Vietnam meets Sri Lanka: Two destinations one beautiful journey
By Zanita Careem From the timeless charm of Vietnam’s ancient cities and emerald landscapes to Sri Lanka’s golden beaches, misty tea hills and rich cultural heritages, two captivating Asian destinations are finding new ways to bring their world’s closer. Tourism is emerging as a particularly glamorous bridge between Viet Nam and Sri Lanka, offering travellers […]
Vietnam and Sri Lanka, two distinct Southeast Asian destinations, are deepening their tourism ties and attracting travelers from both nations. Ambassador of Vietnam to Sri Lanka Trinh Thi Tam sheds light on the growing partnership, promising experiences, and the potential for increased visits between the two countries.
The establishment of direct flights between Vietnam and Sri Lanka marks a significant milestone in the bilateral tourism relationship. This development, which bridges a common geographical distance, has already led to a surge in travelers, with nearly 5,000 Vietnamese visitors arriving in Sri Lanka during the first seven months of 2026, compared to around 4,000 Vietnamese visitors in the entire year of 2025. Similarly, Sri Lankan tourists have flocked to Vietnam, with nearly 9,000 visitors recorded in the same period.
Ambassador Tam highlights the key attractions of Sri Lanka for Vietnamese tourists. The country's rich cultural heritage, spiritual significance, and diverse landscapes offer an enticing mix of experiences that appeal to Vietnamese travelers. From ancient Buddhist sites like Anuradhapura and Kandy to stunning beaches, tea plantations, and wildlife encounters, Sri Lanka presents a unique travel experience that stands out from other destinations in the region.
Buddhist tourism, in particular, is seen as a powerful driver of this partnership. Sri Lanka holds a special place in Theravada Buddhism, and many Vietnamese pilgrims are drawn to visit sacred sites. At the same time, there is a growing interest in spiritual travel among Vietnamese tourists, making Sri Lanka an attractive destination for meaningful experiences.
Vietnam's investment potential in Sri Lanka's tourism sector is also being explored. Vietnamese companies bring expertise in destination development, hospitality, transportation, and tourism infrastructure. Joint ventures can combine Vietnamese capital and business acumen with Sri Lanka's natural resources and local knowledge, leading to new opportunities in hotels, wellness retreats, eco-tourism, and other thriving areas.
Written by urgent.news from The Island Sri Lanka's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
