When Did Vietnam Start to Become a Popular Tourist Destination?

By Michael Ferguson

Vietnam has become one of the top tourist destinations in Southeast Asia over the last few years. From its stunning landscapes and colonial architecture to its vibrant culture and cuisine, Vietnam is a country that should be on everyone’s travel bucket list. But when did Vietnam start to become a popular tourist destination?

The answer to this question is not clear-cut, but it is generally accepted that Vietnam’s tourism industry began to really take off in the 1990s. After the Vietnam War ended in 1975, the country was closed off from foreign tourists until 1993. It was around this time that restrictions on international travelers began to be lifted and more tourists started visiting the country.

In 1996, Vietnam joined ASEAN (the Association of Southeast Asian Nations) which opened up even more opportunities for travelers from around the world to explore this beautiful country. In 1998, the Vietnamese government established the National Tourism Administration which was responsible for promoting and developing tourism in Vietnam. This marked an important milestone in the growth of Vietnam’s tourism industry.

The early 2000s saw a massive increase in tourism as more people became aware of all that Vietnam had to offer. The number of international visitors rose dramatically during this period as travelers from Europe, North America and other parts of Asia started flocking to Vietnam for its stunning landscapes, friendly people and unique cultural experiences.

Today, tourism continues to be a major source of income for many Vietnamese people. The country has invested heavily in its infrastructure in recent years with new roads, airports and other facilities being built to accommodate growing numbers of visitors each year.

Conclusion:

To summarise, Vietnam has become one of the most popular tourist destinations in Southeast Asia over the last two decades or so. The country opened up to foreign visitors in 1993 and since then has seen an incredible increase in both domestic and international tourists every year due to its stunning landscapes, rich culture and welcoming locals.