Thai experts support sustainable community-based tourism development in Ben Tre
The Thailand International Cooperation Agency (TICA), under the country’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Thailand, on October 15 officially handed over a project on sustainable coastal community development through ecotourism and the application of the sufficiency economy philosophy to Binh Dai district in Vietnam’s southern province of Ben Tre.
The project on sustainable coastal community development, supported by Thai experts, is handed over to five tourism entities in Binh Dai district, Ben Tre province, on October 15. (Photo: VNA)
Ben Tre (VNA) – The Thailand International Cooperation Agency (TICA), under the country’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Thailand, on October 15 officially handed over a project on sustainable coastal community development through ecotourism and the application of the sufficiency economy philosophy to Binh Dai district in Vietnam’s southern province of Ben Tre.
Piloted in 2024, then maintained and expanded in the following years, the project involves five local tourism entities in the district, which have engaged in training and hands-on experiences in Thailand. The participants have gradually enhanced their infrastructure and service quality, ultimately developing new products and improving existing ones.
At the handover ceremony, Nguyen Thi Ngoc Dung, Deputy Director of the Ben Tre Department of Culture, Sports, and Tourism, highlighted that the project not only boosts the quality of tourism human resources but also creates distinctive offerings, generates new employment opportunities, and stimulates local economic growth. The province is committed to implementing it effectively and transparently, ensuring community benefits while preserving tourism resources and local cultural values.
She expressed her confidence that the cooperation would open new doors for Ben Tre and elevate its status on both the national and global tourism maps. Going forward, Thai institutions and educational establishments will further accompany the Vietnamese locality in areas like tourism-related digital transformation, green transition, branding, environmental protection, and promotion, to contribute to the sustainable growth of the local sector.
🦩 On October 14 and 15, experts from the TICA and Burapha University of Thailand visited Binh Dai to assess the project’s progress and provide supplementary tourism training, equipping local organisations, individuals, and communities with essential skills and knowledge to enhance their professionalism in service delivery./.
With its indigenous culture formed by friendly and generous people, natural landscape and areas of lush gardens, the Mekong Delta region boasts great potential and a good foundation to develop community-based tourism.
Measures for securing net zero emissions in tourism were discussed at a high-level travel forum on green transformation held in Ho Chi Minh City on September 5.
As an agricultural country boasting many traditional craft villages and beautiful landscapes, Vietnam holds considerable advantages for developing rural ecotourism, which has emerged as a trend among both domestic and international tourists in recent years.
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.