Travel

Skies over Ha Noi and Ho Chi Minh City were illuminated with spectacular firework displays on the evening of September 2 to mark the 81st anniversary of the National Day of the Socialist Republic of Viet Nam (1945–2026).

The Moc Chau Cultural and Tourism Week 2026 and the Son La International Brocade Festival opened in Moc Chau ward, the northern mountainous province of Son La on August 31 as part of activities marking the 81st anniversary of Viet Nam’s National Day (September 2, 1945–2026).

The five-day National Day holiday has drawn a huge influx of visitors to the ancient town of Hoi An, now part of Da Nang. On the very first day of the holiday, every road and corner of the old town teemed with holidaymakers.

The island commune of Tan Hiep in Da Nang City is associated with Cu Lao Cham, which has been recognised by UNESCO as a World Biosphere Reserve. Leveraging its inherent advantages, Tan Hiep is being developed with a focus on integrating green, eco-friendly, and community-based tourism, offering experiences linked to island culture and distinctive local products.

During the National Day holiday, many historical and revolutionary relics become destinations for large numbers of people and tourists. Trips to the origin not only help people better understand the nation's historical milestones but also contribute to fostering patriotism, pride, and a sense of appreciation for the value of independence and peace.

The Ha Long Bay cruise ship light show was officially inaugurated at Ha Long International Cruise Port on the evening of August 27, kicking off a series of events celebrating Quang Ninh City’s entry into a new stage of development.

Medical tourism is developing into a high-value-added service industry. Many countries have successfully built national brands for medical tourism, attracting large numbers of international visitors each year. This provides valuable experience for Viet Nam to promote and capitalise on its existing tourism and healthcare potential amid growing global demand for combined medical examination and treatment, rehabilitation, healthcare, and wellness services.

A tourist train service, “Phong Nha – Hue ancient capital: World heritage journey,” was launched at Dong Hoi station on August 28, connecting major heritage, historical, cultural and natural attractions in central Viet Nam.

Flower seasons following one another throughout the year are becoming a valuable tourism resource for the northern province of Ninh Binh.

Viet Nam is ready to work with countries, international organisations and the business community to leverage shared strengths and create new momentum for MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences and Exhibitions) tourism in the region, Deputy Prime Minister Pham Thi Thanh Tra said on August 27.

The 8th CLMV (Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar and Viet Nam) Tourism Ministers’ Meeting was held in Ho Chi Minh City on August 27.

Viet Nam Airlines has been named the airline with the Best Livery and ranked second among the Preferred Airlines in Central and Southeast Asia at the Flyer’s Choice Awards 2026, reflecting strong passenger recognition of its brand and service quality.

Thoi Son Islet, in Thoi Son Ward, Dong Thap Province, formerly part of My Tho City, Tien Giang Province, is the largest of the four islets in the lower reaches of the Tien River, which local people often call “con”.

This year’s National Day holiday will last five days (from August 29 to September 2), and a large number of passengers are expected to travel through Noi Bai International Airport, with passenger traffic at the airport expected to surge at certain times.

Ha Noi City will offer free admission to scenic attractions, historical sites and cultural facilities that normally charge entrance fees across the city on National Day, September 2.

The international cruise ship Adora Magic City, registered in Panama, carrying around 4,000 tourists from Shenzhen, China, arrived at Cam Ranh International Port in Khanh Hoa Province on August 24.

The Sa Pa Autumn Festival 2026, themed “Sa Pa — Autumn returns to the heritage land” opened at the San Quan area, the People’s Committee of Sa Pa Ward in Lao Cai Province on the evening of August 23, drawing a massive turnout of residents and tourists.

Viet Nam’s tourism sector is entering the final stretch of the year, deploying a range of measures to expand markets, improve the quality of visitor experiences, and elevate the country’s appeal to international tourists.

The Viet Nam Railways Corporation has launched the HQ1/HQ2 heritage train service, named “Hanh trinh ky quan – Di san the gioi” (Journey of Wonders – World Heritage), as part of efforts to diversify tourism products and connect heritage destinations across central Viet Nam.

With the theme “Digital Agenda and Artificial Intelligence to Redesign Tourism”, World Tourism Day 2026 reflects one of the defining transformations of our time.