Vietnam’s tourism sector is entering a new growth phase, as HCM City’s special policies unlock a “golden opportunity” for innovation, transformation and strategic expansion toward 2035.

Vietnam saw nearly 2.5 million international arrivals in January 2026 – the highest monthly total ever recorded, according to the Vietnam National Authority of Tourism (VNAT).

Data from travel platform Agoda show that searches for domestic destinations during the upcoming Tet holiday surged by nearly 22%, far outpacing outbound travel demand, which rose by a modest 7%.

Gia Lai will host Vietnam’s 2026 National Tourism Year under the theme “Gia Lai – Great forests meet blue seas,” featuring 244 events designed to attract both domestic and international travelers.

Authentic Asia DMC, in coordination with the Little Hoi An Group, Vietstar Cruises Investment JSC and Destination Chase, hosted a workshop introducing Vietnam’s tourism offerings in Tel Aviv on February 1.

The Hanoi Department of Tourism and Tay Ho ward People’s Committee kicked off the “Get on Hanoi 2026 – A Green Journey” on January 30 evening.

Cultural tourism holds undeniable potential to rise as one of Ho Chi Minh City’s most coveted signatures, but it still largely exists as a supplementary component.

Vietnam welcomed nearly 21.2 million foreign arrivals in 2025, marking a stellar 20.4% increase from 2024 and surpassing 2019 pre-pandemic levels by 19%.

Vietnam will step up promotion of its national tourism brand at the ASEAN Tourism Forum (ATF) 2026 and the ASEAN Travel Exchange (TRAVEX), to be held from January 28–30 in Cebu, the Philippines.

French magazine Vogue has ranked Vietnam among Asia’s top destinations for 2026, highlighting its unique mix of breathtaking landscapes, vibrant culture and contemporary energy.

Blessed with a long coastline and some of the world’s most beautiful bays, the central province of Khanh Hoa is increasingly positioning tourism as a driving force for its overall socio-economic development.

Vietnam’s tourism has grown strongly, hitting a record 21.2 million international and 137 million domestic visitors in 2025, entering 2026 with strong momentum.

A green, experiential and culture-based tourism model drawing on riverine landscapes, historical heritage and sustainable agriculture in Da Phuc commune, Hanoi, is set to make its official debut in January.

American travelers are not only interested in beautiful beaches but also distinctive cuisine, sports activities, and high-quality leisure experiences, all of which Phu Quoc offers, US Ambassador to Vietnam Marc Knapper has said.

The Ministry of Public Security will work with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to study and propose more open visa policies.

Tourism growth has also facilitated poverty reduction. In 2025 alone, the poverty rate fell by 5.2%

Looking ahead to 2026, the tourism sector targets about 25 million international arrivals, 150 million domestic holidaymakers and total revenue of around 1.12 quadrillion VND (approximately 43 billion USD).

Vietnam’s tourism sector closed out 2025 with an unprecedented achievement: a record-high 21.2 million international arrivals, marking a 20.4% surge over 2024.

The 2026 New Year holiday brought an impressive surge in tourist numbers and spending across Vietnam, setting the tone for a booming travel year.