Vietnam’s Dong Nai eyes tourism linked to mega Long Thanh International Airport to open this year

A number of proposals were presented at the “Dong Nai Tourism Takes Off with Long Thanh Airport” seminar organized by the province and the Dong Nai Tourism Association on May 20.

Officials said the VND336.63-trillion (US$12.8 billion) Long Thanh International Airport is expected to open later this year and serve as a key southern gateway.

It is projected to handle 80% of international passengers visiting the Ho Chi Minh City area, easing pressure on the city’s overloaded Tan Son Nhat International Airport.

Vu The Binh, chairman of the Vietnam Tourism Association, said tens of millions of passengers would pass through the airport in the future, but Dong Nai needs a strong service ecosystem to take advantage of the tourism opportunity, Voice of Vietnam reported.

He called for integrated products that would encourage visitors to stay.

Tour operators, including Vietravel, suggested developing eco-tourism and sports tourism offerings linked to nearby attractions such as Bien Hoa, Chua Chan Mountain, and Cat Tien National Park.

Industry insiders also highlighted the need to improve transport links, accommodation, services, workforce training, and coordination between airlines, travel agencies, and local authorities.

Pham Huong Son, chairman of the Dong Nai Tourism Association, said the city has a rare opportunity to foster tourism growth but needs to address challenges related to infrastructure, service quality, and product differentiation, Dan Tri newspaper reported.

The city’s deputy chairman, Le Truong Son, said Dong Nai might have great tourism potential but its products remain poor and accommodation facilities are limited.

He pointed out that Phuoc An International Port received six international cruise ships with more than 10,000 passengers in 2025, but all the visitors traveled to Ho Chi Minh City for accommodation and sightseeing instead of staying in Dong Nai.