According to the National Tourism Administration, Vietnam received approximately 21.5 million international visitors in 2025, alongside 135.5 million domestic travelers. Total tourism revenue exceeded 1 quadrillion VND (approx. $41 billion).

Destinations centered on heritage, culture, nature, and sustainable tourism gained strong momentum - helping Vietnam define a unique competitive edge on the global travel map.

Across the country, multiple provinces and cities shattered previous tourism records.

Ho Chi Minh City: Still leading the way

At a year-end conference held by the HCMC Department of Tourism, the city reported robust growth in 2025, affirming its role as Vietnam’s tourism capital.

The city welcomed an estimated 8.5 million international visitors, up over 39% from 2024, and more than 45 million domestic travelers, up 18.4%. Total tourism revenue reached 260 trillion VND (approx. $10.7 billion).

During a 15-day series of events commemorating the 50th anniversary of national reunification, 2.7 million visitors flocked to the city. Historical tours - such as the “Saigon Commandos and Hidden Bunkers,” “50-Year Reunification Train,” and trips to Cu Chi Tunnels and Can Gio’s mangrove forests - were fully booked.

Cultural-historical, river, nightlife, medical, and MICE tourism continued to expand, boosting visitor spending and length of stay.

Large-scale events like the International Travel Expo (ITE HCMC), the HCMC Tourism Festival, Waterway Festival, and Ao Dai Festival reinforced the city’s image as a dynamic and culturally rich destination.

Hanoi: Global recognition, impressive growth

The capital city recorded 33.7 million visitors, up nearly 21% from 2024, including 7.8 million international arrivals. Tourism revenue reached 134.5 trillion VND (approx. $5.5 billion), up 21.5%.

Hanoi received numerous accolades from prestigious global tourism organizations. These international honors boosted its media presence and earned it spots on “must-visit” lists published by Condé Nast Traveler, Lonely Planet, and others.

An Giang: The biggest surprise of the year

Perhaps the most astonishing development came from An Giang Province, located in the Mekong Delta.

In 2025, An Giang welcomed over 24 million visitors, up 27% year-on-year. International arrivals soared by more than 90%, reaching 1.9 million.

Tourism revenue reached 68 trillion VND (approx. $2.8 billion) - a 92% increase from 2024 - surpassing the likes of Khanh Hoa, Da Nang, and Quang Ninh, all of which were in last year’s top 5.

Other top-performing destinations in 2025

Quang Ninh: 21 million visitors (4.5 million international), revenue over 57 trillion VND
Lam Dong: 20.7 million visitors (1.28 million international), revenue approx. 56.8 trillion VND
Ninh Binh: 19.4 million visitors (2.2 million international), revenue nearly 21.3 trillion VND, up 37%
Da Nang: 17.3 million visitors (7.6 million international), revenue 60 trillion VND - surpassing pre-COVID highs
Khanh Hoa: 16.4 million visitors (5.5 million international), revenue 66.7 trillion VND, up 16.8%
Thanh Hoa: 16.2 million visitors, revenue 45.6 trillion VND
Gia Lai: 12.4 million visitors, revenue 29 trillion VND
Nghe An: 9.9 million visitors, revenue 30 trillion VND
Quang Tri: 9.6 million visitors, revenue 11 trillion VND, up nearly 32%

Ambitious goals for 2026

HCMC and Hanoi continue to set the bar for 2026.

HCMC aims to receive 61 million visitors, including 11 million international arrivals, and generate 330 trillion VND (approx. $13.6 billion) in revenue.

Hanoi targets 35.8 million visitors, including 8.6 million international arrivals, with projected revenue of over 160 trillion VND (approx. $6.6 billion).

Meanwhile, Gia Lai Province will host the 2026 National Tourism Year with the theme “Cultural convergence, green resonance.” The province hopes to welcome 15 million visitors and generate 40 trillion VND (approx. $1.65 billion).

Linh Trang