Vietnam’s Tourism Soars in 2025: Over 19 Million Arrivals Already, Revenue Hits $3.4 Billion in 11 Months

Hanoi (TRI) — Vietnam’s tourism industry is shattering records in 2025, welcoming over 19 million international visitors in the first 11 months – a 20.9% surge from 2024 and already surpassing the 2019 pre-pandemic peak of 18 million. With November alone drawing 1.98 million arrivals (up 15.6% YoY), the sector is on track to exceed the government’s ambitious 25 million target, fueled by visa easements, digital innovations, and high-value experiences. Total revenue for the period reached 85.4 trillion VND (US$3.4 billion), a 19.9% increase, underscoring tourism’s role as a GDP powerhouse projected at 7.1% for the year.

UN Tourism ranks Vietnam among the world’s fastest-recovering destinations, with Asia-Pacific growth at just 5% YoY while Vietnam leads at 21%. Domestic trips are booming too, targeting 120–130 million, supported by cultural festivals and eco-initiatives.

The year has shown accelerating momentum: the first quarter delivered a record 6 million arrivals (+29.6%) and VND 21.5 trillion in revenue; the first half closed at 10.7 million visitors (+21%); the first seven months reached 12.23 million (+22.5%); and the first ten months hit 17.17 million (+21.5%). November’s 1.98 million capped an extraordinary run.

Asia accounts for 79% of arrivals (15.1 million, +19.7%), but diversification is accelerating. China leads with 4.8 million (+27.5% in November alone), followed by South Korea at 3.9 million, Taiwan at 1.3 million, the United States at over 780,000 (+13.7%), Russia surging past 590,000 (+191%–266%), and India topping 500,000 (+53.3%). Europe contributed 2.46 million visitors (+37.8%–65.8%), with standout Scandinavian growth: Denmark +12.1%, Sweden +15.9%, Norway +19.6%.

Key drivers remain visa reforms (90-day e-visas for 13 countries and visa-free entry for 25), aggressive digital transformation (AR/VR heritage tours, QR payments, 3D destination guides), major events such as the Hue Festival and Da Nang Fireworks, and continued infrastructure expansion (1,188 km of new expressways by year-end and dozens of new direct flights).

Hotspots like Hanoi, Quang Ninh, and Da Nang continue to lead, while secondary destinations such as Ninh Binh and Phu Quoc gain traction through immersive and sustainable offerings. FDI in hotel projects reached US$36.6 million in the first quarter alone.

Looking to 2026, Statista forecasts US$3.86 billion in revenue for 2025 with an 11.38% CAGR to US$6.63 billion by 2030, while ReportLinker projects 37.3 million total tourists by 2028. Challenges such as overtourism and seasonal typhoons persist, yet the MICE, luxury, and culinary segments are expanding rapidly.

As Nguyen Van Hung, Director of the Vietnam National Authority of Tourism, stated:

“2025 proves our strategies are working – we’re not just recovering, but leading global tourism.”

TRI will monitor final December figures and early 2026 trends.