Ben Thanh Market, a tourist destination in HCM City (Photo: VNA)
HCMCity (VNA) – Ho Chi Minh City is seeking to enhance connectivity withother localities nationwide to become more attractive to tourists.
Tuoi tre (Youth) Newspaper held a forum oninter-regional tourism connectivity of the southern economic hub of Vietnam onApril 4.
Director of the municipal Tourism Department BuiTa Hoang Vu said HCM City is a hotspot for many outstanding tourism productsnationwide like MICE (meetings, incentives, conferences and exhibitions),shopping-entertainment tourism and cultural-culinary tourism. It is amust-visit destination for tourists to Vietnam.
The city welcomed more than 1.3 million touristarrivals in the first three months of 2018, he noted.
However, to develop tourism sustainably,cooperation is needed, he said, adding that inter-regional tourism connectivitydoes not reduce the strength and market share of each locality but increasestheir competitiveness and expands their market more easily, thus creatingunique tourism products, lengthening tourists’ stay and boosting revenue.
HCM City is enhancing bilateral and multilateralconnections with localities in Dong Thap Muoi sub-region, the east of theMekong Delta and the northern, central and Central Highlands regions. It willalso continue carrying out solutions to attract tourism investment, Vu added.
Trinh Hang, Director of the Culture, Sports andTourism Department of Ba Ria-Vung Tau province, said after years of tourismcooperation with HCM City, Ba Ria-Vung Tau has become a familiar destination fortourists visiting HCM City. More than 85 percent of visitors to Vung Tau citycome from HCM City.
Several travel companies, hotels, restaurantsand resorts in HCM City have established branches in Vung Tau, helping to raiselocal tourism revenue.
Hang said his province will continue workingwith the nearby city to provide more tourism products and attract domestic andforeign visitors.
Addressing the forum, Vice Chairman of the HCMCity People’s Committee Le Thanh Liem affirmed that the city’s tourism must beconnected with other regions nationwide to develop sustainably. The localsector has inked cooperation agreements with 36 provinces and cities.
He said it will continue connecting localbusinesses, improve tourism manpower training and develop HCM City’s image as asafe, attractive and friendly destination for foreign visitors.-VNA
Ho Chi Minh City welcomed the six millionth international visitor to the southern economic hub during the year at Tan Son Nhat International Airport on December 15.
The number of foreign tourists coming to HCM City on cruise ships remains relatively low because of a lack of ports for cruise ships, according to tourism experts.
Ho Chi Minh City introduced the best of its tourism products and services at South Asia’s biggest tourism event - the International Travel and Tourism Trade Show (SATTE 2018) that was recently held in India’s capital of New Delhi.
The HCM City People’s Committee wants the Government to extend the visa waiver period for tourists from key foreign markets to increase the country’s tourism competitiveness and attract more visitors.
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.
Ben Thanh Market, a tourist destination in HCM City (Photo: VNA) 
