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40 students climbed to the roof to avoid the flood

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Mr. Dao Minh Duc, Vice Chairman of the People’s Committee of Tan Lac town (Quy Chau district, Nghe An), confirmed on September 27th that 40 students who were staying in a boarding house had been rescued after being trapped by rising flood waters. The house had been inundated due to the floods. Mr. Duc explained that the area had been deeply submerged in floodwater that morning, and the students had to climb to the roof to seek help from the authorities as the waters rose.

By the evening, a total of 100 students from the flooded area had been relocated to a safe place, and the school’s kitchen department had provided food for them. Sadly, most of the children’s belongings, including books, utensils, clothes, and more, had been damaged. At present, the school teachers are appealing to the community and people in the surrounding area to help provide clothes for the children.

The entire boarding house area of Quy Chau High School’s students was deeply flooded (Photo: Luong Nga).

On September 26, heavy rain caused flooding in Tan Lac town and the entire Quy Chau district, resulting in students’ personal belongings being submerged. The rising water level left roads impassable on September 27 at around 5:30 p.m., making it difficult for people to travel and assist affected students.

Meanwhile, the Standing Office of the Steering Committee for Natural Disaster Prevention and Control – Search and Rescue and Civil Defense of Nghe An province reported that hydropower units have started discharging water from reservoirs in the area.

@dantri.vn

Setting up an Export Company in Vietnam : everything you need to know

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If you are looking for a new business opportunity in Southeast Asia, you might want to consider setting up an export company in Vietnam. Vietnam is one of the fastest-growing economies in the region, with a large and young population, a stable political system, and a strategic location for trade.

Vietnam also has a lot of potential as an exporter of various products, such as agricultural goods, textiles, electronics, furniture, and more.

>> Related article : Best products to manufacture and source in Vietnam

But how do you start an export company in Vietnam? What are the steps and requirements involved? And what are the challenges and opportunities that you might face? In this article, we will answer these questions and give you some tips on how to set up an export company in Vietnam successfully.

Choose Your Product and Market

The first step to setting up an export company in Vietnam is to decide what product you want to export and which market you want to target. Do some market research to identify the demand and competition for your product in your chosen market, as well as the legal and regulatory requirements, tariffs, and standards that you need to comply with. Consider the costs and benefits of exporting your product, such as the transportation, logistics, packaging, marketing, and taxes involved.

Some of the most popular products that Vietnam exports are rice, coffee, seafood, garments, shoes, electronics, furniture, and handicrafts. Some of the major markets that Vietnam exports to are China, the United States, Japan, South Korea, and the European Union. However, you can also explore other niche products and markets that might have less competition and more potential for growth.

>> Related article : How do I find the best sourcing agents in Vietnam?

Business Registration in Vietnam

The next step to setting up an export company in Vietnam is to register your company with the relevant authorities. You will need to choose a company name, a legal representative, a business address, and a business scope. You will also need to prepare some documents, such as your passport or ID card and your bank account details.

You can register your company as a foreign-owned enterprise, a joint venture, or a Vietnamese enterprise using a nominee.

Each type of company has its own advantages and disadvantages, depending on your goals and preferences. For example, an 100% foreign-owned LLC allows you to have full ownership and control over your company, but it might have more restrictions on the types of activities you can do.

A JV allows you to partner with a local company and share the risks and benefits of exporting, but it might also involve more complexity and bureaucracy. A 100% Vietnamese-owned company allows you to operate as a local company and enjoy more flexibility and incentives for exporting, but you will need to use a nominee which can cause lack of ownership.

The registration process might take from 35 to 45 days, depending on the type of company and the documents required.

Tips for Setting Up an Export Company in Vietnam

Setting up an export company in Vietnam can be a rewarding but challenging endeavor. Here are some tips that can help you succeed:

Do your homework. Research your product and market thoroughly before you start exporting. Understand the demand and competition for your product in your target market, as well as the legal and regulatory requirements that you need to comply with.
Find a reliable partner. Whether it is a local supplier, a buyer, or a distributor, finding a trustworthy partner can make a big difference in your exporting business. A good partner can help you source quality products at competitive prices, access new markets and customers, handle logistics and customs clearance, and solve any problems that might arise along the way. Some sourcing agencies also assist in finding high-quality products at competitive rates, expanding into new markets and customer bases, efficiently managing logistics and customs clearance, and effectively resolving any challenges that may arise throughout your export journey.
Be flexible and adaptable. Exporting is not a one-size-fits-all business. You might need to adjust your product, price, packaging, or marketing strategy according to the preferences and expectations of your target market. You might also need to cope with changes in the market conditions, such as fluctuations in demand, supply, exchange rates, or tariffs.
Seek support and advice. Exporting can be a complex and risky business, especially for newcomers. You might encounter some difficulties or obstacles that you are not familiar with or prepared for. Therefore, it is advisable to seek support and advice from experts and professionals who have experience and knowledge in exporting. You can consult with trade associations, chambers of commerce, export promotion agencies, or other exporters who can guide you and help you overcome the challenges of exporting.

Setting up an export company in Vietnam can be a great way to tap into the opportunities and potential of one of the fastest-growing economies in Southeast Asia.

If you’re still unclear about how to start an export business from Vietnam, you can get a 15-min free consultation from one of Movetoasia’s legal consultant with a tailored consultation on your situation and needs.

However, it also requires careful planning, preparation, and execution. By following the steps and tips outlined in this blog post, you can set up an export company in Vietnam successfully and start exporting your products to the world.

Bitcoin, Ether Prices Stay Flat as Traders Eye Return of U.S. Equities Correlation

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Crypto majors lost just under 0.5% as U.S. markets closed lower on Tuesday.

Bitcoin (BTC) and ether (ETH) remained little changed over the past 24 hours as traders suggested major cryptos were starting to show signs of correlation to U.S. equities.

The price of bitcoin (BTC) remained under pressure at $26,200 on Tuesday as the idea of higher rates for a longer period takes hold throughout financial markets, as reported. Traders are seemingly pricing in fear of inflation, which may impact riskier assets.

“The positive correlation between cryptocurrencies and the stock market is temporarily back on track,” shared Alex Kuptsikevich, the FxPro senior market analyst, in a note to CoinDesk. “Despite the storm in the equity markets, the crypto market remains subdued, losing only 0.3% in 24 hours to $1.045 trillion.”

“However, the Crypto Market Fear and Greed Index is dipping into “fear” territory, implying the crypto market did not suddenly become a safe haven,” he added. The index assumes that fear drives stocks lower while greed boosts stock values.

Crypto markets slumped 0.5%, the CoinDesk Markets Index (CMI), a broad-based tracker of hundreds of tokens, shows. This mirrored a drop in the U.S. markets on Tuesday – with the S&P500 losing 1.5%, the Dow Jones Index falling 1.1% and the tech-heavy Nasdaq 100 ending the day 1.4% lower.

However, Asian markets rose higher Wednesday, bringing relief to crypto bulls as majors pared back some of Tuesday’s losses. BTC exchanged hands at $26,300, ETH at $1,580 in Asian morning hours.

Elsewhere, alternative tokens showed tepid growth with only a few showing gains. Maker protocol’s MKR rose 5.5%, while Shiba Inu ecosystem BONE rose 10%, the highest among all actively traded tokens.

Countries Should Set Up Legal Frameworks to Support CBDCs: BIS Chief

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It is unacceptable that unclear or outdated legal frameworks could hinder their deployment, Agustin Carstens general manager of the Bank for International Settlements said.

Countries should set up legal frameworks that support the deployment of central bank digital currencies (CBDC), Agustin Carstens, general manager of the Bank for International Settlements, an international bank said on Wednesday.

Around 80% of central banks are either not allowed to issue a CBDC under existing laws or they have legal frameworks which lack clarity on this matter, a 2020 paper by the International Monetary Fund said.

“This needs to be rectified. The public rightly demands forms of money that meet their needs and expectations,” Carstens said at a conference in Switzerland.

Central banks around the world have been investing in exploring and addressing both the technical and operational requirements of a CBDC, he added. In 2022, 93% of central banks were engaged in some form of CBDC work, a BIS survey showed. The BIS itself has conducted multiple CBDC experiments and has called for countries to collaborate on their CBDC designs.

“It is simply unacceptable that unclear or outdated legal frameworks could hinder their deployment. The work to address these issues needs to begin in earnest. And it needs to proceed at pace,” Carstens said.

Why Ukrainian soldiers are willing to shoot themself to avoid going back to the battlefield?

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The sense of injustice has compelled many wounded Ukrainian soldiers to take drastic measures, including seeking desertion from the military, The Times reported.

Andrii, a 20-year-old soldier, made the difficult decision to pursue desertion after witnessing rampant corruption within the military that left him disheartened.

According to The Times, Andrii’s journey began on the battlefield in eastern Ukraine during the spring when he sustained a gunshot wound to his shoulder. Moments later, shrapnel from an artillery shell struck his back while he lay in the muddy trench. After receiving initial treatment, Andrii was ordered to return to the front lines just months after his injury. It was at this point that he decided to seek desertion, despite having volunteered to join the military two years earlier.

“If I were to be injured again, it would be a wound caused by my own decision. I’m willing to shoot myself in the leg to avoid going back to the battlefield,” Andrii declared from his hideout in Lviv, western Ukraine.

“I am a professional soldier serving under contract,” Andrii explained. “However, witnessing too much corruption and incompetence within a system that didn’t seem to care about me, I don’t want to return to die in the trenches.”

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While the majority of Ukrainian society continues to support the military and President Volodymyr Zelensky’s efforts against Russia’s campaign, soldiers seeking desertion, like Andrii, represent a minority. Nonetheless, they shed light on the challenges facing Kyiv in maintaining frontline manpower, given the growing discontent over military corruption, draft dodging, and the treatment of wounded veterans.

Andrii’s health struggles are a poignant example of the difficulties faced by wounded soldiers. Despite undergoing surgery in Vinnytsia, some bullet fragments remained embedded in his shoulder, causing persistent pain and numbness in his left arm.

“Doctors said they couldn’t remove all the shrapnel because it could damage nerves and leave my arm paralyzed,” he explained.

A doctor suggested that Andrii bribe him with $1,500 to receive a medical certification exempting him from returning to the battlefield. However, Andrii refused, wanting comprehensive treatment and the chance to continue fighting against Russia in honor of his fallen comrades.

Corruption within the military’s conscription and healthcare system has become a major concern. Officials have been accused of taking bribes to help thousands of Ukrainian youths avoid military service. The size of these bribes varies, but those seeking exemption from conscription are often asked to pay around $6,000 for forged medical certificates.

Yevhen Borysov, head of the military recruitment center in Odessa, was arrested in July for corruption when it was discovered he owned a $4.5 million villa in Spain. President Zelensky has attributed the tenfold increase in medical exemptions for military service to rampant corruption and has removed all provincial recruitment officials from their positions in an effort to reform the system.

Ukraine has expanded the pool of potential conscripts, excluding individuals with certain medical conditions such as hepatitis, thyroid disorders, and mild psychiatric disorders from mandatory service. Starting in October, women working in specific healthcare fields may also be called into military service.

These policies have significantly bolstered Ukraine’s military forces, with over 700,000 soldiers and an additional 250,000 personnel in border security, police, and national guard. However, the need for additional manpower remains substantial, given that an estimated 70,000 Ukrainian soldiers have lost their lives since the conflict began. Maintaining combat-ready forces is a priority for the Ukrainian military, and inexperienced recruits like Andrii are often retained, even if they seek medical treatment abroad.

Frustrated and in pain, Andrii requested help from his unit’s commander but was told not to bother him. It was the last straw for Andrii.

“I suddenly realized that out of my squad of six, only two are still alive. My house is gone, and my hand is ruined. Doctors demanded a bribe for my discharge, which I couldn’t afford. They forced me to fight while I was injured,” he said.

“Why should I go back to the battlefield? I don’t care anymore. They know where to find me, and if they want to, they can come and get me, but I’ll never fight again,” Andrii declared.

Andrii’s story serves as a powerful testament to the challenges faced by Ukrainian soldiers, caught between the desire to defend their country and the harsh realities of corruption, injuries, and a strained military system. As Ukraine continues its struggle against external threats, it must also address internal issues to ensure that its brave soldiers are treated with the dignity and respect they deserve.

Da Lat to merge with Lac Duong district, expanding area fourfold

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According to the plan for the rearrangement of district and commune-level administrative units in the 2023-2025 period of Lam Dong province, Lac Duong district will merge into Da Lat city, and five communes from Bao Lam district will merge into Bao Loc city.

A corner of Da Lat city. Photo: TTXVN

The Vietnam News Agency (TTXVN) reported this information based on Plan No. 8358/KH-UBND issued by the People’s Committee of Lam Dong province on September 25. In the process of implementing the rearrangement of district and commune-level administrative units from 2023 to 2025, the Provincial People’s Committee has developed an overall plan and a project to merge the administrative unit of Lac Duong district into Dalat city.

According to Plan No. 8358/KH-UBND, Lam Dong province will submit the dossier of the administrative unit rearrangement project to the Government by July 31, 2024. The plan also outlines that by 2024, Lam Dong province will complete the rearrangement of district and commune-level administrative units.

The project aims to adjust the administrative boundaries of five communes in Bao Lam district into Bao Loc city to expand the urban space of these two cities, accompanied by upgrading and establishing communes as urban wards.

According to the plan, the entire natural area and population of Lac Duong district, which is currently a rural administrative unit, will be merged into Dalat city as an urban administrative unit to expand the urban space of Dalat city.

The adjustment of administrative boundaries for the five communes, namely Loc An, Loc Tan, Loc Nam, Loc Thanh, and Tan Lac, of Bao Lam district into Bao Loc city is intended to expand the urban space of the city.

In this phase, the entire natural area and population of three southern districts of Lam Dong province, namely Da Huoai, Da Teh, and Cat Tien, will merge into a single district.

Regarding commune-level administrative units, Lam Dong province will merge the natural area and population of Trieu Hai commune into Quang Tri commune in Da Teh district; merge the natural area and population of Quang Lap commune into Pro commune in Don Duong district…

@Thesaigontimes

Aviation industry welcomes 89 million passengers in the first 9 months of 2023

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According to the Civil Aviation Authority of Vietnam, in the first 9 months of 2023, it is forecasted that airports across the country will receive approximately 89 million passengers, a 20% increase compared to the same period last year. Among them, international passengers have surged by 266.8%, reaching 23.7 million passengers, while domestic passengers have decreased by 3.6%, totaling 65.2 million passengers.

In the first 9 months of 2023, airports across the country welcomed about 89 million passengers, an increase of 20% over the same period last year. Photo: Nguyen Phong

Currently, there are 64 foreign airlines and 5 Vietnamese airlines operating in the international market, with over 169 international routes connecting Vietnam to 28 countries, regions in North America, Europe, the Middle East, Asia, and Africa, serving various destinations in Vietnam such as Hanoi, Da Nang, Ho Chi Minh City, Cam Ranh, Phu Quoc, Da Lat, and Hue.

The international air transportation market continues to recover for most traditional markets (excluding the Chinese and Russian markets) and the presence of some new markets in the Central Asian region, such as Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, and Turkmenistan.

Furthermore, Vietnamese airlines are also expanding their operations to India and Australia. The top 10 international markets with the highest number of international passengers traveling to Vietnam are South Korea, Thailand, Taiwan, Japan, China, Singapore, Malaysia, Hong Kong (China), Australia, and India.

While the passenger market is showing growth, the volume of goods passing through airports is declining. In the first 9 months of the year, the total air cargo market decreased by approximately 18% compared to the same period in 2022, reaching 762,000 tons.

The volume of goods through airports reached 887,500 tons, a decrease of 15.3%. Among them, international cargo transportation decreased by 24%, reaching 637,000 tons, while domestic cargo transportation reached 250,400 tons, an increase of 19.5%. The volume of goods transported by Vietnamese airlines reached 230,000 tons, showing an 8.7% increase.

@SGtiepthi

Can Tho and Sa Pa among top ideal destinations in Asia for autumn

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The Canadian travel website, The Travel, has recently recommended 10 ideal new destinations for the fall season, with Can Tho and Sapa in Vietnam ranking 6th and 7th, respectively.

A corner of Cai Rang floating market. Photo: Henry Duong

Located in the heart of the Mekong Delta, Can Tho is an attractive destination to explore this autumn, according to The Travel.

Here, travelers have the opportunity to immerse themselves in the waterways of the Western region with boat tours through lush garden ecosystems, experience the vibrant and bustling traditional floating markets. Among them, Cai Rang Floating Market has long been a unique tourist attraction in the Mekong Delta region in general and Can Tho city in particular.

Some other places tourists can visit when coming to Can Tho include Ong Temple, Ninh Kieu Wharf, Binh Thuy Communal House, Binh Thuy Ancient House, and the Temple of the Hung Kings.

Located in the northwest of Vietnam, Sa Pa is one of Asia’s top destinations that tourists should not miss in the fall. Photo: Nguyen Nhi

Situated at an average elevation of 1,500-1,650 meters above sea level, Sapa is blessed with magnificent landscapes. Some famous attractions associated with Sapa tourism include Hoang Lien Son National Park, Fansipan peak, O Quy Ho Pass, Silver Waterfall, Ham Rong Mountain, and peaceful villages.

Especially, during the ripe rice season from September to October, Sapa takes on a new appearance with its impressive golden terraced fields.

Autumn in Korankei valley. Photo: Japan Guide

Other destinations that made it to The Travel’s list of 10 ideal new fall destinations in Asia include Bromo Tengger Semeru National Park, Indonesia; Qingjing Farm, Taiwan (China); Korankei Valley, Japan; Nami Island, South Korea; Saiho-Ji Temple, Japan; Gorkhi Terelj National Park, Mongolia; Aowanda National Forest Recreation Area, Taiwan (China); and Karakol, Kyrgyzstan.

@SGtiepthi

Binance Restarts in Belgium Three Months After Order to Stop

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In June, the exchange was told to stop serving Belgian clients by the Financial Services and Markets Authority.

Crypto exchange Binance has reopened registrations and access to products and services in Belgium three months after the Financial Services and Markets Authority (FSMA) ordered it to stop providing services in the country.

“Various Binance products and services are accessible again to Belgian users who have accepted our new Terms of Use,” the company said in a tweet on Monday.

In June, the FSMA ordered the exchange to stop serving Belgium clients, saying it was providing services from outside the European Economic Area and this was in violation of a prohibition. Last month, the company said it will serve its users in the country from its Polish entity, Binance Poland.

Sam Bankman-Fried Refiles for Temporary Release Ahead of Trial

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The FTX founder’s requests to be released from jail started in August, when his release on bond was revoked.

Sam Bankman-Fried, the founder of collapsed cryptocurrency exchange FTX, has renewed a request for temporary release from jail during the course of his trial, according to a letter from his lawyers to the judge overseeing the case filed late Monday.

The request saga started in August, when his release on bond was revoked and he was locked up after a judge ruled he’d probably tried to tamper with witnesses. On Sept. 12, Bankman-Fried’s request to overturn that decision was denied. An appeals court rejected an attempt to overturn the ruling on Sep. 21.

In its latest ruling the court “did not foreclose a further application from the defense,” Bankman-Fried’s lawyers wrote, adding that it is “exceedingly difficult as a practical matter” to prepare for the trial. The legal team said it appreciated government efforts to provide Bankman-Fried with case materials and counsel.

Practical realities such as the government providing the defense a list of over 50 potential witnesses, thousands of pages of material and more than 1,300 exhibits, argue for a temporary release, the lawyers said. They added that they didn’t know which witnesses the government would call or in which order and so would not be able to prepare for the “next day’s witnesses and exhibits in the hours when we are not sitting in the courtroom.”

The renewed attempt asks for Bankman-Fried to be released on Oct. 2, the day before his trial, and comes with five conditions he is willing to adhere to.

When not in the courtroom, he must be with his attorneys at his attorneys’ offices or offsite workspace, or with a security guard in a temporary residence in New York City. He will be able to leave the courthouse with his attorneys and travel with them to their workplace to prepare for trial.

Bankman-Fried will consent to a gag order prohibiting him from speaking to anyone but his attorneys, parents and brother during the course of the trial.

He will also be accompanied by a private security guard starting at 10 p.m. to ensure he does not have access to any computers, cell phones, the Internet, television, or any electronic devices. Defense lawyers and prosecutors previously argued over Bankman-Fried’s access to a laptop computer.

“We are willing to accept any others (conditions) the Court deems necessary,” the lawyers said in the letter.

Tropical depression hits the mainland, causing heavy rain in the Central region in the next 2-3 days

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A tropical depression is currently moving inland, and it’s expected to weaken in the next few hours. However, heavy rainfall is expected to persist due to the depression, particularly in the North Central region. Between 7 pm yesterday and 2 am today, some areas in Ha Tinh, Quang Binh, and Thua Thien Hue experienced heavy to very heavy rain, with rainfall between 115-195mm.

In the next 24 hours, heavy rain is expected in the area from Thanh Hoa to Quang Binh, with rainfall ranging from 150-350mm, and in some places over 400mm. Rainfall is also expected in the area from Quang Tri to Quang Ngai, ranging from 50-150mm, and in some areas, it may exceed 150mm. Additionally, the Northern Delta region will experience moderate to heavy rain over the next two days, with rainfall ranging from 50-150mm, and in some areas, it may exceed 200mm.

It’s important to note that the mountainous areas of the Northern Delta and Central regions are at high risk of urban flooding, flash floods, and landslides, especially in low-lying areas.

Threads users will soon have the option to delete their accounts

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Threads is currently developing a feature that allows users to delete their accounts on this platform without affecting Instagram.

Meta introduced Threads earlier this year, and it quickly became one of the hottest platforms in the market with expectations to replace X (the platform billionaire Elon Musk renamed from Twitter). The app reached over 100 million users within just five days of its launch.

However, Threads currently lacks many features; for instance, users cannot delete Threads accounts without also deleting their Instagram accounts. Nevertheless, recent reports from Wccftech suggest that the Threads social media team is working to implement this feature.

The photo shows that the new social network belonging to Meta will allow users to delete their accounts

The latest screenshots indicate that Threads will provide an option for users to delete or disable their accounts. Notably, if users choose to delete their Threads account but later wish to return for some reason, they must wait for 120 days before being able to log back into the app, which is a rather perplexing four-month waiting period.

Currently, this feature has not been widely rolled out, but users will soon find it on their Threads accounts, allowing them to delete their Threads accounts without having to delete their Instagram accounts.

Threads is still considered a social media app with significant potential to compete with X (Twitter), even though many features are still incomplete. The social media development team is working diligently to introduce comprehensive features, and recently, the app has launched a version for use in web browsers on computers.

@Thanhnien.vn

Singapore to implement passport-free entry procedures in 2024

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In the near future, passengers traveling to Singapore will not need to present their personal documents multiple times during the immigration process.

Singapore has approved a proposal to digitize and automate immigration procedures at Changi Airport using biometric technology, replacing passports from the first half of 2024.

Singapore will enhance the use of biometric technology in the immigration process at the airport to replace passports, providing a more convenient travel experience for passengers. At Changi Airport, an individual’s identity will be confirmed through unique physical features such as fingerprints and iris scans. Biometric characteristics will be used to create a unique confirmation code for each person during the immigration process at the airport, from checking luggage to entering the country and boarding the plane.

Josephine Teo, Minister for Communications and Information of Singapore, stated, “Singapore will be one of the few countries to implement passport-free automated immigration procedures.”

This will help passengers avoid presenting their personal documents multiple times during immigration, making the travel experience more convenient. Detailed information about the entry and exit procedures has not yet been announced.

Since lifting border restrictions during the COVID-19 pandemic, Singapore has seen a significant increase in the number of tourists. Official figures show that from January to August 2023, Singapore welcomed 9.01 million visitors, more than triple the number during the same period in 2022. Changi Airport, one of the busiest airports in the world, processed 5.15 million passengers in just the month of August.

Minister Teo believes that Singapore’s immigration system must be able to handle this high and growing volume of tourists while ensuring security. She mentioned that passenger volumes are predicted to return to pre-pandemic levels in 2024 and continue to increase thereafter.

Singapore’s decision comes after many other passenger transport hubs in Asia, such as Hong Kong (China) and Japan, have implemented biometric technology.

@Cafef

Tam Coc – Bich Dong adjusts entrance ticket prices

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The management of Tam Coc – Bich Dong Tourist Area, belonging to Trang An Investment and Trading Services Company Limited (Ninh Binh), has recently issued a notice of ticket price increases effective from November 1.

Specifically, the announcement sent to partners and customers on September 18 by the management of Tam Coc – Bich Dong Tourist Area states the following changes: For tickets for seniors, the price will double from 60,000 VND to 120,000 VND per person; tickets for children between 1 – 1.3 meters in height will also increase from 60,000 VND to 120,000 VND; tickets for individuals over 1.3 meters will go from 120,000 VND to 250,000 VND per person; and tickets for children under 1 meter will remain free of charge. This ticket price includes admission to the Tam Coc – Bich Dong scenic area as well as boat rowing.

Tam Coc – Bich Dong in the ripe rice season

According to the same announcement, the upcoming regulation is that one rowing boat will carry 4 Vietnamese passengers and 2 foreigners. Currently, ticket prices and boat rowing fees are sold separately, and there is no specific provision on the number of people on a boat (boat fees are charged separately at 150,000 VND per boat). The new ticketing system at Tam Coc – Bich Dong is similar to that of Trang An Scenic Area.

The management of Tam Coc – Bich Dong Tourist Area believes that the ticket price increase is aimed at improving service quality, investing in infrastructure and environmental landscaping for tourism.

In early July, Tam Coc – Bich Dong Tourist Area suddenly closed and did not serve tourists throughout the summer months. It wasn’t until September 2 that the place officially reopened following an agreement between Trang An Investment and Trading Services Company Limited and hundreds of boat rowers.

The reason for the closure was that the boat rowers did not agree to sign labor contracts with the company. Up until then, the boat rowers had been rowing and receiving wages for each trip from the ticket sales proceeds collected by the company.

However, in early July, the company implemented labor contracts in accordance with the direction of the Ninh Binh Provincial People’s Committee, but the boat rowers refused to sign the contracts, claiming that the contracts had many unfavorable terms for them.

During the past summer month, Tam Coc – Bich Dong closed to the public

After numerous meetings and dialogues, on September 1, the company provided a commitment to meet the demands of the boat rowers. For example, the boat rowers’ work would solely involve rowing, without additional duties. Working hours would be based on the actual time spent transporting tourists, without the requirement of an 8-hour workday as stipulated by labor laws.

The company also committed to increasing the boat rowers’ wages from 150,000 VND per trip to 200,000 VND per trip.

@Thanhnien.vn