Russia and Vietnam Achieve Unstoppable Tourism Growth as Khanh Hoa Welcomes Thousands of Russian Visitors with Flights Surging to One Hundred per Month by Summer 2025

Published on April 19, 2025

Russia and Vietnam are achieving unstoppable tourism growth, as Khanh Hoa anticipates a major influx of Russian visitors. The launch of charter flights has already started to make waves, and with flight frequency set to surge to 100 per month by summer 2025, the region is on track to welcome thousands of Russian tourists. This dramatic rise in tourism not only boosts Khanh Hoa’s recovery but also strengthens the tourism ties between the two nations, marking a new era of growth and opportunity.

A significant milestone for both Russian and Khanh Hoa tourism was achieved with the launch of a new charter flight connecting Russia to Cam Ranh International Airport in Vietnam. The first flight, operated by IKAR Airlines, arrived at Cam Ranh on Friday, carrying 350 Russian tourists from Novy International Airport. This inaugural flight, organized by Pegas Misr Vietnam Travel Co., Ltd., marks a key step in the revival of Khanh Hoa’s tourism sector, which has been recovering from the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic.

The arrival of these tourists is seen as a major boost for the local tourism sector, which has been working diligently to recover from the challenging years of global travel restrictions. The provincial Department of Culture, Sports, and Tourism of Khanh Hoa coordinated an elaborate welcome ceremony, which included a traditional water salute, flower presentations, and performances of Vietnamese music, all aimed at creating a warm and inviting atmosphere for the returning Russian visitors.

New Connections Revitalizing Khanh Hoa’s Tourism Industry

Currently, the plan includes seven flights per month from Russia to Cam Ranh, bringing an estimated 2,500 Russian visitors each month. This development provides a positive outlook for the revitalization of the local tourism industry. The flights will depart from key Russian cities such as Yekaterinburg (Koltsovo Airport), Saint Petersburg (Pulkovo), and Krasnoyarsk (Yemelyanovo).

The arrival of these charter flights is particularly significant because it marks the return of Russian tourists to Khanh Hoa after a lengthy hiatus caused by the pandemic. This move is in line with the efforts of the provincial government and travel agencies to revitalize the region’s tourism sector, which has long been a popular destination for Russian travelers. The fact that these flights are resuming signals not only a recovery but also potential growth in the coming years.

Russian Visitors Choosing Nha Trang for Lengthy Vacations

Early surveys suggest that Russian tourists typically stay in the region for 10 to 12 days, with some choosing to extend their stay for up to a month. Most prefer to book accommodations at upscale three- to five-star hotels and resorts in Nha Trang, the most popular coastal city in Khanh Hoa. Renowned for its beautiful beaches, vibrant nightlife, and rich cultural history, Nha Trang continues to be a prime destination for global travelers, particularly those from Russia.

Russian tourists are drawn to several key attractions in the area, including the iconic Hon Chong, the historical Ponagar Tower, and the tranquil Nha Phu Lagoon. Many also take pleasure in exploring Nha Trang Bay on cruises, along with the variety of activities offered at the VinWonders amusement park. The region’s breathtaking natural beauty, combined with numerous opportunities for both relaxation and adventure, keeps it a top destination for travelers worldwide, with Russian visitors being no exception.

In addition to these sites, travelers often explore local night markets, Monkey Island, Hoa Lan Stream, and popular diving spots, further enriching their experiences in the region. With the launch of the charter flight service, there is renewed optimism that these attractions will once again become a focal point for international tourism.

Growth Projections and Flight Frequency

The arrival of Russian tourists is expected to pick up pace throughout 2025. According to reports, charter flights from 11 Russian cities, including Moscow, Vladivostok, Barnaul, and Irkutsk, resumed in mid-March, further amplifying the accessibility of Khanh Hoa for Russian nationals.

The frequency of these flights is anticipated to grow considerably. By March 2025, there were already 12 flights operating each month, with projections indicating an increase to 50-55 flights per month from April to June. The most ambitious targets for summer 2025 aim to reach 90-100 flights, marking a significant rebound in international travel to the region.

This surge in air traffic is expected to bring in tens of thousands of Russian visitors to Khanh Hoa, which will help to boost the provincial tourism sector and support Vietnam’s overall economic recovery from the impacts of the pandemic and geopolitical tensions.

The Rebound of Russian Tourism to Vietnam

The resurgence of Russian tourists in Khanh Hoa stands out, especially when contrasted with the sharp decline in tourism during the pandemic and the ensuing period of geopolitical instability. In 2019, before the pandemic, the province hosted more than 460,000 Russian visitors, marking the highest point of Russian tourism to Vietnam. However, this number drastically dropped during the pandemic, with Russian arrivals seeing a significant decline in the years that followed.

In 2024, Russian arrivals showed promising signs of recovery, with about 105,000 visitors arriving in Khanh Hoa—more than double the previous year’s figures but still only about 22.8% of the pre-pandemic 2019 numbers. Despite challenges posed by the pandemic and geopolitical tensions, the revival of Russian tourism to Vietnam is a bright spot for the tourism sector. The resumption of charter flights is expected to propel this recovery further, with Khanh Hoa becoming a key destination for Russian nationals in the coming months.

Tourism Goals for 2025

The provincial authorities of Khanh Hoa have set ambitious goals for tourism in 2025. The region aims to welcome 11.8 million tourists by the end of the year, with 5.2 million of these expected to be international visitors. The tourism revenue target for the year is VND 60 trillion (approximately $2.3 billion), and the return of Russian tourists will play a significant role in reaching this target.

As of early 2025, over 49,000 Russian tourists had already visited Khanh Hoa, marking a substantial year-on-year increase in visitor numbers. This upward trend reflects the region’s growing appeal among international travelers and its increasing recognition as a top destination in Southeast Asia.

By the end of the year, it is expected that the influx of Russian tourists will help the region to achieve its tourism goals and provide a much-needed boost to the local economy.

Russia and Vietnam are driving unstoppable tourism growth, with Khanh Hoa set to welcome thousands of Russian visitors as charter flights increase to 100 per month by summer 2025, signaling a major revival for the region’s tourism sector.

Conclusion: A Promising Future for Khanh Hoa’s Tourism

The re-establishment of direct charter flights from Russia to Cam Ranh International Airport is a strong indicator of the growing relationship between Vietnam and Russia in the tourism sector. As travel restrictions continue to ease and international connectivity improves, Khanh Hoa is poised to become a top destination for Russian tourists once again.

With the resumption of regular charter flights and the increasing number of visitors, Khanh Hoa’s tourism sector can look forward to steady growth throughout 2025 and beyond. The province’s rich cultural heritage, beautiful natural landscapes, and thriving tourism industry make it a key player in Vietnam’s tourism recovery, and the launch of this new charter flight service marks the beginning of a new chapter in Khanh Hoa’s tourism story.