First 10 months of 2023: Foreign arrivals to Vietnam surge 4.2-fold
International visitors to Vietnam stood at nearly 10 million in the first 10 months of 2023, 4.2-fold higher than in the same period last year, but still just 69% of the figure in the first ten months of 2019, prior to the COVID-19 pandemic.
With over 1,800 relics, including one world cultural and natural heritage site, 78 national relics, and 3 special national relics, Ninh Binh province boasts thousands of years of historical tradition. The province’s spiritual attractions are also a valuable resource in developing local tourism.
The number of foreign arrivals in Phu Quoc city, the southern province of Kien Giang nearly tripled to more than 470,500 in the first nine months of this year.
Vietnam’s capital Hanoi has moved up one place from last year to 96th in a global listing of the 100 best tourist cities in the world, published by leading tourism advisors Resonance Consultancy.
Mu Cang Chai district in the northern mountainous province of Yen Bai is renowned for its bright, shiny terraced rice fields that stretch as far as the eye can see, along with the rich culture of local ethnic groups. A large number of tourists flock to the district at this time of year to admire the ripened paddy fields.
Xuyen Moc district in Ba Ria-Vung Tau province, a formerly pristine land with beautiful beaches and primeval forests, has become an attractive tourist destination over recent years. With the construction of many tourism projects now underway, the district is a new destination of great potential in the southeastern coastal province.
Two cruise ships have carried some 1,200 foreign tourists to Ha Long city of the northern province of Quang Ninh via the locality's Hon Gai International Port.
The ethnic minority community in Binh Lieu district in the northeast region of Quang Ninh province has preserved their unique cultural features, from folk songs to traditional customs, festivals, outfits, and cuisine.
Each summer, Bac Giang welcomes not just the fruit harvest, but also a wave of visitors eager to explore its landscape and culture. Once a purely agricultural product, lychees are increasingly becoming a signature feature of sustainable tourism in the region.
Localities like Ha Nam, Nam Dinh, and Ninh Binh, when reorganised, could form a new growth pole, leveraging their combined potential in ecological, historical, and spiritual tourism.
Gulf News, one of two English-language daily publications in the Persian Gulf region, listed the main reasons for its destination picks as being a mix of iconic cities, cultural treasures, tropical escapes, and foodie havens.
With the country rapidly advancing its plan to merge provincial-level administrative units, set to be completed by mid-August, the tourism industry, along with other sectors, is presented with challenges but also significant opportunities for innovation and sustainable growth in the era of the nation's rise.
Located at an altitude of over 1,500 metres above sea level, Sapa is dubbed the “Switzerland of Vietnam” for its temperate climate, breathtaking scenery, and European-inspired architecture.
A quick search for “Vietnam is calling” on TikTok reveals a myriad of clips capturing the excitement of visitors setting off for Vietnam, with short videos showing tourists holding their passports, wheeling their suitcases through airports or exploring Vietnam’s scenic landscapes, diverse cuisine and unique culture - all set to upbeat, catchy soundtracks.
The number of visitors increased by 4.1% compared to the same period last year, while total tourism revenue surged by 48.8%, or nearly 88% of the year’s target.
“There is no more atmospheric way to haul into Vietnam’s twin metropolises as this train rattles through historic cities and swooshes beside spectacular coastlines,” according to Lonely Planet.
All the 240 households in Thieng Lieng hamlet once knew only salt production and aquaculture, but now welcoming tourists has become a source of their joy and income.
The first and only direct service connecting the two countries at the moment is set to operate three times per week using the modern wide-body Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner aircraft.
Mu Cang Chai is home to nearly 83,000 hectares of forest, including almost 60,000 hectares of unspoiled natural woodland. Recognising this potential, local authorities have embraced a holistic strategy that protects biodiversity while promoting tourism.
Phu Quoc ranks among the top 10 leading tourist islands in Asia. As the largest island in Vietnam, it boasts stunning natural beauty, with expansive coral reefs resting beneath the sea and a number of beautiful, poetic beaches such as Sao, Truong, and Khem, known for their fine white sand and crystal-clear waters.
Vietnam's national flag carrier Vietnam Airlines and Vietjet are among the exhibitors, promoting key destinations such as Ho Chi Minh City, Hanoi, and Phu Quoc, as well as distinctive tourism products.
Alexander Musikhin, Vice President of ATOR and CEO of the Intourist travel agency, highlighted Vietnam as a top destination offering a unique blend of beach holidays and cultural excursions.
According to Seoul’s Tourism Industry Department, approximately 20,000 Vietnamese visitors travel to the city each year for medical treatment. Vietnam consistently ranks among the top 10 countries with the highest number of medical tourists to Seoul.
An analysis of accommodation search data based on check-in dates for June and July revealed that Nha Trang surpassed all other destinations in popularity among Korean users.
The programme is organised by the Khanh Hoa provincial Youth Union and the “Khanh Hoa people speak English” Project, and aims to promote the culture, history, cuisine and other tourism products of Nha Trang – Khanh Hoa to international visitors.
VNAT Director General Nguyen Trung Khanh called visa a golden ticket to pulling in crowds, but he is clear that it needs coordinated efforts across multiple sectors to keep the momentum going in this fast-moving global travel scene.
As a tourism hub, Hanoi is now actively developing strategies to attract Muslim travellers. In recent years, the city has seen a notable uptick in visitors from countries with large Muslim populations.
When tourists witness firsthand the passion and care of farmers, they’re willing to pay higher prices because they see the genuine worth behind every product.
