According to data released this morning by the General Statistics Office, nearly 14 million international tourists visited Vietnam in the first 8 months of the year, an increase of nearly 22% compared to the same period last year. In August alone, over 1.68 million visitors entered Vietnam, an 8% increase compared to July. This new record makes August the month with the highest number of visitors in history (compared to the same period in previous years).

Two international tourists enjoy kite flying in Khanh Hoa during the summer. Photo: Bui Toan

Two international tourists enjoy kite flying in Khanh Hoa during the summer. Photo: Bui Toan

Favorable visa policies, enhanced tourism promotion programs, and activities celebrating the 80th National Day have attracted a growing number of tourists to Vietnam, according to the General Statistics Office.

The list of the largest inbound tourism markets to Vietnam in August remains largely unchanged. China maintained its top position with over 410,000 visitors, accounting for 25% of the total. South Korea came in second with over 380,000 visitors, followed by Taiwan, Japan, the US, and other countries in the region.

In terms of growth, Russia is the fastest-growing segment of tourists to Vietnam. In August of this year, Vietnam welcomed over 62,500 Russian visitors, a 300% increase compared to the same period last year. Other markets also experienced strong growth: the Philippines (164%), India (140%), and China (134%).

Vietnam's tourism industry has repeatedly achieved records for international visitor numbers in 2025. However, the target of welcoming 25 million international tourists this year "is very high," a representative of the Vietnam National Administration of Tourism assessed.

In the last 4 months of the year, Vietnam needs to welcome an additional 10 million visitors, equivalent to 2.5 million visitors per month. March of this year was the month with the highest number of international visitors in history, with nearly 2.1 million.

In the conference "Cooperation - Destination Selection - Acceleration" organized by the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism and the Vietnam National Administration of Tourism, held within the framework of the TP HCM International Tourism Fair on the afternoon of 5/9, Deputy Director Ha Van Sieu said that achieving the set target requires tremendous efforts from the entire industry and many breakthrough solutions.

Director of Tourism Nguyen Trung Khanh believes that Northeast Asia and ASEAN are close markets and account for the largest proportion of Vietnam's current international tourist structure. Therefore, this region is the focus for Vietnam's tourism industry to accelerate exploitation in the coming time, aiming for the target of 25 million international visitors.

Tourism experts also made proposals to achieve the target. For the Northeast Asia - ASEAN market group, which accounts for over 70% of tourists, Vietnam should expand its visa exemption or free visa policy. In addition, adding mechanisms to promote the development of sea tourism, opening more new flight routes, developing unique new products, and having policies to support small and micro travel businesses are also suggestions to help the industry achieve its goals.

Director Nguyen Trung Khanh speaking at the conference on the afternoon of 5/9 in TP HCM. Photo: Vietnam National Administration of Tourism

Director Nguyen Trung Khanh speaking at the conference on the afternoon of 5/9 in TP HCM. Photo: Vietnam National Administration of Tourism

In addition, localities also need to strengthen destination management to create peace of mind for tourists. Some travel agencies suggested that authorities should shorten airport check-in times, simplify procedures for caravan groups, and develop shopping tours and night tourism products.

For the European - North American - Oceania market, experts suggested that there should be long-term promotion plans, opening tourism promotion offices in key markets, expanding visa exemption policies for more countries, and developing specific products for high-end tourists.

Foreign tourists excitedly amidst the crowd welcoming the parade on the 80th National Day anniversary. Video: Bich Phuong

Phuong Anh