Vietnam unveils timeline for $67 billion high-speed railway

Vietnam’s long-planned North-South high-speed railway project is expected to complete feasibility study procedures and break ground sometime between the fourth quarter of 2026 and the fourth quarter of 2028.

Hanoi cafés reinvent sidewalk culture after outdoor seating crackdown

Unable to use public sidewalks as before, many Hanoi cafés are finding unusual new ways to keep customers coming back.

Apple’s MacBook Neo leaves the PC industry scrambling

Apple’s MacBook Neo may have launched quietly, but reactions from Google and Microsoft suggest the laptop has become impossible to ignore.

Early lychee harvest hit hard as premium fruit prices triple

Early-season lychee production in Bac Ninh has been hit hard this year, with output dropping by more than half and pest outbreaks creating an unprecedented gap between premium and lower-grade fruit.

Vietnam’s new Law on Belief and Religion marks six major breakthroughs

Vietnam’s Law on Belief and Religion No. 07/2026/QH16 is expected to comprehensively address long-standing practical challenges while aligning with the country’s administrative restructuring and national digital transformation agenda.

When AI enters the temple: Buddhism confronts the digital age

The arrival of artificial intelligence in Buddhist spaces marks a fascinating intersection between technology and spiritual philosophy.

Apple turns flawed iPhone chips into MacBook Neo sales goldmine

Long known for its premium devices, Apple is now proving it can dominate the budget segment as well, even as many rivals struggle with rising production costs.

Vietnam peacekeepers build bridges and goodwill in Africa

Overcoming hardship and danger, Vietnamese soldiers serving in United Nations peacekeeping operations in Africa are building bridges, restoring roads and bringing smiles to communities across the “Black Continent.”

Vietnam imports nearly $930 million worth of meat in four months

Vietnamese businesses spent nearly USD930 million importing meat and meat by-products during the first four months of this year to meet rising domestic consumption demand.

Vietnam plans massive expressway expansion worth nearly $19 billion

Vietnam’s Ministry of Construction has submitted to the government a proposal to expand phased expressway projects nationwide in a bid to reduce congestion and meet growing socio-economic development needs across localities.

Apple struggles with noisy hinge as foldable iPhone launch nears

After years of speculation, Apple’s first foldable iPhone - often referred to as the iPhone Ultra - finally appeared close to launch in 2026.

Airbnb debate reignites as Vietnam hosts generate USD 630 million

As Airbnb expands in Vietnam, concerns over security, overcrowding and residential quality of life continue to divide opinion.

Vietnam introduces childbirth support policy from 2027

Vietnam will provide financial support for women having two children before age 35 under a new decree.

Hanoi unveils resettlement plan for Red River grand boulevard project

Hanoi plans to build large resettlement urban areas in Long Bien, Linh Nam and Bat Trang for residents affected by the Red River landscape boulevard project.

Vietnamese shrimp sector seeks distinct path in global race

The shrimp industry of Vietnam is under growing pressure to reposition its strategy, shifting from price-based competition to higher value, stronger technology application and deeper supply chain integration.

Hanoi’s 340km-long Ring Road 5 to pass through 7 localities, worth $10 billion

Ring Road 5 around the Capital Region has been identified as a national priority project, with authorities aiming to begin development during the 2026–30 period to strengthen regional transport links and support economic growth in northern Vietnam.

Vietnam pushes for a homegrown Music ID system after copyright scandals

Vietnam’s decision to prosecute major online copyright infringement cases is exposing deep flaws in how music ownership is managed on digital platforms.

India to ease export requirements for Vietnamese durian

India is preparing to ease import requirements by removing special conditions and additional phytosanitary declarations for fresh Vietnamese durian, a move expected to streamline access to one of Asia’s largest consumer markets.

Vietnam to host first-ever children’s picture book festival

Vietnam will host its first-ever Children’s Picture Book Festival with the goal of bringing acclaimed Vietnamese and international picture books to a wider audience.

Japan selects Vietnamese workers for first foreign bus driver training programme

Sapporo city in Japan’s Hokkaido prefecture has launched a new initiative to train foreign drivers before recruiting them to work in the city, with Vietnam selected as the first trainee supplier.

Healthy digital content market in the making

A wave of unauthorised movie, comic and music sites has gone dark in recent weeks, signaling a sudden escalation in Vietnam’s enforcement against intellectual property (IP) violations.

Smart city development crucial to Vietnam’s growth ambitions in digital era

Urban areas currently contribute around 70% of Vietnam’s GDP, but experts warned that if cities continue to develop under traditional models, room for their growth will gradually narrow.

Authorities ordered to closely monitor rollout of E10 biofuel from June 1

The Agency for Domestic Market Surveillance and Development has instructed provincial and municipal departments of industry and trade to strengthen supervision and inspections related to the nationwide rollout of E10 biofuel petrol.

HCM City police uncover sophisticated multi-billion-dollar gold smuggling ring

Police say a gold smuggling ring busted in Ho Chi Minh City had completed around 10 successful shipments since the start of 2026.

Huong Giang wins fan-voted award at MGI All Stars 2026 opening night

Vietnamese beauty queen Huong Giang made a striking appearance at the opening ceremony of MGI All Stars 2026 in Bangkok, earning one of the event’s first awards after a fan vote by global audiences.