Motor boats take visitors to explore the small islands around Con Dao (Photo: VNP/VNA)
Hanoi (VNA) - The US newspaper New York Times includedVietnam’s Con Dao island among its 52 places to love in 2021.
The destinations were selected from more than 2,000 suggestionsthe paper received after asking its readers about spots that have delighted,inspired and comforted them in a dark year. It said these places remind us thatthe world still awaits.
Thang Dac Luong, a lawyer and a writer in Sydney, chose ConDao as his place of significance, describing it as “a tropical paradise with aterrible past.” The author wrote about his father’s captivity on the islandfrom 1961 – 1963 and his memorable trip to Con Dao.
“I spent three days on Con Dao. I visited a cemetery whererelatives of people who died or suffered in the prison can bring offerings.There’s a marine conservatory, where baby turtles are being raised. On the lastday, I was on the beach. As I swam out in the warm, turquoise water, I burstinto tears. It’s important that we have these places where we can remember thepeople we’ve lost. Someday, I’d like to take my children there so they canlearn more about their grandfather.”
Located around 230 kilometers (143 miles)southeast of Ho Chi Minh City, Con Dao island was once dubbed ‘Hell on Earth,’home to a brutal prison where the French and American invaders jailed andtortured many Vietnamese freedom fighters during the 19th and 20th centuries.
📖 This is not the first time Vietnam’s prison islandhas been highlighted by prestigious publications.
In 2017, CNN praised it as one of12 paradise islands in Asia, while US magazine Time included Con Dao in a list of 13 placesaround the world to amaze travelers with its blue water./.
Con Dao island in Ba Ria-Vung Tau province is renowned for not only historical relic sites but also age-old Indian-almond trees which are recognised as Vietnam’s heritage trees.
Con Dao has been voted one of the best “secret” and most “appealing” islands on earth by Australian Lonely Planet and US Travel and Leisure magazines. Once a “hell on earth” for thousands of political prisoners before 1975, Con Dao has now turned into “tourist heaven” home to deserted white sand beaches with crystal clear waters and a natural reserve boasting rich marine ecosystems.
Opening more direct flights to Con Dao Island, a tourism hotspot off southern Ba Ria – Vung Tau province, is an opportunity for the tourism destination, experts have said.
Local authorities of Con Dao Island District, off the coast of southern Ba Ria-Vung Tau province, in cooperation with the World Wildlife Fund for Nature (WWF), have launched a Zero Plastic Waste programme, aiming to eliminate single-use plastic products.
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.
Motor boats take visitors to explore the small islands around Con Dao (Photo: VNP/VNA) 
