Vietnam will continue working with Laos and Cambodia to enhance extensive, substantive, and effective cooperation in line with new development needs, ensuring the benefits of all three countries’ peoples.
At a regular press conference on October 17, Foreign Ministry spokesperson Pham Thu Hang addressed Cambodia’s recent decision to withdraw from the Cambodia-Laos-Vietnam (CLV) Development Triangle.
Ms. Hang emphasized the deep-rooted, friendly, and trusting relationships among Vietnam, Laos, and Cambodia, noting that these ties are a valuable asset for the three nations. She explained that various cooperation mechanisms exist between them, including the CLV Development Triangle, each contributing to both their relations and individual development.
“The CLV mechanism has played a significant role in fostering traditional ties, advancing economic and trade cooperation, and improving the quality of life in border areas over the past 25 years,” said Ms. Hang.
She affirmed that Vietnam will continue consulting with Laos and Cambodia to strengthen cooperation that addresses evolving development challenges and supports regional peace, stability, and prosperity.
The CLV Development Triangle was initiated by Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen at the first trilateral summit in 1999, and its activities have been focused on the border regions of the three countries. Cambodia officially announced its decision to exit the mechanism in late September 2024.
The British military has reportedly expressed serious concerns over Ukraine’s ability to sustain its defense against Russia, suggesting that Kiev is on the verge of losing the war, according to an October 15 report by the Daily Express.
While Britain has been a key supporter of Ukraine, providing arms and backing its firm stance against Russia, private military assessments paint a bleak picture. A senior British military officer told the Daily Express, “Ukraine is on the brink of losing its war with Russia. The situation is very serious.”
One major issue is Ukraine’s reliance on Western weaponry. Kiev has requested permission to use UK-supplied Storm Shadow missiles for long-range strikes on Russian territory, a proposal that aligns with President Zelensky’s push to lift restrictions on Western arms use.
Zelensky has repeatedly criticized Western allies for not fully meeting Ukraine’s military needs and for delays in delivering aid. According to EU foreign policy chief Josep Borrell, Ukraine’s war effort could have collapsed within 15 days without Western support.
In late September, Ukraine acknowledged its near-total dependence on foreign military aid to continue the fight. Meanwhile, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov warned of the dangers of pursuing victory against a nuclear-armed Russia, accusing the West of using Ukraine to strategically weaken Moscow.
US Reinforces Support Amid Eastern Escalation
On October 16, US President Joe Biden announced a new $425 million military aid package for Ukraine. This package includes crucial supplies such as ammunition for NASAMS and Stinger air defense systems, HIMARS artillery systems, and artillery shells.
The White House reaffirmed its commitment to coordinating with around 50 allies and partners to ensure Ukraine’s military needs are met. In a phone call with President Zelensky, Biden pledged ongoing security assistance to help Ukraine defend itself.
Zelensky expressed his gratitude, highlighting the vital role of President Biden’s leadership and the bipartisan support in the US.
According to the Quang Nam Provincial People’s Committee, Vietjet Air highlighted that the China National Tourism Administration prohibits agents from organizing or selling tours to Central Vietnam, citing hotel and destination limitations. This has impacted Vietjet’s plans to launch direct flights from China to Chu Lai Airport in Quang Nam.
Despite the airport’s limited infrastructure, Vietjet sees great potential for international flight connections to Quang Nam, home to popular tourist sites like Hoi An and the My Son Sanctuary. The airline believes that easing these restrictions would boost tourism and economic trade between China and Vietnam.
While Central Vietnam’s tourism industry, especially in Da Nang, has seen growth, Chinese tourist numbers remain lower than expected due to current policies.
Paris-based Kaiko pointed to a notable drop in 2% BTC market depth on Coinbase in a report early this week.
Trading conditions on Coinbase (COIN) remain stable, the Nasdaq-listed cryptocurrency exchange said on Tuesday, downplaying reports of a notable drop in the bitcoin (BTC) order book liquidity amid the U.S. SEC’s lawsuit against market maker Cumberland.
“We have not seen a material change or decline in BTC-USD depth at 2% throughout Oct,” Coinbase’s spokesperson told CoinDesk in an email, responding to a recent report by Paris-based Kaiko, which said liquidity, measured by the 2% market depth, declined on Oct. 10 after the SEC charged Cumberland for operating as an unregistered dealer in more than $2 billion worth of crypto assets traded since March 2018.
In a report published Monday, crypto data analysis firm Kaiko said the 2% BTC depth on Coinbase started declining on Oct. 10 at 18:00 UTC, dropping by 46% to 267 BTC within a few hours. The decline meant an order 46% smaller in size than before 18:00 UTC could have moved the spot price by 2% in either direction.
The 2% market depth represents a collection of buy and sell orders within 2% of the mid-price or average bid and the ask/offer prices. The metric helps gauge liquidity or the market’s ability to process large trading orders at stable prices while minimum slippage – the difference between the expected price and the price at which the order is filled – for the market participant.
Kaiko noted that while the ask-side depth, representing sell orders, dropped, bid depth for buy orders increased, indicating that “market makers had readjusted their positions, possibly anticipating a price decline.”
Other exchanges also witnessed a drop in liquidity, Kaiko added, saying overall liquidity on U.S. exchanges remained below pre-lawsuit levels.
In a mail to CoinDesk, Cumberland expressed reservations with the analysis, drawing attention to their recent public statement, which suggested no changes in its activities due to the SEC’s lawsuit.
“We are not making any changes to our business operations or the assets in which we provide liquidity as a result of this action by the SEC,” the statement said.
Kaiko, in its latest statement to CoinDesk, said the liquidity has since recovered, reiterating that the initial drop in the ask-side liquidity may have been due to shifts in market expectations.
Là nhà đồng tài trợ đêm nhạc “Take Us To Your Heart” của nhóm nhạc Michael Learns To Rock tại Nhà thi đấu Phú Thọ vào 17/11 sắp tới, Prudential Việt Nam mong muốn mang đến cho khách hàng tham gia bảo hiểm qua Kênh Hợp tác Ngân hàng những trải nghiệm đầy cảm xúc khi được hòa mình vào những bản hit lừng danh đã trở thành thanh xuân của nhiều thế hệ khán giả yêu nhạc US-UK.
Hoạt động đồng hành này nằm trong khuôn khổ chiến dịch khách hàng “Sống lại tiếng yêu đầu”. Chiến dịch nhằm khơi gợi những kỷ niệm đẹp về tình yêu và các mối quan hệ quý giá cần được bảo vệ và nuôi dưỡng bền chặt qua thời gian.
Được biết, đêm nhạc Michael Learns To Rock – Take Us To Your Heart Asia Tour 2024 đánh dấu lần thứ tư những “ông chú quốc dân” đến từ Đan Mạch quay trở lại Việt Nam, nằm trong hành trình lưu diễn qua 6 quốc gia tại châu Á. Nhóm nhạc huyền thoại hứa hẹn đưa đến đêm nhạc những ca khúc nổi tiếng và cả những bản hit mới đến với các khán giả trung thành.
Đồng hành cùng sự kiện âm nhạc này, Prudential khẳng định cam kết chăm sóc trải nghiệm khách hàng một cách tốt nhất, thông qua việc hợp tác cùng các Ngân hàng Đối tác, triển khai chương trình khuyến mại tặng vé tham dự sự kiện âm nhạc của Michael Learns To Rock. Theo đó, các khách hàng có hợp đồng hợp lệ do Prudential phát hành thông qua các đối tác ngân hàng theo quy định tại thể lệ chương trình khuyến mại sẽ nhận 1 cặp vé tham dự đêm nhạc. Chi tiết thể lệ chương trình xem tại đây: https://bit.ly/SLTYD.
Petrolimex Aviation supplies the SAF used in these flights. SAF is produced from renewable sources such as used cooking oil, agricultural by-products, wood biomass, and urban waste. Compared to traditional fuels, SAF can reduce carbon emissions by up to 80% and meets strict international aviation standards for commercial use.
Vietnam’s Civil Aviation Authority Director, Dinh Viet Thang, praised the initiative, highlighting the importance of sustainable fuel in meeting environmental commitments and reinforcing Vietnam’s position as a responsible member of the global aviation community.
Phạm Văn Thanh, Chairman of Petrolimex, emphasized the long-term strategy of the company to become a green, environmentally friendly energy group by 2045. Vietjet CEO Đinh Việt Phương also reaffirmed the airline’s commitment to reducing carbon emissions and promoting sustainable development.
The first flight using SAF in Vietnam, operated by Vietjet, took off this morning from Tan Son Nhat Airport, Ho Chi Minh City to Melbourne (Australia).
Vietjet is collaborating with international partners to advance SAF research and development as part of Vietnam’s Net Zero commitment by 2050, made at COP26. As production costs decrease, SAF is expected to play a crucial role in the future of commercial aviation.
This move builds on Vietjet’s decade-long efforts to reduce carbon emissions and promote sustainability, including e-tickets, online check-ins, and fuel-saving programs. The airline is also known for its environmental initiatives, from tree planting to beach cleanups, and remains committed to leading the aviation industry’s green transition.
Trước thềm sự kiện mua sắm “Double 11”, Taobao tiếp tục đẩy mạnh chiến lược toàn cầu hóa, mở rộng khu vực miễn phí vận chuyển lên 10 trạm. Đáng chú ý, Việt Nam đã chính thức góp mặt trong danh sách này!
“Kế Hoạch Phát Triển Toàn Cầu Taobao Tmall” đang ghi nhận những bước tiến đáng kể. Ngoài việc mở rộng cửa cho các thương hiệu nước ngoài, Taobao còn áp dụng chính sách miễn phí vận chuyển đến nhiều khu vực hơn. Nhật Bản, Thái Lan, Việt Nam và Campuchia là bốn điểm đến mới nhất, nâng tổng số địa điểm được hưởng ưu đãi này từ 6 lên 10.
Hiện nay, Singapore, Malaysia, Thái Lan, Nhật Bản, Hàn Quốc, Việt Nam, Campuchia cùng Hong Kong, Macau và Đài Loan đã trở thành khu vực miễn phí vận chuyển của Taobao. Đặc biệt, khách hàng Việt Nam chỉ cần đặt đơn hàng trị giá từ 99 tệ (khoảng 330.000 đồng) là đã được hưởng ưu đãi miễn phí vận chuyển. Phần lớn các mặt hàng trên Taobao đều nằm trong diện được áp dụng chính sách này.
Nhìn lại hành trình vươn ra thị trường quốc tế của Taobao, ta thấy mọi thứ diễn ra nhanh chóng. Giữa tháng 7 vừa qua, họ khởi động “Kế Hoạch Miễn Phí Vận Chuyển Toàn Cầu Cho Các Sản Phẩm May Mặc Cỡ Lớn”. Đến ngày 2/8, dịch vụ miễn phí vận chuyển quốc tế chính thức ra mắt, bao gồm 6 địa điểm đầu tiên: Singapore, Malaysia, Hàn Quốc, Hong Kong, Macau và Đài Loan.
Ngày 23/9, Taobao quyết định nâng cấp chiến lược, biến “Kế Hoạch Miễn Phí Vận Chuyển Toàn Cầu cho Các Sản Phẩm May Mặc Cỡ Lớn” thành “Kế Hoạch Phát Triển Toàn Cầu Taobao Tmall”. Điều này mở rộng phạm vi sang tất cả các ngành hàng, từ mỹ phẩm, đồ mẹ và bé, thiết bị điện tử, đồ thể thao ngoài trời, nội thất thời trang cho đến các thiết bị gia dụng nhỏ. Tất cả đều được hưởng lợi từ làn sóng vươn ra thị trường quốc tế này.
Chỉ trong vòng 3 tháng, Taobao đã mở rộng khu vực miễn phí vận chuyển toàn cầu lên 10 khu vực, thể hiện tốc độ phát triển quốc tế ấn tượng. Chiến lược nâng cao trải nghiệm cho người tiêu dùng quốc tế hứa hẹn sẽ mang về lượng đơn hàng lớn cho các nhà bán hàng trong dịp “Double 11” sắp tới của Tmall, mở ra cơ hội tăng trưởng mới. Những thương hiệu tiên phong tham gia chương trình miễn phí vận chuyển đã nhanh chóng ghi nhận kết quả tích cực. Điển hình như “Shenlang Plus Size Women’s Clothing” – thương hiệu chuyên về trang phục nữ cỡ lớn, đã đạt doanh số 1 triệu tệ từ thị trường nước ngoài chỉ sau chưa đầy một tháng.
Nhiều nhà bán hàng Taobao trong lĩnh vực đồ chơi thời trang, thiết bị điện tử, nội thất cũng đón nhận nhiều đơn đặt hàng từ khắp nơi trên thế giới. Ví dụ, mảng đồ chơi thời trang có thị trường rộng lớn ở nước ngoài. Các thương hiệu như “dudu Toy” và “iwant Toy” có hơn 50% đơn hàng được gửi ra nước ngoài, doanh số hàng tháng từ thị trường quốc tế đạt hàng triệu tệ. Mảng thiết bị điện tử cũng là một lĩnh vực đầy tiềm năng. Các cửa hàng phụ kiện điện thoại như Shanmo, WOB và Torras cũng ghi nhận doanh số hàng triệu tệ mỗi tháng từ khách hàng quốc tế.
Đồ nội thất cũng là một danh mục được người Hoa ở nước ngoài ưa chuộng trên Taobao. Ví dụ, Luhe – thương hiệu hàng đầu trong lĩnh vực lưu trữ gia đình, có tới 40% đơn hàng hàng tháng đến từ khách quốc tế. Với sự kiện mua sắm “Double 11” của Tmall đang cận kề, hàng chục triệu nhà bán hàng trên Taobao và Tmall đang tích cực chuẩn bị hàng hóa, kỳ vọng sẽ đón nhận làn sóng tăng trưởng mạnh mẽ từ thị trường nước ngoài trong dịp này.
Trong bối cảnh cạnh tranh trong nước ngày càng gay gắt và tốc độ tăng trưởng của các nền tảng mới nổi như thương mại điện tử theo sở thích cũng chậm lại, nhiều thương hiệu đang hướng đến thị trường quốc tế. Các nền tảng thương mại điện tử cũng đang tìm kiếm những hướng đi mới để vươn ra toàn cầu. Khác với mô hình của các nền tảng khác, những ai tham gia “Kế Hoạch Phát Triển Toàn Cầu Taobao Tmall” được toàn quyền định giá sản phẩm của mình và không cần thực hiện thêm bất kỳ thao tác nào. Họ chỉ cần gửi hàng đến các kho container trong nước là xong. Giới chuyên gia nhận định, với mô hình này, các thương hiệu không cần mở thêm cửa hàng hay định hình pallet riêng. Gánh nặng vận hành nay được giảm thiểu và quyền tự chủ theo đó tăng cao hơn. Điều này đặc biệt có lợi cho các doanh nghiệp vừa và nhỏ muốn thương hiệu riêng của mình vươn ra thị trường quốc tế.
In response to shifting geopolitical landscapes and restructuring global economic relationships, Russia has been actively pursuing new trade opportunities and building stronger partnerships, especially in the Asia-Pacific region.
This strategy was a key focus at the “Made in Russia” International Export Forum held in Moscow on October 14.
In the first nine months of this year, Russia set a new record for meat exports, shipping around 570,000 tons, mainly to Asia and the Middle East. Russian grain exports also saw a 12% increase, with Asian countries accounting for a growing share. The Russian Export Center, which supports businesses exporting to Asia, provided nearly 13,000 services in 2024—surpassing the total number of services provided in 2023.
Veronika Nikishina, CEO of the Russian Export Center, commented, “The shifts in global trade have opened up new markets for Russian producers. Although some countries have taken steps to limit Russia’s foreign trade, our primary export markets continue to be developing and friendly nations. We’ve significantly realigned our focus and have been able to maintain export volumes throughout the first two years of sanctions.”
Russia’s export roadmap through 2030 identifies key markets in the Southern Hemisphere, with China, India, Egypt, and Southeast Asian countries being top priorities. Since 2017, the Russian Export Center has been promoting the “Made in Russia” brand, and today, Russian products are available in over 70 countries.
Ilya Koltygin, the head of the Russian Export Center in Vietnam, noted, “We’re seeing more Russian companies entering the Vietnamese market—not just with consumer goods like food, but also with machinery, pharmaceuticals, and raw materials. By setting up legal entities, establishing production facilities, and obtaining Vietnamese certificates of origin, Russian companies can access other Southeast Asian markets.”
Following the realignment of its export strategy, Russia’s exports to Asia rose from $290 billion to nearly $307 billion in 2023. To further unlock this potential, Russian companies are encouraged to expand beyond traditional trade and invest in innovation, technology, and creative industries.
By the end of 2023, Asia’s share of Russia’s overall exports had surpassed 70%. With Asian economies expected to continue growing, significant opportunities lie ahead for Russian businesses looking to expand their global footprint.
These women were discovered through online recruitment and were found by police during a raid at a villa in Kandal Province.
Earlier in October, the women were found to be pregnant and charged under Cambodia’s Anti-Human Trafficking and Sexual Exploitation Law.
The expectant mothers are currently receiving care at a hospital in the capital, Phnom Penh. After childbirth, the 13 women could face prison terms ranging from 2 to 5 years.
Details surrounding the operation and those involved remain unclear. Authorities have not yet identified who is responsible for recruiting the surrogate mothers.
The Philippine Embassy in Cambodia stated that the women had been questioned in the presence of embassy representatives during the investigation process.
According to Cambodian authorities, the women are not considered victims but rather criminals colluding with organizers of the surrogacy ring to sell babies for profit.
Surrogacy operations have surged in Cambodia after being tightly restricted in countries like Thailand and India. The Cambodian government is now increasing legal measures to curb such criminal activities.
As a result, prospective parents have turned to Cambodia due to lower costs compared to countries like the United States and Australia, where surrogacy services can reach up to $150,000.
However, Cambodia banned commercial surrogacy in 2016, forcing illegal operations underground.
In recent years, Cambodia has been grappling with rising human trafficking cases, including online scams involving foreigners tricked into forced labor.
Bamboo Airways has officially reestablished its international flight network with the route from Ho Chi Minh City to Bangkok (Thailand), after pausing for a full year to focus on restructuring.
Starting from November 26, Bamboo Airways will operate regular direct flights connecting Tan Son Nhat Airport (Ho Chi Minh City) with Don Mueang International Airport (Bangkok, Thailand). The route will have a frequency of one round-trip flight per day, with departure times set for 11:15 AM – 12:55 PM (outbound) and 2:00 PM – 3:45 PM (return).
According to Luong Hoai Nam, CEO of Bamboo Airways, this event marks a significant milestone as the airline official resumes its regular international flight network after a year of suspension to focus on restructuring. He stated that this is a strong indication of Bamboo Airways’ positive recovery and a step forward in the right direction according to its planned roadmap.
“With daily flights connecting Ho Chi Minh City and Bangkok, two major economic hubs of Vietnam and Thailand, Bamboo Airways hopes to offer a convenient and accessible travel option for passengers from both countries, especially during the peak holiday and Tet season,” added Luong Hoai Nam.
To celebrate the reopening of this route, Bamboo Airways has announced special promotional fares starting from 0 VND per leg (excluding taxes and fees), applicable across all of the airline’s official distribution channels.
Previously, Bamboo Airways had operated regular flights on the Ho Chi Minh City – Bangkok route (starting in April 2022) and the Hanoi – Bangkok route (starting in March 2023).
Additionally, to meet the increased demand for travel during the year-end and 2025 Lunar New Year peak season, Bamboo Airways plans to add two new aircraft by the end of 2024. Based on this expansion, the airline will consider increasing the frequency of its existing routes, while also resuming several domestic routes to Thanh Hoa, Phu Quoc, and other regular international routes, starting with the connection to Thailand.
Aviation authorities have facilitated airlines in increasing seat availability on routes, allowing for more affordable airfares during the Tet holiday.
Airlines have opened ticket sales for Tet since September. Photo: TIA.
The Civil Aviation Authority of Vietnam (CAAV) recently issued a decision to adjust the slot coordination parameters at Tan Son Nhat International Airport for the period between January 14 and February 12, 2025, in preparation for the Lunar New Year (Tet) holiday.
Specifically, the number of flights at the airport will increase from 42 flights per hour to 46 flights per hour during the time frame from 6:00 AM to 11:55 PM. During the hours from midnight to 5:55 AM, the number of flights will increase from 32 flights per hour to 42 flights per hour.
At the domestic terminal, the number of flights departing from Hall A will increase from 13 flights per hour to 15 flights per hour, while departures from Hall B will increase from 11 flights per hour to 13 flights per hour. Domestic arrivals will rise from 21 flights per hour to 22 flights per hour.
According to the CAAV, the early issuance of this decision will help airlines and relevant units in the industry proactively plan and prepare for Tet 2025. It will also provide timely information to passengers, enabling them to plan their travel effectively and choose appropriate flights for their needs. needs.
Moreover, the increase in slot coordination parameters will allow airlines to expand their operations and increase seat availability on various routes, thereby offering more affordable and reasonably priced airfares during the high-demand Tet season.
The CAAV emphasizes that it will strictly manage slot usage to ensure efficient utilization of the airport’s infrastructure, maximize operational capacity and ensure that air transport services meet the high travel demand during Tet. This will also ensure safety, security, and stable service quality.
Previously, since September, the Vietnam Airlines Group (comprising Vietnam Airlines, Pacific Airlines, and VASCO) had opened early sales of nearly 1.5 million Tet tickets across its domestic flight network. This was the first wave of ticket sales based on the approved flight schedule from the regulatory authority.
Meanwhile, Vietjet Air has also released early sales for 2.6 million Tet tickets for the period from January 15 to February 12, 2025.
According to the President of the Da Nang Tourism Association, the city almost no longer experiences a low tourism season.
Welcoming 8.7 Million Visitors in Nine Months
According to Tran Van Vu, Director of the Da Nang Statistics Department, the city welcomed 8.7 million visitors in the first nine months of this year, including 3.2 million international visitors and 5.5 million domestic visitors. The revenue from accommodation and food services is estimated to have reached nearly 20.6 trillion VND, a 23% increase compared to the same period in 2023.
Foreign tourists in Da Nang. Photo: Ho Giap
He noted that Da Nang has organized many large-scale national and international events, festivals, and introduced several new tourism products and services, which have contributed to a vibrant atmosphere, attracting a large number of tourists from both inside and outside the country.
From the perspective of the business community, Cao Tri Dung, President of the Da Nang Tourism Association, commented that with these results, Da Nang has surpassed its peak in 2019. This marks an impressive comeback for Da Nang’s tourism sector post-Covid-19 .
He explained that based on the city’s advantages in terms of location and resources, Da Nang has developed a variety of distinctive tourism products and correctly positioned both short-term and long-term visitor segments as well as potential markets.
One of the highlights for Da Nang is its effective marketing and promotion efforts across multiple potential markets, attracting a wide range of visitors. The current structure of Da Nang’s visitor base is shifting toward sustainability, with no over-reliance on any one major market.
Previously, South Korea and China made up more than 85% of Da Nang’s international tourists, but now they account for only about 40%, with the remaining 60% coming from other markets.
“The balance in visitor sources, sustainable products, flexible promotional activities, and diverse markets have all contributed to Da Nang’s successful year,” said the President of the Da Nang Tourism Association.
No More Low Season
Typically, the period from September to the end of the year is considered the low season for tourism, but Cao Tri Dung pointed out that this concept is nearly obsolete for Da Nang.
“September is a transitional month between the peak seasons for domestic and international visitors, so there’s a slight dip in numbers. However, Da Nang still maintains a good flow of tourists from South Korea. Notably, starting from October, the city enters the peak season for visitors from Europe, Australia, and the Americas,” he explained.
Dung also mentioned that Da Nang has received positive signals from these markets. European tourists have begun shifting towards Da Nang, staying longer and spending more, while the range of visitors has become more diverse. The city’s ecosystem and tourism offerings are highly suitable for this visitor demographic.
He emphasized that due to the high-spending nature of these tourists, who are keen on personal experiences and local culture, businesses need to adhere to commitments, be well-prepared, and meticulously cater to this important visitor group.
Agreeing with this view, Nguyen Thi Hoai An, Deputy Director of the Da Nang Department of Tourism, shared that while people often refer to the end of the year as the low season, this is only true for domestic visitors.
For international tourists, the current market is very diverse, with no dependence on any single market, meaning that the low season is gradually shrinking.
The largest number of international visitors to Da Nang come from South Korea, China, and Thailand. Notably, Da Nang has recorded impressive growth from markets such as India, Japan, and Southeast Asia.
Currently, Da Nang is preparing for the MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions) season, as well as visitors from Europe, the U.S., and others. Even South Korean and Japanese tourists continue to visit Da Nang in large numbers during the winter season.
An expressed hope that Da Nang could welcome around 10 million visitors this year.
Under new regulations starting from October 20, tourists on day tours will now be able to stay on Ha Long Bay until 8:00 PM, allowing them to fully enjoy the breathtaking sunset views.
Ha Long Bay is a must-see destination for tourists when coming to Vietnam, offering wonderful experiences with majestic natural landscapes, diverse recreational activities and rich culture. Photo: Pham Ha.
On October 10, the Ha Long Bay Management Board announced that Quang Ninh Province has decided to extend the visiting hours for Ha Long Bay and Bai Tu Long Bay compared to previous regulations.
specifically, for day-tour boats during the summer season (from April 1 to October 31), departures will be allowed from 5:00 AM, with the latest return time extended to 8:00 PM. Previously, boats could only depart from 6:00 AM and had to return by 7:00 PM.
During the winter season (from November 1 to March 31 of the following year), day-tour can depart from 5:30 AM, with the latest boats return time set at 7:00 PM. Previously, boats were only allowed to depart from 6:30 AM and had to return by 6:30 PM.
For overnight cruise boats on Ha Long Bay and Bai Tu Long Bay, they must reach their designated mooring points by 6:30 PM or 7:00 PM during the summer.
The operating hours for water-based recreational activities on the bay will be from 5:30 AM to 6:30 PM.
These regulations do not apply to tourist boats when they are not carrying passengers.
Sunset scene on Ha Long Bay conquers many tourists. Photo: Pham Ha.
With these changes, tourists will have more time to explore Ha Long Bay and witness beautiful scenes such as the sunset or the early morning views within the heart of this natural heritage site.
However, in an interview with Tri Thuc – Znews, Pham Ha, CEO of Lux Group, which operates cruises in Ha Long, Lan Ha, and Cat Ba, expressed concerns that the extended hours were still too limited, making it difficult for cruise companies to introduce new tourism products.
“With the new regulations, in the winter, boats will only be allowed to return 30 minutes later than before. This is too short and doesn’t really solve any issues. Meanwhile, in Nha Trang Bay, tourists can enjoy sunset cruises, live music, and even dinner until 9:00 PM,” Ha explained.
He added that extending the visiting hours on Ha Long Bay until 9:00 PM would better meet customer expectations.
Recently, the famous magazine Condé Nast Traveler published its ranking of the 20 best countries for tourists in 2024, which includes Vietnam.
The ranking is part of the annual awards voted by Condé Nast Traveler readers.
In its 37th edition, more than 575,000 reader reviews of travel experiences in each country were considered based on criteria such as culture, scenery, tourism services, and infrastructure.
Photo: Lonely Planet
In the “Best Countries in the World” category, Vietnam ranked 15th with a score of 89/100.
According to Condé Nast Traveler readers, Vietnam attracts tourists with its rustic yet captivating beauty.
“With the number of foreign visitors steadily increasing since 2019, Vietnam is no longer just a notable destination; it has become a must-visit,” noted the editorial team of Condé Nast Traveler.
Another Southeast Asian destination on the list is Thailand, ranked third with 92.29 points. Topping the list this year is Japan, with 95.32 points.
Condé Nast Traveler is a globally recognized travel magazine, launched in 1987 and headquartered in the United States. Rankings like the Readers’ Choice Awards from Condé Nast Traveler are considered prestigious by many travel experts, as they are based on feedback from millions of international readers.
The 2025 Art for Climate – Ha Long Bay festival will feature over 200 European billionaires and attract 80,000 attending.
The People’s Committee of Quang Ninh Province recently announced that Ha Long City will be the host of the Art for Climate – Ha Long Bay 2025 early festival next year. The festival is scheduled to take place from January 13 to 19, 2025.
The event is expected to draw a large number of locals and tourists with a range of exciting activities.
Recently, many cruise ships have carried thousands of tourists to visit Ha Long Bay. Photo: Pham Cong
From now until the end of the year, Ha Long City will facilitate businesses in organizing large-scale cultural and sports events, such as the Heritage Marathon (December) with over 15,000 participants, the Vietnam – Korea Music Festival (November and December), and the Miss Vietnam University Student pageant (December). Additionally, in November, a hot air ballooning service (tethered) is expected to launch, offering scenic views of the heritage bay and Ha Long City from Tuan Chau Ward.
Currently, Ha Long Bay receives about 4,000-6,000 visitors per day, with 90% being international tourists.
In the first nine months of this year, Ha Long City welcomed 9.2 million visitors, a 33% increase compared to the same period in 2023. Of these, 2.13 million were international visitors, an increase of 2.3 times over the same period. Total tourism revenue is estimated at around VND 20.3 trillion, a 34% increase year-on-year.
To attract tourists during the fall and winter seasons, Ha Long City is making the most of its tourism and transportation infrastructure, particularly with the influx of cruise ship tourists through Ha Long International Passenger Port. In addition to visiting Ha Long Bay, these tourists are eager to explore and learn about local culture.
According to Mr. Nguyen Manh Tuan, Head of the Ha Long City Department of Culture and Information, the city has restored and enhanced various cultural festivals, especially those of ethnic minority groups. It has improved the quality of traditional festivals linked to tourism development, and guided local communities in organizing festivals such as the Tran Quoc Nghien Temple Festival, King Le Temple Festival, Bang Ca Village Festival, and Yen Cu Shrine Festival.
