Tourism experts report that the increased safety measures, closeness of location, and budget-friendly travel expenses are prompting more Chinese tourists to visit Vietnam.
“A 25-year-old Chinese woman who visited Hoi An in mid-May mentioned, ‘I have traveled to Vietnam two times, and each time I experienced happiness,'” she shared.
She cited the brief commuting time from her residence, minimal costs, and picturesque shores as primary factors behind her decision to come back.
She also praised
the country’s safety
She mentions that she has never experienced anxiety when walking alone after dark.
Data from the General Statistics Office indicates that mainland China accounted for the highest number of international tourists visiting Vietnam during the initial four-month period of 2025, totaling approximately 1.95 million visits out of an overall count of 7.7 million travelers. This represents an increase of almost 15% compared to the prior high-water mark set in 2019.
In early 2023, China lifted its extended lockdowns following the Covid-19 pandemic; however, the influx of tourists to Vietnam failed to return to prerecession numbers throughout 2023 and 2024.
During that time frame, South Korea led as the primary visitor origin, however, China has since regained the position at the forefront.
Pham Anh Vu, the deputy general director of Du Lich Viet, mentioned that this year there has been a 30% growth.
He mentioned that most Chinese travelers prefer locations featuring beaches and high-end resorts like Da Nang, Nha Trang, and Phu Quoc.
The director of the Asian Development Institute, Pham Hai Quynh, pointed out the reasons for Vietnam’s appeal: inexpensive living costs, budget-friendly tourist amenities, picturesque coastlines, vibrant cultural heritage, and an array of culinary options.
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Chinese visitors take pictures at Ban Gioc Waterfall in Cao Bang Province, which shares a border with China, in October 2024. The photo was taken by VGI |
According to Nguyen Tien Dat, CEO of Hanoi-based AZA Travel, proximity is also a crucial factor.
Vietnam is located nearer to China compared to locations such as Singapore, Malaysia, and Thailand. This proximity allows Chinese tourists to enter Vietnam via land routes, providing advantages of ease and lower expenses, he explained.
Similarly favorable living environments and climate contribute to enhancing their experiences by providing a sense of familiarity and comfort. This is further supported by the presence of Mandarin-speaking tour guides, along with hotel and restaurant personnel who can communicate in Chinese.
The reinstatement of direct commercial and charter flights between China and Vietnam has expedited travel and made it more budget-friendly.
Thanks to the robust pace and positive circumstances, specialists anticipate that China will continue to be Vietnam’s top provider of international visitors for the current year.