In the early days of 2026, Da Lat is bathed in romantic shades of pink as cherry blossoms burst into bloom across the city. More than just a signature flower, these blossoms have become a distinctive emblem of Da Lat's tourism brand, helping position the city as a "City of Spring" in the hearts of visitors.
Today, 19 May, marks the 136th birth anniversary of President Hồ Chí Minh. In Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia, every Monday morning, a schoolyard fills with songs about President Hồ Chí Minh, sung by Mongolian students themselves. The affection for Việt Nam and President Hồ Chí Minh continues to be preserved and passed on as long-lasting evidence of the bilateral friendship between the two nations.
Today, 19 May, Việt Nam commemorates the 136th birthday of the late President Hồ Chí Minh. More than half a century after his passing, his ideology continues to resonate far beyond Vietnam. Scholars and researchers worldwide affirm his ideas remain deeply relevant in today’s shifting global landscape - from diplomacy and international law to youth engagement and sustainable development.
A 5.2-magnitude earthquake struck Liunan District in Liuzhou City, Guangxi province, at 12:21 a.m. local time on 18 May, with a focal depth of 8 kilometres. The China Earthquake Administration activated an emergency response, dispatching a special task force to the scene to oversee search and rescue efforts, aftershock monitoring, and disaster relief work.
The Royal Canadian Navy frigate HMCS Charlottetown arrived in Đà Nẵng on 15 May for a four-day goodwill visit, aimed at strengthening friendship and mutual trust between Việt Nam and Canada. And as part of the four-day visit, alongside courtesy meetings, the delegation engaged in various meaningful community activities. These on-the-ground initiatives clearly demonstrate goodwill and efforts to deepen relations between the two nations.
Việt Nam's healthcare system is undergoing one of its most significant transformations in decades. The government has designated healthcare as a top-priority sector for digital transformation, targeting full adoption of electronic health records and high-tech equipment. In Hồ Chí Minh City, hospitals are embracing a new generation of tools that promise faster and more accurate patient care.
As festivals expand into larger public events, cities face increasing pressure to manage rising crowd densities and ensure safety. From religious festivals to tourism hotspots, more people are gathering in spaces not designed for such volumes. According to crowd safety expert Paul Wertheimer, how cities plan and respond now will determine whether these major events remain safe and sustainable in the years ahead.