Ho Chi Minh City, Hanoi, Thanh Hoa, Quang Ninh, and Khanh Hoa See New Record-Breaking Tourist Surge During Vietnam’s National Reunification Holidays

Published on May 5, 2025

Vietnam’s tourism sector experienced significant growth during the national reunification holidays, held from April 30 to May 4. According to the Vietnam National Authority of Tourism (VNAT), the country welcomed an estimated 10.5 million domestic and international tourists, reflecting an impressive increase of 31.2% compared to the same period in the previous year.

This rise in tourist numbers was particularly beneficial for accommodation providers, travel operators, airlines, and local businesses. Nationwide, tourist accommodation facilities reported average occupancy rates around 70%, with figures even surpassing 80% during the initial days of the holiday. Such high occupancy rates positively influenced revenue streams across the hospitality sector, indicating strong performance and demand for tourism-related services.

Key Tourist Destinations and Regional Impacts

Ho Chi Minh City emerged as the top destination during this period, largely due to its central role in hosting the grand ceremony commemorating the 50th anniversary of the liberation of the South and national reunification. The city attracted approximately 1.95 million visitors—a remarkable 101.2% increase year-on-year. Among these visitors, there were roughly 120,000 international tourists, representing a substantial increase of 122.2%. Additionally, around 867,000 guests chose to stay overnight, indicating an exceptional surge of 333.5% compared to the previous year.

Tourism revenue in Ho Chi Minh City saw considerable growth, reaching approximately 7.13 trillion VND (274.54 million USD), up 120.6% annually. Accommodation facilities in the city benefited immensely, with occupancy rates ranging impressively between 90% and 95%.

Other regions also witnessed significant tourist inflows, boosting local economies considerably:

• Thanh Hoa Province attracted about 1.6 million visitors, a 5.3% increase year-on-year.
• Quang Ninh Province hosted around 1.13 million tourists, growing 12% compared to the previous year.
• Khanh Hoa Province saw slightly over 1 million visitors, marking a 3.63% annual rise.

In Hanoi, tourism activities also flourished, hosting approximately 875,200 visitors, up by 18.64% year-on-year. Of these, international arrivals reached around 136,190, representing a 55.35% increase annually. This influx significantly impacted local tourism revenue, which grew by 25.21% to 3.15 trillion VND.

Shifts in Traveler Preferences and Cultural Tourism

This year’s national reunification holidays revealed notable shifts in traveler preferences. Rather than international vacations, many travelers opted for domestic tours, particularly those exploring historical sites and revolutionary landmarks. This choice was largely driven by patriotic sentiments and the significance of commemorating the 50th anniversary of national reunification.

Tourism operators and cultural event planners leveraged this trend by offering tailored experiences that highlighted Vietnam’s rich history and heritage, thereby encouraging longer stays and deeper cultural immersion among tourists. Festivals, historical commemorations, and cultural showcases across the country played an essential role in attracting both domestic and international travelers.

Global Effects on Travelers

The success and increased popularity of Vietnam’s tourism offerings during this period could positively influence global traveler perceptions. International visitors demonstrated continued interest beyond typical peak travel seasons, suggesting Vietnam’s growing reputation as a safe, culturally rich, and attractive travel destination.

The sustained growth in international tourist arrivals underscores the global appeal of Vietnam’s diverse cultural experiences, historic landmarks, and hospitality offerings. Furthermore, maintaining stable accommodation and service prices during the peak period enhanced Vietnam’s reputation as an economically attractive travel option, potentially influencing future traveler decisions.

Long-term Travel Industry Outlook

The significant increase in tourism during the national reunification holidays provides strong momentum for Vietnam’s long-term tourism development. The success observed during this period is likely to encourage continued investment in hospitality infrastructure, improvement of tourism services, and strategic marketing initiatives targeting both domestic and international markets.

Local businesses, tour operators, and hospitality providers might anticipate increased demand in subsequent holiday periods, leading to enhanced capacity planning, staff training, and service innovation. Regions such as Ho Chi Minh City, Hanoi, and popular provinces like Thanh Hoa, Quang Ninh, and Khanh Hoa are expected to capitalize on this momentum by expanding offerings and enhancing tourist facilities.

Economic and Social Benefits

The economic benefits stemming from the surge in tourism during this period are substantial. Increased tourist spending has positively impacted local economies, particularly benefiting sectors such as hospitality, retail, transportation, and entertainment. This economic uplift not only supports business growth but also contributes to job creation and broader economic stability.

Socially, heightened tourism activity during the reunification holidays fosters community engagement, cultural exchange, and national pride. The wide array of events and activities helps preserve and promote Vietnam’s cultural heritage, creating a shared sense of identity among citizens and enhancing the country’s global cultural footprint.

Infrastructure and Hospitality Adaptations

Given the notable rise in visitor numbers and extended stays, the hospitality industry might consider several strategic adaptations:

• Expanding capacity and upgrading facilities to meet increased future demand.
• Investing in staff training to enhance customer service and manage larger visitor volumes effectively.

Such adaptations would ensure sustained visitor satisfaction and improved service delivery, bolstering Vietnam’s reputation as a premier travel destination.