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| Foreign tourists take cycle tours of Hanoi's streets__Photo: VNA |
Vietnam welcomed almost 14 million international arrivals in the first eight months of 2025, up by 21.7 percent year-on-year.
Data released on Saturday by the National Statistics Office under the Ministry of Finance showed that 1.68 million foreign tourists visited the country in August – the biggest number ever recorded for this month, up 7.8 percent from July and 16.5 percent year-on-year, boosted by influx of arrivals amidst celebrations marking the 80th anniversary of the August Revolution and Vietnam's National Day (September 2).
Tourism revenue from travel services in the eight months was estimated at VND 61.2 trillion (USD 2.32 billion), translating to a year-on-year rise of 20.3 percent.
The Vietnam National Authority of Tourism said the August surge, despite being the traditional low season for international travel, reflected clear signs of recovery and growth in inbound markets.
Air travel remained dominant, accounting for 11.9 million visitors, or 85.2 percent of the total, up 22.6 percent year-on-year. Land arrivals reached 1.9 million, up 17.5 percent, while sea arrivals stood at 187,800, up 13.4 percent.
China and South Korea in the lead
China and South Korea continued to be Vietnam’s two largest source markets, contributing nearly half of all international arrivals. China topped the list with more than 3.5 million visitors (25.4 percent), followed by South Korea with over 2.9 million (20.9 percent). Other major markets included Taiwan (China), the United States, Japan, Cambodia, India, Russia, Australia and Malaysia.
European markets also showed strong growth, particularly the United Kingdom, France, Germany, Italy, Spain, Denmark, Sweden and Norway. In Southeast Asia, tourist flows from the Philippines, Cambodia, Laos, Indonesia, Malaysia, Singapore and Thailand also expanded.
Russia stood out with a remarkable 164.9 percent surge in arrivals, credited to targeted promotional campaigns by the tourism authority, the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism, and local businesses.
India meanwhile has reinforced its position as one of Vietnam’s most promising markets. More than 387,000 Indian tourists visited Vietnam in the first seven months of 2025, up 42.5 percent year-on-year, following a record 501,427 in 2024 – nearly triple the 2019 level.
To tap this vast demand, Vietnam will hold tourism promotion events in Bengaluru and Hyderabad in September to enhance visibility and connect businesses.
Pham Van Thuy, Deputy Director-General of the Vietnam National Authority of Tourism, noted that India is not only a comprehensive strategic partner of Vietnam but also a nation with deep historical and cultural ties. Tourism, he said, is becoming a bridge to strengthen people-to-people links between the two countries.
He added that Vietnam’s extension of its e-visa system – allowing single or multiple entries for up to 90 days – together with expanding direct flights and a safe, welcoming travel environment, is helping to attract more Indian visitors.
With nearly 14 million international arrivals so far, Vietnam’s tourism industry is on track towards its ambitious target of welcoming 25 million foreign visitors in 2025, the highest ever. (VNS/VLLF)
