“Vietnam: Voted Asia’s Top Travel Destination”

17 September, 2024

Ho Chi Minh City Hosts Vibrant Festivals to Entice Tourists

Ho Chi Minh City comes alive with a plethora of festivals, aiming to attract tourists and showcase the city’s vibrant culture.

On the evening of September 3rd, the World Travel Awards for Asia and Oceania were held in Manila, the Philippines. This prestigious event, now in its 31st year, recognizes the best in the travel and tourism industry across the two regions.

Vietnam proudly took home three awards: “Asia’s Leading Destination 2024,” “Asia’s Leading Heritage Destination 2024,” and “Asia’s Leading Nature Destination 2024.” Notably, this is the sixth time in seven years that Vietnam has been crowned “Asia’s Leading Destination,” solidifying its reputation as a must-visit destination on the global tourism map.

Vietnam beat strong contenders, including China, India, Japan, South Korea, Thailand, Indonesia, Malaysia, Singapore, and Sri Lanka. Hanoi, the country’s capital, also shone, winning awards for “Asia’s Leading City Destination” and “Asia’s Leading City Break Destination.”

Ho Chi Minh City, the country’s economic hub, continued its winning streak with awards for “Asia’s Leading Business City Destination” and “Asia’s Leading Festival and Event Destination.” The Ho Chi Minh City Department of Tourism proudly received the title of “Asia’s Leading City Tourist Board” for the second time.

One of the highlights of the awards was the recognition of Hoi An Ancient Town as “Asia’s Leading Cultural City Destination” for the fifth time. The enchanting town, with its well-preserved ancient architecture, offers a unique step back in time.

Moc Chau, dubbed the “Green Jewel,” shone once again, winning “Asia’s Leading Local Destination” for the third consecutive year. Ha Giang, a province on the country’s border, made its debut in the awards, winning the category of “Asia’s Leading Local Cultural Destination.” Ha Nam Province also made a remarkable entrance, taking first place in the “Asia’s Leading Emerging Destination” category.

Alongside these remarkable destinations, renowned Vietnamese brands in the fields of hospitality, airlines, and travel companies were also acknowledged with awards, solidifying their reputation in the Asian market.

Vietnamese tourism is experiencing a strong recovery post-pandemic, as evident in the recent holiday season. International tourist arrivals to key destinations have increased, signaling a positive outlook for the inbound tourism season starting in October. International visitors primarily came from South Korea, China, Taiwan, India, Europe, and the United States, with an average stay of 4-5 nights.

Several localities reported impressive numbers: Da Nang welcomed approximately 91,000 visitors (a 15.3% increase); Hanoi received over 58,900 visitors (a 35.8% increase); Khanh Hoa accommodated 48,000 international visitors; Ho Chi Minh City hosted approximately 38,800 visitors (a 3.2% increase compared to the same period last year); Ba Ria-Vung Tau welcomed 25,560 visitors; Thua Thien-Hue accommodated 16,000 visitors (a 54.3% increase); Kien Giang saw an impressive 271.4% increase with 15,570 visitors; and Lao Cai welcomed over 13,470 visitors, a 46.4% increase.

To meet the demands of tourists, local authorities and tourism businesses collaborated to create diverse and appealing products, organizing cultural events, festivals, and promotional programs. Moc Chau, in Son La Province, celebrated Independence Day with traditional dances and the vibrant Xoe dance. Than Uyen, in Lai Chau Province, presented “Lung linh sac mau Than Uyen,” a colorful cultural program. The Vietnam Cultural Village in Hanoi hosted a highland market, “Vui Tet Doc Lap,” celebrating the independence holiday. Mu Cang Chai, in Yen Bai Province, hosted the “Dang hinh dat nuoc” art program and the Son Tra Festival. Nui Ba Den in Tay Ninh buzzed with activities like “hunting for white cloud hats,” Chhay Dam dancing, and five-tone music, along with a special flag salute on the mountain peak during Independence Day celebrations.

Tourist hubs offered exciting new products, such as river cruises and paragliding in Da Nang, nighttime cyclo tours, a new double-decker bus tour, and the Sky Garden commercial and culinary street in Ho Chi Minh City. The Bo Cap Vang tourist area in Dong Nai unveiled the Bliss Waterfall, and Dalat introduced the Dalat Art Map, a unique artistic take on tourism.

With favorable weather across the country, tourist destinations reported increases in visitor numbers and revenue compared to the previous year. Ho Chi Minh City served approximately 980,000 visitors (a 2% increase); Hanoi: 672,900 (a 5% increase); Haiphong: 580,000; Khanh Hoa: 578,219 (a 2% increase); Ba Ria-Vung Tau: 555,984 (a 4% increase); Quang Ninh: 455,000 (a 19% increase); Thanh Hoa: 395,700 (a 20.4% increase); Binh Thuan: 385,000 (a remarkable threefold increase); Nghe An: 320,000 (a 19% increase); Da Nang: 308,000 (a 21.2% increase); Lao Cai: 196,500; Kien Giang: 159,176 (a 25.6% increase); Lam Dong: 132,000 (a 10% increase); and Thua Thien-Hue: 130,000 (a 32.7% increase), to name a few.

Frequently asked questions

Vietnam was voted as the top travel destination in Asia due to its diverse and unique offerings for travelers. The country offers a range of experiences, from exploring ancient temples and UNESCO World Heritage sites to enjoying its pristine beaches and vibrant cities. Vietnamese culture, cuisine, and natural beauty all contribute to its appeal as a travel destination.

Some of the key attractions that make Vietnam a top travel choice include the ancient town of Hoi An, the UNESCO World Heritage site of Ha Long Bay, the bustling cities of Ho Chi Minh City and Hanoi, and the picturesque countryside and terraces of Sa Pa. Vietnam also offers a range of outdoor activities such as trekking, kayaking, and scuba diving, as well as a rich culinary tradition that showcases the country’s diverse regional flavors.

Vietnam has a long and fascinating history, with a unique blend of cultural influences from its neighboring countries and its own rich traditions. The country has a proud heritage that is reflected in its architecture, cuisine, and arts. Vietnam’s complex and tumultuous past, including its struggle for independence and the Vietnam War, also draws visitors interested in learning more about its history and the impact it has had on the country today.

Vietnam boasts a diverse range of natural wonders, including the stunning limestone karsts of Ha Long Bay, the majestic mountains of Sa Pa, and the picturesque terraces and rice fields of the north. The country also offers a variety of ecological attractions, such as the Cuc Phuong National Park, which is home to a diverse range of flora and fauna, including endangered species like the Delacour’s langur and the Vietnamese warty pig.

Vietnamese cuisine is renowned for its fresh ingredients, vibrant flavors, and healthy options. The country’s culinary traditions vary across regions, offering a diverse range of dishes to explore. From the famous pho (noodle soup) and banh mi (sandwich) to the variety of fresh spring rolls and flavorful curries, Vietnam offers a culinary experience that is both delicious and unique.