In Lang Son, a ceremony was held at the Huu Nghi international border gate to cheer the first foreign guests of the year. The event was organized by the provincial Centre for Investment, Trade and Tourism Promotion to tell tourists that Lang Son with its friendly and hospitable people will be a major attraction in 2026.

In Hue, the municipal people's committee welcomed 2,680 tourists from China and Hong Kong (China) and 920 crew members aboard the Bahamas-flagged Adora Mediterranea by Adora Cruises, at Chan May Port. Upon arrivals, tourists were offered gift bags, bouquets, and treated to a lion dance performance. 

The event signals a strong year for Hue's sea tourism, as Director of Hue Information Center for Tourism Promotion, Truong Thanh Minh, said. "The number of tourists arrived in Hue on cruise ships is on a steady climb. A lot of cruise liners want to visit Hue, which is a good sign for the tourism sector. Chan May Port is one of the few deep-water ports that can handle ships with 5,000-7,000 passengers on board. We are expecting more than 70 cruise ships to Hue in 2026. We plan to seek partners to held develop this segment of high-spending tourists."

Also on Thursday, Da Nang city greeted the first group of tourists to the Ancient Town of Hoi An in 2026. The trip of 29 Filipino tourists was organized by Visit Indochina Co. Ltd., one of the top 10 International Inbound Tour Operators in Vietnam.