Starbucks has opened Asia’s highest store on Mount Fansipan in Vietnam, offering coffee with stunning views at 3,147 meters. Located at the Sun World Fansipan Legend cable car arrival station, the café features glass walls for expansive vistas. Fansipan attracts visitors to Sa Pa, a historical French colonial retreat. Starbucks launched Asia’s highest store onContinue reading “Starbucks opens Asia’s highest store in Vietnam’s Mount Fansipan”
Author Archives: Australian Hospitality Alumni Network Vietnam (AHA Vietnam)
Ho Chi Minh City races to break ground for Ben Thanh – Thu Thiem metro link
The municipal People’s Committee has outlined a plan for a 6.2-kilometer metro segment linking Tan Son Nhat and Long Thanh airports, emphasizing urgency and prioritization of resources. Key tasks are assigned to streamline procedures and enhance coordination. Construction on the Ben Thanh – Thu Thiem section is set to finish before April 20. The municipalContinue reading “Ho Chi Minh City races to break ground for Ben Thanh – Thu Thiem metro link”
The Brand Promise announces strategic evolution at Partners’ Briefing Spring 2026, expanding global partnerships across branding, education, and lifestyle
Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam, 12 March 2026 – The Brand Promise Group, a global branding firm headquartered in Ho Chi Minh City, announced its next phase of strategic evolution at the Partners’ Briefing, Spring 2026, held on the evening of 06 March 2026. Now in its third consecutive year, the annual Partners’ Briefing hasContinue reading “The Brand Promise announces strategic evolution at Partners’ Briefing Spring 2026, expanding global partnerships across branding, education, and lifestyle”
Vietnam’s Ha Long bay cruise listed among Time’s greatest places to stay in 2026
Bhaya Soul cruise in Ha Long Bay has been recognized in TIME’s 2026 list of The World’s Greatest Places for its transformative wellness-focused experiences. Launched in July 2022, the cruise offers unique programs, including meditation, cycling through fishing villages, and wellness retreats, all within the stunning landscape of Vietnam’s UNESCO-listed bay. Bhaya Soul cruise in Ha Long Bay has been included in the “Places to Stay” category of TIME’s annual list of The World’s Greatest Places 2026, which highlights 100 extraordinary destinations to visit and experience around the globe. Each year, TIME gathers nominations from its international network of correspondents and contributors, as well as through a dedicated application process. The list features destinationsContinue reading “Vietnam’s Ha Long bay cruise listed among Time’s greatest places to stay in 2026”
Over 13,000 accommodation places in Vietnam receive Booking.com Traveler Review Awards
The 2026 Traveller Review Awards by Booking.com commend Vietnam’s hospitality sector, showcasing diverse accommodation options. Hoi An is named the most welcoming destination, highlighting Vietnam’s rich tourism landscape. The awards recognize over 1.8 million partners globally for their outstanding service, emphasizing authentic guest reviews as vital to traveler experiences. According to Booking.com, the recognition highlights Vietnam’s thriving hospitality sector and its continued commitment to delivering memorable guest experiences. This year’s awards also reflect the diverse accommodation preferences of travelers visiting the country. Hotels remain the most popular choice, with 5,361 award recipients, followed by apartments (2,478), homestays (1,651), aparthotels (645), and villasContinue reading “Over 13,000 accommodation places in Vietnam receive Booking.com Traveler Review Awards”
Vietnam passport rises to 84th in 2026 ranking, ahead of Cambodia’s
Vietnam’s passport has risen two places to rank 84th in the Henley Passport Index 2026, improving from its position in the January update and offering visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to 48 out of 227 global destinations. According to the latest ranking, Vietnam now shares the 84th position with Angola, Burundi, and the Central African Republic.Continue reading “Vietnam passport rises to 84th in 2026 ranking, ahead of Cambodia’s”
Vietnam Airlines to launch direct flights from HCMC to Thailand resort island
Vietnam Airlines will launch a direct route from Ho Chi Minh City to Phuket on April 2, operating five times weekly. This move aims to enhance regional connectivity and cater to increasing travel demand between Vietnam and Thailand. The airline’s strategy includes expanding its international network and facilitating tourism and trade. Vietnam Airlines will launchContinue reading “Vietnam Airlines to launch direct flights from HCMC to Thailand resort island”
Vietnam welcomes 4.7mn int’l visitors in first 2 months of 2026, up 18% year on year
In the first two months of 2023, Vietnam welcomed nearly 4.7 million international visitors, with significant increases in arrivals from various markets, particularly Asia. Aiming for 25 million international visitors by 2026, Vietnam attributes growth to improved visa policies, tourism promotions, and service enhancements, while economic contributions from travelers remain vital. Of the nearly 4.7Continue reading “Vietnam welcomes 4.7mn int’l visitors in first 2 months of 2026, up 18% year on year”
Cua Tung Beach’s fall from French retreat to coastal erosion
Cua Tung Beach, located 35 kilometers from Dong Ha City, was once a celebrated destination in central Vietnam, praised for its beauty and luxury during the French colonial era. Over time, coastal erosion and infrastructure developments have drastically changed its landscape. Efforts to restore the beach are underway but lack a definitive plan. Located aboutContinue reading “Cua Tung Beach’s fall from French retreat to coastal erosion”
Russia surpasses Cambodia to become Vietnam’s 3rd largest source of tourists
In February, Russia became Vietnam’s third-largest source of tourists, with 121,493 arrivals, up 332% year-on-year. Overall, Vietnam welcomed over 2.2 million international visitors, marking a 17.7% increase from last year despite a 9.2% decrease from January. The government’s new visa policies and tourism efforts drive growth. Russia became Vietnam’s third-largest source of inbound tourists inContinue reading “Russia surpasses Cambodia to become Vietnam’s 3rd largest source of tourists”
Australian Hospitality Alumni Network Vietnam 