Vietnam’s Newly Expanded Ho Chi Minh City Surges Ahead With Powerful Tourism Boom Fueled By Infrastructure Upgrades And Soaring International Arrivals

Published on July 10, 2025

Ho Chi Minh City is undergoing a significant transformation, fueled by a revamped governance structure and an ambitious new direction for its tourism sector. Following the city’s integration with the surrounding provinces of Ba Ria-Vung Tau and Binh Duong under a streamlined two-tier governance model, Vietnam’s largest metropolis is accelerating from post-pandemic recovery into a full-fledged tourism boom.

The first half of the year has delivered outstanding results for the city’s tourism sector. Ho Chi Minh City welcomed approximately 3.85 million international visitors—a dramatic increase of forty-four percent compared to the same period last year. Domestic tourism also posted healthy gains, with 18.3 million Vietnamese travelers exploring the city, a seven percent year-on-year growth. Altogether, these numbers have generated an impressive 117.94 trillion VND in tourism revenue, or approximately 4.53 billion USD, marking a 27.3 percent annual increase. These figures put the city well on track to surpass its annual tourism targets.

This growth has been made possible through the expansion and strengthening of the city’s tourism infrastructure. Ho Chi Minh City now boasts 3,146 accommodation establishments, including 134 hotels rated between one and five stars, offering a wide range of options for all types of travelers—from budget-conscious backpackers to luxury seekers. This expansive lodging network is supported by a well-structured system of travel services.

There are currently 9,237 licensed tour guides available across the city. These professionals are divided into 5,789 international guides, 3,372 domestic guides, and 76 on-site specialists. Alongside this, the city is home to 1,709 travel service providers—of which 1,223 operate in the international sector, 391 cater to domestic travel, 76 act as general travel agents, and 19 are foreign representative offices. This network ensures comprehensive support for tourists at every stage of their journey.

Ho Chi Minh City’s global appeal continues to rise. A recent report from a leading travel platform placed the city as the number one destination for Chinese travelers and among the top five for Korean tourists. This growing popularity is linked to the city’s captivating mix of street culture, bustling traditional markets, French colonial architecture, and modern urban landscapes, which offer a layered and engaging experience for all types of visitors.

Industry analysts also credit the rebound to key advancements in infrastructure, including improved road connectivity, the growth of luxury hospitality offerings, and the addition of new direct international air routes. These developments have not only enhanced access to the city but also elevated the overall travel experience, positioning Ho Chi Minh City as a more convenient and appealing stop on global travel itineraries.

To maintain this upward momentum, city planners are embracing innovation. A comprehensive digital transformation strategy is being implemented to streamline service delivery across the tourism sector, from online booking platforms to smart visitor information systems. At the same time, the city is actively working to refresh its brand through creative tourism campaigns.

Recent initiatives include a culinary-themed experience under the banner “Find Your Flavour,” designed to showcase the city’s diverse and vibrant food culture. Another major campaign is a multisensory art performance aimed at honoring 50 years of local heritage and artistic expression. These programs serve to deepen visitor engagement while expanding the city’s appeal across different audience segments.

Looking forward, the city is focused on developing three core areas to broaden its tourism offering. These include cultural heritage and history-based tourism, the promotion of creative and cultural industries such as music, design, and visual arts, and the growth of marine and ecological tourism centered around coastal getaways and nearby island resorts.

By combining administrative efficiency, digital innovation, and imaginative tourism products, Ho Chi Minh City is repositioning itself as a world-class urban destination. With its rich history, modern energy, and evolving offerings, the city is not only reclaiming its place on the global tourism map but is setting new standards for the future of travel in Southeast Asia.