Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam’s largest urban center, is enhancing its tourism sector by emphasizing its rich culinary culture. The city is diversifying its tourism offerings to attract both local and international visitors. By leveraging its unique cuisine, Ho Chi Minh City aims to establish itself as a premier culinary tourism destination.
Focus on Culinary Tourism
Recently, the city’s tourism industry has prioritized developing diverse products which include river tours, cultural tours, and eco-tourism. However, it has identified culinary tourism as a key area for growth, intending to position the city as a melting pot of both Vietnamese and international dishes.
New Culinary Initiatives
To capitalize on this trend, more than 680 gastronomic assets are available for exploration, with vibrant street food stalls serving as focal points. Starting September 2025, the municipal Department of Tourism will launch 20 innovative culinary tour programs. These tours aim to offer not just food experiences but also cultural narratives.
- Flavours of the Sea (2-day, 1-night trip)
- A Journey of the Taste Buds (2-day, 1-night trip)
- Returning to Hometown Flavours (2-day, 1-night trip)
- Vespa Le La (half-day tour)
- Coastal Saigon (half-day tour)
- Double-decker dinner cruise (1-day tour)
- From Farm to Bar organic chocolate experience (1-day tour)
Aims and Ambitions
The Deputy Director of the Ho Chi Minh City Department of Tourism, Bui Thi Ngoc Hieu, notes that these tours integrate dining, shopping, and sightseeing. The city’s tourism strategy aims to attract 10 million international visitors and generate 290 trillion VND (approximately 11 billion USD) in revenue this year.
Global Appeal of Vietnamese Cuisine
Experts emphasize that incorporating local cuisine into tourism is essential as it enhances cultural connections. A recent report indicates that 81% of international visitors seek to experience local food. Thus, Ho Chi Minh City is recognized as a “miniature map of Vietnamese cuisine” with immense potential for building a global brand as a culinary destination.
Future Strategies for Culinary Tourism
Proposals for increasing culinary tourism include the establishment of a culinary destination recognition system and creating an international expert center. Engaging in public-private partnerships, organizing food events and festivals, and implementing digital transformation strategies are also suggested to enhance the tourism experience.
- Collaborate with authorities, enterprises, and communities.
- Develop online culinary maps and interactive content.
- Train “Culinary Ambassadors” to promote traditional dishes.
In conclusion, Ho Chi Minh City is committed to transforming its culinary diversity into a universal language of tourism. By investing in culinary tourism, the city not only aims to attract more visitors but also to share the richness of Vietnamese flavors with the world.
