Vietnam’s tangible and intangible cultural heritages are a key part of the country’s tourism, so the preservation of the heritages is crucial for sustainable tourism development.
Cultural tourism is hoped to become a key product of the sector, he said, adding it has drawn large numbers of domestic and international visitors, helping drive tourism growth, create jobs and enhance the local socio-economy.
Last year, UNESCO-recognised natural and cultural heritages welcomed more than 16 million visitors, including 7 million foreigners, earning more than 2.5 trillion VND (107.5 million USD) from entrance tickets.
Many localities have developed their own tourism brands based on their cultural heritages. The Complex of Hue Monuments, royal court music, woodblocks, the imperial archives of the Nguyen Dynasty and poetry on Hue royal architecture have made Hue city an alluring destination, as it received 1.8 million foreign visitors and pocketed 320 billion VND (13.76 million USD) from entrance tickets last year.
Meanwhile, Hoi An ancient city in central Quang Nam province also an attractive destination in Vietnam. The city greeted 1.96 foreigners and raked in 219 billion VND (9.41 million USD) from entrance tickets in 2017.
Other destinations such as Ha Long Bay and Yen Tu (Quang Ninh province), Phong Nha-Ke Bang (Quang Binh), Trang An (Ninh Binh) and Black Lady Mountain (Tay Ninh) have been top tourism spots for years.
Sieu said the tourism sector and localities should map out a tourism plan in which tourism development must be made in tandem with respecting local cultural values.
The Tea for Harmony: Yaji Cultural Salon and tourism promotion event themed Meet Guangxi (Baise) brought distinctive Chinese cultural features to the capital through activities organised by the Department of Culture and Tourism of Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region.
The Phu Quy special zone, an island district off the south-central coast of Vietnam, is capitalising on its strong marine economy potential, particularly in tourism and fisheries, to transform the island’s economy, improve local livelihoods and position itself as a key sea-based economic hub.
Vietnam national U17 football team secured a place at the FIFA U17 World Cup 2026 for the first time after defeating United Arab Emirates national U17 football team 3-2 on in the final Group C match of the AFC U17 Asian Cup 2026 in Saudi Arabia on early May 14 (Vietnam time).
A twinning agreement between Da Lat Railway Station in Vietnam and Trouville-Deauville Railway Station in France was signed at the French Embassy in Vietnam on May 7, creating new opportunities for cooperation in station management and operations, as well as cultural and tourism promotion between the two sides.
As Tay Ninh identifies tourism as a crucial economic pillar, integrating Don ca tai tu into tourism offerings is seen as a strategic move.
The recognition of Chuyen My and Son Dong craft villages as members of the World Crafts Cities network represents international acknowledgement of the cultural value, artisanal techniques, creativity and sustainable vitality of Vietnam’s traditional craft villages, he said.
Co-hosted by the municipal People’s Committee, the Department of Culture and Sports, and domestic and foreign agencies, the whole spectacle is meant to honour the city’s millennia-old heritage while reafffirming its strategy of establishing culture as a development engine.
In the context of deep international integration, cultural identity serves as both a “shield” against assimilation and a defining marker of a nation’s image. Protecting and promoting uniquely Vietnamese cultural values has therefore become a pressing task, particularly in an increasingly complex digital environment.
In Ho Chi Minh City, leaders, residents, overseas Vietnamese, students and pupils offered incense and flowers in tribute to the Hung Kings and Nguyen Huu Canh, credited with opening up the Sai Gon – Gia Dinh area.
The gathering offers a platform for photographers worldwide to exchange ideas and share experiences, marking the fourth edition of the event.
A survey by booking.com shows that around 33% of Vietnamese respondents are planning short domestic trips for the upcoming Hung Kings Commemoration Day and Reunification Day (April 30)–May Day (May 1) holidays, while 22% are opting for longer international journeys compared to last year.
In the first quarter of 2026, Vietnam posted the fastest tourism growth in the region, welcoming 6.76 million international arrivals, up 12.4% year-on-year. Key markets such as China, the Republic of Korea and Taiwan continued to underpin demand.
From the moment attendees entered the exhibition space in Paris, visitors were enveloped in a harmonious blend of sensory experiences, with the delicate aroma of tea, the robust notes of coffee, and the vivid colours of Vietnamese handicrafts.
Only when culture is nurtured basing on the self-awareness and pride of each individual can it exist and develop sustainably, remarked Party General Secretary and State President To Lam.
This year’s festival drew the participation of 15 representatives from embassies in Russia, along with a large number of students from countries, including Vietnam, Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, Tajikistan, Kyrgyzstan and Haiti.
With its large scale, the ITE HCMC 2026 aims to promote tourism cooperation between Vietnam and priority markets such as Northeast Asia, Western Europe, North America, Southeast Asia, and Oceania while also boosting visitor arrivals from the Indian market
Mui Ne’s appearance in global trend reports signals a new movement, where destinations can no longer rely solely on scenery but must tell their own stories and craft distinctive and personalised experiences.
Although widely regarded as a cultural “speciality” attracting tourists, Vietnamese puppetry is facing multiple challenges in preservation and development, requiring renewed efforts to both safeguard its identity and adapt to contemporary cultural currents.
By 2030, the project targets the establishment of shared digital platforms across 100% of cultural sectors. All digitised cultural heritage will be standardised under the national data framework and shared in accordance with regulations, while 80% of public digital heritage assets are expected to receive digital identifiers to clarify ownership and management, encouraging organisations and individuals to do the same and support market development.
Vietnam has in recent years undergone a notable transformation in its tourism development strategy, placing a strong emphasis on nature-based and eco-tourism. This shift is not merely aligned with global trends, but represents a necessary step towards safeguarding valuable natural resources, while appealing to a growing segment of environmentally conscious travellers.