The number of visitors to Can Gio district, HCMC since early this year has increased 40 percent over the same period last year to reach 700,000 people, said of district People’s Committee deputy chairman Le Minh Dung yesterday. Visitors at Monkey island in Can Gio district Last year, the district received one million visitors with total tourist revenue approximating VND400 billion (US$17.6 million). Most visitors to Can Gio are domestic people who usually visit and leave within the day. The number of long stay visitors is insignificant and even shows signs of reduction. Traveling to Can Gio takes about one hour from the center of HCMC. With natural advantages, the district has focused on developing eco tourism and worked with travel companies to diversify tourist products. Visitors to the district can choose homestay, afforestation or swift breeding tours, enjoy local specialties and listen to Don ca tai tu (southern folk song) in...

The HCMC Department of Tourism has proposed the city government allow foreign cruise ships to keep their casinos and duty-free shops open while visiting the city. Foreign tourists on a visit to Can Gio District, HCMC  In Danang and Thua Thien-Hue, international cruise vessels can provide all its services for their passengers while they are at anchor, the department said. Early last year, the central coast city of Danang permitted foreign cruise ships to offer services like casinos and duty-free shops. Recently, neighboring Thua Thien-Hue Province followed suit. Domestic firms which provide services for foreign cruise ships said there are no regulations banning these services at the moment. More than 20 years ago, when customs officers went on board foreign cruise ships for checks, they always ordered the vessels to close their casinos and duty-free shops for fear of smuggling. The HCMC Tourism Department included the proposal in a report on development orientations and...

            Passengers wait to complete immigration procedures at Tan Son Nhat International Airport in HCMC - PHOTO: DAO LOAN HCMC – Starting from August 11, Vietnamese and Chilean holders of ordinary passports will not need to apply for visa when traveling between the two countries following an agreement signed between the two countries on October 17, 2016. Holders of ordinary passports with a validity of at least six months are subject to a visa-free stay shorter than 90 days. The visa waiver will not apply to those wanting to stay for more than 90 days or wanting to stay in the foreign country to do business. Previously, Vietnam allowed tourists from 23 countries and territories to enter and stay in the country without a visa. Since February 1, the...