Ho Chi Minh City tourism rakes in nearly $186mn as Vung Tau, Con Dao draw holiday crowds

The city welcomed an estimated 1.65 million domestic tourists and around 62,000 international visitors over the five-day holiday, according to the municipal Department of Tourism.

Tourist accommodation establishments served about 182,500 guests, while the citywide average room occupancy rate reached around 61 percent.

Popular historical landmarks such as the War Remnants Museum, Ton Duc Thang Museum, and Independence Palace remained among the city’s key attractions, drawing a steady stream of visitors throughout the holiday.

The celebrations reached a colorful peak on September 2, when fireworks lit up the night sky at seven locations across Ho Chi Minh City, adding to the festive atmosphere and giving a further boost to hotels, restaurants, entertainment venues, and transport services.

Vung Tau, Con Dao draw holiday crowds

Vung Tau and Con Dao were among the standout destinations during the holiday, recording sharp increases in visitor numbers thanks to their coastal attractions, tourism services, and special events.

In Vung Tau, visitor numbers surged during the opening days of the break, with around 55,000 people flocking to local beaches on August 30 alone, nearly 3.5 times the figure recorded a day earlier.

That brought the total number of beachgoers in the first two days of the holiday to roughly 71,000.

Con Dao also recorded strong growth, with visitor numbers rising 52.69 percent year on year and international arrivals jumping 60.71 percent. Tourism revenue increased 56.61 percent.

Part of the increase was attributed to the 2026 Con Dao Spirit HTV - BCONS race, which attracted nearly 2,000 domestic and international runners alongside cultural and commemorative activities.

Meanwhile, airlines and high-speed ferry operators added services to meet stronger travel demand, while favorable weather allowed visitors to explore historical sites, relax on beaches, and experience forest and marine ecotourism routes.

Travel firms tapped holiday demand with short tours, promotions

Travel companies and local authorities sought to capitalize on the holiday rush by rolling out short tours, promotional packages, and new tourism experiences.

Saigontourist Travel offered system-wide promotions covering 120 departure dates, while Vietravel and BenThanh Tourist expanded short domestic and overseas tours with booking incentives.

Popular options included city tours of the Independence Palace, Binh Tay Market, and the Ho Chi Minh City Museum of Fine Arts, as well as Cho Lon cultural tours and sightseeing packages combining double-decker buses, the Saigon Waterbus, and river cruises.

Ben Thanh Ward also launched a heritage-themed route linking Ben Thanh Market, the metro station, museums, and cultural spaces, while Vung Tau, Tam Thang, and Lai Thieu promoted products highlighting beaches, historical sites, riverside scenery, fruit orchards, and local culture.