Active promotion at global events and hosting forums like the Asia Cruise Services Network (ACSN) conference will help to strengthen Vietnam’s position on long-term itineraries of cruise lines through 2030.
Cruise tourists in Vietnam (Photo : Sai Gon Giai Phong)
HCM City (VNA) 𝔍- The 20th annual conference of the Asia Cruise Services Network (ACSN) took place on August 11 in Ho Chi Minh City.
The event brought together delegates from 13 countries and territories, including the Maldives, Singapore, Indonesia, the Philippines, Brunei, Malaysia, the Republic of Korea, Taiwan (China) , Thailand, Myanmar, China and Vietnam. This marked the second time the event had been hosted in Vietnam on a rotational basis.
Delegates at the meeting (Photo: Sai Gon Giai Phong)
Organised by Saigontourist Travel Service, the sole Vietnamese representative, the conference focused on enhancing cooperation, sharing updates on cruise tourism trends, and promoting destinations. Delegates also joined sightseeing tours of HCM City as part of the programme.
Nguyen Thanh Luu, General Director of Saigontourist Travel Service, noted that Vietnam’s cruise and river tourism sectors are experiencing strong recovery. Active promotion at global events and hosting forums like the ACSN conference will help to strengthen Vietnam’s position on long-term itineraries of cruise lines through 2030. Alongside catering to international tourists, the company also serves as a shipping agent for major cruise operators visiting Vietnam.
Cruise tourists flock to Vietnam (Photo: Sai Gon Giai Phong)
Between August 2025 and April 2026, Saigontourist expects to welcome 151 international river cruises carrying over 6,000 passengers from Europe, the US, Australia and other markets.
These 4–9 day journeys will depart from Ho Chi Minh City, traveling along the Mekong River through My Tho, Cai Be, Vinh Long, Sa Dec and Chau Doc, offering travelers a rich cultural immersion in the Mekong Delta./.
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.
During their one-day stay, 1,700 tourists from Japan will be divided into groups for excursions to Ha Long Bay, the city itself, and possibly nearby Hai Phong or rural villages.
For the whole year 2025, Da Nang aims to welcome 11.9 million visitors, including 4.8 million foreigners, representing year-on-year rises of 10% and 17%, respectively.
In the first seven months of 2025, Quang Ninh welcomed over 14.6 million tourists, including more than 2.6 million international visitors. Ha Long Bay alone drew about 20% of these visitors, making safety on the bay an unwavering priority for provincial authorities and relevant agencies.
In recent years, both former Da Nang city and Quang Nam province ranked among Vietnam’s top tourist destinations thanks to distinctive tourism products. Since their administrative mergence into new Da Nang city on July 1, fresh socio-economic development space has opened, with sustainable integration particularly in tourism – one of the areas with the greatest potential.
Bai Dinh Pagoda is the only in the list to be granted the green-tick status, indicating the site's remarkable credibility among international visitors.
Citizens from 12 countries will be granted visa-free entry for stays of up to 45 days in Vietnam for tourism purposes, regardless of their passport types.
A recent report, City Pulse 2025, by Gensler Research Institute, ranked HCM City among the world’s top cities for resident retention, placing it second globally. This underscores the city's reputation as a liveable, dynamic urban centre, an image that supports efforts to attract investors, experts, and MICE travellers.
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.
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.
