Vietnam

HCMC introduced Decision 19, a new regulatory framework that legalises short-term apartment rentals via platforms like Airbnb, provided owners adhere to business registration, tax obligations, and guest declarations. The policy aims to revive a market that had been "frozen" for over a year, offering financial relief to investors and increasing accommodation for tourists and professionals. However, the shift has prompted concerns from long-term residents regarding security, noise, and the over-use of shared facilities. To ensure sustainable development, experts and building management boards are now focused on establishing internal rules to balance these commercial opportunities with the rights and safety of permanent residents

The World Bank stated that Vietnam's economic growth is expected to slow to 6.8% in 2026, down from an 8% expansion in 2025. Whilst the country's overall outlook remains solid, near-term risks are elevated. The World Bank director for Vietnam noted that softer global conditions and an oil shock have made the external environment more challenging. These downside risks conflict with Vietnam's official target of achieving an annual GDP growth rate of at least 10% for 2026 and the rest of the decade

On 13 May, the Hanoi People's Committee Chairman signed a decision approving a 100-year master plan spanning the capital's entire 3,359.84-square-kilometre administrative area, aiming to transform it into a modern, civilised, and highly competitive Asia-Pacific innovation center. The plan caps the long-term population at 20 million (targeting 17-19 million by 2065) and limits urban construction land to 55-60% of the natural area to protect green ecological spaces. By 2035, Hanoi aims to be a green, smart city and regional financial, commercial, and innovation hub. GRDP is targeted at roughly $200 billion USD, with per capita GRDP exceeding $18,800 USD. The plan prioritises cultural heritage and industries, targeting a GRDP contribution from cultural industries of around 10% by 2035, 12% by 2045, and 15-20% by 2065

The Hanoi People's Committee plans to restrict certain private vehicles on selected streets starting from 1 Jan 2035. The specific streets, lanes, directions, and time windows will depend on actual conditions and the capacity of public transport to handle displaced trips without disruption. The 2035 restriction date is tied to the completion of Hanoi's full urban rail network. The city expects to finish 96.8km of metro lines by 2030, has another 301km under preparation, and targets full network completion in 2035. Ride-hailing platforms and other operators of commercial motorbikes must hit a 20% clean-energy target by 2027, 50% by 2028, and 100% by 2030, whilst taxis and ride-hailing cars face a 50% target by 2028 and a 100% target by 2030, with all new commercial vehicles under 9 seats required to run on green energy from 1 Jul 2026. Hanoi estimates the full clean-energy transition package will cost $873 million USD over a 5-year period from 2026 to 2030

Dong Nai approved a 6,318-hectare urban zone at the western gateway of Long Thanh International Airport, designed to house 450,000 people by 2045. It is located southeast of HCMC, bordered by 2 major expressways, serving as a commercial hub for airport-driven services such as logistics, free trade zones, and smart-city infrastructure. The development follows a transport-oriented model, acting as a key node for the 41.8-kilometre Thu Thiem-Long Thanh light rail, which begins construction before 30 Jun

Quang Tri increased its tourism promotion using international television programmes and film productions to showcase the Phong Nha - Ke Bàng cave system. On 29 Mar, a special documentary on Son Doong Cave aired on CBS News' 60 Minutes programme, generating around 8 million views by 3 Apr alongside 31 million international social media views. Additionally, the Indian film SILAA selected Quang Tri as its filming location, making it the second Bollywood project shot in Vietnam. Furthermore, Victor Vu's Vietnamese film Detective Kien concluded a nearly month-long shoot in late Apr across regional landmarks like Tra Ang Cave and Ru Linh forest. The Deputy Director of the provincial Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism, stated that the province is launching wider communication campaigns to firmly establish Quang Tri as one of Asia’s leading adventure tourism hubs

The sixth national-scale Cham Ethnic Culture Festival will take place from 26-28 Jun across multiple venues in Khanh Hoa Province, including the April 16 Square area, Phan Rang Ward, and Dong Hai Ward. Drawing participation from HCMC and the provinces of Khanh Hoa, Gia Lai, Lam Dong, Tay Ninh, An Giang, and Dak Lak, the event aims to introduce the Cham community's cultural richness to global and domestic audiences. The festival will host a variety of cultural, sports, and tourism events, including folk art performances, displays of traditional handicrafts, re-enactments of traditional rituals, Cham costume presentations, and a multimedia installation exhibition

On 14 May, Hanoi hosted a cultural and tourism promotion programme showcasing China's Guangxi province, specifically the Zhuang ethnic identity, revolutionary history, and ecological tea sites of Baise city, across 4 themed areas dedicated to tea culture, intangible heritage, exhibitions, and regional cuisine. China remains Vietnam's top source of international visitors, with 1.85 million arrivals from Jan-Apr 2026, out of a total of 8.8 million foreign arrivals to Vietnam. During this period, over 272,500 Chinese tourists visited Hanoi (+59% YoY). Hanoi tourism officials aim to expand 2-way traffic and collaborative products, tapping into Chinese holidaymakers' preferences for coastal luxury resorts in Da Nang, Nha Trang, and Phu Quoc, as well as cultural-historical tours in Hanoi and Hue

Vietnam's hybrid vehicle sales reached 1,723 units in Apr 2026 (+53% YoY), while 4-month sales totalled 6,848 units (+86%). The Vietnam Automobile Manufacturers’ Association (VAMA) announced that its members sold 31,937 vehicles of all types in Apr (-17% MoM). Passenger vehicles fell by 14% MoM (21,284 units) and commercial vehicles declined by 26% MoM (9,805 units). From Jan-Apr, total sales by VAMA members reached 126,794 vehicles (+25% YoY)

The second Vietnamese Bread Festival attracted 250,000 visitors (+25% YoY) to HCMC’s Le Van Tam Park between 23-26 Apr. The events feature 168 stalls, with vendors averaging sales of 2,000 to 3,000 loaves per stall. Organisers reported no hygiene incidents due to strict vendor training and continuous health inspections

Lam Dong province welcomed nearly 8 million tourists from Jan-Apr 2026 (+20% YoY), meeting over 31% of its annual target. To offset the temporary closure of Lien Khuong Airport for repairs, authorities have shifted focus to overland tours, regional connectivity, and digital tools like QR codes for service information. The province's "Welcome Summer Tourism 2026" programme aims to diversify its offerings, ranging from agricultural to adventure tourism, while targeting a 2035 goal of becoming a leading Southeast Asian hub for high-end eco-resorts

The 18th edition of the Vietnam Festival in Japan is set to take place at Tokyo’s Yoyogi Park on 30-31 May, with attendance projected to exceed 180,000 visitors. The event will feature around 120 booths showcasing traditional cuisine, folk culture, and water puppet shows. To improve the visitor experience, organisers are launching a new mobile app-based food ordering system to reduce queues. This year’s festival is highlighted by the appointment of the Chairwoman of the Japan-Vietnam Parliamentary Friendship Alliance as its honorary chair

The Standing Board of the Quang Ninh Provincial Party Committee approved the Quang Ninh 4 Wind Power Plant, the province's first offshore wind project, located in the Co To special zone with a 50 MW capacity. This initiative aims to tap into the region's vast 16,000 MW wind potential and follows the ground-breaking of the 7.3 trillion VND Quang Ninh 1 project in Hoanh Bo. By synchronising power infrastructure with marine aquaculture and transport routes, the province seeks to transition to a "green" economy and bolster national energy security through 2030

In Q1 2026, Thai Nguyen province welcomed over 2.6 million tourists. The province aims to attract 8 million tourists in 2026, with total tourism revenue targeted at $418,000 USD. Thai Nguyen will launch its provincial tourism season on 15 May with a special music and art programme at Vo Nguyen Giap Square. Running until 17 May, the festival features a Jet Ski Show with pyrotechnics in Dai Phuc Commune, a National Circus Gala, exhibition booths, and a "Morning Tea with Businesspeople" seminar on green agriculture. Additionally, Ba Be Commune will host the "Heritage Resounds Amidst the Forests of Ba Be" art programme and the "Footprints on the Emerald Lake" trail run

On 12 May in Vientiane, the Vietnamese Minister and Lao Minister held talks to review the cultural and tourism initiatives of their 2021-2025 partnership and signed a new cooperation scheme for 2026-2030. This new agreement aims to deepen strategic cohesion and people-to-people bonds through delegation exchanges, music shows, joint heritage preservation, and workforce development via scholarships and educational courses, with a particular focus on upgrading cooperation for the Vietnam-Laos Friendship and Solidarity Year 2027. Both ministers co-chaired the opening of the Vietnam Cultural Week in Laos 2026, which runs until 16 May

At a working session with the Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA), the Deputy Director General of the Viet Nam National Authority of Tourism (VNAT) provided details on ITE HCMC 2026, scheduled for 27-29 Aug, and requested PATA's marketing support to distribute electronic invitations to key markets including China, India, and the U.S.. VNAT invited PATA’s senior leadership to share initiatives at the upcoming Tourism Ministers’ Conference, held under various regional cooperation frameworks, and urged the association to continue sharing global trend data, promoting Vietnam across its media ecosystem, and providing expert-led training in digital transformation and sustainable management. PATA CEO agreed to collaborate, offering to introduce specialists in sustainable tourism and artificial intelligence (AI), whilst proposing that Vietnam study the possibility of hosting the PATA Travel Mart or specialised MICE and wellness tourism fairs. Both parties agreed to foster long-term projects and create more favourable opportunities for Vietnamese enterprises to participate in premier PATA events, workshops, and the PATA Gold Awards

Authorities in An Giang Province are tightening inspections of resorts, homestays, and guesthouses in Phu Quoc to screen for and detect criminals. On 12 May, An Giang Provincial Police stated that the large daily influx of visitors has raised the risk of economic, drug-related, and criminal offences, as well as social vices and the hiding of wanted fugitives. In Feb 2026, a tourism rapid response team was established on the island to protect visitors and address service-related issues

In 2019, Vietnam welcomed 168,998 Indian tourists. In 2025, arrivals are expected to reach 746,480, a fourfold increase from 2019, rising to the sixth position in the top 10 source markets for tourists to Vietnam. From Jan-Apr 2026, Vietnam welcomed 324,394 Indian tourists (+59.1% YoY). Vietnam is diversifying its tourism products to include halal-certified cuisine, luxury wedding tourism, and wellness retreats. The 2 nations are deepening their "Comprehensive Strategic Partnership" through spiritual and cultural exchanges, including the promotion of the Buddhist Trail and the annual International Yoga Day

Sun Group is considering investment into Champasak province, with 3 proposed locations: Phu Sa Lao–Phu Malong highland area in Phonthong district, the Bolaven Plateau in Pakse district, and the Si Phan Don area in Khong district, home to the 4,000 Islands. Sun Group reportedly showed strong interest in the proposals and will visit Champasak in Jun 2026

Dien Bien approved an in-principle agreement for a $79.05 million USD cultural-historical tourism and cable car complex, with construction by Sun Group launched in May 2026. The project spans 35.35 hectares in Muong Phang and Pu Nhi communes and features a modern cable car system designed to carry 2,500 passengers per hour to the peak of Pu To Co mountain. The complex is intended to accommodate 15,000 visitors per day, aiming to honour the Dien Bien Phu Victory site while enhancing connectivity between mountainous historical landmarks. The project will be operational for 70 years, from the date of the land allocation, lease or land-use conversion decision

Can Tho authorities are accelerating economic growth by targeting 100% public investment disbursement for 2026 and streamlining procedures for private and non-budget projects. The city reported strong performance from Jan-Apr 2026, including a 9.75% rise in industrial production and $2.02 billion USD in exports. With 1,684 new businesses registered and a strategic shift towards sustainable, organic agriculture, the province is also implementing a tourism stimulus programme to capitalise on the peak summer season and maintain its upward economic momentum

According to the ASEAN Centre for Energy (ACE), major Southeast Asian cities are facing a structural crisis as hot-season temperatures are projected to rise by nearly 4 degrees Celsius by 2050. The report warns that by mid-century, urban centres could endure up to 120 extreme heat days annually (exceeding 35 degree Celsius), with Bangkok set to become the region's hottest major city at 38.1 degree Celsius, followed by HCMC (37.7) and Manila (37.2). This surge, driven by rapid urbanisation and the "urban heat island" effect, threatens to triple current heat exposure, straining health systems and economic productivity. ACE advocates for a "passive first" regional strategy, including immediate cooling shelters and long-term building code reforms that prioritise natural ventilation and urban greenery over energy-intensive air conditioning

The Michelin Guide will unveil its 2026 Vietnam selection on 4 Jun in Hanoi, marking the fourth edition for the country and the centenary of the Michelin Star, covering Hanoi, HCMC, and Da Nang. The 2026 guide follows a 2025 list of 181 establishments, which included 9 one-star restaurants

At the Vietnam-India Business Forum during a State visit to India by Vietnam’s General Secretary and President, Vinpearl Joint Stock Company signed MoUs with 3 major Indian travel firms, including Thomas Cook India, SOTC Travel, and MakeMyTrip to position Vietnam as a "preferred destination" for India’s 1.47 billion people. These MoUs leverage Vinpearl’s nationwide ecosystem of nearly 60 properties alongside the Indian partners’ expertise in MICE, luxury leisure, and digital booking platforms. This collaboration follows a period of explosive growth, with Vinpearl recording a 402% surge in Indian guests in 2025 and a further 335% increase in early 2026. Vinpearl aims to use these partnerships to broaden market reach and proactively develop products tailored to specific Indian customer segments

Cambodia, Laos and Vietnam committed to boost their cooperation across all sectors, including tourism connectivity, including increasing direct flights between the 3 countries

MakeMyTrip and Vietravel signed an MoU to develop immersive holiday packages and itineraries across Vietnam, Laos, and Cambodia. This partnership expands upon a 2025 agreement, aiming to provide Indian travellers with culturally rich, multi-country experiences focused on local history and food rather than standard sightseeing. By leveraging Vietravel’s local expertise, MakeMyTrip intends to diversify its Southeast Asian portfolio and establish a new travel corridor to Cambodia and Laos through a commitment to sustainable and responsible tourism growth

Hue city introduced a plan to develop a sustainable tourism ecosystem across 4 distinct zones, including the Heritage and Huong River craft area, the Tam Giang lagoon and coastal fishing zone, mountainous forest regions, and agricultural rural landscapes. The initiative aims to launch at least 8 pilot models while training 50% of involved households to enhance service quality and cultural storytelling. The city is focusing on standardised interpretation and "product stories" to boost its competitiveness and preserve local identity

On 8 May, the Vietnam National Authority of Tourism (VNAT) and Mastercard announced a 5-year collaboration for the 2026-2030 period. The partnership focuses on 6 areas, including data-driven market insights, digital payments, and capacity building, aiming to elevate tourism’s economic contribution to 14% of the national GDP by 2030. According to Mastercard, the partnership is part of the company’s broader regional initiative, following similar programmes in Singapore, Thailand, Indonesia, Malaysia, and the Philippines

According to the provincial Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism, Indian arrivals to Quang Ninh province were +28% YoY from Jan-Apr 2026, making India the fastest-growing international market. Quang Ninh has hosted 6 luxury Indian weddings since the start of 2026, primarily along Ha Long Bay. Celebrations typically last at least 3 days with around 500 guests. Alongside wedding tourism, the province is also attracting MICE travellers, with delegations of hundreds, and sometimes thousands, of visitors coming for conferences, seminars and incentive travel programmes combined with leisure stays

Hanoi proposed a temporary closure of a 7-kilometre stretch of the Hanoi-Thai Nguyen Expressway to expand it to 10 lanes, facilitating a new 41.3-kilometre link road to Gia Binh International Airport. The 10-lane Hanoi section of the link road is developed via a public-private partnership involving Sun Group, representing a 28.794 trillion VND investment

According to a research from Booking.com regarding Vietnamese travellers and the "Main Character Energy" trend for 2026: 74% of Vietnamese travellers prefer planning a trip themselves 82% are keen to explore a new destination for the first time 74% enjoy taking the lead and are willing to invest significant time and effort into planning 13% like being the main organiser but wishes others would share the responsibility The most common travel companions are spouses and children (45%), followed by friends (43%) and significant others (42%) Children’s preferences "completely or significantly" dictate the itinerary for 55% of family travellers There is a rise in pet travel, with 7% planning to bring pets in 2026 (up from 5% in 2025) Travellers are seeking pet-friendly hotels (60%), city centres (60%), and restaurants or breweries (55%) 31% of travellers plan to go on trips with colleagues from work

Agoda reported an 81% surge in domestic travel interest for Vietnam’s 2026 late-Apr holiday period, driven by a calendar alignment that facilitated an extended break. Coastal destinations dominated interest due to intense nationwide heatwaves, with Vung Tau (+101% YoY), Nha Trang (+96% YoY), Da Nang (+89% YoY), and Phan Thiet (+72% YoY) leading the rankings. Da Lat remains the only non-coastal destination in the top 5

Thai Nguyen is transforming its tourism sector into a primary economic pillar, leveraging its status as Vietnam's "tea capital" to drive sustainable growth. The province welcomed over 900,000 visitors in Q1 2026, aiming to attract 12 million annual arrivals and generate 25 trillion VND in revenue by 2030. Development efforts are focused on turning Nui Coc and Ba Be lakes into flagship eco-resort hubs, supported by massive infrastructure projects like the Bac Kan-Ba Be-Na Hang corridor

Dien Bien is transitioning from a historic battlefield into a sustainable economic hub, achieving a 7.34% GRDP growth in 2025 and reducing its poverty rate to 17.66%. Tourism remains a primary economic pillar, with the province welcoming over 1.4 million visitors in 2025 and targeting 1.6 million in 2026, supported by the restoration of key sites like the Him Lam Resistance Centre and the expansion of Dien Bien Airport. From 25 Apr-3 May, the province welcomed roughly 75,200 visitors (+25% YoY), including 14,500 overnight stays, generating about $4.69 million USD in revenue. Under its 2025-2030 roadmap, the province aims for 10-11% annual growth and a per capita GRDP of 115 million VND by prioritising digital transformation, "green channel" administrative reforms that cut processing times by up to 90%, and major infrastructure projects like the Son La-Dien Bien-Tay Trang expressway

In line with the Politburo’s Resolution issued in Jan 2026, Vietnam is modernising heritage engagement through digital "Heritage Passports" to move beyond passive sightseeing. Cities like Hue and Da Nang have implemented GPS-enabled apps that gamify the tourist experience, allowing visitors to collect digital stamps and unlock rewards across monuments and culinary sites. Da Nang issued over 5,000 passports in late 2025, specifically targeting younger and international demographics while providing authorities with critical behavioural data for sustainable heritage management

According to the Vietnam National Authority of Tourism (VNAT): Vietnam served around 12 million visitors during the 7 days of combined public holidays (+14.2% YoY) Average room occupancy reached 70%, with major hubs and coastal areas exceeding 80% Ninh Binh led the country with 2.37 million visitors, generating 3.57 trillion VND in revenue HCMC welcomed 1.69 million visitors, including 190,000 foreigners, generating 8.7 trillion VND in revenue Khanh Hoa welcomed over 1.5 million visitors, generating 2.6 trillion VND in revenue Da Nang welcomed 1.46 million visitors, including over 621,000 international arrivals (+24%), generating over 5.7 trillion VND in revenue Hai Phong city served 1.45 million visitors, including over 139,300 foreigners, and earned 1.12 trillion VND Hanoi welcomed 1.35 million visitors, including over 248,000 international arrivals, with revenue exceeding 5 trillion VND

According to the Vietnam National Authority of Tourism, in Apr, Vietnam received 2.03 million international arrivals, contributing to a record total of 8.8 million visitors from Jan-Apr. This figure represents 35% of the country's annual target of 25 million arrivals. This is the first time Vietnam recorded over 2 million foreign visitors for 4 consecutive months. China and South Korea remain the 2 largest source markets, together accounting for around 39.8% of all international arrivals during this period

According to government’s data: In Apr 2026, Vietnam's inflation was at +5.46%, fuelled by higher energy costs due ‌to the Iran war. The monthly trade deficit grew to $3.28 billion USD in Apr, up from $677 USD million in Mar From Jan-Apr, Vietnam recorded a trade deficit of $7.1 billion USD, with exports at $168.5 billion USD (+19.7%) and imports at $175.64 billion USD (+28.7%) From Jan-Apr, the trade surplus with the US reached $46.9 billion USD (+24.4% YoY), while the deficit with China reached $46.4 billion USD (+33.4%

On 2 May, the Japanese Prime Minister visited Vietnam to strengthen bilateral ties, meeting with Vietnamese leaders. Discussions focused on a commitment to diversifying supply chains and enhancing economic security, with the PM pledging support for Vietnam’s industrialisation and high-tech sectors, including semiconductors and artificial intelligence. The 2 nations signed multiple agreements focused on infrastructure development and climate change mitigation, while also reaffirming their shared commitment to regional stability and the rule of law in the South China Sea

According to the Deputy Chairman of the People’s Committee of Hue City: For the 30 Apr-1 May period, Hue expects 610,000 arrivals (+73% YoY) and 1,350 billion VND in revenue (+85% YoY), with accommodation occupancy estimated at 99% The 5-day period (24-28 Apr) saw around 395,000 arrivals, including 98,700 international visitors, generating $36 million USD, with the average accommodation occupancy forecasted at over 90% Heritage sites in Hue achieved their highest-ever daily ticket revenue on 1 May, generating over $159,000 USD On 1 May, 30,765 tourists purchased tickets, including 26,500 domestic and 4,260 international tourists, with 1,379 bought online According to the Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism of Quang Ninh Province: The province welcomed 600,000 arrivals on 30 Apr and 1 May, earning $71 million USD Ha Long Bay saw 37,000 visitors, while the Carnaval Ha Long 2026 attracted an estimated 80,000 people From Jan-Apr, Quang Ninh welcomed an estimated 8.19 million visitors During the holiday, Cat Ba island welcomed nearly 70,000 tourists

Phu Quoc is becoming a top destination for South Korean travellers, who now frequently refer to the island as the “Jeju of Vietnam”. Visitors from the Republic of Korea (RoK) make up over 70% of guests at some local properties, shifting the primary market focus away from previous favourites like Da Nang. This shift has led to a distinct local "Korean vibe," with businesses increasingly prioritising the Korean language over English on signs and menus

On 29 Apr, the Vietnamese Ambassador and Venezuelan Tourism Minister met to discuss strengthening bilateral tourism cooperation through eco-tourism, digital transformation, and community-based initiatives. Both nations aim to leverage their traditional friendship to develop inter-regional tour routes and explore potential air links. The Minister confirmed she will attend the 20th International Travel Expo HCMC from 27-29 Aug 2026, while the Vietnamese mission in Venezuela will continue facilitating connections between investors and travel firms to promote both countries' natural and cultural heritage

On 29 Apr, HCMC broke ground on the $1.39 billion USD Ben Thanh-Thu Thiem metro line, a 6-km underground route featuring a crossing beneath the Saigon River. A key component of Metro Line 2, the project includes 6 stations, with Ham Nghi set to become the city’s deepest at 33 metres. The line will utilise fully automated GoA4 technology and is designed to create a strategic transport hub at Thu Thiem, connecting the urban network to the national high-speed railway and Long Thanh International Airport. The project aims for a high level of construction localisation, with the full line targeted for completion by 2030

Phu Tho province welcomed nearly 6.5 million visitors during the 2026 Hung Kings Festival (+12% YoY), driving a five-fold surge in accommodation searches, according to Agoda. The festival featured a mix of traditional rituals and new experiences, such as night tours and fireworks, attracting a diverse demographic of families and young travellers who extended their stays for wellness and eco-tourism

Phu Quoc is consolidating 5 major coastal subdivision plans totalling over 10,000 hectares to establish itself as an internationally competitive tourism hub. The strategy prioritises green growth and clean energy while strictly limiting building density to avoid coastal "concretisation." The development ranges from the 4,430-hectare Ong Lang - Cua Can eco-hub to a northwestern zone featuring casinos and golf courses. A central requirement is the protection of public beach access and ecological corridors

With physical tours of Son Doong Cave fully booked until the end of 2027, the new Phong Nha Cave Exploration Information Centre in Quang Tri Province launched a 500,000 VND virtual reality alternative. The tour features 8K-quality footage with a 180-degree view. A 5D seating system simulates environmental conditions such as wind, mist, vibrations, and warmth from sunlight. Displays include documents, images, films, hand-drawn maps, and specialised equipment covering 35 years of exploration in the cave system

According to Travel Agent Finder, in Mar 2026, Vietnam entered the top 10 most searched destinations by Australians for the first time. Expedia reported that accommodation searches for Nha Trang and Da Nang rose by 65% YoY, while Phu Quoc saw a 45% increase. Growth in Vietnam's coastal areas has outperformed traditional beach hotspots in Indonesia and Thailand. In Q1 2026, Australia ranked among Vietnam's top 10 source markets, alongside Mainland China, South Korea, the U.S., and Japan

According to the municipal Department of Tourism, from Jan-Apr 2026, Hanoi welcomed 12.14 million visitors (+20.9% YoY) and generated $1.93 billion USD (+22.8% YoY) in revenue. In Apr 2026 alone, Hanoi welcomed 3.09 million arrivals (+13.3% YoY), including around 780,000 international visitors (+6.9%), with hotel occupancy rising to nearly 70% (up over 3pp from 2025)

On 27 Apr, the Chinese Cultural Centre held the "Xinjiang is a Wonderful Land" event in Hanoi to showcase the region's Silk Road relics and diverse landscapes. The programme aims to attract more Vietnamese visitors through cultural performances and seasonal route displays. Officials noted that Vietnam remains a key source for Xinjiang, while China was a top market for Vietnam in 2025. The Deputy Director of the Vietnam National Authority of Tourism said that Vietnam plans to host 3 tourism promotion conferences in China during 2026

HCMC is set to establish a network of 13 direct bus routes to serve Long Thanh International Airport, which is scheduled to open by the end of 2026. This three-phase rollout begins in Q3 2026 with express shuttles linking the new airport to Saigon Bus Station and Tan Son Nhat. Phase 2 in 2027 will add 5 routes, including connections from Binh Duong, the New Eastern Bus Station, and corridors linking Tan Son Nhat airport with Thu Thiem and Vung Tau. The network will use vehicles ranging from 9 to 80 seats and focus on major transit hubs

The 22nd annual Hoi An-Japan Cultural Exchange will take place from 22-24 May, centred at An Hoi Sculpture Park and the Old Quarter. Visitors can experience Japanese traditions such as Bon Odori dancing, tea ceremonies, calligraphy, and origami, alongside displays of Hizen porcelain and a Shuinsen merchant ship

Hanoi will waive fares across its entire subsidised public transit network for 7 days during 2 upcoming holiday periods. The exemption applies to 128 bus routes and both the Cat Linh-Ha Dong and Nhon-Cau Giay metro lines from 25-27 Apr and 30 Apr-3 May. Passengers can obtain complimentary tickets on board buses, at station counters, or via the metro app

Vietnam has introduced its first national technical standard for hiking and trekking, triggered by a rise in mountain accidents. The framework mandates comprehensive risk assessments, route grading, and enhanced qualifications for guides to shift industry competition from price to safety. The standard also establishes a "safety value chain" involving equipment and transport providers while enforcing "leave no trace" principles to protect the environment

The Vietnamese Ministry of Health is developing a medical tourism strategy to transform the domestic market from $700 million USD in 2024 to $4 billion USD by 2033. By piloting integrated hospital-resort complexes in hubs like Hanoi and HCMC, the initiative aims to retain 40,000 citizens who seek treatment abroad annually while reclaiming the 300,000 international patients seen yearly pre-pandemic. Vietnam intends to compete with regional rivals like Thailand and Singapore by leveraging its high professional standards, reasonable costs, and unique "cultural exports" such as traditional indigenous medicine. Despite challenges in post-treatment recovery services, particularly in assisted reproduction, ongoing infrastructure investments and the rollout of all-inclusive packages through 2026 are expected to establish medical tourism as a vital national economic asset

During the South Korean President’s Apr visit to Hanoi, South Korean and Vietnamese entities signed over 70 deals, including a landmark pact for South Korean investment in a new nuclear plant in southern Vietnam. A standout contract saw Hyundai Rotem secure $332 million USD to supply rolling stock for HCMC’s urban rail system, while the Industrial Bank of Korea was granted a licence for a wholly owned local unit. The visit also advanced cooperation in semiconductors, biotechnology, and batteries, with Samsung in talks for a new back-end chip factory. To support these investments, the President urged Vietnamese officials to address corporate challenges such as tax refunds and rising wages driven by an influx of Chinese manufacturing

According to Agoda, domestic accommodation searches were +81% YoY for the late April-early May period. Beach tours are a top priority, with Vung Tau seeing a 101% increase in searches. Other popular nearby spots include Long Hai and Ho Tram. There is also a shift towards "green" and river-based tourism, featuring sunset cruises, vintage car tours, and plastic-free programmes. Local authorities and companies like Agoda and Vietluxtour note that tourists are prioritising convenience and comfort, utilising the city's diverse transport options, including river buses and the metro, to optimise short-distance travel during the Apr holidays

Starting 1 Jul, Hanoi will pilot a Low Emission Zone (LEZ) within Ring Road 1 to combat pollution, beginning with a 0.5 km sq core area in Hoan Kiem Ward. The project will expand in 2027 to include Cua Nam Ward before a full rollout across 26.07 km sq of the city's urban core by 2028. Under the plan, fossil-fuel motorcycles for ride-hailing will be banned, while private petrol bikes will face time-based restrictions on weekends. Strict Euro 4 emission standards and time limits will apply to light trucks, while vehicles over 3.5 tonnes will be prohibited entirely. To support this transition, the city will deploy ANPR camera monitoring, develop green infrastructure like electric bus fleets and charging stations, and provide support policies for residents switching to clean-energy vehicles

Infrastructure projects for the 2027 APEC summit on Phu Quoc are facing critical delays due to land clearance bottlenecks and resident reoccupations, threatening an official completion deadline of 30 April 2027. Key electrical works, such as the 110 kV transmission lines, and the DT975 10-lane highway connecting the airport to the APEC centre remain stalled by compensation disputes and complex ownership issues involving handwritten deeds. The situation is further complicated by a resettlement crisis affecting over 1,000 households built on agricultural land, who currently remain ineligible for housing support. With the dry-season construction window closing and nearly 912 hectares still requiring reclamation, local authorities are urgently seeking special government mechanisms and investor funding to resolve these disputes

According to a report from Ken Research, Vietnam’s luxury tourism market reached a value of $3.2 billion USD following 5 years of consistent growth, recovering to 98% of pre-pandemic arrival levels by early 2025. This surge is driven by rising domestic disposable income, social media-fuelled demand for personalised experiences, and a reputation for safety that appeals to high-value travellers

Vietnamese lawmakers are considering doubling the tax-free revenue threshold for household businesses to $38,000 USD to alleviate pressure from rising costs and weak demand. While the Ministry of Finance expects this to reduce budget revenue by about $269 million USD, the move aims to support small traders and encourage informal businesses to formalise. Despite broad support, deputies warned of potential loopholes, such as businesses splitting operations to avoid tax, and stressed the importance of maintaining fairness against formally registered firms and salaried workers. Proposed refinements include establishing a regular review cycle, potentially raising the limit to 3 billion VND, and offering corporate tax exemptions to incentivise the transition to formal company structures

Vietnamese banks are launching cross-border QR payment services to facilitate international transactions via domestic apps. While lenders like BIDV and National Citizen Bank are accelerating infrastructure through initiatives like VietQR Pay and VIETQRGlobal, adoption is currently hindered by a limited merchant network and higher fees for formal commercial payments compared to free personal transfers. The State Bank of Vietnam has stressed the necessity of transitioning from person-to-person transfer codes to formal QR Payment standards to resolve transaction failures for foreigners and ensure regulatory compliance. Experts suggest that improving fee policies and expanding merchant acceptance, particularly in the retail and tourism sectors, will be essential to unlocking the full potential of these digital payment links

On 21 Apr, the Deputy Prime Minister approved the master plan for the 9,663-hectare Trang An-Tam Coc-Bich Dong complex in Ninh Binh. Under strict construction and visitor controls, the plan forbids urban expansion into traditional villages or the unauthorised conversion of agricultural land. The project seeks to position the region as a premier global destination and a primary tourism engine for the Red River Delta, prioritising eco-tourism alongside diversified offerings such as wellness services, archaeological tours, and technology-driven experiences

Da Nang approved a $10.6 billion USD urban railway project to be funded and built by the private Thaco Group in partnership with South Korea's Hyundai Rotem. The project is scheduled to begin in early 2027 and become operational by 2032. The 103km line will be developed in 2 phases, with the first linking Da Nang International Airport to Hoi An, and the second extending to the Chu Lai industrial zone. This system aims to reduce travel times, cutting the journey to Hoi An to 20 minutes and to Chu Lai to 40 minutes

From Jan-Apr 2026, the Phu Quoc special administrative zone welcomed over 1 million international visitors (+61.5% YoY), reaching nearly half of the annual target, while generating around $912 million USD in revenue (+60.4% YoY). Visitor numbers for the Hung Kings and May Day holidays are expected to rise by over 40% compared to 2025

Ascott signed 7,300 units across Southeast Asia in 2025, +55% YoY. Ascott operates over 200 properties in the region, with another 150 properties in the planning and 25 new properties slated to open in the next 12 months. Ascott will expand into 20 new cities, including Phu Quoc and Nha Trang in Vietnam, Phuket and Hat Yai in Thailand, Labuan Bajo and Medan in Indonesia, Davao and Binan in the Philippines, and Johor Bahru and Langkawi in Malaysia. 30% of the project will be delivered through conversions. The key projects which will be rebranded are Bayview properties in Penang and Langkawi, to Ascott Batu Feringghi Penang, Oakwood Georgetown Penang and FOX Hotel Langkawi by 2028. The conversion also will involve Citadines Mitra Bandung, Oakwood Pandanaran Semarang, and Fox Hotel Nagoya Batam, which will be opening in one year

The Vietnam BirdRace 2026 will take place from 8-10 May at Cat Tien National Park, bringing together international photographers and conservationists to promote eco-tourism and biodiversity. Organised by groups including Wildtour and BirdLife International, the competition requires teams of 3-4 to document as many wild bird species as possible while adhering to strict non-disturbance rules

The 2026 Vietnam-China Cross-Border Tourism AI Empowerment Cooperation and Exchange Programme concluded on 19 Apr in Nanning, following 14 days of collaboration between Guangxi and 4 Vietnamese provinces. The initiative involved 30 officials and industry representatives who focused on integrating AI into destination branding, product development, and smart tourism technologies. Participants conducted field studies across Guangxi, visited the China-ASEAN AI Innovation and Cooperation Centre, and attended the Vietnam-China Border People’s Carnival. The programme ended with a product design competition where Quang Ninh secured the Best Design Award, while Lang Son, Cao Bang, and Tuyen Quang were recognised with Excellence Awards

Vietnam is planning to extend its suspension of fuel import tariffs by 2 months until 30 Jun 2026 to stabilise domestic production and manage rising costs. The Finance Ministry’s proposal, which includes a new tariff suspension for naphtha, reformate, and condensate, is expected to reduce state revenue by around $77 million USD for the period. The government also aims to extend special consumption tax cuts on electric vehicles until the end of 2030 to accelerate the transition to clean transport and support its 2050 net-zero target. According to a report from the Finance Ministry, annual EV sales surged from 7,000 in 2022 to 175,000 in 2025, with each vehicle contributing an estimated 0.85-tonne reduction in annual carbon dioxide emissions

Phu Quoc is rushing to complete 21 major projects in preparation for the APEC 2027 summit. There is a critical shortage of workers across the island, with the APEC Convention and Exhibition Center current workforce meeting only 30-40% of demand. To keep projects on track before the May rainy season, contractors have raised wages by up to 40%, implemented three-shift schedules, and provided free accommodation and "standby pay" for recruits from mainland provinces. Despite these efforts, the intensity of the construction boom has led some firms to propose hiring foreign labour

Hanoi’s Plan No. 131/KH-UBND mandates that all municipal agencies integrate AI into their operations by 1 Oct 2026, alongside a target for 95% of residents to hold electronic IDs. The city aims for a paperless administration by processing all non-classified dossiers electronically and moving 60% of official meetings online. The plan seeks to have the digital economy contribute 22% of GRDP while supporting 10,000 SMEs with low-cost digital tools. This transformation also prioritises social and environmental goals, including the automation of welfare benefits, the digitisation of cultural assets for export, and the adoption of energy-efficient "green" standards for all data centres and cloud services

According to data from the Australian Travel Industry Association, Australian travellers are increasingly favouring Asia over the U.S., with travel to the USA falling 4.8% YoY from Jan-Feb 2026. Meanwhile, Vietnam saw the highest growth at 16.1%, followed by China (15.9%) and Japan (15.6%)

Foreign passengers and overseas Vietnamese entering Vietnam via Tan Son Nhat International Airport must now submit an online travel declaration prior to entry from 15 Apr. Upon registration, they will be given a QR code which needs to be shown to immigration on arrival