Thap Ba Ponagar 2, Khanh Hoa, a cultural – spiritual destination attracting international tourists to Vietnam. (Photo: Vietnam+)

According to data from the Statistics Department (Ministry of Finance), Vietnam's tourism sector showed positive signs by welcoming nearly 2.5 million international visitors in the first month of 2026.

Specifically, the number of international visitors to Vietnam in January 2026 increased by 18.5% compared to the same period in 2025 and by 21.4% compared to the previous month.

This is the highest monthly figure ever achieved by Vietnam's tourism, reflecting a strong recovery in the market and the growing appeal of Vietnam as a destination.

According to the Vietnam National Administration of Tourism, not only has the scale increased, but the structure of the international tourist market also shows notable shifts. The Asian region remains a pillar with approximately 1.8 million visitors, accounting for over 73% of total international arrivals.

Among them, South Korea leads with nearly 490,000 visitors, up about 26% from the previous month and over 17% year-on-year. China ranks second with nearly 460.000 visitors, maintaining a large scale despite a year-on-year decrease.

Japan recorded strong growth, increasing by 41% from the previous month and 16.9% year-on-year, indicating a clear recovery in the high-spending tourist segment.

International tourists receiving gifts after experiencing the ancient village of Duong Lam. (Photo: Vietnam+)

In Southeast Asia, several markets maintained growth momentum, such as the Philippines, Singapore, Indonesia, and Thailand. Notably, visitors from Cambodia increased more than threefold compared to the previous month and the same period last year; India reached nearly 88,000 visitors, up over 80% year-on-year.

The European market emerged as a highlight with approximately 424.000 visitors, up more than 35% from the previous month and nearly 60% year-on-year. Markets such as Russia, the UK, France, and Germany all saw double-digit growth, with Russia and Poland experiencing particularly high increases.

Visitors from the Americas reached about 137.000, up 23% from the previous month and 14.2% year-on-year; the United States continues to be a key market with a 12% year-on-year increase. Australia also recorded strong growth with over 81.000 visitors, up 42% from the previous month and 13% year-on-year.

The beauty of Ky Co Beach, Gia Lai province. (Photo: Vietnam+)

Commenting on these results, leaders of the Vietnam National Administration of Tourism believe this is the culmination of several factors, including favorable visa policies, enhanced international air connectivity, a stable and safe destination environment, along with strengthened promotion and a more diverse tourism product system.

The structure of international tourists' arrival methods also reflects a clear recovery in connectivity infrastructure. Air travel continues to play a dominant role, accounting for nearly 80% of total visitors, while those arriving by land nearly doubled year-on-year, indicating vibrant flows from neighboring countries and the ASEAN region.

According to the tourism industry, the record figure of nearly 2.5 million international visitors in the first month of the year can be seen as the starting point for a new growth cycle. Vietnam's tourism is transitioning from a recovery phase to enhancing growth quality and increasing competitiveness.

International tourists seek cultural and historical experiences in Hanoi. (Photo: Vietnam+)

In the context of increasingly fierce destination competition and rapidly changing global tourism trends, this growth result is seen as a bright spot for Vietnam's tourism.

However, to sustain this growth momentum, there needs to be coordinated participation from all levels, sectors, localities, and businesses in innovating products, enhancing experience quality, and building a destination brand.

The year 2026 is identified as a significant year, marking the beginning of implementing new economic and social development goals, requiring the tourism industry to continue innovating its growth model, enhancing competitiveness, and developing in a professional, modern, and sustainable direction.