Vietnam tourism "builds a bridge" to help French tourists experience local culture

Market research shows that French tourists tend to seek deep experiences in culture, history and nature; love long journeys, are environmentally friendly and respect local identity. This search trend is completely consistent with the potential and values of Vietnam.

For this reason, the Vietnam Tourism Promotion Program hosted by the Vietnam National Administration of Tourism recently took place in Paris, France (on the afternoon of May 12, local time) - the last "stop" on the journey to launch the market in 3 European countries (Italy, Switzerland, France), from May 3-13.

What do French tourists like in Vietnam?

Nguyen Trung Khanh, Director of the Vietnam National Administration of Tourism, emphasized that France has always been a key market for Vietnamese tourism. In 2024, Vietnam welcomed nearly 279,000 French visitors, a 97% recovery compared to pre-pandemic times. In the first 3 months of 2025 alone, the number of French visitors to Vietnam reached more than 102,000, an increase of more than 28% over the same period last year.

This positive result is contributed by the fact that from 2025, Vietnam will unilaterally exempt visas for French citizens traveling for 15 days; from August 15, 2023, the temporary stay period will be increased to 45 days. This policy is considered a clear step forward in the policy of attracting international visitors. In addition, the aviation connection system between the two countries is also increasingly expanding, with regular direct flights.

The leaders of the National Tourism Administration stated that French tourists not only want relaxing trips, but also have a real need to live and immerse themselves in local life, experiencing authenticity in every moment. “Slow travel” associated with sustainable values and personalized experiences is becoming a mainstream trend in French travel preferences.

Director of Vietnam National Tourism Administration Nguyen Trung Khanh at the event. (Photo: National Tourism Administration)

Accordingly, the Vietnamese tourism industry is focusing on developing heritage tourism products in Hanoi, Hue, Hoi An, and Ninh Binh to bring journeys to explore the depth of Vietnamese history, architecture, and culture.

In Hanoi and Hue, visitors will admire ancient buildings, explore royal cuisine and traditional culture. Hoi An with its moss-covered ancient houses, sparkling lantern festivals, and Ninh Binh, known as “Ha Long Bay on land,” are attractive destinations for visitors who love peace and ancient beauty.

To serve the need to explore nature, Vietnam tours have the world natural wonder of Ha Long Bay, trekking Sa Pa, Ha Giang - a majestic land with a unique diversity of ethnic minorities, or exploring the majestic cave system in Phong Nha - Ke Bang and the mysterious Central Highlands plateau... These lands will help visitors immerse themselves in the breathtaking beauty of Vietnam's nature.

Sea and island tourism combined with cultural experiences, learning about fishermen's lives, participating in coastal folk festivals and discovering unique cultural heritages in Phu Quoc, Nha Trang, Hoi An - Cu Lao Cham, Quy Nhon, Con Dao is also increasingly attracting French tourists...

With the rich historical connection between Vietnam and France, the architectural works, old quarters, and harmonious Asian-European culinary culture in Hanoi, Saigon, Da Lat, Hue, and Hoi An bring French tourists a feeling of both familiarity and novelty. These are the interesting convergence and intersection points between the two cultures, arousing curiosity, discovery, and empathy in every step of the traveler.

Businesses from both countries had the opportunity to meet, exchange and update tourism information, and seek investment opportunities. (Photo: National Tourism Administration)

“With continuous efforts to diversify products, improve service quality and preserve cultural values, Vietnam not only wishes to bring French tourists complete and meaningful trips in Vietnam, but also hopes that each experience will become a cultural bridge, strengthening the friendship between the people of Vietnam and France,” Director Nguyen Trung Khanh affirmed.

Opportunities for connection from culture and tourism

Vietnamese Ambassador to France, Mr. Dinh Toan Thang, said that Vietnam, with its rich history, culture and beautiful natural landscapes, is always an attractive destination for international tourists. From the beautiful beaches of Nha Trang and Da Nang, to world cultural heritages such as Hoi An and My Son, or scenic spots such as Ha Long Bay, each location in Vietnam carries its own unique stories and experiences.

The Ambassador said that Vietnam still has great potential to promote culture and tourism through cinema. The Ambassador also highly appreciated the series of activities to promote Vietnamese culture and tourism organized by the Vietnam National Administration of Tourism at the 2025 Cannes Film Festival, which will take place from May 13-16. Through this, Vietnam brings the message that it is always ready to welcome and create favorable conditions for French filmmakers to explore and carry out projects in the S-shaped strip of land.

The Ambassador believes that, with the joint efforts of agencies, businesses and the community, Vietnam will be able to further promote its tourism potential, the beauty of the country and its people to French and international friends, while deepening the comprehensive strategic partnership between Vietnam and France.

At the program, delegates enjoyed special art performances, listened to an introduction to Vietnamese tourism and National Tourism Year - Hue 2025, and learned about Vietnam Airlines' products and flight network.

Vietnam tourism is a favorite destination for the European market, including French tourists. (Illustration photo: CTV/Vietnam+)

In addition, tourism management agencies of provinces, cities and Vietnamese enterprises also bring many unique and classy tourism products and services to promote and introduce to partners.

In particular, businesses from both sides had the opportunity to meet, exchange, share, update tourism information, and seek investment opportunities, establish business cooperation relationships, and attract tourist exchanges./.

(Vietnam+)

Source: https://www.vietnamplus.vn/du-lich-viet-xay-cau-noi-giup-khach-phap-toi-trai-nghiem-van-hoa-ban-dia-post1038256.vnp