Khanh Hoa aims to become a leading tourist center in Southeast Asia

In recent years, Khanh Hoa tourism has grown dramatically, affirming its position as one of the leading tourist centers in Vietnam. Following that growth, the provincial tourism industry is looking for breakthrough solutions to move towards sustainable development, becoming a leading destination in Southeast Asia.

Attractive destinations

In recent years, Khanh Hoa tourism has developed strongly. In addition to the tourist center of Nha Trang, Bai Dai (Cam Lam) is emerging as a favorite destination for tourists. In the south of the province, Ninh Chu and Vinh Hy are attractive destinations. Coming to Khanh Hoa today, visitors feel like they are lost in a world of international-class resorts. From the sparkling Vinpearl complex on Hon Tre Island to Six Senses Ninh Van Bay with a beautiful sea view, from Ana Mandara Cam Ranh to The Anam Cam Ranh with a strong Indochinese style... But the pinnacle must be Amanoi in Vinh Hai commune - the most expensive resort in Vietnam with a price of 390 million VND/night for the Amanoi Ocean Pool Residence villa. This number affirms Khanh Hoa's position on the world's luxury tourism map.

Cruise ship to Nha Trang. Photo: Quoc Bao

Tourists coming to Khanh Hoa today not only sunbathe on the sand, stroll around, but also experience many attractive activities from adventurous water sports, relaxing mud baths, scuba diving to explore corals to playing golf on beautiful courses. In particular, the province has been forming high-class entertainment and tourism areas such as: Vinpearl resorts on Hon Tre island (Nha Trang), Vega City complex (Tay Nha Trang ward), KN Cam Ranh Paradise... bringing unforgettable impressions to tourists.

Along with that are sea tourism festivals, international entertainment events such as Nha Trang International Light Bay Festival 2024. In 2024, Travel + Leisure Magazine (USA) honored Nha Trang as one of the 8 most beautiful beach resorts in the world for retirees. By 2025, Nha Trang was ranked 11th in the list of the world's top 15 tourist destinations in the summer of 2025 by Mastercard Economic Institute (USA). Last summer, global online travel platform Agoda announced that Nha Trang had surpassed Tokyo to become the most popular destination for Korean tourists. Hanatour - the largest travel company in Korea also announced: For every 4 Koreans who want to travel abroad, 1 person chooses Vietnam, and the most favorite destination is Nha Trang. Many famous singers and actors from Korea have chosen Khanh Hoa as a resort, contributing to increasing the attractiveness of Khanh Hoa tourism.

Korean tourists visit Po Klong Garai Tower.

Korean tourists visit Po Klong Garai Tower.

Up to this point, it can be affirmed that Khanh Hoa tourism has become a large-scale tourist center of Vietnam. In the first 8 months of 2025, the province welcomed more than 12.8 million overnight guests, an increase of 15.6% over the same period last year. It is worth noting that the even growth between international visitors (3.7 million, up 15.7%) and domestic visitors (9 million, up 15.5%), proves the comprehensive attractiveness of this destination. Tourism revenue reached nearly VND50,586 billion, up 17.8% over the same period. "This is the result of diversifying products, promoting and organizing international cultural events" - Pham Minh Nhut, Chairman of Nha Trang - Khanh Hoa Tourism Association shared.

Currently, Cam Ranh airport welcomes 60 flights/day, including about 35 international flights from key markets such as: Korea, China, Kazakhstan, Thailand, Malaysia. Currently, the peak summer tourist season has passed, but famous tourist attractions and entertainment spots such as: VinWonders Nha Trang, Po Nagar Tower, Long Son Pagoda, Nha Trang Cathedral, Oceanographic Museum are still very crowded with tourists. In the southern part of the province, Vinh Hy Bay, Ninh Chu Beach, Po Klong Garai Tower... are often included in the tourist itinerary. The attraction of Khanh Hoa tourism is increasing as Russian airlines are planning to open new routes and increase flights from Russia to Khanh Hoa.

According to the report of the Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism, currently, the province has 1,441 tourist accommodation establishments with more than 70,500 rooms. Of which, 111 establishments, with 28,296 rooms, are recognized as meeting 3-5 star standards, accounting for more than 40%; the rest are hotels that have not registered for ranking but have quite good service quality

Towards the leading tourism center in Southeast Asia

Resolution No. 09 of the Politburo sets the goal that by 2030, Khanh Hoa will be a centrally-run city, an international sea tourism and service center. The province aims to make Khanh Hoa a leading tourist destination in Southeast Asia. To enhance Khanh Hoa tourism, with the sponsorship of Vingroup, the Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism is cooperating with Gratiya Company (from Dubai, UAE) to develop a Tourism Development Strategy for the period 2025 - 2030, with a vision to 2045. Gratiya’s experts have proposed 6 strategies to develop Khanh Hoa tourism: Diversifying tourist markets; developing diverse tourism products and services; promoting Khanh Hoa tourism brand to new heights; investing in human resource development; leading position in green and sustainable tourism; and accelerating digital transformation in tourism activities. One of the special highlights in the development strategy is the commitment to green and sustainable tourism. The Provincial People's Committee has issued a set of green tourism standards and set a target that by 2030, 80% of tourist attractions and business establishments will be labeled green tourism. "After the merger, Khanh Hoa's tourism development space will be expanded, tourism resources will be richer. Therefore, upgrading Khanh Hoa tourism must be associated with promoting the value of natural landscapes, cultural history, towards developing green and sustainable tourism" - Cung Quynh Anh - Deputy Director of the Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism emphasized.

Russian tourists to Khanh Hoa.

Russian tourists to Khanh Hoa.

To attract international tourists, the province not only focuses on quantity but also focuses on attracting luxury tourists with high spending. In addition to key markets such as Korea, China, Russia, Kazakhstan and Southeast Asian countries, Khanh Hoa tourism will increase promotion and exploitation of potential markets such as: Western Europe, Australia, the US and the West Asia region. "We believe that Khanh Hoa is on the way to realizing the orientation of becoming a leading tourism center not only of Vietnam but also of Southeast Asia, contributing to enhancing the position of Vietnamese tourism on the world map" - Tarek Oliveira Shayya - CEO of Gratiya Company expressed.

Resolution No. 01 of the Provincial Party Committee on double-digit economic growth in the period 2025 - 2030 has identified that tourism - services is one of the four pillars of economic growth. From there, the province’s goal is to welcome 20.5 million guests (including 10.5 million international guests) by 2030; have 100,000 rooms (75% of which are 3-5 star standard), create jobs for more than 300,000 workers; contribute 15% to GRDP and 20% to budget revenue…

XUAN THANH

Translated by T.T