Last week, Viet Nam News asked readers for opinions on the loa phuong, the nation's public address system. We wanted to know if the broadcasts annoyed them or if they considered them still necessary.
Questions over heritage
The people of Duong Lam Ancient Village in Son Tay District, Ha Noi, recently triggered public debate when they asked for the town's national heritage listing to be removed.
Are local loudspeakers annoying you?
Loa phuong – the local loudspeaker network or public address system – has become a topic for discussion lately in Viet Nam, with many debating the need for its continued existence.
Swindlers must suffer if nation wants to portray positive image
Last week, Viet Nam News asked readers what Viet Nam can do to ensure foreign tourists leave with a good image of the country and access legal help if necessary.
Tourism revival: what does it take?
The head of the Viet Nam Tourism Administration recently made headlines by personally apologising to a tourist from Australia who was overcharged for a xich lo (cyclo) ride. She paid VND1.3 million (US$63) for the five-kilometer trip.
Cycling the answer to almost everything
Last week, Viet Nam News asked readers about whether Ha Noi People's Committee approves a proposal from the city's Industry and Trade Department to encourage local people to ride bicycles as one of efforts to save fuel, reduce pollution and traffic jams and give a much-needed boost to the domestic bicycle manufacturing industry. Here are some responses:
Travelling by bike to save Ha Noi
Ha Noi's Industry and Trade Department recently submitted a project to the municipal People's Committee encouraging local people to ride bicycles.
Dog meat spices up the conversation
Last week, Viet Nam News asked its readers whether Vietnamese diners should give up their custom of eating dog meat. This topic has really sparked a debate among our readers.
Should Vietnamese people give up dog meat?
Dogs and cats in Western countries are considered as pets and live with humans as friends or companions. However, in many countries such as China, South Korea and Viet Nam, dog meat is readily consumed and is cooked in various dishes. Vietnamese people, especially in the northern region enjoy this food.
Train services have room for improvement
Last week, Viet Nam News asked readers for their opinions on a plan to upgrade the speed of the current railway system and how Viet Nam can improve train services. Here are some responses:
Hoan Kiem lake trade centre plans draw mixed opinions
Last week, Viet Nam News asked readers for their opinions about the construction of a new trade centre at the corner of Tran Nguyen Han and Ly Thai To streets at the central historic site near Hoan Kiem (Returned Sword) Lake.

Hightlight

Disabled speaker inspires audience Disabled speaker inspires audience

More than 2,500 people attended a talk by Nick Vujicic, an inspirational speaker without arms and legs, at the White Palace Conference Centre in HCM City's Tan Binh District yesterday.

Crane accident leads to major power cut Crane accident leads to major power cut

A two-hour power failure caused by an incident on the 500kV north-south transmission line hindered road traffic in many southern provinces and HCM City yesterday afternoon.

Spread of hand-foot-mouth disease concerns hospitals Spread of hand-foot-mouth disease concerns hospitals

Hand-Foot-Mouth disease (HFMD) is now at its peak, having infected a total of 796 children in HCM City in April, an increase of 127 per cent against the same period last year.

US steel producers make dumping claim US steel producers make dumping claim

After welded steel pipes and steel wire garment hangers, now welded stainless pressure pipe from Viet Nam continue to face charges of dumping in the US.