Phu Quoc tops the list of favourite destinations among Eastern European travellers. (Photo: Unsplash)

On October 21, digital travel platform Agoda announced that accommodation searches in Viet Nam from Eastern European markets increased by 59%. This growth reflects the positive impact of Viet Nam’s relaxed visa regulations, which have enhanced accessibility and appeal for European visitors.

The new visa exemption policy, effective as of August 15, grants visa-free entry to citizens of 12 European countries. Agoda’s data highlights strong interest from Eastern European travellers, with searches from Slovenia up 77%, Poland 74%, Bulgaria 72%, Romania 69%, and Slovakia 61%.

The figures were compiled from searches on Agoda between August 15 and September 30 for stays scheduled between October and November, compared with the same period last year.

Vu Ngoc Lam, Agoda’s Viet Nam Country Director, remarked: “The data clearly shows that simplifying entry procedures and improving accessibility have contributed to an increase in tourist arrivals from Europe and other long-haul markets.”

Eastern European travellers are showing increasingly diverse preferences, focusing on five standout destinations in Viet Nam. Leading the list is Phu Quoc, which posted a remarkable 113% increase in searches compared with last year. Following the tropical island are the vibrant urban centres of Ha Noi and Ho Chi Minh City, with respective search growth of 77% and 56%. Rounding out the top five are the coastal cities of Da Nang and Nha Trang, up 36% and 35%.

Kem Beach with its silky white sand and crystal-clear turquoise water. (Photo: SG)

Agoda’s findings align with statistics from the General Statistics Office of Viet Nam, which reported a 35% increase in visitors from Europe in the first nine months of 2025. In the third quarter alone, Vietnam welcomed 568,370 European arrivals, up 38% from the previous quarter and a sharp 60% rise year on year.

“The expanded visa exemption has made Viet Nam more accessible and appealing to European travellers. We are delighted to contribute to this growth by helping attract more international tourists through a seamless, user-friendly platform that combines the best deals on accommodations, flights, and local experiences,” Lam added.

With over 6 million accommodation options, 130,000 flight routes, and 300,000 activities integrated into a single booking platform, Agoda makes it easier than ever for European visitors to plan and enjoy their journeys exploring Viet Nam— whether it is a relaxing getaway, a cultural exploration, or a seaside escape.