Vietnam has increasingly become a top tourist destination, experiencing a significant rise in international visitors each year. In the first quarter of 2025, the country welcomed over 6 million international tourists, marking an approximately 30% increase compared to the same period last year and achieving a record high.

During the first three months of this year, air travel saw the most significant influx, with more than 5.2 million arrivals. This was followed by nearly 700,000 visitors arriving by road and over 133,000 by sea.

China was the largest source of tourists in March, contributing nearly 1.6 million visitors, while South Korea followed with 1.3 million. Other notable markets included Taiwan, Japan, Cambodia, India, the United States, Australia, and Russia. Notably, visitors from Russia, Cambodia, the Philippines, and China drove the growth in the first quarter.

Experts have identified several factors contributing to the remarkable growth of Vietnam's tourism industry. The increase in direct flights from various countries to Vietnam is seen as the leading factor.

Additionally, the new e-visa policy introduced in 2023 allows visitors to stay for up to 90 days—three times the previous limit. Vietnam has also implemented visa exemptions for visitors from 16 countries, including France, Germany, Italy, Japan, Russia, South Korea, and Spain, further stimulating international travel.

The growing presence of leading global hotel brands in Vietnam, along with Vietnamese dishes being included in the Michelin Guide, has also contributed to attracting international tourists interested in culinary experiences.

According to Bloomberg, Vietnam has emerged as the third most visited country in Southeast Asia, with 17.5 million international visitors last year—surpassing Singapore but trailing behind Malaysia, which welcomed 25 million visitors, and Thailand, which attracted 35 million.

The Economic Times noted, “It is not for nothing that people call Vietnam the land of the flying dragon, as these figures demonstrate its leadership in tourism recovery in the region.” Five years after the COVID-19 pandemic began, Vietnam's tourism has rebounded to 98% of its pre-pandemic levels, surpassing neighboring countries like Singapore (86%).

With significant potential for tourism development, Vietnam aims to welcome 23 million international visitors this year. By March 2026, when Long Thanh International Airport becomes operational, the country aspires to accommodate 25 million international visitors annually. In the long term, Vietnam hopes to rank among the top two countries in the region for tourism.