In the first 11 months of this year, Vietnam welcomed over 19 million international visitors, up nearly 21% over the same period and surpassing the 2019 mark. November alone recorded nearly 2 million arrivals, the third-highest increase of the year. According to UN Tourism, the breakthrough comes from three factors: open visas, expanded air connectivity and strong image promotion.
Why is Vietnam attracting tourists?
90-day visa helps remove major barrier
Vietnam has implemented 90-day e-visas for citizens of more than 80 countries and expanded the visa exemption list. The impact is evident in distant markets, especially Europe and North America, which recorded a sharp increase in November. Visitors from the US increased by 30.5% compared to the previous month; Canada increased by nearly 56%. In Europe, the UK, France, Germany, Italy, and Switzerland all increased; Poland and the Czech Republic increased by nearly 256% and 149%, respectively. This is a group of tourists with long stays and high spending. According to the Tourism Information Center, the open visa has removed the biggest bottleneck for long-term vacation plans.
Direct flights to expand in 2025
In 2025, many airlines will open more direct flights between Vietnam and North America, Australia, Europe and South Asia. Thanks to that, traditional markets such as China, South Korea, Taiwan (China) will remain stable; new markets such as India and the Philippines will accelerate, by more than 47% and 84% respectively.
Image promotion and events create traction
This year, promotional activities have made a breakthrough with digital media campaigns, international platform cooperation and a series of music festivals, sports, and large-scale cultural events. Russia is a clear example: the number of visitors increased by nearly 191% over the same period, reaching 593,000 and becoming Vietnam's largest market in Europe. According to travel agencies, many events, especially in coastal tourism centers, strongly attracted this flow of visitors.
Emerging markets and gateways
Three major cities benefited directly from the wave of international visitors. Ho Chi Minh City welcomed nearly 7.4 million arrivals in 11 months; Hanoi over 7 million; Da Nang recorded up to 7 million international overnight visitors. The expanded flight network has helped Vietnam appear more on the global tourism map and attract visitors during the peak season at the end of the year.
In terms of markets, China leads with 4.8 million arrivals, followed by South Korea and Taiwan (China). The broader growth picture shows that Vietnam tourism is gradually shifting from depending on a few traditional markets to accessing diverse sources of visitors from afar.
Practical information for the journey
- Visa: Vietnam applies 90-day e-visa to citizens of more than 80 countries and expands visa exemption; suitable for long-term stays.
- Connectivity: By 2025, there will be more direct flights to North America, Australia, Europe and South Asia; convenient transit or connection to domestic destinations.
- Gateways: Ho Chi Minh City, Hanoi and Da Nang are major international hubs, easily connecting to all over Vietnam.
- Time: The end of the year is peak season, the number of visitors increases, need to proactively plan travel.
- Products: Green tourism, health tourism and MICE received strong investment, contributing to raising tourism revenue to VND85,400 billion in 11 months, an increase of nearly 20% over the previous year.
Prospects
UN Tourism ranks Vietnam among the fastest-recovering countries in the world, while the Asia-Pacific region has only reached about 90% of pre-pandemic levels. According to experts, if we maintain an open visa policy, increase air connectivity — especially as Long Thanh Airport (Dong Nai) prepares to operate phase 1 — and continue to promote strongly, Vietnam tourism can set a new record in 2026, moving closer to the goal of becoming a leading destination in Asia.
Outstanding numbers
- More than 19 million international visitors in 11 months; nearly 2 million in November.
- The US increased 30.5% compared to the previous month; Canada nearly 56%.
- Poland increased by nearly 256%; Czech Republic increased by 149%.
- Russia increased by nearly 191%, reaching 593,000 visits.
- China leads with 4.8 million visits, followed by South Korea and Taiwan (China).
According to the General Statistics Office - Ministry of Finance; UN Tourism; Tourist Information Center.
Source: https://baonghean.vn/viet-nam-vi-sao-khach-quoc-te-do-ve-cuoi-nam-nay-10314230.html
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