China – ASEAN Cultural Exchange Program officially kicks off

On June 29, a cultural exchange activity between Hue City and the cultural tourism delegation of Nanning (Nam Ninh) City (China) took place at Duyen Thi Duong Theater. This event marked the beginning of China – ASEAN cultural exchange program 2025 in Vietnam.

An art performance of Nanning City (China)

Attending the event were Mr. Ha Vy, Chinese Ambassador to Vietnam; Ms. Dong Bich Du, Consul General of China in Da Nang City; Mr. Truong Duc Son, Director of Chinese Cultural Center in Hanoi; Ms. Wang Xuan Mai, Deputy Director of Nanning Municipal Bureau of Culture, Radio, Television and Tourism, and Mr. Phuong Ninh, Director of Nam Ninh Institute of Ethnic Art and Culture Research.

In the delegation of Hue City, attending the event were Mr. Nguyen Thai Binh, Standing member of the City Party Committee and Permanent Vice Chairman of Hue City People’s Committee; Ms. Nguyen Thi Ai Van, Chairwoman of Vietnam Fatherland Front Committee of the City; along with leaders of relevant departments and agencies.

In the space of the Duyet Thi Duong Theatre, guests enjoyed an artistic exchange between Hue City and Nanning City, featuring impressive and unique performances of Nha Nhac, the Vietnamese Court Music of the Nguyen Dynasty. Furthermore, they also got the chance to enjoy the characteristic traditional art performances of Nanning, Quang Tay Province (China).

This is a series of activities that Nanning City brings to local theaters and universities across Vietnam to organize stage exhibitions, artistic exchange performances, intangible cultural heritage exhibitions and promote cultural and tourism cooperation between China and Vietnam. This event also marks the opening of China – ASEAN Cultural Exchange Program 2025 in Vietnam.

China – ASEAN Cultural Exchange Program 2025 in Vietnam is a meaningful event held to commemorate the 75th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and Vietnam this year. It also serves as a contribution to the National Tourism Year 2025, which is being hosted by Hue City. The program aims to enhance mutual understanding and strengthen cultural and tourism ties between officials and citizens of Hue City and Nanning City. It also contributes significantly to promoting the traditional friendship between China and Vietnam.

The leaders of Hue City expressed their belief that this visit and working trip of Nanning City delegation would further deepen the friendship, understanding, and cooperation between the two localities and between the two nations in the fields of culture and arts. They hoped that the friendship between the peoples of China and Vietnam would remain ever-green and enduring, and the comprehensive cooperative relationship between Hue City and Nanning City would soon be established and developed.

Source: Hue News – news.huengaynay.vn- Jun 30, 2025

Da Nang to host ASEAN – Korea Roundtable on Tourism

The ASEAN – Korea Roundtable on Tourism 2025 (AK-RT) is slated to take place in Da Nang from July 2 – 4.

The event is jointly organised by the Da Nang-based Duy Tan University, and PASSAGE TO ASEAN (P2A), a network of universities and colleges in the ASEAN region.

It will bring together policy makers from ministries, departments, and tourism sectors of ASEAN countries and South Korea, business leaders, and industry experts. The guests will discuss and propose practical solutions, thereby contributing to the recovery and sustainable development of the tourism industry in the post-pandemic context.

The event will focus on strengthening security and facilitating tourism activities; enhancing the experience of tourists; training and developing human resources in the tourism industry; and promoting understanding and respect for cultural diversity between ASEAN countries and South Korea.

Launched in August 2024, the AK-RT project is part of ASEAN-Korea Free Trade Agreement (AKFTA). AK-RT is held in rotation in each country for 3 years. The first edition will be held in Da Nang (Viet Nam), and sponsored by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Korea and the AKFTA.

The event will greatly contribute to affirming the position of Duy Tan University in the field of tourism education and research, and at the same time, open up opportunities for Viet Nam, especially Da Nang, to improve its position on the international tourism cooperation map.

Source: Da Nang Today – baodanang.vn – Jun 26, 2025

Ha Long Bay listed among ASEAN’s top 15 tourist destinations

Ha Long Bay, along with Hoi An and Sa Pa, has been recognized as one of the top travel destinations in Southeast Asia by Gulf News in its feature titled “Top 15 Southeast Asia tourist destinations – Why it’s worth a visit.”

A corner of Ha Long bay

Gulf News, one of the leading English-language newspapers in the Persian Gulf region, selected destinations based on their blend of iconic cities, cultural heritage, tropical getaways, and culinary appeal.

“Southeast Asia is a region where ancient temples whisper tales of the past, emerald waters shimmer beneath golden skies, and every smile feels like home. From mystical mountains to vibrant street markets, this enchanting part of the world promises unforgettable adventures, rich cultures, and warm hospitality,” the article noted.

Among the highlighted locations, Ha Long Bay in Quang Ninh province, a UNESCO World Heritage site, ranked third. It was praised for its breathtaking seascape of limestone karsts rising from emerald waters. The article emphasized that cruising or kayaking through the bay offers a truly unforgettable way to experience unspoiled natural beauty at its finest.

The ancient town of Hoi An in Quang Nam province was ranked eighth and the mountain town of Sa Pa was mentioned in last place at number 15.

Other places on the list included Bali, Indonesia; Palawan, Cebu and Bicol in the Philippines; George Town and Penang in Malaysia; Cambodia’s Siem Reap and Angkor Wat; Chiang Mai, Thailand; Luang Prabang, Laos; Bandar Seri Begawan in Brunei; and Bagan, Myanmar.

Source: Quang Ninh Online – baoquangninh.vn – Jun 24, 2025