oleh admin | Mar 27, 2025 | commerce, flying, transportation, Travel, vietnam
The high-speed ferry connecting Ho Chi Minh City and Con Dao Island, which can accommodate up to 1,017 travelers, is scheduled to restart services in mid-April following an absence of eight months.
The Phu Quoc Express Boat Company, which operates the service, stated that the ticket prices have stayed constant at VND615,000 to 1.1 million ($24-$43), varying based on seat category and time of departure.
The ship started operations in May of last year.
With a maximum speed of 35 nautical miles (over 60 kilometers) per hour, it takes approximately four hours to journey from Ho Chi Minh City to Con Dao, which is an island located off the coast of the southern province of Ba Ria-Vung Tau.
This vessel is the biggest high-speed passenger ship in Vietnam, measuring over 77 meters in length.
However, just weeks into operation, it was running below half of its intended capacity, leading the provider to halt the service in late July.
A number of travelers mentioned that the facilities and features aboard the ship were top-notch but
the
route from central Ho Chi Minh City to Hiep Phuoc Port
The point of departure for the vessel was distant, which made things rather inconvenient.
At present, individuals can reach Con Dao Island either by flying or by taking a ferry from Vung Tau town, which is approximately two hours away from Ho Chi Minh City.
The Con Dao archipelago consists of 16 islands, where Con Son Island is the biggest and the sole inhabited island, situated 185 kilometers away from Vung Tau.
The town boasts approximately 10,000 inhabitants and attracts many visitors each year.
oleh admin | Mar 25, 2025 | asia, public transportation, transportation, vietnam, world
The U.S.-based magazine TIME has included the metro line in Ho Chi Minh City on its list of the world’s most notable locations for 2025.
The inaugural Ben Thanh-Suoi Tien metro line in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam, commenced operations in December.
Stretching for almost 20 kilometers, this subway system includes 2.6 kilometers of tunnels beneath the ground, along with three subterranean stations and eleven raised stops. The project required an overall expenditure exceeding VND43.7 trillion (approximately US$1.72 billion). It boasts a fleet of 17 trains, each designed to accommodate as many as 930 riders, comprising 147 seats and space for 783 individuals who will be standing during their journey.
Travelers now have the option to avoid speeding motorcycles and congested roads to access well-known attractions like the French colonial Saigon Opera House, Nguyen Hue walking street, and the lively backpacker/nightlife area of Bui Vien.
TIME
editors wrote.
This listing includes various accommodations like hotels and cruises as well as attractions such as museums and parks. These options are divided into two groups: destinations for lodging and sites for exploration.
TIME
According to its website, ‘s editorial team assesses submissions considering criteria such as relevance, innovation, impact, and success.
The other Asian locations featured include the Zebun Nessa Mosque in Bangladesh, the Nintendo Museum Uji in Japan, the Beijing Library in China, the Eagle Hunter Cultural Center in Mongolia, and the Wangduechhoeling Palace Museum in Bhutan.
oleh admin | Mar 25, 2025 | asia, indonesia, singapore, Travel, vietnam
According to a report by VisaGuide.World, an online resource offering free visa-related information globally, Thailand, Malaysia, and the Philippines have been included among the top 40 nations most suitable for digital nomads.
In the rankings, Thailand secured the 31st spot, succeeded by Malaysia at position 32 and the Philippines at 36. The evaluation considered various aspects including internet speed, taxation rules, duration of tax exemptions, income prerequisites for visa applications, cost of living, quality of healthcare services, and tourist attraction levels.
Thailand is lauded for its rapid internet connectivity.
quality of healthcare service
And tourism popularity; meanwhile, Malaysia and the Philippines received high scores due to their affordable cost of living.
Last year, Thailand initiated the
Destination Thailand Visa
This enables digital nomads to remain for as long as 180 days and remains effective for five years. To apply, one must pay a fee of 10,000 baht (approximately US$283). Additionally, candidates need to demonstrate a minimum financial capability of 500,000 baht.
In October 2022, Malaysia launched a digital nomad visa initiative aimed at luring remote workers globally.
For eligibility, applicants must have an annual income of at least $24,000.
The digital nomad visa for the Philippines was launched in June 2023.
“Lum Kamishi, a project manager at VisaGuide.World, noted that digital nomads favor locations with pleasant climates and warm welcomes, particularly those frequented by many travelers,” he stated.
Spain topped the list as the premier destination for digital nomads, closely trailed by the UAE and Montenegro.
oleh admin | Mar 25, 2025 | business, job, job opportunities, jobs and careers, vietnam
BAT Vietnam, a global fast-moving consumer goods firm, offers employees a professional work environment along with a well-organized talent growth plan and a robust compensation program, which makes it an appealing option for those seeking career progression.
As Vietnam solidifies its role as a prominent location for foreign direct investment (FDI) within the international supply chain, jobs in operations are attracting more interest, especially from seasoned professionals.
The General Statistics Office reports that Vietnam continues to be a robust center for global investments, placing itself within the upper echelons of developing nations drawing Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) at an international level. Forecasts suggest that by 2025, enhancements in policies concerning foreign investment may attract even more financial resources. Consequently, this growth trajectory is broadening job prospects in niche sectors including production oversight, product validation, distribution networks, and inventory control systems.
Open field for talent
Operations management holds significant importance in fostering business expansion throughout Southeast Asia, particularly in Vietnam. Its criticality arises from the necessity to create effective systems aimed at lowering expenses, enhancing procedures, and boosting product quality. This field offers lucrative career opportunities for newcomers as well as seasoned professionals who have accumulated between four to five years of expertise.
A key driver behind the expansion in this industry is the growing number of foreign direct investment (FDI) companies operating within it. According to statistics provided by the Foreign Investment Agency in 2024, Vietnam hosted 42,002 active FDI ventures with disbursements reaching around $25.35 billion. This represents an annual rise of 9.4%, establishing a new peak level. Forecasts predict that these inflows might exceed $30 billion in 2025, luring more global firms and financiers into the market.
Moreover, Vietnam’s position within international supply networks has been reinforced through various free trade pacts like the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP), the European Union–Vietnam Free Trade Agreement (EVFTA), and the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP). Additionally, strategies such as “China +1” along with infrastructural improvements including the development of Long Thanh Airport and expansion projects at industrial zones in Hai Phong and Binh Duong have significantly enhanced the nation’s production capacities.
|
|
Vietnam’s position in international supply chains is bolstered by free trade deals. Image provided by BAT Vietnam.
|
As this increasing integration continues, it is creating more career prospects for Vietnamese professionals, especially in high-ranking roles that demand advanced skills in operations and business strategy.
Nguyen Thi Doan Trang, who leads operations at BAT Vietnam as the cluster head, emphasized how governmental policies influence workforce training and noted the rising requirement for skilled experts in the industry.
Trang states that effective operations management necessitates both sector expertise and competence in lean manufacturing, digital technologies, and comprehensive supply chain oversight to boost productivity and foster innovation. Additionally, she highlighted that strong leadership abilities are crucial for those at an intermediate stage in their career aiming for higher positions.
Moreover, as sustainability gains more attention, operations experts need to maintain high standards of quality control while working closely with various parties to synchronize their efforts with corporate goals and international developments.
Trang proposed that to remain competitive, professionals ought to synchronize their skills with growing fields like advanced technology production, sustainable businesses, and digital change.
“Vietnam offers chances for multinationals through trade deals and increasing foreign direct investment. Adopting Industry 4.0 technologies and broadening professional connections can boost career advancement,” she stated.
|
|
Acquiring pertinent abilities and keeping abreast of market trends will help operations professionals satisfy the requirements of their industry. Photo courtesy of BAT Vietnam.
|
Worldwide job openings at BAT
To bolster its worldwide team and tackle market difficulties, BAT Vietnam focuses on cultivating capable professionals who possess international experience.
Md. Jahid Shafique, who leads the Talent, Culture, and Inclusion efforts at BAT Vietnam, mentioned that the organization heavily commits to developing its workforce with an emphasis on three main areas: Care, Development, and Change. The objective of this approach is to cultivate talents for crucial roles as well as provide avenues for professional advancement.
In addition to career growth opportunities, BAT Vietnam also prioritizes employee wellness via programs like “LiveWell.” This initiative addresses various aspects of health including mental, physical, social, and economic wellbeing.
“Through the integration of individuals, ecosystems, and cultural aspects into our main strategy, BAT Vietnam fosters an inclusive work environment that promotes innovation and flexibility,” stated Shafique.
In order to cultivate a fair and progressive atmosphere, the organization has introduced several programs such as Diversity and Inclusion (D&I) training. By 2024, every member of their managerial staff had undergone instruction focused on recognizing biases and leading inclusively, with women occupying 47% of these leadership roles.
BAT Vietnam has similarly facilitated conversations about inclusivity and leadership growth, including initiatives like the Women in Leadership program, Cultural Diversity Day, and Inclusion Week. Staff members can engage in ongoing education via The Grid, their online training portal.
|
|
BAT Vietnam has hosted multiple events and conversations involving prominent local figures focused on inclusivity and enhancing the work environment. The image was provided by BAT Vietnam.
|
Moreover, staff members within BAT Vietnam’s operational division can participate in hands-on projects tied to sustainability (ESG) efforts. Such endeavors support the firm’s commitment to sustainable economic practices over the long term and enable workers to play a role in advancing environmental and societal programs as part of their job responsibilities.
The company also offers a dynamic environment that supports professional growth. Tran Hai Ha, a Project Process Improvement Lead at BAT Fiji, shared that since joining BAT Vietnam, he has worked in multiple roles within the company’s operations division, both domestically and internationally.
“Reaching leadership roles requires experiencing various workplace settings and making significant impacts via initiatives or exchange programs. Currently, I’m aiding in enhancing efficiencies at BAT Fiji,” Ha stated.
|
|
Rotational positions have enabled Tran Hai Ha (R), who leads project process improvements at BAT Fiji, to accumulate knowledge, skills, and cultural insight in various settings. The photo is provided courtesy of BAT Vietnam.
|
Working in an international setting has offered professionals such as Hai Ha a more defined path for their careers. At BAT, the company fosters a climate of empowerment, motivating staff members to assume leadership positions and thereby enhancing essential professional and management abilities.
For individuals aiming to advance their careers in operations, BAT Vietnam provides tailored training programs such as the Growth Academy, Career Navigation, and the Global Graduate Programme. These offerings showcase the organization’s systematic strategy for fostering professional growth.
As the field expands, experts need to acquire up-to-date skills and stay flexible towards new developments to guarantee enduring achievement in their professions.
oleh admin | Mar 24, 2025 | climate, meteorology, rain, vietnam, weather forecasts
This year, Vietnam can expect more moderate weather conditions, featuring hotter periods that will arrive later than typical along with above-average precipitation, as stated by the meteorological service.
The National Center for Hydro-Meteorological Forecasting has stated that from April through June, the ENSO climate event—known as the El Niño–Southern Oscillation, characterized by abnormally high sea surface temperatures in the central and eastern parts of the Pacific Ocean—is anticipated to remain neutral with a likelihood of 70-80%, affecting weather conditions across Vietnam.
Cold air waves will gradually weaken. Heatwaves in the northern and central regions will arrive later and be less intense than in previous years.
The temperatures in these regions are anticipated to rise starting from May.
|
|
A construction worker braving the intense heat in Ho Chi Minh City on April 9, 2024, as the temperature climbed above 40 degrees Celsius. Photo by VnExpress/Quynh Tran
|
In the Central Highlands and southern regions, heatwaves are forecast to begin later than usual in April bringing fewer days of extreme heat.
Generally, temperature levels throughout the nation will remain near their historical norms, with the exception of the northwestern region, where they could increase by 0.5-1 degrees Celsius higher than usual during May.
Even with the more favorable forecast, northern and central Vietnam will likely face extended periods of elevated heat during July and August, with conditions slowly improving as we move into September.
The wet season starting in April will result in substantial rainfall across the northern areas, north-central zones, Central Highlands, and southern parts of the region, with especially intense showers predicted for May and June.
It is anticipated that in the northern region, precipitation will be typical in April with amounts ranging from 70-120 mm in the flatlands and over 150 mm in the mountains.
In May, we can expect a rise in precipitation of around 5-10%.
In June, rainfall is expected to reach 250 mm, with certain elevated regions potentially getting up to 500 mm.
In the central area, precipitation in April should remain near average but might rise by 5-15% in May, totaling around 200 millimeters.
In the Central Highlands and southern areas, precipitation levels are expected to range from 5-15% higher than average during April and May.
From July through September, six storms are predicted to form over the East Sea, with three of them possibly reaching Vietnam’s shores.
|
|
Ha Long was left devastated following Typhoon Yagi in September 2024. Image courtesy of VnExpress/Giang Huy
|
In July and August, the northern region is expected to experience between 250-500 millimeters of rain. Precipitation levels for September should fall within the 150-250 millimeter range, consistent with typical amounts.
In the Central Highlands and southern regions, precipitation levels will range from 250 to 400 millimeters.
Vietnam endured
19 heatwaves last year
with temperatures surpassing long-term averages by 0.5-1.5 degrees Celsius.
On April 28, Dong Ha city in Vietnam’s central Quang Tri Province experienced a high of 44 degrees Celsius, marking the highest temperature observed in the month of April nationwide since 1976.
Last year, there were also 10 typhoons and one tropical depression recorded over the East Sea, out of which five made landfall.
Typhoon Yagi
was the most devastating, hitting Quang Nginh Province and Hai Phong City in the northern region with gusts of up to 166 km/h.
As Vietnam enters yet another uncertain year, officials caution that although severe heat might subside, the dangers posed by intense rainfall, storms, and floods continue to be significantly elevated.
oleh admin | Mar 24, 2025 | railway systems, train travel, trains, transportation, vietnam
In May, a train equipped with 20 recently designed luxurious carriages will commence operations, offering passengers a trip from Hanoi to Hai Phong.
The head of Hai Phong’s Department of Culture, Sports, and Tourism, Tran Thi Hoang Mai, stated that the high-end train is slated to start operations before May 13 in honor of the city’s 70th anniversary since being liberated from French rule.
The train consists of twoVIP carriages, with each carriage containing 16 individual reclining seats along with five sections of twenty-seater couches spread across three separate areas.
The premium compartments feature natural wood flooring, sophisticated interiors, complimentary Wi-Fi access, along with a bar area hosting live music shows.
The leftover 18 carriages provide 56 rotating seats, plastic flooring with carpets, stone-textured plastic walls, along with ornamental LED ceilings.
Authorities in Hai Phong anticipated that the new train would boost railway tourism and offer a distinctive experience for visitors.
The cost of tickets for the train has not been revealed yet.
In the last half-decade, the Hanoi – Hai Phong railway, covering a distance of 102 kilometers, has gained popularity as a destination for culinary excursions. Official figures show that in 2024, over 1.5 million travelers opted for rail travel between these two cities, marking an increase from approximately 1.4 million passengers recorded in 2023.
Lately, numerous high-end trains have been launched on routes to Vietnam’s top tourist spots, elevating the traveling experience for visitors.
