Travel

Vietnam gains popularity among Filipino travellers

According to the Tourism Information Centre under the Vietnam National Authority of Tourism (VNAT), since the COVID-19 pandemic, the number of Filipino visitors to Vietnam has recovered and grown impressively. Filipino tourists are particularly fond of destinations such as Da Nang, Sa Pa, Phu Quoc and Nha Trang, as well as Vietnam’s distinctive cuisine.

Foreign tourists in Hoi An ancient town of Da Nang city. (Photo: VNA)
Foreign tourists in Hoi An ancient town of Da Nang city. (Photo: VNA)

Hanoi (VNA) - Vietnam is increasingly emerging as a preferred destination for Philippine travellers, welcoming over 482,000 arrivals in 2025, as ASEAN visa exemption policies provide favourable conditions for enhanced tourism cooperation and closer bilateral exchanges.

According to the Tourism Information Centre under the Vietnam National Authority of Tourism (VNAT), since the COVID-19 pandemic, the number of Filipino visitors to Vietnam has recovered and grown impressively. Filipino tourists are particularly fond of destinations such as Da Nang, Sa Pa, Phu Quoc and Nha Trang, as well as Vietnam’s distinctive cuisine.

VNAT Director Nguyen Trung Khanh said Vietnam and the Philippines share many similarities in tourism resources, natural conditions and culture. Both are located in Southeast Asia and have favourable conditions for cooperation in developing tourism products and attracting visitors.

The expansion of direct flight routes between major cities by airlines of both countries has also significantly contributed to boosting tourist arrivals.

Conversely, the number of Vietnamese tourists travelling to the Philippines remains unstable and has even shown a declining trend recently. This is partly due to increasing competition among destinations in the region.

Both sides need to strengthen closer coordination in tourism promotion, market information sharing, product development and facilitation for travellers. At the same time, the Philippines needs to further enhance its presence in the Vietnamese market.

vnanet-potal-hoi-an-noi-thoi-gian-va-hoai-niem-giao-hoa-8111849.jpg
A bird's-eye view of Hoi An ancient town in Da Nang. (Photo: VNA)

Philippine Ambassador to Vietnam Francisco Noel R. Fernandez III noted that Philippine airlines are actively implementing various initiatives to attract tourists. The Philippines is also considering establishing a tourism representative office in Vietnam to strengthen its presence and promote cooperation.

Tourism cooperation between the two countries was established early on and continues to be reinforced. In 2026, the Philippines will host the ASEAN Tourism Forum (ATF) under the rotational mechanism, with Vietnam’s tourism sector actively participating in the event.

Currently, the Vietnam-Philippines Tourism Cooperation Programme for the 2026–2029 period is being finalised and is expected to be signed soon, providing an important legal framework for implementing specific activities and promoting two-way tourist exchanges./.

VNA
#the Philippines #travel #tourism
Follow VietnamPlus

Post-pandemic recovery

Related News

The Gia Lai provincial Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism welcomes international tourists aboard the NOBLE CALEDONIA – ISLAND SKY cruise ship upon its arrival at Quy Nhon Port on March 27. (Photo: VNA)

Visit Vietnam Year 2026: Gia Lai introduces tourism potential, prospects

Gia Lai identifies tourism as one of its five key economic pillars, aiming to develop its tourism sector toward 2030 in a sustainable, professional, and culturally distinctive direction, with culture, nature, and people at the core, while promoting digital transformation and regional connectivity as key drivers.

See more

Traditional dragon procession held on the river in Ninh Binh. (Photo: VNA)

Cultural heritage drives sustainable tourism growth in Ninh Binh

In the first two months of 2026, Ninh Binh welcomed over 5.4 million visitors, up 9.9% year-on-year, generating nearly 5.84 trillion VND (221 million USD) in tourism revenue, up 15.9%. During the 2026 Lunar New Year holiday alone, the province received 2.38 million visitors, an 81.4% increase from the previous year, ranking second nationwide.

Outstanding individuals and firms honoured at VITM 2026 (Photo: VNA)

Outstanding individuals, firms honoured at Vietnam International Travel Mart 2026

In 2025, Vietnam’s tourism sector recorded its highest-ever number of visitors, welcoming more than 21.5 million international arrivals, up more than 20% from 2024, and serving over 135.5 million domestic travellers. Tourism revenue also surpassed 1 quadrillion VND (nearly 38 billion USD). The sector has become a bright spot of the economy, with Vietnam ranking among the world’s fastest-growing tourism destinations.

The Ba Trieu Temple in Thanh Hoa province (Photo: VNA)

Thanh Hoa taps digital transformation to boost heritage tourism

With 28 nationally-recognised intangible cultural heritage elements, Thanh Hoa province has prioritised integrating conservation with tourism development. Digital transformation, in particular, is seen as a crucial bridge connecting tradition with innovation, helping heritage sites become more accessible and engaging.

Pristine white-sand beach on Cu Lao Cham Island, Da Nang city, is a magnet for visitors. (Photo: VNA)

Vietnam – a safe destination amid global uncertainties

Despite global tourism headwinds linked to geopolitical conflicts, transport disruptions and surging travel expenses, Vietnam’s tourism sector has sustained strong growth, underscoring the destination’s resilience and rising international profile.

A border guard at the Mong Cai International Border Gate processes exit procedures for passengers at the Bac Luan 1 border gate in Quang Ninh province. (Photo: VNA)

Vietnam, China promote AI application in cross-border tourism cooperation

During the programme, participants will attend intensive courses delivered by AI technology experts, China–ASEAN policy researchers, and tourism specialists. The curriculum focuses on the application of big data in tourism policy planning, the development of cross-border tourism products, and the building of joint tourism brands.

The sea area off the southern coast of Phu Quoc Island. (Photo: VNA)

UK newspaper praises Phu Quoc’s unspoilt charm amid tourism boom

Phu Quoc is positioned as a compelling alternative – even a potential rival to Phuket – for travellers seeking authenticity in Southeast Asia. Its appeal lies not only in scenic beauty and fresh seafood, but also in the harmonious coexistence of modern tourism and enduring local culture.

At an elevation of 1,700 metres above sea level, the summit of Pu Luong is increasingly emerging as an ideal destination for trekking - a form of adventure tourism that combines hiking with nature exploration and physical as well as mental endurance. (Photo: VNA)

Vietnam eyes becoming region’s leading tourism destination

Vietnam has in recent years undergone a notable transformation in its tourism development strategy, placing a strong emphasis on nature-based and eco-tourism. This shift is not merely aligned with global trends, but represents a necessary step towards safeguarding valuable natural resources, while appealing to a growing segment of environmentally conscious travellers.

Foreign tourists in a photo with local residents. (Photo: VNA)

Vietnam serves 6.76 million foreign arrivals in Q1

China and the Republic of Korea (RoK) continued to lead as Vietnam’s largest source markets in the quarter, with 1.4 million and 1.3 million visitors respectively, accounting for around 40% of total arrivals.

Cua Viet beach is a magnet for both locals and visitors during holidays. (Photo: VNA)

Quang Tri seeks to unlock potential of marine tourism’s “golden triangle”

Cua Tung, Cua Viet and Con Co special zone are identified as three key destinations of marine tourism, and to transform this “tourism triangle” into premium and peaceful resorts, a new strategy is needed to enhance attractiveness to high-end travellers seeking private spaces as the strength of these places lies in their pristine and tranquil beauty.

A corner of the Phu Quy special zone in Lam Dong province (Photo: VNA)

Phu Quy moves to unlock potential as premier marine tourism hotspot

Under a resolution of the provincial Party Congress for the 2025–2030 term, the locality prioritises spatial planning of the marine economy, focusing on emerging sea-based industries linked with environmental protection and national defence. Located 56 nautical miles offshore, Phu Quy is a central pillar of this vision.

Khanh Hoa province pioneers green, sustainable tourism

Khanh Hoa province pioneers green, sustainable tourism

With its comprehensive transport infrastructure, world-class bays, and a diverse tourism ecosystem, Khanh Hoa is regarded as one of Vietnam’s leading coastal tourism hubs. To rise into the ranks of top destinations in the region and globally, the central province is working to complete strategic infrastructure while attracting investment to develop in-depth and high-end tourism products.