VIETNAM BECOMES THE FASTEST-DEVELOPING TOURISM DESTINATION IN SOUTHEAST ASIA

Breathtaking natural beauty with postcard-perfect beaches, like Kem Beach – Phu Quoc, are the key reasons travelers fall in love with Vietnam. PHOTO: FATEL BELEK

HCMC – With an impressive 98% tourism recovery rate post Covid, Vietnam has outpaced both Thailand (87.5%) and Singapore (86%) to become the fastest-developing tourism destination in Southeast Asia, according to Bloomberg.

In January 2025 alone, Vietnam reported over 2.1 million international arrivals, marking a 36.9% increase compared to the same period last year, according to statistics from Footprint Travel. Visitor numbers from Russia soared by more than 116%, while major European markets—including the UK, France, Germany, and Italy—recorded robust double-digit growth.

In 2024, the country welcomed 17.5 million international arrivals, surpassing Singapore to become the third most-visited country in the region, behind Thailand (35 million) and Malaysia (25 million).

Phu Quoc, Halong and Danang are three destinations that have contributed significantly to these impressive results. Phu Quoc alone received nearly 2.1 million foreign tourists in January, a nearly 37% year-on-year increase. Danang reported a 42.1% rise in international arrivals in the first quarter of 2025, while Halong continues to draw strong visitor interest thanks to its globally recognized natural wonders.

All three destinations are renowned for their beaches. From the tranquil white sands of Kem and Sao beaches in Phu Quoc to the vibrant atmosphere of My Khe Beach in Danang, Vietnam’s coastline has become a defining attraction. In contrast, Halong captivates with its UNESCO-recognized heritage bay, home to thousands of majestic limestone islets.

Beyond natural beauty, what sets these destinations apart is their fully integrated tourism infrastructure. Entertainment complexes, luxury resorts, and global hospitality brands are transforming these scenic spots into comprehensive travel hubs.

Vietnam’s strong growth in the tourism sector is not solely due to its scenic offerings. Flexible visa policies and an expanding flight network are playing a crucial role in making the country more accessible. A streamlined e-visa system, along with selective visa waivers for citizens of numerous countries, is helping position Vietnam as a friendly and easy-to-reach destination for international travelers.

Source: The Saigon Times

Related News

MEMBER CORNER / PROMOTIONS

VIETNAM'S MANUFACTURING STORY HAS CHANGED IN 2026

Vietnam is no longer attracting investment solely because of its competitive costs. Today, global manufacturers are increasingly choosing Vietnam for its expanding industrial ecosystem, resilient supply chains and growing role in high-value sectors such as semiconductors, electronics and advanced manufacturing.

Jul 24, 2026

BANKING / FINANCE / INSURANCE / TAX

VIETNAM NEEDS OVER $200BN FROM STOCK MARKET IN NEXT 5 YEARS

Speaking at the event, Bui Hoang Hai, vice-chairman of the State Securities Commission of Vietnam, said total investment demand in the 2026-30 period is estimated at VND38,000 trillion ($1.4 trillion). The state budget can only provide approximately VND8,500 trillion ($323 billion), or 20 percent, leaving the remaining 80 percent to be sourced from private and international capital.

Jul 23, 2026

VIETNAM ECONOMY INVESTMENT

HUNG YEN BUILDS DIGITAL FOUNDATIONS TO DRIVE LONG-TERM GROWTH

From strengthening data infrastructure to developing AI platforms, Hung Yen province is enhancing governance capacity while laying the groundwork for the growth of its digital economy. Hung Yen, about 50-60km southeast of Hanoi, has maintained steady momentum in implementing its digital transformation agenda, creating a stronger foundation for the province to advance science, technology, and innovation.

Jul 23, 2026

VIETNAM ECONOMY INVESTMENT

CHINESE INVESTMENT WAVE OPENS NEW DOORS

As Chinese companies move beyond factory relocation to ecosystem-driven investment, Vietnam has a rare opportunity to evolve from a low-cost production base into a strategic node in regional value chains. When global companies first diversified supply chains, the focus was largely on relocating manufacturing capacity.

Jul 23, 2026

VIETNAM ECONOMY INVESTMENT

VIỆT NAM STEPS UP EXPORT TO ACHIEVE US$550-BILLION TARGET

Việt Nam is intensifying efforts to sustain export momentum in the second half of 2026 as the country works towards its target of US$550 billion in export revenue for the year, despite continuing uncertainties in global trade. Statistics show that exports reached $266.5 billion in the first six months, meaning the economy needs to generate around $245.5 billion more during the remainder of the year to meet the annual goal.

Jul 23, 2026

VIETNAM ECONOMY INVESTMENT

ASIA POWERS VIETNAM’S SHRIMP BOOM, LEAVING THE WEST BEHIND

In the first half of 2026, Vietnam's shrimp exports surpassed the US$2.3 billion mark, driven largely by booming demand from China and a lobster craze. But behind that growth figure lies a lopsided picture: Asia is carrying the load, while the U.S. and Europe have yet to break out. These days, a container of frozen shrimp leaving a Ho Chi Minh City port is more likely to cross the East Vietnam Sea to Shanghai than the Pacific to Los Angeles.

Jul 23, 2026