Việtnam Records All-Time High of 2.5 Million International Arrivals in January 2026

Hanoi, The Gulf Observer: Việtnam welcomed a record 2.5 million international visitors in January 2026, marking the highest monthly total ever recorded, according to figures released by the National Statistics Office on Friday.

The figure represents a 21.4 per cent increase compared with December 2025 and an 18.5 per cent rise year-on-year, signalling a strong start to the year for the country’s tourism sector.

The Việtnam National Authority of Tourism said the milestone was significant not only in scale but also in the increasingly diversified structure of source markets, reflecting a shift toward more sustainable growth.

Asia Remains Core Market

Asian markets continued to form the backbone of inbound tourism, accounting for approximately 1.8 million arrivals, or more than 73 per cent of the total. South Korea remained the largest source market with nearly 490,000 visitors, recording growth of about 26 per cent month-on-month and more than 17 per cent year-on-year. Authorities attributed this performance to strong air connectivity and the continued appeal of Việt Nam’s beach resorts, golf tourism and family-friendly travel offerings.

Japan posted robust growth, rising 41 per cent month-on-month and 16.9 per cent year-on-year, indicating a solid recovery in the high-spending visitor segment. China, despite a year-on-year decline, still generated nearly 460,000 visitors, ranking second only to South Korea.

Within Southeast Asia, several markets recorded strong gains. Visitor numbers from the Philippines surged 75 per cent, Singapore rose 51.7 per cent, Indonesia increased 41.4 per cent, and Thailand grew 10.6 per cent. Cambodia stood out, with arrivals tripling month-on-month and more than doubling year-on-year, underscoring the effectiveness of ASEAN tourism cooperation and the benefits of geographic proximity and affordable travel.

India emerged as a fast-growing potential market, with arrivals rising 80.5 per cent year-on-year to nearly 88,000 visitors in January, highlighting Việt Nam’s success in broadening its tourism base.

Europe and Long-Haul Markets Gain Momentum

Europe emerged as a major growth driver, welcoming around 424,000 visitors—up more than 35 per cent month-on-month and nearly 60 per cent year-on-year. Russia, the United Kingdom, France and Germany all recorded double-digit growth, while Russia and Poland posted particularly sharp increases of 195.1 per cent and 98.7 per cent respectively.

Tourism authorities linked Europe’s strong performance to favourable visa policies, expanded direct flight routes and the appeal of extended winter holidays in Việt Nam. European visitors are also known for longer stays and higher spending, generating added value for the sector.

The Americas maintained steady growth, with around 137,000 visitors—up 23 per cent month-on-month and 14.2 per cent year-on-year. The United States remained the leading long-haul market, contributing more than 103,000 arrivals. Oceania also recorded strong growth, with over 81,000 visitors, driven largely by Australia, which accounted for about 75,000 arrivals.

Air Travel Dominates, Land Arrivals Surge

Of the nearly 2.5 million international arrivals in January, almost 80 per cent entered Việt Nam by air, reflecting the continued recovery and expansion of international flight networks. Land arrivals nearly doubled year-on-year, indicating strong cross-border travel from neighbouring and ASEAN countries, while cruise tourism, though a smaller segment, grew by 30 per cent year-on-year.

From Recovery to a New Growth Cycle

The tourism authority described January’s record performance as the beginning of a new growth cycle for Việt Nam’s tourism industry, marking a transition from recovery to improved quality and competitiveness.

Expanded visa exemptions, longer permitted stays, multi-entry e-visas, additional entry points for e-visa holders and streamlined immigration procedures have made the country more accessible to international travellers. At the same time, the restoration of long-haul services and the launch of new flight routes have improved connectivity from both traditional and emerging markets.

Political and social stability, strong public security and Việt Nam’s image as a safe and welcoming destination were also cited as key competitive advantages amid changing global travel preferences.

A diversified tourism offering—from beach, cultural, nature and urban tourism to newer segments such as MICE, agricultural tourism, rail travel, medical and wellness tourism, golf tourism and film tourism—continues to attract a wide range of visitor profiles.

Amid intensifying global competition, Việt Nam’s strong early-year performance stands out regionally and internationally. The country aims to welcome 25 million foreign tourists in 2026, building on the historic achievement of 22 million international arrivals in 2025.