In May, Vietnam welcomed 1.8 million international visitors, a 16.5 percent increase from last year and a record high. With 10.6 million arrivals so far this year, the tourism sector is on track to reach its goal of 25 million visitors by 2026. Key markets include China, South Korea, and a surging Russian market.
The performance is particularly notable is traditionally considered a low season for international arrivals. For the first five months of the year, Vietnam received a record 10.6 million international visitors, the highest figure ever recorded for the January-May period.
Having already achieved approximately 42 percent of its full-year target within five months, the tourism industry is well-positioned to pursue its goal of attracting 25 million international visitors in 2026.
China and South Korea remained Vietnam’s two largest source markets, together accounting for nearly 40 percent of total arrivals. Other key markets included Russia, Taiwan, Cambodia, the United States, India, Japan, the Philippines, and Australia.
Among them, Russia emerged as one of the strongest performers. Arrivals from Russia surged 194 percent year-on-year, making it the fastest-growing international market and helping the country rise to third place among Vietnam’s top source markets. In just five months, Russian visitor numbers had already recovered to approximately 90 percent of pre-pandemic 2019 levels.
Across Southeast Asia, the Philippines recorded the strongest growth, with arrivals increasing 71.9 percent year-on-year. Cambodia, Indonesia, Singapore, and Malaysia also posted healthy gains, while India continued to demonstrate strong momentum, growing 50.4 percent and reinforcing its long-term potential as a strategic tourism market.
Europe delivered the strongest regional growth overall, expanding 54.8 percent during the first five months of the year. In addition to Russia, key markets such as Germany, France, the United Kingdom, Denmark, Norway, Sweden, Poland, Switzerland, and Czechia all recorded positive growth, contributing to a more diversified European visitor base.
Long-haul markets also continued to perform steadily, with arrivals from Australia and the United States increasing by 21.2 percent and 18.8 percent respectively.
According to VNAT, the sustained growth reflects Vietnam’s increasing appeal as an international destination and its ability to remain competitive in a dynamic global tourism landscape. Despite ongoing geopolitical tensions and economic uncertainties worldwide, Vietnam continues to benefit from its reputation as a safe and politically stable destination, supported by competitive travel costs, expanding international air connectivity, and increasingly favourable visa policies.
Together, these factors have strengthened Vietnam’s tourism competitiveness and helped expand its share of the global travel market.
Australian Hospitality Alumni Network Vietnam 