Vietnam welcomed more than 17.7 million international visitors in the first nine months of 2026, up 14.5% year on year, as the country’s tourism sector continues to record strong growth despite a slower global travel market.
According to data from the General Statistics Office, Vietnam received around 1.77 million international visitors in September alone, up 16.1% from the same month last year. The nine-month figure represents nearly 71% of the country’s target of 25 million international visitors for 2026.
Europe Leads International Visitor Growth
European markets recorded the strongest growth during the first nine months, with arrivals increasing by 55% year on year. Russia stood out as the fastest-growing major European market, with more than 1 million visitors, up 160.6%. Growing demand for beach holidays, longer stays and winter escapes, together with improved air connectivity, has supported the market’s growth.
Other markets also posted notable increases, including Poland, the Czech Republic, Switzerland and Sweden. Meanwhile, visitors from Oceania, the Americas and Africa rose by 21%, 20% and 29.4%, respectively.
China And South Korea Remain The Largest Markets
Asia continued to account for the largest share of Vietnam’s international arrivals, representing 74.5% of the total. China remained the largest source market with around 3.9 million visitors, followed by South Korea with approximately 3 million. Together, the two markets accounted for nearly 40% of all international arrivals.
Air travel remained the main gateway to Vietnam, accounting for 83.2% of international arrivals in the first nine months. Land arrivals represented 15.4%, while sea travel accounted for 1.4%.
Vietnam Outpaces Global Tourism Growth
Vietnam’s double-digit growth is particularly notable amid a slower recovery in international tourism worldwide. According to UN Tourism data cited by the Vietnam National Authority of Tourism, global international visitor numbers increased by only around 0.4% in the first half of 2026, with the organization lowering its full-year growth forecast to 1–2%.
The results highlight Vietnam’s growing appeal as an international destination, supported by market diversification, a wide range of tourism products, improved air connectivity and expanding tourism infrastructure.
With the final quarter of the year ahead, the focus is increasingly shifting beyond visitor numbers toward longer stays, higher spending and better-quality travel experiences.
