Ninh Binh aims to boost heritage-driven tourism growth

One of the highlights of the Ninh Binh Tourism Week 2026 is the Tam Coc Golden Season Festival at the Tam Coc – Bich Dong tourist site, where visitors can enjoy the vibrant rice harvest landscape alongside traditional cultural activities such as agricultural offerings processions, folk singing and traditional art performances.

A view of the Trang An Scenic Landscape Complex - the first mixed cultural and natural heritage site in Vietnam. (Photo: VNA)
A view of the Trang An Scenic Landscape Complex - the first mixed cultural and natural heritage site in Vietnam. (Photo: VNA)

Ninh Binh (VNA) – The Ninh Binh Tourism Week 2026, themed “Ninh Binh – A Heritage Journey Through the Ages”, will take place in the northern province from May 23 to 30, promising a diverse range of cultural and natural experiences that highlight local heritage values while promoting sustainable and modern tourism development.

Preparations for the event have largely been completed on schedule, with the province targeting around 600,000 domestic and international visitors during the week-long programme.

Diverse experiences expected to attract visitors

Nam Hoa Lu ward, home to many of Ninh Binh’s best-known tourist attractions, will host key activities during the week. With an anticipated surge in visitors, especially international tourists, local police have stepped up security and traffic management plans.

Authorities have deployed round-the-clock patrols at major tourist sites and event venues, combining overt and undercover operations to prevent crime and ensure public safety. Traffic flow plans have also been put in place early to minimise congestion at major intersections and crowded areas.

One of the highlights of the tourism week is the Tam Coc Golden Season Festival at the Tam Coc – Bich Dong tourist site, where visitors can enjoy the vibrant rice harvest landscape alongside traditional cultural activities such as agricultural offerings processions, folk singing and traditional art performances.

The Tam Coc – Bich Dong management board has completed preparations for a giant rice-field artwork along the Ngo Dong River, while boat stations and rest areas have been upgraded to ensure safety and convenience for visitors.

Bui Thi Thuy Hang, a communications officer at the Tam Coc – Bich Dong tourist site, said the area has undergone extensive clean-up and infrastructure improvements, and additional measures been implemented to ensure visitor safety and enhance the destination’s image.

Another major attraction is the Trang An Creative Festival (Forestival), to be held at Binh Minh Square. The event blends contemporary art with heritage values and will feature performances by well-known Vietnamese singers.

Tran Thi Diep Anh, a representative of Trang An Group – one of the organisers, said this year’s festival is designed to connect younger audiences with Trang An’s archaeological and historical heritage while promoting environmental awareness, including in the conservation of the Delacour's langur – an endangered endemic primate species living mainly in Ninh Binh.

Heritage, green tourism create new momentum

The Ninh Binh Tourism Week has become an annual flagship event helping boost the province’s tourism industry and strengthen its destination brand.

Bui Van Manh, Director of the provincial Department of Tourism, said preparations are progressing as planned, with authorities focusing on upgrading tourism infrastructure, improving environmental landscapes, enhancing digital promotion and bettering service quality.

Training programmes have also been organised to improve hospitality skills and tourism awareness among local residents while inspections are being conducted to ensure service quality, transparent pricing and visitor safety.

The province expects accommodation occupancy rates to exceed 85% during the event.

Manh noted that this year’s tourism week features broader scale and more diverse activities following the expansion of event spaces. The opening ceremony, scheduled for the evening of May 23 at Dinh Tien Hoang Square in Hoa Lu ward, will a special music show bringing together nearly 200 artists and performers to showcase the cultural and historical richness of the former imperial capital.

Additional activities include tourism product displays, the “Beautiful Photos of Ninh Binh Tourism” exhibition, water puppetry, “cheo” and “xam” folk singing performances, and traditional cultural programmes across tourist sites in the province.

Standing Vice Chairman of the Ninh Binh provincial People’s Committee Tran Song Tung called on relevant agencies and localities to coordinate closely in ensuring security, environmental sanitation, communications infrastructure and service quality throughout the event, as well as in preventing unreasonable price hikes that could affect the province’s tourism image.

The Ninh Binh Tourism Week 2026 is expected to further increase visitor arrivals and tourism revenue and introduce the province’s natural beauty, cultural and historical heritage and people to domestic and international visitors. It also supports Ninh Binh’s long-term goal of developing tourism and cultural industries into key economic sectors./.

VNA

See more

Representatives of participating organisations pose for a group photo at the exchange programme marking China Tourism Day on May 19, 2026. (Photo: VNA)

Vietnam, China eye stronger tourism ties through cultural exchanges

Tourism exchanges between the two countries have expanded steadily in recent years, with a growing number of Vietnamese travellers to Chinese destinations such as Guilin, Lijiang, Zhangjiajie and Tianchi Lake, and Chinese tourists continuing to favour Vietnamese destinations including Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, Ha Long Bay, Da Nang and Nha Trang.

Several Vietnamese tourism products are introduced to visitors at the fair. (Photo: VNA)

Vietnam captivates visitors at Algeria tourism fair

Vietnam displays large photographs of renowned destinations such as Hoan Kiem Lake, Trang An Landscape Complex, Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park, Hoi An Ancient Town, Ban Gioc Waterfall and the terraced rice fields of Mu Cang Chai at the International Tourism and Travel Fair (SITEV 2026) in Algeria.

Sun PhuQuoc Airways opens the gateway for the world to experience the paradise Phu Quoc. (Photo: Sun Group)

US media outlines what makes Phu Quoc Southeast Asia’s most sought-after destination

According to TTW, Phu Quoc is emerging as "one of the most desired destinations in Southeast Asia" due to a rare convergence of pristine natural beauty and a heavily invested, modern tourism ecosystem. From sweeping white sands and turquoise waters to global-class resort and entertainment complexes, the island is drawing an increasing number of international travelers seeking an experience that seamlessly balances luxury with a rich local identity.

Local culture makes Vietnamese destinations appealing. (Photo: VNA)

Vietnam targets tourism breakthrough by filling gaps

Industry officials said advances in sci-tech, innovation and digital transformation are already wrenching tourism away from a bulk-volume model toward one built on data, customised experiences and smart governance. Deeper global integration is further widening market access, tightening value chain links and sharpening Vietnam’s destination brand.

The 7 Wonders Day will be held on July 7 to celebrate Ha Long Bay as one of the best known world natural heritage site. (Photo: courtesy of Ha Long Bay - Yen Tu World Heritage Management Department)

7 Wonders Day to spotlight UNESCO heritage jewel Ha Long Bay

A special event entitled 7 Wonders Day with a series of attractions and experiences for both residents and visitors will be held in Ha Long city, Quang Ninh province, on July 7 to honour the elected New 7 Wonders of the World and Nature.

Con Co “steel island”: a green gem in the open sea. (Photo: VNA)

Con Co “steel island”: a green gem in the open sea

Unlike well-established destinations, this small island quietly preserves its layered heritage: tens-of-thousands-year-old basalt formations, pristine tropical forests and enduring wartime memories. Together, they create a distinctive “green gem” in the open sea, subtle yet captivating enough to hold any visitor.

The Hue–Da Nang “Central Heritage Connection” train takes passengers along one of Vietnam’s most spectacular coastal railway routes. (Photo: nhandan.vn)

Heritage rail journey brings new identity to central Vietnam tourism

The heritage train offers passengers not only a means of transport, but also a sense of connection linking destinations across central Vietnam, tourism with transport, and nostalgic memories with contemporary experiences. While older travellers are reminded of journeys from decades ago, younger passengers and international visitors are discovering a greener, culture-rich way to explore the region.

Many Vietnamese travellers love to plan the trip by themselves even when it requires a lot of time. (Photo courtesy of Booking.com)

Vietnamese travellers enjoy planning for trips

The Booking.com’s Travel Trends 2026 data revealed that a growing number of Vietnamese travellers, about 74% of respondents, are channelling “Main Character Planning Energy”, where planning and booking is just as enjoyable as the trip itself.

Hai Tac Island in An Giang province is increasingly attractive to visitors. (Photo: VNA)

Slow travel increases connections, reshapes tourism trends

Rather than rushing to “check in” at as many attractions as possible, slow travel allows visitors to immerse themselves in local life. Travellers may spend time wandering through a highland market, learning to cook a traditional dish, cycling around a coastal fishing village, or simply enjoying the tranquil rhythm of life in the countryside.

Sunlight streams into the Dinosaur Eye while visitors join the Son Doong adventure tour (Photo: VNA published)

Quang Tri province boosts tourism promotion through international television, films

A special documentary on Son Doong Cave, the world’s largest cave, was aired on March 29 in the renowned “60 Minutes” programme of CBS News. The report retraced the discovery of Son Doong Cave and years of expeditions conducted by the British Cave Research Association, offering global audiences a comprehensive look at the cave through scientific, historical and human perspectives.