Ho Chi Minh City welcomes first international visitors in 2026
On the morning of January 1, 2026, at Tan Son Nhat Airport, Ho Chi Minh City, a ceremony was held to welcome the first international visitors of the new year, marking the beginning of a year full of expectations for breakthroughs in the city's tourism sector.
Latest
 |
| Leaders of Ho Chi Minh City present gifts to the first visitors of the year at Tan Son Nhat International Airport. |
The welcoming ceremony took place at baggage carousels 4 and 5, attended by leaders from the Ho Chi Minh City People's Committee, the city's Department of Tourism, the Ho Chi Minh City Tourism Association, along with representatives from airlines, customs, and both domestic and international carriers.
 |
| Ms Lydia, a tourist from the Netherlands, was among the first visitors to arrive in Ho Chi Minh City on January 1, 2026. |
Upon arrival at the airport, visitors were greeted in a vibrant spring atmosphere featuring a mini Ben Thanh Market, yellow apricot blossoms, chrysanthemums, and the "I Love Vibrant HCMC" sign.
 |
| Ho Chi Minh City welcomes the first international visitors of 2026. |
Various activities showcasing Vietnamese culture, such as tea tasting, Tet sweets, calligraphy, toy figurine making, and photos with mascots Bé Sao and Bé Nón, created a friendly and welcoming atmosphere.
The first international flight landed in Ho Chi Minh City at 6:35 AM, Vietnam Airlines' flight VN30 departing from Germany. On this flight, Mr. and Ms. Theo Lydia, tourists from the Netherlands, were the lucky passengers to receive flowers, souvenirs, and New Year's wishes from the city's leaders and the Department of Tourism.
 |
| Leaders of Ho Chi Minh City present gifts to the first visitors of the year at Tan Son Nhat International Airport. |
Ms. Lydia expressed her surprise and delight at the warm welcome she received at the airport. “This is the first time we've been greeted with traditional cultural activities right upon landing. The atmosphere is very warm,” she shared.
 |
| The ceremony welcoming tourists to Ho Chi Minh City at the start of 2026 is not only a celebration of the first visitors but also marks the beginning of a promising and successful year for Vietnam's tourism. |
Speaking at the event, Mr. Pham Huy Binh, Director of the Ho Chi Minh City Department of Tourism, stated that the New Year welcoming ceremony is not only a celebration of the first visitors but also reflects the city's determination to refresh its image, enhance service quality, and improve the tourism experience in 2026.
 |
| The vibrant New Year atmosphere at the international arrivals terminal of Tan Son Nhat International Airport. |
As part of the program, the Ho Chi Minh City Department of Tourism also set up tourism information booths, introduced city tours, a "culinary passport", and promotional programs from airlines and partner businesses to boost tourism promotion right at the airport gateway.
The ceremony welcoming the first international visitors of the year is seen as a positive signal, setting the stage for Ho Chi Minh City's tourism to enter 2026 with high growth expectations.
| RELATED NEWS | |
 | Hanoi City: Traffic Diversion for New Year Countdown 2026 Event |
| Ho Chi Minh City's tourism industry: From 2025 breakthrough to 2026 growth target |
