Foreign tourists post for a photo on Golden Bridge in Danang city (Photo: VNA)
According to the Vietnam National Authority of Tourism (VNAT), air travel remained the dominant mode of entry, accounting for 85.2 per cent of arrivals. Land border crossings made up 12.9 per cent, while sea travel represented just 1.9 per cent. Despite Vietnam’s extensive coastline and port infrastructure, maritime tourism remains a largely untapped market, the VNAT noted.
China continued to lead as Vietnam’s top source market, contributing 2.36 million visitors, or 25.7 per cent of the total. This 47.2 per cent increase reflects the impact of reopened borders and restored direct flights between the two countries. The Republic of Korea ranked second, with over 1.9 million arrivals, representing 20.7 per cent.
Other leading markets included Taiwan (533,000), the United States (375,000), Japan (342,000), Cambodia (325,000), India (272,000), Australia (241,000), Malaysia (221,000), and Russia (210,000).
In May alone, Vietnam welcomed 1.53 million international visitors, up 10.5 per cent compared to the same period in 2024. Travel operators noted that this figure was particularly significant, as it followed the traditional peak season. It also set a ten-year record for the month of May, suggesting that Vietnam is increasingly being seen as a year-round destination rather than a seasonal one.
Tourism revenue over the five-month period is estimated at VND 38.4 trillion (approximately USD 1.47 billion), a 24.7 per cent rise year-on-year.
Danang city offers visitors diverse exploration experiences. (Photo: VNA)
According to Agoda, a leading online travel platform, Vietnam ranks fifth among the most searched Asian destinations by European travellers for summer 2025, following Malaysia, Japan, Indonesia, and Thailand. The rankings were based on searches made in April for travel during July and August.
An Agoda representative highlighted Vietnam’s appeal to international visitors, citing its diverse natural landscapes, rich cultural heritage, and convenient direct flights from Europe.
France, the UK, Germany, Russia, and Norway topped the list of European countries showing the most interest in travel to Vietnam. Notably, Russia and Norway replaced the Netherlands and Spain in the top five, a shift attributed to Vietnam’s visa exemption policy and expanding air connectivity.
Significant growth was also recorded from emerging markets, including Hungary (up 320 per cent), Turkey (288 per cent), and Poland (153 per cent), signalling Vietnam’s growing allure to European tourists.
Destinations such as Danang, Ho Chi Minh City, and Hanoi, known for their striking landscapes, vibrant culture, and dynamic urban experiences, continue to attract a broad range of visitors.
The VNAT said the tourism sector will intensify promotional efforts to achieve its target of attracting 22 to 23 million international visitors by the end of the year.