Vietnam welcomes 12.2 million international arrivals in first seven months
By source market, China continued to lead with 3.1 million visitors, equivalent to 25.5% of all foreign arrivals. The Republic of Korea followed with 2.5 million, or 20.7%. Other major markets included Taiwan (China) with 737,000, the US with 522,000, and Japan with 380,000.
Foreign tourists captured walking around Hoan Kiem Lake in Hanoi. (Photo: VNA)
Hanoi (VNA) – Vietnam recorded 12.2 million international tourist arrivals between January and July, up 22.5% year-on-year, according to the Vietnam National Authority of Tourism (VNAT).
Air travel remained the dominant entry mode, accounting for 10.4 million arrivals, or 85.1% of the total, marking a 23.8% rise from the same period last year. Land border arrivals reached 1.6 million, making up 13.4% and rising 15.8%, while 183,900 visitors entered via sea, representing 1.5% with an increase of 11.1%.
By source market, China continued to lead with 3.1 million visitors, equivalent to 25.5% of all foreign arrivals. The Republic of Korea followed with 2.5 million, or 20.7%. Other major markets included Taiwan (China) with 737,000, the US with 522,000, and Japan with 380,000.
Notably, arrivals from Poland and Switzerland surged by 44.8% and 15.8% respectively, thanks to Vietnam’s short-term visa exemption policy under the 2025 tourism stimulus programme in line with the Government’s Resolution 11/NQ-CP.
According to the National Statistics Office under the Ministry of Finance, trade and tourism activities continued to show robust growth, helping raise total retail sales of goods and consumer service revenue in the seven-month period by 9.3% year-on-year. Accommodation and food services revenue increased by 15%, while travel and tourism services grew 20%.
Visitors explore the My Son World Cultural Heritage site. (Photo: VNA)
In July alone, Vietnam welcomed 1.56 million international arrivals, up 6.8% compared to the same priod last year. Particularly, the number of visitors from European markets soared by 38%. Although July is considered the low season for international tourism, the growth was largely attributed to relaxed visa policies and successful promotion campaigns jointly run by VNAT and the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism in six European countries, namely France, Italy, Switzerland, Poland, the Czech Republic and Germany./.
Chatbot and virtual assistants support itinerary consultation and tour bookings, and provide around-the-clock response across multiple platforms while AI advertising applications have been used to optimise budgets and target the right customers. AI has been also employed to analyse customer data, enabling the delivery of personalised tour recommendations.
Many Vietnamese regions possess favourable conditions, including natural landscapes, climate, and rich cultural identities, to host sport events that integrate with cultural and tourism experiences.
Vietnam’s e-visa system is now seen as one of the most efficient, convenient, and transparent in the region. Fully online registration, no paperwork or interviews, and fast and flexible processing time have improved foreigners’ entry experience, creating a competitive advantage over countries clinging to complicated and costly visa procedures.
Deputy Prime Minister Mai Van Chinh has instructed the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism (MoCST) to coordinate with other ministries, agencies and localities to effectively implement policies and directives from the Party, Government, and Prime Minister on tourism development.
Da Nang's appeal stems from its numerous outstanding tourist attractions, particularly My Khe Beach, Sun World Ba Na Hills resort, and the ancient town of Hoi An. Additionally, Da Nang tourism is renowned for its affordability, especially attractive to young travellers and couples, according to Chosun Ilbo.
With new direct flights from major Indian cities like Hyderabad and Bengaluru, Vietnam is becoming an increasingly compelling destination for Indian tourists seeking a quick, emotionally rich four-day escape that blends luxury, culture, and natural wonder.
Khanh Hoa has welcomed 16 international cruises so far this year, with more than 19,000 tourists disembarking to explore the province’s scenic landscapes and renowned cultural, religious, and artistic landmarks, as well as to enjoy local cuisine and sightseeing tours.
According to local plans, fireworks shows will be held at multiple locations, with Ha Long Bay as the focal point. More than mere entertainment, these displays are part of a strategic cultural tourism product aimed at strengthening the region’s brand.
Dubbed the “land of ancient towers”, Khanh Hoa boasts a rich Cham legacy through architectural masterpieces like the Po Nagar, Hoa Lai, Po Klong Garai, and Po Rome towers.
Sunset Town unfolded like a living fairytale. Every street and hidden corner recalls iconic European landmarks – from Venice’s San Marco Bell Tower and Paris’s Arc de Triomphe to Almafi-style squares and cobblestone paths reminiscent of southern Italy.
Its natural advantages have made Mui Ne a magnet for enthusiasts of kitesurfing, windsurfing, surfing, and stand-up paddle boarding (SUP). These activities not only diversify the local tourism offerings but also contribute to the area’s long-term development strategy focused on sustainability.
In July alone, the city welcomed 695,930 international arrivals, surging 75.3% year-on-year. For the seven-month period, international visitors totalled 4.5 million, up 48% year-on-year.
Welcoming the crew on the morning of July 30, Dang Dong Ha, Deputy Director of the provincial Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism, emphasised that the film offers a valuable opportunity to promote Quang Tri’s tourism potential, particularly to Indian visitors, but also to a broader global audience.
With a proactive and creative approach, Hanoi is positioning itself as one of Southeast Asia’s most compelling destinations where tradition meets innovation, and every visit offers a blend of the familiar and the new.
Fostering linkage among regional localities and restructuring the tourism sector towards professionalism are among measures to boost the “smokeless industry” of the Mekong Delta.
A the 31st-generation descendant of King Ly Thai To, Ly Xuong Can was first appointed as Vietnam’s Tourism Ambassador to the RoK in 2017 and reappointed in 2021. In his role, he has spearheaded numerous cultural exchange and tourism promotion initiatives, including the establishment of the Vietnam tourism promotion office in the RoK and the development of a cashless payment project for Korean tourists visiting Vietnam.
The Quang Ninh Tourism Association underscored its commitment to delivering a complete and safe experience for visitors, affirming that Ha Long Bay and Quang Ninh as a whole remain safe destinations.
The "Plastic-Reducing Tourism" push, launched in Thuy Bieu ward and now expanded to iconic sites like Thanh Toan tile bridge, Ngu My Thạnh - Con Toc, and Chuon lagoon, is gaining traction. They are becoming go-to zones for community-based tourism, drawing visitors eager to immerse themselves in local traditions.
The Russian market’s strong rebound has not only revived tourism in Khanh Hoa but also contributed significantly to Vietnam’s overall tourism recovery. According to the Vietnam National Authority of Tourism (VNAT), Russia was the only international market to post a record growth rate of over 139% in the first half of 2025.
