Destination

In recent years, tourism cooperation between Viet Nam and the US has been strengthened through promotional activities and business networking. A range of tourism products has received greater attention, with medical tourism and healthcare tourism seen as among the most promising areas for deeper cooperation.

New air routes linking the renowned tourist city of Guilin in the Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region with Ha Noi and Ho Chi Minh City are set to provide greater travel options for people in Viet Nam and China, while opening up opportunities to tap into tourism markets and expand bilateral cooperation across multiple sectors.

Not only a UNESCO-recognised biosphere reserve, Cu Lao Cham (Hoi An) is also a paradise for sea lovers, offering countless check-in spots awash in the deep blue of the ocean.

The Hue Municipal People’s Committee has announced the opening of a 3.5km waterway route along the Ngu Ha River, which is to be put into operation from April 10, 2026. This marks the launch of an electric tourist boat project, which is expected to begin operation on April 30, opening a new direction for exploiting heritage space by green and experiential water transport.

In the context of strong infrastructure investment and the promotion of international air routes, Gia Lai is standing before a golden opportunity to break through and become an attractive destination.

Viet Nam posted its best-ever first-quarter tourism performance, welcoming 6.76 million international visitors in the first three months of 2026, up 12.4% year-on-year, according to the Viet Nam National Authority of Tourism (VNAT).

Hue is not short of visitors, nor does it lack the potential to develop a night-time economy. Yet, the city largely winds down after 10 pm, leaving a prolonged gap in visitors’ experiences.

A special report on Son Doong Cave, the world’s largest cave, was broadcast on the US television programme “60 Minutes” at 7:00 p.m. on March 29 (US time), corresponding to around 7:00 a.m. on March 30 (Viet Nam time), according to the Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism of Quang Tri.

A railway project linking Thakhek township in Khammouane province of Laos and the Mu Gia border gate in Viet Nam’s Quang Binh province under the build–operate–transfer (BOT) model has received in-principle approval from the Lao National Assembly (NA) at the inaugural session of its 10th legislature.

With more than 482,000 visitor arrivals in 2025, Viet Nam is becoming an increasingly attractive destination for Filipino tourists. At the same time, the visa exemption policy within ASEAN provides a favourable foundation for the two countries to further promote tourism cooperation and people-to-people connectivity.

The Hue Monuments Conservation Centre announced on March 26 that residents and visitors to Hue imperial city can enjoy free nighttime entry from April 25–28 as part of the “Mystical Imperial Palace” programme.

Bai Tu Long Bay in the northern province of Quang Ninh has been named in the list of “7 Wonders of Southeast Asia for 2026” by Condé Nast Traveller.

The ancient town of Hoi An has been listed among the most beautiful places in the world by travel magazine Time Out in a guide published in March.

Sun Group and Changi Airports International (CAI) of Singapore on March 21 officially signed a strategic partnership agreement, under which CAI will cooperate to manage Phu Quoc International Airport, delivering operations to international 5-star standards and introducing Viet Nam’s first “airport destination” model.

From April 2026, Hue will begin piloting electric boat tourism routes on the Ngu Ha–Dong Ba river system. These canals, once serving the Nguyen dynasty court, are now becoming a unique experiential space in the heart of a heritage city.

Nguyen Thi Hoa Mai, Deputy Director General of the Viet Nam National Authority of Tourism, held a working session on March 16 with Viet Nam’s Tourism Ambassador to the Republic of Korea, Lee Chang Kun, on cooperation plans and measures to strengthen tourism promotion and marketing.

The Ha Noi Tourism Festival 2026, highlighting green tourism and digital experiences wrapped up on March 15 at Thong Nhat Park after three days of activities.

At the Global Tourism Fair 2026, Viet Nam, together with many countries in the Asian region such as Nepal, India and Thailand, was introduced as destinations rich in experiences for international travellers. Accordingly, cultural heritage, distinctive cuisine and diverse natural landscapes are factors that help the Viet Nam brand leave a strong impression.

In order to achieve the target of welcoming 35.8 million visitors in 2026, from the beginning of the year the Ha Noi Department of Tourism has implemented many promotion and stimulus activities. Among them, the Ha Noi Tourism Festival is an opportunity for everyone to have unique experiences and hunt for discount tours.

According to the latest figures released by the General Statistics Office, international arrivals to Viet Nam in February 2026 reached more than 2.2 million. This marks the third consecutive month in which the country has welcomed over two million foreign visitors, following 2.02 million in December 2025 and 2.45 million in January 2026.