Vietnam welcomes 20th millionth international tourist in 2025
With an estimated growth rate of 21% this year, Vietnam's tourism industry is now regarded by the United Nations World Tourism Organisation as one of the fastest-growing in the world.
Hanoi officially puts smart traffic control centre into operation
With 1,837 AI-powered cameras installed at 195 key intersections, the Smart Traffic Control Centre is set to serve as the “brain” overseeing traffic conditions and public order in Hanoi in real time. The system enables the public security forces to monitor images across major roads and junctions, promptly detect congestion, violations, accidents and incidents, and respond in a timely manner.
Vietnam to welcome 20 millionth foreign visitor in a single year in Phu Quoc
Vietnam is set to welcome its 20 millionth international tourist in a single year for the first time ever at Phu Quoc International Airport in An Giang province in mid-December, marking a historic milestone for the country’s tourism sector.
Lao Cai works hard to preserve Pa Di people’s traditional crafts
To preserve their cultural heritage and values, and prevent traditional crafts, especially traditional costume-making, from fading away, the Pa Di people in Muong Khuong, Lao Cai province, are actively working with local authorities and agencies on preservation efforts.
‘Red Rain’ closes Vietnamese Film Week in Paris
Adapted from the novel by Chu Lai, ‘Red Rain’ draws inspiration from the 81-day battle to defend the Quang Tri Ancient Citadel in 1972. The film has stormed into the history books as Vietnam’s highest-grossing domestic film of all time, with 700 billion VND (nearly 26.5 million USD) in revenue.
Vietnam becomes founding member of Southeast Asia Mixed Martial Arts Association
Also on December 11, Vietnamese MMA athletes delivered impressive performances, securing two gold medals, one silver and two bronzes in their debut appearance at SEA Games 33.
Return of sarus cranes: Hope takes wing in Dong Thap wetland
Beneath the wide Mekong Delta sky, Tram Chim National Park is racing against time, pouring heart and science into a decade-long (2022–2032) plan to rescue the Eastern sarus crane – an elegant, scarlet-headed bird listed as endangered on the International Union for the Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List and a living emblem of both the park and all of Dong Thap province.
Dong Ho folk painting craft added to UNESCO’s urgent safeguarding list
The Dong Ho folk painting craft has been added to UNESCO’s List of Intangible Cultural Heritage in Need of Urgent Safeguarding. This is Vietnam’s 17th intangible cultural heritage element recognised by UNESCO.
Hanoi boasts immense potential in waterway tourism
Hanoi is crisscrossed by seven major rivers with a total length exceeding 550km. Among them, the Hong (Red) River stretches 163km through localities. This geographical advantage positions the capital city favourably for developing waterway tourism. Promoting river-based tours is a new, high-potential direction to diversify tourism products and enhance visitor experiences, according to the Hanoi Department of Tourism.
33rd SEA Games: Vietnamese women's karate team bring home fifth gold
This is also Vietnam’s first gold medal in karate at the Games, following four golds secured on the opening day of competition.
SEA Games 33: Good news keeps flowing from swimming, petanque
Vietnamese swimmer Tran Hung Nguyen stormed to his fourth consecutive SEA Games gold in the men’s 200m individual medley on December 10, clocking 2:03.11 to successfully defend the title he has held since the 30th Games.
Vietnamese canoeists bring home first gold at SEA Games 33
The victory marks Vietnam’s first gold of the Games, which run through December 20 in Bangkok, Chonburi and Songkhla.
Ho Chi Minh anthology launched in Uruguay
The release of 500 copies of the anthology aims to honour the distinguished leader and reflects the warm solidarity between the peoples of Uruguay and Vietnam.
HCM City speeds up digital tourism to draw more travellers
Following its goal of building a friendly destination, the Ho Chi Minh City Department of Tourism is rolling out a range of local stimulus programmes, with a focus on bringing the city’s signature attractions closer to domestic and international visitors through digital platforms.
Dong Ho folk painting craft added to UNESCO’s urgent safeguarding list
This is Vietnam’s 17th intangible cultural heritage element recognised by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO).
Da Nang New Year Festival 2026 promises vibrant cultural, entertainment spaces
With its diverse cultural and entertainment activities, the Da Nang New Year Festival 2026 is expected to offer a unique festive atmosphere and further affirm Da Nang’s position as one of the region’s leading festival tourism destinations during the year-end holiday season.
HCM City to welcome New Year 2026 with fireworks at four sites
HCM City will host high-altitude fireworks displays at three sites - the Saigon River Tunnel entrance in An Khanh ward, the New City’s centre in Binh Duong ward, and Tam Thang Square in Vung Tau ward, along with a low-altitude show at Dam Sen Cultural Park in Binh Thoi ward.
Hanoi launches public two-wheel electric scooter service for first time
Hanoi’s pioneering pilot of public electric bicycles is seen as a fitting step in its drive to build a civilised, modern, green and sustainable capital, improving quality of life, creating a more people-friendly urban environment and promoting the green-transport trend the city is pursuing.
Vietnamese in Poland donate vegetable garden to Truong Sa troops
The first garden is slated for inauguration when the next OV delegation visits Truong Sa in 2026. The Vietnamese community in Poland vowed to support future initiatives for Vietnam’s seas and islands, considering it a sacred duty of those living far from home.
Vietnam draws French holidaymakers during Christmas, New Year
Patrice Caradec, President of the Syndicate of French Tour-Operators (SETO), said the country has not attracted as many French tourists since COVID-19. As Vietnam reopened later than several Asian destinations, pent-up demand has surged with the full recovery of tourism. The “S-shaped” nation has now returned to pre-pandemic levels of French arrivals.
Vietnam named World’s Leading Heritage Destination 2025
The repeated recognition over the years affirms the lasting, timeless allure of Vietnam’s renowned destinations. It also reflects the continuous efforts of localities to preserve resources, diversify tourism products and improve service quality. The growing global acclaim contributes to shaping a diverse, distinctive and highly competitive network of destinations, helping Vietnam continue to shine at prestigious international tourism awards.
