Vietnam is attracting increasing interest from Chinese travellers, with accommodation searches from the market soaring 164 per cent year on year during the first five months of 2026, according to new data released by online travel platform Agoda.
The figures are based on accommodation searches made by travellers from Agoda's 10 largest international source markets between January 1 and May 31.
Chinese tourists in Ho Chi Minh City (Photo: Moc Khai).
The sharp increase reflects growing interest in Vietnam among Chinese tourists and signals the continued recovery of the world's largest outbound tourism market following the Covid 19 pandemic.
China has long been one of Vietnam's most important international tourism markets.
Vietnam welcomed around 5.8 million Chinese visitors in 2019. Arrivals fell sharply after the outbreak of the Covid 19 pandemic, dropping to just over 986,000 in 2020 and more than 30,000 in 2021.
Following the reopening of international travel, the market recovered rapidly, with about 3.7 million Chinese visitors in 2024 before rising to 5.2 million in 2025.
Freelance model Cayla Jyen, who is well known in China, visits Vietnam (Photo: Instagram).
According to the General Statistics Office under the Ministry of Finance, Vietnam welcomed 6.76 million international visitors in the first quarter of 2026, up 12.4 per cent from a year earlier, the highest first quarter figure on record.
China became Vietnam's largest inbound tourism market during the first three months of the year, accounting for more than 1.4 million arrivals.
Speaking to Dantri, Fan Guangyu, chairman of the Hotel and Accommodation Association under the China Tourism Association, said the number of Chinese visitors to Vietnam is expected to continue growing.
He said Vietnam's close proximity to China, cultural similarities and diverse tourism resources make it an attractive destination for Chinese travellers.
According to Fan, alongside safety, Chinese tourists are increasingly looking for memorable culinary and entertainment experiences.
Vietnamese cuisine is particularly popular among Chinese visitors because of its diversity and familiar flavours. Dishes such as pho, bun, mien and fresh seafood are among the most popular choices during their trips.
Vietnam's coastline, islands and varied natural landscapes, together with a broad range of tourism experiences, also appeal to different types of travellers.
"Middle aged travellers generally prefer relaxation and scenic destinations, while younger visitors are more interested in adventure, hands on experiences and exploring neighbourhoods with rich historical and cultural heritage," Fan said.
China is a promising international visitor market being actively courted by the tourism industries of many countries (Photo: Thanh Thuy).
Agoda's survey also found that Hanoi, Danang and Ho Chi Minh City remained the three most searched destinations among international travellers planning trips to Vietnam.
Hanoi attracts visitors with its Old Quarter, historical landmarks and distinctive cuisine. Danang is known for its beaches, luxury resorts and convenient access to Hue and Hoi An. Ho Chi Minh City appeals to travellers with its vibrant atmosphere, shopping, entertainment and diverse food scene.
Vu Ngoc Lam, Agoda's Country Director for Vietnam, said the country has strong advantages in attracting international visitors.
"Vietnam offers a diverse tourism ecosystem, from modern cities and centuries old cultural heritage to spectacular natural landscapes. This enables the destination to meet a wide range of travel preferences," Lam said.
Beyond the 164 per cent increase from China, Agoda recorded strong growth in accommodation searches from several other international markets during the first five months of 2026.
Searches from Indonesia rose 86 per cent, followed by the Philippines at 82 per cent, Thailand at 65 per cent, Poland at 63 per cent, India at 52 per cent, Qatar at 49 per cent, Myanmar at 48 per cent, Malaysia at 41 per cent and New Zealand at 40 per cent.
These markets ranked among the fastest growing sources of interest in travel to Vietnam this year.
