LIFESTYLE

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.

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.

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 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.