Ho Chi Minh City has set a target of welcoming 6 million foreign visitors who will spend around 190 trillion VND (7.8 billion USD) next year, according to the municipal Department of Tourism.
Sai Gon Central Post Office is an iconic landmark in the city. (Photo: VNA)
HCM City (VNA) – Ho Chi Minh City has set a target of welcoming 6million foreign visitors who will spend around 190 trillion VND (7.8 billionUSD) next year, according to the municipal Department of Tourism.
Given stable political-economic conditions, and good recovery of tourism andrelated industries, the Vietnamese southern hub expects to welcome a touristinflux from the Republic of Korea, Japan, India, and China.
As of October, the city had served more than 4.1 million foreign visitors,accounting for 82% of the plan for this year. As the peak season for internationalapproaches, it hopes to serve 5 million international tourists for the whole2023.
According to large tour operators such as Saigontourist, Vietravel, and TSTTourist, tours to explore Ho Chi Minh City and inter-regional tours thatconnect the city with localities in its vicinity during year-end festivals areselling like hot cakes.
In early December, the tourism department will organise the third HCM CityTourism Week to stimulus both international and domestic tourism demand, andcreate an opportunity for travel firms to introduce their attractive offeringsin 2024. The highlight of the week will be the 6th Techcombank HCM CityInternational Marathon on December 8-10, which is expected to lure 14,000foreign and domestic runners.
Director of the tourism Department Nguyen Thi Anh Hoa saidan array of products will be launched in the framework of the tourismweek, including Nha Be night tour, healthcare and wellness tourism.
Besides, more lenient visa regulations and extended stays for foreigners areexpected to bring more international tourists to the city in the peak season.
Visitors at Thong Nhat Palace (Photo: VNA)
However, the department said that the visa approval process remains slowand time-consuming. Besides, Vietnam is currently providing visa exemption foronly 25 countries, which is much smaller than that of regional countries suchas Indonesia (169), the Philippines (166), Malaysia (156), and Singapore (150). It recommended theImmigration Department to shorten the time to handle visa applications fortravel firms.
Furthermore, it will step up tourism promotion activities in foreign marketswhile renewing local tourism offerings to provide visitors with betterexperience./.
A concert featuring works by Beethoven, Chopin and Grieg, the three most beloved 19th century European composers in the history of world music, will be held at the Ho Chi Minh City Ballet Symphony Orchestra and Opera (HBSO) on November 11, HBSO announced on November 1.
Ho Chi Minh City has been holding various activities this year to promote waterway tourism, including the first-ever river festival and new waterway tours, aiming to better exploit its advantages with a dense river and canal network and rich riverside culture.
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.
Sai Gon Central Post Office is an iconic landmark in the city. (Photo: VNA) 
Visitors at Thong Nhat Palace (Photo: VNA) 
