Connecting the two heritage sites of Hoi An and Phong Nha - Ke Bang

To strengthen cooperation and linkages in tourism development between Quang Nam and Quang Binh provinces, and to enhance the brand value of tourism products along the Central Vietnam Heritage Route from Quang Nam to Quang Binh, the two localities held a meeting on the afternoon of May 18th to connect tourism products between Hoi An City and Phong Nha - Ke Bang National Park.

Mr. Dang Dong Ha, Deputy Director of the Quang Binh Department of Tourism, affirmed that Quang Binh is a locality with many advantages, potential, and rich resources for tourism development, ranking among the top in Vietnam. Among them, the most prominent is the Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park, a World Natural Heritage site, which was recognized twice by UNESCO in 2013 and 2015.

The tourism sectors of Quang Binh and Quang Nam provinces introduced the tourism potential of their respective localities to travel companies.

Phong Nha-Ke Bang is considered the "Kingdom of Caves," formed over 400 million years ago, containing thousands of large and small caves of world-class value, such as Son Doong Cave (the world's largest), En Cave (the world's third largest), Va Cave with its unique system of stalactites and limestone towers, Thien Duong Cave (the longest dry cave in Asia)... along with primeval forests with an incredibly rich and diverse ecosystem.

Besides, Quang Binh boasts a 116km long coastline with many beautiful, pristine beaches, clear water, and fine sand, such as Nhat Le, Bao Ninh, Quang Phu, Da Nhay… and many delicious seafood dishes; hot springs containing many rare trace elements beneficial to health and very favorable for investment in the development of high-end resort and health tourism areas such as Bang hot springs; characteristic historical relics and cultural heritage; and the people of Quang Binh are friendly, hardworking, and hospitable.

Son Doong Cave in the Phong Nha – Ke Bang complex, Quang Binh province

From these potentials and advantages, with the attention of the Government, support from localities, and a sustainable development strategy that is appropriate to the reality and anticipates market trends and demands, Quang Binh tourism has achieved remarkable results.

The total number of visitors in 2017 reached 3.3 million, including 130,000 international visitors. Total revenue from tourism exceeded 3,700 billion VND, with revenue from the tourism sector estimated at over 621 billion VND.

Mr. Le Ngoc Tuong, Deputy Director of the Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism of Quang Nam province, also introduced the tourism potential of the locality. According to him, Hoi An is a top attractive destination for both domestic and international tourists. Within the rapidly developing Quang Nam – Da Nang – Thua Thien Hue tourism region, Hoi An is a highlight and one of the core brands for attracting international visitors.

Hoi An Bridge Pagoda – an unmissable destination for tourists visiting Hoi An

In 2017, Hoi An welcomed 3.22 million visitors, including 1.78 million international tourists and 1.44 million domestic tourists. The number of visitors to the ancient town alone reached 2.38 million (an increase of 28.16%), and the number of visitors to Cu Lao Cham Island exceeded 400,000.

With the advantage of being a convergence point of many world heritage sites, having an international airport and seaport, and many internationally recognized tourism brands such as Hoi An, Phong Nha, Hue... Quang Binh, Quang Nam, Da Nang, and Thua Thien Hue are important tourism regions, leading tourism centers of the country and the region.

In particular, Hoi An and Phong Nha are currently core brands, two important hubs with close links to attractive tourism products for international visitors, and favorite destinations for tourists from the central hub of Da Nang.

Therefore, to continue developing and enhancing the brand value of products and services connecting Hoi An and Phong Nha, contributing to building the tourism region of Quang Binh, Quang Nam, Da Nang, and Thua Thien Hue into a major tourism center of the country and the region in the future.

Leaders of the tourism industry in both localities also proposed solutions to strengthen connections and develop tourism products between the two localities; businesses have exchanged information, established linkages, sought cooperation opportunities, and signed service supply contracts.