100 interesting facts about HCM City announced

Sai Gon double-decker bus tour, national special historical relic site Independence Palace, and popular “banh xeo” (sizzling rice pancake) are among the 100 interesting facts about HCM City in 2023, which were announced at a ceremony held by the municipal Department of Tourism on December 3.
100 interesting facts about HCM City announced ảnh 1At the ceremony to announce the 100 interesting facts about HCM City (Photo: VNA)
HCM City (VNA) –  Sai Gondouble-decker bus tour, national special historical relic site IndependencePalace, and popular “banh xeo” (sizzling rice pancake) are among the 100 interestingfacts about HCM City in 2023, which were announced at a ceremony held by themunicipal Department of Tourism on December 3.

The programme “HCM City – 100 interesting facts” was launched in December lastyear to promote the city as an attractive destination. It features 10categories covering exciting sightseeing programmes, 10 excitingattractions, entertainment spots, shoppingspots, tourist accommodation establishments, restaurants, coffee shops, tourism, culturaland sports events, check-in places, and delicacies.

At the ceremony, Vice Chairman of the municipal People’s Committee Nguyen VanDung stressed the city’s exciting experiences have been shaped up by the vibrantblend of cultures, cuisines, arts and destinations, and expressed his hope thatthe programme will be a highlight of the city’s tourism sector in the end of2023, making contributions to popularising local images and destinations.

He ordered competent organisations to make unceasing efforts to improve tourismservice quality to meet the expectation of the visitors as well as localtourism’s competitive capacity.

The programme is expected to become a locomotive that motivates local serviceproviders to contribute to the city’s socio-economic development, he said.

Ho Chi Minh City welcomed more than 30million domestic and foreign visitors during January – October, according tothe municipal Department of Tourism. The number included 4.12 million foreign tourists, or 82% ofthe set target.
Revenue from accommodation and catering services was morethan 89.45 trillion VND (3.6 billion USD), and that from travel service wasover 8.9 trillion VND, up 30.6% and 68.3% year on year, respectively.

As the peak tourism season approaches, the cityhopes to serve 5 million international visitors and more than 35 milliondomestic ones, and gain some 160 trillion VND in tourism revenue for the whole2023.

It also sets a target of welcoming 6 million foreign visitors who will spendaround 190 trillion VND next year. Given stablepolitical-economic conditions, and good recovery of tourism and relatedindustries, the Vietnamese southern hub expects to welcome a tourist influxfrom the Republic of Korea, Japan, India, and China./.
VNA

See more

Aboard a Vietjet aircraft (Photo: VNA)

Vietjet adds 82,000 seats for National Day holiday peak

Additional flights will focus on routes connecting Ho Chi Minh City and Hanoi with popular economic and tourism hubs and destinations such as Da Nang, Nha Trang, Phu Quoc, Hue and Da Lat, giving passengers more choices in terms of travel times and itineraries during the peak period.

Russian tourists buy fresh seafood in Khanh Hoa province. (Photo: VNA)

Russian tourist wave hits Vietnam at record pace

The Association of Tour Operators of Russia (ATOR) expects Russian demand to keep surging in the second half. Russian Express sees a highly positive outlook, citing easy transport, a variety of resorts and limited seasonality.

Sun PhuQuoc Airways to expand long-haul network with eight A330s

Sun PhuQuoc Airways to expand long-haul network with eight A330s

Sun PhuQuoc Airways has finalised plans to receive eight Airbus A330 wide-body aircraft, with four expected to join its fleet in 2026 and the remaining four to be delivered during the first four months of 2027. The move marks a key step in the airline’s strategy to expand its operations and progressively connect Phu Quoc with more distant international markets.

Hoi An Ancient Town in Da Nang city is a magnet for both domestic and foreign visitors. (Photo: VNA)

More European travellers love to visit Vietnam

A recent report from Agoda has revealed that Vietnam has been ranked among the top spots as the most-searched Asian destinations by European travellers, showcasing a surge in interest among global tourists.

Participants in the working session in Can Tho on August 7 (Photo: VNA)

Can Tho steps up tourism cooperation with Korean partners

The Mekong Delta city of Can Tho and Jeonbuk province of the Republic of Korea are stepping up tourism cooperation by strengthening business links, developing tourism products and building tours and travel routes between the two localities.

Beyond admiring scenic landscapes, travellers are increasingly seeking to become preservationist of the natural environment. (Photo: VNA)

Green, responsible tourism gains ground in Vietnam

By choosing to walk, cycle or use double-decker buses and metro systems in major cities such as Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City, travellers can reduce their carbon footprint while experiencing the authentic rhythm of urban life.

The conference brings together representatives from the Vietnamese Embassy and the Vietnam Trade Office in Thailand, the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT), and more than 30 businesses from the two countries. (Photo: VNA)

Can Tho promotes tourism potential in Thailand

In her speech, Minister Counsellor at the Embassy of Vietnam in Thailand Hoang Diem Hanh welcomed Can Tho's decision to choose Thailand for its tourism promotion programme, saying it offered an opportunity not only to introduce the city's attractions but also to exchange experience in developing tourism linked to preserving traditional cultural values.

Kem Beach remains one of Phu Quoc's most breathtaking coastal gems, captivating visitors from around the world. (Photo: Sun Group)

Reasons why Phu Quoc shines even during rainy season

Recently named by Expedia among the "10 Best Islands to Visit in 2026" for offering premium holidays at reasonable prices, Phu Quoc is far from being just a dry season destination. Even during the rainy months, Pearl Island offers enough experiences to fill every hour of the day, with short tropical showers rarely disrupting the journey.

A tour guide leads visitors on a tour of Bay Bon fish farm in Con Son Islet, Can Tho city. (Photo: VNA)

Experts recommend tourism workforce overhaul amid digital, green transition

Rapid technological advances and growing concerns over climate change are changing travel demand, with tourists increasingly seeking seamless digital experiences and environmentally responsible destinations. As a result, digital transformation and green transition have been identified as inevitable trends and key strategic pillars for driving the rapid and sustainable development of Vietnam's tourism industry.

Ruwan Ranasinghe, Deputy Minister of Tourism at Sri Lanka's Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment and Tourism, speaks at a Vietnamese tourism promotion event in Colombo on the evening of July 31, 2026. (Photo courtesy of Vietnamese Embassy in Sri Lanka)

Vietnam steps up tourism promotion ahead of direct flights to Sri Lanka

The new direct routes will not only shorten travel times between Vietnam and Sri Lanka but also provide fresh impetus for cooperation in tourism, trade, investment and people-to-people exchanges, helping to deepen the longstanding bilateral friendship in a more substantive and comprehensive manner.

Experiences in Phu Quoc made a Dubai traveler describe the destination as “far exceeded expectations.” (Photo: Fabl Belek)

What makes Dubai visitors say Phu Quoc “far exceeded expectations”?

While Phu Quoc was once primarily known for its turquoise waters, white-sand beaches, and beachfront resorts, the island is now attracting visitors with a full-day journey of experiences stretching from morning until night, rather than simply offering a traditional beach holiday.