Foreign visitors tour HCM City by "xich lo" (Photo: VNA)
HCM City (VNA) ⛎– International arrivals to Ho Chi Minh City numbered over 3.61 million in the first nine months of this year, a year-on-year increase of 13 percent.
Revenue from tourism in the period hit over 73 trillion VND (3.28 billion USD), up 5.6 percent against the same period in 2015.
According to the municipal Department of Tourism, the number of visitors from China, the Republic of Korea, the US and Japan surged while Russian tourists fell by 31.7 percent.
Five Western European nations including the UK, France, Germany, Spain, and Belarus, which enjoy visa exemption, saw an average increase of over 20 percent in the number of holidaymakers.
To reach these outcomes, the city stepped up existing tourism promotion programmes such as developing river-based tourism and announcing “100 interesting facts”, standardised tourism services and tips to serve tourists.
The quality of tourism events and festival was improved while communication work was also enhanced.
As of mid-September this year, 2,186 accommodation facilities had been built, offering 51,353 rooms, up over 4,000 rooms from the same period last year.
The municipal tourism sector focused on improving services quality as well as training human resources.
It will also work with relevant bodies to turn tourism into a key economic sector of the city.
HCM City strives to receive 5.1 million international visitors and 21.8 million domestic holiday-makers this year.-VNA
Despite HCM City’s dense network of rivers and canals, waterway tourism has not matched its potential, thus failing the city’s expectations it would become the main tourism product by 2020.
The HCM City tourism sector has made good preparations this year to attract international visitors but more new attractions are needed for them to succeed.
Despite having a 1,000-km long network of canals and rivers, Ho Chi Minh City has developed its waterway tourism slowly in recent years, with only a few tours now operating.
The 12th International Travel Expo kicked off in Ho Chi Minh City on September 8, bringing together a large number of domestic and foreign travel companies.
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.
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.
Foreign visitors tour HCM City by "xich lo" (Photo: VNA)
