Lao Cai ready for 2025 International Tourism Fair

The Lao Cai International Tourism Fair 2025 will open at Dinh Le Square (Lao Cai City). The preparations are complete, 130 booths have completed the final stages, ready to welcome people and tourists to visit and experience. Book train Hanoi to Sapa

Participating in this fair, Railway Transport Joint Stock Company and partner enterprises registered 1 standard booth to introduce and promote products and services for transporting passengers, luggage, and goods domestically and internationally.

Along with introducing potentials and strengths, the unit and partner businesses also brought to the fair incentive programs, discounts, and business stimulus. The director of Lao Cai Railway Transport Branch said: “By participating in the fair, we want to promote the company's existing brand. From now until the third quarter of 2025, we will coordinate with Vietnam Railways Corporation to run international tourist trains from Lao Cai to Hekou, Kunming (Yunnan - China), and at the same time welcome international delegations to Lao Cai”.

In addition to the standard booths, the fair also has 8 special booths of Lao Cai province, agencies, units, and enterprises in the province and neighboring provinces. Up to this point, the work of displaying and introducing tourism products, services, and local agricultural specialties has been completed, attracting the attention, experience, and shopping of the people and tourists.

With a total area of 162 m2 , equivalent to 18 standard booths, the Lao Cai province tourism promotion and exhibition space is impressively designed and decorated with panels, posters, flowers, ornamental plants, consulting counters, product display shelves, clip presentations, photo exhibitions, promotion and investment attraction... Through this, the typical cultural features, outstanding destinations and tourism development achievements of localities in the province are introduced and promoted. The director of the Provincial Tourism Promotion Information Center said: "The booth has the participation of all districts, towns and cities in the province. Visiting the fair, people and tourists have the opportunity to learn about investment, business cooperation for development; visit and experience games; be introduced to the province's tourism promotion and stimulus programs and here they can also meet and exchange with businesses".

Along with the space to connect international tourist destinations, promote tourism in domestic provinces and cities, the fair is also uniquely and professionally decorated with a stage space; miniature landscape space for visitors to experience, take check-in photos; space to organize social meetings, receptions...

In particular, within the framework of the fair, there will also be many attractive and meaningful activities such as: B2B (Business To Business) program - business to business; B2C (Business To Customer) - business to consumer; "Connecting green tourism development" seminar; survey program for press delegations (Presstrip), tourism businesses (Famtrip); cultural and artistic exchange programs to promote tourism.... contributing to promoting and introducing the potential, strengths, and achievements of tourism between provinces and cities in the country; introducing the culture, people, images, and tourism products and services of Lao Cai to domestic and international friends.

Deputy Director of the Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism of Lao Cai province emphasized: Through these activities, there will be tourism stimulus programs of the Provincial Tourism Association. Here, new tourism products and new incentive packages of travel businesses will also be announced, from which tourists can access and choose tourism programs that suit their needs.

Lao Cai International Tourism Fair 2025 is an opportunity for tourism service businesses in Lao Cai province, domestic and international provinces and cities to display and introduce tourism products, services and industries such as: travel, accommodation, transportation, restaurants, tourist attractions, entertainment services, souvenirs and other services and products... At the same time, connecting, exchanging experiences and signing cooperation agreements to contribute to promoting the development of the tourism market.

Source: Lao Cai hosts International Tourism Fair 2025

Quang Ninh welcomes first Japanese cruise ship

Quang Ninh province's electronic information portal reported that the province has just organized a program to welcome a group of tourists on the Pacific World cruise ship managed and operated by Peace Boat Company (Japan). This cruise ship brought about 1,700 tourists (mainly Japanese tourists) to Quang Ninh. Indochina Junk

This is also the first time Quang Ninh province has welcomed a group of tourists by charter ship from Japan to Halong.

During the cruise, the Pacific World ship departed from Yokohama port (Japan) to a number of ports and tourist destinations including Halong bay.

According to the program, tourists on the Pacific World cruise ship will visit and experience some tourist attractions in Halong city and Dong Trieu district including: Halong Bay, Provincial Museum, Halong Market I, Vincom Plaza Halong, Queen cable car, Yen Duc village and some tourist attractions in Quang Ninh province.

In recent years, Japan has been identified as one of the key international tourist markets of Quang Ninh tourism. Many activities to promote, advertise and exchange tourist sources from this market have been implemented.

However, in reality, the number of Japanese tourists visiting Quang Ninh is still modest compared to the tourism development potential and cooperation opportunities between the two sides. According to statistics, in the period 2023 - February 2025, Quang Ninh welcomed 47,800 Japanese tourists staying in the province.

To expand this customer base, Quang Ninh Tourism Industry plans to increase tourism promotion activities, while strengthening connections and maintaining good relationships with travel companies specializing in exploiting the Japanese market to Vietnam.

In addition, Famtrip and Presstrip delegations from Japan will be organized to Quang Ninh to survey and learn about local tourism, as well as research and develop tourism products suitable to the interests and needs of Japanese tourists. At the same time, attention will be paid to improving hygiene, environment, security and safety conditions for tourists at destinations.

Cruise tourism activities in Quang Ninh were formed and developed since the 1990s. At peak times, the province welcomed more than 200 cruises each year.

From 2024 to present, cruise tourism activities in Quang Ninh have shown many positive signs, the number of cruise tourists is increasing and becoming vibrant again.

In 2025, it is expected that there will be about 70 cruise ships with nearly 90,000 international tourists from many markets in Europe, America, Australia, Northeast Asia... registered to dock at Halong International Passenger Port, an increase of about 30% compared to 2024.

In addition to the luxury cruise ships that have come and returned to Halong many times such as: Celebrity Solstice, Mein Schiff 6, Westerdam..., this year there are many new cruise ships such as: Brilliant Lady, Luminara, Pacific World... planning to bring tourists to visit and experience destinations in Quang Ninh.

Source: Japanese cruise ship to arrive in Halong bay for the first time

What to do in Cat Ba island at night

Kayaking to see the phosphorescent sea, squid fishing in the middle of the ocean, watching the Jetski fireworks show, playing at the night market inspired by cardboard, Cat Ba at night is an attractive destination for tourists. Cruise Halong Bay

The following series of night experiences worth trying will help make your Cat Ba trip more special and interesting.

Watch the phosphorescent sea at Lan Ha Bay

Bioluminescence is a fascinating biological phenomenon that occurs when certain species of plankton, such as the algae Noctiluca scintillans, glow when disturbed by physical movement - ??such as waves, paddles or currents. The light emitted is a soft blue colour and is most visible at night, when the sea is calm, the sky is dark and there is no light pollution.

In Cat Ba, Lan Ha Bay is one of the few places in Vietnam where this phenomenon can be clearly observed, thanks to its sheltered waters, few boats and thriving plankton ecosystem. The phosphorescent sea season usually lasts from April to September - summer, when the sea water warms up and natural conditions become ideal for the luminescence to occur.

The experience usually begins around 7pm to 8pm. Visitors will be taken by boat to a sheltered area of ??the bay, then kayak themselves through the calm water. Each stroke creates a burst of light under the water, leaving a faint blue streak that lasts like a comet's tail. Many visitors liken the feeling to being lost in the Pandora night forest in the movie Avatar.

Night squid fishing with fishermen

In the middle of a quiet night, the squid fishing boats of Cat Ba fishermen are lit up and drift offshore, and tourists, especially foreigners, are eager to join in that journey. The best time for tourists to fish for squid in Cat Ba is from March to June. During this time, the sea is calm, squid often swim close to shore to reproduce, making it easier to hunt.

Not much technique is needed, just a simple hand rod, a few hours of casting the net in the night wind with the golden light reflecting off the water surface is enough to create a “very Vietnamese” experience in the eyes of international tourists. They are curious, excited, then delighted when feeling the rod gently jerk and pull up a fresh, shiny squid.

Watch the large-scale Jetski fireworks show

If in the past, Cat Ba at night was often associated with the tranquility of the sea or some light exploration activities, then from this summer, the pearl island is gradually becoming more brilliant with a series of new entertainment experiences. The highlight is the show "Symphony of the Green Island", a Jetski fireworks show with the largest scale ever held on the sea of ??Vietnam with a total investment of nearly 200 billion VND. 20 Jetski athletes performing fireworks simultaneously will participate to aim to set a Guinness World Record.

What makes the show different is the story line with strong Asian colors - the legend of the Cat Ba crane fairy through the flow of the five elements. A fairy tale told through sound, light, fire, water and body movements of the world's extreme sports "superstars". No CGI, no post-production effects, everything is real - on a splendid stage of the ocean.

Strolling through a unique night market inspired by cardboard

The VUI-Fest night market in the central bay city of Xanh Island promises to be a new “twist” for the night experience in Cat Ba. Not a traditional market, VUI-Fest is designed in an open model, combining culinary - art - community space with a clear “green living” spirit with booths inspired by recycled materials such as cardboard.

The most anticipated highlight is the “Miniature Hai Phong Foodtour” which brings together typical dishes of the port city such as crab noodles, crab spring rolls, red jellyfish, spicy fish noodles… in an airy coastal space. This is not only a place to “eat well”, but also a way to bring the culinary culture of the port city to the island closer to tourists while still imbued with local identity.

The market space will be more vibrant with street performances, visual arts and acoustic music. Visitors can have dinner, listen to music, stroll and enjoy the cool night sea air - a different experience from the usual walking streets.

Right next to the market is the chain of restaurants The Sea Beach Club, The Forest Beach Club, Sun Bavaria - where you can enjoy a sumptuous dinner with a glass of Sun KraftBeer craft beer and watch the brilliant fireworks from the show, enjoying the true festival atmosphere.

Source: Popular activities at night for visitors in Cat Ba island

Explore Hanoi backpackers streets your way

The backpacker area in the Old quarter has become a vivid symbol of modern Hanoi. This place is not only an attractive destination for international tourists, but also a space for Vietnamese people to explore, create, start businesses and trade. In the constant flow of integration, backpacker streets are a clear demonstration of the adaptability and creativity of Vietnamese people. Cheap tours in Vietnam

Cultural exchange in daily life

The International neighborhoods in Hanoi are always interesting cultural intersections in daily life, where the East and West colors naturally intertwine. Just one afternoon walking around these neighborhoods, it is not difficult to encounter a unique cultural mix: a traditional corn cake stall next to a colorful Indian restaurant, a Vietnamese milk tea shop next to a French-style beverage shop, or a stilt house cafe by West Lake - where foreigners and locals enjoy tea, watch the sunset and share stories.

A long-time resident of Ta Hien Street commented: “This area is more vibrant, which has both positive and negative aspects, but clearly the multicultural atmosphere has brought new vitality to the whole street.”

“There is no specific moment that marks my connection to Vietnam,” said Adrian Bernard Hickey, an Australian citizen who has lived in Hanoi for more than 10 years. “It was a quiet but profound process. I found similarities between Vietnamese and Australians in their sense of humour, their love of life, their hearty laughter and the way they enjoy life. That made me feel not like an “outsider” but part of the community.”

This cultural exchange space brings bold experiences and directly stimulates a new economic life for the “International” street. It is the spirit of cultural openness that makes Hickey not hesitate to introduce friends to invest and open shops around this area. It is also the springboard for creative business models such as homestay boutique, fusion cafe or art studio to flourish, turning the “Western” street into a vibrant startup destination, where culture and economy blend.

With the increasing number of international tourists, service industries such as restaurants, hotels, bars and souvenir shops in this area are always bustling. Small businesses, from sidewalk eateries to fashion stores, benefit from the influx of tourists to Hanoi, creating thousands of jobs for local people.

Hieu, Founder of the cocktail bar “Twins Cocktail and Wine” in Ngo Huyen, believes that the “international” street is an ideal space for startup ideas. He said: “This area attracts a lot of tourists and Vietnamese customers, so I think this is a very suitable place to do business and test new products and services.”

Many young people have also taken advantage of the “international” streets to open cafes with unique styles such as book cafes, pet cafes or art spaces. These models not only attract tourists but also create a creative community where young entrepreneurs can learn and share experiences.

Hickey has also contributed a small part to Vietnam's integration journey. During more than a decade working at large corporations such as Golden Gate and Sun Group in the food and service sector, he has helped many young Vietnamese people approach and learn about Western service culture, professional working style and creative thinking. He said: "I see young Vietnamese people growing up every day - not only learning new ways of working, but also learning how to think innovatively. That makes me happy and I believe that I have contributed to a Vietnam that is changing strongly."

However, economic development in the “international” area also poses challenges. The concentration of too many tourists can put pressure on infrastructure, the environment and increase the cost of living in this area. Therefore, managers need to have sustainable development strategies, ensuring that the international area is both an economic driving area and a harmonious, friendly space for local people and international tourists.

From a street corner to a global vision

The formation of such neighborhoods helps cities, especially Hanoi - a place with a deep history and cultural heritage - become dynamic and modern while still maintaining its own identity. This is the foundation for attracting investment, developing high-quality tourism, and at the same time creating an economic ecosystem, helping to improve the global competitiveness of Vietnamese cities.

However, besides the positive aspects, strong integration also raises the question: "Will accepting too many cultures cause the national identity to fade away?" This is not an unreasonable concern, when many neighborhoods are gradually becoming unfamiliar to local people due to excessive "foreignization". The problem is to know how to filter and localize new elements, turning diversity into a catalyst for creativity, not fading the core of Vietnamese culture. Hieu said: "I don't think it has been Westernized. When I talked to many Western customers who came to the restaurant for the first time, they still told me that Vietnam still has something special, Hanoi still has something very "cultural"."

From a small street corner, where the sound of multilingual street music echoes, the smell of coffee wafts in the air and blends with the taste of hot Pho, we can see the image of a Vietnam gradually stepping out into the world : not noisy, not ostentatious, but full of courage and creativity. Such neighborhoods, if properly oriented, are a mirror reflecting the journey of integration with identity, where Vietnam not only integrates but also shines.

Source: Hanoi backpackers streets - the east-west symphony