Davao Tourists Experience Northern Vietnam at the Start of the New Year

In the early days of the new year, a group of travelers from Davao, Philippines, embarked on a memorable journey exploring Northern Vietnam, visiting three iconic destinations: Hanoi, Sa Pa, and Ha Long Bay.

Visitors from Davao enjoy a traditional boat ride amid limestone landscapes in Northern Vietnam.

Organized by Visit Indochina, the tour not only marked the opening of the 2026 travel season but also highlighted Vietnam’s growing appeal to the Philippine market beyond traditional hubs such as Manila and Cebu.

Unlike Manila or Cebu—well-established outbound tourism centers—Davao is located in the southern Philippines, with fewer direct connections and has historically not been considered a key source market for Vietnam tourism. However, this trip signals a clear shift in travel preferences among Davao visitors. Rather than purely leisure-focused holidays, travelers are increasingly seeking journeys rich in cultural immersion, natural landscapes, and local life experiences.

The Davao group visits Grand World Ha Long as part of their Northern Vietnam itinerary

Sa Pa proved to be a highlight filled with unexpected discoveries. Visitors explored Cat Cat Village, immersing themselves in the daily life of the H’Mong ethnic community, before stopping at Moana Coffee, where sweeping views of the valley and the Hoang Lien Son Range unfold.

The most anticipated experience was the journey to the summit of Fansipan via the Muong Hoa funicular and cable car system. Gliding above the clouds to reach the “Roof of Indochina,” the experience left a strong emotional impression on many first-time visitors to Vietnam.

In Hanoi, the itinerary shifted to a slower pace with deeper cultural exploration. Landmarks such as the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, Presidential Palace Hanoi, One Pillar Pagoda, Tran Quoc Pagoda, and St. Joseph’s Cathedral Hanoi offered insights into the capital’s history and architectural heritage. Meanwhile, experiences such as Train Street coffee, strolling around Hoan Kiem Lake, and free exploration of the Old Quarter added distinctive urban encounters.

Davao tourists explore Hanoi’s cultural landmarks during their Northern Vietnam journey.

Ha Long marked the final leg of the journey, where nature meets entertainment. Travelers visited Grand World Ha Long, enjoyed the lively atmosphere of the night market, and boarded a cruise to explore Ha Long Bay. A stop at Thien Cung Cave, with its dramatic stalactite formations, was described by many guests as “impressive and unlike anything they had experienced before.”

Visit Indochina Strengthens Its Presence in Davao

To penetrate the Davao market, Visit Indochina has actively participated in local tourism promotion activities and built long-term partnerships with regional travel stakeholders. Through consistent engagement, the company has established trusted and close relationships within the local tourism community.

Notably, following a severe earthquake that struck Davao in October 2025, Visit Indochina, through the Philippine Travel Agencies Association, contributed 50,000 Philippine pesos in support of local recovery efforts.

Nguyen Son Thuy, Director of Visit Indochina, personally presented the donation, demonstrating solidarity and support for the people of Davao during a difficult time.

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