Vietnam records 19.5 million international arrivals in 10 months
October arrivals reached 1.85 million as Vietnam pursued a target of 25 million international visitors for 2026.
International arrivals in Vietnam totalled 19.5 million between January and October 2026, up 13.8% year on year, according to the General Statistics Office (GSO). Mainland China was the largest source of visitors.
October accounted for 1.85 million arrivals, rising 4.9% from September and 7% from October last year. The tourism industry said two Hanoi concerts by South Korean group BigBang on October 24–25 contributed to the month's growth.
Mainland China supplied 4.3 million visitors over the 10 months, or about 22% of the total. South Korea followed with approximately 3.3 million, representing 17.3%. Russia placed third with 1.2 million, ahead of Taiwan with 1.07 million and the US with 808,000.
Completing the top 10 source markets were Cambodia with 787,000 visitors, Japan with 757,000, India with 744,000, the Philippines with 579,000 and Australia with 542,000.
The GSO attributed Vietnam's appeal to its reputation for safety, favourable visa policies, increased tourism promotion and varied travel experiences. Vietnam is aiming for 25 million international arrivals by the end of 2026. Daisy Kanagasapapathy, a lecturer in Tourism and Hospitality Management at RMIT Vietnam, told VnExpress International that the target was within reach.
