Data from the General Statistics Office released on 3/5 showed that Vietnam welcomed 2.03 million international visitors in April. This brought the total number of visitors in the first four months of the year to 8.8 million, a nearly 15% increase compared to the same period last year. The country's tourism sector has now met 35% of its annual goal of attracting 25 million international visitors.

This marks the first time in 18 years of data collection that Vietnam's tourism has seen four consecutive months of over 2 million international arrivals. According to a representative from the Vietnam National Authority of Tourism, relaxed visa policies and expanded international flight routes are key drivers of this growth.

mainland China remained the largest source market, contributing nearly 450,000 visitors in April. South Korea, Russia, Cambodia, the US, India, and Japan followed. Notably, the Philippines entered the top 10 source markets for the first time, surpassing Malaysia.

The Russian market also experienced significant growth, with an approximate 300% increase compared to the same period in 2025. This surge is attributed to the resurgence of charter flights, which serve long-stay tourists in central coastal provinces. Vietnam's competitive advantages in security, convenience, and cost further enhance its appeal.

The top 10 source markets collectively account for 72% of all international arrivals to Vietnam. Of these, mainland China and South Korea, the two largest markets, contribute 40%.

April concludes the international tourism peak season, preceding the summer domestic travel surge. Despite this, the Vietnam National Authority of Tourism noted that foreign visitor numbers remained high, signaling positive growth prospects and a bright outlook for the sector.

Foreign visitors experience basket boat rides in Bay Mau coconut forest, Hoi An (Da Nang) at the end of April. Photo: *Giang Huy*.

Vietnam's performance stands out as a regional bright spot. While Vietnam achieved steady growth, Thailand's international arrivals in the first four months reached 11.3 million, a 3.4% decrease from the same period. Singapore, with 4.4 million visitors, and Indonesia, with 3.51 million, also reported lower-than-expected growth in Q1.

The Vietnam National Authority of Tourism emphasizes that even as April concludes the international peak season (which generally runs from October to April of the following year), maintaining over 2 million arrivals signals a positive industry outlook. However, experts caution that aviation infrastructure strain and price competition from neighboring nations will pose significant challenges in the second half of the year.

Amidst global geopolitical instability, particularly influenced by Middle East conflicts, these four-month results reflect growth and affirm Vietnam's position as a safe, stable, and increasingly attractive international tourism destination, according to the Authority of Tourism.

Phuong Anh