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In just the first 10 months of 2025, Vietnam surpassed all historical records, welcoming over 17 million international visitors. This figure is not just a statistic, but a vivid testament to the irresistible appeal of the S-shaped country. What has made Vietnam a "must-visit destination" in the global tourism community?
According to data from the General Statistics Office, Vietnam officially recorded nearly 17.2 million international visitors in the first 10 months of 2025, a staggering 21.5% increase compared to the same period last year. The peak was in October with 1.73 million visitors, breaking historical records and surpassing even the traditional summer peak months.
1.73 million international tourists visited Vietnam in October.
This rapid growth has resulted in estimated tourism revenue of 77.4 trillion VND – a figure that confirms that Vietnamese tourism is not only recovering but is entering a new era of prosperity.
Visa policy - the "golden key" to unlocking tourism.
The factor most highly appreciated by experts and international travel enthusiasts is the "lenient" visa policy. Vietnam has used its flexible visa policy as a powerful "passport" to travel.
Specifically, the 45-day visa exemption for citizens of 12 developed countries in Europe and Northeast Asia has created a significant competitive advantage. Recently, the government has further expanded the visa exemption to include 12 more European countries such as Belgium, the Netherlands, Switzerland, etc., making it easier for tourists from distant markets to plan longer and more luxurious trips.
The number of international visitors in October provides an optimistic sign for the tourism industry.
The flexible visa policy has proven highly effective, particularly for European tourists – a region that recorded an "admirable" growth of nearly 35% with over 2.1 million visitors. This demonstrates Vietnam's success in attracting a group of tourists willing to spend heavily and stay for extended periods. Clearly, the visa policy is not just an administrative procedure, but a friendly invitation, helping Vietnam directly access distant and high-end markets.
This figure not only surpasses records set during the same period before the pandemic, but also exceeds many peak summer months…
A series of international events "flourished".
Vietnam's appeal lies not only in its traditional scenic beauty but also in its ability to host large-scale international events, creating a dynamic and safe "vibe." The successful organization of major events such as the signing ceremony of the International Convention against Cybercrime has attracted a large number of international experts and guests.
Many international activities are organized to attract tourists.
This is a "golden" opportunity to indirectly but effectively promote the image of a friendly and modern country on the international stage. Simultaneously, the Vietnam Tourism Association is focusing on a proactive strategy: boosting digital communication and promotion on social media platforms. This helps the image of Vietnamese tourism appear at the right time, in the right place, reaching the right target audience of young and dynamic customers globally, especially in key markets such as China (4.3 million visits) and South Korea (3.6 million visits).
Experience the full appeal and allure of the cities.
The consistent growth in tourism revenue across major localities demonstrates the strong ripple effect of the industry, with Ho Chi Minh City increasing by over 23%, Hanoi by over 20%, and Quang Ninh by over 18%. This success stems from efforts to develop unique tourism products and strengthen linkages in the service chain (travel agencies, transportation, accommodation, and food).
Overall, in the first 10 months of 2025, the number of international visitors to Vietnam reached nearly 17.2 million, an increase of 21.5% compared to the same period last year.
Of these, 14.6 million arrived by air, accounting for 84.9% of international visitors.
The goal is not only to attract visitors, but also to keep them there longer, encourage them to spend more, and provide the most convenient and fulfilling experience. With the ambitious target of welcoming at least 25 million international visitors in 2025, Vietnam's tourism industry is entering the final "crunch" of the year with confidence.
The tourism industry is entering the final stretch of the year. With the consensus that "attracting tourists is the responsibility of the entire community" and the continued leveraging of the strengths of its visa policy, Vietnam's tourism is expected to not only achieve but also surpass its set targets, affirming a solid recovery and sustainable development, and making a significant contribution to national economic growth.
