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Hanoi, the capital city of Vietnam, took center stage in the country’s tourism boom, showcasing its cultural heritage and festive programs. The city attracted 12.5 million domestic travelers, a 19% increase from the previous year, and generated $148 million in revenue, up by 7.85%. Hanoi’s success is a testament to the appeal of its cultural offerings and the effectiveness of its strategic policies, including relaxed visa rules and promotional packages. Tourists explore Hanoi’s charming streets by cyclo. Photo: Hoai Nam Other cities also experienced robust tourism growth. Ho Chi Minh City brought in $322 million, while Danang and Quang Nam welcomed 228,000 and 157,000 visitors, respectively, reflecting a 29% and 40% increase. The Tet holiday provided a perfect opportunity for these cities to display their unique cultural offerings, with Hanoi organizing traditional performances, handicraft demonstrations, and culinary delights in its Old Quarter and the historic Village...

(Photo: Quest’s World of Wonder) “It’s true what they say: when you first arrive in Vietnam, you understand a lot in just a few minutes. But to truly grasp the essence of this captivating country, you need to immerse yourself in its vibrant reality.” This sentiment, echoed by Richard Quest, perfectly encapsulates his journey through Ho Chi Minh City, inspired by Graham Greene’s Quiet American. According to Quest, Vietnam exudes an irresistible allure that draws tourists from across the globe. The warmth and hospitality of the locals leave a lasting impression on visitors. “It had been two decades since my last visit to Vietnam, and I felt compelled to return and showcase its allure to the world through my show,” Quest shared. (Photo: Quest’s World of Wonder) In Ho Chi Minh City, Quest embarked on a cultural voyage, delving into the local lifestyle and unique traditions. He navigated the bustling streets, indulged in the delights of banh xeo, and even experienc...

On Monday, the municipal Department of Tourism convened to assess its performance in 2024 and establish a comprehensive plan for the upcoming year. The southern city witnessed a substantial increase in international visitor numbers, serving six million guests, a remarkable 20% year-on-year rise, as shared by Nguyen Cam Tu, director of the municipal Tourism Promotion Center. Domestic tourism also flourished, with an estimated 38 million local visitors in 2024, reflecting an 8.6% increase compared to the previous year. The city’s tourism industry demonstrated its economic prowess, generating VND190 trillion ($7.5 billion) in revenue, an impressive 18.8% surge from 2023 figures. Building on this success, the department has set its sights on an ambitious target of welcoming 8.5 million international visitors in 2025, representing a remarkable year-on-year increase of over 40%. Additionally, they have outlined aggressive goals for tourism revenue and attracting domestic tourists for the c...

Hanoi has witnessed remarkable progress over the past year, especially within its tourism industry. Despite economic headwinds on both domestic and international fronts, the city’s tourism sector demonstrated a robust recovery and significant growth. According to the Hanoi Tourism Department, Hanoi experienced a boom in tourism, welcoming 27.86 million visitors, reflecting a 12.7% increase from the previous year. This included 6.35 million international tourists, a substantial rise of 34.4%, along with 21.51 million domestic visitors, indicating a healthy 7.5% growth. This influx of tourists has had a positive ripple effect on the economy, with total revenue estimated at VND110.52 trillion (approximately US$4.61 billion), an encouraging increase of 18.3%. These impressive figures were revealed during a conference on the tourism sector’s roadmap for 2025, held on December 30. They underscore the resilience and growth of Hanoi’s tourism industry in 2024. The capital’s tourism sector n...

Sai Gon Giai Phong (Liberated Saigon) newspaper, in collaboration with the provincial Department of Culture and Sports and Star Global Entertainment Co., Ltd., is proud to announce an exciting golf festival that celebrates Vietnam’s rich history in the sport while showcasing the region’s vibrant tourism offerings. The three-day event, expected to attract 280 golfers, will be hosted at the prestigious Vinpearl Nha Trang Golf Course and KN Golf Links Cam Ranh. Bui Thi Hong Suong, deputy editor-in-chief of Sai Gon Giai Phong , highlighted the significance of Nha Trang as a premier tourist destination and the crucial role of golf tourism in drawing international visitors to the region. With this festival, Sai Gon Giai Phong aims to invigorate Vietnam’s golf market and promote its development as a key attraction within the country’s tourism landscape in the years ahead. Beyond the thrilling golf tournament, festival attendees can look forward to a diverse range of activities. These in...

Hanoi is at the forefront of developing its night-time economy, launching new services to attract more visitors to the capital. The city is tapping into its unique cultural offerings and historical landmarks to create a vibrant and captivating night-time experience. Dao Ngoc – Ngu Xa in the Ba Dinh District, recently designated as a city-level tourist destination, is one such example. This area offers exciting and distinctive experiences for both domestic and foreign visitors. One of its key features is the incorporation of Hanoi’s subsidy period into the design of the space, including a movie-theater-like event area with department stores and trams as backdrops. It evokes a sense of the country’s special historical periods. The “Truc Bach Night” is a highlight, with specially designed theme shops and Tram Line No. 6 – the “Hanoi Street Museum.” Each of the four trams showcases a typical culinary theme of Hanoi and Vietnam, such as rice paddy, vermicelli noodles, and kitchen cupboar...

The provincial government hosted a press conference on Tuesday, announcing the highly anticipated Culture, Sports, and Tourism Week. This year, the week-long celebration will commence on November 28 and conclude on December 4, as shared by Nguyen Thanh Thanh, the director of the provincial Department of Culture, Sports, and Tourism. According to Thanh, this year’s festivities will encompass 11 flagship events. These include an opening ceremony and a tourism promotion conference, joined by Ho Chi Minh City and 13 Mekong Delta provinces. The conference will also showcase the One Commune One Product initiative, highlighting the region’s diverse offerings. Among the week’s attractions is the Long An – South Korea Trade and Culinary Fair, offering a unique blend of cultural exchange and delicious cuisine. There will also be dedicated areas for cultural interactions, sports competitions, and a music festival, ensuring there is something for everyone. The official banner for the seco...

Just a short drive from Hanoi’s bustling center, Quoc Oai District in the city’s western suburbs offers a plethora of stunning attractions perfect for heritage tourism, eco-tourism, entertainment, and quick weekend getaways. There is immense potential in Quoc Oai that awaits full exploration and promotion to attract both domestic and international visitors. A Land of Rich Potential The Water Temple, nestled within Thay Pagoda, is a serene and picturesque spot. Photo: Lai Tan/ The Hanoi Times Quoc Oai District boasts a semi-mountainous terrain with plains interspersed by hills and mountains, creating a diverse and naturally beautiful landscape. The district also has a long and rich history, with a unique culture rooted in the Doai land, the ancient territory west of the capital, Thang Long, now Hanoi. Of particular note are the district’s 220 historical, cultural, architectural, and artistic relics. Among these, two stand out as Special National Relics: Thay Pagoda in S...

Duong Lam Ancient Village in Son Tay Town, Hanoi, is a beloved tourist destination, boasting a wealth of historical and cultural relics tied to national heroes and prominent figures. Artisan Nguyen Tan Phat teaches the art of crafting straw buffaloes and horses to children, igniting their creativity and appreciation for traditional folk art. Photo: Huy Pham/The Hanoi Times Nestled within the village are centuries-old laterite houses, which have witnessed a tourism boom in recent years. Among the myriad attractions, the toy-making workshop of artist Nguyen Tan Phat stands out as a favorite among visitors. Growing up in the lush countryside of northern Vietnam, Phat’s childhood memories are steeped in rice fields and folk games. It was these nostalgic recollections of straw that inspired him to create toys from this humble material. “Crafting buffaloes from straw is a simple art that children can easily master,” he shares. “With patience and practice, they can create t...