Construction starts on new branches of central hospitals; Rare pheasant spotted in central province; Two detained for human trafficking; Troubled cargo vessel saved by Coast Guard; Vietnam-Finland Innovation Programme enters second phase

 VietNamNet Bridge - Millions of people throughout the country had a peaceful Christmas Eve in relatively favorable weather: dry and cold in Hanoi and the central region and cool in HCM City.

 VietNamNet Bridge - These days, many young people in the central provinces of Quang Ngai and Binh Dinh have transformed into Santa Clauses to present gifts to poor children.

 Pulling crackers, clinking glasses, or setting puddings on fire – mere traditions or more important? Tom Stafford explains that rituals may date back to early human history, and can even change the flavour of food.

 VietNamNet Bridge – With Christmas right around the corner, many families in Ha Noi are rushing to welcome the festive season.

 VietNamNet Bridge - The festivity atmosphere has covered streets of Saigon. Central roads, buildings and commercial centers are brilliantly decorated with lights, snowmen, Christmas trees....

 VietNamNet Bridge - 120 km from Hanoi, the Bui Chu parish in Xuan Truong district of Nam Dinh province has more than 100 churches. The parish is busy preparing for Christmas.

 Cold spell continues to chill northern region; Illegal fireworks seized in Ha Noi; Firm fined for storing smuggled sugar; Construction of new Tropical Disease Hospital begins; HCM City opens career counselling service for students

 VietNamNet Bridge – The Government Committee for Religious Affairs yesterday (Dec 19) held a seminar to review its performance in 2013 and discuss plans for 2014.

VietNamNet Bridge – Hue is offering a variety of promotions for visitors during the year's third Golden Tourism Week at Hue Heritage Site, which last from December 24 to 31.

 VietNamNet Bridge – On the night of December 12, many luxury villas in the new urban area Phu My Hung in District 7, HCM City, which is the home to the rich, was sparkling with lights to welcome the Christmas.

 Thang Long citadel needs excavations; French biography of medical hero Yersin introduced in Vietnam; New season of Vietnam Idol kicks off Sunday; DJ Jazzy Jeff comes to downtown club Lush

 VietNamNet Bridge - Before December 22, eight streets in the center and the gateways to Saigon will be filled with light to welcome the festive season with meaningful themes.

 VietNamNet Bridge - In addition to the amusement spots in the city center, churches are the destinations of many tourists to enjoy the Christmas atmosphere.

Do Thi Phuong Mai has won the second prize at the 14th International Competition for singing classical music in Russia.

 VietNamNet Bridge – Over three weeks before Christmas, Saigon streets are bustling with the festive atmosphere. Buildings are decorated splendidly while decoration shops are crowded.

 VietNamNet Bridge – Farmers in the Mekong Delta complain there is not much demand for their high-quality winter-spring paddy this year.

VietNamNet Bridge – Being decorated with thousands of lights and the Santa Claus riding a reindeer sleigh, many churches in Hanoi shimmer before the Christmas Eve.

 VietNamNet Bridge – The upcoming holiday season has heated up the tourism market with an increase in the tours being booked despite the ongoing economic crisis.

 The Lobby Lounge will be beautifully decorated in the entranceway with the sound of classic carols performed by the Saigon Children’s Charity Choir ringing out in the hotel lobby every afternoon between tomorrow and Tuesday from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m.