| Vietnam News Today (Jan. 26) notable headlines Laos always regards relations with Vietnam as top foreign policy priority: ambassador Vietnamese, Indian peoples strengthen friendship Vietnam shines at FITUR int’l tourism fair in Spain Cold air to hit Northern Vietnam repeatedly ahead of Lunar New Year Vietnam among world’s top-growing tourism markets: UN Tourism VIETRADE, RMIT Vietnam partner to strengthen national brands Vietnam attends 2nd Global Buddhist Summit in India Vietnamese in Japan confident in 14th National Party Congress’s action-oriented spirit |
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| Lao Ambassador to Vietnam Khamphao Ernthavanh (Photo: VNA) |
Laos always regards relations with Vietnam as top foreign policy priority: ambassador
Laos has consistently regarded its relationship with Vietnam as a top priority in its foreign policy, Lao Ambassador to Vietnam Khamphao Ernthavanh said in an interview with the press on the occasion of the upcoming state visit to Vietnam by General Secretary of the Central Committee of the Lao People’s Revolutionary Party and Lao President Thongloun Sisoulith and his spouse.
The visit, made at the invitation of General Secretary of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of Vietnam (CPV) To Lam and his spouse, is scheduled to take place from January 26 to 27.
Speaking to reporters, Ernthavanh noted that the trip, coming immediately after the successful conclusion of the CPV’s 14th National Congress represents a vivid and compelling demonstration of the great friendship, special solidarity, comprehensive cooperation and strategic partnership between the two countries – a model relationship that is rare and exemplary in international relations.
She said the visit is not only intended to convey congratulations on the major achievements of the Party Congress, but also to underscore the high level of political trust and the long-term strategic commitment between the two parties, states and peoples.
The Lao side expects the visit to further strengthen bilateral cooperation, particularly within the framework of the newly defined concept of “strategic cohesion”, and to provide fresh momentum for both sides to closely coordinate the implementation of high-level agreements, as well as their respective development goals for the new period.
The diplomat said the success of the 14th congress clearly demonstrates the sound leadership, strong political resolve and strategic vision of the CPV, while also reflecting the determination and aspiration of the Vietnamese Party, State and people to achieve robust development in the nation’s new era, cited VNA.
She added that the congress’s success is a source of pride for not only the Vietnamese people, but also for the Party, the State and the people of Laos. The ambassador expressed confidence that, on this solid foundation, bilateral relations will continue to be strengthened and developed in a more substantive, practical and effective manner in the future.
According to the ambassador, the documents adopted at the Congress clearly set out Vietnam’s medium- and long-term development roadmap, with specific targets for 2030 and a vision to 2045, affirming the country’s determination to build an independent and self-reliant economy that is deeply integrated into the international community, with science and technology, innovation and digital transformation serving as key drivers of rapid and sustainable growth.
She said Laos highly values Vietnam’s major and comprehensive achievements over 40 years of renewal as well as the strategic directions outlined by the 14th congress. These achievements have enhanced Vietnam’s role and standing in Southeast Asia and on the global stage, while also providing inspiration and valuable lessons for developing countries, including Laos.
The ambassador expressed firm confidence that Vietnam will successfully realise the objectives set by the congress and continue to develop in a strong, stable and prosperous manner.
Vietnam’s success will also serve as an impetus for Laos, which stands ready to continue working closely with the traditional partner on this new development path for the benefit of both peoples and for peace, stability and development in the region, she concluded.
Vietnamese, Indian peoples strengthen friendship
The Ho Chi Minh City Union of Friendship Organizations (HUFO) held a ceremony at the Ho Chi Minh Museum – Ho Chi Minh City Branch on January 24 to commemorate India’s 77th Republic Day (January 26, 1950-2026), reflecting the warm sentiments and solidarity between the peoples of the city and India.
Addressing the ceremony, Huynh Thanh Lap, Chairman of the Vietnam–India Friendship Association of Ho Chi Minh City, highlighted the historical significance of January 26, 1950 - the day India’s Constitution came into force - in the country’s development. He noted that Vietnam and India share a long-standing traditional relationship, underpinned by many commonalities in culture, art and religion. This relationship was further strengthened following the historic meeting between President Ho Chi Minh and Indian Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru in 1954, and especially after the two countries officially established diplomatic relations in 1972.
Lap emphasised that 2026 marks the 10th anniversary of the elevation of Vietnam–India relations to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership. Over the past decade, bilateral ties have made strong strides across political, economic, cultural and religious cooperation, as well as people-to-people exchanges. Ho Chi Minh City, he said, has consistently attached importance to and actively contributed to the effective implementation of the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership through diverse and substantive collaboration in trade and investment, culture, education, tourism and people-to-people exchanges with Indian partners.
He expressed his hope for continued close coordination with the Indian Consulate General in Ho Chi Minh City and the Indian Business Association in Vietnam, adding that future efforts will focus on organizing more cultural and artistic exchanges, fostering business connectivity, and leveraging shared cultural values to deepen people-to-people diplomacy and further strengthen bilateral relations, according to VNA.
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| An art performance at the ceremony (Photo: VNA) |
Vipra Pandey, Indian Consul General in the city, said that over the past decade, high-level exchanges between leaders of the two countries have contributed to trust-building and a shared vision for peace and prosperity, while economic ties have expanded markedly, with bilateral trade increasing by approximately 2.5 times since 2016. Cultural engagement has also become increasingly dynamic through cooperation in religion, the International Day of Yoga, cinema, tourism and education.
The Consul General pledged to maintain close coordination with the HUFO and the Vietnam–India Friendship Association of the city in order help advance the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership between the two countries.
Vietnam shines at FITUR int’l tourism fair in Spain
Vietnam’s pavilion has captured great attention at the 2026 FITUR International Tourism Fair in Madrid, with cultural and culinary showcases, trade promotion activities, and initiatives to strengthen tourism cooperation with European partners.
Organized by the Vietnam Culture and Tourism Association in Europe (VNCT) in coordination with the Vietnam Cultural Center in France, the pavilion aims to enhance Vietnam’s tourism presence in the European market while expanding connections with international partners in travel, tourism promotion, and media.
Notably, the “HOLA VIETNAM!” event and a cocktail party on the opening day, January 21, featuring Vietnamese culinary drew crowds of visitors, travel partners, and international tourism promotion agencies.
During the fair, B2B networking, cultural and art performances, and Vietnam – Spain bilateral meetings provided a platform for direct engagement.
Speaking on the sidelines of the event, VNCT Chairwoman Le Y Linh noted that the main goal of Vietnam’s participation in FITUR is to highlight its growing presence among top global tourism destinations while introducing new offerings and the potential of the country as a travel destination for the Spanish-speaking community.
Luu Van Khang, Vietnamese Trade Counselor in Spain, described FITUR 2026 as an important venue for businesses from both countries to meet directly, gain market insights, and expand post-fair cooperation, VOV reported.
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| Visitors seek information on Vietnam’s tourist destinations at the 2026 FITUR International Tourism Fair. (Photo published by VNA) |
Hailing Vietnam’s tourism prospects in the Spanish market, he noted that Spanish travelers are increasingly interested in historical sites, natural landscapes, experiences, and cuisine, which are also key strengths of Vietnam.
FITUR is one of the world’s largest and most prestigious tourism events, annually held in Madrid. It is regarded as a strategic gathering for the global tourism industry, particularly for Spanish-speaking and Latin American markets, and serves as an important gateway for travel businesses to enter the European market.
Taking place from January 21 to 26, this fair brings together more than 9,000 tourism businesses and organizations from over 150 countries and territories worldwide, attracting hundreds of thousands of visitors.
Cold air to hit Northern Vietnam repeatedly ahead of Lunar New Year
Vietnam’s northern and north-central regions are likely to face a series of cold-air surges from now until the Lunar New Year that falls in mid-February, according to the National Centre for Hydro-Meteorological Forecasting.
The cold spells are mostly weak to moderate in intensity but they occur frequently, bringing light rain, drizzle and colder nights, with mountainous areas at risk of severe cold, said meteorologists.
The current cold air mass affecting northern Vietnam is expected to weaken in the coming days, allowing daytime temperatures to rise slightly. However, from late January, the northeast monsoon is forecast to become more active, sending successive cold-air surges southward.
On January 25-26, northern localities are expected to see little rain, with cold conditions mainly at night and in the early morning. A weak, east-shifted cold surge is forecast to affect northern and north-central Vietnam late on January 26 and on January 27, bringing scattered light rain to northeastern provinces, with cold conditions and locally severe cold in mountainous areas.
Another cold surge is anticipated from the evening of January 30 through January 31, causing scattered rain and a slight drop in temperatures across northern Vietnam and Thanh Hoa province in the north-central region. In early February, cold conditions are likely to persist, with fog or light mist in some areas during the morning, cited VOV.
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| A series of cold-air surges are likely to hit the northern and north-central regions of Vietnam from now till the Lunar New Year holiday (Feb. 14-22), bringing chill and drizzle. |
During the Lunar New Year holiday period, from February 14–22, northern and north-central regions are also likely to remain under the influence of cold air. While overall cold intensity this winter may be weaker than the long-term average, episodes of severe cold and very severe cold could still occur, mainly in February, particularly in mountainous and midland areas of northern Vietnam.
From now until April 2026, average temperatures nationwide are expected to be close to the long-term average. Northern Vietnam and the Thanh Hoa–Hue corridor may see temperatures 0.5–1°C above average in February and March, though short cold spells are possible.
Central provinces from Quang Tri to Da Nang are forecast to see isolated rain, with a higher chance of showers and thunderstorms on January 28–29 and from January 31 to February 2, while northern parts of the region remain cold.
The Central Highlands and southern Vietnam will mainly experience sunny days, with isolated showers in the late afternoon or evening and cooler conditions at night and in the early morning in highland areas.
Vietnam among world’s top-growing tourism markets: UN Tourism
With double-digit tourism growth, Vietnam was ranked by UN Tourism among the world’s top-growing tourism markets.
In 2025, the Southeast Asian country welcomed nearly 21.2 million international arrivals, a year-on-year increase of 20.4 percent and 19 percent higher than in 2019, the period before the COVID-19 pandemic.
This result far exceeded the global average tourism growth rate of 4 percent and was significantly higher than the overall growth of the Asia–Pacific region (6 percent). Vietnam's strong tourism recovery has been driven by multiple factors, notably increasingly open visa policies, the expansion of international flight routes, and innovations in tourism promotion and marketing.
In addition, the country's tourism sector has actively diversified its products and services, accelerated the application of technology to support travelers, and promoted tourism development in a green and sustainable direction. These efforts have contributed to enhancing Vietnam's competitiveness and appeal as a destination on the international tourism map.
With the current growth momentum, UN Tourism forecasted that the nation will maintain its role as one of the most dynamic growth destinations in the region and worldwide this year, reported VGP.
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| Photo: VGP |
Vietnam targets to lure 25 million foreign visitors in 2026, the National Authority of Tourism (VNAT) said.
Earlier, the nation made a stunning impact at the 2025 World Travel Awards (WTA) - often referred to as the "Oscars of the travel industry" - by securing 16 top-tier global honors.
Among the highlights, Vietnam was named World's Leading Heritage Destination for the sixth time. Individual locations also earned accolades: the Dong Van Karst Plateau as World's Leading Local Cultural Destination 2025; Moc Chau won World's Leading Local Nature Destination for the third time; Tam Dao claimed World's Leading Town Destination for the fourth time; and Phu Quoc retained its title as World's Leading Nature Island Destination for the fourth year running.
Phu Quoc also swept several other global awards, including World's Leading Iconic Tourism Bridge for the Kiss Bridge, World's Leading Beach 2025 for Bai Kem, and World's Leading Iconic Scenic Spot for Sunset Town.
In the hospitality and resort sector, Vietnam earned multiple prestigious distinctions such as World's Leading Green Resort 2025 and World's Leading Luxury Wedding Resort 2025.
At the WTA Asia-Pacific Awards in October last year, Vietnam was named Asia's Leading Destination for the seventh time and Asia's Leading Heritage Destination for the third time.
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