Vietnam Opens National Exhibition and Convention Center

On August 19, 2025, Vietnam officially inaugurated the National Exhibition and Convention Center (NECC) in Hanoi. The opening ceremony was part of the celebrations for the 80th anniversary of Vietnam’s Independence Day (September 2, 1945 – 2025). The event was attended by Party General Secretary To Lam, Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh, and many senior leaders, marking the importance of this national project.
 

A Record-Breaking Project

Construction of the NECC started in August 2024 and was completed in just 10 months. This is considered a record in Vietnam’s construction sector. The center was finished 15 months earlier than planned, showing the determination and efficiency of both the government and the main investor, Vingroup.

Largest in Southeast Asia

With a total area of more than 900,000 square meters, the NECC is the largest exhibition center in Southeast Asia and one of the top 10 in the world. It offers over 304,000 m² of indoor exhibition halls and 200,000 m² of outdoor space, making it suitable for large-scale exhibitions, trade fairs, and international conferences.
 

Iconic Architecture

The highlight of the complex is the Kim Quy (Golden Turtle) Dome, inspired by the legend of Co Loa. The dome is 56 meters high and 360 meters in diameter, weighing more than 24,000 tons. This is the largest steel dome in the world, designed and produced entirely in Vietnam. It symbolizes innovation, strength, and national pride.

A Multifunctional Venue

The NECC was designed to serve different types of events:

• Nine indoor exhibition halls with flexible layouts.
  
   
• The VinPalace International Convention Center with 12 banquet and conference halls, capable of hosting events for hundreds up to over 5,000 guests.
  
   
• Four outdoor plazas that can welcome up to 50,000 people, ideal for concerts, festivals, and national ceremonies.
  
   
• Supporting services include landscaped parks, lakes, food courts, and parking areas for over 10,000 vehicles.
   

Strategic Location

The center is located in Dong Anh District, Hanoi. It is only 15 minutes from Noi Bai International Airport and easily connected to the city center through major highways and bridges. This convenient location makes it attractive for both domestic and international visitors.
 

Boost for MICE Tourism

The NECC is expected to become a new driving force for Vietnam’s MICE tourism (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, Exhibitions). It will host international trade fairs, business summits, and cultural events, creating strong links between tourism, trade, and investment.

The first major exhibition, “80 Years of Independence – Freedom – Happiness”, will take place from August 28 to September 5, 2025. The program includes interactive technologies such as AR/VR, 3D models, and historical documentaries, providing visitors with an engaging cultural experience.
 

Opportunities for Travel Companies

For DMCs and travel operators in Vietnam, the opening of the NECC brings great opportunities:

• Designing incentive tours that combine participation in exhibitions with cultural trips around Hanoi.
  
   
• Offering conference packages with world-class facilities and professional services.
  
   
• Organizing event tourism linked to concerts, festivals, and national celebrations.

The NECC strengthens Hanoi’s position as a global destination for large-scale events, bringing more international visitors and creating new experiences for business and leisure travelers.
 

A National Symbol for the Future

The inauguration of the National Exhibition and Convention Center is more than just the opening of a building. It is a symbol of Vietnam’s ambition to integrate deeply into the global economy and to become a leading destination for international exhibitions and events.

With its modern facilities, strategic location, and iconic design, the NECC is set to transform Vietnam into a regional hub for MICE tourism. For travel companies, this is the perfect time to introduce innovative products and services that meet the growing demand from business travelers and event organizers worldwide.