Central region advised to promote tourism growth through cultural heritage
The year 2025 is expected to mark a significant turning point for tourism in Central Vietnam, as localities in the region simultaneously roll out large-scale, strategic initiatives aimed at redefining cultural experiences for holidaymakers.
Inside Phong Nha cave, Quang Binh province (Photo: VNA)
Da Nang (VNA) – The year 2025 is expected to mark a significant turning point for tourism in Central 🌱Vietnam, as localities in the region simultaneously roll out large-scale, strategic initiatives aimed at redefining cultural experiences for holidaymakers.
At the heart of this transformation is the annual national drive Visit Vietnam Year, hosted by Hue city this year under the theme “Ancient Capital, New Horizons.” This initiative is complemented by coordinated promotional campaigns in Quang Binh, Quang Tri, Da Nang, and Quang Nam, each contributing a distinct “instrument” to a powerful and harmonious “symphony” of the region’s heritage tourism.
According to Tran Thi Hoai Tram, Director of the Hue Department of Tourism, the return of the Visit Vietnam Year to the city for the second time is a “golden opportunity” for it to make a strong impression, fully leverage its cultural assets, and regain tourism growth momentum. Hue is introducing a range of creative new tours and experiential routes that showcase its strengths in cuisine, the iconic Vietnamese traditional dress “ao dai,” traditional festivals, craft villages, and ecological attractions.
In Quang Binh, the focus remains on adventure and eco-tourism, with the globally renowned Phong Nha – Ke Bang National Park and Son Doong Cave continuing to be the local crown jewels. The province aims to welcome 5.5 million visitors in 2025.
Quang Tri, rich in historical significance, is embracing digital storytelling and memorial tourism to bring depth and modern appeal to landmarks such as the Quang Tri Citadel, Hien Luong Bridge – Ben Hai River, and the legendary Ho Chi Minh Trail.
Monument to the heroes and martyrs at Quang Tri Citadel, Quang Tri province (Photo: VNA).
Meanwhile, Da Nang, the region’s most modern urban hub, reinforces its role as a regional gateway with the slogan “Enjoy Da Nang 2025 – Diverse Experience.” A dynamic calendar of music, culinary, and beach sports festivals, along with the famed international fireworks festival, is planned. Expanded international flight routes, dedicated cruise ship terminals, and the integration of digital technologies into tourism management and promotion further strengthen the city’s appeal.
Quang Nam is breathing new life into its iconic sites of Hoi An, My Son, and Cham Island – by combining local cultural depth with contemporary trends. The province is also promoting new eco-tourism, agricultural, and community-based travel routes in its mountainous west, diversifying the well-trodden path Hoi An – My Son – Cua Dai beach.
Though the region holds immense untapped potential, the true flourishing of its heritage tourism lies not only in promotion or infrastructure investment. A vital element is cultivating the art of heritage appreciation by offering travellers more profound, immersive experiences such as curated storytelling spaces, mindfulness and spiritual healing activities rooted in culture, and other forms of engagement./.
The tourism sector of the central city of Da Nang has intensified its promotion and marketing efforts to attract more tourists from key target markets including China, Japan, India, Malaysia, and Indonesia, according to Director of the municipal Department of Tourism Truong Thi Hong Hanh.
The south central province of Binh Thuan, host of the 2023 National Tourism Year, has recorded rapid development this year, realising most tourism targets ahead of schedule.
A Celebrity Cruises ship with more than 3,000 passengers and crew on board berthed at Chan May port, the central province of Thua Thien – Hue on November 12.
The first and only direct service connecting the two countries at the moment is set to operate three times per week using the modern wide-body Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner aircraft.
Mu Cang Chai is home to nearly 83,000 hectares of forest, including almost 60,000 hectares of unspoiled natural woodland. Recognising this potential, local authorities have embraced a holistic strategy that protects biodiversity while promoting tourism.
Phu Quoc ranks among the top 10 leading tourist islands in Asia. As the largest island in Vietnam, it boasts stunning natural beauty, with expansive coral reefs resting beneath the sea and a number of beautiful, poetic beaches such as Sao, Truong, and Khem, known for their fine white sand and crystal-clear waters.
Vietnam's national flag carrier Vietnam Airlines and Vietjet are among the exhibitors, promoting key destinations such as Ho Chi Minh City, Hanoi, and Phu Quoc, as well as distinctive tourism products.
Alexander Musikhin, Vice President of ATOR and CEO of the Intourist travel agency, highlighted Vietnam as a top destination offering a unique blend of beach holidays and cultural excursions.
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.
An analysis of accommodation search data based on check-in dates for June and July revealed that Nha Trang surpassed all other destinations in popularity among Korean users.
The programme is organised by the Khanh Hoa provincial Youth Union and the “Khanh Hoa people speak English” Project, and aims to promote the culture, history, cuisine and other tourism products of Nha Trang – Khanh Hoa to international visitors.
VNAT Director General Nguyen Trung Khanh called visa a golden ticket to pulling in crowds, but he is clear that it needs coordinated efforts across multiple sectors to keep the momentum going in this fast-moving global travel scene.
As a tourism hub, Hanoi is now actively developing strategies to attract Muslim travellers. In recent years, the city has seen a notable uptick in visitors from countries with large Muslim populations.
When tourists witness firsthand the passion and care of farmers, they’re willing to pay higher prices because they see the genuine worth behind every product.
During the first five months, China continued to be Vietnam's largest source market of tourists, followed by the RoK, China’s Taiwan, the US, and Japan.
After more than three months of operation, the popularity of the free tours in Bac Ninh province shows no signs of cooling down. Many tourists return every week in hopes of experiencing all the tours and visiting every destination.
Typical products of Phu Tho are being showcased at the Lao Cai International Travel Mart 2025, held in the northern mountainous province of Lao Cai from June 5-8.
Featuring 130 stalls and delegations from 120 travel agencies representing more than ten countries and territories, the event is expected to provide a platform for establishing partnerships and attracting more visitors to Lao Cai in the future.
Kicking off the festival on the evening of June 7 will be the grand music concert titled “Nha Trang Say Hi”, featuring popular artists from the trending show “Anh Trai Say Hi”. The event will be broadcast live nationwide and conclude with a fireworks display over Nha Trang Bay.
Data from Booking.com reveals that during the peak summer vacation in June and July, beach trips continue to be a top priority for Vietnamese travellers.
The northern midland province of Phu Tho has carried out all-round measures to improve tourism infrastructure, services, and offerings, elevating visitor experience and reinforcing the province’s unique cultural identity.
Hanoi has directed lodging providers and tourist destinations to bolster preparations in staffing, service quality, security, and sanitation. Community-based lodging platforms such as Airbnb are also being promoted strongly to expand housing supply during the holiday period.
