Published on
March 12, 2026
Image generated with Ai
The United States has emerged as a key player in boosting Vietnam’s tourism, joining markets like Russia, South Korea, Australia, China, India, Canada, and the United Kingdom. With over 4.6 million foreign visitors in the first two months of 2026, Vietnam’s tourism revenue has surged to an estimated $7.1 billion, reflecting a robust and diverse global demand.
Vietnam’s tourism sector continues to show resilience in 2026, with international arrivals reaching 2,228,372 in February. This marks a 9.2 per cent decrease from January but reflects a 17.7 per cent increase compared to the same period last year. The first two months of 2026 have seen a total of 4,682,096 foreign visitors, signaling an 18.1 per cent year-on-year growth for the sector.
South Korea and China Lead Vietnam’s Tourist Markets in February
South Korea emerged as Vietnam’s largest source market in February, with 481,589 visitors, followed closely by China with 463,147 arrivals. These two countries remain dominant sources of international tourism to Vietnam, underscoring the strong regional connections. Other important markets included Russia, Taiwan, the United States, and India, contributing substantial numbers to the monthly totals.
Visitor numbers from Taiwan stood at 119,112, while the United States registered 105,981 arrivals. India contributed 70,856 international arrivals, maintaining a strong presence despite a slight decline in February. Japan, Malaysia, Cambodia, Australia, and the United Kingdom rounded out the list of top markets.
Notable Growth in Tourism from Several Countries
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Despite a dip in overall numbers from certain markets, Vietnam’s tourism sector has experienced strong growth from several international markets. Visitors from Denmark showed a significant 40 per cent increase, while Laos saw an impressive 39 per cent rise in arrivals. Belgium followed closely with a 30 per cent increase, and Norway saw 24 per cent growth. Other notable increases came from the Czech Republic (22 per cent), Germany (18 per cent), and Canada (17 per cent), highlighting a diverse spread of expanding tourism demand.
These markets are helping Vietnam expand its tourism base beyond its traditional strongholds, contributing to the steady upward trend in foreign visitors.
Challenges and Declines from Certain Markets
However, not all markets saw positive growth. Visitor numbers from Cambodia dropped sharply by 76 per cent, a significant contrast to the previous month. Similarly, New Zealand’s numbers declined by 43 per cent, Australia by 40 per cent, and Italy by 32 per cent. Other countries like Indonesia, Singapore, Japan, and India also saw declines ranging from 19 to 32 per cent.
These declines could be attributed to various factors, including changing travel preferences, economic conditions, or shifting travel policies. Despite these challenges, the overall performance of Vietnam’s tourism market remains positive, with the robust growth from other regions helping to balance the losses from these markets.
Domestic Tourism Flourishes with Strong Demand
While international arrivals showed a slight dip, domestic tourism has continued to thrive in Vietnam. The Vietnam National Authority of Tourism reported an estimated 18.5 million domestic trips in February alone, with approximately 6.5 million overnight stays. This strong performance underscores the importance of domestic tourism in the country’s recovery and growth strategy.
In the first two months of 2026, domestic travel reached a total of 26.5 million trips, further bolstered by significant tourism revenue, estimated at $7.1 billion. The steady demand for domestic travel highlights the resilience of the local tourism market, which is less susceptible to global disruptions and serves as a key pillar in Vietnam’s broader tourism strategy.
Vietnam’s Tourism Future: Resilience Amidst Global Challenges
Vietnam’s tourism growth in 2026 reflects the nation’s ongoing appeal as a top destination for international and domestic tourists. Despite the challenges posed by a dip in arrivals from specific countries, the overall increase in international visitors signals a positive outlook for the future. As the country continues to recover from global disruptions, the strong performance of domestic tourism provides an essential buffer, contributing to the economic stability and growth of Vietnam’s tourism industry.
With a robust tourism strategy, increasing visitor numbers from emerging markets, and an unwavering focus on domestic travel, Vietnam’s tourism sector is set to remain a major economic driver in the coming years. The continued focus on expanding tourism infrastructure and offering diverse travel experiences will likely sustain growth in both the international and domestic tourism sectors.
In conclusion, Vietnam’s tourism sector has shown remarkable resilience and growth in 2026, with significant contributions from key international markets, including the United States, Russia, South Korea, China, and others. Despite challenges from certain countries, the overall increase in foreign arrivals and a strong domestic tourism performance highlight the country’s continued appeal as a travel destination. With tourism revenue reaching an impressive $7.1 billion in just two months, Vietnam’s tourism industry is poised for sustained growth, driven by both international demand and a thriving domestic market.
