(TITC) – In April 2026, Viet Nam welcomed 2.03 million international visitors, bringing the total for the first four months of the year to 8.8 million – up 14.6% year-on-year.
Figure 1. International visitors by month in 2026 (million of arrivals)
Source: Compiled from National Statistics Office’s data
Notably, this marks the first time Viet Nam’s tourism sector has recorded four consecutive months with over 2 million international visitors each month. Although this period typically precedes the domestic peak travel season, international arrivals have remained robust, indicating strong growth prospects and a positive outlook for Viet Nam’s tourism industry.
These results stand out even more in a regional context. In the first four months of 2026, Thailand welcomed 11.3 million international visitors but saw a 3.4% decline year-on-year. In the first quarter, Singapore recorded 4.4 million arrivals (+2.8%), Indonesia received 3.51 million, and the Philippines 1.83 million. Comparatively, Viet Nam is emerging as a bright spot for tourism growth in Southeast Asia.
Vietnam North to South Journey
Amid ongoing global geopolitical uncertainties, particularly tensions in the Middle East, these impressive figures not only reflect strong momentum but also reinforce Viet Nam’s position as a safe, stable, and increasingly attractive destination on the global tourism map.
Figure 2. Top 10 source markets in the first 4 months of 2026 (thousands of arrivals)
Source: Compiled from National Statistics Office’s data
Market structure shifts in a positive direction
In Jan-April of 2026, Viet Nam’s top 10 source markets were China, South Korea, Russia, Taiwan, Cambodia, the United States, India, Japan, Australia, and the Philippines – the latter entering the top 10 for the first time after surpassing Malaysia. These markets accounted for 72% of total international arrivals, with China and South Korea alone contributing 39.8%.
The rise of emerging markets highlights a more diversified and balanced tourism structure. Russia stands out as a key growth driver, with arrivals surging by nearly 300% year-on-year. The strong recovery of direct flights, demand for long-stay leisure travel, and Viet Nam’s competitive advantages in safety, affordability, and natural attractions have positioned the country as a top choice for Russian travelers in Asia.
Southeast Asia continues to post impressive growth. The Philippines surged by 73.4%. Cambodia grew by 41.6%, Indonesia by 30.1%, Singapore by 29.8%, and Malaysia by 21.7%, while Thailand maintained steady growth at 8.4%. In South Asia, India remains a strategic market with strong growth of 59.1%, indicating significant untapped potential.
Europe recorded the strongest regional growth in the first four months, rising 53.3% year-on-year, driven largely by Russia. Other Western and Northern European markets also posted positive results, including the UK (+10.4%), France (+12.1%), Germany (+14.5%), Italy (+8.9%), Denmark (+18.4%), Norway (+23.8%), and Sweden (+26.6%). Visa-exempt markets such as Poland, Switzerland, and the Czech Republic saw notable increases of 52.7%, 19.4%, and 23.1%, respectively, underscoring the effectiveness of visa policies in stimulating demand and expanding Viet Nam’s presence in Europe.
Overall, Viet Nam’s international market structure is becoming more diversified and sustainable, supported by the emergence of high-potential markets. This provides a solid foundation for maintaining stable growth and enhancing resilience against global uncertainties.
Figure 3. Market growth rates for Jan-April 2026 compared to same period of 2025
Source: Compiled from National Statistics Office’s data
Viet Nam reinforces its position as a safe destination
As the world continues to face geopolitical instability, security risks, and military conflicts, safety has become an increasingly critical factor in travelers’ destination choices. Beyond the desire for new experiences, tourists now place greater emphasis on stability, security, and a destination’s ability to manage risks.
In addition to safety, Viet Nam continues to stand out for its rich tourism resources, diverse landscapes, and vibrant cultural heritage. The development of experience-based, green, wellness, and locally immersive tourism products is creating significant opportunities to enhance competitiveness and better meet the evolving expectations of international travelers.
Vietnam Essential South To North Journey
The convergence of key factors – safe environment, increasingly open visa policies, improved air connectivity, and a constantly evolving tourism product ecosystem – is helping Viet Nam position itself as one of Asia’s leading destinations, laying a strong foundation for sustainable growth in the years ahead.
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