Vietnam Welcomes Over 16 Million International Visitors Amid Surge from Russia, Philippines

Vietnam has welcomed nearly 16 million international visitors in the first eight months of the year, marking a year-on-year increase of over 14%. Notably, arrivals from Russia and the Philippines have seen significant surges. Russian tourist numbers jumped by 166%, making Russia the largest European market and the third-largest source of international arrivals to Vietnam, with approximately one million visitors. This is only surpassed by mainland China (3.5 million) and South Korea (2.8 million). According to local travel agencies, Vietnam's appeal lies in its ability to meet Russian tourists' preferences for swimming, sunbathing, seafood, and relaxation at resorts. Russian travel agency directors have also noted Vietnam's rising popularity, with charter flights operating to cater to demand for both beach holidays and cultural tourism. Vietnam Airlines has increased its direct Hanoi-Moscow route frequency from three to four flights per week since July. The Philippines, though not a prominent source market prior to 2025, has also experienced substantial growth. Filipino visitors rose by 58% to nearly 470,000 this year, placing them among the top 10 largest groups of foreign visitors to Vietnam. Marketing directors attribute this growth to more convenient flight routes from major cities like Manila and Cebu, competitive pricing, and tourism products distinct from the island destinations familiar to Filipinos. The viral impact of social media content on platforms like TikTok and YouTube, showcasing Vietnamese cities and landscapes, has also played a role. However, it is acknowledged that part of this strong growth is due to a low base from the previous year, underscoring the need for continued expansion of air routes and development of suitable tourism products to sustain long-term growth. Overall, Asia remains the dominant region for international arrivals, with mainland China, South Korea, and Taiwan contributing around 6.2 million visitors, accounting for nearly 40% of all international arrivals to Vietnam.