5 Vietnamese cities that attract Eastern European tourists

Searches for accommodation in Vietnam from Eastern European markets increased by 59%, and focused on 5 prominent destinations.

The level of interest from Eastern European tourists in the Vietnamese market is increasing - Photo: QUANG DINH

Digital travel platform Agoda has recorded a 59% increase in searches for accommodation in Vietnam from Eastern European markets, reflecting the positive effects of relaxed visa policies, making it easier for European tourists to access and explore Vietnam.

The new visa-free policy for citizens of 12 European countries takes effect from August 15, 2025. Agoda data shows particular interest from Eastern European travelers, with searches from Slovenia increasing by 77%, Poland by 74%, Bulgaria by 72%, Romania by 69% and Slovakia by 61%.

The data was compiled from Agoda searches between August 15 and September 30, with check-in dates ranging from October to November, and compared year-on-year.

Mr. Vu Ngoc Lam, Country Director of Agoda Vietnam, said that simplifying entry procedures and improving accessibility have contributed to increasing the number of tourists from Europe and other distant markets to Vietnam.

Eastern European tourists show increasingly diverse interests in exploring Vietnam, focusing on 5 outstanding destinations.

Topping the list is Phu Quoc Island with an impressive growth in searches, 113% year-on-year.

An Giang Department of Tourism said that in the first 9 months of 2025, the number of Russian tourists to Phu Quoc is estimated to reach nearly 52,000. Tourism businesses in Phu Quoc predict that the number of Russian tourists to Phu Quoc will increase in late 2025.

Recently, after a temporary suspension, flights from Russia to Phu Quoc special economic zone were resumed, bringing 220 Russian tourists to this beautiful island for fun and relaxation.

Following the tropical pearl island are two bustling cities, Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City, in second and third place, respectively, with increases of 77% and 56%.

Rounding out the top five for Eastern European visitors are the coastal cities of Da Nang and Nha Trang, both recording search increases of 36% and 35%, respectively.

According to the General Statistics Office of Vietnam, the number of visitors from this region increased by nearly 35% in the first 9 months of 2025. In the third quarter alone, Vietnam welcomed 568,370 European visitors, up 38% compared to the previous quarter and a sharp increase of 60% compared to the same period last year.

"The expanded visa exemption policy makes Vietnam more accessible and attractive to European tourists," Mr. Lam commented.

HAI KIM

Source: https://tuoitre.vn/5-thanh-pho-viet-nam-hap-dan-du-khach-dong-au-20251021200040256.htm