Why Chinese visitors keep flocking to Vietnam

"I have been to Vietnam twice, and both times I felt happy," a 25-year-old Chinese woman visiting Hoi An in mid-May said.

She pointed to the short travel distance involved from home, low expenses and beautiful beaches as key reasons for her return.

She also praised the country's safety, saying she has never felt worried walking alone at night.

According to data from the General Statistics Office, mainland China was the largest source of foreign visitors to Vietnam in the first four months of 2025 with nearly 1.95 million arrivals out of a total of 7.7 million, up nearly 15% from the previous peak year of 2019.

China reopened its borders post-Covid in early 2023 after prolonged restrictions, but the number of visitors to Vietnam did not rebound to pre-pandemic levels in 2023 and 2024.

South Korea was the top source of visitors during that period, but China has now reclaimed the spot.

Pham Anh Vu, deputy general director of Du Lich Viet, said this year the increase has been 30%.

Most Chinese tourists favor destinations with beaches and luxury resorts such as Da Nang, Nha Trang and Phu Quoc, he said.

Pham Hai Quynh, director of the Asian Development Institute, identified the factors behind Vietnam's popularity: low cost of living, affordable tourism services, beautiful beaches, rich culture, and diverse range of foods.

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

Proximity also plays a key role, according to Nguyen Tien Dat, CEO of Hanoi-based AZA Travel.

Vietnam is geographically closer to China than places like Singapore, Malaysia and Thailand, and Chinese travelers could even enter the country by road, offering both convenience and reduced costs, he said.

Similar lifestyles and climatic conditions also enhance their experience, offering familiarity and comfort, as does the availability of Chinese-speaking tour guides and hotel and restaurant staff.

The resumption of direct commercial and charter flights between China and Vietnam has made travel faster and more affordable.

With the strong momentum and favorable conditions, experts believe China will remain Vietnam's leading source of international tourists this year.