Vietnam developing community-based tourism associated with local culture
Developing community-based tourism in association with indigenous culture has received due attention from various localities across Vietnam, as it has proved effective in attracting both domestic and foreign tourists.
Xoan singing performance in Hung Lo ancient communal house (Photo: VNA)
Hanoi (VNA) – Developing community-based tourism in associationwith indigenous culture has received due attention from various localitiesacross Vietnam, as it has proved effective in attracting both domestic andforeign tourists.
The northern midland province of Phu Tho is one among thelocalities well exploiting community-based tourism.
Performances of Xoan singing – UNESCO-recognised IntangibleCultural Heritage in Need of Urgent Safeguarding, in Hung Lo ancient communalhouse have become a unique cultural tourism product.
Le Thi Xuan Huong, deputy director of the Phu Tho tourismpromotion information centre, said that since Hung Lo ancient village wasrecognised as one out of Phu Tho’s two community-based tourist sites, it hasseen surges in the number of domestic and foreign visitors. On average, eachmonth, the village welcomes three delegations of European visitors.
Hung Lo ancient communal house (Photo: VNA)
Home to 54 ethnic groups, Vietnam holds huge potential indeveloping this type of tourism, associated with preserving and promoting thevalue of native culture.
This type of tourism has contributed to improving the lifeof local people. To achieve sustainable livelihoods, Pham Hai Quynh, directorof the Asian Tourism Development Institute and chairman of the VietnamCommunity-based Tourism Chapter (VCTC), stressed the need for locals to getready to develop tourism, and for authorities to support them in this work.
Each locality needs to select products as orientations todevelop community-based tourism, step up promotion activities, and intensifyinternational cooperation to attract investment in this field, he added./.
Lam Dong province’s Lac Duong district, known as the "roof" of the Central Highlands region for its location at an altitude of 1,700m, is making efforts to spur the local community-based tourism economy.
Blessed with many beautiful landscapes, special cultures of ethnic minorities and a long history, the Central Highlands province of Kon Tum is believed to boast huge potential for developing community-based tourism.
The Cuu Long (Mekong) Delta province of Dong Thap is boosting the development of agricultural tourism to exploit its potential and improve income for farmers.
Renowned for tea cultivation, the northern province of Thai Nguyen has developed community-based and agricultural tourism connected with its tea culture, thus attracting a large number of visitors from far and wide.
All the 240 households in Thieng Lieng hamlet once knew only salt production and aquaculture, but now welcoming tourists has become a source of their joy and income.
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.
Xoan singing performance in Hung Lo ancient communal house (Photo: VNA) 
Hung Lo ancient communal house (Photo: VNA) 
