Mong Cai city ready for peak tourism season
As the summer tourism season approaches, Mong Cai city is emerging as a dynamic destination alongside long-established coastal hotspots such as Ha Long, Van Don, and Co To. With a strategic focus on improving service quality and diversifying its tourism offerings, Mong Cai is positioning itself as a major player in the country’s tourism development agenda.
According to statistics, Mong Cai welcomed approximately 279,000 tourist arrivals during the five-day holiday from April 30 to May 1, representing a 68% increase compared to the same period last year. Popular attractions included the Tra Co National Tourist Area, the Tra Co Communal House (a national special relic), the Mong Cai International Border Gate, the Sa Vi border information cluster, and Vinh Thuc Lighthouse.
In the first four months of 2025 alone, Mong Cai recorded 1.3 million visitors, generating more than VND 3,000 billion (approximately USD 120 million) in tourism revenue, a 16% year-on-year increase. The city aims to attract 4.8 million tourists by year-end.
The city's tourism boom is underpinned by ongoing investments in infrastructure and diversified tourism products. Authorities have prioritized the expansion and modernization of tourist facilities, particularly in beach tourism, eco-tourism, and cultural heritage experiences.
New developments for the summer 2025 season include high-end beach resorts in Tra Co, the expansion of public beaches in Ben Hen (Vinh Trung Commune), Dau Dong (Vinh Thuc Commune), and Da Den (Binh Ngoc Ward), and the introduction of eco-tourism and community-based tourism linked to the cultural heritage of the Dao ethnic group in Hai Son Commune.
The city is also investing in the revitalization of popular urban attractions such as Tran Phu Walking Street and Mong Cai Market. Plans to resume same-day cross-border tours and self-drive car services are also underway, alongside the launch of a new sightseeing route along the Bac Luan Border River.
Local travel companies are playing an increasingly active role in designing customized tour packages for distinct market segments.
“Summer is the peak season for domestic travel, and we are developing a range of tour options tailored to different customer profiles. We are also collaborating with international partners to attract high-spending visitors with exclusive travel packages”, said Nguyen Thi Thanh Huyen, Director of Hai Lam Sa Tourism Company.
As of mid-May, most hotels in Mong Cai have reported full bookings for weekends through the end of June, indicating strong demand. Hospitality businesses have stepped up preparations in terms of staffing, logistics, and inventory to ensure smooth service delivery. Strict compliance with licensing regulations, pricing transparency, and product quality standards is being enforced.
In parallel with market-driven developments, the city government is enhancing regulatory oversight and public administration in the tourism sector. Pre-season inspections of service providers have been conducted to ensure compliance with safety, hygiene, and quality standards. Authorities are also accelerating the review and issuance of tourism operation licenses and have published official lists of approved providers.
Non-compliant businesses face administrative action, with the city pledging to protect the reputation of Mong Cai and Quang Ninh as trusted destinations for both domestic and international travelers.
The city's efforts align with Vietnam’s broader strategy of sustainable and inclusive tourism development, as Mong Cai transitions from a border city to a regional tourism hub with strong cultural identity and growing international appeal.
