Hanoi: Vietnam foreign arrivals have continued to rise sharply in 2025, positioning the country to receive a record 21 million international visitors by the end of the year, according to the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism.
The figure surpasses the previous high of 18 million arrivals recorded in 2019, before global travel was disrupted by the pandemic.
The government marked the arrival of the 20 millionth foreign visitor on December 15 with a ceremony on Phu Quoc Island, one of the country’s most popular resort destinations.
Officials said the achievement reflected sustained international interest in Vietnam’s coastline, cultural heritage, and diverse landscapes, even as environmental challenges persisted.
Vietnam foreign arrivals have increased by 19.3 percent compared with last year, highlighting the pace of recovery since borders fully reopened. In contrast, the country recorded fewer than 160,000 foreign visitors in 2021, marking the lowest total in recent history due to strict travel restrictions.
However, the surge in tourism has taken place against a backdrop of environmental strain. Hanoi has topped global rankings for air pollution on several occasions this year, while heritage cities such as Hue and Hoi An, along with coastal hub Nha Trang, have experienced heavy flooding. Authorities have acknowledged that air quality and climate-related risks pose ongoing challenges for sustainable tourism growth.
Data from the National Statistics Office showed that China remained the largest source of visitors during the first 11 months of the year, accounting for roughly one quarter of total arrivals. Other major markets included South Korea, the United States, and several European countries, reflecting Vietnam’s broad international appeal.
Tourism officials said infrastructure upgrades, expanded flight connectivity, and relaxed visa policies have helped support Vietnam foreign arrivals, even as environmental conditions have tested resilience. The ministry added that improving air quality and disaster preparedness would be key priorities to ensure long-term growth in visitor numbers.
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