In the first half of 2025, foreign tourists visiting Vietnam reached about 10.67 million, up about 21% year on year. It's a level about 26% above the same period in 2019 before COVID as well, making Vietnam's tourism industry's strong recovery clear.
News overview
According to the General Statistics Office of Vietnam, foreign tourists visiting Vietnam from January to June 2025 numbered about 10.67 million, up 20.7% from 8.83 million in the same period last year. About 6.02 million visited in the first quarter alone, setting a new record high on a quarterly basis.
国・地域別では、中国が約273万人でトップ、次いで韓国が約221万人、台湾が約63万人と続く。日本は約44万人で第5位に入っている。交通手段別では航空便が全体の85％以上を占め、約900万人が空路で入国した。
Behind the sharp rise is the expansion of visa exemptions. In March 2025, the Vietnamese government newly introduced a 45-day visa exemption for holders of Polish, Czech, and Swiss passports. In addition, Vietnam Airlines launching direct flights to major cities such as Beijing, Bangkok, and Milan one after another also boosted visitor numbers. The first-half results correspond to about 49% of the full-year target (22–23 million), raising expectations of achieving the target with the second-half peak season ahead.
Vietnamese readers' reactions
In local media comment sections and on social media, various voices have been raised about the surge in tourists.
Ho Chi Minh City resident, office worker"It's great that the numbers are growing, but airport congestion is terrible. At Tan Son Nhat Airport, you sometimes wait over an hour at immigration. Infrastructure development isn't keeping up."
Da Nang, restaurant owner"The restaurants along the beach are full of foreign tourists day after day. Sales have surpassed pre-COVID levels. The effect of the visa exemption is big."
Hanoi, travel industry figure"A shift from quantity to quality is needed. Spending per tourist is still low compared with Thailand and Singapore. We should increase high-value experiential tourism."
Hoi An resident, homestay owner"Foreign tourists have increased and the local economy is thriving, but the Old Quarter'ssense of pricesprices are rising, and the impact on residents' daily lives is starting to show."
Nha Trang, university student"I want people to think about the garbage problem and environmental burden at tourist sites too. Without a sustainable tourism framework, the tourism resources themselves will be damaged over the long term."
Impact and key points for Japanese tourists
2025年上半期、日本からベトナムへの訪問者数は約44万人で、主要送客国の中で第5位に位置している。通年では約81万人に達する見込みで、前年比14％増と堅調に推移している。特にHo Chi Minh Citythe number of Japanese tourists to the city grew a strong 28% year on year.
The key points Japanese travelers will want to keep in mind are as follows.
First, be prepared for crowds. Immigration at Noi Bai Airport and Tan Son Nhat Airport can take time. Shifting your arrival time or using a service with a priority lane can help.
Next, take advantage of the visa exemption. Japanese nationals get a 45-day visa exemption, so a short trip requires no visa procedures. Note, however, that your passport must have at least six months of remaining validity.
The increase in direct flights is also a tailwind. Direct flights between Japan and Vietnam are being added between major cities, expanding your access options. LCCs are entering the market too, and there are now more chances to travel at more affordable fares than before.
On the other hand, as tourist numbers surge, accommodation and dining costs in popular areas are trending upward. Visiting outside the high season, or combining regional cities beyond the major hubs, lets you enjoy Vietnam's diverse appeal while keeping costs down.
Reference:Du lịch Việt Nam bùng nổ lượng khách quốc tế trong nửa đầu 2025
