LIFESTYLE

Tucked away in the Old Quarter, a wizard-themed café in Hanoi has become a favourite stop for international visitors seeking an immersive Harry Potter-inspired experience.

The northern province of Phu Tho has hosted an international famtrip for foreign tour operators to survey destinations and services, as it steps up efforts to promote tourism and expand markets.

A new 1.3-hectare public park featuring an octopus-inspired design is planned in Vung Tau Ward, Ho Chi Minh City, with construction expected to begin in the third quarter.

Airfares and train ticket prices have surged ahead of the Reunification Day (April 30) and May Day holidays, with many peak-hour services selling out despite additional capacity from carriers.

Halong Carnival 2026 will take place on April 30 at Quang Ninh’s 30/10 Square, drawing more than 80,000 attendees for parades, contemporary performances and festive events.

Vietnamese travellers are among Asia’s top culinary explorers, with 35 per cent choosing destinations based on food experiences, according to Agoda.

Vietnam aims to attract up to 50 million international visitors by 2030 under a revised strategy focused on sustainable and high-quality tourism growth.

An early butterfly season at Cuc Phuong National Park is attracting thousands of visitors, with swarms appearing weeks ahead of schedule.

Vietnamese travel firms say demand for 2026 World Cup tours is growing, with affluent customers willing to spend heavily on premium packages despite visa hurdles and rising costs.

Haiphong authorities have ordered stricter safety measures for transport and tourism services to Cat Ba Island amid rising visitor numbers.

Lam Dong authorities have asked a tourism operator to clarify electric go-kart services at a Dalat flower park over safety and compliance concerns.

Vietnam Railways has increased passenger train fares by 3 per cent from April 5, citing rising fuel costs, while freight charges also see adjustments.

An Austrian tourist was rescued after spending a night in a remote forest in Lang Son Province, having taken a wrong turn guided by Google Maps.

Vietnam aims to grow its medical tourism sector to nearly USD 4 billion by 2033, leveraging competitive costs and expanding high-quality healthcare services.

A 55-year-old tourist suffered a sudden health emergency while visiting Halong Bay on April 4 but was stabilised after a swift rescue and emergency response.

A mangrove forest in Cu Lao Dung Island, widely regarded as the largest wetland forest in the Mekong Delta, is emerging as an eco-tourism draw with a curious attraction known as Monkey Island.

Vietnam welcomed a record 6.76 million foreign visitors in the first quarter of 2026, driven by visa reforms, improved services and strong regional demand.

Thailand has revised down its tourism outlook for 2026 amid mounting geopolitical tensions and global uncertainties, according to the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT).

A major eco-tourism and cable car project in northern Vietnam could begin operations by the end of 2027 after renewed efforts to accelerate construction.