Vietnam welcomes 12.8 million foreign tourists in 10 months
More than 12.8 million foreign tourists have chosen Vietnam as their destination over the last 10 months, up 22.4 percent year on year, according to the Vietnam National Administration of Tourism (VNAT).
Foreign visitors to an exhibition at the Temple of Literature in Hanoi (Photo: VNA)
Hanoi (VNA) – More than 12.8 million foreigntourists have chosen Vietnam as their destination over the last 10 months, up22.4 percent year on year, according to the Vietnam National Administration ofTourism (VNAT).
The VNAT said on October 26 that the country haswelcomed over 1.2 million foreign visitors this month, rising 17.6 percent froma year earlier.
In the 10 months, it has seen increases in thenumbers of tourists from most markets, particularly the Republic of Korea (48.3percent), Finland (33.3 percent), China’s Hong Kong (29.6 percent), China (28.8percent), and Denmark (16.4 percent). Although Africa is not a major market,the number of arrivals from this continent has risen by 19.7 percent.
Meanwhile, holidaymakers from Laos have droppedby 15.7 percent and from Cambodia down 8.1 percent compared to the same periodlast year.
Domestic travellers totalled 67.9 millionbetween January and October, the VNAT noted, adding that the sector earned 505trillion VND (21.5 billion USD) from tourists in total, up 21 percent.
VNAT General Director Nguyen Van Tuan saidVietnam aims to attract 15 – 16 million foreign arrivals in 2018. The fourthquarter is a peak season for foreign tourists, so if the current growth rate issustained and there aren’t any sudden upheavals, the country will receive atleast 15.7 million foreign vacationers this year.
To attract more foreigners in the coming months,the VNAT has organised a tourism promotion programme in Nanning and Shenzhencities of China from October 22 to 27, he added.
In the national tourism development strategyuntil 2020, China is considered a key source of tourists. It has continuallyranked first among sources of foreign travellers to the Southeast Asian nation,accounting for 38 percent of total foreigners visiting here.
Tuan said the VNAT has also coordinated withsome agencies to launch a smart tourism portal at so as toprovide comprehensive information about Vietnam’s tourism and help users gainbetter travel experiences in the era of the Fourth Industrial Revolution. -VNA
The central province of Quang Binh on October 24 introduced its new tourism product of exploring Vom and Gieng Vooc caves in Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park.
Mua Cave in the northern province of Ninh Binh has been popular to domestic and foreign visitors thanks to the picturesque scenery of the surrounding area seen from its top.
The Department of Tourism of Hanoi and the Vietnam Post and Telecoms Group on October 24 launched the new telephone switchboard, 1800556896, to receive inquiries on the city’s tourism.
Vietnam expects to welcome its 15 millionth foreign visitor of 2018 in Ha Long City, the northern coastal province of Quang Ninh, in late November or early December.
The Tourism Department and the Tourism Association of the northern province of Ninh Binh recently organised a tourism promotion conference in Nha Trang city, the central province of Khanh Hoa, drawing the participation of nearly 100 tourism agencies and companies from both provinces.
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.
Foreign visitors to an exhibition at the Temple of Literature in Hanoi (Photo: VNA) 
