Hanoi (VNA) - Hanoi, Ho Chi MinhCity and Hoi An are becoming Vietnam’s tourist hotpots and are among the mostaffordable in the world for backpackers.
The cities are high on the top 10 list ofcheapest places for travel in the 2019 Backpacker Index by Price ofTravel, the world’s largest database of travel costs.
At the top of the list is Hanoi, with just 18.29USD needed a day for backpackers, followed by HCM City with 19.47 USD.
The ancient city of Hoi An in the centralprovince of Quang Nam ranked 8th on the list with a daily budget of 21.20 USD.
Price of Travel ranked 137 major cities in the world basedon the minimum amount of money budget travelers would need to spend a night inthe cheapest bunk bed, two public transport rides, and entrance fee to one topattraction, and three simple meals and beer.
Vietnam recently added 35 countries to thelist of those whose nationals can visit the country with an e-visa.
With new changes to the visa policies, Vietnam’stourism industry hopes to welcome 17-20 million foreign visitors by 2020,earning revenue of 35 billion USD a year and contributing 10 percent to thecountry’s GDP.-VNA
Deputy Prime Minister Vu Duc Dam, head of the state steering committee for tourism, and other officials cut the ribbon to open the Vietnam International Travel Mart (VITM) 2019, in Hanoi on March 27.
Vietnam is moving towards a green tourism development, which is associated with environmental protection and promotion of traditional cultural values, according to Deputy Minister of Culture, Sports and Tourism Le Quang Tung.
Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc gave several strategic suggestions at the Vietnam Tourism Human Resources Forum 2019 in Ho Chi Minh City on April 12, as part of the city’s tourism festival.
A workshop on drawing high-spending and long-stay tourists took place in Hanoi on May 2 as part of the two-day Vietnam Private Sector Economic Forum 2019, with participants suggesting a range of measures to develop the sector.
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.
A corner of Hoi An ancient city (Photo: VNA) 
