CategoriesNews By Ánh Ngọc Trương

UNESCO’s World Heritage Center Director visits Hue monuments

On May 22, 2025, Mr. Lazare Eloundou Assomo, the director of UNESCO’s World Heritage Center had a field trip to Hue monuments such as Hue Citadel, Royal Antiquities Museum and An Dinh Palace to learn about the management, conservation and development of world cultural heritage in Hue city.

Ms. Le Thi Hong Van, the Director and Secretary General of the Vietnam National Commission for UNESCO and Ms. Pham Thi Thanh Huong, head of Cultural Department, UNESCO Office in Hanoi, members of the Board of Secretaries and representatives of departments and agencies joined the field trip.

At these destinations, Mr. Lazare Eloundou Assomo was provided information regarding the formation, conservation, and development of monuments such as Hue Citadel, Thai Hoa Palace, Kien Trung Palace, etc. Mr. Hoang Viet Trung, the Director of Hue Monuments Conservation Center shared about the conservation of Hue heritage over the past time, encompassing architecture and intangible cultural heritages conservation to technology application and digital transformation.

Conservation works have brought positive socio-economic results, significantly contributing to urban renovation, attracting visitors to Hue, boosting tourism and service revenues, benefiting local community.

UNESCO’s World Heritage Center visits Five Phoenix Pavilion

Since 1982, there have been nearly 200 works and categories within the complex of Hue monuments renovated with the total funding of over VND 2.000 billion. Hue received the technical and financial aid of over USD 10.5 million from 15 governments, 50 non-governmental organizations and international partners through UNESCO.

At An Dinh Palace, the unique structure where Eastern and Western culture meet, Ms. Andrea Teufel – the representative of German Cultural Heritage Conservation Association introduced interior conservation project and the overall conservation status at An Dinh Palace. She particularly highlighted the implementation and results of the Khai Tuong Lau roof project, which was sponsored by French government through UNESCO. The representative of German Cultural Heritage Conservation Association mentioned its implementation, outcomes and the significance of the project in maintaining and promoting the architecture and art values.

Currently, Hue Monument Conservation Center is implementing the 2nd stage of the wall painting at the 3rd floor of Khai Tuong Lau with the total funding of over VND 852 million sponsored by French government.

UNESCO’s World Heritage Center Director visits Hue monuments

On this occasion, Mr. Hoang Viet Trung hoped that UNESCO would support, particularly developing the recovery project of An Dinh Palace to request French Ministry of Culture and UNESCO for sponsorship. The project will contribute to improving the service, research, education, as well as create a highlight for cultural events on Hue Festival, international exchange programs and contributing to turn Hue into a cultural heritage center in the region.

UNESCO-recognized heritages have made contribution to local socio-economic development. In the long term, Hue cultural heritages are believed to be the foundation and the core for Hue’s comprehensive and sustainable development on the basis of conserving Hue heritage and Hue cultural identity.

Source: hue.gov.vn – May 23, 2025

CategoriesNews By Ánh Ngọc Trương

Viet Nam, China to resume cross-border passenger train service from May 25

Viet Nam and China will resume cross-border passenger train service on May 25 after five years of hiatus due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Illustration photo

There will be two trains – MR1 and MR2 – departing from Ha Noi’s Gia Lam station to China’s Nanning station and vice versa daily.

Specifically, train MR1 will depart from Gia Lam station at 9:20 pm and arrive at Nanning station at 10:06 am the next day. In the opposite direction, train MR2 will depart from Nanning station at 6:05 pm and arrive at Gia Lam station at 5:30 am the next day.

Passengers will complete immigration procedures at Dong Dang – Lang Son station (Viet Nam) and Pingxiang – Guangxi (China).

In particular, from May 27, the railway industry of the two countries will operate direct trains from Gia Lam Station (Ha Noi) to Beijing Station (China) and vice versa.

A one-way ticket for the Ha Noi – Nanning route is about VND 1 million (US$38.5), the Ha Noi – Beijing route about VND9.37 million. Free tickets are available for children under 4 years old, and 50 percent off for those from 4 to 12 years old. Each adult is allowed to bring one child, groups of six or more people are 25 percent off tickets.

Currently, the Viet Nam Railways Corporation sells tickets for the cross-border routes at Ha Noi, Gia Lam, Bac Giang, and Dong Dang stations. 

The operation of cross-border passenger trains between Viet Nam and China is carried out based on the Viet Nam-China Border Railway Agreement signed in 1992. Before the COVID-19 pandemic, the Ha Noi-Nanning trains ran daily.

Viet Nam Railways said the service resumption is intended to strengthen economic ties with China, optimize the use of cross-border rail infrastructure, and offer new travel options to international tourists arriving by train. To ensure smooth operations, the corporation has worked with Chinese authorities to streamline immigration checks for passengers. Both sides will monitor demand in the coming months and consider adjusting service frequency as needed./

Source: VGP – en.baochinhphu.vn – May 23, 2025

CategoriesNews By Ánh Ngọc Trương

Development potential for rail tourism

The North-South railway line passing through the provinces and cities of Central Viet Nam such as Quang Binh, Hue, Da Nang, Quang Nam, Binh Thuan, Ninh Thuan, Binh Dinh and Khanh Hoa brings great potential for diversifying tourism products.

The Thong Nhat train in celebration of the 50th anniversary of the Liberation of the South and National Reunification, brought tourists to Da Nang Railway Station at noon on April 30. Photo: XUAN SON

Positive results

The initiative to develop tourist railway routes in the Central region has shown promising initial results from various localities. Today, trains serve not just as a means of transportation but also play a significant role in promoting tourism.

In July 2024, a Memorandum of Understanding was signed between the Viet Nam National Administration of Tourism and the Viet Nam Railways Corporation. This agreement not only demonstrates a commitment to collaboration between the two industries but also creates new opportunities for promoting sustainable tourism development.

A train route connecting Da Nang and Hue City, named “Central Heritage Connection”, was officially put into operation in March 2024. Passengers on the train route are taken through the majestic Hai Van Pass – one of the most beautiful railway routes in the world.

According to Vice Chairman of the Da Nang People’s Committee Tran Chi Cuong, the “Central Heritage Connection” journey by train is a practical and attractive product, contributing to diversifying tourism products. At the same time, it is a safe, comfortable, and friendly travel option for tourists, helping to reduce pressure on road traffic, and attract international tourists on the heritage tourism journey of the three localities of Hue – Da Nang – Quang Nam.

Tourists experience the journey “Central Heritage Connection” on the Hue – Da Nang train. Photo: XUAN SON

Meanwhile, in January 2025, tourists from the luxury tourist train SJourney got off at the Tra Kieu Station in Duy Xuyen District, Quang Nam Province, to explore various unique and renowned green tourism products. These include such attractions as Hoi An Ancient Town, Cam Phu – Go Noi Village in Dien Ban Town, Thanh Ha Pottery Village, and Cam Thanh Coconut Village.

According to Mr. Nguyen Thanh Hong, the Director of the Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism of Quang Nam Province, a collaboration agreement has been established between the People’s Committee of Quang Nam Province and the Quang Nam Railway Corporation for the 2024-2030 period. As a result of this cooperation, a Joint Plan has been developed to promote and enhance tourism in Quang Nam and its railways from 2024 to 2026. This plan aims to diversify tourism products, create rail-based tourism products, and increase the number of visitors arriving in Quang Nam via Tra Kieu and Tam Ky stations. Additionally, the plan seeks to expand the “Central Heritage Connection” route, connecting various tourist destinations while fostering partnerships between railways and tourism service providers in the province.

In a similar vein, the operation of two luxury tourist trains on the Da Nang – Quy Nhon and Nha Trang – Quy Nhon routes with 5-star international amenities has greatly contributed to attracting tourists to Binh Dinh Province. According to a report by the Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism of Binh Dinh Province, the average number of tourists travelling by train to Dieu Tri and Quy Nhon stations is nearly 600 per day.

More investments in new rail tourism products

According to an assessment by the Viet Nam National Administration of Tourism, the rail tourism in the country, including in the Central region, faces several limitations despite its potential and initial successes. The railway infrastructure is not yet modern, and train speeds are slow, failing to meet tourists’ demands for fast travel. Onboard services are unappealing, so there is a need to enhance the quality of carriages, food, and entertainment options. Additionally, the connection between railway stations and tourist attractions is inadequate, and there is no effective transit system in place.

The first group of passengers from the luxury tourist train SJourney arrived at Tra Kieu station (Duy Xuyen district, Quang Nam province) in January 2025. Photo: XUAN SON

Mr. Ha Van Sieu, Vice Chairman of Viet Nam National Authority of Tourism suggested that Viet Nam can learn from the experiences of many countries in terms of railway tourism. The good examples include the long-standing railway lines serving tourism maintained in many European countries; the “floating” train line running through the Pa Sak Jolasid dam during the rainy season in Thailand; the Panorama Train in Indonesia that offers passengers stunning views of the landscape from Jakarta to Yogyakarta through large glass windows, rotating seats, automatic curtains and many high-end amenities; and the China – Laos train line.

In the context of the upcoming merger between Quang Nam Province and Da Nang, the potential for developing railway tourism in the newly formed Da Nang city is significant.

According to Mr. Nguyen Thanh Hong, the Director of the Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism of Quang Nam Province, there are plans for a railway station system connected to the railway lines passing through the area in accordance with the national railway planning. This includes the existing North-South railway line, the North-South high-speed railway line, and the Da Nang – Tay Nguyen railway line.

Additionally, there will be an exploration of investments for two urban railway lines that will connect to the urban railway network in Da Nang. These lines will link Chu Lai International Airport and Hoi An City.

Given these opportunities, Mr. Hong proposed appealing for investment in the development of more typical green and sustainable products of each locality such as culture – art, cuisine, and OCOP products into the railway ecosystem to enhance the experience for travellers. He suggested creating specialised products for entire train cars and groups based on specific requirements, as well as expanding and connecting local areas to establish unique railway tourism products and product chains that would attract tourists. Furthermore, he encouraged travel companies to design new tourism offerings that are associated with railway experiences.

“Rail tourism has significant potential for development in our country, thanks to a railway network that stretches from north to south. This network traverses diverse terrains, including plains, mountains, and coastal areas. As a safe and efficient mode of transportation, rail tourism offers travellers unique and memorable experiences”, Mr. Ha Van Sieu, Vice Chairman of Viet Nam National Authority of Tourism)

Reporting by XUAN SON – Translating by M.DUNG

Source: Da Nang Today – baodanang.vn – May 22, 2025

CategoriesDiscover Viet Nam By Ánh Ngọc Trương

Viet Nam among top three most-searched destinations by APAC travelers

Viet Nam emerged as among the top three most-searched destinations by millions of APAC travelers during the EPIC Sale 2025, according to Traveloka.

Launched simultaneously across seven key APAC markets: Indonesia, Malaysia, Singapore, Viet Nam, Thailand, Japan, and Australia, the EPIC Sale, which ran from April 22-May 5, not only delivered unbeatable deals but also provided insights into shifting travel preferences.

Beyond the numbers, the campaign reflects a larger trend: travelers are looking to make the most of long weekends and holidays, with a growing interest in cultural exploration, nature escapes, and family-friendly experiences.

Ho Chi Minh City, Ha Noi, Da Nang, Nha Trang in Khanh Hoa Province, and Hue continue to be top domestic destinations, drawing strong interest from Vietnamese travelers.

Resort tourism and staycations continue to rise, reflecting a growing trend toward nearby getaways with more flexible itineraries.

Based on accommodation search data, Traveloka recorded strong interest from Vietnamese travelers in destinations such as Vung Tau (Ba Ria-Vung Tau Province), Nha Trang, Phan Thiet (Binh Thuan Province), and Da Lat (Lam Dong Province).

These locations are popular for short trips, typically lasting 3 days and 2 nights, offering opportunities to relax, enjoy local cuisine, and engage in family-friendly activities. This trend aligns with a significant shift toward more mindful travel, where convenience and cost-effectiveness are increasingly important factors.

Air travel remains the top choice for long-distance trips, while accommodation preferences are becoming increasingly diverse.

During the EPIC Sale program, the five most-booked types of accommodations by Vietnamese travelers were hotels, resorts, apartments, villas, and guesthouses.

This variety reflects a growing trend toward flexible lodging options that cater to a wide range of travel styles, from solo trips and couples’ getaways to family vacations and group travel.

Nearly 7.7 million foreign arrivals travelled to Viet Nam in the first four months of this year, a year-on-year increase of 23 percent, the National Statistics Office reported.

Viet Nam targets to attract 22-23 million international tourists this year, surpassing the pre-pandemic levels.

Source: VGP – en.baochinhphu.vn – May 22, 2025

CategoriesNews By Ánh Ngọc Trương

Vietnamese, Thai Prime Ministers contemplate Vietnamese handicraft products

Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh and Thai Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra on Thursday visited an exhibition showcasing unique Vietnamese handicraft products.

Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh and Thai Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra watch artisans make traditional handicraft products

The two leaders are introduced bout Viet Nam’s unique handicrafts such as conical hats, bamboo and rattan weaving, ceramics, fine art wood, embroidery, silverware, folk paintings, and lacquerware

They take a look a Viet Nam’s clay figurines

Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh introduce a Dong Ho painting – kind of Vietnamese folk painting originating in Dong Ho Village in Song Ho commune, Thuan Thanh district, Bac Ninh province

Thai Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra experiences the making of the Dong Ho paintings

The two Prime Ministers are introduced about Viet Nam’s ceramic products

Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh and Thai Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra wear conical hats

Currently, Viet Nam has about 2,500 handicraft villages with famous places such as Bat Trang and Phu Lang pottery; Van Phuc silk; Bang So bamboo weaving; Dong Xam silver carving; Lang Chuong conical hats; Dinh Cong silverware; and Dong Ho and Hang Trong folk paintings

Vietnamese handicrafts are always in the top 10 export items with the largest turnover, and they have been present in 163 countries and territories worldwide

They enjoy traditional Vietnamese tea

The two leaders also visit a photo exhibition illustrating the development process of the bilateral relationship from the official establishment of diplomatic relations on August 6, 1976 to present

During the past 49 years, the two sides have created an important and solid foundation and premise to bring the Viet Nam – Thailand relationship to a new height.

Source: VGP – en.baochinhphu.vn – May 16, 2025

CategoriesNews By Ánh Ngọc Trương

Red Wings Airlines’ first flight from Russia in Khanh Hoa

Fun and Sun Vietnam Co., Ltd., in coordination with Cam Ranh International Airport and related agencies organized a ceremony at Cam Ranh International Airport on May 12 to welcome the first flight of Red Wings Airlines from Kazan City (Russia) to Khanh Hoa. Present at the ceremony were leaders of the Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism and representatives of related agencies.

Russian tourists are excited to explore Khanh Hoa through tours organized by Fun and Sun Vietnam Co., Ltd.

Upon landing, the flight was greeted with a water salute together with flowers and souvenirs to passengers and crew from the leaders of the Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism, airport representatives and travel agencies.

Fun and Sun Vietnam Co., Ltd., in partnership with Red Wings has operated flights from Kazan, Moscow, Krasnoyarsk and Yekaterinburg to Khanh Hoa since May 2025 with 4-5 flights/week and expected to bring about 8,000 Russian visitors/month to Khanh Hoa.

Leaders of the Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism welcome Russian travelers from Kazan to Khanh Hoa on a Red Wings flight.

Leaders of the Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism and delegates pose with the Red Wings crew.

According to the Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism, Red Wings is the fifth Russian airline to operate direct flights to Khanh Hoa, alongside Azur Air, Aeroflot, Ir Aero Airlines and Ikar Airlines.

Tourists from Kazan (Russia) are given conical hats by Fun and Sun Vietnam Co., Ltd.

In April 2025 alone, Khanh Hoa welcomed approximately 31,500 Russian visitors, up by 30.7% compared to March. In the first 4 months of the year, the province attracted more than 80,600 Russian travelers, 2.5 times higher than the same period in 2024.

Source: Khanh Hoa News – en.baokhanhhoa.vn – May 12, 2025

CategoriesNews By Ánh Ngọc Trương

“Summer escape paradises” in Quang Nam

To fully enjoy the summer vibe, many tourists have planned early, seeking “cool escape” spots that suit their interests, save costs, and offer a chance to immerse in nature.

Western tourists cycle from Hoi An to Tra Nhieu

Making shrimp and pork pancakes for foreigners in Tra Nhieu.

Tra Nhieu eco-tourism village (Duy Vinh, Duy Xuyen) now welcomes visitors exploring by bike or motorbike. Tourists enjoy cycling through scenic rural roads, passing bamboo groves and vibrant flowers, and relax in gardens or under bamboo shade after their ride from Hoi An.

During high tide, visitors can row basket boats through the nipa forest, catch fish, crab with the local river residents, or learning about traditional crafts such as mat weaving at Mrs. Vo Thi Hong’s workshop and nipa palm leaf weaving at Mrs. Nguyen Thi Ly’s hut.

Bamboo garden on Bo Bo Hill.

Tourists, either in groups or individually, can enjoy traditional dishes such as Quang noodles, pork with rice paper, shrimp and pork pancakes, ground shrimp rolls, or a simple meal with river fish, shrimp, stir-fried or boiled vegetables, and sour fish soup at the homes of Mr. Huynh Văn Trinh and Mrs. Duong Thi Xanh.

While serving simple, affordable dishes like shrimp and pork pancakes to Western tourists, great care is taken in presentation, quality, and cleanliness. The homes maintain a rustic charm but are kept tidy and welcoming, with guests enjoying hammocks or bamboo huts for a peaceful stay.

The “Triem Tay village” space is popular with both domestic and international tourists.

Triem Tay Community Tourism Village (Dien Phuong, Dien Ban) offers a peaceful riverside escape with cycling, bamboo groves, and mat weaving workshops. The eco-friendly resort combines high-end accommodations with rustic charm, showcasing local craftsmanship.

This is considered an ideal escape for those who enjoy a serene atmosphere.

Source: QNO – en.baoquangnam.vn – May 12, 2025

CategoriesNews By Ánh Ngọc Trương

DIFF 2025: All you need to know

The Da Nang International Fireworks Festival (DIFF) in 2025 shines as one of the prominent and much-anticipated events in the summer in the central coastal city. This year’s festival gathers 10 excellent teams from Asia, Europe and America in 6 nights of performances, along with a wide range of captivating sideline activities. All promise to bring a more brilliant summer than ever to the city.

A fireworks performance at DIFF 2024

What is the theme of the festival?

The DIFF 2025 has “Da Nang – The New Rising Era” as its theme. The theme is not only symbolic but also reflects the spirit of innovation and strong development of Da Nang in the current period. With creative fireworks performances, this year’s festival will combine traditional cultural elements with modern trends, opening a new era for the city.

When is the festival?

Fireworks nights will be held every Saturday evening from May 31 – July 12, (except July 5). The opening night will take place on the evening of May 31 and the grand finale will be on the evening of July 12. Each competition night will have its own theme, creating diversity and freshness throughout the festival.

Where is it held?

The Han River port site will be the main location of the fireworks displays with a main stage and viewers’ stands along sidewalk of Tran Hung Dao Street opposite the port.

What teams will compete in festival?

This year’s fireworks festival will see the participation of 10 teams from 9 countries, namely Viet Nam, Finland, England, Portugal, Poland, South Korea, Italy, Canada and China. Notably, this is the first year that two teams from the host Viet Nam have competed at DIFF. In addition to the familiar name of the Da Nang Fireworks team, there will be an additional fireworks team called Z121 Vina Pyrotech – Viet Nam Ministry of Defence.

Competition schedule and themes of nights

Fireworks nights will be held every Saturday evening in the following weeks (with a one-week break before the final night), featuring themes and participating teams as follows:

Night 1 (May 31): Cultural quintessence – Viet Nam 1 (Da Nang) vs. Finland

Night 2 (June 7): Creative Arts – Viet Nam 2 vs. Poland

Night 3 (June 14): Connecting Journeys – Canada vs. China

Night 4 (June 21): Sustainable Development – Portugal vs. the UK

Night 5 (June 28): Leading Technology – South Korea vs. Italy

Night 6 (July 12): Embracing the New Era – Grand Final.

Each night is not only a competition between two talented fireworks teams, but also features a creative artistic performances showcasing the combination of culture and modern technology.

Highlights of DIFF2025

* DIFF 2025 promises to be the longest and largest fireworks season in the history of DIFF with the most performance nights and participating teams ever.

* Each night will be considered to be a lively live concert with popular domestic and international artists, combined with fireworks, music, and state-of-the-art technology, offering guests an experience that exceeds expectations.

* Augmented reality (AR) will be integrated into the app, allowing visitors to immerse themselves in a world of endless imagination and creativity alongside the Da Nang fireworks sky, creating a powerful ripple effect. Through these unique technological effects, this year’s fireworks experience promises to be elevated to a whole new level.

* Aside from fireworks performances, DIFF 2025 will feature a wide range of cultural events, and exciting music and entertainment activities, all aiming to create a vibrant festival atmosphere, and attracting a large number of visitors to the city.

Source: Da Nang Today – baodanang.vn – May 12, 2025 

CategoriesNews By Ánh Ngọc Trương

Khanh Hoa to host 2025 Sea Tourism and Culture Festival in June

The central coastal province of Khanh Hoa announced that the 2025 Sea Tourism and Culture Festival, themed ‘Nha Trang Says Hi!’, will be held in June.

Khanh Hoa Province will host 2025 Sea Tourism and Culture Festival in June. (Photo: SGGP)

The program will feature a wide range of nearly 40 cultural and sports activities, which are scheduled to take place in Nha Trang City and localities in the province, including main events that will be held on June 7-9.

The 2025 Sea Tourism and Culture Festival serves as a replacement for the 11th Nha Trang – Khanh Hoa Sea Festival, which was originally scheduled for the same period, Director of the Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism, Nguyen Van Nhuan said at a press conference on May 9.

Highlights of the festival include a concert on the evening of June 7 with the participation of young singers, a flower car parade on Tran Phu Street at 4 p.m. on June 9, and a music performance on the evening of June 8 with the participation of international art troupes from South Korea, India, and France.

Vice Chairman of the Khanh Hoa Provincial People’s Committee, Dinh Van Thieu, said that it is an opportunity for the province to introduce the unique culture of the “land of agarwood and the sea of bird’s nest,” promote its image, potential, and strengths, and stimulate tourism, contributing to achieving the growth targets for 2025. The local authorities hoped that Nha Trang – Khanh Hoa would become a destination for regular cultural, sports, and tourism events.

Source: SGGP – en.sggp.org.vn – May 9, 2025

CategoriesNews By Ánh Ngọc Trương

Launch of Thanh Toan tiled-roof bridge low-plastic tourism site

On May 10th, Hue – Urban Plastic Reduction in Central Vietnam Project (TVA Project), in coordination with the Department of Tourism and People’s Committee of Thuy Thanh Commune (Huong Thuy Town), held the launch ceremony for the low-plastic tourism site at Thanh Toan tiled-roof bridge.

Launch of Thanh Toan tiled-roof bridge low-plastic tourism site

Thanh Toan tiled-roof bridge, a prominent community tourism destination, preserves the soul of Vietnamese rural life through its centuries-old tiled-roof wooden bridge, a lively Agricultural tool exhibition House, and a rustic countryside market. The selection of Thanh Toan tiled-roof bridge as a model site for plastic reduction holds symbolic significance, contributing both to the preservation of cultural heritage and to environmental protection.

With the support from the Department of Tourism, the TVA Project, and local authorities, five community-based tourism establishments have been certified and assisted by the TVA Project to pilot plastic reduction models. These establishments have committed to measures such as replacing single-use plastic bottles with personal water containers, encouraging tourists to refill their water, limiting the use of plastic bags, and replacing disposable plastic items with environmentally friendly alternatives.

The pioneering establishments include: Thanh Toan Agricultural tool exhibition House, Van The Garden experience site, Van Thanh Garden experience site, Nguyen Thi Kiem’s conical hat facility, Truong Thi Phuong’s Xuka Homestay.

To support the transition, the TVA Project has provided initial plastic-reducing equipment such as water purifiers for tourists to refill directly, glass water bottles, glass cups, and ceramic containers for shampoo and shower gel. In addition, waste-sorting bins, signage, and communication materials have been installed at the destination to raise awareness and guide visitors in proper waste disposal.

For businesses that have yet to participate in or do not fully meet the model’s criteria, the positive results and clear benefits from the pioneering units serve as a crucial foundation for Thuy Thanh Commune to continue mobilizing and encouraging the community to complete and expand the model. This is the first step towards establishing Thanh Toan tiled-roof bridge as a fully low-plastic, eco-friendly, and sustainable community tourism destination.

At the launch ceremony, leaders of Thuy Thanh Commune People’s Committee and representatives from the five businesses committed to practicing and maintaining plastic reduction efforts at their establishments, while also encouraging residents and tourists to join in. The Department of Tourism and Thuy Thanh Commune People’s Committee reaffirmed their support for the five pioneering community tourism establishments, helping them maintain green services that not only attract visitors through unique cultural values but also demonstrate environmental responsibility and sustainable development goals.

On this occasion, Hue Tourism College collaborated with travel companies to introduce low-plastic tour programs at Thanh Toan tile-roofed bridge.

The TVA Project is funded by WWF-Norway (through WWF-Vietnam) and received by Hue City People’s Committee with the goal of helping the city protect its rivers and the ecosystems of wetlands and coastal areas from plastic pollution. The project spans over five years, from 2021 to 2025, and is divided into two phases.

Source: Hue News – news.baothuathienhue.vn- May 11, 2025

CategoriesDiscover Viet Nam By Ánh Ngọc Trương

Two Vietnamese destinations ranked among world’s Top 44 most beautiful places by Time Out

The northern mountainous province of Ha Giang and the ancient city of Hoi An in central Quang Nam province have been ranked among the Top 44 most beautiful places in the world by renowned UK-based travel magazine Time Out.

Nho Que River in Ha Giang Province

The magazine ranked Ha Giang in 10th place, saying the winding mountain passes, terraced rice paddies and 43 different ethnic groups that call this place home, all combine to give Ha Giang its otherworldly air.

According to Time Out, Tham Ma Pass winds its way through six successive hairpin bends, while the Mi Pa Leng Pass carves a mountain edge, overlooking the Nho Que River 3000 feet below.

“However, my personal favourite vista in Ha Giang affords a different kind of beauty, the kind to confront you with your own teeny-tiny mortality. In La Si and its surrounding region you’ll glimpse mountain after mountain, as far as the eye can see, of terraced rice paddies. It’s taken thousands (yes thousands) of years of hard toil to tame these mountains into the rice producing expanse that it is today”, told the magazine.

Latern in Hoi An

Meanwhile, Time Out describes that life in Hoi An moves like molasses – slow and sweet.

“When I lived in this dreamy little community, I spent mornings sipping coconut coffee in cafes and afternoons biking through swaying rice paddies past grazing buffalo. Now, I spend a few months a year here, watching lantern-lit boats glode along the Thu Bon river, cycling through Old Town before the evening crowds gather, and lounging on one of Viet Nam’s most beautiful beaches”, writer of the magazine wrote.

Over 50 years since its foundation in London, Time Out has become a global media and hospitality brand influencing how tens of millions of people go out around the world, with content covering 333 cities in 59 countries.

Time Out’s high-quality content, curated by expert journalists, now spans a global network of websites, social media channels, videos, live events and Time Out Markets.

Nearly 7.7 million foreign arrivals travelled to Viet Nam in the first four months of this year, a year-on-year increase of 23 percent, the National Statistics Office reported.

The surge in international arrivals affirms the effectiveness of Viet Nam’s tourism stimulus initiatives, laying a strong foundation for the country to meet its 2025 targets of welcoming 22 to 23 million foreign visitors.

Source: VGP – en.baochinhphu.vn – May 11, 2025

CategoriesNews By Ánh Ngọc Trương

Da Nang’s tourism being promoted in Europe

Between May 6 and 12, Da Nang participates in a series of programmes advertising Vietnamese tourism in the cities of Milan (Italy), Geneva (Switzerland) and Paris (France).

Da Nang tourism are promoted in the cities of Milan (Italy), Geneva (Switzerland) and Paris (France).

Organised by the Viet Nam National Authority of Tourism under the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism, the programme aims to promote the image of Vietnamese destinations to high-end tourism markets in Europe, especially Southern European countries and the French-speaking region. These markets boast high spending levels, favour personalized experiences, and pursue sustainable tourism trends.

Ms. Mai Thi Thanh Hai – Deputy Director of the Tourism Promotion Centre under the Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism of Da Nang said that at the tourism promotion programmes held in Milan on May 6 and Geneva on May 8, the city’s tourism industry focused on introducing typical products including high-end beach resorts, Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions (MICE) tourism, and golf tourism. Along with that, the city’s modern infrastructure, diverse accommodation systems and professional services, suitable for both individual tourists and international delegations and event organisers, are showcased.

“In particular, Da Nang has developed a destination linkage model that connects it with Hoi An, an ancient town recognised as a UNESCO World Cultural Heritage site. This partnership effectively combines Da Nang’s high-class resort experiences with the traditional cultural offerings of Hoi An, which has garnered high praise from European tourism partners”, Ms. Mai Thi Thanh Hai said.

European partners show their interest in learning about tourism in Da Nang

Along with destination promotion activities, Da Nang tourism actively took part in business-to-business (B2B) networking sessions with international travel agencies and airlines in Milan and Geneva. These networking events in Milan and Geneva provided opportunities for Da Nang businesses in the delegation to establish cooperative relationships, exchange products, and directly share market information with partners from Europe and the French-speaking business community.

Following the success in Milan and Geneva, the tourism promotion programme of Viet Nam in general and Da Nang in particular will be held in Paris (France) on May 12. This is an important event to approach the French market – one of the countries with the highest number of visitors to Viet Nam in the EU, while creating opportunities to connect with travel agencies, media and large businesses in the capital Paris.

Source: Da Nang Today – baodanang.vn – May 10, 2025