Cruise ship Dream Cruise with about 400 tourists on board, mostly from China, docked at Ha Long International Port in the northern province of Quang Ninh on January 26.
Officials of the Quang Ninh Tourism Department present flowers to welcome the tourists boarding Dream Cruise on January 26. (Photo: Quang Ninh Newspaper)
Quang Ninh (VNA) – Cruise ship Dream Cruise with about 400 tourists on board, mostly fromChina, docked at Ha Long International Port in the northern province of QuangNinh on January 26.
This is the first time the cruiseliner has returned to Ha Long since the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic on the Sanya (China) - Ha Long (Vietnam) route.
During their stay, thetourists will visit Ha Long Bay, go on city tours to explore local culture andcuisine as well as tour some neighbouring localities.
From now until March, Dream Cruise is scheduled to have at least one trip to Ha Long every week, dependingon the number of bookings.
Sixty international cruiseships with a total of some 80,000 passengers aboard have registered to dock atHa Long International Port this year. These ships belong to renowned firms such as MeinSchiff 6 & 5, Celebrity Solstice, Noordam, MSC Spendida, and Westerdam, according to the provincial Department of Tourism.
Deputy Director of theprovincial Department of Tourism Nguyen Huyen Anh said as one of the localitieswith the most modern international seaports in the country, Quang Ninhfocuses on attracting international cruise tourists to the province.
The department hascoordinated with other departments and agencies to facilitate immigrationprocedures and offer the best services to foreign visitors, she added.
🐬 The province is striving toattract 17-20 million visitors this year, including 3 million foreign visitors,with revenue from tourism reaching 39.1 trillion VND (1.58 billion USD). It aims to welcome about 25 million tourists by 2030, of which 8 million areforeign arrivals and the number of visitors will grow at 6% a year on average./.
The port complex of Cai Mep - Thi Vai in Ba Ria - Vung Tau continually welcomed international cruise ships with thousands of tourists over the past months, a sign of cruise tourism recovery in this southern province and Vietnam at large.
The number of international cruise ships bringing tourists to Chan May Port in the central province of Thua Thien-Hue has begun to pick up again after a long period of decline following the COVID-19 pandemic.
The northern port city of Hai Phong has introduced several key tourism tasks to realise the goal of 9.1 million tourists, including more than one million foreign arrivals, in 2024.
Sixty international cruise ships with a total of some 80,000 passengers aboard have registered to dock at Ha Long International Port in the northeastern province of Quang Ninh this year, according to the provincial Department of Tourism.
A sudden surge in the number of overseas Vietnamese booking domestic tours and the recovery of international arrivals right since the start of 2024 are among positive signs promising a breakthrough year for the tourism industry.
A recent report, City Pulse 2025, by Gensler Research Institute, ranked HCM City among the world’s top cities for resident retention, placing it second globally. This underscores the city's reputation as a liveable, dynamic urban centre, an image that supports efforts to attract investors, experts, and MICE travellers.
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.
Officials of the Quang Ninh Tourism Department present flowers to welcome the tourists boarding Dream Cruise on January 26. (Photo: Quang Ninh Newspaper) 
