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During the five-day holiday commemorating the 50th anniversary of the Liberation of Southern Vietnam and the reunification of the country (from April 30th to May 4th), Vietnam's tourism industry witnessed impressive growth, estimated to have served approximately 10.5 million visitors, a significant increase of 31.2% compared to the same period last year.
In particular, Ho Chi Minh City, the focal point of the series of events commemorating this historical milestone with the spirit of "Proud of 50 years - The radiant city named after Uncle Ho," has become an extremely attractive destination, recording a doubling of tourist numbers compared to 2024. The strong spread of national pride and unique experiences during this national celebration helped the city welcome 1.95 million visitors, bringing in double the revenue of the previous year and achieving an impressive 95% occupancy rate for the first time.
Ho Chi Minh City was adorned with flags and flowers as many tourists from all over the country visited to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the liberation of Southern Vietnam.
According to statistics from the National Tourism Administration, this five-day holiday not only demonstrates the appeal of celebratory activities but also marks a significant milestone for the entire tourism industry, recording the highest number of tourists since the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, exceeding 10.5 million, an increase of more than 31% compared to the same period in 2024. Most key tourist destinations nationwide recorded positive signs with strong growth in tourist numbers compared to the previous year.
Many commemorative and "back to our roots" activities in Ho Chi Minh City attract a large number of tourists.
Besides Ho Chi Minh City, many other provinces and cities also showed strong recovery and development in the tourism industry. Thanh Hoa is estimated to welcome 1.6 million visitors, an increase of 5.3%; Quang Ninh attracted 1.135 million visitors, an increase of 12%; Khanh Hoa welcomed 1.005 million visitors, an increase of 3.63%; Hanoi also recorded 875,200 visitors, an increase of 18.64%; Ba Ria - Vung Tau welcomed 785,495 visitors, an increase of 28.24%; Ninh Binh attracted over 700,000 visitors, an increase of 48.9%; and Da Nang was equally impressive with over 610,000 visitors, an increase of more than 50% compared to the same period in 2024.
Many other provinces and localities also have various activities to attract tourists during this long holiday.
Even before and throughout the holiday period, historically and culturally significant locations such as Ba Dinh Square, the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, the Vietnam Military Museum (Hanoi), the Tan Trao Revolutionary Base (Tuyen Quang), the Dien Bien Phu battlefield (Dien Bien), the Quang Tri Ancient Citadel (Quang Tri), the Independence Palace, the War Remnants Museum, the Cu Chi Tunnels (Ho Chi Minh City), and especially Ho Chi Minh City with its series of events commemorating the 50th anniversary of national reunification, attracted a large number of domestic and international tourists.
"Back to the roots" tours at other locations also attract many tourists.
To prepare for the peak summer tourism season of 2025, many localities and businesses have proactively implemented tourism stimulus programs before the holiday period. Discounts, promotions, and special offers on products and services have also been launched, such as the "Quang Nam - Green Heritage Region" program, "Hanoi residents and tourists experience services at 4-5 star hotels in Hanoi," "Enjoy Da Nang - Diverse Experiences," deeply discounted tour packages from Flamingo Redtours, and discounted and free tickets to Sun World Ba Na Hills for tourists wearing the Vietnamese flag.
The railway sector has also increased train services to popular tourist destinations, with the Vietnam Railways Corporation even operating the "Reunification Train" as a symbol of national pride. Inland waterway ports have also increased ferry services to tourist islands such as Cu Lao Cham, Ly Son, Con Dao, Phu Quy, and Phu Quoc. Notably, Quang Ninh welcomed a group of nearly 1,700 Japanese tourists to Ha Long by luxury cruise ship, demonstrating the strong recovery of international tourism.
The railway industry has many new strategies for this holiday season.
Leaders of the Vietnam National Tourism Administration emphasized the thorough and early preparations by localities and businesses in ensuring security, safety, and food hygiene for tourists. The extended holiday period, along with the diversity of programs, events, and festivals, allowed tourists to stay longer and spend more, contributing to increased revenue for the tourism industry compared to the same period in 2024.
Notably, the number of international visitors continues to maintain positive growth. Prices for tourism services remain stable, and security, order, and environmental hygiene at destinations are ensured. Proactive organization of large-scale cultural events, festivals, and sporting events, along with the support of businesses, has created new tourism products, stimulating demand for leisure, entertainment, and relaxation during holidays and promising a vibrant summer tourism season in 2025.
