Spouses of ABAC III delegates captivated by Lan Ha Bay
The trip was a valuable opportunity for the guests to explore the natural landscape and heritage value of the trans-provincial world natural heritage site, Ha Long Bay - Cat Ba Archipelago.
The guests pose for a group photo as part of their trip around Lan Ha Bay in Hai Phong on July 17. (Photo: VNA)
Hai Phong (VNA) – As part of the ongoing third meeting of the APEC Business Advisory Council (ABAC III) in the northern port city of Hai Phong, spouses and companions of delegates on July 17 enjoyed a visit to the UNESCO-listed Lan Ha Bay of Cat Ba Island.
Located in the Cat Hai special zone, the bay boasts 366 islands and 136 pristine beaches. It is part of the Ha Long Bay - Cat Ba Archipelago complex, designated a world natural heritage site in 2023.
The group visited the Cai Beo floating fishing village – one of the oldest of its kind in Vietnam and considered a cradle of ancient Vietnamese culture – before heading into the heart of the bay.
Flavia Bueno from Peru shared her impression of the bay’s untouched and tranquil beauty. She said she will tell her friends and family about Lan Ha and Hai Phong when she returns to Peru, and hopes to come back in the future.
Tran Thi Hoang Mai, Director of the municipal Dep💛artment of Culture, Sports and Tourism, said the trip was a valuable opportunity for the guests to explore the natural landscape 💞and heritage value of the trans-provincial world natural heritage site, Ha Long Bay - Cat Ba Archipelago. Hai Phong hopes that the delegates will help promote the image of Cat Ba and Hai Phong more broadly to the world./.
The tour, hosted by the municipal Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism on the sidelines of the meeting from July 15-18, allowed guests to explore the intricate pottery-making process, admire vivid ceramic displays, and try their hand at painting, immersing themselves in a craft that once defined Vietnamese craftsmanship.
The exhibition features seven modern booths in a 375 sqm space, designed to showcase the locality’s dynamic and friendly image, as well as its strong socio-economic growth and potential for investment and tourism.
As the official representative body of the business community within APEC and a key bridge between the private sector and APEC economic leaders, the ABAC not only proposes business-friendly policies but also plays a direct role in creating practical solutions to strengthen value chains, promote investment, facilitate trade flows, and encourage innovation.
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.
