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According to Tuoi Tre newspaper, following the US-North Korea summit in Hanoi, many Vietnamese tour operators are hoping to capitalize on the event as a new opportunity to attract more Vietnamese tourists to visit North Korea. "We have previously brought tourists to this country, but the numbers are still quite modest," Mr. Tu Quy Thanh, director of Lien Bang Travelink Company, shared with this source.
Relations between Vietnam and North Korea are improving, especially after the recent summit. In fact, more and more Vietnamese tourists are interested in North Korea and want to explore this mysterious country more than ever before.
Saigontourist also shared that they will start organizing two tours per month from Hanoi and Saigon to North Korea following the Summit. According to Mr. Vu Dinh Tuan, director of Saigontourist's international tourism branch, his company restarted trips to North Korea last October. They have organized five tour groups to the country and the overall feedback has been very positive. In addition, Ms. Truong Thi Thu Nga - deputy marketing director of Viettravel - shared a similar insight.
Previously, tours to North Korea were often avoided due to high costs, complex political conflicts, and cumbersome and very strict visa procedures.
Mr. Tuan also stated that, following the meetings between leaders Trump and Kim in Singapore and Hanoi, the cost of travel to North Korea has decreased and visa application procedures have been streamlined. This has contributed to a very positive effect for both tour operators and tourists.
A small note: most tours to North Korea require a trip to Beijing first, as Air China is currently the only airline with flights to Pyongyang, the capital of North Korea.
