Vietnam’s tourism market is experiencing a remarkable recovery, with Cambodia leading the way as the fastest-growing sector, boasting a remarkable increase of 338% in the first half of this year compared to pre-pandemic levels. India closely follows at 236% growth, while Laos secures the third spot with a notable increase of 117%. Thailand and Singapore also demonstrate strong recoveries, with growth rates of 108% and 107%, respectively, according to the Vietnam National Administration of Tourism.
Vietnam’s popularity among tourists from Southeast Asia can be attributed to its visa-free stay policy, allowing visitors from countries such as Thailand, Singapore, Indonesia, Cambodia, and Laos to enjoy up to 30 days in the country hassle-free. Moreover, the introduction of direct flight routes in recent years has significantly boosted Vietnam’s appeal to Indian travelers, establishing it as a top choice among this market segment.
Remarkably, the United States and Australia have made substantial strides towards pre-pandemic levels, recovering up to 95% and 92% of their tourism numbers, respectively. Other notable recoveries include Germany at 84%, the United Kingdom at 79%, and South Korea at 77%.
China, once Vietnam’s largest contributor of tourists prior to the pandemic, has shown a recovery rate of over 22% since the Chinese government resumed group tours to Vietnam on March 15.
In the first half of this year, Vietnam welcomed over 5.5 million visitors, achieving 69% of the annual target of eight million. South Korea emerged as the leading country in terms of visitor arrivals, with over 1.6 million individuals accounting for 28% of the total. China followed closely with 557,000 visitors, while the United States secured the third spot with 374,000 arrivals.
Exciting developments are on the horizon, as the National Assembly recently approved an extension of tourist e-visas from 30 to 90 days, starting from August 15. This enhancement allows foreigners to enter and exit Vietnam multiple times within the designated period without having to reapply for a new visa. Industry insiders are optimistic about the increased influx of tourists expected following this extension, further propelling Vietnam’s tourism recovery.
