The recent Reunification Day (April 30) and International Workers’ Day (May 1) holiday attracted throngs of visitors to the touristy city of Hoi An in Quang Nam Province, central Vietnam, but opinions were split between foreign and local visitors to the old town. 

While tourists from Western countries praised their experience in Hoi An, local visitors did not share the same enthusiasm.

Views from different angles

Currently, Hoi An offers three main tourism products including Hoi An Ancient Town, craft villages, and farm tours.

Hoi An Ancient Town boasts over 1,300 ancient houses inhabited by local residents, contributing significantly to its enchanting appeal and transforming it into a captivating UNESCO World Heritage Site.

The rustic town weaves together a vibrant tapestry of ancient houses, countryside scenery, and pristine beaches nestled side by side, drawing tourists from around the world to its charms.

Yet, for many tourists from Vietnam and certain Asian countries, a preference leans towards bustling and vibrant tourism, seeking activities beyond exploring old houses.

Nguyen Van Son, chairman of the Hoi An City People's Committee, noted a disparity in tourist preferences.

While visitors from abroad embrace experiences like farm tours, relishing the opportunity to ride water buffaloes and engage with local farming, domestic tourists appear indifferent, as rice fields are commonplace to them.

Cheap or expensive?

Another factor contributing to the division among tourists in Hoi An is the discrepancy in rates, influenced by distinct average incomes and preferences for tourism services between foreign and Vietnamese visitors.

On the one hand, Hoi An has recently been heralded as "the world’s cheapest long-haul destination for British travelers," as per the latest ranking report by the UK’s Post Office released in March.

The 2024 report ranked 40 global travel destinations from least to most expensive, based on the average price of eight popular tourist items in these places.

These items include a cup of filter coffee at a café/bar, a bottle of local beer/lager (330ml) at a café/bar, a bottle/can of Coca-Cola/Pepsi (330ml) at a café/bar, a glass of wine (175ml) at a café/bar, a 1.5-liter bottle of mineral water at a supermarket, suncream (200ml spf15) at a supermarket, a three-course evening meal for two (including a bottle of house wine).

According to the report, the average total spending of a Briton on these eight items when traveling to Hoi An is estimated at about U$64.

On the other hand, many Vietnamese tourists complained about the hefty prices in the city after their Reunification Day holiday.

Chairman Nguyen Van Son of the Hoi An City People's Committee underlined the city's efforts to enhance local tourism offerings to appeal to diverse tourist demographics.

Nonetheless, international tourists remain a key advantage for the city. As a result, Hoi An is steadfastly focusing on developing products tailored to meet the needs of this customer segment.

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