Vietnam's tourism sector is making headlines for its remarkable recovery and growth, drawing international attention and recognition. According to reports, the country welcomed nearly 17.6 million foreign visitors last year, recovering approximately 98% of pre-pandemic numbers from 2019, which had set the bar high for tourism.
Travel websites have noted Vietnam's impressive comeback, surpassing renowned destinations like Thailand, Singapore, and Indonesia. The surge is attributed to several factors, including enhanced infrastructure, improved service quality, and policy initiatives offering more accessible visa options for inbound travelers.
Statistics highlight the growing interest, with online searches for Vietnamese accommodations by international travelers increasing by 139% compared to the previous year, demonstrating the world's renewed interest in Vietnam. The first month of 2025 has started strong, with 2.1 million foreigners visiting Vietnam, marking close to 37% growth compared to January 2024 and breaking the record of nearly 2 million visitors documented before the pandemic.
Among the local tourism offerings, Hanoi stands out thanks to the feedback from travel enthusiasts on social media platforms. Tourists can now enjoy unique experiences, like exploring Hanoi at night on motorbikes ridden by local women, which has captured the number four spot on Tripadvisor's list of intriguing night activities globally. This tour not only showcases the historical streets of the capital but allows visitors to indulge in traditional Vietnamese cuisine at various dining spots along the way.
Another notable mention is the Mon Cheri Cruise tour of Ha Long Bay, ranked seventh on Tripadvisor's list for its dual emphasis on luxury relaxation and adventure, allowing visitors to absorb the area’s breathtaking views of nature. Tripadvisor has not only recognized these experiences but also placed Hanoi as the second-best cultural destination globally. This accolade is supported by Hanoi's position as the seventh top destination overall and as one of the 25 favorite destinations of all time as part of Tripadvisor's 25th-anniversary celebrations.
Ho Chi Minh City has similarly made its mark, appearing among the world’s trending 25 destinations, reflecting its appeal among tourists. The awards, part of the Travelers' Choice recognition, honor places valued highly by visitors across the globe. Out of eight million listings on the platform, only fewer than 1% receive the prestigious 'Best of the Best' recognition.
According to the Vietnam National Tourism Information Center, the country's attractive visa policy, rich tourism resources, and distinct brand identity make Vietnam a compelling tourist destination worldwide. Data gathered from Google Destination Insights reveals significant growth, with searches for lodging options increasing between 15% to 30% during the 2024 holiday season, from late November through January.
The first half of February 2025 continues to see this upward trend with searches increasing anywhere from 30% to 45%. Alongside this, January 2025 marked the arrival of nearly 2.1 million international tourists, representing yet another month where Vietnam experienced substantial growth—18.5% above the previous month and 36.9% higher than January 2024. This performance sets new tourism records, surpassing pre-pandemic statistics from 2020.
Tourism operators stress the importance of combining natural beauty with cultural experiences to create unique offerings for travelers. This trend is mirrored in areas like Gia Lai, which is developing eco-tourism opportunities at local ethnic villages, highlighting rustic cultural activities such as rice harvesting, weaving, and traditional drinking customs. Nature's bounty shines through locations like T’Nưng Lake, often called the 'eyes of Pleiku,' and the volcanic splendor of Chư Đăng Ya, attracting tourists during the flowering season.
Local industry leaders advocate for the symbiotic relationship between eco-tourism and cultural tourism to deepen visitor experiences. The push to diversify tourism products speaks to travelers’ growing interests; adventure tourism options like trekking and camping are on the rise. At the same time, community-based tourism encourages interactions with native Jrai and Bahnar populations, sharing their everyday lifestyles alongside visitors.
Looking to the future, the association's president for tourism highlights how large national events can leverage Vietnam’s tourism image on international platforms. Data from Gia Lai's Department of Culture and Tourism indicates expected growth, targeting 1.7 million tourist arrivals and generating around one billion VND by 2025. The commitment to sustainable tourism allows Vietnam to maintain its unique heritage, promising enriching experiences to travelers.
To realize those ambitious goals, collaboration between governmental bodies, enterprises, and local communities is deemed integral to enhancing touristic product quality and maximizing the unique attributes of the Central Highlands region.
With accolades and impressive growth numbers underlining the appeal of Vietnam’s various destinations, the future looks bright for the country’s vibrant tourism sector, echoing the sentiments of travelers worldwide as they continue exploring this intriguing Southeast Asian nation.