Liem climbs in world chess rankings

Vietnamese chess Grandmaster Le Quang Liem has jumped 17 spots to 33rd in the November rankings, the International Chess Federation (FIDE) said.
Liem climbs in world chess rankings ảnh 1Grandmaster Le Quang Liem (front) is placed 33rd in the world rankings in November. (Photo: thethaovietnam.vn)

Hanoi (VNA) - Vietnamese chess Grandmaster Le Quang Liem has jumped 17 spots to 33rd in the November rankings, the International Chess Federation (FIDE) said.

The former world blitz champion won the annual SPICE Cup Open, the highest rated international invitational tournament in the United States, and walked away with a cash prize of 5,000 USD. He was the runner-up at the Millionaire Chess Tournament in Las Vegas.

HCM City's Liem also entered the third round of the World Cup 2015 in Baku, Azerbaijan.

The three tournaments helped his Elo to rise from 2697 in the October rankings to 2818 in the November rankings.

Two-time Aeroflot Open Champion Liem aims to rank among the world's top 30.

Meanwhile, Liem's teammate Nguyen Ngoc Truong Son was placed 123rd in the FIDE rankings, with an Elo rating of 2642.

Son had entered the second round of the World Cup in Baku.-VNA

VNA

See more

International friends experience how a bowl of pho is prepared. (Photo: VNA)

Vietnamese Pho Day showcases culture, connectivity in Beijing

Vietnamese Ambassador to China Pham Thanh Binh described pho as a “national dish” and a cultural symbol of Vietnam. He said the event aimed to build bridges bringing international friends closer to Vietnam's culinary culture, thereby enhancing mutual understanding and people-to-people exchanges.

A performance staged at the political-artistic programme entitled “Duong len phia truoc” (The road ahead) held in Hanoi on February 4. (Photo: VNA)

Art programme marks Party’s 96th anniversary

The programme aimed to revisit the nation’s revolutionary traditions and reaffirm the Party’s comprehensive leadership throughout the revolutionary process, from the struggle for national independence to national construction and development during the renewal period and international integration.

The ritual to release of carp to bid farewell to the Kitchen Gods at the Thang Long Imperial Citadel. (Photo: baovanhoa.vn)

Traditional Tet rituals showcased at Thang Long Imperial Citadel

Running from February 1 to 25, the programme brings to life the festive atmosphere of Tet during the Le Trung Hung (Revival Le) Dynasty (1533–1789) alongside the folk Tet traditions of ancient Thang Long, helping to spread and honour Vietnam’s rich cultural heritage.

Tourists experience a cyclo ride around Hoan Kiem Lake (Photo: VNA)

Strategy to help enhance Vietnam’s prestige, appeal on international arena

The target is set out in the Government’s strategy to promote Vietnam’s global image for the 2026–2030 period, with a vision to 2045, approved by the Prime Minister on January 27. The strategy underlines that promoting Vietnam's image abroad is not merely information activities, but a strategic "soft" tool serving the country's development.

The opening ceremony of the first Spring Fair 2026. (Photo: VNA)

Spring Fair 2026 showcases Vietnam’s finest performing arts

According to the Organising Committee, the artistic programme of Spring Fair 2026 is designed to honour traditional cultural values, inspire national pride and promote confidence in Vietnam’s future. By bringing a wide range of art forms into an open, friendly public space, the fair allows audiences to experience high-quality performances in a festive setting.

Delegates cut the ribbon to inaugurate the exhibition on February 2. (Photo: VNA)

Images highlight Vietnam’s revolutionary journey on Party’s 96th anniversary

Bringing together more than 100 photographs, the exhibition revisits pivotal chapters of the nation’s revolution, from the August Revolution of 1945, victories in the resistance wars against the French colonialists and US imperialists, to achievements of the Doi moi (Renewal) process that have strengthened Vietnam’s international standing and improved people's living standards.

Vietnam promotes tourism potential in Israeli market

Vietnam promotes tourism potential in Israeli market

IMTM is the largest professional tourism fair in Israel and the Mediterranean region, held annually for more than 30 years. Taking place from February 3 to 4 at the Expo Tel Aviv Exhibition Centre, the fair features nearly 200 booths and thousands of delegates from over 50 countries.

The Flag Tower of Hue Ancient Citadel is part of the Hue Imperial Citadel Complex - a World Cultural Heritage site. (Photo: VNA)

UNESCO praises Vietnam’s view of culture as core resource for sustainable development

From UNESCO’s perspective, the resolution articulates a concrete roadmap for structural reform, aiming to mobilise social capital, catalyse the creative economy, and safeguard cultural diversity. This builds upon Vietnam’s long-standing cultural advocacy and will enable Vietnam to navigate the complexities of the digital era and a volatile global landscape, he stated.

A performance at the opening ceremony (Photo: VNA)

Get on Hanoi 2026 – A Green Journey kicks off

A new feature of the 2026 event is the fusion of activities with “Tet of the Mong comes to the city,” held by Tay Ho ward, and the “Gia Lai Day in Hanoi – Introduction of National Tourism Year Gia Lai 2026” hosted by Gia Lai province. Together, they are expected to create a diverse and distinctive array of experiences for both residents and visitors throughout the three-day event.