Why tourists don’t come back to Vietnam
As Vietnam continues to see a modest recovery in tourist arrivals post-Covid, readers listed their reasons, from pollution to lack of English speakers.
HCMC man gets death penalty for mail receipt of drugs from Germany
A HCMC court sentenced local man Nguyen Liao Hung Tran, 30, to death for having 5.8 kg of drugs delivered to him from Germany by mail.
Vietnam fines TikTokker US$300 for video suggesting Cambodia’s Angkor Wat is in Thailand
Content creator Hua Quoc Anh was penalised for posting ‘false information’ on the popular short-video app. The now-deleted video, with overlaid images of the Thai flag and royalty, was shared last November.
Long Thanh airport relocation budget gets $39M more
The relocation project for residents at Long Thanh International Airport has been granted an additional VND966 billion ($39.61 million), which had been inaccessible up until now due to red tape.
Vietnam seaports face risks despite gradual recovery this year
Despite the gradual recovery of the seaport industry, there are still several potential risks to consider in 2024.
Vietnam arrests former deputy minister in anti-graft purge
Vietnamese police yesterday arrested a former deputy trade minister who was responsible for the country’s renewable energy development, as the communist authorities intensify a crackdown on corruption.
HCMC firm wants to build $10B high-speed rail to Can Tho
CT Group has proposed to invest US$9.98 billion in a high-speed railway between Ho Chi Minh City and Mekong Delta’s capital Can Tho City.
Former health minister denies asking for bribe in Covid test kit scandal
Former health minister Nguyen Thanh Long has admitted to a court he received US$2.25 million from a Covid-19 test kit-making company but denied asking for the bribe.
Gender imbalance remains high in Vietnam
The gender imbalance at birth remained at a high level last year, with 112 boys born for every 100 girls, while the natural ratio is around 105/100.
The unexpected twist in Vietnam’s renewable energy saga
Punishment awaits the senior officials who allowed Vietnam’s renewable energy quest to go off the rails, despite its apparent initial success. This policy crisis has the potential to affect other economic sectors if no clear end is in sight.
Luxury brand reps nearly triple Vietnam profits
Vietnam’s distributors of luxury brands such as Louis Vuitton, Chanel, Dior and Hermes posted VND3.8 trillion ($156.57 million) in 2022 profits, up 270% year-on-year, according to latest data from a market research company.
Cash-on-delivery fraud is a nightmare for gig workers in Vietnam
Drivers pay out of pocket for online cash orders, expecting to be paid back by the customer — but, in Vietnam, the customers could disappear.
Trial of ex-health minister in Covid test kit bribery case begins
The trial of former health minister Nguyen Thanh Long for allegedly taking bribes to let a company sell Covid-19 test kits at inflated prices opens in Hanoi Wednesday.
Vietnam-financed airport in Lao province to be upgraded to int’l level
The Lao Government has agreed to upgrade Nong Khang airport, funded and built by Vietnam in Houaphanh province, into an international airport, the Vientiane Times reported on January 2.
Vietnamese-French painter spends 40 years searching for mom
Vietnamese-French painter Rémy Gastambide’s 40-year journey to find his roots has been marked by seven trips to Vietnam and numerous DNA tests, but his mother’s identity remains a mystery.
Why is Vietnam worried about Cambodia’s Mekong canal project ?
The proposed Funan Techo Canal is set to connect the country’s coast to the Mekong River via a system of lock gates.
New year offers ‘comprehensive’ Vietnam-Vatican ties
For Catholics in Vietnam, the appointment of a permanent Vatican representative comes after 14 years of dialogue
Vietnam welcomed 12.6 million foreign tourists, revenue hits $1.5b in 2023
The 12.6 million figure is still only 70 % of the figure in 2019, right before Covid-19 and the halt of international tourism
Hanoi air pollution making people sick
For the past two weeks, Linh, 35, has had to turn on humidifiers and air purifiers 24/7 to get a reprieve from her sore throat and congested nose as air quality in Hanoi falls to abysmal levels.
Vietnam : RSF calls for the release of ailing journalist deprived of medical care
Reporters Without Borders (RSF) urges the Vietnamese regime to release independent journalist Le Huu Minh Tuan who has been in a critical condition as recently stated by his family member.
Vietnam’s GDP expands 5.05 percent in 2023: stats office
Vietnam’s gross domestic product (GDP) grew 5.05 percent this year, lower than its target of 6.5 percent, according to the General Statistics Office (GSO).
Death penalty for bank robber in Vietnam’s Da Nang
A court in Da Nang City, central Vietnam has issued the death sentence to a young man who, assisted by an accomplice, robbed a bank in the city and fatally stabbed the bank security guard last month.
Vietnam tourism can’t rely on ‘beautiful nature, friendly people’ alone
Vietnam does not have the best sceneries, nor the friendliest people, and tourists will not just come naturally.
Vietnam’s Ha Long Bay losing its hue
Vietnam’s Ha Long Bay is losing its famous turquoise hue as pollution and over-development threaten its wildlife and picture-perfect image.
A Vietnamese restaurant that drowned up to 300 cats a month has shut. Its owner apologized for slaughtering pets.
A Vietnamese restaurant that drowned up to 300 cats a month to feed diners has closed down.
Vietnam president reduces death sentence to life for 18 prisoners
President Vo Van Thuong signed a decision on Wednesday to reduce death penalties to life imprisonment for 18 prisoners who filed petitions for commuted sentences.