The most attractive bars in Hanoi's Old Quarter

 VietNamNet Bridge - After Zone 9 closed, young people and expats still had many other options for the bars as Barbetter, Yolo or Hero. These bars have a unique décor and serve customers with different tastes.

Carriers seek to develop 4G networks

 Several mobile carriers are seeking approval from the Vietnam Telecommunications Authority to deploy the fourth generation (4G) network, said Le Thi Ngoc Mo, deputy head of the authority.

VN International Fashion Week - Dream of professionalism

The first-ever Vietnam International Fashion Week ended last week. Following standards of international fashion industry, the event can be seen as a "weird food" for those who have a habit of going to fashion shows to see “long-legged girls”. 

Miss Vietnam debuts Spring Summer 2015 collection

 VietNamNet Bridge - Miss Vietnam 2010 Ngoc Han introduced her new collection at the Vietnam Spring Summer Fashion Week 2015 in Hanoi on December 8. The latest collection by Ngoc Han uses blue and yellow as the main colors, mixed with a little pink.

Parents want extra classes for their kids despite ban

One killed, 17 injured in highway accidents; Ministry of Health launches population action programme; Gov't asks for probe into petrol theft case; Parents want extra classes for their kids despite ban; Supplement prescriptions banned

BUSINESS IN BRIEF 11/12

BIDV loans $35m to VSIP Quang Ngai; Ha Noi Stock Exchange to launch new bond products; Import duties on steel to be cut; Investors eye Vietnam wind energy projects; Seafood exporters antsy to make inroads into Russia

EVENTS SCHEDULED FOR DECEMBER 10-20 (daily updated)

 Updated information about cultural events in major cities of Vietnam.

New symbol of Vietnam's tourism

 VietNamNet Bridge – Vietnam’s new tourism symbol is a five-petal lotus with the message "Vietnam – Timeless Charm".

'Weather bomb' storm brings disruption to northern UK

 Thousands of Scottish homes are without power as a "weather bomb" storm hits western coastal areas.

Australia donates A$200m to UN climate fund

 Australia has pledged A$200m (£106m; $166m) to help poorer nations mitigate the impact of global warming, in what is seen as a U-turn for the government.

Vietnam International Fashion Week 2014 review

The first-ever Vietnam International Fashion Week ended after five formal nights (Dec. 1-5). The thorough and professional investment brought a new aspect for the event compared to the previous fashion weeks in Vietnam.

Locals surround polluting steel factory in Da Nang

 VietNamNet Bridge - Hundreds of people have set up tents and barricades in front of the gate of the Vietnam - France Steel Factory to protest the company’s discharge of harmful smoke in the environment.

Russia's Usmanov to give back Watson's auctioned Nobel medal

 Russia's richest man has revealed that he bought US scientist James Watson's Nobel Prize gold medal, and intends to return it to him.

5 art exhibitions to check out before they close

HCM City hosts 10th CD/DVD fair; Institute for Applied Arts opens in HCM City; Photographer shares hope on diversified industry; 5 art exhibitions to check out before they close

Most university students’ English skills at rudimentary levels

 VietNamNet Bridge – University students’ low level of English has been attributed to poor teaching methods.

200 embroiderers work for Lan Huong’s new collection

 VietNamNet Bridge – Hanoi’s famous ao dai designer Lan Huong did not introduce ao dai but hand-made embroidered silk scarves at the Vietnam Spring-Summer Fashion Week (Dec. 6-12) on December 8 in Hanoi.

Transport Ministry’s proposed VND90 billion bonus to contractors remains controversial

 VietNamNet Bridge – The Ministry of Transport has suggested a bonus worth VND90 billion to South Korean and Japanese contractors to reward their project fulfillments before the deadline.

Traffic Safety Agency works to prevent sexual harassment in Hanoi, HCM City

 VietNamNet Bridge – The National Road Safety Commission has asked the authorities of Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City to conduct surveys at the places and bus routes where women are being sexually harassed.

Images: Peaceful Hoai River in the ancient town of Hoi An

 VietNamNet Bridge – Hoai River is a tributary of the Thu Bon River running through Hoi An. It is considered a symbol of the old town. The peaceful little river is also associated with the livelihoods of many local residents.  

Vietnam's PM attends ASEAN-RoK Summit

 Prime Minister Nguyen Tan Dung and other leaders are to compare notes on international and regional issues of shared concern.

In pictures: HCM City’s crackdown on homeless addicts

VietNamNet Bridge – More than 1,000 drug addicts without a stable residence in HCM City were found taking drugs under a city-wide anti-drug campaign that kicked off on December 5.

Vietnam players urge fans to play fair after Malaysia violence

 Vietnam's national team have urged fans to remain calm at this week's match, despite some being attacked by Malaysia supporters during the first leg of the AFF Suzuki Cup 2014 semi final at Shah Alam Stadium in Selangor at the weekend.

Vietnam ready to kick off 2015 season

Vietnam ready to kick off 2015 season; Ha Noi take three gold medals in archery; Dong wins sixth stage of Trans-Viet cycling tour

Storm Hagupit approaching in Paracel, Spratly Archipelagos

Super storm Hagupit is predicted to enter in the area of Paracel and Spratly Archipelagos and then its direction will be located southwards and affect directly to the territorial waters of south and south central regions.

Hung has potential to become top midfielder

Midfielder Nguyen Huy Hung was named man of the match when Viet Nam played Malaysia in the ASEAN Football Federation-Suzuki Cup's semi-final's first leg, and could become one of the best midfielders in the ASEAN region.