Vietnam news in brief - March 24

Hoi An is the safest place for solo travel: Smoky Mountains

Foreign travellers in the old town of Hoi An, Quang Nam province. Photo: Vietnam News Agency

The old town of Hoi An in the central coastal province of Quang Nam is the safest destination for a 7-day solo travel. With a crime rate of just 6.25, Hoi An tops the table, while Peru's capital Lima has the highest crime rate of 84.51.

Hoi An is also one of the top 15 most expensive destinations for solo travellers. According to Smoky Mountains, a 7-day trip to the old town can cost a tourist around US$2,000 due to high airfares.

Binh Thuan to build new tourism site in three coastal districts

The central coastal province of Binh Thuan has approved a plan to turn three coastal areas in Tuy Phong, Ham Thuan Nam and Ham Tan districts into special tourism sites. The three areas will cover a total of more than 5,000 hectares and are expected to give a big boost to the socio-economic growth of the province and districts.

Binh Thuan has set a target to develop five tourism areas by 2030. The province targets to welcome 16 million travelers and record an income of VND63 trillion ($2.54 billion) by the year.

Local airlines asked to keep fares stable: Ministry of Transport

Amid a shortage of aircraft that has undermined the operation of the aviation sector, the Ministry of Transport has asked local airlines to not increase their fares without permission. It also asked Vietnam's airlines to prepare for increased travel demand, especially during national holidays on April 30 and May 1.

The airlines are advised to upgrade their fleets, hire more aircraft, take drastic measures to deal with any breaches and improve safety monitoring.

Vietnamese leaders send messages of condolences after terrorist attack in Moscow

Vietnam's Acting President Vo Thi Anh Xuan and senior officials on March 23 sent their condolences to the Government and people of Russia following the terrorist attack at Moscow's Crocus City Hall the day earlier. On the same day, Foreign Ministry spokesperson Pham Thu Hang said that Vietnam strongly condemns the attack and that those responsible for the attack will be severely punished.

According to the Vietnamese Embassy in Russia, no Vietnamese nationals were reportedly injured or killed in the attack. The embassy strongly advises Vietnamese in Russia to stay away from public places and to contact the Embassy at +79166821617 or the Vietnamese authorities at +84981848484 if they need assistance.

Chemical group Duc Giang to inaugurate new complex in June

Chemical producer Duc Giang plans to start construction of its new plant complex in Nghi Son Economic Zone, Thanh Hoa Province in June 2024. The complex will cover a total area of 30 hectares with a total investment of VND12 trillion ($484.4 million).

The planned capacity of the complex is 136,000 tons of chemicals per year, making it the largest in Vietnam. It is expected to create about 1,500 jobs for local people and generate annual revenues of VND10 trillion ($403.7 million).