According to the Vietnam National Administration of Tourism, in April 2026, the country welcomed 2.03 million international visitors. This brings the total number of foreign tourists for the first four months of the year to 8.8 million, a year-on-year increase of 14.6%, reaching 35% of the target of 25 million arrivals for 2026.

This impressive result confirms Vietnam's position as a safe, stable, and increasingly attractive destination on the international tourism map. It is the first time the Vietnamese tourism industry has welcomed more than 2 million foreign visitors per month for four consecutive months. It is also the first time the total number of international visitors during this period has reached 8.8 million.

During these first four months, the top ten source markets were China, the Republic of Korea, Russia, Taiwan (China), Cambodia, the United States, India, Japan, Australia, and the Philippines. This group accounts for approximately 72% of the total volume, with China and the Republic of Korea alone representing 39.8%.

It is noteworthy that market structures continue to evolve towards greater diversity and balance. The strong performance of the Russian market is particularly striking, with year-on-year growth of approximately 300%. This success is attributed to the robust recovery of direct flights and strong demand for extended stays. Vietnam's competitive advantages in terms of safety, amenities, natural conditions, and cost have made it a preferred choice for Russian travelers in Asia.

Southeast Asia maintains an impressive growth rate. The Philippines saw a surge of 73.4%, surpassing Malaysia to enter the top 10. Cambodia follows with 41.6%, Indonesia with 30.1%, Singapore with 29.8%, and Malaysia with 21.7%, while Thailand maintains a steady growth of 8.4%. In South Asia, India confirms its strategic market position with a strong increase of 59.1%, revealing immense potential.

Europe posted the strongest regional growth, with an increase of 53.3%. Many Western and Northern European countries recorded excellent results: the United Kingdom (10.4%), France (12.1%), Germany (14.5%), Italy (8.9%), Denmark (18.4%), Norway (23.8%), and Sweden (26.6%). Visa-free markets such as Poland (52.7%), Switzerland (19.4%), and the Czech Republic (23.1%) demonstrate the clear effectiveness of visa policies in stimulating European demand.

According to the Tourism Information Center, in the face of global geopolitical and security risks, safety has become a decisive factor for travelers. Vietnam guarantees this safety while also attracting visitors with its resources, landscapes, and rich culture. Furthermore, experiential, ecotourism, and local tourism offer vast opportunities to increase competitiveness. Similarly, a more flexible visa policy, improved air connectivity, and innovative products solidify Vietnam's position as a major Asian destination, ensuring sustainable growth in the future.

(Source: VNA)