Southeast Asia Information Port (www.dnyxxg.com) – Recently, Vietnam's tourism industry has received multiple boosts: Condé Nast Traveler, a leading international travel magazine, named it one of the "28 Most Beautiful Countries in the World," praising this "S-shaped country" as a paradise for outdoor experiences and nature lovers; Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City were both included in Time Out magazine's list of the world's 50 Best Places to Explore. Coupled with the explosive growth in international tourist arrivals since 2025, Vietnam is steadily moving towards its goal of receiving 25 million international tourists by 2026.
Condé Nast Traveler commented that although travel aesthetics are subjective, Vietnam stands out due to its diverse natural landscapes, from mountains and forests to islands, and its rich cultural heritage. The magazine specifically recommends Ha Long Bay in Quang Ninh province—a unique landscape composed of turquoise waters and thousands of limestone islands covered in tropical ecosystems, becoming an iconic symbol of Vietnamese tourism; the majestic mountains, terraced rice paddies, and winding mountain roads of Ha Giang in Tuyen Quang province in the north, making it a favorite destination for hiking enthusiasts; the palace complexes and cultural heritage of Hue in the central region, adding historical depth to Vietnamese tourism; and Phu Quoc Island and the central coastal areas, with their excellent beaches, offer diverse experiences such as vacations and diving.
Regarding urban charm, Hanoi, with its blend of old and new, ranks 25th globally in the "Liveliness Exploration" list, with 80% of its residents recognizing its status as a "coffee paradise," and 73% of respondents recommending experiencing local cuisine; Ho Chi Minh City, ranked 38th, is known as the "City That Never Sleeps," with its vibrant urban life making 75% of its residents feel happy. The inclusion of these two cities further enriches the dimensions of Vietnam's tourism appeal.
Tourism market data is equally impressive. The Vietnam National Administration of Tourism disclosed that during the post-pandemic recovery process, the country's tourism industry has entered a new growth cycle characterized by both scale and quality improvement, and has been listed by the United Nations Tourism Organization as one of the countries with the highest international tourism growth rates globally. In 2025, Vietnam received nearly 21.2 million international tourists, a 20.4% increase compared to 2024, and 17.8% higher than the pre-pandemic level of 2019, exceeding the 21 million mark for the first time. January 2026 saw a record high of nearly 2.5 million visitors in a single month, demonstrating strong international market confidence in Vietnamese tourism.
The source market structure is showing a diversified and upgraded trend. Asia remains the core pillar, accounting for nearly 80% of total international tourists, with China and South Korea continuing to hold the largest source markets. Notably, thanks to optimized visa policies, European markets such as Poland, the Czech Republic, and Switzerland have achieved strong growth, becoming new highlights in the source market. Multiple favorable factors have jointly driven the tourism boom: Firstly, visa policies remain relaxed, with expanded visa-free access, e-visas allowing multiple entries and extended stays, and the number of entry points constantly increasing, greatly improving travel convenience. Secondly, the international air route network continues to expand, especially the increase in long-haul direct flights, providing convenience for long-distance source markets. Thirdly, a stable political and social environment makes Vietnam a safe, friendly, and sustainable tourism destination in the eyes of international tourists. Fourthly, tourism products are constantly innovating; in addition to traditional products such as islands, culture, and nature, emerging sectors such as conventions and exhibitions, health and wellness, golf, railways, and film are attracting high-spending groups. Furthermore, the reform of public-private partnership models for tourism promotion has also injected new momentum into market expansion.
The Vietnam National Administration of Tourism stated that, relying on multiple growth engines such as policy dividends, air route expansion, and product upgrades, coupled with the collaborative efforts of the national government, enterprises, and local governments, the tourism industry is ushering in a greater opportunity for breakthroughs. The goal of receiving 25 million international tourists by 2026 is not only a quantitative expectation for the industry's development, but also demonstrates a firm confidence in its long-term prospects, injecting strong momentum into the country's economic growth and international image promotion. (End)
