Vietnam - Destination for the world

Vietnam is increasingly becoming an attractive destination for tourists.

                                                                               Ảnh: Nam Nguyễn

Open policy creates a unique path

The year 2025 marks an important shift in visa policy, helping Vietnam increase its competitiveness in the region. According to Resolutions 44/NQ-CP and 229/NQ-CP, Vietnam currently exempts 45-day visas for 24 countries, while continuing to simplify e-visa procedures, shortening processing times and creating convenience for international visitors. Along with upgrading transport infrastructure, especially at major airports, and promoting, Vietnam is increasingly becoming an attractive destination for tourists.

Deputy Director of the Vietnam National Administration of Tourism Ha Van Sieu commented: “A flexible visa policy is an important tool to increase the attractiveness of destinations, helping Vietnam compete better with countries in the region. This is a positive signal, demonstrating Vietnam's hospitality and openness to the world”.

Currently, each locality is choosing its own “path” to attract tourists, such as Ho Chi Minh City choosing to promote conference and entertainment tourism; Hanoi focusing on promoting heritage tourism; Da Nang and Hue promoting green and community tourism development... These approaches all contribute to positioning Vietnam as an open, friendly and trustworthy destination.

Vietnamese cuisine is also a key factor in promoting the country's image. In May 2016, former US President Barack Obama ate a popular bun cha dish in Hanoi, which spread throughout the world. According to Payoo, international tourists spend about 40% of their budget on food when coming to Vietnam, the highest rate in Southeast Asia. The food tourism market is expected to reach over $220 million by 2023 and is forecast by Grand View Research to triple by 2030.

Vietnam is safe and friendly

Many tourists say that feeling safe and friendly is one of the reasons why they want to return to Vietnam. Cecile (France), a female captain who has traveled to 40 countries, shared: “I feel welcomed everywhere. Vietnamese people are always willing to help, small actions like giving directions or chatting over a cup of coffee make me feel very close”. Meanwhile, Bryan (USA) shared after a three-week journey to explore Vietnam: “Every time I come back here, I find something new”.

According to a survey by the Vietnam National Administration of Tourism, about 33% of international tourists who have been to Vietnam have returned two or more times. This is one of the highest return rates in the region, showing the sustainable appeal of Vietnam tourism. Many places are continuously honored internationally as attractive destinations. Last June, Phu Quoc was ranked among the top 3 best islands in the Asia-Pacific region by the prestigious travel magazine “Travel + Leisure”; Hoi An and Nha Trang were among the top 25 destinations in Asia.

Along with the growth in tourist numbers, Vietnam is promoting green tourism, community tourism and the “workation” trend (combining work and relaxation). In Ninh Binh, Quang Nam or Da Lat, many eco-tourism and local homestay models have been effectively implemented, helping to increase people’s income while preserving traditional culture. With impressive growth rates, flexible open-door policies and unique cultural and culinary appeal, Vietnam is emerging as a leading experiential tourism center in the region.

This is also the direction in Vietnam’s tourism development strategy until 2030. Accordingly, it will focus on developing sustainable tourism, minimizing environmental impacts and encouraging community-based tourism models. Mr. Nguyen Trung Khanh, Director of the Vietnam National Administration of Tourism, affirmed: “Developing green tourism is not only a trend, but also an inevitable requirement to improve Vietnam’s competitiveness. The current trend of tourists is to seek sustainable values, which Vietnam has a great advantage in.”

Tourists Jess (British) and Andreas (Norwegian), who are on a long trip in Asia, shared that Vietnam was “the most surprising destination”. “We have heard a lot about Vietnamese pho and banh mi, but what was more surprising was that Vietnamese coffee is also very interesting and creative when combined with salt or coconut milk, they have a very special flavor.”

Source: Báo nhân dân điện tử