Vietnam Welcomes Record Number of International Tourists

According to tourism industry statistics, Vietnam welcomed 10.6 million international visitors in the first five months of 2026, up 14.9% year-on-year and the highest figure ever recorded for the same period.
June 15, 2026 | 16:17
Vietnam's Destinations Captivate International Tourists at Algerian Tourism Fair
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Specifically, data from the General Statistics Office under the Ministry of Finance show that Vietnam received approximately 1.78 million international arrivals in May 2026, an increase of 16.5% compared to the same period last year. In total, international arrivals reached around 10.6 million during the first five months of the year, up 14.9% from the corresponding period in 2025. This marks the highest five-month figure ever recorded, extending the series of positive milestones that Vietnam’s tourism sector has achieved since the beginning of the year.

Vietnam Welcomes Record Number of International Tourists
Vietnam received approximately 1.78 million international arrivals in May 2026. (Photo: VGP)

Before setting this new record for the first five months of the year, Vietnam’s tourism industry had already reported a succession of notable achievements. In the first quarter of 2026, the country welcomed approximately 6.76 million international visitors, the highest first-quarter figure on record. By the end of April, international arrivals had reached around 8.8 million, also the highest level ever recorded for the same period.

Data from the General Statistics Office indicate that during the first five months of the year, the majority of international visitors arrived by air, with approximately 8.7 million arrivals, accounting for more than 82% of the total. Meanwhile, the number of visitors entering by land also increased significantly, reflecting the growing convenience of travel routes connecting Vietnam with the region.

These results demonstrate the increasing appeal of Vietnam’s tourism sector at a time when many countries in the region are competing vigorously to attract international travelers. After five months, the tourism industry had achieved approximately 42% of its target of welcoming 25 million international visitors this year.

Growth has not only come from traditional source markets such as China, the Republic of Korea, and the United States. Visitor numbers from many other countries have also recorded positive growth, reflecting the expanding global appeal of Vietnam as a travel destination.

In recent years, increasingly favorable visa policies for international travelers, coupled with an expanding international flight network, have made travel to Vietnam more accessible. Competitive travel costs have also become a significant advantage. Compared with many destinations in the region, visitors can enjoy accommodation, dining, and sightseeing services at more reasonable prices while still having access to a wide range of tourism products.

In addition to well-known destinations such as Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, Da Nang, and Phu Quoc, many localities are developing community-based tourism, cultural tourism, and authentic local experiences to meet the increasingly diverse demands of international visitors.

Vietnam's Destinations Captivate International Tourists at Algerian Tourism Fair Vietnam's Destinations Captivate International Tourists at Algerian Tourism Fair

Together with publications showcasing tourism products from Saigontourist and Vietravel, the Vietnamese booth at the fair also displayed photographs of famous landmarks.

Vietnam’s Endless Charm Attracts International Tourists Vietnam’s Endless Charm Attracts International Tourists

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