Post by : Mariam
Al-Faris
Vietnam is preparing to welcome a record number of international visitors this year, with officials confirming that around 21 million tourists are expected to arrive. This marks a major recovery for the country’s tourism sector after the severe impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. The Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism said the strong numbers reflect renewed global confidence in travel to Vietnam.
The country recently celebrated the arrival of its 20 millionth foreign visitor with a special event on Phu Quoc Island. Officials said this milestone highlights how quickly tourism has rebounded. Total arrivals in 2025 are expected to go well beyond the previous record of 18 million visitors set in 2019, before international travel was disrupted worldwide.
According to government data, foreign arrivals are up by more than 19 percent compared to last year. Vietnam continues to attract travelers with its long coastline, scenic landscapes, rich culture, and historic landmarks. These features have helped position the country as one of Southeast Asia’s most popular travel destinations.
The tourism recovery has happened despite several environmental challenges. Hanoi has ranked among the world’s most polluted cities on several occasions this year, raising concerns about air pollution. At the same time, heavy rains caused serious flooding in well-known tourist cities such as Hue, Hoi An, and Nha Trang, disrupting local life and travel plans.
Even with these difficulties, visitor interest has remained strong. Officials say many tourists are still choosing Vietnam because of its affordability, diverse experiences, and improved travel services. Tourism businesses have also expanded offerings to meet rising demand from international travelers.
The contrast with pandemic years is clear. In 2021, strict border controls led to fewer than 160,000 foreign visitors, the lowest figure in recent history. The sharp rise since then shows how quickly the tourism sector has recovered as travel restrictions were lifted.
Data from the National Statistics Office shows that China has been the largest source of visitors to Vietnam during the first 11 months of this year, making up about one-quarter of arrivals. Other major markets include South Korea, Taiwan, the United States, and Japan. Officials say the strong rebound in Vietnam tourism is expected to continue in the coming years.
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