International tourists who visited Vietnam reached10.6 millionfrom January to May 2026. Up 14.9% year on year, it set a new record high. Even in the single month of May, when international visitors tend to decrease, it topped records at about 1.8 million (up 16.5% year on year). More notable than the numbers is the change in the visitor mix. Russia was fastest atup 194%year on year, followed by the Philippines up 71%, and in the first quarter alone Poland was +52%, Sweden +27.5%, and Switzerland over +27%—Europe’s emerging markets are all growing at once.
An unusual record for May
In May, many markets enter summer, an off-season for international visitors. Even so, Vietnam set a new record at about 1.8 million in the single month of May. The 10.6 million cumulative from January to May is the highest level ever, including before the pandemic. In the first quarter alone, 6.76 million visited (up over 12% year on year), making the year-round strength clear.
The map of the visitor mix changes
Standing out in growth rate are Russia (+194%) and the Philippines (+71%). To the conventional China- and Korea-centered composition, a new axis of Russia and neighboring Southeast Asian countries has been added. In Europe, Poland +52%, Sweden +27.5%, Switzerland over +27%, and Denmark and Italy also over +20%—Northern, Eastern, and Southern Europe are all growing. The launch of charter flights and visa easing are driving these emerging markets’ rapid increases.
| Indicator | Figure |
|---|---|
| Jan–May international visitors | 10.6 million (+14.9%, record high) |
| Single month of May | About 1.8 million (+16.5%) |
| First quarter | 6.76 million (over +12%) |
| Fastest growth | Russia +194% / the Philippines +71% |
| Emerging Europe | Poland +52%, Sweden +27.5%, Switzerland over +27% |
Background: easing and launches that summoned the inflow
At the foundation of the rapid increase are the 45-day visa exemption for 12 European countries and the launch of new routes such as a Hanoi–Amsterdam direct flight and the Nha Trang–Singapore route. Furthermore, the first charter flights from Europe landed, and visitors began to flow from Thailand to Vietnam. Measures that widen the “entrance” on the receiving side tie directly to the numbers.
Impact on readers
The rapid increase in emerging markets ties directly to congestion and language support at specific resorts like Nha Trang and Phu Quoc. If you’re planning a trip, knowing the areas and times when Russian visitors and European groups concentrate changes your comfort level. Conversely, there’s also the option of aiming for emerging spots that are still quiet for now (Quy Nhon, Ly Son Island, etc.).
Ripple effects on the industry
The diversification of the visitor mix changes the service structure of tourist destinations. A shortage of Russian-speaking guides, long-stay plans for European groups, ultra-luxury resorts for the wealthy—when the “faces” of demand change, the supply side follows suit. 10.6 million is a waypoint, with a record year-round high coming into view.
Summary
Behind the figure of 10.6 million, what’s underway is a turnover of the “faces” of those visiting Vietnam. When who comes changes, so do the local scenery, the souvenirs, and the language.
Related reading:
・Nha Trang faces a guide shortage amid a surge in Russian visitors
・European charter flight makes its first landing in Vietnam
・Vietnam Airlines launches a Hanoi-Amsterdam direct flight
Source:Việt Nam News / VietnamNet
