Stories from Ho Chi Minh City · Vietnam

Two new road segments in Ho Chi Minh City's District 11 are scheduled to open by the April 30 holiday. The project, managed by the District 11 Construction Investment Project Management Board, has a total investment of 200 billion VND. The first route is 500 meters long and 32 meters wide, creating a direct connection between Le Dai Hanh and Ly Thuong Kiet streets. The second route is of similar dimensions and will serve as a connecting branch between the existing roads. These infrastructure improvements aim to enhance local traffic flow. These developments aim to improve urban planning and city aesthetics. The projects are expected to be operational in time for the April 30 and May 1 holidays. The city is also hosting the 13th annual Southern Folk Cake Festival, which opened on April 26. This festival's theme for 2026 is 'Flavors of Heaven and Earth'.

Medical professionals are warning against the use of unscientific methods for ear treatments. Dr. Nguyen Huy Hoang of the Underwater Medical Association and OCKF Vietnam stated that certain practices lack reliable scientific evidence. He noted that some methods involving urine therapy are dangerous and unproven. The doctor explained that urine is primarily composed of 95% water filtered by the kidneys.

Vietnamese company Hoang Sao used a logo featuring a Chinese map with disputed borders during an event on April 26. The map includes the disputed Paracel and Spratly Islands, which Vietnam claims as sovereign territory. This action is viewed as an infringement on Vietnamese sovereignty over the two island groups. The incident was reported following the company's launch activities.

Billiards player Hoang Sao reported that CBSA used a map featuring disputed maritime boundaries during an event on April 26. The map allegedly included dashed lines affecting the Paracel and Spratly Islands. This usage is viewed as an infringement on Vietnamese sovereignty and jurisdiction over these island territories. The event is part of the Lely Cup 2026 held from April 26 to April 30. The reported figure associated with the event context is 822,000 CNY.

Road traffic police in Ho Chi Minh City issued fines totaling 120 million VND to a driver and a transport cooperative. The violations involved passenger buses exceeding capacity on the Cam Lam - Vinh Hao expressway in Khanh Hoa province. The transport cooperative, identified as a Ho Chi Minh City-based tourism and transport cooperative, received a 96 million VND fine and a two-month suspension of its operating badge. The incident was reported by the Ministry of Public Security's traffic police department on April 26, 2026.

Deputy Minister of Defense Nguyen Quang Ngoc chaired a meeting regarding the 500-day campaign to collect and identify remains of fallen soldiers. The campaign focuses on several provinces including Tuyen Quang, Quang Tri, Da Nang, Quang Ngai, Gia Lai, Dak Lak, Tay Ninh, Dong Nai, and Ho Chi Minh City. The meeting also addressed social insurance, health insurance, and unemployment insurance policies.

Economic police in Ho Chi Minh City uncovered an illegal production ring for E-MOS brand weight loss supplements. The operation was led by a husband and wife using the Mai Xuan Thanh Agricultural Products Co., Ltd. Authorities report the ring produced and distributed supplements valued at over 3 billion VND during February and March 2026. The investigation follows increased consumer demand for processed foods and discounts at major shopping centers like Takashimaya and Dong Khoi. Police are currently managing the fallout from the illegal production activities. The ring operated through the Mai Xuan Thanh agricultural limited liability company located in Binh My, Ho Chi Minh City. Authorities are investigating the full scope of the safety regulation violations.

VOH Ho Chi Minh City discussed patriotism among the Gen Z demographic. The western bus station is busy with tourists from nearby provinces. Traffic police are placing coastal alerts in high-traffic or accident-prone areas, not along entire routes. A poetry competition was held where participants were encouraged to follow rules and not cause arguments. The winner would receive a small sum from the organizer to compensate for household chores. The competition aimed to foster a sense of community and shared enjoyment of poetry. One poem read, 'As the flowers bloom, spring returns to the old,' which the village interpreted as a beautiful and profound verse. The broadcast discussed youth patriotism, referencing a poem by Du Fu titled 'Gift to Bai Ma Wang Biao'. The poem describes a poet in a place called Bai Ma Wang Biao.

The Ho Chi Minh City Fintech Center announced 104 strategic pillars to develop a complete fintech ecosystem in Vietnam. Participants include militia forces, armed forces, and runners from 168 wards and communes across the city. Competitions feature 3 km and 5 km races held on central routes including Dong Khoi and Nguyen Hoang. Eligible candidates must have graduated from high school in Vietnam or hold a recognized equivalent foreign diploma. Those with a relevant college diploma or a university degree are also eligible. Applicants for university admission must possess a university degree and submit a resume, a basic citizen profile, and three recent 3x4 color photographs taken within the last six months. The back of each photo must include the applicant's name, year, month, and birth date.

Ho Chi Minh City market management authorities conducted inspections of gold businesses in District 5 and District 6. Three businesses were fined 210 million VND for trading goods with unknown origins. In Thu Duc City, authorities also identified violations involving the issuance of 500 unauthorized documents. The inspections were carried out by Market Management Division No. 5 and Division No. These enforcement actions are part of ongoing regulatory oversight in the region. Market management authorities in Ho Chi Minh City issued fines exceeding 700 million VND following a one-week inspection period. Authorities in Thu Duc City penalized nine organizations 506 million VND and seized jewelry valued at 331 million VND. Inspections in Binh Duong and Ba Ria-Vung Tau provinces resulted in the seizure of 300 million VND worth of violating goods.