VNA
HCM City suspends all hydrofoils for inspection
The People’s Committee of Ho Chi Minh City has decided to suspend the operations of all hydrofoils in the locality for inspection.
The first two-deck high speedboat Green-lines DP was piloted on the Saigon River on August 16 to replace the old hydrofoils that had been used between HCM City and the southern coastal city of Vung Tau.
The boat, which costs 1 million USD, was designed by Vietnamese engineer under European standards. It plans to officially begin operating in November 2015.
The boat, manufactured with two engines, is expected to save fuel and be safer than the old speedboats.
The boat, which can run at 55-60 km/h, takes one hour and 15 minutes to travel from HCM City to Vung Tau.
A one-way ticket costs 250,000 VND (11.5 USD).
At the pilot testing, Deputy Minister of Transport Nguyen Nhat said that local businesses would conduct research and manufacture two-engine high speedboats to replace the 20-year hydrofoils.
"We'd like to support these boats to serve passengers as soon as possible," he said.
The Government has plans to develop domestic waterways to reduce traffic congestion on roads.
In early 2014, one hydrofoil of Vina Express travelling from HCM City to Vung Tau caught fire while on the Saigon River. On board were 92 passengers, most of whom were foreigners.
After the accident, all the hydrofoils were repaired or upgraded, and were taken out of use. Some of them were later permitted to run the HCM City-Vung Tau route.-VNA
Related News
Old hydrofoils may be scrapped
The Ministry of Transport has asked Prime Minister Nguyen Tan Dung to continue the suspension of hydrofoils between Ho Chi Minh City and the southern province of Ba Ria-Vung Tau to ensure passenger safety.
Hydrofoil services to resume by month-end
The Ho Chi Minh City’s government has approved a resumption of hydrofoil services between the City and Vung Tau by the end of this month after nearly one year of interruption, according to a local newspaper.
See more
ও Hanoi prioritises charging infrastructure to drive green transport
Hanoi is advancing green transportation as part of its sustainability goals but faces challenges like limited charging infrastructure, inconsistent regulations, and high electric vehicle costs.
𓄧 AO victims overcome enduring pain, show unyielding will to live
Vietnam has over 4.8 million people exposed to AO/dioxin, including hundreds of thousands in the second, third, and even fourth generations. Many live with severe disabilities, facing high medical costs and loss of earning capacity.
൩ Deputy FM inspects amnesty preparations ahead of 80th National Day
Deputy Foreign Minister Dang Hoang Giang reaffirmed that amnesty is a humanitarian policy of the Party and State, reflecting the Vietnamese tradition of compassion and winning attention and high praise both domestically and internationally.
🅠 Vietnam grants visa-free entry to high-profile foreigners
Vietnam officially grants limited-term visa-free entry to high-profile foreigners whose presence is deemed beneficial to the country’s socio-economic development.
🌳 Vietnamese community in Russia fosters cultural identity, language integration
With support from the Vietnamese Association in Ufa, Vietnamese language classes for children have been offered for many years. Currently, 60 children of various ages are attending two classes taught by Duc Anh, free of charge.
🔯 Vietnam among top four at 2025 International AI Olympiad
Vietnam ranked among the top four countries and territories at the 2025 International Olympiad on Artificial Intelligence (IOAI), reaffirming its strong position in international academic competitions.
♋ All 20 crew members safely rescued from fire on Vietnamese oil tanker
All 20 crew members aboard the Vietnamese oil tanker GT Unity were successfully rescued from a fire in the vessel’s engine room, thanks to the swift response of the Liberian-flagged ship Androusa and Vietnamese maritime rescue teams.
💛 Belgium vows support for Vietnam in overcoming AO consequences
Describing Agent Orange as one of the most severe and enduring legacies of the war in Vietnam, Vietnam's former Honorary Consul to Belgium Joseph-Michel de Grand Ry warned that its impact – still affecting generations more than five decades later – could last another two to three decades.
“I Love My Country” media campaign launched
Running from August 4 to September 2, under the hashtag #TuHaoVietNam, the campaign invites participants in two categories: “I Love My Country” video clips and “I Love My Country” check-in photos.
𝕴 New regulations on issuing work permits for foreign workers in Vietnam
Decree No. 219/2025/ND-CP, which took effect on the issuance date, introduces amendments that integrate the procedure for reporting and explaining the demand for foreign workers into the process of submitting applications for work permits.
With a tight 13-month deadline, the move is under a strategic and urgent policy to bridge educational gaps, train the local workforce, and shore up territorial sovereignty in some of the country’s most remote areas.
🎐 Hanoi police rehearse for ‘Festival for a Peaceful Capital’ parade
The parade and personnel send-off ceremony will officially take place on August 10 at the area surrounding the Statue of King Ly Thai To and Dinh Tien Hoang street of Hoan Kiem ward, with the participation of nearly 3,000 officers, soldiers, and local residents.
ꦦ Tour boats in Ha Long Bay to complete AIS installation by August 15
According to national technical regulations, AIS installation is mandatory for boats carrying more than 50 passengers. However, operators of smaller vessels (under 50 seats) in Ha Long Bay have voluntarily committed to completing installation by the deadline to enhance operational safety.
ꦰ Numerous activities to honour, promote Vietnamese language
The activities include a Vietnamese language teaching training course for overseas Vietnamese teachers from August 13 to 28 in Hanoi, Ninh Binh, and Thai Nguyen.
♌ Quang Ninh ready for rescue operations in Ha Long Bay in case of emergencies
Specifically, the ships will carry out patrols from 7am to 6pm daily along the main tourist routes in Ha Long Bay, with one ship permanently stationed at Ti Top island. From 6pm to 7am the following day, the mobile vessels return to Tuan Chau island to maintain a 24/7 on-call duty shift, ensuring constant readiness.
ܫ Ministry plans to put 208km of key expressways in use by August 19
The Ministry of Construction (MoC) plans to open to traffic 208km of expressways of six key projects by August 19, bringing the country’s total expressway network to 2,476km.
💫 Handling surplus public assets: Difficult but crucial task
As of July 1, a two-tier local government model started in 34 provinces and cities, streamlining administration but creating a surplus of public properties. If not promptly addressed, these assets could become a financial burden.
🌸 Chinese children explore Vietnam at Beijing exchange
Whether they grow up to become journalists, diplomats, or professionals in other fields, these children can one day become bridges of friendship and cooperation, telling new and inspiring stories of Vietnam – China relations, said Ambassador Pham Thanh Binh.
💧 Da Nang: Indian tourist survives drowning scare thanks to swift response
A 21-year-old Indian tourist was successfully resuscitated and treated by doctors at Hoan My Da Nang Hospital after a near-drowning incident left him in critical condition. After three days of intensive care, the man was discharged from the hospital and has since returned to India.
ꦿ Prime Minister requests urgent actions to support residents affected by natural disasters
In an document issued on August 5, the PM emphasised the need to stablise living conditions for people hit by floods, landslides, and flash floods in late July and early August in northern and north-central provinces, especially Dien Bien, Son La, and Nghe An which suffered some of the worst damage.
