Growing trade feud between Japan and the Republic of Korea (RoK) is redrawing the map of Asian tourism, with the RoK and Chinese travelers avoiding previously popular destinations like Japan and Hong Kong for Southeast Asia, according to the Japan’s Nikkei Asia Review.
In the first half of this year, the number of RoK tourist arrivals in Southeast Asian nations rose nearly 20 percent annually.
The article said Vietnam and the Philippines have both enjoyed double-digit growth in travelers from the RoK. About 150,000 Koreans live in Vietnam, which is home to two Samsung Electronics plants. Samsung products account for roughly a quarter of Vietnamese exports.
The RoK government plans to open a consulate in the central city of Da Nang later this year to serve tourists there.
A survey by the e-commerce company Wemakeprice showed that Da Nang remains the most popular among RoK tourists during Chuseok (Mid-Autumn) holiday, followed by Bangkok and Guam. Japanese destinations like Tokyo and Okinawa have slipped in the rankings.
Meanwhile, the Tourism Authority of Thailand has begun offering up to 30 percent off for East Asian tourists at key shopping malls and duty-free stores. The discount runs to the end of October.
Taiwanese authorities expect 400,000 fewer Chinese tourists in latter half this year, causing an economic loss of around 630 million USD.
The RoK is responsible for about 5 percent of visitors to ASEAN member states, according to the bloc's statistics. This puts the country in third place among non-ASEAN sources, behind China and the European Union.
Meanwhile, the UN World Tourism Organisation said China spent 277 billion USD on international tourism in 2018 to top the global rankings. The RoK was Asia's next biggest spender at 32 billion USD, coming in ninth overall.
At the Vietnam National Fine Arts Museum on Nguyen Thai Hoc Street, Hanoi, a robot receptionist has been greeting visitors on the ground floor since mid-June
Recently named by Expedia among the "10 Best Islands to Visit in 2026" for offering premium holidays at reasonable prices, Phu Quoc is far from being just a dry season destination. Even during the rainy months, Pearl Island offers enough experiences to fill every hour of the day, with short tropical showers rarely disrupting the journey.
With its millennia-old heritage and growing integration of preservation and innovation, Van Phuc silk weaving village is poised to become a distinctive cultural destination, helping promote Hanoi’s sustainable cultural tourism and bring the quintessence of Vietnamese silk weaving closer to domestic and international visitors.
According to Deputy Director of the Ho Chi Minh City Public Transport Management Centre Le Hoan, the bus network operated nearly 478,000 trips in July, serving more than 8.48 million passengers. Weekly growth accelerated throughout the month, rising from 33% in the first week to 45% in the fourth week.
Located in Thu Bon commune, Da Nang city, My Son is renowned for its architectural heritage, but it also preserves an exceptional archive engraved on stone. These inscriptions have enabled scholars to unravel the history of the sanctuary and trace the rise and development of the ancient Champa kingdom over many centuries.
Hanoi has long been known for the heritage cachet of a thousand-year-old capital. Hoan Kiem Lake, the Old Quarter, the Temple of Literature, the Thang Long Imperial Citadel and a network of craft villages have given the city a singular pull.
The implementation of Resolution No. 06 alongside the cultural diplomacy strategy sends a clear message: by combining its rich cultural heritage with proactive diplomacy, innovation and digital transformation, Vietnam would strengthen its competitiveness on the global stage.
Held from July 12 to 25 across eight cities and provinces, Vietnam Summer Camp 2026 offered a rich array of experiences. Participants explored historical landmarks, visited iconic cultural heritage sites such as the imperial city of Hue, Hoi An ancient town, and the My Son Sanctuary, and engaged in charitable activities valued at over 300 million VND (11,400 USD), including the installation of a "Youth Bookshelf."
The Enjoy Danang Festival 2026 features a rural market-themed culinary space at East Sea Park showcasing Quang region cuisine, a beachfront art route, a light kite night featuring around 500 illuminated kites, and a seaside light party combining visual arts, music and local cuisine.
Park authorities believe continued cooperation with international cave experts will not only uncover more geological treasures but also enhance the site's appeal as a world-class destination for adventure tourism, scientific research and nature conservation.
One of the most notable successes is the premium Hoa Phuong Do (Flamboyant Flower) train operating between Hanoi and Hai Phong city. Since entering service in May 2025, the train has completed nearly 3,000 trips and carried around 1.33 million passengers.
According to Lonely Planet, Da Nang stands out for its harmonious blend of beautiful beaches, an energetic yet relaxed lifestyle, a rich culinary scene and a diverse range of experiences spanning nature, culture, leisure and entertainment. The city is also praised as an ideal gateway to central Vietnam, offering convenient access to Hoi An, Hue and My Son Sanctuary.
More than one million people visited the President Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum in the first half of 2026, including over 256,000 international visitors.
The DIFF 2026 festival has been one of the most successful editions in its history. Over the past weeks, hundreds of thousands of visitors have flocked to Da Nang to immerse themselves in the festive atmosphere.
The display is built around four themes of royal authority, court rituals and order, craftsmanship and artistic excellence, and the enduring splendor of a golden era.
Vietnam's appeal lies not in a single attraction but in the seamless combination of authentic experiences rooted in local culture. From colourful highland markets and traditional festivals to centuries-old craft villages, all remain an integral part of everyday life.
Experts said that with market-oriented development, improved functionality, stronger storytelling and greater involvement from designers, businesses and market-connecting organisations, souvenirs could become a bridge linking Vietnam with the world while contributing to the growth of cultural industries and the creative economy.
Stretching for more than 3,200 kilometres, Vietnam’s coastline boasts hundreds of beaches, ranging from long stretches of white sand and crystal-clear waters to secluded bays surrounded by lush mountains and tropical forests.
One of the exhibition's highlights is the "Our Sound" installation, where visitors become part of the artwork itself. As multiple participants interact simultaneously, sound and light merge into a shared composition, conveying messages of connection, sharing and collective responsibility for building sustainable communities in harmony with nature.
Da Nang is home to nearly 70 craft villages and traditional craft villages, along with around 3,000 craft establishments; many of these have become popular tourist attractions.