Hanoi Revitalizes Suburban Tourism Villages, Boosting Cultural and Rural Attractions

Hanoi is revitalizing its tourism sector by leveraging the full potential of its cultural heritage and rural charm. The capital aims to welcome approximately 7.1 million international and 31.6 million domestic tourists in 2026, projecting total tourism revenue at around VND 160 trillion. The city has already achieved 72% of its annual target in the first half of the year, with tourism revenue surging 55.3% to nearly VND 237.5 trillion (USD 9.01 billion). This reflects the government's Resolution 82/NQ-CP on tourism recovery and sustainable development, which Hanoi is implementing with a market-oriented approach. Suburban tourism villages around Hanoi are actively utilizing local culture and traditional events as tourism assets. For instance, the Ky Anh Tunnels–Dam River Reed Bed Cultural and Tourism Festival featured a rich program including art performances, traditional ceremonies, re-enactments of soldiers returning home during wartime, fish and shrimp releases to replenish aquatic resources, and community folk dance contests, offering visitors a diverse array of experiences. Beyond resort destinations like Nha Trang and Phu Quoc, Da Nang city is gaining attention for its harmonious blend of beautiful beaches, a vibrant yet relaxed lifestyle, a rich culinary scene, and diverse experiences spanning nature, culture, leisure, and entertainment. Lonely Planet has lauded Da Nang as an ideal gateway to central Vietnam. In Vietnam's aviation market, Sun Phu Quoc Airways, a subsidiary of Sun Group, commenced operations in October 2025, entering a market experiencing post-pandemic recovery. The airline views Thailand as a crucial partner for promoting two-way tourism and attracting international transit passengers. The Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism has proposed a national tourism data ecosystem based on a "1+34+N" model to ensure accurate and up-to-date tourism data. This will form the foundation for data-driven decision-making and more effective tourism strategy implementation in Vietnam. Furthermore, in Hue, the development of wellness tourism, combining traditional and modern medicine, biotechnology, and indigenous medicinal herbs, is underway. This aligns with the Politburo's resolution aimed at breakthroughs in science, technology, innovation, and national digital transformation. Vietnam currently boasts over 600 agricultural and rural tourism models, generating an annual revenue exceeding VND 25 trillion (USD 956 million). This sector is a vital source of income for many rural communities, contributing to livelihood diversification and improvement. Under Vietnam's one-party system, government-led tourism promotion policies are often vigorously implemented. Balancing the preservation of cultural heritage with its commercial utilization and sustainable development will be crucial for Vietnam's future tourism landscape. In its relations with China, tourism revenue is a significant source of foreign exchange, and while considering regional dynamics, efforts are being made to enhance the appeal of Vietnam's own tourism resources.