Vietnam Sees Surge in International Travel Interest in 2025

Da Nang hosts a welcoming ceremony for foreign

visitors at Tien Sa port in early 2025

Vietnam is emerging as one of the most sought-after travel destinations in early 2025, with international searches for trips to the country experiencing a significant increase, according to Google Destination Insights.

Rising Interest from Global Travelers

Data from the Vietnam National Authority of Tourism indicates that searches for accommodations in Vietnam from international visitors rose by 15-30% from late November 2024 to the end of January 2025 compared to the same period the previous year. This upward trend continued in February 2025, with search volumes increasing by 30-45% in the first half of the month.

Key markets driving this growth include the United States, Australia, India, Japan, South Korea, Singapore, the United Kingdom, Canada, Germany, and Malaysia. Australia and India ranked as the second and third largest sources of search traffic, highlighting the growing interest from these markets.

The most searched destinations within Vietnam include Ho Chi Minh City, Hanoi, Da Nang, Phu Quoc, Nha Trang, Hoi An, Da Lat, Phan Thiet, Hue, and Vung Tau. This suggests that both urban centers and coastal destinations remain highly attractive to global travelers.

Strong Demand from Long-Haul Travelers

International travel agencies have also noted a surge in demand for Vietnam. Companies such as Kuoni and Thomas Cook report increased interest in long-haul travel, with Vietnam ranking among the most sought-after destinations, alongside the Maldives, Thailand, and South Africa. Kuoni reported a 14% increase in bookings compared to last year, while Thomas Cook saw a 10% rise.

In January 2025, Vietnam welcomed nearly 2.1 million international visitors, an 18.5% increase from the previous month and a remarkable 36.9% rise compared to January 2024. This sets a new record for Vietnam’s tourism industry, surpassing the nearly 2 million international arrivals recorded in January 2020.

Government Initiatives Boosting Tourism Growth

The surge in travel interest reflects the success of Vietnam’s relaxed visa policies, extensive tourism promotions, and diverse range of travel experiences. On January 15, 2025, the Vietnamese government introduced a new visa exemption policy under the 2025 Tourism Promotion Programme, granting visa-free entry to citizens of Poland, Switzerland, and the Czech Republic. This move is expected to further enhance tourism arrivals from European markets.

Vietnam’s tourism sector has set ambitious targets for 2025, aiming to attract 22-23 million international visitors, serve 120-130 million domestic tourists, and generate approximately US$39-42 billion in tourism revenue. With strong global interest and strategic government initiatives, Vietnam is well on track to achieving these goals and solidifying its status as a premier travel destination.
Web: https://vietnamtourism.gov.vn/en