The leader of the Vietnam Urban Planning and Development Association assessed that expanding the heritage space of Hoan Kiem Lake ( Hanoi ) is very necessary but needs to be placed in the overall ‘picture’ to expand in order of priority.
Expanding Hoan Kiem Lake space is necessary
Speaking with Thanh Nien , Dr. Architect Dao Ngoc Nghiem, Vice President of the Vietnam Urban Planning and Development Association, expressed that in the current context, expanding the heritage space of Hoan Kiem Lake (Hoan Kiem District, Hanoi) is very necessary and should be done.
Hoan Kiem Lake is associated with the legend of King Le Loi returning the sword to the divine turtle. PHOTO: NGUYEN TRUONG
According to Dr. Architect Dao Ngoc Nghiem, expanding the space of Hoan Kiem Lake to create connections with surrounding areas has been a problem since 1995. However, after 30 years, this has not been possible due to lack of investment capital and land clearance costs.
Regarding the policy of researching planning and renovating the area east of Hoan Kiem Lake in the direction of increasing public space and open space, Dr. Architect Dao Ngoc Nghiem suggested that the authorities need to have an overall picture.
In the “picture”, it must show how the expansion to the east of Hoan Kiem Lake is, how the west is, then the Dong Kinh Nghia Thuc square area, the area where milestone number 0 is located… At the same time, there must be a connection with underground station C9 of urban railway line No. 2, Nam Thang Long – Tran Hung Dao section (under Dinh Tien Hoang street).
Once we have an overall picture, we will choose the priority order of investment in open space around Hoan Kiem Lake. Because currently, on the west side of Hoan Kiem Lake, there is also a statue of King Le Thai To, the king associated with the legend of returning the precious sword to the Golden Turtle God in Hoan Kiem Lake. However, this area is isolated from the space of Hoan Kiem Lake,” said Mr. Nghiem.
People hope that the expansion of Hoan Kiem Lake will soon become a reality. PHOTO: NGUYEN TRUONG
Hope it comes true soon
Upon hearing the news that the Hanoi People’s Committee had a policy to expand the space of Hoan Kiem Lake, Mr. Vu Hai Bang (76 years old, in Hang Gai Ward, Hoan Kiem District) expressed his joy and excitement.
According to Mr. Bang, every day many people come to Hoan Kiem Lake to enjoy the scenery. Currently, the open space around Hoan Kiem Lake is still very modest. “Expanding public space around Hoan Kiem Lake is very practical. This not only benefits the current generation but also our future generations. I hope this will soon become a reality,” Mr. Bang said.
Architect Tran Huy Anh, Standing Member of the Hanoi Architects Association, assessed that the policy of expanding public space around Hoan Kiem Lake recently proposed by the Hanoi People’s Committee is “a bit slow but never too late”.
“This is the hope of Hanoians. Expanding public space is necessary because Hoan Kiem Lake has never had such a dense density of activities as it does now. This area is overloaded,” said Mr. Anh.
Hoan Kiem Lake is a natural freshwater lake located in the center of Hanoi, with an area of about 12 hectares and a circumference of 1.7 km. The name Hoan Kiem appeared in the early 15th century, associated with the legend of King Le Loi returning the precious sword to the divine turtle.
Around Hoan Kiem Lake, there are many headquarters such as Hanoi People’s Committee, Hanoi Post Office, Hanoi Electricity… and many houses. To the east of the lake, there are relics: Bao An Pagoda, Ly Thai To Flower Garden, Ba Kieu Temple…
In addition to the policy of expanding the space east of Hoan Kiem Lake, Hanoi City is also planning and organizing the architectural landscape space of Dong Kinh Nghia Thuc Square, where the “shark jaw” (Ham Ca Map) building is located.
A deadly altercation broke out at a coffee shop in Binh Hung Ward, Phan Thiet City (Binh Thuan Province) when a security guard reportedly used scissors to stab a man, resulting in his death.
In the early hours of March 6, the Binh Thuan Provincial Police’s Investigation Department completed an on-site examination and requested an autopsy on the victim as part of the ongoing investigation.
According to initial police reports, the incident took place around 8:00 p.m. on March 5, near the Victory Monument roundabout in Binh Hung Ward.
Image of the scuffle leading to murder that happened on the night of March 5 in Phan Thiet City CUT FROM CLIP
According to the images recorded by the camera, at the above time, in the area selling rolled ice cream, there was a fight between Mr. Le Duc Th. (47 years old, temporarily residing in Binh Hung Ward, Phan Thiet City – security guard of the coffee shop behind the rolled ice cream shop) and Mr. Nguyen Van T. (24 years old, residing in Phu Tai Ward). Mr. Th. used a chair to hit Mr. T. who was standing at the rolled ice cream cart.
At this time, another young man sitting at the table at the ice cream shop also jumped in to fight. Suddenly, the coffee shop security guard used scissors on the ice cream cart table to stab Mr. T. The victim was taken to the hospital for emergency treatment but died shortly after.
The cause of the fight that led to the murder was determined to be that Mr. Th. accidentally hit the rolled ice cream table while driving a customer’s bike, leading to an argument. It is known that T. was a friend of the owner of the rolled ice cream cart, and the victim was there to visit when the murder occurred.
Gentry Hale, an American tourist, spent three weeks traveling around Vietnam and made some avoidable mistakes.
“Last October, I spent nearly a month exploring Vietnam and was in awe of the country’s surreal landscapes, amazing food, and kind people,” American tourist Gentry Hale told Business Insider .
From kayaking in Ha Long Bay to exploring the lantern-lit streets of Hoi An, every moment was amazing. However, despite her love for the trip, she also encountered mistakes along the way.
American female tourist on the train street in Hanoi PHOTO: GENTRY HALE
Here are four mistakes Gentry Hale made that, in retrospect, she says, could have been easily avoided with proper preparation:
First, not fully understanding the customs
Vietnam’s beautiful and friendly culture was one of the highlights of the trip, but she admitted that she hadn’t done enough research on local customs.
“For example, I didn’t realize that pointing with your fingers is considered impolite in Vietnam and that locals often use their whole hands to gesture,” she wrote.
Also, while Google Translate is helpful, it would be nice to learn some basic Vietnamese words and phrases before arriving. While many of the locals she encountered spoke some English, they seemed to appreciate it when visitors could ask simple questions and share greetings in Vietnamese.
Scenery in Hue PHOTO: CLEMENT LEONARD
Second, choosing too many stops in one trip
Before arriving, she thought she would have nearly 3 weeks to see everything on her list: Hanoi , Ha Long Bay, Hoi An, Ho Chi Minh City and some other places in the Central region.
“What I didn’t realise was that Vietnam is huge and that although it looks like a narrow strip of land on the map, it can take hours – even days – to get from one place to another. I spent more time travelling than I wanted, from 16-hour overnight trains to all-day buses, which ate up a lot of my time.
So if I could do it again, I would focus on a few areas and spend more time in each area instead of trying to see every place on my list,” she emphasized.
Due to unforeseen time constraints, there were many things on her wish list that she did not have the chance to do, such as riding a motorbike in the Ha Giang loop in the Northwest.
She regrets not having ridden a motorbike to explore the Ha Giang loop. PHOTO: GENTRY HALE
Third, not bringing the right gear
Vietnam’s climate can vary depending on where you live, something she learned the hard way.
“Unfortunately, I didn’t check the weather forecast for each city carefully before leaving home so I didn’t pack my suitcase accordingly.
For example, I started my trip in Ho Chi Minh City in early October, which felt like a sauna due to the high temperature and humidity. However, two weeks later, I was in Hanoi, where the weather was cooler and there was more rain,” said Gentry Hale.
After hiking through the woods, exploring caves, and strolling the streets, she wished she had brought more breathable clothing.
She made a mistake by not thoroughly researching the weather in different regions of Vietnam. PHOTO: VITHUN KHAMSONG
Although most of the hotels she stayed at offered laundry services, there weren’t enough options to accommodate her desire to change her clothes.
“If you plan to visit Vietnam, I recommend bringing cool, light, layered clothes in case the weather changes, and a spare outfit in case you sweat faster than expected,” she shares.
Fourth, don’t know how to bargain
“One of my favourite things about Vietnam is wandering through the bustling markets. I picked up designer silk dresses in Hoi An, bought handmade leather goods in Hanoi and sampled some of the best food I’ve ever had at street stalls.
I loved going to the market but then realized I was paying too much for items, especially early in the trip,” she said.
While bargaining is a common part of market culture in Vietnam, it’s not something she would normally do back home.
Hale learned how to bargain when shopping in Vietnam. PHOTO: GETTY IMAGES
At first, she was also unsure of how much some things typically cost in this area, so she found it easiest to avoid negotiating and just pay whatever the seller asked.
“As my travels continued and I became more confident, I started asking for lower prices or package deals and realized that haggling wasn’t as big of an issue. Vendors were used to it and I could work with them to make smarter purchases.
Maybe I could have saved some money if I had approached this buying culture sooner.”
This year, people across Vietnam will enjoy an extended public holiday, with five consecutive days off for Reunification Day (April 30) and International Labor Day (May 1). The break will begin on Wednesday, April 30, and last until the end of Sunday, May 4. To compensate for the extended holiday, employees will be required to work on Saturday, April 26.
Meanwhile, the Hung Kings Commemoration Day, which falls on Monday, April 7 (the 10th day of the 3rd lunar month), will give workers a three-day weekend from April 5 to April 7, as it follows the regular Saturday–Sundayweekend.
For government offices, public employees, and workers following a standard Monday-to-Friday schedule, these holiday arrangements will apply uniformly. However, organizations and businesses with different working schedules are encouraged to arrange holidays based on their specific operational needs.
In cases where work requirements demand employees to work during public holidays, businesses may request staff to work overtime, subject to their agreement. According to the 2019 Labor Code, those who work on public holidays are entitled to extra pay under Article 98. Specifically, daytime work during Tet (Lunar New Year) is paid at 300% of the standard wage, while nighttime shifts on holidays and Tet are paid at 390% of the regular daily wage.
These upcoming holiday periods are expected to create favorable conditions for domestic tourism, family gatherings, and leisure activities across the country.
On March 4, the Ministry of Finance informed about tax management of e-commerce activities in recent times.
According to the Ministry of Finance, the electronic information portal for business households and individuals to register, declare, and pay taxes from e-commerce and digital business platforms has been in operation since December 19, 2024, and has supported 41,500 business households and individuals to register, declare, and pay taxes with a total amount of more than VND 258 billion.
The tax authority also worked with 6 major e-commerce platforms including Shopee, Tiki, Lazada, Sendo, Tiktok, and Grap to request and support the platforms to re-provide information to ensure it is correct and sufficient according to regulations.
After 9 periods of providing information from e-commerce trading floors (from Q4/2022 to Q4/2024), information was collected from 439 floors providing information to tax authorities, with 40 billion transactions and a total transaction value of VND 366 trillion. In addition, the Tax Department is also collecting information from shipping units and foreign suppliers who are online platform managers in Vietnam to enrich the e-commerce database.
Notably, in 2024, the tax sector handled 33,003 violations (736 enterprises; 32,267 individuals) with the amount of tax collected and fined being nearly 1.4 trillion VND.
In the coming time, the Ministry of Finance said it will study and propose amendments to the Law on Tax Administration, the Law on E-commerce and guiding documents in the direction of requiring logistics service providers and e-commerce platform managers to provide information on organizations and individuals doing e-commerce business, including organizations and individuals livestreaming sales, affiliate marketing sales…
Coordinate with relevant ministries and branches to propose amendments to specialized legal documents in the direction of requiring increased sanctions against e-commerce platforms that violate laws related to the field of e-commerce.
The Ministry of Finance will develop a Decree guiding the Law amending many Laws regulating the responsibilities of managers of e-commerce trading floors and digital platforms (including domestic and foreign organizations) in deducting, paying taxes on behalf of, and declaring deducted tax amounts on behalf of business households and individuals.
In addition, build a risk management model for organizations and individuals doing e-commerce business, accordingly apply artificial intelligence (AI) to process big data, give warnings in case of tax risks. “Strengthen the review, inspection and examination of organizations and individuals doing business in the field of e-commerce and business on digital platforms” – said a representative of the Ministry of Finance.
A seemingly harmless mistake sent the whole family to the emergency room, and doctors warn many people are making the same mistake.
Mr. Tran’s family in Wenzhou, Zhejiang, China had a terrible night when they were all poisoned by carbon monoxide (CO) after dinner at home.
According to a report from the Wenzhou Hospital of Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Mr. Tran’s family had dinner together at home. At night, all five members had symptoms of dizziness, nausea, vomiting, and loss of consciousness, so they went to the hospital for treatment.
Initially, doctors suspected food poisoning. However, test results showed that the whole family had severe carbon monoxide poisoning. Blood tests showed that the carboxyhemoglobin levels of the family members were high, 12.8% higher than normal.
The doctor’s diagnosis was hard for Mr. Tran to believe. He recalled that the family only used a gas stove to cook at home. After eating, they went to bed immediately. However, the doctor noted one detail: due to the hot weather, they had turned on the air conditioner all day and kept the doors closed.
Dr. Tri Dong – Head of the hospital’s Emergency Department, said that Mr. Tran’s family used a gas stove in a closed space, with the door closed and the air conditioner on continuously. This led to the accumulation of CO gas, and poor ventilation caused the whole house to be poisoned.
Acute CO poisoning is a state of acute oxygen deficiency caused by inhaling a large amount of CO gas in a short period of time, the main symptom is cerebral hypoxia. When carbon monoxide enters the blood, it will quickly combine with hemoglobin, forming carboxyhemoglobin, preventing the combination of oxygen with hemoglobin, causing hemoglobin to lose its ability to transport oxygen, thereby causing hypoxia to the organs.
If not treated promptly, CO poisoning can lead to death.
CO poisoning primarily manifests as symptoms of oxygen deprivation in various systems. The more severe the poisoning, the more dangerous the symptoms. The degree of poisoning is related to the concentration of carbon monoxide the patient inhales, the length of exposure to the environment, and the person’s own health status.
Mild poisoning will cause brain hypoxia and symptoms such as dizziness and headache, vertigo, tinnitus, nausea and vomiting may occur. Moderate poisoning has additional symptoms of facial flushing, fatigue, profuse sweating, coma or confusion. Severe poisoning patients may experience pulmonary edema, cerebral edema, coma, impaired consciousness, and even death.
Doctors remind people to pay attention to good ventilation when using gas stoves or other energy-burning appliances. In case of suspected poisoning, take three important measures:
– Move immediately out of the contaminated area to a place with fresh air.
– Open windows to increase ventilation.
– Seek medical help immediately even if symptoms seem mild.
AI is causing many jobs around the world to suffer.
DBS Group, Southeast Asia’s largest bank, plans to cut 4,000 jobs over the next three years due to the boom in artificial intelligence (AI) applications, Reuters reported. The announcement was made by CEO Piyush Gupta on February 24, 2025.
“We expect to reduce about 4,000 employees, or 10% of our workforce, over the next three years. However, we will create 1,000 new AI-related positions,” Gupta said.
Mr. Gupta admitted that for the first time in his 15 years as CEO, he has struggled to create new job opportunities as AI replaces many traditional roles. Mr. Gupta is expected to be replaced by Ms. Tan Su Shan on March 28, who will take over as leader of Southeast Asia’s largest bank.
DBS is known to be the largest bank in Southeast Asia by assets and among the largest banks in Asia, with total assets of SGD 739 billion as of December 31, 2023. The bank has just been honored by Global Finance of the US as “Safest Bank in Asia”.
DBS’s move reflects a growing trend in the global financial industry as AI reduces the role of many workers. It is predicted that banks around the world could cut up to 200,000 jobs in the next three to five years due to the impact of AI. A survey of chief information and technology officers found that they expect to cut an average of 3% of their workforce in the near future.
Expert Tomasz Noetzel said that departments that perform administrative work of the enterprise (back office), in charge of risk management and calculating profits and losses (middle office) and some service activities are most likely to be at risk.
“Any job that involves routine, repetitive tasks is at risk of being replaced,” Noetzel said. “But AI won’t replace it entirely. Instead, it will lead to a transformation of the workforce.”
So the new trend is not entirely negative for the labor market. Technology will mainly transform job roles rather than make many human resources positions suffer.
According to Fortune, in recent years, many banks have spent a lot of money and human resources to modernize information technology systems, speed up processes, and cut costs. Most of them apply AI to different degrees.
For example, Citi said in June 2024 that AI is likely to displace more jobs in banking than any other sector. “About 54% of high-potential banking jobs will be automated,” the company said.
Jamie Dimon, CEO of JPMorgan, also sees AI as having the potential to dramatically improve the quality of life for workers, even if it eliminates some jobs. “Your kids will live to be 100 and not get cancer because of technology,” Dimon said. “They’ll probably work three and a half days a week because of AI.”
Vietnam has agreed to expedite the repatriation of several dozen Vietnamese nationals detained in the U.S. and to handle future deportation requests more swiftly, following U.S. threats of trade tariffs and visa sanctions, according to a lawyer familiar with the matter.
This decision is part of a broader set of concessions Vietnam is considering to maintain stable trade relations with the U.S., its largest export market. Among America’s top trade partners, Vietnam is the most reliant on exports to the U.S., making potential tariffs a significant economic risk.
Faster Processing for U.S. Deportation Requests
As part of the new agreement, Vietnam has committed to processing U.S. deportation requests within 30 days—a significant acceleration compared to previous timelines, said Tin Thanh Nguyen, a U.S.-based immigration attorney.
Nguyen, who received details from a Vietnamese official, also stated that within the first month of the second Trump administration, Vietnam agreed to issue travel documents for 30 Vietnamese nationals currently in U.S. detention, clearing the way for their deportation.
“This is unusual,” Nguyen noted. “In the past, Vietnam often delayed or outright refused to issue these documents, making deportations difficult.”
When asked about Vietnam’s stance, Brian Hughes, spokesperson for the White House National Security Council, said:
“We expect all countries to take back their citizens who are in the U.S. illegally. Those that refuse will face consequences such as visa sanctions or tariffs.”
Vietnam’s foreign ministry has yet to respond to requests for comment. However, in a previous statement issued in February, a spokesperson reaffirmed that Vietnam would continue working closely with the U.S. on citizen repatriation in line with existing agreements.
Trade Risks Looming for Vietnam
Since the start of Trump’s second term, the U.S. has deported 37,660 people, primarily to Latin American countries. While the exact number of Vietnamese deportees remains unclear, some have reportedly been sent to Panama as part of deportation processing.
A Vietnamese official told Nguyen that the shift in Vietnam’s approach was triggered by warnings from U.S. authorities about potential trade tariffs and unspecified visa restrictions if Hanoi continued delaying deportations.
While Trump himself has not directly targeted Vietnam in his latest trade policies, his aides have raised concerns about Vietnam’s large trade surplus and trade barriers, putting the country at risk of future tariffs.
Vietnam is particularly vulnerable to any new global duties on semiconductors, as it is among the top exporters of chips to the U.S. Any restrictions on this sector could have serious economic consequences.
Who Is Affected?
Most of the 8,600 Vietnamese nationals currently facing deportation orders in the U.S. are individuals who originally entered the country as refugees before 1995, following the end of the Vietnam War.
While the latest agreement signals a willingness from Vietnam to comply with U.S. immigration policies, it also underscores the broader geopolitical and economic challenges shaping relations between the two countries.
Công ty TNHH T&G Global Việt Nam (“T&G Global”) và Công ty CP Dịch vụ Thương mại Tổng hợp WinCommerce (“WinCommerce”) ký kết biên bản ghi nhớ (MOU) nhằm thúc đẩy doanh số táo cao cấp ENVY™ thuộc sở hữu T&G Global, hướng đến mục tiêu tăng trưởng 50% trong hai năm tới tại thị trường Việt Nam.
Với hơn 8 năm hợp tác chiến lược, hai đơn vị ký kết biên bản ghi nhớ (MOU) tại TP. Hồ Chí Minh, dưới sự chứng kiến của Thủ tướng New Zealand, Ngài Christopher Luxon.
Thỏa thuận hợp tác này đánh dấu bước tiến quan trọng trong việc đưa sản phẩm táo cao cấp ENVY™ của T&G đến gần hơn với người tiêu dùng Việt Nam. Trong hai năm tới, sản lượng dự kiến sẽ tăng 50% nhờ vào việc mở rộng phân phối trên phần lớn hệ thống gần 4.000 cửa hàng của WinCommerce, bên cạnh việc đẩy mạnh thực hiện các chương trình khuyến mãi và trải nghiệm sản phẩm, giúp khách hàng dễ dàng tiếp cận tới táo ENVY™.
Quan hệ hợp tác giữa WinCommerce và T&G đặt trọng tâm vào cam kết mang sản phẩm táo cao cấp đến gần hơn với người tiêu dùng Việt
Ông Gareth Edgecombe, Tổng Giám đốc T&G Global, cho biết Việt Nam là thị trường tăng trưởng trọng điểm của T&G, và biên bản ghi nhớ này tiếp tục củng cố quan hệ hợp tác giữa công ty và WinCommerce. Trong năm năm qua, sản phẩm táo ENVY™ của T&G đã ghi nhận mức tăng trưởng mạnh mẽ về thị phần. Hiện nay, giữ 40% thị phần trong phân khúc, ENVY™ đã trở thành thương hiệu táo cao cấp dẫn đầu tại Việt Nam.”
Ông Gareth Edgecombe khẳng định: ”Là một phần trong chiến lược phát triển của ENVY™ tại châu Á, chúng tôi chú trọng mọi nỗ lực vào việc nhân rộng nhu cầu của người tiêu dùng Việt. Thông qua biên bản ghi nhớ này, mối quan hệ hợp tác giữa T&G Global và WinCommerce sẽ tiếp tục được củng cố, đồng thời nhấn mạnh cam kết chung của hai đơn vị trong việc mang đến cho nhiều khách hàng hơn cơ hội tiếp cận táo ENVY™ – dòng táo thơm ngon, chất lượng và luôn có mặt quanh năm.
“Câu chuyện của Táo ENVY™ thuộc T&G là một trong những thành công tiêu biểu của ngành nông nghiệp New Zealand. Được phát triển bởi các đối tác tại Viện Nghiên cứu Cây trồng và Thực phẩm New Zealand vào năm 2008, giống táo này hiện nay được chúng tôi cùng mạng lưới nông dân độc lập chăm sóc và trồng trọt tại New Zealand. Đặc biệt, bằng việc cấp phép cho các nông dân ở hơn 13 quốc gia, chúng tôi tự hào khi người tiêu dùng ở hơn 60 quốc gia có thể thưởng thức táo ENVY™ cao cấp mỗi ngày.
Với 70% sản lượng táo ENVY™ tại Việt Nam được trồng tại New Zealand, biên bản ghi nhớ này hứa hẹn sẽ đóng góp to lớn vào doanh thu xuất khẩu cho New Zealand và góp phần vào sự phát triển của nền kinh tế khu vực cũng như quốc gia.” ông Gareth Edgecombe cho biết thêm.
Bà Nguyễn Thị Phương, Tổng Giám đốc WinCommerce, chia sẻ: “Tại các siêu thị WinMart và cửa hàng WinMart+/WiN, chúng tôi luôn đặt việc cung cấp đa dạng các lựa chọn lên hàng đầu, đảm bảo người tiêu dùng Việt Nam có thể tiếp cận và trải nghiệm những sản phẩm chất lượng cao, dù là sản phẩm nội địa hay quốc tế.”
Khi đề cập đến những thành công thương mại và tiềm năng trong tương lai, bà Phương cũng khẳng định: “Táo ENVY™ ngày càng được ưa chuộng và lựa chọn bởi nhiều người tiêu dùng, điều này chứng tỏ tiềm năng to lớn của thị trường Việt Nam. Quan hệ hợp tác giữa WinCommerce và T&G thể hiện cam kết của chúng tôi trong việc mang đến cho khách hàng những trái táo chất lượng cao.”
Thủ tướng New Zealand, Ngài Christopher Luxon cùng đại diện các doanh nghiệp tại sự kiện Thương mại và Doanh nghiệp New Zealand
Thủ tướng New Zealand, Ngài Christopher Luxon, cho biết biên bản ghi nhớ này là một phần trọng yếu trong hành trình thúc đẩy tăng trưởng xuất khẩu: ”Chúng tôi đặt mục tiêu đầy tham vọng sẽ gấp đôi giá trị xuất khẩu trong vòng 10 năm tới, và ngành thực phẩm, sợi chất lượng cao dẫn đầu thế giới của New Zealand, cùng với sự đổi mới và năng suất là chìa khóa để chúng tôi chạm tay tới mục tiêu này. Theo đó, biên bản ghi nhớ giữa T&G và WinCommerce ra đời như một minh chứng cho hành trình chúng tôi hiện thực hóa mục tiêu đó.”
Danh mục sản phẩm táo của T&G đã có mặt tại Việt Nam hơn 15 năm, với văn phòng đại diện của công ty được thành lập tại TP. Hồ Chí Minh vào năm 2019. Hiện nay, táo của T&G chiếm 19% tổng lượng táo nhập khẩu từ New Zealand vào Việt Nam.
Vietnam is taking significant steps to attract foreign investment into its pharmaceutical industry by amending the 2016 Law on Pharmacy. The latest revision, outlined in Law No. 44/2024/QH15 (issued on November 21, 2024), will take effect on July 1, 2025, easing restrictions on foreign-invested enterprises (FIEs) and expanding their business opportunities in the country’s growing pharmaceutical market.
Greater Market Access for Foreign Investors
The amendment to Article 53 of the Law on Pharmacy grants FIEs broader rights to operate in Vietnam’s pharmaceutical sector. Under the revised regulations, FIEs can now:
Repurchase drugs and active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs) produced in Vietnam through technology transfer agreements with their affiliated enterprises.
Import API supplies for drug manufacturing by local pharmaceutical companies that have technology transfer agreements with the same FIE.
Distribute imported, outsourced, or licensed-out drugs and APIs to wholesalers.
Import and distribute drugs intended for humanitarian aid and disease prevention/control programs.
Supply imported drugs and APIs for clinical trials sponsored by the FIE, ensuring direct delivery from warehouses to clinical trial facilities under technology transfer agreements.
Additionally, under the revised law, pharmaceutical companies will be allowed to import drugs without marketing authorization or import licenses if the products are exclusively used in government-approved clinical trials.
A Shift from Protectionism to Market Liberalization
Vietnam has historically maintained strict protectionist policies in its pharmaceutical sector, limiting the role of foreign investors. While the country extended import rights to foreign drug manufacturers in 2009—as part of its commitments to the World Trade Organization (WTO)—FIEs still faced substantial regulatory hurdles. To import pharmaceutical products, foreign firms had to establish wholly foreign-owned enterprises (WFOEs) or representative offices and navigate complex business arrangements between their local subsidiaries and parent companies.
A notable shift occurred in 2019 when the Ministry of Health (MoH), for the first time, granted an overseas drug manufacturer an import license, allowing them to introduce pharmaceutical products directly into the Vietnamese market. This decision was largely influenced by the European Union-Vietnam Free Trade Agreement (EVFTA), which pressured Vietnam to further open its pharmaceutical sector to foreign businesses.
However, despite these changes, foreign drug manufacturers remained restricted from engaging in direct drug distribution, as they were required to sell their products exclusively to local wholesalers or manufacturers.
Implications for Vietnam’s Pharmaceutical Industry
The upcoming amendments represent a major step toward liberalization, making Vietnam a more attractive destination for foreign pharmaceutical investment. By removing key restrictions, the government aims to:
Boost domestic drug development and manufacturing through increased foreign participation and technology transfer.
Enhance drug accessibility and supply chain efficiency by streamlining import and distribution processes.
Encourage clinical research and innovation by allowing direct importation of drugs for trials.
While Vietnam continues to balance economic openness with regulatory control, the new law signals a more investor-friendly approach, potentially transforming the country into a regional pharmaceutical hub in Southeast Asia.
The iconic floating markets of Vietnam’s Mekong Delta, once a vibrant symbol of the region’s unique culture, are steadily disappearing as economic development and modern infrastructure reshape local trade.
A Diminishing Legacy
As the first light of day spreads across Can Tho, the river hums with the sound of tour boats navigating its waters. In the distance, traditional wooden houseboats emerge from the mist, marking the presence of the once-thriving Cai Rang Floating Market.
For decades, floating markets like Cai Rang were the heart of commerce in southern Vietnam, dating back to the early 20th century when waterways served as the primary mode of trade and transportation. Before roads and bridges connected the delta’s provinces, boats laden with fresh produce, seafood, and household goods converged at these waterborne marketplaces.
However, over the past two decades, these markets have steadily declined—first gradually, then suddenly—mirroring Vietnam’s rapid economic transformation. Of the region’s ten major floating markets, only two remain active on a significant scale.
“When I first visited Cai Rang in 2011, it was much larger,” said Linh, a local tour guide. “Now it’s about a third of that size.”
At its peak in the 1990s, Cai Rang boasted over 400 boats. Today, that number has dwindled to around 200. Nearby Phong Dien Floating Market has all but vanished, with fewer than a dozen boats left, while Cai Be Market in Ben Tre province shut down completely in 2021.
A tour boat operator navigating the Can Tho River, a tributary of the Hau River, one of the main branches of the Mekong [Oliver Raw/Al Jazeera]
A Market in Decline
Despite its shrinking size, Cai Rang still presents a lively scene from afar. Boats loaded with pineapples, melons, and other produce bob along the water, while vendors call out to customers. But a closer look reveals a different story—tour boats now dominate the traffic, and the market’s commercial activity is fading.
Many sellers still live on their boats, their daily routines unfolding in full view. Families cook meals over small stoves, wash dishes in river water, and rest in hammocks alongside their children and pets. Yet beneath the market’s charm, a growing sense of uncertainty looms.
“Business is not good,” said Phuc, a pineapple seller who now relies mostly on tourists. On some days, she sells just ten pineapples at 20,000 Vietnamese dong ($0.78) each. “Only in high season do we make enough money. The rest of the time, we’re barely surviving.”
Two years ago, Phuc and her husband Thanh worked as wholesalers, selling yams they sourced from Long An province, near Ho Chi Minh City. Every week, they undertook a multi-day journey to restock their boat. But as roads and highways expanded, land-based trade became faster, cheaper, and more efficient, undercutting the need for river-based commerce.
“The only people still working here are those who can’t afford a van or a big car to transport goods,” Thanh explained.
Tuyen, a wholesaler selling onions, garlic, and sweet potatoes, echoed their concerns. “Ten years ago, I made good money. Now, it’s just enough to get by,” she said while preparing a breakfast of fish soup on her boat.
For many traders, the COVID-19 pandemic was a breaking point. Unable to sustain their businesses, many abandoned the water to seek work on land. But for those like Tuyen, the cost of renting a market stall—around 5 million Vietnamese dong ($195) per month—remains prohibitive.
“I’d prefer to work on land—it’s more comfortable and convenient,” she admitted. “But I simply don’t have the money.”
More Than Just Infrastructure Changes
While improved roads are often cited as the primary reason for the markets’ decline, other factors have also contributed.
Many smaller markets never recovered from pandemic closures, as health regulations accelerated a shift to land-based trade. Government-led flood prevention efforts—such as the construction of floodwalls along the Can Tho River—have also made docking and unloading goods more difficult, further discouraging vendors.
But perhaps the biggest threat comes from cultural shifts. As Vietnam modernizes, younger generations are moving away from traditional trades.
“My daughter doesn’t want to work here,” Phuc admitted. “She’d rather work for a company and invest in stocks. She doesn’t like this life.”
For many in Can Tho, floating markets are no longer essential. Supermarkets and shopping malls now dominate retail, leaving little reason for locals to visit Cai Rang.
“For me, it’s nothing special,” said a hotel receptionist, who has visited the market only once.
The Future of Cai Rang
Despite this, Cai Rang remains a crucial part of Can Tho’s tourism industry, which accounted for 6% of the city’s economy before the pandemic. In 2017, Can Tho welcomed 7.5 million visitors, though this number dropped to 5.9 million in 2023 due to fewer domestic flights and lingering post-pandemic effects.
If the floating market disappears, reviving tourism could become even more challenging.
Some, like Son Ca Huynh, a local tour operator, believe the market’s survival depends on reinventing it as a tourist attraction rather than a commercial hub. She points to Bangkok’s floating markets, where vendors sell a diverse array of goods, from souvenirs to street food.
“At Bangkok’s markets, they sell many different things,” she explained. “Here, we sell mostly fruit and vegetables.”
For such a transformation to work, she argues, authorities would need to invest in infrastructure, such as new piers and financial support for traders—though she doubts this will happen given the high costs.
Even if it did, she worries the market would lose its authenticity. “It wouldn’t be the same,” she said.
A Fading Tradition
By 8 a.m., trading at Cai Rang slows to a halt. Vendors retreat to their houseboats, seeking respite from the rising sun.
Linh, the tour guide, fears the clock is ticking. “Cai Rang may not last much longer,” she said. “When it’s gone, I’ll have to find another job.”
As Vietnam continues its march toward modernization, it seems inevitable that its floating markets will become little more than a memory—preserved in photographs, stories, and the nostalgia of those who once called them home.
Forget racing through security – airports are gaining recognition as travellers embrace a new era of pre-flight entertainment and perks before they even hit the skies. Notably, 51% of Vietnamese travellers are now considering vacation spots solely based on their airports*, and 79% seek airports with more unique experiences or facilities.
Gen Zs and Millennials are leading the shift, proving that the journey can be just as exciting as the destination. From tranquil sleep pods to luxurious spas, airports are transforming waiting into a memorable start of any trip. With travellers prioritizing airport experiences, Booking.com, one of the world’s leading digital travel platforms, suggests some airports that might turn your layover into a stayover.
Changi International Airport in Singapore
For the past decade, Singapore’s airport has been vying for the top spot of ‘World’s Best’ and it’s not hard to tell why. Set at the heart of it is the Jewel Rain Vortex, the world’s tallest indoor waterfall spanning seven storeys with a stunning display of water cascading down a glass-enclosed dome. Surrounded by the Shiseido Forest Valley, a verdant wonderland of over 900 trees and 60,000 shrubs, Jewel Changi transports travellers to a natural oasis even before their vacations begin.
Be sure to visit the Canopy Park at Jewel, where travellers can explore the park’s unique attractions, including 50-meter-long glass-bottomed walking trails, hedge maze, mirror maze made for adventurers of all ages. For a quick rest during your layover, the Changi Lounge offers a perfect spot to relax or catch a meeting for business travellers. If you’re staying overnight, consider YOTEL Singapore which offers modern rooms within Jewel, putting you right at the centre of Changi’s attractions. For a luxurious stay, Crowne Plaza Changi Airport, directly connected to the airport’s terminals, provides spacious rooms and a resort-style pool for a great spot to recharge before heading on your next adventure.
Danang International Airport in Danang, Vietnam
83% of Vietnamese travellers say a wider range of airport facilities would make their trips more exciting and stress-free, with Millennials and Gen Z particularly drawn to sleep pods (29% Millennials, 31% Gen Z) and spas (40% both Millennials and Gen Z), according to Booking.com’s Travel Predictions 2025.
Recognizing this trend of travellers prioritizing airport experiences, Danang International Airport has positioned itself as a leader in excellent pre-flight experience. From quiet zone sleep pods, a full-service spa, kids’ playgrounds at every international departure gate, 34 retail shops, large duty-free stores, 15 restaurants and cafés, with dedicated options for Korean and Chinese travellers to a prayer room for Muslim passengers, the airport offers travellers a seamless and enjoyable start to their journey.
Inspired by the cultural heritage of Da Nang and Hoi An, its design incorporates lantern motifs and ocean wave patterns, while seasonal decorations—such as a giant glowing pumpkin for Halloween and a dazzling Christmas display with a 10-meter tree and illuminated walkways—add to its unique charm.
With outstanding facilities and exceptional customer service, including the PAT (Passenger Assistance Team) to assist travellers, Danang International Airport was ranked 94th among the World’s Top 100 Airports in 2024 by Skytrax with a 5-star rating for its international terminal.
Incheon International Airport in Seoul, South Korea
Incheon International Airport gives travellers a taste of Korean culture even on a short layover. With attractions like an 18-hole golf course and an immersive K-Culture Street, travellers can dive into Korean heritage and enjoy a full day of entertainment before embarking on their flight. For those seeking relaxation, Incheon offers tranquil spaces including indoor gardens, a movie theatre and even a spa – sure to delight travellers eager to indulge in unique and relaxing experiences.
Some must-visits at the airport include the year-round skating rink where travellers can enjoy a quick glide before boarding (completely free!), and the innovative digital gym, a fun spot for interactive workouts. Just nearby, Paradise City offers a luxurious escape that’s far more than just a hotel. This opulent complex features an art gallery, entertainment complex and a diverse selection of restaurants catering to every culinary preference, making it an ideal place to stay for those looking to extend their experience beyond the airport.
Haneda Airport in Tokyo, Japan
Tokyo’s Haneda Airport is a blend of traditional Japanese aesthetics and modern convenience. Within, travellers can find a taste of old Tokyo along Edo-Koji Street, located at level 4 of terminal 3, where wooden architecture, traditional Japanese restaurants and charming souvenir shops evoke a nostalgic ambiance. It’s the perfect spot for a quick bite of authentic Japanese fare or to pick up unique keepsakes before continuing your journey.
Known for its well-designed lounges, don’t miss the opportunity to catch the breathtaking views of Mount Fuji and thoughtful amenities like personal sleep pods. If you’re looking for a longer stay, Haneda Excel Hotel Tokyu – connected directly to terminal 2 – provides convenient access and warm Japanese hospitality. Alternatively, just minutes away, Hotel JAL City Haneda offers comfortable accommodations along with a free airport shuttle, making it a great choice for a restful and hassle-free layover.
Hong Kong International Airport in Hong Kong
Hong Kong International Airport is an exciting destination in its own right, with an impressive range of facilities. Travellers can catch the latest films at the IMAX theatre or visit SkyCity and SkyPlaza located at terminals 1 and 2 respectively for diverse shopping, dining and entertainment options. For kids, the Wonder Eggshell offers interactive digital games and a unique space fitted with a playground where they can climb, slide and explore various curved net tunnels.
A staggering 83% of Vietnamese travellers expressed that having access to more diverse amenities at airports would make trips more exciting and stress-free, setting the stage for vacations that begin before takeoff.
Be sure to stop by the photo kiosk located at terminal 1 for fun snapshots or Intervals, an all-new bar located on the Sky Bridge, where travellers can sip on artisanal drinks with a spectacular view. For those staying overnight, Hong Kong SkyCity Marriott Hotel is located right next to the airport and features plush rooms, five dining options and an award-winning spa for unwinding between flights. For a unique stay, Auberge Discovery Bay offers a short shuttle ride to a scenic beachside retreat with spectacular views of the mountains and the ocean.
CONTACT DETAILS
For further information, contact the Booking.com Vietnam Press Office;
Huong.bui@edelman.com /+84 965642514
My.banh@edelman.com / +84 933588711
*Travel Predictions 2025 research commissioned by Booking.com and conducted among a sample of adults who plan to travel for business or leisure in the next 12-24 months. In total, 27,713 respondents across 33 countries and territories were polled (including 1,016 from Argentina, 1,002 from Australia, 502 from Austria, 1,003 from Belgium, 1002 from Brazil, 1,006 from Canada, 1,007 from China, 1,005 from Colombia, 501 from Croatia, 501 from Denmark, 1,011 from France, 1,009 from Germany, 1,004 from Hong Kong, 1,002 from India, 506 from Ireland, 501 from Israel, 1,014 from Italy, 1008 from Japan, 1,013 from Mexico, 1011 from The Netherlands, 1003 from New Zealand, 504 from Portugal, 508 from Singapore, 1004 from South Korea, 1,008 from Spain, 509 from Sweden, 500 from Switzerland, 507 from Taiwan, 1,009 from Thailand, 503 from the UAE, 1,012 from the UK, 1,006 from the US and 1,016 from Vietnam). Respondents completed an online survey in July-August 2024.
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 globalnews.booking.com.
While people often talk about the respiratory effects of air pollution, its impact on mental health is just as concerning. As a psychologist, RMIT Senior Lecturer Dr Gordon Ingram sees growing evidence of this invisible threat.
Right now, Hanoi and much of Northern Vietnam are entering a period of prolonged drizzle, thick humidity, and stagnant air – typical of February and March. This seasonal shift not only makes daily life uncomfortable but also worsens air pollution, as the heavy, moisture-laden atmosphere traps fine dust particles close to the ground.
Air pollution is harmful, not just because chemicals in the air are physically poisonous or linked to respiratory infections, but also because they can have direct psychological effects on our brain, mind, and behaviour.
That is why at this humid and polluted time of year, many people experience a noticeable dip in mood. Some develop symptoms of seasonal affective disorder (SAD), which is typically associated with winter in colder countries but can also be triggered by long periods of gloomy, cold, and sunless weather. Others report feeling more irritable, fatigued, or unfocused. Depression and anxiety tend to worsen in such conditions, and even those without a history of mental health issues may feel a general sense of unease.
Unravelling the reasons for these effects is a key research topic in environmental psychology.
This is a growing research area in the behavioural sciences, driven by concerns about climate change and sustainability, and by rapidly increasing urbanisation around the world. It is based on the idea that our minds are affected by the environment in which we live. So, if we want a healthier mindset, we need a healthier environment.
We all take over 20,000 breaths every day, and yoga and meditation techniques teach us that our breath very much affects our state of mind. Yet many people do not realise that air pollution has been linked to many psychological problems, including:
cognitive decline and brain fog (especially in older adults),
depression and anxiety,
stress and poor emotional wellbeing,
development of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and other attention problems in children.
While most of these studies are very recent and much research still needs to be done, the connections are becoming clearer.
One key mechanism is thought to be generalised inflammation (an auto-immune response), which can affect the normal functioning of the HPA (hypothalamus-pituitary-adrenal) axis. As one of the main homeostatic systems in the body, the HPA axis is responsible for releasing hormones such as cortisol in response to stress, so its malfunctioning can have pervasive effects on body and brain.
On top of this, air pollution can even have direct neurological effects, especially during pregnancy and old age (some studies have linked it to dementia). So, it is particularly important for older people, pregnant women, and small children to have clean air supply at all times.
Talking of children, recently I have been studying the increase in attention problems such as ADHD in modern societies. People tend to think that new technology is causing problems with attention, particularly in children and young people. But did you know that ADHD has also been linked to air pollution? Just as toxic chemicals in the air can inflame our bodies, causing illnesses and infections, they can have inflammatory effects on the brain, giving rise to “brain fog” and other problems. If we want to clear our heads, we need to literally clear the air.
I believe my own research area of education and technology can play a role in addressing this problem. One idea I intend to develop is a mobile game that teaches children about air quality, incorporating real-time pollution data from sources like IQAir. The goal would be to teach kids responsible behaviour when the air is bad. There is so much potential for mobile technology to help with this.
Wearing masks outdoors is essential on days with high pollution. (Photo: Pexels)
On an individual level, each of us can take steps to reduce exposure, such as monitoring air quality, using air purifiers, and wearing masks on high-pollution days. But it is equally important for our mental health to get out and enjoy the fresh air when it is good – particularly in parks or other green spaces, where trees and water help clean the air naturally.
Real change, however, requires smart policies and enforcement. Cleaner energy, stricter emissions control, and better urban planning are essential. Shifts such as reducing construction dust and waste incineration, promoting electric vehicles, public transport, and recycling, and even inventing cleaner technology to handle cultural practices like votive paper burning, can make a meaningful difference.
In Hanoi, air pollution has reached levels where some residents are leaving the city entirely in search of cleaner air. That is a stark reminder that this is not just an inconvenience but can potentially become a public health crisis. If we truly want to protect both our bodies and minds, we need to take air pollution seriously.
Story: Dr Gordon Ingram, Senior Lecturer of Psychology, School of Science, Engineering and Technology, RMIT University Vietnam
Besides his career in selling wooden handicrafts, Le Thua Son also has excellent acting skills when playing the role of a fake police colonel, who specializes in receiving money to scam people, collect debts, etc.
On the afternoon of February 25, the People’s Court of Da Nang City held a first-instance trial of a defendant who forged a People’s Police ID card and a blue license plate (official vehicle) 80A to defraud 8 billion VND.
Received 2 billion VND to… run the case for a female tycoon who swindled 1,200 billion VND
The People’s Court sentenced Le Thua Son (50 years old, in Yen My commune, Nong Cong district, Thanh Hoa ) to 13 years in prison for fraud and appropriation of property; 3 years in prison for forging and using fake seals and documents of agencies and organizations. The total sentence is 16 years in prison.
According to the indictment, in April 2023, Le Thua Son came from Thanh Hoa to Da Nang City to trade in fine art wooden products and met Ms. PTH (45 years old, in Hai Chau District) and Ms. NTN (37 years old, in Son Tra District, both in Da Nang City).
With the intention of fraud from the beginning, Son ordered a fake People’s Police ID card, a blue license plate for the official car 80A, took pictures and sent them via Zalo to “brag” to Ms. N. about Son being a police colonel and close to many high-ranking leaders.
First instance trial of Son PHOTO: NGUYEN TU
In May 2023, Ms. PTH asked Son to help her sister, defendant Phung Thi Nghe, get bail (previously, “tycoon” Phung Thi Nghe was prosecuted and detained for fraud of 1,200 billion VND, Thanh Nien reported – PV).
Ms. H. also asked Son to collect the debt in Ho Chi Minh City. Son “bragged” that he would ask a high-ranking official to intervene, collect the debt, help Ms. H.’s brother get bail and file a petition to appeal his innocence.
Son offered a debt collection fee of 2 billion VND, and promised to resolve the matter within 2 months. Ms. H. agreed and paid the full amount between May 6 and 10, 2023.
However, Ms. H.’s younger sister, Phung Thi Nghe, was still sentenced to life in prison . By the end of July 2023, Son could not resolve the matter, so Ms. H. asked for money but did not pay. Son signed an IOU, promising to pay back the money by October 25, 2023, but then evaded the payment.
Son confessed to using the money to pay off his debt to gangsters and spending it all.
Cheating on lovers
During the time he knew and defrauded Ms. H., Son also had a relationship with Ms. NTN (Ms. H.’s friend). In June 2023, Ms. N. asked him to “run” to change the purpose of use to residential land for the agricultural land plot in Tam Thang Ward (Tam Ky City, Quang Nam ). Son offered a price of 1.3 billion VND and defrauded his lover.
At Son’s request, Ms. N. provided a copy of the land use rights certificate and 700 million VND. Son promised to convert it by the end of 2023, but Son continued to bring money to pay the debt.
Not only did Son not carry out the above mission, he also took advantage of his lover’s trust, fabricated a story that he had 1.4 hectares of rice fields in Truong Xuan commune (Nong Cong district, Thanh Hoa), and lured Ms. N. to give him money to level the land and change the purpose of use to residential land to divide into plots and sell.
Son continued to extort money from his lover by setting up a fake mine in Tuong Van commune (Nong Cong district) for Ms. N. to give him money to exploit. In just 2 months, from June to August 2023, Ms. N. gave Son 6 billion VND.
In court, Le Thua Son admitted his crimes. Son had his People’s Police ID cards and official blue license plate 80A forged on Facebook for 1.6 million VND to show that Son was a colonel of the Ministry of Public Security and to fool people.
Son has compensated Ms. H. 2 billion VND and his lover 5.7 billion VND. The victims also asked for a lighter sentence for the defendant.
Accordingly, the trends of safe tourism, return to nature, tourism to restore health … are forecasted to attract many foreign tourists in the coming time. This is the basis for giving solutions to achieve the target of 5 million international visitors in 2022 of Vietnam’s tourism industry.
Foreign tourists explore Cat Tien National Park. Photo: Nguyen Van Tam
The trend of outdoor travel, returning to nature
International tourists are increasingly looking to places that still retain their wild features to explore, experience from the mountains to the sea, enjoy the outdoor landscape, sunbathe, breathe the fresh air, immerse themselves in the natural space, rich in mental health values.
Safety factors in travel
Tourists will prioritize choosing destinations with low epidemic levels, good health systems, services and tourist attractions that ensure regulations on hygiene and safety for epidemic prevention. Besides, tourists will tend to choose private places, with a distance to limit contact with crowds.
Health recovery tourism trend
Rest, health care, relaxation, full recovery after infection will be among the needs of tourists. Tourists are also interested in hygiene, destination environment, accommodation facilities, restaurants… because these factors directly affect their health, partly affect the change in tourists’ decision to book services.
Trends in choosing the mode of transportation
International tourists tend to choose private means of transportation, by renting a private vehicle (motorcycle, car) to reduce contact load and ensure safety. In addition, fast-moving, fully-equipped vehicles such as airplanes, high-speed trains, etc. are also popular because of their short travel time, giving visitors more time to visit the destination.
Tourism associated with high technology
The pandemic has accelerated the application of technology in the tourism industry, visitors of all ages. This allows travel companies to interact with each other, companies to interact with tourists and vice versa in searching and exchanging information, applying technology and digital software in booking services, making purchases, sales, payments in electronic currencies, online banking quickly and conveniently.
New travel products
International visitors tend to choose new travel experiences. Photo: Tien Sa
Instead of choosing traditional tourism products, after the pandemic, many tourists turned to new tourism products to experience in person or online. New types of tourism can be mentioned such as spiritual cultivation tourism, local tourism (staycation), post-Covid-19 medical tourism, online tours anywhere in the world, tourism applying automation technology, smart tourism, resort tourism combined with health care, green tourism, experience tourism combined with skill training (Ed-ventures).
Flexibility during travel
The distance between regions, countries, languages, and restrictions caused by the epidemic makes many tourists often uncertain in choosing a travel destination. Therefore, the flexibility of tourism service providers is very important and is prioritized by tourists. That includes tour services, air tickets, accommodation rooms, sightseeing tickets, guides…
