The course provides basic communication skills and knowledge of Korean tourist customs to 83 members of the tourist cyclo team. This initiative aims to professionalize the transport service, especially as Korean visitors accounted for over 28% of Da Nang's total international arrivals in the past 11 months.

Beyond human training, the city's tourism sector implemented an integrated auto guide system on cyclos in 9/. This device uses GPS to automatically activate audio commentary through headphones in 15 languages as the cyclos pass attractions. Drivers' additional Korean language skills are expected to enhance direct communication beyond the pre-recorded commentary.

Korean language class for cyclo drivers in Da Nang. *Da Nang Tourism Promotion Center*

The tourist cyclo tour is considered a unique Da Nang product, known for its traditional charm, friendliness, and intimate perspective on urban life. Tourists on the tour can visit attractions such as the Cham Sculpture Museum, APEC Park, Bach Dang street, Han Market, Tran Phu street, and enjoy the Han River riverside scenery. The cost is approximately 200,000 VND for 30 minutes per person.

To expand international market reach, Da Nang cyclo tours are now available on online booking platforms such as Klook, GetYourGuide, and Kkday. According to a Klook representative, since its launch in 9/, the platform has recorded nearly 100 bookings, predominantly from Korean tourists.

Cyclo driver team in Da Nang. *danangfantasticity*

The Da Nang Tourist Cyclo Team was established in 2003, directly managed by the Da Nang Tourism Promotion Center. Cyclos have become a familiar sight on many central streets, with the city focusing on training drivers to provide polite, civilized service, avoiding touting or competing for customers.

Currently, the team operates 83 cyclos with standardized designs, colors, and sizes. All members meet health requirements, understand traffic laws, possess destination knowledge, and have foreign language communication skills.

According to the Da Nang Department of Tourism, in the past 11 months, the city welcomed an estimated over 2 million Korean tourists, accounting for over 28% of total international arrivals and remaining its largest market. This segment of visitors demonstrates stable spending, longer stays, and diverse experiential needs, creating significant potential for developing suitable tourism products.

Over the past 11 months, Vietnam's total international arrivals exceeded 19 million, an increase of nearly 21% compared to the same period in 2024. This marks an all-time high, surpassing the 2019 record of 18 million visitors.

The Korean market ranked second for international arrivals to Vietnam over the past 11 months, with over 3,9 million visitors, representing 20,6%. China led with nearly 4,8 million arrivals (25%).

Representatives from tour companies serving Korean visitors noted that this second-largest segment of Vietnam's tourism market is demanding, occasionally temperamental, but serious and willing to spend.

Bich Phuong