Vietnam boasts one of the world’s fastest-growing economies, optimistic citizens and a stable government. But below the surface of positive data points lies discontent that spilled over during recent protests across the country.
On June 17, hundreds of anti-riot police blanketed central Ho Chi Minh City, the nation’s thriving commercial center, to prevent demonstrations after thousands of Vietnamese took to the streets across the nation the previous week. They were marching against proposed special economic zones with 99-year land leases they fear will lead to Chinese encroachment, as well as cybersecurity legislation they believe will curb online freedoms.
“There’s an overall frustration in society,” said Alexander Vuving, a political analyst at the Asia-Pacific Center for Security Studies in Hawaii. “During the 10 years since Vietnam joined the World Trade Organization, they have seen progress in terms of wealth creation. At the same time, people have seen a lot of corruption scandals. And Vietnamese are very suspicious of Chinese influence.”
Vietnam’s one-party system is governed by a collective leadership involving the Communist Party general secretary and ministers. Activists and bloggers who challenge the legitimacy of the party and government can be jailed — there are currently 169 activists in prison, according to Rep. Chris Smith, a New Jersey Republican who has held hearings on Vietnam.
In the south-central province of Binh Thuan, police are prosecuting eight people on charges of causing public disorder, the government-owned Vietnam News reported today. The province experienced demonstrations on June 10-11, when vehicles were set ablaze, government buildings damaged and 45 police officers injured, according to the Ministry of Public Security.
To be sure, citizens have benefited greatly by the communist government’s aggressive moves to open the economy up to the world.
Vietnam has averaged economic growth of 6.3 percent between 2005 and 2017, multiplying its per capital income six-fold to $2,385 last year from $396 in 2000, according to data from General Statistics Office in Hanoi. The economy grew 7.38 percent in the first quarter and the World Bank revised its forecast on Vietnam’s 2018 economic growth to 6.8 percent from 6.5 percent. The booming economy is being driven by investments from foreign companies such as Samsung Electronics Co., LG Electronics and Nestle SA that have made the country a manufacturing powerhouse.
Still, a level of distrust of the government exists among average citizens, whose concerns are amplified on social media.
One flashpoint is the nation’s fraught relations with its powerful neighbor, China, with which it fought a brief border war in 1979. A Pew opinion poll released last year found just 10 percent of Vietnamese view China favorably. Territorial tensions have picked up between Vietnam and China since China dragged an exploration oil rig into contested waters in mid-2014. The move led to deadly anti-China protests in Vietnam and clashes at sea between coast guard boats.
“Anti-China sentiment is toxic in Vietnam,” said Carlyle Thayer, an emeritus professor at the Australian Defence Force Academy in Canberra.
Thousands of protesters, fearing a proposed law on special economic zones would allow Chinese to gain influence over the nation with 99-year leases, demonstrated from Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh City on June 10. In all, about 300 people were detained, including U.S. citizen Will Nguyen, who was accused of causing public disorder, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs spokeswoman Le Thi Thu Hang said at a Hanoi news briefing Thursday.
Vietnamese are also inflamed about a cybersecurity law approved by the National Assembly last week that requires companies such as Facebook and Google to store data of local users within the country. The law, which goes into effect Jan. 1, also bans internet users from organizing, encouraging or training other people for anti-state purposes, spreading false information, creating difficulties for authorities and damaging socioeconomic activity.
Unlike previous protests such as those in 2016 against an environmental disaster tied to Taiwan’s Formosa Plastics Corp., the recent demonstrations involved more ordinary citizens and fewer well-known activists, Vuving said.
An undercurrent of anger is swelling among average Vietnamese because of “massive corruption and extreme lack of transparency in provincial governments,” said Le Dang Doanh, a Hanoi-based economist and former government adviser. “It’s very important that the government talk more to people to relieve problems before they become big issues among citizens.”
For now, the discontentment won’t deter investors in Vietnam, which depends on foreign investment for growth, said Bernard Lapointe, Ho Chi Minh City-based head of research at Viet Dragon Securities. “The biggest risk for Vietnam, in case of an escalation of social discontent, would be a drop in FDI.”
Political leaders are working to tamp down the anger. The National Assembly postponed voting on the special economic zones legislation until later this year and removed the 99-year lease provision.
Communist Party General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong called on citizens to trust the party’s leaders and remain calm, according to a statement posted on the government’s website Monday. The party, he added, “has no other purpose other than being for the country and for its people.”
By Bloomberg’s Nguyen Dieu Tu Uyen, Nguyen Kieu Giang and Nguyen Xuan Quynh contributed.
Is Vietnam at a crossroads between cyber security and right to privacy?
According to a Financial Times article, Vietnam cyber security law is set to restrict Facebook and Google in their nation. Unfortunately, the obvious outcome is that this new cyber security law stands to hurt investors’ confidence and stunt the growth of Vietnam’s digital economy.
What’s more concerning is that the regulation will require Vietnamese data to be stored within the country and allow the government full access as part of their security measures.
Same story, different times
First of all, in the US, there has been a much more robust government surveillance system in place under its Patriot Act, in the aftermath of 9/11 terrorist attack and the anthrax attack. The internet and Big Data-related businesses expanded, while the general masses in the US lived under their government’s active and heavy-handed surveillance.
Vietnam is an independent country and its legislatures have the right to get a better understanding of their citizen’s data in order to protect their national interests. So, what is the issue then?
It is an issue because, in this case, if any party gets to have possession over a citizen’s data it would be Vietnam’s government. If the government missuses that data against their own people, it would be their responsibility to make amends and follow the democratic process.
And rest assured, it won’t be Facebook or Google who have to face the consequences.
It is shocking that while we are in the process of discovering to what extent Facebook user data was used to manipulate the US elections back in 2016, a reputed news network (Financial Times) is taking a stance against the Vietnam government, who is simply exercising its right to protect their citizens from any possible manipulation.
Europe has an extensive cyber security policy — and both Facebook and Google are currently negotiating with the EU to settle the damage they have dealt. If Vietnam wants to offer a similar cyber security certification scheme as the EU has, the country must first make sure that user data is secure.
Follow the law
Currently, multi-national tech companies such as Facebook and Google have begun operating in Vietnam from regional hubs such as Singapore and Hong Kong, possibly storing their data in places unknown to users and to Vietnam’s regulators.
The new regulation will require these companies, who will continue to operate in Vietnam, to open offices in Vietnam and abide by the laws of the land (including storing data in their soil and to hand over any required access to government authorities).
In my opinion, this will bring more jobs to Vietnam and stronger commitment from investors which would help stabilize growth for the country. A couple of the biggest challenges which warm-weather countries face in terms of data storage is the high ambient temperatures and comparatively low electricity supply — two factors which greatly hinder the establishment of cloud storage facilities.
To that end, recently, Microsoft found a possible solution to that problem by moving its cloud servers underwater.
Vietnam, and other countries in a similar situation, could now consider such solutions for server placement and allow home-grown internet businesses to flourish more autonomously. I welcome this new regulation which I believe will actually render additional businesses and services free from possible manipulation.
Moving ahead with its privatisation exercise, the Vietnamese government has approved the sale of 35 per cent stake in Vietnam National Shipping Lines (Vinalines) at a starting price of VND10,000 ($0.4) apiece in its initial public offering (IPO), which is expected to be conducted in September. Deal Street Asia reports.
Vinalines’ charter capital is estimated at approximately VND14 trillion ($616.7 million). As per the plan, over 280 million shares, equivalent to 20 per cent stake, in Vinalines will be offered for sale in Hanoi Stock Exchange. And, 207 million shares, or 14.8 per cent stake, will be sold to strategic investors. The remaining shares will be sold to employees of the company, according to the plan approved by the government.
Following the sale, the government will retain a 65 per cent stake in the firm. At the price of VND10,000 ($0.4) apiece, the state is expected to earn approximately VND4 trillion ($176.2 million) from the sale.
In a parallel development, SK Group, South Korea’s third-largest multilateral business conglomerate, has expressed interest in the upcoming equitisation of Vinalines and hopes to come in as a strategic investor in the company.
Earlier, Vinalines’ acting CEO Nguyen Canh Tinh had said the shipping carrier had not received any interest from investors although it had actively negotiated with Rent A Port, Deep C, and others for a possible alliance. “Most strategic investors want to own higher rates (49-51 per cent) to gain dominance,” he had told local media.
Vinalines’ 2017 revenue was estimated at VND16 trillion ($702.4 million), exceeding the annual target by 15 per cent. While its profit was VND515 billion ($22.6 million) and total assets stood at over VND18 trillion ($790 million). It is targeting a consolidated profit of $75.8 million on a revenue of $757.7 million by 2020.
Yesterday was Graduation Day for me! And on that occasion, I wrote my parents and thanked them for everything they did for me. You can’t imagine the sacrifices they made, the love and support they give me to grow into the person I am and will be. I feel like most children of Asian immigrants around the world can agree with me that Asian parents are so hardworking and giving and selfless, just so they can give their children a better future.
I studied at Copenhagen Business School, the prestige university for the “rich kids” – at least that’s the reputation around here. And there is always a bit of truth and a reason for a certain image. Understandingly when I first started, my parents feared I would have difficulties to keep up at that university and have disadvantages. That thought came because my family couldn’t just buy me an apartment here and they have no connections to get me a student job or internships. They would love to give me all these things but we come from a different background. And they wanted to support me financially at least, but I said no because they raised me and my two younger siblings to be independent and hardworking, so I financed every cent for my life here and for my travels myself and I graduated with an average B-, which is good enough for me and my future studies.
My parents and me on the day I defended my Bachelor
Yes, to be honest, a lot of fellow students had it easier and got an internship or job because their parent or other relatives knew people or worked there themselves and could help them. They had it easier but it doesn’t mean I felt without a chance. I just had other chances and I made my peace that I have to work with these odds, and not against them. Of course, somedays it was killing my spirit, to receive no response to all the applications or to stress because I couldn’t find an apartment. It had its tough moments and I would lie if I didn’t envy some of my friends, whose parents could support them with their connections and status.
My parents came to Germany in the 1990s, crossing the border illegally in the back of a truck. I am always very proud of the fact that my mom and dad changed their odds and managed to set up a great life for us all in Germany. They grew up after the Vietnam War and during the civil war. In their teenage years, my mom and dad each on their own, went to Europe and then immigrated to Northern Germany after the wall in Berlin fell. My parents actually met in Germany, fell in love, had me and my brother and fought in order to stay in Germany indefinitely. And in 2000 we were allowed to – it’s a really sweet and typical immigrant story. As long as I can remember, my parents would work hard and try to find ways to start their own business, you know, having a restaurant or a shop, Asian immigrant style – in order for us to have a good life in Germany. A good middle-class life. And for some, that’s not good enough but for me, it is the most inspiring and empowering story. My parents grew up in the war-stricken country and managed to give their children, my two younger siblings and me, a completely different life. I didn’t feel like lacking anything, even though I knew we have a different background and sometimes I have to fight harder to get the same chances as others.
Which is actually one of the reasons I started this blog and my social media channels. One person asked me in a Facebook group where I shared my article, why I keep posting it in all these groups and if I am that desperate for attention. I thought about this statement for some time, not just to reflect on myself but also to find a way to explain it in a way, that is understandable. I realized that for me, in order to create my own network and connections, I have to invest and market the one thing I can always count on: myself.
I started to blog because I couldn’t find a proper student job 3 years ago, and only babysitting didn’t add value to my CV. So after months of applying for corporate student jobs here in Copenhagen and getting rejected or no answer at all, I decided to start a platform where people get to know me and where I help people to get started with their lives in Denmark. With this, I will reach out to people I might never have the chance to introduce myself to. Even if they just read my articles for a minute or two, I get the chance to make an impression right? And on the other side, I keep updating my blog and write down things I learned and my experiences, to help others and to connect with like-minded people. I guess if you are still reading, you can probably relate to living abroad, or the Asian parents situation and actually have a similar heritage yourself or you can relate to something else that I wrote about.
Anyway, two of the student jobs I have now, I got because my bosses were following my posts and channels. Some of my friends I have, I “met” them through Social Media. I have a very good friend named Anna, who was planning to move to Copenhagen two years ago, and then she bumped into my content. A month ago, a German-Vietnamese girl, named Mai, texted me that we just have the same background and interests and she felt understood by the feelings I expressed in my blog posts about cultural differences. Mai and I have been hanging out a lot since our first meeting and I am glad I got to meet her through my blog. Both Anna and Mai were waiting for me with flowers and champagne at my Bachelor defense, with my family from Germany. For me, friends are the family you find when living abroad.
The day Gul-Mina and I defended our Bachelor, our friends came to celebrate with us
That is why, some influencers, like me, entrepreneurs, artists or freelancers, etc, are sharing their thoughts and content in groups and it seems like a “cry for attention” and in a way it is – it is a chance to reach out to people to create our own network and build our own thing. Because some of us come from a background where our family doesn’t have connections or high positioned jobs to hook us up with a job and help us out otherwise. It’s great for me to get in touch with people; in Beijing and Taipei, where I will be living soon, in Shanghai where I plan to do an internship next summer, in Hanoi and HCMC where some family member live and where I have my roots and in Copenhagen of course, because that was my base the past years. We have to find a way to build that ourselves and Social Media is a great way for it. Also, it doesn’t hurt anyone and you meet the nicest and most helpful and inspiring people on it if you look closer
As for me now, I have the German citizenship since I am 19 years old, I love spending my free time blogging, I just graduated from one of the best business schools in the world and I will study my double degree Master in Beijing soon, spending several months in Taipei during my breaks.
I am so excited for my next years in China and Taiwan and thanks to my hardworking and loving parents, my life is in my own hands. They taught me that no one owes you anything – and only I myself can work hard enough to change your life. Their values taught me that with hard work and no sense of entitlement, I can go anywhere in the world if I wanted to, do anything if I wanted to and become the best version of myself if I won’t give up working on it. There are some factors you have no control about, but there are many things you can influence. I am excited for what comes next.
Thank you so much for reading! Do you have a similar story and want to share them? Please get in touch with me because I want to open a section in my blog for guest post about Third-Culture Kids, living abroad or growing up with Asian roots in a different culture. When I posted about the feeling of being split and lost in between cultures, Real-Talk: Dating, feeling lost and feeling home; The Third Culture Kid, I got over hundreds of messages with personal stories, which made me realized that we are not alone with our feelings and its worth sharing. So please hit me up if you want to share a story!
HANOI, Vietnam (AP) — Flash floods and landslides triggered by heavy rains have killed at least 7 people and left 12 others missing in northern Vietnam.
In the worst hit province of Lai Chau, 5 people were killed and authorities have been mobilizing forces to search for the 12 missing, the provincial government said in a statement Monday.
The Vietnam Disaster Management Authority said in a statement that two people were killed in neighboring Ha Giang province when their house collapsed. Landslides have interrupted traffic in some areas, it added.
Heavy rains are forecast to continue in the region for the next two days.
Floods and storms kill hundreds each year in the Southeast Asian country and cause millions of dollars in damages.
Flash floods and landslides caused by heavy rain on Saturday and Sunday in Vietnam’s northern Lai Chau province have left three local people dead and three others missing, and injured five people, the provincial authorities said on Sunday.
The floods also swept away a bridge in Than Uyen district, and damaged two irrigation works in Muong Te district and big areas of crops in Lai Chau, causing property losses of hundreds of thousands of U.S. dollars.
Vietnam hit with floods and landslides with at least 3 dead | Image source: Facebook
In the first five months of this year, natural disasters in Vietnam killed 13 local people, injured 21 others, destroyed or damaged nearly 11,000 houses, damaged 6,100 hectares of rice and other crops, and killed 8,200 cattle and 3,500 poultry, leaving property losses of over 544 billion Vietnamese dong (nearly 24 million U.S. dollars), according to the country’s General Statistics Office.
Sapa, Lao Cai province of Vietnam | Image source: Wikipedia
Northwest (Tây Bắc) is one of the regions of Vietnam, located in the mountainous northwestern part of the country. It consists of four provinces: Dien Bien, Lai Chau, Son La, Hoa Binh, Lao Cai and Yen Bai. Among which, Sapa – a small town in Lao Cai provice is popular trekking base, it overlooks the terraced rice fields of the Muong Hoa Valley, and is near the 3,143m-tall Phang Xi Pang peak, which is climbable via a steep, multiday guided walk. Hill tribes, such as the Hmong, Tay and Dao, make up much of the town’s local population.
From foodies and beach hoppers to art and culture buffs and adventure seekers, Vietnam has something to offer everyone. With its 3,000 kilometers of tropical coastline, exquisite food and fascinating culture, this amazing country is waiting to be explored by the tourist hoards. Get ahead of the crowds and go now; we list the reasons why.
Vietnam is one of the oldest cultures in South East Asia, dating back to 2000 BC, and it has has a complicated history starting from its native Dong Son culture and spanning thousands of years. The country has been influenced by Chinese, Khmer, and Indian cultures, as well as French colonialism.
Delicious food
Street food is a trademark of Vietnam. Stop at one of those food stalls on the sidewalk, grab a small plastic stool and sit down. What you will get next is simply heavenly. From pho noodle soup, spring rolls, banh mi and sticky rice to seafood, Vietnamese food is always tasty, fresh and healthy.
Tropical fruit is not to be missed while in Vietnam. Fans of watermelon, pineapple, banana, mango, and mandarin will certainly find paradise here, as well as discovering new, strange, spiky types that they might have never seen before. Fruit is sold everywhere in the markets, on the sidewalks, or in the mall, and is always fresh and cheap.
Best coffee in the world
The second largest coffee exporter worldwide, Vietnam boasts an excellent coffee culture in the green tea continent. Black coffee, coffee with condensed milk, coffee with coconut milk, coffee with egg yolk, coffee with yoghurt; try it all.
Vietnam should be called ‘the land of endless smiles’. Friendliness is present in every corner, from the urban cities to rural countryside. Don’t hesitate to make friends and explore local culture while you’re here.
Beautiful beaches
While Thailand or the Philippines are popular for beach holidays, Vietnam’s tropical beaches are far less acknowledged. But once found out they will no doubt get the same levels of tourism; go before they are discovered.
Mountaineers will love visiting Vietnam, home to the peak of former Indochina, the Fansipan. Sapa town in the North of Vietnam attracts not only leisure travelers but also mountain hikers.
The best way to get the most out of Vietnam is to do as locals do; rent a motorbike and either drive to the mountains in the North or along the length of the whole country from north to south. The roads can be tricky and badly maintained though, and this epic ride is not for the faint hearted.
Reasonable Cost
Budget travelers will certainly love Vietnam. Hostel dorm rooms can go as cheap as $5 per night and great street food can be found for $1-2.
Shoppers with a taste for ethnic fashion and handicrafts will find a shopping paradise here. From earrings and scarves to traditional women’s outfits, you’ll find great offers throughout the whole country. In Hoi An you can also get speed tailors to make your suit and dress in just a day.
With its bright, clean flavours and generous use of herbs and vegetables, Vietnamese food is widely considered one of the world’s healthiest and most delicious cuisines. What I didn’t know is that Vietnamese food differs widely from region to region, thanks to the country’s unique geography and diverse culture, including Chinese, French and Japanese influences.
Inspired by centuries of Japanese influence and trade, Hoi An’s signature dish is cao lau, combining thicker udon-style noodles with fresh herbs, roast pork and crunchy croutons – this was my favourite dish! I was feeling very adventurous and tried a bowl of lemongrass and chilli-steamed snails. It was a lot nicer than it sounds!
I spent most of my time in Hanoi lost in a haze of delicious street-side grazing. Alongside the street food, I visited some bricks-and-mortar eateries. One was Cafe Duy Tri, a classic 80-year old Hanoi cafe. Ca Phe Sua Chua (iced coffee with yoghurt) became my favourite combination of drink and dessert.
I ventured from Hanoi to Hue, which was also a haven for delicious food. Some of Hue’s most beloved delicacies include steamed banh beo – delicate, bite-sized rice cakes topped with dried shrimps – and banh khoai, robust mini-pancakes crammed with prawns and pork belly.
(CNN) — Whatever the movies have taught you about Vietnam, forget it.
This Southeast Asia destination is shedding its old look, disrobing itself of the heavy cloak of history to become a pulsating, spirited destination able not just to compete, but to surpass its peers in the region.
You want to spend? Try a shopping trip to Ho Chi Minh City’s sparkling high-rise malls. You want to lounge? Head for any of the beaches and luxury resorts that dot the coast. You want to party till dawn, breakfast on a boat and explore caves and diving spots in the afternoon?
Vietnam not only has you covered, it’ll have first-timers wondering why they never made travel plans before and old hands already planning what to do in Vietnam next year.
HANOI
The best place to begin in Hanoi is with the city’s top tourist draw — the Old Quarter. Here centuries of commerce can be charted amid labyrinthine streets and tiny alleyways.
Hanoi, however, isn’t all about classic images of old Asia. You’ll find classy lounges that wouldn’t be out of place in any world metropolis and bohemian hangouts where locals, foreign residents and visitors gather to soak in the atmosphere. If you’re wondering what to do in Vietnam, and where to start, Hanoi is a good welcomer.
Hotels
Luxury
Hanoi Sofitel Plaza
Previously looked upon as the poor relation of Hanoi’s two Sofitel-owned properties (hardly surprising when the other is the revered Metropole Hotel), the Sofitel Plaza was re-launched in April this year following a major refurbishment.
The new look is an appealing blend of Oriental charm and contemporary elegance. Major attractions include the setting near West Lake and lofty Summit Lounge bar on the hotel’s 20th floor.
Mid-range
InterContinental West Lake
You’ll get a modicum of peace away from the city’s insane traffic on the shores of bucolic Tay Ho (West Lake) at InterContinental’s impressive Hanoi property. Rooms in the main building are everything you’d expect from a major international chain, but for something a little more secluded book a room in one of the pavilions that jut out onto the surface of the water.
Budget
Golden Silk Hotel
Smart, well-appointed, good value. One of several smart, intimate boutique hotels that have muscled in on Hanoi’s hospitality scene, Golden Silk doesn’t try too hard to be trendy. That’s a good thing.
It has smart, trim, comfortable and tasteful rooms and friendly service — a good value in the heart of the Old Quarter. Extra touches include a mini-bar and a steam room and Jacuzzi.
Golden Silk Boutique Hotel, 109-111 Hang Gai Street, Hanoi 21200 Vietnam; +84 4 3928 6969
Dining
Quan An Ngon
Rarely has a name been so apt. The English translation of this flawless venue is “delicious restaurant.” The concept is simple yet ingenious.
Much of the best food in Vietnam can be found on the streets — the owners here have decided to serve local street staples in more upmarket surroundings.Gentrification hasn’t come at the cost of authenticity. If you’re fortunate enough to be eating with a local you’ll navigate the menu easily.
If you’re clueless just take a stab in the dark — it’s all good. The salads are exemplary, especially the goi ngo sen (lotus stem salad with shrimp and pork).
Quan An Ngon, 18 Phan Boi Chau Hoan Kiem Dist, Hanoi Vietnam; +84 4 3942 8162
Pots ‘n Pans
Founded by graduates from KOTO — a Hanoi restaurant that works to train homeless and disadvantaged children in hospitality skills — Pots and Pans is one of the city’s best dining venues.
The food blends fresh Vietnamese produce with international cooking techniques and presentation. Dishes such as pork hock croquettes and Australian beef rolled in betel leaf prove that “fusion” is still a culinary style with lots of territory to explore.
El Gaucho Argentinean Steakhouse
Argentineans are generally as adept at handling premium slices of beef as they are at kicking a football around — this new outlet hits the mark as unerringly as a Lionel Messi free kick. The smart interior, which includes relaxed downstairs seating at the bar and a more formal dining area upstairs, is dotted with arty images of Latin America.
The menu is meat-dominated. A full range of grilled items is available, but the star attractions are the steaks, which include flawless Wagyu tenderloin and prime USDA Angus rib eye.
Halia Hanoi
Halia Hanoi is one of the city’s few fine-dining places worthy of the term, having won a string of accolades and a loyal audience since opening two years back.
Fusion is the ethos here, with fresh Asian ingredients and marinating techniques that wouldn’t be out of place in Paris. Standout dishes such as slow-cooked duck breast with chestnut stuffing and a tender poached cod with mushrooms and Chinese spices nail the brief with nonchalant flair.
Nightlife
Tadioto
Another venue that marks Hanoi out as artier than anywhere else in Vietnam, Tadioto is the brainchild of poet, scriptwriter, journalist and all round Renaissance man Nguyen Qui Duc. The venue serves as a gathering point for the city’s creative and intellectual set.
While most easily described as a bar, it’s also a forum for the arts with literary readings, installations, live music and exhibitions.
Hanoi Rock City
Hanoi Rock City is proof that despite a midnight curfew, Hanoi has nonetheless developed a hip nightlife scene. Outdoors, a massive English-style beer garden — complete with giant screen for big sporting events — packs in revelers most nights.
The upstairs space is dedicated to all things musical, with live bands, and DJs playing everything from straight ahead indie and rock to dubstep, heavy bass and reggae.
CAMA ATK Bar
The CAMA guys have been providing righteous light in the general murk that is Vietnam’s left field music scene for more than five years. The independent promoters put on an annual music festival that’s the closest thing Vietnam has to Glastonbury, bringing more than 50 international acts to the country since starting out.
This, their latest venue, draws the city’s music lovers with its eclectic program of live acts and DJs. With a range of potent cocktails and local and imported beers, the bar is a convivial place even if there’s nothing on.
Shopping/attractions
Old Quarter
In many ways the Old Quarter is the Asia of popular imagination: vibrant and often stomach-turning market scenes, vendors in conical hats and hidden pagodas patrolled by impassive cats and shaven-headed monks. Shopping opportunities abound at markets such as Dong Xuan and streets such as Hang Gai (silk) and Hang Da (leather).
Meanwhile, the area’s famous Communal Houses — mini-temples that are mostly protected from the street by well-disguised entrances — provide respite from the bustle.
True Colors Street Food Tour
Dining possibilities may be endless in Hanoi, but most visitors don’t even manage to get beyond the basics. That’s why Daniel Hoyer is a godsend.
A well regarded chef in Hanoi, he knows the capital’s mind-boggling street food culture as intimately as anyone. His full- and half-day tours introduce participants to an array of local (and always excellent) fare they wouldn’t have a hope of finding on their own.
True Colors Street Food Tour, 18 Hang Be; +84 9 1223 3966
Vietnam Museum of Ethnology
Ho Chi Minh’s mausoleum draws more tourists, but when it comes to investigating Vietnam’s rich tapestry of cultures this excellent museum is the best place to start.
Vietnam has around 54 ethnic minority groups — mostly in the mountainous regions.
In contrast to other museums in Vietnam, most of which are either politically skewed or offer little or no meaningful insight, this one details its subject matter intelligently through a range of media, including video and photography as well as costumes, tools, implements and arts and crafts.
HO CHI MINH CITY
Also known as Saigon, Ho Chi Minh City is changing at a pace that would shame the most reckless of motorcycle taxi drivers.
Business towers, office blocks, glitzy shopping malls, high-end real estate developments, urban regeneration projects, visually stunning new bridges — you name it, this city has got it and is about to get much more of it. While all the progress is sometimes mourned by old timers, life is never dull when you’re in the thick of it. In fact, it’s the city’s limitless vitality that furnishes much of its allure.
Hotels
Luxury
Park Hyatt Saigon
Probably the most prestigious address in Saigon, the city’s Hyatt is a five-star hotel among the cluster of properties flanking the Opera House and Lam Son Square, ideal for business travelers and tourists who like to vacation in splendor. Rooms run from functional luxury to unforgettable opulence.
There’s a giant pool to lounge by and a high quality spa for pampering. The hotel’s 2 Lam Son Bar could well be one of the most stylish lobby bars in the world, while its restaurants are among the best high-end options in the city.
An Lam Saigon River Private Residence
A 15-minute speedboat ride from downtown Saigon, this boutique resort couldn’t feel further from the vehicular insanity and thick smog that characterizes Vietnam’s largest city. With 14 rooms — a mixture of opulent riverfront villas with private pools and smaller but still special accommodations — the property is intimate and peaceful. The main pool is shaded by tropical foliage while the restaurant and deck bar are ideal for riverside down time.
Mid-range
Hotel Nikko Saigon
This recent addition to the business hotel scene offers spanking new rooms with a contemporary trim and an average room size of 40 square meters. They’re among the most spacious in their class in the city.
The hotel is near the Saigon River and close to all the action downtown. Restaurant options include Ming Court (Chinese) and Fuji (Japanese).
Dining
Cuc Gach Quan
Despite serving some of the best Vietnamese food in the city in a serene converted house, Cuc Gach Quan’s location on the outer limits of District 1 is often a deterrent to short-term visitors. It shouldn’t be.
As it is at many Vietnamese restaurants, the menu is tome-like. Homemade tofu is creamy and pliant and sure to convince the doubters. Other highlights include soft shell crab and beautifully textured red rice. An extensive wine list and reasonable prices make it even more imperative to steer a course here.
Monsoon
With its airy setting and immaculate interior design, Monsoon feels like a top-end venue, but stays true to the Asian street dining idea of great food at low prices.
With Cambodian, Vietnamese, Burmese, Thai and Laotian offerings, it’s the only place in town where diners can mix and match a banquet from across mainland Southeast Asia. Top picks include a sweet pork curry from Myanmar and a flawless take on Khmer fish Amok.
Banh Xeo 46A
It’s not hard to see why the banh xeo (“sizzling pancake”) has become such a hit with foreigners. Unlike some Vietnamese creations, there are no challenges or nasty surprises.
Rice flour, water, turmeric powder (the source of the pancakes’ vibrant yellow coloring) and coconut milk are combined to make the batter, which is stuffed with fatty pork, shrimp and bean sprouts, then pan-fried. The crisp result is served alongside a veritable hedgerow of aromatic herbs and dipped in nuoc cham (fish sauce thinned with water and lemon). This is one of the most addictive treats in the Vietnamese culinary armory — this is one of the best venues at which to get hooked.
Where to find the best street food in Ho Chi Minh City
Nightlife
Chill Skybar
The place to be seen, and to see. This is Saigon’s most opulent sky bar. Since opening in October 2011 it has earned a lofty reputation with great cocktails and good food. The A-list Vietnamese celebs and models who have made this their watering hole of choice may beg to differ, but the real star of the show is the stunning view over Saigon.
Yoko
Saigon may be a party city, but cerebral types can have a tough task tracking down bohemia. Hipster hangout Yoko, however, offers respite from all the dumb fun.
While some of the cover bands are merely so-so, this is the place where Saigon musicians convene for some decent sets and jam sessions. Throw reasonably priced drinks and comfortable sofas into the mix and you’ve got a recipe for a cool, unpretentious, bar — a simple, but rare concept in HCMC.
Lush
Every upwardly mobile metropolis needs a place for its beautiful people to preen, and this is Saigon’s. Most nights of the week, the city’s stylish set check each other out over expensive cocktails on the crowded terrace, one of the classiest pick-up spots in town.
Top international DJs don’t tend to make the detour from Bangkok, KL and Singapore, but when they do they usually end up here, meaning there’s a better than average hits-to-misses ratio with the music. Tuesday’s Ladies Night is a particularly popular weekly event.
Lush, 2 Ly Tu Trong, Ho Chi Minh City Vietnam; +84 8 824 2496
Shopping/attractions
Ben Thanh Market
The daddy of Saigon’s many markets, Ben Thanh is by far the most popular tourist shopping spot in the city. From buckets of jumping frogs in the wet market to clothes, fabrics and souvenirs in the teeming narrow alleys, this place puts the “Ay!” into buying.
Prices are somewhat higher than at markets elsewhere and only the hardest of bargainers are rewarded with anything approaching a good deal. Nevertheless, it’s a lively experience and several great food stalls at the back of the market make it a fine place to take a crash course in Vietnamese street cuisine.
Sophie’s Art Tour
Devised by English émigré Sophie Hughes, Sophie’s Art Tour looks at Vietnam’s tumultuous history through the eyes of its artists. The timeline of colonialism, war, communism and breakneck free-market development is familiar to most visitors, but the art these phases inspired is generally not.
Hughes spent nearly a year researching the tour, interviewing experts, artists and collectors, and the result is a fascinating introduction to Vietnamese art and a compelling history lesson.
Sophie’s Art Tour – Private Tours, Ho Chi Minh City Vietnam; +84 121 830 3742
Reunification Palace
The striking modern building was built on the site of the palace of the French governor-general of Cochin China in the early 1960s and its design (by Paris-trained Vietnamese architect Ngo Viet Thu) remains one of the finest examples of modern architecture in the city.
When a North Vietnamese tank crashed through the wrought iron gates on April 30, 1975, it sounded the death knell for the South Vietnamese government. A replica of the tank still sits on the lawn while attractions inside include the grand Presidential Receiving Room and an eerie basement with telecommunications center, war room and network of tunnels.
Beaches
Although it lacks the reputation for beautiful beaches accorded to Thailand or the Philippines, beach lovers won’t feel shortchanged by the beaches found along Vietnam’s snaking coastline.
Most tourists head for the resort hot spots of Danang, Hoi An, Nha Trang and Mui Ne, but there’s a plethora of unsung havens where pulling up a sun lounger and slapping on the SPF 30 will be the limit to your exertions.
Beaches, retreats and former prisons: Island hopping in Vietnam
Danang
Luxury and charm at the Danang Sun Peninsula Resort. Previously used by tourists as a hopping-off point for the nearby heritage town of Hoi An, Danang is staking a claim as Vietnam’s top beach destination.
Several big name hotel brands have set up by the shores of the South China Sea and a spanking new airport terminal is another clue to the city’s ambitions. It’s got a lot going for it. Danang’s portion of China Beach is clean and broad while the views of the mountainous Son Tra Peninsula are great.
Throw in the easy access to prime sights and attractions such as Hoi An, the Cham ruins at My Son and some great golf courses and you can see why Danang is gaining in popularity.
Stay
Fusion Maia Da Nang, Vo Nguyen Giap Street, Khue My Ward Ngu Hanh Son District, Da Nang Vietnam; +84 511 396 7999
InterContinental Danang Sun Peninsula Resort, Bai Bac, Sontra Peninsula, Da Nang Vietnam; +84 511 393 8888
Eat
Red Sky Bar & Restaurant, 248 Tran Phu Street, Da Nang Vietnam; +84 5113 894 895
Waterfront Danang Restaurant & Bar, 150-152 Bach Dang Street, Da Nang Vietnam; +84 511 384 3373
Nha Trang
It has its critics — National Geographic has been especially disparaging — but Nha Trang remains one of Vietnam’s most popular beach towns. While the main beach can get overcrowded on weekends and in late afternoon, the beach is pleasant and the town has plenty of decent options for drinking, dining and accommodation.
For something a bit more relaxed, the idyllic beaches of Doc Let and Jungle Beach are found north of the city. Spotless white sands can be found south toward Cam Ranh Airport.
Vietnam’s southernmost beach destination is a favorite for those who seek minimal distraction. You can visit a pearl farm or a fish sauce factory (Phu Quoc is famed for the stinky condiment). Most, however, prefer to kick back with a book, eat fresh seafood and float aimlessly in the bathtub-calm waters of the Gulf of Thailand.
Stay
Freedomland Phu Quoc Resort, Ong Lang, Phu Quoc Island Vietnam;
La Veranda Resort Phu Quoc – MGallery Collection, Tran Hung Dao Street, Ward 7 Duong Dong Town, Duong Dong, Phu Quoc Island 95000 Vietnam;
Halong Bay
The jewel in Vietnam’s crown, Halong Bay retains its luster despite grumbles of eco-vandalism and overcrowding. The sight of the scattered jungle-covered outcrops of karst rising up from the emerald water is unforgettable.
While it’s true that the bay has become something of a victim of its own popularity — many tours are predictable and yours will be one of hundreds of cameras trying to capture the majesty of the scenery at sunset — it remains an essential stop on any Vietnam itinerary.
Stay
Emeraude Classic Cruises – Day Trip, 12 Ly Dao Thanh Street Hanoi Sales Office – Press Club Building, Halong Bay 10000 Vietnam;
Sapa
The towering mountains in the far north of Vietnam on the border with China offer some of the country’s most compelling visual and cultural stimuli. The hills around Sapa are home to a range of minorities, including Hmong, Dao, Giay, Pho, Lu and Tay, and the town serves as an ideal base for trekking among the tribes.
The scenery is awe-inspiring, with Vietnam’s highest mountain, Fansipan (3,142 meters), dominating the view. Sapa itself has a thriving tourism industry, meaning that it’s easy enough to hunker down at a bar or in a café on one of the frequent foggy days.
Eat
Sapa Rooms Boutique Hotel, 018 Phan Si Pang St Fan Xi Pang St, Sapa 19999 Vietnam;
Hoi An
HOANG DINH NAM/AFP/Getty Images
The UNESCO-protected ancient town is by far Vietnam’s most tourist-friendly destination. Even those who don’t particularly like the rest of the country usually come away with a good impression.
The narrow streets near the Thu Bon River are lined with beautifully preserved merchant houses, while narrow alleys lead to hidden temples and garden restaurants. Motor vehicles are banned from the old quarter, making this one place in Vietnam you can take a leisurely stroll without fear of being hit or honked at by an impatient motorist.
It’s Vietnam lite, but the great dining scene, easy access to nearby China Beach and sheer prettiness of it all defies cynicism.
One of Vietnam’s last frontiers, this former penal colony offers wild, untamed scenery, spotless beaches and one of the region’s most important nesting grounds for sea turtles.
Con Dao was once a name that struck fear into French colonists and later Americans and their client regime in Saigon as the country turned into a fearsome cage for political opponents. The area’s persona is significantly gentler these days, but it still remains a far cry from the more sanitized destinations on the mainland coast. The disused prison is a vivid reminder of darker times, but the archipelago’s main draw is its natural attributes.
Stay
Six Senses Con Dao, Dat Doc Beach Huyen, Ba Ria-Vung Tau Province Vietnam;
Ho Chi Minh Highway
The route between Ho Chi Minh City and Hanoi has become a rite-of-passage motorbike adventure for many and taking the Ho Chi Minh Highway is the best way of doing it. Extending 1,235 kilometers from Kon Tum Province in the Central Highlands to Hoa Lac in Hanoi, the road passes through some of Vietnam’s most spectacular scenery.
It’s peaceful compared with the truck-clogged nightmare of Highway 1A, the country’s main north/south highway. The route passes battlefields like Khe Sanh and the Ia Drang Valley, skirts tribal villages and offers easy access to some of the country’s top attractions. Vietnam Motorbike Tour has day trips and tours.
Vietnam Motorbike Tours – Day Trips, 841 – 843 Hong Ha Hoan Kiem, Hanoi 10000 Vietnam;
Mekong Delta
Most visitors to Vietnam see the Mekong Delta, but the country’s verdant rice bowl deserves more than just a one-day tour from Saigon.
Floating hotels dot the greater Mekong River region
A lush landscape of emerald green fields, shady woods and sleepy villages crisscrossed by canals and rivulets fed by the mighty river, the Delta is Vietnam’s land of plenty. Formed by sediment deposited by the Mekong River, the area is one of the most fertile and productive in the world. One of the best ways to see it is by bicycle, from which the languid pace of daily life can be observed at leisure.
SinhBalo Adventure, 283/20 Pham Ngu Lao Street District 1, Ho Chi Minh City 70000 Vietnam;
Vietnam’s Transport Ministry has ordered GrabTaxi Vietnam Company to halt a planned expansion, or the firm has been permitted to grow within the only five localities in their pilot program, to ensure fair competition and fulfillment of tax obligations to the state, local media reported on Saturday.
The five localities are Hanoi capital, Ho Chi Minh City, central Khanh Hoa province, central Da Nang city and northern Quang Ninh province, Vietnam News Agency reported.
Earlier, GrabTaxi Vietnam Company submitted a request to broaden their business in other localities, including southern Ninh Thuan province, southern Dong Thap province and central highlands Gia Lai province.
GrabTaxi is a Singapore-based technology company which offers ride-hailing, ride-sharing and logistics services through its application in Singapore and neighboring Southeast Asian nations such as Malaysia, Indonesia, the Philippines, Vietnam, Thailand, Myanmar, and Cambodia.
Vivo has officially launched the Vivo Y81 smartphone in Vietnam for a price of VND 4,990,000 (approximately Rs 14,990) and will be available on the FTPShop. According to the official website, users get a warranty of up to 12 months along with an option of free national delivery in 60 minutes.
In terms of specifications, the device features a 6.22-inch HD+ IPS display with an aspect ratio of 19:9 and a 720×1520 pixels resolution. It is powered by an octa-core MediaTek MT6762 processor paired with 3GB of RAM. It includes an internal storage of 32GB which can be further expanded up to 256GB via microSD card.
Running Android 8.1 Oreo out-of-the-box, the device features a 13MP rear camera with f/2.2 aperture and LED flash along with 5MP front-facing camera. Connectivity features include 4G LTE, Bluetooth 5.0, Wi-Fi 802.11, GPS and microUSB. A 3260mAh battery completes the package.
Recently, Vivo launched a mid-budget smartphone in India, the Vivo Y83 for a price of Rs 14,990. In terms of specifications, the device features a 6.22-inch HD+ display with a 720×1520 pixels resolution along with an aspect ratio of 19:9. It is powered by an octa-core MediaTek Helio P20 processor, paired with 4GB of RAM. It includes an internal storage of 32GB which can be further expanded up to 256GB via microSD card.
Running Android 8.0 Oreo with FunTouch OS 4.0 on top, the device comes equipped with a single 13MP rear camera sensor along with an LED flash and f/2.2 aperture. It also includes an 8MP front-facing camera and features such as AI Face beauty, portrait mode, live photo and group selfie. A 3260mAh battery completes the package.
Vietnam Enterprise Investments Limited (VEIL.L) shares opened the last session at 438, touching a high of 440 and a low of 427 , yielding a change of -12. The latest reading places the stock below the Ichimoku cloud which indicates negative momentum and a potential sell signal.
The Ichimoku Cloud was originally called the ‘Ichimoku Kinko Hyo.’ Where Ichimoku means ‘one glance,’Kinko ‘balance’ and Hyo ‘chart.’ Thus the full translation could best be described as ‘one glance balanced chart.’ Originally developed by Goichi Hosada pre WWII, a newspaper journalist (published in 1969) who wanted to develop an Uber-indicator that could provide the trader with various levels of support/resistance, entry/exit points, direction of the trend, and strength of the signal.
The most basic theory of this indicator is that if the price is above the cloud, the overall trend is bullish while below the cloud is bearish, and in the cloud is non-biased or unclear. Lastly, when the price is above the cloud, then the top of the cloud will act as a general support level, and when price is below, the cloud base will act as resistance. But remember the cloud has thickness, and thus resistance does as well, which by making these thicker reduces the risk of a false breakout.
Another popular tool among technical stock analysts is the moving average. Moving averages are considered to be lagging indicators that simply take the average price of a stock over a specific period of time. Moving averages can be very useful for identifying peaks and troughs. They may also be used to help the trader figure out proper support and resistance levels for the stock. Currently, the 200-day MA is sitting at 445.3, and the 50-day is 461.82.
The 14-day ADX for Vietnam Enterprise Investments Limited (VEIL.L) is currently at 21.15. In general, and ADX value from 0-25 would represent an absent or weak trend. A value of 25-50 would support a strong trend. A value of 50-75 would signify a very strong trend, and a value of 75-100 would point to an extremely strong trend. Checking in on some other technical levels, the 14-day RSI is currently at 27.45, the 7-day stands at 14.76, and the 3-day is sitting at 2.08. The Relative Strength Index (RSI) is a momentum oscillator that measures the speed and change of stock price movements. The RSI was developed by J. Welles Wilder, and it oscillates between 0 and 100. Generally, the RSI is considered to be oversold when it falls below 30 and overbought when it heads above 70. RSI can be used to detect general trends as well as finding divergences and failure swings.
At the time of writing, Vietnam Enterprise Investments Limited (VEIL.L) has a 14-day Commodity Channel Index (CCI) of -226.9. Developed by Donald Lambert, the CCI is a versatile tool that may be used to help spot an emerging trend or provide warning of extreme conditions. CCI generally measures the current price relative to the average price level over a specific time period. CCI is relatively high when prices are much higher than average, and relatively low when prices are much lower than the average. Investors may be watching other technical indicators such as the Williams Percent Range or Williams %R. The Williams %R is a momentum indicator that helps measure oversold and overbought levels. This indicator compares the closing price of a stock in relation to the highs and lows over a certain time period. A common look back period is 14 days. Vietnam Enterprise Investments Limited (VEIL.L)’s Williams %R presently stands at -97.62. The Williams %R oscillates in a range from 0 to -100. A reading between 0 and -20 would indicate an overbought situation. A reading from -80 to -100 would indicate an oversold situation.
Japanese AKB48 will add another Asian “sister group” to its ever-expanding family of all-girl pop idol units by setting up “SGO48” in Vietnam.
Mainichi.jp reported, the new unit will be formed in Ho Chi Minh City by the end of this year with auditions for its members scheduled to start in July across Vietnam, according to a recent announcement by AKB48’s management company AKS.
SGO48, named after Saigon, the old name of the Vietnamese city, would be the seventh overseas unit to be formed after Jakarta-based JKT48, Bangkok-based BNK48, Taipei-based TPE48, Manila-based MNL48, Shanghai-based AKB48 TeamSH and Mumbai-based MUM48.
AKB48, named after the Akihabara electronics and anime and manga district in Tokyo, was founded in 2005 under the concept of an idol group that fans can meet at a theater. It has also spawned sister units in locations across Japan.
The UK-based travel website Rough Guides has listed six must-see places along the country’s coast. They include:
Ha Long Bay (Featured photo): Located 180km to the east of Hanoi, Ha Long Bay is possibly the most well-known natural beauty in Vietnam. It became better known after it was recognized as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1994.
Mui Ne, Phan Thiet, Vietnam
Mui Ne (Ne Cape): Located 23 km from Phan Thiet City in Binh Thuan Province, Mui Ne is one of the most popular vacation spots in the country. This seaside paradise has added to its vacation value by offering many exciting water sports like windsurfing, surfing, jet-skiing and kayaking.
Saigon, Vietnam
Sai Gon: The cosmopolitan city deserves the plaudits it regularly gets from all quarters. Last April, the southern megacity of skyscrapers and French heritage buildings was voted by readers of the UK travel site as the place to go for the best nightlife experience in Southeast Asia.
Hoan Kiem Lake, Hanoi, Vietnam
Hanoi Capital: Wandering in the city’s Old Quarter and its 36 guild streets gives travelers the opportunity to find places where time has stood still. Then there is the iconic Long Bien Bridge which spans the Red River. Among the myriad pagodas that continue to exude serenity amid the urban bustle are Tran Quoc Pagoda and Ngoc Son Temple, which is in the middle of Hoan Kiem Lake.
Hoi An, Vietnam
Hoi An: The historic nature of Hoi An has made it a favorite attraction for both local and foreign visitors. The charm of Hoi An lies in the tranquility and slow pace of life it still offers. It glows with innumerable colors during the lantern festival, held on the 14th day of each lunar month.
Chau Doc, An Giang, Mekong Delta, Vietnam
The Mekong Delta: The Mekong Delta is an awesome place to visit throughout the year, but it really comes into its own during the flooding season from July to the end of November.
MANILA, Philippines – Vietnam took a step towards regaining the overall championship from the Philippines at the 19th Asean Age Group Chess Championship in Davao as it tightened its hold on 8 of 14 divisions after the 7th round on Friday night, June 22.
Although the Philippines ruled the boys and girls Under-20, the boys Under-8 and girls under-10, the Vietnamese leaned on their superiority in the girls division in the last two rounds.
The Vietnamese girls led in the Under-18, Under-16, Under-14, Under 12 and Under-10.
Vietnam failed to field a delegation when the Philippines won the overall championship for the first time last year in Macau.
With 6 points, Paulo Bersamina led the Under-20 by half-a-point as John Marvin Miciano held the pursuing Indonesian Setyaki Azraya Jodi.
In the girls under-20, national women’s champion Shania Mae Mendoza had 6 points and took a one-point lead over fellow Filipina Grace Moulic.
FEU players kept their hold on the boys Under-18 behind Dale Bernardo, who had 6.5 points, while Alekhine Nouri and Vietnamese Pham Phu Vinh were tied for the Under-16 lead with 5.5 points.
Al-Basher Buto drew with Arav Nambiar T of India in the 7th round but he still led with a commanding 6.5 points, a point ahead of two chasing Vietnamese.
Ruelle Canino of Cagayan de Oro also towed the Under-10 field with 6.5 points where Mecel Angela Gadut of Ilocos Sur and Daren dela Cruz were running second and third.
The Philippines could turn things around in the girls’ Under-16 where national junior champion Francois Marie Magpily will face the leading Bach Ngoc Thuy Duong, while Jerlyn San Diego will tangle with the pacesetting Vuong Quynh Anh.
After the standard tournament, the rapid and blitz events will be held and the overall title will be awarded.
