Vietnam’s tourism sector is preparing for a surge in visitors during the National Day holiday period by introducing new travel products and activities. Travellers will find options ranging from beach destinations to cultural, heritage, nature, and community-focused experiences. The Traveloka SEA Index released on August 11 identified Ho Chi Minh City, Hanoi, Da Nang, Con Dao, and Phu Quoc as the top five most booked destinations by Vietnamese tourists in the second quarter and for the National Day holiday.
Cultural and Heritage Events Highlight National Day
Among scheduled cultural events, Da Nang will present the “Flag Hat” version of the Hoi An Memories show from August 26
to September 2. Phu Quoc is hosting the “The Memory of Flowers” exhibition, while Thanh Hoa will hold the Sam Son Kite Festival from August 30 to September 1. The Moc Chau Culture and Tourism Week will run from August 27 to September 5, featuring cultural, artistic, and community activities. These events coincide with Vietnam’s celebration of the 81st anniversary of the August Revolution and National Day, prompting the Vietnam National Authority of Tourism (VNAT) to request localities organize commemorative events and develop heritage and “return-to-the-roots” tours emphasizing historical and cultural values.
Visitor Growth and Destination Upgrades Continue in 2026
In the first half of 2026, Hanoi welcomed
18.01 million visitors, a 15.7% increase from the same period last year. The city recorded a 26.8% rise in international arrivals and a 19.1% increase in tourism revenue. On July 7, Hanoi marked its five-millionth international visitor of 2026. Ninh Binh has enhanced visitor experiences by improving landscapes and sanitation at sites like Tam Coc-Bich Dong, which now features blooming water lilies. The province has about 1,500 accommodation establishments with approximately 23,000 rooms and has prepared additional staff and supplies ahead of the holiday period. Other destinations including Sa Pa, Quang Ninh, Da Nang, and Phu Quoc have also upgraded
infrastructure, refreshed tourism products, and reinforced security and service standards to accommodate peak travel periods.
VNAT’s Measures on Safety, Pricing, and Visitor Management
To ensure quality and safety during the National Day holiday and beyond, VNAT has instructed tourism authorities in centrally-run cities and provinces to secure adequate visitor services and maintain safety, security, and service quality. Authorities are cooperating with police, health, and transport agencies to uphold public order, traffic safety, fire prevention, and disaster response capabilities. Visitor flows will be managed at major tourist sites to reduce overcrowding and congestion. Tourism providers must enhance food safety, fire prevention, environmental protection, and service quality. Accommodation businesses are
required to clearly display room rates, fees, discounts, and refund policies while providing services as advertised. The authority emphasized transparent pricing and the strict handling of violations within the tourism sector.
Tourist Guidance and Sector Targets for 2026
Tourists are advised to select licensed tour operators and obtain travel insurance to avoid risks associated with self-organized tours promoted by individuals or online influencers that may not comply with regulations. Vietnam recorded nearly 12.3 million international arrivals in the first six months of 2026, up 14.9% year on year. The tourism sector aims to welcome 25 million international visitors and 150 million domestic tourists in 2026, generating approximately
1.125 quadrillion VND (43 billion USD) in revenue. These targets follow ongoing efforts to expand and diversify tourism products, improve infrastructure, and enhance service quality for continued growth throughout the year-end peak season.
