Xin chào friends and partners!
As we start to enter the warmer months, the mountains turn verdant green and the sea is calm and welcoming just in time for our national holiday week, at the end of the month.
As 2026 rolls along, we bring you April highlights featuring notable experiences, our Travel for Good (TFG) initiatives and key destination updates.
Highlights:
Travel for Good Highlighted Experiences:
Rural Life Hanoi by Bike & The Life of HCMC, both low-carbon experiences.
Hotels: A new property from Fusion Collection debuts in the Central city of Hue.
Important Destination Updates: Upcoming public holidays April 27, April 30, and May 1
Mandatory Digital Pre-Arrival Declaration is now in effect for all arrivals at Tan Son Nhat International Airport (SGN).
Additionally, Vietnam Airlines is enhancing connectivity this summer with new direct routes launching from Hanoi to Amsterdam and Saigon to Phuket.
Plus news of a new high-end tented camp and wellness retreat in Phong Nha.
Sustainability News: On Con Ho Island, the EXO Foundation donation helped support a durable new road to ensure year-round village access, while in other social initiatives, EXO Vietnam donated 135 refillable bottles to hospital patients and hosted a sustainable terrarium workshop for staff to celebrate International Women’s Day.
As usual, reach out for any questions.
Maeve & The EXO Vietnam Team
Get Inspired - Featured
Travel for Good (TFG) Experiences
Harnessing travel as a force for good, our Travel for Good (TFG) collection guides partners toward responsible experiences that benefit both people and the planet.
In celebration of Earth Day this April, we are proud to highlight these eco-conscious journeys in Vietnam—curated to prioritise conservation and support local heritage while minimising our footprint on the country’s breathtaking landscapes.
The Life of Saigon
Travel for Good Classification -
Low Carbon
This experience scratches beneath the surface of Ho Chi Minh City with an insightful walking tour that reveals the vibrancy of Vietnam’s commercial capital. Alongside a local guide, take to the streets and explore atmospheric markets, narrow alleys teeming with life and hidden gems off the tourist trail.
Why we like it:
- A guided walking tour through the friendly backstreets of Saigon.
- Explore neighbourhoods for a taste of local culture off the tourist trail.
- See a vibrant and clean wet market, one of the few left in the centre of the city.
Best suited for: Curious, culture-focused travellers who enjoy going beyond typical tourist spots and seeing how locals actually live. The experience also appeals to travellers who prefer eco-friendly and more authentic travel styles.
Rural Life of Hanoi by Bike
Travel for Good Classification -
Low Carbon
A biking tour that explores Hanoi’s bucolic surrounding area with pottery villages on the banks of the Red River and views over rice paddies (seasonal). This half day experience is a great way to explore rural Vietnam and is perfect for active or curious types!
Why we like it:
- A bike ride through the villages and rural areas around Hanoi.
- A taste of local life with a visit to a family home.
- The chance to discover daily life for locals in this delta region.
Best suited for: Those with an appetite for cultural immersion and light physical activity.
Featured Vietnam Property
A new property from Fusion Collection debuts in the Central city of Hue.
Grand Royal Riverside Hue - Fusion Collection
Hue
Description – The new Grand Royal Riverside Hue – Fusion Collection is a modern, well-designed 4-start hotel set along the scenic Perfume River. Its central location offers easy access to Hue’s centre with the Citadel and other highlights a short distance away.
Why EXO likes it – The hotel features 161 well-appointed rooms, each with a private balcony offering views of the street or the Perfume River. Facilities such as the outdoor swimming pool, fitness center and on-site restaurant provide a comfortable and convenient experience, complemented by high-quality furniture and modern amenities in every room.
Ideal clients type – FIT / GIT
Destination News
Reminder of Upcoming Public Holidays April+May:
Monday, 27 April: Hung King’s Commemoration Day
Thursday, 30 April: Reunification Day
- Friday, 01 May: International Labor Day
Pre-Arrival Information Declaration at Tan Son Nhat International Airport – Ho Chi Minh City:
Effective immediately, all non-Vietnamese passport holders must complete a Digital Pre-Arrival Declaration before arriving in Vietnam’s Southern Gateway SGN. Refer to the official gov website: https://prearrival.immigration.gov.vn/
This requirement currently applies only to arrivals at Tan Son Nhat International Airport (SGN) in Ho Chi Minh City. Passengers should complete the form online within three days of arrival to avoid possible queues. Upon successful completion, a QR code will be issued, which should be saved (via screenshot or print) and presented to immigration officers on arrival.
Coming Soon to Phong Nha:
We’re incredibly excited about the August opening of Auko Eco-Wellness Lodge, a new high-end tented camp and wellness retreat in the stunning Phong Nha cave region managed by Lumina Group of Namia Hoi An fame. The Lodge offers an all-inclusive approach with daily wellness and ‘forest-to-table dining’. This area is famed for the ‘World’s Largest Cave’. Note – the property is still under construction, but we will be sharing more updates as the project progresses.
Vietnam Airlines (VNA) New Routes:
VNA are expanding their network this summer with two new direct routes.
- Hanoi (HAN) ⇋ Amsterdam (AMS): Launching June 23, 2026, this marks the first direct link between Vietnam and the Netherlands. Operating three times weekly on Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday.
- Saigon (SGN) ⇋ Phuket (HKT): From July 2, 2026, a new service (except Wed/Fri).
Tam Coc Garden Resort + Nham Village Resort:
Please be informed of the temporary closure schedules for the following Ninh Binh properties for annual maintenance:
- Tam Coc Garden Resort – Tam Coc Garden Resort will be temporarily closed from 02 June to 14 June 2026.
- Nham Village Resort – Nham Village Resort will be temporarily closed from 16 June to 22 June 2026.
Avana Retreat, Mai Châu:
Effective April, kayaking on Hòa Bình Lake is temporarily suspended. This update does not affect our experiences or scheduled tour programs. Guests may continue to enjoy all other resort activities, including trekking, cycling, seasonal farming, cooking classes and wellness sessions such as herbal baths and yoga.
Sustainability News
EXO Foundation Support: New Path Completed on Con Ho Island, Mekong Delta
Following a deterioration of the original coconut-fiber path on the island, the EXO Foundation increased its total funding to rebuild a durable, permanent road for the Con Ho community. This new infrastructure ensures year-round access, mitigates landslide risks and enhances the village’s beauty with fresh greenery. We are thrilled to see this project completed and look forward to sharing this authentic slice of Mekong life with our guests.
Read more on the tour that visits the community here.
Refillable Bottles Donated to Patients by EXO Vietnam
135 refillable bottles were donated to patients with terminal illnesses at multiple Vietnamese hospitals. This initiative was organized by Keep Vietnam Clean and the ‘Free Porridge Kitchen’ Charity Group at Kim Cổ Pagoda.
Celebrating International Women’s Day with a Sustainable Touch: Terrarium Workshop at EXO Vietnam
Last month, in honor of International Women’s Day, we organized a terrarium workshop for our colleagues in the office, seamlessly blending creativity with sustainability. By engaging in this hands-on activity, our team gained valuable insights into sustainable living practices, reinforcing our commitment to environmental responsibility. This event serves as a reminder of our dedication to promoting eco-friendly choices in both our professional and personal lives.
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