Vietnam becomes global destination thanks to ASEAN integration
Vietnam has become a spotlight in the global tourism map thanks to the country’s extensive and intensive integration in the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), an official said.
Ha Long Bay - a famous destination in Vietnam. (Photo: VNA)
Hanoi (VNA) – ꦬVietnam has become a spotlight in the global tourism map thanks to the country’s extensive and intensive integration in the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), an official said.
Director General of the Vietnam National Administration of Tourism (VNAT) Nguyen Van Tuan cited Ha Long Bay (northern Quang Ninh province), Hoi An ancient town (central Quang Nam province), Nha Trang resort city (central Khanh Hoa province), Sa Pa (northern mountainous province of Lao Cai), Da Nang, Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City as well-known destinations in Vietnam.
Additionally, Trang An Complex in northern Ninh Binh province, the Mekong Delta region, the northern province of Ha Giang and Phu Quoc island district in the southern province of Kien Giang have become more popular, he said.
Vietnam was selected by the UK magazine Telegraph as one of the 20 must-see destinations in the world in 2015, he noted, adding that while Hanoi and Da Nang were chosen as two of the top 10 most attractive places in Asia, Ha Long Bay and Son Doong Cave were among the 10 most impressive destinations by the global magazine Global Grasshopper.
Legal documents and policies on tourism development and visa relaxation have facilitated travel in ASEAN, he said, noting that the transparent and favourable investment climate in Vietnam, along with better coordination among sectors, has met regional integration requirements.
Tuan said ASEAN integration has helped connect the Vietnamese tourism market with that of the region and the world.
Deputy Director of the Vietnam National Administration of Tourism (VNAT)’s International Cooperation Department Tran Phu Cuong said Vietnam started to study ASEAN cooperation mechanisms in the late 1990s after official engagement in the bloc in 1995.
Inn 2009, Vietnam hosted the ASEAN Tourism Forum (ATF) - the biggest event in the ASEAN tourism year.
Vietnam has created 130 tourism products and connected at least two countries in ASEAN to develop tourism products based on the nature, community, culture and heritage via cruises and waterway tours.
The nation also implemented the ASEAN tourism marketing strategy in 2011 and 2015 with the theme “ Southeast Asia – Feel the Warmth”.
Cuong said Vietnam has fulfilled its role as head of the bloc’s Tourism Marketing and Communication Working Group (MCWG) in 2013 and 2014, and it currently acts as deputy head of the tourism service quality group.
The country is also responsible for coordinating the development of waterway tourism products and the implementation of the technical assistance project to promote tourism in the Mekong River – which is supported by the UK World Tourism Organisation (UNWTO).
The regional integration is a major turning point for ASEAN member countries that bring enormous opportunities and challenges for each nation, he said.
In 2012, the VNAT set up a tourism cooperation group to increase coordination between relevant agencies. The agency has also carried out projects to study and evaluate human resources and improve capacity to implement the Mutual Recognition Agreement on Tourism Professionals (MRA – TP) and increase cooperation in the ASEAN Economic Community (AEC) on tourism.
With a population of over 500, ASEAN tourism markets contribute bring in about 20 percent of Vietnam’s tourists. Some countries like Thailand, Singapore and Malaysia serve as significant gateways to bring foreign visitors to Vietnam.
The multinational cooperation has helped increase the prestige of Vietnamese tourism in the region and enabled the country to access to valuable experience and lessons on tourism development, he said.
The realisation of the MRA – TP, signed in 2009, creates an opportunity for the tourism sector to develop human resources and facilitate labour mobility, he added.-VNA
The implementation of the Mutual Recognition Agreement on Tourism Professionals (MRA-TP) in ASEAN is an important step to boost Vietnam’s tourism quality.
International visitors to Vietnam witnessed a modest year-on-year decrease of 0.2 percent to 7.94 million in 2015, the latest report from the General Statistics Office (GSO) reveals.
The ASEAN Economic Community (AEC) officially came into being on December 31, 2015 opening up opportunities for more intensive cooperation in various areas among member countries.
More than 805,000 visits were made to Vietnam by international tourists in January, a 5.8 percent increase from last month and 12.3 percent surge from the same month last year.
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.
Ha Long Bay - a famous destination in Vietnam. (Photo: VNA)
