Indonesia Promotes Bali and Beyond at Ho Chi Minh City Tourism Showcase, Here’s All You Need to Know

Published on December 1, 2025

To introduce prospective Vietnamese travelers to the various travel opportunities that Indonesia has to offer, the Vietnamese Ambassador to Indonesia, discussed with the Indonesian Consulate General in Ho Chi Minh City and organized a tourism exhibition called ‘Indonesia: Your Gateway to Paradise’ in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam, on the 30th of November 2025. Held at the Vincom Mega Mall Thao Dien, the exhibition articulately demonstrated to the prospective Vietnamese travelers the various travel opportunities where they could Indonesian cultural diversity and natural wonders. Supported by the Ho Chi Minh City Department of Tourism and Ho Chi Minh City Tourism Association, the exhibition showcased various Indonesian tourism opportunities including the Indonesian heritage and integrated with the natural beauty of the archipelagos.

Considering Vietnam largely as one of the sub-regions of Southeast Asia with the most rapidly developing tourism market, the exhibition offered a great opportunity to cultivate deeper tourism relations with Indonesia. The exhibition showcased Vietnamese travelers to various Indonesia tourism activities including the luxurious Bali beach and volcanoes as the visitors of the exhibition were largely attracted to the Indonesian resorts and lush vegetation. The exhibition attracted a significant number of Vietnamese citizens.

The ‘Gateway to Paradise’ Showcase: A Window into Indonesia’s Wonders

The ‘Gateway to Paradise’ exhibition was designed to give visitors a comprehensive look at what Indonesia offers, covering a wide range of tourism experiences. The event brought together six leading Indonesian travel agencies that presented exclusive tour packages and travel deals. These packages were specially tailored to meet the diverse interests of Vietnamese tourists, including health tourism, pre-wedding photography in Bali, and luxury experiences like yacht charters.

One of the main attractions at the event was the opportunity for visitors to learn about the variety of landscapes Indonesia offers. From the stunning beaches of Bali to the volcanic terrain of Mount Bromo in East Java, Indonesia has something for every type of traveler. For those interested in cultural tourism, the event highlighted Indonesia’s ancient temples, such as Borobudur in Yogyakarta, and its traditional arts, including the intricate Angklung music. Demonstrations of this iconic instrument added a cultural dimension to the event, offering a taste of Indonesia’s rich musical heritage.

Fostering Stronger Two-Way Tourism between Vietnam and Indonesia

The exhibition was part of a broader initiative to strengthen tourism relations between Indonesia and Vietnam. The two countries share significant cultural and historical ties, and the Indonesian Consul General in Ho Chi Minh City emphasized the importance of increasing Vietnamese tourism to Indonesia. While many Vietnamese people are familiar with popular Indonesian destinations such as Bali, the goal of the exhibition was to bring Indonesia closer to the public by showcasing its diverse range of attractions.

For Indonesian tourism officials, Vietnam represents a high-potential market due to its young, tech-savvy population, many of whom are increasingly seeking international travel experiences. Vietnam’s growing economic prosperity, with the country’s GDP expected to grow by approximately 8% in 2025, has also contributed to a rise in the number of Vietnamese travelers heading abroad. Many young Vietnamese tourists are not only interested in conventional tourist attractions but also in adventure travel and cultural exploration, making Indonesia an ideal destination.

Indonesia’s Appeal to Young Travelers

Young Vietnamese travelers are known for their eagerness to explore new destinations, share their experiences on social media, and discover off-the-beaten-path places. Indonesia’s vast and varied landscape offers these travelers a wealth of experiences, from hiking up active volcanoes and exploring lush rainforests to relaxing on pristine beaches and diving into vibrant coral reefs.

The exhibition featured tour packages tailored to the interests of this younger demographic. These packages included adventure tours, eco-friendly tourism, and unique experiences such as Bali’s spiritual retreats, surfing in Sumatra, and cultural festivals in Java. The diversity of activities on offer makes Indonesia a perfect destination for young travelers seeking both adventure and relaxation, and the showcase was an excellent opportunity for Vietnamese tourists to learn more about the possibilities.

Indonesia’s Growing Tourism Market: The Role of Ho Chi Minh City

Ho Chi Minh City, one of Vietnam’s largest and most cosmopolitan cities, was chosen as the venue for this event due to its strategic importance. With a population of over 8 million people and a thriving middle class, the city is a major hub for both domestic and international tourism. Its proximity to Indonesia, combined with frequent direct flights from Ho Chi Minh City to key Indonesian destinations like Bali, Jakarta, and Yogyakarta, makes it an attractive market for Indonesian travel agencies.

For Indonesian tourism professionals, Ho Chi Minh City offers an excellent opportunity to tap into the growing number of young, affluent travelers. The exhibition underscored how geographical proximity between the two countries makes travel convenient, with multiple daily flights and a shared appreciation for Southeast Asian culture.

Tourism Industry Collaboration: Benefits for Both Countries

The showcase was not only a promotional effort but also a reflection of the ongoing collaboration between Indonesia and Vietnam’s tourism industries. The Indonesian travel agencies, along with the support of Vietnam’s tourism authorities, came together to create a platform for both business and cultural exchange. By participating in events like these, the two countries aim to expand tourism flows and create stronger tourism infrastructure that benefits both economies.

The exhibition also allowed visitors to learn more about the practical aspects of traveling to Indonesia, from visa requirements to flight availability and accommodation options. By providing Vietnamese tourists with the necessary tools and information, the event helped to lower barriers to travel and promote a deeper understanding of Indonesia as a top tourist destination.

Future Prospects for Indonesia-Vietnam Tourism Relations

Looking ahead, the tourism partnership between Indonesia and Vietnam is poised for growth. With Indonesia’s government committed to developing sustainable tourism and Vietnam’s rising middle class eager to travel abroad, the two countries are well-positioned to become key players in Southeast Asia’s tourism industry.

Indonesia’s diverse tourism offerings, from cultural heritage sites and eco-tourism destinations to luxurious beach resorts and adventure travel experiences, have proven attractive to Vietnamese tourists. As travel restrictions continue to ease and both countries open up further, tourism exchanges are expected to grow exponentially. The ‘Gateway to Paradise’ exhibition was just the beginning of what promises to be a thriving and mutually beneficial tourism relationship between Indonesia and Vietnam.

A Promising Future for Indonesian Tourism in Vietnam

‘Gateway to Paradise’ in Ho Chi Minh City offered a first-ever opportunity to showcase Indonesian tourism in Vietnam. In the spirit of both countries’ ongoing educational and economic collaborations, the prominence of Indonesia in the travel itineraries of Vietnamese tourists is a foregone conclusion. Vietnam’s tourism hinges on Indonesia’s beautiful landscapes, cultural richness and diverse peri-urban and rural tourism activities. This is the context of the tourism relationship between Vietnam and Indonesia in the context of Southeast Asian travel.