Travel

Phong Nha-Ke Bang wins 2nd UNESCO recognition

The Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park in central Quang Binh province received its second UNESCO recognition on July 3.

The Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park in central Quang Binh province received its second UNESCO recognition on July 3.

At a conference held in Bonn, Germany, the UNESCO World HeritageCommittee approved the addition of two natural sites in its WorldHeritage List – the Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park in Vietnam and theCape Floral Region Protected Area in South Africa.

It is the second time that the Vietnamese park received UNESCOrecognition, the first time in 2003 for its geological andgeomorphologic values.

In 2009, information ofthe park's biodiversity was submitted to the UN agency, but the fileswere returned. Vietnam was asked to solve issues related to theintegrity, protection and management of the heritage.

The site's new profile includes more geological and geomorphologicaldata. Since 2012, the park area increased from 85,754ha to 123,326haunder a decision by Prime Minister Nguyen Tan Dung to adjust itsboundaries.

The new information on the park's biodiversity and ecological and biological processes won it the latest recognition.

The UN agency said: "With this extension, the site shares a boundarywith the Hin Namno Nature Reserve in the People's Democratic Republic ofLaos.

"The Park's landscape is formed bylimestone plateaux and tropical forests. It features great geologicaldiversity and offers spectacular phenomena, including a large number ofcaves and underground rivers.

"The site harboursa high level of biodiversity and many endemic species. The extensionensures a more coherent ecosystem while providing additional protectionto the catchment areas that are of vital importance for the integrity oflimestone landscapes."

The characteristic of this national parkare its karsts that are millions of years old, and said to be mostvaluable in Southeast Asia. It has majestic landscapes with aspectacular cave system, abundant biological diversity and manyhistorical and cultural relics, and underground rivers.

The park, located in Bo Trach district, Quang Binh province, is home to nearly 2,934 species of fauna and flora.

In2014, Quang Binh welcomed around 2.8 million tourists, including 43,000foreigners, an increase of 129 percent compared to the previous year.

In the first three months, the number reachedmore than 56,000, and the province expects to welcome a total of 3.3million guests this year.

A cave festival entitled "Quang Binh – Kingdom of the Caves," will be organised from July 15 to 21.

Many interesting activities such as the launch of new touristdestinations, promotions and tourist discounts and farm trips will beheld during the event which is part of efforts to promote local culture,tourism and the uniqueness of the caves to attract both internationaland domestic investors and tourists.-VNA

Follow VietnamPlus

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.