Inside Hanoi's 188-year-old temple built to ward off devastating fires

Hidden in Hanoi's Old Quarter, a nearly 200-year-old temple dedicated to the God of Fire preserves memories of devastating blazes, ancient spiritual beliefs and the enduring hopes of Thang Long residents for safety and peace.

Chilean President José Antonio Kast to visit Vietnam on November 15-17

Chilean President José Antonio Kast and First Lady María Pía Adriasola Barroilhet will pay an official visit to Vietnam from November 15 to 17, as the two countries mark 55 years of diplomatic relations and seek closer economic cooperation.

Vietnam, Japan seal over 70 agreements during VN top leader's visit

Vietnam and Japan signed more than 70 government and business cooperation agreements during Party General Secretary and President To Lam's official visit, marking a new phase in bilateral ties focused on technology, investment and joint production.

Vietnam Finance Minister vows accountability for delayed tax refunds

Vietnam's Finance Minister Ngo Van Tuan has pledged to hold tax officials accountable for unjustified delays in tax refunds, including possible compensation, as lawmakers question fairness in tax enforcement and oversight.

Vietnam beat Chinese Taipei 2-0 as coaches praise Dinh Bac and Olaha

Vietnam opened their Casper Cup 2026 campaign with a 2-0 win over Chinese Taipei, thanks to goals from Nguyen Dinh Bac and debutant Olaha Manh Duc. 

Vietnam International Fashion Week puts cultural heritage in the spotlight

Vietnam International Fashion Week returns to Hanoi from November 26-28, bringing together emerging talents and established designers to celebrate Vietnamese cultural identity through traditional materials, craftsmanship and contemporary fashion.

Vietnam auto sales plunge 17% in October despite year-end promotions

Vietnam's auto market saw a surprising downturn in October, with sales falling 17% from September and 24% year on year, despite the arrival of the traditionally busy year-end buying season and widespread dealer incentives.

Vietnamese global leaders from Harvard, Stanford to gather in Paris

Around 100 influential Vietnamese figures from nearly 30 countries, including scientists, business leaders and investors, will meet in Paris this December to turn global expertise and networks into opportunities for Vietnam's development.

Vietnam's top leader to attend Francophonie Summit in Cambodia

Vietnamese Party General Secretary and President To Lam will lead a high-level delegation to the 20th Francophonie Summit in Phnom Penh, Cambodia, from November 14 to 16, at the invitation of Cambodian King Norodom Sihamoni.

Vietnam U19 fall 3-1 to hosts China in Panda Cup 2026 opener

Vietnam U19 suffered a 3-1 defeat to hosts China in their opening match of the Panda Cup 2026 in Chengdu on November 11, despite an improved second-half performance and a goal from Vietnamese-origin striker Antonio Moric.

Le Quoc Phong elected chairman of Ho Chi Minh City People's Committee

Le Quoc Phong, standing deputy secretary of Ho Chi Minh City's Party Committee, was unanimously elected chairman of the municipal People's Committee for the 2026-2031 term, securing all 112 votes at a council meeting on November 12.

Banning off-plan home contract transfers threatens property rights

Banning the transfer of contracts for the purchase of off-plan housing could affect people's legitimate property rights while creating risks associated with an underground market.

Talent utilization: Don't keep skilled talent out and average in

Identifying talent as a special strategic resource of the nation, Conclusion 105 of the 14th Central Committee places talent utilization at a pivotal position, adopting tangible products, work results, and contributions as measurement benchmarks.

Hanoi Creative Design Festival 2026 draws artists from 21 countries

Hanoi Creative Design Festival 2026 will feature 150 activities and its first international artist residency, bringing nearly 100 artists from 21 countries to collaborate with local artisans and communities.

Ho Chi Minh City approves Say Hi 2027 concert along Saigon River

Ho Chi Minh City has approved the Say Hi 2027 New Year concert for December 26 at three riverside locations, featuring 27 Vietnamese artists and a 10-minute fireworks display over the Saigon River.

HCMC owner wears Ao Dai to serve 65-year-old Michelin banh cuon

The banh cuon (steamed rice rolls) shop, which opened in HCMC in 1961, is loved by diners from Vietnam and abroad and has been recognized by Michelin. Its owner stands out for always welcoming customers in traditional ao dai (long dress).

Nine forehead bone fragments and the Cham people's sacred ancestral rituals

Among VN's Cham Ahier community, nine forehead bone fragments are preserved in sacred Klaong boxes after cremation. This centuries-old tradition, culminating in the Kut burial ritual, reflects a profound belief in the journey to the ancestral world.

Vietnamese 18+ film tops VND 100 billion despite controversy

Vietnamese film Chi Chi Em Em 3, starring Ninh Duong Lan Ngoc and Ky Duyen, has surpassed VND 100 billion at the box office after just one week, despite criticism over its sexually explicit scenes and controversial storyline.

For 31 years, a HCM City pagoda has offered a home to abandoned elderly people

At Lam Quang Pagoda in Ho Chi Minh City, elderly people with nowhere else to turn have found shelter, care and companionship for more than three decades, thanks to the compassion of Buddhist nuns, volunteers and donors.

VN Buddhist Sangha warns against replacing temple worship with online rituals

As digital Buddhist practices gain popularity, the Vietnam Buddhist Sangha says online worship cannot replace temple visits, while urging monks and followers to use technology responsibly and prioritize spiritual values over social media views.

iPhone 18e leaks reveal A20 chip upgrade but few major changes

Apple's budget-friendly iPhone 18e is expected to launch in spring 2027 with a powerful new A20 chip, while retaining a familiar design, a 60Hz OLED display and a single rear camera, according to early leaks.

How Chinese AI short-drama apps hook Vietnamese viewers into paying

Chinese AI short-drama apps lure Vietnamese viewers with free episodes, then demand payment at dramatic cliffhangers. Persistent ads on Facebook and TikTok draw users back, raising concerns over addictive viewing habits and unlicensed operations.

VN faces 2027 power supply crunch as EVN plans $6.3 billion annual investment

Vietnam faces mounting electricity supply pressure in 2027 as demand is projected to grow around 10% while new baseload power plants remain behind schedule. State utility EVN plans to invest $31.5 billion between 2026 and 2030 to meet rising demand.

Vietnam, Japan agree on new direction for cooperation: FM

Party General Secretary and President To Lam's November 8-11 visit to Japan opened a new chapter in bilateral ties, with agreements on technology, investment and supply chains, Foreign Minister Le Hoai Trung said.

Pharmacy chains expand across Vietnam, intensifying battle for customers

Vietnam's pharmacy retail market is becoming increasingly competitive as major chains rapidly expand their networks, putting pressure on tens of thousands of independent pharmacies to improve services, modernize operations and retain loyal customers.