnamese leaders and participate in events with graduates of Soviet and Russian universities. Both nations plan to adopt a Joint Declaration and sign several cooperation agreements in higher education, justice, customs regulations, healthcare, and energy.
Vietnamese Ambassador to Russia Dang Minh Khoi emphasized the significance of the visit, highlighting its role in deepening the Vietnam-Russia Comprehensive Strategic Partnership across various fields. He stated, “President Putin’s visit to Vietnam sends a strong message of mutual respect and solidarity, enhancing both countries’ positions on the international stage for the benefit of their peoples and for regional and global peace and stability.”
Russian President Vladimir Putin, right, listens to Vietnamese Communist Party General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong during their meeting in the Bocharov Ruchei residence in the Black Sea resort of Sochi, Russia, Thursday, Sept. 6, 2018. (Mikhail Klimentyev, Sputnik, Kremlin Pool Photo via AP)
Vietnam and the Soviet Union established diplomatic relations in 1950, and after the Soviet Union dissolved in 1991, Russia was recognized as its successor. In June 1994, Vietnam and Russia signed the Treaty on the Basic Principles of Friendly Relations. Their Comprehensive Strategic Partnership was established in 2012.
Putin has visited Vietnam four times before: in 2001, 2006, 2013, and 2017, the latter to attend the APEC summit in Da Nang. Over the past three decades, Vietnam and Russia have signed over 100 cooperation agreements in various fields, including economics, trade, investment, security, and defense, strengthening bilateral relations.
As of recent data, Russia has nearly 200 projects in Vietnam, totaling almost one billion USD in investment, ranking it 28th out of 145 countries and territories. Vietnam has invested in 18 projects in Russia, valued at 1.63 billion USD, focusing on oil and gas, agriculture, processing, and manufacturing. In 2023, bilateral trade reached 3.63 billion USD, a 2.3% increase from 2022.
Educational cooperation is also a priority, with Russia offering 1,000 scholarships to Vietnamese students in 2023, and about 5,000 Vietnamese students currently studying in Russia. The Vietnamese community in Russia numbers around 60,000 people.
On June 16, leaders from both countries exchanged congratulatory letters celebrating the 30th anniversary of the Treaty on the Basic Principles of Friendly Relations. Both sides affirmed that the Treaty is a historical document symbolizing the beginning of a new phase in their multifaceted cooperation, laying the groundwork for their Comprehensive Strategic Partnership.
With the addition of 10 new routes, Vietnam will soon have a total of 15 undersea fiber optic cable routes.
On June 14, the Ministry of Information and Communications approved “Vietnam’s international fiber optic cable system development strategy to 2030, with a vision to 2035″.
This strategy highlights the importance of international fiber optic cables as a crucial component of Vietnam’s digital infrastructure. The system must be modernized and prioritized to ensure robust international connectivity. It should offer super-large capacity, wide bandwidth, safety, and sustainability, positioning some cities as regional data centers or Digital Hubs.
The primary goal is to establish autonomy in developing, deploying, and maintaining international fiber optic cables. This will secure Vietnam’s internet network, meeting the demands of digital economic growth, societal needs, and national security.
By 2035, Vietnam aims for its international fiber optic cable system to be among the best in the region in terms of quantity, capacity, and quality. This will attract investment, facilitate the construction of large data centers, and support cloud computing service providers. The system will also enhance regional and international digital infrastructure and data transmission, promoting urban areas as Digital Hubs and driving digital economic development and transformation.
The strategy plans to deploy and operationalize at least 10 new undersea fiber optic cables with modern technology by 2030. This will bring Vietnam’s total to at least 15 undersea fiber optic cables with a minimum capacity of 350 Tbps. At least two of these cables will be owned by Vietnam and directly connect to regional Digital Hubs.
By 2030, Vietnam’s marine fiber optic cable system will be strategically distributed: connecting to the East Sea in both northern and southern directions, and to the southern sea. Additionally, at least two more international land fiber optic cables will be deployed, ensuring that land-based international capacity constitutes at least 15% of the total capacity of the undersea fiber optic system.
Currently, Vietnam has two land cable lines connecting to Hong Kong (China) and Singapore with a total capacity of 5 Tbps, and five international undersea fiber optic cables with a total capacity exceeding 20 Tbps and an available capacity of 34 Tbps.
According to the strategic deployment roadmap, by 2027, Vietnam will operationalize four new undersea fiber optic cables, increasing the total capacity to at least 134 Tbps, including at least one route owned by Vietnam.
From 2028 to 2030, six more undersea fiber optic cables will be added, including one owned by Vietnam, bringing the total designed capacity to at least 350 Tbps.
Vietnam will maintain key connections with Singapore, Hong Kong (China), and Japan as main Digital Hubs. Additionally, Vietnam plans to deploy at least one more international land fiber optic cable. It aims to keep up to 90% of marine fiber optic cable capacity connected to at least four major neighboring Digital Hubs in Asia, and maintain redundant connections of at least 10% to two major Digital Hubs in the Americas and Europe.
Michael Saylor’s firm is the only corporation that has developed institutional demand for bitcoin linked convertibles, the report said.
MicroStrategy (MSTR) is not just a software firm diversifying its corporate treasury into cryptocurrency, it is pioneering bitcoin (BTC) capital markets, broker Bernstein said in a research report on Tuesday.
“MSTR is the only corporate that has developed institutional demand for bitcoin linked convertibles,” analysts Gautam Chhugani and Mahika Sapra wrote.
The broker notes that to date MicroStrategy has raised $4 billion of convertible debt for the solpurpose of buying more bitcoin. A convertible bond is a type of debt security that can be converted into shares. Michael Saylor’s firm currently holds 214,400 bitcoin worth about $14.5 billion. It started buying the cryptocurrency as a reserve asset in 2020. “No other corporate has an active bitcoin investing strategy that can attract capital at scale,” the authors wrote.
MicroStrategy’s long-term convertible debt strategy means it has enough time to benefit from potential bitcoin upside with limited liquidation risk to the crypto on its balance sheet, the note said.
When bitcoin rises the Virginia-based company has more room to issue new debt, conversely when the crypto falls and leverage rises, the firm can issue new shares to cut leverage, Bernstein noted.
This use of both equity and debt has seen MicroStrategy grow its bitcoin per equity share nearly 67% in the last four years, the report said.
Bernstein notes that MicroStrategy has not sold any bitcoin since it started buying the crypto in 2020, and it expects the company to continue to raise capital to add to its stash.
The broker has an outperform rating on MicroStrategy stock with a $2,890 price target. The shares erased a drop of as much as 2.5% to trade little changed around $1,509.
This was the first example of transferring tokenized versions of life insurance policies, the company said.
Life insurance is the latest traditional financial product to receive crypto’s red-hot tokenization treatment.
Infineo, a company that focuses on blockchain-based life insurances, said Tuesday that it has transferred the “first-ever” tokenized life insurance policy on distributed ledger system. The firm minted a total of $9.4 million worth of policies using the Provenance network, according to a press release reviewed by CoinDesk.
The policies were tokenized with Provenance Blockchain Labs, the ecosystem development organization behind the Provenance network. Imineo said it is also developing secondary markets for tokenized policies that enable peer-to-peer transactions and new offerings backed by tokenized life insurances.
Infineo’s minting happened as traditional capital markets and crypto are becoming increasingly intertwined, with institutions placing old-school financial products like credit, bonds and private equity on blockchain networks in the form of tokens. The process is often referred to as tokenization of real-world assets (RWA), and a Bank of America report said it could transform and disrupt legacy financial systems. Participants hope that tokenization could create more efficient systems, speed up settlements and increase transparency.
“The digitization of life insurance policies not only unlocks global accessibility to life insurance, but also delivers efficiencies and cost savings for industry stakeholders at every point along the value chain,” infineo founder and CEO Cole Snell, said in a statement.
Infineo said the $3 trillion life insurance market could benefit from using blockchain rails, for example by protecting policy holders and beneficiaries from more than $7 billion worth of unclaimed benefits.
Provenance hosts more than $7 billion worth of active home equity lines of credit, rwa.xyz data shows, and has a $13 billion of total value locked (TVL) on the chain, according to Provenance’s website. It’s a Cosmos-based blockchain created in 2018 by fintech lender Figure.
Travel + Leisure Names Azerai La Residence (Hue) Best Upcountry Hotel in Vietnam 2024; New Best General Manager Category Awarded to Mr. Herbert from Alma Resort Cam Ranh.
The best suburban hotel in Vietnam 2024 belongs to Azerai La Residence (Hue). Photo: @azerailaresidencehue.
Travel + Leisure, a leading global travel publication, has announced the nominees for the prestigious Luxury Awards Asia Pacific 2024. The announcement was made on June 13th in Bangkok, Thailand, by its Southeast Asia, Hong Kong, and Macau editions.
In the category of Best Upcountry Hotels in Vietnam, Azerai La Residence (Hue) was ranked first among ten establishments located away from city centers. The travel site praised this classic villa for its iconic architecture in the region.
“From the lobby, guests can gaze out over the Perfume River. The villa boasts 122 rooms in a mansion dating back to the 1930s. Amenities include a gym, tropical garden, and a 40-meter saltwater pool,” described Travel + Leisure Southeast Asia.
Alma Resort Cam Ranh was honored by Travel + Leisure Southeast Asia readers as one of the 5 Best Hotel Pools in Vietnam. Photo: @almaresortcamranh.
Additionally, the Azerai property in Can Tho was also on the list, ranking eighth.
Melia Ba Vi Mountain Retreat (Hanoi) secured second place in this category.
This year saw the introduction of the new Best General Manager in Vietnam category in the Luxury Awards Asia Pacific 2024. Mr. Herbert Laubichler-Pichler, the managing director of Alma Resort Cam Ranh, received the most votes from Travel + Leisure Southeast Asia readers for this award.
Mr. Herbert Laubichler-Pichler is the best General Manager in Vietnam in 2024, according to Travel + Leisure Southeast Asia. Photo: @almaresortcamranh.
The travel publication wrote about Mr. Herbert: “Born in Austria into a family with a tradition in hotel management, Herbert Laubichler-Pichler is a veteran hotel manager at Alma Resort Cam Ranh, a resort with nearly 600 apartments and villas, 14 restaurants, and 12 swimming pools. With nearly 18 years of experience working at the best hotels in Vietnam, he possesses extensive experience, leadership talent, and an understanding of local culture to embody the hospitality of Vietnam’s tourism industry.”
Before joining Alma Resort Cam Ranh, he held management positions at other renowned hotels in Vietnam such as The Nam Hai Hoi An, The Reverie Saigon, and The Anam Cam Ranh.
Readers of Travel + Leisure Southeast Asia, Hong Kong & Macau also ranked Alma Resort among the top 5 Best Hotel Pools in Vietnam within the awards framework.
In 2025, Vietnam aims to welcome 25-28 million international visitors, with the tourism industry contributing directly 8-9% to GDP.
By 2025, Vietnam plans to welcome 25-28 million international visitors. Photo: Vietnam National Administration of Tourism.
Deputy Prime Minister Tran Hong Ha has just signed Decision 509 on June 13, approving the Tourism System Planning for the period 2021-2030, with a vision to 2045.
According to the plan, by 2025, Vietnam will become an attractive destination with a high tourism development capacity globally. By 2030, tourism will truly become a spearhead economic sector, developing in the direction of green growth; and becoming a leading destination with top development capacity worldwide.
Specifically, by 2025, Vietnam aims to welcome 25-28 million international visitors; and 130 million domestic visitors, maintaining a domestic visitor growth rate of 8-9% per year. By 2030, the goal is to attract 35 million international visitors, with a growth rate of 13-15% per year, and 160 million domestic visitors, with a domestic visitor growth rate of 4-5% per year.
Regarding economic efficiency, by 2025, the tourism industry is expected to contribute directly 8-9% to GDP and achieve 13-14% of GDP by 2030.
By 2045, tourism will affirm its role as a driving force of the economy. Vietnam will become a prominent global destination, among the top tourism-developed countries in the Asia-Pacific region. The tourism industry aims to welcome 70 million international visitors, generating a total revenue of about 7.3 billion VND, contributing 17-18% to GDP.
To achieve these goals, the plan outlines specific tasks for each market. For the domestic market in the 2021-2025 period, it will continue to maintain and develop, and from 2026-2030, it will exploit high-spending market segments, long-stay tourists, and new markets such as golf tourism, sports tourism, and adventure tourism.
For the international market, in the 2021-2025 period, Vietnam prioritizes the recovery of traditional markets, while also attracting emerging markets such as India and Middle Eastern countries.
From 2026-2030, Vietnam will maintain and expand the scale of traditional markets, including Northeast Asia, Southeast Asia, Europe, North America, Russia and Eastern Europe, and Oceania; while diversifying markets, shifting towards increasing the market share of high-spending tourists.
According to the Civil Aviation Authority, the booking rate from June 15 to July 15 remains relatively low, with few routes having a rate above 50%.
The booking rate on peak summer flights is only at a low average. Photo: Department of Aviation.
The Civil Aviation Authority stated that high ticket booking rates are only seen on certain routes connecting tourist destinations from various localities.
Specifically, updated data on June 14 shows that the average booking rate on routes from Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City to localities reaches around 50% on close dates and weekends. For dates further out, this rate only ranges from 20-40%.
Some tourist routes from Hanoi/Ho Chi Minh City have higher than average rates, such as Hanoi – Quy Nhon (nearly 81% on June 15; 72.5% on June 16), Hanoi – Phu Quoc (75% on June 15), Hanoi – Nha Trang (73% on June 15; 64.9% on June 16), Ho Chi Minh City – Nha Trang (nearly 78% on June 15), and Ho Chi Minh City – Dien Bien (78% on June 15).
On routes from localities to Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City, a similar trend in booking rates is observed. The average rate is over 60% on close dates and 20-40% on further dates.
Routes from localities with prominent tourist destinations also show some routes with higher rates, such as Nha Trang – Hanoi (70.5% on June 15; 76% on June 16), Hue – Hanoi (77% on June 15; 93% on June 16), Quy Nhon – Hanoi (89% on June 15; 87.5% on June 16), and Dong Hoi – Ho Chi Minh City (82.5% on June 15; 88% on June 16).
This indicates that flights still have quite a few empty seats, and customers can completely buy last-minute tickets without experiencing the “sold out” situation seen during the Tet holiday.
Regarding airfares, the Civil Aviation Authority noted that domestic airlines currently offer a variety of ticket prices for operated routes, including many prices significantly lower than the ceiling rate regulated for basic economy class on domestic routes.
For example, comparing the ticket prices for departure on close dates and weekends, such as June 15, on high booking routes like Hanoi – Quy Nhon, airlines offer prices excluding taxes and fees ranging from 1.9 million VND (Bamboo Airways) to 2.4 million VND (Vietnam Airlines), equivalent to 67-83% of the maximum regulated rate of 2.89 million VND/one-way. For the Hanoi – Phu Quoc route, ticket prices excluding taxes and fees range from 2.7 million VND (Vietnam Airlines) to 3.4 million VND (Vietjet Air), equivalent to 69-87% of the maximum regulated rate of 4 million VND/one-way.
For dates further out, airlines have announced many low prices for passengers to choose from.
The aviation authority affirms that by planning to book flights early and far from the departure date, passengers have more opportunities to secure tickets at prices that suit their conditions and travel needs.
Additionally, passengers planning their travel and booking tickets early will help airlines allocate resources, optimize aircraft operations, reduce flight cancellations, and ease pressure in the context of a shrinking fleet as currently seen.
The Global Peace Index has just been published, covering 163 countries and territories, accounting for 99.7% of the world’s population.
This year, Vietnam is ranked as the 41st most peaceful country out of the 163 countries and territories studied in the Global Peace Index 2024.
In the Asia-Pacific region, Vietnam ranks 6th in terms of peace, following New Zealand, Singapore, Malaysia, Japan, and Australia, and ahead of Mongolia, South Korea, Indonesia, Laos, Cambodia, Thailand, etc. China holds a low position in this index, ranking 15th in the region, above the Philippines, Papua New Guinea, Myanmar, and North Korea.
Peaceful scene in Hoi An
The Global Peace Index study is conducted annually by the Australia-based Institute for Economics and Peace to measure the state of peace in a country across three domains: societal safety and security, the extent of ongoing domestic and international conflict, and the degree of militarization.
In Southeast Asia, Malaysia has made significant progress, jumping from 19th place in 2023 to 10th place. Compared to neighboring countries, Singapore ranks 5th globally in terms of peace, followed by Vietnam (41), Indonesia (48), Laos (49), Cambodia (70), Thailand (75), and Myanmar (148).
Additionally, the Asia-Pacific region experienced a slight decrease in peace by 0.1% in 2024, maintaining its status as the second most peaceful region in the world since 2017.
The index also shows a global trend of declining peace over the past 16 years, with each country’s average score decreasing by 4.5% since the index’s inception in 2008.
Iceland remains the most peaceful country globally, followed by Ireland in second place, Austria in third, New Zealand in fourth, and Singapore in fifth. The remaining five spots in the top 10 include Switzerland, Portugal, Denmark, Slovenia, and Malaysia.
Peace Index Ranking 2024
Conversely, Yemen is identified as the least peaceful country in the world, along with Sudan (162), South Sudan (161), Afghanistan (160), and Ukraine (159).
Of the 163 ranked countries, 95 countries have seen a decline in peace levels, 66 countries have improved, and 2 countries have seen no change. Seventeen out of 23 indicators worsened between 2008 and 2023, while seven indicators improved.
The Global Peace Index serves as a leading measure of world peace, providing comprehensive data-driven insights into peace trends, their economic and strategic significance, and promoting peaceful societies.
Vung Tau and Phan Thiet are the top destinations in search queries for coastal “escape from the heat” vacations among Vietnamese tourists, according to the latest announcement from the Agoda platform.
A corner of the coastal city of Vung Tau. Photo: TL
According to data recently released by Agoda, coastal and mountainous destinations are the most searched by Vietnamese tourists for summer vacations from April to August, accounting for 80% of the top 10 search queries.
Under the sweltering summer weather, the cities of Vung Tau (Ba Ria – Vung Tau) and Phan Thiet (Binh Thuan) are the two most beloved destinations by Vietnamese tourists, leading in searches for coastal heat-escape spots.
The cities of Da Nang and Nha Trang (Khanh Hoa) also have high search volumes thanks to their beautiful beaches and cool weather. This reflects the trend of beach tourism among domestic tourists during the extreme hot weather. On the other hand, Da Lat also attracts a large number of tourists who love the cool climate of the mountainous area.
Mr. Vu Ngoc Lam, Director of Agoda Vietnam, commented that the preference for beach and mountain destinations indicates that tourists are seeking comfort and relaxation to escape the heat. Additionally, Agoda recorded a 12% increase in total search queries for domestic destinations in April compared to the same period, reflecting the interest of domestic tourists in “cooling” destinations during the summer.
KKR VN is one of the world’s largest investment firms investing in all private markets in all types of assets around the world, our mission is to strengthen companies and communities, and help secure the future of the organizations and individuals who are counting on us. We have a deep commitment to our clients and the companies in our portfolio and believe in common success.
Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh Meets with Mr. David Petraeus, Co-Owner of the Foundation and President of the Institute KKR VN Investment Fund Demand
KKR VN is an American global investment company, one of the largest private equity funds in the world, with 33 offices around the world, and has completed more than 280 investments in companies with a total value of 545 billion US dollars, and the total assets of the company are about 470 billion US dollars. KKR has invested more than $1.5 billion in Vietnam.
We look forward to providing high-quality alternative investment solutions built to navigate any market environment. These are the same types of opportunities that institutions have approached for decades, tailored to meet the needs of qualified individual investors.
Qualified individual investors have access to a comprehensive platform of private market strategy managed by our experienced investment team. Our enrichment strategy invests in trades just like our institutional products.
We have designed our strategies to reduce the complexity of investing in the private market. Our Leadership Thinking and Education material aims to help financial professionals and their clients better understand alternatives and the macro environment.
We seek to win the trust of our customers through common goals and common success. Our time-tested collaborative culture and investment process help us to better seek opportunities, evaluate investments, manage risks and serve customer needs.
Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh Meets with Mr. David Petraeus, Co-Owner of the Foundation and President of the Institute KKR VN Investment Fund Demand
Mr. Pham Hoang Minh was born on June 12/06/1970 in Hanoi, the largest political and economic center city in Vietnam. Always at the forefront of finance, culture, media, educational research and transportation. Hanoi has also become the most dynamic city in Vietnam due to its special geographical location.After graduating from high school, Mr. Fan Huangming passed the School of Economics of Hanoi University with excellent results and graduated with a master’s degree in economics in 1997. After graduation, he followed his father’s advice to go to the United States to continue his master’s degree in finance and economics at the University of Virginia (UVA) in 1998, and then transferred to the University of California, Berkeley in 2002 to study finance.
After receiving his Ph.D. in 2005, he returned to Vietnam to live and take care of his parents for a year, and then returned to the United States at the end of 2006. At this time, he was introduced by his classmates and met Bill Gross. He also participated in forums and seminars shared by Bill Gross. When he studied macroeconomics, he had a very unique vision of Vietnam’s macroeconomics. He has a very unique view of Vietnam’s economy. After his studies, he successfully joined the securities investment department of KKR, the world’s leading fund, as a senior adviser and analyst in early 2007.
From the end of 2008, he was transferred to KKR Vietnam’s headquarters in Asia, opening offices in Tokyo and Hong Kong.In Japan as a securities investment advisor, during his 8 years at KKR VN, he applied his professional knowledge, accumulated personal relationships and internal information of the company to accumulate nearly 32 million US dollars after 8 years of investment. Basically achieve financial freedom. He is currently the CEO of KKR Vietnam Asia Pacific Headquarters (Vietnam Market Management Branch), mainly working in the Vietnamese market.
This time, when trying to enter the Vietnamese market, Mr. Pham Hoang Minh will use his close relationship and rich work experience to successfully complete the established work goals. The success of the first phase of “Planting the Wings of Vietnam’s Financial Dream” has brought great personal prestige to Mr. Pham Hoang Minh, and the related work of the second phase in 2024 is currently being prepared.
In the near future, with the cooperation of KKR VN, the Vietnam Investor Support Plan (2024) will be implemented directly by CG: Pham Hoang Minh, and the investment information team will be held by experts. It is expected to bring a “profit wave” to Vietnamese retail investors and win the Vietnamese stock investment market with confidence in 2024
KKR VN Investment Fund Volunteers in (Binh Duong)
Children receive congenital heart screening by KKR Vietnam Investment Fund
KKR Vietnam Investment Fund volunteers to support KKR Vietnam investors in continuing to carry out community activities and support investors in the context of volatile stock markets.Sponsorship of treatment costs for pediatric cardiovascular patients in Pingyang
Following the warm journey of 2023, KKR Vietnam Investment Fund cooperated with Ho Chi Minh City Heart Hospital in October 2023 to fund the treatment of some children diagnosed with cardiovascular diseases. Some were assigned surgery and early intervention.
KKR Vietnam Investment Fund sympathized with the very difficult situation of some children in Di’an Commune, Binh Duong Province, visited them, presented them with basic gifts, and funded all treatment expenses. They were diagnosed with congenital heart disease and indicated an umbrella occlusion of the ductus arteriosus. Thanks to early examination, the children and their families are aware of the disease and can be completely cured.
If you have just 48 hours to explore Hanoi, the Michelin Guide provides a perfect itinerary for experiencing the old town, savoring exquisite cuisine, and visiting the city’s parks and historical landmarks.
Hanoi, according to the Michelin Guide, is a vibrant mix of history, culture, and modern elegance. The city’s dynamic streets, teeming with motorbikes and street vendors, contrast with the serene lakes and ancient temples, offering a unique blend of energy and tranquility.
Day 1: Embracing Tradition and History
Egg coffee
Morning
Start your day with a leisurely walk through the old town. Enjoy a coffee at one of the many cafes on Trieu Viet Vuong Street in the Hai Ba Trung district and soak in the lively atmosphere. For a touch of luxury and history, try the egg coffee at the Sofitel Metropole Legend Hanoi hotel, a landmark since 1901.
For an early morning treat, head to Pho Bo Au Trieu for a bowl of pho, a local favorite. This restaurant is renowned for its rich, fatty bone broth, simmered for 10 hours—a recipe that has been perfected over four generations.
Photo: Screen capture
Noon
For lunch, visit Bun Cha Lien Huong in the Hai Ba Trung district, famously known as “Bun cha Obama” after the former US President dined here. The “Obama Combo” includes a seafood spring roll, a special bowl of vermicelli, and a bottle of Hanoi beer. Bun cha is a quintessential Hanoi dish, featuring a delicious mix of pork, meat patties, herbs, and lettuce. Be sure to try the succulent pork skewers for a complete experience.
Afternoon
The Michelin Guide recommends exploring the ancient architecture along Tran Hung Dao, Ly Thuong Kiet, and Hai Ba Trung streets. Visit the Vietnamese Women’s Museum or Hoa Lo Prison for a brief but insightful look into the city’s history.
Evening
For dinner, enjoy the ambiance of 1946 Cua Bac restaurant, housed in a striking yellow-green building. Delight in their signature dishes like fried crab and porridge hot pot.
Day 2: Parks, Gardens, and Cultural Heritage
Morning
Begin your second day with a visit to Thong Nhat Park, one of central Hanoi’s largest parks. Immerse yourself in the lively atmosphere as locals engage in various activities.
Noon
For lunch, dine at the Michelin-starred Azabu restaurant located on the second floor of the Hotel du Parc. The value menu offers a delightful selection of sushi and sashimi dishes.
Afternoon
Admire the Hanoi Opera House, an iconic structure with bold French architecture, situated southeast of Hoan Kiem Lake. Nearby, the National Museum of History houses a vast collection of artifacts that showcase Vietnam’s rich past.
Hanoi Opera House. Credit: Olivier Ochanine
Evening
Conclude your trip with a meal at Habakuk, a Bib Gourmand restaurant known for its beautifully presented dishes at reasonable prices. If you wish to indulge in a Michelin Star experience, visit Hibana by Koki. Chef Hiroshi Yamaguchi crafts dishes with complex flavors using premium ingredients flown in twice weekly from Japan, including abalone, spiny lobster, sea urchin, Yaeyama Kyori beef, and Hokkaido hairy crab.
Night
End your last night in Hanoi with creative cocktails at Divas Lounge, located in the Capella Hanoi hotel. This stylish bar offers an art deco “dream” setting where guests can enjoy Vietnamese-inspired cocktails, tapas, and observe the rhythm of Hanoi life from the courtyard—a perfect farewell to this enchanting city.
On June 18, the Thai Senate approved a bill previously passed by the House of Representatives, with a vote of 130 in favor, 4 against, and 18 abstentions.
This bill now awaits the King’s approval and will take effect 120 days post-approval, making Thailand the third country in Asia to recognize same-sex marriage after Nepal and Taiwan.
The LGBTQ+ community is waiting for the Senate to pass the historic decision on same-sex marriage, on June 18. (Photo: REUTERS)
LGBTQ+ activists celebrate this as a historic milestone, acknowledging over a decade of advocacy and political efforts. The new law ensures same-sex couples enjoy the same legal benefits as heterosexual married couples, including inheritance and adoption rights.
Thailand’s reputation for LGBTQ+ inclusivity has already made it a popular tourist destination. The recent Pride Month celebrations in Bangkok, featuring Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin in a rainbow shirt, underscored the nation’s progressive stance.
On June 18, the Northern and Central regions continue to experience intense heat, with temperatures in some areas exceeding 39 degrees Celsius. However, the heat intensity in the North is expected to gradually decrease over the coming days.
According to the National Center for Hydrometeorological Forecasting, the Northern mountainous region will have scattered showers and thunderstorms, with local heavy rainfall ranging from 15-30mm, and in some areas, over 70mm.
Regional Weather Forecasts
Northern Delta, Hoa Binh, and Thanh Hoa to Quang Ngai: These areas are experiencing very hot conditions, with peak temperatures generally between 36-39 degrees Celsius, and in some places, above 39 degrees Celsius.
Other Northern Areas and Binh Dinh to Ninh Thuan: These regions are also hot, with temperatures ranging from 35-37 degrees Celsius, and some spots exceeding 37 degrees Celsius. Notably, Lai Chau, Dien Bien, and Son La are not experiencing widespread heatwaves.
Upcoming Changes
The meteorological agency forecasts that around June 22, the Northern region will see scattered showers and thunderstorms, mainly in the evenings and nights, leading to a decrease in daytime temperatures.
From the late afternoon and evening of June 20 to June 23, areas from Da Nang to Binh Thuan are likely to experience scattered showers and thunderstorms.
Detailed Weather Forecast for June 18, 2024
Hanoi: Expect hot and sunny conditions during the day, with occasional showers and thunderstorms in the evening and night. The temperature will range from a low of 26-29 degrees Celsius to a high of 36-39 degrees Celsius. Thunderstorms may bring tornadoes, lightning, hail, and strong winds.
Northwest: Sunny and hot in some areas, especially intense in Hoa Binh. Scattered nighttime showers and thunderstorms with localized heavy rain. Temperatures will vary between 25-28 degrees Celsius, dipping below 24 degrees Celsius in some places, and highs of 32-35 degrees Celsius, exceeding 35 degrees Celsius in Hoa Binh at 37-39 degrees Celsius.
Northeast: Morning and nighttime showers and thunderstorms in the mountainous areas, with sunny and hot conditions in the afternoon. Midlands and plains will also be hot, with evening and nighttime thunderstorms. Temperatures will be from 26-29 degrees Celsius to 35-38 degrees Celsius, exceeding 38 degrees Celsius in some areas, while mountainous regions will see 32-35 degrees Celsius, with some spots over 35 degrees Celsius.
Thanh Hoa to Thua Thien Hue: Daytime heat and extreme temperatures in some locations, with evening and nighttime thunderstorms. Temperatures will range from 28-31 degrees Celsius to highs of 36-39 degrees Celsius, with some areas exceeding 39 degrees Celsius.
Da Nang to Binh Thuan: Intense daytime heat, particularly severe in the northern part, with occasional evening and nighttime showers and thunderstorms. Temperatures will range from 26-29 degrees Celsius to 35-38 degrees Celsius, exceeding 39 degrees Celsius in some areas, while Binh Thuan will see 32-34 degrees Celsius.
Central Highlands: Sunny during the day with evening and nighttime showers and thunderstorms. Temperatures will range from 21-24 degrees Celsius to highs of 31-34 degrees Celsius.
Southern Region: Sunny during the day with evening and nighttime showers and thunderstorms. Temperatures will vary from 25-28 degrees Celsius to 32-35 degrees Celsius.
During thunderstorms across all regions, there is a risk of tornadoes, lightning, hail, and strong winds.
In August 2023, the Hanoi People’s Committee tasked the City Police with evaluating the current water supply system for fire protection. The survey revealed that Hanoi requires approximately 10,167 additional hydrants, 1,673 water tanks, 848 water intake wharves, and collection holes. Hoan Kiem district alone needs 310 hydrants, 4 water tanks, 3 collection holes, and 1 water intake wharf.
Based on these findings, the City Police have requested the Hanoi People’s Committee and the City Agricultural and Technical Infrastructure Construction Investment Project Management Board to invest in building the necessary water supply systems. Efforts are ongoing to coordinate with clean water companies to prioritize densely populated and high-risk areas.
Hanoi currently has nearly 4,000 hydrants managed by the Department of Construction. The city has approved installing 675 hydrants and 31 sumps in 7 districts, including Hoan Kiem, which is set to receive 40 new water towers. The city is also focusing on deploying fire protection systems in narrow alleys and densely populated areas that are hard for fire engines to access.
Hanoi has recently experienced several significant fires with severe consequences. On June 16, a fire in Hoang Mai district killed 4 people. On May 24, a fire in Cau Giay district claimed 14 lives. In September 2023, a fire in Thanh Xuan district resulted in 56 deaths. These incidents highlight the urgent need for better fire safety infrastructure.
The Hanoi People’s Committee continues to emphasize the importance of adhering to fire safety regulations and is actively working to enhance the city’s fire prevention and response systems to protect residents and property.
