Vietnam’s population hits 100 million mark

Vietnam’s population has reached 100 million, ranking third in Southeast Asia after Indonesia and the Philippines and 15th in the world, the General Statistics Office reported.

Of these, 49.9% were male and 50.1% were female. Life expectancy was 73.7 years in 2023, with male life expectancy at 71.1 years and female life expectancy at 76.5 years, behind only Singapore (83), Brunei (78), and Thailand (76).

First-ever international youth arts festival to be held in August

The first-ever international youth arts festival is slated to take place this August in the central city of Danang to spread the message of friendship and provide a platform for young people from Vietnam and other countries to showcase their talents.

The festival is expected to attract 200-300 participants from Vietnam and 7-10 international youth delegations. It seeks to encourage cultural contacts between Vietnamese and foreign youth, honor international arts, and highlight Vietnamese artistic talent.

"Friendship Pine Garden inaugurated in Ho Chi Minh City

The Ho Chi Minh City Union of Friendship Organizations (HUFO) and the consulates general of countries in the southern metropolis inaugurated the "Friendship Pine Garden" at Suoi Tien tourist area in Thu Duc City on July 6.

The garden, covering 10,000 square meters with more than 700 pine trees, is to commemorate the 35th founding anniversary of HUFO [July 29, 1989 - 2024]. At the inauguration ceremony, 35 pine trees were decorated with name plates of 25 consulates general of countries in Ho Chi Minh City and 30 friendship associations members of HUFO.

Ten reasons why Russian tourists should visit Vietnam

The Vietnam National Authority of Tourism (VNAT) has listed ten reasons why Russian tourists should visit the country at least once in their lives.

Hoan Kiem Lake, surrounded by lush greenery, is like a "lung" in the heart of Hanoi, a safe, peaceful and beautiful city of Vietnam. Photo: Pham Hung/The Hanoi Times

These include safe scenic spots, many beautiful natural landscapes, unique cultural values, food paradise, friendly people, world-class resorts, stunning bays, cultural festivals, affordable prices, exotic local markets, and mysterious destinations for adventurers. "Russia is a major source of tourists to Vietnam, with more and more Russian tourists wanting to explore the country's rich history and unique culture," the VNAT said.

Danang opens beach flower walk

The central city of Danang has opened a beach flower walk on Son Tra Peninsula with colorful flowers, plants and art installations.

Inspired by sea creatures and tropical flowers, the beach flower walk is expected to become a photographic attraction for local residents as well as domestic and foreign tourists.

 Work starts on Quang Tri airport project

Construction of the VND5.8 trillion (US$227 million) Quang Tri Airport project in central Vietnam began in Gio Linh District on July 6. The airport is expected to be completed by July 2026.

The project, which has been approved by the Prime Minister and will be built as a public-private partnership, will cover an area of 265 hectares. The airport will be built in two years and its operator will have 48 years to operate and collect airport taxes to recoup the investment.

Vietnam ready for 2024 Southeast Asian Amateur Golf Championship

A golf team from Vietnam will compete in the 2024 Southeast Asian Amateur Championship in Singapore on July 9-12, according to the Vietnam Golf Association (VGA).

Golfers will compete for individual and team trophies in four categories. Vietnam has many young golfers who have great potential to show their skills in the international arena, the VGA said, adding that the Vietnamese team aims to win four to five medals, including one to two gold medals.

Pangolin released into the wild in Binh Phuoc

A 9-kg Sunda pangolin (Manis Javanica), an endangered species, was released into the wild by forest rangers in Vietnam's south-central Binh Phuoc province on July 5.

The pangolin was found in a rubber plantation. After being cared for by the forest rangers, its health was stable and it was released back into the wild in accordance with regulations. Pangolins are the most illegally traded animal in the world.