Hanoi (VNA) - Vietnam’s tourism sector continues to make its mark on the global map in 2025 as Ho Chi Minh City and Phu Quoc have been recently honoured at the T+L Luxury Awards Asia Pacific 2025 by US-based Travel + Leisure magazine.
These two destinations earned high praise for their distinct cultural identity, stunning natural landscapes, and increasingly refined services.
Specifically, Ho Chi Minh City ranked seventh among the best cities in Asia Pacific. The ranking was topped by Tokyo, Japan; Bangkok, Thailand; Singapore; Seoul, the Republic of Korea; and Hong Kong, China.
A corner of Phu Quoc island (Photo: VNA)
Meanwhile, Phu Quoc earned the third place in the top 10 islands in the region. Other islands in the list include Bali, Indonesia; Koh Samui, Thailand; Palawan, the Philippines; Phuket, Thailand; and Langkawi, Malaysia.
According to statistics from the Ho Chi Minh City Department of Tourism, in the first quarter of 2025, the city welcomed over 1.63 million international visitors, an increase of 18.2% compared to the same period last year.
✅ Meanwhile, data from the Kien Giang provincial Department of Tourism shows that in the first six months of 2025, Phu Quoc hosted over 4.4 million visitors, including 882,000 foreigners, up 33.3% and 76.7% year-on-year, respectively./.
Gulf News, one of two English-language daily publications in the Persian Gulf region, listed the main reasons for its destination picks as being a mix of iconic cities, cultural treasures, tropical escapes, and foodie havens.
The northern coastal province of Quang Ninh, home to UNESCO-recognised world natural heritage site Ha Long Bay, welcomed nearly 500,000 tourists on April 30 and May 1, a year-on-year increase of 16%.
In 2024, Vietnam surpassed Singapore to become the third most-visited country in the region, welcoming 17.5 million international arrivals - just behind Malaysia with 25 million and Thailand with 35 million.
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.
