Khanh Hoa Welcomes International Cruise Ship Viking Yidun, Boosting Vietnam’s Thriving Cruise Tourism Scene in 2025

The global cruise ship Ms Viking Yidun docked at Cam Ranh International Port in Khanh Hoa Province, Vietnam, on 4 August 2025. 210 passengers from Italy, China, Canada, and many other countries boarded in China and disembarked in Vietnam. Ms Viking Yidun will travel to Khanh Hoa to fully take advantage of cruise tourism and cultural tourism in the region.

Cultural Experiences Captivate Visitors

Upon disembarking at Cam Ranh, tourists were introduced to an array of captivating attractions in Khanh Hoa, carefully curated to offer a glimpse into the region’s rich cultural tapestry. The iconic Ponagar Tower, renowned as one of Vietnam’s most treasured historical landmarks, provided visitors with a profound sense of awe, allowing them to connect deeply with Vietnam’s ancient Cham civilisation.

The itinerary continued with immersive cultural engagements at the renowned Truong Son Craft Village. Here, traditional artisanship and local crafts, from handmade pottery to intricate textile weaving, were showcased, offering visitors an authentic hands-on experience of Khanh Hoa’s cultural traditions. The serene ambiance of Long Son Pagoda, known for its magnificent Buddha statue and tranquil atmosphere, further enriched tourists’ exploration, making it an unforgettable spiritual journey.

Viking Yidun Continues Its Voyage

After an enriching day of exploration and cultural interaction, Ms Viking Yidun resumed its journey the same evening, departing Cam Ranh International Port for Ho Chi Minh City. The voyage not only highlighted Khanh Hoa’s appeal as a destination but also marked the strategic importance of Cam Ranh Port as a rising hub for international cruise ships seeking new gateways in Southeast Asia.

Khanh Hoa’s Cruise Tourism Revival

The visit of Viking Yidun underscored a broader positive momentum in cruise tourism for Khanh Hoa. According to information from the Khanh Hoa provincial Department of Culture, Sports, and Tourism, this was the 16th international cruise arrival in the province since the beginning of 2025. Collectively, these cruises have facilitated the arrival of more than 19,000 tourists, each eager to discover the province’s diverse offerings.

The region has witnessed a significant resurgence in cruise tourism, propelled by improved port infrastructure and promotional strategies. Previously, cruise ships primarily docked at Nha Trang Port, but ongoing renovations have necessitated shifting cruise arrivals to Cam Ranh International Port. This transition has proved beneficial, as Cam Ranh offers advanced facilities better suited for handling international cruise ships, ensuring visitors experience smooth arrivals and departures.

Future Prospects: Strong Momentum Through 2025

The province anticipates welcoming four additional cruise ships by the end of 2025, with these vessels expected to bring in roughly 12,000 international passengers. This forecasted influx underscores the growing appeal and increasing confidence of international cruise operators in Khanh Hoa as an attractive destination. Local tourism officials remain optimistic, noting that the shift to Cam Ranh International Port will continue to enhance the visitor experience, further solidifying the province’s reputation as a prominent cruise tourism hotspot in Vietnam.

Khanh Hoa’s Growing Popularity Among Tourists

Khanh Hoa’s attractiveness as a tourist destination has surged markedly since early 2025, with figures provided by local tourism authorities highlighting over 10.8 million arrivals thus far. Significantly, more than 3.2 million of these were international visitors, reflecting Khanh Hoa’s burgeoning reputation on the global tourism stage. Total tourism revenue has already reached an impressive 42.379 trillion VND (approximately 1.61 billion USD), reinforcing the sector’s critical role in the provincial economy.

This sustained growth results from Khanh Hoa’s ongoing investments in enhancing tourism infrastructure, maintaining pristine beaches, promoting cultural attractions, and offering compelling culinary experiences. International cruise tourism, in particular, is emerging as a strategic component in the broader tourism recovery and expansion strategy outlined by local authorities.

Bright Future for Cruise Tourism in Khanh Hoa

The docking of Viking Yidun at Cam Ranh International Port vividly showcases how Khanh Hoa is emerging as a star in international cruise tourism. The province is being bolstered by its strategic initiatives and ongoing infrastructure development, as well as its diverse cultural resources, which stand to yield significant economic advantages alongside heightened international prominence. Khanh Hoa has positioned itself to serve as a linchpin for Vietnam’s cruise tourism development plans, making it an essential hub for Southeast Asia.

Image Credit: Viking Cruises Official Website

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