Khmer communities welcome a spring of renewal and improved prosperity

Visiting the Khmer phum soc (villages) these days, one can see clear changes on every road and rooftop.

Vietnam Gaming Idol Club launched to professionalize game streaming

A new initiative aims to build a structured ecosystem for gaming content creators, supporting young talent in livestreaming and digital careers.

Two deer ‘sparring’ at Cuc Phuong captivate social media

A viral video shows rare spotted deer engaging in playful behavior, offering a glimpse into life inside Vietnam’s leading national park.

Leaks hint at limited battery upgrade for Galaxy Z Flip 8

Early reports suggest Samsung’s next clamshell foldable may keep a similar battery capacity, shifting attention to other improvements.

Ministry confirms vehicle-emission testing requires 'flooring the accelerator'

The emission measurement procedure using the “free acceleration” method has caused many diesel vehicle owners to worry about engine impact.

Business stories of the week March 9-15

"Diamond tycoon" Chu Dang Khoa faced new troubles; Pham Nhat Vuong's assets surpassed Samsung's President; an Nghe An enterprise bought nearly 30kg of gold; and gas price increases were noteworthy news of the week.

Lao Cai to mobilize VND600 trillion to become national ‘growth pole’

Lao Cai aims to mobilize VND600 trillion to realize its role as the northern growth pole.

Cao Bang shifts to monthly instead of yearly officer assessments

In many public agencies, there is a familiar scene at the end of the year: reports thicken, review meetings follow one another, and each unit takes turns reading work results and grading officers.

Student passionate about calligraphy wins language-interpreting championship

Tran Thi Son Truc, a fourth-year student at Hanoi University, who won first prize in a Chinese-Vietnamese interpreting competition late last year, is also well-known for her elegant calligraphy skills.

Vietnam qualify for 2027 Asian Cup after Malaysia's victories overturned

Malaysia's victories against Vietnam and Nepal in the 2027 AFC Asian Cup Qualifiers have been overturned to default 0-3 losses, according to a decision from the Asian Football Confederation (AFC)'s Disciplinary and Ethics Committee on March 17.

Vietnam, Japan advance new-generation ODA loan to accelerate green transition

The programme loan is viewed as a next-generation ODA model, designed with simplified preparation processes, accelerated disbursement mechanism, and closer alignment with policy reforms and resource mobilisation for sustainable development.

Draft law seeks to expand role, authority of overseas missions

The National Assembly (NA) Standing Committee on March 18 discussed a draft law amending and supplementing several articles of the Law on Overseas Representative Missions of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam at its 55th session.

Ho Chi Minh City leverages brand heritage to boost tourism

As the tourism sector is striving to meet the targets set in the Ho Chi Minh City Tourism Development Plan to 2030, connecting “brand heritage” is emerging as a "key" to creating distinctive tourism products.

Rivers transformed into unique cultural spaces of Hue

Rivers and canals that once served the Nguyen Dynasty’s imperial court have now been transformed into unique experiential spaces at the heart of Hue, a heritage city that is popular among domestic and foreign visitors.

Contemporary ballet inspired by Vietnamese folk culture to debut in Hanoi

A contemporary ballet, Do (Poonah), inspired by traditional Vietnamese materials like paper fans, woven mats and do paper, will premiere at Hanoi’s Ho Guom Opera House on March 29, offering a fresh take on classical arts.

Higher marketplace fees weigh on online sellers

Analysts identify rising operational costs as the key factor behind the exodus. In 2025, platforms simultaneously rolled out fee hikes ranging from 10–15%, significantly increasing the financial burden on merchants.

Central region’s logistics sector poised for new growth opportunities

Logistics and seaports have long been strengths of central coastal provinces. However, these advantages have yet to be fully tapped, meaning the marine economy has not become a key growth driver in many localities.

10th VN-China Border Defence Friendship Exchange kicks off with packed agenda

Activities under the 10th Vietnam – China Border Defence Friendship Exchange officially got underway on March 18, launching a two-day programme aimed at strengthening defence cooperation between the two countries.

Talks aim to ease regulatory challenges for seafood exports to US

NFI urged Vietnam to continue strengthening data collection, including fishermen logbook systems, observer programmes and measures to reduce bycatch.

PM pushes forward energy cooperation with UAE after high-level talks

Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh received UAE Ambassador to Vietnam Bader Abdullah Almatrooshi in Hanoi on March 17 to advance the implementation of outcomes from his recent phone talks with the UAE President.

Vietnam sees surge in foreign tourist arrivals, driven by safe destination image

Vietnam welcomed more than 2.2 million international visitors in February, marking the third consecutive month that the number of tourist arrivals exceeded 2 million, following 2.45 million in January and 2.02 million in December 2025.

VN sets orientation for mobilising, using ODA, concessional loans in 2026–2030

Vietnam will prioritise funding sources with favourable terms, fewer conditions, flexible procedures and diverse financial instruments, especially those offering technology transfer and technical assistance.

Vietnamese choir shines at 28th International Choral Festival Paris

A Vietnamese delegation, represented by the Que Huong (Homeland) Choir, participated in the 28th International Choral Festival of Paris, one of the world’s reputable festivals that bring together choirs from many countries.

Ho Chi Minh City moves to kick off Ben Thanh–Thu Thiem metro next month

The southern metropolis of Ho Chi Minh City ’s expanded urban rail network is planned to reach 1,024 km across 27 lines. To date, only two projects have been implemented.

PM directs tasks to accelerate 2026 export growth

Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh has signed a dispatch outlining a series of tasks and solutions to accelerate export growth in 2026 amid mounting global uncertainties.

Strategy approved for peaceful development, application of atomic energy

Deputy Prime Minister Nguyen Chi Dung has signed a decision to approve the strategy for the development and application of atomic energy for peaceful purposes through 2035, with a vision to 2050.