Vietnam

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

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

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

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

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

Hilton has announced the opening of its Tru by Hilton brand in Hanoi, Ha Long, Lang Son and Nam Dinh before the end of 2025, as part of its agreement with Hilton and the ROX Group to convert 14 properties across Vietnam

HCMC Department of Health has called for face mask wearing when visiting medical facilities or crowded spaces after an increase in COVID-19

On 14 May, convoys travelled through the Hekou border gate in Yunnan and the Youyi Guan border gate entering Vietnam, marking the first use of a new inland route under the Greater Mekong Sub-region Cross-border Transport Facilitation Agreement (CBTA). The new route reduces transport time by approximately one day per truck and lowers costs by up to $138 USD compared to previous routes

According to the HCMC Employment Service Centre: - In Apr 2025, the centre recorded 12,376 unemployment benefit applications, +16.4% MoM - From 1 Jan to 30 Apr 2025, the centre received 35,966 unemployment benefit applications, -13.2% YoY

Quang Ninh will host the International Puppetry Festival in Sep and Oct 2025, followed by the International Circus Festival in Nov and Dec 2025. Organisers expect the events to attract artists, directors, and audiences worldwide, establishing the province as a hub for performing arts and international cultural exchange. In 2025, Quang Ninh will host 24 major events, and 146 local programmes

Da Nang announced a 104 billion VND investment for the second phase of the An Thuong Tourism Street Project. According to the city’s People’s Committee, phase 2 is expected to be completed in 2027, with an interactive water music platform serving as a focal point for performances and gatherings

The Mega Booming - Hue 2025 music festival is scheduled for 6 Jul at Ngo Mon Square within the Hue Imperial Citadel, featuring 17 artists. Early bird tickets sold out in under 48 hours, with organisers expecting around 15,000 attendees. Tour operators are offering packages combining historic site visits with festival tickets. The event is a pilot project supporting Hue’s goal to exceed 11,000 billion VND revenue in 2025

On 9 May, the Khanh Hoa’s People’s Committee announced the inaugural sea culture and tourism festival, themed “Nha Trang say hi”, to be held from 7 Jun-9 Jul in Nha Trang city, featuring 36 events, including a swiftlet nest festival, an agarwood festival, and an international culinary festival. In 2025, Khanh Hoa targets 11.8 million tourist arrivals, including 5.2 million international visitors, with over 1.5 million expected during the festival period

The Ana Marina Nha Trang was inaugurated in Nha Trang, making it Vietnam’s first international marina, spanning 89 hectares, including 68 hectares of water surface. The marina is assigned the VNANA port code by the General Department of Customs. It can currently accommodate 110 yachts, with a maximum capacity of 220. Since starting pilot operations in Apr 2023, the marina has welcomed over 2,000 ship arrivals, serving more than 60,000 passengers

The Deputy Director of the Department of Culture and Sports of HCMC highlighted upcoming amendments to the Heritage Law to address administrative bottlenecks. He added that the department planned to digitise all recognised sites for public access and create mechanisms for restoring major landmarks. The Deputy Head of the Tan Dinh Market Management Board said that the site’s heritage status imposes legal regulations, delaying urgent restoration due to pending guidance on financial and administrative procedures. Other sites also reported delays in facility renovation and expansion due to pending official permission

In Q1 2025, Vietravel recorded a 0.5% profit margin. During this period, the company’s revenue rose 8% to 1.19 trillion VND, but net profit halved to 6 billion VND due to high costs and reduced other income. For 2025, Vietravel targets a 42% revenue increase to 9.55 trillion VND, but an 11% pre-tax profit drop to 50 billion VND, with a pre-tax profit margin of 0.52%. By 2030, Vietravel aims to reach over $1 billion USD in revenue, 3.6 times higher than its current revenue. The company announced plans to issue 28.6 million shares at 12,000 VND each to raise 344 billion VND to repay debts

Hoan Cau Nha Trang has erected a barbed wire barrier on a 300m stretch of Nha Trang’s coastline, with private security guarding the perimeter. This follows after Hoan Cau Diamond Bay Resort constructed walls to divide its shared beachfront development, after the original Hoan Cau Corporation split into two companies. Local authorities have warned that the fence negatively impacts the environment and local access to the beachfront, and has asked the Khanh Hoa People’s Committee to intervene to order the removal of the fence. The property agreed, and it is set to be removed by 10 May

Vietnam Electricity (EVN) announced a 4.8% increase in the average retail electricity price, effective from 10 May. On 9 May, the Ministry of Industry and Trade issued a decision regulating retail electricity pricing for various customer groups and distribution units. EVN stated the price hike’s impact on low-income households and social policy beneficiaries is minimal. It added that the increase aims to offset rising input costs due to Vietnam’s growing reliance on high-cost power sources, and the rising U.S. dollar exchange rate

The Lao Cai Province’s People’s Committee launched an initiative to develop 18 ecotourism and resort sites under the Ecotourism, Resort and Entertainment project, spanning nearly 49,000 hectares with an investment of over 2.8 trillion VND. Sa Pa plans to develop 9 chosen sites, including Doi Thong, Doi Ly, Suoi De, and Nui Ham Rong, for eco-tourism and resorts, targeting 50,000 to 100,000 annual visitors, with 28% staying overnight, generating 780 billion VND in revenue and creating 800 jobs. The project prioritises maintaining visitors from Western Europe and Australia, while looking at new markets in North America, Latin America, the Middle East, and Eastern

DKSH Healthcare published a White Paper titled “Southeast Asia as a Growth Accelerator for Global Healthcare Firms”. Vietnam is working with more than 50 establishments, including hospitals, spas, and accommodation providers, to become a medical tourism hub

The Ho Chi Minh Stock Exchange (HoSE) approved listings of nearly 1.8 billion Vinpearl shares, listed under ticker VPL, with charter capital of over 17.9 trillion VND. Vingroup, parent company, owns 1.5 billion shares (85.5% of Vinpearl’s equity). Official listing is expected in May 2025. In 2024, Vinpearl’s revenue reached 14.4 trillion VND (+55% YoY), with net profit of 2.55 trillion VND. In 2025, the company targets 14 trillion VND in revenue, with net profit of 1.7 trillion VND

In Q1 2025, over 2 million tourists (45% foreigners) booked tours to Hue’s heritage sites, +63% YoY. According to city officials, in Q1 2025, local tourism revenue reached 3.65 trillion VND. From 30 Apr-4 May, 350,000 visitors arrived at the city, accounting for 17.5% of Q1 visitors and 20% of revenue. The local authorities said that the city issued 11 licences for new investment projects and saw capital increases in 2 others, totalling 22.5 trillion VND. The city also approved nearly 300 new business licences in Q1, with investments of 3.4 trillion VND

On 10 May, the Hanoi-Hai Phong luxury train was launched, featuring a 34-seat VIP car with a peak fare of $11.54 USD on weekends. There will also be a 56-seat first-class car with swivelling seats to reduce motion sickness with tickets priced at 150,000-180,000 VND. In 2024, over 1.5 million passengers travelled between Hanoi and Hai Phong

According to the Vietnam National Authority of Tourism, from Jan - Apr 2025, Vietnam welcomed 7.67 million foreign tourists, +23.8% YoY

On 6 May, the Hanoi People’s Committee issued a directive to implement the National Tourism System Planning for 2021-2030, with a vision to 2045. Hanoi targets 30 million tourist arrivals by 2030, including 5 million international visitors, and tourism revenue of $30 billion USD. The Department of Tourism will lead implementation efforts, focusing on digital transformation and building a tourism data system

On the evening of 5 May, thousands of devotees participated in a 4km procession in HCMC to celebrate Vesak, marking Buddha’s birthday. The event was organised by the Cultural Committee of the HCMC Buddhist Sangha. Devotees carried Buddhist flags, flower lanterns, lotus decorations, and palanquins, accompanied by drums and bells. The procession included 40 floral parade floats representing various Buddhist traditions (Mahayana, Theravada, Mendicant) and delegations from HCMC and Thu Duc City Buddhist Sanghas

According to a General Statistics Office report, Vietnam welcomed 1.65 million international tourists in Apr 2025, +6% YoY, but -19.5% MoM. April marked the lowest monthly arrivals in 2025. From Jan - Apr 2025: - Air arrivals accounted for 86% (6.6 million), followed by land (924,900) and sea (158,000) - China was the largest source market with 1.95 million visitors (+56% YoY), followed by South Korea (1.58 million, slight decline YoY), Taiwan (440,214), Japan, and India - Asian countries contributed 5.9 million visitors, nearly 78% of total arrivals - Russia saw the fastest growth, with 166,460 visitors (over double 2024’s figure), representing 70% of 2024’s full-year total - The Philippines recorded 135,951 visitors, +198.3% YoY - By the end of Apr, the number of tourists arriving from the Philippines had exceeded half of the total for 2024 - Accommodation and food services generated 270 trillion VND, with 15-19% growth in key areas like Quang Ninh, Da Nang, HCMC, Hanoi, and Hai Phong - Travel and tour services revenue exceeded 30 trillion VND

On 6 May, Vietjet and Qazaq Air announced a strategic partnership to jointly launch Vietjet Qazaqstan, during the Vietnamese General Secretary’s state visit to Kazakhstan. During the event, Vietnam’s Ministry of Finance issued a foreign investment registration certificate to a Vietjet subsidiary, Aviation Holdings, authorising the acquisition of a strategic equity stake in Qazaq Air. Vietjet Qazaqstan will operate as a low-cost airline, building on Qazaq Air’s existing platform. This new airline aims to become a vital air link between Kazakhstan, Vietnam, Southeast Asia, and major global aviation hubs. Vietjet Qazaqstan and Boeing signed a customer services general terms agreement to support a future fleet of at least 20 Boeing 737 aircraft

According to the Vietnam National Authority of Tourism (VNAT), Vietnam’s tourism sector welcomed an estimated 10.5 million visitors during the 30 Apr-4 May public holiday, +31.2% YoY. Nationwide, tourist accommodation facilities had an average occupancy rate of 70%, with rates exceeding 80% in the initial days of the holiday, and HCMC reaching 90–95%. HCMC attracted 1.95 million visitors (+101.2% YoY), including 120,000 international visitors (+122.2% YoY) and 867,000 overnight guests (+333.5% YoY), generating 7.13 trillion VND in tourism revenue, +120.6% YoY. Thanh Hoa welcomed 1.6 million visitors (+5.3% YoY), Quang Ninh welcomed 1.13 million visitors (+12% YoY), and Khanh Hoa welcomed over 1 million visitors (+3.63% YoY)

On 5 May, Vietnam’s Prime Minister reaffirmed the nation’s 8% economic growth target for 2025 despite the threat of the U.S. tariff. In Q1 2025, GDP growth slowed to 6.93%, down from 7.55% in Q4 2024, falling short of the annual target. The PM told the parliament that the government will flexibly manage currency and interest rates to boost loan demand, support businesses, and curb inflation

At the Australian Tourism Exchange (ATE25) in Brisbane on 28 Apr, the Tourism Australia Managing Director said that Vietnam will be added as Australia’s 16th core tourism market in 2025, alongside existing markets like New Zealand, China, the U.K., and the U.S. She added that the organisation are heading to Vietnam for the first time after a long time and starting to initiate connections

Pandaw Cruises will launch the Hanoi Pandaw, scheduled to debut in Nov 2026, sailing the Red River and Halong Bay. The ship will operate a 10-day itinerary with 16 staterooms. The itinerary includes visits to rural villages and farms, navigation through canals and rivers, and stops in Hanoi and the hill country around Viet Tri

During the 30 Apr-4 May holiday, Hanoi welcomed around 875,200 visitors, +18.64% YoY, including 136,190 international arrivals, +55.35% YoY. Estimated revenue reached 3.15 trillion VND, +25.21% YoY. 4 -to 5 stars hotels recorded nearly full occupancy. Retail and dining sectors reported significant growth in customers and revenue

According to Kien Giang province’s portal, from 30 Apr-4 May, Phu Quoc island welcomed 151,000 visitors, +20% YoY, including 27,000 foreign tourists, +22% YoY

According to the Department of Forestry under the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development, Vietnam’s national parks generate over 2 trillion VND annually from forest tourism, with nearly 180 protected areas offering potential for experiential and educational tourism. The Director of Cuc Phuong National Park said that the “Going Home” tour, launched in 2021, allows tourists to participate in releasing rescued wildlife, with hundreds of release events reintegrating thousands of animals across various species. Starting in summer 2025, Con Dao will offer 5- to 10-day tours involving ecosystem conservation tasks. However, challenges for experiential conservation tourism include high costs and strict adherence to conservation principles

According to the provincial Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism, Quang Ninh welcomed around 500,000 tourists on 30 Apr and 1 May, with around 200,000 visitors staying overnight, including 44,700 international tourists. Estimated revenue reached 1.33 trillion VND, + 45% YoY. The Ha Long Carnival 2025 attracted around 20,000 people. On 1 May, Ha Long city welcomed 177,000 visitors, Mong Cai city welcomed 42,000, Uong Bi city welcomed nearly 18,000, Van Don district welcomed about 31,000, and Co To district welcomed around 11,500. During these 2 days, Kien Giang province welcomed over 143,000 tourists, +50% YoY, with revenue exceeding 458 billion VND, +61% YoY. Phu Quoc island drew 63,425 visitors (44% of the province’s total), including over 10,800 foreigners

According to the Binh Dinh Department of Tourism, in Q1 2025, the province welcomed over 3.35 million visitors, +20% YoY. The Vice Chairman of the provincial People’s Committee said that improving infrastructure is key to the province, and the authority commits to creating the best conditions for investors and visitors by enhancing connectivity and improving services. The province is upgrading transport infrastructure, diversifying offerings with coastal, cultural, and night-time tourism, and fostering regional cooperation to create inter-provincial tourism packages. It is also investing in human resources, digital transformation through smart tourism initiatives, and sustainable community-based tourism

Melia Hotels International added 2 properties in Vietnam through agreements with BB Group Hospitality and Sapa Mountain Resort. Under the agreement, BB Sapa Resort & Spa will be rebranded as Melia Sapa Mountain Resort after 12 months as an Affiliated by Melia property. BB Hotel Sapa will become Hotel Sapa Square, Affiliated by Melia. Melia and BB Group also signed a management agreement for Kobi Onsen Hue, a hot springs resort, now operating as an Affiliated by Melia property

During the 9-day Lunar New Year holidays, foreign visitor numbers reached 74,833 to Phu Quoc, up 30.2%, with foreigners comprising nearly 40% of arrivals and 90% of hotels fully booked. Most four- and five-star hotel rooms are fully booked for the 30 Apr - 4 May holidays. The CEO of AZA Travel said that challenges remained in limited public beach access due to private resorts, high resort prices, and a shortage of budget hotels, hindering domestic tourism

On 1 May, heavy rain caused widespread flooding in Hanoi, disrupting travel for residents, with water reaching above half the wheels on Mac Thi Buoi street and knee height on Kim Ma street

Prime Minister issued a dispatch to expedite the Lao Cai - Hanoi - Hai Phong railway construction, to be completed by Jun 2025, with the project’s groundbreaking set for 19 Dec 2025. The dispatch was sent to ministers of Construction, Foreign Affairs, Agriculture and Environment, and Finance, and leaders of involved cities and provinces. The Minister of Construction must finalise a draft resolution on special railway development policies for the National Assembly’s 9th meeting, to be submitted by 5 May

Hanoi launched a varied programme of cultural and entertainment activities for the 5-day national holiday, including a culinary culture festival at Thong Nhat Park, street performances around the Hoan Kiem Lake, an art exhibition and promotional-priced tours of Hanoi’s historical and cultural sites

On 30 Apr, HCMC hosted a 15-minute high-altitude fireworks display at Sai Gon River Tunnel area (Thu Duc city) and Ben Duoc Temple (Cu Chi district). The celebrations included a mass dance performance with over 400 artists, and a mounted parade by the mobile police cavalry unit on Nguyen Hue pedestrian street

From 1-3 May, the Dak Lak Hot Air Balloon Festival 2025 will take place in Buon Don district. The event will include free-flying and tethered hot air balloon displays, interactive experiences, traditional cultural exchanges, and food stalls offering local specialities. Organisers anticipate over 250,000 visitors to Dak Lak Province during the festival, with over 100,000 expected in Buon Don alone

On 30 Apr, HCMC celebrated the 50th anniversary of the end of the Vietnam War with a grand parade, featuring thousands of marching troops, an air show with Russian-made fighter jets and helicopters, and Vietnamese waving red flags while singing patriotic songs. 13,000 Vietnamese soldiers, police, and other forces, alongside 118 Chinese soldiers participated in the parade

Hanoi’s Department of Tourism launched a programme to boost tourism in 2025, targeting low seasons and major holidays, and promoting stays at four- and five-star hotels with attractive discounts and packages. From 22-29 Jun, hotels will offer packages with up to 50% room rate discounts, additional amenities, and family-oriented tours

From 30 Apr-4 May, the Vietnam Military History Museum offers free entry to all visitors

According to the Civil Aviation Authority of Vietnam, the country expects 792,000 international visitors during the 5-day Reunification Holiday (30 Apr-4 May)

A Vietnamese delegation is set to travel to the U.S. on 1 May to engage in bilateral trade negotiations with U.S. agencies. According to the Trade Counsellor of the Vietnam Trade Office in the U.S., Vietnam is among the countries prioritised by the U.S. for trade negotiations, alongside India, the UK, Japan, South Korea, and Indonesia

Dusit Le Palais Tu Hoa Hanoi, managed by Dusit Hotels and Resorts, is set to open on 9 May in Hanoi, featuring 207 rooms and suites with panoramic views of West Lake. This marks Dusit’s first hotel in Hanoi and its second in Vietnam, following Dusit Princess Moonrise Beach Resort Phu Quoc

On 28 Apr, Vietnam's Minister of Education and Training and Japanese Ambassador signed a framework agreement to promote Japanese language education in Vietnamese secondary schools. Japan will provide resources, including experts to enhance curricula, develop textbooks, and supply learning materials. Depending on student needs, some primary and secondary schools may teach Japanese as a compulsory first foreign language

On 27 Apr, the 45th General Assembly of the International Association of Francophone Mayors (AIMF) hosted a conference on "Heritage and Sustainable Tourism" in Hue city, attended by hundreds of mayors, officials, and representatives from Francophone cities worldwide. Topics included leveraging heritage for economic growth while preserving authenticity, balancing development and conservation, innovating heritage management, using digital technology for promotion, and creating culturally respectful tourism products

On 26 Apr, the 2025 Thai Nguyen tourism season launched with an opening ceremony at Van Xuan Square in Pho Yen City, with a theme highlighting the province’s cultural heritage and tea industry. The opening ceremony featured hot air balloon displays, performances, and a local products fair. Thai Nguyen welcomed around 3.5 million tourists in 2024

According to the Vice Chairman of the Chuong My district People's Committee, Hanoi, by the end of 2025 the district aims to welcome 250,000 visitors, including 80,000 international tourists, boosting economic restructuring, job creation, and local livelihoods. He said that the district’s tourism potential is significant but underdeveloped due to unplanned, repetitive, and fragmented efforts. The Deputy Director of Hanoi’s Department of Tourism noted that challenges include unsystematic product development, lack of destination connectivity, and insufficient promotion. The Head of the Trade Promotion Department of the Hanoi Tourism Association suggested more craft village tours for immersive experiences

From 27 Apr-1 May, an exhibition will take place in Hue city, showcasing Vietnam’s tourism destinations, cultural heritage, scenic spots, and traditional handicrafts as part of Visit Vietnam Year - Hue 2025. The exhibition also features photos capturing Vietnam’s beauty, its people, and UNESCO-recognised heritage sites. Artists and artisans from various provinces perform throughout the exhibition

Starting 27 Apr, the Japanese Prime Minister embarked on a 4-day visit to Vietnam and the Philippines. He plans to gather opinions from Japanese companies in Vietnam and the Philippines to inform Japan’s response to U.S. tariff measures. Japan is the largest investor in the U.S., and is affected by steep U.S. tariffs on cars, steel, and aluminium

On 25 Apr, the Secretary of the Da Nang Party Committee said that Da Nang is planning a Dubai-style "floating city" with 5 artificial islands to extend its coastline by 48 kilometres, aiming to become a world-class financial, commercial, and service hub. Besides, the National Assembly is considering a resolution to create international financial centres in Da Nang and HCMC. Da Nang is also exploring the establishment of a free trade zone to complement the financial centre

On 1 May, Ha Long city will host the Ha Long Carnaval 2025 at Sun Carnaval Square and Vo Nguyen Giap Street in Bai Chay ward, featuring fashion shows, interactive booths, and street performances. Pre-carnival events, starting on 29 Apr, include temple festivals, a lion dance showcase, the Beer and Grilled Squid Festival, and the 2025 Quang Ninh OCOP Summer Fair

According to the Ministry of Home Affairs’ Institute of State Organisational and Labour Sciences: - In Q1 2025, 43% of job seekers were aged 30-39, and 37% were aged 20–29 - Most candidates targeted roles in business administration, sales, procurement, brokerage, marketing, and advertising, whereas employers primarily looked for workers in engineering, transportation, and sales - In Q1, demand was highest for candidates with university degrees or higher (53%), followed by those with college or vocational training (40%) - Around 51% of job seekers had university degrees or higher, and 29% held vocational or college qualifications - Only 8% of vacancies were for temporary jobs, but 32% of job seekers sought such roles - Recruitment is expected to increase in sales, customer service, logistics, transportation, and construction, driven by public spending on construction projects - In Q1, 145,000 people applied for unemployment benefits in Q1, a decrease of nearly 30,000 from Q4 2024 - 124,000 were approved for such benefits, with only 3,600 opting for vocational training support

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

According to Booking.com’s 2025 Travel Trends, 41% of Vietnamese plan to travel during public holidays in 2025, with 65% prioritising good weather in places like Da Nang and Da Lat. Experts urged travellers to purchase comprehensive travel insurance to cover risks like natural disasters, medical emergencies, lost luggage, or flight delays

Go Co community-based tourism cooperative in Quang Ngai province initiated a vocational rehabilitation programme for 8 individuals with hearing impairments, starting in 2025. According to a member of the cooperative, trainees will learn local crafts such as fish net weaving, pottery, salt making, and painting, alongside skills in sign language, farming, and tour guiding. She said that this 1-year course is estimated to cost $36,120 USD, with $15,200 USD donated by the Bao Trang company

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

Vietnam’s Trade Minister and the U.S. Trade Representative recently had a call to establish the principles, scope, and roadmap for the negotiation talks on the 46% tariff on Vietnamese goods. In 2024, Vietnam had the world’s third-largest trade surplus with the U.S., after China and Mexico, with a trade gap of $123.5 billion USD. Vietnam has pledged to purchase more US goods, including liquefied natural gas (LNG) and aircraft. The Vietnamese Prime Minister said that the country is addressing U.S. concerns about Chinese goods being transshipped through Vietnam by targeting origin-of-goods fraud, smuggling, trade fraud, and counterfeit items

Banyan Group launched Garrya Mu Cang Chai, the first international resort brand in Mu Cang Chai, and Garrya’s first property in Vietnam. The resort features 110 rooms, suites, and villas, with “screening rooms” providing music immersion. The resort’s design integrates cultural elements like bamboo and H’Mong motifs

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