LIFESTYLE

At least 15 people were killed after a tourist speedboat carrying 32 Indian tourists capsized off Phu Quoc Island in southern Vietnam on Saturday.

Russian tourist arrivals to Vietnam nearly tripled in the first half of 2026, making Russia the country's third-largest source market after China and South Korea.

Hanoi aims to have Duong Lam Ancient Village recognised as one of the UN Tourism Best Tourism Villages by 2030, as part of efforts to strengthen the capital's cultural and heritage tourism.

Danang City has launched a monthly programme promoting Ngoc Linh ginseng as a new tourism attraction while boosting its domestic market

Haiphong City plans to open a new pedestrian street in the city centre in early August, as part of efforts to boost the night-time economy and tourism.

Eo Gio in Gia Lai Province will host its first high-altitude fireworks display on July 11 as part of efforts to boost tourism during the National Tourism Year.

Gia Lai Province has approved a long-term ecotourism development plan for Kon Ka Kinh National Park, with investment exceeding VND 539 billion (USD 20.6 million).

Lam Dong Province has launched a tourism stimulus programme, including discounts for road travellers, as it seeks to offset the temporary closure of Lien Khuong International Airport for upgrades.

The Central Highlands province of Lam Dong is accelerating the digitalisation of its tourism sector to improve management, promotion and visitor services.

Gia Lai Province has launched a nationwide competition to design its official logo, offering a top prize of VND 200 million (approximately USD 7,700) for the winning entry.

A durian vendor in Danang City accused by a tourist of using inaccurate scales at Son Tra Night Market has been fined VND 7.5 million (around USD 285) for separate street vending and traffic offences

Hue City plans to expand night-time tourism, including regular evening openings at the Imperial Citadel, after welcoming more than 4.3 million visitors in the first half of 2026.

A stalled beachfront resort project in Hue is set for a fifth auction after four unsuccessful attempts to attract buyers, raising hopes that construction could resume after years of inactivity.

Hanoi welcomed its five millionth international visitor of 2026 on Monday, surpassing the halfway mark towards its target of more than nine million foreign arrivals this year.

Hanoi will build a new public square on Tran Nhan Tong pedestrian street as part of a wider redevelopment project around Thong Nhat Park aimed at creating a more open public space.

Ho Chi Minh City aims to operate an entirely electric bus fleet by 2029 after expanding the number of electric routes to 88 as part of its push for cleaner public transport.

China remained Vietnam's largest source of international visitors in the first half of 2026, with arrivals rising as the country moved closer to its full year tourism target.

Dong Hoi Airport will launch a new direct service to Cam Ranh on August 16, expanding air links as Quang Tri prepares for the 2027 National Tourism Year.

More than 370,000 Australians visited Vietnam in the first six months of the year, up 22 per cent from a year earlier, as demand for luxury and tailor made travel continued to grow.