Moss growing on palm leaf roofs, giving the houses a distinctive appearance. (Photo: VNA)
Hanoi (VNS/VNA) - At the top of the Tay Con Linh mountainrange is Xa Phin hamlet, approximately 20 kilometres northwest of Ha Giangprovince’s Vi Xuyen district.
Xa Phin enjoys a chilly climate all year due to its elevation, sitting almost1,000 metres above sea level.
This hilly terrain is characterised by fog all year and persistent rainfallwith high humidity.
It is an ideal environment for plants to flourish and thrive, including thickgreen moss, which ethnic people use to cover the palm-leaf roofs of theirhomes.
Residents say a roof must be at least five years old before moss starts to growon it.
The palm leaf roof has soaked up enough moisture to become pliable, and mouldhas begun to spread. The thickness of the moss on the roof can be used todetermine the age of the home.
Most of the local population still maintain their traditional palmleaf-thatched-roof homes and way of life today. The mossy layers on the roofact as insulation, preventing the interior from being too hot in summer or toocold in winter.
The bold and rustic beauty of the mossy green roofs, along with the indigenousculture of the ethnic minority, makes Xa Phin hamlet an appealing location forthose who love exploring.
The Hoang Su Phi Terraced Field Heritage Week has returned to the mountainous province of Ha Giang after being postponed for two seasons due to COVID-19, with a wide range of attractive destinations now on offer.
Roofs of stilt houses covered with thick green moss at an altitude of 1,000 metres above sea level along the Tay Con Linh mountain range in Xà Phìn hamlet, Phương Tiến commune, Vị Xuyên district create unique beauty in the northern mountainous province of Ha Giang.
Roofs of stilt houses covered with thick green moss at an altitude of 1,000 metres above sea level along the Tay Con Linh mountain range in Xa Phin hamlet, Phuong Tien commune, Vi Xuyen district create unique beauty in the northern mountainous province of Ha Giang.
A standout feature this year is “Manga Fest 2025”, showcasing celebrated comic titles and also offering author meet-and-greets, cosplay performances, and other interactive activities.
The programme featured a range of activities, including group practice sessions of the Common Yoga Protocol (CYP), Vietnamese–Indian cultural performances, a commemorative flag handover ceremony for clubs, and a beach clean-up to help protect the marine environment.
This year’s tournament has gathered over 300 coaches, athletes, and referees from 18 countries and territories, competing in 28 combat weight categories and eight performance categories. Vietnam’s team has 50 athletes, including six from Thai Nguyen province.
It is the first time that the country is to hold a G1-level tournament which is expected to lure more than 100 athletes of 15 countries and regions at Go Vap Gymnasium.
Nguyen Trong Nha Uyen has made history for Vietnam’s dancesport by clinching a bronze medal in the solo Latin category at the WDSF World Championship 2025 in Germany.
The ambassador noted that among the 300,000 Vietnamese residing in the RoK, around 3,000 are living in Pyeongtaek and contributing actively to the local economy. Ho expressed his hope that the local authorities will continue support the overseas Vietnamese community in the city.
This is the first time since the adoption of the Convention that a country has served two consecutive terms on the Committee. The outcome shows the trust and recognition that member states have given Vietnam for its efforts and achievements in carrying out and promoting the Convention, as well as for its active role, strong standing, and growing credibility at UNESCO.
Quang Duc pottery is known for its wide range of forms, including wine bottles, jars, lime pots, vases, plant pots, incense burners and candle stands. Decorative motifs are equally rich, featuring mythical creatures, pastoral scenes, floral patterns, deer, peacocks, bats and more.
Vietnam’s cinematic appeal lies in its diverse settings, from terraced mountains and limestone karsts to bustling markets and ancient towns. Its mix of ethnic vibes, buzzing street life, and old traditions gives directors a goldmine for storytelling.
The Vietnamese team will gather on June 26 in Ba Ria-Vung Tau, where they will train until July 14 before departing for Indonesia for the ASEAN U23 Championship 2025, which runs from July 15 to 29. Vietnam will face Laos on July 19 and Cambodia on July 22 in the group stage.
The exhibition showcases more than 100 valuable documents and artifacts, divided into two main parts: “Journalist Nguyen Ai Quoc – Ho Chi Minh” and “President Ho Chi Minh – Founder and Mentor of Vietnamese Revolutionary Press.” This is an opportunity to recall the late leader’s journalism journey and affirm his exceptional role in founding and guiding the revolutionary press in Vietnam.
For the first time, the World DanceSport Federation (WDSF) has granted Vietnam hosting rights for the two championships, including the Asian women’s solo category, which debuts this year as an officially recognised event.
Eight teams will join the tournament, divided into two groups. Group A features Vietnam, the Philippines, Sichuan Club (China), and Australia, while Group B consists of Vietnam U21, Korabelka Club (Russia), Taiwan (China), and U21 Thailand.
Despite strong home support and high expectations, Vietnam were unable to overcome the defending champions, who secured their third consecutive win over Vietnam in a regional final, following previous victories in 2014 and 2023.
The event, part of Vietnam’s cultural diplomacy strategy through 2030, was jointly organised by the Vietnamese Embassy in Venezuela and USM’s Faculty of International Relations. It attracted thousands of students from universities across Venezuela.
For the first time, Vietnamese audiences will have the opportunity to experience the ballet masterpiece "Don Quixote" in its original version by renowned choreographer Marius Petipa.
The contest carried deep meaning as it was the first time the life of Vietnamese women abroad had been highlighted as the central theme, said poet and writer Nguyen Quang Thieu, Chairman of the Vietnam Writers’ Association.
Moss growing on palm leaf roofs, giving the houses a distinctive appearance. (Photo: VNA) 
