Deputy Prime Minister Le Thanh Long signed Decision No. 1473/QD-TTg on November 26, 2024, officially designating six sites as Special National Heritage (16th round).
Dinh Bang communal house architectural and artistic relic is ranked as a special national relic. Photo: Vuong Loc
According to the Government Electronic Portal, the following sites have been granted this status: Tien Luc Complex of Communal Houses, Temples, and Pagodas in Lang Giang District, Bac Giang Province; Dinh Bang Communal House Architectural Complex in Tu Son City, Bac Ninh Province; Da Hoa – Da Trach Historical Site in Khoai Chau District, Hung Yen Province; Le Huu Trac Memorial and Tomb Historical Site in Huong Son District, Ha Tinh Province; Ho Chi Minh Sea Trail Historical Site, spanning Hai Phong City and the provinces of Phu Yen, Ba Ria – Vung Tau, and Ca Mau.
Additionally, the 105mm Artillery Battlefield of Company 805 in Dien Bien Phu City and Dien Bien District, Dien Bien Province, has been added to the previously designated Special National Heritage site of Dien Bien Phu Battlefield, recognized under Decision No. 1272/QD-TTg dated August 12, 2009.
The Deputy Prime Minister has tasked the Minister of Culture, Sports, and Tourism and the Chairpersons of People’s Committees at various levels to manage these newly designated sites according to the provisions of the Law on Cultural Heritage.
With this round of designations, Vietnam now has a total of 139 Special National Heritage Sites.
Lonely Planet has recommended Alma Resort Cam Ranh as an ideal holiday destination for both domestic and international travelers this Christmas season.
Vietnam has a representative on the list of ideal hotels and resorts for Christmas 2024. Photo: @almaresortcamranh.
As a renowned global travel guide, Lonely Planet specializes in suggests destinations and activities for millions of readers during festive seasons worldwide.
In its Christmas destination guide published on November 25, Lonely Planet highlights 12 of the best hotels and resorts around the globe for this year’s holiday season. Alma Resort Cam Ranh was the only Vietnamese property to make the list.
Journalist Natasha Bazika from the platform noted that travelers might underestimate Vietnam as a Christmas destination. However, the 30-hectare resort on Vietnam’s central coast offers an unexpectedly festive holiday experience, complete with a giant gingerbread house and a life-sized advent calendar.
Christmas atmosphere fills the resort. Photo: @almaresortcamranh.
Detailing the resort’s Christmas offerings, the author describes a gingerbread house constructed using 232 kilograms of dough, which was shaped into 800 wall panels, 1,200 roof tiles, and 40 kilograms of decorative bricks. The resort also hosts a Christmas market featuring handmade crafts and local specialties.
For younger guests, the kids’ playground showcases handmade Christmas cards created by children from a local orphanage. Proceeds from these sales are donated to support the orphans.
The 100-year-old Gleneagles Perthshire Hotel in England. Photo: The Gleneagles Hotel.
Other properties on the list include the five-star gold-adorned The Plaza Hotel (New York, USA), the 100-year-old Gleneagles Perthshire (United Kingdom), Paws Up Montana in Greenough (Montana, USA), and the Four Seasons Resort Maldives in the Maldives.
What these accommodations have in common are premium local suites, spacious and airy grounds, and in some cases, secluded locations offering fresh air and tranquility. Additionally, they provide top-notch amenities and outdoor activities such as golf, shooting, and trekking, ensuring a memorable experience for their guests.
A long-standing cultural preference for male children in Vietnam has led to gender-selective practices, creating a significant gender imbalance at birth. If current trends continue, the country is projected to have an excess of 1.5 million men by 2034, rising to 2.5 million by 2059, according to the General Statistics Office.
Since 2006, Vietnam has seen a growing gender imbalance, with the sex ratio at birth reaching 112 boys for every 100 girls in 2023, compared to the natural ratio of 102-106 boys per 100 girls. This imbalance stems from deep-rooted gender biases and the availability of medical technologies enabling families to choose the sex of their children. Three provinces—Hung Yen, Hai Duong, and Bac Ninh—report ratios exceeding 125 boys per 100 girls, among the highest globally.
Experts warn that the imbalance could have severe social and economic consequences, including reduced opportunities for women, an increase in gender-based violence, and risks like human trafficking and forced marriages. The imbalance undermines women’s roles and status in society, perpetuating a cycle of inequality.
Efforts to address the issue include promoting gender equality, banning gender-selective practices, and elevating the status of women and girls. However, addressing the root cause—cultural biases favoring male children—remains a complex challenge.
“Societal beliefs that happiness requires both sons and daughters or prioritizing male children must change,” said Ha Thi Quynh Anh, a senior gender and human rights expert at UNFPA. “Real progress will come when all children, regardless of gender, are valued equally.”
Nguyen Van Anh, director of the CSAGA, emphasized that dismantling centuries-old gender norms requires sustained effort. “As women gain greater societal roles and traditional views of men as sole family providers evolve, the preference for sons will naturally diminish. True equality means recognizing the joy of parenting, regardless of a child’s gender.”
Vietnam is rapidly becoming one of the key manufacturing hubs in the global footwear industry, particularly for major brands like ASICS. A little-known fact is that ASICS, the Japanese sportswear giant, currently works with three times more factories in Vietnam as it does in China.
This shift not only highlights Vietnam’s growing importance in ASICS’s global supply chain but also reflects the country’s significant rise in the footwear manufacturing sector.
The History of ASICS
Founded in 1949 in Kobe, Japan, by Kihachiro Onitsuka, ASICS was originally named Onitsuka Co., Ltd. The company started with a focus on basketball shoes but gradually expanded its product range to become a global leader in athletic footwear.
With innovations like the GEL™ cushioning system and FlyteFoam (lightweight foam), ASICS has maintained a strong competitive edge in the sports footwear market, competing with other major brands such as Nike and Adidas.
ASICS’s Global Manufacturing Network
In its efforts to diversify production and reduce costs, ASICS began expanding globally in the 1980s. The company initially set up manufacturing plants in the United States, Taiwan, South Korea, and later in China and Indonesia, seeking out regions with lower labor costs. However, over time, Vietnam has emerged as a crucial production hub in ASICS’s global supply chain.
According to ASICS’s supply chain report from January 2024, Vietnam now boasts 37 factories, ranking second after China, which has 55 factories. Notably, 14 of these 37 factories in Vietnam specialize in footwear production, an impressive number compared to only 4 footwear factories in China serving ASICS.
Vietnam’s appeal as a manufacturing destination for ASICS can be attributed to several factors. The country’s competitive labor costs play a significant role, with average wages in footwear production ranging from $1.50 to $2.00 per hour—significantly lower than $6.50 per hour in China. This cost advantage has encouraged many global footwear companies, including ASICS, to shift production to Vietnam, optimizing their supply chains while maintaining high quality standards.
Vietnam’s manufacturing facilities, primarily located in provinces such as Binh Duong, Binh Phuoc, and Dong Nai, are home to key ASICS suppliers like Pouyuen Vietnam, Shyang Ying, Beesco Vina, and Dean Shoes. These factories handle the production of footwear, apparel, and accessories for the global market.
Today, Vietnam ranks as the second-largest exporter of footwear in the world, trailing only China. In 2023, the country produced approximately 332.1 million pairs of shoes, contributing over $20.2 billion to the global footwear market. Vietnamese footwear exports account for about 10% of the total global footwear exports. With ongoing trade agreements and improving infrastructure, Vietnam is poised to increase its footwear export value to $27-28 billion by 2025 and $38-39 billion by 2030.
Vietnam is not only a key supplier of finished footwear but also plays a vital role in the global supply chain by providing raw materials and components. Local factories produce rubber, shoe soles, plastics, and other essential components used in global footwear manufacturing, solidifying Vietnam’s position as a crucial part of the footwear production ecosystem.
In response to the growing demand for sustainable products, ASICS has committed to environmental protection efforts in its manufacturing process. In 2023, several ASICS suppliers in Vietnam and Indonesia installed rooftop solar systems to reduce reliance on traditional energy sources and lower carbon emissions.
These initiatives not only help ASICS meet its target of sourcing 85% renewable energy from its suppliers by 2030 but also reflect Vietnam’s commitment to green manufacturing.
Challenges and Prospects
Despite its growing importance, Vietnam’s rise as a footwear manufacturing hub does not come without challenges. It requires the workforce to adapt quickly to high-tech equipment, creating a divide between factories that can invest in advanced machinery and smaller operations.
Vietnam is cementing its role as an indispensable manufacturing hub in ASICS’s global supply chain and in the global footwear industry at large. With competitive labor costs, improved infrastructure, and a growing focus on sustainability, Vietnam is on track to become a global leader in footwear production. If you’re looking to partner with reliable footwear manufacturers in Vietnam, the opportunities are vast, and we are here to assist you in sourcing, quality control, and managing your production processes.
The Long Bien District Military Command, in collaboration with Hanoi’s Capital Command Engineering Corps, successfully removed a 1,300kg bomb late on November 27, transporting it to the Cam Son Firing Range in Bac Giang for disposal.
Identified as an M-118 bomb, it contained approximately 817kg of TNT, posing a significant safety threat. Discovered 200 meters from Long Bien Bridge on November 25 by local fishermen, this was the third bomb found in the area within two months.
In a similar incident on October 24, authorities removed another M-118 bomb weighing over 1,360kg, found near Long Bien Bridge’s ninth pillar. Safety measures, including cordoning off the area and deploying local militia, ensured the secure extraction and transport of the explosive.
The district military command, working alongside specialized engineering units, also dealt with a comparable bomb on October 10, underlining the persistent risks of unexploded ordnance in the region and the diligent efforts required to safeguard local communities.
The enormous waterwheels, or cọn nước, stand as a testament to the ingenuity and diligence of the Thai ethnic community in Vietnam’s northwest. Every November, as the weather turns colder, residents of Nom Village in Chieng Dong Commune, Tuan Giao District, Dien Bien Province, gather along the Nam Hua stream to build these traditional irrigation tools, which have become a symbol of the region’s agricultural heritage.
Located 60 kilometers from Dien Bien Phu City, Nom Village is home to 91 households with over 400 residents. With underdeveloped irrigation systems, more than 60 waterwheels tirelessly operate to irrigate 13 hectares of rice fields during the winter-spring crop season. According to Ca Van Nam, the village leader, the inconsistent water supply, especially during the dry season, compels locals to rely on these waterwheels. Due to frequent flooding, the wheels typically last only one year.
Functioning like giant pumps, the wooden wheels, outfitted with hundreds of bamboo pipes, rotate continuously. Each rotation draws water from the stream, lifting it into bamboo troughs. To irrigate the expansive fields, many families construct systems of five to six wheels, creating a striking visual scene.
Pipes filled with water are poured into the trough.
Crafting a waterwheel is no simple task and requires skill, patience, and careful selection of materials. Villager Lo Van Sang explains that constructing a single wheel takes about 10 days. The process begins with selecting durable bamboo, rattan, and wood from the forest. Each component, from the sturdy central axle to the finely woven bamboo spokes, must meet exacting standards.
A critical feature of the waterwheel is its bamboo scoops, meticulously crafted and affixed to the wheel. These scoops dip into the stream as the wheel turns, lifting water into the troughs that form a complete irrigation system.
The waterwheel is not only a tool to support labor but also a cultural symbol of the Thai ethnic group in Dien Bien in particular and the Northwest in general.
The dry season, from November to April, is an ideal time to visit Nom Village and witness the mesmerizing beauty of these waterwheels in action. Against a backdrop of endless rice fields, the sight of these traditional structures creates a serene and picturesque landscape, offering visitors a glimpse into the enduring cultural and agricultural traditions of the Thai people.
Annualized perpetual funding rates in small cap tokens after bitcoin’s (BTC) recent bullish pause has cooled jets in the broader market, shaking out over-leveraged positions and normalizing costs associated with betting on price rallies. One token, however, is still blazing hot: Solana-based decentralized exchange Raydium’s native cryptocurrency, RAY.
As the only coin with annualized perpetual funding rates still exceeding 160%, RAY stands out among the small, mid and large-cap tokens as the most overheated cryptocurrency, according to data from VeloData. The elevated rate suggests the market for RAY is overcrowded with long positions, with leverage skewed heavily toward the bullish side.
In such conditions, even a slight dip in price can shake the confidence of over-leveraged bulls, especially late entrants, triggering a mass unwinding of long positions, which often exacerbates the price decline, leading to a more pronounced sell-off. Tokens with a market capitalization of less than $5 billion, such as RAY, are particularly vulnerable to shenanigans in the derivatives market.
It’s easy to see why bulls have thrown caution to the wind. Despite the recent 17% price pullback to $5.39, RAY is still up 67% for the month versus market leader BTC’s 35% surge, CoinDesk data show.
The market-beating rise comes amid record activity on Raydium. According to data source Artemis, Raydium has registered a trading volume of $117.8 billion this month, nearly twice the entire Ethereum-based DEX volume of $66.8 billion. Raydium has generated $175 million in fees versus Ethereum’s $168 million. Ethereum is the world’s largest smart contract blockchain.
Note that much of the record activity on Raydium occurred early this month, primarily driven by the memecoin frenzy, which propelled trading volumes to record highs, fueling significant interest in the RAY token. However, the frenzied momentum has begun to cool, weakening the underlying support for a sustained rise in the RAY token.
Airdrop hunters will receive 31% of HYPE’s total supply after a points campaign that ran earlier this year.
Decentralized exchange HyperLiquid announced the launch of HYPE, a native token that will be airdropped to early adopters on Friday.
One billion tokens will be issued, with 31% going to users who earned points in a campaign that ended in May. A further 23.8% will be set aside for current and future core contributors, the latter of which will be locked for one year.
HyperLiquid has more than 220,000 users and has racked up $2.4 billion in trading volume over the past 24 hours.
Points campaigns have become increasingly common in the decentralized finance (DeFi) sector this year as they incentivize the use of the platform in return for eventual token airdrops. They have even spurred the birth of airdrop farmers, investors who move liquidity from one project to another in order to be eligible for various airdrops.
Unlike a standard governance token, HYPE will have numerous functions including staking capabilities and a payment method for gas fees. Staking HYPE will secure HyperBFT, the proof-of-stake consensus algorithm that powers the HyperLiquid platform.
The token generation event will take place at 07:30 UTC on Nov. 29 and a HYPE/USDC market will be added on HyperLiquid’s spot trading book.
The Quang Ninh Culinary Festival 2024, themed “Quang Ninh – A Destination of Culinary Excellence,” will take place from December 26 to 29.
Organized by the Quang Ninh Department of Tourism in collaboration with various departments, agencies, and related organizations, the festival will be held at Sun Carnival Plaza in Bai Chay Ward, Ha Long City.
The Quang Ninh Culinary Festival 2024 features a series of unique and captivating activities, including: An exhibition showcasing traditional culinary specialties and signature products from Quang Ninh’s localities and provinces across northern, central, and southern Vietnam, displayed at 200 booths. Artistic performances and demonstrations of culinary and cocktail preparation by renowned chefs and artisans.
This event serves as a meaningful opportunity for localities and tourism businesses within and beyond Quang Ninh to foster connections, exchange experiences, and develop culinary tourism into an attractive, distinctive product that draws visitors and enhances Quang Ninh’s tourism brand.
Quang Ninh cuisine is diverse in dishes and preparation methods.
Hosting the event in the final month of 2024, a time when Quang Ninh’s tourism sector is striving to recover from significant damage caused by Typhoon No. 3 in September 2024, highlights the determination and resilience of local authorities, businesses, and communities. It also underscores efforts to achieve the province’s goal of welcoming 19 million tourists in 2024. The festival is expected to attract around 120,000 visitors.
In previous years, Quang Ninh successfully organized culinary festivals in 2020, 2022, and 2023. These events generated positive media attention, drew widespread interest from provinces, cities, tourists, and residents, and significantly enhanced Quang Ninh’s image and tourism brand.
In 2024, Binh Dinh Province is estimated to welcome 9.2 million tourists, generating approximately VND 25,500 billion in revenue.
International professional motorboat and jet ski racing tournament in Binh Dinh, taking place in March 2024
According to the Binh Dinh Department of Tourism, the province is expected to see 9.2 million visitors in 2024, an increase of 83.9% compared to 2023. This includes 93,850 international tourists (up 17.3%) and over 9.1 million domestic visitors (up 85% ). Binh Dinh’s tourism revenue for 2024 is projected at VND 25,500 billion, marking a 55.4% increase from VND 16,405 billion in 2023.
However, the number of flights to Binh Dinh in 2024 decreased by more than 1,000 compared to 2023. As a result, tourists now tend to opt for flights from Hanoi or Ho Chi Minh City to Tuy Hoa, Pleiku, or Buon Ma Thuot airports, followed by road transport to reach Binh Dinh.
Additionally, there has been a noticeable rise in visitors choosing train routes to Dieu Tri, Quy Nhon, or Phu Yen stations, then traveling to Binh Dinh. Notably, two new luxury train services connecting Da Nang – Quy Nhon and Nha Trang – Quy Nhon offer five-star hotel-like amenities, adding a new dimension to Binh Dinh’s tourism offerings.
Kite flying festival on Quy Nhon beach (Binh Dinh)
In 2024, Binh Dinh hosted several national and international cultural, sports, and tourism events. These activities help promote the province’s tourism, promoting the land and people of Binh Dinh. This contributed to making Quy Nhon – Binh Dinh an attractive destination, expanding the tourism market, and increasing tourist numbers in the coming years.
Efforts to promote, market, and collaborate on tourism development were accelerated. The application of information technology in tourism development received attention, and training programs to enhance workforce quality were further strengthened.
Binh Dinh Traditional Martial Arts Festival
Moreover, localities in the province organized cultural and sports festivals linked to their unique strengths, creating new tourism products. These efforts support the goal of making Binh Dinh’s tourism sector a key economic driver for the 2020–2025 period.
Recently, the Department of Culture and Sports of Thua Thien Hue Province held a ceremony to celebrate the recognition of “The Knowledge of Tailoring and Wearing Hue Ao Dai” as a national intangible cultural heritage. The event was participated by local residents and enthusiasts of the Hue ao dai.
The recognition ceremony took place at the Provincial Culture and Cinema Center in Thua Thien Hue. Previously, on August 9, 2024, the Minister of Culture, Sports, and Tourism signed the decision to inscribe “The Knowledge of Tailoring and Wearing Hue Ao Dai” into the list of national intangible cultural heritage.
A group of artists in traditional Vietnamese costumes are performing Hue folk songs at the Hue Imperial City. Photo: Ngoc Khuyen
According to the Department of Culture and Sports of Thua Thien Hue, the history of ao dai in Hue dates back to 1744, when Lord Nguyen Phuc Khoat ascended the throne in Phu Xuan (now Hue). He introduced reform in court attire, elevating the ao dai to a central role in the cultural identity of the Dang Trong region, symbolizing autonomy and cultural pride. While Emperor Gia Long in 1802 intended to implement national costume reform, it was Emperor Minh Mang, between 1826 and 1837, who successfully standardized and popularized the ao dai across the country.
Tailoring shops specializing in Hue ao dai are mainly concentrated in areas such as Gia Hoi – Cho Dinh, Kim Long, Vi Da, and Phu Cam. These regions are rich in history, culture, and densely populated, home to families and clans with longstanding traditions of crafting Hue ao dai.
According to a representative of the Department of Culture and Sports, Hue ao dai possesses a distinct uniqueness compared to ao dai from other regions, rooted in the cultural heritage of Hue, which once served as the capital of the Nguyen Dynasty, Vietnam’s last monarchy. Here, the refined aesthetics of royal attire, governed by strict codes, merged with the rustic beauty of folk fashion, giving Hue ao dai its distinctive charm. This blend has imbued Hue ao dai with an elegance and fluidity rarely found elsewhere.
In a recently published article, the prestigious British newspaper The Times showcased a list of stunning destinations across Vietnam.
Travel journalist Claire Boobbyer of The Times shares her memorable journey through Vietnam, providing recommendations for must-visit spots in this S-shaped country based on her personal experiences.
Photo: Vietnamdrive
At the top of the list is Hanoi, the millennia-old capital rich in culture and history.
“Hanoi feels like a living museum filled with memorable milestones. The city is home to rivers, lakes, cultural centers, bustling markets, and a diverse culinary scene. Visitors shouldn’t miss exploring the Old Quarter, often called the ‘heart’ of Hanoi,” Boobbyer suggested.
The breathtaking natural landscapes of Ha Giang also left a lasting impression on Boobbyer, earning the northern province the second spot on her list.
“Visitors here can marvel at the spectacular scenery while experiencing the daily lives of local ethnic communities,” she noted.
Pu Luong (Thanh Hoa) and Mai Chau (Hoa Binh) were also highlighted as unique destinations that captivated the foreign journalist.
In Khanh Hoa, Boobbyer introduced readers to Ninh Van Bay, located on the Hon Heo Peninsula, about 60 kilometers from Nha Trang. “Ninh Van Bay is a tranquil retreat far removed from the hustle and bustle of urban life. This pristine bay offers fresh air and a harmonious connection between nature and humanity.”
Other notable hits celebrated by the The Times writer include the ancient capital of Hue, Da Nang, Hoi An (Quang Nam), and Da Lat (Lam Dong).
VinFast’s Q3 revenue reached VND 12,326 billion, a 49% year-on-year increase, driven by a surge in vehicle deliveries in September.
VinFast delivered nearly 22,000 electric cars in the third quarter. Photo: Phuong Lam.
According to its recently released Q3 financial report, VinFast Auto Ltd. (Nasdaq: VFS) delivered 21,912 vehicles during the quarter, marking a 115% growth compared to the same period last year. This helped the company achieve a revenue of VND 12,326 billion, up 49%.
In September alone, VinFast delivered a significant number of vehicles in the Vietnamese market, making it the best-selling automotive brand for the month.
However, the EV manufacturer reported a gross loss of VND 2,957 billion in Q3. On a positive note, this represents a 46% reduction in gross loss compared to the previous quarter. Gross profit margin also improved from -63% in Q2 and -27% in Q3 2022 to -24% in the latest quarter.
After deducting expenses and taxes, VinFast recorded a net loss of VND 13,251 billion, a 15% decrease year-on-year.
Le Thi Thu Thuy, Chairwoman of VinFast, attributed the improved Q3 performance to strong business results in September. “We aim to close 2024 on a high note, achieving our target of delivering 80,000 vehicles as planned,” Thuy stated.
In October, VinFast delivered over 11,000 electric vehicles to Vietnamese customers, a 21% increase from September, raising the total number of EVs delivered in Vietnam to 51,000 since the beginning of the year. VinFast continued to lead the market in October and became the best-selling brand over the first 10 months of the year.
Recently, VinFast secured additional financial commitments from its founder Pham Nhat Vuong and Vingroup. Vingroup plans to provide up to VND 35,000 billion in new loans to VinFast’s Vietnam entities by the end of 2026, while Pham Nhat Vuong has pledged VND 50,000 billion in personal funds to support the company.
Additionally, Vingroup will convert its existing loans to VinFast, totaling around VND 80,000 billion, into preferred shares with dividend entitlements.
This financial backing aims to ensure VinFast has sufficient resources to fund its operations and investments. The company targets achieving breakeven and self-sustaining cash flow by the end of 2026.
VinFast remains on track with its global expansion strategy. As of October 31, the company’s worldwide retail network includes 173 car showrooms and 160 electric motorcycle showrooms and service centers, including both VinFast-owned outlets and dealerships.
The company recorded record sales in North America in September. It plans to deliver its VF 9 model in the U.S. and Canada in November.
In Indonesia, VinFast has delivered its VF e34 and VF 5 right-hand drive models and is preparing to open its factory in Subang by 2025. By October 31, VinFast had established 17 dealerships across 15 cities in the country.
In the Philippines, the company launched its VF 3, VF 5, and VF 7 models. By the end of October, it had eight dealerships in six cities.
In India, VinFast is setting up a factory with an annual capacity of 50,000 EVs, with machinery installation underway. The facility is scheduled to commence operations in 2025.
In October, VinFast also entered the Middle East market, launched its brand in the UAE and opened its first dealership in Dubai’s city center.
After a restructuring period, Bamboo Airways has resumed international flights, offering competitive fares rivaling low-cost carriers on the HCMC-Bangkok route.
Bamboo Airways flights to Bangkok will land at Don Mueang Airport. Photo: BAV.
On the afternoon of November 26, flight QH323 from Tan Son Nhat International Airport (HCMC) landed at Don Mueang International Airport (Bangkok, Thailand).
Phan Dinh Tue, Chairman of Bamboo Airways, stated that this marks not only Bamboo Airways’ return to the Thai market but also the beginning of re-establishing its regular international flight network. This milestone demonstrates the airline’s recovery efforts and commitment to sustainable growth.
He further emphasized that Bangkok and Thailand have long been popular destinations for Vietnamese and international tourists. Bamboo Airways previously operated routes connecting Hanoi and HCMC to Bangkok, achieving high occupancy rates, peaking at 90% during the 2023 Lunar New Year season.
Currently, the HCMC-Bangkok route is highly competitive, with participation from several Vietnamese and Thai airlines, including Vietnam Airlines, Vietjet Air, Vietravel Airlines, AirAsia, and Thai Airways.
During a media event in Thailand, Truong Viet Cuong, Deputy General Director of Bamboo Airways, highlighted the airline’s competitive advantages, including its high on-time performance (OTP) and full-service offerings.
“Bamboo is committed to maintaining a high OTP. Despite being a full-service airline, we offer competitive fares, which are key factors in attracting customers on this busy route,” Cuong noted.
According to a survey by Tri Thuc – Znews, in December, round-trip fares for the HCMC-Bangkok route range from VND 3.4 to 3.6 million for Bamboo Airways and low-cost carrier AirAsia. Vietjet Air and Vietravel Airlines’ fares are around VND 4.5 million, while Vietnam Airlines’ fares are at VND 6.3 million.
Bamboo Airways plans to operate the HCMC-Bangkok route with a daily round trip, departing at 11:15 AM from HCMC and 2:00 PM from Bangkok.
Previously, the airline had launched regular flights on the HCMC-Bangkok route in April 2022 and Hanoi-Bangkok in March 2023.
On November 5, an Airbus A320 aircraft, registered JU-1410, landed at Noi Bai International Airport, becoming the newest addition to Bamboo Airways’ fleet ahead of the year-end peak season.
Luong Hoai Nam, CEO of Bamboo Airways, shared that over the past year, the airline has been actively negotiating with aircraft reducers worldwide to expand its fleet amidst a global aircraft shortage.
He noted that Bamboo Airways is continuing discussions with partners and anticipates adding more aircraft before the Lunar New Year of 2025.
With these new additions, the airline plans to increase flight frequencies and resume regular domestic and international routes.
In the first six months of operation, Metro Line No. 1 Ben Thanh – Suoi Tien will run 200 trips daily from 5:00 AM to 10:00 PM. After this initial phase, operating hours will extend to 11:30 PM daily.
According to a representative from the HCMC Urban Railway Company Limited No. 1 (HURC1), Metro Line No. 1 is planned to operate from 5:00 AM to 11:30 PM with a train frequency of 4 minutes and 30 seconds. Trains will stop for 30 seconds at each station, except for special stations like Ben Thanh and Suoi Tien.
However, during the first six months of commercial operation, the line will run 200 trips daily from 5:00 AM to 10:00 PM.
During peak hours (6:00–8:00 AM, 11:00 AM–12:00 PM, and 3:30–6:00 PM), trains will run at 8-minute intervals with nine trains in operation. During off-peak hours, the interval will be 12 minutes with six trains.
“After the initial phase, the metro line will extend its operating hours to 11:30 PM daily,” HURC1 leadership stated.
On weekdays (Monday to Friday), the peak-hour train frequency will be 5 minutes per trip, 10 minutes during regular hours, and 15 minutes during low-demand hours, amounting to approximately 276 trips per day.
On weekends (Saturday and Sunday), summer holidays, and public holidays, peak-hour frequency will be 8 minutes per trip, 10 minutes during regular hours, and 15 minutes during low-demand hours, totaling approximately 226 trips per day.
Previously, from November 11 to 17, Metro Line No. 1 underwent trial operations at 100% design capacity, with 14 trains running continuously from 5:00 AM to 11:30 PM.
During the trial period, nearly 3,000 passengers experienced the metro, according to HURC1 Representatives. This phase provides an opportunity for station staff, train operators, and management teams to gain experience in organizing and managing metro operations.
“Through the trial operations, we addressed limitations, enhancing station efficiency and ensuring safety and service quality for passengers,” the HURC1 representative stated.
The representative also mentioned that operational teams continue to hold meetings and draw lessons to ensure the best possible preparation for the official launch.
Additionally, the 61 train operators—who have been with Metro Line No. 1 since 2020—have intense training programs. This guarantees safe and reliable operations, providing passengers confidence in the Vietnamese operators’ skills.
Nearly 400 station staff have also received professional training and adhere to strict protocols, ensuring they are ready to deliver top-quality service to the public in the coming month.
