VIETNAM TODAY

Tet in Hanoi charms photographers

Life changes everyday and there are many differences to today’s traditional Lunar New Year (Tet) festival compared to past Tets. Despite each person’s individual feelings and whatever the changes are, for photographers, Tet will always reflect Hanoian culture.

Vietnamese coffee firm readies for international competition

The CEO of Trung Nguyen, one of Vietnam's leading coffee brands, expressed confidence in competing with other companies in foreign markets, especially Starbucks.

Visitors flock to central region during Tet

The number of travelers touring the beautiful historic relic sites of central provinces and cities has increased remarkably during the first days of the Lunar New Year (Tet) Festival.

Young people fake luxury lifestyles

Young people who are lacking real cash are posturing with hired luxury phone models in order to ‘live the lifestyle’.

Fugitive ex-cop Dorner barricaded in cabin after shooting two officers

Disgruntled former LAPD officer Christopher Dorner is believed barricaded in a mountain cabin after wounding two deputies during a gun battle this afternoon, according to the San Bernardino County sheriff's office.

New industrial zones planned in Can Tho

The Mekong Delta city of Can Tho is implementing plans to build three industrial zones with a total area of 1,400 hectares.

Thousands of fishermen head to sea during Tet

While the nation enjoys Tet, more than 1,200 fishing vessels from Song Doc town, Tran Van Thoi district of southern Ca Mau province headed out to sea, with hope for a successful first catch of the year.

Vietnamese overseas workers have creative Tet

Many Vietnamese overseas workers have found new ways of celebrating Tet abroad.

North Korea confirms 'successful' nuclear test

North Korea has confirmed that it "successfully" carried out a third nuclear test, drawing immediate condemnation from world powers.

Snakes in Vietnamese culture

For centuries, the worship of snakes became one of most ancient belief practices of the Vietnamese people who live in water-related environment.

2013: Bigger results expected for tourism sector

In 2013, the tourism sector expects to further gain better performance when Vietnam continues to be a friendly and attractive destination for international tourists.

Traffic violations increase during Tet

Drivers across the country seem to have been ignoring traffic laws while travelling during the Tet holiday.

Several killed after car explosion at Syria-Turkey border

At least thirteen people were killed and dozens of others wounded on Monday after a car exploded at the Turkey-Syria border, a Turkish government official said.

Royal music database established

The Hue Royal Arts Theatre has established a database of royal music, said theatre director Truong Tuan Hai.

Smoking out tobacco: The rise of the e-cig

The camera zooms in on a stubble-bearded hunk dragging on a cigarette and blowing out a thick cloud of smoke with what seems to be great satisfaction.

VietJet Air to offer sale promotion in April

The budget airlines VietJetAir will offer a sale promotion programme for travellers from Ha Noi to HCM City and the southern provinces in the middle of April.

Investors abuse power projects to exploit forests

Investors have used dozens of power projects in Phu Yen Province to exploit local forests, causing losses to hundreds hectares over the past decade.

Pope Benedict’s resignation spells end of papacy for life

Pope Benedict XVI’s shock decision to resign on February 28 sets the stage for a change in the ‘papacy for life’ system which has dominated the Catholic Church since its beginnings, and could reflect a wider change in the establishment.

Wheelchairs from disaster area help the impaired in Vietnam

Japanese Tess Co. is introducing to Vietnam its pedal-powered wheelchair for rehabilitation and mobility that can be operated even by people with almost completely paralyzed legs, without having to use their hands.