Weekly highlights: Locally cooked sun-dried squid named among world’s top tastes

The iconic Reunification Express of Vietnam has been named the number one experience on Lonely Planet’s newly released list of the 24 most incredible train journeys to book in 2025.

Lithuanian President Gitanas Nauseda and his spouse Diana Nausediene, along with a high-ranking delegation of Lithuania paid an official visit to Vietnam from June 11-12 at the invitation of State President Luong Cuong. This historic official visit, the first by a Lithuanian head of state since the establishment of diplomatic relations in 1992, marks a significant milestone and opens up new opportunities for cooperation, especially in areas where both sides have strengths and needs.

This past May, on the sidelines of the world-renowned Cannes Film Festival, the Vietnam National Authority of Tourism joined hands with the Vietnam Association for the Promotion and Development of Cinema to host a seminar titled: “Vietnam – The Dynamic Market in Asia and the New Destination for Global Film Productions.” One of the hottest topics at the seminar was how to support international productions filming in Vietnam — with discussions on incentives, permits, and infrastructure.

French President Emmanuel Macron and his spouse departed Hanoi on May 27 afternoon, concluding their state visit to Vietnam from May 25 to 27, made at the invitation of Vietnamese State President Luong Cuong. This marks the first visit to the Southeast Asian nation by a French President in nearly a decade, and the first high-level exchange between the two countries since the upgrade of bilateral ties to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership in October 2024.

What began as a father’s handmade gift for his toddler has turned into an extraordinary journey of craftsmanship and creativity. Truong Van Dao, a Vietnamese carpenter with a passion for cars, has captivated global audiences by transforming blocks of wood into stunning, fully functional replicas of luxury vehicles — including Lamborghinis, Rolls-Royces, and even tanks. With over 20 wooden builds and a nod from Audi, Dao’s story is a powerful blend of tradition, innovation, and a father’s boundless love.

Golfer Le Chuc An has made history, becoming the first Vietnamese player named in the Rolex Women’s World Golf Rankings.

VinSpeed Joint Stock Company has officially registered to invest in Vietnam’s North–South high-speed railway project, proposing a total investment of 61.35 billion USD and pledging to begin construction before December, with full operations expected by December 2030.

Using the airbrush technique, Trinh Minh Tien skilfully recreated the image of Hanoi’s St. Joseph’s Cathedral reflected on a rain-covered car window — all on the surface of a car bonnet. Through Thuy Phu, the artist seeks to convey the Buddhist concept of impermanence, illustrating the ceaseless transformation of history through human-built architectural imprints.

The United Nations Day of Vesak 2025 took place from May 6-8 at the Vietnam Buddhist Academy in Ho Chi Minh City.

A grand parade in celebration of the 50th anniversary of the Liberation of the South and National Reunification (April 30, 1975-2025) was held solemnly and impressively in Ho Chi Minh City’s District 1, on April 30 morning, with the participation of more than 13,000 people.

April marks the time when the entire nation of Vietnam comes together to celebrate the 50th anniversary of national reunification. Amid the joy of the Vietnamese people are the voices, stories, and heartfelt sentiments of international friends—those who have dedicated their lives to supporting Vietnam. In this podcast, we share the story of a remarkable witness to history: Hélène Luc, Honorary Senator of France, who has stood by Vietnam for over 70 years with unwavering and unconditional love.

Minister of Industry and Trade Nguyen Hong Dien, head of the Vietnamese government trade negotiation delegation, on April 23 evening held a phone call with United States Trade Representative Jamieson Greer to officially launch talks on bilateral economic and trade issues between Vietnam and the US.

At the invitations of General Secretary of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of Vietnam To Lam and President of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam Luong Cuong, General Secretary of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of China and President of the People's Republic of China Xi Jinping paid a state visit to Vietnam from April 14 to 15, 2025.

Vietnamese is more than just a language—it is a bridge to our roots, culture, and traditions. In today’s podcast, we’ll hear stories from Vietnamese language classes in Australia, Thailand, and Russia to better understand the efforts made by overseas Vietnamese communities to preserve the language for future generations and to bring Vietnamese culture closer to international friends.

The US has agreed to begin negotiations on a reciprocal trade agreement with Vietnam, as proposed by Vietnamese Deputy Prime Minister Ho Duc Phoc at his meeting with US Trade Representative Jamieson Greer on April 9.

US President Donald Trump has announced a 46 percent reciprocal tariff on certain goods imported from Vietnam, the second highest among all exporting countries to the US. On April 3, Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh urged ministries and agencies to adopt a flexible and effective approach in addressing trade challenges.

In March 2025, Hanoi authorities officially approved plans to demolish the Shark Jaw to expand the Hoan Kiem Lake area and Dong Kinh Nghia Thuc Square. This marks a key step in the city’s urban renewal efforts, aiming for sustainable development. The municipal government has instructed relevant agencies to expedite the clearance process, with demolition set to be completed by April 30.

The Drug Crime Investigation Department under the Ministry of Public Security has successfully dismantled a large-scale synthetic drug production facility that used advanced technology.

A rare weather phenomenon surprised locals and visitors as thick frost blanketed Ta Xua Peak in Ban Cong commune, Tram Tau district, Yen Bai province. The frost formed overnight on March 18 and lasted until around 7:30 a.m. on March 19.

Across the vast rice paddies of Hong Ngu, where combine harvesters work tirelessly, a more timeless scene still unfolds—buffalo carts moving at their own unhurried pace, carrying heavy sacks of rice to collection points.