Bustling international visitors in downtown Ho Chi Minh City

In the first 8 months of 2025, Ho Chi Minh City tourism has made a breakthrough with revenue of more than 161,000 billion VND, reflecting the strong recovery of the smokeless industry. This result comes from the excitement of international and domestic visitors along with a series of promotional activities, stimulating demand and expanding tourism products.

Reviving "billion dollar" roads

In early September, the "billion dollar" streets in the center of Ho Chi Minh City such as Dong Khoi, Nguyen Hue, Le Loi, Pasteur... are always bustling with tourists. In the morning, the golden sunlight shines through the rows of ancient trees, groups of Western tourists leisurely walk, stop to take photos in front of luxury fashion stores or the classic facade of the City Theater. Many groups of Korean and Japanese tourists take the opportunity to shop at Union Square and Takashimaya shopping centers, then stop at small roadside cafes to enjoy a cup of "standard Vietnamese" iced milk coffee.

Don't miss the experience of riding a cyclo around the city when coming to Ho Chi Minh City.

PHOTO: NHAT THINH

The Korean couple had just landed at Tan Son Nhat Airport from Seoul. They chose a small boutique hotel on Pasteur Street, opening the window to see green trees and bustling rows of motorbikes. The first breakfast was a steaming bowl of pho, which surprised them with its rich flavor, very different from other Vietnamese restaurants in Korea. The two young guests stopped by the City Post Office , Notre Dame Cathedral, then leisurely walked to the book street...

At the Ho Chi Minh City Central Post Office, Ms. Thuy - a Vietnam Post employee - shared that even before the peak season of the year, the number of visitors is still very large. "The busiest time is usually from about 10 am to 4 - 5 pm. On weekends, the flow of people coming to take pictures and send postcards is almost non-stop. We always have to prepare more staff to support," she said.

On Nguyen Hue walking street, international tourist groups took turns taking photos next to Uncle Ho's statue. The surrounding cafes and convenience stores also began to be crowded, including many foreign tourists who chose to sit on the porch to enjoy iced milk coffee while watching people passing by.

"I was surprised that the morning here was so crowded and lively. The air was fresh, there were many outdoor activities, and everyone was friendly. This felt very different from the cities I've been to in Southeast Asia," a Japanese tourist shared while holding a camera.

At the War Remnants Museum (Xuan Hoa Ward) on the morning of September 12, a long line of international tourists lined up in front of the ticket counter. Light backpacks, wide-brimmed hats, and cameras around their necks created a familiar and lively scene. English, French, Japanese, and Korean were mixed in the murmuring conversation, some people took the opportunity to look up maps on their phones, and others stood quietly admiring the rows of tanks and helicopters displayed in the yard.

Busy double-decker buses in operation, international visitors enjoy learning about architectural works in the city center

PHOTO: NHAT THINH

Museum staff continuously guided, distributed tickets, and controlled the flow of people, while behind the glass doors, visitors gradually entered the exhibition areas. The atmosphere of eager anticipation made many visitors share the feeling of being about to embark on a journey back to the past, to witness with their own eyes what they had only seen in books and newspapers.

Mr. David, a tourist from Canada, just walked out of the ground floor exhibition area with a pensive look, sharing: "I just finished looking at the exhibitions on the ground floor and felt a chill because of the horrors of war. At the same time, it was also very interesting to see directly the wartime equipment and weapons; as well as to feel how terrible the prisoners of war had to go through."

It can be seen that the "billion dollar" roads in Ho Chi Minh City have been revived strongly, there are no longer signs hanging for rent like a few years ago.

International visitors "come because of love"

Ho Chi Minh City is gradually becoming an unmissable destination on the Southeast Asian tourism map. According to the Department of Tourism, in the first 8 months of 2025, the city welcomed more than 5.16 million international visitors, an increase of nearly 50% over the same period last year. Domestic visitors reached more than 25.1 million, helping total tourism revenue reach an estimated VND 161,887 billion. This is not only a strong sign of recovery but also affirms the increasingly clear position of the tourism industry in the city's economic structure. So what keeps foreign tourists coming to Ho Chi Minh City?

Many Indian tourist groups visit Ho Chi Minh City during this time.

PHOTO: NHAT THINH

First of all, the attraction of architectural works and historical heritage. The Central Post Office, Notre Dame Cathedral, Reunification Hall or City Theater always surprise visitors when a modern city still retains its unique classical look. It is the intersection between the past and the present that creates its own identity.

Cuisine is also a big plus. From a hot bowl of pho, a crispy baguette to a glass of iced milk coffee on the sidewalk, visitors can easily find the unique flavors that only exist in this city. Many people say that the experience of eating on the sidewalk and chatting with street vendors leaves them with unforgettable memories.

Ms. Tu Dang - owner of a Vietnamese restaurant in a small alley in Xuan Hoa Ward - shared that thanks to the Michelin effect recorded for 3 consecutive years, the number of foreign customers coming to her restaurant has changed significantly. "Japanese, Korean, and Chinese customers come more often and spend more time sitting. They pay attention to every detail of a Vietnamese meal: the preparation method, local ingredients, and even the way of eating. Some diners even said they feel like they are sitting and eating with a family," she said.

In addition, tourists also enjoy unique experiences such as riding a cyclo around the city, cruising on the Saigon River or strolling on Nguyen Hue walking street to immerse themselves in street music. When night falls, the city "changes its clothes" with a vibrant atmosphere in Bui Vien, rooftop bars or night markets, making Ho Chi Minh City truly look like a "city that never sleeps".

Above all, what makes many people want to return is the hospitality and openness of the people. A friendly smile and a young person's directions in English are enough to make visitors feel welcome. It is the people who have contributed to the lasting appeal of Ho Chi Minh City in the eyes of international friends.

The tourism boom in Ho Chi Minh City has not only brought record numbers, but also sent a strong message about the vitality of the "smokeless industry". However, behind the boom are also urgent requirements. Although there are many visitors, the average spending of international tourists in Vietnam is still only around 1,200 USD/trip, much lower than in Thailand, Malaysia or Singapore. The traffic infrastructure in the center has often fallen into a state of overload, and high-end entertainment and shopping services are not enough to keep visitors longer.

Dr. Pham Huong Trang, lecturer of Tourism and Hospitality Management at RMIT University, noted: It is necessary to diversify products, strongly develop high-value types such as MICE tourism, healthcare, shopping, fine dining, as well as invest in night services to increase spending. If done well, Ho Chi Minh City can completely become an international tourism center, competing directly with leading cities in the region.

With its outstanding economic scale, infrastructure and human resources, expanded Ho Chi Minh City can absolutely become a model for other localities to refer to. From developing night tourism, organizing international events, building regional product chains to professional management mechanisms, all can be replicated. More importantly, this "super city" also creates positive pressure forcing other localities to innovate and upgrade tourism services and products to compete.

Dr. Pham Huong Trang , RMIT University

Source: https://thanhnien.vn/nhon-nhip-khach-quoc-te-o-trung-tam-tphcm-185250912183432072.htm