In the first two months of 2023, Vietnam welcomed nearly 4.7 million international visitors, with significant increases in arrivals from various markets, particularly Asia. Aiming for 25 million international visitors by 2026, Vietnam attributes growth to improved visa policies, tourism promotions, and service enhancements, while economic contributions from travelers remain vital.
Of the nearly 4.7 million international visitors to Vietnam in the first two months of the year, more than 3.8 million (81.8 percent) arrived by air, 741,200 (15.8 percent) by road, and 109,500 (2.4 percent) by sea. These figures represent year-on-year increases of 12.8 percent, 58.6 percent, and 10.2 percent respectively.
According to the National Statistics Office (NSO), a combination of breakthrough visa policies, renewed tourism promotion efforts, greater product diversification, and improved service quality has helped attract more international travelers to Vietnam.
In February alone, the country welcomed more than 2.2 million international arrivals, marking the third consecutive month that inbound tourism surpassed the two-million mark.
The January-February total of nearly 4.7 million visitors already accounts for about 19 percent of Vietnam’s full-year international tourism target.
Asia remained Vietnam’s largest source market, contributing approximately 3.4 million visitors, or 73 percent of total arrivals.
South Korea ranked as the leading source market with nearly 971,000 visitors during the two-month period, up about 10 percent year on year. Mainland China followed with around 923,000 arrivals.
Several Southeast Asian markets recorded strong growth compared with the same period last year. Arrivals from the Philippines surged by 72 percent, while those from Singapore increased by 35 percent, Indonesia by 27 percent, and Malaysia by 16.5 percent.
Beyond traditional markets, India has emerged as one of Vietnam’s fastest-growing inbound markets, with 158,000 visitors in the first two months of the year – an increase of more than 71 percent compared with the same period in 2025.
Europe also recorded notable growth, sending around 847,000 visitors to Vietnam during the period, up 67.4 percent year on year. Russia remained the largest European source market with approximately 247,000 arrivals, a sharp rise of 212.5 percent.
European travelers typically stay longer and spend more, contributing significantly to the overall economic value of the tourism sector.
Meanwhile, the Americas maintained steady growth, with roughly 278,000 visitors recorded in the first two months of the year. The United States remained among Vietnam’s top ten source markets, with around 210,000 visitors, up 16.3 percent year on year.
Australia also showed stable growth, sending about 130,000 visitors to Vietnam during the period, an increase of 14.6 percent.
Looking ahead, Vietnam’s tourism sector aims to welcome 25 million international visitors and 150 million domestic travelers in 2026, generating total tourism revenue of VND1.125 quadrillion (approximately US$42.9 billion). These targets represent projected increases of 16.3 percent in international arrivals, 10.7 percent in domestic travel, and 12.5 percent in tourism revenue compared with 2025, according to the Vietnam National Authority of Tourism under the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism.
Australian Hospitality Alumni Network Vietnam 