As 2025 draws to a close, Vietnam’s coastal jewel Quang Ninh is preparing for a vibrant finale, or a season of culture, sport, and global connection unlike any other. With the goal of welcoming 20 million visitors, including 4.5 million international travelers, the province is ready to shine once again as a premier destination where heritage meets modern vitality.
This autumn and winter, Quang Ninh will come alive with a series of international events celebrating creativity and movement. The International Circus and Puppetry Festival will bring together world-class performers in a spectacle of artistry and imagination, while the Ha Long Bay Heritage International Marathon invites runners to race along one of the most breathtaking coastal routes on Earth.
Spiritual travelers will gather for the Yen Tu Heritage Marathon 2025, tracing the mountain paths once walked by Zen masters centuries ago. Meanwhile, food lovers can explore the Quang Ninh Culinary Festival and the Northeast Region OCOP Fair 2025, where regional specialties and traditional crafts showcase the province’s rich cultural mosaic.
Adding to the excitement, the National Tourism Business Forum, held for the first time in Quang Ninh this November, will welcome hundreds of leading travel agencies from across Vietnam and abroad, strengthening partnerships and sharing visions for the future of sustainable tourism.
“Hosting this forum allows Quang Ninh to showcase its destinations to top international tour operators,” said Nguyen The Hue, Chairman of the Quang Ninh Tourism Association. “It’s a golden opportunity to connect, collaborate, and bring more travelers to experience the beauty of this land.”
Quang Ninh has recently transformed into one of Vietnam’s most dynamic cultural and tourism hubs. The province has hosted more than 100 major events since January from the dazzling Ha Long Carnival and the Skywave Music Festival, to the Miss Sea Vietnam Global Pageant, Ha Long Bay Marathon, and the International Yoga Day celebration.
These events are more than entertainment – they are a statement of identity. Together, they reaffirm Quang Ninh’s place as the festival capital of Northern Vietnam, where community spirit and global travelers converge against the backdrop of emerald bays and limestone mountains.
By the end of September 2025, Quang Ninh had welcomed 17.11 million visitors, a 9% increase from the previous year, including 3.25 million international guests, up an impressive 25%. Tourism revenue reached VND 4,250 billion, putting the province well on track to meet its ambitious annual targets.
According to Nguyen Lam Nguyen, Deputy Director of the Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism, the upcoming events will help the province surpass its goals of 20 million total visitors and VND 55,000 billion in tourism revenue.
“Each event is a new reason for travelers to visit Quang Ninh,” Nguyen said. “We are not only offering promotions and unique local experiences, but also upgrading our infrastructure including a new lighting system that will transform Quang Ninh’s nights into a vibrant, unforgettable scene.”
From the timeless beauty of Ha Long Bay, to the spiritual calm of Yen Tu Mountain and the modern energy of Ha Long city, Quang Ninh is a rare place where ancient culture and modern ambition intertwine. As the year comes to an end, the province is once again ready to prove why it remains a must-visit destination for travelers seeking both inspiration and adventure along Vietnam’s northern coast
By Phuong Loan
