One of the reasons tourists return to Cu Lao Cham (Cham Islands), a group of eight small islands off Hoi An city of the central province of Quang Nam, is its tour guides.
Students attend the tour guide training course. (Photo: vietnamtourism.gov.vn)
Quang Nam (VNA) - One of the reasons touristsreturn to Cu Lao Cham (Cham Islands), a group of eight small islands offHoi An city of the central province of Quang Nam, is its tour guides.
“Charming oratory, flexible tours and the provision ofexceptional information is real spice, making tour guides here a beguilingchoice for tourists," said Dutch visitor Jenny Mario after finishing atour with guide Vo Phuc Sinh, 34.
A typical working day for Sinh, who is called “Lord of theSoil and the Ground of Cham Islands” starts at 8am. When the first touristgroups from the mainland enter the port, he quickly supports them. They areattracted by his friendly, brisk and cheerful attitude.
Nguyen Thanh Ba, a visitor from Hanoi, said jokes andhumorous stories were combined with explanations of traditional customs ofislanders. He said this brought a relaxing, close link between guides andtourists. “It is far better than having dogmatic guides who always stick towhat they have been taught in the textbooks. So boring,” he said.
At present, the tourist guides at Cham Islands has up to 30members. They include former "xe om" drivers, boatmen and even housewives whohave been trained at local tourist guide classes and issued with a certificate.
Some guides are youngsters who left the islands, but returnedto take up jobs as guides. The team cleverly combines guiding with remindingtourists on keeping the environment clean. No plastic bags are allowed on theislands, swimmers are not allowed to remove anything from the sea - and thesale of rare sea crabs is forbidden.
Meanwhile, because many tourists love to see starfish andcoral while diving, tour guides are encouraged to bring them to the surface forvisitors to see - and then release them.
Guides are paid 200,000 VND for each tour. The money helpsthem to cover their living expense. When the stormy season comes, they returnto their daily routines as xe om drivers, hammock knitters and livestockbreeders.
Tran Thi Hong Thuy, Director of the Cham Islands Sea Reservesaid the reserve started training 30 young people a time in tourist guideclasses.-VNA
Tourists visiting Cu Lao Cham (Cham Islands) in the central province of Quang Nam now can see creatures and coral reefs in the seabed thanks to a new service launched by a local tourist company.
The central province of Quang Nam, which is hosting the APEC Finance Ministers’ Meeting and related meetings, has designed typical tours for tourists to discover the locality’s culture and people.
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.
Students attend the tour guide training course. (Photo: vietnamtourism.gov.vn) 
