Vietnam Insider

Hanoi has officially been ranked as Vietnam’s most expensive city to live in, according to the latest Spatial Cost of Living Index (SCOLI), reinforcing its position as the country’s economic and administrative center.

The index, released by Vietnam’s General Statistics Office, compares the cost of goods and services across provinces, with Hanoi set as the baseline at 100.

For international residents, investors, and businesses, the findings offer a clearer picture of regional cost dynamics in one of Southeast Asia’s fastest growing economies.

The Top Tier: Northern Cities Dominate

Following Hanoi, the next most expensive locations are:

• Quang Ninh
• Hai Phong
• Ho Chi Minh City
• Da Nang

Ho Chi Minh City, despite being Vietnam’s largest economic hub, ranks fourth, with a slightly lower cost base than Hanoi due to stronger retail competition and more efficient supply chains.

Why Hanoi Is the Most Expensive

Several structural factors explain Hanoi’s top ranking:

• High population density and rapid urbanization
• Rising real estate prices driven by limited land supply
• Strong demand for premium healthcare, education, and dining

These pressures push up both consumer prices and operating costs for businesses, making Hanoi the most expensive environment in the country.

The Most Affordable Regions: Mekong Delta Leads

At the other end of the spectrum, the most affordable provinces include:

• Vinh Long
• Gia Lai
• Ca Mau
• Quang Tri
• Tay Ninh

Vinh Long ranks as the least expensive location, with living costs at just over 91 percent of Hanoi’s level.

These areas benefit from:

• Strong local food production
• Lower demand for high end services
• More moderate urban development

As a result, everyday expenses remain relatively stable and accessible.

Regional Comparison: Gaps Are Narrower Than Expected

Interestingly, the overall cost gap across Vietnam remains relatively small.

• The most expensive region: Red River Delta
• The least expensive region: Mekong Delta
• Difference: less than 5 percentage points

This reflects improvements in logistics, distribution networks, and the rise of e-commerce, which are helping standardize prices nationwide.

What This Means for Expats and Investors

For international stakeholders, the data offers practical insights:

• Hanoi remains the most costly base for operations and living
• Ho Chi Minh City offers a slightly more competitive cost structure
• Secondary cities and provinces provide lower cost alternatives

However, higher costs in Hanoi often come with trade-offs, including better infrastructure, access to services, and proximity to government institutions.

Bottom Line

Hanoi’s position as Vietnam’s most expensive city reflects both its economic importance and the pressures of rapid urban growth.

While cost differences across the country remain relatively modest, location still matters and choosing where to live or invest in Vietnam can significantly impact overall expenses.

Pham Nhat Vuong, chairman of Vingroup, has become the richest person in Southeast Asia, with a net worth of $24.5 billion, according to Forbes’ real time billionaire rankings.

The milestone marks a significant shift in the region’s wealth landscape, as Vietnam’s most prominent business figure overtakes Indonesia’s Prajogo Pangestu to claim the top spot.

What Changed: A Rapid Shift in Regional Wealth

The ranking change is driven largely by market movements:

• Prajogo Pangestu’s wealth dropped sharply from over $44 billion to $18.6 billion
• The decline is linked to a steep fall in shares of Barito Pacific
• Meanwhile, Vuong’s net worth remained relatively stable despite some decline

Vuong is now ranked 100th globally, reinforcing Vietnam’s growing presence in global wealth rankings.

The Vingroup Factor

Vuong’s wealth is closely tied to his controlling stake in Vingroup, one of Vietnam’s largest conglomerates.

• He and his family control around 65 percent of the company
• He directly owns nearly 390 million shares, equivalent to about 10 percent
• His net worth is largely influenced by fluctuations in Vingroup stock

Despite a recent drop of nearly $4 billion in his personal wealth this year, he has still risen to the top regionally.

A 12-Year Wealth Surge

Vuong’s rise has been rapid by global standards.

• Became Vietnam’s first billionaire in 2013 with $1.5 billion
• His wealth has grown more than 16 times over 12 years

This trajectory mirrors Vietnam’s broader economic expansion and the scaling of its private sector.

A Billionaire Family

Vuong is not the only billionaire in his family.

• His wife and sister in law have also joined global billionaire rankings
• Each holds an estimated $1.5 billion in assets
• Both play senior leadership roles within Vingroup

This positions the family as one of the most influential business dynasties in Vietnam.

What It Means for Investors

For international investors, Vuong’s rise highlights several key trends:

• Vietnam’s corporate sector is producing globally significant wealth
• Market volatility can rapidly reshape regional rankings
• Conglomerates like Vingroup remain central to Vietnam’s growth story

Vingroup itself is targeting strong expansion, with ambitious revenue and profit goals for 2026, signaling continued momentum.

Bottom Line

Pham Nhat Vuong’s ascent to Southeast Asia’s richest individual is more than a personal milestone.

It reflects Vietnam’s increasing economic weight in the region and signals that the country’s leading corporations are now competing at a global scale.

Vietnam is heading into a widespread heatwave next week, with temperatures expected to exceed 38°C in multiple regions, driven by a strengthening low pressure system from the west.

The surge in heat will affect all three regions north, central, and south, marking one of the most extensive early season heat events of 2026.

For businesses, residents, and travelers, the forecast signals rising risks related to health, infrastructure stress, and fire hazards.

Northern Vietnam: Heat Expands Across the Region

The heatwave will intensify in northern Vietnam starting April 6, spreading from mountainous areas to the Red River Delta.

• Average highs: 35 to 37°C
• Peak temperatures: above 38°C in some areas
• Hanoi forecast: 26 to 38°C

The hot conditions are expected to persist throughout the week, with limited cooling overnight.

Central Vietnam: Extreme Heat and Dry Winds

Central provinces are already experiencing intense heat due to a combination of the western low pressure system and dry winds.

• Temperatures: 36 to 38°C, with some areas exceeding 39°C
• Low humidity: 40 to 45 percent

These conditions significantly increase the risk of:

• Forest fires
• Urban fire incidents
• Strain on electricity and water systems

Southern Vietnam and Central Highlands: Prolonged Heat

In the south, hot weather has been persistent and is expected to continue without relief.

• Temperatures: 35 to 37°C, locally higher
• Dry conditions across the Central Highlands

Unlike the north, where the heat is intensifying, southern regions are facing prolonged exposure, which can compound health and environmental risks.

A Hotter Than Normal April

Meteorological authorities warn that April 2026 will be significantly hotter than average nationwide:

• Northern and north central regions: 1.5 to 2.5°C above average
• Other regions: 0.5 to 1.5°C above average

This suggests that the upcoming heatwave is not an isolated event but part of a broader warming trend for the month.

What This Means for International Readers

For expatriates, investors, and travelers, the heatwave has several implications:

• Increased energy demand and potential strain on infrastructure
• Health risks, particularly for outdoor workers and tourists
• Elevated fire risk in industrial zones and rural areas

Businesses operating in Vietnam may also need to adjust working hours, logistics, and cooling requirements during peak heat periods.

Bottom Line

Vietnam is entering a period of sustained and intensifying heat, with temperatures climbing across the entire country.

The immediate concern is short term discomfort and risk, but the broader signal is clear: extreme weather is becoming an increasingly important factor in Vietnam’s economic and daily life planning.

A large scale drug trafficking case in Vietnam is shedding light on how criminal networks are adapting to digital platforms and urban infrastructure.

Authorities are prosecuting a ring accused of distributing more than 412 kg of cannabis, with transactions exceeding 92 billion VND (around $3.7 million). The operation spanned multiple cities, including Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, and Quang Ninh.

How the Operation Worked

At the center of the network was a coordinator who used Telegram to connect buyers and suppliers.

The model was structured and efficient:

• Products were advertised in private Telegram groups
• Customers placed orders via direct messages
• Payments were made through bank accounts or e-wallets
• Orders were fulfilled by separate storage and logistics teams

The organizer acted as an intermediary, earning commissions of 5 to 10 percent per transaction.

Urban Cover: Hiding in Plain Sight

One of the most striking elements of the case is how the network used high-end residential apartments as storage hubs.

• Apartments in major developments in Hanoi were rented as warehouses
• Locations were frequently changed to avoid detection
• Operations were split across multiple individuals to reduce traceability

In Ho Chi Minh City, similar methods were used, with drugs stored in private residences and moved regularly when suspicion arose.

Delivery System: Blending Into Everyday Logistics

The group leveraged existing delivery infrastructure to move products:

• Urban deliveries handled via ride-hailing logistics apps
• Intercity shipments sent through passenger transport services
• Products disguised inside everyday items such as tea and snack boxes

False identities were used for both senders and recipients, while handoffs were often conducted through lockers or pre-arranged drop points.

A Fragmented Network by Design

To minimize risk, the network operated on a compartmentalized model:

• Participants handled specific roles such as marketing, packaging, or delivery
• Individuals often did not know each other’s real identities
• Communication was limited to encrypted channels

This structure reflects a broader shift toward decentralized, tech-enabled criminal operations.

Legal Proceedings Underway

The case is currently being tried in Quang Ninh, involving 18 defendants.

All individuals have admitted their roles and expressed remorse, with a verdict expected soon.

Why This Matters

For international observers, the case highlights several key trends in Vietnam’s evolving enforcement landscape:

• Increasing use of encrypted platforms in illegal trade
• Blending of criminal activity into legitimate urban environments
• Stronger cross-regional coordination by law enforcement

It also signals that authorities are actively targeting not just physical trafficking routes, but also the digital ecosystems enabling them.

Bottom Line

This case illustrates how modern criminal networks can operate quietly within everyday environments, from messaging apps to upscale apartments.

At the same time, it underscores Vietnam’s intensifying efforts to track, disrupt, and prosecute these increasingly sophisticated operations.

Ho Chi Minh City – Knight Frank’s Q1 2026 Market Report highlights performance across the office, residential, and retail sectors in both Ho Chi Minh City (HCMC) and Hanoi markets. 

Office Markets Face Rental Pressure Amid Diverging Demand Trends

Average Grade A office rents reached US$58.8 per sq m in Ho Chi Minh City and US$34.7 per sq m in Hanoi in Q1 2026, both showing signs of softening amid rising vacancy and shifting occupier demand.

In Ho Chi Minh City, leasing activity slowed significantly, with Grade A take-up falling to a five-year low as occupiers favoured lease renewals over relocation. Vacancy rose to 12.6%, while landlords introduced more incentives to attract tenants. Despite limited new supply through 2027, future waves of development are expected to increase competition and place downward pressure on rents.

In contrast, Hanoi recorded positive net absorption, supported by strong demand for newly completed, green-certified buildings. However, vacancy climbed to 20.4%, pushing Grade A rents to a five-year low. 

“Generally, we are seeing good demand for offices from international occupiers, but terms are now more tenant-favourable in both Ho Chi Minh and Hanoi.  I believe this is the peak of the rent cycle in Ho Chi Minh City, and we are experiencing lower rents and greater incentives for tenants.  Lower absorption is a result of slowing occupier growth and conservative expectations of headcount expansion and cost of relocation.  International firms are particularly noticing high rents in Ho Chi Minh City in comparison to other markets in their portfolio of offices around the region,” said Alex Crane, Managing Director of Knight Frank Vietnam. 

Apartment Prices Rise Amid Diverging Supply and Demand Trends

Average primary apartment prices reached US$4,078 per sq m in Ho Chi Minh City (up 11.8% y-o-y) and US$4,274 per sq m in Hanoi (up 38% y-o-y) in Q1 2026, both driven by a continued focus on luxury segments.

In Ho Chi Minh City, new supply remained limited, with launches concentrated in luxury developments, while broader supply in Greater HCMC was supported by affordable projects. Despite rising mortgage rates, demand stayed resilient, supported by developer-led financing schemes, with improved absorption levels. Looking ahead, future supply is expected to remain skewed towards high-end segments in the city core, while adjacent markets continue to provide more affordable options.

In contrast, Hanoi saw steady new supply led by luxury projects, pushing asking prices to a record high. However, rising price points softened overall absorption, with demand shifting towards mid-end developments.

Over the medium term, both markets are expected to see continued asking price growth as new projects launch, although affordability and buyer sentiment will remain key factors shaping demand.

We anticipate sales pricing to continue to increase this year, but largely due to supply through the upper end of the market.  Sales volumes will be more pressured this year as a result of increased cost of lending; however, there is still strong demand from buyers in the mid and affordable ends of the market,” said Alex Crane, Managing Director of Knight Frank Vietnam. 

HCMC Retail Rents Hold Firm Amid Limited Supply and Strong Occupancy

Prime ground-floor retail rents in Ho Chi Minh City averaged US$85.9 per sq m per month in Q1 2026, up 1.83% y-o-y, reflecting continued resilience in leasing fundamentals.

The market recorded no new supply during the quarter, keeping total stock stable at approximately 1.34 million sq m. With limited expansion opportunities in the CBD, supply remains concentrated in non-central areas.

Leasing demand stayed robust, with prime mall occupancy rising to 95.6% and net absorption reaching around 10,400 sq m. Demand was driven by expansions across fashion, lifestyle, beauty, and F&B brands, alongside notable transactions in key retail centres. The market is also attracting interest from a major technology brand eyeing entry into both Ho Chi Minh City and Hanoi.

Looking ahead, the retail pipeline is expected to remain constrained, with no new supply anticipated until 2028. This limited pipeline is likely to support stable occupancy levels and sustain rental growth in prime retail locations over the near term.

END

—-

Media Contact

Tien Pham

Manager, Marketing & Communications
Email: Tien.Pham@knightfrank.com
Mobile: +84 93 949 3735

Research Contact

Son Hoang

Associate Director, Valuation and Advisory

Email: Son.Hoang@knightfrank.com

Mobile: +84 977 282 930

About Knight Frank Vietnam

Operating in one of the fastest-growing markets in Asia with strong GDP, Knight Frank Vietnam offers full­ spectrum commercial advisory services in a lucrative and increasingly competitive commercial real estate sector. We help local and foreign owners, occupiers, investors and developers in every aspect of owning, occupying, developing and in commercial real estate across Vietnam focusing primarily on core markets in the country’s two biggest seats of business and commerce, Ho Chi Minh City and Hanoi. Please visit us at www.knightfrank.com.vn   

About Knight Frank

Knight Frank LLP is a leading independent global property consultancy with 740+ offices in over 50+ territories and more than 27,000 people. The Group advises clients ranging from individual owners and buyers to major developers, investors, and corporate tenants. For more information, please visit www.knightfrank.com.

Authorities in northern Vietnam have dismantled an online livestream operation that attracted tens of thousands of viewers per session, highlighting growing regulatory pressure on digital content and monetization platforms.

Police in Cao Bang province have arrested a 32 year old woman and launched a broader investigation into a group accused of producing and distributing illegal online content for profit.

A Structured Operation Built for Scale

According to investigators, the group consisted of four women who coordinated their activities with clear roles and planning.

Their operation included:

• Scheduled livestream sessions lasting around four hours
• Use of multiple mobile apps to broadcast content
• Audience access managed through registered accounts

Each session reportedly attracted more than 30,000 viewers, indicating a significant scale of engagement in Vietnam’s rapidly expanding digital ecosystem.

Monetization Through Virtual Gifts

The group generated revenue through a common livestream model: virtual gifting.

• Viewers sent digital tokens during broadcasts
• These tokens were later converted into cash
• Each session generated the equivalent of 1.2 to 1.4 million VND

This reflects a broader trend across Asia, where livestream platforms have become monetization channels, but also pose regulatory challenges when content crosses legal boundaries.

Legal Charges and Ongoing Investigation

The main suspect has been charged under laws related to the distribution of prohibited cultural content, with several others restricted from leaving their place of residence as investigations continue.

Authorities also seized:

• Mobile phones and computers
• Lighting equipment and streaming tools
• Other materials used in content production

The case is part of a wider effort by Vietnamese regulators to tighten control over online platforms and enforce content standards.

The Bigger Picture: Regulating Vietnam’s Digital Economy

For international observers, the case underscores a key dynamic in Vietnam’s digital landscape: rapid growth paired with increasing oversight.

As livestreaming, influencer marketing, and digital payments expand, authorities are moving to:

• Enforce content regulations more strictly
• Monitor monetization models
• Address legal gaps in online activity

Bottom Line

This case illustrates how quickly online platforms can scale audiences and revenue and how equally quickly authorities can intervene when activities breach legal limits.

For businesses and platforms operating in Vietnam, compliance with local regulations remains critical as the country continues to formalize its digital economy.

Vietnam has been ranked among the top five destinations globally for solo female travelers in 2026, reinforcing its growing appeal as a safe, accessible, and culturally rich destination.

According to a recent global ranking, Vietnam placed third worldwide, based on a combination of safety indicators, real traveler experiences, and international datasets on peace and gender security.

For international readers, the ranking signals a broader shift: Vietnam is no longer just an emerging travel market, but a destination increasingly trusted by independent travelers, including women exploring alone.

What Sets Vietnam Apart

The ranking draws on multiple factors, including:

• Safety and social stability
• Accessibility and ease of travel
• Cultural openness and local interactions

Solo female travelers consistently highlight Vietnam’s relative safety and welcoming social environment. Everyday interactions, from chatting with café owners to eating at street food stalls, contribute to a sense of comfort and connection.

A Fast-Growing Global Travel Trend

The rise of solo female travel is one of the fastest growing trends in the tourism industry.

• Global searches for solo female travel have increased by 30 percent over the past five years
• More women, particularly middle aged and older travelers, are choosing to travel independently

Vietnam is benefiting directly from this shift, offering a combination of affordability, diversity, and relatively low barriers to entry for first time solo travelers.

Beyond the Tourist Trail

While cities like Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, and Hoi An remain popular entry points, many solo female travelers are exploring deeper into the country:

• Northern mountain regions for trekking and cultural immersion
• Coastal areas for relaxed, scenic travel
• The Mekong Delta for local lifestyle experiences

These journeys are often described as both safe and socially engaging, allowing travelers to connect with local communities while maintaining a sense of independence.

Practical Tips for First-Time Visitors

Travel experts recommend several strategies for solo travelers visiting Vietnam:

• Join small group experiences such as cooking classes or food tours
• Consider homestays to enhance cultural understanding
• Use guided motorbike or local tours to explore unfamiliar areas safely

These options help balance independence with structure, especially for first time visitors.

How Vietnam Compares Globally

Vietnam ranks alongside countries such as Costa Rica, Estonia, Uruguay, and Norway, all recognized for safety, inclusiveness, and quality travel experiences.

Notably, Vietnam is the only Southeast Asian country in the top tier of rankings, highlighting its competitive positioning within the region.

A Broader Reputation for Safety

The ranking builds on a series of recent recognitions:

• Listed among the safest destinations for solo female travelers globally
• Ranked among the safest countries in Asia
• Positioned as one of the most peaceful countries worldwide in global security indexes

These consistent rankings reflect improvements in infrastructure, public safety, and tourism services.

Why This Matters

For international tourism stakeholders, Vietnam’s rise in this category carries strategic significance:

• Solo travelers typically stay longer and spend more flexibly
• Female travelers represent a rapidly expanding market segment
• Safety perception directly influences destination competitiveness

Vietnam’s ability to attract this demographic signals increasing maturity in its tourism ecosystem.

Bottom Line

Vietnam’s inclusion in the top global destinations for solo female travelers is not just a ranking, it is a signal of trust.

As more women choose to travel independently, destinations that combine safety, affordability, and authentic cultural experiences will lead the next phase of global tourism. Vietnam is positioning itself firmly in that group.

Ho Chi Minh City is exploring a sweeping policy to make all public bus services free, a move that could transform urban mobility in Vietnam’s largest economic hub.

If approved, the plan would eliminate fares across more than 100 inner city bus routes, marking the first time the entire population would be able to use public buses at no cost.

For international observers, the proposal signals a growing shift in Vietnam toward sustainable urban transport and demand driven public policy.

A High Cost Strategy to Solve Congestion

City officials estimate the policy could cost around 7 trillion VND per year (approximately $275 million), a significant increase from the current annual subsidy of about 1.5 trillion VND.

The rationale is clear:

• Reduce traffic congestion in a city dominated by motorbikes
• Lower transportation costs for residents
• Cut emissions and improve air quality

Authorities expect bus ridership to increase by around 30 percent, based on current projections.

How the System Would Work

The proposal covers:

• Approximately 135 inner city bus routes, including both subsidized and non subsidized lines
• Full fare exemptions for all passengers

However, interprovincial routes are not included due to different funding and operational structures.

To manage the system, the city plans to deploy digital tracking tools to monitor passenger volumes, ensuring transparency and more efficient budget allocation.

Can the Network Handle the Surge in Demand?

Capacity is one of the biggest questions.

Currently:

• Many bus routes operate at less than 50 percent capacity
• The system includes over 2,100 buses across 179 routes

This suggests there is room for growth. However, officials are also considering:

• Increasing service frequency
• Expanding fleet size if demand spikes
• Prioritizing key routes serving schools, industrial zones, and dense residential areas

More Than Free Fares: The Real Challenge

Transport experts caution that removing ticket prices alone may not be enough to shift commuter behavior.

Key barriers remain:

• Service reliability and delays
• Vehicle quality and comfort
• Accessibility of bus stops and routes

With current fares already low at around 5,000 to 7,000 VND per trip, price is not the primary deterrent for many users. Instead, service quality will determine whether the policy delivers long term impact.

A Phased Approach on the Table

Given the financial burden, authorities are also considering alternative rollout strategies:

• Prioritizing students and low income groups first
• Offering free rides during off peak hours or weekends
• Gradually expanding coverage based on demand and budget capacity

Pilot programs such as free rides during holidays and cashless travel incentives have already shown positive results, providing a foundation for broader implementation.

Why This Matters

For investors, urban planners, and businesses, this policy reflects a broader transformation in Vietnam’s cities:

• A push toward greener, more efficient transport systems
• Increased government willingness to invest in public infrastructure
• A shift from cost recovery models to demand stimulation strategies

If implemented successfully, Ho Chi Minh City could set a precedent for other Southeast Asian cities grappling with congestion and pollution.

Bottom Line

Free bus travel may sound radical, but for Ho Chi Minh City, it is a calculated attempt to reshape how millions of people move every day.

The real test will not be whether people ride for free, but whether they choose to keep riding once they do.

A driver in Hanoi has been formally charged following a late night crash that left multiple vehicles damaged and two people injured, highlighting growing scrutiny around road safety enforcement in Vietnam’s major cities.

Authorities confirmed that Vu Quang Chien, 39, is under investigation for violating road traffic regulations after his Lexus collided with a line of vehicles stopped at a red light. The incident has drawn attention due to both the scale of the crash and the legal consequences that followed.

What Happened: A High-Speed Chain Reaction

The accident occurred around 11:30 pm on March 25 at a busy intersection in Hanoi.

According to initial findings:

• The Lexus struck the rear of a car waiting at a red light
• The impact pushed the vehicle forward by approximately 10 meters
• The Lexus then sped through the intersection into oncoming lanes
• It collided with three additional cars and one motorbike before overturning

The crash created a wide debris field across roughly 300 square meters, with severe damage reported across multiple vehicles.

Injuries and Immediate Aftermath

Two people were injured in the incident, including a ride-hailing motorbike driver who suffered fractures to both arm and leg and required emergency treatment.

At the scene:

• The Lexus was found overturned with deployed airbags
• The driver was trapped inside and had to be assisted out by bystanders
• Several other vehicles sustained significant front and rear damage

Cause of the Crash: Driver Error, Not Alcohol

Investigators confirmed that none of the individuals involved, including the Lexus driver, had alcohol or drugs in their system.

Instead, the cause was attributed to:

• Failure to pay attention
• Inability to control speed

These findings form the basis of the criminal charge under Vietnam’s traffic safety laws.

Legal Implications: When Traffic Accidents Become Criminal Cases

In Vietnam, serious traffic incidents can quickly escalate from civil liability to criminal prosecution, particularly when injuries or significant damage occur.

This case reflects a broader enforcement trend:

• Negligent driving can lead to criminal charges
• Lack of intoxication does not eliminate liability
• Urban traffic violations are increasingly scrutinized

For expatriates and international drivers in Vietnam, the case is a clear reminder that local traffic laws are strictly enforced, especially in high impact incidents.

Bottom Line

What began as a moment of inattention resulted in a major crash, multiple injuries, and criminal charges.

In Vietnam’s fast moving urban traffic environment, the margin for error is small and the consequences can be significant.

RMIT lecturer Dr Divya Juneja explores the mental health costs of ride-hailing work in Vietnam and asks whether digital platforms can redesign their algorithms to better support worker wellbeing.

When algorithms manage people: The mental toll on ride-hailing workers

In Vietnam’s rapidly growing gig economy, ride-hailing workers are not just navigating traffic, they are working under the constant direction of algorithms. These systems assign jobs, track performance, and determine income in real time, effectively acting as “virtual managers.” While platform work is often promoted as flexible, the reality is far more demanding, shaped by continuous time pressure, strict performance metrics, and high uncertainty. 

Every decision, whether to accept a ride, rush through traffic, or keep working despite exhaustion, is influenced by what the app rewards. Acceptance rates, delivery speed, and customer ratings directly affect earnings, creating a system where efficiency consistently takes priority over rest, safety, and wellbeing. 

At the same time, workers face constant digital surveillance and financial anxiety. A single negative rating can trigger penalties or reduce future job opportunities, forcing workers to suppress frustration and maintain composure in all situations.

Studies have shown that algorithms often lack “personalisation”, treating workers as interchangeable data points rather than individuals with unique needs. This dehumanised approach creates emotional exhaustion in workers. Social isolation intensifies this pressure: the lack of peer support removes a critical recovery system from work-related stress, increasing risk of loneliness and depressive symptoms.

In Vietnam, ride-hailing and delivery workers form the backbone of last-mile services in big cities, yet they do so in high-risk conditions. For example, a 2023 study reported that more than half of food delivery riders in Ho Chi Minh City and Hanoi experienced non-fatal crashes within a year, highlighting the physical toll of speed-driven work. 

Despite being central to the platform economy, they remain highly replaceable and largely unsupported. Unlike traditional employees, they have no managers to check in on their wellbeing, no structured mental health resources, and limited ability to contest unfair decisions.

This creates what many describe as a “pressure cooker” environment that produces stress, fatigue, burnout, and a persistent sense of insecurity. These conditions could result in health-compromising behaviours, such as alcohol and cigarette consumption, lack of sleep, and loss of appetite.

Can technology protect the wellbeing of ride-hailing workers?

Addressing the problem requires more than small design tweaks. It calls for a combined shift in both platform practices and Vietnam’s public policy.

On the technology side, platforms can begin by using their existing systems more responsibly, such as adding wellbeing nudges to the apps to remind workers to rest, hydrate, or slow down after long hours. This can act as a first layer of support. Practical features, like integrating maps of rest areas or informal charging stations for electric vehicles, can also improve daily working conditions. 

However, these interventions must go beyond surface-level fixes. Platforms need to fundamentally rethink how their algorithms operate – moving away from models that reward constant availability and high acceptance rates, and toward systems that balance efficiency with worker safety and health. Importantly, they should implement transparent dispute systems that allow workers to challenge unfair penalties.

At the same time, relying on platforms to act voluntarily is unlikely to be enough. The growing dependence of workers on the apps combined with their replaceability creates a clear power imbalance that requires regulatory attention.

Policymakers have a critical role to play in setting minimum standards for digital labour. This could include requiring transparency in how algorithms assign work and impose penalties, mandating fair dispute resolution processes, and establishing basic protections around working hours, safety, and mental wellbeing. There should be legally mandated break times, and regular distribution and inspection of essential safety norms.

The intervention of labour unions can also support workers to bargain with major platform companies to improve the working conditions of their members. However, it is important that contracts should not prevent drivers from forming associations or unions.

There is also a need to reconsider the employment status of gig workers, ensuring they are not excluded from essential labour protections simply because their work is mediated by technology. A potential cap on company commissions can also support gig workers. Without such frameworks, wellbeing initiatives risk remaining optional add-ons rather than meaningful safeguards.

Major platform-based companies in Vietnam are coming up with different policies to support gig workers. However, as the local gig economy continues to expand, the challenge is not only to innovate through technology, but to ensure that this innovation is guided by fairness, accountability, and a genuine commitment to worker wellbeing.

Story: Dr Divya Juneja, Lecturer in Human Resource Management, The Business School, RMIT University Vietnam

ENDS

As 6G networks become a reality, everyday devices like smartwatches and smart locks may suddenly become reachable from anywhere. RMIT’s Dr James Kang explains why this shift matters for your security.

Smart devices such as smartwatch, health trackers, and home automation systems are typically designed to operate within proximity to their users. This assumption shapes how users perceive both functionality and security. But soon, that may not be true anymore. A shift is already beginning. Services like Starlink use satellites to provide internet access almost anywhere, showing how devices are no longer limited by traditional network boundaries. 

With 6G mobile networks, which are expected to work closely with AI, wireless IoT devices currently being connected via small coverage network such as Bluetooth may connect through satellites, meaning they could be reached from almost anywhere in the world. This may sound like a small change, but it has big consequences for security. 

This is especially important in Vietnam. Viettel, the 5G pioneer in the country, aims to commercialise 6G by 2029. Meanwhile, Ho Chi Minh City plans a 6G network pilot as soon as this year. This places Vietnam among the early adopters, as 6G is expected to begin rolling out globally around 2030, starting in leading markets before expanding more widely.

So, security concerns with 6G are not some far-away ideas. It is something that will soon affect daily life in Vietnam.

The key point is simple. In the 6G era, distance will no longer protect your devices. In the past, many wireless devices were designed with the idea that only people nearby could access them. A fitness tracker, such as a Fitbit, stays close to your phone, and a smart lock for your car or home is usually controlled when you are nearby. That sense of “being nearby” gave people a feeling of safety. But that idea is starting to break.

In 2024, US startup Hubble Network became the first company to connect a Bluetooth device on the ground with a satellite about 600 kilometres away. Bluetooth was designed for very short distances like connecting your smartphone to your headphones, yet it was able to reach space.

This tells us something important. Devices we thought were local are no longer local. A device in your home could be visible far beyond your surroundings, and an attacker does not need to be nearby anymore. They simply need a way to connect, and with a bit of preparation, a successful attack is entirely possible. 

Vietnam is already seeing fast growth in connected devices, which makes this more serious. The number of IoT devices was expected to reach around 96 million by 2025, up from about 21 million in 2018, and in 2026 it is likely even higher. This means more devices will be online all the time and exposed to much wider networks.

At the same time, companies like Viettel, VNPT, and FPT Corporation are building systems for smart homes, cities, and industries. As 6G develops, many of these devices could move from being local to globally reachable. If they are not well protected, someone far away could try to access them.

So, what should change? The biggest shift is how we think about security. In the past, some devices were built with basic protection because they were not expected to be widely exposed. That is no longer enough. Devices now need to be built as if they are always reachable. Every connection should be checked, software should be easy to update, and data should be protected even for simple tasks. If one device is attacked, it should not affect everything else.

For companies, this means taking security seriously from day one. Devices should be reachable but not accessible without permission, using strong encryption and secure logins, and blocking unknown connections. For users, it means doing basic things well, like changing default passwords and keeping devices updated. In the end, the idea is simple. In a 6G world, your device is no longer safe just because it is close to you. It is only safe if it is locked down, regularly updated, and open only to trusted access. 

Looking ahead, this shift will likely happen faster than many people expect. As satellite networks grow and 6G develops, more everyday devices will quietly become part of a much larger, always-connected system. What feels new today could soon become normal. The challenge is that security often lags behind convenience. If developers and companies do not act early, millions of devices could be exposed before people even realise the risks. This is why thinking about security now is not just important, it is necessary.

Story: Dr James Kang, Senior Lecturer in Computer Science, RMIT University Vietnam

ENDS