UNESCO-recognised heritage sites spur tourism in north central provinces
The north central provinces of Thanh Hoa, Quang Binh and Thua Thien-Hue are home to three out of nine UNESCO-recognised world natural and cultural heritages, which present a substantial foundation for them to design unique and distinctive tourism products that appeal to both domestic and foreign tourists.
The Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park in Quang Binh. (Photo: VNA)
Hanoi (VNA) - The north central provinces of Thanh Hoa, Quang Binh and Thua Thien-Hue are home to three out of nine UNESCO-recognised worldnatural and cultural heritages, which present a substantial foundation for them to design unique and distinctive tourism products that appeal to both domestic andforeign tourists.
The three heritage sites include the Complex of Hue Monuments in Thua Thien - Hue province, Phong Nha - Ke Bang National Park in Quang Binh province, and Ho Dynasty Citadel in 𝕴Thanh Hoa province.
In an endeavor to elevate Hue to a centrally-run city markedby substantial development, Thua Thien-Hue province's tourism sectorhas strategically placed cultural and heritage tourism at the forefront. Thisemphasis is particularly reflected through the promotion and communicationefforts surrounding key brands like the Festival City, Culinary Capital, andthe Capital of Ao Dai (traditional Vietnamese long dress). The targeted aim for2024 is to welcome approximately 3.5 - 4 million visitors, generating a revenueof around 7-8 trillion VND. Meanwhile in Quang Binh, the local tourism sector witnessed robustgrowth last year, with estimated total tourist arrivals surpassing 4.5 million,reflecting a consistent upward trend throughout the months. The anticipatedtotal revenue was estimated at roughly 5.1 trillion VND. Notably, Phong Nha -Ke Bang maintained its status as the top choice for tourists. Adding to the accolades, the Phong Nha - Ke Bang National Parksecured a position in the "Top 10 must-visit destinations in Vietnam"by the US’s prestigious Lonely Planet magazine. It was also recognised as oneof three representatives of Vietnam in the list of the 16 most impressiveheritages among over 40 UNESCO-recognised world heritages in 11 Southeast Asiancountries, as announced by the UK’s renowned Wanderlust magazine. In October 2023, Tan Hoa commune in Minh Hoa district was thesole representative of Vietnam honoured as the "Best Tourism Village"by the World Tourism Organisation (UNWTO)./.
Vietnam has been a responsible member and one of the pioneers in effectively implementing UNESCO’s activities and programmes, UNESCO General Director Audrey Azoulay said while receiving Permanent Representative of Vietnam to UNESCO Ambassador Le Thi Hong Van, who came to say her farewells on December 4.
Vietnam was elected as the Vice Chair of the UNESCO's Intergovernmental Committee for the Safeguarding of Intangible Cultural Heritage on December 8 during the committee's 18th session in Kasane, Botswana.
The People's Committee of the Central Highlands province of Kon Tum has asked the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment to provide technical support in developing a dossier seeking UNESCO recognition for its Kon Tum plateau as a World Biosphere Reserve.
Da Lat, an enchanting city nestled in the Central Highlands province of Lam Dong, marked its 130th anniversary and received the prestigious title of "UNESCO Creative Music City" at a ceremony on December 30.
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.
The Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park in Quang Binh. (Photo: VNA) 
