Vietnam news in brief - June 5
Discover what’s shaping Vietnam today with The Hanoi Times.
Vietnam posts $4.67 billion trade surplus in first five months
Vietnam recorded a trade surplus of $4.67 billion in the first five months of 2025, with total trade turnover rising 15.7% year-on-year to $355.79 billion, official data showed. Exports reached $180.23 billion, while imports stood at $175.56 billion. China remained the country’s largest trading partner, and the United States its top export market.
Vietnam offers peaceful alternatives for global travelers
The Independent (UK) has featured Mu Cang Chai, Mui Ne, Bai Tu Long Bay, Phong Nha, Quy Nhon, and Da Lat for their unspoiled nature, rich cuisine, and vibrant local culture. Travel journalist Katie Lockhart highlighted these destinations as ideal for eco-conscious travelers seeking peaceful and authentic experiences in Vietnam.
Mu Cang Chai in the northern province of Yen Bai is known for its stunning rice terraces. Photo: Nguyen Tuan Nghia
Hanoi spends over $2.5 billion on preschool education
From 2018 to 2025, Hanoi spent over US$2.5 billion developing its preschool education program. The city now has 1,160 preschools and leads the nation with 100% enrollment for five-year-olds. Hanoi is one of ten localities to have universalized preschool education and is the only locality to have piloted a high-quality early childhood education model for children aged three to five.
HCMC offers free metro service to disadvantaged commuters
The southern city will from June to December offer free metro passes on the Ben Thanh-Suoi Tien line to disadvantaged students and workers to promote the city’s modern and compassionate image while encouraging the use of public transportation. The 14-station metro line, which opened in December 2024, offers 200 trips per day.
Hanoi expands electric transit for greener mobility
Hanoi has launched electric bus route No. 43 from the city center to Dong Anh District. Operated by VinBus, Hanoi's 17th electric bus route highlights the city's dedication to sustainable urban transportation and environmental preservation. The city aims to have all public buses use clean energy by 2030, aligning with global green mobility trends.
Over 2,400 people join Danang’s World Environment Day
More than 2,400 people in Danang joined the city’s Month of Action for the Environment to celebrate World Environment Day on June 5. Activities included cycling parades, recycling programs, and coastal cleanups. Notably, 1,800 workers from 11 companies helped clean up Nguyen Tat Thanh Beach. This campaign highlights Danang's commitment to sustainable development and international environmental cooperation.
Quang Nam hosts paragliding event to boost heritage tourism
The “Connecting the Sky” paragliding show being hosted by the central province of Quang Nam on June 5-6 features 21 pilots from Vietnam and 10 from Thailand, Laos, Australia, and New Zealand. The event, which is part of the “Green Heritage 2025” tourism campaign and aims to promote paragliding as a new tourism activity in UNESCO-recognized Hoi An, offers a unique aerial view of the province’s iconic cultural landscape.
The paragliding show and competition takes place at Hoi An Impression Theme Park. Photo: vietnamtourism.gov
VNPT Cyber Team ranks 3rd at Global Cybersecurity Championship
VNPT Cyber Immunity placed in the top three at the 2025 International Cybersecurity Championship in Russia, outperforming 116 teams from nearly 30 countries. VNPT was Vietnam’s sole representative in the finals and earned the highest group-stage score of 7,200 points. This achievement highlights Vietnam’s strong capabilities and practical readiness in cybersecurity, which is a strategic pillar of digital sovereignty.
