Vietnam on Track for Tourism Growth with Rising Inbound Visitors from Asia

Vietnam’s inbound tourism is now recovering much stronger than before. In October 2025, growth in new international arrivals skyrocketed. In October, the country recorded roughly 1.73 million international visitors, which is a 13.8% increase since September and a 22.1% increase since last year. This growth indicates a strong recovery, especially for a country entering its peak tourism. Even with this level of growth, it is apparent the country will not be able to fulfil its Vietnam tourism goals for 2025.

Industry players are acutely aware of this dichotomy and the challenges it presents in the drive for Vietnam’s tourism recovery. Vietnam’s international arrivals have been recovering, and now it the time for the relevant authorities and tourism players to integrate and optimise to ensure growth for the remaining year.

Exceptional performance in October portrays a recovering Vietnamese economy.

Thailand, with over 1.7 million international visitors in a single month, is seeing a rapid tourism growth, especially from the principal neighboring countries: China, South Korea, and Taiwan.

China continues to be the main source market of visitors to Vietnam, with over 433,000 visitors accounting for nearly 40% of the arrivals in October alone. The sustained demand from the Chinese market is essential for Vietnam’s tourism recovery, particularly since it is next door and has historically been one of the Vietnam’s largest tourism source markets.

Hot on the Chinese market’s heels is South Korea, which clocked in with some 360,000 visitors to Vietnam, demonstrating a robust appetite for Vietnamese tourism. Taiwan is also an important contributing source market with over 106,000 visitors, underlining the importance of other Asian markets to the growth of Vietnam’s inbound tourism.

Air Travel Remains the Key Entry Point for Vietnam’s International Visitors

Most international visitors to Vietnam in 2025 are expected to enter the country by air, as it is the primary mode of travel. Though this sector is growing, inbound international travelers who arrived from abroad in the first 10 months of the year by air reached an estimated 14.6 million, which is an increase of 21.8% from the preceding year. The increase in the international air travel market and the increased air connections with Vietnam’s key markets in Asia and Europe are the primary drivers of this growth, which has made it easier and cheaper for tourists to visit.

The country’s three key international airports, Noi Bai International Airport in Hanoi, Tan Son Nhat International Airport in Ho Chi Minh City, and Da Nang International Airport, have shown increases in the volume of passengers, confirming their strategic importance in the region’s aviation economy.

In addition to dominating the travel industry, positive trends have been observed in travel via land and sea as well. Land arrivals during the first ten months of 2025 reached 2.4 million and are reported to comprise 13.9% of gross arrivals, marking a 21.4% increase year-on-year. This increase is mainly contributed to by visitors from neighbouring countries, particularly those who travel overland from Cambodia and Laos. Other arrivals by sea are also less, but have increased to 205,100, which is a growth of 8.5% over the previous year.

Vietnam’s Strategic Efforts to Meet 2025 Tourism Targets

The growth of inbound tourism in Vietnam is noteworthy. The country, however, is struggling to reach the International tourist arrivals goal set for 2025. It is for this reason that Vietnamese tourism authorities has been promoting the country, diversifying tourist activities, and developing the infrastructure required to support the growing number of visitors.

An integral component of Vietnam’s tourism industry is sustaining eco-friendly tourism practices. Vietnam is one of many countries that has sought to make tourism less impactful on the environment, focusing on the development of eco-tours in locations such as Phong Nha-Kẻ Bàng National Park and Ha Long Bay. The government has also invested in smart tourism tools such as digital ticketing, virtual tour guide systems, and improved information dissemination systems to foster positive interaction patterns.

Furthermore, Vietnam’s targeted marketing initiatives to promote travel to and throughout the country for its rich and diversified culture, inexpensive travel, and stunning sceneries to countries such as China, South Korea, and Europe has enhanced the country’s image. The government has also simplified the visa application process, which will likely augment the number of tourists that visit Vietnam.

Looking Ahead: The Potential of Vietnam Tourism

With regard to opportunities, looking to 2025 and beyond, Vietnam still has considerable unexploited tourism potential. The growth in international arrivals, particularly during the peak season, puts it among the most sought-after destinations in Southeast Asia. With cultural and historical landmarks, busy urban centers, quiet coastal zones, and UNESCO World Heritage Sites, Vietnam has something to offer all types of tourists.

Vietnm has the potential to become one of the large global tourism destinations because it has managed to recover from the pandemic and strengthen its tourism infrastructire. With low carbon policies fully adopted and geopolitical stability secured, Vietnam can continue to offer new sustainable destinations to its visitors.

Conclusion

Vietnam’s tourism industry remains on the rise, with significant growth in international visitors, especially from other Asian countries. The 13.8% increase in the number of visitors in October 2025 shows that the country’s recovery in tourism numbers is on the right path. Nonetheless, the effort needed to attain the countries’ tourism goals for 2025 remains, with an increasing focus on marketing, infrastructure development, and sustainable tourism. With its rich blend of culture, natural wonders and low cost, Vietnam is still the foremost choice for travelers.

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