Vietnam welcomed nearly 2.1 million international visitors in January, marking the highest-ever monthly number of foreign arrivals, according to the latest data from the Vietnam National Authority of Tourism.

The total influx of international tourists in January this year surpassed the pre-pandemic level of January 2020, which saw two million arrivals, during what was considered the golden period of Vietnam’s tourism before the global impact of COVID-19.

China regained its position as Vietnam’s biggest tourist source market, sending 575,000 visitors to the latter in January and accounting for 27.7 percent of the total foreign arrivals.

The resurgence of the Chinese source market might be fueled by multiple efforts to connect the two countries and strengthen cooperation in tourism exchanges, according to the authority.

South Korea came second, with over 417,000 tourists, followed by Cambodia, the United States, Taiwan, Japan, Australia, India, Malaysia, and Thailand.

A major driver behind the growth in foreign arrivals in January 2025 was the remarkable 137.4-percent year-on-year surge from China visitors. 

Cambodia also saw a significant jump of 168.6 percent, while the United States recorded a 22.3 percent rise. 

Vietnam also witnessed continued positive momentum from European markets, buoyed by the unilateral visa waiver policy.

The record-breaking figure of nearly 2.1 million international visitors in January 2025 is a testament to the concerted efforts of Vietnam’s tourism industry, amid the slower recovery of tourism in Asia compared to other regions worldwide.

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