Vietnam news in brief - February 4

Ho Chi Minh City wants more power to get projects done

Ho Chi Minh City's central area. Photo: Huy Chuong/The Hanoi Times

Major socio-economic development projects in Ho Chi Minh City have stagnated because several tasks are beyond the city's authority, forcing it to embark on a lengthy process of seeking instructions from the government and ministries, Mayor Phan Van Mai said on 3 February. He called on central authorities and the government to give the city more power to make its own decisions on project implementation.

Agreeing with Mai's suggestion, Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh encouraged the southern city to take proactive measures needed for the projects. He also asked ministries to provide full support to the city and solve problems without hesitation.

Taste Atlas names four Vietnamese chicken dishes among the best in Asia

Chicken Braised with Lemongrass and Chilli, Chicken Curry, Shredded Chicken Salad and Boiled Chicken are among the 65 best chicken dishes in Asia, according to global food review website Taste Atlas. The four dishes are ranked 36th, 39th, 57th and 60th respectively.

Among the four dishes, boiled chicken is often prepared for the Tet holiday and other important events in Vietnamese culture. The dish represents wealth and prosperity.

Vietnamese to travel for Tet instead of staying home: Outbox survey

Vietnamese between the ages of 35 and 44 plan to travel instead of staying at home for the Tet (Lunar New Year) holiday, according to a survey released by insights company Outbox. The survey shows that 44.5% of respondents have paid for their trips, and trying local cuisine is the biggest draw for tourists.

Notably, almost half of respondents will travel to other Asian countries during Tet. Their spending is expected to be almost triple that of those planning to travel domestically.

Tet recreation in Hue brings back memories of traditions and customs

A four-day Tet recreation event is underway in the central coastal city of Hue, giving locals and visitors an overview of traditional activities and customs. The event, which ends tomorrow (5 February), involves 36 communes and wards in the city and 70 businesses and organisations showcasing more than 200 of their outstanding products.

It is part of Thua Thien Hue Province's Four Seasons Festival 2024 to share love and support for underprivileged people, poor families and children to enjoy a happy Tet.

Corals growing again on Nha Trang's Hon Mun Island

Corals around Hon Mun Island in the coastal city of Nha Trang in Khanh Hoa Province have shown signs of recovery, the city authorities announced on February 3. The corals were damaged by a storm in 2021 and suffered from global warming.

In late 2022, the province and Nha Trang City developed a plan to rehabilitate the corals, which attracted the attention and consensus of people and businesses. Under the plan, local authorities have stepped up marine surveillance, stopped tourist activities in sensitive areas and punished illegal exploration.