South Korea, Japan, China, and India Drive Vietnam’s Record-Breaking 2.5 Million Arrivals in January 2026, Fueled by Strong Air Connectivity and Visa Policies

Published on February 6, 2026

South Korea, Japan, China, and India were pivotal in driving Vietnam’s record-breaking 2.5 million international arrivals in January 2026, fueled by strong air connectivity, diverse tourism offerings, and favorable visa policies.

In a groundbreaking achievement, Vietnam welcomed 2.5 million international visitors in January 2026, marking its highest monthly total ever. The milestone reflects a robust 21.4% month-on-month increase and an 18.5% rise compared to the same period last year, according to the National Statistics Office.

The Vietnam National Authority of Tourism attributes this surge to the country’s evolving tourism landscape and diversified source markets. The dominant contributors remain neighboring Asian countries, accounting for approximately 1.8 million visitors, which make up over 73% of the total. However, the rate of growth varied, showcasing the dynamic and ever-expanding travel flows to Vietnam.

Among the key drivers in this growth, South Korea stands out with nearly 490,000 arrivals, marking a 26% month-on-month increase and a 17% year-on-year rise. This growth is largely attributed to Vietnam’s allure as a destination for beach resorts, golf tourism, and family vacations, alongside strong air connectivity between the two nations.

Japan also played a vital role in driving the numbers upward. The market saw a remarkable 41% increase from the previous month and a 16.9% year-on-year growth, indicating a solid recovery in the high-value, high-spending visitor segment. Although China’s numbers slightly declined year-on-year, it remained a major source, contributing close to 460,000 arrivals.

Southeast Asia, in particular, displayed significant growth. The Philippines led the charge with a 75% year-on-year growth, followed by Singapore at 51.7%, Indonesia at 41.4%, and Thailand at 10.6%. Cambodia recorded a particularly impressive growth, with arrivals tripling from the previous month and more than doubling compared to last year, underscoring the impact of ASEAN tourism initiatives.

Vietnam’s successful expansion into new markets, particularly India, further emphasizes the diversification of its tourism strategy. India saw a dramatic 80.5% year-on-year increase, bringing nearly 88,000 visitors in January alone. This surge highlights Vietnam’s growing appeal in emerging markets.

Europe emerged as another strong performer, with around 424,000 visitors, up more than 35% from December 2025 and nearly 60% year-on-year. Key markets such as Russia, the UK, France, and Germany posted robust growth, with Russia leading the pack with a staggering 195.1% increase, followed closely by Poland with a 98.7% rise. The Vietnam National Authority of Tourism attributes this growth to favorable visa policies, increased direct flight options, and the country’s appeal as a winter destination, where European visitors tend to stay longer and spend more.

From the Americas, Vietnam saw steady growth, with around 137,000 visitors, a 23% increase from the previous month and a 14.2% rise year-on-year. The United States continued to be the dominant long-haul market, with more than 103,000 arrivals, showing stability and resilience in visitor numbers.

Oceania also contributed significantly to the growing figures, with arrivals rising to over 81,000, up 42% month-on-month and 13% year-on-year. Australia was the primary contributor, accounting for the bulk of these arrivals.

In terms of transportation, air travel continued to dominate, comprising nearly 80% of all arrivals, underscoring the growth in international flight connectivity. Land arrivals also saw a notable increase, reflecting the strong movement of travelers from ASEAN countries and neighboring regions. While cruise tourism still represents a smaller segment, it experienced impressive year-on-year growth, rising by 30%.

Vietnam’s impressive tourism growth reflects a broader trend of increasing international interest, driven by strategic policy measures, robust air connectivity, and a diversified range of attractions. The government’s focus on simplifying visa policies, enhancing entry procedures, and expanding multi-entry e-visa options has made the country more accessible to a global audience.

Furthermore, Vietnam’s political stability, strong public safety, and the country’s reputation as a friendly and safe destination have also enhanced its competitiveness. With more international travelers prioritizing safety, Vietnam stands out as a top choice for tourists.

The tourism sector’s growth can also be attributed to effective promotional campaigns conducted by the Vietnam National Authority of Tourism, local governments, and businesses. These efforts, combined with participation in international tourism fairs and partnerships with media outlets, have bolstered the nation’s visibility and reputation across Southeast Asia and beyond.

Vietnam’s diverse tourism offerings, ranging from beach and cultural tourism to newer segments such as MICE, medical and wellness tourism, agricultural tourism, and film tourism, continue to cater to a wide variety of travelers. This broad spectrum of options ensures that the tourism sector remains dynamic and resilient in the face of global competition.

Looking ahead, Vietnam is optimistic about continuing this strong performance. The country’s tourism authority aims to welcome 25 million international tourists in 2026, surpassing the 22 million figure achieved in 2025. Sustaining this growth will require ongoing government support, industry collaboration, and continued innovation in tourism products and services.

As Vietnam transitions from a recovery phase to one of sustained growth, the focus is shifting towards enhancing competitiveness. With more open visa policies, expanded air connectivity, and continuous product innovation, the future looks bright for Vietnam’s tourism industry. The goal is not only to attract more visitors but to improve the quality of tourism experiences, ensuring long-term success and sustainable growth.