Vietnam welcomed 15.4 million international visitors in the first nine months of 2025, up 20% year-on-year, according to the General Statistics Office.
International visitors to Vietnam increase dramatically in 2025. Photo: Huy Pham/ The Hanoi Times
Officials credit the increase to relaxed visa policies, active tourism promotion, and national festival events.
China, South Korea, Taiwan (China), the U.S., and Japan remained the top source markets. China led with 3.9 million arrivals, followed by South Korea with 3.2 million.
Air travel accounted for 85% of arrivals, reaching 13 million. Land and sea arrivals stood at two million and 190,600 respectively.
Hanoi recorded 666,700 international visitors, a 47% rise. Other strong performers included Ho Chi Minh City, Quang Ninh, and Danang.
Tourism revenue hit nearly VND70 trillion (US$2.7 billion), up 21% from the same period last year. In September alone, revenue was estimated at VND8.3 trillion (US$315 million).
Europe saw a 35% increase in visitors, with Poland up 146%. Arrivals from Russia surged 273%, while India rose 143%.
The tourism sector aims to attract 25 million international visitors by the end of 2025.
Since mid-August, Vietnam extended visa exemptions to 12 European countries, allowing 45-day stays. Experts say more exemptions, better air connectivity, and improved services are key to sustaining growth.
By Jenna Duong
