A stilt house for a bronze pot: One man’s quest to protect tradition
With a desire to preserve a piece of his community’s cultural and historical identity, Ha Van Sy, a resident of Co Lung commune in Thanh Hoa province, traded his family’s stilt house for a century-old bronze pot. Inside, they’ll find a rare, giant bronze pot considered a local treasure - both for its physical size and cultural significance. According to Sy, the pot once belonged to a local landlord. The bronze pot weighs nearly 100kg and was acquired in exchange for a stilt house. It now sits beneath Sy’s stilt house floor, secured by a cable to one of the support columns.
Source:VietNamNet News
January 23, 2026 05:10 UTC
Vietnam’s 14th Party Congress to present new leadership this afternoon
Vietnam’s new General Secretary will chair an international press conference to announce the outcomes of the Congress. At 2 p.m. today, the closing session of the 14th Party Congress will be held, broadcast live on national television. As per tradition, the newly elected leadership - including the Party Central Committee, Politburo, Secretariat, and Inspection Commission - will officially present themselves to the Congress during the closing session. Yesterday afternoon, the Congress completed its voting process, electing 200 members to the new 14th Central Committee. Seven other members of the 13th Politburo also secured re-election to the 14th Party Central Committee.
Source:VietNamNet News
January 23, 2026 04:55 UTC
Vietnam’s north endures coldest spell of 2025–2026 winter
At Mount Mau Son in Lang Son province, the mercury dropped to -0.1°C - the lowest temperature reported so far this winter. In mountainous areas of northern Vietnam, hazardous cold persists, especially in provinces like Dien Bien and Lai Chau. Expert insights on the coldest spell so farMai Van Khiem, Director of the National Center for Hydro-Meteorological Forecasting, confirmed that this is the most intense cold spell in northern Vietnam since the start of the 2025–2026 winter. According to Khiem, the first widespread cold spell of the season occurred between January 6–8, characterized by dry conditions. Northern Vietnam should begin to warm up, and this warming trend is forecast to continue through the end of January.
Source:VietNamNet News
January 23, 2026 03:49 UTC
Vietnam’s Party Congress elects new leadership for next five-year term today
Central Committee members then discussed and voted on the number of seats in the Politburo. Members were given the opportunity to nominate or self-nominate, with group discussions taking place before finalizing the official list. Politburo and Secretariat members must fully meet the criteria required of Central Committee members. Special cases are subject to Central Committee approval. Electing the General SecretaryGeneral Secretary To Lam casts his vote to elect official and alternate members of the 14th Central Committee.
Source:VietNamNet News
January 23, 2026 03:44 UTC
“Vietnam’s ‘Golden Era’ is not just a hope. It is already well underway”
Vietnam concluded the 13th Party Congress term as ASEAN’s top performer, with 2025 GDP growth hitting 8.02 percent and the national economy reaching US$514 billion. With 2025 GDP growth surging to 8.02 percent, Vietnam has established itself as the definitive growth leader of ASEAN and a rare global outlier. A cornerstone of this era was the elevation of bilateral ties with Singapore to a comprehensive strategic partnership in March 2025. Infrastructure pace: Vietnam’s $38 billion infrastructure blitz in 2026 provides the physical 'haảdware' that its neighbors are still working to authorize. As we look toward the 14th Congress, the foundation suggests that Vietnam’s 'Golden Era' is not just a hope.
Source:Tuoitre News
January 23, 2026 01:35 UTC
Fitch raises Vietnam’s credit rating for secured bonds to BBB-
This marks a significant step as these instruments now carry an investment-grade rating, one notch above Vietnam’s current rating of BB+ for unsecured foreign currency long-term debt. The upgrade follows Fitch’s review under its newly issued Sovereign Rating Criteria, introduced in September 2025. Fitch Ratings emphasized that the upgrade does not affect Vietnam’s overall sovereign credit rating, which remains at BB+ with a stable outlook, last affirmed in June 2025. The Ministry of Finance stated it is establishing a regular and proactive dialogue mechanism with major international rating agencies including Fitch, Moody’s, and S&P. Looking ahead, the ministry will continue working closely with Fitch and other international organizations to ensure accurate and updated assessments of Vietnam’s credit profile.
Source:VietNamNet News
January 23, 2026 01:24 UTC
Breakfast @ Tuoi Tre News — January 23
Kindergarteners and elementary-school students in Hanoi will not go to school if the outdoor temperature falls below 10 degrees Celsius. Photo: Vinh Ha / Tuoi TreRead what is in the news in Vietnam today:Politics-- The 14th National Congress of the Communist Party of Vietnam continued a full-day session on Thursday, chaired by Party General Secretary To Lam, President of the Presidium, focusing on personnel matters of the 14th Party Central Committee. The congress approved the list of 200 newly-elected members of the 14th Party Central Committee, including 180 official members and 20 alternate members. -- The 14th Party Central Committee will convene its first plenary session to elect the Politburo, the Party General Secretary, the Secretariat, the Central Inspection Commission, and the Chairman of the Central Inspection Commission on Friday morning. Economy-- The People’s Committee of Ca Mau Province in southern Vietnam has approved a plan to select investors to implement two wind power plant projects with a total investment of over VND4.8 trillion (US$182.7 million).
Source:Tuoitre News
January 23, 2026 01:20 UTC
U23 Vietnam regroups for bronze-medal clash with South Korea
Photo: Ted TranFollowing a 0–3 defeat to China in the semifinals of the 2026 AFC U23 Asian Cup, U23 Vietnam returned to training on January 21, readying themselves for the third-place playoff against South Korea. Before the session began, head coach Kim Sang Sik gathered his players to offer words of encouragement. Coach Kim Sang Sik knows that reaching the semifinals alone is already a significant achievement. With standout performances from players like Dinh Bac and Van Khang, U23 Vietnam has proven its ability to compete at the continental level. The third-place playoff between U23 Vietnam and U23 South Korea will kick off at 10 PM on January 23.
Source:VietNamNet News
January 23, 2026 01:08 UTC
Braving icy waters for clams: Ninh Binh locals earn up to $40 daily
Each winter afternoon, as the tide recedes along the shoreline of Giao Ninh commune in Ninh Binh, clusters of villagers wade into the frigid sea. The final months of the lunar year bring biting winds and water cold enough to sting the skin. “But once you start working, you sweat so much that your clothes get soaked - even in the cold wind. Each winter, residents of Giao Ninh commune brave freezing waters to collect clams from concrete blocks exposed at low tide. Collected clams are sold on-site to traders as aquaculture feed, with some workers earning over $40 in a single afternoon.
Source:VietNamNet News
January 23, 2026 00:04 UTC
Apple may bring 200MP camera to iPhone - but not anytime soon
Photo: Appleinsider200MP iPhone could debut in 2028 - but don’t expect it soonRecent reports suggest Apple is considering a 200MP camera sensor for a future iPhone model, with the earliest possible launch timeline set for 2028. However, according to renowned leaker Digital Chat Station on Weibo, Apple hasn’t even begun prototype testing of the 200MP sensor. According to Digital Chat Station, the iPhone 2026 camera system may feature variable aperture - an innovation that would bring the iPhone experience closer to professional photography. 200MP project still in early material testingWhile prototype development has yet to begin, sources say Apple’s 200MP camera is currently in the materials testing phase. If and when the 200MP camera arrives, Apple will likely position it as more than a numbers game.
Source:VietNamNet News
January 22, 2026 23:03 UTC
Catholic community continues to stand by the nation, says deputy minister
Deputy Minister Nguyen Hai Trung visits Archbishop Nguyen Nang, President of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Vietnam, at the Archdiocese of Ho Chi Minh City. Photo: Nguyen HueSpeaking at the meeting, Deputy Minister Trung emphasised that the traditional Lunar New Year holds a sacred significance for all Vietnamese people. It is a time that embodies deep emotional values and a spirit of community, transcending religious differences. Addressing religious policy, Deputy Minister Trung reaffirmed that the Party and State consistently respect and guarantee freedom of belief and religion, creating favourable conditions for religious organisations to operate in accordance with the Constitution and law. Deputy Minister Nguyen Hai Trung visits the Executive Committee of the Evangelical Church of Vietnam (South).
Source:VietNamNet News
January 22, 2026 16:22 UTC
Vietnam eyes Asiad medals in esports and breaking
Vietnam's recreational esports industry sees growing potential for development. Vietnam’s recreational esports sector has officially set its sights on the 2026 Asian Games (Asiad), making the continental event its top priority for the year. The country also plans to host key esports and urban dance competitions at both regional and continental levels. A report from the Vietnam Recreational and Electronic Sports Association (VIRESA) highlights significant progress in domestic competition systems, achievements at international tournaments, and Vietnam’s growing presence in regional and continental esports bodies. In addition to training and participation goals, VIRESA aims to host esports and breaking events at the Southeast Asian and continental levels.
Source:VietNamNet News
January 22, 2026 16:07 UTC
Breakfast @ Tuoi Tre News — January 22
A dazzling artistic fireworks display during the full rehearsal for a special art program in Hanoi, January 21, 2026. -- At the working session on Wednesday afternoon, the 14th National Party Congress decided to shorten its working schedule by 1.5 days. Society-- Fireworks lit up the sky over My Dinh National Stadium in Hanoi on Wednesday night during a full rehearsal for a special art program titled ‘Under the Glorious Flag of the Party’ to celebrate the 14th National Party Congress. -- Police in An Giang Province, southern Vietnam on Wednesday afternoon, in coordination with relevant units, received 78 Vietnamese citizens handed over by the Cambodian side. Economy-- The domestic price of SJC-branded gold bars hit VND170.5 million (US$6,590) per tael for selling on Wednesday, soaring by VND4.4 million ($167) per tael against the previous session.
Source:Tuoitre News
January 22, 2026 13:44 UTC
Vietnam’s private sector enters new growth phase amid reform push
A unified focus on private enterpriseEchoing this view, Pham Minh Thang, CEO of ELCOM Technology and Telecommunications Corporation, emphasized that Resolution 68 identifies the private sector as a key engine of the economy. Targeting 3 million businesses by 2045The private sector is expected to grow 10–12% annually, with a greater GDP contribution and job creation. The private sector is expected to grow 10–12% annually, contributing increasingly to GDP and employment. Resolution 198 from the National Assembly has already transformed the spirit of Resolution 68 into actionable policy. He emphasized the need for strategic policies to help form medium- and large-sized pioneering enterprises.
Source:VietNamNet News
January 22, 2026 11:05 UTC
VN Buddhist Sangha highlights a year of global visibility and social commitment
A landmark year for the Buddhist SanghaDeputy Minister Nguyen Hai Trung speaks at the annual council meeting of the Vietnam Buddhist Sangha in Ho Chi Minh City. Photo: Nguyen HueThe year 2025 held particular significance as the Sangha prepared for its 10th National Buddhist Congress and celebrated the 45th anniversary of its founding. It also served to promote the image of the Vietnamese nation and people, offering a vivid testament to the consistent policies of the Party and State in ensuring freedom of belief and religion,” Deputy Minister Nguyen Hai Trung said. With this momentum, the Sangha enters 2026 with confidence and determination, striving to successfully organize the 10th National Buddhist Congress and affirm its spiritual and civic contributions to the country. On the same day, Deputy Minister Trung visited and extended New Year wishes to Most Venerable Thich Tri Quang, Supreme Patriarch of the Vietnam Buddhist Sangha, and representatives of the Minh Ly Dao Tam Tong Mieu religious organization.
Source:VietNamNet News
January 22, 2026 10:35 UTC