Son Doong Cave listed as world’s most ideal tourist destination

The Japan Foundation Center for Cultural Exchange in Vietnam is presenting the solo exhibition "Spinning Ghost Colors" by artist Kito Kengo from October 9 to December 6, at 27 Quang Trung Street in Hanoi's Cua Nam Ward.

Vietnam has placed fourth on Lonely Planet’s list of the top 15 destinations shaping fall travel trends in 2026, recognized as an ideal choice for adventure travel amid favorable weather.

The opening ceremony and an art programme under the same theme will take place on November 24 at Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park in Phong Nha commune, highlighting the UNESCO-listed natural heritage site and promoting cave exploration tours.

Under the 2026 cultural and tourism cooperation agenda, the two sides are sharing information on policies, markets and tourism products, as well as issues arising in cross-border activities.

Vietnam’s inclusion in the top 10 favourite countries in the 2026 Readers’ Choice Awards adds another important milestone to the country’s international tourism brand. The result not only underscores the destination’s appeal but also reflects growing international appreciation for Vietnam’s natural beauty, cultural heritage, cuisine and people.

The Hanoi Beverage Tourism Map will feature notable cafés, beverage and cocktail venues with QR codes providing destination information.

There are more than 30,000 women and children nationwide with serious illnesses, from poor or near-poor households, in need of care and support.

Vietnam’s gold medals came from karate and sepak takraw, reaffirming its strengths in sports with established traditions and focused investment. Meanwhile, bronze medals in canoeing and teqball showed potential in events where Vietnamese athletes are gaining international experience.

September alone saw 1.77 million foreign visitors arrive in Vietnam, up 16.1% from the same month last year.

Three proposals for a Thanh Thai pedestrian street, a low-emission zone inside Ring Road No. 1, and Hanoi’s 100-year master plan have been nominated in the Ideas category of the “Bui Xuan Phai: For the Love of Hanoi” Awards 2026.

As part of the second Cultures of the World Festival in Hanoi 2026, the Hanoi Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism, in coordination with the festival organising committee, on October 2 hosted an international delegation on a tour of the Vietnam National Village for Ethnic Culture and Tourism in Doai Phuong commune.

In recent years, Ta Xua, dubbed "the paradise of clouds", has emerged as one of the mountainous destinations attracting strong interest from young travellers, particularly for its spectacular sea of clouds stretching across the mountains in the northwestern region.

Training local young people in filming, audio recording, digital storytelling, data preservation and responsible use of AI can help build a new generation of cultural custodians. This, in turn, can help transform cultural heritage into a resource for economic development while contributing to the country’s broader development.

The exhibits are presented as historical and legal materials proving Vietnam’s sovereignty over Hoang Sa and Truong Sa in the East Sea.

With growing recognition of indigenous knowledge, customs and cultural values as unique assets, ethnic communities in the northern mountainous region are shifting from simply providing tourism services to becoming creators and owners of tourism products, confidently telling their own cultural stories

When local people remain the custodians of their resources, tourism can become a reason for them to stay, maintain their livelihoods, and renew community value rather than replacing it.

Alongside the RoK, Da Nang has stepped up tourism promotion in India, Japan, China, Russia and CIS countries, Australia, Europe, the Middle East and Southeast Asia.

Jonathan Wallace Baker, UNESCO Representative to Vietnam, noted that the official proclamation of the 2027–2036 period as the "International Decade of Culture for Sustainable Development" comes at a particularly important moment. As the international community works to accelerate progress towards the 2030 Agenda while beginning to consider what comes after 2030, the Decade provides a ten-year framework to strengthen the place of culture in development.

Under Resolution 80-NQ/TW, dated January 7, 2026, November 24 was designated Vietnam Culture Day, to be observed annually. The occasion aims to give the public opportunities to participate in, create and enjoy cultural activities, helping spread positive values and foster pride in Vietnamese culture.