Reaching a new record with 10.6 million international visitors.
According to data from the Vietnam National Tourism Administration , in May 2026, Vietnam is estimated to have welcomed nearly 1.8 million international visitors, an increase of 16.5% compared to the same period last year. For the first five months of the year, the total number of international visitors reached 10.6 million, an increase of 14.9%, and the highest level ever recorded when compared to the same period in previous years.
Notably, May is typically a low season for international tourists as many markets enter summer, while domestic tourism begins to pick up. However, the number of international visitors to Vietnam still reached a record high for May alone, demonstrating the increasingly enduring appeal of Vietnam as a destination on the world tourism map.
This result means the tourism industry has achieved approximately 42% of its target of welcoming 25 million international visitors in 2026, creating a favorable foundation for a year of strong growth.
While the global tourism industry continues to be impacted by geopolitical instability, regional conflicts, and economic pressures, Vietnam is benefiting from several favorable factors such as a stable socio-political environment, competitive travel costs, an expanding international flight network, and increasingly liberal visa policies. The tourism product ecosystem is also becoming increasingly diverse, ranging from beach resorts, cultural tourism, culinary tourism, and nature tourism to new segments like health tourism, golf tourism, and MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions).
The growth in international visitors shows that Vietnam is not only recovering from the pandemic but is also gradually improving its competitive position in the region, expanding its market share, and strengthening its image as a safe, friendly, and experience-rich destination.
In the first five months of the year, China and South Korea continued to be the two main markets, contributing nearly 40% of the total number of international visitors to Vietnam.
A standout feature is the Russian market, which has risen to third place among the largest source markets. In just five months, the number of Russian tourists has reached approximately 90% of the 2019 figure, demonstrating a strong recovery thanks to the resumption of direct flights and increased demand for beach holidays.
Vietnam surpasses 10 million international visitors faster than any other country in history.
PHOTO: NHAT THINH
Russia, India, and Southeast Asia are emerging as new driving forces.
PHOTO: NHAT THINH
An opportunity for a breakthrough to elevate tourism.
India continues to be a fast-growing market with an increase of over 50%, and is expected to reach 1 million visitors this year. It is becoming one of the strategic markets for Vietnamese tourism in the coming period.
Meanwhile, Southeast Asia has emerged as a new growth engine. The Philippines recorded the highest growth rate in the region at 71.9%, surpassing both Malaysia and Australia to enter the top 10 largest markets. Other markets such as Cambodia, Indonesia, Singapore, and Malaysia also maintained growth rates of 20-40%.
Not only has the number of international tourists increased, but the current market structure also shows a more positive trend, with many distant markets such as the United States, Australia, and European countries continuing to experience strong growth.
Europe is currently the fastest-growing region with a 54.8% increase. Besides Russia, many markets such as Germany, France, the UK, Sweden, Norway, Poland, and Switzerland have recorded double-digit growth.
Experts believe this is an opportune time for Vietnam's tourism industry to shift its focus from quantitative growth to improving the quality of tourists, extending their length of stay, and increasing their spending. To achieve this, the tourism sector needs to continue investing in infrastructure, improving service quality, developing unique products, and intensifying promotion in high-spending markets.
Surpassing the 10 million international visitor mark for the first time in just 5 months is not only a record but also reflects the increasing competitiveness of Vietnam's tourism industry. If the current growth momentum is maintained, the target of 25 million international visitors in 2026 is entirely feasible, contributing to making tourism one of the key economic sectors and making a positive contribution to the country's economic growth goals.
Source: https://thanhnien.vn/khach-quoc-te-den-viet-nam-cao-nhat-lich-su-185260603163837148.htm
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