Vietnam Joins Thailand, Malaysia, Indonesia, Japan, Germany, Turkey, New Zealand and More in the global tourism race as Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, Da Nang, and Phu Quoc drive a record travel boom across Asia and Europe, Beating Major Countries and Their Cities in 2026

Written By: Abhirup Gan

Abhirup Gan

I'm Abhirup Gan, a Mass Communication graduate and digital marketing professional. Driven by a passion for storytelling, I create insightful, research-led content that explores tourism trends, destination stories, and hospitality developments with depth and clarity. Through my writing, I hope to inspire readers to discover not only where to travel, but the stories, cultures, and experiences that make every journey meaningful.

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May 5, 2026 10:39 GMT+5:30

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Vietnam Joins Thailand, Malaysia, Indonesia, Japan, Germany, Turkey, New Zealand and More in the global tourism race as Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, Da Nang, and Phu Quoc drive a record travel boom across Asia and Europe, Beating Major Countries and Their Cities in 2026

Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, Da Nang, and Phu Quoc—these destinations are no longer just stops on a Southeast Asia itinerary. They are now at the centre of a tourism shift that is redefining global travel patterns in 2026. Vietnam’s rapid rise is not happening in isolation; it is happening while countries like Thailand, Malaysia, Japan, Indonesia, Germany, Turkey, and New Zealand are navigating their own recovery trajectories.

Let’s break this down together—because what’s happening here is changing how travellers choose destinations.

Vietnam’s Record-Breaking Tourism Surge: The Numbers That Matter

Start with this: Vietnam recorded 8.8 million international visitors between January and April 2026, with over 2 million arrivals each month—a first in its tourism history.

That puts Vietnam ahead in recovery pace compared to several major tourism economies.

Vietnam Tourism Snapshot (2026):

• Total visitors (Jan–Apr): 8.8 million
• Monthly arrivals: 2M+ consistently
• Annual target: 25 million
• South Korea visitors: ~500,000 in January alone
• Russia growth: +300% YoY
• India growth: +42% YoY (estimated travel demand surge)

Now compare that with other countries.

Thailand vs Vietnam: A Tight Race with Changing Dynamics

Thailand remains a strong tourism leader, but Vietnam is closing the gap quickly.

Thailand Tourism Stats (2026):

• Visitors (Jan–Apr): 10.2 million
• Average monthly arrivals: 2.5 million
• Chinese tourism recovery: Still at ~65% of pre-2019 levels
• Revenue growth: +18% YoY

Key Difference:

While Thailand still leads in volume, Vietnam is growing faster due to the diversification of source markets and visa ease.

Malaysia and Indonesia: Regional Competition Intensifies

Malaysia and Indonesia are seeing steady recovery, but Vietnam’s acceleration is sharper.

Malaysia:

• Visitors (Jan–Apr): 7.1 million
• Growth rate: +22% YoY
• Top markets: Singapore, Indonesia, China

Indonesia:

• Visitors (Jan–Apr): 5.6 million
• Bali arrivals: Down 8% due to over-tourism controls
• Digital nomad visas: Expanded but slower adoption

Vietnam’s advantage lies in combining growth + infrastructure + digital governance.

Japan and South Korea: High Value but Slower Growth

Japan and South Korea are attracting high-spending tourists but face capacity and pricing challenges.

Japan:

• Visitors (Jan–Apr): 9.5 million
• Average spend per tourist: $1,400+
• Hotel occupancy in Tokyo: 85–90%

South Korea:

• Visitors (Jan–Apr): 6.8 million outbound travellers to Vietnam alone
• Domestic tourism: Stable but outbound demand rising

Vietnam benefits directly from South Korea’s outbound travel boom.

Europe: Germany and Turkey Losing Momentum

Vietnam is now outperforming some European destinations in recovery speed.

Germany:

• International arrivals recovery: ~78% of pre-pandemic levels
• Average stay: Shorter by 12%
• Travel costs: Up 25% due to inflation

Turkey:

• Visitors (Jan–Apr): 9.1 million
• Growth: +15% YoY
• Russian tourists: Strong inflow but seasonal dependence remains

Vietnam’s consistent monthly growth contrasts with Europe’s uneven recovery.

New Zealand: Falling Behind in Long-Stay Tourism

New Zealand is losing ground in the “workation” and digital nomad segment.

New Zealand Stats:

• Visitors (Jan–Apr): 1.9 million
• Average stay: Declining by 9%
• Digital nomad adoption: Limited visa flexibility

Vietnam’s affordability and infrastructure are drawing long-stay travellers away.

AI-Powered Tourism: Vietnam’s Game Changer

At the Vietnam International Travel Mart 2026, Vietnam made one thing clear—AI is central to its tourism strategy.

What AI is Doing:

• Personalised itineraries based on traveller behaviour
• Smart crowd control in cities like Da Nang and Phu Quoc
• AI-driven visa approvals are reducing entry time

This is helping Vietnam avoid overcrowding issues seen in destinations like Bali.

Luxury Tourism Boom: From Budget to Premium

Vietnam is no longer just a backpacker hub. It’s rapidly becoming a luxury destination.

Key Developments:

• Nearly 300 five-star hotels
• 94,000+ luxury rooms
• Integrated resort ecosystems combining wellness, culture, and entertainment

Trending Destinations:

• Phu Quoc: +53% global search growth
• Mui Ne: Rising as a luxury coastal hotspot

Aviation and Connectivity: Fueling Growth

Vietnam’s aviation sector is expanding despite global fuel price pressures.

Key Stats:

• Direct routes to India: +28% increase
• Europe connectivity: Stable with new charter routes
• Airport expansion projects in Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City

This ensures accessibility, a key factor where competitors are struggling.

Global Travel Context: Stability Matters

While regions like the Middle East face disruptions due to tensions in the Strait of Hormuz involving the US and Iran, Vietnam is being positioned as a stable alternative for travellers in 2026.

This shift is influencing long-haul travel decisions across Europe and Asia.

Comparative Tourism Performance Table (2026)

Key Takeaways

• Vietnam recorded 8.8M visitors in 4 months, with consistent 2M+ monthly arrivals
• AI-driven tourism and visa reforms are accelerating growth
• Luxury travel and beach destinations like Phu Quoc are booming
• South Korea, India, and Russia are key source markets
• Vietnam is outperforming Germany, Turkey, and New Zealand in recovery pace
• Thailand still leads in volume but faces stronger competition
• Global travel disruptions are redirecting tourists toward Southeast Asia

Conclusion :

Vietnam Joins Thailand, Malaysia, Indonesia, Japan, Germany, Turkey, New Zealand and More in the global tourism race as Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, Da Nang, and Phu Quoc drive a record travel boom across Asia and Europe, Beating Major Countries and Their Cities in 2026 Vietnam’s rapid rise in the global tourism race is now clearly visible, with cities like Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, Da Nang, and Phu Quoc driving consistent international demand across Asia and Europe.
As travel patterns continue to shift in 2026, Vietnam is maintaining strong momentum through increased connectivity, streamlined visa processes, and diversified source markets.

The country’s ability to scale both volume and value-driven tourism is placing it alongside and in many cases ahead of established destinations such as Thailand, Japan, and Germany.

With sustained growth trends and expanding global appeal, Vietnam is expected to remain a key player shaping international travel flows throughout 2026 and beyond.