On January 29, 2025, Vietnam's tourism scene came alive as Da Nang and Quang Ninh warmly welcomed thousands of tourists, celebrating the vibrant traditions of the Lunar New Year. This festive occasion marked the first day of the Lunar New Year, and the Da Nang Department of Tourism organized a grand ceremony to greet over 800 visitors arriving aboard the Crystal Symphony cruise ship.
The guests, who had embarked on a journey from Singapore and made stops in Thailand and Cambodia, were greeted with flowers and local souvenirs, showcasing the city's renowned hospitality. During their stay, they had the opportunity to explore iconic landmarks such as the Linh Ung Pagoda on Son Tra Peninsula, the Museum of Cham Sculpture, and the picturesque My Khe Beach.
In addition to the cruise ship visitors, the first tourists arriving by air were treated to a lively lion dance performance at Da Nang International Airport. They received traditional gifts, including conical hats, candied ginger, grilled coconut cakes, and sesame brittle, along with special vouchers for popular attractions.
Tan Van Vuong, Deputy Director of the Da Nang Department of Tourism, highlighted the importance of these welcoming events in creating a festive atmosphere for tourists. He also mentioned the commitment to introducing innovative and unique tourism products in 2025 to enhance visitor experiences.
On the same day, Da Nang International Airport recorded over 140 flights, accommodating around 20,000 passengers, including 10,000 international visitors. Meanwhile, in Quang Ninh province, the Silver Dawn cruise ship arrived at Ha Long International Passenger Port, bringing nearly 500 tourists from Europe and America. They were greeted by local officials, including Pham Duc An, Chairman of the provincial People's Committee, who welcomed them with flowers and 'li xi' (lucky money).
As Quang Ninh looks ahead to 2025, the tourism industry aims to attract 20 million visitors, including 4.5 million international tourists, generating an estimated 55 trillion VND in tourism revenue. This ambitious goal underscores the region's commitment to enhancing its appeal as a premier travel destination.