The nine-day Lunar New Year holiday offers an ideal opportunity for springtime travel. Following the official announcement of the holiday schedule, travel agencies have been buzzing with tickets and tour bookings.
Thousands of attractive tours with competitive prices tailored to customers’ travel preferences have been introduced by tourism companies. Many travelers have already visited agency offices to explore itineraries and choose a suitable spring trip for their families.
Ms. Nguyen Cam Van, a resident of Hoan Kiem District, Hanoi, visited a travel agency immediately after the Lunar New Year holiday plan was confirmed. To match her family’s budget, she decided on a domestic destination.
“Every year during Tet, my whole family travels together. It’s a rare opportunity for all family members to be present. This year, we’re choosing domestic travel as it’s more affordable,” Ms. Van shared.
Meanwhile, Thuy Duong and her husband from Hai Ba Trung District, Hanoi, decided to venture abroad this year, selecting China as their destination for the Lunar New Year. She revealed that they had planned the trip a year in advance to secure an early booking and save on costs.
“We planned this trip at the beginning of the year. Each month, we set aside about 10-15% of our salaries to prepare for the upcoming journey,” Ms. Duong explained.
Many travel companies have opened hundreds of early Tet tours. Photo: PLO.
According to surveys, the high demand for travel during holidays inevitably raises travel costs by 15-20% compared to regular days. To encourage early bookings, most travel agencies offer special discounts.
Moreover, the earlier customers plan and book their tours, the greater the discounts they receive.
Travelers are advised to carefully review terms and conditions in their itineraries and contracts to avoid any loss of benefits during their trips.
Malibu Vung Tau Hotel has been officially recognized as a five-star hotel by the National Tourism Administration of Vietnam, making it the 12th five-star hotel in Ba Ria – Vung Tau Province.
On December 9, Malibu Vung Tau Hotel (located on Le Hong Phong Street, Vung Tau City, Ba Ria – Vung Tau) announced its five-star certification granted by the National Tourism Administration of Vietnam. This milestone is a significant achievement in the hotel’s sustainable development strategy, aiming to become a symbol of luxury, sophistication, and class in the region.
Malibu Vung Tau Hotel is recognized as 5 stars
Malibu Vung Tau Hotel began operations in April 2016 and was initially awarded a four-star rating by the Vietnam Tourism Administration in August 2016. In 2019, its service quality system was reaffirmed with a renewed four-star rating.
The hotel’s management shares that since January 2024, they have been committed to enhancing the quality of tourism in Vung Tau City and the province as a whole. The goal is to focus on high-quality tourism, increase the proportion of international visitors, and boost the tourism sector’s contribution to the province’s GRDP. To achieve the five-star standard, the hotel undergoes comprehensive upgrades.
All service facilities, including the swimming pool, children’s play area, bar, and spa, were revamped. Additional VIP dining rooms and a new restaurant were introduced, while guest room interiors were renovated. The hotel also developed a new special floor with various room categories tailored for business travelers and families. The upgrade process was completed in September 2024.
Ms. Tran Thi Thu Hien, Acting Director of the Ba Ria – Vung Tau Department of Tourism, noted that over its eight years of operation and three star-rating certifications, Malibu Vung Tau Hotel has not only demonstrated compliance with tourism regulations but also shown a strong sense of responsibility in fostering the development of the tourism sector. Today, Malibu Vung Tau Hotel stands as one of the 12 five-star hotels in Ba Ria – Vung Tau Province.
The newly acquired Boeing 787-10 will primarily serve domestic and Northeast Asia routes, while the Airbus A320neo planes will be used exclusively for domestic flights.
Vietnam Airlines is the only Vietnamese airline operating Boeing wide-body aircraft. Photo: VNA.
A representative of Vietnam Airlines announced that the airline has received three new aircraft in December, including one Boeing 787-10 Dreamliner and two Airbus A320neo planes. These new aircraft will provide over 100,000 additional seats for the Tet 2025 peak travel season.
specifically, Vietnam Airlines took delivery of an A320neo with registration number VN-A515 on December 7 and a Boeing 787-10 with registration number VN-A877 on December 8. The airline expects to receive another Airbus A320neo with registration number VN-A514 by the end of December.
The addition of these three aircraft brings Vietnam Airlines’ total fleet to 103 planes, including 31 wide-body aircraft (Boeing 787-9, Boeing 787-10, and Airbus A350).
The Boeing 787-10, one of the largest commercial aircraft in the Boeing 787 series, features fuel-efficient engines. Vietnam Airlines remains the only airline in Vietnam to operate this type of wide-body aircraft.
Meanwhile, the new Airbus A320neo is equipped with next-generation engines, offering over 16% fuel savings, a 75% reduction in noise, and approximately 50% lower harmful emissions compared to previous-generation engines.
Earlier, Vietnam Airlines had launched early sales of 2.15 million tickets, equivalent to more than 11,000 flights across its domestic network, to meet passenger demand for Tet travel. Additional flights will focus on routes connecting Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City/Nha Trang/Da Nang/Phu Quoc/Vinh and routes between Ho Chi Minh City and Da Nang/Hai Phong/Hue/Thanh Hoa/Quy Nhon/Pleiku/Chu Lai /Dong Hoi/Vinh.
Similar to Vietnam Airlines, other Vietnamese airlines are also ramping up their fleets in preparation for the Lunar New Year peak season.
Vietjet Air, for instance, plans to add three new aircraft in December. In addition, the airline intends to lease six to ten wet-leased planes on a short-term basis to accommodate the surge in travel demand during the holiday period.
On November 22, Vietravel Airlines added a new member to its fleet, the 9H-SWN aircraft operated by Avion Express, to serve passengers during the year-end and Lunar New Year 2025 peak seasons.
A survey by the Civil Aviation Authority of Vietnam revealed that domestic airfares for Tet have risen by approximately 20% compared to regular rates.
As in previous years, travel demand surges on routes from the southern regions, especially from Ho Chi Minh City to Hanoi and the northern and central provinces such as Hai Phong, Thanh Hoa, Nghe An, Quang Binh, Quang Ngai, Binh Dinh, Phu Yen, and the Central Highlands. This trend is particularly noticeable in the period leading up to Tet and reverses after the holiday.
On November 30, 2024, N.Q.V., a 39-year-old resident of Tam Diep, Ninh Binh, reported to Thuy Khue Ward Police that he had been defrauded of over 500 million VND (approximately $20,000) by two foreign individuals. The suspects had promised an investment collaboration to distribute pearls produced by N.Q.V.
Following the report, Tay Ho District Police, in coordination with Thuy Khue Ward Police, launched an immediate investigation. Through specialized investigative techniques, authorities identified and apprehended two Cameroonian nationals, Armand Wily Asse (born 1972) and Naga Onguene Xavier (born 1989), who were residing in Ngoc Khanh Ward, Ba Dinh District, Hanoi.
Two scammers have been arrested. (Photo: Tay Ho District Police)
During questioning, both suspects admitted to their fraudulent activities. Law enforcement also seized $6,400 as evidence in the case.
Based on the investigation, the Tay Ho District Police have filed criminal charges for fraud and asset misappropriation and have placed the two suspects in temporary custody pending further legal proceedings.
Peach blossom farmers in Hanoi’s Nhat Tan Village are racing against time to prepare for the Lunar New Year despite recent setbacks caused by Typhoon Yagi and erratic weather conditions. With less than two months until the festive season, many growers are struggling to ensure their trees bloom on time, as the storm caused severe damage—uprooting large trees and flooding smaller ones.
Hundreds of hectares of Nhat Tan peach blossom trees were destroyed after Typhoon Yagi. (Photo: Thanh Trang)
Following the storm, farmers have been diligently caring for their remaining peach trees, applying fertilizers and promoting root growth to recover their crops. However, unpredictable weather patterns have made it challenging to time the blooming process accurately. To mitigate losses, members of the Nhat Tan Peach Growing Association have banded together, pooling resources and sharing supply to meet market demands. Experts estimate it may take one to two years for Nhat Tan’s orchards to fully recover from the storm’s impact.
In Lang Son province, peach farmers are equally busy tending to their crops. As the colder weather sets in, they are manually stripping the leaves from the trees—a traditional technique used to stimulate flower buds and ensure the blossoms are ready for Lunar New Year. This meticulous process is vital for peach blossoms, a high-value crop that serves as a primary income source for many local households.
Peach leaf stripping requires patience and meticulousness. (Photo: vtcnews.vn)
Farmers emphasize that weather plays a crucial role in their work. Warmer conditions allow for delayed care, while colder weather necessitates earlier interventions. The manual leaf-stripping technique, passed down through generations, helps control foliage growth and encourages flower bud development.
Peach blossom farming demands careful attention, especially under harsh weather conditions. Trees are highly sensitive to frost and cold snaps, requiring constant monitoring and timely measures to protect them. Despite the challenges, growers remain committed to delivering vibrant peach blossoms that are an essential part of Vietnam’s Lunar New Year celebrations.
As cryptocurrencies enter price-discovery mode, options market activity can help traders identify potential resistance levels.
When assets surge to lifetime highs or multimonth peaks, traders are often faced with the challenge of identifying key resistance levels, the price targets where the market could next take a breather. That’s precisely the situation facing bitcoin (BTC) and XRP (XRP) traders.
Bitcoin, the leading cryptocurrency by market value, is trading at record highs near $100,000, meaning it’s now in uncharted waters. XRP trades at $2.44, with the 2018 record high around $3.30 as the only chart resistance before we enter the price discovery mode like BTC.
One way to identify key resistances is to study the distribution of open interest, the dollar value of active option contracts, at various strike price levels.
On Deribit, the world’s leading crypto options exchange, BTC’s $120,000 strike call option is the most popular contract at the moment, with a notional open interest of $1.93 billion, according to data source Deribit Metrics.
A strike with the highest open interest often marks a resistance level because call sellers, typically institutions, face significant losses if prices rise above that point. As a result, they often act to keep prices from exceeding that level. Conversely, the strike level can also act as a magnet due to the hedging activity of market makers or entities tasked with creating order book liquidity.
Recall that before and immediately after the U.S. election, the $100,000 call was the most preferred in terms of notional open interest. The price has now consolidated around the six-figure mark.
At press time, the call option at the $100,000 strike is still the second-most popular contract, with open interest of $1.8 billion. It is followed by the $110,000 strike call, which boasts open interest of $1.68 billion.
We can also see that $500 million is locked in the $200,000 strike call, representing a bet that the bitcoin price will double. Most open interest is concentrated in the June 2025 and September 2025 expiries. Analysts at Standard Chartered say they expect the price to reach that level by the end of 2025.
Key levels for XRP
In XRP’s case, the $1 call option is the most popular strike, with over $3 million in open interest. The option is deeply in-the-money, or in profit, as the cryptocurrency currently trades near $2.42.
The focus now is on the $2.8 call option, where traders have locked in $2 million in open interest. The next potential target is at $5. The so-called deep out-of-the-money call is the third-most active open, with open interest of $1.12 million.
The Ripple CEO says crypto-backed political action committees (PACs) were a response to the war on crypto.
Ripple CEO Brad Garlinghouse in an interview with 60 Minutes, said that the 2024 election was a “major victory” for crypto as the majority of Fairshake, a crypto political action committee (PAC), backed candidates, won their seats.
And this was a non-partisan effort, as crypto, itself is non-partisan, he argued, pointing to the cross-aisle support for the digital assets bill FIT21.
“Of the 29 Republicans and 33 Democrats the industry backed in congressional races, 85% won. It’s incredible,” he said.
“We absolutely helped supercharge the candidates with the money in the coffers… That’s absolutely right,” he said, arguing that, like other industries, they took the electoral cycle as a chance to educate voters.
“Do I think we had an impact to elect a Democratic senator in Michigan—Elissa Slotkin? Yes, absolutely. Do I think we had an impact in Arizona? A Democratic senator in Arizona, Gallego? Absolutely,” he continued.
While Ripple-supported Fairshake was a non-partisan effort, one of the defining moments during the election was then-Republican candidate Donald Trump’s embrace of crypto, which was a transformation from his prior stance where he said he was “not a fan”.
“I think it’s clear that Donald Trump embraced crypto and crypto embraced Donald Trump,” Garlinghouse said.
Entering a new market can be both an exciting and daunting experience for entrepreneurs. Understanding the nuances of the local business culture is crucial for success, particularly in a dynamic and culturally rich country like Vietnam.
As an emerging economic hub in Southeast Asia, Vietnam presents vast opportunities, but it also requires a deep understanding of its business culture to navigate challenges and build sustainable growth.
Here are key lessons for entrepreneurs to adapt to Vietnam’s unique business culture and enhance their chances of success.
1. Understanding the Role of Relationships
In Vietnam, building strong personal relationships is often a key factor in business success. Unlike the more transactional nature of business in some Western countries, Vietnamese business culture places significant value on trust, loyalty, and mutual respect.
In this video, Guillaume Rondan, the CEO of MoveToAsia, a market-entry and sourcing agency in Vietnam, shares five key lessons from a decade of entrepreneurship that will transform the way you do business in Vietnam, whether you’re just starting out or looking to scale up your business.
2. Emphasizing Patience and Flexibility
In Vietnam, business decisions often take longer than anticipated. Entrepreneurs must be patient and flexible when working with local partners, suppliers, and clients.
Decisions can be influenced by various social factors, and direct confrontation or impatience is typically avoided.
3. Respecting Hierarchy and Authority
Vietnamese businesses typically have a hierarchical structure, and respect for seniority is an essential aspect of the culture.
Understanding this hierarchy, and addressing key individuals with the appropriate titles and respect, can go a long way in securing successful business deals.
4. Adapting to Communication Styles
Vietnamese communication tends to be more indirect than in many Western cultures. People may avoid saying “no” directly and may use subtle cues to express disagreement or reluctance. Entrepreneurs should be attentive to non-verbal signals and learn to read between the lines.
Additionally, maintaining a polite and respectful tone in both verbal and written communication is essential.
5. Understanding the Local Business Etiquette
In Vietnam, business etiquette plays an important role in establishing good relations. Entrepreneurs should be aware of formal greetings, proper attire, and appropriate meeting behavior. For instance, it is customary to exchange business cards with both hands, and addressing others with honorifics is important.
A little effort to observe these rituals shows respect for the local culture and can make a positive impression on Vietnamese business partners.
6. Embracing the Role of Government and Regulations
Vietnam’s government plays an influential role in the business environment, and entrepreneurs must be prepared to navigate its regulations, licensing processes, and bureaucracy.
While Vietnam is moving towards a more open market, the local government’s involvement in business can still be significant.
7. Cultural Sensitivity and Adaptation
Vietnam has a rich cultural heritage, and entrepreneurs who respect local customs will be better received. It is important to show cultural sensitivity by understanding and respecting local holidays, traditions, and celebrations.
For example, the Lunar New Year (Tết) is the most significant holiday in Vietnam, and most businesses are closed during this period. Entrepreneurs should plan accordingly to avoid disruptions in operations during these times.
Adapting to a new business culture is key to long-term success in any market, and Vietnam is no exception. Entrepreneurs who take the time to understand and respect the local culture, build meaningful relationships, be patient, and adapt their communication and business strategies will find greater opportunities for growth and success.
According to the General Statistics Office, Vietnam welcomed more than 15.8 million international visitors in the first 11 months of 2024, a 41% increase compared to the same period last year.
Group of international tourists visiting Ho Chi Minh City. Photo: Ngoc Khuyen
In November 2024 alone, the country received 1.71 million international visitors, marking a nearly 39% year-on-year increase. Cumulatively, from January to November 2024, the number of international arrivals reached over 15.8 million, reflecting a significant 41% growth compared to the previous year.
Accommodation and Food Service Revenue
Revenue from accommodation and food services for the 11-month period is estimated at VND 669 trillion, up 13% compared to the same period last year. Several provinces reported notable increases in revenue, including:
Khanh Hoa: Up 17%
Hai Phong: Up 13.2%
Can Tho: Up 12.6%
Hanoi: Up 10.7%
Ho Chi Minh City: Up 9.4%
Binh Duong: Up 8.3%
Tourism Revenue
Revenue from travel services during this period is estimated at VND 57.5 trillion, a 17.3% year-on-year increase. This growth is attributed to proactive efforts by local authorities to promote tourism and attract both domestic and international visitors from the beginning of the year.
Notable increases in travel service revenue include:
Can Tho: Up 31.2%
Ho Chi Minh City: Up 17.7%
Khanh Hoa: Up 16.6%
Hanoi and Binh Dinh: Both up 12.6%
Vung Tau: Up 8.1%
These figures underscore Vietnam’s recovery and growth in the tourism sector, driven by targeted promotional campaigns and a resurgence in international travel demand.
The mountainous region of Thanh Hoa Province has witnessed a significant transformation as the province officially introduced 12 forest trekking tour routes.
On December 7, in Ba Thuoc District, Thanh Hoa’s Department of Culture, Sports, and Tourism held a ceremony to announce the 12 trekking tour routes. This new tourism offering aims to create a breakthrough for the province’s mountainous tourism sector.
Mr. Nguyen Van Thi, Permanent Vice Chairman of Thanh Hoa Provincial People’s Committee, said that the form of adventure trekking tour marks a new step forward for Thanh Hoa tourism industry.
Mr. Nguyen Van Thi, Standing Vice Chairman of Thanh Hoa Provincial People’s Committee, stated that the adventure tourism model of trekking tours marks a new milestone for the province’s tourism industry. It presents an opportunity for mountainous districts to make significant strides in tourism development and generate substantial annual revenue. Currently, tourism in the region contributes over 10% to the total revenue of the entire provincial tourism sector, and this figure is expected to grow.
Mr. Thi emphasizes that while promoting tourism development, local authorities and businesses must strictly adhere to planning guidelines, avoiding disruptions that could harm the natural and cultural environment or lead to overdevelopment and the loss of the area’s natural beauty.
The trekking routes announced by Thanh Hoa’s tourism sector mainly focus on enabling visitors to conquer high mountain peaks within the province’s special-use forests and nature reserves, including Pu Luong, Pu Hu, and Pu Gio.
A group of tourists experience walking tourism in western Thanh Hoa
Key Trekking Routes
Ba Thuoc District: Features four trekking routes, including conquering Pu Luong Peak (1,700 meters above sea level), Hon Con Soi, the Pu Luong Heritage Trail, and the route from Pu Luong Peak to Hon Con Soi.
Quan Hoa District: Offers three routes, including trekking to Pu Hu Peak (1,440 meters above sea level), the ancient green tree heritage site, and the route from Pu Hu Peak to the heritage tree.
Thuong Xuan District: Boasts five routes, including trekking to Pu Gio Peak (1,600 meters above sea level), the heritage trees of Po Mu and Sa Mu, observing the grey langur and white-cheeked gibbon, and combining wildlife observation with a visit to the heritage trees. Another notable route includes trekking to Pu Xeo Peak, the Seven-Tier Waterfall, and the historic Lung Nhai Covenant Site.
These new trekking routes aim to attract adventurers and nature interests, offering a unique blend of cultural, historical, and ecological experiences in the untouched beauty of Thanh Hoa’s mountainous areas.
Vietjet’s new-generation A321neo ACF (Airbus Cabin Flex) aircraft has landed at Tan Son Nhat International Airport in Ho Chi Minh City after a long journey from the Airbus factory in Hamburg, Germany.
The A321neo ACF is the 111th member to join Vietjet’s world-class modern fleet. Featuring an advanced cabin design that meets high standards for seat size and spacing, this new aircraft promises passengers an enhanced flying experience. The A321neo ACF also reduces fuel consumption and emissions by up to 20% and minimizes noise pollution by 50%.
Vietjet has just welcomed its 111th aircraft. The newly received aircraft belong to the world’s leading modern generation of A321neo aircraft.
According to plans, Vietjet will receive three additional new aircraft in December. In addition to its latest deliveries, the airline plans to lease 6 to 10 short-term wet-leased aircraft during the Tet holiday season to maximize travel capacity during this peak period for both residents and tourists.
The aircraft bearing the symbolic image of 50 years of Vietnam-France diplomatic relations was handed over in early October.
Vietjet is continuing its growth momentum in 2024 by consistently adding new aircraft and expanding its fleet of state-of-the-art planes in the region. The latest additions to the fleet will enable the airline to better serve travelers during the busy New Year and Lunar New Year periods across its international routes and to connect with new destinations worldwide.
Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City have been named among the top 100 most attractive cities globally, according to a ranking by Euromonitor International.
Hanoi capital ranked 83rd in the list of 100 most attractive cities in the world. Photo: Viet Ha.
The global market research organization recently unveiled its 2024 list of the world’s 100 most attractive cities. Notably, Vietnam’s two largest cities, Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City, earned spots on this prestigious list.
As reported by CNN, Euromonitor International’s index evaluates cities worldwide based on criteria such as tourism, sustainability, economic performance, health, and safety.
This year, Paris topped the list, drawing significant attention due to the successful Summer Olympics and the anticipated reopening of Notre Dame Cathedral. Remarkably, this marks the fourth consecutive year the “City of Light” has been recognized as the world’s most attractive city.
Europe dominates the 2024 rankings, with six cities in the top 10. Madrid (Spain) secured the second position, followed by Rome and Milan (Italy) at fourth and fifth, Amsterdam (Netherlands) at seventh, and Barcelona (Spain) rounding out the top 10. London, ranked 10th in 2023, dropped to 13th in 2024.
Seoul ranked 12th, while Dubai secured the 14th position.
Vietnam’s two largest cities, Ho Chi Minh City and Hanoi, ranked 76th and 83rd respectively in the top 100 most attractive cities in the world. Photo: Euromonitor International.
In Asia, besides Tokyo and Singapore making the top 10, several other cities ranked highly: Taipei (11), Seoul (12), Dubai (14), Osaka (16), Bangkok (17), Hong Kong (21), and Kuala Lumpur (31). Vietnam’s Ho Chi Minh City ranked 76th, while Hanoi was placed 83rd.
Due to the Japanese yen hitting a low record against other currencies, Japan emerged as a global hotspot for tourism and entertainment in 2024. Nearly 13 million international trips to Tokyo were recorded, a significant increase compared to pre-pandemic levels, according to Euromonitor International .
New York claimed the sixth spot and was the only U.S. city in the top 10. Los Angeles, ranked 18th, was the second-highest U.S. city. city. New York excelled in tourism performance, driven by high demand from both domestic and international travelers.
Meanwhile, Bangkok leads globally in tourism policies and attractiveness and is the world’s top city for international arrivals in 2024. Euromonitor International reported 32.4 million international trips to Bangkok this year, nearly 10 million more than Istanbul, which led last year with 23 million visitors.
From December 27 to 29, Ba Ria – Vung Tau Tourism Week will take place, offering a series of exciting activities and events. Local hotels and accommodations will provide 1,000 free rooms for tourists and residents.
Recently, the Ba Ria – Vung Tau Provincial People’s Committee introduced the Tourism Week under the theme “LET’S GO!!! Ba Ria – Vung Tau” to promote the province’s image to both domestic and international visitors and stimulate year-end tourism demand.
Ms. Tran Thi Thu Hien, Acting Director of the Department of Tourism of Ba Ria – Vung Tau province, informed about the events and activities taking place during the tourism week. Photo: Q.H
Ms. Tran Thi Thu Hien, Acting Director of the Ba Ria – Vung Tau Department of Tourism, shared that through this event series, the local tourism sector aims to introduce high-quality and unique tourism products to visitors. It also seeks to encourage tourism businesses and service providers to launch promotional programs to welcome the New Year and Lunar New Year 2025.
“This year’s Tourism Week will feature a diverse and exciting lineup of events mainly held in Vung Tau City and Xuyen Moc District. The program is expected to attract thousands of visitors and locals. It’s a valuable opportunity to showcase Ba Ria – Vung Tau’s land and people, a destination known for being safe and welcoming,” Ms. Hien stated.
The activities scheduled from December 27 to 29 include the “Symphony of the Sea” culinary festival, a beer space, OCOP product showcases connected with traditional craft villages, a golf tournament, “Green Tourism” pickleball events, and a variety of exciting beach sports .
Vung Tau beach attracts a large number of tourists to come and play and swim during holidays and Tet. Photo: Q.H
Notably, from December 27 to 31, hotels and accommodations across the province will allocate 1,000 free rooms, distributed evenly over the days for tourists.
Additionally, there will be special offers such as 10%-50% discounts on services, free buffet tickets, live music performances every night, and free city tours to explore and experience the coastal city.
To ensure a smooth and enjoyable experience for visitors throughout the Tourism Week, Ms. Tran Thi Thu Hien emphasizes that the organizing committee has developed plans to maintain public security, food safety, and environmental hygiene. Measures have been put in place to prevent any price gouging or harassment, ensuring a positive image of the province’s tourism sector.
“More than 200 rooms have been fully booked for Christmas and New Year. Many guests made reservations as early as a month in advance out of fear of running out of rooms,” shared Hoang Giang, manager of H.A. Hotel on Vo Nguyen Giap Street.
Many hotels along the coast of Da Nang are fully booked for Christmas and New Year.
Numerous hotels in Da Nang, particularly those along the beachfront, have reported full occupancy for Christmas and New Year 2025.
According to Hoang Giang, 45% of year-end bookings are from South Korean guests, 25% from Indian tourists, 25% from other international travelers, and only 5% from domestic tourists. Room rates at these beachfront hotels start from 1.2 million VND, with minimal increases compared to regular days.
Nearby, T.M. Hotel, with over 220 rooms, has also been fully booked from December 24 to January 1, 2025.
Hotels around the An Thuong tourist area in Ngu Hanh Son District are currently operating at around 90% capacity.
The end of the year is the time when international visitors to Da Nang increase. Photo: Thanh Hien.
Thu Huong, a staff member at a hotel on An Thuong 29 Street, mentioned that the property frequently sells rooms online, targeting international tourists. As a result, year-end bookings have surged.
“By Christmas and New Year’s Eve, we’re confident the hotel will be fully booked. We’ve already decorated the hotel for the holidays to attract and serve our guests,” she said. Huong also noted that many travelers secure their accommodations months in advance, as they worry that closer to the holidays, rooms will either be unavailable or priced higher. Some guests finalized their bookings as early as September or October.
Meanwhile, M.K. Hotel, located along Nguyen Tat Thanh Beach in Lien Chieu District, with over 340 rooms, reported full bookings for December 31 since late November.
Cao Tri Dung, Chairman of the Da Nang Tourism Association, stated that the number of tourists visiting Da Nang this year-end is expected to increase compared to last year. This is due to the city launching several new international flight routes and hosting a Christmas and New Year 2025 festival featuring 20 days of consecutive events.
“The city has widely promoted these events in key tourism markets. We’re hopeful that more tourists will visit as the holidays approach,” he said.
The hotel decorates Christmas for guests to check in.
The Christmas and New Year festival will include unique photo opportunities, such as a dazzling lighted Christmas tree and giant gift boxes along both sides of Dragon Bridge. In addition, there will be artistic performances with dynamic visual, sound, and lighting effects.
A highlight of the festival is the “Celebrate with Santa Claus” parade, which will march from Bach Dang Walking Street to the illuminated Christmas tree on the west side of Dragon Bridge. The event will feature group dancing and caroling, with active participation from local businesses, residents, and tourists dressed in Christmas attire.
Futures tracking major tokens outside of bitcoin and ether saw tens of millions in losses, led by XRP at $39 million in an unusually high move.
Crypto-tracked futures recorded over $1 billion in liquidations in the past 24 hours as bitcoin briefly nosedived from a Thursday record high above $103,000 to nearly $92,000 early Friday on profit-taking.
BTC futures recorded nearly $500 million in net liquidations, with $420 million of those stemming from longs, or bets on higher prices. ETH futures recorded a smaller $85 million in liquidations.
Liquidations occur when an exchange forcefully closes a trader’s leveraged position due to a partial or total loss of the trader’s initial margin. It happens when a trader is unable to meet the margin requirements for a leveraged position, that is, they don’t have enough funds to keep the trade open.
Over 156,000 individual traders were liquidated, and the largest single liquidation order was on crypto exchange OKX – a BTC/USD trade worth $18 million. The data shows that some 89% of all traders affected were long traders, or those that bet on higher prices.
Outside of BTC and ETH, futures tracking Dogecoin (DOGE) and XRP logged a cumulative $50 million in losses — as prices reversed from a multiweek rally in both tokens that sent open interest on their futures to record highs last month.
Open interest (OI) refers to the number of active or open futures contracts at a given time. An uptick in open interest is said to represent an inflow of money
The drop caused the popular crypto fear and greed sentiment index to fall to “greed” from “extreme greed,” its lowest level in over 30 days. The index tracks volatility, prices, and social media data to indicate whether participants are fearful—usually a sign of local bottoms—or greedy, which marks market tops.
