Green and Smart Mobility Joint Stock Company (GSM) officially begins operating the first pure electric taxi service in Vietnam - Green SM Taxi. The event ushered in a new era of taxis: smart, pollutant and noise-free, and environmentally friendly.

Green SM Taxi is set to launch on the roads of Hanoi, followed by a nationwide expansion to at least five provinces and cities this year, in line with the company's strategic plan.

As of April 14, 2023, customers can easily book Green SM taxi services via the nationwide hotline, 1900 2088, just like traditional taxi services, or through the Green SM Taxi application, available on App Store and Google Play. Riders can also hail cars at all Vincom shopping malls, public spaces around the city, or on the roads. In May 2023, Green SM Taxi can be booked through BeVinFast service on the Be application.

In addition to convenient and diverse access, Green SM Taxi provides customers with two service options: GreenCar – a standard taxi service, and LuxuryCar – a premium taxi experience. GreenCar will roll out with the VinFast VF e34 in the company’s signature Cyan blue color, while LuxuryCar will use the VinFast VF 8 in their original luxurious colors.

Initially, SM Green Taxi will start operation with 500 VF e34s and 100 VF 8s in Hanoi. Shortly, the company will add the VinFast VF 5 Plus model to the GreenCar fleet. According to actual customer demands, the company will increase the number of cars in both service segments.

The starting price for the first 1 km of the GreenCar service is 20,000 VND. For the next 24 km, the fare for the VF 5 Plus is 14,000 VND/km, and the VF e34 is 15,500 VND/km. From the 26th km onwards, the fare will be 12,000 VND/km for the VF 5 Plus and 12,500 VND/km for the VF e34. The price for LuxuryCar service is fixed at 21,000 VND/km for the entire journey.

Speaking at the Green SM Taxi’s opening ceremony in Hanoi, Mr. Nguyen Manh Quyen - Vice President of the Hanoi People's Committee, shared: “Electric taxis are among the advanced solutions that bring tremendous benefits to the community and contribute to reducing air and noise pollution while saving energy and costs for users. The deployment of electric taxi services in Hanoi not only affirms the determination of the City and cooperation of business organizations, particularly the GSM company, in accelerating sustainable transport development; but also contributes to realizing Vietnam's commitment to reducing greenhouse gas emissions.”

Mr. Nguyen Van Thanh - CEO of GSM, shared: “GSM, in general, and Green SM Taxi, specifically, were established in response to the national climate objectives, which include efforts to reduce transportation emissions. Green SM Taxi offers a new standard of transportation service with outstanding quality, not just serving people but also connecting and forming a green and smart mobility ecosystem across Vietnam."

Green SM Taxi is Vietnam's first pure electric taxi company, providing passenger transportation services entirely by VinFast electric vehicles. This generation of taxis is noiseless and emits no carbon, which benefits public health and the environment. The cars are also equipped with various intelligent entertainment features, providing passengers with enjoyable experiences on every journey. With a team of highly trained and professional drivers and dedicated service, Green SM Taxi is committed to bringing 5-star service quality to customers.

Green SM Taxi will continue to be launched in Ho Chi Minh City in April 2023.

Hoi An, Vietnam is a bustling and vibrant city with a wealth of attractions and activities to offer. From its stunning beaches to its colorful markets and ancient architecture, it’s no wonder why this city is a popular destination for travelers. But what makes Hoi An particularly appealing is the opportunity it provides to relax and recharge. Whether you’re looking for a weekend getaway or a longer vacation, Hoi An is the perfect place to unwind and enjoy some much-needed pampering. Here’s your guide to a weekend of wellness in Hoi An.

Start your weekend off right with a visit to one of Hoi An’s many spas. From luxurious resorts to smaller local establishments, you’ll find a variety of options to suit your needs. Treat yourself to a massage, facial, or body scrub to start your weekend with a sense of total relaxation. Many spas also offer yoga and meditation classes, perfect for those looking for a more mindful experience.

No visit to Hoi An is complete without a trip to the iconic beach. Make sure to rise early to watch the sun rise over the ocean, or plan your visit for the late afternoon and enjoy a stunning sunset. Take advantage of the opportunity to go for a swim or a leisurely stroll along the shore. Whatever you choose, you’ll be rewarded with some of the best views in Vietnam.

Hoi An is known for its delicious and varied cuisine. Spend an afternoon exploring the city’s many restaurants, cafes, and street food vendors. Choose to sample some of the local specialties, or opt for a traditional Vietnamese noodle dish. If you’re feeling adventurous, take a cooking class to learn how to make some of the local delicacies.

Take a walking tour of the old town to get some exercise while exploring the city’s rich history. The old town is home to some of Hoi An’s oldest and most iconic buildings, and you’ll get to experience the area’s unique architecture and culture. For a more active experience, rent a bicycle and go for a ride along the riverside.

Finally, be sure to spend some time in one of Hoi An’s gardens. The city is home to several stunning gardens, where you can take in the beauty of nature while soaking up some much-needed sunshine. Whether you’re looking for a peaceful spot to meditate or a place to enjoy a picnic lunch, you’ll find plenty of options in Hoi An.

Hoi An is the perfect destination for a wellness-focused weekend getaway. With its stunning beaches, delicious cuisine, and abundance of relaxation activities, you’ll leave feeling refreshed and rejuvenated. So make sure to plan a trip to Hoi An soon – you won’t regret it.

Travel Itinerary for a Couple Visiting Vietnam in May

Are you a couple looking for an unforgettable vacation? Consider visiting Vietnam for 10 days in May. With stunning scenery, ancient history, vibrant culture, and delicious cuisine, Vietnam is the perfect destination for couples who want to explore and experience a new culture.

Day 1: Arrival in Hanoi

Upon arrival in Hanoi, Vietnam’s capital city, you will be welcomed by the hustle and bustle of the city. Take the day to explore the city’s ancient quarter and sample some delicious street food. To get your bearings, you may want to take a walking tour of the city, stopping at popular attractions like Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum and Temple of Literature.

Day 2: Hanoi

On day two, take a day trip to the nearby Halong Bay. This UNESCO World Heritage Site features thousands of limestone islands and is one of the most beautiful destinations in Vietnam. Enjoy a cruise on the bay, take a kayak tour, and explore one of the many caves.

Day 3: Hanoi to Hue

Take a drive south to Hue, Vietnam’s former imperial capital. On the way, stop at the Hoa Lu Temple, built in the 10th century. Upon arrival in Hue, you will be able to visit the Imperial Citadel and the Thien Mu Pagoda, one of the most iconic landmarks in Vietnam.

Day 4: Hue

Take a day to explore Hue. As the former imperial capital, there is plenty to see and do. Visit the imperial tombs of former emperors, take a boat ride on the Perfume River, and explore the vibrant markets.

Day 5: Hue to Hoi An

Head south to Hoi An, a charming town that is home to beautiful architecture, colorful markets, and delicious cuisine. Take a walking tour of the old town and explore the many shops and cafes.

Day 6: Hoi An

Spend the day exploring Hoi An. Visit the old town and take a boat ride on the Thu Bon River. If you’re feeling adventurous, you may want to take a day trip to the nearby beach.

Day 7: Hoi An to Nha Trang

Drive south to Nha Trang, a popular beach destination. Spend the day relaxing on the beach and enjoying the stunning views. If you’re feeling adventurous, you may want to take a boat tour of the islands or go scuba diving.

Day 8: Nha Trang

Take a day to explore the city. Visit the Po Nagar Tower, built in the 7th century, and the Long Son Pagoda, which features intricate carvings and stunning views.

Day 9: Nha Trang to Ho Chi Minh City

Drive south to Ho Chi Minh City, the largest city in Vietnam. Get your bearings with a walking tour of the city, stopping at popular attractions like the War Remnants Museum and the Central Post Office.

Day 10: Ho Chi Minh City

Take the day to explore Ho Chi Minh City. Visit the National Museum, explore the bustling markets, and take a ride on the Bitexco Financial Tower’s Skydeck.

Vietnam is a vibrant and beautiful country that is perfect for couples looking for an unforgettable vacation. With this 10-day itinerary, you’ll be able to explore the country’s ancient history, vibrant culture, and delicious cuisine.

The PAN Group will attend the 48th edition of the international food and beverage exhibition (FOODEX Japan 2023) in Tokyo, Japan, from March 7-10, 2023, at booth 4B600 with outstanding products in three groups of agriculture, aquaculture and packaged food.

FOODEX Japan 2023 is considered the leading food and beverage (F&B) tradeshow in Japan and one of the top three in the world.

The exhibition has been given particular interest to the F&B business community. It is considered a "gateway" to exploit exports to the Japanese market and Asian countries, with the participation of nearly 1,500 exhibitors from 44 countries and territories (77 per cent of businesses come from countries outside of Japan).

The event will also attract nearly 33,800 visitors from 98 countries worldwide (including nearly 11,000 international visitors), of which almost are wholesalers, retailers, food service, and F&B manufacturers.

Việt Nam is expected to participate in 39 businesses at FOODEX Japan this year with many big names in the food and agriculture sector. Vietnamese firms will bring agricultural products; vegetables; fresh, processed and canned fruits; processed seafood; nutritional food from cereals; alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages; confectionery.

As one of the representatives for Vietnam's agriculture and food sector, The PAN Group will attend the exhibition with its member companies, including Khang An Foods, Aquatex Bentre, Bibica, and Lafooco.

PAN's booth will continue to recreate the sustainable value chain and introduce the most typical products, which are the pride of Việt Nam, such as shrimp, pangasius, vegetables, confectionery, cashew nuts, fresh flowers, dried fruits, coffee, rice, and traditional fish sauce.

This activity is also expected to create a favourable environment to promote trading opportunities for the group's member units in expanding domestic and international markets. PAN said this is the first time they have participated in FOODEX Japan 2023 with the group's scale though their member companies have been familiar with the event for years.

This would be an opportunity for the group to introduce agricultural and food products with high added value from Vietnam thanks to deep processing according to high standards with their own brands to the international community.

Mrs Nguyen Thi Tra My, The PAN Group's CEO, shared: "High-end markets such as Japan, the US, and the EU have long been PAN's traditional markets. However, we consider participating in big fairs like FOODEX Japan an opportunity to expand the market and promote products and a good opportunity to reposition Vietnamese agricultural products and food internationally.

"Previously, the world knew us as a country with large agricultural output but not appreciated for its quality. We want to prove that currently, agricultural products and foods that are deeply processed and branded in Vietnam can be confident in quality comparable to products of any country in the world market."

A PAN representative in the confectionery sector added: "Japan has been Bibica's traditional market for more than ten years. We entered the market from the position of processing goods. There are very popular Bibica branded products in the Japanese market, such as Cherry soft candy.

"Even during the COVID-19 pandemic, Bibica has products that have never seen a decline in sales in the Japanese market. In 2022, Bibica recorded an increase of 32 per cent over the previous year and increased by 111 per cent compared to 2019 before the pandemic. I hope these numbers inspire Vietnamese businesses to confidently exploit high-end international markets like Japan, the US, or the EU."

In addition to the main trading activities from March 7-10, FOODEX Japan includes many specialised exhibitions and business connection activities continuously during the 4-day event. In 2022, Japan was Vietnam's fourth largest trading partner, with a total import-export turnover of US$50 billion. The culture and cuisine of Vietnam and Japan are also highly appreciated for their harmony, which serves as a foundation to open up great cooperation opportunities in agriculture and food.