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Vietnam Eyes 25 Million International Visitors in 2025 as China & South Korea Lead Growth, Strong Momentum for Singapore Airlines and Global Hotel Chains
Vietnam is set to welcome a record 25 million international visitors in 2025, marking an exceptional recovery for the tourism sector that will far surpass pre-pandemic levels. This impressive growth is largely driven by surging tourist arrivals from China and South Korea, which remain major source markets for Vietnam’s vibrant tourism industry. As the demand for travel to Vietnam grows, airlines and the hospitality sector are gearing up to meet the influx, expanding their services and enhancing their offerings. Major international carriers like Singapore Airlines are ramping up flight frequencies, while global hotel chains such as Marriott, Hilton, and Accor are increasing their presence, ensuring that travelers from around the world can experience all that Vietnam has to offer. From its bustling cities to its serene landscapes, Vietnam’s tourism boom is not just a boost for the economy but also a sign of the country’s ever-growing appeal as a must-visit destination in Southeast Asia.
Vietnam: 25 Million International Visitors in 2025- China and South Korea Lead Growth
Vietnam is poised to enter an unprecedented tourism milestone in 2025 by welcoming 25 million international visitors, surpassing 2019 pre-pandemic tourism statistics. The anticipated tourist level is attributed to the rapid growth of visitors from its South and East Asian neighboring nations, and, particularly, China and South Korea. This positions Vietnam as one of the most rapidly expanding tourism markets in Asia, with Vietnam’s airlines and international hospitality sectors also showing strong growth to meet the expanding tourism demand, not to mention the expanding demand of their Southeast Asian neighbors. The economic growth in South East Asia will undoubtedly meet carnivalesque tourist experiences in Vietnam’s urban centers and warm beaches.
Vietnam’s Tourism Growth: A Record-Breaking Year Ahead
The Vietnamese government is seeking to accomplish monumental objectives by the year 2025, including expanding the countries tourist level to 25 million foreign visitors, an increase from 2019’s 18 million international visitors. The primary anticipated sources of growth remain dominant international tourism markets, particularly China and South Korea.
The growing infrastructure, increasing tourist-friendly policies, and multicultural heritage make Vietnam one of the fastest-growing countries in the world. Vietnam offers a wide range of destinations including the world-famous Ha Long Bay and the Southern business metropolis Ho Chi Minh City which Vietnam travelers have Hanoi and Ha Long Bay as special itineraries.
The dramatic rise in foreign travelers and arrivals is quite motivational to the hospitality and tourism service industries in Vietnam. The expansion of the international hospitality and hotel chain, Airbus and tourist charter-orientated airlines and the growing local hospitality world all positively contribute to the Vietnam economy and tourism industries. The growing and expanded routes of the local airlines is one of the indicators supporting the expansion of the local tourism and the rise in tourist travelers. Tripadvisor hospitality reviews will aid the tourism service industries in catering and servicing the tourist.
China & South Korea Lead Growth, Fueling Air Travel Demand
In 2025, Vietnam estimates that China and South Korea will be two of the largest source markets for Vietnamese tourism. With millions of travelers anticipated from both countries, demand for flights has prompted airlines to prepare. The close proximity of these two countries to Vietnam offers short-haul vacation and business travel opportunities.
For airlines, increased demand from China and South Korea will translate to more direct flights and greater frequency os schedules on critical routes. For example, Singapore Airlines has responded to demand by offering multiple flights every week to Vietnam’s primary cities of Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh, and Da Nang. With tourism to Vietnam expected to grow, the airline will continue to expand its operations and services.
Vietnam Airlines and budget-friendly VietJet are expanding their international routes. For travelers and tourists with interest in Vietnam, these airlines are providing new entry points and offers. There has been considerably more demand on flights from Seoul and Beijing to Vietnam, and airlines are increasing routes and flight frequencies.
Positive Growth for Singapore Airlines and International Hotel Groups
As one of the largest International carriers, Singapore Airlines continues to grow and has an increasing number of passengers on routes to and from Vietnam. In response to demand, Singapore Airlines has been expanding their flight schedules for Vietnam and increasing flight frequencies on the routes from Singapore to various key cities in Vietnam. This is particularly significant, given the extent of Singapore Airlines’ wide-reaching network, which is one of the most expansive in all of Asia, providing seamless connections for international and intercontinental travelers and tourists.
Vietnam’s expanding tourism sector is appealing to multinational hotel companies. Global hotel brands like Marriott, Hilton, Accor, and Hyatt are establishing a greater presence in Vietnam and have obtained permits to build an increasing number of facilities to accommodate the non-Vietnamese customers expected by the expanding tourism sector in 2025. These hotels are aimed at the increasing number of international tourists at the higher and lower ends of the hotel market. The rise of mid-range and economy lodging, especially in Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City, is striking given the rapid increase in tourism.
Vietnamese hospitality and tourism are also developing sustainably. The prioritization of eco-friendly and socially responsible hospitality provides new opportunities for hotels and resorts clientele to invest in eco-tourism. For example, international hotel brands such as Four Seasons and InterContinental are implementing expansive environmentally-sustainable hospitality and tourism practices at their resorts in Vietnam while maintaining the responsible and future-proof development of tourism in Vietnam.
Airlines Expand Capacity to Meet Demand
Tourism growth brings more flight demand to Vietnam, especially after the pandemic. Airlines serving Vietnam, both domestic (VietJet, Bamboo Airways, Vietnam Airlines) and international (Cathay Pacific, Korean Air, Singapore Airlines), are increasing their capacities.
Singapore Airlines has significantly increased its Vietnam route networks and now operates daily flights to Ho Chi Minh City and Hanoi. Air traffic growth to Vietnam is evident, and the airline is focusing on expanding its flight offering to the most popular points in Vietnam. Vietnam is also getting better connected to the rest of the world, serving as international travel transit points, which helps passenger traffic to and from the Vietnam as travel on the region balances Vietnam as a travel hub.
In Europe, major airlines are increasing the number of flights to Vietnam as the demand for direct flights also increase. Airlines of the continent, in particular Lufthansa and Air France, are increasing the number of weekly flights to the country as Europe residents are traveling more to experience the rich culture, beautiful beaches, and contemporary food of Vietnam.
Furthermore, the expansion of tourism is a result of the government working to ease visa restrictions on foreign visitors. Attention has been focused on facilitating entry protocols during the entire journey.
Vietnam’s Hospitality Industry: Luxury to Budget
With the growth of tourism, the hospitality industry in Vietnam has also seen growth. Numerous international hotel chains such as Marriott, Accor, and Hilton have begun to establish their brands in Vietnam, primarily in the larger cities of Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh, as well as the coastal areas of Da Nang and Phu Quoc.
These hotel chains have a wide range of offerings, from high-end luxury hotels to more reasonably priced hotels. For instance, the Ritz-Carlton hotel is positioned as a high-end hotel in Ho Chi Minh City, while Ibis and Novotel brands are directed to more price sensitive customers in the moderate and range.
Vietnam is also seeing growth in hospitality through locally established small and boutique hotels. These are especially favored by travelers seeking something different as many boutique hotels are designed to celebrate Vietnamese culture and heritage.
Vietnam’s booming tourism industry is complemented by the expanding market for Airbnbs. Some travelers prefer the more authentic experiences that come with personalized accommodations, such as those found in private homes or apartments. This trend is particularly true for cities like Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City, where tourists favor culturally immersive experiences.
Factors Tourists Should Consider Prior To Traveling To Vietnam
Vietnam’s tourism is rapidly expanding, with the country providing more flight options, additional services, and an increasing number of hotels to accommodate travelers. Still, tourists should consider a few points before coming to the country.
Climate: Vietnam’s climate is highly dependent on the region and the time of year. The north has four seasons, while the south has a tropical climate with wet and dry seasons. Tourists planning to visit during the wet months, which is from May to October, should expect rain, particularly in Hanoi and Ha Long Bay. In general, the best time to visit is from November to April when the weather is cooler and drier.
Visa Regulations: Vietnam has relaxed many visa restrictions for travelers; however, people coming from certain countries will still need to acquire a visa prior to their Vietnam trip. Thus, for tourists planning to visit Vietnam, it is a good idea to double check visa prerequisites to ensure that there will not be any issues during entry.
Respect for Local Customs: With it’s rich culture and traditions, Vietnam and its people deserve appreciation and consideration for their customs and practices. This includes proper and modest attire for women, and respectful behavior during religious practices, and praying. Lastly, for everyone, it is expected that people will remove their shoes when entering a temple, and a house.
Getting Around: Vietnam also has a good variety of local transport choices, and facilities like, planes, buses, trains and taxis making getting around the country very easy. The only thing to have in mind is the hectic traffic in the cities of Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh; which can be avoided by public transport like the buses and the metro which are well established, and still developing.
Health and Safety: Lastly, Vietnam and it’s cities, and tourist attractions are very safe for tourists, as well as being very clean. Although tourists should always keep and eye on their possessions, especially in places that are very busy with tourists. Also, tourists to Vietnam should have their vaccinations and keep an eye on the hygiene of the food, and water.
Currency: Vietnamese Dong (VND) is the local currency. While larger hotels, restaurants, and shopping centers will generally accept credit cards, it is a good idea to have local currency on hand, particularly when you go to smaller towns and the countryside.
Vietnam is set to welcome a record 25 million international visitors in 2025, surpassing pre-pandemic levels, with China and South Korea driving significant growth. This surge is creating strong momentum for airlines like Singapore Airlines and global hotel chains to expand services and offerings.
Vietnam’s Bright Future Is Coming
Vietnam will be able to see the effect of its tourism promotion after COVID and tourist policies; it is expected to have the most international tourist arrivals to Vietnam in 2025. With the biggest increases in arrivals from China and South Korea, airlines are improving their service to meet the market. Major hotel chains have and are still being built all over the country, giving a broad range of options. For all travelers, it is the best time to see the culture of Vietnam, its beautiful nature, and its lively cities. For every traveler, even newcomers, Vietnam promises a beautiful experience.
