Over 4.6 million foreign tourists visit Vietnam in Q1
Vietnam has welcomed over 4.6 million foreign tourist arrivals in the first quarter of this year, up 72% year-on-year, and 3.2% compared to the figure recorded in the same period of 2019 before the COVID-19 outbreak, the General Statistics Office (GSO) announced on March 29.
In March, nearly 1.6 million international tourists visit Vietnam. (Photo: VNA)
Hanoi (VNA) – Vietnam has welcomed over 4.6 million foreign touristarrivals in the first quarter of this year, up 72% year-on-year, and 3.2%compared to the figure recorded in the same period of 2019 before the COVID-19outbreak, the General Statistics Office (GSO) announced on March 29.
The GSO attributed the result to favourablevisa policies, tourism stimulus programmes, and efforts made by localauthorities and the sector.
Among the foreign arrivals, 83.6% have travelledto Vietnam by air, 13.5% by road and 2.9% by sea.
Revenue from accommodation and foodservices in the first quarter is estimated at 174.8 trillion VND (6.98 billionUSD), and from travel and tourism activities at 14.1 trillion VND, up 46.3% year-on-year.
In the period, 1.2 million Vietnamesepeople travelled abroad, a year-on-year rise of 11.5%.
In March alone, nearly 1.6 million internationaltourists have visited Vietnam, leading to a month-on-month increase of 4.4%.
This year, the tourism sector set targetsof serving 18 million foreign tourists and 110 million domestic ones, andearning 850 trillion VND from visitors.
To that end, the Vietnam National Authorityof Tourism said that efforts will be made to carry out promotion activities,diversify products and services, and the tourism sector will coordinate with other sectors such asagriculture and industry to create products that increase the length of visitors' stay in Vietnam and thus spending./.
Foreign arrivals have been on track for full recovery since Vietnam opened its border two years ago on the back of a favourable visa policy, Director of the Vietnam National Administration of Tourism Nguyen Trung Khanh said at the National Assembly’s Q&A session on March 18.
The Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) of China received 132 applications for working visas from Vietnam, Laos, and Nepal as of February 29 after it opened its visa programme for skilled workers from these countries on October 25 last year, according to Chris Tang, secretary for security of the region.
Chairman of the People's Committee of Da Nang city Le Trung Chinh hosted a reception on March 22 for Jérémy Bacchi, Politburo member of the French Communist Party, Senator for the Bouche de Rhone department and Secretary of its Party Committee, expressing commitment to supporting French firms and ensuring tourist safety.
Hanoi welcomed about 6.54 million tourist arrivals in the first quarter of this year, of them some 1.4 million international, representing year-on-year rises of 10.9% and 40%, respectively, the municipal Department of Tourism said.
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.
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.
In March, nearly 1.6 million international tourists visit Vietnam. (Photo: VNA) 
