Vietnam Sees Nearly 50% Surge in International Travel Interest, Agoda Reports - Get updated on what's happening in tourism!

Vietnam continues to strengthen its position on the international tourism map. According to digital travel platform Agoda, international accommodation searches for the country increased by nearly 50% year-on-year in 2025, reflecting growing global interest driven by visa reforms, improved air connectivity and continued investment in tourism infrastructure.

The strong momentum is also reflected in international tourism statistics. Citing UN Tourism data in its 2026 Travel Outlook Report, Agoda notes that Vietnam recorded the world's fastest tourism growth rate during the first half of 2025.

Policy reforms and infrastructure fuel growth

Vietnam's tourism expansion has been supported by a series of strategic measures. The country has extended its visa waiver program, increased the permitted length of stay to 45 days for travelers from many markets and introduced a 90-day multiple-entry e-visa.

At the same time, investments in airports and accommodation have strengthened destinations beyond the country's major gateways. Cities and regions such as Da Nang, Sa Pa and Phu Quoc have benefited from improved infrastructure, while more than a dozen new or reinstated international air routes launched in 2025 have enhanced connectivity with India, North Asia and Europe.

"Vietnam has done something that many destinations talk about but few actually execute: it opened its doors, improved the roads, and built the rooms. And in doing so, it has done more than put itself on the map. Vietnam has redrawn how new markets look at the entire Southeast Asia region, and Agoda is committed to helping more travelers discover Vietnam for less," said Lam Vu, Senior Director of Supply, Vietnam and Philippines at Agoda.

Asian and European markets drive demand

South Korea remains Vietnam's largest source market on Agoda's platform, with accommodation searches increasing by 28% in 2025.

Several regional markets recorded even stronger growth. Searches from the Philippines rose by 129%, moving the country from tenth to sixth place among Vietnam's source markets. India posted a 112% increase, while Malaysia grew by 68%.

European demand also expanded significantly following the visa policy changes. Accommodation searches from France increased by 217%, while Germany recorded growth of 120%. The United States also remained among Vietnam's ten largest source markets by search volume.

Secondary destinations gain momentum

Da Nang, Ho Chi Minh City, Hanoi, Nha Trang and Phu Quoc continue to rank among the country's most searched destinations on Agoda. All five recorded year-on-year growth in accommodation searches.

Da Nang posted an increase of 25%, Ho Chi Minh City 26% and Hanoi 23%, while Phu Quoc stood out with a 49% rise. Agoda also highlights Sa Pa as Asia's fastest-growing destination on its platform, indicating that international travelers are increasingly exploring Vietnam's secondary cities and nature-focused regions.

Food, culture and authentic experiences attract visitors

Agoda's survey data suggests that Vietnam's tourism offering closely matches current travel preferences. While 62% of respondents identified relaxation as their main motivation for travel, 31% cited culinary experiences and 25% highlighted cultural exploration.

The platform also observes changing booking patterns, with more travelers combining shorter city breaks with pre-booked experiences. Popular activities in Vietnam include guided food tours in Hanoi, visits to theme parks in Phu Quoc, excursions to the Cu Chi Tunnels near Ho Chi Minh City and day trips to Ninh Binh.

"At Agoda, we see these initiatives aligning with rising traveler interest, and the data suggests this is only the beginning. Connectivity is a powerful catalyst, and as Vietnam becomes a more familiar name on travelers' shortlists, the ripple effect across the region will only grow stronger in the years ahead. Agoda will continue working with our partners to localize and enrich their offerings to meet the evolving preferences of today's travelers," Vu said.

He added: "Vietnam sits right at the intersection of what today's traveler is looking for: food, culture, and the sense that you're somewhere that not everyone has been yet. For us, this means continuing to expand Agoda's supply depth and breadth across Vietnam, from the major cities to the secondary gems, so travelers can always find the right trip at the right price."

Image Credit: © Agoda