LIFESTYLE

Sun Group proposes 1,000-hectare Ban Gioc Falls tourism zone

Sun Group has proposed a master plan for a 1,000-hectare tourism complex at Ban Gioc Falls in Cao Bang Province, aiming to develop a flagship destination combining conservation and cultural heritage.

Vietnam approves four-day 2026 New Year holiday

The Vietnamese Government has approved a four-day public holiday for the 2026 New Year, following a proposal by the Ministry of Home Affairs.

Vietnam Airlines launches Ho Chi Minh City-Dien Bien direct service

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

Vietnam targets 25 million international visitors for 2026

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.

Hanoi-HCM City ranks fourth among world’s busiest domestic air routes

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 flock to Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City churches for Christmas

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 launches first electric bus route

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.

Food hygiene row after Ninh Binh staff puts food from mouth into sandwich

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.

Hanoi churches glow with festive lights ahead of Christmas

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

Vietnam Railways adds 11 extra southern services for Tet

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.

New direct air routes to Cam Ranh planned by foreign carriers

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.

Christmas symphony concerts to raise funds for disadvantaged children

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 becomes popular end-of-year destination for families in region

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

Ha Long Bay to introduce new high-end tourism products from 2026

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 VND 5.5 billion training drive for APEC 2027

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 prepares to relocate after 70 years in Hanoi old quarter

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 (USA) crowned Miss Cosmo 2025 in Ho Chi Minh City

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.

Dak Lak taps distinctive cultural heritage to drive tourism

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

HCM City to offer free Metro Line 1 rides on New Year’s Day

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).

HCM City festive coffee spots draw young crowds through the night

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.

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