Tourism boom takes hold in newly-expanded Ho Chi Minh City
Ho Chi Minh City welcomed 3.85 million foreigners in the first half, a 44% surge year-on-year, alongside 18.3 million domestic tourists, up 7%. The influx generated nearly 117.94 trillion VND (4.53 billion USD) in revenue, a 27.3% yearly rise, putting the city nearly halfway to its annual target, according to the municipal Department of Tourism.
Saigon Central Post Office - a landmark site in HCM City (Photo: VNA)
HCM City (VNA)🤡 – As Ho Chi Minh City adapts to a streamlined two-tier administration model following its merger with Ba Ria-Vung Tau and Binh Duong provinces, its tourism industry is riding a boom, shifting from post-pandemic recovery to robust growth.
The city welcomed 3.85 million foreigners in the first half, a 44% surge year-on-year, alongside 18.3 million domestic tourists, up 7%. The influx generated nearly 117.94 trillion VND (4.53 billion USD) in revenue, a 27.3% yearly rise, putting the city nearly halfway to its annual target, according to the municipal Department of Tourism.
With 3,146 accommodation options, including 134 hotels ranging from one to five stars, and a network of 9,237 licensed tour guides and 1,709 travel agents, the city is well-equipped to best serve visitors. The pool includes 5,789 international, 3,372 domestic, and 76 on-site guides, while there are 1,223 international operators, 391 domestic travel firms, 76 travel agents, and 19 foreign representative offices.
Nguyen Thi Anh Hoa, Director of the municipal Department of Tourism, pointed to its diverse offerings as a key driver. Beyond its urban appeal and strengths in MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions), and cultural-culinary tourism, the city is tapping the coastal allure of former Ba Ria-Vung Tau for luxury resorts and spiritual retreats, while former Binh Duong’s craft villages and eco-tourism add depth. “This mix is expanding our tourism portfolio and unlocking new themed-tour opportunities across the southeast”, Hoa said.
HCM City offers various tourism products (Photo: VNA)
The city’s global draw remains strong. A recent Agoda report named it as the top destination for Chinese tourists and among the top five for Koreans, citing its blend of bustling markets, colonial architecture, and modern skyline. A separate survey by Savills Vietnam credited the rebound to upgraded infrastructure, high-end accommodations, and more direct flights.
To maintain momentum, the city is doubling down on digital integration to streamline services and rolling out fresh tourism products to rebrand itself. Recent campaigns include the “Find Your Flavour” culinary tour series and a multi-sensory art performance marking 50 years of local rich culture.
Duong Duc Minh, Deputy Director of the municipal Institute for Tourism and Economic Research and Development, proposed a three-pronged strategy pushing cultural heritage, creativity and cultural industries, marine and eco-tourism with island resorts./.
Running from July to August, “Find your flavour” aims to become a key offering of this summer by integrating activities such as food passports, interactive games, videos, and all-in-one culinary city tours in partnership with local travel agencies and restaurants.
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.
The Swiss Executive Hospitality Training (Swiss EHT) programme, implemented in the city from 2025 to 2027, aims to enhance professional competence, ethics, and international competitiveness for personnel in the tourism and hospitality sectors, thus contributing to sustainable development.
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.
