Ho Chi Minh City Boosts Night Tourism, Seeks Investment for Growth

Ho Chi Minh City is actively cultivating its night tourism, recognizing its significant potential to boost the local economy and enhance the visitor experience. According to Nguyen Thi Thanh Thao, Head of Tourism Resource Planning and Development at the Ho Chi Minh City Department of Tourism, night tourism plays a vital role in increasing per capita spending and lengthening the duration of stays for both international and domestic travelers. This strategic focus aims to leverage existing and emerging attractions to make the city a more vibrant destination after dark.

The city is currently offering a diverse range of night-time activities. These include urban life experiences like night tours on double-decker buses and riverboats, as well as explorations via vintage cars and Vespas, often combined with culinary experiences. Popular night markets, such as the one near Ho Thi Ky Flower Market, and the recently launched Pho Dem Cho Lon (Cholon Night Market), are drawing significant crowds. Furthermore, cultural performances, including modern circus shows and traditional art forms like the "À Ố Show" and "Chao Show," are attracting both local and foreign audiences, blending art with gastronomy.

“

Night tourism increases spending and extends the length of stay for tourists visiting Ho Chi Minh City, including both international and domestic tourists. This is one of the important product lines for Ho Chi Minh City in the recent past and upcoming period, especially as we have more new spaces.

Despite this variety, the department acknowledges that night tourism in Ho Chi Minh City has yet to reach its full potential. Key challenges remain, notably the impact of late-night activities on residents in densely populated central areas. To address this, the tourism department is working on designating specialized zones for night-time economic development that minimize disruption. Additionally, the lack of late-night public transportation services is a barrier for tourists, especially international visitors dealing with jet lag, who need reliable options to navigate the city after midnight.

To overcome these hurdles and unlock further growth, Ho Chi Minh City is actively seeking investment for large-scale entertainment complexes and integrated night-time economy projects. The goal is to create a more robust infrastructure that supports extended visitor engagement and ensures the sustainable development of its night tourism offerings, making the city a more dynamic and appealing destination around the clock.

“

This morning, the Department of Tourism of Ho Chi Minh City also met with waterway tourism businesses; they are waiting for the city to plan more wharves to build new ships and bring more ships from other areas to serve.