Vietnam news in brief - May 2
THE HANOI TIMES — Let The Hanoi Times guide you to the hottest news from Vietnam.
Party Chief To Lam to visit Eurasian countries to boost bilateral ties
General Secretary of the Communist Party of Vietnam, To Lam, will pay an official visit to Russia, where he is scheduled to attend events commemorating the 80th anniversary of Victory Day (1945–2025). Following this, he will make state visits to Kazakhstan, Azerbaijan, and Belarus from May 5 to 12. The trip underscores Vietnam’s commitment to enhancing cooperation and deepening diplomatic ties with its Eurasian partners.
Military hospital completes three multi-organ transplants
During the April 30–May 1 holiday, 108 Military Central Hospital successfully carried out three multi-organ transplants from a brain-dead donor. Within just 50 hours, medical teams coordinated the retrieval and transplantation of a liver and two kidneys, saving the lives of three patients. The procedures not only honored the donor’s final wish but also highlighted Vietnam’s advancing capabilities in organ transplantation.
Quang Ninh, Kien Giang welcome over 640,000 visitors, generate $70M during holiday
Vietnam’s top holiday destinations saw a tourism boom during the April 30–May 1 break. Quang Ninh welcomed nearly 500,000 visitors, generating $52.4 million in revenue, with Ha Long Carnival 2025 and Ha Long Bay among key draws. Meanwhile, Kien Giang attracted over 143,000 tourists, including 63,000 to Phu Quoc Island, earning over $18 million. Both provinces reported strong year-on-year growth in visitor numbers and revenue.
Opening act: "Heritage Roundabout – Awakening the Wonder" in Halong Bay. Photo: Quang Ninh Media Group.
Tolling begins on five expressways
The Ministry of Construction has agreed to collect tolls on five public expressways - Mai Son-National Route 45, National Route 45-Nghi Son, Nghi Son-Dien Chau, Vinh Hao-Phan Thiet, and Phan Thiet-Dau Giay for seven years. Toll rates will range from $0.04 to $0.05 per km.
Buddha Shakyamuni’s relics arrive in Vietnam
The relics of Buddha Shakyamuni arrived in Vietnam on May 2 at Tan Son Nhat International Airport, transported by the Indian Air Force. This marks the first time the sacred relics have been brought to Vietnam, symbolizing both deep spiritual reverence and the growing cultural and diplomatic ties between Vietnam and India. The relics will be enshrined at the Vietnam Buddhist Academy in Ho Chi Minh City from May 6 to 8 as part of the UN Vesak 2025 celebrations.
Minister of Ethnic and Religious Affairs Dao Ngoc Dung, together with Buddhist dignitaries, at the Indian military aircraft to welcome the Buddha relics - a sacred and noble symbol. Photo: VGP
Berlin exhibition commemorates Vietnam’s 50 years of reunification
The "VIETNAM 75" exhibition, open in Berlin through May 7, commemorates the 50th anniversary of Vietnam’s reunification (1975–2025). Showcasing photographs, artwork, and eyewitness accounts from both Vietnamese and international participants, the exhibit pays tribute to the country’s resistance and highlights the enduring human cost of war. It offers German and global audiences a poignant, personal perspective on Vietnam’s struggle for reunification.
Venezuela art program celebrates President Ho Chi Minh’s legacy
The "Forever Ho Chi Minh" arts program will be held on May 21 at the Bolivar Theater in Caracas, Venezuela, to commemorate the 135th anniversary of the birth of President Ho Chi Minh (1890-2025). Venezuela's Vice Minister of Culture and renowned musician Ali Alejandro Primera will perform iconic songs in honor of President Ho Chi Minh, reflecting Vietnam's revolutionary legacy and deep ties with the Venezuelan people.
