The southern gate - the biggest and most beautiful gate of the Ho dynasty's citadel.

The programme, slated to be launched in March, will run throughout the year across the province and also attract the participation of 15 cities and provinces that house world heritage, such as Ha Noi capital and Phu Tho and Quang Ninh provinces.

Outstanding events include the Japanese Culture Days in January, an international stone sculpture camp in May, a cuisine festival in June, and other festivals on historical individuals and events.

The logo for the Year is a circle formed by eight traditional conical hats representing Vietnamese natural and cultural masterpieces recognised by the UNESCO with the image of the Ho Dynasty Citadel in Thanh Hoa at the centre.

The conical hats represent two natural heritage sites (Ha Long Bay and Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park), five cultural heritage (the Central Sector of the Imperial Citadel of Thang Long, the Citadel of the Ho Dynasty, the Complex of Hue Monuments, Hoi An Ancient Town, My Son Sanctuary), and one mixed heritage (Trang An Landscape Complex).

The National Tourism Year 2015 is a great opportunity for Thanh Hoa to popularise tangible and intangible cultural values and beautiful landscapes of Viet Nam and its own so as to promote the national and provincial images, local officials said.

At present, Viet Nam is home to 22 world heritage recognised by the UNESCO, including two natural heritages, five cultural heritages, nine intangible cultural heritages, four documentary heritages, one geological heritage, and one mixed heritage.

Thanh Hoa is located on mountainous-midland, lowland, and coastal terrains which are said to be favourable for developing tourism. It strives to make this industry spearhead its socio-economic development.

The province aims to welcome 100,000-120,000 foreign tourist arrivals and 5-5.3 million domestic visitors in the year and earn 158.6 million USD in revenues.