CategoriesDiscover Viet Nam By Ánh Ngọc Trương

Phu Quoc ranked among Asia’s top three islands

Phu Quoc (Kien Giang province) in southern Viet Nam ranked third in a list of world’s 10 best islands at this year’s Travel + Leisure Luxury Awards Asia Pacific, sustaining its popularity on global tourism map.

Phu Quoc island

As Viet Nam’s largest island, Phu Quoc is celebrated for its unspoiled beaches such as Bai Kem and Bai Sao, its rich biodiversity, and its blend of cultural and historical attractions.

According to the Viet Nam National Authority of Tourism, Phu Quoc welcomed more than 4.5 million visitors in the first five months of 2025, up 33.3 percent year-on-year, equivalent to 61.1 percent of its target this year.

Notably, international arrivals reached nearly 900,000, a 76.7 percent surge compared to the same period in 2024, reflecting the island’s growing global allure.

Travel + Leisure is one of the world’s most respected travel and lifestyle publications, widely regarded for curating premium and distinctive experiences for international travelers.

In this year’s awards, Phu Quoc was the only Vietnamese destination to make the top rankings, placing just behind Bali (Indonesia) and Koh Samui (Thailand).

Other destinations on the list included Palawan (Philippines), Phuket (Thailand), Langkawi (Malaysia), Sri Lanka, and Sumba (Indonesia).

Phu Quoc aims to model green development, installing waste-to-energy plants, tightening waste management, and slashing plastic use by 30 percent by 2030. The island was selected as the host for APEC 2027 – a prestigious opportunity that will transform the island into a focal point for international diplomacy, investment, and tourism./. 

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

CategoriesNews By Ánh Ngọc Trương

Bac Giang attracts tourists during lychee harvest season

The lychee harvest season in Bac Giang runs from late May to the end of July. This year, thanks to efforts to innovate in tourism promotion and communication, a large number of domestic and international visitors are flocking to Luc Ngan district and Chu (Bac Giang province) township to experience the ripe lychee season.

Since the start of the season, hundreds of thousands of visitors have come to Luc Ngan and Chu, many of whom were from France, the UK, Japan, China, and South Korea.

Since the start of the season, hundreds of thousands of visitors have come to Luc Ngan and Chu, many of whom were from France, the UK, Japan, China, and South Korea.

French visitors tour lychee orchards in Chu township

Recently, the Tru Huu Tourism and Trade Cooperative (Chu township) organized a tour for nearly 60 tourists from Japan and France to visit and explore the local lychee orchards and traditional craft villages.

The cooperative also welcomed hundreds of domestic visitors from provinces and cities including Hanoi, Hai Phong, Quang Ninh, Nam Dinh and Ho Chi Minh City.

Foreign children explore lychee-growing areas in Bac Giang

“Visitors enjoy picking fresh lychees with their own hands and tasting them right in the orchard. Through stories about the long-standing lychee cultivation tradition, tourists also learn about local culture and people, immersing themselves in the beautiful mountainous landscape,” said Phung Thi Lan, Director of Tru Huu Tourism and Trade Cooperative.

International tourists pose for photos at a lychee collection point in Giap Son commune (Luc Ngan)

Similarly, other cooperatives such as Garden Viet Community Tourism, Dong Dao Tourism (Chu township), Giap Son Ecotourism and Agricultural Cooperative, and An Phu Trade and Tourism Cooperative (Luc Ngan) have each hosted dozens of tours to the lychee-growing region.

In addition to sightseeing and hands-on experiences, many tourists purchased lychees as gifts.

According to experts, this year localities in the province have adopted new approaches in tourism promotion, investing in unique and appealing tourism products.

British tourists visit lychee production areas in Giap Son commune (Luc Ngan)

These include leveraging digital platforms like fan pages, YouTube, Zalo, Facebook, and TikTok, as well as organizing online tours, short video clips, and inviting content creators to promote the region-efforts that have generated widespread interest.

Luc Ngan district and Chu township continue to promote summer tourism with themes such as “bringing the market to the garden,” “welcoming guests home,” and the “home garden lychee tree” model. Authorities focus on showcasing the region’s potential, training local farmers and tourism workers in hospitality and tourism services.

Luc Ngan district offers the “Essence of Vietnamese Fruits” lychee tour, while Chu township runs the “Chu Lychee Season” agrotourism program, which features a “one-day farmer” experience that has attracted many visitors.

Improved infrastructure and proactive coordination by cooperatives with travel companies to organize tours and shuttle services are expected to drive a significant increase in visitor numbers compared to last year. 

Nguyen Huong

Source: Bac Giang News – en.baobacgiang.vn – Jun 20, 2025

CategoriesNews By Ánh Ngọc Trương

Son La, Da Nang promote tourism

As part of the “Colours of Son La” tourism event in Da Nang city in 2025, the People’s Committees of Son La province and Da Nang organised the Son La – Da Nang Tourism Promotion Conference on June 22.


At the Son La – Da Nang Tourism Promotion Conference

Attending the conference were Ho Ky Minh, member of the Standing Board of the Da Nang Party Committee and Standing Vice Chairman of the city People’s Committee; Trang Thi Xuan, member of the Standing Board of the Son La provincial Party Committee and Standing Vice Chairwoman of the provincial People’s Committee; leaders of several departments and sectors; representatives from travel companies, cooperatives, and tourism service businesses from Son La province, Da Nang city, and Quang Nam province.

At the conference, representatives from both localities presented an overview of their tourism resources, products, cultures, lands, and people. Son La, geographically located at the heart of the northwestern region, boasts diverse and abundant tourism resources in both nature and culture. In recent years, the number of tourists visiting Son La has steadily increased. In the first six months of 2025, the province welcomed nearly 3 million visitors, generating tourism revenue of about 3.5 trillion VND (133.95 million USD), with an average annual growth rate of 15-20%.

Da Nang city has also experienced remarkable growth in tourism since the beginning of the year. The estimated number of overnight visitors has reached 4.6 million, with tourism revenue estimated at 13 trillion VND, up 24% over the same period last year. The city continues to strengthen promotional activities, host major events, and expand international flight routes, thereby reinforcing its position as a leading destination in the Central – Central Highlands region.

During the conference, representatives from travel companies and tourism businesses from both localities introduced tourist destinations, preferential policies, and promotional programmes designed to attract tourists from both sides. They also discussed cooperative solutions, proposed mechanisms for tourism development partnerships, addressed challenges, and recommended the development of suitable tourism routes between Son La and Da Nang in the near future.


Representatives of the Da Nang Tourism Association and the Son La Tourism Association sign an agreement on cooperation in tourism development

Also at the event, a number of cooperation agreements were signed, including an agreement on promoting the development of culture, sports, and tourism between the Da Nang Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism and the Son La Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism, and another on tourism development between the Da Nang Tourism Association and the Son La Tourism Association.

Source: Son La Newspaper – en.baosonla.org.vn – Jun 22, 2025

CategoriesDiscover Viet Nam By Ánh Ngọc Trương

Viet Nam is cheapest country to live as expat: Daily Mail

Viet Nam is the cheapest country to live as an expat, according to the experts at William Russell who commissioned the research, noted an article released by Daily Mail, the British newspaper, earlier this week.


Da Nang is Viet Nam’s cheapest city with easy access to beaches and a vibrant nightlife scene, according to Daily Mail

Daily Mail quoted a spokesperson’s saying that a long-time favorite among budget-conscious and digital nomads, Viet Nam has all the ingredients needed to make the perfect quality of life.

From sun-swept beaches to metropolitan cities, good food and friendly locals, modern conveniences and ancient traditions to discover, Vietnam is one of the few countries that can truly claim to have it all.

A one-bedroom apartment can cost as little as US$361 or £265 a month while a three bedroom condo comes to US$801 or £589 on average per month.

And the overall cost of living in Viet Nam is 59 percent cheaper than the UK, highlighted William Russell.

The experts say the country’s cheapest city is Da Nang, a coastal metropolis with easy access to beaches and a vibrant nightlife scene.

Earlier, a 2024 InterNations study showed that Viet Nam is the most affordable country in the world for expats, ranking first out of 53 destinations when it comes to personal finances.

Viet Nam also came in 40th place for quality of life, 29th place for expat essentials such as digital life, housing and language, and ranked 14th for working abroad-with considerations like career prospects, salary and job security factored in.

Meanwhile, the 2024 Expat Insider report stated that 86 percent of expatriates rated Viet Nam’s cost of living positively, more than double the global average. Some 65 percent expressed satisfaction with their financial situation, citing high incomes and low expenses. Around 19 percent reported annual earnings of above US$150,000 compared to the global average of 10 percent.

Data from MovetoAsia, a consultancy specializing in foreign investment and relocation, shows an 18 percent increase in expatriates seeking assistance to move to Viet Nam in 2024.

Viet Nam hosted more than 9.2 million international visitors in the first five months of the year, rising by 21.3 percent against the same time of 2024, according to the Viet Nam National Authority of Tourism (VNAT)./. 

Source: VGP – en.baochinhphu.vn – Jun 21, 2025

CategoriesNews By Ánh Ngọc Trương

Enjoy Da Nang Festival 2025 opens

In his remarks at the opening ceremony of the Enjoy Da Nang Festival 2025 on Friday evening, Vice Chairman of the municipal People’s Committee Tran Chi Cuong said proudly that the city’s tourism industry experienced strong growth in the first half of the year.

Vice Chairman of the Da Nang People’s Committee Tran Chi Cuong delivered his opening speech at the Enjoy Da Nang Festival 2025. Photo: Ngoc Ha

A series of events and festivals at national and international scales are being held across the city, whilst many new and unique tourism products are launched. These efforts significantly contribute to creating a fresh, vibrant atmosphere, and attracting a large number of domestic and international tourists to the city this summer.

With the goal of diversifying products and affirming the city’s position as “Asia’s Leading Festival and Event Destination”, the organisation of the Enjoy Da Nang 2025 and such major events as the Da Nang International Fireworks Festival 2025 and the 3rd edition of the Da Nang Asian Film Festival is expected to form a series of unique summer activities, bringing a complete experience to visitors, he added.

Mr. Cuong noted this year’s festival is organised systematically and professionally on a large scale. It features a series of rich and attractive entertainment and sports activities, along with culinary and tourism services, contributing to opening up interesting experiences for people and visitors throughout the festival.

Through this event, the city hoped to spread the image of Da Nang – an ideal destination where both domestic and international visitors can enjoy a diverse, modern and high-quality tourism ecosystem, he said.

Many exciting art performances at the opening night of the Da Nang Enjoy Festival. Photo: Ngoc Ha

At the opening night, the audience and visitors were immersed in the vibrant space of the grand music show titled “Larue Color Fest” gathering famous domestic singers and artists such as singers Mono, Orange and My My, and DJ Peeka. All elaborately choreographed performances in combination with music, dance, and lighting technology brought a colorful art party, stirring up the sea space and creating an emotional summer mark.

Within the framework of the festival, an array of attractive, new and unique entertainment, sports, cultural and tourism activities are held at local tourist beaches and along both banks of the Han River. Included are the “Da Nang Summer Flavors” culinary space, “Story of Fishing Village” art installation space, and “Art Kite – Colors in the sky”.

Moreover, there are lots of exciting and thrilling water sports activities include canoe jet-skiing at Man Thai Beach, Da Nang Barefoot Run, Da Nang Beach Soccer 2025, yoga performance “Touching the Dawn of Da Nang”, Flashmob Zumba MasterClass performance with ZESTm Hender by nearly 200 people, and sailing performance on the Han River.

Nightly music programmes feature acoustics band programme, Son La Color art programme, Maia Summer Vibes music night, and international music programme – DJ Alexander Rud.

Source: Da Nang Today – baodanang.vn – Jun 21, 2025

CategoriesNews By Ánh Ngọc Trương

Ao Dai and Music shine by the Perfume River

The “Ao Dai and Music” art show, held on the stage along the banks of the Perfume River on the evening of June 20th, marked the closing of the 2025 Hue Community Ao Dai Week. The event unfolded in a space rich in identity, emotion, and deep affection for Ao dai Vietnam.

The “Ao Dai and Music” art show on the stage along the banks of the Perfume River

“Ao Dai and Music” took place in a dreamy riverside setting, right in front of Quoc Hoc – Hue High School for the Gifted, a rendezvous point for lovers of art and traditional attire. The show was jointly organized by Hue Monuments Conservation Center and Hue Royal Traditional Art Theater. It left a lasting impression on thousands in attendance and wrapped up the journey of the 2025 Hue Community Ao Dai Week – a highlight of both Hue Festival and National Tourism Year.

The show was elaborately choreographed, blended music and fashion, presenting a vibrant image of the evolution of Ao dai and its spread in the flow of Vietnamese culture. From romantic songs by Pham Duy, Trinh Cong Son, Cung Tien, Hoang Thi Tho… to dramatic acts, dances, and ao dai collections. Everything fused together to recount the ao dai’s journey attached to the Vietnamese soul across generations.

Opening the program was the musical performance “Tuoi Ngoc”, a nostalgic piece by Pham Duy, a composer, staged by artists from Hue Royal Traditional Art Theater, Unity dance troupe, and the young models of Hana Modelkids. The lyrics “xin cho em nhieu them nhung chuyen xe em dem” (“may I have more gentle rides”) carried the audience back to a sweet and innocent childhood.

Performances were elaborately staged, blending music and fashion

Interwoven throughout the show were ao dai collections from renowned Hue-based designers. Each collection carried a message and expressed a unique cultural, historical, and emotional aspect of Hue.

Viet Bao, a designer, presented a collection inspired by royal motifs – a crystallization of traditional aesthetic ideals. Ceramic patterns, architectural elements, and antiques were harmoniously arranged on silk, creating gentle yet evocative ao dai like a whisper from the past:

“Diu dang la diu dang oi, buoc di cham cham doi toi sang mua…”

(“Gentle, oh gentle one, do walk slowly, and wait for me…”)

Doan Trang, another designer, introduced a bridal ao dai collection – symbolizing the sacred bonds on a couple’s big day. Pairs of models in traditional wedding attire evoked familiar images of faithful, tender, and enduring Vietnamese love.

Following were colorful collections: “Non Nuoc Sac Son” (“Beloved Nation”) by the designer Nhu Nguyen; “Co Phuc” (“Ancient Dress”) by Quang Hoa, embodying the spirit of “ancient royal grace”; and “Hue Tinh Khoi” (“Pure Hue”) by Tran Thien Khanh, affirming that ao dai is not only a traditional symbol but also a modern, practical garment that enhances the beauty and confidence of Vietnamese women today.

Models presenting an ao dai collection inspired by royal patterns by Viet Bao

Minh Thao, a student at Hue University of Arts, shared after the show: “I felt so proud. Ao dai isn’t just tradition, it’s a fashion icon that stands alongside major global cultures. Today’s designs both honored the past and made us feel close, like something we’d want to wear every day”.

Music was an essential part of the event. The song “Co Nu Sinh Dong Khanh” (“The female student of Dong Khanh High School”) echoed alongside a scene of schoolgirls in white ao dai walking their bicycles after class, moving the audience with simple moments etched deep in the memories of many generations. “Ha Trang” (“White Summer”) by Trinh Cong Son, a son of Hue, was reenacted with flowing ao dai catching all the summer light. The lyrics “Ao xua du nhau cung xin bac dau goi mai ten nhau” (“Even if our old ao dai is worn, let us call each other’s names until our hair turns white”) recalled steadfast love. 

The show also featured royal court music pieces “Kim Tien, Xuan Phong, Long Ho”, performed by Mai Nga, a zither artist, and a group of models, transporting viewers back to the golden age of the former capital.

The song “Ao Dai Oi”, already familiar to the 90s generation, was performed in a lively and closely segment, where the ao dai appeared in everyday life, in street corners and daily moments.

The program concluded with “Ao Dai Viet Nam”, against a glowing backdrop of lights, with flowing ao dai “danced” beside the Perfume River, a heartfelt farewell to the inspiring 2025 Hue Community Ao Dai Week.

Thousands of audience members enjoying the performance

According to the organizers, this year’s Ao Dai Week featured 15 diverse activities: from the opening ceremony, traditional tailoring exhibitions, the “Ao Dai Passing down the Streets” cycling parade, the “Ao Dai Back to the Roots” journey, artistic programs, school forums, to a tribute ceremony for Nguyen Dynasty lords closely tied to the history of ao dai’s formation and development. 

Ever since Lord Nguyen Phuc Khoat issued an edict on attire in Dang Trong (The Inner Realm), ao dai has developed over hundreds of years to become a cultural ambassador, a national pride, and a never-ending source of artistic inspiration. For Hue, once an imperial capital and still a guardian of refined Vietnamese culture, ao dai is not only heritage, but also the embodiment of the soul of the land.

“Ao Dai and Music” composed a special symphony, closing the celebration yet opening new inspiration for the journey to share the heritage of ao dai Vietnam with both local and international audiences.

Source: Hue News – news.huengaynay.vn- Jun 22, 2025

CategoriesNews By Ánh Ngọc Trương

“Royal Tea Party” – a royal tea experience for a distinctive night

For the first time, the royal tea party space of the Nguyen Dynasty has been recreated in the heart of Hue Imperial Citadel, introducing a poetic and promising new night-time tourism experience.

A “tra nuong” (tea server) brewing tea at the Royal Tea Party

The “Royal Tea Party” service not only promotes Vietnamese tea culture but also brings a fresh breeze to the nighttime experience, which has long been limited in the former imperial capital.

Vividly reenacted

Amid the gentle glow of lanterns and the fragrant aroma of tea in Thieu Phuong Garden, a regal space once reserved for the leisure of Nguyen Dynasty emperors, Hue Monuments Conservation Center in collaboration with the Doi Dep tea brand organized a program titled “Reenactment of the Emperor’s Tea Banquet for His Courtiers”.

The program takes place at Di Nhien Pavilion, an ancient architectural structure located within Thieu Phuong Garden complex, one of the most renowned gardens of the former Imperial Capital. In 1844, Emperor Thieu Tri ranked it as the second most beautiful scenic spot of the Ancient Capital. Here, participants not only drink tea but also “drink” the atmosphere, the history, and the culture.

Royal Tea Party is reenacted as a vivid courtly ritual, including the Emperor inviting his high-ranking mandarins to drink tea, recite poems, and compose classical That Ngon Bat Cu poems (seven-word eight-line poems) right at the banquet. The solemn atmosphere is enriched by imperial court music with ancient songs, such as Phu Luc Dich and Trinh Tuong Tap Khanh, alongside the song of Hue-Singing “Ngu Huong Tra Ngat Hoang Cung”. More than just a Tea Party event, the setting resembles a miniature museum, showcasing artifacts such as glass paintings, Meditation poetry calligraphy, and bone-inlaid poems composed by the Nguyen Emperors.

Mr. Nguyen Phuoc Hai Trung, Deputy Director of Hue Monuments Conservation Center shared: “We aim to create a distinctive cultural tourism product. It will not only be an activity about tea but also serve as a place for experiencing the space, the art, and the imperial spirit of the past. This is a highly interactive service that both evokes historical memories and opens up new potential for developing night-time tourism products in Hue”.

Accompanying the program is tea artisan Pham Cong Tuan Ha, founder of the Doi Dep (thongs) tea brand, a co-organizer of the event. According to Tuan Ha, the reenactment of the Royal Tea Ceremony serves as a way to bring the public closer to the essence of Vietnamese tea culture, a tradition that is refined, diverse, and deeply rooted in life philosophy.

Mr. Ha explained that Vietnamese tea is not merely a beverage, but also a cultural symbol that connects with the spiritual consciousness of the nation. From this perspective, he introduced the concept of “Ngu Thuc Viet Tra”, five styles of tea appreciation, symbolizing 5 core values, which are truth, kindness, beauty, wisdom, and essence. Each tea style embodies a distinct layer of meaning, from the simplicity and rustic charm of Moc Thuc (Rustic Style), the refinement of Van Thuc (Aesthetic Style), the solemnity of Ngu Thuc (Imperial Style), the depth of Tinh Thuc (Meditative Style), to the enlightening knowledge of Thu Thuc (Scholarly Style). Notably, Ngu Thuc, the imperial tea style, is the soul of this service. “That cup of tea is not only about peace but also carries the eternal Vietnamese dream of peace and harmony,” Mr. Ha shared emotionally.

He also stated that Vietnam is one of the few countries with a long-standing, popular tea culture, which is distinct from other countries where tea is associated with the aristocracy or religion. The diversity and depth of Vietnamese tea culture are unique characteristics that tourism can leverage and promote to the world.

Ready to welcome tourists

“Royal Tea Party” is considered an important pilot initiative in the journey to diversify Hue’s night-time services, which has long been a weakness in the strategy to encourage tourists to extend their stay in the Ancient Capital.

Although still in the pilot stage, the program has left a strong impression on visitors by bringing them into a historical space imbued with poetry and art. After joining a tea party, Ms. Nguyen Lan Phuong, a tourist from Ho Chi Minh City shared: “From the architectural setting and the music to the ceremonial way the tea was served, I was deeply moved at everything . This was not merely about drinking tea, but a refined and profound cultural experience”.

According to Mr. Hai Trung, Hue currently lacks culturally rich night-time products that can create a distinctive “spirit” for the city. Therefore, utilizing an authentic historical space like Thieu Phuong Garden, where Emperor Thieu Tri and Tu Duc once invited courtiers for conversations and tea, is seen as a solution to illuminate Hue’s nightlife. “We plan to develop the royal tea experience into two formats: day-time and night-time; in which, night-time experience will incorporate artistic performances and create a vivid historical atmosphere, allowing visitors to truly interact and absorb the reach a deep understanding about Hue’s culture,” Mr. Trung stated.

The official service is set to launch at the end of June. At the same time, an afternoon tea party service at Ngoc Dich Lake, an ancient landscape within the Hue Imperial Citadel, is also being prepared for debut in August. With the dedicated involvement of passionate artisans, Hue is demonstrating a direction that is both creative and sustainable: not only preserving but also reviving cultural values that once seemed to have faded into the past.

“Royal Tea” is not just a cup of tea, it is a meeting between the present and the past, between the art of living and the culture of the royal court. More importantly, “it is a way that Hue uses to tell its story to the world, through the taste of tea, music, and the light in the stillness of the Ancient Capital’s nightlife,” expressed tea artisan Pham Cong Tuan Ha.

Source: Hue News – news.huengaynay.vn- Jun 19, 2025

CategoriesNews By Ánh Ngọc Trương

Binh Dinh kicks off 2025 Summer Tourism Festival

The 2025 Summer Tourism Festival, themed “Quy Nhon-A Seaside Paradise Aspiring to Reach New Heights,” opened on the evening of June 13 at Nguyen Tat Thanh Square in Quy Nhon City (Binh Dinh Province).

At the opening ceremony of the 2025 Summer Tourism Festival in Quy Nhon City, Binh Dinh Province (Photo: SGGP)

In his opening speech, Mr. Lam Hai Giang, Vice Chairman of the Binh Dinh Provincial People’s Committee, emphasized that the central coastal province of Binh Dinh is a land of martial arts and a repository of the mysterious Cham culture with eight clusters of ancient towers comprising 14 towers, along with unique and culturally rich traditional art forms. The province boasts a 130-kilometer coastline lined with pristine beaches and picturesque bays, including Ky Co, Eo Gio, Hon Kho, Mui Ganh, Vung Boi–De Gi, and Vi Rong Cape.

According to Vice Chairman Lam Hai Giang, Binh Dinh’s tourism sector continued to thrive in 2024, welcomed 9.2 million visitors and generated VND25.5 trillion (US$972 million) in total revenue. The province ranked 8th among 30 cities and provinces nationwide in the provincial Tourism Development Index. In the same year, Quy Nhon City was honored for the second time with the ASEAN Clean Tourist City Standard award, a recognition that further underscores Binh Dinh’s growing stature on the regional and global tourism map.

Under a resolution passed by the National Assembly, the provinces of Binh Dinh and Gia Lai will officially merge to form Gia Lai Province, opening up a new development corridor and laying the groundwork for a uniquely distinctive tourism region. The fusion of Binh Dinh’s turquoise waters, white sands, and golden sunshine with Gia Lai’s majestic Central Highlands landscape promises to deliver a diverse and enriching array of tourism offerings for visitors.

Mr. Lam Hai Giang, Vice Chairman of the Binh Dinh Provincial People’s Committee, speaks at the ceremony. (Photo: SGGP)

Building on these advantages, Binh Dinh Province has outlined a long-term tourism development strategy centered on three core principles, including green tourism, friendly tourism, and safe tourism. The local government has committed to upholding the “3 No’s” policy: no price gouging and coercion, no aggressive solicitation, and no noise or environmental pollution.

In addition, the province is implementing the “3 Safe” approach, which ensures traffic safety and civility, food hygiene and safety, and the protection of tourists’ lives and property.

The opening ceremony, featuring a vibrant and festive atmosphere, attracted tens of thousands of residents and visitors. Alongside traditional cultural performances, the evening was electrified by a performance of contestants of the Miss & Mister Fitness SuperModel World 2025.

The Miss & Mister Fitness SuperModel World 2025 competition takes place from June 8 to 14, 2025. The main events will be held at prominent venues such as FLC Resort Quy Nhon and Nguyen Tat Thanh Square.

At the opening ceremony of the 2025 Summer Tourism Festival in Quy Nhon City, Binh Dinh Province (Photo: SGGP)

Source: SGGP – en.sggp.org.vn – June 14, 2025 

CategoriesNews By Ánh Ngọc Trương

Impressive and unique “Hue Ao dai” art program 2025

On June 6, at An Dinh Palace, the “Hue Ao dai” art program 2025 was officially kicked off, beginning Hue Community Ao dai Week 2025 – a special cultural event within the National Tourism Year and Hue Festival 2025. Attendees included Mr. Nguyen Van Phuong, Deputy Secretary of the City Party Committee and Chairman of Hue City People’s Committee; Ms. Le Thi Hong Van, Director of the Department of Foreign Affairs and Cultural Diplomacy, Ministry of Foreign Affairs; Mr. Yamashita Makoto, Governor of Nara Prefecture, Japan, and Head of the Secretariat of the East Asia Local and Regional Government Congress; Ms. Dong Biyu, Chinese Consul General in Da Nang; Mr. Nguyen Thanh Binh, Vice Permanent Chairman of Hue City People’s Committee; and delegations representing local governments attending the 14th East Asia Local and Regional Government Congress.

Under the theme of honoring the traditional and contemporary beauty of Vietnamese Ao dai, its historical flow, and enduring beauty, the opening program delivered an emotional art night, elegantly combining Ao dai performances with music, dance, and modern light installations. An Dinh Palace Stage was transformed into a vibrant performance space, where each Ao dai was not just clothing but also a cultural and artistic message conveyed through the movements of models and artists.

The collections presented on the opening night are associated with Hue cultural imprints such as materials, patterns and hand-embroidery techniques. Many designs were inspired by imperial architecture, royal motifs, and the poetic landscapes of Hue. Additionally, contemporary innovations showcased the creative continuity between tradition and modernity of young designers.

According to the Organizing Committee, “Hue Community Ao dai Week not only honors Ao dai as an aesthetic symbol but also provides an opportunity for the community to reflect, preserve, and promote the value of a living cultural heritage”.

This event attracted a large number of local people, artists, designers, domestic and international tourists, creating a start to a series of activities until June 15. In the coming days, Ao dai will continue to spread throughout Hue’s streets through parades, seminars, performances, educational activities, and community connections as indicated in the spirit of Hue Summer Festival 2025 – freshness, intimation, and rich identity.

Mr. Yamashita Makoto, Governor of Nara Prefecture, Japan, and Head of the Secretariat of the East Asia Local and Regional Government Congress attends the program

On the side line of the art program, an exhibition space for traditional Ao dai tailoring will be held for 4 days (from June 6 to June 9). This is an opportunity for visitors to witness steps of making a truly “Hue handcrafted” Ao dai from selecting fabric, measuring and sewing, shaping, to embroidering patterns. Skilled artisans will “tell stories” with their needles and threads, taking viewers back to the golden age of Ao dai in the ancient imperial court.

Hue Community Ao dai Week 2025 is not only a fashion show but a series of rich activities connecting community. On the morning of June 7, hundreds of people wearing Ao dai will participate in the “Ao dai qua pho” cycling program along the city’s most beautiful routes, spreading messages about environment and culture. In the afternoon of the same day, the “Ao dai ve nguon” journey will take place at Truong Thai Tomb and Minh Mang Tomb, honoring the Emperors who helped shape Vietnamese imperial Ao dai style. In the evening, An Dinh Palace stage will continue to light up with the “Sac mau van hoa” art program.

On June 8, the “Viet Phong hoi tu” parade gathering thousands of people in traditional Ao dai, will move through central streets – expected to be one of the activities attracting a large number of tourists and locals. This will be followed by the “Ao dai – Sac tham Co do” program introducing new collections by Hue designers and artisans at 23-25 Le Loi Street.

Performances at the program

The following days will feature vibrant activities including “Ao dai xuong pho” flashmob (June 9), “Ao dai trong truong hoc” seminar (June 10), “Vu dieu Ao dai” program (June 12), an art exhibition inspired by Diem Phung Thi’s art (June 13), and a rural market fair and Ao dai performance with Phuoc Tich pottery products (June 14). Activities specifically for children will also be organized, such as the “Ao dai va tuoi tho” painting exhibition and the “Ao dai – niem vui cua em” festival.

On June 15, the incense offering ceremony commemorating Vo Vuong Nguyen Phuc Khoat and Emperor Minh Mang in the early morning will wrap up the “ve nguon” journey, before the closing ceremony takes place at 8:00 PM on the Huong River stage.

With the spirit of “Ao dai – ket noi truyen thong va hien dai, Hue va the gioi” (Aodai – connecting tradition and modernity, Hue and the world), Hue Community Ao dai week 2025 is not just a series of cultural events but also an invitation to the community to join hands in preserving and spreading a symbol of national culture.

Source: hue.gov.vn – June 7, 2025

CategoriesDiscover Viet Nam By Ánh Ngọc Trương

Experience with culinary passport

Many domestic and international tourists arriving at the airport or visiting service locations in Da Nang city express delight when receiving a very special passport: the culinary passport.

Tourists arriving at Da Nang Airport are warmly welcomed and presented with gifts, including a culinary passport.

The culinary passport becomes part of a traveler’s backpack essentials, connecting every visitor to 50 selected restaurants that have been carefully vetted and strictly monitored for food safety by local authorities.

After finishing their meals at a restaurant, each table of guests was introduced by staff to the culinary passport program launched by Da Nang’s tourism sector. All guests had to do was present their passport, and the staff would flip it open and stamp it with a unique red seal bearing the words “DaNang Food Tour.”

The Culinary Passport Project, launched in late 2024, offers tourists a unique food experience in Da Nang. At each stop, they get a red “DaNang Food Tour” stamp. The more stamps collected, the more dining discounts and chances to win prizes worth millions of VND.

Some guests are even gifted fresh oysters after meals. The passport mimics a real travel document but highlights local food spots. In March, a major food festival featuring 200 regional and global dishes was held along the East Sea, celebrating the city’s vibrant culinary scene.

The Da Nang Foodtour campaign combines with the Culinary Passport to promote the city’s vibrant cuisine.

Da Nang’s Culinary Passport campaign is drawing much attention by promoting tourism through food experiences. Tourists receive a passport upon arrival, collect stamps at 50 certified restaurants, and enjoy dining discounts or prizes. Many keep it as a memorable souvenir.

Over 10,000 passports have been distributed. A digital food map at foodtourdanang.vn highlights 400 trusted eateries, including Michelin-recommended spots.

In early 2025, Da Nang recorded 1.6 million visitors, with food and beverage revenue up 18.6%, reaching nearly 3 trillion VND.

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

CategoriesNews By Ánh Ngọc Trương

Viet Nam receives over 9.2 million international visitors, up 21.3%

(TITC) – In the first five months of 2025, international arrivals to Viet Nam exceeded 9.2 million, an increase of 21.3% compared to the same period last year. In May 2025 alone, the number of international visitors reached 1.53 million, up 10.5%.

International visitors by month (thousand arrivals)

Source: Compiled from National Statistics Office’s data

Among the total number of international visitors to Viet Nam, 85.2% arrived by air, 12.9% by land, and 1.9% by sea.

In terms of market size, China maintained its top position with 2.36 million arrivals (accounting for 25.7%), followed by South Korea with over 1.9 million arrivals (20.7%).

Top 10 source markets of Viet Nam tourism also included Taiwan (533 thousand arrivals), the United States (375 thousand), Japan (342 thousand), Cambodia (325 thousand), India (272 thousand), Australia (241 thousand), and Malaysia (221 thousand). Notably, Russia entered the top 10 markets with 210 thousand arrivals, making it the largest European source market.

Top 10 international markets in the first 5 months of 2025 (thousand arrivals)

Source: Compiled from National Statistics Office’s data

Regarding growth drivers, in the first 5 months, the Chinese market saw a sharp increase (+47.2% year-on-year), Japan grew well (+18.3%), and the United States saw a steady rise (+7.2%).

Several Southeast Asian markets experienced rapid growth, including the Philippines (+104.3%), Cambodia (+64.8%), and Laos (+39.8%). Other nearby markets saw moderate increases: Indonesia (+11.6%), Thailand (+4.1%), Malaysia (+2.9%), and Singapore (+2.6%).

India, a promising market, grew by 38.3%, and Australia rose by 13.1% compared to the same period last year. Meanwhile, South Korea saw a slight decline of 2.4%.

Notably, markets benefiting from Viet Nam’s unilateral visa exemption policy continued their growth momentum: the UK (+19.5%), France (+19.8%), Germany (+16.1%), Italy (+24.7%), Spain (+10.3%), Denmark (+10.9%), Sweden (+15.1%), and Norway (+14.3%). The Russian market recorded a strong increase of 121.1% compared to the same period in 2024.

Additionally, countries benefiting from short-term visa exemption under the 2025 Tourism Promotion Program also saw increases compared to 2024, including Poland (+44.5%) and Switzerland (+10.7%).

Currently, the tourism sector is actively implementing campaigns to promote Viet Nam’s tourism abroad. In May 2025, the Viet Nam National Authority of Tourism organized tourism promotional programs in three European countries: France, Italy, and Switzerland, and promoted Viet Nam’s tourism and cinema at the Cannes Film Festival in France. According to the plan, in June 2025, the Authority will continue to hold promotional programs in Poland, the Czech Republic and Germany.

Tourism Information Technology Center

CategoriesNews By Ánh Ngọc Trương

2025 Michelin Guide list honours Viet Nam

On Thursday evening, Michelin Guide Viet Nam hosted its 2025 awards ceremony in Da Nang, honoring outstanding culinary establishments across Ha Noi, Ho Chi Minh City, and Da Nang. The event was attended by Phan Linh Chi, Vice Chairwoman of the Viet Nam National Authority of Tourism, and Ho Ky Minh, Standing Vice Chairman of the Da Nang People’s Committee.

La Maison 1888 at InterContinental Danang Sun Peninsula Resort retains its prestigious one Michelin Star. Photo: Ngoc Ha

The 2025 selection highlights a dynamic, fast-evolving food scene. With more than 20 new entries across all categories, Viet Nam’s culinary future looks brighter than ever. Ho Chi Minh City stands out for its range – from beloved local spots to upscale venues led by international names. Ha Noi and Da Nang continue to impress with new street food finds and Bib Gourmand additions. Across all three cities, dining remains both accessible and exciting.

The newly released restaurant selection showcases 181 establishments, featuring nine one Michelin-starred restaurants, 63 Bib Gourmand and 109 establishments selected for their quality cuisine.

A representative from Nén restaurant (left) celebrates the restaurant’s continued recognition with a Michelin Green Star.

Outstandingly, Da Nang solidifies its culinary standing with La Maison 1888 at the InterContinental Danang Sun Peninsula Resort retaining its one Michelin Star and Nén restaurant maintaining its Michelin Green Star status.

Among the city’s additions are four new Bib Gourmand establishments – Banh Xeo 76, Bun Bo Hue Ba Thương, Que Xua, and Shamballa -and three new Michelin Selected venues ‘Bep Cuon, Bun Rieu Cua 39, and Moc.

In addition to 16 Bib Gourmand listings in 2024, Da Nang welcomed four new Bib Gourmand-awarded venues this year Banh Xeo 76, ‘Bun Bo Hue Ba Thuong, Que Xua, and Shamballa. Photo: Ngoc Ha

“This year, we are proud to witness a rise in the number of starred restaurants, driven by a new generation of talented chefs. Many are returning to their roots, using modern techniques to tell stories of their hometowns and to revive childhood flavors,” said Gwendal Poullennec, International Director of the Michelin Guides.

“For our inspectors, the journey of discovering new restaurants in Viet Nam remains as exciting as ever. They have been inspired by the dedication, creativity, and pursuit of excellence shown by culinary professionals across the country – and they are eager to uncover even more gems in the years to come”, he added.

Building on its 19 Michelin Selected entries in 2024, Da Nang added three more establishments this year: Bep Cuon, Bun Rieu Cua 39, and Moc. Photo: Ngoc Ha

Viet Nam’s diverse geography shapes a rich culinary landscape, from the rice fields of the north to the fisheries of the Mekong Delta and the spice-laden inland mountains. Regional techniques -such as fermentation in the north and drying or salting along the coasts – give Vietnamese cuisine its distinctive character, the website of Michelin Guide states.

A new generation of chefs is reimagining tradition through modern storytelling, while street vendors and long-standing eateries continue to preserve the country’s culinary heritage. The dining scene moves at its own pace, with small, character-filled venues gradually gaining recognition and cultural value.

Representatives of Michelin One Star restaurants pose for a commemorative photo with officials. Photo: Ngoc Ha

In the Michelin system, one star signifies a very good restaurant, two stars mean excellent cooking that is worth a detour, and three stars mean exceptional cuisine that is worth a special journey. According to the Michelin Guide website, there are over 3,000 Michelin-starred restaurants in nearly 40 different countries.

Source: Da Nang Today – baodanang.vn – Jun 6, 2025