Vietnam welcomes over 1.5 million foreign visitors in January
Vietnam has received more than 1.5 million international tourists in January, a year-on-year increase of 5 percent, the General Statistics Office (GSO) announced on January 29.
Foreign tourists in a boat tour around Trang An Landscape Complex in Ninh Binh province (Photo: VNA)
Hanoi (VNA) – Vietnam has received more than 1.5 millioninternational tourists in January, a year-on-year increase of 5 percent, theGeneral Statistics Office (GSO) announced on January 29.
The number of foreign holidaymakers rose 9.3percent against December, with a strong surge seen the flow of tourists fromEurope, America and Oceania as overseas Vietnamese have come home for the traditionalLunar New Year (Tet) while in some European and American countries, people havehigher demand for travelling abroad during their winter holidays.
In the month, visitors from Asian markets accounted for the lion’s share withover 1.1 million people, a 5.4 percent climb from the same period of 2018. TheRepublic of Korea (RoK) surpassed China to become the largest source of foreignholidaymakers of Vietnam.
Tourists from most of the major markets of Vietnam increased, includingThailand (39.7 percent), Taiwan (31.4 percent), the Philippines (20 percent),Indonesia (18.7 percent), Japan (11.3 percent), and Malaysia (9.4 percent).Meanwhile, visitors from China, Singapore, Cambodia and Laos experienceddecreases of 10.7 percent, 2.5 percent, 61.3 percent and 27 percent,respectively.
The number of tourists from Europe witnesseda slight growth of 3.1 percent, with visitors from Russia rising 2.2 percent,the UK 3.9 percent, France 1.3 percent, Germany 3.9 percent, Sweden 6 percentand Italy 3.9 percent.
The number of visitors from America and Oceania expanded 7.8 percent and 0.2percent, respectively.
Some 6.6 million Vietnamese people spent their holidays domestically.
Tourism revenue in the month reached 56.5 trillion VND (2.44 billion USD), or6.6 percent higher than the same month last year.
This year, Vietnam aims to serve 18million foreign visitors and 85 million domestic ones in 2019, and earn morethan 700 trillion VND (30.2 billion USD) from tourism.
To attract moreforeign holidaymakers, the Vietnam National Administration of Tourism (VNAT)has enhanced tourism promotion activities and information provision.
Vietnam’s tourism sector had a successful 2018 with numerous achievements.However, it should move to handle such challenges as low-cost tours or the so-called “zero dong” tours,quality human resources, food safety and hygiene, and environmental pollution,among others.-VNA
Vietnam’s southern city Ho Chi Minh City has claimed a place on UK travel website Culture Trip’s list of the 12 best cities for culture in the world in 2019.
The central coastal city of Da Nang has set the target of welcoming 8.19 million visitors in 2019, including 3.19 million foreigners, a year-on-year rise of 6.9 percent and 11 percent, respectively.
Luxury cruiser Celebrity Constellation docked in Chan May port in the central province of Thua Thien-Hue on January 28, bringing the first cruise tourists from the US, Canada, UK and France to the locality in 2019.
Vietnam aims to receive about 18 million foreign visitors and 85 million domestic ones in 2019, and earn more than 700 trillion VND (30.2 billion USD) from tourism, according to the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism.
Deputy Prime Minister Mai Van Chinh has instructed the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism (MoCST) to coordinate with other ministries, agencies and localities to effectively implement policies and directives from the Party, Government, and Prime Minister on tourism development.
Da Nang's appeal stems from its numerous outstanding tourist attractions, particularly My Khe Beach, Sun World Ba Na Hills resort, and the ancient town of Hoi An. Additionally, Da Nang tourism is renowned for its affordability, especially attractive to young travellers and couples, according to Chosun Ilbo.
With new direct flights from major Indian cities like Hyderabad and Bengaluru, Vietnam is becoming an increasingly compelling destination for Indian tourists seeking a quick, emotionally rich four-day escape that blends luxury, culture, and natural wonder.
By source market, China continued to lead with 3.1 million visitors, equivalent to 25.5% of all foreign arrivals. The Republic of Korea followed with 2.5 million, or 20.7%. Other major markets included Taiwan (China) with 737,000, the US with 522,000, and Japan with 380,000.
Khanh Hoa has welcomed 16 international cruises so far this year, with more than 19,000 tourists disembarking to explore the province’s scenic landscapes and renowned cultural, religious, and artistic landmarks, as well as to enjoy local cuisine and sightseeing tours.
According to local plans, fireworks shows will be held at multiple locations, with Ha Long Bay as the focal point. More than mere entertainment, these displays are part of a strategic cultural tourism product aimed at strengthening the region’s brand.
Chatbot and virtual assistants support itinerary consultation and tour bookings, and provide around-the-clock response across multiple platforms while AI advertising applications have been used to optimise budgets and target the right customers. AI has been also employed to analyse customer data, enabling the delivery of personalised tour recommendations.
Many Vietnamese regions possess favourable conditions, including natural landscapes, climate, and rich cultural identities, to host sport events that integrate with cultural and tourism experiences.
Dubbed the “land of ancient towers”, Khanh Hoa boasts a rich Cham legacy through architectural masterpieces like the Po Nagar, Hoa Lai, Po Klong Garai, and Po Rome towers.
Vietnam’s e-visa system is now seen as one of the most efficient, convenient, and transparent in the region. Fully online registration, no paperwork or interviews, and fast and flexible processing time have improved foreigners’ entry experience, creating a competitive advantage over countries clinging to complicated and costly visa procedures.
Sunset Town unfolded like a living fairytale. Every street and hidden corner recalls iconic European landmarks – from Venice’s San Marco Bell Tower and Paris’s Arc de Triomphe to Almafi-style squares and cobblestone paths reminiscent of southern Italy.
Its natural advantages have made Mui Ne a magnet for enthusiasts of kitesurfing, windsurfing, surfing, and stand-up paddle boarding (SUP). These activities not only diversify the local tourism offerings but also contribute to the area’s long-term development strategy focused on sustainability.
In July alone, the city welcomed 695,930 international arrivals, surging 75.3% year-on-year. For the seven-month period, international visitors totalled 4.5 million, up 48% year-on-year.
Welcoming the crew on the morning of July 30, Dang Dong Ha, Deputy Director of the provincial Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism, emphasised that the film offers a valuable opportunity to promote Quang Tri’s tourism potential, particularly to Indian visitors, but also to a broader global audience.
With a proactive and creative approach, Hanoi is positioning itself as one of Southeast Asia’s most compelling destinations where tradition meets innovation, and every visit offers a blend of the familiar and the new.
Fostering linkage among regional localities and restructuring the tourism sector towards professionalism are among measures to boost the “smokeless industry” of the Mekong Delta.
Foreign tourists in a boat tour around Trang An Landscape Complex in Ninh Binh province (Photo: VNA) 
