China proposed to resume outbound tours to Vietnam
The Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism has proposed China resume outbound travel tours to Vietnam to improve and recover tourism between the two countries.
Travellers wait for immigration procedures at Lao Cai international border gate. (Photo: VNA)
Hanoi (VNS/VNA) - The Ministry of Culture, Sports andTourism has proposed China resume outbound travel tours to Vietnam toimprove and recover tourism between the two countries.
The ministry confirmed on February 16 that it had senta diplomatic note to China on February 9 proposing travel agencies beallowed to organise outbound tours to Vietnam.
According to the diplomatic note, tourism cooperation is ahighlight in the bilateral collaboration between the two countries.
Chinese tourists made up the majority of foreign touristsentering Vietnam before the COVID-19 pandemic broke out, and manyVietnamese tourists also travelled north.
According to the General Statistics Office, 5.8 million visitorsin 2019 to Vietnam were Chinese, accounting for 30% of international tourists.
After China scaled back its “zero-COVID” policy, many cooperationactivities between the two countries gradually resumed.
China started allowing its travel agencies to organise outboundtours to 20 selected countries on February 6. While this list does not include Vietnam,other Southeast Asian nations like Thailand, Malaysia and Singapore areincluded.
Many tourism businesses in Vietnam have expressed disappointmentafter three years of waiting, as China is one of the largest tourism markets.
Resuming tours to Vietnam will create favourable conditionsfor both countries to resume and develop tourism.
The ministry also discussed tourism cooperation with the Chineseambassador to Vietnam, including resuming travel tours.
The ambassador shared that China highlyvalues friendship between the two countries. The embassy has prepared towelcome Chinese tourists back to Vietnam.
The International Cooperation Department is also actively workingwith China to put Vietnam on the list of countries piloting group tourism sincethis country reopened the border on January 8.
The Department also expressed the expectation to travel ofvisitors and the tourism agencies.
Ngo Lan Phuong, head of Kim Lien Travel, told Vietnam News Agency that they are readyto welcome back Chinese visitors.
Phuong said even if the numbers don’t reach the same heightsas in 2019, just half the number of Chinese tourists would be good for thetravel agencies./.
Representatives from Ha Long and Mong Cai cities of Quang Ninh province and three cities of Chinese Guangxi province – Dongxing, Guilin and Manzhouli, gathered at a conference on December 2 to discuss cooperation measures to connect tourism routes through the localities.
A number of travel firms in Ho Chi Minh City have resumed outbound tours after the Civil Aviation Authority of Vietnam (CAAV) announced the removal of restrictions on air passenger transport.
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.
Travellers wait for immigration procedures at Lao Cai international border gate. (Photo: VNA) 
