India And China Joins France, US, South Korea, Russia, And More To Attract Nearly Twenty Million Tourists To Vietnam In 2025, Supported By Strong Rebounds, Visa Relaxations, And Targeted Promotions

Published on December 18, 2025

India and China joins France, US, South Korea, Russia, and other key markets, have played a pivotal role in accelerating Vietnam’s tourism to nearly twenty million in 2025, driven by strong rebounds and visa relaxations. With the country’s tourism sector recovering rapidly from the pandemic, the relaxation of travel restrictions, streamlined visa processes, and targeted promotional campaigns have significantly boosted international arrivals. The rising influx from markets like China, South Korea, and India highlights the growing appeal of Vietnam as a top destination in Southeast Asia, supported by enhanced air connectivity, cultural exchanges, and strategic marketing efforts.

Vietnam is on the brink of an extraordinary tourism milestone. On December 15, 2025, the country welcomed its 20 millionth international visitor, an achievement that marks a historic rebound for the nation’s tourism sector, which has experienced impressive growth since reopening its borders in 2022. With the surge in international arrivals, Vietnam is set to surpass its pre-pandemic tourism levels, paving the way for a bright future for the travel industry.

As countries like India, China, South Korea, Russia, and others fuel this growth, the country’s tourism landscape has seen a complete transformation. This surge is driven by a combination of factors, including visa relaxations, targeted promotional campaigns, and strategic partnerships with key international markets.

Vietnam’s government and tourism authorities have worked tirelessly to revive the sector, implementing policies that have made the country an even more attractive destination for travelers. From bustling cities like Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City to the pristine beaches of Phu Quoc and the cultural richness of Hue, Vietnam’s diverse offerings have captivated travelers worldwide.

Key Drivers Behind Vietnam’s Tourism Surge

Several factors have played a pivotal role in propelling Vietnam’s tourism to nearly 20 million visitors in 2025, with a variety of nations contributing to this growth.

1. Visa Relaxations and Streamlined Entry Policies:
Since the pandemic, Vietnam has worked to streamline its visa process, making it easier for travelers from around the world to visit. Relaxed visa requirements, including the introduction of e-visas and visa-on-arrival programs for several countries, have significantly boosted tourism. This initiative, combined with fewer travel restrictions, has made Vietnam an accessible destination for both business and leisure travelers.

2. Strategic Marketing Campaigns:
Vietnam’s tourism authorities have launched several effective promotional campaigns, highlighting the country’s rich culture, stunning landscapes, and historical landmarks. These campaigns have been amplified by strong digital marketing strategies, helping to create a buzz in international markets. From the vibrant streets of Hanoi to the idyllic beaches of Da Nang, Vietnam has used social media, online platforms, and travel influencer partnerships to generate global awareness.

3. Partnerships with Key International Markets:
Vietnam has strategically partnered with some of the world’s leading tourism markets, including China, India, Russia, and South Korea. These partnerships have not only driven an increase in the number of arrivals but have also created a robust framework for long-term tourism growth.

4. Expanding Air Connectivity and Infrastructure Development:
The development of Vietnam’s transportation infrastructure, particularly air connectivity, has also been a major factor in the surge in international arrivals. The expansion of international flight routes, new airports, and modernized facilities have made travel to Vietnam more convenient and accessible. With major airlines increasing their flights to Vietnam, it has become easier for visitors to access key destinations.

Top Source Markets Boosting Vietnam’s Tourism

Vietnam’s success in attracting nearly 20 million international visitors can be attributed to the top source markets contributing to the influx of tourists. Countries such as China, South Korea, Russia, and India have played crucial roles, accounting for a significant percentage of the total arrivals.

Key Source Markets and Growth Figures:

• China:
  China has emerged as the largest source of international visitors to Vietnam. By November 2025, nearly 4.8 million Chinese visitors had arrived in Vietnam, accounting for approximately 25% of total foreign arrivals. This is a testament to the strong ties between the two nations and their shared cultural and economic connections. The relaxation of travel restrictions and increased flight options have contributed to this growth.
• South Korea:
  South Korea continues to be a key contributor to Vietnam’s tourism growth. In 2025, South Korean visitors numbered approximately 3.9 million, making it the second-largest source market after China. This growth is fueled by increasing air travel options and the growing popularity of Vietnam as a vacation spot among South Korean tourists.
• Russia:
  Russia has seen a dramatic surge in tourism to Vietnam, with a 266.7% increase in November 2025 compared to the previous year. As of October 2025, over 590,000 Russian tourists had visited Vietnam, a significant increase from 2024. The growing affinity between the two countries has made Vietnam an appealing destination for Russian travelers, who are drawn to the country’s tropical climate and rich history.
• India:
  India has experienced one of the fastest-growing markets for Vietnamese tourism, with arrivals from India increasing by 53.3% year-on-year in November 2025. The strong cultural, historical, and business ties between India and Vietnam have led to more Indian tourists visiting the country. With a booming middle class and an increasing interest in international travel, India is expected to continue playing a key role in Vietnam’s tourism sector.
• Philippines and Cambodia:
  The Philippines and Cambodia have also been significant contributors to Vietnam’s tourism boom, with the Philippines seeing a remarkable 108.9% increase in arrivals in November 2025. Cambodia’s tourism growth of 50.3% through October 2025 further highlights the region’s interconnectedness and the ease of travel within Southeast Asia.

Other Notable Source Markets:

• United States:
  The US has seen a steady increase in Vietnamese tourism, with a 13.7% year-on-year growth recorded in November 2025. This rise can be attributed to growing interest in Vietnam among American tourists, driven by the country’s rich culture and expanding tourism infrastructure.
• France:
  France remains a major European market for Vietnamese tourism, with a 55% growth in arrivals in 2025. The Franco-Vietnamese cultural ties and historical connections continue to drive interest from French visitors.
• Japan and Malaysia:
  Both Japan and Malaysia have contributed to Vietnam’s overall growth, with respective increases of 10.2% and 17.7% in 2025. These countries have long been established travel markets for Vietnam, and with the increasing availability of direct flights and tourism packages, their contribution is expected to grow.

Source Markets and Arrival Numbers

As Vietnam edges closer to its 20-million-visitor target, the future of the country’s tourism sector looks incredibly bright. With a diverse range of source markets showing growth, Vietnam is positioning itself as one of Southeast Asia’s most desirable destinations.

The continuing partnership between Vietnam and countries like India, China, South Korea, and Russia will be crucial in maintaining this upward trajectory. At the same time, the country’s efforts to enhance its infrastructure, ease of access, and sustainable tourism practices will ensure that it remains a key player in the global tourism industry for years to come.

India and China joins France, US, South Korea, Russia, and others, have significantly boosted Vietnam’s tourism to nearly 20 million in 2025, driven by visa relaxations and strong market rebounds. Enhanced connectivity, targeted promotions, and relaxed entry policies have made Vietnam an increasingly attractive destination for travelers worldwide.

As Vietnam approaches 2026, the stage is set for a new era of tourism, one that celebrates both growth and sustainability, while remaining deeply connected to the country’s rich cultural heritage and natural beauty. With its thriving tourism sector, Vietnam is poised to remain a top destination for international travelers seeking both adventure and relaxation.