Content Writer: Janice Chew • Thursday, 26/01/2026 - 23:20:11 - PM
Vietnam’s tourism sector achieved an all-time high of nearly 21.2 million international arrivals in 2025, marking a 20.4 % increase year-on-year and surpassing previous records as international travel continues its solid post-pandemic recovery. This milestone, while slightly below the government’s ambitious target of 23–25 million visitors, underscores the country’s rising appeal as a global travel destination and the strength of its tourism brand on the international stage.
A significant surge in visitors from China, which grew by around 41 % compared to 2024 to over 5.2 million arrivals, played a central role in driving the record figure, with China retaining its position as Vietnam’s largest source market. Other major contributors included South Korea, the United States, Japan, India, Russia and several Southeast Asian countries, highlighting a broadening base of tourism demand.
The boom in visitor numbers also contributed meaningfully to Vietnam’s economic growth, with international arrivals helping bolster the services sector and support a GDP expansion of over 8 % in 2025. The tourism industry’s recovery outpaced global averages and positioned Vietnam among the fastest-growing destinations worldwide, reflecting its enhanced connectivity and expanded travel access.
Despite this record performance, Vietnam still fell short of its lofty visitor forecasts for the year, suggesting that while growth was robust, further efforts in marketing, infrastructure and diversifying source markets will be key to reaching future targets. The strong rebound, particularly from key markets like China, bodes well for continued tourism momentum into 2026 and beyond.