Vietnam Triumphs in Global Travel with Nearly Twenty Million International Visitors in 2025 Achieving an Astonishing Twenty point nine percent growth and Establishing Itself as a Leading Destination for Global Tourists

Published on December 9, 2025

Vietnam has set a new benchmark in global travel in 2025, welcoming nearly 20 million international visitors and achieving a remarkable 20.9% growth in tourism arrivals. This surge in travelers has not only surpassed pre-pandemic levels but also reflects the country’s successful tourism initiatives, which include diversified offerings, targeted marketing, and favorable visa policies. The strong recovery is further underscored by a significant increase in tourism revenue, contributing to the country’s broader economic rebound. As Vietnam continues to enhance its appeal as a top destination in Southeast Asia, the influx of global visitors is driving growth across multiple sectors, from hospitality to infrastructure, solidifying its position as a tourism powerhouse.

Vietnam’s tourism sector has witnessed a remarkable recovery in 2025, surpassing pre-pandemic levels and breaking records for international visitors. In the first eleven months of the year, the country welcomed 19.15 million foreign travelers, marking an impressive 20.9% increase compared to the previous year. This surge has not only exceeded the 18 million visitors Vietnam recorded before the pandemic but has also positioned the country as one of Southeast Asia’s top tourist destinations.

November proved to be a particularly strong month, with 1.98 million visitors arriving in the country. This represented a 14.2% increase from October and a 15.6% rise from November 2024. These figures place November as the third-highest month of the year, behind only January and March, both of which surpassed 2 million visitors. Such growth highlights the sustained demand for Vietnam’s tourism offerings, despite global challenges.

The surge in tourist arrivals can be attributed to several factors. First and foremost, Vietnam’s tourism recovery is due to the government’s proactive initiatives, including the diversification of tourism products and continued marketing efforts targeting both domestic and international travelers. These initiatives have been particularly successful in encouraging both regional and global tourists to explore Vietnam’s unique offerings, from its cultural landmarks to its picturesque landscapes.

One of the significant contributors to the tourism boom is the country’s robust tourism stimulus programs, which have helped revitalize local economies. These programs span across numerous provinces and cities, driving growth in both rural and urban tourism markets. Localities like Ho Chi Minh City, Da Nang, and Hanoi have all seen impressive increases in tourism-related revenue. In the first eleven months of 2025, revenue from accommodation and catering services alone reached 767 trillion VND (approximately 29 billion USD), accounting for 12% of the country’s total retail and consumer service revenue. This is a remarkable 14.6% year-on-year growth, reflecting the growing importance of tourism to the nation’s economy.

Ho Chi Minh City, in particular, recorded a 17.3% rise in tourism revenue, followed by Da Nang with a 15.8% increase, and Hanoi at 13.4%. These cities continue to be major hubs for both domestic and international visitors, with their thriving tourism sectors driving economic development and job creation.

Vietnam’s tourism sector has also benefited from its diversified range of tourism products. From its rich cultural heritage, historical sites, and vibrant urban centers to its stunning natural landscapes, Vietnam offers a wealth of experiences that appeal to a broad spectrum of travelers. This diversity has made the country a popular choice for visitors seeking a mix of cultural immersion, adventure, and relaxation.

The financial impact of the tourism sector’s growth is not limited to large cities. Smaller regions and less-visited provinces have also benefited from the influx of international travelers. In total, the country’s travel and tourism revenue for the first eleven months of 2025 reached 85.4 trillion VND, marking a 19.9% increase from the previous year. Among the top-performing regions were Hanoi, which posted a 23.4% growth, Ho Chi Minh City with a 22.3% increase, and Quang Ninh, which saw an 18.2% rise.

In terms of international visitors, Vietnam’s primary source markets remain strong, with China leading the way. Chinese nationals accounted for nearly 4.8 million visitors, or roughly 25% of the total international arrivals. South Korea followed closely behind with over 3.9 million visitors, while other notable source markets included Chinese Taipei, the United States, and Japan. The continued interest from these countries reflects Vietnam’s strong positioning in the East Asian and Southeast Asian tourism markets.

One of the most striking developments in Vietnam’s tourism landscape has been the growth in European arrivals. The country’s visa-waiver policies, coupled with targeted marketing campaigns, have significantly boosted travel from the continent. The United Kingdom saw a 20.7% increase in visitors, while France and Germany reported even higher growth rates of 21.4% and 16.6%, respectively. Other European countries such as Italy, Spain, Denmark, Sweden, Norway, Poland, Switzerland, and the Czech Republic also showed strong performances, indicating a broadening appeal for Vietnam across the European market.

However, one of the most notable success stories has been the growth of Russian tourism. Russia saw a staggering 190.9% increase in visitor numbers, with 593,000 Russians visiting Vietnam in 2025. This made Russia not only the largest European source market for Vietnam but also the fastest-growing one. This surge can be attributed to the easing of visa restrictions, as well as an increase in direct flights between the two countries.

Several factors have contributed to this rapid growth. Vietnam’s favorable visa policies have made it easier for tourists from various countries to visit, while the country’s global marketing efforts have effectively showcased its unique attractions. Additionally, the hosting of large-scale events throughout the year has bolstered Vietnam’s image as a vibrant and dynamic destination for tourists.

The future of Vietnam’s tourism looks promising, as the country continues to build on its success. The increase in international arrivals has been accompanied by a strong growth in tourism-related revenue, further cementing the sector as a cornerstone of the nation’s economic growth. With sustained efforts to diversify tourism products, enhance infrastructure, and improve visitor experiences, Vietnam is poised to remain one of Southeast Asia’s most sought-after travel destinations.

Vietnam has achieved a remarkable milestone in 2025, welcoming nearly 20 million international visitors and posting a 20.9% growth, marking a strong recovery in its tourism sector. This surge underscores the country’s successful initiatives and solidifies its position as a leading global travel destination.

The surge in international visitors to Vietnam in 2025 marks a significant achievement for the country’s tourism sector. With strong growth in both visitor numbers and revenue, Vietnam is well on its way to becoming a leading global tourism player. As it continues to diversify its offerings and attract travelers from across the world, Vietnam is set to maintain its upward trajectory and secure its position as one of the premier travel destinations in Asia.