July 2026

CAPTURING CREATIVITY AT VIDOTOUR

In June, Vidotour launched an amateur photography course for all company staff, aimed at developing both basic and advanced smartphone photography skills.

A large number of employees from Hanoi and Saigon offices joined the course with great enthusiasm, eager to learn how to take better photos for both personal use and professional purposes.

In addition to theory sessions, the course will include field trips and a creative photography competition, giving participants the opportunity to practise their skills and develop their creativity.

We wish all participants great success on this learning journey.

At the end of the course, the Creative Photo Awards 2026 will be held separately in the Saigon and Hanoi offices. Participants will have the chance to show their creativity and capture memorable moments with their smartphones.

See the nominated photos and winners in our August news.

Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum Temporarily Closed for Annual Maintenance

The Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum will be closed for annual maintenance from 5 September to 3 November 2026. During this period, visitors may view the exterior and visit nearby attractions, including Ba Dinh Square, Ho Chi Minh’s Stilt House and the One Pillar Pagoda.

For the remainder of 2026, the mausoleum will also be closed every Monday and Friday, except when special openings are announced for national holidays.

Con Dao continues to develop as a combination of historical, spiritual and eco-tourism, with improved ferry access and increasing international cruise calls.

Phu Quy Express II Connects Ho Chi Minh City and Con Dao

Phu Quy Express 02 was inaugurated in June 2026, with scheduled services between Ho Chi Minh City and Con Dao.

• Operated by Thanh Thanh Phat Passenger Transport Co., Ltd., the high-speed trimaran departs from Nha Rong–Khanh Hoi Port in District 4 and arrives at Ben Dam Port in Con Dao.
• The journey takes approximately 5 to 5.5 hours, depending on weather conditions.
• Departures from Ho Chi Minh City on Mondays, Wednesdays and Saturdays at 6:30 am, with return services from Con Dao on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Sundays at 12:00 noon.

Long Thanh Airport is not open yet

Long Thanh International Airport has been delayed and is currently expected to begin commercial operations in late 2026, although the opening could be delayed until early 2027. Until then, Tan Son Nhat remains the main international gateway to Ho Chi Minh City.

Lien Khuong Airport to Reopen

Lien Khuong International Airport, the main gateway to Dalat, is expected to resume operations on 19 August 2026 following a major infrastructure upgrade.

The project includes improvements to the runway, taxiways, safety systems and navigation equipment. Domestic airlines are preparing to restore services, with initial flights expected from Ho Chi Minh City, Hanoi and Danang.

Expected flight schedule:

• Hanoi (HAN) ⇋ Lam Dong (DLI): 2 daily flights
• Ho Chi Minh City (SGN) ⇋ Lam Dong (DLI): 4 daily flights
• Danang (DAD) ⇋ Lam Dong (DLI): 1 daily flight

Services will be operated by Vietnam Airlines, Pacific Airlines and VASCO, mainly using Airbus A321 aircraft.

Explore Son Doong Cave Through a New 5D VR Experience

The new Son Doong 5D VR Expedition at the Phong Nha Cave Exploration Information Centre offers a realistic journey into the world’s largest cave without going underground.

The 15-minute simulation combines 8K visuals, 180-degree projections, surround sound, wind, mist and temperature effects. The centre also displays cave maps, exploration equipment and information about 472 surveyed caves covering 254 km.

The exhibition is free and includes multilingual audio guides. The VR experience costs VND 500,000 per person.

Opening hours: Daily, 8:00 am–5:30 pm.

Pullman Ninh Binh Opens the First International Five-Star Hotel

Ninh Binh is becoming increasingly suitable for longer upscale stays following the opening of Pullman Ninh Binh on 20 April 2026. Managed by Accor, it is the province’s first internationally branded five-star hotel.

Rising 29 storeys in the city centre, the hotel features 283 contemporary rooms and suites, all with private balconies overlooking the surrounding limestone mountains or cityscape. 

Facilities include several restaurants and bars, three swimming pools, a spa, a 24-hour fitness centre and a children’s play area. The rooftop Bublx Champagne Bar offers panoramic views towards the Trang An landscape.

Restaurant & Gastronomy

The Michelin Guide Vietnam 2026 now covers 193 establishments in Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City and Da Nang:

• 11 one-Michelin-star restaurants

• 72 Bib Gourmand restaurants

• 110 Michelin Selected restaurants

• 3 Michelin Green Star restaurants

The two new one-star restaurants are ONVIT in Hanoi and Upstairs Tasting Room in Ho Chi Minh City. Tales by Chapter in Ho Chi Minh City received a new Green Star for its sustainable and zero-waste approach.

This makes gastronomy programmes increasingly attractive, particularly:

• Hanoi Korean and contemporary fine dining

• Modern Vietnamese tasting menus in Ho Chi Minh City

• Michelin street-food and Bib Gourmand trails

• Sustainable and plant-based dining experiences

CAMBODIA

Amana Hotel & Residences Opens Near Techo International Airport

Opened on 15 May 2026, Amana Hotel & Residences offers a convenient stay near Phnom Penh’s Techo International Airport, ideal for early departures, late arrivals and extended stays.

The property features 105 spacious rooms and suites, many with fully equipped kitchens, along with a swimming pool, fitness centre, restaurants and a rooftop bar offering panoramic views.

Restaurants & City Experiences

Phnom Penh’s contemporary Khmer dining scene is becoming more interesting.

• Pi Sa, opened in a restored colonial building, serves seasonal Cambodian cuisine using local market produce and was recognised among notable new restaurants for 2026.
• Bai Sor, near the historic Post Office, represents another modern interpretation of Khmer food.
• The capital has also introduced the Chaktomuk Walk Street, a weekend pedestrian area along the riverfront with Khmer street food, handicrafts, performances and live music. This can be used as a light evening activity rather than offering only a traditional restaurant dinner.

ĐÔNG DƯƠNG RESTAURANT

Set in a historic French villa, Dong Duong Restaurant blends Indochine architecture with traditional Vietnamese details, creating an elegant, nostalgic setting. Its refined cuisine celebrates flavours from Vietnam’s three regions, preserving authentic tastes through sophisticated preparation and presentation.

Add: 26 Truong Dinh, Xuan Hoa Ward, Ho Chi MInh City

FB: https://www.facebook.com/dongduongsgn/?locale=vi_VN 

CoCo Dining - Progressive Vietnamese Cuisine

HỢP 合 Skybar

Vibe: An immersive open-air rooftop experience with electronic music, local and international DJs, craft cocktails and panoramic views of the Saigon skyline.

Add: Centec Tower, 72 Nguyen Thi Minh Khai, Xuan Hoa Ward, Ho Chi Minh City