A recent travel story on a 14-day Asian cruise from Singapore to Bangkok, Hong Kong, and Vietnam is putting multi-destination voyages back in the spotlight, offering Thai tourism stakeholders valuable lessons for attracting regional travelers and boosting cross-border tourism. Shared through the account of international travelers on the Mercury News, the journey highlights iconic cultural and natural heritage sites—particularly Vietnam’s Ha Long Bay—and reveals logistics, safety tips, and economic opportunities for Southeast Asian nations, including Thailand.
The cruise, which featured extended stops in Vietnam’s major tourist hubs such as Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon), Nha Trang, Hue, and Ha Long Bay, illustrates the growing appeal of slow, culturally rich travel throughout Asia. Ha Long Bay, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, drew the most enthusiastic praise, famed for its striking limestone islets, scenic caves, and guided boat excursions (UNESCO Ha Long Bay). These destinations thrived not only for their natural beauty but also for the robust infrastructure supporting visitor engagement: organized tours, multilingual guides, and seamless access to regional heritage.
For Thai readers, the development and high ratings of such cruise itineraries matter because Thailand features prominently among the embarkation points and as a key tourism hub in Asia. Bangkok, served by Laem Chabang Port, remains a strategic node connecting inbound and outbound travelers on regional cruise routes (Tourism Authority of Thailand). The continued popularity of these journeys underlines Thailand’s role in the wider Asian cruise network and signals untapped opportunities for ports, local businesses, and national tourism marketing—especially as international cruise lines rapidly resume and expand post-pandemic operations (Cruise Industry News, 2025).
Practical travel tips from the featured cruise underline common issues for Thai and other ASEAN travelers venturing abroad. The need for a Vietnam visa, highlighted by a recent tourist, serves as a reminder for travelers to verify entry requirements on official government sites to avoid costly scams. “Vietnam requires a Visa to travel to their country and there is a Vietnam E-Visa website that travelers can use. There is a $25 fee paid directly to the Vietnam bank… Make sure it is their official site because there are third party websites that will make your application for you and charge you a $120 fee,” the traveler noted, cautioning against fraudulent services and emphasizing financial prudence (Vietnam E-Visa Official Site).
Moreover, the account mentions Vietnam’s reputation for high-quality, discounted apparel and sporting goods, along with practical advice on currency and payment methods—namely, that U.S. dollars are often accepted, but cash is king in markets, and credit cards work best in larger retail premises. Dining recommendations echo standard hygiene warnings: “Small restaurants are generally clean but be selective where you plan to eat. On the safe side, drink from bottled water.” These universal travel advisories resonate with Thai tourists, many of whom travel throughout the region and face similar issues regarding food safety, payment systems, and local customs (World Health Organization: Food Safety).
The trend toward immersive, multi-stop cruising aligns with new post-pandemic travel research emerging from academic circles. Studies suggest that slow travel—where tourists spend more time in each destination—results in deeper cultural exchange, increased spending in local economies, and a shift from mass tourism hotspots to secondary cities and natural attractions (Journal of Travel Research, 2024). This pattern is visible across ASEAN as cruise lines increase visits to lesser-known ports, supporting community-based tourism, distributing economic benefits more evenly, and reducing overtourism in major cities.
For Thailand, the success of Vietnam’s shore excursions, heritage site management, and integration of sustainable practices at iconic sites like Ha Long Bay offer useful benchmarks. The Ministry of Tourism and Sports, for instance, has been working to enhance Port Laem Chabang’s connectivity, visitor services, and partnerships with cruise lines, aiming to capture more overnight stays and excursions by ships traveling through the Gulf of Thailand (Ministry of Tourism and Sports Thailand). Learning from Vietnam’s strategies—such as clear signage, efficient visa processing, and curated local markets—can help Thai destinations offer similarly seamless experiences. Furthermore, the cruise report notes the importance of official information and vigilance in financial dealings, a topic that also resonates in Thailand’s efforts to protect tourists from scams and ensure a transparent, safe travel environment (Bangkok Post: Tourism scams).
Culturally, cruises have become an appealing option for inter-generational Thai families and groups of friends seeking safe, convenient, and comfortable travel across multiple destinations. The value proposition—unpacking once, waking in a new city daily, and enjoying organized shore excursions—fits Thai travel preferences for convenience, shopping, and culinary exploration. The emergence of luxury and mid-market cruise operators in Southeast Asia supports this trend, underscoring the region’s attractions beyond simple sightseeing, offering access to wellness activities, educational seminars, and cooking classes onboard (Statista: Asia-Pacific Cruise Market).
Looking ahead, tourism authorities and Thai businesses can leverage the momentum of multi-destination cruises by partnering with regional cruise lines, upgrading port facilities, and developing new excursions. Promoting lesser-traveled sites—such as the coastal communities along the Eastern Economic Corridor or cultural routes in Southern Thailand—as stops for international travelers can support local economies and diversify tourism flows. Investment in digital booking platforms, multilingual information resources, and enhanced health safety protocols will help meet the post-pandemic traveler’s evolving expectations (UNWTO Southeast Asia Trends, 2025).
For Thai travelers planning similar journeys, preparation is key: consult official embassy or consular sites for visa requirements, use authorized payment platforms, change cash into small denominations, and research health and food safety tips before departure. And for domestic tourism stakeholders, the message of “Wish You Were Here” is both an inspiration and a challenge—Thai ports, cities, and attractions must continue evolving to serve the increasingly sophisticated demands of modern Asian cruise passengers.