Hai Phong city welcomes 3 million tourists first half of 2017
The alluring landscapes of Do Son, Hon Dau, Cat Ba island and many other historic and cultural sites helped the northern port city of Hai Phong draw 3.07 million holiday-makers in the first half of the year, up 10.7 percent from the same period in 2016.
Lan Ha Bay in Hai Phong city. The city drew 3.07 million holiday-makers in the first half of the year. (Photo: VNA)
Hai Phong (VNA) – The alluring landscapes of Do Son, Hon Dau, Cat Baisland and many other historic and cultural sites helped the northern port cityof Hai Phong draw 3.07 million holiday-makers in the first half of the year, up10.7 percent from the same period in 2016.
Of the total number, over 355,500 foreigners visited the city in the period.
According to Vice Chairman of the city People’s Committee Nguyen Xuan Binh, breakthroughsin infrastructure are a tremendous drive for the city’s tourism development.
Tan Vu-Lach Huyen bridge, Bach Dang bridge, expansion of National Highway 10and Hanoi-Hai Phong highway - the most modern expressway in Vietnam - haveconnected Hai Phong city and other localities nationwide, Binh said.
Construction has begun on Nguyen Binh Khiem flyover as well as Hoang Van Thu, TamBac, Han and Dang bridges and a coastal road connecting Hai Phong city and itsneighbouring Thai Binh province.
In addition, projects invested by large groups like Vingroup and Sungroup will givea facelift to the city, including a Vincom shopping mall, a complex ofentertainment zone, housing and eco-park on Vu Yen island and a tourism complexon Cat Ba and Cat Hai islands.
The expansion of Cat Bi International Airport will help the city connect withthe international aviation industry while creating a boost for the city’ssocio-economic development. Travel agents in and outside the city have joinedhands with some carriers like Vietnam Airlines and Vietjet Air to increaseflight frequency to meet travel demands from customers.
Hai Phong city is making a beeline to develop standout tourism brand andproducts as well as works to improve human resource quality.-VNA
Work started on May 14 on the first phase of a big ecological tourism complex on Cat Ba Islands in the northern port city of Hai Phong, which is projected to be Vietnam’s first carbon-free tourism area.
The northern port city of Hai Phong should make greater efforts to turn the private sector an important motivation of its economic development, said Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc.
The northern port city of Hai Phong has been named among top 10 attractive investment destinations nationwide, said Secretary of the municipal Party Committee Le Van Thanh.
The number of visitors increased by 4.1% compared to the same period last year, while total tourism revenue surged by 48.8%, or nearly 88% of the year’s target.
“There is no more atmospheric way to haul into Vietnam’s twin metropolises as this train rattles through historic cities and swooshes beside spectacular coastlines,” according to Lonely Planet.
All the 240 households in Thieng Lieng hamlet once knew only salt production and aquaculture, but now welcoming tourists has become a source of their joy and income.
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.
Lan Ha Bay in Hai Phong city. The city drew 3.07 million holiday-makers in the first half of the year. (Photo: VNA) 
