Vietnam advised to tap potential for sports tourism
With its diverse terrain and favourable climate, Vietnam has the opportunity to organise sport events to attract more tourists to the country, experts have said.
At a paragliding festival in Yen Bai province (Photo: VNA)
Hanoi (VNA) – With its diverseterrain and favourable climate, Vietnam has the opportunity to organise sportevents to attract more tourists to the country, experts have said.
Do Cam Tho, Deputy Director of the Department of Planning and Finance under theVietnam National Administration of Tourism (VNAT), said at a recent seminar inHanoi that the eastern and northwestern regions hold a lot of potential forsports tourism, especially adventure sports.
Adventure sports have already been held on northern mountain provinces such asFansipan in Lao Cai province, Pu Ta Leng, Pu Si Lung and Bach Moc Luong in LaiChau province and Ta Xua-Tram Tau in Son La province, which measure from 2,865m to 3,143 m, the official added.
Tho suggested organising running and mountain bike racings in Ha Giang, LaiChau, Yen Bai and Lao Cai, and parachuting in Hoa Binh, Son La, Yen Bai, LaoCai and Ha Giang.
With a dense network of rivers, the Mekong Delta is suitable for boat races. Coastallocalities could host beach sports like kite boarding, yacht racing, motor racingand scuba diving, he said.
Vietnam has invested in infrastructure to serve major sports events, with themost noteworthy being the Formula One (F1) Grand Prix 2020.
Nguyen Thi Thanh Huong, VNAT Deputy General Director, said sports tourism hasbecome an important global trend, adding that it is growing twice as quickly astourism in general.
She highlighted the Da Nang Declaration on promoting tourism and sports forsustainable development issued by the World Tourism Organisation at theInternational Conference on Tourism and Sports in 2016./.
Nearly 1,000 foreign and domestic runners took part in the Vietnam Jungle Marathon 2019 which was held in Pu Luong Nature Reserve in the central province of Thanh Hoa on May 25.
Formula One has released its schedule for 2020, with the first ever Vietnam Grand Prix set to be the third among 22 races of the year, an unprecedented number of yearly races in the event’s history.
With majestic rock mountains and stunning terraced fields, Hoang Su Phi district is a tourist magnet in Ha Giang province. Local authorities have been focusing on sustainable tourism development.
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.
At a paragliding festival in Yen Bai province (Photo: VNA) 
