Ba Ria-Vung Tau (VNA)ꦯ – Xuyen Moc district in Ba Ria-Vung Tau province, renowned for historic Loc An wharf - a significant site along the Ho Chi Minh Trail at Sea, has emerged as a key tourism hub in the southeastern region.

In November last year, Loc An wharf was recognised as a special national historical site, highlighting its importance during Vietnam's resistance war against American forces. This wharf was crucial for transporting weapons and supplies to the southern battlefield. Between 1963 and 1964, it facilitated the docking of three unnumbered ships from Naval Transport Brigade 125, delivering 134 tonnes of armaments to the soldiers and people in the southeastern region, contributing to major victories in Binh Gia, Dong Xoai, Dau Tieng and Bau Bang. Originally recognised as a national historical site in 1995, Loc An wharf was officially designated as a special national site on November 26, 2024. Today, it serves as a memorial to the nation's heroic history, attracting tourists and educating younger generations about patriotism. Xuyen Moc is not only rich in history but also boasts breathtaking natural landscapes, including a 32-km coastline and the diverse ecosystem of the Binh Chau-Phuoc Buu primitive forest. Popular destinations like Ho Tram beach, Ho Coc beach, and Binh Chau's hot mineral springs add to the area's appeal. To tap its historical significance and tourism potential, Ba Ria-Vung Tau province and Xuyen Moc District have implemented various initiatives, such as improving transportation systems, restoring historical sites, attracting investments, and promoting traditional crafts. Le Thi Trang Dai, Chairwoman of the Xuyen Moc district People's Committee, noted that the district has attracted 48 tourism projects with a total investment of nearly 20 trillion VND (774.6 million USD). Currently, 19 projects are operational, with 24 others in progress. Prominent resorts like The Grand Ho Tram and the Melia at the Hampton have enhanced service quality, transforming Xuyen Moc into a notable tourist destination. In 2024, Xuyen Moc hosted various cultural, sports, and economic events, such as the Vietnam Logistics Forum, the Charm Fantasy Music Festival, and international martial arts competitions. Since 2021, the district has welcomed over 12 million tourists, including around 414,000 foreigners. Total tourism revenue has surpassed 17 trillion VND, with accommodation revenue exceeding 6.6 trillion VND. In 2024 alone, the district attracted over 3.34 million tourists, marking a 10% increase from the previous year, with tourism revenue exceeding 4.4 trillion VND. This growth has significantly boosted the local economy, with Xuyen Moc fulfilling and surpassing 17 out of 18 economic targets for the year. Budget revenue increased to over 2.11 trillion VND, and all communes now meet national health criteria, with more than 95% of residents covered by health insurance. To maximise tourism potential, Xuyen Moc has initiated key transportation projects, including upgrades to coastal road DT994 and provincial roads 328, 329, and 992. These improvements will facilitate easier access for tourists and enable convenient trips to surrounding areas. Additionally, Ba Ria-Vung Tau has proposed a new road connecting Long Thanh Airport to Ho Tram, which has received in-principle approval. This development is expected to significantly enhance Xuyen Moc's tourism appeal. Dai emphasised that to position tourism as a leading economic sector, Xuyen Moc is focusing on developing eco-tourism, leveraging the Binh Chau-Phuoc Buu forest and hot springs. Plans include establishing large-scale tourism service areas, expanding Ho Tram's commercial services, and enhancing the nighttime economy. The district aims to promote its tourism offerings, aspiring to host international tourism events, accelerate digital transformation, and improve visitor experiences through technology. From a legendary wharf to a burgeoning tourism capital, Xuyen Moc is on a robust growth path, blending nature, history, and high-end leisure services. It aims to secure a place on Vietnam’s tourism map, toward becoming a global destination in the near future./.