Vietnam Insider

The Bac Ninh General Hospital No.1 has dismissed two employees and disciplined another following public outrage over a case in which a patient’s family was charged 21 million VND (around USD 830) for a 200 km ambulance ride.

On September 5, the Bac Ninh Department of Health reported to the provincial authorities that hospital driver Vu Van Giap, 41, and nurse Nguyen Van Thang, 34, were both fired for serious misconduct. Another nurse, Nguyen Thi Thiu, 30, received a formal warning.

The decision came after an investigation into complaints made by the family of a patient from Thai Nguyen. On August 19, the patient’s relatives arranged for an ambulance transfer from Bac Ninh to Thai Nguyen, a journey of roughly 200 km. Upon arrival, they were asked to pay 21 million VND, including 4 million VND for the accompanying doctor.

The incident quickly spread on social media, sparking widespread criticism that the cost was excessive and exploitative. Following public pressure, the driver contacted the family and refunded 16 million VND.

Hospital leaders later met with the patient’s relatives, convened a disciplinary council, and reviewed the responsibilities of involved departments. Authorities said the strict action was necessary to restore public trust and prevent similar violations in the future.

The case highlights growing concerns over healthcare transparency and patient protection in Vietnam, where hospitals are under pressure to ensure ethical conduct and fair treatment for patients.

Relying too much on travel influencers, cramming the whole country into one trip, or skipping street food—these are just some of the common mistakes that can ruin a first visit to Vietnam.

Travel writer Joshua Zukas, who has lived in Hanoi for 12 years and contributed to 10 Vietnam travel guidebooks, says glossy tourism ads often paint an unrealistic picture of Vietnam. The reality is more complex—and first-time visitors often fall into these traps:

1. Trying to See All of Vietnam in One Trip

Vietnam may look small on a map, but its length is comparable to Japan or Italy. Traveling between north, central, and south takes hours. With just 1–2 weeks, it’s better to focus on one region.

2. Getting Frustrated by the Weather

From freezing northern winters to Mekong Delta heatwaves and central Vietnam’s autumn typhoons, weather is unpredictable. Instead of stressing, pack accordingly and remember: locals deal with it daily.

3. Fear of Missing Out

There’s no single “must-see” spot in Vietnam. Chasing viral destinations can mean crowds and disappointment. The best trips come from following your own interests.

4. Following Influencers Blindly

TikTok and Instagram clips can mislead. Instead of chasing picture-perfect illusions, look for content creators based in Vietnam who share authentic insights.

5. Skipping Street Food

Vietnam’s best food is often found at tiny shops specializing in one dish. From Hanoi’s bánh cuốn to Saigon’s seafood stalls, street eats are essential.

6. Not Buying a Local SIM

Wi-Fi isn’t enough. For just $10/month, Vietnam’s mobile data is cheap, fast, and reliable. eSIMs and local SIMs make travel smoother.

7. Ignoring Guidebooks

In the age of AI-generated blogs and fake reviews, a well-researched guidebook—print or digital—remains the smartest investment for a real, informed travel experience.

A convicted rapist who faked his own death and fled to Spain was finally caught after his obsession with working out at a local gym gave him away.

On September 3, the High Court in Glasgow found James Clacher, 57, guilty of raping two women he met on dating apps Tinder and Bumble.

• First rape: On August 24, 2019, he violently assaulted a woman just 15 minutes after meeting her at her home following a Tinder match.

• Second rape: On September 4, 2020, he raped another woman at her Glasgow apartment after connecting via Bumble.

Facing rape charges in May 2022, Clacher staged his disappearance by leaving his car near a forest in Argyll and Bute, along with a suicide note blaming one of his victims. Police initially believed he had taken his own life, while in reality he was preparing a carefully planned escape.

The Gym Obsession That Exposed Him

Clacher survived in the woods before secretly making his way to Spain. Under the alias “Johnny Wilson,” he settled in the southern town of Nerja, working as a gardener and teaching yoga classes on the beach. He also started dating a local woman.

But his compulsive visits to Time Sport gym drew attention. In 2023, a public tip-off linked him to the area. Six months later, plainclothes Spanish police arrested him during a yoga session at Costa del Sol.

Authorities revealed that his fitness fixation ultimately betrayed his hiding place.

Clacher admitted to police that he had crossed the UK into France hidden in a truck, then cycled into Spain. He even considered building a kayak to paddle across to Morocco.

After nearly two years on the run, Clacher now faces a lengthy prison sentence for his crimes.

Hanoi – On September 4, the Hanoi People’s Court opened the trial of Bui Trung Duc (33, Ho Chi Minh City) and 19 accomplices, charged with large-scale investment fraud through fake forex platforms.

Prosecutors said Duc was part of a network led by “Mr Pips” Pho Duc Nam and “Mr Hunter” Le Khac Ngo. The group allegedly set up 27 shell companies and cloned international-sounding trading sites like ZenoMarkets, Londonex, CHMarkets, TradeTime, LPLtrade, and DexInvesting. In reality, all trades were rigged against investors, with deposits funneled straight into company-controlled accounts.

More than 1,000 phone numbers and hundreds of staff were used to cold-call victims, promising quick profits. Sales agents, mostly in their 20s, were trained to build trust by first letting clients make small withdrawals before pushing them to invest larger sums. Once hooked, customers were manipulated into escalating trades until their accounts were wiped out.

Police have so far proven 12 cases worth 11 billion VND ($430,000), including one 66-year-old Hanoi woman who lost 6.7 billion VND. Authorities have seized cash, luxury cars, gold, real estate, and designer goods, with total assets recovered in the wider “Mr Pips” case exceeding 5.3 trillion VND ($208 million).

Nam (“Mr Pips”) was arrested in late 2024, accused of defrauding over 2,600 investors. Ngo (“Mr Hunter”) remains on the run, while his wife was arrested in Thailand in July under an Interpol warrant.

USA – Luu Tu Bao, President of the Vietnam Boxing Federation (VBF), is under suspicion of being Bao Tu Luu, the alleged ringleader of a transnational crime syndicate that attempted to smuggle 178 kilograms of cocaine into Australia between 2016 and 2017.

Rumors about Bao’s arrest surfaced after months of silence from him. On September 4, the VBF held an emergency meeting and confirmed Bao could no longer perform his duties due to ongoing legal issues in the United States. The federation announced plans to hold an extraordinary congress to elect a new president.

According to San Francisco Public Safety News (June 30), the U.S. District Court in San Francisco is reviewing Australia’s extradition request for a man named “Bao Tu Luu,” whose identity matches that of Luu Tu Bao. The outlet also published a photo of Bao from an October 2023 boxing event in Ho Chi Minh City.

Court filings allege that Bao Tu Luu—also known as Chris Luu, “Big Brother,” or “BB”—was wanted by Australian authorities for conspiracy to import cocaine across borders. The Australian Federal Police (AFP) describe him as the leader of the smuggling network, working with associates across Australia, Canada, Colombia, Panama, and Vietnam.

Investigators say Bao directly supervised operations, financed shipments, and even met undercover agents in Ho Chi Minh City. Recorded conversations and encrypted text exchanges reportedly show him acknowledging his role as the group’s leader.

In April 2025, Luu was arrested in Santa Clara County, California, after traveling to the Bay Area for a funeral. He appeared in federal court on June 30, where he confirmed his identity and heard the charges. A U.S. judge ordered him detained pending further hearings, with the next scheduled for January 29, 2026. If extradited and convicted in Australia, he could face life imprisonment.

Who is Luu Tu Bao?

Luu, 49, was elected President of the Vietnam Boxing Federation in October 2023 and also served as Chairman of the Ho Chi Minh City Mixed Martial Arts Federation and CEO of Saigon Sports Club. He was awarded an honorary belt by the WBA Asia in 2023 for his contributions to boxing.

Earlier this year, Bao left Vietnam for the U.S., citing family matters. Since then, VBF members had struggled to reach him. Vietnam’s Ministry of Culture and Sports is now coordinating with the Ministry of Public Security and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to verify his legal situation abroad.

Dapale Alkesh Kashinath, 28, an Indian national, has been sentenced to seven years in prison and fined VND 50 million ($2,000) by the Ho Chi Minh City People’s Court for illegally transporting 362 diamonds valued at nearly VND 8.5 billion ($330,000) into Vietnam.

Kashinath, who worked for Sun Rays Company in Mumbai, admitted that under instructions from company owner Pratik Kirit Mehta, he had carried diamonds into Vietnam multiple times since 2017, earning about 10,000 Rupees ($120) per trip.

On October 25, 2024, he transported 350 diamonds from India to Hong Kong, received 12 more, and entered Vietnam via Tan Son Nhat International Airport without declaring them to customs.

Police and customs officers discovered 15 plastic bags of natural diamonds hidden inside two candy boxes in his luggage. Experts later confirmed their value at nearly VND 8.5 billion.

Authorities said Kashinath had smuggled diamonds into Vietnam on at least six or seven occasions before his arrest, delivering them to clients whose identities remain unknown.

At trial, Kashinath admitted following his employer’s orders and pleaded for a fine instead of prison, citing over a year in detention. However, the court rejected the request, noting he had no verified assets in Vietnam.

A 49-year-old man in Ha Tinh, Vietnam, went into sudden cardiac arrest while playing pickleball but was successfully revived thanks to timely CPR and rapid intervention by doctors.

According to Ha Tinh General Hospital, the patient, identified as N.M.T., from Thanh Sen Ward, collapsed on August 26 during a pickleball game. Witnesses immediately performed chest compressions and called for emergency assistance.

On the way to the hospital, CPR was continued nonstop. Upon arrival, doctors performed chest compressions, manual ventilation, intubation, and repeated defibrillation. After 15 minutes of intensive resuscitation, the patient’s heartbeat was restored.

Doctors diagnosed him with a myocardial infarction (heart attack). He was treated with emergency coronary stenting, continuous blood filtration, mechanical ventilation, and vasopressor therapy. To optimize care, specialists at Ha Tinh General Hospital connected via Tele-ICU with Hanoi Medical University Hospital’s emergency and intensive care unit.

After nine days of intensive treatment, the patient made a full recovery and is expected to be discharged soon.

Dr. Nguyen Viet Hai, Head of Intensive Care at Ha Tinh General Hospital, stressed that the key to survival was immediate CPR on-site and continuous resuscitation during transport, which preserved brain function until advanced hospital treatment could be administered.

This case highlights the importance of early response, effective CPR, and multidisciplinary cooperation in saving patients from sudden cardiac arrest.

A luxury yacht worth over $1 million (25 billion VND) sank just 15 minutes after being launched off the coast of Turkey, forcing all passengers to jump into the sea for safety.

The yacht, named Dolce Vento (“Sweet Wind”), capsized during its maiden voyage near Zonguldak, northern Turkey. Dramatic footage shows the 25-meter yacht gliding smoothly before tilting sharply to one side and sinking, quickly going viral across social media platforms.

This was the yacht’s first trip after being delivered to its new owner in Istanbul. Onboard were the owner, captain, and two crew members, all of whom managed to swim safely to shore. The Turkish Coast Guard and port rescue teams later set up a security perimeter around the wreck.

Clips of the incident have racked up thousands of views online, sparking jokes and speculation. One user quipped, “Does it come with a submarine mode?” while another added, “An expensive way to test a life jacket.”

Experts, however, suggested the yacht’s top-heavy design may have compromised stability. “The excessive weight above the deck likely lowered the vessel’s center of gravity, reducing stability and causing it to capsize immediately after launch,” one commentator noted.

An investigation is underway to determine the exact cause, and the yacht will be examined for technical flaws.

Da Nang – Police have arrested Trần Văn Tiên (36), the suspected ringleader of a robbery gang, while he was fleeing to Ho Chi Minh City after a series of street thefts during Vietnam’s National Day holiday.

On the evening of September 4, Da Nang Police announced they had dismantled a group specializing in snatching valuables from tourists and locals in busy tourist areas during the September 2 holiday. Tiên was caught on a passenger bus heading south, while his accomplices, Đỗ Phương Thạch (29) and Lê Văn Thái Nguyên (23), were later arrested in Da Nang.

Robberies targeting foreign tourists and locals

• August 28: The gang snatched a handbag from Kang Pol Yong, a 53-year-old South Korean national, containing USD 1,500, VND 15 million, and 30,000 won.

• August 31: They stole a bag from Đinh Thị T. (32, from Ho Chi Minh City) containing VND 8.3 million and personal documents.

• September 1: The group robbed Gulsim Bissenova, a 54-year-old Kazakh tourist, of a smartphone worth VND 18 million, USD 100, 250,000 VND, 10,000 tenge, and personal papers.

The suspects reportedly sold stolen foreign currency at gold shops and spent the money for personal use.

Police action
Investigators identified Tiên as the gang leader. He and Thạch both have prior criminal records for robbery. Authorities have seized two motorbikes, a mobile phone, foreign currency, and related documents as evidence.

Da Nang Police confirmed all three suspects are in custody and the case is under further investigation.

Hanoi – From September 3, millions of students across Vietnam will benefit from tuition exemptions and reductions under Government Decree 238, which expands support for learners in public and private institutions.

14 Groups Fully Exempted from Tuition Fees

According to the new regulation, tuition exemptions will apply to the following:

• Preschool children, public school students, and continuing education learners at secondary and high school levels.

• Individuals entitled to preferential policies under the Ordinance on Persons with Meritorious Services to the Revolution.

• Students with disabilities.

• Youth aged 16–22 pursuing their first university degree while receiving social allowances.

• Orphans with no family support enrolled in intermediate or college programs.

• Quota-based admission students, including vocational learners in boarding schools with courses lasting three months or more.

• Students in preparatory universities and preparatory faculties.

• Ethnic minority students whose parents or grandparents are from poor or near-poor households.

• University students majoring in Marxism–Leninism and Ho Chi Minh Thought.

• Postgraduate students in specialized medical fields such as psychiatry, pathology, forensics, infectious diseases, and emergency medicine at public institutions.

• Students from extremely small ethnic groups in disadvantaged or special hardship areas.

• Learners under government-funded projects and programs.

• Graduates of lower secondary schools continuing to intermediate-level education.

• Students in hard-to-recruit but socially necessary fields, or in programs serving socio-economic development, national defense, and security.

Groups Eligible for Tuition Reductions

Decree 238 also provides tuition fee reductions:

• 70% reduction: Students in traditional and unique arts such as “Đờn ca tài tử,” “ca trù,” “bài chòi,” folk opera, tuồng, chèo, cải lương, court music, traditional instruments, dance, and circus; as well as students in hazardous or physically demanding professions; and ethnic minority students (except extremely small groups) residing in highly disadvantaged areas.

• 50% reduction: Students whose parents are receiving regular allowances due to occupational accidents or diseases.

Tuition Support for Private Institutions

For the first time, tuition support will also extend to preschool and general education students in non-public schools, as well as postgraduate students in special medical fields at private institutions.

With Decree 238, Vietnam aims to ease the financial burden on families, ensure greater access to education, and encourage students to pursue critical fields that serve both social needs and national development.

Authorities in Quảng Ngãi have fined two 17-year-olds and confiscated their motorbike after they performed the trending “Aura Farming” dance on the road, causing outrage on social media and raising concerns about traffic safety.

Viral TikTok Stunt on the Streets of Quảng Ngãi

On August 29, the Quảng Ngãi Traffic Police reported that a video circulating online showed a teenager recklessly riding a motorbike on Hùng Vương Street, Nghĩa Lộ Ward, at high speed. Shockingly, the rider let go of both hands, stood on the vehicle, and danced to the viral TikTok trend “Aura Farming.”

The video also revealed that the teenager was carrying another passenger, and neither wore helmets. The dangerous stunt quickly spread online, sparking criticism from netizens.

Police Action: Fines and Vehicle Confiscation

The two teenagers were identified as N.Q.M. (17, from Long Phụng) and N.T.T.T. (17, from Vệ Giang). At the police station, both admitted that they acted out of excitement and wanted to impress friends on social media.

Traffic police confirmed multiple violations, including:

• Riding without holding the handlebars

• Not wearing helmets

• Carrying a passenger without a helmet

• Operating a motorbike without meeting legal conditions

As a result, authorities issued a fine of 6 million VND and ordered the confiscation of the motorbike. Families were also urged to better supervise and educate their children to prevent similar incidents.

The “Aura Farming” Trend and Its Risks

The “Aura Farming” dance originated in 2024 from a video of a boy dancing on a racing boat, quickly becoming a global TikTok sensation. While entertaining in controlled environments, many young people have dangerously imitated the trend in public spaces, including busy roads.

Quảng Ngãi Police strongly warned that performing such stunts in traffic poses a serious risk of accidents not only for those involved but also for others on the road. They emphasized the importance of responsible behavior, adherence to traffic laws, and avoiding reckless actions for online attention.

During Vietnam’s grand National Day celebrations on September 2, broadcast live from historic Ba Dinh Square, one figure captured the attention and admiration of viewers across the country — Lieutenant General, pilot, and national hero Phạm Tuân.

As General Secretary Tô Lâm delivered his opening speech, cameras also showed Phạm Tuân seated on the grandstand, attentively following the ceremony. For many young people, it was a moving sight: the real-life “Uncle Phạm Tuân” they once studied about in schoolbooks, now appearing in person on television, decorated with medals of honor.

Phạm Tuân is remembered as the first pilot to shoot down a U.S. B-52 bomber and return safely during the resistance war against America. He later became the first Asian to travel into space and the first Vietnamese to be awarded the title “Hero” three times.

At 78, Phạm Tuân still impresses with his composure, health, and dignified presence. His appearance during the parade quickly went viral on social media, where countless netizens expressed pride, admiration, and deep respect.

Viewer reactions included:

• “Lieutenant General Phạm Tuân is a living legend of the Air Defense – Air Force. Being honored as a Hero three times is truly admirable.”

• “I remember seeing his photos in textbooks. Watching him today on TV, still strong and healthy, makes me emotional.”

• “The aura of a true hero of the People’s Armed Forces — both approachable and commanding.”

• “He is almost like a role model for everyone interested in Vietnam’s military history, especially air defense. Truly inspiring.”

For many, this televised moment was not only a tribute to one man but also a reminder of Vietnam’s resilience, history, and pride.

A woman in Hoa Xuan Ward, Da Nang, was violently shoved to the ground and robbed of a backpack containing VND 45 million (around USD 1,800) while standing outside a local eatery. Police quickly tracked down and apprehended the suspect.

According to the Da Nang City Police, on the evening of August 30, around 8:20 p.m., Ms. T.K.T. (43, residing on Phan Boi Street, Hoa Xuan Ward) had just closed her eatery and placed a black backpack with VND 45 million inside the trunk of her Air Blade motorbike. She accidentally left the key in the ignition.

While she stood nearby scrolling her phone, a young man suddenly approached, shoved her to the ground, opened the bike’s trunk, grabbed the backpack, and fled toward National Highway 1.

Police immediately launched an investigation and identified Tran Nhu Anh (32, from Xuan Phu, Da Nang) as the suspect. He was summoned for questioning on September 1.

At the station, Anh admitted to the robbery, saying he needed money for personal expenses. After stealing the backpack, he went to a vacant lot at the Nguyen Van Vinh – Au Duong Lan intersection, took the cash, and abandoned the bag.

Police recovered evidence including a motorbike, a mobile phone, the victim’s personal documents, and VND 6.5 million in cash — far less than the original amount.

The case remains under further investigation.