Vietnam News Today (Feb. 16): Vietnamese Tet Celebrated at City Hall in Paris

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Vietnamese Trade Counselor in China Nong Duc Lai (Photo: VNA)

Vietnamese, Chinese products gain popularity: Trade Counselor

Most Chinese high-tech products have already penetrated the Vietnamese market, unlocking extensive opportunities in distribution, installation, technical support, joint product development, and deeper integration of Vietnamese firms into production and supply chains, said Vietnamese Trade Counselor in China Nong Duc Lai.

Talking with Vietnam News Agency reporters based in Beijing, timed with the freshly-ended Spring Fair 2026 in Hanoi, Lai said China’s high-tech products boast diverse varieties, advanced features, and competitive pricing, making them well-suited to the Vietnamese consumers’ budget.

Vietnamese products, he noted, have secured strong footholds in distribution and retail networks across numerous Chinese cities and provinces, where they enjoy growing consumer favour. Key exports include fresh agricultural goods such as durian, dragon fruit, bananas, and jackfruit; seafood items like pangasius, lobster, crab, and battered fried shrimp; and processed products ranging from cashew nuts and coffee to mung bean cakes, shrimp crackers, and assorted snacks.

Herbal-based pharmaceuticals and cosmetics, encompassing shampoos, toothpastes, massage creams, medicated oil, and perfumes, are also gaining traction in many localities, valued for their perceived safety and efficacy, cited VNA.

To help Vietnamese companies capitalise more effectively on the Chinese market, Lai said the Trade Office, in coordination with the Vietnamese Embassy in China, will adopt a range of targeted measures.

On trade promotion, priority will go to fostering business connectivity through dedicated trade promotion agendas in both countries, focusing on Chinese Government-backed import fairs and exhibitions, particularly sector-specific events suited to Vietnam's flagship products. Promotion will expand into China's northern and western regions, where Vietnamese firms now have limited access, while continued campaigns will broaden Vietnamese product visibility and facilitate matchmaking with distributors, retailers, and promising localities.

Regarding market research, detailed insights will flow regularly to local authorities, industry associations, and domestic enterprises through the Ministry of Industry and Trade and the Vietnamese Embassy in China’s channels, thereby improving understanding of the Chinese market and enabling more structured, professional partnership strategies.

In the investment sphere, industrial-sector promotion will centre on drawing Chinese firms into Vietnam, with amplified outreach on Vietnam's FDI-friendly policies and targeted introductions to industrial parks open to foreign capital.

At the same time, Vietnamese firms will receive guidance, data support, and connections to Chinese authorities, localities, and credible partners to pursue opportunities in China, he added.

Vietnam–Thailand relations at their strongest as strategic vision deepens

Relations between Vietnam and Thailand are at their strongest level in history, underpinned by deepening strategic alignment, expanding economic ties and growing people-to-people connections, Thai Ambassador to Vietnam Urawadee Sriphiromya has said.

Speaking on the occasion of the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the two countries in 2026, Ambassador Urawadee described the bilateral partnership as closer than ever, particularly following the upgrade to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership in 2025.

She noted that the 14th National Congress of the Communist Party of Vietnam marked a significant milestone in shaping the country’s long-term development and foreign policy orientation. The Congress reaffirmed Vietnam’s vision to become a developed nation by 2045, with clear milestones set for 2030 and 2045, providing “clarity of direction” for the entire society.

According to the ambassador, Vietnam’s development strategy places strong emphasis on technological advancement, innovation and sustainable growth, with people at the centre. Beyond economic expansion, the country’s long-term vision seeks social well-being, peace and stability.

On foreign policy, she highlighted Vietnam’s continued commitment to diversification and multilateralism, as well as its consistent support for international law and the United Nations Charter. In an increasingly complex global environment, Vietnam has maintained balanced diplomatic relations while playing an active role in promoting regional stability and rules-based cooperation, according to VOV.

Thai Ambassador to Vietnam Urawadee Sriphiromya highlights Vietnam - Thailand relations marking 50 years of bilateral diplomatic ties in 2026 during an interview with VOV.

The ambassador also acknowledged Vietnam’s role in advancing international cooperation against transnational crime, including efforts related to the United Nations Convention against cybercrime initiated in Hanoi (known as Hanoi Convention), aimed at addressing threats such as online fraud, human trafficking and high-tech crime.

Economically, bilateral trade between Vietnam and Thailand has surpassed US$22 billion despite global economic headwinds. Thailand remains one of Vietnam’s leading investors, with cumulative registered capital exceeding US$$15.5 billion. Thai enterprises, she said, have not only invested effectively but also contributed to local communities through corporate social responsibility initiatives.

However, she stressed that the most enduring foundation of bilateral ties lies in people-to-people relations. More than 100,000 people of Vietnamese origin reside in Thailand, serving as a bridge between the two countries and fostering deeper mutual understanding.

As ASEAN is transiting into a new stage of development with 11 member states, Ambassador Urawadee said Vietnam and Thailand share strong alignment in their long-term development visions, particularly in advancing the green transition, digital economy and sustainable growth.

She described Vietnam as an active and constructive member of ASEAN, noting its successful tenure as ASEAN Chair and its recent initiative to launch the ASEAN Future Forum. The forum, she said, is valued by Thailand as it provides a strategic platform for dialogue and consultation among stakeholders on the region’s future trajectory.

With shared priorities and complementary strengths, Vietnam and Thailand are well positioned to work together in encouraging other ASEAN members to advance common regional objectives. These include accelerating digital economic transformation and strengthening collective preparedness to address and mitigate the impacts of climate change.

As the two countries mark half a century of diplomatic relations, she expressed optimism that Vietnam would successfully achieve its strategic goals and continue its path toward stability, prosperity and inclusive development.

Vietnamese Tet celebrated at City Hall in Paris

About 1,000 guests attended a Lunar New Year celebration hosted by the Vietnamese Embassy in France in coordination with the Paris authorities at the City Hall on Saturday.

Participants included representatives of the Paris administration, members of the diplomatic corps, friendship and cooperation associations, and a large number of Vietnamese living, studying and working across France.

Speaking at the event, Deputy Mayor of Paris Arnaud Ngatcha expressed his pleasure at welcoming the Vietnamese community to the City Hall, a venue that reflects the French capital’s hospitality and international stature.

He noted that maintaining the traditional Vietnamese Tet celebration at the City Hall for more than a decade demonstrates the city’s appreciation for the Vietnamese community and the strong ties between France and Vietnam.

Highlighting Tet as a symbol of renewal, hope and new beginnings, Ngatcha said the occasion also helps strengthen solidarity, dialogue and cooperation amid global uncertainties.

He voiced hope for expanded cooperation between Paris and Hanoi as well as HCM City, particularly within the C40 network on climate action, toward building sustainable and innovative cities. He also praised the Vietnamese community’s successful integration and contributions to Paris’s cultural and social life.

Ambassador Trinh Duc Hai described Tet as a meaningful time to convey messages of unity and friendship. He recalled that since 2014, when Paris first opened its City Hall for the Vietnamese community to celebrate Tet, the event has become an annual meeting point of bilateral friendship, VNS reported.

Ambassador Trinh Duc Hai speaks at the event. Photo: VNS

The diplomat noted that Vietnam–France relations gained fresh momentum in 2025 through high-level exchanges, including the visit to Vietnam by French President Emmanuel Macron and Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh’s trips to Paris and Nice, helping deepen bilateral cooperation.

He added that 2026 marks the beginning of a new development era for Vietnam, driven by innovation, digital transformation and deeper international integration. Vietnam values cooperation with France at both bilateral and multilateral levels, he said, expressing readiness to work with France to promote international solidarity for a fair, sustainable and inclusive global order.

The celebration featured cultural performances and traditional Tet cuisine, leaving a warm impression of a united Vietnamese community and the growing Vietnam–France friendship.

Vietnamese Tet pulls in foreign travelers

As the Lunar New Year (Tet) is approaching, a surge in cultural tourism is drawing foreigners to Vietnamese coastal hotspots in the early days of the 2026 travel season.

Deepening appreciation of Vietnamese Tet culture

For over a decade, The Cliff Resort & Residences in Mui Ne of Lam Dong province has turned its signature Chung Cake Festival into a staple draw for foreign tourists exploring the Phan Thiet–Mui Ne area and beyond.

A resort representative said this year's event scaled up considerably, pulling in more than 200 foreigners who took part in wrapping banh chung (square glutinous rice cakes) using “dong” leaves. They also tried on traditional long dresses, practiced calligraphy, shaped colourful “to he” toy figurines, and savored Tet dishes.

Nearby at Pandanus Resort in Mui Ne, the annual Tet lineup has built a loyal international following with its distinctive seaside take on the holiday. This year’s “Peaceful Spring – Tet Reunion” series kicked off with the “Spring Village Festival”, featuring cultural performances, folk games kike bamboo pole dancing, traditional betting games, “to he” crafting, New Year fortune telling, on-demand calligraphy, and tastings of classic Tet sweets.

The resort capped the festivities with a “Spring Gala Dinner” showcasing Tet specialties and live performances, running from the 24th day of the last lunar month through the sixth day of the first lunar month. These hands-on experiences delivered an immersive Vietnamese Tet vibe, turning vacations into more meaningful and lasting memories.

Foreigners visit Da Nang in early 2026 (Photo: VNA)

Many foreign guests return year after year or refer the spot to friends and family, amplifying Vietnam's appeal on the world stage.

Experiential tourism tied to local culture gains momentum

In Lam Dong province, tourism operators increasingly package products around direct participation in traditional practices. Beyond banh chung wrapping and spring festivals, visitors can tour the Binh Duc Cham pottery village, Phu Long rice paper-making village, coastal fishing communities, traditional markets, and local seafood spots, which extend stays and boost their spending.

Albert van der Westhuizen, General Manager of Pandanus Resort, said Tet-linked cultural products have emerged as a key magnet for foreign arrivals in the year's opening months.

Tim Grosse, Regional Director for Vietnam and Cambodia at Go Vacation Vietnam, said such activities enrich itineraries and make them more impressive. Still, he pointed out that many travelers discover them only after arrival. Therefore, he called for tighter collaboration among resorts, tourism management bodies, and local authorities on promotion, plus earlier outreach to travel operators since bookings often lock in six months ahead, cited VNA.

Grosse expects culture-focused experiential travel to dominate foreign demand in 2026. Beyond iconic landmarks, visitors increasingly pursue genuine connections to everyday customs, ways of life, and cuisine, opting for relaxed paces over packed schedules, with extras like market visits or cooking classes.

A survey of several lodging and tourism companies in Mui Ne showed that overall visitor volumes, both domestic and international, held firm during this year’s Tet, with a modest uptick from last year. Pre-bookings filled 70-85% of rooms at numerous properties, with full sellouts common during the high-demand stretch from February 16-19, corresponding to the 29th day of the last lunar month through the third day of the first lunar month of the new year.

The provincial Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism reported about 1.7 million total visitors in January 2026, a more than 23% jump year-on-year. Foreign arrivals climbed 41.6% to 170,000, with tourism revenue estimated at 4.94 trillion VND (190 million USD).

Top travel destinations for Lunar New Year of the Horse 2026

The Lunar New Year or Tet, the most important holiday of the year for Vietnamese people, features a wide range of cultural activities and traditional festivals, alongside a sharp rise in travel demand. The Tet 2026 travel market is expected to see strong growth in both domestic and international tours, with new trends and a wider choice of destinations and experiences.

Traditional festivals and popular tourist destinations across the country

During the Lunar New Year of the Horse 2026, Hanoi and other northern destinations offer a festive atmosphere shaped by spring festivals and seasonal travel experiences. In Hanoi, the spring festival takes place from February 7 to 14 at the F1 racetrack area in Tu Liem Ward, alongside traditional events such as the Huong Pagoda Festival, running from February 18 to May 11, and the Dong Da Festival on February 21.

Across the capital, a wide range of cultural and tourism programmes are also held, including Tet Viet–Tet Pho 2026 at historical sites in the Old Quarter, calligraphy activities at the Temple of Literature, traditional Tet displays at the Heritage House and the Culture and Arts Center at 22 Hang Buom Street, as well as events at the Thang Long Imperial Citadel and the National Village for Ethnic Culture and Tourism.

In several northern localities, traditional festivals linked to spiritual beliefs and spring pilgrimages continue to draw large crowds. These include the Tran Temple Festival, held from February 27 to March 4 in Nam Dinh province; the Yen Tu Spring Festival, opening on February 26 in Quang Ninh province; and the Tam Chuc Spring Festival 2026, beginning on February 28.

Beyond Hanoi, destinations such as Sa Pa, Moc Chau and Ha Giang remain popular spring getaways in the north, known for their mountainous landscapes, seasonal blossoms and the preservation of traditional customs among ethnic communities. The combination of spring flowers, fresh mountain air and highland culture makes these areas attractive for sightseeing, photography and local cuisine experiences.

In the central and Central Highlands regions, notable destinations include Hue, Hoi An, Da Nang, Nghe An, Gia Lai and Da Lat. In Hoi An, the Festival of Light and Heritage 2026 is scheduled to open on February 17, while the 2026 Spring Festival in Hue features re-enactments of royal court rituals, folk festivals and Tet-themed cultural programmes.

In central Da Nang city, a series of Tet events take place, including the Tet village market at the Da Nang Museum, the Vietnamese Tet 2026 festival at Phong Bac Park, and traditional art performances such as tuong (classical opera), folk songs and bai choi singing. Activities are also held at the Nguyen Hien Dinh Tuong Theater, Nam Duong Park and 24/3 Square, reported VOV.

Tet Việt-Tet phố (Vietnamese Tet-Old Quarter Tet) 2026 at historical sites in Hanoi's Old Quarter.

In the Central Highlands, Da Lat continues to attract visitors with springtime events including a cherry blossom festival, the spring flower market in Nam Gia Nghia Ward, and the Binh Ngo Tet Festival 2026 in Xuan Huong Ward. Meanwhile, Gia Lai hosts the National Tourism Year 2026, offering a series of tourism and cultural activities throughout the year.

In the southern region, Ho Chi Minh City remains a leading Tet destination, with events such as the Vietnamese Tet Festival at the Youth Cultural Center from February 1 to 21, Nguyen Hue Flower Street from February 15 to 22, the “On the Wharf, Under the Boat” Tet flower market at Binh Dong Wharf from February 2 to 15, and the Tao Dan Spring Flower Festival from February 12 to 22.

Phu Quoc Island in An Giang province and Tay Ninh province also draw large numbers of visitors during Tet. Phu Quoc stands out for its warm weather and coastal scenery, making it a popular choice for holiday travel. In Tay Ninh, the Ba Den Mountain Spring Festival takes place from February 17 to March 18 at the Ba Den Mountain national tourist area, with the opening ceremony scheduled for February 20.

Diverse choices for outbound travel during Lunar New Year 2026

The trend of outbound travel among Vietnamese people is expected to continue growing during the 2026 Lunar New Year holiday, especially for short-haul tours to popular destinations Japan, the Republic of Korea, Malaysia, Singapore, and China thanks to reasonable costs, favorable visa policies, and diverse cultural experiences.

Traveling abroad during Tet is becoming increasingly convenient, as most major travel companies in Vietnam offer all-inclusive tour packages, assisting Vietnamese customers from visa application preparation and service booking to ensuring safety, quality, and travel experience.

China is predicted to be the most popular destination for Vietnamese people during the Tet holiday due to a combination of competitive prices, convenient visa procedures, and continuous innovation in tourism products. Apart from Shanghai, Beijing, and Lijiang, more distant areas such as Harbin and Jiuzhaigou are also sought after for their stunning winter scenery, rich culinary culture, direct flights and visa policies.

Other outbound markets also record many positive signs. Japanese tours during the Lunar New Year holiday often combine skiing experiences, traditional festivals with visits to cultural heritage sites, enjoying local cuisine, and shopping at large shopping malls. In addition to popular destinations Osaka, Tokyo, Kyoto, and Nagoya, high-end products such as Hokkaido tours and hot spring resort tours draw many tourists.

The Republic of Korea is a familiar destination for Vietnamese people with its captivating music and film culture, distinctive winter climate, numerous attractions and rich cultural and culinary experiences, and convenient visa policies; making it suitable for families and young people who enjoy exploring winter festivals. Famous activities include ice fishing festivals, winter sightseeing on Nami Island, skiing in the Gangwon mountains, Everland amusement park, and a range of cultural activities and shopping destinations in Seoul and Busan.

Visa-free destinations in Southeast Asia, including Thailand, Malaysia and Singapore, continue to appeal during Tet due to their proximity, service quality and affordability. Thailand attracts visitors with its shopping and cuisine, while Singapore is known for its modern tourism services, safety and unique experiences.

Long-haul travel to destinations such as Dubai, Russia, Europe, the United States and Australia also remains an option for travellers taking advantage of the extended Tet holiday. Travel to the US, in particular, has increased, supported by flight connectivity as well as demand for shopping and family visits.

With festivals and cultural events taking place nationwide, alongside growing interest in outbound travel, the Lunar New Year of the Horse 2026 is set to be an active period for Vietnam’s tourism sector.

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