Hue (VNS/VNA) — Thai Hoa Palace in the Imperial City of Hue has been awarded the “LOTUS Green Building” certificate by the Vietnam Green Building Council (VGBC) in collaboration with the Hue Monuments Conservation Centre.
This milestone was celebrated on April 20, marking the first time a UNESCO world heritage site in Vietnam has met Green Building standards.
The palace, a symbol of power during the Nguyen Dynasty (1802–1945), features unique architecture and is a crucial part of the Hue Imperial Palace heritage site.
The “LOTUS Green Building” certificate not only honours its architectural and historical significance, but also recognises Hue's efforts in restoring the Thai Hoa Palace in a sustainable and environmentally friendly manner.
From November 2021 to November 2024, the restoration process of Thai Hoa Palace has been rigorously implemented, using traditional materials alongside advanced conservation techniques. This approach optimises energy efficiency, minimises emissions and maximises the preservation of the site's original value.
Executive Director of the Vietnam Green Building Council Douglas Lee Snyders commended Hue's commitment to integrating green development principles into heritage conservation. He stated: “LOTUS is not just a certificate; it affirms that heritage is not only about the past but also the future, if properly protected.”
The Thai Hoa Palace Conservation and Restoration Project has a budget of nearly 128 billion VND (4.9 million USD), encompassing various tasks such as preserving, repairing and restoring the wooden load-bearing structure, roof, walls and floors. Special attention was given to the gilded lacquer on the wooden structures and interior of the palace, meticulously refurbished to revive the palace's splendid golden interior.
Following the restoration's completion, Thai Hoa Palace has garnered significant attention from tourists. In addition to promoting the site’s value, the Hue Monuments Conservation Centre has called on visitors to contribute to the protection and preservation of this heritage site.
The palace was constructed in 1805 under King Gia Long in the Dai Cung Mon area, and was later restored and expanded by King Minh Mang in 1833 at its current location./.

See more

Japan donates eye care equipment to Ha Nam Eye Hospital
The donation includes a green laser photocoagulation system for treating retinal disorders and a portable autorefractor-keratometre, which allows for vision screenings outside hospital settings.

Thousands queue to venerate Buddha’s relics at Quan Su Pagoda
Worshippers began queuing as early as 6am, waiting in quiet reverence for their turn to perform the traditional veneration rites.

President Ho Chi Minh’s 135th birthday marked in Laos
A highlight of the programme was a short play portraying President Ho Chi Minh’s traditional New Year visits to disadvantaged households. The performance illustrated his lifelong concern for the well-being of the people, especially during festive times.

📝 OP-ED: Planned hospital fee waiver – A big step forward in ensuring social welfare for all
Universal hospital fee exemption will bring sweeping benefits including improved access to healthcare, earlier detection and treatment of illnesses, more efficient use of health financing, and reduced financial pressure on households.

VNU-Hanoi introduces three-year int’l bachelor’s programme
Structured around three academic terms per year, the programme allows flexible and personalised learning, with outstanding students able to graduate in 2.5 years.

Vietnamese students win four medals at Mendeleev Chemistry Olympiad
The two gold medallists are Tran Trung Kien, a 12th grader from the Hanoi-Amsterdam High School for the Gifted, who scored 169.25 points, and Nguyen Ngo Duc, a 12th grader from the Phan Boi Chau High School for the Gifted in Nghe An province, who scored 151.05 points.

Vietnam among countries with high human development: UNDP report
According to the report, which evaluates human development progress based on the Human Development Index (HDI), tracking achievements in health, education and income, Vietnam’s HDI in 2023 reached 0.766, ranking 93rd out of 193 countries and territories. This marked a substantial leap from 0.499 in 1990, representing a 53.5% increase, a notable trajectory of growth over more than three decades.

Ministry of Public Security supports Dak Nong in eliminating 500 substandard houses
The ministry has worked with central and local agencies to implement a nationwide programme to replace substandard housing for policy beneficiaries, people with meritorious services, poor households, and those affected by natural disasters and climate change.

Thanh Hoa aims to eradicate substandard housing by October 2025
Local officials are required to strengthen on-the-ground inspections and take prompt action to address any signs of stagnation or lack of accountability in executing the campaign. They are also tasked with completing administrative procedures to ensure timely disbursement of financial support to eligible households, avoiding overlap or omission in beneficiary identification.

Quang Tri prioritises replacing substandard homes for revolution contributors, martyrs’ families
As of May 12, the prioritised group had seen construction kicked off on 285 out of 342 houses needing to be rebuilt, while 1,375 out of 2,032 homes earmarked for renovation had also been initiated.

Deputy PM receives President of The Vietnam Foundation
The VNF representative expressed his hope that more individuals, organisations, and local departments of education and training in Vietnam would gain access to the foundation's educational programmes.

Xuyen Viet Oil case: Appellate verdict announced, with six receiving reduced sentences
Specifically, the trial panel sentenced the mastermind of the case, Mai Thi Hong Hanh, ex-Director and Chairwoman of the Board of Members of Xuyen Viet Oil, to 11 years in prison for the crime of “giving bribes” and 17 years for “violating regulations on the management and use of State assets, causing loss and wastefulness.” The combined sentence is 28 years in prison, 2 years less than the first-instance verdict.

Hanoi ceremony marks Buddha’s birthday
Most Venerable Thich Gia Quang noted Vietnam's pride in hosting the 2025 Vesak amidst the 50th anniversary of the liberation of the South and national reunification. He highlighted Buddhism's historical contributions to Vietnam's victory, with the sacrifices of many Buddhist followers.

All eight Vietnamese students win medals at Asian Physics Olympiad
Specifically, the Vietnamese students won three gold, three silver and two bronze medals at the 2025 APhO, which was held in Dhahran, Saudi Arabia, from May 4-12.

Vietnamese architect honoured with DIVIA 2025
Her works showcase a creative fusion of tradition and modernity, reflecting deep sensitivity to Vietnam’s culture and climate. These projects have become a source of inspiration for incorporating indigenous architecture into sustainable development practices, both in Vietnam and internationally.

Four scientists honoured with Bao Son Awards 2024
These projects were recognised for their groundbreaking advances in research and technology application, offering practical value and high socio-economic effectiveness, contributing to sustainable development and the improvement of quality of life.

PM orders accelerated actions to basically wipe out substandard houses by Oct. 31
Since its launch on October 4, 2024, nearly 209,000 substandard homes have been addressed, with 111,000 completed and handed over, and construction of 98,000 others is being carried out. Notably, since the third review meeting, work on nearly 87,000 houses has been either started or completed.

PM okays construction of Bac Ninh's int’l airport for dual civil-military use
The Gia Binh International Airport in Bac Ninh province will be upgraded from a level 3C airport serving national defence and security purposes to an international-level 4E dual-use (civil-military) facility.

Embassies give safety recommendations amid India – Pakistan conflict
Vietnamese citizens in India and Pakistan were advised to stay updated with new developments, not come to conflict-affected or unsafe areas, and contact the embassies when needed.

Canada symposium highlights Vietnam’s journey to peace, development
Vietnam has succeeded in rebuilding and developing the nation. Since the economic reforms, Vietnam has accomplished almost all 17 UN Millennium Development Goals ahead of the 2030 deadline.