Cultural heritage commercialization in Vietnam: A review and sustainable development implications

Cultural heritage commercialization in Vietnam has emerged as a pivotal economic and cultural resource, driving tourism revenue growth, local development, and destination branding. A qualitative review of representative cases—such as Ha Long Bay, the Imperial Citadel of Thang Long, Vietnamese water puppetry, and the Complex of Hue Monuments—reveals that heritage sites are transitioning from static conservation models to integrated cultural-economic ecosystems through experiential tourism, creative industries, festivals, and digital innovation. However, this transformation faces significant challenges, including over-tourism, environmental strain, cultural commodification, human resource shortages, and governance limitations. The study advocates for a balanced approach that harmonizes heritage preservation with sustainable development, emphasizing the need for local community involvement, creative economies, and digital advancements to ensure long-term viability in Vietnam's globalized context.

Van, N. T., Cuong, H. C., & Quyet, C. B. (2026). Cultural heritage commercialization in Vietnam: A review and sustainable development implications. International Journal of Social Science and Education Research, 8(5), 169–174. https://doi.org/10.33545/26649845.2026.v8.i5b.654