Vietnam’s Tourism Surge: 4th Namaste Vietnam Festival Lights Up Ninh Binh With Culture And Cinema

Published on November 23, 2025

The 4th Namaste Vietnam Festival 2025 took place in Ninh Binh from November 20, and it certainly did attract attention to the increasing cultural and tourism exchange between India and Vietnam. The festival which lasted for four days, was put together by the Provincial Government of Ninh Binh and Innovations India and it was a large scale celebration of cultural diplomacy, tourism promotion, and collaboration in film. Famous filmmaker Captain Rahul Bali curated the event and it was attended by important dignitaries, cultural leaders, diplomats, and film personalities, which showed that India’s Act East Policy was really working in favor of the bilateral relations.

Festival Sparks Tourism Growth in Vietnam

The festival served as a significant platform for strengthening India-Vietnam tourism relations, particularly by showcasing Ninh Binh’s scenic beauty as an emerging tourist destination. Ninh Binh, famous for its landscapes such as Tam Chuc, Trang An and Hoa Lu Ancient Town, was introduced to Indian tourists through various promotional activities and MoUs. These agreements are set to further boost tourism from India, particularly in the rapidly growing segments of luxury travel and destination weddings.

A significant MoU signed between Destination Planners, an Indian travel company, and Ninh Binh authorities aims to actively promote Ninh Binh as a preferred destination for Indian travellers. The region’s rich cultural heritage and stunning natural beauty offer a unique blend of experiences for tourists seeking serene getaways. Additionally, the participation of India’s leading wedding planning firms, such as Global Access, positions Ninh Binh as a prime location for destination weddings, contributing to the region’s hospitality sector expansion.

The signing of another MoU, between Innovations India and Ninh Binh, announced that portions of the Bollywood film SILAA would be shot in Ninh Binh in January 2026. This cinematic collaboration is expected to attract international attention to the region, reinforcing its status as a desirable location for international filmmakers and boosting local tourism.

Film Industry Collaboration Brings New Opportunities

The 4th Namaste Vietnam Festival also celebrated the vibrant film industries of both countries. The festival’s cinematic focus underscored Vietnam’s role as a promising location for Indian film shoots, with stars from Bollywood, such as Riya Sen, Divya Agarwal and Donal Bisht, adding star power to the event. The festival served as a networking platform for film professionals, with representatives from major Indian production houses, including Reliance Entertainment and Red Chillies Entertainment, attending the event. Their presence indicates the potential for future Indo-Vietnamese collaborations in film production, content development, and location shoots.

The participation of Vietnamese film stars and filmmakers further strengthened cultural ties, offering new avenues for talent exchange and joint productions. The festival’s emphasis on film cooperation highlights the growing importance of the film industry in bridging cultural divides and creating economic opportunities for both nations.

Strengthening India-Vietnam Ties Through Cultural Diplomacy

The festival also featured a series of cultural performances, showcasing the rich heritage of both nations. Traditional dances, music performances, and art exhibitions highlighted the shared history and cultural affinity between India and Vietnam. These activities not only offered entertainment but also deepened the cultural exchange, further fostering mutual respect and understanding.

Throughout the event, delegates from India enjoyed immersive tours of Vietnam’s cultural landmarks, further enhancing their appreciation of the country’s history and beauty. The festival’s ability to blend cultural diplomacy with tourism promotion made it an invaluable tool in enhancing the bilateral relationship between the two nations.

Business and Tourism Partnerships Flourish

In addition to its cultural and cinematic focus, the festival also provided a platform for business collaboration. The presence of various business leaders and entrepreneurs highlighted the growing interest in Vietnam as a tourism and investment destination. Vietnam Airlines, the festival’s official airline partner, reaffirmed its commitment to facilitating increased travel and trade between India and Vietnam, serving as a crucial link in promoting tourism.

The 4th Namaste Vietnam Festival also saw the participation of a high-level delegation from Mizoram, India. Mizoram, known for its natural beauty and organic products, particularly bamboo and ginger, is looking to expand its tourism, trade, and organic product collaboration with Vietnam. The involvement of Mizoram is expected to open new doors for cross-border trade and cultural exchange, benefiting both economies.

A Bright Future for Indo-Vietnamese Tourism and Hospitality

The Namaste Vietnam Festival has emerged as a powerful symbol of the growing friendship between India and Vietnam. Through collaborations in tourism, culture, and cinema, the festival is helping to create a foundation for long-term economic and cultural partnerships. As both nations continue to strengthen their ties, events like the Namaste Vietnam Festival play a pivotal role in boosting tourism, fostering business growth, and enhancing people-to-people connections.

Looking ahead, the festival’s success is expected to pave the way for more collaborative initiatives, bringing new opportunities to the hospitality and tourism sectors in both India and Vietnam. With the cinematic collaboration between the two nations poised to bring more international attention to Vietnam’s unique landscapes, the future looks bright for tourism and hospitality in Ninh Binh and beyond.

Final Thoughts

The 4th Namaste Vietnam Festival has surely been a turning point in the cultural, tourism, and business ties between India and Vietnam perspectives. The event has played a vital role in the promotion of tourism and hospitality, thus laying down the platform of a strong and lasting cooperation characterized by vibrancy which would allow both countries to enjoy prosperity for many more years.