Vietnam opened 2026 with a lively surge in visitors and a series of official welcome programmes across key destinations, offering an upbeat signal for the country’s tourism sector. Phu Quoc, Ho Chi Minh City, Da Nang, Lâm Đồng, Gia Lai, Quảng Ngãi and Huế all reported active arrivals and celebratory receptions on 1 January, as local governments and operators sought to capitalise on New Year travel momentum.
Vietnam tourism 2026 shows strong New Year momentum
Shortly after 01:00 on 1 January, more than 200 travellers from South Korea arrived on Phu Quoc island, receiving warm welcomes and vouchers for entertainment and experience services worth up to 1 million VND per guest. Sun Group, the operator behind several attractions on the island, said the “first visitors” event underlined renewed optimism for international tourism on Phu Quoc, where roughly half of nearly 100 daily flights are international services and the South Korean market remains prominent.
Visitors reported positive impressions of the destination. Kim Min-soo, one of the South Korean travellers, said the welcome gifts made the first day of the year particularly memorable. A tourist from the United States, Arian Deimling, noted improved transport connections to major attractions and pleasant weather, calling the experience meaningful.
Welcomes across the country reinforce recovery
In Ho Chi Minh City, the Department of Tourism staged an official welcome at Tân Sơn Nhất International Airport for early arrivals from Germany and Qatar. City leaders presented floral garlands and locally themed gifts as a gesture of hospitality and as part of efforts to present a blend of traditional culture and modern urban life to incoming visitors, according to Phạm Huy Bình, Director of the Ho Chi Minh City Department of Tourism.
Da Nang’s cultural and tourism authorities similarly organised greeting activities at international arrival halls and at tourism sites such as Hội An, Mỹ Sơn and Ngũ Hành Sơn. Delegations from Manila, Incheon, Busan, Bangkok, Taipei, Hong Kong, Kuala Lumpur and Singapore took part in concerts, cultural exchanges and symbolic welcome ceremonies that aim to enhance first impressions and encourage longer stays.
Lâm Đồng province held a reception at Liên Khương airport for more than 200 passengers arriving from Ho Chi Minh City. Local authorities said the welcome served both as a symbolic gesture and as a promotional tool to project Lâm Đồng’s reputation as a friendly and attractive destination. The province has set an ambitious goal of receiving more than 25 million visitors in 2026.
In the Central Highlands, Gia Lai launched activities to mark the start of the National Tourism Year hosted by the province, a programme intended to drive broader regional development and to reach a target of 15 million visitors in 2026. Quảng Ngãi staged a hot air balloon festival in Măng Đen as part of a cultural and tourism week, combining natural scenery with experiential attractions and seasonal cherry blossom displays.
Historic Huế welcomed arrivals both by air and by sea, receiving passengers from a Vietnam Airlines flight and more than 1,000 cruise guests aboard the ADORA MEDITERRANEA. City officials presented flowers and gifts to visitors, underscoring the city’s dual appeal as a cultural heritage and coastal port destination.
Authorities and industry players are using these early-year events to strengthen the visitor experience and to create momentum that could translate into sustained growth across 2026. With improved infrastructure, coordinated promotion and targeted welcome activities, Vietnam tourism 2026 could build on this positive start to attract both regional and long-haul travellers.
Key Takeaways:
- Vietnam tourism 2026 shows a strong New Year start as Phu Quoc welcomes over 200 South Korean visitors on 1 January.
- Major cities including Ho Chi Minh City, Da Nang, Huế and Lâm Đồng staged official welcome events to promote visitor experience and boost arrivals.
- Local authorities and operators aim to leverage early momentum to achieve ambitious visitor targets across provinces in 2026.
