Chinese Tourists to Vietnam Drive a Major Tourism Boom in 2025

Chinese tourists to Vietnam surged sharply in 2025, increasing by more than 41% to approximately 5.3 million arrivals. This strong rebound helped Vietnam overtake Thailand and emerge as one of the most attractive destinations for Chinese outbound travelers in Southeast Asia.

Chinese Tourists to Vietnam Overtake Thailand in 2025

In 2025, Vietnam welcomed around 5.3 million Chinese tourists, while Thailand received only about 4.5 million. The decline in Chinese arrivals to Thailand has been linked to concerns over tourism safety and border security, prompting many travelers to reconsider their destination choices.

By contrast, Vietnam has strengthened its image as a safe, friendly, and accessible destination, making it increasingly appealing to Chinese tourists looking for stability, affordability, and diverse travel experiences.

Why Chinese Tourists to Vietnam Are Choosing Vietnam

According to travel technology and marketing firm China Trading Desk, mainland Chinese travelers are expected to make between 165 and 175 million outbound trips in 2026, up from an estimated 155 million trips in the previous year.

The company forecasts that South Korea, Vietnam, and Thailand will be the top three destinations for Chinese outbound travel in 2026, supported by:

• Strong air connectivity with China

• A wide range of tourist attractions

• Competitive travel costs

This outlook places Vietnam in a strong position to continue benefiting from the recovery of China’s outbound tourism market.

Visa-Free Policies Boost Chinese Tourists to Vietnam

Professor James Chin, an Asia studies expert at the University of Tasmania (Australia), noted that visa-free travel policies are one of the most important drivers behind the growth of China’s outbound tourism.

At the same time, Sienna Parulis-Cook, Director of Communications and Marketing at Dragon Trail International, emphasized that the launch of new international flight routes has made overseas travel significantly more convenient for Chinese travelers.

Vietnam has actively supported this trend by:

• Expanding visa exemption policies

• Extending maximum stays to 45 days

• Increasing international flight frequencies and destinations

These measures have directly contributed to the rise of Chinese tourists to Vietnam.

Vietnam Sets a New International Tourism Record

According to Vietnam’s General Statistics Office, the country welcomed approximately 21.2 million international visitors in 2025, a 20% increase year-on-year and well above the pre-pandemic record of 18 million visitors in 2019.

Chinese tourists remained Vietnam’s largest source market, playing a central role in the country’s post-COVID tourism recovery and long-term growth.

Vietnam’s Rising Position in Southeast Asia’s Tourism Market

Vietnam’s tourism surge reflects a broader reshaping of Southeast Asia’s multi-billion-dollar tourism industry, with Vietnam increasingly challenging Thailand’s traditional dominance.

Visa liberalization has also delivered strong growth from European markets:

• Visitors from Poland increased by 43%

• Arrivals from the UK, France, and Italy rose by around 20%

• Russian tourist arrivals surged by 197%, making Russia Vietnam’s largest European source market

These trends underline Vietnam’s expanding appeal beyond Asia.

Vietnam Among the World’s Fastest-Growing Destinations

The United Nations World Tourism Organization (UN Tourism) ranked Vietnam among the fastest-growing tourism destinations globally in 2025, alongside Brazil, Egypt, Japan, and Ethiopia.

According to UN Tourism, international arrivals in these markets have exceeded 2019 levels, signaling a strong and sustained recovery after the pandemic.

From Recovery to Sustainable Growth

The rapid increase in Chinese tourists to Vietnam represents more than short-term recovery—it highlights Vietnam’s strengthening position on the global tourism map.

As regional competition intensifies, Vietnam’s ability to combine:

• Open and flexible visa policies

• Expanded air connectivity

• A strong reputation as a safe and welcoming destination

will be crucial in maintaining momentum and transitioning from post-pandemic recovery to sustainable, competitive growth in the years ahead.

images: collected

Plan Your Trip with TripAsean Tours

👉 Contact TripAsean Tours: For customized trip planning, hotel recommendations, and expert travel tips.

• • • • • 📞 Hotline: +84 961 518 918
        • 🌐 Website: www.tripasean.com
        • 📧 Email: info@tripasean.com
        • 📝Let me know your request: Fill out the form here