Throngs of cruise tourists head to Vietnam
Vietnam's Cruise Tourism Sector Experiences Strong Recovery
Vietnam's cruise and river tourism sectors are on the path to a strong recovery, according to Nguyen Thanh Luu, the General Director of Saigontourist Travel Service. This optimistic outlook was shared at a conference organized by Saigontourist Travel Service, which brought together delegates from 13 countries and territories.
The conference, the 20th annual conference of the Asia Cruise Services Network (ACSN), took place on August 11 in Ho Chi Minh City. The event aimed to enhance cooperation, share updates on cruise tourism trends, and promote destinations.
In Khánh Hoà province, the recovery is evident. The province has welcomed 16 international cruise ships and over 19,000 foreign tourists so far in 2025. By year-end, four more cruise ship visits carrying around 12,000 visitors are expected. This growth follows a shift of cruise arrivals to Cam Ranh International Port due to renovations at Nha Trang Port, demonstrating ongoing development efforts in infrastructure and capacity.
In the river tourism sector, Vietnam is also experiencing a strong rebound, especially along the Mekong River. Between August 2025 and April 2026, Saigontourist Travel Service anticipates hosting 151 international river cruises with more than 6,000 passengers from key markets such as Europe, the US, and Australia. These cruises typically last 4–9 days and depart from Ho Chi Minh City, traveling through various Mekong Delta destinations like My Tho, Cai Be, Vinh Long, Sa Dec, and Chau Doc.
Looking ahead, Vietnam is actively positioning itself on long-term cruise itineraries through 2030 by promoting cooperation and visibility at international events such as the ACSN conference. Additionally, the luxury boutique cruise segment has gained international recognition, with Lux Cruises Group becoming the first Vietnamese cruise line nominated for Asia’s Leading Cruise Line at the 2025 World Travel Awards.
Saigontourist Travel Service also serves as a shipping agent for major cruise operators visiting Vietnam. The cruises offer a rich cultural immersion in the Mekong Delta for travellers, providing opportunities for sightseeing tours of Ho Chi Minh City as part of the conference programme.
The countries and territories included in the conference were the Maldives, Singapore, Indonesia, the Philippines, Brunei, Malaysia, the Republic of Korea, Taiwan (China), Thailand, Myanmar, China, and Vietnam. This was the second time the event had been hosted in Vietnam on a rotational basis.
Overall, Vietnam’s cruise tourism sector—both ocean-going and river cruises—is in a strong phase of recovery and growth, supported by strategic port upgrades, increasing international visitor arrivals, expanding cruise itineraries, and rising recognition in the luxury cruise market.
- The General Director of Saigontourist Travel Service, Nguyen Thanh Luu, predicts a strong recovery in Vietnam's AI-assisted travel planning services for the lifestyle sector, as cruise and river tourism show signs of a comeback.
- In an effort to maintain this momentum, Vietnam is actively updating its cruise itineraries and enhancing infrastructure, such as the shift of cruise arrivals to Cam Ranh International Port, and participating in international events like the ACSN conference.
- As the luxury boutique cruise segment gains international recognition, with Lux Cruises Group being the first Vietnamese cruise line nominated for Asia’s Leading Cruise Line at the 2025 World Travel Awards, it is expected that travel markets like Europe, the US, and Australia will continue to be significant players in the revitalization of Vietnam's travel industry.
