Traffic congestion continued to disrupt Ho Chi Minh City on Friday evening, extending well beyond peak hours. Major routes, city center streets, and airport access points were heavily congested as the city faced heightened travel demand ahead of the Tet (Vietnamese Lunar New Year) holiday.
Starting around 5:00 pm, traffic jams spread across the city, particularly in downtown areas, near Tan Son Nhat International Airport, along routes to the Cat Lai Ferry, and on National Highway 1.
At the busy My Thuy Roundabout in Thu Duc City, vehicles heading from Dong Van Cong Street to Cat Lai Ferry were stuck in long lines of buses and tractor trailers, clogging both the overpass and underpass. The gridlock extended to Vo Chi Cong Street and the Ho Chi Minh City-Long Thanh-Dau Giay Expressway, forcing vehicles to move at a crawl.
The Tan Son Nhat airport area experienced heavy congestion throughout the day, with traffic on Bach Dang Street reduced to a standstill. Nearby streets like Nguyen Van Troi, Phan Dinh Phung, and Phan Dang Luu also saw significant slowdowns, particularly near major intersections.
In desperation, motorcyclists took to sidewalks to bypass long queues, further complicating the situation. By 7:00 pm, widespread traffic snarls continued across the city, even past rush hour.
Causes of Congestion
The Ho Chi Minh City Department of Transport attributed the worsening traffic to a combination of factors: Increased travel demand ahead of Tet, with traffic volume rising 11% compared to normal days. Temporary road closures for festivals and events. The close proximity of intersections in the city center, which causes backups at red lights.
Ongoing Efforts to Alleviate Congestion
Authorities reported improvements in traffic violations, such as running red lights and driving on sidewalks, following the introduction of Decree 168. The decree imposes stricter penalties for poor driving behavior, aiming to enhance road safety.
To address the congestion, city officials are collaborating to better organize traffic at critical junctions, gateways, and around the airport. Planned measures include: Adding dedicated lanes to key roads. Implementing right-turn signals at congested intersections. Streamlining traffic flow at downtown intersections to prevent backups.
With Tet rapidly approaching, city officials are working to minimize disruptions and ensure smoother travel for residents and visitors during this busy holiday season.
Tan Son Nhat International Airport in Ho Chi Minh City is already experiencing congestion and flight delays, even before the anticipated peak travel period for Tet (Vietnamese Lunar New Year), which runs from January 21 to February 9.
On Friday, the airport saw long delays for several flights from noon to the afternoon, leaving passengers fatigued as they faced extended wait times. According to the airport’s operations center, 119,000 passengers and 836 flights passed through the facility that day, with 67,044 departing and 52,418 arriving.
The domestic terminal, in particular, was crowded, with approximately 64,000 passengers expected to pass through on Friday alone. Peak congestion occurred between 2:00 pm and 5:00 pm. By 5:00 pm, thousands of passengers were still waiting in Halls A and B, monitoring flight status updates on electronic boards in Hall B.
Several flights operated by VietJet Air faced schedule changes, resulting in significant delays. The airline apologized for the inconvenience and directed passengers to food and beverage areas to ease their wait.
Quan Nam, a passenger from Phu Nhuan District, recounted his experience with a flight from Ho Chi Minh City to Hanoi. Originally scheduled for 1:25 pm, the flight was delayed multiple times, first to 1:40 pm, then 4:00 pm, and later to 5:30 pm, leaving him uncertain if there would be further delays.
The Civil Aviation Authority of Vietnam estimates that Tan Son Nhat will handle 820–900 flights daily between January 22 and 28, with the busiest day expected to be January 23, when 901 flights are scheduled. Passenger numbers during this period are expected to peak at nearly 150,000 per day, a 12.7% increase from the 2024 Tet holiday.
From January 29 to February 3, daily flights are predicted to range from 830 to 900, with February 2 seeing the highest number of flights (917) and January 29 the lowest (832). Passenger counts are expected to surpass 155,000 at their peak.
To manage the surge, the Southern Airports Authority advised passengers to Check flight schedules online in advance. Bring valid identification documents. Arrive at the airport no earlier than two hours before departure. Use online check-in services to reduce wait times.
Passengers were also reminded to follow luggage regulations and limit the number of people picking them up to avoid overcrowding.
Despite the challenges, authorities and airlines are working to ensure smoother operations during Vietnam’s busiest travel season.
A quick search online reveals countless videos of tourists navigating the bustling streets of Vietnam, capturing their attempts to cross roads teeming with motorbikes, cars, and bicycles.
From traffic lights to zebra crossings—or simply an open road—the line between vehicles and pedestrians often feels blurred, leaving foreigners confused, fearful, and occasionally frustrated.
While it may seem like Vietnam’s streets lack order, this is far from the truth. The main difference lies in the cultural approach to traffic. In countries like the U.S. or Australia, the concept of “Right of Way” ensures that pedestrians crossing at a green signal or traffic light are guaranteed safe passage. In Vietnam, the reality is more complex.
Although traffic laws require vehicles to stop at red lights and pedestrians to cross at designated signals, motorbikes often weave through intersections or turn right, regardless of the rules. Instead of rigid adherence to the “Right of Way,” Vietnam operates on an unspoken rule: a shared responsibility to follow traffic laws while being mindful and considerate of others.
Vietnam has one of the highest numbers of motorbike users per capita in the world, and the constant movement of vehicles leaves little room for pedestrians to wait for a clear path. This dynamic creates a remarkable interaction where vehicles and pedestrians coexist in a seemingly chaotic yet functional flow.
For visitors, crossing the road in Vietnam is not about asserting your “right” to cross—it’s about joining a communal effort, where everyone makes room for each other. This sense of community is evident even in the busiest streets of cities like Ho Chi Minh City and Hanoi. Approach the experience with confidence and trust that, while it looks intimidating, it works.
Recent updates to Vietnam’s traffic laws aim to enhance safety. A new decree has increased fines for violations such as riding on sidewalks, failing to stop at red lights, wearing earphones while riding, and improperly turning at intersections. These stricter measures are designed to foster better habits and improve road safety.
With a population of 100 million people packed into a landmass similar in size to New Mexico (which has just three million residents), Vietnam’s urban centers will always be crowded. The thrill of navigating this density is part of the country’s charm.
For tourists, the best way to prepare is to watch videos online, learn to raise your arm to signal your presence, make eye contact with approaching riders, and walk at a steady pace. The golden rule: never step backward when panicking. In most cases, standing still and allowing motorbikes to flow around you is the safest approach.
For those daring enough to ride a motorbike in Vietnam, respect the unspoken code of care for others, particularly families and children. This shared consideration is the invisible force that keeps Vietnam’s traffic moving.
Crossing the street in Vietnam is more than a test of bravery—it’s a unique cultural experience. Embrace it, trust the process, and enjoy being part of the organized chaos that makes Vietnam so unforgettable.
Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh, head of the Steering Committee for Nuclear Power Plant Construction, presided over its inaugural meeting on Wednesday, announcing Vietnam’s goal to have a fully operational nuclear power plant by 2030.
The establishment of the steering committee followed the issuance of Decision No. 72 by the prime minister on January 10. Its primary responsibility is to oversee the Ninh Thuan nuclear power project in the south-central region, monitor progress, address challenges, and recommend solutions to ensure successful implementation.
The committee’s scope includes revising legal frameworks for nuclear energy, prioritizing safety, security, and efficiency, while formulating a national nuclear energy development program. It is also tasked with fostering international collaboration, including partnerships with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA).
During the meeting, PM Chinh emphasized the urgency of starting construction and called for a measured, step-by-step approach to ensure progress without undue caution or haste. He reiterated the government’s clear policy on nuclear energy development as a pivotal solution for meeting Vietnam’s growing clean energy needs.
“Nuclear power is a vital component in achieving sustainable energy security,” PM Chinh stated. “To support double-digit GDP growth, electricity growth must reach 15-18 percent annually.” He further highlighted the importance of nuclear technology for peaceful applications, including power generation and nuclear medicine, in Vietnam’s development.
The prime minister outlined a five-year roadmap for completing the Ninh Thuan nuclear power plant, aligning its operational debut with the 100th anniversary of the Communist Party of Vietnam in 2030. Annual plans are to be meticulously developed to meet this target.
PM Chinh directed the Ministry of Industry and Trade to finalize essential plans by February 28. He also called for Vietnam Electricity (EVN), the project’s investor, to consolidate its pool of 400 nuclear specialists, identify training needs, and establish a dedicated organization to manage the project and future initiatives.
The prime minister urged the development of a comprehensive institutional framework, including policies on taxation, credit, land use, and talent recruitment. Concurrently, Ninh Thuan authorities were instructed to enhance infrastructure, such as transportation, utilities, and cultural facilities, and attract public-private partnerships to develop Thanh Son Airport for civilian use.
Collaboration with the IAEA will focus on technical and regulatory support, while the provincial government was tasked with land clearance and resettlement policies for affected residents.
The National Assembly recently approved the resumption of the Ninh Thuan nuclear power project after an eight-year hiatus, deeming it critical for energy security and Vietnam’s commitment to net-zero emissions by 2050. A resolution passed on November 30, 2024, mandates the government to allocate resources and review legal frameworks, including the Atomic Energy Law, to facilitate the project’s progress.
Initially approved in 2009, the Ninh Thuan nuclear power project planned for two plants, Ninh Thuan 1 and 2, with a combined capacity of over 4,000 MW and an estimated investment of VND200 trillion (US$7.9 billion). The project, however, was suspended in 2016 due to safety, cost, and technology concerns.
EVN, in collaboration with Russian and Japanese partners, had spearheaded the initial phase. The Ministry of Industry and Trade has proposed that EVN remain the investor and appoint consultants to update the project’s pre-feasibility study while developing special mechanisms to ensure success.
The Ninh Thuan project marks a significant step in Vietnam’s efforts to secure energy independence, drive economic growth, and contribute to global sustainability goals.
Công ty TNHH Bảo hiểm Nhân thọ Prudential Việt Nam (“Prudential”) chính thức khai trương Trung tâm Chăm sóc Khách hàng mới tại Lotte Mall Tây Hồ, Hà Nội. Với vị trí thuận lợi, thiết kế hiện đại cùng nhiều tiện ích, nơi đây sẽ là “điểm chạm” mới giúp đội ngũ chuyên viên chăm sóc khách hàng và tư vấn viên của Prudential có thể kết nối với khách hàng tốt hơn. Trung tâm Chăm sóc Khách hàng mới tại Lotte Tây Hồ là một bước đi mạnh mẽ, khẳng định cam kết khách hàng, thông qua việc tiếp tục đầu tư, tập trung vào gia tăng trải nghiệm của khách hàng khi tham gia bảo hiểm cùng Prudential.
Phát biểu tại sự kiện khai trương, ông Conor M O’Neill, Phó Tổng Giám đốc Tài chính của Prudential Việt Nam cho biết: Trong những năm gần đây, Prudential liên tiếp khai trương các Trung tâm Chăm sóc Khách hàng mới tại các khu vực đô thị trọng điểm, bao gồm Đà Nẵng và Thành phố Hồ Chí Minh, tăng cường sự hiện diện của mình với khách hàng. Các Trung tâm này không chỉ là nơi đón tiếp khách hàng đến giao dịch mà còn là không gian làm việc hiện đại, năng động giúp gia tăng gắn kết và hiệu quả làm việc cho đội ngũ tư vấn viên toàn thời gian của công ty. Với thiết kế hiện đại và thân thiện, nơi đây phản ánh cam kết của chúng tôi trong việc tạo ra những trải nghiệm liền mạch và được cá nhân hóa cho khách hàng, đồng thời trao quyền cho các tư vấn viên của chúng tôi với không gian làm việc năng động để xây dựng đội ngũ và phát triển sự nghiệp.
Ông Conor M O’Neill khẳng định, việc nhân rộng mô hình Trung tâm Chăm sóc Khách hàng này là một trong những minh chứng rõ nét cho cam kết “lấy khách hàng làm trọng tâm” của Prudential.
“Cùng với việc khai trương trung tâm mới tại Hà Nội, tôi cũng tự hào chia sẻ rằng trong năm 2024 Prudential Việt Nam là một trong những công ty bảo hiểm nằm trong nhóm dẫn đầu về chỉ số rNPS (Relationship Net Promoter Score), một chỉ số quan trọng dùng để đo lường sự hài lòng và sẵn lòng giới thiệu của khách hàng đối với thương hiệu. Kết quả này là niềm tự hào cho những nỗ lực và đầu tư không ngừng nghỉ của chúng tôi hướng đến việc mang lại trải nghiệm vượt trội cho khách hàng. Đây cũng là động lực để Prudential Việt Nam phải làm tốt hơn trong thời gian tới.” Ông Conor M O’Neill chia sẻ thêm trong buổi khai trương.
Nằm trong top dẫn đầu về chỉ số rNPS là một động lực to lớn của Prudential Việt Nam sau những cố gắng không ngừng trong việc nâng cao trải nghiệm khách hàng.
Đặt tại tầng 1 và tầng 11 của Lotte Mall Tây Hồ (272 Đ. Võ Chí Công, Phú Thượng, Tây Hồ, Hà Nội), trung tâm mới là dấu ấn của Prudential giữa lòng Hà Nội khi không chỉ phục vụ chức năng đơn thuần mà còn là một biểu tượng cho cam kết đồng hành cùng khách hàng, giúp tiếp cận dễ dàng hơn với giải pháp bảo vệ tài chính của Prudential. Với tổng diện tích lên đến 1.500 m2, tầng 1 tòa nhà là khu vực chăm sóc khách hàng được trang bị các thiết bị hiện đại, thiết kế không gian ấm cúng để khách hàng có thể đến trao đổi thông tin, giải quyết các nhu cầu về bảo hiểm. Để tạo ra sự riêng tư, gần gũi hơn, khu vực chăm sóc khách hàng được phân chia ra nhiều khu vực khác nhau để phục vụ nhu cầu đa dạng như: Khu vực giao dịch tại quầy, Khu vực trải nghiệm dịch vụ số, Khu vực tư vấn riêng, Phòng chăm sóc khách hàng VIP.
Quầy dịch vụ khách hàng tại tầng 1 với không gian hiện đại, sang trọng nhưng vẫn tạo cảm giác ấm cúng.
Ngoài không gian phục vụ khách hàng, Prudential còn bố trí văn phòng làm việc tại tầng 11 cho đội ngũ tư vấn viên và chuyên viên hoạch định tài chính toàn thời gian của kênh PRUVenture. Thiết kế hiện đại, màu sắc năng động và đặc biệt là không gian mở là những điểm nhấn đặc trưng của văn phòng, giúp đội ngũ nhân sự có thể linh hoạt phối hợp công việc với nhau cũng như thực hiện các nhu cầu đào tạo huấn luyện, tổ chức sự kiện, hoạt động đội nhóm… Đến với Trung tâm Chăm sóc Khách hàng Lotte Mall Tây Hồ, khách hàng có thể gặp gỡ các chuyên viên hoạch định tài chính của kênh PRUVenture để tìm ra các giải pháp tài chính phù hợp, cũng như tham gia các hoạt động (workshop) giúp phát triển bản thân và cân bằng cuộc sống.
Mô hình trung tâm chăm sóc khách hàng (Customer Experience Centre) được Prudential ra mắt lần đầu tiên vào năm 2023 tại Đà Nẵng và đã liên tục mở rộng tại TP.Hồ Chí Minh và đến nay là Hà Nội. Với mục tiêu mang đến một điểm đến có thể đáp ứng mọi nhu cầu về bảo hiểm của khách hàng, mô hình này giúp gia tăng không chỉ sự tiện lợi mà còn là trải nghiệm liền mạch của khách hàng. Bên cạnh đó, việc liên tục ra mắt các Trung tâm Chăm sóc Khách hàng này cũng góp phần khẳng định chiến lược phát triển bền vững của Prudential tại Việt Nam.
Tại triển lãm công nghệ thường niên CES 2025 tổ chức tại Las Vegas, Tập đoàn HP Inc. (NYSE: HPQ) đã ra mắt danh mục sản phẩm mới, với nhiều cải tiến đột phá nhằm thay đổi mạnh mẽ Xu hướng Làm việc và Giải trí trong Tương lai. Những giải pháp tích hợp trí tuệ nhân tạo (AI) mới mang đến hiệu suất, năng suất và khả năng cá nhân hóa vượt trội cho các chuyên gia, game thủ và nhà sáng tạo nội dung.
Trải nghiệm được hỗ trợ bởi AI giúp nâng cao năng suất và định hình Xu hướng Làm việc trong Tương lai
Trong bối cảnh việc làm ngày càng phát triển, kỳ vọng về công nghệ cũng ngày càng tăng cao. Chính vì vậy, HP đã thiết kế tỉ mỉ dòng máy tính thương mại thế hệ tiếp theo, tích hợp trí tuệ nhân tạo nhằm cung cấp những công cụ phù hợp với trải nghiệm làm việc riêng biệt của các chuyên gia.
Những nhà lãnh đạo hiện đại sẽ ấn tượng mạnh mẽ với dòng máy tính HP EliteBook Ultra G1i mới– Laptop AI doanh nghiệp toàn diện, giúp họ khai phá tiềm năng tối đa trong công việc.
Mở khóa năng lực quản lý đồng thời các tác vụ đòi hỏi hiệu năng cao với HP ZBook Ultra G1a 14 – máy trạm di động 14 inch và HP Z2 Mini G1a – máy trạm mini mạnh mẽ nhất thế giới.
Hỗ trợ Freelancer và nhà sáng tạo tăng cường năng suất, sự sáng tạo và khả năng đa nhiệm với máy tính HP OmniStudio X và HP OmniDesk, được tích hợp công nghệ AI và trang bị bộ vi xử lý Intel® Core™ Ultra.
HP EliteBook Ultra G1i
Công nghệ OMEN AI của HP nâng tầm trải nghiệm chơi game với khả năng tối ưu hóa hiệu suất chỉ với một cú nhấp chuột.
Khi nói đến công nghệ chơi game mạnh mẽ và khả năng cá nhân hóa, game thủ luôn đặt ra tiêu chuẩn cao nhất. Ba phần tư số game thủ luôn trang bị các thiết bị mới để sở hữu hiệu suất và tính năng vượt trội, và hơn một nửa trong số đó mong muốn thể hiện cá tính riêng thông qua các tùy chỉnh cá nhân hóa. Chiếc Laptop OMEN Max 16, kết hợp sức mạnh của công nghệ OMEN AI, mang đến trải nghiệm chơi game liền mạch nhờ khả năng tự động và liên tục tối ưu hiệu suất cùng khả năng tản nhiệt vượt trội.
OMEN AI giới thiệu công cụ tối ưu hóa hiệu suất đầu tiên trên thế giới được tích hợp AI và sử dụng chỉ với một cú nhấp chuột.
OMEN MAX 16, laptop gaming mạnh mẽ nhất của HP.
OMEN 32x Smart Gaming Monitor, màn hình gaming đầu tiên của HP tích hợp Google TV™.
Dòng chuột máy tính HyperX Pulsefire Saga với thiết kế dạng mô-đun sáng tạo và các tùy chọn tùy chỉnh linh hoạt.
OMEN 32x Smart Gaming Monitor
Định hình Xu hướng Giải trí trong Tương lai
“Hiện nay, game thủ không chỉ là những người chơi; họ còn là những nhà sáng tạo và lãnh đạo tương lai. Nhận ra tiềm năng lớn trong cộng đồng game thủ, tôi cam kết sẽ nâng đỡ hành trình của các bạn cả trong và ngoài quá trình chơi game. Qua thông báo mới nhất của HP về chủ đề thay đổi Xu hướng Làm việc và Giải trí trong Tương lai, chúng tôi đã chia sẻ những cập nhật thú vị trên nhiều phương diện, đặc biệt là đột phá trong lĩnh vực game. Tôi vô cùng hào hứng khi có thể giới thiệu thêm nhiều công cụ được thiết kế để nâng cao trải nghiệm chơi game của người dùng. Đây không chỉ là những sáng kiến mới, mà còn là nỗ lực của chúng tôi trong quá trình định hình Xu hướng Giải trí trong Tương lai”, bà Josephine Tan, Phó Chủ Tịch Cấp Cao & Giám Đốc Hệ thống cá nhân dành cho Game thủ chia sẻ.
HP ra mắt OMEN 16 Laptop và OMEN 16L Desktop, cùng với các màn hình OMEN mới có tần số quét lên tới 280Hz giúp nâng cao trải nghiệm chơi game.
Trải nghiệm sức mạnh và hiệu suất của laptop, máy tính để bàn cùng màn hình và chuột HyperX chất lượng cao.
OMEN MAX 16 Gaming LaptopOMEN MAX 16 Gaming Laptop
Khai Phá Tiềm Năng Vô Hạn Với Dòng Máy Tính Để Bàn AI Thế Hệ Tiếp Theo Của HP
Bên cạnh danh mục sản phẩm mới nhất cho những cải tiến dành cho công việc và giải trí, HP trang bị cho freelancer và nhà sáng tạo những công cụ mới để tăng cường hiệu suất với dòng máy tính để bàn tích hợp AI.
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Dòng máy tính để bàn HP OmniDesk Slim và HP OmniDesk mới nhất mang lại hiệu suất thông minh và hiệu quả với thiết kế sang trọng, tối giản và bền vững.
The monthly newsletter by the Singapore Tourism Board (STB) will provide updates and showcase Singapore’s unexpected, diverse and unique experiences. These range from well-known, iconic experiences to hidden gems that showcase varied facets of Singapore. In this newsletter, you will also receive the latest news, events, and statistics, offering an overview of the Singapore tourism landscape.
News in highlight:
1. This Lunar New Year, Singapore offers an exciting lineup of vibrant festivities across iconic locations:
a) Chinatown Chinese New Year Light-Up & Celebrations 2025 will illuminate historic streets with dazzling lantern displays, bustling festive fairs, cultural performances, and a lively Countdown Party, setting the stage for the Year of the Snake.
b) River Hongbao 2025 at Gardens by the Bay returns with larger-than-life lantern displays, captivating cultural performances, carnival rides, and thematic nights.
c) Chingay Parade 2025, themed ‘Joy’ features vibrant floats, cultural showcases, PassionArts installations, and over 4,000 performers celebrating Singapore’s rich diversity and achievements.
2. This January, Singapore’s Civic District transforms into a vibrant canvas with Light to Night Festival 2025, featuring over 70 artworks and programs exploring themes of diversity, self-identity, and belonging.
3. Singapore’s tourism scene welcomes exciting new developments and upcoming projects, including COTU, a sky-high nightlife destination featuring five distinct concepts. In April 2025, the Mandai Rainforest Resort will open, offering eco-luxury stays within Mandai Wildlife Reserve. Looking ahead to 2026, Live Nation’s first purpose-built music venue in Asia will debut at Orchard Road.
I. CALENDAR OF EVENTS & EXCITING EXPERIENCES IN SINGAPORE
1.Things to do in Singapore this season
Celebrating Lunar New Year 2025 in Singapore
Chinatown Chinese New Year Light-Up & Celebrations 2025: The Chinatown Chinese New Year Celebrations 2025 promise a vibrant and immersive experience, marking the arrival of the Year of the Snake. The festivities officially begin with an Opening Ceremony and Street Light-Up on 8 January 2025, during which Chinatown’s historic district will be adorned with dazzling lantern displays and vibrant decorations. Visitors can explore beautifully lit streets along New Bridge Road, Eu Tong Sen Street, Upper Cross Street, and South Bridge Road, with the centerpiece display located at New Bridge Road. Each evening, the lights will illuminate the district from 7 PM until midnight, with extended hours on Chinese New Year’s Eve.
Beyond the light displays, visitors can explore the bustling Festive Fair along Sago Street, Smith Street, Pagoda Street, Trengganu Street, and Temple Street. Additional attractions include the Chinese New Year Eve Countdown Party at Kreta Ayer Square and weekend stage performances showcasing cultural acts and Lunar New Year songs.
WHEN:
Street Light-Up: 8 January – 27 February 2025
Festive Fair: 8 January – 28 January 2025
Countdown Party: 28 January 2025
Weekend Stage Shows: 11–12 January & 18–19 January 2025
River Hongbao 2025: First launched in 1987 by the Singapore Tourism Board, River Hongbao has become one of Singapore’s most cherished annual traditions. The name ‘River’ reflects its origins at Marina Bay by the Singapore River, while ‘Hongbao’ refers to red packets given during Chinese New Year as symbols of good luck and prosperity. Over the years, this event has evolved into an inclusive celebration, inviting people from all walks of life to experience the richness of Chinese culture.
This year’s event at Gardens by the Bay will mark its 39th edition and pay tribute to SG60, Singapore’s 60th year of independence with larger-than-life lantern displays, including the iconic God of Fortune lantern, and captivating firecracker showcases during the first three evenings. Visitors can immerse themselves in cultural performances with thematic nights like Getai Night, Xinyao Night, Movie Night, and Singapore Talent Night, featuring acts by local and international performers.
Families can enjoy a bustling carnival at Supertree Grove, featuring rides like the Double-Storey Horse Carousel and Mini Viking, as well as classic carnival games. Food enthusiasts can explore the bustling Food Street, offering a diverse spread of local and international cuisines. Additionally, the event will showcase an art exhibition, including Chinese calligraphy, paintings, and the ‘Greetings from Afar: Chinese Remittance Letters’ exhibition, highlighting stories of early Chinese migrants.
Chingay Parade 2025: Chingay Parade, one of Singapore’s most iconic and vibrant cultural events, returns in 2025 with a spectacular celebration of diversity, creativity, and unity. Originating in 1973 as a street parade along Jalan Besar, the event has since evolved into a multicultural extravaganza featuring local and international performers from various ethnic groups.
With over 4,000 performers from 150 organizations, Chingay Parade 2025 promises an immersive experience. The 2025 edition, themed ‘Joy’, will bring the country together in a ‘Food Wonderland’, celebrating Family Joy as families gather over shared meals, Community Joy through cultural exchanges and shared stories, and National Joy in honoring Singapore’s achievements. Highlights include food-inspired floats, vibrant costumes, and PassionArts installations that spotlight Singapore’s favourite pastime: eating great food.
WHEN: 7 & 8 February 2025, 8pm – 9.30pm
WHERE: F1 Pit Building
TICKET: SGD 19.40 – SGD 58.19 (Free for lap-sitting children aged 2 and under). Buy tickets here.
Discover Art and Light at Light to Night Festival 2025
As part of Singapore Art Week, Light to Night Festival 2025 returns for its ninth edition, illuminating Singapore’s Civic District with over 70 artworks and programs across venues such as the Asian Civilisations Museum, The Esplanade, The Arts House, Victoria Theatre and Concert Hall, and nearby malls.
Themed ‘Do You See Me?’, this year’s festival explores themes of diversity, self-identity, and belonging through immersive light installations and interactive experiences. Highlights include Travelling Through the Tropical Rainforest by sculptor Han Sai Por, featuring towering inflatable tropical ferns glowing at night, and Arts Skins on Monuments, where vibrant projections bring the facade of the National Gallery Singapore to life. Inside the Gallery, visitors can engage with The Living Room, an interactive communal space. Additionally, the Padang Atrium will host Angin Cloud, an installation inspired by Vietnam’s Central Highlands.
1. Exciting New and Upcoming Developments in Singapore
This year promises an exciting chapter for Singapore’s tourism scene, with a series of exciting projects and developments set to enhance visitor experiences.
COTU – A Sky-High Nightlife Destination Singapore’s vibrant nightlife scene welcomes COTU (Centre Of The Universe), a sprawling 18,000-square-foot lifestyle destination located on the 38th and 39th floors of CapitaGreen. Featuring five distinct concepts, visitors can indulge in a cocktail bar, Japanese steakhouse, live jazz lounge, retro hip-hop club, and open-air sky pool within an entertainment venue. With million-dollar city views, COTU offers an unparalleled nightlife experience curated by experts behind renowned establishments like the F1 Amber Lounge and Attica.
Mandai Rainforest Resort (Opening April 2025): Nestled within the Mandai Wildlife Reserve, the Mandai Rainforest Resort, operated by Banyan Tree, blends luxury with sustainability across its 338 rooms. Designed around mature trees and natural ventilation, the resort prioritizes environmental responsibility with features like rainwater recycling and energy-efficient systems. Guests can enjoy exclusive wildlife experiences, early access to Bird Paradise, and guided tours at Singapore Zoo, alongside modern facilities such as a 300-seater ballroom, Banyan Tree Spa, and a rooftop pool.
Mett Singapore (Reopening October 2025): The iconic Hotel Fort Canning is undergoing a transformation into Mett Singapore, set to reopen in October 2025. This rebranded luxury hotel will feature redesigned modern minimalist-style guestrooms, updated public spaces, and meeting facilities. Guests can also look forward to unique dining concepts, a new beach club transformed from the existing pool, and an exciting speakeasy bar.
Orchard Road Music Venue by Live Nation(Opening 2026): Set to open in 2026 at the junction of Grange Road and Somerset Road, this 3,000-capacity music venue by Live Nation will be the company’s first purpose-built venue in Asia. Known globally for hosting A-list acts like Coldplay, Bruno Mars, and Blackpink, Live Nation manages iconic venues such as the 12,000-capacity Spark Arena in New Zealand and The Fortitude Music Hall in Brisbane. Beyond concerts, it will host MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conventions, and Exhibitions) events, feature a 350-capacity space for local artists, and include a café, bar, and artists’ lane that serves as an incubator for the local arts scene, food and beverage spaces, and kiosks connected to the Somerset Discovery Walk.
PHOTO: COTU/MAndai Rainforest Resort By Banyan Tree/Sunset Hospitality Group/Live Nation
Despite significant interest and investment in English education, Vietnam continues to face challenges in elevating English proficiency nationwide.
English was introduced as a compulsory subject in middle and high schools in 1982 and trialed in primary schools in 1996. The desire to learn English surged after Vietnam joined the World Trade Organization in 2006-07 and remains high.
Under the general education program implemented in 2008, the time allocated for English instruction increased. Primary school students are required to attend four 45-minute classes per week, while secondary and high school students have three classes per week. By the 2022-23 academic year, over 2.9 million students, accounting for two-thirds of the total student population, had studied English for at least 10 years under a Ministry of Education and Training program launched in 2008.
Despite these efforts, Vietnam’s English proficiency remains modest. The country ranked 60th out of 113 countries in the 2022 EF English Proficiency Index, placing it in the “average” proficiency category.
Experts attribute the limited progress to several factors, including outdated curricula, a teacher-centered approach that limits student interaction, and an overemphasis on grammar and vocabulary at the expense of practical communication skills. Additionally, there is a shortage of qualified English teachers, particularly in rural areas, which hampers effective language instruction.
To address these challenges, the Vietnamese government has extended its National Foreign Languages Project to 2025, aiming to improve teaching quality, update curricula, and enhance students’ practical language skills. However, experts caution that it may take decades before English becomes a second language in Vietnamese schools.
In conclusion, while Vietnam has made commendable efforts to improve English proficiency through increased instructional time and national projects, significant challenges remain. Addressing outdated teaching methods, ensuring a sufficient number of qualified teachers, and focusing on practical communication skills are essential steps toward achieving higher English proficiency nationwide.
Từ những viên kẹo đầu tiên cách đây hơn một thế kỷ, Perfetti Van Melle đã chinh phục trái tim hàng triệu người tiêu dùng khắp thế giới với các sản phẩm mang tính biểu tượng như BigBabol, Alpenliebe, Mentos, HappyDent, Golia, Chupa Chups. Năm 2025, bộ sưu tập Tết “Khởi đầu ngọt ngào” tiếp tục minh chứng cho sự sáng tạo và vị thế dẫn đầu của Perfetti Van Melle với hương vị độc đáo, thiết kế cao cấp, tiếp tục gắn kết niềm vui đoàn viên và tạo nên những khoảnh khắc đáng nhớ cho mọi gia đình.
“Bảo chứng” bởi hương vị ngọt ngào dẫn đầu thị trường
Từ một tiệm bánh tại Hà Lan vào năm 1900, Perfetti Van Melle đã vượt qua hơn một thế kỷ đổi mới và sáng tạo để trở thành một trong những “đế chế” bánh kẹo lớn nhất thế giới. Hiện nay, với hơn 33 nhà máy, 18.2 nghìn nhân viên và 39 công ty vận hành trên toàn cầu, sản phẩm của Perfetti Van Melle mang niềm vui ngọt ngào đến hơn 150 quốc gia, chinh phục hàng triệu người tiêu dùng với các hương vị vượt thời gian như BigBabol, Alpenliebe, Mentos, HappyDent, Golia, Chupa Chups…
“Bảo chứng” vị thế dẫn đầu với loạt “di sản” ngọt ngào vượt thời gian được ưa chuộng bởi nhiều thế hệ
Tại Việt Nam, Perfetti Van Melle đã hiện diện gần 3 thập kỷ, liên tục chinh phục khẩu vị người tiêu dùng nhờ sự thấu hiểu sâu sắc thị hiếu địa phương và nỗ lực không ngừng để sáng tạo những hương vị độc đáo.
Khéo léo kết nối niềm vui các thế hệ bằng các dòng kẹo “bắt trend” độc đáo
Suốt gần 30 năm có mặt tại thị trường Việt Nam, những viên kẹo Perfetti Van Melle đã trở thành một phần không thể thiếu trong cuộc sống của người Việt từng thế hệ, là cầu nối gắn kết ký ức từ những ngày bé thơ đến phút giây trưởng thành. Mỗi thương hiệu mang một định vị riêng biệt, được thiết kế để chạm đến cảm xúc của từng thế hệ người Việt, từ Alpenliebe với sự ngọt ngào, ấm áp trong các khoảnh khắc gia đình sum vầy, Chupa Chups mang ý nghĩa niềm vui bất tận, Mentos với biểu tượng của tinh thần tự do trải nghiệm, đến những viên Big Babol gắn liền với các buổi tụ tập, vui đùa “thổi bùng” niềm vui của trẻ nhỏ.
Mỹ Mỹ (Phóng viên, Hồ Chí Minh) chia sẻ: “Mỗi lần thấy viên Big Babol hay kẹo mút Chupa Chups là tôi lại nhớ về những ngày rong ruổi khắp ngõ nhỏ cùng bạn bè, vừa mút kẹo vừa thi nhau thổi bóng. Một kỷ niệm thật giản dị nhưng đáng nhớ và tạo nên ký ức thật đẹp thời thơ ấu”.
Những viên kẹo Perfetti Van Melle trở thành niềm vui đầy háo hức của bao thế hệ Việt, là cầu nối gắn kết ký ức từ những ngày bé thơ đến phút giây trưởng thành.
Đồng thời, cốt lõi thành công của “đế chế kẹo” Perfetti Van Melle tại Việt Nam còn nằm ở khả năng thấu hiểu, cập nhật và thích nghi với những thị hiếu mới, đồng thời hòa quyện khéo léo với văn hóa địa phương để tiên phong sáng tạo những sản phẩm “bắt trend” mang hương vị bản địa độc đáo. Điển hình là dòng kẹo Alpenliebe Xoài Muối Ớt ra mắt năm 2020, lấy cảm hứng từ thói quen ăn trái cây chấm muối ớt của người Việt. Với vị ngọt, cay chua độc đáo, sản phẩm không chỉ thúc đẩy tăng trưởng mạnh mẽ mà còn tạo nên “cơn sốt” với giới trẻ Việt. Năm 2023, tập đoàn tiếp tục “làm mới” thị trường với Alpenliebe Jelly Biển Xanh Long Lanh, dòng kẹo dẻo đột phá về kết cấu, thiết lập tiêu chuẩn mới trong ngành kẹo.
Những hương vị độc đáo luôn là “chìa khóa” giúp Perfetti Van Melle chinh phục trái tim bao thế hệ Việt
Mỗi mùa Tết, Perfetti Van Melle đều mang đến những bất ngờ mới cho người dùng với những sản phẩm phiên bản giới hạn độc đáo. Chào đón Tết Nguyên Đán 2025, Perfetti Van Melle sẽ giới thiệu bộ sưu tập Tết “Khởi đầu ngọt ngào” với các dòng kẹo đặc biệt, đáp ứng nhu cầu tiêu dùng tăng cao mùa lễ hội. Các sản phẩm phiên bản giới hạn mùa Tết bao gồm Alpenliebe Caramel, Alpenliebe Xoài Muối Ớt cay bùng nổ, Golia Chanh Gừng thanh nhẹ, Mentos Cầu Dừa Đủ Xoài mang ý nghĩa sung túc và may mắn.
Bộ sưu tập Tết 2025 sẽ “trình làng” với các sản phẩm phiên bản giới hạn mang thông điệp “Khởi đầu ngọt ngào”
Điểm nhấn thú vị của phiên bản năm nay là Chupa Chups Kẹo Dẻo Cá Chép Vượt Vũ Môn – sẽ lần đầu ra mắt tại Bộ sưu tập Tết 2025. Lấy cảm hứng từ hình ảnh cá chép hóa rồng, dòng kẹo mới sẽ “nhả vía” cho một năm mới rực rỡ, kiên định và thành công, hứa hẹn tạo nên cảm giác thích thú và gắn kết với đông đảo thế hệ bởi sự hòa quyện tinh tế giữa xu hướng hiện đại và phong tục truyền thống. Đặc biệt, kẹo dẻo vị chua Chupa Chups sẽ giới thiệu phiên bản giới hạn “Ống Gieo Quẻ Vạn Điều Chups” để người dùng “lắc quẻ” và nhận về những lời chúc độc đáo về tiền tài, tình duyên, công việc.
Hàng loạt dòng kẹo giới hạn độc đáo sẽ ra mắt và “khuấy đảo” thị trường Việt mùa Tết này
Thuý An (Nội trợ, Đà Nẵng) chia sẻ: “Mỗi dịp Tết, tôi luôn háo hức với những sản phẩm phiên bản giới hạn của Perfetti Van Melle. Những viên kẹo không chỉ ngon mà còn gợi nhiều ký ức ý nghĩa, gắn kết nhiều thế hệ từ già đến trẻ và giúp ký ức ngày xuân thêm trọn vẹn”.
Không chỉ chú trọng hương vị, Perfetti Van Melle còn đầu tư vào thiết kế bao bì bắt mắt, mang đậm không khí Tết truyền thống với những lời chúc ý nghĩa, từ Alpenliebe “Khởi đầu gắn kết”, Chupa Chups “Khởi đầu vui rộn ràng” đến Mentos “Khởi đầu tươi mới”. Các sản phẩm được thiết kế đa dạng về kích thước, từ túi nhỏ tiện lợi đến hộp quà sang trọng, đáp ứng mọi nhu cầu từ biếu tặng hay bày biện cỗ Tết của mọi thế hệ người tiêu dùng.
Lam Phương (Dân văn phòng, TP.Hồ Chí Minh)nhận xét: “Tôi thích các thiết kế của các sản phẩm Tết năm nay vì chúng rất đẹp mắt và tinh tế. Một hộp kẹo không chỉ là món quà, mà còn thể hiện được sự trân trọng khi tặng người thân với những lời chúc năm mới ý nghĩa ngay trên bao bì”.
Các sản phẩm Tết được thiết kế đa dạng về kích thước, từ hộp quà trang trọng đến túi nhỏ gọn để bày biện trong mâm cỗ Tết
Bộ sưu tập Tết 2025 sẽ chính thức có mặt trên toàn quốc từ tháng 12 năm 2024, tạo ra những “Khởi đầu ngọt ngào” dịp Tết Nguyên Đán 2025 – với các thương hiệu được yêu thích như Alpenliebe, Mentos, Golia và Chupa Chups.
According to the Global Firepower 2025 global military power rankings, the United States, Russia, and China maintain their positions as the top three military powers worldwide.
The defense analysis organization Global Firepower recently published its annual report assessing the strength of the world’s armed forces in 2025.
United States: Leading the Rankings
The report places the United States first, with a power index of 0.0744 (where a lower index indicates greater strength). Since 2005, the US has consistently held the top spot, attributed to its abundant human resources, robust financial systems, and unparalleled military industrial production capabilities.
Russia: Strength Amid Sanctions
Ranked second with an index of 0.0788, Russia retains its position despite facing significant Western sanctions. The country continues to execute its “special military campaign” in Ukraine while expanding its defense industry’s scope.
China: Expanding Global Presence
China takes third place, also with a rating of 0.0788. The report highlights China’s growing military footprint, which extends beyond Asia to regions like Africa and South America.
Other Top Military Powers
Following the top three are India, South Korea, the United Kingdom, France, Japan, Turkey, and Italy, completing the top 10 rankings.
Methodology Behind the Rankings
Since 2006, Global Firepower has analyzed and ranked the military capabilities of 145 nations. The evaluation is based on over 60 factors, including manpower, military equipment, natural resources, financial stability, and geographic considerations. However, the ranking deliberately excludes the consideration of nuclear arsenals.
VinFast has just announced that it has delivered more than 20,000 cars in December 2024 in the Vietnamese market, achieving unprecedented sales in the history of the domestic automobile market, bringing the total number of cars delivered for the whole year in Vietnam alone to more than 87,000 cars. With this record, VinFast officially exceeded its sales target, and is the number 1 car seller in Vietnam.
According to VinFast, the number of cars delivered to customers in December 2024 surpassed all sales records ever set, even higher than the total number of cars sold by many other car manufacturers in the entire year in the Vietnamese market.
The above results were achieved thanks to the steady sales growth of most models. In particular, VF 5 is the best-selling model in the product range, and also the best-selling model in the domestic market in 2024.
Specifically, in December 2024, VinFast delivered more than 4,900 VF 5 vehicles, with a total of more than 32,000 vehicles delivered for the year.
Right after VF 5 is VF 3 with delivery volume in December 2024 reaching more than 8,800 vehicles, cumulatively reaching more than 25,000 vehicles within 5 months.
In addition, in December, the VF 6 car line also recorded strong sales growth, reaching more than 2,700 vehicles.
By the end of 2024, VinFast had sold a total of more than 87,000 electric cars of all types in the Vietnamese market alone, far exceeding its global vehicle delivery target.
VinFast recently announced the extension of the free battery charging policy for individual customers until June 30, 2027; signed a cooperation agreement with 7 major insurance partners to shorten the time for appraisal and incident handling; gave Tet gifts to thank customers…
In addition, VinFast also signed cooperation agreements with many localities, organizations, and large enterprises to join hands to promote green transformation in Vietnam, responding to campaigns with many incentives for users.
Recently, VinFast has launched 4 Green models designed optimally for transportation service business, promising to create explosive sales in the following months, firmly maintaining the No. 1 position in the market in the long term.
This method is both strange and familiar, you may have seen it somewhere…
Walking through the bustling streets of Hanoi or Ho Chi Minh City, and somewhere, at a few pho restaurants, you can see “hanging pho” signs with the message “Today there is… still…”. That is the humanity manifested through the WeTreo model – a community project that aims to connect the hearts of those who are capable, to help those less fortunate.
“Suspended meals not only fill the stomach but also provide spiritual support”
The idea of WeTreo comes from small eateries, where each “hanging” meal is not only a material help but also a symbol of sharing and solidarity.
WeTreo operates on a simple but profound principle: diners can pay for a meal and leave it for others, who can receive the meal for free.
Each restaurant participating in WeTreo has its own story, but they all share the same goal: to share and connect. For example, at the WeTreo pho restaurant on Bao Khanh Street, Hanoi, owned by Ms. Nguyen Thi Cat Le, the warmth comes not only from the hot bowl of pho but also from the smile of the recipient – a symbol of gratitude and hope.
Hat Cafe has “hanging” drinks. Photo: NVCC
Inspired by the above model, Mr. Nguyen Huy Bao implemented it at his shop – Cafe Hat (G4, lane 233, To Hieu, Dich Vong, Cau Giay, Hanoi). He said: “In the midst of the hustle and bustle of life, many disadvantaged people face countless difficulties in making a living. For them, the burden of life cannot be solved in just a day or two. The “hanging” meals not only help fill the stomach but also serve as a spiritual support, a reminder that kindness and sharing always exist.
Hanging rice and hanging pho represent the romance of humanity when the community joins hands, each contributing a little, to create good things. Free meals not only relieve hunger but also spread warmth, hope and belief in a brighter future.
This model is even more meaningful when it not only helps the disadvantaged to “fill their stomachs” but also aims to “fill their spirits”. A cup of coffee hung as a gift is an invitation for them to temporarily put aside their worries, take a moment of silence, sip to regain strength for the journey ahead. The shop only hopes to have hanging coffee every day, starting with one cup a day, then increasing to two cups, ten cups, to spread the spirit of sharing and humanity in the community.”
“If you want to hang a sign, be strong!”
The launch of WeTreo has received an enthusiastic response, spreading to many other restaurants across the country. From Tue An restaurant famous for its rice rolls and beef noodle soup on Bao Khanh street (Hanoi) , to coffee shops and bakeries – all can participate in this project.
During the Gala WeChoice Awards 2024, WeTreo was officially launched, by awarding the WeTreo signboard to pioneering shop owners. The signboard is not only a gratitude but also an expectation for the strong spread of the model and the solidarity of the community.
Speaking to launch WeTreo, Ms. Cat Le said: “What we do is just a message to all stores – if you want to hang a sign, be strong, the community will join hands with us. That joining hands will help many people with warm stomachs to have good jobs. And they themselves will also help people in more difficult situations, so that they believe that there are still many good things in this life. I just want pho treo and bun treo to be a happy stop for people in difficult situations, people who need the help of the community.”
Ms. Cat Le (standing in the middle). Photo: WeChoice
The “hanging” model is no longer limited to Hanoi but has expanded to many other localities. Up to now, 6 restaurants have registered to “hang” their dishes. Diners have many different options: in addition to rice and pho, there are also coffee, banh beo, banh nam… Each participating restaurant becomes part of the “sharing love” network, extending helping arms and spreading good values.
WeTreo not only demonstrates the power of solidarity but also creates a deep mark in Vietnam’s charitable culture. This model is proof that love and care are always the glue that binds the community. And behind each “hanging” meal is a story of sharing, of a Vietnam full of compassion and solidarity.
Cong Ca Phe officially entered the Philippine market in February 2025.
Following its chain of stores in Korea, Malaysia, Canada and Taiwan, Cong Ca Phe announced on its website that it will continue to enter the Philippine market. According to GMA News, the first store of this beverage chain will open in mid-February 2024 at Gateway 2 Mall, Quezon City. However, the menu and other details have not been revealed.
Previously, in 2018, this coffee chain officially entered the Korean market, with the first store in the capital Seoul. Up to now, Cong Ca Phe has 23 stores in the land of kimchi with Seoul (4 stores), Gyeonggi (5 stores) and Busan (5 stores), Daegu (2 stores), Daejeon (3 stores) and 1 store in Ulsan, Cheonan, Gyeongbuk and Jeju respectively.
By 2019, Cong continued to expand into the Malaysian market with 2 stores located in Kuala Lumpur and 1 store in Selangor.
In October 2023, Cong Caphe announced the opening of its first store in Toronto (Canada), marking the third international market that the coffee chain has set foot in. Currently, the coffee chain has two stores in Canada.
Besides Korea, Malaysia and Canada, Taiwan is the next market that Cong Ca Phe chooses when “bringing the bell to strike foreign lands”, with a store currently operating in Taipei City.
So far, in addition to 63 stores in Vietnam, this brand has 28 stores worldwide.
It is known that this coffee chain is operated by Cong Caphe Company Limited. According to information from the National Portal on Business Establishment, this unit was established on November 21, 2014. The company’s headquarters is located in Nga Tu So Ward, Dong Da District, Hanoi City.
This company has a charter capital of 5 billion VND. The legal representative and Director is Ms. Nguyen Thi Kim Dung, born in 1975. Ms. Dung is also the largest shareholder with a capital contribution of 3 billion VND, equivalent to 60% of the charter capital. The remaining shareholder is Mr. Nguyen Vu Duong, with a capital contribution of 2 billion VND.
Although the parent company of this coffee chain was established in 2014, Cong Cafe was born in 2007. According to the introduction on the website, the predecessor of this shop was a small coffee shop on Trieu Viet Vuong Street, Hanoi.
The Ho Chi Minh City Department of Tourism has surveyed tourist attractions around 14 stations of metro line 1, as a basis for businesses to build new products and tours.
The information was given by Ms. Bui Thi Ngoc Hieu, Deputy Director of the Ho Chi Minh City Department of Tourism, at the program ” People ask, the government answers” with the theme ” Tet At Ty: Happiness, peace, looking towards the future”, on the morning of January 12, chaired by the City People’s Council.
According to Ms. Hieu, when the Ben Thanh – Suoi Tien metro line came into operation, the Department surveyed destinations and tourist facilities along the route, around 14 stations. The unit organized a conference, inviting businesses to participate in order to evaluate and build products and tours along the route. The goal is for visitors to the city to both experience metro line 1 and visit attractive destinations in Ho Chi Minh City.
According to the leader of the Department of Tourism, during this Tet holiday, many travel businesses have exploited products combining the use of metro line 1 with tourist attractions along this route.
At the program, Ms. Bui Thi To Trinh, Deputy Director of Suoi Tien Tourism Joint Stock Company, also suggested that the city soon have tours to experience metro line 1 associated with destinations along the route.
According to Ms. Trinh, when Metro No. 1 is put into operation, the company will receive many calls from tourists asking about whether there is a tour to visit Suoi Tien combined with taking the metro. In the immediate future, to meet the needs of customers, the company will have a program to give away one metro ticket to visitors. The program will start on the first day of the Lunar New Year.
The nearly 20km Ben Thanh – Suoi Tien metro line No. 1 officially came into operation on December 22, marking an important turning point in the urban transport system of Ho Chi Minh City. The metro line is a means of promoting tourism, connecting cultural, historical and entertainment destinations of the city. With 6 out of 14 stations near tourist attractions, visitors can walk to sightseeing spots, visit shops, entertainment complexes, and eateries.
The manual for using metro line 1, published by the Ho Chi Minh City Traffic Safety Committee and the City Urban Railway Management Board (MAUR), also suggests many places to visit and travel along the stations.
Specifically, from Ben Thanh Station, people can reach the Ho Chi Minh City Museum of Fine Arts in just 450 meters; Ben Thanh Market in about 350 meters; September 23 Park in about 500 meters; and Tao Dan Park and Thong Nhat Hall in just about one kilometer.
Other tourist attractions in the city center include the Ho Chi Minh City People’s Committee headquarters, the Opera House station, 220 m away; Nguyen Hue walking street, 300 m away; City Post Office, Notre Dame Cathedral, Nguyen Van Binh book street, about 550 m away.
From Ba Son Station, people can reach Ton Duc Thang Museum and Vietnam Geological Museum at a distance of 550 m. In addition, people can reach Saigon Zoo and Botanical Garden at a distance of 900 m and Ho Chi Minh City Museum of Vietnamese History at a distance of 1.1 km.
From Tan Cang station (station near Saigon bridge) in Binh Thanh district, take visitors to visit Landmark 81 building and Van Thanh tourist area with a journey of 1.2 km and to Tan Cang tourist area with about 700 m.
At the program, a representative of Urban Railway Company No. 1 (HURC1), the operator of metro line No. 1, said that after more than 20 days of free operation, more than two million passengers have used this means of transport. From January 21, passengers who want to travel will buy tickets in cash, via app, or by swiping a bank card.
HURC1 expects that many businesses will buy tickets in large quantities for their employees or tourism businesses will operate tours along the route so that visitors to the city can both experience the new means of transport and visit and promote the image of Ho Chi Minh City.
While feeding a flock of more than 100 ducks, Eva from Germany will never forget the feeling of the whole flock rushing at her to perform a strange but memorable beak massage.
After a trip to Phong Nha in June 2024, German digital nomad Esteban Zanelli shared a photo of himself sitting among the ducks and said he had a “silly but extremely relaxing experience” at a farm called The Duck Stop. He hand-fed the ducks and had them give him a beak massage.
Eva, a German tourist, traveled to Phong Nha, Quang Binh last September and visited this farm at the recommendation of a travel blogger. The entrance fee is about 150,000 VND and Eva said it was an “unforgettable” experience to be surrounded by more than 100 ducks for the first time. When food is spread around her feet, the flock of ducks will rush in, creating a “weird but memorable” massage experience, according to Eva.
The Duck Stop model was introduced by The New York Times in 2019 as “a budget travel experience that attracts Western backpackers”. Visitors to The Duck Stop do the work of farmers such as raising ducks, feeding ducks, herding buffaloes and paying their owners.
Fran Lavish, a British tourist, also visited this farm last June after seeing some videos on social media. Being an animal lover, Fran knew this was something she had to try when she had the opportunity to travel to Vietnam.
“You definitely won’t find a similar experience anywhere else,” says Fran.
Her favorite thing is to hold a box of food and the ducks will follow behind like an army. When Fran raises her hand, they all raise their heads and when she lowers her hand, they also bow. Fran says she feels like a general commanding an army of ducks. According to the British tourist, these authentic and intimate experiences will attract many international tourists, especially from developed countries where the countryside is rare.
According to the Quang Binh Province Tourism Promotion Center, The Duck Stop is one of the outstanding community tourism models, implemented by individuals or households, associated with agricultural activities and life experiences. The unit assessed that this model received great attention from both international and domestic visitors.
Developing rural tourism is also an important goal set by the People’s Committee of Quang Binh province for the period from 2021 to 2025. The locality encourages households, individuals, and communities to participate and introduce products with regional characteristics, experiences, and to meet tourists’ tastes.
In recent years, the rural tourism model has been welcomed by many international visitors. Many experienced tour guides revealed that international visitors, especially high-end visitors, are interested in experiential products that allow them to immerse themselves in the lives of local people.
Therefore, in many localities such as Ninh Binh, Quang Binh, Hoi An, tourism models such as herding buffalo, farming, going to the market and cooking appear more and more. Recently, some tour guides have also created strange tours such as visiting pregnant women , working as construction workers or visiting cemeteries.
