Experience the Vibrancy of Vietnam: A Guide to Celebrating National Holidays

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As April draws to a close and May begins, Vietnam gears up for a spectacular showcase of culture, history, and festivity. The end of April and the beginning of May mark a series of national holidays that offer locals and visitors alike a chance to immerse themselves in the vibrant tapestry of Vietnamese traditions.

Here’s everything you need to know about this exciting period and some advice for foreigners planning to visit during these celebrations.

Key Dates:

  • Hung Kings Commemoration Day: April 18, 2024
  • Reunification Day: April 30, 2024
  • International Labor Day: May 1, 2024

These holidays hold deep significance in Vietnamese culture. Hung Kings Commemoration Day honors the traditional founders of the nation, while Reunification Day marks the historic moment when North and South Vietnam were reunified. International Labor Day celebrates the rights and achievements of workers, acknowledging their contributions to the nation’s development.

Travel Tips for Foreigners:

Foreign tourist traveling in Hanoi by Cyclos

1.Visa and Entry: Ensure your visa arrangements are in order before traveling. Vietnam offers electronic visas and visas on arrival for many nationalities, providing a convenient option for travelers.

2.Accommodation: Book your stay well in advance, as hotels and guesthouses can fill up quickly during this peak travel period.

3.Transportation: Public transport can be crowded, and services may be limited. Consider booking private transport or flights early to avoid inconvenience.

4.Cultural Etiquette: Respect local customs and traditions. Participate in the festivities with an open heart, but also give space to locals during their important rituals.

5.Health and Safety: Stay updated on vaccinations and carry necessary medications. Be cautious with food and water, and always have travel insurance for peace of mind.

Experiencing the Festivities:

  • Cultural Events: Witness colorful parades, traditional performances, and ceremonial offerings that bring the history of Vietnam to life.
  • Cuisine: Savor the holiday specialties, from banh chung (rice cake) to various regional delicacies that are part of the celebration.
  • Shopping: Markets and shops may offer sales during this time. It’s a great opportunity to purchase souvenirs and gifts.

For a Memorable Visit:

  • Embrace the local pace of life and join in the communal spirit.
  • Learn a few phrases in Vietnamese to connect better with the locals.
  • Keep a digital copy of your identity and travel documents for safety.

Vietnam’s national holidays are a window into the soul of the country. For foreigners, it’s a unique chance to experience the warmth and richness of Vietnamese culture. Plan ahead, stay informed, and most importantly, enjoy the festivities!

Whether you’re captivated by historical reenactments, tantalized by culinary delights, or simply eager to immerse yourself in the joyful atmosphere, Vietnam’s holiday season promises an unforgettable experience for all who partake.

Hong Kong Likely to Approve Spot Bitcoin ETFs Next Week: Reuters

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Hong Kong’s regulators have sped up the approval process, according to a Reuters report.

Hong Kong regulators are likely to approve the first set of applications for spot bitcoin exchange-traded funds (ETF) next week, making it possible that the products could be ready to start trading in April, Reuters reported, citing two people familiar with the matter.

Australia and Hong Kong are the two jurisdictions that could become the first in Asia to offer spot bitcoin ETFs, with Singapore and the UAE not reflecting immediacy just yet.

Hong Kong’s regulators have sped up the approval process, Reuters said, citing one of the people.

Harvest Global Investments, a major asset-management company in China, and asset manager VSFG, together with its partner, Value Partners, have applied to the Securities and Futures Commission (SFC) for a spot ETF, CoinDesk has reported.

The Reuters report said four entities have submitted applications to launch the spot bitcoin ETFs. It named three of them as the Hong Kong units of China Asset Management, Harvest Fund Management and Bosera Asset Management.

Bitcoin’s Bullish Quarter Eases Retail Skepticism: Deutsche Bank

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While 40% of respondents to the German bank’s survey said bitcoin will thrive in the coming years, 38% said they expect the cryptocurrency to disappear.

Retail investors became more positive about cryptocurrencies during the first quarter, according to a March survey by German lender Deutsche Bank (DB).

“Consumers have become more positive on crypto in Q1 2024, with less than 1% thinking they are a fad,” the April report said.

The data is hardly surprising given the strong rally in crypto markets in that period that was fueled by the January approval of spot bitcoin (BTC) exchange-traded funds (ETFs).

Nevertheless, the survey showed that retail investors are not overly optimistic about the outlook for the world’s largest cryptocurrency, with only 10% of people saying they expect it to exceed $75,000 by year-end. Bitcoin was trading over 2% lower over 24 hours at around $69,000 at publication time.

Just under one-third of those surveyed said they expected the bitcoin price to tumble below $20,000 by the end of 2024 and over 50% of respondents said they were worried about another major cryptocurrency collapsing in the next two years.

As many as 40% said they expected bitcoin to thrive in the coming years, while almost as many – 38% – said they expected the digital asset to disappear.

“78% of U.S. consumers see cryptocurrencies as a form of commodities, 76% as alternative assets, and 74% a store of value. 65% see it as replacing cash,” the report said, adding that 52% see cryptocurrencies as an “important asset class and method of payment.”

How Vietnam Becomes The Rising Star in Global Outsourcing

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In recent years, Vietnam has emerged as a leading destination for European Union (EU) investors looking to outsource their operations.

This Southeast Asian nation has carved out a niche for itself in the global market, attracting significant foreign investment and multinational companies. But what makes Vietnam so appealing to EU investors?

Let’s delve into the key factors driving this trend with Vietnam Insider.

Economic Resilience and Growth

Vietnam’s economy has demonstrated remarkable resilience, maintaining steady growth even amidst global economic uncertainties. With a projected GDP growth of around 5.5%, Vietnam stands out as a beacon of economic stability. This robust performance has not gone unnoticed by EU firms seeking a reliable and burgeoning market.

Cost Competitiveness

As labor costs in traditional outsourcing powerhouses like China continue to rise, Vietnam offers a cost-effective alternative without compromising on quality. The country’s competitive wage structure is a significant draw for investors looking to optimize their production costs.

Geopolitical Advantage

Amidst heightened geopolitical tensions and trade uncertainties, EU investors are diversifying their risks by shifting their focus away from China. Vietnam, with its stable political environment and strategic location, presents itself as a viable and less contentious alternative.

Government Incentives

The Vietnamese government has been proactive in creating an investor-friendly climate. With ambitious economic development goals and policies that encourage foreign investment, Vietnam is committed to fostering a conducive environment for business growth, according to Sophie Dao, Senior Partner at Global Business Services LLC (GBS), a legal and business consulting agency in Vietnam.

Strategic Trade Agreements

Vietnam’s participation in new free trade agreements with the EU and other global partners has significantly enhanced its attractiveness for foreign direct investment. These agreements have opened up new opportunities for trade and investment, further integrating Vietnam into the global economy.

A Young and Dynamic Workforce

With a large, young, and educated workforce, Vietnam offers a pool of talent that is both skilled and adaptable. The country’s human capital is a critical asset, providing the necessary manpower to support a wide range of outsourcing activities.

Vietnam’s combination of economic dynamism, cost efficiency, geopolitical stability, supportive government policies, strategic trade partnerships, and a vibrant workforce makes it an outsourcing hotspot for EU investors. As Vietnam continues to grow and develop, it is poised to play an even more significant role in the global outsourcing landscape.

Ensuring safe and orderly traffic: Ho Chi Minh City to install cameras

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Ho Chi Minh City is taking decisive action to curb the persistent issue of vehicles traveling in the wrong direction and encroaching on sidewalks at central intersections. Despite being located in the heart of the city, instances of this dangerous behavior remain prevalent, causing frustration among commuters during peak hours. To address this concern, the Ho Chi Minh City Traffic Police have implemented various penalty measures.

At key intersections like Hai Ba Trung – Vo Thi Sau and Truong Dinh – Nguyen Thi Minh Khai, numerous cases of motorbikes flouting traffic regulations by driving against the flow and encroaching on lanes have been observed. Many commuters, driven by the fear of being late, ignore traffic signs and resort to risky maneuvers, further worsening the problem.

To tackle this issue head-on, authorities have installed cameras along these roads to capture footage of violating vehicles. This recorded evidence serves as a crucial legal basis for enforcing penalties against speed violations, running red lights, and other breaches of traffic safety regulations.

The phenomenon of vehicles following each other in the wrong direction not only constitutes a serious traffic offense but also tarnishes the image of the city’s traffic culture. Through rigorous enforcement and the use of surveillance technology, Ho Chi Minh City aims to promote safer and more orderly traffic conditions in its central areas.

Prudential and Vinmec have signed a strategic partnership, delivered an enhanced healthcare solutions to customers

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Prudential Vietnam Life Insurance LLC (referred to as “Prudential”) and the Vinmec Healthcare System (referred to as “Vinmec”) solidified a strategic cooperation agreement. This partnership is geared towards implementing initiatives that will provide exceptional products, services, and tangible benefits to life insurance policy holders.

Following the signing, Prudential and Vinmec have now formed an agreement to provide Prudential’s valued customers with special deals and specialized healthcare benefits. Furthermore, in their commitment to enhancing benefits for insured clients, both entities have jointly agreed to:

  • Prioritize collaboration and implementation of Loyalty (VIP) programs, applying exclusive health check-up package for Prudential’s VIP customers. 
  • Cooperate in developing tailored health examination packages designed for individuals based on their health status and insurance product needs.
  • Prudential and Vinmec will also coordinate to develop and deploy cooperative programs, events, and seminars to create quality products, services, and practical benefits for customers. This will enhance the capabilities and leverage the strengths of each party in developing health care packages tailored to the needs of each customer providing a diverse range of useful general medical knowledge to Agents, Customers, and Employees of Prudential Vietnam.
  • Vinmec continues to be an important partner in the network of medical facilities providing hospital fee guarantee services for Prudential’s customers. The strategic cooperation agreement between Prudential and Vinmec demonstrates the strong commitment of both entities to actualize the principle of “Customer Centricity,” providing priority and superior healthcare services throughout their joint journey.

Speaking at the signing ceremony, Ms. Nguyen Thanh Ha, Chief Operations Officer at Prudential Vietnam, emphasized: “With the ambition to enhance the Customer Experience, we believe that our value extends beyond compensation payments to becoming a trusted partner in our customers’ healthcare journey.”

“This ambition requires us to bravely implement significant changes, from upgrading the core value of products, standardizing the distribution force, providing more advanced products and value-added services, driving digital transformation, and automating processes from contract issuance to claims handling. Throughout this transformation, the network of healthcare partner facilities plays a pivotal role in the entire customer journey.

Prudential and Vinmec have had certain collaborations in the recent past. We see this as the opportune moment to consolidate and expand long-term cooperation between both parties to ensure that clients fully enjoy care and experience with the highest international standards. Our joint commitment ensures that clients fully enjoy care and experience aligned with the highest international standards.”

Sharing at the ceremony, Mr. Nguyen Huy Ngoc, Deputy Chief Executive Officer at Vinmec Healthcare System, stated: “Vinmec consistently prioritizes “Customer-Centricity” and actively seeks cooperation with partners who share this vision. We deeply value Prudential’s pioneering role in creating sustainable health protection solutions. Through our strategic collaboration, Vinmec and Prudential are committed to providing specialized, personalized healthcare benefits to clients, with the ultimate goal of enhancing the quality of life for the Vietnamese population.”

Bánh trôi and Bánh chay: Embracing tradition during the Cold Food Festival

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While originating from China, Vietnam’s Cold Food Festival carries its distinctive customs. It’s a time for Vietnamese people to reconnect with their heritage and honor the kindness of their ancestors.

On the third day of the third lunar month, families prepare bánh trôi and bánh chay to pay respects to grandparents and ancestors, disregarding fire restrictions. In many regions, these delicacies are also offered to the emperor, symbolizing a deep reverence for ancestry. This occasion serves as a reunion for families, who come together to visit graves, share meals, and strengthen familial bonds.

Bánh chay is made from glutinous rice flour with pureed green beans inside and served with cool tapioca starch water.
Bánh trôi is filled with sugar inside, sweet and fragrant with sesame sprinkled on top.

As the weather warms in the third lunar month, heralding the arrival of summer, the refreshing coolness of bánh trôi and bánh chay provides a welcome respite. These sweet treats, made from traditional sticky rice, offer a delightful contrast to the heat of the season.

The filling inside each rice ball can be green beans, brown sugar and black sesame.

While traditional bánh trôi and bánh chay hold a special place in Vietnamese culture, modern variations have introduced vibrant colors and innovative shapes while preserving the essence of the original recipe. Despite these creative adaptations, the soul of these rice balls remains rooted in tradition, crafted from fragrant sticky rice flour—a testament to the enduring spirit of wet rice culture.

Traditional bánh trôi, through the creativity of the makers, have been transformed into extremely eye-catching shapes and colors.

Bánh trôi and bánh chay serve not only as culinary delights but also as symbols of reverence and gratitude, representing the diligence of past generations and the deep cultural heritage of Vietnam.

Financial Stability Study Calls for Consistent Regulatory Response to Stablecoins

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Countries have varying definitions and categorizations for stablecoins that may pose a risk to financial stability, the report by the Financial Stability Institute said.

Countries need to make their regulatory frameworks for stablecoins consistent with one another, the Financial Stability Institute (FSI) warned in a report published Tuesday.

The FSI, jointly created by the Bank for International Settlements and the Basel Committee on Banking Supervision, is tasked with assisting regulators worldwide in strengthening their financial systems. The institute’s report on policy implementation insights for stablecoins – which refers to cryptocurrencies whose value is pegged to other assets such as sovereign currencies – warns of the dangers of fragmentation in supervision across the world.

“Stablecoins may still be unregulated or lightly regulated in other jurisdictions,” said the report, authored by FSI Deputy Chair Juan Carlos Crisanto and Senior Advisors Johannes Ehrentraud and Denise Garcia Ocampo.

The authors argued that while many regulatory approaches have similarities when it comes to key requirements, the differences are largely driven by the variety of stablecoin design features and perceived risks. The report warned that this fragmentation in approaches to supervision could pose challenges to an integrated financial system and threaten financial stability.

Nations around the world have been exploring how to regulate stablecoins for several years. The U.K., for instance, passed legislation to recognize stablecoins as a means of payment in 2023, while the European Union passed the landmark Markets in Crypto Assets regulation (MiCA) to supervise issuers and service providers handling stablecoins. Japan too has started regulating stablecoins, while the U.S. is considering a stablecoin bill.

The FSI report says jurisdictions have varying definitions and categorizations for stablecoins that may pose a risk to financial stability. There are also discrepancies in requirements for the disclosure of reserve assets kept by stablecoin issuers to maintain the crypto’s value against its reference currency.

“A consistent regulatory framework, as well as its global implementation, is essential to address stablecoins’ risks, prevent regulatory arbitrage and ensure a level playing field in the digital asset ecosystem,” the FSI report said.

Ensuring the interoperability of stablecoins with central bank digital currencies (CBDC) and other digital assets would also be key to promoting an integrated financial system, the report added.

Global organizations such as the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and Financial Stability Board (FSB) have issued or are working on universal norms for stablecoins.

Identifying 7 Indicators That Your Garage Door Requires Repair 

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Whether it’s a bothersome squeak, a sticky door, or a faulty handle, there are many indicators your garage may require repair. Aside from being annoying, it can cause inconvenience should you rely on your garage door to enter and exit your building.  

Additionally, if you store items such as equipment and sports gear in your garage, not having access to these items as and when you please can cull productivity.  

In this article, we detail seven indicators to watch out for, all of which signal your garage door may need to be repaired. Read on to discover more.  

Delayed Response

Modern-day garage doors function via sensors, springs, pulleys, or tracks. When these mechanisms run smoothly, they’re an asset to those entering and exiting their garage. When they’re faulty, they can cause all sorts of problems, ranging from slower operating times to stalls. In certain scenarios, all that is required to fix this issue is an adjustment in speed settings or lubrication.  

If the issue is more pressing, you may need to request the assistance of a professional to action the garage door repair Tustin CA. They will be able to establish the fault and provide a quick fix, including a quote for doing so.  

Broken Hinges

If your garage door appears to be off its tracks or misaligned, it’s likely the tension springs or cables are damaged. This can cause both delays and stalling when attempting to operate the device. Broken hinges enable more flex, which can cause panels to move and stop pivoting. As a result, your panels can break. This causes roller issues and uneven motion. This leads to rollers tilting and dragging due to the stem of the roller becoming offset. 

In this scenario, a repair is often too complicated to administer yourself. This is when professional help should be requested.

Garage Door Is Refusing To Open Or Close

Finding the root cause of a stuck garage door can prove challenging. There are many reasons this could be happening. Some are easy fixes. Others are more complicated. Some causes include an inactive power source, something blocking the door, a locked door, loose or snapped cables, or a garage door that has come off its tracks.

Your Garage Door Refuses To Open Manually

If your door’s release is disengaged, yet your garage door refuses to open, this could be down to a malfunction in your garage door’s power source. Contemporary doors often boast a bypass switch, which rectifies this problem. This allows you to open the door manually via an overhead lift.   

Typically, when pulled, this should disengage the automated trolley to allow for manual lifting. If this doesn’t solve the problem, you’ll need to invest in the services of an expert to administer a repair.

Your Garage Door Only Closes Half Way

This issue is just as frustrating as when your garage door won’t open. This is especially the case if you have items in your garage you need to safeguard. This may affect your home contents insurance. In addition, if you live in an area renowned for poor weather, your items may become damaged. The main cause? Your garage door distance setting is off. Before doing anything, check whether the setting is too high.   

Another reason this may be happening? Your garage door’s photo eye safety sensors are misaligned. This can cause your door to switch directions. If these quick fixes don’t work, call a professional. It’s likely your track, springs, or cables are damaged.  

Trackers Are Off

This is a problem that needs to be immediately resolved. It can prove dangerous, causing injury to family members or damage to vehicles. Why? Your garage door could fall off its hinges entirely! This is particularly the case if the rollers or cables are damaged. If trackers are misbehaving, stop using your garage door immediately and get it fixed!  

Automatic Opener Has Stopped Working

Automatic garage door openers are snazzy, convenient tools, enjoyed by those who wish to remain in their vehicles when entering and exiting. This is until they cease working. On average, a door will open and close three to five times per day. This equates to 1,500 times annually. When unable to open your door, this can cause a huge inconvenience, especially if you have a meeting to attend.  

Two things to check before seeking help? A gear motor that has stopped working or a dead battery. Instead of trying to fix this issue yourself and damaging the warranty, speak to the manufacturer or hire the services of a specialist. 

The Bottom Line  

A faulty garage door needs to be assessed sooner rather than later, especially if you use your garage as a point of access regularly. Similarly, if you use your door to store valuable belongings, this is a fix you will want to administer quickly and efficiently to avoid weather-related damage or theft.  

In certain scenarios, you may be able to fix the problem yourself. If not, always enlist the help of a professional. Trying and failing to fix any issues single-handedly may result in you affecting your warranty. Worse still, you could become injured.  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Solana Meme Coin Generator Pump on Track for $66M Yearly Revenue

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The tool has made over $5 million since going live in early March, with thousands of tokens issued daily.

Selling shovels in a gold rush was one of the surest ways to make profits, and it’s no different today in the digital asset world.

Pump, a meme coin generator platform, has earned over $5 million in fees since going live in March amid an ongoing meme coin frenzy on Solana, making it one of the biggest revenue-generating applications in a relatively short period.

The platform made $300,000 in the past 24 hours alone on Solana, data shows, contributing a significant chunk to the network’s total generated fees of $2.5 million. Annual revenue projections based on current usage and growth are about $66 million, DefiLlama data shows.

Pump lets anyone issue a token for $2 in capital, after which they choose the number of tokens, theme, and meme picture to accompany it. When the market capitalization of any token reaches $69,000, a portion of liquidity is deposited to the Solana-based exchange Raydium and burned. Last week, the platform also extended support to the Blast and Base networks.

The draw for traders is a supposed inbuilt safety mechanism: “Rug pulls,” a common crypto scam that sees token issuers drain liquidity, aren’t possible on Pump-issued tokens.

“Pump prevents rugs by making sure that all created tokens are safe. Each coin on Pump is a fair launch with no pre-sale and no team allocation,” its site says.

The ease of usage means new tokens are created nearly every other second. CoinDesk calculated a total of 35 issuances in a one-minute period in Asian morning hours on Tuesday, although this figure is likely to wildly change based on timezones and interest in new types of memes.

While there are likely tens of thousands of tokens that have been released on Pump since its March launch, only a few have reached market capitalizations of more than $10 million.

The largest tokens so far are Shark Cat (SC), a cat wearing a shark cap, and Hobbes, named after the cat of popular Solana trader Ansem, with valuations of $100 million and $35 million, respectively.

Cat memes are a popular draw for issuers, although popular Pump tokens range from a can of Arizona Iced Tea and Lord of the Rings character Gandalf to a pixelated image of a rubber duck.

Vietnam’s capital city among the world’s most affordable travel destination

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India’s bustling metropolis, New Delhi, has been crowned the most economical travel hotspot globally this year, with Hanoi trailing closely behind, according to a survey by the British platform Wethrift.

The survey meticulously evaluated the world’s sought-after travel locales on multiple criteria, including the volume of direct flights, the expense of tourist hotspots, the cost-effectiveness of public transit, and the affordability of dining and lodging for duos over the weekend, to ascertain the destinations that deliver the most bang for your buck.

In Hanoi, the capital of Vietnam, public transportation fares are remarkably low, starting at just £0.23 (US$0.29). Dining out is equally wallet-friendly, with an average meal costing approximately £1.71, and a beverage priced at a modest £0.83.

For those planning a weekend getaway, the average cost for a couple’s overnight stay is £32.42, and tickets to various attractions total around £45.

Currently, Hanoi boasts 61 direct flight connections, which is less than half of New Delhi’s impressive tally of 145.

The survey also highlighted other value destinations, with Cairo in Egypt securing the third spot, followed by Istanbul in Turkey and Hurghada, also in Egypt. Rounding out the list are the tropical paradise of Bali in Indonesia, the vibrant city of Bangkok in Thailand, the historic Marrakech in Morocco, the serene Phuket in Thailand, and the lively Rio de Janeiro in Brazil.

Additional Insights on Hanoi as a Travel Destination:

Hanoi, known for its peaceful and historical ambiance, is not just about affordability; it’s a city where old-world charm meets the hustle and bustle of modern life. The city provides a comprehensive tourist map that includes popular destinations and practical information such as dining and shopping locations. Hanoi’s public transportation network is extensive, with over 100 bus routes connecting the city and its neighboring provinces. For a unique experience, visitors can try the Metro system, which offers a different perspective of the city from above.

Latest Travel Surveys and Reports:

Recent travel research reports have shed light on emerging trends and factors driving the growth of the travel industry. Generative AI’s impact on travel and online booking trends during the pandemic are among the topics that have been explored, providing valuable insights for travelers and industry professionals alike.

How long can residents use metro number 1 for free?

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The Department of Transport of Ho Chi Minh City has issued a document to relevant units regarding the draft policy to support passengers using public transportation within the city.

Metro line No. 1 in Ho Chi Minh City is expected to be put into operation to serve people from October this year

The policy aims to encourage the public to use public transportation (including the bus system and urban railway – metro line 1) and implement fare exemptions or reductions for socially supported groups.

It is planned that the budget of Ho Chi Minh City will fully support ticket prices for revolutionaries before August 19, 1945; Heroic Vietnamese Mothers; veterans; individuals eligible for veteran-related policies; those affected by chemical warfare during the resistance war. Additionally, heavily disabled persons, older persons (Vietnamese citizens aged 60 and above), children under 6 years old or below 1.3 meters tall accompanied by adults will also benefit from this policy.

Students residing in Ho Chi Minh City will receive a 50% fare reduction on single tickets and monthly passes.

In particular, Ho Chi Minh City will allocate from the budget full fare support for passengers using the first urban railway line (metro line 1) and 17 bus routes connected to this metro line (from route number 153 to route number 169) for the first three months from the start of commercial operations of metro line 1.

According to the Department of Transport of Ho Chi Minh City, implementing fare exemptions or reductions demonstrates the city’s superior policies towards supported groups. Simultaneously, this is a solution to encourage people to form habits of using public passenger transportation and reduce the use of personal vehicles in daily life, thus contributing to the goal of reducing traffic congestion and accidents.

The Ben Thanh – Suoi Tien metro line is 19.7 km long with a total investment of over 43,700 billion VND sourced from ODA loans from the Japan International Cooperation Agency and counterpart funds from the budget of Ho Chi Minh City. This is the first urban railway project in Ho Chi Minh City, which commenced in 2012 and has faced numerous delays due to various difficulties. As of now, approximately 98% of the project has been completed.

The management board of the urban railway informed that testing of systems and trial runs along the entire line are continuously taking place day and night, alongside personnel training to prepare for operations. It is anticipated that by the end of September, the metro line 1 will complete its trial runs. By October, after safety inspections and approvals by relevant agencies, the trains can officially start serving the public.

@Thanhnien.vn

Vietjet opens direct flight Ho Chi Minh City – Xi’an (China)

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After two flight routes to Shanghai and Chengdu, Vietjet continues to launch a direct route from Ho Chi Minh City to Xi’an (China) starting from April 29.

With 4 round-trip flights each week, Vietjet becomes a rare Vietnamese airline to operate direct flights from Vietnam to the ancient capital Xi’an of China, reducing the distance and travel time between these two locations.

Vietjet’s Ho Chi Minh City – Xi’an (China) route will commence on April 29, with 4 round-trip flights per week. Flights from Ho Chi Minh City to Xi’an will depart every Monday, Wednesday, Friday, and Sunday at 8:05 PM (local time) and arrive at Xi’an Xianyang International Airport at 1:30 AM the following day (local time). Return flights from Xi’an to Ho Chi Minh City will depart every Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday at 2:30 AM (local time) from Xi’an and land in Ho Chi Minh City at 6:25 AM (local time).

Shorten travel time with 4 direct flights from Ho Chi Minh City – Xi’an every week with Vietjet.

Xi’an is the capital of Shaanxi Province, formerly the capital of 13 Chinese dynasties, and the birthplace of the illustrious Chinese civilization. This city marks the starting point of the legendary Silk Road, connecting trade and culture between Asia and Europe. Xi’an is renowned for its rich history, housing famous cultural treasures such as the Mausoleum of Qin Shi Huang, the Great Wild Goose Pagoda, and the Big Wild Goose Pagoda Park.

To celebrate the new flight route, passengers can book tickets with the “0 Dong ticket promotion” (excluding taxes and fees) every Friday until December 31 (excluding holidays and peak periods depending on market conditions), applicable across Vietjet’s international flight network on the website vietjetair.com and Vietjet Air mobile app.

New routes create opportunities for travelers to travel to all interesting destinations with Vietjet.

When booking with Vietjet, passengers will have the opportunity to explore inspiring new destinations with professional and dedicated crews, on comfortable modern aircraft. Passengers can also indulge in world and Vietnamese culinary delights with a diverse menu featuring fresh and delicious dishes like Pho Thin, Vietnamese baguette, and enjoy various special cultural and artistic programs at an altitude of 10,000 meters. Additionally, passengers can fly with peace of mind with free SkyCare insurance provided by Vietjet to all passengers and enjoy other special benefits with Vietjet SkyJoy loyalty program.

@Znews

International media praises the attractiveness of Vietnam tourism

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Alongside the promising growth in tourist numbers, Vietnam’s destinations have also been highly regarded by the international media, enabling access to a wide global audience.

The Sydney Morning Herald of Australia published an article on the importance of sustainable tourism, featuring a list of 20 experiences positively impacting the environment, ecology, and livelihoods of local people.

Among these, trekking tours through the Non Nuoc Cao Bang Geopark in the northern province of Cao Bang, Vietnam, recognized by UNESCO, made the list.

Photo: Vietnam Insider

Previously, the DestinAsian magazine’s Readers’ Choice Awards 2024 for the Asia-Pacific region honored Phu Quoc, ranking it 6th among the top 10 most beautiful islands in the area. Destinations were selected based on evaluations by experts and tourists, considering factors like attractiveness, experiences, local friendliness, cuisine, transportation, infrastructure, flight connections, and affordability.

TripAdvisor’s Travellers’ Choice 2024 – Best of the Best Destinations recognized Ha Long Bay (3rd place) and Sapa (5th place) in the list of the world’s top 25 destinations.

Meanwhile, Yahoo! Finance selected Hue as one of the 20 underrated travel destinations in Asia.

Not only the destinations, but certain Vietnamese dishes have also gained international attention. According to Taste Atlas’s ranking of the top 100 sandwiches in the world released on March 11, Vietnamese sandwiches (in general) were rated the highest with 4.6 out of 5 stars.

Two other variations of Vietnamese sandwiches were also highly rated by Taste Atlas, namely meat sandwiches (ranked 9th, 4.4/5 stars) and roasted pork sandwiches (ranked 29th, 4.3/5 stars).

@Vietnamnet

VELO AND SOLANA FOUNDATION SIGN MOU TO ESTABLISH CLEARING HOUSE FOR LAOS’ DIGITAL GOLD TRANSACTIONS 

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Velo, in collaboration with its partner Lightnet, is pleased to announce the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the Solana Foundation for its Laos Gold Project. Solana will act as the blockchain settlement layer and Velo will be the backbone infrastructure layer as well as the designated clearing house for Laos’ digital gold transactions under the Gold Project. This combination will ensure efficient and secure processing of transactions on the blockchain. 

Velo plays a crucial role in facilitating the overall operation and reliability of the clearing house function. It is responsible for validating and finalizing transactions securely, upholding trust, and ensuring the smooth execution of contractual obligations between buyers and sellers settled on Solana’s blockchain. 

The MOU also includes a robust bridging mechanism to enhance interoperability between Solana’s L1, Nova, and EVM-compatible chains. This initiative aligns with the blockchain principle of interconnectedness, promoting connectivity and accessibility of digital assets across different blockchain networks. The collaboration marks a significant advancement, unlocking new possibilities for asset transfers, liquidity provision, and Web3 activities, meeting the rising demand for cross-chain transactions and contributing to the growth of the Web3 ecosystem. 

Additionally, this agreement entails the implementation of comprehensive liquidity management protocols. These protocols include the development and maintenance of on-ramp and off-ramp facilities for assets on the Solana blockchain, further strengthening the framework for digital asset transactions. The goal is to roll this out in Southeast Asia and then globally. 

This strategic initiative paves the way for Digital Gold to expand its user base, offering greater accessibility, particularly for users seeking a stable and secure store of value. Leveraging Solana’s technical expertise, this collaboration promises users a seamless integration of investment and financial opportunities in the evolving digital landscape. 

About Velo Labs

Velo Labs is a global pioneer in Web3-based financial solutions, offering a cutting-edge liquidity and settlement network for secure, efficient value transfers. Backed by Stellar Network and CP Group, our reach has expanded beyond Southeast Asia and the Pacific, now serving partners worldwide. We connect and complement the gap between traditional banking infrastructure and Web3, leading the way in blockchain mass adoption. Our extensive Web3-based payment network and Lightnet, our licensed settlement partner, position us as a global heavyweight. Velo Labs offers a diverse range of Web3-based products, notably Orbit, tailored for individuals, merchants, corporations, and enterprises worldwide — dedicated to empowering global financial connectivity and expanding accessibility globally. 

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