Vietnam named “Asia’s new tourism hotspot”, 6.6 million tourists in seven months of 2023

Hanoi (VNA) – Vietnam has been named “Asia’s new tourism hotspot” by Travel Off Path, one of North America’s largest travel news websites.

The US-based travel website has identified three reasons for Vietnam being the new Asia tourism hotpot including the adjusted visa requirements, a well-preserved natural beauty and a focus on tourism growth.

In an article published on July 23, Travel Off Path said that Vietnam is famous for its breathtakingly beautiful scenery, a huge coastline that stretches for an incredible 3,260km, and energetic cities.

“When people think of travelling to Southeast Asia, Thailand is usually the first destination that comes to mind. But if you want to avoid the crowds of tourists in Thailand, then there is an emerging force for tourism in the region that is ripe for exploration — Vietnam,” it said.

According to a Google Destination Insights report, between March and June, Vietnam was the seventh most searched destination in the world and the only country in Southeast Asia to make the top 20 list.

For the adjusted visa requirements, it said, visiting Vietnam will be easier than ever for citizens of many countries with the visa application being “easy, straightforward, and affordable.”

The website pointed out that the country is budget-friendly, although those on a tight budget should still consider their itinerary to ensure it is affordable.

Compared to the Southeast Asian tourism hub of Thailand, it said, Vietnam is an affordable destination, although both can cater to travellers on a budget.

“But Vietnam is considered to be one of the best budget options in the region. Accommodation, food, and transportation are all cheaper in Vietnam than they are in Thailand, especially if you travel to rural parts of the country”.

The article also highlighted the Vietnamese Government in promoting and focusing on encouraging more tourists to visit and growing the tourism figures this year.

Vietnam originally set a target of attracting eight million visitors in the rest of 2023, but the figure is predicted will grow to 10 million by the end of the year.

6.6 million international visitors in the first seven months of 2023

Similarly , Vietnam welcomed nearly 6.6 million international visitors in the first seven months of this year, accounting for 83% of the yearly target, according to Vietnam National Authority of Tourism (VNAT).

During the period, the industry also served 76.5 million domestic tourists. Total revenues from tourism reached 416.6 trillion VND (17.58 billion USD).

July alone saw over 1 million foreign arrivals, 6.5% higher than that of the previous month.

According to VNAT, the tourism sector expects to soon reach its yearly target as the second half of the year is usually the peak time for international visitors.

The RoK remained the largest source market of Vietnam tourism in the first seven months of this year with 1.9 million arrivals, accounting for one-third of total international visitors to Vietnam. It was followed by China and the US.

Among the top ten source markets of Vietnam tourism, four are in Northeast Asia – the RoK, China, Taiwan (China), and Japan, and three in Southeast Asia – Thailand, Malaysia, and Cambodia. Australia and India ranked ninth and tenth. In Europe, the UK, France, and Germany were the three biggest source markets.

July 30 , 2023

Photo : The Golden Bridge in the central city of Da Nang, boasts 150 metres long (or 500-foot long) and 12.8 metres wide, is located at the Sun World Ba Na Hills Resort in the Truong Son mountain range. The Golden Bridge appears to be cradled by two huge hands, which adds to the majestic appeal of the design of the bridge. Strolling around the Golden Bridge is like walking on the clouds across the hands of the God of Mountain  – Vietnam Tourism Board