Vietnamese destinations and tourism businesses are launching new products and boosting preparations for the National Day holiday, focusing on safe and high-quality visitor services. The Traveloka SEA Index released on August 11 identified Ho Chi Minh City, Hanoi, Da Nang, Con Dao, and Phu Quoc as the five most-booked locations by Vietnamese travelers during the second quarter of 2026 and the upcoming holiday. Trends show a shift in traveler interest toward local culture, cuisine, art programs, festivals, museums, craft villages, and community activities rather than traditional sightseeing and resorts.
Cultural and Artistic Events Scheduled for National Day
Several cultural activities are planned to coincide with the holiday period.
Da Nang will host the “Hoi An Memories” show, specifically the “Flag Hat” version, from August 26 to September 2. Phu Quoc will feature the “The Memory of Flowers” exhibition, while Thanh Hoa will hold the Sam Son Kite Festival 2026 from August 30 to September 1. Additionally, the Moc Chau Culture and Tourism Week 2026 is scheduled from August 27 to September 5, concentrating on cultural, artistic, and community-based events to attract visitors.
Heritage and Revolutionary Tourism Focused on 81st Anniversary
The Vietnam National Authority of Tourism has urged localities to organize commemorative events and heritage tours emphasizing the historical and cultural significance in observance of the
81st anniversary of the August Revolution and National Day. This initiative aims to promote revolutionary tradition-themed tourism experiences. Hanoi, among other cities, benefits from this focus, supported by its growing visitor numbers and tourism infrastructure.
Visitor Growth and Upgrades in Major Destinations
In the first half of 2026, Hanoi registered 18.01 million visitors, a 15.7% increase from the previous year. International arrivals grew by 26.8%, and tourism revenue rose by 19.1%. The city welcomed its five-millionth international visitor on July 7. The northern province of Ninh Binh is enhancing its tourism offerings, especially at Tam Coc-Bich Dong where blooming water lilies add new attraction value. Ninh Binh
is upgrading landscapes, sanitation, staffing, and directional signage across about 70 tourism sites and 1,500 accommodations with roughly 23,000 rooms. Other key destinations such as Sa Pa, Quang Ninh, Da Nang, and Phu Quoc are similarly improving infrastructure, products, and service standards ahead of peak travel.
Safety, Service Quality, and Visitor Management Measures
The Vietnam National Authority of Tourism has directed tourism authorities in major cities and provinces to ensure visitor welfare, safety, and service quality during the holiday period. Authorities are cooperating with police, health, and transport sectors to maintain public order, traffic regulation, fire prevention, and preparedness for natural disasters. Visitor flows at popular sites
will be regulated to prevent overcrowding. Besides, tourism service providers must adhere to food safety, fire prevention, environmental protection, and transparent pricing. Businesses are required to clearly display room rates, service charges, surcharges, promotions, and refund and cancellation policies, while providing services matching advertised standards. Violations will be subjected to strict penalties.
Traveler Advisories and Industry Outlook
Tourists are advised to select tours from licensed travel companies and procure travel insurance. They should avoid self-organized tours promoted by individuals, KOLs, or KOCs that may not comply with regulations. The tourism sector recorded nearly 12.3 million international visitors in the first half of 2026, a 14.9%
increase year-on-year. Vietnam aims to receive 25 million international arrivals and 150 million domestic tourists in 2026, targeting approximately 1.125 quadrillion VND (43 billion USD) in tourism revenue by year-end.
