In Nha Trang, tourists travel cash-free with QR codes, contactless payments

At popular tourist destinations in the city such as Ponagar Tower, the Oceanographic Museum, Vinpearl Nha Trang, and Dam Market, tourists can now pay via digital methods at ticket booths, vendor stalls, and small businesses.

This shift is not only improving convenience, but is also shaping new habits among local merchants and service providers.

Tran Thuy Tien, a 32-year-old tourist from Can Tho City, southern Vietnam, paid VND60,000 (US$2.3) for two entry tickets at Ponagar Tower using her mobile banking app on Sunday morning.

The transaction took fewer than 30 seconds.

During her trip, she has made cashless payments for everything—from taxi and open-top bus rides to food and hotel stays, she shared.

Similarly, a South Korean visitor who used a QR code to buy four tickets at the Oceanographic Museum remarked on the ease of the system.

She noted that unlike previous trips to other provinces in Vietnam, where currency exchange was necessary, Nha Trang allowed her to travel freely using only her smartphone.

Pillar for digital tourism growth

Huynh Tan Hai, deputy director of the Khanh Hoa Department of Industry and Trade, said that the department is actively promoting cashless payments across night markets, wet markets, and commercial centers.

He emphasized that non-cash transactions are not only convenient, but also support the province’s broader goals for digital transformation in commerce.

The provincial administration has issued several directives to expand cashless systems at tourist attractions and entertainment hubs, according to Cung Quynh Anh, deputy director of the provincial Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism.

Also, travel firms have been encouraged to adopt contactless payment technologies to improve the visitor experience.

Pham Minh Nhut, chairman of the Nha Trang - Khanh Hoa Tourism Association, said that the use of cashless payment methods is inseparable from the future of tourism.

Cashless payments enhance safety and stability for tourists, minimizing the risks associated with cash, he said.

However, he also emphasized the need to develop digital infrastructure and enhance public communication to expand adoption.

Benefits for businesses

For local businesses, the transition to non-cash payments has led to noticeable improvements.

Le Vu Anh, manager of Bon Mua Park Restaurant in Nha Trang City, shared that the majority of customers now pay via QR code or e-wallet.

Digital payments simplify its operations, reduce human error, and save time in accounting and closing shifts, he said.

He also pointed out that the method reduces losses and optimizes staffing.

Cashless Day 2025 rolled out

Vietnam officially launched ‘Cashless Day Festival 2025’ under the theme ‘Cashless Payment Drives Up the Digital Economy,’ marking the fifth year of the national plan promoting digital transactions from 2021 to 2025.

Spearheaded by Tuoi Tre (Youth) newspaper in partnership with the Payment Department of the State Bank of Vietnam (SBV), Thoi Bao Ngan Hang newspaper, the Ho Chi Minh City Department of Industry and Trade, National Payment Corporation of Vietnam (NAPAS), and other stakeholders, the initiative aims to raise public awareness and promote widespread use of digital wallets, QR codes, and contactless cards.

One of the highlights of this year’s event is the ‘Ting Ting Day’ festival on Nguyen Hue Pedestrian Street in Ho Chi Minh City, which will feature technology showcases, games, safety workshops, and music shows.

The fest is expected to attract 50,000 attendees and reach around 50 million views, underscoring the growing public interest in digital lifestyles and consumer behavior.

Other major events include the ‘Financial Arena’ game show slated from May 20 to June 15 and a seminar titled ‘Cashless Payment – A Driver of the Digital Economy’ in Ho Chi Minh City on June 16.

Initiated in 2019, the Cashless Day Festival has become a key annual event encouraging behavioral change among Vietnamese consumers.

It plays a vital role in the country’s digital transformation.