Hanoi (VNA) – Chan May port in the central province of Thua Thien – Hueexpects to receive 49 cruise ships and 113,000 tourists in 2017.
Last year,the port welcomed 36 ships with 87,000 visitors on board, an increase of 8,500compared to 2015.
Chan May port is located between the two biggestcities in the central region – Hue and Da Nang. The port also lies on the mainsea route linking Singapore, the Philippines, Hong Kong (China) and Vietnam.
It is among 46 seaports inSoutheast Asia selected by the Asia Cruise Association as a stopover for cruiseships.
After a recent wharf upgrade,the port can now accommodate 30,000 DWT vessels and cruise ships carrying 3,000-4,000passengers each.
Accordingto Nguyen Van Chuong, vice director general of Chan May Port JSC, to facilitate travel in the port areaat night, a lighting system is being built on the route connecting the wharf with national highway 1A.
Cruise shiparrivals are likely to bring huge revenues to the local tourism sector, howeverservices for big-spending passengers remain limited.
Connected toursin the region and with neighbouring regions offer a potential solution to thisissue. Recently, tourism departments of Hanoi, Thua Thien – Hue, Da Nang andQuang Nam signed a pact to develop the sector through providing linked toursand facilitating travel companies.-VNA
Central Thua Thien-Hue province broke ground on Chan May Port’s wharf No. 3 on September 26, which is expected to be capable of handling ships with a loading capacity of up to 50,000 DWT.
Luxury liner Ovation of the Seas, carrying nearly 4,100 tourists and 1,600 crewmembers, anchored in Chan May port, the central province of Thua Thien-Hue on November 25
Nearly 87,000 foreign holiday-makers visited the central province of Thua Thien–Hue in 2016 or nearly 10 percent year-on-year through Chan May port by cruise ships.
Deputy Prime Minister Mai Van Chinh has instructed the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism (MoCST) to coordinate with other ministries, agencies and localities to effectively implement policies and directives from the Party, Government, and Prime Minister on tourism development.
Da Nang's appeal stems from its numerous outstanding tourist attractions, particularly My Khe Beach, Sun World Ba Na Hills resort, and the ancient town of Hoi An. Additionally, Da Nang tourism is renowned for its affordability, especially attractive to young travellers and couples, according to Chosun Ilbo.
With new direct flights from major Indian cities like Hyderabad and Bengaluru, Vietnam is becoming an increasingly compelling destination for Indian tourists seeking a quick, emotionally rich four-day escape that blends luxury, culture, and natural wonder.
By source market, China continued to lead with 3.1 million visitors, equivalent to 25.5% of all foreign arrivals. The Republic of Korea followed with 2.5 million, or 20.7%. Other major markets included Taiwan (China) with 737,000, the US with 522,000, and Japan with 380,000.
Khanh Hoa has welcomed 16 international cruises so far this year, with more than 19,000 tourists disembarking to explore the province’s scenic landscapes and renowned cultural, religious, and artistic landmarks, as well as to enjoy local cuisine and sightseeing tours.
According to local plans, fireworks shows will be held at multiple locations, with Ha Long Bay as the focal point. More than mere entertainment, these displays are part of a strategic cultural tourism product aimed at strengthening the region’s brand.
Chatbot and virtual assistants support itinerary consultation and tour bookings, and provide around-the-clock response across multiple platforms while AI advertising applications have been used to optimise budgets and target the right customers. AI has been also employed to analyse customer data, enabling the delivery of personalised tour recommendations.
Many Vietnamese regions possess favourable conditions, including natural landscapes, climate, and rich cultural identities, to host sport events that integrate with cultural and tourism experiences.
Dubbed the “land of ancient towers”, Khanh Hoa boasts a rich Cham legacy through architectural masterpieces like the Po Nagar, Hoa Lai, Po Klong Garai, and Po Rome towers.
Vietnam’s e-visa system is now seen as one of the most efficient, convenient, and transparent in the region. Fully online registration, no paperwork or interviews, and fast and flexible processing time have improved foreigners’ entry experience, creating a competitive advantage over countries clinging to complicated and costly visa procedures.
Sunset Town unfolded like a living fairytale. Every street and hidden corner recalls iconic European landmarks – from Venice’s San Marco Bell Tower and Paris’s Arc de Triomphe to Almafi-style squares and cobblestone paths reminiscent of southern Italy.
Its natural advantages have made Mui Ne a magnet for enthusiasts of kitesurfing, windsurfing, surfing, and stand-up paddle boarding (SUP). These activities not only diversify the local tourism offerings but also contribute to the area’s long-term development strategy focused on sustainability.
In July alone, the city welcomed 695,930 international arrivals, surging 75.3% year-on-year. For the seven-month period, international visitors totalled 4.5 million, up 48% year-on-year.
Welcoming the crew on the morning of July 30, Dang Dong Ha, Deputy Director of the provincial Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism, emphasised that the film offers a valuable opportunity to promote Quang Tri’s tourism potential, particularly to Indian visitors, but also to a broader global audience.
With a proactive and creative approach, Hanoi is positioning itself as one of Southeast Asia’s most compelling destinations where tradition meets innovation, and every visit offers a blend of the familiar and the new.
Fostering linkage among regional localities and restructuring the tourism sector towards professionalism are among measures to boost the “smokeless industry” of the Mekong Delta.
Tourists at Chan May port (Photo: VNA) 
