Philippines joins India, Japan, South Korea, China, Australia & United States Travelers to Fill Vietnam Flights — Vinpearl Resorts, Nha Trang, Phu Quoc & Da Nang Hotels Report Full Occupancy Amid Record Tourism Surge

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The Vinpearl Resorts in Nha Trang, Phu Quoc, Da Nang, and hotels across Vietnam have reached full occupancy due to an unprecedented demand in the Vietnam tourism industry after countries such as the Philippines, India, Japan, South Korea, China, Australia, and the United States filled flights to Vietnam.

The first half of 2025 saw a current record in Vietnam with 21.2 million international tourists, a statistic that continues to increase in 2026. This has led to more guests in hotels and resorts, with the number of guests filling services to their maximum capacities. As Vietnam’s tourism industry begins to flourish, it is becoming evident that it promotes travel on a global scale.

International Visitor Arrivals
The record for Vietnam tourism in 2025 and 2026 has seen a rapid increase due to Vietnamese hospitality and government diplomacy with other countries, resulting in the removal of travel restrictions, and most notably, supporting increased flight schedules. With an increase of 20.4% from the year before, 21.2 million foreign visitors entered Vietnam in 2025, smashing earlier year records and exceeding the period before the global pandemic. Visitor numbers were dominated by China (>5.3 million, +41% YoY) followed by South Korea (~4.3 million), the United States (848K), Japan (814K), India (746K), and Australia (548K). Neighboring Southeast Asian countries such as the Philippines, which improved regional travel and air services, saw a near 70% increase during early 2026.

Main Source Countries Driving Demand

| Country | Projected 2025 Arrivals | Growth Trend | Positive Impacts on Tourism |

| China | 5.3 M | +41% | Crowds at Coastal and Heritage sites |

| South Korea | 4.3 M | Stable | Major Leisure and City Tourism Demand |

| United States | 848 K | Notable Growth | Long-Haul Travelers Driving Luxury Tourism Demand |

| Japan | 814 K | Moderate Growth | Interest in Cultural and City Travel |

| India | 746 K | High Growth | Emerging Middle-Class Travelers |

| Australia | 548 K | Rising Growth | More Short-Haul Travel |

| Philippines | 482 K+ | Rapid Growth | Increased ASEAN Travel |

The Record Breakers in Vietnam

Several factors come into play when discussing rapid tourism growth in Vietnam. Some of these factors are saw in the:

• Improvements and Streamlining of Visa Policies: Vietnam added visa-free access and e-visas for foreign travelers and improved accessibility.
• Direct Flight Path Improvements: More frequent direct flights from Vietnam Airlines and other partners like Cebu Pacific and Qantas connecting source markets with Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City and direct Coastal flights.
• Strong ASEAN & SEA Relationships: Increased inter-ASEAN travel from the Philippines and other surrounding Southeast Asian countries, especially early 2026, lead airlines to increased travel.

This has created a huge demand for international tourism in Vietnam, which is expected to keep growing through 2026.

Airlines Respond To Demand: Routes, Capacity & Connectivity

One major reason for the increased number of tourists is improved air connectivity:

• Vietnam Airlines has amplified its international flight seat availability especially for China, Korea, India and Australia.
• Cebu Pacific and Philippine Airlines expanded flights between Manila and many airports in Vietnam.
• Increased services to Australia is a response to increased visits from Australians for Qantas and Jetstar.
• For United and Delta, increased long-haul demand has resulted in increased or additional services to Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City from the trans-Pacific routes.

For the first quarter of 2026, the Vietnam tourism record shows there were 6.76 million international arrivals, an increase of 12.4% from the previous year.

The Near Full Occupancy in the Hotel and Resort Scene

Some of the most popular international tourist destination areas, Nha Trang, Phu Quoc, and Da Nang, have reported exceptional hotel performance:

• High Peak Occupancy: Fully booked mid-luxury and resort hotels have reached full capacity as a result of combined demand from multiple markets.
• Vinpearl and Integrated Resorts: Cross-brand partnerships in Southeast Asia are fully booking Integrated Resorts.

Travel Experiences & Tourism Stakeholder Implications

The implications of Vietnam tourism 2025–26 expansion cover the entire travel ecosystem:

• Airlines: Continued route expansions and capacity increased will be necessary to accommodate demand peaks.
• Hospitality & Hotels: The premium and coastal resort sectors are positioned favorably due to strong occupancy and the likelihood of growing revenue.
• Local Services: Growing visitor demand is matched by an expanding need for and supply of tours, transportation and hospitality workers.
• Seasonality Impact: Reaching peak visitor levels may lead to long lines at popular sites, so advance planning is encouraged.

What Travelers Should Do:

• Check Flights & Schedules: Due to heightened demand, travelers should confirm their transportation and schedules well in advance.
• Book Accommodations Early: Early booking may result improved pricing on reservations, as popular hotels and resorts frequently sell to capacity.
• Use E-Visas or Visa-Free Travel: Prefer entry methods that offer simplified Immigration processes.
• Plan for Peak Travel Seasons: Anticipate that peak travel months will result in higher costs and filled accommodations. The shoulder travel season is a recommended alternative.
• Local Transport & Tours: Prior booking of tours and activities, as well as local transportation, is necessary for an enjoyable travel experience.

FAQ

1. What is Vietnam’s international visitor number record? Post pandemic Vietnam’s highest international visitor number was 21.2 million in 2025.
2. Which countries contribute most to Vietnam’s tourism? Most visitors are from China, South Korea, the United States, Japan, India, Australia, and the Philippines.
3. Are airlines increasing flights to Vietnam? Yes, there is increased capacity and new routes from Vietnam Airlines, Cebu Pacific, Qantas, and U.S. Airlines.

Vietnam sets a Vietnam tourism record 2025–26 with over 21.2 million international visitors, filling flights from the Philippines, India, Japan, South Korea, China, Australia, and the United States. Resorts and hotels in Nha Trang, Phu Quoc, and Da Nang report full occupancy, driven by expanded visa access, strengthened airline routes, and strategic tourism partnerships.

Author’s Observation

The increase in tourism to Vietnam is consistent not only with historic travel trends throughout the region post-COVID, but what we have seen around the world and what the government is attempting to undertake with regard to the removal of barriers to travel and the development of the aviation networks in Vietnam. Improvements in visa policies, development of airline partnerships, and diversification of source market (greater East Asia to North America) are examples of effective positioning and government impact to raise tourism. By improving the tourism market, they are in turn improving the airlines and hospitality sectors and improving the commensurate local economies. It is also improving the world’s tourism and travel competitiveness.