Vietnam’s tourism sector is soaring in 2025. In the first quarter alone, the country welcomed over 6 million international visitors, marking a 29.6% year-over-year increase. This number is the highest quarterly figure recorded! By mid-year, arrivals totaled 10.7 million, a 21% rise from the same period in 2024 and 26% higher than 2019, before the pandemic disrupted global travel. The numbers don’t just look good. For the country, they’re generating serious revenue. In Q1 2025, tourism brought in $833.1 million, up 18.3% compared to the same period in the previous year. This proves that Vietnam Tourism Popularity Rise is rebounding, and it is both fast and financially impactful.
China Takes the Lead in Vietnam Tourism Popularity Rise
Top 10 International Tourist Markets in Q1/2025 (thousands of arrivals)
Source: Vietnam National Authority of Tourism
Among the standout markets contributing to Vietnam’s growth, China is leading the pack. In Q1 2025, Chinese tourist arrivals accounted for approximately 26.5% of total international tourists visiting Vietnam. With over 1.58 million Chinese visiting in the first months of 2025, China has again shows its firm grasp in Vietnam’s top 10 source markets.
In the second place is South Korea, with 1.26 million arrivals. Together, these two markets accounted for 47% of all international arrivals to Vietnam in Q1 2025.
Coastal Cities and Culture Fuel Repeat Visits
Australian travelers are also flocking to Vietnam’s iconic destinations, from Ho Chi Minh City to Hanoi, and beach hubs like Da Nang and Hoi An. These cities have seen multiyear highs in occupancy rates, driven in part by repeat visitors who are now choosing Vietnam over traditional travel spots in the region.
Vietnam’s cultural richness, affordability, and growing connectivity with more countries outside of Southeast Asia are key reasons for this shift. Direct flights and relaxed visa policies have made travel smoother, while Vietnam’s food, hospitality, and natural landscapes continue to attract those seeking immersive experiences.
Recommerce of Travel: Value, Growth, and Momentum
Vietnam’s rise isn’t just a short-term bounce back. The country’s tourism sector is expected to maintain a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 12.1% through 2035. This forecast reflects long-term confidence in Vietnam as a sustainable, high-value destination.
Read Also: Vietnam Tourism Eco‑trends Redefine Travel Values
As Chinese, South Koreans, and other international travelers drive growth, local communities benefit. Tourism supports jobs, small businesses, and infrastructure development, ensuring that Vietnam’s hospitality sector keeps evolving while preserving its charm.
A Milestone Moment for The Vietnam Tourism Popularity Rise
The Vietnam tourism popularity rise is more than a headline, but a reality backed by hard data. With over 10.7 million visitors in just six months, strong economic returns, and a growing wave of interest from international tourists, Vietnam has firmly established itself as a preferred travel destination in Asia-Pacific. This momentum shows no signs of slowing. As Vietnam continues to invest in its tourism infrastructure and expand its international reach, the country is set to become a long-term leader in global travel, with Chinese and South Koreans leading the way.
Read Also: Ambitious Vietnam Tourism KPI Growth Fuels Economic Gains
