Tourism connectivity benefits HCM City, other localities
With its advantages in regional connectivity and a big number of visitors, Ho Chi Minh City has been chosen by other cities and provinces to organise activities aiming to boost tourism development.
HCM City (VNA) – With its advantages in regional connectivity and a big number of visitors, Ho Chi Minh City has beenchosen by other cities and provinces to organise activities aiming to boosttourism development.
The People Committee of the northern mountainousprovince of Lai Chau has recently launched a culture-tourism week in HCM City,which featured traditional culture like “khen” (panpipe) of the Mong ethnic minority group, “dan tinh” (handmade gourd lutes) and “hat then” (then singing), and Xoedance and “nhay sap” (dancing with bamboo poles) – unique art forms of the Thaipeople in Lai Chau.
The programme has contributed to promoting tourismcooperation between Lai Chau and the southern largest economic hub as well as othercities and provinces in the region, said Tong Thanh Hai, Standing Vice Chairmanof the Lai Chau People’s Committee.
Gia Lai province in the Central Highlands alsoorganised a tourism promotion conference in HCM City, introducing its tourismservices and products, covering eco-tourism.
In the first nine months of this year, the cityrecorded over 92.3 trillion VND (4 billion USD) in tourism revenues, up 15.5%from the yearly target. More than 2 million foreigners arrived in the city, or60.3% of the initial plan.
The city has maintained connectivity with 13 citiesand provinces in the Mekong Delta, southeastern, northwestern and northeasternregions, and the central key economic region.
Statistics showed that in the 2020-2022 period, thesoutheastern localities served over 73.53 million holidaymakers, earning 260.16trillion VND (10.67 billion USD) in tourism revenues.
DeputyMinister of Culture, Sports and Tourism Doan Van Viet said the connectivity notonly helps to diversify products but also promotes their uniqueness, suggestinglocalities and businesses effectively and pragmatically roll out the signedagreements and launch more attractive tourism programmes./.
Nearly 597,000 foreigners visited Vietnam in November, up over 23% month-on-month, bringing the total number of foreign tourists to the country in the first 11 months of this year to 2.95 million.
The public and private sectors are being urged to work together to prepare for uncertainty in the tourism industry next year, which may pose hurdles for Thailand’s ability to maintain its competitive edge.
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.
Tourists to HCM City (Photo: VNA) 
