According to data released by the Vietnam National Authority of Tourism in April 2026, the number of foreign visitors in the first quarter (January–March) of 20266.76 millionwas reached. Up 12.4% year on year, it set a record high on a quarterly basis. (Source: VnExpress International）
A first-ever streak on a monthly basis too
March alone drew about 2.1 million visitors, marking three straight months of "over 2 million in a single month." It's the first such feat since tourism statistics began.
| Month | Foreign visitor numbers | Year on year |
|---|---|---|
| January 2026 | About 2.2 million | +12% |
| February 2026 | About 2.46 million | +13% |
| March 2026 | About 2.1 million | +11% |
| Q1 total | 6.76 million | +12.4% |
Top 5 source countries: South Korea leads, Japan also near the top
The largest source country was South Korea, with about 1 million visitors to Vietnam in Q1 alone. China, Russia, Japan, and India followed.
- South Korea: About 1 million (the largest source market)
- China: Recovery continuing, with independent travel rising in particular
- Russia: Steady demand for long stays at beach resorts
- Japan: Helped by more direct flights to Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, and Da Nang
- India: Rapid growth driven by younger travelers and honeymoon demand
82% arrive by air
By mode of entry, air accounted for 82.3%, land 15.5%, and sea 2.2%. The expansion of direct flights to the three major international airports—Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, and Da Nang—drove the numbers up.
Impact on Japanese travelers: now is the best time to visit Vietnam
More visitors go hand in hand with better infrastructure and higher hotel quality. Vietnam's government has set a 2026 foreign-visitor target of 22–25 million, and investment in tourism infrastructure is accelerating onPhu Quoc Island (up 86%),andHanoiwhich is popular with Japanese travelers.
At the same time, growing crowds at popular spots are a reality.In Hanoi, train services on Train Street Coffee are set to end,and a phase has emerged where the balance between preserving tourist sites and driving economic growth is in question.
Recommended timing and tips for avoiding crowds
The April 30–May 1 Reunification Day holiday is when domestic travelers also surge. For Japanese travelers, mid-May to early June (the first half of the rainy season, but relatively quiet) and September–October are hidden gems. Ho Chi Minh City stays around 30°C year-round, so you can visit any time.
Source: VnExpress International (April 2026)
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