(TITC) – In August 2026, Vietnam welcomed nearly 2 million international visitors, up 19.7% compared with July 2026 and 18.4% year on year. In the first eight months of 2026, the country received nearly 16 million international arrivals, an increase of 14.4% compared with the same period in 2025.
Top 10 source markets in the 8 months of 2026 (thousands of arrivals)
By means of transport, air travel remained the dominant mode, accounting for 83% of total international arrivals and playing a key role in attracting visitors from long-haul markets. At the same time, arrivals by land continued to increase, particularly among visitors from neighbouring countries in the region.
By region, Asia was Vietnam’s largest source market, with approximately 11.8 million arrivals, accounting for nearly 74% of total international arrivals in the first eight months and representing growth of around 7.4% year on year.
Europe, meanwhile, recorded the strongest growth (+53.4%), with approximately 2.68 million arrivals in eight months. Visitors from the Americas reached around 887,000 arrivals, up 20.7%; Oceania: 489,000 arrivals, up 23.3%; and Africa: 45,000 arrivals, up 25.1%.
The figures show that, alongside Asian markets, Vietnam’s tourism sector is making significant inroads into long-haul markets. Strong growth from Europe, the Americas and Oceania is contributing to greater market diversification and strengthening the sector’s resilience against fluctuations in individual regions.
Among Vietnam’s 10 largest source markets, China ranked first with 3.54 million arrivals, accounting for approximately 22.3% of total international visitors. The Republic of Korea ranked second with around 2.76 million, representing 17.3%.
Russia ranked third with more than 1 million arrivals, up 165.7% compared with the same period in 2025, being the fastest-growing major source market among the leading markets.
Beyond the three largest markets, several other key markets recorded encouraging growth. Arrivals from the United States increased by 20.4%; Cambodia (+41.5%); Japan (+9.2%); the Philippines (+58.8%); and Australia (+23.3%).
European markets also recorded strong growth, with the United Kingdom (+ 9.8%), France (+13.4%), Germany (+15.1%), Sweden (+25.1%), Switzerland (+27.0%), Poland (+51.2%) and the Czech Republic (+28.2%).
Other Southeast Asian markets also performed strongly, including Malaysia (+20.5%), Singapore (+31.7%) and Indonesia (+26.7%).
These results demonstrate that growth is no longer concentrated solely in traditional source markets but is spreading across a wider range of regions. Southeast Asian markets benefit from geographical proximity, convenient air connectivity and the growing trend towards short-haul travel.
Particularly noteworthy is the remarkable growth of the Russian and Indian markets. In 2019, Vietnam welcomed only 169,000 Indian visitors for the whole year. In the first eight months of 2026, however, the number surpassed 612,000, making India one of Vietnam’s largest source markets.
The major impetus behind this rapid growth has been the increasingly extensive network of direct air services. Major carriers such as Vietjet Air and Vietnam Airlines have expanded direct flight connections from New Delhi, Mumbai and Ahmedabad to Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City and Da Nang.
Vietnam North to South Tour Package
Meanwhile, the Russian market has witnessed the most remarkable surge. In the first eight months of 2026, Vietnam welcomed more than 1 million Russian visitors, up 165.7% year on year, placing Russia third among Vietnam’s top 10 source markets.
This exceptional growth can be attributed to a combination of factors, including Vietnam’s growing reputation as a safe, friendly and highly attractive destination in Asia. The resumption and increased frequency of charter flights have also played an important role, bringing visitors directly from major Russian cities to Vietnam’s attractive coastal destinations. Destinations such as Nha Trang, Mui Ne and Phu Quoc, with their year-round warm climate, diverse cuisine and modern resort facilities, continue to be top choices for Russian travellers.
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