LIFESTYLE

Vietnam Airlines officially launched its first nonstop air route connecting Ho Chi Minh City and Dien Bien on December 24.

The Vietnamese tourism sector aims to attract 25 million international visitors, serve 150 million domestic tourists, and earn some VND 1.12 quadrillion in revenue in 2026.

The Hanoi-Ho Chi Minh City air route placed fourth among the world’s busiest domestic routes in 2025, according to OAG, a British aviation data and analytics firm.

Crowds packed major churches and central streets in Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City on the evening of December 24, as residents and tourists gathered to celebrate Christmas.

Con Dao will launch its first all-electric bus route on December 25, linking Con Dao Market with Co Ong Airport as part of efforts to promote green transport on the island.

A French tourist filmed a food hygiene breach at a banh mi shop in Ninh Binh Province after a staff member was seen putting food from her mouth back into a sandwich being prepared.

Many churches across Hanoi have been brightly decorated with lights, Christmas trees and nativity scenes, drawing large crowds of residents and visitors.

Vietnam Railways will add 11 short-haul passenger services in southern Vietnam for the coming Lunar New Year, offering about 5,500 extra tickets to meet peak holiday demand.

Foreign airlines including Hunnu Air and Air Cambodia are set to launch new direct routes to Cam Ranh from late 2025 and early 2026, boosting international access to Nha Trang in Khanh Hoa Province.

The Vietnam National Symphony Orchestra will present the Christmas Charity Concert 2025 at two churches in Hanoi with proceeds aimed at supporting disadvantaged children.

Vietnam is becoming an increasingly popular choice for families in the region and beyond, according to a new report from Agoda.

Quang Ninh Province plans to roll out a range of high-end tourism products for Ha Long Bay from 2026, focusing on immersive experiences, heritage conservation and sustainable development.

Vietnam plans to spend more than VND 5.5 billion (about USD 209,125), to train staff for APEC 2027 meetings in Phu Quoc, aiming to ensure a skilled workforce for the event.

Pho Thin Bo Ho, one of Hanoi’s most iconic noodle shops, is preparing to leave its long-standing address on Dinh Tien Hoang Street to make way for a new square and park project near Hoan Kiem Lake.

Yolina Lindquist of the US surpassed 70 other contestants from around the world to be crowned the winner of Miss Cosmo 2025 during the grand finales in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam, on December 20.

The central province of Dak Lak has gradually tapped into its tourism potential by building on the distinctive traditional culture of ethnic minority communities.

Ho Chi Minh City will offer free travel on Metro Line 1 (Ben Thanh-Suoi Tien) on January 1, 2026, to mark the New Year, according to Ho Chi Minh City Urban Railway Company 1 (HURC1).

Young people in Ho Chi Minh City are flocking to coffee shops lavishly decorated for Christmas late into the night to take photos, relax and soak up the seasonal atmosphere.

Vietnam’s first urban light rail transit (LRT) line was officially launched in Phu Quoc, An Giang province, on December 19.