Understanding Malaysian tourist decision to tour Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam – The travel agency selection factor

International tourism tends to lead to in-situ as well national development of the host country in the long run. Malaysian is increasingly perceptive of the need to foster comfortable international travels through selected travel agencies. Given that the marketability of Ho Chi Minh city in Vietnam is being enhanced by the advent of additional and cheap routes this article examines the selection process of tourism agencies among Malaysians wanting to tour Ho Chin Minh. Data for the study were collected through questonnaires administered at the exit gate of Ho Chin Minh’s Tan Son Nhat international airport to 289 respondents who had used the services of tourism agencies for the three year period of 2011 to 2013. Results of the analysis can be synthesised into four key findings (1) a change from a negative perspective before a visit to the excitement of a repeat visit among tourists, (2) tourists’ perception of the imperative of accessible information and reliable rapport with travel agencies (3) tourists’moderate-to- highly perceived importance and acceptance of the actual price offers provided by travel agencies, and (4) tourists’ perception of Ho Chi Minh City as a safe travel destination for repeat visits without the involvement of travel agencies. These findings could prove useful to various interested parties, particularly, those related to the tourism-hospitality sector as well as to anyone planning for good tourism expeditions.