Calligraphy book on poet Nguyen Dinh Chieu recognised as world record
The World Records Union (WorldKings) and the Vietnam Records Organisation (Vietkings) on July 1 recognised “Nguyen Dinh Chieu thi tuyen” (Collection of Nguyen Dinh Chieu’s Poems), a calligraphy book on poet Nguyen Dinh Chieu as the largest calligraphy book in Vietnamese of poet Chieu's poems in the world.
The calligraphy book on poet Nguyen Dinh Chieu by Vu Dang Hoc. (Source: VGP)
Ben Tre (VNA) - The World Records Union (WorldKings) and the Vietnam Records Organisation (Vietkings) on July 1 recognised “Nguyen Dinh Chieu thi tuyen” (Collection of Nguyen Dinh Chieu’s Poems), a calligraphy book on poet Nguyen Dinh Chieu as the largest calligraphy book in Vietnamese of poet Chieu's poems in the world.
The book's author, Vu Dang Hoc, was honoured as the maker of the largest calligraphy book on poet Nguyen Dinh Chieu in the world.
The book, measuring 1.8m x 1.4m with an iron base and weighing 500 kilogrammes, was created by calligrapher Vu Dang Hoc to celebrate the 200th birth anniversary of poet Nguyen Dinh Chieu (1822-2022).
It took Hoc five months to complete the book, after which he presented it to Nguyen Dinh Chieu Library in Ben Tre province where Chieu spent the last 26 years of his life.
The book includes a carved wooden portrait of poet Nguyen Dinh Chieu along with 209 pages featuring Nguyen Dinh Chieu’s verses in calligraphy.
Nguyen Dinh Chieu (1822 – 1888), also known as teacher Chieu, Trong Phu and Hoi Trai, was born in Binh Duong district, Gia Dinh province (now district 1, Ho Chi Minh City).
The poet was known for his nationalist and anti-colonial writings against the French and his exemplary teaching, and was also a popular medical practitioner. He is a role model for people with disabilities around the world. Despite his condition, he studied Confucianism and Oriental medicine.
His most famous work, Luc Van Tien (The Tale of Luc Van Tien), is an epic poem written in nom (the old Chinese-based Vietnamese script) was penned in the 1850s. It is regarded as one of the most influential poems in Vietnamese history, along with Truyen Kieu (The Tale of Kieu) by Nguyen Du. The work has been translated into multiple languages, including French, English and Japanese./.
A series of cultural activities and art shows celebrating Vietnamese poet Nguyen Dinh Chieu's 200th birthday anniversary (July 1) are taking place in HCM City and southern provinces.
An exhibition themed “Nguyen Dinh Chieu - The life and career” officially opened at the special national monument and tomb dedicated to the celebrity in An Duc commune, Ba Tri district, Ben Tre province, on June 28.
A international symposium was held in the Mekong Delta province of Ben Tre on June 29 to discuss the life and career of UNESCO-recognised cultural celebrity Nguyen Dinh Chieu, a great poet, an enthusiastic teacher and a moral doctor.
President Nguyen Xuan Phuc has highlighted significant contributions of blind poet Nguyen Dinh Chieu to Vietnam’s literature, education and culture, in his remarks delivered at the celebration of Chieu’s 200th birth anniversary (July 1, 1822 – 2022).
The ambassador noted that among the 300,000 Vietnamese residing in the RoK, around 3,000 are living in Pyeongtaek and contributing actively to the local economy. Ho expressed his hope that the local authorities will continue support the overseas Vietnamese community in the city.
This is the first time since the adoption of the Convention that a country has served two consecutive terms on the Committee. The outcome shows the trust and recognition that member states have given Vietnam for its efforts and achievements in carrying out and promoting the Convention, as well as for its active role, strong standing, and growing credibility at UNESCO.
Quang Duc pottery is known for its wide range of forms, including wine bottles, jars, lime pots, vases, plant pots, incense burners and candle stands. Decorative motifs are equally rich, featuring mythical creatures, pastoral scenes, floral patterns, deer, peacocks, bats and more.
Vietnam’s cinematic appeal lies in its diverse settings, from terraced mountains and limestone karsts to bustling markets and ancient towns. Its mix of ethnic vibes, buzzing street life, and old traditions gives directors a goldmine for storytelling.
The Vietnamese team will gather on June 26 in Ba Ria-Vung Tau, where they will train until July 14 before departing for Indonesia for the ASEAN U23 Championship 2025, which runs from July 15 to 29. Vietnam will face Laos on July 19 and Cambodia on July 22 in the group stage.
The exhibition showcases more than 100 valuable documents and artifacts, divided into two main parts: “Journalist Nguyen Ai Quoc – Ho Chi Minh” and “President Ho Chi Minh – Founder and Mentor of Vietnamese Revolutionary Press.” This is an opportunity to recall the late leader’s journalism journey and affirm his exceptional role in founding and guiding the revolutionary press in Vietnam.
For the first time, the World DanceSport Federation (WDSF) has granted Vietnam hosting rights for the two championships, including the Asian women’s solo category, which debuts this year as an officially recognised event.
Eight teams will join the tournament, divided into two groups. Group A features Vietnam, the Philippines, Sichuan Club (China), and Australia, while Group B consists of Vietnam U21, Korabelka Club (Russia), Taiwan (China), and U21 Thailand.
Despite strong home support and high expectations, Vietnam were unable to overcome the defending champions, who secured their third consecutive win over Vietnam in a regional final, following previous victories in 2014 and 2023.
The event, part of Vietnam’s cultural diplomacy strategy through 2030, was jointly organised by the Vietnamese Embassy in Venezuela and USM’s Faculty of International Relations. It attracted thousands of students from universities across Venezuela.
For the first time, Vietnamese audiences will have the opportunity to experience the ballet masterpiece "Don Quixote" in its original version by renowned choreographer Marius Petipa.
The contest carried deep meaning as it was the first time the life of Vietnamese women abroad had been highlighted as the central theme, said poet and writer Nguyen Quang Thieu, Chairman of the Vietnam Writers’ Association.
The event formed part of Vietnam’s ongoing campaign to seek UNESCO World Heritage status for the complex at the 47th session of the UNESCO World Heritage Committee, scheduled to take place in Paris in July.
Creative cultural festivals are fast emerging as a new catalyst for tourism development in Vietnam, as localities increasingly invest in these vibrant events on a more systematic and larger scale.
This marks the first time Vietnam has hosted a continental-level Muay event which will feature competitions across 28 weight categories in combat and eight performance categories.
Coming to the Vietnamese booth, visitors had the chance to take part in a bamboo dance, a workshop on painting woven bamboo or rattan, or quizzes about Vietnam.
These are impressive achievements, not only showing the efforts and prowess of Vietnamese paddlers but also serving as proof of the sports sector’s strategic and systematic investment.
The calligraphy book on poet Nguyen Dinh Chieu by Vu Dang Hoc. (Source: VGP) 
