No culinary guide to autumn in Hanoi is complete without ripe dracontomelon (sấu chín). Street vendors carry bamboo trays laden with this golden fruit through the Old Quarter from late summer into early fall. While sour green dracontomelon stars in duck stews and sour soups, the ripe variety turns mellow and sweet, transforming into an addictive street-side snack.

Vendors peel the firm, golden fruit and carve it into a spiral pattern. Eaten fresh with chili salt, each bite delivers a mild sweetness layered with a tart punch and a prickle of heat. This balance makes ripe dracontomelon one of the capital’s most craved seasonal treats.

Starting in September, as summer heat fades, locals begin harvesting and processing young sticky rice into cốm (green rice flakes). Street vendors carrying baskets of fragrant green rice reappear along tree-lined boulevards. Sellers carefully wrap each portion in fresh lotus leaves to seal in the earthy, delicate aroma.

Rolled pho (phở cuốn) offers a light, refreshing bite tailored for Hanoi’s crisp transitional weather.

The dish charms diners by borrowing the refined aesthetic of classic steamed rice rolls (bánh cuốn). Yet rolled pho stands out with its thicker, chewier sheets of uncut rice noodles, rolled tightly around stir-fried savory beef and fresh herbs—a hearty profile traditional rice rolls simply lack.

Dried beef salad (nộm bò khô) is another autumn staple deeply tied to Hanoi’s Old Quarter. The combination of shredded green papaya, chewy sweet-and-savory beef jerky, toasted peanuts, and fresh herbs tossed in a balanced fish-sauce dressing creates an appetizing dish that tempts travelers at first glance.

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Speaking at a conference hosted by restaurant management platform iPOS on September 9, Brand Director Nguyen Do Anh Quan noted that drinking habits are solidifying and spending levels are climbing. The historical consumer logic of choosing cheaper drinks as consumption frequency rises is reversing. Customers are willing to absorb higher prices for perceived value and preferred brands, Quan explained.

The findings come from an iPOS first-half market report surveying nearly 1,000 respondents across 15 provinces, concentrated in Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, and Da Nang. Daily consumption surged from 13.6% in late 2025 to 19.2% in 2026, signaling that daily beverage purchases have become an ingrained consumer routine.

Shifting consumer habits have expanded overall ticket sizes. The proportion of customers spending under 35,000 VND ($1.40) dropped sharply from 41.6% to 29.4%. Conversely, the mid-tier 36,000–70,000 VND ($1.45–$2.80) range expanded from 48.3% to 61.8%, capturing the majority of market demand.

The 36,000–50,000 VND bracket experienced the fastest growth, rising from 33.4% to 40.3%. According to iPOS, this sweet spot sits between budget and lower-mid tiers. When chains raised menu prices, most consumers accepted the increase rather than cutting consumption.

Budget outlets face the greatest operational squeeze. Demand for drinks priced between 21,000 and 35,000 VND fell from 34.4% to 24.6%. Analysts noted that these operators are caught in the middle: they cannot match the ultra-low pricing of street kiosks selling 7,000–15,000 VND milk tea, yet lack the ambiance and service quality to move upmarket into the mid-tier segment.

Meanwhile, the premium tier exceeding 70,000 VND dipped slightly from 10.1% to 8.8%. This shift demonstrates that discretionary spending is not rushing into luxury outlets, but consolidating firmly within the mid-market.

Analysts attribute this trend to habit retention. Once customers settle on a preferred brand, they prioritize consistency over hunting for new, trendy venues. While design-heavy cafes may secure initial foot traffic, repeat visits depend on dependable product quality and service speed.

This customer loyalty benefits premium chains like Starbucks and Every Half as both aggressively expand outlets across Tier-1 cities. The report highlighted that over 80% of daily consumers either maintained their habits, upgraded to higher-end brands, or bought more drinks. Within this daily cohort, 17.3% spend over 70,000 VND per cup, valuing operational speed, taste consistency, and comfortable seating over marginal price savings of 10,000–15,000 VND.

Macro indicators compiled by iPOS and Nestlé Professional mirror this resilience. Vietnam’s food and beverage sector generated an estimated 432.7 trillion VND ($17.3 billion) in the first half of 2026, up 6.55% year-on-year from 406.1 trillion VND, outpacing the 5.5% growth recorded across 2025.

However, broader structural factors contributed to this revenue expansion. The Lunar New Year holiday fell entirely within mid-February, concentrating peak festive spending in the first half. Concurrently, General Statistics Office data showed consumer prices rose 4.38% year-on-year, pushing up menu pricing across the sector.

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At that moment, Trang was busy shampooing a customer’s hair when the delivery driver pulled up outside. Unable to step away, she called toward the back: “Teo, go help me pick it up!”

Recognizing his owner’s familiar cue, Teo dashed straight from inside the house to the front door. The dog approached the courier, took the package between his teeth, and carried it back inside. Every move looked smooth and practiced, as if running errands were part of his daily routine.

Online viewers flooded the comments with praise for the dog’s quick wit. Some jokingly dubbed Teo the salon’s “delivery clerk,” while others wondered how Trang trained him to follow instructions and help out so reliably.

Speaking with Dan Tri reporters, Trang shared that Teo is an eight-month-old male dog. His mother was also exceptionally clever, though dognappers unfortunately stole her in the past.

Trang brought Teo to Ho Chi Minh City as a young puppy. She spends substantial time caring for him and considers him a core member of her family.

The dog has lived with Trang since puppyhood. (Photo: Provided by subject)

From an early age, Trang trained Teo through simple daily routines, such as potty training, obeying commands, and retrieving household items.

Around two months ago, she began teaching Teo how to collect packages whenever a courier arrived. At first, she called his name and guided him directly to the delivery person to grab the parcel. Repeating this exercise daily soon turned the chore into second nature.

Before long, Teo began reading situations on his own. Whenever he spots a courier pulling up, he trots outside proactively. Even while resting indoors, a single call from his owner sends him dashing out to help.

Because he interacts with salon clients every day, Teo remains bold, friendly, and well-socialized. He never chews furniture or barks aimlessly indoors. Still, he keeps his guard up around strangers whose faces remain entirely hidden behind tight masks.

As a local Vietnamese mixed-breed dog, Teo requires simple care. His diet consists mostly of rice paired with meat or fish, and he even enjoys balut eggs as occasional treats.

To protect Teo’s health and ensure salon safety, Trang keeps him fully vaccinated. For her, Teo represents far more than an ordinary house pet—he has become a loyal companion who understands her daily pace and eases her workload through small, helpful acts.

(Source: Dan Tri Newspaper)

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Currently pursuing her studies at Ningxia University in China, 22-year-old Mai Ngoc Linh faces a regular routine of classes and personal commitments this September 2. Unable to immerse herself in the festive holiday crowds back in Vietnam, Linh embraces a quieter way to remember her roots.

“Living and studying overseas, I feel a pang of regret missing out on the joy and excitement of this major national holiday,” Linh said. “This year, I plan to write in my journal, reflecting on what Independence Day means to me and expressing my gratitude to our national heroes, especially our beloved Uncle Ho.”

Far from home, Linh reflects on her heritage through her own quiet rituals on Independence Day. Photo: Courtesy of interviewee

What Linh misses most while abroad is the sight of the national flag—the yellow star against a field of red—draping streetscapes back home. Linh recalled that last year, during Vietnam’s 80th National Day milestone, she watched live broadcasts of the national military parade from afar.

“My heart swelled with pride watching those moments unfold,” she said.

Young overseas students find meaningful ways to keep their cultural roots alive. Photo: Provided by Khanh

In South Korea, 25-year-old Nguyen Yen Quyen, a student at Myongji University, finds alternative ways alongside other Vietnamese peers to craft an authentic holiday atmosphere. Together, they stream commemorative festivities and follow updates from Vietnam.

“When you are so far away, small comforts—speaking our mother tongue, reminiscing about home, or sharing photos of Vietnam on September 2—make us feel instantly closer,” Quyen shared. “We often gather at Vietnamese-owned coffee shops or restaurants to talk, share a meal, and bridge the distance. Everyone has their own way of celebrating, but the common thread is a shared pride in our identity.”

Keeping the Name “Vietnam” Close at Heart

For Nguyen Quoc Khanh, a 24-year-old student at Inje University in South Korea, this marks his second Independence Day spent away from home. While September 2 remains an ordinary school day, Khanh carves out time to follow domestic news, call his family, and reflect on his heritage.

Quoc Khanh carries his love for his homeland throughout his academic journey abroad. Photo: Courtesy of interviewee

“What stays with me most is the sea of red flags fluttering along every road,” Khanh noted. “When living in Vietnam, it was such a familiar sight that I took it for granted. But living abroad, seeing those images across my phone screen makes me feel the sacred weight and pride of our homeland much more deeply.”

Khanh added that he often meets up with fellow Vietnamese friends after class to share home-cooked Vietnamese meals, discuss their lives as expatriates, and trade stories about home.

“No matter how far I travel, whenever someone asks ‘Where are you from?’, I feel immense pride answering, ‘I am from Vietnam,’” Khanh said. “Living abroad taught me that your homeland is not merely where you were born; it is a permanent piece of your identity.”

Further east, in Japan’s Aichi Prefecture, 26-year-old worker Nguyen Dinh Nhat maintains his usual work shift, as the holiday lands on a regular weekday. Over his five years in Japan, almost every September 2 has unfolded as a standard workday.

“Even so, I always look toward home during major holidays by following social media updates and reading the news to stay connected with the celebrations back home,” Nhat remarked.

Living overseas, Nhat realized that patriotism often surfaces in the simplest acts: speaking Vietnamese, bonding with fellow countrymen abroad, learning more about national history, and proudly declaring his Vietnamese heritage wherever he goes.

(Source: Thanh Nien Newspaper)

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Dispute Over Passenger Limits Sparks Violent Attack

According to initial reports from the Cong Ly (Justice) newspaper, Dat parked his vehicle outside the Lin Lounge 79 venue at 2:20 AM to pick up passengers. Shortly after, a group of four passengers entered the car, including three women and one man. Furthermore, all four individuals showed clear signs of heavy alcohol intoxication. Two women squeezed into the front passenger seat, while the remaining woman and man occupied the rear.

After the driver refused to carry excess passengers, the group attacked him. (Photo: Video screenshot)

Trouble started immediately as the vehicle began to move. Specifically, the two women in front demanded that Dat turn back to pick up more friends. However, the driver refused, explaining that traffic laws strictly limit his vehicle to four passengers. In response, the intoxicated group hurled profanities and repeatedly punched Dat in the face and head.

Brutal Street Pursuit and Emergency Escape

Terrified by the sudden aggression, Dat opened the driver’s door and fled toward the lounge. Meanwhile, the passengers exited the car and chased him alongside several other accomplices.

Police records indicate that the mob used fists, heavy boots, wooden sticks, and a traditional bamboo water pipe (dieu cay) to beat Dat until he collapsed in the street. Nevertheless, the injured driver managed to break free. He rushed inside a private karaoke room and barricaded himself to survive the onslaught. Around 3:00 AM, another taxi driver discovered Dat and rushed him to the Mong Cai Regional Hospital for emergency treatment.

After exiting the vehicle, the driver continued to face severe physical assaults from the mob. (Photo: Social Media)

Police Interrogate Seven Suspects

Regarding the investigation, VTC News reported that law enforcement summoned seven suspects for questioning. These individuals include Ha Thuy V. (38), Do Thanh T. (48), Ha Ngoc L. (35), Nguyen Thi Mai Tr. (31), Le Trung K. (32), Dang Ngoc L. (31), and Nguyen The M. (20).

All suspects currently reside across Mong Cai 1, Mong Cai 2, Bai Chay, and Ha Long wards. At present, investigators are evaluating the victim’s injuries and establishing each suspect’s legal liability to proceed with criminal charges.

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On August 17, the People’s Court of Can Tho City decided to send back the case file for additional investigation regarding Ky Joshua Dung-Huu and Chau Ngoc Bich, both indicted on charges of “fraudulent appropriation of property.”

The trial panel determined that the prosecution lacked sufficient evidence to prove the criminal conduct of Dung-Huu and the accomplice role of Chau Ngoc Bich, noting that these evidential gaps could not be addressed directly in the courtroom.

Earlier, on June 18, 2026, the court had brought the case to a first-instance trial and similarly ordered the case file returned to the municipal People’s Procuracy for further investigation.

According to the indictment, around October 2020, nine fishing vessels owned by D.T.H. and L.T.T. (residing in the Vung Tau area) were seized by Indonesian maritime law enforcement while operating in overlapping waters between Vietnam and Indonesia.

Seeking a way to retrieve the seized vessels, another shipowner, H.H.A., consulted with L.T.T. Through mutual acquaintances, A. learned that D.T.H.’s family had faced a similar situation in 2018. D.T.H. then introduced A. to Ky Joshua Dung-Huu (commonly known as Ky), a U.S. citizen married to a Vietnamese national and residing in Ho Chi Minh City.

During their meeting, H. and A. asked Ky to help retrieve the nine impounded vessels. Ky pledged to secure the release of the boats within one month at a cost of 1 billion VND per vessel. A. subsequently transferred 9.45 billion VND (approx. $380,000 USD) to Bich, Ky’s niece-in-law.

After receiving the money, Ky allegedly failed to carry out the agreed retrieval efforts. Instead, he instructed Bich to spend the funds on personal expenses, including house rent, car purchases, daily operations, and capital contributions to other businesses.

When the boats failed to return, A. repeatedly contacted Ky. The defendant initially offered excuses, avoided inquiries, and eventually severed all contact.

The indictment further alleged that in 2018, Ky promised to extend a $3 million business loan to an enterprise run by D.X.H. Ky claimed his wife held the funds at a bank in Singapore and argued that early withdrawal would incur a 1-billion-VND penalty. He asked H.’s company to cover this fee to release the loan.

Trusting the arrangement, H. transferred 900 million VND to Ky’s wife’s account. However, Ky never disbursed the promised $3 million.

Additionally, around May 2020, Ky approached T.T.T.H. to propose a joint venture chartering oil tankers from Singapore to Vietnam amid pandemic-related logistical disruptions. Believing the proposal, H. made two transfers totaling 1.95 billion VND. When she demanded her share of profits and loan repayment, Ky delayed repeatedly before cutting off communication.

Source: Tuoi Tre Newspaper

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Rising Scams and Exploitation During Peak Harvest

Recent reports from local residents highlight pickpocketing and theft during the Dak Lak Durian Festival 2026. In response, local authorities deployed extra officers to protect crowded areas.

On August 17, the Dak Lak Provincial People’s Procuracy indicted 34-year-old Nguyen Duy Anh Vu from Hanoi for fraudulent asset appropriation. In 2023, Vu posed as the owner of two unfenced orchards belonging to his father and cousin. He signed fake purchase contracts, collected deposits, and stole over 6 billion VND ($240,000 USD) to fuel online gambling habits. Some victims lost up to 400 million VND each. Authorities urged buyers to verify land ownership before depositing funds.

Sellers also fall prey to deception. On August 20, prosecutors indicted Nguyen Thi Nhan (35, from Bac Ninh). Posing online as an officer from the Ministry of Public Security, Nhan ordered over 416 kilograms of durians worth 41.6 million VND. She took the shipment without paying and used fake social media accounts to borrow and misappropriate hundreds of millions of dong from the victim.

Police also received fraud complaints regarding Hanoi-based ISANA JSC. Several farmers delivered tons of durians worth billions of dong but never received full payment. One household delivered 15.6 tons worth over 1 billion VND but collected only 385 million VND.

Dak Lak police regularly inspect purchase stations and warehouses to deter extortion and price manipulation. (Photo: Tam An/Tuoi Tre News)

Strict Security from Orchards to Packing Hubs

To protect the valuable harvest, the Dak Lak Criminal Police Department launched proactive measures against organized theft, forged payment receipts, scale tampering, and loan-shark operations.

Dlie Ya Commune Police visit orchards to warn farmers about emerging harvest scams (Photo: Tam An/Tuoi Tre News)

Commune officers conduct nighttime patrols around farms and warehouses. In Krong Nang Commune, officers advise growers to install 24/7 security cameras, add lighting, and maintain round-the-clock guards. In the key durian hub of Ea Knuec, police strictly monitor temporary worker registrations at local hostels and farms.

Dlie Ya Commune Police also cautioned farmers against false rumors regarding export border closures and price drops. Scammers often use fake trader personas to demand reservation fees or phish for OTP codes to drain victims’ bank accounts.

Krong Nang Commune Police conduct regular security patrols to protect the harvest (Photo: Hoang Minh/Tuoi Tre News)

Dak Lak police urge growers never to release produce solely based on digital bank transfer screenshots. Farmers must confirm real bank balances, vet trader credentials, and sign clear contracts detailing tonnage, pricing, and payment schedules before handing over stock. If fraudulent activity occurs, victims should preserve all chat logs, receipts, and messages and contact the police immediately.

(Source: Tuoi Tre News)

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Livestream Ring Claims ‘Divine Guidance’ to Sell Lottery Tips, Stealing Over 50 Billion VND

The Dak Lak Provincial Police dismantled a massive online fraud ring run by T.M.H. (32) and D.K.S. (33). Both suspects reside in Gia Dinh Ward, Ho Chi Minh City.

The pair ran Facebook and TikTok accounts like “S… D….g Shop” and “H… L…c Shop.” They shared horoscope content to build a massive follower base. During live broadcasts, they claimed that “higher spirits” revealed daily state lottery numbers to them. They demanded upfront payments for these “lucky numbers” and “blessing packages.” To build credibility, the suspects staged elaborate rituals at sacred temples, insisting spirits handed them winning combinations.

From June 2025 to early August 2026, the group mailed hundreds of thousands of tip-filled packages to buyers nationwide. In total, they pocketed over 50 billion VND (around $2 million USD).

TikToker ‘Master Dung Van’ Arrested Over Costly ‘Curse Removals’ and Exorcisms

In a separate case, Ho Chi Minh City Police arrested Nguyen Van Dung (33, residing in Long Binh Ward) for fraud.

Dung ran the TikTok channel “Master Dung Van” with over 120,000 followers. He claimed to possess psychic powers that could dispel karmic debts and banish malevolent spirits. Dung charged victims 5 to 30 million VND ($200 to $1,200 USD) per ritual. However, he vanished without fulfilling his promises once victims transferred the money. One victim alone lost over 33 million VND to Dung.

Scammers’ Playbook and Police Warnings

Police warn that these fraudsters rely on a predictable psychological trap. First, they assume impressive titles like “master,” “healer,” or “spiritual guide.” Next, they exploit human greed with promises of easy lottery wins, or play on fears of illness and bad luck. Finally, they demand upfront money transfers for fake blessings and remote rituals.

Authorities emphasize a zero-tolerance approach toward spiritual fraud. Law enforcement will also penalize anyone who promotes such deceptive content. Police urge citizens to stay alert, avoid paying online fortune tellers, and immediately report suspicious accounts to local officers.

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Many Western visitors openly express their delight. They playfully declare that resident cafe cats deliver the finest hospitality on earth. Their “professionalism” does not come from waiting tables, but from their natural power to soothe tired minds and melt hearts instantly.

Whether it is a tabby curled into a ball or a chunky feline sauntering over for chin scratches, these four-legged greeters deliver pure joy. Across global travel forums, many tourists share sweet encounters with these hospitable companions.

Stone, a traveler from the UK, shared: “I have traveled through many countries, but I have never seen cats become such an essential part of cafe culture like in Vietnam. At a small shop in Hanoi’s Old Quarter, a tabby slept quietly right beside my chair. It stayed totally calm even while I petted it. That was truly the best memory after a long day of walking around the city.”

Chloe, an Australian traveler, met numerous charming felines at street food stalls: “The ‘service attitude’ of cats at Vietnamese street eateries amazed me. They lounge lazily, observing diners with complete calm. They only stretch and step down when someone asks for the chair. To me, that captures the perfect balance between adorable and professional.”

Tourists call this the best cat service in the world. (Photo: Social Media)

Visiting from New Zealand, Bennett felt shocked to find cats inside his homestay room: “My homestay had three chubby cats. They seemed to be everywhere across all five floors. Cats greeted me at the front desk, waved me off at checkout, slept in the bedroom, and rolled around the balcony in the morning. With just three cats, it felt like they handled the workload of ten staff members.”

Camille, a French tourist, noticed a funny link between cats and motorbikes: “I borrowed a scooter to ride around Ho Chi Minh City. While I worked at a cafe, a feline ‘staff member’ climbed onto my keyboard and stopped me from working. In return, when I walked outside, I found them curled up on my scooter seat, keeping the sun off the leather. It worked out perfectly.”

Vietnamese netizens loved reading these foreign accounts and felt proud of their neighborhood pets. “They clearly haven’t met ginger cats—the fiercest, most bossy breed alive,” netizen Minh Anh joked. “They act cute and sweet around guests, but behind the scenes, the ginger cat runs the whole block like a shift manager!”

Thanh Tuan proudly added: “I have lived in Vietnam for 30 years and I am still obsessed with cafe cats, so Western tourists never stood a chance. If there were a global ranking for the cutest service staff, Vietnam’s cats would easily claim first place.”

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A viral video of this quirky session recently sparked massive online delight. The clip opens with a flock of plump white ducks waddling eagerly toward their “workstation.” The camera then cuts to a foreign traveler reclining on a low wooden bench. A local farmer scatters handfuls of feed across the tourist’s back. Instantly, the flock swarms in, eagerly tapping their flat bills against him to gobble up the grains.

The ticklish pecking and soothing pressure quickly leave the traveler doubled over with laughter. He completely surrenders to the quirky pampering from his “feathered therapists.” Set against the lush Hoi An countryside, his hearty chuckles turn the simple demonstration into an uplifting scene.

The clip has drawn tens of thousands of likes, shares, and amused comments. Many viewers praised the ingenuity of Quang Nam farmers. They noted that such down-to-earth agritourism delivers great fun while highlighting Hoi An’s warm, inventive charm.

“It looks ticklish yet strangely relaxing—I would love to try it,” one user wrote. Others chimed in: “A one-of-a-kind spa day: total stress relief with tears of laughter included,” “These ‘therapists’ work overtime; do they take tips in corn?”, and “Watching him laugh until he gasps melts away all my stress.”

Commenter Ha Trang observed: “This massage costs grain instead of a big spa bill. You get pure joy plus breezy country air. These ducks seem well-trained. Wherever feed lands, they get straight to work without skipping a spot. Full marks to the farmers for crafting smart tourism while keeping its rustic soul intact.”

Another viewer, Minh Anh, noted: “Traditional spas make you sleepy. Here, you spend the whole hour laughing your heart out. That is true value for money! You could call it sound healing through gentle quacking. Watching that team of fluffy white ‘technicians’ crowd around is pure joy. I wish I could unwind like this every weekend.”

Hong Lien added in the comments: “What an amazing service! Your back loosens up, and you get a fit of belly laughs for free. People usually associate ducks with porridge or roasted dishes. Who knew they would rise to certified wellness staff? I can’t wait to visit Hoi An to test it myself.”

Beyond the viral massage, many netizens celebrated the rise of rural community travel. “I love countryside tours like this,” user Hoa Anh shared. “Modern travelers simply want to reconnect with nature. Rural tourism across Vietnam has grown remarkably creative—unpretentious, welcoming, and deeply original.”

Khanh Viet shared a similar takeaway: “These clean, cheerful eco-tours give farmers steady income while leaving visitors with unforgettable memories. That deserves a flawless ten out of ten. The peaceful charm of Hoi An makes us appreciate our homeland even more. I hope our tourism industry keeps nurturing these authentic experiences.”

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