DNO - Vietnam is increasingly standing out as a safe, accessible, and attractive destination for international visitors in the context of global travel facing mounting challenges.

Vietnam’s strong performance in early 2026 highlights not only its growing appeal but also its resilience in a volatile global landscape.
Strong growth in international arrivals
As reported by the Viet Nam National Authority of Tourism, in March, 2026 alone, Vietnam welcomed nearly 2.1 million international visitors, bringing the total for the first quarter of 2026 to 6.76 million arrivals, a 12.4% increase compared to the same period in 2025.
Notably, this marks the first time Vietnam has recorded three consecutive months with over 2 million international visitors, underscoring sustained recovery and growth.
Air travel remains the dominant mode of entry, accounting for 82.3% of total arrivals. This reflects Vietnam’s strong connectivity with medium- and long-haul markets, even as global aviation faces disruptions linked to geopolitical conflicts and rising fuel prices.
The continued flow of air travelers signals a high level of confidence among international tourists in Vietnam’s safety, stability and ease of access.
Meanwhile, 15.5% of visitors arrived by land, highlighting the importance of regional markets such as China, Laos, Cambodia and Thailand.
These neighbouring countries offer advantages in proximity and cost efficiency, helping Vietnam maintain a steady tourism base amid global uncertainties.

Safety as a decisive factor in travel choices
Alongside connectivity, safety has emerged as a decisive factor shaping travel behaviour worldwide.
Its stable political environment, effective public safety measures, and ability to manage risks have reinforced its reputation as a secure destination.
For many travelers, especially those from long-haul markets, safety is a primary determinant in choosing where to go.
Vietnam’s appeal is further strengthened by its rich cultural heritage and diverse tourism offerings.
The rise of experiential travel, eco-tourism, and authentic local experiences has enhanced the country’s attractiveness, allowing it to cater to evolving global travel trends.
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Key markets fuel tourism expansion
Key source markets continue to drive growth. In the first quarter of 2026, China (1.4 million visitors) and South Korea (1.3 million) remained the two largest markets, together accounting for approximately 40% of total arrivals.
Southeast Asian markets also posted strong growth, with Malaysia up 21.5%, Singapore 30.2%, Cambodia 41.1%, Indonesia 43.9%, and the Philippines 69.3%.
India, another high-potential market, recorded a remarkable 69.3% increase, reflecting its expanding outbound travel demand.
Europe emerged as a standout region, with overall arrivals surging by 55.6%.
Despite disruptions to international flight routes caused by tensions in the Middle East, long-haul travel demand to Vietnam remained robust.
In the coming time, Vietnam is well-positioned to solidify its status as a leading safe and sustainable destination in the years to come.
Russian arrivals to Vietnam hit record high in Q1, 2026
In the first three months of 2026, Vietnam welcomed more than 367,000 Russian visitors, making Russia the third-largest source market, after mainland China and South Korea.
This is also the highest ranking the Russian market has ever achieved in Vietnam.
Notably, the number of Russian tourists surged to nearly three times higher than the same period in 2025, reflecting a strong recovery and growing travel demand from this market.
The result highlights Vietnam’s increasing appeal as a destination and opens up further opportunities to tap into a high-spending international visitor segment.