For nearly a week, thick layers of frost have blanketed the summit of Fansipan, Vietnam’s highest peak, located in Sa Pa Town, Lao Cai Province, as temperatures plummeted due to the ongoing harsh winter.
According to Sun World Fansipan Legend, temperatures at the peak dropped to 0°C around 5:30 AM on Sunday, causing frost to accumulate on trees, wooden walkways, sightseeing paths, and other surfaces. This marks the thickest frost recorded so far this winter season, persisting for six consecutive days.
Even as the sun rose, temperatures remained near freezing, and icicles continued to form on tree branches. By 8:30 AM, there was little sign of the frost melting despite clear skies.
Sa Pa, already a popular winter destination in northern Vietnam, has become even more captivating for visitors seeking the unique experience of “cloud and snow hunting” on Fansipan. Beyond the frost-covered landscapes, tourists can also admire the delicate pink cherry blossoms set against the vibrant green oolong tea fields in O Quy Ho Ward.
Weather forecasts suggest that the frost will continue in the coming days as low temperatures persist in the region. Tour operators have advised visitors to dress warmly in thermal clothing, thick jackets, hats, and scarves. Women are recommended to wear sneakers instead of high heels to ensure safety on the icy paths.
Standing at 3,143 meters, Fansipan is the crown jewel of the 280-kilometer Hoang Lien Son mountain range and is widely known as the “Roof of Indochina,” symbolizing the majestic beauty of Vietnam, Laos, and Cambodia’s shared natural heritage.
Vietnam emerged victorious in an exhilarating ASEAN Cup final, defeating Thailand 3-2 in the second leg and clinching the championship with a 5-3 aggregate score across two matches.
The decisive moment came in stoppage time when Thailand’s goalkeeper, Khemmai, joined his team’s attack in a desperate attempt to equalize. However, Vietnam regained possession, and Nguyen Hai Long capitalized on the unguarded net, sending the ball rolling in from midfield. The goal sealed Vietnam’s victory in dramatic fashion.
Earlier in the match, Pham Tuan Hai played a pivotal role, scoring Vietnam’s opening goal after skillfully breaking Thailand’s defensive line and chipping the ball over goalkeeper Khemmai. Thailand responded with an equalizer from Ben Davies after a defensive error by Ngoc Tan, bringing the aggregate score to 3-2.
In a tense second half, Tuan Hai struck again with a shot that deflected off Pansa Hemviboon and found the net, giving Vietnam a 4-3 aggregate lead. Thailand’s chances diminished further when midfielder Pomphan was sent off after receiving his second yellow card.
Despite being reduced to 10 men, Thailand pressed aggressively and managed to equalize on aggregate with a stunning long-range strike from Supachok Sarachat. The goal, initially protested by Vietnam, was confirmed after a VAR review.
However, Vietnam held their ground. Goalkeeper Dinh Trieu battled through an injury, while Van Thanh pushed through physical discomfort as Vietnam had exhausted their substitutions. In the end, Nguyen Hai Long’s late heroics ensured Vietnam’s triumph.
With the final whistle, Vietnam celebrated their third ASEAN Cup title, capping off a thrilling and unforgettable final. The victory marks a historic achievement for Vietnamese football and underscores their status as one of Southeast Asia’s football powerhouses.
Vietnamese Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh has proposed that Pham Nhat Vuong, Chairman of Vingroup and the country’s wealthiest individual, spearhead the construction of a metro line linking downtown Ho Chi Minh City with the coastal Can Gio District.
The suggestion was revealed during a conference on January 4, 2025, where the city administration unveiled the Ho Chi Minh City Master Plan for 2021–2030, with a vision to 2050.
“I recently shared the idea of building a metro line connecting the city center to Can Gio District with Chairman Vuong, and he responded enthusiastically,” said PM Chinh.
Pham Nhat Vuong, who is also CEO of electric vehicle maker VinFast, remains Vietnam’s richest individual, ranking 833rd on Forbes’ global billionaire list with an estimated net worth of $4.1 billion as of late 2024.
PM Chinh emphasized the importance of mobilizing major enterprises with significant financial capacity for projects crucial to Vietnam’s socio-economic development.
“Initiatives drive resources, and innovation fuels motivation. This mindset must guide us in executing the city’s master plan,” the prime minister remarked.
He also highlighted the successful launch of Ho Chi Minh City’s first metro line in December 2024 and urged the city to maximize its sea and underground spaces, including the development of additional subway networks, to address growing urban mobility needs.
The proposal for a metro connection to Can Gio District aligns with the PM’s earlier directives following his visit to the district in July 2023. In subsequent meetings, Chinh emphasized the necessity of either a metro or elevated road system to improve connectivity while safeguarding the Can Gio mangrove forest, a UNESCO-recognized biosphere reserve since 2000.
“One of the guiding principles in urban development is preserving nature’s gifts while ensuring long-term benefits for both the nation and Ho Chi Minh City,” PM Chinh affirmed.
At the conference, the Prime Minister praised the city’s Master Plan, describing it as a strategic roadmap addressing key priorities for sustainable socio-economic growth in the coming decades.
Vietnam’s internet connectivity to global networks remains unstable as two key undersea cable systems, the Asia Pacific Gateway (APG) and the Intra Asia (IA), are still experiencing malfunctions.
According to the Vietnam News Agency, while the Asia-Africa-Europe-1 (AAE-1) submarine cable has been fully repaired, the APG and IA cables continue to face technical issues.
The APG cable is suffering from faults on two branches: S1.9, connecting Vietnam to Malaysia, and S8, linking to Thailand. Repairs on the S8 branch are scheduled between January 6 and 10, but no timeline has been provided for the S1.9 branch.
Meanwhile, the IA cable encountered a problem on December 26 on its S1 branch, which connects Vietnam to Singapore. This disruption has severed links between Vietnam and key hubs in Hong Kong and Singapore. International partners have not yet provided a repair timeline for the IA cable.
These disruptions have significantly reduced Vietnam’s international internet bandwidth, causing widespread inconvenience for businesses and individuals.
To address these recurring challenges, Vietnam’s Ministry of Information and Communications has outlined an ambitious strategy for international cable development. By 2030, the country plans to add at least 10 new undersea cables, increasing the total to 15. Additionally, under the national digital infrastructure strategy approved in October 2024, Vietnam aims to launch at least two new submarine cables by 2025 and eight more by 2030.
These initiatives are designed to strengthen Vietnam’s telecommunications infrastructure, ensure consistent connectivity, and boost international bandwidth capacity.
China is currently facing a surge in Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV) infections, causing strain on hospitals and raising global concerns.
This outbreak comes five years after the emergence of COVID-19, triggering fears of another pandemic. However, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning has reassured the public, stating that HMPV is a seasonal virus that typically peaks during winter and early spring.
What is HMPV?
Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV) is a respiratory virus from the Pneumoviridae family, closely related to Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV). Discovered by Dutch scientists over 20 years ago, HMPV has been causing respiratory illnesses globally for more than 50 years.
The virus primarily affects children under five, the elderly, and individuals with weakened immune systems. While most infections are mild, severe cases can lead to pneumonia and other complications requiring hospitalization.
Symptoms and Transmission
Common Symptoms Include:
Cough
Fever
Runny or stuffy nose
Sore throat
Difficulty breathing or wheezing
Skin rash
Transmission:
Through respiratory droplets from coughing or sneezing
Close contact with infected individuals
Touching contaminated surfaces
The virus can remain active on surfaces at room temperature, increasing the risk of indirect transmission.
High-Risk Groups
Children under five, especially premature infants
Elderly individuals over 65
People with weakened immune systems (e.g., HIV, cancer, autoimmune diseases)
Komarudin, 48, a volunteer undertaker, prepares his personal protective equipment at the group’s headquarters before collecting the body of a person who died due to complications related to COVID-19 while isolating at home in Bogor, West Java province, Indonesia. [Willy Kurniawan/Reuters]
Potential Complications
In severe cases, HMPV can lead to:
Bronchiolitis
Bronchitis
Pneumonia
Asthma or COPD flare-ups
Ear infections
Diagnosis and Treatment
Doctors diagnose HMPV through symptom evaluation, nasal swabs, chest X-rays, or bronchoscopy.
Treatment:
Rest and hydration
Decongestants and cough suppressants
Oxygen therapy in severe cases
Intravenous fluids
Corticosteroids for inflammation
Note: Antibiotics are ineffective against HMPV as it is a viral infection. However, secondary bacterial infections may require antibiotic treatment.
Prevention Measures
Wash hands regularly with soap or alcohol-based sanitizers
Cover nose and mouth when coughing or sneezing
Wear a mask if experiencing flu-like symptoms
Avoid close contact with infected individuals
When to Seek Immediate Medical Attention
High fever above 40°C
Difficulty breathing
Blue skin, lips, or fingernails
While HMPV poses a significant risk to vulnerable groups and can overwhelm healthcare systems during outbreaks, it is generally manageable with proper care and precautions. Public awareness and preventive measures remain key to reducing the spread of this virus.
Vietnam’s capital, Hanoi, has been engulfed in dense smog in recent weeks, placing it at the top of the world’s most polluted cities.
In response, the government has announced plans to accelerate the adoption of electric vehicles (EVs) as a key measure to tackle the issue.
According to data from AirVisual, an independent air quality monitoring platform, PM2.5 levels—a measure of hazardous fine particles—reached 266 micrograms per cubic meter in Hanoi early Friday, marking the highest reading among global cities.
Vietnam, a rapidly developing Southeast Asian economy and regional manufacturing hub, has struggled with severe air pollution in its major urban centers for years, with Hanoi being particularly affected. The primary contributors to the smog include heavy traffic, waste burning, and industrial emissions.
“We elderly people can feel the effects clearly, especially with respiratory issues making it hard to breathe,” said Luu Minh Duc, a 64-year-old Hanoi resident. Similarly, 21-year-old student Nguyen Ninh Huong remarked, “At first, I thought it was fog, but then I realized it was fine dust reducing visibility and making it uncomfortable to breathe.”
During a recent meeting with the Ministry of Transport, Deputy Prime Minister Tran Hong Ha emphasized the urgent need to transition to electric vehicles, stating, “This is the government’s responsibility to its people, and concrete, timely actions are required.”
Hanoi aims to ensure that at least 50% of buses and 100% of taxis are electric by 2030 as part of its pollution-reduction strategy. However, the Ministries of Natural Resources, Environment, and Health have yet to provide further comments on immediate steps being taken.
From January 1, 2025, you will have the opportunity to earn rewards of up to 5 million VND per case by submitting video clips or photos documenting road traffic law violations.
This initiative aims to enhance road safety and promote community involvement in traffic law enforcement.
With the rising ease of access to cameras and smartphones, many predict an increase in individuals actively recording traffic violations. For as little as 1 million VND, one could invest in a GoPro camera mounted on a helmet, patrol the streets, and potentially record multiple violations daily.
Top 10 Common Motorcycle Traffic Violations and Penalties to Be Aware Of:
1. Riding on pavement, footpath, or wrong lane: Fine up to 6 million VND
2. Driving in the wrong direction: Fine up to 6 million VND
3. Not wearing a helmet: Fine up to 600,000 VND
4. Turning right on a red light without permission: Fine up to 6 million VND
5. Ignoring traffic light signals: Fine up to 6 million VND
6. Wearing headphones or earphones while riding: Fine up to 1 million VND
7. Using a mobile phone while driving: Fine up to 6 million VND
8. No motorbike driving license: Fine up to 8 million VND
9. Allowing an unlicensed person to operate your vehicle: Fine up to 10 million VND
10. Exceeding legal alcohol concentration limits: Fine up to 10 million VND
The policy not only seeks to penalize violators but also encourages a sense of collective responsibility for traffic safety. However, citizens are reminded to prioritize their own safety and adhere to legal and ethical standards while capturing evidence.
Authorities expect this program to significantly reduce traffic violations and create a more disciplined road culture across Vietnam.
Starting January 1, 2025, under Decree 168, Vietnam will implement higher penalties for serious traffic violations to enhance road safety and reduce accidents.
Key changes include a significant increase in fines for running red lights in cars, which will now range between 18–20 million VND ($750–$850 USD). Other major violations, particularly on highways, will also face substantial penalties.
The decree introduces a driver’s license point system alongside increased fines, targeting behaviors identified as key contributors to traffic accidents.
According to the Traffic Police Department (Ministry of Public Security), these changes address persistent traffic violations and the previous regulations’ limited deterrent effects.
Decree 168 reflects Vietnam’s strong commitment to improving traffic safety, promoting compliance, and reducing the frequency of accidents through tougher enforcement and accountability measures. Authorities believe these updates will foster a more disciplined driving culture across the country.
On the morning of January 2, 2025, according to data from the IQAir air monitoring system, Hanoi recorded an Air Quality Index (AQI) of 278, making it the second most polluted city in the world. The AQI level is classified as “very unhealthy for human health.”
Severe Air Pollution Levels Across Hanoi
Two monitoring stations in Hanoi reported alarmingly high AQI levels:
Tay Ho District: AQI 297 (purple zone – very unhealthy)
Hai Ba Trung District: AQI 231 (purple zone – very unhealthy)
These figures highlight Hanoi’s status not only as the most polluted city in Vietnam but also among the worst globally.
Air Pollution in Neighboring Provinces
Following Hanoi, several nearby localities also reported dangerous AQI levels:
Thai Nguyen: AQI 279
Ha Nam and Hung Yen: AQI 261
These provinces remain in the “very unhealthy” range, posing significant risks to public health.
Understanding AQI and Health Implications
The Air Quality Index (AQI) ranges from 0–500:
Higher values indicate greater pollution and increased health risks.
AQI levels between 201–300 are classified as “very unhealthy,” while readings above 300 are considered “hazardous.”
Health Recommendations from Authorities
Concern about air quality can even be a lucrative business opportunity.
The Department of Environmental Pollution Control (Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment) advises citizens to regularly monitor air quality updates and take preventive measures.
The Department of Health Environment Management (Ministry of Health) provides the following guidelines for AQI levels between 201–300:
1. Limit outdoor activities, especially prolonged or strenuous exercise.
2. Stay indoors whenever possible and minimize exposure to outdoor air.
3. Use protective masks that can filter fine dust particles.
4. Prefer public transportation over motorbikes or bicycles to reduce direct exposure.
5. Keep windows and doors closed during high-pollution hours.
6. Practice hygiene measures: Gargle and clean your nose with saline after exposure.
7. Sensitive groups (elderly, children, and individuals with respiratory issues) should avoid outdoor activities entirely and reschedule outdoor plans when air quality improves.
Weather Forecast for January 2
According to the National Center for Hydro-Meteorological Forecasting:
• Northern and North Central Regions: Cold weather with fog, especially in the early morning and nighttime, with mountainous areas experiencing temperatures below 12°C.
• Southern and Central Highlands Regions: Scattered thunderstorms are expected throughout the day.
With air pollution levels remaining dangerously high, authorities urge citizens to stay informed, adopt protective measures, and limit outdoor exposure to safeguard their health during this period of poor air quality.
Ho Chi Minh City, December 2024 – Maintaining their supremacy, Shopee, Samsung, and Vietnam Airlines continue to secure the top three positions in the Decision Lab Best Brand 2024 Rankings. Shopee, rocketing from the third position in 2023, has dethroned Samsung (the number one position for three consecutive years) to the top in this year’s ranking.
Decision Lab, YouGov’s exclusive partner in Vietnam, has released the Decision Lab Best Brand Rankings 2024. It reveals the Top brands in terms of overall brand health and the most improved brands over the past year.
This year’s rankings are based on an extensive survey of 74,688 consumer responses, making it the most comprehensive brand health study in Vietnam. Using YouGov BrandIndex’s proprietary Index Score, the rankings evaluate brand health through key indicators, including impression, quality, value, satisfaction, recommendation, and reputation.
The rise of e–commerce and retail in the 2024 Rankings
Shopee has claimed the top position in the rankings, dethroning Samsung, which held the number one spot for three consecutive years, marking a turning point in Vietnam’s e-commerce landscape.
The rankings also welcomed two notable newcomers to the Top 20. TikTok surged from 44th place in 2023 to 14th, achieving one of the most significant single-year improvements ever recorded. Its innovative TikTok Shop has redefined how Vietnamese consumers engage with online shopping, blending entertainment with commerce in a trend widely recognised as “shoppertainment.”
This year’s Top 10 Improvers also showcase the strong performance of e-commerce and retail. Several brands in these sectors have climbed into the Top 10 Most Improved Brands, with TikTok leading the list, followed by Bách Hóa Xanh, Shopee Food in 4th, and Grab Food in 10th. These achievements reflect that convenience, entertainment, and platform integration have become the new benchmarks for success in Vietnam’s consumer market. As these sectors continue to evolve, their influence is set to grow even further in shaping Vietnam’s retail and digital commerce landscape.
Mr Thue Quist Thomasen, CEO of Decision Lab, commented on the ranking:
“This year’s rankings highlight the significant impact e-commerce and retail brands are having on consumer experiences. The impressive rise of Shopee and TikTok shows how these brands are seamlessly blending innovation and convenience to connect with consumers. The integration of entertainment and shopping on e-commerce platforms is completely reshaping the online shopping experience in Vietnam.”
A comeback year for Consumer finance: Dominating the Top Improvers
The Decision Lab Best Brand Rankings 2024 spotlights the strong comeback of the consumer finance sector after a tumultuous year.
Home Credit took 5th place in the Top 10 Improvers, with FE Credit and Visa closely following at 8th and 9th, respectively. These brands have achieved notable growth by introducing improvements such as trust-building, streamlined credit processes, enhanced digital platforms, and tailored financial solutions. Their efforts align with the growing demand for cashless payment options and accessible financing solutions in Vietnam’s rapidly modernising financial ecosystem.
Mr Thue Quist Thomasen, CEO of Decision Lab, commented on the ranking:
“Consumer finance brands have demonstrated commendable efforts in rebuilding trust and adapting to the changing needs of consumers. Their focus on innovation, digital transformation, and customer-centric solutions highlights their commitment to providing accessible and efficient financial services, reinforcing their significance in Vietnam’s evolving financial landscape.”
MrTran Tuan Anh, Executive Director of Shopee Vietnam, commented on the ranking:
“We are honored and proud to be at the top of the Decision Lab Best Brand Rankings 2024. This is the clearest evidence of the tireless efforts of the entire Shopee Vietnam team in the challenging year of 2024. This recognition is also a great motivation for Shopee to continue innovating and developing. Our goal is to bring even better shopping experiences to Vietnamese consumers, strongly support the development of the domestic seller community and contribute to the sustainable development of e-commerce in Vietnam.”
Mr Khang Pham Ngoc, General Director of Home Credit Vietnam, commented on the ranking:
“We are proud to be recognised for our significant growth and improvement, amongst the leading financial institutions in Vietnam and the top brand in consumer finance. This recognition validates our efforts to adapt to our customers’ needs within a rapidly changing financial landscape, providing them with access to licensed credit solutions. We look forward to further innovation in digital finance solutions that empower Vietnamese consumers, whilst also prioritising financial literacy initiatives to ensure responsible borrowing and financial well-being.”
Methodology
The Decision Lab Best Brand Rankings 2024 are calculated using data collected from YouGov’s online panel in Vietnam daily, from the flagship YouGov BrandIndex solution.
The brands were ranked based on YouGov BrandIndex’s Index score, which measures overall brand health calculated by taking the average of Impression, Quality, Value, Satisfaction, Recommend and Reputation. Duplicate brands within markets have been removed, with the highest rank retained.
The Index Rankings chart shows the brands with the highest Index scores between 1 November 2023 and 31 October 2024.
The Index Improvers chart ranks the brands with the highest increase in Index scores, comparing period from 1 November 2023 to 31 October 2024 with the previous 12 months.
Both scores are representative of the online population of adults 18+.
All brands have been tracked for at least 6 months to be included in the rankings and for at least 18 months to appear in the Improvers table. The sample size is determined based on the total number of interviews conducted across 10 sectors.
Decision Lab is a company committed to driving new thinking and technology in marketing with Vietnam’s most modern market research offering. Combining Decision Lab’s thought leadership and problem-crunching capability with the industry’s strongest data solutions provides a best-in-class offering for leading innovative brands ready to transform with changing market conditions.
Decision Lab is well-known for its thought leadership in digital media and the understanding of a new generation of consumers. Collaborating with innovative multinational companies and prominent international technology leaders, it has established itself as a vanguard in the industry.
Decision Lab is the exclusive partner of YouGov in Vietnam.
As the clock ticks toward New Year’s Eve, cities across Vietnam are gearing up to host Countdown events filled with music, fireworks, and festivities to ring in 2025.
In Hanoi, two major celebrations will take place at Đông Kinh Nghĩa Thục Square and the pedestrian area around Hoàn Kiếm Lake, as well as at K-Town Square in Vinhomes Ocean Park 2, starting at 8:30 PM on December 31, 2024.
Ho Chi Minh City has a lineup of events across multiple venues, including Nguyễn Huệ Walking Street (District 1), City Tết Fest in Thủ Đức, The Global City, Vạn Phúc Urban Area, and Đầm Sen Cultural Park (District 11).
Highlighting the festivities, Hanoi, Da Nang, and Ho Chi Minh City will light up the sky with fireworks displays from midnight to 12:15 AM on January 1, 2025. Hanoi will feature fireworks at six locations, including five districts and the outskirts.
Firework Locations in Hanoi:
Hoàn Kiếm District: In front of the Hà Nội Mới newspaper headquarters.
Hoàn Kiếm District: Near the Hanoi Post Office.
Nam Từ Liêm District: F1 Race Track, Phú Đô Ward.
Hà Đông District: Văn Quán Lake, Văn Quán Ward.
Sơn Tây Town: Sơn Tây Citadel.
Đông Anh District: Đông Anh Sports Center.
The fireworks will include 3,600 high-altitude shells (600 per site) and 540 low-altitude barrages (90 per site), promising a dazzling display to usher in the New Year.
From vibrant performances to the symbolic countdown, Vietnam’s cities are ready to welcome 2025 with energy and excitement, fostering a sense of unity and celebration nationwide.
China has officially launched the CR450 high-speed train, the fastest in the world, capable of reaching operating speeds of up to 400 km/h. This groundbreaking achievement is part of the “CR450 Science and Technology Innovation Project,” further solidifying China’s global leadership in high-speed rail technology.
According to the China State Railway Group, the CR450 sets new benchmarks in several key areas, including operational speed, energy efficiency, and interior noise levels. Designed with cutting-edge technology, the train not only boasts higher speeds but also prioritizes safety, energy conservation, and passenger comfort. During testing, the CR450 achieved speeds of 450 km/h, showcasing the advanced capabilities of China’s rail system.
The train will undergo further testing and evaluation before entering commercial service, aimed at enhancing transportation options for the public. This accomplishment underscores China’s commitment to technological innovation in high-speed rail and its growing expertise in self-sufficient, world-class engineering.
It comes as no surprise that Vietnam’s pho has made it into the 2024 list of the world’s 100 best dishes, recently published by Taste Atlas.
Beef noodle soup is the only Vietnamese dish to make the top 100 best dishes in the world in 2024 announced by Taste Atlas. Photo: Thuy Trang.
The culinary website released its list of the 100 most delicious dishes globally for 2024.
Topping the chart is Lechona from Colombia, with a rating of 4.78 stars. This traditional dish consists of a roasted pig stuffed with onions, peas, fresh herbs, and a variety of spices. The pork is slow-roasted until tender and flavorful. While it is commonly prepared for festive celebrations, this unique delicacy can also be found in restaurants throughout Colombian cities.
In second place is Italy’s Neapolitan pizza, rated 4.75 stars. This minimalist dish features a thin crust topped with tomatoes, garlic-flavored sauce, oregano leaves, mozzarella cheese, and fresh basil leaves, symbolizing the colors of the Italian flag.
Colombian Lechona Stuffed Pork is the world’s best dish in 2024 according to Taste Atlas. Photo: Olaf Speier.
Notably, the only representative from Vietnam on the list is pho bo (beef pho), ranked 93rd with a rating of 4.44 stars.
Taste Atlas describes pho bo as a dish made from various cuts and parts of beef. The broth is typically prepared from beef bones, shanks, oxtails, and necks. The toppings often include thinly sliced brisket, rib meat, tenderloin, cooked beef, raw beef slices (tai nam), tendons, or beef meatballs (pho bo vien).
The dish is typically seasoned with dry spices such as cinnamon, star anise, cloves, cardamom, and coriander seeds. It is served piping hot in a bowl with rice noodles, garnished with chopped cilantro, thinly sliced onions, and green onions.
After the announcement, the 2024 list of the world’s 100 best dishes by Taste Atlas sparked heated debates, with some questioning the merit of certain dishes ranked at the top.
New York Post commented: “This list is highly subjective, yet Taste Atlas boldly released its guide to the top 100 dishes on Earth for 2024. How did they compile such a divisive list? Americans might take pride in a few entries, but it’s unfortunate that the UK has none”.
Located in the northwest of Vietnam, Hoa Binh boasts breathtaking natural landscapes and rich cultural experiences. It is the only representative from Vietnam to make the list of the 71 most beautiful destinations in the world, according to Condé Nast Traveler.
Dutch tourists take photos at Mai Chau – a famous destination in Hoa Binh. Photo: Raymond – Demi.
The renowned American travel magazine recently unveiled its selection of the 71 most stunning destinations worldwide, with Hoa Binh earning a spot on the prestigious list.
The travel site introduces Hoa Binh as a northern province of Vietnam, famous for its endless rice fields and as the home of several ethnic minority groups, including the H’Mong, Muong, and Dao. The list is not ranked in any specific order.
Beyond its striking natural scenery, CNTraveller’s experts selected destinations based on criteria such as cultural and historical significance, friendly locals, diverse cuisine, and unique visitor experiences.
Tourists experience paragliding and admire Hoa Binh. Photo: Bui Quang Thuy.
During September and October, Mai Chau District captivates visitors with its golden rice fields, which resembles a painting. Here, travelers can enjoy cycling through the countryside or hiking to explore local villages.
For adventure sports enthusiasts, paragliding from the summit of Vien Nam Mountain—located about 60 km from Hanoi—is an unmissable experience. Soaring over 1,000 meters in the sky, visitors can marvel at the majestic mountain ranges and the famous Hoa Binh Hydropower Dam.
Thanks to its year-round cool climate, Hoa Binh offers many attractions, including Thung Nai, often called the “Ha Long Bay of the mountains,” and other sites such as Pu Luong and Thac Bo Cave.
In addition to its natural beauty, Hoa Binh is celebrated for its rich cultural heritage. Visitors can immerse themselves in traditional festivals of the local ethnic communities, such as the Forest Worship Festival, the Rice Washing Festival, and the New Rice Festival.
Culinary delights are another highlight that draws tourists to Hoa Binh. Food lovers can savor signature mountain dishes like grilled chicken, bamboo-cooked rice, stream fish, wild vegetables, and sticky rice.
The list of 71 destinations also includes notable entries such as the Avenue of the Baobabs (Madagascar), the Amalfi Coast (Italy), Victoria Falls (between Zambia and Zimbabwe), Zhangye National Geopark (China), and the pink sands of Harbor Island (Bahamas).
Sa Pa will impose an entrance fee of 10,000 VND per visit for individuals over 16 years old and 5,000 VND per visit for children aged 6 to under 16 when visiting Fansipan Peak and Cat Cat Waterfall.
For people over 16 years old, the entrance fee to Fansipan will be 10,000 VND. Photo: @vit_hihii.
Recently, a representative from the People’s Committee of Sa Pa Town shared with Tri Thuc – Znews that starting January 1, 2025, the locality will begin collecting fees from tourists the Fansipan Peak and Cat Cat Waterfall visiting areas.
According to an announcement from the People’s Committee of Sa Pa Town on December 26, from January 1, 2025, all organizations and individuals (including both Vietnamese and foreign visitors) visited Fansipan Peak (Hoang Lien Commune, Sa Pa Town, Lao Cai Province) and Cat Cat Waterfall must pay entrance fees for these scenic spots.
The fee is set at 10,000 VND per person per visit for individuals aged 16 and above, and 5,000 VND per person per visit for children aged 6 to under 16.
Certain groups are exempt from the entrance fee, including children aged 6 and under, individuals with severe disabilities, leaders of the Party and State, special guests approved by the Chairman of the Sa Pa Town People’s Committee, and students from primary, secondary, and high schools within the town participate in extracurricular activities.
Groups eligible for a 50% discount on the entrance fee include individuals entitled to cultural benefits under regulations set by the Prime Minister, senior citizens, and individuals with moderate disabilities, as stipulated by law.
Fansipan Peak is one of the famous destinations attracting thousands of visitors every year. Photo: Minh Tu.
The Sa Pa Town People’s Committee will establish three fee collection stations equipped with surveillance cameras and four barriers. specific: One fee collection station with surveillance cameras and a barrier will be installed on the sidewalk in front of the Sun Plaza building, with fences surrounding the building. Another station with cameras and a barrier will be on Nguyen Chi Thanh Street located in front of the ticket-checking gate for the Fansipan cable car station, along with a 70-meter-long fence on the same street. A third station with cameras and a barrier will handle additional ticket sales and verification at the staircase leading to Fansipan Peak (on the right). An additional barrier for ticket verification will be placed at the left-side staircase leading to the peak.
These two popular tourist destinations, for which entrance fees have been introduced, are part of a tourism complex managed by the investors Fansipan Cable Car Tourism Service Co., Ltd., and Cat Cat Tourism Co., Ltd. These companies currently charge service fees for visitors utilizing the infrastructure and services developed by the enterprises.
