The Ho Chi Minh City People’s Court on the evening of 19 November sentenced Nguyen Thuc Thuy Tien, Pham Quang Linh and Nguyen Thi Thai Hang to two years in prison for misleading customers. The court also handed down three years and three months to Le Tuan Linh and three years to Le Thanh Cong. Each defendant received an additional fine of fifty million dong.

The court said the defendants used their fame and the trust of consumers to promote Kera fiber candy with false claims. They were found to have collected more than seventeen billion dong from sales. The company Chi Em Rot is responsible for compensating customers who request refunds. So far, twenty two buyers have asked for their money back.

According to findings presented in court, Linh handled legal registration of the business and coordinated the Kera candy operation. Thuy Tien invested twenty five percent of the company’s capital, later raised to thirty percent. Cong worked with manufacturers and set up the company’s office and staffing. Thuy Tien, Hang Du Muc and Quang Linh produced promotional videos and livestreamed sales. Thuy Tien also served as the brand’s public representative.

Investigators said the defendants knew the product contained only 0.935 percent fiber, far below what was advertised, and that the manufacturer did not have certified raw material sources. Despite this, they promoted the candy as containing ten vegetable and fruit powders making up more than twenty eight percent of the product.

The court concluded that the group created staged content at rented fields and provided false information about ingredients, production technology and health benefits. The judges noted that the defendants cooperated during the trial and have a record of social work, which served as mitigating factors.

Visitors on Ta Xua ridge in Son La were caught off guard on the morning of 19 November when parts of the peak were covered in ice. Temperatures at about 2.700 meters fell to around minus 2 degrees Celsius, creating rare early season conditions that surprised both locals and trekkers.

Phang A Chia, a guide from Lao Cai, was leading a group of nine down from the summit when he noticed the air turn sharper than usual. He said he felt light breathing difficulty, a dry nose, a mild headache, and signs of body temperature drop. With more than five years of experience guiding Ta Xua tours, he recognized the symptoms as an early signal of ice ahead. A short walk later, the group entered a forest section coated in white frost.

Chia said the cold wind cut through clothing, but everyone stayed to take photos because the frozen landscape looked like a film scene.

This is the first time ice has appeared on Ta Xua since early November, as northern Vietnam continues to face a strong cold surge. One visitor from Da Nang, Nhut Anh, said she did not plan to hunt for frost but found tree branches lined with ice three to five centimeters thick and in some spots close to ten centimeters.

Current temperatures on Ta Xua sit between seven and nine degrees at lower points, with colder conditions of two to four degrees on the ridge. Heavy fog and slippery trails pose risks for trekkers. Based on weather patterns, ice may continue to form on 20 November.

Cambodian authorities say five Vietnamese inmates staged a dramatic escape from a provincial court using a smuggled gun, only to be captured again within hours in the country’s southeast.

A senior police official in Svay Rieng province confirmed on 19 November that all five Vietnamese prisoners, along with one Cambodian inmate, were recaptured after the bold attempt that unfolded “like a movie” outside the Svay Rieng provincial court the previous morning. All six were being transported for trial on drug related charges.

According to police, a separate group of five Vietnamese nationals arrived at the courthouse minutes before the detainees were escorted from their transport vehicle. The group used two cars. One woman wearing a face mask and cap entered the compound and posed as a family member waiting for the hearing.

As officers opened the vehicle to move the prisoners, the woman stepped forward and slipped a handgun to one of the Vietnamese inmates. He removed his handcuffs, raised the gun, and fired multiple rounds into the air. The prisoners then sprinted toward the gate and jumped into the waiting cars.

Unarmed guards took cover while another officer rushed out with an AK rifle and fired warning shots. The escape vehicles sped away. Police launched an immediate pursuit.

About ninety minutes later, officers located one of the cars after it lost control and plunged into a roadside pond outside Svay Rieng town. They arrested the first escapee, identified as Le Van Thien Luong, at 10:36 a.m. The second car continued fleeing, prompting authorities to mobilize additional units.

By evening, Cambodia’s Prison Department confirmed that all six prisoners and the woman who supplied the weapon were detained in the outskirts of Svay Rieng. Officials have not released further details on the identities of the group or the circumstances of their capture.

Mixue, one of the world’s largest food and beverage chains, has recorded its first ever reduction of stores in Vietnam as the company adjusts its international network for stronger profits. The move signals a new phase for the fast growing brand that has become a familiar sight on Vietnamese streets.

In its half year financial report, Mixue Group reported revenue of more than 14.87 billion yuan, equal to over 56 trillion dong, up almost 40 percent year on year. Net profit grew more than 44 percent. The company attributes the gains to tighter supply chain control, stronger brand management, and a push to improve store operations across markets.

A key change in the first six months of the year came from outside China. Mixue confirmed that it reduced its number of stores in Vietnam and Indonesia, its two largest international markets. Chinese media platform KrAsia cited company executives who said the closures targeted outlets with weak performance. Some stores were also relocated. Mixue says branches that moved to better sites saw a boost in daily sales of more than 50 percent.

By the end of June, the company operated more than 4,700 stores outside China, a net drop of 162 stores compared with the end of 2024. Inside China, expansion continues at speed with nearly 48,300 stores nationwide.

Mixue’s global model relies on ultra low prices. In Vietnam, popular items such as lemonade, ice cream, milk tea, and fruit tea range from ten thousand to thirty thousand dong. The company keeps costs low by controlling its full supply chain. It produces ingredients, manages logistics, develops products, and supplies most kitchen equipment to franchisees. These sales of equipment and ingredients bring in the majority of revenue.

Vietnam has been one of Mixue’s strongest markets since the brand entered in 2018. As of late 2024, Vietnam had more than one thousand three hundred Mixue outlets, the third largest market after China and Indonesia. Mixue is also the largest food and beverage chain in Vietnam by store count. Financial data from Vietdata shows Mixue Vietnam reached almost one thousand two hundred sixty billion dong in revenue in 2023, up more than two and a half times from the year before, with after tax profit of 204 billion dong.

Industry analysts say the recent cuts reflect wider pressure in the Vietnamese food and beverage sector. A report by iPOS shows Vietnam had about 299,900 F and B stores as of June 2025, down more than seven percent from 2024. Both Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City saw double digit declines. iPOS describes the current period as a brutal shake out that is forcing businesses to rethink cost structures and pricing strategies.

Mixue says its focus for 2025 includes strict quality control, standardized operations, and the launch of a global support center to strengthen its international franchise system.

For Vietnamese travelers, food has always been more than a daily ritual, it’s an expression of love, culture and connection and this tradition continues to shape how, where, and why they travel. According to Booking.com’s Taste of Home Report 2025, food now plays a central role in shaping the holiday home experience, with 84% of Vietnamese travelers choosing destinations based on local cuisine.

Alternative accommodations such as beach houses, apartments, guestshouses, homestays are becoming the preferred choice for these food-inspired journeys, offering the privacy, freedom and flexibility to dine, host, and cook in authentic, home-like spaces. Vietnamese travelers are drawn to the privacy, flexibility and social atmosphere these accommodations provide. Holiday Homes are where they can enjoy meals on their own schedule, relax with loved ones, and create shared culinary memories.

Data from Booking.com’s Taste of Home Report 2025 uncovers 5 interesting habits and interesting facts of Vietnamese travelers when staying in an alternative accommodation.

• The joy of shopping at local spots

For Vietnamese travelers, discovering a destination starts at the market. 80% said they enjoy visiting local supermarkets or food markets while on holiday, not just to shop, but to explore and connect. Whether it’s handpicking vegetables in Da Lat, sampling fresh seafood in Nha Trang, or browsing spices in Hoi An, these experiences are part of the joy of travel. Vietnamese travelers aren’t only looking for fresh ingredients, they’re collecting stories, supporting local businesses and recreating regional dishes in their kitchens.

• Trolley Tourism: The Market is the Must-See Stop

For Vietnamese travelers, discovering a destination starts by engaging with the local food economy. 80% say they enjoy visiting local supermarkets or food markets while on holiday, a phenomenon we call “Trolley Tourism”, not just to shop, but to explore and connect. Whether it’s handpicking vegetables in Da Lat, sampling fresh seafood in Nha Trang or browsing regional spices in Hoi An, these market visits are becoming a vital part of the travel joy. Travelers aren’t just looking for fresh ingredients; they’re collecting local stories, supporting local businesses, and seeking the flavors needed to recreate authentic regional dishes in their kitchens.

• The love for beach houses and BBQs 

When it comes to choosing where to stay, Vietnamese travelers love spaces that let them gather, cook, and eat together. According to the report, beach houses (36%) are the most preferred type of alternative accommodations when traveling for food, followed by rural retreats (25%), city apartments (25%), guesthouses  (25%) and homestays (23%). These preferences go hand in hand with the distinctly Vietnamese tradition of sharing meals. The popular dishes travelers enjoy cooking on holiday include BBQs or grilled meals (40%), seafood feasts (35%) and hotpot gatherings (34%). From seaside BBQs to cozy hotpot nights, these classic communal dining experiences bring everyone to the table, highlighting a food culture built around sharing, laughter, and warmth.

• The change of cooking habits while staying at holiday homes 

Cooking habits change when Vietnamese travelers check into a holiday home. 96% say their cooking behavior shifts during their stay turning their kitchen into a social hub. Nearly half (45%) enjoy group cooking where everyone takes part in meal preparation. 38% happily experiment with new appliances like BBQ grills and hotpots, 33% attempt to recreate local specialties and 29% try new recipes or cooking methods. Cooking has become a form of cultural discovery, a way for travelers to experiment, learn, and connect. In the accommodation, the kitchen is no longer just a practical feature but the true heart of the stay, where food becomes a creative outlet for cultural discovery and connection.

• The “portable pantry” that travels everywhere

Even as they explore new flavors, Vietnamese travelers also love to add the taste of their own home by bringing some of the familiar comforts on the road. Booking.com’s report found that 91% of Vietnamese travelers would bring food or cooking-related items along on their trips. Some of the popular items they usually bring from home are favourite snacks (43%); instant noodles (35%); dipping or seasoned salt (32%); portable BBQ tools (28%), bread (27%); sweet tea or instant coffee sachets (25%); basic condiments such as fish sauce or MSG (25%).

• The eager for exciting food experiences 

Beyond the kitchen, Vietnamese travelers’ curiosity also extends to food-focused experiences that bring them closer to local culture. Almost half (48%) would like to join guided food tours to explore authentic dishes from restaurants and street vendors. 47% are drawn to foraging or farm-to-table activities, while 43% are eager to explore working farms and meet producers firsthand.

• Freedom, Not Fancy Dining, Drives Bookings

Vietnamese travelers choose holiday homes for the freedom they offer. The top three reasons for choosing this accommodation type focus on convenience and connection:

1. A more private and relaxed setting to enjoy meals (38%).
2. Greater freedom to eat without set mealtimes (36%).
3. The opportunity to host and share meals with friends and family (35%).

These experiences turn travel into a sensory journey that satisfies both curiosity and appetite. Whether learning how to make a regional dish or tasting something for the first time, food continues to be the key ingredient inspiring where Vietnamese travelers go next. 

Booking.com is making trip planning more sweeter by offering unbeatable Black Friday* deals across accommodations, car rentals, attractions and flights. For Vietnamese travelers planning their next getaway, this Black Friday brings discounts of up to 35% off global stays, up to 25% off rental cars and up to 20% on select attractions, with additional flight savings available on 300+ carriers to destinations worldwide. Deals are live from November 21, 2025 – December 4, 2025 for travel as far out as December 31, 2026, helping travelers making it easy to plan a family getaway, a bucket-list escape or a foodie trip these deals are designed to help travelers make their next trip memorable, affordable, and uniquely theirs.

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ABOUT BOOKING.COM

Part of Booking Holdings Inc. (NASDAQ: BKNG), Booking.com’s mission is to make it easier for everyone to experience the world. By investing in the technology that helps take the friction out of travel, Booking.com’s marketplace seamlessly connects millions of travelers with memorable experiences every day. For more information, follow @bookingcom on social media or visit news.booking.com.

CONTACT DETAILS 

For further information, contact the Booking.com Vietnam Press Office: 

Khanh.bui@edelman.com /+84 92 301 27 99

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Ngoctram.nguyen@edelman.com / +84 96 523 31 56

METHODOLOGY

* Up to 35% saving available on new accommodation bookings at participating properties indicated by the “Black Friday Deals” badge on the search results and room selection pages. Saving varies depending on the destination country, a full breakdown of discounts is detailed below: at least 40% saving on properties in Asia and Oceania; up to 50% savings on properties in the United States and up to 35% saving elsewhere. Bookings must be made before 10:00 am CET on 04/12/24 for stays with check-in from 21/11/24 and check-out on or before 31/12/25. Saving applies to the cost of a room only (excluding any extras, additional fees or taxes). If you make any changes to your booking you may lose your savings and be liable for the full amount. Saving cannot be used in conjunction with any other promotions. Room rates labeled “Partner Offer” are excluded from this promotion. This offer is provided by the participating property and subject to availability.

*Up to 25% saving available on new car rental bookings on participating car rentals indicated by the “Black Friday” badge on the search results page. Bookings must be made before 11:59pm GMT on 04/12/24 for car rental pick-ups between 21/11/24 and 31/12/25. Saving applies to the cost of the car rental only (excluding any extras, additional fees or taxes). If you make any changes to your booking you may lose your saving and be liable for the full amount. Savings cannot be used in conjunction with other promotions made available by the car rental company. This offer is provided by the participating car rental companies and subject to availability. For full terms and conditions see here.

*4Up to 20% saving to a maximum value of 20 € (or local currency equivalent) per ticket available on new bookings for selected attractions indicated with a “Black Friday” badge. Offer provided on a first come first served basis, based on an allocated campaign budget. Offer will end at the earlier of 10:00 am CET on 5/12/24 or the campaign budget being utilised (“Campaign End”). Bookings must be made before the Campaign End and for a visit within 90 days of the book date. Saving applies to the cost of the attraction only (excluding any extras, additional fees or taxes). If you make any changes to your booking you may lose your savings and be liable for the full amount. This offer is provided by Booking.com and our partners, Viator, Musement, and Klook, and subject to availability.

Vietnam will introduce a nationwide requirement for child safety seats in private cars from 1 January 2026. The move aligns the country with international traffic safety standards and responds to rising concern about road injuries involving children.

Under the new rules, drivers will face fines from 800 thousand to 1 million VND if they transport a child under ten years old and under one point three five meters tall without the proper safety device. Children in this group cannot sit in the front row beside the driver unless the vehicle has only one row of seats.

Officials from the national traffic police department told local media that the policy is not new for Vietnam. Authorities have advised families to use child seats for many years and many drivers have already adopted the practice. The difference is that the recommendation will now become an enforceable legal requirement.

Police say parents can choose from several approved devices including child seats, booster seats, and child safety harnesses. All products must meet the national technical standard QCVN 123:2024. These devices work like a motorcycle helmet by reducing the risk of serious injury when a crash or sudden stop occurs.

Police officials highlight three main reasons for the rule. First, seat belts designed for adults do not protect children under one point three five meters. During a collision the belt can press against a child’s neck or head and cause serious injury. Second, children under ten often move around or resist instructions which increases risk during travel. Third, global research shows that children held on an adult’s lap remain vulnerable because the force of an impact can eject a child even during a low speed crash.

The department also notes that the requirement follows commitments Vietnam made when joining the Vienna Convention on Road Traffic and adopting United Nations road safety guidelines. Authorities say the extended timeline until 2026 is intended to give families time to prepare.

In Hanoi, child safety products typically cost between two and four million VND depending on features. Retailers say most products on the market now comply with national standards, including ISOFIX based systems and enhanced child restraint systems.

Police urge parents to take the rule seriously. Infants under one month old should avoid unnecessary travel and young children should always use proper restraints. Officials point to years of public education on helmet use and seat belt enforcement as proof that these measures save lives.

As Vietnam increases efforts to meet global safety benchmarks, the new child seat rule marks another significant step toward reducing road deaths and protecting the country’s most vulnerable passengers.

A rural district in north central Vietnam is reeling after police confirmed that a 13 year old boy hid the body of his eight year old cousin in a garden near their family home. The case has drawn widespread attention across the country and raised difficult questions about child protection, mental health, and gaps in the legal system.

The boy, identified by police as Trinh Quoc Viet from Thanh Hoa province, was found responsible for killing the girl. Because Viet is under 14 he cannot be charged with any crime under Vietnamese law. Officials say he will be placed in a compulsory reform school. This is a state run institution used for minors who commit dangerous acts but fall below the age of criminal liability.

Vietnamese investigators say the incident happened on 20 September in Hoach Thon village. The children’s grandparents had left four grandchildren at home while they worked in nearby rice fields. When they returned in the late afternoon the eight year old girl was missing. The family launched a desperate search that spread across social media and local radio.

Villagers searched ponds, empty lots, and remote corners of the village. Hours later a relative found a sealed bag hidden in the garden behind the family home. Inside was the girl’s body with injuries to her head and face. Police later determined that Viet had attacked the girl during a dispute over a hammock. He then hid the body in a banana grove and returned home as if nothing had happened.

Investigators say Viet’s eight year old brother witnessed the attack but stayed silent after his older brother threatened him. The case has shocked local residents who describe Viet as a quiet student with average grades and no obvious signs of distress. Both boys have lived with their grandparents while their parents work overseas.

Local authorities say Viet will be removed from school and placed in a reform center in the coming days. The case is now prompting national discussion about child supervision in rural areas where parents often migrate for work. It also highlights questions about how Vietnam handles serious crimes committed by very young offenders.

For more updates on major stories from Vietnam, visit VietnamInsiders.com.