Despite significant potential for growth, river-based tourism in Ho Chi Minh City remains underexploited due to a lack of proper investment and a legal framework for developing river cruising, a conference heard.
HCM City (VNS/VNA) - Despite significant potentialfor growth, river-based tourism in Ho Chi Minh City remains underexploited dueto a lack of proper investment and a legal framework for developing rivercruising, a conference heard.
The city possesses valuable river-based tourism resources with aninland waterway system stretching 913 kilometres and 101 inland waterwayroutes, said Bui Hoa An, Deputy Director of the city’s Department ofTransportation.
These routes run through destinations in the city's downtown,making it convenient for large cruise ships to dock at Bach Dang wharf and NhaRong - Khanh Hoi port, he said at a recent conference held by the municipal People'sCommittee.
A total of 251 inland waterway ports are operating, including 73ports designed to serve tourists and passengers.
The city received 27.9 million domestic visitor arrivals and morethan 3.1 million international visitor arrivals in the first 11 months of thisyear, but only 340,000 visitors opted for cruising rivers, according to thecity’s Department of Tourism.
Nguyen Thi Thanh Thao, head of tourism resources planning anddevelopment office under the Department of Tourism, said four major rivers – SaiGon, Dong Nai, Long Tau and Soai Rap – run through the city, forming a networkof waterway routes connecting the city with neighbouring provinces such as BinhDuong, Tay Ninh, Dong Nai, Long An, Tien Giang, and Ba Ria-Vung Tau.
These river-based tourism resources can be converted into productsto serve tourists, Thao said.
Assoc. Prof. Vu Anh Tuan from the Vietnamese-German Universitysaid that State funds set aside for developing waterway infrastructure remainsmodest.
Proper investment from the State budget and a master plan oninland waterway development are needed to exploit the potential of river-basedtourism, he said.
A representative from Saigontourist Travel Service Companyproposed that a public-private partnership be vital to develop a wide range ofriver tourism products and services that can be readily offered to domestic andinternational tourists.
Bui Xuan Cuong, Vice Chairman of the HCM City People’s Committee,said that the city would focus on efforts to develop inland waterway transportand river-based tourism in the years ahead.
Legal frameworks and policies will be put in place to developports and docking facilities as well as attract investors to exploit inlandwaterway transport and river-based tourism, he said./.
The central coastal city of Da Nang has called for further investment in the city’s river and sea tourism services for the 2019 to 2021 period, with the aim of creating unique tourism products capable
The Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism of the Mekong Delta province of Tra Vinh opened the Con Chim community-based tourism site in Chau Thanh district on September 9.
Tourism activities have resumed in the central city of Da Nang after a hiatus due to COVID-19. Operators of cruises along the Han River, a major symbol of the city’s tourism, are set to welcome swelling numbers of domestic visitors.
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.
At Bach Dang wharf (Photo: VNA) 
