Int’l cruise ship brings tourists to HCM City after three years of suspension

This marks the first group of foreign tourists to visit Ho Chi Minh City by cruise liner after nearly three years of activities put on hold due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

During their three-day stay, the foreign travelers are expected to visit several popular destinations around the southern city, including Nha Rong Wharf, Reunification Palace, Notre Dame Cathedral, and the municipal Post Office, as well as sampling delicacies on the Saigon river at night.

‘It is my first to Vietnam, and I am hugely impressed by natural Vietnamese landscapes, along with the friendliness and hospitability of local residents,’ said Captain Ludovic Provost.

After departing HCM City, the cruise ship is scheduled to visit several other famous tourist destinations around the country, such as Nha Trang, Quy Nhon, Da Nang, Hue, Quang Binh, and Ha Long.

According to Le Truong Hien Hoa, deputy director of the HCM City Department of Tourism, the local tourism industry is anticipated to welcome larger groups of tourists arriving by cruise liners from now until the end of the year.

HCM City has already identified cruise passengers as one of the important and potential sources of tourists, and the return of the first cruise ship is a positive sign for the local tourism industry moving forward, said Hoa.  

He revealed that the local tourism industry has launched a number of unique tourism products to help tourists explore the local distinctive culture and cuisine of the country, as well as welcoming a larger influx of tourists from high-end cruise liners in the time ahead.

Phan Xuan Anh, a representative of Tan Hong travel firm, said the Le Laperouse is expected to return to Vietnam in the future, bringing more groups of tourists to the city.

Vietnam is anticipated to welcome more cruise liners from the United States and other foreign countries in early 2023, said Anh.