Vietnam
Tourism
Introduction
Country Background…Wendie
Investment Statistics…Alex
Visitor Statistics…Kenny
War related Tourism…Meredith
Non- War related Tourism…Tom
The Socialist Republic of Vietnam
•1990 the European Union established official diplomatic relations
with Vietnam.
•1992 Vietnam signed a 1976 ASEAN agreement on regional
amity and cooperation, regarded as the first step towards ASEAN
membership
•1996 ASEAN membership
•1992 Vietnam established diplomatic relations with South Korea
•1995 Vietnam and the United States agreed to exchange low-
level diplomats.
•1997, the U.S. and Vietnam established full diplomatic relations.
http://www.go-vietnam-hotels.com/general_info/history.htm
Vietnam Background
Location
- Southeastern Asia
- bordering Gulf of
Thailand, Gulf of
Tonkin, the South
China Sea, and Laos
- between China and
Cambodia
Vietnam Background
Geographic
Characteristics
- total land area is 325,360 sq.
km (125,621.496 sq. mi.)
Terrain
- South and North, low flat delta
- Center, mostly highlands
- Far North and Northwest, hilly
and mountainous
Vietnam Background
• Climate
- tropical in South
- monsoonal in North
- hot, rainy season
- warm, dry season
-” In Vietnam there exist a variety of
ancient tropical fauna and about 200
species of animals, 800 species of
birds,100 species of amphibians and
over 150 species of reptiles. 1,000
species live in the seas and rivers
and 200 species live in fresh water”-
Embassy of Vietnam
Vietnam Background
Economy
- GDP is approx. $83.5
billion
- Agriculture makes up
36% of the GDP.
Currency
- new dong
- US $1~ ND $11,000
Foreign Direct Investment
FDI in first 7 months focused on Industrial Zones
Total licensed projects: 332
Total registered investment capital: US$ 794 million (+81% in
projects, +0.5 % in capital)
Total Registered Capital
Sector Number of Project
(US$ million)
Industrial & construction 260 543
The agricultural forestry
15 30
and aqua-products
Tourism & hotel
service, Culture & 57 221
Health
(Source: Vietnam Economy Times)
Foreign Direct Investment
Investment Status : Investment by sector
Source: VIR 7-13/Apr/2003)
Foreign Direct Investment
Realized capital
Total Capital
Segment
(US$ billion)
Heavy industry 4.34
Oil & Gas 3.34
Light Industry 2.40
Hotel & Tourism 2.02
Construction 1.92
Office - Apartment 1.60
Food Processing 1.47
Agriculture, forestry, fisheries 1.22
Transport, Post 1.00
Source: SGT weekly (01/Apr/2003)
Foreign Direct Investment
Number of FDI projects (1988-2000) licensed : year
FDI Projects (1988-2000) Licensed
400
350
Number of Project(s)
300
250
200
150
100
50
0
88
89
90
91
92
93
94
95
96
97
98
99
00
19
19
19
19
19
19
19
19
19
19
19
19
20
Year
Source: Vietnam General Department of Statistics
Foreign Direct Investment
Number of FDI projects (1988-2000) licensed : year
FDI Projects (1988-2000) Licensed : Total
Registered Capital
9000
8000
7000
US$ million
6000
5000
4000
3000
2000
1000
0
88
89
90
91
92
93
94
95
96
97
98
99
00
19
19
19
19
19
19
19
19
19
19
19
19
20
Year
Foreign Direct Investment
Number of FDI projects (1988-2000) licensed : economic activity
Total registered capital
Number of projects
(US$ million)
Total 3170 39100.8
Agriculture. Forestry 321 1,379.9
Fishery 96 355.1
Industry 1704 16,077.5
Of which: Oil and gas industry 56 4,200.4
Construction 282 4,616.6
Hotel & Tourism 202 4,834.8
Transport. Communication 140 3,424.9
Finance. Banking 34 243.1
Cultural. Health. Education 98 523.7
Other services 293 7,645.2
Source: Vietnam General Department of Statistics
Foreign Direct Investment
Number of FDI projects (1988-2000) licensed : province
Total
Number of Projects registered capital
(US$ million)
Total 363 828.1
Red River Delta 42 43.4
Hanoi 36 33.5
North East 18 18.4
Source: Vietnam General Department of Statistics
Foreign Direct Investment
Number of FDI projects (1988-2000) licensed : main counterpart
Total registered capital
Number of Projects
(US$ million)
Total 3170 39,100.8
Of which
Taiwan 605 4,884.6
Hong Kong (China) 319 3,634.3
Korea of Rep. Of 309 3,224.7
Japan 296 3,441.2
Singapore 252 5,886.1
France 158 2,175.5
Thailand 135 1,092.4
United States 120 1,339.3
British Virgin Islands. 106 1,845.6
China R.P 105 151.0
Source: Vietnam General Department of Statistics
Total Visitors Arrival to Vietnam 1999 – 2002
Year 1999 2000 2001 2002
Total Visitor Arrivals to Vietnam 1,781,754 2,140,100 2,330,050 2,627,988
Total Visitor Arrivals to Vietnam 1999 - 2000
3,000,000 2,627,988
2,330,050
2,500,000 2,140,100
2,000,000 1,781,754
1,500,000
1,000,000
500,000
0
1999 2000 2001 2002
ASEAN Visitors Arrival to Vietnam 1999 – 2002
Year 1999 2000 2001 2002
ASEAN Visitors 167,281 265,338 240,883 269,448
ASEAN Visitors Arrival to Vietnam 1999 - 2002
300,000 265,338 269,448
240,883
250,000
200,000 167,281
150,000
100,000
50,000
0
1999 2000 2001 2002
Other Asian Visitors Arrival to Vietnam 1999 -
2002
Year 1999 2000 2001 2002
Other Asian Visitors 824,041 1,067,223 1,152,934 1,320,286
Other Asian Visitors Arrival to Vietnam 1999 - 2002
1,320,286
1400000
1,152,934
1200000 1,067,223
1000000 824,041
800000
600000
400000
200000
0
1999 2000 2001 2002
Europe Visitors Arrival to Vietnam 1999 - 2002
Year 1999 2000 2001 2002
Europe Visitors 234,006 272,001 306,620 343,350
Europe Visitors Arrival to Vietnam 1999 - 2002
343,350
350000 306,620
300000 272,001
234,006
250000
200000
150000
100000
50000
0
1999 2000 2001 2002
North American Visitors Arrival to Vietnam
1999 - 2002
Year 1999 2000 2001 2002
North American Visitors 241,468 239,487 266,433 303,519
North American Visitors Arrival to Vietnam 1999 - 2002
350000 303,519
300000 266,433
241,468 239,487
250000
200000
150000
100000
50000
0
1999 2000 2001 2002
Oceania Visitors Arrival to Vietnam 1999 -
2002
Year 1999 2000 2001 2002
Oceania Visitors 67,811 73,447 90,982 104,890
Oceania Visitors Arrival to Vietnam 1999 - 2002
120,000 104,890
100,000 90,982
73,447
80,000 67,811
60,000
40,000
20,000
0
1999 2000 2001 2002
Other Visitors Arrival to Vietnam 1999 - 2002
Year 1999 2000 2001 2002
Other Visitors 247,153 242,389 272,198 286,485
Other Visitors Arrival to Vietnam 1999 - 2002
286,485
290,000
280,000 272,198
270,000
260,000
247,153
250,000 242,389
240,000
230,000
220,000
1999 2000 2001 2002
Comparison of Visitors from Different
Markets 1999 - 2002
ASEAN
1,400,000 Visitors
1,200,000 Other Asian
Visitors
1,000,000
Europe
800,000 Visitors
600,000 North
American
400,000 Visitors
Oceanian
200,000 Visitors
0 Other Visitors
1999 2000 2001 2002
Percentage of Different Markets in 1999
1999
14% 9%
ASEAN Visitors
4%
Other Asian Visitors
Europe Visitors
14%
North American Visitors
46% Oceanian Visitors
13% Other Visitors
Percentage of Different Market in 2002
2002
ASEAN Visitors
11% 10%
4% Other Asian Visitors
12% Europe Visitors
North American
Visitors
13% Oceanian Visitors
50%
Other Visitors
Reasons for Increased Tourism
Modernizing and developing economy.
Tourist campaigns highlighting beaches, golf
courses, adventure travel, and history.
Affordability
International Flights to Vietnam
Distance & Flying Times
Sector Distance Flying Time Sector Distance Flying Time
Miles Return Miles Return
to Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh City
Bangkok 602 1:50 Bangkok 461 1:35
Beijing 1,458 3:35
Hong Kong 541 2:00 Hong Kong 938 2:30
Los Angeles 7,648 16:35 Los Angeles 8,158 16:45
Melbourne 4,786 10:45 Melbourne 4,168 8:30
Moscow 4,193 10:25 Moscow 4,789 12:25
Paris 5,713 11:30 Paris 6,288 12:10
San Francisco 7,304 16:45 San Francisco 7,819 16:55
Seoul 1,696 4:50 Seoul 2,232 5:50
Singapore 1,366 4:00 Singapore 680 2:00
Sydney 4,828 11:00 Sydney 4,256 8:40
Taipei 1,032 3:40 Taipei 1,385 3:35
Tokyo 2,310 6:25 Tokyo 2,685 6:25
Sample Tour Package to Vietnam
Number of People 2 5 7 to 9 9 to 12 12 to 14
Price in US$ 895 727 677 653 627
INCLUDES: EXCLUDES:
• Twins sharing room at 2-3 star hotel. • International flight
12 nights in total. from/to Vietnam
• Meals as mentioned the Program. 12 • Visa arrangement
breakfasts, 11 lunches and 12 dinners, • Personal expenses
7USD / lunch or dinner / person. Special (laundry, phone calls etc.)
requirement ( vegetarian, Muslim food ) • Drinks
could be arranged with prior notice • Tips and gratuities
from guest.
• Land transfer by A/C vehicle for whole
trip
• Domestic air ticket from Hanoi to Hue
• Domestic air ticket from Danang to
Sai Gon
• Sailing boat trip in Halong bay
• Dragon boat trip in Perfumer River in
Hue
• English/French speaking guides.
Other languages are available upon
request.
• Admission fees for all tourist places.
War Tourism
Vietnam is most prominently known as a place of war
and political strife. However, as the country opens up
to foreign investment, war tourism has become an
increasing attraction.
Places of Interest
Ho Chi Minh Trail
Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon)
Hue
Ho Chi Minh Trail
The Ho Chi Minh Trail was a
supply route used by the
Vietcong during the war. It
consisted of mazes of jungle,
paths, tunnels, and canals
which the Americans and
South Vietnamese failed to
conquer.
Currently, a 42 kilometer
section is under restoration to
become a sightseeing trail.
This is estimated to cost $3.5
million and should be
completed by 2005.
Ho Chi Minh Trail
Tourism
Tourists will stop at war sites as well as learn about the
ecology and culture of the area.
– Ta Con airport
– Troung Son cemetery
Includes a memorial for the soldiers who kept the trail opened
– Dakroung forest
– Van Kieu-Pa Ko ethnic groups
http://www.vnn.vn/english/765/2003/9/15076/
Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon)
– War Remnants Museum (Museum of American War
Crimes)
Displays illustrations of violent crimes committed against civilians by
American soldiers during the Vietnam War, such as the spreading of
toxic defoliant and torturing of prisoners. Includes a mock prison with
emaciated models that are beheaded and dismembered. 6 million
visitors (1 million from abroad) have entered the museum in the past
29 years.
Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon)
– Military Museum
Collection of tanks, shells, bombs and
wreckage from American and Vietnamese
troops.
– Rex Hotel
A popular hangout for American soldiers
during the war. Preserved to look much as
it did during the war.
– Apocalypse Now Nightclub
One of many nightclubs that have emerged
with a war theme to attract tourists.
– Cu Chu Tunnels
Cu Chi Tunnels
“The Cu Chi tunnels, a 75-mile-
long underground maze where
thousands of fighters and villagers
could hide, are at the top of the
list of tourist spots for Ho Chi Minh
City, 45 miles to the southeast.”
New York Times
“Besides housing a huge guerilla
garrison that operated safely yet
within easy striking distance of the
American forces in Danang, the
mountain caves also offered
sleeping quarters, kitchen and a
full field hospital.” New York Times
War Tourism
Cu Chi Tunnels
War Tourism
Cu Chi Tunnels: What to expect
“Following the man in green fatigues, the tourists arrive at an open-
sided hut, where the women in black show them to their seats.
There, on a big-screen television set, the Vietnam War plays on: B-
52's drop strings of bombs, villagers run for cover, communist
guerrillas fight back.” (New York Times)
A sign outside the tunnels reads: "Please try to be a Cu Chi guerrilla.
Wear these uniforms before entering tunnel." Black pajamas, pith
helmets, rubber sandals and old rifles are available.”
(New York Times)
War Tourism
Cu Chi Tunnels: What to expect
Visitors can:
Pay $1 a bullet to shoot an AK-47 rifle.
View reproductions of American GI Zippo lighters that
say such things as
– "Death is my business and business has been good."
– "I know I'm going to heaven because I've already been to hell:
Vietnam.“
Purchase dog tags and jewelry made from bullet shells
New York Times and www.gluckman.com/vietwar
Hue
Demilitarized Zone (DMZ)
– A 5 kilometer patch of land stretching from the Laotian
Border to the South China Sea that was desecrated by
bombs and battles.
– Trucks take the tourists around the battlefield area
where there are guns lying next to the road in a
downward position, symbolic of American defeat. Along
the tour, one will see bombed churches, old bridges,
and rotting tanks.
Hue
– It is impressed upon the tourists that the fields
were planted with mines, which still go off
occasionally, thus continuing America‟s
destruction on Vietnam. The people living
around the area, however, have been creative
with the wreckage. Old shells have become
flowerpots and parts of fences, and tarnac from
airfields now appears nailed into roofs.
Hue
Quang Tri Tunnels
– Vinh Moc was the first city in North Vietnam to be hit by
US bombs. These tunnels were built by local villagers
in order to escape bombings by B-52‟s.
Each family was entitled to 4 meter‟s squared of space, which
then connected to other families spaces to form webs of
tunnels.
The tunnels included meeting rooms and a clinic, where 17
babies were born underground.
Hue
Khe Sang Base
– Located in the DMZ, this base was the sight of
pivotal fighting in the war. Used to deploy US
soldiers into North Vietnam.
Ta Con Airport
Important airport of the Khe Sang Base, which had
the most modern equipment and best soldiers.
Hue
Today, Khe Sang Base and the Ta Con Airport are
being renovated to better attract war buffs since
most of the actual war remnants no longer exist.
Tourism (not war related)
Vietnam possesses variety of tourist
attractions:
–Hanoi
Capital of Vietnam
History, Museums, Temples etc…
–Ha Long Bay
Recognized by UNESCO as natural wonder
Over 3,000 Islands
165 km from Hanoi
–Sapa
“Sapa is still a must-see on any northern Vietnam
itinerary. On a clear day you will treated to views of
steeply terraced rice fields, towering verdant ridgelines,
primitive mud-thatched villages, raging rivers and
astounding waterfalls.” (Vietnamadventures.com)
Hanoi
Hanoi is the capital of
Vietnam
– Large city
– Located in East Plains
of North VN.
– European City
– Population: 2 million
Hanoi
Where to stay?
– Sofitel Metropole Hanoi
– $200 per night for a single or
double.
– Classic French Colonial Hotel
– recently remodeled
“Before the recent building boom in upscale hotels, the Metropole
was „The Place‟ to stay in Hanoi. For many, it still is. This classic
French colonial hotel in the center of Hoan Kiem District was
restored and remodeled a few years ago by the Sofitel chain.
Today the Metropole is as much a hub for business and society as
it is a hotel.” (Vietnamadventures.com)
Hanoi
Places of Interest:
The Ba Dinh Square
Zone
– Ho Chi Minh
Mausoleum
– Uncle Ho‟s house-on-
stilts
– Ho Chi Minh Museum
The West Lake Zone
– Area of over 800
hectares
Ha Long Bay
•Main Attractions of Ha Long Bay:
•Calm clear waters
•3000 Island’s and Limestone Mountains
•Sandy Beaches
•Location:
•165km from Hanoi
•Northern part of VN
Ha Long Bay
•Bai Chay (Scorched Beach)
•Dark Sand, 70 deg F
•Named Scorched Beach b/c of historical event.
•Perfect place to start a tour of Ha Long Bay
Ha Long Bay
Hang Dau Go (Wooden
Stakes Cave)
– One of most beautiful
caves at Ha Long
– 3 Chambers to the caves
Outer Chamber
– Largest Capacity (~3000
people)
– 25 m high ceilings
Middle Chamber
– Famous for colorful
stalagmites and stalactites
Inner Chamber
– Much Smaller than others
– Stone wells full of fresh
water year round
Ha Long Bay
Sung Sot Cave
– Path to cave is quite steep
– 2 Chambers
Outer Chamber
– Square in shape
– Referred to as waiting room
– 30 m high ceiling with perfectly
smooth walls (appears
manmade)
Inner Chamber
– Known as „Serene Castle‟
– Formations appear to
resemble a general looking
over his troops.
– Light reflected from moving
water outside makes
formations in the chamber
seem alive
Ha Long Bay
Sapa
Characteristics:
– Originally created as a
retreat for locals from
Hanoi‟s stifling summers
– Located in Tonkinese Alps
near the Chinese border
– There are eight ethnic
groups that inhabit this
region:
Hmong, Dao, White Thai,
Giay, Tay, Muong, Hao and
Xa Pho
Most prominent are the Red
Dao
Sapa
Reasons to visit:
– „Love Market‟
Courting Ritual every
Saturday night
– Beautiful Mountains
– Waterfalls
Sapa
Things to know about
Sapa
– Times to visit
Spring & Fall is best
Summers are
muddy/rainy
Winter can be very cold
– Locals
Quaint town
Do not like to have
pictures taken unless
paid for it