According to the General Statistics Office, Vietnam received 21.2 million international arrivals in 2025, up 20.4 per cent year on year and 17.8 per cent higher than in 2019, before the Covid-19 pandemic. This was the highest annual total in the country’s tourism history.
Mainland China emerged as Vietnam’s largest source market, with more than 5.2 million arrivals in 2025, up 41 per cent from the previous year and accounting for about 25 per cent of all international visitors. The figure also exceeded Thailand’s intake of around 4.5 million Chinese tourists last year, as the Thai market was affected by security concerns and border issues.
South Korea ranked second with 4.3 million arrivals, representing more than 20 per cent of the market, followed by Taiwan (China) with 1.2 million, or around 6 per cent. Other markets in the top 10 included the United States, Japan, India, Cambodia, Russia, Malaysia and Australia.
The figures show that Vietnam has not only recovered from the pandemic but has entered a new growth phase, with the Chinese market playing the most important driving role.
Speaking to Dantri/Dtinews, Pham Anh Vu, communications director of Vietnam Tourism Media JSC, said the number of Chinese tourists served by the company in 2025 rose by 30 to 40 per cent year on year, including both traditional tours and commercial charter groups from Beijing, Shanghai and other major cities.
Vu noted that a shift in travel flows was a key factor, with some Chinese tourists moving away from Thailand and Taiwan, China due to security and political concerns, and seeking safer destinations.
Vietnam is widely seen as a stable and safe destination with limited political and social volatility. In addition, direct air links between Vietnam and China have expanded, with dense connections from cities such as Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou and Shenzhen to Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, Danang and Nha Trang.
Vietluxtour also reported double digit growth in Chinese arrivals in 2025, mainly in leisure groups, corporate travelers and family groups on tailor made itineraries.
Popular destinations among Chinese tourists remain areas with well developed infrastructure and international airports, including Phu Quoc, An Giang province, Danang and Hoi An, Nha Trang in Khanh Hoa, Ho Chi Minh City, Hanoi, Ha Long in Quang Ninh, Ninh Binh and Sapa in Lao Cai.
Spending patterns are also changing. A typical four to six day trip to Vietnam by mid range and high end Chinese travelers now averages USD 800 to USD 1,200 per person, excluding airfare, with spending focused on accommodation, dining, experiences and wellness services rather than mass souvenir shopping.
At a Vietnam tourism promotion event in Beijing in October 2025, Vietnam’s ambassador to China Pham Thanh Binh emphasized that China would remain a key market for Vietnam’s tourism industry for many years to come.
