Cruise liner Mariner of the Seas is among the ships carrying tourists to Vietnam recently (Photo: cruiseweb.com)
Hanoi (VNA) – More than 16,640 foreign touristsvisited Vietnam by ship in November, Quan doi Nhan dan (People’s Army) dailyreported.
German cruise ship SuperStar Virgo carried 1,200visitors to Tien Sa port of central Da Nang city, 1,800 others to Hanoi and HaLong city, along with 1,100 vacationers to Phu My port in southern Ba Ria-VungTau province.
Up to 2,044 foreigners toured Vietnam afterGenting Dream docked Tan Cang-Cai Mep port of Ba Ria-Vung Tau. The Malaysianliner also brought 2,300 passengers to Tien Sa port and another 2,500 to HonGai port in northern Quang Ninh province last month.
Meanwhile, 4,100 tourists spent part of theirholiday in the Southeast Asian nation when Bahamas’s Ovation of the Seasvisited Chan May port of Thua Thien-Hue province.
The cruise ship passengers were among more than926,000 foreign tourists to Vietnam in November, rising by 14 percent from theprevious month and 25 percent from a year earlier, according to the GeneralStatistics Office.
More than 9 million foreigners visited Vietnamfrom January to November, up 25.4 percent compared to the same period of2015.
The number of foreign visitors who flew to thecountry reached 7.53 million, up 32 percent year on year. The number of thosearriving by sea dropped 11.4 percent to 139,000 while arrivals by road alsodeclined by 1.5 percent to 1.31 million.-VNA
Luxury liner Ovation of the Seas, carrying nearly 4,100 tourists and 1,600 crewmembers, anchored in Chan May port, the central province of Thua Thien-Hue on November 25
More than nine million foreign tourists visited Vietnam in the first 11 months of 2016, up 25.5 percent from the same period last year and above the initial target of 8.5 million arrivals for 2016, according to the General Statistics Office of Vietnam.
More than 9 million foreigners visited Vietnam between January and November, up 25.4 percent compared to the same period in 2015, the General Statistics Office (GSO) has revealed.
Vietnam expected international arrivals to reach 10 million in 2016, a landmark for the country, as the number of foreign tourists has surpassed 9 million so far this year.
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.
Cruise liner Mariner of the Seas is among the ships carrying tourists to Vietnam recently (Photo: cruiseweb.com) 
