Vietnam welcomed an estimated 13.9 million international visitors during the first seven months of 2026, a 13.8% increase from the same period last year, driven by strong growth from European and other long-haul markets, according to official data.
Figures released by Vietnam’s General Statistics Office on 3 August showed the country received 1.67 million foreign arrivals in July, down 0.7% from June but up 6.6% from July 2025, Sài Gòn Giải Phóng reported.
The January–July total reached 13.9 million international arrivals, continuing Vietnam’s tourism recovery despite the sector’s traditional low season.
Europe recorded the strongest growth among major source markets, with visitor numbers surging 53.4% year-on-year to more than 2.35 million. Arrivals from Oceania rose 22.5% to 437,900, while visitors from the Americas increased 18.9% to 796,800. Asia remained Vietnam’s largest source region, contributing 10.3 million visitors, up 6.8% from a year earlier.
The Vietnam National Authority of Tourism said the results were particularly encouraging as the global tourism industry continues to face economic and geopolitical uncertainties.
The agency attributed the sustained growth to easier visa policies, expanded international flight networks, stronger tourism promotion efforts, and continued improvements in tourism products and services.
China remained Vietnam’s largest inbound tourism market during the period, sending about 3.1 million visitors, or 22.2% of total international arrivals. South Korea ranked second with 2.4 million visitors, maintaining its position as one of Vietnam’s most important tourism markets.
For comparison, Thailand’s Ministry of Tourism and Sports reported that the kingdom welcomed 18.5 million international visitors between 1 January and 1 August, generating 896.2 billion baht in tourism revenue, although arrivals were down 3.19% from the same period last year.
