Vietnam Insider

A car caught fire inside the underground parking lot of the Takashimaya Shopping Mall—one of downtown Ho Chi Minh City’s busiest commercial centers—on Monday afternoon. The blaze was quickly extinguished thanks to the building’s automatic fire response system and on-site security staff.

Fire Breaks Out in Basement Parking of Saigon Centre

At around 4:00 p.m., security guards at Takashimaya, located on Nam Ky Khoi Nghia Street, noticed smoke rising from the B4 parking level of the Saigon Centre complex. The fire was traced to a BMW sedan parked near an elevator bay.

Automatic fire alarms and sprinkler systems were activated immediately. Building security personnel swiftly responded using CO₂ extinguishers and dry chemical fire suppressants, managing to control the flames within minutes.

Authorities from Saigon Ward Police and the District 1 Fire and Rescue Unit arrived soon after, confirming that the fire had been fully contained before spreading to other vehicles nearby.

“The incident was handled in accordance with proper fire safety protocols. No one was injured and surrounding cars were not damaged,” said a representative from Saigon Centre’s management.

Quick Response Prevents Major Damage

At the time of the incident, the underground garage was busy, with several vehicles parked nearby. Responders used specialized lifting equipment to move two cars away from the burning vehicle, preventing the fire from spreading.

Fifteen building staff members worked together to put out the blaze using extinguishers, sand, and water hoses. Within five minutes, the flames were fully extinguished.

Investigation Underway

Police confirmed that the fire originated from a gasoline-powered BMW. The car owner stated that the vehicle had recently undergone maintenance. The management team provided CCTV footage and reports to assist the insurance company and fire investigators in determining the exact cause.

No Casualties Reported

Thanks to a well-coordinated emergency response, no injuries were reported and operations at Takashimaya resumed shortly after the incident.

Fire safety authorities in Ho Chi Minh City are continuing to investigate the cause of the blaze, emphasizing the importance of strict fire prevention protocols in commercial buildings.

Da Nang Police Foil Online “Kidnapping” Scheme Targeting College Student

Da Nang, Vietnam (October 7, 2025) — Authorities in Da Nang have successfully prevented a sophisticated online scam in which a group of criminals impersonating police officers coerced a female college student into isolating herself in a hotel for hours of “interrogation” via video call.

The victim, identified as T.H.L., 18, from Thanh Hoa Province, is currently studying at a local college.

The Scam: “You Are Involved in a Drug Case”

According to Huong Tra Ward Police, the suspects called L. claiming to be officers from the Ministry of Public Security, accusing her of involvement in a drug-trafficking case.

They told her she needed to prove her innocence or face a fine of 300 million VND (~US$12,000).
The fake officers ordered her not to tell anyone, insisting she follow their instructions or risk arrest.

Forced Into Isolation for an “Online Investigation”

Terrified, L. followed their directions and checked into Hotel M.T. in Da Nang, where she was instructed to participate in an “online working session” with the so-called police officers.

For several hours, 6–7 men dressed in police uniforms appeared on video calls, yelling, threatening, and psychologically manipulating the young woman.
They even demanded she travel to Ho Chi Minh City for further “interviews” with fake officers there.

Frightened and confused, L. repeatedly called her family to ask for large sums of money, claiming it was needed for the investigation.

Real Police Step In

Huong Tra Police said they detected suspicious activity when monitoring reports of unusual money transfer requests from L.’s family. Officers quickly traced her location to Hotel M.T. and arrived just in time to stop the scam.

They found L. in a state of panic but unharmed. Police provided counseling, reassured her safety, and launched an investigation to track down the fraudsters behind the scheme.

Authorities Warn of “Online Kidnapping” Tactics

Officials describe this as part of a new wave of telecom fraud known as “online kidnapping”, where scammers use psychological pressure to isolate victims and extort money from their families.

Police urge the public to verify any calls claiming to be from law enforcement and never send money or personal information under threat.

“Real police never conduct investigations online or demand payments,” a Da Nang officer emphasized.
“People must stay alert — these scams are becoming increasingly sophisticated.”

Hội An, Vietnam, has been recognized as the most budget-friendly long-haul destination for international travelers this winter, according to a new ranking by Time Out magazine (UK).

Travel experts note that long-distance travel doesn’t always mean high expenses. While airfare may be costly, destinations across Asia—particularly in Vietnam—offer affordable hotels, dining, and entertainment, making them attractive options for budget-conscious tourists.

The Time Out report, released in early September, compiled the average daily costs of food, drinks, and accommodation to determine the top 10 best-value winter getaways. Hội An topped the list, offering visitors from Europe and North America the opportunity to enjoy rich experiences for less.

In Hội An, a three-course dinner for two with wine costs around USD 54 (₫1.4 million), while a local beer averages about USD 2 (₫50,000). Beyond affordability, the UNESCO-listed town is also known as one of Vietnam’s most photogenic cities, with its lantern-lit streets, riverside cafes, vibrant night markets, and nearby pristine beaches.

Following Hội An, the list includes Cape Town (South Africa), known for its stunning Table Mountain views and colorful Bo-Kaap district, and Bali (Indonesia), where cocktails start at just USD 6 and surfers can still find quiet beaches away from the crowds.

Other destinations in the top 10 are Mombasa (Kenya), Tokyo (Japan), Colombo (Sri Lanka), Penang (Malaysia), Delhi (India), Phuket (Thailand), and Santiago (Chile).

Founded in London in 1968, Time Out is a global travel and culture publication recognized for its curated recommendations and reliable rankings based on insights from local editors and travel experts. Its lists guide travelers toward authentic, high-value experiences that suit a wide range of budgets.

As of late October 7, hundreds of residents in Thai Nguyen Province were trapped on rooftops, fighting to survive after record-breaking floods submerged entire neighborhoods in the aftermath of Typhoon Matmo.

At 11 p.m., Mrs. Nguyễn Thị Hưng, 71, sat shivering on the roof of her submerged home in Linh Sơn Ward after being stranded for over 13 hours without food or water. “Please help me. I had a stroke before and haven’t eaten all day,” she told reporters over a weakening phone call. Her single-story house was flooded with more than two meters of water, forcing her to climb onto the roof alone after her son, who works in Hanoi, was unable to return.

Despite repeated rescue calls, no emergency team could reach her due to the strong currents and deep floodwaters. “Many of my neighbors are also trapped, most of them elderly,” she said. By midnight, she sent her son a final text: “My phone battery is dying, and the water is still rising—just 30 cm more and it’ll reach the roof.”

Nearby, Ms. Trần Thị Hiền and her family — including her elderly parents and three children aged 11, 5, and 4 — were also stranded on their rooftop. The family survived on dry instant noodles and sheltered under a nylon tarp. By 9 p.m., floodwaters had reached within half a meter of their ceiling. “We called rescue teams all day, but they said the current is too strong for boats to enter,” she said.

The situation turned desperate when Hiền’s 16-year-old son’s small boat capsized while trying to find help. He was swept 30 meters downstream before being rescued by neighbors.

In Quyết Thắng Hamlet, Ms. Hoàng Thị Niệm, 50, and her husband huddled on their roof with a portable gas stove and a pot of plain porridge — their only meal of the day. “Gas is almost out. We can see our neighbors stranded nearby, but the water’s too deep and violent to reach them,” she said.

Throughout October 7, social media flooded with emergency pleas from residents in Thái Nguyên City, Võ Nhai, Phú Lương, Đồng Hỷ, and Đại Từ, as thousands were trapped without food, drinking water, or phone power.

Provincial officials confirmed that many areas remained completely isolated by evening. “The water rose at an unprecedented speed — just a few hours and everything was underwater,” said Đàm Quang Tuyến, Vice Chairman of the Provincial Fatherland Front.

Rescue operations were ongoing through the night, with hundreds of police officers, soldiers, and emergency workers deployed alongside boats and rescue vehicles.

Preliminary reports indicate three deaths, three missing persons, and numerous injuries. Many communities remain cut off as authorities race against time to deliver aid.

According to the Thai Nguyen Hydrometeorological Station, rainfall from October 6–7 reached 200–400mm, with some areas recording over 500mm — Hóa Thượng (564mm) and Gia Bảy (541mm). The Cầu River reached 29.26m, surpassing its historic high by 0.45m.

Meteorologists warn that flood levels on the Cầu River could reach historic records, threatening inundation across 21 of the province’s 92 wards and communes.

On the morning of October 8, several parts of Hanoi remained heavily flooded following torrential rains brought by Typhoon Matmo, according to a report from the city’s Department of Construction’s Technical Infrastructure Management Center.

As of 7 a.m., water levels in the Nhuệ River basin remained high, causing slow drainage in low-lying areas. Severe flooding was recorded at multiple locations, including Alley 89 Lạc Long Quân, the Mỹ Đình–Thiên Hiền intersection, Lê Đức Thọ Street (around Mỹ Đình Stadium), Dương Đình Nghệ–Nam Trung Yên (behind Keangnam Tower), Võ Chí Công (near UDIC Building), Phú Xá Street, Phan Văn Trường Street, Hoa Bằng Alley, and Trần Bình Street.

Other flooded zones included Thăng Long Boulevard, Cầu Bươu–Yên Xá, Phùng Khoang, Triều Khúc, Tố Hữu (Lương Thế Vinh–Trung Văn), Yên Nghĩa Bus Station, Quyết Thắng Street, Tây Mỗ (from the old local office to Triền Bridge), Cầu Cốc, Do Nha, Ngọc Trục, Miêu Nha, Đông Thắng (Ecohome 1), and Nhuệ Giang Street.

Meanwhile, flooding had receded in the Tô Lịch and Long Biên drainage basins, allowing traffic to resume normally.

At Thăng Long Boulevard — particularly near the Sunhouse access road and underpass No. 9 — water levels averaged over 20cm, making travel difficult. Several residential areas also reported moderate flooding: Văn Quán (20cm), Tây Hồ Tây (15cm), Resco (25cm), and Ciputra (15cm).

As of 7 a.m., Hanoi authorities recorded 21 flooded spots, including 12 with water levels above 30cm.

To address the situation, the Hanoi Drainage Company has deployed emergency crews and equipment to critical sites while operating major pumping stations — including Yên Sở (20/20 pumps active), Cầu Bươu, Đồng Bông 1 and 2, Cổ Nhuế, and Đa Sỹ — at full capacity.

Additionally, the Thanh Liệt floodgate has been opened to help discharge excess water from the Nhuệ River, ensuring system safety and faster drainage across the capital.

A 15-year-old high school student from Côn Đảo had to undergo emergency surgery for a perforated stomach ulcer after neglecting medical advice to follow up on his chronic condition.

Doctors from Bình Dân Hospital (Ho Chi Minh City), currently on a rotation at the Côn Đảo Military-Civilian Medical Center, performed the life-saving operation. The student, identified as Đ.P.T., was admitted with severe abdominal pain radiating from the upper stomach to the lower right abdomen. He had a three-year history of peptic ulcer disease but failed to return for check-ups as instructed.

X-ray and CT scans revealed free air under the diaphragm and a perforation in the gastric antrum — signs of a ruptured stomach ulcer. Doctors quickly confirmed peritonitis caused by the perforation and decided on emergency surgery after consulting specialists at Bình Dân Hospital via telemedicine.

Through laparoscopic surgery, doctors found a 5mm perforation in the pre-pyloric region of the stomach, cleaned the infected area, and repaired the hole. The operation lasted 60 minutes and was successful, with the patient now recovering well and expected to be discharged in the coming days.

The hospital emphasized that rapid emergency response — modeled after the procedures at Bình Dân Hospital’s main facility — played a key role in saving the patient’s life. Only two hours passed between hospital admission and the start of surgery.

Over the past month, the Côn Đảo Medical Center has stabilized operations and gained public trust. Since the start of the second rotation, its medical team has handled over 130 outpatient cases, eight emergency cases, and two urgent surgeries.

Vietnamese billionaire Pham Nhat Vuong, founder and chairman of Vingroup, has climbed to No. 145 on Forbes’ global billionaire list, with an estimated net worth of USD 16.8 billion, up sharply from USD 4.1 billion at the start of the year. The surge follows a fourfold rally in Vingroup’s stock (VIC), which has jumped from VND 40,000 to VND 176,500 per share as of October 4.

Vuong injects capital into VinEnergo, VinSpeed

According to Vingroup, Vuong will transfer over 60 million VIC shares — worth approximately VND 10.6 trillion (USD 415 million) — to VinEnergo JSC, an energy company under the group, between October 9 and November 7.
After the transaction, Vuong’s ownership in Vingroup will decrease from 11.59% to 10.04%, while VinEnergo’s stake will rise to 4.27% (165.7 million shares).

This move follows earlier capital injections:

• June 2025: Vuong contributed 70.6 million VIC shares to VinEnergo.

• July 2025: He added 78.5 million shares, valued at nearly VND 8.4 trillion, to VinSpeed JSC, established to develop the North–South high-speed railway.

VinSpeed now holds over 135.6 million Vingroup shares (3.5% stake) and is currently recruiting engineers and project staff for railway routes such as Ho Chi Minh City–Can Gio and Hanoi–Quang Ninh.

Expanding into energy and infrastructure

VinEnergo is the lead investor in the Hai Phong LNG Power Plant, Vietnam’s largest and one of the world’s leading LNG projects, with a total investment of VND 178 trillion (USD 6.7 billion) and a planned capacity of 4,800 MW. The project is expected to be operational by 2030, supplying up to 19.2 billion kWh annually.

Vingroup recently broke ground on the Tan Trao Industrial Park (Phase 1) in Hai Phong, spanning nearly 227 hectares with an investment exceeding VND 4 trillion. The LNG power plant is located within this zone, further integrating the group’s industrial, energy, and logistics ecosystem.

Market capitalization surges past VND 680 trillion

With Vingroup’s share price rally, the group’s market capitalization has surpassed VND 680 trillion (USD 26.6 billion), reclaiming its position as Vietnam’s most valuable listed company, ahead of Vietcombank, BIDV, and VietinBank.

The stock’s strong performance has also lifted Vuong’s wife, Pham Thu Huong, into billionaire status. As of October 4, her holdings in Vingroup are valued at over VND 30.1 trillion (USD 1.14 billion), making her Vietnam’s second female USD billionaire after Nguyen Thi Phuong Thao, chairwoman of Vietjet Air and vice chair of HDBank.

Global ranking

With a fortune of USD 16.8 billion, Pham Nhat Vuong now ranks ahead of Thailand’s richest man Dhanin Chearavanont (CP Group), Samsung chairman Lee Jae-Yong, and former U.S. President Donald Trump, according to Forbes.

Vuong remains Vietnam’s wealthiest individual, spearheading investments that align with the country’s green energy and infrastructure modernization goals, while signaling the increasing global profile of Vietnamese conglomerates.

Apple has officially released iOS 26.1 Beta 2, reviving a nostalgic feature that dates all the way back to the first iPhone in 2007 — but with a modern twist.

The update is now available to users enrolled in Apple’s Beta Software Program. Those interested can install it by navigating to Settings → General → Software Update, and following the on-screen instructions to access the latest pre-release improvements.

“Slide to Unlock” Makes a Comeback — As “Slide to Stop”

One of the most talked-about additions in iOS 26.1 Beta 2 is the new “Slide to Stop” gesture for alarms. Instead of tapping a small “Stop” button, users can now simply swipe across the screen to dismiss their alarm — a move that immediately recalls Apple’s legendary “Slide to Unlock” feature from the original iPhone.

The return of this intuitive gesture not only enhances usability but also underscores Apple’s continued focus on combining innovation with nostalgia, a strategy that consistently strengthens user engagement across its product ecosystem.

Enhanced Display Experience with “Liquid Glass” Tweaks

Apple has also refined the Liquid Glass visual effect, improving visibility by reducing excessive blurring. Previously applied to the keyboard and customizable lock screens, the updated version allows users to fine-tune transparency settings via Settings → Accessibility → Display & Text Size → Reduce Transparency.

Analysts note that the adjustment could enhance display clarity in bright environments — a subtle but meaningful usability improvement for millions of daily iPhone users.

Performance Boosts and Bug Fixes

Beyond interface tweaks, iOS 26.1 Beta 2 brings broader performance optimizations and stability fixes, delivering smoother system operation across supported iPhones. Apple is expected to release the stable version of iOS 26.1 on October 27, giving users the option to revert from the beta version without data loss.

What’s Next: Smarter Siri in 2026

Looking ahead, Apple plans to expand feature testing with the upcoming iOS 26.4 scheduled for spring 2026, introducing “Personal Siri” — a next-generation version of its voice assistant.

The upgraded Siri will reportedly access user messages, calendars, and app data to deliver more context-aware and personalized responses, potentially marking the most significant evolution of Apple’s AI assistant since its debut.

With iOS 26.1, Apple continues to blend user-centric innovation with a touch of heritage, reaffirming its position at the intersection of technology design, user experience, and emotional brand loyalty.

Ho Chi Minh City residents could soon receive between 20% and 100% financial support to switch from gasoline-powered vehicles to electric ones, according to new proposals presented at a workshop on green transport transition held this morning (October 7).

The recommendations are part of the city’s broader plan to implement a Low Emission Zone (LEZ) and accelerate the shift toward sustainable mobility under its “Vehicle Emission Control Project.”

Transition Costs Pose the Biggest Challenge

The consulting unit emphasized that while regional integration with Binh Duong and Ba Ria–Vung Tau creates economic synergies, it also intensifies infrastructure and pollution pressures. Road transport remains HCMC’s largest source of emissions, particularly in central districts with high vehicle density.

Beyond health risks, poor air quality also damages the city’s reputation among investors — a hidden but significant economic cost. Consequently, the transition to green mobility is seen as both an economic and political priority.

HCMC’s roadmap for green transport is structured around three pillars:

1. Electrification of transport fleets

2. Creation of Low Emission Zones (LEZs)

3. Development of supportive infrastructure and policy mechanisms

Public transport will lead the electrification effort. By 2030, the city aims to launch 78 new clean-fuel bus routes with 2,849 vehicles. The goal is to build a fully connected public transport network to encourage residents to adopt eco-friendly alternatives. Plans also include developing “green corridors,” designated bicycle lanes, and shared e-bike and e-motorbike systems.

Subsidies and Incentives for Electric Vehicle Adoption

Recognizing the high upfront cost of electric vehicles (EVs), especially for low-income households and transport businesses, the proposal outlines several financial incentives:

• 100% registration fee exemption for electric vehicles used in transport services

• 50% reduction in road maintenance fees for EVs

• 50% reduction in license plate registration fees

• Cash incentives covering 10% of the value of new electric motorbikes (up to VND 5 million)

• Reimbursement of 70% of the residual value for scrapped motorbikes

• 10% interest subsidy on EV purchase loans

For individuals and households, the city may provide direct conversion support based on income levels:

• 100% subsidy for poor households

• 80% subsidy for near-poor households

• 20% subsidy for others

Additional benefits could include free or discounted parking at designated locations.

LEZ Pilots in Can Gio and Con Dao

The city also plans to pilot Low Emission Zones in downtown HCMC, Can Gio, and Con Dao starting in 2026. These areas were chosen for their ecological importance and potential for sustainable tourism.

• Can Gio, recognized by UNESCO as Vietnam’s first biosphere reserve, serves as the “green lung” of the city.

• Con Dao, with over 80% of its land designated as a national park, is known for eco-tourism and spiritual travel.

However, more than 95% of vehicles in both areas still run on fossil fuels, while public and non-motorized transport remains underdeveloped.

To address this, the proposal calls for:

• Six new electric bus routes in Con Dao connecting the airport, port, and major tourist sites

• Shared e-bike services and solar-powered charging stations at bus stops and markets

• Emission inspection and monitoring systems using AI-powered data analytics integrated with vehicle registration databases

By July 1, 2026, motorbikes in Can Gio’s communes (Binh Khanh, An Thoi Dong, Can Gio, and Thanh An) will be subject to emission testing — six months earlier than the rest of the city. From January 1, 2030, all motorbikes in this area must meet Level 2 emission standards, two years ahead of the citywide deadline.

The Rung Sac Road corridor will also serve as a controlled zone restricting vehicles that fail to meet emission standards on weekends.

The transition toward green mobility is expected to boost investment confidence, support tourism, and protect the city’s long-term economic competitiveness.

HO CHI MINH CITY — When Markeiz Ryan, a 36-year-old U.S. Air Force veteran, first landed in Vietnam on his birthday in 2016, nothing went as planned. His visa caused delays at immigration, a taxi driver sped off with his phone, and he wandered the streets of Hanoi for hours before finding help.

But just a week later, as he sat on a tiny plastic stool by the sidewalk, watching motorbikes stream past and tasting street food for the first time, something inside him shifted.

“After years of living with depression, I felt peace for the first time,” Ryan said. “I knew I had to live in this country.”

From Maryland to the Military — and Into Darkness

Born and raised in Maryland, Ryan came from a working-class family of four siblings. The 2008 financial crisis plunged his family into debt, forcing him to drop out of college and enlist in the U.S. Air Force at age 20.

He served in Germany, South Korea, and several African countries, moving every two years. But in 2016, while stationed in Korea, he violated curfew and was demoted from staff sergeant to senior airman — a devastating blow that triggered severe depression.

“I lost everything I had worked for,” he said. “I was ashamed, and people treated me differently.”

Therapy and medication helped stabilize him, but when a friend invited him to visit Hanoi, Ryan accepted — not knowing it would change the course of his life.

Vietnam: A Place of Acceptance and Connection

Before arriving, Ryan worried that Vietnamese people might still harbor resentment toward Americans — or prejudice against a Black foreigner. Instead, he was welcomed with warmth and humor.

Local children called him “ông chú socola” (Uncle Chocolate). Strangers invited him for karaoke and street snacks. “In Vietnam, you can sit down anywhere, talk to anyone, and you’re part of the group,” he said. “People don’t care about status — only about kindness.”

Every vacation afterward, Ryan returned — to Ho Chi Minh City, Da Nang, and beyond. By 2019, after leaving the military due to spinal and hearing injuries and lingering mental health issues, he made the leap.

He sold his car, gave away his possessions, and bought a one-way ticket to Vietnam.

Building a Sustainable Life in Saigon

Today, Ryan lives in Bình Thạnh District, far from the expat-heavy area of Thảo Điền. “I didn’t come here to live in a bubble,” he said. “I wanted real life — with street food vendors yelling ‘bắp xào đây!’ (fried corn here!) every evening.”

Between his veterans’ pension, English teaching, and voice-over work, Ryan earns around US$4,000 a month, spending roughly half of that on living expenses.

“When financial pressure eases, you start focusing on things that actually make you happy,” he said.

His days begin with coffee at a street stall, surrounded by locals chatting before work — a rhythm of life he calls “antidote to burnout.”

“In America, everyone rushes with Starbucks in hand,” he said. “Here, people pause — even for 20 minutes of rest at noon. They work hard but still enjoy life. I’ve learned that balance.”

Finding Purpose Through Giving Back

Ryan’s path to healing deepened after visiting Thiên Phước Shelter in District 12, home to children affected by Agent Orange. “I played games with them and saw their smiles,” he said. “That day I realized — your worst day might be someone else’s best.”

Now, he volunteers three times a month with Vietnam Hearts, a local NGO supporting street children and performers. He teaches English, donates supplies, and mentors kids.

“Helping others healed me more than therapy ever did,” Ryan said. “Making someone else happy makes me happy.”

According to Việt Nguyễn, founder of Vietnam Hearts, Ryan’s commitment has inspired other expats to join local community work. “He’s not just a teacher — he’s a bridge between cultures,” Việt said.

A New Chapter — and No Looking Back

Today, Ryan wakes up excited for each day in Ho Chi Minh City — creating content for his YouTube channel RyanDenVlogs, where he shares stories about Vietnamese culture and everyday life.

“I haven’t had a boring day since I moved here,” he smiled. “This country gave me a new life — and a new reason to live.”

HANOI— After journeying through more than 30 countries alone, 28-year-old Yuki Nakatani from Nagasaki, Japan, arrived in Ho Chi Minh City in late July 2025 — marking the start of her solo 70-day adventure across Vietnam on a borrowed Vespa.

Describing the scooter affectionately as her “boyfriend,” Yuki rode from the country’s southern hub through Mũi Né, Đà Lạt, Nha Trang, Tuy Hòa, Măng Đen, Hội An, Đà Nẵng, Huế, Phong Nha, Vinh, Hà Nội, and on to Mai Châu, Mộc Châu, Tà Xùa, Mù Cang Chải, Yên Bái, and Hà Giang before returning to Ho Chi Minh City to fly home.

Each stop, she said, revealed a different facet of Vietnam’s natural beauty and culture. In Huế, she lingered longer than planned, drawn to its serene atmosphere. Mộc Châu captivated her with lush waterfalls and rolling green tea hills, while Đà Lạt’s cool, misty air left her refreshed and inspired.

“I fell off my bike several times, and every time, Vietnamese people helped me,” Yuki told Tuổi Trẻ Online. “Even when I looked like a local, they didn’t hesitate. It wasn’t because I was foreign — it’s just who they are.”

In one fishing village, locals helped fix her Vespa despite language barriers, relying on gestures and smiles rather than words. For Yuki, these moments defined the heart of her Vietnamese journey — genuine kindness and connection.

A Journey Powered by Love and Faith in Humanity

Yuki’s travels are more than sightseeing — they are a personal mission to spread compassion. She often quotes her belief: “The world runs on love.”

“Love is the key to everything,” she said. “No matter our nationality, gender, or religion, we are all human. I want to share the goodness I’ve seen in the world and become a source of that love myself.”

Her optimism has endured even after facing danger. On several occasions, she narrowly escaped abduction while hitchhiking, experiences that have since taught her to trust her instincts and the “energy” of people she meets.

“Most people see the world as dangerous — and that’s exactly what it becomes,” she said, quoting Paulo Coelho’s The Alchemist. “But what if more of us started seeing it as a loving, beautiful place? Maybe the world would truly change.”

From 35 Euros to Global Exploration

Yuki’s story began in March 2023, when she quit her job two years after university and boarded a one-way flight to Europe with only 35 euros in her account.

Armed with one skill — Japanese calligraphy, which she had practiced since age seven — she began writing and selling her artwork on the streets to fund her travels. The income was modest, but enough to keep her moving across borders and cultures for four months.

That experience became the foundation of her first essay collection, “LOVE,” published in December 2023 after returning to Japan.

In May 2024, she set out once again — this time on a global journey with just a small backpack, continuing her mission to “spread love.” She financed her travels through art sales, calligraphy workshops, book royalties, and online consultations.

Next: Sharing the Spirit of Vietnam

Following her Vietnam trip, Yuki plans to host an art and calligraphy exhibition inspired by her journey — continuing the theme of “love and connection” that runs through her work.

She has previously exhibited in Japan, Mongolia, China, and Thailand, each time sharing her message that human kindness transcends borders.

“I don’t think I’m just traveling,” she said. “I’m living. What matters most is knowing what you truly want and need in life.”

Yuki laughs when asked about her future plans: she hopes to continue developing her intuition — and maybe even learn martial arts one day, “just in case.”

HANOI, October 5 — Gold and Bitcoin surged to record highs on Saturday as mounting uncertainty over the U.S. government shutdown, expectations of Federal Reserve rate cuts, and a weakening dollar drove investors into alternative and risk assets.

Bitcoin broke through $124,200, setting a new all-time high, while Ethereum advanced to nearly $4,530. The total cryptocurrency market capitalization exceeded $4.23 trillion, up roughly $470 billion in the past week.

Spot gold prices also climbed to a historic $3,886 per ounce, marking their seventh consecutive weekly gain and pushing the year-to-date increase to 48%. Vietnam’s SJC gold hit VND 139 million per tael, with gold rings trading around VND 135.6 million.

The synchronized rally across asset classes — from digital currencies to precious metals and equities — highlights a shift in global capital flows amid macroeconomic and policy uncertainty.

Safe-Haven Demand Amid U.S. Turmoil

The U.S. government entered its third day of shutdown, deepening concerns over fiscal stability and amplifying skepticism about the dollar’s global dominance. Analysts say the event has accelerated diversification away from dollar-denominated holdings.

Major U.S. equity indices also closed the week near record highs. The S&P 500, Dow Jones Industrial Average, and Nasdaq Composite all extended gains, buoyed by resilient corporate earnings and optimism over the global artificial intelligence (AI) boom.

“Despite fiscal disruptions, investors appear to be pricing in a short-term shutdown with limited impact,” said an analyst at a Hanoi-based brokerage. “The bigger driver remains the Fed’s likely pivot toward easing.”

Markets Price In Aggressive Fed Easing

According to CME FedWatch Tool, traders now assign a 96.2% probability that the Fed will cut rates by 25 basis points at its October 29 meeting, followed by an 86.3% chance of another reduction in December.

Rate-cut expectations strengthened after President Donald Trump signaled potential mass layoffs across federal agencies, and private employment data from ADP showed signs of cooling in the labor market.

“The data suggest the Fed will have sufficient justification to begin cutting,” said Matt Mena, a strategist at crypto platform 21Shares. “This environment is fueling demand for non-sovereign stores of value such as Bitcoin and gold.”

ETF Inflows Signal Institutional Confidence

Institutional appetite for digital assets is surging. Data from Farside Investors showed that U.S.-listed Bitcoin ETFs attracted a combined $985 million in inflows on October 3 — the highest in a month. The iShares Bitcoin Trust (IBIT), managed by BlackRock, alone absorbed $792 million.

Over the past week, net inflows into Bitcoin ETFs reached $3.24 billion, underscoring accelerating institutional participation.

“The ETF channel is driving a structural shift in market depth and liquidity,” analysts at Bitfinex noted, adding that renewed fiscal stimulus pledges from the Trump administration could extend Bitcoin’s rally.

Macro, Regulation, and Mining Pressures

Bitcoin’s rally is also supported by tightening supply dynamics. U.S. lawmakers have proposed special consumption taxes on electricity used for crypto mining, while data from TheMinerMagz shows that the average cost to mine one Bitcoin surpassed $70,000 in Q2 2025.

Meanwhile, the crypto market is entering what traders call “Uptober”, a historically bullish period for Bitcoin. Rising momentum and long positions are amplifying FOMO (fear of missing out), raising the risk of a sharp short squeeze.

“Technical momentum is strong, and if Bitcoin clears resistance, it could quickly test new highs,” said one Singapore-based trader.

Outlook: Bullish but Volatile

Economist Noelle Acheson, author of Crypto Is Macro Now, said Bitcoin could reach $130,000 in the near term, driven by institutional demand and macro tailwinds.

However, analysts warned of volatility ahead. A breakthrough in U.S. budget talks or a more hawkish stance from the Fed could trigger a correction across both gold and crypto markets.

“The current rally is built on expectations of easier policy,” one strategist noted. “If those expectations reverse, so will the markets.”