Foreign travelers flock to Khanh Hoa, resulting in over 19,000 arrivals for cruise tourism.
Khanh Hoa, a picturesque province in Vietnam, has been a popular destination for international cruise tourists this year. So far in 2025, the province has welcomed 16 international cruise ships, bringing over 19,000 foreign visitors to its shores.
These tourists have been exploring Khanh Hoa's scenic landscapes, cultural, religious, and artistic landmarks, as well as enjoying local cuisine and sightseeing tours during their stay. For instance, the cruise ship Ms Viking Yidun recently brought 210 tourists from countries including China, Canada, and Italy, who took the opportunity to visit the ancient Ponagar Tower, Truong Son craft village, and Long Son Pagoda.
The surge in cruise tourism contributes significantly to the local economy. Since the beginning of 2025, Khanh Hoa has recorded over 10.8 million total tourist arrivals, including more than 3.2 million international visitors, generating total tourism revenue of around 42.379 trillion VND (approximately 1.61 billion USD).
The cruise segment, while smaller compared to total arrivals, plays an important role in boosting local revenues and cultural exchange, especially given the recent recovery and ongoing development efforts focusing on cruise tourism infrastructure at Cam Ranh.
In fact, the shift of cruise arrivals from Nha Trang Port to Cam Ranh International Port is due to ongoing renovation and upgrade works at the former. The vessel Ms Viking Yidun docked at Cam Ranh International Port in the central province of Khanh Hoa, and departed Cam Ranh Bay in the evening of the same day, headed for Ho Chi Minh City.
From now until the end of 2025, Khanh Hoa is expected to receive four more cruise ships carrying approximately 12,000 additional visitors. This continued influx of tourists indicates a strong recovery and positive economic impact on the province, with cruise tourism fostering both cultural tourism and significant revenue generation in 2025.
Moreover, Vietnam has seen a strong resurgence in international cruise tourism. In January alone, the country recorded over two million international arrivals, including nearly 45,000 cruise ship passengers. Khanh Hoa, with its renowned cultural, religious, and artistic landmarks, as well as its local cuisine and sightseeing tours, is well-positioned to capitalise on this trend.
In a recent development, approximately 1,700 tourists from Japan will visit Ha Long Bay by cruise ship. This further underscores the growing interest in Vietnam as a cruise tourism destination.
As the province continues to welcome more cruise tourists, it has adjusted transport rules to facilitate their arrival and ensure a smooth and enjoyable experience for all visitors. Khanh Hoa is indeed a must-visit destination for anyone seeking a unique blend of culture, history, and natural beauty.
Tourists, having arrived on cruise ships like the Ms Viking Yidun, are taking advantage of Khanh Hoa's scenic landscapes and cultural landmarks, such as the Ponagar Tower, Truong Son craft village, and Long Son Pagoda, as part of their lifestyle choices for travel. The anticipated influx of four more cruise ships will foster both cultural tourism and generate significant revenue in 2025, further positioning Khanh Hoa as a prime cruise tourism destination.
