Vietnam news in brief - April 30
Stay tuned to The Hanoi Times for the latest updates on Vietnam.
Vietnam repatriates 260 citizens from Myanmar
Additional 221 Vietnamese citizens have been safely repatriated from Myanmar, bringing the total to 260 as of April 29. Vietnam is working to repatriate more and is warning against fraudulent overseas jobs. For assistance, contact the Vietnamese Embassy in Myanmar (+95 9660888998) or Thailand (+66 898966653).
Vietnam seminar held at Latin America's largest university
The seminar “Vietnam – A New Development Era” has opened at Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México (UNAM) to mark 50 years of Vietnam Reunification Day. The event drew scholars and students to discuss Vietnam's global role. There included the "Vietnam Corner" and a photo exhibition to promote the country's culture and history to the Mexican public and academic community.
Vietnam welcomed 11.7 million international arrivals in Q1
Vietnam welcomed 11.7 million international arrivals in Q1, up 13.3% and over 9 million domestic travelers, up 3.6%. The surge in international tourism and lower fuel prices boosted the nation flag carrier Vietnam Airlines’ performance, with consolidated revenue reaching nearly US$1.24 billion.
Free meals for visitors to Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum
Hanoi prepared 110,000 free meals, including bottled water or milk and bread, for visitors to the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum on the 50th anniversary of national reunification (April 30), the 135th birthday of President Ho Chi Minh (May 19), and the 80th anniversary of the founding of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam (September 2). The program, held on major national holidays, reflects the city's hospitality and promotes Hanoi as a "friendly, high-quality, attractive" destination.
Ho Chi Minh City leads Vietnam in foreign direct investment in 2024
By the end of 2024, Ho Chi Minh City maintained its status as Vietnam's leading FDI hub, hosting 13,620 active FDI projects with a total registered capital of US$58.96 billion, accounting for 32.4% of the country's total projects and 11.7% of the capital, surpassing Hanoi (7,574 projects and US$42 billion registered capital). Thanks to its dynamic economy, strong technology sector, and liveable environment, the city continues to attract global investors and drive Vietnam's sustainable growth and international integration.
Lai Chau targets 1.5 million tourists in 2025
The northern province of Lai Chau targets 1.47 million visitors in 2025 under a new tourism stimulus program that aims to generate US$48.2 million in revenue and increase arrivals by 8.5% compared to 2024. With its advantages as home to 20 ethnic groups and stunning natural landscapes, the province will boost tourism through events such as Culture and Tourism Week (Q4), promotional campaigns in Cantho (Q3), trekking tours and digital marketing to showcase its cultural and environmental treasures.
Quang Ninh welcomes 1,700 Japanese cruise tourists
Quang Ninh, home to one of the world's wonders, Ha Long Bay, welcomed 1,700 mostly Japanese tourists aboard the Pacific World cruise ship on April 30 - its first charter cruise from Japan to Ha Long. The visitors joined sightseeing tours in Ha Long Bay and Yen Duc Village. The event marked a milestone in cruise tourism, strengthening ties with Japan and confirming Quang Ninh's appeal to high-spending international travelers.
Veteran photojournalists donate 100 rare war photos to National Archives
The National Archives Center III on April 30 received nearly 100 rare photos of the war against American from war reporters Dinh Quang Thanh and Tran Mai Huong. These images vividly capture both the harsh realities and the indomitable spirit of the Vietnamese people. The collection helps preserve historical memory and educate future generations about patriotism and national unity.

An army tank entered the Independence Palace on April 30, 1975. Photo: Tran Mai Huong