Mausoleum of Khai Dinh King from the Nguyen Dynasty (1802-1945), a tourist attraction in Hue. (Photo: VNA)
Thua Thie Hue (VNA) - Former imperial capital city of Hue received1.5 million foreign tourists last year, increasing by 42.5 percent in 2016.
Foreign tourists comprised half of the total visitors to Hue, a UNESCO worldheritage site, famous for its imperial architecture and culture.
The highest number of foreign tourists – 26 percent of the total – was from the Republic of Korea. Visitors from France, the United Kingdom, the United States,Germany and Thailand had the second to sixth highest percentages, respectively.
Total revenue from tourism last year was 155 million USD.
According to the local Tourism Department, the tourism sector made attempts todiversify its products by adding tour programmes to lagoons and rural areas andintroducing destinations outside the UNESCO heritage system.
The sector expects to receive 42 million visitors this year, half of themforeign tourists.
To achieve this target, the department called for private investment to developstandard restaurants that could accommodate up to 2,000 customers at the sametime. It also requested local authorities to introduce direct flights from Hueto countries with the highest proportion of tourists to the city, including Japan,the RoK and Thailand.
It also suggested local authorities to improve the service quality and behaviourof both public agencies and civil facilities towards tourists.
Hue is considered a top tourism hub in the country. But tourism in the city hasnot witnessed consistent development in the past few years, mainly due to thenarrow mindset towards tourism management by local authorities. It was onlylast year that local authorities formed a separate tourism department withqualified personnel to aid growth in the sector. - VNA
Up to 228,900 visitors arrived in Hanoi during the New Year holiday 2018 from December 30 – January 1, up 11 percent annually, according to the municipal Department of Tourism.
Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc has advised the central province of Thua Thien-Hue to turn tourism into a spearhead sector to spur its economic development by tapping historical and cultural heritage of its former imperial Hue city.
The Hue imperial relic site in the central province of Thua Thien-Hue served more than 3 million visitors in 2017, earning over 320 billion VND (14 million USD), 22.05 percent higher than the plan.
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.
Mausoleum of Khai Dinh King from the Nguyen Dynasty (1802-1945), a tourist attraction in Hue. 
