Vietnam

On 12 Feb, the 4.3-hectare Ly Thai To Park in HCMC was inaugurated, serving as a central green space and a memorial for those lost during the COVID-19 pandemic. The park is fully funded by Sun Group with a total investment of over 263 billion VND, completed in just 90 days and nights of continuous construction, featuring the striking "Water Drop" monument. The complex includes sports zones, sculpture gardens, and viewing pavilions

On 12 Feb, the Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region and 5 Vietnamese localities (Quang Ninh, Lang Son, Cao Bang, Tuyen Quang, and Hai Phong) held a joint conference in Nanning to adopt 6 initiatives for cross-border tourism. The agreement focuses on developing premium itineraries, optimising border facilitation policies, and accelerating projects like the Detian-Ban Gioc Waterfall cooperation zone. The event also prioritised AI technology integration and talent training, supported by formal memorandums of understanding between Chinese and Vietnamese travel firms. It was announced that the next working conference will be hosted in Hai Phong in 2027

Hanoi will offer free travel on the metro and 128 subsidised bus routes from 14-22 Feb to accommodate increased demand during the Lunar New Year. Passengers can obtain free single-ride tickets via the Hanoi Metro app or at station counters, while bus commuters will be issued zero-fare tickets on-board

Self-drive car rental prices in Vietnam have surged to 2-3 times their usual rates ahead of Tet, with daily fees for popular models now ranging from 1.2 - 2.5 million VND. Due to high demand and limited supply, many agencies are enforcing mandatory long-term booking packages, often requiring a minimum of 10 days. This price hike is attributed to increased holiday travel and higher maintenance costs, though customers face risks regarding vehicle quality and stricter rental conditions. The government recently issued a new Decree, taking effect on 1 Mar, introducing fines of up to 60 million VND for procedural violations in rental transactions

Vietnam has emerged as a popular Southeast Asian destination for Hong Kong travellers during the 2026 Lunar New Year, with coastal hubs like Da Nang, Nha Trang, and Phu Quoc topping the list. According to the Executive Director of the Travel Industry Council, price increments for Vietnam's tours during the holiday period generally fell within the single-digit percentage range

The 2026 Spring Fair in Hanoi concluded on 13 Feb after a 12-day run that attracted around 500,000 visitors and generated over 300 billion VND in on-site sales. The fair featured 3,000 booths from over 2,200 enterprises and 34 provinces. It combined retail with over 30 cultural programmes, including folk performances and traditional Tet activities. Around 75% of exhibitors, particularly those from Hanoi, Ca Mau, and Lao Cai reported a significant sales surge during the final weekend

On 12 Feb, the Sun Group officially inaugurated the Aqua Adventure zone at Sun World Vung Tau. The site features 20 major attractions and 2 world records, including the first 10-lane super water racing slide and the longest water coaster for children. All attractions are supplied and jointly operated with global partners such as ProSlide, WhiteWater West and Mack Ride

Vietnam is proposing a 2-phase plan to establish a continuous high-speed corridor between HCMC and Phnom Penh via the Moc Bai-Bavet border gate. The project aims to link Vietnam’s 51km HCMC-Moc Bai Expressway with Cambodia’s 135km Phnom Penh-Bavet route. Under the proposal, the first phase would utilise existing border infrastructure to facilitate immediate transit upon the Vietnamese road's completion, while the second phase would involve a direct connection near border marker 170. The project has been approved under a public-private partnership (PPP) model with a build-operate-transfer contract and carries a total investment of over 19.6 trillion VND, including 9.674 trillion VND in state capital

HCMC will launch a diverse series of cultural festivities to mark the Lunar New Year beginning on 17 Feb. The Museum of HCM City is hosting 3 major exhibitions through to Apr, focusing on traditional customs, the lion dance heritage of the Hoa ethnic group, and national history. Meanwhile, the Cu Chi Tunnels will feature a themed flower street with Year of the Horse mascots and traditional performances by the S’tieng and M’Nong ethnic groups. Between 15-22 Feb, the city will also host nightly music and dance shows

On 10 Feb, the luxury vessel Le Jacques Cartier, operated by France’s Compagnie du Ponant, became the first international cruise ship to visit Con Dao in 2026, bringing over 100 international passengers and 100 crew members. The ship departed at 7pm the same day for HCMC, with subsequent stops planned for Quy Nhon, Da Nang, Chan May Bay, and Ha Long Bay. In 2025, the island welcomed 612,000 visitors, including 25,600 from overseas

Starting from 1 Jul 2027, HCMC will introduce mandatory emissions inspections for over 11 million motorcycles to combat rising pollution. Each test is expected to take 7-10 minutes and will be conducted at authorised maintenance centres, dealerships, and specialised inspection stations. To manage the high volume, the city is developing an online registration system and plans to deploy mobile inspection units for industrial zones and remote areas. Authorities have urged manufacturers and service providers to upgrade their facilities and equipment to ensure the city is ready for the synchronised rollout of these national standards

On 10 Feb, Tan Son Nhat airport handled 1,015 flights, breaking the previous Tet peak record of 1,003 flights set in 2025. Since 10 Feb, passengers have faced check-in queues exceeding 1 hour, particularly at the newly opened Terminal 3. While upgraded infrastructure at Terminals 1 and 2 has improved security speeds, the surge has led to some operational friction, including passengers confusing terminal locations and staff occasionally bypassing biometric facial recognition to expedite manual processing

Hoi An launched an AI-powered digital system featuring QR-code payments, virtual tours, and multilingual guides to reduce congestion and modernise the site’s visitor experience. For the Tet 2026 holiday, nearby My Son Sanctuary will extend its hours from 6am to 6pm, offering interactive Cham pottery and weaving workshops alongside traditional art performances

Lo Lo Chai, recently named the "Best Tourism Village in the World" by UN Tourism, is facing a severe accommodation shortage for the 2026 Lunar New Year. All 63 of the village's homestays are fully booked until at least 24 Feb, with many rooms secured months in advance for the holiday. This surge in popularity has forced last-minute travellers to consider basic tents at inflated prices or delay their visits until late Feb

The Ministry of Construction has proposed requiring airlines to refund passengers if a flight is delayed by 3 hours, cutting the current threshold from 5 hours. Under the draft decree, a flight is officially delayed at the 15-minute mark, requiring airlines to provide regular updates and apologies. Airlines must provide food and drinks for delays of 2 hours, full refunds at 3 hours, and mandatory financial compensation at 4 hours. For delays exceeding 6 hours during daytime, airlines must provide accommodation. Exemptions remain for force majeure events like bad weather

According to data from the General Statistics Office, Vietnam welcomed a record 2.5 million foreign visitors in Jan 2026. Cambodia has overtaken Taiwan to become Vietnam’s third-largest source of international visitors for the first time in Jan, with 223,000 arrivals (+200% MoM). Taiwan, previously in third place, has slipped to sixth with 101,000 arrivals. Russia and the U.S. completed the top 5

Launched in Jan 2026 along the Co Chien River, Nhi Hoa is the first community-based tourism village in the newly merged Vinh Long Province. The model operates as a sustainable "closed service chain" where households provide unique, non-overlapping activities such as gardening, boat trips, and folk games. According to the Deputy Director of the HCMC Institute for Economic and Tourism Development Research, unlike remote eco-sites, the village is integrated into a major transport corridor for easier tourist access

Phu Quoc welcomed 983,387 visitors in Jan 2026, +60.7% YoY, and 11.6% of its 2026 target. There were 278,347 international arrivals, +122.9% YoY. Total tourism receipts were $236 million USD, +140.9% YoY, and around 13.5% of its yearly target. 790,000 passengers travelled through Phu Quoc International Airport, +34% YoY, with international air arrivals at 214,446, +27% YoY. Restaurants and hotels in Sunset Town and Khem Beach have reported occupancy rates exceeding 90%

Vietnam in Jan 2026 welcomed 2.5 million international arrivals, the highest monthly total, +21.4% MoM and +18.5% YoY: Asian arrivals accounted for 73% of the total arrivals South Korea was the top source market at 490,000 arrivals, +26% MoM and +17% YoY Japan saw growth of 41% MoM and 16.9% YoY Chinese arrivals were down year on year, at 460,000 Southeast Asian arrivals also saw increases YoY: Singapore at 51.7%, Philippines at 75%, Thailand 10.6% and Cambodia tripling MoM and doubling YoY. Indian arrivals were 80.5% YoY to 88,000 European arrivals were 424,000, +35% MoM and 60% YoY. Russia saw 195.1% growth The Americas saw 137,000 visitors, +23% MoM and +14.2% YoY, with US arrivals at 103,00, +24.8% MoM and +12% YoY Oceania arrivals were 81,000, +42% MoM, +13% YoY, with Australia accounting for 75,000 visitors Air arrivals were 80% of the total, land arrivals doubled YoY and sea arrivals grew 30% YoY

Quang Ninh province has announced a 3-year entrance fee waiver for the Yen Tu historical and scenic site starting in 2026, following its designation as a UNESCO World Cultural Heritage Site in Jul 2025. The number of visitors to the site dropped from over 1 million in 2018 to around 567,000 in 2025. The fee waiver is expected to stimulate visitor numbers, attract new investment, and diversify tourism products in the surrounding areas

For the 2026 Lunar New Year, the Hung Kings Temple site in Phu Tho province has launched the denhung.vn portal to modernise its visitor services and historical promotion. New tourism highlights include a Night Tour and a spiritual "roots" journey covering the complex's major temples and the Hung Kings Museum. The tour will be combined with nearby destinations such as the Au Co Mother Temple, and the Thanh Thuy hot mineral spring resort

Ca Mau launched a sustainable tourism strategy for 2026-2030, aiming to attract 11.5 million visitors and generate 14.2 trillion VND in revenue. The plan focuses on ecotourism, community-based travel, and cultural preservation across its vast mangrove forests and historical sites

Hanoi will host 15-minute fireworks displays across 33 locations from 00:00 - 00:15 on 17 Feb 2026 to welcome Lunar New Year 2026. The programme features 11 high-altitude sites at major landmarks like Hoan Kiem Lake and the F1 racetrack, alongside 23 low-altitude displays in various local districts and parks

During the 2026 Lunar New Year holiday, Thanh Hoa Province will offer free admission to the Ho Dynasty Citadel (12-17 Feb) and the Lam Kinh Special National Relic (16-19 Feb). Visitors can enjoy free guided tours at the Citadel, which will host traditional rituals and calligraphy festivals alongside photo exhibitions and art performances. Meanwhile, Lam Kinh will feature dedicated ceremonies for King Le Thai To and Prince Le Lai

HCMC is planning to launch seven new bus routes to connect the city with Long Thanh International Airport (LTIA) ahead of its opening in Jun 2026. 3 routes will depart from Tan Son Nhat Airport, Saigon Bus Station, and the New Eastern Bus Station. 4 routes will originate from the areas of Binh Duong and Ba Ria-Vung Tau. Buses will prioritise expressways to shorten the 40km journey between the city centre and the airport

Vietnam’s newly approved national plan sets a 2050 target to expand the expressway network to 8,920km across 43 routes. This long-term vision focuses on completing 2 major North-South corridors, including the 2,065km Eastern and 1,205km Western expressways, as well as urban infrastructure, including 417 km of ring roads for Hanoi and 299km for HCMC. The project is backed by a projected $123 billion USD investment, aiming to modernise regional connectivity and logistics. By the end of 2025, the country had built 3,803km of expressways, including main routes and access roads, surpassing the earlier target of 3,000km

Marriott International has partnered with Masterise Group to add nearly 1,900 keys to its Vietnamese portfolio through the development of four hotels and a branded residence. The agreement includes the debut of The Ritz-Carlton brand in HCMC’s District 1, alongside a dual-branded eco-resort in Can Gio featuring JW Marriott and Four Points by Sheraton properties. In Hanoi, the Co Loa Marriott Hotel will provide nearly 500 rooms and extensive event space adjacent to the National Exhibition & Convention Centre

During the sixth round of tariff negotiations in Washington, the Trade Minister confirmed Vietnam’s intent to increase imports of US machinery and high-tech products. Following meetings with executives from Apple and Exxon Mobil, Vietnam signed several agreements to purchase American crude oil, ethanol, and corn from firms including Chevron and ADM. Despite the 20% tariffs, Vietnam's shipments to the United States reached a record high of $153 billion USD in 2025

The first Spring Fair 2026, held at the Vietnam Exposition Centre, Hanoi, from 2-13 Feb, attracted over 32,000 visitors in its opening 2 days. Revenue at booths from localities ranged from 20 million VND to 1 billion VND in the first 2 days, with Son La Province recording the highest turnover. Individual enterprises under ministry management posted revenues exceeding around 2 billion VND each. The Ministry of Industry and Trade (MoIT) has directed local authorities to increase publicity and improve transport links, including free shuttle services and increased bus frequencies during the fair

According to data from Agoda, in 2025: Agoda recorded a 21% rise YoY in international searches for accommodation in Vietnam South Korea remains the leading source of international visitors, with search interest up by 15% Japan climbed to second place (18% increase), followed by the U.S. Travel interest from the Philippines was +86% YoY, while Thailand saw a 36% YoY increase Top inbound destinations include Da Nang (with international searches +25%), followed by HCMC (+26%), Nha Trang (+2%), Hanoi (+23%), and Phu Quoc (+49%) Domestic travel interest grew by 14%, with nearly half of Vietnamese travellers prioritising local trips over international ones in 2026 Da Nang also topped domestic searches with a 29% increase, followed closely by Hanoi (+28%)

HCMC has officially restarted its long-delayed 10 trillion VND tidal flood-control project as of 2 Feb 2026, marked by the trial operation of the Ben Nghe sluice gate. The project is currently 94% complete after being stalled since 2020 by legal and funding bottlenecks, aiming to protect 6.5 million residents and 570 square kilometres from tidal surges. The infrastructure features 8 major sluice gates and is scheduled for completion within the year, with full operation anticipated in 2027

HCMC authorities suspended urban beautification works at Ben Thanh Market, Turtle Lake, and the Phu Dong Six-Way Intersection after renovations deviated from approved designs. The investor Khang Dien House Trading and Investment JSC implemented unauthorised changes to colour schemes and the scope of work, sparking public debate over the city's architectural identity. Operations remain halted pending a detailed report from the investor and consultations with urban planning and fine arts experts

Vietnam and Japan are projected to exchange around 1.5 million tourists in 2025, cementing Japan's position as a top-5 international market for Vietnam with over 800,000 anticipated visitors (+14% YoY). Vietnam has formally proposed that Japan further facilitate visa policies for its citizens, matching the current visa-free access enjoyed by Japanese travellers, while simultaneously leveraging expanded air connectivity and cultural festivals to boost bilateral travel flows

On 1 Feb 2026, Vietnamese tourism firms hosted a workshop in Tel Aviv during the 32nd International Mediterranean Tourism Market (IMTM) fair to promote travel packages to the Israeli market. A key highlight was the launch of Arkia Airlines' direct Tel Aviv - Hanoi route, which reduces travel time to 12 hours

The First Cambodia-Laos-Vietnam (CLV) Trilateral Working Breakfast Meeting was held during the ASEAN Tourism Forum in the Philippines, with the topic “Three Countries, One Destination”. The first CLV Tourism Ministers’ Meeting will be held in Vietnam in Aug 2026 where they will look for concrete action plans for joint promotion

On 30 Jan, the Asian Development Bank (ADB) and the State Bank of Vietnam (SBV) launched a $2 million USD green banking initiative to accelerate Vietnam’s climate finance capabilities. The project is funded by the Japanese Government through the Japan Fund for Prosperous and Resilient Asia and the Pacific (JFPR), focusing on strengthening the banking sector's ability to manage climate risks and develop sustainable financial products. Key priorities include establishing a green taxonomy, improving carbon market participation, and issuing green bonds

Phu Quoc has broken ground on 2 major urban projects worth 69.55 trillion VND to prepare for the APEC Economic Leaders’ Week in 2027. The Bai Dat Do and Nui Ong Quan complexes, developed by Sun Group, will provide around 12,000 new hotel rooms and serviced apartments to accommodate global dignitaries. These developments are the centrepiece of 21 key infrastructure projects aimed at transforming the island into a "green and smart" international hub

The Vietnam Green Transition Association (VGA) has been established as a new industry body to accelerate Vietnam’s shift towards a sustainable, low-carbon economy for the 2026-2030 period. By 2030, the association targets a membership of 2,000 in 34 provinces, intending to train 10,000 staff in ESG and Net Zero standards and support 2,000 enterprises with emissions inventories. It also aims to roll out 1,000 community-based green models tailored to local needs. VGA said that it serves as a strategic hub, connecting scientists and businesses to digitalise green processes

On 29 Jan, representatives from Hue City and Quang Tri Province held a tourism promotion event in Seoul to strengthen ties with the Republic of Korea and advocate for direct air services. A strategic priority of the programme is the establishment of direct flight paths, with the first Korea-Hue charter flight scheduled for late Mar 2026. The programme also featured B2B meetings, destination presentations and product showcases, opening up new cooperation opportunities in tour operations, golf tourism and Halal travel packages

On 30 Jan, Hanoi launched its 2026 tourism season with the "Get on Hanoi 2026 -A Green Journey" festival, a 3-day event at the Tay Ho Creative Cultural Space. The programme introduces over 80 new tourism products and officially recognises 3 new sites, including the Hanoi Botanical Garden, Thiet Ung Fine Woodcraft Village, and Thu Lam. On 31 Jan, the "Mong New Year in the City" will showcase the Gau Tao Festival and traditional Mong ethnic culture, including folk games and cuisine. On 1 Feb, the Gia Lai Tourism Day in Hanoi will take place, promoting Gia Lai's potential through traditional crafts and performances

Tourism cooperation between 9 Vietnamese border provinces and 10 Lao border provinces will be intensified after a meeting between the two sides, with the promotion of tourism products and cross-border routes

The Pearl Opera House, a $480 million USD project designed by acclaimed Italian architect Renzo Piano, is currently under construction on Hanoi’s West Lake with a scheduled completion date of 2027. The building features a signature dome coated in a mother-of-pearl-like finish and will house two main auditoriums, a museum, and various rehearsal spaces

A UN Tourism report showed that Vietnam was one of a few nations seeing double digit growth in 2025 for international arrivals at 19%, outperforming the global average (4%) and the Asia-Pacific average (6%). Growth was driven by flexible visa policies and expanded flight routes. UN Tourism predicts a further 3-4% increase in global international tourism for 2026

Singapore-based HitPay Payment Solutions Pte. Ltd. launched its Borderless QR system, which enables merchants to accept payments from travellers from Asia-Pacific countries. Customers can pay “instantly” with their home wallet at mid-market rates with zero additional fees, while merchants receive next-day settlement in local currency. Merchants using HitPay can now support QR Ph (Philippines), PayNow (Singapore), QRIS (Indonesia), PromptPay (Thailand), VietQR (Vietnam), WeChat Pay (China, and UPI (India)

On 27 Jan, Da Lat launched the Lighted Flower and Art Street, a 2-kilometre cherry blossom route along the Tran Hung Dao Street. As a highlight of the Cherry Blossom Festival -Da Lat Spring 2026, the space features illuminated flower canopies for night viewing, street music, and an exhibition of nearly 100 artworks showcasing local landmarks

Vietnam’s Ministry of Health issued an urgent alert to 31 provinces and 5 international quarantine centres to enhance Nipah virus surveillance following a recent outbreak in India. The virus is classified as a high-risk Group A infectious disease, primarily transmitted from fruit bats to humans and carries a high fatality rate with no current vaccine. Although Vietnam remains case-free as of late Jan 2026, authorities have mandated strict border screening, and infrared temperature monitoring

CT Group proposed a $12 billion USD high-speed railway connecting HCMC with Ca Mau and Can Tho, under a Public-Private Partnership (PPP). CT Group has signed with China Railway Design Corporation for the pre-feasibility study. The 280km electrified corridor is designed for both passengers and freight at speeds up to 250 km/h, aiming to resolve the Mekong Delta's logistical bottlenecks. While the government has prioritised the initial 175km HCMC-Can Tho stretch for a pre-feasibility study, the full extension to Ca Mau is now formally integrated into the national transport vision for 2050. The project includes 12 transit-oriented development (TOD) urban zones, and is targeted to begin construction in 2027 with commercial operations expected by 2032

According to Agoda, in 2025 travellers from the Philippines showed the strongest growth in interest in visiting Vietnam, with accommodation searches +86% YoY. Tourism data shows that 482,173 Filipinos visited Vietnam in 2025, +81.3% YoY. Mainland China remained the largest market to Vietnam with 5.2 million arrivals (+41% YoY), followed by South Korea (4.3 million) and Taiwan (1.23 million)

During the nine-day Tet holiday starting 10 Feb, passenger numbers at Hanoi bus stations are expected to surge by 300-400%. To manage this, authorities are deploying 2,450 reserve buses across the Giap Bat, My Dinh, and Gia Lam terminals, alongside 700 additional vehicle permits to prevent backlog on popular routes such as Thanh Hoa and Quang Ninh. While daily passenger volumes are forecasted to peak at 17,000 at major hubs, officials have guaranteed sufficient transport capacity provided that ticket price hikes and vehicle overloading are strictly prohibited

Hanoi approved a 30 trillion VND plan to transform the West Lake area into a cultural and creative hub, with construction starting in 2026. The project involves widening 11km of lakeside roads to 24 metres, alongside the installation of 27 viewing decks, 2 floating plazas, and 6 boat piers to boost tourism. Executed under a public-private partnership, the makeover will be completed in 2 phases: the first finishing by mid-2027 and the entire project by 2030. Hanoi authorities anticipated temporary disruptions to local traffic and businesses

Deputy Prime Minister has approved the submission of the scientific dossier on the Oc Eo-Ba The archaeological site in southern An Giang province to UNESCO for consideration and inclusion on the world heritage list, with a final scientific dossier due by 30 Jan 2026. This 433-hectare site preserves the remains of a major port city and urban centre of the ancient Kingdom of Phu Nam, which flourished between the 1st and 7th centuries

In 2025, the Naphao International Border Checkpoint connecting Laos’ Khammouane Province and Vietnam’s Quang Binh Province generated 29.20 million USD in customs revenue, achieving 159% of its annual target. This performance reflects a 77.69% YoY increase from 2024, driven primarily by the trade of minerals, petroleum, and machinery. For 2026, the Ministry of Finance has set a customs revenue target of 29.61 million USD for the border checkpoint

According to the Vietnam National Authority of Tourism (VNAT), Russia emerged as Vietnam's fastest-growing tourism market in 2025, with arrivals nearly tripling to a record 689,714, surpassing pre-pandemic peaks, +196.9% YoY. Notable growth was also recorded from India (48.9%), Cambodia (44.8%), and China (41.3%)

The Mekong Delta’s tourism sector faces an "easy-to-hire, hard-to-retain" workforce paradox, where low monthly wages, averaging 6.9 million VND compared to 9.5 million VND of the Southeast region, and limited career prospects, drive skilled workers toward larger urban hubs. Only 26.5% of the Delta's workforce has formal qualifications, compared to 37% in the Red River Delta. Regional experts are leveraging Resolution 68-NQ/TW to shift from purely theoretical education to a practical "linkage model" that integrates local authorities and businesses

Under Resolution No. 01-NQ/TU, Khanh Hoa province is targeting double-digit economic growth for the 2025–2030 period, aiming for 31.6 million visitors by 2030, with a focus on high-quality and sustainable tourism. Priority markets include Germany, the UK, France, Australia, the UAE, and Saudi Arabia, alongside long-term interest from Northern and Eastern Europe. 8 cruise ships are scheduled to visit in 2026 from nations including Italy, France, and Malta. In early 2026, the Costa Serena docked at Cam Ranh International Port with 2,800 European tourists

The Welcoming Spring Binh Ngo 2026 exhibition, open to the public until 1 Mar at the Hanoi Old Quarter Cultural Exchange Centre, is a cultural highlight of the "Old Quarter Tet" series celebrating the Year of the Horse. The showcase features nearly 100 paintings by 4 artists, offering a multi-faceted look at the northwestern highlands and traditional spring landscapes

On 23 Jan, UNESCO launched a $740,000 USD emergency assistance package for Vietnam, in response to the devastation caused by Typhoons Wipha, Bualoi, and Matmo in Nov 2025. The initiative focuses on conducting technical assessments and emergency repairs at World Heritage Sites in Hue and Hoi An, alongside rehabilitating learning spaces and providing psychosocial support in the northern provinces of Cao Bang and Lang Sơn. With funding from Japan, the programme will implement early warning systems and school safety measures in Nghe An

According to Green Shoots Radar (the latest report by Visa), in 2026, Vietnamese payment habits are shifting towards multi-currency cards and mobile wallets for daily and overseas use, though credit cards remain the preferred choice for major purchases. There is a surge in premium lifestyle spending and a demand for frictionless, "instant" digital experiences. However, security remains a significant hurdle, with 52% of consumers and 43% of small businesses (SMBs) expressing concerns over fraud, and one-third are deterred by difficulties in tracking transactions. Despite these worries, 94% of small businesses now accept real-time payments. 66% of SMBs are interested in using their payment data to improve their credit scoring and gain better access to financing

Lam Dong province has launched a master plan to transform the Mui Ne National Tourist Area into a premier Asia-Pacific destination, spanning 14,760 hectares across a 63km coastal corridor. Following the 2025 regional merger, the plan targets 25 million annual visitors and a capacity of 71,500 accommodation rooms by 2040. The area’s resident population is projected to grow to 200,000 by 2030 and 300,000 by 2040. The number of tourists is expected to reach 14 million by 2030. To support this growth, the province is accelerating key infrastructure projects, including Phan Thiet Airport, the North-South high-speed railway, and new expressways connecting the coast to the highlands

At the FITUR 2026 international tourism fair in Madrid, Vietnam’s pavilion, organised by the VNCT and the Vietnam Cultural Centre in France, showcased the country’s culinary and cultural heritage to the European market. The "HOLA VIETNAM!" event on 21 Jan served as a centrepiece for B2B networking and bilateral meetings aimed at capturing the growing interest of Spanish-speaking travellers in historical and experiential tourism. The fair took place from 21-26 Jan, bringing together over 9,000 tourism businesses and organisations from over 150 countries and territories, attracting hundreds of thousands of visitors

The Railway Project Management Board proposed a $174 million USD overhaul of the current North-South railway, aiming to raise average passenger train speeds to over 80 kph and freight speeds to 50 kph by removing critical infrastructure bottlenecks. Key upgrades include expanding tracks at the Hai Van stations, building new stations in Hue and Dong Nai, and straightening 17 km of sharp curves that currently force trains to slow down. Nearly 7 km of track will be elevated to prevent flooding, with the overall goal of increasing passenger capacity by up to 1.6 times and cargo volumes by 1.5 times compared with current levels. The project would be funded by the state budget during the 2026-2030 period, with construction scheduled to begin in Q4 2026

On 23 Jan, the 14th Party Central Committee unanimously re-elected To Lam as General Secretary for the 2026-2031 term. Under To Lam’s leadership, the number of provinces and centrally run cities was reduced from 63 to 34 in 2025, commune-level units were slashed by over 66%, from 10,035 down to 3,321. The Politburo under his leadership has issued policies recognising the private sector as a key driver of the economy, affirming the leading role of the state sector, and setting a target of basic free healthcare for all citizens from 2030

According to the Vietnam Railway Transport Joint Stock Company, Vietnam’s railway sector will operate 906 passenger trains from 3 Feb-8 Mar 2026 to manage the Lunar New Year travel surge. This plan provides around 384,000 long-distance seats, +7% YoY, primarily on the Hanoi-HCMC route and supplemented by high-end tourist carriages. While peak pre-Tet tickets for southern routes are already sold out, seats remain available for post-holiday travel and on certain short-distance regional lines. Ticket prices have risen by 5-10% compared to normal days due to increased fuel costs and the refurbishment of over 100 carriages

Vietnam’s competition watchdog has fined Zalo and TikTok a combined 1.69 billion VND for serious consumer rights and data privacy violations. Zalo was penalised 810 million VND and TikTok 880 million VND after both platforms failed to allow users to opt-out of data sharing for advertising or control the scope of their personal information. The Ministry of Industry and Trade also cited both companies for failing to protect vulnerable consumers and lacking transparent complaint-handling procedures. Both firms have been ordered to cease these practices and immediately overhaul their internal policies to comply with national regulations

Dak Lak province has launched a 2026 tourism programme aimed at attracting 8 million visitors (+9% YoY) and generating 16 trillion VND in revenue (+17% YoY). Following the regional merger, the strategy integrates highland and coastal attractions, headlined by the Tuna Festival in Tuy Hoa this Apr and an Ethnic Cultural Heritage Week in Buon Ma Thuot in 2026. The province is calling for investment in large-scale eco-resorts and deploying a digital tourism map to provide real-time travel and weather data

From 11-20 Feb, the Phu My Hung Spring Flower Festival 2026 will take place in District 7 in HCMC, with its accompanying flower market opening earlier on 8 Feb. Key attractions include a 700-metre stretch featuring floral displays, light installations, and visual art; miniature representations of iconic sites from HCMC, Binh Duong, and Vung Tau; and around 100 booths selling ornamental plants from regional gardens

According to Agoda: Total Vietnamese travel interest for Tet holiday has risen compared to the 2025 period, driven primarily by a 22% surge in domestic travel and a modest 7% increase in outbound trips Half of Vietnamese respondents plan to prioritise domestic travel this year to avoid the complexities of international journeys Da Lat remains the top choice, showing a 44% increase in searches, followed by Phu Quoc with a 41% increase, overtaking Nha Trang Vung Tau rounds out the top 5 with a 31% increase

On 19 Jan, the Vietnam National Authority of Tourism (VNAT) and Saigon - Hanoi Commercial Joint Stock Bank (SHB) signed a five-year cooperation agreement (2026-2030) to build a nationwide smart tourism ecosystem. SHB will embed digital banking tools, including online payments, eKYC, and transaction reconciliation directly into the 'Vietnam Travel' and 'Tourism Management and Business' applications. The initiative is designed to enhance transparency and operational efficiency for businesses while providing travellers with reliable information and secure payment methods

To achieve 2026's tourism target, the Ministry of Public Security and Ministry of Foreign Affairs plan to expand unilateral visa exemptions for major and high-potential markets. E-visa procedures will be digitised further to simplify processes and reduce immigration clearance times at borders. Focuses will be placed towards high-end segments including green tourism, wellness, MICE, and golf tourism. Priority investment is being directed toward airports, seaports, and expressways to provide direct, modern links to tourism sites

According to the recent Yanolja Research report from the Republic of Korea: Over 30 million South Koreans are expected to travel abroad in 2026, an increase from 29 million in 2025 Japan, Vietnam, China, and Thailand will account for 65.2% of this total demand Vietnam is forecast to welcome 4.56 million Korean visitors in 2026, +4% YoY Vietnam is projected to significantly outperform Thailand in both visitor volume and growth momentum

On 20 Jan, the 14th National Party Congress opened in Hanoi, convening 1,586 delegates. The Congress has set a target of 10% average annual GDP growth for the 2026-2030 period, aimed at boosting employment and national income

Hanoi welcomed around 560,000 visitors during the 2026 New Year holiday, doubling the previous year's figures. The city aims to attract nearly 36 million visitors in 2026, including over 8.6 million international tourists. According to the Director of the Hanoi Department of Tourism, the city’s strategy blends traditional heritage, such as 32 fireworks displays and folk performances, with modern "smart tourism" initiatives. Authorities are diversifying itineraries into suburban areas to ease city-centre congestion while accelerating infrastructure investments in the West Lake and Red River districts