Hanoi (VNS/VNA) - Some of Hanoi’s major tourism sites will becomesmoke-free this month as part of a new initiative.
The ban will also include a number of hotels and restaurants who will facefines if they don’t clearly display no smoking signs.
The destinations, including famous landmarks such as Ngoc Son Temple, Ba KieuTemple, Vietnam National Museum of History, Vietnam Museum of Revolution, QuanSu Pagoda, Ba Da Pagoda, Hanoi Opera House, St Joseph's Cathedral and NationalLibrary of Vietnam.
PhamThi Thanh Nhan, head of Hoan Kiem district’s Health Office, addressed aworkshop held by the People’s Committee on October 1 called “Deploying asmoke-free tourism model in Hoan Kiem district”.
She said the ban would run until the end of the year with no-smoking signsalready installed at many locations.
Anyone caught smoking in prohibited areas will be fined between 100,000 –300,000 VND (4.3-13 USD). Restaurants not displaying signs will be finedbetween 3-5 million VND (129-216 USD).
Luong Ngoc Khue, head of Medical Examination and Treatment ManagementDepartment under the Ministry of Health said he welcomed the move.
In Vietnam, it was also previously applied in cities of Hoi An, Nha Trang, VungTau and Hue.
Khue added applying thesmoke-free model in tourist destinations was a part of the implementation ofthe Law on Prevention and Control of Tobacco Harms. The greater significance ofthe move was applying a humanitarian policy and for public health.
Tobacco use is a major cause of lung diseases, typically lung cancer andchronic obstructive pulmonary disease. In Vietnam, the ratio of lung cancerpatients who smoke is 96.8 percent. Secondhand smoke also causes lung diseasesin children./.
Known as one of the icons of Hanoi, Tran Quoc Pagoda attracts crowds of Buddhists followers and domestic and international tourists throughout the year.
A new Hanoi exploration tour called "Bonbon Hanoi" or “Bonbon City Tour” gives visitors a real taste of the history and culture of Hanoi, Radio the Voice of Vietnam reported.
Secretary of the Party Committee of Hanoi Hoang Trung Hai has asked the city’s tourism sector to invest further in the development of tourism products and infrastructure in order to promote the city’s image and attract more tourists.
Deputy Prime Minister Mai Van Chinh has instructed the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism (MoCST) to coordinate with other ministries, agencies and localities to effectively implement policies and directives from the Party, Government, and Prime Minister on tourism development.
Da Nang's appeal stems from its numerous outstanding tourist attractions, particularly My Khe Beach, Sun World Ba Na Hills resort, and the ancient town of Hoi An. Additionally, Da Nang tourism is renowned for its affordability, especially attractive to young travellers and couples, according to Chosun Ilbo.
With new direct flights from major Indian cities like Hyderabad and Bengaluru, Vietnam is becoming an increasingly compelling destination for Indian tourists seeking a quick, emotionally rich four-day escape that blends luxury, culture, and natural wonder.
By source market, China continued to lead with 3.1 million visitors, equivalent to 25.5% of all foreign arrivals. The Republic of Korea followed with 2.5 million, or 20.7%. Other major markets included Taiwan (China) with 737,000, the US with 522,000, and Japan with 380,000.
Khanh Hoa has welcomed 16 international cruises so far this year, with more than 19,000 tourists disembarking to explore the province’s scenic landscapes and renowned cultural, religious, and artistic landmarks, as well as to enjoy local cuisine and sightseeing tours.
According to local plans, fireworks shows will be held at multiple locations, with Ha Long Bay as the focal point. More than mere entertainment, these displays are part of a strategic cultural tourism product aimed at strengthening the region’s brand.
Chatbot and virtual assistants support itinerary consultation and tour bookings, and provide around-the-clock response across multiple platforms while AI advertising applications have been used to optimise budgets and target the right customers. AI has been also employed to analyse customer data, enabling the delivery of personalised tour recommendations.
Many Vietnamese regions possess favourable conditions, including natural landscapes, climate, and rich cultural identities, to host sport events that integrate with cultural and tourism experiences.
Dubbed the “land of ancient towers”, Khanh Hoa boasts a rich Cham legacy through architectural masterpieces like the Po Nagar, Hoa Lai, Po Klong Garai, and Po Rome towers.
Vietnam’s e-visa system is now seen as one of the most efficient, convenient, and transparent in the region. Fully online registration, no paperwork or interviews, and fast and flexible processing time have improved foreigners’ entry experience, creating a competitive advantage over countries clinging to complicated and costly visa procedures.
Sunset Town unfolded like a living fairytale. Every street and hidden corner recalls iconic European landmarks – from Venice’s San Marco Bell Tower and Paris’s Arc de Triomphe to Almafi-style squares and cobblestone paths reminiscent of southern Italy.
Its natural advantages have made Mui Ne a magnet for enthusiasts of kitesurfing, windsurfing, surfing, and stand-up paddle boarding (SUP). These activities not only diversify the local tourism offerings but also contribute to the area’s long-term development strategy focused on sustainability.
In July alone, the city welcomed 695,930 international arrivals, surging 75.3% year-on-year. For the seven-month period, international visitors totalled 4.5 million, up 48% year-on-year.
Welcoming the crew on the morning of July 30, Dang Dong Ha, Deputy Director of the provincial Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism, emphasised that the film offers a valuable opportunity to promote Quang Tri’s tourism potential, particularly to Indian visitors, but also to a broader global audience.
With a proactive and creative approach, Hanoi is positioning itself as one of Southeast Asia’s most compelling destinations where tradition meets innovation, and every visit offers a blend of the familiar and the new.
Fostering linkage among regional localities and restructuring the tourism sector towards professionalism are among measures to boost the “smokeless industry” of the Mekong Delta.
St Joseph's Cathedral in Hanoi (Photo: VNA) 
