Strategic Heritage Integration: A New Paradigm For Cultural Tourism Innovation In Ho Chi Minh City

Published on December 8, 2025

The foundational importance of heritage integration has been recognized as the primary catalyst for driving innovation within the cultural tourism sector. A critical strategic review of current cultural management frameworks was recently undertaken, leading to a consensus among experts regarding the necessary evolution of the system. It was strongly recommended by cultural experts that a centralized management structure, specifically the establishment of a Ho Chi Minh City Heritage Center, should be pursued, or alternatively, the development of a comprehensive heritage map was proposed.

The Enduring Wealth of Ho Chi Minh City’s Heritage Portfolio

The strategic development of a rich and distinctive cultural tourism sector is afforded a valuable foundation by the city’s extensive inventory of historical assets. By the end of 2025, an impressive total of 321 historical–cultural relics and scenic sites were possessed by Ho Chi Minh City. This substantial number includes sites that are recognized at various administrative levels, underscoring the depth of the city’s historical significance.

Of particular note are the sites designated at the highest tier of national importance. Specifically, the portfolio is known to contain four special national relics, which represent the apex of cultural and historical value within the nation. Furthermore, a substantial number of sites have been recognized at the national level, with 99 national-level relics being accounted for. The remaining majority of recognized sites, 218 city-level relics, ensures that heritage is distributed broadly across the urban landscape, offering numerous points of engagement for both residents and visitors.

Weaving Intangible Heritage into the Visitor Experience

In recent years, the successful incorporation of various forms of intangible cultural heritage into mainstream tourism activities has been observed, generating positive effects across the cultural and economic spheres. These integration models serve to diversify the city’s tourism offerings, moving beyond static displays toward dynamic, participatory experiences.

A prominent example of this successful integration is the inclusion of the Tet Nguyen Tieu (Nguyen Tieu Festival) into curated tours. These tours are typically centered around the ancient Cho Lon quarter and the intricate system of the Chinese Assembly Hall, allowing visitors to witness and participate in living traditions. The atmosphere of festivity and community celebration is thus experienced firsthand, providing a richer understanding of the cultural tapestry woven into the city’s structure.

The Imperative for Memory Tourism and Historical Engagement

A significant highlight in the planned expansion of the tourism sector is the development of “memory tourism.” This type of tourism is defined by its focus on historical sites associated with revolutionary significance, aiming to cultivate patriotic education and deep historical remembrance. As the urban area of Ho Chi Minh City continues to expand and modernize, the potential of such sites becomes increasingly critical for preserving historical context.

The Con Dao Special Zone offers significant potential for the creation of tourism products centered on historical memory. This area is recognized as a sacred ‘red address’ of the nation, profoundly associated with historical sites linked to the country’s revolutionary struggles. The development of specialized tours focusing on these historical narratives is being prioritized, offering visitors the opportunity for meaningful reflection on the sacrifices and resilience that shaped the nation. This emphasis on historical depth aligns perfectly with broader global trends, where cultural-heritage experiences are increasingly valued. Tourists are actively seeking deeper engagement with local identity, history, and community memory, moving beyond superficial sightseeing to embrace educational and emotionally resonant journeys.

Restructuring for Modernity: The Proposal for the Ho Chi Minh City Heritage Center

A substantial part of the heritage infrastructure of the city is represented by its museum network. Ho Chi Minh City currently oversees nine public museums which operate under the direct administration of the municipal Department of Culture and Sports. This network includes institutions of immense significance, such as the Ho Chi Minh City Museum of History, the Ho Chi Minh City Museum, the Southern Women’s Museum, the Ho Chi Minh Museum – HCMC Branch, the Ton Duc Thang Museum, the Ho Chi Minh City Museum of Fine Arts, and the globally renowned War Remnants Museum.

However, it is recognized that operational challenges are faced within this established network. Among these, several museums are known to still operate under traditional models, meaning that technological advantages are not being fully leveraged. Issues related to limited network connectivity and insufficient resource sharing across the system have been identified as obstacles to modernization. This traditional structure has, at times, hampered the full realization of the museums’ potential as dynamic educational and cultural hubs.

Forging a Sustainable Cultural and Creative Hub

The overarching strategic objective is the creation of a powerful momentum for sustainable cultural tourism development. This momentum is intrinsically linked to the successful implementation of the proposed Ho Chi Minh City Heritage Center. Through the linkage of heritage, museums, communities, and the tourism industry in a cohesive ecosystem, a profound transformation of the city’s cultural landscape is anticipated. This strategic action is designed to bring Ho Chi Minh City closer to its aspirational goal of becoming recognized as a leading cultural and creative hub across the entire region. The proactive management and innovative integration of the city’s vast historical and cultural resources are thus being recognized as the definitive method for ensuring that heritage is not only preserved for future generations but is also celebrated and utilized as a vital engine for contemporary development and global engagement.