Taste Atlas ranks the controversial Vietnamese delicacy alongside Peking duck, sparking debate over culinary heritage, food safety, and global taste boundaries.
Vietnam’s culinary scene has landed an unexpected moment in the global spotlight after duck blood pudding—one of the country’s most controversial traditional dishes—was named among the world’s top 50 duck dishes by Taste Atlas, placing it alongside icons such as Peking duck and Singaporean duck rice.
Ranked 41st globally, Taste Atlas describes Vietnamese duck blood pudding as a traditional preparation made from fresh duck blood mixed with finely chopped boiled duck neck, offal, fish sauce, herbs, chili, and lime leaves. The mixture is known for its vivid red color and is typically topped with crushed peanuts, herbs, lime juice, and served with rice crackers and rice wine—a combination that locals regard as both rustic and celebratory.
The recognition surprised many international readers, as blood pudding is often cited as one of Vietnam’s most challenging foods for foreign palates. Yet Taste Atlas framed the dish as an authentic expression of Vietnam’s nose-to-tail cooking culture, where texture, freshness, and balance of herbs matter as much as flavor.
Vietnam’s presence on the list did not stop there. Duck noodle soup with bamboo shoots ranked 18th, praised for its rich, aromatic broth and tender duck meat dipped in ginger fish sauce, while duck porridge—popular during cooler weather—also earned a place, reinforcing Vietnam’s reputation for depth and diversity in duck-based cuisine.
At the top of the global ranking sits Peking duck, whose centuries-old legacy traces back to China’s Yuan Dynasty. Its meticulous preparation and historical pedigree cemented its dominance—but Taste Atlas’ inclusion of Vietnamese duck blood pudding highlights a growing willingness to value lesser-known, hyper-local dishes on the world stage.
The recognition contrasts sharply with warnings from mainstream travel media. Lonely Planet has previously listed blood pudding among Vietnam’s “unusual dishes,” cautioning tourists against consuming it due to potential food safety risks associated with raw blood if not prepared under strict hygienic conditions.
The divide underscores a broader global conversation: as food rankings increasingly celebrate authenticity and cultural depth, they also expose tensions between culinary heritage and modern health standards.
Vietnam’s duck blood pudding may not become a mass tourist favorite—but its global ranking signals a shift in how the world defines “great food”: not just what’s comfortable to eat, but what tells the most honest story of a culture.
New Year’s Day accidents fell sharply year-on-year, but fatalities underscore persistent road risks in one of Southeast Asia’s busiest transport networks.
Vietnam began 2026 with a sobering reminder of its road-safety challenge, as 18 people were killed and 41 injured in traffic accidents nationwide on January 1, according to the Traffic Police Department. While the toll remains tragic, authorities emphasized that the figures mark a significant improvement compared with the same day last year.
Data released by the Ministry of Public Security shows 49 traffic accidents occurred nationwide on New Year’s Day—down 33% year-on-year. The number of fatalities fell by 56%, and injuries declined modestly by nearly 5%, reflecting intensified enforcement and public awareness campaigns during the holiday period.
Police attributed the gains to aggressive roadside checks and zero-tolerance enforcement. On January 1 alone, officers nationwide inspected thousands of vehicles and handled nearly 10,500 violations, temporarily seizing 53 cars and more than 2,400 motorbikes. Authorities also revoked 344 driver’s licenses and deducted points in over 1,700 cases under Vietnam’s license-point system.
High-risk behaviors dominated violations. Police recorded over 2,000 cases of drunk driving and more than 2,000 speeding offenses, alongside dozens of overloading violations—factors that continue to drive serious crashes despite improved compliance. On National Highway 1A, one of Vietnam’s busiest arteries, traffic units inspected more than 7,500 vehicles and cited nearly 1,300 violations in a single day.
Specialized highway patrol teams also stepped up operations, issuing additional citations and suspending licenses as part of a coordinated, nationwide crackdown designed to curb holiday-related accidents and congestion.
For international observers and investors, the numbers highlight a dual reality in Vietnam: measurable progress in enforcement and outcomes, alongside enduring structural risks tied to dense traffic, mixed vehicle types, and holiday travel surges.
The trend is moving in the right direction—but with nearly two dozen lives lost on the year’s first day, the question remains whether tougher penalties, smarter infrastructure, or technology-led enforcement will be needed to deliver lasting safety on Vietnam’s roads.
Despite new crypto laws and soaring adoption, volatility, weak discipline, and tax uncertainty are exposing risks in Southeast Asia’s fastest-growing digital asset market.
Vietnam’s cryptocurrency market is entering a pivotal year—but not necessarily a profitable one for most retail investors. New data shows that more than 54% of Vietnamese crypto investors lost money in 2024, and analysts expect the majority to remain under pressure in 2025, even as the country rolls out its first formal legal framework for digital assets.
The warning comes at a moment of sharp contrast. On one hand, Vietnam is cementing its position as a global crypto hotspot. According to Chainalysis, on-chain transaction value in Vietnam reached USD 220–230 billion between July 2024 and June 2025, a 55% year-on-year increase—placing the country among the most active crypto adopters in Asia. On the other hand, market losses are widespread, particularly among young, first-time investors.
Regulation arrives as risk appetite fades
2025 marks a structural turning point with the introduction of the Law on Digital Technology Industry and Resolution 05/2025/NQ-CP, Vietnam’s first legal framework allowing pilot domestic cryptocurrency exchanges. Major financial institutions—including banks and securities firms—have begun testing crypto trading models under regulatory supervision, signaling official recognition of digital assets after years of operating in a gray zone.
Investor awareness is high. Nearly 96% of surveyed participants say they understand the new resolution and expect clearer rules on DeFi, centralized exchanges, airdrops, and custody. Yet optimism has cooled sharply compared with last year, as global crypto markets turned volatile.
The shift was accelerated by a brutal correction in Bitcoin, which plunged from a record high of USD 126,000 to around USD 80,600, erasing gains for many retail traders and triggering a defensive mindset across Vietnam’s crypto community.
Young investors bear the brunt
According to the Vietnam Crypto Market 2025 report, 54.6% of investors ended 2024 in the red, with losses concentrated among younger participants. Nearly 88% of crypto investors are under 35, an increase of 11 percentage points from the previous year. Analysts attribute the underperformance to late-cycle entry, excessive exposure to high-risk tokens, and classic FOMO behavior driven by social circles rather than strategy.
By contrast, investors who allocated less than 25% of their portfolios to crypto delivered the strongest results, reinforcing a global pattern: disciplined allocation tends to outperform aggressive speculation—especially in immature regulatory environments.
Tax clarity emerges as the biggest concern
Looking ahead, taxation has become the single most important issue for Vietnamese crypto investors. Roughly one-third support a proposal from the Ministry of Finance to impose a 0.1% transaction tax, collected directly by exchanges through a withholding-at-source mechanism. While modest by global standards, the policy would mark Vietnam’s first formal step toward taxing crypto activity—an essential signal for institutional credibility.
When choosing exchanges, investors overwhelmingly prioritize security, insurance or compensation funds, and liquidity, placing pressure on domestic platforms to meet international standards if they hope to compete with offshore giants.
Crypto remains a side bet—for now
Despite regulatory progress, crypto is still viewed as a supplementary investment channel in Vietnam. Most investors continue to favor traditional safe havens such as gold and bank deposits, with digital assets occupying only a moderate share of portfolios.
Experts believe that from 2026 onward, once legal rules are tested and enforcement becomes predictable, Vietnam’s crypto market may begin to reward patience over speculation. Until then, the data suggests a sobering reality.
Vietnam may be building one of Asia’s most advanced crypto frameworks—but in the short term, regulation alone will not protect investors from volatility, behavioral risk, or the hard lessons of an unforgiving market.
From riverfront parks to rooftop bars and beachside squares, southern Vietnam’s biggest city welcomes 2026 with a multi-location midnight spectacle.
As Southeast Asia rings in 2026, Ho Chi Minh City is preparing one of the region’s most dynamic New Year’s Eve celebrations—combining fireworks, countdown concerts, river cruises, and late-night dining. For international visitors, expatriates, and returning Vietnamese, the city offers rare flexibility: multiple synchronized firework sites across the Saigon–Thu Duc–Vung Tau corridor, catering to both urban energy seekers and those looking to escape dense crowds.
City authorities confirmed that four fireworks displays will take place at midnight on January 1, 2026, lasting approximately 15 minutes. High-altitude fireworks will be launched at three major locations, while a low-altitude display will serve families and local residents in the western districts.
Saigon River Tunnel & Downtown Riverfront
The most iconic viewing area is near the entrance to the Saigon River Tunnel in An Khanh Ward. The adjacent Saigon Riverfront Park offers open public space with clear sightlines, stretching from Ba Son Bridge toward Thu Thiem. Cafés around Bach Dang Wharf—popular with tourists year-round—remain open late, making this zone one of the most accessible for first-time visitors.
For a premium experience, New Year’s Eve dinner cruises on the Saigon River have become a signature attraction. Large vessels glide past landmarks such as Nha Rong Wharf, Landmark 81, and Bach Dang before anchoring in position for fireworks viewing. Prices range widely depending on seating and menu, but demand is consistently high, with advance booking strongly recommended.
Rooftop Bars and Waterfront Dining
High-rise venues along Ton Duc Thang Street and the central riverfront offer panoramic views of the fireworks reflecting off the Saigon River. Song Bar at Hilton Saigon, located on the 40th floor, is among the most sought-after spots, combining skyline views with countdown parties and premium drink packages.
Closer to the river at ground level, waterfront restaurants in the Ba Son area provide a more relaxed but still immersive atmosphere—ideal for families or groups who want dinner, conversation, and fireworks without rooftop crowds.
New City Center and Coastal Viewing in Vung Tau
Beyond the city core, fireworks will also light up the New City Center in Binh Duong Ward—an expansive, landscaped park known for its lakes and open lawns. With fewer high-rise obstructions, it has become increasingly popular with younger crowds and photographers.
Further south, the Central Square at Bai Sau Beach in Vung Tau offers a coastal alternative. Viewing fireworks by the sea, especially around Tam Thang Tower and nearby cafés, appeals to travelers combining New Year’s celebrations with a beach escape.
Low-Altitude Fireworks at Dam Sen
For families and local residents, Dam Sen Cultural Park remains the city’s designated low-altitude fireworks site. The park’s familiar setting, combined with affordable entry fees, makes it a traditional favorite, though crowds are expected well before midnight.
Beyond Fireworks: Countdown Culture
Fireworks are only part of the night. Ho Chi Minh City will host major countdown concerts on Nguyen Hue Walking Street, with extended festivities around Le Loi Street, Lam Son Park, and the City Theater. Cultural performances, sporting events, and illuminated street displays will continue into the early hours, reinforcing the city’s reputation as Vietnam’s most energetic New Year destination.
For global travelers, Ho Chi Minh City’s New Year’s Eve stands out not for a single iconic viewpoint, but for choice—river, skyline, park, or beach. The only real decision is whether you want to welcome 2026 amid the pulse of downtown Saigon, or watching fireworks rise quietly over the sea.
From rooftop bars to lakeside cafés, Hanoi’s midnight fireworks promise a citywide spectacle as Vietnam welcomes 2026.
As global travelers count down to 2026, Hanoi is preparing a vibrant New Year’s Eve celebration that blends fireworks, live music, and late-night dining across the city. For expatriates, tourists, and digital nomads spending the holidays in Vietnam, the capital offers one of Southeast Asia’s most atmospheric countdowns—without the mega-city crowds of Bangkok or Hong Kong.
According to city authorities, Hanoi will stage a 15-minute fireworks display from 11:45 PM on December 31, 2025, to midnight, welcoming the new year at five locations: Hoàn Kiếm, Hai Bà Trưng, Từ Liêm, Tây Hồ, and Hà Đông. The shows are synchronized, allowing residents and visitors to choose between lively public squares or elevated venues with panoramic views.
Fireworks launch areas across the city
In the historic center, two firing points will be set up in Hoan Kiem Lake, near the Hanoi Post Office and the Hanoi Moi Newspaper office. Other launch sites include Thống Nhất Park (Hai Bà Trưng), the F1 racetrack area near Mỹ Đình (Từ Liêm), Lạc Long Quân flower garden by West Lake, and Văn Quán Lake in Hà Đông.
Public spaces around these locations offer free viewing, though visitors are advised to arrive early, use public transport, and expect road closures. In the Old Quarter, Dong Kinh Nghia Thuc Square remains the most accessible ground-level viewing point.
Rooftop bars and hotels: the premium experience
For those seeking comfort, music, and unobstructed views, Hanoi’s rooftop venues are among the city’s biggest New Year draws.
At Summit Bar atop Pan Pacific Hanoi, guests can enjoy sweeping views over West Lake and parts of Hoàn Kiếm, with all-inclusive countdown packages starting from around VND 1.5 million per person. Nearby, Bellevue Rooftop at Silk Path Boutique Hanoi Hotel offers a direct line of sight to the Hoàn Kiếm fireworks, paired with dinner and drinks.
In western Hanoi, Sky Bar at Sheraton Hanoi West Hotel overlooks the Mỹ Đình launch point, while Top of Hanoi at Lotte Hotel Hanoi—the city’s highest bar—promises rare views of multiple fireworks sites at once, albeit at premium prices.
Cafés, restaurants, and local favorites
Hanoi’s café culture also shines on New Year’s Eve. Lakeside spots in Thống Nhất Park, Nguyễn Đình Thi Street, Trích Sài, and Văn Quán stay open late, many offering ticketed seating with drinks and light meals. These venues attract a mix of locals, expats, and travelers who prefer a relaxed, neighborhood atmosphere over large-scale parties.
Beyond fireworks: a citywide countdown
Fireworks are only part of the night. Hanoi is also hosting a major New Year celebration themed “Open Connections 2”, running from 7 PM until midnight at Dong Kinh Nghia Thuc Square and the pedestrian zone around Hoàn Kiếm Lake, featuring live performances and countdown programming.
For international visitors, Hanoi’s New Year’s Eve stands out for its balance—spectacle without excess, energy without chaos. The only real question is whether you’ll welcome 2026 from a crowded square by the lake, or from a quiet rooftop above one of Asia’s most charming capitals.
U.S. tariffs, volatile Fed policy, and global market uncertainty complicate Vietnam’s push for double-digit growth in 2026.
Vietnam’s ambition to accelerate economic growth to more than 10% next year is facing mounting external pressure, as global monetary tightening and geopolitical trade risks make policy calibration increasingly difficult, senior officials from the State Bank of Vietnam (SBV) warned this week. The comments underscore the growing challenge for export-driven Southeast Asian economies navigating a fragile global recovery.
Speaking at a quarterly press conference in Hanoi on December 29, Pham Chi Quang, head of the SBV’s Monetary Policy Department, said unpredictable developments in global markets—particularly U.S. tariff policy and the U.S. Federal Reserve’s interest-rate trajectory—are complicating Vietnam’s macroeconomic management. These external shocks, he noted, are already affecting capital flows, the foreign-exchange market, and exchange-rate stability.
Vietnam’s government has reaffirmed confidence that the economy will surpass 8% growth in 2025, one of the strongest performances in Asia, and has set an ambitious 10%+ target for 2026 as part of its long-term development strategy. However, the central bank’s remarks signal that sustaining such momentum will require increasingly delicate policy coordination.
SBV officials emphasized that monetary policy next year will be managed “flexibly,” with closer alignment to fiscal policy to balance growth support against inflation control and financial stability. For Vietnam, this balancing act is critical: the economy remains heavily dependent on bank credit to fuel investment, consumption, and industrial expansion.
Deputy Governor Pham Thanh Ha revealed that as of December 24, credit growth had surged 19.41% year-on-year, highlighting the central role of lending in driving economic output. He said strong credit expansion has been a key contributor to Vietnam’s rapid growth this year and will remain essential if the country is to reach double-digit expansion in 2026.
For global investors, the message is mixed. Vietnam continues to stand out as one of Asia’s fastest-growing economies and a major beneficiary of supply-chain diversification. Yet its growth outlook is increasingly exposed to forces beyond its control—from U.S. interest rates and tariffs to shifting global capital flows.
The bigger question now is whether Vietnam can fine-tune monetary policy tightly enough to shield its economy from global volatility—while still pushing growth into the rare territory of double digits in an uncertain world economy.
Trong bối cảnh dịp Tết Bính Ngọ 2026 chỉ còn cách hơn 1 tháng, thị trường tiêu dùng và mua sắm cuối năm tại Việt Nam đang dần nóng lên, đặc biệt sau khi Chương trình Khuyến mại tập trung Quốc gia 2025 (Vietnam Grand Sale 2025) được phát động bởi Bộ Công Thương và Viettrade đầu tháng 12.
Cú “hích” chính sách cho thị trường tiêu dùng trong nước
Bước vào những tháng cuối năm, thị trường tiêu dùng Việt Nam đang ghi nhận những tín hiệu phục hồi rõ nét, khi nhu cầu mua sắm tăng mạnh dịp lễ hội và Tết Nguyên đán. Thực tế, theo thông tin từ Cục thống kê, Bộ Tài Chính, trong 10 tháng đầu năm 2025, tổng mức bán lẻ hàng hóa và doanh thu dịch vụ tiêu dùng đã tăng 9,3% so với cùng kỳ. Con số này phản ánh sự phục hồi rõ nét của sức mua và niềm tin của người tiêu dùng trong nước. Tuy nhiên, để hiện thực hóa mục tiêu tăng trưởng GDP cả năm đạt từ 8% trở lên theo chỉ đạo của Thủ tướng Chính phủ, việc tiếp tục thúc đẩy mạnh mẽ trụ cột tiêu dùng nội địa vẫn là yêu cầu mang tính chiến lược.
Trong bối cảnh đó, Vietnam Grand Sale 2025 được xem là một chính sách mang tính kịp thời, khi lần đầu tiên cho phép doanh nghiệp áp dụng mức khuyến mại lên tới 100% trong giai đoạn cao điểm cuối năm. Việc “phá bỏ” giới hạn 50% không chỉ tạo dư địa để doanh nghiệp giải phóng hàng tồn kho và tăng tốc vòng quay vốn, mà còn góp phần lan tỏa lợi ích trực tiếp đến người tiêu dùng, qua đó thúc đẩy dòng chảy tiêu dùng trong nước, đẩy nhanh quá trình phục hồi và tăng trưởng kinh tế.Phát biểu tại lễ phát động chương trình, ông Vũ Bá Phú, Cục trưởng Cục Xúc tiến Thương mại, nhấn mạnh: “Thông qua chương trình, chúng tôi kỳ vọng sẽ tạo ra một “mùa mua sắm đặc biệt”, kết hợp chặt chẽ giữa thương mại truyền thống và thương mại điện tử, giúp người tiêu dùng tiếp cận được hàng hóa chất lượng với giá cả ưu đãi nhất. Đồng thời, đây cũng là cơ hội để các doanh nghiệp quảng bá thương hiệu, hưởng ứng cuộc vận động “Người Việt Nam ưu tiên dùng hàng Việt Nam”.
Hưởng ứng lời kêu gọi này, nhiều doanh nghiệp đầu tàu của Việt Nam đã tham gia bằng nhiều hình thức khác nhau, trong đó có “ông lớn ngành bia” SABECO.
SABECO và chiến lược bắt nhịp mùa tiêu dùng cao điểm
Để đáp ứng nhu cầu dịp lễ hội và Tết Nguyên đán, SABECO cho biết đã chủ động xây dựng và triển khai chiến lược thị trường toàn diện, kết hợp giữa các chương trình khuyến mại, quảng bá thương hiệu qua các chuỗi sự kiện âm nhạc giải trí, đổi mới nhận diện bao bì Tết và bảo đảm năng lực chuỗi cung ứng đáp ứng nhu cầu tiêu dùng tăng cao trên quy mô lớn. Chiến lược này của SABECO nhằm đảm bảo vừa kích cầu ngắn hạn, mà còn hướng đến việc tạo ra những điểm chạm cảm xúc, gắn kết thương hiệu với không khí sum vầy và văn hóa tiêu dùng đặc trưng của dịp lễ, Tết.
Các bạn trẻ hào hứng check-in tại Đêm Hội trải nghiệm Extra Special Night Hạ Long của Thương hiệu Bia Saigon Special
Các chương trình khuyến mại được thiết kế linh hoạt, phù hợp với nhiều kênh phân phối và nhóm khách hàng khác nhau, trong khi bao bì Tết tiếp tục được SABECO đầu tư về mặt thiết kế, mang đậm bản sắc truyền thống và tinh thần lễ hội. Đây là yếu tố quan trọng giúp gia tăng sức hấp dẫn tại điểm bán, đặc biệt trong bối cảnh nhu cầu biếu tặng và sự kiện hội họp tăng mạnh vào cuối năm.
Song song với các hoạt động thị trường, SABECO cũng chú trọng trang bị kỹ càng cho chuỗi cung ứng nhằm đảm bảo nguồn cung ổn định, chất lượng đồng nhất và khả năng phục vụ thị trường trên phạm vi toàn quốc. Với hệ thống 25 nhà máy trên toàn quốc, SABECO có năng lực đáp ứng linh hoạt nhu cầu tiêu dùng gia tăng trong giai đoạn cao điểm cuối năm. Trước đó, SABECO cũng đầu tư và đưa vào vận hành kho trung tâm đầu tiên tại Tp. Hồ Chí Minh (thuộc Dự án Tổng Thể Kho Bãi-Điều Vận). Với tổng diện tích 31.000m2, sức chứa 30.000 pallet, kho trung tâm được vận hành bằng hệ thống quản lý kho (WMS) và hệ thống quản lý vận tải (TMS) nhằm đảm bảo tối ưu hóa việc bảo quản và lưu trữ hàng hóa, đồng thời đảm bảo tính liên tục trong quá trình sản xuất và cung ứng hàng hóa, đáp ứng kịp thời nhu cầu thị trường.
Ở góc độ rộng hơn, các chương trình kích cầu của SABECO còn đóng vai trò tạo động lực tiêu thụ cho hệ thống đối tác bán lẻ, đại lý và các hộ kinh doanh nhỏ trên cả nước. Khi sức mua được kích hoạt, vòng quay hàng hóa tại điểm bán được cải thiện, giúp các đối tác gia tăng doanh thu, ổn định hoạt động kinh doanh và sinh kế trong mùa cao điểm.
Củng cố cam kết lâu dài trong mỗi chương trình, chính sách của quốc gia
Ngoài những kế hoạch và chiến lược triển khai trong doanh nghiệp, SABECO cũng phối hợp chặt chẽ với Cục Xúc tiến Thương mại (Vietrade) – Bộ Công Thương, thông qua sự đồng hành trực tiếp cùng chương trình, góp phần hỗ trợ công tác triển khai và gia tăng hiệu quả lan tỏa của Tháng Kích cầu Quốc gia trên phạm vi toàn quốc. Sự đóng góp này thể hiện cam kết thực chất của doanh nghiệp trong việc chung tay cùng cơ quan quản lý nhà nước và cộng đồng doanh nghiệp thúc đẩy tiêu dùng nội địa – một trong những trụ cột quan trọng của tăng trưởng kinh tế bền vững. Chia sẻ về tầm nhìn dài hạn của doanh nghiệp, ông Lester Tan, Tổng Giám đốc SABECO, cho biết mỗi sản phẩm của SABECO, dù là thương hiệu quốc gia lâu đời hay dòng bia phổ thông, đều giữ một vai trò nhất định trong chiến lược tăng trưởng dài hạn của doanh nghiệp.
Ông Lester Tan Teck Chuan, Tổng Giám đốc SABECO
“Khi Việt Nam đặt mục tiêu vươn lên trong khu vực, SABECO cũng hướng tới việc vươn cao cùng đất nước, đóng góp cho sự phát triển kinh tế và tiếp tục đồng hành cùng người tiêu dùng trong những khoảnh khắc đời thường cũng như các dịp ăn mừng”, ông Lester Tan nhấn mạnh.
Trong bối cảnh nhu cầu tiêu dùng tăng cao dịp cuối năm, các chương trình kích cầu quy mô quốc gia được kỳ vọng sẽ tiếp tục góp phần thúc đẩy lưu thông hàng hóa, hỗ trợ hoạt động kinh doanh của thị trường nội địa và tạo thêm động lực cho tăng trưởng kinh tế.
A powerful rebound driven by property and energy stocks highlights Vietnam’s short-term momentum—while weak liquidity and foreign selling signal caution for global investors.
Vietnam’s stock market delivered a sharp rebound at the start of the week, with the VN-Index jumping more than 25 points to close near 1,755, snapping a two-session losing streak and reigniting short-term optimism among investors. The rally was powered overwhelmingly by Vingroup-linked shares, underscoring the conglomerate’s outsized influence on market direction at a time when global capital flows into emerging markets remain cautious.
The recovery followed a volatile end to last week, when Vingroup-related stocks narrowly avoided floor prices. That stabilization sparked expectations of a technical bounce—and those forecasts materialized quickly. All four major Vingroup ecosystem stocks surged, contributing a combined 16 points to the index’s advance. VIC rose 3% to nearly VND 160,000, while VHM hit its daily ceiling at VND 117,700, finishing the session with more than 300,000 shares waiting on the buy side.
Market breadth improved markedly across the Ho Chi Minh City exchange. Advancers outnumbered decliners by a wide margin, and within the large-cap VN30 basket, gainers exceeded losers by almost four to one. Property stocks were the clear standout: beyond Vingroup, NVL surged to its ceiling price, while NLG, AGG, QCG, and HQC all posted solid gains. The move reinforced real estate’s role as a high-beta driver during short-term rebounds.
Energy stocks added further momentum as oil and gas names rallied sharply. GAS climbed as much as 6.5%, while PVD, OIL, BSR, and PLX advanced between 3% and 4%, reflecting both sector rotation and renewed risk appetite after last week’s sell-off.
Banks and securities firms, however, sent a more nuanced signal. STB outperformed with a near-4% gain, but several major lenders—including VPB, TPB, and EIB—finished lower. Brokerage stocks were similarly mixed, with smaller firms rising while heavyweights such as SSI, VCI, and VND closed in the red, suggesting investors remain selective rather than broadly bullish.
Despite the strong headline rally, liquidity told a more cautious story. Total matched trading value fell to just over VND 22 trillion—roughly half the previous session’s level—and only STB and VIC exceeded VND 1 trillion in turnover. Foreign investors extended their net-selling streak for a second session, marginally increasing sales despite active buying, reinforcing concerns about sustained overseas inflows.
Looking ahead, securities firms expect near-term volatility to persist. While the broader uptrend has not been broken, analysts warn that technical pullbacks are likely as the market absorbs lingering supply. Vietcombank Securities has advised investors to trim positions in stocks facing heavy selling pressure and wait for clearer signs of balance before selectively re-entering the market toward year-end.
The rebound may have restored confidence—but with liquidity thinning and foreign capital still on the sidelines, the key question remains: is this the start of a durable year-end rally, or just another sharp bounce in an increasingly fragile global risk environment?
Tại chương trình “Mùa Xuân Cho Em” do Quỹ Bảo trợ Trẻ em Việt Nam tổ chức vào ngày 27/12 vừa qua, Prudential Việt Nam (Prudential) cam kết tiếp tục đồng hành trong năm 2026 với khoản đóng góp 3.5 tỷ đồng nhằm chung tay cùng Quỹ thực hiện các hoạt động vì trẻ em trên khắp cả nước.
Trong hơn hai thập kỷ qua, Prudential đã phối hợp chặt chẽ với Quỹ Bảo trợ Trẻ em Việt Nam triển khai nhiều chương trình thiết thực, trải rộng trên các lĩnh vực giáo dục, y tế, chăm sóc sức khỏe, hỗ trợ trẻ em khuyết tật và cứu trợ khẩn cấp khi thiên tai xảy ra, với tổng giá trị lên đến hàng chục tỷ đồng. Những nỗ lực bền bỉ này xuất phát từ niềm tin trẻ em chính là nền tảng vững chắc của gia đình và tương lai xã hội.
Với cam kết hỗ trợ trong năm 2026, Prudential sẽ tập trung vào hai trọng tâm chính: giáo dục tài chính và nâng cao khả năng thích ứng về sức khỏe và khí hậu.
Đại diện Prudential Việt Nam chụp hình cùng đại diện Quỹ Bảo trợ Trẻ em Việt Nam tại sự kiện
Theo đó với trọng tâm giáo dục tài chính, Prudential sẽ tập trung mở rộng dự án Quản lý tài chính thông minh ChaChing từ dạy trực tiếp sang hình thức trực tuyến, phối hợp cùng Quỹ Bảo trợ Trẻ em để tăng mức độ tiếp cận chương trình này, giúp thêm nhiều em nhỏ có khả năng tiếp cận sớm với kiến thức và kĩ năng tài chính, từ đó hình thành thói quen quản lý tài chính lành mạnh, có trách nhiệm.
Song song, Prudential sẽ triển khai các sáng kiến nhằm tăng khả năng thích ứng về sức khỏe & khí hậu thông qua gói chăm sóc sức khỏe học đường (thăm khám mắt và chăm sóc sức khỏe răng miệng) kết hợp hoạt động nâng cao nhận thức về chăm sóc sức khỏe cá nhân, góp phần cải thiện chất lượng học tập và cuộc sống cho các em.
Bên cạnh đó, Prudential sẽ chủ động phối hợp thực hiện các hoạt động cứu trợ và hỗ trợ để kịp thời khắc phục hậu quả thiên tai đến các em học sinh và hộ gia đình, hoạt động này nhằm đáp ứng nhu cầu thiết yếu trong việc hỗ trợ cộng đồng từng bước ổn định cuộc sống và nâng cao khả năng thích ứng trước những tác động ngày càng rõ nét của biến đổi khí hậu.
Đại diện Prudential Việt Nam chụp hình cùng các em nhỏ tham gia biểu diễn văn nghệ tại sự kiện
Kiên định với sứ mệnh “Mang yên tâm trọn vẹn đến mỗi gia đình Việt”, Prudential cho biết sẽ tiếp tục kết nối các nguồn lực xã hội, thúc đẩy các sáng kiến cộng đồng có chiều sâu, đóng góp thiết thực cho mục tiêu nâng cao chất lượng cuộc sống của trẻ em và lan tỏa tinh thần trách nhiệm xã hội trong cộng đồng doanh nghiệp.
Relaxed visa policies, infrastructure upgrades, and aggressive promotion are reshaping the regional tourism map.
Vietnam and Malaysia are consolidating their positions as the fastest-rising tourism destinations in Southeast Asia, capitalizing on looser visa regimes, improved air connectivity, and sustained government-backed promotion. In contrast, Thailand—long the region’s tourism heavyweight—has endured a difficult year marked by security concerns, natural disasters, and geopolitical tensions.
Vietnam reached a historic milestone on December 15 when it welcomed its 20 millionth international visitor at Phu Quoc International Airport, the first time the country has crossed that threshold in a single year. Full-year arrivals are expected to exceed 21 million, comfortably surpassing the pre-pandemic record of 18 million set in 2019. With tourism growth of around 21% year-on-year, Vietnam has been cited by the United Nations World Tourism Organization as one of the world’s fastest-growing travel markets.
Malaysia has also posted robust gains, welcoming 28.2 million tourists in the first eight months of the year, up 14.5% from the same period last year. According to HSBC Global Research, stronger Chinese arrivals, expanding flight networks, and the government’s ambitious Visit Malaysia 2026 campaign are set to push total arrivals well beyond the official 2025 target of 31.4 million, with projections suggesting the figure could even exceed 40 million. Like Vietnam, Malaysia has focused heavily on easing entry requirements, refreshing destination marketing, and upgrading airport infrastructure.
Other regional markets have also seen positive momentum, though on a smaller scale. Indonesia recorded more than 12.76 million international visitors in the first ten months, a 10% increase, driven largely by travelers from Malaysia, Singapore, Australia, and India. Laos welcomed 3.8 million tourists, up 13%, reflecting gradual recovery and growing regional connectivity.
The picture is markedly different in Thailand. Once Southeast Asia’s undisputed tourism powerhouse, the country has faced a succession of shocks in 2025. The downturn began early in the year after the high-profile abduction of Chinese actor Xing Xing led to mass cancellations by Chinese tourists. This was followed by a powerful earthquake in neighboring Myanmar that sent tremors through Bangkok, disrupting travel confidence. More recently, escalating military clashes along the Thai–Cambodian border triggered further cancellations, particularly in provinces close to the fighting, prompting some countries to advise their citizens to postpone travel.
As a result, Thailand’s international arrivals fell 7% year-on-year to about 30 million by early December, well below the 40 million visitors recorded in 2019 and the 35 million achieved last year.
Cambodia has also struggled to maintain momentum. Its image has been dented among South Korean travelers due to reports of online scams and the disappearance of hundreds of South Korean citizens who entered the country. The South Korean government has advised its nationals to cancel or delay non-essential travel to Phnom Penh, Sihanoukville, and Bokor Mountain, contributing to a 11.6% decline in arrivals to 4.75 million between January and October.
The Philippines has not been immune to challenges either. The country received 4.7 million foreign visitors in the first 11 months of the year, down 3.02%, largely due to weaker demand from South Korea and China. A series of incidents involving the deaths of South Korean and Japanese tourists has raised safety concerns, prompting the government to pledge stronger protections for foreign visitors.
Taken together, the diverging trajectories underline how quickly Southeast Asia’s tourism landscape is being reshaped. Proactive visa reforms, infrastructure investment, and consistent messaging are allowing Vietnam and Malaysia to pull ahead, while destinations grappling with security perceptions and external shocks are finding it harder to regain lost ground.
Six fireworks locations approved, combining high- and low-altitude displays alongside large-scale countdown events across the city.
Ho Chi Minh City will ring in New Year’s Eve 2026 with an expanded fireworks program, increasing the number of launch sites to six locations, as part of a broader effort to enhance year-end festivities for residents and visitors. The displays will take place from 00:00 to 00:15 on January 1, 2026, according to the latest plan approved by the Ho Chi Minh City People’s Committee.
Under the new plan—two locations more than previously announced—the city will organize three high-altitude and three low-altitude fireworks displays, strategically spread across central and satellite areas to ease crowd pressure while maximizing public access.
The high-altitude fireworks will be launched at three major landmarks. The largest display will take place at the Saigon River tunnel entrance in An Khanh Ward, featuring 1,260 high-altitude fireworks, 60 low-altitude fireworks, and 10 pyrotechnic effects. Two additional high-altitude sites are planned at the new city center in Binh Duong Ward and Tam Thang Square in Vung Tau Ward, each hosting 500 high-altitude fireworks alongside 60 low-altitude displays.
Meanwhile, three low-altitude fireworks shows will be organized at Dam Sen Cultural Park (Binh Thoi Ward), the Saigon Marina IFC Tower (Saigon Ward), and the Kim Long villa area near Rach Dia Bridge (Nha Be Commune). Each of these locations will feature 90 low-altitude fireworks, designed for closer viewing and neighborhood-scale celebrations.
To ensure safety and smooth execution, the People’s Committee has tasked the City Command with leading coordination efforts alongside the Department of Culture and Sports and other relevant agencies. The focus will be on maintaining security, public order, and traffic safety, while creating favorable conditions for large crowds during the celebrations.
Beyond fireworks, Ho Chi Minh City will also roll out artistic light decorations along central streets and host a series of cultural and artistic programs. The city’s flagship countdown event is scheduled for the night of December 31, 2025, on Nguyen Hue Street in Saigon Ward, with plans to expand the countdown festivities to Le Loi Street and Lam Son Park, further reinforcing the downtown area as the focal point of New Year celebrations.
With the expanded fireworks network and citywide festivities, Ho Chi Minh City aims to deliver a safer, more immersive, and more evenly distributed New Year’s Eve experience—reflecting its ambition to position itself as one of Southeast Asia’s most vibrant urban destinations for major public celebrations.
Vietnam’s stock market extended its correction on the latest trading session, with the VN-Index closing down 13.05 points at around 1,729.8, as selling pressure persisted in large-cap stocks—most notably those linked to Phạm Nhật Vượng.
As many analysts had anticipated after the index failed to break above the 1,800-point threshold, market sentiment remained fragile throughout the day. During the session, the VN-Index at one point plunged to around 1,690 points, equivalent to a loss of 50–60 points. Although buying demand emerged toward the close to limit losses, the index still ended firmly in negative territory.
The primary drag once again came from the Vingroup ecosystem. Shares of Vingroup (VIC), Vinhomes (VHM), and Vinpearl (VPL) collectively shaved approximately 7.7 points off the VN-Index. Specifically, VIC fell 1.9%, VHM declined 3.76%, while VPL dropped to the floor price, marking one of the most severe moves within the group.
The sharp decline in these stocks also had a direct impact on the personal wealth of Phạm Nhật Vượng. According to Forbes data updated at 3:30 p.m., his net worth fell by an estimated USD 2.7 billion in a single session, bringing total assets to USD 27.2 billion and placing him 83rd on the global rich list.
Foreign investors added to the pressure by accelerating net selling, particularly in Vingroup-related stocks. Net foreign outflows reached more than VND 1,149 billion, with VIC seeing net sales of VND 531 billion, VHM VND 360 billion, and Vincom Retail (VRE) VND 121 billion. This sustained foreign selling further dampened market confidence.
In contrast, a small number of stocks moved against the broader downtrend. Sacombank (STB) and Hoa Phat Group (HPG) both recorded gains, offering limited support to the index and preventing a deeper close.
Looking ahead, many market observers expect downward pressure to persist in the near term as investors reassess valuations after the recent rally. Analysts are advising market participants to reduce leverage, prioritize risk management, and avoid premature bottom-fishing, instead waiting for clearer signs of price stabilization before deploying new capital.
As 2026 begins, sourcing from Vietnam should no longer be seen as a temporary solution or a short-term hedge against China-related risks. For many international buyers, Vietnam has become a long-term manufacturing base, requiring disciplined planning, realistic expectations, and clear operational strategies.
The biggest shift isn’t Vietnam’s ability to manufacture, but the expectations on buyers themselves. Factories are now more experienced and selective, logistics have normalized compared to pandemic years, and compliance requirements are more strictly enforced. Success depends less on “discovering Vietnam” and more on learning to operate effectively in a mature sourcing market.
This article is written for 2026, aiming to explain how sourcing from Vietnam really works today. A US-focused case study is included to illustrate common patterns, risks, and decision points, but it’s not a formula to copy.
Vietnam Manufacturing in 2026: Competitive but No Longer “Easy”
Vietnam’s manufacturing sector is more mature than during the early China+1 transition period. Export-oriented factories are better equipped, management teams understand international buyer expectations, and quality systems have improved significantly across furniture, textiles, home décor, and light industrial assembly.
However, maturity comes with trade-offs. Labor costs continue to rise, industrial zones are near full capacity, and well-run factories are increasingly selective about clients. Buyers with unclear specifications, inconsistent communication, or unrealistic volume expectations often struggle.
Vietnam remains particularly strong in outdoor and patio furniture, textiles, and home & garden products. In many categories, competition is now based on reliability, flexibility, and scalability, not just price.
Reference Case Study: One Example Among Many
To illustrate, consider a real-life sourcing project for outdoor furniture exported to the US in 2025–2026. This example highlights common conditions: factory selection dynamics, container-level pricing, and logistics constraints.
It is not a blueprint for success, but a reference showing how decisions around supplier validation, packaging, and freight coordination affect outcomes. Results vary depending on product category, order volume, and buyer preparation.
Finding Suppliers: Research Matters More Than Platforms
While most buyers start their sourcing journey online, experienced importers rarely rely on digital platforms alone.
Effective supplier discovery now combines desk research with in-person engagement at trade events such as the Global Sourcing Fair, Lifestyle International Fair, or specialized industry shows like the Vietnam International Trade Fair for Apparel, Textiles, and Textile Technologies (VIATT).
Trade shows remain valuable not just for sales, but also for assessing factory capabilities, understanding their client base, and connecting directly with decision-makers. As competition for production capacity grows, identifying suppliers who are truly suitable for long-term cooperation is far more important than simply finding many options.
RFQs, Samples, and Factory Audits: Risks Become Visible
The RFQ and sampling stage is often decisive. Price differences between shortlisted factories are usually small; real differentiators are communication quality, responsiveness, and ability to anticipate export-related issues.
Factory audits in 2026 focus less on certifications and more on operational realities: production flow, quality checkpoints, packaging, and shipping experience. For furniture and bulky goods, container loading and packaging can be as important as product design.
Rushing this stage often leads to problems later, when correcting mistakes becomes costly or impossible.
A sourcing agency auditing factories in Vietnam on behalf of international buyers to ensure quality and compliance.
Production Planning, MOQs, and Container Economics
Factories typically price based on container-level economics rather than individual SKUs. Minimum order quantities increasingly reflect full container utilization, tighter margins, and higher operating costs. Buyers must plan assortment, packaging, and volume together. Lead times usually range from 45–60 days, plus time for quality inspections and export prep.
Vietnam rewards scale and planning. Fragmented, low-volume “test” orders may face higher unit costs and weaker factory commitment, even when product quality is fine.
Import Costs and Logistics: More Stable, Less Room for Error
Import costs from Vietnam are more transparent than during the pandemic, but remain sensitive to freight fluctuations and destination-side charges. Product cost is usually the largest share of landed cost, followed by ocean freight and port fees.
Furniture and home goods from Vietnam benefit from relatively stable tariff treatment versus China-origin products. However, rising inland transport and warehousing costs mean final margins are shaped by post-arrival logistics decisions, not factory price alone.
For buyers, sourcing, logistics, and inventory planning must be managed as a single integrated system.
Customs are often invisible but unforgiving. In 2026, strict scrutiny on valuation, HS codes, and origin documentation makes consistency essential.
Experienced importers work with licensed customs brokers and Vietnam-side freight partners. Even minor discrepancies can trigger inspections, delays, or extra costs. Treating customs as an afterthought is a common and costly mistake.
Why First-Time Buyers Often Struggle
Many sourcing failures stem not from factory limitations, but from misaligned expectations. Factories are busy, export-driven, and selective. Buyers who approach sourcing casually, treat inquiries as price checks, or change specifications mid-process are often deprioritized. Communication slows, timelines slip, and momentum disappears.
Other challenges come from container economics. Focusing solely on unit price while ignoring packaging, SKU mix, and loading efficiency can quickly erode perceived savings. Quality issues often arise not from factory incapability, but from misaligned expectations. Sample approval alone doesn’t guarantee consistent production.
Finally, customs clearance remains a hidden risk, especially for newcomers unfamiliar with international procedures.
Final Observations
Sourcing from Vietnam in 2026 is neither experimental nor easy. Vietnam has firmly established itself as a core manufacturing hub for furniture, textiles, and home & garden products.
The market favors buyers who are prepared, clear in their communication, and have long-term intent. Success belongs to those who understand Vietnam’s maturity, respect its constraints, and develop sourcing strategies grounded in operational reality rather than outdated assumptions.
Vietnam’s stock market suffered a sharp late-session reversal on December 25, as three major stocks linked to billionaire Phạm Nhật Vượng simultaneously fell to their floor limits, wiping out a significant portion of market gains and pulling the VN-Index down nearly 40 points.
The trading day began on a strong note, with the VN-Index briefly surpassing the 1,800-point threshold. However, selling pressure intensified toward the end of the session, triggering a steep decline that pushed the benchmark index down to 1,742.85 points, firmly into negative territory.
The most striking development was the synchronized collapse of three core stocks in the Vingroup ecosystem: Vingroup (VIC), Vinhomes (VHM), and Vincom Retail (VRE). All three plunged to their floor prices, each recording more than one million shares offered for sale at the lowest allowable price with virtually no buying interest by the close. Together, these declines erased more than 21 points from the VN-Index, making them the largest negative contributors of the session.
The sell-off came amid renewed attention on Vingroup’s strategic shift. The conglomerate recently withdrew its investment registration for the North–South high-speed railway project, choosing instead to concentrate resources on infrastructure and energy projects it has been tasked to develop. These include the Olympic Sports City, the Bến Thành–Cần Giờ high-speed rail line, and the Hà Nội–Quảng Ninh high-speed railway.
Market weakness was not limited to the Vingroup group. Two other stocks that had attracted strong investor interest in recent weeks also retreated. Sacombank (STB) dropped 4.77%, while LPBank (LPB) fell 1.87%.
In contrast, several blue-chip stocks moved against the broader market trend. Vietjet Air (VJC) surged more than 6.5%, marking the strongest gain among VN30 constituents. PetroVietnam Gas (GAS) also posted a solid advance of 4.69%, supported by strength in the energy sector.
Despite the sharp index decline, foreign investors continued to act as net buyers, purchasing more than VND 606 billion worth of shares during the session. Strong foreign inflows were recorded in VHM, STB, MCH, VJC, VPL, VPB, and GAS, while net selling pressure focused on GMD, DGC, VIX, and HAG.
The abrupt reversal underscores the VN-Index’s sensitivity to large-cap stocks, particularly those within the Vingroup ecosystem. It also highlights growing investor caution as valuations rise and strategic shifts by major corporations prompt reassessments of market expectations.
Trade union backing signals strong worker support for longer break
Vietnam is moving closer to a four-day New Year’s holiday in 2026 after the country’s top labor organization voiced strong support for a nationwide workday swap, citing broad approval from workers and alignment with their well-being and productivity needs.
Speaking to local media, Vietnam General Confederation of Labor Vice President Ngo Duy Hieu confirmed that the union supports the proposal put forward by the Ministry of Interior. The plan would swap Friday, January 2, 2026 (a regular workday) with Saturday, January 10, 2026, enabling a continuous four-day break for New Year’s Day.
Following a request for consultation from the Ministry of Interior, the trade union conducted a rapid survey among union members and workers via its official fanpage. By noon on December 24, the poll had gathered 46,304 responses, with 62% of participants supporting the workday swap arrangement. Based on these results, the trade union agreed unanimously with the proposal.
According to Mr. Hieu, extending the New Year holiday reflects the common aspirations of workers. He emphasized that longer breaks allow employees to recover physically and mentally, which in turn improves morale, productivity and overall work efficiency once they return to work.
Workers operate machines at a steel mill in HCM City. Measures are being tightened in major markets for Vietnamese products such as steel. — VNA Photo
Under the proposal, public servants and state employees would enjoy four consecutive days off, from Thursday, January 1, 2026, to Sunday, January 4, 2026. This period would include New Year’s Day as a public holiday, one swapped workday, and the regular weekend.
The Ministry of Interior also encouraged employers in the private sector to adopt the same holiday arrangement where possible, while fully complying with labor laws and ensuring employee benefits. The ministry further urged businesses to negotiate arrangements that are even more favorable to workers.
If approved, the unified workday swap would mark another step in Vietnam’s gradual shift toward more worker-friendly holiday planning, balancing economic activity with the growing demand for rest, family time and quality of life.
