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Dear readers,
Traditionally, the first lunar month is a month of festivals in Vi-
etnam, where some 7,000 take place all over the country annually.
Whether they run for just 24 hours or for months on end, to Vietnam-
ese people, festivals are an important way to appreciate the contri-
butions of national heroes and pray for luck and happiness.
However, the festive is not without its problems and while they
are a great opportunity for expats or tourists to learn about local
culture, some may find their visit spoiled by issues that the authori-
ties have failed to address for many years. These include overcharg-
ing for parking, meals and other services and the overload of trans-
port systems.
Furthermore, cultural researchers have warned that the values of
festivals are being distorted by inappropriate behaviour and the rise
of begging. People are also beginning to question the huge sums
that are spent on these annual events.
The cultural authorities have acknowledged these problems and
have issued a lot of measures to mitigate them. This year, they have
shown determination in eradicating problems by setting up six del-
egations to check and monitor the organisation of festivals, both be-
fore and after the Lunar New Year.
However, their efforts seem to be in vain and chronic problems re-
main. Festivals are healthy cultural activities that enhance the spirit,
but if these problems persist, it seems likely many will not be keen to
return to them in the future.
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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TIMEOUT
THE ESSENTIAL MAGAZINE FOR LIVING AND TRAVEL IN VIETNAM
MARCH 2013
STARBUCKS
HITS SAIGON
THE HEAT IS ON
One month, thousands of festivals
FESTIVE SPRING