Vietnam

On 14 Aug, the Vietnam Tourism Association (VITA) held a seminar in Hanoi to discuss making its Green Tourism Criteria (VITA Green) an internationally recognised brand. VITA introduced its own set of green tourism criteria, with a goal of having at least 100 certified members by the end of 2025. There are currently 30 certified members. VITA Chairman proposed the VITA Green logo be integrated into national tourism campaigns and that each locality nominate 1 or 2 destinations to become a "VITA Green Destination" to encourage nationwide adoption

The Hai Tac Archipelago in An Giang Province attracts over 100,000 visitors annually and is known for its distinctive seafood and experience-based tours. Visitors can enjoy various sea and island activities, including boat trips to explore caves and rock formations, stand-up paddleboarding, and fishing. Local residents are benefiting from tourism by providing services like motorbike taxis, vehicle rentals, and guided fishing or squid-fishing tours

Vinpearl Joint Stock Company signed a MoU with 3 major South Korean travel firms, including Hanatour, Marketing Highlands, and HKG Co., Ltd at the Vietnam-South Korea Business Forum. The partnership aims to attract 5 million South Korean visitors by 2025. The agreement will extend Vinpearl’s products to over 7,500 retail travel agencies in South Korea. It will also provide opportunities for more than 46,000 golf members to use Vinpearl's golf courses across Vietnam

On 13 Aug, at a meeting between tourism service businesses and the railway sector, the Deputy Director of the Department of Tourism (DoT) encouraged the rail and tourism sectors to collaborate on new products like charter tourist trains, themed carriages showcasing local culture, and routes that connect heritage sites and festivals. Pairing railway lines with tours for resorts, trekking, and cultural discovery can extend visitor stays and increase spending, benefiting local communities. Hanoi's 2 urban railway lines are being used for tourism, with the Hanoi Metro developing “Metro Green Journey” tours based on the Line 2A Cat Linh - Ha Dong. The Vietnam Railways Corporation has introduced new services, including the high-end “SJourney Luxury Train”, an 8-day, 7-night service. A new inner-city line called “The Hanoi Train” is also set to launch on 19 Aug

From Jan-Jul 2025, Vietnam welcomed 3.11 million Chinese visitors, while only 2.69 million visited Thailand. In 2024, Thailand welcomed 6.73 million Chinese tourists, nearly twice Vietnam’s total. The shift is attributed to Vietnam's lower travel costs, improved air and land connectivity, and a rising appeal to young Chinese tourists who favour shorter, more affordable, and unique experiences

Bamboo Airways’ largest shareholder and former chairman returned to the position of chairman. The airline also appointed a new CEO in Jun, who previously served as Bamboo Airways' Deputy CEO from 2019 to 2024

Sa Pa ward in the Lao Cai province aims to become a green, sustainable, and smart tourism city by 2030. The Deputy Secretary of the provincial Party Committee and Chairman of the Lao Cai People’s Committee urged the ward to implement e-administration and smart urban systems and to improve administrative services for residents and businesses using digital platforms. By 2030, Sa Pa ward aims to achieve several key targets, including state budget revenue of 3.5 trillion VND, a per capita income of 150 million VND, 12.2 million visitors, over 57 trillion VND in tourism revenue, and a poverty rate of just 2.8%

From 19 Aug, Hanoi's Tourism Department and the Vietnam Railway Corporation will launch Hanoi’s first-ever double-decker train tour with 3 trips daily, coinciding with celebrations for the 80th anniversary of the August Revolution and National Day. The train consists of 10 carriages, with 5 passenger carriages built and decorated with themes of the city's ancient gates. 7 of the carriages will be in operation initially, with the remaining 3 to be introduced in a later phase. The route runs from Hanoi Station, through Long Bien, Gia Lam, Yen Vien, and Tu Son (Bac Ninh province)

On 11 Aug, 10 Vespa drivers in HCMC were fined for running a red light while giving a tour to foreign tourists. The total fine was around $2,000 USD

From 5-7 Aug, the Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC) led a business delegation to Hanoi, aimed to promote Hong Kong's professional services and explore new cooperation opportunities with Vietnam. A MoU was signed between Normsun Advisory Services Limited and the Institute of Trade and Economics of Vietnam to foster closer collaboration. The delegation held meetings with major Vietnamese institutions, including the Foreign Investment Agency and the National Innovation Center

On 11 Aug, the 20th annual Asia Cruise Services Network (ACSN) conference was held in HCMC by Saigontourist Travel Service, with the participation of delegates from 13 countries and territories. According to Saigontourist's General Director, the company expects to welcome over 6,000 passengers on 151 international river cruises between Aug 2025 and Apr 2026. These journeys will last 4-9 days and focus on cultural immersion in the Mekong Delta

According to Agoda's latest Repeat Visitor Ranking based on bookings from H1 2025, Vietnam was named one of the top 5 countries for returning tourists, placing third after Japan and Thailand, and ahead of Malaysia and Indonesia. For the first time ever, Da Nang has broken into the top 10 most revisited cities in Asia. The top 5 cities in Vietnam for repeat visitors are Da Nang, Nha Trang, HCMC, Hanoi, and Phu Quoc Island

As of 12 Aug, international tourists arriving at Da Nang International Airport can receive a free eSIM. This offer is a collaboration between Sun Group and MobiFone and aims to attract more visitors, particularly from countries like South Korea and India. The eSIM provides 8GB of free 5G data for the first 24 hours. The eSIM also comes with vouchers for discounts on services from Sun World and its partners, including attractions and transport. Sun World Ba Na Hills received almost 500,000 visitors from South Korea in H1 2025. Statistics show that 6 out of 10 tourists visit Ba Na Hills when they come to Da Nang

According to the Lodging Econometrics report on the APEC hotel pipeline for Q2 2025: The Asia Pacific region, excluding China (APEC), reached a record-high hotel pipeline of 2,140 projects (+4% YoY) with 409,616 rooms (+1% YoY) Vietnam ranked second in the region, with 247 projects and 83,022 rooms Indonesia stands at 169 projects with 29,519 rooms. The country's capital, Jakarta, leads its urban pipeline with 44 projects and 9,874 rooms Thailand has 167 projects with 42,909 rooms. Its capital, Bangkok, has the largest city pipeline in the region with 68 projects and 16,791 rooms, while Phuket follows with 41 projects and 10,310 rooms A total of 349 new hotels with 68,497 rooms are forecast to open by the end of 2025 288 new hotels are forecast to open in 2026, and 303 new hotels in 2027

The Vietnamese Government has introduced a new resolution to stimulate tourism, granting visa exemptions to citizens from 12 countries, including Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, the Czech Republic, Hungary, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, Poland, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, and Switzerland. Visitors from these countries can stay for up to 45 days from their date of entry. This will be in effect from 15 Aug 2025 until 14 Aug 2028. The current visa exemption programme for citizens of Poland, the Czech Republic, and Switzerland will be replaced by this new, extended-stay measure

According to the provincial Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism, in early Aug, Quang Ninh province welcomed 7,000-8,000 visitors daily. According to the Head of the Quang Ninh Tourism Association, many travel agencies from neighbouring localities have committed to resuming tours to the province. A tourism stimulus conference is also planned for Sep, followed by a national travel forum in Oct to restore visitor confidence after the recent tourist boat capsizing in Ha Long Bay. The Head of the Travel Division under the provincial Department of Culture noted that the number of foreign tourists from Japan, the Philippines, and Malaysia has remained stable. An increase in MICE tourists from South Korea is expected by mid-Aug, followed by a rise in high-spending tourists from the U.S. in Sep. From Jan-Jul 2025, Quang Ninh received over 14.6 million tourists (+13% YoY) and generated $1.39 billion USD in revenue (+25% YoY)

The Vietnamese Government introduced a new, limited-term visa waiver scheme for specific categories of foreign nationals. Eligible individuals include guests invited by top government officials, high-level experts and scientists, investors from major global corporations, and internationally renowned cultural and sports figures. Successful applicants will receive a "special visa waiver card", which can be electronic or a chip-based physical card. This card allows for multiple entries over a maximum of 5 years. Holders of the card are granted a temporary stay of 90 days on each entry

Con Dao island is launching a public transport system, which will consist of 6 routes served by fully electric buses. The 40-seat electric buses will run every 15 minutes, connecting the airport, market, tourist attractions, residential areas, and Ben Dam Port. This move is part of a larger push to reduce traffic and emissions, with officials also planning to encourage residents to switch to electric motorbikes

Around 80% of tour boats in Ha Long Bay had been equipped with Automatic Identification System (AIS) and positioning devices as of 6 Aug, with full installation expected by 15 Aug. According to national technical regulations, while AIS is mandatory for boats carrying more than 50 passengers, operators of smaller vessels (under 50 seats) have voluntarily committed to the installation. The AIS system will be integrated with the existing VHF radio system (channel 16) to ensure seamless communication during emergencies

The Ministry of National Defence will organise a parade at Ba Dinh Square, Hanoi, on the morning of 2 Sep. Vietravel Hanoi reported that nearly 50% of its 1,200 holiday tour seats were booked in advance by Aug 5, with enquiries rising daily. Many travel agencies also reported a dramatic increase in bookings for tours to Hanoi and nearby routes (e.g., Ninh Binh, Ha Long, Moc Chau) since the beginning of Aug. According to Green Vietnam Travel Company, tours combining the military parade with visits to nearby destinations account for 30-40% of their domestic tourism products. Many hotels in the city centre are fully booked from 30 Aug-3 Sep

At the 47th ASEAN Plus Three National Tourism Organisations (NTOs) Meeting in the Philippines on 6 Aug, the Deputy Director of the Vietnam National Authority of Tourism said that Vietnam aims to work closely with ASEAN+3 countries (Japan, China, and the Republic of Korea) to improve regional tourism connectivity, promote tourist exchanges, and implement beneficial cooperation programmes. From now until the end of 2025, Vietnam plans to organise a series of tourism promotion and cultural exchange events in the 3 countries, asking the partner countries to provide lists of local travel businesses and helping to invite journalists and local influencers (KOLs) to participate

In H1 2025, Quang Ninh Province welcomed around 12.1 million visitors, including 2.3 million international tourists. The Quang Ninh Provincial Military Command has deployed a medical ship and 2 patrol boats to ensure tourist safety in Ha Long bay. The medical ship is equipped with 4 stretchers, oxygen tanks, and fire extinguishers to be ready for search and rescue operations. An early warning system for meteorological phenomena like thunderstorms and lightning has been installed in key coastal locations, including Ha Long and Bai Tu Long bays

On 4 Aug, the international cruise ship MS Viking Yidun docked at Cam Ranh International Port, carrying 210 tourists from countries including China, Canada, and Italy. According to the provincial Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism, so far in 2025, the province of Khanh Hoa received 16 international cruise ships, bringing in over 19,000 tourists. 4 more cruise ships are expected to arrive by the end of 2025, bringing around 12,000 more visitors. Khanh Hoa has seen over 10.8 million tourist arrivals so far this year, with over 3.2 million being international visitors, and tourism revenue reaching 42.379 trillion VND

From Jan-Jul 2025, Viet Nam welcomed 12.23 million international visitors, +22.5% YoY. According to a report from the National Statistics Office: - In Jul 2025 alone, there were 1.56 million international arrivals, +6.8% MoM and +35.7% YoY - Asia makes up the largest source of visitors with 9.63 million arrivals, +22.4% YoY. European arrivals reached 1.53 million (+31.8%), followed by the Americas with 670,000 visitors (+9.8%), Oceania with 357,500 (+15.7%), and Africa with 30,100 (+3.1%) - Air arrivals reached 10.4 million (85.1% of the total), +23.8% YoY. Land arrivals made up 13.4% of the total (1.6 million, +15.8% YoY), while sea arrivals accounted for 1.5% (183,900, +11.1% YoY) - Thanks to a rise in tourism and trade, total retail sales and consumer service revenue was +9.3% YoY from Jan-Jul 2025. This included a 15% YoY increase in revenue from accommodation and food services, which reached 481.9 trillion VND - HCMC recorded a YoY revenue increase of 19.7%, followed by Da Nang (18.6%), Can Tho (14.8%), Hanoi (12%), Hai Phong (11%) - Travel and tourism services generated an estimated $52.8 trillion in revenue VND, with greatest growth recorded in Dong Nai (31.5%), Lao Cai (28.4%), HCMC (23.4%), Hue (22.6%), and Hanoi (18.8%)

According to the city’s Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism, in H1 2025, Ba Ria-Vung Tau province, now part of HCMC, welcomed an estimated 10.6 million visitors, +30% YoY. Of the total visitors, 3 million were overnight guests, which included over 164,800 international arrivals. Total tourism revenue reached almost 11 trillion VND, +26% YoY. Ho Tram alone attracted about 3 million visitors during this period, generating 3.34 trillion VND in revenue. Popular destinations like Vung Tau, Long Hai, and Ho Tram are particularly crowded, with weekend hotel occupancy rates often reaching 100%. This high occupancy is expected to continue through Aug. Businesses are urging the city's tourism authority to provide more robust support for promotion and destination marketing. The General Manager of Angsana & Dhawa Ho Tram said that Ho Tram needs holistic development, particularly in entertainment and night-time activities to encourage longer stays

In H1 2025, Vinh Long welcomed over 5.1 million visitors, with revenue exceeding $153 million USD. The province aims to attract 9.2 million visitors in 2025, with a revenue target of over $294 million USD. After the administrative merger, the province can now offer diverse tourism products, including new routes that connect its inland orchards and river systems with the sea

Since its resumption in late May 2025, the international rail service from Vietnam to China has carried almost 4,000 passengers, mainly tourists, business travellers, and families. Beyond Nanning, the service extends along China's South-North rail artery to major cities including Guilin North, Hengyang, Changsha, Zhengzhou, and Beijing West. The Vietnam Railways Corporation (VNR) has expanded ticket sales for the Gia Lam-Nanning route to all national stations, removing previous restrictions

From 1-3 Sep, multiple museums and cultural spaces in Hanoi and the Vietnam Fine Arts Museum in HCMC will offer free entry to celebrate the 80th anniversary of the August Revolution and National Day. Various exhibitions, including those at the Ho Chi Minh Museum and Vietnam National Museum of History, will be featured. The Vietnam Nationalities Culture and Tourism Village will host a market, music, and dance performances to showcase ethnic cultures. It is expected to attract up to 50,000 visitors during the free-entry period

The Vietnam - Colours from the Tropics Cultural Festival took place in Moscow, and attracted 968,000 residents and visitors. Activities include a food court, traditional folk games and musical instrument performances. The festival hosted pavilions from businesses like the Vinpearl resort chain and Vietnam Airlines, which received thousands of enquiries from visitors interested in Vietnamese destinations and flights

Vietnam's National Day holiday in 2025 will be 4 days from 30 Aug-2 Sep. Public sector employees will have the entire 4 days off, whilst private employers must give their staff the official holiday on 2 Sep, plus an additional day, which can be either 1 Sep or 3 Sep. Employers in the private sector must notify workers of their schedule at least 30 days in advance

InterContinental Halong Bay Resort has officially opened in Ha Long Bay, featuring 174 rooms and suites, 60 residences, and 41 private villas. It has 6 food and beverage venues, 5 event spaces for meetings and celebrations, and a newly opened spa called Hidden Lagoon Spa

From Jan-Jul 2025, Phu Quoc welcomed a total of 5.2 million visitors, +31.8% YoY. Of these, nearly 980,000 were international visitors, +74% YoY. Tourism revenue reached $947 million USD, +93% YoY. Despite the low season (May-Jul), the island attracted over 350,000 foreign visitors during this period, +80% YoY

Local communities around Phong Nha - Ke Bang National Park are participating in forest protection contracts. Support from forestry development funds and carbon credit sources helped improve resident family’s income and raise public awareness of their responsibility in forest preservation. Over 300 households are contracted in caring for and protecting the forest. According to the Deputy Director of the Park Management Board, locals are now actively involved in protecting the forests, and authorities also supported these efforts through awareness campaigns, improved policies, and funding for sustainable forest management. Locals also serve as "ambassadors" by promoting the park's image through services such as tourist transportation, photography, and souvenir sales. helping visitors gain a deeper understanding of the park's values and tourism potential

According to HCMC’s Tourism Department, in Jul 2025, the city's tourism revenue reached over $865 million USD, +45% YoY. Since the beginning of 2025, the city has received over 26 million visitors in total, including more than 4.5 million international arrivals

The Phu Tho Circus and Multi-purpose Performance Centre in HCMC is nearing completion after over 2 years of construction, expected to open by the end of Aug. The project has a total investment of $55 million USD and spans 10,000 square meters. The circular building has 12 levels with a total floor space of 31,000 square meters, with the main auditorium having a capacity of 2,000 seats. The centre is designed to be used for a variety of purposes, including circus and puppetry performances, training, education, art events, and conferences. There is also a 300-seat practice and performance room on the eighth floor with equipment for aerial and ground-based acts

The Vietnam Bamboo Foundation was officially launched in HCMC on 2 Aug, aiming to promote a sustainable bamboo industry. The foundation's initiative, called “Luy Tre Lang” aims to create bamboo-centric eco-communities nationwide, combining cultural preservation with climate change solutions. The project will involve building eco-villages, establishing cultural hubs, and developing bamboo-based tourism and crafts. The launch also kicks off a series of events in the lead-up to World Bamboo Day (18 Sep) in Vietnam, including the Vietnam Bamboo Forum

In H1 2025, the southeastern region's GRDP growth was an estimated 7%, which was lower than the national average and the lowest of the 6 economic regions. During this period, the new HCMC's economy (HCMC, Ba Ria-Vung Tau, and Binh Duong provinces) grew by 6.56%. From Jan-Jul 2025, HCMC attracted around $5 billion USD in direct foreign investment, +17.7%. On 2 Aug, the Prime Minister tasked the city to lead Vietnam's development in 5 key areas, including digital transformation and attracting high-tech investment. The Prime Minister set a target for the city's annual economic growth to reach 8.5%, with a goal of 10.3% in H2 2025. He also called for the acceleration of major infrastructure projects, such as the Can Gio international transshipment port and new expressways, and for studies into a new railway and an underground metro system to connect the city's airports

On the occasion of the annual Vietnam-Korea Culture Exchange Festival, Da Nang celebrated welcoming its one millionth Korean visitor of the year. According to the city’s tourism promotion centre, Korea's tourism market has remained in top place in the international source markets since 2016

Agoda has reported that Hanoi is the most-searched destination for the upcoming month-end holiday, with a 4,418% increase YoY in searches. The capital is preparing to welcome millions of tourists for the celebrations, which will include a parade and march with around 30,000 participants. Room booking rates in central districts like Ba Dinh and Hoan Kiem are already between 70% and nearly 100%. Bookings for the holiday increased by 30-40% as early as May. The city will host fireworks displays at 5 locations and plans to introduce 1 or 2 new areas as walking or community cultural spaces

Since a 45-day visa exemption policy for Poland, the Czech Republic, and Switzerland took effect in Mar, there has been a notable surge in interest. Data from Agoda shows that searches for accommodation in Vietnam from these 3 countries were +306% YoY for Poland, +155% YoY for the Czech Republic, and +68% YoY for Switzerland. Popular destinations for these tourists include Da Nang, HCMC, Hanoi, Phu Quoc, and Nha Trang. The Marketing Director at Vietluxtour stated that European tourists make up around 30% of their international clients. These tourists favour cross-country tours, beach resorts in places like Da Nang and Phu Quoc. Deputy General Director of Vietravel, noted that tourists from Poland, the Czech Republic, and Switzerland specifically prefer premium services and enjoy local cultural experiences

HCMC's Department of Construction proposed a 1-year pilot programme to allow short-term rentals in apartments, which is set to begin on 1 Sep. The programme aims to regulate the growing homestay market, which currently operates under a city-wide ban that restricts apartments to residential use only. Participants in the pilot programme will be required to register their change in usage with local authorities and comply with all regulations on tourism, residency, taxation, fire safety, and insurance

On 31 Jul evening, several wards in downtown HCMC experienced a blackout, the second major power outage in less than 2 days. According to the Deputy General Director of the HCMC Power Corporation (EVNHCMC), the outage was caused by an unusual technical malfunction

A new report from the HCMC University of Banking (HUB) forecasts that Vietnam's economy could expand by over 8% in H2 2025. It suggests that a full-year GDP growth target of 8% is achievable, with key factors expected to drive this growth include accelerating public investment, stable foreign capital, and a potential rebound in private sector spending. It notes that 65% of this year's capital budget has yet to be disbursed. The report also highlights the importance of maintaining exchange rate stability, noting that the VND depreciated by 2% against the U.S. dollar in H1 2025

Hanoi Parking Company has identified 40 of its over 150 parking lots as suitable for installing electric vehicle (EV) charging stations. According to the company’s Deputy Director, Hanoi aims to equip at least 10% of the city's current parking lots with charging stations. He stated that the key obstacle is ensuring that the electricity provider can supply the necessary power infrastructure. 2 locations on Tran Khat Chan Street and in front of the Vietnam National Shipping Lines headquarters are expected to have charging stations installed in partnership with V-Green in Aug

From 1-29 Aug, the Department of Culture of Vietnam's Ethnic Groups organises a cultural programme at the Vietnam National Village for Ethnic Culture and Tourism in Son Tay (Hanoi). The programme involves over 100 people from 16 ethnic minority groups from 11 different localities. Visitors can explore daily and weekend activities, including traditional crafts, folk music, dances, rituals, and cuisine. Specific events include a reenactment of the Xo Dang people's water gutter worship ceremony, folk music performances, and interactive sessions

HCMC aims to convert all public buses to electric or green energy by 2030. According to the city’s road map, starting from 2025, all newly launched bus routes must use clean fuels (electricity or compressed natural gas - CNG). From 1 Aug 2025, 37 new subsidised bus routes will launch, with nearly 300 out of 600 buses running on electricity or CNG, increasing the share of clean-energy buses in the city's fleet to nearly 50%. The HCMC Institute for Development Studies (HIDS) plans to convert 80% (320,000 out of 400,000) of motorbikes used by delivery workers and ride-hailing drivers to electric alternatives by 2027, with the remainder by 2028. Based on the plan, a ban on gasoline-powered motorcycles in app-based ride-hailing services is recommended starting in 2029. HIDS proposes building 3,000 charging and battery-swapping stations by 2028. The Public Transport Management Center is installing 19 large charging stations at existing bus terminals, costing about $15.7 million USD, to serve nearly 700 electric buses by 2027

The President Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum will reopen to the public on 2 Aug, resuming regular tribute-paying ceremonies for both domestic and international visitors, following its annual restoration and maintenance closure from 2 Jun - 31 Jul

A Bollywood film crew has arrived in Quang Tri province to shoot "SILAA," the first Indian production to showcase the caves of Phong Nha - Ke Bang and other scenic Vietnamese locations, with filming in Quang Tri scheduled from 31 Jul to 12 Aug. SILAA is produced and managed by Rahul Bali, CEO of Innovations India, with an estimated budget of $4 million USD

Hanoi is boosting its tourism sector to welcome visitors for the 80th anniversary of the August Revolution (19 Aug) and National Day (2 Sep). New initiatives include tour packages to historical sites, a 'Hanoi by Night' tour, and the inaugural Hanoi Beverage Festival 2025 from 29 Aug-2 Sep. The city will also host a National Exhibition of Socio-Economic Achievements from 28 Aug-5 Sep, showcasing local products and smart tourism models

On 29 Jul, HCMC launched a new tool called the HCMC Global Traveller Barometer (HCMC GTB) to monitor and predict trends in international tourism, aiming to make HCMC the first Vietnamese locality to use such a sophisticated, data-driven system for destination marketing. The HCMC GTB is a collaboration between the HCM City Tourism Promotion Centre (HTPC) and The Outbox Company, a Vietnamese tourism data analytics firm. The system will begin its pilot phase in 2025, analysing tourist demand and readiness from 13 key markets, including South Korea, Japan, Australia, China, Europe, the U.S., Canada, and Southeast Asia. It also aims to provide policymakers and tourism businesses with insights to improve promotional strategies and create targeted products

The capsizing of the Blue Bay 58 boat in Ha Long Bay on 19 Jul has financially impacted tour operators, with one company reporting 10-15% of guests cancelling or postponing their cruises. Experts highlight the psychological toll on tourists, who are experiencing fear and a loss of trust, and stress the need for immediate safety standard enforcement for all vessels, including mandatory life jacket use and pre-departure safety briefings

The Dong Nai Province Tourism Association is collaborating with the S’tieng Ethnic Cultural Conservation Area to create new tourism products aimed at preserving and promoting the S'tieng cultural heritage. The association plans to create new routes linking the province's cultural sites, such as the S’tieng Ethnic Cultural Conservation Area in Bom Bo Commune. The Director of the conservation area's management stated that they focus on preserving and promoting endangered S'tieng cultural heritage like gong performances and folk dances, proposing that provincial authorities integrate preservation with tourism to engage the public and younger generations

According to Hue’s Department of Tourism, from Jan-Jul 2025, Hue City welcomed over 4 million tourists, +71% YoY, with tourism revenue totalling over $284 million USD, +56% YoY. Of these visitors, over 1.2 million were international tourists, +41% YoY. In Jul, the city welcomed 709,000 tourists, +80% YoY

The Vietnamese government aims to begin construction of the North-South high speed railway project in Dec 2026, with completion targeted for 2035. The scope of the project includes 23 passenger stations, 5 cargo stations, 5 passenger depots, with a total estimated cost for the project is $67 billion USD. Land clearance for infrastructure is planned to start by Feb 2026, followed by compensation and support implementation starting from Mar 2026

Seibu Prince Hotels & Resorts is set to open the Prince Hotel Da Nang in Vietnam in Oct 2025. The property will feature 164 rooms, each with a private balcony. Facilities include several on-site restaurants and bars, a rooftop bar offering 360-degree views. The owner of the hotel is Thien An Thanh Trade Service Company

The incident of the Vinh Xanh 58 tour boat capsizing in Ha Long Bay raised a concern among maritime safety experts that current inland waterway regulations are inadequate for Ha Long Bay's unpredictable coastal conditions. They advocate for stricter SB-class standards designed for tougher sea conditions. However, the Head of the Inland Vessel Department at the Vietnam Register said that existing standards are based on international benchmarks and consider factors like wave height and wind strength. Some maritime experts advocated for a dedicated 24/7 rescue force for Ha Long Bay, similar to coastal guard units, to monitor vessels and respond instantly to distress calls

Tourists on the Ha Giang Loop are being approached by children who offer to braid their hair for a fee, which is damaging the region's image. A specific incident occurred on 20 Jul, where children braided the hair of 2 female tourists on Tham Ma Pass and then demanded $7.60 USD. The Chairman of Pho Bang Commune confirmed the incident is being investigated. The Dong Van Karst Plateau Geopark spokesperson noted that children asking for money is a persistent problem at busy sites despite reminders to parents and teachers, and this trend is increasing in tourist areas like Dong Van. Other issues include unregulated tourism at Tham Ma Pass, along with reports of petty theft and pickpocketing. At the "Pao's House" site, tourists face issues such as a lack of cashless payment options, unclear ticket prices, poor signage, limited staff, and unsanitary conditions

In H1 2025, South Korea was the second largest source of international tourists to Vietnam, with 2.2 million arrivals out of a total of 10.7 million. On 11 Jul, 2 South Korean female tourists assaulted Vietnamese women in Hanoi, garnering significant media attention in both countries. One of the South Koreans involved was fired by her employer, who issued a public apology. The Deputy General Director of Du Lich Viet claimed it was an isolated incident and does not reflect the overall behavior of Korean tourists

The chairman of the Gia Lai People's Committee is leading a plan to develop the Bien Ho-Chu Dang Ya tourism area. The planning process is being handled by the Department of Construction and is expected to be completed by Oct. The area includes the ancient, inactive Chu Dang Ya Volcano, which is considered as a unique geological and scenic resource with natural and cultural value

According to the Hanoi Department of Tourism, from Jan-Jul 2025, the city is estimated to have welcomed 18.36 million visitors (+11.6% YoY) and earned 73,000 billion VND (+14.5% YoY). International tourists reached 4.21 million, +22.3% YoY, while domestic tourists reached 14.15 million, +8.7% YoY. For July alone, Hanoi saw 2.8 million visitors (+10.3% YoY), including 553,190 foreign tourists (+25.2% YoY), and 2.25 million domestic tourists (+7.1% YoY), with revenue of 10.68 trillion VND (+13.9% YoY). According to statistics from online travel booking platforms Agoda and Booking.com, Hanoi leads the travel trend during the National Day holiday on 2 Sep

The Vietnam Zero Waste Tourism Network (VZWTN) was launched in partnership with Pacific Environment Vietnam and Da Nang City’s Tourism Association. The network will initially comprise 33 “green” certified travel businesses and models from central Vietnam, with a goal of reaching 100 members nationwide by 2030. Members are committed to implementing waste and emission reduction practices, focusing on single-use plastic, and will report on greenhouse gas reductions as they transition to fully sustainable tourism

In H1 2025, Hue welcomed nearly 3.4 million visitors, +70% YoY. Over 1.2 million foreign tourists, predominantly from France, the U.S., Germany, the U.K., and the RoK, contributed around $268 million USD in tourism revenue, +59% YoY. Hue’s "Plastic-Reducing Tourism" initiative, which started in Thuy Bieu ward, expanded to key sites like Thanh Toan tile-roofed bridge, Ngu My Thanh-Con Toc, and Chuon lagoon, transforming them into popular community-based tourism zones. Hue is pioneering a bicycle-friendly model, expanding pedestrian zones, community cycling, and public electric vehicles. The city employs e-tickets, automated guides, a passport app, and 3D food maps to enhance the tourist experience. The Hai Van Quan's 9 check-in points recorded over 2,000 interactions. The city is targeting high-spending international markets in Europe, North America, Northeast Asia, and Oceania, aiming for 5.5-6 million visitors in 2025

In H1 2025, Can Tho tourism welcomed over 6.3 million visitors, with over 2.7 million staying overnight, generating around 5,450 billion VND in revenue. During this period, the wider Mekong Delta welcomed over 35 million visitors (+17.6% YoY), including more than 2 million international visitors (+53% YoY) and 33 million domestic visitors (+16% YoY). Total tourism revenue for the region was nearly 54 trillion VND (+54% YoY). The merger of the old Can Tho city, Hau Giang province, and Soc Trang province into a new Can Tho City is seen as a major turning point for tourism, expanding development space and enriching resources, with new access to Can Tho International Airport, large cargo ports, and diverse accommodation for cultural events and festivals. According to the Director of Can Tho branch of Vietravel Company, despite high visitor numbers, the value of tours and tourist spending in the Mekong Delta remain low

At a workshop hosted by the Hanoi UNESCO Travel Club (HUTC) on 24 Jul, the Turkish Ambassador to Vietnam confirmed that from 1 Sep, Vietnamese citizens will be eligible for Turkey's eVisa programme. The event also marked the debut of the "Vietnam-Turkey Tourism Product Development Alliance" - a strategic partnership supported by government agencies, travel companies, and airlines from both countries. The alliance prepares for Vietnam's participation in Turkey's International Tourism Fair on 25 Sep. At the event, Vietnamese travel agencies showed interest in creating specialised tourism products for the Turkish market, including tours to places like Istanbul and Cappadocia, with an emphasis on developing Halal tourism

In Jul 2025, Hanoi’s average hotel room occupancy rate reached 56.94% (-1.6pp YoY)

Vietnam Airlines added 2 wet-leased Airbus A320 aircraft to its fleet, starting operations by the end of Jul 2025, to meet summer travel demand. This move will boost capacity by over 85,000 seats or nearly 500 flights, primarily on key domestic routes from HCMC. This expansion is a proactive measure amidst a global aircraft shortage, partly caused by Pratt & Whitney engine recalls. For the summer, the airline plans 43,000 flights, offering almost 9 million seats, +14% YoY

According to the municipal Department of Tourism, from Jan-Jul 2025, HCMC's tourism revenue exceeded 140.3 trillion VND, +30% YoY, fulfilling 54% of its annual plan. During this period, the city welcomed over 21.7 million domestic tourists, +8.2% YoY. In Jul 2025 alone, the city saw around 696,000 international tourists and 3.38 million domestic visitors

According to the Vietnam National Administration of Tourism, Russia is currently the only international market to achieve a record growth of over 139% in H1 2025 with 260,000 visitors. Russian tourists typically stay for an average of 12 days in places like Nha Trang, and each spends between $1,600-1,800 USD per trip. From Jan-May 2025, Khanh Hoa province welcomed 121,000 Russian visitors, +192% YoY. In Apr, Cam Ranh International Airport recorded 144 flights from former Soviet Union countries, doubling the Mar figure. Vietnam aims to welcome around 430,000 Russian visitors in 2025, nearly double the 2024 total

Typhoon Wipha damaged 161 homes in Nghe An, affected 251 in Thanh Hoa, and destroyed over 19,000 hectares of rice fields

Da Nang established its Free Trade Zone (FTZ), spanning 1,881 hectares. The largest of these sites are in Hai Van Ward (500ha) and Ba Na commune (645ha), including the Ba Na-Suoi Mo tourism complex and a residential urban zone. Surveys on land use and forests are expected to be completed by the end of 2025, ahead of starting land clearance and infrastructure projects within the FTZ. The FTZ is planned to include specialised functional zones for production, logistics, trade and services, digital technology, information technology, and innovation hubs, with the total investment required estimated at $1.6 billion USD. Da Nang is actively seeking strategic investors, with individual investment funds ranging from $77-306 million USD

Central Vietnam is experiencing significant flooding from Tropical Storm Wipha, leaving hundreds of families cut off, particularly in Nghe An province. Over 12,500 people were evacuated, and the Ban Ve hydropower plant had to release water, with current water levels exceeding those of a historic 1988 flood

Hanoi became the most popular destination for Vietnamese tourists during the 4-day National Day holiday on 2 Sep, rising from seventh place in 2024. According to Booking.com data, this surge in domestic tourism is particularly appealing for families, groups, and solo travellers. It is reported that 58% of visitors to Hanoi are keen to explore local dishes

Advito, a corporate travel consulting group, released the Q3 Travel Price Index for business travel across the Asia Pacific. Airfares from Asia to Europe recorded a moderate increase for both business (+2% YoY) and economy (+1% YoY), but fares to North America recorded a slight drop. This was attributed to the global economic slowdown, which is affecting outbound travel from Asia. Airfares from India are decreasing. In Asia, domestic and regional economy class airfares are recording a downward trend, due to a softening of demand in India, and strong capacity growth in China and Japan. Meanwhile, business class airfares are recording a +1% YoY. Hotel rates in Asia recorded +1% YoY. The countries that recorded strong growth in average daily rates (ADR) are Japan (+5% YoY), Thailand (+10% YoY), Taiwan (+4% YoY), Hong Kong (+8% YoY), and Malaysia (+16% YoY). A few markets recorded a drop in ADR, such as China (-1% YoY), India (-2% YoY), Vietnam (-4% YoY), and South Korea (-5% YoY). Occupancy levels recorded a YoY increase in all regions except Asia

Storm No.3 (Typhoon Wipha) is expected to bring strong winds and rain to Vietnam's southern coastal provinces from Lam Dong to Ca Mau, including HCMC. According to the Southern Regional Hydrometeorological Centre, HCMC is expected to experience variable cloud cover with periods of sunshine during the day, followed by scattered showers and thunderstorms in the afternoon and evening, with a risk of lightning and whirlwinds. The HCMC People’s Committee chairman issued urgent directives to implement preventive measures and prepare detailed response plans. The city advised against holding outdoor events such as music shows. Tourist boat operations were temporarily suspended due to the inclement weather conditions. The Department of Tourism and Saigontourist Group instructed boat operators to thoroughly inspect safety gear before resuming services

On 21 Jul, the Hanoi Department of Tourism issued an official dispatch instructing tourism businesses to monitor the storm and ensure the safety of residents, tourists, and cultural heritage sites. All recreational, entertainment, and tourism activities in Hanoi will be temporarily suspended during flood warnings. Localities and relic management units are required to inspect electricity and drainage systems, while travel agencies must pause tours in storm-affected areas. The Ninh Binh Department of Tourism also announced the temporary suspension of tours on inland waterway vehicles from 21 Jul until further notice

According to the National Statistics Committee, 15,800 citizens from Uzbekistan travelled to Vietnam between Jan-May 2025, indicating a 3.7 times increase YoY. The primary reason for travel was tourism, accounting for 14,611 visitors. Other purposes included visiting relatives (1,182 people), official visits, and education

Hanoi authorities set an objective to eliminate inner-city air pollution by the year 2035, with the introduction of low-emission zones being a key part of this strategy. The city intends to revitalise its significant waterways, including the To Lich, Kim Nguu, Lu, and Set rivers. Officials also plan to enhance waste and wastewater treatment by developing new sewage collection systems and treatment plants. New parks will be established, focusing on minimal concrete usage, alongside the development of green city models and urban forests. By 2045, Hanoi aspires to be a developed, modern, and culturally distinctive capital city, offering a high quality of life and a per capita Gross Regional Domestic Product (GRDP) exceeding $36,000 USD. Hanoi is prioritising 5 key areas, with significant focus on transportation. This includes developing a comprehensive transport network, expanding airports, completing all 7 ring roads by 2027, and constructing 7 new bridges across the Red River. Additionally, the city will invest in culture, healthcare, education, IT infrastructure, and attract high-tech investments

Authorities in An Giang Province warned tourism operators against taking people to areas with rough seas in Phu Quoc and Kien Hai communes due to Typhoon Wipha. Boat tours around the Phu Quoc archipelago are also suspended. In H1 2025, An Giang Province welcomed 14.2 million tourists, including over 900,000 foreign visitors

A tourist boat capsized on Ha Long Bay, killing at least 35 people after being hit by a storm. It was carrying 46 passengers and 3 crew members. 10 were rescued and four people are still missing