VIETNAM TODAY

Vietnam plans to export 7 million tonnes of rice in 2026, down from 8 million tonnes last year, with a gradual reduction to just 4 million tonnes by 2030, according to the Vietnam Food Association.

At least three people were killed and one injured early on January 17 after a coach travelling from Hanoi to Son La plunged into a roadside drainage ditch on National Highway 6.

Crowds in Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City poured into the streets overnight on January 17, 2026 after Vietnam U23 defeated the UAE to secure a place in the semi-finals of the U23 Asian Cup.

Google is preparing a major shift in its production strategy for its premium Pixel smartphone lineup, with Vietnam set to become a key manufacturing base, according to a report by Nikkei Asia.

The 20th International Travel Expo Ho Chi Minh City will be held from August 27 to 29, 2026, marking two decades since Vietnam began hosting the annual international tourism event.

Hanoi's metro operator carried nearly 21 million passengers in 2025, exceeding its business targets as ridership and ticket revenues rose sharply.

Streets across Ho Chi Minh City have been adorned with flags, banners and posters in the run-up to the 14th National Party Congress.

Vietnam’s petrol prices rose on January 15 after five straight reductions, with RON 95 increasing by VND 150 per litre under the latest price adjustment.

Strong FDI inflows and record disbursement in 2025 have reinforced Vietnam’s position as a safe investment destination, with prospects for 2026 expected to remain highly positive, analysts say.

Dong Nai has launched construction of two major bridges over the Dong Nai River, aiming to strengthen transport links with Ho Chi Minh City and ease long-standing congestion on key routes.

Ho Chi Minh City on January 15 formally broke ground on the Ben Thanh-Tham Luong metro line, a project stretching more than 11 km with a total investment of over VND 55 trillion (USD 2.12 billion).

A fire damaged four fishing boats overnight in Quang Ngai Province, causing losses estimated at several billion VND, with two vessels almost completely destroyed, local officials said.

Vietnam is preparing to build a third runway and a second passenger terminal at Long Thanh Airport as rising air travel demand accelerates plans to expand the country’s largest aviation project.

Northern Vietnam is forecast to face a severe cold spell from January 21 to 25 as a strong northeast monsoon moves in, bringing colder temperatures and rain, forecasters said.

A prolonged cold spell in northern Vietnam has pushed more elderly people to seek medical care, with hospitals reporting a rise in respiratory and chronic cases.

HCM City will add 500 electric bicycles to its public transport system before the 2026 Lunar New Year holiday, aiming to expand green travel options and improve links with buses and metro services.

Vietnam’s Central Highlands province of Gia Lai is seeking investors for three large-scale wind power projects with a combined investment of more than VND 19 trillion (USD 720 million).

Vietnam’s passport has climbed to 86th place in the Henley Passport Index 2026, its highest position in five years, after rising four ranks from the previous edition.

Deputy Minister of Agriculture and Environment Phung Duc Tien on January 13 held a working session with a delegation from the US Embassy on the US-Vietnam aquaculture value chain partnership project.