Da Nang welcomes international tourists in three phases
After a hiatus caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, the central city of Da Nang has opened its door to international tourists under a three-phase pilot road map.
Dragon Bridge spanning the Han River in Da Nang city (Photo: VNA)
Da Nang (VNA) – Aftera hiatus caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, the central city of Da Nang hasopened its door to international tourists under a three-phase pilot road map.
In the first phase from thisNovember, Da Nang, a large travel hub in the central region, is welcoming foreignvisitors through package tours, charter flights, and international commercialflights to the designated areas and tourism service establishments in Phu Quoccity (Kien Giang province), Da Nang, and the provinces of Khanh Hoa, Quang Nam,and Quang Ninh.
In the second phase fromJanuary 2022, the city will expand the group of international tourists it isreopened to. They can also take part in tours of destinations in the fiveabovementioned localities.
It will completely reopen tointernational tourists in the third phase, whose beginning will depend on thepandemic situation and outcomes of the first two phases.
The municipal Department ofTourism said the reopening to international travellers aims to gradually recoverthe tourism industry and related sectors, helping guarantee social security andpopularise Da Nang as a safe and attractive destination.
Foreign visitors to the city betweenNovember 2021 and February 2022 will be mainly overseas Vietnamese and fromseveral key markets like the Republic of Korea and Japan, according to thedepartment.
On November 17, a Vietnam Airlinesflight from the Republic of Korea landed at Da Nang International Airport,carrying the first international visitors to Vietnam after a long period ofpandemic-triggered suspension. After landing, they moved to Hoi An city ofneighbouring Quang Nam province to spend their registered holiday there./.
Considering resuming and promoting tourism as key tasks to help Da Nang revive economic activities, the central city will focus on directing the pandemic prevention and control work as well as mobilising resources to support the tourism industry to effectively implement a plan for tourism recovery in a new normal state, Tran Phuoc Son, vice chairman of the municipal People’s Committee, has said.
The central city of Da Nang is effectively operating a VR360 platform entitled "A virtual vacation in Da Nang" at //vr360.danangfantasticity.com/ as part of its efforts to strengthen digital transformation in tourism sector.
The Vietnam National Administration of Tourism (VNAT) has officially launched a campaign called "Live fully in Vietnam" to welcome international tourists back to five destinations in the country.
The national flag carrier Vietnam Airlines on November 17 operated its first pilot fight carrying international tourist from Seoul (the Republic of Korea) to the central coastal city of Da Nang.
A Vietjet Air flight carrying 100 foreign tourists is expected to arrive at Da Nang International Airport in the central city of Da Nang at 11:05 pm on November 18.
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.
Dragon Bridge spanning the Han River in Da Nang city (Photo: VNA) 
