Foreign tourists are kayaking in the world natural heritage site of Ha Long Bay in Vietnam's northern province of Quang Ninh (Photo VNA)
Hanoi (VNA) – More than 1.43 millionforeign visitors arrived in Vietnam in the first month of 2018, a year-on-yearrise of 42 percent.
In January, tourists from Asia were estimated atover one million, up 53.9 percent against the same period last year.
Most of the country’s main markets recordedgrowth, including China (up 69 percent), the Republic of Korea (up 84 percent),China’s Taiwan (up 22.9 percent), Malaysia (up 35.5 percent), Thailand (up 11.3percent), Singapore (up 16 percent) and Cambodia (up 36.6 percent). The numberof tourists from Europe saw a year-on-year rise of 22.8 percent.
According to the Vietnam National Administrationof Tourism (VNAT), the tourism sector has launched tourism promotion programmesin early 2018, aiming to serve 15-17 million international tourists this year.
While participating in the ASEAN Tourism Forum(ATF) 2018 in Thailand, Vietnam introduced the country’s National Tourism Programmein the northern province of Quang Ninh. Added to this were several activities,including the promotion of the Hanoi-Ninh Binh-Ha Long tourism route and the“Vietnam Night” programme featuring an “ao dai” (traditional dress) show, artperformances and gastronomy.
Also at the ATF 2018, Vietnam won 14 prizes for2017. The “ASEAN Clean Tourist City” awards went to Hue, Hoi An and Da Latcities. Many hotels, tourism and resort areas in Hanoi, Ha Long, Vinh Phuc,Thai Nguyen, Quy Nhon, Nha Trang and Con Dao won the “ASEAN Green Hotel”awards.
In 2017, Vietnam welcomed nearly 13 millioninternational tourists and 74 million domestic ones.-VNA
Phu Quoc island district of the Mekong Delta province of Kien Giang targets to serve at least half a million international tourists in 2018, according to local authorities.
The capital city of Hanoi is striving to welcome 5.5 million foreigners among over 25.4 million tourists in 2018, confirming itself as an attractive destination in the region and the world.
New tours highlighting the remarkable museums, theatres and relics in the capital will be launched by the Vietnam National Administration of Tourism (VNAT).
Based on its 2017 success, Ho Chi Minh City aims to attract between seven and eight million international visitors and a whopping 29 million domestic visitors in 2018.
With the country rapidly advancing its plan to merge provincial-level administrative units, set to be completed by mid-August, the tourism industry, along with other sectors, is presented with challenges but also significant opportunities for innovation and sustainable growth in the era of the nation's rise.
Located at an altitude of over 1,500 metres above sea level, Sapa is dubbed the “Switzerland of Vietnam” for its temperate climate, breathtaking scenery, and European-inspired architecture.
A quick search for “Vietnam is calling” on TikTok reveals a myriad of clips capturing the excitement of visitors setting off for Vietnam, with short videos showing tourists holding their passports, wheeling their suitcases through airports or exploring Vietnam’s scenic landscapes, diverse cuisine and unique culture - all set to upbeat, catchy soundtracks.
The number of visitors increased by 4.1% compared to the same period last year, while total tourism revenue surged by 48.8%, or nearly 88% of the year’s target.
“There is no more atmospheric way to haul into Vietnam’s twin metropolises as this train rattles through historic cities and swooshes beside spectacular coastlines,” according to Lonely Planet.
All the 240 households in Thieng Lieng hamlet once knew only salt production and aquaculture, but now welcoming tourists has become a source of their joy and income.
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.
Foreign tourists are kayaking in the world natural heritage site of Ha Long Bay in Vietnam's northern province of Quang Ninh (Photo VNA) 
