Ha Giang optimises cultural resource for tourism development
The northernmost province of Ha Giang, honoured as the “Asia's Leading Emerging Tourism Destination” by World Travel Awards 2023 and among the 52 best places to travel in 2023 by New York Times, is rolling out measures to optimise its cultural values for tourism development and taking tourism expansion as a way to preserve and promote the local culture.
Ha Giang is honoured as the “Asia's Leading Emerging Tourism Destination” by World Travel Awards in 2023. (Photo: vietnamnet.vn)
Hanoi (VNA) – The northernmost province of HaGiang, honoured as the “Asia's Leading Emerging Tourism Destination” by WorldTravel Awards 2023 and among the 52 best places to travel in 2023 by NewYork Times, is rolling out measures to optimise its cultural values for tourismdevelopment and taking tourism expansion as a way to preserve and promote the localculture.
According to the provincial Department of Culture, Sportsand Tourism, Ha Giang takes cultural heritage as a resource for tourismgrowth with special values that can create attractive products and drawtourists.
Right in 2022 when Vietnam reopened the tourism market, HaGiang welcomed more than 2.2 million visitors and earned 4.53 billion VND (185.99million USD) from them. The figures rose to 3 million and 7.09 trillion VND,respectively, in 2023.
The higher number of tourists has made an importantcontribution to the province's GDP growth, contributing to poverty reductionand improving the living conditions of locals, especially in ethnic minority-inhabitedareas.
In order to preserve and promote the values of cultural heritage sites inassociation with tourism development, Ha Giang plans to boost the communication work on the meaning and significance of cultural heritageconservation, while focusing on restoring cultural relics, traditionalfestivals, and cultural practices, and promoting community-based tourism,according to the department.
Ha Giang is home to more than 20 ethnic groups such as Mong, Tay, Dao, Nung, and Giay who have their own traditional culture,lifestyle and customs, plus exciting festivals for visitors and researchers.
The region boasts many historical relics and majesticlandscapes, such as the Heaven Gate, the Quan Ba double mountains in Quan Badistrict; the Mong King’s Vuong Palace, the Lung Cu National Flag Pole in DongVan district; the Ma Pi Leng Pass in Meo Vac district; and picturesque terracedfields in Hoang Su Phi. They attract many visitors to come for fun orfor research.
In 2010, the Dong Van Karst Plateau in Dong Van district wasofficially recognised by the UNESCO as a global karst geo-park, the first of itskind in Vietnam and the second in Southeast Asia (after the Langkawi Park inMalaysia)./.
Ha Long Bay-Cat Ba Archipelago in the northern Province of Quang Ninh and neighbouring Hai Phong City is the first Vietnamese inter-provincial site listed by the UNESCO as a World Natural Heritage. UNESCO’s recognition has enhanced the value of this vast, majestic, and beautiful area.
A kaleidoscope of festive activities will be held throughout 2024 in the central province of Thua Thien – Hue in the framework of the Hue Festival 2024.
Strong cultural industries will help promote Vietnam’s stature in the region, said Prof. Furuta Motoo, Rector of the Vietnam Japan University under the Vietnam National University, Hanoi.
2023 was a successful year for Vietnam’s multilateral external relations and cultural diplomacy at the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO), according to former Permanent Representative of Vietnam to UNESCO Ambassador Le Thi Hong Van.
The first and only direct service connecting the two countries at the moment is set to operate three times per week using the modern wide-body Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner aircraft.
Mu Cang Chai is home to nearly 83,000 hectares of forest, including almost 60,000 hectares of unspoiled natural woodland. Recognising this potential, local authorities have embraced a holistic strategy that protects biodiversity while promoting tourism.
Phu Quoc ranks among the top 10 leading tourist islands in Asia. As the largest island in Vietnam, it boasts stunning natural beauty, with expansive coral reefs resting beneath the sea and a number of beautiful, poetic beaches such as Sao, Truong, and Khem, known for their fine white sand and crystal-clear waters.
Vietnam's national flag carrier Vietnam Airlines and Vietjet are among the exhibitors, promoting key destinations such as Ho Chi Minh City, Hanoi, and Phu Quoc, as well as distinctive tourism products.
Alexander Musikhin, Vice President of ATOR and CEO of the Intourist travel agency, highlighted Vietnam as a top destination offering a unique blend of beach holidays and cultural excursions.
According to Seoul’s Tourism Industry Department, approximately 20,000 Vietnamese visitors travel to the city each year for medical treatment. Vietnam consistently ranks among the top 10 countries with the highest number of medical tourists to Seoul.
An analysis of accommodation search data based on check-in dates for June and July revealed that Nha Trang surpassed all other destinations in popularity among Korean users.
The programme is organised by the Khanh Hoa provincial Youth Union and the “Khanh Hoa people speak English” Project, and aims to promote the culture, history, cuisine and other tourism products of Nha Trang – Khanh Hoa to international visitors.
VNAT Director General Nguyen Trung Khanh called visa a golden ticket to pulling in crowds, but he is clear that it needs coordinated efforts across multiple sectors to keep the momentum going in this fast-moving global travel scene.
As a tourism hub, Hanoi is now actively developing strategies to attract Muslim travellers. In recent years, the city has seen a notable uptick in visitors from countries with large Muslim populations.
When tourists witness firsthand the passion and care of farmers, they’re willing to pay higher prices because they see the genuine worth behind every product.
During the first five months, China continued to be Vietnam's largest source market of tourists, followed by the RoK, China’s Taiwan, the US, and Japan.
After more than three months of operation, the popularity of the free tours in Bac Ninh province shows no signs of cooling down. Many tourists return every week in hopes of experiencing all the tours and visiting every destination.
Typical products of Phu Tho are being showcased at the Lao Cai International Travel Mart 2025, held in the northern mountainous province of Lao Cai from June 5-8.
Featuring 130 stalls and delegations from 120 travel agencies representing more than ten countries and territories, the event is expected to provide a platform for establishing partnerships and attracting more visitors to Lao Cai in the future.
Kicking off the festival on the evening of June 7 will be the grand music concert titled “Nha Trang Say Hi”, featuring popular artists from the trending show “Anh Trai Say Hi”. The event will be broadcast live nationwide and conclude with a fireworks display over Nha Trang Bay.
Data from Booking.com reveals that during the peak summer vacation in June and July, beach trips continue to be a top priority for Vietnamese travellers.
The northern midland province of Phu Tho has carried out all-round measures to improve tourism infrastructure, services, and offerings, elevating visitor experience and reinforcing the province’s unique cultural identity.
Hanoi has directed lodging providers and tourist destinations to bolster preparations in staffing, service quality, security, and sanitation. Community-based lodging platforms such as Airbnb are also being promoted strongly to expand housing supply during the holiday period.
Ha Giang is honoured as the “Asia's Leading Emerging Tourism Destination” by World Travel Awards in 2023. (Photo: vietnamnet.vn) 
