Asean Travel And Tours

Tourists dressed in traditional Thai costumes pose for pictures as they visit Wat Arun or the Temple of Dawn. Photo by Reuters Thailand's Bangkok is the most searched Asian destination by Vietnam travelers for the upcoming Lunar New Year holiday thanks to its cheap travel costs, according to online travel platform Agoda. Singapore came in second, followed by Japan's Tokyo, Hong Kong and Indonesia's Bali, based on searches made on Agoda between October and November 2025 for check-ins during Feb. 14–22. Bangkok has emerged as a paradise for food enthusiasts, offering everything from legendary street food stalls to Michelin-starred restaurants and panoramic 360-degree rooftop bars. Its cultural and heritage sites, including the iconic Wat Phra Kaew, Wat Arun, and Wat Pho temples, remain major attractions to tourists According to Agoda, Bangkok is favored by Vietnamese travelers thanks to its cheap travel costs. A five-day tour package to Thailand now costs from VND6 million (U...

The Christmas tree lighting event, "Sunny Go Around," held on Nov. 25, illuminated the center of Sunset Town, Phu Quoc, with music, lights, and a fireworks display. Sunset Town lights up during festive season. Photo courtesy of Sun Group Phu Quoc has been positioning itself as a notable Christmas destination, with festive themes appearing across resorts, commercial streets, and coastal entertainment areas. Sunset Town has become a focal point of the celebrations. Its central square features a giant Christmas tree, while surrounding areas - from luxury accommodations and the Sunset Bazaar to the Vui Phet night market and performances such as "The Symphony of the Sea" and "Kiss of the Sea" - offer visitors various holiday activities described locally as a "tropical Christmas." A performance under the giant Christmas tree at the heart of Sunset Town. Photo courtesy of Sun Group Since late November, Sunset Town has adopted a Christmas ambiance. Stree...

  Gavin Quinn burst into tears as he crossed the border into Vietnam on his bicycle, finishing a nearly 12,000-kilometer journey through 20 countries. "Vietnam feels like a dream to me," he says, standing on the shores of Ha Long Bay in Quang Ninh. The UNESCO World Heritage is both his inspiration and final destination for the 374-day cycling odyssey. Gavin Quinn in Ha Long Bay, Quang Ninh, July 2025. Photo by courtesy of Gavin Born in Dublin, Ireland, Quinn, 28, works in the media industry. He has always dreamed of traveling the world and combining his three greatest passions: adventure, exploration and cycling. In 2022 he completed a 5,000-kilometer ride across Europe by bikepacking, a self-sufficient method of travel where all essential gear is carried on the bike. "Cycling is the most seamless and slow-paced way to see the world," he says. He was inspired to make the life-changing decision of cycling from Europe to Asia after stumbling on a photo of Ha Long Bay....

A sign for a public restroom. Photo by Pexels Hanoi is asking businesses and residents to offer free restrooms to tourists as millions are expected to visit the capital city during Vietnam's 80th National Day celebrations. In a directive issued July 14, officials encouraged businesses and residents to make free restroom access a permanent cultural practice, as part of the city's "Bright – Green – Clean – Beautiful" campaign. The National Day events, including large-scale parades and ceremonies, are expected to attract around 30,000 participants and millions of tourists. But Hanoi faces a chronic shortage of public toilets, with only 351 facilities citywide, including 176 permanent brick structures, 91 stainless steel units and 84 mobile restrooms. To tackle the problem, Hanoi's chairman Tran Sy Thanh earlier proposed incentives for hotels, restaurants and malls to let the public use their restrooms for free. Some districts are already taking action. On Nguyen Van ...

Korean singer Daesung's latest vlog captures his love for Vietnamese cuisine, featuring roasted suckling pig and spring rolls at a Ho Chi Minh City restaurant he has visited twice. Daesung, a member of the Korean group Big Bang, posted a vlog over 10 minutes long on his channel on June 26, documenting his journey exploring Ho Chi Minh City and his concert in May. The video opens with the 1989-born singer recording himself dining at Tan Hai Van Restaurant at 152 Nguyen Trai Street, a place he had visited in August the previous year. On his return, Daesung again enjoyed his favorite dishes, including coconut smoothie, roasted suckling pig, and seafood spring rolls. In the video, he says he could "eat 10 spring rolls at once" and comments that the pork tasted "better than last time." The restaurant, open for 30 years, specializes in Cantonese cuisine with a menu of over 500 dishes. Their famous items include roast duck, roasted suckling pig, and dim sum. At the end...

  Quang Ninh targets welcoming 20 million visitors this year, including 4.5 million international tourists, with projected tourism revenue of 55 trillion VND (about 2.1 billion USD). The number of overnight stays is expected to reach 8 million. The northern province of Quang Ninh is aiming to position itself as a premier international tourism hub and one of Asia’s top travel destinations, under a newly-approved tourism development scheme to 2030, with a vision to 2045. Endorsed by the provincial People’s Committee on April 17, the scheme sets out a strategic roadmap to transform Quang Ninh into a gateway connecting the Red River Delta and the country as a whole with the broader region and global tourism markets. This development strategy is firmly rooted in the principles of green growth and circular economy, with the “Four-Season Tourism” model serving as a focal point to unlock the province’s year-round potential. Under the scheme, Quang Ninh will be developed into a hub for inte...

  Ha Long Bay is a surreal landscape of limestone karsts erupting from the ocean like tidal waves made solid by magic and time. Declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1994, this natural wonder of the world has since become the single most popular tourist attraction in all of Vietnam. The 1500km2 bay is cupped by the Vietnam coastline just south of the Chinese border and dotted with thousands of uninhabited islands, floating fishing villages, and labyrinthine cave systems teeming with fossils, rock formations, myths, and mysteries. Snorkel and Dive to Explore Coral Reefs Though many travel guides focus on the landscape above the water, there’s a whole universe thriving below the surface. Ha Long Bay is home to more than 140 different species of coral, including rare varieties. These coral reefs cover up to 30 and even 60 percent of the area around islands like Cong Do, where legal restrictions, as well as geographic isolation, protect marine life from boat traffic, pollution, and ...

Hanoi authorities are investigating after a viral video showed a foreign tourist narrowly escaping serious injury while filming a train on the popular Train Street in the old quarter. The male tourist is seen using his phone to record a passing train when he is struck on the leg and knocked over. A bystander quickly pulls him to safety. A table is also knocked over and it rolls onto the tracks, causing panic among onlookers. A video shows a foreign man being struck on the leg and knocked over on Hanoi's Train Street while filming with his phone. Video by Facebook/Nghia Nguyen Following the incident, on June 14 authorities in Hang Bong Ward ordered increased surveillance at entry and exit points in the area. A ward's representative said on Monday that the incident happened in late 2024 and the foreign tourist suffered minor injuries. Train Street, famous for a railroad track being in close proximity to cafes and residences, was made off-limits in September 2022 due to safety con...

  As tourism rises, this humble street dish has become a must-try for visitors to Ha Long Bay “Head straight and turn into the alley near the big Indian almond tree,” locals in Quang Ninh Province’s Ha Long City, home to the famed Ha Long Bay in northern Vietnam, tell visitors who ask where to find the best bánh cuốn (steamed rice rolls) with chả mực (squid cake). Steamed rice rolls, or bánh cuốn, are a popular dish found throughout Vietnam, though the toppings and accompaniments vary by region. In Hanoi, bánh cuốn is served with fish sauce and chả quế (deep-fried cinnamon-flavored pork rolls); in Cao Bang Province, it comes with eggs and bone broth. In Ha Long, it is paired with chả mực, or squid cake. As tourism grows in Ha Long, this humble dish rises in popularity, offering a distinct and essential culinary experience in the city. One of the oldest and most popular places to try bánh cuốn chả mực in Ha Long is Goc Bang, a street-side stall tucked into Alley 1 on Nha Hat Street ...

  “In Search of the Dragon Pearl” brings modern performance art into a 100-year-old cave in Ha Long Bay. On the evening of June 4, the live spectacle In Search of the Dragon Pearl premiered inside the ancient Dragon Pearl Cave, located in Ha Long Bay, Quang Ninh. Marking the first time a cultural tourism event has ever been staged in a natural cave in Vietnam, the show forms part of Quang Ninh’s broader strategy to develop its nighttime economy. Dragon Pearl Cave is currently included in the city of Cam Pha’s 2025–2035 tourism development and heritage preservation plan for the Vung Duc scenic complex. In Search of the Dragon Pearl was written and directed by artist Le Thanh Phong. Music direction was led by People’s Artist Nguyen Huynh Tu, with artistic consultants including Prof. Dr. Nguyen The Ky (Vice Chairman of the Central Theoretical Council), People’s Artists Hoang Quynh Mai and Tong Toan Thang, choreographer Le Viet, and circus director Meritorious Artist Ngo Le Thang. The ...

Vietnam is a paradise for hikers. A world away from the chaos of the major cities, there is a variety of trails, mountains and endless nature waiting to be explored. Whether it is summiting Fansipan mountain, exploring rice terraces and surrounding villages or delving into some of the world's biggest caves in Phong Nha, there is a staggering range of outdoor adventures available. One area of natural beauty that is often overlooked in Vietnam is the south. It may not possess the impressive karst limestone landscape synonymous with the mountainous north or the picturesque evergreen trees of central Vietnam, but there are several hiking gems hidden within the relatively flat region around Ho Chi Minh City. Black Virgin Mountain (Ba Den) Let's start with the highest peak in southern Vietnam, Ba Den or Black Virgin Mountain in Tay Ninh Province. Ba Den Mountain next to rice fields in Tay Ninh Province.  The extinct volcano's summit may only be 996 m above sea level, yet it prese...

Vietnam celebrated a double win on international food magazine TasteAtlas's list of Asia's top vegan dishes, with vegan pho landing at 34 and tomato tofu (dau hu sot ca) at 92. At number 34, vegan pho offers a plant-based take on Vietnam's noodle soup. Its broth draws its depth from a base of mushrooms, ginger, onions, soy sauce, and spices like cloves and cinnamon. Toppings include bean sprouts, tofu, mushrooms, and chili peppers, with options for other vegetables or even fruit. Coriander often garnishes the bowl, but fish sauce, sometimes served alongside, is not vegan. Ranked at number 92, dau hu sot ca (tofu in tomato-pepper sauce) features tofu cubes in a tomato-pepper sauce, made with garlic, shallots, chili, and tomatoes. The tofu is fried, then coated in the sauce, often garnished with coriander. The "100 Best Vegan Dishes in Asia" list is compiled from 12,294 ratings, with 5,717 recognized as legitimate. Topping the list was Lebanon's hummus, a spread...

Thailand's Rayong, Indonesia's Kalegowa, Vietnam's Nha Trang, the Philippines' Boracay Island, and Malaysia's Kuala Lumpur are among nine top destinations in Asia for "slow travel," according to travel platform Agoda. Rayong, a coastal city on the eastern shore of the Gulf of Thailand, ranked first. "Rayong's unhurried pace and natural beauty make it an ideal destination for travelers looking to recharge and reconnect with nature," Agoda said. Visitors can enjoy fresh seafood straight from local fishing boats, explore nearby islands such as Koh Samet, or simply relax under the shade of palm trees. Kalegowa, known for its lush rice fields, traditional Bugis architecture, and warm hospitality, ranked second. Agoda recommends taking time to explore local markets, savor authentic Indonesian cuisine, or embark on leisurely treks along scenic trails. Vietnam's central coastal city of Nha Trang placed fifth. "Nha Trang's laid-back vibe ...

Actress Seo Ye Ji recently visited the central city of Da Nang and the nearby ancient town of Hoi An, immersing herself in local culture and enjoying Vietnamese beer like a local. According to Mhnse news, Seo arrived at Da Nang International Airport on May 7. The following day, she shared photos on Instagram showcasing her vacation in central Vietnam. She stayed at a five-star resort overlooking Da Nang Beach. The resort, which features 196 luxury rooms and 70 villas with two to four bedrooms, each with private pools, wears a design blending traditional Vietnamese elements with French architecture. This venue has previously hosted many celebrities, royalty, politicians, movie stars, and international business leaders, including actor Song Seung Heon, model and influencer Irene Kim, Super Junior singer Shindong, and actor Lee Sun Kyun. During her visit to Hoi An, Seo strolled through streets illuminated by colorful lanterns and posed for photos in front of the ancient yellow houses. She...

Hanoi has been ranked ninth among the world's 20 greatest cities for art and culture for 2025 by the U.K.-based Time Out magazine, making it the highest-ranked destination in Asia. The Vietnamese capital ranked ninth among the world's top cultural destinations, with Paris, Florence, and Edinburgh taking the top three spots. At the same time, Hanoi emerged as Asia's leading representative, placed ahead of other major regional cities such as Beijing (11th), Jakarta (13th), and Delhi (14th). According to Time Out, Hanoi is the cheapest city for art and culture on the list, with 82% of locals ranking it highly for affordability. "Take its weekend walking streets – by far the most recommended of all the city's cultural offerings in our survey – where the roads of the Old Quarter and around Hoan Kiem Lake are cleared of traffic to make room for street performances, traditional dance and live music," it recommended. "Several mentions also went to the grand, neoc...

Once listed among Vietnam's worst dishes, pork offal porridge chao long has made a comeback and ranked 6th in Asia's best porridge dishes, according to international food magazine TasteAtlas. The ranking also included other Vietnamese porridge varieties, such as beef porridge (ranked 18th), duck porridge (22nd), and chicken porridge (25th). Chao long is made with white rice, simmered in a broth prepared from pork bones and mixed with a variety of pork offal such as liver, intestines, and heart. The dish is often served along with fried dough sticks, dipping sauce, pepper, and chili powder. Fragrant herbs are a common addition to a bowl of chao long. Notably, chao long also ranks 19th in TasteAtlas global list of 127 porridge dishes. The recognition marks a turnaround. In March 2024, the same dish was included in the platform's list of Vietnam's worst-rated foods. Other Vietnamese porridges featured in the ranking are chao vit, made with duck meat, ginger, and herbs; cha...

Vietnam, Malaysia and the Philippines have relaxed visa policies to attract foreign tourists amid fierce regional competition. Vietnam Starting March 1 Vietnam waived visas for tourists from Poland, Czechia and Switzerland coming on package tours for up to 45 days. In mid-March the government also decided to extend visa exemptions until 2028 for citizens of 12 countries: Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, Norway, Russia, South Korea, Spain, Sweden and the U.K. The waiver had expired on March 15. Travelers from 13 other countries - Belarus, Chile, Panama, Kyrgystan and 9 Southeast Asian neighbors - are enjoying visa exemptions for between 14 and 90 days. Malaysia Malaysia recently announced that its visa exemption for Chinese travelers would be extended for another five years, with the option to extend it for an additional five years, Home Minister Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail said. This means Chinese citizens can visit Malaysia visa-free until Dec. 31, 2036. The p...

If you have a plan to travel to Vietnam in summer but not know where to go. Just check some attractive places that are well worth taking a visit. It will be the best choice for tourists when coming to Vietnam in the hot wet season. Phu Quoc Island Way down in southern Vietnam in the Gulf of Thailand, Phu Quoc is a biggest pristine and beautiful island travelers cannot ignore for a summer in Vietnam. Because of its natural and undeveloped island, Phu Quoc is endorsed as a dreamy place, one of top best beach in vietnam with white sandy beaches and the surrounding splendid coral reefs under the translucent water. The most famous spots in Phu Quoc are Khem Beach, Sao Beach, and Ham Ninh fishing village. Especially, scuba diving service is readily available here, creating a perfect condition and giving a perfect summer trip as well for tourists to discover and admire the beauty of life under the sea. Sapa Sapa is rated as one of the most dramatic nature mountain sites in the northeast of Vi...

Hoi An ancient city from above. Photo by Vo Rin The northern mountainous province of Ha Giang and Hoi An city in the central province of Quang Nam have been ranked among the 44 most beautiful places in the world by U.K.-based travel magazine Time Out. The magazine ranked Ha Giang in tenth 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 is an obvious pull, winding its way through six successive hairpin bends, while the Ma Pi Leng Pass carves a mountain edge, overlooking the Nho Que River 3000 feet below. "However, my personal favorite 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 y...

You could say there are two types of people in the world - culinary romantics and culinary conventionalists. The first chase after food in its "natural state" - they want to eat under messy local conditions, they lose their heads over exotic meals and flavors in foreign countries, they are open to new things - sometimes to the point of taking personal risks. The second seek out fine things that come with the stamp of tradition. They crave the approval of official good taste - be it that of Michelin guides or food blogs. Culinary conventionalists want to eat what others say is good to eat. I’ve always been on the romantic end of the spectrum - and I come from a city, Melbourne, where it’s possible to be a culinary adventurer in an international sense. Melbourne has Ethiopian and Mexican and Balinese and Szechuan and Afghan corners, where people from all those places cook wildly exotic dishes with flair. As soon as I was old enough, I went looking for them. Further back in the ...