Taste of home in the heart of Europe

When the golden rays of early summer shine on the ancient roofs, Prague bursts into life with the most beautiful season of the year. But what makes May in the Czech Republic capital even more special for Vietnamese tourists is the feeling of closeness and familiarity, reminiscent of the taste of home.

Prague is a fascinating and dazzling beauty.

Season of flowers and festivals

May in Prague brings an ideal climate with temperatures ranging from 18 - 22oC. The spring rains have just ended, leaving behind a rare clear blue sky, creating a wonderful setting for exploring the city. The famous Wallenstein Garden - a green oasis in the heart of the city - becomes the most brilliant of the year with blooming tulip carpets, proud peacocks showing off their colorful feathers under the canopy of a century-old tree.

May is also the time when Prague hosts many major cultural events. The Prague Spring International Music Festival is one of Europe's most prestigious classical music events, taking place from May 12 to June 3, with the Czech Philharmonic Orchestra and world-class artists. Free outdoor concerts spread across the squares, bringing the artistic atmosphere to every corner.

The Prague Food Festival in late May delights food lovers as Kampa Park transforms into a food paradise. Traditional dishes such as svíčková (beef stew) and trdelník pastries are cleverly combined with Vietnamese coffee, creating a special highlight that attracts both Vietnamese and international diners.

One of the most exciting experiences is Museum Night (May 17), when more than 50 museums and cultural institutions open their doors at night, inviting visitors to explore Prague in a magical, sparkling way never before, from the mysterious Alchemy Museum to the ancient Baroque library...

And of course, there are the enchanting architectural icons: Charles Bridge in the early morning mist; Prague Castle complex; St. Vitus Cathedral glowing in stained glass, or Old Town Square (also known as Rooster Square with the famous Prague astronomical clock - where time seems to flow backwards).

According to data from the Czech Statistical Office, Prague welcomed more than 8 million visitors in 2024, of which more than 80% (about 6.5 million) were international visitors. And May is the peak tourist season in Prague, with the number of visitors increasing sharply thanks to festivals and favorable weather.

“Miniature Hanoi” in the heart of Prague

Not only is it an ideal stop on the journey to explore Europe, captivating visitors with its ancient beauty, Prague is also familiar to Vietnamese tourists thanks to its large Vietnamese community. The Vietnamese community in the Czech Republic, formed in the 1980s, is currently one of the largest Vietnamese communities in Europe. According to the information page 3seaseurope.com, the Vietnamese community with more than 65,000 people is the third largest ethnic group in the Czech Republic, after Ukrainians (ranked second) and Slovaks (ranked first).

When talking about the life of the Vietnamese community in the Czech Republic, it is impossible not to mention the Sapa Trade Center - a large commercial area on the outskirts of Prague - considered "a miniature Hanoi in the heart of Europe". Sapa is not only a place to trade Asian goods, but has become the cultural and social center of the Vietnamese community in the Czech Republic. Here, visitors can find pho, bun cha, iced milk coffee shops, pharmacies, Vietnamese doctors' clinics, Vietnamese banks, and especially Vinh Nghiem Pagoda - the first Vietnamese pagoda in Europe - where religious activities and community Tet holidays take place.

The Guardian even called Sapa “the holy land of Vietnam”, where you can find all the flavors of home. Therefore, on their journey to explore Europe, many tourists have come to Sapa as a way to experience the life of Vietnamese people abroad, how they adapt and integrate into a new culture.

In particular, May is also the time when many Vietnamese cultural activities take place in the Czech space. The Vietnamese community often actively participates in the Ethnic Minority Festival, introducing cuisine, Ao Dai, and performing arts, attracting not only Vietnamese people but also locals and international tourists. In major events in Prague, the image of Vietnamese pho, conical hats, or folk dances always leave a strong impression.

In addition, events such as “Vietnam Day in the Czech Republic”, Vietnamese film week, photo exhibitions, and cultural exchanges organized by the Vietnamese Embassy also contribute to promoting Vietnamese cultural identity, making Prague an attractive destination not only for tourism but also for cultural connection.

Amidst the fairytale beauty of Prague in the early summer days, the classical music resounding from the European squares can blend with the familiar cries of “beef noodle soup, vermicelli with grilled pork” at Sapa market, bringing visitors unforgettable experiences. The journey to explore Prague is therefore not only a historical and artistic excursion, but also a profound encounter with the Vietnamese identity far away.

Source: https://hanoimoi.vn/thang-5-o-praha-huong-vi-que-nha-giua-long-chau-au-701907.html