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Dear readers,
Vietnam is a country on the move. With its fast-paced develop-
ment come inevitable shifts in everyday lifestyles as aspects of over-
seas culture are assimilated with traditional Vietnamese ways. That
said, some traditions remain steadfast in the face of change, most
notably the Tet festival (Lunar New Year).
However, as we enter the Year of the Horse, some scholars are
becoming more vocal about their support for moving the date of Tet
in-line with the Western New Year. The main arguments for doing
so are economic and they draw fierce opposition from traditional-
ists. Turn to page 8 for a special report collating the views of leading
academics on this controversial issue.
Also this month, Timeout focuses on the efforts being made to
promote Vietnam’s image and culture to the world, be it through
film, community-level events or the role of celebrity ambassadors
and official tourism bodies.
One of the country’s biggest assets is the world’s largest caves,
Son Doong, which has recently been showcased in media ranging
from the Huffington Post to the New York Times. On page 18 you
will find a feature by one of our writers who has had the privilege of
venturing into this utterly alien world.
Alongside all this we have the low-down on all the best Lunar
New Year holiday packages as well as the hottest wining and dining
offers in Vietnam’s key cities.
From all of us at Timeout I extend the very warmest greetings for
the Year of the Horse. Chuc Mung Nam Moi (Happy New Year)!
Yours sincerely
NGUYEN ANH TUAN
Editor-in-Chief
PRICE: VND52,000 if sold separately
Editor-in-Chief
Dr. Nguyen Anh Tuan
Deputy Editors-in-Chief
Le Trong Minh
Bui Duc Hai
Do Xuan Khanh
Deputy Managing Editor
Tran Ngoc Son
Designer
Lai Hoang Yen
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