Southern specialties are introduced within the programme (Photo: VNA)
Can Tho (VNA) - A programme to boost tourismin HCM City and the Mekong Delta kicked off in Can Tho city on July 3.
It aims to promote the tourism potential of thesouthern economic hub and the Delta’s 13 cities and provinces, while improvinginter-regional tourism development.
It will also look to rejuvenate the domestic tourism sectorpost-pandemic and prepare to resume international activities when thegovernment permits.
HCM City and the Mekong Delta signed a tourismdevelopment cooperation agreement last December.
Vice Chairman of the municipal People’s CommitteeDuong Tan Hien said the Mekong Delta is home to a diverse ecosystem. Touristscan, for example, visit fruit orchards in Tien Giang, Ben Tre, Vinh Long, DongThap, and Can Tho, while those to Kien Giang, Bac Lieu, and Ca Mau will have theopportunity to experience seas and islands.
Tourists to An Giang, Soc Trang and Tra Vinh, he said,can learn about historical relic sites and enjoy local food specialties.
While the Mekong Delta possesses advantagesin ecotourism products, HCM City is strong in MICE (meetings, incentives,conferences and exhibitions) - a form of tourism in which large groups, usuallyplanned well in advance, are brought together.
Links between HCM City and MekongDelta localities have helped the two sides expand tourism markets, according toHien.
In the context of being unable toopen up to international tourists due to COVID-19, increasing the number ofVietnamese tourists is the only solution to promote the industry, he added.
The number of tourists to the Mekong Delta in 2019was estimated at 47 million, and the tourism sector grossed 30 trillion VND(1.28 billion USD) in revenue./.
The Southern Regional Hydro-Meteorological Center has announced that river tides in Ho Chi Minh City and the Mekong Delta region reached flood warning level 3 on September 30 and October 1.
Land subsidence in Ho Chi Minh City and the Mekong Delta has ranged from 0.1 to 81 centimetres in the last 10 years, according to the Water Resources Management Department at the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment.
The waterway links between Ho Chi Minh City and the Mekong Delta region through river and canal networks, which are proved to be more advantageous to trade than their road counterparts, have not been fully utilised.
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.
Southern specialties are introduced within the programme (Photo: VNA) 
