How Halal Tourism Could Transform Vietnam’s Travel Industry

Picture yourself wandering through Hanoi’s bustling Old Quarter, the air thick with the scent of phở simmering in halal-certified kitchens, as a nearby mosque calls worshippers to prayer. Vietnam, a land of emerald rice paddies and vibrant street markets, is quietly positioning itself as a welcoming haven for Muslim travelers. With over 2 billion Muslims worldwide, the halal tourism market is a gold mine, and Vietnam is eager to tap into it. From halal food to prayer facilities, the country is adapting its rich cultural tapestry to meet Islamic needs, promising economic growth and cultural exchange. But can a nation with a tiny Muslim population pull it off? Let’s explore how Vietnam is embracing halal tourism, the challenges it faces, and why this could be a game-changer for its travel industry.

Related: How Muslims Thrive in Vietnam: Exploring Halal Viet Street Food Delights

What Is Halal Tourism?

Halal tourism is all about creating travel experiences that fit Muslim beliefs. “Halal” means “permissible” in Arabic, so it involves things like serving food that follows Islamic rules (no pork or alcohol, and meat must be slaughtered in a specific way), offering prayer spaces, and ensuring hotels are family-friendly with no alcohol in minibars. It’s not just for religious trips—it’s about making sure Muslim travelers can enjoy a destination’s culture, food, and sights while feeling respected.

The global halal tourism market is huge. Experts say it could be worth $350 billion by 2030, with 2.1 billion Muslims eager to explore the world. Vietnam, already a hot spot for tourists, welcomed 17.5 million international visitors in 2024, ranking third in Southeast Asia. Now, it’s eyeing Muslim travelers from places like Malaysia, Indonesia, and the Middle East, who are known for spending big on high-end experiences.

Vietnam’s Big Opportunity

Vietnam has a lot going for it. Its stunning landscapes—from Ha Long Bay’s limestone cliffs to the Mekong Delta’s winding rivers—draw millions. Its food, like beef phở and fresh spring rolls, is world-famous and easy to make halal. Plus, Vietnam is safe, affordable, and full of history, from ancient temples to colonial architecture. These are perfect ingredients for halal tourism, which thrives on cultural immersion paired with faith-based comfort.

The Vietnamese government sees the potential. In 2023, it launched a plan to boost the halal industry by 2030, including tourism. Prime Minister Phạm Minh Chính has been busy strengthening ties with Muslim-majority countries like the United Arab Emirates, Qatar, and Saudi Arabia. In November 2024, his visits to these nations led to new partnerships, opening doors for halal tourism. Vietnam also set up the Vietnam Halal Certification Authority (HALCERT) in April 2024 to make sure products and services meet global halal standards.

Cities like Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City are stepping up. In April 2025, Hanoi hosted a conference on halal tourism, bringing together experts, diplomats, and businesses to plan how to make the capital more Muslim-friendly. Ho Chi Minh City, with its vibrant markets and growing number of mosques, is also expanding halal restaurants and prayer rooms in hotels. Even smaller areas like Da Nang and Quang Ninh are getting ready to welcome Muslim visitors with halal food and tailored tours.

Why Muslim Travelers Are a Big Deal

Muslim tourists are a growing force. In 2019, there were 160 million Muslim travelers globally, and that number is climbing fast. They spent $341.1 billion on travel in 2023, and by 2030, that could hit $350 billion. Countries like Malaysia and Indonesia already dominate halal tourism, offering everything from halal beach resorts to prayer-friendly airports. But non-Muslim countries like Thailand and Japan are jumping in, adding halal menus and prayer spaces to attract these travelers. Vietnam wants a piece of this action.

Muslim travelers often come from wealthy countries like Saudi Arabia or the UAE, where people love luxury experiences. Others, from places like India or Indonesia, are part of a growing middle class with money to spend. Vietnam’s tourism boss, Ha Van Sieu, calls halal tourism a “gold mine” because it can bring in big spenders and boost local businesses. For example, in 2023, Indian Muslim tourists to Vietnam surged by 240%, showing huge demand.

How Vietnam Is Getting Ready

Vietnam is working hard to become Muslim-friendly. Here’s what’s happening:

Halal Food Everywhere

Food is a big part of halal tourism, and Vietnam’s cuisine is a natural fit. Dishes like phở, made with beef or chicken, can easily be halal if the meat is certified. Restaurants in Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City are getting halal certifications, and even street food stalls are starting to offer halal options. In coastal areas, seafood restaurants are a hit with Muslim travelers since fish is naturally halal. Big companies like TH Milk and Trung Nguyen Legend, a coffee brand, have been halal-certified for years, showing Vietnam can meet these standards.

In 2024, Vietnam showed off its halal products at the Melaka Halal Festival in Malaysia, proving it’s serious about competing globally. Hotels are also joining in, offering halal breakfasts and removing alcohol from rooms. Some, like one in Ho Chi Minh City, are fully halal, serving only certified food.

Prayer Spaces and Mosques

Muslims pray five times a day, so having places to pray is key. Vietnam has mosques in big cities like Ho Chi Minh City, including the Saigon Central Masjid and Al Rahim Masjid, built for local and visiting Muslims. Hanoi’s Al-Noor Masjid serves northern Vietnam. Hotels and shopping malls are adding prayer rooms, and airports like Tan Son Nhat are planning Muslim-friendly facilities.

Muslim-Friendly Tours

Companies like Halal Tour Vietnam, run by Muslims, offer trips designed for Muslim travelers. They include halal meals, visits to mosques, and stops at places like Ha Long Bay or the Cu Chi Tunnels. Local guides are being trained to understand Muslim needs, like avoiding non-halal restaurants or scheduling prayer breaks. Quang Ninh, a coastal province, welcomed Indian Muslim tourists in 2023 with halal-friendly tours, proving it’s possible even in smaller areas.

The government is all in. Besides the 2030 halal plan, it’s signing deals with Muslim countries to make certification easier. Indonesia, the world’s biggest Muslim nation, agreed in 2024 to help Vietnamese businesses get halal certificates faster. Vietnam’s free trade agreements, like those with ASEAN countries, also help by lowering barriers to halal markets.

The Challenges Ahead

It’s not all smooth sailing. Vietnam faces some big hurdles:

Vietnam’s Muslim population is tiny—about 40,000 people, less than 1% of the country. Most locals don’t know much about halal rules. Restaurants might accidentally use non-halal ingredients, and tour guides may not understand why prayer breaks matter. Training people takes time and money, but it’s crucial to avoid mistakes that could upset Muslim visitors.

Getting halal certification is tough. Everything from how animals are slaughtered to how food is stored must follow Islamic rules. Countries like Malaysia and Indonesia have strict checks, and Vietnam’s businesses need to pass these to export or serve tourists. Right now, only about 20 Vietnamese products are halal-certified for export, so there’s a long way to go.

Vietnam is up against heavyweights. Malaysia and Indonesia are halal tourism leaders, with entire resorts and cities designed for Muslims. Thailand, a non-Muslim country, has a halal action plan and attracts millions of Muslim visitors. Vietnam needs to stand out, maybe by highlighting its unique culture or affordable prices, to compete.

While big cities are ready, smaller places like Nha Trang or Da Nang have fewer halal options. Building more prayer rooms, certifying restaurants, and training staff in these areas will take years. Muslim travelers might hesitate to visit if they’re not sure their needs will be met.

Why It’s Worth It

Despite the challenges, halal tourism could be a game-changer for Vietnam. Here’s why:

Muslim tourists spend a lot, especially from wealthy countries. In 2024, Vietnam’s tourism brought in billions, and halal tourism could add even more. Local businesses, from restaurants to tour companies, will benefit, creating jobs and helping small towns grow.

Halal tourism isn’t just about money—it’s about sharing cultures. Muslim visitors can enjoy Vietnam’s festivals, like Tet, while locals learn about Islamic traditions. This builds understanding and makes Vietnam a more welcoming place for everyone.

By becoming a halal-friendly destination, Vietnam can shine on the world stage. It’s already a top travel spot, but catering to Muslims could put it alongside places like Japan, which added halal facilities for the 2020 Olympics. This could attract even non-Muslim travelers who value inclusive destinations.

Vietnam is moving fast. The government plans to certify more restaurants and hotels, build prayer facilities, and train thousands of workers by 2030. Conferences, like the one in Hanoi in April 2025, are sparking new ideas and partnerships. Provinces like Ben Tre and Ninh Thuan are promoting halal products, which could tie into tourism by offering local halal foods to visitors.

Vietnam is also learning from others. Malaysia’s halal resorts and Thailand’s halal food trucks show what’s possible. By 2026, the global halal tourism market could hit $300 billion, and Vietnam wants to be ready. Experts like Ramlan Osman from the Vietnam Halal Certification Authority say improving infrastructure and awareness is key.

Tips for Muslim Travelers

If you’re a Muslim planning a trip to Vietnam, here’s how to make it great:

• Stick to Big Cities: Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City have the most halal restaurants and mosques.

• Book Halal Tours: Companies like Halal Tour Vietnam plan everything, from meals to prayer stops.

• Check Certifications: Look for halal logos on menus or ask hotels if they’re certified.

• Enjoy Seafood: Coastal areas have tons of halal-friendly seafood restaurants.

• Visit Mosques: Places like Saigon Central Masjid are welcoming and near halal cafes.

Vietnam’s journey into halal tourism is just beginning, but the signs are promising. With government support, growing halal options, and a warm welcome for Muslim travelers, the country could become a must-visit destination. Imagine savoring halal bún chả by the Perfume River or praying in a quiet mosque before exploring Ha Long Bay. That’s the future Vietnam is building—a place where faith and adventure meet.

By embracing halal tourism, Vietnam isn’t just chasing dollars; it’s opening its heart to the world. For Muslim travelers, it’s a chance to discover a vibrant culture without compromise. For Vietnam, it’s a step toward a richer, more inclusive future. As the call to prayer echoes alongside the hum of scooters, one thing is clear: Vietnam’s halal tourism dream is ready to take flight.