New tourism map: Ho Chi Minh City reaches out for green space and heritage

In the trend of sustainable tourism development and diversified experiences, Ho Chi Minh City is no longer a single destination but is becoming a connecting center, opening up new journeys of discovery to green spaces and cultural and historical heritage after the merger of Binh Duong and Ba Ria - Vung Tau .

Only about 30 minutes drive from Ho Chi Minh City, Binh Duong is not only home to bustling industrial parks but also a destination of culture and creativity when introducing to visitors the Binh Duong Cultural Fine Arts School, a destination for art lovers, with the opportunity to witness the creative process of painters, participate in art workshops and learn about the typical cultural values of this land.

Ms. Hai Ha, a tourist from Ho Chi Minh City, shared after participating in the experience here: "I was very surprised to find an art space with a traditional yet very modern and creative style so close to Saigon."

Also in Binh Duong, visitors can travel back in time to ancient cultural values when they can touch each delicate line on lacquer products and watch the skillful handmade pottery making process at Dinh Hoa lacquerware factory. These experiences are not just sightseeing but also an opportunity for each person to understand and appreciate more the working hands and creative minds of Vietnamese craftsmen.

Craftsmen are completing lacquer works. (Photo: Khanh Ly/Vietnam+)

Experience making ceramic statues at Binh Duong Cultural Fine Arts School. (Photo: Khanh Ly/Vietnam+)

Leaving Binh Duong, the extended journey takes visitors to Ba Ria - Vung Tau, where everything from majestic nature to profound cultural and historical heritages converge. Here, visitors can immerse themselves in the cool green space of Binh Chau - Phuoc Buu Nature Reserve, explore the unique mangrove ecosystem or find history at the Loc An Ship Relic. Phuoc Hai Beach with its colorful weekly Kite Festival offers a vibrant space for entertainment, while Dinh Co is a spiritual destination where visitors can contemplate and find some peace.

The combination of high-class resorts and cultural and historical experiences has created a multi-dimensional Vung Tau, meeting all the needs of tourists, from those who love exploration and adventure to those who want to find relaxation and rest.

Vung Tau Ward is beautiful at night with clean beaches and majestic mountains. (Photo: Khanh Ly/Vietnam+)

In particular, the Vietnam Helicopter Corporation Training Center opens a unique experience, allowing visitors to learn about the world of aviation and witness the training process of pilots.

From a business perspective, Mr. Le Hong Tu, General Director of BT Tour, made suggestions to retain tourists: "Chinese-speaking tourists are still very interested in Vung Tau. To retain them, we need to add more attractions and especially human resources fluent in Chinese. Besides, organizing large-scale events such as beach volleyball or surfing tournaments is extremely necessary to attract and prolong tourists' stay."

The combination of the dynamic urban area of Ho Chi Minh City, the creative space in Binh Duong and the nature - heritage in Vung Tau has created a complete and attractive tourist map. This journey not only helps reduce the load on the central destination but also contributes to promoting the image, promoting the development of tourism economy in neighboring localities, bringing visitors rich and memorable experiences.

This is the strategic direction, turning Ho Chi Minh City into a connecting center, thereby spreading cultural, historical and natural values to domestic and foreign tourists, contributing to painting a colorful tourism picture for the Southern region./.