Thailand’s Chiang Mai Partners With Vietnam To Boost Economic, Cultural, And Tourism Ties For Long-Term Growth

Published on November 29, 2025

Thailand’s Chiang Mai has entered a strategic partnership with Vietnam aimed at strengthening economic, cultural, and tourism ties to foster long-term growth in both regions. This collaboration seeks to leverage Chiang Mai’s rich cultural heritage and Vietnam’s burgeoning tourism sector to create a dynamic synergy. By enhancing cross-border travel, facilitating trade, and promoting mutual cultural exchange, the partnership is poised to unlock new opportunities for sustainable development, benefiting local communities and boosting the regional economy.

On November 27, Chiang Mai Governor met with the Vietnamese Ambassador to Thailand, marking a significant moment in strengthening the ties between Thailand’s northern province and Vietnam. The meeting was centered on enhancing collaboration between Chiang Mai and various Vietnamese localities, with both sides expressing a strong desire for mutual cooperation in various sectors.

Chiang Mai, known for its historical significance, cultural heritage, and vibrant tourism, is one of Thailand’s largest and most diverse provinces. Governor emphasized that the region boasts considerable potential in key sectors such as education, tourism, services, and agriculture. These areas, which are pivotal to Chiang Mai’s economic development, are also of considerable importance to Vietnam, making it an ideal partner for collaboration. The Governor specifically highlighted that Chiang Mai’s strategic position and resources would be well-suited to engage with Vietnamese provinces in ways that benefit both nations.

The Governor’s remarks underscored the vast opportunities that exist in agriculture, tourism, and services, which are shared sectors of interest between both countries. Agriculture, a cornerstone of the economy in both Vietnam and Thailand, stands as one of the key areas for expanding bilateral cooperation. With similar climatic conditions and agricultural practices, both nations can engage in joint ventures that can boost agricultural productivity and enhance the sharing of expertise in sustainable farming techniques. Moreover, both nations are currently experiencing a tourism boom, making this sector another natural area for collaboration. With rising numbers of Vietnamese tourists visiting Thailand and vice versa, the potential for cross-border tourism initiatives is significant. Through shared promotional efforts and collaborative tourism strategies, both countries can work together to attract more international visitors to their respective destinations.

Governor expressed hope that the enhanced cooperation between Chiang Mai and Vietnam could contribute to a shared vision of prosperity for both regions. By fostering close ties, both Thailand and Vietnam could tap into each other’s strengths, facilitating deeper economic integration and cultural exchange. As the world becomes increasingly interconnected, it is clear that bilateral cooperation between neighboring countries will play an essential role in fostering long-term growth and stability.

In response, the Vietnamese Ambassador expressed heartfelt thanks for the ongoing support extended to the Vietnamese community in Chiang Mai. The Ambassador acknowledged that the Vietnamese people in the region play an important role in contributing to local businesses and the economy, while also promoting the cultural exchange between Vietnam and Thailand. The Ambassador noted that the Vietnamese community in Chiang Mai is a testament to the successful relationship between the two nations, with many Vietnamese nationals actively involved in local economic activities, from small businesses to large-scale trade.

This support, the Ambassador continued, has had a profound impact not only on the local Vietnamese community but also on the broader bilateral relations between the two countries. The Ambassador emphasized that the local authorities’ positive stance towards the Vietnamese community has been instrumental in creating an environment where economic growth, cultural understanding, and social harmony can flourish. This mutual respect and collaboration are seen as essential pillars for further strengthening the ties between Chiang Mai and Vietnamese provinces in the coming years.

The Ambassador also raised the issue of air connectivity between Chiang Mai and Vietnam. He expressed the hope that Vietnamese airlines would be encouraged to launch direct flights between Chiang Mai and major cities in Vietnam, especially Da Nang. This route, in particular, would provide greater accessibility for Vietnamese tourists to visit Chiang Mai, while also facilitating business travel and trade between the two regions. Increased air connectivity is seen as an important step toward furthering people-to-people exchanges and supporting the tourism sector in both countries. The Ambassador also urged local authorities to consider facilitating Vietnamese businesses that are looking to conduct market surveys in Chiang Mai. Such steps would help identify new opportunities for investment and business development, ultimately enhancing economic ties.

As both nations approach the significant milestone of the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations in 2026, the Ambassador proposed that Chiang Mai play a central role in commemorating this occasion. He suggested that the province serve as a host for a series of events organized by the Vietnamese Embassy and the local Vietnamese community. These events would celebrate the rich history of bilateral relations and further strengthen the ties between the two nations. The Ambassador’s proposal reflects the ongoing commitment to deepening collaboration between Vietnam and Thailand, not just through formal agreements but also through cultural and social events that bring people closer together.

During his visit, the Vietnamese Ambassador also met with the Executive Committee of the Vietnamese Association in Chiang Mai. This gathering provided an opportunity for the Ambassador to engage directly with the local Vietnamese community, addressing their concerns and discussing future plans for community development. Over 120 members of the Vietnamese community were present, demonstrating the vibrant and growing presence of Vietnamese nationals in Chiang Mai. This community is seen as a vital bridge between Thailand and Vietnam, playing an integral role in both countries’ efforts to promote stronger ties.

Chiang Mai, Thailand, has partnered with Vietnam to enhance economic, cultural, and tourism ties, aiming to drive long-term growth through increased trade, cultural exchange, and mutual tourism promotion. This collaboration seeks to foster sustainable development and economic prosperity for both regions.

The meeting between the Chiang Mai Governor and the Vietnamese Ambassador to Thailand was a landmark event, reaffirming the shared commitment to enhancing bilateral relations. By focusing on areas such as agriculture, tourism, services, and education, both nations can work toward achieving a prosperous future, with a particular emphasis on supporting local communities and fostering cross-border partnerships. The proposed events for the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations in 2026 are just one example of the exciting opportunities that lie ahead for both Thailand and Vietnam, and the continued collaboration between Chiang Mai and Vietnam holds great promise for the years to come.