Quang Nam (VNA) - The popularity ofHoi An, which has been a top tourist destination in Vietnam for decades now,continues to grow.
It’s latest landmark achievement is makingit to second place on the list of 13 most exciting places on this earth forsolo travellers compiled by travel editors at Momondo, a UK based travel site.
Unlike Ho Chi Minh City and Hanoi, Hoi An in the central province of Quang Nam,is a charming spot with peaceful and natural beauty.
“A well-preserved former trading port on Vietnam’s central coast, Hoi An is amelting pot of cultures and architecture,” the site wrote.
“Cars are banned from the city centre, so stroll through the old town on footand admire the street-side cafes and picturesque historical homes lining canalsand winding alleyways.”
It’s best to cycle to the pristine An Bang Beach around 3km away from the town,according to the site.
The beach, home to fishing villages andproviding a romantic setting for couples, is best enjoyed between May andSeptember and has been raved about by leading global travel magazines.
For many, Hoi An is not just a collectionof 16th century houses for which the former port city has been recognised byUNESCO as a world heritage site.
A cuisine native to the ancient town,influenced by many different cultures from Japan, China and Portugal, is a majorpart of its attraction too.
“Hoi An’s diverse culinary scene stems from Japanese, Chinese and Portugueseinfluences, and many restaurants offer their own cooking classes,” it said,suggesting trying a bowl of cau lao, the signature noodle dish only found in HoiAn.-VNA
The UNESCO World Cultural Heritage Site of Hoi An in the central province of Quang Nam is holding a programme themed “Welcome the 2018 New Year” from December 24 to January 2.
The UNESCO Office in Hanoi and Vietnam Cultural Heritage Conservation Support Fund has held a round-table meeting to discuss a new approach to study Vietnam’s heritage.
French photographer Réhahn, based in Hoi An ancient town in the central province of Quang Nam, is among nine nominees for Trophées des Francais de l’étranger.
A solar energy-based electricity supply system is set to be put into operation on February 9 at the An Hoi statue garden in Hoi An city, the central province of Quang Nam, after two years of construction.
Foreign arrivals to Vietnam surpassed 6.7 million in the five months this year, up 27.6 percent annually, according to the General Statistics Office on May 29.
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.
Hoai River in Hoi An (Photo: VNA) 
