China Partners With South Korea, Russia, Australia and More Driving Ho Chi Minh City’s Tourism Revival as Millions of International Travellers Return and Higher Visitor Spending Fuels Vietnam’s Travel Growth

Written By: Manab Baidya

Manab Baidya

I am currently studying for MA in English while also currently pursuing Journalism at Dibrugarh University. Passionate about storytelling, media, communication, and creative expression through words. Working as a Content Writer in the travel and tourism industry, where I transform destinations, experiences, and cultures into engaging stories. Constantly learning, exploring new ideas, and building a journey driven by creativity, curiosity, and meaningful content. Believer in growth, good vibes, and the power of words to connect people across the world.

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July 19, 2026 09:00 GMT+5:30

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China Partners With South Korea, Russia, Australia and More Driving Ho Chi Minh City’s tourism revival as millions of international travellers return and higher visitor spending fuels Vietnam’s travel growth. The city’s strong first-half 2026 performance has been powered by the renewed arrival of key global markets, including major Asian, European and long-haul source countries, alongside increasing tourism expenditure across accommodation, dining, transport and experiences. Supported by improved international connectivity, diverse cultural attractions, world-renowned cuisine and expanding hospitality infrastructure, Ho Chi Minh City has emerged as one of Vietnam’s leading tourism engines, strengthening its position as a global travel gateway while accelerating the country’s broader tourism recovery.

Ho Chi Minh City has strengthened its position as one of Vietnam’s most important tourism destinations in 2026, as a powerful recovery in international travel has been supported by growing demand from major overseas markets including China, South Korea, Russia, Australia, India, the United States and European countries. The city’s tourism performance during the first half of 2026 has been boosted by rising international arrivals, increased visitor spending and stronger demand across hotels, restaurants, transport services and travel experiences.

The southern Vietnamese metropolis has continued to emerge as a major gateway for global travellers seeking cultural discoveries, culinary experiences, business opportunities and urban adventures. Growth has been supported by improved international connectivity, expanding tourism products and the return of high-value travellers who are contributing more significantly to the local tourism economy.

During the first six months of 2026, Ho Chi Minh City recorded strong increases across key tourism-related sectors. Travel service revenue reached more than VND 19.13 trillion, representing growth of around ten percent compared with the same period a year earlier. Accommodation and food service revenue climbed to approximately VND 119.3 trillion, rising by more than fourteen percent year-on-year.

These figures reflected not only the return of international visitors but also stronger spending patterns among travellers who are staying longer, exploring more experiences and contributing to wider economic activity.

China Partners With South Korea, Russia, Australia and More Driving International Visitor Recovery in Ho Chi Minh City

The revival of Ho Chi Minh City tourism has been closely connected with the return of key international source markets. China, South Korea, Russia, Australia and other global markets have played an important role in restoring international visitor momentum and strengthening Vietnam’s tourism recovery.

China has remained one of the most influential tourism markets for Vietnam due to its geographical proximity, strong air connectivity and large outbound travel demand. Chinese visitors have continued returning for leisure holidays, cultural experiences, shopping trips and short urban breaks in Ho Chi Minh City.

South Korea has also remained a major contributor to tourism growth. Strong flight connections, increasing holiday demand and high interest in Vietnamese food, shopping and entertainment have supported continued visitor flows from the Korean market. Ho Chi Minh City has become particularly attractive among Korean travellers seeking a combination of city exploration, business travel and leisure experiences.

Russia has contributed to the broader recovery of long-haul tourism demand, with renewed interest in Vietnam as an affordable and attractive overseas holiday destination. Russian travellers have increasingly explored Vietnam’s cultural destinations, coastal areas and major cities, supporting wider tourism growth.

Australia has also emerged as an important market due to strong demand for Southeast Asian travel experiences. Australian visitors have been attracted by Ho Chi Minh City’s heritage sites, cuisine, nightlife, shopping opportunities and connections to other destinations across southern Vietnam.

Beyond these markets, travellers from India, the United States and Europe have continued adding strength to the city’s tourism expansion. These visitors are particularly valuable due to longer stays, higher spending capacity and interest in premium travel experiences.

Rising Visitor Spending Transforms Ho Chi Minh City Into a Higher-Value Tourism Destination

The latest tourism growth has been driven not only by increasing visitor numbers but also by stronger visitor expenditure. Ho Chi Minh City has increasingly focused on attracting quality tourism by encouraging longer stays and promoting experiences that generate higher economic value.

The increase in accommodation and food service revenue has highlighted stronger demand for hotels, restaurants and hospitality services. International visitors have contributed significantly to this growth through spending on accommodation, local cuisine, entertainment, shopping and cultural activities.

The city’s tourism economy has benefited from its ability to offer a wide range of experiences within one destination. Visitors can explore historical landmarks, enjoy world-famous Vietnamese cuisine, experience modern entertainment districts and connect with nearby destinations across southern Vietnam.

The growth of premium tourism experiences has also supported the city’s ambition to become a leading international urban destination in Southeast Asia.

Ho Chi Minh City Strengthens Position as Vietnam’s Gateway for Global Travellers

As Vietnam’s largest commercial centre, Ho Chi Minh City has continued to serve as a crucial entry point for international travellers. The city’s international airport connectivity, large hotel inventory, business infrastructure and diverse attractions have helped it maintain a competitive position among Asian tourism hubs.

The city has benefited from a combination of leisure tourism, business travel, meetings and incentive groups. International events, corporate travel and group tourism have added additional momentum to visitor demand.

The expansion of tourism products has also played an important role. New experiences focused on heritage, food, river tourism, nightlife, shopping and local culture have helped diversify the destination beyond traditional sightseeing.

The city’s tourism strategy has increasingly moved towards creating memorable experiences rather than focusing only on visitor numbers. This approach has supported stronger economic benefits and improved the overall travel experience.

International Connectivity and Diverse Experiences Accelerate Tourism Growth

Improved international air connectivity has been a major factor behind Ho Chi Minh City’s tourism recovery. More flight options between Vietnam and key overseas markets have made travel easier for international visitors.

China, South Korea, Australia, Russia, India and other markets have benefited from improving aviation links, allowing more travellers to explore Vietnam’s largest urban destination.

The city’s location has also provided an advantage. Visitors arriving in Ho Chi Minh City can easily combine urban tourism with journeys to the Mekong Delta, coastal destinations and cultural attractions across southern Vietnam.

Food tourism has remained one of the city’s strongest attractions. Vietnamese cuisine, street food experiences and modern dining options have continued attracting international travellers looking for authentic cultural experiences.

Heritage tourism has also gained importance, with visitors exploring historic buildings, museums, traditional markets and cultural landmarks that reflect Vietnam’s unique identity.

Tourism Revenue Growth Highlights Strong Recovery Across Ho Chi Minh City

The first half of 2026 performance has demonstrated that Ho Chi Minh City’s tourism sector has entered a stronger recovery phase after global travel disruptions in previous years.

Travel-related revenue reached nearly VND 19.13 trillion, while accommodation and food services generated more than VND 119.3 trillion during the January–June period. Passenger transport activity also increased, reaching nearly 283.7 million trips, showing stronger movement across the city and surrounding areas.

Monthly tourism performance has also remained positive. June recorded travel service revenue of nearly VND 4.15 trillion, representing significant year-on-year growth. Accommodation and food service revenue during the month also increased strongly, reflecting rising demand from both domestic and international travellers.

The combination of visitor growth, spending increases and expanding tourism services has reinforced Ho Chi Minh City’s role as a major economic and tourism centre in Vietnam.

Vietnam’s Tourism Future Gains Momentum Through Ho Chi Minh City Growth

The continued rise of Ho Chi Minh City tourism is expected to strengthen Vietnam’s position as one of Asia’s most attractive travel destinations. The city’s ability to attract visitors from China, South Korea, Russia, Australia and other international markets has created a strong foundation for future expansion.

With increasing global connectivity, diverse tourism products and growing demand for cultural and experiential travel, Ho Chi Minh City is positioned to attract more international visitors in the coming years.

The destination’s future growth is expected to be shaped by sustainable tourism development, premium experiences and stronger international partnerships. By combining modern urban attractions with Vietnamese heritage and cuisine, Ho Chi Minh City is continuing to build its reputation as a world-class tourism gateway.

China Partners With South Korea, Russia, Australia and More Driving Ho Chi Minh City’s tourism revival as international travellers return in large numbers, with rising visitor spending, stronger air connectivity and growing demand for cultural, culinary and urban experiences boosting Vietnam’s travel growth in 2026.

The first half of 2026 has shown that the city is not only recovering but also entering a new phase of tourism growth, driven by international arrivals, higher visitor spending and increasing global recognition.