During January-June, the Southeast Asian country welcomed 12.3 million foreign arrivals, a year-on-year increase of 14.9 percent, reaching nearly 50 percent of the year's target.

Of the figure, 10.12 million travelled by air, accounting for 82.6 percent and up 11.4 percent; 1.92 million by road, up 37.5 percent; and 209,000 by sea, up 15.2 percent.

South Korea ranked as the second-largest source of foreign visitors to Viet Nam, with 2.16 million arrivals. Together with China, these two markets accounted for approximately 40 percent of total international visitor arrivals to Viet Nam, underscoring their importance as major growth drivers for the country's tourism sector.

Most notably, the Russian market continued its remarkable growth momentum, with 742,700 arrivals, up 185.8 percent year-on-year, thereby maintaining its position as Viet Nam's third-largest source market.

This remarkable growth reflects the tangible impact of the resumption and expansion of direct air routes, growing demand among Russian travelers for beach holidays, and Viet Nam's competitive advantages in climate, resort offerings, and affordability.

Among the other major source markets, Taiwan recorded more than 638,000 arrivals; followed by the U.S. with nearly 530,000; Cambodia with over 509,000; India with more than 491,000; and Japan with 442,000.

Southeast Asia continued to emerge as one of the key growth engines of Viet Nam's tourism industry. The Philippines posted the strongest growth, with arrivals surging 67.6 percent, maintaining its place among Viet Nam's top 10 source markets. Other ASEAN markets also recorded robust increases, including Cambodia (41.2 percent), Singapore (29.4 percent), Indonesia (26.5 percent), Malaysia (23.4 percent), and Thailand (10 percent).

These achievements reflect the growing trend of intra-ASEAN travel, supported by close geographical proximity, an extensive network of direct flights, and travel facilitation policies.

In South Asia, India remained a standout market, with visitor arrivals rising 45.6 percent while Europe also recorded the highest regional growth rate in the first six months of the year, with arrivals increasing 56.1 percent.

The strong performance recorded in the first half of the year has provided a solid foundation for Viet Nam's tourism sector to achieve its target of welcoming 25 million international visitors by the end of this year./.