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Business / Mon, 20 Jul 2026 Travel And Tour World

China Overtakes Indonesia, Philippines, Thailand, Poland, Qatar And More as Vietnam Tourism Boom Accelerates with Global Travellers Searching for Hanoi, Da Nang, Ho Chi Minh City and Phu Quoc Experien

The analysis, covering searches made between 1 January and 31 May 2026, showed that international interest accelerated compared with the same period last year. AdvertisementVietnam’s ability to offer multiple travel experiences has helped it attract visitors with different interests. Advertisement AdvertisementRegional Travel Strengthens Vietnam’s Tourism PositionSoutheast Asia continues to play an important role in Vietnam’s international tourism expansion. With its tropical environment, luxury accommodation options, marine activities, and relaxing atmosphere, Phu Quoc has become an important part of Vietnam’s tourism offering. Digital Travel Growth Supports Future Tourism OpportunitiesThe expansion of international travel interest is also being supported by the increasing use of digital travel platforms.

China Overtakes Indonesia, Philippines, Thailand, Poland, Qatar And More as Vietnam Tourism Boom Accelerates with Global Travellers Searching for Hanoi, Da Nang, Ho Chi Minh City and Phu Quoc Experiences in 2026

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China has overtaken Indonesia, the Philippines, Thailand, Poland, Qatar and other major source markets as the fastest-growing contributor to Vietnam’s tourism surge in 2026, with international travellers showing rising interest in the country’s diverse destinations, from historic Hanoi and coastal Da Nang to dynamic Ho Chi Minh City and tropical Phu Quoc. New travel search data reveals that Chinese demand for Vietnam accommodation has recorded the strongest year-on-year increase, driven by renewed regional travel momentum, convenient connectivity, diverse holiday experiences and Vietnam’s growing reputation as a destination offering culture, cuisine, beaches and modern city attractions. Alongside China’s rapid growth, strong interest from Southeast Asia, Europe, the Middle East and Oceania highlights Vietnam’s expanding global appeal as travellers increasingly seek authentic experiences, affordable luxury and memorable escapes across the country in 2026.

Accommodation searches for Vietnam increased across all of Agoda’s top inbound markets during the first five months of 2026. The analysis, covering searches made between 1 January and 31 May 2026, showed that international interest accelerated compared with the same period last year.

Leading the growth was China, which recorded a remarkable 164% year-on-year increase in accommodation searches. The surge highlights the continued importance of the Chinese market and the renewed interest among travellers seeking destinations that combine cultural discovery, natural landscapes, and coastal escapes.

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Vietnam’s ability to offer multiple travel experiences has helped it attract visitors with different interests. Travellers can explore historic cities, enjoy world-renowned cuisine, relax at tropical resorts, discover mountain landscapes, or experience the energy of modern urban centres.

International Demand Expands Across Key Markets

While China delivered the strongest increase, Vietnam’s tourism growth was supported by rising interest from a wide range of international markets.

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Indonesia recorded the second-highest growth rate, with accommodation searches increasing by 86%, followed by the Philippines with 82% and Thailand with 65%. The strong performance of Southeast Asian markets highlights Vietnam’s growing role as a regional holiday destination, supported by convenient air connections and short travel distances.

Poland ranked fifth with a 63% increase, becoming the only European market among the top five fastest-growing sources of demand. The growth demonstrates Vietnam’s expanding reach beyond Asia and its ability to attract travellers from emerging long-haul markets.

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The top ten fastest-growing inbound markets for Vietnam were:

China – 164% Indonesia – 86% Philippines – 82% Thailand – 65% Poland – 63% India – 52% Qatar – 49% Myanmar – 48% Malaysia – 41% New Zealand – 40%

The widespread growth across these markets indicates that Vietnam is becoming increasingly attractive to travellers from different regions rather than depending on a limited number of visitor sources.

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Regional Travel Strengthens Vietnam’s Tourism Position

Southeast Asia continues to play an important role in Vietnam’s international tourism expansion. Alongside Indonesia, the Philippines and Thailand, Myanmar and Malaysia also appeared among the fastest-growing markets.

The strong regional performance reflects changing travel preferences, with more visitors choosing nearby international destinations that offer cultural variety, affordability, and convenient transportation.

Vietnam has benefited from its combination of modern cities, heritage attractions, culinary experiences, and beach destinations. For regional travellers, the country provides opportunities for quick getaways as well as longer holidays covering multiple destinations.

The growing popularity of Vietnam among Southeast Asian visitors also supports the development of secondary destinations beyond the country’s major tourism centres, encouraging travellers to explore more of the country’s diverse regions.

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Easier Access Boosts International Interest

Growing demand from Poland highlights the influence of improved travel accessibility. Following the introduction of visa-free entry for Polish travellers in 2025, interest in Vietnam increased significantly.

The rise in searches from Poland reflects how simplified entry procedures can encourage more international visitors by reducing travel barriers and making destination planning easier.

Vietnam’s efforts to improve accessibility are helping the country compete more effectively in the global tourism market, particularly among travellers looking for new experiences in Asia.

Vietnam Attracts Visitors Beyond Traditional Markets

The latest search trends show that Vietnam’s appeal is expanding across multiple continents.

India recorded a 52% increase in accommodation searches, demonstrating rising interest from one of the world’s fastest-growing outbound travel markets. Qatar also showed strong momentum with 49% growth, while New Zealand recorded a 40% increase.

The diversity of these markets highlights Vietnam’s ability to attract different traveller segments, including leisure tourists, families, adventure seekers, and visitors looking for premium resort experiences.

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From cultural heritage and local cuisine to luxury accommodation and nature-based tourism, Vietnam offers a broad portfolio of experiences that aligns with changing global travel preferences.

Major Tourism Gateways Remain Traveller Favourites

Despite growing interest in emerging destinations, Vietnam’s leading cities continue to attract the highest levels of international attention.

Hanoi remains a key gateway for visitors exploring northern Vietnam. The capital combines historic architecture, traditional markets, scenic lakes, cultural landmarks, and a celebrated food scene that continues to attract international travellers.

Da Nang maintains its position as one of Vietnam’s most popular coastal destinations. Known for its beaches, modern infrastructure, and attractions such as the Dragon Bridge and Ba Na Hills, the city also provides convenient access to central Vietnam’s heritage sites.

Ho Chi Minh City continues to represent the country’s dynamic southern region. The city’s mix of modern developments, historical attractions, shopping areas, nightlife, and diverse cuisine makes it a major destination for international visitors.

Together, these three cities remain the backbone of Vietnam’s inbound tourism landscape, offering travellers distinct experiences across different regions of the country.

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Phu Quoc Strengthens Position as Island Escape

Beyond the major cities, Phu Quoc is gaining increased international recognition, particularly among travellers from India and Poland.

The island ranked as the most-searched Vietnamese destination for both markets, reflecting growing demand for beach holidays and resort experiences. With its tropical environment, luxury accommodation options, marine activities, and relaxing atmosphere, Phu Quoc has become an important part of Vietnam’s tourism offering.

The island’s development demonstrates the country’s ability to create new tourism hotspots while maintaining strong interest in established destinations.

Digital Travel Growth Supports Future Tourism Opportunities

The expansion of international travel interest is also being supported by the increasing use of digital travel platforms. Online booking services are helping travellers discover destinations, compare options, and organise complete journeys more efficiently.

Agoda’s platform currently connects travellers with more than 6 million accommodation properties, over 130,000 flight routes, and more than 300,000 activities worldwide, supporting the growing demand for flexible and convenient travel planning.

The latest travel search trends point to a strong outlook for Vietnam’s tourism sector in 2026. With rising interest from major Asian markets, growing recognition among European travellers, and increasing demand from global regions, Vietnam is strengthening its position as one of Asia’s most promising destinations for international tourism.

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