Da Nang proudly secured the third spot on Time Out magazine’s list of the 8 Must-Visit Destinations in Asia for 2025.
The UK-based publication promotes the coastal Vietnamese city for its lack of overcrowding, diverse recreational activities, and vibrant culinary experiences, meeting key selection criteria.
Photo: Agoda
“Da Nang has long been a favorite beach destination for domestic tourists. Famous for its charm, this coastal gem is rapidly growing, catching up with Ho Chi Minh City and Hanoi with an emerging array of restaurants and bars,” emphasized Liv Kelly, editor at Time Out.
In August, The Telegraph also named Da Nang’s My Khe Beach and Non Nuoc Beach among the 50 most beautiful beaches in the world.
Time Out’s top 8 must-visit destinations in Asia for 2025 are: Sumba (Indonesia), Siargao (Philippines), Da Nang (Vietnam), Tainan (China), Ipoh (Malaysia), Osaka (Japan), Nan (Thailand), Lijiang (China).
The list was curated based on criteria such as resistance to overtourism, accessibility, and preserving natural resources.
Starting in 2025, all new bus routes in Ho Chi Minh City (HCMC) will operate exclusively with electric vehicles (EVs). By 2030, 100% of buses in the city will transition to using electric and green energy sources.
From 2025, new bus routes in Ho Chi Minh City will use electric vehicles entirely. Photo: Dat Thanh
The HCMC Department of Transport is drafting a resolution to outline the roadmap for transitioning all buses to electric energy. This draft will soon be submitted to the city’s People’s Committee for feedback and then presented to the City Council in an upcoming session.
According to the proposal, during the 2025–2029 transition phase, buses currently using compressed natural gas (CNG) and diesel will continue operating under existing contracts. Once these contracts expire, buses older than 15 years will be replaced with electric buses. Remaining vehicles can continue to operate but must not exceed 15 years from their initial date of service.
Diesel-fueled buses will remain operational until 2029. However, the city will gradually phase them out and replace them with electric buses. provocative, starting in 2025, diesel buses that have been in service for 10–15 years will be prioritized for replacement.
From 2027, the city will begin converting existing routes to electric buses, prioritizing those with expired contracts or aging vehicles. By 2030, all bus routes with contracts expiring by the end of 2029 will fully transition to electric buses.
For unsubsidized bus routes, including intercity and urban routes, all vehicles will be replaced with electric buses. From 2025 onward, all new bus routes will utilize 100% electric vehicles, and by 2030, all buses in HCMC will operate on electric or green energy.
Additionally, the Department of Transport has proposed a plan to invest in building a system of electric charging stations and CNG refueling stations. Between 2025 and 2030, HCMC plans to invest in 25 electric charging stations with 269 charging units at bus terminals and public parking areas. Furthermore, during 2025–2026, the city will construct three CNG refueling stations at major bus terminals, including Nga Tu Ga, District 8, and the new Mien Dong terminal.
To support this transition, the city will offer interest rate subsidies to organizations obtain loans from the HCMC State Financial Investment Company for vehicle conversion projects.
To date, Phu Yen has 113 officially recognized historical, cultural, and scenic sites, including three National Special Monuments: Ganh Da Dia Scenic Site, Nhan Tower Architectural Site, and Vung Ro Wharf Historical Site.
Recently, Phu Yen Province inaugurated the Memorial House of the Provincial Armed Forces Formation to commemorate the 80th anniversary of the establishment of the Vietnam People’s Army and National Defense Day. On this occasion, the Provincial Military Command and Tuy An District received the Certificate of Provincial Monument Ranking for the Historical Site where the Provincial Armed Forces were formed.
In addition to provincial- and national-level monuments, Phu Yen now boasts three National Special Monuments, inspiring a new tourism slogan for the province: “One Destination, Three National Special Monuments.”
Earlier, on the occasion of the 60th anniversary of Vung Ro Wharf receiving the first cargo shipment from the legendary “No Number” Ship 41 (November 28, 1964 – November 28, 2024), the Prime Minister signed the recognition of Vung Ro Wharf as a National Special Monument.
Phu Yen currently has three special national relics, which are the scenic Ganh Da Dia, the architectural relic of Thap Nhan and the historical relic of Ben Vung Ro. In the photo is the scenic Ganh Da Dia. Photo: TL
As a result, Phu Yen now holds 113 recognized monuments and scenic sites, including three National Special Monuments: Ganh Da Dia Scenic Site, Nhan Tower Architectural Site, and Vung Ro Wharf Historical Site; 21 national-level monuments; and 90 provincial-level monuments of various categories, such as historical sites, architectural-artistic sites, archaeological sites, and scenic sites. These are valuable resources contributing to Phu Yen’s sustainable and harmonious socio-economic development.
According to data from the Phu Yen Department of Culture, Sports, and Tourism, as of December 2024, the province has 480 tourist accommodation facilities, including one 5-star hotel, one 4-star hotel, five 3-star hotels, four 2 -star hotels, 30 1-star hotels, 80 standard hotels, 90 guesthouses, and 31 homestays meet the minimum requirements for tourism accommodation business. Some other accommodation facilities are in the process of registration for classification evaluation.
The total number of tourist rooms currently stands at approximately 7,980, with about 670 rooms meeting 3- to 5-star standards. The tourism sector employs around 7,100 direct workers and 14,200 indirect workers.
Nhan Tower architectural relic. Photo: Nguyen Anh Dat
In 2024, the total number of tourists visiting Phu Yen is estimated at 4 million, achieving 117.6% of the annual plan and increasing by 25% compared to the previous year. Among these, international visitors are estimated at 30,000, reaching 150% of the annual plan and increasing by 51.9% year-over-year. Total tourism revenue is estimated at VND 8 trillion, achieving 110% of the annual plan and increasing by 62.7% compared to the same period last year.
The Phu Yen Provincial Party Committee is directing various sectors and localities to implement its action program to develop tourism as a key economic sector. Priority is given to upgrading historical and cultural monuments to preserve their original values and facilitate tourist visits.
Additionally, the province is focusing on developing tourism products linked to cultural heritage, particularly historical tours, nature exploration, and culinary experiences, to create unique offerings that attract visitors.
“Vinh Hy tourism” has emerged as the most-searched domestic travel keyword, according to Google’s 2024 trends in highlighted searches.
Vinh Hy Bay is located on the coast of Vinh Hai Commune, Ninh Hai District, Ninh Thuan Province, approximately 40 km northeast of the city center of Phan Rang – Thap Cham.
Situated in a unique “one sea, three forests” setting, Vinh Hy boasts calm waters and a mild, pleasant climate. Visitors to the bay are greeted with a serene and picturesque environment.
The best time for tourism activities in Vinh Hy is from February to October, thanks to favorable weather conditions.
A key attraction in the area is Nui Chua National Park, where tourists can explore pristine wilderness featuring a variety of rare plants and animal species.
Vinh Hy Bay is home to an exceptionally rich ecosystem, with more than 300 species of hard and soft coral, including 50 newly discovered species in Vietnam. Many visitors have dubbed Vinh Hy Bay one of the best coral viewing spots in the country.
The coral reefs are located just 2–4 meters below the surface, making it convenient for visitors to snorkel and admire them.
Beyond sightseeing and photography, tourists can enjoy a wide range of activities, such as drifting on the calm sea, strolling along soft sandy beaches, fishing, night squid fishing, or indulging in the area’s signature seafood dishes like lobster, sea urchin, cobia, spotted Babylon, and pearl shellfish.
Thanks to its diverse attractions and well-organized tourism activities, Ninh Hai District welcomed over 2.7 million visitors this year, including more than 44,000 international tourists. This contributed an estimated revenue revenue of over VND 1.8 trillion.
The Israel Securities Authority approval was granted last week, Calcalist reported.
Six mutual funds tracking the price of bitcoin (BTC) will debut in Israel next week after the Israel Securities Authority (ISA) granted permission for the products, Calcalist reported on Wednesday.
All six will start operations on the same day, Dec. 31, a condition imposed by the regulator, Calcalist said. Final approval for the funds was granted last week.
The funds will be offered by Migdal Capital Markets, More, Ayalon, Phoenix Investment, Meitav and IBI, with management fees ranging from as high as 1.5% to 0.25%. One of the funds will be actively managed, trying to beat bitcon’s performance. They will initially transact just once a day, though future products will be able to trade continuously, Globes said in a Tuesday report, citing market sources.
The ISA’s approval comes almost a year after the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) greenlighted spot bitcoin exchange-traded funds (ETFs) in the world’s largest economy, during which the world’s largest cryptocurrency has more than doubled to trade near a record high. The U.S. funds have gathered a net $35.6 billion of investor cash.
“The investment houses have been pleading for more than a year for ETFs to be approved and started sending prospectuses for bitcoin funds in the middle of the year. But the regulator marches to its own tune. It has to check the details,” an unidentified senior executive at an investment house told Calcalist.
According to the Japan External Trade Organization (JETRO), Vietnam ranks as the second most attractive global investment destination and the top choice in Asia. HSBC further highlights Vietnam’s appeal to foreign investors, with projects from 147 countries and territories. Leading the pack is South Korea, with $89.1 billion in registered capital (17.9% of total FDI), followed by Singapore at $82.3 billion, and other major investors like Japan and Taiwan.
Oxford Economics predicts that Vietnam’s foreign direct investment (FDI) inflows will maintain their upward trajectory, albeit at a slightly slower pace. Currently, FDI enterprises contribute 75% of Vietnam’s export turnover, and this trend is expected to grow as concerns over higher tariffs on Chinese goods persist. However, potential uncertainties loom as the U.S. considers imposing a 10% tariff on Vietnamese exports such as cars, metals, and solar batteries in early 2025. Despite this, experts believe these measures will have limited short-term effects due to delays between policy announcement and implementation.
The impact of new U.S. tariffs, if implemented, is projected to be more pronounced by 2026. Nevertheless, Vietnam’s strong manufacturing base and strategic role in the global value chain will likely support its resilience, allowing the country to benefit from the ongoing China+1 strategy.
In the short term, FDI inflows are expected to bolster domestic businesses. Vietnam’s FDI growth in 2025 is forecasted to reach 7.2%, outpacing the projected 6.9% growth for 2024.
During a conference on December 24 outlining the tax sector’s 2025 objectives, the department announced that in 2024, it had reviewed and updated its e-commerce database, leveraging data from taxation authorities and other government agencies. It also collaborated with e-commerce platforms to collect information on businesses and individuals operating on these platforms.
A task force has been established to identify influencers, content creators (including Youtubers, Tiktokers, KOLs, and livestream sellers on platforms like Facebook, TikTok, and YouTube) for compliance checks. The department’s tax audit plan targets individuals earning from digital platforms, including e-commerce, salaries, and wages.
In a pilot phase, 35 individuals—primarily celebrities and public figures—were audited, with some declaring and paying over 1 billion VND each in taxes.
Tax Collection from E-Commerce Increases by 31%
The Ho Chi Minh City Tax Department currently manages 58,264 taxpayers engaged in e-commerce, including 12,959 businesses and 45,305 individual entrepreneurs, with a total transaction value of 28.7 trillion VND.
Through inspections, authorities addressed tax compliance issues with 14,581 organizations and individuals. Additional taxes and penalties collected from these audits increased by 31% compared to 2023, amounting to an extra 286 billion VND.
Enhanced public awareness and support initiatives have significantly improved tax compliance among e-commerce participants. For instance, a sole proprietor under the District 1 Tax Branch voluntarily declared and paid 11.5 billion VND, including taxes, fines, and late payment fees, on income derived from digital services.
Additionally, many online sellers on e-commerce platforms self-reported and paid taxes exceeding 1 billion VND in 2024. Notably, one celebrity paid 4.7 billion VND, while a streamer contributed 1.9 billion VND in taxes.
For 2024, domestic tax revenues in Ho Chi Minh City reached an estimated 373.572 trillion VND, surpassing projections by 6.2% and reflecting a 14.1% increase compared to 2023. Despite economic challenges, this represents a positive outcome. In 2025, the tax sector in Ho Chi Minh City aims to achieve a revenue target of 389 trillion VND.
How I Quit My 9-to-5 Job to Become a Freelance Content Writer on Fiverr
This article shares the experience of Georgia Austin — a content writer, strategist, and founder & CEO of Wizeo, a content creation platform for businesses.
Budget cuts and layoffs mean that many companies are turning to freelance workers to fill the gaps. This creates a significant opportunity for freelancers like me.
I quit my 9-to-5 job to become a freelance content writer on Fiverr and moved to Brazil just before the pandemic hit. With nothing but a laptop, I generated $1.7 million (approximately 40 billion VND) in revenue within 17 months. My personal experience taught me that freelancers shouldn’t fear an unpredictable economy.
Here’s what I did to increase revenue, attract new clients, and grow my business:
1. Choose a Niche
Laid-off workers are flooding the freelance market, increasing competition. Specialization helps you target clients more effectively, command higher fees, and create a competitive edge.
I leveraged my background and expertise in content creation to write advertising copy for brands. My advice is to experiment with different freelance services and focus on areas where you excel. Roles like virtual assistants, social media managers, mobile app developers, web designers, copywriters, and accountants are in high demand.
2. Build Your Brand
Once you’ve identified your niche, position yourself as an expert in that area. I started by building my brand on Fiverr — accepting as many contracts as possible to climb the platform’s rankings.
Every service I provided was polished and reasonably priced. Positive client reviews grew steadily, helping me establish my brand. Within two years, I became one of Fiverr’s top 1% earners and began outsourcing work to other writers.
Social media also played a role in building my brand, allowing potential clients to understand who I am and what I can offer. Regular updates on work insights and useful tips attract more clients.
3. Build Relationships
Networking takes time, but the rewards are worth it. Platforms like Fiverr and Upwork are great for finding direct clients. Look for brands where you believe you can add real value, and proactively share how your services can meet their needs.
Maintaining relationships is equally important. LinkedIn is my primary networking tool, and I post updates 2-3 times a week. This helps me stay connected with former collaborators, gain visibility among industry leaders, and enhance my credibility.
4. Know Your Worth
Many freelancers underprice their services to secure their first contract. Don’t undervalue yourself.
With inflation rising, pricing needs to be carefully considered. Even experienced professionals struggle to maintain the same rates they offered five years ago. Research competitors, set your rates confidently, and ensure your pricing reflects your value.
If you deliver quality work and create positive experiences, clients will see your rates as justified.
Temporary bans may be imposed in other regions during peak energy demand, Tass reported
The Russian government imposed a six-year ban on crypto mining in 10 regions due to the industry’s high power consumption, Tass reported.
The ban, which includes participation in a mining pool and temporary restrictions in other regions during periods of peak demand, takes effect Jan. 1 and ends March 15, 2031, Tass said, citing a decision by the Council of Ministers.
The country legalized crypto mining in July, with the law taking effect last month. Russia bans the use of cryptocurrencies as legal tender for regular payments internally, but does allow cross-border payments with crypto in an attempt to evade sanctions imposed after it invaded Ukraine.
The regions affected by the ban include Dagestan, North Ossetia and Chechnya, and can be altered depending on a government commission examining changes in energy demand.
The ban also takes into account inter-regional subsidies on electricity that make it cheaper to use power in some regions.
Recently, Thua Thien Hue Province and Da Nang City jointly held a ceremony to announce the completion of the “Conservation, Restoration, and Promotion of Hai Van Quan Historical Site” project.
Situated at an altitude of 490 meters on the Hai Van mountain range, Hai Van Quan is an impressive military fortification and one of Vietnam’s most majestic gateways. Recognized for its historical and architectural significance, Hai Van Quan was designated a National Historical and Architectural Monument by the Ministry of Culture, Sports, and Tourism in 2017.
On the morning of December 21, Thua Thien Hue province and Da Nang city jointly organized a ceremony to announce the completion of the project “Preserving, restoring and promoting the value of Hai Van Quan relic”. Photo: Tran Thien
Over the course of history, Hai Van Quan witnessed numerous fierce battles in Vietnam’s struggle for national defense. At the same time, the site endured the harsh impacts of a rainy, scorching climate, which caused severe degradation.
Acknowledging the importance of Hai Van Quan, authorities from Thua Thien Hue and Da Nang assessed the site as a unique tourism resource that could be effectively managed and developed. To revive the monument, both localities collaborated on its designation as a national heritage site and launched a project for its restoration and conservation. This project focuses on a comprehensive restoration of architectural features to recreate the monument’s historical and aesthetic value.
Located at an altitude of 490m on the Hai Van mountain range, Hai Van Quan is an impressive military citadel architecture. Photo: Tran Thien
Initiated at the end of 2021, the project—aimed at conserving, restoring, and promoting the national monument—was completed with a total investment of over 42 billion VND, equally funded by the budgets of both localities.
Speaking at the event, Mr. Nguyen Thanh Binh, Permanent Vice Chairman of the Thua Thien Hue Provincial People’s Committee, emphasized that Hai Van Quan, with its “one-of-a-kind” location, continues to attract domestic and international visitors. The management, conservation, and promotion of Hai Van Quan’s historical, cultural, and natural values are critical to the economic and social development of both Thua Thien Hue and Da Nang.
Within the framework of the program “Top 9 impressive tourism products of Hue”, Hai Van Quan was also honored in the category “Top 9 impressive check-in spots”. Photo: Tran Thien
Currently, the two localities are further enhancing the use of smart technology and digital transformation while investing in infrastructure to better preserve and promote Hai Van Quan.
Specific initiatives include the application of 3D technology, providing free Wi-Fi at the site to help visitors learn more about its heritage values, and developing supporting facilities such as parking areas, standard public restrooms, and spaces for displaying souvenir products for tourists.
As part of the “Top 9 Impressive Hue Tourism Products” program, Hai Van Quan was honored in the category of “Top 9 Impressive Check-in Locations.”
Quang Nam welcomed over 8 million visitors in 2024, surpassing its previous record of 7.8 million visitors in 2019. The province’s total tourism revenue reached approximately 30.82 trillion VND.
On December 20, the Department of Culture, Sports, and Tourism of Quang Nam announced its notable achievements in the tourism sector for 2024.
In 2024, the total number of visitors to Quang Nam, including both day-trippers and overnight stays, was estimated at over 8 million, a 14% increase compared to 2023 and 6% higher than planned. Of these, 5.5 million were international visitors, while domestic tourists accounted for over 2.5 million.
This marked the first year Quang Nam surpassed 8 million visitors, exceeding its 2019 record of 7.8 million.
Hoi An is recognized as “Asia’s Leading Cultural City Destination in 2024”. Photo: Ha Nam
Tourism generated a total revenue of approximately 30.82 trillion VND for the province. Of this, revenue from sightseeing and accommodations reached 9.2 trillion VND, a 19% increase compared to the same period last year, while the estimated social income from tourism was 21.62 trillion VND.
The top 10 international markets with the highest number of overnight visitors to Quang Nam included South Korea, Australia, the UK, France, the United States, Germany, Malaysia, China, and others.
In 2024, Quang Nam received numerous accolades and international awards. The provincial Department of Culture, Sports, and Tourism was honored as “Asia’s Leading Local Tourism Management Agency” at the World Travel Awards. Quang Nam was also named “Vietnam’s Most Attractive and Impressive Destination of 2024” by Travellive magazine.
Hoi An, a city in Quang Nam, achieved the title of “Asia’s Leading Cultural City Destination” for the fifth consecutive year and was listed among the world’s top 7 trending destinations for 2024 by the global travel platform Tripadvisor.
Foreign tourists are excited to visit Tra Que vegetable village. Photo: H. An
Recently, Tra Que Vegetable Village (Hoi An) was recognized as one of the “Best Tourism Villages” of 2024 by the United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO). It was the only destination in Vietnam to receive this honor this year.
Additionally, many tourism businesses in Quang Nam were proud recipients of international awards.
Nguyen Thanh Hong, Director of the Department of Culture, Sports, and Tourism of Quang Nam, stated that these optimistic signs demonstrate a robust recovery and strong growth in the tourism sector following the Covid-19 pandemic. This provides a solid foundation for the province’s tourism industry to attract even more domestic and international tourists in the coming years.
Vietnam has been honored as one of the 40 most beautiful countries in the world in 2024, according to a recent ranking by the American magazine US News & World Report.
Based on evaluations from over 17,000 travelers worldwide and experienced experts, US News & World Report scored each country on a scale of 100.
Photo: The Times
Vietnam ranked 36th on the list, standing out in categories such as delicious cuisine (63.7 points), unique attractions (64.3), rich history (48), stunning natural landscapes (45.2), and friendliness (43.8).
“The Doi Moi reforms since 1986 have transformed Vietnam into a modern country with increasing competitiveness on the international stage,” remarked the magazine, which has been in publication since 1933.
Additionally, Vietnam appeared on the overall list of the world’s best countries, ranking 44th, and was also recognized among the best countries for adventure travel.
Photo: Asian SEA Story
Topping the list of the most beautiful countries in the world this year is Greece.
Headquartered in the United States, US News & World Report is a renowned media company known for its news publications, advice, rankings, and consumer analysis.
UNESCO will send a team of experts to Vietnam to assess potential risks to the conservation of Ha Long Bay amid concerns that development projects may threaten the heritage site, according to Reuters.
Aerial view of Ha Long Bay. Photo: Precious Memories Vietnam.
Ha Long Bay and the Cat Ba Archipelago are celebrating 30 years since being inscribed on UNESCO’s World Heritage List. The site is famous as “the most outstanding example of a karst tower landscape invaded by the sea.”
UNESCO recognition has significantly boosted Ha Long Bay’s profile as a major tourist destination, drawing millions of visitors annually and generating substantial revenue for Vietnam’s tourism sector.
However, in a statement from UNESCO’s World Heritage Center, the organization expressed long-standing concerns that “numerous new tourism and coastal residential projects in Ha Long City have been approved and implemented” without adequate assessment of their impacts on the heritage site.
Ha Long attracts tourists with cruises on the bay. Photo: Filipe Freitas.
If the upcoming evaluation results in sanctions or even removal from the heritage list, it could have profound consequences for Vietnam’s tourism industry, which contributes an estimated 8% to the country’s GDP in 2023.
UNESCO stated: “If threats are identified that jeopardize the integrity of the site and the reasons for its inclusion on the World Heritage List, the Committee may request remedial measures to strengthen the site’s protection.”
The assessment team, composed of experts from UNESCO and the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), is expected to carry out their mission in the coming months.
Nuno Ribeiro, a senior lecturer in tourism at RMIT University Vietnam, remarked that overdevelopment “threatens the unique natural beauty, biodiversity, and ecological balance of the bay—key factors for its UNESCO recognition.”
“The warning about remedial measures should not be taken lightly,” he added.
Currently, Vietnam’s Ministry of Culture and Ministry of Foreign Affairs have not responded to Reuters’ requests for comment. The Quang Ninh provincial government, which oversees Ha Long Bay, has also yet to issue an official statement.
For the New Year’s Eve celebration of 2025, Ho Chi Minh City will host fireworks displays at two locations: the Saigon River Tunnel (Thu Duc City) and Dam Sen Cultural Park (District 11). Meanwhile, Hanoi will have fireworks at five locations (six firing points) in Hoan Kiem, Ha Dong, Nam Tu Liem, Son Tay, and Dong Anh.
People watch fireworks at a location in Ho Chi Minh City. Photo: TL
Recently, the Ho Chi Minh City People’s Committee announced plans for cultural and artistic activities to welcome 2025, including fireworks displays scheduled from midnight to 12:15 AM on January 1, 2025.
The high-altitude fireworks will take place at the Saigon River Tunnel area in Thu Duc City, while low-altitude displays are planned for Dam Sen Cultural Park in District 11.
In addition, the city will host other activities such as countdown events on December 31, 2024, at Nguyen Hue Pedestrian Street (District 1), Bach Dang Wharf Park, and the floating Saigon River logo area.
Ho Chi Minh City will also feature artistic performances across various districts, including Tan Phu, Binh Tan, District 12, Binh Chanh, Hoc Mon, Cu Chi, Nha Be, and Can Gio, on the nights of December 31, 2024, and January January 1, 2025.
Sports events include the 11th HCMC Marathon 2025, the Ho Chi Minh City International Martial Arts Festival, and an amateur cycling race to welcome the new year along Mai Chi Tho Street (from Dong Van Cong intersection to the old toll station at the Saigon River Tunnel ).
In Hanoi, the city will organize fireworks at five locations (six firing points) in Hoan Kiem, Ha Dong, Nam Tu Liem, Son Tay, and Dong Anh, also scheduled from midnight to 12:15 AM on January 1, 2025.
Earlier, the Hanoi People’s Committee issued Plan 362 outlining celebrations for major national holidays and significant historical and political events in 2025.
City-level activities will include visual decorations and propaganda throughout the city, illumination of central streets through socialization and partial state funding, and artistic countdown performances on the night of December 31 at Dong Kinh Nghia Thuc Square and August Revolution Square.
Other activities include cultural, artistic, and sports performances at My Dinh Stadium, central areas in Ha Dong and Tay Ho districts, and Son Tay town to welcome the new year. Film screenings and mobile movie shows will be organized for the public, especially in suburban areas. Performances will also take place around Hoan Kiem Lake, including at Nha Bat Giac, the entrance to Cong Nhan Cinema, and Dong Kinh Nghia Thuc Square.
At the district level, cultural and artistic activities will be held at public locations, along with visual propaganda and decorations to serve local residents.
Frost has appeared for the second time this winter on Fansipan’s summit, with temperatures plummeting to -1°C on December 23. Thin layers of frost-covered trees, wooden walkways, and paths early in the morning, persisting for about four hours before melting under the sun.
This phenomenon, caused by moisture freezing into solid, salt-like formations, occurs when air temperatures drop below 4°C. Fansipan, at 3,143 meters above sea level, experienced its first sub-zero temperature of the season, following an earlier frost event on November 20 when temperatures reached 2°C.
With forecasts predicting continued low temperatures, more frosty mornings are expected. Sa Pa, a top destination in northern Vietnam, is leveraging its winter charm to attract visitors with seasonal events like the Fansipan Succulent Festival, the Vietnam Mountain Marathon, and the Cherry Blossom Festival at O Long tea hills.
