Vietnam

Storm Wutip killed 5 and caused severe flooding across thousands of acres of farmland in Central Vietnam

Vietnam has been formally admitted as a “partner country” of the BRICS

Over 100 tourists were stranded on Ly Son Island after ferry services were suspended due to Storm Wutip

According to the Vice-President of the Russian Tour Operators Association and CEO of Space Travel, Vietnam saw a 140% surge in Russian tourist arrivals this summer, though Thailand remains a top choice for Russian tourists. He added that other emerging destinations for Russian tourists include Malaysia, Morocco, South Korea, Japan, and the Seychelles

From 11-12 Jun, a two-day event called “2025 Seoul Medical Tourism Roadshow” was held in HCMC to boost medical tourism cooperation between HCMC and Seoul. The event brought together Seoul-based medical institutions and HCMC-based medical tourism companies for consultations, product demonstrations, and service trials targeting B2B and B2C audiences in Vietnam. According to Seoul’s Tourism Industry Department, around 20,000 Vietnamese visitors travel to Seoul annually for medical treatment, with Vietnam ranking among the top 10 countries for medical tourists to Seoul

On 12 Jun, Vietnam’s National Assembly approved a plan to merge provinces and cities, reducing the number from 63 to 34, cutting nearly 80,000 state jobs. Only 11 provinces and cities remain unchanged. New leadership for merged provinces and cities will be announced on 30 Jun, with full operations starting in Jul

Prolonged traffic jams at Bao Loc Pass in Lam Dong province are disrupting travel between HCMC and Da Lat city. Severe congestion occurred on 8 Jun afternoon, with thousands of vehicles queued for nearly 10km on the pass and 4km at the mountain’s base. Traffic jams also occurred on 6 Jun due to numerous tourist buses heading to Da Lat. The primary cause is the ongoing upgrade of Bao Loc 2 Bridge, which is currently one-way to accommodate widening works

During a recent meeting with Hanoi’s leadership, the Hanoi Metropolitan Railway Management Board (MRB) reported allocating around $84.6 million USD for 2025, with 21.5% disbursed from Jan-May 2025. Hanoi plans to start building Metro Line 5 (Van Cao - Hoa Lac) in 2025 and begin work on the Xuan Dinh depot for Metro Line 2 (Nam Thang Long - Tran Hung Dao) in Oct 2025, with full line construction planned for Q4 2026. For Metro line 2, the MRB and local authorities have cleared agricultural land, but 187 households at the Xuân Đỉnh depot site are still awaiting relocation

The Khanh Hoa provincial Youth Union and the “Khanh Hoa people speak English” project organised a "Tourism Ambassador" initiative in Nha Trang city, where young volunteers act as free tour guides for foreign tourists to promote local tourism. The initiative began around 7 Jun, with volunteers stationed at information points across the city to assist tourists and answer questions in English

Storm Wutip, formed from a tropical depression in the East Sea, is anticipated to cause extended heavy rainfall in Vietnam’s central and south-central regions. On 11 Jun, South-central Vietnam might receive 30–80 mm of rain, with some areas exceeding 150 mm. From 11-13 Jun, Quang Binh and Quang Ngai are expected to see 100-300 mm rainfall, with isolated areas over 450 mm; Northern Central Highlands to get 70-150 mm, some areas over 200 mm in 6 hours. Vietnamese authorities issued directives to coastal and mountainous provinces, highlighting risks of flash floods and landslides

From Jan-May 2025, air travel accounted for 85.2% (7.4 million) of international arrivals to Vietnam, road 12.9% (1.2 million), and sea 1.9% of arrivals. Mainland China led with 2.36 million visitors, followed by South Korea (1.9 million), Taiwan (533,000), the US (375,000), and Japan (342,000). Russia saw the highest growth at 221%, followed by the Philippines (over 200%), Cambodia (over 160%), and India (over 134%)

The Chairman of the Da Nang city's People's Committee signed a decision approving $20 million USD investment to build a new culture and cinema centre to meet growing entertainment demands, which will be implemented over 3 years in Hai Chau district and Cam Le district. The centre will span 19,758 sqm across 4 floors, featuring a multi-purpose hall, exhibition rooms, cinemas, clubs, art and talent training classrooms, a lobby, and technical infrastructure. The venue will support mass cultural activities, enhance cultural clubs, and increase competitions and festivals, including the Art Talent Competition and Traditional Art Festival, to preserve local traditions

On 9 Jun, a luxury resort in Da Nang - Temple Resort Danang - was fined $8,620 USD for illegally discharging wastewater onto a beach near East Sea Park. The issue was reported in mid-Apr by beachgoers. Investigations revealed the resort failed to hire a licensed hazardous waste disposal service, stored waste improperly, and violated food safety standards at its restaurant

According to the official portal of Kien Giang Province, from Jan-May 2025, Phu Quoc welcomed 3.5 million tourists, with over 775,000 international visitors (+78.3% YoY). The island generated $687 million USD in tourism revenue, +87% YoY. Phu Quoc saw strong growth from Europe, North America, India, South Korea, China, and Cambodia, with Cambodian visitors entering via the Ha Tien and Giang Thanh border gates and travelling by speedboat

The Hanoi’s Department of Tourism and Vietnam Railway Corporation (VNR) are collaborating to launch a special double-deck train tour with 7 carriages, set to begin on 19 Aug. The train tour will offer cultural experiences, showcasing Hanoi’s history and landmarks through routes connecting key stations. Train stations will feature cultural spaces with storytelling, music, dance, and exhibitions, alongside traditional offerings

The Hanoi People's Committee issued a plan to organise the Thang Long - Hanoi Festival 2025, from 31 Oct-9 Nov. Events will occur at key locations, including Hoan Kiem Lake, Thang Long Imperial Citadel, Hanoi Museum, Temple of Literature, and Son Tay ancient citadel’s walking street, expecting around 10,000 participants. A highlight of the festival is the play Thang Long Capital, using 3D Mapping technology, hosted by the Thang Long-Hanoi Heritage Conservation Centre

On 12 Jun, the Michelin Guide’s third Vietnam edition was announced at InterContinental Danang Sun Peninsula Resort, featuring 181 restaurants across Hanoi, HCMC, and Da Nang

According to the General Statistics Office: - From Jan-May 2025, Vietnam welcomed 9.2 million international visitors, +21% YoY, and 15% higher than pre-COVID levels - May 2025 recorded 1.53 million foreign arrivals, the highest for the month in over a decade - Mainland China was the top source market with 2.36 million arrivals, followed by South Korea (1.9 million), Taiwan (532,000), the U.S. (375,000), and Japan (342,000) - Russia saw the highest growth in visitor numbers, with a 221% YoY increase, followed by the Philippines (over 200%), Cambodia (over 160%), and India (over 134%)

On 6 Jun, the 14th East Asia Local and Regional Government Congress was held in Hue, focusing on green, sustainable tourism and smart urban development. The event attracted 30 delegations from China, Japan, Malaysia, the Republic of Korea, and Vietnam. Discussions highlighted policies to reduce tourism’s environmental impact towards net-zero goals and explored technological solutions for smart transport, healthcare, education, and urban management

On 6 Jun, the Kien Giang Department of Tourism and Phu Quoc City authorities organised a consultation workshop to develop Phu Quoc Island into a hub for high-quality eco-tourism. According to the Director of the Kien Giang Department of Tourism, Phu Quoc faces infrastructure overload, environmental concerns, and low global tourism standards (currently 13% compliance compared to 30% of Da Nang). Proposals discussed include achieving net-zero emissions by 2030, transitioning all transport to electric vehicles, treating 50% of waste with renewable energy, and developing a seaport for cruise ships with up to 4,000 passengers. By 2045, the island aims for 15 million annual visitors and $2.8 billion USD in revenue

On 6 Jun, the Lam Dong People’s Committee and the Vietnam-Korea Exchange Association (VKEA) organised a networking event in Da Lat city to boost cultural and tourism cooperation between Lam Dong province and Gyeonggi province. VKEA plans to support RoK businesses in Lam Dong through trade promotion, legal consultancy, investment facilitation, green transport, Korean-speaking tour guide training, and technology in tourism management. The VKBIA President noted that the association also aims to create tailored tour packages for South Koreans, focusing on agricultural and cultural tourism. By 2030, Lam Dong targets 40 to 45 million annual tourist visits, with 18–25% being international travelers

From 5-8 Jun, the Lao Cai International Travel Mart was held at Dinh Le Square in Lao Cai city, featuring 130 stalls and delegations from 120 travel agencies across over 10 countries and territories. Other activities include a seminar on green tourism connectivity, a trip, and a press tour. The Deputy Director of the Vietnam National Authority of Tourism recommended selective investment in tourism infrastructure and eco-resorts to establish Lao Cai as a safe, secure, and eco-friendly destination

On 5 Jun, Trip.com announced a strategic partnership with Sun World Holding. The collaboration involves distributing Sun World’s attraction tickets domestically and internationally, targeting key markets like South Korea, China, Thailand, and Singapore. It also includes joint marketing to promote destinations such as Phu Quoc, Da Nang, and Sa Pa

From 4-6 Sep, the 19th International Travel Expo HCMC (ITE HCMC 2025) will take place at the Saigon Exhibition and Convention Centre (SECC), with the theme “Sustainable Tourism, Vibrant Experiences”. The event expects over 520 exhibiting companies and brands, 50 provinces and cities, 240 high-level buyers from over 30 countries, and more than 28,000 visitors, facilitating 12,600 business appointments. It will feature 16 key activities, including trade connection events, forums, conferences, and seminars

During the 14th East Asia Local and Regional Government Congress in Hue city, the Chairman of the Hue City People's Committee and the Governor of Japan’s Nara prefecture signed an MoU to enhance cooperation, including in the field of tourism. Both sides agreed to continue to coordinate student and teacher exchange, and develop a digital learning platform and a Vietnamese-Japanese bilingual digital library. As of Jun, Hue has 20 Japanese foreign direct investment projects worth over $247 million USD

On 4 Jun, Ninh Binh Province’s Department of Culture and Sports, alongside the University of Social Sciences and Humanities and the Institute of Sino-Nom Studies, held an international scientific conference titled “Han-Nom Inscriptions on Non Nuoc Mountain - Potential Documentary Heritage” to collect expert opinions to support the nomination for UNESCO’s Memory of the World Programme for the Asia-Pacific Region. The mountain’s 43 stone steles include 37 Han-Nom inscriptions from the Tran Dynasty (1225–1400) to the early 20th century, featuring imperial poems, prose, and poetic verses by scholars, with calligraphic and scriptural features

On 6-7 Jun, Luc Ngan district in Bac Giang province will host the “Luc Ngan Lychee - The Quintessence of Vietnamese Fruit” tourism festival to promote its lychees and local specialities, expecting over 100,000 visitors. Visitors can participate in lychee harvesting and processing activities. A cultural exhibition will showcase lychee farming tools, packaging, machinery, propagation techniques, and local fruit varieties. The event will honour 10 outstanding lychee farming models and recognise contributions to the Luc Ngan lychee brand. The district’s 2025 lychee output is projected at 60,500 tonnes, with the harvest season from early Jun to late Jul, across over 10,000 hectares

On 2 Jun, the Lang Son Centre for Investment, Trade and Tourism Promotion, in collaboration with UNESCO, livestreamed a ceremony recognising Lang Son Geopark as a UNESCO Global Geopark. The geopark is home to approximately 200 caves and waterfalls. The Vietnam’s Permanent Representative to UNESCO highlighted the milestone as opening opportunities for sustainable tourism and deeper integration into the Global Geoparks Network for cooperation in heritage management and promotion

The Dong Van District relic management board announced that the Lung Cu Flag Tower is temporarily closed for restoration and preservation from 30 May-18 Jun. During this period, tourists can only access the base area at the mountain’s foot

The Ministry of Health reported that Vietnam’s total fertility rate dropped to 1.91 children per woman in 2024, below the replacement level, following a decline from 2.11 in 2021, 2.01 in 2022, and 1.96 in 2023. This trend is particularly evident in urbanised, economically developed areas like Hanoi and HCMC, driven by rising living costs. Deputy Health Minister warned that the declining birth rate threatens long-term socio-economic development, including an ageing population and workforce shortages. The government will remove the two-child limit per family

On 2 Jun, peak power demand in Vietnam reached nearly 52 gigawatts, an all-time high, due to high heat in northern and central regions. The average temperature on this day was above 30°C, around 8% higher than the 30-year average for that period. The Prime Minister instructed the Trade Ministry and other agencies to prevent power shortages under any circumstances

Hai Phong is planning a new night tour called “Sacred Marks of Hang Kenh Temple" - the city’s first night tour, utilising modern digital technology, including 3D mapping, to highlight heritage spaces and attract tourists during the summer season. The tour is set to launch by late June, and will operate every weekend from 7pm-9pm. Each tour session will accommodate approximately 200 visitors

According to data from the Ministry of Public Security’s Traffic Police Department, the Vietnam Maritime and Waterway Administration, and the Civil Aviation Authority of Vietnam (CAAV), from 15 Dec 2024 - 14 May 2025: - Vietnam recorded 7,853 traffic accidents, resulting in 4,328 deaths and 5,307 injuries - Overall accidents were -25.17% YoY, deaths were -5.5% YoY, and injuries were -34.64% YoY - Road accidents totalled 7,781, accounting for most incidents, with 4,277 deaths (-5.56% YoY) and 5,292 injuries (-34.72% YoY) - Railway accidents numbered 47, -7.84% YoY

China Railway Kunming Group announced that a temporary direct passenger train, C4214, was introduced between Hekou North Station in Yunnan’s Hekou county, bordering Vietnam, and Dali and Yangbi stations in western Yunnan, operating on Weds and Thurs. The rail link allows same-day travel from the Hekou border checkpoint to Dali. China Railway Kunming Group plans to adjust train operations flexibly based on future inbound passenger flow

Planning began for Route R12 - a 147km trade corridor in Laos connecting Thailand, Vietnam, and China. According to the President of the Neighbouring Countries Economic Development Cooperation Agency (NEDA), the route starts in Thakhek, passing through Yommalath and Boualapha, and ending at Napao, opposite Vietnam’s Cha Lo checkpoint in Quang Binh province. Route R12 is expected to reduce travel time by car from Nakhon Phanom to Vietnam from 10 hours to 4 hours and contribute 1.51 billion THB to Thai GDP in its first year, rising to 2.84 billion THB annually from the second to fifth year. NEDA will fund the project with a 1.74 billion THB low-interest loan to the Lao government at 1.75% per year. Construction is set to start after the rainy season and take around 30 months

The “Learning for Life” (L4L) training programme supported over 420 students and 25 lecturers in Da Nang and Hanoi during the 2024-2025 season, with 95% of students finding the training useful. The 2-year initiative focused on practical hospitality skills, including bartending, service techniques, communication, teamwork, time management, and personal branding. The programme was integrated into the official curriculum of Da Nang Vocational Tourism College

From Jan-May 2025, Quang Ninh province welcomed 9.1 million tourists (+7% YoY), including 330,000 international visitors, generating $163.28 million USD in revenue. In May 2025, major events like the Ha Long Carnival (30 Apr-1 May) attracted over 1.5 million visitors. Local authorities are focusing on attracting international cruise tourists and diversifying services and tour routes to Bai Tu Long Bay

In May, Hanoi welcomed 2.72 million visitors (+16.9% YoY), including over 0.56 million foreign visitors (+25% YoY), with total tourism revenue of 10.54 million VND (+19% YoY)

UNESCO will conduct its second re-evaluation of Non Nuoc Cao Bang Global Geopark in Cao Bang province in Jul 2025. The provincial Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism reported progress since the 2021 re-evaluation, including protecting geological heritage, environmental resources, biodiversity, and indigenous culture, alongside upgrading facilities for experiential tourism routes. UNESCO experts noted the geopark’s potential to attract more tourists, recommending a 2026-2030 action plan focusing on zoning, conservation boundary adjustments, and a visitor fee system to reinvest in infrastructure and heritage preservation

Khanh Hoa Province saw 812,800 South Korean tourists from Jan-Apr 2025, +6.5% YoY

On 30 May, the “Symphony of the Green Island” show in Cat Ba set 2 Guinness World Records, including “largest jet ski formation launching fireworks” and “most backflips on a flyboard in one minute”. The show was created in 2 months, featuring nearly 40 top international athletes, running 5 nights per week until early Sep. Besides, Sun Group also launched an electric transport service on 30 May, connecting Phu Long cable car station to Cat Ba Central Bay

On 30 May, the Hue Department of Tourism held a promotion conference to strengthen tourism ties with travel firms from the Republic of Korea (RoK), focusing on new air routes, and partnerships. The Deputy Director of the Vietnam National Authority of Tourism highlighted that there were 1.58 million South Korean visitors to Vietnam from Jan-Apr 2025. A cooperation agreement was signed between the Hue Department of Tourism and the Korean Travel Association during the event

From 18-22 Jun, the Ceramic Culture and Tourism Week, themed “Quintessence of Vietnamese Ceramics” will take place in Bac Ninh city, featuring an exhibition of traditional ceramic products, alongside spaces for traditional craft villages and a culinary area. Activities include performances of traditional folk art, water puppetry, exhibitions of ornamental plants and fine art wooden products, children’s games, street light and flower shows

U Minh Thuong National Park in Kien Giang province reopened to tourists on 26 May after a temporary closure for forest fire prevention. According to the Director of the provincial Department of Agriculture and Environment, thanks to the fire prevention and control plan, no forest fires were reported in May, unlike the 2024-2025 dry season, which saw 7 fires burning over 21.6 hectares

Switzerland pledged $50 million USD in development funding for Vietnam for 2025-2028, focusing on innovation, green growth, and sustainable development, funded through the Swiss State Secretariat for Economic Affairs (SECO). Key focus areas include promoting clean technology and environmentally responsible production, strengthening public finance and mobilising green capital, and developing climate-resilient, smart industrial zones and urban models

According to Agoda data from searches between 1 Apr-20 May, accommodation searches for Hanoi were +4,418% YoY for the National Day holiday (30 Aug-3 Sep), making it the most searched domestic destination. Nha Trang ranked second, followed by Da Nang, Da Lat, and Vung Tau in search popularity for the same period

On 27 May in Hanoi, the Chairman of the Vietnam National Authority of Tourism (VNAT) met with the Interim Chief Representative of Mastercard Vietnam to discuss future support for Vietnam’s tourism development. Proposed cooperation areas include in-depth market research, tourism roadshows, tourism development seminars, digital media expansion, and technology to enhance tourist experiences. The Chairman highlighted the importance of providing international travellers with accurate and appealing information

Vung Tau city saw its beaches, particularly the Back Beach, overwhelmed by hundreds of tons of trash and water hyacinths washed ashore over several days in May. Debris included plastic objects and tree remains, with the volume of water hyacinths described as unusually high for the season. The Vung Tau Environment Services and Urban Project Company deployed 50-70 personnel daily to collect around 30 tons of waste per day

From Jan-May 2025, Khanh Hoa Province welcomed over 4.6 million overnight visitors, +19.3% YoY, reaching 39% of the annual target. International arrivals exceeded 2.2 million, +10.8% YoY. In Q1 2025, the province received around 49,100 Russian visitors, +110.7% YoY. The Chairwoman of Pegas Misr Vietnam Travel Company highlighted the need to enhance staffing levels and address the shortage of Russian-speaking tour guides

At the Envision 2025 event, the Executive Vice President and CEO for International Markets of Trip.com highlighted Vietnam as a strategic priority for the group’s global expansion. In Jul 2024, Trip.com invested $10 million USD in M Village, a Vietnamese hotel chain, which became a top-performing partner on their platform. The CEO said that demand for Vietnam on Trip.com’s platform shows near triple-digit growth, driven by travellers from South Korea, Russia, Taiwan, and China. He added that the group is considering to open a second office in Da Nang, after the first one in Hanoi

According to a recent TripAdvisor report, Indonesia has the highest rate of paid reviews on Tripadvisor at 20%, followed by Vietnam (14.1%) and the U.S. (8.9%)

The Ministry of Finance is proposing a $2.16 billion USD investment policy for a luxury casino complex in Van Don, Quang Ninh province. The ministry proposes that Vietnamese nationals could take part in gaming under a pilot program. It would be expected to generate $9.67 billion USD to the budget over its 70-year lifespan

BWH Hotels announced the opening of a new Best Western property in Vietnam, the Best Western Plus ASpaces Riverside Danang. It features 136 rooms, with a rooftop pool, sky bar, in-house craft brewery, fitness centre, and all-day dining restaurant

The Bau Ca Cai tourist destination in Quang Ngai is growing with nearly 100 hectares of restored mangrove forest. Binh Son district approved a new rural tourism programme with a budget of $73,300 USD to promote the site as a tourist destination. The Bau Ca Cai Community Tourism Cooperative supported 20 households to renovate homes for homestay services, with projects including improved signage, parking bays, and landscaping. The Deputy Chief of Binh Thuan Commune said that total investment in Bai Ca Cai tourism exceeds $192,600 USD, with future plans focusing on better road access and expanding the tourism model

Hanoi will launch a new cultural-spiritual night tour called “The Bell of Tran Vu” at the end of May, with an official debut in Aug. The 90-minute tour is held at Quan Thanh Temple, offering outdoor performances and heritage experiences for groups of around 100 visitors weekly

The Hanoi’s municipal Department of Tourism reported that from Jan-May 2025, the city welcomed 12.77 million visitors, +10.9% YoY, with 3.16 million international tourists (+20.2% YoY) and 9.61 million domestic visitors (+7.8% YoY). The Department estimated total tourism revenue at over $2 billion USD, +14.1% YoY. The Department also forecasts 15.55 million visitors in Q1 2025, +11.8% YoY

The Vietnam Exhibition Fair Centre (VEFAC) in Hanoi is planned to open in Aug 2025, with an inauguration planned around Vietnam’s 80th National Day on 2 Sep, featuring 9 exhibition sections, a central hall, hotel and office spaces. VEFAC is set to be among the world’s top ten largest exhibition venues by total area and exhibition space

On 26 May, France and Vietnam signed agreements worth over $10 billion USD. 14 deals were signed in total. Key contracts include VietJet purchasing 20 Airbus A330neo aircraft, cooperation on nuclear energy, rail and maritime transport, Sanofi vaccines, and a declaration of intent for Airbus Defence and Space to replace Vietnam’s 2013 earth-observation satellite. French shipping company CMA CGM signed a $600 million USD deal with Saigon Newport to build a deepwater container terminal in northern Vietnam by 2028

On 25 May, Vietnam Railways Corporation welcomed travellers arriving via the Vietnam-China international rail service at Dong Dang Station in Lang Son Province, who completed immigration procedures, after 5 years of suspension due to the pandemic. 2 international trains numbered MR1 and MR2 will operate daily between Gia Lam station in Hanoi and Nanning station. Starting 27 May, a direct train service will operate between Hanoi and Beijing, departing Hanoi on Tue and Fri

During the 30 Apr-1 May holiday, Tay Ninh welcomed 138,100 visitors (+25.5% YoY) and generated over $4 million USD in revenue (+43.3% YoY). In Apr 2025, Tay Ninh’s tourism-related revenue reached over 2.31 trillion VND, +0.87% MoM. The province is developing community-based tourism models that preserve cultural and historical values. The Deputy Director of the provincial Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism noted that QR codes are equipped at 73 tourist sites, and the AR/ VR technology is also applied for virtual reality tours

Sunway Hotels & Resorts has joined the Global Hotel Alliance (GHA). Sunway’s properties in Malaysia, Vietnam, and Cambodia are part of GHA Discovery, a loyalty program with 30 million members. GHA has 45 brands with over 850 hotels, resorts, and palaces in 100 countries. The loyalty program generated $2.7 billion USD and 11 million room nights per year

According to the General Manager of Sala Tuy Hoa hotel, pacific bluefin tuna dishes are now regarded as a key culinary attraction in Phu Yen province. These dishes are featured across various establishments in Tuy Hoa, from upscale resorts to casual eateries. Major hotels and restaurants offer live tuna preparation shows, such as filleting and cooking

The Bau Trang site, located 60 km north of Phan Thiet City in Binh Thuan province, was featured in a Vietnamese movie called “Flip Side 8 - Sunny Bracelet”, which achieved record box office success and boosted tourism interest. According to the Management Board of Bau Trang Ecotourism Site, the site saw a 35% increase in visitors during the 30 Apr-1 May holiday, with over 10,200 arrivals. By the end of May 2025, it is projected to welcome around 117,000 visitors, with 30% being international tourists

The Da Nang People’s Committee approved a plan to expand water-based recreational activities along its inshore areas and the Han River to boost marine and river tourism. Activities include motorised sports (jet skiing, parasailing, banana boat rides) and non-motorised sports (paddleboarding, kayaking, windsurfing). The plan will run from 2025 to 2030

On 21 May, the Singapore Tourism Board (STB) partnered with iVIVU.com online travel platform. The partnership includes a multi-channel marketing campaign, curated travel packages, and services like flight-hotel bundles, accommodations, cruise tours, and attraction tickets

On 20 May, the former Politburo member and former State President Tran Duc Luong passed away at age 88 due to old age and illness. The respect-paying ceremony and memorial service will take place on 25 May at the National Funeral Hall. On 24-25 May, recreational and entertainment activities will be suspended

On 22 May, the VN-Index on the HCM Stock Exchange (HoSE) fell 9.21 points (0.7%) to 1,313.84. Decliners outnumbered gainers, with 214 stocks falling and 98 rising. Trading value increased by 4.7% from the previous session, reaching around $1 billion USD. Foreign investors recorded a modest net buying of 114 billion VND on HoSE. Vinpearl JSC (VPL) fell 6.12%, the steepest since listing, while Vietnam Airlines JSC (HVN) surged 6.04%, adding over 1.2 points to the VN-Index. The HNX-Index on the Hanoi Stock Exchange fell 0.67 points (0.31%) to 216.79, with trading value at 1.4 trillion VND

Quang Ninh province and Viettel Post JSC are working together to develop a smart border gate at the Mong Cai - Dongxing international border gate pair, as part of a broader strategy jointly agreed by Vietnam and China. Viettel proposed building a logistics centre and implementing a smart border gate system. Mong Cai authorities plan to start official discussions with Dongxing City to jointly execute the project once consensus is reached. Both sides are harmonising procedures and systems, including smart security, digital document processing, and traffic monitoring, to prepare for trial operations

On 20 May, the Vietnamese Prime Minister ordered ministries and agencies to accelerate preparations for the 419km Lao Cai-Hanoi-Hai Phong railway groundbreaking on 19 Dec 2025. He called for completing feasibility reports, settling route alignments, and developing financing plans involving public investment, loans, bonds, and public-private partnerships

Riyaz International signed a joint venture with Jin Jiang Hotels China Region to establish RJJ Hotels. The agreement was signed on 3 May to grant RJJ Hotels licensing rights to operate and grow 5 Jin Jiang brands in Malaysia, Indonesia, Vietnam, the Philippines, Cambodia, and Laos. The agreement targets 181 hotel management agreements and aims to have 108 hotels operational within 5 years. The first hotel will be developed by Sanher Investment & Development in Luang Prabang, Laos. RJJ Hotels will be headquartered in Malaysia. RJJ Hotels manages 5 brands under the Jin Jiang portfolio: Metropolo Jinjiang Hotels, Ginco Hotel, Renjoy Hotel, Lavande, and Jinjiang Inn. The company is in talks with property owners in Kuala Lumpur, Johor, Penang, Sabah, Sarawak, Jakarta, Bali, Vientiane, Luang Prabang, HCMC, Halong Bay, Hanoi, and Manila. There will be an investor conference on 27 Aug at the Malaysia International Trade and Exhibition Centre, with over 400 Chinese and regional investors expected to attend

The Tourism Information Center is developing shared digital platforms to create a unified smart tourism ecosystem. Key platforms include a tourism database system, a tourism statistical reporting software, a travel app, a smart travel card with cashless payment technology, a tourism management and business app, an electronic ticket system, and a multimedia guide system

The Deputy Director of the municipal Department of Construction announced that Hanoi will launch an integrated e-ticket system on 2 Sep to address the fragmented automated ticketing across various transport modes. He highlighted that the e-ticket system will integrate with automated toll collection, parking facilities, and services beyond Hanoi. Ticket purchases via the VNeID national identification app will be available by 15 Sep

On 19 May, the Department of International Cooperation under Vietnam’s Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism signed an MoU with TikTok. The collaboration includes media campaigns on TikTok for ministry events, and training on digital transformation and content creation for ministry units, starting with EXPO 2025 in Osaka (13 Apr-13 Oct)

On 19 May, Vietnam and the U.S. began a second round of trade negotiations in Washington, continuing until 22 May, to address tensions over a potential 46% U.S. tariff. On 19 May, the Vietnamese Trade Minister also met with Westinghouse to discuss nuclear energy cooperation

The Singapore Tourism Board (STB), Vietnam Airlines, and Sentosa Development Corporation partnered to boost travel from Vietnam through joint marketing, including familiarisation trips, features in Vietnam Airlines’ Heritage magazine, and travel fair participation

According to Kazinform News Agency, as of today, 3,213 Kazakhstani nationals purchased package tours for international travel. Vietnam is the top destination with 92,632 tours sold, followed by the UAE with 81,349, and Egypt with 78,302. According to the sales, 98% of 1,096,246 travellers chose beach vacationing for their abroad trip in 2024

On 17 May, HCMC announced a proposal to convert all 400,000 ride-hailing motorbikes to electric by 2030. City officials are conducting surveys to identify needs for rest stops and charging stations, with a detailed roadmap for the transition expected in Jul 2025. A vehicle emissions control programme, set to launch in Q4 2025, will target motorbikes, taxis, buses, and public agency vehicles, offering incentives and a buy-back scheme for fossil fuel vehicles

On 18 May, a landslide in Ba Be district in Bac Kan province killed 4 people. The landslide was triggered by flash floods, with locals reporting a loud explosion-like noise as soil, rock, and water cascaded down the mountain

On 19 May, the Vice Chairman of the HCMC People's Committee will meet the Director of the Trump International Hung Yen project to discuss the Trump Tower proposal, planned in Thu Thiem urban area. On 22 May, the Executive Vice President of the Trump Organization and son of U.S. President will meet HCMC officials to further survey potential locations and discuss project details

Vietnam’s Ministry of Health reported over 150 COVID-19 cases across various provinces and cities, with no deaths or large-scale outbreaks, but a slight increase in infections over the past 3 weeks. Authorities warn of potential case increases in tourist destinations like Da Nang during the peak summer travel season

On 18 May, dozens of dolphins appeared off the coast of Nha Trang. According to the Nha Trang Bay management board, the presence of dolphins indicates a positive trend in the marine environment and ecosystem recovery in the region

The HCMC Department of Tourism is organising the Vietnam - HCMC Tourism Promotion Program in Germany. From 20-22 May, IMEX Frankfurt 2025 is held, with presentations on HCMC tourism and a lucky draw. On 23 May, a B2B meeting is held in Munich, facilitating discussions on Vietnam-Germany tourism

StarCruises announced three 4-night, round-trip cruises aboard the Star Voyager, departing from Phu My Port (around 80km away from HCMC) to Singapore on 13, 17, and 21 Jun, timed for school holidays. The itinerary includes a stop at the Singapore Cruise Centre. Onboard amenities include an Adventure Park, Aqua Park with waterslides, a dedicated kids’ waterpark, rock-climbing wall, lawn bowling, ziplining, and live shows

Vietnam and the US have held their first ministerial level negotiations on 16 May over the US tariffs

On 16 May, Cao Bang province launched a new cross-border tourism route linking Cao Bang city with Baise city in China’s Guangxi region

An urban and ecotourism project in Hung Yen Province worth $1.5 billion USD as a joint venture between the Hung Yen Investment and Development Group and IDG Capital (representing the Trump Organisation) has had its investment approved by the government. It will operate for 50 years, and will start construction in Q2 2025 and be completed by Q2 2029

On 15 May, the ground breaking ceremony for the $1 billion USD expansion of the Grand Ho Tram resort in Ba Ria-Vung Tau province took place. The expansion spans 35 hectares, adding over 6,000 rooms and capacity for up to 18,000 daily guests, and is part of a larger integrated resort complex with a committed investment exceeding $4 billion USD. The project includes luxury hotels, villas, a convention centre, a casino, golf courses, and wellness facilities. Hotel brands involved include InterContinental, Holiday Inn, and Fusion

The Star Voyager will depart from Phu My Port in Jun, marking the port’s first time hosting a cruise ship. The ship accommodates nearly 2,000 passengers across 972 cabins in 8 categories

On 14 May, VinSpeed submitted the investment proposal for Vietnam’s North-South high-speed railway. The project requires an estimated $61.35 billion USD. VinSpeed, part of Vingroup, will fund 20% of the investment and proposes borrowing the remaining 80% from the state as an interest-free loan, repayable over 35 years from disbursement. VinSpeed aims to start construction before Dec 2025 and complete the railway for operation by Dec 2030, 5 years ahead of the government’s 2035 target

On 16 May, the Prime Ministers of Vietnam and Thailand met in Hanoi, announcing the upgraded comprehensive strategic partnership. Thailand is Vietnam's largest trading partner among Asean members. Both countries aim to increase bilateral trade to US$25 billion annually by 2030. Around 1 million Vietnamese visit Thailand annually, and 500,000 Thais travel to Vietnam, favouring destinations like Hue, Da Nang, Da Lat, and Sapa. NBT reported that Thailand is exploring direct flight connections between its northeastern region and Vietnam to boost tourism and bilateral contacts. The Prime Minister of Thailand said that Thailand also planned to promote more land transport between the 2 countries via Laos