Vietnam attracts over 1.2 million international visitor arrivals in August 2023

International tourists experience handmade
 mat weaving in Ben Tre Province

According to General Statistics Office, over 1.2 million international visitor arrivals come to Vietnam in August 2023, an increase of 17.2% compared to the previous month.

This month saw the highest number of international visitors since the beginning of 2023. In the first eight months, the total number of international visitors reached over 7.8 million arrivals, gained 98% of the plan in 2023.

In terms of market, Korea continues to be the largest source market in the first 8 months of 2023 with 2.2 million arrivals (accounting for 29% of the number of visitors). China ranked second, reaching nearly 950 thousand (12.1%); The US ranked third with approximately 503 thousand (6.4%).

Among the top 10 source markets, Northeast Asia has Korea (2,274 thousand arrivals), China (950 thousand), Taiwan (498 thousand), Japan (349 thousand). Southeast Asia has Thailand (321 thousand arrivals), Malaysia (293 thousand), and Cambodia (256 thousand). Australia ranked the 9th (with 252 thousand), India at the 10th (247 thousand).

In Europe, the UK (170.5 thousand arrivals), France (142 thousand) and Germany (128 thousand) are the largest inbound markets. The Russian market reached 78.8 thousand arrivals in the first 8 months of the year.

The main growth drivers in August 2023 came from major markets, in which: Korea added nearly 100 thousand arrivals compared to July 2023 (+34.9%); China market continued to grow well (+17.7%); Japanese market increased strongly (+53.8%). Markets from Southeast Asia had positive growth: Thailand (+30.8%), Cambodia (+12.4%), Philippines (+12.9%).

In particular, the markets from Europe had the best growth among the continents, up 37.7% compared to July 2023. In which, there was the contribution of main markets such as the UK (+28.2%), France (+46.9%), Germany (+27.1%). On a smaller scale, some other markets saw a breakthrough: Spain (+156.4%), Italy (+155.8%). The Russian market increased by 13%.

These countries are on the list that enjoy unilateral visa exemption policy with a temporary stay of up to 45 days according to Resolution 128/NQ-CP effective from August 15, 2023.

Thus, only in August 2023, the number of international visitors reached 80% compared to the same period in 2019. In general, the number of international visitors in 8 months have recovered nearly 70% compared to the same period of 2019 and reached 98% of plan in 2023. In the remaining 4 months (from September to December), the tourism industry will enter the peak season of international tourism and there is still plenty of allowances to exceed this year's target.

Top 10 source markets of Vietnam in Jan-Aug 2023
(thousand arrivals) Source: Compiled from GSO

From 15th August 2023, Vietnam will increase the temporary stay duration to 45 days for citizens of 13 countries who are unilaterally exempted from visas, issue electronic visas for all countries/territories and list of international border gates allowing foreigners to enter and exit with e-visas; temporary stay duration up to 90 days, valid for multiple entry and exit.

On 21st August 2023, Vietnam and Kazakhstan signed a bilateral visa exemption agreement for ordinary passport holders. These new policies will certainly be an important driving force to attract international tourists to Vietnam in the coming time.

* Tourism Information Technology Center
* Tags: international visitor,  GSO,  statistic,