HCM City’s tourism shows positive signs with return of Chinese visitors
Travel firms in Ho Chi Minh City have launched tours between Vietnam and China as soon as China decided to include Vietnam in the list of countries to which Chinese group tours can be conducted from March 15.
Foreign tourists visit Ho Chi Minh City's Post Office. (Photo: VNA)
HCM City (VNA) – Travel firms in Ho Chi MinhCity have launched tours between Vietnam and China as soon as China decided toinclude Vietnam in the list of countries to which Chinese group tours can beconducted from March 15. According to the city’s businesses, more Chinese touristgroups will arrive in the city this month and April will be the peak time marking the return of Chinese tourists to Vietnam. On the contrary, the number of Vietnamese tourists booking toursto China will also increase, helping to stimulate demand in thetourism markets of the two countries in the coming time. The forecast is based on the huge tourism demand of Chinesetourists after about three years of disruption due to the COVID-19 pandemic andVietnam being one of the Chinese tourists’ favourite destinations. In addition, Vietnamese businesses have developed high-qualityand oriented products and services for specific tourist segments. Accompanying the businesscommunity, the city’s Department of Tourism has just coordinated with theZhangjiajie city People's Committee in China’s Hunan province and the VietnamGlobal International Travel Group Joint Stock Company to organise a tourismpromotion conference in Zhangjiajie city.
Wang Tao, Vice Chairman of the Zhangjiajie City People’sCommittee, said that tourism promotion activities are important at this time.
💟 Zhangjiajie city is home to a world natural heritage, aworld geopark, a national park, ancient cultural works, and modernarchitecture that attract tourists in recent times.
Zhangjiajie city's government hopes that tourism andcultural promotion events will promote the exchange of tourist delegations betweenVietnam and China, thereby restoring the "smokeless industries" of both countries. Bui Thi Ngoc Hieu, Deputy Director of the HCM City Department ofTourism, emphasised that China is one of the key markets for the city's tourism industry.Before the COVID-19 pandemic broke out, China ranked third among the sources of internationalvisitors to HCM City, with 1.2 million arrivals in 2019, accounting for20% of the total number of Chinese tourists to Vietnam. Particularly, in the first three months of 2023, the number of Chinese touriststo HCM City reached about 49,000. Meanwhile, following China’s decision to reopen tourism, theConsulate General of China in HCM City started accepting touristvisa applications for both group and individual tourists. Travelers to China are required to show a certificate of twodoses of COVID-19 vaccine and rapid testing before departure.
Currently, international travelers to Zhangjiajie city are stillrequired to take COVID-19 rapid tests. Upon entering China, internationaltravelers continue to be randomly selected for rapid testing. Some travelcompanies have suggested Chinese agencies soon remove barriers related toCOVID-19 rapid testing and creating favourable conditions in terms of visa policy so thatforeign tourists conveniently travel to the country.
💛 Vietnam received 1.8 million foreign tourist arrivals in the firsttwo months of 2023. With China now resuming outbound tours, the country isexpected to exceed the target of welcoming 8 million foreign travelers thisyear./.
The central coastal province of Binh Thuan has completed preparations for the opening of Visit Vietnam Year 2023 with the theme “Binh Thuan - Green convergence,” which will officially be held on March 25 night, heard a meeting held by the provincial People’s Committee on March 20.
The central province of Quang Binh, which is a popular tourist destination thanks to its rich natural landscapes with a spectacular cave system and beautiful beaches, has prepared diverse tourism products to draw domestic and foreign tourists during this year’s peak tourism season in summer.
Vietnam needs to have support policies for developing new tourism products and services capable of attracting high-spending international visitors, said insiders.
E-visa holders might be able to stay in Vietnam for up to 90 days, three times longer than the current 30 days, according to a proposed amended Law on Foreigners’ Entry into, Exit from, Transit Through, and Residence in Vietnam.
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.
Foreign tourists visit Ho Chi Minh City's Post Office. (Photo: VNA) 
