Published on
January 5, 2026
Vietnam’s tourism industry experienced a remarkable surge during the New Year 2026 holiday, welcoming over 3 million visitors from January 1 to 4. The strong performance can be attributed to significant contributions from key international markets such as China, South Korea, Thailand, Malaysia, and Singapore. These countries played a pivotal role in driving the increase in international arrivals, as Vietnam continues to attract tourists with its diverse destinations, favorable weather, and tourism-friendly initiatives. The influx of visitors highlights the success of Vietnam’s strategic visa facilitation and marketing efforts, which have helped the country maintain its status as a top destination in Southeast Asia.
Vietnam’s tourism sector experienced a major boost during the New Year 2026 holiday, running from January 1 to 4, with an estimated 3.5 million visitors nationwide, according to the Vietnam National Authority of Tourism (VNAT). This surge in tourism represents a promising trend for the country’s travel industry as it continues to recover and build momentum into the peak seasons ahead.
Overall, the national average hotel occupancy rate for the holiday period stood at approximately 51%. However, several key tourist destinations reported significantly higher rates, with some regions reaching occupancy rates around 65%. These numbers highlight the growing appeal of Vietnam’s diverse destinations, which cater to both domestic and international travelers looking for winter escapes and cultural experiences.
The favorable weather conditions that coincided with the holiday season helped fuel tourism activities across Vietnam’s northern, central, and southern regions. As the country enjoyed mild temperatures and clear skies, tourists flocked to some of Vietnam’s most iconic and scenic destinations. Among the most visited locations were Phu Quoc, Da Lat, Mang Den, Ho Chi Minh City, Hanoi, Da Nang, Nha Trang, Vung Tau, and Mui Ne. These regions saw a steady influx of visitors, eager to experience everything from beautiful beaches and natural landscapes to vibrant city life and cultural heritage.
Ho Chi Minh City, the country’s largest urban center, topped the list of most popular destinations. The city welcomed around 1.24 million visitors during the holiday period, marking an impressive 65% year-on-year increase in tourist numbers. The rise in visitors also reflected a significant increase in international arrivals, with more than 75,700 foreign tourists visiting the city, representing an 83% growth compared to the previous year. Room occupancy rates in Ho Chi Minh City remained high at 75%, and the city’s tourism revenue during this period was estimated at 2.63 trillion VND (approximately 100 million USD). These figures demonstrate the city’s continued dominance as a leading destination for both domestic and international tourists.
Other major destinations across the country also recorded strong tourism performance. Ninh Binh, a province known for its picturesque landscapes and rich cultural history, attracted over 723,000 visitors. Among these, nearly 178,000 were international tourists, contributing to a tourism revenue of approximately 795 billion VND. Quang Ninh, another key tourism hub, welcomed around 657,000 visitors, including about 70,500 international arrivals. Tourism revenue for the province during this period was estimated at 1.62 trillion VND. These figures reflect a growing interest in destinations outside of major cities, highlighting the appeal of Vietnam’s more serene and scenic areas.
In the highland province of Lam Dong, which includes the popular resort town of Da Lat, tourism numbers also remained strong. Lam Dong received approximately 650,000 visitors, with hotel occupancy rates ranging from 70% to 80%. Tourism revenue for the province was estimated at around 1.2 trillion VND, further showcasing the region’s growing popularity, particularly among domestic travelers.
Hanoi, Vietnam’s capital, saw remarkable growth in tourism during the holiday period, with over 560,000 visitors, marking a 250% increase compared to the same period in 2025. International arrivals to Hanoi were estimated at approximately 110,000, reflecting a 287% year-on-year growth. The capital’s room occupancy rate reached about 73%, and tourism revenue in Hanoi for the holiday period was estimated at 2.1 trillion VND, a 254% increase compared to last year.
The strong performance of Vietnam’s tourism sector during the New Year holiday underscores the growing appeal of the country as a major tourist destination in Southeast Asia. The influx of visitors, particularly from markets like China, South Korea, the United States, Thailand, Malaysia, and Singapore, signals continued growth in inbound tourism. This trend is seen as a positive sign for the future of the sector, offering a solid foundation for continued growth throughout 2026.
The New Year holiday period, often seen as a precursor to the peak tourism season in Vietnam, has proven to be an important time for both domestic and international travel. The holiday results reflect the positive impact of the country’s recent efforts to improve its visa facilitation process and enhance tourism promotion. These measures have helped create a more welcoming environment for international travelers, facilitating easier access to Vietnam’s diverse attractions and experiences.
Looking ahead to 2026, Vietnam’s tourism sector is poised for further growth. The country has set ambitious targets for the year, aiming to attract 25 million international visitors and serve 150 million domestic tourists. These targets align with the country’s long-term strategy of promoting sustainable tourism, enhancing the quality of its tourism offerings, and expanding its presence on the global tourism map.
Vietnam’s tourism sector saw over 3 million visitors during the New Year 2026 holiday, with strong contributions from China, South Korea, Thailand, Malaysia, and Singapore. This surge was driven by favorable weather, diverse attractions, and effective visa facilitation.
The success of the New Year 2026 holiday serves as an encouraging sign for the tourism industry, signaling a strong start to the year and offering optimism for the months ahead. With continued investment in infrastructure, marketing, and promotion, Vietnam is well-positioned to achieve its tourism goals and solidify its reputation as a top destination for travelers worldwide. The country’s ability to balance growth with sustainability, along with its diverse cultural and natural attractions, makes it an increasingly attractive choice for both first-time visitors and repeat travelers.
