13th ASEAN Para Games: Golden final day for Vietnam’s para athletes
In the pool, Vietnamese swimmers added four gold medals during the morning session. Nguyen Van Hanh excelled by finishing first in the men’s 50m breaststroke SB11, with a time of 36.37 seconds for his second gold at the games. Vo Huynh Anh Khoa continued his fine form in the men’s 50m breaststroke S8, taking gold with 34.73 seconds, while Ho Van Dao secured bronze. Trinh Thi Bich Nhu claimed her second gold in the women’s 50m breaststroke SB4–SB5. The Games concluded in Nakhon Ratchasima, Thailand, with Vietnam’s para athletes meeting their objectives and reaffirming their resilience and competitive standing in regional para sports./.
Source:VietNamNet News
January 26, 2026 03:35 UTC
Top Lao leader arrives in Hanoi, beginning state visit to Vietnam
Politburo member, Standing Vice Chairman of the National Assembly Do Van Chien (centre) welcomes the Lao top leader and his spouse at the Noi Bai International Airport. (Photo: VNA)The Lao leader is accompanied by a high-ranking delegation comprising Politburo members, senior Party and State leaders, a deputy prime minister, ministers, and heads of key central agencies, reflecting the importance Laos attaches to relations with Vietnam. Speaking to Vietnam News Agency (VNA) correspondents in Laos, Vietnamese Ambassador to Laos Nguyen Minh Tam highlighted that Party General Secretary and President Thongloun Sisoulith’s selection of Vietnam as the first country to visit following the successful National Congresses of both Lao People’s Revolutionary Party and Communist Party of Vietnam carries profound political and diplomatic significance. The visit, he said, underscores the exceptionally high level of political trust between the two Parties and States, as well as among their top leaders. It also reaffirms that the great friendship, special solidarity, comprehensive cooperation, and strategic cohesion between Vietnam and Laos remain a top priority in the foreign policies of both countries.
Source:VietNamNet News
January 26, 2026 03:30 UTC
Fire rips through residential area in Ho Chi Minh City, homes destroyed
The blaze is believed to have started around 1:30am at a house on Hoang Minh Dao Street. Neighbors quickly shouted warnings and attempted to extinguish the fire using small fire extinguishers, but their efforts were unsuccessful. The area, densely packed with flammable materials like wood and tarpaulin, allowed the fire to spread rapidly to adjacent homes. Upon receiving the emergency call, the Fire Prevention and Rescue Police Department of Ho Chi Minh City mobilized several specialized vehicles and fire crews to the scene. The fire caused significant damage, with several homes reduced to rubble and all possessions inside completely destroyed.
Source:VietNamNet News
January 26, 2026 03:30 UTC
Boss Duc recalls letter to Tran Ba Duong worth VND2 trillion
Hoang Anh Gia Lai chair Doan Nguyen DucAt the ceremony honoring employees with outstanding contributions held on January 18, Hoang Anh Gia Lai (HAGL) Chair Doan Nguyen Duc, widely known as Boss Duc, recalled memories of the most difficult times for the business. “In 2007-2008, I was still the richest person in Vietnam, but shortly afterward I also became the poorest,” Duc recalled. In 2018, Duc sent a letter to Tran Ba Duong, Chair of Thaco Group, an automobile manufacturer. After reading the letter, Duong met Duc one afternoon and handed him VND2,000 billion, without even requiring a written receipt. Currently, Doan Nguyen Duc said HAGL’s debt has been reduced from VND36,000 billion to VND5,500 billion.
Source:VietNamNet News
January 26, 2026 01:34 UTC
Former South Korean PM Lee Hae Chan passes away in HCM City
Cựu Thủ tướng Hàn Quốc Lee Hae Chan. Ảnh: Yonhap“The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has closely coordinated with the People’s Committee of Ho Chi Minh City and relevant authorities over the past few days to ensure the best possible medical support for Mr. Lee Hae Chan,” the spokesperson said. “Despite these efforts, due to the severity of his illness, Mr. Lee Hae Chan has passed away,” she confirmed. Vietnamese Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh and other national leaders have extended their profound condolences to the government of South Korea and to the family of the late prime minister. According to Yonhap News Agency, Lee Hae Chan's body will be flown back to South Korea on January 26, with the flight expected to arrive at Incheon International Airport at around 7 a.m. the following day.
Source:VietNamNet News
January 25, 2026 17:53 UTC
Northern Vietnam braces for multiple cold air surges in coming days
Northern Vietnam is forecast to experience multiple cold air surges in the coming days – Illustrative photo: Hoang MinhSpecifically, temperatures in the Red River Delta will range from 13–15°C at night and reach 17–19°C during the day. A weak, east-leaning cold air mass is expected to arrive on the night of January 26–27, affecting the northeastern provinces and Thanh Hoa. Although this year’s cold air activity is weaker than average, strong short-term cold spells may still occur through late January and into February. Northern areas will remain cold, and southern parts cool. On January 26–27, the northeast and Thanh Hoa will have scattered drizzle.
Source:VietNamNet News
January 25, 2026 08:25 UTC
Party leader To Lam holds phone talks with Russian President Putin
President Putin congratulated the Communist Party of Vietnam on a well-organized and meaningful congress. The Russian leader described the Party Congress as a pivotal political event that sets the strategic direction for Vietnam’s future development. Mr. To Lam noted that the 14th National Party Congress had concluded successfully, fulfilling a historic mandate. President Putin extended an invitation for General Secretary To Lam to visit Russia at a convenient time. Mr. To Lam gladly accepted and extended a reciprocal invitation for Putin to visit Vietnam in the near future.
Source:VietNamNet News
January 25, 2026 08:20 UTC
French ambassador embraces tradition during Lunar New Year visit
During his visit, Ambassador Brochet extended his congratulations on the success of the 14th National Congress of the Communist Party of Vietnam. He immersed himself in the serene, timeless atmosphere of Vietnamese traditional culture. Ambassador Brochet listens to the history of Vietnam’s first university. He explores Vietnam’s traditional cultural space. Ambassador Brochet admires the World Documentary Heritage - the 82 Doctoral Steles.
Source:VietNamNet News
January 25, 2026 08:05 UTC
Dinh Bac makes history as top scorer of AFC U23 Asian Cup 2026
Dinh Bac enjoyed an outstanding tournament with U23 Vietnam – Photo: Ted TranNguyen Dinh Bac has officially carved his name into history as the first Vietnamese footballer to win the golden boot at a continental tournament, finishing as the top scorer of the AFC U23 Asian Cup 2026. Both Dinh Bac and Japan’s Sato registered two assists, but Dinh Bac edged ahead by playing only 409 minutes, compared to Sato’s 451. His total of six goal contributions is the most by any Vietnamese player in a single U23 Asian Cup edition, surpassing Nguyen Quang Hai’s five-goal tally in 2018. The 2026 U23 Asian Cup ends with Japan lifting the trophy, but Vietnam walks away with pride - and a new star on the rise. VFF President Tran Quoc Tuan receives the golden boot award on behalf of Dinh Bac – Photo: AFCA historic moment for Vietnamese football at the AFC U23 Asian Cup – Screenshot
Source:VietNamNet News
January 25, 2026 08:05 UTC
Thung Ui: A tranquil haven rising to fame in Vietnam’s ancient capital
Thung Ui, with its untouched scenery and tranquil atmosphere, is drawing increasing attention from travelers seeking a serene escape. Thung Ui is surrounded by limestone mountains. Located just 3 kilometers from Bai Dinh Pagoda, Thung Ui belongs to the Trang An Scenic Landscape Complex in Tay Hoa Lu ward. These additions, along with a newly designed lake system and supportive infrastructure, have transformed Thung Ui into a budding spiritual tourism site. Thung Ui is fast becoming a sought-after destination in Ninh Binh.
Source:VietNamNet News
January 25, 2026 07:55 UTC
Muted palette for Galaxy S26 Ultra leaves fans craving more
Proposed colors for the Galaxy S26 Ultra. One of the latest leaks centers on the Galaxy S26 Ultra’s color options. It may be an overstatement to attribute the iPhone 17’s success in 2025 solely to its orange color, but consumer tastes are unpredictable. Based on the leaks so far, the Galaxy S26 Ultra doesn’t appear to be a dramatic leap forward from the S25 Ultra - nor was the S25 a major departure from the S24. But the Galaxy S26 Ultra?
Source:VietNamNet News
January 25, 2026 07:50 UTC
Prime Minister orders report on proposed national gold exchange
Among them is a call to accelerate the research and assessment of a proposed national gold exchange, with a report to be submitted to the Government this month. Photo: The BangTo successfully implement the 14th National Party Congress Resolution, the Prime Minister instructed ministries, agencies, and local authorities to act with urgency, decisiveness, and efficiency. Coordination with fiscal policy is essential to promote growth, stabilize the macroeconomy, manage inflation, and maintain key economic balances. The central bank is also instructed to guide credit institutions toward safe and efficient credit growth, directing capital flows into productive sectors, priority industries, and key growth drivers. A key highlight of the directive is the instruction to quickly finalize research and evaluation on the formation of a national gold exchange.
Source:VietNamNet News
January 25, 2026 07:45 UTC
Year-start market shocks: iPhones cheap, Dien pomelos cheaper
While new devices remain popular, the used phone market - especially for this model - is drawing considerable attention thanks to its aggressively competitive pricing. Dien pomelos sold on Hanoi sidewalks for just $0.08 eachAs harvest season peaks, Dien pomelo prices are falling sharply due to a surge in supply. Off-season dragon fruit commands high price as demand risesAs the Tet holiday nears, the market for off-season dragon fruit is heating up, with high prices holding steady thanks to limited supply and strong demand. Durian prices soar ahead of TetDurian farmers in Dong Thap province are celebrating as the fruit fetches high prices ahead of the lunar new year. According to VOV, fruit companies in Dong Thap are purchasing top-grade Monthong durians at warehouse prices of $4.30–$4.51 per kilogram.
Source:VietNamNet News
January 25, 2026 07:35 UTC
TOEFL iBT launches new global format with first test in Vietnam
Test takers sit the TOEFL iBT exam. Her goal is to use the TOEFL iBT certificate to convert her English score for the national university entrance exam in 2026. Le Quynh Trang, a training expert at IIG Vietnam - the authorized provider of the TOEFL exam - explained that starting January 21, 2026, the TOEFL iBT structure has been updated with several key changes. Starting in January 2026, TOEFL iBT scores will shift from the traditional 0–120 scale to a simplified 1–6 scale. The TOEFL iBT exam is developed by the US-based Educational Testing Service (ETS) and is designed specifically for non-native English speakers.
Source:VietNamNet News
January 25, 2026 07:32 UTC
Vietnam’s 14th Party Congress sparks three major breakthroughs
Photo: Pham HaiUnlike previous congresses, the 14th Congress was preceded by a wave of significant policy resolutions that laid the groundwork for a new development trajectory. This readiness to embrace new paradigms-while directly confronting existing weaknesses-marks the first major breakthrough of the 14th Congress. The 14th Congress enshrined that ethos in concrete policies-many of which began rolling out as early as 2024. The legacy of the 14th Congress may follow a similar trajectory: early disruption, gradual momentum, and eventual transformation. The 14th Congress has delivered three breakthroughs that speak not only to the Party’s evolving thinking but to its readiness to act.
Source:VietNamNet News
January 24, 2026 11:05 UTC