Foreign arrivals to Vietnam surge 32.8 percent in January
The number of foreign visitors to Vietnam in January is estimated to expand 16.6 percent month-on-month and 32.8 percent year-on-year, reaching 1.99 million, according to the General Statistics Office (GSO).
Foreign visitors to the central city of Da Nang by sea (Source: VNA)
Hanoi (VNA) - The numberof foreign visitors to Vietnam in January isestimated to expand 16.6 percent month-on-month and 32.8 percent year-on-year, reaching1.99 million, according to the General Statistics Office (GSO).
This marked the highest figure so far due to high travel demand for the traditionalLunar New Year (Tet) holiday.
Of the total, those travelling by air increased by 38.9 percent, while arrivalsby sea rose by 231.5 percent.
In January, tourists from Asia accounted for 77.4 percent of the total, 39.9percent higher than that of the same period last year. Arrivals from China surgedby 72.6 percent, while those from Thailand, the Republic of Korea, Taiwan, Japan,and Malaysia climbed 40.1 percent, 20.4 percent, 19.3 percent, 11.4 percent and5.5 percent, respectively.
The number of European visitors in the reviewed period witnessed a yearly increaseof 11.5 percent. Of which, those from Russia saw the highest rise of 16.1percent, followed by Germany, the UK and France with respective expansions of 9.6percent, 8.7 percent and 5.3 percent.
Meanwhile, the number of tourists from America was up 19percent year-on-year, mainly from the US, the GSO said.
Itadded that in the last days of January, Vietnamese travel agencies attended the InternationalTourism Fair (FITUR 2020) in Spain.
Vietnam’s participation at the event is hoped to actively contribute to attractingmore Spanish-speaking visitors to the Southeast Asian nation./.
Alain Baron, a French national flying with national flag carrier Vietnam Airlines from France to Hanoi, became the first foreign tourist to set foot in the capital city in 2020.
A ceremony was held at Da Nang’s Tien Sa port on Jan. 26, the second day of the Lunar New Year 2020, to welcome first international cruise ship to the city.
The number of visitors increased by 4.1% compared to the same period last year, while total tourism revenue surged by 48.8%, or nearly 88% of the year’s target.
“There is no more atmospheric way to haul into Vietnam’s twin metropolises as this train rattles through historic cities and swooshes beside spectacular coastlines,” according to Lonely Planet.
All the 240 households in Thieng Lieng hamlet once knew only salt production and aquaculture, but now welcoming tourists has become a source of their joy and income.
The first and only direct service connecting the two countries at the moment is set to operate three times per week using the modern wide-body Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner aircraft.
Mu Cang Chai is home to nearly 83,000 hectares of forest, including almost 60,000 hectares of unspoiled natural woodland. Recognising this potential, local authorities have embraced a holistic strategy that protects biodiversity while promoting tourism.
Phu Quoc ranks among the top 10 leading tourist islands in Asia. As the largest island in Vietnam, it boasts stunning natural beauty, with expansive coral reefs resting beneath the sea and a number of beautiful, poetic beaches such as Sao, Truong, and Khem, known for their fine white sand and crystal-clear waters.
Vietnam's national flag carrier Vietnam Airlines and Vietjet are among the exhibitors, promoting key destinations such as Ho Chi Minh City, Hanoi, and Phu Quoc, as well as distinctive tourism products.
Alexander Musikhin, Vice President of ATOR and CEO of the Intourist travel agency, highlighted Vietnam as a top destination offering a unique blend of beach holidays and cultural excursions.
According to Seoul’s Tourism Industry Department, approximately 20,000 Vietnamese visitors travel to the city each year for medical treatment. Vietnam consistently ranks among the top 10 countries with the highest number of medical tourists to Seoul.
An analysis of accommodation search data based on check-in dates for June and July revealed that Nha Trang surpassed all other destinations in popularity among Korean users.
The programme is organised by the Khanh Hoa provincial Youth Union and the “Khanh Hoa people speak English” Project, and aims to promote the culture, history, cuisine and other tourism products of Nha Trang – Khanh Hoa to international visitors.
VNAT Director General Nguyen Trung Khanh called visa a golden ticket to pulling in crowds, but he is clear that it needs coordinated efforts across multiple sectors to keep the momentum going in this fast-moving global travel scene.
As a tourism hub, Hanoi is now actively developing strategies to attract Muslim travellers. In recent years, the city has seen a notable uptick in visitors from countries with large Muslim populations.
When tourists witness firsthand the passion and care of farmers, they’re willing to pay higher prices because they see the genuine worth behind every product.
During the first five months, China continued to be Vietnam's largest source market of tourists, followed by the RoK, China’s Taiwan, the US, and Japan.
After more than three months of operation, the popularity of the free tours in Bac Ninh province shows no signs of cooling down. Many tourists return every week in hopes of experiencing all the tours and visiting every destination.
Typical products of Phu Tho are being showcased at the Lao Cai International Travel Mart 2025, held in the northern mountainous province of Lao Cai from June 5-8.
Featuring 130 stalls and delegations from 120 travel agencies representing more than ten countries and territories, the event is expected to provide a platform for establishing partnerships and attracting more visitors to Lao Cai in the future.
Kicking off the festival on the evening of June 7 will be the grand music concert titled “Nha Trang Say Hi”, featuring popular artists from the trending show “Anh Trai Say Hi”. The event will be broadcast live nationwide and conclude with a fireworks display over Nha Trang Bay.
Foreign visitors to the central city of Da Nang by sea (Source: VNA) 
