Vietnam Insider

Khanh Hoa welcomed its first cruise ship visitors after Nha Trang Port temporarily closed. The ship carried 2,300 passengers from various countries to explore the coastal city for a day.

Coral Princess cruise ship docked at Cam Ranh International Port on the morning of October 23. Photo: Nha Trang Tourism Information Center.

On the morning of October 23, the Coral Princess cruise ship (registered in Bermuda) docked at Cam Ranh International Port, bringing 2,300 passengers from different countries to visit Nha Trang between 7 AM and 5 PM.

This was the first cruise ship to bring international tourists to Khanh Hoa Province after Nha Trang Port discontinued operations for repairs on September 20.

Nguyen Thi Le Thanh, Director of the Khanh Hoa Department of Tourism, along with representatives from Tan Hong Company, welcomed the ship at the port, presented flowers to the crew, and greeted the first passengers as they disembarked, taking commemorative photos.

According to the Nha Trang Tourism Promotion Center, after docking at Cam Ranh International Port, the tourists will be taken on city tours organized by Tan Hong Company, which offers a variety of itineraries around Nha Trang for visitors to choose from. These include stops at iconic locations such as Tran Phu Bridge, Ponagar Tower, Hon Chong, Dam Market, Long Son Pagoda, Stone Church, Truong Son Craft Village, and 2/4 Square.

After leaving Cam Ranh port, the group will be transferred to Nha Trang city to visit the attractions according to the schedule. Photo: Nha Trang Tourism Information Center.

Tourists will also have the option to explore several places by cyclo. Additionally, the company provides shuttle services from the port to a resort in Cam Ranh using 12-45 seat vehicles. Visitors can also explore other landmarks on their own via the Shuttle Bus service.

The ship was scheduled to depart in the afternoon, heading to Hong Kong (China).

Earlier, in early October, some agents and businesses providing services for cruise passengers had to cancel bookings and suspend luxury cruise arrivals due to Nha Trang Port being unfit for international ships, as it closed for repairs on September 20.

Khanh Hoa’s tourism leadership and various agencies held an emergency meeting to find suitable solutions to reconnect Nha Trang with international cruise visitors. Ana Marina Yacht Port was selected as a temporary replacement for Nha Trang Port during the maintenance period. However, this solution has not been implemented immediately due to some remaining legal procedures.

As of now, Khanh Hoa has welcomed 27 international cruise ships with 55,516 passengers coming ashore to explore. The Khanh Hoa Department of Tourism sees this as a positive sign for the recovery and growth of Vietnam’s cruise tourism, particularly in Khanh Hoa, contributing to the success of the province’s tourism sector.

@Znews

After a long period of suspension, the Can Tho – Phu Quoc and Can Tho – Da Lat flight routes are now ready to resume service for passengers.

On October 23, the Southern Airports Authority in Can Tho announced that the Can Tho – Phu Quoc route will officially resume operations on October 28, 2024. This route will be operated by the national carrier, Vietnam Airlines, using ATR 72 aircraft, with a capacity of approximately 72 passengers.

The Can Tho – Phu Quoc route will operate five flights per week, on Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays. The Can Tho – Phu Quoc flight will depart at 10:40 AM, and the Phu Quoc – Can Tho return flight will depart at 12:15 PM.

Can Tho – Phu Quoc and Can Tho – Da Lat flights are ready to reopen to serve passengers.

Additionally, according to the Southern Airports Authority in Can Tho, the Can Tho – Da Lat route will reopen in November 2024, operated by Vietjet Air. There will be two flights per week, on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays.

The first flight from Lien Khuong Airport (Da Lat City, Lam Dong) to Can Tho Airport is scheduled to depart at 11:30 AM on November 11, 2024. On the same day, the flight from Can Tho to Da Lat will depart at 2:15 PM.

Ms. Le Dinh Minh Thy, Director of Vietravel’s Can Tho branch, mentioned that Can Tho has recently maintained regular flights to Hanoi and Da Nang. The company has designed travel tours connecting the northern and central regions, along with visits to nearby provinces and cities. With the reopening of the Can Tho – Phu Quoc and Can Tho – Da Lat flights, travel companies will create additional tour products connecting these destinations, offering customers more exciting new travel options.

The reopening of the Can Tho – Phu Quoc and Can Tho – Da Lat flight routes at this time meets the needs of many customers for business and leisure travel during the year-end period. Mr. Tran Hai Dang (31 years old, acting in Ninh Kieu District, Can Tho City) shared, “Recently, my wife, our one-year-old child, and I traveled to Da Lat by bus, but it was quite inconvenient. When we arrived, our child was too tired to visit many attractions. Hearing that the Can Tho – Da Lat flight is resuming, we are very happy. Although we don’t yet know the ticket prices, we’re excited to have more travel options for our next vacation.”

@Thanhnien.vn

After billionaire Bill Gates made a stop there, Ban Co Peak has become a popular attraction for both domestic and international tourists.

According to the Da Nang Department of Tourism, alongside new offerings such as the Danang food tour, water entertainment activities, and the International Lion Dance Festival, the city plans to introduce a tea-tasting tour at Ban Co Peak (Son Tra Peninsula, Son Tra District) in 2025. This is the location where Bill Gates visited and enjoyed tea in the late earlier afternoon in March this year.

Speaking to reporters, the Management Board of Son Tra Peninsula and Da Nang Tourist Beaches (the Board) shared that after the visit of American billionaire Bill Gates, Ban Co Peak gained even more popularity, drawing a large number of visitors both locally and internationally. Bill Gates’ tea-tasting experience has sparked curiosity and a desire to experience the same among tourists, which prompted the Board to propose a tea-tasting tour to the Department of Tourism.

Ban Co Peak on Son Tra Peninsula is crowded with tourists after billionaire Bill Gates came to enjoy tea. Photo: Thanh Hien.

The tea-tasting tour will be organized at Ban Co Peak, with specific time slots designed for an intimate tea experience with fewer people, ensuring it doesn’t affect other visitors. This tour is aimed at high-quality tourists who are passionate about unique experiences, cultural exploration, and tea ceremonies.

The Board has already outlined a plan and is awaiting feedback from the Department of Tourism and other governmental authorities to finalize the details. “Once complete, we will release the tour schedule, the number of guests allowed, costs, and other specifics,” a representative from the Board shared.

According to the Da Nang Department of Tourism, this will be one of the city’s breakthrough products for next year, targeting high-end tourists who are interested in cultural experiences, which aligns with the city’s tourism strategy.

Son Tra Peninsula is Da Nang’s green lung, and Ban Co Peak, standing 700 meters above sea level, is considered the roof of the city. From the peak, visitors can enjoy a panoramic view of Da Nang and the vast ocean. At the top, there is a statue of a celestial figure sitting in contemplation in front of a chessboard.

Standing from the top of Ban Co, you can see the whole city below. Photo: Thanh Hien.

In March this year, billionaire Bill Gates visited Da Nang. After choosing to stay at a hotel on the peninsula, he and his girlfriend traveled to Ban Co Peak to enjoy the scenery and sip tea from the afternoon until evening.

@Znews

The Independence Palace historical site (also known as Reunification Hall) has become an essential stop for visitors to Ho Chi Minh City, attracting more than 1 million visitors each year.

The Independence Palace welcomes 1 million visitors each year. Photo: N.K.

This information was shared by Mr. Tran Huu Phuoc, Acting Director of Reunification Hall, during the tourism promotion forum titled “Converging Identity, Elevating Heritage,” held on October 19, according to baochinhphu.vn.

According to Mr. Phuoc, one of the most attractive tourist products is the exhibition “From Norodom Palace to Independence Palace 1868 – 1966.” Since it opened to the public in March 2018, this exhibition has welcomed nearly 350,000 visitors annually, offering them a unique experience.

In the future, Reunification Hall plans to digitize the exhibition space and artifacts, incorporating technology into displays and information dissemination. This will provide the public with new historical stories and immersive experiences, making the Independence Palace more accessible and appealing to younger generations.

In addition to Independence Palace, the Cultural and Scientific Activities Center of the Temple of Literature – Quoc Tu Giam has also successfully organized the “Night Tour at the Temple of Literature – Quoc Tu Giam,” highlighting the excellence of Vietnam’s traditions of learning, respect for teachers, and recognition of talent. A unique aspect of this tour is that visitors experience the Temple of Literature – Quoc Tu Giam through activities that utilize 3D Mapping technology.

According to Dr. Duong Duc Minh, Deputy Director of the Institute for Economic and Tourism Development Research, it is necessary to apply technology and creativity to tap into existing resources, restructure products for destinations, enhance heritage, and create added value for the tourism industry and the economy.

At the forum, Reunification Hall and the Cultural and Scientific Activities Center of the Temple of Literature – Quoc Tu Giam signed a memorandum of cooperation. This partnership aims to bring greater recognition to these two national heritage sites.

@SGtiepthi

By 2045, the Mang Den tourism area in Kon Tum will cover more than 90,000 hectares, positioning itself as a national-level destination and a prominent, branded attraction in the Central Highlands.

Recently, the Kon Tum Provincial People’s Committee announced the master plan for the development of the Mang Den tourism area in Kon Plong District, Kon Tum, up to 2045.

Mang Den is immersed in the morning mist, bringing both peaceful and poetic beauty.

Located at an altitude of over 1,200 meters above sea level, Mang Den is a town in Kon Plong District with an average temperature ranging from 16 to 20 degrees Celsius. The terrain consists mainly of hills and mountains, with forest coverage reaching 82%. This area is home to many natural scenic spots, lakes, waterfalls, rocky streams, and pristine indigenous cultures. Not only does it offer a cool and pleasant climate, but Mang Den also boasts a breathtaking natural landscape with majestic and mysterious beauty, ready for tourists to explore.

To develop Mang Den into an attractive destination in the Central Highlands and a driver of socio-economic growth for Kon Tum, the Prime Minister has approved the master plan for the construction of the Mang Den tourism area.

According to the plan, the Mang Den tourism area will span over 90,000 hectares and be part of the national tourism development plan, focusing on economic activities, tourism, and leveraging unique advantages in climate, natural landscapes, and traditional culture.

The night market area located in Mang Den pine forest attracts tourists to visit and experience.

The Mang Den tourism area will be designed based on a model consisting of two development corridors, three tourism centers, and four urban areas. Mang Den Town will serve as the central urban hub of the district, operating as the administrative, political, socio-economic, and commercial service center of Kon Plong District.

Additionally, Mang Den will play an essential role in driving socio-economic development, especially in tourism, commerce, and services for Kon Tum Province, the Central Highlands region, and the country.

Mr. Pham Van Thang, Vice Chairman of the Kon Plong District People’s Committee, shared that Mang Den and Kon Plong District, in general, are blessed by nature with excellent climate and soil conditions, ideal for developing ecology and resort tourism. To promote sustainable tourism development, the district has been actively promoting tourism linked with the traditional culture of the local ethnic areas. The combination of traditional culture and experiential tourism has been highly appreciated by visitors.

“Recently, the district has organized attractive such as sim flower, mua flower, and multicolored flower viewing, combined with visits to high-tech agricultural areas; culinary tours to explore Mang Den’s local cuisine and ethnic minority culture; tours to discover and experience the planting and harvesting of dong sam (a local herb); and weekend gala programs with cultural performances every Saturday and Sunday,” Mr. Ladder added.

A section of Mang Den town at night

Ms. Bach Thi Man, Deputy Director of the Department of Culture, Sports, and Tourism of Kon Tum Province, stated that the development plan will contribute to elevating the Mang Den tourism area to national prominence, becoming a highly attractive, branded destination in the Central Highlands, both domestically and internationally. In the future, Mang Den will focus on developing various tourism models such as resort tourism, ecological tourism, cultural tourism, and tours to explore cultural and historical relics.

@Thanhnien.vn

On October 21, at the Ha Long International Cruise Port, Quang Ninh Province held a ceremony to welcome its 3 millionth international tourist of 2024. This marks the highest number of international visitors to Quang Ninh since 2020.

At 8:00 AM on October 21, the international cruise ship Viking Orion docked in Quang Ninh, arriving from Hong Kong (China), carrying the 3 millionth international visitors of 2024 to the province. The two milestone visitors were David and Tina (U.S. nationals). The couple expressed their surprise at the warm welcome from Quang Ninh Province and said it was an unforgettable memory of their trip to Vietnam.

Mr. and Mrs. David and Tina (right cover) are present at Ha Long International Passenger Port, Quang Ninh Province. Photo: Quang Ninh Department of Tourism Electronic Information Portal

According to a representative from the Quang Ninh Department of Tourism, welcoming the 3 millionth international visitors is significant for the province’s tourism sector. It marks an important milestone, demonstrating that the province has successfully overcome the challenges posed by Typhoon Yagi (Storm No. 3) and is fully prepared to welcome tourists back with top-quality services.

As part of the itinerary, passengers aboard the Viking Orion will visit Ha Long Bay, the Quang Ninh Museum, and several other local attractions from October 21 to 22.

From now until the end of 2024, nearly 20 cruise ships are expected to arrive in Ha Long, including the Costa Serena (carrying 3,500 guests from Hong Kong, China), the Celebrity Solstice (with 2,800 guests from Europe and the U.S.), and the Mein Schiff 6 (with 2,500 guests from Germany and other European markets).

For the 2024-2025 cruise season, over 60 cruise ships are scheduled to dock in Ha Long, bringing approximately 100,000 visitors. This includes luxury cruise lines such as Viking Orion, Costa, Seven Seas, Noordam, Celebrity Solstice, Le Lapérouse, Seabourn, and Mein Schiff.

The figure of 3 million international visitors is the highest since 2020. In 2020, Quang Ninh welcomed 540,000 international visitors, followed by 50,000 in 2021, 304,000 in 2022, and 2.15 million in 2023.

In the first nine months of 2024, Quang Ninh received a total of 15.64 million visitors, including 2.59 million international tourists. The province aims to meet its 2024 target of welcoming 19 million visitors, with over 3.5 million of them being international tourists.

@SGtiephi

The annual Ha Giang Buckwheat Flower Festival is a celebrated event held each late autumn and early winter, when the buckwheat flowers bloom across the Dong Van Karst Plateau. This year, the festival will officially open on November 9, 2024, at the Thanh Nien Square in Dong Van District.

The 10th Buckwheat Flower Festival in 2024 will open on November 9, 2024, at the Youth Square of Dong Van District, Ha Giang Province. Photo: Dang Huy

Taking place from November 9 to 21, the 2024 Buckwheat Flower Festival will feature various activities such as competitions applauding and introducing the traditional costumes of ethnic groups in Dong Van. Other activities include demonstrations and hands-on experiences of traditional flax weaving, hand embroidery, crafting of household items and traditional musical instruments, and exhibitions of local cultural products, tourism offerings, agricultural products, cuisine, and medicinal herbs.

In addition, cultural exchange activities, traditional music and art performances, and folk games will be organized for visitors at tourist stops and cultural villages throughout Dong Van District on Saturdays and Sundays. During the festival, Dong Van District will also inaugurate new tourism landmarks.

Buckwheat flowers on the Dong Van stone plateau. Photo: Nguyen Phong

Recently, Ha Giang, along with other northern provinces, has been severely impacted by heavy rain and flooding, resulting in the cancellation of several cultural and tourism events, as well as many tourists canceling their travel plans.

To attract visitors during the peak season and support local restaurants, hotels, and tour operators after a difficult period, the Provincial Tourism Association has called on its members and tourism businesses to participate in a stimulus program offering discounts of 10-30%. The program began in mid-September 2024 and will run through the peak tourist season, ending in early February 2025.

Since the beginning of the year, Ha Giang has welcomed approximately 2.47 million visitors, achieving 77% of the 2024 target, with total tourism revenue estimated at VND 6,120 billion. However, in September 2024, the number of tourists dropped to 243,000, a 5.4% decrease compared to the same period last year.

@SGtiepthi

The project for Cho Lon Night Street, aimed at boosting tourism in District 6, has been approved for a pilot implementation by the People’s Committee of Ho Chi Minh City.

Binh Tay Market – the highlight of Cho Lon Night Street. Photo: Lac Ha

The project, centered around Binh Tay Market—which has been recognized as an architectural and artistic heritage site by the People’s Committee—was proposed by the Ho Chi Minh City Department of Industry and Trade.

Cho Lon Night Street will integrate the cultural and social values ​​of the Cho Lon area with nearby tourist attractions in Districts 5, 8, and 11 (including Ha Ton Quyen Dumpling Street, Hai Thuong Lan Ong Street, and Chau Van Liem Street), adding to the diversity of Ho Chi Minh City’s tourism offerings, according to the Ministry of Culture, Sports, and Tourism’s online portal.

Cho Lon Night Street is expected to operate daily from 6:00 PM to midnight, covering the sidewalk space of four streets: Nguyen Huu Than, Thap Muoi, Le Tan Ke, and Tran Binh (surrounding Binh Tay Market, from Nguyen Xuan Phung Street to Chu Van An Street).

The total area of ​​Cho Lon Night Street spans 1,510 square meters and will be divided into seven functional zones, featuring 41 stalls.

The night street’s functional zones will include a highlight called the “Creative Zone” with 14 food stalls fully equipped with counters, shelves, and cabinets. The “Saigon-Cho Lon Heritage Zone” will feature nine hand-pushed carts designed in the traditional style of old Cho Lon, while the “Dynamic Zone” will have 18 hand-pushed carts offering cultural products, souvenirs, technology, and youth- oriented fashion.

In addition to food and shopping stalls, the night street will also include public restrooms, artistic lighting, and scenic installations to create a community space. Street performances will further enrich the experience for visitors.

@SGtiepthi