An intense cold wave is gripping northern and central Vietnam, pushing temperatures below 10°C across 17 provinces and cities and disrupting daily life in a region better known internationally for tropical heat.
According to Vietnam’s National Center for Hydro Meteorological Forecasting, the cold snap entered its fourth day with all northern provinces, along with Thanh Hoa and Nghe An, recording sub 10°C conditions. The lowest temperature, just 3°C, was measured in Dinh Lap District of Lang Son Province.
Where it is coldest
Mountainous and high altitude areas are bearing the brunt. Temperatures of 4 to 5°C were recorded in popular destinations such as Sa Pa, along with Pha Din Pass in Dien Bien, Moc Chau in Son La, Tam Dao near Hanoi, and Mau Son in Lang Son.
Across the wider northern region, overnight lows ranged from 6 to 8°C. In Hanoi, temperatures varied by location. Ba Vi fell to 8°C, while inner city monitoring stations recorded around 10°C. Clear daytime skies brought sunshine, but the gap between day and night temperatures exceeded 10°C in many areas.
Cold spreads south
The chill extended into north central Vietnam, where temperatures dropped a further 1 to 2°C compared with the previous day. Parts of Thanh Hoa saw lows of 8°C, while areas of Nghe An fell to 9°C. Further south, Ha Tinh, Quang Tri, and Hue recorded temperatures between 12 and 13°C.
In the Central Highlands, Da Lat dropped to 10°C. Even southern Vietnam felt a cooler than usual morning, with lows of around 20°C reported in parts of Binh Duong and 22°C in southern districts of Ho Chi Minh City.
What comes next
Forecasts from AccuWeather suggest Hanoi will gradually warm from 11 to 22°C today to around 13 to 24°C by the weekend. High altitude locations such as Sa Pa are expected to rise from 3 to 9°C to about 5 to 12°C in the coming days.
Meteorological authorities warn that the cold spell will persist and could pose health risks, particularly for the elderly and children. Frost and icy conditions in mountainous areas may damage crops, weaken livestock, and increase the risk of disease.
For international readers, the cold wave is a reminder that Vietnam’s climate can be surprisingly extreme. In winter, northern regions can feel closer to East Asia’s temperate zones than Southeast Asia’s tropical image, an important consideration for travelers, investors, and businesses operating across the country.
Vietnam’s U23 football team is no longer being framed as a surprise outsider. Across Asia, major sports outlets are now openly acknowledging that Vietnam U23 has a real chance to lift the AFC U23 Asian Cup trophy.
What began as cautious praise from the Asian Football Confederation has turned into a broader consensus. After two matchdays, regional media are revising earlier skepticism and backing Vietnam as a serious championship contender.
From polite praise to firm belief
South Korea’s Chosun Ilbo wrote that head coach Kim Sang Sik and his players had proven the AFC’s assessment was correct. Notably, the paper waited until other traditional powerhouses had played before reaching that conclusion.
The outlet highlighted that although Vietnam entered Group A as the lowest ranked team on paper, based on FIFA rankings, their performances show they can compete not just for qualification but for the title itself.
Rivals stumble as Vietnam impresses
Vietnam’s rise has been amplified by the underwhelming displays of several established teams. Qatar lost 0 to 2 against the UAE. Uzbekistan narrowly edged Lebanon 3 to 2. South Korea and Iran played out a goalless draw. Hosts Saudi Arabia, despite home advantage, needed a late effort to scrape past Kyrgyzstan.
Against that backdrop, Vietnam’s disciplined, confident showing, especially their convincing win over Jordan, stood out.
AFC backing looks increasingly accurate
Before the tournament, the AFC identified Japan as the defending champion and clear favorite, but named Vietnam as one of the few teams capable of challenging them. The federation repeated that assessment in both its team profile and tournament preview, even describing Vietnam as having an “almost perfect defense.”
At the time, some media outlets dismissed those comments as diplomatic courtesy. Chinese platforms such as QQ and Sina expressed surprise at the AFC’s optimism.
That tone has since shifted. China’s 163 portal now says Vietnam’s place in the knockout stage is effectively secured and that finishing top of the group is a realistic goal.
Strategic edge in the group race
Indonesia’s Bola newspaper has also weighed in, noting that Vietnam may hold an advantage over Saudi Arabia in the race for first place in Group A. Finishing top is crucial, as second place would likely mean an early quarterfinal clash with Japan.
For international readers, the story signals a broader shift in Asian football. Vietnam is no longer a feel good underdog. It is becoming a program that commands respect, built on tactical discipline, defensive solidity, and growing confidence on the continental stage.
As the tournament progresses, the question is no longer whether Vietnam U23 belongs among Asia’s elite, but whether this could be the year they go all the way.
One of Vietnam’s most established food processors is at the center of a major food safety investigation after police uncovered more than 120 tonnes of pork infected with African swine fever allegedly destined for canned food production.
The case has sent shockwaves through Vietnam’s consumer market and raised red flags for investors and trade partners, given the company’s long standing reputation and regional accolades.
What authorities uncovered
Police in Hai Phong have launched a criminal investigation into alleged violations of food safety regulations at Ha Long Canfoco, also known as Ha Long Canned Food Joint Stock Company.
Investigators say a network purchased pork infected with African swine fever and attempted to pass it off as safe raw material. More than 120 tonnes of diseased pork were found stored at the company’s warehouse. Around two tonnes had already been processed into canned meat products before authorities intervened.
Nine suspects have been charged as the investigation expands.
A trusted brand with a long history
Founded in 1957 as the Ha Long Fish Cannery, the company has been a pioneer in Vietnam’s processed food industry. Over nearly seven decades, it has built a nationwide distribution network and an export footprint, supplying canned meat, seafood, vegetables, sausages, and frozen foods.
Ha Long Canfoco has marketed itself as a flagship Vietnamese brand and in 2024 received a “Top 50 Strong ASEAN Brands” award, further boosting its regional profile.
At its peak, the company reported annual revenue of up to VND 864 billion, roughly US$34 million, placing it among the country’s top food processors.
Financial performance before the scandal
According to its third quarter 2025 financial statements, Ha Long Canfoco recorded revenue of VND 179.6 billion, down 11 percent year on year. However, sharp cost reductions pushed gross profit up 13 percent to VND 43.3 billion. Net profit reached VND 7.6 billion, nearly four times higher than the same period a year earlier.
For the first nine months of 2025, revenue totaled VND 486.9 billion, down nearly 10 percent. Despite the sales decline, net profit after tax reached VND 11.5 billion, a dramatic turnaround from a VND 5.8 billion loss in the same period of 2024.
Company representatives attributed the profit improvement to lower input costs and reduced management expenses.
Expansion plans now in question
Just weeks before the scandal broke, Ha Long Canfoco announced plans to raise capital through a public share offering. The company aims to raise VND 75 billion to build a new canned food factory and boost working capital. Shareholders had also approved a plan to double charter capital to VND 100 billion through a discounted rights issue scheduled for 2026.
Those plans now face uncertainty as consumer trust and regulatory scrutiny intensify.
Why this matters internationally
For international readers, the case highlights the growing risks facing food supply chains in fast expanding emerging markets. African swine fever poses no direct risk to humans, but strict controls are critical to prevent market contamination and maintain export credibility.
The investigation also underscores Vietnam’s tougher enforcement stance on food safety violations, even when they involve large, well known companies. For investors, importers, and regional trade partners, the Ha Long Canfoco case is a reminder that brand prestige and past awards offer no shield from regulatory action.
As authorities continue to unravel the case, its outcome could have lasting implications for Vietnam’s food processing sector and its reputation in regional and global markets.
For more than two decades, millions of Vietnamese families welcomed the Lunar New Year with the same ritual. Gather around the television on New Year’s Eve and watch Táo quân Gặp nhau cuối năm, the satirical comedy show that reviewed the nation’s highs and lows with humor, music, and political wit. In 2026, that tradition will come to an end.
Vietnam Television has confirmed that Táo quân will no longer air on Lunar New Year’s Eve, closing the curtain on one of the country’s most influential and recognizable television formats.
Why the show is ending
A representative from Vietnam Television said the broadcaster plans to replace Táo quân with a new New Year program aimed at a younger audience. The new show, tentatively titled Quảng trường mùa xuân, is expected to feature a more modern format while still incorporating comedy.
The decision follows weeks of speculation among fans after veteran performers revealed they had not received scripts or rehearsal schedules. Actress Vân Dung publicly shared her disappointment at the absence of Táo quân 2026, while other long time cast members confirmed they were not invited to participate this year.
A cultural staple with growing criticism
First broadcast in 2003, Táo quân became a defining feature of Tet television. Drawing on the folk legend of the Kitchen Gods reporting to the Jade Emperor, the show offered sharp satire of Vietnam’s politics, economy, education system, and social issues. Its jokes were often discussed nationwide the following day.
Yet in recent years, the program faced mixed reactions. Loyal viewers continued to see it as an essential part of New Year’s Eve. Others argued the content had grown predictable and less daring. The absence of iconic performers such as Công Lý and Xuân Bắc, once central to the show’s appeal, also left a noticeable gap that newer comedians struggled to fill.
The program had already paused once before, in 2020, when a spin off failed to capture public interest. It returned a year later and continued until 2025.
An expensive ticket to nostalgia
Táo quân was traditionally recorded over three days at Hanoi’s Friendship Cultural Palace. Tickets were never sold publicly, with revenue coming instead from television advertising. Demand was so high that unofficial tickets reportedly traded for the equivalent of several hundred US dollars per pair.
What its end signals
For international audiences, the end of Táo quân marks more than the cancellation of a TV show. It reflects a generational shift in Vietnamese media consumption and humor, as broadcasters move away from legacy formats toward content designed for younger, digitally native viewers.
As Vietnam’s society and entertainment landscape evolve, the farewell to Táo quân closes a chapter that shaped how a nation laughed, reflected, and debated on the most important night of the year.
A violent assault caught on security cameras inside a Hanoi apartment complex has resulted in a six month prison sentence, underscoring Vietnam’s increasingly tough response to public disorder that spills onto social media.
The case drew national attention after footage circulated online showing a man repeatedly attacking a woman in a residential building lobby, prompting swift police action and a criminal trial.
What happened
On January 7, a court in Hanoi sentenced Dang Chi Thanh, 31, to six months in prison for disturbing public order. He was also ordered to pay VND 51 million, about US$2,000, in compensation to the victim.
Prosecutors said the incident stemmed from a dispute between the children of two families living in the same apartment complex. On the night of August 4, an argument broke out between Thanh’s wife and a female neighbor over childcare responsibilities. The disagreement escalated verbally but ended without physical violence.
Five days later, Thanh encountered the woman again in the building lobby. After demanding an apology and being refused, he followed her toward the elevator area and assaulted her in front of other residents. According to the indictment, he slapped her, kicked her repeatedly, punched her, and shouted threats, including threats to kill her and her child.
Viral video and arrest
The entire assault was recorded by the building’s security cameras. The footage spread rapidly on Vietnamese social media, triggering widespread condemnation. Police arrested Thanh the following day under an emergency detention order.
At trial, Thanh admitted to the assault but said he acted out of anger and family related stress. He claimed the neighbor had insulted his child and that tensions escalated when other people gathered at the scene. The victim’s family rejected his account, stating there had been no prior conflict and denying allegations involving their child.
Court’s reasoning
The court ruled that Thanh’s behavior posed a serious danger to public order and caused strong public anger, warranting a custodial sentence to deter similar conduct. However, judges noted mitigating factors. Thanh had no prior criminal record and had already paid VND 50 million toward compensation before the verdict.
In his final statement, Thanh apologized to the victim and the community, acknowledging that violence was illegal and unacceptable. He asked for leniency, citing family pressures and his wife’s pregnancy and mental health treatment.
Why the case matters
For international readers, the case highlights how everyday disputes in Vietnam’s rapidly urbanizing cities can escalate under social pressure, and how quickly public sentiment can turn when violence is captured on camera. It also reflects the judiciary’s growing emphasis on maintaining public order in shared residential spaces, especially when incidents go viral and threaten social trust.
In a country where apartment living is expanding fast, the message from the court was clear. Personal anger, even when rooted in family conflict, does not justify violence in public spaces.
Two South Korean nationals have been sentenced to eight years in prison each in Ho Chi Minh City after a court found they ran a prostitution ring through their restaurant and attempted to bribe officials to avoid inspections. The case has drawn attention to Vietnam’s tougher stance on organized vice crimes linked to foreign owned businesses in prime city locations.
On January 5, the Ho Chi Minh City People’s Court convicted Kim Tae Hyung, 48, and Cha Jin Young, 50, of brokering prostitution and bribery. Each received five years for arranging sex work and three years for offering bribes, along with a fine of VND 30 million.
A front of fine dining, a back end of illegal services
According to the court, Kim and Cha jointly opened a restaurant on Bui Thi Xuan Street in District 1 in late 2022. To boost revenue, they instructed staff to arrange female employees to provide sexual services to Korean customers dining at the venue.
Payments were disguised on invoices using coded items. The prostitution fee appeared as “Green jacket 17” at VND 3.8 million per person per night. Hotel room charges were listed as “Large seafood combo” at VND 1 million per room. The scheme allowed transactions to pass as legitimate restaurant expenses.
How the operation was exposed
On July 19, 2023, restaurant manager Lee Hyun Jun, also South Korean, asked staff member Nguyen Thi Ngoc Loan to arrange two women for two Korean men, totaling VND 7.6 million. Loan contacted Le Tan Thanh, 44, to book two hotel rooms in Ben Nghe Ward. Investigators said Thanh knew the rooms were for prostitution but agreed to assist.
All four were later charged with brokering prostitution. Lee and Loan received three year prison terms. Thanh was sentenced to two years, five months, and fourteen days, equal to time already served in detention.
Bribery attempt turns into fraud
Cha also told the court that when the restaurant opened it had not completed all legal procedures. He asked Bui Thi Phuong Dung, 36, whose husband is Korean, to help “smooth” the paperwork to avoid inspections. Dung and Bui Duy Ha, 41, claimed they could influence authorities.
Trusting them, Kim and Cha paid a total of VND 840 million. Dung passed VND 441 million to Ha and paid him VND 30 million to handle the supposed arrangements. Investigators later found that neither had any real ability to influence officials. The money was simply taken. Dung was sentenced to seven years in prison. Ha received three years for fraud.
Why this matters for international readers
Ho Chi Minh City is one of Southeast Asia’s most dynamic business hubs, attracting large numbers of foreign entrepreneurs, especially in hospitality and nightlife. The case signals that Vietnamese authorities are intensifying scrutiny of illegal activities hidden behind legitimate businesses, including those operated by foreigners.
For investors and expatriates, it is a clear reminder that Vietnam’s enforcement environment is tightening. For the city, it is part of a broader effort to clean up vice activities in central districts that are key to tourism and international image.
Nestlé Việt Nam vừa khởi động chiến dịch Tết 2026 với thông điệp “Cầu Gì Hơn Phút Giây Này Bên Nhau” nhằm lan tỏa tinh thần trân trọng từng phút giây hiện tại cùng những người thân yêu. Thông qua chiến dịch, Nestlé tiếp tục khẳng định cam kết đồng hành lâu dài cùng hàng triệu gia đình Việt bằng những sản phẩm chất lượng, góp phần vun đắp những phút giây ý nghĩa trong dịp Tết.
Tết cổ truyền không chỉ là thời khắc sum vầy, mà còn là dịp để mỗi người thật sự hiện diện, dành trọn sự quan tâm và thời gian cho gia đình. Nhân dịp Tết Nguyên Đán 2026, Nestlé Việt Nam mong muốn gửi gắm sự trân trọng những khoảnh khắc sum vầy bên nhau thông qua những góc nhìn gần gũi hơn về Tết – khi giá trị của ngày Tết không nằm ở những ước mong xa xôi, mà được tạo nên từ chính những khoảnh khắc giản đơn của hiện tại: một buổi cà phê sáng cùng bố, buổi trưa cùng mẹ chuẩn bị những món ăn mang “vị nhà”, hay là thời gian bên nhau một cách trọn vẹn. Từ những điều bình dị ấy, Nestlé Việt Nam triển khai chiến dịch Tết 2026 với thông điệp “Cầu Gì Hơn Phút Giây Này Bên Nhau”.
Chia sẻ về chiến dịch, ông Binu Jacob, Tổng Giám đốc Nestlé Việt Nam, cho biết: “Trong nhịp sống ngày càng bận rộn, Tết là dịp để các gia đình nhìn lại và ưu tiên cho những giá trị bền vững nhất – sự gắn kết và hiện diện bên nhau. Thông qua chiến dịch Tết 2026, Nestlé mong muốn đồng hành và truyền cảm hứng để người Việt sống chậm lại một chút, tận hưởng trọn vẹn những khoảnh khắc ý nghĩa và thân tình bên những người thân yêu. Song song đó, bằng việc không ngừng nâng cao chất lượng và tiêu chuẩn sản phẩm, Nestlé mong muốn được hiện diện một cách ý nghĩa trong những khoảnh khắc sum vầy của mỗi gia đình Việt”.
Cùng với ý nghĩa đó, Nestlé Việt Nam thiết kế với các điểm chạm từ trực tuyến đến trực tiếp, gợi nhắc mọi người trân trọng từng khoảnh khắc hiện tại bên nhau trong dịp này.
Thông điệp của chiến dịch được gửi gắm qua “Lịch Tết Hôm Nay” – một cuốn lịch không chỉ để đếm ngày Tết, mà còn là lời nhắc nhở mỗi người chậm lại và trân trọng những khoảnh khắc hiện tại.
Theo đó, từ ngày 07/01/2026, người tiêu dùng có thể tương tác và gửi lời chúc ý nghĩa đến người thân và bạn bè bằng “Lịch Tết Hôm Nay” tại đường dẫn: .https://tet2026.giadinhnestle.com.vn/.
Thông qua hoạt động này, 25.000 người tiêu dùng tham gia đầu tiên sẽ có cơ hội nhận ngay phiếu mua hàng trị giá 30.000 đồng, như một món quà nhỏ khích lệ mọi người bắt đầu năm mới bằng những phút giây ý nghĩa bên gia đình và người thân.
Chương trình “Cầu Gì Hơn Phút Giây Này Bên Nhau” được triển khai trên trang web Gia Đình Nestlé.
Ngoài ra, người tiêu dùng còn có thể gửi lời chúc cho hiện tại vào “Lịch Tết Hôm Nay” tại các điểm bán trực tiếp của Nestlé như siêu thị hay tiệm tạp hóa và nhận về sản phẩm từ Nestlé thay cho lời chúc Tết ấm áp từ thương hiệu.
Bên cạnh các hoạt động chính, Nestlé Việt Nam cũng phối hợp cùng Kênh14 và aFamily triển khai cuộc thi ảnh “Wishlist Ngay Lúc Này – Cầu Gì Hơn Phút Giây Này Bên Nhau”, tạo không gian để người tiêu dùng cùng tương tác và lan tỏa tinh thần chiến dịch từ nay đến hết ngày 31/01/2026. Tại đây, người tham gia có thể đăng ảnh dự thi lên trang Facebook cá nhân và chia sẻ “wishlist ngay lúc này” để có cơ hội nhận các phần quà giá trị gồm iPhone 17 Pro Max 256GB, tai nghe AirPods 4, phiếu mua hàng trị giá 200.000 đồng cùng nhiều phần quà “Lịch Tết Hôm Nay” từ chương trình.
Là một tập đoàn toàn cầu am hiểu sâu sắc văn hóa địa phương, trong 30 năm qua, Nestlé đã luôn kiên định đem đến những mùa Tết đong đầy cho người Việt bằng các sản phẩm chất lượng như MAGGI, MILO, NESCAFÉ, KITKAT, NESTEA, La Vie… đáp ứng nhu cầu dinh dưỡng và vui khỏe cho mọi thành viên trong gia đình trong dịp Tết.
Chiến dịch “Cầu Gì Hơn Phút Giây Này Bên Nhau” là lời gửi gắm của Nestlé với thông điệp trân trọng hiện tại khi những khoảnh khắc đời thường bên gia đình trở thành ý nghĩa lớn nhất của mùa sum vầy.
Cùng lời chúc mừng năm mới, Nestlé Việt Nam cam kết tiếp tục đồng hành cùng người tiêu dùng Việt trên hành trình gìn giữ và phát huy những giá trị tốt đẹp của Tết cổ truyền, và hướng đến một năm mới tràn đầy sức khỏe, may mắn, hạnh phúc và thịnh vượng.
Tourism and transport drive export growth as Vietnam’s services economy gains scale despite a persistent trade gap.
Vietnam’s services economy crossed a major threshold in 2025, with total trade in services exceeding USD 70 billionfor the first time—an important signal for investors tracking the country’s shift from manufacturing-led growth toward higher value-added activities. The milestone underscores Vietnam’s deepening integration into global services markets even as it continues to import heavily to support production and logistics.
Data released by the National Statistics Office show service exports reached USD 30.3 billion, while imports totaled USD 40.5 billion, leaving a trade deficit of just over USD 10 billion. While still negative, the gap narrowed compared with 2024, suggesting incremental structural improvement.
Momentum strengthened into the final quarter. In Q4 alone, service exports climbed 17.3% year-on-year to USD 8.26 billion, with transport, tourism, and digital services leading gains. Imports rose more moderately at 10.8%, reflecting easing logistics pressures late in the year.
Tourism and transport power exports
Tourism emerged as the largest contributor to services exports, generating USD 15.22 billion—more than half of the total—and expanding 24.4% year-on-year. The rebound aligns with Vietnam’s record 21.2 million international arrivals in 2025, cementing tourism as a cornerstone of the services economy.
Transport services followed closely, contributing USD 8.8 billion (29% of exports) with robust 23.6% growth, supported by rising cargo volumes, expanding air routes, and port throughput. Together, tourism and transport accounted for nearly four-fifths of services exports, highlighting where Vietnam currently holds competitive advantage.
Imports reflect production needs
On the import side, services linked to goods trade dominated. Transport services reached USD 17.1 billion, accounting for 42.1% of total service imports and rising 19.9% year-on-year, driven by freight, shipping, and logistics for Vietnam’s export-oriented manufacturers. Tourism services imports totaled USD 14.7 billion, reflecting outbound travel demand and cross-border spending.
Insurance and freight-related costs tied to imported goods also rose, a reminder that Vietnam’s manufacturing engine still relies on foreign logistics and specialized services.
A gradual rebalancing
Despite the headline deficit, officials point to a narrowing services trade gap—from an estimated USD 12.34 billion in 2024 to just over USD 10 billion in 2025—as evidence of steady progress. Growth in information technology and digital services, though smaller in absolute terms, is expanding and could diversify exports over time.
For Vietnam, the figures mark a transitional phase: services are growing faster and becoming more sophisticated, yet imports remain elevated as the economy scales.
The strategic question ahead is whether Vietnam can accelerate high-margin service exports—digital, professional, and logistics—fast enough to close the gap, turning services into a durable surplus engine alongside its manufacturing base.
A post-pandemic surge driven by Asia demand and visa reforms propels Vietnam into the top tier of global travel destinations.
Vietnam’s tourism industry reached a historic milestone in 2025, welcoming 21.2 million international visitors, the highest figure ever recorded and a 20.4% increase year-on-year, according to the General Statistics Office. The result marks a decisive moment in Vietnam’s post-pandemic recovery—and a powerful signal to global investors, airlines, and hospitality groups watching Southeast Asia’s travel rebound.
Momentum accelerated through the final quarter, with more than 2 million foreign arrivals in December alone, up 15.7% from the same month in 2024. The surge capped a year defined by restored air connectivity, aggressive destination marketing, and steadily improving service standards across Vietnam’s tourism ecosystem.
Asia leads the comeback
Asia remained the engine of growth. China reclaimed its position as Vietnam’s largest source market, sending 5.28 million visitors, a sharp 41.3% jump from 2024. South Korea followed with 4.33 million arrivals, while Taiwan ranked third with 1.23 million.
India emerged as one of the fastest-growing long-haul Asian markets, with arrivals climbing 48.9% to nearly 750,000, supported by a wave of new direct flights from major Indian cities. Russia posted the most dramatic growth, surging 196.9%, while the Philippines and Cambodia also recorded strong double-digit gains.
Europe responds to visa liberalization
European markets delivered consistent growth after Vietnam expanded visa exemptions and eased entry rules. France, the UK, Italy, and the Netherlands all posted gains near or above 20%, while Poland stood out with a 42.6% increase—a sign that Vietnam’s appeal is spreading beyond traditional Western European hubs.
Industry analysts say the data confirms the effectiveness of Vietnam’s visa reforms, combined with targeted promotion and diversified tourism products ranging from beach resorts and heritage travel to wellness and eco-tourism.
A symbolic moment in Phu Quoc
One of 2025’s defining highlights came on December 15, when Vietnam celebrated its 20 millionth international visitorin Phu Quoc. The guest—a traveler from Poland—symbolized the rising importance of European markets and the growing profile of Vietnam’s secondary and island destinations beyond Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City.
Recovery—and reinvention
Although Vietnam narrowly missed its ambitious target of 23–25 million arrivals, surpassing the 21 million mark for the first time represents a structural leap forward. Compared with the depths of the Covid-19 lockdowns, international tourism has now rebounded to more than 110% of pre-pandemic levels, placing Vietnam among the fastest-recovering destinations in Asia.
For global tourism stakeholders, the message is clear: Vietnam is no longer just recovering—it is consolidating its position as a major regional hub.
With infrastructure investment accelerating and air links expanding, the key question for 2026 is not whether Vietnam can attract more visitors—but whether it can scale sustainably while preserving service quality, local culture, and its competitive edge in an increasingly crowded Asia-Pacific tourism market.
“Growing old before getting rich” threatens productivity, social security, and growth—forcing Vietnam to rethink labor, healthcare, and the role of AI.
Vietnam is approaching a demographic turning point that could shape its economy for the next two decades. As the population over 60 grows rapidly, the country faces a complex challenge defined by three overlapping realities: aging before achieving high income levels, insufficient pension coverage, and longer lifespans without corresponding gains in health. Together, these trends are creating structural pressures that extend far beyond demographics—touching productivity, inequality, and long-term growth.
Unlike advanced economies where older citizens often remain economically active, Vietnam’s “silver economy” is constrained. Most people over 66 are unlikely to keep pace with rapid technological change or continue working at scale, limiting income generation in later life. At the same time, aging without good health is pushing up healthcare costs while reducing discretionary spending on travel, leisure, and consumption. As a result, both pillars of a consumption-driven silver economy—work and spending—are structurally weakened.
Yet the shift is also opening new opportunities. Demand is rising for home healthcare services, professional medical facilities, and nursing home models across income segments. These sectors could become growth engines if regulation, investment, and workforce training evolve quickly enough.
The ripple effects are already visible. Insurance and financial planning are seeing renewed demand as the so-called “sandwich generation”—people aged roughly 30 to 50—must simultaneously support aging parents and their own children. However, international experience, particularly from East Asia, suggests that simply importing Western-style financial planning models can backfire, morphing into high-risk investment behavior rather than genuine risk protection.
At the macro level, productivity growth will increasingly rest on a shrinking base of workers. Upskilling is often presented as the solution, but time scarcity makes it unrealistic for many. In practice, automation, bots, and AI systems are likely to substitute for human upskilling—not because they are superior, but because they are cheaper. This cost-driven acceptance of lower-quality AI output is becoming a defining paradox of aging societies.
Vietnam’s large informal economy compounds the risk. With only an estimated 5–10% of informal workers covered by social insurance, a rapidly aging informal sector could create sudden fiscal and social pressure when today’s workers can no longer earn. Family-run businesses, a backbone of employment, may close as there is no successor generation willing or able to take over—leaving workers jobless and accelerating consolidation without job retention.
Meanwhile, sectors long fueled by spending on children—education, childcare, consumer goods—are expected to slow from double-digit growth to single digits as birth rates decline. Forecasts across multiple industries may need downward revision.
The social consequences are equally stark. Some workers may opt out entirely, joining a “lying-flat” generation overwhelmed by financial and emotional burdens. Others will take on multiple side jobs, recreating versions of high-pressure work cultures seen elsewhere in Asia. In parallel, employers—armed with AI alternatives and a backlog of resumes—are becoming more ruthless in performance expectations.
This is the paradox of an aging, automated society: fewer people carry more responsibility, yet receive diminishing rewards. Inequality widens not just between rich and poor, but within ever-narrower elite tiers. Aging societies also tend to see reduced appetite for large-scale disruption, as stability is prized over risk.
Vietnam is not alone. Countries like South Korea and parts of Europe are already grappling with similar dynamics—but they had far higher income levels before aging set in. The difference is timing.
If Vietnam does not address these structural issues within the next decade—through pension reform, healthcare investment, productivity strategy, and smarter use of technology—it risks locking itself into a low-growth, high-pressure equilibrium that will be far harder to escape once the demographic window closes.
The incident raises renewed concerns over tourist safety and business compliance at one of Vietnam’s most visited beach destinations.
Authorities in Nha Trang have suspended the operations of a beachfront bar after staff were filmed threatening foreign tourists with a shovel and a plastic chair—an episode that quickly went viral and sparked public outrage at the height of the New Year holiday season.
According to local officials, the bar, located on Tran Phu Street, was ordered to cease operations after inspectors discovered it lacked a valid license to operate food and beverage services. The decision came just days after a confrontation on the evening of December 31, 2025, when a dispute between staff and a group of foreign customers escalated in a crowded beach area.
Video footage shows one employee running toward tourists while raising a shovel in a threatening manner, as another wielded a plastic chair. The aggressive behavior caused panic among nearby visitors, with at least one tourist fleeing the scene as bystanders watched in shock. The clip circulated widely on social media, prompting calls for swift action to protect the city’s tourism image.
Leaders of the Nha Trang Ward People’s Committee confirmed that police are continuing to investigate the threatening conduct of the bar’s employees and will handle any violations strictly under the law. Representatives of the bar later issued an apology to the affected tourists and said disciplinary action had been taken against the staff involved.
The incident has drawn particular attention given Nha Trang’s role as a flagship destination in Khanh Hoa Province. In 2025 alone, the city welcomed approximately 14.8 million visitors, including 4.6 million international tourists, generating more than VND 60 trillion in tourism revenue—figures that underscore the economic stakes tied to visitor safety and public order.
For Vietnam’s tourism sector, the episode highlights a recurring challenge: ensuring that rapid growth in nightlife and hospitality is matched by strict enforcement of licensing, staff training, and conduct standards.
As Vietnam competes for high-spending international travelers, the key question is whether local authorities and businesses can prevent isolated incidents from eroding trust in destinations that rely heavily on a reputation for safety and hospitality.
A case that has shocked Taiwan and sparked outrage across social media is now drawing international attention. A 9 month old girl died after being left alone for hours in an apartment while her parents traveled across the island to adopt a dog, according to police and local media reports.
The incident occurred in Kaohsiung, a major southern port city better known globally for its industry and livability rankings than for crimes of this nature. Authorities say the baby was left unattended for seven hours in a locked apartment, a decision that has raised serious questions about parental responsibility and child protection.
What authorities say happened
Police said the child’s 20 year old mother told investigators she had fed the baby and believed she would sleep for a long time. That morning, she reportedly received a call from an animal rescue center in another province about a dog available for adoption and left immediately with her husband, the baby’s stepfather.
From around 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., the infant was alone in the couple’s rented apartment in Gangshan District. When they returned, the baby was unresponsive and had turned blue. Doctors later confirmed she had died before emergency treatment could begin. An initial medical assessment suggested suffocation caused by milk reflux.
Suspicious injuries deepen the case
Hospital staff alerted police after noticing signs that raised red flags. The baby was found naked, loosely wrapped in a bath towel, with multiple unusual injuries. These included a large bruise on her thigh and shoulder and a burn on her chin that medical staff believe may have been caused by a cigarette.
When questioned, the mother claimed the child had injured herself accidentally. An autopsy is underway to determine the exact cause of death and whether abuse played a role.
Public anger and legal consequences
Witnesses at the morgue said the couple showed no visible signs of grief, behavior that further fueled public anger. Neighbors reported that the pair had moved into an upscale apartment complex only a month earlier, paying rent that appeared high relative to their part time income.
Under Taiwanese law, if prosecutors determine the child died as a result of abuse or severe neglect, the parents could face the most serious criminal charges. In extreme cases, child abuse resulting in death carries the possibility of the death penalty.
The couple has been released on bail of 50,000 New Taiwan dollars, about US$1,600, while investigators await autopsy results.
Why this case resonates globally
For international audiences, the case highlights growing concerns around child welfare, mental readiness for parenthood, and the pressures faced by young families. It has also triggered wider debate in Taiwan about social support systems, parenting education, and how warning signs can be missed behind closed apartment doors.
As the investigation continues, the death of a child left alone for convenience rather than necessity has become a stark reminder of the irreversible cost of neglect, one that has resonated far beyond Taiwan’s borders.
On a cool December night in Ho Chi Minh City, 25 year old My Kim climbed onto the back of a powerful motorcycle, holding a man she had just met as they glided through neon lit streets. Two other bikes followed close behind, carrying a director and cameraman. Instructions flowed through her helmet radio. Relax your hands. Look ahead. Smile.
This was not a movie shoot. It was a paid motorbike date, one of Vietnam’s fastest growing viral trends where romance, content creation, and urban nightlife merge into a highly curated experience.
For VND 2 million, about US$76, Kim chose both her rider and his motorcycle from an online catalogue. The result was a professionally edited video that made her feel, as she put it, like the heroine of a romantic drama.
From East Asia to Vietnam’s streets
Motorbike date rentals first gained popularity in cities across China, Japan, and South Korea, where companionship based services have long thrived. In Vietnam, the concept has been localized and scaled for social media, with cinematic production quality at a fraction of the international cost.
A recent VnExpress survey found nearly 10 motorbike groups offering these services in Ho Chi Minh City and five more in Hanoi, with most fully booked for the next two months. On TikTok and Instagram, videos tagged with “Motor Vietnam” routinely attract millions of views.
How the business works
Clients choose from packages ranging from a few hundred thousand dong to several million, depending on video length, bike type, and occasion. Options include night city cruises, birthday parades, and slow cinematic rides across iconic bridges.
One of the most visible players is Dream Moto, whose videos filmed near Ba Son Bridge helped push the trend into the mainstream. Founder Nguyen Ngoc Phuoc says demand exploded in early December, driven mainly by women aged 20 to 40.
For VND 700,000 to 950,000 per video, clients get a ride on a high capacity motorcycle and a polished clip ready for social media. To maintain quality, the team limits itself to three clients per night. Each shoot involves four to five staff, including riders, camera operators, and lighting technicians.
They meet after 8 p.m. to avoid traffic, follow traffic laws, and rely on camera angles and lighting rather than risky stunts to create visual appeal.
Not just for the young
The appeal goes beyond Gen Z. Nguyen Hanh, 43, turned to a rented date after years of prioritizing work over personal life. She describes the experience of having a polite, attentive rider help with her helmet and check in on her comfort as unexpectedly moving. A short clip from her ride later drew tens of thousands of views online.
The rise of the “emotion economy”
Cultural analysts see the trend as part of a broader post pandemic shift. Pham Ngoc Trung, former dean of cultural development at the Academy of Journalism and Communication, describes it as the growth of the emotion economy, where people pay for carefully designed emotional experiences.
He argues the popularity of motorbike dates reflects changing social norms in Vietnam, especially for women. Romance is no longer confined to traditional relationships. Many women are willing to pay for fleeting moments of connection that offer stress relief without obligation.
Hoang Ha, a lecturer at the Vietnam Women’s Academy, views the trend positively. She sees it as an expression of autonomy and self care, noting that seeking companionship for happiness can build confidence and emotional resilience. She adds that service providers should equip staff with basic psychological training to ensure the experience remains respectful and meaningful.
For international readers, the phenomenon offers a sharp snapshot of modern urban Vietnam. A country where tradition, social media, entrepreneurship, and changing gender norms increasingly collide, sometimes on the back of a motorbike, under city lights, with a camera rolling.
Ha Long Bay is best known worldwide for its emerald waters, limestone karsts, and luxury cruises. This week, however, the UNESCO listed seascape made headlines for a very different reason. Vietnamese police uncovered a mobile gambling ring operating quietly on fishing boats in the heart of one of the country’s top tourist destinations.
Authorities in Ha Long say a 71 year old local man allegedly orchestrated the operation, turning ordinary fishing vessels into a floating casino that moved across the bay to avoid detection.
How the operation worked
According to police, officers from Quang Ninh Province, working with Vietnam’s Ministry of Public Security, conducted a coordinated inspection on the afternoon of January 2. They targeted three fishing boats moored side by side near the Hon Dam Bac gorge, a less trafficked area of the bay.
Inside the boats, officers found 30 people actively gambling using xoc dia, a traditional Vietnamese dice game. The setup was simple but effective, allowing the group to blend in with regular fishing activity while staying mobile on the water.
Police seized gambling tools including metal tokens and a porcelain bowl and plate set, along with more than VND 436 million in cash, roughly US$18,000, believed to be used for betting.
An experienced ringleader
Investigators identified Nguyen Dinh Minh, a resident of Hong Gai Ward, as the alleged organizer. Police say Minh has four prior criminal convictions, raising concerns about repeat offenses and organized illegal activity in the area.
Minh was detained along with 29 others for investigation into illegal gambling. The case remains open, and authorities say further arrests or charges are possible as they expand the probe.
Why this matters beyond Vietnam
For international readers, the case highlights a lesser seen side of Vietnam’s rapid economic and tourism growth. Ha Long Bay attracts millions of visitors each year and is a symbol of the country’s global tourism appeal. At the same time, local authorities continue to face challenges in policing informal and illegal activities that adapt quickly to enforcement efforts.
The incident also underscores Vietnam’s increasingly proactive stance on law enforcement, especially in high profile destinations that matter to investors, tour operators, and foreign visitors.
As Vietnam works to protect its global image and tourism economy, even hidden gambling rings on quiet fishing boats are no longer flying under the radar.
A new whitepaper from RMIT University reveals how Vietnamese artists and audiences are blending cultural heritage with global trends to carve out a distinctive V-Pop identity.
The Vietnam Music Landscape 2025-2026 whitepaper, just released by researchers from the School of Communication & Design at RMIT University Vietnam, paints a vivid picture of a sector in transition.
From stadium-filling concerts to viral folk-inspired hits, 2025 was a year of milestones. More than 800 music events lit up the calendar, with August emerging as the peak season for live entertainment. National-scale shows, such as V Concert – Rạng rỡ Việt Nam and Tổ quốc trong tim, drew crowds of 25,500-50,000 per night, underscoring the appetite for immersive cultural experiences.
Vietnamese artists also stepped confidently onto the global stage. Đức Phúc clinched first place at Intervision 2025 in Moscow, while Phương Mỹ Chi secured third place at Sing! Asia 2025. International stars were also drawn to Vietnam – G-Dragon’s Übermensch World Tour alone attracted nearly 100,000 fans, signalling the country’s growing clout as a regional music hub.
“2025 marked a remarkable transformation for Vietnam’s music market and cultural industry, reflecting not only growth in quantity but also a significant leap in quality,” said Associate Professor Nguyen Van Thang Long, who led the research team.
However, to truly compete with regional and global music markets, the sector requires comprehensive professionalisation, sustainable development strategies, and the cultivation of a distinctive V-Pop identity, according to Associate Professor Long.
“The time has come not only to organise large-scale events but also to build a cultural industry with depth and character,” he stressed.
Cultivating a stronger identity
The report situates music within Vietnam’s broader cultural development agenda. The National Target Program on Cultural Development (2025-2035) allocates over 122,000 billion VND to preserve traditions and elevate Vietnam’s global cultural standing. Music, the study argues, is emerging as one of the most dynamic forms of cultural diplomacy.
Professor Donna Cleveland, Dean of RMIT Vietnam’s School of Communication & Design, noted: “Music can connect not only different creative sectors but also countries. Through music, Vietnamese identity can enhance its regional and global influence. This represents an opportune moment for culture to become a driver of sustainable development and a form of soft power that shapes Vietnam’s image for the future.”
In fact, among the 10 emerging trends identified in the Vietnam Music Landscape 2025-2026 whitepaper, several are connected to the promotion of Vietnamese identity and cultural storytelling through music.
The whitepaper identified 10 emerging trends in Vietnam’s music landscape in 2026. (Image: RMIT)
One of the most striking currents is V-folktriotism – a wave of folk-inspired, patriotic music reimagined through modern genres like EDM and pop. Last year, songs such as Hòa Minzy’s Bắc Bling and DTAP’s Made in Vietnam album didn’t just dominate playlists. They sparked cultural pride and even tourism campaigns. DTAP’s Made in Vietnam project, featuring 25 artists across generations, became a cultural phenomenon, combining music with a cross-country journey that celebrated historical sites and national heritage.
Another defining movement is glocalisation. Artists like Hoàng Thùy Linh and Phương Mỹ Chi are crafting globally appealing music without sacrificing local identity, turning each track into what the report calls a “cultural passport.” This approach, blending folk tunes and imagery with contemporary production, is helping Vietnamese music stand out internationally through authenticity rather than imitation.
The third cultural trend, local melodies for destination branding, highlights music’s role in tourism. The viral success of Bắc Bling led Bac Ninh’s provincial authorities to launch free weekend tours to locations featured in the music video, attracting hundreds of visitors weekly. Following major administrative mergers in 2025, music has emerged as a strategic tool helping regions reposition their cultural identities and enhance tourism appeal amid a wave of re-identification.
Growth beyond 2025
So how can the successes of 2025 be transformed into long-term growth momentum? What are the keys to establishing a distinctive V-Pop identity on the international stage?
The research team argues that structured strategies, spanning artist development, public-private partnerships, and cross-sector collaboration, are essential to transform Vietnam’s music industry from a vibrant scene into a global force.
The Vietnam Music Landscape 2025-2026 whitepaper reveals how Vietnamese artists and audiences are blending cultural heritage with global trends. (Image: RMIT)
Artists remain the heart of Vietnam’s music ecosystem, serving both as conveyors of emotion and as cultural ambassadors connecting audiences at home and abroad. The convergence of artistry, professional management, and technology is shaping a new generation of Vietnamese artists. Through their individual creativity and distinctive styles, they not only shape musical tastes but also help bring Vietnamese identity closer to the world.
The report also highlights that music, and cultural products in general, must be intelligently packaged: distinctive in identity, contemporary in form, and emotionally resonant to enable wide circulation. A complete value chain is essential, spanning creation, production, distribution, communication, and extensions into tourism and ancillary products.
“When supported by systematic investment and a global vision, music can become a bridge that carries Vietnamese heritage further, no longer just art, but a strategic asset for sustainable cultural integration,” said Associate Professor Long. “With our report, we aim to share insights for artists, brands, and policymakers ready to shape that future.”
About the whitepaper
The whitepaper Vietnam Music Landscape 2025-2026: Globalisation, Identity, Synergy is the third edition of the previously titled Vietnam Digital Music Landscape whitepaper.
This year’s whitepaper draws on secondary research from global market reports and academic studies, a database of music events aggregated from media and ticketing platforms, an online survey of 471 young users, and in-depth interviews with 23 experts from leading cultural and music organisations.
