Thousands of tourists flock to Vũng Tàu Beach during holidays. VNA/VNS Photo Huỳnh Sơn

HCM CITY Coastal localities newly incorporated into HCM City, particularly Bà Rịa Vũng Tàu, are witnessing a vibrant tourism season this summer, driven by upgraded infrastructure, diverse travel experiences, and strong public-private efforts to attract both domestic and international visitors.

According to the city’s Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism, Bà Rịa Vũng Tàu welcomed an estimated 10.6 million visitors in the first half of 2025, up nearly 30 per cent year-on-year.

Of these, three million were overnight guests, including over 164,800 international arrivals.

Total tourism revenue reached nearly VNĐ11 trillion (US$480 million), a 26 per cent increase over the same period last year.

The area currently boasts 1,458 accommodation facilities, with 132 tourism projects in development or completing legal procedures.

Of these projects 51 are already operational, enhancing service quality and variety.

Popular coastal destinations such as Vũng Tàu, Long Hải and Hồ Tràm have been particularly crowded, with weekend hotel occupancy rates often reaching 100 per cent.

HCM City is an attractive summer destination for both domestic and international travellers. VNA/VNS Photo Huỳnh Sơn

Popular destinations

Hồ Tràm is fast becoming a high-end coastal tourism hub.

It is home to 41 approved investment projects, 12 of which are operational, with a total capital of more than $4.45 billion.

In the first half of the year alone, the area attracted about 3 million visitors, including more than 915,000 foreigners, generating an estimated VNĐ3.34 trillion in revenue.

Huỳnh Phi Khánh, chairman of Hồ Tràm Commune People’s Committee [Administration], said local authorities are working to attract investment in planned public land areas, including a proposed night-time economy zone to diversify offerings and spur socio-economic growth. He also called for the acceleration of the Long Thành–Hồ Tràm expressway project.

Trần Tuấn Vinh, general manager of Angsana & Dhawa Hồ Tràm, predicted that high occupancy rates would continue through August.

“We’ve invested in infrastructure and staff training to maintain service excellence. Each staff member is a tourism ambassador,” he said.

The administrative merger of the former province of Bà Rịa Vũng Tàu into HCM City has brought fresh momentum. Businesses are calling for stronger support from the city’s tourism authority in promotion and destination marketing.

“Hồ Tràm needs comprehensive development, especially in entertainment and night-time activities, to encourage longer stays,” Vinh added.

In Phước Hải Commune, local resorts like Lan Rừng Beach Resort have reported full occupancy on weekends and strong midweek bookings.

“After the April 30 holiday, we entered peak summer season. We met our business targets and launched transport-inclusive packages to attract more guests from inner HCM City,” said Võ Huỳnh Ngoan, the resort’s business and marketing manager.

Nguyễn Tấn Bản, secretary of Vũng Tàu Ward's Communist Party Committee, said the locality aims to develop 2 - 3 internationally competitive tourism products by 2030.

This requires coordinated efforts from authorities, businesses and local residents, with a focus on clean urban environments, quality services, and cultural enrichment.

Local travel agencies have introduced packages that include transport, accommodation, and meals, and have launched promotions for families and groups.

Signature attractions such as the Christ the King statue, Vũng Tàu Lighthouse, and the pristine beaches of Hồ Tràm and Bình Châu are being incorporated into new tour designs.

Lê Thị Thu Phượng from the HCM City National Academy of Politics said the shift from traditional to emotional tourism, where positive interpersonal experiences play a key role.

“Civilised behavior leaves lasting impressions. Bà Rịa and Vũng Tàu has done well to extend hospitality even beyond the tourism sector,” she said.

With its proximity to HCM City, accessible transport, and natural beauty, Bà Rịa and Vũng Tàu are positioning themselves as safe, friendly, and attractive summer destinations for both domestic and international travellers.

The ongoing development and promotion efforts are expected to further elevate their profile in the coming months. VNS