KUALA LUMPUR - Vietnam recorded a historic high in foreign visitor arrivals in 2025, with international arrivals reaching an estimated 21.168 million, according to the General Statistics Office (GSO).

The figure represents a 20.4% increase from 17.584 million visitors in 2024. It nearly met the government’s original annual target of 22 to 23 million and exceeded pre-pandemic levels, rising 17.6% above the 2019 total of 18 million.

Data from the ASEAN Secretariat show that Vietnam’s growth rate significantly outpaced that of neighboring countries. 

Malaysia recorded an 11.2% year on year increase, Indonesia 10.4%, Singapore 2.7%, and the Philippines 0.8%, while Thailand saw a 7.2% decline and Cambodia a 16.9% drop.

In terms of total visitor numbers, Vietnam ranked third in ASEAN, behind Malaysia (approximately 42 million arrivals) and Thailand (33 million), and ahead of other regional peers.

By country and region, China remained Vietnam’s largest source market with 5.282 million visitors, up from 3.738 million a year earlier. 

South Korea followed with 4.331 million visitors, while Taiwan recorded 1.232 million. 

Japan ranked fifth with 814,000 arrivals, up from 711,000 in 2024.

Asia accounted for the majority of arrivals at around 16.6 million, or 78.6% of the total. 

Outside Asia, Europe contributed approximately 2.8 million visitors (13.1%), followed by the Americas with about 1.1 million (5.2%) and Oceania with roughly 600,000 (2.9%).

In year on year growth terms, arrivals from China rose 41.3%, Japan 14.4%, and India 48.9%, indicating strong momentum across multiple Asian markets.

It is noted that the sharp increase in Chinese visitors may reflect a combination of factors, including the recovery of international flight networks, eased visa procedures, and a tendency among travelers to choose destinations perceived as having relatively lower political friction within the region.

Amid ongoing tensions in China - Japan relations, some Chinese travelers appear to be opting for alternative destinations in Asia.

Europe also posted strong growth, with arrivals up 38.8% year-on-year. 

Russia stood out as the largest European source market, with 690,000 visitors, roughly three times the previous year’s figure.

According to the Japan External Trade Organization (JETRO), Vietnam’s improved air connectivity played a key role in boosting arrivals in 2025, as new international routes were launched and suspended services resumed across the Middle East, South Asia, and Europe.

Budget carrier VietJet Air and flag carrier Vietnam Airlines resumed direct flights to Moscow after a nearly 3-year hiatus. 

In the Middle East, Emirates launched direct flights from Dubai to Da Nang, while Etihad Airways opened a new route connecting Abu Dhabi and Hanoi. 

In South Asia, IndiGo began operating direct flights between New Delhi and Hanoi.

The expansion of these routes has significantly improved access to Vietnam from the Middle East, India, and Europe, further supporting the country’s record breaking performance in international tourism.