Tourism emerged as the city's standout economic sector during this period, with nearly 1.5 million tourist arrivals

Hue City's Gross Regional Domestic Product (GRDP) growth rate for the first quarter of 2025 is estimated at an impressive 9.9%, according to the city's Department of Finance.

Tourism emerged as the city's standout economic sector during the period, with nearly 1.5 million tourist arrivals, representing a remarkable 62% increase compared to the same quarter last year, thanks to the successful organization of numerous unique cultural events and festivals.

In addition to tourism, the city's export turnover showed strong performance.

March 2025 export turnover was estimated at $104.3 million, reflecting a 7% increase from the previous month and a 20% year-on-year growth. Hue City's total export turnover for Q1 2025 reached $318 million, marking a 23% year-on-year rise and fulfilling 22% of the annual target.

Key developments also took place in the industrial and infrastructure sectors during Q1. The city worked to support investors and resolve challenges for them, thus enabling the commencement of several major projects, including the Creanza high-tech quartz sand processing plant, the Dat Phuong patterned white glass factory, the Chan May Logistics Center, and two social housing projects in the An Van Duong urban area. These projects represent a total investment capital of approximately VND6 trillion (nearly $233 million).

Furthermore, Hue City celebrated the technical traffic opening of the Huong River Overpass, a vital component of the Nguyen Hoang Street - Huong River Overpass project.

-Nguyễn Thuấn

The port in HCM City can accommodate vessels ranging from 30,000 DWT to 50,000 DWT.

The Ministry of Construction has approved a pilot program allowing international cruise ships to dock at Saigon - Hiep Phuoc Port in Nha Be district, Ho Chi Minh City.

Located on the Soai Rap River, Saigon - Hiep Phuoc Port features three berths totaling 800m in length, along with two mooring buoys, and can accommodate vessels ranging from 30,000 DWT to 50,000 DWT.

Approved by the Ministry of Transport (now the Ministry of Construction) in October 2024, the port is allowed to receive the international cruise ship Viking Orion, which has a capacity of 3,640 DWT and transporting 1,400 passengers.

 The pilot program for international cruise ship arrivals is expected to boost HCMC’s cruise tourism industry.

 

-Hoài Niệm

Total outstanding tourism credits reaching VND57 trillion ($2.2 billion) by the end of February.

Total outstanding tourism credits in Ho Chi Minh City reached nearly VND57 trillion ($2.2 billion)  by the end of February, making up 1.5% of the city’s total loans, according to the State Bank of Vietnam's (SBV) Regional Branch No.2.

The figure represents a growth of 10%.

The credit growth was attributed to the recovery of tourism activities after the Covid-19 pandemic over the past two years.  

In the first three months of this year, the local tourism sector recorded total revenue of over VND56.66 trillion ($2.19 billion), a year-on-year rise of 26.7%, figures from the city’s Tourism Department show.

 

-Minh Huy

The flight, operated by Vietjet Air, departed Taipei at 4:40pm and landed in Dong Hoi airport at 7:40pm on March 31.

The first international flight from Taipei (Taiwan), with 38 passengers on board, arrived at the Dong Hoi Airport in the central province of Quang Binh on March 31,  according to a report from Radio the Voice of Vietnam.

The flight, operated by Vietjet Air, departed Taipei at 4:40pm and landed in Dong Hoi at 7:40pm.

Earlier on the same day, the budget carrier's flight VJ7172 carried 90 passengers departed Dong Hoi Airport at 12:40pm and  arrived at Taipei International Airport at 3:40pm. This marks a significant step in establishing international flights to and from Dong Hoi Airport.

Currently, Dong Hoi Airport is one of three domestic airports in Vietnam authorized to process electronic visas for foreigners entering and exiting the country.

From March 31 to October 13, 2025, the Dong Hoi–Taipei (Taiwan) international route is set to operate a total of 13 round-trip flights.

Mr. Dang Dong Ha, Deputy Director of the Provincial Department of Culture, Sports, and Tourism, stated that the launch of this new international flight route not only enhances air connectivity between Quang Binh and East Asia but also plays a vital role in promoting trade, boosting tourism visibility, and attracting international visitors to the region. 

-Phạm Long

The national flag carrier now operates six routes between Vietnam and China, with a total of 40 flights per week.

To address the growing demand for travel between Vietnam and China, Vietnam Airlines has officially launched a direct route connecting Ho Chi Minh City to Beijing’s Daxing International Airport, which is considered as the largest airport in the world.

According to Vietnam Airlines, the inaugural flight, VN516, departed from Ho Chi Minh City at 00:45am on March 30 (local time) and arrived at Daxing International Airport at 06:30am on the same day (local time). In the reverse direction, flight VN517 departed Daxing at 08:30am (local time) and touched down at Tan Son Nhat International Airport at 12:25pm on the same day.

The national flag carrier will operate five return flights per week on the new route, on every Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, and Sunday, using Airbus A321 aircraft.

With its launch, Vietnam Airlines now operates six routes between Vietnam and China, with a total of 40 flights per week, linking major cities such as Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City with Beijing, Shanghai, and Guangzhou.

According to the National Statistics Office, in 2024, Vietnam welcomed over 3.7 million Chinese visitors, marking a 214% increase compared to 2023 and solidifying China as Vietnam's fastest-growing inbound tourist market of the year.

-Đan Tiên

The application regulated by the Law on entry, exit, transit and residence of foreigners in Vietnam

According to the Law on Entry, Exit, Transit and Residence of Foreigners in Vietnam, foreigners can apply for visas to enter Vietnam at the country’s international border gates

Under the law, Accordingly, foreign citizens shall be issued with Vietnamese visas in the following cases:

a) Departing from a country where there is not a Vietnamese competent authority responsible for visa issuance;

b) Having travelled to other countries before arriving in Vietnam;

c) Entering Vietnam on tours organized by international tourism agencies in Vietnam;

d) Foreign crew members on board ships anchored in Vietnamese seaports who need to exit Vietnam through another border gate;

e) Entering Vietnam to attend the funeral of a relative or visit a seriously ill relative; and

f) Entering Vietnam to participate in emergency, rescue, disaster and epidemic prevention and control efforts or others reasons at the request of Vietnamese competent authorities.

Foreign citizens shall have to show valid passports, or international travel papers, fill visa application form at the checkpoint areas.

Children under 14 years of age shall be declared together with the visa application form of their parent or guardian in case they share the same passport with their parent or guardian.

Additionally, Vietnam now issues e-visas to foreigners from all countries and territories with the duration of stay of up to 90 days.

The fee shall be $25 for a single-entry visa and $50 for a multiple-entry visa.

Foreigners using e-visas must enter and exit Vietnam through the international border gates designated by the Government, as listed below:

List of land border gates:

1. Bo Y international border gate, Kon Tum province,
2. Cha Lo international border gate, Quang Binh province,
3. Cau Treo international border gate, Ha Tinh province,
4. Huu Nghi international border gate, Lang Son province,
5. Ha Tien international border gate, Kien Giang province,
6. Lao Bao international border gate, Quang Tri province,
7. Lao Cai international border gate, Lao Cai province,
8. La Lay international border gate, Quang Tri province,
9. Moc Bai international border gate, Tay Ninh province,
10. Mong Cai international border gate, Quang Ninh province,
11. Nam Can international border gate, Nghe An province,
12. Na Meo international border gate, Thanh Hoa province,
13. Vinh Xuong international land and river border gate, An Giang province,
14. Tinh Bien international border gate, An Giang province,
15. Tay Trang international border gate, Dien Bien province, and
16. Xa Mat international border gate, Tay Ninh province.

List of air border gates at the following airports:

1. Cat Bi Airport,
2. Cam Ranh Airport,
3. Can Tho Airport,
4. Da Nang Airport,
5. Noi Bai Airport,
6. Phu Quoc Airport,
7. Phu Bai Airport,
8. Tan Son Nhat Airport,
9. Van Don Airport,
10. Tho Xuan Airport,
11. Dong Hoi Airport,
12. Phu Cat Airport, and
13. Lien Khuong Airport.

List of sea border gates at the following ports:

1. Chan May Port, Hue City,
2. Cam Pha Port, Quang Ninh Province,
3. Hon Gai Port, Quang Ninh Province,
4. Da Nang Port, Da Nang City,
5. Duong Dong Port, Kien Giang Province,
6. Dung Quat Port, Quang Ngai Province,
7. Hai Phong Port, Hai Phong City,
8. Nghi Son Port, Thanh Hoa Province,
9. Nha Trang Port, Khanh Hoa Province,
10. Quy Nhon port, Binh Dinh Province,
11. Ho Chi Minh City Port, Ho Chi Minh City,
12. Vung Ang Port, Ha Tinh Province, and
13. Vung Tau Port, Ba Ria - Vung Tau Province.

 

-Vân Nguyễn

Nearly 160 international and national cultural, economic, social, and tourism activities will be held nationwide.

The opening ceremony of the National Tourism Year 2025 was held in the centrally-run city of Hue on March 25 evening, according to a report from the Government News.

The National Tourism Year 2025, themed “Hue—Ancient Capital, New Opportunities,” includes nearly 160 international and national cultural, economic, social, and tourism activities which will be held across 63 provinces and cities throughout the country.

2025 is expected to be a milestone marking the strong return of Vietnam's tourism, with a goal of attracting 22-23 million international visitors, 120-130 million domestic visitors, and reaching total revenue of about $41 billion.

Since March 1, Viet Nam waived visa with a duration of stay of up to 45 days for citizens of Poland, Czech, and Switzerland traveling on package tours, adding to a list of 25 countries enjoying visa-free entry.

Vietnam has issued e-visa to citizens of all countries and territories around the world and increase the validity duration to up to 90 days.

-Phạm Long

The city attracting nearly 1.64 million foreign visitors in the three-month period.

The tourism industry of Ho Chi Minh City posted a revenue of over VND56.6 trillion ($2.19 billion) in the first quarter of the year, increasing 26.7% year-on-year, according to the city’s Department of Tourism.

In March alone, tourism revenue is estimated to reach more than VND19.24 trillion ($745 million), up 20.5% year-on-year.

During the three-month period, the city welcomed nearly 1.64 million foreign visitors and over 8.57 million domestic tourists, surging 18.2% and 6.3% year-on-year, respectively.

To attract more visitors, the department will continue introducing the city's destinations and distinctive tourism products, and take measures to improve tourism service quality.

To boost waterway tourism, the department has surveyed routes linking Ho Chi Minh City with provinces in the Mekong Delta and the southeastern region, re-launching 14 routes featuring tourist speedboats and cruise ships from Ho Chi Minh City to the Mekong Delta provinces, including two connecting to Cambodia. The city plans to develop 22 new routes between Ho Chi Minh City, the Mekong Delta, and Cambodia.

-Phạm Vinh

It is part of the projected Can Gio Coastal Urban Tourism Area with investment capital estimated at VND64 trillion ($2.6 billion).

The People’s Committee of Ho Chi Minh City has given a green light to the investment project for land reclamation as part of the Can Gio Coastal Urban Tourism Area project.

The project spans across Long Hoa commune and Can Thanh town in Can Gio district.

The land reclamation component covers a total area of over 1,357ha and has been designated as a Group A project with a 50-year operational timeline.

The project has estimated investment capital of over VND64 trillion ($2.6 billion). Of the amount, some VND51.54 trillion will be allocated for construction work.

The initiative aims to transform the area into a premier coastal urban tourism destination, including luxury resorts, convention and conference centers, smart city zones, high-tech service hubs, residential housing, and hotels.

The project will be implemented through 2031.

According to the detailed zoning plan for the Can Gio Coastal Urban Area approved by the city recently, the area will span 2,870ha and is divided into four zones: A, B, C, and D-E. It is estimated to have total population of 228,506 and attract up to 9 million tourists annually.

-Thanh Thủy

The route will link Addis Ababa to Hanoi with four weekly flights initially, starting from July 10.

Ethiopian Airlines, one of Africa's leading airlines, will launch a direct air route linking Addis Ababa, the capital city of Ethiopia, to Hanoi.

Initially, the airlines will operate four weekly flights on the route, starting from July 10.

The new service provide one more travel option for passengers travelling between Africa and Southeast Asia.

Ethiopian Airlines Group CEO Mesfin Tasew  expressed his pleasure to expand presence in Southeast Asia and enhance air connectivity for customers in the region.

"This new route will create opportunities for stronger ties and collaborations between Vietnam and our extensive global network. We look forward to bringing our renowned service to Vietnam and further growing our presence in this dynamic market", he was quoted by the Government News as saying.

According to the Vietnam National Authority of Tourism, the number of visitors from Africa remains limited, but recorded the strong growth in 2024, with a rise of 169.1 per cent year-on-year, standing at 50,906.

In the first two months of this year, Vietnam welcomed 9,201 visitors from Africa, a year-on-year increase of 212 per cent.

 

-Phạm Long

The system will help to simplify procedures for passengers and enhance security.

Automatic immigration gate system (Autogate) has been officially put into operation at Da Nang International Airport in central Da Nang city from March 20.

The system will help to ease the workload for immigration officers, simplify procedures for passengers and enhance security through advanced biometric recognition technology.

In 2024, the Da Nang International Terminal Investment and Operation Joint Stock Company (AHT) collaborated with FPT Software to implement various advanced technologies, including self-check-in kiosks, automated boarding gates, an AI-powered security analytics system and multi-lingual operating screens.

AHT Deputy Director General Do Trong Hau said that the official operation of the Autogate marks a significant milestone in modernizing entry/exit management process at the airport, improving service quality, and optimizing the airport operation.

-Ngô Anh Văn

Direct flights connecting Hanoi to Bengaluru and Hyderabad scheduled to start in May.

National flag carrier Vietnam Airlines will launch new direct air routes connecting Hanoi to two major cities in India, Bengaluru and Hyderabad, from May this year.

The Hanoi - Bengaluru route will start on May 1, with four round trips per week (Tuesdays, Thursdays, Saturdays and Sundays).

Flights on the Hanoi - Hyderabad route will be effective on May 8, with three round trips per week (Wednesdays, Fridays and Sundays).

Vietnam Airlines has since long exploited two direct routes connecting Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City to Delhi and Mumbai of India.

In 2024, Vietnam welcomed over 500,000 Indian tourists, making India one of the country’s top 10 largest sources of international visitors.

 

-Tuấn Khang

Total tourism revenue estimated at VND2.555 trillion ($99.3 million).

Central Thanh Hoa province welcomed over 2.6 million tourists in the first quarter of the year, increasing 4.8% compared to the same period last year.

Of the total, there were 35,800 international visitors.

Total tourism revenue is estimated at VND2.555 trillion ($99.3 million), up 6.1% year-on-year.

The province targets to welcome 16 million tourists this year. Total tourism turnover is expected to reach VND45.5 trillion ($1.77 billion) for the whole year.

To fulfill the target, the province will give public investment priority to completing key tourism projects and important transport routes.

The province will also take measures to improve services quality, develop new tourism products and enhance tourism cooperation with localities and agencies both inside and outside the country.  

 

-Nguyễn Thuấn

From April 1, the national flag carrier's flights on Hanoi-Manila route will increase from three per week to daily, while its flights on HCMC - Manila route adjusted to 4 per week.

The national flag carrier Vietnam Airlines will increase the frequency of its flights between Vietnam and the Philippines from April 1 this year to meet growing travel and trade demand between the two countries.

Accordingly, its flights on the Hanoi-Manila route will be increased from 3 per week to daily.

Meanwhile, its flights on the Ho Chi Minh City-Manila route will be adjusted to four flights per week on Mondays, Thursdays, Fridays and Sundays.

As a result, Vietnam Airlines will operate 11 direct flights per week connecting the two countries.

In 2024, the number of Philippines tourists to Vietnam rose 73.6% year-on-year, while there were nearly 60,000 Vietnamese holidaymakers visited the Philippines.

 

 

 

-Tuấn Khang

The terminal designed to handle domestic flights and welcome up to 20 million passengers a year.

The domestic passenger terminal T3 at Tan Son Nhat International Airport in Ho Chi Minh City is slated for inauguration on April 30 this year, the airport representative has announced.

The airport will conduct trial operations at Terminal T3 before the official inauguration, as directed by the Prime Minister.

Initially, the new terminal will only serve domestic flights of two airlines – the national carrier Vietnam Airlines and the budget carrier Vietjet Air.

Domestic flights of the other four airlines - Vasco, Bamboo Airways, Vietravel Airlines, and Pacific Airlines - will continue to operate from domestic Terminal T1.

T3 terminal is designed to handle domestic flights and welcome up to 20 million passengers a year.

The project is invested with nearly VND11 trillion ($434 million) by the Airports Corporation of Vietnam (ACV).

 

 

-Thiên Ân

The route resuming after three year suspension.

National flag carrier Vietnam Airlines has announced to reopen the direct flight route between Hanoi and Moscow (Russia) on May 8 after a three-year suspension.

In the initial phase, the carrier will use Boeing 787 wide-body aircrafts to operate two weekly flights on Tuesdays and Thursdays.

It plans to increase the frequency to three flights per week from July 2026 to meet passenger demand.

Russia has always been a key tourism and trade market of Vietnam. In 2024, the total number of passengers traveling between the two countries reached over 220,000, marking a growth of more than 2.3 times compared to 2023.

 

-Tuấn Khang

It is the highest peak in Dong Nai province and the second tallest in the Southeast region, following Ba Den Mountain in Tay Ninh province.

Southern Dong Nai province has announced plans to invest approximately VND18.2 trillion ($715 million) in the development of three cable car lines and four mountain railway lines connecting various areas on the summit of Chua Chan Mountain by 2030.

The People's Committee of the province recently approved adjustments to the overall plan for preserving, repairing, restoring, and enhancing the Chua Chan Mountain scenic relic site through 2030.

Chua Chan Mountain, classified as a national-level scenic relic in 2012, is located in Xuan Loc district. Standing at 837 m above sea level and situated about 100 km from Ho Chi Minh City, it is the highest peak in Dong Nai province and the second tallest in the Southeast region, following Ba Den Mountain in Tay Ninh province.

Under the adjusted planning decision, in addition to the existing cable car line connecting the mountain's base to Buu Quang Pagoda, three new cable car lines are planned. These will link the southeastern foot of the mountain to its summit, including key locations like the former French Governor-General's rest house and late King Bao Dai's tea garden. Another cable car line will serve internal connectivity on the mountaintop.

Furthermore, four new mountain railway lines will be developed to enhance transportation between various areas on the summit.

The scope of the study for the adjusted planning covers over 1,700 ha, encompassing the communes of Xuan Tho, Xuan Truong, Xuan Hiep, Suoi Cat, and Gia Ray town in Xuan Loc district.

-Thiên Ân

There are currently 12 ASEAN Heritage Parks in the country.

 Vietnam currently tops Southeast Asia in the number of ASEAN Heritage Parks, totaling 12, according to a report from the Government News.

They are Hoang Lien National Park  (in the northern mountainous provinces of Lao Cai and Lai Chau), Ba Be National Park (in the northern mountainous province of Bac Kan), Vu Quang National Park (in the central province of Ha Tinh), Bai Tu Long National Park (in the northern province of Quang Ninh, which is home to Ha Long Bay), Ngoc Linh Nature Reserve (in the Central Highlands province of Kon Tum), Chu Mom Ray National Park (Kon Tum), Kon Ka Kinh National Park (in the Central Highlands province of Gia Lai), U Minh Thuong National Park (in the Mekong Delta province of Kien Giang, which is home to Phu Quoc island), Bidoup-Nui Ba National Park (in the Central Highlands province of Lam Dong), Lo Go-Xa Mat National Park (in the southern province of Tay Ninh), Con Dao National Park (in the southern province of Ba Ria-Vung Tau), and Bach Ma National Park (in the centrally-run city of Hue).

Vietnam targets to increase the number of ASEAN Heritage Parks to 15 by the end of this year.

ASEAN Heritage Parks are defined as "protected areas of high conservation importance, preserving in total a complete spectrum of representative ecosystems of the ASEAN region."

These areas are established to generate greater awareness, pride, appreciation, enjoyment and conservation of ASEAN's rich natural heritage, through a regional network of representative protected areas, and to generate greater collaboration among ASEAN Member States in preserving their shared natural heritage.

The ASEAN Heritage Parks play a crucial role in preserving genetic resources, ensuring the sustainable use of ecosystems, maintaining natural areas of cultural and educational value, and raising awareness about biodiversity conservation among the people of ASEAN countries.

-Phạm Long

The air route was launched during Party General Secretary To Lam’s official visit to Singapore between March 11-13.

Budget carrier Vietjet Air on March 11 launched direct air route between  Vietnam’s Phu Quoc island and Singapore on the occasion of Party General Secretary To Lam's official visit to Singapore from March 11-13, according to a report from the Government News.

This is Vietjet Air's fourth direct air routes between the two countries, joining existing routes between Singapore and three of Viet Nam's centrally-run cities: Ho Chi Minh City, Hanoi, and Da Nang.

Phu Quoc island is well-known for pristine beaches, mild climate, and ample accommodation options ranging from the budget-friendly to ultra-luxurious. Additionally, the island offers a diverse range of experiences, including modern amusement parks, and safari experiences.

The latest route is expected to not only boost tourism but also strengthen economic, trade, and cultural cooperation between the two nations.

Vietjet Air will operate the new route with four flights per week, bringing the total number of weekly flights between Vietnam and Singapore to 78.

On the occasion, Vietjet Air and Carlyle Aviation Partners signed a $300 million financing agreement to support the purchase of aircraft scheduled for delivery between 2025 and 2026.

The deal will help Viejet Air to get over additional 400 new aircrafts to expand its fleet.

Vietjet Air and Satair, an Airbus Group subsidiary, penned a cooperation deal on the use of Integrated Material Services (IMS), a comprehensive material supply solution for Vietjet's entire fleet of Airbus A320 and A330 aircraft.

-Phạm Long

The launching ceremony was held during Party General Secretary To Lam’s State visit to Indonesia between March 9-11.

Party General Secretary To Lam attended an official launching ceremony for Vietnam Airlines' direct route linking Ho Chi Minh City and Indonesia’s Bali resort island on March 9 as part of his State visit to Indonesia between March 9-11.

On this air route, Vietnam Airlines will initially operate four round trips weekly from June 1, with service on Wednesdays, Thursday, Saturdays, and Sundays. It will increase the frequency to daily flights from July.

According to a report from the Government News, the event marked the national flag carrier's second direct route between Vietnam and Indonesia, bringing its total number of weekly flights between the two countries to 14.

Indonesian Ambassador to Vietnam Denny Abdi highlighted the significance of enhanced connectivity between the two countries.

The ambassador was quoted by the Government News as highlighting Vietnam Airlines' initiative to operate direct flights between the two localities, noting that this development would boost two-way tourist traffic and open numerous opportunities for bilateral cooperation across various sectors.

-Vân Nguyễn