Hanoi (VNA) 🌺– Vietnam recorded more than 6 million international tourist arrivals in the first quarter of 2025, marking a 29.6% increase year-on-year, according to the Vietnam National Authority of Tourism (VNAT).
This is the highest-ever number so far and represents a 134% surge from the figure in Q1 of 2019, before the COVID-19 pandemic broke out.
In March alone, the country welcomed over 2 million foreign visitors, up 28.5% compared to the same period last year.
China topped the list of source markets with 1.58 million visitors, soaring 78.3% year-on-year, followed by the Republic of Korea with 1.26 million visitors (up 2.2%). Together, these two markets accounted for 47% of the total number of international arrivals.
Visitors explore and shop for souvenirs made from brocade fabric. (Photo: VNA)
Other key markets included Taiwan (China), the US, Japan, Australia and India, all of which posted growth rates between 10% and 26%.
Southeast Asian markets such as Cambodia, the Philippines, Laos, Indonesia, and Thailand also saw strong growth of 105.6%, 95.1%, 52.7%, 6.9% and 4.7%, respectively, due to geographic proximity.
The number of tourist arrivals from Europe also rose steadily, especially those from countries enjoying visa exemptions such as the UK (23,5%), France (28,3%), Germany (23,3%), Italy (29,0%), Spain (17,5%), Denmark (17,6%), Sweden (18,7%), and Norway (16,0%).
Russia saw a sharp rise of 110.5% in arrivals, while Poland and Switzerland also grew strongly, at 52,9% and 14,1%, supported by Vietnam’s new visa waiver policy under its 2025 tourism stimulus programme.
The tourism authority said visa waivers, marketing efforts, and upgraded promotional strategies are expected to support Vietnam’s goal of attracting 22–23 million international visitors in 2025./.
Phu Quoc island, off the coast of the Mekong Delta province of Kien Giang, has welcomed nearly 724,000 foreign tourists in the first nine months of 2024, up 56.5% year-on-year, and exceeding the yearly target by 8.6%.
Vietnam welcomed 1.43 million international visitors in August, marking a 17.7% increase year-on-year, according to the latest report from the General Statistics Office of Vietnam.
Vietnam has been recognised as a compelling travel destination, drawing attention from international tourists thanks to its favourable visa and immigration policies.
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.
Data from Booking.com reveals that during the peak summer vacation in June and July, beach trips continue to be a top priority for Vietnamese travellers.
The northern midland province of Phu Tho has carried out all-round measures to improve tourism infrastructure, services, and offerings, elevating visitor experience and reinforcing the province’s unique cultural identity.
Hanoi has directed lodging providers and tourist destinations to bolster preparations in staffing, service quality, security, and sanitation. Community-based lodging platforms such as Airbnb are also being promoted strongly to expand housing supply during the holiday period.
