Russian and Indian tourists drive international arrivals

Vietnam welcomed nearly two million international visitors in August, marking a 19.7 per cent increase compared to the previous month and an 18.4 per cent rise compared to the same period last year, according to data released by the Vietnam National Authority of Tourism on September 7. In total, international arrivals reached nearly 16 million during the first eight months of the year, accounting for 63.6 per cent of the full-year target.

Air travel made up roughly 83 per cent of these arrivals, while land arrivals also saw an increase, primarily from regional markets.

Asia remained Vietnam's largest source market, with approximately 11.8 million visitors, representing nearly 74 per cent of total arrivals, up 7.4 per cent compared to the previous year. Europe experienced the most significant growth, with arrivals increasing by 53.4 per cent to around 2.68 million. China was the largest source market, attracting about 3.54 million visitors, followed by South Korea with 2.76 million.

Together, these two markets accounted for nearly 40 per cent of Vietnam's international arrivals during the period.

Russia ranked third among major source markets, with more than one million visitors, reflecting an impressive 165.7 per cent increase on-year. This surge in Russian arrivals has been driven by improved air connectivity, including the resumption and expansion of charter flights that offer more direct routes to Vietnam's tourism destinations. Popular beach destinations like Nha Trang, Mui Ne, and Phu Quoc continue to attract Russian travelers.

Martin Koerner, Commercial director of The Anam Group, attributed Vietnam's appeal to Russian tourists to its warm climate, beautiful beaches, diverse landscapes, and developing resort infrastructure. He noted that Vietnam offers a cost advantage for longer beach holidays while maintaining high service quality, providing excellent value for money for Russian travelers.

Russian visitors typically fall within the age range of 30-50, with a significant number above 50, drawn by Vietnam's tropical climate, hospitality, and relaxed holiday experience. Demand tends to surge during the Russian winter as travelers seek warmer destinations.

India also emerged as a high-growth market, with Vietnam welcoming over 612,000 Indian visitors in the first eight months of 2026, compared to around 102,000 in all of 2019. Improved air connectivity, including routes linking New Delhi, Mumbai, and Ahmedabad with Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, and Danang, has supported this growth by providing more direct travel options and reducing costs.

Other key markets also saw strong growth, with arrivals from the US up 20.4 per cent, Cambodia by 41.5 per cent, Japan up 9.2 per cent, the Philippines by 58.8 per cent, and Australia increasing by 23.3 per cent. European markets also contributed, with arrivals from the UK rising 9.8 per cent, France by 13.4 per cent, Germany by 15.1 per cent, Sweden by 25.1 per cent, Switzerland by 27 per cent, Poland by 51.2 per cent, and the Czech Republic by 28.2 per cent.

Southeast Asian markets continued to grow, with Malaysia up 20.5 per cent, Singapore by 31.7 per cent, and Indonesia increasing by 26.7 per cent.

The tourism sector in Vietnam is experiencing a new development era, with significant investments from Russian scholars and growing partnerships with Russian and Indian travel firms.