As the April 30 holiday approaches, a surge of interest in historical tours across Vietnam is capturing the attention of both domestic and international tourists. With a focus on cultural heritage and the rich history of the nation, these tours are designed to educate and inspire pride in Vietnam's storied past.
Since March 2024, a local tour company has launched a series of cultural and historical tours that have attracted about 30% of domestic tourists for the upcoming holidays, particularly in Ho Chi Minh City. The tours, which highlight significant historical sites and events, have become increasingly popular among various demographics, including families, students, and corporate groups.
Some of the most sought-after tours include "Saigon Cultural Special Forces," "Old and New Saigon" which incorporates the metro line 1, "District 1 - Colors of the Night," and "Legend of the Heroes" featuring the Sac Forest Special Forces. Prices for these tours range from 400,000 VND to 3,000,000 VND, excluding airfare, making them accessible to a wide audience.
Participants in these tours can enjoy unique experiences, such as interacting with historical witnesses or utilizing virtual reality technology to delve deeper into Vietnam's cultural and historical narratives. This blend of education and entertainment has proven effective in drawing interest from both local and international tourists.
Travel companies are optimistic about this year's holiday, forecasting a revenue increase of 20% to 30% compared to previous years, driven by the growing trend of visiting cultural and historical sites alongside observing parades.
In a related event, on April 30, 2025, a grand national parade will take place in Ho Chi Minh City, featuring over 13,000 participants from various sectors, including armed forces and civilians. The parade will commence at 6:30 AM from the intersection of Le Duan and Nguyen Binh Khiem, proceeding to the Independence Palace and dispersing through the central streets of District 1. Attendees are encouraged to arrive early to secure good viewing spots as several central streets will be closed or have restricted access.
In the afternoon, tourists will have the chance to visit the Cu Chi Tunnels, a significant historical site located approximately 70 kilometers from the city center. This legendary underground tunnel system, which spans 250 kilometers and consists of three distinct levels, played a crucial role during the Vietnam War. Visitors can experience crawling through the narrow tunnels, observing booby traps, and learning about the harsh realities faced by Vietnamese soldiers and civilians during the conflict.
As the day comes to a close, spectators can enjoy a spectacular fireworks display at Ben Duoc Temple, celebrating the 50th anniversary of the liberation of the South and the reunification of the country. Fireworks will be launched from 30 locations across the city, with the display at Ben Duoc scheduled from 9 PM to 9:15 PM.
The following day, on May 1, 2025, the itinerary continues with a visit to the Southern Department Central Base in Tay Ninh, located about 80 kilometers from Ho Chi Minh City. This site served as a vital command center for the southern revolution during the war. Visitors will explore various historical sites, including the residences and workspaces of notable leaders such as Nguyen Van Linh, Nguyen Chi Thanh, and Vo Van Kiet, all connected by a network of trenches and pathways under the lush forest canopy.
In the afternoon, tourists will ascend Ba Den Mountain, standing at an impressive 986 meters. The mountain is not only a natural landmark but also a site steeped in history, having been occupied by American forces during the war. Visitors can participate in a memorial ceremony at Kim Quang Cave, where many soldiers lost their lives, and explore the nearby Ba Pagoda, a significant spiritual site where 181 officials and soldiers sacrificed their lives in the fight against the US.
This two-day journey from Ho Chi Minh City to Tay Ninh offers a profound connection to Vietnam's history and heritage, providing an opportunity for participants to reflect on the sacrifices of those who came before them while enjoying the beauty of the landscape.
Additionally, on April 17, 2025, the Vietnam Cultural Heritage Conservation Support Fund, in collaboration with TikTok LIVE, launched the program "Vietnamese Beauty Season 3: Touching Heritage." This initiative aims to promote Vietnamese culture and heritage while fostering sustainable tourism through innovative livestreaming on the TikTok platform.
The program will feature a series of online events from May 12 to May 18, where content creators will share and spread pride about Vietnamese heritage. Following this, from June 1 to June 10, offline activities will take place in five provinces: Hanoi, Phu Tho, Ninh Binh, Thanh Hoa, and Hue. The entire journey will be broadcast live on TikTok, allowing viewers to explore the unique characteristics of each location, from architectural heritage to traditional culinary delights.
Among the prominent livestream content creators participating in the program are Ly The Huong, Dung Hoang Pham, Minh Thang, K-ICM, and Manh Tien Khoi, known for their engaging storytelling and creative presentation styles. This initiative aims to engage the youth and foster a deeper understanding of traditional cultural values.
Experts at the launch discussed the potential of promoting sustainable tourism through cultural heritage values, emphasizing the important role of technology in making heritage more accessible. As Nguyen Lam Thanh, a representative from TikTok Vietnam, stated, "Technology can renew the way we perceive heritage, making cultural values that seem distant more relatable to young people. TikTok LIVE serves as a bridge to connect emotions, allowing viewers not just to see but to truly touch heritage."
This program underscores the importance of preserving cultural heritage while promoting sustainable tourism, creating a harmonious balance between conservation and economic development.
