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 Barely a week after launch, “Brother Hai’s Pho Shop” – a small, independently developed Vietnamese game – has taken social media by storm. Gamers are sharing clips, memes, and even creating fan groups just to discuss… the runaway dog “Cậu Vàng” and the accidentally burnt broth. 

At first glance, it sounds like just another cooking simulator, but Brother Hai’s Restaurant is unexpectedly real, raw, and hilarious. Players take on the role of Anh Hai, a man trying to start his life over by opening a pho shop in the peaceful countryside of Đan Phượng, Hanoi. The tranquility doesn’t last long — within minutes, players find themselves caught in chaotic, real-life situations: moody customers, nosy neighbors, a mischievous dog escaping its leash, and even cinematic action moments worthy of a Vietnamese drama.

What makes Brother Hai’s Pho Shop stand out isn’t flashy graphics or complex mechanics, but its authentic storytelling and familiar slice-of-life vibe. With every choice leading to one of four different endings — from “happily ever after” to “total disaster” — players can’t help but see themselves in Anh Hai: a simple, hard-working Vietnamese man juggling reality and ambition.

The developer, a young indie creator, said humbly:

“I never imagined my little game would become this popular. I just wanted to tell a Vietnamese story, made by Vietnamese hands. I picked pho because it’s not only close to our hearts but also famous around the world.”

Surprisingly, the game is completely free. Every sound effect, visual, and detail was self-made from publicly available assets, adjusted and reworked to fit the Vietnamese theme. “I used what I could find online, modified it to make it more local, and just hoped people would like it. Seeing it blow up like this is surreal,” he shared.

Right now, the keywords “Phở Anh Hai” and “No.10 Đan Phượng” are trending across Facebook, TikTok, and Reddit. Some ride-hailing app drivers even joked about customers requesting rides to the “fake address” featured in the game — that’s how deep the meme has gone.

When Vietnamese Games Start Telling Vietnamese Stories

Brother Hai’s Pho Shop isn’t just a viral hit; it’s proof that Vietnamese culture can shine in gaming without copying anyone else. No fancy 3D graphics or massive budgets — just authenticity and heart — are enough to capture both local and international audiences.

Vietnam’s gaming industry is already on the rise. In 2024, total revenue surpassed 13.6 trillion VND, up nearly 9% from the previous year. International markets alone brought in over 2 trillion VND, with 5.7 billion downloads from global players, placing Vietnam among the Top 5 gaming markets in the world. Games like “Return to Childhood”, which lets players relive the 1990s with nostalgic Vietnamese street games, and “Brother Hai’s Pho Shop” are shaping a distinct “Made-in-Vietnam” identity in the digital space.

Experts say Vietnam’s cultural heritage — from history and folklore to everyday life — is still a gold mine waiting to be explored. Blending local culture into games doesn’t just make them more relatable; it also becomes a new way for young people to connect with their roots through technology. When Vietnamese stories are told with Vietnamese creativity, the gaming industry does more than make money — it helps spread the nation’s spirit worldwide, in a natural, vibrant, and soulful way.

Colleges and academies in Vietnam have already begun opening official game design and development programs, aiming to build a strong, homegrown talent pool. With the right support, Vietnam could soon become a regional powerhouse for game creation, where new “Anh Hai” developers continue telling local stories in global languages.

In short, “Brother Hai’s Pho Shop” isn’t just a funny, feel-good indie game — it’s a declaration: Vietnamese games can stand tall on their own identity. And maybe, just maybe, in the near future, when people think of “Made-in-Vietnam” games, they’ll picture a steaming bowl of pho — warm, flavorful, and full of soul.

Link dowload this game: https://marisa0704.itch.io/brother-hais-pho-restaurant

 Once upon a time, there were two rice grains that were carefully kept aside to be used as seeds for the next season, for both were healthy, plump, and full of life.

One day, the farmer decided to sow them in the nearby field. The first grain thought to itself:
“Why should I let him take me to the field? I don’t want my body to be crushed and buried in the soil. It’s better to keep all my nutrients inside this shell and find a safe, cozy place to stay.”
So, it rolled into a dark corner of the granary and hid there.

Meanwhile, the second grain longed day and night to be planted into the earth. It felt pure joy at the thought of starting a new life.

As time passed, the first grain withered away in the corner. Without sunlight or water, its nutrients became useless — it slowly dried up and died.
The second grain, though broken and buried in the dirt, sprouted into a golden rice plant heavy with new grains. It gave birth to a new generation of life.

Moral:
If you lock yourself inside your own shell just to preserve a meaningless sense of safety, you will live an empty life and lose your true value.
Therefore, learn to step out, embrace challenges, and dare to be broken — for only through such courage can your life gain meaning and bring real value to the world.

2. The “Ugly” Class Beauty

When the female students in a university class held an open vote to choose their class beauty, Xiao Mai — an ordinary-looking girl — stood up and said to everyone:

“If you vote for me, then a few years from now, each of you can proudly tell your husband: ‘Back in college, I was even prettier than our class beauty!’”

The result? She was elected with an overwhelming majority of votes.

Moral:
To win people’s support, it’s not always about proving that you’re better than others. What truly matters is showing them that because of you, they can become better, more accomplished, and more confident themselves.

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Global Rap Star “Silenced” for Crossing Cultural Boundaries: The Story Behind Lisa’s Crazy Horse Controversy

After her performance at the world-renowned cabaret Crazy Horse in Paris in September 2023, global rapper and BLACKPINK member Lisa became the center of controversy and soon faced multiple restrictions in China. Although Crazy Horse is considered a symbol of artistic performance in France, Lisa’s participation was deemed a “cultural deviation” under China’s strict moral and media regulations. 

Only days after her shows ended, backlash erupted across Chinese social media. On November 1, 2023, Lisa’s personal Weibo account, along with her largest fan club in China, was deleted or permanently suspended for “violating community guidelines.” Simultaneously, her images were removed from the official Chinese pages of Celine and Bvlgari, two luxury brands where she had served as a global ambassador.

The situation didn’t stop there. Two well-known actresses — Angelababy and Zhang Jiani — who were spotted attending Lisa’s show, also had their social media accounts locked. This wave of sanctions highlighted how China is tightening its control over celebrity behavior, especially when it concerns morality, youth influence, and cultural representation.

China has long enforced strict rules regarding celebrity images and moral standards. Anything perceived as “suggestive” or “inappropriate” can be subject to censorship. Lisa’s bold Crazy Horse performance was therefore seen as crossing the line of acceptable art. Though no official ban was announced, she became the target of a silent “blacklisting,” disappearing from Chinese media, advertising, and social platforms.

Born Lalisa Manobal in 1997 in Thailand, Lisa is BLACKPINK’s lead rapper and main dancer. Known for her sharp stage presence, confidence, and fierce style, she has become a symbol of modern K-pop’s global reach. After nearly a decade in the spotlight, Lisa’s net worth is estimated at around $40 million, according to Celebrity Net Worth — proof of her massive success and influence.

Before the controversy, Lisa had been one of the most beloved K-pop idols in China. She served as a dance mentor on the hit reality show Youth With You, which achieved record-breaking viewership. Her fanbase, Lisa Bar, was famous for lavish spending — from buying thousands of albums to purchasing massive birthday billboards across Asia. Thanks to her immense popularity, Lisa was a marketing magnet for luxury brands aiming to attract young Chinese consumers.

However, after the Crazy Horse incident, her presence vanished from China’s digital sphere. For many in the media, this marked a “cold cut” between Lisa and the market that once adored her. Despite this, Lisa remains an international icon, continuing to perform at elite global fashion and music events.

Lisa’s case is more than a celebrity scandal — it’s a reflection of the delicate balance between artistic freedom and social norms in an era of globalization. In a country like China, where tradition and moral values hold immense weight, international fame alone is not enough to override cultural boundaries.

More: News

 On his personal social media page, Cristiano Ronaldo Jr, the eldest son of the Portuguese superstar, caused a stir when he posted a picture with a luxury SUV along with the caption: “My first car.” What seemed like a harmless moment quickly went viral, attracting hundreds of thousands of likes — and just as many mixed reactions.

Many argued that it’s only natural for the son of one of the world’s richest footballers to own an expensive car. After all, Cristiano Ronaldo has built an enormous fortune from his brilliant career and countless high-value endorsement deals.

However, behind that seemingly proud post came a storm of controversy. At just 15 years old, Ronaldo Jr is far from the legal driving age in Saudi Arabia, where the minimum age to obtain a driver’s license is 18. His act of “showing off” a car wasn’t just viewed as inappropriate — it raised the question of whether Ronaldo’s family enjoys certain privileges that place them above the local laws and norms.

According to a 2021 report by the AAA Foundation, only about 4% of teenagers aged 15–16 in developed countries own cars. This makes Ronaldo Jr’s image beside his shiny SUV an unintentional symbol of the growing gap between “celebrities” and “ordinary people.”

Not long after, the young Ronaldo once again drew attention by sharing a photo with a girl next to a supercar — rumored to be his girlfriend. The post sparked online gossip and divided opinions, with many fans worrying that such a public lifestyle at age 15 could distract him from building his football career.

Despite the controversy, Ronaldo Jr continues to focus on football. On October 31, he made his official debut for Portugal’s U16 national team during a 2-0 victory over Turkey in Antalya. The 15-year-old came on in the final minutes of the match, earning applause from spectators and catching the attention of scouts in the stands — proof that the name “Ronaldo” still carries immense weight and expectation.

Currently, he is competing with Portugal’s U16 squad in the Torneio Taca das Federações (Federations Cup) in Turkey. Just a week earlier, Ronaldo Jr made headlines by scoring two goals to help Al Nassr U15 defeat Al Hilal 2–1 in the King’s Cup final.

The story of Ronaldo Jr isn’t merely about a wealthy teenager showing off — it reflects the pressure of privilege and the heavy expectations that come with being the child of a global icon. His biggest challenge may not be scoring goals, but learning how to stay grounded in a world that watches his every move.

Related: News

The incident where Jack97 “let it slip” on stage, blurting out “Lào gì cũng tôn” in front of a fiery crowd, might seem like a fleeting moment of impulsiveness — yet it has peeled open a deeper crack in Vietnam’s pop culture: when young artists no longer know fear, and audiences grow accustomed to what’s wrong.

A Ten-Second Clip That Exposed a Cultural Problem

A video not even ten seconds long was enough to ignite a storm of controversy, outrage, and disappointment. Across social media, people split into camps — some defending Jack for “showing personality,” others condemning him for disrespecting the audience.

Arrogance That’s Been Allowed to Grow

Just days before the scandal, Jack97’s company had been fined for holding a press conference with content inconsistent with what was approved. Yet barely a week later, he stood before thousands and uttered a vulgar phrase, causing public backlash.
It’s fair to ask: Was that defiance?

Maybe Jack didn’t mean to challenge anyone — maybe he was just “joking,” like many young people do. But what’s troubling isn’t the joke — it’s his indifference to consequences, his lack of fear for discipline.
A fine of a few million đồng means nothing to a star earning hundreds of millions per show. The punishment was too small — like a mosquito bite on stainless steel — and it quietly sent the message: “Rebellion is cheap. Being outrageous pays.”

Imagine if anyone could publicly curse and pay just 5% of their daily wage for it — the world would explode in chaos.
But Jack isn’t just anyone. He’s a public figure, seen by millions, a representative of a generation’s cultural image.

Fearless — Because No One Ever Stopped Him

People say, “The young are allowed to make mistakes.” True — but only if they learn from them. Jack97 was punished once, criticized many times, yet he keeps walking the fine line between right and wrong with no sign of remorse.
Why? Because no one has ever truly made him afraid.

Some artists, like Đàm Vĩnh Hưng, once faced performance bans — and they complied. But Jack? His defenders flooded the internet, KOLs sneered “Who can ban him?”, and officials remained silent, waiting for “reports from local authorities.”
That loop of indulgence keeps feeding chaos in the entertainment industry, where a vulgar outburst becomes “no big deal.”

The Blame Doesn’t Stop with Jack

It’s too easy to dump all responsibility on him. Behind his arrogance lies a whole ecosystem of negligence —
TV shows chasing ratings, producers chasing clicks, and audiences watching not for art, but for gossip.

Even that line “Lào gì cũng tôn” — if you look closer — sounds like a self-pitying complaint: “Why is everything aimed at me?”
But was Jack really a victim? No. Every scandal he’s faced — from personal drama to public behavior — was born from his own choices. When you live recklessly, you can’t blame the audience for watching the crash.

It’s Not Just What He Said — It’s Where He Said It

If Jack had expressed his frustration in a song, with a thought-provoking lyric or bold statement, that might have been called artistic expression.
But shouting a vulgar line on stage, in front of a live audience, isn’t art — it’s disrespect.

Artists have the right to rebel, yes — but not the right to drag everyone else into the mud. Every word they speak can echo among thousands of young fans, turning bad manners into a new “norm.”

When Fans and Idols Reflect Each Other

The sad truth is, Jack97’s behavior mirrors something bigger — a society slowly desensitized to indecency. Fans who defend him, share his clip, and flood the comments with heart emojis are part of the mirror reflecting our current mindset:
We love drama more than decency, noise more than meaning.

Let’s be honest — we’ve all cursed in anger once or twice. The difference is, most of us know it’s wrong. Today, many treat vulgarity as “authenticity.” That illusion makes artists like Jack think they’re “loved for being real,” when in fact, they’re just participating in the cheapening of culture.

The Dangerous Silence of Those in Power

Three days after the incident, the Department of Performing Arts still hadn’t said a word. No statement. No warning. Maybe they were “waiting for the proper report.”
But while procedures crawl forward, culture bleeds backward.

This slow, bureaucratic reaction teaches performers one thing: “Go ahead. No one will stop you.”
And soon, vulgar lyrics and crude performances multiply — because silence has become approval.

The Real Problem: The Ones Behind the Curtain

The most frightening part isn’t Jack97 — it’s the producers and showrunners who knowingly put such figures on mainstream TV.
They know exactly who crosses the line, yet they push them into the spotlight because “controversy gets clicks.”

Parents might ban TikTok, but they can’t ban prime-time television.
So when a problematic artist appears on official channels, vulgarity becomes institutionalized, wearing the costume of legitimacy.

It’s No Longer About Jack97 — It’s About Us

That infamous line, “Lào gì cũng tôn?”, is more than an outburst.
It’s a mirror, reflecting an uncomfortable question for our entire pop culture:
Why have we become so tolerant of what’s wrong?
Why can vulgarity and popularity coexist so easily?

Look at our neighbors — their pop music is still fun and commercial, yet full of literary elegance and cultural depth.
Because they invest in aesthetic education and value artistic literacy.
Meanwhile, we’ve reduced everything to numbers — views, likes, interactions — until art is no longer about meaning, but metrics.

When a trashy song hits ten million views, while meaningful art barely reaches a few thousand, the problem runs far deeper than any one artist.
It’s systemic — from policymakers to producers, from performers to audiences.

In the End — Don’t Just Ask Jack, Ask Yourself

Jack97 was wrong, undeniably.
But the bigger tragedy is that an entire culture has stopped feeling that it’s wrong.
When vulgarity becomes entertainment, and absurdity becomes “authentic style,” the question “Lào gì cũng tôn?” isn’t his alone — it’s ours too.

It’s a wake-up call — a reminder that every time we consume such content, we’re shaping the culture we’ll live in.

If we don’t want the next generation to believe that “cursing is confidence” and “being offensive is originality,” then maybe — just maybe —
it’s time we all learned to fear again.
Fear the wrong, fear the ugly, and fear losing our sense of culture.\

More: News

 For centuries, our ancestors relied on nature and simple home ingredients to stay healthy. Even without doctors or modern medicine, they found ways to heal, relax, and keep both body and soul in balance. Let’s rediscover some of these precious folk remedies that have stood the test of time.

1. Helping Children Speak Faster – Red Beans and Pig’s Tongue

Long before speech therapy existed, parents used natural tricks to help their kids learn to talk.
One popular method was using red beans. Dry them completely, grind into fine powder, and mix with a little white rice wine. Then gently apply the mixture under the child’s tongue twice a day. It is believed to stimulate speech reflexes naturally.

Another long-standing tip is cooking porridge with pig’s tongue, especially the tip part. This part is rich in nutrients and helps strengthen nerves and oral muscles. Parents should also talk to their children daily, teaching simple words and encouraging repetition — that’s the best form of natural language training.

2. Beating Insomnia with Simple Natural Ingredients

Insomnia is a modern plague, but old remedies still work wonders. A cup of warm honey water 30 minutes before bed can help you relax thanks to its tryptophan content, which boosts serotonin and calms the mind.

For those who prefer herbal solutions, Passionflower tea (Lạc Tiên) is a great choice. Steep 10–15 grams of dried leaves in hot water. Its flavonoids and alkaloids help you fall asleep peacefully.

Another traditional ingredient, lotus seeds, has strong calming properties. Drink tea made from the dried lotus heart or add lotus seeds to your soups and desserts — it soothes the nerves and encourages deep sleep.
And remember: put down your phone at least 30 minutes before bedtime — no herb can fix sleeplessness caused by blue light!

3. Folk Remedies for Cough – From Steamed Pears to Roasted Oranges

Seasonal changes often bring on coughs. Instead of antibiotics, try steamed pear with rock sugar and fritillaria bulbs. It soothes the throat and helps clear phlegm.

You can also boil slices of white radish and drink the water several times a day — it naturally relieves throat irritation. For a quicker fix, roast an orange until the skin turns slightly black, peel, and eat while warm. It tastes wonderful and relieves coughing fast.

4. Easing Neck and Shoulder Pain – Heat, Ginger, and Massage

Office workers sitting all day often struggle with stiff necks. Applying warm compresses can improve blood flow and relax muscles.

For an extra kick, pound fresh ginger with coarse salt, wrap it in gauze, and place it on the sore area for 10–15 minutes. The heat and natural oils from ginger work like a mini massage from Mother Nature herself.

Finally, gentle self-massage — rotating your neck and shoulders — helps release tension and restore flexibility.

5. Helping Babies Walk Sooner – Folk Beliefs and Nutrition

One traditional belief says gently tapping a baby’s legs with a chopstick brings good luck and helps them walk sooner — 7 taps for boys, 9 for girls.
Some also touch the child’s feet with the head of a live snakehead fish, symbolizing agility and quick movement.

Beyond the symbolism, make sure your child gets enough milk, calcium, and vitamin D for strong bones and muscles — that’s what truly builds steady steps.

6. Curing Teeth Grinding – Relax, Meditate, and Breathe

Nighttime teeth grinding often comes from stress. To reduce it, start meditation or yoga before bed. These practices calm your mind and make your sleep deeper.

You can also use a diffuser with lavender or bergamot essential oils — their gentle scent reduces anxiety and helps you sleep more soundly.

These folk remedies may be old, but they’re full of timeless wisdom. They remind us that healing doesn’t always come from a pill — sometimes it’s found in a cup of honey tea, a kind word, or a good night’s sleep.

In the rush of modern life, it’s worth pausing to appreciate these simple traditions — the kind that heal not just the body, but the soul. 🌙✨

 Below are 53 traditional folk remedies (collected from various old sources). These age-old tips were passed down from our ancestors — simple, practical, and surprisingly effective. Try them and feel the difference!

Quit Drinking

Take about 200g of fresh almond seeds, mix with a bit of MSG, and dissolve into a liquid. Soak this mixture for two days, then add two drops to a cup of alcohol before drinking, followed by a sip of the same liquid. It helps gradually reduce alcohol cravings and supports fast recovery from addiction.

Quit Smoking

Take a fresh betel nut, drill a small hole in the middle, pour in a little vegetable oil, soak it in water for two days, then dry it under the sun. When craving a cigarette, just smell it lightly — the urge disappears immediately. Many who tried this method were able to quit smoking entirely.

Sober Up Quickly

Mix 100g of vinegar, 100g of sugar, and 100g of tea. When drunk, drink this mixture — it helps clear the head quickly, reduces dizziness, and lessens nausea.

Whiten Teeth

Sprinkle a little baking soda on your toothpaste and brush. After three sessions, your teeth become pearly white and clean without harsh bleaching.

Eliminate Bad Breath

Chew a few fresh tea leaves three times a day. After three days, your breath will be fresh and pleasant — no need for expensive mouthwash.

Soothe Hoarseness

Mix 50g of vinegar, 50g of sugar, and 250g of cool water. Stir well and sip slowly throughout the day. This remedy relieves hoarseness and throat pain effectively.

Relieve Constipation

Dip a small piece of fresh green onion (about the size of your little finger) in sesame oil, then gently insert it into the anus, moving it in and out a few times. It stimulates bowel movement. For chronic constipation, use vinegar instead of sesame oil.

Treat Psoriasis

Soak 100g of pine nuts (peeled) in 500ml of rice vinegar for two days. Apply the mixture to the affected area three times daily. It helps reduce flaking and irritation. Alternatively, mix mandarin peel powder with sesame oil and apply for good results.

Instant Toothache Relief

Roast the kernel of a peach pit until hot, then bite it gently near the aching tooth. Pain disappears after several applications.

Stop Nosebleeds Instantly

When nosebleeding, lie on your back and raise the arm opposite to the bleeding nostril. The pressure point contracts and the bleeding stops almost immediately — no cotton or medicine needed.

When a Fish Bone Gets Stuck in the Throat

Hold a mouthful of old vinegar, gargle gently, and swallow slowly. Repeat several times — the bone softens and slides down naturally.

Treat Smelly or Fungal Feet

Pour one liter of rice vinegar into a basin. Soak your feet twice a day for about one hour. Within four days, the smell disappears, fungus is killed, and your feet become clean and dry.

Tinnitus or Hearing Loss After Illness

According to old belief, using a few drops of “garlic-scented cat urine” (folk method) in the ear, three times daily, helps improve mild hearing loss. In ancient times, burnt snake skin ash blown into the ear was also said to have a similar effect. (Note: For historical reference only!)

Control Diabetes

Boil 1kg of fresh corn kernels until soft. Divide into four portions and drink one portion daily. It helps stabilize blood sugar and supports urinary balance.

Stop Snoring and Teeth Grinding

Before bedtime, keep a piece of mandarin peel in your mouth for 15 minutes, then spit it out. Do this for 3–5 nights, and snoring and teeth grinding reduce significantly.

Sweaty and Smelly Feet

Grind alum powder finely and rub it into the soles of your feet for 10 minutes, 3–4 times. It keeps feet dry and odor-free for up to eight months.

Epilepsy (Ancient Term: “Yang Cuoc Feng”)

Mix one earthworm with 50g of alum, pour hot water over it, and drink each morning for ten days. This ancient method was believed to calm convulsions and support nervous balance.

Mouth Ulcers

Eat one pear each morning and evening, chew slowly, and swallow. After 3–4 days, the ulcers heal and pain subsides.

Coronary Heart Disease

Boil 50g of soybeans with a little salt and eat them for 3–4 days straight. It helps regulate blood vessels and support heart health.

Migraine

Apply the peel of a white radish to your temples for 20 minutes at night. It relieves tension and headache quickly.

Hemorrhoids

Dissolve 150g of urea in hot water. Soak a towel, wring it out, and place it on a chair. Sit on it to steam the anus for 10 minutes, three times a day, for seven days. Swelling and pain reduce significantly.

Increase Breast Milk After Birth

Roast black sesame seeds with salt and eat daily. If eaten ten days before delivery, milk flow becomes abundant and smooth.

Insomnia

Cut the white part of a green onion, place it in a small dish beside your pillow. The mild aroma promotes deep sleep within five nights.

Heart Disease

Eat 50g of fresh pineapple twice a day for 5–7 days. It stabilizes heart rhythm and prevents recurrence for up to two years.

Poor Vision and Dry Eyes

Stuff dried apricot kernels into a small cloth pouch and use it as a pillow. Sleeping on it relaxes the eyes and improves circulation.

Cracked Skin on Hands and Feet

Apply rheumatism ointment to cracked skin and leave for 24 hours. The wound heals quickly and smoothly.

Dermatitis

Crush wild gourd leaves and rub vigorously on the affected area until red. Repeat every seven days; mild cases heal after three sessions.

Allergic Rhinitis

Soak cotton in sesame oil, insert into the nostrils for 15 minutes, three times a day for two to three days. For severe cases, soak garlic in vinegar and use similarly.

High Blood Pressure

Cook 200g of fresh seaweed into soup and drink on an empty stomach every morning for ten days. Blood pressure stabilizes.

Weak Kidneys

Boil 100g of fresh cardamom with a pinch of salt. Drink before meals for 3–5 days to restore strength and vitality.

Remove Freckles and Spots

Soak almonds in water, peel, crush, and mix with egg white. Apply to your face overnight, then wash with white wine in the morning.

Weak Stomach

Burn 20 eggshells from red eggs to ash, grind finely, and drink with sugar water twice daily. Helps stomach health and calcium absorption.

Bruises and Injuries

Crush leek leaves, mix with a child’s urine (folk remedy), and apply to the swelling. Reduces inflammation in hours and heals within three days.

Lose Weight Fast

Drink strong Oolong tea daily for seven days. It helps dissolve fat and boost metabolism without dulling the skin.

Longevity and Strength

Exercise regularly, stay calm, and eat garlic soaked in sugar yearly — an ancient secret for cleansing the body and extending life.

Irregular Menstruation

Brew 200g of perilla leaves in hot water and drink like tea. It balances menstruation and eases cramps.

Premature Gray Hair

Boil 500g of clam shells and use the water to wash your hair daily. After 6–8 uses, hair becomes darker and thicker.

Dry Skin

Apply egg white to your face every night for one hour, then rinse. Keeps skin smooth and firm.

Back Pain, Sciatica, Herniated Disc

Roast seven ground beetles into ash, soak in 350ml rice wine for seven days. Drink in the evening and pat the sore area 49 times.

Tuberculosis

Dry 500g of live silkworm cocoons, grind to powder, and take 3–5g twice daily. Strengthens lungs and relieves cough.

Arthritis and Knee Pain

Burn straw to ash, wrap in cloth, and apply to painful joints for one hour nightly. Relieves pain after three uses.

Underarm Odor

Mix 100g of rice vinegar with 5g of star anise powder. Apply several times daily. Odor fades quickly, skin becomes dry and clean.

Itching

Rub a fresh slice of ginger on the sole of your foot for ten minutes. Men rub the left foot, women the right. Relieves itching throughout the body.

Bone Spurs and Joint Degeneration

Burn four sheep bones until yellow, grind to powder, and mix with wine. Drink 1–2 cups nightly for pain relief.

Swallowed Metal Object

Stir-fry leek leaves, chew and swallow. The foreign object passes naturally through stool.

Numb Hands and Feet

Mix equal parts black fungus, peach kernel, and honey. Steam, divide into four portions, and eat daily. Removes numbness completely.

Hair Loss and Dandruff

Boil sliced cabbage roots in a cast-iron pot with vinegar. Use as shampoo for 7–8 days.

Nail Fungus

Crush purple garlic with alum, apply to infected nail, and wrap tightly for 7–8 days. The fungus disappears and new nail grows healthy.

Deworming

Crush 50–100 pumpkin seeds, mix with water and sugar, and drink on an empty stomach. Eliminates intestinal worms safely.

Mastitis

Crush a cactus leaf, add sesame oil, and apply to the swollen area 2–3 times daily to reduce inflammation.

Corns and Calluses

Cut a small hole in tape, stick over the corn, sprinkle urea powder in the center, cover again, and change every three days. Corns fall off after six rounds.

Prostatitis

Boil three dried apples and three rooster livers until soft. Eat both meat and broth for three meals — helps reduce inflammation and ease urination.

Rheumatoid Arthritis

Fry young mulberry twigs with wine, then boil and drink morning and night. Reduces swelling, pain, and promotes circulation.

Note:
These are folk remedies passed down through generations. Their effects vary by individual and are not substitutes for medical treatment. Always consult a doctor before trying any of these, especially if you have chronic conditions.

Hidden among the limestone mountains of Northeast Vietnam lies Ba Be Lake, a dazzling emerald mirror of nature’s artistry. Spanning over 500 hectares and resting 150 meters above sea level, this vast freshwater lake was born from the merging of three rivers — Pé Lầm, Pé Lù, and Pé Lèng — painting a poetic landscape where mist, water, and forest embrace in perfect harmony.

Nestled within Ba Be National Park, the lake shelters one of northern Vietnam’s most biodiverse ecosystems, home to over 1,000 plant species and 80 rare animal species. Yet, Ba Be is more than nature — it’s a living cultural canvas. Here, the Tay, Nung, and Dao ethnic groups preserve their stilt houses, “Then” folk songs, and the joyful Long Tong (Field Festival), offering visitors an authentic window into the soul of the mountains.

In 2012, the Vietnamese government recognized Ba Be Lake as a Special National Scenic Site, affirming its exceptional geological, cultural, and ecological value.

Rising Star of Vietnam’s Green Tourism

In recent years, Ba Be has transformed from a quiet mountain gem into a must-see destination for travelers seeking unspoiled beauty. Thanks to improved infrastructure, the lake welcomed a record 300,000 visitors in 2024 — an impressive leap for such a remote region.

Homestays now line the lake’s shores; eco-tours, kayaking, and sunrise photo journeys invite visitors to explore its serene waters. The once-sleepy villages now pulse with new life and opportunity.

However, with rapid growth comes growing pains. Waste management, unplanned construction, and cultural commercialization pose new challenges. Some traditional wooden stilt houses are being replaced by concrete lodges, and certain customs risk being overshadowed by mass tourism.

Balancing Growth and Preservation

To protect Ba Be’s fragile beauty, Thai Nguyen Province (which now administers the area after merging with Bac Kan) has strengthened conservation initiatives. Local households are supported in building wastewater treatment systems, and regular waste collection keeps the lake clean. Strict rules now govern new constructions, ensuring materials blend naturally with the surrounding landscape.

At the same time, community-based tourism has become the heart of Ba Be’s sustainable development. Villages like Pac Ngoi, Bo Lu, and Coc Toc serve as model destinations where locals act as guides, performers, and environmental stewards. Travelers can share meals with Tay families, paddle across misty waters at dawn, or learn to play the ancient “Then” lute under a starlit sky.

According to Nguyen Chu Thu, Deputy Director of the Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism of Thai Nguyen:

“For Ba Be to grow sustainably, preservation must come first. The lake’s soul lies not only in its scenery but in its culture and people.”

Eco-programs are flourishing: kayaking tours that collect trash, the “One Tree for Ba Be” youth initiative, and “Zero Waste Tourism” models are transforming local awareness.

Visitors are encouraged to follow the ‘3 No’s’ rule — No littering, No noise, No plastic waste — while local businesses embrace ‘3 Greens’ — Green construction, Green operation, Green experience. Together, they aim to make Ba Be a shining example of eco-tourism in northern Vietnam.

Towards a National Eco-Tourism Hub

In June 2025, Vietnam’s Deputy Prime Minister Mai Van Chinh approved Master Plan 1407/QĐ-TTg for preserving and promoting Ba Be Lake’s heritage. The plan lays out 19 functional zones designed to balance conservation, tourism, and community life — paving the way for Ba Be to become a National Tourism Area by 2030.

Key tourism experiences include:

• Eco & spiritual journeys: Hua Ma Cave, An Ma Temple, Dau Dang Waterfall, Puong Cave, Ao Tien (Fairy Pond), Widow Island

• Community & cultural tourism: authentic Tay and Nung homestays in Pac Ngoi, Bo Lu, Coc Toc villages

• Agricultural and geological discovery: exploring stalactite valleys, ancient forests, and wetland ecosystems

Beyond Ba Be, new interconnected heritage routes are being developed, linking it with Nui Coc Lake, Ban Gioc Waterfall, Na Hang Hydropower Lake, and Dong Van Karst Plateau — forming a scenic “Northern Heritage Loop” for adventure travelers.

Guarding the Green Soul of Ba Be

Ba Be Lake is not just a landscape — it’s the living breath of the mountains, the cultural memory of countless generations. To protect the lake is to protect the very soul of this land, where humans and nature have lived in harmony for centuries.

If developed wisely, with preservation at its heart, Ba Be Lake will stand as a model for sustainable eco-tourism in Vietnam — a place where every traveler’s footprint becomes a mark of care, and every journey contributes to keeping the emerald waters forever pure.

Plan your journey to Ba Be Lake 
Wake up to birdsong echoing over still waters, taste grilled fish beside a Tay family’s fire, and let your kayak glide beneath towering limestone cliffs.
Ba Be isn’t just a destination — it’s a return to balance, peace, and the timeless rhythm of nature.

On the morning of October 26, at the opening session of the 7th International Conference on Vietnamese Studies, General Secretary Tô Lâm delivered a profound and inspiring speech that outlined Vietnam’s vision for development in the new era.

He reaffirmed a simple yet powerful truth:
“The most precious resource of Vietnam is not minerals or a strategic location, but its 106 million hardworking, creative, and patriotic people.”

A Small Nation with a Great Soul

General Secretary Tô Lâm emphasized that although Vietnam is not large in size or population compared to world powers, it possesses a continuous history of nation-building and defense spanning thousands of years — a history that has forged a unique national identity.
“That identity,” he said, “is the unyielding courage before all invasions and storms; the wisdom to adapt and learn; the spirit of ‘nothing is more precious than independence and freedom’; and the aspiration to build a just, compassionate, and humane society.”

Through countless struggles and transformations, Vietnam has developed a profound cultural heritage — rooted in the people’s hearts, grounded in humanity, and sustained by an unbreakable sense of independence. Vietnamese culture, he noted, is dynamic and open, embracing the world’s essence while preserving its own core values.
“It is this vitality,” the General Secretary declared, “that has allowed our nation to rise from the ashes of war and step into a new era of confident development.”

Peace – Vietnam’s Unchanging Principle

In a world of uncertainty and conflict, Tô Lâm reaffirmed Vietnam’s unwavering stance:
“Peace, independence, sovereignty, and territorial integrity are sacred and immutable principles. Vietnam is determined to resolve all issues through peaceful means, based on international law, mutual respect, equality, and shared benefit.”

This statement not only reflects Vietnam’s diplomatic philosophy but also its deeply rooted humanistic values — the belief that strength lies not in confrontation but in dialogue, reconciliation, and cooperation.

Forty Years of Renewal – Rising from the Rubble

Reflecting on the last four decades of reform, the General Secretary highlighted Vietnam’s remarkable transformation: from a war-torn, impoverished nation into a dynamic, deeply integrated economy contributing actively to regional and global value chains.
“We participate in international integration with the spirit of joining hands with the global community to build a world order based on law, fairness, inclusiveness, and respect for the legitimate interests of all nations, large and small alike,” he said.

This statement captures Vietnam’s role as not merely a participant in globalization, but a responsible partner shaping a fairer and more inclusive future.

Fast and Sustainable Development – Two Sides of One Reality

According to Tô Lâm, the central question for Vietnam today is: how to grow rapidly without losing social stability, and how to modernize without sacrificing the nation’s moral and cultural fabric.
“For us,” he said, “rapid and sustainable development form a single, inseparable reality. Growth only has meaning when every citizen enjoys its fruits fairly, safely, and humanely — when no one is left behind.”

To achieve that, Vietnam pursues development based on three key pillars:

1. Modern, transparent, and effective governance and institutional reform.

2. Comprehensive human development — education, healthcare, science, innovation, and culture.

3. A green, digital, knowledge-based, and circular economy rooted in innovation and technology.

“Green growth and sustainable development,” the General Secretary stressed, “are strategic choices — irreversible and essential.”

Sustainability Is Not Just Economics – It’s a Moral Imperative

He further explained that sustainability goes beyond economics or ecology; it is about moral integrity and social justice.
“A truly sustainable society values truth, fairness, compassion — where the elderly are respected, children are protected, women are empowered, and the vulnerable are cared for. Development without these values is not sustainable — and not our goal,” he declared.

Vietnam’s path to progress, therefore, is not just material but deeply humanistic — a balance between modernization and moral grounding.

New Thinking, Unchanging Values

As Vietnam steps into a new development phase, its mindset is more open, innovative, and forward-looking than ever. Yet, the eternal values remain unchanged: national independence, sovereignty, and territorial integrity — sacred and inviolable.

The happiness of the people, he stressed, must be measured not merely by income, but by housing, education, healthcare, a clean environment, and opportunities for every family to live better.
That, he said, is how Vietnam measures progress — through real human wellbeing, not just economic figures.

Above all, Vietnam’s greatest strength remains its national unity, the thread connecting past triumphs to future aspirations.

A Call for Knowledge and Cooperation

In his concluding remarks, General Secretary Tô Lâm issued a heartfelt call to the international community of Vietnamese studies scholars:
“I sincerely invite international researchers, scholars, and students to come to Vietnam more often, stay longer, work equally with Vietnamese colleagues, and listen to voices from the grassroots — not just through aggregated statistics.”

He expressed his belief that Vietnam is a “land rich in scientific material for anyone interested in development, transformation, modernization, and sustainability.”

Vietnam, he concluded, enters the new era with great ambition, yet with humility, openness, and a willingness to learn.

In Essence

This speech is more than a policy statement — it’s a declaration of Vietnam’s 21st-century philosophy:

To place humans at the heart of progress, culture as the foundation, peace as the principle, and knowledge as the driving force.

Sources:  vnex

 Jack and Many Vietnamese Artists Face the Question: Art for Creativity or for Crossing the Line?”

In recent days, the name Jack has once again become the center of public debate after the People’s Public Security Newspaper published an article addressing the responsibility of artists in preserving cultural values and guiding social awareness. Not only Jack, but several other young Vietnamese artists were also mentioned, as the entertainment industry faces a crucial question: Is art about freedom, or about responsible boundaries?

More  related: https://cand.com.vn

 There was a time when the clinking sound of chopsticks signaled the most heartwarming moment of the day — dinner time. Families gathered around a simple meal, sharing stories, laughter, and the comfort of being together. But in today’s fast-paced world, that image is slowly disappearing. The traditional Vietnamese family meal — once a symbol of unity — is now being replaced by smartphones, televisions, and endless work schedules.

Nowadays, many Vietnamese families barely cross paths in their own kitchens. Parents come home late, children eat alone or with their eyes glued to YouTube. The dining table, once full of flavors and conversations, now stands as a quiet reminder of what used to be. Family meals have become rare occasions — reserved for holidays, ancestral rites, or a rare free evening.

Yet, a family meal is not just about food — it’s where children learn the fundamentals of love, respect, and responsibility. When a child helps set the table or serve rice to grandparents, those small acts teach empathy and belonging. A simple word of appreciation — “Thank you for helping, my dear” — can build a child’s confidence far more than any praise at school.

When this habit fades, so does the emotional connection among family members. Children become distant, sharing their feelings with social media instead of parents. Parents, caught in the storm of work and deadlines, often assume “it’s fine” — until it’s not. Many never realize their children are struggling, anxious, or even bullied, until it’s too late.

The dinner table is more than a place to eat — it’s a mirror of a family’s emotional health. It’s where small troubles surface before they turn into big problems. A simple question during dinner might be all it takes to save a child from loneliness or depression.

Preserving the family meal isn’t about nostalgia; it’s about keeping the soul of the Vietnamese home alive. So, turn off the TV, put down the phone, and sit together — even for just twenty minutes a day. Because one day, when the children have grown and moved away, what they’ll remember most won’t be the fancy dishes or the house itself, but those warm, simple meals where the family laughed, shared, and truly lived.