Binh Dinh province is making waves in the tourism sector by launching a new initiative aimed at enhancing cultural exploration. On April 29, 2025, the provincial authorities announced the organization of experimental tourist train trips from Quy Nhon station to Dieu Tri station on May 1 and May 2, coinciding with Vietnam's upcoming holidays.
The initiative, dubbed "Hành trình văn hóa miền Đất Võ" or "Cultural Journey to the Land of Martial Arts," promises to provide visitors with a unique experience as they explore the historic sites of the region. The morning train will depart from Quy Nhon station at 9:00 AM, making stops at the iconic Twin Towers and Luat Le bridge for 20 minutes each, allowing tourists to take photographs and enjoy the stunning scenery. The train is scheduled to arrive at Dieu Tri station at 10:20 AM and will return to Quy Nhon at 11:10 AM.
For those preferring an afternoon adventure, a second train will set off from Quy Nhon at 2:00 PM, following the same itinerary and returning to Quy Nhon at 4:30 PM. According to the Binh Dinh Department of Culture, Sports, and Tourism, this train trip will be free of charge and will include various services such as local cuisine tasting, exploration of the ancient Twin Towers, and traditional art performances.
This initiative comes at a time when the holiday from April 30 to May 4, 2025, is expected to attract a significant influx of tourists nationwide. The five-day break presents a perfect opportunity for families to embark on longer journeys, and many localities and tourism businesses are gearing up with unique offerings to draw in visitors.
As reported by Hanoi Moi, Trần Thị Bảo Thu, the Marketing and Communications Director of Vietluxtour, noted that this year's holiday will offer a plethora of choices for tourists visiting Ho Chi Minh City. One standout option is the "Legend of the Heroes" tour, a four-day, three-night journey that takes guests to various historical sites, including the Sac Forest War Zone Relic, Cu Chi Tunnels, and the Independence Palace.
Moreover, BestPrice Travel has introduced two new tour packages, "Returning to the Land of Steel" and "The Proud Unification Imprint," which guide tourists through historical locations tied to the April 30 victory and the contemporary development of Ho Chi Minh City. Bùi Thanh Tú, the Marketing Director of BestPrice Travel, shared that these tours are gaining significant attention from travelers.
In addition to historical tours, beach tourism is also expected to thrive during the holiday, with popular destinations including Ha Long (Quang Ninh), Sam Son (Thanh Hoa), Cua Lo (Nghe An), Da Nang, Nha Trang (Khanh Hoa), Quy Nhon (Binh Dinh), and Phu Quoc (Kien Giang). Heritage sites such as Trang An (Ninh Binh), Hue, and Hoi An (Quang Nam) are also anticipated to draw large crowds.
Internationally, favored destinations include China, South Korea, Japan, Malaysia, Singapore, and Thailand. Many travel companies are reporting significant increases in tour bookings. Saigontourist has noted a 15% increase compared to 2024, while Flamingo Redtours has reported a rise of 15-20% in both domestic and international bookings.
This holiday season will also mark the start of summer tourism in many localities, with various cultural events and festivals planned. Ho Chi Minh City expects a large number of visitors, with numerous political, cultural, and tourism activities scheduled. Besides the military parade commemorating the 50th anniversary of the liberation of the South, the city will host events such as the "Colors of the City Named After Uncle Ho" festival, the "National Unity Day" artistic program, and a spectacular display of 2,000 drones along with fireworks.
Quang Ninh province will hold the "Carnaval Ha Long 2025 - Connecting Heritage, Leading the Way to Shine" event on May 1, showcasing artistic performances that celebrate cultural identity against the backdrop of the stunning Ha Long Bay, enhanced with 3D mapping, laser, and light technologies. Many accommodations in Ha Long are already fully booked for the holiday.
In Vinh Phuc, the "Vinh Phuc Flying Up with the Country" hot air balloon festival will take place from April 30 to May 4 in Vinh Yen City, attracting both locals and tourists alike. Meanwhile, Binh Thuan is promoting tourism programs in Phan Thiet - Mui Ne, along with a series of cultural and sports events.
Regions like Nghe An and Thanh Hoa are ramping up their beach tourism combined with festivals and distinctive ecological tourism products. In Hanoi, various areas and tourist spots are organizing meaningful activities, including a series of events in the Old Quarter to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the liberation of the South. The Hoa Lo Prison Relic is showcasing a themed exhibition titled "The Song of Peace," while the Paradise Park is introducing a "Cowboy Town" program.
Historical and revolutionary sites in the capital are expected to see a surge in visitors. Additionally, suburban areas such as Duong Lam Ancient Village (Son Tay), Ba Vi National Park, and resorts in Soc Son are popular choices for holidaymakers.
To ensure safe tourism activities, travel companies are advising tourists to exercise caution when booking tours and services. Vũ Thế Bình, President of the Vietnam Tourism Association, emphasized the importance of selecting reputable travel agencies with extensive experience and thoroughly researching information when booking individual services to avoid low-cost tours of unclear origins.
Đặng Hương Giang, Director of the Hanoi Department of Tourism, stated that the department has instructed tourism businesses to enhance service quality and ensure security and food safety for tourists during the holiday.
