Vietnam Insider

Vietnam has long been known as a destination for affordable tailoring, but a growing number of international brides are now traveling to the country for something far more personal: custom made wedding dresses.

Drawn by a combination of skilled craftsmanship, competitive pricing, and highly personalized service, brides from the United States, Europe, Australia, and across Asia are increasingly choosing Vietnam as a destination for one of the most important purchases of their wedding journey.

At bridal studios in Ho Chi Minh City and Hanoi, foreign customers now account for a significant share of business. Some designers report that international orders have risen by 20 to 40 percent over the past two years, reflecting growing global recognition of Vietnam’s bridal fashion industry.

For many brides, the attraction begins with cost.

A custom wedding dress in Vietnam can often be made for under US$1,000, while comparable bespoke gowns in markets such as the United States, United Kingdom, or Australia can cost several thousand dollars and, in some cases, exceed US$10,000.

Yet industry insiders say price is only part of the story.

What truly differentiates Vietnam is the ability to create highly personalized designs without the premium costs typically associated with bespoke fashion in Western markets.

Brides are often able to customize everything from silhouettes and embroidery patterns to beadwork, lace details, train lengths, and structural adjustments designed specifically for their body shape.

“Many international clients are surprised by how much customization is possible,” said one Ho Chi Minh City bridal designer. “In many countries, each alteration comes with an additional charge. Here, personalization is part of the process.”

The trend is being fueled by social media, where bridal boutiques showcase intricate handcrafted gowns to global audiences. Many overseas customers now begin the process remotely, sending detailed body measurements and participating in virtual consultations before traveling to Vietnam for final fittings.

Some shops have developed systems specifically for international clients, including instructional videos explaining how to take more than twenty separate measurements at home before production begins.

Vietnam’s growing reputation in bridal fashion is also rooted in its manufacturing expertise.

According to industry experts, the country has spent decades developing a highly skilled workforce capable of producing intricate evening wear, wedding gowns, and luxury garments for international markets.

Techniques such as lace embroidery, beadwork, structural tailoring, hand sewn embellishments, and complex gown construction remain relatively accessible in Vietnam due to the availability of experienced artisans.

“Not every country still has a large and highly skilled workforce of seamstresses and craftspeople,” noted fashion industry observers. “That gives Vietnam a competitive advantage.”

Interestingly, designers say international brides are not necessarily seeking minimalist Western styles.

Many customers, particularly from Europe and North America, are increasingly drawn to designs that incorporate Asian inspired details, handcrafted embroidery, elaborate beadwork, and dramatic silhouettes that would be prohibitively expensive elsewhere.

For some brides, the experience extends beyond fashion.

Amy, a teacher from the United States, recently ordered two custom wedding outfits in Vietnam, including a lace mermaid gown and a hand beaded reception dress. The total cost was approximately US$1,600, less than what she would have expected to pay for a single custom gown at home.

She described the level of service as one of the most memorable aspects of the process.

Throughout her fittings, staff offered refreshments, styling assistance, and detailed consultations to ensure every aspect of the dress reflected her personal vision.

Industry analysts believe the trend aligns with broader developments in the global wedding market. As wedding costs continue rising in many developed countries, more couples are exploring international alternatives that offer both value and quality.

Vietnam’s bridal sector appears well positioned to benefit.

However, designers caution that ordering a wedding dress abroad also requires careful planning. International shipping, fitting schedules, travel logistics, and production timelines all introduce risks that brides should consider before committing to overseas tailoring.

Even so, demand continues to grow.

As global travelers increasingly discover Vietnam’s strengths beyond tourism and cuisine, the country’s wedding dress industry is quietly becoming another export success story, proving that some of the most sought after luxury experiences do not always come with luxury price tags.

Vietnamese workers will enjoy a five day break for this year’s National Day celebrations, giving millions of people an extended opportunity to travel, reunite with family, and take part in festivities marking one of the country’s most important national holidays.

According to an announcement from the Ministry of Home Affairs, the holiday period will run from August 29 to September 2, creating one of Vietnam’s longest public breaks outside the Lunar New Year holiday.

The extended holiday is made possible through a schedule adjustment for public sector employees. In addition to the official National Day holidays and the regular weekend, workers will receive Monday, August 31, as a day off and make up the working time on Saturday, August 22.

The arrangement creates a continuous five day holiday period that is expected to trigger a surge in domestic tourism, transportation demand, and consumer spending across the country.

National Day, celebrated annually on September 2, commemorates the declaration of Vietnam’s independence in 1945 and is one of the nation’s most significant public holidays. The occasion is typically marked by patriotic displays, cultural events, fireworks, and increased travel activity.

For the tourism industry, the extended break comes at a strategically important time.

Travel operators, airlines, hotels, and destinations across Vietnam often experience a sharp increase in bookings during major holiday periods. Popular destinations such as Da Nang, Nha Trang, Phu Quoc, Ha Long Bay, and Sapa are expected to benefit from increased domestic travel demand as families take advantage of the long weekend.

Government agencies have been instructed to maintain sufficient staffing levels during the holiday period to ensure uninterrupted public services and respond to any emergencies. Organizations that operate outside the standard weekend schedule are expected to arrange leave according to their operational requirements.

The announcement also highlights a broader discussion about public holidays in Vietnam.

The country currently observes 11 official public holidays each year, spread across five holiday periods. These include New Year’s Day, Lunar New Year, the Hung Kings Commemoration Day, Reunification Day and International Labor Day, and National Day.

However, that number could soon increase.

The Ministry of Home Affairs has proposed establishing November 24 as “Vietnam Culture Day,” which would be observed as a fully paid public holiday dedicated to promoting cultural development and national identity.

If approved, Vietnam would increase its total number of annual public holidays from 11 to 12 days, distributed across six separate holiday periods.

While the proposal remains under consideration, it has already attracted public attention as Vietnam continues to balance economic productivity with growing demand for work life balance and domestic tourism development.

For now, travelers and businesses are already preparing for the upcoming National Day break, which is expected to be one of the busiest travel periods of the year.

With a five day holiday officially confirmed, millions of Vietnamese are likely to begin planning getaways, family visits, and celebrations well before the end of summer.

Dog owners in Vietnam will soon face significantly higher penalties for allowing pets to roam freely in public, as the government introduces stricter regulations aimed at improving public safety and strengthening disease prevention measures.

Under a new decree set to take effect on August 1, dog owners who bring pets into public spaces without a leash or muzzle can be fined between VND1 million and VND2 million (approximately US$38–77). The same penalties will apply to owners who allow their dogs to wander unsupervised in public areas.

The move comes as Vietnam intensifies efforts to address public health concerns, particularly rabies prevention, while responding to growing urban concerns over pet management in cities and residential communities.

The new fines represent a substantial increase from current regulations, which impose penalties of only VND600,000 to VND800,000 for similar violations.

Rabies Prevention a Key Focus

The updated regulations place particular emphasis on rabies control, a long standing public health challenge in several parts of Asia.

Pet owners who fail to vaccinate their dogs or cats against rabies will face fines ranging from VND1 million to VND2 million. Additional penalties will apply to those who neglect required disease prevention measures or fail to properly isolate and care for animals showing signs of illness.

Vietnam has made significant progress in reducing rabies related deaths in recent years, but health authorities continue to encourage stricter compliance with vaccination programs and responsible pet ownership.

Broader Crackdown on Animal Health Violations

The decree extends beyond household pets and introduces tougher penalties across the veterinary and livestock sectors.

Individuals found improperly disposing of diseased animal carcasses or contaminated animal products in public areas can face fines of up to VND6 million. Similar penalties apply to those involved in the sale or transportation of animals carrying infectious diseases.

Market operators and animal traders will also be subject to stricter requirements. Businesses that fail to maintain proper sanitation standards, separate animal species appropriately, or comply with waste management regulations could face fines of up to VND5 million.

The government has additionally targeted veterinary pharmaceutical violations, imposing fines of up to VND8 million for the use of unauthorized, expired, or unregistered veterinary medicines.

Highest Penalties Target Disease Control Risks

The most severe sanctions under the new regulations apply to activities that could contribute to the spread of animal diseases.

Individuals transporting infected animals, contaminated animal products, or potentially infectious waste out of epidemic zones without authorization may face fines of between VND15 million and VND20 million.

Organizations found violating the regulations will face penalties that are double those imposed on individuals.

What It Means for Residents and Expats

For both Vietnamese residents and expatriates living in the country, the new rules serve as a reminder that responsible pet ownership is becoming a higher priority for authorities.

While leash and muzzle requirements already existed in many locations, enforcement has historically been inconsistent. The increased penalties suggest local authorities may take a more proactive approach once the decree takes effect.

For dog owners, the message is straightforward: keep pets under control in public, ensure vaccinations are up to date, and comply with local animal health regulations to avoid potentially costly fines.

The new rules officially come into force nationwide on August 1.

Vietnamese police have dismantled a suspected cross border fraud operation run by Chinese nationals who allegedly used Vietnam as a base to target thousands of potential victims in China.

Authorities in the northern border province of Lao Cai announced the arrest of 19 Chinese citizens accused of operating an online scam network from a local hotel, highlighting Vietnam’s growing role in regional efforts to combat transnational cybercrime.

According to investigators, the group had recently entered Vietnam after traveling from Cambodia, a country that has become a focal point for large scale online fraud operations in Southeast Asia. The suspects reportedly crossed into Vietnam through the Mộc Bài border gate before making their way more than 1,500 kilometers north to Lao Cai, near the Chinese border.

Police say the group rented multiple rooms at a hotel in Lao Cai City and quickly transformed the premises into a makeshift cybercrime hub.

Investigators allege the operation was led by a 45 year old Chinese national from Fujian Province who had previously been involved in scam networks operating in Cambodia.

Surveillance conducted by Vietnamese authorities indicated that the group began installing specialized equipment shortly after arriving, including 5G signal transmitters, computers, communication devices, and software designed to facilitate online fraud activities.

According to police, the suspects used Chinese social media platforms and messaging applications to impersonate employees of online lending companies. Their primary targets were Chinese citizens seeking loans or financial assistance.

Authorities allege that victims were contacted by individuals posing as representatives of legitimate lending services and were subsequently tricked into transferring money or providing sensitive personal information.

The operation was reportedly uncovered on June 12, when Vietnamese police raided the hotel and caught the group actively carrying out the alleged scam.

During the raid, officers seized 23 laptop computers, 26 mobile phones, eight 5G broadcasting devices, and multiple USB drives containing operating systems and software used in the operation.

Perhaps most striking, investigators say the group had already collected personal information linked to approximately 25,000 Chinese citizens, potentially providing a vast pool of targets for future fraudulent activity.

The case reflects a growing regional challenge facing governments across Southeast Asia, where organized cybercrime groups frequently move between countries in search of locations with favorable logistics, internet infrastructure, or reduced scrutiny.

In recent years, authorities across the region have intensified crackdowns on scam compounds and online fraud networks, many of which target victims in China, Southeast Asia, Europe, and North America.

Vietnam has increasingly become an active participant in those efforts, cooperating with neighboring countries to identify and disrupt criminal organizations operating across borders.

The investigation remains ongoing as authorities work to determine the full scope of the operation, identify additional victims, and establish whether the suspects were connected to larger international fraud networks.

For regional law enforcement agencies, the case serves as another reminder that modern cybercrime often transcends national boundaries, requiring coordinated responses from multiple countries to effectively combat increasingly sophisticated criminal organizations.

Missing a flight is every traveler’s nightmare. Yet while most passengers obsess over traffic, check in times, and boarding gates, one of the biggest sources of airport stress often comes down to a simple question: which security line should you choose?

According to queueing experts and behavioral scientists, the answer may be more strategic than most travelers realize.

Research into human behavior suggests that small decisions at airport security can significantly reduce waiting times, helping passengers move through checkpoints faster and with less stress.

One of the simplest tips is also one of the most surprising: choose the line on the left.

Studies have found that people naturally gravitate toward the right when presented with multiple options. Because most individuals are right handed and many cultures read from left to right, travelers often unconsciously favor security lanes positioned in the center or on the right side. As a result, left side lines can sometimes be shorter and less crowded.

The busiest line is often not the longest one.

Experts advise looking beyond the number of people waiting and paying attention to who is standing in front of you. A line filled with experienced business travelers carrying only a backpack may move significantly faster than a shorter queue made up of families, tour groups, or passengers managing multiple suitcases.

In other words, the people in the line often matter more than the line itself.

Frequent flyers tend to understand security procedures, have documents ready, and move efficiently through screening. Travelers carrying minimal luggage also generally require less inspection time.

Conversely, passengers with large amounts of carry on baggage often create bottlenecks as they organize belongings, remove electronics, and prepare items for screening.

Airport experts also caution against relying too heavily on estimated waiting times displayed on electronic signs.

While these systems can provide a useful overview, they are often updated periodically rather than in real time. Conditions may have changed by the time passengers reach the checkpoint. Observing the actual flow of people and the efficiency of security staff can sometimes provide a more accurate picture than the numbers displayed on a screen.

Another overlooked factor is preparation.

Many delays occur not because of security procedures themselves but because travelers arrive unprepared when it is their turn. Having identification and boarding passes ready, removing metal objects before reaching the scanner, and organizing liquids and electronics in advance can dramatically speed up the process.

Travelers are also encouraged to wear simple clothing and footwear that can be removed easily if required. Shoes with complicated laces, excessive metal accessories, and bulky outerwear can add unnecessary delays during screening.

For passengers carrying reusable water bottles, experts recommend emptying them before reaching security checkpoints. Bringing a full bottle through screening remains one of the most common reasons travelers are stopped for additional inspection.

Ultimately, the fastest way through airport security combines observation with preparation.

Rather than automatically joining the shortest queue, experienced travelers assess the people ahead of them, monitor how quickly lines are moving, and arrive at the checkpoint ready for inspection.

It may not sound revolutionary, but when flights, connections, and travel schedules are on the line, a few minutes saved at airport security can make all the difference.

In an era when airports are handling record numbers of passengers, mastering the science of queue selection may be one of the most valuable travel skills you can learn.

In a city known for specialty coffee, third wave roasters, and tech driven food trends, one of San Francisco’s hottest coffee experiences involves plastic stools, slow dripping coffee filters, and a distinctly Vietnamese approach to taking things slow.

Every weekend, crowds gather in the city’s Mission District, patiently waiting up to an hour for a cup of Vietnamese coffee from Nâu Coffee, a mobile pop up founded by two young Vietnamese entrepreneurs who have recreated the atmosphere of a traditional Ho Chi Minh City sidewalk café thousands of miles from home.

What began as a nostalgia driven passion project has quickly evolved into one of the Bay Area’s most talked about food experiences, attracting everyone from curious locals and coffee enthusiasts to members of California’s Vietnamese diaspora.

The concept was created by Hiểu Hân, 27, and Trung Kiên, 25, both originally from Ho Chi Minh City and now living in the United States. The idea emerged after Kiên returned to Vietnam in 2025 and rediscovered something he felt was missing from American coffee culture: the ritual of sitting patiently and watching coffee slowly drip through a metal filter.

Instead of adapting Vietnamese coffee to local tastes, the founders chose authenticity.

Their robusta beans are sourced directly from Buôn Ma Thuột, Vietnam’s coffee capital. Condensed milk, traditional metal filters, and even the iconic low red plastic stools synonymous with Vietnamese street cafés are imported from Vietnam despite the additional cost.

For the founders, the stools are not merely furniture. They are part of the experience.

“It’s difficult to recreate the atmosphere of a Vietnamese sidewalk café without them,” Hân explained.

That commitment to authenticity appears to be resonating with customers.

Since launching its first pop up in 2025, Nâu Coffee has expanded across multiple locations around the San Francisco Bay Area. Today, each event typically serves nearly 400 drinks during a four hour opening window.

The menu features Vietnamese classics including iced milk coffee, salt coffee, egg coffee, and pandan coffee, with drinks priced at approximately $7 each.

The concept gained wider recognition after being featured by food publication Eater, which described customers waiting for hours to try Nâu’s signature salt coffee, a Vietnamese specialty topped with a lightly salted cream layer. Local television station KRON4 also spotlighted the business during Lunar New Year celebrations earlier this year.

Yet the long lines are not simply about coffee.

For many visitors, the attraction lies in the experience itself.

Unlike espresso based drinks prepared in seconds, Vietnamese filter coffee requires patience. Customers often watch the brewing process unfold slowly while sitting outdoors, chatting with strangers and soaking in an atmosphere rarely found in modern American coffee shops.

Many first time visitors find themselves asking questions that go beyond the menu.

Why are the stools so low? Why do Vietnamese cafés spill onto sidewalks? What makes robusta different from arabica? Why does the coffee taste so strong?

Rather than offering formal explanations, the founders prefer letting visitors discover the answers through experience.

“We’re not trying to teach culture through lectures,” Hân said. “We want people to feel it for themselves.”

The approach reflects a broader shift in how Americans engage with international cuisines. Increasingly, diners are seeking cultural experiences rather than simply consuming foreign foods.

For Vietnamese Americans, the pop ups offer something even more personal.

Some visitors drive for hours just to spend an afternoon sitting on familiar plastic stools, hearing Vietnamese conversations, and enjoying a style of coffee that reminds them of home.

One customer reportedly traveled two hours from Santa Cruz after seeing videos of the pop up on TikTok.

“It’s not just about the coffee,” he said. “It’s about reconnecting with memories.”

Operating the business remains challenging. California’s regulations surrounding outdoor food service make permanent sidewalk operations difficult, forcing Nâu Coffee to partner with restaurants and bars that can provide temporary outdoor spaces.

The founders currently rotate among multiple locations and continue balancing the project with full time careers in consulting, finance, and technology.

Their long term goal, however, is clear: opening a permanent café in San Francisco.

Beyond coffee, they hope to introduce more everyday Vietnamese drinks such as sugarcane juice, pennywort juice, and fruit teas, while collaborating with other Vietnamese and Vietnamese American entrepreneurs to create a broader cultural hub.

For now, Nâu Coffee’s success suggests that American consumers are increasingly eager to explore deeper layers of Vietnamese culture.

Phở and bánh mì may have introduced Vietnam to many international diners. But in San Francisco, a simple plastic stool and a slowly dripping coffee filter are showing that some of the country’s most meaningful cultural exports are also its most ordinary.

A newly announced agreement between the United States and Iran has raised hopes of ending months of military confrontation, reopening one of the world’s most important shipping routes, and potentially reviving negotiations over Tehran’s nuclear program.

If successfully implemented, the deal could have implications far beyond the Middle East, affecting everything from global oil prices and shipping costs to inflation and energy security around the world.

The breakthrough comes after more than three months of escalating hostilities between Washington and Tehran, with mediation efforts reportedly led by Pakistan and several Middle Eastern countries. Both sides have described the agreement as a major diplomatic achievement, though many of its most important details remain unresolved.

At the center of the deal is the Strait of Hormuz, a narrow waterway connecting the Persian Gulf to global markets. Roughly one fifth of the world’s oil and gas supplies pass through the corridor, making it one of the most strategically important maritime routes on the planet.

Tensions in recent months have disrupted shipping through the strait, contributing to volatility in global energy markets and raising concerns among governments and businesses dependent on stable fuel supplies.

Under the reported agreement, Iran and the United States have committed to ending military hostilities and restoring maritime access through Hormuz. If implemented as described, commercial vessels would once again be able to transit the waterway without the uncertainty that has dominated recent months.

For global markets, this may be the most immediate consequence of the deal.

Energy analysts have repeatedly warned that any prolonged disruption in Hormuz could send oil prices sharply higher, increase transportation costs, and place additional pressure on inflation worldwide. A lasting reopening of the route could help ease those concerns and stabilize energy markets.

The agreement could also pave the way for a broader economic opening.

According to reports from officials involved in the negotiations, future discussions may focus on sanctions relief, the resumption of Iranian energy exports, and economic reconstruction initiatives. If sanctions on Iran’s oil sector are eventually relaxed, millions of additional barrels of crude oil could return to global markets over time.

That prospect is attracting attention from countries seeking to diversify energy supplies and reduce exposure to geopolitical disruptions.

Yet the most difficult issues remain unresolved.

The next phase of negotiations is expected to focus on Iran’s nuclear program, an issue that has divided Washington and Tehran for decades. Key questions include the future of Iran’s uranium enrichment activities, the fate of existing nuclear material stockpiles, the status of major nuclear facilities, and the scope of international inspections.

These are among the most sensitive issues in international diplomacy, and neither side has publicly indicated that final compromises have been reached.

Political risks also remain significant.

Regional observers note that the success of the agreement may depend not only on Washington and Tehran but also on other influential actors in the Middle East. Any renewed confrontation involving Israel, Hezbollah, or other regional groups could quickly derail the diplomatic process and reignite tensions.

That uncertainty has led many analysts to view the agreement as a framework rather than a final settlement.

Even so, the announcement marks one of the most significant diplomatic developments in the Middle East in recent years. After months of military escalation and growing fears of a wider regional conflict, both sides have at least established a pathway toward de escalation and future negotiations.

Whether that pathway ultimately leads to a durable peace agreement or another round of confrontation remains unclear.

What is already evident, however, is that the consequences extend far beyond Washington and Tehran. The future of the agreement could influence global energy markets, international trade routes, and geopolitical stability for years to come.

The seven-day “Travelogue of China 2026” Jiangsu Tour concluded recently in east China’s Jiangsu Province. Co-hosted by the China Public Diplomacy Association and Global Times Online, the event welcomed 19 journalists from 18 countries. Participants visited Suzhou, Wuxi and Yangzhou to explore China’s innovation, sustainable development and international cooperation.

At Star Plus Legend Holdings, an IP-driven cultural technology company, journalists explored how artificial intelligence, digital intellectual property and immersive technologies are enabling new cultural consumption and forms of user interaction.

At Wuxi EYOU Intelligent Control Technology Co., Ltd, a robotics component manufacturer, humanoid robots performed tai chi, danced and interacted with visitors, showcasing integrated robotic joints independently developed by the company.

The delegation also visited Yadea, a global manufacturer of electric two- and three-wheelers, where they tried out a variety of electric vehicles and learned about the company’s overseas operations. Its products are sold in more than 100 countries and regions.

Beyond industry, the tour highlighted China’s efforts to advance agricultural modernization and contribute to global food security. At the Xishan National Modern Agricultural Industrial Park in Wuxi, a modern agricultural demonstration and innovation hub, journalists observed smart farming technologies such as seeding drones, intelligent machinery and digital management systems.

They also visited FAMSUN in Yangzhou, an agricultural and food-processing equipment provider, where they learned how the company supports agricultural modernization projects across Asia, Africa and Europe.

In Jiangyin, east China’s Jiangsu Province, journalists observed both community renewal and ecological transformation. The renovation of an aging residential neighborhood integrated smart services, environmental protection and community-centered governance through a gradual and people-centered approach. Intelligent waste-sorting systems, self-cleaning public facilities and community reading spaces have improved residents’ quality of life while preserving the neighborhood’s everyday vitality.

The same approach was also reflected in the city’s ecological efforts along the Yangtze River, where former industrial waterfronts have been restored into green public spaces.

A highlight of the tour came at a match of the Jiangsu Football City League (“Su Chao”), where a packed stadium and enthusiastic football fans reflected the vitality of local communities.

From robotics and smart agriculture to ecological restoration and community life, the Jiangsu tour offered a comprehensive view of contemporary China.

Global Times Online

Jian Liu

liujian1@huanqiu.com

http://www.huanqiu.com

Beijing, China