Indonesia Tourism Showcase: A Gateway to Unforgettable Experiences for Vietnamese Travellers

Published on December 1, 2025

The two-day tourism showcase, “Indonesia: Your Gateway to Paradise”, which was held on Sunday at the Vincom Mega Mall Thao Dien in Ho Chi Minh City, showcased the strong tourism connections between Indonesia and Vietnam. The Ho Chi Minh City Department of Tourism and the Ho Chi Minh City Tourism Association sponsored the event, which was organised in collaboration with the Association of Indonesian Tours and Travel Agencies (ASITA). The objective was to draw Vietnamese tourists to Indonesia while strengthening ties between the tourism industries of the two countries.

Strengthening Bilateral Ties Through Tourism

The event attracted six leading Indonesian travel agencies, each offering a variety of exclusive deals targeting different tourist segments. From luxury yacht experiences to pre-wedding photography in Bali, health tourism for sports enthusiasts, and eco-tourism for nature lovers, the showcase provided Vietnamese tourists with a glimpse into the diverse travel opportunities Indonesia has to offer. The event underscored Indonesia’s growing role as a premier destination for Vietnamese travelers, further cementing the country’s status as a tourism powerhouse in Southeast Asia.

Indonesia: A Natural Playground for Vietnamese Travelers

The Indonesian Consul General in Ho Chi Minh City, Carolina Tinangon, shared her insights into the objectives of the event, explaining that the goal was not only to promote Bali but also to highlight Indonesia’s broader appeal as a tourism destination. “Vietnamese people are already familiar with Indonesia, but we wanted to make the destination more accessible and closer to the public by showcasing Indonesia’s natural beauty,” she stated. Tinangon also emphasized Vietnam’s growing significance as a key source market for Indonesia, with its rapidly expanding economy and a youthful population eager to explore the world.

This sentiment was echoed by I Ketut Sujata, a representative of the Indonesian travel agencies participating in the exhibition, who pointed out the geographical advantage of Indonesia’s proximity to Vietnam. With frequent flight routes connecting both countries, travel between Indonesia and Vietnam is easily accessible. Furthermore, Sujata noted that Vietnam’s large population, which ranks third in ASEAN after Indonesia and the Philippines, makes it a crucial market for Indonesian tourism.

The Appeal of Indonesia for Young Vietnamese Travelers

The younger generation of Vietnamese travelers was specifically targeted during the event, with agencies offering packages that cater to their adventurous spirit. The rise of digital media has created a burgeoning group of content creators who actively share their travel experiences on social media platforms, making them an influential demographic in travel trends. “Young travelers are always eager to discover new places and share their experiences online,” said Tinangon. This trend is helping to shape the future of tourism, with destinations like Bali, Yogyakarta, and Lombok becoming increasingly popular among Vietnamese tourists seeking unique experiences.

The showcase also highlighted Indonesia’s diverse offerings, from its volcanic landscapes and pristine beaches to its lush forests and rich cultural heritage. With activities ranging from hiking active volcanoes to enjoying Bali’s luxury resorts, there is no shortage of experiences that appeal to young and adventurous tourists. Furthermore, Indonesia’s hospitality and diverse cultural heritage were showcased through local crafts, traditional dance performances, and culinary delights, giving visitors a taste of the country’s rich traditions.

The Impact of Tourism Promotion on Vietnam-Indonesia Relations

The tourism promotion programme also reflects the growing interest in strengthening economic and cultural ties between Vietnam and Indonesia. As Southeast Asia’s two largest economies, the relationship between the two countries has the potential to boost tourism and trade, benefiting both nations. In particular, the surge in travel between Ho Chi Minh City and Bali has made the latter a prime destination for Vietnamese tourists. Additionally, the event contributed to fostering greater awareness of Indonesia’s broader travel landscape, showcasing not just Bali but also destinations in Java, Sumatra, and beyond.

Vietnam is increasingly viewed as an untapped market with great potential for inbound tourism. Its growing middle class, young population, and increasing interest in international travel make it a prime target for tourism campaigns aimed at destinations within close proximity, such as Indonesia. As the number of Vietnamese travelers seeking international experiences continues to rise, destinations like Bali are well-positioned to capture this growing market.

A Strong Future for Bilateral Tourism

With representatives from the Indonesian and Vietnamese tourism industries expressing hope for future partnerships, the event ended on a positive note. Both parties agreed that there is a lot of space for improvement, particularly with regard to increasing flight connectivity, improving marketing initiatives, and providing even more specialised experiences for the Vietnamese market.

More work will probably be done in the future to promote lesser-known Indonesian travel destinations in addition to well-known hotspots like Bali. Indonesia can broaden its tourism offerings and draw in more visitors by encouraging Vietnamese travellers to visit places like Lombok, Yogyakarta, and Java. Furthermore, both countries pledged to protect their natural and cultural heritage for future generations, underscoring the significance of sustainable tourism practices.

In summary, the “Indonesia: Your Gateway to Paradise” event at Vincom Mega Mall was more than just a tourism exhibit; it was a representation of the developing relationship between Indonesia and Vietnam, which is based on a shared love of travel and discovery, economic expansion, and cultural ties. The tourism industry between these two neighbours in Southeast Asia appears to have a bright future thanks to a thriving young generation of tourists eager to explore new destinations.