Spring Calligraphy Festival 2026 opens in Hanoi
The Spring Calligraphy Festival 2026 opened at Van Lake within Hanoi’s historic Van Mieu – Quoc Tu Giam (Temple of Literature) on February 11, marking the start of a series of cultural and art events leading into the Lunar New Year celebrations. The festival will run daily from 8:00 to 22:00 through March 1, corresponding to the 13th day of the first lunar month. This year’s event also coincides with the 950th anniversary of Quoc Tu Giam, Vietnam’s first national university, reaffirming the Temple of Literature’s foundational role in the nation’s educational tradition and its centuries-old tradition of honouring educators and nurturing talent in the historic cradle of Thang Long – Hanoi. A central attraction remains the traditional New Year calligraphy request activity, featuring 35 booths staffed by calligraphers selected through a rigorous, transparent evaluation process. Visitors can also explore an exhibition on the millennium of learning, together with two thematic displays titled “Horse returns to the city” and “Stone steles forever in history”./.
Source:VietNamNet News
February 12, 2026 00:58 UTC
Cardamom & commerce: new life on the border
An aerial view of a corner of the Ka Lang border area. Meanwhile, Pa Thang village, where 100 percent of households are Ha Nhi ethnic people, is also changing day by day. The prosperity of border communities here also stems from long-standing friendly relations with residents across the Vietnam-China border. The new pace of life in the border area is also nurtured by border markets, where trade, culture, and cuisine blend into colorful market sessions. Ma Lu Thang border gate economic zoneBeyond the prosperity of individual villages, Lai Chau is pursuing a broader vision: developing the Ma Lu Thang Border Gate Economic Zone into a strategic trade hub for the Northwest region.
Source:VietNamNet News
February 11, 2026 23:53 UTC
Ministry of Finance clarifies new gold bar tax amid market concerns
109/2025, adopted by the National Assembly, a 0.1% tax will be levied on each transfer of gold bars. The clarification follows concerns raised by Ho Chi Minh City’s Delegation of National Assembly deputies, which warned the tax could affect citizens' legitimate rights, increase transaction costs and risk unsettling the gold market. "The regulations were thoroughly reviewed and approved by the majority of National Assembly deputies," the ministry said in its response to the National Assembly's Committee for People's Aspirations and Supervision. The ministry is working with the State Bank of Vietnam and other relevant agencies to determine the taxable threshold, which will be specified in the decree. From October 10, 2025, the State monopoly on gold bar production was removed as part of efforts to liberalise the market and enhance competition.
Source:VietNamNet News
February 11, 2026 23:27 UTC
Telehealth brings central-level expertise to district-level operating rooms
To date, over 1,700 medical staff from 18 out of 19 satellite hospitals of the National Hospital of Obstetrics and Gynecology have received continuous training. Alongside technology transfer, Telehealth has become a “lifeline” in many critical obstetric cases, enabling real-time coordination in emergency treatment. Anh stated that in 2025, the National Hospital of Obstetrics and Gynecology chaired 24 consultation sessions, connecting more than 200 points across 96 units in 32 provinces and cities. Therefore, the hospital pioneered the "Comprehensive Guidance" model, successfully implemented at Nam Dinh Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital, Hoa Binh General Hospital, and others. When Telehealth is integrated with EMR and HIS, upper-level doctors can evaluate patient records even from hundreds of kilometers away.
Source:VietNamNet News
February 11, 2026 22:02 UTC
Vietnam’s tycoons see wealth surge, Pham Nhat Vuong up $2.6 billion
According to Forbes, Pham Nhat Vuong’s net worth rose by $2.6 billion, or 11.6 percent, on February 11 to reach $24.9 billion, placing him 94th globally. Capital has gradually shifted from gold and real estate back into equities amid expectations of stronger economic growth. Foreign capital could accelerate into Vietnam on expectations of a stock market upgrade from emerging to advanced emerging status. Pham Nhat Vuong has recently entered the steel sector with VinMetal, while Hoa Phat, Hoa Sen and Ton Dong A are branching into industrial real estate and social housing. The stock market is forecast to attract larger capital flows as alternative investment channels become less appealing.
Source:VietNamNet News
February 11, 2026 19:00 UTC
Breakfast @ Tuoi Tre News — February 11
Traditional red three-sail junks, once familiar to generations of Vietnamese through school textbooks but rarely seen in real life for around three decades, sail in Ha Long Bay, Quang Ninh Province, northern Vietnam, February 2026. -- Pet grooming and care shops in Nha Trang, south-central Khanh Hoa Province are operating at full capacity ahead of the Lunar New Year as demand surges for pre-holiday makeovers for dogs and cats. Ho Chi Minh City-- Ho Chi Minh City has tightened health controls at air and sea entry points by remotely screening the body temperature of all arriving passengers and stepping up citywide surveillance to prevent the spread of the Nipah virus, authorities said. -- A Ho Chi Minh City court on Tuesday sentenced 11 defendants to prison terms of up to two years and nine months for causing public disorder after they staged and filmed a coffin-carrying procession near Ben Thanh Market to promote clothing on TikTok. Sports-- The Vietnamese women’s national football team lost 0-2 to China in an international friendly match played on Tuesday evening in Shenzhen.
Source:Tuoitre News
February 11, 2026 13:37 UTC
People's Artist: leaders’ cultural understanding creates national resilience
People's Artist Bui Cong DuyIn the report on documents submitted to the 14th National Party Congress presented by General Secretary To Lam, the word “culture” is mentioned 14 times. Culture is also placed at the center of the national development architecture, as a spiritual foundation, an endogenous strength, a resource, and a driving force for development. VietNamNet spoke with People’s Artist Bui Cong Duy, Deputy Director of the Vietnam National Academy of Music, about this issue. How do you, as an artist, feel about the Party and State’s emphasis on culture and the arts? I believe that a country whose leaders understand culture and love the arts, especially classical music, is truly blessed.
Source:VietNamNet News
February 11, 2026 11:04 UTC
Samsung bets big on AI with Galaxy S26 launch this February
Samsung has officially announced that its flagship Galaxy S26 series will be unveiled at the Galaxy Unpacked 2026 event, scheduled to take place on February 25 in San Francisco, USA. According to Samsung, the Galaxy S26 marks a shift toward a more personalized and intuitive user experience. As in previous years, the Galaxy S26 series is expected to include three variants: the standard Galaxy S26, the larger S26+, and the top-tier S26 Ultra. The Galaxy S26 Ultra is shaping up to be the most powerful model in the lineup. The Galaxy S26 will likely debut at $799, making it a strong contender in the increasingly competitive flagship market.
Source:VietNamNet News
February 11, 2026 06:43 UTC
Giant galloping horses by the sea: Vung Tau reveals Tet mascots
As Tet (Lunar New Year) 2026 draws near, a striking trio of giant horses has taken shape in Vung Tau, standing tall in a dramatic “galloping into the sea” formation. These vibrant mascots are the centerpiece of the city's upcoming spring flower festival. Located at Bai Truoc Park in Vung Tau Ward (Ho Chi Minh City), the installation features three horse figures, each approximately 8 meters high and 10 meters long. Nguyen Thi Hoa, a Vung Tau resident, shared her excitement: “I feel festive just watching them come together. If it’s completed in time for Tet, I’m sure it will be a major check-in spot.”The flower festival space is divided into two main zones.
Source:VietNamNet News
February 11, 2026 06:13 UTC
Vietnam’s U23 earn spot at Asiad 20, U20 to represent in Japan
Vietnam’s U20 team will replace the U23 squad to represent the country at the 2026 Asiad. Under this agreement, all 16 teams that competed in the U23 Asian Cup will receive automatic entry into the Asiad. On the women’s side, 12 teams participating in the AFC Women’s Asian Cup 2026 this March will also qualify directly for Asiad 20. Despite U23 Vietnam securing the ticket, the players who won bronze at the 2026 U23 Asian Cup will not be competing in Japan. His contract with VFF is set to end after the AFC Women’s Asian Cup in March.
Source:VietNamNet News
February 11, 2026 04:43 UTC
The king’s Tet: Royal ceremonies return to Thang Long Citadel
Within the framework of the program, organizers recreated several representative rituals associated with the 23rd day of the twelfth lunar month. Most prominent was the Tien lich ceremony. This rite symbolized the king conferring the calendar upon the people on behalf of Heaven. After compilation, the calendar was submitted to the king for approval. According to ancient custom, on the 24th day of the twelfth lunar month, the court held the solemn Tien lich ceremony in the dragon courtyard of Kinh Thien Palace.
Source:VietNamNet News
February 11, 2026 04:38 UTC
Traditional junks return to Vietnam’s Ha Long Bay, stir memories, tourism hopes
It has since been seen mainly in museum displays, including at the Quang Ninh Museum. The boats were widely used in Ha Long Bay in the 1990s but later fell out of operation. Photo: SuppliedThree of the red-sailed boats are currently operating near the shoreline as part of a program along Ha Long Bay, which runs from February 14 to February 22. Tourism workers in the area say the boats were once a distinctive image of the bay and helped attract repeat visitors. Traditional red three-sail junks, once familiar to generations of Vietnamese through school textbooks but rarely seen in real life for around three decades, sail in Ha Long Bay, Quang Ninh Province, northern Vietnam, February 2026.
Source:Tuoitre News
February 11, 2026 04:31 UTC
Quantum, AI, cybersecurity: FPT’s $100M bet on Vietnam’s tech edge
Photo: PVThe agreement was formalized among FPT Corporation, the Quantum AI & Cyber Security Institute (QACI), and the University of Engineering and Technology under Vietnam National University, Hanoi. The goal: to foster training, research, and development of high-quality human resources in strategic technology domains vital to Vietnam’s future. According to the agreement, the two sides will focus on developing talent in key sectors such as artificial intelligence, quantum computing, and cybersecurity. Our university stands ready to accompany and implement specific joint tasks starting now.”Founded on December 13, 2025, QACI is one of the first quantum research centers led by a Vietnamese enterprise. FPT has pledged a $100 million investment into the institute, focusing on practical solutions to national challenges in quantum technologies, AI, and cybersecurity.
Source:VietNamNet News
February 11, 2026 04:12 UTC
Street food safety tightened ahead of Tet: Fines up to $120 for violations
The Ministry of Health has issued a new directive urging provincial and city governments to tighten food safety control on street food businesses, warning that violations such as uncovered food or direct hand contact with ready-to-eat items may now incur fines of up to $120. 848/BYT-ATTP, calling on local authorities to enhance monitoring of food safety at mobile food stalls and roadside eateries. Some fail to wear gloves or masks when handling cooked items, and many have not undergone proper food safety training. Vendors must be trained in food safety, remain free from infectious diseases, and operate far from pollution sources. Violations such as leaving food uncovered or handling it with bare hands can now result in fines ranging from USD 20 to USD 40.
Source:VietNamNet News
February 11, 2026 03:43 UTC
VN tech giants urge government to keep power rates unchanged for data centers
Previously, 100% of Vietnam’s data centers were charged at production-use rates, which are lower and more stable. This spike, according to the tech firms, threatens the financial viability, pricing structure, and expansion plans of data centers nationwide. Further concern has been raised by reports that multiple data centers are currently under review for similar reclassification. Data centers are production infrastructure, not retail servicesThe five tech companies argue that data centers should be treated as “digital infrastructure factories,” operating more like industrial complexes than commercial shops. Data centers, they note, consume power around the clock, maintain high-load stability, and require complex, layered technical systems for cooling, backups, and monitoring.
Source:VietNamNet News
February 11, 2026 03:38 UTC