LIFESTYLE

The northern mountainous province of Lang Son on January 1 welcomed its first international visitors of the New Year, with a group of 40 tourists arriving from China.

The northern province of Quang Ninh served its first international cruise ship of 2026 on January 1, carrying more than 3,000 tourists.

HCM City’s Department of Tourism organised an event to welcome the first groups of tourists and visitors of 2026 in the city on January 1 at the Tan Son Nhat International Airport.

Ho Chi Minh City’s tourism sector has set the targets of welcoming 61 million visitors in 2026, including 11 million international arrivals, and earning VND 330 trillion (USD 12.5 billion) in revenue.

Tourism in Ho Chi Minh City continued to grow strongly in 2025, meeting and exceeding key targets with total revenue estimated at VND 260 trillion (approximately USD 10.4 billion).

Thirty four hot air balloons will feature at theSa Dec Flower and Ornamental Plant Festival from December 31 to January 3, 2026, adding a new visual attraction for year end visitors.

Hanoi authorities have announced detailed plans to redevelop both banks of the To Lich River, aiming to turn the polluted waterway into a major green and public space corridor in the inner city.

More than 20 central roads in Ho Chi Minh City will be closed to traffic on the night of December 31 to allow New Year 2026 celebrations and fireworks displays, according to the city traffic police.

Noi Bai Airport expects peak daily passenger numbers during New Year 2026 to rise about 12.5 per cent from normal levels, reaching nearly 115,000 travellers a day.

A series of themed train carriages in Hanoi takes visitors back to the subsidy era, showcasing food and daily life while blending cultural heritage with modern urban tourism.

France’s Vogue magazine said, Vietnam continues to reopen strongly to international visitors after the COVID-19 pandemic, offering diverse experiences while maintaining its distinctive identity.

Cherry blossom trees are coming into full bloom on tea hills in Xuan Truong-Dalat Ward, creating a romantic landscape that is attracting large numbers of tourists for sightseeing and photography.

Vietnamese visitors to South Korea are increasingly seeking healthcare and beauty services, attending concerts and joining sporting events, reflecting a shift towards themed travel experiences.

Vietnam Airlines will operate additional domestic flights to meet rising travel demand during the New Year 2026 holiday.

Hotels and homestays in northern tourism hotspots such as Ha Giang and Sapa are reporting near-full occupancy as demand surges for the 2026 New Year holiday, pushing room prices sharply higher.

Loc Yen Village in the central city of Danang is emerging as a popular eco-tourism destination thanks to its well-preserved architecture, tranquil landscapes and community-based tourism model.

Quy Nhon City, with its beautiful beach and unique cuisine, has been noted as one of the best destinations in 2026.

The northern province of Quang Ninh has issued 25,000 free invitation tickets for its New Year 2026 Countdown programme, to be held at 30/10 Square in Ha Long Ward.

Gia Lai has proposed terminating a coastal resort project worth VND 1.78 trillion (about USD 71 million) after years of delays, despite plans for it to open in 2024.