VnEconomy - Vietnam Economic Times

Vietnam Medical Tourism Alliance launched

Thu, 09 Apr 2026 08:00:00 GMT

The alliance aiming to promote Vietnam as a leading global hub for integrated medical tourism.

The Vietnam Medical Tourism Alliance (VMTA) was officially launched in Hanoi on April 7, aiming to promote Vietnam as a leading global hub for integrated medical tourism.

The alliance targets attracting an additional 1–2 million medical tourists, extending the average length of stay from 7–8 nights to 15–30 nights, and generating annual revenue of $3–5 billion.

Established under the guidance of the Viet Nam National Authority of Tourism (VNAT) and the Medical Services Administration, the VMTA brings together organizations operating across healthcare, tourism, technology and finance.

The alliance’s core mission includes integrating and effectively utilizing national resources, standardizing medical tourism services to international benchmarks, and building a seamless, transparent and personalized patient journey. It also seeks to promote a digital ecosystem while enhancing Vietnam’s position on the global medical tourism map.

Technology is expected to play a pivotal role, connecting all components within the ecosystem, ensuring smooth data flows and improving the overall customer experience.

According to the sector’s report, Vietnam’s medical tourism revenue exceeded $850 million in 2025 and has been growing at an annual rate of around 18%. If the trend continues, the market could reach approximately $4 billion by the early 2030s.

VnEconomy-Tường Bách

Vietnam welcomes 6.76mln foreign tourists in Q1

Tue, 07 Apr 2026 01:16:00 GMT

This marking the highest quarterly figure ever recorded.

Vietnam welcomed 6.76 million foreign tourists in the first quarter of 2026, marking the highest quarterly figure ever recorded and a year-on-year increase of 12%, according to the National Statistics Office.

Of the figure, 82.3% arrived by air, 15.5% by land, and 2.2% by sea.

In March alone, nearly 2.1 million international tourists visited the country, surging 1.3% year-on-year.

During the first three months of the year, China was Vietnam's largest source of international visitors with more than 1.4 million arrivals, followed by the Republic of Korea with nearly 1.33 million, and Russia with over 367,000.

The number of travellers from European and American markets also rose significantly, including Poland (up 52%), Norway (26%), Switzerland (over 27%), Sweden (27.5%), and Denmark and Italy (over 20%).

VnEconomy-Tường Bách

Cross-border QR code payment services between Vietnam and China launched

Fri, 03 Apr 2026 08:00:00 GMT

Under the new arrangement, Chinese tourists can use Alipay - a member wallet of Ant International - to scan VIETQRGlobal codes and make direct payments at merchants within NAPAS’ network across Vietnam.

The National Payment Corporation of Vietnam (NAPAS), in collaboration with Ant International - a unit of China-based Ant Group, and Vietcombank, on April 3 announced the expansion of cross-border QR code payment services between Vietnam and China, according to a report from the Vietnam News Agency.

The launch marks a significant step forward in digital payment connectivity, helping to facilitate trade and tourism flows between the two countries. Under the new arrangement, Chinese tourists can use Alipay - a member wallet of Ant International - to scan VIETQRGlobal codes and make direct payments at merchants within NAPAS’ network across Vietnam.

Bilateral QR transactions are processed through the integrated infrastructure of NAPAS and Ant International, alongside Vietcombank’s settlement system, enabling direct payments in local currencies - the Chinese yuan and the Vietnamese dong.

The rollout comes as China remains one of Vietnam’s largest sources of inbound tourists. Cross-border QR payments are expected to enhance visitor convenience by offering familiar payment methods, while enabling businesses in retail, services and tourism to better tap into international customer flows.

At the event, NAPAS CEO Nguyen Quang Minh said the corporation is steadily building a cross-border payment platform that ensures security, high performance and scalability in line with international standards. He described the partnership with Ant International as a milestone, connecting Vietnam’s national retail payment infrastructure with one of China’s largest payment ecosystems, which serves over one billion users.

Vietcombank CEO Le Quang Vinh noted that cross-border QR payments are emerging as a widely adopted solution in international transactions. As the designated settlement bank, Vietcombank has committed significant resources to the project to deliver a “home-like” payment experience for Chinese users, while opening new growth opportunities for millions of Vietnamese merchants.

Ant International President Douglas Feagin highlighted Vietnam’s strong potential for cross-border QR deployment, citing rapid digital transformation, a dynamic payment ecosystem and robust tourism growth. He emphasised that the initiative not only serves travellers but also enables small- and medium-sized enterprises to access global customers.

According to the State Bank of Vietnam, the initiative aligns with bilateral cooperation commitments on retail payment connectivity. Authorities are also working to soon enable outbound payments, allowing Vietnamese users to scan QR codes in China.

Once fully implemented in both directions, the system is expected to significantly drive tourism and trade growth between the two countries, while reinforcing Vietnam’s position in the regional digital economy.

VNA-Van Nguyen

Hanoi tourism records nearly 9 million arrivals in Q1, 2026

Wed, 01 Apr 2026 09:29:22 GMT

A recent survey by Vietnam Report shows that the majority of tourists prefer booking services through travel apps like Traveloka and Booking.com, accounting for 78.5%, while 56.9% book through travel company websites. This indicates that digital tourism development is becoming the main trend.

In the first three months of 2026, Hanoi is estimated to have welcomed 8.82 million visitors, marking a 20.5% increase compared to the same period last year. Among these, international tourists accounted for 2.4 million, a significant rise of 28.7%. Domestic tourists reached 6.42 million, up by 17.7%.

The total revenue from tourism in the first quarter was approximately VND36.99 trillion ($1.4 billion), an increase of 23.1%.

Alongside the growth in scale, Hanoi's tourism industry is actively renewing its products, focusing on experiential products linked to culture, craft villages, and rural areas.

Hanoi's tourism sector is also embracing digital transformation. According to Dang Huong Giang, Director of Hanoi's Department of Tourism, the city will continue to develop platforms such as digital culinary tourism maps, smart tourism ecosystems, and integrated digital data to enhance visitor experiences.

A recent survey by Vietnam Report shows that the majority of tourists prefer booking services through travel apps like Traveloka and Booking.com, accounting for 78.5%, while 56.9% book through travel company websites. This indicates that digital tourism development is becoming the main trend.

Currently, many famous landmarks in Hanoi, such as the Temple of Literature - Quoc Tu Giam, Thang Long Imperial Citadel, Hoa Lo Prison, and Perfume Pagoda, have adopted electronic tickets, automatic narration, and virtual reality (VR/AR) technology, along with QR codes.

Deputy Head of the Perfume Pagoda Festival Organizing Committee, Vuong Trong Dao, stated that the locality has implemented electronic tickets, QR code scanning, and AI camera systems, thereby improving service quality and festival management transparency.

From a business perspective, Nguyen Thi Thanh Tuyen, General Director of Ky Nghi Viet Company, said "Promoting digital transformation in online advertising programs, QR codes, etc., is truly beneficial. From young people to older customers, everyone can easily and quickly access specific information before deciding to book a tour."

Similarly, Do Hoang Trung from the Operations Department of Hanoitourist Travel Company noted that customers interested in buying tours now proactively contact through digital platforms instead of visiting directly as before.

"This requires businesses and tour guides to change their approach to adapt. Instead of only providing direct narration on the bus, we have guided customers to use QR codes at destinations, helping them be more proactive in exploring materials, images, and history," Trung said.

One of the significant breakthroughs in digital tourism in Hanoi is the application of 3D technology and artificial intelligence (AI) to preserve and promote heritage values. A clear example is the Thang Long Imperial Citadel, where the "Flag Tower Memories" tour, instead of traditional narration, uses 3D mapping technology to recreate historical layers with modern images, sound, and light.

Similarly, Director of the Center for Cultural and Scientific Activities at the Temple of Literature - Quoc Tu Giam, Le Xuan Kieu, stated that the site has digitized 40 items of the relic into QR codes for visitors to explore, and implemented automatic narration devices (Audio Guide) in 12 languages.

Vneconomy-Hoàng Bách

Tourism sector expected to contribute 14% to GDP by 2030

Wed, 01 Apr 2026 08:20:00 GMT

The sector is undergoing a strategic repositioning under an updated national tourism development plan.

Under an updated national tourism development plan, Vietnam’s tourism sector is undergoing a strategic repositioning, aiming to contribute 14% to GDP by 2030.

According to the revised tourism system plan for 2021–2030, with a vision to 2045, issued by the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism, the sector will develop on the basis of green growth, the circular economy and alignment with global sustainable development goals.

The industry is entering a pivotal phase, shifting from quantity-driven growth to a focus on quality and sustainability. In 2025, tourism contributed about 8.8% to GDP, laying the foundation for its 2030 target.

Under the plan, Vietnam aims to welcome 45–50 million international visitors by 2030, with an average annual growth rate of 16–19%, while serving around 160 million domestic tourists. The sector is expected to generate about 12 million jobs, including 4 million direct positions, and expand accommodation capacity to roughly 2.5 million rooms nationwide.

The plan also outlines the development of seven key tourism zones, with five priority areas to be developed by 2030, followed by expansion into northern midland and mountainous regions thereafter. Ten major tourism centres linked to competitive urban areas will be prioritised, focusing on diversified offerings such as night-time economy, high-end resorts and cultural experiences.

For 2026, the sector targets 22–23 million international arrivals and 130–135 million domestic travellers, with total tourism revenue projected at VND900–980 trillion ($34.2-37.2 billion).

VnEconomy-Tường Bách

OCOP Quang Ninh Summer Fair set to open on April 10

Wed, 01 Apr 2026 07:52:00 GMT

The fair aiming to provide a diverse range of high-quality products for residents and tourists.

Northern Quang Ninh province will host the OCOP Quang Ninh Summer Fair 2026 as part of its Culture, Sports and Tourism Week to welcome the summer season, local authorities announced on March 31.

The event is scheduled to run from April 10 to the end of May.

Featuring around 240 booths, the fair aims to provide a diverse range of high-quality products for residents and tourists, with a focus on OCOP (One Commune One Product) items and other signature goods of the province.

Of the total, 104 booths will showcase agricultural OCOP products from local enterprises, cooperatives and production facilities across Quang Ninh. Another 120 booths will display typical agricultural and OCOP products from other provinces, cities and domestic economic organisations.

The event is expected to promote regional specialties, support local producers and stimulate tourism and consumer spending during the peak summer period.

VnEconomy-Mai Hoàng

Travel firms pivot to short-haul tours and value-driven strategies

Tue, 31 Mar 2026 23:00:00 GMT

For travel programs where contracts have not yet been signed, businesses are proactively discussing with customers to adjust tour prices appropriately. By sharing the burden of costs arising from objective factors, they aim to ensure trip quality while limiting losses for all parties involved.

The 22nd Ho Chi Minh City Tourism Festival 2026, themed “Vibrant Summer Vibes,” will take place from April 2 to 5 at September 23 Park.

The event is set to feature over 120 booths from travel agencies, hotels, airlines, and service providers from both Vietnam and abroad.

On this occasion, numerous travel firms will simultaneously launch discounts and promotions for peak Summer 2026 itineraries. Hotels in the 3-to-5-star segments are also implementing room discounts of 20% to 50% for guests who book directly.

According to the City Department of Tourism, travel businesses should avoid mass discounting in the current climate and instead focus on restructuring their products. Rather than competing through low prices, companies are encouraged to optimize their entire service packages—from itineraries to the chain of accompanying experiences—to create distinct value and attract tourists.

Currently, units are ramping up domestic land-based tours and nearby destinations to optimize costs and diversify experiences, rather than focusing on international tours amid ongoing global volatility.

In reality, under the pressure of rising input costs, tourism enterprises are implementing various solutions to keep tour prices stable.

Director of Marketing and Communications at Vietluxtour, Ms. Tran Thi Bao Thu, said “Summer 2026 will be a ‘litmus test’ for travel companies. When input costs fluctuate, businesses cannot rely solely on discounts but must enhance their adaptability.”

Her firm is currently recording a rapid shift toward Northeast Asian markets such as Japan, South Korea, mainland China, and Taiwan (China). These markets offer the advantage of short flight distances and are less affected by airspace instability, while costs remain attractive thanks to favorable exchange rates for the Yen and Won.

CEO of Vietravel, Mr. Tran Doan The Duy, stated that his company is proactively reorienting its tour portfolio toward greater flexibility, focusing on short-haul and domestic routes.

Similarly, a representative from Flamingo Redtours shared that the company is working with land transport providers to balance vehicle rental prices at reasonable levels, while also recalculating group sizes and selecting appropriate vehicles.

For travel programs where contracts have not yet been signed, businesses are proactively discussing with customers to adjust tour prices appropriately. By sharing the burden of costs arising from objective factors, they aim to ensure trip quality while limiting losses for all parties involved.

Vneconomy-Tường Bách

Gia Lai repositions its tourism industry

Sat, 28 Mar 2026 08:30:00 GMT

Following the merger, Gia Lai province has great potential for a tourism breakthrough if it links aviation development with the creation of new, distinctive tourism products...

Gia Lai province is poised for a tourism renaissance as it prepares to host the National Tourism Year for the first time under the theme “Gia Lai - Mountains embrace the Sea”.

The province aims to attract approximately 15 million visitors in 2026, a 21 per cent increase from 2025, with projected tourism revenue reaching VND35 trillion ($1.3 billion). This ambitious plan sets the stage for a new era of local tourism development.

Central to Gia Lai's strategy is the creation of a new growth structure based on the sea-highland tourism corridor, connecting the tourist spaces between Quy Nhon and Pleiku. This approach leverages natural resources, indigenous culture, and increasingly sophisticated transportation infrastructure.

At seminar titled "Gia Lai 2026: Activating the Coastal - Highlands corridor” held on March 27, 2026 at FLC Quy Nhon, Mr. Nguyen Huu Que, Vice Chairman of the Gia Lai Provincial People's Committee, emphasized the importance of reorganizing regional connectivity, particularly through the operation of two airports as a unified system. Phu Cat Airport is designated as the international gateway, welcoming direct international visitors, while Pleiku Airport serves as the highland hub, focusing on distribution, accommodation, and unique tourism experiences.

The province is also exploring the potential of charter flights from Northeast Asia, targeting promising markets such as South Korea and Japan. Concurrently, efforts are underway to upgrade road infrastructure, ensuring seamless and efficient connectivity along the Sea – Highland corridor. This infrastructure development is not merely about connectivity but about opening doors to international growth. As travel times decrease and experiences become more seamless, the value of tourism is elevated to new heights.

The aviation sector plays a crucial role in this development, acting as the gateway and driving force for tourism growth. However, aviation alone cannot unlock the full potential of a destination.

To truly support destination development, the aviation industry must adopt a "pioneer" approach, as emphasized by Mr. Dao Xuan Hoach, Deputy Director of the Civil Aviation Authority of Vietnam. The synchronized development of airport infrastructure is essential to meet this demand. Gia Lai's investment in expanding Phu Cat Airport's runway is timely, ensuring it can quickly respond to the burgeoning tourism market.

Mr. Trinh Van Quyet, Chairman of FLC Group, highlighted the need for synergy between resort urban areas and the aviation industry for sustainable development.

Meanwhile, Mr. Jung Jin Woo, Chairman of RASSO Holdings, sees Gia Lai as a province endowed with both sea and forest, capable of becoming a destination with a comprehensive experience ecosystem. RASSO Holdings is collaborating with Bamboo Airways to prepare for international charter flights from Phu Cat Airport to South Korea in the third quarter of 2026, aiming to attract 93,500 visitors annually.

The growth momentum is further fueled by new tourism products. Mr. Pham Anh Tuan, Member of the Party Central Committee and Chairman of Gia Lai People's Committee, noted that while beach tourism has been actively promoted in the past, forest tourism will create significant differentiation in the future, offering greater value to the tourism industry. Gia Lai, with its combination of forest and sea, stands at the cusp of transformation, poised to deliver substantial and tangible benefits from tourism.

In the coming years, large-scale tourism and resort projects are set to be developed, including a 70 ha pop music festival area by a South Korean investor and a 500 ha resort project by FLC Group. Gia Lai is not positioned as a standalone destination but as a journey. This journey, dubbed "Sea – Moutains," allows visitors to experience the blue sea, white sand, and luxury resorts in Quy Nhon, followed by an exploration of the Pleiku highlands with its pine forests, lakes, gong culture, and unique indigenous spaces. Two destinations – two identities – one unified journey, creating a distinct appeal for regional and global tourism.

The province is also focusing on organizing its agricultural, cultural, and ecological value chain, recognizing it as a unique advantage. From coffee, pepper, and rubber to indigenous culture, festivals, and gong heritage; from natural landscapes to community life – all need to be standardized into tourism products, shaped according to international standards, and capable of global market promotion.

Reflecting on experiences in Quy Nhon, Mr. Quyet noted that if tourists only come for the beach, their stay will be brief. Therefore, Quy Nhon needs additional entertainment complexes, zoos, golf courses, and large-scale conference centers for major events, as well as flexible meeting rooms to cater to diverse customer segments.

vneconomy-An Chi

New growth cycle of aviation sector

Fri, 27 Mar 2026 09:10:00 GMT

Vietnam’s aviation sector is entering a new growth cycle, fueled by record passenger volumes, multibillion-dollar aircraft orders, and a sweeping expansion of airport infrastructure that is reshaping competition and traffic flows nationwide.

Figures from the Civil Aviation Authority of Vietnam (CAAV) show that the country’s aviation sector carried 83.5 million passengers in 2025, up 10.7 per cent year-on-year and the highest number on record. This growth momentum continued during the 2026 Lunar New Year (Tet) holiday, when the sector carried nearly 2.6 million passengers and handled 19,200 tons of cargo, representing increases of 15.9 per cent and 43 per cent, respectively, compared to Tet 2025. Domestic transport accounted for more than 1.1 million passengers and 2,400 tons of cargo, while international transport reached nearly 1.5 million passengers and 16,900 tons of cargo. The sharp rise in the international segment indicates a clear structural shift.

“Billion-dollar” lever

Aircraft purchasing contracts signed in early 2025 have become a strategic lever for the next development phase. Witnessed by Party General Secretary To Lam during his working visit to the US, Vietnamese airlines signed agreements worth nearly $32 billion for approximately 96 aircraft.

Vietnam Airlines signed a contract to purchase 50 Boeing 737-8 aircraft valued at about $8.1 billion, and discussed plans to invest in an additional 30 wide-body aircraft with an estimated total value exceeding $12 billion to support its international network expansion strategy.

The new market entrant, Sun PhuQuoc Airways, ordered 40 Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner aircraft worth approximately $22.5 billion.

Meanwhile, Vietjet Air reached a financing agreement to acquire six Boeing 737-8 aircraft valued at about $965 million and signed a contract with Pratt Whitney to supply engines and maintenance services for 44 A321neo / A321XLR aircraft, worth approximately $5.4 billion.

According to CAAV Director General Uong Viet Dung, these contracts will drive growth and fleet restructuring in line with the master plan for developing the airport system for 2021-2030 with a vision to 2050.

The Authority noted that these orders will rejuvenate fleets, improve operational efficiency, and secure long-term transport capacity, targeting 275-300 million passengers annually by 2050. The allocation between narrow-body, wide-body, and mid-range aircraft is aligned with the planned shift of the operational axis towards Long Thanh, Gia Binh, and Chu Lai airports.

From a technology and environmental perspective, new-generation aircraft and engines can reduce fuel consumption and CO₂ emissions by 15-25 per cent compared to previous generations and cut noise by up to 50 per cent, supporting net-zero by 2050 commitments under the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO)’s roadmap. Beyond transport, the contracts also open the possibility of developing an integrated “airport city - logistics - tourism” ecosystem, in which wide-body aircraft will support international transit, air logistics, and cross-border e-commerce.

However, Mr. Dung emphasized the need for financial risk management given the tens of billions of dollars involved. Monitoring equity, debt ratios, cash flow, and guarantee mechanisms will be essential to ensure airlines’ execution capacity.

Regulators assess that these agreements lay three foundations for the next 20-30 years: green and sustainable growth, safety modernization in line with ICAO standards, and an enhanced national position. The contract signings with Boeing and Pratt Whitney may represent the second strategic turning point for Vietnam’s civil aviation, after its period of market liberalization.

Infrastructure expansion

While fleets determine capacity in the air, airport infrastructure defines limits on the ground. For many years, Vietnam’s aviation growth has been constrained by capacity at Tan Son Nhat and Noi Bai International Airports in Ho Chi Minh City and Hanoi. The current wave of infrastructure expansion therefore goes beyond adding terminals; it represents a structural adjustment of traffic flows and a reorganization of the nationwide operating network.

The commissioning of Tan Son Nhat’s Terminal 3 and progress on Phase 1 of Long Thanh International Airport are reshaping the southern operational axis. Once Long Thanh becomes operational, about 80 per cent of international flights and 10 per cent of domestic flights are expected to move there. This will not only relieve congestion at Tan Son Nhat but also redistribute traffic between airports, prompting adjustments in network strategies and hub potential.

In the north, the completion of Noi Bai’s Terminal 2 expansion will add capacity for 5 million passengers annually and upgrade the airport to 4F standards. At the same time, the five-star Gia Binh Airport project is underway, expanding the capital region’s aviation capacity towards a multi-airport model rather than relying solely on Noi Bai. Meanwhile, Airports Corporation of Vietnam (ACV) is accelerating expansion plans for Phu Quoc, Cat Bi, Phu Cat, and Dong Hoi airports to strengthen capacity in key economic and tourism centers.

As infrastructure capacity expands, competitive dynamics will inevitably shift. According to Saigon-Hanoi Securities, Vietnam already has an airport network above the global average relative to population and land area, with accessibility improving under the approved master plan. With 83.5 million passengers carried in 2025 - a historic high - demand fundamentals provide room to absorb new capacity.

One notable factor is the increasingly open legal framework for private investment in aviation infrastructure. Van Don International Airport, developed by the Sun Group under the build-operate-transfer (BOT) model, exemplifies the trend toward socialization. Private participation not only adds capital resources but also changes operational organization towards integrated ecosystems linking airports, airlines, and tourism services.

Entering 2026, as fleet sizes across the market expand simultaneously, competitive pressure is expected to intensify. According to MBS, fleet growth is projected at around 18 per cent; significantly outpacing passenger growth. This will put direct pressure on domestic market share and force airlines to optimize costs, restructure networks, and utilize new hubs more efficiently.

Divergence between airline groups is becoming more pronounced. Leading carriers are focusing on international and regional routes to protect profit margins, while expanding airlines are seeking advantages in tourism, charter services, and hub-and-spoke models to optimize operating costs. VNDIRECT has noted that 2026 will highlight ecosystem-based investment strategies, where advantage lies not only in fleet size but also in the ability to control the value chain from infrastructure to services.

In this context, competition is no longer a simple race over frequency or fares but a process of redistributing traffic between airports and airlines. With fleets expanding and infrastructure being upgraded within a short period of time, the market is entering a phase of deep adjustment in which scale and efficiency must advance together. This shift marks a new cycle for Vietnam’s skies - broader in capacity and fundamentally different in operational structure and competitive dynamics.

VET-Huynh Dung

Domestic airlines adjust operations as jet fuel prices surge

Fri, 27 Mar 2026 01:00:00 GMT

Local airlines's expenses have risen by 20–30%, according to their estimates.

Rising aviation fuel prices and tightening supplies of Jet A-1 are forcing Vietnamese airlines to revise flight plans, cut some routes and focus on key services.

Budget-carrier Vietjet Air said it has adjusted operations in line with guidance from the Civil Aviation Authority of Vietnam (CAAV) to maintain network stability. During April–May, including the peak April 30–May 1 holiday, the carrier will continue operating 64 international routes while adjusting frequencies on selected services to match demand.

National flag carrier Vietnam Airlines is prioritising routes with strategic importance for connectivity, trade, tourism and diplomacy. From April 1, 2026, the carrier plans to temporarily suspend several routes, including Hai Phong–Buon Ma Thuot, Hai Phong–Cam Ranh, Hai Phong–Phu Quoc, Hai Phong–Can Tho, Ho Chi Minh City–Van Don, Ho Chi Minh City–Rach Gia and Ho Chi Minh City–Dien Bien, affecting about 23 flights per week.

Bamboo Airways will concentrate on trunk routes such as Hanoi–Ho Chi Minh City–Da Nang and high-demand tourism destinations, while maintaining charter flights to China and the Philippines.

Vietravel Airlines, however, plans to add a new aircraft in April and increase flights to key tourist destinations, while resuming the Hanoi–Bangkok route from April 24.

According to the CAAV, Jet A-1 prices have surged to over $220 per barrel from about $89 in February, significantly raising operating costs. Local airlines estimate expenses have risen by 20–30%.

Carriers are considering fare adjustments within regulatory caps and may introduce fuel surcharges on international routes from early April. They have also called for government support measures, including tax reductions and financial assistance.

VnEconomy-Đan Tiên

HCM City tourism rebounds strongly in Q1

Thu, 26 Mar 2026 08:00:00 GMT

The city welcomed nearly 20 million visitors in January-March.

Tourism in Ho Chi Minh City posted solid growth in the first quarter of 2026 with nearly 20 million visitors, according to the municipal Department of Tourism.

Growth was supported by efforts to diversify tourism products and improve service quality. The city has focused on developing night-time tourism, river-based experiences, cultural tourism, and creative industries.

Tourism stimulus programs, regional linkages, and promotional campaigns were implemented in a coordinated manner. Authorities also accelerated the use of digital technology in tourism management and marketing, gradually building a smart tourism ecosystem.

Large-scale cultural events, festivals, fairs, and exhibitions helped attract both domestic and international visitors. Meanwhile, tourism businesses have actively refreshed their offerings and improved services to meet increasingly diverse demand.

In 2026, the city aims to welcome around 11 million international visitors and 50 million domestic tourists, with total tourism revenue projected at VND330 trillion ($12.54 million).

In the second quarter, the city will continue promoting sustainable tourism development, focusing on digital transformation, green growth, and cultural industries.

VnEconomy-Uyên Phương

Airfares increase as fuel costs surge: survey

Mon, 23 Mar 2026 01:00:00 GMT

The trend spanning major markets in Asia, Europe, and North America.

A rapid survey by the Civil Aviation Authority of Vietnam (CAAV) on March 20 found that over 60% of nearly 40 international and regional airlines—including many operating to and from Vietnam—have increased or plan to increase fuel surcharges and airfares from mid-March.

The trend spans major markets in Asia, Europe, and North America.

Budget carrier Vietjet Air of Vietnam recently informed partners that, after assessing market conditions and operational costs, it must adjust ticket prices to maintain operations. International charter flights from Ho Chi Minh City will rise by $18 per one-way journey, or $36 for round trips. The carrier will also revise fuel surcharges on flights between Vietnam and South Korea, effective April 1, 2026.

National flag carrier Vietnam Airlines faces similar pressures, with rising costs threatening profitability. Standard fares on the Hanoi–Ho Chi Minh City route at the end of March now range from VND2.4–3.7 million ($91.2-140) per one-way ticket, or VND5–7 million ($190-266) for round trips, up significantly from around VND3–5 million ($114-190) last year.

In response to the strain on carriers, the CAAV has proposed several relief measures, including a 100% exemption on environmental protection tax for aviation fuel through May 2026, inclusion of aviation fuel in VAT-reduced goods, flexible fuel surcharges based on actual prices, review of domestic fare caps, and a 50% reduction in aviation-related fees such as landing, takeoff, and air navigation charges.

These moves aim to ease financial pressure on airlines while stabilizing fares and supporting sustainable aviation operations amid rising fuel costs.

VnEconomy-Tường Bách

New air routes launched, connecting Da Nang with Manila and Bali

Sun, 22 Mar 2026 23:30:00 GMT

The new routes, operated by AirAsia, are expected to enhance Da Nang’s appeal as a regional destination while creating more opportunities to attract international visitors in the coming years.

Two new international air routes from Manila, the Philippines, and Bali, Indonesia, to central Da Nang city of Vietnam have been launched, marking a significant step in expanding its connectivity across Southeast Asia.

A ceremony was held at Da Nang International Airport on March 20 to welcome the inaugural flights operated by AirAsia.

At 3:20pm, flight Z2824 of Philippines AirAsia from Ninoy Aquino International Airport landed in Da Nang with 180 passengers on board. The Manila–Da Nang route will operate four flights per week on Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays and Sundays using Airbus A320 aircraft.

Later the same day, at 5:55pm, flight QZ480 of Indonesia AirAsia from Ngurah Rai International Airport arrived, also carrying 180 passengers. This marks the first direct air link between Bali and Da Nang. The route will run four times weekly on the same schedule, also using Airbus A320 aircraft.

The new routes are expected to enhance Da Nang’s appeal as a regional destination while creating more opportunities to attract international visitors in the coming years.

VnEconomy-Ngô Anh Văn

Ajanta Caves - A Masterpiece of Buddhist Painting Carved into 2,000-Year-Old Cliffs

Fri, 20 Mar 2026 09:19:00 GMT

During a tourism familiarization trip to the Indian state of Maharashtra, jointly organized by the Embassy of India in Vietnam and the Directorate of Tourism under the Government of Maharashtra, an international delegation of journalists and travel businesses spent an entire day exploring the Ajanta Caves-an ancient Buddhist cave complex recognized by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site.

More than just an architectural wonder carved into a mountainside over 2,000 years ago, Ajanta is also regarded as a “museum of ancient painting,” preserving invaluable Buddhist murals that reflect the life, beliefs, and artistic achievements of ancient India.

A Buddhist Cave Complex Over Two Millennia Old

The Ajanta Caves are located in the state of Maharashtra, about 100 kilometers from the city of Aurangabad. From a distance, the caves appear almost hidden within the basalt cliffs of the Deccan Plateau, overlooking a horseshoe-shaped gorge carved by the Waghur River.

That morning, the delegation departed early to reach Ajanta under the soft morning light. From the visitor center, access to the caves is carefully managed-vehicles are not allowed beyond a certain point, and visitors continue on foot along a path hugging the hillside, a system designed to minimize environmental impact.

At the first panoramic viewpoint, the entire complex gradually reveals itself: a sweeping arc of cave entrances carved into the cliff face, perfectly echoing the curve of the gorge below. The scene feels less like a man-made monument and more like a natural formation shaped over time.

Rock-cut caves at Ajanta Caves, where temples and monasteries were carved directly into the basalt cliffs more than 2,000 years ago. Photo: Trong Thoan.

The majestic yet tranquil landscape gives many visitors the feeling that they are looking at a creation of nature rather than a monument made by human hands.

Ajanta Caves are among the oldest Buddhist cave complexes in India, comprising around 30 caves hewn directly from basalt rock and dating from the 2nd century BCE to around the 5th century CE.

Researchers believe that Ajanta was built in two main phases. The first began around the 2nd century BCE when the earliest monasteries and prayer halls were created under the patronage of the Satavahana dynasty. Construction then paused for several centuries before entering a second phase in the 5th century during the Vakataka dynasty, when many new caves and the famous murals were completed.

The caves at Ajanta mainly consist of two characteristic types of Buddhist architecture. The first is the vihara, or monastic residence where monks lived and meditated. These caves usually feature a square central hall surrounded by small cells for monks.

The second type is the chaitya, or prayer hall, which contains a stupa at the far end. In these chaitya halls, visitors can walk around the stupa in a ritual known as circumambulation - an important practice in Buddhism.

Ancient craftsmen began carving from the top downward, removing rock layer by layer to create complete architectural spaces-an approach that required extraordinary precision and planning.

An Ancient Art Museum Inside the Mountain

What truly distinguishes Ajanta in the history of world art is not only its architecture but its extraordinary system of murals and relief sculptures.

These paintings, created more than 1,500 years ago, cover walls, ceilings, and pillars, depicting scenes from the Jataka tales-the stories of the Buddha’s previous lives-as well as court life, nature, and daily activities in ancient India. The level of detail, emotional expression, and compositional sophistication continues to impress scholars and visitors alike.

Most of the paintings depict stories from the Jataka tales - legends describing the previous lives of the Buddha. In these stories, the Buddha appears in many forms, from human beings to animals, embodying noble virtues such as compassion, sacrifice, and wisdom.

Ancient painters did more than simply illustrate the narratives; they captured subtle emotions through the characters’ eyes, gestures, and postures. Processions of people, royal palaces, forests, and animals are all rendered with dynamic composition and remarkable detail.

A large reclining Buddha sculpture carved into the rock inside Ajanta Caves, depicting the Buddha entering Parinirvana. Photo: Trong Thoan.

One of the most surprising aspects for visitors is that, despite more than a millennium having passed, many paintings still retain clear colors and lines. Historians believe this demonstrates the highly advanced techniques of ancient Indian craftsmen, from preparing the rock surfaces to mixing pigments.

Among the caves, numbers 1, 2, 16, and 17 are considered to house the most beautiful murals. The paintings here are illuminated only very gently to protect their original colors, giving visitors the feeling of stepping into a mysterious and ancient world.

From a Forgotten Monument to a Famous Tourist Destination - and a Lesson in Heritage Conservation

For the international delegation, exploring Ajanta was not a brief visit but a full-day journey through history. Moving from one cave to another along the cliffside, the experience unfolds gradually, each space revealing a different layer of artistic and spiritual expression.

By the end of the day, what remained was not only admiration for the scale and craftsmanship of the site, but also a sense of quiet reflection. In the dimly lit interiors, where ancient murals have survived for over two millennia, visitors can feel a rare connection to the past-one shaped by faith, artistry, and human perseverance.

From intricately carved pillars to sacred stupas deep within the caves, each space reflects the architectural and spiritual life of ancient Buddhist communities.

Walking along the cliff, visitors can see that each cave features its own architectural and decorative style, reflecting the development of art over several centuries. Many members of the delegation were particularly impressed by how ancient craftsmen combined sculpture and painting within the same space. Stone pillars, ceilings, and walls served both as surfaces for carving statues and as “canvases” for murals. This integration creates a unified artistic composition, making Ajanta not merely an archaeological site but a complete work of art.

After religious activities declined around the late 5th century, Ajanta gradually became overgrown with jungle and was largely forgotten for many centuries. It was not until 1819 that a British officer named John Smith accidentally rediscovered the caves while participating in a tiger hunting expedition in the area. The discovery quickly attracted the attention of archaeologists and European scholars.

Throughout the 19th and early 20th centuries, numerous research and restoration projects were carried out. Scholars reproduced many of the murals for study and preservation purposes.

After India gained independence, the government of Maharashtra continued to invest in infrastructure and heritage management. Ajanta was later recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1983. Today, together with Ellora Caves, Ajanta has become one of the most important heritage destinations in Maharashtra, attracting millions of visitors each year.

One issue that particularly interested the international delegation was how India preserves the Ajanta heritage while still developing tourism. Conservation remains a central concern. The preservation of Ajanta is carried out in close coordination with the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI), with strict measures in place, including controlled lighting, humidity regulation, limited visitor capacity, and restrictions on flash photography.

At the same time, authorities have introduced innovative solutions such as life-size replicas of selected caves at the visitor center, allowing tourists to appreciate the artwork without putting additional pressure on the original structures.

After a full day exploring Ajanta, many members of the delegation realized that the value of this cave complex lies not only in its millennia-old age or its rare murals. Ajanta also represents the intersection of art, religion, and nature in the history of India.

Amid basalt cliffs and quiet forests, ancient craftsmen created a world of color and emotion. More than two thousand years later, that world continues to tell the story of human history, faith, and creative talent. For first-time visitors, Ajanta is not just a tourist attraction but a journey back into the past - where every brushstroke and every carved stone bears the imprint of time.

From a monument once lost to time, Ajanta has become one of India’s most significant cultural tourism destinations. Millions of visitors each year not only help preserve its historical and artistic value but also support the development of local tourism and livelihoods.

The story of Ajanta demonstrates how heritage, when carefully preserved and responsibly developed, can become a sustainable driver of economic growth.

For many first-time visitors, it is not just a destination, but a rare encounter with the enduring legacy of Buddhist art and human creativity.

Tác giả-Bùi Trọng Thoan

Two Vietnamese airports named among world’s top 100 in 2026 by Skytrax

Fri, 20 Mar 2026 09:00:00 GMT

The ranking released on March 18 is part of the annual World Airport Awards 2026, based on passenger satisfaction surveys assessing traveler experiences across a range of airport service and product performance indicators, from check-in, arrivals and transfers to shopping, security, immigration and departure procedures at the gate.

Vietnam's Noi Bai International Airport and Da Nang International Airport were ranked in the world’s top 100 airports in 2026 by Skytrax, the Government News reported on March 20.

The ranking released on March 18 is part of the annual World Airport Awards 2026, based on passenger satisfaction surveys assessing traveler experiences across a range of airport service and product performance indicators, from check-in, arrivals and transfers to shopping, security, immigration and departure procedures at the gate.

Specifically, Hanoi-based Noi Bai International Airport climbed eight places to 71st in the ranking and entered the top 10 best airports in the world for the first time in the 30–40 million passenger category.

The airport operates two runways and two terminals, T1 for domestic and T2 for international flights, with a designed capacity of 25 million passengers per year.

In the first nine months of 2025, the airport served over 25.3 million passengers, nearly 80 percent of its annual target and handled 155,000 flights and 729,000 tons of cargo, showing strong growth compared to 2024.

Meanwhile, Skytrax ranked Da Nang International Airport at the 75th, up 9 places compared to the previous year.

In 2025, Da Nang International Airport handled 15.1 million passengers and 41,561 tons of cargo.

Skytrax, founded in 1989 and headquartered in London, is a professional organization that evaluates the global aviation market.

It provides consulting and assesses the quality of products and services for airlines and airports worldwide.

The rankings conducted by Skytrax are independent and based on passenger surveys across 555 airports globally, collected through websites and international terminals.

VGP-Van Nguyen

InterContinental Hanoi Landmark72: Above the clouds, beyond the ordinary

Fri, 20 Mar 2026 08:00:00 GMT

Perched atop Hanoi’s tallest tower, InterContinental Hanoi Landmark72 combines elevated views, diverse dining and expansive event spaces, positioning itself as a key luxury destination in the capital’s growing western district.

The reception area at InterContinental Hanoi Landmark72 welcomes guests with a sleek, contemporary design and panoramic views that set the tone for an elevated stay above the city.

Rising above Hanoi’s rapidly evolving skyline, InterContinental Hanoi Landmark72 occupies the upper floors of the iconic Keangnam Landmark72 Tower, offering sweeping views across the capital’s western corridor. The hotel features 359 rooms and suites, designed with floor-to-ceiling windows that combine expansive city vistas with contemporary comfort. Convenient access to Noi Bai International Airport positions the property as both a retreat and a practical base for business and leisure travellers.

Stellar Steakhouse at InterContinental Hanoi Landmark72 presents premium cuts and refined dining in a sleek, elevated setting overlooking the city.

The hotel also presents a diverse dining portfolio. At The Hive Lounge, afternoon tea is served in an elegant setting, while 3 Spoons offers an interactive dining experience through its open kitchens and international cuisine. Stellar Steakhouse focuses on premium cuts and refined techniques, while Stellar Teppanyaki showcases Japanese-style grilling. Q Bar, located high above the city, serves a selection of signature cocktails alongside panoramic evening views.

The Ambassador Suite at InterContinental Hanoi Landmark72 offers expansive living space, refined interiors and sweeping city views, designed for both comfort and understated luxury.

For meetings and events, the hotel provides a range of modern venues, including 12 breakout rooms and a grand ballroom with a capacity of up to 1,000 guests. These spaces accommodate a variety of functions, from corporate conferences to large-scale social events. Wedding offerings range from ballroom ceremonies to more intimate garden settings, designed to suit different preferences and styles.

The Grand Ballroom hosts up to 1,000 guests in a pillarless space for conferences and celebrations.

Notably, the hotel is the first in Hanoi to receive Halal certification, reflecting a broader effort to cater to diverse guest needs through dedicated dining options and services.

InterContinental Hanoi Landmark72 Address: Plot E6, Cau Giay New Urban Area, Yen Hoa Ward, Hanoi Telephone: +84 24 3698 8888 Email: res.hanoilandmark72@ihg.com Website: https://www.landmark72.intercontinental.com

-Diep Linh

Ellora Caves: How a 1,400-Year-Old Monument Powers India’s Heritage Tourism

Mon, 16 Mar 2026 10:00:00 GMT

Rising from the basalt plateau of Maharashtra in western India, the Ellora Caves-carved directly into the mountainside more than a millennium ago-stand as one of humanity’s most extraordinary architectural achievements.

During a recent familiarization trip organized by the Embassy of India in Vietnam and the government of Maharashtra, a delegation of international journalists and travel companies - including a representative of Vietnam Economic Times (VnEconomy) - had the opportunity to experience the site firsthand. The visit offered a rare glimpse into how India preserves an ancient heritage site while promoting it as a strategic asset in the country’s rapidly growing tourism industry.

As the road approaches the complex, the long basalt cliffs of the Charanandri Hills slowly emerge on the horizon. Hidden within these dark volcanic rocks lies one of India’s most remarkable ancient architectural wonders. Unlike many historic monuments built from bricks or assembled stone blocks, the entire Ellora complex was carved directly into the mountainside.

At first glance, it is difficult to imagine that an entire network of temples and monasteries could be hidden inside these seemingly solid cliffs. For many members of our delegation, the approach to Ellora already hinted that the site would be far more extraordinary than expected.

The 34 caves that make up the complex stretch for more than two kilometers and reflect centuries of artistic, religious, and architectural development in India.

For the country’s tourism industry, Ellora is far more than a historical monument. Along with the nearby Ajanta Caves, it forms one of India’s most important cultural heritage destinations. Both cave complexes were designated UNESCO World Heritage Sites in 1983 and attract millions of visitors each year, making them central to travel itineraries across Maharashtra-one of India’s key tourism regions.

Unlike many ancient monuments built by assembling stone blocks, ancient artisans carved directly into natural rock to create a vast system of temples, monasteries, and corridors. (Photo: Trong Thoan)

A monumental complex carved from solid rock

Located about 30 kilometers from the city of Aurangabad, the Ellora Caves extend along the slopes of the Charanandri Hills on the Deccan Plateau. The site consists of 34 rock-cut caves sculpted directly into the basalt cliffs, forming one of the largest monolithic architectural complexes in the world.

What makes Ellora truly remarkable is not only its scale but also the method by which it was built. Instead of constructing temples by stacking stone blocks, ancient artisans carved downward from the top of the rock face, gradually removing enormous volumes of stone to create temples, monasteries, corridors, and elaborate sculptures.

Archaeologists believe that the caves were created between the 6th and 10th centuries. One of the most striking features of Ellora is the coexistence of three major religions-Buddhism, Hinduism, and Jainism-within the same complex.

Of the 34 caves, twelve are Buddhist, seventeen Hindu, and five Jain. The presence of these three traditions side by side is widely regarded by scholars as evidence of the spirit of religious tolerance that existed in parts of India’s history.

Walking through the stone corridors today, visitors encounter hundreds of intricately carved statues and bas-reliefs depicting Hindu mythology, scenes from the great epics Ramayana and Mahabharata, and aspects of ancient spiritual life.

Even travelers who have visited many historic monuments around the world often find themselves awed by the scale and atmosphere of Ellora.

As we moved deeper into the caves, the atmosphere grew quieter and more contemplative. The cool stone walls, dim light, and the silent presence of centuries-old sculptures created the feeling of stepping back in time.

Today, Cave 16 of the Ellora Caves complex is not only the most prominent attraction at the site but also considered the pinnacle of India’s rock-cut architectural art. (Photo: Trong Thoan)

The world’s largest monolithic rock temple

At the heart of the Ellora complex lies Cave 16, home to the Kailasa Temple-one of the largest monolithic rock structures ever created by human hands. For our delegation, it was undoubtedly the most breathtaking highlight of the visit.

Constructed in the 8th century during the reign of the Rashtrakuta dynasty, the temple was dedicated to Lord Shiva, one of the principal deities in Hinduism. What makes the Kailasa Temple so extraordinary is that the entire structure was carved out of a single massive rock.

Rather than assembling materials piece by piece, ancient craftsmen sculpted the temple directly from the natural basalt cliff, removing an estimated 200,000 tons of rock in the process.

The temple rises roughly 30 meters high and features a vast courtyard, a towering central shrine, surrounding corridors, and numerous intricately carved sculptures. Its design is believed to represent Mount Kailash, the mythical Himalayan home of Lord Shiva.

Entering through the main gateway and looking across the open courtyard, visitors often feel as though they are standing before an entire city carved into the mountain.

For many of us visiting Ellora for the first time, that initial view of the Kailasa Temple was unforgettable. Standing at the edge of the courtyard, it was almost impossible not to pause for a moment, trying to comprehend how ancient craftsmen managed to transform a single block of rock into a structure of such scale and complexity.

At the center stands the main sanctuary crowned by a towering spire adorned with detailed bas-reliefs. In front of it sits the Nandi Mandapa, which houses the statue of Nandi-the sacred bull and divine vehicle of Shiva. Around the courtyard are smaller shrines, pillared halls, and galleries, all carved directly from the rock.

The temple’s walls are covered with monumental sculptures illustrating stories from India’s great epics. One of the most famous carvings depicts Ravana, the demon king, attempting to lift Mount Kailash and shake the abode of Shiva-a dramatic scene widely considered a masterpiece of ancient Indian sculpture.

Deeper inside the corridors, visitors can still see traces of ancient paintings on the ceilings and pillars. Though faded by time, they offer a glimpse of the artistic sophistication achieved by early craftsmen.

Natural light streaming into the open courtyard creates a shifting play of light and shadow across the stone surfaces, giving the temple an atmosphere that feels both sacred and mysterious.

What makes the Kailasa Temple even more astonishing is the fact that it was completed more than 1,200 years ago, without modern machinery or technology. Scholars believe the monument was built over several generations of artisans during the Rashtrakuta dynasty, with much of the work likely completed under King Krishna I.

Today, Cave 16 stands not only as the centerpiece of the Ellora complex but also as one of the greatest achievements of rock-cut architecture in the world.

Beyond its religious significance, Ellora also played an important role in ancient trade networks.

Historical research suggests that the region lay close to an important route linking northern and southern India. Merchants, monks, and pilgrims frequently passed through the area, making Ellora a key stop along both commercial and spiritual journeys.

Several caves served as Buddhist monasteries where monks lived, studied, and taught. Funding for the construction of the caves came not only from royal patrons but also from wealthy merchants.

This pattern reflects the close relationship between religion, commerce, and everyday life in ancient India. In this sense, Ellora was not merely a religious monument but also part of a broader economic and social ecosystem.

For the state of Maharashtra, Ellora is not only a cultural pride but also a strategic asset for the tourism industry. (Photo: Trong Thoan)

A key pillar of Maharashtra’s tourism strategy

Today, Ellora has become one of the most important tourist destinations in Maharashtra. Together with the Ajanta Caves, located about 100 kilometers away, it forms a renowned cultural tourism corridor in the Marathwada region.

Millions of visitors travel to the two cave complexes every year, making heritage tourism an increasingly important contributor to the local economy.

The Maharashtra government has invested heavily in transportation infrastructure, hospitality facilities, and tourism services in and around the city of Aurangabad, aiming to develop the area into a major cultural tourism hub.

Improved highways, an international airport, and a growing number of hotels and resorts now support the steady rise in visitor numbers.

For India’s tourism industry, sites like Ellora represent long-term economic assets. Unlike artificial attractions that may quickly lose their appeal, heritage monuments that have survived for centuries possess a timeless fascination for travelers.

The visit by our delegation of journalists and travel companies formed part of the state’s broader tourism promotion strategy.

Participants included media representatives and tour operators from Vietnam, South Korea, Taiwan, Indonesia, Sri Lanka, Malaysia, the Netherlands, Brazil, and several other countries. The aim was to give them direct experience of Maharashtra’s major attractions so they could develop new travel itineraries and promotional campaigns for international markets.

In recent years, India has placed particular emphasis on attracting travelers from Southeast and East Asia-regions where outbound tourism is expanding rapidly.

For many participants in the delegation, Ellora was a surprising discovery. While most had long been familiar with iconic landmarks like the Taj Mahal or the palaces of Jaipur, few had imagined the scale and beauty of this ancient cave complex.

A heritage of the past, an opportunity for the future

As the sun began to set over the basalt cliffs of Ellora, the site seemed to glow in the warm evening light-a reminder of the enduring power of history.

More than a thousand years ago, ancient artisans carved these monuments using simple tools and deep religious devotion. Today, the caves continue to tell stories of the past while creating economic opportunities for the present.

Across the world, heritage tourism is becoming an increasingly important part of national economies, and India offers a compelling example of how history can be transformed into a resource for sustainable development.

With its vast collection of heritage sites-from ancient temples to historic cities-the country is gradually turning its cultural legacy into a powerful driver of tourism.

For Maharashtra, Ellora represents both cultural pride and a strategic tourism asset. And for visitors seeing the site for the first time, it serves as a powerful reminder that some of humanity’s greatest wonders were not built with concrete or steel, but with imagination, faith, and the patience of generations.

By the end of the familiarization trip, Ellora left a lasting impression on the delegation, not only as a magnificent architectural achievement created more than a millennium ago but also as an inspiring example of how heritage conservation can go hand in hand with sustainable tourism development.

For me personally, the visit to Ellora was more than a journey to a historic site. It was a reminder that some of humanity’s greatest achievements were created with simple tools, patience, and imagination-qualities that continue to inspire visitors more than a thousand years later.

Vneconomy-Bùi Trọng Thoan

Vietnam's passport jumps six places in 2026 global ranking

Mon, 16 Mar 2026 03:00:00 GMT

Passport rankings reflect the global mobility of citizens and the level of openness of countries to international travel.

Vietnam’s passport has climbed six places to rank 84th globally in the 2026 Henley Passport Index.

Vietnamese citizens can currently travel to 48 destinations without obtaining a visa in advance, either through visa-free entry or by securing an e-visa, visa on arrival (VOA), or electronic travel authorization (ETA), out of a total of 199 countries and territories.

Within Southeast Asia, Vietnam ranks above Cambodia (85th), Laos (87th), and Myanmar (90th) although Cambodia had previously placed higher than Vietnam in earlier editions of the ranking.

The highest ranking Vietnam has achieved in the 19-year history of the index was 78th place, recorded in 2006 and 2007.

Passport rankings reflect the global mobility of citizens and the level of openness of countries to international travel.

The Henley Passport Index evaluates passports based on the number of destinations their holders can enter without a prior visa, or where simplified entry procedures such as e-visas, visas on arrival, or ETAs are available.

The ranking is compiled using exclusive data from the International Air Transport Association and analysis conducted by the research team at Henley Partners.

Singapore continues to top the global passport ranking with its citizens able to enter 192 countries and territories without obtaining a visa in advance.

VnEconomy-Tường Bách

Vietnam listed among most-searched Asian destinations for French tourists

Sat, 14 Mar 2026 08:30:00 GMT

Among the most-searched destinations, Asian countries such as Vietnam, Japan, and Thailand appear alongside established European tourism hubs including Italy and Spain.

Vietnam emerged as one of the most-searched Asian destinations among French travelers, the Government News quoted a survey released by the organizers of the Global Travel Fair 2026 in France as reporting .

The findings suggest that travel demand among French residents is expected to remain strong in 2026, while also highlighting a noticeable shift in destination preferences.

The survey, conducted in November 2025 with nearly 900 participants in the Île-de-France region, shows that as many as 98 percent of respondents plan to travel in 2026. Among them, 73 percent intend to travel abroad, and nearly half say they take international trips at least twice a year.

In terms of regional preferences, Europe remains the top choice, with 38 percent of travelers favoring destinations within the continent due to its proximity and well-developed transport networks.

However, Asia is gaining increasing popularity, accounting for 28 percent of travel preferences—the highest level recorded since the survey was first launched in 2019.

Among the most-searched destinations, Asian countries such as Vietnam, Japan and Thailand appear alongside established European tourism hubs including Italy and Spain.

The trend suggests that French travelers are increasingly broadening their horizons and are more willing to travel longer distances in search of new experiences.

According to the organizers of the Global Travel Fair, the survey reflects a shift in the travel mindset of French tourists. Instead of focusing solely on familiar destinations, a growing number are exploring new locations that offer distinctive cultural identities and striking natural landscapes.

About 28 percent of respondents said they are particularly interested in lesser-known or emerging destinations on the global tourism map. This presents new opportunities for many Asian countries, including Vietnam, to capture the interest of European travelers.

Vietnam is widely regarded as one of the region's standout destinations thanks to its blend of rich cultural heritage, unique cuisine and diverse natural scenery.

These strengths are increasingly aligned with the experiential travel trends gaining popularity among French tourists.

At the Global Travel Fair 2026, held from March 12 to 15 at Paris Expo Porte de Versailles in Paris, Vietnam, together with other Asian destinations such as Nepal, India and Thailand, is being promoted as an experience-rich destination for international visitors.

The survey also highlights the growing importance of experiential travel. French travelers increasingly seek opportunities to immerse themselves in local culture, enjoy traditional cuisine and take part in nature-based activities rather than simply visiting famous landmarks.

In terms of travel planning, most travelers still prefer to organize their trips independently. However, package tours are gradually attracting more interest, particularly for long-haul journeys or trips to distant destinations.

Around 60 percent of respondents said they begin researching and planning their trips at least three months before departure.

Overall, the survey results indicate that the global tourism landscape in 2026 is presenting new opportunities. With growing interest from the European market, Vietnam is well positioned to strengthen its promotional efforts and attract more international visitors looking for culturally rich and nature-oriented travel experiences.

VGP-Pham Long

Maharashtra seeks to attract Vietnamese visitors through Buddhist heritage and UNESCO sites

Wed, 11 Mar 2026 07:35:00 GMT

Vietnamese travelers are seen as a promising market for cultural exploration and Buddhist pilgrimage tourism in India in general and Maharashtra State in particular.

As part of a tourism familiarization trip organized by the Government of Maharashtra in cooperation with the Embassy of India in Vietnam, an international delegation of journalists and travel industry representatives recently spent six days exploring key destinations across Maharashtra.

The delegation included representatives from Vietnam Economic Times (VnEconomy), who joined a journey through several of the state’s most significant cultural and historical sites.

The itinerary began in the historic city of Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar, formerly known as Aurangabad, which serves as the gateway to two of India’s most remarkable archaeological treasures: the Ellora Caves and the Ajanta Caves.

Both sites are recognized as UNESCO World Heritage Sites and are widely regarded as masterpieces of ancient Indian art and architecture.The caves, carved directly into basalt rock cliffs, contain hundreds of sculptures, monasteries, temples, and murals dating back more than two millennia.

The journey continued to the sacred city of Nashik, one of India’s important religious centers, before concluding in Mumbai, the country’s financial capital and one of the most dynamic metropolitan hubs in Asia.

Beyond visiting iconic heritage landmarks, the delegation also took part in meetings with tourism authorities, local travel operators, and industry stakeholders to learn more about Maharashtra’s strategy for developing international tourism markets.

On this occasion, Vietnam Economic Times (VnEconomy) conducted an interview with Mr. Vijay Jadhav, Deputy Director of the Directorate of Tourism under the Government of Maharashtra, to discuss the state’s plans to strengthen tourism cooperation with Vietnam and promote Maharashtra as a destination for cultural and Buddhist pilgrimage travel.

A VnEconomy representative receives a souvenir from Vijay Jadhav, Deputy Director of the Tourism Directorate of Maharashtra. Photo: Trong Thoan.

Vietnam - an emerging and promissing tourism market

According to Mr. Vijay Jadhav, Southeast Asia has become an increasingly important region for Maharashtra’s international tourism promotion strategy, with Vietnam emerging as one of the most promising markets. Vietnam’s rapidly growing middle class and increasing interest in cultural travel make the country an important market for Maharashtra’s tourism promotion efforts.

“We see growing interest from Vietnamese travelers in destinations that offer cultural depth, historical significance, and spiritual experiences,” he said.

“Maharashtra has a unique combination of these elements. Our heritage sites, particularly Ajanta and Ellora, hold deep connections to the history and spread of Buddhism, which makes them especially meaningful for visitors from countries with strong Buddhist traditions such as Vietnam.”

The Ajanta cave complex is famous for its exquisite Buddhist murals and paintings, many of which date back to the 2nd century BCE. These artworks depict scenes from the life of the Buddha as well as stories from the Jataka tales, offering rare insights into early Buddhist culture and philosophy.

Meanwhile, the Ellora caves represent an extraordinary example of religious coexistence. The site is also home to the famous Kailasa Temple, a massive monolithic structure carved from a single rock and considered one of the greatest architectural achievements of ancient India. Within a single complex, visitors can explore Buddhist monasteries, Hindu temples, and Jain shrines carved into the same cliffside over several centuries.

“This unique cultural and spiritual landscape is something travelers cannot easily find elsewhere in the world,” Mr. Jadhav noted.

Tourism experiences tailored to international visitors

Tourism authorities in Maharashtra believe that Vietnamese travelers would be particularly interested in a variety of experiences the state has to offer, ranging from heritage tourism to modern urban exploration.

UNESCO heritage tourism remains the centerpiece of the state’s tourism offerings. Ajanta and Ellora attract scholars, historians, artists, and spiritual travelers from across the globe.

“These caves are not merely archaeological sites,” Mr. Jadhav explained. “They are living cultural monuments that reflect centuries of artistic achievement, philosophical thought, and religious devotion.”

Beyond heritage sites, visitors can also experience the vibrant urban life of Mumbai. The city is home to India’s largest financial district and is widely known as the center of the country’s film industry, Bollywood.

Tourists can explore famous landmarks such as the Gateway of India, colonial-era architecture, lively markets, and the iconic Marine Drive promenade along the Arabian Sea, often referred to as the “Queen’s Necklace.”

For those seeking nature and relaxation, Maharashtra also offers scenic hill stations such as Mahabaleshwar and Lonavala, known for their cool climate, green valleys, and panoramic viewpoints.

Meanwhile, the long stretch of the Konkan Coast features pristine beaches, fishing villages, and coastal culture that remain largely untouched by mass tourism.

“These diverse tourism products allow visitors to experience different facets of Maharashtra-from ancient heritage to modern city life and natural beauty,” Mr. Jadhav said.

A large reclining Buddha sculpture carved into the rock inside Ellora Caves, depicting the Buddha entering Parinirvana. Photo: Trong Thoan.

Expanding promotion in Vietnam

Following the familiarization trip, Maharashtra Tourism plans to intensify its engagement with the Vietnamese market.

According to Mr. Jadhav, several initiatives are under consideration to promote the state more effectively in Vietnam. These include partnerships with Vietnamese travel agencies, participation in regional tourism fairs, and expanded media collaborations.

Digital marketing campaigns targeting Vietnamese travelers are also expected to play an important role.

“We believe that raising awareness is the first step,” he said. “Many travelers in Vietnam may not yet be fully familiar with the incredible heritage sites we have in Maharashtra. Once they discover these destinations, we are confident that interest will grow.”

The state is also working to develop structured heritage circuits for international visitors, including routes linking Mumbai with Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar and the Ajanta-Ellora region.

Direct air connectivity as a key driver

Air connectivity is another factor expected to significantly influence tourism growth between Vietnam and Maharashtra.

Mumbai serves as one of India’s major international aviation hubs, with extensive connections to cities around the world.

Improved flight connections between Vietnam and Mumbai could help reduce travel time and make Maharashtra more accessible for both leisure travelers and business visitors.

“Direct or convenient flight routes can make a huge difference,” Mr. Jadhav said.

“Better connectivity allows travelers to combine cultural tourism with business trips, conferences, or extended journeys across India.”

Protecting ancient heritage for future generations

While tourism promotion is a priority, authorities emphasize that protecting Maharashtra’s ancient heritage remains equally important.

Conservation efforts at Ajanta and Ellora are carried out in cooperation with the Archaeological Survey of India, the national body responsible for preserving historical monuments.

Strict measures are in place to regulate visitor numbers, control lighting conditions inside the caves, and maintain appropriate humidity levels in order to protect the fragile murals and sculptures.

Flash photography is restricted in many areas, and ongoing research programs are conducted to ensure the long-term preservation of the sites.

“These caves have survived for more than 2,000 years,” Mr. Jadhav said.

“Our responsibility is to protect them so that future generations can continue to experience their beauty and historical significance.”

Looking ahead to stronger tourism links

As cultural exchanges and travel between India and Vietnam continue to expand, Maharashtra hopes to play a larger role in welcoming Vietnamese visitors.

Tourism officials believe that the shared cultural connections rooted in Buddhism provide a natural foundation for deeper tourism cooperation.

“We see great potential for stronger people-to-people connections between Maharashtra and Vietnam,” Mr. Jadhav said.

“With our heritage sites, vibrant cities, and diverse landscapes, we hope to welcome many more Vietnamese travelers in the years ahead and strengthen tourism ties between India and Vietnam.”

Vneconomy-Bùi Trọng Thoan

Vietnam welcomes 4.68mln foreign tourists in 2M

Mon, 09 Mar 2026 07:55:00 GMT

The Republic of Korea, China, Russia, Taiwan (China), the United States, India and Japan being key source markets.

Vietnam welcomed around 4.68 million foreign tourists in the first two months of 2026, marking a year-on-year increase of 18.1%, according to the National Statistics Office.

In February alone, over 2.2 million international tourists visited the country, up 17.7% year-on-year.

Air travel remained the primary gateway for international tourists. During the January–February period, more than 3.8 million visitors arrived by air, accounting for 81.8% of total arrivals, and rising 12.8% from a year earlier. Meanwhile, land border arrivals recorded the fastest growth, reaching around 741,200 visitors, up 58.6% year-on-year. Sea arrivals totaled approximately 109,500 visitors, surging 10.2% year-on-year.

The rise in visitor numbers also contributed to higher tourism-related revenue. Travel service revenue during the first two months of the year was estimated at about VND15 trillion ($572 million), soaring 12.2% year-on-year.

Regarding source markets, the Republic of Korea remained the largest provider of visitors to Vietnam, followed by China. Other markets, including Russia, Taiwan (China), the United States, India, Japan and Malaysia, also maintained stable visitor flows.

VnEconomy-Tường Bách

Da Nang International Airport's capacity to be doubled to 20mln passengers per year

Mon, 09 Mar 2026 07:25:00 GMT

A master plan for the airport in central Da Nang city has been released.

Da Nang International Airport in central Da Nang City will have its capacity doubled to 20 million passengers per year during the 2021–30 period, under a master plan for the upgrade of the airport which has been released by the municipal authorities.

The airport is planned to meet International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) Category 4E standards, capable of accommodating modern wide-body aircraft such as Boeing 747, Boeing 787, Airbus A350, and equivalent aircraft types.

It is also capable of handling 100,000 tons of cargo annually.

By 2050, the airport will maintain its 4E rating and passenger capacity of roughly 20 million annually, while cargo volume is set to climb to about 330,000 tons per year.

VnEconomy-Gia Huy

Emirates resumes Hanoi-Dubai flights on March 6

Thu, 05 Mar 2026 23:30:00 GMT

The airline becoming the first Middle Eastern carrier to restore service at Vietnam's Noi Bai International Airport after five days of cancellations triggered by tensions in the Middle East.

Emirates resumes normal operations on its Hanoi–Dubai route on March 6, with its flight EK395 departing from Vietnam's Noi Bai International Airport at 00:25, becoming the first Middle Eastern carrier to restore service at the airport after five days of cancellations triggered by tensions in the Middle East.

As of March 5, Turkish Airlines has also resumed normal operations for both passenger and cargo flights from Hanoi to Istanbul.

However, flights of Qatar Airways and Etihad Airways from Hanoi to Doha and Abu Dhabi, respectively, have been cancelled since the outbreak of the military conflicts in the Middle East.

From February 28 to March 4, Noi Bai International Airport recorded 22 flight cancellations, disrupting the travel plans of around 4,600 passengers.

Vietnam News Agency-Van Nguyen

Investor officially approved for Phan Thiet Airport project

Thu, 05 Mar 2026 08:00:00 GMT

The airport will operate domestic routes and non-scheduled (charter) international flights based on demand.

Vice Chairman of the Lam Dong Provincial People’s Committee, Nguyen Hong Hai, on March 4 signed a decision approving a selected investor for the civil aviation component of the Phan Thiet Airport project, according to a news reported by Radio the Voice of Vietnam.

The designated investor is Phan Thiet Sun Airport Company Limited.

The Phan Thiet Airport project originally broke ground in January 2015. According to the approved master plan, the project consists of two main components: a military airfield and a civil airport. Currently, the military section, constructed by the Air Defense – Air Force Service, is already operational.

According to the Provincial People’s Committee, Phan Thiet Airport will meet the growing demand for air transport and serve as a catalyst for socio-economic development, while remaining integrated with national defense and security missions for the region and Lam Dong province.

The project’s specific objective is to serve Grade 4E civil aircraft, with a designed capacity of 2 million passengers per year by 2030. The airport will operate domestic routes and non-scheduled (charter) international flights based on demand.

VOV-

Vietnam Airlines keeps 12 direct air routes to Europe

Thu, 05 Mar 2026 00:30:00 GMT

Routes may be flexibly adjusted when necessary to ensure the highest level of safety for passengers and crew.

National flag carrier Vietnam Airlines has announced that its flights to and from Europe are operating as scheduled, with close monitoring and coordination with relevant authorities amid complex developments in the Middle East.

The airline currently operates 12 direct routes from Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City to major European destinations, including Paris, Frankfurt, Munich, London, Moscow, Milan, Copenhagen and Amsterdam. These services are operated using Airbus A350 and Boeing 787 aircraft, according to a report by the Vietnam News Agency.

The carrier affirmed that its flight network remains stable, while routes may be flexibly adjusted when necessary to ensure the highest level of safety for passengers and crew.

Vietnam Airlines said it has prepared flexible operational plans to maintain safe, stable and efficient flight operations.

The airline noted that any route adjustments could result in longer flight times and have knock-on effects across its wider network. However, it emphasized that such measures are essential, reaffirming that safety remains the top priority in all operational decisions.

Vietnam News Agency-Van Nguyen

Vietnam’s diplomatic missions in the Middle East issue travel advisories

Tue, 03 Mar 2026 01:00:00 GMT

Vietnamese citizens are advised to avoid unnecessary travel, especially to crowded areas, sensitive events, areas around diplomatic missions, military bases, key installations and major shopping malls during periods of security alerts.

Vietnamese embassies in the Middle East have issued urgent advisory notices for Vietnamese nationals amid rising tensions in the Middle East, according to a report from the Government News.

Specifically, the Vietnamese Embassy in Qatar urged Vietnamese citizens living, studying and working there to remain vigilant, proactively take measures to ensure their personal safety, closely follow instructions from Qatari authorities and monitor further announcements from the embassy.

The embassy advised citizens to avoid unnecessary travel, especially to crowded areas, sensitive events, areas around diplomatic missions, military bases, key installations and major shopping malls during periods of security alerts.

Vietnamese citizens have been advised to prepare for possible 'shelter-in-place' situations if necessary and identify a safe location, stock up on essential supplies such as drinking water, dry food, personal medication, backup batteries and flashlights, according to the embassy.

They must closely follow updates from Qatari authorities including the Ministry of Interior and local security forces, official media outlets and the embassy's communication channels.

They have also been asked to promptly inform relevant parties of any change of residence or movement away from their registered address while checking, keeping copies of identification documents and recording emergency contact details of employers/sponsors and family members.

In case Qatari authorities issue 'shelter-in-place' guidance or travel restrictions, Vietnamese citizens are urged to strictly comply and avoid going outside until further notice.

For emergency protection and assistance, Vietnamese nationals in Qatar can contact the embassy's citizen protection hotline at +974 77088920 or via email at vietnamembassy.doha@gmail.com.

The same day, the Vietnamese Embassy in the UAE issued a similar advisory notice to Vietnamese nationals living, studying and working in the UAE, particularly in the capital Abu Dhabi, urging them to proactively ensure their safety and closely follow official information from UAE authorities and further updates from the embassy.

The embassy requested citizens to avoid non-essential travel, prepare personal protection plans at safe locations at home or workplaces and closely monitor updates from UAE authorities, official media and the embassy's channels; and keep communication devices operational at all times.

Should UAE authorities issue safety guidance or movement restrictions, the embassy urged citizens to strictly comply until further notice.

For emergency assistance, Vietnamese nationals in the UAE may contact the embassy via the citizen protection hotline at +971 50 129 9789 or email vnemb1@emirates.net.ae@gmail.com.

The embassy's address is Villa 147, Salama Bint Butti Street (Street 23), Al Mushrif Area, Abu Dhabi, UAE.

The embassy also called on the Vietnamese community in the UAE to remain calm, proactively ensure their safety and regularly update themselves on further announcements.

The Vietnamese Embassy in Kuwait also issued similar notice, urging Vietnamese nationals there to follow official Kuwaiti media channels for updates, keep mobile phones operational and maintain contact with family and friends to report their situation and follow the embassy's communication channels for new announcements.

For emergency assistance, Vietnamese nationals can contact the embassy via the citizen protection hotline at +965 9975 8155 or +965 2531 1450.

The Vietnamese Embassy in Saudi Arabia advised Vietnamese citizens living, studying and working in Saudi Arabia, Oman, Bahrain and Yemen to take precautionary measures, including avoiding security-sensitive areas, especially crowded places.

They must regularly update information via reliable official channels, always carry identification documents such as passports, visas and other important papers, keep electronic copies for use when necessary and maintain regular contact with family, colleagues and friends for mutual support in case of emergencies.

In case of emergency, citizens are advised to immediately contact the embassy at +966114547887 or +966 595731500, or via email at vnemb.sa@mofa.gov.vn.

VGP-Pham Long

Hanoi ranks among the world's 50 most beautiful cities

Sun, 01 Mar 2026 00:30:00 GMT

What makes Hanoi particularly special in the eyes of international tourists is its blend of the East and the West in architecture, the old and the new in its rhythm of life, and street food that is simple yet so appealing it becomes iconic, acncording to Condé Nast Traveler.

Condé Nast Traveler has included Hanoi in its list of the top 50 most beautiful cities in the world.

According to Condé Nast Traveler, Hanoi is not the type of city that dazzles with skyscrapers or glittering boulevards. Its beauty lies in its layers of history, with a serene green lake in the heart of the city, slanted brown tiles of houses in the old quarter, French-era wrought iron balconies, and old trees casting shadows on autumn streets...

What makes Hanoi particularly special in the eyes of international tourists is its blend of the East and the West in architecture, the old and the new in its rhythm of life, and street food that is simple yet so appealing it becomes iconic.

From an economic tourism perspective, appearing on Condé Nast Traveler's list can be seen as a "soft power endorsement." Rankings from prestigious magazines in the US and Europe often have a direct impact on attracting high-spending tourists who seek deep cultural experiences rather than just short visits.

Hanoi's inclusion in Condé Nast Traveler's list of the 50 most beautiful cities in the world is not surprising to international tourism observers, but it holds special significance in the increasingly fierce global competition for destination image. Unlike cities that impress with modern skylines, Hanoi captivates visitors with its slow pace and urban structure intertwined with water and greenery. In the global trend towards "livable cities," this aspect is increasingly valued.

Cuisine is also a pillar of Hanoi's image. From pho and bun cha to egg coffee, Hanoi's street food culture is seen as a "living heritage" – where the experience lies not in luxury but in local authenticity and the subtlety of flavors. Many international tourism experts believe this is what sets Hanoi apart from industrialized tourism centers.

When Hanoi appears in Condé Nast Traveler's global media ecosystem, three economic impacts are evident: First, it increases the destination's credibility. Recognition from an international brand shortens the "decision-making process" for tourists, especially those visiting Vietnam for the first time. Second, it stimulates investment in high-end services. Boutique hotels, unique cuisine, specialized cultural tours, and personalized experiences will have room to grow, rather than relying on mass tourism. Third, it raises the average spending per visitor. A growth model based on "value rather than volume" aligns better with the sustainable development direction of the industry.

However, with recognition comes the pressure of preservation. The rapid development of real estate, infrastructure, and mass tourism poses a challenge to balance growth and maintaining identity. Hanoi is beautiful not only for what it has but for the layers of memory preserved in its urban space. In the global shift towards green and responsible tourism, balancing development and preservation is crucial.

The issue is not how many more tourists are attracted, but how much of the city's original value is retained when opening its doors to visitors. A city is truly "beautiful" in the long term when its beauty is genuinely unique and not eroded by its own success. With the right direction, Hanoi can transform media recognition into a sustainable economic advantage where tourism growth goes hand in hand with preserving historical and cultural heritage, distinctive style, and urban quality of life.

According to the official gallery published by Condé Nast Traveler, some notable cities in this list include: Amsterdam – Netherlands; Barcelona – Spain; Buenos Aires – Argentina; Cape Town – South Africa; Cartagena – Colombia; Chiang Mai – Thailand; Copenhagen – Denmark; Dublin – Ireland; Edinburgh – Scotland; Florence – Italy; Hanoi – Vietnam; Paris – France; Porto – Portugal; and Prague – Czech Republic; among others.

Vneconomy-Bang Son

Management of UAVs to be tightened

Thu, 26 Feb 2026 07:30:00 GMT

Between September 2025 and February 2026, the vicinity of Da Nang International Airport recorded multiple instances of UAVs intruding into airspace for aircraft takeoff, approach, and landing.

Following a series of unauthorized Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) entering takeoff and landing zones at Da Nang International Airport, causing numerous flights to delay or divert, the Ministry of Construction (MoC) has called for strengthened control and strict penalties for activities threatening aviation safety and security.

The MoC has dispatched an official document to the Ministry of National Defense, the Ministry of Public Security, and the People’s Committees of provinces and cities housing airports. The directive aims to prevent UAVs from compromising the security and safety of flight operations at airports and airfields.

According to reports from the Civil Aviation Authority of Vietnam (CAAV), between September 2025 and February 2026, the vicinity of Da Nang International Airport recorded multiple instances of UAVs intruding into airspace for aircraft takeoff, approach, and landing.

These UAVs were detected operating at altitudes ranging from 1,000 to 3,800 feet. Consequently, many flights were forced to enter holding patterns, suspend operations, change takeoff/landing runways, or divert to alternate airports. These disruptions have caused significant economic losses and created potential risks of mid-air collisions, directly threatening civil aviation safety.

Vice Minister of Construction Le Anh Tuan noted that these recurring and increasingly complex incidents indicate that current measures to control and prevent illegal UAV activity near airports have not been fully effective. This poses serious risks to both flight safety and national security, particularly during the peak travel period of the Lunar New Year.

To proactively mitigate these security threats, the MoC requested that the Ministry of National Defense, the Ministry of Public Security, and local Anti-Terrorism Steering Committees direct relevant agencies to enhance the management, inspection, and supervision of UAVs and other flight vehicles. All activities must strictly comply with Decree No. 288/2025/NĐ-CP of the Government and other relevant legal regulations.

Vneconomy-Minh Kiệt

Potentials from community-based tourism

Wed, 25 Feb 2026 01:05:00 GMT

Community-based tourism not only offers rural residents a gainful economic model but also offers rich experiences for tourists.

According to the United Nations World Tourism Organization, Vietnam currently stands among the world’s fastest-growing tourism markets, posting growth of some 21 per cent in 2025; far exceeding the global average of 5 per cent and the Asia-Pacific average of 8 per cent.

At the World Travel Awards (WTA) 2025 ceremony on December 6, meanwhile, Vietnam was honored in 16 global categories. Notably, this marked the sixth time it was named “World’s Leading Heritage Destination,” recognizing sustained efforts to preserve and promote heritage in line with a sustainable tourism development strategy.

Boost for rural economies

As demand for deeper, more meaningful travel experiences continues to rise, community-based tourism is emerging as a highly-promising direction for Vietnam’s tourism sector, with tangible and intangible cultural heritage becoming a glittering “treasure trove” that captivates international visitors.

One day in late November, at My Tho Marina in the Mekong Delta’s Dong Thap province, the exhibition space of the Xuan Ron Cacao Co. attracted large numbers of domestic and international visitors. In a small glass house overlooking the Tien River, visitors were able to create a complete chocolate bar themselves, from roasting cocoa beans and grinding them into paste to mixing and molding.

“This is the first time I’ve made a chocolate bar,” said Charlotte, a 38-year-old tourist from France. “The aroma of the cocoa feels stronger and deeper. I think this will be the most memorable experience of my Mekong Delta trip.”

Meanwhile, from a once-poor village in Vietnam’s northern reaches, Lo Lo Chai in Tuyen Quang province has risen to become one of the world’s Best Tourism Villages. Guided by the belief that “to go far, you must go together,” more than 100 households in Lo Lo Chai reached consensus to cooperate, share the benefits, and jointly shoulder the responsibilities of growing the local tourism industry. Each household plays a specific role: operating homestays, cooking food, performing traditional music and dance, serving as local guides, or producing handicrafts and agricultural products. This flexible division of labor has helped curb unhealthy competition.

In Hanoi in recent years, experiential tourism at traditional craft villages has also gained in popularity, offering authentic insights into local life. In Uoc Le, a village famous for its traditional pork sausage (gio cha), Mr. Vu Van Linh, a local resident, said: “When we first became familiar with social media platforms, our initial goal was simply to preserve the hand-pounded sausage-making technique. Later, through social media, many domestic and international tourists found their way here, gradually forming a community-based tourism trend.”

To accommodate visitors, wooden pestles and mortars - tools used for generations in Uoc Le - are displayed in many households’ courtyards. “For visitors to really experience it, we need three to five mortars at a time,” said Mr. Nguyen Viet Minh, another resident. “Usually, we prepare five to seven kilograms of meat, depending on how many guests want to try pounding the sausage themselves.” The joy of visitors has become the joy of local families, creating a unique connection that drives tourism development along a distinctive and effective path.

In practice, by directly leveraging natural and indigenous cultural values, community-based tourism is a model initiated, managed, and benefited from by local people themselves. In Vietnam, it is increasingly seen as a vital catalyst for remote and disadvantaged areas, while also reviving many traditional handicraft techniques.

In northern Ninh Binh province, Ms. Trinh Thi Ly from the Sinh Duoc Cooperative said many local producers have joined the “race” to develop experiential activities for international tourists over the past two years. “Visitors can make herbal soap with their own hands,” she explained. “We also organize tours where guests wear traditional Vietnamese attire, or wellness tours using ancient remedies. These activities both meet international tourists’ demand for deep experiences and align with green, healing, and sustainable values.”

Elsewhere in Ninh Binh, artisan Dao Xuan Ngoc helps visitors make decorative motifs from Vietnam’s Dinh and Le Dynasties on traditional “do” paper, the Bo Bat Pottery Cooperative offers hands-on pottery experiences in Hoa Lu ancient town, and Hoang Thanh Phuong, owner of the Bo De Tay Phuong gallery, organizes calligraphy writing on bodhi leaves. What these models share is the creation of spaces for encounters and storytelling, retelling the country’s cultural identity through fresh perspectives while maintaining deep respect for its heritage.

Sharing and spreading values

The 21st century has witnessed profound shifts in the global economy, with creativity and experience emerging as new engines of growth. In the Asia-Pacific region, the rise of creative hubs such as Seoul, Singapore, Tokyo, Busan, Chiang Mai, and Bangkok shows that creativity is not merely an artistic field but a catalyst linking heritage, technology, design, media, education, the digital economy, and experiential tourism.

These “cultural ecosystem” and “creative destination” models are opening up new approaches to development, grounded in community, identity, and the capacity to generate value from cultural, artistic, and indigenous knowledge assets. Vietnam is emerging as a bright spot, with numerous models in various provinces expanding the country’s “creative map” across heritage, handicrafts, music, film, design, and marine culture.

At a workshop on “Developing sustainable community tourism in ethnic minority and mountainous areas,” Associate Professor Pham Hong Long from the University of Social Sciences and Humanities at Vietnam National University, Hanoi, noted that community-based tourism is not merely about providing accommodation and food and must also integrate indigenous cultural activities. “Leveraging culture does not mean ‘selling’ culture, but sharing and spreading values,” he explained. :The driving force of this process must be the local community. When people are empowered to take ownership and receive fair benefits, community-based tourism can truly take off.”

“The effective development of community-based tourism requires that localities promote the ethnic cultural identity in order to build distinctive tourism products suited to each region,” Dr. Tran Huu Son, Director of the Institute of Applied Folklore Studies, added. “This process demands systematic research to create attractive product systems tailored to different visitor segments. Each product needs clear positioning and a unique identity based on the specific resources of each locality.”

From a business perspective, Ms. Ly said community-based tourism is a journey that requires balance, between tradition and innovation and between preserving core values and meeting the changing demands of modern travelers. “We need to develop tourism based on genuine indigenous values,” she believes. “At the same time, we must creatively ‘stage’ these cultural values so that they retain their traditional essence while also being entertaining and appealing to visitors.”

Crucially, education and communication within local communities are key. Local residents are the central guardians of culture, and need to be equipped with knowledge and skills to tell the stories of their homeland’s unique cultural values with pride and inspiration. Each individual must understand that preserving culture means activating internal resources to create value, ensuring that heritage exploitation is directly and fairly linked to community benefits.

VET-Minh Anh

Hoi An ranked among best destinations in Asia to experience Lunar New Year

Wed, 25 Feb 2026 00:30:00 GMT

Hoi An's Lunar New Year celebrations offer a gentler take on Tet, unfolding across the lantern-lit streets of its UNESCO-listed Old Town, according to the UK-based Time Out magazine.

The UK-based Time Out magazine has ranked Hoi An in Vietnam’s central city of Da Nang second on its list of the six best destinations in Asia to experience the Lunar New Year, according to a report from the Government News.

According to the magazine, Hoi An's Lunar New Year celebrations offer a gentler take on Tet, unfolding across the lantern-lit streets of its UNESCO-listed Old Town.

"Don't come expecting a mega parade, though. It's mostly a series of cultural rituals and community-led festivities that blend seamlessly into daily life", shared Time Out.

Lunar New Year's Eve sees the Old Town glow with floating lantern releases along the Hoai River, low-altitude fireworks, Lion-Dragon dances, Bai Choi folk singing and the Sac Bua blessing procession.

"While you're there, infuse more depth and texture to your visit by heading to craft-village festivals like the Kim Bong Carpentry Ancestors' Ceremony and Tra Que's Cau Bong Festival", suggested the magazine.

Official statistics showed that Da Nang City took the lead among localities nationwide in welcoming international visitors during the Lunar New Year holiday. During the nine days of Tet, the city was estimated to receive more than 500,000 foreign arrivals.

Total tourism revenue in the city was estimated at over VND 3.96 trillion ($151.35 million), up 34 percent. The city's average hotel occupancy rate reached around 65–70 per cent.

VGP-Pham Long

Lao Airlines to resume Vientiane – Da Nang route

Tue, 24 Feb 2026 09:00:00 GMT

Direct flights between the capital city of Laos and the central city of Vietnam will be resumed from March 29.

The national carrier of Laos, Lao Airlines, will resume direct flights connecting Laos’ capital, Vientiane, with Vietnam’s central city of Da Nang from March 29, with a frequency of two flights per week, according to a report from the Government News.

The carrier will operate two weekly flights on Thursdays and Sundays using a Comac 909 aircraft with 90 economy-class seats. The estimated flight time is approximately one hour and 20 minutes.

Flights are scheduled to depart from Vientiane at 11.20 and arrive in Da Nang at 12.40. Return flights will depart from Da Nang at 13:50 and arrive in Vientiane at 15:10 on the same day.

The proposed round-trip fare listed on the airline's website is $290 for bookings made in April 2026.

In the recent years, Vietnam has been the second biggest number of foreign visitors to the neighboring country, while Laos has remained among the top 15 source markets for Vietnam's tourism sector.

Tourist flows from Vietnam to Laos and vice versa both grew by over 23 per cent in 2024. In the first eight months of 2025, Vietnam welcomed 134,507 Lao visitors, a year-on-year increase of 33.1 per cent.

Meanwhile, in the first half of 2025, Laos received 588,692 Vietnamese visitors, marking a 15 per cent increase year-on-year.

VGP-Van Nguyen

Some14 million tourists recorded during Tet holiday

Tue, 24 Feb 2026 08:00:00 GMT

The country targeting 25 million foreign and 150 million domestic holiday-makers in 2026.

Vietnam served 14 million visitors during the nine-day Lunar New Year (Tet) holiday, marking a year-on-year increase of 12%, according to the Vietnam National Authority of Tourism (VNAT).

Central Da Nang city topped the country in terms of foreign tourist attraction with 510,000 visitors, bringing the total number of tourists to the city during the period to 1.1 million. Total tourism revenue of the city is estimated at VND3.96 trillion ($151 million), up 34% year-on-year.

Meanwhile, Ho Chi Minh City led the country in terms of tourism revenue with VND12.15 trillion ($463 million), increasing 42.9% year-on-year. The southern city welcomed 4.32 million visitors, including 170,000 international tourists, surging 51.7% year-on-year.

Hanoi received an estimated 1.34 million domestic and foreign visitors, up 36.3%, with total revenue reaching VND4.87 trillion ($185.8 million), up 40.2%.

Vietnam targets 25 million foreign and 150 million domestic holiday-makers in 2026.

VnEconomy-Tường Bách

Some 1.34 million tourists arrive in Hanoi during Tet holiday

Sun, 22 Feb 2026 00:00:00 GMT

The structure of international source markets continued to expand, with key markets, including China, the Republic of Korea (RoK), India, France, the UK, the US, Germany and the Philippines.

Hanoi is estimated to welcome about 1.34 million travellers during the nine-day Lunar New Year (Tet) holiday from February 14–22, up 36.3% year-on-year, the municipal Department of Tourism was quoted by the Vietnam News Agency as reporting.

The department reported that the capital city served 217,000 foreign tourists and 1.13 million domestic travellers during this period, representing year-on-year increases of 55% and 33.2%, respectively, while total tourism revenue reached VND4.87 trillion (over $187.5 million), up 40.2%.

This strong growth underscores Hanoi’s robust tourism appeal from the start of the new year. The structure of international source markets continued to expand, with key markets, including China, the Republic of Korea (RoK), India, France, the UK, the US, Germany and the Philippines.

The average room occupancy rate for hotels and serviced apartments reached about 66.8%, up 1.2 percentage points year on year, while the 4–5-star hotel segment recorded occupancy of over 72%. Many accommodation establishments reported strong early bookings and longer stays throughout the Tet holiday.

A key highlight of Hanoi’s tourism during this year’s Tet holiday was the stronger focus on cultural experiences, interactivity of products at tourist sites. A series of heritage sites and cultural spaces hosted activities rich in traditional Tet atmosphere, combining folk art performances with introductions to craft villages and intangible cultural heritage.

A range of new tourism products integrating modern technology were also introduced, adding distinctive appeal. Notable examples include the “Ky uc Cot Co” tour featuring 3D mapping performances at the Thang Long Imperial Citadel; a “digital historical site and festival space” model piloted at the Co Loa Festival; and the rollout of e-ticketing, QR code control and AI-powered cameras at the Huong Pagoda Festival.

In addition, night-time urban tourism products, night cycling tours and cultural experience tours themed continued to attract visitors, helping extend their stays and boost spending.

Visitor numbers surged at key attractions during the period from February 14–20. The Van Mieu (Temple of Literature) – Quoc Tu Giam (Vietnam's first university) welcomed nearly 120,000 visitors, followed by the Huong Pagoda with more than 76,600, the Thang Long Imperial Citadel with over 49,000, and the Co Loa Citadel with more than 38,800.

In addition, free admission at 17 heritage sites facilitated greater access for residents and tourists to visit and experience the capital’s cultural spaces.

To achieve these results, direction and management were implemented early and in a coordinated manner. the municipal Department of Tourism issued a series of directives to improve service quality at key tourist sites, particularly special national relics; strengthen the management and organisation of festivals in connection with tourism development; and step up tourism promotion during the Tet holiday.

Accommodation facilities, shopping centres and qualified food and beverage establishments proactively prepared infrastructure and manpower, decorated spaces with Tet themes, and organised cultural experience activities such as rural-style markets, food fairs and traditional art performances. Many hotels rolled out promotional packages, including complimentary room upgrades combined with cultural experiences, to attract longer-staying guests.

The impressive growth recorded during the Tet holiday provides an important foundation for Hanoi’s tourism sector to sustain its growth momentum in 2026, move toward sustainable development, and enhance the capital’s position on the regional and international tourism map.

VNA-Pham Long

First int'l cruise ship arrives in Hue in the Year of the Horse 2026

Thu, 19 Feb 2026 23:10:00 GMT

Last year, the central city’s Chan May Port welcomed 46 cruise ships with a total of 131,515 passengers and crew members.

The international cruise ship Adora Mediterranea docked at Chan May Port in Hue city on February 19 (the third day of the Lunar New Year), becoming the first ocean liner to arrive in Vietnam’s central region in the Year of the Horse 2026, according to a report from the Vietnam News Agency.

Departing from Guangzhou, China, the vessel carried 2,613 passengers and 732 crew members, marking the opening of the 2026 cruise tourism season in Hue.

Upon arrival, local authorities and travel firms coordinated reception procedures, immigration clearance and passenger transport.

Formalities were handled swiftly, ensuring security and safety while creating favorable conditions for visitors to disembark and begin their excursions. Many tourists chose tours exploring heritage sites, cuisine and traditional craft villages across central Vietnam.

In 2025, Chan May Port welcomed 46 cruise ships with a total of 131,515 passengers and crew members. In 2026, the number of cruise calls is expected to nearly double to around 88, bringing an estimated 260,000 arrivals.

VNA-Van Nguyen

Focus of community tourism

Mon, 16 Feb 2026 00:10:00 GMT

Community tourism and its focus on heritage and culture has proven to be a major factor in the sustainable growth and development of Vietnam’s tourism industry.

According to the United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO), Vietnam is currently among countries posting the highest tourism growth globally, at approximately 21 per cent in 2025, which far exceeds the global average of 5 per cent and the Asia-Pacific average of 8 per cent this year.

At the World Travel Awards (WTA) 2025, held in Bahrain on December 6, Vietnam was honored in 16 global categories. This was the sixth time it won the title of “World’s Leading Heritage Destination,” recognizing its consistent efforts in preserving and promoting heritage values in line with sustainable tourism development.

Distinctive advantages

Mr. Nguyen Trung Khanh, Chairman of the Vietnam National Administration of Tourism (VNAT), said the 2020-2025 period was full of upheaval and challenges, as the tourism industry was heavily impacted initially by the Covid-19 pandemic. However, with the decisive involvement of its government, ministries, localities, and business community, Vietnam’s tourism industry has recovered strongly.

It is expected that, in 2025, international visitors to Vietnam will total some 22 million, surpassing pre-pandemic levels, while domestic travelers will reach about 140 million, with total tourism revenue exceeding VND1 trillion ($38.5 billion). “Tourism products associated with local identity have contributed to enhancing the quality of experiences and the attractiveness of Vietnam’s destinations, despite limitations in infrastructure, regional connectivity, and competitiveness,” Mr. Khanh said.

Mr. Ha Van Sieu, Deputy Director General of VNAT, assessed that many new types of tourism offerings have been created and robustly developed. The network of tourism products is increasingly diverse, closely linked with utilizing Vietnam’s distinctive advantages such as culture, nature, cuisine, heritage, and community life. As a result, tourist numbers and revenue have maintained their positive growth momentum, contributing to enhancing the image and appeal of Vietnam’s destinations on the regional and global tourism map.

Vietnam has five villages recognized by UNWTO as “Best Tourism Villages in the World,” including Tan Hoa village in central Quang Tri province, Thai Hai village in northern Thai Nguyen province, Tra Que Vegetable Village in central Da Nang city, Lo Chai village in northern Tuyen Quang province, and the Quynh Son community tourism village in northern Lang Son province. This award is not only a source of pride for localities but also well-deserved international recognition of Vietnam’s efforts in preserving and conserving indigenous cultural values, and developing community-based, sustainable tourism types.

Mr. Phung Quang Thang, Chairman of the Vietnam Green Tourism Association, said these are community tourism villages boasting unique, distinctive features that attract tourists with their rich indigenous culture blended with pristine and green natural spaces.

Developing community tourism

Community tourism is a type of tourism that local people themselves actively build, organize, manage, and benefit from. In Vietnam, the model is considered an important “boost” for many remote and rural areas, particularly in mountainous provinces, where it has proven its role as a sustainable solution in poverty reduction.

By utilizing available resources such as natural landscapes, traditional stilt houses, handicrafts, festivals, and indigenous cultural activities, localities not only create new economic value but also contribute to preserving and spreading the local cultural identity. “Global tourism is shifting strongly towards sustainability and developing based on indigenous communities, emphasizing experience, cultural preservation, and improving livelihoods for the people,” Mr. Thang said. “Following the pandemic, tourists no longer simply seek crowded destinations but are more inclined towards peaceful, authentic spaces where they can deeply connect with nature and local culture.”

In Vietnam, developing community tourism is not only a requirement of the tourism industry but also an important solution to create sustainable livelihoods for ethnic minorities and mountainous areas. Tourists find appeal in experiencing authentic local life, while local people will have more opportunities to increase their earnings right in their homeland. As a result, community tourism has gradually asserted itself as a suitable development model for rural Vietnam.

The Thai Hai Reserve Area of Ecological Houses-on-Stilts Ethnic Village, in Tan Cuong commune, Thai Nguyen province, is a well-known community tourism villages both domestically and internationally. It features 30 hundred-year-old traditional stilt houses, restored to their original state, and is home to more than 160 residents of many generations. The villagers focus on preserving the cultural identity of the Tay ethnic group and community cultural activities.

“What makes Thai Hai distinctive in its tourism development is the well-planned zoning of different areas, including for traditional herbal medicine, cuisine, accommodation, and education,” said Ms. Le Thi Nga, Deputy Head of Thai Hai village. In 2022, the village received international recognition when it was honored by UNWTO as one of the World’s Best Tourism Villages. In addition, its signature product, “Tay Ethnic Cultural Tourism at Thai Hai Village,” was certified as a 5-star national One commune, One product (OCOP) offering, while the village’s accommodation model was also awarded the prestigious ASEAN Homestay Award.

Dr. Tran Huu Son, Director of the Institute for Applied Cultural and Tourism Research, said community tourism in regions with Thai, Tay, Dao, and Hmong residents succeeds when there is selective planning, not mass development, closely combining the community, businesses, consultants, and management agencies. “Accommodation, entertainment, experiences, and handicraft production services must meet tourist needs, preserve the culture, develop the economy, and contribute to sustainable poverty reduction,” he added.

However, community-based tourism in Vietnam has yet to develop in proportion to the country’s rich potential and advantages in tourism resources. Infrastructure and facilities remain underdeveloped, tourism products are not yet diverse or sufficiently attractive, and human resources have not fully met the demands of sustainable growth.

Dr. Son also emphasized that community-based tourism in ethnic minority areas plays a vital role in rural development and poverty reduction. “To effectively develop community-based tourism, localities must capitalize on the unique cultural identities of its ethnic communities to create distinctive tourism products suited to each region,” he explained. “This should not be pursued as a mass, trend-driven model, but rather developed in a selective, well-planned, and sustainable manner.”

On the other hand, the development of community-based tourism requires careful research to design attractive tourism products tailored to different visitor segments. These products must embody distinct local identities, drawing on each area’s unique tourism resources, and avoid the current situation in which offerings appear similar and indistinguishable from one destination to another.

Associate Professor Pham Hong Long, Chairman of the Scientific Council of the Faculty of Tourism Studies at the University of Social Sciences and Humanities (VNU Hanoi), believes that community-based tourism development should go far beyond the simple provision of accommodation and food services, and instead integrate local cultural activities in a meaningful and authentic way. “Leveraging culture does not mean ‘selling’ culture, but rather sharing and spreading its values,” he emphasized. “The community itself must be the central actor in this process. When local people are empowered to take ownership and receive fair benefits, community-based tourism can truly take flight.”

With the strong determination of the government, the coordinated efforts of ministries and sectors, the proactive approach of localities, and the companionship of the business community, Vietnam’s tourism industry has a solid foundation to accelerate, break through, and develop sustainably. The industry aims to become a spearhead economic sector, while enhancing Vietnam’s position on the world tourism map.

VET-Anh Hoang

Da Nang International Airport master plan approved for 2021–2050

Sat, 14 Feb 2026 23:40:00 GMT

The airport is expected to handle around 20 million passengers and 100,000 tonnes of cargo annually by 2030.

The Ministry of Construction has approved a master plan for Da Nang International Airport in central Da Nang city for the 2021–2050 period, marking a significant milestone in Vietnam’s transport infrastructure development strategy, particularly for the central region.

The plan aims to enhance the airport’s service capacity while ensuring safety and operational efficiency.

Under the approved blueprint, Da Nang International Airport will be upgraded to Category 4E in accordance with standards set by the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO). During the 2021–2030 period, the airport is expected to handle around 20 million passengers and 100,000 tonnes of cargo annually. By 2050, cargo throughput is projected to reach 330,000 tons per year, meeting the region’s growing socio-economic development needs.

As part of the plan, the domestic passenger terminal (T1) will be expanded to accommodate approximately 14 million passengers per year. Meanwhile, the international terminal (T2) will be renovated and upgraded to raise its capacity to around 6 million passengers annually.

The long-term development roadmap is expected to strengthen Da Nang’s role as a key aviation gateway for central Vietnam and a regional hub for tourism, trade and logistics.

VnEconomy-Ngô Anh Văn

Vietnam welcomes 2.5 million foreign tourists in January

Tue, 10 Feb 2026 03:00:00 GMT

This marking the highest monthly figure ever.

Vietnam welcomed nearly 2.5 million foreign visitors in January 2026, the highest monthly figure ever, according to the National Statistics Office.

The figure represents an increase of 21.4% compared to the previous month and 18.5% against the same period last year.

Asia continued to be Vietnam's largest source market, accounting for over 1.8 million visitors, up 12.3%. Europe posted the fastest growth among major regions, with arrivals jumping 59% to 424,000. Visitor numbers from the Americas, Oceania and Africa also rose sharply, up 14.2%, 13% and 45.4%, respectively.

The growth is attributed to visa policy reforms, enhanced tourism promotion efforts and a broader range of tourism products.

In 2026, Vietnam targets 25 million foreign visitors, 150 million domestic tourists and total tourism revenue of about VND1.125 quadrillion ($46.5 billion).

VnEconomy-Tường Bách

Vietnam Airlines to launch direct air route between Hanoi and Amsterdam

Mon, 09 Feb 2026 23:40:00 GMT

Launching from June, this route marking the first direct air connection between Vietnam and the Netherlands.

The national flag carrier Vietnam Airlines will launch direct air service between Hanoi and Amsterdam from this June, marking the first direct air connection between Vietnam and the Netherlands, according to a report from the Government News.

The new route will use Airbus A350 aircraft and operate three flights per week between Hanoi-based Noi Bai International Airport and Amsterdam Schiphol Airport.

The flight schedule has been designed to provide convenient travel options for European passengers while ensuring smooth onward connections within Vietnam and across Asia.

The route is also seen as a catalyst for deeper economic integration and stronger people-to-people exchanges between the two countries.

The new route is also expected to support economic development and international integration, while enhancing Vietnam's global profile. Amsterdam's Schiphol Airport is among Europe's largest aviation and logistics center, serving as a major gateway to North America, Africa, and other regions.

The Netherlands is currently Vietnam's largest trading partner in Europe, with imports from Vietnam exceeding $11 billion in 2025, and is also a major European investor, with total investment capital of around $16 billion.

Government News-Van Nguyen