Vietnam welcomes nearly 4.7 million international tourists in first two months of 2026
International arrivals to Vietnam topped 4.7 million in January and February, driven by rising travel demand from South Korea, China and other Asian markets.
ATT Desk Report 
Vietnam has recorded a remarkable surge in international tourist arrivals during the first two months of 2026, welcoming nearly 4.7 million foreign visitors—an impressive 18.1 percent increase compared to the same period last year, according to data released by the National Authority of Tourism (VNAT).
The Vietnam News Agency (VNA) reports that air travel remains the preferred mode of entry, accounting for more than 3.83 million arrivals or 81.8 percent of the total. Land border crossings contributed 15.8 percent, while sea travel represented 2.4 percent of all international visitors.
Sustained monthly momentum
February 2026 alone saw over 2.2 million foreign visitors, marking the third consecutive month that international arrivals have exceeded the two-million threshold. This follows 2.45 million arrivals in January 2026 and 2.02 million in December 2025, demonstrating sustained momentum in the country's tourism recovery.
Asian markets dominate
Asian tourists continued to form the backbone of Vietnam's tourism industry, with approximately 3.4 million arrivals during the two-month period—accounting for 73 percent of total visitors and reflecting 10.2 percent year-on-year growth.
The Republic of Korea maintained its position as Vietnam's largest source market, contributing around 971,000 visitors, up 10 percent from the previous year. Tourism officials attribute this steady growth to the enduring appeal of Vietnam's beach destinations, golf tourism offerings, family travel options, and convenient air connections between the two nations.
Mainland China secured second place with approximately 923,000 arrivals, while visitors from Taiwan (China) exceeded 220,000 during the period. Together with Japan, these markets continue to reinforce Northeast Asia's dominant role in Vietnam's international tourism landscape.
India emerges as fastest-growing market
India has emerged as one of Vietnam's fastest-growing source markets, with approximately 158,000 visitors in the first two months—a staggering 71 percent year-on-year increase. The VNAT attributes this remarkable growth to Vietnam's successful market diversification efforts, expanded direct flight connections, enhanced tourism promotion campaigns, and rising outbound travel demand among India's expanding middle class.
Southeast Asian neighbours show robust growth
Within the ASEAN region, several markets recorded impressive growth rates. The Philippines led with a 72 percent surge in visitors, followed by Singapore at 35 percent, Indonesia at 27 percent, and Malaysia at 16.5 percent. Cambodia posted the region's highest growth rate at 95.1 percent, which VNAT officials attribute to strengthened intra-ASEAN tourism cooperation, geographical proximity, and convenient transport links.
European market recovery accelerates
The European market demonstrated strong recovery momentum, contributing 847,000 arrivals during the two-month period—a substantial 67.4 percent year-on-year increase. Major markets posting growth included the United Kingdom (17.1 percent), France (19.8 percent), and Germany (17.5 percent).
Russia remained Vietnam's largest European source market with 247,000 visitors, soaring an extraordinary 212.5 percent year-on-year. Russian tourists show preference for Vietnam's warm coastal destinations, including Nha Trang, Phú Quốc, and Phan Thiết–Mũi Né, where they frequently enjoy extended holiday stays.
According to VNAT, Vietnam's growing appeal among European travellers is supported by favourable visa policies, including extended visa exemptions, streamlined e-visa procedures, and expanded direct air routes connecting Vietnam with major European cities.
Americas and other regions contribute growth
The Americas contributed 278,000 visitors during the period. The United States, with 210,000 arrivals, remained among Vietnam's top ten source markets, recording 6.3 percent growth. Canada contributed approximately 50,000 visitors, a 22.9 percent increase.
Australia and New Zealand together provided about 130,000 visitors, up nearly 15 percent, while Africa recorded approximately 12,100 arrivals—a 32 percent rise.
Diverse and balanced market structure
The VNAT emphasized that strong growth across Northeast Asia, ASEAN, and European markets demonstrates Vietnam's increasingly diverse and balanced international tourism market structure. This diversification creates a solid foundation for sustaining growth momentum and strengthening Vietnam's competitiveness in regional and global tourism markets.
