MINISTRY OF HOME AFFAIRS
NATIONAL ACADEMY OF PUBLIC ADMINISTRATION
TOPIC 6: TOURIST ROUTES AND DESTINATIONS; TOURISM
RESOURCES; AND TOURISM PRODUCTS/TYPES OF TOURISM IN
THE SOUTHEAST REGION
FINAL ASSIGNMENT
Subject: Vietnam Tourist Routes and Destination
Code:
Ha Noi - 2025
TABLE OF CONTENTS
LIST OF SYMBOLS AND ABBREVIATIONS
LIST OF SYMBOLS AND ABBREVIATIONS
INTRODUCTION
1. Rationale for Choosing the Topic
The Southeast is one of the leading economic and tourism regions in Vietnam,
comprising famous cities like Ho Chi Minh City, Vung Tau, and Dong Nai. Research
on tourist routes and destinations in this area develops the existing potential and
contributes to the sustainability of tourism development. This topic expands the
knowledge not only about tourism in the Southeast but also gives a chance to apply
theoretical knowledge in practice, develops skills of research, analysis, and solving
problems for the tourism sector.
Although the Southeast has been doing exceptionally well in tourism,
exploitation of resources and the development of tourism products have not been
consistently realized and in an unsustainable manner. The rural or less developed areas
still find difficulties in accessing modern methods of promotion. Besides, competition
from international destinations requires that the region innovate significantly to
maintain appeal.
Therefore, I choose the topic "Demonstrate an understanding of tourist routes
and destinations; tourism resources; and outstanding tourism products/types of tourism
in the Southeast region" because it provides a great opportunity to delve into the
potential for tourism development in this region, contributing to the sustainable
development of tourism and meeting the ever-growing demands of modern tourism.
2. Research Subjects
Research Object
Tourist routes and destinations, tourism resources, and outstanding tourism
products/types of tourism in the Southeast region of Vietnam.
Scope of Research
Geographical scope: The study focuses on the Southeast region of Vietnam,
which includes one centrally-controlled city, Ho Chi Minh City, and five
provinces: Ba Ria - Vung Tau, Binh Duong, Binh Phuoc, Dong Nai, and Tay
Ninh.
Time scope: The research collects data from 2015 to the present.
3. Research Methods
Qualitative research method: Through direct interviews and observations,
deep information related to tourism in the Southeast region is gathered.
Quantitative research method: Employing surveys and statistics to analyze
data on tourism, such as in terms of the number of visitors and income.
Analyzing Procedure for Document: Reports, research papers, and available
information regarding tourism in the region are analyzed.
Observation Method: Directly observing tourist sites and visitor behavior to
collect real-world data.
Method of survey: Questionnaire approach to identify opinions of the
tourists and businesses about tourism services.
4. Significance of the Topic
This is to show that, in the Southeast region, the topic will explain tourist routes
and destinations, tourism resources, and prominent types of tourism
products/visitation. The research will thus come up with solutions for
developing sustainable tourism that will effectively exploit Ho Chi Minh City,
Vung Tau, and Tay Ninh, and develop different tourism products, including
ecological, spiritual, and resort tourism. Understanding the natural and cultural
tourism resources will contribute to attracting more tourists, especially
international visitors. In addition, the research will also propose effective
promotional strategies for the destinations that have not been fully exploited. In
general, the topic contributes to enhancing the attractiveness and sustainable
development of tourism in the Southeast region.
5. Structure of the Topic
The topic consists of three parts: Introduction, Main content, Conclusion
MAIN CONTENT
I. Map of the region
The Southeast tourism region includes Ho Chi Minh City and the provinces of
Dong Nai, Binh Duong, Ba Ria - Vung Tau, Binh Phuoc, and Tay Ninh, which are
closely connected to the key economic regions in the south and the tourism corridor
across Asia. The land area of the region covers 23,605 km², with a population of about
13,000 people, and an average population density of 544 people/km². To the north, the
region borders Binh Thuan (part of the Central South Coast tourism region), to the
west it borders Cambodia, and to the south it borders the Southwest tourism region. To
the east, it borders the East Sea. The region is dynamic and has the Tan Son Nhat
Airport, the largest tourist destination, and the Southeast tourism region, which not
only serves as a major tourism hub but also has close connections with the Southwest
tourism region. The Southeast region shares similarities with the Southwest tourism
region due to its larger size and its strong connection to the Mekong Delta in terms of
geography and culture.
II. Geographical location and accessibility
1. Geographic location and resources of the Southeast region
The Southeast region, a newly developed area in the country’s history, holds
a strategic position that plays a key role in the economic, cultural, and tourism
development of Vietnam. This region not only acts as a bridge between the Central
and Western Highlands provinces but is also a crucial part of the economic and
tourism corridor that links Vietnam with neighboring countries. The region is famous
for its major economic hub, Ho Chi Minh City, and renowned tourist destinations such
as Vung Tau, Con Dao, and Phu Quoc. Vung Tau, with its pristine beaches, is a
favorite spot for both domestic and international travelers, while Con Dao and Phu
Quoc attract visitors with their untouched beauty and rich biodiversity.
The Southeast region is endowed with abundant and valuable resources. Its
fertile land and mild climate create ideal conditions for agricultural activities such as
rice cultivation, fruit farming, and industrial crops. Additionally, this area boasts
significant mineral resources, including slate and granite, which serve as essential
materials for the construction industry. The coastal waters of the Southeast are home to
many rare marine species, and scenic spots like Phu Quoc Island and Con Dao are not
only popular tourist destinations but also vital areas for marine biodiversity
conservation.
The climate of the Southeast is characterized by a tropical monsoon climate,
with high temperatures and minimal fluctuations throughout the year. The average
annual rainfall ranges from 1,500 to 2,000 mm, supporting a rich ecosystem. The
climate here is relatively stable, with few natural disasters, making it an ideal
environment for both residents and tourists.
1.1. Boundaries and geographic features of the Southeast region
With a total area of 23,564 km², the Southeast region accounts for
approximately 7.3% of the total land area of Vietnam. This area plays a crucial role in
the national economy and tourism sector. The region includes one centrally-controlled
city, Ho Chi Minh City, and five provinces: Binh Duong, Binh Phuoc, Tay Ninh, Dong
Nai, and Ba Ria – Vung Tau. Each of these provinces contributes to the overall growth
of the Southeast, with unique characteristics in tourism, culture, and industry.
Geographically, the Southeast region is strategically located, making it an
important gateway for trade and tourism both domestically and internationally. To the
north, it borders Cambodia, offering opportunities for cross-border economic
cooperation and tourism exchanges. To the east and southeast, the region faces the
East Sea, not only opening up opportunities for coastal tourism but also facilitating
maritime trade and connections with Southeast Asia and beyond. To the southwest, it
borders the Mekong Delta, a region famous for river-based tourism and agriculture,
while to the east, it connects with the Central Highlands and Central Coastal areas,
which are rich in natural resources and biodiversity, offering excellent potential for
ecotourism and scientific research.
The Southeast region is well-connected to other parts of the country and
neighboring nations through a developed transportation network. This includes
highways like National Road 1A, 13, 22, 22B, 51, and the Ho Chi Minh City
thoroughfare, along with railways connecting the North-South region. The region also
benefits from major rivers such as the Dong Nai and Saigon rivers, supporting the
development of water-based tourism and transportation routes.
With these geographical features, the Southeast region is not only a treasure
trove of natural resources but also a vital link in the network of trade and tourism in
the region. The well-developed road, rail, and air transport systems make it easy to
transport goods and connect tourist destinations, contributing to the region's growth in
the national economy and global integration.
1.2. Demographics and social characteristics of the Southeast region
The Southeast region, with a population of approximately 18.7 million
people (according to the 2021 census), has the highest population density in Vietnam,
accounting for a significant portion of the country’s total population. While the
population density is not the highest compared to other regions, the Southeast leads the
country in terms of GDP, contributing about 42% to Vietnam's total GDP. This
highlights the region’s rapid economic growth and its importance in the national
economy. Ho Chi Minh City, with over 9 million residents, serves as the economic,
cultural, and tourism hub not only of the Southeast region but of the entire country.
Other provinces like Binh Duong, Dong Nai, Binh Phuoc, Tay Ninh, and Ba Ria –
Vung Tau also have large populations, mostly made up of migrant workers seeking job
opportunities.
Although the population in this region continues to grow, the Southeast has
significant advantages in terms of economic development, including an abundant labor
force with high skill levels and a high standard of living. The urbanization rate in the
Southeast is the highest in the country, particularly in Ho Chi Minh City, which boasts
a modern economy, thriving service industries, and is a center for key industries such
as information technology, tourism, banking, and export-import.
However, the rapid population growth poses several challenges, such as
pressure on infrastructure, transportation, and labor markets. The influx of workers
from other regions has led to an increasing demand for housing, services, and
employment in urban areas, creating fierce competition. These challenges require
focused urban development policies and improvements to infrastructure to ensure
sustainable growth and better quality of life for residents.
Additionally, the region benefits from advanced infrastructure, including Tân
Sơn Nhất International Airport, which is the busiest in Vietnam and handles the
highest passenger traffic in the country, with a capacity of 25 million passengers
annually. The airport serves both domestic and international flights, with 43
international airlines operating, and continues to grow, with an annual increase of 10-
15%. Tân Sơn Nhất handled over 22.153 million passengers in 2014, marking a 10.6%
growth compared to 2013. Con Dao Airport, while primarily serving tourist traffic,
supported 188,549 passengers in 2014, showing a 7.4% growth over the previous year.
The region’s infrastructure also includes a wide range of tourism facilities
and services, ensuring the quality of both quantity and quality. According to Vietnam’s
national tourism development plan, the region’s tourism facilities will continue to
expand, focusing on improving the quality of accommodation, with Ho Chi Minh City,
Vung Tau, Bien Hoa, and other areas seeing significant growth. By 2030, it is
projected that over 80% of accommodation in the Southeast will meet international
tourism standards, which is a major step toward attracting more international tourists.
2. Tourist routes and destination: 5 main routes
2.1. Tourist Routes and Programs in Ho Chi Minh City
City Tour Routes:
Route 1: Reunification Palace - Notre-Dame Cathedral - Ben
Thanh Market - Saigon Central Post Office - Vietnam History
Museum - Vinh Nghiem Pagoda - Nha Rong Wharf.
Route 2: Giac Lam Pagoda - Vinh Nghiem Pagoda - Dam Sen
Park.
Route 3: 23/9 Park - Suoi Tien Tourist Area - Thu Duc Bird
Garden.
Route 4: City tour - Cu Chi Tunnels.
Route 5: City tour - Duyen Hai Ecological Area.
Ho Chi Minh City Tour Program (2 Days 1 Night):
Day 1:
Morning: Visit Reunification Palace, Notre-Dame Cathedral,
Saigon Central Post Office, Vietnam History Museum.
Afternoon: Visit Vinh Nghiem Pagoda, Giac Lam Pagoda,
Dam Sen Park.
Day 2:
Morning: Visit Cu Chi Tunnels.
Afternoon: Visit Duyen Hai Ecological Area.
3. Tourism resources
4. Tourism products/types of tourism
4.1. Main Tourism Products
Compared to other regions, the tourism resources in the Southeast
tourism region are not more abundant or diverse. However, because this
region includes Ho Chi Minh City, a leading tourism hub, it attracts the
highest number of tourists in the country. The main tourism products
offered to visitors in this region include event tourism (MICE, cultural
events, sports events, competitions, etc.), recreational tourism, shopping
tourism, resort tourism, religious and spiritual tourism, festival tourism,
sightseeing tourism, and ecological tourism.......
One of the strengths of the Southeast tourism region is event
tourism. Cities like Ho Chi Minh City, Vung Tau, Bien Hoa, Thu Dau
Mot, and Ba Ria have favorable conditions with good infrastructure,
convenient transportation, modern information and communication
systems, and skilled human resources. These factors make them ideal
locations for organizing cultural events, sports competitions, meetings,
and conferences. The successful organization of numerous events in recent
times confirms this assessment.
The Southeast tourism region also leads in recreational tourism
products. Many tourists, especially teenagers, are always attracted by
various recreational activities in parks.
As the largest economic center in Vietnam, the Southeast tourism
region has many supermarkets to satisfy tourists, especially female
business travelers. Among the international shopping malls, Crescent
Mall, Nowzone Fashion Mall provide visitors with a variety of high-end
brands and the latest global fashion trends. Zen Plaza features many
famous international brands such as Diesel, Tommy Hilfiger, Nike, Levi’s,
Kappa, Geox, Ecco, and Sketchers. At Saigon Square and Parkson
Paragon, tourists can purchase international luxury brands such as
Christian Dior, Gucci, Lacoste, Guess, Ecco, and Adidas. NowZone is the
place to catch up with new fashion trends from the US, Japan, and South
Korea and is a hub for defining young fashion styles. Additionally, a
network of popular supermarkets such as Co.opmart, Big C, Vinmart,
Maximark, and Metro plays a significant role in keeping tourists in the
region for longer.
Resort tourism in the Southeast tourism region primarily attracts
customers from industrial centers, urban areas, and neighboring regions.
Coastal resorts in Vung Tau, Con Dao, Binh Chau hot springs, and eco-
resorts in Can Gio are the key destinations for this tourist segment.
Tourists exploring religious and cultural sites often visit locations
such as the Cao Dai Holy See, Ba Den Mountain Temple, Vinh Nghiem
Pagoda, and Notre-Dame Cathedral. Spiritual tourists seek balance in their
lives by visiting Giac Lam Pagoda, Linh Son Pagoda, Mo Co Sau Temple,
and Mieu Ba Shrine to regain balance in their lives.
Nature lovers can visit national parks, the Can Gio Mangrove
Biosphere Reserve, and the Dong Nai Biosphere Reserve, or conquer Ba
Den Mountain, Ba Ra Mountain, enjoy the scenery of Tri An Lake, Dau
Tieng Lake, or coral reefs in Con Dao. Cultural tourists can explore
historical revolutionary sites such as the Con Dao Prison or Cu Chi
Tunnels, or visit iconic structures like the Notre-Dame Cathedral and the
Opera House in Ho Chi Minh City.
4.2. Tourists
Năm Khách quốc tế (Lượt) Khách nội địa (Lượt) Tổng cộng (Lượt)
2020 3,000,000 20,000,000 23,000,000
2021 4,200,000 25,000,000 29,200,000
2022 5,000,000 30,000,000 35,000,000
2023 6,000,000 33,000,000 39,000,000
2024 6,500,000 35,000,000 41,500,000
Hình 1.1. Lượng khách đến vùng du lịch Đông Nam Bộ giai đoạn 2020-
2024
(Nguồn: Tổng hợp từ Quy hoạch Tổng thể phát triển du lịch Đông Nam
Bộ đến năm 2020, tầm nhìn 2030)
The period from 2020 to 2024 marks a significant transformation
in the tourism sector of Southeast Vietnam, both in terms of visitor
numbers and the diversification of tourism products. After the severe
impact of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, when the number of visitors
dropped to only 23 million, the tourism industry in the region has made
remarkable efforts to recover. By 2024, the total number of tourists is
expected to reach 41.5 million, with international visitors showing steady
growth thanks to effective promotional campaigns and modern
infrastructure. One of the key factors contributing to the region's appeal
is the diversity of tourism types, catering to the varied needs of travelers.
Event tourism (MICE) has become a significant highlight, with Ho Chi
Minh City serving as the central hub due to its modern facilities,
convenient transportation, and numerous venues for large-scale
conferences. Cultural, sports, and international events are continuously
organized here, affirming the region's position as a global destination for
event tourism. In addition, resort tourism has flourished with coastal
resorts in Vung Tau, Con Dao, and Binh Chau. These destinations attract
not only domestic tourists but also international visitors seeking
tranquility and premium services amidst serene natural surroundings.
Ecotourism, concentrated in conservation areas such as Can Gio and
Dong Nai, continues to appeal to travelers who enjoy a closer connection
with nature. Beyond relaxation and nature-based activities, Southeast
Vietnam is also renowned for shopping tourism and entertainment
tourism, particularly in Ho Chi Minh City. Large shopping malls such as
Crescent Mall, Nowzone, and Parkson not only meet consumer demands
but also serve as attractions, especially for female and international
tourists. Festival tourism and spiritual tourism also play vital roles in
attracting domestic visitors to iconic locations such as Ba Den Mountain
Temple, Vinh Nghiem Pagoda, and the Cao Dai Holy See. Moreover,
cultural and historical tourism remains a stronghold, as many visitors opt
to explore sites like the Cu Chi Tunnels, Con Dao Prison, and the Saigon
Opera House. The combination of cultural and historical experiences
with modern services has significantly contributed to the region’s strong
recovery after the pandemic. With the comprehensive development of
various tourism types, Southeast Vietnam is not only maintaining its role
as an economic center but also emerging as a premier destination for
both domestic and international visitors. From events and entertainment
to resorts, shopping, and cultural exploration, the region's tourism sector
is meeting every traveler’s need, contributing to Vietnam's sustainable
integration and development in the global tourism industry.
