Experts question funding for HCMC’s ambitious 1,200km metro network

HCMC wants a 1,200km urban rail network by 2050, but experts warn the ambition needs a credible funding roadmap to avoid straining the megacity’s finances.

Galaxy S27 Ultra may get a huge boost as Ultra rivals disappear

The Galaxy S27 Ultra could find itself in an enviable position as soaring memory costs reportedly force Chinese rivals to cancel or scale back their next Ultra flagships.

Vietnam spends $800 million on rice imports in seven months

Despite being one of the world’s leading rice exporters, Vietnam imported about US$800 million worth of rice in the first seven months of 2026, mainly for food processing and to balance supplies.

Tour prices edge up 5-10% for Vietnam’s National Day holiday

Vietnam’s five-day September 2 break is opening the door to longer getaways, though travelers remain cautious about booking holiday tours.

US tariffs squeeze Vietnam pangasius as China sales jump

Vietnam’s pangasius exports reached US$1.3 billion in seven months as surging sales to China helped offset mounting tariff pressure in the US.

Tropical depression strengthens, slows over northern East Sea

The tropical depression over the East Sea could strengthen to level 7, with gusts reaching level 9, over the next 24 hours as it slows and heads toward China’s Hainan Island, bringing rough seas.

iPhone 18 Pro Max could pull ahead with 2 exclusive camera upgrades

Apple could widen the gap between the iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max, with two major camera upgrades reportedly being considered exclusively for the larger model.

Vietnam plans $30.7 billion program for social and rural development

The Government has proposed consolidating four national target programs into a single $30.7 billion initiative for the 2026-2035 period.

Da Lat airport resumes flights after six-month shutdown

Flights are returning to Da Lat after Lien Khuong Airport reopened following a nearly six-month shutdown for major runway repairs.

Gia Lai gong festival to gather artisans from Vietnam and Asia

Gia Lai will welcome 45 gong artisan troupes from Vietnam and abroad for an international festival running from October 30 to November 8.

iPhone users urged to update as Apple fixes nearly 30 flaws

Apple has released new security updates for iPhone, iPad and Mac, fixing nearly 30 vulnerabilities, most of them linked to Safari’s WebKit engine.

Taxing vacant land: separating speculators from financially strained owners

Individuals who own only a few land plots but lack sufficient capital to build houses should not be treated the same as those holding dozens of plots for years just waiting for prices to rise.

Residents' financial obligations must be clear upon apartment expiration

Regulations governing apartment buildings based on their designed service life are not expected to alter the fundamental nature of ownership rights.

18-year-old woman carries disabled fiancé to register marriage in Nghe An

Photos of a young woman carrying her fiance to register their marriage have sparked widespread curiosity online. Behind the viral moment is the heartfelt whirlwind romance between a man in his 30s and his bride, who is 18 years younger.

Why this top graduate is abandoning the pursuit of perfection

Once feeling exhausted, doubting herself and vague about future orientation, Quynh Huong chose not to pursue perfection but to spend time exploring different niches of herself and the field she pursues.

Opportunities for Vietnamese cinema to break through

Against the backdrop of globalisation and the explosion of digital technology, cinema is no longer merely an art form. It has become an important cultural industry making a direct contribution to economic growth and national soft power.

Automated VAT refunds to be rolled out from December

Vietnam’s tax authority is speeding up VAT refunds, targeting a 90% pre-inspection refund rate by end-2026 and 95% in the first quarter of 2027, up from 70%.

Vietnamese enterprises renew growth model to move up global value chains

After four decades of Doi Moi (renewal), Vietnam is seeking to shift its growth model away from capital, natural resources and low-cost labour towards productivity, technology and innovation.

ST25 rice officially enters Selgros wholesale supermarket chain in Germany

Vietnam’s ST25 rice is now available across Germany’s Selgros wholesale supermarket chain, opening a new direct channel to European consumers.

Multimodal connectivity to drive Vietnam’s transport infrastructure

Party General Secretary and President To Lam has stressed the need to develop a modern and comprehensive infrastructure system as Vietnam works towards becoming a country with modernity-oriented industry.

Vietnam: Southeast Asia's second-largest aviation market

Vietnam has overtaken Thailand to become Southeast Asia's second-largest commercial aviation market by available seats in August, according to OAG, a global provider of aviation data and analytics.

Carnival 2026 brings vibrant street spectacle to Nghe An

Thousands of residents and visitors gathered along Truong Thi street on August 18 for Carnival Nghe An 2026, immersing themselves in a vibrant celebration of music, dance, lights and colourful street performances under the theme “Endless Sunshine.”

Vietnam targets Southeast Asia’s leading medical tourism position by 2030

Vietnam aims to attract around 750,000 international medical tourists from 2026-2030 and become one of Southeast Asia’s leading medical tourism destinations under a draft scheme being prepared by the Ministry of Health.

Vietnam tops 2026 global culinary destinations ranking: NZ Herald

Vietnam has been named the world’s top culinary destination for 2026 in the NZ Herald Travel Readers’ Choice Awards, voted by readers of international travel publication The New Zealand Herald (NZ Herald).

Hai Phong tops new FTA Index, opens door to global capital

Hai Phong topped Vietnam's FTA Index 2025, becoming the only locality nationwide to receive the highest rating of 'very good' for the implementation of free trade agreements (FTAs), the Ministry of Industry and Trade said on August 18.

Vietnamese businesses advised to rethink strategies to expand market share in US

The US remains a promising market for Vietnamese products, but tighter requirements on origin, quality and compliance are pushing exporters to target niches, build brands and take greater control of their products.