15 hours ago
3
To help meet the growing demand, Vietnam's government has embarked on an ambitious project to revolutionise its travel infrastructure.
Long Thanh International Airport will one day handle 100 million passengers (Image: Airports Corporation of Vietnam)
Vietnam is increasingly attracting holidaymakers from all around the world, eager to experience its unique charms. Last year saw a huge surge in visitor numbers, with 21.2 million tourists descending on the country - an increase of 20.4% on 2024.
The country has much to offer, from stunning beaches and mountain landscapes to vibrant city life and historical landmarks. To help meet the growing demand, Vietnam's government has embarked on an ambitious project to revolutionise its travel infrastructure. One construction nearing its completion is Long Thanh International Airport, which is set to become a major global travel hub and a game-changer for the country's tourism industry.
The city retains much of its old-world charm (Image: Google Maps)
The latest news from around the world Invalid email
We use your sign-up to provide content in ways you've consented to and to improve our understanding of you. This may include adverts from us and 3rd parties based on our understanding. You can unsubscribe at any time. Read our Privacy Policy
Some 15,000 workers are racing to complete the first phase of the airport, serving Ho Chi Minh City. The airport’s development, set across multiple phases, aims to ease the pressure on the overcrowded Tan Son Nhat International Airport.
When it becomes fully operational later this year, the airport will initially consist of one runway and one passenger terminal.
The terminal will be able to handle 25 million passengers per year and will feature modern amenities such as baggage handling and screening systems, escalators, and elevators.
However, the long-term development of the airport envisions a total annual capacity of 100 million passengers by 2050, when phase three should be completed. The total cost of this enormous undertaking is estimated to come to an eye-watering $18.7 billion (£14bn).
Long Thanh Airport is expected to become a major entry point for tourists, further promoting Vietnam as a top destination in Southeast Asia.
A high-speed rail link connecting the airport to Ho Chi Minh City - some 40 kilometres away - will also be built in due course. The rail route will be designed for trains running at a speed of up to 120 km/h and will include 20 stations.
The city is 'a vibrant cultural hub with some of the best nightlife' (Image: Google Maps)
Ho Chi Minh City has become a popular destination for tourists and lives up to its moniker "Pearl of the Orient".
The lifestyle magazine Condé Nast Traveler included Ho Chi Minh City in its list of the 25 best places to visit in 2025.
The city - which attracted over 4.6 million tourists in the first 10 months of 2025 - retains much of its old-world charm, from bustling markets to rustic street vendors hawking hu tieu noodle soup and banh mi sandwiches
The website worldbestcities described it as "a vibrant cultural hub with some of the best nightlife, shopping and online kudos in our entire ranking."
English (US) · 