Singapore falls behind Vietnam, Thailand in 8-month tourist arrivals

By Hoang Vu September 16, 2025 | 07:10 pm PT

Tourists pose for photos with the Marina Bay Sands at a popular tourist spot along Marina Bay in Singapore, July 24, 2015. Photo by Reuters

Singapore received 11.6 million foreign arrivals in the first eight months of this year, which was a 2.7% year-on-year increase but lagged far behind Southeast Asian neighbors such as Thailand and Vietnam.

China continued to lead as Singapore's main source market with 2.3 million arrivals, followed by Indonesia and India, according to data released by the Singapore Tourism Board.

Singapore recorded a total of 1.6 million international visitors last month, up 4.5% from the same month in 2024.

Since February last year, Singapore waived visa requirements for Chinese passport holders for stays of up to 30 days.

Known for its low crime rates and high safety levels, Singapore has become a favorite destination of foreign tourists.

Thailand received more than 21 million foreign tourists between January and August while Vietnam received nearly 14 million.