"No safe boundary exists between smoking and non-smoking areas in enclosed spaces. Non-smokers remain at risk of inhaling secondhand smoke even outside designated smoking rooms", said Dinh Thi Thu Thuy, Deputy Director of the Legal Department, Ministry of Health, at a specialized workshop following the launch of World No Tobacco Day and National No Tobacco Week 2026 on 29/5.

A 2025 monitoring report by the University of Public Health found PM2.5 fine dust levels in designated smoking areas at eateries and entertainment venues reached 64,64 µg/m³, nearly 4 times higher than in completely smoke-free indoor locations (16,98 µg/m³).

A 2026 survey at airports, trains, and cruise ships revealed that designated smoking areas (DSAs) were largely ineffective at containing cigarette smoke. Due to shared ventilation systems and the constant opening and closing of doors, smoke continuously spread to adjacent areas.

PM2.5 levels in airport smoking rooms reached 262,59 µg/m³, more than 10 times the WHO recommended safe limit, according to Ms. Thuy. On trains, this figure was 121,76 µg/m³, and on cruise ships, it was 63,79 µg/m³.

Given this situation, health experts and WHO representatives recommend that Vietnam promptly revise current regulations to completely eliminate indoor smoking rooms in restaurants, hotels, airports, and public transportation, thereby protecting citizens' right to breathe clean air.

A "No Smoking" sign installed at Bo Da Pagoda. Photo: Phuong Hoang

At the launch ceremony, Bo Da Pagoda (Bac Ninh) – a famous ancient pagoda in the North, home to Vietnam's largest stupa garden and ancient Buddhist woodblocks, which welcomes tens of thousands of tourists and Buddhist pilgrims – was chosen as the pilot site for a smoke-free tourism model.

Under a plan extending until the end of 2026, the entire relic area will have no-smoking signs and propaganda banners installed. Management staff and local residents will receive training on creating a smoke-free environment. Volunteers will also remind visitors if they are found smoking within the pagoda grounds.

Nguyen Van Binh, Deputy Director of Bac Ninh Department of Health, stated that the province is expanding "smoke-free" models at relics, tourist attractions, and public places to build an image of a civilized and safe destination for visitors. For the 2026-2030 period, Bac Ninh aims to reduce the smoking rate among men to below 36%, while bringing the rate of secondhand smoke exposure on public transport and in schools to 0%.

Doan Thi Thu Huyen, Country Director of Campaign for Tobacco-Free Kids in Vietnam, said that experience shows smoke-free environments do not diminish the appeal of heritage sites but rather enhance the experience for locals and tourists. Developing Bo Da Pagoda as a smoke-free tourist destination is expected to help spread the message of healthy living and reduce the harm of secondhand smoke in the community.

This year, WHO launched a global campaign with the message "Expose the False Allure," urging countries to strengthen control over traditional and electronic cigarettes to protect young people from nicotine addiction.

Le Nga