Vietnam outpaces regional competitors in tourism growth
Data from Google Destination Insights shows that the country is one of the world’s fastest-growing travel destinations, ranking 7th in international search growth.
THE HANOI TIMES — Global searches for Vietnam's destinations soared by 10% to 25%, putting the country ahead of regional tourism powerhouses such as Thailand, Singapore, Malaysia, and Indonesia.
Google Destination Insights shows that between February 11 and May 1, Vietnam was the only Southeast Asian country to appear in the top 10 destinations with the highest growth in online interest.
The scenery of Phu Quoc Island. Photo: Thanh Truc
Within Asia, Vietnam outperformed several major tourism markets with the Philippines ranking 18th, Singapore 25th, Thailand 36th, Indonesia 37th, and Malaysia 39th.
The most searched destinations in Vietnam included Hanoi , Ho Chi Minh City, Danang, Phu Quoc Island in the southern province of Kien Giang, and Nha Trang in the central province of Khanh Hoa. In particular, emerging destinations such as Vung Tau and Ninh Binh saw the greatest surge in interest, with search volume increasing by 75%.
The top searches come from source markets of the United States, India, Australia, Japan, Singapore, South Korea, the United Kingdom, Taiwan (China), Malaysia, and Hong Kong (China), reflecting the diverse international interest in Vietnamese tourism.
This impressive growth is attributed to a combination of strategic policies, improved infrastructure, and an increasingly diversified tourism product offering. Key among these efforts is Vietnam's progressive visa policy, which has expanded the list of countries eligible for visa waivers and simplified entry procedures through the introduction of a streamlined e-visa system.
Ripe rice season in the fields of Tam Coc - Bich Dong Tourism Complex, the northern province of Ninh Binh. Photo: The provincial Tourism Promotion Center
Moreover, Vietnam's expanding network of international air routes, with direct flights from major global cities to Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, Danang, and Phu Quoc, has greatly improved accessibility for foreign travelers.
The country's tourism appeal lies in the combination of natural beauty, cultural richness, and modern vibrancy. Visitors can explore UNESCO-listed heritage sites, pristine beaches, terraced rice fields, and bustling metropolises. New tourism models such as agritourism, wellness tourism, rail travel, and adventure sports offer diverse experiences and meet the evolving preferences of global travelers.
In the first four months of 2025, Vietnam welcomed more than 7.6 million international arrivals, an increase of 23.8% compared to the same period in 2024. This growth trajectory puts the country on track to reach its ambitious target of 22-23 million international visitors by the end of the year, contributing significantly to the government's projected GDP growth rate of 8% for 2025.
Vietnam continues to cement its status as a leading destination in Asia, combining cultural authenticity with hospitality to attract both repeat visitors and first-time explorers.
