Global Times deciphers why Vietnam has become a top destination for Chinese tourists

A group of Chinese tourists take souvenir photos at Mong Cai International Border Gate, Quang Ninh. (Illustration photo: Nhan Dan Newspaper)

According to the article, recently, international media has paid great attention to the fact that Vietnam's tourism industry is catching up with Thailand, a traditional tourism powerhouse in Southeast Asia, as well as Vietnam replacing Thailand as the favorite destination of a new generation of Chinese tourists, with the forecast that the number of international tourists to Vietnam will set a record this year...; this is considered "a turning point in the tourism trend of the world's largest foreign tourism market".

According to the article's author, the latest statistics from Ctrip - China's leading online travel agency - show that in the first half of 2025, the total number of orders from mainland Chinese tourists to Vietnam increased by more than 40% over the same period last year, of which orders for tickets to visit scenic spots increased by nearly 100%.

Bloomberg information shows that in the first 8 months of 2025, Vietnam welcomed nearly 14 million international tourists, including 3.53 million Chinese tourists, an increase of 44% over the same period last year. Along with the increase in the number of tourists, tourism spending in Vietnam has also increased significantly. Market research company BMI said that as of August 2025, Vietnam's tourism-related retail sales increased by 51% over the same period last year.

Meanwhile, the attraction of Thai tourism to Chinese tourists has somewhat decreased. The article cited statistics showing that there were 3.23 million Chinese visitors from the beginning of the year to September 14, and the current recovery rate of the Thai tourism industry has only reached 87.5% compared to the time before the Covid-19 epidemic. Meanwhile, the Vietnamese tourism industry has recovered to 98% compared to the time before the Covid-19 epidemic.

Analyzing the reasons for the above-mentioned position swap, the article quoted Mr. Vuong Tieu Vu, an expert from the World Tourism Cities Association, saying that currently, young Chinese consumers are more inclined to prefer independent and themed travel, rather than joining cheap tours. Vietnam's low visa requirements and the increasing number of direct flights between China and Vietnam are the main factors that encourage more and more independent tourists to choose Vietnam.

According to Travel And Tour World magazine, Vietnam's geographical location further increases its appeal, with short flight distances to major Chinese cities, Vietnamese cities such as Hanoi , Ho Chi Minh City and Da Nang all have direct flights to major Chinese tourist hubs.

Data provided by Ctrip to the Global Times shows that, up to now, among mainland Chinese tourists to Vietnam this year, the 8X generation accounts for the highest proportion at 44%; 9X accounts for 30%; families with children account for 40%. The cities that are the main source markets for tourists to Vietnam this year include: Shanghai, Shenzhen, Guangzhou, Beijing, Dongguan, Suzhou, Hangzhou, Chengdu, Ningbo and Foshan.

The article quoted Ms. Wang, who works in the media industry in Beijing and has taken her family to Vietnam twice after the pandemic, saying that the main reason for choosing Vietnam as a destination for family trips is because of reasonable costs, many flight routes and airlines with reasonable ticket prices; in particular, many resorts have been built in Vietnam in recent years with synchronous infrastructure, reasonable prices, plus a long coastline, rich sea tourism resources, suitable for family trips.

In addition, Vietnamese culture and culinary habits have many similarities, dishes such as pho and spring rolls suit the taste of Chinese tourists, especially the elderly and children on family trips.

According to Mr. Vuong Tieu Vu, the continuous upgrading and diversification of Vietnam's tourism products, along with rich and diverse thematic tourism services, are also important factors attracting a large number of international tourists. Vietnam offers a variety of overnight tourism and resort tourism products, meeting the needs of many different types of tourists. In addition, some artificial landscapes and thematic entertainment facilities in Vietnam are also considered highlights that help distinguish it from other destinations in the region.

Travel and Tour World magazine said that Vietnam's reputation for security and safety is another important factor driving the growth of Chinese tourists. Vietnam is considered a safe and stable destination. Chinese tourists, especially families and the elderly, always prioritize safety when choosing a tourist destination.

The Global Times article said that, aiming to welcome 25 million international tourists in 2025, Vietnam is organizing many promotional activities in key tourist markets, such as in Beijing, China at the end of October, with the aim of further enhancing its attractiveness to Chinese tourist groups through products such as golf tourism, culinary tourism and MICE tourism.

However, Vietnam also needs to promote the resolution of challenges that the tourism industry is facing, such as improving infrastructure conditions, especially airports in Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City; overcoming flooding due to urban drainage infrastructure, further opening up visa policies, facilitating immigration and emigration, enhancing global brand recognition...

HUU HUNG

People's Daily reporter based in China

Source: https://nhandan.vn/thoi-bao-hoan-cau-giai-ma-ly-do-viet-nam-tro-thanh-diem-den-hang-dau-cua-du-khach-trung-quoc-post920183.html