Thua Thien-Hue’s tourism development efforts pay off
The central province of Thua Thien-Hue, home to Hue ancient capital, has seen a large number of tourists, especially foreigners, since the beginning of this year, thanks to its efforts to improve infrastructure, develop new products, and expand promotion programmes.
Thua Thien-Hue (VNA) – The central province of Thua Thien-Hue, hometo Hue ancient capital, has seen a large number of tourists, especiallyforeigners, since the beginning of this year, thanks to its efforts to improveinfrastructure, develop new products, and expand promotion programmes.
According to the provincial TourismDepartment, since the beginning of 2024, Thua Thien-Hue has served more than891,000 visitors, including nearly 447,000 foreigners, up 40% and 74%year-on-year. Total revenue from tourism is estimated at 1.7 trillion VND (68million USD), up 20%.
Last month, a train route named “Central Heritage Connection” linking Hue city andnearby Da Nang city was put into operation.
During the about three hours of this trainjourney, tourists can admire the magnificent natural beauty along Hai Van Pass,dubbed “Thien ha de nhat hung quan” (the world’s most marvellous wonder) andalso among the 10 most beautiful drives in the world as selected by renowned USmagazine Travel Leisure, with one side being Truong Son Mountain Range and theother the sea before reaching Da Nang, which boasts one of the six mostbeautiful beaches on the planet.
On the way back, from Da Nang to Hue, theycan set foot in the former capital of Hue, home to various heritage sites.
In particular, riding either tripsdeparting Hue for Da Nang and vice versa in the morning or the afternoon,tourists can enjoy the splendid sunrise or sunset scenes on Lang Co, one of themost beautiful bays in the world, and taste typical local delicacies.
The province plans to organise a wide rangeof cultural and sports activities within the framework of the 2024 HueFestival. The festival, held for 24 years, is one of the key international artevents in Vietnam.
It will also hold a ceremony to mark 15years since Lang Co was recognised as the most beautiful bay in the world.
Meanwhile, Hai Van Gate, a national relicsite, will be officially open to visitors during the Liberation of the Southand National Reunification Day (April 30) and May Day (May 1) holidays./.
Cruise tourism plays a crucial role in attracting foreign visitors to the central province of Thua Thien-Hue, contributing to its overall socio-economic development.
A train route named “Central Heritage Connection” linking Hue city in the central province of Thua Thien - Hue and nearby Da Nang city was put into operation on March 26.
To create a green breakthrough and sustainable development in the tourism industry, hotels in the central city of Hue are gradually eliminating single-use plastic products with support from the Word Wide Fund for Nature and relevant stakeholders.
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.
Train running through Hai Van Pass (Photo: VNA) 
