Hoi An, My Son to pilot welcoming international tourists this month
The central province of Quang Nam, home to the world cultural heritage sites of Hoi An ancient city and My Son Sanctuary, will pilot a programme to welcome international tourists back from this month as the COVID-19 pandemic is put under control in the locality.
Quang Nam (VNA) – The central province of Quang Nam, home to the world cultural heritage sites of HoiAn ancient city and My Son Sanctuary, will pilot a programme to welcome international tourists back from this month as the COVID-19 pandemic is put under control in the locality.
Director of the provincial Department of Culture, Sports andTourism Nguyen Thanh Hong said that the department had submitted a draft planto welcome foreigners from potential and safe markets such as NortheastAsia, Europe, the US, the Middle East, and Oceania.
The pilot programme will be implemented in three phases. Thefirst phase starts from November only for those who use combo packages and visitseveral selected destinations such as Hoi An ancient city, My Son Sanctuary andHoiana Complex.
Hoi An ancient city (Source: vneconomy.vn)
The second phase starting from January 2022 expects to welcome morearrivals through chartered and regular commercial flights. After completing aseven-day tour in the first destination, tourists can visit severaldestinations in Da Nang city, and Kien Giang, Khanh Hoa and Quang Ninh provinces.
In the third phase, full re-opening will be decided based on the pandemic'sdevelopments and the results of the two previous phases.
Foreigners and overseas Vietnamese must have a certificateof full vaccination recognised byVietnam’s authorities.
My Son Sanctuary (Source: vneconomy.vn)
Travellers are also required to have a certificate provingthey are negative for SARS-CoV-2 by RT-PCR/RT-LAMP within 72 hours prior todeparture. They must have travel insurance that covers COVID-19 with a minimumliability of 50,000 USD, and must purchase a tour package from a travel agency.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs is temporarily recognising'vaccine passports' of 72 countries and territories, and is in discussions withnearly 80 others on mutual recognition for the 'vaccine passport'./.
Authorities in Quang Nam Province, home to UNESCO-recognised Hoi An town, are considering allowing in fully vaccinated foreign tourists from February 2022.
With good performance in the COVID-19 combat, central Da Nang city and its neighbouring province of Quang Nam are seeking permission to welcome international tourists back.
According to the Management Board of the My Son Sanctuary in Duy Phu commune, Duy Xuyen district, in Quang Nam province, together with nearby Hoi An ancient town, the world cultural heritage site will focus on improving the quality of its tourism products to attract more visitors now that Covid-19 has been largely brought under control.
Foreign visitors to Phu Quoc, Khanh Hoa, Quang Nam, Da Nang and Quang Ninh – localities selected in a pilot reopening programme – will not have to quarantine from next month as long as they test negative for SARS-CoV-2.
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.
Hoi An ancient city (Source: vneconomy.vn) 
Hoi An ancient city (Source: vneconomy.vn) 
My Son Sanctuary (Source: vneconomy.vn) 
