According to the latest data from Vietnam's tourism authorities, the number of travelers visiting Vietnam from South Korea in January to February 2026 topped 971,000, revealing that South Korea has rapidly risen as the top source country among foreign travelers to Vietnam. Visitor numbers from many countries, including the UK, Russia, China, India, the US, and Australia, are also surging, showing a strong start toward achieving Vietnam's ambitious goal of 25 million international tourists a year in 2026.
South Korea rises to the No. 1 source of foreign visitors to Vietnam — the shock of over 970,000
Traditionally, China occupied the top spot as the largest source of foreign travelers to Vietnam, but for January to February 2026, South Korea recorded a figure of over 971,000 and leapt to the top. This is a notable trend even in Vietnam's tourism history and vividly shows just how much Korean travelers' interest in Vietnam has grown.
Between South Korea and Vietnam there's a rich network of direct flights, a visa-free agreement (Korean nationals can travel to Vietnam visa-free for 45 days), and long-standing cultural and economic ties. In recent years, with Vietnam drawing attention as a filming location for Korean romantic dramas and films, its popularity has surged, especially among young couples and female travelers. Also, with Korean companies' expansion into Vietnam accelerating, business travel has increased too.
Diverse visitors surging beyond South Korea too
In the January-to-February 2026 statistics, visitor numbers from many countries and regions after South Korea show marked growth.
UK: In the long-haul travel market, Vietnam boasts high popularity among Britons too as a "once-in-a-lifetime destination." World Heritage-caliber scenery like Hanoi's Old Quarter, Ha Long Bay, and Hoi An is especially well regarded.The opening of the Hilton hot spring resortand other upscale resort development around Ha Long Bay is also raising British visitors' interest.
China: Amid progressing recovery from the pandemic, Chinese travelers' visits to Vietnam are also rapidly recovering. Being geographically close with a cultural affinity, not only resort areas like Da Nang, Phu Quoc, and Nha Trang but also Hanoi and the northern mountainous areas near the border are popular.
India: Visitor numbers from India have risen rapidly in recent years, and this trend continues in 2026. India and Vietnam are geographically close, and direct flights are on an increasing trend too. Phu Quoc Island has become an especially popular destination, often chosen for honeymoons and family trips.
US and Australia: In Western markets too, Vietnam is highly rated as "a destination that packs in culture, history, food, and nature with the best value for money." In the US there are ties with the Vietnamese immigrant community, and trips to visit one's roots are increasing too. From Australia, direct flights to Ho Chi Minh City and the central region have increased, and improved access has contributed to the rise in visitors.
Vietnam's 25-million target — how realistic is achieving it
The Vietnam National Administration of Tourism has set a goal of attracting 25 million international tourists a year in 2026. Considering that 2025's result was on the order of about 17 to 18 million, 25 million is a very ambitious figure. But judging by the strong start in January to February 2026, industry insiders see achieving the target as no pipe dream.
To promote tourism, the Vietnamese government hasestablished Vietnam National Tourism Year 2026and is rolling out a nationwide promotion campaign. Eased visa acquisition (45 days visa-free stay for many nationalities), expanded international air routes, and improved tourism infrastructure across the country are producing synergy, pushing the surge in foreign visitor numbers.
Major events around the country are also contributing to drawing crowds.The Vietnam International Travel Mart VITM 2026gathered domestic and foreign buyers and broadcast the appeal of Vietnam tourism to the world.Gourmet events like the Saigon Food Culture Festivalalso play a part in drawing visitors to Ho Chi Minh City.
Vietnamese reactions — both pride and challenges
In response to this news of surging visitors, many proud reactions can be seen within Vietnam. The confidence and pride that "Vietnam is being chosen by travelers from all over the world" appear clearly in social media and the comment sections of local media. To South Korea becoming the No. 1 source country in particular, there are many positive opinions, such as "I feel the depth of the relationship with South Korea" and "I'm proud that Vietnam is loved by Koreans."
On the other hand, there are also voices worried about infrastructure development lagging behind the surging tourists. Points like "the crowding at popular spots gets worse year by year" and "I'm worried about garbage problems and environmental strain" are raised, and the need for sustainable tourism development is being debated anew. Toward "foreigner price" dual pricing and overcharging at tourist sites too, a stern eye is being cast, as things that "damage Vietnam's image."
The impact on Japanese tourists and advice
The surge of visitors from South Korea and around the world isn't unrelated to Japanese travelers either. Caution is especially needed on the following points.
Crowding at major tourist sites intensifies year by year: Standard tourist spots like Ha Long Bay, Hoi An's Old Quarter, Phu Quoc Island, and Nha Trang Beach are getting ever more crowded with international travelers. To enjoy photos and experiences, choosing early-morning visits or the off-season has become more important than ever.
A rising trend in hotel and airfare prices: With demand surging, lodging costs and airfares, especially in peak periods, are on a rising trend. The former "budget Vietnam trip" is gradually becoming a thing of the past. Managing costs through early booking has become more important.
Improvement in Japanese-language support: With the increase in Korean and English-speaking travelers, English and Korean support is improving further around the country, but for Japanese the gap between facilities that offer it remains large. Major hotels and travel agencies have Japanese-speaking staff, but at local eateries and on transport, English and Vietnamese are the norm. Prepare for your trip on the premise of using a translation app.
Room to enjoy Vietnamese coffee: Amid travelers from all over the world pouring in, cultural experiences unique to Vietnam become more precious.Vietnamese CoffeeTime spent leisurely enjoying it at a local cafe is an experience of feeling the real Vietnam, different from touring crowded tourist sites.
Summary — Vietnam is becoming a tourism powerhouse the world is watching
In 2026, Vietnam is gathering travelers from South Korea and around the world and solidifying its position as "Asia's most talked-about tourist destination." The goal of 25 million foreign visitors is coming into realistic range too.
It's wise to plan a Vietnam trip from Japan before this competition intensifies. Before prices at popular resorts rise and crowding progresses, early booking and careful itinerary planning lead to a richer Vietnam travel experience. Now, when Vietnam's appeal is becoming known to the world, is the perfect time to go see that appeal with your own eyes.
