Vietnam: Why are international tourists flocking to the country at the end of this year?
Vietnam welcomed over 19 million international visitors in the first 11 months of the year, surpassing the 2019 figure. The 90-day e-visa, expanded flight routes, and promotional campaigns were the three main drivers, according to UN Tourism.
In the first 11 months of this year, Vietnam welcomed over 19 million international visitors, an increase of nearly 21% compared to the same period last year and surpassing the 2019 mark. November alone recorded nearly 2 million arrivals, the third strongest increase this year. According to UN Tourism, this breakthrough stems from three factors: more open visa policies, expanded air connectivity, and strong image promotion.
Why is Vietnam attracting tourists?
A 90-day visa helps remove a major barrier.
Vietnam has implemented a 90-day e-visa system for citizens of over 80 countries and expanded the list of visa-exempt nations. The impact is evident in distant markets, particularly Europe and North America, which recorded a surge in November. Visitors from the US increased by 30.5% compared to the previous month; Canada saw an increase of nearly 56%. In Europe, the UK, France, Germany, Italy, and Switzerland all saw increases; Poland and the Czech Republic experienced increases of nearly 256% and 149% respectively. These are groups of tourists who stay longer and spend more. According to the Tourism Information Center, the streamlined visa system has removed the biggest obstacle to planning extended vacations.
Direct flights to be expanded in 2025
In 2025, many airlines will open more direct flights between Vietnam and North America, Australia, Europe, and South Asia. As a result, traditional source markets such as China, South Korea, and Taiwan (China) will remain stable; while new markets such as India and the Philippines will accelerate, by more than 47% and 84% respectively.
Promoting images and events creates traction.
This year, promotional activities have seen a breakthrough with digital media campaigns, international platform collaborations, and a series of large-scale music, sports, and cultural festivals. Russia is a prime example: the number of visitors increased by nearly 191% year-on-year, reaching 593,000 and becoming Vietnam's largest market in Europe. According to travel agencies, many events, especially in coastal tourist centers, have strongly brought this influx of tourists back.
The market and gateways are on the rise.
Three major cities directly benefited from the influx of international tourists. Ho Chi Minh City welcomed nearly 7.4 million visitors in 11 months; Hanoi over 7 million; and Da Nang recorded up to 7 million international overnight stays. The expanded flight network has helped Vietnam increase its presence on the global tourism map and attract tourists during the peak season at the end of the year.
From a market perspective, China leads with 4.8 million visitors, followed by South Korea and Taiwan (China). The broader growth picture shows that Vietnam's tourism industry is gradually shifting from relying on a few traditional markets to reaching a diverse range of distant sources of visitors.
Practical information for the trip
- Visa: Vietnam applies a 90-day e-visa for citizens of over 80 countries and has expanded visa exemptions; suitable for long-term stays.
- Connectivity: By 2025, there will be more direct flights to North America, Australia, Europe, and South Asia; facilitating transit or connecting flights to domestic destinations.
- Gateway: Ho Chi Minh City, Hanoi, and Da Nang are major hubs for receiving international tourists, offering easy access to all parts of Vietnam.
- Timing: The end of the year is peak season, with increased visitor numbers, so proactive travel planning is necessary.
- Products such as green tourism, wellness tourism, and MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions) received significant investment, contributing to a travel revenue of 85,400 billion VND in the first 11 months, an increase of nearly 20% compared to the previous year.
Prospects
UN Tourism ranks Vietnam among the fastest-recovering countries in the world, while the Asia-Pacific region has only reached about 90% of pre-pandemic levels. According to experts, if Vietnam maintains an open visa policy, increases air connectivity—especially with the Long Thanh airport (Dong Nai province) preparing for phase 1 operation—and continues strong promotion, its tourism industry could set new records in 2026, moving closer to its goal of becoming a leading destination in Asia.
The outstanding number
- Over 19 million international visitors in 11 months; nearly 2 million in November.
- The US saw a 30.5% increase compared to the previous month; Canada nearly 56%.
- Poland saw an increase of nearly 256%; the Czech Republic increased by 149%.
- Russia saw an increase of nearly 191%, reaching 593,000 visitors.
- China leads with 4.8 million visits; followed by South Korea and Taiwan (China).
According to the Statistics Department - Ministry of Finance; UN Tourism; Tourism Information Center.
