Vietnam

Starting 17 Jun 2026, China has removed the financial proof requirement for Vietnamese citizens applying for independent tourist visas, eliminating the previous need to demonstrate a minimum bank balance of around $1,900 USD. According to travel companies, China is one of Vietnam's top international travel destinations, accounting for 70-80% of some outbound tour bookings due to geographical proximity, land borders, and direct flights

According to the June 2026 Ericsson Mobility Report, Vietnam is emerging as one of Southeast Asia's fastest-growing 5G markets, driven by rapid network deployment, expanded coverage, the introduction of AI to enhance network performance, and the recent launch of new 5G Fixed Wireless Access (FWA) services. This growth aligns with global trends where total 5G subscriptions reached 3.1 billion in Q1 2026, projected to hit 6.4 billion by 2031, while subscriptions in Southeast Asia and Oceania are forecast to reach 670 million with over 50% penetration by 2031

According to Traveloka: Domestic accommodation searches between Apr-May rose by 46% compared to Jan-Feb Da Nang remains a top sought-after destination, with accommodation searches in Ngu Hanh Son, Hoi An, and Son Tra increasing by over 45% Ha Long recorded the highest growth, with accommodation searches nearly tripling Phan Thiet, Nha Trang, Quy Nhon, Vung Tau, and Phu Quoc remain major attractions due to their combination of beach leisure, local culture, and convenient connectivit

On 18 Jun, Da Nang held a tourism promotion event in Tokyo, supported by Vietnam Airlines and attended by over 100 industry and media representatives. In 2025, Da Nang welcomed over 291,000 Japanese visitors, accounting for 3.8% of total international arrivals and ranking eighth among its top 10 international source markets. From Jan-May 2026, Japanese arrivals to Da Nang reached nearly 164,317, representing 3.65% of the total international visitors

During a Vietnam-Russia trade and investment connection programme on 17 Jun in Kazan (Russia), the Vietnamese Prime Minister witnessed Vietjet’s announcement of 3 new flight routes connecting Da Nang-Moscow, and Nha Trang to both Kazan and Novosibirsk. The event also featured the exchange of several key corporate agreements across energy, science, and tourism, including partnerships between Petrovietnam and Russian firms like Zarubezhneft, Novatek, and Rosatom, an MoU between the State Capital Investment and Business Corporation (SCIC) and the Russian Direct Investment Fund, and a tourism development agreement between Vietjet and Anex Tour

Despite a widening trade deficit driven by high Middle Eastern fuel import costs, Vietnam is sticking to its 10% economic growth target for the year, with the Deputy Finance Minister predicting accelerated export growth will narrow the gap. H1 2026 saw the trade balance swing to an estimated $15 billion USD deficit from a $7.6 billion USD surplus during the same period last year, following a 5-month deficit of $13.8 billion USD. Rising fuel prices have also intensified inflationary pressures, pushing May's annual inflation rate to 5.6%, which exceeds the government's 4.5% full-year target

LuxGroup has launched a $38 million USD project under the Amiral Cruises brand to build a fleet of 10 boutique cruises for southern Vietnam’s waterways. The project targets high-spending international visitors with culturally focused voyages accommodating fewer than 100 guests and featuring premium dining and local historical storytelling. Under a phased roadmap that commenced on 5 Jun with daytime trips from Bach Dang Wharf to the Cu Chi Tunnels, the company plans to introduce 50-cabin overnight cruises by 2027-2028 from the Nha Rong-Khanh Hoi port, alongside future coastal routes to Con Dao

Vietnam plans to operate 32 airports (15 international and 17 domestic) by 2030 and 35 by 2050, up from its current 22 operating facilities and 5 under construction. This hub-and-spoke expansion, including flagship projects like Long Thanh and Masterise Group's Gia Binh, and 5 others including Quang Tri, Phan Thiet, Sa Pa, Tho Chu, and Thanh Son, aims to boost network capacity to 220 million annual passengers to decentralise traffic from the 5 major gateways that currently handle 80% of throughput. The 2021-2030 phase requires an estimated $18.5 billion USD, funded 55% by the State and 45% privately through commercial or public-private partnership models. This investment supports a growing market projected to exceed 191 million passengers and 3.75 million tonnes of cargo annually by 2030. The Ministry of Construction will continuously review the national plan to add viable new locations or remove underperforming projects

In May 2026, the Da Nang Tourism Promotion Centre partnered with Yandex Ads on a digital campaign that generated over 1.1 million interactions and 424,000 page views on its official tourism website in 4 weeks, with Russia and other CIS nations driving more than half of the traffic and Russia alone making up 52% of active users. This native-language push capitalised on a 201% surge in regional online searches for the city Q4 2025 and brought 862,110 Russian-speaking visitors to Vietnam from Jan-May 2026, including 617,851 from Russia itself (+194% YoY). Over 180,000 of these travellers chose Da Nang, comprising roughly 4% of the city's international arrivals during that period

Vietnam's National Day holiday will last 5 days from 29 Aug-2 Sep, with civil servants taking Mon 31 Aug off and working Sat 22 Aug to compensate. While state agencies must arrange on-duty staff to maintain public services, organisations without fixed weekends will manage leave based on their own operational plans

Khanh Hoa province requested government approval for a 25.05 trillion VND public-private partnership project to build an 80.8km, 4-lane expressway connecting the resort cities of Nha Trang and Da Lat, targeting a construction timeline from 2026 to 2028. The proposal aims to replace the current 3.5-hour journey on National Highway 27C with a safer route that cuts travel times to 1.5-2 hours and serves as a strategic east-west corridor linking the Central Highlands to the Van Phong Economic Zone. The project demands a high 65% state funding contribution (16.28 trillion VND, with 14.01 trillion VND requested from the central budget and the rest split between Khanh Hoa and Lam Dong) alongside 35% from private investors, utilising a starting toll of 2,100 VND per kilometre to recoup costs over an estimated 24 years and 3 months

Pa Co Commune in northern Vietnam welcomes more than 5,000 visitors annually, with over 60% international travellers. The commune is integrating community-based tourism with sustainable agriculture through local homestays like Y Mua, which hosts over 2,000 guests a year, and 5 agricultural cooperatives. Visitors can participate in hands-on cultural activities including tea-picking, night markets, and traditional textile workshops featuring indigo dyeing and beeswax painting, providing vital income and employment that encourages residents to preserve their heritage

At the 40th International Travel Expo (ITE) Hong Kong 2026, Vietnam is exhibiting with a delegation that includes Vietnam Airlines and businesses from regions like Da Nang, Hoi An, Mui Ne, and Phu Quoc. Travel firms like HT Travel are targeting the Hong Kong market by actively promoting Phu Quoc's direct flights and its 30-day visa exemption policy alongside popular destinations like Nha Trang and HCMC

According to the French magazine Figaro Nautisme, Mui Ne has established itself as one of Asia's leading kitesurfing destinations due to its dependable winds from Nov-Mar, wide sandy beaches, and year-round warm sea temperatures that accommodate both beginners and experts. The coastal hub draws European, Australian, and Asian riders with its value for money, professional training centres, and relaxed atmosphere. Beyond water sports, visitors are attracted to Mui Ne’s iconic red and white sand dunes alongside its traditional fishing village

The newly launched HCMC Waterway Tourism Society (HWTS), operating under the HCMC Tourism Association, has brought together local waterway businesses to systematically exploit the region's water resources and elevate the tourism industry. To support a sector that has seen its routes and products grow by an average of 10-15% annually, the society will focus on standardising service quality, upgrading vessels and port infrastructure, creating green and safe products, and acting as a bridge between businesses and government agencies. This collaborative effort aims to fully leverage the Sai Gon River as a strategic connecting axis

On the evening of 11 Jun, heavy rainfall measuring up to 130 mm across HCMC caused widespread disruption at Tan Son Nhat airport, forcing multiple departing flights to be pushed back and incoming planes to circle overhead or divert to Can Tho and Phu Quoc airports. Airlines were heavily impacted, with Vietnam Airlines temporarily diverting 6 inbound services, Vietjet adjusting operations, and Sun PhuQuoc Airways delaying its overnight Hanoi route after flight 9G855 was forced to land in Phu Quoc to refuel. The heavy monsoon downpour caused severe street flooding and traffic across the city

On 11 Jun, the Son La Provincial People's Committee and Northern Wind Energy JSC held a groundbreaking ceremony for the 80MW Risen Phu Yen Wind Power Plant project in Phu Yen and Muong Coi communes. The plant represents an investment of nearly 114 million USD, covers roughly 46.4 hectares,and is scheduled to begin commercial operations in Q3 2028 with a 50-year operational term. Once active, the facility will supply over 230 million kWh of clean electricity annually to the national grid. To mark the groundbreaking event, Northern Wind Energy JSC also donated 100 million VND each to host communes to support local housing programmes aimed at eliminating dilapidated structures

A 175.2km conventional, mixed-traffic railway worth up to $6.65 billion USD has been proposed between HCMC and Can Tho, giving Vietnam’s Mekong Delta its first rail connection in nearly 70 years. The pre-feasibility study recommends funding the standard-gauge, electrified project entirely from the state budget, with a preferred $6.51 billion USD option that involves sharing the planned Can Tho 2 road bridge across the Hau River. The line will feature 12 stations, 3 depots, and a route built 56% on bridges or viaducts and 44% on embankments. By 2050, the railway is forecast to handle 16 million passenger trips and 23 million tonnes of cargo annually. The project is scheduled for National Assembly approval in Aug 2026, with site clearance beginning in Q1 2028 and groundbreaking set for Q3 2028 under future operator Vietnam Railways

During an official visit to Vietnam marking the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations, the Thai Prime Minister met with Sun Group Chairman on 9 Jun to discuss expanding trade and infrastructure ties. Sun Group proposed a "Two Countries, One Destination" initiative to seamlessly link destinations like Phu Quoc and Phuket by leveraging Phu Quoc’s visa-free policy and expanding Sun PhuQuoc Airways' routes, whilst requesting preferential Thai airport slot allocations and joint talent training in aviation, healthcare, and hospitality. These proposals build on existing bilateral success, including a 22% increase in Thai visitors to Sun World parks in 2025, design partnerships with Bangkok-based BENSLEY Studio, and a recent MoU with retail developer Central Pattana for premium complexes in Da Nang, HCMC, and Phu Quoc

At an investment promotion conference in Kuala Lumpur on 10 Jun, Khanh Hoa showcased its trade and tourism potential to Malaysian investors, highlighting its ambition to become a sustainably run regional logistics and energy hub by 2030 using assets like Cam Ranh International Airport and deep-water seaports. The Vietnam Trade Office suggested that Khanh Hoa businesses invest in Halal-certified production for signature exports like seafood, sea grapes, and bird's nest products. Tourism links were also boosted through an MoU signed between the Khanh Hoa Tourism Association and the Malaysian Tourism Agency Association (MATA), with Malaysian travel experts noting that Nha Trang's luxury beach resorts, combined with Muslim-friendly amenities and a short 1.5-hour direct flight from Kuala Lumpur, could drive Malaysian visitor numbers to 20,000-30,000 annually if daily flight services are established

On 9 Jun in Hanoi, the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) signed an MoU with Vietnamese airlines and travel companies, including Hanoitourist, to improve air connectivity and promote a "Two Countries, One Destination" model aimed at drawing long-haul international travellers. From Jan-May 2026, Thailand welcomed roughly 230,000 Vietnamese visitors, marking a recovery from a 2025 decline, and Vietnam received about 223,000 Thai tourists, up from 205,000 during the same period last year. According to the Director of Hanoitourist Travel Company, Thai tourists show a growing preference for Vietnam’s scenery, cooler climate, and destinations like Sapa. To sustain this momentum and encourage longer, repeat stays, Thai tourism officials advised Vietnam to boost digital marketing, target younger travellers, and leverage its emerging MICE, golf, wellness, and film tourism sectors

The Lotus Festival 2026 will take place from 19-21 Jun at Bong Lai Islet on Tinh Tam Lotus Lake in Hue to celebrate the flower as a central symbol of the city's cultural identity and boost summer tourism. The 3-day event will showcase lotus-based products like tea, cakes, preserves and handicrafts. Visitors can participate in hands-on activities, including traditional lotus tea infusion, making Thanh Tien paper lotuses, exploring essential oils and engaging with heritage crafts. A key highlight is the nightly Thuc Thuy show, which combines artistic performances with a multi-sensory fine dining experience featuring 6 local lotus-inspired dishes

Hue unveiled an adjusted development plan to transform itself into a Southeast Asian tourism hub by 2030 through green growth, digital transformation, single-use plastic elimination and "heritage economics". To encourage longer stays, the city’s tourism space has been reorganised into 4 zones, including a premium heritage core along the Perfume River, luxury marine and cruise resorts in the Chan May-Lang Co area, eco-adventure and wellness retreats in the western mountains, and community-based rural tourism. The plan aims to resolve local infrastructure gaps by improving transport links between Phu Bai International Airport and coastal or river corridors, whilst heavily promoting signature cultural brands like its local cuisine and "Ao Dai" heritage

Da Nang entered its 2026 summer season as Vietnam’s top-searched domestic destination on Booking.com, leveraging 27 active air routes, including 20 regular international services to attract a diversified global audience from India, Thailand, Malaysia, Europe, and the Middle East. The city recently hosted one of its largest domestic MICE delegations of 5,000 people and launched an array of summer events, including the Pickleball World Cup, the Asian Film Festival, and the International Fireworks Festival running through July. Local authorities forecast Jun-Aug accommodation arrivals to reach 6.2-6.5 million visitors, a 23-27% YoY increase comprising over 2.5 million international and 3.7-4 million domestic tourists, with four- and five-star hotel occupancy hitting 75-80%

Urban planners across the Mekong region, including Hanoi, HCMC, Phnom Penh, Siem Reap, and Luang Prabang, are transforming informal evening trade into structured night economies to drive tourism, job creation, and micro-business growth without relying on large-scale investments. This strategy allows cities to commercialise creative and cultural products like performing arts, handicrafts, and cuisine. As part of this regional shift, Hanoi’s 2026-2030 development plan targets a 5% contribution to its gross regional domestic product by 2030, whilst HCMC is expanding its "sunset economy" through street food and entertainment. Meanwhile, Cambodia’s weekend "Phnom Penh Walk Street" project along the Tonle Sap River now attracts up to 100,000 visitors every Sat and Sun, generating nearly 1,400 jobs for local vendors and creating a distinct economic multiplier effect across the community

Sweden-based Peak Education Limited proposed a $60 million USD, 5-star carbon-neutral eco-resort and wellness retreat in the mountainous Kon Plong Commune of Quang Ngai Province. Spanning roughly 4.5 hectares, the net-zero carbon development will operate under a circular economy model powered entirely by renewable energy, including a 1 MW solar farm, and will feature a luxury resort, a wellness centre, a green energy R&D facility, and a hospitality training academy

On 8 Jun, during bilateral talks between Hanoi People's Committee Chairman and Luang Prabang Provincial Administration Committee Chairman, the 2 sides agreed to deepen cooperation across tourism, governance, and urban development. To boost Vietnamese visitor numbers, Luang Prabang is seeking Lao government support for transport infrastructure projects to link directly with Vietnam’s Dien Bien and Son La provinces, while both cities plan to develop joint tourism products, promote sustainable travel, and preserve cultural heritage. Luang Prabang aims to study Hanoi’s 2-tier administration, public service delivery, and digital government reforms to modernise its administrative system, whilst continuing to receive Vietnamese support for training civil servants. Furthermore, local authorities are expediting legal procedures for the Vietnam-supported Luang Prabang Cultural House project, while proposing new collaborative expansions into smart and green city development, support for small and medium-sized enterprises, and increased youth and academic exchanges

Can Tho city will host its Culture and Tourism Week at Ninh Kieu Wharf from 18-21 Jun. The event is organised by the city’s Investment, Trade and Tourism Promotion Centre, aiming to help local travel agencies market summer tours, introduce new travel routes, and support local craft workshops and farmers via experimental fruit orchard tours on My Phuoc Islet and Tan Loc Island. The festival will feature a conference on digital transformation in tourism alongside a fair showcasing local specialties, traditional sweet and savoury dishes, and hundreds of OCOP products. Can Tho welcomed over 6.2 million visitors from Jan-May 2026 (+21.9% YoY), generating over $212 million USD in revenue (+30% YoY)

From 8-9 Jun, the Thai Prime Minister led a high-level delegation on an official visit to Vietnam to expand political, economic, and security ties. The Thai PM held bilateral talks in Hanoi with Vietnam's president, prime minister, and National Assembly chairman, and met with Thai investors at the Vietnamese Government Office. He also made history as the first Thai prime minister to attend the ASEAN Future Forum in person, participating in its opening session at the Melia Hanoi hotel alongside leaders from Cambodia, Laos, and Timor-Leste to address regional challenges under a peace and prosperity-centered theme. He concluded his visit by joining the Thailand-Vietnam Investment and Business Forum

On 5 Jun, the International Coordinating Council of UNESCO's Man and the Biosphere Programme officially designated the Phong Nha-Ke Bang Biosphere Reserve in Quang Tri province as part of its World Network of Biosphere Reserves during its 38th Session in Paraguay. This brings Vietnam's total count of World Biosphere Reserves to 11 out of 759 globally. According to the approved dossier, the new reserve spans 515,830 hectares, which is divided into a 123,326-hectare core zone, a 220,055-hectare buffer zone, and a 172,449-hectare transition zone that is home to more than 159,300 residents. The park is celebrated for its limestone ecosystems and over 425 recorded caves, including Phong Nha Cave and Son Doong

The Ba Chua Xu (Lady of the Realm) Goddess Festival at Sam Mountain opened on 6 Jun in An Giang province, drawing thousands of visitors. It is known as the largest spiritual event in southern Vietnam, recognised by UNESCO as an intangible cultural heritage in 2024 and held annually from the 22nd to the 27th day of the fourth lunar month. The festival pays tribute to the goddess and the province's founding forefathers with prayers for peace and prosperity. Local authorities intend to develop the festival into a sustainable tourism landmark to showcase local products

Sun Group made its first-ever appearance at the Seoul International Travel Fair (SITF), held from 4-7 Jun. The showcase focused on 4 primary Vietnamese destinations, including Da Nang, Phu Quoc, Sa Pa, and Ha Long. A key focus was presenting Sun Group's new development vision for Phu Quoc to South Korean partners ahead of the APEC 2027 summit. Alongside B2B and B2C networking, the group ran promotional giveaways featuring resort vouchers and free round-trip flights between Seoul and Phu Quoc. Additionally, Sun PhuQuoc Airways offered a 20% base fare discount on one-way or round-trip flights from South Korea to Phu Quoc, limited to 200 Economy Class codes valid for travel between 15 Jun-24 Oct 2026

On 4 Jun, Michelin unveiled its fourth Vietnamese edition at The Ascott Tay Ho in Hanoi, partnering with Sun Group for the fourth consecutive year to launch a selection of 193 establishments across Hanoi, HCMC, and Danang. The 2026 guide includes 11 One MICHELIN Star restaurants, 72 Bib Gourmand eateries, 110 MICHELIN Selected venues, and 3 MICHELIN Green Star restaurants, marking the first time the country's starred venues have exceeded 10. Out of 22 total new entries, consisting of 2 new One Star, 11 new Bib Gourmand, and 9 new Selected venues, HCMC contributed 11, Hanoi added 7, and Danang welcomed 4. Furthermore, 1 HCMC restaurant newly joined the MICHELIN Green Star community for its zero-waste philosophy and plant-based gastronomy

Retail fuel prices in Vietnam were reduced from 3pm on 4 Jun, marking the second consecutive weekly decline. Backed by the Petroleum Price Stabilisation Fund via temporary state budget advances, at subsidy rates of 500 VND per litre for biofuel and 300 VND per litre or kilogramme for diesel and mazut, the retail price of E5RON92 biofuel recorded the steepest drop, falling by 1,474 VND to a capped price of 21,784 VND per litre. Additionally, Diesel 0.05S was reduced by 785 VND to a maximum of 26,866 VND per litre, and mazut 180CST 3.5S fell by 797 VND to 19,645 VND per kilogramme, whilst E10RON95 prices remain distributor-determined based on operational costs, taxes, and margins, with Petrolimex retailing E10RON95-III at 22,330 VND and E10RON95-V at 23,230 VND per litre. The Ministry of Industry and Trade noted that Vietnam’s fuel prices remain considerably lower than neighbouring nations

A rebound in tourism has left Khanh Hoa province facing a critical shortage of Russian-speaking tour guides, with only 83 of its 1,538 licensed international guides speaking the language. Despite earning over $1,100 USD a month (twice the rate of English-speaking guides), recruitment has stalled nationwide, forcing firms like Anex Vietnam to use English speakers despite language barriers. Industry officials attribute the shortage to a declining interest in learning Russian and pandemic-related career shifts. Because Vietnamese law strictly bans foreign tour guides, penalising violators with fines up to 90 million VND and 18-month licence suspensions, businesses have proposed a 2026-2027 trial to employ foreigners solely for language support. Simultaneously, the local tourism department is partnering with Khanh Hoa University to launch fast-track language training initiatives tied to guaranteed employment

From 1 Jul 2026, Vietnam will expand its health declaration regime, requiring all inbound, outbound, and transit travellers to submit a bilingual (Vietnamese/English) declaration either electronically or on paper within 7 days before crossing a border checkpoint. Following a trial system at Tan Son Nhat International Airport earlier 2026, health quarantine officers will be authorised to perform temperature checks, document reviews, and epidemiological interviews of up to 2 hours for suspected cases

According to data released by the National Statistics Office: From Jan-May 2026, Vietnam welcomed a record 10.6 million international visitors (+15% YoY) Vietnam recorded an estimated 1.78 million foreign arrivals in May alone (+17% YoY) Air travel was the primary gateway, bringing in 8.7 million arrivals (82.3% of the total, +11%). Road arrivals reached 1.7 million (+40.8%), and sea arrivals grew by 15.4% to exceed 202,000 Revenue from accommodation and food services was estimated at $15.2 billion USD (+13.3% YoY), accounting for 12.6% of total retail sales and consumer service revenue Revenue from accommodation and food services in An Giang province was +24.4%, Ninh Binh +19.2%, Da Nang +18.9%, Hue +18.6%, and Quang Ninh +18.5%, while HCMC and Hanoi recorded smaller increases of 10.3% and 9.2% respectively Travel service revenue totalled an estimated 40.6 trillion VND (+12.2% YoY), with specific growth areas included Khanh Hoa province (+33.8%), Quang Ninh (+25.4%), Quang Ngai (+23.3%), Hue (+18.7%), and Hai Phong (+15.6%) Russia was the fastest-growing source market with a 194% YoY rise in arrivals, while the Philippines ranked second, growing by 71% Other Southeast Asian markets grew, including Cambodia (+40.2%), Indonesia (+28.7%), Singapore (+28.5%), and Malaysia (+21.0%), while Thailand grew by a modest 8.5% In South Asia, India registered a 50.4% increase Looking at May only, arrivals from China, South Korea, Cambodia, Russia, and the Philippines fell between 2-10% YoY, while numbers from the U.S. and Australia were -28% YoY and -36% YoY, respectively

The Hoi An Memories Show has received the Excellent Partner Award 2026 from Trip.com for its high-quality visitor experiences and positive global feedback. The production has attracted millions of total visitors since its launch, hosting over 600,000 tourists in 2025 alone

Following a review of Vietnam's nationwide E10 biofuel rollout, the Permanent Deputy Prime Minister emphasised consumer interest as the top priority, noting that while the first 2 days of sales saw a smooth and ample supply, public communication must be improved to address lingering concerns. E10 (a blend of 90% conventional gasoline and 10% ethanol derived from corn, sugarcane, and cassava) aims to cut fossil fuel consumption by 10%, lower emissions, and boost the domestic agricultural value chain. As of 30 May, 13 of the country's 26 petroleum wholesalers had invested in blending facilities, with 8 already receiving registration certificates across 31 sites following updated technical regulations implemented on 30 Apr. The Deputy PM directed ministries to strictly guarantee fuel quality, review supportive financial and tax policies, develop domestic feedstocks, and crack down on market manipulation and counterfeit fuels

The United States Trade Representative (USTR) formally opened a Section 301 investigation into Vietnam's intellectual property protection and enforcement on 29 May, marking the first time a country has faced this specific designation in 13 years. The probe targets 5 core areas of concern, including severe online piracy, widespread counterfeit goods on e-commerce and physical markets, weak border enforcement, unlicensed software usage, and a lack of criminal penalties for satellite and cable signal theft. While the Vietnamese Ministry of Foreign Affairs has called for a fair assessment and pointed to recent enforcement campaigns, including the prosecution of the Fmovies streaming site and updated customs powers, interested parties have until 2 Jul 2026 to submit public comments before potential, uncapped trade actions could impact sectors ranging from software and gaming to pharmaceuticals

On 1 Jun, the Vietnam Railways Corporation (VNR) and China’s Guangzhou Metro Group Co Ltd signed a strategic cooperation agreement in Hanoi, focusing on the management, operation, and development of electrified railways, metro lines, and human resources training. Currently, the 2 entities are collaborating on an operation bid for a light railway project on Phu Quoc island and exploring further urban rail opportunities like HCMC's Bau Bang-Cai Mep line. VNR requested that Guangzhou Metro share its technical and operational expertise in smart systems, transit-oriented development, and 200km/h standard-gauge electrified railways, with Guangzhou officials proposing a joint consortium to drive these future transport initiatives forward

Hanoi authorities are actively clamping down on the illegal use of footpaths to clear unauthorised peddling, parking, and obstructions. The city has installed nearly 2,000 surveillance cameras to catch pavement offenders, with police already issuing over 3,000 fines since Dec. Businesses obstructing foot traffic face fines up to 6 million VND, while illegal vendors face 250,000 VND penalties, though a plan introduced in Jun proposes to double these fines and introduce a rental scheme for authorised kerb space. This strict enforcement has heavily impacted street vendors, who are seeing reduced turnover after being relocated to vacant lots, as well as local coffee shops and businesses that are losing revenue by being forced to operate entirely indoors

Between 22-28 May, northern and central Vietnam experienced their most intense late-May heatwave since 2021, with 11 weather stations matching or breaking historical records, including temperatures exceeding 41 degree Celsius in Hanoi and Nghe An. Forecasters expect little respite, predicting 1-2 more widespread heatwaves in Jun that will top 40 degree Celsius in the western mountains, keeping nationwide average temperatures 0.5-1 degree Celsius above the long-term norm

The Da Nang International Fireworks Festival (DIFF) 2026 launched its 6-week competition under the theme "Connected Horizons", drawing over 10,000 spectators to the Han River grandstands for its opening night. The event featured a display by the host Da Nang team focused on nature and sustainability, followed by a technically precise Flower of the Orient show by defending champions China. This year's festival boasts the largest stage production in its history, utilising a massive mechanical dome, laser systems, 3D visual effects, and multi-layer LED displays

The Philippines and Vietnam signed a Tourism Cooperation Program for 2026-2029 to boost tourism collaboration and improve flight connectivity between both countries. In 2025, 500,000 Filipino travellers visited Vietnam. The signing was held during the visit of the Vietnamese President to the Philippines

On 1 Jun, a direct high-speed boat service between downtown HCMC and Con Dao Island resumed operations following a temporary maintenance suspension, with its official maiden passenger voyage scheduled for 6 Jun. The service uses the newly upgraded, larger Phu Quy Express 02, a 52-metre trimaran vessel engineered with a 3-hull design to reduce swaying and passenger seasickness. The boat accommodates up to 527 passengers across VIP, Economy, and exclusive sleeper-berth sections, completing the journey in just over 5 hours under favourable weather

At a hybrid seminar in Moscow on 29 May, Vietnamese and Russian officials and tourism representatives met to deepen tourism cooperation following a sharp rebound in visitor numbers, with Vietnam welcoming over 600,000 Russian tourists in 2025 and over 500,000 from Jan-Apr 2026. Participants highlighted the need to address emerging challenges, specifically a shortage of Russian-speaking tour guides and a pressing need for bilateral bank cooperation to enable QR-code payments. Proposed solutions include expanding language training, launching more direct and charter flights to remote Russian regions, further simplifying visa procedures, and increasing market information sharing

The Philippines and Vietnam upgraded their relationship to an Enhanced Strategic Partnership, which will feature wider pathways for cooperation, stronger political and defence cooperation, and closer linkages between their peoples. The Philippine President pledged to deepen ties with a specific focus on expanding tourism collaboration, alongside deepening educational and cultural exchanges

The Phu Quoc Express Joint Stock Company launched a second 286-seat catamaran on 30 May. The ferry links Sa Ky Port to the Ly Son Islands off the coast of Quang Ngai province, operating 4 return trips a day, cutting travel time to between 35-40 minutes. This addition joins an existing Phu Quoc Express ferry and 6 other vessels, capable of transporting 1,500-2,000 passengers daily. According to the provincial Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism, around 17,000 visitors travelled to Ly Son during the 9-day May Day holiday period. On the busiest day, over 3,000 passengers used ferry services to reach the island district

The HCMC Immigration Office issued strict compliance guidelines for foreign visitors to ensure legal entry and residency. Travelers must possess a valid passport alongside an accurate visa, exemption certificate, or residency authorization, as discrepancies, fraudulent documents, or false entry purposes can lead to delays, denied entry, or administrative penalties. Furthermore, temporary residence registration remains mandatory for accommodation providers, and visitors wishing to extend their stay must complete renewal procedures before expiration. The advisory targets foreign professionals and remote workers

Thailand is being urged to modernise its tourism strategy to protect its ASEAN lead against Vietnam. Thai tourism experts and the Association of Thai Travel Agents (ATTA) warn that Thailand must shift its focus from raw visitor numbers to high-yield indicators like spending per head and length of stay. They recommend countering Vietnam's aggressive long-term strategies, which include a 45-day visa exemption policy, 90-day e-visas, and an AI- and blockchain-powered "Visit Vietnam" super app slated for 2027, by establishing a national digital ecosystem, implementing a premium Destination Thailand Visa (DTV) for digital nomads, launching an experience economy built around storytelling, developing secondary destinations like Chiang Rai and Trang to prevent overtourism, and training a new generation of "T+AI Tourism Talent"

Authorities in Phu Quoc will demolish The Peak tourist site in Jun 2026 due to long-standing land-use and construction violations. The project owner must voluntarily remove the illegal structures by 3 Jun, or face forced demolition. The site was flagged in Dec 2024 for the unauthorised conversion of 5,000 square metres of agricultural land, terrain alteration across 2,600 square metres, and encroachment onto public land and protected forests. Phu Quoc has recently stepped up enforcement against illegal construction, having already demolished numerous villas and structures on public and national defence land

Approved by the Hanoi People's Council on 27 Jan as part of a 100-year Capital Master Plan, the city plans to integrate its underground parking, shops, transit, and utilities into a single connected network to treat the underground as a "second city". Using the metro network as its backbone, the scheme will transform stations into 3-dimensional complexes, establishing "Super Hubs" at Ngoc Hoi, Yen Vien, and Tay Thang Long to link high-speed rail, metro lines, and commercial streets. Under a structured 4-tier depth model, daily life and commerce will occupy the 0-15m layer, deep metro lines and disaster-prevention systems will sit at 15-30m, core infrastructure and defence installations will be placed at 30-50m, and everything below 50m will remain a strictly protected reserve. It will also implement a "smart" data-driven infrastructure model in Long Bien and Gia Lam, deploy technical networks for high-tech parks in satellite towns, and enforce strict construction bans at heritage sites, on weak ground, or in security zones. The 4-phase rollout begins between 2026 and 2035 with the creation of the legal framework, management tools and overall design. By 2045, underground structures should comprise at least 20% of central construction land, rising to 35–40% during the 2045-2065 phase alongside substantial commercial, logistics and parking growth. Post-2065, the focus shifts to digital operation and optimization, completing a subterranean "second urban layer"

On 29 May, Vinpearl Joint Stock Company announced strategic partnerships with 4 major regional online travel, aviation, and experience distribution platforms, including Agoda, AirAsia MOVE, BeMyGuest, and GlobalTix. Through these alliances, Agoda will directly offer VinWonders' leisure and hospitality products on its global platform, while AirAsia MOVE will enable international travellers to book flights, accommodation, and attractions in Phu Quoc, Nha Trang, and Da Nang-Hoi An within a single itinerary

According to the municipal Department of Tourism, from Jan-May 2026, Hanoi welcomed an estimated 15 million visitors (+17.2% YoY), including 4.06 million international arrivals (+28% YoY) and nearly 11 million domestic travellers (+13.7% YoY), generating around $2.4 billion USD in revenue (+20%). Hanoi is expanding pedestrian and food zones, launching a portfolio of 80 stimulus products, preparing major events like the Autumn, Tourism Gift, and Ao Dai festivals, and implementing digital initiatives such as a centralised database, e-ticketing, and a digital culinary map to boost visitor spending and length of stay under its "Hanoi - Come to Love" brand

The 3rd Hue Vegetarian Food Festival 2026 officially opened for a 2-day run on 28 May in Thuan Hoa Ward, Hue. The event features 56 booths showcasing around 100 vegetarian dishes and instant products prepared by local and external hotels, restaurants, and pagodas. The festival is expected to attract over 5,000 visitors. All sponsorship funding and donations collected during the event will be directed towards local charitable and social welfare activities

On 28 May, the Gia Lai Tourism Association and the provincial Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism jointly hosted a conference in Quy Nhon to promote Gia Lai province's tourism potential to Australian travel firms. During a pre-event fam trip, Australian operators praised the region's unspoilt landscapes, authentic local culture, and lack of heavy commercialisation. Local officials noted that Australian travellers, who tend to take longer holidays and favour beach, culinary, coffee, and cultural experiences, align with the province's strategy to develop specialised products around heritage assets

On 29 May, Vietnam’s President and Communist Party chief, To Lam, inaugurated Asia’s defence forum, the annual Shangri-La Dialogue in Singapore. In his speech, he addressed a global audience that included US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth and defence counterparts from Australia, Britain, France, and Japan. He argued that the world is beset by 3 non-inevitable crises, including the erosion of international rules and law, a crisis of development models, and a crisis of trust among nations. Lam called for reinforcing international law, establishing inclusive and sustainable growth drivers, and initiating dialogue and transparency

On 28 May, the Thai Prime Minister and Interior Minister welcomed Vietnamese President and General Secretary of the Communist Party of Vietnam To Lam and his wife to Government House for an official visit aimed at strengthening bilateral trade, investment, security, and regional cooperation. This marks To Lam's first official visit to an ASEAN nation since taking office. A small-group meeting was held to exchange perspectives on regional and global developments. The leaders scheduled an exchange of action plans and MOUs at the Santi Maitri Building

Across Da Nang city, widespread illegal dumping and overflowing public bins have severely affected the urban landscape, with daily household waste ranging between 1,600-1,700 metric tons and rising sharply during peak tourist and Tet seasons. Major accumulation sites include pavements and vacant lots, where uncollected debris now risks altering local monkey behaviour and spreading disease. Despite cleanup efforts and designated sorting points, new trash spots continue to emerge, public bins regularly obstruct traffic, seafood waste causes a strong stench, and the routine burning of rubbish presents air pollution and explosion risks. In response, the Vice Chairman criticised responsible agencies during a meeting on 22 May, directing wards and communes to issue fines using surveillance footage and to publicly name illegal dumpers over local loudspeakers

From Jan-Apr 2026, Vietnam welcomed 504,000 Russian visitors, making Russia the third-largest international market overall, after China and South Korea. Vietjet has resumed charter flights connecting Moscow with Da Nang. From Apr-Oct 2026, its charter network is expected to connect 20 cities across Russia, the CIS, and Belarus with major Vietnamese destinations, projected to carry over 250,000 international passengers

Vietnam and CNN International Commercial (CNNIC) agreed to enter a new phase of their tourism promotion strategy, shifting from traditional advertising towards immersive, cinematic storytelling to target high-end global travellers. The upcoming campaign will focus on Vietnam’s culture, luxury resorts, golf, green growth, and UNESCO-recognised heritage, with a strong culinary emphasis on CNN Travel and the Warner Bros. Discovery ecosystem, including the Food Network. Alongside expanding international events in Vietnam through CNN’s "Global Perspectives" series, the partnership will adopt new structural frameworks proposed by Vietnam’s Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism, including a unified KPI system, digital platform technical support for TikTok, Instagram, and Facebook, and potential expansion into data-driven investment promotion

The Vietnam Highlands Trail by UTMB will join the UTMB World Series from 8-10 Jan 2027 in Da Lat, organised by Nexus Sport Events alongside local authorities. The event will feature 5 races ranging from 5K to 100K across the Langbiang, Bidoup, Pinhatt, and Elephant Mountain peaks. Currently, over 290,000 Asian runners hold a valid UTMB Index, including 22,000 in Vietnam

Driven by a scorching temperature of 41.1 degrees Celsius recorded at the Lang weather station on the afternoon of 26 May, Hanoi residents swarmed local waterfronts to escape the intense heatwave. West Lake Water Park attracted around 2,000 visitors, peaking between 4pm and 5pm due to discounted tickets, whilst others gathered along the shallows of Quang Ba Street to bathe as the sun set. Concurrently, free bathing areas along the Red River, including a veterans' association site and the shoreline beneath Duong Bridge, drew large crowds of swimmers and families. Adults and children utilised life jackets, plastic jerry cans, and makeshift 5-litre bottle floats, prompting local authorities to install safety warning signs at these packed locations

A severe heatwave with temperatures hovering around 40 degrees Celsius placed immense pressure on Vietnam's national power grid, causing unplanned blackouts in several Hanoi districts due to electricity consumption hitting new daily peaks since 23 May. The system faces its greatest strain late in the evening when solar power is unavailable and low water levels at small hydropower reservoirs limit generation, prompting state utility EVN to urge households and businesses to reduce consumption. Although meteorologists forecast the current heatwave to ease from 28 May, the US Climate Prediction Center reports an 82% probability of El Nino developing during May-Jul 2026, leading Vietnam's industry ministry to warn of further prolonged heatwaves, droughts, and falling hydroelectric water levels from Jul onwards

Since resuming operations on 25 May 2025 following a 5-year pandemic suspension, the international passenger rail route between Hanoi and Nanning has served over 31,700 passengers from over 50 countries and territories. Operators have upgraded onboard services by introducing multilingual attendants fluent in Vietnamese, Chinese and English, alongside smart real-time translation devices supporting over 70 languages

Extreme heat across northern and central Vietnam has driven national electricity demand to record breaking peaks, with temperatures in Hanoi forecast to reach up to 42 degrees Celsius. According to the National Power System and Market Operation Company (NSMO), national peak capacity reached 57,120MW on 25 May (+13.5% YoY), while daily consumption hit 1.171 billion kWh. The northern region alone consumed over half of this total, with peak loads continuously rising into 26-27 May and triggering projections of up to 31,500MW. To stabilise the grid, NSMO is maximising high-cost LNG and oil-fired power sources whilst urging the public to conserve energy by minimising lighting, shifting heavy usage to off-peak hours, and setting air conditioning to at least 26 degrees Celsius. The Ministry of Health has issued urgent preventative guidance to local health departments to combat heat-related illnesses such as sunstroke and heatstroke caused by prolonged exposure to the extreme weather

Following a late-Apr 2026 Ministry of Industry and Trade decision, the National Power System and Market Operation Company Limited (NSMO) proposed implementing a new electricity peak-hour pricing schedule starting in Jun 2026 to alleviate mounting pressure on the national grid, especially in northern Vietnam. Driven by El Nino conditions, prolonged heatwaves caused evening electricity consumption (peaking between 8-11pm) to surpass daytime demand, particularly as solar power becomes unavailable after sunset and small hydropower reservoirs face water shortages. The new framework shifts daily peak-hour tariffs (except Sundays) entirely to the evening from 5.30pm to 10.30pm, whilst establishing off-peak hours from midnight to 6am. This time-of-use pricing adjustment directly impacts roughly 1.25 million commercial and industrial meters, with peak prices ranging up to 5,422 VND per kWh for businesses and 3,640 VND per kWh for industrial users, whilst completely exempting residential consumers

Accommodation search data from Agoda reveals that Vietnamese tourists are increasingly favouring lesser-explored, nature-centric, and cultural destinations for their 2026 summer holidays. Domestically, the central island of Ly Son leads the surge as a tranquil alternative to busier spots like Phu Quoc, alongside rises in search popularity for Ninh Binh's UNESCO-recognised Trang An landscape and Mai Chau in Phu Tho province as a peaceful mountainous getaway near Hanoi. Other rising domestic favourites include Mang Den in the Central Highlands for its cooler climate and Tay Ninh for quick eco-tourism getaways from HCMC

Using over $5 billion USD allocated for APEC-related investments as a catalyst, the Phu Quoc special zone in An Giang province is launching a green transition roadmap for 2026-2035 to establish itself as a benchmark eco-island ahead of the APEC 2027 summit. The island's 2026-2027 acceleration phase will implement immediate measures including smart lighting, island-wide EV charging sites, a ban on plastic bags and bottles on ferries and at markets, and a pilot "Green label" certification for tourism businesses. Strategic targets for 2027 include raising the share of renewable electricity to 35% via rooftop solar systems, expanding green-powered public transport from 15% to 50% along key corridors, ensuring 100% waste sorting at source, and certifying that at least 70% of beaches meet strict environmental standards. The comprehensive plan outlines targets for 2030 to ensure full clean-water access for residents and 90% modern waste treatment coverage, alongside 2035 goals to boost renewable energy to 50% of total electricity

HCMC authorities and industry experts are seeking to stimulate declining tourist consumption by tackling structural bottlenecks. With purchasing power at landmarks like Ben Thanh Market down 30%-40% compared to pre-pandemic levels and 2024 data showing international visitor spending ($12.19 billion USD) lagging behind what Vietnamese travellers spent abroad ($12.57 billion USD), the city suffers from a lack of large-scale outlets, night markets, and standardised shopping streets. To compel tourists to look beyond core services like accommodation and dining, proposed solutions include upgrading the VAT refund system, developing proper duty-free models, and establishing dedicated supermarket sections for high-quality local goods. The Department of Industry and Trade is considering an interconnected citywide data system to track tourists' shopping histories, automatically accumulating reward points that can be exchanged for promotions to encourage higher spending

From Jan-Apr 2026, Khanh Hoa province recorded nearly 7.3 million total visitor arrivals (+50.6% YoY), including 3.2 million international arrivals (+48.1%), with total tourism revenue reaching over $1 billion USD (+34.6% YoY). In Q1 2026, police recorded nearly 1.2 million foreign lodging declarations (+23 YoY), with an average of over 80,000 foreigners staying in the province daily. Authorities are facing strains regarding immigration control, public order, and residency management, particularly due to a rise in long-term stays in apartments, condominiums, homestays, and small venues, alongside lax temporary residence reporting by some operators. In Q1 2026, immigration enforcement recorded 210 cases involving 292 people, resulting in fines exceeding 3.6 billion VND. Recent enforcement operations led to the deportation of 116 foreigners for visa fraud or drug use, the capture of 6 Interpol fugitives, the dismantling of a Telegram-based narcotics network run by a Russian national, and the Apr deportation of 30 Chinese nationals operating an illegal online gambling ring. In response, authorities ordered a comprehensive crackdown, combining streamlined digital lodging declarations and legal outreach with heightened patrols, surprise hotspot inspections, and severe penalties for both non-compliant visitors and motor-rental businesses that supply vehicles to unqualified drivers

The Government issued a decree to implement the Law on Disease Prevention, with it taking effect on 1 Jul 2026 to govern health quarantines at Vietnamese border gates. The regulations apply to inbound, outbound, and transit travellers, transport, goods, and human remains or biological specimens. Under the decree, travellers must submit health declarations electronically or via paper forms within 7 days prior to cross-border movement, and they may be asked to provide proof of vaccination. The Ministry of Health will dictate the specific declaration mandates based on real-time global transmission risks. Quarantine officers will monitor body temperatures and observe travellers using medical surveillance equipment