Vietnam Insider

A high school boy in Nghe An Province suffered a severe brain injury after being attacked by two classmates at a local billiards club, sparking public outrage over youth violence in Vietnam.

Shocking Attack at Local Billiards Hall

Authorities in Bich Hao Commune confirmed that on the evening of October 27, a violent altercation broke out at “Billiards 98” in Giang Tien Hamlet.

According to witnesses, N.H.B.D, a 10th-grade student, was suddenly attacked by two classmates — identified as N.X.M and T.H.H, both also in Grade 10 — who allegedly used billiard cues as weapons.

The victim sustained a severe head injury and was immediately rushed to the Nghe An General Friendship Hospital for emergency surgery.

Caught on Camera

Footage from the billiards hall’s security cameras shows a group of around eight students gathered around a billiards table when the incident erupted.
One boy is seen charging at D., striking him multiple times before another student in a white shirt joined the assault.

The victim collapsed to the ground while others tried to intervene, but the attackers continued beating him with the cue sticks, causing traumatic brain injury.

Investigation Underway

Nguyen Khanh Thanh, Chairman of Bich Hao Commune, confirmed that local police are investigating the case and that the school — Dang Thai Mai High School — has reported the incident to the Department of Education and Training.

“The school has cooperated with authorities and sent teachers to visit and support the student’s family,” Thanh said.

Community Shock and Concern

Relatives of the victim shared that D. suffered a severe skull fracture and brain trauma, remaining in a coma for two days before undergoing surgery. He is now in stable condition but still under close observation.

The incident has reignited debate over school violence and mental health among Vietnamese youth, with many calling for stronger preventive measures and better conflict resolution education in schools.

Vietnam’s government has approved plans to build two high-speed railway lines, including the long-discussed North–South Express Railway and a new Hanoi–Quang Ninh route, marking a major step toward modernizing the country’s transport infrastructure.

According to a decision signed by Deputy Prime Minister Tran Hong Ha, the updated National Railway Network Master Plan for 2021–2030, with a vision to 2050, adds the 124-kilometer Hanoi–Quang Ninh high-speed line to the national strategy.

Two new-generation rail routes

The North–South high-speed railway, stretching 1,541 kilometers from Ngoc Hoi Station (Hanoi) to Thu Thiem Station (Ho Chi Minh City), remains the backbone of the national rail system.

Meanwhile, the newly approved Hanoi–Quang Ninh line will begin at Co Loa Station (linked with Hanoi’s Metro Line 4), run through Gia Binh International Airport in Bac Ninh, and terminate at Ha Long Xanh Station in Quang Ninh Province — connecting to the planned Hai Phong–Ha Long–Mong Cai railway.

Vingroup proposal and investment details

Earlier in July, Vingroup proposed building the Hanoi–Quang Ninh line as a 350 km/h high-speed rail, designed for passenger transport with a standard gauge (1,435 mm) and full electrification.

The proposed alignment would pass Co Loa – Gia Binh – Hai Phong – Yen Tu – Ha Long, requiring around 308 hectares of land and an estimated investment of US$5.4 billion (VND 133 trillion). The project is targeted for completion before 2030.

The route will include four main stations — Co Loa, Gia Binh, Yen Tu, and Ha Long — with a potential fifth stop at Yen Vien if the alternative alignment is approved.

Additional upgrades and connectivity

The revised plan also advances several previously postponed rail projects to be completed before 2030, including:

• Hanoi–Dong Dang (Lang Son) dual-track railway (156 km)

• Hai Phong–Ha Long–Mong Cai dual-track line (187 km)

• Thap Cham–Da Lat and An Binh–Saigon (Hoa Hung)–Tan Kien lines

Vietnam will also upgrade seven existing national railway routes, focusing on the North–South high-speed line and connections to major international seaports in Hai Phong and Ho Chi Minh City.

In addition, new links are planned to China, Laos, and Cambodia, as well as domestic transport hubs like Nghi Son Port (Thanh Hoa), Hiep Phuoc Port (HCMC), and airports including Tan Son Nhat, Long Thanh, and the proposed second Hanoi airport in Gia Binh.

Toward a modern transport future

The government aims to transform Vietnam’s rail system into a regional transport hub, integrating high-speed, urban, and international routes to support economic growth and sustainable mobility.

Hotel searches in Hanoi have skyrocketed by more than 250% following news that K-pop superstar G-Dragon will hold a concert in the Vietnamese capital this November, highlighting how music tourism is driving travel demand across the country.

Data from Booking.com shows a dramatic spike in accommodation searches for the dates November 6 – 9, coinciding with G-Dragon’s concert schedule. The surge underscores how live entertainment is becoming a powerful travel motivator for Vietnamese and regional fans alike.

“Music and travel have a unique power to connect people and inspire personalized journeys,” said Branavan Aruljothi, Country Director of Booking.com Vietnam. “Young Vietnamese travelers are increasingly willing to spend more for emotional, once-in-a-lifetime experiences.”

Music tourism heats up Hanoi

Fans from both northern and southern Vietnam are preparing to fly to Hanoi for the long-awaited event. Hotels around My Dinh National Stadium, where the concert is expected to take place, are already reporting near-sold-out rooms — reminiscent of the frenzy seen during BLACKPINK’s 2023 Hanoi shows, which drew tens of thousands of visitors.

The phenomenon signals the growing influence of music-driven tourism, as fans turn major concerts into full travel experiences including shopping, dining, and local exploration.

Upcoming events amplify demand

Adding to the excitement, the upcoming Y-CONCERT in December — a 10-hour show featuring top idols and rising stars — has also boosted accommodation searches in Hanoi by more than 60% year-on-year, according to the same data.

“When the music fades, those unforgettable moments become cherished memories,” Aruljothi added. “Many travelers tend to revisit destinations that once stirred deep emotions, creating lasting bonds with those cities.”

A growing tourism trend

Vietnam’s tourism authorities have recently identified entertainment events and concerts as key catalysts for domestic and international travel. With global stars like G-Dragon performing in Hanoi, the capital is poised to become one of Asia’s emerging hubs for music tourism — a sector expected to grow rapidly in 2026.

Vietnam Airlines’ decision to weigh passengers’ carry-on luggage and charge extra fees for overweight items starting November 3 has sparked widespread debate among travelers.

According to the national flag carrier, the new policy aims to ensure safety, punctuality, and service quality. Passengers are encouraged to comply with existing cabin baggage limits to avoid additional charges.

Under the new rules, if a passenger’s carry-on exceeds the standard allowance, Vietnam Airlines will collect a fee equivalent to one piece of checked baggage. Overweight luggage up to 10 kg beyond the limit, or one extra piece (up to 10 kg), will incur the same charge as checked baggage purchased at the airport.

For bags that exceed both weight and size limits, the fee will be equivalent to that of oversized checked luggage.

Example: On domestic routes such as Ho Chi Minh City – Hanoi, one 23-kg checked bag costs approximately VND 600,000. Overweight carry-ons will now be charged the same rate at the boarding gate.

Payment can be made by credit card, debit card, or cash, depending on airport facilities.

Public reaction: divided opinions

The move has caught many passengers by surprise. Some have called it “inconvenient” and “inconsistent with the airline’s premium brand image,” while others support the policy as a necessary step to maintain flight safety and fairness.

“Airlines in Australia also weigh carry-on luggage, but the process looks more professional,” said Hồng Hạnh, a traveler from Hanoi. “They use sleek digital scales placed discreetly at check-in counters. Vietnam Airlines could adopt a similar approach and communicate the rules more clearly.”

Before Vietnam Airlines, low-cost carrier Vietjet Air had already implemented carry-on checks and gate fees. However, passengers say the experience feels different when applied by a full-service airline.

Why airlines are cracking down

Industry experts note that overhead bins have strict weight limits. Excess carry-on weight increases risks during turbulence and landing, and can delay boarding.
Vietnam Airlines said the policy aligns with international safety standards and aims to improve on-time performance.

Still, the change highlights the challenge airlines face in balancing operational efficiency with customer satisfaction — especially as Vietnam’s aviation market continues to expand rapidly.

A young boy was miraculously rescued after being swept away by floodwaters in the Han River (Da Nang) late on Tuesday night. The emotional footage of his rescue has since gone viral, touching hearts nationwide.

Dramatic midnight rescue on the Han River

At around 10 p.m. on October 29, amid heavy rain and flooding, several residents on Bach Dang Street, along the western bank of the Han River, spotted something floating in the water.

“I thought it was a fisherman in trouble, but then I realized it was a child’s head bobbing in the current,” said Ho Dang Minh T., one of the rescuers. “I didn’t have time to think — we just jumped in and pulled him out.”

Within seconds, three people worked together to drag the boy to safety. Shivering and soaked, the boy was still clutching a lollipop tightly in his hand.

A bystander gave him another candy, which he quietly unwrapped and began to eat — too shocked to respond to questions from rescuers.

Social media storm and emotional twist

The video posted by Ms. Minh T. quickly went viral on Vietnamese social media, drawing both praise and criticism. Some netizens accused rescuers of being “insensitive” or “asking too many questions,” while others shared unfounded claims that the boy had been “swept from Quang Nam Province.”

However, the boy’s mother, T.H.T., later clarified the situation.

“My son is a special needs child who doesn’t speak much. He loves water and had climbed over the Dragon Bridge railing before falling into the river,” she explained. “Please don’t spread false stories — and please thank those who risked their lives to save him.”

“Please don’t judge — just be grateful,” says the mother

That night, the mother had been working at home when she heard the door open. Realizing her son was missing, she ran out into the rain searching for him for over an hour.

“When I heard he’d been saved, I broke down in tears,” she said. “I just want to thank the people who helped. They didn’t hesitate — they saved my son’s life.”

Symbol of compassion amid the floods

The image of the boy holding his lollipop has since become a symbol of innocence and hope amid Da Nang’s stormy weather.

As one local resident wrote online:

“In the middle of floods and fear, seeing people risk everything to save a child reminds us that humanity still shines brightest in the darkest storms.”