HÀ NỘI — Lao people will have a chance to learn more about their brother country of Việt Nam when an exhibition showcasing Vietnamese culture, its land and people takes place in Vientiane, Laos this month.

Entitled Việt Nam’s Beauty, the four-day showcase will be organised at the Lao National Cultural Palace in Vientiane from July 18-21. The event is to celebrate the 45th anniversary of the Việt Nam-Laos Friendship Treaty (18/7/1977 - 18/7/2022), and the 60th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Việt Nam and Laos (5/9/1962 - 5/9/2022).

Conducted by the Department of International Co-operation under the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism, the showcase aims to introduce Việt Nam’s culture, its land and people as well as the world cultural heritage sites in Việt Nam. It will also exhibit the country's development, sports achievements and tourism potential to the Lao public and international friends in Laos. The event is expected to actively contribute to the further development of the great friendship, special solidarity and comprehensive cooperation between the two neighbouring countries.

Model presents an áo dài creation by designer Lan Hương. A collection of her áo dài will be presented at the Việt Nam’s Beauty in Vientian, Laos. — Photo courtesy of Áo Dài Lan Hương

The exhibition will feature 60 photos depicting UNESCO-recognised world heritage sites in Việt Nam, traditional festivals, nature landscapes, and famous tourism destinations.

An áo dài (Vietnamese traditional dress) exhibition presenting creations by Hanoian designer Lan Hương will also be on display.

A corner of the exhibition will be transformed into a replica of Hội An ancient town in Quảng Nam Province, famous for small streets adorned by colourful lanterns. Through lively photos of the town and several cultural objects, the organisers want to introduce visitors to National Tourism Year 2022 in Quảng Nam, with a theme of Green Tourism.

Việt Nam’s Beauty will also show the sports achievements of Vietnamese athletic teams at the 31st Southeast Asian Games (SEA Games) which was successfully held in Việt Nam in May.

It’s expected that high ranking leaders of the two countries will participate in the event’s opening ceremony on July 18. Artists from the Việt Nam National Theatre of Singing, Dancing and Music will stage a repertoire featuring folk dances and music.

Tourism promotion in Luang Prabang

Also this month, in Laos’ former capital of Luang Prabang, an event aiming to promote tourism of this UNESCO World Heritage Site and Việt Nam’s northern mountainous province of Sơn La will be organised.

Co-organised by the authorities of the two provinces, during three days, from July 18 to 20, the Bản Tình Ca Sơn La -- Luông Pha Băng (The Love Song of Sơn La – Luang Prabang) will feature a wide range of interesting activities.

Artists perform the lamvong – a traditional dance of Lao. Traditional dances and music of Việt Nam and Lao will be presented at the tourism promotion event The Love Song of Sơn La – Luang Prabang’ in Luang Prabang. — Photo aseanrecords.world

Visitors will have a glimpse of the specific culture of each country when they enjoy Vietnamese and Lao traditional art performances that will be staged during the event.

The event agenda will also include activities introducing the tourism potential and cultural identity of each region. A workshop on how to promote tourism of the two regions will be organised.

Representatives from tourist companies and travel agents will join an exclusive trip to several popular tourist attractions in Luang Prabang.

According to the organisers, the event is an opportunity to promote the image of the land, people, and unique tourism products of both Sơn La and Luang Prabang, all aiming to develop sustainable tourism in the future.

Visitors to ‘The Love Song of Sơn La – Luang Prabang’ will enjoy a photo exhibition featuring the cultural identity, people, and natural landscapes of the two regions. In addition, a fashion show presenting traditional costumes, along with booths displaying local food, regional specialties, unique souvenir and handicraft products will also help visitors have a better experience of the cultures. — VNS