Thailand, South Korea, Japan, Switzerland, Italy, France, Germany, Netherlands, Taiwan, Malaysia, Singapore Become Most Preferred Destinations for Tourists from Vietnam

Written By: Tuhin Sarkar

Tuhin Sarkar

Tuhin Sarkar is a Senior Journalist at Travel and Tour World with more than 10 years of experience in travel and tourism journalism. A post-graduate in Journalism and Mass Communication from Jadavpur University, he combines strong research, industry knowledge and storytelling expertise to produce engaging, insightful and impactful travel news and fascinating feature stories.

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January 15, 2025 1:37 AM

Image generated with Ai

In 2024, Vietnamese travelers showcased a growing enthusiasm for international exploration, with destinations like Thailand, South Korea, Japan, and several European countries topping their travel preferences. According to recent statistics, 5.3 million Vietnamese embarked on outbound journeys, marking a 6% increase from the previous year. Asian hotspots, including Taiwan, Malaysia, and Singapore, stood out for their proximity, affordability, and rich cultural offerings, while European destinations such as Switzerland, Italy, France, Germany, and the Netherlands attracted travelers seeking diverse historical and scenic experiences. This surge in international travel highlights Vietnam’s expanding tourism footprint and the evolving aspirations of its global travelers.

The number of Vietnamese travelers heading abroad surged by 6% in 2024, reaching 5.3 million outbound trips, according to the General Statistics Office of Vietnam. This growth reflects the increasing enthusiasm among Vietnamese tourists for exploring international destinations, particularly within Asia.

Top Destinations for Vietnamese Travelers

Thailand

• 1 Million Visitors in 2024 (First 11 Months):
  Thailand continued to be the leading destination for Vietnamese travelers, thanks to its affordability, convenience, and visa-free access. Attractions like bustling markets, cultural landmarks, and beach destinations have solidified Thailand’s position as a preferred getaway for Vietnamese tourists.
• Challenges:
  Despite the strong numbers, Thailand has reportedly seen reduced rankings among international visitors from Vietnam due to limited flight availability. However, with airlines planning to increase flights in 2025, these numbers are expected to rise.

Japan

• 600,000 Vietnamese Visitors in 2024:
  Japan ranked as the second-most popular destination for Vietnamese travelers, with cultural and seasonal attractions such as cherry blossoms, snow festivals, and traditional experiences drawing interest. Vietnamese travelers were ninth in overall arrivals to Japan in the first 10 months of 2024, according to the Japanese National Tourism Organization.

South Korea

• 510,000 Visitors in 2024:
  South Korea retained its place among the top three destinations for Vietnamese tourists, with its vibrant pop culture, scenic attractions, and culinary delights. Data from the South Korean tourism administration placed Vietnamese visitors among the top 10 nationalities for inbound tourism.

Regional Trends in Asia

Beyond Thailand, Japan, and South Korea, Vietnamese travelers increasingly explored other Asian destinations:

• Taiwan, Malaysia, and Singapore: These countries reported a substantial rise in Vietnamese tourist numbers, reflecting broader diversification in travel preferences within Asia.
• Mainland China: While exact figures are unavailable, industry experts revealed a 30% surge in Vietnamese bookings for China tours in 2024. Low tour prices and diverse offerings contributed to its popularity.

In total, Vietnamese travel to Southeast and Northeast Asia saw a 30% year-over-year increase, demonstrating Asia’s dominance in Vietnam’s outbound tourism market.

Why Vietnamese Travelers Favor Asia

Key factors driving Vietnamese tourists to Asian destinations include:

1. Proximity and Affordability: Asian destinations offer shorter flight durations and budget-friendly options, making them ideal for Vietnamese tourists.
2. Visa-Free Access: Thailand and other regional destinations provide hassle-free travel for Vietnamese passport holders.
3. Diverse Experiences: From cultural landmarks to modern attractions, Asia’s destinations cater to a wide range of traveler interests.
4. Convenience and Connectivity: Enhanced flight routes and tour packages have simplified travel to regional hotspots.

Vietnamese Interest in Europe and the Americas

While Asia remained the most popular choice, Europe and the Americas also attracted a notable number of Vietnamese travelers in 2024:

• Europe Tours: Multi-country packages covering destinations like Switzerland, Italy, France, Germany, and the Netherlands were particular favorites, offering rich cultural experiences.
• United States: The U.S. continued to draw interest, with many Vietnamese opting for tours covering both the East Coast and West Coast.

These long-haul trips reflect the increasing purchasing power and expanding travel aspirations of Vietnamese tourists.

Looking Ahead: Vietnamese Tourism in 2025

With airlines planning to expand flight capacities and international tourism rebounding, outbound travel from Vietnam is expected to grow further in 2025. Destinations like Thailand, Japan, and South Korea will likely continue to dominate, while other Asian countries and long-haul markets in Europe and the Americas could see increased Vietnamese arrivals.

The rise in Vietnamese outbound tourism highlights the country’s growing influence in the global travel industry, driven by a blend of cultural curiosity, economic growth, and improved accessibility.

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