Ho Chi Minh City aims to become leading SEA tourist destination
With 681 potential tourist sites, Ho Chi Minh City is Vietnam’s largest tourism market.
THE HANOI TIMES — After merging administratively with the neighboring provinces of Binh Duong and Ba Ria-Vung Tau, Ho Chi Minh City (HCMC) is poised to become a sustainable tourism hub in Southeast Asia, according to the municipal Department of Tourism.
The local tourism sector is developing signature products around integrated, experiential itineraries, including the "From the City to the Sea via the River", which connects the urban core with riverside ecological zones and coastal resorts.
Ba Ria-Vung Tau beach is in HCMC. Photo: The Municipal Department of Tourism
Another popular route is the “Marine Culture” tour, which showcases coastal destinations' spiritual, heritage, and ecological values.
The city is promoting themed products, such as cuisine, night tourism, and traditional craft villages, to create personalized experiences for domestic and international visitors alike.
To attract more tourists, the city has cultivated major tourism events. The HCMC International Travel Expo (ITE HCMC) continues to serve as a vital gateway to regional and global markets.
Meanwhile, HCMC Tourism Week has expanded to a regional scale and is now linked to new destinations and products. An array of cultural festivals has helped redefine the city as dynamic, creative, and culturally rich.
According to the municipal Department of Tourism, under its strategic vision until 2030, HCMC aims to position itself as a leading tourist destination in Southeast Asia and a source of inspiration and innovation for Vietnam’s broader tourism industry.
