In the first quarter of 2026, in visitor numbers to Vietnam, at lastChina overtook South Korea to reclaim the top spot.According to the latest data from the Vietnam National Administration of Tourism, Vietnam's overall visitor numbers were strong at 6.76 million, up 12% year on year, further raising its presence as an Asian tourism power.
Tourist data by country for the first quarter of 2026
| Country/region | Number of visitors (Q1 2026) | Year on year |
|---|---|---|
| China | 1.4 million | Down 12% |
| South Korea | 1.32 million | Up 5% |
| Vietnam overall | 6.76 million | Up 12% |
China's visitor numbers held the top spot despite a 12% year-on-year decline. This is the result of continued momentum from the surge in Chinese tourists in full-year 2025, which reached5.2 million (up 41% year on year).Meanwhile, South Korea, which had held the top spot through the first quarter of 2025, rose 5% to 1.32 million but was overtaken by China.
Why Chinese tourists choose Vietnam
According to VnExpress's analysis, several factors lie behind the increase in tourists from China to Vietnam.
- Geographical proximity:Access by bus or rail is also possible from southern China
- Affordable prices:Travel costs are lower compared to Thailand and Japan
- Visa easing:Vietnam is promoting visa exemptions and easing for many countries, including China
- Instability in the Middle East:Surging oil prices and tensions in the Middle East curb travel to Europe and the Middle East, accelerating a shift to Southeast Asia
Notable: a record of over 2 million visitors a month for three straight months
Vietnam achieved a record-high of over 2 million a month in March 2026. This is a historic feat of surpassing this level forthree consecutive months.China's visitor numbers in March alone reached 482,000.
Tourists from the West are also strong, and as the figure of a39% rise in Japanese tourists even as European visitors temporarily dippedshows, attention from Japan is rising too.
The state of Vietnam travel for Japanese tourists
As visitor numbers rise, what concerns Japanese travelers is likely the point of "is it okay for crowds?"
To put the conclusion first,Vietnam is still a destination with plenty of "breathing room."Many tourists concentrate in the three main cities of Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, and Da Nang, while rural areas like Ha Giang Province and Ninh Binh are relatively quiet. Also, since Chinese and Japanese tourists have different travel styles, many areas remain where Japanese can enjoy the calm travel they prefer.
- If you want to avoid crowds: the island areas of Ninh Binh, Ha Giang, and Phu Quoc Island are recommended
- If you want to enjoy food: Ho Chi Minh City's local food scene is at its peak now
- If you want to experience a festival:Da Nang's water festival (April)andSaigon Pizza Fest (April 18 to 19)and others
Vietnam tourism in 2026: now is the time to visit
The Vietnamese government has set an annual tourist target of over 22 million for 2026, and infrastructure development and destination development are accelerating too.In Ninh Binh, the luxury hotel "Pullman Ninh Binh" is set to open in May,and other new tourism facilities keep appearing.
If you're considering a visit to Vietnam, check the visa information in advance too.Phu Quoc Island's 30-day visa exemption schemeand other schemes advantageous to Japanese are being expanded.
Summary
In the first quarter of 2026, China overtook South Korea to reclaim the position of Vietnam's largest source country. Vietnam's overall tourist numbers are also in great shape, surpassing 2 million for three straight months. For Japanese tourists too, Vietnam right now can be called "a prime moment: rising in popularity, but still with room to spare." Do add Vietnam to your 2026 travel plans.
Source:VnExpress International – South Korea no longer Vietnam’s largest source of visitors
