Vietnam welcomes 9.2 million foreign visitors in first five months

By Phuong Anh June 6, 2025 | 08:00 pm PT

Foreign tourists enjoy kite flying in Khanh Hoa Province in central Vietnam. Photo by VnExpress/Bui Toan

Vietnam received 9.2 million international visitors between January and May, a 21% increase year-on-year and 15% higher than the same period of pre-Covid levels in 2019.

Despite the end of the peak tourism season, May alone saw 1.53 million foreign arrivals, marking the highest number for the month in the past decade, according to the General Statistics Office.

Mainland China remained the top source market during the January-May period, with 2.36 million arrivals, followed by South Korea (1.9 million), Taiwan (532,000), the U.S. (375,000), and Japan (342,000).

Russia posted the highest growth during the five-month period, with arrivals surging 221% year-on-year.

The Philippines followed with over 200% growth, Cambodia with more than 160%, and India with over 134%.

Tourism experts attributed the strong performance to favorable visa policies, expanded promotional campaigns, and a series of events held to celebrate major national holidays.