Asean Travel And Tours

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...

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 ...

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...

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...

Foreign tourists at Hanoi Train Street, March 2025. Photo by VnExpress/Anh Chinh The global search volume for tourist accommodations in Vietnam has increased by 10-25% since early 2025, ranking 7th in the world for growth in destination searches. Vietnam is also the only Southeast Asian country listed in the top 10, surpassing other competitors in the region, such as the Philippines (ranking 18th), Singapore (25th), Thailand (36th), Indonesia (37th), and Malaysia (39th). The top 10 most searched Vietnamese destinations were 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 with over 75%. The U.S. was the leading source of international interest in information about travel to Vietnam, followed by India, Australia, Japan, Singapore, South Korea, the U.K., Taiwan Malaysia, and Hong Kong. Several factors that make Vietnam a favorite and attractive destination for...

Vietnamese singer Chi Pu took Chinese actress and singer-songwriter Leo Li to visit Da Nang and Hoi An where they released flower lanterns on the Hoai River and posed at the Golden Bridge. Chi Pu (R) posted a series of vacation photos with Leo Li from Da Nang and Hoi An on May 6, revealing that the trip was initiated by the Chinese singer with no prior plans. Leo Li, born in Hunan province, China, has been active in the entertainment industry for 14 years as a singer, actress, and television presenter. She is known for her roles in the films "General and I," "Make My Heart Smile," and "When Shui Met Mo – A Love Story." Meanwhile, Chi Pu is a popular singer in Vietnam and made her debut on the Chinese market with her appearance in "Sisters Who Make Waves," a famous reality show in China. Her musical performances throughout the show gained a lot of attention from local audiences. They drink coconut water at a local restaurant. "Although everyt...

 Indian tourists visit Cu Chi tunnels in Ho Chi Minh City on April 21, 2025 Vietnam welcomed 7.67 million foreign tourists in the first four months of this year, up 23.8% year-on-year, with China continuing to be the country's biggest feeder market. There were 1.95 million mainland Chinese visitors to Vietnam between January-April, up 56% year-on-year, according to the General Statistics Office (GSO). South Korea ranked second at 1.58 million, followed by Taiwan (440,000), the U.S. (323,000), and Japan (280,000). The rest of the top 10 markets were Cambodia (279,000), Australia (205,000), India (203,000), Malaysia (182,000) and Thailand (169,000). 10 largest sources of visitors to Vietnam Favorable visa policies, tourism promotion programs, and the organization of major celebrations in April for Vietnam's 50th reunification anniversarty have contributed to an increase in the number of foreign visitors to Vietnam, GSO said. Vietnam eyes 22-23 million foreign arrivals this year.

Tourists use their smartphones to capture images of a passing train at Hanoi's Train Street, November 2024. Photo by VnExpress/Hoang Giang The Hanoi Department of Tourism has requested travel agencies not to organize tours to the popular Train Street amid growing safety concerns. The department also requires travel agencies to raise awareness among their staff about the risks of traffic accidents in areas where train street cafes operate. Additionally, relevant authorities need to proactively coordinate to detect, prevent and promptly address violations in accordance with regulations. Train Street, lined with makeshift coffee shops just feet from the tracks in the Old Quarter, was officially closed in September 2022 due to safety concerns. Despite barricades and checkpoints at both ends of Tran Phu and Phung Hung streets, several cafes continue to operate, drawing large crowds of mostly foreign tourists, especially on weekends. Thousands flock to the place to photograph passing tra...

Visitors on Mui Ne beach in south central Vietnam. Photo by VnExpress/Viet Quoc The recently approved master planning scheme for Mui Ne National Tourist Area in south central Binh Thuan province is set to transform it into an internationally recognized tourism hub, positioning it as a top destination in the Asia-Pacific by 2050. The plan envisions developing Mui Ne into a global tourism center, fueling economic growth and boosting the competitiveness of tourism in both Binh Thuan Province and Vietnam. The area, spanning 14,760 ha, includes key locations in Phan Thiet City, Bac Binh District, and Tuy Phong District. With modern, sustainable infrastructure at its core, the plan prioritizes green spaces, cleanliness, and the preservation of the region's cultural, historical, and natural landmarks. It is conformable with Vietnam's Tourism Development Strategy for 2030 and Binh Thuan's tourism goals for 2021-2030, ensuring the protection of Mui Ne's unique heritage. The deve...