After the phase of expanding urban space and inter-regional transport infrastructure, Ho Chi Minh City enters a new development phase of the tourism industry with the orientation of diversifying products, increasing experiences and extending stays. Many travel businesses quickly grasp the trend, launching thematic tours, exploiting cultural, ecological and high-class service strengths, creating more choices for tourists.
Helicopter sightseeing creates a tourist highlight
Talking to Lao Dong Newspaper, Mr. Nguyen Minh Man - Deputy General Director of VinaGroup Travel Company said that in the context of Ho Chi Minh City's expansion, businesses are focusing on building tours suitable for new market needs such as culinary tourism, health care and experiential tourism.
In particular, the helicopter tour to see Ho Chi Minh City from above is considered a highlight, exploiting the route connecting the city center with Vung Tau, and at the same time, combining on-site services in Ba Ria - Vung Tau (previously). The product is expected to attract both international and domestic tourists.
According to the plan, the first helicopter flights are expected to be operated from March 11 at Vung Tau airport (Tam Thang ward), with 4 flight time options of 15 - 60 minutes.
Ticket prices start from VND 2.9 million/person for a 15-minute journey, longer tours have corresponding prices according to flight time and seat location. Flights will be held at 9:00 AM and 3:00 PM, on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays.
Increase local cultural experiences
In the cultural product group, Ms. Tran Thi Bao Thu - Marketing - Communication Director of Vietluxtour said that the business recorded positive signals from inner-city tours in the direction of "ward - commune, a slice of urban life".
In 2026, cultural tourism continues to be a strategic pillar of both the domestic and inbound markets (international visitors to Vietnam), with a development orientation based on quality, differentiation and sustainability criteria, so that each journey becomes a memorable experience about Ho Chi Minh City.
During the 2026 Lunar New Year, the waterway tourism product Heritage Journey implemented by Saigon WaterGo, combined with Hoa Thanh Tien folk art and the sound of the Central Highlands gong, also attracts many domestic and foreign tourists. The program lasts until mid-March 2026, with the desire to become a cultural storytelling point on the Saigon River.
According to the Ho Chi Minh City Department of Tourism, in 2026, the city will continue to implement the Tourism Development Project to 2030, focusing on improving the quality and diversifying typical products of the big city. Ho Chi Minh City's tourism industry sets a target of welcoming about 11 million international visitors, 50 million domestic visitors, and total tourism revenue estimated at 330,000 billion VND in 2026.
