VIETNAM TODAY

Long Bien Bridge closure snarls Hanoi traffic

Traffic congestion has worsened in Hanoi after the temporary closure of Long Bien Bridge, with vehicles diverted to nearby Chuong Duong Bridge, causing prolonged delays during peak hours.

Vietnam firms expand agricultural investment in Laos, Cambodia

Vietnamese firms are planning major agricultural investments in Laos and Cambodia for 2026-2030, with projects worth trillions of VND.

Vietnamese pangasius finds new appetite in Japan

Vietnamese pangasius has reached a significant milestone, entering the menu of Kura Sushi, one of Japan’s largest conveyor-belt sushi chains with more than 550 outlets, in late 2025.

Thunderstorm injures three, damages 4,000 homes in Lao Cai

A sudden thunderstorm in Lao Cai injured three people and damaged more than 4,000 homes between March 29 and early March 30.

Seven injured after coach plunges into Tam Dao ravine

Seven people were injured after a passenger coach lost its brakes and plunged into a ravine in Tam Dao on March 29, authorities said.

Vietnam raises fines for railway safety violations

Vietnam has tightened administrative penalties for railway violations, introducing stricter fines for high-risk behaviour under new regulations.

Dolphin sightings increase off Quang Ninh coast

Pods of dolphins have been repeatedly spotted in waters off Quang Ha and Cai Chien in the northern province of Quang Ninh, attracting growing public attention in recent days.

Widespread heatwave expected across Vietnam

A widespread heatwave is set to affect most of Vietnam in late March and early April, with temperatures forecast to reach up to 37 degrees Celsius.

Artillery shells found in fields in Hue City

Residents in Hue City have discovered two unexploded artillery shells while working in fields, highlighting ongoing risks from wartime remnants.

PM urges diversified oil supply at Nghi Son refinery

Prime minister Pham Minh Chinh has called on Nghi Son refinery to diversify crude oil sources, warning that stable supply is vital to Vietnam’s energy security.

WWF, Dong Thap launch wetland protection project phase II

WWF Vietnam and Dong Thap have launched phase II of a climate resilience project to restore wetlands and support nearly 2,000 vulnerable residents in the Mekong Delta.

Ministry of Health orders close monitoring of COVID-19 variant in US

The Ministry of Health has ordered close monitoring of the SARS-CoV-2 BA.3.2 variant reported in the US and said current assessments place its public health risk at a low level.

Bridging talent gap vital for Vietnam’s IP sector: experts

Vietnam moves to ease IP valuation bottlenecks and unlock asset value as an amended law takes effect on April 1.

Programme launched to promote Vietnamese language abroad

A programme to honour the Vietnamese language and seek overseas ambassadors for 2026 was launched on March 28 in Hanoi, connecting more than 150 locations worldwide.

Man dies after fall while climbing Bai Tho Mountain

A man has died after falling while climbing Bai Tho Mountain in the northern Quang Ninh Province.

Laos pushes rail link with Vietnam

The project is seen as a strategic step to help transform Laos from a landlocked country into one better connected to regional and global markets via the East-West Economic Corridor.

Vietnam needs “breakthrough pushes” to ensure energy security

Le Huu Phuc, Vietnam’s Trade Counsellor in Thailand, said Vietnam should expand national crude oil reserves to ensure at least 90 days of supply in the event of major global disruptions.

New Vietnam embassy in Ireland marks step forward in bilateral relations

Vietnam officially inaugurated its embassy in Ireland at a ceremony in Dublin on March 26, marking an important milestone in Vietnam-Ireland relations.