Vietnam taps community tourism potential for sustainable development

The Ho Chi Minh City Department of Tourism said on late September 2 that the southern metropolis welcomed an estimated 1.65 million domestic visitors and 62,000 foreign tourists over the break.

VOV.VN - Vietnamese travelers are increasingly favouring flexible, self-planned trips during the National Day holiday period this year, balancing travel time, cost and experiences while showing growing interest in beach, nature and nearby overseas destinations.

Ho Chi Minh City is bringing culture closer to everyday life by transforming public spaces, heritage and the arts into engines of creativity, community engagement and sustainable development.

As travellers increasingly seek authentic local experiences, the central coastal city of Da Nang is stepping up efforts to integrate cuisine into tourism itineraries, linking culinary promotion with destination branding and cultural preservation.

UNESCO Representative to Vietnam Jonathan Wallace Baker outlines five priorities for heritage-driven development and previews the next phase of UNESCO–Vietnam cooperation as the two mark 50 years of partnership.

The free-admission policy and cultural activities are expected to give residents and visitors greater access to Hanoi's rich historical and cultural heritage during the National Day holiday.

The goal is not simply to attract more visitors to individual provinces, but to create longer, richer journeys that boost local economies while preserving heritage, cultural identity and community livelihoods.

Co Loa relic complex encompasses archaeological sites, fortifications and historical and architectural monuments within Dong Anh commune, with a designated conservation area of approximately 860ha.

Tourism products should be developed on a cultural foundation while leveraging the distinctive strengths of each locality. Tours and travel routes, meanwhile, should be designed around tourists’ needs.

The exhibition marks the first time the capital has hosted a licensed Van Gogh exhibition from France, featuring 165 masterpieces recreated using state-of-the-art technology.

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.

At the Vietnam National Fine Arts Museum on Nguyen Thai Hoc Street, Hanoi, a robot receptionist has been greeting visitors on the ground floor since mid-June

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.

With its millennia-old heritage and growing integration of preservation and innovation, Van Phuc silk weaving village is poised to become a distinctive cultural destination, helping promote Hanoi’s sustainable cultural tourism and bring the quintessence of Vietnamese silk weaving closer to domestic and international visitors.

According to Deputy Director of the Ho Chi Minh City Public Transport Management Centre Le Hoan, the bus network operated nearly 478,000 trips in July, serving more than 8.48 million passengers. Weekly growth accelerated throughout the month, rising from 33% in the first week to 45% in the fourth week.

Located in Thu Bon commune, Da Nang city, My Son is renowned for its architectural heritage, but it also preserves an exceptional archive engraved on stone. These inscriptions have enabled scholars to unravel the history of the sanctuary and trace the rise and development of the ancient Champa kingdom over many centuries.

Hanoi has long been known for the heritage cachet of a thousand-year-old capital. Hoan Kiem Lake, the Old Quarter, the Temple of Literature, the Thang Long Imperial Citadel and a network of craft villages have given the city a singular pull.

The implementation of Resolution No. 06 alongside the cultural diplomacy strategy sends a clear message: by combining its rich cultural heritage with proactive diplomacy, innovation and digital transformation, Vietnam would strengthen its competitiveness on the global stage.

Held from July 12 to 25 across eight cities and provinces, Vietnam Summer Camp 2026 offered a rich array of experiences. Participants explored historical landmarks, visited iconic cultural heritage sites such as the imperial city of Hue, Hoi An ancient town, and the My Son Sanctuary, and engaged in charitable activities valued at over 300 million VND (11,400 USD), including the installation of a "Youth Bookshelf."

The Enjoy Danang Festival 2026 features a rural market-themed culinary space at East Sea Park showcasing Quang region cuisine, a beachfront art route, a light kite night featuring around 500 illuminated kites, and a seaside light party combining visual arts, music and local cuisine.