Củ Chi tunnels, one of the tourist attractions in HCM City. (Source: zing.vn)
HCM City (VNS/VNA) - Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City are among the 15best destinations in Asia as ranked by the US News newspaper.
The ranking considered local prices, accessibility and the variety ofattractions at each destination along with travellers’ feedback, and Hanoi finishedin 14th place followed by HCM City.
Vietnam’s capital casts a spell over foreign tourists with its history andculture, shopping, dining, and natural landscapes.
Kick off a new day with a tour around Hanoi’s Old Quarter where nostalgicvisitors can see how it has expanded from its original 36 streets before movingto Dong Xuan, the city’s largest market, US News said.
In HCM City, “Mopeds whiz by at all hours of the day, cafes take up entiresidewalks and street food vendors serve up delectable local fare despite theyear-round heat and humidity,” it said.
Hong Kong topped the list, followed by the Maldives, Tokyo, Phuket, and Bali.
In the Economist Intelligence Unit’s recent ranking of the world’s most livablecities, Hanoi and HCM City were among the top five improvers.
Earlier this year the two cities were named among the 10 cheapest cities inSoutheast Asia.
HCM City was in ninth place and Hanoi in seventh in the 2018 Cost ofLiving Index list published by Numbeo, the world’s largest database ofuser-contributed data on cities and countries around the world.-VNS/VNA
The HCM City Tourism Association has submitted a proposal to the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism on further extension of visa exemption for tourists coming from the UK, France, Germany, Spain and Italy.
The US Cable News Network (CNN) will broadcast a special programme on Hanoi titled “Destination Hanoi” in the latter half of June as part of the cooperation programme between CNN and Hanoi during 2017-2018
The 8th Tourism Promotion Organization for Asian-Pacific Cities (TPO) Forum will take place in Ho Chi Minh City on June 21-22, said the municipal Department of Tourism on June 15.
Tourist arrivals to the capital city of Hanoi topped 13.19 million in the first half of this year, up 10 percent year-on-year, pushing up revenue by 9.3 percent annually to over 39.2 trillion VND (1.74 billion USD).
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.
Củ Chi tunnels, one of the tourist attractions in HCM City. (Source: zing.vn) 
