Vietnam

On 20 Mar 2026, the Vietnamese government implemented an overnight price hike, raising 95-octane petrol by 20% to 30,690 VND per litre and diesel by nearly 34% to 33,420 VND. This surge has pushed fuel costs over 50% higher since late Feb and prompted the Prime Minister to seek support from nations including Qatar and Japan. While officials claim domestic supply is secure until the end of Apr, the aviation authority has warned of potential flight reductions, and residents in Hanoi are already reporting decreased traffic as motorists switch to public transport

The 24th Kazakhstan International Tourism Fair (KITF) is scheduled for 22-24 Apr 2026 in Almaty, serving as a premier forum for Vietnamese enterprises to penetrate the Central Asian market. The 2025 edition hosted over 530 companies from 31 countries and 5,500 professional visitors. Beyond destination promotion, the fair facilitates the signing of intergovernmental agreements and MoUs through a programme of roadshows, seminars, and plenary sessions. The Vietnam National Administration of Tourism has invited local travel agencies, airlines, and authorities to participate to expand regional partnerships and showcase Vietnamese tourism products

The Hanoi-Quang Ninh high-speed railway is a 120km electrified double-track line designed for speeds of up to 350kph, connecting Hanoi, Bac Ninh, Hai Phong, and Quang Ninh through 5 stations. It is scheduled for groundbreaking on 12 Apr. The project is being delivered via a public-private partnership with a total investment of around $5.8 billion USD. With an additional 10.27 trillion VND allocated from the State budget for land clearance, the rail link is expected to be operational by 2028

At a tourism conference in Kuala Lumpur on 18 Mar, the Mekong Delta was promoted as a high-priority destination for the Malaysian market, which contributed nearly 574,000 arrivals to Vietnam in 2025. Officials emphasised that providing halal-certified cuisine is the essential "key" to attracting Malaysian Muslim travellers. The event concluded with the signing of new cooperation agreements between regional businesses and Malaysian partners to develop fresh travel routes and improve human resource training for the anticipated increase in visitors

The construction of the 5.58km Ben Thanh-Thu Thiem section of Metro Line No. 2 is scheduled to begin in Apr 2026, featuring 6 underground stations and an estimated investment of $1.25 billion USD. This project is developed under a public-private partnership (PPP) model with Truong Hai Group (Thaco), serving as a strategic corridor connecting Tan Son Nhat International Airport with the future Long Thanh International Airport via the city centre. This section is a critical link in the wider 60-km Metro Line No. 2, which includes the Ben Thanh-Tham Luong stretch and the planned 42km Thu Thiem-Long Thanh railway

The Tourism Information Centre of the Vietnam National Tourism Administration has launched a multimedia e-brochure to promote rural tourism and traditional craft villages to domestic and international visitors. The publication is available in 4 editions across both Vietnamese and English, covering community, eco-tourism, and organic agricultural co-operatives. The brochure features interactive elements such as voice narration and authentic ambient audio, providing a multi-sensory experience designed to showcase One Commune One Product (OCOP) items and rural life

Hanoi’s museums are undergoing a digital transformation to modernise cultural heritage through interactive screens, VR systems, and 3D mapping. The Hanoi Museum recently reopened with multimedia thematic displays, while the Vietnam National Fine Arts Museum has seen a 300% increase in visitors since adopting tools like cinemagraphs. Other institutions, such as the Vietnam Museum of Ethnology and the National Museum of History, are using QR codes, 3D models, and multilingual audio guides. Experts note that museums still face challenges regarding funding and technical expertise, emphasising that technology must support the academic value of original artefacts

During AHICE Southeast Asia, which was held in Singapore, JLL Senior Vice-President for Advisory in Asia noted a shift in growth sectors in luxury hospitality from Singapore and Bangkok to emerging markets in Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, and Vietnam. Hyatt Hotels Corporation’s Regional Vice-President for Development in Indonesia, Malaysia, and the Philippines said luxury travel is resilient and a prime segment for industrial growth. He added that they are seeing rapid growth in travellers from within and outside Asia. Mordor Intelligence reports the luxury Asia Pacific hotel market will generate around $37 billion USD in revenues by the end of 2026, up from $34 billion USD in 2025, and revenue will reach $58 billion USD over the next 5 years. 60% of Hyatt’s portfolio in the Asia Pacific is in the luxury premium segment, and they plan to open 90 luxury lifestyle properties. Vice-President for Development in Southeast Asia and Korea for IHG Hotels & Resorts said that based on statistics, 80% of luxury travellers are going to be millennials, Gen Z, or Gen Alpha by 2030

Da Nang is targeting the development of its southern coastline, particularly Thang An Commune, to utilise the remaining half of the city’s 200km coastal stretch. Under a master plan reaching to 2035, the area south of the Thu Bon River is being transformed into a green, smart urban pole featuring high-end MICE and golf tourism alongside traditional craft villages. Strategic transport upgrades, including the Vo Chi Cong coastal road and future urban rail and BRT systems, aim to connect the city centre with Hoi An and Chu Lai

The People’s Committee of Quang Tri province approved the pilot tourism product "Experiencing Nature and Exploring the Cultural Life of the Ma Coong Community" in Thuong Trach Commune, with Eastern Sky Trading and Tourism Co Ltd entrusted with its trial operation for 12 months. The tour offers one-day or two-day itineraries along a route from Phong Nha to Con Roang Village and Khe Sa Campsite. The one‑day tour allows a maximum of 20 people per trip and no more than 60 per day, while the two‑day option is restricted to 15 visitors per tour and 30 per day. Participation is limited to those aged 16 and above in good health

The Prime Minister mandated that fuel shortages must be prevented at all costs despite volatility from the Middle East conflict. Under a directive issued on 16 Mar, petrol prices will be managed through market mechanisms balanced by State-led stabilisation, with proposals for tax and fee reductions due by 20 Mar 2026. The government has threatened strict legal action against hoarding or price manipulation and may deploy State budget resources if the military conflict persists

The Embassy of the Czech Republic and the Vietnam National Authority of Tourism (VNAT) are partnering to establish a standardised trail-marking system to unlock the potential of Vietnam’s mountainous terrain, which covers three-quarters of the country. The initiative involves a pilot project and technical training for forest rangers and volunteers to ensure the long-term, independent maintenance of routes. The programme aims to transform informal trekking into a regulated eco-tourism sector that complies with national forestry protection laws while catering to the rising global demand for adventure travel

The Vietnam-Spain Cooperation Forum recently convened in Madrid to advance a strategic partnership focused on innovation, digital transformation, and sustainable tourism. In 2025, around 97,442 Spanish tourists visited Vietnam. The Vietnamese Ambassador said that Vietnam is seeking to learn from Spain’s expertise in high-end, sustainable, and "smart" tourism management

Ratanakiri provincial authorities in Cambodia are preparing to open 4 new border checkpoints, including 2 with Laos and two with Vietnam, to boost cross-border trade, investment, and tourism. The priority Lao crossings include sites at border markers 101, 102, and 141, linking Veun Sai district with Attapeu province, while the Vietnamese checkpoints are planned for Nhang commune and border marker 6 near the "Dragon Tail" tri-border area. While technical agreements have been reached for the Vietnamese side and construction budget allocation is pending, land demarcation is currently underway for the Lao infrastructure

Vietnam’s luxury hospitality sector is experiencing a surge. High-end hotel performance has exceeded pre-pandemic peaks, with five-star properties commanding average rates of $170-188 USD at 75-80% occupancy, while the four-star segment maintains rates of $110-130 USD and 72-78% occupancy. In Hanoi, five-star rooms average $160 USD (70-75% occupancy). This growth, driven by the expanding MICE segment and relaxed visa policies, has attracted major brands like Accor and IHG, with Hanoi alone expecting 1,300 new international rooms in 2026 and 4,000 by 2028

In a high-level meeting in Hanoi, the Vietnamese Foreign Minister and their Chinese counterpart held the first ministerial-level strategic dialogue to deepen the Comprehensive Strategic Cooperative Partnership. Both sides agreed to build a "Vietnam-China community with a shared future" by accelerating strategic connectivity and increasing Chinese investment in high-tech and industrial sectors. The Minister specifically proposed expanding Vietnamese agricultural exports to China and increasing scholarships in basic science, while the China side affirmed China’s support for General Secretary To Lam’s leadership

The Quang Ninh Culture, Sports and Tourism Week 2026 will run from 25 Apr-3 May, featuring 14 major events designed to attract 50,000 spectators. The centrepiece, Ha Long Carnaval 2026 on 30 Apr, will showcase 64 parade floats and international troupes alongside a tourism vessel light show on the bay. The week integrates heritage and modern entertainment, including the Yen Tu summer art programme, hot-air ballooning, and an international food street

According to the 2026 Henley Passport Index, Vietnam’s passport has climbed six places to rank 84th globally, granting citizens easier access to 48 destinations. This improved mobility includes visa-free entry to 23 countries, including most of Southeast Asia, Chile, and Panama, alongside 25 destinations offering visa-on-arrival or electronic travel authorisation

On 15 Mar, over 73 million Vietnamese voters will cast ballots for the 16th National Assembly and People’s Councils for the 2026-2031 term. The National Election Council has confirmed that preparations are complete across 72,195 polling stations, where voter lists have been cross-referenced with the national resident database to ensure accuracy

A high-level Chinese delegation, including the Chinese Foreign, Defence, and Public Security Ministers, will visit Vietnam from 15-17 Mar to launch a new "3+3" strategic dialogue. The officials will discuss political security and crime prevention while building on 45 bilateral agreements signed in 2025

According to the Chairman of the Hanoi People’s Committee, Hanoi is accelerating the 120km Ring Road 4 and a new link to Gia Binh Airport to bolster regional connectivity, with parallel roads for the ring road project scheduled to open in Q2 2026. The city is currently urging Bac Ninh Province to resolve local clearance delays for the airport route and requesting government support to manage high demand for construction materials. Authorities are coordinating with the power and railway sectors to synchronise infrastructure and avoid wasteful, overlapping construction near the 500kV transmission lines

According to a survey released ahead of the 2026 World Tourism Fair in Paris, Vietnam has emerged as one of the top 5 most searched destinations for French travellers, contributing to Asia’s record 28% preference rating

A global fuel crisis following the blockade of the Strait of Hormuz has crippled construction on Phu Quoc, threatening 21 infrastructure projects for APEC 2027. Diesel deliveries have plummeted, leaving major contractors like ACC and Duc Chinh with only days of fuel left for the 22 trillion VND airport expansion and vital roadworks. With costs doubling and 60% of machinery already idle, firms are laying off staff and warning that the 30 Apr deadline will be missed without urgent government intervention or priority fuel allocations

Authorities in Khanh Hoa have launched a crackdown on illegal tourism apartments and villas, mandating stricter inspections to ensure properties adhere to their approved functions. Authorities are targeting unlicensed businesses and properties being used for purposes inconsistent with their approved construction permits. According to provincial authorities, Khanh Hoa welcomed about 16.4 million visitors in 2025 (+14.4% YoY), including 5.5 million international tourists, with tourism revenue reaching over $2.54 billion USD (+16.8% YoY). By 2030, the province aims to receive 33 million overnight visitors, expand accommodation capacity to around 100,000 rooms, and generate $9 billion USD in tourism revenue

The Hanoi Tourism Festival 2026, themed "Green Tourism, Digital Experience," is taking place at Thong Nhat Park from 13-15 Mar. The event features nearly 100 booths across themed zones that blend traditional heritage with modern technology, showcasing 300 digitised landmarks through AI and VR360 tools alongside live craft and culinary demonstrations

A delegation from Danao City visited Vietnam’s Lao Cai Province from 25 Feb-3 Mar to study best practices in sustainable tourism and environmental protection. The officials inspected Sa Pa’s mountain infrastructure, including Fansipan Peak, aiming to inform development plans for Danao’s own peaks and the "Green Green Program" at Mt. Manghilao

Da Nang participated in the MITT Moscow International Travel & Tourism Exhibition for the first time from 11-13 Mar. The city focused on the Russian and CIS markets, targeting travellers known for longer stays and high spending by promoting beach resorts, cultural heritage, and nature-based experiences. The Da Nang pavilion hosted 5 major tourism enterprises and scheduled around 360 B2B meetings with international tour operators. Major tour operators such as Anex Tour and Crystal Bay are planning to operate charter flights bringing Russian tourists to Da Nang. In 2025, over 171,000 Russian tourists visited Da Nang, nearly doubling YoY. In Jan and Feb 2026, Russia accounted for 2.94% of the city’s total foreign arrivals, and was among top 10 international source markets

The Da Nang International Fireworks Festival (DIFF) 2026 is scheduled from 30 May - 11 Jul, featuring global teams competing across 6 themed nights on the Han River. Spectators can choose from 6 seating zones along Tran Hung Dao Street. The organisers are also offering combo packages that include cable car access and buffet lunches at Sun World Ba Na Hills

The 2026 Booking.com Traveller Review Awards recognised 13,052 accommodation partners in Vietnam, dominated by 5,361 hotels, followed by apartments (2,478) and homestays (1,651). Hoi An was named the most welcoming destination, leading a top-ten list that includes Mai Chau and Ninh Binh. Award recipients were selected based on over 370 million verified reviews, requiring a minimum score of 8.0 from at least three reviews by late Nov 2025

Ca Mau launched its "Travel Destination 2026" plan, targeting 8.5 million visitors and around $362 million USD in revenue. The initiative centres on cultural and heritage events, notably the Whale Worshipping festival in early Apr and a Cultural Heritage Week in late Apr. The year-long programme also includes a marathon, a shrimp festival, and promotional showcases in Ninh Binh and Hanoi designed to market local OCOP products and strengthen trade cooperation with domestic and international partners

Retail fuel prices in Vietnam were sharply reduced on 11 Mar as the government activated the national stabilisation fund to offset global market volatility. RON95-III petrol fell to 25,240 VND per litre, while diesel and other oil products saw price cuts of up to 7,970 VND. Authorities mobilised 4 million barrels of crude oil to cover up to 45 days of demand and eliminated import tariffs. Further relief is anticipated from 12 Mar, with a proposal to scrap environmental protection taxes, potentially lowering retail prices by an additional 2,000 VND per litre

The management board of Ba Den Mountain National Tourist Area has issued urgent safety warnings following several accidents involving hikers getting lost or injured on unofficial trails. Standing at 986 metres, the mountain requires climbers to use only the registered Power Line Route between 5-11 am, wearing high-grip footwear to navigate steep, slippery terrain

Following a sudden surge in demand on 6 Mar, Hanoi authorities have ordered stricter monitoring and inspections of petrol retailers to prevent hoarding and speculation. While several stations experienced temporary disruptions due to public anxiety, the city’s Department of Industry and Trade confirmed that supply remains stable. The government is prioritising fuel distribution for manufacturing, transport, and construction sectors. Additionally, the city is reviewing long-term energy security plans, including the potential expansion of reserves to cover up to 1 year of demand

According to the Agoda 2026 Travel Outlook Report, Vietnamese travellers are Asia’s most proactive AI adopters, with 81% likely to use the technology for their next trip, higher than the regional average of 63%. 86% of Vietnamese respondents either trust or feel neutral about AI-generated information, primarily using it for itinerary planning, local recommendations, and real-time translation. According to the General Statistics Office, in 2025, 6.7 million Vietnamese travelled abroad (+26.4% YoY)

After a 4-year hiatus, helicopter sightseeing tours will relaunch on 11 Mar 2026, departing from Vung Tau Airport. The service is operated by the Southern Vietnam Helicopter Company, offering 4 routes ranging from a 15-minute skyview to a 60-minute discovery flight over central HCMC. The resumption follows improved administrative coordination between HCMC and Vung Tau, with tourism officials planning to further expand flight paths and helipad infrastructure to bolster the city's high-end travel offerings

Vietnam’s Ministry of Industry and Trade has urged businesses to adopt remote working and citizens to use public transport to conserve fuel. The government is seeking further crude oil from partners like Kuwait and has proposed a temporary 0% import tariff to stabilise the market. Authorities have also warned against panic stockpiling, notably in Hanoi and southern provinces, and are cracking down on petrol stations that illegally suspend sales or inflate prices during this period

The National Tourism Year Gia Lai 2026 features 244 events, organised around quarterly themes to ensure continuity and to maintain visitor interest year-round. Following a merger with Binh Dinh Province in July 2025, Gia Lai is Vietnam’s second-largest province with around 3.5 million residents. The initiative focuses on sustainable, heritage-based tourism supported by a smart digital ecosystem, incorporating VR360 tours and QR codes

The Railway Transport Joint Stock Company (VRT) announced a 10% increase in passenger ticket prices and a 15% rise in freight rates on 9 Mar to offset surging fuel costs. This adjustment follows a sharp spike in diesel prices, which reached 30,230 VND per litre on 7 Mar (a 31.26% increase since 5 Mar and a 56.88% rise since 26 Feb). VRT attributed these pressures to unpredictable global market fluctuations caused by escalating tensions in the Middle East

The Vietnamese Ministry of Finance proposed slashing Most-Favoured Nation (MFN) import tariffs on petroleum products to 0% to safeguard domestic supply against Middle East-driven volatility. Currently, oil prices have surged past $100 USD per barrel following a 20% spike on 9 Mar, with domestic RON95-III petrol reaching 27,047 VND per litre. The plan aims to cut duties on unleaded petrol (from 10%), diesel, and jet fuel (from 7%) through to 30 Apr 2026. If the new tariff rates were applied, State budget revenue could fall by about over $39 million USD

A seminar in HCMC involving over 50 business representatives highlighted that Japan remains a key tourism market. According to the Deputy Director of the HCMC Department of Tourism, the number of Japanese visitors to the city rose from 300,000 in 2024 to nearly 385,000 in 2025, with an average annual growth rate of 28% from 2022 to 2025. To manage overtourism and hit a bilateral goal of 2 million annual two-way arrivals, officials are promoting MICE tourism, cultural festivals, and new transport links, such as the recently launched charter flight between HCMC and Sapporo

According to the General Statistics Office, from Jan-Feb 2026, South Korea remained the top source market for visitors to Vietnam at 971,000 visitors (+10% YoY). China ranked second, while Russia, Taiwan, the U.S., India, Japan and Malaysia remained stable. European markets posted strong growth, led by Britain (17.1%), France (19.8%) and Germany (17.5%). Cambodia fell from third place in Jan to ninth in Feb. During the period, Danang served an estimated 2.46 million visitors (+10.8% YoY), while An Giang estimated 5.9 million visitors (+12.8%) with tourism revenue reaching about 15.75 trillion VND (+59.9% YoY)

HCMC has introduced stricter oversight for large-scale events on Nguyen Hue and Le Loi streets to address resident complaints regarding noise and traffic congestion. Under a new directive, the Department of Culture and Sports will implement technical frameworks for sound and hygiene, while any activities on Le Loi Street now require specific approval from the Committee Chairman

According to the National Statistics Office: In Jan and Feb 2026, Vietnam welcomed nearly 4.7 million foreign tourists (+18.1% YoY) In Feb alone, Vietnam welcomed 2.2 million international arrivals (-9.2% MoM, +17.7% YoY) According to the Ministry of Culture, Sports, and Tourism, Vietnam is aiming for 25 million international visitors and 150 million domestic tourists in 2026

In recent years, the World Trade Center Binh Duong New City (WTC BDNC) has hosted over 400 events, including conferences and trade matches, connecting more than 125,000 businesses across 50 countries. The venue acts as an industrial park-based platform, supporting high-tech manufacturing, semiconductors, and supporting industries. Between now and 2027, WTC BDNC will prioritise smart venue upgrades, "Green MICE" standards, data-driven business matching, and the expansion of an International Financial Centre (IFC) ecosystem. This is further supported by HCMC's newly issued resolution which provides specialised budget support and service standards for large international MICE groups through to 2030

According to the General Statistics Office: Among nearly 4.7 million foreign tourists visiting Vietnam in Jan-Feb 2026, over 3.8 million visitors arrived by air (81.8% of the total), +12.8% YoY, while 741,200 visitors arrived by land (+58.6% YoY), and 109,500 visitors arrived by sea (+10.2% YoY) Tourism revenue is estimated at $572 million USD for the 2-month period, +12.2% YoY, accounting for 1.2% of total retail and consumer service revenue Significant revenue growth was seen in Ca Mau (+23.2%), Quang Ninh (+21.3%), Da Nang (+15.9%), HCMC (+12.1%), and Hanoi (+7.3%) Asia is the top source market with 3,413,500 million arrivals (+10.2% YoY), followed by Europe with 847,400 arrivals (+67.% YoY), Americas with 278,500 arrivals (17.7% YoY), Australia with 130,600 arrivals (+14.8% YoY), and Africa with 12,100 arrivals (+32.3% YoY)

The conflict in Iran is expected to have a limited impact on Vietnam's economy, as exports to the Middle East account for less than 3% of the country’s total. While global oil price surges could push inflation from 2.5% to around 4%, the effect remains manageable because most food, which makes up 36% of the CPI basket, is produced domestically. Analysts from VinaCapital suggest that while the VND may face depreciation and bank deposit rates could rise to 7% by year-end, the government has the capacity to offset growth hits through stimulus measures. In this event, Vietnam’s GDP growth could drop by 2 percentage points, with inflation exceeding 5%. Airlines, travel and tourism companies are likely to face headwinds due to higher fuel costs

Tay Ninh province aims to welcome 10 million visitors in 2026, including 200,000 international tourists, with a target of 8 trillion VND in revenue through a focus on spiritual and ecotourism. The province is launching its first Culture, Sports and Tourism Week, developing new tours that connect historical sites with national parks, and strengthening partnerships with Vietnam Airlines and neighbouring regions to enhance its international profile

The "Hoi An Memories" storytelling performance launched its summer programme, featuring a nightly 60-minute open-air show depicting 400 years of the town's history through dance, 3D imagery, and drones. The event is held at Hoi An Memories Land, offering visitors experiences including mini-shows, local crafts and cuisine, starting from 4pm. In 2025, the site welcomed over 600,000 visitors

The Prime Minister has established a high-level task force to safeguard Vietnam’s energy security against volatility caused by Middle Eastern conflicts. The group, composed of various ministries and state energy giants, will monitor global risks to prevent fuel shortages, price manipulation, and macroeconomic instability. This initiative aims to ensure a stable energy supply for domestic production while preparing response scenarios for potential disruptions to global supply chains and logistics costs

The Lam Dong Province People’s Committee has appointed Sun Group to develop the civil aviation component of Phan Thiet Airport, a $145 million USD project designed to handle 2 million passengers annually. The 74.6-hectare facility will support domestic and international flights, alongside search and rescue and humanitarian missions, with a 50-year operating term. While the military section is already operational, this new civil expansion is expected to be completed within 24 months, bolstering socio-economic development and regional security

JLL Hotels & Hospitality Group forecasted Vietnam’s hotel transaction volume is projected to reach $200 million USD by 2026. 2 major hotel sales totalling $53.7 million USD were recently completed under the advisory of the group, including the PARKROYAL Saigon and Hotel Perle D’Orient Cat Ba. According to JLL, well-capitalised domestic investors are actively purchasing urban and resort properties, whereas foreign investors are focusing on premium, institutional-grade assets

Following a fire on a wooden-hulled vessel on 27 Feb, the Deputy Prime Minister ordered an urgent safety inspection of the entire 508-ship cruise fleet in Ha Long Bay. Although all 41 people on board were safely evacuated, the incident prompted a nationwide review of waterway tourism and accelerated plans to replace all wooden vessels with steel by 2030. The boat's operator has provided initial financial support and medical cover for affected passengers. During the Tet Holiday, Ha Long Bay welcomed 74,428 visitors, +124% YoY. On 28 Feb, the Ha Long Bay-Yen Tu World Heritage Management Board said that tourism activities on the bay, including overnight cruises and sightseeing, were continuing as normal

Nearly 80 Vietnamese enterprises are participating in ITB Berlin 2026 in Germany (3-5 Mar), including a group of 21 domestic firms led by the Vietnam Cultural and Tourism Association in Europe for the first time. Around 10% of registered businesses were unable to attend due to flight cancellations and travel disruptions caused by tensions in the Middle East

The 12th HCMC Ao Dai Festival is running throughout Mar 2026, celebrating the city's 50th renaming anniversary and International Women’s Day under the theme "Golden Thread". The event features 17 major activities, including a peak showcase from 6-8 Mar with 37 designers and 400 collections. Highlights include a mass parade of 3,000 participants on Nguyen Hue walking street and the "Ao Dai and Metro" journey, which uses the new metro line to link key tourism spots. Organisers expect 50,000 participants to engage with the festival

Promotion booths have been installed at tourism centres in both Da Nang and Daegu to facilitate two-way travel and destination marketing. The 2 cities are also collaborating on "Medic City Daegu" healthcare initiatives, AI-based transformation, and smart urban governance to improve disaster prevention and climate resilience. In 2025, South Korea accounted for 40.6% of foreign arrivals (1.68 million visitors). The country is also a top-four investor in Da Nang, with 345 projects totalling $1.33 billion USD in registered capital, including high-end beachfront developments like Shilla Hotels & Resorts

Following advisories from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Vietnam National Authority of Tourism has directed travel agencies to suspend tours to Middle Eastern conflict zones. Agencies are required to monitor regional developments closely and maintain contact with diplomatic missions to ensure the safety of tour groups already in affected destinations, such as Dubai, Turkey, and Egypt

On 1 Mar, HCMC introduced 169 electric buses on 9 key routes, replacing existing buses on a number of routes. These routes link major residential zones and suburban areas with the city's primary transport hubs, including Ben Thanh, Mien Tay, and Mien Dong bus stations. The fleet consists of VinFast-produced EB6 (30-seat) and EB8 (60-seat) models, equipped with WiFi, and USB charging ports. Of the city’s 2,325 total buses, 1,082 vehicles now use clean energy, representing 48.4% of the network. The city targets 100% green public transport by 2030

On 28 Feb, the Tam Chuc scenic and archaeological complex in Ninh Binh Province was officially recognised as a Special National Relic, marking its status as a 1,000-year-old Buddhist centre dating back to the Dinh Dynasty. Local authorities have pledged to balance heritage protection with sustainable tourism, focusing on education for younger generations and civilised festival management. Ninh Binh plans to compile a nomination dossier for the "Tam Chuc Complex - Van Long Wetland Nature Reserve" to seek UNESCO World Heritage status

During the 2026 Lunar New Year (17-22 Feb), Dak Lak welcomed 395,000 visitors (+33% YoY), generating $18.7 million USD in revenue (+25% YoY), while Gia Lai saw 848,000 arrivals (+16%) and 900 billion VND in revenue, including a notable 65% increase in international guests. Gia Lai's overnight stays reached around 117,000 (+25.5%) during this period. During the peak period, transport activity surged with 216 flights arriving at Phu Cat Airport from Hanoi and HCMC, alongside 252 train services serving Dieu Tri and Quy Nhon stations. Dak Lak province launched the first-ever tourism programme linking forest and coastal destinations. In 2026, Dak Lak aims for 8 million visitors (+9% YoY) and 16 trillion VND in annual revenue (+17% YoY)

Effective from 1 Mar 2026, Vietnam has become the first Southeast Asian nation to implement a comprehensive AI regulatory framework, modelled after the European Union’s AI Act. The law mandates human oversight and requires both domestic and foreign entities to clearly label AI-generated content, such as deepfakes, and disclose the use of artificial agents to consumers. Under the law, the government will establish a national AI computing centre, improved data resources and large language models in Vietnamese

To prepare for the APEC 2027 summit, Phu Quoc commenced $47.5 million USD worth of essential infrastructure projects, including a 49,500-cubic-metre daily water treatment plant and 2 waste management facilities. These developments are scheduled for completion by 30 Jun 2027, aim to resolve persistent dry-season shortages and waste overloads caused by a surge in tourism

According to the Hanoi Department of Tourism, in Feb 2026: Hanoi welcomed 3.18 million visitors, +28.5% YoY, including 680,800 international arrivals (+16.2% YoY), and 2.5 million domestic tourists (+32.3%) Total tourism revenue was estimated at $476 million USD, +24.8% Average hotel occupancy in Feb 2026 was estimated at 63.6%, up 1.3 percentage points YoY Hanoi partnered with Foody to launch the “Hanoi Digital Culinary Tourism Map”, which is said to be integrated with the iHanoi application

According to China Railway Kunming Group, Hekou North Station in Yunnan handled over 10,000 Vietnamese tourists by late Feb 2026, +35.45% YoY. China Railway Kunming Group is coordinating with customs, border inspections, and travel agencies to adjust transport capacity based on passenger flow trends

According to the Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism of Lao Cai province, as of 19 Feb: Lao Cai welcomed around 250,000 visitors, including 23,000 international tourists, with tourism revenue of $27.5 million USD, and hotel occupancy averaging 70-80% Sa Pa received 71,600 visitors, generating $18.1 million USD with hotel occupancy reaching 90-95% A notable shift saw domestic tourists increasingly joining international visitors in Ta Van and Y Ty for "slow travel" activities, such as trekking, herbal baths, and weaving workshops

On 26 Feb 2026, the Phu Quoc Special Zone launched a Tourism Rapid Response Team to safeguard its reputation following recent price gouging and cancellations during the Lunar New Year. The team comprises 4 dedicated groups, including Cyber Support, plus Northern, Central, and Southern Island response units, which are available 24/7 to offer on-site support for issues regarding pricing, service quality, security, and safety

According to the Agoda 2026 Travel Outlook Report: 81% of Vietnamese travellers intend to use AI for their next trip - the highest rate in Asia and above the regional average of 63% 86% of Vietnamese respondents feel positive or neutral towards AI-generated information, with 28% actively trusting the technology Primary AI applications include creating personalised travel itineraries (30%), real-time language translation (30%), and recommendations for local attractions, activities, and dining options

On 6 Feb, Fusion Hotel Group and Tropical Corporation formalised a long-term agreement to develop a wellness-focused resort on Phu Quoc's Bai Truong beach. The property is scheduled to open in Q4 2027, featuring 51 villas and 158 rooms. The resort aims to capture both the wellness leisure market and the meetings and events segment, offering facilities such as an infinity pool, beach club, and Maia Spa

According to a report released on 22 Feb by the provincial Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism, Dak Lak province welcomed nearly 395,000 visitors during the 2026 Tet holiday, +33.2% YoY, including about 5,200 international visitors (+30.65% YoY), and generating 457.5 billion VND in revenue. Accommodation providers recorded an average occupancy rate of 70%, with 170,000 guests staying overnight

According to the Vietnam National Authority of Tourism (VNAT): Vietnam served around 14 million visitors during the 9-day Tet holiday (14-22 Feb), +12% YoY National average room occupancy reached 60%, with peaks in Phu Quoc (95%), Sa Pa (90-95%), Da Lat and Phan (80-90%) Domestic bookings rose by 15%-20%, with a notable shift towards personalised experiences, cultural exploration, and longer stays HCMC welcomed an estimated 4.32 million visitors, +35%, with tourism revenue reaching nearly US$490 million USD, +42.9% Hanoi welcomed around 1.34 million visitors, +36.3%, generating 4.87 trillion VND in tourism revenue, +40.2% Da Nang welcomed about 1.1 million visitors, +27%, with tourism revenue estimated at 3.96 trillion VND Cruise tourism welcomed over 10,000 international visitors during the holiday