Vietnam's foreign tourist count for January–April 2026 reached 8.8 million (up 14.6% year on year), and the gap with Thailand — which stayed at 11.3 million, down 3.4% over the same period — is narrowing fast. The two countries' tourist-count gap, which was "more than double" in 2019, has closed to just 1.46 times.
8.8 million in four months — the "fastest pace ever" for Vietnam tourism
According to the General Statistics Office of Vietnam, international tourist arrivals in January–April 2026 recorded 8.79 million. It's an unprecedented pace, topping 2 million a month for four straight months. Against the full-year target of 25 million, it works out to having consumed 35% in four months.
Thailand, meanwhile, exceeds it in scale at 11.3 million over the same period, but with negative growth of 3.4% year on year. It also recorded a 7.2% year-on-year drop for full-year 2025, making the downward trend clear.
From 2019 to 2026, how far has the gap closed?
As of Q1 2019 before the pandemic, Thailand's international tourist count was more than double Vietnam's. By Q1 2026 that has narrowed to 1.46 times.
| Indicator | Vietnam | Thailand |
|---|---|---|
| January–April 2026 tourist count | 8.8 million (+14.6%) | 11.3 million (-3.4%) |
| Full-year 2025 tourist count | 21.2 million (+20.4%) | -7.2% year on year |
| Q1 2019 comparison ratio | 4.5 million | Over 10 million (more than double) |
| Q1 2026 comparison ratio | ― | Narrowed to 1.46 times |
| Lodging room count | 780,000 rooms (38,000 establishments) | 704,000 rooms (16,000 establishments) |
Vietnam overtakes Thailand in Chinese tourists
The biggest change is the flow of Chinese travelers. In 2019, Thailand received more than 10 million Chinese a year, versus 5.8 million for Vietnam. But in 2025 this reversed, with Vietnam at 5.2 million and Thailand at 4.6 million. In Q1 2026 the two are nearly level (Vietnam 1.4 million vs Thailand 1.49 million), and the gap is vanishing.
Voices from industry figures — "Could surpass Thailand in 2–3 years"
Bill Barnett, CEO of C9 Hotelworks, rated Vietnam "a rising star with rapid development power." Thanet Supornsahasrungsi, chairman of the Chonburi Tourism Association, went further: "On cost and on access from airport to attractions, Vietnam could surpass Thailand within 2–3 years."
Thienprasit Chaiyapatranun, president of the Thai Hotels Association, also acknowledged the current situation in which group tours from Poland are switching from Thailand to Vietnam by whole charter flight, showing wariness of an "outflow of the European market."
What it means for Japanese travelers
Vietnam's lodging supply is 780,000 rooms, already exceeding Thailand's 704,000. With more direct flights, improved airport infrastructure, and simplified entry procedures after the introduction of the e-Visa all overlapping, Vietnam's convenience is steadily rising for Japanese travelers torn between "Thailand or Vietnam."
The rewriting of the Asia tourism map has begun
The Vietnamese government is deploying 244 events in its 2026 National Tourism Year, rolling out large programs one after another such as Da Nang's international fireworks festival and Nha Trang's sea festival. Now that the trio of infrastructure, cost, and visa policy is starting to fall into place, the fight over the title of "Southeast Asia's tourism champion" has entered its final phase.
Practical information for travelers
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Visa | Japanese nationals get a 45-day visa exemption (up to 90 days is possible using an e-Visa) |
| Direct flight | Daily service from Tokyo, Osaka, Nagoya, and Fukuoka to Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, and Da Nang |
| Currency | 1 yen ≒ about 170 VND (reference as of May 2026) |
| Climate | May–September is the rainy season in the south; central and north are good for sightseeing through June |
Related reading
- China returns to being Vietnam's largest source of tourists
- Vietnam National Tourism Year 2026 opens in Quy Nhon
- Construction of Phan Thiet airport gets fully underway — completion expected in 2027
- Phu Quoc International Airport completes its expansion — now able to handle the B787 and A350
Frequently asked questions
Q. When will Vietnam's tourist count overtake Thailand's?
A. The chairman of Thailand's Chonburi Tourism Association predicts "within 2–3 years." As of Q1 2026 the gap has narrowed to 1.46 times.
Q. Why is Vietnam growing?
A. The main factors are low travel costs, the closeness from airport to attractions, the 45-day visa exemption, and the rapid increase in lodging.
Q. Why is Thailand declining?
A. The dispersion of Chinese travelers, the switch of European charter flights to Vietnam, and Vietnam's cost advantage all overlap.
Source:
DTiNews – Vietnam tourism closing gap with Thailand faster than expected
Travel and Tour World – Vietnam Tourism Soars in 2026
VietnamNet – Record-breaking start signals strong year
