Southeast Asia Information Port (www.dnyxxg.com) reports that Ho Chi Minh City boasts a rich and diverse cultural and historical resource system. The old Saigon is clearly reflected in the French colonial-era architecture, such as the city post office, the Independence Palace, and the Notre Dame Cathedral; the riverside spaces formed by the Chinese community's guild hall system, traditional festivals, and distinctive cuisine; and the city's network of museums and historical-revolutionary sites.
Furthermore, traditional art forms such as Southern Caiju (a type of folk singing), water puppetry, and various folk temple fairs constitute important cultural value that tells the story of Ho Chi Minh City's unique character. However, most of these cultural resources have not yet been systematically organized and developed, and have not yet formed tourism products with sufficient depth and clear economic value.
Tourism enterprise practices indicate that cultural tourism in Ho Chi Minh City is currently mainly developed as complementary products. Hoang Phan Phuong Hoang, Deputy General Manager of Vietravel, revealed that the current level of productization in cultural tourism is insufficient to create distinctive highlights and effectively extend tourists' stay.
For Vietnam Tourism Corporation's tourism products, visits to museums and historical sites are often incorporated into city tours or MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions) packages. The company has launched museum-themed historical tours for international tourists and MICE clients, but the results have not yet met expectations, and there are still shortcomings in the large-scale promotion of these products.
