What are the 6 official tourism regions of Vietnam featured on VietnamJoy?

According to Decision No. 509/QĐ-TTg, Vietnam's tourism territory is organized into 6 official regions: Red River Delta (Hanoi, Hai Phong, Quang Ninh, Ninh Binh), Northern Mountains (Sa Pa, Ha Giang, Cao Bang), Central Coast (Da Nang, Hoi An, Hue, Nha Trang), Central Highlands (Da Lat, Buon Ma Thuot), Southeast (Ho Chi Minh City, Vung Tau, Dong Nai), and Mekong River Delta (Can Tho, Phu Quoc Island).

What cultural etiquette should travelers observe in Vietnam?

When visiting Buddhist pagodas, communal houses (đình), or sacred temples, dress respectfully with shoulders and knees covered. Remove footwear when entering temple sanctuaries and family homes. Greet locals politely with a slight head bow or handshake.

What is Joy AI and how does it craft custom Vietnam itineraries?

Joy AI is an intelligent travel assistant built into VietnamJoy. It generates day-by-day itineraries tailored to your trip duration, budget in Vietnamese Dong (VND ₫), transport preferences (North-South Railway, flights, private cars), and travel interests across all 34 administrative units.

Is VietnamJoy affiliated with the Vietnam National Authority of Tourism (VNAT)?

No. VietnamJoy is an independent digital travel guide and AI platform and is not officially affiliated with, sponsored by, or endorsed by the Vietnam National Authority of Tourism (VNAT) or the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism.

Can Gio Whale Worshiping Festival (Nghinh Ong Can Gio)

The Can Gio Whale Worshiping Festival (Lễ Hội Nghinh Ông Cần Giờ) is the premier folk celebration among coastal seafaring communities in Ho Chi Minh City, proudly inscribed as a National Intangible Cultural Heritage in 2013. Occurring annually during the Mid-Autumn lunar cycle (14th to 17th of the eighth lunar month) at the historic Lang Ong Thuy Tuong Shrine in Can Thanh Town, the festival provides a platform for fishing communities to offer thanksgiving to the sacred Whale deity (Lord Nam Hai)—venerated as the benevolent protector who miraculously saves shipwrecked fishermen and shields fleets from oceanic tempests. The most magnificent ritual takes place on the morning of the full moon with the Grand Maritime Sea Procession. A vibrant land procession escorted by dragon dancers, musicians, and elders carries the royal palanquin from the temple down to the pier. Here, a fleet of hundreds of decorated fishing trawlers adorned with ceremonial flags and lanterns forms a spectacular flotilla escorting the main dragon boat far out into open waters between Can Gio and Vung Tau. Amidst thunderous drums, gongs, and blasting ship horns, senior village elders perform ancient libations inviting the spirit of the Sea God to the village sanctuary to confer calm seas, abundant fish catches, and maritime safety. The sacred rites harmonize with ebullient folk festivities: exhilarating coastal dragon boat regattas, traditional martial arts exhibitions, net-knitting competitions among veteran fishermen, nocturnal open-air Southern folk opera (cải lương) performances, and seaside water sports. The Nghinh Ong Festival reinforces spiritual fortitude and ancestral pride for fishermen braving the open seas, serving as a beacon of maritime solidarity and cultural preservation.