Hanoi (VNA) – Vietnam’s tourism industry saw a remarkable recovery in 2024, leading Southeast Asia by recovering to 98% of its pre-COVID level, according to Indonesia’s en.tempo.co.
This resurgence positioned Vietnam at the forefront, surpassing Malaysia (94%), Thailand (88%), Singapore (86%), Indonesia (86%), and the Philippines (72%) in recovery rates.
Last year alone, Vietnam saw an influx of about 17.5 million foreign visitors, a jump of 38.9% from the previous year. The domestic scene was equally vibrant, with 110 million local travelers, a 1.6% rise, contributing to a 23.85% increase in tourism revenue, reaching around 840 trillion VND (33.19 billion USD).
This impressive growth can be credited to Vietnam's favourable visa policies, now offering visa exemptions to travelers from 25 countries. The introduction of a user-friendly e-visa portal has further eased the process for tourists, enhancing Vietnam's appeal as a destination.
Looking forward to 2025, Vietnam sets its sights on welcoming 23 million foreign visitors, with tourism expected to contribute 6-8% to the gross domestic product (GDP). Beyond boosting revenue, the sector is also creating jobs and uplifting community living standards.
To hit its target, experts advised focusing on high-potential markets such as China, the Republic of Korea, Japan, Southeast Asia, North America, India and the Middle East. Other strategies include targeting quality tourism markets with visa-free entry and convenient flight connections, and improving tourism infrastructure./.
See more
Vietnam emerges as one of Asia’s must-visit destinations: Vogue
From the fast pace of life in major cities to pristine, alluring beaches framed by lush tropical forests, Vietnam offers travellers experiences that are not to be missed, writes Vogue.
Sa Pa captivates French audiences as a standout Northwest destination
The report portrays Sa Pa as a landscape shaped by generations, highlighting the terraced fields that have been carefully carved and maintained by residents over centuries. A local guide told the programme that some of the oldest terraces in the area are around 250 years old.
Luxury trans-Vietnam rail journey captures French media attention
The SJourney itinerary is Vietnam’s first luxury rail cruise, jointly operated by PYS Travel and Vietnam Railways. The product is expected to open up a new direction for high-end tourism, built around slow-paced, immersive and emotionally rich travel experiences.
Phu Quoc tourism heats up in 2026 with near-full bookings
Savouring Tet on Phu Quoc allows visitors to dive into the island's pristine natural assets, from stunning beaches and untouched primary forests to nearby islets, all wrapped in an effortlessly festive, sun-kissed holiday vibe.
Khanh Hoa eyes development of Chinese tourist market
By 2030, Khanh Hoa aims to welcome about 31.6 million visitors, including 10.5 million international arrivals.
Vietnam's tourism sector advised to pay greater attention to quality to affirm position on global map
In recent years, Vietnam’s tourism industry has made strong strides in expanding market scale and increasing arrivals. Closing 2025 with a record nearly 21.2 million international visitors and 137 million domestic tourist visits, the sector entered 2026 with positive momentum.
“Green tourism – River camping” boosts rural tourism development in Hanoi
At the heart of the programme is a riverside camping area along the Ca Lo River, combined with visits to key local attractions, immersive experiences of traditional rituals and folk games in a festive setting, as well as agricultural tourism and creative activities that promote environmental protection.
Lunar New Year tours boom
Since the beginning of 2026, many travel agencies have reported an increase in Lunar New Year tour bookings compared with the same period last year. Notably, tours focusing on cultural immersion, local lifestyles, and early spring festivals are gaining popularity, rather than purely leisure-oriented trips as seen in previous years.
Plans to expand unilateral visa waivers to attract high-quality tourists
The Ministry of Public Security was assigned to further accelerate the application of information technology and digital transformation to improve electronic visa issuance procedures, simplify processes and shorten immigration clearance times at border checkpoints, creating maximum convenience for travellers.
Cultural, culinary tourism heightens Tet allure in Ho Chi Minh City
A notable new attraction is the Pho (rice noodle soup) Museum in Ben Thanh ward, which officially opened in mid-January. As the country’s first museum dedicated to culinary heritage, it is designed to preserve, develop and spread the values of Vietnamese cuisine to both domestic and international visitors.
Nha Trang captivates visitors with traditional Tet atmosphere
Stepping into the old Nha Trang craft village, visitors feel as if they are shipped back to a rural village with areca palm rows, kitchen fires, trays of traditional cakes, and red calligraphy couplets, among many other scenes, all of which stir memories of family reunions.
Phu Quy, Nha Trang named among most beautiful destinations along East Sea
According to an article published on January 18, Phu Quy, situated off the southern coast of Vietnam, is described as one of the lesser-known islands on the East Sea tourism map.
Green tourism opens new development pathway for northernmost frontier
Tourism growth has also facilitated poverty reduction. In 2025 alone, the poverty rate fell by 5.2%
Mui Ne National Tourism Area set to become leading destination in Asia-Pacific
According to the master plan, the Mui Ne National Tourism Area will cover 14,760ha, encompassing Phu Thuy ward, Mui Ne ward, Hoa Thang commune and Phan Ri Cua commune.
Deputy PM calls for measures to remove bottlenecks, boost tourism development
Reiterating the sector’s target of serving 25 million international visitors and 150 million domestic holidaymakers this year, Chinh highlighted the importance of a fundamental shift from a “recovery mindset” to one focused on growth, competitiveness and sustainability.
Phu Quy Island named among top Southeast Asia travel destinations for 2026
Also known as Cu Lao Thu, Phu Quy lies about 120 km southeast of Phan Thiet and covers roughly 18 sq.m. In addition to the main island, the area includes smaller islets such as Hon Tranh, Hon Do, Hon Da Cao, and Hon Hai.
Son La's Ta Xua cloud haven named among Indian channel's 26 must-visit global destinations for 2026
New Delhi Television describes Ta Xua as Vietnam’s “cloud-hunting paradise”, best known for the so-called “dinosaur spine” – a trekking route that has been widely shared among travel enthusiasts for years.
Vietnam tourism accelerates green transition to power 2026 growth
Looking ahead to 2026, the tourism sector targets about 25 million international arrivals, 150 million domestic holidaymakers and total revenue of around 1.12 quadrillion VND (approximately 43 billion USD), reflecting its ambition to develop tourism into a spearhead economic sector in line with the Government's goals.
Hon Thom Cable Car selected by The New York Times to illustrate Vietnam’s tourism
Selecting Vietnam for this year’s list, the New York Times editorial board described the S-shaped country as a rapidly rising tourism powerhouse in Southeast Asia.
Da Nang announces theme of signature international fireworks festival
The Da Nang International Fireworks Festival 2026 will feature two Vietnamese teams and eight international teams from China, Italy, Germany, Portugal, France, Japan, Macao (China) and Australia. Four of these teams will be participating in the festival for the first time, promising fresh highlights and surprises.