odd jobs

Update news odd jobs

King of the areca palms: Vietnamese man scales trees with stunning speed

A young man from Vietnam's Mekong Delta has gone viral for his lightning-fast ability to scale tall areca palm trees. Within 40 seconds, he can climb, harvest a full bunch of areca nuts, and return to the ground with effortless agility.

47 years of carving names and one student’s touching tribute

After nearly 50 years working outside school gates, an elderly engraver in Ho Chi Minh City was surprised by the touching reason a schoolgirl repeatedly asked him to carve her name - 80 times.

The last letterer: A sidewalk craftsman’s journey of gratitude

After more than four decades hand-engraving letters on gifts along the sidewalks of Ho Chi Minh City, artisan Le Tien Dung has a heartfelt dream that touches everyone who hears it.

Crafting lifelike fish models, a Lam Dong man turns art into income

Nguyen Hoang Hiep earns nearly $20,000 a year by handcrafting vivid fish models from wood and composite plastic.

Once booming, now forgotten: Ho Chi Minh City’s last lighter gas refiller

Mr. Hung’s humble dream - earning just enough for a kilo of rice - keeps him pedaling through pain.

Beautifying the deceased: The calling of two Saigon women

In Ho Chi Minh City, Kim Em and Yen Nhi dedicate themselves to preparing the deceased, turning fear into compassion.

Young durian cutter turns skill into year-round career

At just 26 years old, Nguyen Trong Tan is the lead cutter on his team. His precise judgment in harvesting durians has spared his crew from costly mistakes.

Raising ‘giant rats’, Da Nang farmer earns $8,000 yearly from simple model

Once struggling to make ends meet, a man from rural Da Nang has found success raising bamboo rats - rodents often nicknamed “giant rats.” Through persistence and learning from failure, his farm now brings in a steady income of around $8,000 per year.

Da Nang man lights grave lamps through storms to serve the departed

He keeps lamps burning 24/7, believing they warm the spirits beneath each grave.

The high-flying art of durian harvesting in Vietnam

In Vietnam, durian harvesters rely on sound and timing to select perfect fruits, earning up to millions of dong daily during the peak season.

Farmer revives royal bird in Bac Ninh, turns wildlife into fortune

Once considered a royal delicacy, the rare and precious bird known as the "imperial bird" is making a comeback in Bac Ninh, bringing in billions of dong for its breeders.

Used-car inspectors: light work and high pay, but big risks

With rising demand for secondhand cars, inspecting used vehicles has become a lucrative trade. Mastering it, however, requires not just technical know-how but also a wealth of skills and seasoned experience.

The former jockey who now trains horses for Vietnamese cinema

From racing tracks to movie sets, Le Tien Tong’s journey with horses spans over 40 years. What began as a childhood fascination has become a life’s mission - and nearly cost him his marriage.

Japanese tourist stunned by one-day custom dress at Ben Thanh Market

A viral video shows how a VND1.5 million dress made in 24 hours amazed a Japanese fashion entrepreneur visiting Ho Chi Minh City.

Finger amputations: the dangers of breeding venomous cobra snakes

Many cobra breeders in Tu Xa commune, LamThao district, in Phu Tho province have lost fingers after being attacked by venomous snakes.

Man pockets big money from colorful fish as beautiful as 'jewelry'

Vo Thanh Hai, 28, raises fish with showy colors, described by enthusiasts as 'Eastern jewelry', with prices ranging from hundreds of thousand to several million dong each.

Vietnamese breeder cashes in on rare Thai Ridgebacks

With prices reaching up to $400 per puppy, these unique dogs are in high demand, providing a steady income for their dedicated breeder.

The model bike "wizard": How Nguyen Duy Son Khe turned passion into a career

Nguyen Duy Son Khe, once a university student with a tough decision, chose to leave school to pursue his dream of making model motorcycles. Today, he is a renowned figure in the model-making community.

Tet coconuts with clay flower art: A $1,000 seasonal business

Combining the strength of a bodybuilder with the precision of an artist, Le Van Hien has turned coconut decoration into a lucrative Tet tradition, delighting customers with his intricate designs.

Hai Phong woman makes expensive dolls favored by foreign travelers

The unusual products with a strong Vietnamese imprint created by a 35-year-old woman in Hai Phong are admired and favored by foreign travelers. Rapid-fire orders are coming, though clients have to wait two years to get deliveries.