Vietnam’s tourism industry has reached an unprecedented milestone: welcoming record numbers of international visitors in July and August — traditionally considered the low season.
Record-Breaking Arrivals in Summer 2025
According to data from the General Statistics Office released on September 6, Vietnam received 1.56 million international visitors in July and 1.68 million in August. These figures surpass the country’s peak season arrivals in September–October 2024 (1.3 and 1.4 million respectively), marking the highest-ever summer visitor numbers in Vietnam’s history.
Tour operators in Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, and Khanh Hoa also reported inbound bookings rising 15–40% year-on-year, highlighting strong international demand despite the off-peak period.
Why Tourists Choose Vietnam in the Off-Peak Season
1. Competitive Prices and Quieter Destinations
For travelers like Natacha Santos from Portugal, Vietnam’s summer offers affordable airfares and less-crowded attractions. “I enjoy visiting during the low season because it’s quieter and more authentic,” she said while exploring Ho Chi Minh City in August.
2. Tourism-Friendly Policies
Experts attribute the surge partly to government initiatives:
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Aggressive tourism promotion through cultural and culinary events in major cities.
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Visa policy expansion, including 45-day visa-free entry for more countries.
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New direct flights and increased frequencies from China, South Korea, India, and Australia, boosting connectivity to destinations like Phu Quoc, Nha Trang, and Da Nang.
3. Diversified Travel Experiences
Vietnam’s summer travel offerings have become more varied, from beach resorts in Da Nang, Phu Quoc, and Ha Long to cultural tours and international festivals.
Global Travel Trends Favor Vietnam
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Seasonal shift in Western travel habits: Many tourists now travel in summer instead of fall-winter, taking advantage of long holidays and lower prices.
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Geopolitical and economic changes: Uncertainty in the U.S. and overcrowding in other Southeast Asian destinations (Thailand, Indonesia) make Vietnam a more appealing, affordable, and safe alternative.
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Extreme heat in Europe: Record-breaking summer temperatures above 46°C in Southern Europe drove travelers to cooler destinations, with Vietnam emerging as a popular choice.
Key Source Markets in 2025
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China, South Korea, and Taiwan account for 50% of summer arrivals, thanks to short distances and cost-effective travel options.
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India and Russia showed impressive growth — up 300% year-on-year — supported by new flight routes and relaxed visa policies.
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Europe, the U.S., and Australia also contributed strongly, with many travelers opting for off-season trips to take advantage of discounts.
A Shift Toward Year-Round Tourism
In the first eight months of 2025, Vietnam welcomed nearly 14 million international visitors, with over 3.2 million in July–August alone. Experts predict that September could see 1.8 million arrivals, continuing the growth momentum into the year-end festival season.
According to Pham Ha, CEO of Lux Group, this trend signals a transformation: “Vietnam’s tourism is moving away from short peak periods to attracting visitors year-round. This provides stability for service providers and reduces reliance on just a few months of high demand.”
Takeaway
Vietnam’s unique mix of affordable travel, improved connectivity, favorable visa policies, and diverse experiences has turned its so-called low season into a new growth engine. The country is no longer just a seasonal hotspot but an all-year-round destination for international tourists.
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Source: Vietnam Insider