Vietnam tourism sets new record for int’l arrivals in early 2025
Vietnam’s tourism industry achieved a new milestone in January 2025, welcoming 2.1 million international visitors. This marks a 36.9% increase from the same period in 2024 and a 37.8% rise compared to January 2019.
Hanoi (VNA)🤡 - International arrivals in January 2025 were up 18.5% from the previous month and 36.9% year-on-year, according to data released by the General Statistics Office on February 6.
With 2.1 million foreign visitors, January 2025 set a new record for Vietnam’s tourism sector, surpassing the nearly 2 million arrivals recorded in January 2020. The figure also exceeded pre-pandemic levels, standing 37.8% higher than in January 2019.
China reclaimed its position as Vietnam’s top source market after several months of being overtaken by the Republic of Korea. In January 2025, 575,000 Chinese visitors arrived in Vietnam, accounting for 27.7% of total foreign arrivals—an increase of 54% from January 2024 (373,500 visitors).
The Republic of Korea ranked second with 417,000 arrivals (20.1%), followed by Cambodia (100,000), the United States (93,000), and Taiwan (China) (91,000). Other key markets included Japan, Australia, India, Malaysia, and Thailand.
The strong recovery of the Chinese market is attributed to strengthened cooperation between the Vietnam National Authority of Tourism, the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism, and Chinese partners. In particular, Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh’s visit to Chongqing and Kunming in November 2024 played a key role in fostering tourism and cultural exchanges between the two countries.
Chinese tourists visit Hanoi. (Photo: Tuan Duc/VNA)
The market also saw impressive growth from Cambodia. While 2024 recorded 475,000 Cambodian visitors to Vietnam, January 2025 alone welcomed 100,000 arrivals. This surge propelled Cambodia from ninth place to third among Vietnam’s top 10 tourism markets.
These gains highlight the success of Vietnam’s extended visa policy. Under Resolution 128/NQ-CP, effective August 15, 2023, unilateral visa exemptions for 13 countries were extended from 15 to 45 days, making travel to Vietnam more attractive.
Vietnam’s record-breaking tourism numbers reflect the industry’s recovery efforts and strategic policy adjustments. While Asia’s tourism sector has been slower to bounce back compared to other regions, Vietnam’s proactive approach has yielded strong results.
One key factor has been policy reform. The Vietnam National Authority of Tourism and the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism have submitted major proposals, leading to government resolutions that support the industry’s growth.
Vietnam has also revamped its promotional strategies, diversifying markets and expanding public-private partnerships. Efforts to introduce new tourism products—such as agricultural tourism, railway tourism, nighttime experiences, wellness retreats, and digital marketing—have further boosted the country’s appeal.
Night tourism is expected to be a major trend in 2025. (Illustrative photo: Vietnam+)
In a government meeting on February 5, Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh emphasized that tourism and services are among Vietnam’s key economic drivers. He noted that the sector made a strong post-pandemic recovery in 2024, laying the groundwork for continued expansion in 2025.
To sustain this momentum, the Prime Minister called for further innovation in tourism offerings and additional measures to attract international visitors. A key priority is refining visa policies, including exploring short-term visa exemptions for select tourist groups. These efforts aim to encourage longer stays and higher spending, strengthening Vietnam’s position as a leading travel destination./.
Vietnam has been actively adopting various measures to draw foreign tourists, improve the quality of its tourism sector, and facilitate the entry and stay of foreign nationals.
Favorable visa policies, intensified tourism promotion programmes, and prestigious international travel awards have driven a surge in international arrivals to Vietnam in January 2025, reaching nearly 2.1 million, up 18.5% from the previous month and 36.9% year-on-year.
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.
