Vietnam

Vietnam plans to start construction of a $67 billion USD, 1,541 km high-speed railway connecting Hanoi’s Ngoc Hoi Station to HCMC’s Thu Thiem Station by Dec 2026. The railway will span 20 provinces and cities, with 23 passenger stations and 5 freight depots, designed for trains to operate at up to 350 km/h. Beside the railway project, a strategic plan for Vietnam’s railway industry, covering 2035 with a vision to 2045, will be presented to the Prime Minister. A training and workforce development initiative for the sector will also be submitted for approval

From 27-30 Apr, the 2025 Dong Nai Pottery and Hot-Air Balloon Festival will take place in Son Tien Ecotourism Park in Bien Hoa city, with 50 hot-air balloons, opening free for all visitors. The Pottery Festival showcases ceramics from villages like Bien Hoa, Thanh Ha, Bau Truc, Vinh Long, and Binh Duong, with activities include workshops, logo design, photography competitions, folk games, cultural exhibitions, and art performances. The event is expected to host up to 100,000 visitors

The War Remnants Museum in HCMC is attracting 9,000 international visitors daily in Apr, double its usual number, driven by social media promotion. According to a museum’s staff, visitor numbers began skyrocketing in early Apr, averaging 5,000 daily, peaking at 9,000, mostly foreign tourists, with a further rush expected during the 27-30 Apr holiday

On 23 Apr, the Hunan cultural exchange and tourism promotion event was held in Hanoi, marking the 75th anniversary of diplomatic relations and the Year of Vietnam-China Humanistic Exchange. The Vice Governor of Hunan province called for a joint cultural and tourism partnership, suggesting simpler visas, and streamlined customs to enhance regional ties. He also proposed a cross-border tourism system with unique routes and a “one journey, multiple destinations” model for seamless travel

An Giang province planned to finalise a nomination dossier in 2026 to seek UNESCO World Cultural Heritage status for the Oc Eo - Ba archaeological site. The site covers 433.1 hectares in Oc Eo town in Thoai Son District. It was added to UNESCO’s tentative world heritage list after a brief report submitted in Apr 2022

From 13 Apr-13 Oct, Vietnam is promoting its national culture at the 8th World Expo 2025 in Osaka. This is Vietnam’s 8th time at the event. On 19 Apr, Vietnamese artists performed a 30-minute show featuring folk music from Vietnam’s 3 regions, attracting Japanese and international audiences

Per the 11th plenum of the 13th Party Central Committee, HCMC, Binh Duong, Vung Tau will merge into a new HCMC, with the political-administrative centre in current HCMC. The city will reduce its commune-level units from 273 to 102, including 78 wards and 24 communes. The Head of tourism resource planning highlighted that new ward names will enable themed tours and heritage spaces. A representative from Vietluxtour said that this is a chance to update the tourism map of HCMC, while calling for a unified tourism communication strategy involving residents and travel agencies

According to Trip.com group’s booking data: - For the 30 Apr-4 May holiday, Vietnam saw an over 190% increase in domestic bookings, with cross-border bookings exceeding 150% - Asia-Pacific markets report near triple-digit growth in domestic travel and double-digit growth in cross-border travel for the May 2025 holiday season

On 20 Apr, the HCMC Department of Tourism launched the “50 golden days - Discover hospitable and vibrant HCMC” campaign, running until mid-June, and including city tours, night museum visits, and combo packages for relaxation, cuisine, and experiences. As of 20 Apr, hotel occupancy rates in 1-to-5-star hotels in the central parts of districts 1 and 4 have hit 95%-100%. According to the Director of the Department, hundreds of businesses, including travel agencies, hotels, and tourism service providers, are offering extensive promotions. The department recently introduced 3 new tourism products, including a tour to Thanh An commune in Can Gio coastal district, a tour exploring the Hoc Mon area, and a tour of the inner city

On 20 Apr, the Thai Hoa Palace in Hue city received the “LOTUS Green Building” certificate from the Vietnam Green Building Council (VGBC) and Hue Monuments Conservation Centre. It is the first UNESCO World Heritage Site in Vietnam to meet Green Building standards

Vietnam’s President is set to make his first overseas visit to Laos as Head of State from 24-25 Apr

In 2024, Yen Bai province welcomed over 2.2 million visitors, generating 1.9 trillion VND in revenue, +11.7% YoY. Over 90% of the province’s residents are Hmong. A Hmong embroidery and weaving cooperative, partnered with Craft Link in Hanoi, grew from 10 to nearly 50 women, producing traditional garments for Vietnam and Europe

The Chinese Ambassador has stated that China places great importance on expanding railway connectivity between the two countriessm cooperation between China and Vietnam was launched in Guilin in Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region. A Guangxi tourism official announced the upcoming launch of the "Ho Chi Minh China-Vietnam Friendship Guangxi Tour" - a curated travel route connecting key historical sites and memorials significant to both regions

The “Net Zero Tours Ben Tre” by C2T Communications and Tourism Company features activities like cycling, visiting nipa palm forests, craft villages, and enjoying local culture, aiming to promote green tourism in Ben Tre, and Mekong Delta. The tour uses eco-friendly practices, and educates visitors on carbon emissions, offering activities like tree planting and clean-ups to offset environmental impact. According to the Institute of Applied Research and Innovation in Enterprises (IARIE), Suoi Rao Ecolodge in Ba Ria - Vung Tau absorbs around 260 tonnes of carbon annually while emitting 19 tonnes of carbon dioxide

According to Box Office Vietnam, the Vietnamese film called “Tunnels: sun in the dark” earned 27 billion VND over the last weekend and grossed over 130 billion VND since its release on 4 Apr, with a target of 150 billion VND within reach. According to the Deputy Director of the Cu Chi Tunnels, the number of visitors to the site in Apr has increased by 20-30% YoY. A special night tour called War Zone Moon attracted nearly 200 visitors per night

According to the Vietnam Railways Corporation (VNR), nearly 76,000 train tickets were sold for the 30 Apr - 1 May holiday. Passenger numbers are expected to increase, particularly on short-distance and regional routes. Peak travel occurs on 29-30 Apr for outbound trips from Hanoi and HCMC, and on 3-4 May for return journeys from holiday spots. In addition to regular daily trains, 5 additional train services will be provided for the Hanoi - Hai Phong route. For regional routes (Hanoi - Vinh, Hanoi - Da Nang, HCMC - Nha Trang), a total of 32 extra trains will be deployed to meet demand

On 17 Apr, the Vietnam Cultural Heritage Conservation Support Fund and TikTok LIVE launched the “Vietnamese Beauty Season 3: Touching Heritage” tourism promotion event, featuring an interactive livestream on TikTok, focusing on Vietnam’s cultural heritage and ancient capitals. The initiative aims to inspire content creators to produce unique content, deepening understanding of Vietnam’s traditional cultural values. From 12-18 May, online events will take place, with content creators sharing knowledge about Vietnam’s heritage. From 1-10 Jun, offline events will take place in Hanoi, Phu Tho, Ninh Binh, Thanh Hoa, and Hue. Participants can explore heritage sites using augmented reality, livestreaming, and other technological methods in various provinces and cities

On 18 Apr, Samsung Electronics Vietnam and the Tourism Information Centre under the Vietnam National Administration of Tourism launched the “Galaxy AI Understands Vietnamese - Celebrating Vietnamese Tourism” content creation contest, running from 18 Apr - 18 May, with prizes valued at up to 300 million VND

On 15 Apr, an international conference on Halal tourism development was held in Hanoi. Around 150 participants attended, including embassies from Azerbaijan, Pakistan, Iran, Palestine, and Turkey. The Head of the Middle Eastern and West Asian studies division at ISAWAAS said that Hanoi welcomes over 50,000 Muslim tourists annually, however, local Halal services and human resources remain underdeveloped. At the conference, the Hanoi College launched a Halal training centre and introduced a national-standard curriculum on Muslim-friendly tourism - the first of its kind in Vietnam

From 1-3 May, the 2nd Binh Dinh Culinary Culture Festival will take place in Quy Nhon city, featuring over 55 booths, with culinary representations from Thailand, South Korea, Japan, and various Vietnamese provinces like Gia Lai, Dak Lak, Nghe An, and HCMC. A culinary demonstration area will allow visitors to watch chefs in action, telling the stories of the dishes

The Cambodia's Minister of Tourism requested China's assistance in countering misinformation about Cambodia. He warned that false narratives damage Cambodia’s image and its strong bilateral ties with China. The Secretary of State for Tourism announced a campaign to promote Cambodia as a “safe, warm, clean, and green” tourist destination. According to the Tourism Ministry, from Jan - Feb 2025, the number of Chinese tourists to Cambodia was +67.6% YoY

Hanoi is expanding creative destination spaces at cultural and historical sites in 2025 as part of its commitment to the UNESCO Creative Cities Network (UCCN). The Hanoi’s People Committee issued a plan with a series of activities, including creative spaces and traditional performances at key historical sites. Other activities include establishing an advisory council for creative activities; hosting conferences, seminars, and Hanoi Creative Awards; and encouraging businesses and individuals to organise competitions and build creative spaces

The Director of the Da Nang-based Public Security Hospital 199 said that Da Nang and Vietnam are ideal destinations for medical tourism due to affordable, high-quality healthcare and advanced infrastructure. He highlighted that Da Nang's medical treatments could become a major revenue source, offering services at just a tenth of international costs. The Director suggested visa-free travel for international medical tourists to facilitate longer stays. Some hospitals can offer complex procedures such as hi-tech surgeries, cosmetic treatments, infertility solutions like IVF, and stroke treatments. The Vice Chairman of the city’s People’s Committee said that medical tourism services can be integrated into broader tourism packages, including post-treatment retreats

On 15 Apr, the Director of the Vietnam National Administration of Tourism met with the Ambassador of Israel to Vietnam. The Ambassador suggested promoting direct flights between the 2 countries, exempting visas for group tourists, and organising famtrip programs for tourism businesses. The Ambassador invited the Vietnam National Administration of Tourism to attend the International Mediterranean Tourism Fair (IMTM) in Israel in May

On 14-15 Apr, the Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism of Hai Duong organised the 2025 On-Site Tour Guide Training Programme, with the participation of around 120 tour guides, collaborators from tourist areas, and members of relic management boards. Students participated in a Con Son - Kiep Bac relic site tour, practising presentation and explanation skills

The President of China is touring Southeast Asia, promoting free trade and portraying China as a source of "stability and certainty". His itinerary includes Vietnam, Malaysia, and Cambodia. The 2 countries signed MoUs on cooperation in supply chains and a joint railway project

China and Vietnam agreed to conduct feasibility studies for 2 new railway links. The studies will take place within 12 months of selecting a contractor, costing 9.95 million yuan. Planned rail links include Guangxi - Hanoi, Shenzhen - Hai Phong. Additionally, the Vietnamese Parliament said that a third railway linking Vietnam's northern coast to Kunming will begin construction in 2025, with an estimated cost for the Vietnamese section of $8.3 billion USD, partially financed by loans from China

Vietnam is being showcased at the 4th Partnership for Green Growth and the Global Goals (P4G) Summit in Hanoi through 3 video clips. The videos were produced by the Tourism Information Centre of the Vietnam National Tourism Administration, featuring natural wonders, coastal attractions, historic sites, and trends including culinary tourism, railway tourism, night tourism, and golf tourism

China and Vietnam signed 45 agreements during President Xi Jinping’s visit to Hanoi, although the content of the agreements were not made public, nor whether they were financial or binding agreements

A new government decree dated 13 Apr broadens the range of aircraft types that can be imported into Vietnam. Aircraft certified by these additional authorities are now eligible for import: Brazilian Aviation Authority, Canadian Aviation Authority, Russian Federal Aviation Authority, and UK Aviation Authority, and the Civil Aviation Administration of China (CAAC)

Tourism associations in Da Nang and Vinh Phuc signed several MoUs to boost cooperation in MICE, golf, eco-tourism, and luxury travel segments. In 2024, Vinh Phuc welcomed 10.6 million tourists, generating $154.8 million USD in revenue. Only 0.8% of these were international visitors (90,000). According to the Vice Chairman of the provincial People’s Committee, Vinh Phuc called for 44 tourism-related projects with a registered investment capital of $812.9 million USD

Experts said that Vietnam’s tourism industry faces a severe shortage of high-quality, professional, and multilingual personnel. The sector requires around 40,000 workers annually but training institutions only supply around 20,000. Just 9.7% of the tourism workforce has a university or postgraduate degree, while 39.3% are below elementary level. Only 43% of workers have been professionally trained in tourism. The Chairman of the Vietnam Association for Tourism Training said that practical training, particularly hands-on skills, is vital to meet industry needs. The merger of vocational and academic training systems is expected to reduce systemic barriers

Vietnam is identified as a promising new market in Nicaragua's 2025 tourism growth strategy. Nicaragua introduced itself as a green tourism destination, emphasising its natural reserves at the Vietnam International Travel Mart (VITM Hanoi 2025)

Vietnam’s BestPrice Travel expressed interest in signing an MoU with Malaysia to boost consumer confidence in Malaysia’s tourism offerings. The Chief Marketing Officer at BestPrice Travel highlighted Malaysia's amusement parks and cultural diversity as major draws for families and young Vietnamese tourists. He suggested leveraging social media, key opinion leaders (KOLs), and key opinion consumers (KOCs) for digital marketing. According to the Vietnam Tourism Association (VITA), from Jan-Mar 2025, Vietnam recorded 2.7 million outbound travellers, with Malaysian arrivals reaching 70,000-100,000

HCMC recently reported multiple food poisoning incidents, resulting in the hospitalisation of dozens of students. Many parents express worries about the quality of street food sold near schools, citing cases of vomiting and diarrhoea among students. High temperatures increase the risk of food spoilage during preparation, storage, and delivery. The city’s authorities set up inspections in areas with high concentrations of street vendors, particularly around schools and residential zones

The Vietnam International Travel Mart (VITM) 2025 attracted 95,000 visitors over 4 days, generating over $6,998,400 USD in tourism product sales. The fair involved nearly 4,500 Vietnamese and international tourism businesses, with over 14,500 meetings hosted to foster cooperation. According to the Chairman of the Vietnam Tourism Association, the fair featured a dedicated area showcasing AI applications and automation in tourism, 20 advanced solutions, and 14 specialised TechTalk sessions which drew 6,000 experiential visitors. The Marketing & Communications Director at Vietluxtour said that Hanoians show keen interest in tours commemorating the 50th anniversary of Southern Vietnam's liberation and reunification on 30 Apr. Her company recorded about 50% of tens of thousands of visitors inquired about tours in HCMC for the holiday

The Vietnam International Travel Mart (VITM) 2025 attracted 95,000 visitors over 4 days, generating over $6,998,400 USD in tourism product sales. The fair involved nearly 4,500 Vietnamese and international tourism businesses, with over 14,500 meetings hosted to foster cooperation. According to the Chairman of the Vietnam Tourism Association, the fair featured a dedicated area showcasing AI applications and automation in tourism, 20 advanced solutions, and 14 specialised TechTalk sessions which drew 6,000 experiential visitors. The Marketing & Communications Director at Vietluxtour said that Hanoians show keen interest in tours commemorating the 50th anniversary of Southern Vietnam's liberation and reunification on 30 Apr. Her company recorded about 50% of tens of thousands of visitors inquired about tours in HCMC for the holiday

The Cambodian Minister of Environment convened a meeting to discuss the sustainable tourism infrastructure development plan for Khnong Phsar Mountain in Kampong Speu province, developed under the Cambodia Sustainable Landscape and Ecotourism Project (CSLEP), focusing on rehabilitating the road to the mountain top to make it climate-friendly and resilient. Additional developments will include parking lots, restrooms, showers, information and first aid centres, cafeterias, and camping sites, as well as reforestation efforts

The Vietnam Tourism Association (VTA) organised the workshop "Developing Green Destinations – Elevating Vietnamese Tourism" in Hanoi as part of the Vietnam International Tourism Fair (VITM) Hanoi 2025. The event attracted over 350 participants. The Deputy Resident Representative of UNDP Vietnam said that the pilot project called “Reduce plastic waste in tourism in Vietnam” in Ninh Binh and Quang Nam achieved 40-55% reductions in single-use plastics. The Chairman of LuxGroup acknowledged that high costs and long payback periods might hinder small and medium-sized businesses from adopting green practices

According to the spokesperson for the Ministry of Public Works and Transport, Bridge 28 (the highest bridge in Cambodia) will be temporarily opened during the Khmer New Year (11-17 Apr). Construction is nearly 100% complete

The first Vice-President of Cambodia’s Senate met with the Chairman of Uzbekistan’s Tourism Committee during the 150th Assembly of the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) in Tashkent, Uzbekistan. Both countries agreed to draft an MoU to formalise cooperation, promote direct flights between the 2 nations, and organise joint tourism forums

On 11 Apr, the Vietnam Tourism Association (VITA) and the Vietnam MICE Tourism Association (VMA) introduced the MICE Expo 2025, scheduled for 26 Sep at the National Convention Centre in Hanoi. The VMA Chairman said that the event is expected to host 800 businesses and 1,500 delegates, with participants including representatives from hotels, cruise ships, destinations, event venues, suppliers, and travel companies. Key activities include a business matching B2B session, a forum on the role of heritage and technology in tourism, a pickleball competition, and the third VMC Golf Cup

The Hanoi People's Committee issued a directive for transitioning the city's public bus fleet to electric and green energy vehicles, aiming to convert all public buses to electric or green energy by 2030. A detailed annual roadmap must be submitted to the municipal government by 15 Apr

During a high-level meeting between Vietnamese Deputy Prime Minister and the U.S. Trade Representative, the U.S. and Vietnam agreed to begin negotiations on a reciprocal trade agreement, including discussions on tariffs. The U.S. delayed implementing new tariffs on Vietnamese goods for 90 days. The U.S. Trade Representative affirmed the U.S.'s commitment to its partnership with Vietnam and to addressing trade imbalances while strengthening collaboration across sectors. Both sides agreed to launch technical discussions on a reciprocal trade agreement addressing tariffs, and reduce non-tariff barriers

On 9 Apr, the Vice Chairwoman of the HCMC People’s Committee reaffirmed the city’s commitment to enhancing cooperation with Cambodia. Plans include organising an investment cooperation promotion conference, a business forum, and blood donation campaigns involving consulate staff, businesses, and Cambodian students. The Cambodian Consul General requested HCMC’s continued support, including more scholarships for Cambodian students

On 9 Apr, Vietnam Airlines signed an MOU with Citibank, N.A., securing over $560 million USD in funding as part of the Vietnam delegation to the US. Citibank will also provide strategic advisory services to help Vietnam Airlines establish a financial framework, ensuring efficient investment and risk management. The airline will meet with the Export-Import Bank of the US (EXIM) in Washington, D.C., to explore loan guarantee opportunities

From 7 Mar, citizens from Germany, France, Italy, Spain, the United Kingdom, Russia, Japan, South Korea, Denmark, Sweden, Norway, Finland, Poland, the Czech Republic and Switzerland were granted visa-free entry to Vietnam, after Poland, the Czech Republic and Switzerland had visa waivers from 15 Jan

The Vietnam International Travel Mart opened in Hanoi on 10 Apr, with the theme of “Developing Green Destinations - Elevating Vietnam’s Tourism”

Viet Media Corporation has reported that the number of customers booking tours for the Apr-May 5-day holiday has reached about 80% of the company’s target, +10% YoY. Top choices include Nha Trang, Phan Thiet, Da Nang, Thanh Hoa, Quang Binh, Da Lat and Sa Pa, as well as HCMC. BestPrice Travel has seen its numbers increase by 25-30% for Da Lat, Phan Thiet, Nha Trang ad Ha Long by 25-30% YoY

On 10 Apr, the Prime Minister signed an official dispatch to accelerate tourism development and target double-digit economic growth. The Ministry of Culture, Sports, and Tourism will lead the initiative, focusing on launching a tourism stimulus programme, promoting digital transformation and green tourism, and enhancing accessibility and convenience in collaboration with provincial and city governments

On 10 Apr, the Tourism Association (VITA) held the VITA Awards to recognise 69 individuals and 155 agencies for their contributions to the domestic tourism sector over the past year. At the ceremony, a movement was announced with the theme: "Vietnam tourism rises high to enter the new era – an era of green and digital transformation"

Nghe An, Thanh Hoa, and Ninh Binh provinces jointly organised a tourism promotion conference titled “Green Tourism Journey” in Hanoi during the Vietnam International Travel Mart 2025. Activities include tourism conferences and welcoming fam trip delegations for site inspections

Hai Duong province saw a great rise in tourist arrivals during the Hung Kings' Commemoration Day holiday (5-7 Apr). The Con Son - Kiep Bac special national heritage site welcomed around 17,600 visitors, a 6.5-fold increase YoY. The site’s spring festival attracted 68,000 tourists, +42% YoY. About 1,000 tourists visited historical sites in Ninh Giang district. The Mao Dien Temple of Literature and the Xưa Temple - Giam Pagoda – Bia Temple relic cluster in Cam Giang district received around 2,500 visitors, +30% YoY

Vietluxtour expects a 25-30% increase in revenue for bookings to HCMC over the 5-day national holiday, with a 50% increase in advance bookings since early Apr. Ben Thanh Tourist are expecting 1,500-2,000 tourists, and many central hotels in HCMC are seeing over 50% occupancy rates

Hotel occupancy rates in Sa Pa exceeded 80% with 3 weeks remaining before the Reunification Day - Labour Day holidays (30 Apr - 1 May). According to data from Mustgo, most 4-star hotels in Sa Pa are almost fully booked for the holiday period. 5-star hotels report an occupancy rate of around 75%. In Phu Quoc, 4-star hotels have a 70% occupancy rate and 5-star hotels are at 50%. In Phan Thiet, 5-star hotels are booked between 60–70%, while 3- and 4-star hotels show 50–60% occupancy. In Vung Tau, occupancy rates range from 20% - 40% across all segments

From 31 Mar - 5 Apr, the Phu Day Festival 2025 will be held at the Phu Day Historical and Cultural Relic Site in Nam Dinh province, featuring traditional rituals such as the procession of the Mother Goddesses, drawing words, and a torch relay

In 2024, Hoi An city welcomed 4.6 million visitors, over 60% of whom were international tourists. The city receives 2,000-5,000 daily visitors, with up to 10,000 on weekends. The Chairman of Hoi An City said that the city regretted resorts being built on coastlines which destroyed coastal forests, caused erosion and damage to the shoreline. Tourism and urban growth were also said to cause the loss of local ownership. Additionally, infrastructure is strained, with narrow streets and limited land hindering road expansion, resulting in traffic jams and noise pollution. According to the Chairman, Quang Nam province approved a master plan for Hoi An City until 2035, dividing it into 7 zones, including heritage, ecological, and coastal areas. The government allocated a budget of $65 million USD for the heritage conservation plan, aiming to establish Hoi An as an eco-cultural-tourism hub and a key regional and global destination

The first union of 6 community-based sustainable tourism co-operatives was introduced in Quang Ngai province, aiming to promote rural tourism, traditional culture, and improve livelihoods, focusing on education, scientific research, archaeology, nature conservation, and preservation of local crafts. The newly elected director of the union said that the union will operate as a community-based eco-tour service model involving businesses, the community, State agencies, and local administration

According to the General Statistics Office, in Q1 2025: - China led the top source markets with nearly 1.6 million visitors, followed by South Korea (1.26 million), contributing 47% of all international tourists - Other notable markets included Taiwan (331,000), the U.S. (259,000), Cambodia (234,000), and Japan (226,000) - Poland and Switzerland saw notable increases of 539% and 14.1% YoY, respectively

The Vietnamese government directed the People’s Committees of Hanoi and HCMC to reduce air pollution to safe levels within the next 5 years. Air quality management is declared an interdisciplinary issue that requires coordinated leadership and implementation across various sectors. Local authorities are also urged to invest in automatic air monitoring stations and enforce stricter controls on waste and emissions from construction, transportation, and industrial activities

Q1 2025 GDP was reported to come in at 6.93%, down from Q4 2024’s 7.55%. The statistics office has said that if Trump tariffs cause a 10% drop in shipments to the US, it could cause GDP to drop by 0.84pp

Q1 2025 GDP was reported to come in at 6.93%, down from Q4 2024’s 7.55%. The statistics office has said that if Trump tariffs cause a 10% drop in shipments to the US, it could cause GDP to drop by 0.84pp

According to the Q1 2025 socio-economic report from the General Statistics Office: - In Q1 2025, international visitors to Vietnam reached 6.018 million, the highest ever in a single quarter, +29.6% YoY, and +134% compared to Q1 2019 - Mar 2025 alone recorded 2.05 million arrivals, +28.5% YoY - Asia remains the top source region, contributing 4.71 million visitors (over 78% of the total) - The number of visitors from Europe were 791,900, 341,500 (America), 160,100 (Australia & Pacific), and 12,300 (Africa) - Russian tourism surged by 210%, particularly to Khanh Hoa, Binh Thuan, and Phu Quoc Island - The number of tourists from Cambodia were +205% YoY, +195% YoY (the Philippines), and +178% YoY (Thailand) - Air arrivals reached 5.2 million (86.4% of total), +34% YoY - Land arrivals reached 685,500 (11.4% of total), +9.6% YoY - Sea arrivals reached 133,000 (2.2% of total), -2.7% YoY - Tourism revenue reached $833.1 million USD, +18.3% YoY, with top contributions from Hanoi (+23.5% YoY), Da Nang (+22.1% YoY), and Quang Ninh (+20.9% YoY) - Accommodation and food services generated $7.7 billion USD, +14% YoY

During the Belgian state visit to Vietnam, the Prime Minster announced Vietnam will soon remove visa requirements for Belgian passport holders, allowing visa-free entry for stays of up to 45 days. The Deputy Prime Minister of Belgium said that Vietnam has not requested reciprocal measures from Belgium

On 3 Apr, the 21st HCMC Tourism Festival opened in District 1, featuring 32 businesses, alongside tourism agencies from 41 cities and provinces. Nearly 900 tourism products and services, with discounts of up to 45%, are available. Key highlights include activities related to the 50th anniversary of the Liberation of South Vietnam and National Reunification, along with tours highlighting the culture and history of HCMC

The art of kylin-lion-dragon dance by the Hoa people (Vietnamese Chinese) in HCMC was recognised as a national intangible cultural heritage of humanity by Vietnam's Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism. HCMC has 60 amateur and professional troupes, each with 100–200 members. A representative from Nhon Nghia Duong troupe said that his business helps to promote cultural and tourism products of District 5 to tourists

On 3 Apr, a conference was held to summarise the tourism development cooperation programme (2020–2025) between HCMC and 8 Northeastern provinces in Vietnam. According to the Director of the Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism of Lang Son, from 2024 to 2025, the combined regions attracted 69.2 million tourists, generating tourism revenue of around 205,586 billion VND. The Head of Tourism Promotion Management Department at the Vietnam National Administration of Tourism suggested enhancing digital technology and artificial intelligence in tourism promotion, promoting sustainable tourism, expanding visa policies and streamlining immigration procedures to attract international visitors

The US will impose a broad-based reciprocal tariff ranging 10%-50% on goods entering the country from 9 Apr. The tariffs will be: - Cambodia, 49% - Vietnam, 46% - Thailand, 37% - China, 34% - Indonesia, 32% - Malaysia, 24% - The Philippines, 18% - Singapore, 10% The executive order mentioned that the trading relationship between the US and its trading partners has become highly unbalanced

The Trump administration imposed a 46% tariff on all Vietnamese imports, the second-highest after Cambodia. The Prime Minister formed a task force, and said that Vietnam’s target of 8% GDP growth in 2025 will remain unchanged for now. The Deputy PM will lead a delegation to the U.S. for talks, joined by executives from Vietnam Airlines, Vietjet, and VinaCapital. Textiles and apparel industries are among the hardest hit as the U.S. is Vietnam’s largest export market. Tech manufacturers, including Apple suppliers, and Intel, will face rising production costs. The HCMC Vice Chairwoman of the Vietnam Textile & Apparel Association said that companies could be forced out of business, risking mass job losses

Vietnam’s stock market suffered its worst-ever drop following news of the 46% U.S. tariff with just 13 stocks rising while 352 fell. Trading activity surged 105%, hitting $1.5 billion USD. By the end of the session on 3 Apr, the VN-Index on the HCMC Stock Exchange (HoSE) fell 87.99 points (-6.68%) to 1,229.84 - the sharpest drop in the region. The VN30-Index fell 93.76 points (-6.81%) to 1,283.18. All 30 companies declined, with 28 hitting their floor price. The HNX-Index fell 17.18 points (-6.81%) to 220.95

According to the Tien Giang Department of Culture, Sports, and Tourism, in Q1 2025: - The province welcomed 522,000 visitors (+2.7% YoY), reaching 24.9% of the annual target - Of these, 182,000 were international visitors, +4.9% YoY - Direct tourism revenue reached $14.8 million USD, reaching 25.2% of the annual goal

Vietravel introduced a variety of domestic and international tour packages with flexible itineraries and special promotions for trips in Apr, May, and Jun at the HCMC Tourism Festival 2025. The company collaborated with service providers, including national tourism boards from Thailand, Singapore, Hong Kong, South Korea, and Japan

The 5th Exhibition of HCMC and Friendship Provinces and Cities in Savannakhet will be held from 2-6 Apr in HCMC, to boost trade and cooperation

From 6-14 Apr, the Deputy Prime Minister is scheduled to participate in a high-level policy dialogue at Columbia University in New York. The business community expects that through this visit, the Deputy PM can negotiate a more balanced trade agreement (given the U.S.’s 46% tariffs on Vietnam exports) to alleviate economic impacts on businesses

As part of the "Love Vietnam" project led by Nhan Dan Newspaper, NFC chip boards were installed at cultural and historical sites in Son La Province, enabling visitors to access information via smartphones by tapping on the chip. Daily visitors to Moc Chau Island range from 1,200 to 1,300, including many experiencing NFC technology at landmarks like the Bach Long Glass Bridge. The project supports tourism growth and digital transformation in Son La Province and other regions, especially in remote areas like Ta Xua Cloud Paradise

On 1 Apr, the HCMC Department of Tourism held a dialogue with local businesses to address challenges and develop the tourism sector for 2025. During the discussion, enterprises raised various concerns regarding administrative reforms, visa exemptions, infrastructure, tax incentives, and AI integration in tourism promotion. Some proposed streamlining visa policies, reducing utility costs, expanding tourism services, and improving urban planning

The Vietnamese Consulate General in Khon Kaen, the Thai-Vietnamese Business Association, and local authorities, co-organised the Vietnamese traditional dress showcase in Khon Kaen, Thailand, as part of the Spring Homeland 2025 programme. The activity attracted nearly 600 participants. Another key event was an art programme in Khon Kaen on 30 Mar, promoting patriotism and solidarity. The programme raised nearly $17,400 USD to support the HCMC Memorial Site and One Pillar Pagoda in the city, as well as to assist Vietnamese language teachers at Khanh An School

The number of Russian tourists visiting Vietnam surpassed Thailand and Indonesia, with a 5% rise in travel demand in Mar 2025. Airfare prices were +49% YoY, and hotel bookings were +25% YoY. The Association of Russian Tour Operators (ATOR) attributes the growth to factors such as pent-up demand, the resumption of direct flights, and a stronger ruble. According to Travelata.ru, demand for tour groups to Vietnam was +5% MoM in Mar and +9% MoM in Feb. Data from Sletat.ru showed that tour sales from 1 Feb - 18 Mar tripled compared to the same period last year. Yandex Travel reported a fourfold increase in tour sales in Mar

According to HCMC’s Department of Tourism, the city is planning to open museums during evening hours to diversify tourism offerings and boost the night economy. The Director of the Department said that these openings will include cultural programming, such as fashion shows and local performances. The Department also proposed developing waterway tourism, including riverside walking tours and enhanced boat services, with the Department of Transport currently reviewing investment options