Vietnam news in brief - February 23

China boosts Ca Mau crab imports

The price of female Ca Mau crabs has reached VND1.1 million (US$43) per kg, with total exports to China reaching $18.5 million in January, 18 times higher than in 2024, fueled by increasing demand during the Lunar New Year and Vietnam's competitive advantages in size, price and quality compared to Australia, the US and Canada. Currently, 80% of Ca Mau crabs go to China, making that country a key market.

Hanoi University of Science and Technology to host TestDaF exam

Hanoi University of Science and Technology will cooperate with the Institute for Academic Research Support and Test Development (g.a.s.t.) in Germany to organize the TestDaF German language test. The test will be available in both paper-based and computer-based formats, in compliance with g.a.s.t. regulations and Vietnamese law.

Vietnam ranks 4th in the 2025 Asian Shooting Cup

Vietnam won three gold, three silver and five bronze medals at the 2025 Asian Shooting Cup in Thailand, competing against more than 280 shooters. The team placed 4th among 22 countries, behind Kazakhstan, South Korea, and Singapore. This is a great achievement since Hoang Xuan Vinh won Vietnam's first Olympic gold in shooting in 2016.

Two Vietnamese hotels among the world's top 10 hotels in 2025

La Siesta Hoi An Resort & Spa and La Siesta Classic Ma May Hotel have been named among the top 10 hotels in the world in Tripadvisor's "Best of the Best" Traveler's Choice Awards 2025. La Siesta Hoi An was ranked 3rd and La Siesta Classic Ma May came in 7th.

Vietnamese street food among the best in Southeast Asia

Several Vietnamese dishes have made it onto Taste Atlas' list of the 100 best Southeast Asian street foods. Bun dau mam tom (fermented shrimp paste with fried tofu and rice vermicelli) received 4.1/5 stars, placing it at number 58. Other dishes such as chao long (pork offal porridge), nem lui (grilled pork skewers) and bo bia (Vietnamese spring rolls) were also featured, alongside popular dishes such as pho, banh mi and com tam (broken rice).

Bun dau mam tom (fermented shrimp paste with fried tofu and rice vermicelli) is a traditional Vietnamese dish. Photo: vanhoahoc.vn

Hand, foot and mouth disease vaccine to be introduced in Vietnam

Vietnam Vaccine Joint Stock Company (VNVC) has signed a cooperation agreement with Swiss pharmaceutical company Substipharm Biologics to introduce the EV71 vaccine against hand, foot and mouth disease in Vietnam. With a protection rate of 96.8%, it is recommended for children aged 2 months to under 6 years. As there is no specific treatment for the disease, both parties aim to ensure a stable vaccine supply and promote scientific research exchange to reduce the burden on the healthcare system.

Ninh Binh Tour ranked among top 10 experiences in the world in 2025

Ninh Binh Tour has been ranked 9th in the "Top 10 Best Travel Experiences in 2025" by Tripadvisor's Travelers' Choice Awards. The tour is praised for its stunning natural scenery and offers activities such as hiking, biking and visits to local villages.

New shooting club opens in Ho Chi Minh City

The Tan Binh Shooting Club was launched in Ho Chi Minh City on February 23 to provide a professional space for sports shooters and enthusiasts. The club also aims to organize sports shooting competitions and related events. This is the fourth shooting club under the Ho Chi Minh City Shooting Federation, which plans to open two more air rifle clubs in 2025.