Described in a press release as the “flagship zone of Sun World Vung Tau,” Aqua Adventure provides beachfront entertainment on Vietnam’s southern coast in the southeastern corridor of Ho Chi Minh City, within the Blanca City development. The collaboration with WhiteWater occupies 15 hectares and offers water rides, play areas, and family facilities.

@duongphuoc10 Khám phá ngay Sun World Vung Tau Aqua Adventure – Công viên giải trí biển lớn nhất Đông Nam Bộ với quy mô 15 ha cùng hệ thống 20 trò chơi hấp dẫn. Trải nghiệm những kỷ lục lần đầu xuất hiện tại Việt Nam và Thế giới: Siêu đường đua nước 10 làn đầu tiên trên thế giới. Tàu lượn siêu tốc dành cho trẻ em dài nhất thế giới. Thế giới ẩm thực đa dạng và phong phú. Hãy đến và tận hưởng những trải nghiệm đỉnh cao tại Sun World Vung Tau ngay hôm nay! #SunGroup #SunWorld #SunWorldVungTau #AquaAdventure #VungTau ♬ âm thanh gốc – Dương Dương Bất Động Sản

Four zones provide insights into Eastern and Western cultural history with themed settings inspired by a Southern floating market village, ancient European maritime routes, the legacy of the Oc Eo and Phu Nam civilizations, and “legends drawn from untamed wilderness,” the press statement reveals.

Attractions include the Mystic Ocean Voyage, a nearly 100m Mini Blaster water coaster aimed at little ones, and the Serpent’s Aquarium- a wall-running slide that propels riders at speeds of up to 33km/h along a 180m course, as well as Mekong Water Battle, a 1,800m² play area featuring 20 platforms and over 130 interactive elements.

The park’s large-scale experiences and use of technology have already garnered international accolades. Its Aqua Warriors Battle attraction was recognised during the opening ceremony as the world’s first 10-lane water racing slide, while Adventure Oasis gained the title of the world’s longest water coaster for children.

In addition, it hosts several first- of-their-kind attractions in Vietnam, including one of Asia’s longest water coasters at 348 meters, Vietnam’s first 400 meter challenge river, the first Twist ‘n’ Splash attraction within the Sun World system, a giant Ridehouse complex, the largest wave pool across Sun World destinations at 6,000m², and an “ultra long lazy river,” spanning 650 metres.

And for refreshments, guests will find indoor and outdoor buffet restaurants, a range of dining outlets and service counters designed to accommodate thousands of visitors daily.

Inaugurated in time for the spring festival of Tet, the most important celebration in the Vietnamese calendar, and now open throughout the lunar spring season, the park currently boasts spring-oriented décor with around 10,000 coconut trees and over 10,000 blooms creating what is bound to be an enchanting environment for fun seekers of all ages.

What’s more, a special offer is available to mark the launch. Through to 31 May 2026, Sun World Vung Tau’s promotional ticket pricing means weekend and public holidays entries can be snapped up for VND 300,000 (under €10) per adult; VND 250,000 (around €8) per child, or a flat weekday rate of VND 199,000 (€6.45) per person.

L’article Vietnam unveils major new water park with 100 slides est apparu en premier sur Travel Tomorrow.

@asianlife_fr This is your sign to visit Ha Long Bay — a natural wonder with surreal landscapes, vibrant turquoise water, hidden caves to explore, and peaceful kayak rides through quiet lagoons. Whether you go for a 1-day tour from Hanoi or spend 1-2 nights on a boat, this magical place deserves a spot on your bucket list Planning a trip to Vietnam? Don't skip Ha Long Bay! Tag the person you'd take on this epic adventure. Follow me for more dreamy spots you can't miss in Vietnam! Comment « link » to get the direct booking Vietnam | Halong Bay | Hanoi | Paradise | Travel | Cruise #halongbay #halongbayvietnam #hanoi #vietnam #travelvietnam ♬ son original – asianlife_fr

The railway will connect four key cities and provinces: Hanoi, Bac Ninh, Hai Phong, and Quang Ninh. Five stations are planned along the route, beginning at Co Loa Station in Hanoi and ending near Tuan Chau public park. In addition, a maintenance depot will be located at Ha Long Xanh for train storage and operations. Vietnamese conglomerate Vingroup’s VinSpeed is leading the construction, with the German company Siemens providing rolling stock and subsystems. This project is Vietnam’s second high-speed line, following the North-South line from Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh City, which is expected to be completed by 2035.

The new line is expected to bring major benefits beyond travel convenience. Quang Ninh’s proximity to China’s Guangxi Zhuang autonomous region means the rail will strengthen cross-border connectivity. Officials say improved rail links with China will help reduce logistics costs, integrate Vietnam into broader Asia-Europe supply chains, and elevate the country’s position in regional trade networks. “Railway infrastructure is a strategic breakthrough for economic development and bilateral trade with China,” says To Lam, general secretary of Vietnam’s Communist Party Central Committee.

Tourism in Vietnam is also set to gain from easier travel. The country recently introduced a 10-year golden visa program to attract international residents, investors, and professionals, while simplifying applications through online processes. Visa exemptions have been expanded for European countries, including Belgium, France, Germany, and others, making it easier for tourists to visit key destinations like Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, and Da Nang. The National Authority of Tourism expects foreign arrivals to reach up to 23 million by the end of 2025, driven by visa reforms, easier travel, and improved infrastructure.

Vietnam’s high-speed rail is part of a global trend to make travel faster and more efficient. In Europe, the EU plans to cut travel times from Berlin to Copenhagen to around four hours by 2030, compared with seven hours today, through new high-speed rail links. The goal is a connected network across the continent by 2040, allowing people to travel quickly and sustainably between major cities. In the United States, California is building a high-speed line between Los Angeles and San Francisco, expected to start operating in the 2030s. These projects show how Vietnam is following a worldwide push for faster, greener rail travel, opening up easier connections for both tourists and business travellers.

The Hanoi–Halong Bay line will support sustainable tourism and make northern Vietnam more accessible. By encouraging train travel over roads or flights, the project reduces emissions and congestion while helping the country meet environmental goals. Visitors will be able to explore Hanoi’s cultural sites and Halong Bay’s natural beauty in a single day, boosting the appeal for international tourists.

With construction starting in 2027 and operations expected by 2028, the railway will bring faster travel, economic growth, and stronger international connectivity. Along with visa reforms and promotional campaigns, this makes Vietnam an increasingly attractive destination for both leisure and business travellers from Europe, the U.S., and beyond. 

L’article Vietnam’s new high-speed rail promises 30-minute trip from Hanoi to Halong Bay est apparu en premier sur Travel Tomorrow.

Designed by the Italian Renzo Piano Building Workshop, the project — officially named the Island of Music — will be placed between West Lake and Đầm Trị Lake on the Quảng An Peninsula. The architects reshaped the area by removing about 13,000 square metres of land to reconnect the two lakes, allowing the building to appear as if it floats on the water’s surface, creating an island-like structure that blends gracefully into its natural surroundings. 

The new addition to Hanoi’s vibrant cityscape, known for its unique blend of Vietnamese and French architecture, draws inspiration from the lake’s traditional oyster-farming community, whose freshwater pearls shimmer in soft shades of pink, orange, and white. 

The visual aesthetic of the exterior uses smooth curving volumes and a “pixelated” ceramic façade, replicating the delicate forms of oyster shells and the soft iridescence of pearls that reflect sunlight in subtle, shifting tones, depending on the time of day and the seasons. 

The opera house’s main structure is built from thin-ribbed concrete shells formed by 3D catenary curves — an approach that allows the building to maintain its sweeping shape while remaining structurally efficient. Large glass openings will offer panoramic views of the lakes, bringing natural light into the interior and setting up the sense of connection between art, architecture and nature.

Inside, the complex will include a 1,800-seat opera auditorium and a 1,000-seat congress hall, designed for both classical and contemporary performances, alongside a museum and event spaces that will host concerts, opera and ballet performances and award ceremonies. According to Renzo Piano, the project is part of a broader masterplan for a cultural and artistic park in Tay Ho Ward, designed to serve as a space for cultural exchange and large-scale entertainment, aiming to redefine Hanoi’s urban landscape and attract international visitors.

Renzo Piano, known for landmarks like the Centre Pompidou in Paris and The Shard in London, collaborated with PTW Architects, Theatre Projects, Arup, and RPBW, integrating architecture, theatre, and engineering expertise in the project. Arup applied advanced computational modeling and BIM techniques to optimise the structure, reducing materials, cutting costs, and minimising the building’s carbon footprint, reflecting Piano’s commitment to sustainability.

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While the project is still under construction, with completion expected around 2027, its announcement has already drawn attention from global design circles, hailed as a symbol of Hanoi’s creative ambition and its growing embrace of contemporary architecture. Once finished, it is expected to become a lasting landmark and a cultural treasure in the heart of the capital.

L’article Hanoi unveils Renzo Piano’s floating opera house inspired by oysters est apparu en premier sur Travel Tomorrow.

The Financial Express reports three categories of visa set to come on offer: an extendable five-to-10-year golden visa; an “investor visa” which also lasts 10 years and provides the chance to become a permanent resident after five; and a “Talent Visa” targeting professionals in growth industries.

Reducing bureaucracy is a key part of the plan. Applications for the visas will be able to be completed online, authorities say, and no embassy appointments are needed. This reflects broader moves to make life easier for tourists and business arrivals on short trips for whom visa arrangements are also being rationalised and digitised.

The aim is to address how far Vietnam’s tourism sector still lags behind its regional neighbours. Tourism represented just 7% of Vietnamese GDP in 2023 and 8% in 2024, below the worldwide average of 10.3%, and far behind Thailand (23%), the Philippines (22.5%), and Cambodia (25.8%).

International Tourist Arrivals by Continent – January to April 2025

The Vietnam National Authority of Tourism expects the suite of visa changes to help it meet a target of up to 23 million foreign arrivals in 2025—an achievement that would be a 31% increase over 2024, when about US $30 billion in tourism revenues were recorded. Official figures show the country is already on track to beat that if foreign visitors continue to arrive at the first quarter rate of more than 7.67 million in the first four months of the year.

International Tourist Arrivals to Vietnam 2020 to 2025

Year-on-Year Growth (2024 to 2025): +23.8%

The largest source markets for Vietnamese tourism are China, South Korea, and Taiwan. US and Japanese visitors rank fourth and fifth. Movement has been seen in the European market, especially since the introduction of visa exemptions that in early April 2025 added Belgium to growing list of more than a dozen European Union or Schengen Area nations who already benefit from visa-free travel to the socialist republic. Those changes have pushed UK arrivals up by 20.7%, French visitors up by 24.7% and German incomers to 18.8%.

Promotional campaigns present Vietnam as a culturally dynamic and vibrant place to live, leaning heavily on the appeal of cities such as Da Nang, Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh, where foreign settlers can find amenities they expect, including international schools.

L’article Vietnam is introducing a 10-year golden visa amid moves to boost tourism sector est apparu en premier sur Travel Tomorrow.

Under the new visa exemption, Belgian nationals will join citizens of 11 European Union or Schengen Area nations who already benefit from visa-free travel to the socialist republic. Czechia, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Italy, Norway, Poland, Spain, Sweden, and Switzerland all enjoy visa waivers for Vietnam visits, Czechia, Poland and Switzerland until the end of 2025, and the others until 14 March 2028.

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Catering to a surge in Belgian tourism

Belgium has been requesting similar for some time, according to its foreign minister Maxime Prévot, who hailed King Philippe and Queen Mathilde’s trip to Vietnam, the first in five decades, as a success, saying: “This is clearly one of the achievements of the state visit.” The pair’s itinerary featured a series of symbolic engagements, such as laying commemorative wreaths at Vietnamese independence memorials, supporting children’s hospitals, social projects, and the victims of chemical warfare, inaugurating the half-billion-dollar, 3,400-m²  Belgian infrastructure project, Deep C, and holding discussions on technology, climate change and biodiversity.

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Prévot argues that the new visa scheme, the timing of which is yet to be confirmed, will smooth the way for both tourists and businesspeople to access what Vietnam has to offer. In 2024, nearly 32,000 Belgians went to Vietnam, a surge of 120% compared to the previous year, according to data provided by the Vietnam National Authority of Tourism.

Non-reciprocal

The fine details of the regime have not been fully hammered out. The Brussels Times and Belga news agency have reported that the deal will involve Belgians gaining up to 15 days visa-free access to Vietnam, while Visa Guide News has said the waiver will be for trips of up to 45 days, three times as long.

It is not expected that Belgium will provide reciprocal arrangements for Vietnamese visitors. Instead, Belgian authorities will undertake to help ease negotiations for Vietnamese counterparts at a European and international level. “Belgian attention to certain Vietnamese requests at the international and European level is of course always appreciated,” Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh said.

As well as the European nations who have been granted Vietnamese visa exemptions, Vietnam has opened up to other nations around the world including Belarus, Japan, Russia, South Korea, and the UK, as part of a drive to boost its tourism sector. The republic is seeking to “actively promote the position and brand of Vietnamese tourism globally”, targeting 23 million foreign visitors by the end of 2025 and revenues of between 130 and 980 trillion VND (€5.3 to €40.8 billion).

L’article Vietnam to ease visa-free travel for Belgians following state visit est apparu en premier sur Travel Tomorrow.

They will join citizens from Belarus, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, Norway, Russia, South Korea, Spain, Sweden, and the United Kingdom who already enjoy less bureaucracy and ease entry to Vietnam thanks to visa requirements being lifted.

22 million foreign tourists targeted

Vu The Binh, Chair of the Vietnam Tourism Association, speaking at a recent press conference in Hanoi, confirmed that the visa waivers are part of a strategy driven by a series of goals, including attracting 23 million international tourists in 2025, which would represent a year-on-year increase of over 25%. Prior goals “have not been achieved as expected” he acknowledged, even though “Since the Covid-19 pandemic, our country’s tourism industry has been growing strongly.” 

The repuiblic is also aiming to bring in between 130 and 980 trillion VND (€5.3 to €40.8 billion) over the next year. To step up and reach the targets, Vu The Binh said the country needs to “actively promote the position and brand of Vietnamese tourism globally” and noted that tourism development “requires the cooperation and connection of all sectors.” 

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Infrastructure, services, events, sustainability and cooperation

Key focus points include infrastructure and service improvements, the creation of a compelling events and promotions programme, as well as new greener tourism products that meet sustainability criteria, and better international cooperation. The strategy will kick off with a consultation and audit to detect difficulties and problems facing tourism businesses and help competent state agencies at both central and local levels resolve them, officials said.

The Southeast Asian nation already caters to millions of domestic tourists – 110 million in 2024, which it is hoping to increase to 120 million in the coming year. Meanwhile, internationally, China is one of its top source markets, followed by the US, Japan, Malaysia, and Australia, according to data from Pham Van Thuy, the Deputy Director of the Vietnam National Administration of Tourism. Nonetheless, European visits to Vietnam are on the up, with most tourists in 2024 coming from the United Kingdom, France, Germany, Italy, and Spain.

L’article Vietnam to add three more European countries to visa waiver list from March 2025 est apparu en premier sur Travel Tomorrow.

Tran Phong Binh, deputy director of the tourism marketing department at the National Authority of Tourism told delegates at the ASEAN Tourism Forum that the 2025 target would be a 31% increase from the more than 17 million foreign arrivals in 2024, who brought in about US$30billion in tourism revenues.

Behind its competitors

It is perhaps a modest target given that the 2024 arrival figures represent a 41% year-on-year hike compared to 2023. Nonetheless, it would represent a significant recovery for a nation that is currently only just in line with pre-Covid benchmark figures and playing catch-up with its neighbours.

Vietnam wants to achieve 160 million domestic tourists and 35 million international visitors by 2030, but that would only equal Thailand’s 2024 figures. Tourism represented just 7% of Vietnamese GDP in 2023 and 8% in 2024, below the worldwide average of 10.3%, and far behind Thailand (23%), the Philippines (22.5%), and Cambodia (25.8%).

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How to drive growth?

Still, the Vietnamese want to increase tourism’s GDP contribution to 13% and through that generate over 10 million jobs. With experts blaming the policy climate for the lag, authorities will be scrutinising international markets for growth opportunities. Asia is far and away the biggest source of international guests, accounting for 79.6%. Europe sent over 11.3%, while the Americas and Oceania provided 5.7% and 3,1% respectively. Africa currently only sends less than 0.3%.

Starting where things are already going well, the Vietnamese will be seeking to attract more South East Asian travellers, and those from China, Japan, and South Korea. India, the Middle East and North America are also key targets, according to FTNnews.

Raising the profile of Vietnamese attractions

Part of the trick will be better marketing for Vietnam’s many treasures, from the central, UNESCO-recognised province of Thua Thien Hue through the Visit Vietnam Year, to the Danang International Fireworks Festival in early summer, or the curiosity that is the world’s largest cave (the 9km long, 200m high Son Doong).

Authorities are also likely to look closely at the state of Vietnam’s visa-free entry and waiver policies. It offers unreciprocated visa waivers for 45-day stays to only 13 countries at the moment. Compare that to China, which has sought to boost tourism with 38 countries offering visa-free entry since 2023 and a relaxation of other rules around transit visits (for 54 nations), as well as for cruise ship passengers, for example. It has been a successful opening up. According to China’s National Immigration Administration data, in the first half of 2024, a total of 14.6 million foreign nationals entered China through ports across the country, reflecting a 152.7% year-on-year increase. Vietnam would love a piece of that action.

L’article Vietnam sets tourism target of 23 million visitors for 2025  est apparu en premier sur Travel Tomorrow.

The Vietnamese parliament, Vietnam’s National Assembly, decided on building the new high-speed railway network. The cost of $67 billion will be spread over multiple years, as the building project is planned to start in 2027 and should be completed in 2035. Once complete, it will be one of the country’s largest infrastructural works.

“This project is pivotal for restructuring transport shares and serves as a cornerstone for Vietnam’s leap into a new era of growth. It is the wish of the people and the determination of the political system to have an international-standard high-speed railway,” Deputy Minister of Transport Nguyen Danh Huy said, adding it could boost the country’s GDP by up to 0.97 percentage points on an annual basis. 

On its 1,541-kilometre journey, the train will cross 20 provinces and cities. 23 passenger stations and 5 freight stations are planned to be serviced along the way. The new connection is not just set to become important for passengers but will also be used for the transportation of freight and it will serve defence purposes, according to state media. In the future, the new high-speed connection might boost tourism, trade and global supply chains.

รัฐสภา #เวียดนาม ลงมติอนุมัติโครงการ #รถไฟความเร็วสูง มูลค่า 67,000 ล้านดอลลาร์ ซึ่งจะช่วยให้การเดินทางโดยรถไฟจาก #ฮานอย ไปยัง #โฮจิมินห์ ซึ่งใช้เวลาในปัจจุบัน 35 ชั่วโมง ให้เหลือเพียง 5.5 ชั่วโมงเท่านั้น

Vietnam's parliament voted for a $67 billion high-speed railway that would… pic.twitter.com/4iZbTllRRL

— pone poyepoloye (@motorwars) December 2, 2024

Officials have already stated they want to minimise reliance on foreign funding, prioritising self-sufficient financing solutions instead. However, not everyone seems to agree this is the best option. “A hybrid model leveraging both domestic and international funding sources would be more realistic”, said Richard McClellan, country director for Vietnam at the Tony Blair Institute for Global Change.

It is not the first time a high-speed rail network between the two cities has been discussed. In 2010, the National Assembly already proposed the possibility but, back then, the project was not adopted due to the hefty price tag, which wasn’t compatible with Vietnam’s public debt. As the country has recently been experiencing a strong export sector and healthy public finance metrics, the timing now seems to be more appropriate.

L’article Vietnam approves $67 billion high-speed railway project est apparu en premier sur Travel Tomorrow.

The Vung Tau international cruise port development is a proposal by Portcoast-Tediport-Hpec Consortium for luxury cruise ship mooring plus terminal infrastructure, offices, hotels, and retail spaces. Initial rendering images depict a circular marina area with coiling jetties in an Art Nouveau style, as well as a series of organic aerofoil-shaped buildings.

Major southern gateway

Requiring an investment of around VND 8 trillion (€291 million), the project is considered the largest in the southern region, creating a port that is anticipated to become an important southern gateway for the socialist republic in a potential renaissance for the area, which was a major port under French colonial rule, but more recently has been dominated by crude oil and natural gas exploitation. It is seen as a primary port of call for feeder vessels carrying cargo back and forth from Ho Chi Minh City, but it also connects other hubs to global shipping routes and relieves demand on other regional ports.

On the tip of a small peninsula and just a couple of hours from Ho Chi Minh City, Vung Tau boasts four beaches and esoteric attractions such as the local whale-worshipping festivals that take place in honour of a creature considered sacred. Already a destination increasingly found on cruise itineraries, Ba Ria-Vung Tau brought in over 80,000 visitors in 2023. Cruise companies Resorts World and Royal Caribbean International are among the 50 cruise lines that have called there in 2024. 

Port, cultural hub and events centre

Set to include piers capable of welcoming 228,000 tonne vessels, which can board up to 6,000 passengers each, the port will also be designed to serve as a cultural hub and events venue, providing a showcase for the area and its produce and boosting the economy of a city that was once the regional capital. Parking zones and naval and maritime services will also be accommodated.

Sited at the Front Beach, the port will aim to capitalise on an existing cable car complex that offers a scenic ride to the top of nearby Nho Mountain, providing breathtaking views of Vung Tau city and the sea. 

Approved in principle by the Ministry of Transport, the project must now go through the Ba Ria-Vung Tau People’s Committee’s pre-feasibility process and is seeking approved investors for the port development.  

L’article Vietnam set to build €291M cruise port in southern Vung Tau  est apparu en premier sur Travel Tomorrow.

The two locomotives are the last remaining working steam ones in the country, both built locally in Vietnam, based on the French Mikado design. The restoration process took several years, using original parts and utilising the skills of the last remaining steam engineers working for Vietnam Railways.

The Revolution Express will make a return trip between Danang city and the former royal capital of Hue each day on two fully appointed retro-styled carriages that can seat up to 57 passengers each, as well as a custom-made kitchen carriage and a baggage carriage. Each journey will traverse the scenically Hai Van coastal mountain range and stop at Lang Co adjacent to a lagoon and beach destination.

We are proud to bring these old dames of rail back to life and to showcase important periods in Vietnamese history from imperial through colonial rule and finally the struggle to independence.

Michael Gebbie, Indochina Rail Chairman

“We seek to give visitors an interactive sense of Vietnam’s history and future”, said Michael Gebbie, Indochina Rail’s Chairman. “Whether you enjoy learning about history or trains, or just want to ride an authentic heritage steam train over the famously scenic Hai Van Pass, the Revolution Express will offer a magical experience for young and old alike.”

Highlights of the tourist experience will include themed dining at the three railway stations on the route: Kim Lien (Danang), Lang Co and Hue. Each station will have its own menus and entertainment schedules to meet the arrival of the Revolution Express. The train stations are being designed to also attract other road and VNR (Vietnam National Rail) passengers travelling between Danang, Lang Co and Hue on the scenic coastal route.

Onboard, passengers will be served by employees in periodic costumes and will be able to choose from a selection of light food and drinks. Moreover, when the Revolution Express will arrive at the three stations, a brass band in army regalia will greet disembarking guests.

In Hue, the original train maintenance building is being refurbished as the Station Restaurant. The venue is being themed in an imperial manner befitting the history of Hue, the last bastion of the dynastic era in Vietnam. In Lang Co, the restaurant will be themed to mark the independence of Vietnam. Apart from a full restaurant offering, food carts will be on the station platform offering homemade ice cream, freshly squeezed fruit juices, Vietnamese coffee and fresh pressed sugar cane. The third restaurant, at the station on the outskirts of Danang, has not yet been confirmed. If built, it would be themed in a colonial manner to reflect a different era in Vietnam’s national journey.

L’article Refurbished pre-independence steam trains to start running in Vietnam est apparu en premier sur Travel Tomorrow.