The Visit Vietnam Year 2026 under the theme “Gia Lai – Where the great forests meet the blue sea” officially kicked off in Gia Lai province on March 28 evening, positioning the event as a national tourism highlight to showcase the locality’s unique cultural heritage and strengthen its profile as a vibrant destination connecting highland and coastal tourism experiences.

Deputy PM Ho Quoc Dung speaks at the the opening ceremony of the Visit Vietnam Year 2026 in Gia Lai province on March 28 eventing.

The opening ceremony was attended by head of the Party Central Committee's Commission for Policies and Strategies Nguyen Thanh Nghi; Deputy Prime Minister Ho Quoc Dung; Minister of Culture, Sports and Tourism and head of the Steering Committee for National Tourism Year 2026 Nguyen Van Hung, ambassadors, consuls general, representatives of international organisations, and a large number of residents and visitors.

In his opening remarks, Hung said the event, running from March 23 to 30, features 244 activities held across communes and wards in the province.

Key highlights include a showcase of Gia Lai’s culinary arts, a pickleball tournament, an investment promotion conference, a tourism economic development forum, and cooperation signing events with four southern provinces of Laos and three northeastern localities of Cambodia.

Addressing the event, Deputy PM Ho Quoc Dung underscored Gia Lai’s tourism breakthroughs thanks to its focus on green and community-based tourism models that integrate ethnic cultural values and unique mountain–coast connectivity.

He pointed to the impressive figures of 12.4 million visitors and tourism revenue of 29 trillion VND (over 1.1 billion USD) in 2025 as clear evidence of this breakthrough, describing these achievements as a solid springboard that affirms Gia Lai’s rising position on Vietnam’s tourism map.

He stressed that building on the success of 21 previous editions, the Visit Vietnam Year 2026 is not only a important cultural and tourism event but also reflects a new strategic vision for development, which is expected to effectively harness the natural and cultural connectivity between the vast highlands and coastal regions, paving the way for a diverse, distinctive and identity-rich tourism ecosystem.

The opening night featured a spectacular art programme combining modern sound and lighting technology with traditional cultural elements of the Central Highlands, captivating thousands of spectators.

The programme was structured in four thematic chapters, and culminated in a dazzling, multi-coloured fireworks display.

A series of vibrant music and dance performances by artists from across the country further enriched the event, contributing to celebrating cultural diversity and highlighting the hospitality of Gia Lai’s people toward visitors.

Bai Tu Long Bay among 7 Wonders of Southeast Asia for 2026: Condé Nast Traveller

Highlights include kayaking and swimming in emerald green waters, and eco-tours that explore the awe-inspiring natural wonders of Bai Tu Long National Park. There are also multi-day excursions that allow tourists to get a closer look into the local culture and daily life in the fishing villages.

 

Xuan Thuy National Park recognised as ASEAN Heritage Park

On March 22, the Management Board of Xuan Thuy National Park held a ceremony in Giao Minh Commune, Ninh Binh Province, to receive the title of the ASEAN Heritage Park.

 

Vietnamese travellers favour nearby overseas trips, unique experiences for April 30 holiday

According to travel firms and online booking platforms, tourists are shifting away from conventional leisure holidays towards wellness-focused journeys, personalised experiences, and trips that strengthen connections with family and friends.

 

Bac Ninh offers two free tours during “Returning to heritage land – 2026” festival

BAC NINH – From March 24 to 30, the Bac Ninh provincial Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism, in coordination with relevant agencies and localities, will organize two free tours under the theme “Journey to the heritage land” to promote cultural values and stimulate local tourism.

Vietnamese destinations attracting Korean visitors amid “micro-trip” trend

Last year, Vietnam welcomed more than 4.3 million Korean visitors out of a total of nearly 29.6 million Koreans traveling abroad. This volume significantly outpaces Korean arrivals to neighbouring competitors like Thailand, Singapore, and the Philippines, cementing Vietnam’s status as a premier regional hub for East Asian tourism.

 

Trade and Tourism Fair 2026 - A lever for developing Bac Ninh products

BAC NINH - As part of a series of activities celebrating the UNESCO recognition of the Yen Tu – Vinh Nghiem – Con Son, Kiep Bac Complex of Monuments and Landscapes as a World Cultural Heritage Site, as well as the inscription of Dong Ho folk painting into the List of Intangible Cultural Heritage in Need of Urgent Safeguarding, and the “Returning to the Heritage Region – 2026” Festival, the Bac Ninh Trade and Tourism Fair 2026 promises to serve as an important bridge.