HCMC – UNESCO has officially designated Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park as a World Biosphere Reserve, marking a significant milestone in Vietnam’s efforts to combine biodiversity conservation with sustainable development and strengthening the country’s role in global heritage governance.
At the heart of the Goethe-Institut Ho Chi Minh City, Mailan Thai—director and head of the Cultural Program Department—has devoted her career to nurturing dialogue between Vietnam and Germany through language, culture, and shared human narratives. Born and raised in Germany to Vietnamese parents from Hue and Saigon, she grew up navigating two worlds that would ultimately shape her life’s mission.
HCMC - The third Banh Mi Festival officially opened on March 21 at Le Van Tam Park, welcoming thousands of local and international visitors eager to explore the country’s most famous street food.
While Vietnam was celebrating four days of holiday to mark the anniversary of the country’s Reunification, Chau Phong Village, Chau Doc Commune, in An Giang Province, had its very own celebration. The village is home to the Cham ethnic people, mostly Muslims.
The Muslim religion, Islam, centers around five main pillars, and one of them is the holy month of Ramadan.This tradition is one of the most important.
According to the Quran, the holy month of Ramadan represents the opportunity for self-introspection, as well as reinforcing Islamic beliefs, and to reflect upon those who face a shortage of food throughout the year.
In Vietnam, the Cham community is one of the 54 ethnic groups in the country. Nowadays, the Cham from Chau Phong and their unique traditions from Islam are a unique opportunity to explore the diversity of Vietnam.
The Imam of the Jamiul Azhar Mosque counts every minute before proclaiming the end of fastingThe Jamiul Azhar Mosque is the most important religious edifice in Chau Phong Village. During the holy month of Ramadan, the place can gather up to 250 people.As stated in the Quran, Muslims have to present themselves in a clean state before GodA young worshiper at the women’s mosqueAs sunset comes, the men prepare a mixture made from coconut milk for breakfast, as it goes with the tradition. A sweet soup is usually served.Some Muslims from other villages in Chau Doc take the ferry to participate in the celebration in Chau PhongA teenager and her family rush to complete last-minute grocery shopping. It is not rare to experience cravings during Ramadan.A young worshiper goes to the mosque after the end of Ramadan. Muslims can eat and drink at ease while celebrating and giving each other gifts in the form of food and drink.A man stands in front of a mosqueA young teenager in front of her house in Chau Phong awaits the sunset so she can go outOn the occasion, visitors rent traditional outfits and organize a photoshoot at a shop in the heart of the village
HCMC – UNESCO has officially designated Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park as a World Biosphere Reserve, marking a significant milestone in Vietnam’s efforts to combine biodiversity conservation with sustainable development and strengthening the country’s role in global heritage governance.
At the heart of the Goethe-Institut Ho Chi Minh City, Mailan Thai—director and head of the Cultural Program Department—has devoted her career to nurturing dialogue between Vietnam and Germany through language, culture, and shared human narratives. Born and raised in Germany to Vietnamese parents from Hue and Saigon, she grew up navigating two worlds that would ultimately shape her life’s mission.
HCMC - The third Banh Mi Festival officially opened on March 21 at Le Van Tam Park, welcoming thousands of local and international visitors eager to explore the country’s most famous street food.
