Vietnamese Cigarettes Tourism Export: Worthy Smoke or Just Passable?

Tourism Export (Vietnam): a peppery, budget-friendly import worth trying

Vietnam’s lineup has grown since Thăng Long first hit shelves. Here in the U.S., interest in Vietnamese cigarettes is rising for one simple reason: value. Low prices did a lot of the heavy lifting early on, but it’s not fair to lump every brand together—VinTaba also makes some genuinely notable cigarettes.

Tourism Export is one of those names. Some say the label hints at a blend meant for export markets. So what are these cigarettes like, and are they worth your time? Here’s a detailed look and my take.

Tourism is an old brand. It dates to the 1980s under Vinh Hoi Tobacco, a name longtime import collectors will recognize alongside 475, Bông Sen, and Vitab. Back then, quality could be hit‑or‑miss; jokes about “spicy grass” weren’t uncommon. Even so, smokers reached for them when choices were limited.

Today, Tourism comes from a modern facility at Vinataba Saigon, and the product has improved noticeably. Some veteran smokers still carry those early impressions and steer clear of anything made in Vietnam, but younger U.S. smokers are more open to trying them. Availability varies by state and retailer, yet you’ll often find Vietnamese imports priced well below mainstream U.S. brands. Check our Cigsspot product page for current USD pricing and stock.

In the pack, Tourism Export looks clean and on‑trend: minimal graphics, a classic cork filter, and decent paper quality. The fill is respectably dense; the one‑piece cellulose acetate filter is on the soft side, and there’s no perforation on the tipping paper. Out of the pack, the aroma reads distinctly Vietnamese—richly spicy, like a dry rub for meat. It’s distinctive without being off‑putting.

There’s a solid amount of tobacco in each stick, and the blend shows some variety. The base is mostly yellow to dark‑yellow ribbons, with lighter yellow and some brown pieces for contrast. It’s predominantly tobacco with very little stem, and I didn’t spot any reconstituted sheet. Tar numbers aren’t listed on the pack, so strength is by feel.

Despite the low stem content, the smoke isn’t particularly heavy—call it a medium “six.” The flavor follows the aroma: a firm peppery bite that grabs the mucosa like a bright, not‑fully‑ripened Virginia. There’s a fruity‑herbal sweetness suggestive of Virginia leaf, though it likely owes as much to casing as to the tobacco itself. Combustion can run a bit hot if you puff quickly.

Bottom line

Tourism Export’s profile is distinctive and may not click right away if you’re new to Vietnamese cigarettes. Its bouquet resembles the “yellow” Thăng Long hard‑pack but comes off a touch more pleasant, with a slightly broader flavor that helps offset the heat. Strength is moderate, yet the peppery nip can fatigue the palate if you chain‑smoke. The soft filter wets quickly and can delaminate from the tipping paper, though it doesn’t separate from the cigarette.

If you enjoy “yellow” Thăng Long, put Tourism on your list. For a first Vietnamese pick, Saigon Virginia is a friendlier starting point. Fans of Armenian or Arab cigarettes may find Tourism a bit too creatively cased, and if Greek or Japanese blends are your thing, Vietnamese profiles might simply not be your style. Your mileage may vary.

Tried Tourism Export and came away with a different impression? Share your take below.