Vietnam’s Pho Day 2025 Expected to Draw 100,000 Visitors as Ho Chi Minh City Emerges as a Leading Destination for Culinary Tourism, Cultural Exchange, and Global Food Heritage Promotion: Check It Out Now

Published on December 6, 2025

The annual Pho Day 2025 festival in Vietnam is poised to reshape culinary tourism in Southeast Asia. Scheduled for December 13–14 in Ho Chi Minh City, the event is expected to attract nearly 100,000 visitors, highlighting the growing international fascination with Vietnamese cuisine. The festival’s scope extends far beyond serving more than 20,000 bowls of pho—it represents a symbolic moment where culinary heritage, cultural diplomacy, and tourism converge.
This expanded article provides a fresh, travel-oriented perspective on how the simple act of enjoying a bowl of pho, Vietnam’s most iconic dish, has evolved into a global cultural movement.

From Local Celebration to International Attraction

When the idea of Pho Day began nearly a decade ago, it was envisioned as a moment to honor Vietnam’s beloved national dish. Over the years, however, it has expanded into a major cultural platform with influence spreading across borders. Today, Pho Day is not just a culinary event—it is a celebration of national pride, cultural identity, and global connectivity.
The 2025 edition represents the ninth year of the festival, and its anticipated success highlights the evolving role of culinary events in driving international tourism, shaping cultural narratives, and promoting soft power.

A Gathering of Diverse Pho Traditions

The 2025 festival will host more than 30 pho stalls, each showcasing unique interpretations of the dish from different regions of Vietnam. Each bowl reflects a story of landscape, heritage, and culinary innovation.
The festival features northern-style broths, central-style aromas, and southern-style expressions, providing travelers with a rare opportunity to experience Vietnam’s culinary geography in one place.
Among the unique offerings is H’Mong-style pho, a variation made with noodles crafted from corn kernels, reflecting the mountain culture of northern Vietnam. Meanwhile, the famous two-bowl style from the Central Highlands demonstrates how culinary creativity is embedded in regional identities.
This diversity plays a crucial role in enriching the visitor experience, letting travelers explore the country’s cultural nuances through its most iconic food.

Global Participation and Culinary Exchange

Adding to its international appeal, this year’s festival includes a pho brand from the Republic of Korea, revealing how Vietnamese cuisine continues to resonate with global audiences. This presence underscores the festival’s theme of culinary exchange and the ongoing spread of pho culture across continents.
For international travelers, the participation of foreign pho makers adds an extra layer of curiosity—how do chefs from other countries interpret a dish so deeply tied to Vietnamese identity? Such interactions fuel food tourism, encourage cross-cultural understanding, and strengthen Vietnam’s commitment to culinary diplomacy.

A Culinary Experience Supporting Social Causes

Each bowl of pho at the festival is sold for an affordable 40,000 VND, ensuring accessibility for residents and tourists alike. More importantly, a portion of the revenue is donated to support communities affected by storms and flooding.
This blend of cuisine and compassion enhances the festival’s emotional appeal for visitors. Travelers increasingly seek meaningful travel experiences—events where spending contributes both to cultural appreciation and humanitarian efforts. The philanthropic component of the festival strengthens Vietnam’s reputation as a nation where tradition, generosity, and community values are celebrated together.

Promoting Pho Across Five Continents

A distinctive feature of Pho Day 2025 is its emphasis on global cultural outreach. Restaurants across Vietnam and abroad are encouraged to promote pho on December 12, turning the festival into a worldwide celebration.
This broader campaign reflects Vietnam’s long-term ambition to have pho recognized as an intangible cultural heritage. By highlighting the cultural significance of rice grains, the artistry behind noodle-making, and the symbolism of food in social life, the festival elevates pho from a culinary staple to a cultural ambassador.

Pho’s Journey Beyond Vietnam

Pho Day has not been confined to the nation’s borders. Under the name “Vietnam Pho Festival,” the celebration has traveled to countries including Japan, Singapore, and the Republic of Korea.
The 2025 edition in Singapore demonstrated the global appeal of Vietnamese cuisine, with more than 35,000 visitors attending the event. The festival there showcased not only pho but also a rich array of Vietnamese dishes, offering international travelers a gateway into the country’s culinary heritage.

Impact on Travel, Tourism, and Global Perception

A Magnet for Culinary Travelers

Food tourism has grown into one of the most influential trends in global travel. Tourists increasingly choose destinations based on food festivals, signature dishes, and immersive culinary experiences.
Pho Day positions Ho Chi Minh City as a magnet for such travelers—those who seek authenticity, cultural depth, and gastronomic exploration. With its vibrant food scene, diverse street cuisine, and rich culinary traditions, Vietnam is perfectly positioned to attract global travelers through events like Pho Day.

Boosting Vietnam’s Tourism Economy

The festival is expected to draw thousands of domestic and international visitors, contributing significantly to the tourism economy. Local hotels, restaurants, shops, and travel services benefit from the increased footfall.
Tour operators often design special packages around the festival, offering guided food tours, culinary workshops, and cultural experiences. From exploring markets to participating in cooking classes, Pho Day boosts the city’s reputation as a culinary tourism hub.

Strengthening City Branding

Festivals play a vital role in shaping the identity of cities. Ho Chi Minh City—already known for its dynamic energy—uses Pho Day as an opportunity to enhance its image as a cosmopolitan destination where culture, creativity, and cuisine converge.
The festival’s success reinforces the city’s position on the global tourism map, inviting travelers to see Vietnam through the lens of its culinary soul.

A New Perspective: Pho as Cultural Diplomacy

Beyond flavor and history, pho serves as a form of culinary diplomacy. It connects people across cultures, inspiring curiosity, admiration, and dialogue.
In a world where food plays a growing role in international relations, Vietnam uses Pho Day to tell the story of its heritage—one that blends tradition, craft, and communal values.
By showcasing pho as more than a dish, the festival becomes a platform for celebrating identity, strengthening relationships, and promoting intercultural dialogue.

Trade and Business Opportunities

The festival also fosters economic cooperation. At the 2025 Singapore edition, more than 400 business interactions were recorded between Vietnamese and Singaporean enterprises, leading to new contracts and future collaboration.
Such trade exchanges contribute to Vietnam’s economic growth, transforming culinary culture into a catalyst for international business engagement.
The Ho Chi Minh City festival is expected to encourage similar networking opportunities, further expanding Vietnam’s role in regional trade.

Why Pho Continues to Capture Global Imagination

Pho’s growing popularity is deeply tied to its cultural, emotional, and sensory appeal.
• Its flavor profile reflects Vietnam’s agricultural traditions.
• Its aroma evokes the warmth of family meals.
• Its simplicity attracts food lovers around the world.
• Its history connects generations.
• Its adaptability makes it ideal for global reinterpretation.
These qualities make pho a powerful cultural symbol, capable of inspiring festivals, cross-border collaborations, and global admiration.

Creating Memorable Experiences for Travelers

Travelers arriving for Pho Day experience more than food—they encounter a vibrant city in celebration. From lively performances to cultural exhibitions, the festival offers an immersive journey into Vietnamese identity.
Visitors can witness noodle-making demonstrations, explore regional variations, meet culinary artisans, and enjoy live music and cultural showcases.
Such experiences create enduring memories, enhancing the festival’s appeal and encouraging repeat visits.

Future of Pho Day: A Global Vision

Vietnam aims to elevate Pho Day into a worldwide cultural phenomenon celebrated across continents. The long-term vision includes:
• international pho showcases
• collaborative culinary workshops
• tourism campaigns centered on pho
• global partnerships with restaurants
• further expansion of Vietnam’s cultural influence
As global interest grows, pho may soon join the ranks of internationally celebrated dishes recognized by cultural institutions.

Conclusion: A Festival That Unites Culture, Travel, and Heritage

Pho Day 2025 is more than a culinary event—it is a celebration of Vietnam’s cultural identity, a driver of tourism, and a symbol of national pride.
By attracting nearly 100,000 visitors, showcasing regional diversity, fostering international exchange, and promoting culinary heritage, the festival reinforces Vietnam’s position as a leading destination in global food culture.
Through the warm, fragrant bowl of pho, Vietnam invites the world to experience its rich traditions, dynamic cities, and welcoming spirit.