Tourists sail on the Chay River in Quang Binh province (Photo: VNA)
Hanoi (VNA)✨ – Vietnam is in the 11th position among the best places for expats this year, according to the InterNations Expat Insider 2016 survey.
The survey report says Vietnam has made the biggest jump, rising up an astounding 24 places to come in the 11th out of 67 countries. In 2015, it only came in the 35th place out of 64 countries.
It made the biggest gain in the Working Abroad Index (from 36th to 12th place) and the Ease of Settling in Index (35th to 29th place). Whereas in 2015, only 13 percent of expats in Vietnam were completely satisfied with their work-life balance, in 2016, almost one in five (19 percent) is.
Expats are also more satisfied with their jobs in general, with about six in ten (61 percent) saying they are generally content in their jobs in 2015, and almost three-quarters (74 percent) stating the same in 2016.
Expats in Vietnam are very pleased with the friendly nature of the local residents this year, the report says.
The percentage of respondents that rate the general friendliness of the population positively has risen by ten percentage points (74 percent to 84 percent). In addition, over two in five (41 percent) regard the friendly attitude towards foreign residents as very good (33 percent in 2015).
It also seems to be easier to make new friends among the local residents this year, with 63 percent generally agreeing that this is easy to do. In 2015, only 48 percent were of the same opinion, the survey shows.
Taiwan tops the best expat destinations in 2016, followed by Malta, Ecuador, Mexico and New Zealand.
More than 14,000 respondents representing 174 nationalities and 191 countries or territories took part in this year’s annual survey.-VNA
Many new tourist destinations in the northern mountainous province of Lao Cai have become magnets for local and foreign tourists thanks to their picturesque landscapes and unique cultural features.
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.