China and Republic of Korea are largest source markets

Vietnam received an estimated 1.77 million international visitors in September, bringing the nine-month total to more than 17.7 million, according to the National Statistics Office. The result means the tourism industry has reached nearly 71% of its target of 25 million international visitors for the year.

China was Vietnam’s largest source market, with about 3.9 million visitors in the first nine months, accounting for 22.4% of the total. The Republic of Korea ranked second with around 3 million visitors, or 17.3%.

Together, the two Northeast Asian markets contributed nearly 40% of all international arrivals. Their large visitor base is supported by geographical proximity, convenient air connections and diverse travel demand, ranging from beach and resort holidays to urban tourism, shopping, food and entertainment.

Russia ranked third with about 1.1 million visitors, making it the largest European source market. It was followed by Taiwan (China) with 964,000 visitors and the United States with 764,000.

The other markets in the top 10 were Cambodia with 688,000 visitors, Japan with 674,000, the Philippines with 523,000, India with 505,000 and Australia with 485,000.

Europe posts strongest growth among regions

Asia continued to dominate Vietnam’s international tourism market, accounting for 74.5% of total arrivals in the first nine months. However, arrivals from Asia grew by 7.6%, considerably slower than several other regions.

Europe recorded the strongest growth, with international arrivals increasing 55% year on year. Oceania followed with growth of 21%, the Americas 20% and Africa 29.4%.

Russia was the standout European market, with more than 1 million visitors, up 160.6%. The market has strong demand for beach resorts, long stays and winter-sun holidays, while air connectivity and tourism services at Vietnamese resort destinations have also supported the increase.

Other European markets also recorded solid growth. Arrivals from France rose 13.6%, the UK 9.7%, Germany 16.1%, Poland 49%, the Czech Republic 26.6%, Belgium 19.5%, Sweden 23.6% and Switzerland 25.7%.

Within Asia, the picture was more mixed. China grew 1.5%, the Republic of Korea declined 5.5% and Taiwan (China) increased 4.1%. By contrast, Southeast Asian markets posted much stronger growth, led by the Philippines at 55.2%, Cambodia at 40.5%, Singapore at 29.8%, Indonesia at 25.5%, Malaysia at 18.1% and Thailand at 10.1%.

India, another increasingly important market, grew 33%, while Australia rose 21%.

The growth came despite a challenging international tourism environment marked by geopolitical uncertainty, difficulties in the global economy, higher transport and energy costs, competition among destinations and rapidly changing traveller demand.

Against this backdrop, Vietnam’s double-digit growth in international arrivals during the first nine months reflects the continued diversification of source markets, a broader tourism product offering, improved air connectivity and growing service capacity, according to the Vietnam National Authority of Tourism.

With nearly 71% of the annual target achieved after nine months, Vietnam will need to attract an average of at least 2.4 million international visitors a month in the final quarter to reach its 25-million target for 2026.

HCM City sees international visitor arrivals rise 34.5% in nine months

VOV.VN - Ho Chi Minh City is estimated to have welcomed nearly 8.52 million international visitors in the first nine months of 2026, up 34.5% year on year, generating estimated tourism revenue of VND282.7 trillion, or 85.7% of the full-year target, according to the Ho Chi Minh City Department of Tourism.