Thua Thien-Hue records surge of tourists in two months
Tourist arrivals in the central province of Thua Thien-Hue in the first two months of 2018 rose sharply by 46.6 percent from a year earlier to over 715,960, partly thanks to various activities held during the Lunar New Year holiday (Tet).
Visitors to Thien Mu Pagoda in Hue city (Photo: VNA)
Thua Thien-Hue(VNA) – Tourist arrivals in the central province of Thua Thien-Hue in the firsttwo months of 2018 rose sharply by 46.6 percent from a year earlier to over715,960, partly thanks to various activities held during the Lunar New Yearholiday (Tet).
Tourism revenue of local accommodationestablishments is estimated at 249.2 billion VND (10.9 million USD) in the twomonths, up almost 13.8 percent from the same period last year.
On the six days of Tet from February 14 to 19(the 29th day of the last lunar month to the fourth day of the Lunar New Year),the province welcomed more than 110,000 visitors and gained over 66.28 billionVND (2.9 million USD) in tourism revenue.
During the Tet holiday, the Flag Tower in theHue Imperial City was decorated with 1,000 LED lights, becoming a highlight ofthe city at night.
Other relic sites such as the tombs of theNguyen kings and Thien Mu Pagoda also organised a number of activities to servetourists.
An exhibition was opened at the Tomb of KingMinh Mang during Tet, giving visitors an insight into the life of the kingsunder the Nguyen Dynasty (1802-1945), the last ruling monarchical family inVietnam.
Sung An Palace, located in the area of MinhMang’s tomb, was also the venue of another exhibition that displayed thebelongings of this king.
The Complex of Hue Monuments was the firstUNESCO World Heritage Site in Vietnam after it was recognised in 1993.-VNA
The Flag Tower (Ky dai Hue) in the Hue Imperial city of the central province of Thua Thien – Hue is being illuminated by a lighting system under a project funded by the tour service provider Vietravel.
The Hue Monuments Conservation Centre will offer free tickets for Vietnamese visitors during the first three days of the 2018 Lunar New Year (February 16-18).
A visit to Dong Ba Market is a “must” for travellers to the ancient city of Hue. It is one of the most famous and oldest markets in Hue offering specialties from the central region.
The central province of Thua Thien-Hue has put many efforts to preserve and restore relics of the UNESCO-recognised Complex of Hue Monuments in Hue city, the former royal capital of Vietnam, over the past two decades.
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.
Visitors to Thien Mu Pagoda in Hue city (Photo: VNA) 
