Vietnam’s int’l tourist arrivals hit record 19.15 million in 11 months

The National Statistics Office of Vietnam (NSO) said nearly 1.98 million foreign tourists visited the country in November, continuing a strong trend in the tourism sector.

From January to November, the nation welcomed 19.15 million international travelers, up 20.9 percent from the same period last year. 

The figure exceeded the previous record set in 2019 and surpassed the government's target of 18 million arrivals for 2025.

The NSO attributed the growth to relaxed visa policies, intensified tourism promotion programs, and large-scale events held across the country that attracted international visitors.

Visitors from Asia accounted for the bulk of arrivals, making up 79 percent or around 15 million tourists. 

Europe contributed 2.4 million visitors, the Americas about 993,000, Oceania 549,000, and Africa 51,000.

China remained Vietnam's largest source market, representing nearly 40 percent of total international arrivals, followed by South Korea with 3.9 million visitors. 

Other major source countries and territories included Japan, Taiwan, the United States, India, Cambodia, and Russia.

Russia recorded the highest growth in 2025, with arrivals up more than 290 percent compared with the same period in 2024. 

Russian tourists favored coastal and warm destinations such as Nha Trang and Phu Quoc.

Air travel accounted for 85 percent of international arrivals.

Tourism experts said that alongside quantity growth, Vietnam needs to focus on quality by attracting tourists who stay longer and spend more.