Da Nang welcomes nearly 2,000 int'l cruise passengers
The Dutch-flagged cruise ship Noordam docked at Tien Sa port in Da Nang on November 15, bringing nearly 2,000 international visitors to explore the central city.
Cruise passengers from the Noordam board vehicles to explore Da Nang city. (Photo: VNA)
Da Nang (VNA) – The Dutch-flagged cruise ship Noordam docked at Tien Sa port in Da Nang on November 15, bringing nearly 2,000 international visitors to explore the central city.
During their stay, tourists from Europe and the Americas are set to visit iconic attractions such as the APEC park, the museum of Cham sculpture, Han market, Marble mountains, and beaches.
The Noordam is on its way from Hong Kong (China) to Singapore, with scheduled stops in four Vietnamese destinations of Ha Long in northeastern province of Quang Ninh, Da Nang, Nha Trang in the south-central province of Khanh Hoa, and Ho Chi Minh City in the south. The ship is set to leave Da Nang at 11 p.m. the same day to continue its journey.
Cruise tourism typically peaks from the last months of a year to April of the following, with passengers often seeking cultural experiences, sightseeing, and local souvenir shopping.
Earlier, on November 11, Da Nang hosted the Blue Dream Melody cruise ship with nearly 600 Chinese tourists onboard. The vessel is expected to revisit the city on November 19.
In the first nine months of this year, the economic hub recorded approximately 8.67 million overnight stays, an annual increase of 33%. By the end of 2024, it anticipates the figures to hit10.3 million and 39%, respectively, with international arrivals estimated at 4.2 million.
🍬 Da Nang aims to accommodate over 10.5 million overnight visitors in 2025, up 6% year-on-year./.
Italy’s five-star cruise ship Costa Serena docked at Ha Long International Passenger Port in the northern province of Quang Ninh on October 18, bringing 3,040 tourists from Hong Kong (China) to Ha Long, home to Ha Long Bay, a UNESCO-recognised world natural heritage.
Vietnam boasts a 3,260km long coastline with over 4,000 islands and reefs, numerous beautiful bays and beaches, and deep-water ports that allow large ships to anchor close to shore, offering significant advantages for developing cruise tourism.
Cruise ship Resorts World One with 1,138 crew members and 2,128 passengers of different nationalities aboard docked at Con Dao island in the southern province of Ba Ria-Vung Tau on June 2.
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.
