Vietnam Insider

Vietnam has been named Asia’s Best Golf Destination 2024 for the 11th time by the World Golf Awards. This also marks the eighth consecutive year Vietnam has received this prestigious recognition.

A corner of Laguna Lang Co golf course. Photo: TL

According to the Vietnam National Administration of Tourism’s Information Center, Vietnam surpasses other strong contenders such as Japan, China, South Korea, Indonesia, Malaysia, and Thailand to claim the title. Additionally, at the awards ceremony, Hanoi was honored as the World’s Best Golf City Destination 2024.

The awards are the result of a year-long search for the world’s most popular golf tourism brands. The voting process involves golf industry experts, media professionals, and the public, with winners determined by receiving the highest number of votes in each category.

Vietnam is considered as an ideal golf destination in Asia, thanks to its stunning natural landscapes and tropical climate, which provides favorable conditions for developing golf courses and promoting golf tourism.

According to preliminary statistics, Vietnam boasts around 100 operational 18-hole golf courses and practice facilities, with 32 of them meeting 5-star international standards, often integrated with luxury resorts. The development of golf tourism infrastructure and products is a key focus within Vietnam’s Tourism Development Strategy through 2030, approved by the Prime Minister.

To date, Vietnam has been recognized eight times as Asia’s Best Golf Destination and twice as the World’s Best Golf Destination. These awards affirm Vietnam’s reputation and appeal on the global golf tourism map.

@SGtiepthi

Interprovincial bus stations in Ho Chi Minh City report that passenger traffic during the 2025 Lunar New Year is only slightly higher than last year. To offset costs on days with lower ridership, ticket prices will increase by 40-60% compared to regular days.

Mien Tay Bus Station is expected to welcome about 760,000 passengers during this year’s Lunar New Year. Photo: Le Vu

For the 2025 Lunar New Year, the three major bus stations in HCMC — Western Bus Station, Eastern Bus Station, and the New Eastern Bus Station — have planned for a 20-day peak service period from January 19 to February 7, 2025.

To meet the travel demand of residents returning to the Mekong Delta provinces, Western Bus Station has prepared to handle 33,650 bus trips and 760,000 passengers, an increase of about 5% compared to last year and nearly 40% compared to normal days.

During peak days, the station will collaborate with transport operators to expand ticket sales channels. Ticket counters will extend their service hours, and passengers can book tickets in advance through multiple methods to ensure all travel needs are met.

The Western Bus Station has requested that the HCMC Department of Transport and transport departments in provinces such as Tien Giang, Ben Tre, Vinh Long, and Dong Nai issue directives to relevant authorities. These measures include traffic routing, enhancing public transport services, and ensuring smooth traffic flow.

Eastern Bus Station forecasts that passenger traffic during this year’s Lunar New Year will be similar to last year, with a slight increase of about 1%, reaching approximately 181,000 passengers and 9,300 bus trips. Most passengers will travel in the 10 days leading up to the Lunar New Year, with peak days on the 26th and 27th of the lunar calendar, each accommodating about 19,000 passengers.

To protect passenger rights, the Eastern Bus Station has issued guidelines on ticket price adjustments. Transport operators are allowed to raise ticket prices by a maximum of 40% or 60%, depending on the route and timing. For additional buses deployed during the holiday period, ticket prices will be flexibly adjusted to meet market demand.

Meanwhile, the New Eastern Bus Station expects fewer passengers than the old Eastern Bus Station. specifically, the new station plans to serve about 138,000 passengers, a slight 3% increase from last year. Passenger traffic will concentrate in the days leading up to the Lunar New Year, with peak days accommodating around 11,300–13,000 passengers.

According to the New Eastern Bus Station Management Board, its operations face significant challenges due to unauthorized bus stops, illegal “ghost” buses, and incomplete infrastructure. To address these issues, the station has proposed several solutions, including ticket price adjustments, advance ticket sales, and additional transport services for passengers.

@Thesaigontime

Airlines are rushing to lease additional aircraft to meet the travel demand during the upcoming peak period.

The aviation industry is preparing for the peak season of Tet At Ty 2025. Photo: Diep Anh.

The Vietnam Airlines Group, including Vietnam Airlines, Pacific Airlines, and VASCO, announced plans to provide more than 650,000 extra seats, equivalent to over 3,000 additional flights, on domestic routes in Vietnam from January 13, 2025, to February 12, 2025 (the 15th day of the 12th lunar month to the 15th day of the first lunar month).

This increase will bring the total number of seats across the Vietnam Airlines Group’s domestic network to over 2.15 million, corresponding to more than 11,000 flights.

The additional flights will mainly focus on high-demand routes during the Lunar New Year, such as those between Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City, Nha Trang, Da Nang, Phu Quoc, and Vinh; and between Ho Chi Minh City and Da Nang, Hai Phong, Hue, Thanh Hoa, Quy Nhon, Pleiku, Chu Lai, Dong Hoi, and Vinh.

To accommodate the surge, Vietnam Airlines Group has planned to lease four additional Airbus A320/A321 aircraft, including two wet-leased planes (with crew). Each aircraft is expected to operate approximately 180 flights during this period.

The group noted that many flights during the Lunar New Year already have a booking rate of 70–80%, especially on routes from Ho Chi Minh City to northern and central provinces such as Thanh Hoa, Quy Nhon, Chu Lai, and Dong Hoi. Passenger volume is expected to grow further in the coming month.

Previously, Vietravel Airlines reported that it had sold over 55% of its available seats for the peak travel period of Lunar New Year 2025 (January 14–February 12, 2025). Popular routes include Ho Chi Minh City to Quy Nhon, Da Nang, and Hanoi.

“The pace of ticket purchases for Lunar New Year 2025 has been slower than in previous years, likely due to economic challenges and customers delaying purchases in hopes of price drops,” a representative from Vietravel Airlines explained.

However, the airline anticipates high travel demand for Lunar New Year 2025, with last-minute bookings expected to increase significantly, partly due to the extended 9-day holiday period for workers. Vietravel Airlines plans to add capacity on routes such as Ho Chi Minh City to Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City to Da Nang to meet the increased demand.

Similarly, a representative from Bamboo Airways stated that the airline is actively selling tickets for the Lunar New Year period and working to resume certain routes to accommodate the surge in travel. Additionally, Bamboo Airways is collaborating with partners to bring in new aircraft before the Lunar New Year 2025.

@Znews

Vietnamese dishes such as broken rice, banh tet, and banh chung have been honored by the renowned culinary website Taste Atlas in its list of the “Best Rice Dishes in Southeast Asia.”

Ranking second on the list, broken rice is described as a “traditional Vietnamese dish” made from broken rice, a type of broken rice resulting from the milling process.

Initially popular only in rural areas of the Mekong Delta, broken rice has become widely loved by locals and tourists alike and is now considered an integral part of Saigon’s culinary culture.

Broken rice with a variety of side dishes. Photo: Cooky

Earlier this year, broken rice was also featured in Taste Atlas’s list of the Top 100 Best Street Foods in the World released in May.

Banh Beo, another Vietnamese dish made from rice flour, ranks 14th. This steamed cake, commonly topped with shrimp and pork, is served with fish sauce. Diners can add roasted peanuts and fried shallots to enhance its flavor. Taste Atlas also highlights a sweet version of banh beo, almost exclusively found in Hoi An.

At 17th and 25th places on the list are banh tet and banh chung, respectively.

Photo: Yeah1!

Other Vietnamese rice-based dishes that made the list include sticky rice (ranked 30th), chicken sticky rice (31st), burnt rice (33rd), salty sticky rice (43rd), gac sticky rice (44th), green rice sticky rice (46th), and banh te (52nd), mussel rice (54th), rice balls (58th), fried shrimp and coconut rice (62nd), five-color sticky rice (63rd), vo sticky rice (66th), and Tam Ky chicken rice (70th).

Established in 2015 and headquartered in Zagreb, Croatia, Taste Atlas is known as a global map of traditional dishes.

According to Matija Babić, the founder of Taste Atlas, the rankings of dishes and beverages are based on opinions and reviews from experts and food critics, ensuring the credibility of the awards.

@Vietnamnet

At certain times, this road literally becomes a “path in the clouds,” offering a breathtaking view for everyone.

A Natural Masterpiece in Central Vietnam

Located on the border between Thua Thien Hue and Da Nang, the Hai Van Pass was once honored by the UK’s The Guardian as one of the most beautiful coastal roads in the world. Stretching nearly 21 kilometers and reaching an elevation of about 500 meters above sea level, this route is often called a “path in the clouds” as it winds through the rugged slopes of the Truong Son mountain range and hugs the East Sea coast. The pass stands out amidst lush forests, with towering mountains on one side and endless greenery on the other. This stunning natural scenery creates a perfect picture, making the journey unforgettable for adventure lovers.

Not only remarkable for its breathtaking beauty, Hai Van Pass also offers a thrilling sense of conquest. The road is lined with sharp U-shaped turns that leave many visitors feeling both nervous and exhilarated. However, by overcoming fear, maintaining speed, and staying vigilant, travelers are rewarded with a majestic, poetic, and mesmerizing natural landscape—a true visual feast no one wants to miss. From the top of the pass, visitors can take in panoramic views of the stunning Lang Co Bay, Da Nang city, Tien Sa Port, and Son Tra Peninsula.

The journey to explore Hai Van Pass becomes even more exciting by choosing to ride the train or experience it firsthand on a motorbike or car, fully immersing in the majestic and poetic beauty of one of Vietnam’s most iconic roads.

Must-Try Experiences on Hai Van Pass

Hai Van Gate: A Historic Monument atop the Majestic Pass

Situated at the peak of Hai Van Pass, Hai Van Gate is a unique historical structure that once served as a critical checkpoint during the Tran Dynasty. It also functioned as a military fortress guarding the imperial capital of Hue, highlighting the strategic importance of this area. Here, King Le Thanh Tong was so moved by the stunning natural beauty that he left the famous inscription “Thiên hạ đệ nhất hùng quan” (“The world’s most marvelous wonder”), which remains engraved on Hai Van Gate as a historical marker.

Cloud Hunting and Scenic Check-Ins at Hai Van Terrace

Hai Van Terrace, considered the best viewpoint on the pass, attracts numerous visitors. Its magnificent and poetic landscape makes it an unmissable check-in spot, especially popular with couples choosing it as a wedding photo location. The flat terrain here is also ideal for overnight camping, cloud hunting, and witnessing the sunrise over the sea, offering unforgettable experiences for nature lovers and adventurers alike.

The Lonely Pine: A Charming Touch Amidst Vast Nature

Located about 2 kilometers from the top of Hai Van Pass, the “Lonely Pine” stands out with its wide canopy, resembling a picturesque scene from nature. With a unique position against the backdrop of the vast sky and sea, this pine tree has become a romantic check-in spot, drawing many visitors. From here, you can enjoy sweeping views of Lang Co Bay, often called the “green jewel” of Central Vietnam.

Camping in Van Village: A Peaceful Haven at the Foot of Hai Van Pass

Nestled at the base of Hai Van Pass, Van Village is a must-visit for those who love tranquility and untouched nature. Often described as a “forgotten fairy,” this village exudes rustic charm with its serene and picturesque landscapes. Camping in Van Village offers a relaxing experience and a chance to immerse oneself in an unspoiled environment, away from the hustle and bustle of the city.

Bac Hai Van Station and Don Ca Arch Bridge: A “Gateway to Heaven” Amidst the Mountains

About 4 kilometers from Hai Van Gate, visitors will find Bac Hai Van Station, a poetic stop nestled in the mountains. From here, a short 500-meter walk down a path leads to a stream where the scenic Don Ca Arch Bridge appears like a painting. Dubbed the “gateway to heaven,” the bridge and its surroundings offer a sense of entering a mysterious world, making it an ideal backdrop for enchanting photos.

Source: Cafef.vn

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