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

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

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

Vietnamese cuisine and craft village introduction events held in Milan, Italy

Within Vietnam tourism promotion program held in Italy, Switzerland and France from May 4th to May 14th, 2025, the business trip led by Mr. Nguyen Thanh Binh, the standing member of Hue city Party Committee, Vice Permanent Chairman of Hue city People’s Committee leaders of various departments, agencies and artists attended the tourism promotion program in Milan city, Italy. The event was co-organized by the Ministry of Culture, Sport and Tourism, Hue city, Hanoi city, Milan city, Lombardy region on May 6, 2025.

At the event, Vice Permanent Chairman Nguyen Thanh Binh discussed with Mr. Duong Hai Hung – the Ambassador of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam to Italy, Mr. Nguyen Trung Khanh – the Director of National Authority of Tourism and Mr. Raffaele Cattaneo – the Regional Councilor for International Cooperation of Lombardy. The leader of Hue city highlighted Hue’s cultural identity, attracted visitors from Italy, especially Milan city, following the launch of the direct Milan-Hanoi flight on July 1, 2025.

Vice Permanent Chairman Nguyen Thanh Binh informed cooperative results in the past time and expected to further strengthen the cooperative relation between Hue city and Italian cities in tourism, heritage, culture and international cooperation.

Joining the Culture and Tourism week and tourism promotion program, Hue city hopes to introduce Hue to the Europe, one of Hue traditional tourism markets.

Furthermore, Hue continues to introduce destinations, new tourism products and activities to be held on Visit Viet Nam Year 2025 and Hue Festival 2025.

Source: hue.gov.vn – May 8, 2025

Google: Vietnam ranks 7th globally in Top Growth by destination country

(TITC) – Thanks to open visa policy, excellent portfolio of diverse and high-quality tourism products, and the expansion of international air routes, Vietnam is emerging as a standout destination on the global tourism map. According to aggregated data from Google Destination Insights, Vietnam ranks 7th globally in Top Growth by destination country.

Accordingly, international searches for tourist accommodations in Vietnam since early of this year have recorded rapid growth of 10%-25%, placing the country in 7th position globally. Vietnam is also the only Southeast Asian country listed in the top 10, surpassing other competitors in the region, such as the Philippines (#18), Singapore (#25), Thailand (#36), Indonesia (#37), and Malaysia (#39).

Vietnam among the Top 10 Fastest-Growing Global Travel Destinations

The top 10 most searched Vietnamese cities by foreigners include: Ho Chi Minh City, Hanoi, Da Nang, Phu Quoc, Nha Trang, Hoi An, Vung Tau, Da Lat, Phan Thiet, and Hue.

Notably, Vung Tau and Ninh Binh recorded the highest growth in search volume (over 75%).

Highest demand for Vietnam tourism derived from source markets of the United States, India, Australia, Japan, Singapore, South Korea, the United Kingdom, Taiwan, Malaysia, and Hong Kong.

Several key factors contributing to Vietnam’s appeal among global travelers include its diverse tourism offerings, from cultural, nature, and coastal tourism to emerging products like agricultural tourism, rail journeys, wellness, sports tourism…

Vietnam’s tourism infrastructure has also been rapidly improved, with the development of air, road, and sea transport. The expansion of direct flights connecting major global cities with Vietnam has enhanced the accessibility for international visitors. Particularly, Vietnam’s open visa and immigration policies are playing an important role to attract international visitors to the country. Moreover, Vietnam’s stability in terms of security and public order is considered a crucial factor being highly valued by foreigners.

Besides, marketing and promotion campaigns conducted by Vietnam tourism sector in key source markets also help raising Vietnam tourism brand globally. Currently, the Vietnam National Authority of Tourism is running a tourism roadshow in France, Italy, and Switzerland from 3-14 May.

In the first four months of 2025, Vietnam welcomed over 7.6 million international arrivals, marking a 23.8% increase compared to the same period last year. Coupled with the good news of ranking 7th globally in destination search growth, these are promising signals for the tourism sector in first months of 2025 – a pivotal year for the sector striving to attract 22-23 million international arrivals, contributing to targeted GDP growth of 8% set by the Government.

Tourism Information Technology Center

More than 350.000 visit Hue during 5-day holiday

On the afternoon of May 4th, Department of Tourism reported that the total number of visitors to Hue City during the April 30th – May 1st holiday saw a sharp increase, estimated at 351.000 arrivals over the 5-day period from April 30th to May 4th.

Foreign visitors posing for commemorative photos with Vietnamese tour groups

Of the total number of visitors to Hue during this period, international arrivals were estimated at 71.500. Tourism revenue was estimated at 730 billion VND. The number of overnight stays reached approximately 106.000, including around 27.125 international guests. The average hotel room occupancy rate was around 97%.

During this year’s April 30th – May 1st holiday, which marked the 50th anniversary of the Liberation of the South and National Reunification, Hue Imperial Citadel offered free evening tours (from 6:00 PM to 9:30 PM, April 26th to May 1st, 2025) for both domestic and international visitors at three areas: Thieu Phuong Garden, Co Ha Garden, and the Royal Treasury Palace.

The local government also organized various cultural and culinary events for the community and visitors, including the “Tourism space, Cultural heritage, Scenic sites, and Traditional handicraft products of Vietnam” exhibition held from April 27th to May 4th, 2025 at Hue City’s Culture and Cinema Center; the “Hue – Culinary Capital” festival at Thuong Bac Park from April 29th to May 2nd, 2025; and the “Countryside Market Festival” at Thanh Toan tiled-roof bridge from April 30th to May 4th, 2025.

Initial evaluations indicate that, thanks to well-prepared plans to accommodate tourists, enhanced inspections, and supervision of tourism-related activities as well as safety and security measures at sites and businesses, most visitors were satisfied with the quality of services and their overall experience in Hue.

Source: Hue News – news.baothuathienhue.vn- May 5, 2025

Quang Ninh welcomes over 1.1 million visitors during April 30 – May 1 holiday

Quang Ninh welcomed more than 1.1 million visitors over the five-day holiday from April 30 to May 4, reaching 112% of the figure from the same period in 2024, according to the Department of Culture, Sports, and Tourism.

Cruise tourists are ready to do a tour of Ha Long.

Of these, nearly 500,000 were overnight stays, and international visitors totaled around 102,000. Tourism revenue was estimated at VND 3.121 trillion, 1.4 times higher than last year, putting the province closer to achieving its VND 55 trillion tourism revenue target for 2025.

During the holiday, Quang Ninh organized 40 cultural, tourism, and sports events, including three provincial-level programs and 37 district and community-level activities. Among the highlights was the Ha Long Carnival 2025, held on May 1 in Bai Chay, Ha Long City, under the theme “Connecting Heritage – Pioneering to Shine.” The event, part of the 2025 Ha Long Summer Tourism Week, drew tens of thousands of residents and visitors.

Also noteworthy was the 2025 Red River Delta – Quang Ninh OCOP Fair, taking place from April 29 to May 4 with over 250 booths showcasing products from Quang Ninh and other provinces. The fair helped boost consumption, promote local brands, and served as a vital link between producers and consumers, contributing to economic growth.

Around 20,000 residents and visitors attended the Ha Long Carnival 2025.

There was a surge in the number of visitors to the province. The number of visitors to the province’s major tourist destinations was recorded as follows: Ha Long city – 651,000; Mong Cai city – 280,000; Uong Bi city – 112,600; Van Don district – 120,000; and Co To district – 34,000.

Major attractions saw from 2 to 3 times higher visitor traffic than usual, including Ha Long Bay with 98,400 visitors (33,000 international tourists), Sun World Park nearly 55,000 visitors, Quang Ninh museum 41,400 visitors, and the complex of Yen Tu monuments and landscape around 15,300 visitors. Mong Cai border gate recorded almost 26,000 international arrivals.

The first Vietnam-China Cross-Border Cycling Race (Mong Cai – Dongxing) 2025 attracted a large number of locals and tourists.

Hotel occupancy rates remained high throughout the holiday, with 4-to-5-star hotels reaching 90-95% capacity, and other accommodations averaging 70-80% occupancy. From April 30 to May 2, some destinations such as Co To, Quan Lan, and Minh Chau reported occupancy rates of 90-95%, while overnight cruises on Ha Long Bay also achieved 90-95% capacity.

The Red River Delta – Quang Ninh OCOP Fair 2025 is a popular destination during the holiday.

Quang Ninh also welcomed three international cruise ships during the holiday. Notably, on April 30, 2025, the Pacific World cruise ship docked in Ha Long for the first time, bringing over 1,700 high-end Japanese tourists. Visitors enjoyed tours of Ha Long Bay, Ha Long city, and Yen Duc village, experiencing local culture and attractions.

Source: Quang Ninh Online – english.baoquangninh.vn – May 4, 2025

Sun World Ba Na Hills launches new cable car line

On April 30, the Sun World Ba Na Hills officially launched its 8th cable car line. This newly inaugurated project is a key development for the resort complex, designed to elevate the visitor experience in this “fairyland realm,” and serves as a meaningful gift to celebrate the nation’s grand holiday.

The Sun World Ba Na Hills operates new cable car line in time for April 30 and May 1 holidays. 

The new cable car line comprises 153 cabins with a transport capacity of 3,000 guests per hour. Beyond shortening travel time and increasing visitor throughput during peak seasons, this new product also offers a wealth of unique cultural and entertainment experiences, ensuring a more vibrant and memorable journey for all guests.

From the very first steps at the departure station named ‘Hoi An 2’ of the new cable car line, visitors are immersed in a space rich in Vietnamese cultural identity. Inspired by the traditional art of the lion dance, a sacred symbol of joy, good fortune, and festive spirit, the station is designed as a vibrant “cultural stage,” where elements of folk heritage are brought to life through architectural expression. In Vietnamese culture, the lion is more than a mythical creature of good luck; it embodies vitality, jubilation, and auspicious new beginnings. Infused with this spirit, the station is not merely a transit point but a place that stirs emotions and energizes travellers before they embark on their journey to explore the Ba Na Hills.

From Hoi An 2, the cable car line No. 8 glides passengers gently over vast stretches of pristine forest, soaring across mist-shrouded valleys en route to the mysterious destination station named ‘Moon Kingdom’. This aerial journey not only shortens travel time but also offers breathtaking panoramic views, showcasing the majestic beauty of the Ba Na Mountains in all their glory. The ‘Moon Kingdom’ Station, an architectural marvel that is as distinctive as it is impressive. Inspired by the iconic Vietnamese conical hat, the station features five towering spires that rise gracefully into the sky, seamlessly complementing the adjacent Moon Castle. Inside, visitors are welcomed into a stunning space designed with thousands of rustic terracotta bricks, evoking the image of traditional brick kilns once familiar in everyday life across Viet Nam.

Tourists excited to experience the new cable car line

The launch of new cable car line No. 8 represents not only an upgrade in service quality but also a testament to Sun World Ba Na Hills’ unwavering commitment to continual innovation. It reflects the destination’s dedication to delivering enriching cultural values and elevating the overall guest experience to new heights.

Source: Da Nang Today – baodanang.vn – May 3, 2025

Ha Long Carnival 2025: “Connecting heritage – Pioneering to shine”

On the evening of May 1, Ha Long Carnival 2025, themed “Connecting heritage – Pioneering to shine”, lit up Sun Carnival square in Ha Long city with a vibrant celebration.

A vibrant festival on the bank of Ha Long Bay

The event kicked off a series of cultural, tourism, and entertainment activities marking the 2025 summer peak season. It also served as a highlight to promote Ha Long and Quang Ninh’s unique strengths and commemorate the 50th anniversary of the Liberation of the South and National Reunification (April 30, 1975 – April 30, 2025).

The carnival featured four main components: an art performance program, a grand parade of floats with artistic performances and carnival-style costumes, a dynamic DJ stage with large-scale production inviting locals and tourists into an electrifying electronic music party, and a high-altitude fireworks display.

A panoramic view of the Ha Long Carnival 2025 stage.

The art program unfolded in three acts: “Ha Long – Radiant heritage wonder”, “Quang Ninh – Heritage within heritage”, and “Global integration – Pioneering to shine.” Nearly 1,000 performers participated, including singers, musicians, artisans from Northeast Vietnam, amateur actors, and art troupes from Vietnam and abroad. A large seaside stage combined modern projection, sound, lighting, 3D mapping, and live-action performances, creating a visually stunning experience.

The three acts illustrated Quang Ninh’s journey from a land of legends and living heritage to a symbol of global integration. Performances like “Heritage Carousel,” “Ha Long Legend,” “Sacred Yen Tu,” and “Footsteps of the Miners” took audiences on a cultural journey through history and tradition.

A standout highlight was the reinterpretation of UNESCO-recognized intangible cultural heritages such as Then singing from Binh Lieu, Quan Ho folk songs from Bac Ninh, Hue Royal Court Music, Central Highlands Gong Culture, Southern Don Ca Tai Tu music, and Hat Van “Co Doi Thuong Ngan.” These art forms retained their core essence while being refreshed through modern arrangements, theatrical staging, and interactive visuals, making them accessible to young audiences and international visitors.

Ha Long Carnival 2025 dazzles audiences with a stunning sound and light show.

Celebrating national identity in the open space of a world heritage bay, the carnival showcased a distinctive fusion of tradition and modernity, affirming Ha Long – Quang Ninh as not only a guardian of heritage but also a hub for spreading and elevating Vietnamese cultural values.

The final act, “Global Integration – Pioneering to Shine,” featured international performances, rising star Quang Hung Master D, EDM shows, high-altitude fireworks, and artistic paragliding. A highlight was the parade of five thematic floats, symbolizing Ha Long–Quang Ninh’s culture, spirituality, entertainment, and tourism, conveying the message of integration, dynamism, and progress.

Ha Long Carnival 2025 marked its 18th edition, further cementing its role as Quang Ninh’s signature cultural and tourism event. With the message “Connecting Heritage – Pioneering to Shine,” the carnival enriches the cultural identity of Northeast Vietnam and elevates Ha Long Bay ’s position on the global tourism map.

The Then singing performance from Binh Lieu honors Then singing, an intangible cultural heritage and a cherished tradition of the Tay people in Quang Ninh.

A high-altitude fireworks display lights up the sky over Ha Long city.

Source: Quang Ninh Online – english.baoquangninh.vn – May 2, 2025

Special space for Vietnam’s travel experiences, heritage, attractions, and traditional craft products

Dozens of displaying booths promoting the culture and tourism of provinces and cities across the country gathered in Hue to participate in the exhibition themed “Space for Tourism, Cultural Heritage, Landmarks, and Traditional Handicraft Products of Vietnam”.

 Hue space being displayed at the exhibition

The exhibition, organized by the Ministry of Culture, Sports, and Tourism in collaboration with the People’s Committee of Hue City, was officially opened on the evening of April 27 at Hue City Culture and Cinema Center (No. 41A Hung Vuong St., Thuan Hoa District).

The event is part of the Visit Viet Nam Year – Hue 2025, marking the 50th anniversary of the Liberation of the South and the Reunification of the Country (April 30, 1975 – April 30, 2025) and congratulating Hue City on becoming a centrally-governed municipality.

The exhibition has the participation of 29 provinces and cities, focusing on showcasing and promoting the tangible and intangible cultural values, beautiful landscapes, and the people of Vietnam.

The joint exhibition titled “Tourism Spaces, Cultural Heritage, and Beautiful Landscapes of Vietnam” presents the public with various distinctive contents. Among them, “Tourism through Vietnam’s Cultural Heritage and Beautiful Landscapes” showcases the country, its people, and the heritage sites recognized by UNESCO.

“The Capitals of Vietnam in the past and present” takes visitors to regions that were once the capitals of Vietnam, where historical and cultural marks have been deeply engraved for centuries. These areas used to serve as the cultural, economic, and political centers of the country. The exhibition also features the tourism and cultural heritage of Vietnam’s former capitals, including Phu Tho, Ninh Binh, Thanh Hoa, Hue, and Hanoi.

“Vietnamese Ethnic Cultural Heritage” focuses on showcasing the cultural heritage of the various ethnic groups across Vietnam. Additionally, the exhibition features several works of light sculptures from the “Tram tich kinh ky” collection, such as the works “Huong Sa”, “Co Do”, and “Chiec Non bai tho”, created by the young artist Bui Van Tu.

Furthermore, there is an exhibition area dedicated to ancient Vietnamese ceramics, as well as a Vietnamese tea culture space, which showcases tea products and promotes tea culture exchange. Moreover, there will be dedicated spaces representing regions for 29 participating provinces, where they present tangible and intangible cultural heritage, historical sites, festivals, and iconic landmarks; as well as displaying various types of tourism, travel products; local cuisine and specialties. Throughout the exhibition, there are special artistic programs gathering artists and artisans from many provinces, with performances that highlight the distinct cultural identities of each region.

According to the organizing committee, this event carries a great significance, contributing to the promotion of Vietnam’s beautiful image, rich in national identity. Especially, holding the exhibition in Hue City, a place that embodies the essence of both royal court culture and folk traditions, also furthers honors the value of heritage and affirms Hue’s role as a major cultural and tourism center of the country.

Following are the photos taken at the exhibition: 

 Artistic performance at the opening ceremony

Displayed artistic photos attracting viewers

The displaying space of Kon Tum Province

 A displaying corner of Dien Bien Province

 Artisans from Bac Ninh Province performing at the exhibition

 The food court with various stalls is also a part of the exhibition program

Source: Hue News – news.baothuathienhue.vn- Apr 28, 2025