Vietnam to host World Culture Festival 2026 and expand heritage tourism

Vietnam is preparing for significant cultural initiatives in 2026 aimed at boosting tourism and international exchange. The World Culture Festival is scheduled to take place in Hanoi from October 1 to 4, 2026. Centered at the Thang Long Imperial Citadel, Hoan Kiem Lake walking street, and the Vietnam National Village for Ethnic Culture and Tourism, the event will feature a global village with international booths, a world music festival, and a multi-continental food festival.

In Nghệ An province, the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism has launched a plan to preserve traditional festivals to serve tourism development. This includes a focus on the Xỏ Nặm Phạ (Rain Praying) festival of the Thái ethnic group in Châu Lộc commune. Training sessions for local artisans and 80 Thái ethnic community members will be held in September 2026 to develop skills in preserving heritage and transforming traditional festivals into sustainable tourism products.