For anyone who has been to Ho Chi Minh City’s Tan Son Nhat Airport in recent years, whether in transit or to enter the country, you’ll have seen evidence of what the statistics constantly reflect: that visitors are pouring into the country in ever larger numbers.
Last year, the newly minted global tourism powerhouse welcomed a record 21.2 million international visitors, a 20% surge from 2024. Local media reports that the country has exceeded its pre-pandemic figures, demonstrating one of the most stunning – but hardly surprising – tourism recoveries in the region.
China was the top source market, accounting for about a quarter of international arrivals, followed by South Korea.
A number of factors have been credited with contributing to the spectacular increase in international arrivals, including more relaxed visa regulations, greater air connectivity, as well as a solid branding that captures the sheer breadth and variety of the country’s tourism offerings, from cultural immersion and culinary adventures, to outdoor experiences.
In 2023, the country introduced 90-day, multiple entry e-visas to all citizens. In August last year, the country introduced 45-day, visa-free entry to European countries such as Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, the Czech Republic, Hungary, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, Poland, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia and Switzerland.
The country’s main hubs of HCMC, Hanoi and Da Nang in Central Vietnam continue to be the most visited cities in the country, with an increasing number of flights supporting the boom.
Last year, several airlines – including Philippine Airlines, Myanmar Airways, Emirates and Scoot – launched services to Da Nang, broadening its connectivity and helping fuel its growth, notably in MICE tourism.
Hoang Vin Sang, director of sales for Furama Vietnam which manages Furama Resort, Furama Villas and Ariyana Convention Centre, credits the city’s modern infrastructure as one of its standout features.
“Da Nang International Airport connects directly with many global cities, supported by a synchronised transport system,” he says, “The city boast over 2,200 accommodation establishments (nearly 65,000 rooms), including approximately 140 four-to-five star hotels with over 27,500 high-end rooms, fully equipped to host major events.”
Outbound travel also surged last year. Over 6.7 million Vietnamese travelled last year, favoring Northeast Asian countries such as Japan and South Korea, reflecting a growing middle class with more spending power.