Vietnam International Travel Expo 2026: Practical Guide for First-Time Attendees

Saigon Exhibition & Convention Center (SECC), located at 799 Nguyen Van Linh Parkway in District 7, is the official venue for the Vietnam International Travel Expo 2026: What to See and Do. The SECC sits about 8 km south of central District 1, making it accessible but requiring some planning, especially during the expo’s busiest hours. Public transport options include bus routes 68 and 102, both stopping directly outside the SECC and connecting with major city hubs. Fares are typically 7,000–10,000 VND per ride, and buses run every 15–20 minutes during the day. Alternatively, Grab rides or metered taxis are widely available, with fares from District 1 averaging 120,000–180,000 VND each way; traffic can add 20–40 minutes to your journey during peak expo hours.

On arrival, expect security checks and registration desks at the main entrance. International visitors must show a valid passport to enter, and industry professionals should bring business cards or proof of affiliation for complimentary access. While visa-on-arrival is available for most nationalities at Tan Son Nhat International Airport, arranging an e-visa in advance is recommended for smoother entry and faster processing. The expo opens daily from 9:00am to 6:00pm, but crowd levels peak between 11am and 3pm. To avoid long lines and congestion, plan to arrive early or later in the afternoon.

The Vietnam International Travel Expo 2026: What to See and Do features clear signage in English and Vietnamese, and translation services are available at info desks. Once inside, visitors can access the consumer zones, cultural showcases, and booking counters. For those seeking networking or industry events, follow directions to the B2B matchmaking area. With high demand for nearby hotels in District 7 and Phu My Hung, booking accommodation well in advance is advised. The SECC’s layout and facilities are designed for large crowds, but patience is useful during peak times, especially at entry and registration points.

Online pre-registration for the Vietnam International Travel Expo 2026 is available through the official ITE website and is strongly advised for international visitors. Pre-registering not only secures discounted rates—typically 120,000 VND per day compared to the standard 150,000 VND at the door—but also grants fast-track entry, allowing you to bypass the main ticket queues. Registration opens in early June, and confirmation emails include a QR code for seamless check-in at the Saigon Exhibition & Convention Center (SECC).

For those preferring to purchase tickets on-site, public admission is priced at 150,000 VND per day. Payment is accepted in cash or by card, but lines can be lengthy during peak hours (11am–3pm), so arriving early is recommended. Industry professionals—such as travel agents, tour operators, and journalists—can enter free of charge, provided they show a passport and proof of affiliation, such as a business card or company letter. All international visitors must present their passport at entry; Vietnamese nationals may use a national ID card.

Public tickets grant access to consumer exhibition zones, live cultural performances, and exclusive travel deals on tours, flights, and hotel packages. Industry passes include entry to B2B networking areas and workshops. For booking expo deals, bring a valid photo ID, as some vendors require identification for on-the-spot reservations. The expo’s entry rules are updated regularly, so check the official site for any last-minute changes before your visit.

Visitors to the Vietnam International Travel Expo 2026: What to See and Do will find more than 350 exhibitor booths filling the Saigon Exhibition & Convention Center from September 10 to 12. Tourism boards from across Vietnam and Southeast Asia, major airlines, hotel brands, and a growing cohort of travel tech startups set up interactive displays and offer first-hand advice on new destinations, flight routes, and travel tools. Many booths feature giveaways, live demos, and one-on-one consultations, making it easy to gather brochures and inspiration for future trips.

The expo’s workshop program is a draw for both professionals and curious travelers. Each day, English-language panels cover topics like sustainable tourism, digital marketing for travel businesses, and adventure travel trends in Vietnam and the wider region. Schedules are posted on the official ITE website a week in advance, and seating is first-come, first-served. These sessions are especially useful for travel agents, bloggers, and anyone interested in the business side of tourism, but are open to all attendees with a valid ticket.

Cultural experiences are woven throughout the event. Stages host live music and regional dance performances, while culinary zones feature chefs preparing specialties from the Mekong Delta, Central Highlands, and northern provinces. Cooking demonstrations often include tastings, and performances are scheduled throughout the day—check the program at the entrance or info desk for times.

For those looking to book their next trip, the Vietnam International Travel Expo 2026: What to See and Do is a prime spot for exclusive deals. Airlines and tour operators offer expo-only discounts on flights, package tours, and hotel stays. Bring your passport or ID for on-the-spot bookings, as many deals require immediate confirmation and payment. These offers are popular, especially in the afternoons, so plan to visit early for the best selection.

For visitors attending the Vietnam International Travel Expo 2026: What to See and Do, staying close to the Saigon Exhibition & Convention Center (SECC) in District 7 is a practical choice. District 7’s Phu My Hung area is known for its modern hotels and walkable streets, but rooms fill quickly during major events. Booking at least two months in advance is recommended, especially for the expo dates, September 10–12, 2026.

Popular hotels within a 10-minute walk of SECC include Capri by Fraser, which offers apartment-style rooms and a buffet breakfast from 6:00am (from 2,200,000 VND/night), and MerPerle Crystal Palace, known for its comfortable rooms and on-site dining (from 1,800,000 VND/night). For budget travelers, Ibis Saigon South provides compact, modern rooms and quick check-in (from 1,200,000 VND/night). All three hotels offer reliable Wi-Fi, airport transfer services, and easy access to the expo halls.

Inside the Vietnam International Travel Expo 2026: What to See and Do, regional food stalls serve specialties from across Vietnam—expect to find dishes like bun cha, banh xeo, and fresh spring rolls at prices between 60,000–120,000 VND per plate. For meals outside the expo, District 7’s international dining scene includes Pizza 4P’s for wood-fired pizzas and homemade cheese (open 10:00am–10:00pm), Pho 24 for quick, consistent bowls of pho, and a lively mix of street food vendors along Nguyen Duc Canh and Tan Phu streets, where you can sample banh mi or grilled skewers for under 50,000 VND. These options make it easy to combine convenience with a taste of local flavor during your expo visit.

Vietnam International Travel Expo 2026: What to See and Do draws thousands of visitors each year, and a little preparation can make your experience much smoother. The official event schedule, including workshop times and panel topics, is released on the ITE website about a week before the expo. Checking this ahead of your visit lets you prioritize sessions on sustainable tourism, digital marketing, or adventure travel—many of which are conducted in English or Vietnamese. For those less comfortable with these languages, translation services are stationed at info desks throughout the Saigon Exhibition & Convention Center (SECC), and staff can help you connect to interpreters for key sessions.

Evening networking mixers, typically held in the main lobby or nearby hotel venues, provide informal opportunities to meet travel bloggers, industry insiders, and other attendees. These gatherings are open to both professionals and the public, though bringing business cards or a LinkedIn QR code helps facilitate introductions. Most mixers start around 6:30pm, after the expo floor closes, and details are posted on the official schedule and at the info desks each morning.

As of August 2026, there are no COVID-19 restrictions in place for the Vietnam International Travel Expo 2026, but it’s wise to check the event website or government health updates a few days before arrival in case of last-minute changes. Carrying a mask and hand sanitizer is still common practice in crowded venues, especially during peak hours from 11am to 3pm. With these insider tips, you’ll navigate the expo with confidence and make the most of your time in Ho Chi Minh City.