Ninh Binh announces plans for National Tourism Year 2021
Ninh Binh, a tourist destination in Vietnam’s northern region and host of the National Tourism Year 2021, has released its plans for the annual programme, which feature myriad tourism, cultural, and sporting events.
A pond within the Thien Ton pagoda in Ninh Binh (Photo: VNA)
Ninh Binh (VNA) - Ninh Binh, a tourist destination in Vietnam’s northern region andhost of the National Tourism Year 2021, has released its plans for the annualprogramme, which feature myriad tourism, cultural, and sporting events.
The openingceremony, with the theme “Hoa Lu - Millennium-old Ancient Capital”, is set forApril 20 at the local cultural and historical site of Hoa Lu ancient citadel.
Key events to takeplace throughout the year include festivals at Bai Dinh Pagoda, Hoa Lu ancientcitadel, and the Trang An Landscape Complex, a Tam Coc - Trang An tourism week,and a photo and art exhibition on Ninh Binh.
The province willalso host the Southeast Asian karate championships and be the venue for thesport at the 31st Southeast Asian Games (SEA Games 31) later in theyear.
In response to theNational Tourism Year, 27 cities and provinces nationwide, including Hanoi, HaiPhong, Da Nang, Ho Chi Minh City, and Lam Dong, will also organise a range ofenticing activities.
Some 90km south ofHanoi, Ninh Binh’s many famous destinations includethe Trang An Landscape Complex - aUNESCO-recognised heritage site; Tam Coc, nicknamed “Ha Long Bay on Land”; CucPhuong National Park; Van Long Wetland Nature Reserve; and Phat Diem StoneCathedral.
The province wasselected as host for this year, after its activities planned as host in 2020 werecancelled due to COVID-19.
It aims to welcome7 million tourist arrivals in 2021, after welcoming just 2.8 million last year,or 37 percent of the 2019 figure, because of the pandemic./.
US travel site TripstoDiscover has named Vietnam’s popular destinations Sa Pa (Lao Cai) and Ninh Binh among the 14 Up-and-Coming Destinations in Asia to Visit.
More than 100 km away from the hustle and bustle of Hanoi, the Thung Nham bird park in the northern province of Ninh Binh has become a favorite spot for bird lovers in Vietnam.
Ninh Binh has emerged as an attractive tourist destination in recent years and made headlines for several times thanks to its majestic landscapes and relic sites. They have become intimate check-in venues for both domestic and international visitors.
Ninh Binh province, a tourist destination in the north, is launching several measures to achieve its goal of welcoming 7 million arrivals this year, during which it hosts the National Tourism Year.
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.
A pond within the Thien Ton pagoda in Ninh Binh (Photo: VNA) 
