Ho Chi Minh City bolsters tourism ties with Binh Thuan, Lam Dong
Around 50 percent of tourism projects in the south central province of Binh Thuan and the Central Highlands province of Lam Dong are invested by businesses from Ho Chi Minh City.
Foreign visitors to Ben Thanh Market in HCM City (Photo: VNA)
HCM City (VNA) –Around 50 percent of tourism projects in the south central province of BinhThuan and the Central Highlands province of Lam Dong are invested by businessesfrom Ho Chi Minh City.
At a conference reviewing thefour-year partnership between HCM City, Binh Thuan and Lam Dong on April 15,the Department of Culture, Sport and Tourism of Binh Thuan reported that 239tourism projects in the province (62 percent) are run by investors from HCMCity. The figure reported by Lam Dong was 100 (44 percent).
Under their partnership, thethree localities have regularly exchange experience in State management oftourism and jointly hold events annually for their travel agencies.
Director of HCM City Departmentof Tourism Bui Ta Hoang Vu said the outcomes of the partnership proved thatconnectivity help the partners better tap their own potential and advantages.
From a business perspective,Nguyen Van My of Lua Viet company said the tourism brand of the threelocalities is weak, adding that for the connectivity to produce desired result,each locality should develop its own strength, which are then combined tocreate unique products able to compete with other regions.
Deputy Director of Lam Dongprovince’s Department of Culture, Sport and Tourism Nguyen Thi Bich Ngocproposed building a joint tourism development plan with specific mechanismsdesigned to support local tourism firms, thus making the partnership morestrong and effective.
The tourism sectors of the threelocalities pledged to push forward with the trilateral cooperation. They willtake measures to improve joint promotion activities and build a joint brandalong with a tourism app for the three localities as a whole.-VNA
The 14th International Travel Expo Ho Chi Minh City (ITE HCMC), the largest event of its kind in the Mekong sub-region, will be held at the Saigon Exhibition and Convention Centre from September 6-8.
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 to Ben Thanh Market in HCM City (Photo: VNA) 
