In the highland villages of Lào Cai, the sound of the khèn remains a vital pulse of Mông cultural life. Breaking traditional gender norms, a young girl born in 2006 has dedicated herself to mastering this demanding instrument to preserve her family’s artistic lineage. Her passion serves as a refreshing highlight at local festivals, proving that the younger generation is committed to keeping ancestral melodies alive.
Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi delivered key foreign policy messages at a press conference during the fourth session of the 14th National People’s Congress in Beijing. His remarks addressed several major international issues currently drawing global attention.
8 March marks just over a week since the first coordinated strike on Iran by the US and Israel on 28 February. Vietnam Today looks at the ramifications this first week has had on regional stability and global supply chains.
Preparations are accelerating nationwide for the election of the 16th National Assembly and People’s Councils at all levels for the 2026 – 2031 term. With more than 73 million voters across over 72,000 polling stations, authorities are working to ensure citizens, from major cities to border and ethnic communities, are fully informed and ready to cast their ballots.
The conflict between Iran and the US and Israel has entered its fifth day. Both Israel and Iran say their recent attacks have inflicted significant damage on the other side. And on 4 March, many Vietnamese tourists travelling in the Middle East have safely returned home after several days of disruption to air travel.
It has been one week since this latest round of hostilities began, and the situation between Iran and the U.S. - Israeli alliance is only growing more volatile. The fighting has spread across the Middle East, drawing more countries in the region into growing instability.
Efforts by the United States Congress to limit U.S President Donald Trump’s authority to use military force in the conflict with Iran have failed. On 5 March, the United States House of Representatives rejected a resolution that would have required the White House to seek congressional approval before expanding military operations.
During the latest conflict in the Middle East, thousands of Vietnamese nationals have been stranded across the region, unable to continue their journeys. In these circumstances, Vietnamese embassies have served as a vital point of support, helping ensure Vietnamese passengers can resume their travel safely and as quickly as possible.
Since fishing trips often last at least 20 days, many fishermen spend far more time at sea than on land, especially during this month, the peak fishing season. In Khánh Hòa Province, home to a large number of offshore fishing vessels, local authorities have adopted flexible and practical ways to share election information with fishermen, ensuring they stay informed even while working far from shore.
National Assembly Vice Chairman Nguyễn Đức Hải on 6 March inspected preparations for the upcoming election at Vũng Áng Ward, Long Sơn residential area, and a polling station at the Formosa Hà Tĩnh Steel Corporation in Hà Tĩnh Province. He urged authorities to continue reviewing voter lists, particularly temporary workers employed at local enterprises.
In preparation for the European Commission's upcoming fifth inspection in mid-March, Vietnamese authorities are intensifying enforcement against illegal, unreported and unregulated (IUU) fishing. In Đắk Lắk province, strict legal actions have been taken against vessel owners involved in illegal exits and VMS tampering. These rigorous measures reflect Việt Nam's firm determination to comply with international maritime regulations and achieve the goal of having the EC's yellow card lifted.
Rising tensions surrounding Iran and fears of oil supply disruptions triggered sharp swings on Wall Street. Investors are growing increasingly cautious as they reassess market risks and the global economic outlook.
The ongoing conflict in the Middle East is beginning to affect global trade flows, including Việt Nam’s trade with Israel. Under the VIFTA free trade agreement, 92% of tariffs on Vietnamese goods were removed, helping push bilateral trade to 3.65 billion USD in 2025. However, disruptions to shipping routes through the Strait of Hormuz are now placing additional pressure on supply chains and trade between the two countries.
At the Mobile World Congress (MWC) Barcelona 2026 in Spain, the Viettel Military Industry and Telecoms Group (Viettel) announced plans to accelerate the research, development and commercialisation of 6G technologies developed and mastered by Viettel. The group has also joined a global strategic alliance initiated by Qualcomm Technologies, aimed at deploying 6G worldwide from 2029.
Starting in March, real estate properties in Việt Nam will be assigned a unique electronic identification code under Government Decree 357, giving each house or property a “digital ID” containing detailed information.
Also in the vein of digitalisation, concerns have been raised about the effectiveness of QR codes in tracing product origins, as not every code leads to reliable information. This is why the Ministry of Industry and Trade has introduced new regulations aimed at strengthening transparency through a fully digital traceability system.
The State Bank of Việt Nam has proposed raising the maximum deposit insurance payout to 14,000 US dollars, up from the current 4,800 US dollars, to strengthen depositor protection and boost public confidence in the banking system. If approved, the new cap would fully protect about 93.6% of depositors in cases where a credit institution goes bankrupt or cannot meet its payment obligations.
China has set its 2026 economic growth target at 4.5–5%, focusing on stability and high-quality development, as the country navigates global uncertainties and shifting supply chains while reaffirming its commitment to further economic opening.
The US and European stock markets rebounded on 4 March after oil prices stopped spiking and reports offered encouraging updates on the economy. The S&P 500 rose 0.8% and recouped most of its losses since the conflicts in the Middle East began.
As we go deeper into the first week with no signs of de-escalation as of yet, that anxious sentiment also shows in market responses. Financial markets turned sharply volatile in the latest session.
The conflict in the Middle East is disrupting international transport, trade flows and global supply chains. As a result, Viet Nam’s key agricultural exports, such as fresh fruit and seafood, are facing risks of quality deterioration due to prolonged sea transport times.
International Women’s Day 2026 (IWD 2026), under the theme “Rights, Justice, Action, for All Women and Girls,” focuses on dismantling the structural barriers to justice that have now extended into the digital world. While technology offers progress, it has also been weaponised, contributing to the rise of technology-facilitated gender-based violence, creating new frontiers for inequality and the infringement of personal boundaries
For traditional craft villages, the online space is not only about expanding markets, but also about preserving and sharing their local identity. Technology does not replace traditional values - it helps local products travel farther and reach more people.
A fruit vendor on Nha Trang’s beach has unexpectedly gone viral around the world, thanks to her unique sales call. Her cheerful call was filmed then later on caught the attention of a remix artist. He transformed her call into a lively track.
Across many areas of life, women are reshaping the world and breaking stereotypes in professions once considered unusual for them. For many, the real question is not who a job was traditionally meant for, but whether they truly enjoy it and choose to follow their own path.
Việt Nam is entering a new phase of digital elections, with technology now widely applied across election management. From voter lists to public communication, these changes help safeguard citizens' voting rights and enable voters to better understand the importance of the election.
As food waste becomes a growing global challenge, one initiative is turning discarded scraps into new resources, reducing emissions while supporting local communities. At a local sustainability festival in Ho Chi Minh City, visitors can enjoy "green" cuisine and experience a food waste recycling model run by the Green Hero initiative.
In celebration of International Women’s Day, the Việt Nam Women’s Museum is hosting a poignant solo exhibition titled "Touching the Untouched". The showcase features the work of Dương Linh Đan, a hearing-impaired artist who translates her unique worldview into delicate lacquer art.
“NOBODY FIGHTS ALONE” The pink ribbon is the international symbol of breast cancer awareness, and at a fundraiser at Bevvy in West Lake, Hà Nội, these pink bows serve as a unifying element, connecting people in support of breast cancer patients in Vietnam.
On International Women's Day, the fresh flower market is becoming increasingly busy as demand rises. Bouquets and floral arrangements in soft colours and moderate price ranges remain the most popular choices among customers.
When it comes to enriching the spiritual life of senior citizens in Việt Nam, many people think of clubs or lively community spaces filled with cultural activities. Yet within their homes, many older adults quietly nurture deeply personal artistic passions.
In the highland villages of Lào Cai, the sound of the khèn remains a vital pulse of Mông cultural life. Breaking traditional gender norms, a young girl born in 2006 has dedicated herself to mastering this demanding instrument to preserve her family’s artistic lineage. Her passion serves as a refreshing highlight at local festivals, proving that the younger generation is committed to keeping ancestral melodies alive.
Hundreds of traditional áo dài designs from across Việt Nam lit up the opening night of the Hồ Chí Minh City Áo Dài Festival at Nguyễn Huệ Walking Street.
Việt Nam has a long tradition of woodblock printing, and to celebrate that heritage, the State Records and Archives Administration of Việt Nam opened a new exhibition on 3 March titled “Admiring Imperial Annotations – Experiencing Woodblock Printing.”
Minh Hằng is a well-known Vietnamese pop singer and actor recognised for her long-standing influence in the country’s entertainment industry. The singer attracts attention when unexpectedly revealing a new MV called "Hoa Hồng Ai Vun Trồng" ("Who cultivated these roses"). The song is scheduled for its official release on 3 March.
About 25 kilometres west of Hà Nội lies a craft village with more than 400 years of rattan and bamboo weaving. Today’s artisans are not only preserving this traditional art, but also reinventing it with creativity and passion, transforming humble materials into distinctive works embraced worldwide. As environmental awareness grows, these natural products are finding themselves in even greater demand than ever.
K-pop girlgroup BLACKPINK is making their comeback on Friday with their third mini album “Deadline.” This marks the group’s first full-group album over three years. The project serves as the concluding chapter of their massive world tour.
As Việt Nam moves to realise these cultural goals, digital technology is increasingly seen as the bridge connecting heritage preservation with global outreach. That said, one of the key highlights of Resolution 80 is opening a new direction by identifying the development of culture in the digital space as a key task.
In Việt Nam, spring is not only the start of a new lunar year, but also the season of traditional festivals. About 20 kilometres from central Hà Nội, the Đậu Pagoda Festival is one of the region's most notable spring celebrations, drawing large crowds over three days, from the 8th to the 10th day of the first lunar month.
The 2026 Yên Tử Spring Festival officially opened on Thursday morning in Quảng Ninh Province. This is the first festival since the Yên Tử - Vĩnh Nghiêm - Côn Sơn, Kiếp Bạc complex was recognised by UNESCO as a World Cultural Heritage site, marking an effort to honour and promote its unique spiritual and cultural values.
Every year on the ninth day of the Lunar New Year, people from across the region gather at the Gò Thì Thùng Tunnel, a national historical site in Dak Lak Province, to watch a traditional horse race.
A growing number of young people are heading outdoors to reconnect with much older traditions. Ho Chi Minh City ranks third in Asia Pacific for nightlife, according to the 2025 Asia-Pacific Best Cities report. But beyond the lively streets and neon lights, a quieter, more intimate city emerges after dark - one that is inspiring photographers in unexpected ways.
Emotions have always influenced how people spend
In Vietnam, the day doesn’t wait for the alarm, at 5 a.m. the streets are already alive with aunties and uncles stretching, dancing, and turning dawn into a daily celebration of community. For many expats, it’s a culture shock at first, but it’s also a beautiful glimpse into the energy, connection, and rhythm that shape life here.
Once a month, a group of young volunteers come together to clean homes, prepare warm meals, and personally deliver financial support to elderly people living alone
In recent years, a growing number of foreigners have chosen Việt Nam as their home in retirement. From the tranquil seaside city of Đà Nẵng and the historic charm of Hội An, to the vibrant yet affordable pace of Hồ Chí Minh City and the year-round sunshine of Nha Trang, the country offers a diverse range of lifestyles for retirees.
Music is a universal language, a gentle yet profound thread that connects people across cultures. For British musician Will Killen, Vietnamese melodies have become the bridge drawing him to the peaceful town of Hội An (Đà Nẵng City).
In January 2026 alone, international arrivals to Phú Quốc soared nearly 123 percent year-on-year. The festive period, coinciding with peak season for overseas travellers, has provided a golden opportunity for Phú Quốc to accelerate growth this year, particularly as it gears up to host APEC 2027. With coordinated efforts from authorities, businesses, and local residents, Phú Quốc is strengthening its appeal, further elevating Vietnam's position on the global tourism map.
It used to be that making a hit record required an expensive studio, a team of engineers, and months of work, but that human-only barrier is officially coming down. Artificial intelligence is rapidly reshaping the music industry, transforming the way songs are composed, produced, and experienced. AI is increasingly central to the modern music ecosystem, influencing both technical workflows and consumer experiences.
Once seen as a classical, niche pastime, horseback riding is now gaining popularity among urban families in Vietnam. Riding clubs across the country report a steady rise in young learners, as the sport becomes not only a form of physical exercise but also a way to build essential life skills.
Robots performing martial arts in China have captured widespread attention in recent days. This Lunar New Year, humanoid robots have appeared across major Chinese cities writing calligraphy and taking part in spring festival performances.