Agoda flags Chinese tourists' growing preference for Vietnam over Thailand

By Hoang Phong September 24, 2025 | 08:24 pm PT

Chinese tourists pose for photos near Ban Gioc Waterfall in Cao Bang Province in northern Vietnam that borders China, October 2024. Photo by VGI

Searches for Vietnam by China travelers have risen by 90% in the past two months driven by increased flight connections, according to online aggregator Agoda.

The rise in travel interest follows the launch of new direct flights between Hanoi and Chinese cities such as Ningbo, Chengdu, Shanghai, and Xi’an that has made travel more convenient, Agoda said.

Agoda's report also matched tourism statistics for the first eight months of the year.

China remained the largest source of visitors for Vietnam in the January-August period with 3.53 million arrivals, a 44% year-on-year increase.

Vietnam has overtaken Thailand as the top destination for Chinese tourists thanks to increased tourism campaigns, its geographical location, perception of great safety, and low costs.

According to Thailand's Ministry of Tourism and Sports, 3.23 million Chinese tourists visited the country between Jan. 1 and Sept. 14.

The Thai baht's appreciation against the yuan has made Thailand 20% more expensive for Chinese visitors compared to last year, Nation Thailand newspaper reported.

Adith Chairattananon, secretary-general of the Association of Thai Travel Agents, said: "When the baht strengthens 20% against the yuan, how can we not lose ground to Vietnam?

"Vietnam is offering fresh destinations and building infrastructure across five key cities, Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, Danang, Nha Trang, and Phu Quoc, where airport transfers to the city center take under 30 minutes.

"In Thailand, only Bangkok offers such convenience."