Julietta Jameson, the author of the article in The Sydney Morning Herald, expressed her admiration for the grand resorts in Phu Quoc, which leave a strong impression with their distinctive European-style design and decoration.
She likened some of Phu Quoc’s resorts — built in European architectural styles within Asia — to streetscapes reminiscent of Disneyland, evoking images that seem to belong only in fairy tales.
“Meanwhile, on the other side of the island and further north, Duong Dong town still retains the hallmarks of Viet Nam: bustling night markets, beautiful beaches, and tourist attractions at affordable prices,” Julietta Jameson wrote in The Sydney Morning Herald.
Overall, the author observed that the quality of tourism services in Phu Quoc is excellent, ranging from luxury resorts with their own distinctive styles to a diverse and appealing culinary scene. These factors, she noted, indicate that the Viet Nam’s tourism industry is standing at a turning point.
Accordingly, Viet Nam is stepping up tourism development to meet the increasingly high expectations of international visitors. However, this has at times posed challenges in maintaining harmony with the local context. Even so, authenticity continues to be preserved, reflecting the historical depth of a nation that has experienced centuries of upheaval.
Hue is cited by The Sydney Morning Herald as a destination that has achieved a harmonious balance between tourism development and heritage conservation. Resorts and accommodation here are designed with close reference to history, bearing the distinct imprint of the former imperial capital. They offer visitors modern comfort and convenience while maintaining a deep connection with local culture — an element also clearly reflected in the services provided by these establishments.
According to the article, Hue itself is another example of history presented with nuance and care. Its extraordinary past is visible in faded walls and renovated pavilions alike.
“Even a sunset “cultural cruise” — two words that can make seasoned travellers wince at the thought of cheesily packaged experiences — on Hue’s Perfume River is an unexpected delight,” the article stated.
In addition to Phu Quoc and Hue, The Sydney Morning Herald also mentioned the Trang An Scenic Landscape Complex (Ninh Binh), which was recognised by UNESCO as a World Heritage site in 2014 and is renowned for its limestone karst scenery and unique river and canal system.
However, Julietta Jameson expressed concern that tourism popularity often comes with negative side effects, such as overcrowding caused by large numbers of day-trippers, emissions from boats, and traffic congestion.
These issues could gradually erode the tranquillity that makes such destinations attractive in the first place, while also posing challenges for sustainable tourism management.
She also shared that as Australians, and indeed global travellers, flock to a destination that, on December 15, 2025, officially welcomed its 20 millionth international visitor in a single year, marking a historic tourism milestone, the answer lies in mindful travel choices.
The Sydney Morning Herald noted: “Vietnam is undeniably welcoming. That’s worth our time alone. But tourism citizenship demands consideration of culture — whether that means prioritising it on our itineraries beyond resort walls or simply being thoughtful in how we conduct ourselves.”
Viet Nam is accelerating tourism development to meet the growing demands of international visitors. Yet this process can at times challenge efforts to maintain harmony with local contexts. Nevertheless, authenticity continues to be preserved, reflecting the profound historical depth of a nation shaped by centuries of change.
