Stories from Vietnam

Nguyen Xuan Thang has been appointed as the Chairman of the Council for the 2026-2031 term.

Vietnam has decided to establish a specialized economic zone in Hai Phong to drive economic growth. The initiative aims to create new momentum for the region despite potential challenges. The zone is intended to serve as a high-tech industrial hub.

Authorities in Thai Nguyen province are conducting comprehensive safety assessments of dams, spillways, and sluice gates following the floods of October 2025. An early warning system based on digital technology has been installed at the Nam Cat reservoir to ensure operational safety. Officials noted that limited funding remains a challenge for upgrading older, large-scale flood control structures. The province is prioritizing the evaluation of mechanical equipment and dam stability to prevent future disasters.

Sapa National Tourist Area in Lao Cai province is preparing for a surge in visitors during the April 30 and May 1 holidays. The region aims to attract 5 million tourists this year. Preparations are currently underway to accommodate the expected influx.

The DT744 road expansion project in Ho Chi Minh City has faced delays since its 2008 approval. These payments are calculated based on the original principal amount plus an interest rate of 0.3%. Land Registration Office No. 29 is currently finalizing the documentation for publication. The bridge branch is nearly 500 meters long with a design speed of 50 km/h. The total investment for this specific component exceeded 124 billion VND. The project aims to improve traffic flow and reduce congestion at the city's most complex intersection, particularly during the April 30 and May 1 holiday period. The ATC system recorded 2.6 million transactions and 262 billion VND in revenue on March 31, 2026. In April, transaction volume rose to 3.3 million with revenue exceeding 317 billion VND. This represents a increase in vehicle traffic compared to March.

Fishery exploitation in An Giang province has yielded over 3,000 tons of seafood. Quach Tan Tam, Deputy Director of the An Giang Provincial Fisheries Management Board, provided the figures. The report focuses on the monitoring of seafood extraction activities in the region.

Water quality in Thua Thien Hue province has significantly declined due to aging pipelines and storage tanks. Residents report that the current system no longer meets hygiene standards for safe consumption. Many households are forced to purchase 20-liter water jugs at 20,000 VND per unit to ensure clean drinking water. Wealthier families are opting to install water filtration systems to mitigate the issue.

Vehicle traffic on National Highway 1A through Ninh Binh province has begun to increase rapidly during late April. Long convoys of vehicles are heading toward tourist destinations including Trang An, Tam Coc, Bich Dong, and Bich Dinh. Traffic police have been deployed at gateway intersections to manage congestion as the holiday peak approaches. The provincial police department stated that patrol and control efforts are being conducted transparently and according to regulations. This shift aims to improve operational flexibility in the tourist region. A delegation led by Politburo member and Central Committee Secretary Bui The Minh Hoai visited Ninh Binh province. The group distributed gifts to 200 families, including Heroic Vietnamese Mothers, armed forces heroes, the poor, and workers in difficult circumstances.

Domestic travel searches and bookings for the April 30 to May 1 holiday period have increased by 30-50 percent compared to the previous year. Popular destinations include Da Nang, Nha Trang, Phu Quoc, Sa Pa, and Da Lat. Local authorities and travel agencies are upgrading services and increasing coordination with airlines and hotels to manage the surge. Experts warn of potential traffic congestion, overcrowding at popular sites, and localized service price increases. Travelers are advised to book services early and consider alternative destinations to avoid crowds. Vietnam's tourism sector is experiencing a increase in demand, with room occupancy rates reaching 400% early on. Despite the pressure of high visitor numbers, service quality and visitor experience are being prioritized.

Hotel occupancy rates at key tourism destinations in Vietnam have increased significantly. Coastal resorts are reporting occupancy levels between 85 and 95 percent during peak days. Travelers are showing a trend of moving north to seek cooler climates and cultural experiences.