The number of Russian tourists to Vietnam has increased in the past few years, particularly to Ho Chi Minh City and Binh Thuan Province’s Phan Thiet City in southern and central Vietnam, France’s Le Monde Diplomatique reported in its August issue.

The French newspaper which is published every month said that tourists from Russia have been drawn to the Southeast Asian country on account of its stunning beaches, cityscape, and reasonable prices.

Its August article “Charters russes pour le Vietnam” (Flights Carrying Russian Tourists to Vietnam) noted that the unrest in Egypt and Thailand have caused Russian vacationers to change their habit and switch from Tunis (Tunisia) and Cairo (Egypt) to Ho Chi Minh City and Mui Ne, one of Phan Thiet’s scenic spots, some 200km (a four-hour bus drive) from the southern economic center.

According to the article’s author Jordan Puoille, Vietnam has invested in constructing and improving its infrastructure, and diversifying tourism products as well as services to lure visitors from Russia.

The number of Russian tourists rose to 250,000 in 2013 from 102,000 in 2011 and 172,000 in 2012.

The article pointed out that 250 hotels have been built in Nha Trang City in central Vietnam’s Khanh Hoa Province and 139 hotels have also cropped up in Phan Thiet and Mui Ne in recent times.

Luxury resorts and hotels such as Pandanus, Terracotta Resort, Swiss Village, Malibu, Great Coconut, and Ocean Stars offer tourists a wide range of excellent services.

The influx of Russian tourists has brought business opportunities to both locals and Russian expats who are currently living near the beaches.

Apart from the strengths, Puoille also pointed out several shortcomings which tourism officials in Mui Ne should remedy, including overcharging in shops and mini-supermarkets and language hurdles confronting locals and tourists.

He wrapped up his story with the estimation that Vietnam is completely capable of receiving roughly one million Russian tourists a year.

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