Southeast Asia's 2nd largest economy records 33% drop in Vietnamese tourists this year

By Anh Minh December 25, 2025 | 06:33 pm PT

Tourists ride a tuk-tuk in Bangkok's Chinatown, Thailand, May 16, 2025. Photo by Reuters

The number of Vietnamese tourists to Thailand, the second largest economy in Southeast Asia, reached 600,000 so far this year, down 33% from last year amid growing safety concerns.

Thailand received 31.76 million foreign visitors so far this year, down 7.25% from the same period a ‌year earlier.

Malaysia was the largest source market with 4.38 million visitors, followed ‌by ‍China with 4.36 million, Bangkok Post reported.

Vietnam is one of two Southeast Asian countries experiencing the "sharpest decline" in tourist arrivals to Thailand this year.

Cambodia recorded the deepest decline in the region, at nearly 50%, amid border tensions with Thailand.

Thailand has traditionally been a popular tour destination for many Vietnamese tourists due to its affordable prices, available direct flights, simple entry procedures and short flight times.

However, Thailand has struggled with setback after setback this year including a high-profile kidnapping of Chinese actor Xing Xing, deadly earthquake, border clashes and severe floods.