Summary: Vietnam tourism registered nearly 2.5 million international arrivals in January 2026 — a record single-month total — rising 21.4% from December 2025 and 18.5% year-on-year, led by visitors from South Korea, Japan and China.

Vietnam tourism recorded nearly 2.5 million international visitors in January 2026, the highest number ever reported for a single month, according to the General Statistics Office of Vietnam. This total represents a 21.4% increase from the previous month and an 18.5% rise compared with January 2025, underlining a robust rebound in inbound travel.

Record January Arrivals

The January figure signals a strong recovery and expansion of Vietnam’s tourism sector following the pandemic years. Officials attribute the surge to expanded flight links, more permissive visa measures and intensified international marketing campaigns that have increased the country’s accessibility and appeal.

Transport Modes Driving Growth

Air travel remains the primary channel for international visitors, reflecting the surge in available international flights and loosened travel restrictions across source markets.

  • Air: Roughly 80% of international arrivals, supported by growing route networks
  • Road: Cross-border road travel doubled year-on-year, boosted by visitors from neighbouring ASEAN countries
  • Sea: Maritime arrivals rose about 30% compared with January 2025, maintaining coastal tourism demand
International tourists arriving at a Vietnamese airport, illustrating increased air connectivity and Vietnam tourism growth
Airports and new flight routes have been central to the surge in international visitors to Vietnam in January 2026

Top Source Markets

South Korea remained the largest source market, with nearly 490,000 South Korean visitors in January 2026 — a 17% year-on-year increase — driven by demand for beach resorts, golf and family holidays plus extensive flight connectivity between the two countries.

Japan showed a sharp rebound as well, recording a 41% rise from the previous month and a 16.9% increase compared with January 2025, reflecting strong interest from higher-spending travellers attracted to Vietnam’s luxury and cultural offerings.

The Chinese market, while down year-on-year, still accounted for nearly 460,000 visits in January 2026 and remained one of Vietnam’s largest inbound markets. The decline was linked to economic headwinds in China and intensified competition from other Southeast Asian destinations that have adopted attractive visa measures.

Policy and Product Drivers

Officials point to a combination of factors behind the upswing: relaxed visa rules for many travellers, the opening of new international air routes, and targeted promotional campaigns. The government and industry have also invested in product diversification, expanding beyond traditional cultural and beach tourism into segments such as golf resorts, luxury spas and urban experiences.

There is also a growing emphasis on higher-quality and sustainable tourism offerings as Vietnam shifts from recovery to a new growth phase focused on competitiveness and long-term value for destinations and communities.

  • Nearly 2.5 million international tourists in January 2026 (record single-month total)
  • 21.4% increase versus December 2025; 18.5% increase versus January 2025
  • Top markets: South Korea (~490,000), China (~460,000), Japan (strong month-on-month rebound)

What This Means for Travelers and the Industry

So what? For travellers, the surge in arrivals means more flight choices, expanding tourism products and greater availability of luxury and niche experiences across Vietnam. For industry stakeholders, the jump signals an opportunity to prioritise sustainable growth, improve visitor services and capitalise on demand from high-spending source markets while remaining attentive to competitive pressures from nearby destinations.