As the world continues to evolve post-pandemic and technology shapes how people travel, Vietnam has emerged as one of the most attractive destinations for foreign tourists in 2025. With its diverse landscapes, rich cultural heritage, and rapidly improving infrastructure, Vietnam is riding a wave of renewed global interest. In this article, we explore the trend of foreign tourists traveling to Vietnam in 2025, the key drivers behind this boom, the changing preferences of international visitors, and how Vietnam is responding to this influx with sustainable and personalized travel experiences.
What is the trend of foreign tourists traveling to Vietnam in 2025?
A Remarkable Comeback After the Pandemic
The global tourism industry experienced an unprecedented collapse during the COVID-19 pandemic. However, Vietnam’s successful management of public health, along with its proactive tourism policies, has allowed it to recover faster than many other Southeast Asian countries.
By 2025, international arrivals are projected to surpass 18 million tourists, a number that reflects not only a rebound but also a transformation in how and why foreigners choose to visit Vietnam. The shift isn’t just about quantity—it’s about quality of experience.
A Remarkable Comeback After the Pandemic
Key Trends Shaping the Travel Behavior of Foreign Tourists in Vietnam
Let’s take a closer look at the major trends driving international tourism to Vietnam in 2025.
Slow Travel and Authentic Experiences
Foreign travelers are no longer in a rush. In 2025, slow travel is dominating global tourism trends, and Vietnam is a perfect match. Rather than visiting many places quickly, tourists are choosing to spend more time in fewer destinations to immerse themselves in local cultures. From learning how to make traditional Vietnamese dishes in Hoi An to joining fishing communities in Phu Yen, travelers crave meaningful experiences over sightseeing checklists.
Sustainable and Eco-Friendly Travel
Sustainability is no longer a niche; it’s mainstream. International travelers now prioritize destinations that care for the environment and local communities. Many foreign visitors in Vietnam are choosing:
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Eco-lodges in Sapa and Mai Chau
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Plastic-free tours in Ha Long Bay
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Ethical trekking with local guides in Ha Giang
These preferences are driving both private companies and local authorities to invest in green tourism models.
Digital Nomadism and Remote Work
With the rise of remote work, Vietnam is becoming a hotspot for digital nomads and long-term foreign residents. Cities like Da Nang, Hoi An, and Ho Chi Minh City offer excellent Wi-Fi, coworking spaces, and a low cost of living, attracting thousands of international workers looking to combine work and travel.
Wellness and Holistic Travel
Vietnam’s natural beauty is being harnessed for wellness tourism. In 2025, a large number of foreign tourists are booking wellness retreats in destinations like:
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Ninh Van Bay (luxury yoga retreats)
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Ba Vi (mountain spa resorts)
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Con Dao (detox programs in secluded nature)
These visitors are seeking inner peace, relaxation, and holistic health, not just adventure.
Key Trends Shaping the Travel Behavior of Foreign Tourists in Vietnam
What Nationalities Are Visiting Vietnam the Most in 2025?
According to updated projections and early 2025 data, the largest groups of foreign tourists come from:
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South Korea: Continues to be the number one source market due to close cultural ties, short flight times, and vibrant interest in Vietnamese food and fashion.
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China: With reopened borders, Chinese tourists are returning in large numbers, especially to northern destinations like Ha Long, Hanoi, and Sa Pa.
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USA and Europe: American and European tourists are increasingly attracted to the uniqueness and affordability of Vietnam compared to other Asian destinations.
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Australia: Australians are taking advantage of direct flights and favorable exchange rates to explore Vietnam’s beaches and nature trails.
Importantly, there’s also a rising influx of tourists from India, the Middle East, and Eastern Europe, driven by better flight connections and promotional efforts from Vietnam’s tourism authorities.
Top Destinations Foreign Tourists Are Flocking To
Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City – Culture Meets Urban Energy
The two biggest cities remain the gateway for most international visitors. In 2025, both cities have upgraded their transportation systems, launched dozens of new cultural festivals, and expanded nightlife options, offering vibrant urban experiences with deep historical roots.
Da Nang and Hoi An – The Perfect Blend
Da Nang is gaining traction as a tech-savvy coastal city, while Hoi An remains a timeless favorite for heritage seekers. Together, they create a balanced itinerary of modern luxury and traditional charm.
Top Destinations Foreign Tourists Are Flocking To
Ha Giang and the Northern Highlands – Off-the-Beaten-Path Gems
Ha Giang, with its rugged beauty, is seeing a surge in adventure tourism. Foreigners love the motorbike loop, tribal culture, and eco-stays that offer panoramic views of the mountains.
Phu Quoc and Con Dao – Island Escapes
Phu Quoc’s new international airport expansion in 2025 is bringing in more direct flights from Asia and Europe. Meanwhile, Con Dao remains a high-end paradise for those seeking exclusivity and untouched nature.
Digital Transformation in Tourism
Vietnam has embraced digital tools to enhance tourist experiences in 2025:
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E-visa applications are now processed within hours.
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Smart travel apps offer real-time translation, navigation, and itinerary management.
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Augmented reality (AR) is being integrated into historical sites like Hue and My Son Sanctuary, giving tourists immersive historical storytelling.
This digital leap makes Vietnam a more accessible and tech-friendly destination for all ages.
Digital Transformation in Tourism
Culinary Tourism: A Key Attraction
Vietnamese cuisine is a huge magnet for foreign travelers. In 2025, food-focused tours are among the most booked experiences. Popular culinary trends include:
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Street food tours with local guides
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Farm-to-table dining in Da Lat
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Vegan Vietnamese cooking classes in Hanoi
The diversity of Vietnam’s regional flavors—from spicy Hue dishes to sweet Mekong Delta desserts—makes it a foodie’s paradise.
Personalized and Thematic Tours Gain Popularity
Foreign tourists in 2025 are favoring customized itineraries and thematic experiences over traditional group tours. Popular themes include:
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Photography tours in the northern rice terraces
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War history trails from Cu Chi to Quang Tri
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Cycling across the Mekong Delta
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Craft village explorations and local homestays
These thematic tours offer a deeper connection to the land and people, meeting the expectations of today’s experience-driven tourists.
Challenges and Opportunities Ahead
Despite the positive trends, Vietnam still faces challenges in infrastructure, environmental protection, and language barriers. Some popular destinations are at risk of overtourism, while others are still underdeveloped.
To address this, the Vietnamese government in 2025 is:
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Promoting regional dispersal of tourism to lesser-known provinces
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Investing in training programs for tourism professionals
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Encouraging public-private partnerships to upgrade facilities and protect heritage
This proactive approach aims to balance economic growth with sustainability, ensuring Vietnam remains a top destination for decades to come.
Why Vietnam Is the Future of Travel in Southeast Asia
The trend of foreign tourists traveling to Vietnam in 2025 is more than just a post-pandemic recovery—it’s a redefinition of Vietnam’s place on the global tourism map. The country’s breathtaking natural beauty, cultural depth, affordability, and evolving infrastructure make it one of the most exciting destinations worldwide.
As foreign tourists become more conscious of how they travel, Vietnam continues to adapt—offering not just destinations, but transformative journeys.
Whether you’re a history lover, a digital nomad, an eco-tourist, or a curious soul seeking authenticity, Vietnam in 2025 has something waiting just for you.
