Tourists visit Ngọ Môn (Noon Gate) in Huế citadel. — VNA/VNS Photo Nguyên Lý

HÀ NỘI — Việt Nam drew 2.03 million international visitors in April, lifting the four-month total to 8.8 million, a 14.6 per cent year-on-year increase and about 35 per cent of its 2026 target of 25 million arrivals.

The Việt Nam National Authority of Tourism (VNAT) said the figures highlight the country’s rising profile as a safe, stable and increasingly compelling destination. It is the first time Việt Nam has surpassed 2 million foreign arrivals for four straight months, and the first time the January – April tally has reached 8.8 million.

Between January and April, the 10 largest source markets were China, the Republic of Korea (RoK), Russia, Taiwan (China), Cambodia, the US, India, Japan, Australia and the Philippines, together accounting for roughly 72 per cent of total arrivals. China and the RoK alone contributed nearly 40 per cent.

The visitor mix is becoming more diversified, with several emerging markets gaining traction. Russia stood out with growth of nearly 300 per cent year-on-year, buoyed by the return of direct flights, strong demand for extended holidays, and Việt Nam's competitive edge in safety, infrastructure, natural assets and cost, positioning it as a preferred Asian destination for Russian travellers.

Southeast Asia maintained strong momentum, led by the Philippines, which surged 73.4% to enter the top 10, overtaking Malaysia. Cambodia rose 41.6 per cent, Indonesia 30.1 per cent, Singapore 29.8 per cent and Malaysia 21.7 per cent, while Thailand posted steady growth of 8.4 per cent. In South Asia, India continued to emerge as a key market, expanding 59.1 per cent and signalling substantial room for further growth.

Europe recorded the fastest regional expansion, up 53.3 per cent year-on-year in the first four months. Western and Northern European markets posted solid gains, including the UK (10.4 per cent), France (12.1 per cent) and Germany (14.5 per cent). Visa-waiver markets such as Poland, Switzerland and the Czech Republic also delivered strong increases of 52.7 per cent, 19.4 per cent and 23.1 per cent, underscoring the effectiveness of visa facilitation in boosting demand.

According to VNAT’s Tourism Information Centre, global uncertainties, from geopolitical tensions to security risks, are making safety an increasingly decisive factor in travel choices. Alongside its strong safety record, Việt Nam continues to attract visitors with its diverse tourism offerings, striking landscapes and rich cultural heritage. Trends such as experiential travel, eco-tourism, wellness stays and authentic local experiences are creating new avenues to strengthen competitiveness.

With more liberal visa policies, expanding air links and a continually evolving tourism ecosystem, Việt Nam is reinforcing its position as one of Asia’s leading destinations, laying firm groundwork for sustained growth in the years ahead.— VNA/VNS