Vietnam welcomed its first international visitors of 2026 on New Year’s Day, as major destinations reported a busy start to the year following a record-breaking tourism performance in 2025.
At Phu Quoc, the first foreign arrivals landed in the early hours of January 1, while welcoming activities were also held at Tan Son Nhat Airport in Ho Chi Minh City and at Da Nang International Airport.
The start of the year comes after Vietnam recorded its strongest tourism year on record in 2025, surpassing pre-pandemic levels. Authorities have now set a target of welcoming 25 million international visitors in 2026, a 16 percent increase compared to last year.
Several provinces have announced ambitious goals for the year ahead, while cruise tourism also resumed strongly, with international ships docking at Ha Long Bay on the first day of the new year.
Vietnam’s tourism sector expects continued growth in 2026, supported by expanding air connections and ongoing promotion of key destinations.
Source: VnExpress International
