Summer is the perfect time to take a break from the daily grind and explore new destinations. Whether you’re traveling domestically or abroad, each journey offers a refreshing escape from the stresses of work. If you’re considering an international trip, check out these five affordable destinations where you can spend Vietnamese dong without the hassle of currency exchange.
Thanks to a new cooperation agreement, making payments in Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore, and Thailand has become easier than ever. At the 10th ASEAN Finance Ministers and Central Bank Governors’ Meeting (AFMGM), Vice Governor of the State Bank of Vietnam, Pham Thanh Ha, signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on regional payment connectivity with the central banks of the ASEAN5 countries. This agreement enables Vietnam and these five nations to implement a QR code-based payment system for retail transactions.
With this payment method, Vietnamese tourists can simply scan QR codes at merchants’ locations using their smartphones connected to their bank accounts. The system automatically deducts the amount from their account without the need for cash, saving time and reducing risks. From dining to shopping for souvenirs and paying for other services, all transactions are convenient and swift.
The implementation of cross-border QR payments benefits not only consumers but also boosts tourism and trade among ASEAN countries. Travelers can now spend more freely without the hassle of currency exchange and carrying large amounts of cash, encouraging more shopping and service experiences.
In fact, Vietnam and Thailand successfully piloted this payment method back in late 2022. The MoU on regional payment connectivity was initially signed by the central bank governors of the ASEAN5 countries on November 14, 2022, in Bali, Indonesia, during Indonesia’s G20 presidency. Vietnam, as the sixth member to join this agreement, demonstrates its strong commitment to regional economic cooperation and integration, aligning with the government’s direction and global cross-border payment trends.
This initiative is considered a significant step forward in the economic integration process of the ASEAN region, consistent with the G20’s roadmap for promoting cross-border payment transactions. Looking ahead, the initiative will continue to explore expanding the network of members to facilitate cross-border payment connectivity not only within ASEAN but also with other countries.
The Ultimate Wooden Mansion: A 200 Billion VND, 4-Year Labor of Love
The grand wooden stilt house, the largest of its kind in Vietnam, stands proudly with its two stories and a total area of 500 square meters. Crafted from an impressive 500 cubic meters of valuable ironwood, worth a staggering 200 billion VND, this architectural marvel sits atop a spacious 2,000-square-meter plot in Dien Bien Phu City.
The Ocean’s Goddess: An Icon of Elegant Fashion and Feminist Power
Amidst the vast expanse of sky and sea at Hon Tre Island, Nha Trang, where nature carves majestic outlines of rocks and waves, Miss Humanity of Miss Diva Vietnam Global Businesswoman 2025, Hang Nguyen, emerges as a streak of elegant radiance. Adorned in a meticulously crafted black evening gown, the beauty queen doesn’t merely wear a design but embodies the very essence of a sea goddess: noble, powerful, and profoundly gentle.
Where is the Wild Island of Mai An Tiêm, the Watermelon Grower, Now?
The legend of Mai An Tiêm and the watermelon is well-known throughout Vietnam. However, the location of the deserted island where he cultivated his watermelons remains a mystery to many.
3 Wild Edible Weeds in Vietnam: Nature’s ‘Superfoods’ Uncovered.
“Weeds” – those unruly plants that sprout up alongside our roadsides – are often perceived as worthless nuisances, good for nothing but the pull of a gardener’s trowel. Yet, hidden within their unassuming foliage lies a treasure trove of health benefits that might just surprise you.
The Ultimate ‘Natural Cleanse’: Two Fruits from Vietnam with Minimal Pesticides, Delicious Taste, and Nutritional Benefits Worth Discovering
Uncover the two ‘treasures’ grown in Vietnamese gardens, renowned for their cultivation process that almost eliminates the need for pesticides. Not only do they boast delicious, naturally sweet flavors, but they are also packed with essential nutrients, offering a bountiful supply of goodness for your body.
