Vietnam is experiencing a surge of international interest as a travel destination, with inquiries soaring significantly at the start of 2025. According to data compiled from Google Destination Insights, the number of international searches for accommodations and tourism-related information about Vietnam has increased by approximately 15% to 30% from late November 2024 to the end of January 2025. Remarkably, the first half of February 2025 has seen these searches rise even more dramatically, with increases ranging from 30% to 45% compared to the same period last year.
Officials from the Vietnam National Administration of Tourism have noted this growth, attributing it to the country’s relaxed visa policies, abundant tourism resources, and its enhancing international profile. Data shows the leading countries searching for information about traveling to Vietnam include the United States, Australia, India, Japan, South Korea, Singapore, the United Kingdom, Canada, Germany, and Malaysia, which are identified as key target markets for Vietnam’s tourism sector.
The most sought-after destinations within Vietnam are Ho Chi Minh City, Hanoi, Da Nang, Phu Quoc, Nha Trang, Hoi An, Dalat, Phan Thiet, Hue, and Vung Tau. The significant uptick demonstrated by these figures is viewed as promising for the Vietnamese tourism industry, especially as it enters 2025 following substantial recovery efforts seen throughout 2024.
January 2025 brought nearly 2.1 million international visitors to Vietnam, reflecting a 36.9% increase over January 2024, but more impressively, it surpassed the pre-pandemic record of nearly 2 million arrivals set back in January 2020. Compared to January 2019, before the onset of COVID-19, the number of arrivals has surged by 37.8%. This growth showcases the effectiveness of new visa policies and promotional campaigns aimed at elevting Vietnam’s global tourism brand.
Vietnamese tourism authorities highlight the expanded range of high-quality, diverse products and services available, which are increasingly aligning with the preferences and demands of both local and international travelers. Officials conveyed optimism about the continuing advancement of Vietnam's tourism appeal, especially following the government’s recent decision to implement visa exemptions for citizens from Poland, the Czech Republic, and Switzerland from March 1 to December 31, 2025. This initiative is expected to significantly boost interest from these European markets.
Data from Google has made it clear: tourism searches related to Vietnam are burgeoning, proving this Southeast Asian nation is rising fast on the global travel radar. With its rich culture, beautiful landscapes, and warm hospitality, Vietnam is solidifying its reputation as one of the most attractive destinations for tourists worldwide. The increasing demand for travel to Vietnam reflects both the strength of its recovery strategy and the allure of its unique offerings.
Looking to the future, Vietnam's tourism promotion strategy remains focused on enhancing the country's visibility and accessibility. This year's positive trends affirm the government's approach of easing travel restrictions and fostering connections with international markets, aiming for continued growth as global travel recovers.
Overall, the first few months of 2025 signal promising growth for Vietnam's tourism industry, with substantial gains already being registered and optimism surrounding upcoming tourism initiatives. The country's commitment to developing diverse tourism attractions aligned with international standards could well maintain this upward momentum well beyond the current spike.